Dordrecht

The oldest city in Holland, and the third largest city in the province. Many things could be said about the city, but what we're here for primarily is to visit a dear priest who was once a parish priest in our nearby town. It was really good to see friends whom you have never seen for a long time. Father fetched us at the train station and from there we then proceed to his parish. We had our cookies and coffee, blended of course with the long most awaited catching up. Not that long though because he still has to officiate a burial mass in an hour. We then, assisted by Father's friends to the convent. We had our lunch in a very traditional Dutch way. After we enjoyed our meal we had a short walk in the nearby mall and had our ice cream there. While savoring the ice cream a little talk had begun and ended in an hour. We then, went to PIDOC (Philippine's Documentation) section and had our readings about the Philippines.Wierd to think that we are reading about the Philippines while in other country, but certainly amazing because there were a lot of new things that only there that was known to me about our country, like how was the houses looks like before. Really amazing and fun! Father was a lot busy because that was Saturday. A lot of preparation to do for the Sunday mass. At around 5 in the afternoon we then had our dinner and in a little while the anticipated mass began. We joined the mass in Dutch. We never understand any of the words though but it feels good to be in the house of God. After the mass, its been a usual thing for Dutch people to have its coffee break..another cup of coffee and a little talk began. After we had the last sip of our coffee, father ask us to come up and there in our room, we had our talk..in bisayan language..really fun and the thing that i'd surely missed. We lasted our talk until father and my hubby finish the last drop of the white wine that they had while i was drinking my glass of juice. We had talk of a lot of things in life, things that are surely worth coming back. A never ending confabulation of life thats so inspiring and something that you would love to hear and talk about. We then headed home after we had our breakfast...guess what? corned beef with eggs cooked by Father..so touching..and taste really good. The joy of seeing an old friend brings, is more than seeing the place.=)

The undiscovered Mechelen

Mechelen is one of the beautiful cities in Belgium. The city unveil the beautiful culture and heritage of this city. Like any city in Europe, the atmosphere of real serene and peace is towering in Mechelen. I arrived there Friday and it was real foggy day, but that does not hinder my excitement to explore the city. Belgium is known for its chocolates and beers. Since beer is not of my appetence..so lets have cognizance of the chocolates. A lot of famous chocolates really comes from Belgium and.. Mechelen..is part of that glamour.Here are to name a few: Godiva..a luxury chocolate known all over the world originates from Belgium..as well as the Neuhaus..which also gain popularity in chocolate industry. They say that homemade things are crafts thats really a work that comes from the Heart...Leonida's chocolate is one of that. One more thing I notice is that confections and sweet foods are just around the corner. In this city you've also got to taste the different culinary of Seafoods. Ive got some pics of thier typical mussel in butter and take note..that is in small serving. It's really amazing! It's super! Aside from the fact that every seafood really delights my heart..this mussels added to it!

The foggy day..does not hinder my city exploration but instead gives me a more superb feeling. It seems like just a nostalgia of my childhood where fairy tales are always in my heart. the picture we have here..thats supposed to take photos of the tower of Sint Romboutskathedraal..shows..like a city from Fairy tales.hehehe..what an imagination! The city hall is just so amazing not to be notice..the artistic style and carvings of the building..were all preserved and maintained.Really fantastic! What's more to notice in a beautiful city like these..is that..few tourist are visible..seems to be really undiscovered..but the good thing is..few tourist means also a more relaxed and more comfort in unveiling its beauty.

It's just a day stay in the place since we have to leave for Netherlands the next day! It's just a small city where you can just take a walk in the heart of it. Short it may seem but I really enjoy my visit and t'was certainly a whale of time. Worth a visit!

oktoberfest '05

It's an occasion for merry making and beer drinking. Sounds really exciting and fun! I don't drink beer because i hate its bitter taste, though it seems to be the core of this celebration, I still feel the excitement to really witness what's with the celebration. So we went to Theresienweise or die Weisn(which means the meadow,Bavarian dialect) for short. We just roam around the place and get to taste some of the food they had. The place is surrounded with lots of brewery from Germany.I've got some pics here. There were also plenty of cute and amazing souveniers. We never get to have one,anyway, the celebration is yearly...so not really a must to have it 'coz you'll get to see these things around the next time. The glaciered fruit were so just so sweet not to be noticed. They look so inviting so we tried it. It taste good, well definitely a fruity taste blended with the sweet confection. I took some pics of it. Surely so yummy to see and in very festive mood.Aside from the sweet things they had, we also tried the half meter bratwurst. There's nothing really so special about it aside from its size. It taste like the ordinary bratwurst that you'll find around the city, but it looks so cute..and special. I love to see people enjoying the rides but i never get to enjoy it myself. I get easily drizzled with dizziness in a roller coaster rides. The rides here are so fun to look at and it really made you crazy. The people up there riding seems to be in a turbulent spaceship. I'm sure i can't really make it myself so we never tried any of them, but of course... i've got pics there for you to see.












