Gift-Giving Day 10: Silence, Choice of Words, Songs, Spanish Bread

10/21/10 Thursday

Gift of silence to L instead of hurtful words because of her indecisiveness & ... (dot, dot, dot na lang para wag masyadong magkasala ;p) and choice of words for W for emailing me stupid questions without thinking & not referring to previous emails.

MR of a dept. store showed interest in the apparel items I presented therefore I am likely to receive an order. I will know by next week.

I sent a text to Nikki telling her I offered prayer for her little one, I received a prompt thank you.

Heard mass, that will be a gift to myself. Sang during the mass, gift to God? ;p Spanish bread for the streetkid.

I received text from my sister about her birthday & Christmas gifts to me (I won't tell na lang, bigla akong nahiya ;p)& my mom. She's in Dubai and coming home this Dec. This is the longest she's ever stayed in Dubai, 1 year. Normally she comes home after 6 or 8 months only. I have to start buying her stuff too. I've only bought a few pa lang. I like buying her little gifts, a lot of little gifts. She likes it too ;p

Gift-GIving Day 9: Spaghetti, Ice Cream, Prayer, Money

10/20/10 Wednesday

I ate lunch in front of my laptop as I finished the other half of the movie, The Pianist. I know it’s not a good idea to watch it while eating but just the same, I did. I’m concerned that the lead in his solace and desperation did not call to God. How can you survive a tragic event like that and not call on God? I blame the writer/director for that. The Fedex movie, Castaway, is also one movie I recall which troubled me when I saw it because Tom Hanks’ character in his loneliness and despair, did not call the Lord’s Name. How can a man survive a tragedy like that without calling on the Most Powerful Being in the Universe. It’s preposterous.
Anyway, I am glad The Pianist lived. I had to cover my eyes & peek between my fingers at some scenes, kinda scary. Enough of the movie. This is not a movie review.

I went to hear mass at UP & gave money for the offering, my first gift for the day ;p I also offered prayers & lighted a candle as thanksgiving for baby Gabrielle Therese Estrella. On my way to buy veggies for my nilagang baka for tomorrow’s dinner or Friday lunch, I stopped to buy my favorite Pistachio FIC ice cream in cone. After several licks, a little streetgirl came to ask for coins. But seeing my ice cream, she asked for it. Ah, how dare she! I’m not giving her my Pistachio!

Oh but, I asked begrudgingly to check if she really likes it. She nodded, so I gave it to her. I consoled myself that it’s my 3rd gift for the day. While paying for my veggies, there was a donation can at the counter so I dropped a few coins.

I got home & cooked another experimental spaghetti in real tomato & sautéed beef & onion sauce, with basil (greedy green worm’s left-over. I realized why my basil plant's leaves are looking sorry and with holes. I thought it's soem kind of plant disease, yun pala, there's this caterpillar eating it. It's a cocoon now.)

Since it’s Issa’s day off, she was home & awake when I got back. She had no choice but to eat my spaghetti too hehe. Not as tasty as I wanted. While cooking, I panicked and thought I put too much salt & pepper, so I put water which I relaized later I shouldn’t have. There’s my 5th gift, spaghetti for Issa. She said she liked it by the way, except that kulang sa lasa. Why did I put water??? Lesson, in anything even in cooking, it’s never good to panic.

The gifts I received: My family expressed excitement when I texted them about my buying Mod & reading my first article in it. They said they’ll buy copies also, Mamu said 2 pa daw. Not so proud & excited.

I read Jesson’s FB message saying thanks for supporting him for the show. It wasn’t necessary for him to post it but heartwarming just the same.

Rhei booked me for a flight to BKK via PAL, same as their flight so we’re flying together. And at a rate that’s cheaper than what she booked her other 2 friends & cheaper than when I checked last Sat. What’s more, I’ll have Mabuhay Miles credited.

In the middle of the mass, it poured. Uh-oh & I’m wearing my black ribboned shoes. Not meant for rain. And again just as the other night, I ask myself, what was I thinking wearing those shoes on a wet Wednesday. Good thing, I brought my yellow umbrella. Oh, what I can do now but pray to God. I said I don’t know God, how you will do it with this rain right now but can you pls. make sure my shoes don’t get wet. When it was uwian, there was no more ;p My little miracle for the day ;p

Gift-Giving Day 8: Donation & Visit

10/19/10 Tuesday

My first gift of the day is donation for Caritas can at MRT. I promised myself before that I will always give to donation cans whenever and wherever I see them. It’s the least I can do for the poor & the needy.

