Missed Connections

Much human misery and disease derives from self-centeredness, or the inability to transcend the confining limits of the ego world. Depression, anger, loneliness and other immunity-suppressing emotions are rooted in self-centeredness. To reduce any self-centeredness you may have in your life, try making the following connections. Each will help you get closer to achieving optimum health.

1)    Connect with nature and earth. Slow down and observe and appreciate nature through walks, gardening, picnics or outdoor activities.

2)    Connect with animals. People with pets tend to be healthier, both mentally and physically. The responsibility of owning a pet can put your priorities in focus. Plus, animals provide unconditional love, which is always rewarding.

3)    Connect with family. Instead of thinking of family as "immediate" and "extended," try to consider your family as just that: family. Near or far, family is what keeps us real.

4)    Connect with community. Interacting with those around you, and the area in which you reside, is a good way to create a sense of strength and comfort for yourself and others.

5)    Connect with a higher power. Regardless of what you perceive a higher power to be, sensing a connection with a power greater than yourself is a way to be part of something larger, and to become more connected with it.

Always remember: don't miss out on a single moment... it may never come again.

Making Choices in Life

If something is important enough to you, you will find a way. If it is not, you will find an excuse. Often, difficult circumstances can challenge you, but they cannot stop you. Only you can stop you.

Others can give encouragement, can teach you and help you or they can hold you back. Only you can decide what to do with it all and what to make out of what you've been handed.

There are some roads that lead to success and others that lead to despair. The path you are on depends entirely on the path you have chosen.

Whether you see your life filled with beauty and positive possibilities, or whether you see no hope at all - Your own perception will turn out to be a self fulfilling prophecy. So which one will You choose to see?

The world which you choose to experience and the world you choose to live in is precisely the world where you will be in.

The choice is yours.

To Be or Not to Be

Be understanding to your enemies.
Be loyal to your friends.

Be strong enough to face the world each day.
Be weak enough to know you cannot do everything alone.

Be generous to those who need your help.
Be frugal with that you need yourself.

Be wise enough to know that you do not know everything.
Be trusting enough to believe in miracles.

Be willing to share your joys.
Be willing to share the sorrows of others.

Be a leader when you see a path others have missed.
Be a follower when you are shrouded by the mists of uncertainty.

Be first to congratulate an opponent who succeeds.
Be last to criticize a colleague who fails.

Be sure where your next step will fall, so that you will not tumble.
Be sure of your final destination, in case you are going the wrong way.

Be loving to those who love you.
Be loving to those who do not love you; they may change.

Above all, be yourself.

Turning 36...

I can’t remember the last birthday that fell on a work/week day. For the past several years, I was not working as a full time employee. Based on previous experience, whenever my birthday fell on a work/weekday, it was always filled with too much work, stress and that “ME” time was impossible.

Last 2010, it fell on a Friday. I was overseas attending a convention that week but on the day itself, I was able to visit and relax at Hong Kong Disneyland. Last 2011, I spent most of day with my pillows while Mom prepared my fave dishes. I even had dinner with the family and was showered with lots of Hello Kitty presents. Not to mention, my birthday cake was divine.

This year, on my thirty-sixth birthday (I call it my 18^th!), I was supposed to be attending again a convention overseas but I opted not to join from the line-up. A week ahead before the 4^th, I already planned to have a catered lunch for my work colleagues, a visit at St. Andrew’s Church in the morning and possibly dinner with the family after work.

Whew! What a day to start! I was already up as early as 3am, waiting for all of my office-mates to arrive at NAIA T1, after a final SMS from my fellow Yehey Productions member that all of them are already present and waiting in line, I turned BBB into silent mode and slept for another hour before I prepare for the day. Lo and behold, as I unlocked BBB, 12 missed calls and 10 messages!

I was excited, hoping they were birthday greetings and callers as early as 530am. Hindi pala! So, my 18^th birthday started not so good. A case of “katangahan”, of course, not by me, led to the not so good mood of almost everyone at work. Whew!

Knowing that I will not dampen my day with bad vibes, go, go, go! Breakfast of champions with my Cheeblings and visited the nearest church that we pass before going to work. Paid my respects at St. Andrew’s Church and was happy for the blessings given and wished for more in the coming years.

At work after Church, it was a madhouse! I was surprised with the gifts, I got two at work. (Haven’t opened them yet!). I have a full load for the day since I was kept late still last Friday. Good thing; I know how to work fast, accurate yet fast. 