I'm not feeling well a bit because of some allergy attacks...so we had to leave the place early. For the short time walking around and seeing lots of people celebrating and merry making makes your heart in a real glow. So good to see. It reminds me that there is really time for everything..no matter how much the world seems to be chaotic, no matter how you feel bad about things..these gave me courage and inspiration that everything will pass and a time for merrymaking is surely to come.

a weekend in Linkoeping

Our trip to Linkoeping started with a ride from Stockholm city center train station. It's about 2 hours and 15 minutes ride to Linkoeping.It is the fifth largest city in Sweden. As we arrive from the station, we were fetched by ate lenlen with his hubby and little cute son. We were fortunate to have friends like them who welcomed us with great hospitality. We right away went to their home and had our lunch with them. We were enjoying the tacos and wraps. 'Te lenlen is such a good cook. It is quite apparent that the Swedish art and style are more elaborate compared to Germans. I like the way houses were set. What amaze me is that most of their houses there are really made of wood. I thought of it as peculiar for a cold country..but it really is. As were done with our tacos and wraps we headed to Flygvapen museum to gaze the archaic fighter jets. It's a lot of fun and pretty amazing. You could even have a chance to ride with these jets,just look at my pics in here.We then had a short glimpse of their old town. The picture I have here is a toilet.I really thought of it as something like a prayer room not until i read the label toalett. The buildings here long existed in certain areas in linkoeping and was move here to be all in one place. These may look so old but what's interesting is all of these until now are still operational. I'm very much astonished at the same time very much enjoyed. We also had a small walk to the city center of Linkoeping. It's a clean and beautiful city. It's been a long day so we then have our way home. We were so touched by the preparation they had for us. Ate lenlen's hubby was doing all the cooking for dinner. It's a typical swedish food, and it was so delectable. I have here the pics just right before we had dinner. So toothsome right? We then had our confabulation which lasted until 11 p.m.

It is indeed a very short time for such a beautiful occasion. We need to make haste because our return flight to munich is at four in the afternoon. We then only catch a glimpse on their wondrous park there before catching the train going back to stockholm. It is without doubt a wonderful weekend. Memories like these are my greatest souvenier.

stockholm's legacy

It's a two-hour and 10 minutes flight from Munich to Stockholm. I was so excited when the plane was on the ground, finally I'll be able to see one of the oldest city in europe. Just right at the arrival before the customs area, you can see the money exchange station. So I hastily went there and have my 50 euro be exchange with SEK currency (Sweden Kronor), I thought,I really gonna need it at the arlanda train station for the tickets going to stockholm city center. The picture I have here is the train tickets machine.Credit cards could also be used in purchasing tickets. One thing i've noticed is that credit card is almost acceptable anywhere and everywhere. Jerome picked me up at the arlanda Stockholm city center station and it is there that our small walk tour began. Our hotel was just along Drottninggatan..so we started from there. The place was really nice. There's a lot of coffee shops and amazingly lots of asian restaurants..from japanese,chinese,thai,malaysian, and even mongolians resto. But of course we never tried any of them.We choose to have scandinavian foods. Foods here are really great,here are some pics of what we had for our dinner. Goods here are a little bit expensive compared to Germany. Along our walk from Drottninggatan heading to the old town of stockholm..there you can find a lot of beautiful sight. Old buildings along the coast and bridges that let you have a view of the other side of city was so admirable. Buildings here had already existed as early as 19th century,but they were still intact and sturdy. How Stockholm may look like in early centuries are of course much different from now, but buildings there that stood still and strong is somewhat the legacy of thier forefathers to them.It looks like a city of history combined with hi technology. It looks like a bigger version of Venice. A feeling of nostalgia struck me a little. Sometimes seeing a lot of things that could have made you think that's its from the past..feels like a bittersweet longing for home.

It's my first time to see 7-11 convenience store..I am very much surprised so i posed and got some pics with it. The weather is pretty good that day but a little colder than Munich. The people were nice and all of the stores we've entered had an english speaking service. Real good for tourist. We really had a great time in Stockholm.It's just a short walk blended with our small talk that made it more interesting.

am Dom in Cologne

I'd like to make it am Dom because this the place we most went into in Cologne. From the time we got to ride a train,it's just across the Hauptbanhof.Not so good that we're not able to climb in its tower to have an overview of the whole city.The church was flooded with crowd that we decided to find other places to see.But even if you were not able to climb the tower,just by looking how this church was built would already give you so much feeling of awe.City of Cologne is one of the beautiful cities that I went to. A lot of friendly faces and lots of english speaking people. We never have the hard time trying to speak in German because most of the people we communicated spoke to us in English. The food were good and a little bit cheaper compared to Munich. We never got a meal for two that exceeded at 20 Euro. Even during nightime, I expected food to be more expensive just like here in Munich..but fortunately it was not.Still you can fill your stomach with good food at lesser cost. The Rhein is obviously not so clean with transparent water but its existence just warm up your feeling.The view of its horizon along the river is just so fulfilling and refreshing. You'll feel so relaxed and serene. We took a roundtrip boat ride from zoobridge to the other end of the bridge just along the Rhein river, it's not so spectacular but it really made me feel so good. The air that touches your hair and the sound of the water made it more so peaceful. Seems like all the hassles and buzzles of the city were kept. Chocolate museum made the city more awesome.Hmm..lots of yummy chocolates. How they were created is just so sweet to see.hehehe. Aside from the fact that i love chocolates a lot...the museum reminds me that this could be a good industry in our country. I tried looking at the map they had if we were included as one of the countries who supplies cacao.Unfortunately...were not at the list. This could be so abundant in our place. I remember when i was child we had a lot of trees like this in our backyard, only it's not of very special kind, I think it's the wild one, but considering were in tropical country,plants like these could just be so abundant.

