Your favorite virtue
Hands down, it’s courage. I have written about it before, why I think courage is the greatest of all virtues, and nothing has changed. From where I am right now, it’s courage that keeps me moving forward with all the non-guarantees of this life.

Your favorite qualities in a man
GENTLENESS. By vitue of our many double-standards and how men are usually brought up, I am immensely always drawn to a man by his capacity to be gentle, to treat something with respect and not brute force, with much consideration, even amazement, over taking things for granted, as if the world owes him.

Your favorite qualities in a woman
STILLNESS. I think only a few women really manage this, given our many, and varied, expectations of ourselves… and the conflicting expectations by others from us.

Your chief characteristic
HUMOR. I’m not saying I am a funny person, but I know I can always find something to laugh about… and that’s how I know I will survive.

What you appreciate the most in your friends
THEIR INDIVIDUAL HISTORIES, which makes for perspectives I wouldn’t have considered otherwise, opinions I always respect, and a testament to how there are other lives being lived, other stories being told aside from mine.

Your main fault
SLOTH. I know I can be many things more but I am too lazy to become them.

Your favorite occupation
MOTHERHOOD... it’s also, like what I’ve always believed, the greatest privilege of all, even considering my meltdowns.

Your idea of happiness
It’s not really as elusive as most people consider it to be… but you have got to determine first what will make you happy… and you have to sort of define it at its most minimum. Something like “happily married to a guy who loves me” as opposed to “happily married to a guy who loves me and showers me with praises, buys me diamonds, changes diapers and gives me a massage nightly”.

Your idea of misery
Not being healthy. Worse, being sick (or dying) and not having someone to hold your hand and tell you how loved you are.

What do you hate the most?
Parents who mistreat their kids, whether by actual abuse, or by negligence and apathy.

If not yourself, who would you be?
Angelina Jolie… not because I want to steal a married guy from his wife (even if it is Brad Pitt) but because I cannot help but applaud her for wanting so many kids, biological and adopted. And okay, she’s having twins too! Eventhough I don’t think I can take care of twins, it’s still always a maternal fantasy… to give birth to a pair. Hehe.

Where would you like to live?
I wouldn’t mind living in the garden community of Davao, up in the Malagos area… or in the beach town of El Nido. Someplace where nature is abundant and living is simple… but there’s still internet. Abroad, New Zealand or Ireland seem to be the cleanest, greenest places.

Your favourite colour
YELLOW because it’s such a happy color.

Your favourite flower
Mine, and I hope hubby thinks the same. Nyahahaha… sorry, I can’t resist immitating Proust’s answer. Seriously though, GERBERA DAISIES because they’re such happy flowers.

Your favourite prose authors
JK Rowling, as of the moment.

Your favourite poets
Dare I say myself? But i’d also love to have Emily Dickinson’s natural talent for the simple and intriguing.

Your favourite heroes in fiction
Albus Dumbledore!!!

Your favourite heroes in real life
Oprah. I frown on her splurging so much on herself, eventhough she deserves it, but excesses aside, I admire her for how she has reinvented “single black female”.

Your favourite painters
Leonardo da Vinci… because he is more than a painter.

Your favourite composers
The Beatles and Apo Hiking Society… for their timeless music. And Rodgers and Hammerstein for ‘The Sound of Music’.

Characters in history you most dislike
‘Dislike’ is such a strong word but I never really liked Emilio Aguinaldo.

Military event in history you like the most
The EDSA 1 Revolution… because of its promise.

Your favourite food
Chicken… fried, tinola, adobo, sinampalukan. And seafood. And cake, ice cream and chocolates.

Your favourite drink
MIlk.

Natural talent you’d like to be gifted with
Great eye for pictures.

How do you wish to die?
With a loved one holding my hand.

What is your present state of mind?
A little antsy but happy.

What fault can you tolerate the most?
Hypocrisy I guess, because we’re all guilty of it.

What fault can you not tolerate?
Disrespect.

Your favorite personal motto in life?
The best is yet to come.

The perfect happiness for me? I’m pretty happy right now and I keep telling myself if I only lose the flab on my belly and tone up, if I only had all my debts paid, if I only…if I only…so this tells me that the perfect happiness for me is to be able to accept my body no matter how imperfect it is, to acknowledge that my state of finances needs improvement and to work on improving but not worrying over it to the point of my shoulders getting tense. Basically, worry less act more and be happy in the actions taken.

What is your greatest fear?

