7 DEADLY SINS

Last night, my husband and I together with our friends were talking about the seven deadly sins. We don’t know what the 7 capital vices are; we only know 3 or 4. Some of us are aware that we are already committing those sins and some are not.

Why are these called deadly sins, capital vice or cardinal sins? According to Fr. William Sunders, these sins are the source of all sins. "A capital vice is that which has an exceedingly desirable end so that in his desire for it, a man goes on to the commission of many sins, all of which are said to originate in that vice as their chief source" (Summa Theologiae, II-II, 153, 4) stated by Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Here are the definitions of the seven deadly sins:

1. LUST - excessive thoughts or desires of a sexual nature. This includes dwelling on impure thoughts, masturbation, fornication, adultery and viewing pornography. "Inordinate love of the flesh is cruelty, because under the appearance of pleasing the body we kill the soul." In the end, lust leads to an idolization of sexual pleasure.” stated by St. Bernard of Clairvaux

2. GLUTTONY - over-indulgence and over-consumption of anything to the point of waste. There are 6 ways to commit gluttony as per Thomas Aquinas: eating too soon, eating too expensively, eating too much, eating too eagerly, eating too daintily and eating wildly. To avoid committing this sin, we should be mindful of the physical consequences to abusing food and drink and always be mindful of those who are less fortunate and who suffer from lack of proper drinking water and food.

3. GREED - excessive or rapacious desire and pursuit of wealth, status, and power. It is an inordinate desire to acquire or possess more than one needs, especially with respect to material wealth.[15] Also include disloyalty, deliberate betrayal, or treason especially for personal gain, scavenging and hoarding of materials or objects, theft and robbery, especially by means of violence, trickery, or manipulation ofauthority. A person committing this sin is easily becomes hard-hearted and blind to the needs of those less fortunate.

4. SLOTH - is not just laziness, but especially spiritual laziness.According to Archbishop Fulton Sheen, “Sloth is a malady of the will which causes us to neglect our duties. Sloth may be either physical or spiritual. It is physical when it manifests itself in laziness, procrastination, idleness, indifference and nonchalance. It is spiritual when it shows itself in an indifference to character betterment, a distaste for the spiritual, a hurried crowding of devotions, a lukewarmness and failure to cultivate new virtue" (Victory over Vice, p. 73). It also includes ACEDIA meaning a person has a lack of attention to daily tasks and an overall dissatisfaction with life.

5. WRATH - inordinate and uncontrolled feelings of hatred and anger. St. Thomas Aquinas listed six effects of the vice of anger: indignation, mental disturbance, noisy speech, blasphemy, abuse and quarrels. To guard against anger, a person must be true to the virtue of justice in thought, word and deed; be in control of himself in addressing an issue.

6. ENVY - a desire to deprive other men of theirs. Envy breeds hatred, gossip, detraction and resentment against one's neighbor. Sin of envy resent that another person has something they perceive themselves as lacking, and wish the other person to be deprived of it. Remedies for envy include the practice of humility, being grateful for one's own goods and thinking of the consequences of envy, whether loss of friendship or divine punishment.

7. PRIDE - desire to be more important or attractive than others, failing to acknowledge the good work of others, and excessive love of self. It is considered the original and most serious of the seven deadly sins because a person is so susceptible to it due to the woundedness of original sin. It can easily creep into our lives, grow quickly without recognition, and take hold, infecting all that we do. It includes VAINGLORY or VANITY.

After learning these 7 deadly sins, I felt guilty. I don’t want to receive divine punishment. It’s not too late to repent, ask God’s forgiveness and do the best you can to avoid committing these sins. Or simply do the opposite of the cardinal sins which are the cardinal virtues.

1. Chastity - It overcomes the sin of lust.
2. Liberality (generosity) - It overcomes the sin of Greed.
3. Temperance - It overcomes the sin of Gluttony.
4. Brotherly Love - It overcomes the sin of Envy.
5. Meekness - It overcomes the sin of Anger.
6. Humility - It overcomes the sin of Pride.
7. Diligence - It overcomes the sin of sloth.

