From a Courageous and Affectionate Mom

I have seen this admirable and heart-melting post from a blogger who’s actually looking for immediate help. For all the readers, please have time to view her post. I know that if I repost this, it'll be the simplest way I can do to help them. So please have time to read on and pass the message to all people you know. A simple prayer and a little help, when united altogether can convey a meaningful message and a huge effect especially for this pure-hearted Mom and a loving daughter who are asking just a part of our blessings. All of our financial and spiritual help really matters… I sincerely thank all of you as well!

"On March 2004, my daughter was diagnosed with ASD (Atrial Septal Defect). It's a congenital heart disease and the only cure is for her to undergo an open-heart surgery. A year later, her pedia-cardiologist heard a 2nd murmur and found out that it's coming from her cleft mitrial valves (congenital mitral regurgitation). The doctor advised us to have an open heart surgery as soon as possible because a complication might affect her in someway and will be too dangerous for her. The complications are sometimes irreversible that even a surgery can't help. For now, she's taking furosemide until the time of her surgery.

It has been 4 years and still she haven't been on surgery. She recently had a check-up where her doctor advised us to have the surgery the soonest possible time before it's too late. We're still raising the 400,000 peso surgery value and up to this date, we have raised an amount of 25,000 pesos with the help of friends and the people who have read this. This year is our target for her operation. Miracles do happen. And I never loose hope. Thank you so much to the good Samaritans out there.

The internet is the only option I know to help me give my daughter a healthier life. Though some may have doubts regarding this matter, I will assure you that I will never put my daughter's life here if I'm just making this all up. This is the only way I know to speed up the process of raising the money we need. I'm also seeking charities everywhere hoping that one of them will help us. Some people may not understand or criticize me for asking for help from strangers but I guess anyone who's in my position who's running out of time will do the same.


If you need any documents or anything to support my plea, please email me. I'll be more than willing to send you any information and/ or laboratory tests you will be needing. I have also posted the results online, click here.

Thank you so very much. I hope and pray that the Lord God will touch your hearts after reading this and I hope you'll be a part of saving my daughter's life. To those angels who helped us all these years, from cash to kinds to letters, I hope to meet you all someday. Though it may be difficult since we live worlds apart, please accept my sincerest thank you. You are heaven sent.

Thank you and God bless....

You may send any kind of donations, prayers, cards, letters, etc.

Name: Jerthrude Maree B. Sarmiento
Address: 1268 Julian Felipe Blvd., Caridad, Cavite City 4100 Philippines
My email address: raine_sarmiento@hotmail.com

For those who wish to donate through PayPal or Xoom, you may click the Donate Buttons presented below her blog post . Thank you very much."

David Cook – Simply Awesome!

I thought I will no longer be interested in watching the American Idol when Ramiele Malubay was eliminated. But to my surprise, David Cook who has been so tough from the very beginning will actually be consistent and actually improve his performance as the Idols go near the finals! I was even amazed when I seriously watched his latest performance with his chosen Mariah Carey song. Who could’ve ever imagined hearing and actually seeing the male version of a Mariah Carey?! Imagine? It’s already Mariah Carey! All of her songs were known to be in high notes and were really hard to sing. But it came differently unique when the 25-year old David Cook sung “You Will Always Be My Baby” in an alternative rock version. Mariah Carey admitted that she was even surprised with David’s chosen song. However, the famous artist also confessed that being a songwriter, hearing it from David makes her realize that her song can stand the test of time and also in a surprisingly male perspective.

For me, David Cook’s performance that night was really amazing. From the song arrangement to the voice to the stage presentation, everything was so perfect! I agree to the comments of the three judges: Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul & Simon Cowell. To sum it all up, I can definitely say that I have my bet. David Cook really has everything to be the next American Idol!

Haven’t seen the brilliant version of “You will always be my Baby” by David Cook? Well, I’ve got one for you from YouTube!

