"Simpleng Pinay" Lending A Big Hand With Her Simple Ways

Hello, friends and angels! It’s been quite a very long time since my last blog… I really missed blogging BIG TIME! I am so glad to be back and hopefully to write blogs as much as I did in the past (fingers tightly crossed...) At this moment I am more than just proud and excited to bring you another extraordinary Filipino who makes me REALLY proud to be a Filipina. I am honored and so blessed to present to you a very hard working asset oat a high government office, who manages to be extraordinary on the job, but is able to be a good “mother figure” to her most loved friend and baby, “Peso” and at the same time having the heart to lend a helping hand and promote the beauty and excellence of our very own country with the use of her talent in writing.

An article writer contributor at “Animal Scene” – a magazine published by the “Manila Bulletin”,a web content provider at HubPages and a Presidential Management Staff. Ladies and gentlemen, let me present to you a very talented and charming Filipina and a very good friend, MISS MARIA CECILIA ARROGANTE.

Miss Macel during her free time

Miss Macel, as her friends and love ones fondly call her has been featured in “Imbestigador” on 2008, another time in “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho”  on 2010 and has also been invited to be a guest speaker by Hobbes and Lobbes to talk about her article about Dog Photography.

Here’s my little interview with this wonderful Pinay, who has gained so much respect with her enthusiasm for life.

Me: You have so much responsibilities, besides holding a position on a high government office, you manage to blog, take care of your dogs like they are your kids and you even have time to write for Animal Scene, how do you keep with it?

Miss Macel: I am trying to balance everything. If I am at work, it's only work and as much as possible; I don't bring work at home, or extend my time at work but never really bring work at home. I always prioritize if there is too much work to do; I set aside Animal Scene and Hubpages. My job is still my priority because it is my bread and butter and it's the reason why I can provide for my hobbies (blogging and photography) and my dogs. This year, I only had two articles published by Animal Scene, January and April pa yun, when things are gettilng light at work I started with my other articles. Actually I was working with two stories before I left for Singapore, now I need to recall my momentum, medyo tapos na medyo improvement na lang. When it comes to animal scene kasi, I really make it a point that I am confident with the stories and arrangement ng sentences ko, matindi pa rin ang editing sa print eh. I only write for Hubpages naman, whenever I have too much spare time, it depends on my mood especially if I have no stories for Animal Scene in mind. Basta ang rule ko ay prioritization - work first, then Animal Scene, then Hubpages. I won't write for Hubpages until I submit one article for Animal Scene. About my dogs naman before and after my work, it's definitely about them already. I won't go to work without bringing them to walk in the morning and then feed them before I leave. Then when I arrive home in the evening, I make sure that we spend time to stroll again, then feed them then kaunting play then sleep. Saturdays and Sundays is for them also. There are some cases when I need to break the rules that is when one of the dogs is sick, I may take a leave from work... ganun lang kasimple buhay ko, I don't go out that much. I go out of town or out of the country pero madalang yun. But whenever I have to take some time out or leave the country, I make sure someone will take care of my dogs, and it's my rule na 2 to 3 days lang ako pwedeng mawala (laughs) My dog Peso has this attitude of refusing to eat whenever he senses that I will be out for days.

Me: You have blogged so much about myriad things on your site at Hubpages, what are your favorite topics that may somehow help people especially the Filipinos?

Miss Macel: My favorite topic is always about dogs, especially when it comes to Peso's ailment and that is Perineal Hernia. I always make it a point to answer queries kasi it's a rare case for dogs. When Peso was just starting to have it, except for the internet and veterinarian, I had no other source of information. Deep within me I felt like I needed to talk to someone who can talk to me and understand what I am feeling. So I decided to document my dog's ailment so that I can answer queries for dog owners like me, and it worked though there are some who never update me after answering them, there are some who became my friends and we keep updating each other. My next favorite is featuring the restaurants where I dined in. Obviously I love to eat, and I wish that my hubs about resto's may help some people decide where to go. And I love writing about my favorite Korean actress, and I do this for her fans like me… actually some of her fans has already become my friends! (laughs).Then my fourth favorite is featuring places where I have been because I want to promote the best places in our country… although I really don't consider myself nationalistic, I still wish to show to the world the beauty of the Philippines by writing about it, kahit marami nang writers ang gumagawa nito. (laughs)

Me:  What or who inspires you to write?

