ROAD OF UNCERTAINTY

Right now, my future really looks uncertain. Though this new journey is something that I asked for, fought for, competed for and worked hard for, the triumph is still to be had. Countless agonizing headaches and unbearable frustrations are expected. But as always, I remain positive but cautious.

Today was my last day at work...somehow, I still can't say 'my previous work'. I have been in this area for almost ten years now, and some people I have worked with since I don't know when...forever. It was hard leaving the place. I am not certain whether I'll be coming back. I wish, financially, I won't. But emotionally, there is that feeling of security when I am amongst these people, and I will be longing for that refuge and comfort.

My comfort zone had been well protected since I last had a major issue in life. But two of my bosses pushed me out of it and made me more audacious. All of a sudden, here, I found myself braving the outside world on my own...without them, and out of that comfort zone (on the nail).

Deep within, I know it's a rusty nail. Something I have to get out of. But somehow I really found it hard to leave work today because I know that whatever I will be doing here in my next journey, I will be doing my damnedest best...And there remains a possibility that I might not be coming back.

Today, I went against the tradition. When someone leaves, the staffs usually give a morning tea for everyone. I refused to do this because I owe a lot to my colleagues. I, instead put in a morning tea for everyone ( hey, that was with labor and love staying up all night cooking!!!) as my thanks to everyone for being nice, kind and respectful to me as a person, an alien(being of a different racial background) and a team leader.

But hey, who got surprised? Me! I can't believe they would give me a yellow and white gold earrings. Hayley, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I will treasure and guard this with my life, I swear. Apart from that, they also gave me a plant(well, someone knows me too well...), two crystal candle holders, scented candles and SCRATCHIES!!!!!! Someone truly knows me, it's scary!

To everyone who's put in for this and to everyone who were really good to me....THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Nikki, Lynette, Peter, Melanie, Robyn, Alyshia, Marg (hope everything's OK darling), Brenda, Matthew, Liz(THE MAGICIAN, I know sweetheart), Erin-lee, Sue, Vicki, Leanne, Hazel, Yvonne, Janine and to my mentors and to my praised gurus...Cheryl O (thank you boss), James (thank you ex-boss), Harry (thank you for teaching me so many things.)...........Thank you all for making me feel, I do belong. I will be missing you all. But for as long as we are all in Darwin, then there will always be a 50/50 chance of bumping into each other somewhere. So, see you all soon.

As I've said, I might be back next month...............hope not though.

TEN THINGS I WANT TO DO BEFORE I DIE

1. To sky dive

2. Get a licence to fly a plane

3. To see at least 20 more countries and experience their culture

4. To be able to take care of my Mum and Dad and see my son in a comfortable and secure life

5. To be able to change at least one life for good.

6. Be able to truly forgive and be forgiven

7. Feel love and be loved again

8. Loose 20Kilos

9. Conquer a fear

10. Be at peace with God

UPS, DOWNS AND DECISIONS TO MAKE

I do realise my blog posts are getting few and far between. My life's generally gone into circus the last few months. A little drama here and there...within the tribe, within my family and within my workplace. 'Just like the sands through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives'. But nothing too hard to handle, really.

First off...Yes, once again, Tribung Tralala has conquered the 2009 Darwin Barrio Fiesta. And YES, our stall was the best that night. Unfortunately, FAANT forgot to take the judges around to make a decision on who's won the best stall for the night. It's a bit of disorganisation on their part, but hey, the queue of customers spoke for itself. Unofficially though, we were told by a committee member that they will find a way to bestow us the price money because it was way too obvious that our stall was the best anyway. Hopefully, technicalities aside, the other stall owners will just admit to what was evident that night.

No, it was not all flowers, bright colors and smiles. We did confront several internal issues. In a group flourishing in numbers as well as prospects, factions are but an inevitable reality. I am just hoping that our long history of friendship will predominate what other vexing elements there may be.
Anyway, it looks like we've surpassed the initial hurdles we have encountered last year. Meeting the demands, no wastage and lesser drudgery. Altogether, we have transcended into a better working group/company rather that better friends, unfortunately. Sad to say that we started this out of fun, but this time around, it's become more of a conclave with conventions to adhere to.

With all honesty, I am still hoping that we'll get over the pangs this event has caused the pioneers of the Tribe. May we always remember the good times instead of the bad. May we always rise to the merit of our friendship rather than the worth of $$$. We acknowledge, we as individuals have flaws, but I hope our flaws will instead make us amenable to others.

