Fill me UP.

BEIJING (AP) — China overtook Germany as the world’s top exporter after China’s December exports jumped 17.7 percent for their first increase in 14 months, data showed Sunday.

Exports for the last month of 2009 were $130.7 billion, data from the General Administration of Customs showed.

That raised total 2009 exports to $1.2 trillion, ahead of the 816 billion euros ($1.17 trillion) for Germany forecast by its foreign trade organization, BGA.

China’s new status is largely symbolic, but it reflects the ability of its resilient, low-cost manufacturers to keep selling abroad despite a slump in global consumer demand as a result of the financial crisis.

December’s rebound was an “important turning point” for exporters, a customs agency economist, Huang Guohua, said on the government television network CCTV.

“We can say that China’s export enterprises have completely emerged from their all-time low in exports.”

Stronger foreign sales of Chinese goods could help to drive the country’s recovery after demand plunged in 2008, forcing thousands of factories to close and throwing millions of laborers out of work.

Helped by a 4 trillion renminbi ($586 billion) stimulus package, China’s economic expansion accelerated to 8.9 percent for the third quarter of 2009.

The government says full-year growth should be 8.3 percent.

Economists and Germany’s national chamber of commerce said earlier that the country was likely to lose its longtime crown as top exporter.

China is best known as a supplier of shoes, toys, furniture and other low-tech goods, while Germany exports machinery and other higher-value products.

China surpassed the United States as the biggest auto market in 2009 and is on track to replace Japan as the world’s second-largest economy soon.

China passed Germany as the third-largest economy in 2007.

Even though China overtook Germany as top exporter, the customs agency said total 2009 Chinese trade fell 13.9 percent from 2008.

April 28, 2004, that was like one of the most

unforgettable dates of my life. 

It changed me for the better, for the worse (depending on how

you perceive it)..

I fell in love to a guy named Paul.

I laughed, I cried, I suffered, yet I regained

strength as time passed by.

We may have been separated by time

and space, but never by heart.

And now that we’re back together, I 

feel so proud to tell everyone that even if

there’s not so much about me, I could

say that I am complete. That I am whole even

if I don’t have everything because I got you.:)

You loved me when I was so unlovely.

You’re the only one who loves my adipose tissues; 

who appreciates my clumsiness; who sees my

beauty even when I’m drooling;

who sees greatness

in me even if I’m weak.

You transformed me even if you were not that strong.

You gave me hope during the times when I was about

to give up.

Almost everyone knows our love story..

What they don’t know is that….They got it all

wrong. ;)..

You and Me.. and of course, our real friends, are

the only authors of the RIEL PAUL tandem, a memoir perhaps.

6 years ago, we were just both

too young to understand what love means.

As years went by, even if we’re

not together all throughout, I have

realized that being with somebody means more

than BEING with him.. It needs understanding,

it needs trust, it needs hope..And that’s

what we are doing right now.

We understand our shortcomings,

we trust despite the distance,

we hope that someday, we’ll be in 

each others arms and that nobody would

dare oppose.

I may not be the perfect girl, but you 

made me feel like a PRINCESS..

Thank you so much for EVERYTHING.

This may not be our official date

anymore.. But it made a great impact

in our lives so let me recognize it,

Happy 6th Anniversary. :)

I have been thinking.. 

I think I’ve been acting very immaturely the past few weeks.

I don’t know. Maybe because of the fact that I am into “something uncertain”.

School then ROCKS from that time on.

Now, I have realized that maybe somebody’s just

using me to hide his/her real intentions..

That maybe, if he’d/she’d let me in, his/her real

intentions wouldn’t be too obvious..

It’s hard to get hurt so can you please stop it?

I also have feelings..

I have a fragile heart that easily gets

broken and so damn hard to repair.

And I’ve concluded that those tears I’ve shed

did not have any worth at all..

I was living in a world I’ve dreamed of to be so real.

And it turned out to be just a nightmare.

Yes, I’m stupid. I am just pretty stupid.

I’m still wide awake.. Been thinking about the days that gone by..

It’s such an incredible feeling to be back - back to what I used to be!

The fears, the anxieties.. Everything dissolved in a black hole

which I thought never existed in what I called a damn-filled life.

At last, I’m free! Free from all insecurities and negative thoughts!

Free from all of the pressures caused by those who had given 

disparaging remarks about me.. Because at last, even though

I’m not perfect, I FEEL WHOLE.

I never wanted to dig up my past.

Well, maybe because I don’t want to be judged

according to what I did then, my mistakes then,

my immaturity then..

And at last, after almost a year of being together,

I’ve found real friends..

Friends who are always there to make me

shout and laugh to the top of my lungs..

I don’t even care if they’d give NOTHING in exchange

to my concern for them, etc.

All I want is to be just ME! To be the one who I wanted

to be.. To serve them not because I want them to

do the same but because I love them.. Ive learned to love them.

There are just times that I really cry.

I don’t know! hehe… Well, I do actually.:D (and princess myli does too!)

It’s really difficult to have everything you want.

And there’s this certain “feeling” that

you want to lose but you just can’t!

It’s very frustrating…

You need it to achieve complete and true happiness

but it’s just too impossible..

