All Roads Lead Home for Christmas

Christmas is the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, a time to put a smile in the children's  eyes by giving them gifts, a time to share blessings to the less fortunate, and of course a time to be home with our families.

Where are you this Christmas? I'm sure almost all of us will be at home...It's happy to see families celebrating together during this season. If only I can wish to Santa, I will wish abundant happiness and love to every family.

There are so many stories to tell about Christmas, some are sad, happy, meaningful and memorable. And sad stories make me cry...like those stories of the soldiers, OFW's, and prisoners who are away from home. I know it's very difficult and sad to celebrate Christmas without their family.

I hope no matter how far or how busy we are, let's remember our family...let's go HOME...it's the place where a true love lies, it's where our heart is:))

It's the best time to be home, your family is waiting for you...make them HAPPY:))

Christmas Quotes

    "There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child." 
~ Erma Bombeck (1927-1996), American author and humorist. 
"Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas." 
~ Peg Bracken. 
"The earth has grown old with its burden of care But at Christmas it always is young, The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair And its soul full of music breaks the air, When the song of angels is sung." 
~ Phillips Brooks (1835-93), American Episcopal bishop, wrote 'O Little Town of Bethlehem'
. "Christmas, in its final essence, is for grown people who have forgotten what children know. Christmas is for whoever is old enough to have denied the unquenchable spirit of man."
~ Margaret Cousins (1905- ), senior editor Doubleday Publishing Company. 
 "Christmas is the keeping-place for memories of our innocence."
~ Joan Mills
 "Christmas is, of course, the time to be home - in heart as well as body."
~ Garry Moore 
"Which Christmas is the most vivid to me? It's always the next Christmas." 
~ Joanne Woodward (1930- ), American film actress. 
 "Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."
~ Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993), American Protestant religious leader, author. 
"Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves." 
~ Eric Sevareid (1912-1992), American newscaster. 

A Nightmare before Christmas

Who would ever imagine that typhoon Sendong would be that worst. It was such a tremendous nightmare to the people victimized. It breaks my heart every time I watch the news about the victims and it makes me cry. It was more than a horrible happening. I, myself can't believe it happened, imagine hundreds of people died...at the time of Christmas season?...How can they celebrate Christmas?..How can they cope up with the pain of loosing their loved ones?


It was such a good act for those who extended their help as early as they can, some gov't officials, celebrities, the rich families and other good samaritans. I hope all of us will extend our help, may it be a material thing or through prayers.


Let's help them, let's pray for them...


                                              "A Special Prayer"
Dear Lord,
              I love you Lord. I know you're watching us right now, and you know how sad and depressed the people in Mindanao are. I'm here to ask for your guidance and help for all the people victimized by the typhoon Sendong. Please help them, provide their needs, heal the wounds in their hearts, give them courage to accept what happened, and help them ease their pain.
              I may not help them through material thing, but you know I always talk to you and begging for help for them. I thank you Lord for always listening to all my prayers. I know you will never leave them specially in times like this.
              Thank you Lord for all the blessings you've given us every single day.
              Amen.

Note: Pictures are from google

Christmas Memories

                                     "Grown-up Christmas List"
I love this song!. It is meaningful and touching ,and it makes me sad sometimes. It brings back the happy and sad  memories of my childhood Christmases. When we were still kids my parents make us believe that there is Santa Claus and that he will give gifts to us. And true, I've always been receiving a gift (a doll) back then, given by Santa (according to them)....So my concept of Christmas then was  happy times, complete family, and gift giving.

When my father left us, celebrating Christmas was not that happy anymore...no more Santa Claus, no get-together...no more gifts... no happy moments... Though we still continue to celebrate Christmas, it's very different now. Celebrating it makes me sad knowing that we're not complete anymore.

Christmas is coming again,...I want to go home, I miss my family. I miss the simple life i used to have during Christmas. I miss my mother so much...Looking forward to celebrate Christmas with her:))

And if only I could turn back the time, I will include in my wish list to Santa another gift, not just a doll but  "A complete and happy family." 

