Loving My Life

"The art of being happy lies in the power
 of finding joy in ordinary things. Life does not force us to be the best. It only asks that we try. As this old Italian saying goes: Vive bene, spesso l'emore, di risata de molto. Live well. Love much. Laugh often."

The year is almost over. I am happy because I didn't just survive, but I am living the way I would like it to be. It isn't always fun and smooth sailing. In fact, there are many aspects and phases in my day to day life that I fell short of my own preset goals and expectations. But the best thing about all these is that I had the sanity and the inner peace that I never had before. 


It had taken a lot of self-meditation and the necessity to stay calm most of the time, so that  I won't be stressed and depressed so much, which in turn would cause my fibromyalgia to recur. Indeed, I am at peace with myself. That inner thought that says; "Relax, be at peace with everything and everyone around you." I learned to envelop myself with an invisible shroud to protect me from pain, disappointments, anger, guilt, jealousy and loneliness. Some may say this is an illusion, but I say this is taking charge. There are no Knight-in-Shining-Armor princes es to save us from harm both physically and emotionally. 

Acceptance. This is another emotion that I learned to live with. There are no greater pain in this life than longing for people and things that can never be. I can truly say I love my life now. I do cry in pain sometimes. Pain for many things, but it's no longer the kind of pain tinged with guilt and anger. Life gives and takes away things and people. I didn't end up like what I had envisioned when I was little, but I am luckier than most with a stable job and a comfortable life others can only dream of. And I may not have a lot of time to spend with my family, but I try to reach out in different ways.

Enjoying life. I learned to appreciate the simple things in life. I do not let my being alone prevent me from doing what I want. I watch any movie I want alone, and I enjoy it. I go to the park and just sit there taking in the view and the busy people around me. I laugh for children's antics, remembering my childhood and my siblings, yet coming to terms with my life now. Being single is not a tragedy as others may say. It is a choice. 

Knowing what I want. Everyone wants a bigger share of everything. But in exchange of a stressed life? No way! I decided that I can take the slow, but relaxed life in the mountains. For the first time, I am taking the back seat, and just letting life unfolds. I am not in a hurry. The future is rushing by anyhow, trying to engulf us all. I figured there's no need to ran after it. Let it wait for me. I know it will. For I have something it wants. I have the years behind me and the memories it may need to come full circle.





Prayer. No greater fool is he who does not remember God. The One true God who made all things possible. I know my journey is rough, but never will I go astray again with Him to guide me. Thank you God. Thank you Jesus. Please do not forget me.

Love,
Therry

Pahinga Muna

Eto na naman ako. Hindi na naman ako makahinga. Nanghihina at nahihilo. On and off naman yong scoliosis pain ko pero lately napapadalas ang sakit at matindi na siya ngayon. Nahihirapan na naman ako. Hay, ganito na nga siguro ang tumatanda. Pero at least I am surviving kahit may cancer ako. Medyo depress na naman ako pero kinakaya kong iayos ang pag-iisip ko. Sana huwag itong magtagal.

Lately nga lang e parang wala akong maisip na inspirasyon sa araw-araw na buhay ko. I mean, I have a job. I go to work, but that's it. Ni walang excitement or eagerness na pumasok sa work. Pumapasok lang ako kasi kelangan. Matagal na din akong may nararamdaman pero pinipilit kung pumasok kasi kaya ko pa naman at saka ano naman ang gagawin ko sa bahay. Lalo lang akong made-depress. Pero pag ganitong may pain e ibang usapan na. Pinauwi ako ng doktor kagabi kasi nga di ko na kaya ang pain at dizziness. But personally, I think ang isang cause nang lahat ng ito ay depression and boredom, and being alone. Doing the things you do everyday all over again alone. I really wanted a change in my career. Pero hindi ko alam kung saan ako magsisimula. 

Well, I think first thing first. Magpagaling muna ako, Then, plan A and execute. 

The Run Around

It's Friday again and whether it's our off or not, it's always a good day to go out and eat and gossip and just have a little fun. The girls couldn't decide where to eat. We went to ‪#‎Ketchup‬, but they said we're 30 minutes early and they're not ready yet. Bad customer service. They should have let us in and served coffee while we waited. Well, we took our business elsewhere. But before that, we had a crazy ‪#‎picture‬ time by the road. 

