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Showing posts from 2009

My Prayer for 2010

Lord I pray That 2010 will be as great as the 2009 years before, In our spiritual and physical lives And in this world You have created for all of us. Grant us wisdom and strength As we go through another set of 365 days... Equip us with unfailing memory To be reminded of your sovereignty always. Cloth us with your mercy And hide us behind your cross So that others will always see You who is in us. Keep us focused on what truly matters Increase our appetite for learning Keep us glued to Your words And restrict us to towing Your line. May Your name be glorified in our lives this 2010 and the years to come.

Simplify Christmas

by Francis Kong ( Inspiring Excellence ) For the last decades the world has gone into a credit card binge. Just swipe it, and make sure you get that thing that would make you at par with the joneses. And the whole world has bought into the great marketing ploy that delivers the message that if we do not have their products or use them we would remain second-class. Suddenly, the things we have are just not enough. What used to be God’s blessings upon us has dissolved into a culture of coveting driven by greediness and materialism. Our desires became bigger than our wallets. We no longer live within our means. This is not a very good thing. Here is something for all of us to think about. Ask yourself, "How simple is my life compared to 5 or 10 years ago?" Yes, while we have developed the skills of Multi-tasking, what we should not develop is to have multi-billings and killer interest that place chains on us as real as iron shackles. If there is one thing that the

Thanking God For 2009

A grateful heart is all that you need to let God know that you are pleased. Be thankful for things you have been blessed this year, remember to thank God before anyone else. Things may not have turned out the way you wanted them to, but clasp your hands in gratitude to God for He has better plans for you. For those who had peace and were contented, thank God in silence,for no one else in the world could have given you that solace. For those who prayed for bonuses and didn’t get what they expected, thank Him just the same with all due respect because in receiving, you are still blessed. For the times this year when you were bestowed the things you have not sought, thank God cheerfully for possibilities you have not thought. For the times you received some things you most need, thank God for not waiting your call and for taking heed. For the times you asked God for things you need to live, understand

An Opportunity of Time

The kids and I often call my wife before we go to sleep when she's on hospital duty. Monty and Sam would say their usual 'baby talk' and ask silly questions like 'what are you doing mommy?", etc. It's always fun to hear their naive statements and queries. Last night, Monty was telling my wife that how she wishes her mom would just stay home and leave the 'working for the money' with daddy. She said, " working is for the fathers". It was an innocent but a strong statement. It may seem that kids don't understand how adults do things but their childish views are significant too. Monty just wanted to spend more time with her mom and dad. Period. The holidays are fast approaching and it's a wonderful opportunity for us to spend more time with the kids.

2009: A Good Year

God is good. He was, He is and will always be. My wife and I were talking a couple of days ago about how blessed we are. Our two daughters are growing up to be smart and beautiful persons. Our careers have reached a stable and comfortable level. Our finances...a blessing indeed. Our principle and theology is very simple. Out of God come all things. God loves all of its creation.Give Him what is due Him and all things will be "added unto thee". As the bible says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it” (Malachi 3:10 NIV). We follow the spiritual law of tithing given by God to ssist us in finding abundance, fulfillment, and gratitude in our everyday lives. As we fulfill our part of the covenant by giving 10 percent to Him, He fulfills His part by continually blessing us. This is no

"Don't Judge Me: I'm not a Book!"

Borrowing the famous Melanie Marquez quote, Susan Boyle's story is an example of misjudging people because of their looks. I am writing this post as I listen to the wonderful and angelic voice of this 48-year old Scottish woman who shocked the likes of critical Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan of Britain's Got Talent. "The moment the reality show's audience and judging panel saw the small, shy, middle-aged woman, they started to smirk. When she said she wanted a professional singing career to equal that of Elaine Paige, the camera showed audience members rolling their eyes in disbelief. They scoffed when she told Simon Cowell, one of the judges, how she'd reached her forties without managing to develop a singing career because she hadn't had the opportunity. Another judge, Piers Morgan, later wrote on his blog that, just before she launched into 'I Dreamed a Dream', the 3000-strong audience in Glasgow was laughing and the three judges were suppressin