November's Out, December's In

12.01.11
How time flies really, just last month I wrote a blog about bidding goodbye to October, and looking forward for the month of November. Now another goodbye?
...November was awesome, because it was my birthday month. I had a small birthday celebration with my friends and it was fun:))
...Our first day of MA classes terribly drained me out the whole day, but still it was a good start:))
...School's Activities--Principal's Executive Meeting, Mam Montero's send-off, Araw ng Pagbasa, Mother Earth Kids Club Christmas Party:))
...No unexpected gala out of town, just mall hopping and shopping (during sale), movies (Private Benjamin, Breaking Dawn)
Bye November 2011...you made me happy, you made smile. Thank you:))

 Hi December 2011....
 You're finally here, what to expect?
This morning, (Dec.1), I was terribly stressed and depressed because of some conflicts in work. I hope this will not affect the rest of the month.

>Well...of course looking forward for a happy and meaningful Christmas Day::))...
>Fun Run on Dec4..(first time to run, 5km)
>Christmas Parties, programs in school
>2nd day of MA classes, Dec18
>A happy and fruitful vacation i guess:))...hope i can go home in my hometown to spend holidays

Finding Lolo--A Story of True Love

11.23.11
What is eternal love?...(Walang Hanggang Pag-ibig)...Is there still an existing love like this?...

Yes, there is, maybe it's just around the corner or in your home. Today I had witnessed a beautiful love story of a certain Lola Aurelia and Lolo Luis. Lola Aurelia had caught everyone's attention when someone uploaded her picture on facebook, then televised on tv, with picture of her missing husband on her back. She was looking for him for days. He suddenly disappeared and probably lost because of his ulyanin stage. Everyone was touched by her story, on how she was determined to find her better-half and how she showed her eternal love for him. I admired her so much for showing her unconditional love for him all her life. 

Last night was a touching scene, when finally Lolo Luis was found...You can see the purity of smiles in their faces, the hugs, the crying scenes, and the happiness. It was indeed like a scene in a movie or teleserye.

What a beautiful and eternal love story!

Lola Aurelia patiently searching for his better-half, Lolo luis

 

Reunited, (11.22.11,)

Updates:
* 02.05.12, Sunday (Gary V. sung their theme song "Ang Tangi kong Pagibig" on ASAP)
    Lola Aurelia and Lolo Luis were there as guests)
* 6.23.12, Saturday (Their story was featured in Maala ala Mo kaya (MMK) on ABS-CBN  portrayed by Ms. Anita Linda and Mr. Tony Mabesa)

Note: Pictures are from google

Benches

Benches have a soft spot in my heart....every time I see a bench in the places I visit, I can't help myself to sit down. It makes me feel good and comfortable.

"I will be here when you feel like being quiet, when you need to speak your mind I will listen."
  "I will be here"
                                                                                 (pictures from google)

"Love is what makes two people sit in the middle of a bench when there is plenty of room at both ends"

                                                                             (pictures from google) 

"When we're all alone, bench is there to comfort us in times of sorrow, 
pain, failures, and even in our successes, achievements and happiness."

                                                                    (pictures from google) 

"Bench is like our friend who witnesses our journey in life"

Teacher's Day 2011 ( In this Moment, 10.05.11)

Cracmes Teachers at their best ("Lean on me")

This video was shown during our INSET, Oct. 28, 2011

What a Day!

It's not a good day for me today:((


*debited 2K from my ATM at BDO, Proj.6...WTH
     (was settled quickly by Land bank...Thanks)

*Didn't enroll at PUP coz of this debit thing...yay!

*Irritated by the noise of the students around school...so angry:(

*Had to finish the form 138-E and form 137-E...wuahh!

*So sleepy and tired, but too many things to do!

11.11.11

 11.11.11....six 1's?...what's in with these numbers?
....They're like sticks united in one dream...facing above the sky.

