Merry Christmas

As the sky breaks into a beautiful sunrise, may God open the heavens to shower us lots of love and happiness to make our day a meaningful one. Merry Christmas! Maligayang Pasko! Feliz Navidad! Joyeux Noel! Selamat Natal! Meri Kurisumasu! Sung Tan Chuk Ha! Feliz Natal. Peace on Earth, Goodwill To Men!

Just I Thought It Was Only Me

Today, I feel so bad and blue
Nevertheless life must go on
Just continue to enjoy this life
And cherish it as long as I live.

Just I thought it was only me
Who will share this kind of destiny
And never realize that this will be so lonely
Being left alone in the midst of my solitary.

Never expect life will offer you bed of roses
Ups and downs will give you these challenges
Just be strong and never surrender
Continue to endure and tomorrow will be better.

Ganito Pala Ang Umibig

Sa unang pagkakataon ng aking buhay ay natuto akong umibig. Ganito pala ang pakiramdam. Para kang nasa alapaap. Laging masaya, laging nakangiti, at lagi mo siyang iniisip. Hindi ko minsan maintindihan kung ano itong aking nararamdaman. Kahit malayo kami sa isa't isa ay gusto ko siyang tawagan araw-araw marinig man lang ang kanyang boses. Ang palitan namin ng text na pawang paalala at pagmamahal sa isa't isa ang nilalaman ay mistulang patunay na in love kami pareho. Palagi kong pinaaalala sa kanya na sana ay huwag siyang magbago dahil siya lamang ang taong nakapagpapaligaya sa akin tulad ng kanyang mga tawa.

Bago ang lahat, gusto kong ikuwento ang aking buhay noon at ngayon. Honestly speaking, I live a very lonely life. Lagi akong nag-iisa at loner. May mga kaibigan ako ngunit hindi ganoon ako ka-close sa kanila. Gumawa ako ng sarili kong mundo. I keep myself busy at pinagtuunan ko ng maigi ang aking trabaho. Nabili ko ang lahat ng aking gusto sa aking pagsisikap. Bahay at lupa, mga bagong damit, mga latest na gadgets tulad ng cellphone, laptop, mga alahas at ginto. Bumili pa ako ng iba pang mga ari-arian tulad ng lupa for future investment. Sa ngayon nakakapagpa-aral ako ng aking pamangkin at tumutulong ako sa aking kapatid at magulang. Nabuhay ako ng nag-iisa, umiiyak sa gabi, nangungulila dahil walang nagmamahal, walang kapiling at yumayakap. May kulang sa aking buhay sabi ko sa aking sarili. Hanggang tinuon ko naman ang aking libangan sa internet. Nag-join ako sa Friendster at Facebook. Nagbabakasakaling may makilala at makabalita sa aking mga kaibigan nuong college days ko. To my surprise, dumami ang aking mga kaibigan sa Friendster at Facebook. Kamustahan, thanks for the add ang mistulang naging national anthem ng bawat isa. Hanggang isang araw sa Friendster, may isang guy na nagsend ng message sa akin. Sana raw maging close friend niya ako, I look decent at professional daw sa aking primary photo. Check ko naman ang profile niya at photos. Actually, impress agad ako sa primary photo niya. The guy is not that handsome pero may dating. Kung baga ay may something x-factor ang kanyang mga ngiti. Nakakahawa ba. Check ko pa ang mga photos niya. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, siya ito dahil sa dami ng albums niya on different places ay siya lamang ang makaka-upload niyon. He took some pictures na nakahubad siya with his walking shorts. Balbon ang guy at maganda ang katawan. May abs pa nga siya. Ang na-notice ko sa kanya ay ang napakasayahin niyang mukha dahil of all pictures niya ay naka-smile siya with his white and complete teeth. After that, nag response ako na its okay for me na maging friend ko siya. The next day, he replied at tinanong niya kung may roaming ako at binigay niya sa akin ang kanyang cellphone number. Nasabi ko sa aking sarili na serious siya sa kanyang intention. So I made the the first move na mag-text sa kanya. To make the long story short, dito nabuo ang aming closeness thru texting at later on ay nagtatawagan na kami. He work in a reputable and big company sa Makati and lives in Calamba, Laguna.

