Losing Out

LOSER

There are 3 things a loser does excellently:
1. Making excuses
2. Falling into self pity
3. Congratulating oneself too much


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LOSING

It is in abundance that we are boastful, wasteful, careless. 

It is in understanding that time and things are fleeting that we are wiser.

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LOSS

The most fearless of people you know have had at least one great loss in their lives. It is no coincidence. The frail heart gives way to a stronger spirit.

Things I learned from my 3-week Facebook hiatus

1. That life goes on perfectly fine without it; and
2.  Zuckerberg won’t make it hard for you to go back.

Reflections in the shower

I think-

Your thoughts in the shower are pretty accurate gauge of where you are in your life at the present.

If morning bath is multitasked with planning out your day and how to execute your duties, then probably things at work are tough. It must be really, really tough if you don’t even get to shower at all.

If shower is consumed by thoughts of how screwed up your last relationship was (that you forgotten if you’ve soaped already), then probably you’re at a time you’re nursing the heart.

If it is spent reflecting on the past- the good and/or the bad parts of the story- then probably you’re gearing for a big moment. Sometimes, even unknowingly.

Bath time is less soapy than we think it is. So you might have guessed it, you probably know when I thought of all these. =)

It could mean darkness, lonesomeness

Give and thou shall receive...

All this week -

Tickets to see Kobe c/o Polie
Inom na malupit c/o Cindy
My-condolences coffee c/o Chaw
My-condolences dinner c/o Precy
Midnight snack c/o Ageo
Breakfast c/o Joan
Bucket of beer c/o Elvin
Ozz pasalubong c/o Jr

Ako na ang surrounded with generous friends! ♥

On having sisters...

Family member appreciation series ba to?

My 2 sisters and I are very different people- it's like being at the endpoints of a 3-prong spectrum (uhm, go figure) so it's amazing how we find ways to maneuver around each one's idiosyncrasies.

We've not always had it right growing up. But as time always does, it teaches us to be more tolerant  and appreciative of each other. Each day we try, each day we learn. And if all else fails, we just turn a blind eye. >:)

Love ko mga ate ko! ♥ ♥ ♥   Can't wait for our Cambodia trip in 2 weeks! :)

Quick note on gratitude

My grandparents worked from ground up.  My parents somehow enjoyed a comfortable childhood. They made it through law school and made sure we got good education too. But more than anything, I'm thankful for the values they taught us. They knew exactly that we'd learn from what they did, not from what they said. And they knew too, that love is something you think, say and do... and must be generous with.

Salamat naman sa loving family, Lord.

On finding love or being found by it

When we start to step out
When it all goes 'round
When all the lines are defined
          though they don't intersect
When blurry things become clear
When everything blooms in spring time
When we look down and reach out
When things get cheesy
          yet we still want to ride...
It may be that we find love or love finds us. :)

I love hand written notes on mush. Haha. This has been the best surprise in recent memory! Thanks, Aze! >:D<






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You and your light...

Postcards from May of Last/Yesteryears

The 17th


It would have been the 'rents 41st wedding anniversary.

Just for kicks, we tried this babymaker/mashup thingie to "predict" what their future kid would look like. Yeah, this sounds crazy- as if 7 kids are not enough to tell what their real-life babies look like.

Anyway...
Presenting... the sibling that resembles the predicted baby the most is...

OWEN WILSON!!!!!

Why is that thing blond anyway? =))


Still and all, the kids miss you big time. And the grand kids are missing out bigger time... We love you, Popsy and Mamu. Everyday. You, of course, know that.

The 22nd


Exactly a year ago, I earned the distinct honor of being called a marathoner.

I would eternally be grateful for what running does in my life. 'nough said. :)

It also doesn't hurt running is a family event as Kuya Randy was a co-alumnus of that race.
So was Raj! But I think the bigger celebration for him that day was he got himself a sweet young woman for a girlfriend. Yiheeeeee!!!!

Happy anniversary, lovebees! I love you both! :)


The 29th


It's been 5 years since Popsy's been away. =|

In remembrance, the family gathered in Loyola today, had special lunch and got our pasalubong from KJ and family's recent NY trip. :) I love my family. Everything about us. The differences, most especially. It's from the 2 great losses and keeping together what's left that I learned the best way to live life is by meaning it...

***


Since this post is everything about May...

I'd like to include in this entry 2 events of May 2011 that made me one extreeeeeeeeeeemely happy girl.