Quotes for the DAY:
“The style of life is a unity because it has grown out of the difficulties of early life and out of the striving for a goal.” Alfred Adler quotes

“Unity to be real must stand the severest strain without breaking” Mahatma Gandhi quotes 

"Most of us end up with no more than five or six people who remember us. Teachers have thousands of people who remember them for the rest of their lives".
Andy Rooney
 

"Sticks and stones will break our bones, but words will break our hearts".
Robert Fulghum 

"What you make up in your heads sticks if it's good, falls out if it's bad. If we still remember something a day after we made it up, it might be worth building on".
Benny Anderson
 

It's My Birthday! (11.09.11)

What is special about my birthday?....
Well...I'm happy today, I didn't expect that I'll receive lots of greetings from my present and former students...from my co-teachers, teacher-friends, best friends, kumares, new friends:))

What happened this day? (Nov. 9)
* I was awake til 2am (nov. 9) working on that 'template master list'...is it too cruel that on my special day I was working til 2am?...oh no!
* I was awakened by the non-stop knocking at my door at 7am!...who else but my inaanak, Michael Nino Ortiza, just to greet me "happy birthday" and to show his handmade card ...oh so sweet:))
* On my way to school, when I was on a jeep, there's this street kid (i think Badjao kid) who asks limos to the us passengers, even gave us envelopes. With his looks, its seems that he's mad at us because some didn't gave him money, he even murmured when he steps down the jeep...I'm just wondering why there are still lots of street children around...too sad:((
* In school I received a lot of greetings from my co-teachers, our principal, and especially my students...They gave me cards and gifts...too happy:))
* On my way home, I'm with my friend Lorena, around 6:45pm, there's a couple-passenger on a jeep and they're showing too much PDA...hahaha, we're so irritated by their acts as well as the other passengers. Is it pang-aasar ba o pang-iingit because I have no boyfriend?....wuhahaha.
* At home I was surprised by Emilyn Ortiza and family!...They gave me a cake and ice cream for my birthday...so thankful for them:))
* I received a lot of greetings the whole day, maybe around 60+ greetings from face book...not to mention the greetings from my phone and personal greetings. I've realized there are lots of people who love me,..I'm very thankful for them coz they made me happy on my special day....:)) thanks, thanks, thanks!
* Last Tuesday, I was hoping that someone will have a special greeting my birthday...there was none of them...It happened the day after (11.10.11), and the greeting made my bday more happy...:))
Happy Birthday to me!

Scenes of Life

         “Sunset”

Why are you so beautiful?

Why are you so full of life?

You make me happy, you make me smile.

Just looking at your sight!

You made me realize the beauty of life.

You let me believe in dreams.

And an inspiration to everyone.

So be with us always and be our guide!

                                 -Dessa

"Sunrise"

What a scene, what a beauty!

You are indeed a sunshine to me.

I may not witness you every single day

But I really love your presence day by day.

When you rise above the sky,

It means another life to begin as the day goes by.

You bring us new hope to fly so high,

So don't let yourself out of our sight.

                                      -Dessa

"Footprints"

“Sometimes all that stands between you and the whole journey is simply getting out there and seeing what you’re made of.”

Footprint symbolizes a lot of things,...DREAMS…GOALS…VALUING LIFE…REACHING FOR STARS. When you walk towards your goal in life without hesitation, you’re on the right track. Just go any further, then look behind you and see how far you’ve come. There are no impossible dreams, just believe you can do it. 
Dream big…footprints are there to witness your success.

"The Tide"

“ When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you…NEVER GIVE UP…for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”

-Harriet Beecher Stowe

This saying is very true, when you’re so depressed, full of pains, sorrows and hardships…you wanted to give up. You felt you’re all alone in a battle. And sometimes you feel the sun isn’t shining anymore. But then you’ll realize GOD is with you. He’s there to guide and catch you up, to carry you and save you from darkness. When the tide turns, you’ll feel safe and saved because He’s there. All you have to do is just BELIEVE and TRUST in HIM.

                                           "BEING ALONE"

I’ve learned to rest in quiet places now and then, and to leave behind the things I no longer need to carry, like grudges, sorrows and regrets.” 
                                                                                                                                  -Melody Arnett

When I’m alone,…I reminisce…I dream…I reflect…and talk to GOD…then I realize a lot of things. I realize to reach for my dreams...to forgive the people who caused me pain…and to moved on with my life. You cannot move forward until you leave behind those negative feelings you had like grudges, sorrows, pains, sufferings and regrets. You will be at peace and live happily when you’ll free from all of these.

It’s okay to be alone. Sometimes it gives you courage to face your battles in life when you’re alone. You will become stronger, braver and wiser.

