Book 6

Mandaluyong...sa labas.....

When benevolent thoughts are garnish
Depressing thoughts will then vanish
Uplifting thoughts for us to ponder
Just remember to never surrender.

Some excerpts in Jasmine's journal:

"We had our testimony meeting last April 10,2005. I stood up and testified of how grateful I am to them. I cried. It was my first time to cry in the pulpit. I am very happy with our stay in Quezon City for five years. I enjoyed my youth days. My elementary and high school days."

"Transferring to another place is exciting although its quite sad because I will be leaving the people I have met and have played a special part in my life. Memories are and will always be alive. It will always be a part of my life. I'm grateful for everything that had happened in my life."

"We moved to Mandaluyong City last April 1, 2005. Living in a new place was quite challenging because you strive to build new relationships of trust among friends and neighborhood although living here is exciting."

"One day, I asked my Mom, "why do we have to transfer again?"...Mom replied, "It's because you added life to me". I was touched. From that time on, I never questioned it again. I realized that Mom was having a hard time traveling back and forth from work. In order for her to live long and enjoy life, we have to move closer to her office. We did. And I'm grateful for it."

Jasmine adjusted herself in their new place pretty well. She attended Institute of Religion classes near her place. She also had her first email address account, jasmine_ctr11@yahoo.co.uk.

Jasmine finally found her new Nursing school. Jose Rizal University. The university was so nice. Jasmine decided to study there. It was a 30-40 minute travel by jeepney from her house. It was not too bad.

Her school was bigger than her previous Alma Mater. She was wearing all white still but it was a skirt and a blouse unlike in her old school, a dress. The school's facilities were pretty new. The professors were kind. All of her classes she took in her previous school were credited for her Nursing program here. It was now her second school for College. The tuition fee was more expensive than her old school. It was a university so there were more students compared to the other school. Not too many malls within the school area.

Jasmine enjoyed her first semester on her sophomore year in her new school. She gained a friend who have helped her adjust herself in the school. Her favorite spot was the library upstairs. She usually read books written by Charles Dickens or Edgar Allan Poe during her free time or even after reviewing for exams. She went to a nearby mall to stroll around. However, it was smaller than the mall she was used to hang around while waiting for her next class. Jasmine felt comfortable after few months of school. She enjoyed taking her general education classes and a major Nursing class. She planned to join Nursing clubs next semester.

Being a sophomore in Nursing was indeed challenging and exciting. Jasmine enjoyed to be a "Rizalian".

dEaR dIaRy

Book 5

Nangmagdalaga na siya....

Do not accuse the future of nothingness...
Rather look forward to it in all righteousness...
Avoid the trappings of misery...
Instead work on your own refinery...

Some excerpts in Jasmine's journal:

"For two weeks of February, we prepared for my most awaited day, that is my 18th Natal day. Ate Lei and I bought 50 souvenirs in Divisoria. Mom and I borrowed a princess gown from Tita Marlene. We bought roses, and dedication frame. Nanay cooked the food for me while Tito Mario took a video of that very special event of my life."

"My dream came true because I wore a beautiful dress, a "Princess Jasmine's castle as my background, and the cottilion."

"Mama cannot come to my debut because she could not wake up. She was rushed in the V.L. Makabali hospital while we are celebrating that night. After my debut, around 10pm, we hurried to the hospital to check Mama's condition. I offered a very special prayer for Mama so she could finally wake up. We waited and waited. While we were waiting, we were just praying in our hearts so Mama could feel even better."

"Finally, our prayers were heard. Mama woke up and we were all very happy to know that. We all thanked the Lord for He had heard our prayers. My birthday wish was answered tonight. We took a picture together. Afterwards, Ate Lei and I were assigned to watch Mama for the night. I am very happy to know that the bests gifts I have received in my life were my family, loved ones, and friends.

"Mama asked me to sleep beside her and I did. A tear of joy dropped from my eyes as I closed my eyes. That was a relief."

"Tonight is the most promising night I ever experienced in my life".

dEaR dIaRy

Book 4

Nars...

"Greater challenges and rewards awaits me this college...."

Explore the vastness of what you can do
Aim high and hit the mark of your fullest potential
Push yourself to teh very limit of your soul
With passion, motiavation, and determination--
you'll be made whole.

