Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
all about pain.
in life, we do decisions that we know would really hurt us.we know it would be really painful but we do it nonetheless.
because we have goals. because we look at what it would be like after the pain. because the pain is worth it.
that's exactly how it was like when i decided to move here in dubai. i know it would be difficult. i know the things i will miss. i know it would not be easy. but i did it anyway. for my family. just that thought makes it feel all worth it.
sometimes, though, because of our focus on our goals, we belittle the pain. we never really knew the depth of the ache hurt until you are there, stuck in the deepest misery. trust me, there will a lot of times when you will question your decision. you will feel so miserable until you think of the goal. then you will be fine again ready to take the challenge. and another cycle starts.
more than a year now in dubai and i know i should be over this thought. i was. until i went to the dentist one day and decided to have braces on. i know it would be painful and it would really really hurt but when i was there lying on that dentist's bed, all i can think of was the goal. and the goal will be worth it.
but after a day of conducting training with braces on, i feel like hating myself for bringing me into this situation. i belittled the pain until now that i can barely eat and the flesh inside my mouth is paining to the highest extent of torment. i have no escape but sleep. i hope it would be like earrings or make up or contact lenses that i remove after my day so that my night would be more comfortable. but that is not the case.
today is just my first day with the braces. i know i had a long way to go. but i wil have to endure it. just like how they say it, "no pain, no gian". aja!
because we have goals. because we look at what it would be like after the pain. because the pain is worth it.
that's exactly how it was like when i decided to move here in dubai. i know it would be difficult. i know the things i will miss. i know it would not be easy. but i did it anyway. for my family. just that thought makes it feel all worth it.
sometimes, though, because of our focus on our goals, we belittle the pain. we never really knew the depth of the ache hurt until you are there, stuck in the deepest misery. trust me, there will a lot of times when you will question your decision. you will feel so miserable until you think of the goal. then you will be fine again ready to take the challenge. and another cycle starts.
more than a year now in dubai and i know i should be over this thought. i was. until i went to the dentist one day and decided to have braces on. i know it would be painful and it would really really hurt but when i was there lying on that dentist's bed, all i can think of was the goal. and the goal will be worth it.
but after a day of conducting training with braces on, i feel like hating myself for bringing me into this situation. i belittled the pain until now that i can barely eat and the flesh inside my mouth is paining to the highest extent of torment. i have no escape but sleep. i hope it would be like earrings or make up or contact lenses that i remove after my day so that my night would be more comfortable. but that is not the case.
today is just my first day with the braces. i know i had a long way to go. but i wil have to endure it. just like how they say it, "no pain, no gian". aja!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
i am an addict...
my latest addictions: grey's anatomy and the song feels like home
my addiction for 23 months now: my mcdreamy. hehe..
There's something in your eyes
Makes me wanna lose my self,
Makes me wanna lose myself in your heart,
There's something in your voice
That makes my heart beat fast
Hope this feeling lasts
For the rest of my life
If you knew how lonely
My life has been
And how long I've been so alone
And if you knew how I wanted someone to come along
And change my life the way you've done
It feels like home to me
It feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from
It feels like home to me
It feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
A window breaks down on lumdard street
And a siren rings in the night
But I'm all right cuz I have you here with me,
And I can almost see through the dark there is light
Well if you knew how much this moment means to me
And how long I've waited for your touch
And if you knew how happy you are making me
I never thought that I'd love anyone so much
It feels like home to me
It feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from
It feels like home to me
It feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong.
my addiction for 23 months now: my mcdreamy. hehe..
Makes me wanna lose my self,
Makes me wanna lose myself in your heart,
There's something in your voice
That makes my heart beat fast
Hope this feeling lasts
For the rest of my life
If you knew how lonely
My life has been
And how long I've been so alone
And if you knew how I wanted someone to come along
And change my life the way you've done
It feels like home to me
It feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from
It feels like home to me
It feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
A window breaks down on lumdard street
And a siren rings in the night
But I'm all right cuz I have you here with me,
And I can almost see through the dark there is light
Well if you knew how much this moment means to me
And how long I've waited for your touch
And if you knew how happy you are making me
I never thought that I'd love anyone so much
It feels like home to me
It feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from
It feels like home to me
It feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
a valentine's day to remember...
