Lisa Guerrero

Best friends hang tough. They don’t come with ‘Fragile’ stickers and are not easily scared off, or ticked off.

Best friends help you out whenever they can, make time for you even when they don’t have any, and trust your friendship enough to say ‘no’.

Best friends are cross-your-heart-and-hope-to-die, good-times-and-bad-times, borrow-anything, tell-you-everything, trust-you-with-their-deepest-darkest-secrets, always-and-forever friends.

And Lisa? You don’t have to ask that. She will always be one of my best friends. =)

Lisa always wear a sweet smile that never fails to brighten up my day… she manages to transform a not-so-nice mood into a good one, without even trying. This lady is pretty tough. She's definitely on her way up that corporate ladder! Imagine, a trainer at such a young age and in such a short period of time. (Now, you beat that!) =)

Whenever I see corporate clothes, I am reminded of Lisa. The killer office get-up/power dressing is indicative of this woman's incomparable passion to succeed. Probably one of the most resolute and determined people I know, she has her definite plans set, and she is positively on her way to realizing them.

Lisa is also a living proof of that Nike advertisement tag line -à JUST DO IT. I bet she knows what I mean. =) Hehe.

To say Lisa is a die-hard romantic would be an understatement. She just follows her heart. She won’t settle for the second best. She knows what she wants and gets them or better yet gets HIM. Hehe.

Another thing, mediocrity isn't in her dictionary, because whenever she's engaged in an endeavor, she always gives her all, and ensures that her output is the best she could come up with. She's so passionate and driven; you'll be inspired to work hard as well.

Lisa sees no point in looking back at what she didn't get done. She chooses, instead, to acknowledge where she is and where she wants to be; then determines what steps it will take to get her there --- I bet my bottom dollar she’ll get there… with flying colors… in time. =)

There’s no point in being redundant. ---> She’s just the best. =)

One-Night-Stand

I’m not looking for sex. Hell no. I cannot sleep with someone I don't love.

I enjoy foreplay, gibberish, pillow talks, cuddling more than the real thing. And the reason I said if I sleep with you, will you love me is because I understand bi-guys lately have been so hooked to it they follow the sex first before anything rule.

Much as I abhor that, I cannot but just ask ok, if I sleep with you, will you love me?

DO NOT GET ME WRONG! IM NO HOE! I'M THE HOPELESS ROMANTIC TYPE who feels the heart first before the skin!

Again, I’m looking for good-looking/younger/ boyish/maamo/ innocent-looking bi-guys who are into relationships, who could possibly love me after the night is over.

I do not want to wake up alone. No players please. No invites for one-night-stand --- this all just saddens me with the thought that people have frog leaped into intolerable wanton.

PLEASE!!!!!

I Miss You

I miss you when something really good happens; you're the one I want to share it with.

I miss you when something is troubling me because you're the one who understands me so well.

I miss you when I laugh and cry because I know that you are the one who makes my laughter grow and my tears disappear.

I miss you most when I lie awake at night thinking of all the wonderful times we spent with each other for those were some of the best and most memorable times of my life.

I guess, sometimes, when you hold out for everything...

you walk away with nothing.

Fear

My mom told me once that when you're afraid of something, what you want more than anything else is to make it go away.

You want your life back to the way it was before you found out that there was something to be afraid of.

You want to build a high wall and live your old life behind it. But nothing ever stays the same.

That's not your old life at all.

That's your new life with a wall around it.

Your choice is not about going back to the way things were. Your choice is about hiding, or about going right to the heart of the thing that scares you.

Time and Tide

There is something wrong with me.

Seriously, I used to be able to get all sorts of stuff done each day and still have time, most days, to relax afterwards. In fact there were some days when I could just lay around, read, watch TV, or whatever, sometimes to the extent that I'd actually get bored and wonder just exactly what I could do with my time. Those days are gone, though, and something must be wrong with me because I sure don't understand what could have changed about the world to make this so.

Sure, when I look at it closely there are some things that are different. The biggest is the Internet. I spend a lot of time surfing and reading on the net, usually in the night once my shift starts and ends not until the morning of the next day. (Hey I work graveyard, =) that would explain it. LOL.) That probably accounts for at least 3 hours a day and more like nine hours a day. Still, it seems I should have more time.

