it's such a relief to speak

Heroes

daoming — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 03:03:47 GMT

There's a bevy to choose from:

There are comic book heroes like Avengers and Spiderman

who awed us in the past months with their superhuman skills.

There are real-life heroes who inspired a greater lot to go beyond limits and achieve greatness:

sports heroes like Michael Phelps

singing champions like Jessica Sanchez

They inspire little kids to dream big. Their talent and dedication show us the true beauty of our skills.

Then we have relative unknowns who, in extraodinary circumstances and excruciating seconds, manage to choose the selfless choice:

'Dark Knight' Shooting: 3 Boyfriends Die Shielding Girlfriends During Aurora Massacre (VIDEO, PHOTO)

The Huffington Post | By Ryan Grenoble Posted: 07/23/2012 1:11 pm Updated: 07/24/2012 4:56 pm

In the wake of Friday's devastating theater shooting in Aurora, Colo., President Obama remarked that it will be the "good people" -- the heroes who took action -- that remain in our memories long after James Holmes, the alleged gunman, has been forgotten.

And as stories from the darkened chaos begin to emerge, three among many share similar heroic stories: they all died shielding their girlfriends from bullets.

Jon Blunk had served in the Navy and was planning to re-enlist. On Friday, the 26-year-old took his girlfriend, Jansen Young, to see the "Dark Knight" -- when the assault began, Young says he saved her life. "Jon just took a bullet for me," Young said in an interview on "Today". "He knew and threw me on the ground, and was like, 'We have to get down and stay down.'"

While Holmes walked up and down the aisles shooting, Young says her boyfriend was a constant presence, pushing her further under the seats and out of the line of fire. Finally, as the shots slowed, she crawled out and attempted to pull up Blunk by the shoulder, but he didn't move.

"I guess I didn't really know he had passed, up until I started shaking him and saying, 'Jon, Jon, we have to go... It's time for us to get out of here,' '' she told the Denver Post.

Reached for comment by the NY Daily News, Young's mother described Blunk as "loving, the kind of guy you want your daughter to be with."

Fullscreen

Alex Teves And Amanda Lindgren

In another part of the theater, 27-year-old Matt McQuinn was also shielding his girlfriend, Samantha Yowler, 26. "When the gunman started shooting, Matt and [her brother] Nick … pulled Samantha to the ground and shielded her," Rob Scott, an attorney representing the McQuinn and Yowler families, told USA Today.

Samantha suffered a bullet wound to the leg and is recovering, reports the Dayton Daily News. McQuinn, putting himself in danger to save his girlfriend, died at the theater after having been hit three times. Nick Yowler, her brother, was uninjured.

“Both the Yowler and McQuinn families thank everyone for their concerns, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” Scott added in a statement to the local paper. “The families ask for everyone to be patient and respect their wishes during this very difficult time.”

Similarly, Alex Teves, 24, shielded his girlfriend Amanda Lindgren when the gunman unleashed a barrage of bullets. “He was gonna hit the floor himself, but he never made it,” his aunt, Barbara Slivinske, told the NY Daily News.

After the incident on Friday, an acquaintance, "Caitlin," remarked of Teves on twitter:

@dingos8myTARDIS
Caitlin

Alex Teves was one of the best men I ever knew. The world isn't as good a place without him.

July 21, 2012 3:45 am via Twitter for iPhone Reply Retweet Favorite

According to the Denver Post, Teves had earned a master's degree in counseling psychology from the University of Denver in June. Mary Gomez, an advisor to Teves at DU, said his "top priority was his relationships. His loyalty is admirable and he always put his friends first."

As Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper noted on "Meet The Press" Sunday, the terrible incident was marked by countless acts of heroism--indeed, "heroism isn't strong enough a word."

Those wishing to donate to victims and families of the Aurora movie theater shooting can do so via HuffPost Impact's list of ways to help.

Then, there are those who, just become the hero the people 'dream' them up to be. Minus the mask.

Christian Bale Visits Colorado Shooting Victims

July 24, 2012 8:10 PM

Christian Bale at the Medical Center of Aurora with staff from Swedish Medical Center (credit: Swedish Medical Center)

AURORA, Colo. (AP/CB4) – Batman star Christian Bale visited survivors of the Colorado theater shooting Tuesday and stopped by a community memorial to victims of the attack that killed 12 people and injured 58.

Bale visited with little advance warning and also stopped by a community memorial to victims near the movie theater that was showing “The Dark Knight Rises” when the gunfire erupted.

Wisconsin native Carey Rottman, one of the 58 people injured in Friday’s shooting, posted two photos of himself with Bale on his Facebook page.

Carey Rottman and Christian Bale (credit: Facebook)

Bale first visited the Medical Center of Aurora. A large group of people could be seen outside the hospital’s entrance.

Janie Bowman-Hayes, assistant vice president of surgical services at sister hospital Swedish Medical Center, said she and co-workers were attending a luncheon at The Medical Center of Aurora to thank staff who tended to victims. “When we got there, then we found out he was there,” she said.

