thegirlfrommanila-blog

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Found a place where they have cats as their pets. These cats even help tjem run their hardware store and their banana cue stand!

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The Distance Between Us Is Called A Chasm.

It came to that moment when I've realised that it has been five long years and not one word was exchanged between us.

We communicated to each other for the last, yet abrupt, time back in 2011. As far as I can remember, it was a text message which in it you said you were on your way to your weekly Bible study. Later that night, as I was packing my things for a trip,  your boyfriend Janson messaged me, asking me if you were OK. As I recollect, that was the very time I learned from him that you were pregnant. I began to worry about you.

"OK naman si Shekinah ---", said a male voice on the other line as I decided to call, possibly one of your brothers.

And then I knew I needed to hang up. I never wanted to hear a single word, ever. I could have said something so that I can speak to you but I felt a lump in my throat. I knew I am not in the position to demand to have you over on the other line, but at least your family could use some sympathy.

What's worse was attempts to reach you were futile: Yahoo!Messenger, Facebook, Twitter, and then Instagram. You have managed to shut all your accounts one by one down until you were nowhere to be found.

You know, Shekinah, I've known you since high school, and, between us, we've been through a lot that we have shared secrets. On my first day as a newcomer at your school, you were even the single bravest student who managed to make friends with me, who was an outsider. As your friend, I won't judge you just because you got knocked up outside marriage. You knew me, I will even understand you and accept you.

But, what broke my heart was when I learned from Janson that he has been estranged from your family, and from your child! You've taken that right away from Janson, and that was his right as the father of your child. All he wanted was to know if the child is his or not. And if she is his own, will your family give Janson the opportunity to be a part of her life? If you only knew how Janson was the minute he was cut off from you, you would have been immensely sorry. Janson had accepted full responsibility from the start, as you knew, but you did not have the strength to defend him to your parents. He was so upset with everything that happened after that, Shekinah.

**

After all these years that we have been estranged from each other, I have come to terms with this situation we now have, this chasm you and your family made. If you're going to ask me how I've been through these years without you, I can tell you that my journey from becoming a dismissive, rebellious, supposedly-Muslim teenager that you have met twelve years ago to a decidedly irreligious -- agnostic, to be specific -- individual that I am now has made me understand this predicament. To be honest, I am relieved to have learned what I think has led to you leaving your responsibilities. Learning and realising all these was never an easy feat. It took a great deal of looking into the past, SS. And looking into the past requires opening some wounds, and you know that very well.

Remember that time when you were overjoyed at us going to the mall without your family following you around? You were so happy that it was breath of fresh air for you, only ruined when we saw a nary of your dad's car behind us. You were terribly distraught that you cried so much that you hated your family. I did not condone your contempt towards your family, but what I approve of is your right to exercise your freedom in order to develop what is right and what is wrong. We may be high school students, Shekinah, but we were not ignorant.

I also recall that very moment when we and some of our close friends from school spent time at a condo to swim. At the jeepney ride going home there was a talk about your mother disapproving my presence around you, that I am a bad influence over you. I did not mean to disrespect your mother for being myself. Despite it all I exercised full caution when your parents are around. And you knew it was fine between us.

You know, I realised that you have returned to the fold of your family's religion, after seeing some photographs of you on IG. It may have been a process for you to forgive yourself for your mistakes, but you didn't have to do it. In my opinion, getting a new lease in life does not include forgetting your friends, most especially the father of your child.

You're a smart lady, Shekinah. I know you are smart because you believe in yourself at one point in time. But then, your family's influence over you won against your principles, and you couldn't hold yourself up anymore. You may respond to me that your conversion is your own doing, but I beg to differ, knowing that your family practises Born-Again Christianity.

Shekinah, I do not blame you for rebelling against your parents back then. You know why? Because they kept you from learning by yourself, by fending for yourself, by understanding things on your own. The idea of you being the only daughter -- and the youngest in a brood of four -- has put you at odds with everything concerning your welfare. It's your family's scheme of things as a unit of Jesus'community versus your own beliefs.

Did you regret getting pregnant just because your parents were distraught at the very idea because it goes against their beliefs? I wish you thought twice at that, only if you were so brave enough to defy your parents. You were already a consenting adult at that time, Shekinah, you could have decided upon yourself. It's your body, not theirs. You are not their property, nor Jesus'.

