A Letter to My First Love

My Love,

These past few days I have been thinking about you endlessly. I always remember you when I write, when I work, when I look at the mirror and even when I smile. The thought of you fills my mind and my heart.

I remember the times when you hug me when I am so down. I remember the times when you encourage me when I feel weak. I remember the times when you tell me everything is fine, even if they are not. I remember the times when you tell me there is so much goodness in the world when I see none.

I miss how to combed my hair in front of your old worn out mirror. I miss the times when you pick and iron the best clothes for me to use. I miss the times when you made the most beautiful dresses for me. I miss the times when you make me the most beautiful stuff toys I have ever laid eyes on.

I can still remember your touch when you hold my hand. I can still remember our everyday walk to the farm. I can still remember how you tell me you love me. I can still remember the food you cook for me everyday .

I can still remember your frown. I can still remember your angry face. I can still remember your laughter. I can still remember your smile. I can still remember how frail and small stature. I remember everything about you.

Oh how I deeply miss you. Oh how I deeply loved you. Oh how deeply I love you.

But my love, you are a story that has long ended. I remember it as though it were just yesterday. I was supposed to see you. I was in the crossroad, thinking which way to go. Should I go home or should I go to you? Had I known better, I would have chosen to go to you. It became clear to me just when everything was too late. You were my home. You have always been my home, my love.

I wish I could go back to that moment. I regret not choosing you. I regret being so stubborn. I should have listened to my heart. Had I known that would be the last time I can hold your hand and kiss you, I would have done everything I can to see you.

Now, it is too late. Oh so late. I prayed, believe me I prayed to Heaven to keep you strong. I cried out to the Almighty Father to help you keep fighting. I prayed to God to keep you alive, but I guess my prayers were all too late.

Years have passed but I still remember that unfaithful moment when I lost you. I was preparing my gift for you. I was supposed to give it to you the following day. I was looking forward for the moment that you can go out of the hospital and be with me again. Dad’s phone rang, It was Mom! Maybe you were looking for me. And then I heard “that word”. And as if it were a lullaby, I fell asleep. Sound asleep. During the wee hours of the day, I swear I heard you call my name. I woke up and I realized, you were not there. And you will never be there! No, not anymore. Never. Ever.

My love, you left me… you abandoned me. Now, I have no one to protect me. No one to cheer me up when I am sad. No one to tell make me feel I am loved beyond compare.

I promised you, one day, we will go to Europe and travel the globe together. I kept my part of the promise, but why didn’t you? Why did you have to leave so soon? Oh my love, why did you not wait for a little more? I am now here, just as I promised you. Oh I hope you can see me now! I hope you are with me now…

When I stood over your casket, I uttered a prayer. I prayed to God to keep you close in His arms and keep you happy. Oh how lucky could He be. He has His sweetest and perfect angel back. I kissed your casket, my last kiss for you and then I bid farewell.

Farewell my love.

You were Heaven’s perfect gift for me. You were the reason why I did not ask for a lot of things. I had you so I know I had everything.

You taught me everything I know now. You taught me to be good and to choose to do good. You taught me about happiness. You taught me about contentment. You taught me about love. But you also taught me about pain.

I hope this letter will reach Heaven. I hope you will know ho much I loved you. I hope you will know how much I love you. I hope you will know I will always love you.

Nothing has changed. Nothing will ever change. I love you and my love for you will always remain, my little star in heaven…my grandmother.

With much love,

Your grand daughter

P.S.

I am now happily married to the man I love. I know you would have been more than happy to meet him. He is beyond amazing…and he loves me more than I can ever say nor write about.

Advertisement

No Excuse not to be Fit When in Denmark

If someone will ask me what it is that I love about Denmark, I am pretty sure I can go on the whole day stating my reasons. I mean, it is hailed as the happiest country in the world so truly there are multiple (if not thousands) of reasons why I fell in love with it. As a matter fact, I wrote a blog before about how it is to live like a Dane. 

But one of the reasons why I love Denmark is that it gives a person absolute NO REASON not to be fit. Let me tell you why.

  1. Parks are everywhere.

    In Denmark, there are a lot of parks and playgrounds. After every few blocks, you can see a park filled with kids and adults alike. In these parks, you can play basketball, trampoline,climb or jog. Do whatever you want and nobody will care. Also, on weekends or at night time you can just go to any school playground and use the amenities there,for free.