They are:

The recent trip to Baler, Aurora...

and having won the West. Welcome to the finals, baby!

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:)

Thank you, Lord. :) High five tayo! :)

The exact science that is Chemistry

Whether it was OCness or sheer boredom that drove Mendeleev to organize the elements in one spanking table, he sure did mankind (with the exception of high school juniors) a favor by doing what he did. Although Chemistry was never my favorite subject (I mean seriously, why can’t we just leave stoichiometry to the lab rats?), I have enough appreciation for its insane order at elemental level. Pun intended.


If everything were just as structured as putting 2 hydrogen molecules and 1 oxygen molecule to get agua, we’d all be coasting on calm waters. Put sodium and chlorine together, you get table salt.  Put hydrogen and chlorine together, you get yourself a toilet bowl cleaner. You and I get along really well and our friends acknowledge our undeniable chemistry. But put you and me together, the compound is nothing your mind can wrap around. Whatever happened to Chemistry being an exact science? Where’s justice in that?




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Dipstick check

My dinosaur knows about the emptiness... while I didn't even know I can draw a dinosaur.

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Sailing...

Nagsasa equals...

Beach/Bundok...

beer...

and bato bato weekend

Happy! :)



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Ghost of ______ past

Walls must not crack. Strong current must not come flooding in.

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Life cannot be that far away

When you're caught in the middle

When it's been too long a bad streak

When you just turn clockwise because it's how it all spins...

Data Migration

Not sure if there's truth to this whole buzz about Friendster shutting down or reformatting. Since the word is spreading like wild fire, I might as well pick up the valuables and bring them to safety. 

I'm being sentimental and posting below my favorite Testimonials (predecessor of today's graffiti on the "Wall"?) from the social network platform that used to be the coolest thing when we were kids...

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Who's that chick rockin' 'em LB campus and QC streets? Winna, that's who!!! This girl is cool! I first ran into her when I was a dorm-residing, law-abiding, newly-registered froshie and she was a 5th year weed-smoking, grass-picking shower-dominating old freshman. JUST KIDDING!!! Seriously, I never really saw her much around La Ville, probably coz this girl's so popular and active that she's all over the campus attending parties, meetings, events. Glad you're on friendster Ate Wins! =)

- Dianne

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hi winz, my cuzin, my twin and my best buddy. with her, i can talk abt everything, eventhou it doesnt make sense at all. lolz winz, also has a sense of humor kahit na down ka na, dyan lang yan to cheer me up. u know wat, i miss the times we spent  together, the time sneak out at nite kc kc.. u know wat i mean ryt? :)) yun tym na sa rum tayo lolo sleep tapos arnd certain tym up pa tayo kc wentuhan tayo then we will juz agree over a thing lyk labas in d middle of the nite and stay sa tulay :P winsss, i miss u a lot. ill see you soon and better na pakilala mo saken bf mo aite? laterz cuzin

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just dropping by to tell you that i found the girl you were looking for ;) she says "SHE MISSES YOU SO MUCH" and all the stuff you used to do - sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night (hmmm, wat could be the reason???you guys never caught doing that - great job! - lol), talking about boys (of course), boys and boys, did i mention boys? before going to bed (night wont be complete without talking about 'em huh?! hehehhe) and of course. who would forget about the letter she wrote about hating you when you guys had a fight one day, you haven't forgotten that, have you? She hopes to talk to you one of these days. - hugs and kisses from your one and only twin ;) - love yah

- Aibel

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si ma'am winna...she's so cool!!! ang sarap kasama nyannn,parang naka drugs parati...kasi trip na trip nya tumawa...tapos nakakatuwa pa kasi she's so tiny pero ang laki ng voice...weheheh..dati niyaya namen yan manood sa mocha bf,,,pucha,,,cafe latte ang ininom? pero ok lang,,,basta masarap kasama yan...i miss you ma'am winns.... 

