tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37932661439014273582024-03-15T01:05:57.152+08:00The Franny Diariesfrancesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-82087283340885650672016-09-19T23:22:00.000+08:002016-09-20T00:20:51.878+08:00Up in the air...with Thai Airways!<div class="p1">
It has been ages since I updated this page!! This is sort of a diary and this is just to let my thoughts out so don’t expect an exceptional kind of writing….A lot has happened since I last posted and let me post about it next time (weh). 2014??? JUICECOLORED DAMI KONG PINAGDAANAN BESH (SA TRABAHO, SA PUSO, SA PAGKAKAIBIGAN, SA PAMILYA, SA KALUSUGAN. DAMI KO DING NAPUNTAHAN!!! CHECKED NA YUNG SOUTH CHINA SEA!!! SORRY I FORGOT TO TELL YOU MY DEAR DIARY)! Anyway, what happened is finished. Moving on to the purpose of this post...</div>
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Last month, prolly during my birthday week, the office asked if my passport was still okay because they’ll send me to Thailand at the end of the month. At first I was really hesitant (luh. ang arte ko forevs) because my mother’s birthday fell on one of those dates I was supposed to be away (I'm such a clingy daughter hahahah)…but with all her blessings, she said it was okay. There was also so much going on in the south and I was planning to go there but I realized this opportunity does not come often (and I was kind of stressed out with social media trolls, pseudo experts, and work at that time) so why not?! This could change my fate and maybe I'd become a lifestyle reporter....Hahahahahh JK. Anyway, let’s go.</div>
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I was sent out to join Thailand’s educational tour sponsored by Thai Airways and Tourism Authority of Thailand….so there, we have to relish every bit of Thailand (sometimes I really, sincerely, truly love my job!!!). I will not blog about the whole five-day trip because we had too many activities, so maybe separately. And I had interesting and inspiring people with me (I think ready na ako ipagpalit ang trabaho ko hahahahah jk), which also needs another separate blog post. I will just describe our flight for now.</div>
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Thai Airways treated us with their Business Class seats…They call it Royal Silk Class. Well I’ve never been in one so this makes it my first time!!! Too bad the flight was only about three hours!! I'm always anxious during flights because I have fear of heights but this one...SOBRANG BITIN!!! First, I checked in early and so I was at the first row and at the window seat just the way I like it. Their baggage allowance is 40 kilos, in case you're curious.</div>
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We were on a Boeing 777-300— there is enough room for my legs to stretch, I think we can lie down up to 180 degrees if we wanted (I'm not sure) but I didn’t try (OA ah three hours lang). The crew were friendly. And my favorite part, the food:</div>
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That’s the menu…I tried a few wine and champagne just because I was excited….Hahahaha. I wasn’t really hungry during the flight because I had Jollibee before the flight and our lounge at the NAIA 1 also had plenty of food, too. They had an appetizer, light first course and a main course of your choice….They had cheese, fruits, tea, coffee, juice….and they are available as much as you want.</div>
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We could watch movies and listen to music (but I think the choices were a bit limited. I had a movie in mind but it wasn’t there….So I ended up watching London Has Fallen). The rest of the flight I just enjoyed the skies and tried to sleep. I had to enjoy the pillow and the blanket even for a short while.</div>
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What I also liked about it is you have your own outlet although I really didn’t need it at that time. Our lavatory also had designer scents and hand creams, which was really cool (but again it’s no big deal with me if it isn’t. It could be Watson's and I won't really mind hahahaha char).</div>
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Now I realized the importance of Business Class — I wish I could afford it when the time comes I will have long haul flights ala US and Europe (hahahaha kelan kaya pwe feelingera). Cheap flights are alright if you will fly domestic, but I now see why Business Class is also great deal. If comfort is important to you, that is. And you have a lot of money to spare (which I don't hahahah). On a second thought, I still feel at home and comfortable when I ride a Philippine C-130.</div>
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Thai Airways is a member of Star Alliance, one of the world’s largest global airline alliances. And by the way, Thai Airways' slogan is “smooth as silk”…which lives up to it. I hope I can fly with them again!!!</div>
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<i>My stories about my trip are not yet finished...maybe I will just post the link once it's done!! Cheers!! </i></div>
francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-91110445147139126412014-10-12T16:45:00.002+08:002014-10-12T16:45:22.205+08:00China 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last month I was privileged to do work for a week in China. It wasn't a big coverage, like trailing a President or whatever, but it sure expanded my perspective. It was also such a breeze not to have your editor to bug you for a week and you work at your own pace? I miss those China vibes. Anyway, it was fun and I would glad to be back. Nanning City is such a clean city and environment-friendly. I wish our country would learn from this city. Sharing some of the photos. </div>
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francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-79097523551014847232014-06-21T23:13:00.001+08:002014-06-21T23:16:38.708+08:00Second lifeThis post is just to express (briefly) in writing how grateful I am for my second life. I've had a near-death encounter last month, and guess what, it is related with the <a href="http://francesgm.blogspot.com/2010/09/ruptured.html">first one</a>.<br />
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So last month, I had abdominal pain which I thought was just gastritis that comes from time to time. That morning of May 7, I had that weird feeling in my tummy but I managed to come to work. By lunchtime however I could no longer eat and despite the meds the pain didn't go away. It went on until the next day even if I visited the hospital for relief the day before and I didn't stop throwing up. That was when I knew something was really wrong because I don't throw up because of gastritis.<br />
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It turned out I had intestinal adhesions. So what are these? When you've had a previous major abdominal surgery, you're in a great risk. Mine was ruptured appendicitis. WebMD says that adhesions are "bands of scar tissue that binds two parts of your tissue together when they should have remained separated."<br />
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In my case, my intestines tangled because of that previous surgery. It's an inevitable thing because I had a major operation before....and it will be like that for the rest of my life because I underwent surgery again. Last May 12, I had that surgery to untangle the kink!!! Well it wasn't that easy. Before the surgery, they put a tube on my nose for three days to let the bile pass out so I would stop throwing out. It's an SOP because it's way for relief and supposed to be a non-invasive treatment. But of course my luck is different that I needed surgery again. But that-- a tube on one side of your nose-- was just the grossest thing and the loneliest thing ever.<br />
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It was such a depressing time to be sick that I don't want to go through again. I am happy to be alive-- and yes, I was praying the whole time. I stayed in the hospital for nine days, and I wasn't allowed to eat on most days. This challenge was definitely harder than the first.<br />
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I am grateful for my friends and family. Recovery was faster than the first time maybe because I've been through it before and I know what kind of pain to anticipate. I am trying to take greater care of myself. God is good. Thank you Lord, the best and the greatest.francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-48644133682816192732014-04-06T22:20:00.001+08:002014-04-07T20:00:41.389+08:00Mt. Pinatubo<br />
Hello my dormant space in the web! Let me share photos from our Mt. Pinatubo trek last February. Sorry I haven't been updating. I've been lazy and busy at the same time with work and outside work. I wish I am one of those travel bloggers but I'm always in a hurry to be too detailed in my posts and second, I don't travel that much! Wala akong K. Huhuhuhu.<br />
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Anyway, my friends entertained MY idea of trekking several months back because we were all brokenhearted that time (uy, joke lang hehehehe). Pinagbigyan lang nila ako. This year, my highschool friends and I agreed that we should travel more and this was our first project. So we researched on Google, the go-to of everyone in the planet (with internet) and there were lots of blogs about Pinatubo already!! Yaaaay! This volcano in Luzon (which covers Tarlac, Zambales and Pampanga) erupted in 1991 and is said to be the second largest eruption in 20th century.<br />
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I've seen Pinatubo before but that was only when we rode the Sokol choppers of the Air Force. It was beautiful then but I also wanted to see it closer. I wanted to do the trek. </div>
To get to the trek's jump off point, we rode a 4x4 truck for two hours somewhere in Tarlac very early(near Camp O'Donnell). Sorry if I will not go into details about this because this has been months ago and I have a poor memory. Ask me in person and I will ask my friends for our contacts. It was a bumpy ride but was a lot of fun!! The lahar from the eruption was a beautiful sight, though I don't think it's pretty when it rains as I imagine that it would be muddy. This is the very same lahar that killed thousands during the 1991 eruption.<br />
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Along the way, we met Aetas, the indigenous people living there. I've read in a blog that we will see Aetas on our way to Pinatubo so I brought them candies! When I was in college, I had a student Aeta for our National Service Training Program in Pampanga that's why I have a soft heart for Aetas. Naks, soft daw. Seeing them, I wish I had brought more than candies. I observed they needed slippers because most of them were barefoot. Huhuhuhu. So if you plan of going there, please bring slippers for the children. Bring as much as you can for these kids. Hehehehe.<br />