I have already set an itinerary for my valentine's day. 1) attend my job interview 2) my internet and cable subscription will be connected today 3) chat with my boyfriend. three things to really be excited about. i was excited, so eager to wake up and start my day. but instead of my alarm clock, an sms alert tone woke me up. it was from alfred.. hmm.. as usual he was so competitive as to who greets first on special occasions. or so i thought.. His sms was about an accident. Pastor Kevin or PK as we fondly call him and his wife, Tita Belle, had an accident this morning. They died.
I did not know how to react.. All I could feel was like emotions filling up in my chest. it was like my heart is swelling. i never had someone whom i personally know met an accident and died.
I have known Pastor Kevin for about 5 years now. He was the pastor in the church in UP where i became a Christian. He was a UP graduate, a rebel returnee-turned-pastor.He was ministering in UP Christian Youth Movement(UPCYM), a group I had been actively paticipating. I used to see him everyday when I was in college - wednesday fellowship, saturday choir practice, sunday service, and the rest of the week which was spent hanging out in our tambayan. He was a good man to me. And I know that he was good to me not because he was a pastor, but because he truly cared.
We had been to so many UPCYM projects together especially when i became officer in the group. we had been to caravans together, Bohol and Benguet. I especially like the part when PK would hang out with us in the tambayan. Other than God's Word, he could not stop speaking about his family, stories about his wife, activities of his kids and his desire to buy a new car.
I used to have some issues with my dad and once or twice I went to PK. He told me that there were things I just do not understand at that moment, but if he was my father, he would definitely do the same to protect me. and his words always made me feel good.
he once drove me to mrt station one rainy night from our wednesday fellowship in UP. as always, even if it's just the two of you in the car, he would always ask you to take the back seat because passenger seat was just for his wife. we had a different kind of chat that night. he told me he admired me because i was always glowing with optimism. it was the first time somebody said that about me. he said that he wished he had my optimism. he might be all words of encouragement to others but sometimes before they sleep at night, he would always tell his worries to tita belle. i found nothing to say. this was my pastor speaking to me that he has worries as well, so normal like me.
i came back to UP after being away for so long when i started working. i visited UPCYM. it was a quiet afternoon. he invited me to his office to have a little catching up sort of chat. I told him i now have a boyfriend. and he prayed for us and again his words made me feel good. he told me that he had always been concerned about us when we left the comfort zone of UPCYM to join the big world out there. i told him not to worry. i told him that Ate Vi, our other pastor, and he had instilled good words in us that i am sure we will carry with us as we go along with our lives.
i thought about him a month ago. i was meaning to write him an email, tell him that i am doing fine here in dubai. that i am so okay with my dad, that alfred and i are going stronger than ever and that i found a church and a fellowship group here in dubai. i meant to email him but was not able to..
today, i had to continue my itinerary 1) i went for my interview 2) did not chat with alfred. we decided it's better for him to go to the service for PK and Tita Belle. 3) my internet is now working as well as my tv connection. i was able to watch 24 oras of gma network and saw the news about PK and Tita Belle. The car was so wrecked. It hurts me to imagine their pain. I was wondering what did PK and Tita Belle spoke about in the middle of the accident when they were about to die. I cant help but think about their kids, Isabella and Carlo, who by the way is a splitting image of his father.
It sure was a different Valentine's Day. But it sure was a day of love. I had been a witness to PK's love for his family, his love for God, his love for the Church. And though there are things in this life we could not understand, surely God is in control. And he loves PK and Tita Belle.They are now in heaven. And God's love will surely be with Carlo and Isabella.
When I was still a single, I have always thought that if ever i get married, I will ask PK to be the pastor on that special day. And that will never happen now. But I am so grateful that our paths crossed.
PK, you will be missed...
***********************************
here are some entries online regarding the incident..
