Visiting KL

I am preparing for my trip to KL (Malaysia)---meeting a friend.

That's the advantage of being in Asia---travel is cheaper and I'm less afraid to go around alone. I couldn't picture myself travelling solo when I was living in Germany. Had it not for the fear of missing good company and food, I wouldn't even dare drive to my friends' place which was just 45 minutes away.

But not anymore...

I have a list of to do's and to go to's (if not, even have a glimpse of) To tour by myself would be a new experience but it has to be done.

A usually flies to Malaysia and so we'll be going together. My friend will be staying at the Shangrila, and us, at the Hilton KL

Business and pleasure...literally ;-)

Shadows of a Glimpse

The darkness of the night could not conceal the radiance of the heart,
The years of absence has been broken by the amorous stare
Every word uttered is a journey through time---
A glimpse of the imaginable is shared in the deafening silence.

The yearning clashes the reality of distance and uncertainty
The confidence, the grace, the contentment within,
Knowing what to want yet not to despair when expectations fall short
Living life to its fullest but not questioning its incertitude.

A gentle voice, soothing and affectionate--
Comforting to a passion dismayed and unsettled
The openness and honesty is whole-heartedly offered
Giving assurance that trust is not just a feeling but more than just a word.

Doubting the inevitable truth is more hurtful than a shattered heart
The power of presence is felt through untouchable yet tangible memories...
It is then that you discover what lies within the past
Giving a cold glimpse of what could have been...

A new beginning

17 Christmas Eves ago, I laid in bed cradling you in my arms. You were 10 days old---last year, you were cradling your girlfriend.

I am witness to how you have grown to become a loving and sweet young man. No one would ever believe that you could be one, given the macho image you've always shown and have built so hard. But it takes a sweet girl like 'T' to bend you and for that, I am proud of you. You have learned that loving someone doesn't require commanding but showing it and caring for her is more important. I continue to silently watch the two of you...

She is a very sweet girl. Full of dreams and aspirations. Graceful yet not flirtatious. She knows what she likes to be and works on getting it. I feel good that you complement each other in the simplest of ways. Her family accepts you almost as they would accept their own son. You are now in "the circle of trust"--it has been given openly and I hope you'd take care of it. This is your beginning and I can only wish that it goes a long way.

I thought of Mom

It was February 25, 2007 when my mom finally won over cancer. It was the day she said goodbye...

Despite having a heavy heart, passing smiles helped me get through that day. Everyone walked---if it is to console, to relax or just be---it was to be remembered.

As the children sat on a huge log and the others made a pause to quench their thirst, I looked up and made this photo. It was just a matter of seconds before the feeling of tranquility left me and I was glad to have felt it. It was mom. She lived life to the best and fullest of her ability.

Though Mom's departure was too soon, it did not come untimely. She used the borrowed time given to her to teach, give and show love in a special way. The strength, the will and the faith she had are inspirations to many--most of all to me and my family.

I am who I am because she continued to believe in me no matter what others say.

I will miss Mommy. Our talks, our discussions, our fights...everything that spiced-up our relationship. But one thing stays, I am her daughter and in me, she lives.

I love you Mommy Ganda...you gave justice to that title.

Let there be LIFE...

The sabbatical is over...Who would've thought that storms that seem to go on forever don't end?

Experiences---might they be good or bad are part of life.

There will be many sunsets and sunrises while we live...it's how we'll live our day that counts.

"Contentment is the key to happiness..."