GADGET GURL

One is official, the other one is personal, while the third one is in the name of love... and the last one is my new toy.


These are tools to stay connected but sometimes I just wish I could disconnect and hang up.
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MEETING THE BRIDES

It was a night all about weddings and marriage. Two of my highschool friends here Queenie (and her groom-to-be Joel) and Hazel joins my AYLC dinner in Cebu for a quick catching up and for a short briefing on their wedding dates (December 8 and 10, respectively).

I will be back in Cebu December 7 to 11 to attend the 5th and 6th wedding I am attending for the year 2005. I think next year will be more of Christenings...
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A DAY WITH THE BATANGAS CITY SK

Oh the joy of being in the same welcome banner as Mareng Winnie and Chees Escudero...
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POST PARTUM

posting this just because everyone keeps on asking how i am coping. the answer is I AM FINE but I AM NOT OK. magulo ba? taken the day after he left, and guess what... I had to present AYLC in front of the Ayala Group HR Council. How life loves to humor me...
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ABESALA, Black & White!

Hagorn is spotted at the Black and White Movement - Leaders Assembly at the Ateneo de Manila Highschool covered courts. It was an intense but peaceful gathering.
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MINDANAO WOMEN UNITE

Speaking before the young women leaders of Mindanao. It was during this event that I met the really amazing all-women music group, Mebuyan Peace Project, headed by Geejay Arriola. Their music is very inspiring and gives you that kind of serenity, like you are being sang to by Pinay Goddesses. Please check out their website http://bayangbarrios.com/mebuyan/links.htm for more information.
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AN UNEXPECTED BREAK

my vista at the eden nature park during the Mindanao young women leaders conference sponsored by the Mindanao Commission on Women. + 21 October 2005
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TRYING TO BOUNCE BACK

with mother rona at the taal vista hotel during the ELSA year end evaluation workshop. despite my scraped knee, i survived.
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AND HE WENT AWAY

My most dreaded day has come. It happened 6:30AM of October 5 2005... the day Victor was to leave for Qatar for a 2-year contract with an auto modification company that services super cars and maintains a rally racing team based in Doha City.

I was away the week before he left and since we already got used to the feeling of anticipation for his departure, we thought we still had time to spare when I got back from my trip in Mindanao.

We received a text from Martin the afternoon of Monday (the day I got back) that he and his colleagues were booked for a flight early morning of that Wednesday. It meant we only had a little more than 24 hours to prepare ourselves for a dramatic goodbye.

With his departure, I found it funny (for lack of a better term) how God is rocking my boat. Someone told me that I should use this 'rocking' as an opportunity for transformation, to be a better person. It just is so damn hard to be one especially with all the pain and misery. For two people who loved each other so much and spent time together everyday, it just is not possible to think about more positive things. Two years feel like two eternities away.


*taken a few hours before he went away.. me, victor and victor senior

If there is one good thing that came out of this most disheartening experience, it would be the outpouring of support from friends (both old and new!) and family (though they were nowhere within a hundred miles). I met Ate Beth and Twinkle, the wives of his two colleagues. They instantly became my best buds -- a picture instantly came to mind of historic times when men leave their wives safely in the village while they are off to hunt for food. Different displays of love and empathy - a friend gives me caramel brownies from her oven to cheer me up the day after he left, another texts me that good times will soon come, others text me to say that they too miss him and that they are just a text/call away should I be needing company, even victor's family have already lined up family activities for me to attend after his departure, and the sweetest of all -- his mom (who cooks the best kare-kare and spaghetti in the whole wide world) said 'bumisita ka pa rin dito ha? baka di ka na pumunta dito 'pag wala na si Jun...'

Somewhere between Qatar and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, I lost my heart. I can't seem to find it. At night, I cry myself to sleep hoping that I wake up to a better day (with less swollen eyebags and heavy eyelids). During the day, I work myself to death (well, almost) hoping that I keep my mind off my knight-in-shining-armour and focus on the things that give meaning in my life -- like chocolates and saving the world from cavities. Ang hirap pala talagang magsinungaling sa sarili. The more I hide it, the more it takes its toll on me.

I used to be good with goodbyes. Somehow this goodbye is just too painful to bear.

+ Gonzalvo Residence, Merville, Paranaque - 5 October 2005
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THE PATH TO PEACE

It was quite an experience to undergo the Culture of Dialogue - Path to Peace Collaborators Seminar at the Harmony Village in Sinunuc, Zamboanga City. One of the highlights of the seminar was a film on the causes and history of conflict in Mindanao. I really pained me thinking how unfair it was that my generation had to deal with such a daunting task of resolving all these problems that the people who came before us had left on us. I was in tears - where do we begin and how long will we bear this burden?