The trip to Cologne is just short but we really had a great time! I know theres a lot moreto see and discover. I thank God that eventhough I got a slight fever... He made me feel okay and let me enjoy the trip.

WYD 2005 in Cologne

We were not a registered pilgrims for this event. We we're just merely observer or visitor. When we arrived at Cologne on Saturday, the number of young people out there was so overwhelming. Carrying different flags from different countries. Of course, we're looking at once for our very own flag and there we find some youth delegates from the Philippines. They were so few in numbers that the next day we never saw any of them.This event may seem to be just a mere gathering of the youth but that's not what i see. There is more of it. This occasion promotes the essence of equality and friendship. In this event, everybody seems to be your friend. Every people you meet gives you a smile and offer a help whenever you need it. The feeling is just so fantastic. It's indeed great! With this event for sure its not just a time to be merry but of course also to sacrifice a bit. Marienfield- the area where the vigil took place was really far from the city area, and is not so accessible to public transport. Of course there were buses which were designated to bring us back and forth to city but still, they seem not to be enough.The picture i have here is just part of what we actually walked into just to reach the marienfield. It's really fun actually,the problem with me that time is "I'd really like to pee", and the portable toilet is still so far. So, i feel a bit uneasy and of course being exhausted, add to uneasiness is I've got a fever. But of course we still get there having fun together.

The WYD at Cologne was well prepared and just amazing. There were a lot of portable toilets placed around the marienfield, the division of places is well organized, a lot of first aid helpers around and volunteers for any concern and there were plenty of food for the pilgrims and visitors. Unfortunately were not able to take a lot of pictures because we arrived there just right the mass started.Though everything seems to be organized and prepared, we were still stucked in traffic on our way to the hotel for an hour or two. Our legs were just so tired since we were just standing. But of course, eventhough how tiresome the event was..its worth being there. We went home painted with a smile.

lion parade

bananas 'n pajamas

pretty in pink

If you've got to visit Munich nowadays especially in marienplatz area,you'll get to see a lot of lions all over the street,painted in different styles and background in bright colors. This is what they call a lion parade.Munich has lions, because Henry The Lion founded Munich. These are perhaps built to entertain the tourist and visitors. I find it cute actually thats why i took pictures of it. These may seem ordinary since a lot of cities has been doing things like this, but i think this is still awesome. You can see a lot of tourist posed with these lions for souveniers. The life sized lions amused the children. You can see them climbing and playing with these statues. These add to make the city more lively. A lot of personalities has been portrayed by these lions. Some looks like a circus,other a young girl, and even a lion in pajamas. It's awesome.

apple muffins

One of our friends here told us about the Nestle ready mix muffins, everything is prepared, all you have to do is pour in the moulder. These muffins really taste so good. Just perfect enough, not so sweet, and the texture is just perfectly right. I miss those muffins, i never got to see one in Minimal nowadays. All I could think of is Nestle muffins might have been banned here, perhaps because of GMO (Genetically Modified Organism),not really sure about it=(. I love muffins really, so i thought of buying other mix pack, where you still have to prepare little things to make it a real yummy muffins. Just add an egg, butter and milk, mix it altogether...in a few minutes muffins got to be ready, of course you have to bake it. There's really nothing that much today so i think of posting the photos of apple muffins that i have here. These may soon be inexistent so better at least i took some pictures of it.

amazing ways!

A lot of ways here in Germany amazes me a lot. From the train tickets to self picking of fruits or flowers. The picture I have here is taken when we're on our way to train station. This is at Furtweg strasse. Different flowers are planted here depending on its season. During summertime, this is what you've got to see here.The sunflower you see is just so awesome. I can't help myself but just have to take some photos of it. What astonish me more is the system. It is all based in trust. You have to pick the flowers by yourself and just put the payment in the box without anybody supervising. The funny thing that cross my mind..is that what if there's a little bit of dishonesty in your heart. You may just pick a flower without leaving a penny. So pessimistic it may look but the possibility is just so certain. This system may not gonna work in our country, i guess, but these things seems to be working here. Of course,there may be a lot of reasons why things work out in one place and not in other spot. We're not gonna tackle it in here..but i'm hopeful enough that someday,somehow things like this could also work in our country and looking forward to a lot of amazing ways!