Jasmine's childhood dream was to be like her Mom and Florence Nightingale--a Nurse. She decided to major in Nursing but she did not know which school to go to. She wanted to study to a nearby college school so she does not have to go too far. She knew that wherever shestudy, it does not matter because what matters most was her performance. Her friend at church introduced their school to her. There was a new Nursing program in that school. Jasmine enrolled in Systems Technology Institute in Cubao. It was just 10-20 minutes away from her house. She was very happy.

On their first few months of her school, Jasmine was so happy to gain new friends in her new school. She adjusted pretty well that she joined Nursing organizations in her school. Jasmine continued to join in the school's extra-curricular activities. She became the president in their NSTP class, a Vice-President in the KADIPAN club, and she was also one of the members of their school's medics team. She even won first place in poem writing and extemporaneous speaking contests. Jasmine was chosen to represent the school for a monologue contest. It was Jasmine's first time. It was very different from oration or extemporaneous speaking. Luckily, she won 3rd place in their regional division. It was not too bad for her first time.

Jasmine was one of the pioneer Nursing students of their school. The dean said that they were the ones who will set the trail for the next generation of their school's Nursing students. Jasmine was so happy she was a part of that beginning. Each semester's break, Jasmine, Vanessa, Jmilouse, and Lorraine would get together, hang out in the mall and just have fun. They always had their studio picture together.

Jasmine got to know Vanessa and Jmilouise since she was in 6th grade while she got to know Lorraine in her sophomore year in high school. She was thankful for their friendship and influence. She was grateful because her friends accepted her even though they have different perspectives and spiritual beliefs.

Jasmine's school had been through its ups and down. The school was once a "hot topic" for the media. The CHED once considered Jasmine's school a substandard level of a Nursing program being offered. Jasmine was voted to be the over-all president in their Nursing batch. All of her professors and the dean trusted her. Jasmine gained confidence. After doing all the things they can do to save the Nursing program, they succeeded. Finally, they have proven that their Nursing program have met the standards required.

Months passed by, Jasmine finally found a circle of her friends. Jetrho Formalejo, Rochelle Lopez, Jeanjean Petines, Jeremiah Alconaba, and Jaylord Acorda. Their favorite place was the mall's foodcourt. Someimes, they would bring their own food from home and just eat together. They would share their food to each other and they just had fun. They even had studio pictures with their Nursing uniforms. They kept wonderful memories to cherish.

Some excerpts of Jasmine's journal about her friends:

"Rochelle Lopez is a unique friend of mine. She always come with me whenever I asked her to accompany me. She was the one who introduced me with her friends."


"Jean jean Petines was the one of my bestfriends who give advices if I needed one. She was always there to cheer me up."
"Jeremiah Alconaba has a sense of humor. He's a cool friend."
"Jetrho Formalejo is my "debate friend". Our opinions always contrast each other's perspective so there's a day discussion trying to prove each other's point. "
"Jaylord Acorda is my firend also and my seatmate in our Filipino class. He sometimes seats on my chair when I am not there, thinking it was a lucky chair."

Jasmine let her friends signed in her book of remembrance. She started collecting hands and dedications from her friends since she was in junior high. Jasmine felt so happy because she gained friends and had kept good memories in her first year of her College.

dEaR dIaRy

Book 3


High school life...

...oh her high school life

Smile is the best gift to everyone
But true love is reserved to only one
Always smile and never frown
'Coz you'll look like an angry clown...

...Most of her journal entries were....I saw him in the lobby... I spilled my juice in front of him at the cafeteria...Will I see him again?........but this lasted for just a month...because Jasmine knew what her heart desires. Her desire is to marry in the temple. In her high school, she was one of the three students who were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Knowing this fact, Jasmine still continued to befriend others who are not of her faith. Her mom always tell her this wonderful quotation that have helped her understand the whole purpose of a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship.

"Give your smile to everyone....but your heart to only one. Jasmine decided to focus all of her attention to achieve academic excellence because she wanted to graduate first before getting married.

High school is the most memorable stage in Jasmine's life. It was the time where she had been exposed to the reality of life. She had been forever grateful for her parents who have taught her the gospel standards. Jasmine gained more friends as she tried to open up. She ran for the Student Council of her school twice and won. She mostly joined extemporaneous speaking contest, oration, and debates. She was nervous trying it out but she loved doing it. She also tried her luck in business by selling some handicrafts to her classmates. She also had the opportunity to be a student teacher twice in her junior and senior years.

