Love

"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, love is not pompous, it is not inflated. It is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoings but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

A passage from the Bible that has never failed to touch the hearts of many. It describes how a perfect love should be. Used as one of the readings during weddings, I too had my own share of attachment to this verse.

~*~
When I had my 18th birthday, I gave around 100 teddy bears to my guests and named each bear myself. Attached to a bear were 2 small cards:

First card: Rica Flores' 18th Birthday, September 15, 2007 Valle Verde VI Clubhouse ~*~ Thank you for adopting me. My name is Lutfi (name) which means Sweet (meaning).
Second card: "Love BEARS all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, Love never fails." 1 Corinthian 13:7-8

HINT: Notice the word in bold to get what I mean.
~*~

After all that had happened to me for the past eight months, it took me forever to open my bible again. Just the thought of unzipping its leather cover made me nervous. I knew that when I see the tabs I made on my favorite verses, memories both good and bad will be revived again.

I loved this passage ever since I first read it. I fell in love with it and has always deemed it as the perfect love I wanted to have and give. I thought I was ready to give it already. A letter I received 801 days ago, has never left pages 1296 and 1297 ever since. Though I did not read the letter, I found myself reading the passage again and again and again til tears flowed through my eyes. As I was reading through it, I changed all Love and it to a person's name.First was Jesus, then Papa, then Mama, then my siblings. I continued by changing it with my friends' names, my support group, him and finally Rica.

Changing it to Rica was difficult, for I know, I am not any of the traits mentioned. But I tried reading it again with my name. It never changed the fact but this time I felt empowered. I know I have failed in doing these things, yet now I am even more determined to live by it. I know little by little God will help me.

I thought that perfect love is something that does not or should not hurt, but I was wrong.Love is never perfect. It also entails pain. It is in loving that we actually feel pain. One hurts because he/she has truly loved. But it does not end there. It is also in pain that you find love amidst everything. A Love far greater and beyond all human love. A love that is overwhelming you can't seem to escape. A love that does not demand anything in return. A love that is perfect.

"Let me love you this time around." - God

You are more than enough for me, Lord.

a little prayer

I pray for your safety and most importantly happiness in all aspects of your life. Amen.

You never left my prayers. In my heart forever.

Love is Wisdom

Wisdom - Introduction from State Library of New South Wales on Vimeo.

Project 14, 15, 16 and 17 (part 2)

On Family and Friends

Enchanted Kingdom
Thanks to Marga, my fellow graduate, for treating us to Enchanted Kingdom. Though there were only four of us, we were able to enjoy at the same time, face our fears, especially for our baby Louise. Thank God the queues were not long. In the span of 5 hours, we got to ride flying fiesta, rio grande and anchor's away twice and thrice for log jam. Bonding with these girls is love.

Marga, Chinny, Zombie, Louise and Me

Antipolo Overnight
Does living with 2 girls and 1 gay friend appeal to you? I had the chance to experience it with my closest friends in college. Just a little background, our "eccentric group" was formed way back in first year, thanks to our English-Lit class for two semesters. Why eccentric? Well if you try to assess us individually, you'd realize that all four of us have totally different personalities. Even I can't explain the dynamics of our relationship. Nevertheless, Rica loves them so much.

Overnight at St. Gabriel, Avidaland, nightswimming at Loreland and breakfast at Katipunan.
Canyonwoods

I love that place, feels like I'm in a different country. Even if the use of their facilities was very expensive, I still want to go back there. Thanks to the beautiful houses there, I now have a clear picture of my dreamhouse.

Hello boys! ang kukulit niyo talaga.

Project 14, 15, 16, and 17 (part 1)

Hello little-library! I'm really sorry for not updating you for the past few weeks. I've been busy looking for work and at the same time enjoying the company of my family and friends.

ON WORK

Like what I mentioned in my previous post, I was just pressured to look for a job because almost all of my friends are either employed or are looking for work. Not to mention, my family's also pushing me to do the same. And so for the past 6 weeks, I always had at least 2 interview/test. Going to different building was tiring especially because of the heat. I had to bring an extra pair of shoes because of the inconvenience of walking around in heels.

