Birthstones

The photo above are not the loose diamonds you might be looking for. (How I wish I have those many big diamond stones in my shoes! ha ha) Those are fake stones, err, not actually stones but crystal-like ornaments to adorn the pair of shoes.

It is interesting to learn that loose diamonds have different shapes - round, square, heart, etc, when looking at its outline from above. The most common shape is round and the other diamond shapes (like pear or oval) are called fancy-cut. They are also classified according to color and the less color, the rare the diamond is. The other Cs that classify a diamond is clarity (the fewer inclusions and blemishes, the more valuable a diamond is), carat (the unit of weight of the diamond and the greater the cut, the more expensive a diamond is), cut (the quality of the diamond's dimensions, finish and light performance) and certification (a document that describes the diamond prepared by expert gemologists.

But hey, in Hubpages, somebody wrote about each month's gemstones. And since my birthday falls on May, my birthstone is emerald. Here is what's written about it:

The best quality emeralds are more expensive than diamonds.

By the way, those born in April has diamond as birthstone.

Birthstones

The photo above are not the loose diamonds you might be looking for. (How I wish I have those many big diamond stones in my shoes! ha ha) Those are fake stones, err, not actually stones but crystal-like ornaments to adorn the pair of shoes.

It is interesting to learn that loose diamonds have different shapes - round, square, heart, etc, when looking at its outline from above. The most common shape is round and the other diamond shapes (like pear or oval) are called fancy-cut. They are also classified according to color and the less color, the rare the diamond is. The other Cs that classify a diamond is clarity (the fewer inclusions and blemishes, the more valuable a diamond is), carat (the unit of weight of the diamond and the greater the cut, the more expensive a diamond is), cut (the quality of the diamond's dimensions, finish and light performance) and certification (a document that describes the diamond prepared by expert gemologists.

But hey, in Hubpages, somebody wrote about each month's gemstones. And since my birthday falls on May, my birthstone is emerald. Here is what's written about it:

The best quality emeralds are more expensive than diamonds.

By the way, those born in April has diamond as birthstone.

Photohunt: Surprise

As I have told everyone who visits this blog, Lee-ann is a favorite photography subject. The first photo was when she was younger and was surprised by my camera's flash. The second photo was when she was almost two and was surprised when she noticed I was aiming the camera to her. She giggled a lot that time.

She had grown older now but not really that tall because her parents were not tall people he he And she is not related to me or to my husband though I love her. Her father is a friend. Her looks are a combination of her father and her mother's features. The color was from her father and the eyes was from the mother.

I always get a kiss from her. She talks a lot, too, though some I cannot fully understand. I am so fond of her because she is a happy child that loves to play a lot.

Photohunt's theme is surprise. Find out the many surprises the other hunters prepared for you!

Photohunt: Surprise

As I have told everyone who visits this blog, Lee-ann is a favorite photography subject. The first photo was when she was younger and was surprised by my camera's flash. The second photo was when she was almost two and was surprised when she noticed I was aiming the camera to her. She giggled a lot that time.

She had grown older now but not really that tall because her parents were not tall people he he And she is not related to me or to my husband though I love her. Her father is a friend. Her looks are a combination of her father and her mother's features. The color was from her father and the eyes was from the mother.

I always get a kiss from her. She talks a lot, too, though some I cannot fully understand. I am so fond of her because she is a happy child that loves to play a lot.

Photohunt's theme is surprise. Find out the many surprises the other hunters prepared for you!

Makes Me Want to Go to Bahamas

It's a toxic week. So much work to do. Workload is too much. Predicaments are escalating. And the situation has the likeness to mountain climbing. As I had written a few days ago:

You can face your problem just like how you climb a mountain. In climbing the mountain, you will encounter rocks that protrude and that makes the climb hard. Just like life, there are obstacles that will make it hard for you to face the problems. But as you climb the mountain and focus yourself ahead, you also focus your attention to what situation you are in now. All your hard work will be focused on the step ahead, and then on the next, and so forth, little by little. - Do You Have Problems?

