Please be informed that I have found another sanctuary, thus, making my BIG move from

http://jcmanliclic.wordpress.com

to

http://jcmanliclic.com

Letter Sanctuary just opened its new door to a more in-depth journey towards Life and Love.
May we journey together until the end…

Cheers to life!

http://jcmanliclic.com

“If it is not real… then it is magic, if it is not magic then it is real…”
- Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

True.

For some, magic are just for fun, for leisure, and for entertainment. True again. But, have you ever wondered about REAL MAGIC (there is indeed such a thing) which runs all over YOU? Or do you think, this topic is merely just written to fill this bulletin space? If you think that way, I suggest you look now for other articles available here.

Oh, so you continue reading? Well. Good for you. Now let us start to have a conversation. John Maxwell pointed out in one of his book introductions, that whoever who writes anything on any space available, is actually trying to converse with somebody. That is the great metaphor of being able to have your thoughts printed and reproduced, because you get to meet and talk with different types of individuals, from all walks of life.

Some may disagree with you, others may actually approve your point, but at the end of it all, the writer is able to share his unique experiences, thoughts, emotions toward the other parties; the intellectual and emotional outpour, the intertwining of ideas. Perfect. Now, let’s talk about magic.

Do you believe that YOU have the capacity to create your own magic? No need for any Houdini act, or David Blane levitation stunts, what I am talking about is the innate capacity of each one of us to define our own magical reality. When I say, “magical reality”, it means having to spend your entire day–to-day activities in accordance with your “flow”. When one is in the flow of things, he is indeed already in the core of his magical self. The inner peace, of being able to do whatever your heart desires, that is magic. Having the opportunity to meet those whom you can learn a thing or two with about life? That is magic. Having shared your ultimate purpose in life (whether in serving others or in educating or entertaining) is the greatest achievement possible. You served your purpose, and if you are still doing it right now, good for you. It means that your capacity to outlive your self does not come yet. Your horizon is still wide, and ever expanding, making it susceptible to growth and self-fulfillment. .

Things do happen for a reason. The direction of your life is being supported by this invisible force of the universe, giving us several choices in life, several ladders to climb unto, and testing major aspects of our lives. Thus a great deal of trust in oneself is needed for one to achieve the peak, stalling away from the normal current plateau which majority of us usually find ourselves floating in.

Never doubt yourself and your capabilities. You can do whatever it is you set your mind into, even though at times, we tend to get swayed by the petty temptations around us, slowing us down – do not be fooled. The power to do what you think is just and right or the capacity to follow your certain discipline is within you.

As they put it – “Discipline is doing what you do not want, to be able to get what you really want”. If you are able to follow this through, you are in for Creating Magic in your life. Things will follow a certain pattern, do not lose the faith, keep on hoping but also, do something. For without any actions, you will just be watching a show. But, with some actions, and extra effort, you will be acting on the show, and giving out one of the best performances of your life.

Be thankful for the blessings, those are miracles. Be open to changes, those are also miracles – in the – making.
Be thankful for your job and love what you do. For in doing so, you will never feel that you are working all along. Learn to be satisfied, and never ever forget to respect others, for respect will also be easy on you.

Be appreciative of the wonders of life. For you never know what you are missing while you are drowning in ill-feelings and ill-wishes. Learn to stay in the positive light. You create your own magic. You can start now.

My New Nook...

I remembered correctly, that as early as 2 years old, I used to “papak” jars and jars of Peanut Butter. The stickier, the better. Yummy! And as I grow older, I tend to experiment on my own… I spread out Peanut Butters on just about anything: Wheat or Pesto Bread+good peanut butter such as Skippy, or Reese, or Crunchy Ladies Choice+banana+sandwich spread+grapes…you name it.

Then as I enjoy that particularly “messy sight delight” I have a spoonful of spare peanut butter still on my hand. Gross! Hahaha. But that WAS the kid in me before. Then, it dawned on me, that now, as a grown up adult, without realizing it, I somehow said my “goodbyes” to that “messy delight” for I am watching my weight. But deep inside me, the love and passion for “peanut butter” still soars from within.