Miss Macel: My definition of who inspires me to write is like who I like to write about always (laughs) - My dog Peso always inspires me to write. I guess you know that story that my first break in writing was my article about him which was entitled “My Dog Has Perineal Hernia” which was published by Animal Scene in 2008. Then Korean Actress Hajiwon, I like her beauty, parang may pagkapinay, and she's a good actress, family oriented, and still single. Sila yung main inspiration ko for writing, though I am thinking I should thank Someone above as my main inspiration, for HE is the reason why I have this gift, tingin ko this is what He wants me to do but di ko pa nagagamit in ways that he really wanted me to. 

Miss Macel with her adorble dog "Peso"

Me: You seem to be passionate about writing, photography and of course, dogs... tell us anything about them.

Miss Macel: Writing, dogs and photography, are passions that originated since I was very young. I started writing poems in grade school, I already love dogs then. Same thing with photography, I started with 110 sizes of exposure (laughs)... I have lots of pictures with friends and they all thank me now because it made them really smile to see how they looked like during our younger years. I gave the whole album to my friend in Singapore, I told her to repackage it and have it scanned (laughs), I have done my job already so it's their turn.

Me: You have been featured in several television shows, tell us something about them.

Miss Macel: Sa “Imbestigador” on 2008 yata yun, after my dog Peso’s first surgery yun. The topic had nothing to do with his ailment, but more on showing someone who treats her dog very well and those who butchered dogs to sell the meat sa Baguio. The secondnd time I went out on TV last 2010 sa “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” was about Manila Zoo naman yun, they found me through Hubpages where I wrote about Manila Zoo and even posted photos there when I was younger. Di na nakasama si Peso dun kasi parang it was too tasking na, na after Manila Zoo babalik pa to Marikina to shoot Peso. Ok lang... (smiles) The third time I begged off na but instead I recommended my bestfriend's mom, sa ABS CBN naman ito kay “Matanglawin”, again they found me through Hubpages , where I wrote about cremation of the my dog Pissy. Medyo not so comfortable going out on screen (laughs) by the way yung sa Imbestigador, they found me thru my celar.blogspot.com so yung mga TV exposures because of my hubs and blogs ko lang ako natutunton and most of the time iyan yung mga di ko matanggihan because it has something to do with my writing. Because of Animal Scene too, Hobbes and Lobbes invited me to be a guest speaker and talked about my article na Dog Photography kaya I can say that writing did a lot for me- things that I did not expect to do.

Miss Macel's article featured at "Animal Scene" Magazine about Peso.

Miss Madel's article about Manila Zoo was also featured in "Animal Scene" Magazine.

Me: As a successful Filipina, what do you think is the foremost responsibility of each Filipina woman to herself and fellow Filipinos?

Miss Macel: Parang I don't consider myself successful yet... you think I am? Measure din ba ng success ang financial stability? If yes,  in that case I don't think I am successful (laughs). Siguro in a way I am successful though I consider myself still struggling with my present job. I guess I am successful because I am happy with what I am doing. I am happy that I can write and there are people that I really do not know and yet approached me and told me that they have read my articles. Those things are making me feel high and forget my inadequacies in life. To me, it's my responsibility to make my life better and happier always. I should pamper myself always and should take care of my health, eat healthy food and right diet. I am dieting right now. I guess I could help my fellow Filipinos with my own little ways like showing them good example as tohow to be a good dog owner. I wish I could show people how to follow rules but I know I am not perfect and in fact disobey some rules sometimes, pero sa akin lang as long as you are happy and comfortable and you don't hurt or bother anyone, then you are always on a right track.

Me: Lastly, what is your advice for the Filipina women who would love to enjoy life better?

Miss Macel: Always do things that can make you happy, because when you are happy with what you do, you don't get bored waiting for financial advances or incentives. Always focus also in everything you do, in my case I really did well whenever I chose to keep quiet and concentrate in my job whenever I am in my office. And lastly Jen, words of wisdom, don't get a pet just because you are sad, or in case you think a pet can make you happy at least be responsible.

Me:  Thank you so much Miss Macel for spending some time with this interview. I salute you and it is really an honor to have you featured at Ripples of Koi. Thanks for the blessing of knowing you and for the friendship you unselfishly share. See you around!