How to make it last

On August 16, 2011; my husband and I will be celebrating our 9 years of togetherness. We became boyfriend and girlfriend August 16, 2002 and got married 5 ½ years after. Our relationship is not perfect; same with other couples, we also have our ups and downs. We also have misunderstandings. There was a time in our relationship where we thought of giving up. 6 years ago, I almost gave up. But I’m happy I didn’t because if I did, I wouldn’t have a wonderful daughter right now.

Until now, I still can’t believe that we’re able to hold on to each other for 9 long years. Sometimes I ask myself and my husband how did we make it and what can we do to make it last.

As a couple, we do simple things and these simple things make our relationship works like:

1. We always eat together. And when I cook, I never forget to add the best ingredient which is LOVE. Remember, the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

2. If we have misunderstandings, we make sure we settle things before we sleep. We don’t want things to be carried over the next day. We deal with the problem as soon as it emerges.

3. We reminisce. It’s nice to talk about old times; it brings back memories and old feelings.

4. We never fail to say I love you to each other; we always remind each other of our love for one another and that we'll always have each other.

5. We protect each other. Nobody messes with my man and vice versa.

6. We appreciate each other. We never fail to say thank you.

7. We accept each other’s criticism and complaints. If one of us disagrees, we explain the reason why.

8. We always respect each other. Though we’re couple, we are still individuals.

9. At the end of the day, we always remind each other that we’re not just lovers, we’re also friends. The love, the passion will eventually fade but what will be left behind is the friendship.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always and preserves."

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

To my Jula

My daughter just celebrated her 2nd birthday last July 31, 2011. Since she can't comprehend fully yet, I decided to write a letter for her which I will keep til she's able to read.


For you Jula,

You and I shared private moments that no one else could take part in. Nothing compares to the feelings I felt every time you kick, punch, and poke inside my body and to the happiness I felt when I gave birth to you two years ago, though it hurts like hell.

Your Papa and I were very happy with your development during your first year. Your first laugh, first 5-steps, first time you utter Mama and Papa, first kiss and so many firsts.

Today, as you celebrate your 2nd birthday. I want you to look at me, see through my eyes and feel from my heart how happy your Mama is. I wish you all the happiness like lollipop, ice cream, Elmo and Bruno Mars. I know that these things really make you smile.

Papa and I look forward to a lifetime of experiences with you. Thank you for all the smiles and for making me happy and complete. Thank you for teaching me everyday how to be a better person. I love you Jula and I thanked God for giving me such a wonderful daughter.

2011 Philippine Typhoons

Philippines had 5 typhoons for the month of July. August has just started and we had already dealt with Typhoon Lando.

Here's the list of typhoons for 2011 and the date of their landfall to Philippine area of responsibility.

Amang - Feb. 1, 2011
Bebeng - May 7, 2011
Chedeng - May 12, 2011
Dodong - June 9, 2011
Egay - June 16, 2011
Falcon - June 21, 2011
Goring - July 3
Hanna - July 15
Ineng - July 17
Juaning - July 25
Kabayan - July 28
Lando - Aug 1
Mina - Aug 27
Nonoy - Sept 8
Onyok - Sept 11

*************************************************************************************
Pedring - Sept 26

Public Storm Signal No. 1
Ticao Island
Masbate
Marinduque
Batangas
Cavite
Bataan
Pampanga
Zambales
Tarlac
Pangasinan
La Union
Ilocos Sur
Ilocos Norte
Abra, Apayao
Calayan and Babuyan group of islands

Public Storm Signal No 2
Metro Manila
Albay
Burias Island
Sorsogon
rest of Quezon
Rizal
Bulacan
Nueva Ecija
Nueva Vizcaya
Ifugao
Benguet
Mt. Province
Kalinga
Cagayan

Public Storm Signal No. 3
Catanduanes
Camarines Sur
Camarines Norte
Northern Quezon
Polillo Island
Aurora
Quirino
Isabela

Suspension of Classes

(September 26, 2011)
All afternoon classes in kindergarten to High School in NCR (Metro Manila)

(September 27, 2011)
Classes in NCR will remain suspended for kinder, elementary and high school, for both private and public schools


*************************************************************************************

Quiel
Ramon
Sendong
Tisoy
Ursula
Viring
Weng
Yoyoy
Zigzag

Be safe everyone since rainy season is still on.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Today is our 9th valentines day together. I'm happy that we're not just looking at each other, we're also now looking in the same direction, and that direction is towards Jula's future and ours. Happy valentines bhe and I'm looking forward for our 48th valentines together.