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This was my first time to trek and I didn't have any preparation except for my twice a week jog at Camp Aguinaldo for less than a month prior the trip. We had to walk for the next two hours under the scorching heat of the sun. It was only February but it was sooo hot and my bag, despite my efforts to travel light, was still heavy. My being 'lampa' also revealed itself at a few moments during the trek. Hahahahahaha. I think my water bottles made my bag heavy. Bring your happy food!!! Thank you to our tourist guide, who is also an Aeta, for carrying some of our loads so it won't be that hard for us.<br />
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The view up there was BREATHTAKING. I was running out of breath when we reached the top of the volcano (hahahahaha). But I swear it was really worth it! But then we had to go down (not an easy trek again) to the crater. In the blogs that I've read, nobody mentioned that it would be this tiring. Ako lang napagod?! Bwahahahaha. This trip really tested my stamina huh. Not bad for a first time though.<br />
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This is my photo of the crater view before we went down to go closer. This was taken by about lunch time. No photoshop, filter whatever. Diba, ang ganda ganda? #itsmorefuninthephilippines! :)<br />
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By the time we were at the crater side, we were so hungry and we finally had our lunch. Grabeee ang sarap sarap ng adobong dala namin!! :)<br />
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While it was honestly tiring for my part, it was really worth it. When I saw this view I was reminded of God's greatness. Heaven on earth. Majestic. Magical. Who would have thought that this place is also capable of destruction?<br />
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There were many tourists at Pinatubo --both foreigners and locals. I think the best time to go is January to early March when it doesn't rain too often and there is still the northeast monsoon which brings the cold winds. It was cool near the crater but at the same time it was also hot because it was lunch time. I can imagine it would even be warmer during dry season. Of course you wouldn't wanna go when it's rainy season because from what I heard it's not allowed and also I heard that waters rise and it will be muddy. It is good that the place is well-maintained. Those who are more adventurous can also go overnight. There is no Globe signal, by the way. I'm not sure about other networks.<br />
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Too bad swimming and boating are no longer allowed because the depth of this crater is unknown it could be unsafe. So we had to be happy with splashing on the edge. Tampisaw lang eh ano magagawa natin?! It is said that the water on the lake is accumulated from the rains. My overactive imagination says it could have healing powers. Hehehehe. :)<br />
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Our way back to the jump off point was a breeze unlike when we were on our way up. But man my legs were swollen after but it's really, really worth it. The experience was even better because I was with my highschool friends. Here's to more travels, my girlies! So you think Pinatubo is for you? Go plan your trip now!! :)
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Anyway, pharma company Merck Serono collaborated with Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction and Philippine Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility to put up a website dedicated to couples challenged with infertility at <a href="http://www.fertilityphilippines.com/">www.fertilityphilippines.com</a><br />
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Infertility is the difficulty of conceiving a child after a year of unprotected sex, as per defined by an OB at the event, Dr. Mark Ancheta.<br />
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I love babies more than you guys ever know, and I think the point of marriage is to eventually have babies in the future. Kaya nga family eh diba. So this post is dedicated to them who are having problems and those who are just curious! I don't want to go to the geeky parts and explain infertility factors here, just go to their website. Or I'll post the link of my story in our news website as soon it's published. Here's a video from Fertility Awareness Asia too!! :)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BLSvuWT5JRk" width="560"></iframe>francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-14898013973067087082013-07-20T23:41:00.000+08:002013-08-24T13:55:52.517+08:00My dose of happy filmsI'm about to go to dreamland and I'm sleepy, so sorry if it's more poorly written than my usual posts. Lately I've been thinking about my own set of happy movies in recent years and how they gave me good vibes that I could watch them over and over without fail. In college, I had a thing for classic films and those intellectual movies that would make me think twice about my life after watching. I kinda feel smart if I get to appreciate an intelligently-crafted movie. How's that for a morale booster? Ha!! Feeling ko lang naman yun! Hahaha! I would go to Quiapo (woops sorry for supporting piracy) with my friends after class to hoard oldies but goodies kind of movies. But fast forward today, the movies I see are only limited to mainstream films I see with my friends whenever I get the time and from our "movie library" in the office. A co-worker shares his collection to all of us for free and I get the opportunity to catch up on films I missed, and what's better is I could also ask him which movies I want that isn't in his library. Mabuhay ka, sir! Unfortunately, I have copied (and continuously copy) movies from his collection to my humble HD but most of those movies remain unwatched simply because I don't have time for it. Sometimes when I get a break I'd rather sleep or get a social life! I also do not have the patience to learn to download using Torrent even if a friend already taught me repeatedly for years. I just couldn't focus to listen. I'd rather go buy in Quiapo.<br />
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I don't have a favorite genre when it comes to movies because I try to appreciate each one, except for horror films. It either scares me like shit that I couldn't sleep after or at times, some movies just disgust me how poorly made they are. Hehehe!! Feeling critic! My girly side of course, also likes cheesy films, the kind of stuff that make me reflect where the love of my life is. At the same time, I like action movies, war movies, suspense, etc. BUT!! Most of all, the biggest chunk of my bias goes to Disney movies! I will forever be a Disney fan, especially of its classic films!! Haaay! :)<br />
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So here are some of my happy movies shown in recent times. Although I still appreciate "intelligent" movies from time to time, my preference in movies has become lighter, with simple plots and heartwarming endings, but not necessarily "dumb" movies. There are still movies that I see that I go "WTF was that?" when credits roll, noh. I think I've outgrown complicated plots in movies because my real life is already stressful I just want to chill, "feel good" ika nga. Oo factor sakin yun. Anyway, I would likely update this from time to time. Right now, the half of my brain is already in dreamland and my forgetful self cannot remember in one sitting all the movies I liked recently. I will no longer make a review. I also hope you don't judge me by my preferences. There are older films that are also "feel good" that I really liked such as Audrey Hepburn films and 90s movies but that would probably take another blog post. Not to mention Korean films and other non-American films that I really enjoyed. Dami pala! :)<br />
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<br />francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-60995662776167932972013-06-17T23:24:00.004+08:002013-06-18T22:42:12.671+08:00Two years!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This month I turned second year as multimedia reporter for the online arm of the country's most influential newspaper (pero di ko ipo promote dito). So if you haven't figured it out yet, I only blog happy stuff but aren't too personal that can be shared and milestones. This December I'd be on my third year at my current employer, as I first started there as editorial assistant. Wow, I'm getting old. <br />
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I'm on my second year as reporter and yet I feel like I've been on the beat only for a year or so because I took up so many desk work (I recently made sure that my boss knows this sentiment hehehe). How is it so far? I'm on defense beat which is no problem because I'm quite familiar with it. And I've always wanted this since college. And I hate politics. This is a prayer that came true, if you ask me. I even lit candles for this back then (I should've prayed for true love instead, dont you think?) But man, I'm already here and yet taking care of sources nationwide is no piece of cake. Whenever I'm already chummies with a source on the ground, he gets re-assigned!! Bago na namang aalagaan! It's hard to keep a source in hotspot areas! This military organization is so dynamic it's so hard to keep up! Sometimes I get non-defense coverages, which is a blessing because it's a chance to unwind (and at times it's not so welcome, because I'd rather be on my beat). We get lifestyle coverages or elections, SONA, senate, etc. It's a different world every experience. It's crazy.<br />
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I have a love and hate relationship with my work. I love it because it's so humbling and I learn a lot. Like everyday, there's some new knowledge to learn or a mistake to cringe about. It's also a privilege to be a witness,<br />
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to experience things first, to see history unfold in front of you. My pleasure. This job is so humbling, it makes me realize that there is so much I don't know in the world and I have a long, long way to go. At the same time, it gives me stress, it tests my patience to the bone marrow, and sometimes I really hate it so much to a point I wish I was one of those people who don't give a shit about news. Sometimes it gives me insecurities, and there are times it makes me feel like I don't work hard enough if I don't get a story. And sometimes internal matters in the office are just too much to bear for my already stressful life. There was also a point that I barely had a social life. This job is so unhealthy, truth be told. And yet I choose to stay.<br />