The Joy of Arriving at Home

Working 5 days a week and spending Saturdays in school is eating much of my time with my two beautiful daughters. It's a sacrifice I hope they will understand someday, but it's a challenge for me not to make it obvious and felt. Arriving at home after a busy day is always something I look forward to. This is because my cute kids always seem to be excited to see me. A shout of "si Daddy, si daddy" from the balcony by my youngest as I park my car, and a simple "daddy, daddy!" by my eldest when I walk into the house, with a matching kiss, really feels great. These are the moments that you hope to last even as they grow older. My honk is heard, a quick head turn And Sam races to the balcony... Monty stops for a while but will continue what she's doing. Lying down at the balcony Sam makes a peep by lifting the leather curtain She shouts "si daddy, si daddy" And wait for my wave of acknowledgment. Lips ready to kiss, Monty waits for

Deaths of 2009

It's the end of October and the tradition of remembering those who have gone before us is here again. Come to think of it, there are many of them this 2009. My uncle finished his race of life this year. So did Cory Aquino, Michael Jackson, Farah Fawcett and Kim Dae Jung to name a few. And, who would forget the flock who moved on through several forces of nature that manifested this year? Indeed, I think 2009 will be one of the "deadest" time in history. But it's not something that we should be sad about. Let us be reminded that each of us has a purpose in this life, each race to run, each life to live. Once it's done, it's the end of the line. We move on. It may be hard to grasp the rationale behind it but let us not waste time comprehending something we will never understand. Only God knows! As we remember then those who died this year and in the past, let us look also into our lives and see how far we've ran our race and how effective are we in f

Facebook Addiction Disorder (FAD).

MANILA - Facebook users beware. Psychologists are now probing a new kind of addiction called Facebook Addiction Disorder (FAD). Psychologist Dr. Michael Fenichel, who has published numerous writings on FAD online, describes it as a situation in which Facebook usage "overtakes" daily activities like waking up, getting dressed, using the telephone, or checking e-mail. "The amazing thing is that, like cellphones, nobody seems to notice the vast amount of time and energy - at work, at home, and now while on the move - people are devoting to Facebook. It has become a given," Fenichel writes in an online post titled "Facebook Addiction Disorder- A New Challenge?" FAD could be classified under the more broad "internet addiction disorder" or internet overuse. Academic papers have already posed theories on internet addiction and social networking addiction, and even less, cellphone addiction. "Like most activities, moderation and inte

My Wife's Birthday

Yesterday was my wife's birthday- A happy day indeed; With all the blessings, God really supplies our every need! God made this beautiful being, To be my perfect wife; I believe it is the greatest thing, That happened in my life! Five wonderful years two beautiful kids, What more is there to ask for than just give praises to our Lord.

Ondoy, Baha, Pepeng etc

This is my first post for the month and I can't help but write about the 3 most popular words in Manila these days;Ondoy, Baha and Pepeng. I was stranded in Cubao last Saturday night after the onslaught of Ondoy. Our humble abode was expectedly flooded and I was home on Sunday in time for the clean-up. Ondoy was really devastating and everyone was caught unprepared of his wrath. Whether it was caused by global warming or just plain carelessness of the urban folks, what happened made us realize how helpless we can be when nature gets back at us for all our lackadaisical ways. "Baha, baha"everywhere! I am not new to being in a flood prone area. I spent almost 20 years in a compound in Quezon City where moderate rainfall results in flooding. Now that we're living near Espana, the more it became a common sight to me. And now, Pepeng... Why do I feel that this typhoon will not be that bad as expected. I am biased by the fact that when PAGASA says there's

Desire and Hope

Today is a 'big day' for me. What happens today will spell much of my tomorrow. As always, I leave it all up to the Lord's will. Dear God, I am full of wishes, full of desires, full of expectations.. Some of them may be realized, many may not.. But in the midst of all my satisfactions and disappointments, I hope in you. I know that you will never leave me alone and will fulfill your divine promises.. Even when it seems that things are not going my way, I know that they are going your way and that in the end Your way is the best way for me! - Henri Nouwen

Time

This is a beautiful song that is very apt to my 'moving on' to the next chapter of this life. It affirms my principle that it does not matter how time flies, rather, it is what I have done with every moment of those times. Time by Billy Porter What is time? Is it the autumn leaves that change? Or the snow that floats from the sky What is Time? Is it the air we breathe? Or the wings that teach the new born bird to fly? Who can tell? I don’t know Will we change? Will we grow? What is time? Is it eternity in heaven? Or just a hope for peace on earth? Where’s the time? Gone in a blink of an eye But with every blink a birth... We live We learn We love In time We give We urn We grow In time Time for change Its time to care It’s not too late Don’t despair Reach inside your heart To find the joy and love To share with all mankind For all we know All we have Is time...