PHOTO GALLERY: Christian Bale Visits Colorado Shooting Victims

Bale, humble and dressed casually in a black t-shirt and jeans, thanked the staff, shook hands and agreed to have his photo taken with employees, Bowman-Hayes said.

“He just said he wanted to come to thank all of us because he has been thinking about this. He knows the whole world has been thinking about this,” she said. “He took it upon himself to come and thank us.”

One of the nurses inside the Medical Center of Aurora said that her patient who was hit by a bullet so far has had very little to say. She told him about Bale’s possible visit and the patient immediately broke out in a huge smile.

After visiting The Medical Center of Aurora, Bale stopped by a community memorial to the victims near the movie theater. He walked among the 12 crosses erected for each of the slain victims, and many people there didn’t realize who he was or chose to leave him alone.

(credit: The Denver Post)

It’s also reported that Bale visited a fire station to meet some of the first responders.

A Warner Bros. spokeswoman told The Denver Post that Bale was representing himself, not the movie studio.

There’s been an online campaign urging Bale to visit the victims of the shooting, which also killed 12 people.

Bale, who stars as Batman in “The Dark Knight Rises,” previously issued a written statement saying: “Words cannot express the horror that I feel. I cannot begin to truly understand the pain and grief of the victims and their loved ones, but my heart goes out to them.”

Some of the survivors also have received hospital visits from President Barack Obama and members of the Denver Broncos.

Bowman-Hayes and her staff cared for patients at both Swedish Medical Center and The Medical Center of Aurora after the shootings, whether it was in the operating room or intensive care unit, or by washing medical instruments. She said the staff appreciated Bale’s visit.

“He did this out of his heart, and you could really tell. It was so sincere,” she said. “It was just, ‘thank you.’”

Don’t miss a special hour long report on CBS4 on Friday at 4 p.m. titled “Movie Theater Tragedy: Remember, Honor Support” which will look back at the week following the Aurora shootings.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

But, honestly, we don't have to look to TV or newspapers to look for our heroes. Everyday, we encounter a person who was saved or can save someone. Everyday, we are inspired and we inspire someone.

THANK YOU for saving someone today. :)

First and Start

daoming — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 12:29:52 GMT

Surprise #1: My credit card bill this month is at an all-time low. I am speechless.
Surprise #2: All my purchases were books.

And I just finished 2 more yesterday. *sighs* I may need to put some controls now.

*****

Btw, I'm starting this project, setting up this good friend of mine with some girlfriends. My matchmaking batting average is at 50%. (The successful couple actually got married - booyea!)

Let's see how this one goes. I've a good feeling about this one.

*****

Happy weekend y'all!

Turtle Pie

daoming — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 15:26:48 GMT

I came home a little blue today due to some news which, I think, I wasn't supposed to know yet.

But, anyway, I was going through mails and the usual sites I visit when I saw this... And I kinda knew it was Someone up there giving me the nudge again.

Amazing how He tells me to move forward.

#Faith

Posted via LiveJournal app for iPhone.

Imagine

daoming — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 02:56:39 GMT

Dedicating some space to a write up I liked a lot. It's from Ralph Marston - The Daily Motivator. You can follow him on facebook or on twitter.

This was his article last sunday. Something some of us may need to hear.

Whatever you can imagine

You are not your problems. You are not the world's problems.

You are not your possessions. You are not your job title, your social standing, your credit score or your bank balance.

You are a unique and beautiful spirit, immersed in a universe that's overflowing with abundance. You are a bundle of magnificent possibilities, with the desire and the skills to fulfill those possibilities.

You are able to enjoy beauty and to give love. You can create joy where it has not existed before and spread that joy far and wide.

You can brilliantly and successfully adapt and thrive in an endless variety of situations. You can focus your awareness and your efforts to bring into reality whatever you envision.

You are the wonderful and amazing person who can rise above all the pettiness and succeed no matter what. You are whatever you can imagine, so always, always, imagine the very best.

Have a great day y'all!

It's All the Same on Different Street

daoming — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 11:41:54 GMT

With the recent passing of Dolphy, I found myself and the rest of the country grieving over a big loss. He was the country's comedy king and most households know him as 'John Puruntong' and 'Kevin Cosme'. Everybody knew he had a string of flings and sired a lot kids too. I never really knew the number until a few days ago, when everybody showed up for his funeral.

What really got to me the past days was how his family seemed to have meshed well together. Zsa zsa, his last love, thanked each one of his kids, with special mention to Eric, who really held it together for the rest of the clan. It was a little awe-inspiring how a family that was so unconventional in all ways, seemed to function as a unit during this time where comfort and love is most needed. They seemed to have gotten everything together - no bickering, bitterness or battle for whatever estate was left or who was loved most. Everybody seemed to have gotten their fair share of their dad's attention and was fully-supported by Dolphy, throughout their growing years.

