Pasyalan Na!

We were again on tourist mode last night. Cousin Carlo was here for a business trip and yesterday was only his free time to take a breather after a hectic week at the Expo. We had to squeeze in 6 hours utmost.

I was with Hubi, Kimi, Jackie and cousin (Ate) Flow Bee. We decided to meet at City Hall MRT Station (CBD) as the tourist attractions Singapore is famous for were just nearby; the Supreme Court, the Parliament, Marina Bay, The Esplanade, the Flyer, Fullerton Hotel and the Merlion Park.

We had dinner at the Kopitiam (Makansutra) to let him a taste of local food and local beer. Then we resumed the 'tour' by foot (and stroller ;p) while taking pics of our high-spirited visitor cum phot-ops model cousin. Next stops were the bayside facing the skyline, the foot bridge to get a good view of the Esplanade side and the Merlion/ Fullerton side and last stop, the Merlion Park.

Along the way, a few tourists greeted us and asked permission whether they can take a snapshot of Kimi. Kimi can be Mr. Congeniality most of the time. The little boy obliged and he even posed for them even if he had to lie on the ground and get dirty. He liked it so much!

Finally, we reached Merlion's haven. There's not much people considering it was a Friday night. We spent almost an hour taking jump shots while the other tourists were staring at us. Well, who cares, they don't know us anyway.

SUCCESS!

We had so much fun and it's worth repeating. When? Perhaps, in a week's time when another relative comes to town. That is, if she's willing to taint his image like we did.

Just need to catch up with time. We got less than 2 months left. The clock is ticking....

TGIF Mode

The sky was clear and the air warm; no hint of rain nor drizzle. So we decided to go out and bring Kimi to the Thomas and Friends show at Marina Square. Before the show could even start, he couldn't keep still on his seat. He wanted to stand and loiter around while the show master was busy with the Q&A, action song and teaching the kids how to do peep-peep! :)

He watched with gusto as soon as The Fat Controller entered the stage as if undertstanding each and every lyric being sang by him. (FYI, Kimi is musically inclined. Despite his built, he can gracefully dance to any rhythm, wiggle his butt and even tap his feet along with the beat!)

Then it was Thomas' turn to come out; all the kids screamed with joy. I don't know what's it with him that makes him so appealing to children. Maybe his ventriloquist doll-ish eyes/stare! ;) It was just a short 15-minute stint but worth the travel.

We had dinner at Makansutra aka Esplanade gilid *wink* and saw several bunches of Flips. It really was TGIF for them; that is, good slash gimik time! ...and for us, family slash quality time

Thereafter, we stopped by the Outdoor Theatre @ Esplanade to check out the centerstage. A group of 3 local theatre performers singing their hearts out ala broadway musical. The lady even sang like Lea Salonga. Kimi seemed to like this show better than Thomas and his friends. *grin*

We lingered a bit then walked our way to the other side of the bridge to take pictures of the skyline. We walked further then we reached the Parliament/ Supreme Court. It was there when I noticed that the flood lights were up. Yes! that early..for the F1!

*awful frown* I don't wanna think about it anymore haay.. I won't get the chance to watch it anyway *frown*frown*frown*

FYI, Kimi, Hubi and I have become part-time tour guides of Jackie lately. We've been touring her around since she arrived here. She appears to be enjoying also.

Well, the three of us, too, have become tourists even on the last minute. It's definitely a must that we keep mementos of this place that we've treasured like our own before it's too late *sigh*sigh*

*more sighs*

Memorable June 2

The Lord has been so generous and kind to me throughout these years. I know, it's not only luck; He has designed a perfect plan for each and everyone of us. What we are tasked to do is to share whatever we gain and touch somebody's life.

I've said this before and I'm saying it again; everything is possible when we put Him at the center of our lives. Praise the Lord!

There are marvelous things that I do not know, nor can I comprehend.
Lord, things that happen in my life, and things that happen in my friends lives.
Lord, I desire to be thankful, to appreciate everything that comes across my path.
Lord, so often life hurts, I get angry -- upset, I do not understand, yet Lord You ask me to be thankful for everything, and have faith – thank You.