It makes me want to scan those travel deals if they have an appealing bargain for the Bahamas. I saw the place where the 2009 Miss Universe pageant was held. It was gorgeous!

But I forgot, I don't have enough money... :-(

Makes Me Want to Go to Bahamas

It's a toxic week. So much work to do. Workload is too much. Predicaments are escalating. And the situation has the likeness to mountain climbing. As I had written a few days ago:

You can face your problem just like how you climb a mountain. In climbing the mountain, you will encounter rocks that protrude and that makes the climb hard. Just like life, there are obstacles that will make it hard for you to face the problems. But as you climb the mountain and focus yourself ahead, you also focus your attention to what situation you are in now. All your hard work will be focused on the step ahead, and then on the next, and so forth, little by little. - Do You Have Problems?

It makes me want to scan those travel deals if they have an appealing bargain for the Bahamas. I saw the place where the 2009 Miss Universe pageant was held. It was gorgeous!

But I forgot, I don't have enough money... :-(

Photohunt: Ripples

a shot with son Daryl in a wave pool last year 2008

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear the word ripple (s) is water. I find it amazing to discover how a word can have a meaning that seems almost different:

From Thesaurus.com, another meaning, in the verb form, is fret, rub hard, or erode.

Visit Photohunt to join.

Photohunt: Ripples

a shot with son Daryl in a wave pool last year 2008

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear the word ripple (s) is water. I find it amazing to discover how a word can have a meaning that seems almost different:

From Thesaurus.com, another meaning, in the verb form, is fret, rub hard, or erode.

Visit Photohunt to join.

"Sometimes waiting is what works best..."

- Damson

I tend to agree with her. There are things we just cannot have at an instant. We have to wait. As the saying goes, there are three answers to a prayer - Yes, No, and Wait.

There are occurrences in life like a wearing away of the spirit, a breaking of resolve, but we have to wait. We ask why someone until now was not able to realize the wrong that was done and to at least ask forgiveness. We pray for enlightenment of the heart. Though the other does not seem to be humble enough, we wait. Or maybe the answer is no. Who can tell?

We ask why there seems to be no solution for the turmoil, the threats to democracy, the unending corruption, the ceaseless trespassing of the supposed-to-be leaders, the social malignancy that has been spreading widely. We wait. How long? And for what? For some miracle maybe. For some hope maybe. For some hope that maybe the threat of the rumored September Morn is not true or will not persist. We have had enough of her.

We speculate about not getting the job or the position we wanted the most. That will at least provide us a life insurance no medical, if you know what I mean. Or the material things we crave for. Maybe the Maker has his reasons. Maybe He has plans. We wait. Why does it seem sometimes that His plans are completely different and the reverse of our hearts' desires? We wait for the good signs that these will work for the best. Or else we end up all torn up, heavyhearted.

Sometimes waiting is what works best. Sometimes it isn't. Sometimes it is like waiting in vain.

"Sometimes waiting is what works best..."

- Damson

I tend to agree with her. There are things we just cannot have at an instant. We have to wait. As the saying goes, there are three answers to a prayer - Yes, No, and Wait.

There are occurrences in life like a wearing away of the spirit, a breaking of resolve, but we have to wait. We ask why someone until now was not able to realize the wrong that was done and to at least ask forgiveness. We pray for enlightenment of the heart. Though the other does not seem to be humble enough, we wait. Or maybe the answer is no. Who can tell?

We ask why there seems to be no solution for the turmoil, the threats to democracy, the unending corruption, the ceaseless trespassing of the supposed-to-be leaders, the social malignancy that has been spreading widely. We wait. How long? And for what? For some miracle maybe. For some hope maybe. For some hope that maybe the threat of the rumored September Morn is not true or will not persist. We have had enough of her.