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Today, I'm still overwhelmed with the influence of media. Like how this industry I'm in can bring down a person or an institution, how glorifying a subject can win hearts of the people, or simply, just how it dictates. Although I'd have to say that as a newbie, my journalism style is more of something that "tells" rather than "dictates." But the information we choose to share is a factor when the society shapes its opinion of something. (And I don't wanna get righteous about responsible journalism here, I'm no veteran okay).<br />
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I also have to admit, the perks of the job are really gratifying. On top of my list are concerts such as Maroon 5 or J Lo that I begged to cover. I'm definitely not one of those people who would shell out so much money to see these artists in flesh (Well unless it's my ultimate favorite The Corrs). We also have privilege to get access to events that ordinary people won't get invited to. Oh boy, I love my ID at times.<br />
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At the same time, I get sad whenever some of us in this industry think that we are immune from ridicule or we can get away with things, or we can get back at things or people unfavorable to us, or we are entitled to things, just because of our job -- because we have the opportunity to dictate and influence if we want to. Some of us can be really self-serving and use the influence that we have for their own gain. I don't want to point fingers, but it's a reality in this profession. I'm not saying that I'm perfect and I'm a person of integrity -- it's also been a challenge to tone down my biases in some of my stories, too. But I pray that I do not give the impression to others that I'm self-serving, nor I will become this kind of person in the future. <br />
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If you ask me how long do I see myself in this job, well, in truth, I don't know. When I prayed for this, I didn't consider what I'd do next if I get answered. And so I've become more careful on what goals I should pray for -- it should also be as precious and worth it. But until I find a new goal, I will play things by ear and be grateful to be where I'm at. :)francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-17858717887462761152013-06-15T12:31:00.003+08:002013-06-15T21:06:02.642+08:00Blue skiesLet's talk about cool stuff.<br />
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When Ate Mylene, a former co-worker in the military, told me over one of our dinners together that she's scheduled to feature the Philippine Army Parachute Team in the magazine she now works for, I begged<br />
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with all my might to join her coverage. First and foremost, I've always been attracted to liberating things. Isn't parachuting or skydiving so liberating to look at in photos and videos? When I set up this blog in 2010, I chose a photo of a guy in parachute as my avatar, which I use until now (Yun ang konek). I'm sorry I don't remember where I stole that photo. Hehehe! I've been familiar with PAPT only because they are the highlight of some military events that I cover as a defense reporter. After the pass-in-review they would suddenly fall from the sky, popping their canopies, then wild applause from the crowd follows!! As for me, I'd always watch out for those who land on their butts. Ang cute eh. Hehehe!! Ate Mye's feature would be a good opportunity to see them work up close, diba? Also, one of my closest girlfriends in the military earned my admiration when she took up Basic Airborne Course a few years back. Not all people, and a lady at that, can jump out of a chopper (I don't think I ever would. Unless it would be tandem skydiving). She'd text me almost everyday how tired she was from training. So there, those who can fly automatically get brownie points from me and they don't know it. Let's keep that a secret lest it might be mistaken as conflict of interest in my job.<br />
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One sunny day in March, we trooped to Sta. Rosa in Nueva Ecija (Royce drop zone) for Ate Mye's coverage. While she did her work stuff, I happily stayed on the <br />
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sidelines and observed these parachute guys do their thing. It's no joke, with all those double checking before an actual jump, they really mean serious business even though these guys are already expert in the field, kumbaga, Airborne level 10 (Divine!! Sweet!! Sugar crush! Ay, Candy Crush pala yun!). My reporter instinct wanted to start formulating a story as well, but because my main purpose was just to have fun and out of respect of Ate Mye's "moment" (hahaha naks)...sige, I told myself next time na lang siguro ako naman magco-cover? Hehehehe. The highlight of the coverage was a big treat for us, at least for me. We were allowed to ride the chopper and witness how they jump! I've already mentioned that not everybody can jump from a plane, thousands of feet above the ground....but let me add this: not everybody gets to ride with them and see how they fly, too. Yehey!!! Happy moment!!<br />
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It wasn't my first time to ride a chopper. I've been on a Huey and a Sokol but I always feel the need to emotionally prepare (oo may ganon) myself every plane or chopper ride because of the sudden downdrafts (I'm not sure what it's called, basta yung biglang baba). I hate that feeling. I had a chance to ride with Airborne students that day, which gave me a picture how my friend Laila was like when she took up the course. The students were so scared!! I was so happy when all of them were out because some needed to get pushed. Hahaha! I was also secretly terrified at first that I didn't get a seatbelt but was only tied with a rope on my waist. That's what made the experience even more fun though! Anyway I came out of it alive and I actually enjoyed the ride. And later, when I did my research on Facebook and checked photos of Army freefallers in the air, potek, gets ko na kung sino yung Peter Pan na nababasa ko sa Facebook. Hehehehe!!! I would've liked to write more about them and more technical stuff on this blog post, but that only made me realize that I don't know much. Hehehe!!! I ended up watching several videos, and my research led to HALO and HAHO stuff I was already too lazy to comprehend!! All I can say for now is that I'm just amazed with their passion for this. I mean, they have to regularly train for this on top of their tasks as soldiers (And if I'm not mistaken, most of them, if not all, are members of the elite Special Forces. As you know, I'm also partial to SF just because my former snappy boss is one. Hehehe). Not to mention that parachuting or freefall comes with a possible danger every jump. This hobby or lifestyle or mode of transport, is something to be taken seriously. I wonder though, if they have used this in actual combat or relief operations. There was one movie I saw where they used parachutes to land at an enemy target. So cool. :)<br />
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Thanks to Ate Mylene and her fellows at Travel Plus for tagging me along to this coverage. Thanks to the Army team too, for being accommodating hosts. Photos here are from JM Punzalan. There are more on my Facebook account. Travel Plus May-July is out now in newsstands, by the way. Go grab a copy!! :)francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-5749123582501886022012-12-31T08:19:00.001+08:002012-12-31T15:32:47.595+08:002012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just a recap for 2012. Much as I'd like to make each year memorable and unforgettable, I could say that this year was just one of those uneventful years. I mean, I didn't get a new job or get married or whatever. It was highlighted by a few domestic trips outside Manila, though, all thanks to my short vacation and work travels. Some places I visited this year were places I've already been to, but I always welcome the thought of going back again anyway.</div>
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So in these photos are Baguio, Nueva Ecija, Palawan, Bohol, Pampanga, Cebu, Capiz and Aklan. I hope I could squeeze in more travels for 2013, and maybe a foreign one at that. But that's just my wishful thinking. </div>
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I did meet a whole of new people in my life, and that is awesome. I did not keep my New Year's resolution, so I see no point of making another for next year. I got sick again, but this time it was only a less serious gastritis attack but it kept me in the hospital for several days. My stress always manifests in a gastro attack.</div>
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And for a fun-ner side of my job, I got to cover Maroon 5 and Jennifer Lopez concerts, which I am grateful for because I don't see myself splurging for those expensive ticket prices. Unless it's gonna be The Corrs.</div>
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For 2013, I just want to be more serious with my job. And possibly make a career change? Hmm who knows.I have wishes for my family and myself, but I'd rather keep it to myself. Thank you Lord for the year that was. :)</div>
francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-57931190540453586312012-10-27T21:20:00.001+08:002013-06-15T20:34:00.569+08:00Missing Bohol<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Last May, my friend Laila and I finally managed to pursue our overdue trip to Bohol. After two years of planning and daydreaming, can you imagine?! She visited the place a few weeks before our trip with her husband, but we've already been meaning to go there as early as 2010. Our former boss in my previous employer, which I will name in my blog as sir Omet, was re-assigned as the Battalion Commander of the ever "courageous and determined" Army's 2nd Special Forces Battalion in Bohol.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Unfortunately, our former boss wasn't there in the most days of our visit because he had a conference in Cebu. And so he had his men to take care of us. Until today I'm still ever grateful for their hospitality!! Go SF! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We were so spoiled I think I still owe them something. I promised to give back when they visit Manila. They even prepared an itinerary! But we had to cut a portion of our schedule to meet our former boss in Cebu before heading back to Manila.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOgfzj0VISLmuJPewqyVUVWU3_DKJidC5i_9s60ao4eTXvlwn_3FeU73LnIsWfV_II9aCuwDVI7Yh6i8aJ-uy_vdUKJpwM-R2vnk4-21Fgk0RbZWa3XkXOl3PCKzNGXa1raY91hjIeLrI/s1600/sf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOgfzj0VISLmuJPewqyVUVWU3_DKJidC5i_9s60ao4eTXvlwn_3FeU73LnIsWfV_II9aCuwDVI7Yh6i8aJ-uy_vdUKJpwM-R2vnk4-21Fgk0RbZWa3XkXOl3PCKzNGXa1raY91hjIeLrI/s200/sf.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">Our host the Army 5th Special Forces Company. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We toured almost the whole Bohol. We visited the Sandugo, Baclayon Church, Prony the python, the Man-Made Forest, Bohol Bee Farm, Danao Adventure Park and a dinner cruise by the Loboc River among others. And of course, it's not Bohol without the tarsier and Chocolate Hills!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">But what made this short vacation unforgettable was my diving experience. It really meant a lot to me because I'm scaredy shit of huge waters and I can't swim! I almost backed out when we were about to dive! Hayyy embarrassing "inarte" moment it was!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We spent the night in Panglao Island on our second night and the next morning I thought we were only going for a swim or dolphin-watching. To my horror, our military tourist guides (who happened to be certified scuba divers) squeezed a short dive in our schedule.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">Going diving, baby! (But scaaared)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">While in great disbelief, we were brought to Mr. Divers Dive Center, where the military people in Bohol rent their gear. The owner is an Isabela-descent, which was why I kind of felt at ease having an Ilocano around. Proud northener here! Anyway, our guides and the owner kept reassuring me that I could still go diving even if I don't know how to swim at all. Laila convinced me to try the diving gears for photo ops. After we changed our outfits, she said, "O sige pag di ka nag dive lalagay ko sa Facebook nagpa photo ops ka lang!" Wahahahahaha! What a true friend. :)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTIrnMBaL9sotrQcUCUmY9izQAeJE8CFWhun_af0zFVvriSlafKarR7Hv0YzTBgMyOFWKq6_Q0z2wvR7vWclhsDnT-ctbVGluF4-W_WMqJ1EM9Lt0g4cIOJjPO5W2FauP7_WGGqRr963m/s1600/diving+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTIrnMBaL9sotrQcUCUmY9izQAeJE8CFWhun_af0zFVvriSlafKarR7Hv0YzTBgMyOFWKq6_Q0z2wvR7vWclhsDnT-ctbVGluF4-W_WMqJ1EM9Lt0g4cIOJjPO5W2FauP7_WGGqRr963m/s200/diving+water.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">PROUD MOMENT!! :)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We had training near the shore for less than an hour. And then THE moment came. We rode on a motorboat and went several meters from the shore. Laila was the first to jump, and once on water she kept reassuring me that she was okay and I will be fine too. But until the last moment I was having second thoughts as I'm very accident prone! Seriously! But the boys were also persistent saying I'd be missing a lot if I won't go down. I also imagined that my father, who is always scolding me for skipping swimming lessons every chance he gets, would at least be proud if I would be able to do this. AND SO I DID IT!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Once I made it to the water, my friends were already cheering and clapping!!! Nakakahiya but I was so happy and proud! Laila and I both had a "buddy" with us to control our apparatus as we went 30 feet down. Imagine, it wasn't that deep for real divers, but I was already making a show. Unfortunately, Laila's buddy had the underwater camera and when they both reached 30 feet deep they had to go back up because Laila was having ear problems. What luck, I wanted to have my photo taken but I was still scared I want to go back up too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Nevertheless, it was such an accomplishment and I could say it was the highlight of our Bohol trip. :) :) :) I always look back at that experience with a smile...and pride! I like that feeling when I conquer a fear-- what a natural high. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I miss Bohol and I hope to go back there within a year maybe. How nice it was to realize that I could actually have a life outside of my job. I also miss Acacia de Bubu, the best "tusok-tusok" place I know! Here are other photos form the trip. There are also photos in Facebook. :)</span><br />
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<br />francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-1650554161295335952012-04-06T10:32:00.005+08:002012-10-27T21:26:31.282+08:00Reuters!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwhVuXHEkuLHJ0UbKT95fiAJ11z2TwRK5hmxpEaf2uistsegg9DbLBljw1f0_bevB2YbkFcHl8nrMoRbMvaJ-9Dh9UPUyfRmVSmyDTBW0P4dTQhMx5B5Q-G4HBDjY1xxe_sLIX1iP83el/s1600/reuters.JPG" style="font-size: 100%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728122505826464306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwhVuXHEkuLHJ0UbKT95fiAJ11z2TwRK5hmxpEaf2uistsegg9DbLBljw1f0_bevB2YbkFcHl8nrMoRbMvaJ-9Dh9UPUyfRmVSmyDTBW0P4dTQhMx5B5Q-G4HBDjY1xxe_sLIX1iP83el/s320/reuters.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 179px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span><br />
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My photo made it to Reuters! Well I think it wasn't an exceptional photo but it just had to go with the story, I guess. I covered a cruise ship event when it docked in Manila. Two days later, the Azamara Quest caught minor fire in the middle of Sulu Sea when it was on its way to Malaysia.</div>
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That's about it. All was well after the fire and I'm glad for the people who were in it were safe, especially the crew members, half of which were Filipino. </div>
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Anyway, I was so giddy with my photo's fate and now I am considering that being a photographer would be a good career in the future. Why not, right? Too ambitious? Hmmm. :)</div>
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francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-23847378461973430792012-03-12T12:14:00.013+08:002012-10-29T08:29:02.495+08:00Sokol<span style="font-size: 85%;">Some days I just love my job.<br /><br />Last Friday, I covered the turnover of the new Sokol helicopters of the Philippine Air Force at Clark, Pampanga. I haven't been that long in covering the military, but I was sure giddy for the airmen. I mean, it must have felt like having a new toy, getting all inspired to learn</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> how to play with it and all that.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">It was said th</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnG_92Bhf4OkjQSSl_ISt-cuzRc509wDRIiyOX8w610GPpyuQCZcPD8nBXFvzx0Ke0_9dwrDzFUuIk_vJwqPCVdugpYa3hzisjxzLT_Cr_924WYQF8MGuZC9LbCALbgU11q_v8Lq_cJEl/s1600/4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718860358363398642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnG_92Bhf4OkjQSSl_ISt-cuzRc509wDRIiyOX8w610GPpyuQCZcPD8nBXFvzx0Ke0_9dwrDzFUuIk_vJwqPCVdugpYa3hzisjxzLT_Cr_924WYQF8MGuZC9LbCALbgU11q_v8Lq_cJEl/s200/4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 77px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 99px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">at these Sokol multi-role choppers from a Polish firm were be</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">tter than Hueys. If you don't</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> know what a Huey is, it's a vintage helicopter and it gets to the news every n</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">ow and then because it either crashed o</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">r had an emergency landing. Yeah, that Huey, get it</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> now? Anyway, our pilots who have operated the Sokol so far, kept throwing the word "amazed" when asked about its capabilities. So maybe, it must be really something.<br /><br />Only four of eight of the helicopters were delivered and the next would be by November late this year. Before you start praising our dear President that he has something to do with this good news, stop yourself. The deal was made during GMA's time</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">. So there, I just wanted to say that this was not a part of "tuwid na daan." But to be fair, the President has not taken the credit.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">Now the fun part</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">The members of media who covered the event were treated to a 40-minute tour around Clark using the n<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgef5PmHZ5xLJJ5BhuSOs3mbjDhYYHedyDuLpJqAG3Ck2la2YtXtTCokJ0F17bDHXxAA58r30lExjtQ4ewHMDLcRzqBNexY8QUcRX_u0uXI1_yQat8OoNw2Vs2a7dvi5_XGf3A8ekSwVRUd/s1600/me.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718860541365690482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgef5PmHZ5xLJJ5BhuSOs3mbjDhYYHedyDuLpJqAG3Ck2la2YtXtTCokJ0F17bDHXxAA58r30lExjtQ4ewHMDLcRzqBNexY8QUcRX_u0uXI1_yQat8OoNw2Vs2a7dvi5_XGf3A8ekSwVRUd/s200/me.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 78px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 104px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">ew helicopters. I heard we were among the first civilians who r</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">ode the Sokol. And I don't know if this is even relevant, but I was at the first sortie. I have no idea how the PAF office grouped the m</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">edia, but I was grateful only later on to be in the first batch. Kami na talaga! Choz.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">We wer</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUg5PNw2DBENLns3zgSIgKxMnSKVgqVEWHm92yZIRV6VDcnARd28XqGfB3z-8oWfGjOAPga-rYdrJV947HFQbIOVvtT_I1yoXpOWU094AOMlmBzDmGuATvh2RfnjPWbBvUPiNBlZrWhP3/s1600/green.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718861096362894770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUg5PNw2DBENLns3zgSIgKxMnSKVgqVEWHm92yZIRV6VDcnARd28XqGfB3z-8oWfGjOAPga-rYdrJV947HFQbIOVvtT_I1yoXpOWU094AOMlmBzDmGuATvh2RfnjPWbBvUPiNBlZrWhP3/s200/green.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 76px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 101px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">e toured around Clark, Crow Valley in Tarlac and Mount Pinatubo. I have tried out a Huey befo</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">re but only from Camp Aguinaldo to Villamor, but that's why the Sokol ride did not scare me even if I knew t</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">he pil</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">ots were not that familiar with it yet.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">The view</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> from above is...spectacular. I enjoyed seeing an aerial view of the green </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">fields. I'm a farmer girl like that. The remnants of Lahar were also pretty to look at from above.