Aside from this, the love that Dolphy and Zsa zsa had for each other was extraodinary. Sure, it started with a lot of controversy: Dolphy's reputation as a lady's man, their 38-year age gap, Zsa zsa leaving a decent man... I remember hearing about all these before and everyone shook their heads, muttering how Dolphy will eventually be leaving her later on. Well, he did leave, 23 years later, by departing this world and his life. They were never married, but they lasted longer than most marriages ever did. In her eulogy to the late comedy king, she held herself together, only breaking down when the last words were said. The love was too palpable, you could have held it in your own hands.

Here was the Comedy King who, until his death, had given another perspective on life. His family's unusual set-up can actually be used as subjects of 'Maalaala Mo Kaya' or any drama series but they didn't make it seem so. Everything was normal: they were all family, and love just held them together. Love. They used to say Death is the greatest equalizer, but now, I'm rethinking Love can also measure up to that. It knows no conventions anymore and removes all biases and judgement. Its strength moves mountains and breaks walls... bringing together people who'd society would think, are better apart. Such a beautiful thought that even if this family was brought together by death, they are bounded as one by love.

Despite all the faults accused and stones thrown at him, Dolphy's steadfast nature and light attitude is admirable. But the love he had for his family, his craft and Zsa zsa? It's unconventional but it's probably one of the purest forms you'll ever see in this day and age. Hats off to you, Dolphy. As what others have been saying 'Idol si Pidol' and yes, what a guy, indeed!

Posted via LiveJournal app for iPhone.

Weekending

daoming — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 01:30:30 GMT

I drink to that! :D

Posted via LiveJournal app for iPhone.

Who Run The World?

daoming — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 23:39:39 GMT

Good news: if you exercise plus the generous head start I give you, you could go several miles away from me.

Bad news: I run too.

Posted via LiveJournal app for iPhone.

Let The Rain Fall, I don't Care

daoming — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:09:30 GMT

Jas recounted how we were walking along Ayala Triangle one evening, when one of them suddenly said, "Oi, may Momo na pala dito!" and I suddenly tensed up. She had some trouble trying to recreate my scared-as-sh*t face since she was laughing so hard at the memory. Apparently I thought they said "mumu" (ghost) instead of Momo. Being friends for decades, they are all aware how much I detest horror stories and scary movies. The look I must've given that night must've been something else to have all of them in stitches. (side note: who the hell names a restaurant Momo in the first place?! Seriously people, what happened to real words? :P )

I don't remember that moment (and for all i know they could be making it all up... Though they were pretty consistent about it....) but I am thankful to have living diary entries who, on occasion, need to relive those funny tidbits of life - complete with dialogue and facial expression.

Lucky me. :)

********

Oh, and off-tangent topic, I found the following last week which had me laughing aloud while checking my phone.

yea, I've been a victim of autocorrect lots of times already. Crazy convos.

Yeeeeeessss! This should be the stuff of legends. It's like the Bruce Lee of all jump shots. Lol

Happy weekend y'all!

Posted via LiveJournal app for iPhone.

Love is a Sunday

daoming — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 13:46:41 GMT

I came across the prose below. It's such a nice way to see things.

*smiles*

Posted via LiveJournal app for iPhone.

The Switch

daoming — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 01:28:56 GMT

Some folks usually post those Nicholas Sparks type of stories on facebook which I don't read (I think they're trying too hard! Honest!). One of my girls, though, doesn't usually post this stuff or even links in her page so it got me curious when I found one on my newsfeed. I read it and was so touched by it that I wanted to share it here. Well, it's for record-keeping and for the sake of sharing as well. It's too good to keep to yourself, you know. :)

So here's the link if you want to check/bookmark it: http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/pictures-that-will-restore-your-faith-in-humanity

And to save you the trip, here it is reposted below:

*credit to www.buzzfeed.com

21 Pictures That Will Restore Your Faith In Humanity

People aren't always awful. Sometimes, they're maybe even just a little bit wonderful. Here are 21 pictures to remind you of that fact. posted

about 8 hours ago

1. This picture of Chicago Christians who showed up at a gay pride parade to apologize for homophobia in the Church.

View this image ›

... and the reaction from the parade.

View this image ›

2. This story about Japanese senior citizens who volunteered to tackle the nuclear crisis at Fukushima power station so that young people wouldn't have to subject themselves to radiation.

View this image ›

3. This picture of two Norwegian guys rescuing a sheep from the ocean.

View this image ›

4. This sign at an awesome bookshop.

View this image ›

5. This poll about what Snooki should name her child.

View this image ›

6. The moment in which this Ohio athlete stopped to help an injured competitor across the finish line during a track meet.

View this image ›

17-year-old Meghan Vogel was in last place in the 3,200-meter run when she caught up to competitor Arden McMath, whose body was giving out. Instead of running past her to avoid the last-place finish, Vogel put McMath's arm around her shoulders, carried her 30 meters, and then pushed her over the finish line before crossing it.

