MALATE(Pres. Quirino near Manila Zoo) 307sqm
BACOOR BUKID (Near SM, Tirona Highway) 8,826sqm
DASMARINAS PALAPALA (across SM) 4,676.5sqm
And lastly, another house and lot: 109 Scout Fernandez, Kamuning Quezon City.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
For RENT, For SALE
I'm trying to help my dear Lolo and Lola advertise the properties they want others to put to better use so if you have any brilliant ideas for these lots, we are selling, leasing, or renting them out!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Home is so familiar but so new to me...
On a GK road trip, I met a doctor who told me that it was very simple how he was able to build an entire village for the poor...he said "I simply jotted it down on paper. God put the ideas on my head while I was sleeping and when I wrote it down, it was on its way to being built. Just like that".
Last night I slept for 11 hours. It wasn't a deep sleep, it was more of a jet lagged kind of sleep where my body didn't want to move but my head was so full of memories of my 1st day here that my heart kept saying I must write them down. It felt like flashbacks in my sleep, it's only been 24 hours in the Philippines and already I saw what I can only describe as seeing LOVE in many forms and ways. So if you don't mind, I will simply jott down all these happy thoughts in my head.
-As soon as my plane landed, all the passengers clapped. Overhead we hear "Maligayang Pagdating sa Maynila" and I swear my heart jumped because this is my language. No need to study or have dictionaries, or to struggle in making sense of things, I can understand all the conversations around me..it is beyond cool after all the traveling to land back home and still feel the thrill of a new adventure.
-My flight is delayed and at midnight I come out with all 150 pounds of my luggage. I see Yaya Belen and Kuya Jun jumping up and down calling my name and they look happy to see me. What's even more welcoming is that my Lolo who is 90 years old is in the car waiting for me. He waited 3 hours! I almost cried because there was no impatience in his eyes, just joy as he tells me he was praying to Tata Ige (St. Michael) that I arrive safe. Same goes for Lola who requested that I wake her up when I arrive Bacoor, I startle her awake and she blinks her eyes open and says "Praise God you are home safe! Now go eat!"
-The next morning I wake up to see my nephew Miko sitting in Lolo's chair and looking like a small 10-year old version of my grandfather waiting patiently. He tells me "See, I woke up earlier than you. So what do you want to do Tita?". For the rest of the day, I see what Miko's life is like in the province during summer. Like most kids, he is bored plus he is grounded from computer games. Good thing I've got lots of questions for him like what are the names of all our dogs? He named them Mambo, Rico, Mejas (which means socks)and Max. Oh and of course I had some funny quirky things to do like kids yoga and patting our heads while rubbing our bellies on the swing. It makes me happy that I am the cool Auntie that can make him laugh.
-During breakfast Lolo tells me to put my fork down and use my hands to eat fish. :o)
-My parents call from the U.S. and it's nice to always have this routine of letting loved ones know I am safe. My mom wants a detailed account so I am sure she will love reading this blog.
-I take a morning stroll with Lolo. He is blind in one eye and has difficulty seeing height but this has always been his routine, to walk after eating. I join him and he gives me a mini-tour, neighbors greet him and he proudly introduces me to them. We also pass by SGT. E Ejercino Road and he tells me that man who has a street named after him fought in the WWII alongside Lolo and now only my grandfather is the last one alive. I am walking with a hero this morning and that is a miracle in itself.
-After the morning walk, I hang out with Ate Belen and Ate Edna while they cook lunch. Both of them have been with us as household help for a very long time and they are like family. They tell me that the neighbors outside said I looked like a nice person which is nice but what I thought was even nicer is that Ate Belen and Ate Edna vouched for me and actually told them that it's true, I am nice. What an ego booster!
-I shell out all the pictures, cards, and video my family in Florida asked to show and it feels good to be that messenger that tells family that all is okay on the other side. Of course, we gushed about the cuteness of my 4-month old nephew Milo who has yet to discover all the people who love him in the Philippines.
-My grandmother hands me a laundry basket and some cabinet space for my things. I help her arrange fake flowers on vases around the house and change bedsheets. She is like a micro manager, everything has to be done a certain way and I oddly feel very happy to finally experience Lola's famous home economics training. She is 89 years old and still quite the busy bee.
-We are watching TV and my grandmother asks where Miko's friend is and he tells us that he is not allowed inside the house. I met Norbin earlier today, he is as young, skinny and hyper as my nephew and is the son of one of the help. My grandmother gets a bit upset and says that she refuses to partake in having discrimination, Norbin is Miko's friend and guest and should be allowed to watch TV and eat with us. My respect for Lola goes up a big notch for this lesson she is giving us.
-Everyone tells me I am lucky. Apparently the extremely HOT season where you often wake up with your pillow soaked with sweat just ended. Thank God.
- In the evening, we leave the province to go to Malate because Lola is part of a women's group who facilitates the 6am mass every 1st Sunday of the month. It is only me, Miko, Yaya Belen and Lola so we all sleep in one room in the Malate house. I wake up in the middle of the night and I see Miko snuggled up to me because the airconditioner is on high. I wake up again because I had to go to the bathroom and when I came back, Lola was calling my name because she got worried that I was gone. Wow---I was just thinking of sitting outside to read a book but I changed my mind...better to just fight jet lag and sleep it out...also it will help Lola sleep knowing I am there. As I drifted off to sleep I realize that beside me are gems. Miko is 10 and Lola is almost 90, that's 100 years! I am 25, in my quarter life and in this moment I am learning the hearts of both a kid and an elder. Last week I saw an ad I liked that said "I want to be a mature and responsible kid". well....isn't this just what I asked for? God you are too funny.