We speculate about not getting the job or the position we wanted the most. That will at least provide us a life insurance no medical, if you know what I mean. Or the material things we crave for. Maybe the Maker has his reasons. Maybe He has plans. We wait. Why does it seem sometimes that His plans are completely different and the reverse of our hearts' desires? We wait for the good signs that these will work for the best. Or else we end up all torn up, heavyhearted.

Sometimes waiting is what works best. Sometimes it isn't. Sometimes it is like waiting in vain.

Partylist Groups: In Layman's Terms

Yesterday, July 17, 2009, partylist groups race for the 2010 polls registration. The list had grown up to 231 partylist groups at 6 pm.

Partylist groups represent the marginalized parties in the country. Marginalized is quite a fuzzy term. A layman does not understand what 'marginalized' means. In Ted Failon's radio show, he shared what a common tao thinks about the term 'marginalized'. The person, according to Ted, explained that it must have come from the word 'margin'. Remember the elementary days where the teachers instructed the students to put margins on each page of the notebook? According to the person Ted talked to, the 'marginalized' sector are those within the small portions of the margin, the bigger central area represents the powerful and the dominant groups of people in the Philippines - the wealthy politicians, capitalists, tycoons, and the like.

Marginalized groups in the political system in the Philippines are those who have little importance, influence or power. Their social standing are lower than the rest and they represent the little groups or the minority. They may also be considered as insignificant.

The question why the interest to scramble for registration of these many 'little' groups is not a question actually. It is borne of the fact that legislators and lawmakers and authorities in power failed to address what the 'little' people of this country wanted to be heard. Pampering themselves with what the people's money can give, legislators failed to do what was expected and that is to create and enact laws for the good of the common tao.

Partylist Groups: In Layman's Terms

Yesterday, July 17, 2009, partylist groups race for the 2010 polls registration. The list had grown up to 231 partylist groups at 6 pm.

Partylist groups represent the marginalized parties in the country. Marginalized is quite a fuzzy term. A layman does not understand what 'marginalized' means. In Ted Failon's radio show, he shared what a common tao thinks about the term 'marginalized'. The person, according to Ted, explained that it must have come from the word 'margin'. Remember the elementary days where the teachers instructed the students to put margins on each page of the notebook? According to the person Ted talked to, the 'marginalized' sector are those within the small portions of the margin, the bigger central area represents the powerful and the dominant groups of people in the Philippines - the wealthy politicians, capitalists, tycoons, and the like.

Marginalized groups in the political system in the Philippines are those who have little importance, influence or power. Their social standing are lower than the rest and they represent the little groups or the minority. They may also be considered as insignificant.

The question why the interest to scramble for registration of these many 'little' groups is not a question actually. It is borne of the fact that legislators and lawmakers and authorities in power failed to address what the 'little' people of this country wanted to be heard. Pampering themselves with what the people's money can give, legislators failed to do what was expected and that is to create and enact laws for the good of the common tao.

Photohunt: Artificial

Which is a perfect smile for the Daryl?

They say that Daryl does not know how to smile. They call it 'tupperware smile' which means a smile that is not true. Being conscious about it, Daryl sometimes asks me how to smile properly.

It is not true that Daryl does not know how to smile 'properly'. He just doesn't know how to do a perfect smile in front of a camera. When he is happy and when there is something that makes him laugh, it is the most sincere smile you can get.

Concept or theme for today's Photohunt is ARTIFICIAL. Come and join.

Photohunt: Artificial

Which is a perfect smile for the Daryl?

They say that Daryl does not know how to smile. They call it 'tupperware smile' which means a smile that is not true. Being conscious about it, Daryl sometimes asks me how to smile properly.

It is not true that Daryl does not know how to smile 'properly'. He just doesn't know how to do a perfect smile in front of a camera. When he is happy and when there is something that makes him laugh, it is the most sincere smile you can get.

Concept or theme for today's Photohunt is ARTIFICIAL. Come and join.