Vacation Made Extra Special

The Nature's Beauty in Bataan, Philippines

Bataan is the province located in the northern region of the Philippines that is famous for its “Death March”. Death March was unforgotten and was in fact, included in the history of the Philippines. Read this to give you some important info:

“In March 1942, Homma began his plans for the American and Filipino troops who would become Prisoners of War. He planned on moving them to Camp O'Donnell, about one hundred miles away. The Bataan Death March began at Mariveles on April 10, 1942. Any troops who fell behind were executed. Japanese troops beat soldiers randomly, and denied the POWs food and water for many days. One of their tortures was known as the sun treatment. The Philippines in April is very hot. Therefore, the POWs were forced to sit in the sun without any shade, helmets, or water. Anyone who dared ask for water was executed. On the rare occasion they were given any food, it was only a handful of contaminated rice. When the prisoners were allowed to sleep for a few hours at night, they were packed into enclosures so tight that they could barely move. Those who lived collapsed on the dead bodies of their comrades. For only a brief part of the march would POWs be packed into railroad cars and allowed to ride. Those who did not die in the suffocating boxcars were forced to march about seven more miles until they reached their camp. It took the POWs over a week to reach their destination. (49) Those on Corregidor would suffer the same fate as their fellow soldiers on Bataan did as they too were transferred to Bataan.”

I just felt that it is better for me to share this history to all the readers. Aside from being fascinated to the innocent beauty of this land’s nature and beaches, having a 4-day vacation in Bataan let me feel the importance of being a Filipino. The wonderful place conveys its own meaning. Simple life awaits you there. Simple yet so profound. And you know what makes my vacation extra special? It’s because I was able to enjoy a pleasurable out-of-town vacation with my special one together with his relatives. Let me share a sample pic :D

A Unique Laptop

MSI GX-6000 Enhanced Gaming Laptop

See this laptop? Yeah, it is one of the great gadgets I dream I could have. But this style, I think is intended for boys. It is a very stunning laptop from MSI. This one is an enhanced version of the GX-6000 laptop for an ultimate gaming experience. This gadget provides outstanding specs like the following:

45nm processing technology
a Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT 3D chipset
up to 3GB RAM
320GB hard drive
a Turbo button on the keyboard that can possibly increase the CPU speed by up to 20 percent
5.1 channel audio output
SPDIF and HDMI connections
a 15.4″ WXGA+ display
integrated Bluetooth
1.3 megapixel camera

How much is the cost and when will it be released in the market? No announcement yet but it will be out sooner than you expect!

A Long, Holy Weekend

Happy Easter everyone!

It was more than a week since I last posted a topic here on my blog. I had no time to update my posts since it was a Holiday and I am out of town so I was not able to work in front of my PC.

I spent my long weekend with my loved ones. It was a relaxing Holy Week especially that we went first to the church of Our Lady of Manaoag just before we go directly to my grandma’s house. Spending the Holy Week together with my family and special one really gave me a relaxing and enjoyable experience and a true moment of rest once in a while. I’m also happy that we came to visit my grandma and my other relatives in the province which happens just once or twice a year. I missed the smell of fresh air and the ambiance in our province in Pangasinan… away from the polluted air and noise of the city.

As a matter of fact, the 4-day holiday seems not enough for me. But life must go on and I still need to work in order to live. It’s just fine. At least I’ve found some time to repent, rest and get enough sleep.

Here’s a picture I have taken to one of the sacred places in our province – Our Lady of Manaoag

Natalie sings, "I am but a Small Voice"

I really admire the way my niece tries to portray and sing one of the very famous songs of the multi-awarded Miss Saigon from the Philippines, Lea Salonga. Click this song “I am but a Small Voice” in case you might want to know its entire tune and lyrics. This will be a good reference just before you watch this funny and really admiring video of my 2-year old niece. Come, meet Natalie and be thrilled with her cute and simple talent...

Another Gifted Child

The video shown in MSN really amaze me as I found out that this cute little girl is just 17 months old. I also have my own nephews and nieces who are smart enough for me but this distinct baby just grabs my attention. Imagine how she can read by her own as early as that?! As far as I know, this is the stage when a baby with that age just learns how to walk. And her reading skill is far from what I can imagine. For me, reading can be learned by an ordinary preschool student. But this pertains to a little boy or a girl who is at the age of 3 or 4. Counting Elizabeth’s age is definitely above the standards. She must really have an extraordinary IQ. Way to go for a toddler!

