A Hint Of Bribery?

I am currently in the process of constructing a small commercial building. Initially, my intention was simply to transfer a store there so that I wouldn't have to pay rent anymore. However, to generate some passive income for building maintenance, I added a few units to be leased out. Hopefully, they will be rented out.

In our family, my Mom was the bold one when it came to business. She was successful, and perhaps doing business was easier and less complicated back then. She also had the courage to build commercial properties and purchase condominium units. This is my first building, and I'm facing challenges. Maybe I'm just unlucky.

We have all the necessary documents, including permits from the Local Government Units and approval from the Homeowner Association. However, according to my contractor, we've been facing harassment from the Homeowner’s Association. Their officer approved The building plans, and that's what my contractor received. The HOA's concern is why it was approved if the other directors didn't sign it. Of course, my contractor and I can't answer that — that would be the HOA’s internal issue.  If their office is uncoordinated and disorganized, that’s on them.  It’s just not fair that we are being hassled because of their fault.   We only know that the permit was given to us by the approving officer of the HOA. I've even paid the construction bond in full and they accepted the payment. The HOA has repeatedly halted construction, citing issues through verbal notices delivered by a security guard, without any written memos. I don't know if this is a sign that the Homeowner’s Association is seeking bribes. I’m experienced in dealing with this situation, and I'm grateful that my contractor has the courage to handle this anomaly.

This whole experience reminds me of my Mom. I wonder if she also encountered similar challenges with people in positions of authority. She owns only one commercial property in a village, while the rest of her properties are in commercial areas.

Despite these challenges, I will continue with this project because it’s the only path forward. My store staff relies on this decision. I’ve already started, and I need to persevere. Perhaps it’s a small matter for others, especially if they have thick skin, but I’m not naturally suited for this. I’m simply hoping and praying that God will grant me the strength to get me through this. 

Losing a Wallet

 

Losing my wallet this week was truly disheartening. The last time I misplaced a wallet was back in fifth grade, but that one only held loose change. Now, as an adult, my lost wallet contained my UMID, Driver’s License, PWD ID, a credit card, 2 ATM cards, some cash, and precious photos of my parents. Dealing with the paperwork for a notarized affidavit of loss was a bit of a hassle, but most of the items are replaceable. I’ve already obtained a temporary replacement for my Driver’s License and new ATM cards, having blocked the old ones and my credit card. Within three days, my new credit card should arrive.

The wallet I lost was made of leather and had sentimental value—it belonged to my late Dad. During the pandemic, while helping my Mom tidy her room, I stumbled upon it. Since my Dad has passed away, I asked my Mom if I could keep it. It’s the only physical memento I have of him, and it was a sturdy wallet that held all my essential cards.

Although my new wallet isn’t as special as my Dad’s, it will suffice for now. Plus, I’d rather not splurge on an expensive leather replacement. Fingers crossed that by some stroke of luck, my old wallet will resurface or find its way back to me. 🙏

 

Tita Flor and TIto Ben

I had the pleasure of seeing my Tita Flor and Tito Ben two weeks ago. They came to visit to my mom and Dad, who are both interred in St. James the Great Parish within the village. Tita Flor and my mom have been best friends since their dentistry school days. I know that Tita Flor was my mom’s favorite person. During the pandemic, they would do a video call every week.   I can sympathize with how heartbroken Tita Flor must have been when Mom died three years ago.

I find it remarkable that Tita Flor and Tito Ben, at 90 years old, could still travel from Los Angeles to Manila. However, they are not as strong as they once were. When I saw them, Tito Ben looked rather frail, and Tita Flor needed a cane. What I admire about them is that they still have a good memory of the little things. They also have no issues with their short-term memory. They visited last year as well, so I was surprised that they came again this year. I feel sad at the thought that this might be their last visit unless they have someone to accompany them. I have known Tita Flor and Tito Ben to be very independent because of their long stay in the US. They always do everything by themselves. Perhaps that is one reason why they are physically and mentally fit. It would be a blessing if they could visit us again. It is always nice to listen to their stories from the old days when they and my mom were young.

A Possibility

After my last partner passed away in 2016, I've been hesitant about diving into another relationship. You see, that previous relationship wasn't a positive experience -— it revolved around financial issues. But I won't delve into the details. Before that, I fell for someone who didn't reciprocate my feelings. So now, I'm wary of getting emotionally involved with anyone. Especially since my parents have passed away, and I'm living independently, I feel the need to protect myself.

Currently, I'm seeing someone. Well, I THINK I'm seeing someone.  He's a bit older than I am, kind-hearted, and financially stable. He's nice, but I don't feel that romantic spark with him like how I felt with my exes.   Perhaps I've become jaded or learned my lesson —- these days, I don't easily develop feelings for anyone. It's been seven years since I felt that way about someone. However, I can envision a future with him. I've mentioned that I'm seeking a companion, and he seems to fit that role. We spend time together, talk a lot, go out for dinners, and share cuddle moments.