7. This exchange between a 3-year-old girl and a shopping center.

View this image ›

8. This note that was handed to a waiter along with a $20 bill by an elderly lady in his restaurant.

View this image ›

9. This sign at an awesome Subway restaurant.

View this image ›

10. This picture of a villager carrying stranded kittens to dry land during floods in Cuttack City, India.

View this image ›

11. This sign at an awesome drycleaner's.

View this image ›

Elite Cleaners in Minneapolis helped over 2,000 unemployed workers that couldn't afford dry cleaning. Owner Don Chapman estimated that it cost his company $32,000 dollars.

12. This photograph of a man giving his shoes to a homeless girl in Rio de Janeiro.

View this image ›

13. This picture of a firefighter administering Oxygen to a cat rescued from a house fire.

View this image ›

14. And this one.

View this image ›

15. This interaction between a Guatemalan girl and a tourist she just met.

View this image ›

16. This gesture from a neighbor.

View this image ›

17. These photos of two children collaborating to rescue a dog who had fallen into a ravine.

View this image ›

18. This note on a young family's check.

View this image ›

19. This exchange between a protester and a soldier during a protest in Brazil.

View this image ›

20. These pictures of a man jumping into rough waters to rescue a stranger's Shih Tzu in Melbourne.

View this image ›

Sue Drummond was walking her beloved Shih Tzu, Bibi, on a pier in Melbourne, when a fierce gust of wind picked him up and hurled him into the rough waters of the bay. A passerby, Raden Soemawinata, who happened to be on the pier that day to scatter his grandmother's ashes, wasted no time in stripping down and diving into the bay to rescue the animal.

21. And this photograph of two best friends on a swing.

It's not even a call to a Higher Being that was promoted above. It's taking the high road in all the situations we face, believing that everyone else is walking with you on the same path.

Faith restored.

Humpday Thoughts

daoming — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 02:49:06 GMT

Midweek people!

That Thing Called Life

daoming — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 16:53:17 GMT

Just tonight, I received one of the biggest news that just pushes me back to my chair (again) and made me give out probably my biggest and deepest sigh this year. It's a saturday night, and while I normally spend this time capping off a great (sometimes, sarcastically said) week with friends, I'm seated in front of my laptop, digesting the information that just came in.

You know, I think I figured out something tonight while all the hooplahs were happening around me: our problem in life is that people are so jaded. Everybody's been disappointed, betrayed, or really f-d up sometime in their life that risks are barely taken, thinking can be overly done, judgements are easily given and trust becomes the holy grail. It's almost like we only have one choice in life and that should always be perfect. And when "perfect" does not meet the expectations, all the more it adds to that already-heavy baggage we carry on our backs.

What we fail to recognize is that perfect doesn't exist, but greatness does.

What we fail to understand is that everyone has greatness within them.

What we fail to realize is that greatness just needs a chance to be shown. Once delivered, faith restored, all is happy, mission accomplished.

Greatness is not the miracle, chance is.

I'm close to kicking this whole idea away and just giving up completely. But, I'll be honest: the only reason I haven't done this yet is because everyday, I keep waking up, with that purpose of achieving this. I can honestly feel it within my grasps already that it's really hurting me to not having it within my arms yet.

They say that if you want something really bad, the universe will consipre for you to get it. Well, I'm not done with this yet and tomorrow, I know I'll still wake up to the idea of wanting it still so bad.

There's still some fight left, so I'll use it until I'm spent.

PS. Hey Universe, any chance you can lend a hand?

Pilipinas Kong Mahal

daoming — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 01:05:17 GMT

The past competitions wherein a Filipino (or someone with Filipino lineage) joined have all produced runner-ups for our country. Shamcey, Jessica, and Manny all fought well and managed to smile through their losses. It makes me proud to see how calmly they accepted the results and how they started looking forward from then on.

I have to admit, this is not old-school behavior for most Filipinos as most elders love to criticize "what went wrong" or give their unsolicited advice and opinion on the event. There's always this "racist" remark as well and that belief that we never lost, just cheated.

I admire how the new generation Filipino contestants have decided to "move on" and deal with the loss by just getting better. To me, this example is a greater success and role model. Wow. I hope the rest of the youth learn to deal with loss the same way.

****
Since getting back to Manila, I've been immersed in a lot of the going-on's here, particularly in Philippine politics. The CJ impeachment trial was admittedly entertaining, that had me admire more than a few folks for their logic, eloquence and loyalty. Of course, being Filipino, you immediately find your facebook newsfeed with several posts and satires on the procedure and the outcome. All in all, I am mighty proud of the outcome of the procedures and especially with my old friend's grandpa and the senate president JPE, who won my respect throughout the procedure. I believe it is a great step forward towards cleaning up Philippine politics. Man, at that moment, I was beaming with Filipino pride.