Before my greatest fear was losing my husband. While that would still break my heart, it wouldn’t break it as beyond repair is if something were to happen to Mina. If she were to die quickly with little pain, I can accept that. Again my heart would be heartbroken but not as beyond repair if she were to go through something traumatic. I would lose my head if someone were to hurt her and her innocence in all the unimaginable ways predators hurt children, or hurt women, or hurt others. And what if she were to disappear with me not knowing exactly what happened. I would be like the living dead I think. She is so precious to me, so all the usual mother’s fears are present for me.

Which living person do you most admire?

I have a few that I admire. I love strong, accomplished women; the more humble the beginning the more I love them. Oprah is one of them. I love that she doesn’t rest on her laurels. She keeps creating, giving, and inspiring, trying to make a difference in people’s lives. I also love J.K. Rowling. Her Harry Potter series has literally captivated me. I get shivers when I read her books. I’m now rereading it and I can’t believe the intricacy of the world she created and how everything fits from Book 1 to 7. I admire moms I see on passing who look fit, happy and cheerful surrounded by their brood of 4 or more. I always wanted many children but that is not to be for me. I hope I have twins next so I’ll at least have 3 biological kids. We’re not ruling out adoption though.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Self-absorption. There are others but hat is the one I deplore the most.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I have a nearly $300 wallet. I think it’s an extravagance. It brings back so many good memories though that I like to think it was worth the money.

What is your favorite journey?

When I went to Italy last year I went with friends who I’d been friends with for a while now. There were eight of us. Aside from a few frustrations we hardly argued about anything. And we had a hell of a good time. My favorite journey would be discovering new places, soaking up a culture, and having wine and laughter at every meal (and sometimes in between), and doing it all with people whose company I enjoy.

On what occasion do you lie?

Asking forgiveness is easier than asking permission so I lie at times to smooth passage. I bought an item once without my husband’s knowledge. I asked forgiveness later. That item was $2000. I have vowed never to do that again. But I still do for items less than $100.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Cool. But I like to think that I’ve got an expansive vocabulary and know how to use my words so to speak.

What is your greatest regret?

That I didn’t go to nursing school like I planned to when I first went to college. But my husband and I really think we were supposed to meet that way. I met him after I switched majors/schools.

Where and when were you the happiest?

I’m a pretty happy person but the last time I was beyond words happy was during my last trip to Italy. I was pregnant, feeling amazing, glowing, and having the time of my life.

What is your current state of mind?

I’m worrying. Nothing new. I’m in constant state of anxiety that everything work out like I plan and hope for the future.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I’d worry less and trust that things will work out more.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement is going through labor cheerfully, calmly and without hysterics. I am usually a tense and hysterical person when it comes to stressful situations. The drugs may have something to do with it but the first 6 hours of labor when I didn’t have medicine I was still really calm.

If you were to die and comeback as a person or a thing, what would it be?

I’d come back as me but hopefully born with everything I knew in the past life. That would be something. So many things to do over.

What is your most treasured possession?

If we’re speaking in terms of things I have none. Not really.

What do regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Negative people who try to bring others down with them. People that only offer or point out flaws and problems, not solutions. People who hurt others cause theyr’e so fucked up themselves.

Where would like to live?

I like it here in California actually. A house by the beach. It’s one of my dreams.

What is your favorite occupation?

A writer.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My cheerfulness. I know, I’m a cheerful worrywart. I like to laugh, talk, eat, drink, laugh some more, giggle, be merry.

What is the quality you like most in a man?

Secure. A man who is secure in his masculinity is so damn alluring.

What is the quality you like most in a woman?

Same. A secure woman has no need to backstab and demoralize other women.

Who are your favorite writers?

Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Jane Austen, Jennifer Weiner, J.K Rowling, Maeve Binchy and Jay David.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

Hermione Granger.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My husband, Woody. That man has done me good.

What is that you most dislike?

I most dislike self-absorption.

How would you like to die?

In my sleep after having had the most wonderful day with my children and grand-children.

What is your motto?

I really don’t have one.

Provide a screenshot of your desktop today.

It’s of course a picture of Mina.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Stability… in relationships and in my financial dealings.

What is your greatest fear?

I fear a brutal death in the hands of some psycho…I think I watch too many movies. And perhaps just like anyone, I would fear the loss of the lives of people who are dear to me. Enough said…the mere idea of these things happening makes me pause and see my life flash before me.

Which living person do you most admire?

No one. This question brings out the existentialist in me.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Being dishonest. “Honesty, is such a lonely word…everyone is so untrue…” Billy Joel must agree with me…the world is so full of chronic truth twisters, two-faced BS-ers, integrity seems to be a thing long forgotten!