While I'm uncertain where this will lead to, I genuinely appreciate his company. I know I shouldn't base life decisions on zodiac signs, but, interestingly, I'm a Cancer and he's a Pisces, and our signs supposedly match. Although we're not officially in a relationship and haven't defined exclusivity in dating, we're both chill about it. Still, I maintain my emotional boundaries -— we shouldn't feel pressured to get serious. 

#Companionship

The Probability of Seeing Someone at Random

 

Two days ago, my sister-in-law had a surprise birthday lunch that her two daughters-in-law organized. It was held on a private property in Tagaytay. But that's not the point of my story.

On my way there, I stopped at the SLEX Petron Gasoline station for a toilet break. I also needed to buy something at the convenience store. As I entered the store, I was surprised. Guess who I saw there through the glass wall, waiting, sitting inside, and playing on his phone. It was my ex-boyfriend. He didn't notice me as I walked by outside the store. I went inside and hugged him from behind. I hugged him again when he turned around and saw that it was me. I don't know why. Maybe I was just in a good mood at that moment and felt like doing it. It was amusing that out of all the random people I could see there, in the south of Metro Manila, it was someone who lives in Cubao.  

We didn't talk much. I was in a hurry.  I told him I was going to an event down south. I didn't even ask what he was doing there. I assumed he was there for work and was taking a break before driving on.  After buying what I needed, I went back to him, and gave him one last hug and a kiss on the cheek.  

On the road, I called up my best friend and told her about it. I guess I was excited to share it. Again, I was probably in a really good mood at that moment.

#UnexpectedEncounter #SurpriseMeeting  #PetronPitstop  #SouthboundStories  #ExBoyfriendEncounter  #GasStationStories  #UnexpectedConnections

How I Started Praying the Rosary

Growing up, I never had much interest in attending mass every Sunday. However, my Mom always made sure that I went to church with her every week. Praying the rosary was a different matter. As a catholic schoolboy, I learned how to pray the rosary, but I never really practiced it.

I resumed praying the rosary two years ago, the year my Mom passed away due to COVID. When my Mom was hospitalized, my sister-in-law suggested that we have a family rosary for my Mom. We did this via Zoom. And after my Mom passed away, we continued praying the rosary for her for the 40 days of prayer.

When my Dad passed away, I only did the prayers for the deceased for him. During my Dad's wake, the priest advised us to continue praying for the souls of our loved ones who might still be in purgatory. The same was said during my Mom's wake. So after her inurnment service, besides the prayers for the deceased, I kept up the habit of praying the rosary every day as a way of offering my prayers for my parents.

A funny thing that happened when I started praying the rosary was the discovery of the fourth mystery, The Luminous Mysteries. I was never taught this when I was still in school. I found out that this was introduced in 2002. That means I had not been praying the rosary for three decades before 2021!

There are still times that I get emotional when I pray the rosary. It is mostly because I miss my parents, especially my Mom. And there would be times I would recall her praying the rosary herself. She would do it in bed at night, or while walking around the house after dinner. She would also pray the rosary during her afternoon walks before when she was still active in walking.

I still would not consider myself religious.  I still don't regularly go to church.    But praying the rosary is the only thing I can do for my parents now that they are gone.   I will probably continue to pray the rosary until I am unable to do so for some reason.  Praying the rosary for my parents is a way of honoring their memory.  

#rosary #prayer #praytherosary #grief  #missyoumom #missyoudad #covid #covid19 #pandemic #pandemiclife #memories #family  #bloggingcommunity #blogging #blogger #blog  #writing

The Joy of Cuddling

During the last three days of 2023, I cuddled with three different people. Two were acquaintances, and I had recently met the third person online. The cuddling sessions were not exactly planned, but perhaps, in those moments of individual company, we felt comfortable enough to engage in that activity.  One asked, and the other agreed.  We are all single, so perhaps, we were also longing for human companionship, which led to those moments. 

I think I will start to be more open to cuddling; it's more comfortable than preparing for sex, at least for me.

Though temporary, there's a therapeutic effect of human touch — the physical warmth, the feeling of comfort, and the sense of overall well-being. As a single person, these are some of the things that I miss about being in a relationship. 

Of course, before starting cuddling, there should be consent. Boundaries should be clear, and both parties should be on the same page. Even during cuddling, I respect personal space. I was mindful of how close I was. It's purely platonic and non-sexual, and I hope I ensured enough that this is clearly communicated and understood.

I don't think I'm ready to get into another relationship, at least for now. I need to look after myself first. But it's nice that I somehow have this option to experience this non-sexual physical act.

#CuddleTherapy #EmbraceConnection #CuddleBenefits #TouchMatters #ComfortAndWellBeing #CuddlingForHealth #HumanConnection #OxytocinBoost #WellnessThroughTouch #CuddleCulture #MindfulCuddling #CuddleComfort #HugTherapy #EmbracingPositivity #CuddleScience #CuddlingJoy #HeartfeltConnection #WarmthAndWellness