Great Filipino Talent

At first, I thought it was Allan Pineda who is also known as apl.de.ap of the well-known hit makers Black Eyed Peas that I have heard about being famous. And then I realized that I was wrong because obviously, they have a different name. I was so eager to know and even searched the internet about this blooming Filipino talent. And boom! I couldn’t believe how another true-blooded Filipino achieved such a glamorous new chapter of his life! It is every singer’s dream – to be an internationally acclaimed star! Maybe, this is Arnel Pineda’s biggest dream as well. And mind you, he already achieved it! And I am proud to be one of his “kababayan” (popular term used by most Filipino community worldwide pertaining to a fellow citizen).

Aside from being a Filipino, Arnel Pineda was way out of the ordinary singer-songwriter. He used to be a simple local singer in Asia for about 25 years. He started his singing career at the age of 5. He experienced joining in most amateur contests. At the age of 12, Pineda’s mother died. From then on, he already experienced so many difficulties in life. He experienced living with relatives, sleeping in the streets, did not finish his studies and other stressful incidents. But would you believe how positive he is thinking that God has good plans for him? And he was right. Now, he already found his stardom. Believe it or not, he is now the lead singer of Journey, the famous rock band in America. Yeah, it’s definitely a way, way too long "journey" to have reached the peak of his career!

But it’s all worth it. In fact Journey, who now has Arnel Pineda as the lead vocalist recently performed a concert in Chile with such a massive crowd. And as I watched a portion of their concert video in YouTube, I believe that not only his newly-joined band Journey has accepted him with “Open Arms” but the whole crowd as well!

Just continue on bringing the torch for Filipinos Mr. Pineda. Show them that even Filipinos can share such great talents. We are all proud of you!

Visiting Amanpulo

Photo source: Travel Smart

If you’re a beach bum like me, I know you will also be fascinated with the native yet so serene style of living in one of the best places here in the Philippines – the island of Amanpulo in Palawan. Yes, I admit! Visiting a luxury beach resort in Amanpulo is one of my dreams. When will it be? That’s the big question mark! But I won’t stop until I fulfilled my very stimulating dream. I must not stop until I get there. And if ever that happens, maybe it will be the happiest day of my life!

For me, Amanpulo is an island full of mysteries and promises. From the very nice view to the most exciting activities a tourist can explore, it’s like you’re living in a paradise! Amanpulo provides a very comfortable ambiance, countless island pleasures, breathtaking coastline, unrivaled maritime adventures and a very traditional accommodation. It simply takes you away from the noisy and fast-paced lifestyle in the city. Since the area is secluded, you can certainly have the most peaceful day of your life! Oh how enjoyable it will be! Maybe if I get the chance to visit the place, it will surely be a very satisfying experience! My stay will even be delightful if I will get the chance to stay there with my loved ones. The feeling will be a fulfilled dream to the highest intensity!

I am more of a nature lover. I don’t need to stay in luxury hotels that serve the most expensive meals. A simple dwelling place rested in the midst of a lovely atmosphere is enough for me. I just need to be there and that’s it! As long as I ensure myself that I am in Amanpulo enjoying such magnificent sceneries together with my loved ones and special one, I will be truly satisfied. Seeing such a nice place makes me realize how God undoubtedly loves us by providing His wonderful creations. Maybe it will double my admiration if I will really get the chance to be there!

These Dreams

Funny it may seem, but it’s ironic that I happen to find this video from YouTube. It’s my first post here in my supplementary blog and I want it to focus more on my usual lifestyle, favorites and interests.

To give you an insight, “heart” is an endearing term for me because my boyfriend usually call me that instead of my real name. And it’s really a coincidence that the name of the lead singer of this song is also Heart. The same way, I believe that I can share posts here coming from the bottom of my heart. Also, the major reason why I love exploring the web, not only to be familiar and updated with the things and events happening from all over the world but also to bring happiness to others even in just simple ways.

The title of the music video shown (“These Dreams”) is also related to the overview of this blog. I want all my posts to be relevant to the things that will fulfill my dreams. Therefore, every post will be dealing with my own routine and also to the lifestyle of the people around me. I will try to organize things and make sure that I am always in control of each and every bit. In the end I hope that my dreams will be fulfilled and won’t be left over… until it’s fading. Well, let’s just wait and see!