There's an Angel on Earth

I don't know, but one thing I'm sure of, there's a time in our life that we are facing financial problems. Oh, how to deal with it? Is still a big question that left unanswered.
Some are resorting to borrowing money from people whom we know, while some rely on the loans provided by the company and/or institutions.
Believe it or not, I used this two lifelines.
After my wife successfully gave birth to our youngest...unexpected immediate hospital expenses came out.
Yes, we're prepared for it...as in months before her labor. But apparently, professional fees from my wife's OB, Anesthesiologist, and our baby's Pedia gave us extra "big" burdens.
I contacted several people, some of them replied but failed to help us financially.
I don't know, at the time, I felt I was standing at the highest building and thinking if I will jump or not.
While, my mind is occupied with so many things, two important people in my wife's side answered our call.
Right then and there, there was an immediate relief. And the family, finally went out of the hospital.
But of course, since it's just a money we lend from relatives...we have to settle it, as fast as we can to not compromise people and avoid inconvenience on them.
I lay all my cards, the following day, after bailing out of the hospital...I visited my office and asked for emergency loan. Got so lucky, after a few days...the cheque became ready.
But there's another remaining amount that needs immediate attention, and our deadline last until the end of month of May.
I remember, one good samaritan who offered me help, at the time I was also having financial difficulties with my Mom who suffered from a mild stroke.
I just sent him a private message and he responded right away. And to think that this person is not a close friend of mine, but a batch mates during College days.
To cut the long story short, we became friends through Facebook with a common friend whom I offered help at the time.
Actually, I really wanted to ask for his help even before, but I was then hesitant to do so because I never want to bother him.
He offered financial help, and also offered me a flexible payment terms.
I'm also actually, thinking twice to do this because I have current loans and some monthly obligations to pay.
But God is so good, again He uses people to let me know that He's just around and always listening on our prayers.
For now, again...I feel so bless.

I am now a registered voter

I've been wondering about the process I'm about to go through, if I will visit the nearest COMELEC office in the city.
This morning, I took the initiative to go out and register.
It's been 15 long years, I am a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and yet never exercise my right to suffrage.
I'm most of the time committed at work and being in the media is making me more busy and somehow disinterest me to do so.
But I always came to ask myself, how will I help our country achieve change, if I am not number one...practicing my right to vote for the most deserving candidates.
It's just only a very quick process, just present any Identification Card that contains your name, address as well as signature.
I remember, I'm asked to write the name of a relative living with me. But the tip here is make sure to give a name of a registered relative. In my case, I indicated my Mother's name and right then and there, from the window I'm standing...my Mom's information and picture appeared in their computer.
Then, comes three similar pages of paper that I have to fill-up.
I just only paid for P1 for the photocopy of my ID.
The steps are very simple just provide the information about you and then proceed to the last phase of registration...the biometrics.
I only encountered a very little interruption when the computer malfunctions during the data encoding.
After the encoding, I'm asked to have my picture taken, signature followed and thumbmarks.
And given instruction, as to how will I be notified when my voter's ID is ready for pick up.
So, I'm now encouraging everybody avoid the rush and visit now the nearest COMELEC office/station in your city.
And together, will make change for our future.

A gift from God

Mikayla Ysabelle Garabot
1st baby picture, May 3, 2015
Sunday, around 4am
PGH, labor room

Excited Dad
Finally overcome fear of carrying her

My wife Mary Anne with our Newborn
Baby Kayla and our eldest Althea

I thought it's just a regular Saturday. We'll bring my pregnant wife to see her OB for the usual check up. But surprisingly, the doctor told us after an IE procedure she did...my wife is requested to be admitted.

And the next thing I know, I was waiting outside the labor room just like what we did 6 years ago.

My eldest at the time, was with us and I'm left with a choice of looking over her while I'm also taking good care of my wife ready for labor.

Time check, it's 2 in the afternoon. 

I wanted to stay outside the labor room, but the hospital told me to prepare her room. With my daughter we searched and spotted the admitting section. I wanted to focuss with my wife's labor but the hospital is keeping me busy with the requirements for the stay.

We were able to get my wife a comfortable room. And since, the waiting area where relatives and loved ones is not a friendly place to stay...I told Althea's uncle to wait in the room instead.

The hospital is not "child friendly", so we both decided to vacate it and left for home. 

I just took all the things we prepared for the hospital and back again around 11 in the evening.

My wife requested for a sandwich and water before the labor. 

I stayed in the room, with TV on switching channels, and still feeling uneasy.

And who wouldn't be so worried, my wife is in the labor room. A lot of things is bothering me. But still praying that everything will be alright.

I'm not pretty sure of getting a sleep, but I think I had a few.

Around 4am, Sunday (hours before the Pacman and Mayweather fight), a nurse called my attention to go to the labor room.

So, I went there. I was told that my wife already gave birth. But as long as I'm not seeing the baby or even get a hold of it...I wouldn't believe.

And a few minutes after, my surname got called and there was a nurse in front of me holding a baby.

And time freezes. I was now staring at the baby wrapped with a green blanket. 

I couldn't help it, I took her first picture on my android phone.

I don't know, the feeling was, I was about to cry because of happiness but it never push thru for there was a doctor and a nurse in front of me.

Baby Kayla is so adorable. It was in front of me, trying to stare at me while I'm having a glance on her. The baby is one-eyed open from her left. She's so calm and relax.

I also tried asking questions about my wife's condition. After, I was told she's perfectly okay, the doctors were still talking but I cannot concentrate for my full attention was at my Baby Kayla.

I and my wife is very thankful to God for her safe delivery and for the baby's welfare as well.
It was a prayer I've been whispering to God every now and then.
An answered prayer.

