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Sunday, February 19, 2012

past valentine and everything else

I became very busy these days... I have an important blog to make... but the time is not allowing me. My grandmother moved in and so we need to look after her, she is suffering from stroke. My other siblings and I got in a special bonding, taking care of our lola. Indeed its painful to see an old lady, wanting to do things normally, but unable. We need to assist her from eating down to changing diapers. Not to mention her personal nurse is sick, we spend weekends together, through nurturing her. What amazes me is her determination to recover fast. She does exercise, bending her legs and arms, opening her mouth, breathing in. She is really dedicated to have things back in track, but it needs a lot of time and effort. It pains me whenever she wanted to stand up and walk, cause she is not allowed to walk until she is able to manipulate all her limbs. Most of the time she sleeps, not so deep, but often. Many times, my pamangkins are busy massaging her, just a realization that after we are taken care by her, its our time to pay back. Now, we've got to pray hard and harder. Our hope is of paramount, we believe she can make it again. Faith.
I never had a glamorous valentine, just a simple family dinner with my special one. I never thought it just went on, because I am busy with my lola, that made my valentine, a dinner and days with my grandmother.
Promise to do blog next.

Monday, February 6, 2012

its just decisions are never easy

Last February 4, I hosted an outreach program sponsored by our college (by the way, I am teaching in CEU). This seminar taught parents from our adopted community (somewhere in Longos, Malolos), about parenting styles.

Though I am not yet a parent, I learned much in the event, that I consider advance lessons.

Mostly mentioned are words autocratic or kind of authoritative parent which leads to a child's inferiority complex, permissive which is the contrary, this allows a child to control over all situations, and last is democratic, boldly, the best choice for its balance. My parents have combined three styles, I must say. We grew up with fear doing the wrongs, and confidence doing the right ones. So I guess its effective.

But I am not really from a perfect family, my younger sister got pregnant at age 18. Very young. Her husband (they are still together, on and off, but now stronger for almost 8 years) is just like my sister's age, but he is the catch of the story. He came from a family which he found not his very own blood. So much a drama, his parents are both working abroad, he grew up without them. Such a complicated life that led to my sister's comfort. And everything happened. They have two beautiful children now. My parents are immeasurably happy.

In that case I mentioned, I do not know why parenting styles did not succeed. On the one hand, its a failure. On the other hand, blessings.

Similar to another drama I know, a guy who engaged himself in a relationship because of unwanted pregnancy. (but there are other reasons now) The parents of the guy are abroad - but the parents are just close to perfection. It did not turn out well again.

Plus a friend of mine, who has a perfect life, she almost got everything she wanted except for the man she truly  loves (very common), she is abroad - carrying a life in her womb - again to a man she has little affection with. But she is happy. She will be happier.

The point is, sometimes, circumstances are not controlled by such model parenting styles. The fact is, it is not really applied when the going gets tough. Yes, we have guidelines, for us to avoid mistakes and the likes - but it keeps happening, failure keeps coming in. Failures are from decisions. Decisions are from people involved. Poor decisions are from one individual. Unsuccessful decisions lead to a miserable present. Miserable present can be a good present, if poor decisions made are realized and worked out.

My sister, my guy friend and my girl friend are imperfect individuals, they made wrong decisions, they realized, now they are trying to work out to make everything better.

We would always aim to do the goods, without thinking of others, sensitivity is a great foundation of every decisions we make. Why do we still fail? Its just decisions are never easy. The results will make things better or worse. Go on.

Friday, February 3, 2012

happiness inspires productivity

For many months now, I have been an avid follower of TED Talks. I would love to share my views and realizations after watching some of it. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLJsdqxnZb0&feature=relmfu

This is about happiness and its effects. 

We work to sustain our needs, to give favors, requests, spend money for what we wanted and eventually we will be happy. We work hard to satisfy our needs, once achieved, we become happy. WORK then HAPPINESS. Work - stress, deadlines, boss, papers, sometimes we don't enjoy it, we just need to continue till we reach pay day. That is the reality everyone would agree with. 

Now, can that be backwards?