So, don’t afraid to be alone.

                        'Everything has Beauty' 
                        “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it”

If you will just allow yourself to see the world, it has lots of things to offer. You’ll  realize that everything has its  beauty and you’ll thank GOD you’re alive and can see them.

So appreciate all  things you see  whether big or small…white or dark…ugly or beautiful…pale or colorful…cheap or expensive…goodies or trash…Because everything has its value, its meaning and  purpose in our lives. 

(pictures from google)

"Flowers, Flowers"

  Flowers that bloom, Flowers that shine,       Flowers, oh flowers!

 You’re indeed a sunshine to my life.                What will I do if you’re out of my sight?

  You are always there to inspire us,                  Can you be my friend day and night?

   No matter what the weather was.                    So that my life has color and light.

                                                                                                                -Dessa

                                         “Facing Fears”

I had lots of fears then….I’m afraid of the dark and ghosts, that’s why horror movies aren’t my favorite…I’m afraid of heights, so I don’t like to go to high places especially  mountains, hanging bridges, towering buildings,  and  even at the rides on theme parks...I’m also afraid of animals especially  those belong to the family of reptiles…And also I’m afraid of facing a crowd.  I have stage fright.

But as I continue my journey in life.  I'd realized  to end all these fears, I have to conquer them.  And little by little I’m doing it, and hoping that I can totally defeat these.

Now I’m a lot better when it comes to facing my fears.  I became stronger, gained self-confidence and braver in everything that  comes into my life.

"Happiness"

"A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while on a detour."  ~Author Unknown

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us."
Helen Keller
"Happiness is the art of never holding in your mind the memory of any unpleasant thing that has passed."
Unknown

If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day — go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year — inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime — help someone else.
Chinese Proverb

"The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes, but in liking what one does."
James M. Barrie

Life is not just about doing good things to other people, but also doing good things to the community and to our mother earth.

Coping up with the Pain

11.01.11

Life is difficult some may say. Yes it is, especially to those people who are experiencing pains, hardships, struggles and depressions. They're like going through a narrow and rough road. And it seems that they are hanging on a cliff and trying to save their lives. I know it's very hard, but all you have to do is to hang on and trust GOD, and believe that everything has its purpose. And sometimes we say life is so unfair. We always ask GOD why some people are happy and contented, and some are not. But once we truly understand and accept it, we'll realize it’s not that difficult anymore. That life is not just series of problems, pains, and sufferings but also has its joys, has its meaning and color. It may have ups and downs, maybe like a roller coaster ride and full of failures. But at the end of the day, we can say that LIFE is beautiful, that GOD gave us life to LIVE. So enjoy it, as if it is your last day. Make it a meaningful one.

Some painful experiences:
* Breaking up with someone you love the most.
 When a loved one, a girlfriend/boyfriend, or a wife/husband breaks up with you, it seems your world tumbled down. You feel so much pain and depression. Maybe because of too much love you've given to that someone. And when its time to end the relationship, we thought it’s the end of the world, but its not. Just pray to God, accept the reality, and forget bad memories  but treasure the good ones.
* Broken Family
It’s very painful when your family you love the most was not complete anymore. It’s very hard especially when you grew up in a happy family and before you know it, it was already broken. And you'll just woke up one day that there are no more get together, no reunions, no complete family pictures, no special celebrations and no family dinners . And we feel so much loneliness, emptiness, regret, and so on…Sometimes we question God, 'why us?..why did this happen?..And it’s up to HIM to answer that. Maybe HE has plans on us why we should experience this. Maybe it was just a test on our trust in Him.
* Loosing someone
It’s the most painful part of our lives when we loose someone we love. It’s very difficult to accept, especially when we know that that person is not coming back anymore. It’s totally breaking our hearts into bits. When we are so much attached with our emotions, we didn’t know how we can cope up. We actually forget to let go of the memories, we tend to just be there and be depressed.

There is this saying from Former Senate chaplain Peter Marshall that reminds us that  “God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty.”

ALL WE HAVE TO DO: 
*Acceptance- We should face the fact that this is the reality, though it’s hard, but we should accept it.