Lord, help me to be thankful, when the rains come on the just and the unjust, that You care so much about me, that Your to chasten, to build character and godliness in me, to be a mirrored reflection of Your Son to reach others.

Lord, I thank You for mercy, for the hunger for righteousness, for forgiveness, for purity, for providing for my needs.
Lord, I thank You for prayer, That I can come before You and call You Father.
That I can cast my burdens on You.
Lord, I thank You for my heart, the treasure and light You placed in there -- the Holy Spirit.

Lord, help me to endeavor, to be thankful for everything
.Lord, it seems most of the time, what happens is about me.
Lord, I thank you that You gently remind me that the things are not about me, however, my life and what happens is more about You, Your will, and Your Kingdom.

Lord, I thank You, I praise You. Lord, in You do I find strength and courage to go on.
Lord, I thank You for the author and finisher of my faith – Jesus Christ and that in You is hope everlasting.

Lord, I thank You for the blood of Jesus, Your precious lamb.

Thank You Lord God!In Jesus’ name, amen.

(prayers of thanks based on 1 Corinthians 2, Matthew 5-6, Hebrews 12)

Make or Break

I'm on the brink of plunging into something unforeseen. It's a big risk but I guess it's worth challenging. Very uncertain really.

Well, by nature, I am always on the go. I cannot keep still especially when opportunities start knocking on my door. Of course, that is, taking into consideration Kimi and Hubi and not only my selfish desire. I just love the thought of escalating. It stimulates my mind and even renders me more productive to the point of making me strive beyond my limits. Hello, exhaustion?

Looking forward, I guess this is going to be a life-changing transition. I'm not bothered either given the fact that I got no bullets to rescue me when I reach the battleground. I've always clinged to the fact that our Creator will never give man something that he cannot handle. Besides, HE is there wherever..whenever.

Although the thought of being second class is what worries me; I shall never welcome any unjust treatment from the bullies. I swear!

Aaanyways, (again) enough of the rant. Just trying to pacify the panic after confirming the IT through the grapevine.

How I wish it's June already. Perhaps, my stress level would have lowered by then.

Reality Check

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

note: posts are delayed here due to faulty crossposting function b/n multiply and blogger *sigh*

Hallelujah!

H A P P Y * E A S T E R !

thank GOOD it's FRIDAY!

*note: dunno why this post wasn't cross posted here when i posted it through my multiply account yesterday *sigh*

It's my 1st time to spend Good Friday here, more so, have our traditional Visita Iglesia. Leda (one of my charmed sisters) and I have been planning our IT several days ago; surfing here and there for parish activities and listing which parishes to visit first and so on and so forth. Are we OC? Nah, not really :) We need not stick to the plan 'though.

P.S. As much as I would want to take pictures inside the churches, I dare not to. I don't want to agitate fussy church goers.

9AM; Thomson Road

NOVENA CHURCH - We attended the morning prayers there together with a lot of Filipino OCW's. FYI, this is one of the well-known parishes among the Pinoys here. Maybe because it's nearer to Orchard Road and very accessible by bus/MRT.

945AM; Toa Payoh

CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST - We just got there in time, while people were starting to assemble inside the church. We managed to get a seat beside 7 old ladies. Leda was teasing me that we were their caregivers. By 10AM, the pews were already filled-up and the newcomers had no choice but to stand. The Stations of the Cross was scheduled at 1030AM followed by the Liturgy and veneration of the cross. The service ended around 1PM.

We had a quick lunch there then come 145PM, we decided to proceed to the next church.

2PM; Ophir Road

OUR LADY OF LOURDES - This was my 1st time to visit this Church. Small but very unique. The altar was a sculptured rock where Mother Mary in blue and white and a young girl was; i.e., apparition-ish and the cross was situated beside. Most of the parishioners were Indian and Sri Lankan. A few were busy setting-up the stage outside for the play. We just prayed, stayed on a bit then left.