Walang araw na hindi kami nagte-text, every morning, lunch time, and in the evening before we go to sleep we communicate with each other. Hanggang magsabi siya na in-love na raw siya akin. Frankly speaking, naunahan lang niya akong sabihin iyun sa kanya. Pinipigil ko lang ang aking sarili na baka hindi niya ako ma-accept. This made me really happy na hindi ko pa nararamdam sa buong buhay ko. Sinabi ko rin na in-love din ako sa kanya.

Ganito pala ang umibig. Walang puwang ang anumang edad, kasarian at pamantayan ng buhay. Sigurado ako sa aking sarili na mahal ko siya. Dahil maraming nabago sa aking sarili. Napuna ng aking mga kasamahan sa upisina na iba ang aura at glow ng aking hitsura at mga ngiti. Lagi akong masayahin at marinig ko lang ang message tone ng aking cellphone ay lumulundag na sa kasiyahan ang aking puso dahil alam kong siya na ang nag-text. It is a wonderful and unexplainable feelings which I cannot describe. Lalo pang pinasabik ng aking puso ang pagkikita namin sa darating kong bakasyon sa January. It will be an exciting meeting between him and myself. Dito namin mapapatunayan sa aming dalawa kung totoo nga kami sa isa't-isa. Ang alam ko ngayon sa aking sarili ay mahal ko siya at walang sinumang makakahadlang sa aming pagmamahalan. This is a journey that I will cherish and relish for the meantime.

Sabi nga ni Anthony Itebogeng sa kanyang tulang may pamagat na I Love You,

"The distance between us means nothing,

It's our love that means something,

To me you will always be my love,

For delivering you to me,

I want to thank God above,

Darling, I love you."

Sa pag-ibig, darating daw iyun ng kusa kahit di mo hanapin. Walang panahon at walang lugar, ito ay nasa puso na uusbong na lamang.

(Ang nasabing saloobin ay pawang kathang isip lamang)

Cold Morning Walk at Al-Khobar Water Front

A fine and very good morning walk along Al-Khobar Water Front makes my day so bright on the first day of December 2009. The cold morning breeze and air was so relaxing and you can feel the positive forces that engulfs my body during our 2 hours walked. Here are some snapshots I've taken for posterity.

Rest and Recreation

Eid Mubarak! The start of the holidays in Saudi Arabia is a welcome relief from my strenuous work for the past weeks and months. The weather is very conducive especially the winter season has started already. For the meantime, I will have the chance to organize my room again (as what I've being doing every year) and take time to free my mind from any worries and pressure from work. Watch movies and listening to my favorite music are the two things I'm gonna do this rest days. Actually, I started to walk every morning at the Corniche area and it seems many expatriates from different nationalities are enjoying the morning breeze. Some are busy with their fishing, some are enjoying their walk together with their friends, families bonding together with their children playing around the green grass along the park. Its a sight you will enjoy and relish. Holidays are opportunity for every people to enjoy and take time to do things that needed to be done. It is like a celebration of life to get away our mind from worry, stress, and pressures. Needless to say, it is a chance for us to take a long deep sleep which is one of the basics of taking a rest. To all the people who are enjoying the holidays in Saudi Arabia, each and everyone of us deserve this much needed break.

Shades of Inspiration

"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength."

Drakkar Noir

Drakkar Noir Eau De Toilette is the latest perfume I've collected. I believe this is the cologne I'm looking for a long long time. It has great smell, long lasting, clean and fresh, natural style. The fragrance is a combination of oriental/spicy, fresh/aquatic and woody/earthy. Drakkar Noir is like after taking my shower pleasant fragrance. It's a fragrance sent from gods up above. My impression is, I will wear this more often and for everyday activities. It makes me more confident and standout from the crowd. I'm beginning to received compliments because of it's fresh fragrance.

I would recommend this perfume to a friend and will buy it again.

