Welcome 2010!

This is my BIG year. My year to fulfill my dreams and show the world who I can be. More love, more happiness, more accomplishments, more dreams.

Better, brighter, bigger 2010.

The New Year party was fantastic with the Mallaris especially with my terrific 10. Super loved. Superblessed.

Happy New Year!

Simbang Gabi :)

9 Novena Masses, 9 different Churches, 1 prayer, 1 hopeful wish.

A Blessed Christmas!

1 – Abbey of Our Lady of Monserrat (San Beda College, Mendiola, Manila)

2 – St. Jude (Malacañang, Manila)

3 – Congressional Village Church (Project 8, Quezon City)

4 – Immaculate Concepcion (Cubao)

5 – Our Lady of Fatima (Bacood, Manila)

6 – Chapel of Our Miraculous Medal (Manuela 4B, Las Piñas)

7 – Our Lady of Fatima (Las Piñas)

8 – Chapel of the Holy Family (Camella, Las Piñas)

9 – Church of the Gesu (Ateneo De Manila Chapel, Quezon City)

tears

There's a belief that when you have a mole on your face where tears flow, it is 100% certified that you are iyakin. There's also a belief that when your mother cries often while you are still in her womb, you're also going to be iyakin. If these two beliefs are only beliefs, then I believe them.

 

I am a certified iyakin. I cry when I'm happy, sad, frustrated, overwhelmed, blessed, overjoyed, touched. Tears would often show my emotions. My tears are my shelter. My tears are my armor. And I would always thank the Lord for blessing me with tears because they never failed to comfort me.

The BIG revelation

Words are really powerful especially when they're from a person whom you trust. For the past few days, I admit that "his" words had been the center of my thoughts. I don't like to share anymore what "he" told me but I was really disturbed and terrified. But my ever loving Father reminded me tonight that HE is more powerful than anything. HE sent "him" to me just to warn me of the possibilities that may happen if I don't act now. Those are just possibilities. They are not yet realities. And I can still do my part not to make them happen.

It will only take the Feast Manila to make me decide that I WILL NOT GIVE UP MY SERVICE. It will be really challenging on my part but I know that there are other things that I should and I must give up rather than my service. HE doesn't want me to give up my service. I felt HIM when the Feast started. I heard HIM telling me that if I would surrender "other things", I don't need to give up my service and that is what I would do.

All things are possible with God! I believe.

 

Anyway, let me share to you a little of me for the past few days…

November 12, 2009 is the beginning of my last semester in college. (yes, I claim it, this is my last! ^_^) There were not really a lot of changes when it comes to my study habits. The fact that I am always tired from commuting everyday contributed to my laziness and my consistent need for sleep. I DON'T STUDY AT HOME. With all the activities lined up at the beginning of the semester, I wasn't really focused in studying. I was too focused with JPIA to the point that I can choose it over my studies. But I must not.

November 30, 2009 is the beginning of a new Keren. God blessed me with a dorm where I can really concentrate and rest. God provided me with a roommate who is very diligent. God supplied me with all the necessities and I need. And all I need to do now is to study, do my part, and have faith. I am praying for my miracle, and on this day, I PROMISE to do my share then let God do the rest.

God is with me. Mama is interceding for me.

 

It's been 5 days now since we last talked. It feels different. And I would not deny that a part of me misses him a lot. But this is what I have to do so I could fully heal. I love him. And I don't know when I would stop. All I have to do now is stop expecting and focus more on graduating. If he's really for me, I know that God will have HIS way to give us the perfect timing. I could still remember that I would always pray to God that "Lord, kung para siya sa 'kin, ibigay niyo po siya. Pero kung hindi talaga, wag niyo na lang siyang ibigay." Too many deadlines already lapsed and I am still here hoping that maybe, it's just not yet the right time. But I know that time will come that I will no longer hope because I already accepted that it was a NO after all this time. :)

Valedictory Speech – April 1, 2005

VALEDICTORY SPEECH

 

Keren Graine C. Mallari

 