- Odette

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WINSTER!!!!U ang pinaka okraydora at antipatika sa UPLB!!!U ang taong di ko maintindihan kung bakit ngayon lang nagka-friendster. chong sang bundok ka ba nagtatago? ni-ha ni-ho ala akong naririnig sayo ah. matapos nyo kong utuin ni JT "about his son" eh iiiwan mo nalang ako sa ere?!?!? ayhetchu!! ayrelirelihetchu!! (TRANSLATION: WAAA!!!! miss ko na ang pseudo politician na pop kid na triahlete na quintessential maryknoller gal na di pwedeng sumakay sa rides sa EK kasi kapos sa height ;p) joke lang chongkee! magparamdam ka na kasi or feel the wrath of noreenski gullibleski

- Noreen

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hi winna! kamustasa ka na girl? si winna, grabe! first impression ko non sa kanya, mukha syang sosyalera. malaking pagkakamali. sobrang cowboy pala syan! ang kulit-kulit! para syang energizer bunny! hehehe... na-miss ko tuloy nung 2nd anniv ng store namin. galeng-galeng nyang si winna. sana makabisita ka ulit samin dito. kahit magkulitan lang tayo. may nakalimutan pala kaming ibigay sayo ni jac. dibale, next tym na lang. ingat lagi!

-Jertie

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wins!! my beach buddy... ;) i've been friends with wins for a year pa lang..sometimes my friends laugh at me cuz they all think its so weird how i  was able to go to the beach with cindy's friends even when cindy wasn't around. hehe! well..i do consider wins as my really good friend...twas nice spending 3 days with you away from Manila. si wins sobrang mommy ng  group..always looking out for her friends. that's why we feel so protected and cared for whenever she's around..naks! oist beach ulit tayo this May ha. had fun with you! videoke na to!! hehehe ;p hope to see you again soon! mwah! :)

- Leah

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this girl definitely knows what she wants. she's pretty much determined to be successful and there's really no doubt that she would be. im glad to  have you as my friend. good luck and always keep yourself grounded. :)

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wins has always been a good friend since college days and until now, she still is. she may have her quirks in life but for her friends, these only make her more interesting. she's the youngest among the "friendship" but sometimes acts as if she's the eldest. anyway, you know na naman wins how much i value your friendship. thanks.

- Cindy

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WINNAH! definitely a winner (pronounced as winnah) in all aspects of life.. NYE!  Mishu!

- Anelle

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si winna?super friendly nitong bruhang... saya kasi kasama and napaka warm....sweet kasi everytime na makita nya na mejo tahimik, she'll approach you and ask u kung oki ka lang.if not, hug ka nia...sa kanaya me natuto mang-okray...tipong lahat ng pula sa tao sasabihin and pagtatawanan namin tapos sabay sabing "kals mo ksgsndshsn tsu e noh...hehehe.although di na kami masyado nagkikita, sobrang tinetreasure  ko tong taong 2.mishu wins!ingat....

- Tin

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really, what do you say about someone you've known for so long, have been locker-mates, closet-mates, double-deck- bed-mates, dormmates, housemates & god- knows-what-else-mates with for 8 years now? all i know is, winnah is the sweetest & most thoughtful bitch i  know...always the sensible one, i have no doubts she'll one day be the president of the philippine islands.  just don't forget, wins...when you're in trouble or need help, scream, and i'll scream louder. love you always, bitch! :)

- Andy

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si wins ang babaeng sumisipsip ng dugo, sa halos n years na nakilala ko si  wins, napatunayan kong mumu talaga siya....hindi nakakatakot pero kahit hindi mo sya nakikita, alam mong may tumitingin sayo at kasa-kasama mo...yan si wins...short version ng white lady.. :) miss ko na to kasi halos buong la ville life ko e sya ang aking FARTNER. sana mas tumibay pa ang ating pagkakaibigan...pasensya na sa aking mga pagkukulang (debit), babawi ako (credit) hehehe. ledger na lang ang kulang....mananatili kang HIGANTE sa puso ko....(nakakatakot na ata....!)

- Joan

Third Time Lucky

(A poem and some photos of Pulag)

If by design you seem to draw the short straw

Know that the Universe is not out to get you

The wind may blow and try to sway you

Know better by seeing what you want, wants you too

May setbacks make you not grow colder

But a little wiser, more eager

Perhaps take a step back to see

There’s more for you in this tapestry

Move along and sing a song

Take heart, finish strong

At the top you’d feel so free

It’s like seeing things differently

Family and friends will join you there

Even at descent, they don’t care

Life should just be a breezy stroll

Kamown let’s rock and roll

Owing to the Fact That I Can

Rarely does one find a job awesome enough that she can use expletives to drive home a point. Because, ahem, I can, here's an excerpt from something I wrote for a client today...

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What do Lance Armstrong, Ronaldo and LeBron James have in common?