~♥~ Be My Valentine, My Love ~♥~


Be my Valentine, my love,
As I will be for you,
And we will love the whole day long,
And love our whole lives through.

For love has no parameters
And does not end with time,
But is the gift of paradise,
A pinch of the sublime.

So let us take this holiday
To resubmit our love
To those within that know no sin
And with the angels move.

Copyright by : Nicholas Gordon

TIME PERS

My husband just opened an internet cafe that provides internet access and online games to the public. We named it, TIME PERS.



TIME PERS is a term used by Filipino children every time they play a game which means time out.



It officially opened last February 9, 2011 and got blessed February 13, 2011.

We would like to thank our families and friends for all the help and support.

I'VE LEARNED

I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back

I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.

I've learned that you can get by on charm for about 15 minutes. After that, you'd better know something.

I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do.

I've learned that it's not what happens to people that's important. It's what they do about it.

I've learned that no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides.

I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I've learned that it's a lot easier to react than it is to think.

I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place. (Amen to that!)

I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I've learned that learning to forgive takes practice.

I've learned that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.

I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I've learned that I'm getting more and more like my grandma, and I'm kinda happy about it.

I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I've learned that you should never tell a child her dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if she believed it

I've learned that your family won't always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren't biological.

I've learned that no matter how good a friend someone is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I've learned that sometimes when my friends fight, I'm forced to choose sides even when I don't want to.

I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I've learned that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions.

I've learned that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I've learned that if you don't want to forget something, stick it in your underwear drawer.

I've learned that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I've learned that the clothes I like best are the ones with the most holes in them.

I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I've learned that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.

I've learned that there are many ways of falling and staying in love.

I've learned that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves, get farther in life.

I've learned that many things can be powered by the mind, the trick is self-control.

I've learned that no matter how many friends you have, if you are their pillar, you will feel lonely and lost at the times you need them most.

I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I've learned that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains.

I've learned that the paradigm we live in is not all that is offered to us.

I've learned that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon.

I've learned that although the word "love" can have many different meaning, it loses value when overly used.

I've learned that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.


by: Author Unk.

CHINESE NEW YEAR

Wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year.



Chinese New Year is also called Chinese Lunar New Year that is celebrated for 15 days and the animal sign is rabbit. First day starts today, February 3. Before the New Year Celebration, Chinese families give their home a thorough cleaning so that on the 1st day, they can keep away brooms and dust pans. They believe that cleaning on the 1st day sweeps good luck. They also paint their houses red. They buy new clothes symbolizes fresh start.

FIRST DAY
- Begins at 12 midnight to welcome deities of heaven and earth. There’s a lion dance as a symbolic ritual to usher the New Year and to evict bad spirits as well, same with fireworks and firecrackers.

SECOND DAY
- Is for married daughters to visit their parents. Also consider as birthday of all dogs.

THIRD DAY
- is known as chì kǒu (赤口), directly translated as "red mouth, "meaning not a good day to socialize or visit your relatives and friends.

FIFTH DAY
- birthday of the Chinese god of wealth

SEVENTH DAY
- traditionally known as renri 人日, the common man's birthday, the day when everyone grows one year older.

EIGHT, NINTH and TENTH DAY
- Another family dinner to celebrate the birth of the Jade Emperor; is the Taoist ruler of Heaven and all realms of existence below including that of Man and Hell.

THIRTEENTH DAY
- On the 13th day people will eat pure vegetarian food to clean out their stomach due to consuming too much food over the last two weeks. This day is dedicated to the General Guan Yu, also known as the Chinese God of War.

FIFTEENTH DAY
- This day is celebrated as the Lantern Festival, and families walk the street carrying lighted lanterns.