-Early next morning we wake up to attend mass. It takes about 3 minutes to get there but at my grandmother's pace it is about 10 minutes. I remember telling God that I want my adventure year to slow down a bit and here He goes again and answers my prayer in His very unique divine way.
-Along the slow way to church, I notice the surroundings more. There is vomit by our door step, a homeless man sleeping on a carton by our garage, and a woman squatting and smoking a cigarette. There is trash everywhere but it is drizzling a bit so somehow it smells clean and fresh. There is also cats everywhere, I even saw a pushcart that sells candy with about 5 cats hiding from the rain and surprisingly one dog snuggled along with them. Near the church entrance I see a 3 year old wearing only a sando, barefoot with a dirty but sweet face. We enter and my grandmother directs me to walk her towards the other women wearing uniform like hers. When the offertory came around, I walk Lola towards the back and she releases me amd holds one of the ladies to support her. I go back to my seat and glance at the women. They all look so nice in their blue dresses with white collars. Only Lola has the full head of white hair but her face is still young in my eyes because she looks happy to serve. Suddenly one of them wave at me to come closer and she hands me a candle and tells me to walk in front of them down the aisle. I am honored to do this and chuckling a bit on the inside because this is God talking to me I know for sure. I am holding this little light of mine and He is gonna help me shine...I sing this kid's song in my head as I walk up to the beautiful altar. It is exactly 24 hours from the time I woke up yesterday.
So yeah....this was one very long blog. I needed to share it for a reason I have yet to discover. I have a long way to go and am very much clueless to where this decision to go back home will lead me. Still, I am where God wants me to be this minute and that is just perfect.
Last night I slept for 11 hours. It wasn't a deep sleep, it was more of a jet lagged kind of sleep where my body didn't want to move but my head was so full of memories of my 1st day here that my heart kept saying I must write them down. It felt like flashbacks in my sleep, it's only been 24 hours in the Philippines and already I saw what I can only describe as seeing LOVE in many forms and ways. So if you don't mind, I will simply jott down all these happy thoughts in my head.
-As soon as my plane landed, all the passengers clapped. Overhead we hear "Maligayang Pagdating sa Maynila" and I swear my heart jumped because this is my language. No need to study or have dictionaries, or to struggle in making sense of things, I can understand all the conversations around me..it is beyond cool after all the traveling to land back home and still feel the thrill of a new adventure.
-My flight is delayed and at midnight I come out with all 150 pounds of my luggage. I see Yaya Belen and Kuya Jun jumping up and down calling my name and they look happy to see me. What's even more welcoming is that my Lolo who is 90 years old is in the car waiting for me. He waited 3 hours! I almost cried because there was no impatience in his eyes, just joy as he tells me he was praying to Tata Ige (St. Michael) that I arrive safe. Same goes for Lola who requested that I wake her up when I arrive Bacoor, I startle her awake and she blinks her eyes open and says "Praise God you are home safe! Now go eat!"
-The next morning I wake up to see my nephew Miko sitting in Lolo's chair and looking like a small 10-year old version of my grandfather waiting patiently. He tells me "See, I woke up earlier than you. So what do you want to do Tita?". For the rest of the day, I see what Miko's life is like in the province during summer. Like most kids, he is bored plus he is grounded from computer games. Good thing I've got lots of questions for him like what are the names of all our dogs? He named them Mambo, Rico, Mejas (which means socks)and Max. Oh and of course I had some funny quirky things to do like kids yoga and patting our heads while rubbing our bellies on the swing. It makes me happy that I am the cool Auntie that can make him laugh.
-During breakfast Lolo tells me to put my fork down and use my hands to eat fish. :o)
-My parents call from the U.S. and it's nice to always have this routine of letting loved ones know I am safe. My mom wants a detailed account so I am sure she will love reading this blog.
-I take a morning stroll with Lolo. He is blind in one eye and has difficulty seeing height but this has always been his routine, to walk after eating. I join him and he gives me a mini-tour, neighbors greet him and he proudly introduces me to them. We also pass by SGT. E Ejercino Road and he tells me that man who has a street named after him fought in the WWII alongside Lolo and now only my grandfather is the last one alive. I am walking with a hero this morning and that is a miracle in itself.
-After the morning walk, I hang out with Ate Belen and Ate Edna while they cook lunch. Both of them have been with us as household help for a very long time and they are like family. They tell me that the neighbors outside said I looked like a nice person which is nice but what I thought was even nicer is that Ate Belen and Ate Edna vouched for me and actually told them that it's true, I am nice. What an ego booster!
-I shell out all the pictures, cards, and video my family in Florida asked to show and it feels good to be that messenger that tells family that all is okay on the other side. Of course, we gushed about the cuteness of my 4-month old nephew Milo who has yet to discover all the people who love him in the Philippines.
-My grandmother hands me a laundry basket and some cabinet space for my things. I help her arrange fake flowers on vases around the house and change bedsheets. She is like a micro manager, everything has to be done a certain way and I oddly feel very happy to finally experience Lola's famous home economics training. She is 89 years old and still quite the busy bee.
-We are watching TV and my grandmother asks where Miko's friend is and he tells us that he is not allowed inside the house. I met Norbin earlier today, he is as young, skinny and hyper as my nephew and is the son of one of the help. My grandmother gets a bit upset and says that she refuses to partake in having discrimination, Norbin is Miko's friend and guest and should be allowed to watch TV and eat with us. My respect for Lola goes up a big notch for this lesson she is giving us.