Maybe television should be blamed, but realistically I probably watched as much TV as a kid as now - at least as far as shows I watch with dedication every week. I don't count just having the TV on to watch something in the background. I easily admit that the TV is on much more often now than as a kid, largely due to the varied offerings of cable, but I don't see this as sucking away my time. I can take TV or leave it.

I also see myself losing time because of some of my obsessive-compulsive activities. Really, though, these things are more disconcerting than they are really consumers of time - they bother me more that I have them and can't avoid them than they bother me because they consume a whole lot of time.

Yes, they take up time from my day, but not a lot, and certainly they rarely keep me from doing something else. I expect I lose maybe an hour a day from this sort of behavior, maybe more on some days, but that's still not a huge dent in my available time.

The biggest difference between now and those "olden days" when I used to feel like I had more time, is that I'm older. Huhuhuh. I am 23 already. Yes, being in my early twenties has made me, physically, slow down a bit. ( Excuses!! =) LOL).

Some of that's due to the effects of age and some is due to being out of shape and some is due to the fact that I do not have an inspiration to do anything, but the effect is the same - I don't have the energy to move and do the things I love to do. But not having energy doesn't seem to equate with not having time. It's not like I sleep more because I have less energy. I may even sleep less now than when I was a kid, actually. Getting older seems like the biggest issue, but I can't see how it really makes any difference.

And really, I can't find any reason at all that I don't feel like I have any time to relax - or even enough time to do what needs to be done. I wonder if it will always be this way? Will I retire, sometime around being 80 or something, and find once again that I have all sorts of time on my hands, or will I still be struggling to keep up with all that has to be done.

I certainly hope that by then, or more hopefully well before then, that I can find extra time in the day to wind down and enjoy myself. I need to make up for a lot of such lost time, and I'm looking forward to having it again.

Frog Prince Charming?

You've got to accept the fact that life isn't a fairy tale… things aren't always happily ever after.

Things like magic wishes, Prince Charmings and true love don't happen in real life. Magic wishes come from money, Prince Charming's a shallow idiot with a bad haircut and overpriced clothes.

And true love?

Ha, true love is one-sided, Ace. You love her, she loves someone else. She loves you, you love someone else.

Never quite works out does it?

So you end up with some actor pretending to be your true love.

Real considerate of someone to let you know reality was like that before being thrown into it.

'If you wish, it'll happen.' Well, wish in one hand and crap in the other and see which one fills up faster.

Welcome to reality.

Enjoy your stay.

Another Box

Forrest Gump once said: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you’ll never know what you’re gonna get.” But, I say: “Life is like a box of chocolates: a cheap, thoughtless, perfunctory gift no one ever asks for.” --- Unreturnable because all you get back is another box of chocolates….

Another box of cheap crap..

So you're stuck with this mostly indefinable whipped mint crap, mindlessly wolfed down when there's nothing else to eat during lunch break or a game.

Sure, once in a while you get a peanut butter cup or an English toffee, but it's gone too soon and the taste is fleeting.

In the end you're left with nothing but broken bits of hardened jelly and teeth-shattering nuts, which if you are desperate enough to eat, leaves nothing but useless brown paper wrappers.

Keep going, keep living, and it will get better.

I've been there... haven't you? You know your relationship can use some fine-tuning, but for the most part you feel secure. Think again. Before, during and even after a break-up you get to find out just how selfish the 'dumper' is. The deceit, the crushed dreams and hearts. It really does hurt and it seems that life will never, ever be the same. But it will.

The bad thing about getting dumped or abandoned is it costs us our self-esteem. We feel a full tidal wave of rejection bring us to our knees, sucking the wind out of our sails. We form an inner-hate and get caught in a self-destructive mode. We create within ourselves intense feelings of rejection, isolation, and a profound loss of love, acceptance, and control.

When we are dumped it creates a grief that is far more intense than the loss of love through death. With death the person who has died has not consciously elected to withdraw their love for you. You get a sense of closure and finalization. Death has no possibilities of changing its mind! But when we are dumped the person has made the decision to withdraw from you and desert you. They have rejected you, turned their back to you, and, often times, moved on to someone else.

