My second week in a place called Copenhagen

Old couple dating in Tivoli

It has been almost 14 days since i left my extraordinary life in Philippines. And right now, i badly miss my life there. Not that i don't have a life here in Denmark but of course that's another story, life here is very different. My body clock is already adjusted although i often have shallow sleeps. Deep and scary dreams visit me often. I hope to enroll for their language class by next month. Most of the times i walk outside to enjoy the fresh air, the breeze, the classic life in Denmark has to offer you everyday. I've tasted a lot of their food, drinks, and culture. Smiling and happy people is everywhere. Now i understand and i can attest why Denmark has the tittle of being "World's happiest country".

I was trying to catch a dove.

In front of the City Hall

Green lights on!

 
 Let me talk about transportation. They've a very systematic daily routes. It's good and advisable to have your own bike if you want to tour around or even buy something in Netto (a famous store like mini-stop in Ph, you cannot see sari sari store type). You can go wherever you want as long as you can, bike everywhere. It's also good if you have a car, when was it no as an answer? It's very normal to see first class cars on the street. Your destination looks very near if you look at the map, but OH NO. The buses have a schedule too, so it means if you lose the 7:00 am you'll wait for another bus which will take you another 30 mins to wait. But the bus sched is the opposite of the trains. The longest time you can spend waiting for Metro train and S train could be a max of 10 mins. There are some taxi cars you can see but they're very few. The Danes really value time.

Inside the Kobenhavn Central Station

I am very much amazed how they treat their family. Unlike Filipino fathers, the Danes fathers, are much more caring. They can be in-charge to their kids everyday. Just like my Uncle Poul who can bake, he always cook, I bet he used to send Kat and Kenneth to a day care when they were kids before work. Until now, he never change. He is very sweet, caring and loving to Auntie. Here they say: Husband nor wife, everything and everyone should be equal. 

About Scenes- You know, even if tour is not your priority, It will always looks like you do. You'll always say WOW to each sides your eyes can capture not because I am new here. NO,  because Denmark is really is. A very beautiful part of the world.  

I was thinking of writing letters for everyone i love today, but it looks like I shared my amazement instead. So... Here goes my September letters.

Dear Mama,

Playing with the graduate autumn leaves

I miss you so much... I hope everything is fine.You and Papa's birthday is about to come. I wish you good health. I love you.

Dear friends,
I miss you all. Whenever we talk i laugh, and you tend to energize my veins. I hope to chat with you regularly, if you're free talk to me please... and thank you for those who continuously does that. I sincerely appreciate your virtual presence. I love you all. Take care always.

My favorite street in Gentofte

Dear Love,
Where were you last night? (Love: library) 
Me: NO you're with me in my dreams. Hahaha
I remember you everyday... I hope for your heavy loads to be lightened. Don't lose your temper when sometimes i tease you. I'll be patient.. I know you care, Thank you for your UNENDING love i guess? haha I love you...  

Dear God,
I feel your blessings everyday. My soul is thirsting for you Lord. I feel incomplete for having missed Sunday Masses for two consecutive weeks. Please bless and take care of the people i love. Send us your angels to guide us everyday. I miss all but I'll be strong because when you sent me here I know your purposes. I trust you Lord, Thank you for your love. I love you so much.

Ph-Dha-Cph

Umalis kami ng bahay ng ala una ng hapon, Sep 13, 2012 hatid ng aking pamilya sa paliparan. Hindi naging madali sa akin ang pag-alis ng bansa. Literal na nahirapan ako dahil sa sobra sa baggage allowance ang nais kong dalhin na kagamitan. Ganun pa man, nakaalis din, mahigpit ang yakap ng nanay kong naluluha sa aking final na pagpasok sa terminal. kontrolado ko ang emosyon ko. Habang nakapila at naghihintay makaalis ng eroplano, kausap ko naman sa cell phone ang special na tao sa buhay ko pabaon rin ang mga salitang ingat.  