*Let Go and Let Gone- We should let go of the emotions and pains…Let go of the memories.

*Value Life- Let every moment count. Remember to say you love someone before it too late. Express your  love to your loved ones, be there for them always.

*Pray and Trust God- In every trial and suffering God is there to guide us. Ask for His guidance. Pray a lot. He will never leave you, just trust Him. He had purpose on why we suffer these pains, sufferings, sorrows and depressions.

SUGGESTED BOOKS TO READ:

      Hope Again- Charles Swindoll

     The Road less Traveled- M. Scott Peck, M. D.

     Forgive and Forget-Lewis B. Smedes

     Ripples of Joy- Cheryl Kirking

    365 Ways to Cherish- Robert Strand

     How to win over Loneliness- Haggai

SUGGESTED SONGS:

     I see you Lord- Aiza Seguerra

     Power of Your Love-Hill song

     Lead me Lord- Gary Valenciano

     Lift up your Hands to God- Basil Valdez

    Who Am I- Casting Crowns

    Lord I offer my Life to you- Don Moen

   

Goodbye October, Hello November

"Goodbye October, Hello November"

by Lourdes Cabrilles on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 12:10pm

11.01.11

What a month October was!!!. It gave me lots of happiness. That month was a big test to me in facing my fears, gaining my self confidence, and believing myself. Thank you October, 2011.

Hello November!!!...looking forward of having fun and lots of good things to be done in this month....

Hurray November....

*All Saints Day
* Its my Birthday month...yehey!
* A month before Christmas.
* Holidays (Nov.1, 7, 30)
* Start of Masters Degree class!...whoahh
* Unexpected gala (hoping....)

Let's enjoy the month of November folks!!!

Life Impact

"Life Impact"

by Lourdes Cabrilles on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 12:09pm

A women attended her twenty-year high school reunion.There she encountered her freshman year art teacher. She told him that she decided o go to college as a result of his inspiration, and that she was an art professor now at a large state university.

At the end of the evening 's festivities, the teacher searched out his former student, shook her hand, and said, " Thank you for saying those nice things about my teaching. You've really made my day."

"You're welcome," said the woman as he hugged him, " But let me thank you-you've made my life!"


There is usually a good teacher
             behind every good student.
 Whether or not a student remembers
             to thank his teacher,
the influence lives on in the student

                                           ANONYMOUS
                    ( from the book THE HEART OF A TEACHER)

*Repost from facebook note

The Test

"The Test" (via face book note)

by Lourdes Cabrilles on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 4:00am

His name was Lt. John Blanchard, a soldier in basic training in Florida during WWII. One evening he wandered into the post library and found a book to read. The feminine handwriting in the margins intrigued him, so he turned to the front of the book and found the name of the previous owner...a Miss Hollis Maynell

Blanchard did some research and found her address in New York. The following day he was shipped overseas. For 13 months the two corresponded by letter and began to open their hearts to each other. He asked for her picture, to which she refused by saying that if he really loved her it wouldn't matter what she looked like.

 Finally the day came when they were to meet in Grand Central Station, New York City. She had instructed, "You'll recognize me by red rose that I'll be wearing on my lapel."

Let's let the young soldier tell you what happened:

A young woman was coming toward me, beautiful, trim, blonde, eyes were blue as flowers, and in her pale green suit she was like springtime come alive. I started toward her forgetting that she was not wearing the rose...and then I saw Hollis Maynell! She was standing behind the girl. A woman with graying hair. BUT she wore a red rose on the rumpled brown lapel coat. So deep was my longing for the woman who's spirit had captured me that I approached her. There she stood, face was gentle and sensible and her gray eyes had a twinkle. I didn't hesitate. My hand gripped the small worn blue leather book which was to identify me to her.

I squared my shoulders and saluted and held out the book to the woman while choking back the bitterness of disappointment. " I'm Lt. John Blanchard and you must be Miss Maynelll. I'm glad to meet you. May I take you to dinner?"


The woman's face broadened  into a smile. "I don't know what is it about, son," she answered, "but the young lady in the green suit who just went by, asked me to wear this rose. And she said if you were to ask me out to dinner I should tell you that she is waiting for you in the large restaurant across the street. She said it was some kind of TEST!"

