31

(pic from this site)

31
Lj T. Salceda

“I’m getting old,” I complained to my guy. “Who isn’t?” he jokingly answered. Oo nga naman! May tama s’ya dun!

Age is an accumulation of days/time. That's why we have sayings like, "age is just a number." Sabi naman ng iba na ayaw magpabuko ng edad, "Kalabaw lang ang tumatanda." (According to some who don't want to reveal their age, "only carabaos/water buffalos grow old.")For some, age or life is a collection of experiences or lessons or accomplishments or victories. Unfortunately for some, they do not only make a career out of being miserable but worst, they also devote their lifetime to failures, defeats, problems and what-if’s. I’d rather not. I choose to see the glass half-full. Life is too beautiful and too short to be missed out.

In a few days I’ll be celebrating another 365 days that have passed (will pass). Before I reached my 30’s, I listed 30 of the things that I wanted to do/accomplish before I officially turn 30. A milestone for me, since I’ve always thought I will die young because I’ve been sickly as a child/teenager.

As I went through the list one more time, I was overwhelmed by emotions- happiness, gratefulness, fulfillment, hope and excitement. There’s also a tinge of sadness and a bit of disappointment in some areas, but the positive feelings certainly outweigh the negative ones.

Almost half of what I listed had come to pass (YAY!), though there are still plenty that I have yet to fulfill. Two weeks from now, I’m glad that another item on my list will become a reality. It maybe a year delayed, but everything happens for a reason I believe.

After years of writing and with Church Strengthening Ministry’s help, I will be launching my first book: EATING WITH ONE CHOPSTICK: Growing-Up in a Single Parent Home.

So if you or someone you know is a:

1. SINGLE-PARENT (including separated/divorced/annulled individuals; teenage-mother/father; a mother that bore a child out of wedlock; spouse of a prisoner/OFW; a guardian of grandkids or nephews/nieces; a widow/er; victims of abuse/rape that resulted to pregnancy)
2. SON or DAUGHTER of a single-parent
3. PASTOR or LEADER of a solo-parent ministry or organizations
4. PERSON involved in a BIGAMOUS or POLYGAMOUS relationship (a mistress/other woman/man)
5. An ABSENTEE father/mother (including emotionally absent parents, alcoholic, womanizer, abusive parents)

Also, if you (or someone you know) is going through…
- break-up or relationship problems
- gender / weight / self-image issues
- depression / suicidal tendencies
- health concerns
- poverty
- bullying
- vices

Even if you are blessed with a complete, loving family please spread the word about...

EATING WITH ONE CHOPSTICK: Growing-Up in a Single Parent Home
Book launch and Autograph Signing
(With the rest of CSM’s local authors)
Sept 17, 2010 at 6pm
SMX, Mall of Asia
Everyone is invited!!!

Books will be available at a discounted rate exclusively at the Manila International Bookfair (Sept. 15-19). But will be out in local, Christian and leading bookstores very soon.



(my 1st birthday with Pa blowing my candle)

A Mistress and Proud of It

pic c/o of this site

A MISTRESS and PROUD OF IT
Lj T. Salceda

One night while I was surfing through the local channels I caught part of Bubble Gang’s (gag show on GMA 7) episode wherein one of the hosts said, “Bakit kaya ang mga babae ayaw na nambabae ang mga lalaki, pero pumapatol naman sa mga babaero?” (Why do women dislike womanizers, but still choose to be with a womanizer/cheater?)

A few months ago in an episode of the Tyra Banks show, Tyra featured women who deliberately look for and prefer married guys because according to one of the guests, “They (married men) are not scared of commitment unlike single guys.” To which Tyra replied, “What?!! Isn’t that an irony? They are married but they sleep with you or have affairs with other girls? It doesn’t say commitment to me.” Those are not her exact words, but that was the essence of her statement.

Today I read an article about Alicia Keys and Fantasia Barrino’s affair with married men. How each woman was being treated differently especially by the media because of their race, looks and background when they’ve both committed the same “crime”. I won’t focus on the media’s scrutiny/treatment to both artists, I would rather talk about the M-word. Mistress. The other woman. The third party. Women purposely and openly getting involved with married men even though they are aware that these men are TAKEN.

