Pain

It pains me so bad to see people I love get hurt. What is even more painful is the fact that much as I would like to take their pain away, all I could do is listen and offer moral support.

One of the most important women in my life is confronted with marital issues. She managed to keep everything to herself for almost a decade thinking and believing that things would eventually be alright. Regrettably, things have become worse and are even turning worst as she recently shared.

I admire her for having so much love to give. I hate her for not loving herself enough to allow such things to happen. I resent the fact that without restraint, she gave up the life she used to enjoy for the man she married. She gave up the life, which made her who she really is. She even let relationships with good friends die out.

It was such a shock for me to see her fall apart. My heart literally ached as I listened to her share the emotions she had kept to herself for so long. I truly wish I could crush her pain away, but I can't. So I pray and I pray hard for the Lord to help her heal her wounds fast.

As I reflect on all that I've heard, I could not help but ask myself what I did to deserve all that I have....

Watch Him Sleep

Having a baby is absolutely wonderful. To us, parents, sometimes it becomes impossible to stop staring at our child specially because we do not want to miss any of his firsts.

There's just so much about our baby that never fails to put a smile on mine and his Dad's faces.

Enjoy wathing him sleep...

"Goodnight, Jacob. Goodnight, Jacob. It's time to go to bed."

Ethan Jacob Rafael, 4 days old. In absolute serenity.

Up close with the little man.

Morning baths make him sleepy.

... and so does afternoon baths.

Playing with Barney sometimes gets him exhausted.

With the pillow he holds so dearly.

Who can do push-ups while sleeping better than this little man?

Butt up high. Reminds me of my late uncle Tolits' fave sleeping position.

Too tired? The party's just starting, baby....

Our loving Dad took this picture one Saturday bonding afternoon.

Mommy's not going anywhere, Honey!

Welcome Back Home!

Joice, my former roomate in our humble apartment in Makati is back in Manila for a 3 week vacation with her husband Juan and their 2-year old son AJ.

The same night she flew in, we went out to dinner with friends Liza, Ryan and Rheena to let her enjoy "Ginataang Kuhol", which is one of her favorite dishes. Right after dinner we headed to Zircoh, a comedy bar in Quezon City where we had such a great time. And for the first time since I got pregnant in 2005, I stayed out later than midnight.

Of course she had something special wrapped for each of her friends. And who can say no to such goodies?!

Joice, who is better known to us, her friends from Innodata as "Bading" is one of the most thoughtful friends I have. We were officemates for 2 years before becoming roomates in a humble apartment in Makati. A place where we hardly saw each other for the reason that, when in the apartment we would normally be in the confines of our respective bedrooms (mine in the 2nd floor and hers on the 3rd) resting from one tiring full night's office shift after another. Apparently then, our supposed kitchen/dining, which was a common area didn't have much movement. Not for anything but it wasn't a condusive place for cooking/dining. Nevertheless, we sure had our share of good laughs, "girlie kikay" times, a few trips and some emo moments together.