I did some bank errands and met Rhei for lunch at Phoa, one of our favorite resto at Shang. I was craving for Vietnamese noodles lately and so when she agreed to meet up,I had no other resto in mind but Phoa. Rhei just came from HK and Macau and lots of stories about her trip and Regin...I will not add anything more because I know she will read this or may read this. A little later, M, Rhei's inaanak joined us. We had so much fun sharing stories. Rhei paid for our lunch. Another free meal for me ;p

Next stop, QC to visit angelic baby Gabbie who is only 2 weeks old, Nikki & PJ's first baby, with Rossanna. The 3 of them are my CG members from previous sem. Rossanna is now a CG head while PJ and Nikki are serving at UP Feast. We were surprised to see Nikki up and about & so beautifully thin.

Actually, I made boo-boo today. I was supposed to share some nasties about this person with Rhei alone but blurted it out front of M. I hope he wasn't affected. I have no problem with Rhei, she knows me very well.

Gift-Giving Day 7: Promise Delivered & Convenience

10/18/10 Monday

I met A at a place inconvenient for me but convenient for her so I could give her the fan I promised N to return.

My gifts: Amazingly, when I got down to MRT’s ramp, it wasn’t full as I expected, which was surprising given that it’s a stormy night tonight. Or maybe I shouldn’t be surprised since I prayed and asked that MRT be not so full of passengers. Despite the fact that it’s a stormy night, I had the audacity to ask God that I get home dry. I didn’t want to get my shoes wet. It was raining and the wind howling in Makati where I came from. Where I live in QC, it was all wind. So I got home with my feet and shoes dry. So there, 2 small miracles for me today ;p

Gift-Giving Day 6: Daing, Lip Gloss, Apples & Commitment to Serve

10/17/10 Sunday

Notice that I always put the gifts I receive last. But I got my gift early in the morning, so I'm starting with it.

As usual, as in everytime I need a cab, I prayed for a nice cab & with a nice cab driver. Not long after I stepped out of my bldg., I got a ride. I also asked that I get in time for the mass, which I normally do. But today, we will have to make a stop for gas since Mr. driver doesn't have change for my 500 bill. Actually he said he doesn't need gas yet so we will just stop to ask gas station cashier to break it. I had my doubts, why would cashier break our money if we're not buying. But he did! And I got to PICC in time for the mass despite making a stop at Total Gas.

I met with Sis Chay of Media Ministry after The Feast and got my Media ID. I committed to serve as Head for Youth Group which meant calling them up & texting them & reminding them of meetings etc. She will also put me in the Core Group under Special Projects which I really, really like.

After a delicious late lunch, I had time to take a nap before I went to visit Mex and Taborsho. I returned the digicam, & brought Tabs apples and Mex, lip gloss and super yummy, super stinky daing from Cebu.

My other gifts for the day: I was served sweet fried bananas, peach-mango pie and kropek by Mex. On my way home, I picked up 25 cents on the street. At The Feast, I was touched during the homily, Bro. Alvin’s talk and the song no. with the poor street kid. I cried my eyes out. God’s plan is unraveling before me. I understand more now why things that happened to me, happened the way it did. God is good & faithful. He truly always has better plans than ours.

Gift-Giving Day 5: Kindness & Understanding, Time & Support

10/16/10 Sat

I had a big breakfast today because I was going with Jesson to SMEX for model fitting for his show on the 27th. It's that time of the year for Phil. Fashion Week 2011 Spring/Summer Collection. Truth is, M texted me last night inviting me to real estate thing. I got tempted to ditch Jesson. It's so easy to make up an excuse & go to the beautiful Talisay project & make easy money but I managed to talk myself out of it and make true of my promise. Come to think of it, I must have heeded the call of the pretty boys ;p

I was not disappointed. This season's roster is better than previousfor both Men's & Ladieswear. There was Hideo, Robby Mananquil (brother of my fave sister-models Rissa & Raya), Marco Lobregat, Marx & 2 other beautiful faces whose names I don't recall among the other cuties. Philippe who used to be so-so is now a looker. Field day for girls and gays alike ;p



Sorry for the not-s-clear pic, from a phone lang, Jesson's.


