I might be a day late but let me greet you all a very Merry Christmas. And just like last year, I have a very simple gift to all my readers who have been with me throughout the years. We've shared two Christmases together and every day, I have remained thankful and humbled by your support.  Sending you all my wishes this holidays. Merry Christmas!

This is my first attempt on calligraphy and I hope you guys appreciate the effort just for me to send you my Christmas wishes. May we all have a meaningful celebration, one that goes beyond the gifts, the food, and the glitz of the occasion. May we find ourselves rooted in the true spirit of Christmas which is love, humility, and sharing. May all be blessed everyday. Lots of x's and o's, Deejay #deejaywrites #christmas #art #calligraphyph #calligraphy

A photo posted by Dandreb James Arro (@deejaywrites) on Dec 25, 2015 at 4:10am PST

Before my busy birthday month ends, I do want to share my heartwarming experience at the Trinity Angels Care Home during my birthday last August 8.

Since then, I already wanted to do an outreach of sort for my birthday. This year, I felt that now was the right time, considering how great the past year has been.  I've been very blessed to be where I am now doing what I do. So despite having only a short time to prepare, I pursued with my plan and held an outreach activity at Trinity Angels Care Home in my hometown, Alburquerque.

A group photo with the kids and the people running and managing Trinity Angels Care Home

Unlike other orphanage visits when tears are synonymous, that afternoon was nothing but joy and fun.  We had a coloring activity where kids where to put color on illustrated paper, the idea of which was from Miss Philippines Earth Bohol 2015 Gayle Suzette Yu, who helped me all throughout.

Helping this kid with the coloring activity was so much fun.

When we started handing out crayons to the kids for them to start their coloring activity, you won’t help but notice the twinkle in their eyes.  And there is that heart warming sparkle in their small peepers when they started putting colors on the printed illustrations.  The smile on their faces when they were receiving my gift of school supplies to each one of them right before we left is something I wouldn’t trade for the world.

The kids proudly showing up their colored illustrations with (from back row, L-R) Sarah, JM, your blogger, Miss Philippines Earth Bohol 2015 Gayle Suzette Yu and Alyza (back row, far right)

The kids participated actively with every game while the rest were also playing with me and their ate Gayle, ate Alyza, ate Dianne, ate Sarah, and ate JM.  Sometimes, I can’t help but laugh at how kids are rearing to win a game.  I won’t forget that one time when I was still trying to complete the instructions, they already got it and started doing what is asked.  You can see it how much they are enjoying every minute of our visit.

It was a fun, energetic stop dance game with the kids. You can see it in their smiles.

The food we shared was carefully considered to suit the preference of kids.  And nothing beats the feeling seeing them enjoy every slice of cake, every hotdog-on-stick, every spaghetti noodle, and every bite of fried chicken.

Aside from DEEJAY WRITES' first year anniversary, today happens to be a special day for all fathers in the world as we all celebrate Fathers Day.  Allow me to jump into the Father's Day bandwagon and introduce to you my Papa,

My Papa has always been my constant source of inspiration.  He was the embodiment of hardwork and sacrifice.  He started working since he was a teenage boy, and now at 54, he is still working to provide for us, enduring the difference in time zones just so we have something to eat on the table and much more.

Papa is a seafarer, particularly a Boson, the least ranking official who commands the labor force in the ship.  Before he became a Boson, he was just an ordinary laborer, doing whatever that needs to be done, including removing rust from certain parts of the ship.  It's not a glamorous jobs compared to those who will have Ship Captain, Engineer, or Businesman as job titles but I have always been proud of my Papa, for what he does, and what he is.  If it wasn't for him, I would have not enjoyed what I was able to enjoy for the past 21 years.

The usual family bondings would be going out to eat in fast food restaurants. This was actually among the first photos I've taken using my stolen myPhone A898 duo phone.

I got from Papa his way of thinking.  He was not strict but has always been critical.  He has his opinion regarding certain issues and the wisdom from all his experiences are always valuable and I think that is what I inherited from him.

It was Papa who honed my English skills.  Growing up, I looked up to Papa because he was so good in English and he actually draws.  Perhaps he saw potential in me and has been supportive of my endeavors so long as I know my limitations and restrictions.  He was always proud of my achievements and has always been there for whenever I stumble on road blocks.

It was from Papa's examples that I learned to value perseverance and hardwork.  It was from Papa's examples that engraved this valuable lesson in me.  Now that I am working, I still am conscious of price tags because we were never keeping up with the Jones. I enjoyed a simple life and I loved how it helped me give more premium not on material things.

Last May 9 (Mother's Day) was the first time we went out together, like the four of us with me paying the bill. A day before that was Papa's birthday so for a double celebration, we dined at Gerarda's.