Getting 'dumped' hurts like hell. It sucker-punches the air out of us and leaves us feeling alone, lost, and hopeless. We lose our very selves when the person we love makes the conscious decision to leave us.

The grief of being abandoned can quickly progress to extreme sadness, self-doubt, insecurity, and fear. Abandonment drains our self-esteem. It can lead to depression, addictions, compulsions, and uncontrollable anxiety or panic attacks. In extreme cases, some are left with suicidal thoughts. If left unresolved, abandonment can interfere with - or even prevent - any healthy future relationships. Once in this cycle, we will often find ourselves abandoned over and over again, as we become either blocked from fully connecting to others, or struggle with extreme-attachment for fear of being abandoned again. We may accept abuse and infidelity, just to avoid feelings of abandonment. Sometimes we remain in a panic-like state of obsessiveness and hyper-vigilance towards our abandoner, or inner focused on our own pain and hurt. We often carry with us feelings of being deserted, needy, and demoralized. Eventually, our lack of self-control makes us feel like a victim within our own creation, causing self-hatred, harm, or injury.

Curing the grief that surrounds you is to find happiness within you. Sounds impossible, but it isn't. It is not only very possible, it has been there all along. If it weren't, you would have curled up in a ball at the foot of the one who left you, and died. And, yes, you might have felt that way, but did you do it? No! Because you still know, buried deep inside of you, that your ex was not the be-all to your life. And how do I know that? You have the courage and the desire to 'continue on'. You believe in you, you have faith in life, and you are aware of your capacity to love again. A new and better life is not only possible, not only probable, but also a plain and simple fact.

You hurt, right? Well...look at it this way. You loved someone. You loved them very much. And they abandoned you. You thought the world of them and they crushed your heart and stole your dreams. Wow - so much power they have...to be able to inflict such heavy and massive destruction to your well-being. Your ex is the first thought in your head when you wake and the last when you go to sleep. And this constant dwelling confuses you. You actually come to believe that you love them and need them far more than you actually do.

Let me point out that many who make the choice to leave and end a relationship do not set out directly to cause hurt and pain. Their main goal; is to find happiness and personal fulfillment, not to directly cause hurt to someone they care about.

But it still hurts.

I "HEART" You

I realized after several failed relationships that the word "love" is very difficult to define. It means many different things to many different people. Not only does each person think differently on what "love" is, but there are so many different types of love that it's really hard to pinpoint a simple statement.

I believe we were all born with a need in our heart that says, "Love me!" We are all searching for something that is missing in our hearts. Someone to "mesh" with, that perfect “WHATEVER” that will fulfill that empty spot in our heart - whether through sports, relationships, jobs, hobbies, etc…

If I love my boyfriend, this means that I do all in my power to make him happy and expect nothing in return. If he were to love me, he would do the same. Imagine that, the world walking around with people totally content and happy in their relationships!

How many times have I heard someone say, "This is a partnership, I do 50% and you do 50%". Boy, that means that you are only going to be satisfied 50% of the time! How horrible. What if (let's dream for a little bit here) we said to our partner, "I am going to give you 100% of myself and I expect the same in return?” Aren't we still saying, "I expect a partnership"? Aren't we saying that you need to uphold your part of this partnership, and I'll uphold mine?

I need to add that "love" isn't expecting something from someone or something. It shouldn't be the focus - that of receiving something. It's giving. Have you ever heard the song, "Love is a Verb?” Webster's defines a verb as: "... expressing action" Therefore, if we look at love as an action, we really can't be sitting back waiting for someone to shower us with affection or whatever else it is we are expecting.

Shouldn't it be the other way around? If "love" is an action (which I think it is), we would then look at it as doing something for the object of our affection as opposed to receiving.

Love is more than sending flowers, holding hands, or any of those sweet things that look like love. Love, true love, is a commitment. It’s the continual putting up with one another and always looking for the best in them even when they are annoying you. It’s realizing that no one is ever going to be perfect, but not letting that bother you. It’s about loving a person for their imperfections as much as their good qualities.