Most of the teachers Jasmine would not ever forget were: Mrs. Vidanes, her Journalism advisor. She was the one who have helped Jasmine be active with writing editorials and features for their school paper. She was also the one who trained her to compete with district feature writing contests and debates. Mrs. Punzalan was the one who taught Jasmine her right name. Jasmine always wrote "Mary Flor Jasmine" on her papers and all her documents. However, based on her birth certificate, it should be "Maryflor Jasmine". From that time on, Jasmine started writing her name the way it was written in her birth certificate. Mrs. Punzalan explained to her that if she did not correct it, Jasmine might have problems dealing with her name in the future.

Some excerpts in Jasmine's journal entry about other things that had happened in her life were: (as of 2005)

"I am very happy I have finished reading the book of Mormon form cover to cover successfully (2003)"

"I also had my diploma on graduating in my seminary class. I became a speaker about how seminary had helped me in balancing my high school life". (2003-2004)

"I have received my Young Women medallion last October 19,2003. I felt very happy. It was a feeling that I can't explain. (2003)"

"I prepared myself for the interview for my Patriarchal Blessing. A blessing that should not wasted but should be taken cared of. I received my blessing last June 1, 2003....I had a tear dropped from my eyes as I said "amen". " (2003)


Life is so beautiful. It has full of lessons to learn and memories for Jasmine to keep. Senior year arrived. Jasmine will soon to graduate again. She had her first trip to Laguna, it was not too far from Manila. It was their senior trip before graduation. She gave up her roadshow for that field trip. From that time on, Jasmine promised as written from her journal

"I said to myself from that time on, I know what's the importance of choices. I will make sure I am going to prioritize my faith, my church more than anything else."

Jasmine gained friends over her high school years. They always hang out together and shared secrets. They even went to go for studio pictures. It lasted till their college years. It was so fun for Jasmine to experience having friends who are not of her faith but accepts her for who she was and what she believes in.
Jasmine tried in her high school years to have some adventure with her oldest sister Kathleya. They decided to be an "extra" in a tv show. They did it twice. Jasmine even decided to not attend school for that reason. It was not a very good decision but it was worth the try.

During the last 5 minutes of their graduation rehearsal, Jasmine suddenly passed out. Good thing, Jayson Miranda, her classmate caught her before she totally fell to the ground. It was so sudden that her classmates did not know what to do. Teachers came to aid to her. It was minutes after that when Jasmine finally woke up. She felt blessed and grateful for the kindness her classmates and teachers have shown to her. From that time on, Jasmine made sure that she had eaten, drank water, and had refrained from too much sun so she would not passed out again.

Jasmine had their recollection day and baccalaureate mass for she studied in a Catholic public high school. She cried as she remembered the great sacrifices her parents have done for her and wanted to do her best to make her parents happy and proud of her.

Finally, graduation had arrived. It was 31st of March 2004, when Jasmine finally received her high school diploma. She aimed to be in the top 10 of her batch and she made it. She graduated with the rank of 5th honorable mention. She was happy for she knew she had done her best. No regrets at all.

Her high school life was compared to a "Bikolana" eating a halo-halo. Jasmine struggled to the coldness of the "ice" of trials and challenges. Sometimes, Jasmine thought of giving up but she had a goal in mind. She wanted to graduate from high school. She continued her journey and then reached the "beans" appreciating the wonderful lessons she had learned from her previous experiences.

Finally, she reached the "sugar" of her labors.....

"It was delicious"....worth the journey......

dEaR dIaRy

Book 2

Nang Magtapos Siya ng Elementarya...

Her life is like a book filled with blank pages

Pages to fill with memories to share...

Of times to smile and times to cry... of a time to live and a time to die...

Jasmine's parents supported her in her desire to study at an early age. She started Nursery at the age of four at the Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Paranaque City. It was a Catholic private school. She was fond of scribbling, playing and coloring at that time. She was very happy whenever she receives "three purple stars".

As Jasmine reached her preparatory year, she was in section 1 (Prep Charity). She cannot forget her adviser, Ms. Amy for she is kind and patient to her. As she graduated in her prep, she received an outstanding medal of excellence.