After that talk with this extraordinary Filipina, I have learned things that I would love to impart with my readers. These are:

•  With our daily struggle to be responsible with the things and responsibilities that we have to face every day, we really need the courage to keep up and prioritize.
•  We should never rely on others, even to our pets to give us happiness- because happiness lies within us, and we only realize that when we know how to show how much we love others.
•  Humility is always a vital ingredient to success. Miss Macel is really a very humble Filipina, some Filipina women who somehow manage to climb a little step towards success act as if they own the world, yet this successful Filipina remains so down to earth despite her achievements.
• One of the greatest gifts that we can give not only to others but especially to ourselves is the ability to share our talents in ways that we can also lend a hand to the people that get by and spend some time with what we create. Miss Macel’s articles have not made her happier just because it has taken her on the screen, but it has actually made her feel so blessed that her talent in writing have given some vital information to others and even some form of realization that animals need the kind of loving care that some fail to give them.

Now, isn’t Miss Macel an epitome of a Filipina that we all should look upon? Be proud of who you are, make your hobbies be a worthwhile thing that can help others… because simple ways may give big helpful results. Yan ang Pinay!

* Read Miss Macel’s articles at http://maria-cecilia.hubpages.com/

*ALL IMAGES ARE CREDITED TO MISS MACEL ARROGANTE.

How to Keep Your WIFE HAPPY (For Good Husbands... and Wives Too)

(Image copyrighted to DjBryle)

“… I wish I could have five lives. Then I could have been born in five different towns, and eaten five times’s worth of food, and had five different careers, and fallen in love with THE SAME PERSON FIVE TIMES…” This is a quote sent to me through a text message from a good friend few days ago, and it made me laugh and think twice. Would a married man tell these things whole heartedly after marrying the woman he fell in love with?

Most of the time, I can hear my guy buddies complain about their wives being insensitive and how much they have changed after marriage. I laugh and say that, most (if not all) married women are asking those same questions.  As the old adage says, “Men are from Mars, women are from Venus…” the two genders will never ever really understand each other as much as they want to.

I know that I am not in the right position to suggest things that may alleviate the burdens of these married men. As one of those women from Venus, I honestly don’t know how to understand men as much as I would like to. So I humbly admit that all I could do to give a little help for my buddies and to some husbands out there is to remind them again what truly makes a woman happy.

Source: Africa at Freedigitalphotos.net

Gone are the days when you were both care free and could spend all the time being alone since your first child was born. And as naturally as other married people, you can always watch so many things that seem to change, like her mood that used to be so jolly and loving turned into being rude. She may also be feeling tired and exhausted most of the time that you slowly feel like you are her last priority. Before you worry so much about the “evolution” of an adorable woman into a horrible monster, think twice. Here are a few things to keep in mind to at least understand your loving wife:

• Marriage has given both of you new tasks and responsibilities, this means that both of you should adjust and make compromises if necessary.

• If you worry that your wife is becoming physically ugly, analyze why. She might not have so much time to take care of herself because she puts the needs of your kids and yours her first priority before her own.

• Being a single woman is so much easier than being a mom and wife, so if she starts to show some mood swings, or starts being rude, realize that she may need more of your attention and needs to communicate, or she might need some time alone.

• Many (if not all) husbands manifest alterations from adorable to being a “monster” without them realizing it. So, before wondering why your wife is becoming a fearsome monster, be wary of your unconscious evolution too. You might be one of the causes of your wife’s horrible behavior.

Source: Nuttakit at Freedigitalphotos.net.

Make your wife HAPPY…

For husbands who are burdened with their wife’s “monstrous evolution”, be reminded that women can be truly happy with the little things that men do. We don’t really need the most expensive diamond with the best cut or the finest flower arrangements.

Here are a few ways to make your wife happy and for you to enjoy once again her beauty and grace that made you say “I do.” :

• Stay with her and communicate, not just to hear but to listen. Most of the time, women just want someone that they can talk to, especially about their fears or just about anything. And most married women would prefer their husband to listen to them. Being listened to is far more meaningful than just being heard. Let us be reminded once again that listening is about paying attention on what others are saying and taking them into account, while merely hearing is just being aware on what others have to say without understanding with the heart. Women want to be understood. Most of the time, you don’t even have to say your opinion, just listen with your heart and be thoughtful to hug her after she talks.

• Be sensitive when you are having a day off from work and change more diapers. When your child has a dirty diaper, don’t rely to your wife to change it all the time. Whenever time and space can allow you, do it for your wife and she will be very thankful.

• Surprise her. No, you don’t need to buy some fancy stuff to do this. You can just get a sticky note pad, write things from your heart, or just a simple “I love you… have a great day ahead. Take loads of care!” note and placed somewhere where you are sure that she can find. Your wife will be so happy and yearn for the afternoon to come for you to be together again. You will have a big hug and a kiss instead of the usual bad mood or whinny statements that most husbands complain of. You may even have a hearty dinner together with the family, instead of opening canned goods because she feels so tired to cook.