Sa eroplano ng Qatar airways ako ay namangha dahil una, may kanya kanyang entertainer (playbook) ang bawat pasahero. Pangalawa, di ka mararamdam ng gutom o uhaw sa complimentary food and beverages na handa para sayo. Unang beses ko itong travel abroad at hindi biro ang haba ng pagupo sa eroplano. Sa gitna ng dalawang lalaki ako ay naluha bandang 2,000 miles na ang layo mula sa pilipinas. Matapos lumuha pinilit kong pigilan at punasan nalang ang luha ko ngunit niyakap ng braso ko ang aking mga mata at tuluyan nang humagulgol na nagtagal ng 5 minuto, mabuti nalang madilim ang eroplano at may kanya kanyang headphone. Naalala ko ang nanay ko, ang mahal ko, ang pamilya ko, ang mukhaad friends ko, ang moj, at ang busy kong buhay sa pilipinas. Sa awa ng Diyos nakarating ako sa Qatar ng maayos. Sa airport ng Qatar ako naghintay ng sampung oras para sa eroplano papuntang copenhagen. Sa paghihintay nakilala ko ang 1 pamilya na Iranians, nagusap kami at nagstay ako sa kanila ng ilang oras hanggang sila ay makalipad. 

Nilibang ko ang aking sarili sa duty free, nagpicture, nagantay ng umaga para sa final na destinasyon. 

Mula Doha, lumipad ako ng 7 oras papuntang copenhagen at duon, sinalubong ako sa airport ng aking pinsan. Namangha agad ako sa metro train ng denmark na walang nagmamaniubra. Lamig rin ang sumalubong sa akin pagtapak ng aking mga paa sa labas ng paliparan. Sa wakas narating ko ang denmark ng Alas 4 ng hapon sep 14, 2012. 

Nagpahinga at naglakad ng 20 mins sa labas, kumain ng kanin at natikman ang napakasarap na luto ni uncle poul. Matapos nun, nagantay sa ibang pinsan na nagluto ng Tinola. Uminom sila matapos ng dinner at ako nagdecide na matulog at magpahinga. Napagod ako sa higit isang araw na byahe ko, ngunit marami akong natutunan. 

Ngayong ikalawang araw ko, nagpunta ako sa bahay ng mga pinsan ko, first time ko makakita ng apple tree, kumain ng fresh apple tree na makikita mo lang kung saan saan. kumain naman kami ng Calderetang napakasap luto ng kanilang kaibigan. Ngayon ay hotdog. Ang daming pagkain... tataba ako rito. 

Sa kabilang mundo, ang mga mahal ko sa buhay ay binabagyo nanaman, malakas ang ulan at muntik nanaman daw bumaha.. nagaalala na ako.. Panginoon, panatilihin nyo po silang nasa mabuting kalagayan. ingatan nyo po sila. Maraming salamat po sa lakas. Alas dose na pala sa pilipinas kaya ako inaantok.  Ciao!

Look at the world- Self motivation

LISTEN & JUST LOOK AT THE WORLD.

Look at the world, everything all around us

Look at the world and marvel every day.

Look at the world: so many joys and wonders,

So many miracles along our way

Chorus:

Praise to thee, O lord for all creation.

Give us thankful hearts that we may see

All the gifts we share, and every blessing,

All things come of thee.

Look at the earth bringing forth fruit and flower,

Look at the sky the sunshine and the rain.

Look at the hills, look at the trees and mountains,

Valley and flowing river, field and plain.

Think of the spring, think of the warmth of summer

Bringing the harvest before winters cold.

Everything grows, everything has a season,

till it is gathered to the Father's fold:

Every good gift, all that we need and cherish.

Comes from the Lord in token of his love

We are his hands, stewards of all his bounty

His is the earth and his the heavens above

Dear self, 

I've noticed your struggles, bugged mind, sleepless nights and during the day you do dream. Yeah, The rain's pouring harder and i could see how wounded you are. Self, those are just hurdles, you have got to keep going. Get over. Dump all hurts and guilds you have and bring with you only lessons and good memories. Look at the world.

It wasn't strong enough, so starting today, focus on your life. Remember that you are special, your Father's masterpiece, you are unique, not everyone is like you. Believe that there is someone who has the capacity to love you, who will not leave you or betray you or ever make you cry. Do not close your doors on loving again. Someday, In God's time the right person will come, yes he will find his way to you. And you'll be happy like you never been. For now take care of yourself and look at the world.

Pray harder. Seek God's mercy and grace. Continue to persevere. Choose what is good, right and just. Remain simple and humble. Forget the insults. Forget not the people who love you. Love yourself. I wish you Good luck, as you start a new chapter of your life next week in Denmark. When you get back in your hometown make sure that atleast you've achieved some of your most important goals.   

MOVE FORWARD, BE HAPPY, EMBRACE AND ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY AS YOU LOOK AT THE WORLD. :')

I Won't Give Up

Hmmmm ... Hmmmm ... Hmmmm ... Hmmm ...