I AM THIRD

There was a boy who was very popular among others his age. He was an excellent leader in his school groups. One of his friends visited him and saw a homemade plaque in his room with the words "I Am Third" on it. His friend asked him what it meant and he replied, "It is the motto I try to use in my life. It means "GOD IS FIRST, OTHERS ARE SECOND, and I AM THIRD.'"

The driving force in our lives should be trying to please God. Secondly, we should take into consideration the needs and pleasures of others. With our own pleasures subordinated, we will truly be the humble servants of God.

BOY or GIRL?

I remembered last quarter of 2008; my teammates (Rina, Love and Badet) were talking about Chinese Lunar Calendar in the first floor pantry of the office. They called me and told me about the calendar. They said that the gender of the baby can be predicted by just checking woman’s conceiving age and month of conception.

I was 27 years old then, I don’t have Jula yet. My husband wanted a baby girl so I told the girls I need to get pregnant by November 2008. And it came true, I got pregnant November 2008, then four or five months after, we found out that it’s a girl.

Coincidence, I don’t know, but its true based on my experience.

TABON CAVE

After visiting the National Museum in Quezon, Palawan; we went to Tabon Caves Complex in Lipuun Point Quezon, Palawan.




(back of Tabon Caves complex)


(front of Tabon Caves Complex facing South China Sea)


It is referred to as the "Cradle of Philippine Civilization". According to our tour guide, Tabon Cave complex has more than 200 caves but we only visited seven of them. Lots of archeological discoveries were found inside like fossil human bones (Tabon Man). The cave was a burial site or habitation of ancient people in the Philippines.








The archeological artifacts found in these caves make it an interesting destination not just for tourists but for archeologists and anthropologists as well. The Tabon Cave shows the rich heritage and history of the Philippines.



( me and my husband inside the cave)

MANUNGGUL JAR

We went to Palawan last January 21 to 25, 2011. Part of our Palawan trip was to visit Tabon Cave since it is the nearest tourist spot in Rizal, Palawan; where we stayed for couple of days. Before we went there, we secured a permit from the National Museum in Quezon, Palawan. We went inside and saw the replica of Manunggul Jar, one of the finest Philippine masterpieces. The original Manunggul jar is housed at the Museum of the Filipino People, located in the Agrifina Circle, Rizal Park, Manila.

Manunggul jar is a second burial jar found in Manunggul cave of Lipuun (Quezon, Palawan). It was found by Dr. Robert B. Fox and Miguel Santiago in 1962. It featured a vessel carrying two human figures in sitting position, with the one behind steering the boat and the other waiting to reach the afterlife. The Manunggul jar is an important archaeological artifact providing clues about prehistoric society in the Philippines. It proves early Filipinos' concept of death and their belief in an afterlife and that there were means to communicate with their dead relatives. At present, this Filipino tradition is still practiced by many indigenous groups.

New Zodiac Sign: OPHIUCHUS

According to astronomer Parke Kunkle, the Earth's changing alignment in the last 3,000 years has prompted new consideration of the sign into standard zodiacs.Ophiuchus is the 13th zodiac, a rarely used astrological sign, not included in most versions of the Zodiac.

Ophiuchus is a large constellation located around the celestial equator. Its name is Greek (Ὀφιοῦχος) for 'serpent-bearer', and it is commonly represented as a man grasping the snake that is represented by the constellation Serpens. Ophiuchus was one of the 48 constellations listed by the second-century astronomer Ptolemy, and it remains one of the 88 modern constellations. It was formerly referred to as Serpentarius.

New Zodiac Signs and New Zodiac Dates:

The Tourist

My husband and I went out, I asked him to go out with me and watch a movie. I don’t remember the last time we had a date, the last time we watched a movie, the last time we spent time alone with each other. We went to Ayala Town Center; we weren’t sure what to watch. Our choices were between Gulliver’s Travels and The Tourist. Since we can’t decide, my husband decided to rely on the coin; head for The Tourist and tail for the other one. The coin has decided and The Tourist won. I enjoyed the movie; I went out of the movie house smiling. Though it’s a slow-paced movie but I liked the ending; plus the fact that I’m a fan of Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie.