215PM; Queen Street

ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH - We walked 3 blocks to reach this next church from Lourdes. As we entered the church, a bunch of Pinoys were on their way out. It was so easy to spot a Pinoy today - a group of 4-5 or more that comes and goes; hopping from one church to another with a pamphlet/booklet on one hand. It's a signature tradition! ;) The church was vintage - high ceiling, varnished wooden pews, typical cathedral windows and a wooden balcony. I was able to take a sneak! (of the altar only)

they used a red drape to cover the altar instead of the usual purple cloth

230PM; Queen Street

CHURCH OF STS. PETER & PAUL - By the time we were walking towards the church, the sky was uber gloomy. It seemed it was going to rain any minute from then. The schedule of the play on their website was @230PM. However, when we went inside, the Passion play was about to end.*sigh* Along the sides, there were 3 groups of Filipinos praying the Stations of the Cross on their own. We didn't stay long for we wanted to catch the 230PM service in another church not so far.

245PM, Victoria Street

CATHEDRAL OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD - The church was standing-room-only-full when we arrived. It was so crowded that the air inside was so stuffy and warm. We decided to enter through the side and alas there was a little space to accommodate us. Come 315PM, the house was already jam-packed; sweat trickling down. It was the Archbishop of S'pore who celebrated the mass plus a wonderful choir.

After 1hr, the strong rain began to pour. So just imagine the bulk of people trying to squeeze in to avoid the spritz. It was truly a small sacrifice for everyone with a downpour of blessings. *wink*

This was perhaps our last stop, the 6th church we've visited. We still need one to complete the list. Hmmm...there's one just opposite this church...

A convent once with a chapel inside. Would that count? *grin*

FYI, this is CHIJMES...

...previously, the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus used for 131 years. It has been restored for commercial purposes only (dining, shopping, entertainment).

Aaaanyways, the number of churches is not really crucial. It's the reminiscence of this important day that matters, right?

Lent is...

...a time to reflect,

...a time to refocus,

...a time to be silent,

...a time to sacrifice,

Incidentally, I wish to share a beautiful text message/prayer forwarded by my Mom:

LORD, enlighten what is dark in me;

Strengthen what is weak in me;

Mend what is broken in me;

Bind what is bruised in me;

Heal what is sick in me;

Straighten what is crooked in me, and,

Revive whatever Peace and Love that have died in me.

AMEN.

Have a blessed week everyone..

Foolish!

Good thing, us Pinoys, haven't got the hang of playing pranks. Otherwise, I may have killed someone already. *wink* I don't think I can live with it. I am the type who doesn't get amused easily you see. Hence, first impression: NR/ deadma/ KJ/ mahal ang ngiti a.k.a. snob.

I don't think so!

I guess only my friends can attest to this. No need to defend myself, you might think I'm just pulling legs.. :)

HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY!

*Trivia: APHRILOPHOBIA is the fear of April Fool's Day.

April 1, 2001: An April fool in Denmark, regarding Copenhagen's new subway. Apparently, one of her cars accidently had surfaced on the square in front of the town hall. In reality, it was a retired subway car from the subway of Stockholm cut obliquely, with the front end placed onto the tilng and loose tiles scattered around it (source: Wikipedia)

Happy April Fool's Day

The history of April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day is uncertain, but the current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved from March 25 - April 1 (new year's week) to January 1. Communication traveled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1. These people were labeled "fools" by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them. The butts of these pranks became known as a "poisson d'avril" or "April fish" because a young naive fish is easily caught. In addition, one common practice was to hook a paper fish on the back of someone as a joke. This harassment evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing continue on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. Because of this spread to other countries, April Fool's Day has taken on an international flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way. In Scotland, for instance, April Fool's Day is devoted to spoofs involving the buttocks and as such is called Taily Day. The butts of these jokes are known as April 'Gowk', another name for cuckoo bird. The origins of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced back to the Scottish observance. In England, jokes are played only in the morning. Fools are called 'gobs' or 'gobby' and the victim of a joke is called a 'noodle.' It was considered back luck to play a practical joke on someone after noon. In Rome, the holiday is known as Festival of Hilaria, celebrating the resurrection of the god Attis, is on March 25 and is also referred to as "Roman Laughing Day." In Portugal, April Fool's Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends. The Huli Festival is celebrated on March 31 in India. People play jokes on one another and smear colors on one another celebrating the arrival of Spring. So, no matter where you happen to be in the world on April 1, don't be surprised if April fools fall playfully upon you.

source: http://www.april-fools.us/index.html