My cutest brother Nior called up to ask if I was home. By that time, we were busy chomping down yummy buy 1 take 1 pizzas at Joey Pepperoni. He said he's too tired from Tagaytay trip to drop off my luggage-full of newly laundered/ironed clothes to the esp. since I'm not home anyway. I understood he's eager to go home to his wifey so to show my kindness once in awhile, I said to just bring my clothes next time. I still have lots of clean clothes anyway. He was quite relieved I let him go so easily. It's the pizza in my mouth ;p


Gifts I received today, Jesson serving me milk tea later in the afternoon & us finding cheap fare to Ho Chi Minh in January.

Gift-Giving Day 4: Prayers, Birthday Greetings & Wishes

10/15/10 Fri

I've been wondering about V's health the past few days but kept forgetting to call or text her. Today I ym her. Sad to hear, she's lost 5 kgs.since I saw her last which was about a month ago. That's a lot esp. because she's not excatly heavy, just "healthy." Not at all healthy now, they don't know yet what's her disease is exactly. I really hope it's not MS. I composed a prayer text for her, she was grateful.

I was able to send our family's late birthday wishes to Auntie Yolly, who is in Italia via my Uncle Tony, her husband's Facebook account. I sent the same to each of her kids,Ken's and Kristel's FB acct. just in case doesn't check as often. I also sent a birthday wish for my good friend Ginger as requested by Nila, her CG-mate for their surprise party for her this coming Sunday. Asked our other friends Rhei & Jesson to do the same. I doubt if Rhei did, she's in HK this weekend.


Gifts received? Satisfaction of having warmed the hearts of people I care about today. I rewarded myself a nice fried chicken (not burnt), mushroom soup (Knorr, the only brand I know when it comes to soup(naks, plugging!)and Dan Eric's Choco Vanilla ice cream cone. Thanks to my good friend Monic for introducing this to me and to the store in our bldg. carrying it. Yummy!!!

Gift-Giving Day 3: Honesty & Late Bday Present

10/14/2010 Thursday

The klepto struck again! This time she picked a bride's white fan at the chapel. Yday, the bride her if she did see it. I confirmed for I saw me pick it up.I asked how I can send it to her. We arranged for a meet up. She was happy to learn she will see it again.

L & I went to a co. presentation meeting for a dept. store & finished by 11. Our next one was at 130. With time in our hands, we window-shopped at Trinoma & later lunched there (L's treat) & arrived late for about 15 mins. and they made us wait for 15 or so mins.,which calls to mind, Filipinos have no sense of time.

Back to our lunch at one of my fave Chinese resto, funny thing happened. We got an undeserved 20% discount. The cashier mistook L for a senior citizen based on her village id, which she presented with her credit card, which didn't at all look like a SC card by the way. My mom & dad have one each so I know what I'm saying. Anyway, we were both shocked when the cashier was asking her to sign the SC disc. form.Our faces were both, eh??? But the cashier was not friendly and looked at us like morons & pointed to L's village id saying,"SC." So we did what we had to do, L signed & we both scmapered off giggling. The things we do for a 20% disc. Hey, we did try to correct things but she wasn't listening. The question popped in my mind, be right or be kind? We chose,as you know,the discount.

At night, I met with 2 close friends. We had a great night updating each other about the goings-on in our lives. We met at The Old Spaghetti House and apparently, there was this shoot for an Aga-Regine movie. I saw Regine when I sneaked a peek from 2nd down to ground as I heard Bb. Joyce Bernal shout "quiet in the set" & "action". Whoa, energy!

Anyway, I only ordered dessert, Chocolate Mousse and guess what, my friend Ginger paid for it. I haven't even given her her late birthday gift yet. (I forgot to bring but since she usually drives me home, I got to give her same night.) Why people are treating me to meals a lot lately, I don't know but I sure am grateful!;p Keep it coming ;p

P.S.
Our meeting with a fashion retail brand in the afternoon was very fruitful. We received inquiries for several styles. So to note, gifts I received today are lunch, dessert and great meeting with possibility of orders.

Gift-Giving Day 2: Food and Patience

10/13/2010 Wed

I gave some apples, grapes and bananas to the kuya janitor. I have so much in the fridge, I was afraid it will go to waste if I don't share to others. Mom sends me almost regularly. Boy,was he thankful. I like it when they're so appreciative.

I heard mass today and bought some bread at Don Bosco bakery for my colleagues for my gift #2.But on my way to office, I came across a mother-and-son beggar who asked me for alms.I asked they wanted bread, the mom said yes so I gave her the pan de coco pack. A few steps more and another boy asked for alms again, I asked if he wanted bread. He said yes so I gave him the Spanish bread pack. So there, no more bread for my colleagues. But I didn't feel bad because I know the street people needed it more.