The World According to Ondoy (September 26 2009 Typhoon)

It was horrible

Unimaginable magnitude of raging water

Destroying properties and human beings

People crying, seeking for help

Helpless in a world Ondoy had offered us

Continuous rains lasting for six hours

First time in hundred years this was experienced

In our country devastated by the wrath of Ondoy

Somehow it was like a scene of biblical proportion

Houses were covered by running water

Residents stayed 24 hours on the rooftop

To keep safe from the strong currents of the tide

That will never be forgotten for a long long time

Hundreds and thousands of people left homeless

How can they recover from this devastation

I'm asking why should this happen in abruptness

In a country that faith to God is so intense.

After the continuous rain had subsided

Dead human beings were seen trap on trees and riverbanks

Streets and roads full of dirt and smelly mud

So heartbreaking and painstaking to understand.

Please God, give us enough time to recover

We pray that this will never happen again

We know that this is your way to remind us

To take care of mother nature.

Ramadan

Today, August 22, 2009 (Saturday) is the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan. I would like to wish a blessed Ramadan to our Muslim brothers all over the world. May Allah accept your fasting and prayers.

Ramadan is often called the Glorious Month in the Islamic calendar. Fasting is one of the most important pillars of Islam and it is the month of Ramadan during fasting which is mandatory and required for all adults and sane Muslims. During Ramadan, fasting, intensive prayer, divine worship, and sacrifice are being performed by Muslims which is a source of ample Divine favor.

As I had mentioned again and again, I have a deep respect for Islam that teaches the good way of life. During this holy month of Ramadan, I wish my fellow Muslim brothers joys of life be showered to all of you.

The Miracle of Friendship

Although we are far away from each other, my friends from Philippines never cease to communicate from each other either by e-mail, texting, and chatting. These are the line of channels that bonds us together. Twenty four (24) years after we graduated from college the essence and spirit of friendship are still there, alive through thick and thin. Deep in my heart, Yvonne, Precy, Ruby, Wency, Ian, Annie, Butch, Wena, Carmen, Mabel, you will always be remembered. Thank you for being my friends.

Former Philippine President Cory Aquino - Icon of Philippine Democracy (1933 - 2009)

Former Philippine President Cory Aquino died August 01, 2009 at the age of 76 after an 18 month battle with colon cancer. She is considered an Icon of Philippine democracy and the first women President of Southeast Asia. Mrs. Aquino rosed to prominence after her husband the late Benigno Aquino, Jr. was assassinated at the tarmac of then Manila International Airport (which later was named to Ninoy Aquino International Airport or NAIA) on August 21, 1983. The "people power" uprising which Mrs. Aquino led brought down the 20 year regime of Ferdinand Marcos. The Philippine "people power" style was an inspiration to nonviolent resistance around the world, including those that ended communist rule particularly in eastern Europe. I may say, Mrs. Corazon Aquino was beloved to many Filipino people. She is a devout Catholic, a true mother to her children and to a nation. She never questioned God about her cancer because it is only her who is involved in this battle. She will be remembered in Philippine and world history as the woman who led a bloodless revolution against a dictator. As our nation mourns on her death, I believe Mrs. Aquino is very happy that she is with her almighty God. She is very happy that she will be reunited with her beloved Ninoy. A nation has lost an icon, a symbol of democracy, a woman of bravery, and a mother to Filipino people.

My thoughts and prayers for Mrs. Cory Aquino's family in this difficult times.

Shades of Inspiration

When your feelings get strong for someone, it's always wiser to stop for a while and give your heart a time to breathe . . . a time to use your mind, to weigh the situation based on reason and not on emotions.

Madonna (Queen of Pop) and Michael Jackson (King of Pop)

Two of the greatest music artists of all time in a rare photograph together, Madonna (Queen of Pop) and Michael Jackson (King of Pop). My dream of both of them to do a duet will not be a reality anymore after the death of Michael last June 25, 2009. I always admire the two of them for their music and life is a great influence to the music world.