Apparently Lt. John Blanchard passed the test! Would you?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).

        (From the book '365 Moments to Cherish' by Robert Strand)

A Teacher's Survival Kit for Everyday Living

Toothpick-Reminds us to look for the good qualities in our students.
             You may be the only teacher who says something positive to them that day.
Rubber Band- Reminds teachers that we have to be flexible.
              Things don't always go the way we plan.
              But flexibility will help to work it out.
Band Aid- Reminds teachers that sometimes we do more than teach,
              That we help heal hurt feelings, broken dreams,
              And lend an ear to a problem.
Pencil- Reminds us to be thankful, and we should list our blessings daily,
              But also encourage our students to list their blessings
              And to be proud of their accomplishments.
Eraser- Reminds us to allow students to know we are human
             And make mistakes just like they do, and its okay.
             We must all able to learn from our mistakes.
Chewing Gum-Reminds us to stick with it
              And encourage our students to do likewise.
              Even the impossible task or assignment can be accomplished
              By sticking on it.
Mint -   Reminds us and our students we are worth a mint.
            (We may not be paid a mint, but we are worth one.)
Candy Kiss- Reminds us that everyone needs a hug, kiss, or warm fuzzy every day.
            (All teachers, students, parents, and even administrators)
Tea Bag- Reminds us we need time to relax,
            Go over our blessings, and take time for others.
            Family, husbands, wives, friends, children need quality time together.


Teachers must be willing to show their students how much they care!

                                                       Original Author Unknown
                                                     From the book "The Heart of a Teacher"
                                                          Author: Ruth Anne Muir

Be a Dreamer

Are you a dreamer? I know everyone of us has a dream, may it be simple or big. It's natural, but sometimes we thought that a dream is just a dream, and its very impossible to happen, but why not try it?

"If it is the last day of your life, what would you do to fulfill your dreams?" This question is very common to me, I've always been encountering this in seminars, workshops, and even in the books I read. What will be your answer to this question? Maybe your answer is the same as mine. One speaker I had encountered told us, 'what's stopping you to fulfill your dreams'? Then I realized, its true, what's stopping me, what's stopping us to do it? So what are you waiting for?...start now...reach for your dreams.

When I was a kid, I dreamed to have beautiful clothes, shoes, and a big house. When I reached high school I wanted to go to Manila and become a writer. I want to write a book, or write an article in any magazine. And why can I do that?, I am not even sure if I can continue my studies in college because of financial problems. Until something good happened to my life. There were twists and turns. While I was working with my cousin in vegetable store in Quezon City, Nana Tiying (my tita-titahan, owner of vegetable store) asked me if I wanted to continue my studies. I immediately said yes, I was so happy then. It was very hard to be a working student but I was very determined. Thank God I finished it with high grades. Nana Tiying was so proud of me. She became my second mother while I was away with my family. And I will never stop thanking her for giving me new hope, new life and  fulfilling my dreams. It never entered my mind that I will finish my studies in a big and famous university (PWU) here in Manila. Then I realized, my dreams were really coming into reality, that even impossible and unexpected things happen if you will just believe.

In this whole journey, I know GOD is with me. HE never left me. I remember the lyrics in a song 'Lift up your Hands to God'..."If you believe in yourself, if you believe there's someone who walks through life with you. You'll never be alone, just learn to reach out and open your heart. Lift up your hands to GOD and He'll show you the way." In fulfilling your dreams, do it the best you can, just believe you can do it and trust GOD.

Now I'm a successful teacher, it was not my dream actually. But maybe God has plans why I became a teacher. Perhaps this will bring me into a wider range of my other plans. Perhaps being a teacher, I could help people build their own dreams. I could help children change their lives. That's why I love teaching now, its very fulfilling when someone became successful because of me. Its more than a gift, its more than a dream fulfilled.

I will never stopped dreaming. Now my ultimate dream to become a writer is nearly coming into reality (hoping...) But even if it will never came, its okay, at least I've always been trying. I also dream to go to the places with snow. I don't know why. I know it's impossible to happen, but I know it will happen (soon).

Be a dreamer...Dream big!...Never stop believing that dreams do come true.