Also, don't you find that we are searching for someone to love us in the way WE think love is? Let's say we perceive love as someone who is always with us, never leaves our side. If our loved one needs to go to the restroom, and asks that we not follow them in, does that mean they love us less?

Think also on this... Are we basing our FEELINGS of loving someone on how he or she treats us or how we emotionally FEEL about someone? Do we fall in love with someone because they treat us a certain way, they say just the right words, behave in a way that produces deep emotional feelings within us only to fall out of love because they stopped treating us that way? Go a step further, did they stop loving us, so we stopped loving them - or vice versa?

Shouldn't we "love" WHO a person is as opposed to what they do? I love this person because they are good and decent, they treat people with respect, they are hard working and honest. NOT, I love this person because he/she focus' all his/her attention on me and he/she makes me feel wonderful!

To love someone regardless of how we FEEL about them would take a lot of grit. It's saying that despite how I feel at this very moment - the fact that I am so totally angered at what you just said or did - I'm going to respect you as a person and love you as I should.

I really don't think society sees this as love. I think they want to see it as insanity. In this world full of the "gimme" mentality and self-love, you would hear things like, "Divorce the jerk, and leave him/her if they don't give you this or that." Is love getting all my needs met? Is it that selfish?

You know, what it boils down to is that there is a certain responsibility to loving someone. It is showing and feeling but also committing to respect, honor, cherish, etc., the person we care deeply about.

I don't think love dies; I think that pain and disillusionment stifle it. I think there are millions of people walking around saying they don't believe in love because they THOUGHT they loved someone and after being hurt stopped loving them. I really don't think this was love. Infatuation, obsession, ardor, lust... those die.

True love never dies, never ends.

True love is a determination to continue giving despite what anyone else says or does. The ultimate sacrifice.

The dying of our own wants and needs. Selfless.

Threesome Fun

'Friends.'.

A simple word isn't it?

It's uttered everyday to almost every person imaginable.

Who are your friends?

I used to think that friends were the people that you could laugh and talk to. Now I know that friends aren't that, they're the people that touch your heart. You could spend hours with them doing nothing at all and it can be the best time of your life, just because it was with them.

They're the people you can share your secrets with, cry with, laugh with, and just have fun with. They don't judge you or make you change. They accept you exactly as you are. They look at you and they see a great person, one they love spending time with.

You all share something in common and are tied together by memories, tears, laughs and smiles. You're tied together by love for the other.

Friendship is one of the greatest things in the world...

I find my time with my friends, the best times of my life. My friends are my heart, my soul, my fun, my laughter, tears, love and my life…

Love Letter

Dear Boy,

I do not know who you are, or where or when we will meet, but I do hope it is soon.

I pray that when we meet and fall in love, you will love me for me, and not hope for someone who is sexier or more handsome. I hope you won't compare me to other guys who may have brighter smiles. I hope that you will make me laugh, take care of me if I get sick, and be trustworthy.

I hope you will remember that I prefer roses to daisies, and that my favorite color changes with my mood.

Please know that my eyes aren't blue, they're brown, with flecks of navy.

Please know that I might be too shy to kiss you first, but please don't be afraid to kiss me. I won't slap you or push you away. I'm sure your kisses will be perfect. When we go on a date, please don't stress about where to take me; what's important is that I'll be with you.

If I cry, please know it isn't because of you, just hold me close and I'll heal quickly. And, if it is because of you, I'll heal just the same.

And if we decide to break up, please understand that I may be bitter, but I'd like to be your friend if you'll let me. I promise to remember that you have feelings too, even though you'll never admit it, and when you are ready we'll have a friendship.

Please tell me if anything I do bothers you, or if something just doesn't sit right. I would like you to always be honest with me. If I have a bad day, I hope you will shower me with confidence and smiles.

I hope you don't think that I'm asking too much of you. I hope you understand that I'm a little bit nervous and very scared. I wish I could tell you how or when we will meet, and if we will be in love forever. Every relationship is a new game of cards, and ...(sigh)...I've never been good at cards. But I will try my best to be kind and love you dearly for all that you are, without expecting too much from you.