PLOT:



A woman named Elise (Jolie) is being trailed in Paris by French police working withScotland Yard. At a cafe, she receives a letter from Alexander Pearce, a former lover, with explicit directions to board a train to Venice, Italy, pick out a man who resembles him and make the police believe that this man is Alexander Pearce. A mysterious stranger, not involved with the police, also seems to be watching Elise. Elise burns the letter and boards a train.

She takes a seat beside Frank (Depp), an American tourist reading a spy novel. Frank is instantly attracted to her. The train arrives in Venice, and they take a boat to the Hotel Danieli. At dinner, much to Frank's dismay, Elise admits to having feelings for another man, presumably Alexander Pearce. They share a kiss, witnessed by the men following her.

The next day, Frank awakens to find Elise gone. Men suddenly try to break into the hotel room. Frank barely escapes but is caught by the Italian police. A sympathetic detective listens to Frank's story that he does not know why these men are after him. He takes Frank from the jail and tells him that his story checks out, and that the men after him were Russians who have placed a prize on his head and who believe Frank to be someone else. The detective however then delivers Frank into the clutches of these same men, in order to collect the money they promised.

Elise appears suddenly to rescue Frank, fleeing on a boat. Elise finally tells Frank that all this is happening because she kissed him and made the police believe that he was Alexander Pearce. Frank learns that Pearce stole two billion from a gangster named Shaw (Berkoff) and is wanted by the British Government for tax evasion. Stunned by the news, Frank says he still does not regret kissing Elise.
Elise apologizes for getting him involved at all and tricks Frank off the boat. Frank says he loves her. Elise goes to a government building. She turns out to be a secret agent for Britain. She sees her fellow British agent Acheson (Bettany), who was among those following her in Paris. Elise was supposed to work undercover against Pearce but fell in love with him and had disappeared from her job until now. She tells Acheson that she is ready to help him find Pearce now because she wants to prevent anybody else from getting hurt.

Elise goes to a ball Pearce has invited her to attend, wearing a wire. She is handed a letter by the same mysterious stranger from Paris. The letter is from Pearce, saying where to meet him. As Elise turns to leave, Frank is standing in front of her. They dance. Elise leaves to find Pearce and agent Acheson's men apprehend Frank. They both watch on surveillance equipment as Elise walks into a trap set by the gangster Shaw. The gangster threatens to kill her unless she returns the money Pearce stole from him. Agent Acheson doesn't help his colleague Elise, confident that Pearce will show up to rescue her.

Elise reveals the safe's location but does not know its code. Frank watches in horror as Elise is threatened yet again. Seeing that Acheson won't help Elise, Frank picks the lock to his handcuffs and escapes to help her. Frank pretends to be Pearce. Elise begs him to stop or he will be killed. Frank, acting as Pearce, tells Shaw that he will get his money but only if Elise is first released and safe. As Frank pretends that he is about to open the safe, Elise mouths "I love you."
All of a sudden, police snipers shoot Shaw and his men. Frank and Elise are unharmed. As the police survey the scene, agent Acheson can't believe that Pearce did not save Elise and his superior is furious with him for exposing her to danger. A police report informs them that Pearce has just been caught. As the room clears, Elise and Frank embrace.

Frank asks Elise if she loves both him and Alexander Pearce. Elise answers yes. To spare her from this dilemma, Frank reveals that he is the real Alexander Pearce by entering the correct code for the safe. Pearce had gotten plastic surgery, so he could have a new life.

The arrested man believed to be Pearce explains to police that he was paid to pretend and that he is just a tourist. Elise and Frank/Pearce leave on a boat with the money, finally being able to be together. In the safe, police find a banker’s check for the ₤744 million in back taxes Pearce owed the British government.

WISHING WELL SONG

My favorite Spongebob's episode is "Wishing you Well." Yes, SpongeBob has lots of nautical nonsense but sometimes, he makes sense.



Take a penny and some magic
Even though your life is tragic,
You can throw all your dreams down the well.

Although every day the pain grows
You ride unicorns on rainbows,
If you throw all your dreams down the well.

When your life's come apart at the scenes
And you've given up all your dreams,
Here is just the means to make those dreams come true.