  2. Intended walk/jogging path.

    It is very safe to jog/walk in Denmark. You do not have to worry about passing cars because Denmark already thought of that even before you did. That is why they have really wide walkways which are very convenient for everyone to use when they are jogging or doing their morning walks.

  3. It is very safe to walk around even at night.

    If you are a busy bee and do not have the luxury to exercise in the morning,do not worry. Denmark got you covered. You can do a night exercise if you want. It is generally safe to run in Denmark even at night time. As a matter of fact, I am sure you will not be alone as many Danes tend to run as well during night time. Who knows, you might meet your “fitness buddy” on one of those nights, under the starry sky and big blue moon…ahh.Sweet.

  4. Bike Lanes.

    Remember what I told you about pathways? Well, that’s not the only thing that Denmark has. They have bike lanes too. It has a reputation being the world’s most bike-friendly country.  Most of the Danes use bikes when they go to the office or even when they run their errands.In fact, almost 50% of those living in Copenhagen do use a bicycle when going to work.  30 minutes bike ride is an easy-peasy for them. I don’t know if it’s just the Viking in them, but men, these people are so fit and strong!

So if ever you are looking for a “fitspiration” country, I would really say that is Denmark. And if you want some motivation to be fit, visit Denmark because this country will give you NO REASON not to be one.

On Serendipity and Taking Chances

Serendipity truly happens, but it will never come full circle not unless you take that chance.

– Hannah

December 24, 2013.

A day I will forever treasure. I was in Copenhagen, Denmark, lying on my bed, tired and exhausted from an extra job I just finished. I was meaning to just lie in the bed for a few minutes before I head towards my friend’s house to celebrate Christmas with her family.

Suddenly, she called me and said that the dinner is canceled since they can’t cook because their oven is broken. Great! I was already looking forward to dinner since I haven’t had any proper meal the whole day. Exhaustion kicked in and I fell asleep for a few minutes/hours.

I was awakened by a call. My phone has been ringing endlessly. Still sleepy, I picked it up and saw that it was my friend. I picked it up and tried to sound like the dinner cancellation didn’t matter to me since I do not want her to feel bad, especially on the eve of Christmas.

She said that we can celebrate Christmas in their house since they were able to fix the oven. I was so happy! I immediately told her that I am on my way. Maybe it was out of hunger, I was able to tolerate the harsh winter of Denmark without warmers. Still, in my old worn out shirt, I put on pants and winter jacket and off I went to her house. I know I look like a crap. But I didn’t care! All that mattered to me during that time was FOOD.

Oh, did I mention I haven’t taken a bath yet? Gross, right? lol. I packed a dress though for the dinner and planned to take a bath in her place. (see I can be a lady too!well, not really, but whatever!) When I arrived at the bus station near her apartment, I swear I can smell the roasted chicken she was preparing. I immediately went to their apartment and I was welcomed warmly. I was just resting for a bit then planned to take a bath when their guest room door opened.

Without any exaggeration, I swear I felt my heart skipped a bit. He has this smug and snob looking face but deym, I didn’t care! He was so good looking and he walks like…Rihanna.Kidding! My friend introduced him and said that they are officemates. We shook hands and then he went to the bathroom. Wow! how can he manage to look good even if he hasn’t taken a bath? How can he manage to smell good even…(STOP HANNAH!You sound like a psycho deeply smitten stalker!)

Anyways, I tried to act lady like (impossible!) despite wearing ragged clothes and looking “dirty”.lol I asked my friend why she didn’t tell me that they have visitors. I was really embarrassed. She laughed at me and said, its okay.

So after the mystery guy finished taking a shower, I immediately went in. Ah! There it is again. That manly cologne that tickles my nose. The smell that… (STOP IT, YOU WEIRDO!) I showered like I have never showered before. I used the best smelling soaps they had and rubbed my skin the hardest possible. I wanted to look fresh. I wanted to smell amazing. I wanted to… get his attention

And it occurred to me. This is weird. I mean really weird. 1. I was recovering from a break up (Didn’t bother me that much, though. He wasn’t worth a tear.) 2. I was fasting from relationships. 3. I do not fall that easily. So me, acting all smitten and giggly after just one meeting is so out of character!