We all have gone through so much together, helped each other in times of need and laughed so much together that no words nor whatever little money value there is should put any contentions between us. If friendship sustains, then all the back ache I've felt after the fiesta are all worth it. Knowing all the pioneering members by heart, I am sure we will one day put aside differences and embrace the invariable history we have shared...One day...as it starts healing today.

Anyway, enough of the Tribu dramas, and more about me....

I have won another job in the Department of Justice. I am not sure whether I should rejoice or be sad. I love my current job. I know it by heart, the ins and outs. I love the people I work with. I love every bit of it. But as they say...move on before it gets too comfortable, you are highly dependent of it. My former boss always tells me, "Get out of your comfort zone". Well, the time has come. I thought I'd never be able to explore if I don't get out. I'd never be truly comfortable if I am not familiar with what's outside the box.

So, I applied for this job. It was not an easy application. A lot of people from within and outside the government applied. Three got short-listed for an interview. I am one of those three. So I went to the interview armed only with what knowledge I have from my current job. Apparently it was very hard to separate the three candidates and the panel could not come to a conclusion, so they employed DRAKE INTERNATIONAL to conduct a test/examination for the three of us. This is not a common HR process that the NT Government go through...actually, it's the first I've heard of.

I almost pulled out my application because the stress level that I was experiencing back then was too much. I thought I'd never be able to handle it. But someone told me to just stick to it 'till the next day because one or the other two applicants might pull out before me. So I decided to wait it out.

Yes, I do believe so much in God. I may not be religious, but my faith is unquestionable. The first and last thing I do everyday is pray. Every time I wake up in the morning, I pray and thank God. Before I go to sleep at night, I pray and thank Him again. At that point, I secretly prayed in front of my computer while working. I asked Him for guidance. My staff might laugh at this if they ever read this...

But anyway that same morning I was told to ring Drake International for an appointment, I was talking to a friend at work (Maggie) about the stress this process is causing me and she was trying to convince me to go for the test. At the same time, I was generating a daily exemption report in my work computer...then out came the very first vendor on the report...Guess what it is! DRAKE INTERNATIONAL! Maggie and I laughed at it. Then that same morning, in just a matter of hour, a query was passed on to me by one of my staff who've been tracking down an employee...Guess who the query is about! My very first EXCEL teacher at 'JOB FIND' when I was still looking for jobs over ten years ago. I remember her name so well. So I ran and told Maggie about it. Again, we laughed. Coincidence or not, who knows, but that was the sign I asked for.

Anyway, be that the deciding factor or not, I went to this test (abstract reasoning-more of an IQ test, Accounting and Excel) couple of days after. I thought, I may hate failure so much, but what have I got to loose? I have a job no matter what. (But I still hate failing!)

A week after, I was told I nailed the test and killed the other two applicants. WHHHOooaaahhh! I was not happy I got the job. I was happy I passed the test. Boy was I proud of my self!!!

Then came the realisation that the decision is in my hand whether to accept the offer or not. My ex and current boss are very supportive, they are the two people who have pushed me to go on further and tackle on more responsibilities. They are the two people I ask guidance from when it comes to work because these are the two people who truly believed in my capabilities. So, decision came easy with their advice.

I spent the last two days( Thursday and Friday)in the new workplace, which is, in itself very intimidating. The office is inside the prison here in Darwin, in the middle of nowhere. New office, new staff, new weird environment, new daily route, away from shopping centres...Which I think is the biggest incentive. Food's cheap...cooked by prisoners...Hey I wasn't game enough to eat them, but I was shown how they're prepared and cooked and the security involved while they are in the kitchen. I think it's air-tight. So I ordered my lunch from the prisoner's kitchen during the two days that I was there.

This coming week will be my last week with my current work. I'm sure it will be busy and hectic...and sad of course.

But as always, I look forward to a new journey. It might not work, I might not be able to deliver what's expected of me, but I will most certainly try my best.

So for those who believe in me....you know who you are...Thank you all. Hope you will all remain my friends in years to come...'till life itself ceases. I value all my friends, so even if you won't see me as often as you used to, remember, I am just a phone call away and all our experiences will forever be treasured in my heart.

I meant friends at work, friends in the tribe and around the world.

ABOVE ALL, MY FAMILY.

(I probably won't be able to post blogs as often as I wish, but I regularly visit facebook, so hear and talk to me there everyday.)