So as my mom and I was walking around SM North Edsa Sky Garden early this afternoon, we chanced upon a particular new nook. A new NOOK which captured my two very eyes!

PEANUT BUTTER COMPANY

Love it.. Just Love it...

Whoah! (my eyes went like “booooooiiing” popping out.) Haha.

I went crazy just seeing the sign. So carrying a Venti coffee at hand, I wasted no time in trying it out. And Dear heavens, I fell in love with peanut butter once again. My heart quicken its pulse, giving out an “I-AM-SO-In-Love-With-You-Mode” thug-thug-thug…

So, me and my mom propped ourselves up in the small place (though small area, but for me, it is way too cozy, or because of those jars of “PB”?). Scanning the menu, I almost cried out loud: they have several selections of sandwiches, pastas, and even chicken wings all using different flavors of guess what…. PEANUT BUTTER!

They Have several flavors of Peanut Butter that they are using:

_Creamy
-Crunchy
-Curry
-Green Tea
-Chili
-Butter
-Cardamon
-Sesame
-Cinnamon
-Dark Chocolate
-White Chocolate
-Sun Dried Tomato

And even offering imported soda’s which are good for the eyes and skin (very colorful and some with antioxidants as well). So here goes my Peanut Butter Moment. I tried out the ROAST Beef with Cardamon Peanut Butter (just 185.00) and my mom had the APPLE Cinnamon Peanut Butter(just 135.00). The serving size is big enough already for us, good thing about it was, the sandwich was already cut into an original-triangular size, so me and my mom gets to have a piece of our own personal choices!

So Yummy!

My Roast Beef with Cardamon. I am in love...

Here comes my mom:

It is really big.... burp!

and more of our “loving moments”:

We will be back every sunday na.. to taste every FLAVOR!!! and that is a promise. haha.

My mom is talking between words and the awesome peanut butter!

I was caught here having a luxurious moment with Apple Cinnamon. With crunchy CUCUMBER. What a posh combination... I love it.

and the SATISFIED New Fans:

See how our eyes are twinkling? Hahaha. We will be back. DEFINITELY.

We promised, no, we made a pact that we will try out every flavor they are offering. This is just so awesome. And I made a research already, this is the first in the Philippines offering this treat, although in New York, they also have the Peanut Butter & Company there.. so I am happy that the family who owned (who are actually into Peanut Butter industry for years) actually had the idea to open one up here in the Philippines.

The way they played with the mixtures of Peanut Butters served with other dishes, imagine pasta’s and even chicken wings, sesame seeds and some veggies… is just way too cool!

So kudos to you guys! and please.. please.. open up one in Makati and Ortigas too please. If you also want to have some delivered, you can also call CITYDelivery at 87878.

Guys.. please check out their site:

http://www.pbcopeanutbuttercompany.com/

Ten Points!

Until now, we are still “subsob” here in our working holes, for deadlines are really neck-tight and neck-high… my energy is almost leaving its physical and mental body…

Then, while listening to my favorite radio station RX 93.10.. I heard Chico and Del’s voice!!! My ultimate favorite DJ’s since way back in elementary (haha), it turned out that they are doing their first-ever evening rush, because they are pitching in for other DJ’s who are on-site…or on leave..

yahoo!!! I was able to catch their first ever evening-duo just for tonight from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM!

I love it.. they are just so funny ever!!!

Thank you to RX.. another kick energy booster!!!

I wanted to greet myself for my upcoming birthday.. haha..call the station?

I just love the Lyrics, Miley’s song strikes again…. feel the love…

Everybody needs inspiration
Everybody needs a song
A beautiful melody
When the nights are long

I look at you
Yeah
Whoa-oh
You appear just like dream to me

© All lyrics are copyright of their owners.

I am aware that dancing indeed hypes a person up… pumping the blood along the rhythmic beat of the sounds of whatever music there is…but the most powerful music of all is the silence that the “heart” gives…

Let me share some “dancing steps” which I have learned for the past 24 years of my life…

Have you ever experienced “dancing” with the roses of an 18 year old lady, while you are still so young and won’t give away the roses which is meant for the 18 Dance presentation? Yes. I have, and now I remember, that was the brat “kid” in me before.