Thank you for listening; this is all that I ask.

Yours always,
Me

4 RP Schools in Top 500 World Universities

Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Institute of Higher Education has released its 2006 Ranking of World’s Top 500 Universities which is quite similar to the other rankings conducted by MIT and Stanford.

The top ten are:

1. Harvard University (USA)
2. Cambridge University (United Kingdom)
3. Stanford University (USA)
4. University of California - Berkeley (USA)
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)
6. CalTech (USA)
7. Columbia University (USA)
8. Princeton (USA)
9. University of Chicago (USA)
10. Oxford University (United Kingdom)

.

.

Four Philippine schools made it to the Top 500 this year (based from 2006) and they are:

1. University of the Philippines - ranked no. 299th
2. De La Salle University - ranked no. 392nd
3. Ateneo de Manila University - ranked no. 484th
4. University of Sto. Thomas - ranked no. 500th

.

For the complete list, click this link: Top500

Top 10 Most Influential Fantasy Authors

Solar Flare came up with this list of 10 more Influential Fantasy Authors:


1. J.R.R. Tolkien

2. J.K. Rowling

3. Robert Jordan

4. Terry Pratchett

5. Terry Brooks

6. Stephen R. Donaldson

7. Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

8. Raymond Feist

9. George R. R. Martin

10. David Eddings

God's gift of grief

Why do You torture me so? When will You ever let my hardships end? When will my endless suffering abate? Why am I so tortured?

"But, my child, I have given you everything you want. Why are you tortured so?"

Because, God... Oh wait, God, while you are here I want to thank you for my parents. My parents are such beautiful blessings. Thank you, God, for these wonderful gifts. Thank you for their wit and their charm. Thank you for their health. I will cherish them with every breath I take, and forever be grateful and indebted to You.

"You are most welcome, my child. But, please tell me - why are you still tortured so?"

Because, God... Oh, and God? I wanted to thank you, again! Thank you for the food on my table, and the roof over my head, and these many precious moments of my life. My life has never been better!

"You are welcome, my child. But, please, please, tell me - why are you tortured so?"

Because, God... My dear God? Are You still there? Good. I thought You might have left me. I want to thank You for this most latest blessing. This wonderful new man You have placed in my life. How did You know, God, that we would be so perfect for each other? How did you know that the time was finally perfect in both of our lives...that the time was right for us to meet?

"I know everything, my child. And you are most welcome. Thank you for your patience. But, please, please, tell me why you are still tortured so."

Because, God. I am tortured so because...because now that I have no worries, no griefs, no more battles to fight, and no more strife, I am tortured by the 'peace'. It is unnerving, baffling, and uncomfortable. Tell me God, how can I stop this endless torture and relax in my joy and the gifts You have bestowed upon me? Tell me, my dear God. When will my torture end?

"My dear child, don't you know that I send you 'grief' as my biggest gift to you? So that you may have sight to appreciate my other gifts to you? So that you may rejoice in the glory and not be blinded to your blessings. So that you may feel these gifts that I give you?"

Oh, thank You, God! I understand fully now! Of all my blessings, my torture is truly my biggest blessing from You, for without it I would not know of all my many other blessings!

Thank You, God!

Thank You for the gift of grief!

Don't Rely on Religion

I am not saying religion is bad.

When it turns men and women inward and helps them realize that they are great... that there is an ocean of love and silence deep within the heart, then it is useful.

But where it divides people against one another, where one person is led to believe that he is saved and another is damned, or where it leads a person to believe that true happiness will be found only in an afterlife, then it is harmful.

Each life on Earth is very precious.

It is a wonderful thing to be alive.

Old Love

The question is asked, 'Is there anything more beautiful in life than a boy and a girl clasping clean hands, and pure hearts in the path of marriage? Can there be anything more beautiful than young love?'

And the answer is given.

'Yes there is a more beautiful thing. It is the spectacle of an old man and an old woman finishing their journey together on that path. Their hands are gnarled, but still clasped. Their faces are seamed, but still radiant. Their hearts are physically bowed and tired. But still strong with love and devotion for one another.

Yes, there is a more beautiful thing than young love --- old love.