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Gw9S-2KWhUTd1g1OLFtyCHDe-TjRLVMCbvwi62c-5M4jTFP35Grv21whYLlis1fVfjk4Gu0Xx8ha4NH4bR4ILWl4onkc1f4KubjkYABXp3rYNbYVbnxeCD-ZIQW55MKA74bhZy_s2IAI/s1600/crow2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718861653338414354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Gw9S-2KWhUTd1g1OLFtyCHDe-TjRLVMCbvwi62c-5M4jTFP35Grv21whYLlis1fVfjk4Gu0Xx8ha4NH4bR4ILWl4onkc1f4KubjkYABXp3rYNbYVbnxeCD-ZIQW55MKA74bhZy_s2IAI/s200/crow2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 85px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 117px;" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Meanwhile, the view from Crow Valley was also unforg</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">ettable because of its Baguio vibe! It was cold! Ang sarap! And like what Kate said, ang lakas maka Lord of the Rings ang peg!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">But my favo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGoqGwYCaUBxCnC-A8xP2d4cOUxDSKdo245mZw37FEgPqeapwBYb_lW-KvZeYSsu6thgaXSG1Mqnd10q-Qf9Dl189R0xu0TfeVVVq9W8K4WIm8DzTRz6yD4gIYaeAm7V5E24OE94-QAH5/s1600/pinatubo.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718861829048584418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGoqGwYCaUBxCnC-A8xP2d4cOUxDSKdo245mZw37FEgPqeapwBYb_lW-KvZeYSsu6thgaXSG1Mqnd10q-Qf9Dl189R0xu0TfeVVVq9W8K4WIm8DzTRz6yD4gIYaeAm7V5E24OE94-QAH5/s200/pinatubo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 81px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 109px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">rite of all was t</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">he Mount Pinatubo crater. Pangarap ko yun eh! It was good to see the crater without trekking, b</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">ut with the beautiful view, I guess the hike would probably be worth it. It was so beautiful I wanted to cry. Seriously. That's just me when overwhelmed. Iyakin.<br /><br /><br /><br />What were my thoughts on the ride? Well, it was smooth. The Sokol can fly up to 140 knots, while the Huey is only at 90 knots. Sokol also has a double engine, that's why I was so confident during the ride. It is also four-bladed, which gave it less vibrations. Let us not go to technicals any further.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeFpT3MmyDHEkY4CPxSkEgZlRM9nVjjNAtPqtj99wYzy_zGMH9kUsJbuhcr5pHCifd-5haAIA2K9Jvp-hWaTr775dGxQKE_ci7CMpjW2THYk9bL7I4pALw0UqC871aPSn5GVFSLddaUb6/s1600/after.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718863319414553538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeFpT3MmyDHEkY4CPxSkEgZlRM9nVjjNAtPqtj99wYzy_zGMH9kUsJbuhcr5pHCifd-5haAIA2K9Jvp-hWaTr775dGxQKE_ci7CMpjW2THYk9bL7I4pALw0UqC871aPSn5GVFSLddaUb6/s200/after.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 106px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 159px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">That's about it. I was so happy and excited and it made me appreciate my job even more.<br /><br />So far,</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> there are six pilots operating the Sokol and they will serve as instructor pilots. They would have to train more before the helicopters finally go to deployment.<br /><br />Good luck to the future pilots of Sokol. Fair winds and blue skies always! I am really happy for the Air Force. :)<br /><br />In case you're looking for our story or if you're interested in specs, go here:<a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/158523/4-brand-new-polish-made-combat-choppers-turned-over-to-rp"> Air Force gets 4 new multi-role choppers</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />Video caption has yet to be corrected. Sorry. :)</span>francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-39053317501712433162012-01-19T10:04:00.008+08:002012-03-12T13:36:44.312+08:002011<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7LbKzpUVbNwlHrmPVkgZPbjqnoIbqDBCu7RFKbqCPTVgCEKbk5c4_9NgQLIfJN-9rFR50z6olAjgDZq8RN9oSn1AqphiCNt4jMvd_VQBQAGz2Pgei4EH11CM3k2q1dtFDhacRLYqRDJk/s1600/2011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7LbKzpUVbNwlHrmPVkgZPbjqnoIbqDBCu7RFKbqCPTVgCEKbk5c4_9NgQLIfJN-9rFR50z6olAjgDZq8RN9oSn1AqphiCNt4jMvd_VQBQAGz2Pgei4EH11CM3k2q1dtFDhacRLYqRDJk/s320/2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699187290185031282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Let me tell you about the year that was, now that it's been 19 days after the new one began. I think it's better to write about the previous year a few weeks late because I feel detached to it already. But in truth I was just lazy, see the gap between this and my last blog post. I just felt the need to blog again. Been bombarding my Facebook way too much! </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">What was 2011 for me? It was a year of heartbreaks - especially on friendships. But it only happened on the latter part of the year, and it was very apparent on my Twitter and Facebook posts. Forgive me, I wasn't thinking clearly then. The stoic girl is back now! :)</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">I'm no longer dwelling on those things that made me sad or really depressed, so I don't like telling the story over again. Let's just say I've never felt so betrayed in life. I value friendships so much and it's just heartbreaking to find out that someone whom you've considered a good friend wasn't true to you all along. I don't get mad very often, but when I do, the enemy must have done something really offensive. Looking back, I can't believe she dragged me down to her jejemon level. She could try to speak or tweet in English, wear branded stuff, but she will always be a jejemon to me. I'm no longer bitter, I'm just saying a fact. Hahahaha! </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">And another one was uhm, let's just say, the battle between head and heart is the hardest. Yeah, life really sucked then. But I believe all's well now. Things happen for a reason. Cliches are true. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">But on a way brighter note, it was also a year of dreams come true. Five months after being an editorial assistant, I moved up one notch as reporter. I was a cub police reporter for three months, and at present, a defense reporter. It was in college when I started dreaming of becoming a reporter because of my super big crush on a military rebel-turned-senator (aha, there are two, care to guess). I even gatecrashed his detention center when I was a student just to interview him, hahaha! I was a big fan like that back then. So every prayer I made when it's my first time to visit a church was that. They said when it's your first time to visit a church you should make three wishes. That dream was one of it. And it came true! </span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">I love my job. I learn something new all the time. Even at times when I think I'm starting to feel bored, it suddenly gets random. I love randomness. Don't get me started or I will rave on and on.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">The past year I learned how to let go. I hate throwing cliches but they are true! No one else would help you but yourself, so might as well stop holding on to things that suck the happy vibes out of you. People leave, things change. Some memories aren't worth holding on to. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Despite the drama, I have good memories of 2011. So it was still a notable one. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">For 2012, my mantra is to be a QUEEN. I believe that it's my destiny (don't raise eyebrows), although at work I will always be a slave! I hope to read more books and eat less fastfood. McDonald's is evil! If you haven't watched Supersize Me, then go and learn from it.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">An astrologer I met in one of my coverages this week told me that this year would be the end of my nine-year cycle, which means there are things in my life that would be put to an end and I should start planning for what I want next year when I get to start a new cycle. It's both scary and exciting. Cheers, 2012.</span></span><br /></div>francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-46093301066542120372011-04-01T15:38:00.004+08:002011-11-13T09:23:11.735+08:00The analogy between job hunting and..<span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" >...ROMANCE. The idea started when a friend of mine was getting 'hints' from a guy who happened to be in a relationship with another girl (Please don't condemn the guy. This blog is not about his story). I teased my friend being the guy's 'part-time job' and I didn't let go of that analogy since. Our comparison between employment and romance developed. Actually, the ideas we formed took a series of telebabad sessions as my friend's love story progressed. You may find this silly, lame, shallow, unoriginal, or whatever. If so, stop reading because I'm just about to list them down.</span><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Seeking for a job is like seeking for a partner.</b> Ergo, unemployment means singlehood. </span></div><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Passing resumes/CVs is similar to choosing prospects.</b> In job hunting, you try out at the companies you like before anywhere else. You may not end up there but you know you would die of regret if you didn't try. And later on, you pass your CVs to other prospects. And if you get really lucky, you may not end up where you intended to be, but you end up somewhere better. You only settle for kahit ano later on. The same goes in choosing a partner. You know that already, right? Hmm not too sure? </span></div><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ><b>You show the best version of yourself in interviews.</b> Job interviews make or break your chances of getting hired. You get the job by acing your exams and interviews. Sometimes, the cover letter and the sample works do the talking. This is the dating part in relationships. You gotta display your 'skills and abilities' and build a good chemistry with a potential partner. Duh. No need to explain this. </span></div><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Wait for the call.</b> In job hunting, this the HR's line after an interview. There are companies who will get back at you as soon as they can. There are times when you'll never hear from a potential employer ever again. And last, there are employers who make you hope (or guarantee) as if you get the job but turn out to be a sham. In relationships, this is the stage after/between dating. Results vary: You become a couple, get straight rejection, or hold on to a false hope. Whatever the outcome is, you charge it to experience. There is also an alternative scenario and it's when... </span></div><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ><b>You get the job, BUT.