Anyways, I just let it be. I tried to contain myself and said this is nothing. I am just acting all stupid again and exaggerating things. Anyways, I curled my hair, put a little makeup and sprayed a bit of perfume. (Who am I kidding?I almost drowned in perfume!)

We had a dinner and exchanged gifts. Every Christmas eve, at exactly 12:00 in the midnight, I make a wish. I usually pray for happiness and abundance but that night was different. That night, I prayed for God to give me the love I deserve and said Thank You. I don’t know why I prayed for love nor why I said thank you. I just did.

I spent the night at my friend’s house. The visitor offered me the guest room and he slept on the couch. The following morning, I woke up early and saw the visitor sleeping soundly but I can see he feels cold. So I grabbed my blanket and covered him with it. And then I glanced at his face and I felt like my heart melted like there was a need for me to hug him… (MANIAC!!!!!!!!) I contained myself and just tried to cook breakfast instead. He was awakened by all the noise I was making and offered to help me.

After Christmas, we became inseparable. We would always “hang out” or go to my friend’s place to chill. We became good friends and he told me about his relationship status, or should I say, lack thereof. He never once had a “typical” girlfriend. It was all just experiment and no commitment stuff for him. I lectured him about taking care of girls’ heart.

After everything he told me and all the warning from my friend, I know this is not the guy I want. BUT there is something in him that really just pulls me back. He said he likes me, but I was scared. What if I am just a part of his game?

His intention to me was tested when one of his..ermmm fling (FU-BU) came to Europe to see him. (Yep, girls fly a thousand miles just to see him!) He said he will sleep in our friend’s house but I told him that is very impolite. He said he talked to her already but she still insists on going. He seemed so frustrated so I told him it is fine. I mean we are not in a relationship yet so there is no point for me to tell him what to do nor to get frustrated because he might hurt my feelings. (I was really hurt that time. The nerve of that girl!)

He picked up the girl at the airport. I didn’t go with him because I want to test him as well. If he really cares for me, he will update me or call me even if the girl is around. And lo and behold, he did. He kept on texting me to the point that, I myself told him to stop calling and texting and entertain his “friend”. He introduced me to the girl and we were civil. Eery civil. But anyways, enough about her.

The point is, that guy proved to me that he truly loves me. That he is willing to change just for me. That guy who has commitment issues proposed to me a week after we have been together!

His butt-hurt FUBU’s don’t want to give up, though. We had to go through a lot just to get into the state where we are now. That guy, whom I met on Christmas eve was the answer to my prayer. I realized he was the “THANK YOU” in my Christmas prayer because that guy, whom I met on Christmas Eve is now my husband.

Love is never easy. It is so precious and so beautiful, but it is meant only for those who have brave hearts. Serendipity truly happens, but it will never come full circle not unless you take that chance. That leap of faith. That willingness to fight for it. And my husband and I, we fought for it, we took the chance…and now we are as happy as one can ever be.

Trusted Instagram Shops

The people who know me well definitely know that I hate shopping. Unlike most people, I do not find happiness in trying out new clothes or shoes. I dislike doing those because I feel like it is very tiresome to do the fitting.

That is why when I was introduced to Instagram shops, I was immediately hooked. I do not buy a lot of items but there are a few shops that I have definitely tried and tested.

Here’s the list of the shops I recommend:

  1. B Boutique.

    This is a luxury online shop that sells ONLY authentic items from Japan. They sell a wide range of products. They have cosmetic products, luxury bags, clothes and even jewelry. One of the things I like about this store is that they have a physical location as well. If ever you are in Antipolo, make sure to drop by in this store. Oh, did I mention, they accept layaway and credit cards too!

img_1349

2. Theainstashop.

This shop is a fashionista and beauty enthusiasts’ heaven! If ever you need anything for your OOTD or makeup collection this is the shop for you! You can check out their physical location as well but be ready to spend some cash as this store sells items at a really low price and I am sure you will be tempted to buy one or two items.

