LTO Driver's License Renewal Made Easy
I got my driver's license about 3 years ago and it was a tedious experience for me. The day was long and there were a lot of people who are same as I, getting their licenses as well. Mine's about to expire next month and I just want to make sure I renew it in advance since I drive a lot.
There are actually just a few steps to get your driver's license renewed.
Make an account at the LTMS Portal or the Land Transportation Management System Portal. https://portal.lto.gov.ph/ords/f?p=1200:HOME::::::
You can use a laptop or a cellphone in creating an account to register.
Tick REGISTER NOW
Agree to the Terms of Agreement and fill in the Captcha provided
Then click Next
Click Enroll as an Individual if you're applying for yourself and the other one if you're an organization.
It will ask you if you have an existing driver's license (I'm assuming you have since the title above is for those who are renewing their licenses only, like me)
Then fill out the necessary information and when you're done, make sure to save your login information and your password, you're going to need this every time you login to the portal.
Once you've created an account and is logged in, you'll be directed at the welcome page where your name is displayed and information about licensing, transactions, violations, documents and your profile.
But at the topmost of the web page you'll see "**E-Learning**", click on that and then click CDE Online Validation Exam.
The exam's actually very easy, they only require you to pass 50% and all of the questions are related to your driving which in part you already knew since you already have a license.
When you pass the CDE Examination, have it printed and then go to the nearest LTO Office where Driver's License Renewal is catered.
They'll require you to get a Medical Certificate, which in most cases especially LTO branches in Malls have clinics nearby and are LTO accredited.
From there all you have to do is submit your documents and wait for the releasing of your Driver's License. I don't know if fees are the same wherever but do the necessary payments as well. :D
Depending on how many are doing the same thing as you, you'll be done before the day ends.
I started processing at 10 A.M and got my license at 4:30 P.M that same day.
:D
Pretty easy. Just the waiting part is the down-side but it is really not as fussy as before.
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Just sharing my experience. Good day peeps and may you have a productive day ahead.
In Memoriam
A wailing sound erupted in the kitchen
The boisterous laughter stopped and everybody become silent in the dining area as the wailing sound continued.
Mother collapsed while cooking, Tina who was just about to get water in the fridge, saw her fall.
Maaaaaaaaaaamaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
The cry of anguish was so loud that everybody scrambled to get to where they were.
Mama, mama, wake up!
Somebody shook her, did a CPR. Mama wouldn't budge. She just won't wake up.
Mama died that day.
Thalia cried so hard, silently. Her tears falling from her eyes without her even knowing consciously.
They were the closest, she was the youngest and was only 10.
She just lost her dearest best friend and the only person who knows her the most.
It was the most debilitating moment of her life.
They held her wake the first night.
Nobody came.
Her entire family didn't have the energy to let people know their mama died.
Let alone acknowledge she's gone. But her body was there. Lying still, not a wink or a raise of her breath
Everyone on autopilot. Like robots in motion, moving asynchronously without a crack of emotion.
She was the life blood of the family.
Her strength and vigor brought everyone to life.
Her smile, animated stories and loving arms drew them to her and now she's gone.
It seem so farfetched to think that there should be laughter or sound coming from them. Not this time, no!
Not with her gone.
Suddenly, Thalia erupted in laughter.
It was the kind of laughter mixed with tears, but a real one it is.
She laughed with all her might. Laughed with tears running on her checks like floodgates, unable to stop.
She seemed crazy, sounded like one who's gone mad with grief.
But no, it isn't the case.
Thalia remembered, every single joke her mom made.
Minute details, moments when the matriarch of the family utters words of wisdom.
It's like they're reminding her that she doesn't or they shouldn't have to worry about anything.
Life begins and ends.
A cycle.
It just meant that it's their turn now.
To bring laughter
To bring joy
To be vigorous
To lit everyone around them with fire.
This woke people in the house up.
No more robotics
The pain may be there but their taking up the challenge, their Mama raised to them.
Thalia, though ten, she knows she'll do same as her Ma one day.
(A work of fiction)
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In Memoriam:
Teresita B. Mercado
1942-2022
With love from me to dearest Mama!
I lovest thee!
When in a Hurry, Slow Down
How could slowing help you move faster?
You know, old people are quite wise
They always have these anecdotes where young people often can't get.
It always seem like every word they speak have hidden meanings, or they talk in codes.
Take for instance the above mentioned title.
Why would slowing down make you go fast?
When you have a destination in my mind and your driving, of course, driving at a faster mph gets there ahead of those at a slower pace.
Or when you do all things together, you can get more things done.
I tell you though, my Ma, she always seem so calm doing things.
She never seem to be in a hurry.
In fact, she always do things at a pace where young me would consider turtle-ish.
I would say I was the complete opposite of slow.
When I do things, I always, always want to get things done immediately, so I'd string all works and hasten everything.
Which kept getting me redoing so many things due to mistakes and accidents.
My mother's line is always, "When you want things to get done fast, slow down."
I never fully understood this until I got at a certain age.
Young people often wants immediate actions, rush through things even without pre-thinking(making my own words here) or preamble.
I rushed through life without second guessing everything.
Not even a back-up plan in mind.
Looking back at how I've handled my life, I'd say my Ma was right.
You see when you slow down, you'll have time to think things through.
When you slow down, you're actually able to make sure that the steps you make are safe.
You can prepare for what's to come and be able to psych your self to be able to come on strong.
String pearls fast and you'll be completely amazed that I'm right. Come on try it at home.
I did try it and timed myself and the more I go faster, the more I slowed my self down.
