Sunscreen

Ladies and gentlemen of the class of ‘97
“WEAR SUNSCREEN!”

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, “sunscreen” would be it.
The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists,
whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.
I will dispense this advice NOW!
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth.



Oh, never mind.
You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they’ve faded.
But trust me, in 20 years, you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.
You are not as fat as you imagine.
Don’t worry about the future.
Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum.
The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind,
The kind that blindside you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing

Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts.
Don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss

Don’t waste your time on jealousy.
Sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind.
The race is long and, in the end, it’s only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive.
Forget the insults.
If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters.
Throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life.
The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives.
Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don’t.
Get plenty of calcium.
Be kind to your knees.
You’ll miss them when they’re gone.
Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t.
Maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t.
Maybe you’ll divorce at 40.
Maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary.
Whatever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much,
or berate yourself either.

Your choices are half chance.
So are everybody else’s.
Enjoy your body.
Use it every way you can.
Don’t be afraid of it or of what other people think of it.
It’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own.
Dance
Even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.
Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them.




Do not read beauty magazines.
They will only make you feel ugly.
“Brother and sister together we’ll make it through,
Someday a spirit will take you and guide you there
I know that you’re hurting but I’ve been waiting there for you
and I’ll be there just helping you out
whenever I can…”

Get to know your parents.
You never know when they’ll be gone for good.
Be nice to your siblings.
They’re your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go,
but with a precious few you should hold on.
Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get,
the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.
Live in “New York City” once, but leave before it makes you hard.
Live in “Northern California” once, but leave before it makes you soft.
Travel

Accept certain inalienable truths:
Prices will rise.
Politicians will philander.
You, too, will get old.
And when you do, you’ll fantasize that when you were young,
prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.

Don’t expect anyone else to support you.
Maybe you have a trust fund.
Maybe you’ll have a wealthy spouse.
But you never know when either one might run out.
Don’t mess too much with your hair or by the time you’re 40 it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy,
but be patient with those who supply it.

Advice is a form of nostalgia.
Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal,
wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.
“Brother and sister together we’ll make it through,
Someday a spirit will take you and guide you there
I know that you’re hurting but I’ve been waiting there for you
and I’ll be there just helping you out
whenever I can…”
Everybody’s Free, Everybody’s Free
To Feel Good!

All About Eve

Perhaps I woke up on the wrong side of the bed because I can't quite get rid of the blues that's creeping me today. Or it might be that I'm going to lose IT. With the way I gather the latest developments (or is it improvement?) on your life last night, I'm halfway scared of what might happen when you finally decide. You see, I've come to value your presence whenever I need you. Your being there always when even it is not that important. The way you come to my aid when I get overwhelmed with even the most mundane things. These and more of the being YOU is what keeps me into rushing through life with confidence. The knowledge that you are there no matter what, and the assurance that you will always be with me when important highlights in my life happen, are enough to keep me strong and positive every time I wake up in the day. You see, I've gotten very used to your unconditional support, understanding and love.



Now, the implication would be that I will lose all of these because you have to move on. Yes, I totally agree that you should experience another LOVE again. Knowing what you have been through- you of all people deserve only the best and the most genuine of happiness that a unique individual like you should have. I know I have to support you all the way too. I know I must be the shoulder to lean and cry on whenever another set of heartaches comes your way. I should reciprocate the countless times you have brightened my day by being happy with the exciting path you are about to take. But why do I feel threatened instead? Why do I have this unexplainable fear that is gripping my gut even though I convince myself that everything will be alright? Oh, I hate this feeling- once again, I have to go through this. But away you should go and away you must. If you get back before you return, and if I ain't around waiting, then I must be somewhere looking for you...

Isn't It Ironic?

As I read along the new posts of my co-bloggers in this blogging world, I realize that a lot of changes can take place while one is immersed with his/her own changes in life too.
You see, I myself have been in the process of effecting changes in my own life. Lesser drinks, totally no smoking and be more responsible in all aspects of being me are just some of what I am aiming at. So while I was suffering from my own woes (me being alone), others are feeling much, much worse far than I thought I am going through. Should I consider myself lucky then? Should I feel thankful that my burdens are somewhat lighter than theirs? Well, not really. Even though we are each to his own, it is still a breath of fresh air if I hear that a colleague, acquaintance or friend have good news to tell. Or if something wonderful have gone on with their lives. So allow me to break the news here that I haven't smoke for two months straight now! If you are a smoker, you'll understand why this is an accomplishment for me.
Regarding drinks, it is still a refreshment but drinking sessions with the RH are more enjoyable if you do it only twice a month. Especially if you have the D-sessions during paydays because that way, you will be able to budget your unbudgetable salary realistically. So for all of us, Cheers and Good Luck!

Garrido-Zerna Nuptials Feb. 14, 2009

There is always something glorious about a wedding. And the wedding that day on February 14, 2009 was no exception. The bride walked down the aisle, her eyes glinting with happiness and excitement, with her father on her side while the groom waited patiently in the altar. Finally, after years of waiting, he will become one with his Lady Love this very day of St. Valentine.

Although the weather that day is slightly unfriendly (a storm was raging somewhere in Western Visayas), it did not dampen a bit the festive mood within that small chapel of Archbishop Palace. The motif was colourful enough and made more so by the ones wearing it. I can tell that yellow and green is favoured by the bride and true enough, it speaks of her fun-loving, open personality. This fantastic personality can be seen in the celebration, and I can feel the giddiness reaching into the family, guests and friends of the couple, too.

Having known the couple back when they were still starting to date, I can understand how excited they both are during this very special day. Of course, the decision didn't come out of the blue. Being two mature individuals, much have been prepared: their psychological, mental, spiritual and of course financial capabilities have been weighed back and forth, back and forth, before finally coming to the decision of tying the knot today. Indeed, starting a family especially in these times, requires courage and determination. So now they are both prepared to face their Creator and solidify love and commitment with the Lord's blessing and guidance.

As they face the altar saying their vows, one can tell they have come ready. They have waited six years in true, honest Christian living and they are now both ready to fare the hardships of life-- TWOgether. There will be friction. But, what's getting married for without the occasional spices? …

The garden reception at the Fort San Pedro grounds is not just superb, it is perfect for these two beautiful souls. It was attended by family and close friends- the celebration was wonderfully intimate.

While looking at the newlyweds, their faces glowing of gladness and wedded bliss, I know that Khouca and Jan-jan will live happily throughout their years. And as I exited the party while both the couple are dancing happily, I honestly prayed for them both. That the Lord may shower all His blessings to them and that they will have the glory of wonderful children that will come out from their union. For both of you, CHEERS!

Help... Writers- Missing you all!

This is definitely one of my dragging days. I feel that my lower back aches, reaching to the tippest of my toes. Who would be comfortable writing when feeling like this? Add to it the pressure of having to produce 3,500-word articles in a day. I'd say, whew! Honestly, the writing pressure is eating me. I feel the mind stagnate itself. What should I do? Should I quit now, or wait for a miracle? Or should I invoke Jonas' “writer's block?” Uh-huh Heeeelllppp writers!