Thoughts on Time

I don’t know that the thoughts below are really "life lessons" or not, but it had a profound effect on me the morning it came to my mind. It made me realize just how short our lives are on this earth, no matter what age we reach. It made me realize that we are so consumed with “time” and that is the one element we have no control over. For no matter what we do, time keeps ticking by at an ever-increasing speed.

As I awake each morning, I glance at the clock to see what time it is. One morning as I was doing this, the thought came to my mind that when we are young we try to determine the time upon awakening because we live by the minute. As we mature, we seek to know what day of the week it is, because we live by the day. Then as we grow older, we seek to know what month it might be, for time has sped up and now we live by the month. Then as we grow into our senior years, we seek to know what year it is for now time is simply spinning out of control and we strive to just hang on and live by the year.

Do not waste any time in your life, whether it is a second, a minute or a year.

Happy Birthday, UP!

The University of the Philippines, the school that bred many of the nation’s leaders, artists, rebels, and of course – me and my sister, turns 100 years old today.


From the UP Diliman Information Office:

On June 18, the University of the Philippines will be celebrating its centenary with, among other activities, one grand community singing of the “Happy Birthday UP Song” in the university amphitheater to be led by no less than the UP, GHQ and Quezon City Symphonic Band, Dean Ramon Acoymo of the College of Music, the UP Cherubim and Seraphim, and the UP Staff Chorale. But prior to this, a parade by the UP constituents to the amphitheater will be led by the GHQ Band and the Quezon City Symphonic Band.

The celebration actually begins at the break of dawn around 5:30 AM with events that will lead up to the gathering in the amphitheater. The occasion starts off with a photo expedition at the Quezon Hall/Oblation Plaza featuring 100 UP alumni and residents donning fig leaves and emulating the iconic Oblation figure that has served as a monument to the institution’s undying service to the nation and the people. A flag-raising ceremony and a singing of the alma mater hymn UP Naming Mahal around the Academic Oval follows. UP Centennial President Emerlinda R. Román delivers an inspirational message soon after the UP community sings their beloved university happy birthday.

Other activities lined up after the flag-raising ceremonies include the oath taking of the new set of University Student Council (USC) officers and the launching of four commemorative stamps designed by UP College of Fine Arts alumnus Alfred Capiral. Afterward, the UP flag soars with the release of a hundred balloons that carries it into the air. One hundred significant university personalities lead the particular affair and made brighter by the unleashing of a hundred fireworks.

The USC also launches the Vinzons UPgrade renovation project that aims to restore and preserve the architectural heritage of Vinzons Hall. Modern designs are set to further emphasize its historical features and establish the structure as a genuine student center.

The entire day is set out to be an open house. All academic and non-academic units are enjoined to participate in the memorable occasion from beginning to end. The university units are to welcome various visitors and well-wishers into their homes. Everyone is invited to partake in the festivities, in the commemoration of UP’s hundred years of leadership in higher education, and expression of gratitude to an institution’s unflagging service to the country and indebtedness to the people working tirelessly to further propel UP to a hundred more years of significance and excellence.

Cheers to 100!

The History of Father’s Day

Contrary to popular belief, Father's Day was not established by Hallmark, American Greetings or others to grow the greeting card business. In fact, there were no Father’s Day cards when the holiday was contemplated.

Mrs. John Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "father's day" in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children, by himself, on a rural farm in eastern Washington State. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent.

The first Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington. At about the same time, in various towns and cities across America, other people were beginning to celebrate a "father's day." In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Finally, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.

Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father's Day.

Do reach out to those special men in your life – fathers, grandfathers and role models, who have helped make you who you are today.

Wishing you all and the special men in your lives a Happy Father's Day!

How will you start today?

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new job relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to go to!

Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with knowledge and adventure.

Today I can dejectedly murmur because I have housework to do or I can feel grateful for shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped, and here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like is up to me. And I shall decide what kind of day I shall have!"

"How will you live TODAY?" Try reading this every morning for a week, and see how you feel afterwards.

32nd!