But when I carefully stringed them together, taking time to be patient, I haven't missed a single hole and was able to complete stringing them altogether at an earlier time.
My point is, when you go through life in a rush, you'll burn out easily and can't be able to enjoy it, perhaps you'll be sticking your tongue out and take heaves of air as if you're out of breath. You'll also see that you'll have more mistakes and wrong choices made.
But take time to slow down and you'll see that your dreams and aspirations can be achieved faster and you my friends will have fewer heartaches and pains.
Just a simple analogy, from me to you.
Vang
I'll never be afraid again
An Ode of a Woman of Low Self-Esteem
I'll never be afraid again
Ever
I'll never be afraid to speak my mind
Ever
I'll never be scared to show my emotions
Ever
I'll never allow anyone to trample on me
Ever
I'll never be too scared to explore new horizons
Ever
I'll never let anyone treat me like am beneath them
Ever
I'll never be too scared to care
Ever
From now on
I will wear my emotions on my sleeve
I won't care what you think
I will always tell those in my circle that I love them
I will always speak of my faith even when nobody listens
I will always be bold enough to walk with head held high
I will be someone who is not afraid to soar, to explore, and to traverse this life with as much dignity intact
I am who I was created to be
And that's not something to be afraid of.
I am me and that should be enough.
Softball
It's the last inning and everyone was looking at the batter on the plate, about to take a swing at the incoming ball.
Alas, she swung and hit the ball so hard that it went over to the distant school adjacent to mine.
The crowd erupted with shouts of "Homerun", while the fielders scrambled for the ball.
It was the most exhilarating experience I had watching a game.
I was 9 and it was a division meet where my Ma umpired for the West District players.
I fell in love with the sport, right then and there. It was a love at first match.
After the event, I went to school everyday with a new vigor.
Each day I played baseball with the boys. (I couldn't do something with the softball game since I was still in elementary and you can only play when you're in high school) Blame it on the system. :D
I watched a lot of softballs and baseballs on ESPN, mind you. Shouting and ranting as if I'm in the same crowd as the onlookers on the field. I couldn't get to high school fast enough.
Anyhow, High School came at last.
I didn't get to play when I was in freshman year. I was having a hard time adjusting to a life of a high schooler. Assignments and tests, and socializations, it seems I was the only who didn't want to grow up. I was waylaid by such distractions that's why I forgot about my passion for a while.
Second year of high school came and schools' annual sports arrived. A friend of mine invited me to try out and I remembered clearly what it was I wanted so much to be part of. Although at that time, juniors and seniors where the ones micromanaging sports teams and I only got a short stint playing softball. So I opted for basketball and tracks, biding my time.
Alas, Junior High School came and I got the best year of my life. A teacher and the coach of our team knew I played the game and made me play. She saw my potential and made me captain of our team. Imagine that at Third Year High School. Ha! Not only that, I became the first Junior to be the Captain of our school's varsity team.
My love for softball is evident in how I play.
That feeling when you step on the plate and you can already imagine where your ball is going and how the other team is going to scramble to get to it. I can't even see the crowd or hear the noise. All I know is that when I am on the field, I feel invincible. I love that rush when I throw or pitch a ball and the batter can't hit it or when I step on the batting plate and hear the swish of the ball as it comes to me. I love the sound of the ball as it hits the bat, as I swing it and it connects and I get to have my home run dance. I love the coordination of team players and the camaraderie. I love how synched and in tuned we were to each other. The stillness of the crowd as it waits for the strong batter or the best player of the team step on the plate. Or the fast ball that reaches the highest mph ever thrown.
Albeit it to say, I did have a lot of sprains and pains during my time playing the game. But no one can take me away from that field in my High School years.
Suffice it to say, I did get to play in the regionals and meet a lot of like minds. Crowds don't scare me when I'm in the field. Whatever they chant, whether they're rooting for us or the other team, doesn't matter to me. All I know is that rush that comes to me every time I'm on the field. It felt like I was home.
Now that I'm in my mid life, I remembered it so well like it was yesterday and I never could regret those years of my life.
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Why Bother
When a loved one is Lost
When someone you love dies
Why bother?
When someone you treasure is lost
Why celebrate?
All celebrations won't matter
Without the smile of your Mother
Your Father, your Lover, your Brother,
Your Sister or your Friend
Why bother celebrating Christmas, New Year
Birthdays and whatever need celebrating there is.
Why bother?
Why?
You should have a care my friend
Your lover, father, mother, brother, sister, and friends care.
That you celebrate their lives
Honoring their existence with happy thoughts
Rejoicing in the lives they lived together with you.
So celebrate all Holidays there is
That have their imprints, their essence
Their joys and their smiles.
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From someone who just lost a Ma and a Pa.
with love,
SheisVang
Rocky the Dog and Momo the Cat
There once was a dog and a cat who lived near the sea.
The dog's name is Rocky, while the cat's name is Momo (Which is obviously in the title).
There's nothing really extraordinary about them but they had adventures you and I will never know.
Rocky is a happy dog who is very loved and adored by his persons.
When he was but a puppy of 3 months, his Dada person saw him in the streets from the arms of a vendor selling dogs(I know this shouldn't be the case. Dogs shouldn't be sold in the streets). But there he was, looking so fragile, the only one left behind. He was black with fluffy hairs and big round eyes. :D Dada person, couldn't resist him, so he bought him and brought at home.
When his Sibling persons saw, they greeted him with glee and were simply overjoyed to finally get a puppy. The only person who's not so elated is the Mama person.