</b> This is a problem when you bag the job in a company you THOUGHT you wanted but suddenly had a change of mind. This is normal, I guess. Settling for a job is closing doors to other pending applications. In romance, it's like finding the right person after a few dates but still hesitate to commit because of other opportunities that could be missed. The latest Smart TV ad says, "there are many fish in the sea." There are many ones out there, indeed. </span></div><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Hired! </b>Finally, you're employed. But it's not a happy ending yet. The story is just about to begin. You prove your employer that they made a good decision in hiring you. You work hard. You build a good relationship with the boss. In love affairs, you try to make the relationship work against all odds. You resist other temptations that could ruin the relationship. The drama begins. 'Love conquers all' is your favorite motto. </span></div><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ><b>You're employed, BUT. </b>You have a job and you're not content with what you do. It may depress you, or maybe you just want something more. Or you are just plainly bored. At first, you seek for part-time job opportunities. But if the frustration gets worse, you start looking for a new employer. In romance, this is where INFIDELITY unfolds. </span></div><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span"><b>Losing grip.</b> Resigning (or worse, being terminated) is like breaking up, is it not? And the cycle goes all over again. </span><br /></span><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span><div><span style="line-height: 16px; " class="Apple-style-span" ><i>(Originally posted in 2008)</i></span></div></div>francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-21983469382372333922011-03-13T18:32:00.004+08:002012-10-27T21:31:21.086+08:00My ideal guy<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">I was reading something on ideals the other day. My thoughts ended up on the ideal guy.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">I have not much to say on boys due to my very dull lovelife, especially right now that work has taken over my life. I mean, before I even get really started with a potential it wraps up on a sour note already. No big deal anyway, since I can honestly say that love, that serious kind of love, has never been a priority. Not yet.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">I don't set standards on men but I am inclined to arrogant, smart, dominant types. Those fictional guys like Gregory House. In real life, I don't think I'll be compatible with one, though.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">My ideal man is a combination of qualities in men I have known, whether a family, friend, acquaintance, or a guy that got away:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Funny.</span> Do I have to explain this? Would you not want someone to laugh with and laugh at?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Thoughtful.</span> Little acts mean so much.</span></span> <span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">It's just too CUUUUTE when they make an effort.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Sweet.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span>I don't know if I should demand this trait because I'm not a sweet person myself. Hahaha!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Well-rounded.</span> Because I am not!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">God-fearing.</span> It says a lot about one's values.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Patient.</span> Again, because I am not.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Someone who will stay.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span>Because I get cranky a lot and I have a tendency to be impossible to deal with.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Loyal. </span>I resisted taken guys because I'd rather be single than settle with a cheat. Do you know how hard that is? :)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Hardworking.</span> Someone with a goal and works for it. I want someone just as ambitious as I am. :P</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">Sooo...is this kind of guy ever coming around? Is he not gay? Are we on the same lifetime? Actually, I have more qualities in mind, but these are the non-negotiables. I will shut up now than turn this entry into one sappy epic. </span></span></div>
francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-35602755876554653312011-01-30T20:29:00.007+08:002012-01-22T15:09:53.783+08:00UST @ 400<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">University of Santo Tomas just turned 400 years old.</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">And because as they say that 400 years is a long story, I'll lead you to my alma mater's history </span><a style="font-family: courier new;" href="http://www.ust.edu.ph/index.php/history.html">here</a><span style="font-family:courier new;">. In this blog entry I will pay my own personal tribute to my home of four years in college.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">I don't have a fairytale story why I ended up at UST. During my time, the most in-demand career choice was Nursing. I never saw myself as a nurse so I've had that already crossed out early on. My cousins who were in the IT field expected me to take up an IT course. But I didn't. I took up the UST Entrance Test and I didn't pass my first choice which was Advertising (I'm pretty sure it was because of my poor drawing skills). So next in line was Journalism.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">I've always wanted to write. I loved leafing through magazines in highschool. It made my Journalism course easier to love. But in senior year and during my internships, I found a new love in the news industry. I was now more interested in current events than cutesy features stuff.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">But more than the realization of what I wanted to be, UST gave me other things. It prepared me to the 'real life' I have now. Everything I wanted to become in my career, I'm slowly getting it because of my education of four years at UST. I've also had many experiences, firsts, and unforgettable moments that I happily look back, or snort at, that all happened at UST. It will take another entry to note them down.</span><a style="font-family: courier new;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIOITQkSkoqTGh2-WJYWl4vCiN3wnMHZ1IY8iOsJn1w-nrukW29SUaVqjGKCeBZkIHSf2II8NXk1OxmGhJmJu_4nYAvOxT0nMIyN6dDkLazgBGKQ4ELbGTQPVToW7yxc9QG4TaLL_eUgN/s1600/n569926278_1111790_6203.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIOITQkSkoqTGh2-WJYWl4vCiN3wnMHZ1IY8iOsJn1w-nrukW29SUaVqjGKCeBZkIHSf2II8NXk1OxmGhJmJu_4nYAvOxT0nMIyN6dDkLazgBGKQ4ELbGTQPVToW7yxc9QG4TaLL_eUgN/s200/n569926278_1111790_6203.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567956277376107906" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">And all these four years of various experiences are much more fun to look back because of the people I've experienced it with. They say you meet your best set of friends in grade school and high school. While it may be true, I also found great friends worth keeping in my college years. It's been like seven years of highs and lows with these people. They may not be there all the time as I am not there all the time, too. But they're just a text message, or a Facebook chat and a tweet away.</span><a style="font-family: courier new;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmRhsI79tnhBsBMIGf8TliGWditthXGWAqUVsZMc73tvv-hyvJY2QB0n8UW-dGicrmZrzTEeCPJP9ZIHHSCQA5zQiP8K6KSz096-r34hAFQOVjcbsLwJMHRN_Yiw2eNFioyuOyrMGg2yK/s1600/n569926278_1111800_3153.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmRhsI79tnhBsBMIGf8TliGWditthXGWAqUVsZMc73tvv-hyvJY2QB0n8UW-dGicrmZrzTEeCPJP9ZIHHSCQA5zQiP8K6KSz096-r34hAFQOVjcbsLwJMHRN_Yiw2eNFioyuOyrMGg2yK/s200/n569926278_1111800_3153.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567956692179641266" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Character-wise, my four years of education taught me values and personal ethics that I have with me today. If any, alright. Teehee. Kidding aside, UST also taught me to dream, and not just dream, but to dream big. In highschool, I was so carefree and comfortable that I didn't think of the future (Heck, I wasn't even passionate in getting into college). Most of my dreams and ambitions all happened once I was at UST. And I wasn't only full of dreams, I also learned to work for it. Thank you, UST. No doubt you're still around, 400 years later.</span></span><br /></div>francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-38821915127163276672010-12-31T09:53:00.002+08:002010-12-31T13:10:59.693+08:002010<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I started the year 2010 hoping it would be one of the best years of my life. Twelve months later, I'm not sure if it belongs to that category, but without a doubt, 2010 is one year I wouldn't soon forget.<br /><br />The first few months started out smoothly. The year 2010 for me only had two defining moments:<br /><br />Shortly a few weeks before turning 23, I had a ruptured appendix, which was probably my defining moment of the year. I'm grateful to come out of it alive, but the restraints and limitations of post surgery gave me depression. It was the most painful thing I ever went through- physically and emotionally. My depression even manifested in a hairloss. God.<br /><br />So I turned 23 quietly, no joyful parties, just a simple celebration of being grateful. Anyway, what happened made me realize what matters, who matters, and what I deserve. Had I not been sick, I would've had a loud birthday party with loved ones, a weekend in Bohol after, and a search for the next job. But with that sad fate, my mood just wasn't festive. I could only be grateful.<br /><br />And because depression only made my spirit weaker, I came back to work as soon as I could. Few weeks later, I was back with my old, carefree persona.<br /><br />Before 2010 hit December, I quit my job at the Armed Forces. It was a plan long overdue. It was heartbreaking to leave because other than my real family, it was the best home I'd ever known after my school life. However, my fear of getting stuck is just bigger than my love for the place. I swear, though, I loved my job sincerely while it lasted. I once heard that you shouldn't limit yourself to what gives you happiness. I'd like to think my job loved me back. Love may be good, but cash is better. Hahahaha. Kidding.