*In one of these companies, I failed their analyst exam. Para akong nag-ACET ulit. hahaha! I didn't want to pursue the other because of the 3-year bond contract. And for the other one, I just tried but have no plans of working there.

Third week of April, I was disheartened already because I still didn't have any callbacks from the companies after finishing the whole application process. What makes it more frustrating is that that the position I'm applying for or being offered is only open to one (except for two companies). I feel so pressured given the fact that you're not the only applicant and you have to outdo at least 15 applicants for that position.
Most of my batchmates have work already and even envy those who really got their dream job. I'm aware of my weakness during interviews and so I tried to be more confident with myself. It really makes sense hat if you do not believe in what you can do, there's no reason for others to believe in you as well. Also trust the Lord that he will bless you, and truly you will be blessed. Everything I have and am, I owe it to the Lord who never fails me. And just last Tuesday I received my first job offer then yesterday my second. Optimistically, waiting for the third offer.*crossed finger*
The dilemma I'm now facing is which will I choose. I've been considering the two offers and tried enumerating the benefits and and disadvantages of both companies. Much as I want to take the second offer, my parents keep on insisting to get the first one. My main concern would have to be the nature of work. I'm really excited with what the second company can offer me but my parents are afraid of taking so much risk because the company is only in it's 3rd year.
It ins't really about me being indecisive when it comes to things but I just don't want to disregard the feelings of those around me.

BIG QUESTION: Will you follow your heart or sacrifice your own happiness* for the happiness of your loved ones?
*still unsure whether it will bring you real happiness.

Will-surely-be-employed-soon ~Rica Gran

Project 13

Desperate

Monday right after our graduation, Drew and I braved the busy streets of Makati in the hope of getting a decent job by knocking at the doors of different companies. I became Drew's navigator since he wanted to apply in different five-star hotels and companies. We started our desperate journey in Intercon Hotel at 9am. Confident we were, we entered the building via main entrance. But after talking to the receptionist, we found ourselves walking towards the back entrance since the HR dept was located there. After an hour, we were able to give out resumes in 4 five-star hotels. At this rate, we thought that we'll be able to visit and give out resumes to a lot of companies. But at 11am, we gave up already. :P

Drew and I at Tower One

Among all the buildings that we visited along Ayala Ave., LKG Tower would have to be the most memorable one. Since we were determined to apply in different companies, we pressed random floors in the elevator. Drew and I would check on every stop whether we like the company on that floor or not. I'm not sure how many stops there were, but it sure was fun poking our heads out of the elevator then after some seconds go inside again.

It did feel a bit nostalgic because I was doing the same routine I had when I was still an intern in one of the largest telecommunications in the country last summer. Even when we applied in Rustan's at Oppen Bldg., memories of BLD youth in my younger years lingered.

Holy Week
Our family had our visita iglesia in different towns of Batangas. The traffic wasn't as bad as I thought it to be, since last year it took us almost 4 hours on the road from Laguna back to Manila. My favorite Church would have to be the one in Taal. And I think I fell in love with Taal already. Such a small and peaceful town, I wanted to stay there for a week or two just to relax and discover the rural life.

unemployed ~Rica Gran

Project 12

Ateneo de Manila University 2010.
Thank you for teaching me a lot of things! You taught me well.

To my wonderful parents, words aren't enough to express my love for you. Thank you for supporting me all the way. I love how you show your affection to me through hugs and kisses. Even if you're alway busy, thank you for making time for us and for being my 24/7, always-on-call support. Forgive me if I disappoint you. But know, I'm also grateful for the times you reprimand and correct my mistakes for you only want the best for me. Thank you for spoiling me (I know, sending a child to Ateneo is no joke.) and I promise to be thrifty when I start earning my own money. Thank you and I'm more than blessed to have you in my life. I love you both!

Graduation dinner at Tatami, Serendra. I never imagined myself liking Japanese food.

Three generations. (gandang Lola according to Drew) Nanay, me and mama.

The great mind behind the name "Rica Gran". I love you , "too-much". Stop drinking, okay?

Farewell, Ateneo ~ Rica Gran