I have this set interview with M for a religious bulletin. We previously agreed to meet after office hours. I planned to have dinner and coffee with him. But when I confirmed in the afternoon, he said he forgot that he had a previous engagement at 7 that night, and asked if 9 was ok. I agreed because I didn’t want to cancel again. This has been canceled 2 or 3 times already. I just wanted to get it done & over with.

I get off at 6at this office so I had 3 long hours to waste before the set interview. I called up friends from Makati hoping I could set dinner with them last minute via Facebook and mobile phone. By the time 4 friends said they either had plans or are stuck with work, I stopped looking.

Next target, my colleagues but none of them was game to go out for dinner. W, the accountant playfully hinted I treat them all for dinner instead, siomai meal which was so cheap anyway.I thought why not, it could be my gift #3 for the day. So I spent the next hour tending my homestead on Frontierville while they labored for real.During dinner, they were so genuinely happy with my generosity. We shared stories and laughter. We had fun ;p

Back to M, he really tested my patience that night.By 8, he texted that he was still waiting for his turn. I said good, I have time to read a book at Powerbooks. He said to move meeting to 930. Coolly, I said not to worry about it and to just text me when he's on his way. By 920, I was at Starbucks already. I didn't want him to get there first. I ordered cookie and White Mocha with Cream, savored it while I listened to affirmations on my phone & reviewed the proposed manual for an apparel client. He arrived past 10. Surprisingly, I was still in good mood despite the long wait.

I have this gift of reading people. Some people I come across are so "readable" for me that one look and I would sense something. I sensed he was distracted. I actually sensed this during our text exchange day 2 days before. Hard to explain but there was no hint in the messages he sent me. I told myself it can't be true. Anyway, he did confirm my suspicion verbally that night. I didn't tell him anything. He seemed to be in a hurry, as if his mind was flying and like me, just wanted the interview done and over with. I felt sad for him. It seems he was struggling inside. I wanted to tell him whatever path he chooses, God still loves him. But who was I to say that to him.

Later, I felt so sure he will still go back to Him and that idea made me feel a lot better ;p

Gift-Giving Day 1: Goal Setting for M & R

10/12/2010 Tuesday

I thought nobody signed up under my Caring Group this sem but this morning, I received a text message from Secretariat saying I've new members. I checked my mail and true enough, 5 people signed up. I emailed/texted and called them up and 3 confirmed to come tonight. My sked is every Tue night. But only M came to The Old Spaghetti House with her personal asst. & friend Rose in tow.

As the night progressed and over orders of pasta, we got to know each other and snippets of our life stories. Glad, it was easy to coax them out of their shells. Eventually, we came to a point where they shared how unclear they were of their goals in life. I ended up helping them write down & clarify their goals in life. They were so thankful for my help. Out of M's generosity, she paid for my dinner. Whoa, I thought,how fast the universe was rewarding me!

Truth is, I woke up late this morning because I was trying to get extra rest for my tired eyes. I woke up with a terrible headache and painful eyes. In the afternoon, I limited my time in front of the laptop and tried to sleep it off. Still, I made the decision to go to the CG meeting despite the pain. Fortunately, which I think is Gods' gift to me, the searing pain took a break during our meeting. It resumed when I got home but it wasn't as bad anymore as in the morning.

To note, for the gift of time and helping them set their goals in life, I received a gift of healing, free dinner, new friends and a ride home. M & R drove me home ;p

29 Days of Gift-Giving

I chanced upon this book, 29 Gifts while I was whiling time at Powerbooks (I love Powerbooks!). Written by Cami Walker, who has MS but somehow she managed to get on with her life by focusing not on her disease or her limitations but instead, she chose to focus on what she can do and give to others, as advised by her good friend. She gave anything she had, from loose change to time spent with a friend to giving moral support. You can check out her website, www.29gifts.org or buy the book. I liked the idea so much that I started it right away.

Hers was MS, mine was selfishness & self-centeredness. I always thought I don't have much, that I had to have more so I can give more. The past few years I have been teaching myself to give more. Lately did I realize, thanks to Bo Sanchez and books like that of Cami's, that I have so much to give with what I already have. And it's not only material things that I can give, I can share my talents, time, pieces of good advice, flash a smile, laughter and say prayers for other people.

Like her and other people she's encouraged, I made a journal out of my gift-giving which I will post here. What's fascinating is that though I was giving, I was also on the receiving end. Notice how many gifts I receive on the same day ;p