Trying Very Hard

I am determined to hone my elementary piano skills. That's what I get from acquiring a pre-owned Japan-made piano which was made possible by GSIS. You might be wondering what GSIS had to do with it. Well, I bought it from the money I got when my policy matured. Now you got it. 

To start with, I gathered all my old compilations of piano music sheets. They have been unused and collecting dust for quite a while since our small electronic keyboard began malfunctioning. I bought the keyboard almost 15 years ago in my desire to improve my skills and for my children to be interested in playing the piano. To some extent, it served the purpose until it became defective. Now it serves as a "patungan" for Amyel's stuff. Recently, I've been collecting new pieces. It's what I look for everytime I go to the bookstores. This week I've started to surf the Net for free downloads. I'm so glad I came across PianistAko which is a blog about Original Pilipino Music (OPM). And do you know what's exciting? It offers free downloading of Ms. Heide Abot's piano music sheets. You can also avail of free piano lessons and video tutorials. Great, isn't it? After I stopped my piano lessons in the third grade, I discovered the use of piano chords. Hmm, it's easier doing chords with my left hand and following notes with my right hand. It has been my technique since then which makes it hard now for me to read and play with my left. At my age I wonder if it's too late for me to learn to play the piano the classic way. My interest and strong determination remain even though my aging fingers sometimes fail me.

1.1.11

Watching the fireworks displays from our roof deck as we bid farewell to 2010 and welcome the New Year. Thank you, Lord, for what you have done for me and for my family. Great is Your faithfulness!

Manila Ocean Park

Ate was off from work so the family went to Manila Ocean Park, the first marine-themed park in the country, for more bonding time.

   

We purchased tickets for the Marine Life Encounter package and decided to visit the Jellies first. The place is full of hundreds of different kinds of jellies in tanks. The light effects and soothing background music added drama to the displays.

     

The next stop was the South American Sea Lions followed by their entertaining Marine Life Show featuring Isabella, Icis, and their good-looking trainers.

    

The last leg was the Oceanarium which features various marine creatures from Agos (Freshwater Ecosystem) to Karagatan (Seas), Bahura (Coral Reefs) to Kalaliman (Deep Sea/Ocean). The main attraction is the underwater viewing tunnel. It was exciting to view the wonders of the sea up close.

 

Against the Wind

Our boat was supposed to travel straight to Batangas City but it went to Muelle Bay (part of Puerto Galera) and we all transferred to a bigger boat because of the strong waves. The waves were really strong as we sailed. Most of us put on life jackets and the crew members were busy attending to the needs of the passengers most especially the kids. As we traveled, I thought about my personal unforgettable sea travels. There was a time when we had to travel by pump boat from Roxas, Oriental Mindoro to Odiongan, Romblon in the midst of a forthcoming typhoon. I had another banca experience going to Marinduque when we had propeller trouble. I told myself, that these waves are nothing compared to what I have been through. Life is like that. As the song goes, "life is just like walking against the wind". Life is a voyage. The sea will not always be calm. On some days, the weather may be fine but the sailing is rough. But I know where my life is anchored. Wherever the wind may bring me, I know there is a purpose and God will never leave me nor forsake me.

Birthday at the Beach

Today's morning walk was different. We were not doing seven rounds at the oval in the university. We were at White Beach, Puerto Galera and it's my 46th birthday today. And it's also our 22nd wedding anniversary. While walking barefooted along the shoreline (we did it to avail of free and natural foot scrub), we saw a pandesal vendor. Hmmm, the sight of other beachcombers eating pandesal triggered our hunger pangs. Unfortunately, we didn't bring any coin purses with us so we went back to our lodging house. Bobby looked for the vendor but there was no more pandesal. He just bought what was available and ordered coffee for us. That was extraordinary because we are not really coffee drinkers.

It was our last day in Puerto Galera so Bobby and I donned our swimming clothes and hit the water. Oops, the waves were big so I just stayed in the shallow portion and got massaged by the waves. I felt like a kid enjoying the splashes and many times I tumbled and rolled on the sand because of the forceful waves. Bye, White Beach. Thank you, Lord, for giving me another year. The past year was full of blessings and enriching experiences. Thank you for my family, the wind beneath my wings, and for my friends. I pray that my life will also be a blessing to those around me.