William Bennett, an author once said that happiness is like a cat. If you try to coax it or call it, it will avoid you. It will never come. But if you pay no attention to it and go about your business, you'll find it rubbing against your legs and jumping into your lap. With an array of talented and high-calibred line up of batchmates like mine in the field of academics- and mind you, most of us not having acquired our own taste of heaven for the first three quarters, with the kind of academic standard Divine Light Academy has challenged us all to keep, one I guess, should just follow what this wise man has called for. Incidentally, with this thing called, luck and with my own full concentration upon my tasks, the "cat" has picked on me. Our school administration, our beloved school head, Mrs. Leonila D. Sese, our administrative head, Engr. Atnonio D. Sese, our school assistant principal, Mrs. Layla P. Padolina, Atty. Ildrian Aseron our guest speaker, our school coordinators, to the DLA faculty members, parents, friends, ladies and gentlemen, a peaceful evening to all of you.

 

For many instances for the past few days, I would be stunned, looking over the walls of our school institution that I have been grown accustomed to for the last thirteen years. Still at awe and unbelieving in between rehearsals, that the reality of leaving will be at hand. Tonight, it has taken shape. In the process, we have finally gone in full circle. Most of us may be having the sense of excitement yet a bit apprehensive as to what must be anticipated for at the other end. We have all waited for this day- to let lose and let go- but I believe that deep within the privacy of your thoughts, most of us still share a certain feeling of wanting to ask for the last time, a single moment- to stay- and breathe fresh air- with you- the same familiar faces- taking for the last couple of hours, the nurturing friendship that we have built over the years. But in order to move on, one must look ahead.

 

We shall take our glorious exit with jubilation but with a heavy heart. The day of graduation is a remarkable event to celebrate and all at the same, the pain of goodbye shall go with it. Nevertheless, we know that even this little "hurt" we must endure to strengthen our spirits to grow, so that seeing again may be certain, bringing along with us, our promise of hope.

 

To my fellow graduates, I raise this imaginary hat of salutation for having won your own battle to make it to this day. The truth of the matter is that despite the head and the heartaches we have inflicted upon our parents, the mere sight of our persons on stage must have been more than enough compensation for the sacrifices that they, themselves have made. Tonight we can just hear the pounding of their hearts for great joys and giggles. Thus, we pay tribute to our dear parents- for in the midst of life's enormous crisis, you have not given up in assuring us of a brighter future that is now mostly deprived of other young people like us- the gift of education. We pray that the good Lord shall keep you, as we will soon take our turns in gratitude by loving and serving you well. And to our mentors- with the special commendation to our dear teachers. Your living by example, guidance and resilience have given us so much inspiration to serve others too without conditions. Your devotion to your noble task has made us realize that there is no other way to love but to work with dedication. Fellow graduates, let's give the DLA faculty members their much- deserved standing ovation with the resounding applause.

 

Finally, allow me to offer these modest and most humble achievements to my family. To my two siblings- ate Kay and Jem- I give you this piece of victory- for whatever I have, I shall share with you- my own case of happiness will be yours as well. To my devoted father- Pa, my heart overflows with so much love of you- the fulfillment of my piece of sky has been more meaningful because God gave you to me as my father. In return, I just truly hope that I was able to bring honor to your name being the top graduate of my batch. And to my mother- Mama, your living presence tonight is the best graduation gift that I have received. I just pray that whatever amount of pain you may have, will be eased even for this moment as you look at me from a distance- proud that from your womb, you have made me what I am today.

 

My dear batchmates, there is a sudden call for us to take an immediate course of action. To serve willingly- in view of attaining peace and progress. In a country like ours, the gravity of such responsibility may be too heavy to bear. But every little step will seem to create bigger ripples going toward successes just like what we have all obtained today.

 

For my parting words, let me quote Arthur Schopenhauer who wrote that each day is a little life; every waking and rising a little birth; every fresh morning a little youth; every going to rest and sleep a little death. And every little death gives more meaning to another life- Batch 2005, rise- go forth and conquer!

 

I bring back all the glory to God- the Giver of all talents! Thank you so much and good evening!