Sometimes I ask myself why does it have to be like this?

That life for me is sometimes unfair!

And this very thing that I so want is killing me..

This frustrating feeling chokes me to death.

I know nobody’s perfect but how come I am so imperfect!

Everybody deserves to be loved but how come I’m

too impossible to love?

Conclusion: Sh*t

sometimes happen.

:(

If a picture paints a thousand words,

let me use a thousand words to 

make a picture.:)

To thank everyone for making me happy is not

enough since the impact you made went beyond 

my ego. To feel something like this is not ordinary to me!

And to let you feel you’re all important to me is

the least that I could do for I am just a person given 

with less courage to say everything in front

of all those beautiful faces who make my day complete

everytime I see you guys in school and if it’s not enough,

I know I could always lean on this network called

facebook just to see your smiles. 

Princess Myli Urdaneta: First one in mind! No wonder. I have never found

a friend as close as you are to me for just a very short time

we’ve been together. To see you fall inlove was amazing. To see you

hurt was devastating. I appreciate the little things you do, and even

just a slight hug in that damn cold theatre made me feel true warmth.

You’re simply amazing (smart.hehe). Seriously, you have that unique

characteristic which makes me love you more everytime we’re together. 

Sarah Largo: Our ate.. The responsible one.. The very person who gives

us hope whenever we feel so down and are almost in the verge of giving up.

We became so close with that case con thing and when the time it 

was over, the feeling of being with you and talking to you just

can’t pass out and fade that I would need to see you and tell you

I MISS YOU, noticed that? She has incredible stories! And the one

who I thought was serious about everything is the very person

who could give out to-die-for jokes! haha!

Ivy Orate: We’ve known each other since health care 2 days. She’s everything!

I swear. She’s pretty, she’s smart, she’s sexy.. What more could I say? 

I thought, well, before, she’s silent. But mind you, she’s one hell of a talker!

haha! And I love her for that.:)

Jessa Rosales: Jessa, the most diligent CC? (hehe).. Very smart indeed and I

will never forget your statement in terms of GERALD. You both are

so lucky with each other. No PDAs and everything but we could always

see ROMANCE beyond those eyes. mmmm

Svetlana Tanzo: Cute! The cuddly CC! Your laugh breaks me down.:)

Still very young I could observe that’s why the fact that she

has a 4-year boyfriend blew me up.:) (dili 4 years old bf ha)

Vanessa Elijay: We became close when we discussed about

our lost nameplates! That was the start of our friendship!:) Right

Van? I really like your beauty, I swear. Plus you’re demure and

that voice is just angelic.

Shai Amandoron: *BOW* I was slightly drunk at Gerald’s place

but she still hadn’t had enough of it! Went to Route Stop and drank

all night! Two thumbs up! Shai is the type of person who can

balance the academic life and the social life. She can do whatever 

she wants at the same time, still very updated in school

works and exams. High scores.. *Salute u!

Jacquelou Medalla: Everytime I hear this name, I could just

automatically laugh! haha! I once thought she’s serious! Until

we had our rotation at THC! There I saw who ate Jacq really is.

She’s so funny and I think everything she says is a PUNCH LINE!

So natural..

Estela Mengote: Your smile stuns me. You have no idea how happy
I was when I saw you in the first day of class when I thought you 
were from BB. It was really a compliment to us for it was
an implication that you like us! :).. I would like to remind you
that you are an amazing gal and I think you don’t deserve to be hurt.
Those tears shouldn’t shed just because of men who don’t deserve you.
Everybody is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the 
privilege. I hope you wouldn’t. :)

Jie Ann Herrera: I admit, we’re not that close. But I find Jie Ann

attractive. And she is really fun to be with and does everything

assigned to her. :)

Sometimes, we do think differently but that shouldn’t

be a source of bitterness, should it? 

Pauljan Miaga: As what I’ve observed, even if PJ’s silent,

and looks so naive, he easily gets attracted to women!

mmmmm. Burger King, as what he said. But can you 

please be a Tanduay King, too? You always miss

our FUN times! The usual line - “Naa pakoy lakaw”.

Puhleease? Next time, Ok?

Jeffrey Huiso: First and foremost, he…looks..good.?

He respects his friends though you can really see through 

him that he’s not that respectful to others. I was touched when

he felt so uneasy when Myli got mad at him. It’s just incredible

to see the soft side of an individual

who you think is “tough” (I saw your description

in FB). Can I give emphasis to the voice? WHOA! That

way broke me down..almost! Lastly, I’m glad you’re my friend.:)

Gerald Rebalde: The perfectly perfect gentleman of CC! I can’t

imagine our duty group without YOU. Thank you for always helping

us out. :).. Thank you for being so hospitable and really,

because of that, whenever it comes to FUN, I would

automatically imagine your house.:)

Godwin Yap: I used to get intimidated when it comes to Godwin. I don’t 

know, maybe because of his height. But when I knew him more

deeply, I’ve learned that Godwin is not the tough, i-don’t-care-

about-you man, but instead, he’s the total opposite! You may find

me a little incorrect but hearing all those statements and comfort

you’ve given me just summarizes it all. You are the epitome

of a real man.