But what makes me very proud of Papa is his selflessness.  He was always that generous fellow who was always ready to help.  Aside from that, he set the perfect example of what a father and a man should be.  He was not just a father to me but also to my cousins.  He was there to guide us, understand us, and listen to us.  He was there to appreciate our efforts and correct our mistakes.

I would forever be grateful at the time when he went back to Bohol from Manila just to be in my elementary graduation.  His presence made my medals shine brighter than the sun.  I will never forget the night you called right after I was told that I won't be graduating.  I cried but you were there to show your love to me.

A picture of me and Papa after my graduation rites

As a grown up, it has become unavoidable to never have arguments once in a while whenever he is at home but that didn't make me less that his child, and he as a father to me.  And despite the distance, he has never failed to give me and show me his immeasurable love and overflowing support.  God gave me an imperfect man who was the perfect father for me.

To my Papa Dionisio Arro, I have always told you this and I will say it for all the world to read: I love you! You have always inspired me to keep going and you mean the world to me.  I can't thank you enough for all that you have done and for all that you've been to me.  You are the father anyone would ever want to have.  You are the superhero mightier than Superman and the king of my heart.

And to all the Fathers, you will be your sons' first heroes and your daughters' first love.  A big salute to all of you! Happy Fathers' Day

Weeks ago, it dawned upon me that this blog is already turning one. How fast time went and looking back, the journey was just amazing.

I could still vividly recall how it was starting all over again in the blogosphere.  It was nearly three months after college graduation and I was unemployed.  I was wondering where life would want me to go.  I was at a dilemma.  I was on the verge of self-doubt so I started a blog and penned the first post because that is what I know is true: I write. (Read story here)

The first teaser for DEEJAY WRITES' first blog entry. And yes! DEEJAY DIARIES used to be MISFIT DIARY

Fast forward a year after that one and here I am happilly employed, thanks to my writing skills!  The opportunities that come with my jobs has further the topics I can write for my blog, like hitting to birds with one stone. I've meet so many wonderful people along the way and encountered individuals who I would have not have a chance to share lunch tables or chitchats. My blog is, slowly, gaining a consistent readership.  Within a year, I was able to steadily make it within Topblog's Top 200 Lifestyle blogs.

For the years that I have been blogging, the one year mark was always a crossroad, aside from Januaries. Sometimes it would be too difficult to continue the blog or it just feels that its time to give the blog a rest.  But for this time, with DEEJAY WRITES, I am very much rearing to see how it will grow and where it may go.  I am just more eager to write and share stories of my personal life as well as the usual lifestyle and travel features.

I would not be able to celebrate this milestone without you, dearest readers.  This may sound kinda sappy but this blog will not be the blog that it has become within the past year if it was not for your support, which means you reading this blog and liking it's official page.  While my regular writer's block, my tight schedule, and sometimes, my procrastinations have not allowed me to post stories for days...and even weeks, here you are, still paying this blog a visit every now and then.

Happy Anniversary to #deejayWRITES. I can't believe that it has been a year. So many things happened since I launched it a year ago. Nothing grand here but here's a handwritten note to everyone who made the blog reach a year possible. Thank you very very much. I'm humbled and I'm forever grateful to all of you guys! You are all awesome. :)) xoxo

A photo posted by Dandreb James Arro (@deejaywrites) on Jun 21, 2015 at 12:19am PDT

I look forward to sharing more stories and making more memories with my blog! I'm crossing the one year mark with positivity, the first time ever since I started blogging, and from here on now, the future couldn't be even more exciting!

Thank you so much and cheers for a year of blogging!

It's been a year.

Exactly a year and a day ago, I finally received what I had been working for for the past five years --- my college diploma.  I can't help but remember how things went months before and months after March 30.


The beginning of the second semester made me silently anxious.  I was back.  The familiar face, who has been given a tribute already on the school paper he served for two-and-a-half years, is back.  I have to take one subject for the third time with the batch next to my original batch.  At first, I was thinking of what others were thinking.  But days went by and the thought just died.

I did way better than I did before, or so I think.  Before, I did it all along.  This time, I did it together with them --- my classmates.  That was the lesson I always tell those who are to take the subject: 'If you want to survive together, do it together.'  I suddenly became their reference.  I checked set their systems up and corrected their works.  I went he extra mile by lending my Marius to a very close friend when I was done submitting my final output.  There was one casualty though which saddens me because she'll have to go through what I was through.  Nevertheless, we survived almost together.

Queenie Alas, Anna Galendez, and your blogger together with my mentor and favorite teacher, Dr. Ernesto O. Golosino during our college's Tribute to Parents and Sagbay Ceremony. Photo by Queenie Marie Alas

Being tied up with The WORD until the end of the summer term, I was still compelled to do my WORDian duties.  I applied for jobs on the side.  At least online, though.  I went to job fairs, enduring long queues, and harboring the fear of being rejected for the job.  I was rejected couple of times.  I didn't receive any reply from most of the jobs I applied for.  I reached the point when I questioned myself if I wasn't enough.  I asked myself if my resume was deemed too costly for employers to afford.  I asked myself if what was wrong with me that I don't seem to fit into a job.