Before lunch break, Chloe arrived with Mom and Yaya Helen. I invited them to join the office lunch treat and took some good pictures. Since Yaya Helen was the one taking pictures, we completely forgot to take our picture.

Sir Bobby gave a wonderful prayer and wishes and blessed our food. Corrhin’s Catering never fails with their good food. Everyone was satisfied with the lunch buffet: Molo Soup, Japchae (Korean Pancit), Chicken Cordon Blue, Pork Pastel De Lengua, Fish Fillet and Black Gulaman with Lychee. Burp!

After lunch and clean up, it was back to work. Stressful work day for me, and yet I was still positive that I’ll be able to leave work at 5:01pm. My bad. It did not happen. I left the office at 7:10pm. Hungry and tired and wishing to just cuddle up with my pillows and sleep.

Then I remembered what Haydelin mentioned earlier during our Chikahan while working…

H: Ma’am, birthday na birthday mo, pinagtratrabaho kita.
R: Oo nga, 3am pa lang tapos bad news pa ang sumalubong sa umaga ko, tapos hindi man lang ako nabati ng HBD.
H: Pasencya na po, pero mabilis ka naman magtrabaho, matatapos mo din naman agad.
R: Okay lang. (Sabay biglang tumawa ng malakas na malakas parang Donya Buding).
H: Bakit po?
R: Naalala ko lang, weekday ang birthday ko at workday. Basta ang birthday ko, work/weekday, palaging loaded sa trabaho. Minsan, may party sa bahay, nanduon na lahat ng bisita, ako na lang ang wala.

I missed my birthday dinner. Even BFF Ruth was waiting for the venue. I asked for a rain check and we will have our usual birthday celebration on Friday. I have another birthday celebration on Wednesday dinner. I even have a movie date/lunch/dinner with the only Sistahud in Manila and hopefully a date with some of the beautiful and gal pals (Sem, Sheena, et.al.) before the end of the week.

Even though it was a very hectic day for me, I am still happy that a lot of friends remembered and greeted me by SMS, email and through FB. I even got a birthday card thru post. Thank you for the greetings and the gifts... receiving such made my stressful birthday/work day still a good one!

Twelve Thousand Nine-Hundred Fourteen and a Half Days Old

35 is just 20, with 15 years of experience!

I just celebrated a milestone birthday, 04 June 2011. I would like to give big birthday thank you to my Mom, Dad, Sister and Brother. Thank you for making my birthday a very special day filled with the wonderful treasures I'm keeping - yes, the special gifts and pictures.

Thank you for always taking the time and making the effort to make me feel special. I would like to thank the Lord for giving me another year to be productive and thank You for the blessings that You continue to shower me and my family. Thank you to everyone who remembered my birthday! Each greeting really meant a lot to me and absolutely made my day. I just wanted to thank you all for the birthday wishes!!!! It means the world to me that you all are thinking of me on my special day :)

I spent my 35th birthday relaxing and spending tons of time with my pillows. I went to Church and thanked God for all the blessings and even watched the church people prepare for a mid-day wedding. I had breakfast prepared by Yaya Helen, had another breakfast with Mom and Reyboy that they bought at the Salcedo Saturday market, then took a short morning siesta.

Mom with Helen, Clara and Mario prepared lunch of Pancit Bihon, Pako Salad, Beef with Water Cress, Inihaw na Hito and Pork BBQ, Squid and Fish Balls with Leche Flan and Sherbet for desserts. Dad arrived from Taiwan just in time for the scrumptious feast.

After the hearty lunch, I took my afternoon birthday siesta while waiting for Chloe to arrive from Cedric’s Baptism. I was sleeping my heart out since I was awake in the break of dawn just to watch Roger Federer beat Novak Djokovic in the French Open 2011 Semi-Finals. Hoot, Hoot, Roger!

After tons of sleep, we left for dinner. We decided to try the Makati version of the legendary Malate restaurant, Lolo Dad’s. This branch is more accessible to us compared to the Malate restaurant. The concept of these two restaurants is quite different. The food and the prices offered are not the same. Nevertheless, it’s an adventure just to eat in any one of these branches.

We started off with the Charcuterie Sampler, Pop – over bread and Parmesan and Pimenton Pastry Twist. Chloe even ordered more Jamon Serrano since it’s our ultimate favourite. The Warm Spinach and Sauteed Mushroom Salad was even good.