• Let her know that you are alright especially when you need to go out of town. Don’t forget to call her to tell her not to worry because you are okay. And if you do so, be sure that you are REALLY okay. And don’t forget to say “I love you” from the heart before hanging up.

• If your wife has a job, visit her at her working place from time to time. You can bring some flowers or just invite her for lunch. She will soon be the envy of her co- workers for having a thoughtful and sweet husband, and as they tell her all these compliments, she will realize much more how much she has been blessed to have you for a husband. Sometimes, we all need constant reminders that we have wonderful husbands.
• If your wife stays full time in the house, make her happy by helping her enjoy her hobbies much more and give her opportunities to make her own money. I love to make hand crafted jewelries and other things as such, and I love to write. So when my husband and I decided that I have to be a full time mom and wife, he bought and put up necessary materials so that I could enjoy doing my hobbies, and helped me make money out of them. This simple act of love enhances your wife's creativity, as well as her self esteem and even helps her stay away from boredom and depression. Aside from that, it gives her the chance to make extra cash even if she is not employed while enjoying all her time with you and the kids.

• Hire a house helper if needed once a week or more often to keep your nest clean and comfortable. Help your wife with the household chores. Take note that doing this will get all the chores done faster and that means more time for you and the kids to bond together.

• Say, “I love you” whenever she says the same. Women say these words from the heart and your wife deserves something equally affectionate. Never respond with “I know,” or other things like, “Thanks”.

• NEVER compare her with other women. You married her because she is one of a kind, and make her feel that she is special because she is unique.

• Take care of your kids as a “father” not the “baby- sitter”.

• PLEASE DO NOT say bad words, especially when your kids are near enough to hear it. Your wife won’t be pleased to hear her 4 year old kid say the b***s*** words.

• Never learn to forget to maintain your proper hygiene like you did when you were still a bachelor. Most husbands complain that their wife is becoming untidy and ugly, never realizing that they are undergoing the same transformation.

• Watch your diet as much as you like your wife to watch hers.

• Encourage your wife to bond with her good girl buddies. Let her go on a girl’s night out once in a while. She will thank you for that.

• Never forget to give her a deep, slow, long and loving kiss. You never failed to do that when you were dating, now that you can do it anytime you like, do it whole heartedly again, and AGAIN… and AGAIN.

• Keep in mind, the best things in life are FREE. I can still remember when I first used a hand bag to work which was given to me by my husband. One of my co- workers said, “Wow, I like your bag… where did you buy that?” and I answered, “I don’t know, my husband bought it for me.” And almost all of my married co- workers said, “Oh, you are so lucky to have a thoughtful husband...” I just said, “Oh, yes I am…” Deep in my heart, I know that I am really blessed for having a very thoughtful husband, not because of the bag or any material things that he has given me. What came to my mind that moment are the days that we spent eating street foods while we take a walk down town… I most treasure the companionship he gives as we hold hands eating the cheapest food in town! And at this moment, I know, that if I could have FIVE LIVES, I WILL CHOOSE TO FALL IN LOVE FIVE TIMES TO THE MAN I MARRIED. 

.... for WIVES TOO

Of course, there are many more ways to keep your wife happy. And I bet you know it better than me… Hey, she is YOUR WIFE you know her much more than anyone else does (aside from her parents maybe… lol!). Every day, keep in your heart and mind why you married her.

Errrr… I guess I have to address the wives out there too. Your husbands are struggling as much as you do, so as much as they like to keep you happy, try to make them feel the same. Try the tips above, and add up your own tricks.

“The best gift that a father can give to his children is to love their mother…” We have all heard this before… but can we make it this way, “The best way to show your kids that you love them is to love one another through the good and the bad…” For all married women, please do not put all the loads to your husbands, share the load with them and you will both be happy. Hey, husbands, please do the same! Have a joyful family life!



Copyright of DjBryle, 2011
Images courtesy of Nuttakit and Africa at Freedigitalphotos.net
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It is BEST to GROW OLD with that ONE PERSON we vowed to LOVE and CHERISH FOREVER...

 

 

"... There is NO ROOM for TRUST in a MAN who can not be TRUE to someone that HE VOWED TO LOVE AND CHERISH before GOD and MAN. For if one can't be true to that promise, one can fool anyone around him... If behind any successful man is a woman, keep in mind that behind every successful, beautiful and happy wife is a THOUGHTFUL AND TRULY LOVING and TRUSTWORTHY HUSBAND..." (DjBryle, "Are You The OTHER ONE?")