food stories

Yesterday,tuna was been our dish for breakfast and I cooked some pinoy style spaghetti-the sweet taste tomato sauce..for lunch as well as dinner.I don't usually eat a lot in dinner time..so there has been a spaghetti sauce leftover. Since its Sunday,we attended a mass and right afterI become so hungry.It's already a late breakfast so what we have are the leftovers -the tuna and spaghetti sauce. I made the tuna a sandwich and the spaghetti as a sauce for nachos sprinkled with mozarella cheese.It's yummy!=)we had after all a breakfast that is a real quick to prepare. Jerome promised me that he'll gonna cook kare-kare for our lunch.I've been so excited 'coz it's been really a while that i never had the taste of the famous peanut sauce. The ingredients were not really complete, we just utilize what we have in the kitchen.Guess what!it turned out to be like an authentic kare-kare from cabalen! I should have taken a picture of it,unfortunately I forgot and too late to take the time the thought of it cross in my mind.=(ubos na eh!

We're supposed to go to Flughafen but we're just so lazy to go outside.Jerome is actually teasing me that I am couch potato. I only watch tv and that's almost for the whole day and have my break if its eating time! Today, is another ordinary weekend but filled so much with food trip stories.

balcony

We watched "Madagascar" last week. It's a lot fun. This movie is really great. It can make you laugh 'till the last part of it.It's really refreshing and the animations were perfectly set. It reminds me of the first time I got to watch a movie here.The choices were Balkon and Parkett which was translated in English as balcony and floor respectively. I was wondering if the floor means we have to sit literally on the floor.(just trying to be weird).Fortunately,it was not the way I thought things would have done. Floor simply means like "de luxe" the way it is often categorized in the Philippines. This time we watched early showtime of Madagascar. It's 1:45 in the afternoon. The price was half so Jerome decided to try the balcony. Yup! I thought of it quickly..that would be nice, at least we could get to see how is balcony here looks like.Well then, its of course at the upper floor projecting from the rear over the main floor as the word balcony purports.It's composed of only 2 rows. So small indeed compared to the common balcony that we have in the Philippines. Indeed its a lot better to watch the movie from here because you'll not be block with tall guys sitting in front of you. But of course,the movie is a lot more important for you to enjoy.

thanks to summer!

Summer time here is different from the usual sunny days in the Philippines. The sun set here at around 9 to 10 in the evening. It really feels good that you still can do a lot of things even it seems to be late night already. I look forward to having this things enjoyed the whole season. But now..things are not happening the way i expect it to be. These days feels like spring time again. The temperature are colder and oftentimes it rains so badly. I could just be happier if we'll have the whole sunshine in a week. Unsure I may be..wether it will rain or not..this season is the best. Sunshine reflects a smile in every face, just like in any poetry that i've read.

I enjoy to see the wheat turning gold..it comes to my senses that harvest season is coming. This is the first time i've got to see these things for real, and its awesome.The picture that i have here is taken when were on our way to "lidl" to buy some food stuff.It's indeed a season to be merry. The warm feeling inside to see little girls and boys playing and enjoying the summertime. Such a great delight to my eyes.

We now can play badminton outside.30 minutes is enough to really have fun while shuttlecocks flying so high.Jerome and I were not really good at this things..but we get to enjoy playing it. It's really fun and at the same time it makes you physically fit. I hate having aerobics activities so this may be a better alternative. And the only way we can do it without cost is during summer time. My great thanks to summer season!

War of the Worlds

On June 29th, 2005, Earth goes to war. From Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures comes "War of the Worlds," directed by Steven Spielberg and starring international superstar Tom Cruise. A contemporary retelling of H.G. Wells's seminal classic, the sci-fi adventure thriller reveals the extraordinary battle for the future of humankind through the eyes of one American family fighting to survive it. The film also stars Dakota Fanning, Miranda Otto, Justin Chatwin, and Tim Robbins.

Cruise stars as Ray Ferrier, a divorced dockworker and less-than-perfect father. Soon after his ex-wife (Miranda Otto) and her new husband drop off his teenage son Robbie (Justin Chatwin) and young daughter Rachel (Dakota Fanning) for a rare weekend visit, a strange and powerful lightning storm touches down.

Moments later, at an intersection near his house, Ray witnesses an extraordinary event that will change all their lives forever. A towering three-legged war machine emerges from deep beneath the earth and, before anyone can react, incinerates everything in sight. An ordinary day has suddenly become the most extraordinary event of their lifetimes - the first strike in a catastrophic alien attack on Earth.

Ray scrambles to get his children away from this merciless new enemy, embarking on a journey that will take them across the ravaged countryside, where they become caught in the desperate tide of refugees fleeing from an extraterrestrial army of Tripods.