THE UNADULTERATED PRESIDENT Jan 23,1933-Aug 1 2009

I pay tribute to another brave, strong, smart and graceful leader. Former Philippine President Corazon Cojuanco Aquino, the first female president in Asia. A house wife to the late Benigno (Ninoy)Aquino, a vocal critique to the Marcos regime who was later assassinated when he went back to Philippines from exile in the United States. Ninoy's death cultivated the way for the Filipino's awakening and uprising.

She is probably the only President Philippines has ever had who did not seek power, but was propelled to the office when the country called for her service. The whole nation is thankful to her for valiantly answering a call from Edsa .

I was in grade school when the Edsa revolution eventuated. It was also called the yellow revolution due to the yellow color which dominated the streets, from yellow shirts to yellow ribbons and yellow flowers. That was my first exposure to a political upheaval which marked my social standing and awareness.

She was called upon to help remove the then incumbent, President Ferdinand Marcos who was known to have held an authoritarian and corrupt government for twenty years. The revolution was nonviolent and brought the whole nation together.

Towards the end of her appointment, she was urged by so many to run for the office in the following election, but she decently stepped down, appeased by the fact that democracy is back on the hands of the Filipinos. It was the cleanest hand over of office, unprecedented, yet, never seen again thereafter.

Cory Aquino died today after over a year of battle with colon cancer. She's left a country grieving but grateful for letting the nation experience, though briefly, a leadership free from corruption. Her character was not suited for politics, yet she was undoubtedly born a true leader.

To you my dear President,

SALUDO AKO SA IYO!!!

Right: (Me and) Some of my Filipino friends here in Darwin Australia watching the news
about Cory's demise

Cory's picture from:

http://allecoallende.wordpress.com/2008/03/24/

A BRILLIANT MIND ON ITS GRANDEST QUEST

Dino Rex Paller Laurente, Nokee as we so fondly call him, and Ki-Kiw or Kiw to those closest to him. Who would've thought that at 38, he'd be fighting the greatest battle most of us could never even comprehend? For those who've known him in grade school and high school, he'll forever be remembered as one hell of an intelligent guy.

Yet today, he battles with colon cancer. Early last week I received a post on my facebook account regarding his condition. I was dumbfounded. He is not just a childhood friend and someone I look up to with envy for being so blessed with such intelligence, but he is my cousin as well.

My family used to live on the same street in CMU as their family and another relative (The Santiagos-whose matriarch is Nokees' Mums' sister) lived. I admit, they were the fondest memories I have, where innocence lingered, intellectual moldings embarked and where principles started to engage.

We've marked that street with so many bike tracks as well as 'Bulan-Bulan' (moon)circles, a game we had so much fun playing during full moon. It was on that street that I have come to my consciousness and my very first memories do include my cousins Bernie, Nokee and his two siblings, Lora and Dollee. I, myself shared a near-death experience with his sister Lora. Whatever that incident was, we are glad we came out of it living.

While all of us would be skateboarding up near the cemetery, Nokee usually kept to his readings. During mid-term breaks we'd all go mountain climbing (up Musuan Peak), Nokee still preferred reading. Over the yearly three-months summer breaks from school, we'd all (along with his sisters) go to our aunties' house in the city for holiday, fun and shopping...Nokee would still read. My memory of Nokee was that he's constantly reading either a book or a magazine (Readers Digest, Time, etc).

I also remember we used to climb up the guava tree or the santol tree in front of their house and Nokee and I would spend hours discussing just about any social issues while perched in one of the branches. I loved listening to him. He made topics interesting even when they seemed too dull at first glance. He is very informative.

I remember we dug up the back of their house to make a fish pond, but while digging, he said that he can make a swimming pool out of the pit he's dug. That's his kind of thinking. He sees the bigger picture, he thinks outside the box. He discerns the many possibilities out of one originally simple plan...But of course the excavation stayed as a pond.

In grade school, he graduated with honors. In high school, he's shown his talents in leadership, writing and public speaking. But you will never want to see him dance. He's like someone with a pair of feet not made for each other. No, that wasn't his forte, but his academic excellence gained him one of the top honors during graduation. He was also the EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE AWARDEE.