What is your greatest extravagance?

Hmmm…nothing, as of yet…But when I come home to the Philippines in December this year, I know I’m going to be burning a lot of moolah!!! Hahahaha

What is your favorite journey?

In hindsight, I can say that it is the journey I made in choosing to take the plunge for a second chance at a lifetime commitment with Will. If, in time, this journey I’m taking with him forks to several roads, crossroads that will make me think otherwise about pressing on, I will pause and move on through life, and by that time, I shall be on my own… I’m determined, this time around, to try and make the path straight though

Darn it…do I have to answer this?  Although I can’t tolerate lying, I must admit that I have to garnish the truth sometimes…for the greater good, to maintain the peace, to delay the onset of an emotional burden for loved ones.

Which living person do you most despise?

My daughter’s dad.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Oh boy…”
“Anak ng…”
“Crap!”

What is your greatest regret?

Nothing. I am just thankful that the wheel of life is ever turning, and the things that I used to regret, have now been forgotten. All is good, and I’m hoping not to regret anything, ever, in this lifetime, again.

Where and when were you the happiest?

When I gave birth to my daughter…and the other one is a secret, deeply burrowed into my soul.

What is your current state of mind?

Haay, chaotic!

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Geez…I dunno! Maybe I want the adipose cells gone???

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I should correlate this to the first question. I don’t feel that I have achieved something worthy of bells and whistles, or maybe, I am just not satisfied with the things that I have done so far. I feel so mediocre sometimes, but I know I’m getting there… Always a work in progress…that’s what I am.

If you were to die and comeback as a person or a thing, what would it be?

Parang gusto kong maging si Darna

What is your most treasured possession?

Most treasured…is that tantamount to the most expensive too??? Oh well, I guess it’s my truck hahaha

What do regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Bankruptcy and the loss of loved ones…although I have not experienced them (knock on wood!), I am praying that I don’t go jobless and broke, loveless and alone.

Where would like to live?

Wherever my loved ones are!

What is your favorite occupation?

I loved it when I worked at that defunct, smalltime advertising agency. Product management agrees so much to my liking, I wish I can go back to doing it.

What is your most marked characteristic?

This is a toughie…I think…I’m relentless….KULIT!!!

What is the quality you like most in a man?

I like a man of character, a man who does what is right by God’s standards and not his own.

What is the quality you like most in a woman?

Endurance

Who are your favorite writers?

Gabriel Garcia Marquez; Pablo Neruda; Arthur Golden; Amy Tan; Lualhati Bautista; Mitch Albom

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

SUPERMAN!!!!!

Who are your heroes in real life?

My heroes are the men and women who dedicate their lives helping the poor, the uneducated, the homeless, the hungry and the sick. Their names will never be told, but the service they do for their fellowmen has earned them a place in heaven

What is that you most dislike?

I dislike my ex-husband. Need I say more?

How would you like to die?

Quick and painless, in my sleep.

What is your motto?

Trust in the Lord for He is good!

What is your greatest fear?
If there’s anything I fear, it would be to see any of my children fail and be hurt. I have reached the point in my life where I don’t give a rat’s ass about anything except for my family, especially my children. I have always hoped that they would be very successful and happy. Seeing them fail would not really be so bad as I know that it is in failure that we begin to long for perfection but to see them be hurt in the process would definitely break my heart.

Which living person do you most admire?
Actually, I have two. One would be BatJay for his truthfulness to himself and his awesome self-discipline. While I try to work out being truthful to myself, I wouldn’t even dare try to impose self-discipline. Another person would be Doc Emer for his dedication to his career, his focus and determination.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Hypocrisy. Enough said!

What is your greatest extravagance?
I am a very simple man. My greatest extravagance would be food. I will not hesitate spending on good food.

What is your favorite journey?
My favorite journey would be my journey through life. I have met interesting characters along the way and they all helped me become what I am today.

On what occasion do you lie?
I lie all the time but it has always been in jest. My close friends would say they never knew when I am telling the truth. However, in spite of this trait that I have, I have always been true with things that really matter.

Which living person do you most despise?
Someone who thinks he is way above me. Someone who thinks he is a lot better than I am. I try not to be biased when dealing with other people and I expect others to treat me fairly and accept me for who I am.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Uhm, ahhh, do I have any? Ummm, let me think about this for a second.

What is your greatest regret?
That I took my studies in stride. I never took high school seriously.

Where and when were you the happiest?
Everytime I am with my closest friends.