I learned that personal peace is very selfish and that REAL PEACE is SOCIAL PEACE.

it is not enough that we don't do anything to hurt others... we must also do something to uplift their lives...

Thank you Silsilah! For more information about this inspiring movement, visit www.silsilahdialogue.org + 1 October 2005
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MAMBO IN ZAMBO

Me, Rico (Mambo) and Raine at the Zamboanga Airport, taken just a few minutes after we touched down from a very tummy-churning 45-minute plane ride on board SEAIR from Cotabato City. We come in peace -- and a bit dizzy too. + 30 September 2005 email me your thoughts: sol_delantar@yahoo.com

BURIED UNDERGROUND

Me at the Cagsaua Ruins. They say there's gold or some treasure underneath the ruins and that a huge snake is protecting these from bandits. I wonder what it was like for the people during the time of the eruption that caused this church to be buried a few meters below the ground. I never thought such a place of tragedy could ever be a place of so much beauty. + Cagsaua, Albay - 13 August 2005 email me your thoughts: sol_delantar@yahoo.com

DANCING IN DARAGA

daraga church - this church brings you straight to the spanish times, like anytime Padre Damasco would spring out of the church doors or maybe Imang, the kamperang kuba would peep out of the belfry tower. - 6 August 2006

FANTASTIC FIVE

The Gonzalvo siblings: (L-R) Ronald, Raymund, Rochelle, Rosemarie and Victor Jr with Althea Pauline. - 20 August 2005
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A YEAR OLDER TOGETHER

Happy Birthday and Happy 1st Year Anniversary! The Love-of-my-life turns 26 as we turn a year old together. - 20 August 2005
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DECISIONS DECISIONS...

I am not supposed to share this yet but I felt the urge to... just so I finally get it out of my system.

I have been in a mega dilemma lately. Last July 21st Victor got a text from a friend (an acquaintance who owns Wok Inn in ParkSquare) of a friend (his bestfriend who owns a travel agency in Dusit) that he just met two rally/motoring enthusiasts (one british and one qatari) who were in town looking for people to hire for their automotive business based in Doha, Qatar. That night he met up with them at Greenbelt and he was offered his dream job - working for an automotive company, be a part of a car racing crew (car racing in the arabian deserts) , work on super cars and start building a brand for car body kits - he was not to pay for a single cent to the agency and they are providing his tickets and living quarters in Doha. The day after that I was able to meet both guys (Martin and Jamal) and I have to say they were very nice and well meaning people, and great dreamers too - ergo, theirs is a legit business.

He has already undergone medical exams and his visa is on the way - the agency based here has already processed his papers. Pending the final signing of his 2-year contract, he will be off to Doha in 4 weeks or less. From there he will be asked to stay in Qatar for 2 years straight as a requirement for his working and residency visa. Martin and Jamal's parting words to him before they left Manila was 'See you in Qatar!'

I dont want to pre-empt things nor get too excited about it but we have been talking about getting married (civil wedding) before he leaves. I am not sure if this is a sound idea but we are still thinking about it. This is the part where I ask for your opinion and prayers for discernment.

Initial arrangement is that I shall fly to Qatar every December to spend the Christmas Holidays with him until his two year residency is over. We plan to save up for the church wedding in 2008, then maybe kids after (as I am not getting any younger). The original plan was to tie the knot next year, but then Qatar happened and he said 2008 is just too far away.

2 years seem to be a good omen - my USAID project ends in 2 years, I plan to exit from AYLC and move on a new program or company or whatever in two years since the 10th aylc and 2nd grand reunion will also be in 2008, i also plan to take up masters in development management and this will be done in two years. then came Victor's contract which ends in two years. We plan to move to Qatar if things work out well for him and maybe move on from there. Pray, pray, pray.

BEA the Birthday Girl

happy birthday bea! a truly intimate celebration with the siblings over banana split, chocolate fondue and yellow cab pizza. Merville + 29 May 2005
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HOT HOT HOT DAY AT THE BEACH

on our 9th monthsary... still contemplating if we should go for a swim or just sit under this shade and wait till it gets a bit cloudy. Kota Beach, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island + 20 May 2005
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ANOTHER CAVE, ANOTHER ISLAND

the second cave we visited was Ogtong Cave, in Santa Fe, Bantayan island. smaller than Hinagdanan but as cool and clean (sounds like an icetea brand). for those who want to swim in the sea minus the suntan, this cave is highly recommended. Bantayan + 20 May 2005
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SERENITY

this is why i love cebu. amen - Kota Beach + 19 May 2005
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DO YOU SEE THE SEA?!