But no matter where they run, there is no safety, no refuge … only Ray's unconquerable will to protect the ones he loves. (Synopsis)

About It

We watched "War of the Worlds"last week,and indeed we had a great time with this movie. It is more than just an alien invasion.Alien invasion might not be a new idea but how it is portrayed makes it more interesting. The doomsday of Human kind is such a fearsome and appalling idea, and this is what I think the core of it.How people panicked when face in such situation. The emergent bahaviour of human when face in such circumstances. The portrayal of survival is just so towering..that even if it means casting someone's life.The other most important point that i've got from this movie is a reminder of how important is the purpose and intention on anything we do.Just like in the movie..the aliens only purpose is the destruction of Human Kind..and therefore it never succeeded. Personally i like the movie..it might not be a movie that i've got to watch many times but...i should say it is worth my time watching it!

Parish (Unterschleissheim)

I was a bit amazed to see how different St.Ulrich Parish from St.Korbinian Parish.The latter was the parish where we used to attend mass during Sundays.There I find people nice and really formal.I used to say that parishioner there seems to be so traditional and really just so amazingly solemn. Children who cried during the mass are hastily brought outside by their parents for them to maintain the solemnity of the mass and perhaps not disturb other people from the baby's cry. Parishioner are organizely lined up for communion during Eucharistic Celebration.This is one of the things that really amazes me and made me think..Could this be possible in the Philippines?..,where the first row has to stand up first and take the communion and then..other rows follow orderly.At first I feel that people there are little bit cold but then..as time goes by..I learn to like the atmosphere and feel comfortable with the people around.The feeling of comfort and belongingness was not instant but I learn to like it after all.

Jerome actually had an idea that there is a Parish that is a little bit nearer to our flat..and that is St.Ulrich.He once went there to attend mass but unfortunately seems like there has been no service at that the time.Since then..we never tried going our way to St.Ulrich since we didn't know the schedule of the masses.Last Monday a pamphlet from St.Ulrich was distributed announcing its preparation for the world youth day and have its schedule for the masses included in it. As we we're browsing it..we decided to attend the Sunday mass there.This is our first time to attend a mass in St. Ulrich Parish..and coincedentally it is their Feastday.The attendance was really overwhelming and the songs sang are lively and modern. I find the fellowship warmer and a little bit relax. What's most interesting to witness is the kids playing the flute as part of the choir.The priest really interacts during the sign of peace by roaming around the church and greeted everybody.It's kind a different from the usual setting that i witness during my Sunday mass.Communion here ist not as organized as the St.Korbinian parish did.Parishioner just stand their line as they want,just like the usual way i witness in the Philippines.

Both Parish are really worth to be given credit for their effort, in really giving service and spreading the goodnews of God.They may be set in a very different manner but one thing is for sure..both of them let me feel the presence of God and its Holiness with it.People from its respective parish may be so different in their way of celebration,but they all show God in thier own way.I am really thankful for this day that we have found St.Ulrich..seeing a lot of people coming to the house of God just add up energy and enthusiasm within our soul and made us realize that the living God dwells in our hearts.

Happy Birthday!

To my dear papa..i love you so much!

To my dad on his day,
Of whom I am a living will:
May your happiness fulfill
Your goodness, as is just and right.
Deeds are seeds upon the night
As wind and wonder have their way,
Delivering the destined light

- J. Marques.-

Summer strawberry

summer strawberry
Originally uploaded by jhtongson.

Summer has finally arrived. Vacations and a lot more would be something that's on our mind. It's a great time to play in the sun and of course enjoy the sweet strawberry shake after beating the heat! Summer strawberry as i call it, it becomes one of our favorite fruit in this season.It's sweet taste is just so refreshing and it smells just so good...can even be used as air freshener!There could be many ways to liven up your summer with this sweety frutti strawberries!

here are some recipes:

SUPERB STRAWBERRY SHAKE

1/2 c. fresh strawberries (or frozen unsweetened)
1/2 c. skim milk
sugar(to taste)
1 tsp. lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend at high speed until smooth, about 1 minute. If using fresh berries add 3 ice cubes to make thicker shake. Serve immediately.

STRAWBERRY ORANGE BREAKFAST SHAKE

2 c. strawberries
1 c. orange juice
1 c. skim milk
1 (8 oz.) carton lemon low fat yogurt

Clean and cap strawberries. Place in blender. Add orange juice and milk. Blend until smooth. Add yogurt. Blend on low speed until mixed. Pour into chilled glass. Yield: 5 glasses with 97 calories per 1 cup.

You'll really love this!yum yum!

Tree of Life

See that coconut behind me?that cost 0.60 euro per piece in Venice.It really amazes me how this very abundant fruit in our place and often just discarded cost this much.This really might be because of its scarcity in europe or even unavailable, and most importantly,this fruit is very good for the health.It improves digestion and can increase the body's metabolic rate - and it improves healthy cholesterol while reducing unhealthy cholesterol.

Coconut tree is regarded as tree of life because from its roots to the tip of its leaves...there can be many uses for it. I love coconut so much..from "buko juice" to "butong" thats how we call it in Mindanao, a young meat of buko, and dishes with coconut milk. It makes me think how lucky we are in the Philippines whose "Buko" is such so abundant and we can even eat it without cost..libre lang!Another great blessing from God for us in the tropical countries.