The most interesting fact about Jasmine was she had her first crush when she was prep. They were in different sections but they mostly meet during their assemblies. However, as they reached first grade, Jasmine realized that her crush was "gay". From that time on, Jasmine focused all her attention to exceed excellence in her performance. She was always in section 1. She continues to think positive till one unexpected event. This event caused her to go into her "personal space" at that time. Jasmine was chosen to be an assistant secretary in their classroom. Her teacher asked her to write on the board. Since she never wrote on a blackboard, she wrote bigger than what it should be. Her teacher did not liked it so she let her sit down. From that time on, Jasmine was so sad that she did not even tried to write on that blackboard again. It took years for Jasmine to overcome that single comment from her teacher.

She continued to study in the same school till her fifth grade. In her fifth grade, she gained more friends and crushes too. Whenever they have break time, Jasmine always go to the school's Blessed Mother's Park. Here, she played "badminton" with her cousin and friends. She also loved running back and forth the stairs chasing her classmate who always teased her. Her language teacher, Ms. Del Rosario, inspired her to join on the spelling bee contest. After that contest, Jasmine loved to spell words and participate in school's academic events.

One of the turning points in Jasmine's life was when her parents told the family that they were about to transfer to Quezon City because of Mom's work. Jasmine had mixed emotions. She had lots of friends in Paranaque and all of a sudden,she thought it will all be gone. Jasmine was worried about her mom's health too. Her mom always left their house early to get to work and arrived home late at night because of traffic. Jasmine was more concerned of her mom although she felt very sad that she will leave her school. Jasmine's parents comforted her by telling her that she should not be worried about her friends. They told her this famous quote which had helped Jasmine to be open to a new change- "Make new friends, but keep the old".

Jasmine was twelve going to thirteen when they moved to Quezon City. She had experienced most of her "teenage life" in this city. Now that they lived near her Mom's office, Jasmine always accompanied her mom on her way to her office. Their mother-daughter relationship grew better and stronger because of their morning walks. At times, Jasmine felt lazy but she tried not to. One of her fears was when her parents told her that she would study in a nearby public school. Jasmine felt devastated at that time. She thought that there were a lot of "bullies" in the public school. All her early school years, she studied in a private school. She never knew what it was like to study in a public school. However, her parents encouraged Jasmine to change her perspective and to just try it out.

On Jasmine's first day of school, she was placed in Section 1. Her adviser, Mrs. Marano asked her to help her water the plants. That very first day was the day that Jasmine gained two new friends, Jmilouise Selga and Vanessa Reyes becauase she forgot to bring her pen to school. After that event, Jasmine felt comfortable and began to open up to her classmates and to her new Alma Mater. Jasmine had a great time in her sixth grade. She gained new friends and she had loved the place where they were living now. She also experienced her first menstrual period as part of her puberty stage.

Jasmine realized that studying in a public school was not as bad as studying in a private school. She strive to pursue excellence as well. She strive to be in the top 10 students of their class. She made it. She was very happy. Jasmine had a strong conviction with regards to her belief as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was the only member in her class. Jasmine was a bit used to it because when she was in her previous Alma Mater, she was always included with students who were not Catholic. Her friends respected her beliefs that is why their friendship grew even better. She had crushes too but it was just what you call "infatuation"--just normal feelings of a teenager. Jasmine's parents always encouraged her to make new friends, and do not get into serious relationships especially with boys that were not of their faith. Jasmine understood the reason why, she was still young for those kinds of relationships. Her focus was to study and graduate successfully.

Finally, graduation arrived. It was the happiest day ever for Jasmine because she would now reap the sweet fruit of her labors. Jasmine was ranked top 6 from the top 10 students in their batch. She was awarded "fourth honorable mention" on their recognition day. Her classmate who was awarded "third honorable mention" did not want her medal so Jasmine's adviser awarded it to Jasmine for "Most Behaved Student". Jasmine felt like she had received a "conduct award" from her previous Alma Mater.


She felt accomplished on her first year of transfer in the new city...

dEaR dIaRy.....

BOOK 1
Nang Isilang Siya sa Mundong ito....

A new flower blooms today...
With cute, chinky eyes, and chubby cheeks...
With proud parents and caring loved ones...