img_1355

3. RavenCloset.

This online store sells branded clothes. They have both brands new and pre-loved. This is actually one of the first online stores that I have used and trusted. If you base solely on their followings, you will know that this IG store is really legit!What’s amazing about this store? The owner is very polite and prompt in answering questions PLUS all the items as sold at a very cheap price!

img_1351

4. Primanddapper.

This store basically sells clothes. They sell items that are perfect for your OOTD’s. What do I love about this store? The price! The clothes are so trendy yet super affordable! This store is the perfect manifestation that fashion does not always have to break a bank.

img_1352

5. Ervaise.

This is a relatively new online shop. They sell jewelry and luxury bags. What I love about this shop? They ship worldwide and they have

This is a relatively new online shop. They sell jewelry and luxury bags. What I love about this shop? They ship worldwide and they have money back guarantee if the bag is proven fake!

img_1354

6. 9.Jewels.

This is a clothing store that sells really fashionable Korean inspired clothes. The owners are beyond amazing and really polite! If you want to buy affordable yet trendy asian fashion inspired clothes, this store is perfect for you!

img_1353

7. Prelovewithlove.

This is a shop that mainly sells secondhand items but they also have brand new ones. They are selling luxury bags as well as shoes. What I love about this shop? The price! So cheap!!!

img_1350

This post is not yet done. I will update this every time I have tried buying something from other shops. 

 Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. I wrote this because I simply want to share the online stores that I trust. 

Trip to London: Day 2 Walking Tours

When my husband and I went to Prague, Czech Republic two years ago, we joined a FREE WALKING TOUR. If you are new to the concept of a free walking tour, this basically means that you do not have to pay before hand the tour that you want to join. You will pay the tour guide VOLUNTARILY any amount that you think the tour is worth.

We had fun during the tour in Prague so we decided to do the same in London. I feel like it is such an amazing experience seeing the whole city in the eyes of a local. Plus some history lessons wouldn’t hurt. I searched online for free walking tours and I was so happy when I found one company who does it.

Free Tours by Foot offers a lot of tour options but my husband and I were so interested in 2 (at first). We signed up for London All in One Tour and Jack the Ripper Tour.  Our second day began at Green Park Station because that is the assigned meet up for the London All in One Tour. We met our guide, Margaret. There were a lot of us in the tour but it wasn’t too crowded. Just enough for us to feel like we are really tourists.lol

Tour Route

The whole tour was strategically planned. It saved us a lot of time and made us really enjoy the whole tour. The tour guide was so amazing and entertaining. She clearly knows a lot about history as well as about the royals. The tour was divided into two parts, morning and afternoon.

This was the schedule for the morning tour: (From free tours by foot)

I have to be honest, it was a really long walk! That is why having a really amazing guide helps. She keeps us all entertained despite the fact that it was scorching hot that time. My husband and I learned a lot about London through the tour. So despite the long walk, we were very happy that we took that tour.
The London All in one tour ended at Tower Hill. It was the most amazing end for the tour. The view was just perfect! We can see the Tower Bridge as well as the river Thames. Both looking equally picturesque!
After the London All in One Tour, we went to our next tour which was the Jack the Ripper tour. We chose this tour because I have always been intrigued on who Jack the Ripper is! It  seem creepy and scary, good thing I was with my husband! Our tour guide was Jessica. And she was equally amazing! I couldn’t remember exactly but her Phd has something to do with killers and murders so it was pretty cool!
The tour was not like any other tour. She presented it in a very theatrical way that it seemed to me like I was watching a movie rather than in a tour. In every stop, she gots me into thinking about who Jack the Ripper really is. And with every stop, it just gets more and more exciting to the point that I did not want it to end! Unfortunately, it did come to an end but we are happy because all of our effort in walking did not go to waste! The two tours we have had were by far some of the best we have ever had. So Kudos to Free Tours by Foot for hiring the best tour guide in the whole London!
After each tour, we gave our tour guides a tip. And we do not regret paying them because they truly deserve it! They were more than amazing. So if ever you find yourself in London and looking for the best way to roam around the city and at the same time learn about it’s history, join Free Tours by Foot!
Disclaimer: This is not a paid advertisement. I just had an amazing experience with the company so I wrote about it. 

Review: WISH App

You may have noticed that this is the first post I have made under the category Girly Stuff. The reason is pretty simple. I do not know what to post here.