****
I recently saw the Bourne Legacy trailer that had scenes shot in Manila. I was in Atlanta when they had Jeremy Renner and other hollywood stars here to do the shoots. When they told me they were going to do a chase scene in downtown Manila, I found the idea ridiculous. With the traffic here, I'm pretty sure your car chases will end up to be foot chase scenes instead.

The trailer showed something otherwise as jeepneys and hondas were flying on the road. Wow, I almost can't believe that it's Manila, Manila I'm seeing there. It did look dirty (and that's probably how they wanted it set), and a real mess. If anything, I hope this doesn't dampen our DFA campaign that even 'chases are more fun in the Philipppines'.

****
Today is the nation's 114th Independence Day. We've come so far and I know there's a lot of work that'll get us further. Success as a nation is within reach, we just need to all look forward and not behind to see who's following us, or to our sides, to gauge how far ahead you are of the others.

I believe "Mamaya na" and "Crab mentality" are old school already. I believe that there is a difference between being conservative and being narrow-minded. I believe in God but I also believe that not all that the teachings that the priests say when on the pulpit are to be taken blindly. I believe that the higher road will always be the best path to take in any situation. I am Filipino with a thinking faith, an adjusted view, and a global mindset. I can move forward, using tradition and modern thinking as a catapult to our success as a nation and people.

All in all, I am still proud to be Filipino.

Posted via LiveJournal app for iPhone.

Sunsets

daoming — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 15:55:52 GMT

Last sunday, I was in Pulilan, Bulacan to attend the wake of my grandmother's brother (so my grand-uncle). Here in the Philippines, it can be a very tight-knit bunch so we actually grew up knowing all the details about Lolo Anding's life, and him knowing all details about ours.

My lolo Anding loved and celebrated love and life to the fullest. Last March, Lola Rosa and he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, and lola Rosa would tell us how particular Lolo Anding was about the clothes the entourage would be wearing, the details of the wedding (he wanted the horse-drawn carriage - unbelievable!) and even the songs to be played at during the reception. My lolo was the romantic Bulakeno who, even on their 50th wedding anniversary, would still woo my Lola Rosa during the wedding vow. Whenever we'd go up to their house for a fiesta or any other reason, we were sure to come back with loads of leche flan in tow. Nanay, my lola, would always request to be brought to Lolo Anding's house to stay overnight for the fiesta so us grandkids were initially thrilled to watch the carabaos dressed in garlands and colorful headdresses parade on the streets. Since Lolo Anding lived near the church, we were given a good view of the carabaos kneeling before San Isidro, a sign of respect to the Saint and gratitude for life and a good harvest.

Receiving the news of his passing was numbing, to say the least. I felt sad - really, there was a distinct loss felt within - but I couldn't bring myself to cry. My Lolo Anding was the richest person I have ever met. Well sure, there was a lack of material posession, but there was never a need for more than what was already his. His greatest ambition was to make sure my Lola Rosa was happy and that she was loved. He always had a smile on his face that just makes everyone feel at ease - heck, even the neighbors stayed often at his house. He was like Tatay, my grandfather, who had passed away some 20 years ago. Both were distinct gentlemen who knew chivalry, humility and love. Though Tatay moved on earlier, both him and Lolo Anding seemed to have lived fully.

Even to this moment, I can only recall him with a smiling face as I never, ever saw a single frown on this man. No sir, nothing would ever rain on his parade. My lolo is a man who knew love, valued it, and gave it away so generously. In doing so, he had everything every happy man ever had.

Thank you Lolo Anding for the good memories! Sleep in peace now.

Happy Mornings

daoming — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:07:32 GMT

When nothing seems to be right, God created George Takei and directed him to use Facebook. My mornings have been a tad brighter since he came into my virtual life. He is BRILLIANTLY AWESOME - what more can I say?

Here are some favorites...

Now, George Takei used to be part of the Star Trek cast. He usually uses Star Wars or Star Trek in his jokes. Case in point:

tsk, boys....

Isn't that typical of 'em? Lol! It's actually a universal phenomenon then. :P

it's all a matter of context...

I've to admit that one above had me laughing for days...

Now, just the one below i guess are just for folks who get it. i won't need to explain it...

that also had me laughing when it was posted 11pm of 4/20

There's a setting on iphones which may allow for the one below. I highly suggest some people to use it...

Lol! Yes, this can come in quite handy.

I know it's just monday, which makes the one below worse, but I really love his face

It had me laughing all through wednesday the following week, seriously.

So, feel free to 'like' or add George Takei on your facebook. He's a barrel of laughs and it's always nice to find some cheer in this virtual world.

Have a great week y'all!

Pride Rise

daoming — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:46:15 GMT

There's a trending topic on twitter and facebook about Manny Pacquiao's unsolicited comments on gay marriage. A lot of people reacted to it already, calling it foul, and somewhat below the belt. Not so long ago, former Miss Universe runner-up Miriam Quiambao had openly declared her non-support to transvestites joining the pageant. She did withdraw her statements, right after Donald Trump had officially allowed trans to join in 2013.

