I'm With You

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.”

Can you imagine a world without music? Just the mere thought unnerves me. For sure there's deafening silence and dull moments.

Music soothes me. I sing when I'm happy, sad and feeling lonely. I fondly recall how I sang in the classroom for the sake of grades. Ha! When I was in grade six, I sang "Forever" by Westlife and in 2nd year high school "A World Filled With Love", one of the theme songs of the popular anime Dragon Ball Z. Until then I didn't have a fave artist.

College days came, a classmate and friend made me listen to this song sang by a female artist. I liked it that first time I listened to it. From that day onwards I've followed her songs. The artist's name is Avril Lavigne.

For me, the song I'm With You is about someone who is lost and longing to be in someone's company. I like its tune, something that's not forgettable. I can't exactly explain but listening to Avril's songs lightens up my mood. I think I can go on listening to her songs all day.

Other songs I'd like to mention are Keep Holding On (soundtrack of the movie Eragon which I enjoyed watching), Girlfriend (sang in different languages) and I Love You (from her current WTH album).

Visit her website to learn more about her and her songs.

 She doesn't know me personally but I'm among her over a million number of fans. To those who like her too, cheers! Should she have a concert here in Cebu, let me know first thing alright? Thanks!
Today is Avril Lavigne's birthday so I'm greeting her a 

Count your Blessings

You'd rather have the appetite than loads of food in front of you that you have no craving for.

You may have the softest bed but if you can't fall asleep, it's useless.

The above statements are true in every sense of the word. How often do we take things for granted? When do people take a moment to stop and take notice of the simple yet fulfilling things in life? It seems to happen less and less in this material world that we live in. Many neglect how important it is to be contented with what they have. Even though they're given blessings, whether big or small, they still continue to be greedy and envious. Hearing some say that a person will never be contented as long as he lives, I hope they would instead focus on correcting that attitude starting by themselves.

The very air we breathe is something huge that we should thank God for. With Him helping us get through our daily needs is also reason enough to not lose hope. That's why it's always a puzzle why there are people who give in to despair. As long as you have faith in God and you don't give up, there's always hope. When one is confused and feeling hopeless, he should acknowledge the power of prayers. That, instead of succumbing to vices that will never help but instead worsen the situation that he is in. They say alcohol offers relief. Temporarily maybe but it's not going to pull you out from the hole you dug yourself into.

Contentment and happiness do come side by side. For it is when you are contented that you will feel good about yourself, what you have and the people around you.

How to be contented? Count your blessings one by one. It's not just the material things but it involves your family, friends and loved ones. The things that you can feel, anything that gives you joy. Instead of sulking and getting stuck in a difficult situation, take time to go through what you already have rather than what you don't. That will give you inspiration and the strength needed to go on. Remember that the better way to perceive is to see the glass as half-full, not half-empty.

Speeding through the Clouds

I have watched plenty of reality show episodes which center on traveling by plane that I think I at least already have an idea on what it's like. Experiencing it myself is a different thing though.

After a score and six, I finally had the chance to board on an airplane instead of a ship which I am accustomed to. Having my family with me made the amazing experience an exhilarating one. I've always imagined the aircraft to be big like that of a waiting lounge. Since we were on a domestic flight, can't be sure what it's like for international destinations. But on the vessel's size alone, I was already proven wrong.

Once on board, I couldn't find the seat numbers! I kept glancing around yet for some reason I wasn't able to locate them. Having viewed an image of the craft before the trip, I just did an estimate on where we are supposed to be seated. Embarrassment made me decide against asking the flight attendant. Since nobody argued that we took their seats, thank goodness we did fine on that aspect. Being a first time flyer, mixed emotions are to be expected. You are excited and nervous at the same time. I was. I think my folks shared those feelings with me. Just kept it to themselves then.

It always pays to be prepared even in a little way. Keeping in mind the Planning article I wrote two months ago, I asked friends who can give me information, tips and ideas on what to expect. I was told that in order to get rid of the deafening experience you'll surely encounter upon take off and during landing, I can just chew a gum. It worked! 

Congrats, Shamcey!

I was able to watch Miss Universe 2011, were you? We may share the same thoughts on the results but then our country's proud enough that our contestant made it to the Top 5 (3rd runner-up) again. That's two consecutive years, quite an accomplishment!

You can call me a beauty pageant fan and I will not disagree. Since childhood days I remember myself sitting in front of the television watching Miss Universe, Miss Earth, Miss Cebu... you name it. That's how I was and am still. Mom would tease me, telling me not  to forget to blink and that my mouth's hanging open with me unaware, how cool is that. The thought brings a smile to my face.

Watching the coronation of Miss Universe 2011 excited and frightened me at the same time along with my colleagues. How much more with Shamcey who was in the center stage doing her best to stay dazzling and witty. I admired the way she answered the question directed at her. Without an interpreter at that. She should have been given more credit! But nevertheless, the fact that she made it that far is a good reason for Filipinos to be happy. For us, it's her who won anyway. Congratulations, Shamcey! You did your best and that's what matters.

(Photo courtesy of Yahoo! News: Scenes from Miss Universe 2011)

Related post: Let's Support Philippines in Miss Universe 2011!

How to tell a Diamond

Many say that diamonds are a girl's bestfriend. There's another popular phrase, "Diamonds are forever".

Why do you think this precious stone is often the choice to use in social gatherings, embed in wedding rings and many more?

Well, for one, diamonds are hard. It can resist scratching. Aside from that, its sparkling quality would surely attract prospect buyers and even those who just dream of having or owning one.

 (Photo on the right shows Beyonce Knowles wearing a diamond necklace.)

Diamonds compared with Cubic Zirconia

If you happen to check out the jewelry section of a department store, you'll see how the two are usually placed side by side. Cubic zirconia or more commonly known as CZ stones look almost if not the same as diamonds. However, its lower price makes you wonder just how different it is compared to the latter.

Diamond is a material with great physical attributes. It is known as the hardest natural stone and can disperse light of varying colors. These natural stones are made in the Earth's mantle. Grading diamonds are based on their characteristics in terms of carat, clarity, color and cut.