Nokee is also an excellent writer. His degree in Dev.Com is so befitting to his talents. His was an organised mind. He sees things and events and writes about them in a system more logical and comprehensible rather than a haphazard collection of events. Had he chosen to become a journalist or a professional writer, he, no doubt would have excelled in this field too. The world had so much to offer to him. Now, I feel sad that at such a young age, his future is hanging in a balance.

There is vaguely any memory of him getting into mischief, apart from when he annoys the crap off his sisters by teasing them and playing tricks on them. All these added on to his loving personality as a 'KUYA', not only to his siblings but to us his cousins too.

After high school he went to the University of the Philippines Los Banos where he got his degree in Development Communication. When he came back to CMU, I've already left for a university outside of Bukidnon and I've lost track of what he'd been up to. But what ever it was, I am sure he still did it for the country. If there is one thing I am sure about Nokee, it is that he is one true Makabayan (patriot).

Nokee is one of the most brilliant minds I've personally known. It is sad to know that he is going through such hurdles and is having difficulty accepting his condition right now. I wish and pray that he will strengthen his faith and pull through this difficulty.

His sister, Lora Mae, who is a nurse in Canada, informed me that he'd been through surgery and he will be undergoing chemo therapy as soon as he is strong enough for this procedure. Apparently the surgery incision has become infected, so I really really hope he's going to get better and stronger for the chemo.

For us who remain ignorant of this decease, here are some of the symptoms as per WIKIPEDIA, "There may be a change in bowel habit (new-onset constipation or diarrhea in the absence of another cause), and a feeling of incomplete defecation (tenesmus) and reduction in diameter of stool...including the passage of bright red blood in the stool...as may the increased presence of mucus..."

It is said that colon cancer is the cause of "655,000 deaths worldwide per year, it is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorectal_cancer)

My son and I have just been to the Doctor because he's having diarrhea. I asked our Doctor what causes colon cancer and she said, "...eating too much meat". That got me worried. My son hardly eats anything else but meat. I told Jashkah about Nokee and colon cancer and we both have agreed we will put more vegetables in our diet from hereon. So should you...

There is so much more I could say about Nokee, but not one of them would ease the pain that he and his family is going through right now. So for you couz, please be strong and have faith. As Eric Epie said, "Science and Faith go hand in hand". I say, have more of the later, for without it, nothing is possible and hope decimates.

My love and prayers are with you. Thank you. Thank you for sharing so much wisdom when we were young. You might not know, but you have embedded some principles in me.

Get well soon.

One of his classmates back in High School posted a Dylan Thomas quote on the Dino Rex Laurente FIGHT AGAINST COLON CANCER facebook wall which I like so much. "Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light". I hope Nokee gets to read that post. So right and true.

Here is that poem.

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,

Because their words had forked no lightning they

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright

Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,

And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death,

who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,

Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

photo of the colon specimen from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colon_cancer

HOLY MOLLY BROCOMOLY NEW MOON TRAILER IS OUT

OML! It felt like a century of waiting... Now I'm back up from slumber.

Finally the NEW MOON trailer is out. It's about time Edward and the rest of the Cullens come back to my life. I've been reading all sort of books since I last opened Breaking Dawn so I could stop re-reading all four books over and over and over again. Ive had my workmates borrow and pass around my Twilight books so I can stop thinking about them. As expected, everyone fell madly in love with the saga. One even said she did not want to return them to me.

Then this morning, my son went screaming like crazy, "Vampire! Vampire!" ,while I was dressing up for work. It freaked me out because I didn't know what he was screaming about. So I rushed to our entertainment room where he was waiting for me, without my eye glasses. Not seeing anything! But the moment I heard Edwards voice in the TV...I just knelt down right in front of it like I was praying (because I could not see without my glasses)...but was also really thanking all saints, gods and goddesses for bringing back the Cullens.

Hell...What this thing does to me!!!

This is not fair. I am so anxious for November to come....Please please please let it be November already.

MTV Shows

videos from MTV and YouTube

THE SATURDAY DINNER

Jashkah's real birthday as you know was last Thursday, but we celebrated it with friends yesterday here in our house. Last Thursday however, we took Jashkah to his favorite resto-NOODLE HOUSE.

Some of the staffs in the restaurant are friends of my husband, and they surprised Jashkah by singing along with the stereo while they brought out a little cheese cake for him as we were about to leave. Well, yeah...Jashkah was so embarrassed but thankful anyhow.

Just an update on his birthday wish...that I sign the parental consent on his McDonald's application form...Yes, I did. I said yes but with too many conditions, mainly:

• That he only works on certain days and certain hours.
• That he maintains his school marks-if it goes bad this term, it will mean automatic resignation. No more explanations to be heard.