Frederick Martinez: My bestfriend. :). Fred is just wonderful. Aside

from that look which makes me drop my jaw everytime I see him,

he also has that personality of protecting those whom he 

love and close to him. There’s nothing that I could keep 

whenever we talk because with him, I’m just so REAL and that

is such a big deal for me. Thank you for keeping

my secrets.:)

Marycris Cabarles: Undeniably sexy.. She’s a very good friend! She

always waits for me.. She helps me.. She talks to me as

if I’m just her sister. I love you mitch.

Stephanie Payao & Mai Cansancio: It’s hard to combine work

and school at the same time and I appreciate your efforts

in helping us out everytime we have projects such as the case con

and bulletin board even if you guys are so busy. THANK YOU!

Although this may look boring, tiring and

eventually, uninteresting to read, the 

very core of this message comes from the 

deepest point of my heart that I could not

anymore keep. For so long, I’ve been boring

and tried to keep myself away from you guys,

and I’ve realized that it wasn’t right. You made

me feel that essence of friendship I so long for.

The satisfaction I feel with you, no matter

how imperfect each of us maybe, just completes

my whole being… :)

I am Riel Christy Woo Yap, 3rd child of Capt.Elmor Yap and Mrs. Rose Marie Mejor Woo - Yap. I was born “secret” years ago @ Siquijor Provincial Hospital (O_o) 4 am of Dec. 11.. I am a resident of Larena, one of the most progressive towns in the beautiful island of Siquijor!

I am from a chinese family - both of my great grandfathers were pure Chinese, one of which was from Canton, China. He was Ahing Woo, a Chinese who escaped from China due to its chaotic situation, along with other natives who are now prominent business enthusiasts. 

i have two brothers and a sister:

Francis Vergel Yap: The eldest yet the most immature person among the four of us. We seldom fight because I hesitate to show disrespect to him since he’s kind of brutal in terms of arguments.haha! He works in an international vessel, which I think is very hard for him because he’s a MAMA’s BOY. He always cries whenever he calls and always says I LOVE YOU to all of us.. But when he’s here, he doesn’t even talk.haha! He gives me stuffs like jewelries, perfumes, shoes, bags, dresses, and my mini laptop.

Elmor Iben Yap: Our electrical engineer who is very kind and thoughtful. He doesn’t express his feelings through words but you can always see it in his actions. He doesn’t give that much in terms of personal things. But what he gives most is FOOD! He loves cooking (though he’s not that good), he washes the dishes though nobody orders him to do so and he’s very considerate. One fact you should know: when he doesn’t like what you’re doing, he talks BADLY. Like as in you would really cry! Tears would shed automatically right after he talks to you. Well, he’s sweet though. He always kisses me.:)

Mariel Ross Yap: My sister who unfortunately looks older than me. My biggest problem on her is that she doesn’t like SCHOOL that much. I want to check her grades but I’m damn afraid to see NCs, 5.0, DR, etc. So never mind. How I wish she could think about the importance of education. I always remind her though. She’s just not that honest to express her desires.  She always feels tired in terms of school work, etc. *sighs.. Well, she’s the best cook we ever had! I think the CHEF in her has always been with her since infancy. And she loves me. She’s always concerned with what I eat (because I’m hypertensive), with what I wear (because she’s more fashionable than I am), with what I say (because she finds me OA at times), and with what I do (because she thinks I’m stupid).:)

And ME! : The last, but not the youngest. I made me LAST because I know I could say a lot! And the range of what I know about myself is just infinite. :)

I love FOOD. That’s my everdearest desire. I make my own food. I mean, I cook, I bake (though not perfectly). My favorite is of course - fried chicken! Yes, typical but what can I do? The neck part of chicken just drives me crazy when it’s fried! I love dinuguan as well and the chips..and the grilled ones..the fish and chips…the fries and burgers..the ice cream..the tangy cheddar cheese, pasta!endless!

I sing.. Yes I do! I have joined a lot of competitions.haha!That was way back elementary years. I dance! And I’m telling you, I am not good at it! Confirmed! haha! I shop..Yes.But I regret buying the stuffs that I bought after like a day or two that’s why I just prefer not to buy!:(..That’s a good thing though. Not a waste of money.

My family - they’re the ones who give me strength to cope up with all the pressures in life especially during difficult times when all I want to do is sit and wish I’d die. I am still dependent on what my dad could offer. I am thankful he has a stable job because without him, I know I wouldn’t be able to pursue my studies and with the “LOADS” that I have, I’m sure I’d be worse than a NOBODY if I can’t finish a degree. 

Paul Vinci Bonocan: The person who knows me better than anyone does! He’s thoughtful and I assure you, he’s the best! He looks at me so highly that pressure develops! ahaha! I sometimes ignite with all those words of praises and adulation! He keeps motivating me and that really makes me feel strong. I know, he’s not perfect. He forbids me in doing things like……never mind. He’s overprotective and sometimes, it chokes me to death! I love him. He loves me. He accepts me for what I am and with what I could offer (almost no time for him). Even if we don’t see each other, I know he’s always there.:)