MikeLigalig.com

The leaves are falling and the wind blows
The sun begins to set
The leaves are falling in this Cold November

The birds no longer chirp as the wind blows
The sun begins to set
The birds begin to migrate--away from this place--in this Cold November

Fiestas are a bonding event for the people of a particular municipality; one way for all of the people to gather the riches of the year's agricultural feats and share with the local people. Our own indigenous version of the American 'ThanksGiving'.

We are thanking the Lord God for the bounty of a successful year; a way of giving and receiving.

And I plan to attend some fiestas this coming June-July-early August. Anyone want to join me?

Quote from: ms da binsi on September 20, 2007, 03:21:17 PM
anti viral??? para man na sa HIV ug Aids!!!

hahahahahahahahaha!!! roflmao!

+++++++++

The one that i use is Macafee.

I loved it! Beautiful!!
Well done, guys~~

Excellent manifestation of Filipiniana Culture! I'm proud of you guys~~

Come visit Allegheny College:
Discover one of the nation's most beautiful and technologically advanced campuses!
Visit Allegheny College!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=O71KZ_co-oo

Thanks for the update, Leo. I hope everyone is fine; keep it together, guys.
May the Lord be compassionate towards my fellow Boholanos.

Quote from: lumine on November 24, 2007, 09:18:43 PM
come december 1, 2007,next saturday, i will finally bid goodbye to my second country,belgium and welcome myself and my family again to the country where i was born,the philippines.

it's hard to say goodbye,but we have to. as my loving husband would always say, "Baby, our future is in the Phils. There are no family ties here,unlike in the Phils."

last sunday, tears started to fall like heavy rain, as herman's sister-in-law and her family invited us for a dinner. it was painful to see my husband sobbing while hugging them tightly.(im crying now again,as im writing this.)whew!

in the car, everybody was quiet. moments after, my husband kissed my forehead and my lips, he said, "Baby, it's hard to say goodbye but i will make it because soon, i will be leaving all my miseries. Real happiness will come soon." (it's too personal if i will share the trials my husband went through.)

last night, my 18 year-old stepson, Joachim, visited us. an hour before he left, i asked him if he could still visit us for the last time. he said that his schedule in school wouldn't allow him anymore. so this is our last time to see each other? i asked. as we hugged each other, my tears started to fall, and before it would rain, i told him i needed to put his lil brother to sleep already. i noticed he was teary-eyed when baby matt gave him a flying kiss.(ngek! nitulo na sad ako luha.)

as i went upstairs, i was crying. minutes after, i could hear herman sobbing. i wanted to go downstairs to see Jo again,but baby matt was having his milk. i could hardly stop my tears from falling as i heard father and son saying goodbye in dutch. baby matt was awake from my sobs. i immediately carried baby matt to join his daddy whose eyes were already swelling from crying. when Jo left, herman kept reading at the frames with the inscriptions about a father which Jo gave him last night. at the end of one of the poems in the frames, it says, "Ik hou van jou,Papa." in english, "I love you, Daddy."

i can really understand the feelings of herman this time.

next week, we will visit my mother-in-law and my close brothers-in-law. what will i expect? super heavy rains again...

Ate Lumine, I wish i could give you a hug. Don't worry because you will find happiness in the Philippines with all the family over there. Be strong for baby Matt okay? Trust in God, your husband Mr. Herman, in yourself and in your son, Matt. All will be fine. Take care and you have our love and prayers. Please please stay safe okay?

I'm always here if you need to talk. God Bless ya, 'te!

Truly,
Bran Lorenzo

Thanks Precious.

And A warm holiday greetings to you as well!

Amen. Amen. Amen.

Psalm 6
--
O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger
       or discipline me in your wrath.

2 Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint;
       O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony.

3 My soul is in anguish.
       How long, O LORD, how long?

4 Turn, O LORD, and deliver me;
       save me because of your unfailing love.

5 No one remembers you when he is dead.
       Who praises you from the grave ?

6 I am worn out from groaning;
       all night long I flood my bed with weeping
       and drench my couch with tears.

7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
       they fail because of all my foes.

8 Away from me, all you who do evil,
       for the LORD has heard my weeping.

9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
       the LORD accepts my prayer.

Quote from: C2H4 on November 25, 2007, 01:42:53 AM
I am grateful to be alive. And I am grateful that I still want to be alive after all, despite feeling that I don't...sometimes.

I am grateful for my friends. I am grateful for my family.

And I am grateful that I was given a 20% discount at Timberland so now I can buy the gorgeous leather boots I've been lemming on for so long.

Thank you Lord, for the big things, and the small.

Hahahaha 20% discount diay, 'te?
So you like urban outfits diay, ha', i always thought of you as a prepster

hahaha big hugs,
Bran

Go karaoking, 'te. Enjoy and have a good time.
Hows your weekend going ha'?

Psalm 139

O Lord, you have searched me and known me.

2You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.

3You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.

4Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely.

5You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.

6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.

7Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?

8If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.

9If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,

10even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.

11If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,”

12even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.

13For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.

15My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

16Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed.

17How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

18I try to count themâ€"they are more than the sand; I come to the endâ€"I am still with you.

19O that you would kill the wicked, O God, and that the bloodthirsty would depart from meâ€"

20those who speak of you maliciously, and lift themselves up against you for evil!

21Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?

22I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies.

23Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.

24See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

The Lord is Kind.

Psalm 143

1Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my supplications in your faithfulness; answer me in your righteousness.

2Do not enter into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you.

3For the enemy has pursued me, crushing my life to the ground, making me sit in darkness like those long dead.

4Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled.

5I remember the days of old, I think about all your deeds, I meditate on the works of your hands.

6I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah

7Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me, or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.

8Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

9Save me, O Lord, from my enemies; I have fled to you for refuge.

10Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.

11For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life. In your righteousness bring me out of trouble.

12In your steadfast love cut off my enemies, and destroy all my adversaries, for I am your servant.

Beautiful.

Ate Belle,

I'm going to visit you this spring. Maybe around April or May, I'll take some of my friends and bring some college-cooked meal to your place, ha? Beautiful thread, Ate, you are truly a beautiful and loving woman, and lucky are those who are able to meet you and make acquaintance with you. (I haven't forgotten about your request of the video either, i've just forgotten where i put the dvd, lol!)

++

The kindness and love of our Lord is so pure, that even the darkest days of our lives cannot gloom over his infinite light and love. My faith has been renewed this week--i cannot help but refer to the story of Job. Job Lost his loved ones, all his property, but his firm faith in the Lord God was never forgotten by the Most High, who rewarded Job with more blessings and good graces.

I am grateful for my mommy Liza, my daddy Rico
I am grateful for my ondoy Don-Don, and my little ondoy Andre (i am so grateful for my little ondoys for hugging me when i needed such hugs) blessed are you LORD!
I am grateful for my little sister Lorraine for getting closer and becoming a firm and notable woman--that she be blessed with firm conviction and sense of passion--through our Lord.
I am grateful for my aunties, my uncles, my cousins--who I so adore
I am grateful for ALL my friends. All of them. I love you guys.

When I go back to campus, i need to show my love more often, and be less rigid and stern when it comes to giving compassion. Life is too short to live with masks and veils on. Diba?
I realized that...the hard way.

Peace be with you all.
-Bran Lorenzo

A Merry Christmas and Warm Holiday to:
Mr. Casiano S. Salvo and family, Mr. Romeo Tan and family, Engineer Alex Salvo and Family, Engineer Casiano Salvo Jr. and Family.

Warm Greetings to Dr. Renee Lucino and Family, Mr. Ray Lucino, Mr. Roger Lucino, and Ms. Ma. Wella Lucino and family!

God Bless Everyone and may all your wishes come true.

With Love,
Engineer Rico Lucino Sr, Mrs. Liza S. Lucino, Bran Lorenzo Lucino Jr., Lorraine Lucino, Don Rico Lucino III, Andre Nicholas Lucino.

Sus guapo kaayo sa gawas! i just came back from a long stroll---its very cold, but the sun is so beautiful today. Prisko kaayo ang air uy--beautiful morning.

Beautiful...i love that video, 'te.

kummusta swakee!
long time no talk!

I'll Be

by Edwin McCain

http://youtube.com/watch?v=f0hvOdYVTG0

In Your Eyes

by Peter Gabriel

http://youtube.com/watch?v=QXyX45A0Alk

'Amber'

by 311

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em0lLFRKpJo

--

Brainstorm, take me away from the norm
I got to tell you something
This phenomenon, I had to put it in a song
And it goes like

Chorus:
Whoa, amber is the color of your energy
Whoa, shades of gold displayed naturally

You ought to know what brings me here
You glide through my head blind to fear
And I know why

(Chorus 2x)

You live too far away
Your voice rings like a bell anyway
Don't give up your independence
Unless it feels so right
Nothing good comes easily
Sometimes you gotta fight

(Chorus)

Launched a thousand ships in my heart
So easy, still it's fine from afar
And you know that
Whoa, brainstorm take me away from the norm
Whoa, I got to tell you something

Take alot of pictures, Pare.

My god...

im glad you liked it, 'te.


it was dedicated to a beautiful person.

just some clothes; stuff for friends and family.

My dialect is bisaya, sir, to be exact--Bol-anon.

You went shopping pood diay karoon, Ate? hahaha pariho sad ta! Ning adto mi sa mall--originally we left at 10 am, found absolutely no parking lots when we got there. So we drove another 20+ minutes to the other mall in Cumberland County, luckily it wasn't as busy. lol. Oh i agree with you about the chaos part, people were arguing for the same items etc etc.  Pero it was nice to go out pood ba. Mo larga mi around 11 am sa Domingo.

Hope your week went well, 'te.

Mr. Itlog,

Very deep. Your bisaya is so deep that I was lost in the halfway mark, lol. I will continue to read these balaks in order to learn more Binisaya.

Hazel, expect something from me in the coming days.

Happy Birthday ha!
Early sad ko!

I await that, Mr. Ayag. I'll be home by June-July-early August.

See you then,

Bran Lorenzo

One book that I'd recommend is Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. Classic. Reverberating.

As we walk our path of life,
We meet people everyday.
Most are simply met by chance.
But, some are sent our way.

These become special friends
Whose bond we can't explain;
The ones who understand us
And share our joy and pain.

Their love contains no boundaries.
So, even we are apart.
Their presence enhances us
With a warmth felt in the heart.

This love becomes a passageway,
When even the miles disappear.
And so, these friends, God sends our way,
Remain forever near.

---

Let me arise and open the gate,
to breathe the wild warm air of the heath,
And to let in Love, and to let out Hate,
And anger at living and scorn of Fate,
To let in Life, and to let out Death.

Life can seem ungrateful and not always kind.
Life can pull at your heartstrings and play with your mind...
Life can be blissful and happy and free...
Life can put beauty in the things that you see...
Life can place challenges right at your feet...
Life can make good of the hardships we meet...
Life can overwhelm you and make your head spin...
Life can reward those determined to win...
Life can be hurtful and not always fair...
Life can surround you with people who care...
Life clearly does offer its Up and its Downs...
Life's days can bring you both smiles and frowns...
Life teaches us to take the good with the bad...
Life is a mixture of happy and sad...