He said he'll even make it better...Let us wait and see.

I asked him how much he'll be earning per hour, then we calculated how much he'll be earning in a week. Then I said, "...less the tax that you're paying...", he went, "What tax?"

He cringed after I explained what tax is and said, "That's not fair. Is the government really allowed to do that?"

My oh my.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF THE ADULTS AND REALITY MY SON!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR SON

This afternoon, Jashkah presented me with a couple of forms from school that he said, I needed to sign. One of which is an application form for McDonald's. As in McDonald's the globalised fast food franchise.

I knew my son's 14th birthday is coming up, but I didn't realise part-autonomy, independence and self-sufficiency comes with it. It bothered me a lot, because I've always told my self I will never send my son to work while he's still in school. I will never allow him to experience the satisfaction of earning meagre amount of money because he might think it can readily sustain him for the rest of his life. I wanted him to finish school and get the education that he so rightfully deserve. Education was prime and foremost. Money later.

I decided back then that I will bear all cost and provide him with every single thing he may one day need and want for as long as he's in school. When he's done with his schooling, then he can work and earn his own sweat.

That was my principle...back then.

Then along comes the realisation that part of that education is how you earn your own money, because what comes with it is the learning of the value of your own hard work.

So now, I am in a quagmire of ambiguity. I've been debating and arguing with my self for the last 6 hours since he came home from school. He recently told me that I am 'OVER PROTECTIVE', and that I should let him out a bit...I am lost here. Am I the only mother being accused of being over protective?

But then again...he is now in fact a 14 year old MAN.

I do realise I need to allow him space for some decision-making in his life. It's the only way for him to experience the facts of life.

Back to his overture...more like argument and rationalisation as to why he should work: we are going to Philippines this December for a holiday. He needs spending money.

My argument is: he's got $25.00 allowance every week, therefore he will have spending money if he knows how to save.

His rebuttal: It's not enough.

Mine: Clean up my car and the house every weekend and I'll pay extra.

He, no doubt, wasn't happy with how that ended. As usual, I had the last say...So should all mothers;=)

But it doesn't mean mothers should always win. We should all open our minds and consider their arguments and all avenues. I might sound like a condescending mum, but I am usually a very broad minded mum. I allow reasoning and contemplate on it. And I do not make decisions simply to demonstrate my power. I make my decisions based on arguments presented to me...PLUS...logic.

I haven't made my decision yet, but my son does not know that. He probably thinks that was the end of the discussion.

It really is not easy to be a mum...a mum of a teenager at that. But I am glad that he is now exercising his self-reliance and individuality. It may be too hard to admit, but he is starting to grow his own wings...and I have the responsibility to show him how to make use of those wings and fly...and SOAR HIGH gracefully like a falcon.

So, SOAR HIGH MY DEAR SON...

You will only understand a parent's love once you are one yourself.

Happy birthday Jashkah. I love you so much.

A MOTHERS LOVE

Today I thank my Mum

She who nurtured me

who protected me.

I thank her for loving me then and forever.

I thank the woman

who defied the impossible,

wo made sacrifices

beyond the neeless anxiety

Thank you so much Mum.

I love you forever...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.

THONGS AND THONGS

I am currently stuck with so much to blog about but so little time to do it. From the Easter Egg Hunting that we did for the kids, which was the other weekend, to the lakwatsa that we did over the weekend that's just gone.

I am, however, more excited to show you first what we, Tres Amigas, did last Saturday...

Anyway, last Friday, Cat got her DHL box from Pinas. It's got her late pasalubong for us from her holiday back home. She's got me a bag, some knick knacks, a shirt and some pinoy seasonings (I left it back at her place-Actually, I think someone's pinched it off my bag...Jehehehe).

But the feature pasalubongs are: JARRRRAAAANNNGGG!!!

HAVAIANAS!!!

It's brought the number of my HAV thongs to five. Had two from my sis and my cousin Bing. Another two from Cat, and one from....guess who!

PAPA E!

Thank you very much Papa E.