Have you ever experienced “dancing” along the fast beat of the music jock in a bar, throwing yourself out for the wonder of having fun? Yes. I have, and until now I love those “parties”. The crowd dancing and mastering the art of “squeezing” in the pit without stepping on somebody else’s shoes.

Have you ever experienced “dancing” with somebody with just no music at all, but the fluid sound of two hearts carefully beating in life and for life? Yes, I have danced that way with somebody years ago…and that was one dance which I can never forget for the rest of my life.

Have you ever experienced “dancing” with nature? I have. and the relaxation was breathtaking…

Then, in a recent encounter, I have learned another method of “dancing”, which for me, is one of the most-perfect-and-carefully executed steps. The “dance of the universe”. Even without any rehearsal at all, but having the unexplainable feeling of being at the right place and at the right time to finally “dance” a part of your life with an “angel” for the first time, whom I am so thankful for. The presence of the angel is so physically present at that time, and the acceptance of my emotional outpour and life drama (confusion and affirmations) was enough to keep the angel from kicking the stubborn me inside.

(no copyright infringement intended)

Tears and laughters can indeed be a perfect combo meal, topped with pure words of concern and love and the “imaginary” cliff-hanging moment of the baby eagle in between.

the baby eagle at the cliff

The angel helped a lot in helping me envision clearly the reasons of my existence. The reasons which I have known deep down, but tended to suppress.

and that is LOVE. Pure love for my family and for life.

Thank you for the “rage”, you made me happy and your comforting silence of acceptance while the story left my lips, brought me the joy of actually being able to “speak” again…

May my feet be forever restless…

What a dancing moment.. I know I can do this… I know I shall dance freely soon… salamat…

“I misspelled ME as YOU”
By: Social Butterfly

The years we shared together, serves me right
in the memory lane,
all the laughters and the cheers
brought me infinite joy throughout those years.

You have been in my life
as fast as you had been out of its light,
We met somewhere in the middle
of this station where intellectuals seems to be bright;
It all started in a mingle
and grew stronger everyday,
I used to be “single”
then my life started to have its own jiingle.

Remember the day we just stayed
beside the huge post in front of the bay,
hours passed by with us glued upon,
that spot of then forever, which I thought
would be endless in flowing like a river.

Endless whims,
dreams, goals and promises,
and just plain words of nothingness which gave me
happiness without any trace of biases,
That’s the time when I learned how feel,
that crazy feeling of explaining not,
rainbow-chasing,
pot of gold appearing,
apples are everywhere, turning RED of Eden.

The completeness of US together
be it a simple diary starting from somewhere,
our stories are well-written and told,
between our hearts which only US then, can hold.

how I love to shout at the world
“how much I truly love you”
to be able to share this wondrous feeling whenever I’m with you.
Simple phase of those special places,
leaves my heart open for some gentle spaces.
Loving, hoping and ever so believing,
That ME and You will never be ever breaking.

But we did,
departed from each other
in between of tears, loud words and heartache.
My world almost shattered,
be it not for my back-ups, I would have forgotten
which truly mattered…

I got lost,
unable to proceed
in this life of uncertainties.
I have forgotten how to take a step,
FORWARD.
I got afraid and somehow lost myself,
a mistake on my part…
for I don’t want everything to end like that.

After several months, I got back from my misery-
of pain and longing
and events of begging-
for the rewind of your feelings and our love in the beam.

so now, a thought passed by…

I misspelled ME as You…
and that will never happen with my next boo…

“Cup of Beans”
By: Social Butterfly

I used to sit here every morning with you,
we’ve spoken about anything and everything in lieu
of life and love and bittersweet moments in between,
you’ve listened to me ramble,
plead,
saw me cry and weep.
Judgement, never you gave,
Acceptance is all that it takes,
the comfort of solace I usually felt,
in hanging out with you, I always feel complete.

Our temporary conversations seems to be life-long,
Our intertwined hands can’t seem to let go,
of all the stories that passed I can’t choose one to forego;
for every detail of those moments
are permanent in the currents,
of my heart… as it beats 24/7ths..