I don’t have to name names, but we don’t have to look farther. Has any of our local celebrities been charged or sued or convicted of adultery, concubinage or bigamy? I haven’t heard of any.

It’s not new and it doesn’t happen in Hollywood or among celebrities alone. It’s very real and it is prevalent (I doubt if anyone will admit esp in a conservative country like the Philippines) to women regardless of age, race, economic status or religion.

I’ve been fatherless most of my life, so forgive me if I will hold my Pa's "other women" responsible why we grew-up in a solo-parent home. After all it does take two to tango. I know some men can hide to some extent their marital status, but it really breaks my heart and bothers me when women intentionally choose/sleep with/have affairs with married men.

However, I am aware that some women are also victims of abusive, manipulative and selfish men. They’ve been in the relationship even before they knew of their husband's or partner’s marital status or past. I also understand how difficult it is to be entangled in an unhealthy relationship, how even more challenging it is to get out and start all over again. So I am not here to pass judgment. I am not here to play the blame game or project a “holier-than-thou” attitude. I am not here to make matters more complicated. I am simply making an observation and a plea- for us to guard ourselves and save our families.

Our perception and tolerance have changed when it comes to sin, lifestyle and our morals. Now, being a mistress is no longer a taboo or even a sin or a crime. It’s no longer just a story in a best-selling novel or the theme of a controversial movie. It is now a badge. A status symbol. A cool thing to do/have. Sins are not dealt with anymore. Crimes are not punished. We've let things be the way it is now.

Whatever happened to the sanctity of marriage? Whatever happened to good values and right conduct? Whatever happened to women being the (one and only) beloved wife? Whatever happened to fathers being role models to their kids? Whatever happened to us? Respect, honesty, faithfulness and loyalty where are they now?

The line that separated good from bad; right and wrong; legal to illegal is too blurry for some people to even notice nowadays. Sad part is, it will still get worse.

"But a man (woman) who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.”
- Proverbs 6:32 New International Version

Never Take Love for Granted
15-16 Do you know the saying, "Drink from your own rain barrel,
draw water from your own spring-fed well"?
It's true. Otherwise, you may one day come home
and find your barrel empty and your well polluted.

17-20 Your spring water is for you and you only,
not to be passed around among strangers.
Bless your fresh-flowing fountain!
Enjoy the wife you married as a young man!
Lovely as an angel, beautiful as a rose—
don't ever quit taking delight in her body.
Never take her love for granted!
Why would you trade enduring intimacies for cheap thrills with a whore?
for dalliance with a promiscuous stranger?

21-23 Mark well that GOD doesn't miss a move you make;
he's aware of every step you take.
The shadow of your sin will overtake you;
you'll find yourself stumbling all over yourself in the dark.
Death is the reward of an undisciplined life;
your foolish decisions trap you in a dead end."

Proverbs 5:15-23 (The Message)

Jeje + Mon = EVIL?

Jeje + Mon = Evil?
Lj Salceda



Kung may FB account o cellphone ka, malamang nakatanggap ka na ng ganitong babala:
based on research: word jejemon came from 2 Greek words....JEJERIUS-means follower, the doer of the command of someone by writing and MONNIUS- means the believers of Satan who have the capability to empower the mind of people..so JEJEMON means follower of Satan who empower the mind of the people by writing.. spread the news…

Mga kapatid, hinay-hinay lang sa pagba-brand at panghuhusga sa mga tao at bagay.

Hindi dahil ‘di mo maintindihan ay sa dyablo na.
Hindi dahil ‘di mo alam ang pinanggalingan ay sa demonyo na.
Hindi dahil ‘di ka maka-relate ay masama na.
Higit sa lahat hindi dahil sinabi ng iba na kay Satanas ay sa kanya na nga ito.

Totoo may mga bagay na ginagamit ng dyablo, pero ang SALITA- kakayahang magsalita, makabuo, gumamit at mag-interpret nito ay galing sa Diyos. Dahil S'ya ang may lalang sa atin.