So...

Take the Life that you have and give it your best...
Think positive, be happy let God do the rest...
Take the challenges that life has laid at your feet...
Take pride and be thankful for each one you meet...
To yourself give forgiveness if you stumble and fall...
Take each day that is dealt you and give it your all...
Take the love that you're given and return it with care...
Have faith that when needed it will always be there...
Take time to find the beauty in the things that you see...
Take life's simple pleasures let them set your heart free...
The idea here is simply to even the score...
As you are met and faced with Life's Tug of War

by Robert Frost

  Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid-air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,
The which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends He will,
But which it only needs that we fulfill.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my dearest Ates in the site for their prayers and their kind words during this trying time for me and for my friends. Life truly is a journey, on the road, sometimes we make friends during our trek in this long and winding road; however some of our friends take another path and tho we will miss them, we must have faith in ourselves and in them that they arrive to their intended destination. The Love of Christ, and blessed be HIS most Holy Name that not even the brightest star can manifest such magnificence. This past week has been exhausting for me, I am so appreciative of all your prayers for my good friend Robert, it really means a lot to me, our group of friends and the family afflicted his sudden loss. I was able to get in contact with Rob's girl friend, Alison, and have heard from her that she is flying to Boston, Massachusetts to be with Rob's family and for the funeral procession (I will be attending a mass for him this Monday). I am happy and somewhat content that she is doing fine, though the sudden loss of her loved one will forever etch her mind, and that his family trying to keep itself together. It is through the grace of God that all of us are able to connect to one another, and i feel that my prayers are answered because though we have lost a good and faithful friend, we are able to re-connect with one another and keep him in our thoughts.

Prayer, truly is a wondrous thing. Though darkness clouded my thought early this week, it is through solemn prayer, and deep longing trust in God and in HIS boundless mercy and love that I am able to rise from this grievous loss. The Lord is kind, the Lord is loving that he has given me good friends here in my life--to help me and comfort me. The Lord is kind for allowing me to meet other friends around the world--friends that I have made through Tubag Bohol--thank you so much for helping me and keeping my friend Rob in your prayers. Blessed are you, and may the Lord bless all of you.

I just came back from church visit. The Lord is kind, you know. I went to Our Lady of Lourdes R.C Church today at 7:00 pm (about an hour and a half ago) and thought it was closed. However, the light was on--and i opened the doors--and thanked the Lord for keeping the church open this late at night.

I immediately felt an inner sense of peace as I entered the House of God. I fell on my knees, and prayed for my friend Rob, for his soul, for his forgiveness, and for the Heart of Christ to accept him into his kingdom. In deep prayer, on my knees before the crucifix, I poured my tears. The LORD is loving and hears all, and in my prayer, i felt a deep sense of content and as if my fears, my pain, my ache was taken away from me. Lifted. I cannot explain the feeling i had, but it was as if a boulder was lifted from my shoulders. Christ is Love. That is what i thought in my head as I lifted my self in prostration before the Crucifix and before the Altar of God. Christ is Love. As I drove home, i ushered that in my mind "Christ is Love". That the Lord would listen to me, a mere sinner, one who is undeserving of his Love. I did not pray for my own sake, but for the sake of my own friend. That the Lord would look past me and my own sins--but would listen to the innocence of my request. Christ is Love.

I feel content. I feel as if can have closure in this sad event that has forever changed my life and the lives of my friends and families involved.

Though we all experience such losses, my friends, we must remain strong. We must look to God because he is the Life, Word, and Resurrection. Life will have challenges for all of us, but we must be strong, we must learn from these hard experiences (whatever they may be for all of us) and we must trust in God and in ourselves. Do not despair. In the end, all shall be renewed and we shall be united again with our Loved Ones who we so lost in life.

Blessed be the Lord God, who so loved the world that he sent his only begotten SON to be the satisfaction of our sins. Blessed be God the Highest. And Peace to his people on Earth.

I admire that.

hi faye. welcome kaayo to this site! may you showcase your light to everyone here.

take care,

 Hey guys! I hope thanksgiving was filled with happiness and 'stuffing' for you all, lol!!
Ate, did you bring any 'bringhouse' after the dinner? hahahaha!
Yesterday was cool--we went to a club house for Thanksgiving Day with my family--and extended family--it was a formal-wear club house. Had some good red merlot; aged 10 years--really good. Afterwards we went to my Ante Beth's place. There were alot of pinoys there--you could hear the laughter a mile away .
My uncle Steve , my brother Don, myself and Mary played majong. I almost won, yo!

How was everyone's Turkey-day??

I know mine was tryptophan-filled!

^ i like it

sweet song

http://youtube.com/watch?v=CUod3jGQt0U

haha looks nice. had some merlot myself today
best served with cuban cigars after a nice turkey meal

good news, there is a new breakthrough that allows skin cells to act like embryonic stem cells. Good news for science and religious doctrine.

Ate Belle, did you get my message?
I got your message when I was driving back---sorry i was unable to call quickly--i was in such a sad state most of the drive. I was crying most all day tuesday and wednesday. Im finally taking it easy now---probably because ive shed all my tears. I love you Ate Belle, thank you Ate for your comforting words, it really means so much to me.

Happy Thanksgiving, and you have my love.