We then set out to check new restaurants and what have we. We found a new place. Not too pricey, but not a place to go to every time you want to eat. Unless you're loaded, of course. It's worth it, I should say. We had fun. I had fun. A little slice of time away from worries. Times like these are worthy for the notes or blog. There's no way to know if we can do it again. 

TGIF - Mockingjay Part I

Life is a gift. Savor every moment of it. ‪Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

11.20.14 At last, it's Friday again and I gotta watch #MockingJay. Maybe I'll watch it on its first run today. Ha ha. But, I'm hungry so let's see. Waiting for "the hour" surfing the net. Time to go. See you later.

11.28.14 Update (Just didn't have the time to post this that day): I cried with Katniss the same day & I say this is the best Hunger Games movie yet. I've watched it twice. Sad what happened to Peeta. I couldn't wait for the last installment. Something to look forward to.

Grazie: Second Annual Tribune Party 10.26.14

"I am a fan." These were the words of our Vice President of Operations (Northern Luzon) Mike de la Pena in his opening speech on Sunday. He explained later that Tribune (Sitel) got a nod from the clients for getting a 10 (the highest) in a Pulse Survey for satisfactory service, if I am not mistaken. Tribune is now in its 5th year of operations in Sitel Baguio 3 since 2009, and the clients are saying that there's no need to look elsewhere. A great feat considering the stiff competition, not only in the Philippines, but around the world for contact centers. The tent also went wild with the inspiring words of our DOO Mike Batac. He just joined the site 3 operations as our Director this year, but he has served as a silent motivator for us all, especially in Tribune. We hope to see him more in action. Hell yeah! 

The night started out with a bang with an explosive dance number from the LPP dancers, correct me if I'm wrong. It was followed by the opening remarks of our VP and DOO. All the managers and coaches and supports in Tribune and Sitel 3 were in attendance. The highlight of the evening is the production number from each property, of which a cash prize awaits the winning team. The CAG or Customer Advocacy Group (of which I belong) is the defending champion. It was the loudest cheer you could ever imagine after every presentation. We didn't get to defend our title, falling short of a few points from the victor, but it was a worthwhile fight nonetheless. LA (Los Angeles Times) bagged this years' title, CAG's coming in second, and Chicago Tribune came in third.

It was also a night of recognition for the people who set standards for excellence. The quality and save superstars got certificates and cash perks. Loyalty awards were also given to employees who are now five years with Tribune and counting. One of the reasons for the big turn out in attendance is the raffle draw. Power banks, Torque phone, tablets, camera, refrigerator, and an entertainment showcase (TV, DVD player and speakers) were up for grabs for the lucky ones. Every announcement was waited with bated breath, myself included. I so wanted the camera, but it was not my lucky night. Congratulations to the winners!

DeJaVu Band came back to join us this year. They were with us in Tribune's first annual party #Xiexie last year. We got to enjoy their kind of music once more. One of the LA peeps performer joined the band for a little bit of jamming. Photo booths were everywhere and so everyone got to pose for some precious memoirs. We were all in our gowns and glittering cocktail dresses and tuxes and ternos worthy for the red carpet. Advocates (CAG) stood out in the crowd and bagged the Best-dressed Male and Female of the Night. Congratulations Henry and Roella.

The music and the DJ were amazing, but not all of us got to dance the night away. Most called it a night earlier than expected. I guess every one's tired. Some just came off their shift from the previous night and others had shift in a few hours. But all in all,  it was an amazing Tribune party. Bryan and Ann were wonderful Masters of Ceremonies. Great job! Thank you for the dedicated efforts of the managers, OM Gus, OM Don, OM Shan, and others I may not know behind this 'give-back time' for the Tribune team. See you again next year. "Arrivederci al prossimo anno."

Streams and Rivers in Our Midst

This is what's happening in Manila because the main flood control was ill-planned, never maintained and no hope of ever fixing it in time for these poor souls to be saved from the struggle of commuting everyday. 