Ayaw ko rin sa jejemon, pero I don’t believe that they are of or from the devil. Iisa-isahin ko ang rason bakit ayaw ko sa jejemon:

Una, ni hindi nga natin ma-perfect o ma-improve ang ating gamit sa English o Filipino language, nag-aambisyon pa tayong haluan ito ng ibang salita? Kamusta naman yun?

Pangalawa, kung ano ang madalas mong i-practice, yung ang magiging habit and eventually lifestyle mo na. Paano ka magsusulat ng matino sa klase, sa opisina, sa church kung jejenese ang gamit mo?

Pangatlo, isang salita o lenggwahe na nga lang ang gamit natin pero di pa tayo nagkaka-intindihan at nagbabangayan pa dahil sa misunderstanding o miscommunication o misinterpretation, dadagdagan mo pa?

At panghuli, tumatanda na talaga ako kaya plain and simple wala ng “attraction” sa akin ang ibang lingo. :)

Sa kabila ng mga rason na binigay ko, ni MINSAN di ko sinabing sa DYABLO ang JEJEMON. Bakit? Una, buhay at makapangyarihan ang mga salita. Pwedeng jejemon ang uso ngayon, bukas makalawa iba naman ang pangalan nito. Pangalawa, dahil 'di ko pa napag-aaralan at wala akong basehan para gumawa ng konklusyon. At higit sa lahat ayaw kung manghusga dahil hindi yan ang role ko sa mundong ibabaw.

Kung nakinig ka sa interview namin kay Komisyoner Carmelita Abdurahman ng Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino, ginawa n’yang halimbawa ang salitang “lagay”. Sa salitang Waray ito raw ay genitals ng lalaki. Samantalang sa mga Tagalog, ito ay tumutukoy sa kondisyon o suhol (negatibong gamit o kahulugan). Kaya kung gagamitin mo ito sa isang tao o lugar na Waray ang salita siyempre iba ang intindi nila rito.

Sa pagkaka-alam ko hindi GREEK ang pinanggalingan ng JEJEMON at hindi rin naman mga GRIYEGO ang nagpasimuno nito kundi mga kabataang Pinoy. (Correct me if I’m wrong.) Wikipedia has its own origin and explanation about this phenomena. Totoo, may mga kahalintulad tayong salita sa ibang lenggwahe pero, iba ang gamit at konteksto nila sa mga ito, bakit ito ang gagamitin nating panukat sa ating mga kababayang Jejemon o Bekimon? Bakit mo gagamitin ang “root word” na Greek (jejerius/monnius) sa Filipino context? Siyempre iba ang meaning ng JEJEMON sa kanila kumpara sa atin.

Sa Bicol ang salitang “antak” ay sitaw sa Tagalog, sa Pampanga ay genitals din ito ng babae. (O yan, sex education na tayo!) Pero bakit ‘di natin sinasabi na sa dyablo ito? Dahil may iba-iba tayong gamit sa mga salita at letra depende sa grupo ng tao at sa lugar. O eto, alam mo ba ang kahulugan ng ababa-shi-kata-baba-andi? Di ko rin alam, pero yan ang ilan sa mga salitang naririnig ko pag may nag-i-speaking in tongues na walang translation. Kahit di ko maintindihan, I respect those who speak in tongues at kahit ‘di nila i-explain I won’t call them evil unless sabihin ng Diyos na evil sila. Baka, speaking in-tongues is their way of being intimate with the Lord or expressing their thoughts/emotions to God.

Sa mga close na magkaka-ibigan o magkakakilala, may meaning ang kung minsan ay ordinaryong salita na sila-sila lang ang nakaka-intindi dahil may sarili silang gamit dito. Halimbawa sa magboyfriend/girlfriend, nagtatawagan sila ng gummy bear ('di dahil makunat sila) o tawag ko sa isa kong kaibigan miswah ('di dahil masabaw s'ya.)

Ang salita ay salita lamang hanggat bibigyan mo ito ng kahulugan o meron kang i-a-associate na isang bagay dito. Ang bawat tao at lugar ay may kanya-kanyang kahulugan at gamit sa mga salita. Hindi dahil masama o negatibo ang isang salita sa iyo ganun na rin ito sa iba.