But the universe has its ways of leading us to the places where we ought to be.  Here I am now, a non-practicing Management Accounting graduate but doing what I love the most --- writing.

With my fellow BSA and BSBA-MA graduates. Photo by Anna Veronica Galendez

March has been considered as Women's Month and people all over the world celebrate the beauty of a woman --- but physical and inner beauty.

On our way to the concert venue. (L-R) 1st row: Yours truly looking really haggard, Jacob Benedicto's RM Jaime, Jacob Benedicto 2nd row: Daddy Rommel (hindi masyadong kita), Marlo Mortel, Miss Badette 3rd row: Arnel Pineda's wife Tita Cherry, and Kuya Arnel Pineda (waving his hand)

I was talking to one solid MarNella fan on Twitter last night (Hello @Natcor123) and she was asking me questions about Marlo: Is he nice? Did we really talk?  It reminds me back to those days when I was as curious as any distant fan would ever be.

Here is a simple gift to all of my readers.  You all have been so amazing and I can't thank you enough.  Wishing you all the best this Christmas season.

A simple gift to all my readers done with so much love. My warm Christmas greetings to all of you. You've been amazing! :)) Much love, deeJAY #deejayWRITES #art #ArtPh #artistph #scribble #handwrittennote

A photo posted by Dandreb James Arro (@deejaywrites) on Dec 12, 2014 at 2:26am PST

8/9 Misa de Gallo (or Misa de Aguinaldo, whichever is correct). #Christmas #ChristmasPh #BeholdBohol #AlburBohol #StaMonicaParish

A photo posted by Dandreb James Arro (@deejaywrites) on Dec 12, 2014 at 12:06pm PST

It is said that when you completed attending all nine dawn masses, you can make a special prayer (I don't like using the word wish here) and it will be granted.  I didn't give it much thought when I was younger.  I felt like if people attend and complete the mass for it, then going to mass was useless.

It was only last year that I was able to complete the dawn mass.  2013 was a trying year and when the calendars hit the Christmas season, I just felt the wanting to attend.  I found solace in attending the Misa de Gallo and despite having to wake up at around 3 in the morning, I faced every morning with a happy disposition.  Every time I attended the mass, I tried to strengthen my relationship with my Creator.

While attending the masses, I realized that despite what happened, I had so much to be thankful for.  Dawn after dawn, mass after mass, for nine days, I kept thanking the Lord for all that He has bestowed upon me, especially the things that matter most: a life, a complete and happy family, and true friends.

I had my petitions, though.  And among them was what I would call my "Christmas prayer",  It was my "wish" if ever I complete the dawn masses.  I asked for a decent, well-paying job where I would not have to wear a uniform, enjoy what I do, do what I love, and love what I do.  I prayed for it even after nine mornings.

Almost eight months down the line, I received the answer to my prayers, just as I asked it.  And it was not just one gift.  I had two.  It made me realize how incredible my God is for answering my prayers.  I realized how important it is to ask as specific as possible.  I realized how going to Church, not because you are after an answered prayer, but to simply communicate with God, is essential.

That answered prayer after nine mornings made me feel I was fortunate enough, that despite all that has happened, the Lord answered my prayer in His own perfect time.  It made me think of all those who await for answers and for those who need God's positive response the most.  Now, I always pray for everyone, that God listen and answer their prayers just as He answered mine.

This morning, for the second year, I completed the mass.  I have a different Christmas prayer now, including the speedy recovery of my uncle who is in the ICU for a month already. My petitions have always been basic, because these are what matters most: a successful life, a healthy safe family, happiness and peace to everyone I loved, and answered prayers to all those who pray.  And I'm very much positive that God is listening to me.

Merry Christmas everyone!

I just came from a prayer service for a friend who left us last December 4.  Tomorrow marks the third year of my grandma's death.  It made me think how much sorry this month could bring to me, this month which was supposedly all about dream-come-trues and granted wishes.

Death is inevitable.  It is part of life, a very basic and integral part of our existence.  But while we all know that those who live die, there is still that heart-wrenching feel whenever we lose someone we value because of death.

I promise to myself that I'm dedicating my college graduation to my maternal grandmother who have showered me so much love and care.  I was still third year at that time she died and the last time I saw her was when she visited Bohol from Zamboanga City back when I was still a high school student.  Back then, I was busy with the demands of my senior year so I didn't really had the chance to entertain them.  I thought that my graduation will be the next time.  I was planning to celebrate it in Zamboanga City with my maternal side of the family.  But it broke my heart to know that there will be no next times.  I was not able to give her the warmest of all welcomes.  I thought there will be next times.  I really thought.