For the main course, I had the Steak Sampler of U.S Rib Eye steak, Tenderloin, Striploin, Tajima Wagyu Topside with Mushroom Risoto. I heart the Risoto! Yum-o! As we are almost finished with dinner, we had a sighting of Gretchen Barretto. She came in the restaurant chaperoned by a nanny and with such funfare. He, he, he. Overall, we were happy with our experience in this place. Good food and impressive customer service. Kudos to our server, Nińo!

After the dinner, we went home for dessert and gift opening. I opened twenty-seven birthday presents and enjoyed my majestic birthday cake. Based on the pictures, you’ll be able to guess, that the theme for the night is Hello Kitty! Ha, ha, ha! It is a long time childhood addiction that only a few people know about.

It was definitely a great milestone birthday! For the following days, there will be birthday blowouts with my precious friends! One by one and hopefully will be able to see them all!

Thirty-Five!

Busy Bee Me

As I am very busy, I am unable to update. Sorry for not updating for the past few months, oops, more than a year!

I'll make up for it soon.

The Secrets to Happiness

Live beneath your means and within your seams.
Return everything you borrow.
Donate blood.
Stop blaming other people.
Admit it when you make a mistake.
Give all the clothes you haven't worn in the last three years to charity.
Every day do something nice and try not to get caught.
Listen more; talk less.
Every day take a 30-minute walk in your neighborhood.
Skip two meals a week and give the money to the homeless.
Strive for excellence, not perfection.
Be on time.
Don't make excuses.
Don't argue.
Get organized.
Be kind to kind people.
Be even kinder to unkind people.
Let someone cut ahead of you in line.
Take time to be alone.
Reread a favorite book.
Cultivate good manners.
Be humble.
Understand and accept that life isn't always fair.
Know when to say something.
Know when to keep your mouth shut.
Don't criticize anyone for 24 hours.
Learn from the past, plan for the future, and live in the present.
Don't sweat the small stuff.

We all should strive for happiness but we all also need to WORK ON IT.

The Power on Encouragement

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they yelled to the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling to them to stop, that there was no hope.

Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.

The other frog continued jumping as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop his jumping and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, (after taking a needed rest) the other frogs clammered, "Didnt you hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

From this we learn two lessons:

A. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.

B. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them.

Words have the power of life and death. Be careful of what you say. Speak words of encouragement to those who cross your path. it is often difficult to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another. Be that special person.

They're Engaged!

"Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart." ~Author Unknown

Congratulations on your engagement!


Wishing you both happiness as you begin this exciting new phase together!

Moises and Weng: Wishing you a lifetime of happiness.

Some Favorites

1. Don't ever leave the people you care about without saying I love you. Especially if you are mad.
2. Always remember your family is the most valuable thing you have. Not cars, houses, lamps, etc.
3. Make friends with your neighbors instead of finding fault. If you are nice, chances are they will be too.
4. Instill family traditions. If they learn them when they are young, they will always be carried on.
5. Smile often. A smile can be more encouraging and more loving than any words.

Just Today

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry. Two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.

One of these days is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. We cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone!!

The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow, with its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and poor performance. Tomorrow is beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow's sun will rise, whether in splendor or behind a mask of clouds. But it will rise. Until it does we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.

This leaves only one day: today.

Any man can fight the battles of just one day. It is when you and I add the burdens of two awful eternities - yesterday and tomorrow, that we break down.

It is not necessarily the experience of today that disturbs one's peace of mind. It is often time the bitterness for something which happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow may bring. Let us therefore live one day at a time.

While we should remember the past and plan and anticipate the future, it is critical that we don't get paralyzed by either. By focusing on making the best of the present, we can actually make the past a sweeter learning experience, and make tomorrow's hopes and dreams closer to reality.

Thirty-third

If I Only Knew

Another good one...

If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door, I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise, I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall asleep, I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute or two to stop and say "I love you," instead of assuming, you would know I do.

If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day, well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight, and we always get a second chance to make everything right.

There will always be another day to say our "I love you's", And certainly there's another chance to say our "Anything I can do's?"

But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get, I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget, Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike, And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?

For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day, That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish.

Hold your loved ones close today, whisper in their ear, tell them how much you love them and that you'll always hold them dear, take time to say "I'm sorry," "please forgive me," "thank you" or "it's okay". And if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today. Just do it.

Colors

A reminder for all of us...

Once upon a time the colors of the world started to quarrel. All claimed that they were the best. The most important. The most useful. The favorite.

Green said: "Clearly I am the most important. I am the sign of life and of hope. I was chosen for grass, trees and leaves."

Blue interrupted: "You only think about the earth, but consider the sky and the sea. It is the water that is the basis of life and drawn up by the clouds from the deep sea.