No more suffering, no more sighin'
No more pain and no more cryin',
When you throw all your dreams down the well
Oh, the magic has gone missin'
and everyone's still wishin'
but their dreams have fallen flat upon the ground.

You'll find magic under rubble
So, Patrick, grab a shovel
and here is where the magic can be found.

We're at the bottom of a well
But man won't it be swell,
When we make everyone’s wishes all come true.

BLACK NAZARENE

Today, January 9, is the feast of Black Nazarene. Also known as Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo("Our Father Jesus Nazarene of Quiapo"), patron saint of Quiapo, Philippines. The Black Nazarene is a life-sized, dark-skinned statue of Jesus Christ.

The statue was brought to Manila by a Spanish priest in 1607 aboard a ship. The ship caught fire, burning the image and thus came to be known as the Black Nazarene. Though the image was burnt, the people decided to preserve and honor it. Since then, miraculous things have been reported to those who touch the image.

The life size image of the Black Nazarene shows a “black” Jesus Christ carrying a cross. The statue has been housed at the Saint John de Baptist Church in Quiapo, Manila also known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene since 1787. The image of the Black Nazarene is brought out in procession on its feast day and Good Friday.



Most of the devotees who participate in procession follow the image bare-footed as a sign of humility, part of the January 9th celebrations of the Black Nazarene feast are:
1. Pahalik (Kissing of the Image) - people line up to kiss the foot of the Black Nazarene
2. Pabihis (Dressing of the Image) - done five times a year before major events
3. Pasindi (Lighting of the Candles) - accompanied with prayer intentions
4. Bendisyon (Blessing of the Faithful) - people catch the droplets of holy water during the blessings after the masses

2011 Aquarius Horoscope for Finances

The period till early May 2011 will be the best phase in material & financial terms. You will find a good and steady inflow of funds. Money matters would be positive now. Income will be good; while you would be able to make good gains in projects or deals you are working on.

Between May & 15th November you face the most challenging period of the year. Finances could now see a slow down as the level of vibrancy in money matters would be much lower than before. The gains would be lower than the expectation. Frequent travel is possible. Since it might not be very useful, you should avoid spending too much on travel. You should remain careful about money invested in partnerships as chances of losing money exist.

Aquarius January Horoscope: Gainful period financially, while socially you would be active too till the 16th January 2011. A dip could be felt in health and stamina overall after the 17th January 2011. Chances of useless expenses, while some losses are possible too. It would be useful to keep the level of activity lower than usual.

Aquarius February Horoscope: The month would begin with low activity and some amount of pressures and sluggishness which would remain till the 14th February 2011. Improvements in outlook, followed by rise in activity would come from the 15th February 2011. You should be careful about being egoistic and over aggression. You will experience leadership abilities now.

Aquarius March Horoscope: Hard work and aggression would be high. Ego will remain an integral part of thinking as well as attitude. Ego related issues would remain internal and sub conscious till the 15th March 2011, while 16th March 2011 onwards, Ego could be apparent in speech. Finances would remain active and on your mind in the second half of the month. Family matters would be in the focus too.

Aquarius April Horoscope: Creative work would bring in growth in finances till the 15th April 2011. Be humble in speech and communications this month. 16th April 2011, onwards your position will rise and growth would come due to your dynamic attitude as well as networking skills. Growth oriented period overall. Possibility of travel.

Aquarius May Horoscope: Positive period till 16th May 2011. You will experience growth and rise in repute. You will feel a higher level of energy & creative ability too. 17th May 2011 onwards a gradual distance from family & relatives could be felt. There could be some changes in property as well as domestic matters. As long as you are positive, there would be abundant energy to work out matters.

Aquarius June Horoscope: Active period in work as well as domestic matters till the 16th June 2011. Some amount of resentment could build up against family members during this time. Avoid conflict. 17th June 2011 onwards, creative energies would be high and you will remain more self centered than usual. Children related matters could remain strained now.

Aquarius July Horoscope: Mind could be over active and some amount of ego could run your thought patterns till the 15th July 2011. Issues with children could crop up too. Beyond 16th July 2011, you will find a rise in energy in work environment. You will find support from superiors and some rise in dynamism which could help you progress faster.

