MY Team is THE 2014 PBA Philippine Cup CHAMPION

My team started the conference with a 1-3 card. The Coffee Mixers lost to Ginebra by 29 points in one game.There was high hope from the other teams. They were down 3-5, I was anxious in the eliminations phase, as the All-Filipino Cup I consider to be the most valued among all the conferences. There is no import to rely on, I believe it's where the players can truly prove how great they are.Won't we make it???:(

Slowly but surely. This tagline was used in a Purefoods TJ Hotdogs commercial decades ago, during Alvin Patrimonio's rise to hard court stardom. This was how my team made it to the finish line. In the semis, a game 7 rubber match was set against, okay, the most popular team, Barangay Ginebra. The series was even dubbed Manila Classico.I prayed for a win,it's a bitter pill to swallow should I lose to my brothers, cousins and friends and to Mayet. I even asked my boss to please pray for San Mig. I lighted a Manaoag candle and whispered to Mama Mary in our school chapel. Let us please move to the Finals.We won Game 7.:) Moved forward to battle versus a physical and determined team, Rain or Shine.

Last night was Game 6 against Rain or Shine.I wanted the balloons at the Big Dome to be freed already.The previous matches were all exciting, I think the widest margin was in Game 2 when San Mig won by 10 points. The rest were 3-2-1 point game deficits.  I know my 66 students are one with me in praying for a ring. They'd benefit from it.:) Mamang, Mayet and Kakay( I even promised them Jollibee meals should San Mig win) were all screaming too, I hoped our neighbors weren't bothered. The 2 teams were superb to see on court.For me, they brought out the best in each other. The two most brilliant coaches, Tim Cone and Yeng Guiao delivered impressive strategies and plays. One even staged a mock walk-out!!:) 

Thirty-two seconds left in the final period and we were up by 5 points, the ball was in the hands of Rain or Shine, I knew should they made a shot, it ain't yet over.Breath held for every diehard fan, goodness gracious, the ball slipped from Paul Lee's hands and finally, I let out one loud scream. WE will win and yes WE DID!!!

Basketball history was written last night. The coach, Tim Cone holds the title of the PBA winningest coach surpassing  the respected Baby Dalupan( he once coached Purefoods too). In addition to this, the Purefoods franchise holds the distinction of winning its sixth All- Filipino title- the most in PBA history. I say, choose your team wisely.:)

One man was and continues to be an integral part of all the championship trophies of the team (which went under several commercial names already), he will forever be my MVP and best Filipino player, the Captain Lion Heart, Alvin Patrimonio. He serves as the team manager and  an inspiration to the players to make it better in every game. People wonder why at my present age,I still go gaga over basketball. One big reason is the Captain, memories of my younger years cheering for him, Jolas and Jerry are for keeps. It was the start of my practice of the virtue of loyalty. 

I slept late last night reading tweets and online news about the game, I almost forgot my eyes' "Black Panda" peg because of my elation and euphoria. I was giggling watching the  locker room interview of players . Congratulations to San Mig Coffee Mixers, to Alvin and to all my kakampi.  And to Ate Kris' ex- hubby, James, big games there despite the injuries. Thank You Lord, all the angels and saints and to my students, anlakas ng dasal nyo!!!:) My housemates will be favored with Chickenjoy tomorrow.:)

Basketball is a constant love.

Crazy. Giddy.Happy.

Velentine's Day 2014

I am too fascinated with LOVE. I know that love is the best thing in the world. It truly makes the world go round and alive. May we all never run out of it now and always.:)

From my lab's student assistants. Identity crisis.:)

Surprise cake from my students. 

Funny, but thanks kids.:)

Tammy captured this in my lecture class on Hearts' Day.

Post-Valentine dinner with my sis souls.

Pink little heart from Julia

Thank You God for the gift of LOVE from You, my family and friends and him. My life is amazingly beautiful. :)

Faith.Hope.Love.

My Littlest BFF is so Sweet

This piece of pink heart was given to me on Valentine's night by my littlest and ever very thoughtful bff, Julia. Thank you beh. As early as now, I am wishing and praying that even if you grow taller than me and meet new more girlfriends, we will remain to be tight. I know I will never get tired of your hugs, kisses, text messages and stories. 

My students were delighted to finally meet you in person. You are a superstar in their eyes.:) In my heart, you are one tiny being occupying a huge space.Don't grow too fast Tammy.

Ta Mitzi loves you so much. I am thankful for your parents Sha and Ville, they let us bond with our cosmetics and kaartehan. I am looking forward for more adventures and memories with you.

Be a good girl always.

Hug.Kiss.Laugh.

For My Most Extraordinary Love

L-O-V-E

Love is action.

                                              Kris Aquino

Never miss an opportunity to show your love, especially to those close to you.
                                                        Paulo Coelho                                                                                                                    

Love does not need to be understood. It needs only to be shown.

 True love never exists without rough roads.

And the greatest of all,

Love.Love.Love.