What Makes a Woman Complete?

The answer differs from one woman to another. I am complete because I had borne children for my husband. That may sound simplistic but it is true. For me, my womanhood was realized the first time I conceived a child. It is for me an affirmation of my being.

I know, it is that extremely simple for me but not for others. I think it depends on a woman's needs, wants, desires or priorities. One office mate told me that she will be a complete woman only when she bears a child even without the father or a man by her side. A friend said that for her a complete woman is one who had achieved success in her career or life endeavor. A few view the concept as a woman who can be able to get what she wants - a wealthy man, or lots of money, or a luxurious car, or a grand house complete with all the lovely things like Kohler fixtures and a Canadian walk in bath tub.

While it is a bit odd for some that a particular woman is materialistic we are not to judge. It is her preference, her free will to choose what completes her. There are circumstances in life that lead from one thing to another. Who knows if this particular woman experienced destitution almost all her life? Or that it is just simply what she wants.

In the end, what really counts is how a woman attains completeness with grace. For me, I am a complete woman. No one can disprove that.

What Makes a Woman Complete?

The answer differs from one woman to another. I am complete because I had borne children for my husband. That may sound simplistic but it is true. For me, my womanhood was realized the first time I conceived a child. It is for me an affirmation of my being.

I know, it is that extremely simple for me but not for others. I think it depends on a woman's needs, wants, desires or priorities. One office mate told me that she will be a complete woman only when she bears a child even without the father or a man by her side. A friend said that for her a complete woman is one who had achieved success in her career or life endeavor. A few view the concept as a woman who can be able to get what she wants - a wealthy man, or lots of money, or a luxurious car, or a grand house complete with all the lovely things like Kohler fixtures and a Canadian walk in bath tub.

While it is a bit odd for some that a particular woman is materialistic we are not to judge. It is her preference, her free will to choose what completes her. There are circumstances in life that lead from one thing to another. Who knows if this particular woman experienced destitution almost all her life? Or that it is just simply what she wants.

In the end, what really counts is how a woman attains completeness with grace. For me, I am a complete woman. No one can disprove that.

Photohunt: Low

Lee Ann is one of my favorite photo subjects.
Here you can see how LOW she looks after crying and she is still pretty!

Keyo here felt LOW after not getting what he wants. This little kid sounds like an adult, too.

Poor Jay! I am not used to seeing him this LOW. It was Kuya Raffy's fault - he made him cry!

Photohunt's theme for today is LOW. Go and visit.

Photohunt: Low

Lee Ann is one of my favorite photo subjects.
Here you can see how LOW she looks after crying and she is still pretty!

Keyo here felt LOW after not getting what he wants. This little kid sounds like an adult, too.

Poor Jay! I am not used to seeing him this LOW. It was Kuya Raffy's fault - he made him cry!

Photohunt's theme for today is LOW. Go and visit.

On Willie Revillame and the National Artist Award

No, this is not about Willie Revillame bestowed with the National Artist Award. These are two separate issues the telly had provided for the week. It would be aired repeatedly until the issue had died down or there is another more crowd drawing and opinion deriving issues that will surface.

Hmph... can a bath in one of those walk in tubs stifle my heated cranium?

WILLIE REVILLAME IS NOT GUILTY

I'd go straight to the point saying that Willie Revillame is not guilty of anything. At least from that clip they showed on the television where he appeared to be dismayed (and voicing it out) seeing on the monitor then President Cory Aquino's cortege aired simultaneously with the Wowowee show.

I am not a fan of Revillame but I believe he does not mean anything harmful saying those words and telling management to remove the footage aired at the same time the show is on. I would like to translate what he meant. He probably meant that it is not proper that the footage of Cory Aquino's cortege be aired while Revillame is trying to go on with a show intended to make people entertained. The show's concept includes merry making with laughter and shouting. It would appear that everybody in the show, not only Revillame, does not care about the whole national event.