Versace Man Eau Fraiche Cologne

My fetish for perfumes and colognes are undeniably forever and lasting. As long I live, I will never be tired of using it everyday. Today, I was able to visit World Perfumes and Cosmetics shop in Rahmaniah Mall in Al-Khobar. Looking for a good perfume that would add to my collection, I asked the sales clerk if they have one that smells fresh like after you take a bath, but not too strong enough to irritate someone else. He recommended me VERSACE MAN EAU FRAICHE cologne. Upon spraying on my left part of my hand, the smell is refreshing and manly. It's a fairly good scent that reminds me the aroma of fresh wooden floors and I bought it at once. It will be a gorgeous fragrance for a day at work. Now I have added a new perfume and cologne to my collection counting more than a hundred.

A QUICK LOOK AT THE SCENT: This new Versace Man version is fresher and more aquatic. While the original Versace Man had a certain Latino vibe to it due to tobacco note in its oriental surroundings, Eau Fraiche has a Mediterranean quality with some woody notes. Top notes include lemon, bergamot, rosewood, and rose. Heart notes feature cedar, tarragon, sage and pepper. Base notes are amber, musk, saffron and woody notes.

Gone Too Soon - May You Rest in Peace, Michael Jackson

It was a very bad morning when I looked up the news at the internet. I thought it was only a joked or something else. But as I read the breaking news, my tears began flowing down unknowlingly. It was the news of Michael Jackson's death of cardiac arrest that shocked me this me morning. Though people around the world may hate or love him, Michael Jackson in a way has been part of our lives. He is considered one of the greatest pop artist of all time, together with Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Madonna. His unforgettable hit songs like Thriller, Bad, Billie Jean, Black or White, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Dirty Diana, Man in the Mirror, etc. will never be forgotten, and his music will live on forever. Although Michael Jackson songs are on pop/rock genre, the songs that struck me most are those slow music that I admired most. These songs are Heal the World, Will You Be There, You Are Not Alone, I Just Can't Stop Loving You. These songs I believe are so much pesonal for Michael Jackson, sentimentally portraying his feelings and thoughts about his life. The legacy of Michael Jackson's music as well as his personal life will be remembered in our history. He is one of the most talented entertainers of the 20th century. I'm sad that we had lost one soul that somehow in my life had influence me through his music. But I'm very happy that Michael Jackson no matter how controversial and eccentric his life is, he is already with our Creator. I'm dissapointed because my dream of he and Madonna will collaborate for a song will not be a reality. I'm really waiting for that duet for a long time. And I believe it will be a great song that will rock the music world (two music Icons singing together) if ever that materializes.

With Michael Jackson's demised, among his songs I will never forget is "Gone Too Soon", a song actually dedicated to Ryan White, a young victim of AIDS whom Michael befriended. Upon hearing the song, tears will always come from my eyes. It is very solemn and meaningful. The song's message and meaning is very clear. It makes me believe that we should respect the length of time we have to make for the rest of our lives. Allow me to publish the lyrics of the song. It is only fitting to dedicate this song to a legend and an icon, that is Michael Jackson.

May you rest in peace, Michael!

Gone Too Soon
(Michael Jackson)

Like A Comet
Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

Gone Too Soon

Dear Father

Today, we are celebrating Father's Day. An annual event that complements Mother's Day. Father's day is a day honoring our father. In every home, a father is considered the paternal protector and provider of a family. He is the foundation of every home. This morning I was able to call my father. Indeed, I missed him so much. He is a father I admired most for he was able to gave us the best education, discipline, and fatherhood to our family. As a tribute for his undying support for us, a fitting gift for him is a short poem which I had written especially for Father's day. I want him to know that my love will never change, as I do much for my mother.

Dear Father

When I was a child
You always kiss and hug me
Whenever I fall
You give me a helping hand
That gesture is something I would cherish
For the rest of my life
My admiration for you is unblemish

Father, you are dear to our family
You and mom are sources of our humility
You teach us the right path to civility
To be a better citizen of our country.

I'm very proud of you, Father
I'm grateful to God
For having you as a good provider
No matter life complicates us
You selflessly stand as our protector.

Father, I pray for your good health
I know, you are always an athlete of your time
Just take care of yourself
Wherever you are
As your dedicated son
My love for you will never die.

Shades of Inspiration

"On a long journey of human life, faith is the best companions; it is the best refreshment on the journey; and it is the greatest property."