Pleased to Meet

Let me say I am humbled and extremely lucky to meet a very intelligent and holy man in the person of Fr. Vic Nicdao. He is my university's Vice President for Administration, I am under his cluster. He is a close friend of my former parish priest, they both studied in Belgium for their Doctorate in Sacred Theology. The one homily Among Vic left a mark in my mind was, "At the passion of Christ, He was asked what was the most painful part of the journey. Was it the pain and ridicule thrown at him by the unbelievers? No. It was the kiss of Judas, the kiss of betrayal."

Now, up close and personal, I get to see that beyond his brilliance lie genuine care and attentiveness for the people surrounding him. He has this ability to listen to my stories be it my love for Kris and basketball, my dream destinations, my fear of men. He never makes me feel intellectually inept, he even  encourages me to pursue further studies or my wish to take lessons in cooking and cosmetics.

At the beginning, he calls me "Maarts", he said being maarte looks fine in me and I need not change.Haha! Each day we bump at one another, never did he fail in this line: "Kumpleto ne ing aldo ku, ikit da na ka." Serious or not, the constant and consistent comment makes me somehow think I really provide sunshine and glee to them. I am unofficially a priests' entertainer.:)

Fr. Vic's homilies are wonderfully prepared. They tug at the churchgoers' heart without  intimidation and hypocrisy. He could be a prolific creative writer  no doubt. The reflections are apt for real every day living and I look forward to them each Tuesday in our school's chapel. God's holiness radiates in this cool disciple of Him.

To know Among Vic in my new line of work is a perk priceless and I am looking forward to more conversations, dinners and life lessons with him.

Thankful. Pleased. Blessed.

CON Nurse's Week 2014

UA CON clinical instructors

The Cut

Rewind to 1998: I had my first try of haircut at Salon de Manila in Banaue, Quezon City. The salon, even back then was already popular as many celebrities served as clients. I still remember the great length of time the stylist devoted in cutting my hair plus the compliments I received with the style they gave my mane. It was more than worth it, I mean the price I paid considering I was a college student that time. I think it was Php 350.

For the past five years , I grew my hair below the shoulder length. The longest was at my elbow level. Having long hair has its many perks, I curled, braided and pony tailed it. My hair underwent rebonding treatments then and now. However it takes a great deal of maintenance to keep it healthy and shiny. Gastos at pasensya. But it makes you "girl na girl."

My hair before the cut.

Few days ago, I was having thoughts of going back to short hair, this time, above my shoulders. I know  if this materializes, Salon de Manila would be the only choice of place. Add to that, I will make sure, I am at a stable solid state of happy or calm mood. As opposed to the norm that ladies do drastic changes with their mane during their rebellious/angry/depressed phase, I am not like that.

So last Saturday, while my cousins and I were in Makati for a quick staycation, I googled the salon's branch near the vicinity. As expected, Lou, the senior stylist who took charge of my hair did not fail my expectations. It took  45 minutes for her to come up with the result. She said in jest," Ma'am sisiguraduhin ko maganda 'to," when I mentioned my only request that hopefully, even after ordinary days, meaning when it's my turn to blow-dry my hair, the style would still remain.

Totally NEW hairstyle for the next months and who knows, years. As I have thick tresses, I now feel light. I am adjusting when I comb and shampoo my hair. Yes, I miss the former length, I won't be able to curl my now short hair. Nonetheless, I feel good and pleased with my decision to cut it. I pondered and prayed about it, that's how I am.:)  Most important, I did it with a happy, secure and giddy heart.:)

Not so Manic Monday

Contrary to many, Mondays excite me. I look forward to it every week for a very special reason. I won't tell why!:) 

Today feels alright. I was able to create 2 quizzes for my subject, they are highly easier compared to the previous exams because I want to give consideration to the students. Yes I am trying to be nice. I had my share of reading Maladaptive Nursing topics too. Pysch remains to be an exciting concept. Whoooaaa!! I hope someday I won't associate myself anymore with the histrionic and narcissistic personality disorders.As of today, it seems like I am still somehow under these two categories.:)

I am grateful for the busyness of today. It means I am alive and I have work. By the way, I got my new ID as a tenured employee this morning.I look pretty and fresh with the Mac Russian red lipstick.:)

Happy Monday to us all.

Pray. Work. Smile.

Chord Strucker #1

Late last night, this quote blew me away. My closest friends who know even the most subtle nonverbal cues of my being have been one in saying THIS is my biggest weakness in matters of the heart. Whoaaa!!:(

I wish someday, if opportunities would still knock, I may have the courage to stay steady, calm down and embrace the possibilities. May cold feet not creep in or else, I might run away again.

Search. Find. Stay.

Educators' Day 2014

On January 30, our university held its celebration of Educators' Day. All of us, even the administrators came to watch Snowpiercer at SM Downtown. The movie was set in 2031 and it's all about "Wilford"!!! Even after 7 years in my work already, there are still days when I somehow can't believe that I am a teacher. :) Well I guess it shouldn't come a surprise as I am a teacher's daughter.:) I love my work and I am blessed to enjoy what I do.

At least in writing, they're not scared of me.:)

Thank you to UACSC for the movie and spa treats.CRCYC for the flower.

"The best teachers don't give you the answers. They just point the way and let you make your own choices. Your own mistakes. That way you get all the glory. And you deserve it."
                                                                                                           
                                                                                                     Mr.Schuester
Read. Learn. Teach.