Yellow chuckled: "You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety, and warmth into the world. The sun is yellow, the moon is yellow, the stars are yellow."

Orange started next to blow her trumpet: "I am the color of health and strength. I may be scarce, but I am precious for I serve the needs of human life. I carry the most important vitamins."

Red could stand it no longer he shouted out: "I am the ruler of all of you. I am blood - life's blood! I am the color of danger and of bravery. I am willing to fight for a cause. I bring fire into the blood."

Purple rose up to his full height: "I am the color of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs, and bishops have always chosen me for I am the sign of authority and wisdom. People do not question me!"

Suddenly there was a startling flash of bright lightening thunder rolled and boomed. Rain started to pour down relentlessly. The colors crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort. In the midst of the clamor, rain began to speak: "You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to dominate the rest. Don't you know that you were each made for a special purpose, unique and different? Join hands with one another and come to me." They did so.

The rain continued: "From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky in a great bow of color as a reminder that you can all live in peace. The Rainbow is a sign of hope for tomorrow and it's Biblical message is "God keeps His promises."


Whenever a good rain washes the world, and a Rainbow appears in the sky, let us remember to appreciate one another.

Guidelines for Life

A few guidelines to live by...

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R's: - Respect for self - Respect for others and - Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
10. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

Each one of us needs to create some personal guidelines to live by, which is based on our values and our goals. So now is as good a time as ever to start doing so. And each day we must review the list, so hopefully we will find that the more we review, the more we will follow, and the happier we will become.

Aim Higher

From a good friend...

Always aim higher than you believe you can reach. So often, you'll discover that when your talents are set free by your imagination, you can achieve any goal.

If people offer their help or wisdom as you go through life, accept it gratefully. You can learn much from those who have gone before you. But never be afraid or hesitant to step off the accepted path and head off in your own direction if your heart tells you that it's the right way for you.

Always believe that you will ultimately succeed at whatever you do, and never forget the value of persistence, discipline, and determination.

You are meant to be whatever you dream of becoming

We must always focus on growth, at any age. It is why we are here.

Keep Smiling!

Do you ever wonder what people are feeling when they smile? Do they smile because they're happy or do they smile because they want people to believe they're happy? Maybe they smile because they want you to smile and be happy.

A smile can touch a person's life in ways you can never imagine. It's infectious and can cause a chain reaction. It can be memorable to someone you pass on the street or the mall or driving... and it only takes a split second to smile and forget, yet... to someone that needed it, it can last a lifetime.

Maybe we should smile more often.


A smile is like a flame. A flame can ignite another flame without lessening itself. The same is with smiles. Your smiles cause someone else to smile - and you both end up smiling even more.

A New Chapter

I am currently swamped with schoolwork aside from the usual work load and was really wishing to have a break with some friends. As I was rushing some inputs to a group presentation on the next class, I got a message from Elline.

At first I was kidding with her and was surprised she’s not at work. I asked her why and she gave me a few bogus reasons and then she dropped the bomb.

She’s leaving tonight for Singapore and will be starting with her new work in Nanyang Technological University, I was like, huwat?!

Elline resigned from her work, a work she’s been with for almost 13 years and will be starting to work for a very different work environment.


I am sad. Honestly, really sad. I’m not talking or chatting with Elline since she mentioned that her flight is for tonight and I haven’t seen her since Mary Ann’s birthday treat.

I am also happy. Happy for her new career and workplace and maybe she’ll find her Prince Charming in Jurong. Happy as well since we can visit her in Singapore and enjoy the sights.

I’m used to having her near my area. She’s just a cab away from me. A phone call away if I want to rant or rave a few stuff. Starting tomorrow, we’ll be 1,490 miles apart. It would take me 4 hours to see her rather than the usual 15 minutes.


Elline, I’ll miss you. As I write this one, I can’t help but cry.

Laurie, Mary Ann’s younger sister, told me that we really are following the steps of the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants storyline. From four, we are now down to two. Yet, even if will be divided again in distance, I do hope the friendship will stay the same.

Elline – it saddens me to learn that you are leaving but still good luck on your journey. I wish you all the best.

Tough Friendship

1. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you
2. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in
3. When you are scared -- we will high tail it out of here.
4. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining, ya big baby!!!!
6. When you are sick -- Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.
7. When you fall -- I'll pick you up and dust you off.
8. This is my oath...I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask – because you are my FRIEND!

Friendship is like peeing your pants - everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.

Sometimes a friend is there to pick you up when you crash. How sweet!