Nagging Before Eight

Why is it that there are people who just don’t care if they are going to be late or might be late? Don’t they know traffic in Metro Manila is unpredictable and most of the time so insane? Or I'm just overreacting? Dammit!

Photo grabbed at blogs.discoverymagazine.com

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I Swear!

My normal is 90/60. With that figure I can do all things with so much energy flowing in my bloodstream. Now I got 70/60, when taking vitamins has become a regular routine. Sigh! I guess I need to make an early appointment with Haring Araw and make stretching a daily habit. Charmed must take a few steps backward. And Everybody Loves Raymond should take a little break. All that, starting tomorrow (fingers crossed; frowning face). :(

Photo grabbed at photographyblog.com

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Sa Mga Mata ni Joshua at Celestina

Masaya ang buhay sa mata ng mga bata. Ikaw, anong nakikita mo? Pareho rin kaya sa nakikita ng mga bata?

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Curse No More

This morning I finished reading Jessica Zafra’s newest book entitled Twisted 8 1/2.Reading a book from cover to cover is actually one the things I’ve been planning to do since last year. But after scanning few pages, I would stop and divert my attention into something else. You’re right, Procrastination no. 3. But thanks to a very generous young woman in cyberspace who have chosen me to be one of the recipients of her Back to School Promo. 8 ½ arrived in my house in the afternoon of June 13, a very pleasant present from Elessig who is celebrating her first year anniversary in blogosphere. Thanks to her, one curse (a perfect term for a person who doesn’t want to admit that her actions have no concrete direction) is finally over. The Power of giving works.

Twisted 8 ½ is about the evolution of technology, best buy kitchen appliance and gadgets, two different interpretation of Republic Act 8047 and the 1952 Florence Agreement and the latest research in neuroscience. What a brain! She is older than me but at my age I think my brain memory is losing some archives and hers is perfectly intact. When I was reading Jessica Zafra’s Twisted three or four years ago, I always made sure that a marker was beside me. Well, I did it again. It’s a requisite if you want to widen your vocabulary. Because the author, aside from having a photographic memory is also a wordsmith. But if there is one thing that struck me the most is her knack for comedy for she unleashes her punch line with good timing.

Moving on, Youngblood 3 is next in line. I’ll finish it before all pages turn yellow and to avoid the curse from recurring. Reading books is so much fun. At a time when blogging was not yet a mania, Inquirer’s Youngblood, books of Bob Ong and Bo Sanchez were some of my favorite companions. They catered my yearning for true tales, knowledge and humor. In the last quarter of 2005, I discovered blogger.com. Motivated by my favorite authors, I tried writing my own stories. Eventually, five blogs were born in random. I suddenly discovered one of my passions. I am too far from being a great writer like my idols but at least I have a fantastic venue for self-expression and boldness. Now, I intend to go back to where everything started. Here’s the list of the other books on queue.

Happy Secrets to an Obedient Life by Arun Gogna
Twelve Little Things Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country by Alexander Lacson
8 Secrets of the Truly Rich by Bo Sanchez
Kapitan Sino by Bob Ong
Masculadoll by Louie Cano
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
The One Minute Manager by Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson
All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum
Small is Beautiful by E.F. Schumacher
Kokology: The Game of Self Discovery by Tadahiko Nagao and Isamu Saito

My latest shoutout: Procrastination, Don’t Block the Driveway!

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Simple Joys of a Woman

Love begins with a dubdub
Heart beating fast
Cheeks blushing red
Eyes shining gloriously
Face glowing even without make-up.

As days go by
Small secrets are being revealed
Little by little
Patience turns double up
Imperfections become fine.

One day the man kneels down
With hands shaking like a leaf
He breaks the big question
Without much thinking
You say YES, I will.

When the church bell rings
Everybody gets inside
To witness a solemn wedding
United by true love
A blessing from God above.

Under one roof
You talk, laugh and cry
In a king bed
You cuddle each other
In warm or cool nights

Later on you realize
You partner snores so loud
Your neighbors can hear it
Messy in the house
His things are all over.

It’s 11 o’clock in the evening
The door bell rings
Where have you been, honey?
You ask with a concern tone
Followed by “Do you want some coffee?”

The next day, you cook adobo
He says it’s good
You taste it with a spoon
You are sure he’s lying
But he gets some more.

Your first born suddenly screams
He leaves his laptop
Rushes towards his Junior
Put the baby on his lap
Hey, Daddy is here.

Behind the beige wall
You peek and stand in awe
Strike a big smile and whisper
There is improvement in humanity
Junior’s nose is better than Daddy.

Photo grabbed at inmagine.com

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Hamon

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the name Regine Velasquez? John Lloyd Cruz? And Manny Pacquiao?