The Mama person knew she'll be the one to take care of him, wake up at midnights and answer Puppy Rocky's call of nature.
True to her thoughts, those days indeed happened.
Each night, Rocky licks her Mama person awake for his nightly routine. Mama person then gets up and grant whatever it is he needs.
Day in and day out, Rocky wore Mama person out.
Rocky knew her Mama person couldn't resist him. There is no truer truth than what he expected. Mama person loved him so much. Buys him treats and brings him wherever she goes.
Rocky was very happy. Enjoying his days of outings and groceries.
One day, the Middle Sibling person brought a cat at home named Momo(Named by her Little Girl person)
Rocky was so jealous. He and Momo often fights.
He'd bark and chase Momo everywhere.
But each time he does that, his Mama person often told him to befriend Momo, since she's new to his home and all. He couldn't get what she meant though.
So he does the same thing everyday.
One day, he finally got tired of chasing Momo everywhere and finally accepted that she's not going anywhere.
They finally co-existed. Each one learning from each other.
Sometimes Rocky acts like a cat and sometimes Momo as dog.
Living together indeed, traits and characteristics can be gained both ways.
The end.
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A true story of Rocky and Momo
A Love Poem to the First Man I love
The moment I opened my eyes
You're the first man I saw.
The moment you smiled at me
I wondered why you are doing so.
The moment you held me in your arms
I wondered about your tenderness
The moment I opened my mouth
You taught me my first hello
I haven't even said I love you
You let me feel it first from you
That moment when you held my hand
You never want me to let go
Every man I see, I compared them to you.
My love, my Pa.
I love you and I miss you.
I love you father dearest
My first love, my hero.
When You Don't Get Your Way
5 Things to Remember
We don't always get our way, that's a guarantee.
How to deal with disappointments (My POV)
1. When you don't get what you prayed for, believe that there's something better for you that's why you're not granted what it is you asked.
2.Know that the God who created the universe could never be wrong in His dealings with you. You can't see it now, but later you'll understand why.
3.You're not alone. Talk to your spouse, your parents, your siblings or someone you clearly trusts. It helps when you feel there's someone you can talk about your disappointments without judgement.
4.Dig deep and unwind. Nothing could go wrong with a little breathing space, or a large one. Ocean breeze, sea breeze or a bit of sun could go a long way.
5. Pray more. Prayer is the best weapon to deal with everything. Your answers could be just delayed like Daniel's 21 days of waiting, or 20 years, or it could just be that some things are not meant for you. Prayer brings comfort and peace. Ask God to comfort you.
The thing is, this world does not guarantee us success at all times, or that we could always get our way. The best thing to go about in this earth is to always know that whatever God allows in your life, is for your best. He always has the best intentions for you and me.
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Loving from afar,
Vang
End of September (A Date to Remember)
The end of September was a day I looked forward to in the past.
It's a day when my siblings come and gather at home.
Our house full of laughter and chatter.
On a day like this, my Pa would wake up early and gave his usual greetings to his darling wife.
He'd prepared a sumptuous meal and brought her roses and cards.
On a day like today, my brothers and sister, despite busy in their respective lives, would come home and be with her all day long.
Even spend another day just to have more time with her.
On a day like today, the weather changed, and moods despaired
For on a day like today, the laughter was gone along with her
No more chatter, no more laughter.
Someday, on a day like today
The laughter will be back
And chatters will return
For love will prevail
As mother let us swore.
For on a day like today
She made us promise
We'll treasure her
And our family as a whole.
A date to remember, the 30th of September
For on a day like today,
Our mother, our beloved, God has borne.
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In memoriam: T. B. M.
Born: September 30, 194-
Died: July 20, 2022
Under the Shadow of Your Wings
7,000 thoughts enter my mind a day
Some good, some bad.
7,000 thoughts creep into my head
Some I hate, some I love
Some days, my fears are overwhelming
It consumes my thoughts
Seen in my actions
Spoken out loud
Laid bare so utterly naked
And then the good thought seeps in
Little by little
Questioning my fears
Asking my scared self
Why?
Why do you fear?
Should you be afraid?
Should you be scared?
To whom are you afraid?
To whom are you scared?
Answers came in a form a verse
Or a chapter of a passage in the Bible
Psalms 57
Under the shadow of Your wings
I am safe
Under the shadow of Your wings
I am secure
Under the shadow of Your wings
I am at peace
Under the shadow of Your wings
I am loved.
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May you find peace, love, security, and safety **UNDER THE SHADOW OF GOD'S WINGS,** dear brothers and sisters.
To God be all Glory, Honor, and Praise, forever and ever. Amen.
Is God Ever Wrong?
Was there ever a time in your life when you questioned God's rightness in everything?
I am guilty of such.
When I had my second child, she seemed so calm and peaceful. She's not one to fuss nor to make amok around the house.
She cries when hungry, of course, or when she poops or pees. That's the usual for kids. Nothing out of the ordinary.
Then when she was about one year and 8 months old, something changed in her. She spins around while lying and bumps her head on the floor. I never really understood the things she does.
Of course, they were red flags.
And her speech, my goodness, she won't talk anymore.
And many developmental challenges were very flagrantly displayed.
I didn't know autism, I didn't know that it could happen to me or to my newly created family.
I believe myself to be God-fearing, to be a devout to God.
I came to question God's mercies and love for me as my child grew and it became difficult everyday to see her incapable of speech and seeing her self-harm.
That was one of the saddest moment of my life.
To see my own child with disability.
"why God, are you sure you're right in giving her to me?"