this one is postcard-perfect. sky, sea, sandbar, sol and ishwity. Kota Beach + 19 May 2005
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WHITE AS PEARL, FINE AS POLVORON

this is Kota Beach Resort in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island. To go there: P80 via bus or P100 via hired van from the Cebu City North Bus Terminal to the Hagnaya Port (3 hours), P100 via fast ferry from the Hagnaya Port to the Santa Fe Port (45 minutes), P20 via pedicab from the Port to the resort (10 minutes -- depends on the leg power of the pedicab driver). Bantayan + 19 May 2005
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OFFICIALLY MRS. ABARQUEZ

my number one cheerleader teacher olive and her hubby alvin during their wedding at the Archbishop's Palace. Cebu City + 18 May 2005
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THE WRITINGS ON THE WALL

go ahead and read. Casa Gorordo, Cebu City + 17 May 2005
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CASA GORORDO -- RAMON ABOITIZ FOUNDATION

my all time favorite best friend Segundo Abrea Jr, my all time favorite lover Victor Gonzalvo Jr and our tour guide (one of the volunteers of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation). this is one of Cebu's heritage sites - Casa Gorordo, the house of the first Filipino Bishop. He was a Cebuano. this facility is maintained by RAFI and also houses their office. entrance fee is P15 and you will find old (almost ancient) house appliances (as in wooden press.. wooden coffee grinders..) interesing. Cebu City + 17 May 2005
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MAGELLAN'S CROSS

Magellan was here... in 1521. this kiosk houses the original cross made of tindalo wood planted by the main man Magellan himself, as a marker of christianity. just a few steps from here is the 400 year old Basilica Minore del Sto Nino, the Cebu City Hall and (my favorite) the La Fortuna Bakeshop, where you can buy 'masi' and 'hopia'. yummmm. Cebu City + 16 May 2005
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MEET THE PARENT (and GRANDPARENT too)

dad, victor, nanay and mommy bing... family meeting over steamed rice and really good dimsum at Harbour City Dimsum at the Ayala Center. If you happen to drop by, taste the 'mango custard' for dessert. the best! Cebu City + 16 May 2005
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PARADISE? WE FOUND IT IN PANGLAO

on our last day in Bohol, we would never dare to miss the ala-polvoron-sand beaches of Panglao island. on our way to Panglao from Tagbilaran City, we just couldn't resist buying two kilos of ripe mangoes at P45.00 (forty-five pesos). Then off to a day swimming at the beach of Panglao Nature Island Resort. This was of course after a sumptuous lunch of shrimps, crabs and grilled tangigue. Notice that my shirt says 'Bohol'. I am trying hard to be Boholana for a day. -- Panglao + 15 May 2005
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HIDING IN THE HINAGDANAN CAVE

i thought it was impossible... but there it was. we went into a hole in the earth, just about the size of a large washing basin (palanggana) and found ourselves in a cool cave called Hinagdanan (staircase) in Panglao Island. It was like a hidden pool and the only source of light were the two holes at the cave's ceiling yet this was enough to light up the whole place. wonderful! -- Panglao, Bohol + 15 May 2005
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HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY

this pretty pretty gurl is the prime mover of ate janet's wedding. she lost pounds and shed sweat and tears for this much awaited once-in-a-lifetime event to finally happen. after the wedding, the real celebration begins. -- Bohol Tropics, Tagbilaran City + 14 May 2005
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NINE YEARS IN THE MAKING

my housemate gets hitched. YES! after nine years, kuya mon and ate janet finally sealed their love and commitment in the Bohol Cathedral. oh how i loved the gown! -- Tagbilaran City 14 May 2005
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OLD CHURCH, YOUNG LOVER

the 400 year old Baclayon church and the 25 year old love of my life. amen. -- Baclayon, Bohol 13 May 2005
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LOOKING FOR THE CHOCOLATES

at the other side of the viewpoint, we kept searching for the perfect chocolate hill... but thanks to good weather, the hills were all green. -- Carmen, Bohol + 13 May 2005
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CHOCOLATE HILLS

not quite as chocolate-y as advertised but very much breathtaking nonetheless. this picture proved that my boyfriend is such a hunk. check out the size of his arms compared to the size of my face. i came all the way to bohol looking for chocolate when i realized that the real chocolate treat was just standing behind me. -- Carmen, Bohol + 13 May 2005
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AMONGST ANGELS

the children of Loboc says HELLO! we visited the 300+ year old Loboc Church and was pleasantly surprised to see children rehearsing for the 'flores de mayo'. in an instant they all flanked together to say one big HI. feels great to be a kid. -- Loboc, Bohol + 13 May 2005
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WORLD'S SMALLEST MONKEY -- TARSIER

only in Bohol!!! this is Ishwity with one of the captured (DENR - approved) Tarsius along the Loboc River -- Loboc, Bohol + 13 May 2005

