We are the World, a worldwide hit song sung by some of our greatest artists like Lionel Richie, Cindy Lauper, and the late Michael Jackson, is recorded to a new version.
After 25 years, We are the World’s remake is recorded for the benefit of the Haitian victims. Singers include Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Justin Bieber, Nick Jonas, Wyclef Jean and Lionel Richie.
Here’s the sneak peek:
On August 1, 2009, a woman who became a great leader of our country had a peaceful death. Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino, the first woman President in the Philippines and Asia, battled colon cancer for more than a year. Prayers and novenas were offered to lengthen her life. Yellow ribbons were tied everywhere, as a symbol of the Filipinos in union with her battle, thus the slogan “Di ka nag-iisa, Cory”.
However, as the Filipinos were praying for her battle, the Lord wanted to have her already by His side. As a Filipino, I thank God for sending former President Cory Aquino to us, for courageously obliging the call of Filipinos for freedom and change during the dictatorship days.
On September 26, 2008, an American actor, film director, entrepreneur, humanitarian and auto racing enthusiast died at the age of 83. Paul Newman died of lung cancer, he was known as a former chain smoker.
Aside from being a good actor, Newman was known as a Philantrophist. He founded the Newman’s Own Foundation, providing needs for the seriously ill-children and scholarship fund to name a few. Newman’s Own is a line of food products established in 1982, founded by Paul Newman and writer A.E. Hotchner. The products include wine, pasta sauce, lemonade, popcorn, and salsa. The proceeds from the products of Newman’s own, after taxes, were donated to charity. He’s truly a great man, may God bless his soul.
Every 2nd week of May, Mother’s day is celebrated worldwide. If you are still thinking of what to give, my top 10 best gifts might help:
10. Text message or Call. As they say, “it’s the thought that counts”. This is the most common way (and the cheapest, hehe) of greeting our dear mom, especially if you’re miles away with her. A simple text message to your mom telling her how much you love her is deeply appreciated. But hearing your voice will make the day.
9. Flowers. A bouquet of flowers will make your Mom smiles and hugs you.
8. Cake. Red Ribbon offers two special cakes for this special occasion – Mother’s Delight and Sweet Surprise. You can order the cakes at any of its bakeshop nationwide.
7. Treat her to a Salon. Nowadays, a salon offers variety of services from head to toe. You can treat her to a haircut or hair color, facial spa, body massage or scrub, foot spa and many others.
6. Make her feel like a child again. Treat mom at Enchanted Kingdom. Her entrance is free if you join the “I Love Mom Promo.” She can also get 20% off on EK Day Passes on all weekends of May. Visit for details.
5. Let Mom learns new unique recipes. Mall of Asia offers “My Mama’s Kitchen” where expert chefs will cook unique recipes on May 11, 2008. Araneta Center also has “Cooking with Mom” at 3 pm.
The only true painful goodbyes are the ones that are never said and never explained.
I stood there glancing at everyone’s face trying to recognize which amongst them are my cousins. I’m not really close to them, perhaps because of age gap (I’m the youngest from my father side), or maybe because we seldom meet. Their children, my nephews and nieces, were also there but only some of them recognized me I think. It seems only yesterday when they are so little, carefree, vulnerable. I remember when we were just kids; they would come home to Pampanga every vacation. My memory of them is only filled with happy moments (that is mainly because we only play and play).
Yeah, it seems like yesterday when I was so fond of this cute little boy’s dimples. It was more than ten years that I last saw him together with my other nephews and nieces, too sad it was then we reunited at the death of my uncle, their grandfather. I was surprised seeing him so big (and, I really mean BIG.) But I heard they grew up responsible. I admire their happy disposition in life, helping their mother with their livelihood. But we never really had the chance to talk.
And it will never be. My cousin, his mother, narrated what happened but I could barely hear her because of the noise coming from jeepneys and tricycles. One of my pretty nieces couldn’t stop from crying, her eyes were already turned red. His elder sister stood all the time in front of him where he lied. I looked at his picture wherein he was so happy and “astig-looking”. I’m teary-eyed but not a single tear fell from my eyes, the situation just wouldn’t sink into me. He’s just so young and I’m sure he has a lot of dreams for his family. I couldn’t believe that he’s already gone.
Goodbyes are the saddest fact of life – break-ups, migration, and death. And what could be more painful for a mother losing her child for the rest of her life?
I could only offer prayers for Rap’s family. Someday, we will all see each other again in heaven.
Rap (second from left), with his cousins.
The true test of friendship comes under unfavorable situations. I have gone through series of turmoil, aside from God, I have friends who kept me standing still.
?
Among my friends, there?s this one person who stands out. She pushes me everytime I need a lift. She tells me the right thing to do when I make mistakes. She tells me honestly my imperfections. She reaches out everytime I need help. She has her flaws also and I know there?s no such thing as perfect, but she?s already close to it.
?
I think, she?s more of a friend to me than I am to her. Oftentimes, I think I have failed her. Guilty of charge, I didn?t treat her well when I have mood swings. Yet, she never left me and continue to understand me, which amazes me. This might be too much to say (er, write?), but truly, this person has a good soul. Never did she asks anything in return for all the favors she had done for me. That?s why we weren?t spared of controversies. That is because she?s a lesbian. I knew our closeness would bring feisty intrigues. The first time I heard the intrigue between us, I avoided her, which is something I regret of. I shouldn?t got affected with stupid-minds people who enjoy discussing other lives. Later on, I realized our friendship matters to me most than of what other?s might think or say.
?
We rarely see each other now but I would like to tell her on her special day how grateful I am for having her as a friend. A friend I would never forget til the rest of my life. Though it?s late, I still wish her a happy birthday. May God continue to bless you, MAUREEN DORIA! :)
It?s been eight years and eleven months since I last saw him. He was preparing for work then arranging his clothes in front of the mirror, as usual. In just a second, my eyes saw that scenery. It was a mistake I shut my eyes closed and calmly slept again.
I watched numbly as people from different walks of life kept on pouring. Some were relatives, some were neighbors and friends, while some were faces unknown to me. I knew what was happening, but I was in denial. It would be totally insane and impossible.
(more…)
my life would be different if he’s here… my happy moments would be a lot happier if he’s around… i wouldn’t have felt so much pain if only he didn’t leave us…
but of course, things happen for a reason… or reasons for that matter… i’ve learned so many things in this life when he was gone… things beyond my perception, and things that gave me mixed emotions…
(more…)
?Libad na!? this Kapampangan term is often shouted during the 24th day of August, wherein the feast of St. Bartholomew is celebrated in our province in Pampanga. ?Libad? means procession in water. This is the most anticipated event during fiesta, especially for the visitors.
(more…)