Breaking News / Metro
You are here: Home > News > Breaking News > Metro
(UPDATE) Pastor, wife killed in road accident in QC
By Marlon Ramos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 10:35:00 02/14/2008
MANILA, Philippines – A rebel-turned-pastor and his wife were killed when the car they were riding in was rammed by a passenger bus in Tandang Sora, Quezon City Thursday, police said.Kevin Alamag, 40, and his wife Avelia, 46, died as they were being brought to Malvar General Hospital, police said.
Joseph Arana, the driver of the Nova Bus Transport (plate no. TWL-703) surrendered to authorities, police said.A report from the Quezon City Traffic Sector said the Nissan pick-up (PKS- 856) driven by Alamag was about to make a right turn at the intersection of Tandang Sora Road and Commonwealth when the speeding bus driven by Arana hit the couple's vehicle at around 7:20 a.m.
The report said the collision totally wrecked the victims' vehicle.The report did not mention if there were passengers of the bus who were hurt in the accident.
source: www.inq7.net
***********************************
Couple killed, others hurt in QC Valentine road mishaps
BY MARK MERUENAS
02/14/2008 | 10:59 AM
Email this | Email the Editor | Print | Digg this | Add to del.icio.us (Udpated 11:25 a.m.)
A couple died when a passenger bus rammed their Nissan Sentra vehicle Thursday morning in Tandang Sora village, Quezon City.Police authorities identified the fatalities as Kevin Alamag, 40, and his wife Abella Alamag, 46, residing in San Antonio village, QC.The police said that the male victim reportedly works as a pastor and was a rebel returnee.
Initial investigation showed that the two were about to turn right beneath the Tandang Sora flyover when a Nova passenger bus (TWL-703) traveling on the same lane hit them at about 9:30 a.m.The two fatalities were rushed to the Malvar General Hospital but were declared dead on arrival.
Bus driver Joseph Areno was quoted as saying he did not notice the victims' sedan making a right turn.Areno is now under police custody and will be facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in double homicide, police authorities said.
READER'S FEEDBACK:
From: Robert Salazar in Pasig City, PhilsSent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 2:33 PM
I am very much concerned with how this government is actually handling the transport sector specifically the bus and jeep drivers. They are the most reckless people in this planet and I have had too many friends and acquaintance who have been victimized by how these drivers behave and drive on our streets.
I have been hit by a bus, my client's husband was stabbed by a reckless jeep driver now our pastor was killed by this bus driver. I also was driving my brand new car when I was hit by a jeep driver making a left turn while in the right most side of the road.
Mind you, I had at least 3 accidents caused by these jeep drivers.When will the law of the land stop these menacing drivers?I would probably be right in declaring that 90% of these drivers are unfit to drive and yet why do we entrust the transport business to irresponsible people. Is the life of he Filipino worth a dime and a nickel?Will somebody be bold enough to put a stop to these instead of just politicking?
From: Eliza Shih-Chiusinco in Pasig City, PhilsSent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 3:19 PM
Thank Mr. Meruenas for your update. Pastor Kevin Alamag is the Exalting Ministry pastor-in-charge of the Greenhills Christian Fellowship at Ortigas.
His wife works with the WordTeach. We are in grief but the Lord has better plan for them. Please continue to pray for their children and family.
From: Anonymous in Quezon City, Phils
Sent: Friday, February 15, 2008 5:01 PM
The accident in T. Sora could have been avoided kung di "sobrang" bilis ng Nova Bus.
I know how & what happened. I am willing to help the family of Mr. Alamag kung mag-pursue sila ng case. Please do not attach my address for my safety.
Thanks.
source: www.gmanews.tv
I did not know how to react.. All I could feel was like emotions filling up in my chest. it was like my heart is swelling. i never had someone whom i personally know met an accident and died.