-Gotama Buddha-

Son of the Night (Hijo de Noche)

From flesh to flesh
You got what you want
The unwavering satisfaction is high
You endures the test of time

Creating your own world
To adore you and worship your body
The carnal desires you enjoy
A price someday you will regret

Your soul is not for sale
This is God’s gift for you to take care
A soul that is meant to be pure
Not for everybody’s to treasure

The finest of the night is yours
Because you make others happy
In return for a big sum of money
That gives you the power to carry

You are called the Son of the Night
You trade your innocent soul in the dark
You justify your means, and believing it to be right
As if there’s no end to the bright side of life

Have you ever realize the transgression?
That you had desecrated in the eyes of our Creator
The decision is yours to change
Repent, take the chance to embrace the goodness of life

Mother's Day

The Miracle of Life nurtured by a woman who gave us love and sacrifice . . . . is our MOTHER.

-Joel Barquez-

It's Mother's Day. A special day for the greatest woman on earth. A very special gift from God. This morning I was able to call and greet my dearest and lovely "nanay", wishing her good health. My mother is a perfect woman of piety, symbol of love, and sacrifice. Although we are miles away, my love for her is growing strong everyday, missing her so much. She is my inspiration and the wind beneath my wings. I really thank God for his greatest gift to us .... a woman called MOTHER.

My New Sony Mini HI-FI Component System

Just bought my new Sony Mini HI-FI Component System a few days ago. The whole system is superb, specially the direct radiation subwoofer. The sound is worth the price. I enjoy playing all available CD's I have in my collection rack. The system can play any DVD video mode, VR mode, audio CD, video CD, or any data CD format containing MP3 audio tracks, JPEG image files or DivX video files. Aside from these features, a multi port for walkman phones and other portable devices is included. There is also a USB port for USB device which can play MP3 audio tracks only.

To sum it all, the Mini Hi-Fi system features 3 Disc DVD changer, Karaoke Function, MP3/JPEG playback, USB Function and Digital Media Port, a 7,900W power output.

Now I'm enjoying watching my DVD collections. Two thumbs up!

The Great Manny Pacquiao

I was never been a fan of Manny Pacquiao (although he is a national pride of our country). Nor do I seldom watch a boxing game at my own will, unless someone will persuade me (I despised seeing blood coming out of the boxers face and the punches they hurled to each other, it makes me puke). Until my officemates convinced me to watch the fight of Manny Pacquiao with Ricky Hatton this morning at the Internet room, I now became a fan of Pacman as what they called him. Suddenly, my doubt was erased as I was amazed and stunned how Pacman demolished and destroyed the current IBO light welterweight champion in just 2 rounds with an amazing and deadly left hook that took the Englishmen flattened on the ring and was hospitalized.

It was indeed a glorious moment for every single Filipino watching Manny Pacquiao winning this match. I myself cannot explain this enormous pride. For me, Manny symbolizes greatness in his sport, greater than Muhammad Ali as what Bob Arun emphasized. He is the greatest boxer alive, pound for pound, no doubt! Congratulations Manny, you really makes us proud as a Filipino. From now on, I will be one of your legion and million fans around the world. The greatness in you will forever be recorded in the history of sports. You are "The Great Manny Pacquiao".

Celebrating the 2nd Anniversary of My Blog

Today, I’m celebrating the 2nd anniversary of my blog. It was only like yesterday that I started to join this site (April 2007). I’m very grateful to this blog that everyone of us are given this opportunity to share our thoughts, photos, and essays. A chance that people from all over the world can read our personal website. Nevertheless, I would like to convey my deepest and sincerest thanks to the team of BLOG for this chance of a lifetime for free posting of photos as well as posting of views on a wide variety of subject matter. My friends were able to see my photos as well as reading my thoughts. Through this blog, they were able to reach me and had known me better with regards to my aspirations in life, my beliefs, as well as my feelings. I was able connect to other blogs and became friends with them. It is interesting to note that different people from all over the world were able to connect from each other, communicating and celebrating the beauty of life. I would like to commend myself that I was able to share a part of my life, a part of my country to people of different culture and traditions. I hope that this blog will continue to share good ideas, views, opinions, and photos that convey educational, informative and relevant issues. Cheers!