-Everyone tells me I am lucky. Apparently the extremely HOT season where you often wake up with your pillow soaked with sweat just ended. Thank God.
- In the evening, we leave the province to go to Malate because Lola is part of a women's group who facilitates the 6am mass every 1st Sunday of the month. It is only me, Miko, Yaya Belen and Lola so we all sleep in one room in the Malate house. I wake up in the middle of the night and I see Miko snuggled up to me because the airconditioner is on high. I wake up again because I had to go to the bathroom and when I came back, Lola was calling my name because she got worried that I was gone. Wow---I was just thinking of sitting outside to read a book but I changed my mind...better to just fight jet lag and sleep it out...also it will help Lola sleep knowing I am there. As I drifted off to sleep I realize that beside me are gems. Miko is 10 and Lola is almost 90, that's 100 years! I am 25, in my quarter life and in this moment I am learning the hearts of both a kid and an elder. Last week I saw an ad I liked that said "I want to be a mature and responsible kid". well....isn't this just what I asked for? God you are too funny.
-Early next morning we wake up to attend mass. It takes about 3 minutes to get there but at my grandmother's pace it is about 10 minutes. I remember telling God that I want my adventure year to slow down a bit and here He goes again and answers my prayer in His very unique divine way.
-Along the slow way to church, I notice the surroundings more. There is vomit by our door step, a homeless man sleeping on a carton by our garage, and a woman squatting and smoking a cigarette. There is trash everywhere but it is drizzling a bit so somehow it smells clean and fresh. There is also cats everywhere, I even saw a pushcart that sells candy with about 5 cats hiding from the rain and surprisingly one dog snuggled along with them. Near the church entrance I see a 3 year old wearing only a sando, barefoot with a dirty but sweet face. We enter and my grandmother directs me to walk her towards the other women wearing uniform like hers. When the offertory came around, I walk Lola towards the back and she releases me amd holds one of the ladies to support her. I go back to my seat and glance at the women. They all look so nice in their blue dresses with white collars. Only Lola has the full head of white hair but her face is still young in my eyes because she looks happy to serve. Suddenly one of them wave at me to come closer and she hands me a candle and tells me to walk in front of them down the aisle. I am honored to do this and chuckling a bit on the inside because this is God talking to me I know for sure. I am holding this little light of mine and He is gonna help me shine...I sing this kid's song in my head as I walk up to the beautiful altar. It is exactly 24 hours from the time I woke up yesterday.
So yeah....this was one very long blog. I needed to share it for a reason I have yet to discover. I have a long way to go and am very much clueless to where this decision to go back home will lead me. Still, I am where God wants me to be this minute and that is just perfect.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
old articles to keep...
http://www.nova.edu/cwis/pubaffairs/sharkbytes/2007/apr18/interfaith.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S8P4qgE-vE
http://www.transit1design.com/evites/gawadkalinga/newsletter/2009/june
http://www.transit1design.com/evites/gawadkalinga/newsletter/2009/july
http://www.transit1design.com/evites/gawadkalinga/newsletter/2009/sep
http://www.transit1design.com/evites/gawadkalinga/newsletter/2009/oct
http://www.transit1design.com/evites/gawadkalinga/newsletter/2009/nov/
http://www.yogagoaindia.com/yoga_teacher_training.php
http://www.youtube.c
http://www.transit1d
http://www.transit1d
http://www.transit1d
http://www.transit1d
http://www.transit1d
http://www.yogagoain
Thursday, April 29, 2010
laundry..again!
I don't know why but I always feel like blogging when I am in the midst of laundry....haha.
FOUR last days in DC, I pray that I can make the most of it!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
My NOTHING Day
It's only 10:50am and I already know it is impossible for me to have an absolute nothing day.
Trust me, I tried! Like you see on TV, I stayed in my PJs even as I bid my sister farewell in the public lobby of her apartment. She is working overtime today and I won't see her until late tonight. I even canceled a lunch date with my friend just so there is NOTHING in my schedule. I ride the elevator back up and I smile as I see my reflection. I am wearing my pajamas backwards, my bright pink socks is peeking out of my snow boots, all of my lovely short hair is poofed up like crazy and I am wearing my eye mask as a head band. Yup, this is what a bum looks like.
I know it is odd but I really want to feel what it is like to bum around all day.
I go back to bed, do my prayer time there, go on facebook, and then I start watching youtube videos. I started with typing down Susan Boyd's 'How Great Are Thou' because I am amazed by her singing voice. After I just kept clicking on links like Carrie Underwood's 'Jesus Take the Wheel' and then Standuptocancer.org where Beyonce, Mariah, Miley, Fergey and all the others were singing for the cause. After more clicks to links it all just led to celebrity gossip which gave me a headache. I must be hungry so I look at the fridge and I see an opportunity to be even more bum like. I eat cereal and almost soiled milk (expires today!) with my feet up on the balcony and then I drink straight from the orange juice carton (Sorry Ate Lil!). I go back to bed and pull the covers over my head and start to wonder why it is SO cold still. I daydream and space out while I try to gather some warmth but it doesn't work. What next?
That's it, my bumhood ended in less than 3 hours. I got up cuz moving will warm me up, made the bed, washed the dishes, packed up for my camping trip this weekend and I started to separate laundry until I stopped in my tracks to ask myself, I am so free today, what do I want to do this minute?
My answer: to write.