What is your current state of mind?
Stable and contented.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Hmmm, my face? Seriously, I am contented with who I am right now. Ask again.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Having fathered four fantastic children.

If you were to die and comeback as a person or a thing, what would it be?
Water. It can go anywhere and fill up the tiniest crevice there is. It can also have immense power if it wants to.

What is your most treasured possession?
My paint and brushes.

What do regard as the lowest depth of misery?
To die alone.

Where would like to live?
Anywhere where I can be happy.

What is your favorite occupation?
Becoming a painter who does it with passion regardless of the returns.

What is your most marked characteristic?
My happy disposition, I guess.

What is the quality you like most in a man?
Having a true sense of focus and determination. Someone who faces the odds no matter what obstacles he must have to hurdle.

What is the quality you like most in a woman?
The ability to laugh. Having no pretensions or biases.

Who are your favorite writers?
Richard Bach, Khaled Hussein, Dylan Thomas, Jostein Gaardner, Ayn Rand, Francisco Arcellana, Nick Joaquin and many more.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Jonathan Livingston Seagull and the Little Prince

Who are your heroes in real life?
My parents and my wife for putting up with me.

What is that you most dislike?
Hypocrisy and rumor mongering

How would you like to die?
Peacefully in my sleep.

What is your motto?
Live life like as if it were your last. No matter what happens in the past or the future is of no consequence for what matters is here and now.

A screenshot of your current desktop.
Since I always have to share computers with fellow teachers and my children, I do not have a personalized desktop. So, nothing interesting in that regard.

What is your greatest fear?
death of a loved one; of snakes is a close second

Which living person do you most admire?
I admire a lot of different people for a lot of different things. But if I am to name one single person I admire most, I guess there is none. These same persons that I admire for something will tend to disappoint me in other things. I do appreciate that everyone is packaged with the good and the bad and that makes it tough to be gifted with the responsibility of being admired. We all get bad hair days. In general, I admire people who are able to beat the odds in the direst of circumstances.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
insincerity

What is your greatest extravagance?
the things that I dream of being able to give my family, I will starve myself to be able to do that

What is your favorite journey?
The journey of my evolving self. I know I used to be a dreamer. I looked at life with incredible forbearance… in my mind, people in my life could not possibly do wrong and I am almost always struck numb whenever they end up hurting or disappointing me. Every unfavorable twist of fate happened for a reason and that reason would almost always tell me it was right to suffer. Although, of course, there is nothing wrong with that, it had the collateral effect, however, of making my take on life rather on the grim side. I’d like to think of myself now as a pragmatist. It’s easier on the people around me if only because it has allowed me to accept them and the things they do on a less than perfect state. It is easier on myself, if only because it allows me to be more appreciative, more forgiving. It is easier on life if only because I’m learning to understand it on its own terms.

On what occasion do you lie?
when I want to keep the peace

Which living person do you most despise?
on the same premise that there is not one single person that I admire most, there is not one single person I despise most.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
‘Papa’ - referring to my spouse

What is your greatest regret?
that I did not strive earlier on to put myself in a position where I can help my family better

Where and when were you the happiest?
at home, any time I got nothing on my hands and my time is free, and I can allow myself to believe that all is well with those I love

What is your current state of mind?
a bit muddled; there’s simply too much on my plate right now… but hopeful too, somehow I know in my heart it will all work out

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I want to become less of a worry wart

What do you consider your greatest achievement.
discovering that I can write stuff that I can feel good about… also, setting up and running a household in whose comfort my husband delights

If you were to die and comeback as a person or a thing, what would it be?
myself - I’d like to live my life all over again, this time knowing how to enjoy the best moments, knowing they do not come eternal

What is your most treasured possession?
my marriage - I have guarded it with my life

What do regard as the lowest depth of misery?
a broken man who once was proud

Where would like to live?
wherever there is all the space I need, nice neighbors to chat with or have over for bbq on lazy weekend afternoons, where there is no cause for fear

What is your favorite occupation?
I would say I’d like to be a writer. But then if that was my job, it would stress me out, then I wouldn’t like it anymore. So maybe not. Uhmm… I take care of babies right now. I think I’ll stick with that.