All those years of questioning left me in pain, struggling while dealing with my other kids and my husband.
My personal torments as well, while juggling freelancing on the side.
Then it dawned on me, who else should God give her to?
If not to me, to whom?
No one could love her like I do.
No one could take care of her like I do.
No one could understand her more than me.
And these realizations made me accept, that God is never wrong.
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I'm learning everyday to deal with life's uncertainties which I'm sure you are too.
God loves us!
“For by Him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:16, NIV
Mimi Hates the Word "Meeting"
What can I say, she does.
What is the meaning of the word "meeting", anyway?
According to dictionary.com, meeting simply means:
noun. **the act of coming together**: a chance meeting in the park. an assembly or conference of persons for a specific purpose: a ten o'clock business meeting. the body of persons present at an assembly or conference: to read a report to the meeting. a hostile encounter; duel.
Ah, it just dawned on her of why.
Mimi thought a family meeting is always a wonderful gathering or coming together to discuss family matters.
Each time the head of the family calls for a meeting, there is always a hidden agenda behind it.
Each time they'd get together for a meeting, something bad is always dropped, leaving her feeling helpless and unwanted.
That's why Mimi hates the word "**MEETING**".
To her, it embodies a negative encounter, one which is clearly stated in abovementioned dictionary.com., "a hostile encounter; duel"
So please guys, excuse Mimi if she avoids family meetings at all costs.
Stopping can be Good for You
When is too much, too much?
Giving is good, giving is really good.
Sharing is nice, it is really nice.
Can you tell me when it is not?
Can you tell me why it is not?
Fun is good, fun can be great.
Enjoyment is nice, it can be exhilarating.
When can it be not?
When will it not be so?
My Friend it is not,
When it is too much
When it eats your soul
When it washes off your personality
When it is not teaching others to live but to leach off of you
When you no longer know what's the difference in between.
My Friend, **STOPPING CAN BE GOOD FOR YOU!**
To think, to listen, to hear your inner voice.
*a short poem
How's that possible?
The greatest story ever told is not the ones you see at the movies nor read in books but the life you've lived and are here to tell.
Each of us, be poor or rich, able or have disabilities, we each have a unique story. Stories of our childhood, our adolescence, and adulthood.
But this write-up is not about my life(we'll talk about that later when I feel like sharing my sob stories here. lol), this is a great story nonetheless.
Jonah's story was quite an interesting one.
Ever heard of the story, Jonah and the Whale from the Bible? Here's a read in Jonah Chapter 1 (Bible passage screenshot grab from biblegateway.com)
This seems like a very unbelievable story, a children's fictional story even. Could it really be possible though?
How could a man be eaten by a whale be alive in the belly of a fish for three days and nights?
Let's dissect this together, shall we?
First off, we're talking about a God who is the Creator of the universe and the Creator of man, here. Impossible is not a word in His vocabulary. Just imagine the vast universe created from nothing. If He can make that, this is chicken feed for Him(slang expression from my Cebu)
Secondly, I read an article about a man named Luigi Marquez who claims that he got swallowed by a whale and stayed in its stomach for three days and nights. (5 Apr 2016, deccanchronicle.com). I don't really believe immediately in things I read and watched online, but just to support my story... maybe... possibly this could be true too.
Thirdly and most importantly, this is a faith-based story. So if you don't believe that there is a God who can make things happen and can make the impossible possible, then this story is probably not for you to believe either. (which I respect of course.)
Let me quote one of my most favorite verses from Matthew 19:26 "But Jesus looked at *them* and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Surely, the God who can make the sun, rise and set and clothes the earth with beauty and wonder, can also make a man survive inside a whale in three days and nights.
Greetings from the Philippines and blessings a hundredfold!
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Thanks to @TheRandomRewarder for the upvotes. :))
The Other Prodigal Son/Daughter
Just a background idea on the story of the prodigal son, here's a Bible Passage from King James version:
It talked about the younger son, asking for his share of inheritance from his father and spending it all unwisely and had a miserable life when he lost everything. He went home to his father after his realization and was welcomed with open arms and a celebration commenced right then and there.
For me, this is a great story of love and compassion and unwavering mercies bestowed upon someone unworthy like me.
But have you ever wondered what happened to the other son, the elder brother who got left at home?
Let's ponder upon this together.
Possibly the brother worked his whole life to please his father. Day in, day out, he toiled the land and managed his father's resources, and for what?
Probably there was a time when his brother was away that he was wondering where and what his brother was doing and what he might have missed.
He could probably be happy doing his daily routine and was proud of himself for his accomplishments despite his brother's misgivings.
Imagine your brother coming home and was given a banquet despite all the troubles he caused in your family. Imagine having to watch your father proud of having the trouble-maker home while he didn't even notice all your hard work.
I'd probably be so mad and so hurt that I might just do what my younger brother did or I'd die of jealousy for sure. I'd probably have this anger and bitterness hidden in me which of course I'd never voice out because everybody expects me to be good and understanding.
That is the crux of the matter, my friend. We may think ourselves good when we do the right things and is better at everything. We may feel proud of our accomplishments and can even say to ourselves that we are better than everyone else. But God looks at our hearts
I am guilty of these thoughts. I felt betrayed whenever my mother defends my other siblings despite their misbehavior and the suffering they caused her.
But you know what? The reward is not just here, brothers and sisters. We need to look past the rewards we get here on Earth but look forward to what's in store for us after this life. The struggles and hardships we go through here won't be compared to the glory we will receive of our faithfulness in heaven.