ABS-CBN's management could have considered not airing the noontime show anymore especially that their outfit covered the whole event. The show should have been cancelled for a day in respect to the icon of democracy's burial procession. Also, MTRCB barked at the wrong tree reprimanding Willie Revillame. He is an employee, only a part of the organization, and he is to follow what was told to him - go on with the show. Suffice it to say that it should not be Revillame only whose attention was called upon for violating some rules but also the outfit that should have done something to honor Ms. Cory Aquino's burial day.

Willie Revillame is as human as everybody to be affected. There are lapses though in judgment talking in front of the camera where he could have made the request not in front of it.

CARLO CAPARAS, ONE OF THOSE ANOINTED?

For a president to use her power to insert four people including Carlo Caparas to be chosen as recipient of the National Artist Award is truly a mockery to the truest essence of the award and to the system or process of selection.

From a show hosted by Cheche Lazaro, UP Professor Butch Dalisay had rationalized the clamor for a just selection process for National Artists. It was learned that though Carlo Caparas was in the first deliberation he was not able to make it on the second deliberation. It was truly questionable why all of a sudden he was in the list.

The ever arrogant Caparas with his bully-like stance justifies the anointing and embraced the award with gusto. Out of delicadeza, one could have thought first before accepting the award knowing that in the second deliberation he was not included, or if he does not know of it, be curious enough to ask why.

It is no doubt that he has contributions, and maybe a talent, but there is a process and because he did not make it on the second deliberation, it meant that his accomplishments did not pass the criteria, he fell short of perhaps the creativity and brilliance that is being sought. Who else has the right to verify these qualities? Is it the president? From what was discussed in the show, these criteria are set forth by CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) and the NCCA (National Commision on Culture and Arts).

Please, oh, please, listen for you to understand!

When There Are Only Two Choices

The first three questions were already part of an entry in my hosted site that got lost and the remaining three are new. In life, there are always choices to make and you can ponder on the choices in a happy way like answering a meme:

1. Now, if you will be asked to choose, would you have a) a skillful teacher that lacks EQ, or b) a mediocre teacher who has that capability to connect with her/his students?
2. Would you prefer food a) for its glorious appearance, or b) for its taste even without the glamour?
3. If God asks you to give him back one of the two most important senses, would you rather give your a) eyesight, or your b) hearing sense? And why?
4. If you are to choose between living a short but accomplished life and a 100-year life span without accomplishing anything, what is your choice?
   
5. Would you prefer that your daughter loves you but does not heed your caution and instructions or your daughter does not love you but does every wish and admonition you give?
6. Would you be a president who is popular globally but is hated by the citizenry or one who is less popular but is well-loved by every taxpayer or subject?
   

Photohunt: Entertainment

I am late posting for Photohunt! Anyway, I am still posting. The computer is a tool where most of us gets entertainment. Daryl have Windows Media Player and WinAmp where he stores his favorite songs. He had these songs arranged per album. Funny that when it comes to songs, my son is so organized.

The television also is also a source of most of our entertainment but yesterday I was not entertained. I cried together with most of the Filipinos who mourn for the death of Cory Aquino. I cried while watching the evening news and coverage of her death though I heard it already in the morning. I cannot help but be affected. Goodbye, Tita Cory! You have left an unforgettable legacy.

Photohunt: Entertainment

I am late posting for Photohunt! Anyway, I am still posting. The computer is a tool where most of us gets entertainment. Daryl have Windows Media Player and WinAmp where he stores his favorite songs. He had these songs arranged per album. Funny that when it comes to songs, my son is so organized.

The television also is also a source of most of our entertainment but yesterday I was not entertained. I cried together with most of the Filipinos who mourn for the death of Cory Aquino. I cried while watching the evening news and coverage of her death though I heard it already in the morning. I cannot help but be affected. Goodbye, Tita Cory! You have left an unforgettable legacy.