**

Not one day passes without my mind set on you, Shekinah. Even on your birthday, I still try to give a few thoughts for you. I understand that we may never see each other again, but I am hoping that one day you will realise that you could have turned back time and make amends with Janson. You do not know how much he suffered.

To your parents and your brothers: I know you mean well towards Shekinah as she is your daughter and sister. I would like to congratulate you for furthering her being sheltered. If proven that you have been instrumental for making her regret everything because it displeases your church, then you are brainwashing her. Your decision, if found to be true, has caused so much resentment that it took us this long to purge.

To everyone who reads this entry, I hope you all understand how 5 years of no contact and no closure have made me. And this is the end result.

**

Shekinah, I wish you well. Thank you for those happy and sad and crazy and annoying times we had together. It was a blast. Twelve years ago, at a Catholic school we met with a laugh. I would also like to take this opportunity to apologize for the times I've let you down. But I know that you know that I mean well.

Let this be known that if ever you'll read this, always remember that I am writing this in the best of my interests towards you.

Nizrhane

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But you are still my winner, Eddie Redmayne! <3

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Congratulations, Leo!!!

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Thomas Muller nails exactly how I feel most of the time.

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Chloë Moretz photographed by Dan MacMedan

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World Goalkeeper of the Year.

2013: Manuel Neuer

2014: Manuel Neuer

2015: Manuel Neuer

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And, yes, I have a WordPress blog.

Do pay me a visit over at http://thegirlfrommanila.wordpress.com for some food porn and cat fancying.

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Cats.

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Eats a Night!: CPK Media Night of Pizzas and Ice Cream

I was given the opportunity to have my belly busted by 5 pizzas, two ice creams, 2 wines, and a boozy cocktail. CPK Philippines invited me and a few bloggers to partake in a pizza fest of sorts.

I love pizzas, and this time, we were treated to presentation of new pizzas that will grace CPK’s forthcoming National Pizza Day on 14th to 15th August. I can tell you that we were excited to find out…

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Yet Another New Restaurant I Love: Momma's Boy Urban Dining

Having restaurants in your own village is really something special! Just recently, a new restaurant has made its mark in San Antonio Village, Makati.

Momma’s Boy Urban Dining can be found along Sampaloc Avenue in San Antonio Village. Coming in from Vito Cruz or from Mayapis, you will find the restaurant easy to find. The restaurant itself is somewhat a residence with its first floor converted…

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Boracay On My Mind: The Paradise In A Fight Against Algae

Let’s face it: I was supposed to make a review-cum-diary entry of my recent trip to Boracay last February. But I decided to put in hold because I became busy with work and stuff. Until today, when I stumbled upon an editorial by the Philippine Daily Inquirer which left me remembering about the sight of murky green algae on Boracay shores.

I love beaches myself, except crowded ones. Walking on…

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A Cacophony of Confusion: President Noynoy vs The Velosos

Current news is now filled with two things: the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight and Mrs Veloso’s strong words for the Philippine Government. I’ll go with the second one.

I’m confused right now. Just days ago, we were all on our toes as Mrs Veloso and family wait as her daughter Mary Jane will be shot by firing squad. Back in Manila, scores of people gathered before the Indonesian Embassy in Makati,…

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"Nakakapangilabot. Pero hindi pa kami sumusuko. May bukas pa”: Mary Jane Veloso's Plight Abroad and Our Case Back Home

For days now, netizens are abuzz with the news of Mary Jane Veloso’s imminent execution by firing squad on Nusakumbangan Island in Indonesia. Her sad, hopeless situation in Indonesia has made news once again, and it does so little to comfort us back home.

Many people have cast their doubts whether she will make it out alive or not. Most of us have depended her life to God for mercy, just in…

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Meowing Away at Cat Cafe Manila

Boredom struck so early in the morning  that day that I quickly decided to hop on a bus to Diliman, Quezon City. 45 minutes later I found myself inside the Cat Cafe Manila. I was amazed, despite the imminently worsening weather (yes, I could see the clouds darkening into a very angry dark grey, which made me scared).

The whole place was small yet homey. The host at the door, herself named Cat,…

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Upcoming Event: Madrid Fusion Manila 2015

Heads up, food fans of Metro Manila! SM will be hosting fantastic food fair on the 24th to 26th of April 2015 at the SMX Convention Centre in Pasay City.

One of the world’s biggest culinary affairs to be held at SM

The Philippines and Spain share a deep and colorful history and what better way to celebrate these two cultures than through their vibrant and intertwined culinary traditions. This…