Truth be told, I am really not the typical feminine and modest kind of girl. I am a big tomboy at heart. I like adventures. I like physical activities. And there is one thing that I absolutely hate that girls love the most. SHOPPING.

When a friend of mine gave me this seaweed masks that removes black heads, I fell in love with it so I asked her. She told me that she bought it online on this app called WISH.  I immediately downloaded the app but I didn’t buy the product just yet. The reason is because the app looks so suspicious. I mean, they have this daily sale that can be as low as 70%!

I may be just paranoid but better safe than sorry. I studied the app for a few days before I actually gave it a try. I checked out their daily deals and was pleasantly surprise that they have even better deals that day. I read the review on each item that I like before I buy them (Yeah, I am that skeptic.)

The delivery date of the item differs but it is almost like after a month after the order has been posted. I was so concerned that my order will not come that when they did, I could not believe it! I got my seaweed mask and everything else I ordered just on time!

One of the things as well that I like on the App is their tracking system, so I know exactly where my orders are. I am not sure when I will shop again on the app (too lazy and do not need anything as of the moment) but this is an app that I surely recommend!

Trip to London: Day 1- After the Storm

If you have been following my blog, you know that our first few hours in London fell nothing short of an adventure. It was like a race against time. Had we been contestants on Amazing Race, we would have won the race, no doubt about it!. If you haven’t read about it, feel free to check it out here. During those times, I can say it really pays to marry a Superman.

After the fiasco, we went to our Airbnb apartment and rest for a while trying to catch our breath and get a grip of what just happened. The moment we recovered, my husband and I realized we’re famished. Good thing his friend came to the rescue. He works for a Japanese restaurant in London as a chef and he invited us to come over.

Travel Tip: If you will stay in London for 3 or more days, it best that you get an Oyster Card. We bought an oyster card good for 7 days so we paid £37. Oh, when you are done using the oyster card you can return it and then get a refund of £5. 🙂

Since our apartment was conveniently located near the city, it was pretty easy for us to go the restaurant. My husband and his old friend said their hi’s and hellos. I wasn’t paying much attention because all that I can think of was food! They talked about our little adventure that day until our order was served.

The moment it was laid on the table, I immediately took a bite. I do not know if I was just very hungry but it tasted nothing like anything I have ever tasted before. It was so good! My husband’s friend Kuya Rey (the chef) ordered a lot for us! Even if my husband and I were hungry, we are not really big eaters so we were taken aback by the amount of food served on us.

Remember when I said the food was so good and my husband not being big eaters? Well, scrap that. The food was not just good, it was heavenly to the point that my husband and I finished EVERYTHING! I mean, we had Volcano Roll (sushi), Spicy Mango Roll (sushi), Rib Eye, Wagyu Beef and rice. All of these were served in huge portion but we were able to consume it all plus the desert!

murakami-wagyu-beef

It was the best way to start the calm after the storm and I wouldn’t really wish it any other way. We loved the food so much that before our flight, we decided to eat again in Murakami and it was yet again another gastronomic experience!

After we left the restaurant, my husband and I walked around the city to take touristy shots.Our first stop was, of course, the Big Ben. I was beyond amazed when I saw the Parliament and the Big Ben! I can still remember it explode from the James Bond movie so I was beyond thrilled that finally, I AM IN LONDON! (And we found my bag with everything still in it!)

Right across the bridge was the London Eye. Yes, you read it right. I saw the freaking London Eye! I literally have to pick up my jaw and screw it back. It felt so surreal for me. It was just beyond amazing! My husband loves taking pictures of buildings at night so we have decided to go somewhere else since it is still early. He asked me where I would like to go.

“I am just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her back…” That was all I can ever think of during that time. And so off we go to Notting Hill. 

When we got to Notting Hill, we immediately started looking for the blue door and the bookshop. We were so happy when we found it and took loads of pictures. Apart from the blue door and Travel/Book shop, Notting Hill is a pretty amazing street so if ever you are in London, I suggest you put it on your list.