MANILA BULLETIN

October 2 at 5:00pm · 

Commuters are stranded on Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard and Pureza Street in Sta. Mesa, Manila, after floods triggered by heavy rains that lasted for two hours submerged the area on October 1, 2014. At the height of the rains, flood in the area was waist-deep. The floods also caused heavy traffic and submerged other major thoroughfares in Metro Manila. (Tony Pionilla)

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Theresa Samson

October 2 at 9:09pm · Edited · 

"Mysterious river appears in EDSA", it does sound funny if you're not in the midst of it. It never changed. Wayback in 1992, a thunderstorm flooded Manila and its nearby cities that it was a stand still. I had to walk from PWU Taft, in my white school uniform I might add, just to get home to Guadalupe. The water rose almost waist-deep. Can you imagine? ‪#‎TV9‬ ‪#‎NightlyNews‬‪#‎Thunderstorm‬ ‪#‎Moonsoon‬ ‪#‎Flooding‬ ‪#‎Flood‬ ‪#‎Throwback‬ ‪#‎Reminisce‬‪#‎StudentLife‬ ‪#‎Manila‬ ‪#‎PWUTaft‬

 — watching Nightly News.

Spend time with someone that matters before it's too late

 Nature Inspires Me retweeted

Earth Pics @Earth_Pics · 3h3 hours ago

The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you

 

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Uprooted

Recently, there are times when I wake up that I feel like I need to move on again. Leave the comfortable life that I have. Times when I'm worn out and I'm losing my focus. 

Yet when I look back, the feeling that I no longer belong to any place runs true. I've lived in places both trying and beautiful, and when the going gets tough as they say, I just moved on. 

Now I'm at a cross road again. First step. Nay or aye?

The Road Not Taken

By Robert Frost 1874-1963

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that, the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden back.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence;

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Now I know my answer...

Two Poems of a Moon Dreamer

‪#‎Dreaming‬

My prince, my very own,
I've found him at last!
But he has come and gone,
And I may cry and sigh through the night, 
Alas! He's but a dream forevermore.
Through no fault of his
I'd tell you that much,
For many summers had passed since he breathe his last.
(A tribute to "his" memory)

‪#‎MoonlightOnARainyNight‬

My world has gone mad.
I see a moon where a cloud hangs above.
The rain is music,
The minarets are loud.
Do you hear it?
Where has it gone?
Yes, I see you.
But that it were a dream,
Your love kills me,
Yet I wake up again and again.
To love you even more.
Sing then my heart,
Til there is no more.

Everyone Dies. But not everyone really lives.

Happiness is a choice. You can choose to be happy. There's going to be stress in life, but it's your choice whether you let it affect you or not. - Valerie Bertinelli

Pollution From Asia Makes Pacific Storms Stronger By Brian Clark Howard

Pollution From Asia Makes Pacific Storms Stronger

Pollution From Asia Makes Pacific Storms Stronger

Aerosols in atmosphere change weather in North America, says new study.

Buildings in Lianyungang, China, are shrouded in smog on December 8, 2013. Aerosol pollution from Asia is likely leading to stronger cyclones in the Pacific, more precipitation, and warming temperatures at the North Pole.

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHINAFOTO/GETTY IMAGES  

Brian Clark Howard

National Geographic

PUBLISHED APRIL 14, 2014

What happens in Asia doesn't stay in Asia, a new study warns. Pollution from booming economies in the Far East is causing stronger storms and changing weather patterns over the Pacific Ocean, which in turn is changing weather in North America, scientists report.

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"Whether the weather [in North America] will change in a good direction or bad is hard to say at this time," says Renyi Zhang, a professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station. Zhang is a co-author, along with several scientists from the U.S. and China, of a study released in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Monday.

The scientists say pollution from Asia is likely leading to stronger cyclones in the midlatitudes of the Pacific, more precipitation, and a faster movement of heat from the tropics toward the North Pole. As a result of these changes, "it's almost certain that weather in the U.S. is changing," says Zhang.

Smaller Drops, Bigger Storms

Zhang and his colleagues used computer modeling to study the effects on the weather of aerosols, which are fine particles suspended in the air. The main natural aerosols over the Pacific are sea salt tossed up by waves and dust blown off the land.