Jasmine is her name and her story is told...

It was seven-thirty in the evening of Wednesday when a beautiful mother gave birth to a baby girl. It was on the eleventh day of February nineteen eighty-seven in the A & Ty Hospital. She was welcomed by the loving arms of her parents, Wilfredo and Maribel Canlas. Her whole name was Maryflor Jasmine. "Mary" from her "nanay" (her Dad's mom) and "flor" from her "mama" (her Mom's mom). "Jasmine" came from the Philippine national flower "sampaguita". Her mom also wanted to name her girls with fragrant flowers or beautiful gems.

Before Jasmine was born, her Mom really liked the filipino fruit "chico". It was color brown and sweet when ripe. Jasmine was born in Ermita Manila. She was forever grateful to the doctors who have helped her Mom deliver her normally. Seeing blurry faces at that time made her wonder what her future will be. Her parents were very happy to have her in their family. Her dad, Wilfredo, was a successful Visa Consultant and is a loving father while her mom, Maribel, was an assistant Visa specialist, and is a caring mother.

Jasmine was the fourth among the six siblings. Her other siblings were Kathleya, Ruth Jade, Carl Lorenz, Maryflor Jasmine (her), Wilford Belmar, and James Charltom. As kids, they always played "opis-opisan" or even "bahay-bahayan". They even belong to their own elite club -the "Happy Children's Club". They always watched Disney movies and played Supermario brothers whenever they had free time. They even had the seven dwarfs collection in their living room. Jasmine was the chubby dwarf because she was so heavy and cute.

Jasmine's mom had a hard time giving birth to her because she experienced "pre-eclampsia". Jasmine was thankful to Heavenly Father and to all the significant people that had helped make her Mom's child delivery a success. She was thankful to her doctor, Dr. Lorna M. Dideres for her complete vaccinations.

She also had lots of stuff toys and barbie to play around. Her mom always buy Jasmine dresses that were "princess styles". She grew up in their home at 400 Tranquility Street Better Living Subdivision, Paranaque City. She played in their swing and their lovely porch. As she was growing up, she loved to eat their "Indian mangoes", "aratilis" and "makopa" from their own tree. She even planted her own "avocado tree". She took care of that tree till it grew healthy. She also loved cats and puppies. One day, she cried because her puppy named "brownie" died. Her other siblings buried it and even sang songs at that time. From that time on, she became even more caring to animals especially to cats because they did not have a chance to have a puppy again.

At church, Jasmine always try to escape from her Primary teachers. She was so playful that every Sunday she prefers to walk around with her barefeet. One Sunday afternoon, Jasmine was playing at the backyard of the Church with her friends. They were playing with the "sili" plant. One of her friends warned her to not put her hands all over her face once she hold the "sili" because it might burn her face. Unfortunately, because of Jasmine's curiosity, after holding the sili, she tried to wipe her face, arms, and feet. All of a sudden, there was a loud cry all over. Jasmine was crying so bad because she felt her face, arms, and feet were burning. She went inside the church to look for her mom or dad. Her dad was a bishop at that time. One church member reported to her dad what had happened to her. When her dad finally saw her, he tried to tame her by letting her sit down on a chair, wiped her face, arms, and feet with cold water. After doing so, her dad brought Jasmine to her mom and just stayed beside her till she felt comforted. Jasmine felt at peace afterwards. One of the Relief Society sisters , Sister Misalucha gave her a cookie which made her feel glad. From that time on, Jasmine learned a lesson. She had never touched that"sili" plant again.

Jasmine's parents were always there for her. She never felt being alone or unloved. Her parents were her source of strength, inspiration and guidance. One church member even commented to them, that they have to change their way of discipline so Jasmine would go to her Primary class.....However, Jasmine was so thankful and proud of her Mom's answer. Her mom replied, "bata pa lang siya....hayaan mo lang siyang maglaro..." These words mean so much to Jasmine. She felt that her parents did not take away the joy of childhood from her.....but rather shared lots of wonderful and great childhood memories with her. Every night Jasmine was about to sleep.....her parents would always sing a lullaby to her ....It goes like this...."matulog na....matulog na.....jasmine.....tulog..tulog na....matulog na......

She would never ever forget this wonderful lullaby that made her sleep throughout the night.