So I'm telling myself to not be the other prodigal son/daughter, to not be bitter but be better.
(My two cents and a half)
Sincerely
The Man with a Gaping Hole in His Chest
Let me start with the most common beginnings...
Once upon a time, there was a man who had a gaping hole in his chest.
When he was just a boy, he lived with his family.
His mother adored him and his siblings too. He was a boy with so much potential, talented in almost all aspects.
His father was a chemical engineer, his hero, and the one he looked up to. He idolized him completely. He wanted to be just like him when he grows up.
Now, this is a common story where a boy hero-worships his father. (I'm a woman and I'm guilty of this)
He studied hard, played the right sports, and excelled academically. He can feel that his father is happy for him and thought to himself that his father must be proud of his accomplishments too.
One day, he had a karate tournament. His father was in the crowd, watching. He lost this fight and saw his father shake his head looking disappointed. This troubled him so much because he doesn't want to disappoint his hero. Unfortunately, failure upon failure struck him successively.
Slowly he saw his father's interest waned.
The gaping hole in his chest started to appear.
The gaping hole grew and grew. It grew so large that you can visibly see it even from afar.
He went through adolescence and early adulthood with this deep wound in his chest.
The last straw was when he heard his father talking to a colleague that he was disappointed in him.
He cried in secret, thinking he must be a total failure and will never be anything good ever. His family was out of the picture, tearing at his emotions and messing with his head.
Now, God has a plan for him. A plan to prosper him and not to harm him. It's true.
For little did he know that a woman will enter his life.
He was coasting through life, drinking his sorrows away when one day he saw this woman whom he remembered was an old university classmate.
She never mentioned the gaping hole in his chest but instead befriended him. She acknowledged his greatness and told him how amazing he was.
They became friends and slowly he regained his confidence.
He remembered how he was and his aspirations in life. Little by little he took the path to an admission of the cause of the hole in his chest.
He acknowledged that he can't please his family every day and that he can't be at all times winning every single battle he faces. He also realized that this woman inspired him and that the hole in his chest is slowly closing.
He can never be his father nor can he be anything close to him, that's for sure. He is his own man and has his dreams to follow.
He worked day and night, rebuilding his lost personality, and lo and behold he became someone whom he can consider a success. Not in the perfection his family wants him to project but successful in a way that his true personality and his joy are evident in his actions kind of way.
He gained the courage to face his family's disappointments and showed them that he can be successful in his way and by God's grace he is.
He married this woman who was and is his friend, his best friend. And they began to teach each other to love themselves and restore their self-esteem.
The end.
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I pray you'll believe that everything can be restored and can be achieved eventually.
And now I leave you with these famous quotes.
"Behind every man's success, there's a woman behind"
and
"Behind every man's failure, there's God's intervention"
This man's hole in the chest is now but tiny and is almost healed to the fullest.
Blessings and more blessings to you all!
(just a work of fiction but had some reality to it, just a slight one)
The Art of Standing Out
Hello Again!
I'm back...
You and I are groomed to think the same. Can't you see?
From social media to tv commercials, and wherever we set our eyes upon, even on billboards, there seems to be a standard for everything.
How do you adapt to this kind of society when you look like a sore thumb?
For starters in social media, everybody sets the bar high. Posts here and there about trips and vacays. The food trips and shopping and the lavish lifestyles a lot of people showed in their timelines. I do believe there's nothing wrong with that if you have the means. I mean, why not. If you have it, flaunt it.
But what if you don't have the means and the money and you felt so much pressure from your peers, trust me that is the hardest to deal with.
I am guilty of trying to please my crowd in the past. To whoever listened, I wanted them to hear only good things. To whoever watches, I show them wonderful stuff and I make sure they see only "my good side". (When spotlights turned off, there's this gaping hole as big and wide as the ocean inside me having to stomach my facades)
At this stage in my life, I've grown tired of all the artifice, I no longer need approval from people I don't even know. Who am I kidding?
(Photo: Taken at our yard. This flower is a depiction of who I am now. Wild and free but not that wild. :))
I can be in my pajamas and go out of the house and buy stuff and I don't give a care how people see me. To me, it doesn't matter. :)) I know I rock the PJs and I am beautiful.
Do you know what I've realized? It's liberating when you no longer have to put on a smile each time someone backstabs you, you just simply avoid them and never have to face them, ever. (I was taught to put on a smile despite bad behavior directed at me or keep mum when someone throws ugliness toward me)
I don't need people to validate my existence. I am Vang, a warrior, a princess, an heiress, a good and loving Ma and I am God's beautiful creation, an apple to His eyes. I am embracing myself and standing out as I should whether society accepts me or not. As long as I am within the bounds of God's standard, I care not what they say about me. I'll dare to be different.
Blessings to you all!
How to Go Out and Spend Less(for the moneyless like me)
These days, stress is real.
Exhaustion, overthinking, and stuff that bogs one's mind can overwhelm us. The responsibilities we handle daily are too taxing for our souls.
As soon as we wake up, we face cycle upon cycle of work - sleep routine.
I tell you, I'm really exhausted, drained to the point of just wanting to get out of the house for once and just unwind.
How do you do that without spending much? We all know that budget's tight with all bills and whatever essentials at home that need to be met.
This is from my perspective and experience, you may not or may follow my advice.
Must-haves:
If you have a motorcycle this is a great advantage. (Of course, driving carefully and making sure you get home in one piece is a must) Cars' gas is too expensive. :))
Make sure you have at least Php500 for spending.