HAPPINESS then WORK. Amazing isn't it? Wondering why. Well, if you are happy, inspired, positive, energetic, keeps smiling all day - truthfully - your day of work will not be work at all, it will be a day of just a simple exercise of the brain and body - soothing, comforting, relaxing. Negative thoughts will just fade because you begin with a beautiful aura - happy face - positive attitude. 

Yes we are in different circumstances. It maybe easy for me to say that smiling in the morning is just fine, for others who have nothing to eat they can't be happy, or those who have lost loved ones --- well, I am pertaining to the professionals in the world. Begin the day with a simple smile and gratitude - think of things which will make you smile, so a bright life is ahead. Smile is contagious. The moment you got in the workplace  and give smile to everyone, you inspire. Domino effect moreover. 

Let's be happy then work then succeed. 

Thursday, February 2, 2012

a choice that is not really chosen

"After we wrapped shooting [for the season in 2007], I just wanted to go home to Louisiana and finish high school, be a cheerleader, all that. Then I found out I was pregnant. I was 16. I'd had one boyfriend," she shares in the magazine's March issue. "It doesn't make it perfect or all right. But I was judged for something that probably most everyone does. I was young. I was in love. I was like every other teenager, except I had this last name. And I made a decision that is forever my decision." - Jamie Lynn Spears 


So today, I read an article about Jamie Lynn Spears, the popular sister of Britney Spears (whom I really admire for her roller coaster life and her survival), I was surprised about everything that she confessed. The real story behind her teenage pregnancy is really unknown to me. Its only now that I got the gossips and real points. 


What is striking in the story is her confession. Yes, truly, in life you are given hundreds of choices that one is getting paranoid what to choose and - tragic if none -. This is what I learned today - from young mom Jamie, if you are not given any option in the world, just keep going, accept it and be brave. She experienced to be gazed after by critics simply because of her surname. It was not normal at all. 


I would have never known that until I went through what I went through.


Now she knew, its all planned after all. She maybe in a silent mode by now, not sought after, but happy and contented. That is precious. 

BIG THING IN TAGUM

This is where we held that national competition (check my previous blog). Immense. Maybe this time, its ready for public use. Will I get back? I would love to buy more durian candies and bags and sarong and see smiles again.

What about my 2010?

I GOT TO TRAVEL THE WORLD --- such an exaggeration-- but the happiness itself is really something exaggerated!

  • NUEVA ECIJA - journalism competition with ERICA, KAT, XUNI. This is when I began to love these three girls, pretty, rich, sometimes stubborn. -- 
  • ILOCOS NORTE - educational tour with my st.rose - singing STOP by the Spice Girls. Beautiful Vigan! The best food in the world is found here! 
  • BAGUIO CITY - retreat - the best place to reflect about my life and my journey. 
  • DAVAO CITY - national competition with ERICA. I just included this place in my history. I spent more than a week with Erica - the bright little girl of mine. She has the mighty pen. --- In here, I experienced electricity blackout every 6pm, and copters are all sky-guarding the entire place. That made us all scared. Tagum is a place to be developed, not just the land, but the people. I saw smiles in the faces of each resident. They felt normal - because the competition was held in their place - which is believed like the NPAs and the ABUSAYAFS hideout. They were all happy - seeing us parade - waving our hands --- it made me feel so lucky --- lucky to be normal. 
  • BATANGAS - beach fun - the first time I wore two piece (whoooooooo) - just a proof that our country is indeed - rich in scenic spots and accommodating people. 
  • HONG KONG - blessed by Deck and Mommy Nida. What a wonderful place! I felt like its my birthday and God and Santa conspired to make me experience cloud-9. I was so happy - magical indeed. The landmarks and the food - the first time I ever tasted a genuine steak. The hotels are very inviting - it made me feel not to go back home. So much like a dream. I saw Filipinos in every corner. Its just valid to say - FILIPINOS are really world class. Imagine a Filipino musician leading a band performing in front of the world - I mean different nationalities - that is truly something great! This made a -feeling- rich for four days. Really unforgettable. I will go back there!
I have been to different places, but not as many as this in a single YEAR. That's what I really love about my 2010. I had steps in Mindoro, Pangasinan, Macau, Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, Tagaytay, farthest spots in Bulacan, I forgot others. But I love travels, if I got big pocket - this is the kind of hobby I am willing to gamble everyday of my Life. I know these are just small places compared to those who had gone million miles. But I am filled with pride because I don't simply travel - I study - I ask - I meet people. 