I am...ME!

1. I'm a Bicolana, a typical probinsiyana.
2. I'm a 2nd child in a brood of 9.
3. I came from a poor family.
4. I was bullied during my elementary days.
5. I am a shytype kind of person.
6. I'm so afraid of the dark and ghosts.
7. I am a Papa's girl.
8. I read the word TABLE as T-A-B-L-E...(as in tagalog reading) when I was in grade1.
9. I have brown eyes and brown skin.
10. I belong to zodiac sign, SCORPIO
11. I received 1st Honor awards from Grade1-6, graduated valedictorian.
12. I begin to be in love during my High School days.
13. I experience pains and depressions when my father left us.
14. I'm a working student when I was in college.
15. I drink alcohol, never like cigarettes.
16. Going to mall and buy something is my therapy when I'm depressed.
17. I can't live without my friends. I'm happy when I'm with them.
18. I read lots of books. (Inspirational and Romance, magazines, newspapers)
19. I love sweets. (chocolates, ice cream, cakes, pastries)
20. I love fairy tales, happy ending love stories.
21. I'm a hopeless romantic.
22. I'm very determined to do something I love.
23. I'm very emotional (I easily cry when watching emotional movies/tv shows, reading books)
24. I love Koreanovelas.
25. I'm a nature lover/ want to be an environmentalist
26. I'm a fan of successful people.
27. I'm a trying hard traveler (I want to travel around the Phils, and around the world).
28. When I'm alone I write something.
29. I'm a dreamer (I dream to become a writer, and to experience snow).
30. I'm secretive.
31. I'm easy to please, and I love being appreciated.
32. I'm a good listener and adviser.
33. I may not be beautiful but I have a pure heart and ready to give pure love.
34. I'm single but happy.
35. I am a TEACHER.

Poverty is not a Hindrance to One's Success

"Poverty is not a Hindrance to One's Success" (via face book)

by Lourdes Cabrilles on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 10:33pm

As I read the pages of a newspaper (Inquirer) today, my attention caught by the article " Teenager's grade best in postwar UP" by Julia M. Aurelio. I was amazed by this 19 year-old teenager, GABRIEL PELIAS, who will be graduating this Sunday as summa cum laude with the general weighted average of 1.016 which appears to be the highest garnered in UP history after World War II, (according to the writer).

PELIAS, an only child who supported himself with scholarships as his Lola Sandra had no job and only savings to get them by. His is an inspiring story of how a poor boy dreamed to become successful. The lack of money should never be a hindrance to one's dreams.

After I read the whole article, my past flashed back. I remember how I struggled to finish my studies despite the fact that we are poor and no one to turn to. I finished college as a working student. It was very hard, and thought of giving up due to too much pressure, lack of sleep, etc...But through the help of Liclican's family (esp. Nana Tiying), my sister Phora, my friends, and of course my prayers I was able to go through with it. Now as I look back, I still cry because I can't believe I was become what I am now. Being an educator, I always tell my students my journey of becoming a teacher. I always advise them to finish their studies no matter what the hindrances are. And I know someday, they will remember and thank me for that.

Gabriel Pelias story and  my story are  proofs that poverty is not a hindrance to one's success.

And every CHILD, every person deserves a better EDUCATION.

Remembering Father's Day

"Remembering Father's Day" (via face book note)

by Lourdes Cabrilles on Sunday, June 19, 2011 at 4:24pm

I had a happy childhood memories of my father. He was my confidante, my protector, my tutor, my friend, and my ever loving father. I had so much respect on him then. I remember when I was a kid and asking about stars, if why is that there are so many stars, and why we cannot count them, and he tried his best to answer me. I also remember when he took me in his bike in going to school, when he patiently helped me in my school  assignments, and gave me baon  everyday. Honestly I am closer to my father(papa's girl), though I love my mother so much.