And so here is a new blog on the first day of my Washington DC life. If I feel like it later, I'll write about Seattle and Canada which is another boatload of stories that someday I hope will fit perfectly in the plots and details of my future novel.
For now...I feel like...finishing my laundry.
Trust me, I tried! Like you see on TV, I stayed in my PJs even as I bid my sister farewell in the public lobby of her apartment. She is working overtime today and I won't see her until late tonight. I even canceled a lunch date with my friend just so there is NOTHING in my schedule. I ride the elevator back up and I smile as I see my reflection. I am wearing my pajamas backwards, my bright pink socks is peeking out of my snow boots, all of my lovely short hair is poofed up like crazy and I am wearing my eye mask as a head band. Yup, this is what a bum looks like.
I know it is odd but I really want to feel what it is like to bum around all day.
I go back to bed, do my prayer time there, go on facebook, and then I start watching youtube videos. I started with typing down Susan Boyd's 'How Great Are Thou' because I am amazed by her singing voice. After I just kept clicking on links like Carrie Underwood's 'Jesus Take the Wheel' and then Standuptocancer.org where Beyonce, Mariah, Miley, Fergey and all the others were singing for the cause. After more clicks to links it all just led to celebrity gossip which gave me a headache. I must be hungry so I look at the fridge and I see an opportunity to be even more bum like. I eat cereal and almost soiled milk (expires today!) with my feet up on the balcony and then I drink straight from the orange juice carton (Sorry Ate Lil!). I go back to bed and pull the covers over my head and start to wonder why it is SO cold still. I daydream and space out while I try to gather some warmth but it doesn't work. What next?
That's it, my bumhood ended in less than 3 hours. I got up cuz moving will warm me up, made the bed, washed the dishes, packed up for my camping trip this weekend and I started to separate laundry until I stopped in my tracks to ask myself, I am so free today, what do I want to do this minute?
My answer: to write.
And so here is a new blog on the first day of my Washington DC life. If I feel like it later, I'll write about Seattle and Canada which is another boatload of stories that someday I hope will fit perfectly in the plots and details of my future novel.
For now...I feel like...finishing my laundry.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Books and Travel
I’m still in the middle of reading “Eat, Pray, and Love” but I couldn’t resist breezing through Ken Foster’s “Ask and You Will Succeed”. After all, it’s more like a questionnaire than a novel and I really rather not carry this heavy book with me at the airport. If you haven’t received my personal business card, on the back of it is a quote from him that became one of my inspirations for traveling ishfully this 2010.
He said: Your life cannot be repeated. It is now or never, so find out who you are, what your heart longs to achieve, and then sail away from safe harbors and explore your greatest dreams.
Evaluation
Have you traveled where you want to go?
Yes, yes, and YES.
What about travel do you enjoy?
Discovering what God has in store for me that day.
What do you dislike about travel?
Airborne viruses- my mom swears she’ll wear a face mask the next time she picks me up from the airport because along with my gifts to them is cough and colds. Sorry family!
What benefits do you receive from traveling?
Learning to enjoy the present, new friendships, unique stories to tell, awesome pictures
Where have you most liked traveling to?
Anywhere I can catch the rising or the setting sun; also, doing some sort of activity I enjoy in a new atmosphere. So far best spots that are memorable to me are: sunrise on a rooftop overlooking mountains in Ecuador, sunset while sharing my Naan bread with a stray beach dog in India, strolling and praying the rosary at the Great Wall of China, running with my cousin toward the Golden Gate Bridge, and visiting family and old friends and seeing their present lives.
What are the five most important things you have learned while traveling?
- My grandmother was a smart frequent flyer, I can be one too.
- Travel where your friends are.
- God loves me soooo much.
- Deeper thoughts, realizations, and appreciation.
- I am living my dream.
Vision
Where in your heart do you long to travel?
Whom would you like to travel with?
Any friend who is game, it would be a plus if they have a good sense of direction and have many connections.
What is the most exquisite travel experience you can imagine?
When I see it, it will be part of my life, a place I would be sure I’d want to visit more than several times.
What are the top five exotic places that you will be traveling to?
Looking forward, I imagine it would be:
- a Gawad Kalinga Moment (could be in the
- The spot I will plant my future business
- Seeing wild life in
- Visiting friends across
- My honeymoon destination. All of the details unknown for now, lol.
Goals
What are your travel goals?
For 2010, I want to discover what I will choose to do next in life. Also, publish a novel about my travels.
What is your strategy for fulfilling your travel goals?
Being open to all opportunities, life shadow others, keeping a journal, spending my savings wisely, earn extra money via donation teaching yoga.
Purpose
Why is traveling important to you?
My heart called me to travel and thankfully it’s going so much better than I imagined.
What are the five most important reasons for you to travel?
- I would regret it if I don’t.
- This is the best time of my life to do it.
- No big hurdle is stopping me; many people are cheering me on. Thank you!
- I love to travel. It is fun, it’s important, it’s amazing.
- I think it will make my life richer.
Commitment
What are you committed to accomplishing with your travel goals?
I will find more ways to love God, love my life, love others, and show people new ways to have fun in life. Speaking of which, have your heard of the game toilet tag or the yoga tree pose? lol, I want to be confident in teaching smart silliness. Make sense?
Blocks to Success
What has stopped you from traveling when and where you want?
Fear of danger and coming across bad people, hence my travel pepper spray, my informal letter of a living will, and a mother who I know prays for my safety everyday.
What is your excuse for not traveling where you want?