When I look into your eyes

It's like watching the night sky

Or a beautiful sunrise

Well, there's so much they hold

And just like them old stars

I see that you've come so far

To be right where you are

How old is your soul?

Well, I won't give up on us

Even if the skies get rough

I'm giving you all my love

I'm still looking up

And when you're needing your space

To do some navigating

I'll be here patiently waiting

To see what you find

'Cause even the stars they burn

Some even fall to the earth

We've got a lot to learn

God knows we're worth it

No, I won't give up

I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily

I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make

Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use

The tools and gifts we got yeah, we got a lot at stake

And in the end, you're still my friend at least we did intend

For us to work we didn't break, we didn't burn

We had to learn how to bend without the world caving in

I had to learn what I've got, and what I'm not

And who I am

I won't give up on us

Even if the skies get rough

I'm giving you all my love

I'm still looking up

Still looking up.

I won't give up on us (no I'm not giving up)

God knows I'm tough enough (I am tough, I am loved)

We've got a lot to learn (we're alive, we are loved)

God knows we're worth it (and we're worth it)

I won't give up on us

Even if the skies get rough

I'm giving you all my love

I'm still looking up.

"I Won't Give Up On Us"

After our dinner in Moa last night, I've seen (after few yrs) another falling star. I wasn't able to say a prayer or a wish I just closed my eyes... and there was just one person i saw.

-My heart maybe... (just maybe)... is wishing to steal the chance.

A future letter: "40 years from now"

"40 years from today"

To my dearest friend,

     Dia duit! conas atá tú? How's your life? It's been years since we last talked. I am residing now here in Ireland with my husband ____________________. I'm sure you know him cause he is my boyfriend since I'm at 20's. Fortunately, we have 4 kids, 2 boys and 2 girls. We really had a tough time on our first 10 years here figuring out our lives together. Luckily we've found our path unwinding. My husband and i decided to live here permanently.

                                                                       

Let me tell you about our wonderful kids...

Our first born, ELISHANTA CHARDENISSE (girl) finished her law degree here in Ireland. She's a very intelligent lady like her father. When she was a kid, she argued and fought her drunken father because my husband had a fling. She is a very strong mother now living with her own family with one kid in Carrickfergus. As i recall, she knew how to take care of our family and i believe that is what she's applying to her own now. We already have a loving grand child. Oh my God, Lolo and lola na kami for 5 years. =)

Our second child, my first son ARJITE CERCES just graduated in college and he's planning to take up his masters degree in Australia next year. We already have an engineer in our family yey. He was a shy typical man who knows only his best friend, family and music so I never thought that he'll have a lot of girls. He became playboy after his best friend married a business man in America when they were separated by fate. My boy has changed a lot and is maturing when it comes to love. After a few years of being broken he met this Filipina in a gathering. He said that after his masters degree, he'll marry that girl who love him at all times, his girlfriend for years now. I'm always excited about his shaking-sweet stories cause i can relate, thinking about my years of loving his father, kinikilig parin ako every now and then. Oh by the way they just got engaged last month. Remember when i was talking to you about proposals? He did it with the help of his father! =)

Our third child is named CLYDE XERDEN, still a high school student and a music genius, he's now conducting their choir at school and at church. Oh, he sings very very well he has a lovely angelic voice. One time this summer he asked me a lot of things from my past. Because he knows that i am very active at church and i had friends in the seminary (who are now priests) at my younger years, I gave him a mother's piece of advice. My son feels that he has a calling for priesthood, and he's thinking about trying that vocation. Now i know the feeling of a mother where she might not see any grand child from her baby boy. But whatever path he'll chose I'll never stop supporting him. I'll always be proud of him whatever he may be. I was just so surprised when he revealed that to me and to his father. =)

And then at last we have our baby girl, the youngest, SETHENA DRIXANIELLA who is still a ys 7 student. Like us she is very talented. Our baby girl love arts, music, fashion and business. I think she'll be a very good artist someday. She got everything we have. She's the spoiled lil' brat of my husband. What a very gorgeous baby. =)

I am very blessed with my family life here. My husband and i are still in the shipping and general merchandise business. Since we'll be celebrating our 25th year of having the business, on January we'll visit Philippines again and we'll to try to build a small foundation that would be a shelter of our homeless elderly people.  Time to return and give back the favors we received from our God.