I have known Pastor Kevin for about 5 years now. He was the pastor in the church in UP where i became a Christian. He was a UP graduate, a rebel returnee-turned-pastor.He was ministering in UP Christian Youth Movement(UPCYM), a group I had been actively paticipating. I used to see him everyday when I was in college - wednesday fellowship, saturday choir practice, sunday service, and the rest of the week which was spent hanging out in our tambayan. He was a good man to me. And I know that he was good to me not because he was a pastor, but because he truly cared.
We had been to so many UPCYM projects together especially when i became officer in the group. we had been to caravans together, Bohol and Benguet. I especially like the part when PK would hang out with us in the tambayan. Other than God's Word, he could not stop speaking about his family, stories about his wife, activities of his kids and his desire to buy a new car.
I used to have some issues with my dad and once or twice I went to PK. He told me that there were things I just do not understand at that moment, but if he was my father, he would definitely do the same to protect me. and his words always made me feel good.
he once drove me to mrt station one rainy night from our wednesday fellowship in UP. as always, even if it's just the two of you in the car, he would always ask you to take the back seat because passenger seat was just for his wife. we had a different kind of chat that night. he told me he admired me because i was always glowing with optimism. it was the first time somebody said that about me. he said that he wished he had my optimism. he might be all words of encouragement to others but sometimes before they sleep at night, he would always tell his worries to tita belle. i found nothing to say. this was my pastor speaking to me that he has worries as well, so normal like me.
i came back to UP after being away for so long when i started working. i visited UPCYM. it was a quiet afternoon. he invited me to his office to have a little catching up sort of chat. I told him i now have a boyfriend. and he prayed for us and again his words made me feel good. he told me that he had always been concerned about us when we left the comfort zone of UPCYM to join the big world out there. i told him not to worry. i told him that Ate Vi, our other pastor, and he had instilled good words in us that i am sure we will carry with us as we go along with our lives.
i thought about him a month ago. i was meaning to write him an email, tell him that i am doing fine here in dubai. that i am so okay with my dad, that alfred and i are going stronger than ever and that i found a church and a fellowship group here in dubai. i meant to email him but was not able to..
today, i had to continue my itinerary 1) i went for my interview 2) did not chat with alfred. we decided it's better for him to go to the service for PK and Tita Belle. 3) my internet is now working as well as my tv connection. i was able to watch 24 oras of gma network and saw the news about PK and Tita Belle. The car was so wrecked. It hurts me to imagine their pain. I was wondering what did PK and Tita Belle spoke about in the middle of the accident when they were about to die. I cant help but think about their kids, Isabella and Carlo, who by the way is a splitting image of his father.
It sure was a different Valentine's Day. But it sure was a day of love. I had been a witness to PK's love for his family, his love for God, his love for the Church. And though there are things in this life we could not understand, surely God is in control. And he loves PK and Tita Belle.They are now in heaven. And God's love will surely be with Carlo and Isabella.
When I was still a single, I have always thought that if ever i get married, I will ask PK to be the pastor on that special day. And that will never happen now. But I am so grateful that our paths crossed.
PK, you will be missed...
here are some entries online regarding the incident..
Breaking News / Metro
You are here: Home > News > Breaking News > Metro
(UPDATE) Pastor, wife killed in road accident in QC
By Marlon Ramos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 10:35:00 02/14/2008
MANILA, Philippines – A rebel-turned-pastor and his wife were killed when the car they were riding in was rammed by a passenger bus in Tandang Sora, Quezon City Thursday, police said.Kevin Alamag, 40, and his wife Avelia, 46, died as they were being brought to Malvar General Hospital, police said.
Joseph Arana, the driver of the Nova Bus Transport (plate no. TWL-703) surrendered to authorities, police said.A report from the Quezon City Traffic Sector said the Nissan pick-up (PKS- 856) driven by Alamag was about to make a right turn at the intersection of Tandang Sora Road and Commonwealth when the speeding bus driven by Arana hit the couple's vehicle at around 7:20 a.m.
The report said the collision totally wrecked the victims' vehicle.The report did not mention if there were passengers of the bus who were hurt in the accident.
source: www.inq7.net
Couple killed, others hurt in QC Valentine road mishaps
BY MARK MERUENAS
02/14/2008 | 10:59 AM
Email this | Email the Editor | Print | Digg this | Add to del.icio.us (Udpated 11:25 a.m.)