After going all cheesy in Notting Hill, we have decided it is time to go somewhere magical. And what could be more magical than Platform 9 3/4? I am a Potter-head so seeing that platform in real life made my heart leap for joy. You can take pictures on the platform but there are also photographers there from the Harry Potter store (conveniently located next to it) that can take your picture and print it for £15. My husband is not a fan of printed pictures so we decided to take pictures of our own and it turned out pretty amazing.

After the magical encounter, we went back to the parliament so my husband can take pictures and then went home around midnight. The train closes at 01:00 so we still had plenty of time. But since we were so tired, we have decided to end the Day 1 of our London Adventure.

 

 

PS.

Day 2 will be even more exciting so don’t forget to follow so you will not miss anything. 🙂 Also I will write about our Where to Eat in London so we can talk more about the food and of course more pictures! 🙂

 

Code of the Developer’s Wife

My husband and I have been married for almost 2 years now. And just like any other couple, we have had our share of ups and downs. But as time goes by, we have learned to accept the differences and work on the things we are not compatible on.

One of the things I have learned in the course of our marriage is that work for him is a totally different spectrum. He pours his heart and mind in his work. On the first year of our marriage, it was hard for me to understand why I cannot bother him when he is in front of his computer. I mean, he is basically just facing stuff that look like this. <“style>()>>>{{[[[[>>>if:>!

In the eyes of ordinary people, (I mean those who has no idea about software development/coding) this is all look like… gibberish. That is how I saw it as well. He called it to code, I call it a headache. But over time, out of this headache, I found my own code. And these are the “codes” I follow to understand my husband.

  1. If in front of the computer, do not disturb. There was an incident where I found my husband just staring at his computer so I shouted trying to surprise him hoping he would laugh. But all I got was a frown and a hint of irritation because he lost his train of thought/code. So I have learned to never do it again.
  2. If headphones are on, do not disturb. When my husband has earphones or headphones on, that means he is in the “zone.” And when a developer is in the “zone“, the last thing that you can do is disturb them. Unless of course, you want to experience World War II in your very own house.
  3. If you are telling your husband something and his face looks blank, do not be angry at him. He is not trying to ignore you. He is actually trying to understand what you are saying. This usually happens when he has been so engrossed with all the codes that he is trying to do and decipher. His mind has been working on complex algorithms and even more complex coding languages  that he is back to square one in understanding the “common language.” Give him a few hours and he’ll be back to earth, don’t worry! Just try to keep your patience for a few hours while he is on a Martian mode.lol
  4. If he tells you it is “code red, can’t go home early”, do not be angry at him. He is not having an affair with a woman who is in “code red”. He is merely saying, “My love I can’t go home because there is a problem in the office I have to solve immediately.” Remember, their mind works like codes. So they say everything Uncle Bob style. Concise and clean.
  5. If he tells you he has `Go live,` do not stay on Facebook the whole day and wait for him to go “live”. You will be very disappointed because you will hardly even see him online. What he is trying to tell you is that the product that they developed is done so they are pushing it to production and it can be used by their clients already! Trust me, that is too long for them so say so they’ll revert back to Uncle Bob’s principle. 
  6. If he tells you, no defect! Don’t just stand there and say OK. Hug him, kiss him! Celebrate with him! This means that his code is clean and he did it really well. It’s almost the same with getting a perfect score in an exam! So go and give him the sweetest and biggest hug you can manage!

I am not saying however that my husband is not sweet or doesn’t talk to me at all. What I am trying to point out here is that there is a huge difference between us brought about by our chosen profession. BUT this difference is not enough to make us love each other less. In fact, I  am saying that because of this huge difference, I was able to love him more.

I was able to appreciate the fact that he is very careful with his words. He doesn’t just say things without thinking about twice, in that way we avoid hurting each other verbally. He is so serious when he is working but this doesn’t mean I can’t give him a quick kiss on the cheeks nor give him a quick hug. Based on my experience, when my husband is so stressed, a quick hug changes his mood and perspective thus making him more productive.

I know it will take some “getting-used-to” in order for you to understand the things that he is saying but you’ll get there. You will both reach that stage that even just a look in the eyes, you will know what each other is thinking. You will get to the point that even a simple nod would mean a whole lot of other things.

You can’t code a perfect married life, it simply doesn’t work that way. There will always be defects along the way. Bugs that needed to be removed. Work around that needs to be done. But that is what make it amazing! It is unpredictable but very stable because …….