In the US, Barack Obama declared his support for same-sex marriage, drawing thousands of support to his side of the fence. Whether or not this is a political move, it is a positive step towards a long-eluded equality in marriage and status.

This topic has been around a long time already. I remember some years back, when a friend came out to me, I asked her why she didn't come out earlier (and why all the secrecy). She told me that she didn't want to be judged for who she is and moreso, it would hurt her mom terribly. My friend Ryan had once said that 'no parent would wish for a gay son or daughter' so there is that natural instinct to raise straight people in the households. Heck, we know no other way, do we?

Before I digress, I'm just noting how things have changed in a matter of a few years: what once was buried under secrecy, is now an open topic for discussion. If being gay was considered taboo before, it now shines with so much pride to come out in the open about sexuality and preferences. Straight people have also lent their support and are backing up gay in their fight for equality and advocacy. It seems everyone just came out to reach out to each other in this fight.

As for myself, I am all about equality and difference. In fact I embrace diversity so much that I love making friends with all sorts of folks. I do know that in some way, I am also discriminated for being Asian and female and probably for also being 32-years-young trying to fit in an older-person's work and title. There are so many standards around on what's supposed to be normal in society but the advent of internet, globalization and freedom of speech have all caused a ruckus for the silent cause warriors to redefine what is acceptable. I love hanging out with people of different sexual preferences, color, religious background and beliefs because it exercises my own set of beliefs. I truly believe that the differences just further strengthens what you really are and makes you know yourself better. If I don't like a person, it would have nothing to do with his skin color, sexual preference etc but maybe our personalities just don't match. It would be more respectable for me to walk away than to try to stick it out with someone who would not respect me.

So that's it: RESPECT. We are all human beings, with each person having their own burdens to carry. If a choice is made, then, as long as this is not hurting anyone and as long as it is a step to progress, I see no reason to not support it. They want to be gay, I respect that since they respect my choice to be straight. And I am straight, but not narrow.

Chinese Finger Trap

daoming — Tue, 15 May 2012 01:56:06 GMT

I am jealous.

I just read Ryan's post on his blog and I found myself overwhelming lonely and so, so jealous that he was able to write his thoughts down freely. In the past months, I have decided to lock away some of my entries and decided not to post because word has gotten to me that stuff I posted here was used maliciously against me. It has also reached my attention that there were a lot of false claims made about me in front of people I see and talk to regularly.

While I am flattered that I was able to merit this person's attention for so long, I decided not to post anything else, since this person seems to thrive very well on any post I put out here. The stories can be very entertaining actually, and for some reason, I wished it were half-true so that I can say that I was one of the most unbelievably wildest, vicious, man-eating woman I've ever known.

There was also a claim that one of the posts put up here before was for this person. I cannot blame this person for doing and saying that since this person seems to be spending more time on my pages than necessary that there might have been a need to feel inserted in my personal life. For some reason, this person seemed to feel that they are relevant to me. There are psychology studies about that, please google it.

You reading this now? Good.

I don't mind people reading my journal. This is public. Duh. What I do want to put out here is that everything on this blog has nothing to do with my professional life as this has been my life in general. I have some people messaging me on facebook who have found some joy and inspiration reading some of my more tragic entries and I enjoy reaching out to them via these pages. To use the stuff you read here maliciously and create an unknown wreckless history about myself is really unbecoming of a human being and is a true coward soul. I pity you.

So since this person has read this journal before, this person would know that I used to not believe in karma. If this person is enjoying successes via false claims, then I am sorry for this person. I hope this person finds out very soon how much people have began talking (thus this came to me). It's almost funny, and ironic that I almost don't even have to do anything anymore to clear my name and character (and even other previous victims) since the person seems to be bound to self-destruct. The environment this person created is volatile and the foundation is frail. Truly, what goes around, comes back around.

I appreciate the publicity but if there are any critiques about my life or stories to be spun about my person - I would suggest you consult me first as I seem to be the lead female in all of these (with a multitude of male leads, as was told to me. Oh my mom would've loved that.) I love feedback, I do. I only wish you could give more directly to me.

test

daoming — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:56:57 GMT

test post edit

weekend om

daoming — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:35:54 GMT

i like what the teacher said in yoga class: "all emotions end in silence" and i think this is true.

whether happy or sad or whatever, all ends in the same state of silently taking it all in. everything ends there: in a quiet resolution of the mind. in the next moment, let go of the second before because it doesn't matter now. leave the past where it is and create the 'now' as it should be and as you'd like it to be.

so take a ride and feel every moment fully - at the end of the day, it all sums up in the same way and in the same place, anyway. :)

namaste!

We're #1 for Fun

daoming — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:00:39 GMT

No shameless plugging here because IT JUST IS and nothing sells better than the truth. :D

It goes to show...

