The Submissions of a Sporadic Writer

Monday, January 19, 2015

Papal Visit 2015: Definitely one for the books

January 18, 2015.

Yesterday was by far the biggest and most memorable moment of my life as a Roman Catholic. I saw Pope Francis in flesh and mind you, we were really just a few steps away from him. It was the most precious minute of my life. The mobile drove by us quite fast but honestly, I don't really care. To see the pope in person with an unblocked view was more than enough for me. I swear, after that moment, all the leg pains from hours of standing and waiting just to ensure a great view, were given justice. All the pains and physical tiredness were taken away after we saw him. It was indeed an "Unbelievable sight. Indescribable feeling." but in a totally different, better and bolder context than that of Jasmine's infatuation to Aladdin. I was truly mesmerized.

My only goal was to just hear the mass live. With millions of other Catholics swarming the place and with the commotion that occurred in Quirino Grandstand when gates were finally opened, I really thought seeing Pope was next to impossible. But I did! It happened. I saw him! Not only that, I also heard the mass live and was able to take a communion despite the very large crowd. It was really a good thing they have lay ministers on stand by outside the grandstand. God is good, all the time. Hallelujah!

It rained the whole time we were waiting for the convoy. Hence, we really didn't have a choice but patiently stand there at Quirino Avenue the whole five (5) hours. Since our original plan included hearing the holy mass inside the Quirino Grandstand, bringing stools or waterproof sit-upon was not plan of our "Things to bring" list for the occasion. I didn't even remember to bring my waterproof iPhone case despite the weather advisory. I must say though, with how things turned out, risking my iPad to be rain-soaked was worth it. Our raincoats really came in handy. I managed to get a good shot of Pope's convoy yesterday. Please see low-res video below.

Post by Zen Fortaleza.

Another that could be considered a highlight of my whole Papal experience is that Mitch and I and our families were all together. It was the first time and I cannot be much happier that it all happened during this life-changing Papal visit.

A family that prays together, stays together. *bigsmile*

We decided to call it a day after our dinner at Cabalen. My parents and I went home with victory in our hearts. Today, as of writing, Pope is on his way back to Rome. I can't help but be overwhelmed by the fact that two of the most loved Popes visited the Philippines during my lifetime. What's even greater is that it happened again during the time that I am fully aware of the occasion's meaning and that I have the energy and the physical strength required to take part on this occasion and make all these holy experience possible for myself.

Pope Francis was here not just in the Philippines but also in my heart and in the hearts of my other Catholic brothers and sisters. Needless to say but I'm sure that the prints he left with us will be etched forever in our hearts and in our souls.

Viva el Papa, Papa Francisco!

To our Pope, the People's Pope, Pope Jorge Mario Bergoglio... From the bottom of my little heart, MARAMING SALAMAT PO!!!

Monday, January 5, 2015

one word: toxic

Work today was, toxic, as expected. Changed my work schedule for today and timed in few minutes before 7 o'clock. By 7:30, we started to hustle. Since I was used to eating breakfast between 7:30 to 8 o'clock, I was already really hungry by 9:30 am. Was able to eat around 10:40, I think. Thanks to almost-endless-numerous-phone calls I got. Office got too crowded than expected. I couldn't even feel any tinge of cold air from the AC anymore, which by the way was already set to high fan and high cool. It was that crowded. The air was filled with body heat perhaps from the parents who underwent an instant workout by running after their kids around the office. Phew.

I left the office few minutes past 7. It was literally a long day. Imagine the exhaustion. I was so happy to finally see my bed at around 8. Thanks to my super friends, Anjo and Kat, I had a comfortable ride on my way home.

Hopefully, tomorrow will be a lighter and less toxic day for our team. #ASAPAKAMI Aftermath of long weekends usually last for two to three days. Usually, it gets worse than the first day. Wish us well for tomorrow. PLEASE. We really need it.

PS. It was still fun though. Thanks to my crazy teammates. Again, they worked the magic. Toxic days are always more bearable with them around. :)

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita

This movie still gives me the chills. Watched it again earlier at Cinema One. I couldn't contain the "kilig", I had to share it as an FB stat. Lol. It was one of my favorite movies by Rico Yan. I even loved it better than his last movie ever, Got to Believe. It was better in so many ways... The story line was more realistic. Tackled about love and prejudice, how love can make people change and how it can change your life JUST. LIKE. THAT.

The part where Claudine and Rico finally talked after the brawl with Lailanie Navarro's character in the movie was my favorite part. Claudine's lines were so powerful and sincere and true. Made me feel the pain, as if it was told to me and as if it was me who told it. It was weird like that. Still affected me the way it did when I watched it the first time on VCD since I wasn't really much of a movie goer back then.

It's definitely on my list of "Movies to watch over and over again". Not that the list exist, but yeah the movie is that good. Watching this movie always leaves me wondering what if Rico Yan is still alive... Maybe there'd be more movies like this. Maybe he'll be as famous as Coco Martin and JLC. :)

Friday, January 2, 2015

Hello, 2015.

New Year means a lot of different new things to many different people. New goals. New dreams. New priorities. New hobbies. New plans. New house. New car. New hairstyle. New resolutions. Anything that can be used or done to signify change, which is really fitting for this occasion. New Year's eve is like point zero - the perfect point to start something.

Speaking of "new", I had my hair cut again. I think this is the shortest I've had since 2010. It's not the boy cut kind of short, though. Prolly just an inch or two below my nape when wet. I feel five yeaars younger. Thanks to Bench Fix. Lol.

The mandatory "my-hair-looks-tame-and-presentable-until-it-gets-wet" shot.

It has been said by a lot of people that we don't need a new year just to change. They're right. However, making some changes or wanting and planning changes is a lot more fun and perfect every time the year changes. It's like creating a momentum for yourself. It's really just about starting the year right, right?

Thing is, no matter what it is that's new with you or no matter what the changes you made or plan to make, we all have one thing in common: HOPE. Hope that these changes will render positive results. Hope that by the end of the year that has come, we would be able to tell ourselves that we did it. We changed. FOR. THE. BETTER. Yes, in bold and all caps for additional emphasis.

Here's to consistency, positivity, unfaltering faith and endless hope... CHEERS!! May we all have a great time this year!

From our family to yours, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Friday, May 16, 2014

Phlog, eh?

Blogging thru my phone with the tiny hope of omitting the 'sporadic' on my blog header soon. Hurray for something new.

Writing an entry on my phone is so different from writing it on my laptop. It keeps me away from writer's block because it feels like I'm just texting. The only difference is this is close to reaching no one. I should do this more often. This can be my savior. Okay, enough.

Lately, I've been obsessing about someone. Curiosity does that to you, right? More so when you know that the information you need is right there... so accessible. You just have to throw smart questions to squeeze out all the information that you can. It's during these times that I really appreciate how small our world can get.

An apple a day keeps my insanity away. Thank yoooooou! *giggles*