Give my regards to your family there~~

happy thanksgiving, ate Lumine.
Hope little Matt is feeling better.

To those in here with close close friends.
Please take the time to tell your friends that you love them, care for them and just give them that extra hug; you will never know when they are taken from you, or when you will be taken from them. For the journey we call 'life' comes and goes and it is unpredictable. If you do make close friends that you have attached yourself with, then blessed are you for you have been given a gift by god. Who is all compassion and love. Life is too fragile to let things pass--and it is too short to keep grudges. Release it, guys. Dont ever take things for granted, from the smallest things to the greatest things; all are a blessing from GOD. There are three things that count the most in life: God, family and friends. Love them all. Love them with fire red ..

I'm holding on your rope,
Got me ten feet off the ground
And I'm hearing what you say but I just can't make a sound
You tell me that you need me
Then you go and cut me down, but wait
You tell me that you're sorry
Didn't think I'd turn around, and say...

that it's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late

I'd take another chance, take a fall
Take a shot for you
And I need you like a heart needs a beat
But it's nothing new - yeah
I loved you with the a fire red-

Now it's turning blue, and you say...
I'm sorry like an angel
heaven let me think was you
But I'm afraid...

It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late whoaa ohhh...

It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, yeah-
I said it's too late to apologize, yeah-
I'm holding on your rope, got me ten feet... off the ground...

getting ready to head over to go to thanksgiving dinner with family; we're meeting up with my aunt, uncle and cousin. Trying to keep a smile on.

happy thanksgiving to everyone~
may all your family be gathered together, with friends.
Take care guys,

I dont know why anyone would commit suicide...for the sake of a petty problem like that. It boggles my mind to think about that--when theres so much...friends and counseling can do..

As we the withered ferns
By the roadway lying,
Time, the jester, spurns
All our prayers and prying --
All our tears and sighing,
Sorrow, change, and woe --
All our where-and-whying
For friends that come and go.

Life awakes and burns,
Age and death defying,
Till at last it learns
All but Love is dying;
Love's the trade we're plying,
God has willed it so;
Shrouds are what we're buying
For friends that come and go.

Man forever yearns
For the thing that's flying.
Everywhere he turns,
Men to dust are drying, --
Dust that wanders, eying
(With eyes that hardly glow)
New faces, dimly spying
For friends that come and go.

And thus we all are nighing
The truth we fear to know:
Death will end our crying
For friends that come and go.

Return home 
Upon the long and winding road,
Where etched is your pathos. 
You empowered the breeze 
To make shadows sway,
Silent voices speak,
And all grace rejoice.

Return home
Upon the long and winding road,
Conjoined with faith,
To dance among the boughs of spring. 

Every day awakens 
With kisses on your brow;   
With mist that veils the early light   
And hides the morning clouds. 
With butterfly breaths of longer days   
Where heard are fewer sighs,   
And echoes from a mountain's song,   
Dissolving plaintive cries. 
No longer will the seasons part   
The year; dividing into four.   
Now hours blend to days and weeks,   
Weeks to months, forever more. 
Every day awakens   
With visions of what's to be:   
Spheres full of joy and wonder,   
Timeless moments of Infinity. 

I loved the river:
Enchanting.
I loved the wind:
Caressing.
I loved the daylight:
Soothing.

I loved the starlight:   
Haunting.

I loved my ‘dear ones’:   
Being.
I am now all I loved:
Blessing.

Today, my senses are paralyzed
In frozen chambers of dismay
As in solitude I chant 
Silent notes of prayer. 

Like a leafless tree writhing, 
I long for blossoms 
At spring's first dawn

When the brightest days
Are longer than 
The darkest nights,

When the breezes are warm, 
And the air is fresh 
With the scent of laurel,

When climbs of roses 
Bring new hopes to bear
And tears of time 
Drown my despair...

...When oblivion is home 
To all my dismay.

M.R. Berman
February 7, 1995 

This poem was written for a patient who experienced abnormal bleeding from the onset of her long-planned pregnancy. Prental testing was carried out in an effort to establish the cause. A rare and fatal chromosome abnormality was discovered and she lost her pregnancy in her thirteenth week.   

Im starting to stop crying, but everytime I think of happy moments, I end up swelling my eyes with tears. This is like a dream, a dream that i want to wake up from, a dream that is a nightmare, an evil and  merciless nightmare that haunts my mind, for that a friend should not have to suffer the loss of a friend that i consider a brother. Though we may have been born to different mothers and fathers, though we had differences in thinking,  our thoughts were displayed in solemn and astute conversation. Such conversations--would fill me with great ecstasy. The words you used, the way you described things, you are a poet, such quandary in thought.  My friend, my most dearest of friends, you are a brilliant man, a man of such wondrous beliefs, such strong convictions, your innate goodness to help others, is something that others can only try to emulate but never act in such immediacy. Robert, you are an adventurer, you've shared stories of your experiences abroad, your willingness to learn from other cultures, your deep sympathy to those who are in need and were in need. Selfless you were in life, gave it all, gave love, gave happiness, shared such high potential for growth. Your intelligence and your love of history, and the arts precedes you, dear friend. You quote men such as Dylan, Brahms, Voltaire, yet not knowing of your own innate brilliance that surpasses these men of old. My dearest Robert Matson, of whom I thank God to have been given the honor to make your acquaintance. Thank you for showing me the different side of life, thank you for breaking my rigid stern outlook--and gave me the view to show compassion in everyday life. Thank you for being there for me to cheer me up when I was down, encouraging and always there to pat me on the back. I only wish I was there more often to pat you on your back, to rescue you from the edge of the cliff that you were so desperately climbing, had I know, my dearest friend, i would have climbed the highest cliff to rescue you. With open arms, I give you my condolences.