On our 40th anniversary this October, me and my husband are planning to have a long vacation in ph. We'll visit our home, the STO. DOMINGO CHURCH, Q.C. we're devotees of La Naval de Manila, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary so we'll join the yearly 9 days novena and grand procession. We'll celebrate the birthdays of my parents as well. Then we'll visit Ilocos or Batanes, and we'll climb Mt. Pulag where he proposed to me way back. So I hope you can join us there. Can you imagine? We've been married for 40 years and still counting. They say we no longer look a lot than our actual age, we look younger and healthier. Hahaha We've changed a lot. Our relationship grows stronger and deeper each day. He still want my cupcakes present when we'll date in MOA. I never thought I'll  have him like this and that he'll take care of me always. I'm very thankful and grateful to our Father in heaven because of this wonderful life he has bestowed upon us.

Oh well, there are a lot to say about my life. I'm very proud of it, happy and blessed with my life my dear friend. I can't wait to hear your stories so i hope you'll write some for me too. I can't promise to chat with you often but just leave me an email and i'll respond as quickly as i can. Do not hesitate to talk to me okay? Share. I am hoping to see you and your life this October. I miss you my friend, take care. Love lots.

Sincerely yours,

-Cha

The habagat week

Compared to Typhoon Ondoy, Habagat is longer, it was a week of Calvary. At last the hell week is over (thinking positively).

My family is living in this place (Brgy. Tatalon) for 40 yrs now and it was the second time that a great flood came in to our home. It was a rainy Monday night when Mama rushed everything, she had a feeling that the flood will rise above its normal level again. Then a special friend called with a worried voice asking about our condition. Even so, we went asleep by Tues Aug. 6, 2012 /1:00 am then at 5:30 am what they've feared for started to happen. Mama woke me up and told me to pack up our important things first. After which we went up to our relative who has a higher house. I saved the bat life of my phone for my worried best friend and friends were texting me and since they got no response from me, they had to call me. By the way such Globe (network) is unreliable at times like that. I stayed with my family for 3-4 long days. With no electricity and water supply we were stranded but the good side is that they have a stuck food and I was able to have a quality time with them. I would never forget how i brushed my teeth and gargled the water which came from the rain.

Dear Government Officials,

         Instead of bragging each other in-front of the media and discoloring the minds of our republicans when you argue about contraceptives or unnecessary bills you wish to convey, I wish you officials to spend a much more quality time when on work. I wish that you're prioritizing developmental projects that would help us all.  You should be preventing unwanted situations like this by fixing and cleaning our rivers in Metro. You are supposed to update our armors for calamities like this. Isn't it lovely for you to discuss such wonderful plans for our land? I'll kiss the feet of a leader who would be able to bring fishes and have a running clear water back in our rivers.

A special memory

You will always be a special part of me

You will always be a special memory

I`ll always cherish wonderful moments

You have given me

You are in my heart wherever I may be

All the times we shared will always be to me

Songs my heart will sing refreshing melodies

I`ll put together all of your laughter

Like a symphony

I`ll remember you wherever I may be

I`ll put together all of your laughter

Like a symphony

I`ll remember you wherever I may be

I`ll remember you wherever I may be

I`ll remember you wherever I may be

*** And there's just one person in my mind and heart as i listen to this song.  

The greatest hits of Rod Stewart

The reasons why i love Rod Stewart lies behind his lovely lyrics and melodies.

The lettered wishes for August

Allow me to welcome August with these letters i wish to be sent over. I wanted to deliver each so it would be more especial, however due to our busy schedules, i decided to write it down and publicized it.

Dear August, 
         I want my everyday to be filled with joy, sincerity, and love. Be kind to me... please? Thank you.
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Dear Father-friend,
          Thank you because you really find time to date me today. I was right that you have ideas about my struggling circumstances. Gladly, I ended up thanking you for your most awakening advices, for listening to me on your so called "deep infatuations". For sparing time and money just to talk and say goodbye to me before you leave the country. Thank you, you are so much appreciated.

Dear Mad Friends,
          I always look forward to have more bonding and adventures with you. Since our time is very limited, i wanna cherish every time you're with me. Let's continue to inspire each other along with our extraordinary smiles and lovable stories. Let's pray, play, sing, dance, talk, watch, hug each of us, and laugh together. See you always. I love you all.

Dear Mojcian,
          I miss quality time with you. Please be more serious and exert more effort when i am teaching you during our practices. At times i wanna look more than strict just for you to feel that i really urge you to learn. If you no longer HEAR ME singing, just continue and ACT as if you hear me in your hearts. Listen carefully to the SOUND of this letter. Remember not to break the tune, you can STILL SING without you hearing me. I know it would be very hard at first, but i believe that in time you'll do it BETTER. just remember to INVEST TIME in practicing and be much prepared for our SERVICES. Please do not forget that he entrusted it to us, so let's be JUST RESPONSIBLE. You can always call all those Saints i used to mention in times of trouble. Continue to pray and encourage each other. Keep the fires of divine love burning. YOU can DO IT.