<br /><br />Despite the blows that happened this year, on the whole, I think it's been a great one. I've learned what I needed to learn, realized what I should've realized; I acted by my decisions and stood by it. Faith kept me standing still. I met lots of new people, made new friends, and dropped a few people out of my life. I was more involved in the family, both nuclear and extended. Romance-wise, I've had "haba ng hair" and "giddy schoolgirl" moments. I have no other term, sorry! But did I fall in love? No. Did I have a clandestine affair? No comment. When will love ever be a priority?<br /><br />For 2011, I've no resolutions, as I did not keep the ones for 2010. In the meantime, I'm ending 2010 feeling infinite. Happy New Year!<br /></span></div>francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-52728310900554705702010-12-13T14:30:00.012+08:002010-12-26T17:55:45.559+08:00A Very Glee Christmas<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">With a few days to go before Christmas, I don't feel Christmasy for a reason I can't really point out. But I won't elaborate on that because I'll end up more confused. Anyway, due to my very odd shift I was only abl</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">e to catch the Christmas episode of Glee last night. I've been a follower of this series since it started because it's light and funny. And I like music.</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Glee is a musical</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"> drama/comedy series aired in the US. It's about</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"> highschool kids who are in the glee club while dealing teenage issues in between.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mxHKFy56YBzACe_JpKtqeMHodpC8Msopr86lAkdwOw_ONWBgpDC8D8jeDoGmnPeMYwUwkxAyzeZ8ItAsfbHUi1R0hrasLxj1b1qplw_Ovyi5Ceci7gVFakNGvfMK6wAxuhQgR020nT5d/s1600/gleecast.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mxHKFy56YBzACe_JpKtqeMHodpC8Msopr86lAkdwOw_ONWBgpDC8D8jeDoGmnPeMYwUwkxAyzeZ8ItAsfbHUi1R0hrasLxj1b1qplw_Ovyi5Ceci7gVFakNGvfMK6wAxuhQgR020nT5d/s200/gleecast.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550051277714890386" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">This latest episode about Christmas moved me t</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">o t</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">ears. I don't easily get carried away w</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">ith the shows I watch but this episode kind</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"> of made me nostalgic. Ugh.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsK7I077vmvOHOf2NuoGLF37k0gl5zWMamec9PnFCHOjZEgIdDnFhSJicawwUgvS85wP39rhLAMG6F7cUHi6Ii7J5yqn4nAd81Gy5X_ISB69LIa7_s_QIZL5SA_AfSItMDG0cN_gupNUo/s1600/brittany+and+santa.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsK7I077vmvOHOf2NuoGLF37k0gl5zWMamec9PnFCHOjZEgIdDnFhSJicawwUgvS85wP39rhLAMG6F7cUHi6Ii7J5yqn4nAd81Gy5X_ISB69LIa7_s_QIZL5SA_AfSItMDG0cN_gupNUo/s200/brittany+and+santa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550052949120916082" border="0" /></a><br /></span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">What moved me was the part where Brittany, one of the cheerleaders and a member of the Glee club stereotyped as a dumb blonde, still believes in Santa Claus!!! Her wish for Christmas? To make her boyfriend, Artie, rise up from his wheelchair and walk again.</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4cKl8hZ7KId9LSjf11sXdGRcActrWnQsQof6Ycsksu9o1vIK2rA3e8_XxhQOkjoyNH273k3TwhFXwJb8QLj5gbXfPkmYcjWrPjIg1AB9N1J_jH42hqpKUlK2t1D6uL67hUuLXQcWVqUj/s1600/britwish.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4cKl8hZ7KId9LSjf11sXdGRcActrWnQsQof6Ycsksu9o1vIK2rA3e8_XxhQOkjoyNH273k3TwhFXwJb8QLj5gbXfPkmYcjWrPjIg1AB9N1J_jH42hqpKUlK2t1D6uL67hUuLXQcWVqUj/s200/britwish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550053132018248354" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><br />That's one big uh-oh. So the Glee kids ask one </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">s</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">tocky person at school, Coach Beiste, to pose as Santa and barge in at Brittany's house to tell her that she won't get her wish. It was so heartbreaking because she really believes in the magic of Santa. Imagine the disappointment.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">But nearing the end of the show,</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"> they found a device under the tree that could help Artie walk again, even if only temporarily. He wa</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">s able to stand up and walk a few steps. </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">The Glee kids were in awe. He was a Christmas miracle.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqwn6R-PRJTeIXtwEzsqLe264lDRjj0yFNy-e5MgNheIP5VgfsaHFbV046YOAx_6BsvxhBZM3WGYqKX3mUQOjFZFHaS5xUZFQI8V-9kS5qfiWxSSv3jOy1sOWwqj7B88x09OXBrp7Q-ku/s1600/artie+walk.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqwn6R-PRJTeIXtwEzsqLe264lDRjj0yFNy-e5MgNheIP5VgfsaHFbV046YOAx_6BsvxhBZM3WGYqKX3mUQOjFZFHaS5xUZFQI8V-9kS5qfiWxSSv3jOy1sOWwqj7B88x09OXBrp7Q-ku/s200/artie+walk.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550053689567435986" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">It turned out that Coach Beiste gave it as a pr</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">esent, but of course, everybody else believed it was Santa.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">I wouldn't stop crying at the end of the episode. I also believed in Santa when I was younger. And all my life, I've known the feeling when you really believe in something. Add to that the universe's hand to bring back your faith in humanity. It happens to me quite a lot: I believe in something, get disappointed, but in the end the issue will resolve itself. Then my faith is restored. That's why even if things seem impossible, I give a chance to believe in it.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Merry Christmas. I know Santa isn't real, but I'm still hoping for some magic that will make me feel the Christmas spirit. Because right now it feels like blah.</span></span><br /></div>francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-33328938472485082832010-12-11T19:24:00.007+08:002010-12-12T19:27:50.953+08:00Goodbye<div align="justify"><span style=";font-family:courier new;font-size:78%;" ><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style=";font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;" >I recently resigned from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, my home for 19 happy months. How ironic that in one of my latest posts I wrote how much I love my job and now I'm blogging that I left it. Sometimes, love's not enough. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style=";font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style=";font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;" ><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px; display: block; height: 150px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549384195801289218" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpCciXRcAeeECEHON6RIlAcZ2GfQ5krjAHCTx5IFz4oVq6l4coyoqheGgOqKEuDZ4cP04Nqitizqiit2YqzCWIArLEuGTJP4K9xHAhHeImKNgCdx732VIrtKT0hbtPFHJ49xIz0Ev4C8Q/s200/155088_467475646278_569926278_5792452_4352948_n.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />It was a hard decision to make but it just had to happen sooner or later, and I think it was the best time to go. Much as I really want to stay, time has come to explore other things (I didnt dare say this during my last day because I would cry even harder...geez..they turned me into a drama queen).<br /><br />Did I say I had a hard time to leave? I think it was one of the most heartbreaking decisions in my life. I just looooove that place so much. I invested so much love for the job and the people I work with. But anyway, when I talked to my boss about leaving, his words made me feel better. He's behind my decision because it is for my career growth. He said that the sign that you have to move forward is when you feel so much comfortable where you're at.<br /><br />It's been two weeks since I left and I'm getting used to it. Although it still crushes my heart a bit when I get random texts from my former colleagues that they miss me. :( I miss them too. The PAO, GHQ, AFP will always be home to me. Good thing my friends there are only five MRT stations away.<br /><br />And in case you want to know, I just moved in to the online arm of the country's leading newspaper. Again, an industry that operates 24/7 and knows no holidays! I'm their latest hire as editorial assistant, the bottom of the hierarchy in the news kingdom. Here's to happy endings and exciting new beginnings! :) </span></div>francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-65686412313967671512010-11-25T09:42:00.003+08:002010-12-12T19:24:43.501+08:00Mama knows who Justin Bieber is..<span style="font-family: courier new;font-size:85%;" >One morning over breakfast with my mother and Francis Magalona's 'Kaleidoscope World' playing on the radio:</span><div style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Mama: Sayang si Francis Magalona, ano?</span></div><div style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Frances: Oo nga. Bakit mo naman nabanggit bigla? Alam mong kanta nya yan?</span></div><div style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">M: Oo.</span></div><div style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">F: Aba, alam. Paano mo nalaman?</span></div><div style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">M: Patugtugin ba naman palagi nung namatay siya. </span></div><div style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">F: Ang galing naman! Alam mo pala yun, ma! Ang ganda nga nung kanta, noh?</span></div><div style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">M: Oo nga. Parang imported. Parang sila Bieber.....</span></div><div style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">F: BIEBER??? Teka, KILALA MO SI JUSTIN BIEBER???</span></div><div style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">M: Oo naman.</span></div><div style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">F: Saan mo naman nakilala??? Sa dinami-dami ng pwedeng makilala si Justin Bieber pa!</span></div><div style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">M: Sa news kaya.</span></div><div style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">**More than one punctuation mark means one pitch higher. ^__^</span></div><div><br /></div>francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-43849152337039249832010-09-22T21:14:00.002+08:002011-03-08T13:08:16.426+08:00Seventeen<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;font-family:courier new;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Today I will pay tribute to my job.