Life's lessons

Tuesdays with Morrie
(Mitch Albom)

This book really helps me a lot. It eases my boredom away and it leaves many important points in life. This story is a series of lessons a former (and now current) student has with his teacher (and now mentor) about facing one's death and living one's life. The author, Mitch Albom, is an award-winning sports columnist with the Detroit Free Press. A chance encounter propels Albom, guiltily and fearfully, to the bedside of Morrie Schwartz, his sociology teacher at Brandeis University nearly twenty years ago. [This chance encounter occurs electronically--Albom saw Morrie speaking about dying from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) with Ted Koppel on the Nightline television program].

A lot about life has been said but sometimes there are many important ideals that often discarded and that has been rediscovered and unfold in this book.One of the things that really lingers in my head is the thought of "once you learn how to die,you will learn how to live".Is it the thought that we may pass in this world without being able to do the things that we should have done."Maybe death is a great equalizer,the one big thing that can finally make stranger shed a tear"..it seems like a voice that told me to care for others,Why wait for the time that you'll be dying before knitting a beautiful relationship.TWM reminds me of the most essential things in life, creating a culture that best suits you..not a culture that dictates us to be greedy and always longing for something that is beyond our grasp and is not essential in life.Trying to chase what we don't have would just make us feel that we are inadequate and not just good enough.Morrie was not a religious and the fact that he was even agnostic during his younger years,but the end of it all..as he waited for his dying moment,he finally have accept God. GOD...the only way to life."The only way make a peaceful dying is to make peace with living".It's almost interchangeble. A lot of things has been said... a series of lessons in life that is worth keeping and living.A must read perhaps!

lost

It's been almost a month that i never joined the german class in jerome's office. I just love to stay home lately and do nothing. I never made some reviews on the past lessons that we had.Now i have the animation to attend and I was like definitely lost when i heard the passive form in present,past and past perfect. I just need to refresh those things. But anyway as we go on I was like back and ready to learn once again. It pushes me really to have a more serious disposition in learning all these stuff. I know this is not easy and at the same time not as hard, i only need a determination and develop my interest to learn. It's not something that i just like i guess but i need to at the same time. I need this for my daily duel in this foreign land. The language is really well structured but really just hard. well..well.. i need to get started again. Learn new words and say it often. I think i have to broaden my selective thinking and include the german language as one of the important points. Maybe try this at home with my lovey dovey...really???We've been trying this for so long but just work for a few minutes...and here we go,the vernacular takes place ..hehehe.Seriously, Ab sofort muß ich deutsche Sprache wirklich erlernen...egal,was passiert!!!

melancholy

I just felt so sad 'bout what's happening now in my dear country. Seems like no one learns the mistakes from the past. Still no unity and still facing this grave poverty. Seems like a telenovela that most filipino love to watch..unending tragedy and full of desolation.I just hope it would also end the way telenovela's often do.Successful and triumphant.More often than not, there's only a thin line that separates the real good intentions of governance or just mere politicking. But i'm not loosing hope.. I know this beautiful and God fearing country will soon rise and stood up for the truth, fight the impediments and make this once a beautiful place to live in. I know it sound so ironic that seems i speak like i'm there and i'm feeling the pain and have the tactual sensation of the aggravating situation. But believe me even if you are far away but you still have left your heart in your country,the feeling is more pathetic..Just being a filipino by name but was never there for your country.I could only hope and pray for the best.

Pocahontas

This might be a movie for sometime now,but still, it feels good to watch it again.Rain has just stopped us from strolling around the city and keep us from staying home.Circumstances that lead us to watch this great movie..Pocahontas.It might be departing from its historical accuracy..but it moves me in some ways.It reminds me of the materialism that this world possess and the sense of reality thats within us.The theme song "COLOURS OF THE WIND" says it all.

COLOURS OF THE WIND

You think I’m an ignorant savage
And you’ve been so many places
I guess it must be so
But still I cannot see
If the savage one is me
How can there be so much that you don’t know?
You don’t know...

You think you own whatever land you land on
The earth is just a dead thing you can claim
But I know ev’ry rock and tree and creature
Has a life, has a spirit, has a name

You think the only people who are people
Are the people who look and think like you
But if you walk the footsteps of a strange
You’ll learn things you never knew you never knew

Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon
Or asked the grinning bobcat why he grinned
Can you sing with all the voices of the mountain
Can you paint with all the colours of the wind
Can you paint with all the colours of the wind

Come run the hidden pine trails of the forest
Come taste the sun-sweet berries of the earth
Come roll in all the riches all around you
And for once, never wonder what they’re worth

The rainstorm and the river are my brothers
The heron and the otter are my friends
And we are all connected to each other
In a circle, in a hoop that never end

How high does the sycamore grow
If you cut it down, then you’ll never know

And you’ll never hear the wolf cry to the blue corn moon
For whether we are white or copper-skinned
We need to sing with all the voices of the mountain
Need to paint with all the colours of the wind
You can own the earth and still
All you’ll own is earth until
You can paint with all the colours of the wind

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

-Max Ehrmann-

How Do I Love Thee?