Dear Love,
          If only God and fate would give us much more time, a very long time to hold each other, I'm so willing to have beautiful days with you. Just this afternoon, I was counting the days i wish to render and share with you. I was thinking about surprising you. I was thinking if we can go to the beach and bathe for a whole sunny day. I was thinking of a candle light dinner and a remarkable dance number with you while the lovely songs are being played. I was thinking of some rented goofy things to do with you for fun. I wanna watch the radiant stars in the sky at night or a magical fireworks display with you. I was thinking of hugging you for a whole day. God, I know these things are so impossible to happen or it may never happen... Apparently, I was having an absurdly dreams or wishes to do with you for the rest of our days. I miss and love you.


Dearest Family,
        Thank you for making me feel appreciated in everything i do. All the best. Thanks for all your love and care. I <3 you.

Thank you in advanced God for my August 2012.

The clock is ticking

In true love the smallest distance is too great, and the greatest distance can be bridged. -Hans Nouwens 

Today, i've a very mixed emotions.

Mama's waiting for me at the lobby

Just this morning I, together with my mama went to embassy to pass the final requirements i needed to submit. I'm glad. Kasi matatapos na ang paghihintay, kumpleto na ang lahat. When i reached home i got a call from my aunt asking how was it. She mentioned that she's gonna have a follow up call to that office after two weeks to expedite the process. She told me that within 1-2 months, probably first or second week of September, I'll be with them. She told me, that i could take their language course first and see if i can go to a collage school in there. She told me that i wouldn't be that bored because I'll be with them, my cousins are there too, that we'll go out, we'll bond whenever they're free. She told me to save money, find a suitable job. Inviting, so I'm blessed to have this chance. Thank you Lord.

My besty made it!

Then i went to see my especial friend this afternoon and we did this page of a children's activity book. It brings me so much entertainment, it helps when i have this indescribable feeling.

Half of me wants to "take" this chance and part of me shouts "STAY".  I am afraid thinking about the possible scenarios i would encounter when i get back, na baka iba na ang lahat, wala na yung ibang mahalagang tao sa buhay ko na sobrang pinahahalagahan ko, ang mga grupong humubog sa pagkatao ko, ang lahat. Iniisip ko nalang tuloy na "the only constant thing in this world is change" i hope hindi drastic changes ang madadatnan ko sa aking pag-balik.

Nasabi ko sa sarili ko... Mapagbiro ka talaga tadhana. Noon na gustong gusto ko umalis hindi mo ako kinuha, kung kelan masayang masaya ako sa piling ng mga kaibigan ko, ng especial someone ko, ng family ko, eto ka... China-challenge nanaman ako. I'll do my best. I will do this to in the name of love, for my family and for my future.

Dearest Friends,

       You'll be in  my heart and prayers. See you always.

My big sisters

UST CONSERVATORY

Ate joyce, Cam, Apa and Albert sa aming puso

MUKHAAD <3

My Beloved MOJC

The love of my life

I've been listening to the song "Love of my life" by Jim Brickman for over a week now and it keeps on tuning in my head. Yes, definitely it is not an ordinary song as it touches my heart every time i listen to it.

Forgive me as i sound like a hopeful child while i tell you this: I always think of wedding songs i would like to be played on my wedding day. And this song, is arr-like (my tears are falling now).

If God would stop dicing and would ask me to select... It is ____ (He knew my choice).

Perhaps i've already met my husband to be.

Or maybe I'll meet him not just soon.

It could be God, who is not yet decided for what kind of life he would want me to have. 

Anxious me. Because of this song, i couldn't stop wondering.

Dear God, 

          Whoever he is... I thank you because i know you'll give me the just person. I promise to take care of him, make sure he is happy, and i promise to love him all my life. If that right time comes to have our own family, We'll be good and responsible parents. We'll use music to serve you. I know life wouldn't be that easy, but we'll use our energy for you. You'll be the center of my dreamed family so that we are protected. And now I'm being ambitious, sorry but yes i do. This such simple life is what I hope you give to me.

*** Whatever is your plan Lord, I'll be strong and I'll face it. I'll be responsible. Please always guide me when I'm making decisions. You know how much i love you Lord, you know what's in my heart, my real heart's desire. In the end, i surrender everything and let your will be done