Pag-aralan muna natin ang mga bagay-bagay. ‘Wag basta padalos-dalos sa pagkakalat ng maling impormasyon. Sa halip na magka-unawaan at magka-isa tayo lalo lang tayong nagkakahati-hati at nag-aaway. Sa halip na maka-akay tayo, tayo pa ang nagtutulak sa iba palayo. Sa halip na maging instrumento tayo ng pag-ibig at kapayapaan, husga at panlalait ang nangagaling sa atin. Ano ba naman yan?

Hinay-hinay lang kaibigan. Kung masama, ipaliwanag natin bakit ito masama. Kung mali, baka naman spelling lang ang mali o ang utak lang natin ang 'di maka-gets.

Is Jejemon or Jejenese evil, I don’t think so but being judgemental is. (James 4:11)

What Did You Say?

(pic c/o this site)

What Did You Say?
Lj T. Salceda

Name it and I’ve probably been called by it- pangit (ugly), Agta (comparing me to the native people with darker complexion), Britney Spears with a frog in her throat (describing my singing voice), snake (when someone saw the patches and scales on my legs) and just recently immodest (because I was wearing an off-shoulder t-shirt). The rest will get a PG-13 or PG-18 rating from MTRCB so I wouldn't even include them here.

It’s not new to me. Being called names, criticized, bullied, being the butt of jokes have all been part of my childhood and even my adult life. I used to hide and cry to deal with them, but I’ve learned to laugh them off or sometimes I “join ‘em” since it’s futile to beat them.

It hurts me. Who wouldn’t be? I would be a hypocrite not to admit that. There are times when I still want to lash out or to get back to whoever is saying mean things about me no matter how true they are. I am after all every inch a human. It’s only been lately that I’ve learned to stand up and toughen up. Not violently though. When I say toughen up, I try to explain to people "you might mean well, but the way you said things was painful to me. I wish you’d do it in a nice way next time especially if we’re not close or since you don’t know much about me." Or if I’m close I make “bara” (colloquial: answer back jokingly.)

No excuses, I am as guilty as everyone else. A year ago, while a friend and I were fixing ourselves inside the ladies room in preparation for our hosting job, I told her there’s something different with the way one of the back-up singers look. My friend told me, that’s because she had something done on her face. And I without much thinking blurted out, “Oh that’s why she looks like a gay!” Uh oh... Too late. My intention was not to bash gays (I have the highest respect for them) or to even derogatorily compare her to gays. What I meant was the cosmetic procedure highlighted her masculine features and made her look altered and not in an aesthetically pleasing way. That wasn’t even the worst part. Before I could explain what I said, an old lady came out from one of the cubicles and gave me an “I’ve-heard-what-you-just-said-missy-look.” I didn’t need to put much blush on on my cheeks because I was red all over. So I learned the hard and embarrassing way that night.

As an announcer and a writer words are part of my day and my life. Sans them I couldn’t even think what life would be like. This page will be blank. Airwaves will just be airwaves without radios or TV’s. No magazines, no songs, no SMS, no prayers, no phone calls, no movies and no Pinoy Henyo. We could draw and paint pictures to communicate but that would take a long time. We could dance with just beats and no lyrics but that would be too taxing. We could mime, point with our lips, use facial expressions or even whistle to communicate but would you really do those everyday, your entire life?

Words – the ability to form and use them, the gift of expression, the extension of one’s self – these are all blessings. You don’t need to have my job to know how important and powerful words are. Let’s use them wisely and responsibly.

(I also wrote a short devotional article about handling criticisms in the Recharge book published by ICI and APMM. Available at NBS branches and Christian bookstores.)

I like!

I like!
Lj T. Salceda


I have been meaning to write a review about some of my current fave products. DISCLAIMER: I am not paid to do this and results/your taste may vary, NO one is allowed to SUE me. Peace!

So here’s a list of some of the things that got my "thumbs up":



1. Mineral Powder – I am NOT a make-up person. I am only forced to use them when a.) I have a speaking/hosting/performing engagement/photo shoot or 2.) when I wake up 2 hours before my usual waking-up time which happens once in every 5 years. Lol! After I was given some product samples by one of our guests on Pinoy E, I was hesitant to use them since I still bear the marks of a few commercial products' effects on my sensitive skin (believe it or not!)