I didn't know what went wrong with my family. We had a big family problem as I entered high school. I begin to doubt GOD on HIS love for us, but never hated HIM. I just convinced myself that this was just a test. Until it gone worst. My father left us. And it was very painful. I begin to hate him. My respect to him was lost...who wouldn't?. All the good things that I knew about him were broken into pieces. So many years had passed and the pain is still here. And I really don't know when it will be healed. And when he left, I appreciated my mother so much for being a martyr wife and a loving mother to us. She became our father and mother for the past 20 years, and that was not a joke. I had witnessed her pains, the nonstop cry, the struggles and the trying times of being a single mom. She's the best, a truly perfect mother a child could ever had.

This is why I struggled to pursue my studies despite the fact that we are poor and no one to turn to. I wanted to help my family especially my mother. It's very hard to be a working student, and thought of giving up. But I had to do this for them. I had to be strong. So I finished my studies, and had a teaching job. And I'm very thankful to GOD because HE's always there when I needed HIM the most.

Today is Father's Day, and I still remember him. I remember all those times that I'm with him. Did I miss him? I really don't know. Maybe I'm just used to live without a father. But whatever happened, he is still my father. If not because of him, I will not be what I become now. The values he instilled in our minds when we we're kids were still here in our hearts. And whenever I hear the song "Dance with my Father", I cried a lot. Perhaps I longed for his love, maybe I wanted a father to appreciate all my achievements in life. Now, I still don't know when's the right time that we will be able to reconcile. Maybe I'm still waiting for him to come back to us or to say sorry to our mother and admit his mistake. Or maybe he is also waiting for us to talk to him.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to you, wherever you are! I know you remember us. I hope someday we can talk.

You may NOT be a perfect FATHER....but you tried to BECOME one long time ago.


Update:
* (10.27.11 my facebook comment) I actually wrote this note last June during father's day, i just not published it publicly coz i'm not ready yet to tell my friends about it...until this morning, when we had a seminar and our speaker, shared same situation as mine, and played video about father and son..i was really teary eyed.....then i realized why should i ashamed to have a broken family?...I think this made me strong...wuahh I'm crying while writing:((

Facing my Fears

"Facing My Fears" (via face book note)

by Lourdes Cabrilles on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 11:00pm

I am just a simple teacher with simple dreams. I just want to teach and share knowledge to people. I'm just used to help and support anyone or any event but I don't want to be a front liner. I have a very low self-confidence, I have doubts to myself on whether I can do the things right. I have lots of fears.

Until.....Over a week ago I was informed by Sir Froilan Grate (Pres.,Mother Earth Foundation) that I will present a 10 minute talk in a big crowd about environmental policies. I was very surprised. why me?..I don't know what I'm going to feel that day. If I will feel happy, sad, surprised. flattered,..i don't know. I repeatedly begged off because I know I can't do it. But he never stopped convincing me, he encouraged me, he even said I'm the perfect person to do it because I'm practicing what I learned on environmental policies. So I accepted the challenge. I prayed a lot. I listened to all the encouraging words from my co teachers. I just convinced myself that I can do it.

This morning was a biggest test to me. This is the day I was waiting for. I was trembling the whole morning...who wouldn't?...I will stand in front of these vip's, supervisor, principals, guests, teachers...I even told my friends, can I do it the way I like it to be?...what if the outcome's not good?...how can I face my co-teachers?. But then again I realized I have to do this. So I just lift up to God. I prayed and asked for His guidance. And like what my friends told me, 'believe in yourself' that's the technique...If you believe that you can do it, you can do it...I don't know where my self-confidence came from that I finished my talk with flying colors. It was like magic that I discussed my topic continuously, not nervous at all. Maybe because it came purely in my heart, and I love what I'm doing. I remember my friend Joyce told me 'whatever is done out of love and dedication is always the best'.

I am so happy today, not only because of the award given to me as an  'eco-friendly model teacher' but because I've proven to myself that I did something worthy. When I saw the faces of these people listening to me, that's only the time I feel proud of myself. It's so overwhelming when I heard the applause, the appreciation, the congratulations after my talk. I cannot express how happy I am today. It was unforgettable.

I want to thank everyone for the encouragement, especially to Mam Narag, Mam Vicky,  Maricris and Zarah, your encouragement, hugs, the smiles were big help to me...I love you guys.... Thank you Mam Zeny for all the support, and to sir Froilan for believing in me and the trust. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I wouldn't do it without all your help. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks.

                                                      Thank you all for listening:))