PANAGHOY SA SUBA SA LOBOC

after almost 4 months, my blog is again alive! i just spent a weekend in Bohol and had a blast. one of my favorites is going on the Loboc River Cruise. the buffet lunch was not that great but the ambience got me so sentimental. we had singers and a saxophonist serenade us as we went along the Loboc River. this was where the movie 'Panaghoy sa Suba' of Cesar Montano was filmed. He by the way is a native of Baclayon, Bohol -- Loboc, Bohol + 13 May 2005
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PUYATAN SPECIALS

i live for weekends. i stay sane during the workweek by reminding my workaholic self that friday is just a few more days or nights away. i try to plan out my weekend like i were preparing for a high level meeting or a grand event. even on a monday, i already start to ask myself questions like 'where should i go on friday night? do i have to wake up early on saturday?' some weekends are ho-hum, some are just too tight and crazy. well, the past weekend was a crazy one, in a not-getting-any-decent-sleep kind of way...

friday night, i was supposed to be partying right? but nooo, i was in the office handling a workshop meeting with the AYLC 2005 Secretariat. then saturday, i suddenly didn't feel like going to the office to do some work so i stayed home and did some domestic chores. at around 9 in the evening Ishwhity calls me up and asks me to get ready because he is passing by for me and we are going to a family reunion from the mommy's side. we were out till about 3:30 am chitchating with relatives, and trying to stay awake by watching irobot over ate jing's SUPER dvd set-up. we got up noon time of sunday to meet up with cousin grea so we can help her scout for a new crib. apparently her current one is becoming a security threat (just ask her for for the gory details). at around 6pm we bring them home to gatchalian in las pinas, then me and Ishwity are off to mass at the church of the parish of the presentation of jesus christ, funky name for a church. then off to ruins to do some cheap impulsive shopping. the last stop was at tita livia's residence in BF homes, paranaque for the gonzalvo family get together - this is the daddy's side. the afternoon before, was the wedding of tita livia's son odjie to his gf of 10 years, bam. the chikahan ended at around 1am. i was disapointed, i thought we were gonna beat last night's record of 3:30am. i just love family reunions (next to weekends, of course), specifically these ones with Ishwity's relatives. it makes me feel like i am not too far away from family. or is it the other way around?

ok, gotta do some work and catch some sleep now.

BIZU and BUZZWORDS

having a night of sweets at BIZU with Melo (segment producer of extra challenge) Chad and Jeff (batchmates from AYLC 2000, this was the night before they got awarded as Globe's Employees of the year) -- 19 January 2005
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LITTLE RED DRINKING HOOD

hala o, naghuboghubog o... - 18 January 2005
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SIMPLE CELEBRATIONS THAT WARM THE HEART

welcome to the party of five! that's the birthday gurl, the lady in red and then there's ate tata, Ishwity and nong teli. a few hours after this shot, nong teli tries to talk us into drinking all 15 bottles of san miguel pale pilsen. now, if only it were not a weeknight! - 18 January 2005
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POWER OF THREE

Happy Birthday ATE JANET!!! me, ate janet and ate tata, we are also called the charmed ones of 746, that cake right there is SUPER YUM. - 18 January 2005
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SHAOLIN STUFF

Dos (Victor's bestfriend, getting hitched this October) and Ishwity with the Shaolin Master at the Green Meadows Park, doing their stance. Sorry the picture is pinkish, my digicam is giving up on me after it took a dip in Laiya, Batangas. Haaaay. - 16 January 2005
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FAMILY AFFAIR

Tita Delia (Victor's ma), me, Ishwity, Chelle, Mon, Jige and baby Stephanie during the Gonzalvo reunion - 25 December 2004
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MON & JIGE

Mondu (Victor's bro) and Jige (Mondu's Sweety) at the Gonzalvo reunion. - 25 December 2004
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JUNIOR & SENIOR

The two Victors discussing their great invention in the making. - 25 December 2004
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HAPPY THREESOME

Bea the sister I never had and Thea my favorite neice-to-be at Ishwity's house during Christmas Eve. - 24 December 2004
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TURNING TWENTY-SIX AT ITALIANNI'S

My Ishwity, me, ate Janet, ate Tata and Renz, at Italianni's during my 26th birthday. You should try the Sicilian salad when you dine there. - 2 November 2004
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TWO AT THE TERRACES

A belated posting of our adventure last November. This is me and my Ishwity on the eve of my 26th birthday at the Viewpoint in Banaue. - 1 November 2004
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PINK & BLUE SODA

Me and Ishwity during the Gonzalvo reunion at Barrio Kapitolyo. - 25 December 2004
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