Friends will always be there to make you strong.

Only the closest friends know the real situation of a friend like Vincent Paul Lopez. He's the type of guy who's a shy type and somehow, asking friends for help is not his thing. But of course, as a friend, whether he likes it of not, we will help him.

Vince doesn't tell stories to anyone, unless you're a close/best friend, so without boyfriend (his bestfriend) I would have no idea what is really happening. I know what he is going through right now. He's sad, he feels alone. Of his parents, he is the only son/child. 3 years ago, it was his mom who left of Cancer. It was the saddest thing. For 3 years yesterday, he celebrated his birthday without his mom. What makes it more sad is that he celebrated his birthday yesterday with his dad on a hospital bed, suffering the same sickness. So for him to lessen his sadness (at least), we celebrated his birthday with him.

We left Letran at past 11am, I was with Kogan, Elcid, Lianne, Dennis and Jonah. We all went to the hospital in Imus, Cavite where his dad is confined and there we celebrated. We bought Palabok, Chocolate cake (with Happy Birthday Vince! "Be Strong" message on it) and of course, drinks :) Jonah bought his "low-profile" camera (a Nikon D3000 DSLR - Hahahaha), and so were were able to capture moments that somehow made Vince smile and be happy on his birthday.

At 5 we left, but before that, the boys had a private talk with Vince that made him cry of joy. He felt the sincerity of UBE giving him help in the least way they can. It was Cid's and Jonah's idea to raise funds to give Vince that little bit of help. Although prayers are more needed, that is what UBE can give more!

It's just so touching having friends like these. You get to know them well, if they're true or not if you face the hardest trials and yet they're all there to be by your side, no matter how far or busy they are. I just love these people, and I am very much supportive with my boyfriend on whatever help he would like to give Vince. That's why I went with them yesterday to Imus, Cavite (though I had other plans).

"Thank you Lord for everything. Thank you for the life you gave me. Thank you for the people around me, most especially to my family and friends whom without a doubt loves me and accepts me for who I am, and understands me most at both my ups and downs. Thank you for your beautiful creation, the sun, the sky, the clouds, the trees, the mountains. Thank you for giving us what we need and not what we want. Thank you for making me realize that I should be thankful for everything I have. Thank you for this wonderful experience of getting to know you more. I’m very sorry for everything that I have done wrong. Sorry for nobody is perfect, but thank you for giving Jesus to save us from all our sins. Thank you for Letran, it may have not been my first choice, but I love Letran for having me experience this gathering. I am very grateful of your love and blessings. Since you have given me this life, I will live my days serving you and thanking you for everything."

Lakbay Arriba Experience

At first, I would always wonder what a retreat was. I only watch them on movies and it was somehow a dream to experience it because I heard good things about the experience. And so, when I found out the schedule of our retreat, I was very much excited.

I really didn’t know what to expect. All I know is that I’ll be away for three days, hoping to somehow change me. And hoping to learn more and realize more of life, and be closer to God.

This was my very first and last retreat ever and I am so happy that I have gained a lot from it. And I must say, it changed me in a big way and I am thankful for it. This is what happened:

First Day (Jan 17 ‘11):Orientation

PM Snacks (Buko Tart and orange juice)

Fixed bed and things

Evening session (Burdens and things we pray most about)

1. Discussed what a retreat is
2. Formed into groups of 7
3. Shared own experiences
4. Heard unexpected trials that friends are going through
5. Cried
6. Cried
7. Cried
8. Evening Prayer

• Bonding
• Wrote retreat letters
• 11PM - Lights off
• 12MN - Slept

Second Day (Jan 18 ‘11):

• Woke up 5:30AM
• Took a very very very cold bath
• Wrote retreat letters
• Breakfast (Egg, hotdog and rice - EKH)
• Went to check out the Hanging Bridge
• Morning session (Reconciliation)

1. Discussed Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation

• Lunch
• Siesta Time

1. Went to check out the Tent Chapel
2. Took lots of pictures
3. Played games like little kids

• Afternoon Session - Confession
• Reflection/Pasyal
• Dinner
• Evening session - Thanksgiving

1. A yarn of thread to give to the person you want to give thanks to and/or want to get to know more
2. Cried, cried, and cried
3. Is now peace with the person I was in conflict with before

• Gave out retreat letters to the boys
• Bonded
• Finished retreat letters for the girls
• Slept 1AM
  
  
  
  

Third Day (Jan 19 ‘11):

• Woke up 5:45AM
• Took a very very very cold bath
• Breakfast (Omelette and Spam with Rice)
• Packed things and fixed beds
• Morning session - Camiguin, Babuyan Islands
• AM Snacks

1. Received a retreat note from Elcid :”>
2. He’s one guy I got annoyed to before

• Mass

1. Gave hugs as sign of peace :”>
2. Hugged boys, girls, and baklas! LOL.
3. Prayed real hard that I cried my heart out
4. Feels really good after the mass

• Took lots of pictures outside the chapel
• Lunch
• Roamed around Caleruega
• Took videos thanking Caleruega
• Went back to Manila :(

UBE - The best people you'll ever meet.