What is your most marked characteristic?
it’s been said that I am loyal, I kinda like that

What is the quality you like most in a man?
well-grounded enough that he doesn’t take himself seriously; enough that he knows how to take his responsibilities seriously

What is the quality you like most in a woman?
she knows how to take care of her own self, but only so she could take care of her own

Who are your favorite writers?
I love story tellers - Diana Gabaldon (Drums of August), John Irving (GARP), a little of Neil Gaiman(The Anansi Boys, Stardust) and Nick Hornby (About a Boy), and a relatively new author in the person of Kim Edwards (The Memory Keeper’s Daughter)

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
There’s a book called, ‘A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,’ first published in 1943, written by Betty Smith, and it tells of the life of an 11-year old girl named Francie Nolan at the turn of the century in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I read it first when I was an impressionable 11-year old myself. I never quite forgot her and for a long while, she was my best friend. When I first met my husband, I lent him my tattered copy and asked him to read it. Little did he know that I was, in a way, giving him a glimpse of my inner self.

Who are your heroes in real life?
None, I’m done with that. I have come to realize that we have all been given a set of things we are capable of doing, in which case, everyone has to step up to the plate. We all need to learn to help ourselves, and if we’re able enough, to help those we can. It’s simply too much responsibility for one person to do all the helping, which is what we have been made to believe heroes do.

What is that you most dislike?
when there are people who choose to complain or reject best efforts in the face of those who try to make things work, I really hate that

How would you like to die?
swiftly, unexpectedly… no slow death for me, please!

What is your motto?
This is something I came up with for my blog. It goes, ‘One can only be as big as one sees oneself. The world will always be bigger still… and God even more.’

Humility is a hard-earned, lifelong lesson I have always and still am struggling to learn. This always serves to remind me.

How does your desktop look like?

What is your greatest fear?
- Losing a family or a close friend.

Which living person do you most admire?
- My Mama. She’s a survivor despite her quirks.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
- Whiners, especially those who think that they carry all the world’s sufferings.

What is your greatest extravagance?
- Shoes. Can’t have enough.

What is your favorite journey?
- My career. It afforded my travels and has become a very important factor in achieving my childhood dream.

On what occasion do you lie?
- Business trips.

Which living person do you most despise?
- GMA

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
- Anyway and Babushki.

What is your greatest regret?
- Not having to finish college on time.

Where and when were you the happiest?
- A couple of hours ago and hours from now.

What is your current state of mind?
-Anticipating and Excited.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
- My hair. I wish it’s a bit curly or wavy.

What do you consider your greatest achievement.
- My kids. I take care of them, they take of me. This summer especially on weekdays when I have work, my bunso prepares my baon and my panganay makes me coffee. I don’t care if my packed lunch is always corned beef and kikiam, they’re labors of love.

If you were to die and comeback as a person or a thing, what would it be?
- To be an engineer working for NASA. Space fascinates me and working for NASA is the closest I can get.

What is your most treasured possession?
- Photos of people I love.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
- Not having to express my angst because I have to meet other people’s expectations. I wouldn’t do this again, ever.

Where would like to live?
- North America.

What is your favorite occupation?
- Paid tourist. I wish there’s an occupation that would allow me to travel the world and get paid at that.

What is your most marked characteristic?
- Borderline between reserved and gregarious.

What is the quality you like most in a man?
- Goal-oriented and sensitive.

What is the quality you like most in a woman?
- Assertive and witty.

Who are your favorite writers?
- Ayn Rand, F Sionil Jose, James Clavell, Robert Greene, Roald Dahl, Carolyn Keene, Anne Rice

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
- Nancy Drew!

Who are your heroes in real life?
- Mama. Despite all the challenges in life, she’s in the pink of health.

What is that you most dislike?
- People who think they know everything.

How would you like to die?
- If there’s such thing as a painless death, then that’s how I want to die.

What is your motto?
- Life is what you make it.

saturday morning with jet at home, breakfast in bed watching reruns of seinfeld.

What is your greatest fear?

walking out in the street, suddenly finding out that you forgot to put your pants on.

Which living person do you most admire?

my mom and auntie nana

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

people with body odor or bad breath. but i’d rather spend time with them in a closed room than be with people who are corrupt, mayabang, masama ugali and selfish

What is your greatest extravagance?

my fucking car - it’s oversized, too expensive and i barely use it. i also have $120 running shoes

What is your favorite journey?

my life with jet - 17 years this may 25th. now that’s been a fucking riot and i love every minute of it

On what occasion do you lie?

my birthday, when somebody asks me how old i am. also when i have sex, sometimes i lie down.