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

-Elizabeth Barrett Browning-

Game Cube

The first time I arrived here in Germany..it's already winter time,and snow has started to fall.My dear hubby told me that we'll gonna go on rowing..???I really don't get it.Rowing during winter time?He calmly answered "yes. Having no idea that what he's talking about was the rowing game in Monkey Ball-a gamecube game.So as he started to set up the game cube..I finally understand what he's talking about.I don't see this things in the Philippines,or maybe I'm just really outdated in these kind of stuff.

I started to enjoy this party game..with the Monkey Ball and later the warioware became more interesting.What i like about this game is that it never pushes hard on you.Simple rules.A game where you just can relax,you can play the game without thinking at all.No strategies to learn..just play.Later, we exchanges games from my hubbies colleague.There the Mario party came and a lot more.

What's more interesting now is the "Konga pak".It's like drums but more of a game.You play while enjoying the music.A game really for 3 years old - up i guess.It's a whole lot of fun.It may be intended for a very young age but people like my age could enjoy it too,just like i do,or perhaps I'm just a little peculiar..that's why i like it.(hahaha)

Star wars fever

Starwars has finally have its 3rd episode on its prequel.Trying to refresh the other episodes..we had it marathon for a week,after we watched the "The revenge of the Sith" in the cinema..locating the vcd's for the episodes 4,5,6 and eventually borrowed dvd's for the episodes 1 and 2 were the next thing that we did.This seems to be totally crazy,but a lot of fun of course.I'd love to be crazy sometimes and it could rejuvenate me somehow.

Yoda was never really cute in its appearance but i like this character so much.His bizarre way of speaking the english language made it more beauteous and his being sagacious made him an important character.

Starwars has just became so special because of its staying power.Decades may passed but this movie would still be loved by many.It really has an appeal to almost all walks of life. I just look forward for the next episodes to come and of course be able to enjoy this movie once more.Next would mean an episode 0 or 7,whatever i just don't care..as long as its starwars!!love it!

My love

CIMG0076
Originally uploaded by jhtongson.

Your presence made my life a springtime
who made a song like that of a chime
Your tender voice drips like music
hush in my ear with the sound so perfect.

As flowers grow in the garden each day
and so my love for you today
nourishing and nurturing the flame
this love of ours will be the same.

Wind may blow in all direction
trying to steal my affection
But in you my love i trust
and promise you this love will last.

You are a God sent to my life
And I'm so delighted that I'm your wife
May i can bring a light to our home
As we journey life and roam.

-joe ann-

happiness

I am unique. I am myself and do the things I do because of me, not because of anyone else. If I ever find myself being displeased because of something I have done, I will realize that the behavior has to be changed by me and no one else. The only person that I can expect to do anything is myself.

I am one person and will take on the responsibilities of one person, not the rest of the world. I am capable of doing only what I am able to do and will not expect more.

I will respect others for being what they are, not for what they have. I will accept others for being themselves. I am superior to no one and no one is superior to me.(of course aside from God)

I will not let people run my life. My life is my own and I will treasure it for all it is worth. And it is worth everything.

I will be honest with myself and with others at all times. I will do the best I can in all aspects. I will try my hardest to accept all of my traits--good or bad.

I will respect my parents and give them all the love they deserve, which is a whole lot. I will try to accept their ideas and listen to them open-mindedly, even if I don't agree. I will explain to them why I believe in the things I do and ask them to accept me with those beliefs. I will cherish them always.

I will treat others as I want to be treated. I will listen to others' ideas and respect their opinions, even if I'm in disagreement.

My goal in life is to be happy to the best of my abilities. I am me and I am real. I will live my life as the real me.

a beautiful sunnyday!!!

Everything now is just seems so happy, the birds are chirping, children are playing,and i see a lot of people walking, such a nice sight. The air now is not so cold, just moderate enough to make you feel comfy. I love this feeling, so heart warming and bright. It feels good to just sit back and relax and feel the perfection of the atmosphere around.

This is another ordinary day of my life. I just can't think of anything to do right now.It feels good when you have shared what you have inside, even if it means that you'll just be talking to no one but yourself.

cloudy

It's been so cloudy today..and everything just look so sad..I loathe days like this.It made me feel that everything is just down and desolate. It's in these days you'll never know if it will gonna rain or the sun may shine.

So..i'm thinking of a lot of things to do today!!!hmmm..let me think..it may be best time to clean the bathroom so that i may never see the clouds outside..wash our clothes so i'll be departed from the outdoor view,and perhaps iron the clothes so i may feel its warmth. got it!!best ideas may come out from the most negative circumstances...and these may be true in the wider perspective of our lives. In most melancholic times of our life...great opportunities may come.