A cancer stick

The government never miss out on using all forms of vehicles of communications to remind people that cigarette smoking is hazardous to one's health. But somehow, the government also never ban companies selling cigarettes. Of course, you know why. Why? Simply because tobacco industry here is making a lot of money and taxes that government collected out of it...helps our economy.
The reason why cigar can be found anywhere and can be purchase by anyone who wish to try and try over and over again.
I believe that most of us are aware of it's effect on our health...but why o why it sells like hotcakes.
Factors that could be attributed to this are...it's primarily cheap, secondly, it's available everywhere. And by peers and out of curiosity ...you are a living testimony that giving a try is a must and also one great experience.
But most smokers, never understood that not most people love their air being polluted by a cigar. Whether it is a first, second or third hand smoking...the bottomline is it's still a treat to human's health.
To name a few, a frequent users may incur, lung and blood cancer, while cervical cancers for ladies. Entirely bad for pregnant woman and for the newborn.
Nowadays, air is the only thing that doesn't require payment or we can use for free.
Stop before your health totally suffers and also think of other's welfare as well.

Into fitness again

Last year? What month? Ooops, believe me...I really couldn't recall it.
Several months ago, I had too much adrenaline on it, but my motivation to do so deteriorates during the start of holiday season up to end of March where "hanging amihan," fades away.
Now, here I am, taking the initiative to exercise and sweat again.
What motivates me is actually the feeling of getting bigger and thus making me move in a slow pace.
Without thinking twice, I made a commitment yesterday, I pulled out my fitness ball and used my long forgotten jumping rope.
It was actually hard, knowing that it was not my very first time.
I conquered a 30 to 45 minute work out. And I believe that was a good start.
The following day, I only did a little stretch. But I feel that some parts of my body were aching today...my mid-section, my back, shoulder and neck.
I purposely stopped for a day, for interval.
But since, I started to feel pain in some areas of my body...I have to do it again.
Once again, I feel the need of it. And that's a bold sign that I am in a mood again.
Should I say...I'm really back into fitness.

Privacy Matters

For some local celebrities, privacy is an issue. Because it goes without saying that when you enter show business you become a public property. And keeping secrets to protect your personal life is indeed a challenging task.

Another great example to this, was reports coming out on the news about government websites being hack. But why would you go far, when sometimes even yourself was a victim of it.

One scenario from a good friend was shared to me.
He was at work confident about leaving his desktop open, one day, one coworker allegedly by accident opened one folder and saw a copy of payslip on his computer...and to make matters worst that person started gossiping about it.
A part of him he said got violated, so he went to the Human Resource to discuss about it. But unfortunately, another issue have been raised to him as to leaving his desktop open, plus the fact that any information you put in the computer, since it was an office property any one can access it, same goes to the idea that the company has the right also to access it.
He would have wanted a justice on the particular scenario, but since they do have a point...a friend of mine just took it as a very valuable lesson in his life that from now he should be very cautious about it.
You see, if you never wanted people to discover things that you put labelled as "PRIVATE," better to safeguard it. And you can only do this by taking some preventive measures.
One, when keeping file especially that of your personal username and passwords on any social networking sites, keeping them in your mails protected by your passwords is still one of the best option. Just make sure you log out your account so that no one can hacked it.
Two, in tangible things like your locker...make sure you always put a lock on it. Now, if it has a key do not leave it unattended. In some cases, you're giving people that surrounds you to open it because obviously the key is there.
And number three, if you never wanted to leave any traces of it...make sure to clean your own mess.
For example, when throwing old bills remember that receipt contains some basic information including your name and other related information about you that could be useful for some people. So before thinking of putting everything on a trash...think again.
If some people never really bother about your personal privacy, tell them that it matters to YOU...on your bold act today.

Happy Heart's Day!

A Family Valentine Date 021315

We never plan specifically something like this. The night before, my daughter Althea asked me if they could visit me after her school with her Mom. I was actually, at the time not buying the idea. For one, they'll be commuting and with my wife who's been pregnant...I don't think it's a good idea. And secondly, If were all going out, it goes without saying that we will all be spending money again. Not for anything but this month's payday is a reminder that there are so many financial obligations that has to be prioritized first.
But, I never wanted to be a spoiler, so I let them push through with their plans.
Something has gotten on my mind, it's a day before heart's day...and part of me would have wanted to be somehow "romantic," and that made me bought flowers for my wife.
And this is so funny, for it has been such a very LONG time that I am not offering her flowers. If my memory still serves me well, it was when at the time when were on a "boyfriend and girlfriend," relationship. And she's been teasing me most of the time with the lines, (which she was normally delivers while singing)..."You don't give me flowers anymore!"
Given the chance, since it's heart's day...I asked one co-worker to buy me flowers for my wife.
An hours before the meet up, that was supposed to be at my work place, my wife texted me if we can change the venue and we'll meet at the mall instead.
Though, at some point I wanted to see them at the office, I just simply nodded yes.
On my way to the meeting place, I'm supposed to be maximizing my commuting time by simply choosing riding a train. But it was again a long queues of lines so I decided to rode on bus.
I sent a text, and asked where could I meet them. But was so surprised when I was told that they were staying (my wife and my daughter), in one of our favorite restaurant.
I just replied, "Anong meron?!" Which translates in english..."What's the occassion?"
She just gave a response that goes something like this..."Date? V Day? Duh!"
And I was literally laughing while reading it. As if, I was completely clueless about the celebration of heart's day.
But here I was, completely going on the venue executing a grand gesture...bringing her a bouquet of flowers.
And she was so teary-eyed that night.
After our family dinner, she sent me a text of how she was thrilled about the so called lovely surprise!
Happy Valentines Day to all of you!