Papa E is Cat's beau...Actually, boyfriend...No, fiancee na pala. He's also given Mona a pair of Havaianas. I don't think he's just trying to suck up on Cat's friends here in Darwin. I think he's just a genuinely nice, thoughtful, caring, worthy, congenial, admirable, responsible, favorable, amiable, agreeable (huff. huff), commendable, sociable, affable, amicable, distinguishable (huff. huff) gentleman...any other adjectives you can add? I'm hoping that every adjective will be converted to a pair of Havaianas when Cat goes back to Pinas...very soon!!! Yehey! Another pair...Bait bait ni Papa E. Sabi ni Mona you're now one of her official sponsors...I-endorse ka daw nya palagi...

Kiding aside, thank you very much Papa E, from the bottom of our bottom...este hearts pala ni Mona.

No need to impress us. We know you're highly capable of looking after our friend.

Anyway, last Saturday, Cat, Mona and I went to this Bra and Knicker sale at the Darwin Show Grounds. Cat's bought gazillions of lingerie and Dolce and Gabbana thongs- getting ready for the big event huh Cat?

Mona was just happy to try every single kinky outfit that she saw and pause for the camera. She ended up buying a D&G thong as well...Wanna bet? That g-string you bought will just end up as Xander's sling shot! I bet my butt crack that Thong won't see the light of day. Baka ipapa frame pa nya yan together with the Havaianas that Papa E gave her...

I was not able to get anything for myself because I'm a Jammy kind of gal. I love my pyjamas and I can't stand G-strings. PERIOD.

However, I got that black leather kinky outfit that Mona's trying on above. Nope, not for myself but for a photo shoot that I am still trying to negotiate with these two sexy ladies. I also got these really cute thongs for my sister. I'm hoping she'll wear them cuz she loves wearing sexy low cut jeans. These thongs will be good to look at just in case her butt crack accidentally pops out of her jeans.

She's slim and athletic, so I think these will really look good on her. Warning though...these pretty thongs can cause you to be a bit of an exhibitionist sis.

But that's okey 'cuz I'm sure her butt won't look like this butt...like mine would .....

Uhhhgghh.

No that's not me...and that's not mine down under. It's some unfortunate soul we've spotted at McDonald's. Very good example of why we have to be very careful and make sure that even our undies are sexy and nice just in case it pops out, right?

Shocks...I think I really look like this...

OH MY LORD. THIS IS WHO?

OMG! OMG! Look at what I've chanced upon this morning in YouTube...

That garage door looks incredibly familiar!!!

HAPPY EASTER

(Some of our Easter Eggs for egg hunting tonight)

Peace and happiness is what we need today. May you feel His presence as He who has risen will never forsake. Rekindle your faith for His triumph is all ours to own and appreciate. A blessed Easter to you all.

-Cheryl and Family

SALT SUGAR RICE AND WATER

• Don't get injured during Good Fridays, or it won't get healed.
• Don't have sex during Good Fridays, the penis will get stuck inside the vagina forever.
• Don't sleep with your feet directly facing the door or else you will die.
• When you are pregnant, you should not eat a Siamese banana or else you will also have a Siamese twin.
• On the very first menstruation, girls should jump three steps in a stair way. Not sure what the reason was for this.
• They should also wipe their bloodied knickers on their faces to prevent pimples from appearing.
• When you get lost, turn your shirt back to front, then you will find the way.
• You are inviting bad luck if you sweep the floor at night time.
• Don't cut your finger nails at night time or you'll constantly fight with your parents.
• If you dream of someone dying, go bite a tree to prevent it from happening.
• When you go past a big tree or a dark place, you have to say "Tabi Apo" to warn spirits you are going through their territory, thus avoid bumping into them and making them angry.
• When you hear someone gritting their teeth while asleep, smack their face with a rubber thong to prevent bad luck then chuck that thong out through a window...Geees, I wish there is a Scientific explanation to this. Would give me lots of excuses to smack my hubby's face!

These are just a few of the many superstitions I've grown to hear during my younger years. Some Filipinos bring these weird and funny beliefs even here in Australia. Some superstitions have gone up to a different and 'higher' level...the Feng Shui.

My friend, Mona and her family moved into their newly bought house today. Advices came flocking in with regards to when/how they should move in. The one that probably reverberated the most was about what they should first bring into the house. Salt, sugar, rice and water. Apparently, this is also supported by the Feng Shui studies(is it even a study or an art?)

These four items signify the most basic needs in living, and should therefore be taken into the house before anything else so the household will have abundant supply of the basic commodities. I admit, I have also fallen victim into this folklore when we first moved in our house. With the number of people telling me this is what we should do, then I thought it might be disrespectful to those who wished us good. So I dutifully brought all these items in before anything else. I laid them to their respective spots because that's where they're meant to multiply.