Aquarius August Horoscope: Hard work and support from people in authority will help you make good progress in work till the 16th August 2011. It is a positive period in love life and relationships too. Beyond 17th August 2011, you could experience a higher level of hurdles and possibility opposition to ideas and relationships. If married, ego with spouse could erupt. New partnerships could come up.

Aquarius September Horoscope: Issues with partners or in marital matters could come up till the 15th September 2011. You should remain cautious about fever etc. Health & stamina could dip after the 16th September 2011. Hurdles in routine matters could rise too during this period. Fatigue & level of tiredness could prevail now.

Aquarius October Horoscope: Poor stamina & certain amount of challenges overall would remain. Work could experience a slowdown till the 16th October 2011. Important assignments are better postponed after 17th October 2011 or the next month. Improvements in luck and overall growth could come. Chances of travel possible too.

Aquarius November Horoscope: Creative work and spirituality would be present in your outlook. Luck will be good too till the 13th November 2011. Career will grow based on new ideas as well as hard work from the 14th November 2011. People in authority as well as government sources would be supportive. Children related matters will be positive, while investments would blossom.

Aquarius December Horoscope: Career will progress well, while you will still experience heightened activity in career. You will experience a position of authority till the 13th December 2011. Income and growth will jump after the 14th December 2011. You will find happiness in social life, while very positive reunion with friends possible now too. Some celebration in the family after the 15th December 2011 possible.

Best wishes to you for a wonderful 2011.

List of Holidays for 2011

The list of holidays for 2011 was released by Malacañang last December 20, 2010.

Proclamation No. 84, signed by President Aquino, outlined the special and regular holidays for 2011, based on existing laws.

The holidays still follow RA 9492, or the "Holiday Economics" law passed in 2007.

The following regular holidays and special holidays for 2011 shall be observed in the Philippines:

A. Regular Holidays

New Year’s Day – January 1 (Saturday)
Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9 (Saturday)
Maundy Thursday – April 21
Good Friday – April 22
Labor Day – May 1 (Sunday)
Independence Day – June 12 (Sunday)
National Heroes Day – August 29 (Last Monday of August)
Bonifacio Day – November 30 (Wednesday)
Christmas Day – December 25 (Sunday)
Rizal Day – December 30 (Friday)

B. Special (Non-Working) Days

Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21 (Sunday)
All Saints Day – November 1 (Tuesday)
Last Day of the Year – December 31 (Saturday)

C. Special Holiday (for all schools)

EDSA Revolution Anniversary – February 25 (Friday)


In addition to these, the national holidays for the observance of the Islamic holidays Eid’l Fitr and Eidul Adha shall be determined in accordance with the Islamic or lunar calendar.

The dates shall be determined by National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).

"The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall promulgate the implementing guidelines for this Proclamation," the proclamation stated.

source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

RIZAL PARK

Today, Jula visited Rizal Park for the first time.





Rizal Park is located in Manila, Philippines. The park was first called BAGUMBAYAN meaning New Town during Spanish era then later known as LUNETA because the area was shaped like a small moon (lunette). It is now called RIZAL PARK in commemoration of Dr. Jose P. Rizal (Philippine National Hero); this is where the execution took place on December 30, 1896.

MUSCLE PAIN

I have been sent home by the company clinic for the nth time because of muscle pain. My nape, back and shoulders are painful; muscles are so painful in these areas. MPS refers to pain and inflammation in the body's soft tissues. I was diagnosed with Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) in 2007 and after giving birth in 2009, it worsens and now, it’s Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). When I went to the Rehabilitation Clinic to undergo therapy, the Physical Therapist said that my muscles are so stiff. This condition is painful but patients with fibromyalgia do not develop body damage or deformity and doesn’t damage internal organs. I am also having problem sleeping; I only sleep for 2 hours out of 24. Doctors said that this often occurs with other conditions like insomnia and depression.
Where did I get this? I don’t know but according to the doctors, stress and general fatigue are two of the main causes. I have asked the medical experts if there’s a way for this be completely treated but unfortunately, it’s a lifetime condition. Pain can only be relieved by taking muscle relaxants, stress reduction and physical therapy.
I need a rest, I know I do. But how can I? :(