Aside from being the most celebrated athletes of their own leagues (and having names synonymous to Nike), they are about every dreamer’s idea of smashing success. They have broken records, shamed their peers with their handiwork, and brought it home each time it mattered so much so that they have become household names.


But see, when you look more closely at their careers and journey to rock star status, it would be foolish to ignore the part they have been served their fair share of drawbacks. Lance and all his 7 Tour de France titles did not come without winning the more important battle which is against cancer; Ronaldo’s career was threatened to be cut short because of his knee injury; and LeBron, well, the 2-time league MVP has yet to win a ring to silence his haters.


Be it in the form of personal struggles, test of character or challenges as a pro athlete, bottom line is: Shit happens. Point-blank. And even after they have hurdled past the shit, they did not hang the gloves just yet. Lance Armstrong will forever be known as the cancer survivor who came back to feed younger riders his dust. Ronaldo played on from an injury-laden career to win 2 World Cup titles for Brazil. LeBron is the epitome of having a path full of professional debacles that will inevitably happen. And in the end, it’s all about rising above the challenges and coming to fight another season.


It has not been an ideal 2 years for (name of company). Hey, shit happens. But we get on with business and we stay the course. We’re just about to rock it out here.


You must have preempted the parallelism already because clichés are clichés because they always ring so true. That’s the whole idea, by the end of the Conference, we’d like you guys to feel like you’re the world’s greatest… That nothing and no one, not even the unfavorable position you’re in, can put a halt to such a force that has gathered strong momentum. This is especially truen when your team rallies behind you-- a team that is competent and one that you can trust with your life. Yes, we have go-to guys and clutch players but come on, one-man teams are, much like the Loch Ness monster, a myth.


“Anyone who imagines they can work alone winds up surrounded by nothing but rivals, without companions. The fact is, no one ascends alone.” Lance said. He may be known for his accolades as an individual but even he acknowledges the shining moments of each of the other 9 people in his team as they surge to the top.


There cannot be a better jump off point in this journey to unity than a brand we can all take pride in. Growing up, surely you guys, with the exception of none, have been exposed to all sorts of products (name of company) proudly carries. Brand recall, check. Being equated to quality, check. Being a trusted name, check. This weekend is all about reminding us of that fact, and of course, about dreaming and achieving as a single unit. In as much as we want you to shine like Lance, Ronaldo and LeBron, ultimately we must come out as Team US Postal (or Radio Shack), or Brazil, or The Miami Heat. YOU ARE GREAT. You already know that. But you cannot do it alone. You are at your greatest when you are with your team.


Finally, a notable pro sport coach once said, “The strength of the pack is the wolf. The strength of the wolf is the pack”. LeBron cannot win the O’Brien trophy by himself. We need the Wades and Boshes and the rest of the guys. That is why we dream as a team. And that is why we are THE Dream Team.

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I love writing and I love selling ideas. This particular brief is the most fun I've had in a long time. Still crossing my fingers it flies, though! =)

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Because running changes your life, and a marathon does it some magic...

42 kilometers. Check.
(Most) Dramatic finish. Check.






Congratulations again to the T!

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Here's the plan...

This is not what I can call mine but I wanna take/make more of these...

photos
lines
memories




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Social Science Lab

Stay tuned for the story of this sticky note-

Spreading-the-love attempt #1! =)

Zambales is Love!

I always have the best of days in Zambales. Of all drivable r&r destinations, my mom's home province is definitely in the highest rung.

I've been up the crater of Pinatubo...

Marvelled at the magnificent landscape of Anawangin...

(and burned my skin badly in the process)

I've been all over the province for an adventure race with Ageo...

And just over the weekend, to taste and see again just how awesome Mother Nature is. =)

(it was nice to shoot Camara Island using my own camera this time)

Cindy, Ageo and Johan made the trip all the more special. We took turns in driving, ate a-plenty, laughed so much it felt like we were kids, and went through crazy things like we were in some alternate reality. =)

P.S.

Here's a vid/photo collage Cindy put together

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1833954203026&subj=1065543680

P.P.S.