Surprisingly, only after that was dramatised did I truly appreciate and vanquished on the realisation that we have finally bought our first home. I could easily compare the feeling when I first conquered the top of Musuan Peak. Then I had calls from friends asking whether we have brought the salt, sugar, rice and water in...I felt I wanted to say, "THE EAGLE HAS LANDED" to be even more dramatic. When I went back to the kitchen, I got the shock of my life when I saw it was raining with rice inside the freaking house! My husband was throwing the rice by a handful (each time) in all corners of the house like a priest blessing the bloody house!!!

I screamed like a wounded witch who was about to pounce on a trespasser in my domain! I think my husband wished he said 'Tabi Apo' right that minute. I asked him what the hell was he doing...He said, "Isn't that what we're supposed to do to have a prosperous life?"...Then I saw bunch of coins spread out in the four main corners of the damned house!

Oh My Lord. A variation of the superstition I've been told. Well, apparently these superstitions vary in all the different regions in the Philippines, and from the sounds of it, it also evolves.

Well, when my friend, Mona, moved into their new house this afternoon, she's done the same thing I did, but the Monaliza way. Her timing is apparently better because the full moon is up today (or tomorrow?), which is said to be another magnet for good luck and prosperity.

I know there is no scientific truths to any of these, but what's our loss if we follow? I did it to make everyone happy, and because of the fact that it's already part of our custom. I've always believed in preserving customs and traditions (only the good ones)we have inherited from our forefathers. Besides, it's fun having to do some kind of ritual during big occasions in your life, such us moving to your newly bought house.

What the hell...I need all the lucks in the world I can get in paying back the mortgage, I might as well do all the rituals even if it means I need to chop off a chicken's head!

The salt, sugar, rice and water ? We still run out of them from time to time. Could it be because I vacuumed all the rice from the floor? When you throw away food, you're meant to say "Porya Gaba"...Oh my...I didn't say that. I'm cursed! That's probably why they don't get automatically replenished...

UNVEILING TALIBAN'S SHARIA LAW BRUTALITY

I have finished reading 'A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS' last night and I found it very disturbing. I thought I've seen very backward places and met too many ignorant people, but nothing's compelled me to swear like I could kill with my mouth, as much as these atrocities did.

I searched You Tube if this fictional plot lays even half the truth of what's happened in Afghanistan during the reign of the Talibans. Whala! I found thousands of videos showing the injustices these Mother F*****s have done on the face of the earth. I have never been so ashamed of a fellow specie like I am now. How can these self righteous, sanctimonious bastards be classified as human beings? They are nothing but PIGS! PIGS-pretending to be so divine and better than the rest...

Religion does not do this...It's the society who allows this to happen. Yet they claim to be civilised! Hah! Children are meant to be protected, not abused. Where is civility in that? Women are supposed to be cherished and respected. Where's decency in that?

Fuck Talibans and fuck the men who do this! The world can do without your kind. It will be a much better place without you animals!

Women flogged for showing an ankle, hair, face? Kiss my big fat ass all you defective crap of a human being that you are!!! Women are not possessions, we are human beings too, just like men. But hey there might not even be any use in writing more about how sick these monsters are because they probably can't read anyway. As illiterate as they are.

I've heard a lot about gender apartheid but I've never personally searched you tube for violence in any way, shape or form. Now it's suddenly become all too real.

I've never wished for anyone to die in my whole life. But I do now...Die all you coward women-oppressors!

A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS by Khaled Hosseini-worth every time in the world.

"The day will come when men will recognize woman as his peer, not only at the fireside, but in councils of the nation. Then, and not until then, will there be the perfect comradeship, the ideal union between the sexes that shall result in the highest development of the race." —Susan B. Anthony

KABUL BEAUTY SCHOOL

Bravo to Deborah Rodriguez, the author as well as the first person of the book. This is by far the best book I have read this year. Yes, I have fallen so blindly in love with Twilight. It was some kind of a mental refuge to venture towards the fictional world for which I have always painted in my mind to be the ideal reality I want to be a part of. But no matter what we do, Twilight will remain a mere fantasy.

Kabul Beauty School is reality. A reality we can all be a part of if we choose to and if given the chance. It is a true account of the author's experiences in Kabul.

