feet-ish

(hearty thank you to my student, Leng Delgra for inspiring the blog title.)

I must admit that I have this special relationship with shoes. Unlike clothes, bags, accessories, jewelries and gadgets, it is a no-no to say "no" to a pair of shoes. I think I have to blame my parents for this. I could still vividly remember my mom declining to buy me a pair of slip on which I was drooling for. And dad would not let me choose the design I want beacause he is too concerned of how to clean it. But don't get me wrong, I did not hate them for these. I am even thankful that through them I get to enjoy shoes the way I do now.

And this is how I enjoy a shoe store like the Payless in Abreeza...

5 pairs

for karen

for karen and bought one for mamo too

AA's first high heeled shoes.

dress shoes

for lena

valentine gift.

 and now my husband is regulating my Payless visit.

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La Vita e Bella

Amidst life's seemingly endless crises, life is undoubtedly beautiful. It unceasingly reveals God's grandeur not only through creation's magnificence but also through the gifts of persons.

Indeed, life is beautiful because of our friends. Through friendship, we get to unleash the real person in us and in return we are accepted and loved for our strengths and weaknesses.

We meet these gems in different time, context and event in our lives. The circumstances might be different but all are considered as grace.

I met Charmie (Jenalyn C. Aguilar) during the lowest time of my life. She became a sister, bff, listening ear, text mate, godmother to my Jessica and a living diary. We have been friends for 11 years and counting.

my chamay.

old photo of us.

I met Girl (Faye Anne Marie A. Escueta) during one of the most memorable days of my life, the day I said yes to married life. During that time we were both expectant mothers waiting for our bundles of joy. Many have changed in our lives: we might have increased in size, developed our capabilities and stabilized our career and personal lives but one will stay the same, the value and respect we have for our friendship.

bora babe

one christmas season at villa de mercedez

The story behind the first "hi and hello" with my "mares" is a sure comedy. A gathering would not be complete without recalling that unforgettable moment. From being teachers wannabe, we developed a friendship for keeps. My mares are: Cherry Belle Cachuela, Mixie Palma, Charisma Tan and Bessie Puyod- Guertin.

kleng's baby shower

me at Bessie's wedding

cocktail before the reception

my escort during the wedding

food

the ambiance

with the newly wed

My work place is my second home not because Ateneo de Davao has been a familiar place since nursery but also because I found treasures despite the challenges of work. Working has become inspiring because of these beautiful women:  Mutya A. Giron, Neneng L. Pasilan, Femie A. Faller, Rowena Orpilla, Aireen O. Arabis, Darlene C. Sazon and Michelle L. Severino.

night out at subic

feeling models.

Micmic (Darlene Mae C. Sazon) in terms of personality, is my exact opposite but my perfect compliment. We might differ in personality but we have the same  interests: malling, tiangge, shoes, bags, laughing, family and the list can go on and on and on. She has been with me through laughter and tears, success and failure, work and play. There is no dull moment with this generous, strong-willed and genuine friend.

 

prom queen

bff

I met Ruel M. Soriano when I have to bid goodbye to my comfort zone which is to be in the arms of the persons which I could unravel my innermost being. When I met him, I was ready to continue working without having someone to share and laugh with. I was just ready to accept that the school is just a work place. He brought laughter, noise and color to the silent corner of my nook. As the friendship develops, I found a brother that I did not have. He is certainly a true gentleman.

he got two awards on our teacher's day.

teachers in pink

This honoring could not even repay the love and support these people have shown me and my family that even after eternity I will continue to thank God for sharing with me one of his greatest miracles, my treasured friends.

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Despite An Injury

The hubs is "never say never" to his first love (not me!), BASKETBALL.

He hurt his left foot because of age, weight and the rigorous training. He is all out because his GSO team joined the Phoenix Basketball league for the sundowners.

We could not get away with the age but to be able to endure the training and enjoy the game he has to lose those annoying extra pounds. Good that he agreed to start his "no rice" scheme at night. And as his cheerleader, my work is off and on the court. Off the court, I have to be with him in this dieting which is also good and healthy for me. And on the court, I am his photographer!

time out.

the moves.

hard work.

He is a basketball COACH. He trains the young and the old discipline, teamwork and perseverance to reach their full potential. It is not his WORK rather it is his CRAFT, PASSION... his LIFE.

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Violation on Human Life: War and Violence

War and Violence

Definition

•          Violence is a force exerted for the purpose of violating, damaging, or abusing. Some forms of violence are bullying, kidnapping, murder, political and economic unrest that can result to war. People resort to violence out of vengeance, retribution or dire need.

•          War is an armed conflict between states or large organized group similar to state

Catholic Church on War and Violence

·         Any form of violence is a threat to human dignity.

·         It is bounded with most fearful evil; it is never justified as an ordinary means of politics, but only permissible for the gravest reasons under verification of the various conditions of just war.

·         Conditions of Just War:

o    War is lawful only for a just cause

[ex. Defense of vital goods of the state]

o    All other means of non- belligerent nature must have been exhausted

[ex. Peace talks]

o    The war must not jeopardize still higher goods than those to be defended.

o    The military action may not extend beyond the needs of just defense and the restoration of violated rights.

·         Theological tradition maintains that the state has the right to defend its existence and the fundamental welfare of its citizens by war as last means.

·         The means and methods employed must not be unlawful, must be appropriate to the just cause and objectives of the war.

Reflection

•          In what way have I contributed to the violence in my community?

•          How does it feel to be a contributor to violence?

•          What can I do to end the cycle of violence?

•          How can I promote peace in my group?

Challenge

•          “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”

            [Matthew 5:9]

•          Valuing human life as followers of Christ demand that we reject violence and work for peace.

REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

o    Miranda, Noel P. and Javier, Philip S. III. Called to Follow Christ in True Freedom. Ateneo de Manila University: SIBS Publishing House, Inc., 2006 o    Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. Catechism for Filipino Catholics. 2006 o    Astorga, Ma. Christina A., Ph.D. Living the Faith Option: Christian Morality. Quezon City: FNB Educational, Inc.2005 o    Vincent J. Genovesi, S.J. In Pursuit of Love