Also got a kick out of reminiscing the adventure race with Ageo. I think it's sweet he remembers the days like they just happened. Bestest teammate, I swear! :)

I Think of You and I Whistle :)

Today was a happy day :) One of the biggest projects has come to a (semi-)conclusion-- I'm saying semi because unless the finished products have been delivered to the doorstep of the client, I'd still be continuing to tiptoe-- and because today someone got injured. And I rejoice because I'm evil like that. >=) But relax, he's fine. He'd go on to be an Ironman China finisher in  8 weeks' time but for now, I'm just relishing the thought he twisted his wrist and turned to me for affirmation that, despite the fact that he won't be able to train for swimming and loofah the same way in the next 7  days, it's all good. Yeeeeee. :)


And there's more...
It's been more than a month since I celebrated my birthday. I'd be lying if I say I wasn't looking forward to our honoring tradition but travels and work got in the way. Something always gets in the way. How convenient is that? Anyway, I'm still contemplating on demanding for that session but for now, let it be said that my eyes well up with happy tears every time I  read the post-birthday honoring from my Twinstah and Evil Sistah.  Since they're too heartwarming not to share, let's post 'em here so I can access them in one place whenever I need a thought that would make me whistle (and cry).


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1)
Author: My Twinstah
Date sent: 08 March 2011
Manner of sending: Yahoo! Mail


You know what I realized today?


You were the one who introduced me to:
1. Climbing mountains
2. Running
3. Local travel

Three things that make me feel alive, that give me joie de vivre.

Thank you, Winsy. :)

You and I are different in many ways, but essentially we're made of the same stuff :
an appreciation for the sun, sand and sea, an affinity for the mountains, a curiousity
for the world and its wonders, the desire to live a life that is joyful and meaningful.
And I am grateful for your friendship - for this soul sisterhood.

I hope you realize how special you are. And many people would agree for sure. :)

The other half of the power couple - whoever he may be - is in for a delightful life with you.


2)
Author: My Evil Sistah
Date sent: 30 March 2011
Manner of sending: As blog post


It’s been over a month since your birthday but we never really had a formal honoring session. So I thought I should post my thoughts on my blog…just so you’ll have an excuse to visit my page again. :>

Kidding aside, I really missed you after our quick breakfast this morning. I guess my realization triggered this post. Anyway, my thoughts go something like this…

If your life is a storybook then yours will have colorful pages. Colorful pages that represent the happy memories that you constantly create with your family and friends. Wherever you are, you always bring sunshine with you. You’re like this perfect glint of sun on a dreamy day at the beach.

Your storybook also comes in thick fat sheets. Because it carries the distances that you covered both literally and metaphorically to add meaning, substance and depth to your life.

These things are all in the present if not in the past. But guess what…your storybook also has of lots of blank spaces. For memories that have yet to come. For life experiences that will gain you more insights. For revelatory dreams that you have yet to achieve.

You are one strong woman. Beautiful, smart and really quite a catch (any guy—wait, dapat runner, matangkad, di maputi, outdoorsy, matalino, God-fearing at magaling mag English—will be lucky to have you). So whatever comes your way, however you wish to tread the tides of the future, I’m sure you will daringly carry on with so much grace and passion.

I love you, Evil Sistah! :-* Belated happy botdei! >:D< 


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Dalawa pa lang yan. Tell me whose birthday is not complete after getting these 2 messages? :"> Thanks, girls. Actually, this blog entry is about you (Not that guy! Haha!) I'm just too sabaw to establish the connection which is bad because I'm already about to end it with a sudden halt. 
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Okay, sleepy. Gotta go and dream happy dreams already. Night night! :-"

No no no no no nooooooo!!!!

If it’s a joke, well no one’s laughing.

I panicked when I typed my blog’s URL and Google told me it has been deleted. The hell? Site told me they detected “unusual activity” in the site so they had to take it out. Excuse me sir but did you mean unusual INactivity? I know, I’ve been a slacker-blogger but to delete my page on that basis? Wag naman.

So I followed to the dot everything Google asked me to do recover my 9lovelysummernights page, hoping the “unusual activity” they are referring to did not mean my site was used for pornography or child prostitution (still on Jan-jan mode). After keying a couple of times passwords and other verification info, I was finally redirected to my site. *phew!* I let out an even louder sigh of relief to find it unscathed.  No gross stuff in here, thankfully.

It’s been almost 8 months since I last wrote here. Even worse, I have not been reading my friends’ blog entries either. :( I’m sorry to myself and to you guys. :( I’m not gonna make excuses for not allowing myself to write like I used to. My old self is seriously disappointed at the one I have become into. But hey, since I consider this time my second life at Blogspot, I promise to TRY my best to check in more frequently. Try being the operative word. Hehe. For now, I’m just relieved to know I still have my little corner in cyberworld.

Hi, friends! It's been so long and I’m glad to be back!