<h1><span style=”background-color: #ff0000; color: #ffffff;”><strong>Love is greater than anything&nbsp;<img src=”https://html-online.com/editor/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-embarassed.gif&#8221; alt=”embarassed” /></strong></span></h1>

Copy and paste the code here.

 

MFS:’Tards Saying Davao Deserved the Bombing.

It was Friday, September 2 (Copenhagen,Denmark) when I read the news about the bombing in Davao City. Worried was an understatement for how I truly felt that time. I have a lot of friends from Davao, in fact, I have lived in Davao for some time so it came as a shock to me when I heard the news.

Being born and raised in the Southern part of the Philippines, I have seen first hand the result of this extremists actions. I have even volunteered to go to war-torn areas and join groups giving psychological interventions to kids that are affected and traumatized by haunting events like this. So the news wasn’t new to me, but it is still didn’t make it easier.

I grew up in General Santos City and we have had our share of this senseless killing as well. It is so heart-wrenching for me to even just remember how scared I was during those unsafe times. I was always scared, very vigilant and suspicious of everyone. There was even a time I didn’t want to go out because I really felt scared.

It is for this reason that I give my big fat MIDDLE FINGER SALUTE to all the retarded Filipinos who said, that Davao deserved what it got. That it is a Karma for the Davaoeños because they are so proud. That it is not true after all that Davao is a safe city.

I admit, Davaoeños as boastful. They boast and brag all the time that they have 911. That they can roam around their streets at night bust still feel secured. BUT they have all the right to be! Their LGU is really good, if not the best in the Philippines. Let’s not be hypocrite, let’s all admit that we envy them. We all envy them because they have city officials who truly care for them. They have city officials who makes SERVING the PEOPLE a priority! However, even if they boast about it, it is still not a reason enough for you to rejoice in their misfortune. As a matter of fact, no reason is big enough for anyone to hope for misfortunes to happen to others.

You say it is “karma” for the Davaoeños, why? Do bad luck happen to those who follow the law? Do bad karma go after the happy and contented people living in an amazing city? NO! They just happened to be victims. Victim of war, terror and senseless killing! Instead of saying nonsense things like “karma” and all, why not pray for them and for their family?

DAVAO CITY IS SAFE and it will always be safe because they have LGU that protects them. They have LGU that ensures their security. Yes, a bomb exploded but that is because it was targeted. It’s not like everyday a bomb explode in Davao. This is a very specific incident planned by the extremists to hurt the head of the country. It is not about Davao’s safety. It is about Davao being hand-picked by infamous terrorists.

We all have our share on what happened to Davao. We urged Duterte to run for president despite the obvious that he really didn’t want to. They mercilessly attacked his city while he was so busy looking after everyone else! We took out the King Eagle out of his nest to help us, and now, is this how we pay back everything that he has done? By beaing a traitor to our own kind and turning our back the moment they need us most?

It was so amazing to see how we changed our profile pictures during the bomb explosion in Paris. It was so amazing to see the #’s we used for the bombing in Belgium…BUT why can’t we do the same for our country? Why can’t we show our fellowmen the warmth and care that we showed to the people France, Belgium, USA and etc. Why?

Instead of cultivating more hate and animosity, why not offer a prayer to the victims and their family? Why spread the hate? Why spread the animosity? Why rejoice on people’s misfortune?

I hope and pray that you will not suffer the same fate that the victim had suffered. I hope and pray that you will never ever experience and feel the same hopeless and scared feeling we felt. I hope and pray that you will be safe despite your crooked thinking…However, that will not stop me from giving you a MIDDLE FINGER SALUTE!

NOTE:

If you do not like what’s written here, feel free to unfollow. 🙂

 

Superman’s Patience Amazed Me.

August 26,2016. That was the day that one of my biggest and grandest dream growing up came true. I can and will never forget that day, because, on that very day, I was able to say “I went to London to visit the queen.”

Of course, in reality, I did not go to London to visit the queen. I was there for a vacation with the love of my life. Upon arrival at Luton Airport, I was already filled with awe and excitement. I felt like my knees are going Jell-O and butterflies are in my tummy. When my passport was stamped and was told by the immigration officer, “Welcome to London”, I smiled from ear to ear and I couldn’t hide my excitement at all.