I once made lack of money as an excuse not to travel. For this stupid reason I missed the funeral of my favorite aunt and I regret it so badly. I know she forgives me but I swear, I am young enough to earn more in the future so if a travel event is the type that only occurs once and my heart calls me to go, I am there.
Quantum Thinking
What will take your travel experiences to a world-class experience?
If it makes me happy!
What travel opportunities are available to you now?
A lot, thankfully! I think everything on my travel wish list is possible within the next 5 years!
What arrangements do you need so you can travel more in your life?
Plan early and once I am there, let go and enjoy what happens next.
Action
What are five steps that you can take immediately to start accomplishing your travel goals?
- Answering this questionnaire and posting it in my blog.
- Confirm my flight for Monday, destination;
- Seek more detailed info about my 6-month volunteer stint with GK.
- Stop fighting my jet lag since I have no routine anyway. (Funny story, I literally fell asleep standing two weeks ago because my body clock got so confused jumping from India time to Florida time to California time to Day Light’s saving time and then China time all in the span of 10 days!
- Pray, write, and stay healthy.
Support
Who do you know who has traveled extensively who can help you accomplish your travel goals?
It’s different people for every travel destination. You know who you are…thank you
What is a great travel company or agent that can help you with traveling to where you want to go?
Friendlyplanet.com
Cheaptickets.com
Travelzoo.com
My NW/Delta miles—on my last flight, the flight attendant said 27 people were flying free…I was one of them. Oh joy!
Tita Hannah-our family travel agent (I’ll find the number later)
Friday, March 26, 2010
And then there was China...
okay, I know I haven't finished the India blog yet but I just have to say China was just the best trip ever. I started carrying around a notepad cuz almost every hour I was thinking up of a cute chapter title with quite a story to tell. And once again, I have no time to tell it because it is already 1 am and I have to leave for Tampa at 5am...ah, life of a traveler....is just really awesome. Still, I swear I will make time soon...I mean you gotta hear about the friends I've met in Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai and all the crazy food I ate....I actually ate SCORPIONS and BEES!!!Sunday, March 14, 2010
Ish’s Top 10 Stories from IndiaI love my home base. I love that as soon as I land in Florida my family is eager to see me, hot sinigang soup is at the dinner table, and I have a new baby nephew to meet for the first time. I had only 8 days before I flew off to LA and then to China; I felt that I had to quickly close the India chapter of my life so I made it a point to organize my photos, unpack and pack quickly, and then visit as many family and friends so that I can share my adventures and once again thank them all for pushing me along to travel and explore this year. It was tough picking out which stories to share first. Many experiences were special to me and worth telling, it is impossible to say all in one go. This is why I need a Top 10 list; I just know it'll be fun journaling this especially since I am on a plane right now for the next 5 hours, sitting by the window with only God’s cloudy skies to accompany me.
10. Turbans are cool
-I don’t mean in the fashion sense but rather in what they stand for. Don’t worry, as my grandmother Julie once said “I was born a Catholic, I will die a Catholic” and that she did. Just like her I seem to find myself being exposed to many religions during travel and making the best of friends with beautiful people who are so different. This never confuses my faith though; in fact it just brings me closer to God. He made the world really a fantastic place and I am able to form new opinions of how awesome His works are.. For example, the common stereotype of turbans=terrorists is now for me, turbans= courage, unity, practicality, yogi wisdom, and even an art form. It takes friendship to help open your eyes and I just want to thank brothers Amrinder and Arvinder for giving me the ultimate India adventure tour during my first week. I swear, I often felt like I jumped into National Geographic Travel Channel with all the places we visited and the various ways we got ourselves there. Forever Shookria and Namaste to both of you!
9. Childhood Dreams Come True
(Trish and I wanted to travel together someday, we were sixteen then...10 years later we were off to INDIA).
-Friends divide burden and multiply joy. This saying is a no-brainer but to actually experience it intensely for two whole months in a foreign county creates all kinds of crazy stories and special advantages. To name a few: we get to capture the best photos because we can anticipate each other’s special moments; splitting the costs (I only paid $6 a night to live in a spacious and cute beach hut), shopping without money, walking together in pitch darkness with our pepper sprays right after being offered drugs, accidentally locking Tricia inside our hut that she had to yell so that she wouldn’t be late for our yoga class, and just countless more.
-Friends divide burden and multiply joy. This saying is a no-brainer but to actually experience it intensely for two whole months in a foreign county creates all kinds of crazy stories and special advantages. To name a few: we get to capture the best photos because we can anticipate each other’s special moments; splitting the costs (I only paid $6 a night to live in a spacious and cute beach hut), shopping without money, walking together in pitch darkness with our pepper sprays right after being offered drugs, accidentally locking Tricia inside our hut that she had to yell so that she wouldn’t be late for our yoga class, and just countless more.
To be continued....my computer battery is dying!!!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Won't Write till my Laundry is Done
I am back in Florida with a trunkful of adventure stories of my time in India. My life is just wonderful!
I want to write, really truly write, but I just can't enjoy writing knowing that my room is a mess and I have to finish my laundry. Just to give you a picture of the mess I have to clean up, our dog Hanna Zishu went up to my room last night and had a great time tearing up all my travel tissues, wet ones, and sadly....a lot of tea bags I bought from India. I have tea powder all over my bed and my carpet. Still, Hanna is too cute to get mad at...plus what can you expect from a dog?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Studying Asians in India
Pema was laughing. I look at her and she says “We are such a stereotype!”