10 Quotes from Eat, Pray, Love

  • “People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. “
  • “Look for God. Look for God like a man with his head on fire looks for water.”
  • “In desperate love, we always invent the characters of our partners, demanding they be what we need of them, and then feeling devastated when they refuse to perform the role we created in the first place.”
  • “We’re miserable because we think that we are mere individuals, alone with our fears and flaws and resentment and mortality.”
  • “Your treasure – your perfection – is within you already. But to claim it, you must leave the busy commotion of the mind and abandon the desires of the ego and enter into the silence of the heart.”
  • “You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That’s the only thing you should be trying to control.”
  • “In a world of disorder and disaster and fraud, sometimes only beauty can be trusted. The appreciation of pleasure can be an anchor to one’s humanity.”
  • “God is an experience of supreme love.”
  • “Learning how to discipline your speech is a way of preventing your energies from spilling out of you through the rupture of your mouth, exhausting you and filling the world with words, words, words instead of serenity, peace and bliss.”
  • “There is a reason they call God a presence – because God is right here, right now. In the present is the only place to find Him, and now is the only time.”

If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. ~Vincent Van Gogh



Telenovelas will not be that appealing if the lead character would just succeed without the kontrabida. In literature, I call them antagonist. In real life, I call them SPICES. THRILLS. Living proof that we are good. One unforgettable moment I had in high school teaching was when another co-worker pointed me (literally) as the person to be blamed. It was all about an accident involving my student and her student, she reported to the parent that I did not report about the accident immediately, that is why she was not able to do something, maybe to act as a doctor or an angel to heal the wounds. Yes I admitted. But I got plenty of reasons, like what I always share my students, if you can solve something your own - DO NOT MESS UP WITH ANYONE ELSE - do it - go - fail or succeed? at least no one is to be blamed. I tried my best to solve the case, and eventually hoping that she will appreciate that I did not depend on her and I acted like I am a BIG GIRL and know my thing. In the end, it was not at all like a drama I am expecting. I learned. One, people can be demons at your back, to look like angels in front of others. Two, to save oneself is like dragging another so down. Three, If they believe you are wrong - you will be wrong-- if you, believe the same. In that instance, I made up my mind. I TOLD HER, WE HAVE DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES. I respect her, not that I want her to respect me, but just be considerate. Just that little kindness. Then she insisted I DID IT WRONGLY. I INSISTED I DID THE RIGHT THING. I did not explain in a thousand words, but from my heart and my honor - my voice and the tears in my eyes - I made them (the parents) believe in me. And the other-she shut up. 
I got many experiences same as that, the values are priceless. Just learn to stand right and strong for whatever you believe in, but be considerate - it goes together. 

It began 2009.