Life, Robert, is a passing aura, one that comes and goes. Though you may no longer breathe, tho you may no longer walk, never open your eyes, to breath the sweet scent of a winter's morning, to see the beauty of spring--know that you will always, always, always live in my heart. I can still feel you around me, bro. I feel as if we are still sitting on that big couch in the blue lounge in Brooks Hall--in our typical long winded conversations--drinking our cup of chai latte. Rob, i can feel you talking to me, as i write this, your smile, and your laugh that always manages to brighten any gloomy day. Why is it that I can feel you still? If you are here with me in spirit...visiting me, I want you to know, my dearest friend, that I enjoy your company. My soul reaches out to your soul, and may you see the heart of Christ. Who knows no hate, no burden of pain, whose heart is of BOUNDLESS joy and mercy, whose forgiveness is as INFINITE as his greatness.

Am I dreaming? Am I lying in deep sleep in this morbid nightmare? If I am, please let me wake up fromit, let me see your face again. I long to walk with you again, to see you and just...just....say 'Thank God it was only a dream'.


Rob, please, don't leave us. Come back...

Apologize

by One Republic

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fm0T7_SGee4

hi cecil. welcome sa TB

Sympathy is man's soulful self-expansion.

Sympathy is God's perfect satisfaction in man.

Sympathy does not walk along the narrow road of the human mind. Sympathy walks only along the broad road of the divine heart.

Sympathy is a love-flower and a oneness-fruit.

Sympathy is at once man's lighthouse and man's treasure-island.

Sympathy is the revelation of God-Heart in man

Death is at once
The end of the body's 
Old journey 
And the beginning of the soul's
New journey.
~~~~
Death is not the end.
Death can never be the end.
Death is the road.
Life is the traveller.
The soul is the guide.
~~~~
I fear death yet know it.
Why? 
Because death too
Is God's creation
And because death reminds me
Of the existence as a limited force; but after it...
Infinity's Life immortal.

Quote from: Ginger on November 22, 2007, 01:13:05 AM
Phoebe Jen Indino and Jasmin Uy/LPM
The Freeman

Irenea Conato Apao was described by her students as a jolly teacher that would always love to teach physics.

Before going abroad, the 41-year-old popularly known as Ma’am Apao last taught three years ago at the Don Vicente Rama Memorial National High School, formerly known as Basak National High School, where she was one of the most talented teachers for her science exhibits and symposiums.

But last November 8, she was found lifeless hanging inside her rented room in Baltimore, Maryland in an apparent suicide which stemmed from depression.

Filipino teachers and Filipino-American community leaders from Virginia, Maryland, New York and New Jersey conducted necrological rites in her memory at the Rendon Hale Funeral Home in Lanham, Maryland last Nov. 17

Apao’s body is expected to arrive in Cebu this week, in time for her daughter’s 18th birthday on November 26. Her remains will be laid in Punta Prinsesa Funeral Chapel.

Apao taught for nine years at the Basak National High School where her works won recognition from the Department of Education, which bestowed the Top Ten Selected Educators’ Award upon her. As a government scholar, she earned a master’s in education at De La Salle University in Manila.

In 2006, Apao was one of the first batches of Filipino teachers hired by the Baltimore Public School System to help mitigate the shortage of teachers in the area. She actually arrived in the US months earlier to teach math and physics at the Riverbend High School in Spotsylvania, Virginia.

Fellow teacher Michelle Albor-Basabe would always remember Apao as “Nene.” They grew up together at the Cabreros compound in Basak. Apao finished her bachelor’s degree at University of San Jose-Recoletos and later married Basabe’s cousin.

Apao and her husband, however, got separated although their marriage produced two children,  â€" Ivy, 17, who is currently a freshman in nursing at Cebu State College of Science and Technology, and Paulo, 10, a Grade 4 pupil at the Basak Elementary School  â€" who were left in the care of her sister when she left for the US.

“She only became Irene here but we’ve always known her as Nene,” Basabe recalls, ribbing her when they first reunited in Baltimore.

“I remember her being tough. She went through a lot of problems â€" marital problems and huge financial problems back in the Philippines but she always got through it. For me, she’s always been a winner,” Basabe recounts.

Basabe said she was surprised when Apao told her that she started suffering from depression last year, shortly after she moved from Spotsylvania to Baltimore.

“I asked her what the problem was and all she could say was ‘work,’” Basabe remembers.

The Migrant Heritage Commission is one of the groups trying to raise funds to send home Apao’s remains. It also aims to create a trust fund for the education of her two children.

Lord God, please take the soul of Ms. Irenea Apao into your kingdom. Have mercy on her o Lord, and grant her peace with you, Lord.

I pray for her, i pray for her family, her friends..that are affected by her sudden passing.

I love you too Ate!!!!
Thank you uy...it really means alot to me.

Some of the photos that Rob took when he was in New Orleans; he went there this summer to help fix and do volunteer work for those afflicted by Hurricane Katrina. He made good friends over there, as he told me. GOD. Why did you take my best friend??? Why...LORD??? WHY??

.....

It brings me so much tears to see these pictures, but i want to share to you guys...so you know that he was a good guy. He wasnt evil or bad at all; sure he made mistakes, but nothing different to me or any of you.


The area where he helped rebuild.


One of the families that he helped in New Orleans; his group cleaned their flooded homes. **Rob in green shirt**




Rob with the kids....
He was always good to children

im crying as i write it, 'te.
I've been crying the whole day
i dont know, i feel so very depressed, Ate...