Destination. (It's better when you research before going out)
Bring your own bottle of water(1 bottle costs cheaper when you buy it with your groceries)
The Hows:
First, pray for safety.
Before leaving the house, make sure you left food on the table for your kids and have someone over to watch over them so you won't have that on your mind when you're out.
As you go out, leave everything behind and let your imagination take you to your destination.
Gas up. If you have a petron card that you use during your tanking up, it's time for you to make use of your points. (If you have other point cards, use them)
Make sure you stop at certain places where you see greens a lot or the vast seas.
Money breakdown:
Remember the Php500 I mentioned you should have? Here's how it's used.
Gas: Php200 (Back and forth travel)
Food: Php300 (Fastfoods will do or you can eat at cheap restos)
Simple yet enjoyable, that is if you want economical.
I and my husband often do this. We spend a few hours a week to unwind and just gaze at the sunset wherever our motorcycle bring us.
We live in the Southeast part of Cebu and we often end up in Gaas, Balamban or somewhere south in Carcar or beyond that, or if we feel like going to malls, in SM Seaside with just Php500. You don't have to spend much to unwind. But the best advice for unwinding is to make use of your backyard. Go out of the house and lounge wherever you are. Spend your Php500 for pork or chicken meat or fish and grill them. Go to the nearest beach where you don't need to pay for entrance. Out is still out, you know.
Have fun over the weekend with your love and please take some rest to restore your inner balance!
Just another ordinary day for SamVeil
I am no storyteller but I'll tell you a story nonetheless.
I've told you about my life as a non-verbal and how I have realized my situation as a person, as a daughter, as a sibling, and as somebody who must be cared for because of my inability to speak and express verbally.
When we were babies or toddlers, often our parents don't need us to say anything, we just have to point our fingers and things appear in our hands. All we have to do is cry and we get to be fed and given water or get our diapers changed. It's as simple as that. But as I got older, it got harder for me.
My parents didn't realize I can't speak since at 18 months I've mimicked words from them but things started to wind down as I grew. It became harder for me and eventually, I did stop. I got issues.
As I've mentioned in my previous post that I use to wail a lot. Tantrums and meltdowns are my things but they're in the past. Since I also mentioned that I have a change of heart when I had a nightmare and have come to my senses. I'm better now.
I've got issues, who hasn't? Raise your hand if you have none.
Can't do so, though. Ha, Got you!
Anyway, I love singing. I love listening to music and dancing as well.
I can't sing the usual way.
I just hum and tap and dance.
I started playing the ukulele at age 6.
*(Photo credits to Pexels)*
Then the guitar at 10, I can play it like no other.
*(Photo credits to Pexels)*
I'd probably be the best at it(in my own opinion anyway)
I can play tricks on it and wail (it's my way of singing, tuned in with the music I create)
Ever heard of Bob Marley and the Wailers? Well, they're my idol. Include Lauryn Hill in the picture as well. Hahaha! My Da and Ma introduced me to music at an early age. Da plays guitar while they both sing. My Ma can play too.
Music is a great stress reliever for me and the one expression I get right.
Give me a guitar and I'll probably play till your ears hurt.
While my brothers and sister do their studies, mine is playing guitar the whole day till eating time and back at it again. The good thing about my life is I don't do household chores as my siblings do, I'm still the princess. They love me and support me and they appreciate the thought of me trying to help them my way. Even though I'm a pain, I know for sure that they all care for me and they'll help me in any way they can.
That's me in a day.
I hate to cut this story short but I have to eat and get my bearing straight for now. Sleep will be great too. It's midnight and my Ma will for sure tell me to get my sleep right away without my midnight snacks. :))
Good night guys, sorry for disturbing your peace with my nonsense.
(this is a work of fiction, all nonsense talks, and no weight)
-The End for Now-
Thanks for the upvote:
@TheRandomRewarder
@Panky
@Stea
SamVeil(A Short Story)
I am SamVeil.
I don't live in your typical world.
I have my own.
I don't talk, I don't speak, I don't write, I don't read but I do have a mind of my own.
You see, in my world, I am a princess.
Everyone caters to my need.
When I am awake, everybody wakes up.
When I want to eat, everybody prepares my food and readies them on the table.
When I take a bath, everybody prepares my bath and essentials.
When I want to take a walk, everybody scrambles to their feet.
When I don't sleep, nobody sleeps.
Everybody and everyone wait for me.
I cry, I wail and I shout when everything is not to my satisfaction.
One day, when I woke up, everything was so silent and still.
I wondered where everyone was.
I looked around but everywhere I went there's no one there.
Not my Ma, nor my Pa, nor my siblings and all the servants in my place.
Where could they have gone?
I cried, I wailed and stomped my feet but still, nobody heard me.
I've been shouting for quite a while now and still I don't see anyone running to answer my demands.
I panicked and went out of the house.
I ran out in the streets but there's nobody there.
Not a single soul in my sight.
I see cats, dogs, chickens, deers, and all sorts of animals.
But not a single person who can provide me my needs.
I stopped and cried.
I cried so hard that my eyes hurt and my nose turned red from wiping the snots.
I heaved and I cried again.
I thought to myself what a miserable life would it be if I can't find my Ma, Pa, and siblings.
I thought of all the people who served me without showing them any gratitude.
I thought of all the moments I let them suffer and not letting them know that I can understand them.
I saw a tree ahead.
I sat under it.
By this time, I'm so hungry and dirty and I wanted to eat so much.
I just wasn't used to doing things on my own.
I looked up, I saw fruit from the tree.
It's yellow and heart-shaped.