I think, by now,I should not loathe cloudy days..for in these days that great chances may come.=)

frutti di mare

Speaking of cooking..i'm not really good into it......but i'm learning. I know now few pasta dishes....hmm.. I feel like i'm in the Italian resto and savoring the aroma and taste of real pasta!! Frutti di mare is one of my favorites..the calamari,shrimp and the mussels make it more palatable to me.hmmmm...yum..yum.

Here's the recipe:

Mafaldine ai Frutti di Mare

• [ S E R V E S F O U R ]
  
  
• Mussels - 1 lb.
• Clams - 1/2 lb.
• Shrimp - 1/4 lb.
• Calamari - 1/4 lb.
• Olive oil - 1/3 cup
• Tomato sauce - 2 cups
• Fresh tomatoes - 2
• Fresh basil leaves - 8
• Italian parsley - 1 bunch
• White wine
• Garlic - 4 cloves
• Salt
• Chile flakes
• Mafaldine pasta - 1 lb.
  
  

1. Drop pasta in salted boiling water and stir with a fork.
   
   
2. While pasta cooks (about 8 minutes), add the garlic to the oil and a little parsley and roast until blond. (2 minutes)
   
   
3. Add the wine, mussels, and clams. Cover, cooking for about 4 minutes or until seafood opens.
   
   
4. Add shrimp, tomato sauce, calamari, basil and cook for 2-3 more minutes.5. Drain the pasta and toss in the sauce.
   
   
5. Garnish with more parsley.
   

So easy yet so tasty. I just love pasta. This made me inspired to learn more pasta dishes..and enjoy it.Its actually best to learn this things if you really love this..aside from you can save pennys for it and time as well in finding a right restaurant.I would love to learn more...=)

my free time

I can't help but think the time I was still working.I always look forward to have my free time and be able to relax.And now almost everyday seems to be my free time.Im just at home and now i realize that I wanted to do something and be free from my free time.sounds confusing..but it really is.

However,it made me think that this time could be a great opportunity for me to explore my interest. I love a lot of things..baking, cooking, singing, gardening, writing stories and a lot more.For the many things I thought,I still never pick any of this things to do during my freeeee time. I wonder actually whats wrong with me and why not start doing something.It is then I realize that little did I know..enjoying the little things i do everyday..like cooking for my lovey dovey,baking some muffins,watering my little plants..I'm actually starting to explore things ...and these things where not the interest that my head told me but the things that make me happy.

I now agree that boredom is a state of mind and its when you stop appreciating the things around you.Being alone and be quite for sometime made me talk to myself and say..this is the life that i want..and thanks God im now living it.

springtime

Springtime has finally arrive. This is the season i've long waited for where i can see more growing plants.The place has finally has its color from the snowy white to kaleidoscopic colors around. To be with beautiful flowers feels like so fresh and pretty.Sometimes if i just stare around and watch as the flowers are swayed by the wind..seems like its beauty was mine.Also In this season, you can find children in the playground joyfully enjoying the light rays of the sun.This is the season where you can really find the life of living, a picture painted a smile and excitement in every face.

Balcony now is my best place. Staying outside while reading a good book could really make the whole day worthwhile. Just being with nature really can wipe out boredom,stress and impediments of a having a relaxed and refreshing day.

Bicycle is the next best thing i always thought.We now can go to many places around with this little helper.To the lake,where it always brings peace and serenity.Of course seeing families around,the delicious smoke of grilling sausages,and the beautiful ladies around wearing their sexy spring suits.It reminds me to get some exercise..physical fitness?huh!!

At the end of the day..I can always thank God for the wonder of nature. His love for us is explicitly shown by all of this wonderful things around....and thanks for the springtime!

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About You

Your touch is with me always,
It’s burnt into my skin,
As soft and warm as sun rays
When a summer day sets in.

Your soft voice never silent,
It’s forever in my ears,
Serenading every moment
And calming all my fears.

Your arms always enfold me,
The strength of angels wings,
They support and protect me wholly
With the safety a true love brings.

While I can never repay you,
For the wonder you bring to my life,
I can forever be true,
And forever be a true wife.

- Nicola May Tucker -

Venice

as i call it the city of Love..a very good place to relax and unwind!!a small place full of richness in culture and style.i love this place...the food, the people..i look forward going back this place..such a lovely one.

a short visit to Austria

austria..the gloriette in schoenbrunn palace..you can have a good panoramic view of the city once you'll be in that hill.nice place really!!

remains of the roman empire

in rome..very rich in history..the place is more like of the place where i grew up..you'll find a lot of fake products and lot of "manloloko".i think its even worse.

Jerome and I once ate at one of the restaurant near the train station(roma termini) .Their prices in the menu were reasonable so we decided to stop and have our dinner. As paying time comes...there it goes..if you add up all that we ate it only sums up to 23 euro or less but we were billed 27 euro,so we thought the service charge might be included..so we decided to still leave a tip thats 1 euro to be exact..but then the waiter stops us from leaving and require us to pay another 3 euro for the service charge thats 1.5 each, we never argued because we were so tired the whole day and its not really that big amount..but still...that's cheating!!!huh!!