Last month (March) was Women's Awareness month. It's good that I've read the book last week, which was still March. It reminded me of women's rights, issues, struggles, success and future.

For most modern women, myself included, we have come a long way. From the afflictions that our gender had gone through, to the beginning of the women's suffrage movement in 1848...then now. What rights we enjoy at present are products of the egalitarian spirits of women who fought for social reforms. It is however very unfortunate that this crusade did not slither successfully towards the East, Afghanistan specially.

With Taliban gaining power in 1996, complete ban of education for girls was imposed in adherence to a very strict Sharia law (Islamic Law). This marked the beginning of the end of women's rights and protection in Afghanistan.

Women get stoned to death if they are as much as accused to be committing adultery. Yes, in all forms of morality adultery is considered foul, but we don't get stoned to death in public for this. We don't get sent to jail because someone raped us. We do not get beaten because we've shown our face to someone outside the family. We do not get sold by our fathers to supplement their needs. We are not forced to marry at the age of 12 to a 45 year old man so our family can collect dowry. We don't have to hide inside the house and inside the burka when we're outside the house because the Taliban's might grab us off the streets...

When NATO Forces started occupying Afghanistan in October 2001 in response to the 9/11 attack, Afghan women started seeing hopes again. Part of these optimisms are caused by the arrival of the many NGOs in Afghanistan to help rebuild the country and the people. Deborah Rodriguez went to rebuild the spirits of women.

The burka clad women have been locked away for so long in these outfits which we, westernised women might consider a jail cell. For them, it is a protection. It's their hiding place from being seen by Taliban extremists.

Debbie Rodriguez is a hair dresser and a beautician. How in the world did a beautician help women in a world where not even a strand of woman's hair is to be seen by the public? Teaching people how to be beautiful in a place where beauty is not visualised is like teaching a bunch of people with amputated arms to paint.

She started a beauty school which clearly stepped over the cultural divide. The school hatched a number of (now)successful women entrepreneurs. But her journey was not without tears...lots of it. This is not to say that there was no laughter and fun though. Her book illustrated several comedic experiences. One instance was when her best Afghan friend, Roshanna, got married.

Roshanna is no longer a virgin (she was raped during a previous engagement). If you are a single Afghan woman and is no longer a virgin, the odds of you getting chosen as a first wife is dire. Her fiancee, whom she hasn't seen before does not know this. They have this consummation ceremony after the wedding, where the couple are meant to make love over a white handkerchief for the first time while the mother of the bride stands guard outside the door. The bride then hands over the white handkerchief (stained with blood) to her mother so she can proclaim and prove that her daughter is a 'wholesome-respectable virgin'.

In Roshanna's case, it was impossible to produce a bloody handkerchief. Roshanna and her husband tried several times, but Roshanna always ends up pushing her husband away. When the husband was about to give up, Debbie stepped in between coaching time and love making time. She clipped her fingernails too short so she cuts her flesh and spilled blood for Roshanna. She drained and wiped all the blood she could possibly force out into the handkerchief and handed it back to Roshanna and said..."Here's your virginity!" . They hid the handkerchief underneath the pillow before another love-making trial session... After a few minutes, off went Roshanna's mum screaming, "VIRGIN! VIRGIN!"

Her beating the odds in reshaping the outlook of women is perhaps the sweetest success the female population in Afghanistan has achieved in decades.

Afghan women have a long way to thread through, but there is always a start. The Kabul beauty school started and ignited the influx of self sufficient and independent Afghan women. Most of the graduates are now earning more than what Doctors in Kabul earn. Doctors generally charge 10 Afghani per visit, where beauticians charge up to 300 Afghani to do a bridal make-up.

She currently lives in California. It is very unfortunate that Debbie Rodriguez could not return to Kabul just yet. There had been many accusations and threats against her. The school was accused as a brothel. She'd been accused of so many things but a true emancipator of the long suffering women of Kabul.

Like her, I have this ardent wish to be able to do something big. I've always thought that if I'm able to change a life or two for the better in this lifetime, then I have not lived a meaningless life.

I have yet to fulfill that wish. Right now, I am in search of that path.

This book reaffirmed my belief that anyone can make a change. Specially a woman.

WELL DONE! VERY INSPIRING!!!

Photo of the burka clad women from this site:
http://www.afghaninjustice.com/articles.htm
Photo of Deborah Rodriguez from this site:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/reviews/2007-04-11-kabul-beauty-school_N.htm