But those natural particles are now increasingly outnumbered by human-made ones. According to Zhang, the most significant aerosols the team considered are sulfates, which are emitted primarily by coal-fired power plants. Other aerosol pollutants are released by vehicle emissions and industrial activities.

In the atmosphere, such aerosols scatter and absorb sunlight, and thus have both cooling and warming effects on climate. But they also affect the formation of clouds and precipitation—and the magnitude of that indirect effect on clouds is one of the biggest uncertainties hampering scientists' ability to forecast climate change.

Clouds form when water vapor condenses around aerosol particles to form liquid droplets. Because pollution increases the number of particles, it leads to more water droplets—but smaller ones. Those smaller droplets in turn rise to greater heights in the atmosphere—and even form ice—before they precipitate back out.

In an earlier paper, Zhang and his colleagues used satellite data to show that the amount of "deep convective clouds," including thunderstorms, had increased over the North Pacific between 1984 and 2005. The most likely reason, they concluded, was an increase in aerosol pollution from Asia. "The intensified Pacific storm track likely has profound implications for climate," they wrote.

Global Effects

In the recent study the scientists took a first stab at considering those global implications. Standard global climate models simulate the atmosphere at grid points that are too widely spaced to resolve the fine-scale processes involved in cloud formation—which is one reason clouds remain such a knotty problem for climate scientists. But the researchers found a way to embed a "cloud resolving model" into a conventional climate model.

They then used that "multiscale" model to compare the preindustrial atmosphere of 1850, when levels of aerosol pollution over the Pacific were low, with the present atmosphere.

The simulations confirmed that human-made aerosols are now spreading across the Pacific and having large effects on the storms that sweep east during winter. The storms are more vigorous than they would be without pollution, with more ice and a broader "anvil" shape to the cloud tops. And those more vigorous storms are having a significant effect on the global atmosphere: They're increasing the flow of heat from the equatorial region toward the Arctic, says Zhang.

What about North America? The Pacific storm track has a big effect on American weather, and large-scale natural changes like El Niño and La Niña are known to disrupt its usual pattern, leading to floods and droughts.

"What we have shown is that aerosols from Asia can get transported over the Pacific and change weather in North America," Zhang says—but nailing down the nature of the change will require more research.

"We've been getting some weird weather, such as a very cold winter [in the eastern U.S.], so the next question is, does that have something to do with Asian pollution?"

Follow Brian Clark Howard on Twitter and Google+.

2014 Mid-Year Report: The 10 Best Restaurants In Baguio

BY EJ DELA VEGA ON AUGUST 21, 2014

Sunshine season is more or less over now that the “ber” months are right around the corner, but that shouldn’t be a reason not to visit the Philippines’ summer capital, Baguio. Most people come for the cool mountain air, but it seems like there’s another reason to visit these days — the food!

On this list are the top 10 best restaurants in Baguio — Northern Luzon’s now highly-urbanized capital city, based on reviews sent in by looloo users for the first half of 2014!

10. Choco-late de Batirol24 Reviews
Average Rating: 3.98

Photo from Chichi T’s review for Choco-late de Batirol

Amidst the cool mountain breeze and on chilly Baguio nights, can one think of a better companion than a cup of traditional tsokolate (hot chocolate)? At Choco-late de Batirol, located inside the iconicCamp John Hay, you can get a cup of the traditional cacao blend alongside a number of Filipino merienda staples that ought to put a little warm and fuzzy in you.

9. Happy Tummy11 Reviews
Average Rating: 4.07

Photo from Rb G’s review for Happy Tummy

Just one of the small restaurants/concessionaires you’ll find within the Ketchup Food Community,Happy Tummy is the place to go for Thai cuisine. They serve common Thai fare such as Pad Thai and Curry, but also a number of dishes that have just enough of a Thai twist to please the Filipino palate. Their Crispy Tilapia with Tamarind Sauce is a favorite among reviewers who’ve been to the place!

8. Beans Talk12 Reviews
Average Rating: 4.17

Photo from Sheree G’s review for Beans Talk

Mostly known for their delectable and affordable desserts, this cafe/tea joint offers an assortment of sweet treats to go with your cup o’ Joe or tea. Reviewers have nothing but raves for favorites like their yema cake and s’mores pie! They must be pretty good, as some looloo users have noted that the place is usually pretty packed!