 

 

Testimonial Dinner – November 20, 2009

My closing remarks that was written by Marynel Avila (Tita Nel for some :p)

 

I have long been looking for this day, to speak before the batch that has been so dear to me, second to my current batchmates of course. (smile)

(serious mode on)

As quoted from one famous writer, every great dream begins with a dreamer. Tonight, as we look around us, we would be able to identify the dream (pause) and the dreamers. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to acknowledge again the presence of the new Bedan CPAs, which represent the dream(pause) and of the freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and most of all the seniors, which are the dreamers. I am of course included. (smile again)

With an array of talented and high-calibred line up of professors, everyone present here has experienced their own taste of heaven …and hell. We all know that life is not easy for BS Accountancy Majors here at San Beda College. It never was. And I know, it never will. Everyone of us has gone through a lot of adversities – failed grades on major subjects, tough professors, lost friends (those who have the misfortune of being expelled from the program and enroll in another school), almost-zero (or for some of us) no social life - all of these were successfully hurdled by these people (point to the CPAs) and currently being experienced by most of us.

Dreams are the touchstones of our character. As what is stated in the video a while ago, dream no small dreams for big dreams have the power to move the hearts of men. If a little dreaming is dangerous, the cure for it is not to dream less, but to dream more… to dream all the time. Everything starts with a dream. Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning. But of course, catching that dream is never an easy task. You cannot let your dream to forever remain as a dream. You cannot dream yourself into a character, you must hammer and forge yourself into one. Here, we would be able to test the strength of everybody. Many would simply bow their heads to defeat but a few brave-hearted ones would choose to continue…and win the fight. It all would rest on the choice that we would make.

In achieving that dream, we must always remember that no one has a right to rain on our dreams. Like what Jesse Jackson said, "No one should negotiate their dreams. Dreams must be free to flee and fly high. No government, no legislature, has a right to limit your dreams. You should never agree to surrender your dreams." Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. And when you have finally reached your dreams, do not ever forget to thank everyone who helped you. Your friends, your professors, your family, your boyfriend or girlfriend and most especially your batchmates for they are your constant companion in reaching your dreams. Always put in your mind that when we are dreaming alone it would forever remain as a dream but when we are dreaming with others, it is the beginning of reality.

Before you can grow up, you must fall in love three times

Just grabbed from a friend's post on facebook. J

 

Once you must fall in love with your best friend, ruining your friendship forever. This will teach you who your true friends are, and the fine line between friendship and more.

Once you must fall in love with someone you believe to be perfect. You will learn that no one is perfect, and that you should never be treated as any less than you deserve.

And once you must fall in love with someone that is exactly like you. This will teach you about who you are, and who you want to be.

And when you're through with all that, you learn that the people who care about you the most are the ones that you hurt, and the ones that hurt you are the ones that you needed the most.

But most of all, you learn that love is only a concept and is not something that can be defined, it is different to each person that experiences it. And you will learn to respect each and every person on this earth, knowing that everyone only wants to be loved

— Unknown

Walking Away

People walk away not because they already stopped loving. They walk away because they know that they are already loving too much that they need to let loose a little.

Kuya

"Sige na Ma, umalis ka na, ako na bahala dito. Makikita mo na si Richard, di mo pa siya nakikita diba? HInihintay ka na niya." Those were the words of Papa before Mama finally breathed her last. It was not until then when I realized that things that happen in movies or teleseryes really happen in real life. They are not just fictions. They are real experiences of real people. I'm not here to talk about Mama's death. There will be another time for that. I'm here to talk about him, Kuya Richard, the kuya I almost but never had.

 

Kuya Richard was supposed to be the eldest in our family. But because of complications, God just blessed him with 10 hours on earth. Mama did not see him because he was buried before she recovered from her caesarian operation. I often wonder what life would be if I would have a real brother. Will he be the ideal brother that I've always longed for? Or will he just be like those Kuyas who doesn't care and live their own life? What will happen to me being the youngest? Or will I even exist if he's alive?

 

I don't know what life would be if I will have Kuya Richard now, but I know that he's happy to celebrate his 25^th birthday with Mama. I know that they're happy up there watching over and praying for us.

Happy 25^th birthday Richard Cañete Mallari!

Heart to heart Wednesday

No school work Wednesdays are blessings. :) It was a Wednesday when mama talked to me last February 2008 about her last wishes before she dies. And today, I just talked to papa about things… And I really feel blessed to be able to openly talk to Papa about anything and being able to hear his own stories.

If there's one thing that I affirmed this morning, it's that Papa loves the three of us so much. And in everything that he does, he never fails to think about us first. I really feel blessed having him as a father.

I love you Papa! :)