This year is very significant. 
I created my blogger and I got hooked in FB. 
More than this, I had a blast of 2009. The last that I blogged was about Dexter being a Registered US Nurse. I was so proud of his achievement. Though he is not practicing in that field anymore, which is another story that I would tell in my next blog. Aside from this, 2009 was my year of transition, from a private non-sectarian school- I entered the so-called retreat house/school, ICSM. This is an all-girl school. I had encountered people of different GOOD kinds. As in all the possible goodness. The teachers, Ms. Yen/bff/aero partner, Ms. Sally/mentor, Lalyn, Merly, Tin, Dear Melody and Cynthia, Jo, Melvin, Third, and others, Fr. Pablo/religion and life genius, Fr. Nick, Fr. Romy, Sisters in Baguio, friends in the other campus/extension. I met crazy/little/smart GIRLS! 
I can never forget Jessa Bernardo, the sweetest and the brightest in the batch. She taught me how to stay humble while the rest of the world bow their heads in front of you. Believe it or not, she never had a crush, i hope by the moment she has one. I handled levels I-IV, but the fourth year students made a huge mark in my 2009. I taught them PUBLIC Speaking, which I really hate as well, the hell - HOW can I teach people to face the crowd? I learned it my own, I am actually used to it --- dahil sa kakapalan ng mukha. These timid girls were just overly protected that they cannot speak their minds out loud. So I started with, INTRODUCE Yourself - in a way that I will remember you. They had different styles - but I was not able to remember all their names that time. From that simple activity - to - impromptu speeches - to gratitude speeches. I remember - Victoria Antonio - one of the bullies - when she had in her hand an MC note - at the back page she wrote - I HATE THIS- meaning she hates the subject I handle. I felt like an Ice. But it set much fire in my intention to teach them and make them love it. And so --- not surprising, Victoria, was one of the best - she is just hesitant to show off, because of previous troubles. I gave her commendations. Then, I realized, sometimes, even the worst person deserves to be noticed - even, just one good in him. Then I did it all throughout. EFFECTIVE. TELL THEM WHAT IS WRONG. STRAIGHT FORWARD. Advise what should they do next to make it better. Now, down to the last activity, gratitude speech. They rewarded me with this - THANK YOU MAAM for teaching us HOW TO SPEAK - SPEAK OUR MINDS. Beautiful. And everything began. 

TASKS

Today is the 2nd day of Feb, as promised, I will update my blogs.
Well I guess i have to share with you guys what went through in my journey for the past three years.
That would be very soon.
AND SIMILAR TO THIS ORCHID SHOT ---- My past years bloomed beautifully!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

FIX YOU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI-o25K6B-E&ob=av3e

FIX YOU.

Undying.
Love.
Understanding.
Acceptance.
Elements.
Behind everything.
It will still survive.

my beloved INA who suffered from stroke... MAHAL KA NAMIN.

Grandmothers Creed

A GRANDMOTHERS CREED
As I hold you in my arms for the first time,
I look down at your innocent face and tell you,
"I am your Grandma" and I tell you what good friends we'll become.


I promise you that My Heart will Always be a safe haven
where my Love for you will know no obstacles.

I will ALWAYS have Faith In You and Believe in You.
My Home will Always Be Your Home.

YOU ARE MY SECOND CHANCE, Sweet Innocent baby.
My Second chance to bake cookies, and watch the
sparkling anticipation in your eyes.
My Second chance to sit and rock a baby to sleep in
my arms, experiencing the tiny heart beating next to mine
as you rest upon my chest.

My Second chance to experience the wonder
of a child discovering he can walk and blow
dandelions into the sky. A Second chance to view
the world through the innocence of a child's heart.
AND THIS TIME, there will be NO Rushing to keep
schedules and Clean the house.
You have the Advantage of My Years and having gained
the wisdom of knowing what's Really Important in Life.

You have the Advantage that I know my place in the world
and that a few cobwebs Don't really matter.
As the Poem goes, You have the Advantage that
I Now know that Babies Don't Keep.

I Promise to the a child with you when you need me
to be and a source of strength when that's what you need from me.

I Promise that you will hear more YES' from me and fewer
No's, BUT I will always honor and respect the place of your
mother and father, into who's care, God has placed you.
I will
Never try to outshine them or diminish their role in your life.
For as Much as I Love You, They Love You More.
We'll grow old together... I'll Just get there a
little sooner. And someday, when I'm gone,
You'll look back upon all the Times we Shared
and you'll Smile. The word "Grandmother"
Will ALWAYS hold a special place in your heart,
just as YOU have Always held one in mine.

(author unknown)

"Smile and the whole world smiles with you."

http://communicatebetter.blogspot.com/2008/10/power-of-smile.html

I would always smile and pray that everyone would do.


I AM REALLY BACK!

Today is Feb1,2012.
After 3 years I realized that I became too busy with things (important and not so).
And I lost track.
I am now back. 
More things to share. Better stories to tell.
And... crossfingers... I will make it everyday.
HELLO BLOGGERS AND READERS!

So today, I want to share a good story which my new found friend Shayne Garcia sent thru mail.
Just right for the season.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/22123/a-winning-smile