My husband and I took the train from Luton Railway Park to London. We were supposed to go down Farringdon Station and then take the circle line to Aldgate East because that was the address of the AirBnB apartment we rented. When we boarded out of Farringdon Station, I was really ecstatic. I couldn’t believe how lucky and blessed I am because I was given the opportunity to visit LONDON!

And then it hit me, I left my handbag on the train. I shouted, “Dad, I left my bag on the train!” And as if those were the magic words, the doors of the train closed and I saw right in front of me the train was speeding away. My heart that was once filled with happiness was suddenly filled with horror. I mean, who wouldn’t be? Our passports were there, along with my wallet with all my credit cards, our vacation budget, and my husband’s beloved phone!

I immediately tried to look for any track officer but nobody was around so I asked the people who were there if they know where is the station office, they said it is upstairs so my husband and I ran and went up. The information said I should go down again and go to the office in platform 4. It felt like I was running against time!

The officers in the office immediately tried to help me. They asked for the pertinent details regarding the train we took. Thank God because He gave my husband and I a clear mind that time despite the pressure so we were able to remember details like we were seated in the 2nd coach, in front of the handicap toilet, the train was headed for Brighton we left Luton Railway Park at 9:37.

The officer communicated with the next station, so we waited for their reply. When they called back, they said that the train just passed them. So he called the next station, Blackfriars and they said they will check it. A few minutes have passed and then Blackfriars said they do not have it. I felt like my world crashed. I can see the disappointment on my husband’s face.

The officer said he relayed the message to the central office so they will send an email to all the stations. Then Blackfriars called again and they said they found a bag that is colored purple. I would have been really happy except for the fact that my bag wasn’t purple. It was beige so I was dismayed yet again.

Then an idea popped in my mind. I asked my husband if he could track his phone. I know it is possible in iPhone through Find my iPhone app but I wasn’t sure if it can be done in android phones since my husband is using Samsung. But ‘Lo and behold, my husband was able to track his phone! It was somewhere in Blackfriars!I don’t know what he did, but he was able to do so! Thank God for giving me a husband who knows nothing about giving up!

We showed it to the officer and he was surprised but he said that if that is the exact location, my phone might not be on the train anymore so someone must have taken it. With all the might he can muster my husband said he will go there anyway and check it himself. Since all our cash is in my bag, we can’t buy a ticket so the officer issued a pass that my husband can use so he can go to Blackfriars and back again to Farringdon.

I asked my husband if I should come with him, but there was a flicker of concern in his eyes. Like a bear worried and really protective of his cub. He said no. He told me to stay with the inspectors instead. And I know, deep down my husband wasn’t sure if it will be safe for us so he chose to go alone instead.

After my husband left, I fervently prayed. I prayed the rosary and called unto God to protect my husband and bring back my bag along with everything inside it. Minutes became hours. And with every second, my anxiety just grow more.

Then came the moment of truth. The train arrived in Brighton. I was crying so hard since the time my husband left, and the inspectors are starting to worry about me. I heard the phone rang, and then in between sobs, I overheard the inspector say, “There’s nothing more that we can do”… So I know, it was clear, they were not able to find my bag.

I can hear them pointing fingers on who should tell me. Maybe because I was really crying so hard that it scared them or they just feel sorry for me. But whatever their reason may be, I couldn’t be happier with their timing. Because just when they were about to approach me, my husband came. And on his arm was my bag.

I hugged my husband so tight. I was so happy that he is alright and that he found my bag. He smiled at me and told me to say thank you to the enforcers. After we left the office, I told my husband again how sorry I was for causing all the trouble. And he just said, “It’s okay. We got your bag back so it’s fine now.” I felt his sincerity and I know I am loved.

During the whole crazy and panic moments, my husband kept his calm and was nothing short of amazing. He just asked politely “What was I thinking, how come I forgot about my bag.” He even told me to stop crying because he was worried I might have an asthma attack.

I can never be more thankful that I have such an amazing husband. He is really very understanding and very caring. He is not as verbose as other guys but he is so much more gentle and loving. He is very protective of me and always gives me the best. My husband is my Superman. And my Superman’s patience truly did amaze me.