World’s Largest Shopping Malls

Forbes Magazine came up with the latest ranking on the World’s largest shopping malls based on the amount of “gross leasable area” in square feet. Would you believe that eight of these malls are found in Asia? And what’s more exciting is that the Philippines has the lion’s share of this feat, well, maybe the lioness’ share.

In reversed order, here are the World’s Largest Shopping Malls as of March 2007:
.
10. King of Prussia Mall
Location: Philadelphia, USA
Year Opened: 1962
Gross Leasable Area: 2.8 million square feet
Features: 400 stores
.
9. SM City North Edsa
Location: Quezon City Philippines
Year Opened: 1985
Gross Leasable Area: 3 million square feet
Features: 100 retail outlets and restaurants, 12 cinemas, bowling alley, and soon, an IMAX theater.
.
8. Zhengjia Plaza
Location: Guangzhou, China
Year Opened: 2005
Gross Leasable Area: 3 million square feet
Features: retail stores plus hotel and office spaces.
.
7. Beijing Mall
Location: Beijing, China
Year Opened: 2005
Gross Leasable Area: 3.4 million square feet
Features: parking for 8,000 cars, man-made beach.
.
6. Berjaya Times Square
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Year Opened: 2005
Gross Leasable Area: 3.4 million square feet
Features: 1,000 retail shops, 12-storey-high roller coaster, pool, skating rink and children’s theme park.
.
5. SM Megamall
Location: Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Year Opened: 1991
Gross Leasable Area: 3.6 million square feet
Features: Bowling alley, ice skating rink, 12 cinemas, health clinic and arcades.
.
4. West Edmonton Mall
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Year Opened: 1981
Gross Leasable Area: 3.8 million square feet
Features: 800 stores, water park, skating rink, casino and rides.
.
3. SM Mall of Asia
Location: Pasay City, Philippines
Year Opened: 2006
Gross Leasable Area: 4.2 million square feet
Features: First Olympic size ice-skating rink, IMAX theater, 20-seat tram.
.
2. Golden Resources Shopping Mall
Location: Beijing, China
Year Opened: 2004
Gross Leasable Area: 6 million square feet
Features: 1,000 stores.
.
1. South China Mall
Location: Dongguan, China
Year opened: 2005
Gross Leasable Area: 7.1 million square feet
Features: wind mills, theme parks and a replica of Arc de Triomphe.

Filipinos are 7th Most Patriotic in the World

A recent survey of 34 democracies ranked USA as the no. 1 most patriotic country in the world while the Philippines ranked no. 7 and the only Asian country in the top 10.

People rated in the survey how proud they were of their countries in 10 areas such as sports, history, economy, politics, etc. The survey was conducted by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the Univeristy of Chicago.

Other areas in which countries were ranked included social security, the way their democracy works, science and technology, arts and literature, military and fair treatment of all groups in society. Ex-colonies like the Philippines and newer nations were more likely to rank high on the list, while Western European, East Asian and former Socialist countries ranked near the bottom.

.

The Top 20:

USA

Venezuela

Ireland

South Africa

Australia

Canada

Philippines

Austria

New Zealand

Chile

England

Israel

Uruguay

Finland

Spain

Denmark

Switzerland

Japan

France

Portugal

.

Pride moments compel the Filipinos to celebrate despite political unrest like when Precious Lara Quigaman was crowned Miss International, when Jasmine Trias placed 3rd in American Idol, when Jed Madela captured the overall title for the Philippines in the World Championships of Performing Arts, when our athletes became over-all champion in SEA games, when Manny Pacquiao knocked out Erik Morales in the ring, and last month when Filipinos reached the top of the world for the successful climb of Mt. Everest by Leo Oracion, Erwin Mata, Dale Abenojar and Romy Garduce.

Top 10 Best Selling Albums of 2006

These are the 10 best selling albums of 2006 (in # of units sold). Disney scored another first!