</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;font-family:courier new;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;font-family:courier new;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Today is my 17th month at work. That's about 340 working days, excluding the holidays, weekends, and get-togethers I missed just so I could go to work. </span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;font-family:courier new;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;font-family:courier new;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">My stint at the AFP Public Affairs, by far, is one of my favorite chapters in existence. Despite signifying intentions that I must quit the job soon, I love my job. I love where I am even if I know that I belong somewhere else. I'm making the most of my stay in this institution dominated by men.</span></span></div><div style="font-family:courier new;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519195412331638418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqoa0fT7lGfNT6FrRyuDxf7Afs4QdiGqSg4hNzn9bZ1NekS0-PzSkcB6PXSwnbgKgJbV44kF4JFJPL1SaSHZVdH3VRPH_Pgm5R1HYkK3U03JygDBeaZ7joMkMGUa_bFCi-VunEXSED9LQ/s200/15558_172302856278_569926278_2996590_2792286_n.jpg" /></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;font-family:courier new;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;font-family:courier new;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I developed a genuine interest for the military way back in college, and to work for them today is the closest thing I could get to them. I wanted to learn about their culture without actually joining the troops. I hope you get my point. I'm actually not a fan of the government, so to be given a chance to get to know them by immersing myself in public service is an opportunity I wouldn't trade for anything, really. </span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;font-family:courier new;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center;font-family:courier new;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19rf-5W1rsrkJhynvrQlAHpvw8UZ4PtvE8t4rbER_42_CuuV-iKQWS3DoZiQHjrnHET7KXBF8rFDXyiUDzSCm5x2h76Hyk8MxIls18mhuxgzWyvSETDQVejIksqlUM4tCOhr1dwv1J8pL/s200/19359_299869586278_569926278_3601689_6699578_n.jpg" /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmP8SwZyCSuFnYB6ueylXT1P_8VZUlFzyAtXePpGYtrvt91O_hdfmLPdnpNpP2wQPCNdTaPxLjlS8P-beriZc-oUnbziiS9Fm0qf1SlmYCOASECU_FeOIz0ka67BllmQgDlogB-ywMCT9/s200/19659_243707946278_569926278_3395002_3830_n.jpg" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgondyymL3N3EoppdNdSZUW0NFOSNqk_RzDbcfRopvdojxNh187IvQSwxRsCnkHF7csUocGQMYtJr7rnhn9-UI4tgo9L-EzgHOO8xFl9gqGvSYtu9JC9b3EQ47_pru1UcyM1h2HsVk4RfLP/s200/19859_301612196278_569926278_3606520_2333937_n.jpg" /></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;font-family:courier new;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">And probably the biggest reason I've stuck around is because of the people I work with. Those crazy bunch are like my family already. I don't think there was ever a day I didn't laugh at work, whether we were too busy, too bored, too sad, or too mad. There are both high and low moments, but at the end of the day, there will always be something to laugh about. </span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;font-family:courier new;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center;font-family:courier new;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoF8sJoTravuLCcieLkJeaT-13gj7SmMZ2kt-5coznVDSghs_y3UzVe1zDxRThmI3UYuH29yo6M1msMfRb_seFtF3t-J6FeLHggwAFSjLAZBsvKytGhT2ypPKndYpfwuFCBZUpP6q3xi-/s200/9324_158540591278_569926278_2870481_7094884_n.jpg" /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdHvoG9aWbL4kiXGKvmucxX7tG9ib0RiqdcweBK7PkucRgKCsNJakAEnxqqv2mYEcyXmwwWvjISSM8gqK_D_npgcBI4wC14QgqIug8O-DZwaSAYJAQjpOXYuV86teizUFjyy8nzo8AcuZ/s200/5064_92473761278_569926278_2099500_6251040_n.jpg" /></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;font-family:courier new;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;font-family:courier new;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">It's amusing to recall how I ended up in this job. I was only able to get in a year after my application. The person who was supposed to hire me had second thoughts on taking me because of my political beliefs (seriously) and gender issues (a source said). I was even considered for other offices in the military. A year later, after resigning from my previous job, I was offered the position I originally applied for a year ago. The timing was so right, even though I didn't intend to work right away after resigning. What I only had then was an inkling I'd have a blast in this place. And so far I've been right. If that's not destiny to you, I don't know what is.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;font-family:courier new;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;font-family:courier new;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Happy 17th!</span></span></div>francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-44903070403725435512010-09-04T14:35:00.001+08:002013-06-15T16:38:36.122+08:00Ruptured<div style="font-family: courier new; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">I've always wondered how death is like, and I just had my closest brush with it just recently. My ruptured appendix nearly cost my life. I didn't know that the intermittent fever I had been nursing for 10 days would almost kill me. Yes, 10 days! Now don't think that I didn't do anything about it! That very first day I had abdominal pain I already sought for medical attention. But for a reason I don't know, I did not qualify for appendicitis in my physical exams. Lab results suggested other findings. They said when you have appendicitis, you wouldn't be able to move a bit. WELL, I DID. For 10 days or so. Now that I look back, geez, I must've defied reason again. I've always been the exception to some rules.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: courier new; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: courier new; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">It's a long story and seemed to be a never-ending one. So the day I had to have the surgery was a big relief for me! I wanted my agony to end and I wanted my life back. But post-surgery was just the beginning of many things. I found out that I could've died. I had so much physical pain but my prayers then were thank yous. I was glad to be alive even if I had a series of misfortunes after the surgery. And these all happened a few days before my 23rd birthday! I call it now the worst season of my life. It was so painful I didn't have the strength to cry. Which is really ironic now that I think of it. Things will never be the same indeed. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">It was the best time to recognize the love of my family. I'm an only child and my parents were with me throughout. I witnessed their sacrifices and I had no choice but to stay strong for them. I'm very blessed. And the love of my friends, co-workers, neighbors....I'm so grateful!</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Life is still good. In less than a month I've come back to work. Things are not the same, and I don't think it'll ever be the same. For one, my surgical scar would always remind me of that moment I almost died. Another's my outlook in life. Despite being realistic, I've learned to lean on the positive. I've actually had a lot of life realizations but it will take another blog entry. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">My weight's an issue. It's a big deal with me because I'm an ectomorph and the 10lbs I worked hard for the past year suddenly lost just like that. Now I have to go through the struggling attempts to gain weight. Again. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">It is my fate. I don't know why it had to happen. But I'm sure it was meant to happen. It happened not because I deserved it, but I really believe it's in the stars. I did my part to stop it from happening but it still did. I've been through a lot in life, and I'm sure that God has a reason for this. I always believe God has a plan. It will make sense later on when the rainbow comes. For now, I'm just grateful.</span></span></span></div>
francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793266143901427358.post-1158288069312898862010-06-12T16:40:00.001+08:002010-12-12T19:26:40.582+08:00Entry number one<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQldt96VwWgz6x5K0WN-wBrxtFbjvL5UHhZ0L8orxmt_fWn4nd74TkY2p3orSqJJ5bevMidB6QRrPIiCWaooNCZ1tL0EWpdnpDVBltlJZimEPf4eJeUOMu0FlT7CSIHQ1IeunxZmHRU0H/s1600/tumblr_l344eypfeS1qc2lgbo1_500.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481804484557916850" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; height: 320px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQldt96VwWgz6x5K0WN-wBrxtFbjvL5UHhZ0L8orxmt_fWn4nd74TkY2p3orSqJJ5bevMidB6QRrPIiCWaooNCZ1tL0EWpdnpDVBltlJZimEPf4eJeUOMu0FlT7CSIHQ1IeunxZmHRU0H/s320/tumblr_l344eypfeS1qc2lgbo1_500.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: courier new;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Firsts are supposed to be special, but this is not exactly my first blog entry on the web. I've always been a Livejournal baby since 2004. Six years and several usernames later, I've decided to move to Blogspot. I've always had a thing for starting over. I'm creating this blog for a purpose I'm not sure of, but I just had the urge to make a new one.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: courier new;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: courier new;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">I don't know how to start so I'll just tell how things are right now. Today is Saturday, Independence Day, and yet here I am at the office, for the love of country and public service. I am a writer and I work with the finest and possibly the future's best leaders of the Armed Forces. Often criticized, the institution is a tough place to be. After staying more than a year, I don't see myself staying here any longer. But yes, I enjoy my job very much, despite and in spite of.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: courier new;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: courier new;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Life is on the rocks. As I write, I want something new to happen but I'm only taking baby steps to get it. Perhaps I'm not ready for it yet. On a romantic note, I'm not in love with someone at the moment. Maybe I'm about to after I write this. This is the state of my nation. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: courier new;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: courier new;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">(Photo from Tumblr)</span></i></span></span></div>francesgmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08163870193744210881noreply@blogger.com0