A thank you note to cherish

How many times each day do you hear someone say thank you? Or do you ever say thank you at all? We were taught that saying "thank you" is good manners. It is also an art. Some find it hard to say thank you. Others take it for granted. Why say it when everyone already knows it? Somebody once said that saying "thank you God" is the best way to pray.  It is acknowledging His presence in one’s life. It’s even good to say thank you before God’s gift is showered upon us.

Recently, I got a thank you note from Tintin Bersola for the time I spent hearing her out. Tintin actually gives me little notes, often in her own handwriting. She would tell me about Antonia, and how fast her baby is growing up, her dreams and aspirations, her questions about the world and life, her frustrations and victories. 

One of the cards I received from her carried the panoramic view of the sea of Siargao which as the postcard described it, "stretches as far as the eye can see." Inside the card was written in Tintin’s own handwriting, a note which said, "God measures the person with the burdens He puts on him. So when you feel your load is heavier than the rest, be happy for God sees you stronger than the rest."

Tintin is a sweet woman. I could just imagine how she smothers Julius with her sweetness. She is also pusong mamon and balat sibuyas. She cries easily. She is also a prayerful person who asks for signs from God before making a step.

Recently, Tintin was adjudged number one Female TV Personality in the Anak TV Seal People’s Choice for the Most Highly Respected and Wholesome TV Personalities for this year. This result came from a top of mind survey held from March to November by 3,653 Anak TV jurors/respondents from all walks of life in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Tintin landed number one from a list of top five. Among the jurors were four bishops, two Muslim imams, scores of college deans and school principals, hundreds of teachers and businessmen, dozens of nuns and priests, thousands of parents, workers, NGO representatives, artists and regional media people.

In a letter sent to Tintin by the South East Asian Foundation for Children’s Television, president Edgardo Roces wrote, "The Filipino people, based on our year-long jurors survey and nominations, invariably single you out as a TV role-model for wholesomeness and responsibility."

Congratulations, Tintin for a well-deserved award.

Tribute to Pope John Paul II

Alpha Music pays tribute to the late Pope John Paul II with the release of Completely Yours: Tribute to Pope John Paul II. The CD is a compilation of songs that has themes and lyrics about the Pope’s message of love for God and humanity. Alpha Music assembled contemporary pop and religious artists like Moonstar 88 who sang More Than That, Ascension’s For You, and Dreamsounds’  John Paul II Blessing’s (Pilgrim Song).

Cooky Chua’s interpretation of While I Have Breath and PY Nakar’s I Believe are sure hits. Other tracks in the album are Tell the World of His Love, Jubillee Song, Ang Panginoon Ang Aking Pastol, Tantum Ergo, a piano instrumental, Prayer of St. Francis and Ave Maria.

A special feature is also added with a video of the Holy Father’s visit to Manila during the historic 10th World Youth Day Celebration in 1995.

Completely Yours: Tribute to Pope John Paul II is available in CD format at all Alpha outlets nationwide.   

Online quiz on the UK

The British Council invites Philippine residents to join iKnow UK, an online quiz about the United Kingdom which will run from Dec. 2005 to Feb. 2006. It aims to expose young people to what the United Kingdom has to offer in terms of education, arts, culture and sports. Web visitors who join iKnow UK earn one raffle entry for every completed quiz. Visitors can have as many raffle entry as they can. The raffle draw winner will receive a brand-new iPod Nano.

For more information, log on to www.britishcouncil.org.ph or call 914-1011 to 14.