+ It’s cheaper than the commercial counter-part.
+ It’s so fine you only need a few amount to dab and apply on your face.
+ It smells good, actually it smells yummy!
+ If you buy it from people like Ruth, you’ll help working-students to finish their studies. (Ayos sa plugging.)
+ It hasn't caused any irritation or allergies on me, so it has my seal of approval.
+ It is the first and only mineral make-up in the Philippines from what I've heard.

- The brand/line is still new and limited. Unlike other cosmetic lines you can only order this from suppliers/sales rep of the company/brand. They are not yet available in some malls/stores. You can check their site for the list of suppliers and other deatils.



2. CARICA Herbal Clean For Sensitive Teeth Toothpaste – My brother recommended this to me and gave me my first tube. For years I have been using Hapee’s Sensitive Teeth/Gum toothpaste due to my periodontal condition. This is CARICA’S answer to the growing demand of specialized dental products.

+ It doesn’t taste like medicine or herbs. The first time my brother told me about this product my first question was, "Does it taste like herbs?" He said, no it tastes like regular tooth paste but mildly. He's right, it's not overpowering or bitter.
+ It’s the same price range as my previous brand.
+ It’s locally made. Patronize our own products! I know the owners/makers. In spite of our connection, I am not paid/forced/bribed to write this.

- It doesn’t produce much bubble. Lol! I just like bubbles even when I’m brushing my teeth.
- My tube lid doesn’t close well and I’ve had the contents spill inside my bag twice. (My bag smells like toothpaste now.)



3. Caramel Snack Bar(Pasalubong) – If you think Max’s teeny-weeny caramel bar (on the side of every meal) is muy delicioso and you are bitin consuming just one piece, then you will absolutely love this because you wouldn’t know the difference. They do taste the same! I tell yah!

I just bought my fifth pack earlier today containing 10 pieces from the canteen. Good thing we have supplies now, we ran out the last time. Thanks to Mommy Auring for introducing this snack bar to my palate.

+ Not too sweet for a pastry or dessert. Perfect for health conscious people.
+ The size is just enough for me- 2 or 3 bites and you're done. I usually consume 2 pcs/day. I just hope they won’t shrink it, once it becomes a “hit.”
+ Affordable at P10/pc.
+ Mommy Auring said she knows where it’s made, so less worry about hygiene/source/quality. According to her, it’s the same factory that supplies Max’s restos. How cool is that?!

- It’s not yet commercially available (which is also a good thing), only a few stores/canteens sell the bar for now.
- Because it’s super yummy, it makes me eat more!!! Ugh, my figure.


(picture c/o FoxTVAsia)


4. White Collar (TV Show) – Ok it’s not a product/thing, but I am hooked! I’ve always been a fan of “police/crime-busting shows,” so it’s already a plus factor that this show is about an FBI officer and con-man and their adventures/operations.

According to this site, White Collar is about the unlikely partnership of a con artist and an FBI agent who have been playing cat and mouse for years. Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer), a charming criminal mastermind, is finally caught by his nemesis, FBI Agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay.) When Neal escapes from a maximum-security prison to find his long-lost love, Peter nabs him once again. Rather than returning to jail, Neal suggests an alternate plan: He'll provide his criminal expertise to assist the Feds in catching other elusive criminals in exchange for his eventual freedom. Initially wary, Peter quickly finds that Neal provides insight and intuition that can't be found on the right side of the law.”

If you like Catch Me If You Can, NCIS, Law and Order, CSI, Criminal Minds and other “police or detective movies/stories,” you will surely love this.

+ Very unlikely tandem of the show’s main characters, but it works! Even if you weren’t able to watch the previous episodes, you won’t get lost (it's only on its 2nd season) and you haven't missed much yet unless you want to know the background/history of the characters/story. Makes me wonder if Kate is really a protagonist or antagonist, hmmm...
+ Matt Bomer is a hunk! Tim De Kay is believable. They both kick-b***. (Can I say that here?)
+ I love the plots in every episode. It's funny. It has enough mystery to keep you waiting for the next episode. And its not too "gross" like CSI or too disturbing like Criminal Minds.