1. High School Musical Soundtrack - 3,719,071

2. Rascal Flatts - Me and My Gang - 3,479,994

3. Carrie Underwood - Some Hearts - 3,015,950

4. Nickelback - All the Right Reasons - 2,688,166

5. Justin Timberlake - FutureSex - 2,377,127

6. James Blunt - Back to Bedlam - 2,137,142

7. Beyonce - B’Day - 2,010,311

8. Soundtrack - Hannah Montana - 1,987,681

9. Dixie Chicks - Taking the Long Way - 1,856,284

10. Hinder - Extreme Behavior - 1,817,350

What 2006 Has Taught Me

Life can be wildly tragic at times, and I've had my share. But whatever happens to you, you have to keep a slightly comic attitude. In the final analysis, you have got not to forget to laugh.

I've learned...

That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

That when you're in love, it shows. I’m in love. I have always been in love. =)

That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.

That being kind is more important than being right.

That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

That money doesn't buy class and love and friends.… That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

That the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

That in love --- time heals all wounds.

That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.

That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

2006 Most Sensational People

They say there is no such thing as good or bad publicity. As long as people are talking about you, you’re hot and popular! If they don’t talk about you anymore, then it’s bad news to your showbiz career.

.

Here is a compilation of the most “visible” people in the year 2006:

.

SCENE STEALER OF THE YEAR:

DJ Mo for making himself and his radio show controversial by asking intriguing, provoking and even slanderous questions to famous celebrities.

.

CRUSH NG BAYAN OF THE YEAR:

Sam Milby. After his PBB stint, millions adored this FilAM that his tv shows, movies and album are all hits. Ladies are drooling over him despite the rumor that he is gay or silahis.

.

ENDORSER OF THE YEAR:

Sam Milby again. He is now one of the top endorsers in local showbiz being visible in tv commercials, print ads and giant billboards.

.

PRIMADONNA OF THE YEAR:

Gretchen Baretto. She says “I’m rich” and she gets into trouble. The no. 1 trophy wife in the Philippines.

.

JERK OF THE YEAR:

Borgy Manotoc. Having a big mouth lambasting a number of celebrities in one talk show is enough for Borgy to win this award. Cesar Montano, Vina Morales, Sam Milby and Christian Bautista might volunteer to give this infamous award to Borgy.

.

STARLET OF THE YEAR:

Alyssa Alano. If American Idol has William Hung, we have Alyssa Alano who became a comedianne after her Kiss Me video proliferated in the internet.

.

INTERNET IDOL:

Alyssa Alano again. She is probably the most watched and most shared artist in the internet for a very “entertaining” rendition of Kiss Me, with subtitles of course.

.

REVELATION OF THE YEAR:

Rustom Padilla admitting he’s gay on national television.

.

DI AKO BAKLA AWARD:

With so many nominees vying for this award every year, let’s give it this year to Erik Santos.

.

FLOP ACTRESS OF THE YEAR:

Keanna Reeves. Her two starrers, Binibining K and Reyna, were box office flops.

.

WIFE BEATER OF THE YEAR:

Willie Revillame for allegedly beating her wife Liz Almoro.

.

BREAK-UP OF THE YEAR:

Jeremy Marquez and Alessandra de Rossi. Their roller coaster love story has finally come to an end.

.

PLAYGIRL OF THE YEAR:

Jennylyn Mercado. Is she the real reason of Jeremy and Alessandra’s break-up?

.

PLAYBOY OF THE YEAR:

Andrew Wolff. He has a thing for booba-licious women: Gwen, Ethel, Keanna. But where is the big bad wolff now?
.

FRIENDS LANG KAMI AWARD:

Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid. Despite the obvious, they still answer to reporters “Friends lang kami.”

.

VIDEO SCANDAL OF THE YEAR:

Ethel Booba and Alex Crisano for their infamous video that ended Ethel’s career?

.

SURPRISING COUPLE OF THE YEAR:

Vic Sotto and Pia Guanio. Is it really surprising that Vic is dating his co-host?

.

ARE THEY REALLY A COUPLE? AWARD:

Erik Santos and Rufa Mae Quinto. People are still in doubt about their relationship. Bakit naman?

.

LOVE TEAM OF THE YEAR:

Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu. They’re the only love team na nakapag-pataob sa 12 seasons-old Love to Love ng channel 7.

.