A couple died when a passenger bus rammed their Nissan Sentra vehicle Thursday morning in Tandang Sora village, Quezon City.Police authorities identified the fatalities as Kevin Alamag, 40, and his wife Abella Alamag, 46, residing in San Antonio village, QC.The police said that the male victim reportedly works as a pastor and was a rebel returnee.
Initial investigation showed that the two were about to turn right beneath the Tandang Sora flyover when a Nova passenger bus (TWL-703) traveling on the same lane hit them at about 9:30 a.m.The two fatalities were rushed to the Malvar General Hospital but were declared dead on arrival.
Bus driver Joseph Areno was quoted as saying he did not notice the victims' sedan making a right turn.Areno is now under police custody and will be facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in double homicide, police authorities said.
READER'S FEEDBACK:
From: Robert Salazar in Pasig City, PhilsSent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 2:33 PM
I am very much concerned with how this government is actually handling the transport sector specifically the bus and jeep drivers. They are the most reckless people in this planet and I have had too many friends and acquaintance who have been victimized by how these drivers behave and drive on our streets.
I have been hit by a bus, my client's husband was stabbed by a reckless jeep driver now our pastor was killed by this bus driver. I also was driving my brand new car when I was hit by a jeep driver making a left turn while in the right most side of the road.
Mind you, I had at least 3 accidents caused by these jeep drivers.When will the law of the land stop these menacing drivers?I would probably be right in declaring that 90% of these drivers are unfit to drive and yet why do we entrust the transport business to irresponsible people. Is the life of he Filipino worth a dime and a nickel?Will somebody be bold enough to put a stop to these instead of just politicking?
From: Eliza Shih-Chiusinco in Pasig City, PhilsSent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 3:19 PM
Thank Mr. Meruenas for your update. Pastor Kevin Alamag is the Exalting Ministry pastor-in-charge of the Greenhills Christian Fellowship at Ortigas.
His wife works with the WordTeach. We are in grief but the Lord has better plan for them. Please continue to pray for their children and family.
From: Anonymous in Quezon City, Phils
Sent: Friday, February 15, 2008 5:01 PM
The accident in T. Sora could have been avoided kung di "sobrang" bilis ng Nova Bus.
I know how & what happened. I am willing to help the family of Mr. Alamag kung mag-pursue sila ng case. Please do not attach my address for my safety.
Thanks.
source: www.gmanews.tv
Saturday, January 19, 2008
George Bush and the rain: What do they have in common?
Answer: They both visited Dubai!! And if I may add, both caused some major chaos and a lot of roads closings.
MR. PRESIDENT'S ARRIVAL
A lot of actors and very famous people have been visiting Dubai. A lot are even staying in the resort I am working for. But never have I experienced someone who caused much turmoil as George Bush. His wife have stayed in our hotel about two months ago but more tahn the thight security, we barely felt her presence.
I was on local vacation and was supposed to come back to work last 14 January. I called up my supervisor to ask what time does he need me at work, not that I was excited about coming back ( oh no, please!) but just so the start of my year at work would be in order. Then I just found out that the whole of Madinat Jumeirah, actually the whole of Dubai was not in order at all. Bush would be staying in Burj Al Arab and the rest of his delegation in Madinat Jumeirah. To top that, they have closed all the roads near our hotel. 1)A part of the main road, Sheikh Zayed Road, was closed. That was like closing EDSA from Cubao to SM Megamall. 2)The whole of Jumeirah Road, the road in front of Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah was closed from 6 am to 6 pm. How could our guest go out of the resort? How can we go to work during our shifts? Hmm.. good questions! Answer to both is they could not. All our guests were advised to go out of the resort after the said timings or move to Emirates Tower, one of our hotels in the downtown area not affected by the road closings. And take this. All the employees who used to be coming to shift 7am or 3 pm has to come to work at 4:30 in the morning. Could you imagine that!? Sometimes, I wonder if people like George Bush could actually imagine how much does his presence affect people's lives. I mean one day visit and suddenly our world was shaken. Anyway, I feel bad for those people affected but luckily I wasn't. My supervisor said I can jsut take the day as my OFF. Hmm.. extended vacation..