- I’m watching it on Channel 9 (Solar/RPN9), as expected they are late. I’m actually watching “old episodes.” In the US, they are already airing the 2nd season, so don't spoil it for me.
- It's another addition to the overly-populated crime-busting shows available on TV. I won't be surprised if they'll come up with a spin off one of these days.


Disclaimer:
Consume at your own expense. :)

Scrambled Egg with Veggies and Meat

SCRAMBLED EGG with VEGGIES and MEAT



When I was in the US, one of our staple breakfast food was egg. I've tried almost every available type of recipe/cooking method on the menu when I was there - sunny side up, omelette, scrambled, boiled on salads (except for poached).

One of the recipes that I really like was the scrambled eggs we had at this resto near Disneyland. I said to myself I can easily make this one!

Here is my humble attempt of copying their scrambled egg recipe:

Scrambled/Omelet Egg with Veggies and Luncheon meat

Ingredients:

5 pcs eggs
cooking oil (olive/regular)
1 medium onion
2-3 cloves garlic
spinach or green bell peppers
red tomatoes
¼ (can) cubed ham or luncheon meat or sausage (mushroom as alternative)
salt and pepper
quick-melt cheese or feta cheese (optional)


Procedure:

1. Wash veggies.
2. Chop/mince garlic and onions. Cube bell peppers and tomatoes. Remove spinach’s stem. (You can blanch or boil spinach first before adding.)
3. Add seasoning (salt and pepper)to the eggs before beating.
4. Heat the pan, put oil and fry luncheon meat. Set aside.
5. Using the same pan and oil, sauté onions, garlic and add tomatoes.
6. Add the luncheon meat and the veggies bell peppers/spinach.
7. Add egg (scramble).
8. For omelet: Remove the veggies/meat. Make an egg crepe first before putting the filling.
9. Add quick-melt cheese while still hot before serving.

Tip: Serve with rice, bread or potatoes.

Serves 4-5 people
Cost: P150-200

Blogging for a Week :)

Blogging Daily for A Week
Lj T. Salceda


My boyfriend challenged, er, encouraged me to write an article a day just a couple of weeks ago. “You have a gift,” John said. “I wish you’d do it everyday,” he added.

Does he know what he’s talking about?!! Lol! How could I refuse such a sweet, supportive and appreciative guy? I told him, ok hon, if I'll be able to finish the second draft of my book, I’ll give it a shot. (Just a little background: When I finally decided to become an official resident of the blogosphere, I only required myself to write at least an article a week. Many times I failed to do that. So this is really a leap.)

Anyhow, after finally submitting the second draft of my book last week and in honor of our first year as friends (John and I were introduced by a common friend- Jesus through the inter-net on the first week of August last year. That’s what I usually say when people ask us how we met…) here’s to a week of blogging!

The week that was – hectic, eventful and exhausting.

Monday - I was part of the DZAS team that covered PNoy’s first State of the Nation Address.
Highlight: PCEC head Bishop Ef Tendero treated us to a sumptuous dinner at a nice Korean resto after a long, hard day.







Tuesday – work day/staff meeting.
Highlight: Ate Maloi’s birthday, kaya may salo-salo!

Wednesday – lent a hand (and an ear) to 700 Club's Lahat Posible, Magtiwala Ka!
Highlight: being a blessing to others and getting to know celebs who are also bros & sis in the Lord!







Thursday – my TV night! Watched Modern Family, White Collar and NCIS.
Highlight: NCIS tonight was a C’mas episode! (pic c/o of this site)



Friday – attended a memorial service for our late Chinese host Ate Tessie Veloso.
Highlight: FLOWERS! FLOWERS! AND MORE FLOWERS!!!







Saturday – wrote the entire day.
Highlight: scramble c/o Ate May! (sayang di ko nakunan ng pic, naubos ko agad...)



Sunday – church, cleaned, walked for an hour, wrote some more.
Highlight: burning all the Mozzarella Garlic Pizza that I ate while watching the skies being lit by lighting!