I think everyone would agree that Regine Velasquez is a great belter; John Lloyd Cruz is a brilliant dramatic actor; and Manny Pacquiao is a boxing champ.

But would you still agree that these three are the best in their respective craft?

I say, YES. For me being the best is not about being the most excellent; surpassing all others. Being the best is about giving your all in everything that you do. It’s about maximizing your potentials without reservations. But it doesn't mean that you do not commit mistake. We're human, remember? I truly believe that there are a lot more who can sing very well. There are other actors who can also act from the heart. There are other boxers who can win a title in third round. But the thing is, not everyone soars high.

There is a saying “Talent is nothing without a chance.” Fortunately, the names that I mentioned above both have talent and also the opportunity. But that’s not all, in every performance/fight they are also giving their all; they are giving their best. And perhaps, that’s also the foremost reason why they are popular and still earning millions. However, talent, opportunity and being the best are not always equivalent to millions. But what’s important is that when opportunity comes in (big or small), be the best. Because not everyone has it.

Photo grabbed at utc.edu

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They Dreamt. They Believed. They Survived

I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster,plans to bring about the future you hope for. – Jeremiah 29:11


Last year I had a post entitled My Top 10 Most Wanted for 2008 – a list of persons who made a big impact in my life in 2008. This year I would like to make a simple tribute to few people who believed in the power of their dreams and survived tough challenges in pursuit of their dreams.

Meet Boy Mandaragat. He grew up in a middle class family. When he was a little boy, a grade higher than 79 was enough basis for a celebration. But do not underestimate him because he was very good in one thing – Math. However it was not enough to alleviate his general average from pass to satisfactory. No wonder he didn’t get a college degree. In short, he didn’t love school. So he settled in any job available and suitable for a high school graduate. He started as a kargador. Years later, he got his professional license in maritime engineering. Now at the age of 58, he is still a dedicated sailorman. I didn’t know exactly how he succeeded. But one thing is definite: he dreamt big and won big.

Meet Super Lolo. He is 79 years old (turning 80 next month). I believe he already got everything. And yet, even at his age, he has not stopped dreaming. Not primarily for himself but for his descendants. I bet dreaming is his favorite pastime. But he doesn’t stop there he perseveres and works very hard. He knew all along that dreaming is nothing without faith and action. Actually, he is far from being a multimillionaire. I’m also skeptical if his total assets will reach a million. But he owns a wealthy mindset, a treasure which no one can rob.

Meet Tita.La Visa Loka. Two years ago, she applied for a US Visa. Her application was denied. She was devastated for a while. Months later, another invitation came in. This time she was being invited to visit United Kingdom. But the monetary requirement was a huge barrier. But she didn’t give up. She really prayed for it. Lo and behold, she was able to raise the fund needed. But of course, the bigger challenge is yet to come – the interview. She continued to pray and believed that her dream will come true. And yes, God answered her prayer. The UK Embassy granted her with a Multiple Tourist Visa. She went there in September last year and came back December 26 with a victorious spirit.

Meet Doctor Not Quack Quack. He was bright but not the type who goes to school with thick eyeglasses and a big back pack; that sits in the corner and reviews his lessons. A pen and a few piece of paper were his favorite buddies. When there is no teacher he never fails to make noise. And yet he graduated with honors. A natural genius, indeed. His ambition i sto become a doctor. Last year, his ultimate dream finally came true. A medical course, as we all know, requires a lot of years of serious study. And only those with a big heart survive in the rat race. I mean, he could have taken a different path along the way. But he chose to hold on to his dream. Now, he is earning the product of his hardwork.

Meet Mr. Police Matulis. What do you want to be when you grow up? To become police, he answered. His ambition in life has remained untainted since he was a little boy until he goes into college. Last year, he graduated in criminology and got his professional license. It was a tough journey – mentally, emotionally, physically and financially. The hardship reflected on his current physique. And yet, the real challenge has not even started. But he is a tough guy. Since he was young, he has learned to believe in the power of his dreams. In the end, he succeeded. I’m sure he will bring the same spirit as he faces a new and more complicated chapter of his life.


Definitely, there are a lot more to add in the list. But the message is clear - Let’s keep on dreaming. Having a dream is what makes life exciting. But of course, a dream is nothing without faith and action. We should persevere and work hard for it. And when we have done our part, let go and let God. May all your dreams come true.

Photo courtesy of travelblog.org

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Welcome 2010

Walking with Jesus is the best adventure; doing God's will is the best achievement and having Jesus as companion is the best source of happiness! Have a meaningful journey with Him in 2010 everyone!

Happy New Year!!!

Photo courtesy of Yahoo news

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