IT'S RAINING, MAN!
The scarcity of raindrops in Dubai got a bit of excitement out of me. It was not like the typhoon with strong rain and wind that we always have in the Philippines. It was a very light downpour but a few days of continued rain was not really a good thing. Dubai was flooded, at least some areas. Could you imagine?! My colleague told me he phoned his mom back in Mumbai to tell her that it was currently flooded in Dubai and she was shocked in disbelief. Dubai, an emirate in the middle of desert is flooded?!Haha, what an irony but it happened. Thing is, this rain is something they are not so prepared of. The drainage system is so poor and there are some areas where there is no drainage system at all. Road have been inaccessible because of this. The few roads remaining were so congested. For two days in a row, I had to sit for 2 hours in the bus just to get to work and from work to my flat, which usually takes 15 minutes of my time. On the 4th day, after the rain stopped, a loty of workers have been dispersed to actually do some pumping thing to get water off the street.
Here are some pictures. Enjoy as you may never see them again. Im sure Dubai will do something about it. Maybe they will even make the grandest drainage system in the world. You know how ambitious this place is..
MR. PRESIDENT'S ARRIVAL
A lot of actors and very famous people have been visiting Dubai. A lot are even staying in the resort I am working for. But never have I experienced someone who caused much turmoil as George Bush. His wife have stayed in our hotel about two months ago but more tahn the thight security, we barely felt her presence.
I was on local vacation and was supposed to come back to work last 14 January. I called up my supervisor to ask what time does he need me at work, not that I was excited about coming back ( oh no, please!) but just so the start of my year at work would be in order. Then I just found out that the whole of Madinat Jumeirah, actually the whole of Dubai was not in order at all. Bush would be staying in Burj Al Arab and the rest of his delegation in Madinat Jumeirah. To top that, they have closed all the roads near our hotel. 1)A part of the main road, Sheikh Zayed Road, was closed. That was like closing EDSA from Cubao to SM Megamall. 2)The whole of Jumeirah Road, the road in front of Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah was closed from 6 am to 6 pm. How could our guest go out of the resort? How can we go to work during our shifts? Hmm.. good questions! Answer to both is they could not. All our guests were advised to go out of the resort after the said timings or move to Emirates Tower, one of our hotels in the downtown area not affected by the road closings. And take this. All the employees who used to be coming to shift 7am or 3 pm has to come to work at 4:30 in the morning. Could you imagine that!? Sometimes, I wonder if people like George Bush could actually imagine how much does his presence affect people's lives. I mean one day visit and suddenly our world was shaken. Anyway, I feel bad for those people affected but luckily I wasn't. My supervisor said I can jsut take the day as my OFF. Hmm.. extended vacation..
IT'S RAINING, MAN!
The scarcity of raindrops in Dubai got a bit of excitement out of me. It was not like the typhoon with strong rain and wind that we always have in the Philippines. It was a very light downpour but a few days of continued rain was not really a good thing. Dubai was flooded, at least some areas. Could you imagine?! My colleague told me he phoned his mom back in Mumbai to tell her that it was currently flooded in Dubai and she was shocked in disbelief. Dubai, an emirate in the middle of desert is flooded?!Haha, what an irony but it happened. Thing is, this rain is something they are not so prepared of. The drainage system is so poor and there are some areas where there is no drainage system at all. Road have been inaccessible because of this. The few roads remaining were so congested. For two days in a row, I had to sit for 2 hours in the bus just to get to work and from work to my flat, which usually takes 15 minutes of my time. On the 4th day, after the rain stopped, a loty of workers have been dispersed to actually do some pumping thing to get water off the street.
Here are some pictures. Enjoy as you may never see them again. Im sure Dubai will do something about it. Maybe they will even make the grandest drainage system in the world. You know how ambitious this place is..
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