I thought to myself, this must be good.
My family often prepared this for me and they're quite tasty.
So I climbed up the tree and got one for myself.
I ate one, two, three, and maybe four. I was still hungry.
I need rice, meat, my milk and bread and butter, and my veggies.
I got down and fall to my knees.
Then I remembered, my parents taught me to pray.
I begged and I prayed.
"God please help me find my Ma, Pa, and my siblings. Bring back my Ates(pronounced as a-te and refers to an older woman/sister) and Kuyas(refers to an older man/brother)"
Suddenly, I woke up.
It was all just a dream.
From that day on, I began to help at home.
Become friendly and do not demand anything from anyone.
Though I can't talk and can't speak, I show them my smile and help out in any way I can.
-The End-
Special thanks for the Upvote to:
@TheRandomRewarder
@Panky
@ARTicLEE
@LucyStephanie
Forget about zipping your mouth!
“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all”, said Thumper the wise.
I know so many people who are so vocal with their criticisms that whenever you have the opportunity to get away from their presence, you grab it.
But have you ever met someone so positive that you cringe to be around them too?
Hello, Read, nothing fancy talk around here, just a regular blabbering by dear old me.
A friend of mine back in college was a daily charmer.
She was way older than me and had a different approach to life. (Perhaps I am a bit too cynical with my world views. The bad experience prompted it, trust me.)
You see, I never really understood her positivity. I find it suspicious if all praises and if there are no negative words directed at me, not even in teasing. Every day you hear "You are beautiful", "You're great", and all sorts of positive adjectives from her. Do you also cringe like me?
We Filipinos are used to sarcasm, much worse for Cebuanos. At home, when we say something positive, there were always underlying meanings to it. For instance, when someone is mad at you for not doing your job. One would say, “You are such a good sister. You always follow my orders.”, but the tone and implication meant otherwise. That is how we were.
So when I met this friend, I was wary of all her actions. I thought she was laughing on the inside, but when I met her family, her entire lot is the same. When they visited our boarding house, I was amazed to realize that everything she showed me was pure niceness, politeness and there is no hidden agenda involved.
That is why this time, I learned to accept compliments. I learned to return them too. I love these kinds of people. Gentle souls that influence sarcastic people like me. We have a different take on showing our love, my family and me. We were never gentle folks. We do it with teasing and wearing each other's patience.
I guess her positivity rubbed off on me because now I applied it to my kids and my dealings with people. I truly and genuinely can appreciate people for who they are and compliment them. And I try to always find the good in them although, there are times I'm tempted to say negative words.
Saying nice things are freeing too, you know. When you praise somebody for what they do and tell them how beautiful they are, you will boost their confidence, creating and developing great characters. I am not saying we should not reprimand or completely ignore bad behavior, but positive words do have power. They break curses and bring forth blessings.
So, let those praises rain down. Let them pour out of your mouth and spread out love!
Quoting from Luke 6:45: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
So let us play nice, perhaps?
Hahahha! Just kidding! We're not all cut out the same.
Thanks for reading my nonsense anyway.
Until next time!
Thanks for the Upvote to:
@TheRandomRewarder
@Panky
@ARTicLEE
She's learned and is still learning
***Since I was young my mother taught me that sleep is only secondary.*** (Please just bear with me) I believed her then but now I don't.
In all of my four decades of existence, sleep has always been short for me. Believe it or not, that is my truth.
The most I could sleep is three to four hours.
I'm the youngest of five, three elder brothers and a sister. I sleep beside my parents while my siblings sleep on their own. This is Philippines, hello! Don't judge me. :))
As the youngest sibling, you always have a special place in your parents bedroom. One where you get to have the bigger share of the bed.
My parents were both workaholics. My Ma, a teacher and dressmaker. My Pa, in the Police and part-time farmer(not really but goes to our farms). They were always busy and oftentimes immersed in works. My father rarely came home, as is usual for policemen assigned in other towns(there were few buses or jeepneys and lower salaries and costly fares), to save on money. My mother slept late or early dawn to sew gowns and dresses after a hard-days work as a teacher.
I am close to both of them but mostly to my mother.
After my Ma's done with her dress making, we'd talk til' dawn. Sleep often eluded us. She'd get ready for work at 5 then(even without sleep she'd be ready at this time), me, just slept at 3 and had to wake at 6 to prepare for school as well. This is our routine in my elementary days.
High school was slightly different as I already have a room of my own. I developed a habit of reading. I'd read til' dawn and wake up at 6. Four to five hours of sleep.
College was the same thing, I was hooked with books. Romance, adventure, fantasy and whatever fiction books I can get my hands on. (don't worry, I did graduate on time).
When I got married, it has gotten worse, sleep time consisted of interval naps. Two to three hours of sleep, sometimes an hour. I'm not on drugs, trust me. I don't even drink coffee then.
It's like I was in constant hype and just a nap would revive me right away.
I took my mother's advise too literally. I got her bad habit of sleep deprivation too. Tired was just a word for me. Sick, sleepless, whatever condition I may had, I never had a moment to lie down long or rest for that matter. All days are the same to me. Mind you, I have a daughter in the autism spectrum and it's like taking care of five children in one plus my other children still under 18.
My life was so busy that I kept awake to try to finish everything in a day and 24-hours just wasn't enough. ***I never felt so tired in my life***. All those years of washing clothes (hand-washing, mind you), night shift work, sending my kids to school carrying a baby and fetching them again, and doing house chores, caught up on me. (I'm not complaining, just stating facts. hahah! even if it sounds like I am). Motherhood's a sacrifice, yes but not to that extent, I guess.