ODD COUPLE OF THE YEAR:

Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby. After the Shangila incident where many people allegedly saw them holding hands, rumors that they are a couple flooded the showbiz world. They have chemistry kasi and they’re cute together. Watch out for their Valentine concert na niluluto ng ABS CBN.

.

SURPRISE WEDDING OF THE YEAR:

Kris Aquino and James Yap for surprising the public that they are already married a year before.

.

COUPLE OF THE YEAR:

Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo. They are the most believable couple who could end up in a lifelong marriage.

.

NEW MOM OF THE YEAR:

Lea Salonga. Miss Saigon is finally a fulfilled mom.

.

HERO OF THE YEAR:

Manny Pacquiao for making us proud once again.

.

BOXER OF THE YEAR:

This time it’s not for Manny Pacquiao. It’s for Vina Morales.

.

BEST ACTRESS OF THE YEAR:

Gina Pareno for gathering a number of Best Actress awards around the world for the movie Kubrador.

.

BOX OFFICE KING OF THE YEAR:

Vic Sotto for topping the MMFF boxoffice for the 5th time.

.

Top Earning Stars Under 21

Forbes announces its first-ever list of Hollywood’s top-earning stars under 21! In reversed order, they are…

10. Jojo

Estimated Earnings: $1,000,000.00

Age: 16

Profession: Actress, Singer

Known for: the movies “Aquamarine” and “RV” and the hit single “Too Little Too Late”

.

9. Tyler James Williams

Estimated Earnings: $1,200,000.00

Age: 14

Profession: Actor

Known for: the hit tv series “Everybody Hates Chris"

.

8. Abigail Breslin

Estimated Earnings: $1,500,000.00

Age: 10

Profession: Actress

Known for: the Oscar-winning movie “Little Miss Sunshine”

.

7. Vanessa Anne Hudgens

Estimated Earnings: $2,000,000.00

Age: 18

Profession: Actress

Known for: the hit tv musical “High School Musical”

.

6. Hayden Panettiere

Estimated Earnings: $2,000,000.00

Age: 17

Profession: Actress

Known for: the hit tv series “Heroes”

.

5. Amanda Bynes

Estimated Earnings: $2,500,000.00

Age: 20

Profession: Actress

Known for: the tv series “What I Like About You” and the movies “She’s the Man” and “Lovewrecked”

.

4. Dakota Fanning

Estimated Earnings: $4,000,000.00

Age: 13

Profession: Actress

Known for: the movies “War of the Worlds”, “Hide and Seek” and “I Am Sam”

.

3. Lindsay Lohan

Estimated Earnings: $6,000,000.00

Age: 20

Profession: Actress

Known for: the movies “Freaky Friday”, “Parent Trap”, “Georgia Rule”, “Mean Girls” and “Herbie: Fully Loaded”

.

2. Daniel Radcliffe

Estimated Earnings: $13,000,000.00

Age: 17

Profession: Actor

Known for: the Harry Potter movies

.

1. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

Estimated Earnings: $40,000,000.00 (combined)

Ages: 20

Profession: Moguls, Models, Actresses

Known for: their retail empire

.

Yep, Hilary Duff is not on the list.

This is my Life

I had always heard your entire life flashes in front of your eyes the second before you die.

I doubt that!! But I don’t totally dispute it. =)

First of all, that one second isn't a second at all, it stretches on forever, like an ocean of time... and it never stops... it just goes on and on and on...

For me, it was lying on my back at the attic of our house one starry Friday night, watching falling stars...

And yellow leaves, from the bayabas trees, that lined my streets...

Or my grandmother's hands, and the way her skin seemed like paper...

Or my one true love way back when I was a freshman in college…

My first kiss… my second embrace… my third phone sex or my plenty one night stands…

The first time I got hurt or the most recent lie I said...

My graduation ball… my licensure examination… my new haircut or my unconventional fashion statement…

…the endless walks and talks I enjoyed doing with my loved ones and the contagious laughs of my friends…

And Kristof...

And VJ...

And... Jaime.

I guess I could be pretty pissed off about what happened to me... but it's hard to stay mad, when there's so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once, and it's too much, my heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst...

...and then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain and I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life...

You have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm sure. But don't worry...

You will someday.