It hurts to know that I
No longer have you by my side
I remember the day I got the news
I just sat and cried

Feeling sad, I asked God why
Did he have to take you away?
Wishing it was just a dream
I just sat there and prayed

It's really sad to know that you
Are never coming back
No one else can take your place
And that is just a fact.

It's really hard for me to accept
The fact that you are gone
I never will stop loving you
Cause the feelings just too strong

To have you back for just one second
Will make everything better
I really would have sent you this
If heaven accepted letters

I really wish I had the chance
To tell you goodbye
But for now you'll live in my heart
And forever in the sky

As the clouds move,
Time keeps passing by,
As the rain falls,
I catch the tears I cry.

As the world walks on,
I stay and miss you,
Deep inside I wonder,
If you miss me too.

And as I get around,
I carry you with me,
And when I see her,
It reminds me of who you used to be.

As it all fades,
So do my memories of you,
I can't hear your voice,
From your heart once so true.

I'm learning to move on,
But I can't let you go,
I'm just not ready yet,
Oh, don't you know?

You left me shattered,
Broken and torn apart,
I could scream words at you,
That I've held in from the start.

But you can't hear me,
You can't because you're gone,
You took yourself away,
Left me behind and coloured my world wrong.

You stole it all away,
Who I used to be,
But I know you cared,
Although you set yourself free.

And why you went away,
I'll never understand,
It kills me to go on,
With out you to hold my hand.

And it hurts me miss you,
And to just remember your name,
It hurts me to miss you,
Oh, it won't ever be the same.

Now the moon is almost hidden
The stars are beginning to hide
The fortunetelling lady
Has even taken all her things inside
All except for Cain and Abel
And the hunchback of Notre Dame
Everybody is making love
Or else expecting rain
And the Good Samaritan, he's dressing
He's getting ready for the show
He's going to the carnival tonight
On Desolation Row

It was August 24, 2004. I just arrived to Allegheny College as a college freshman--got acquainted with my roommates Georgi and Suvarshi and had a hall meeting with all the guys that I lived with in freshman year and that is where I first met Rob. He lived with Kurt Falcone, down in Walker Hall--which was about 8 doors down from where I lived--hahaha--God i remember how innocent we were all back then. 'College freshmen' pa jud!! I could still remember Rob with his thick Bostonian accent, hahahaha, so irish! We would be so mean to you man, i remember when we were in the bathroom and you were in the shower--me and my roommates decided to pull a prank on you and took a bucket of cold water and as you were showering poured it on the head way--i can still remember laughing my ass off and I heard, "AL, I swear I'm gonna get ya after i get out of here" hahahaha!! Good times, good times. Or the crazy time when it was raining like crazy in late August 2004---and you and I decided to be random and sled around the hill half naked. LOL! I remember being literally covered in mud and drenched by the rain--but it was fun man! God I would do anything to experience that again to be with you again!!! I still feel bad for the janitors cuz we left so much mud and debris in the shower stalls. LOL!! O man....i begin to cry just thinking about the things we had--good times, the conversations we would have in the Blue Room---which would last from like 8pm till like the break of dawn....5am or 6am. God Rob....im going to miss you...man....i dont want to go back to campus and see the difference in people's faces...man...why??? Why? did you leave me like this?? Rob.....i miss you so much man.....i wont be able to hear your voice again, bro. Im even beginning to forget how you sound like....i want to hug you man. Rob.......im crying....i feel so bad for your brothers Damo and Sam, your mom and your dad. They didnt deserve to go through this man! You were their first son,....no parent should have to bury their own child.

I miss you, man. I cant help but cry....
I LOVE YOU MAN...

Today was a good day. Blessed is the LORD GOD who is all-forgiving and comforting even in times of stress and pain in loosing a loved one. My sister and I came back home early this morning at 12:30ish AM to the open arms of my mother, father who were awake all night. Not only that, my great aunts from Canada came down for the week to celebrate Thanksgiving and were over our house and as we came back home--they all woke up (nanay esther, nanay lai, nanay ofelia, mama bong, mama eppie, mama ming2x and ate anete and ate ann2x). It was much a surprise for my sister and myself---talked for hours  about family and news going on around in Canada and home. Though I was sad and bereaved, the Lord made it that my family was united for the arrival of my sister and I. I really am happy to be home. Home really is where the heart is. Personally and spiritually, today was a very tiring and exhausting day. I hope tomorrow is better; we will be driving to meet up with my aunt and uncle and cousins--the whole family will be together. Thanks

I raise my cup to you, Kyle. Keep shining, young bright star.
Make all of us proud. Have a happy thanksgiving day as well, ondoy!!!!
Take Care,

Kuya Bran

Untitled

by Simple Plan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2lhkCQkhu8

I open my eyes
I try to see but I'm blinded by the white light
I can't remember how
I can't remember why
I'm lying here tonight

And I can't stand the pain
And I can't make it go away
No I can't stand the pain

Chorus:
How could this happen to me
I've made my mistakes
Got no where to run
The night goes on
As I'm fading away
I'm sick of this life
I just wanna scream
How could this happen to me

Everybody's screaming
I try to make a sound but no one hears me
I'm slipping off the edge
I'm hanging by a thread

I wanna start this over again

So I try to hold onto a time when nothing mattered
And I can't explain what happened
And I can't erase the things that I've done
No I can't

How could this happen to me
I've made my mistakes
Got no where to run
The night goes on
As I'm fading away
I'm sick of this life
I just wanna scream
How could this happen to me