Come for a visit so you don't miss out! :D

the nkotbsb experience

daoming — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 01:25:21 GMT

let it be said: NKOTBSB is luv!

i've known NKOTB since early grade school days when my sister would buy all the teen beat, pop and other magazines to get posters of jordan knight. being the practical person that i am, i took on a liking on joe mcintyre since my sister would just leave his pics behind. (this is the same thing with the edward furlong and leo dicaprio posters. my sister had the biggest crush on eddie a long time ago. who's the biggest star now huh? hehe). i remember all the songs, the dance moves and even the music videos - heck, they basically had initiated me to the whole pop and top 40 genre that i've avidly followed since.

now, with regard to the backstreet boys, i blame debbie.

yes, DEBBIE, if you're reading this IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT. if not for your biggest crush on nick carter, i wouldn't have learned the songs to constantly tease you, i wouldn't have kept laughing about the silly eric fructuoso-ish haircut (yes, eric was the original one, ok?), and i wouldn't have heard all the crazy nonsense lyrics... and now, videoke is NEVER complete without a backstreet boy medley where everyone had to 'get down, get down and move it all around'.

hahahaha, it's a hazardously healthy frustration debs, don't worry.

now when the two literally LEGENDARY boybands come together, we have total pop pandemonium!

never in my lifetime did i ever think that i would be able to see NKOTB in a concert. they broke up before i even stepped into high school, and just when BSB was starting its ascent into stardom. when the promo came out in AMA about a reunion/comeback concert, the idea was freakingly insane and hilarious at the same time.

but man, watching it was BRILLIANT! diane and i managed to get $70 seats at the last minute and that was $70 of pure AWESOME. the show started around 8 pm with jordin sparks singing about 4-5 songs. i never thought she could become THAT thin, btw, but with all the booty-shaking she was doing, well, 1 song could at least rid you of half a pound.

around 9pm, the lights went low and tunes of coldplay's viva la vida started playing. the curtains went down and in came the boys... MEN. all of a sudden, it was 1989 meets 1999 in 2011.

i never thought i'd find myself screaming over manbands but i almost did lose my voice (and sanity) while they played back-to-back hits. it was nostalgic to hear some of the covers that were brought me back to 22 mabolo memories and that old, silver, big radio casette boombox close to my heart. they sang 'cover girl', 'i'll be loving you', 'if you go away', and the moment that made me scream: 'please don't go girl'! i swear, my sister would've died.

diane and i were also screaming when the BSB pulled out ladies from the crowd and serenaded them with 'i'll never break your heart'. we went wild with 'i want it that way' and 'as long as you love me' and 'shape of my heart' and 'the call' and... hahaha, ok ok, everything.

*fangirls*

and they ended the night with the nkotbsb mashup of 'hanging tough' and 'backstreet's back' wearing ATL jerseys in red and green. effin' awesome.

i guess, the good thing about this whole concert thing was that the girls who used to idolize these men (as boys) are now earners on their own. unlike the bieber fans who would rely heavily on daddy's wallet, here were ladies who could pay for their own tickets and would not think twice about shelling out $40 for a tshirt on one-night nostalgia.

downright great time, fabulous venue, once-in-a-lifetime blast-from-the-musical-past experience, and just pure, pure groupie mode: it is so, so much fun to be a girl. :D

oscar boys

daoming — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 15:58:53 GMT

after all the prodding i've done to my brother, he finally got me a copy of 'the king's speech'. since work has kept me busy the past days, i only got time to see it just now. Oh. My. God.

i dunno what it was with that movie that really bugged me constantly to grab a copy and see what it's all about. i'm thinking, it may be the long hangover i have with 'the queen' that's pushing me to see another royalty film. it's really an itch to be scratched and i am all too willing to give... as long as my brother gives me a copy.

ok, now, i've always loved colin firth - loved him in 'bridget jones', 'love actually' and even in 'what a girl wants' (judge me!). he's awfully adorable as an actor and is just so... real! he isn't the most good-looking actor there is, but he does have that certain pull that makes you want to sit down and root for him. i think, even if he's the bad guy, you'd still find yourself on his side. trust me.

so playing up his 'adorableness' (if there's such a word) in this movie actually works very well for this film. he stutters and stammers through his sentences. watching him be the better son, go on such an excruciating emotional ride in being king, and go through elaborate exercises to show the nation that he has a voice actually makes you sit on edge rooting for him to go through his speech without error and without fear. you anticipate each word that comes out - almost fearful that he slips up and britain loses his voice. it seems trivial to some but the movie showcases how speeches and voices can rouse a sleeping and weeping nation to war. that is subtle brilliance.

and now i am torn between the adorable colin firth and the geeky jesse eisenberg. the latter was sheer naivete and arrogance throughout his portrayal in 'the social network'. he was cocky, and just too young to make judgements in the movie. i really found his portrayal very, very real - it does take someone of that character to earn billions of dollars at the cost of true friends. the script was brilliant, the acting was consistent and god, eisenberg was zuckerberg for almost 2 hours. i remember this movie being the sole movie i blogged about in 2010 and commenting that i won't be suprised if it gets nominated for the film and the acting.