Tony's B' Day

It was my friend Tony's b'day last April 16. We had a unique time dining together at KUDU, our favorite food hang-out near Corniche at Al-Khobar. Eating out is our weakness especially that we ordered our favorite Kudu Chicken Lunch Meal, with strawberry cheesecake of course. Here are some snapshots of the special occasion.

Kudu Chicken Lunch Meal

Tony and Me

Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Sea Park, Al-Khobar Water Front

Here are more snapshots of the Sea Park in Al-Khobar Water Front. I just love taking pictures of this place. It's a sight to behold and the tranquility of the morning is just relaxing while walking.

Shades of Inspiration

"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn."

- Harriet Beecher Stowe

Sights and Views of Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Al-Khobar, A Place in My Heart

The Baywalk Side

Kudu, My Favorite Food Tripping Hang-out

Bona Banana Restaurant & Coffee Shop

Baba Habbas Restaurant

After The Rain

There are struggles along the way
In our life’s journey everyday
The pain and laughter that joins together
We experienced the learning after the rain.

We love and we hurt
To someone who never cares
You give the best you got
As if you are far apart

The process of life is uncertain
You never know when it will end
Live as the day will never stop
At the rainbow’s end you will find the path

After a stormy whether there is always a sunshine

A light which radiates that is send by almighty divine

To remind us of life's colorful and precious time

That after the rain a ray of light will truly shine

Night to Remember

Your endearing words are deeply true
That reminds me every night of you
Whenever we chat my worries are done
Just because it makes my world so calmAlone in my room, imagining your face
I can recall it, each passing day
Your wit that makes my night so amaze
Like a contended child enjoying to play

It's a great pleasure that I had met you
My lonesome world had no other clue
That night I remember you say hello
A friendship had blossom out of the blue

Even so we are far apart
The nearness of our soul will become one
The finest part of our friendship has yet to come
That will test and challenge, until it was done

I consider it a night to remember
Because of you my existence became better
If the course of time will allow us forever
A great relationship is bound not to surrender

Shades of Inspiration

Once the realization is accepted that even between the closest human beings infinite distances continue, a wonderful living side by side can grow, if they succeed in loving the distance between them which makes it possible for each to see the other whole against the sky.

-Rainer M. Rilke-

Release The Pain

You don’t know how painful for me
For not telling the inner truth
The love inside I had for you
So intense and apart it makes me so blue

The tears I wasted every night
Just dreaming of you to be by my side
My heart is hurting because you don’t know
The admiration I had, seems everyday to grow

I don’t have the courage to show you
These feelings of mine that is so true
The pain inside me, hopeless, and confused
I don’t really care whatever I will lose

If only I can be brave enough
To utter this unexplainable emotions
I’m so very weak and totally vain
To release this enormous pain.

I love you and I do really care!

Shades of Inspiration

"Life ends when you stop dreaming, hope ends when you stop believing, and love ends when you stop caring. So dream, hope, and make love, it makes life beautiful."

Welcome 2009!

Goodbye 2008! It was a year of both failures and successes. But for me, life is good. For the first time in my stay in Saudi Arabia, I had never been hospitalized or was even on sick leave during the period of 2008. Thanks for water therapy because I experienced a positive change in my health after implementing it in my daily routine. All I did for the whole year is to drink water, no coffee, no tea, or softdrinks as adviced by the doctor. There are lots of benefits of water therapy to our body. It has magical effects in curing diseases. Thank GOD for giving us water to drink.

There are many challenges I've encountered during the period of 2008. Some are failures which I considered lessons and will be a barometer for me to achieve my goals for the coming year. Some are successes which had been targets and goals that I had planned. Thanks for my hard work, discipline, perseverance, and dedication.

As I look forward for 2009, positivism will be the focus of my life. A positive outlook will give me a sense of direction. Look for the brighter side of life and stay away from negative vibes.

As we enter another fresh new year, another year to live! We need to live each day with zest and try to right some wrongs. We need to banish our worries, doubts, and fears and instead look forward with a brave heart. To love, laugh, and to give.

Let's welcome 2009 with PEACE, HOPE, and LOVE! Cheers!