I've made my mistakes
Got no where to run
The night goes on
As I'm fading away
I'm sick of this life
I just wanna scream
How could this happen to me

Best I ever Had

by Vertical Horizon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmZdpkh14_Q

lyrics:
So you sailed away
Into a grey sky morning
Now I'm here to stay
Love can be so boring

Nothing's quite the same now
I just say your name now

[Chorus]
But it's not so bad
You're only the best I ever had
You don't want me back
You're just the best I ever had

So you stole my world
Now I'm just a phony
Remembering the girl
Leaves me down and lonely

Send it in a letter
Make yourself feel better

[Chorus]
But it's not so bad
You're only the best I ever had
You don't need me back
You're just the best I ever had

And it may take some time to
Patch me up inside
But I can't take it so I
Run away and hide
And I may find in time that
You were always right
You're always right

So you sailed away
Into a grey sky morning
Now I'm here to stay
Love can be so boring

What was it you wanted
Could it be I'm haunted

[Chorus]
But it's not so bad
You're only the best I ever had
I don't want you back
You're just the best I ever had
The best I ever had
The best I ever

I really wish you a HAPPY and LOVE-FILLED birthday, Ate Hazel.
Stay smiling and radiant, much love and hugs.

Truly ,
Bran

Tito Reynaldo,

Sorry sir that i was unable to meet you in life, you know i hear so many good things about you through the word of mouth from the many bol-anons in here. Sir, I am sorry sir that I was unable to meet you in the land of the living. Pero sir, i know that you are in a better place, where there is neither anger, hatred, pain and distraction from the TRUENESS of GOD. Tito Reynaldo, I pray for you and that you may be given the love and see face of God.  Tito, you have the prayers and the love of the Lucino-Salvo family. Please, if you can, please also pray for the soul of my best friend, Rob Matson, who so passed to the land of the dead this week. Please pray for him, Tito. This I pray in the NAME of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Who reigns Forever and Ever. For the Power, the Kingdom and the Glory are Yours. AMEN.

If you leave, don’t leave now
Please don’t take my heart away
Promise me, just one more night
Then we’ll go our separate ways
We’ve always had time on our sides
Now it’s fading fast
Every second, every moment
We’ve got to, We’ve got to make it last

I touched you once, I touched you twice
I won’t let go at any price
I need you now like I needed you then
You always said we'd still be friends someday

If you leave I won't cry
I won't waste one single day
But if you leave don't look back
I'll be running the other way
Seven years went under the bridge
Like time was standing still
Heaven knows what happens now
You’ve got to, You’ve got to say you will

I touched you once, I touched you twice
I won't let go at any price
I need you now like I needed you then
You always said we'd meet again

I touched you once, I touched you twice
I won’t let go at any price
I need you now like I needed you then
You always said we’d still be friends

I touched you once, I touched you twice
I won’t let go at any price
I need you now like I needed you then
You always said we'd meet again someday

ohwoah ohwoah ohwoah ohwoah ohwoah

If you leave (ohwoah)
If you leave (ohwoah)
If you leave (ohwoah)
Don’t look back
Don’t look back

........

Sometimes, i feel that the trials that the Lord God gives us is too much....
When the Lord takes, he takes.

I absolutely fear death. I dont want to be separated from my loved ones, all that the fullness of life offers. I truly, absolutely, and utterly fear dying.

Mike, Mike,

I want to hug you bro. I am sorry for the loss of your Papa...
I cannot even begin to imagine, Mike. Mike...thank you.....

If I could hug you, I would right now.
God bless you, pare.

Always,
Bran

A friend is someone who will be there for you "through thick or thin".
A friend is boundless of love....and forgiveness...

For You, Rob.

"Apologize"

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fm0T7_SGee4


I'm sorry i didnt get to say good bye.
I'm sorry i didnt know that you were in pain---
I'm sorry that I didnt get to give you one more last hug
I'm sorry that you were in so much pain
I'm sorry that you won't graduate with us---part of the Class of 2008
I'm sorry--for the times I joked around too much
I'm sorry for the pain and agony that you endured in your life--no one has to go through that
I'm sorry that you had to die...alone.

Robbie, I know you can hear me, please know that we are praying for you, you don't have to wander around anymore. Robbie, we care for you, i wont think of you any less for your manner of death---i know that what happened was written in the book of life. Things happen for a reason, Robbo! Remember what you told me in sophomore year when we got in trouble for our 'excessive partying' lol! "Just let it be, Al. Life Life". I want to tell you to let go, Rob. Its okay to leave, bro. Please, please hear my prayers and follow the direction of God the Father. Go with HIM into paradise, and ask for mercy, don't be stubborn and reject salvation. Robert, I AM TELLING you to go and rest...rest..rest. Seriously bro, I'm alright. I know allie will be alright, so will all your parents. Don't linger any longer---------

Follow the light--and seek HIS forgiveness--in the land of dead. May you be granted the grace and love of the ALMIGHTY FATHER who so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son for the satisfaction of our SINS.

Robert, I love you, and will always love you. No matter what. Remember what I told you before "friends through thick or thin."

I'll see you there someday, bro. I cannot wait to hug you again--and see your handsome smile. You owe me that. Don't disappoint me,....