7. O’ Mai Khan12 Reviews
Average Rating: 4.17

Photo from Meg Y’s review for O’ Mai Khan

An eat-all-you-can buffet isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think of foodie joints in Baguio, but you’d be surprised at how diverse the dining options are now — O’ Mai Khan is a perfect example. For a little more than P200, you get a full Mongolian buffet, similar to places like Cafe Sweet Inspirations in Manila. With that price, it’s no wonder people love frequenting the place!

6. Cafe Sabel9 Reviews
Average Rating: 4.25

Photo from Erick B’s review for Cafe Sabel

Cafe Sabel, appropriately named after national artist Benedict Cabrera’s famous muse, is located at the ground floor of Baguio’s famous BenCab Museum. After time spent viewing the museum’s art pieces, this is the perfect place to simply sit back, enjoy a meal made with fresh ingredients (with fruits and vegetables supposedly picked directly from the compound!), and toast to the beautiful view of Baguio’s countryside.

5. Cafe by the Ruins

47 Reviews
Average Rating: 4.25

Photo from Livi B’s review for Cafe by the Ruins

“The perfect place to have breakfast” is mentioned a lot in reviews for this place. With their selection of Filipino breakfast classics, and what one reviewer called “the best ensaymada in the country,” it’s clear why a lot of tourists and locals come to the rustic restaurant. Of course, Cafe by the Ruins isn’t just about breakfast — they’ve got dishes like bagnet, several curries, even risotto, to fill you up at any time of the day.

4. Vizco’s Restaurant and Cake Shop53 Reviews (All Branches)
Average Rating: 4.26

Photo from Pocholo N’s review for Vizco’s Restaurant and Cake Shop

“I approach the cake display as I gathered all my strength not to order a slice of each.”

Apparently, that’s how good the cakes are at this place. While they serve savory dishes like pizzas, pastas, and rice meals as well, it’s the cakes from Vizco’s that have people lining up. Baguio is famous for growing some of the juiciest strawberries in the country, and Vizco’s is well-known for taking those strawberries and turning them into their most popular offering, the strawberry shortcake.

3. Oh My Gulay13 Reviews
Average Rating: 4.37

Photo from Juvi M’s’s review for Oh My Gulay

With Benguet being known as the “Salad Bowl of the Philippines,” it seems only fitting that a vegetarian restaurant would make it to this list. The restaurant itself is a sight to see! It’s an old rustic-looking structure, decorated with plants and wood carvings, located at the top of an old building in the city’s center. One reviewer even commented that finding the place felt like a quest in itself!

They serve simple but tasty vegetarian food like Kalabasa Tempura and the popular “Anak ng Puttanesca” among others, and with the place’s look, charm and overall appeal, you’d think they were made by local diwatas from the area. Trying this place out is definitely worth climbing 5 flights of stairs for.

2. Forest House18 Reviews
Average Rating: 4.41

Photo from Chichi T’s review for Forest House

As the name suggests, the place’s ambience lends itself to its log cabin-esque look and vibe, with a stunning view from the place’s veranda to further accentuate the feeling of dining at a mountainside retreat. On their menu you’ll find an extensive selection of local and international dishes, as well as an impressive number of pastries and baked goods for dessert (or to take home!).

Oh, and in case you really end up falling in love with the place, aside from being a restaurant, the place is also a bed and breakfast!

1. Hill Station21 Reviews
Average Rating: 4.44

Photo from Frances B’s review for Hill Station

Apparently voted as one of Asia’s best restaurants by The Miele Guide in 2011 and 2012, it’s no wonder that this semi-fine dining restaurant made it to the #1 spot on this list. As far as ambience goes, one reviewer had this to say: “the place oozes elegance and old world charm. The warmth of the wood floors and the regal double staircase speaks of class.”

Its menu is a mix of East and West, which speaks volumes of the chefs’ skill and expertise. Whatever craving you may have, be it Spanish, to Italian, even Tex-Mex, Hill Station will likely not only meet your expectations, but far exceed them. Oh, and don’t leave without ordering their Death by Chocolate.