What happened today?

Posted Jan 12, 2011

Twittascope’s predictions for me today:

You are eager to try something that is outside your usual comfort zone today, and this can take others by surprise. Unfortunately, they may judge you unkindly for your erratic behavior and might accuse you of being immature and irresponsible. However, this is your moment of truth, regardless of anyone else’s expectations. Act with confidence and express who you are and what you want.

So that’s what twittascope predicts for today. And it is right, as far as I understand it.

Today at work, I actually wanted to chat with the employees of RCBC, where I work. Of course, to chat just to know more about the bank and maybe share experiences because somehow, we all are in the same field. And to me that is something new, because not much of you knows, but I am a shy person when it comes to people I respect most for the position they are in.

Although, it would not be them who are likely to judge me. But my co-trainees. I am actually a happy-go-lucky person and I like smiling and laugh at my loudest. I have this co-trainee who did nothing but “magmataray” to me today. I don’t know what’s wrong with her, she’s being miss perfect and miss boring of course. She’s kind of not liking me because my time for OJT is so long daw, compared to what I really have rendered. Well, it’s actually fine with our head guard, but no, she’s all jealous. It’s not my fault I’m close with the head guard, bitch. Lol.

So yeah, like what twittascope said, I will always act with confidence and just be who I am. Without thinking of what others might think, what’s important is that I am true to them, especially to myself.

Bidding Dubai goodbye once again.

Posted Jan 7, 2011

So yeah, tomorrow I leave Dubai for Philippines at exactly 18:50 via Cathay Pacific Airlines.

Honestly, I don’t want to sleep tonight so I can actually make the most of my last night here. I don’t know, maybe watch a movie. Eat all I can, that is mom’s cooking, which I’ll be able to taste again after 3months. And go online, tell stories with my sister. I don’t know, anything and everything that I will miss most about my life here in Dubai.

Although I am also excited to go back to Philippines, because somehow I made a life there for myself, it’s still way different from how I look at Dubai asHome.

Only some of you may understand, because you have your whole family with you, I am going through something that is difficult. I never share with anyone this but I sometimes cry myself to sleep at night whenever I feel alone. Alone in a sense that I have no one with me to share my problems with. Unlike with the people I live with at home in Manila, I know for a fact that they don’t give a shit. So yeah, life is lonely without your family, willing to listen to everything that happened in school/work today.

Unlike some people I know, they don’t appreciate their family. I mean, you’re lucky enough to have them by your side anytime of the day. I mean, when I want to tell my mom something when I’m in school, I can’t just send her a text message, it would be so darn expensive. If I want to request something for my dad to bring home, I can’t just call him because yeah, he’s not in the Philippines to start with. I don’t know, I just love it here. Basically because my family and friends are here.

Okay, that’s all. To make the story short, I’m looking forward to Manila, yet I still don’t want to leave Dubai.

By the movie "Till my Heartaches End"

Posted Jan 4, 2011

Lesson of love:

• You two may be meant to be, but now is not the right time for it
• Sometimes, you’ve got to give the guy a break
• Don’t let your whole world revolve around one person
• When you love someone, you just have to leave some for yourself
• Never do anything stupid when you’re sad, to another person who is also sad (doing something stupid in bed)
• Always make time for each other no matter how busy you are with your studies or career
• Never depend on another person for your happiness

Favourite Lines:

1. “Ang love, walang pinipili yan. Lahat ng tao, nagpapakatanga!” - Gemma (Matet de Leon)
2. “Lalaki lang yan! Ang dami-daming lalaki dito sa Pilipinas. Wala ka bang Facebook?” - (Eda Nolan)
3. “Masakit yung gumagawa ng plano ang mahal mo.. but you’re not included in it.” - Lea (Desiree del Valle)

Theme Song (My opinion) - Too much love will kill you.

Welcoming 2011

Posted Jan 1, 2011

• We had Seafoods for our Media Noche
• Such as Steamed Fish & Lobster, and Grilled Shrimp
• Watched the fireworks display of Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab from our balcony
• My family was the only one who I think celebrated New Year at home
• They were all at Burj Khalifa watching the fireworks :(
• Papa and Mama gave their gifts
• I got an Ipod Touch 3G 32GB and my sister got a Nokia C7 Cellphone