It’s so true. It is Saturday afternoon, everyone else is enjoying their precious weekend and yet here we are at Ocean Side Restaurant, our yoga textbooks scattered on the table while we do our homework. Pema is Tibetan, Trish is Chinese, Marissa is Japanese and I’m Filipino. We all laugh and continue to study. I think for the most part, this stereotype suits me. I love to have fun and the best way to have fun is to do so when you are completely free, a.k.a. no homework waiting to be done.
Plans this weekend: Watch the sun set by the beach with Eddie and Maja playing drums, attend Sunday mass in Konkani language, Panjim Market and Bookstore, an ayurvedic massage with guru, and endless fresh fruit shakes with every meal. Life is good.
It’s so true. It is Saturday afternoon, everyone else is enjoying their precious weekend and yet here we are at Ocean Side Restaurant, our yoga textbooks scattered on the table while we do our homework. Pema is Tibetan, Trish is Chinese, Marissa is Japanese and I’m Filipino. We all laugh and continue to study. I think for the most part, this stereotype suits me. I love to have fun and the best way to have fun is to do so when you are completely free, a.k.a. no homework waiting to be done.
Plans this weekend: Watch the sun set by the beach with Eddie and Maja playing drums, attend Sunday mass in Konkani language, Panjim Market and Bookstore, an ayurvedic massage with guru, and endless fresh fruit shakes with every meal. Life is good.
I Want to Control my Psoas Muscle
I love Yoga Anatomy. So far during asana practicum where we begin teaching our own classmates, my feedback is that I create a fun and warm atmosphere. What I want to add to this is also having the smarts so that I can communicate why yoga is good for you. Anatomy is one aspect of this and really my teacher Jim is brilliant. Our textbook is brilliant too. It’s a bit overwhelming to study so many muscles and how they move but this excerpt makes it seem worth the effort…
Body Clairvoyance
The word clairvoyance means “seeing clearly”. Body clairvoyance refers to the ability of the awakened body to anticipate action and use the most efficient muscles to accomplish it. Practicing Yoga creates this type of phenomenon, a feeling of “knowing” what to do.
Soooo yeah. Are you convinced my blog readers and future yoga students?
Body Clairvoyance
The word clairvoyance means “seeing clearly”. Body clairvoyance refers to the ability of the awakened body to anticipate action and use the most efficient muscles to accomplish it. Practicing Yoga creates this type of phenomenon, a feeling of “knowing” what to do.
Soooo yeah. Are you convinced my blog readers and future yoga students?
Waiting for a breakdown
Three weeks have passed and many of my yoga classmates have reached a breakdown, the type of breakdown where you are so physically exhausted that spiritual growth just happens. We took our 3rd contemplative walk by the beach this morning and this time I asked God why I haven’t cried yet or received any grand revelation about my life during this intense yoga retreat. I sat down on the sand for a while, just watching the river touch the ocean. I saw a tiny crab climb out from its hole and after a few minutes, many more crabs started walking by me because I was very still. I waited until God talked to me.
This is what He told me… You already know why you are in India. You asked for it and I granted it because we both knew it will be good for you. You are not searching at this moment in your life. You are living my blessing and the purpose of now will eventually be clear when you are experiencing other life experiences that I have written out for you. Right now, just be.
Wow. Just be. That’s pretty profound. Very Yogi-like. I’ve been reading my travel bible and have just finished Genesis. Several times I saw the author write “God was with Joseph” and he lived for 110 years. I know I am not going to be living that long but I feel that God is always with me too. For that I am really grateful.
This is what He told me… You already know why you are in India. You asked for it and I granted it because we both knew it will be good for you. You are not searching at this moment in your life. You are living my blessing and the purpose of now will eventually be clear when you are experiencing other life experiences that I have written out for you. Right now, just be.
Wow. Just be. That’s pretty profound. Very Yogi-like. I’ve been reading my travel bible and have just finished Genesis. Several times I saw the author write “God was with Joseph” and he lived for 110 years. I know I am not going to be living that long but I feel that God is always with me too. For that I am really grateful.
More on Meditation
Just in case you are wondering what else we do during our early morning meditations, here’s what I did when it was my turn to trainee lead….I feel confident posting this because Maeve told me that Moorthy (our yoga philosophy teacher) reported that he really loved it. Now that is a complement I feel super happy to receive. I also enjoyed it because I was able to combine singing, writing, speaking, and sharing my imagination to others all in one go.
Om
Sahanaa vavatu
Sahanau bhunaktu
Saha veeryam karavaavahai
Tejasvi naavadheeta mastu
Maa vidvishaavahai
Om shaanti shaanti shaanti hi
(Protection, Nourishment, Learning Attitude, Brilliant and Effective Journeys, No Misunderstandings, Peace)
It’s time for a guided meditation. Follow my directions.
If you are feeling sleepy, open your eyes and blink a few times. Feel free to change your sitting position. Now close your eyes. Take a few normal breaths and visualize.
Today is Sunday. It is a free day. There is nothing on the agenda. Today you can sleep in and stay in bed if you wanted to. But for some reason as you open your eyes, your body feels strong and your mind alert. You realize that the sun has yet to rise and you have a strong desire to see the new day begin.
So you rise out of bed and you open your door. In front of you is the beach, it reminds you of the contemplative walk you’ve taken twice before. You are delighted that it only takes on step for you to feel the sand underneath your feet. The breeze touches your face and you breathe in deeply. Your body is light and your mind is clear. You begin your journey, taking in all the beauty of a slow sunrise. The waves are calm. The beach is empty. Take this time to just live in the moment.
