Entries from April 2011 ↓

1. It is Saturday, and one of my rare domestic moods seize me upon waking. First, I empty out the shoe closet and sort my neglected footwear. Then, I give the kitchen counter and sink a vigorous wipe down. Finally, I wield a broom and wage war on the eternal dust filling my pad. All is spic and span, just in time for the landlady’s inspection tonight.

2. I curl up in the sofa with Stephen Lawhead’s “Hood,”a reimagined myth of the Prince of Thieves. It is great to read again just for the pleasure of it, and not for academic requirements.

3.  The royal wedding of William and Kate is all over the TV this weekend. While everyone else is gushing about the dress, two things stand out for me. Not surprisingly, I am fascinated by the all-male choir, who sang “I was Glad” by C. H. Parry during the processional.  I am also inspired by the short homily of the Right Reverend and Right Honorable Richard Chartres, Bishop of London:

‎”…in a sense, every wedding is a royal wedding, with the bride and groom as king and queen of creation, making a new life together so that life can flow through them unto the future.”

This is inspired by the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, which blesses a couple thus:

“Let their love for each other be a seal upon their hearts, a mantle about their shoulders, and a crown upon their foreheads.”

PCCI EVENTS FOR MAY 2011

1. Spondazontes Jogging

every Thursday 6-9pm (starting May 5)

ULTRA, Meralco Avenue

Prepare P40 for entrance fee.

Point Person: Benjienen Pulido

*     *     *    *    *

2. Quirino Highschool Camp

May 18-22, Quirino Province, Cagayan Valley

Point Person: Nikko Estrada

*     *     *    *    *

3. Hillside Passion Run (6k)

for the scholars of HPCA – Hillside Passionate Christian Academy

May 28 Saturday 5:00am

Silang, Cavite

Reg: P100

Point Persons: Ian Toledo and JE Delas Alas

*     *     *    *    *

4. Spondazontes Weekend

Bimonthly fellowship and prayer time

May 28 Saturday 12nn to May 29 Sunday 2:00 pm

Kubo Camp for Christ, Silang, Cavite

Reg: P250 (4 meals and discounted overnight accomodation)

Transpo: P150 (one way from Manila, bus and tricycle)

Point Persons: Lei Datuin and Rita Mariano

For inquiries, you can contact the point persons or leave a comment here.

1. My thumb-sized personal storm trooper is stationed beside my keyboard. His steely gaze seems to say, “Stop dawdling.” I heed his warning and dispatch 4 dialogs to their just reward. I can feel that the Force is with me…  *wapish*

2. I splurge on ground cinnamon at the grocery store. My brewed coffee becomes extra special with a light dusting of the fragrant spice. “Are those tiny red ants?” Ian (Benj’s, not mine) comments as he peers into the mug. The coffee disappears in a twinkling.

3. Benj cooks a heavenly pechay and ground pork dish, while her Ian takes a look-see at my ageing computer. House guests, oh joy!

1. Brunch is nilagang baboy, specifically spare ribs. All that’s left after a quarter hour are bones and an empty plate.

2. Ptr. Rai’s moving the week after next, so we have our second to the last BS at Club 1901. The cooking duo serve spicy pasta and korean dimsum, and milk tea from 7-11 caps a great dinner.

3. I lose count of the missed turns we take on the way home. But my Ian is at the wheel, so I am content.

1. Gus is radiantly orange beside my computer monitor. “He reminds me of cheese curls,” my office mate comments gleefully. To keep my stuffed bear company, she introduces her fist-sized smiley pillow. It reminds me of a california maki sushi roll.

2. The red bookstore lures me in with this sign: “Less than P50.” My pile at home now includes People of the Lie by M. Scott Peck and How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education by Fraenkel & Wallen (2006).

3. I treat my sand-scoured feet to a much needed pedicure. My toenails gleam darkly with velvet polish.

1. Today is the start date of my first full time job after 3 years. My stomach has butterflies the size of elephants as I walk from EDSA to my old nocturnal stomping grounds. The noob day is for orientation, downloading programs, navigating the systems, and editing my alpha video.

2. The pantry cabinet is overflowing with free snacks, we are on flexitime, and my new seat mate is my friend. Need I say more?

3. I hop out of work with the sunset and meet with my Ian for a quick dinner. The delicious viand makes me forget my half rice vow. There is always the next meal….

1. I ticked off the first thing on my post-ECHO to do list: one hour of traditional Filipino hilot (massage) with ventosa. After a week of rediscovering under utilized muscles, I went home feeling immense relief from the aches and twinges. Two rows of red circles made interesting patterns on my sunburned back.

2. My sofa cover and beddings needed changing. Afterwards, I spent a good night’s sleep on a blessedly warm, soft surface. Tents and hammocks are fine during camp, but I missed my bed and six pillows.

3. We greeted Easter by watching the Vesper Choir perform an old cantata, “God with Us” by Don Moen. Actually, I was more of a participant-observer since I was singing the alto part with my choir mates, especially for the Hallelujah Chorus. My Ian’s reaction to this worship experience: “I felt the manifest presence of God.”

4. Song of the moment:

If it doesn’t break your heart, it isn’t love
No, if it doesn’t break your heart, it’s not enough
It’s when you’re breaking down with your insides coming out
That’s when you find out what your heart is made of…

(Yet, by Switchfoot)

1. Gradually, the wall fills up with metacards of all hues, as we celebrate 2010 and plan for the rest of 2011.

2. One month late, but summer is finally here! In the past three years, this weekend is the first time that the weather in Silang feels warm enough to make me sweat. Thank goodness for unlimited halo-halo and cold soft drinks. Night time is more normal; despite the sleeping bag, my toes freeze sans socks.

3. The Sabbath ends with a huge moon rise in the east, while the opposite sky is simultaneously ablaze with the sun’s descent.

4. My Ian welcomes me back from Silang with beef sinigang. As I prepare to leave for ECHO, he then prays for my safety.

1. Frozti’s birthday celebration is an effective bait for a KCgetogether at my place. These people are my definition of the Ilonggo word nahidlaw.

2. I can still remember my name after three helpings of Faith’s carbonara… just barely. It makes me forget my vow to diet, that’s for sure. Perfect with pesto cheese sticks and roasted chicken.

3. My Ian’s editing prowess is timely and very appreciated. Thanks for the save, dearest.  ♥

1. I find and download 6 new online sources in half an hour, thus dangerously flirting with information overload. Then it occurs to me that I am NOT writing a thesis proposal, just a good old fashioned analysis. Nyah.

2. It is almost his bedtime, yet my Ian still patiently helps me with my linguistic gymnastics via chat. What wonderful thing did I do to deserve such a boyfriend?

3. He also uploads the latest Ifugao pictures, especially the ones taken during the post camp. I remember the cold wind and warm hugs.

Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao, April 2011