Which living person do you most despise?

my fucking next door neighbor, the old lady who always fucking complains about phantom noise and funky smells. minsan pinagdarasal ko na sana ay kunin na siya ni lord

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

fucking

What is your greatest regret?

that i learned how to smoke

Where and when were you the happiest?

anytime we’re at home

What is your current state of mind?

borderline psychotic but at peace

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

longer penis

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

my well lived life - in spite of all the bad breaks, i’ve managed to make my life meaningful and have accomplished so much

If you were to die and comeback as a person or a thing, what would it be?

a well used vibrator

What is your most treasured possession?

my books and music

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

the death of a loved one

Where would you like to live?

someplace near the ocean where it’s not hot and the sun set’s every evening

What is your favorite occupation?

definitely not armpit sniffer/deodorant tester

What is your most marked characteristic?

pogi but cool, very slow to anger, low happiness

What is the quality you like most in a man?

intelligent at maabilidad

What is the quality you like most in a woman?

matalino at mabango ang pekpek

Who are your favorite writers?

john irvine, arthur c. clarke, jose rizal

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

batman without robin (batman and robin together - so gay)

Who are your heroes in real life?

gloria macapagal arroyo - BWAHAHAHA. that’s what you call sarcasm

What is that you most dislike?

being stuck in a place where it’s hot and humid and you’re next to someone with body odor

How would you like to die?

without any pain

What is your motto?

“In the life of a man, his time is but a moment, his being an incessant flux, his sense a dim rushlight, his body a prey of worms, his soul an unquiet eddy, his fortune dark, his fame doubtful. In short, all that is body is as coursing waters, all that is of the soul as dreams and vapors”

Marcus Aurelius

How does your desktop look like?

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
My family, in-laws, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousin, husband and I gathered around the lunch table in my parents’ veranda on a balmy Sunday afternoon, cracking jokes and laughing out loud. These are the moments that make me feel supremely thankful and happy.

What is your greatest fear?
Losing loved ones always gives me the shivers. While I know life isn’t permanent, my love for them IS.

Which living person do you most admire?
Mama. She is my role model for strength, perseverance and sophistication. She succeeded greatly in her career and still managed to keep our home cozy and warm. As I grew older, I appreciated more and more the little and big things she did for us. I understood why she enrolled us in this school, why she told us to stand in the corner when we were young, why she trusted us so much. When I grow up, I want to be like her.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Backbiting, especially when the target has not done anything at all to them. “Panlalait” is more apt a word. I tend to keep quiet when the company I’m with engages in it. Sometimes it’s fun to listen to, and I occasionally have fallen into this that I hate most in others, but I try to stop myself. I just think, This person hasn’t done anything to me or my loved ones. Why should I fault them for wearing the wrong attire?

What is your greatest extravagance?
Extravagance is defined as “the quality of exceeding the appropriate limits of decorum or probability or truth.” My first answer was “books,” but the bookworm in me says one can never have too many books. So I am going with my Sims 2 games. I have almost all expansion packs and stuff packs. There’s a new one coming out soon and I know I have to have it. I justify this greatest extravagance by saying it is one of my greatest escapes too.

What is your favorite journey?
Marriage. My journey as a careerwoman is my own - while I have the support of co-workers and family, it is ultimately my own path. But marriage is a path for two. It involves more understanding and nurturing, and I have grown as a woman because of this journey of togetherness. And journeys are always more enjoyable when you have the best company with you. My husband is my ultimate companion.

On what occasion do you lie?
Husband: “Did you eat in the bedroom?” (looks at me, his gaze reminding me that I had set a rule for both of us NOT to bring food in the room, then looks back at the ants on the floor)
Me: “I did not! They must have come here because you brought your walking shoes in here!” (looks at him, my gaze reminding him that I had set a rule for both of us NOT to bring shoes in the room, then looks back at the ants on the floor)
After one day, I spotted a solitary Malteser under the bed. Oops. I had been snacking on it while bloghopping a few days before.

Which living person do you most despise?
Those who take the lives of others. How can one just take a life mercilessly? I cannot comprehend it and will never do and will never want to.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Yeah yeah!” I say this when I’m in agreement with someone, when I spot a good buy, when I’m enjoying a moment. I may use it too much, but that’s a good thing, right?

What is your greatest regret?
I regret not getting into sports when I was a kid. I keep wondering how fit I would be right now if I had been more outgoing and active in my youth. While there’s nothing stopping me from engaging in those activities now, I still can’t help but wonder.

Where and when were you the happiest?
Cuddling with my husband last night, with him kissing me on the forehead before we went to sleep. That is my ultimate send-off to slumberland.

What is your current state of mind?
“Easy like Sunday morning.” Right now I’m on relaxation mode. I’m feeling easy and breezy with the fan keeping me cool in the summer heat, my cereal of Nestle Honey Stars keeping me full, and the possibilities of an afternoon without plans exciting me.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Could I request for an order of aggressiveness, please?

