What's Been Happening 2

For some time, I haven't posted anything new in my blog. Well, for a couple of reasons. My grandfather was sent to the hospital a couple of weeks ago and eventually, he died. I was in my grief period. I can't think straight. It has also affected my work. But now, I'm already fine. I got over the loss of my grandfather. My grandfather was very dear to me. I had many good memories about him. When we were young (and upto some point last year), he always tell stories about the time Japan occupied the Philippines. He wasn't in the military or something, but he was made to do some Japanese black propaganda fliers. It's not that he had a choice or anything. That's how he got into the printing business. During college, at the time that I still don't know how to drive a car, he usually drives me to school and to anywhere I want to go. While driving, whenever we pass on some places, he would reminisce and tell stories on how it was during his days. The buildings were like this and that. The roads were this and that. Sigh. I used to imagine it with him. Being an architecture student, and loves restoration and architectural history, I can't help but feeling nostalgic. Whenever we get caught, my grandfather would usually smooth talk the traffic enforcer and tell him that he worked for the Mayor of Pasay City. Which is true, by the way. He was working at the city hall of Pasay City for sometime, under the office of the Mayor. Sometimes his alibi works, and sometimes, it doesn't. hehehe. By the time I graduated, and the time my grandfather was too old to drive, I used to drive for him. Going to his friends, to the bank, to the GSIS. I must admit, I kinda hated driving him because I have somewhere else to go like visit my girlfriend at the time (now she's happily married). But as a consolation, he treats me to some fancy restaurant or simply at Mc Donalds, for driving him. He sometimes gives me cash. Well, who could refuse, right? At Mc Donalds, I always remember him ordering a plain Hamburger without the ketchup, mustard and relishes in it. Sometimes a mc chicken without the mayo and the lettuce. He would only eat soft fries. Anyway, I was with him everywhere he goes. Though, there comes a time in one's life that all things must end. He was really getting old. He became too weak to go out. He lost his appetite to eat and only ate quaker oats. But, mind you, when he was stronger, he was hospitalized many times and each time he was hospitalized he always bounces back. He was like having some anting anting within him. But sooner we learned that his anting anting was his family. That's what's been keeping him alive. Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, my grandfather was sent to the hospital because he had a trouble breathing. We later learned that he has pneumonia. He was taken to the ICU. I don't want to remember that point in time because it hurts seeing him with all those machines and medicines strapped on him. When he died in the hospital, I wasn't at his side. It was a good thing though. I don't want to remember seeing him with all those things. I wanted to remember him rocking away on his rocking chair. Asking me to change his clothes because he was perspiring alot because of the heat. Even though, he was weak then, that's still how I wanted to remember him.

Anyway, tatay (that's how we call him. Tatay in english means father. And we got to call him that because my mother usually calls him tatay and it kinda stuck), whereever you are, I hope you're happy. I hope you get to see nanay and paolo in heaven. Thank you for being a good grandfather to me... to all of us. Sometimes, alot of people misunderstood you. But me, I understand you completely. You were doing what you think was best for us because you love us that much. I'll miss you. And I kinda regret not saying this when you were still alive... I love you.

May you rest in peace and may God bless you always.

Can This Be Love ;)

Anyongsayo!

This may sound a little bit cheesy, but earlier today, I watched the new Hero/Sandara flick called Can This Be Love.

I really like Sandara. She's cute in every way. Saranghe!^_^

The movie is about a nursing student (Hero Angeles) who sidelines as a typist of term papers in Recto who met a Korean student (Sandara Park), who studied in english in the Philippines, under some strange circumstances. And eventually falls in love with one another.

The movie has it's share of kilig moments and funny punchlines. Not being biased, Sandara, eventhough she doesn't have that much to say (meaning not much dialogue), played a convincing part that she's trying to understand what Hero was saying. Hero, on the other hand, is a good actor but sometimes, one can notice that he's overdoing some of his dialogues. Well, he's still young and still new in the industry. Anyway, the movie revolves around the two who got to know each other through text messaging. Also, the movie shows how Filipinos look at Koreans and vice versa. Filipino students always tease and makes fun of Sandara's character. Prompting her to write negative things about Filipinos in her term paper. It also showed how Filipinos are so desperate to get abroad to have a better life by studying nursing or marrying foreigners. It's sad but true. I won't say that the movie is really good because, there are still some holes in the story. I liked their role in Bcuz of U better. But still, it's fun watching.

On a mental note... I don't know if it's true, but according to the movie, most of the Korean students study english here in the Philippines instead of Korea because it's way more cheaper studying here. I think in Korea, learning english is a luxury not anyone can afford. Thank God I'm Filipino. ^_^ Kamsameeda!

Farewell, Pope John Paul II

I'm still finding the right words to say right now. Anyway, Pope John Paul II passed away at 9:37 am (Manila time). I was like waiting for final news, last night, about the Pope's condition. When I woke up, it was all over the news. Pope John Paul II just passed away.

It was said that the Pope came to the Philippines way back as 1975 (before he was ever Pope) and 1981. But the only memorable year for me was in 1996 when The World Youth Day was celebrated here in the Philippines. I was part of the World Youth Day. Being in the same place as the Pope back then was such an exhilirating experience. You can feel the emotions running the place. And just by looking at him, silences you and makes you feel at peace with yourself. Feeling sorry for every sin that you've commited. The Pope generated some kind of angelic aura. Ahh... I just feel like sharing my experience with him... not directly ofcourse.

He was the first Pope that I've come to know and cherish. I didn't get to see the first Pope John Paul. Pope John Paul II has done a lot for the world. His successor would have a hard time filling up his shoes.

Anyway, to Pope John Paul II, you have touched my life and millions of other lives across the globe (whatever religion it may be). Eventhough that you're gone, you'll still be in our hearts. You have reminded us that every trial in life can be conquered through prayers. Every conflict can be resolved. I know you won't have a hard time getting into heaven. God has already reserved a seat for you, close to Him. God bless you.

Viva Il Papa!