After a while, you notice five white birds flying across the sky. They symbolize five simple gifts you’ve been blessed with in your life and in your being. These gifts are your talents. Whether it is playing drums with your friends in the beach, getting into a proper headstand, or successfully accomplishing your favorite kria. You begin to remember five things that make you special.
While you continue your walk, pick one talent and begin to plan how to make use of it today. Focus your thoughts on this one talent and how it can bring joy to you and others.
The rays of the sun have touched all of the earth. You look beside you and there you see the colorful entrance of our shala. The day has fully begun and you dust the sand of your feet. Entering the shala, you realize that today is actually Wednesday. Today you declare it a good day. Because you are blessed and capable of bringing light and joy to others.
Now slowly bring your awareness back to your body. Breathe deeply.
Together we chant 3 Oms.
Om. Om. Om.
Open your eyes. Namaste.
Om
Sahanaa vavatu
Sahanau bhunaktu
Saha veeryam karavaavahai
Tejasvi naavadheeta mastu
Maa vidvishaavahai
Om shaanti shaanti shaanti hi
(Protection, Nourishment, Learning Attitude, Brilliant and Effective Journeys, No Misunderstandings, Peace)
It’s time for a guided meditation. Follow my directions.
If you are feeling sleepy, open your eyes and blink a few times. Feel free to change your sitting position. Now close your eyes. Take a few normal breaths and visualize.
Today is Sunday. It is a free day. There is nothing on the agenda. Today you can sleep in and stay in bed if you wanted to. But for some reason as you open your eyes, your body feels strong and your mind alert. You realize that the sun has yet to rise and you have a strong desire to see the new day begin.
So you rise out of bed and you open your door. In front of you is the beach, it reminds you of the contemplative walk you’ve taken twice before. You are delighted that it only takes on step for you to feel the sand underneath your feet. The breeze touches your face and you breathe in deeply. Your body is light and your mind is clear. You begin your journey, taking in all the beauty of a slow sunrise. The waves are calm. The beach is empty. Take this time to just live in the moment.
After a while, you notice five white birds flying across the sky. They symbolize five simple gifts you’ve been blessed with in your life and in your being. These gifts are your talents. Whether it is playing drums with your friends in the beach, getting into a proper headstand, or successfully accomplishing your favorite kria. You begin to remember five things that make you special.
While you continue your walk, pick one talent and begin to plan how to make use of it today. Focus your thoughts on this one talent and how it can bring joy to you and others.
The rays of the sun have touched all of the earth. You look beside you and there you see the colorful entrance of our shala. The day has fully begun and you dust the sand of your feet. Entering the shala, you realize that today is actually Wednesday. Today you declare it a good day. Because you are blessed and capable of bringing light and joy to others.
Now slowly bring your awareness back to your body. Breathe deeply.
Together we chant 3 Oms.
Om. Om. Om.
Open your eyes. Namaste.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
At Meditation today....
So after some chants and breathing exercises, I hear Rachel yelp beside me. It takes me a while to pull myself back, after all we've already been in sitting meditation position for about thirty minutes. I blink a few times and glance to the left. In between us is a crab. I scoot over and I just find it funny, only in India will things like this happen...
Speaking of which, a cricket fell in my toilet last night. I tried flushing it several times but this cricket is a stubborn swimmer. He just keeps swimming until the mini tide pool flush is over. So I go about my shower and I clean my entire room thinking I can flush him later and that'll be over. My room mate arrives and she tries to flush him too. I am really annoyed by this little cricket cuz he does not give up. I really don't want to do my business with him still swimming around. So I pick a stick from outside and thought to poke him down as I flush. I realize this is really mean now that I am blogging about it...very NOT ahimsa (non-violence to all creatures). BUT the story ends well. Persistence really is a virtue. When I poke the stick in, the cricket climbs up!!! I scream a little and I suddenly run out of our beach hut and throw the stick by the grass. The cricket is alive and goes about his way.
Our beach hut with our laundry (yoga uniforms)
It's been about 3 weeks of non-stop yoga and I chose to tell this story among many others. I don't know why but this is what I want to write about this moment. I am still as busy as ever, happy yes, but my mind and body is really working hard. More on this later but just know that I have no regrets. Yoga will forever be part of my life and I will be most happy to share why once the program is over and I can get back to this other love of mine, writing.
By the way....I have a new nephew!!!! Namaste Milo! Welcome to the world and to our family!!!!
Speaking of which, a cricket fell in my toilet last night. I tried flushing it several times but this cricket is a stubborn swimmer. He just keeps swimming until the mini tide pool flush is over. So I go about my shower and I clean my entire room thinking I can flush him later and that'll be over. My room mate arrives and she tries to flush him too. I am really annoyed by this little cricket cuz he does not give up. I really don't want to do my business with him still swimming around. So I pick a stick from outside and thought to poke him down as I flush. I realize this is really mean now that I am blogging about it...very NOT ahimsa (non-violence to all creatures). BUT the story ends well. Persistence really is a virtue. When I poke the stick in, the cricket climbs up!!! I scream a little and I suddenly run out of our beach hut and throw the stick by the grass. The cricket is alive and goes about his way.
Our beach hut with our laundry (yoga uniforms)It's been about 3 weeks of non-stop yoga and I chose to tell this story among many others. I don't know why but this is what I want to write about this moment. I am still as busy as ever, happy yes, but my mind and body is really working hard. More on this later but just know that I have no regrets. Yoga will forever be part of my life and I will be most happy to share why once the program is over and I can get back to this other love of mine, writing.