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My career. I don’t think what I’ve achieved is that bad for a 30-year-old.

If you were to die and comeback as a person or a thing, what would it be?
I would like to come back as a Hollywood A-list celebrity. It would be interesting to experience all the perks they have, and I’d like to see what I can accomplish with that status in addition to winning Oscars and getting beautiful clothes.

What is your most treasured possession?
My wedding ring.

What do regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Nothing beats feeling like you cannot talk to anybody about your misery. And then you develop horrible allergies on your hands. I’ve been there. Since I was keeping all the negativity in, they must have wanted to come out of my body somehow. Emotional stress without a support group was the lowest depth of misery I’ve experienced.

Where would you like to live?
A home of our own. Can also include a medium-sized garden for Sunday BBQs, a study room/library, toy room, an average-sized kitchen with a kickass oven, comfortable rooms, a nursery, a laundry room. Set in a safe and friendly neighborhood.

What is your favorite occupation?
I had a very short stint as a greeting card creator for a friend’s business. It didn’t fly, but I enjoyed conceptualizing the cards. Since hardly anyone sends cards now, it would be great to take that online. And this doesn’t count as a formal occupation though it does occupy a lot of my time: blogging.

What is your most marked characteristic?
Positivity. I try to see the best in things. To quote John Cage:

“The first question I ask myself when something doesn’t seem to be beautiful is why do I think it’s not beautiful. And very shortly you discover that there is no reason.”

Life is more beautiful that way.

What is the quality you like most in a man?
The take-charge attitude. It stems back to the caveman days I suppose, when he’d go out with his buddies to bonk a dinosaur on the head and bring it home to his wife for dinner.

What is the quality you like most in a woman?
The nurturing quality. The maternal instinct shines through in everyone, even those who are not mothers. A woman cares like no other.

Who are your favorite writers?
e.e. cummings, my first favorite poet. Charles Bukowski. Louisa May Alcott. Stephen Chbosky. David Levithan. Stephenie Meyer.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Veronika of Paulo Coelho’s Veronika Decides to Die. I will not say why as doing so would give you spoilers!

Who are your heroes in real life?
Wowo, my grandfather. Mama. Daddy. Having heroes so close to home inspires you the most to become a better person.

What is that you most dislike?
I highly dislike clutter, but find myself living in quite a cluttered home. Then I realize it’s a matter of how you deal with that kind of negativity. So I highly dislike knowing that you live in cluttered negativity but not doing anything about it. *sends note to self*

How would you like to die?
Peacefully, quietly, causing the least amount of anxiety to my loved ones as possible.

How does your desktop look like today?

What is your motto?
“Live, love, laugh.” Your days will flow beautifully and happily with that in mind.

I don’t want to be
Anything other than what I’ve been trying to be lately
All I have to do
Is think of me and I have peace of mind
I’m tired of looking ’round rooms
Wondering what I’ve got to do
Or who I’m supposed to be
I don’t want to be anything other than me

But all is not lost. One can always try to lift that thick veil that separates us (readers and bloggers). For this round of postings, Blogkadahan members will try to answer the Proust Questions. The objective is to have a glimpse of ourselves. Our wish is that this will help you know more about us.

These are the questions we will be answering:

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

 

What is your greatest fear?

 

Which living person do you most admire?

 

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

 

What is your greatest extravagance?

 

What is your favorite journey?

 

On what occasion do you lie?

 

Which living person do you most despise?

 

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

 

What is your greatest regret?

 

Where and when were you the happiest?

 

What is your current state of mind?

 

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

 

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

 

If you were to die and comeback as a person or a thing, what would it be?

 

What is your most treasured possession?

 

What do regard as the lowest depth of misery?

 

Where would like to live?

 

What is your favorite occupation?

 

What is your most marked characteristic?

 

What is the quality you like most in a man?

 

What is the quality you like most in a woman?

 

Who are your favorite writers?

 

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

 

Who are your heroes in real life?

 

What is that you most dislike?

 

How would you like to die?

 

What is your motto?

As an addition, I am also requesting my fellow bloggers to include a screenshot and brief description of their current desktop — yes, that opening screen we see when we boot up our PCs and/or laptops. I think how our desktop looks like also gives a clue of what we are. Ok, that’s it. See you all here!

Ilang taon na rin kaming magkakaibigan. Apat na taon na po kaming magkakakilala’t magkakabiruan, magkaka-blogkadahan.