I sobbed. When I saw my grandma lying inside the coffin, it felt like part of me left with her.  It felt like all my plans were shattered into a million little pieces.  I told her (or asked her) why she didn't wait for me, with tears flowing from my eyes, as if she will be able to answer.  There inside the coffin was a woman I loved so dearly. I wanted to hug her but can't.  I wanted to kiss her but can't.  All I can do was look and sob.

It was the first time in a very very long time.  I was back at my mother's home.  One night, I was sitting at the corner and then I saw, inside a little mirrored cabinet, all the Jollibee toys I had as a child, all glued to the compartments, as if telling people that this toys are to be untouched.  I remember, before living for Bohol, I gave all my toys to my cousins.  I didn't expect it to be there.  But it was there and I valued how my grandma kept those little mementos from my childhood in good shape.  And I wonder if she looks at it, does she reminisce about me.

On the day of the internment, I was at the beach.  I had my sunglasses on, probably an hour before the internment.  I was looking at the sea and the blue sky while my tears were like never ending streams.  I was crying before everyone could.  That day was finally goodbye.  In my mind was a rush of flashbacks of memories I would greatly miss.

Three years have passed and while penning this entry, I can't help but still cry.  No one gets to move on from a loss.  We can just carry on. When we travel back the highways of our memories, the cuts become fresh.  The scars becomes wounds.  And that's when we realize we never forgot.  We just accepted and moved forward.

Three years and still I long for my grandma. I miss her tone of voice whenever she greets me "Good morning." I missed her early morning text messages every time it is my birthday. I miss that small growth of skin on her armpits I used to pinch back when I was a child, when we sleep together. I miss her smile.  I miss her...a lot. And if I had just that one rare chance to go back in time, I wish to go back to the day she went on a vacation here with my grandpa.  And I will hug her so tight and shower her with kisses because I know, three years down the line, I won't be able to do that again.

My friend Jenny died a few days ago and all I can do is to mourn in silence the death of a friend who I haven't seen for quite a long time.  It made me realize how long we haven't kept in touch with each other and all that we shared are but memories that will stay with me forever.

The hardest thing about people leaving is when they leave with a piece of you. When they leave with all your love, knowing that while it was the best thing in the world --- to know that person --- it is also the saddest knowing that making memories together ends there.  They stir storms deep in our souls and leaves deep wounds in our hearts that would take so long to heal. President Snow in Mockingjay said "It's the things that we love most that destroys us."

I realize how much important time is. I've lost the chances with my grandma and Jenny. I cannot afford to let an opportunity pass --- to show those I love how much I love and care for them.  Time, is the best expression of love, so they say, and the most precious gift you can give someone.  It is giving a piece of you that you can never have back.

To Jenny, "Buanga jud nimu uy! Namiya man ka. Mingawon ko nimu yot! Ayaw tan-aw'g Alberta diha sa langit kay ma-demote ka.  Salamat sa friendship."

(To Jenny, "You're definitely crazy! You left us.  I will miss you, yot.  Don't watch Alberta there in heaven or else, you'll be demoted.  Thank you for the friendship.")

To my grandma, "Lola, sakit gihapon nga wala ka,  Salamat sa tanan.  Bantayi ko kanunay.  I hope happy and proud ka nako sa akong mga naabot.  I love you."

(To my grandma, "Grandma, it still hurts that you're gone.  Thank you for everything.  Please look after me always.  I hope you are happy and proud for all that I have achieved.  I love you.")

My grandma is an angel now, watching over me.  For sure, Jenny is as well.  And this song is a song that brings tears and comfort, a song that I imagine them singing for me.  Their memories stay with me.  By that, I'm never alone.

I was up really early that day.  It was the scheduled evaluation of The WORD for the first semester.  I was running late already.  We were supposed to be at the venue, Arabelle Suites, by 8:30am but I was still at the waiting shed, hoping to get a ride as soon as possible.  That was around eight in the morning already.  I was with an old woman and her granddaughter.  Young boys were also playing basketball at the basketball court behind the shed.  Only a barbed wire fence separating us from the kids.

My neighbors during the quake.  It was sundown and we have decided to spend the night uphill.

Inside the church in Catigbian (if I'm correct).

While we were in travelling to Sagbayan, we saw these kinds who are asking for help.  We stopped the Elf Truck we were riding and gave them some relief goods.

I often joke some friends as to how the earthquake turned our Chocolate Hills into White Chocolate Hills.

Taken during an outreach activity organized by the Student Catholic Action Alumni Association of Holy Name University in Canmaya Sentro, Sagbayan.  The kids in the left were holding paper that spelled CHRISTMAS.  The day was filled with smiles and laughter and I was filled with delight that in one way, I became an instrument of bringing hope.