By the way....I have a new nephew!!!! Namaste Milo! Welcome to the world and to our family!!!!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
India- Wonder by Wonder
I thought I would have more writing time in India.
As it turns out, not only was my first week here an amazing non-stop adventure but my one month yoga teacher training program in Goa is so intensive I hardly have time to do my homework before I lay exhausted in bed by 9:30pm. I am back on student mode with student responsibilities except now I live in a beach hut, meditate before the sun rises, take classes on physical, mental, social and spiritual balance and do 4 hours of intensive yoga postures daily. When I do yoga in our shala, I hear the waves crash in the ocean and the birds sing, I see coconut trees, the sky and the sun set and there is contentment in my heart. I can't believe God put me here. He is by far the best author of my life. :o)
I have so many mini stories along the days mentioned below but that will just have to wait. For now enjoy the pictures!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2075448&id=56304887&l=c90634aea5
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2075581&id=56304887&l=1bac8d575b
Day 1--10 hour bumpy ride to Punjab
Day 2--Lohri Festival, Indian Dinner with Hira Family and bonfire dancing!
Day 3--Awe-inspiring Sikh Golden Temple
Day 4- Indian-Pakistan Border March--one with the crowd!
Day 5- Hill Station Mussoori--beautiful sunset
Day 6-Hill Station Dhanaulti--snowy climb
Day 7--Foggy and Magical Taj Mahal
Special Thanks to brothers Amrinder and Arvinder for taking us around 2,500km across India by train, taxi, car, rickshaw, cable car, bus, and on foot!
As it turns out, not only was my first week here an amazing non-stop adventure but my one month yoga teacher training program in Goa is so intensive I hardly have time to do my homework before I lay exhausted in bed by 9:30pm. I am back on student mode with student responsibilities except now I live in a beach hut, meditate before the sun rises, take classes on physical, mental, social and spiritual balance and do 4 hours of intensive yoga postures daily. When I do yoga in our shala, I hear the waves crash in the ocean and the birds sing, I see coconut trees, the sky and the sun set and there is contentment in my heart. I can't believe God put me here. He is by far the best author of my life. :o)
I have so many mini stories along the days mentioned below but that will just have to wait. For now enjoy the pictures!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2075448&id=56304887&l=c90634aea5
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2075581&id=56304887&l=1bac8d575b
Day 1--10 hour bumpy ride to Punjab
Day 2--Lohri Festival, Indian Dinner with Hira Family and bonfire dancing!
Day 3--Awe-inspiring Sikh Golden Temple
Day 4- Indian-Pakistan Border March--one with the crowd!
Day 5- Hill Station Mussoori--beautiful sunset
Day 6-Hill Station Dhanaulti--snowy climb
Day 7--Foggy and Magical Taj Mahal
Special Thanks to brothers Amrinder and Arvinder for taking us around 2,500km across India by train, taxi, car, rickshaw, cable car, bus, and on foot!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Three Days in India
I had to ask my friend what day it was today...I have already lost sense of time here but that is exactly the point of my 2010 adventure--it's about experiences and not schedules.
I don't have much time becaue I still have to post some stuff on facebook and my friend has to post homework (haha I don't have to do this anymore) but so far we have
-ridden the bumpiest and longest ride ever (I tell Tricia that our dreams of traveling and riding roller coasters are coming true--just not the way we imagined, lol)
-Met an amazing family who cooked us the best Indian meal ever--we got to celebrate Lohri Festival, the whole works- bonfires and a 13 minute dance with Amrinder!
-Shopping! The walk away trick works in every country.... :o)
-Chai, Chai, Chai-Tea Tea Tea
-Golden Temple--it was freezing cold but it was hard to care because the sight was beyond amazing.
Okay----I've got lots more to say but gtg...at least you all know I am alive, safe and having the time of my life!
I don't have much time becaue I still have to post some stuff on facebook and my friend has to post homework (haha I don't have to do this anymore) but so far we have
-ridden the bumpiest and longest ride ever (I tell Tricia that our dreams of traveling and riding roller coasters are coming true--just not the way we imagined, lol)
-Met an amazing family who cooked us the best Indian meal ever--we got to celebrate Lohri Festival, the whole works- bonfires and a 13 minute dance with Amrinder!
-Shopping! The walk away trick works in every country.... :o)
-Chai, Chai, Chai-Tea Tea Tea
-Golden Temple--it was freezing cold but it was hard to care because the sight was beyond amazing.
Okay----I've got lots more to say but gtg...at least you all know I am alive, safe and having the time of my life!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Goodbye NSU!
I'm back to blogging, it's 12:53 am, January 12, 2010. I enter a new chapter of my life today...one without NSU in it. Am I sad? Far from it....after all working and learning at NSU for seven wonderful years has led up to an amazing new adventure. On 011110 I said goodbye. I am overwhelmed by all the well wishes I got, if the people I met in one tiny spot in Florida are this amazing, what more the people I will meet as I journey through India, China, Singapore, and Philippines?
<------My NSU farewell cake. :o)
I've been listening to India Arie's "A beautiful day". I sing it when I wake up now....it just fits.
New hopes new dreams new ways
I open up my eyes and
I open up my mind and
I wonder how life will surprise me today
Early in the morning
It’s the dawn of a new day
New hopes new dreams new ways
I open up my heart and
I’m gon’ do my part and
Make this a positively beautiful day!
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