Kaya’t pwede bang magpasalamat? Salamat po sa Blogging Berks sa pagsasama, sa tiwala, sa pagmamahal at sa mga katuwaan. Bihira makahanap ng totoong mga kaibigan sa napakalalim na cyberspace, ngunit hindi imposible. Heto na nga, ang Blogkadahan. Salamat, mga kaibigan.

40 Days and 40 Nights
Svelte Rogue shares her year in seasons — a blend of melancholy and peacefulness, of love and rebirth. She shows us that while winter, spring, summer and fall color each stage of our lives differently, this myriad of colors, in the end, make for a beautiful kaleidoscope, an imprint of each season’s gifts that we will always be thankful for.

Thank You 2007 for friends
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “How much of human life is lost in waiting.” But Mr. Emerson, sometimes it is in the waiting that something blossoms. It is in the waiting that new realizations are made, that new paths are cleared, that true hearts shine. And when that happens, we don’t lose our human life as we think, but instead grow — grow despite the pain and be thankful for the good things that kept us strong throughout. This is what Mec teaches us.

Nauubos din ang malas
While we acknowledge our mortality, it is always unexpectedly painful when loved ones pass on and leave a gap in our lives. These holes will never be filled, but nevertheless we strive to be strong and make life go on. While autumn leaves crumble and fade way, the promise of spring blossoms lightens our hearts and reminds us of the beauty of our lives, despite its impermanence. And so we live, laugh, love and let life unfold, welcoming the blossoms of spring without forgetting the coldness of winter. Tito Rolly shares this with us.

2007
Movement seems to be the theme of Ruth’s 2007. As she puts it, her year has been a rollercoaster. There have been wild dips and unexpected turns, but there was also the thrilling anticipation of what those uphill climbs would bring and the exhilarating feeling that follows. Not everyone can stomach the extraordinary speed and surpises a rollercoaster can bring, but she carries through beautifully with her hair flying in the wind, her arms up in the air, her heart open to and thankful for this amazing ride of a year.

Thank you po talaga!
Be it something as minute as a tea bag or as grand as friendship, we are always showered with something good. This is why there is always something to be thankful for in our lives. Tatang Rome shares with us what he is thankful for in a style all his own — funny, graceful and positively cheery.

Thank you for Mina
Feel the joy, peace and warmth radiate from this beautiful ode to what Tintin is most grateful for this year. There is no greater love than a mother’s for her child. This love is deeply palpable in her beautiful thanksgiving.

Salamat sa Inyo
“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” True friendship is difficult to find but a joy to keep indeed. Over time, it is nurtured. Over time, it blossoms beautifully. To find the right circle of friends for you can also be quite a challenge, but when you have discovered that circle who cherishes you, and who you love back genuinely, in a way, you can say, you have found a home away from home. Sachiko shares her thanksgiving with and for the Blogging Berks — the group of friends behind this Blogkadahan website.

IT ALL COMES BACK TO YOU
A little lilac flower uncurling its petals, slowly, quietly, welcoming the morning dew as it touches its skin in greeting. This is the imagery of Jet’s graceful words. In her poetic thanksgiving, we feel her heartfully embrace the charm and fascinating surprises her life brings.

And now I’m ready to be extraordinary…
Mari is a warrior maiden — tough, calculating, passionate. 2007 has presented her with vast opportunities to shine. In her thanksgiving to this year, we see how this woman radiates with a hard-edged strength that is softly tempered by the love of family, of self, and maybe even something more.

Thank you 2007
With positivity, acceptance and an understanding of what the world has shared with him, Bong K embraces all of 2007’s gifts with fervor. There is always a reason to give thanks, be they minute or grand, and he lightheartedly and beautifully shows us how.

I open my arms and embrace you
2007 has been my favorite year — I turned 30, I discovered the life path I want to pursue, I glowed in the love of friends and family, and helped others shine. Words will never be enough to capture my thanksgiving for 2007, but in this poem, I hope I give structure to my thank-you, even just a little bit.

Two branches of one tree face the setting sun
With his trademark wit, Batjay gives us a glimpse of how the year was good to him. Feel the pride and share the love with him and his 2007.

I thank you, 2007
Each year makes her stronger, more soulful, sassier and sexier — our gorgeous Ajay gives her thanks to a much-loved 2007 and excitedly looks forward to a spectacular 2008, one that looks to be filled with even more lovin’.

In other blogs:

Thank you 2007!
Ibyang shares with us why this year has been a beautiful year of transitions for her, as well as a meaningful one for self-discovery.

Thank you 2007!