With Love,
Your Friend,
AL

Guys, thank you so much for remembering him, it means alot to me and to my friends that are afflicted by this ...event. I cannot even begin to come to terms with the fact that i will not be seeing my best friend anytime soon. Forever. So much that I had to say to him, and not enough time to even spend time. We were supposed to go hiking again next semester, we put it off because we were so busy with schedules, we were supposed to go back and i was going to give him a tour of Bohol as he wanted to visit the philippines and the stories. I even shared with him with the experiences i had with connecting with my 'islanders' and Tubag Bohol. He was there with me when i made that tribute for Tubag Bohol in youtube. If you can listen to it again---you can actually hear him and some of my friends laughing in the background--as we were making the video together. I have never felt this kind of loss before. Because you know--it is not natural death? For me--there is no closure--i still cannot believe that this happened. We were supposed to meet up again in 10 years for college reunion, etc.

When i posted the last message, it was round 4pm my time and literally minutes before i logged of to drive back home. We left college at about 4:50 pm and arrived back home by 12:30 am and was able to talk to my sister in the drive back home. But as i talked---i could feel Rob's presence. I can feel him even now as i post this--my dear Rob, the one who always would tell me to 'loosen up, Al' or 'Al, you'll do fine--dude dont worry about it, okay big guy?'. God I will MISS him. I can still remember the last time we went out--me and him walked around campus towards the Woodcock dam, which is like 10 miles north of the campus--and we walked at night to see the stars (you can see so much stars at night in northwestern pennsylvania because of the natural preserve)--and i remember talking about the vast expanse of the sky. "God is beautiful" i would say---and he would agree. And I distinctly remember him saying 'do you think He really loves us?' . I answered 'Yes' he does. That was one of the last spiritual conversations i had with him, usually we would talk about classes, relationships, chics etc etc..typical college rhetoric. How I wish i could go back in time and just give him a hug again. Even for a day or two to save his life--if i could--i would have ran to his apartment--break the door down and rescue him from the hanging. If i could.
I couldnt sleep last night, guys, my mind was troubled with thoughts of my friends. I felt as if he was with me--and I prayed so much--i prayed and prayed for his soul--yet i could not sleep. Then this morning my sister and I went to church at 8AM to get some sense of closure. I did--a little bit. I am grateful tho because i was able to talk to Father Jack Connor earlier around 12 noon and broke down in tears to tell the story. I feel better now--at least somewhat at peace. And i pray and will continue to pray for the soul of my late best friend, Rob Matson. Who passed this world at such a young age of 22. He was a couple of weeks younger than I.

My message to the youth in here is to NEVER give up, guys. Please dont ever ever loose hope.

AMEN

.......

Why

I do not know 'te. I talked to our other friends who lived with him in the same house....ingoon sila kono that Rob was depressed kono. They said that they didnt even know that he was thinking about killing himself or what not. But still......had i known or something..i would have have ran to his place last night and talked to him. 'te he died 3 AM!!!!
I just saw him the other day.....

I still cannot believe that he is gone. God has taken one of my closest friends....

Ate, i dont why?

My heart has been taken from me....

My best friend...Robert....is no more.

Why Lord/?? I should have been there..

IN MEMORIAM



God Speed, my friend....

Thank You so much for being there as a brother for me!

Today I just found out that a very close friend of mine, who ive been friends with since freshman year in college (we were close buddies and still are..) just passed away. I received an email from Dean Joe Dichristina, the Dean of Students that Robert passed away 3 AM today. I am in total shock, i really really am because I just saw him a couple of days ago. I've lost a really good friend, one who i have shared many good memories here in college---he was there for me when i needed someone to be with when i was a freshman. I talked to my other friends and I found out that Rob hung himself. Dios ko...why man? My heart is filled with so much ache and unbearable pain at the loss of my friend. Rob, I love you man---i always have and always will, bro! Why did you do it Rob?? Rob why? I feel as if i should have done something--i should have talked to him the day before or something. Why does this have to happen now when I'm leaving for thanksgiving break. Oh Lord please have mercy on my friend. Please show mercy..

Please guys, if you can please pray for the soul of Robert Matson, who died at the age of 22 years old. He was one of my closest friends in life. I will miss you, Robbie, you will live forever in my heart. I love you.


I pray for you, Rob. O god..please have mercy on you...

^ I really like this song, Ate.
Thanks!!

hahahahaha!!
you're so much like my mom, 'te!
You even shop in the same place as she does..hahahahahaha!

What are the good qualities that you idolize about your parents that you like to emulate in your life? We all know that parents are the source of good manners for today's youth. So what are the things that you like about your parents--and what is it about them that  you love the most?

haha dress to impress jud pero okey ra man kay at least good impression.
You dress very eloquently too, 'te Belle! But i have to admit, i do buy clothes in Ross or in TJ Max cuz everything is on sale over there. Why buy a shirt thats priced at $60 in the mall when you can buy the same thing in Ross/TJ Max for about $25. Diba? hahahaha!
I learned all these shopping tips from my mom. I swear whenever me and my dad go shopping with her---she runs toward the Clearance isle and finds something really good no matter what. hahahahahaha!

hahaha bitaw mao na daghang ko cavities sa una! ka luuy pood! those chocolates look so good da!

Thanks 'te Belle!!!
Enjoy your Turkey Day too!
Muah!,,,

Doy

I'm a very picky shopper. My favorite brands are classics: Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy, Izod, Van Heusen, Armani, Versace. As for pants or shorts, i rarely wear jeans, but if i do i wear wrangler. Im a big fan of dockers khakis, and Polo Ralph Lauren dress pants. As for shoes, I prefer Boston, bass, and nike.

Grind sa teeth? wow kuyawa..so what did your husband say about that?
I snore, pero not so loud as my dad. I also am known to sleep walk!! Like a zombie...

lamii-a uy!