so here lies the dilemma: firth or eisenberg. the former is sympathetic, the latter is relevant. truth to tell, i think the academy will give little oscar to firth. he's been nominated x times already tomorrow may just be the end of a long journey (or the crossroads to greater success - whatever way you put it, it spells a difference). the movie did play up his appeal and he was really, really, just so damn good in it. i didn't even know i held my breath until i released it after that speech!

eisenberg still has years on him but who knows? tomorrow's d-day and i love how these boys are contenders for such a prestigious award. it may just be coronation day for firth or another billionth-user celeb for eisenberg; nevertheless, it's a big treat for me to see both films i love actually have a go for gold.

i could really use a wish right now

daoming — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 16:00:12 GMT

someday, everything will go my way. i'll get up each morning looking forward to the day ahead. i'll kiss my husband good morning and give my kids big, big hugs to start their day. i'll even pack lunches for them all and for myself as well. i'll work on my passion and really really excel. i'll be successful in the work that i do and i'd give back generously to the community. i'll accomplish a dozen things and one for the day and have my team work with me towards each success. i'll make each member shine. i'll get a call from my husband in the middle of the day because he just wants to hear my voice and get updates on the day and plans for the evening. i'll gush this to my work bff, who will probably gush about his/her own hubby as well. i'll probably even do a quick shopping trip to bring home something for the family. i'll love coming home in the evening, having dinner with the brood and getting everyone's stories on the table. i'll have friends over to hang out after dinner, over wine and coffee, and over a few stories as well. i'll lie in bed at night, curled up to my husband, loving the way we fit together, and grateful for the life and the home we've created.

i wish it were someday already.

2010: just glad it's done

daoming — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 07:10:39 GMT

this year i...

- attended one of the best bridal showers ever: carol rocked! oh, and her wedding was great as well. hehe.
- changed role (again) and customers. i'm really too young to be tied down.
- had someone open up to me about... stuff. he knows, i know. that's that.
- lived in france for 2 whole months. never thought i could do it but damn!
- experienced snow for my birthday. that was crazy.
- turned 30 in paris. sounds like a milestone eh? it was.
- set foot in germany, switzerland and italy. i even had that wonderful caramelized hot choco in starbucks swiss. priceless.
- returned home, just in time to attend ria's wedding and bridal shower. i was perfectly coherent the entire time. yey.
- made new friends and teammates both in and out of the office. i actually found myself speaking out more after that french trip. i was probably making up for the 2 months of non-english speaking folks. spare me. hehe.
- was able to curb my shopping apettite. a lot. yes, i am proud.
- bought another investment bag. and another. and another.... yes, i am weak.
- found myself in turmoil about the future. realized i had no real plans or blue print. uh-oh.
- was suddenly faced with 'encounters' with 2 blasts-from-the-past that i wanted to just blast from the face of the earth. understatement, really.
- went back to sydney after 3 years. felt like home. i miss iams.
- travelled outside the country with my cousin. it was fun. crazy, but fun.
- was too stressed and keyed up so i finished the biggest ice cream parfait known to mankind. while the sugar rush was great, the drop was too intense. i will NOT do that again.
- "lost" some friends amidst the turmoil. i'm sorry for this.
- made new gym friends. it was cool.
- had about 2 emergency videokes with the ladies. it was necessary.
- watched new movies and read new books. downloaded new songs. i love glee.
- had 3 new nephews from cousins. they're all gwapo.
- attended a LOT of weddings. each was unique, all were special.
- decided i wanted to be kick-ass at something. i'm going back to school.
- went back to the hospital for a record number of times. ah and this was all me.
- went shoe-shopping with a good friend of mine for the love of his life. it was a weird experience. fun but weird.
- turned 8!
- got really involved in jen's wedding plans and activities. that's the most personal wedding i've attended to date. the after-party was... special. fab 5 people will attest to this.
- realized who the real people are. it's a sad truth but i'm glad to know, nonetheless.
- created my vision board for the first time. i hope to make this an annual tradition.
- found some groove back during the vacation. i love friends and family. they're persistent, permanent and priceless.

best book: still deciding
best show: ellen degeneres
best food: french fries. i craved for this all the time this year. weird.
best movie: harry potter 7.1
best revelation: ang pagdadalaga...
best news: the sydney trip. it really meant a lot to me.

for what it's worth, 2010 was a trying year. it was one of the more difficult years i had to endure and no 'but's' here. i've learned some and lost a lot. going through the list though, i think i lived a little more in 2010 than i did in previous years. it wasn't entirely regrettable and that's probably saying something.

i'm keeping myself realistic about 2011.

our elven selves

daoming — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 04:28:57 GMT

</div>

hehehehe. :D