There was a time that addiction got me,
over you and hanging around almost seven times already.
I felt alive and almost always ready,
to face the world head-on – smart and witty,
but then afterwards.. it dawned on me,
I became dependent on your presence with “ME”
Without your support it seems I cannot move on,
appetite has been lost to face life head-on.

Oh how I wish to turn back the time,
into having you in my life side by side
in silence…every “morning sunshine delight”.

Withdrawal sets in, and one day I decided;
to let you go gradually and heard musical angels chided;
Those years which passed having you rooted inside,
allowed me to pursue my dreams which are green, white and blue…
But, then letting you go is something I must
keep on doing up until everything is just,
your warm presence in my life peaks up
back into one single cup every “morning sunshine delight”

My assurance for the stories stored in my personal heart
of conversations and capsules we held once so tight,
now I sit back here with you in the light
every morning cherishing our days of addiction and reality bites.

Thank you for coffee beans, for everything you have done,
sharing My own life with ME everyday on the run
Those conversations are safely kept in my heart,
provided me wisdom which I turned into a beacon,
taught me to express myself into this abyss of expression…
gradually…rolling freedom directly off my own depression…

The Flower...

So back then, we have a garden, our “Lolo Cesing” loves to tender plants and flowers, we have Orchids, a mango tree, a Coconut tree, an Atis tree, chili, singkamas, Jackfruit, Banana and several other plants in the flora and fauna collection.

Life is the ultimate-greatest gift from our Creator.. We have been allowed to live and soar the fields of the Earth up to the most of our faith in Him and actions as well…

Destiny is a matter of time, the right time that only He knows when, depending on any circumstances, but I am very much sure, that whatever time that will be, that is the right time…

Now, allow me to link the garden I have mentioned earlier… Allow me to walk you through one part of “my own garden” which is so dear to me.. My own garden of love, love for my family. And in one corner of that “family garden” here, let me describe to you what kind of “flowers” I have which will forever bloom in whatever season there is. These flowers are infinite, they cannot be washed away, nor can be replaced, instead, they can be shared with others without pulling its roots…

One flower called “Lorraine”. Such a beautiful and forever “young”, by heart and by soul. Such a special flower indeed from Vienna, Austria. She was 2 years older than me, and such a close age for my “Ate” wannabe. That is why when she stayed here for two years way back ages ago, we spent lots of times together. “Ate Lorraine, now I know that you can read this clear even though you are far, and can now understand what I am saying like you are just here and never left at all…”

Do you remember that every time you and your parents will come here to visit, we are inseparable. As a kid, you taught me to share everything I have, giving without any selfish interest, and whatever it is that you are having, it is an automatic gesture from you to “make kulit” to your parents to buy another too for me. Lovely. And allow me to refresh your memory with these “kiddie” moments we had:

I remember the same Sesame Street Big Bird Projector movie heads we have (it is still working up until now), the fluffy Teddy bears we have (mine is peach and yours is green). The time that I would always knock on your door and you will let me in, and we will just comb each other’s hair in front of your dresser, then I would always admire your straight black hair. You asked me once what are those colorful mini buttons I have in my head, with the mini butterflies and flowers image on it, and I gave you some too and you loved it. The time that I would always arrange your pencil case, and we would eat your “baon” for you really do not have that much appetite like me.. Then I was so excited when I learned that you will also study for two years here in the Philippines, I was in Kindergarten and you are already in Grade 2. And our lovely older cousins like Kuya Andre, Kuya Edgar, Kuya Roger will fetch us from school… and with our backpacks, we will go home giddy and always cheerful.

I remember that at that very young age, I always look up to your “classy” and finesse way of speaking, eating, walking. You are my first Idol as a “sister”. There are lots of time that I am trying to match your “slow” eating skills, for it seems that you are not taking a bite at all, and as we are eating this hamburger, I kept on glancing at your every single bite, trying to match the size of your remaining piece. And I said to myself “what? we are eating in 10 minutes na and I still cannot swallow mine…” hahaha, that is funny.