Let me tell an honest truth, it might be worth all the sacrifices but ***at age 40 I felt like I'm 60 years old*** with all body pains included. It is delusional to think that one is superhuman and is invulnerable. ***Rest is a must.***
A colleague of mine, back when I was still working in an office(was young and single), he gave me these wise words, "***stop trying so hard to finish your work in a day or the work will finish you***". I never really understood what he said until now. It's like fitting so many things in one box which for sure will break eventually.
My saving grace was when I gave birth to my last child. That was the only time I can truly say I rested. It's like my baby was my sleeping pills. (I never took sleeping pills for some reason I can't mention) God sent me a cure for my sleep deprived life in a form of a baby. I realized that I have been neglecting myself. My Ma's advise shouldn't be taken literally. And I slowly took care of myself.
We'd take ***rides*** - my husband and I would go on a round south tour. ***Dates*** had become a habit - eating out and enjoying beautiful scenes along the way. ***Sleeping*** - Saturdays and Sundays are sleep like a log days. These are things I slowly learned and had begun to make a habit of.
So to you my friends, please do not deprive yourselves of sleep. Take a rest, go out(I never had time to go out then), enjoy life and take some time off from responsibilities if you can(don't leave your children unattended of course. have someone, a family or a friend to watch over your kids). Have a date night with your hubby or wife, go on a ride, have a vacation or go on long walks. **Life should be lived with rests in between**.
So long for now! See you in a bit!
Excuse my Take?
I am a Cebuano, a Filipino. No foreign blood whatsoever runs in my veins. In fact, I am so a Filipino that my face and skin speak volume of it.(This is not about racism and I'm proud of my face and color)
The first language I introduced to my kids is English. Why?
Let me tell you why.
**People will perceive you smart if you speak English fluently. (Perhaps that's how I see things too, I don't know, maybe?)**
Growing up was hard, in the early 80’s and 90’s it's considered **Over Acting(I badly want to know why)** when we speak in English but now a days, if you don’t speak it well, you are partially doomed.
The English language is complex and has many nuances that we have to understand simple insinuations in between lines. Words that have the same spellings but different meanings and pronunciations are hard to distinguish and comprehend. So please don’t be hard on me. I just want my kids to have a better chance at life’s reality than I had.
Go out in the streets, talk to a child here in the Philippines, even street kids know English. Let’s face it guys, English is a universally accepted language regardless of what region you’re from. British, American or Asian English (if there is such a term) give you an edge in today’s reality.
Actually there are many reasons why I taught them English first before our very own dialect.
**#1:**
**It's the Universal Language. People all over the world can and may understand English. (I've stated that earlier)**
**#2:**
**Cebuano can be learned outside home or wherever they go while playing with friends and family, so it can easily be adopted.**
**#3:**
**When they’d go to school, English is the medium of instruction. Math, Sciences, the English subject and History, spoken and taught in English.**
**#4**
**When they interact with people. If you must know, Philippines not only is an archipelago, with each island comes with different dialect as well. We are so diverse that we can’t even understand each other if we speak our vernaculars.**
**#5**
**This one is very important: Interviews are conducted in English. Go to big companies and the interviewer won’t speak to you in your own language, it’s always English.**
**#6**
**At work, instructions and manuals are in English. How are you going to be great at what you do if you can’t understand what you’re instructed to do?**
**#7**
**Court documents and stuff relating to it. duh! I don't want them signing Terms and Agreements without better comprehension.**
So no apologies if this is how I raised my kids.
Don’t worry, my kids know our vernacular, know Filipino as well, I taught them later when they were six-ish or seven-ish. Languages fascinate them, they want to learn Japanese, Chinese, Korean, German, Russian and more. Hahahah! The internet’s influence perhaps?
That's why to me and for me, start **English** young.
There's a famous proverb I loved quoting. **PROVERBS 22:6** KJV "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Oh, enough with my blah’s. I probably bored you by now. I hope you learned something from my nonsense.
Bye for now, until our next chat!
We are Pilgrims
YES WE ARE
I almost forgot(almost is the operative word there) that I am just a living soul in passing to this wonderful earth most of us call home.
But where is home really?
You might say, a home is where your treasure is. Your house, your family, your church or even your friends.
Many of us have forgotten the word. PILGRIM.
What does pilgrim mean?
According to wikipedia: A **pilgrim** (from the Latin peregrinus) **is** a traveler (literally one who **has** come from afar) who **is** on a journey to a holy place. Typically, this **is** a physical journey (often on foot) to some place of special significance to the adherent of a particular religious belief system.
Here is a passage from the Bible which mentions about us being pilgrims.
Philippians 3:20
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;
We are indeed not meant to stay here on earth, we're just passing through.
Now, as pilgrims where do you think we're headed? Clearly to heaven.
It is a matter of the kind of life we lived and our life choices which will determine where were heading.
Many of us, including me sometimes, forget that we are not of this world. That we must not conform to the pattern of this world. We are adopting to the lifestyle and are distracted from our ultimate destination which is to sit with our glorious Father. To bask in His grace and mercy and sit with His angels and Saints. To feast in His table and eat with Him.
Oh Lord, I pray you forgive me in my forgetfulness of who I am and what I should be doing. Forgive me for forgetting my identity in you. For to live is Christ and to die is gain(Philippians 1:21).
Jeremiah 6:16
Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls...
May we remember who we are and may we remember we are PILGRIMS of this world.
Blessings,
vang
@sheisvang077