Our piano moments where I almost broke yours… (sorry)

Then the “mongo beans” episode too. I guess because of this, my appetite for lively eating grew some more. Tita kept on saying “O tignan mo si Joanne, malakas kumain ng munggo, dapat ikaw rin” so as a kid, I wanted to inspire you as well Ate, so I kept on eating and eating “munggo” with rice beside you trying to catch your attention on food, but you didn’t. Haha

When the nationwide earthquake hit metro manila, we are in your room, and we felt that the bed is shaking so hard that it almost turned sideways, so together, hand in hand, with near-tears, we run as fast as we can downstairs to be with the elders. That is scary.

Times that I also love to peek at your notes, trying to study what you are learning 2 years ahead of me, but I couldn’t.

The way you converse is very “girly”, always polite and shy.. and there I was always pulling you out to share the wonders of laughter.

And can I forget your bangs? and your lovely colorful head bands which we also share? I cannot forget that. My hair is naturally curly, and yours is naturally straight with china bangs in front. You are such a beautiful child and a beautiful person inside and out.

However, when some things happened which I already understood back then, I know you have to leave and go back to Austria. I admire your courage in facing your inner troubles on your own. I am sorry that I cannot be there to match your every day trial with life. If I could only go there and share with you all of my “kiddie” emotions to somehow brighten your day, I would, but, I am just a kid back then so again, my apologies.

When you left, my playtime went back to being with our “kuya’s and ate’s”, no Facebook yet or blogging or email at that time. And little by little, we separated ways, years and each grew in our own distinct world.

So whenever Tita visits here, she would always show me your picture, and tell me stories about you… about your everyday struggle in life and your special “flexibility” in happiness. I admire you for that.

So, now, I know that you are already up there… You are already with Him… sad as it may seem, but I am also happy for you. Because you are now in peace and will forever stand beside us all, most especially beside your mom as guiding angel which will hold and hug her tightly.

You are a wonderful person, even though my memory of you is confined in those given 2 years, me: 4-6 years old and you 5-7 years old. Now, it all came back flooding my memory lane, and I cannot stop it. It seemed so real as if I am just watching a series of VHS tapes taken in those times.

You are a special person, inside and out, to me and to everyone of us. One great and beautiful flower which will forever have that special corner in my garden of life and heart. I know you are reading this as I write, so thank you for taking the time to go here..

Guide your mom there, be her ever guiding light. If the time comes and permits me to visit you there in Vienna, I will stop by gladly at your place and will bring some of the memories we have together as kids.

Writing these is too hard, I never knew that it would be. It took me several hours just to complete this post and I am happy that I was able to.

All of our prayers are with you….I love you beautiful flower Ate Lorraine…

I am glad that i caught the show, but I am not here to talk about the “semi-design-controversy” he is supposedly into right now, nor share something about his love-life and his designs… What I am here for is about being a “RAJOlista”.

Yes. I invented that. Period. Why? (its just mere passion of mine to give names, or tag anything or anyone, or use cute phrases for description to just about ANYTHING under the sun – I guess, I am a little bit talented on that, hehe).

So back to this post’s point of creation… I have been inspired when Boy asked Rajo “describe to me a RAJO woman”, and Rajo’s answer is an outstanding statement which I really liked.

“A Rajo woman is one in jeans, heels or flats, plain shirt and pearls, it does not matter who or what she is wearing, it is how she carried herself, confidently facing the world”

Wow.. a designer who speaks not of his latest designs or his future designs in mind.. and someone who is indeed in the authority to boast around his craft but didn’t.. instead, he view his “client” in mind as anyone, be she it in any class in the society, and just simply CONFIDENT and ready to FACE the world.

With that, it means deep inner satisfaction in feeling good about oneself. How a person or a woman perceive her life in whatever situation she is in, be it deep in the pit of challenges or above the success of the skies… what matters is how one can stare head-on to what lies ahead and face it with a satisfied smile on her lips… sexy.

And it takes acceptance, conviction and inner mastery to do that…not to forget, the power of one’s choice in life. Most of the time, it really is a choice of a proud Pilipina.

So, I would like to share, that, with Rajo’s success, (he is now ready to venture out on his another-own retail branch so soon) I am a self-confessed and proud “RAJOlista”.

Are you? Wink.

Rajo for Plains & Prints