38

It’s birthday time again! Another year of my life has gone by. I am older but wiser than I used to be! Getting older is so much fun, Aside from the endless greetings Respect accorded is one notch higher. Despite the receding hairline A more mature look makes me more dashing. 38 years of a blessed life and counting... Hooray for getting older!

Respect

Respect is a lesson that everyone should learn Respect must be given before an expected return Respect is something that’s given for free Respect is about us and never about me Respect is the basis on which relationships are founded Respect is the anchor that keeps a person well grounded Respect builds the character and defines who we are Respect sets the standard and raises the bar Respect is magnanimous and helps to fulfill Respect is the partner that sits with good will Respect is like honey so sweet it’s perceived Respect is a taste to savor for when it’s received. -  by Don Wilson I am a person slow to anger. I can only remember few times when I really got so mad. One of those instances was when I was disrespected by someone I worked with. I can still remember that moment when it felt like all my blood were up in my head and smoke were coming out of my ears, literally. This morning, a smoke of anger came out of my ears again when I read one disrespectful message inte

Cancer 101

Former President Cory Aquino and an aunt of mine died of colon cancer. It is one of the few types of cancer that has a low 5 year survival rate. Speaking of cancer, here are few facts that we should know, based on the studies by Johns Hopkins University. 1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size. 2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime. 3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors. 4. When a person has cancer, it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies.These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle

Ninoy's Love: A Tribute to Cory Aquino

“I Have Fallen In Love With The Same Woman Three Times” by Ninoy Aquino I have fallen in love with the same woman three times; In a day spanning 19 years of tearful joys and joyful tears. I loved her first when she was young, enchanting and vibrant, eternally new. She was brilliant, fragrant, and cool as the morning dew. I fell in love with her the second time; when first she bore her child and mine always by my side, the source of my strength, helping to turn the tide. But there were candles to burn the world was my concern; while our home was her domain. and the people were mine while the children were hers to maintain; So it was in those eighteen years and a day. ’till I was detained; forced in prison to stay. Suddenly she’s our sole support; source of comfort, our wellspring of Hope. On her shoulders felt the burden of Life. I fell in love again, with the same woman the third time. Looming from the battle, her courage will never fade Amidst the hardships she has remained, un

Eclipse: In the Eye of God

This is the best point of view that I read regarding solar eclipses. Read on and you'll see why. Delivered on Sabbath Morning, March 14th, 1858 by the   REV. C. H. Spurgeon at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens. … In the olden times the ignorant people in England were frightened at an eclipse, they could not understand what it meant. They were quite sure that there was about to be a war, or a famine, or a terrible fire. They were absolutely certain that something fearful would happen; for they regarded it as being a prophecy of coming ills. …Hundreds of other most stupid and absurd theories are still prominently believed and held in different parts of the world, and I believe that here amongst a very great number of us, an eclipse is looked upon as something contrary to the general law of nature. Now, beloved, all that understand anything of God's works, know very well that eclipses are as much a part of nature's laws as the regular sunshine, that an eclips

High School Reunion

Last Saturday, by sheer will power and desire to reconnect, around 30 of us, classmates in high school, turned back the calendar to the years 1983 to 1987.It was a difficult thing. Though we wanted to re-create the atmosphere of Arlegui in Quiapo Circa 80's, our resources and powers were just limited and so we opted to travel back in time at a beautiful resort in Calamba, Laguna. For most of us, it was our first voyage to that era after 22 years. I must admit that I was hesitant at first because I was afraid I won't be able to recognize any of them and it will be embarrassing. It was uneasy at first but gradually , a trickle of memories became a river, immersing all of us in a flood of recollections-- all wonderful and pleasant. Time has probably erased whatever was unpleasant. We were not complete as we would have wanted to. Some of our classmates had been lost along life's journey. We who were there have shown maturity, both in looks and in thoughts. Some tried to

Be Proactive!

I frown when I meet people who do nothing to improve their lot in life. They wait for others to do it for them or just remain passive and resign to the idea that 'it's their fate!" This is the lamest excuse. We can always make our lives better. There's always a way to prevent life's challenges; a way to make burdens lighter; or a way to live life more comfortably. We just have to do something. We just have to be proactive. Being proactive is a learned skill. Being proactive is being courageous in taking risks. Being proactive is learning from one's own mistakes and learning from the mistakes of others. Being proactive is creating desired results. Being proactive is moving your self forward. Being proactive is a learned skill. When I was young, because my father died and my mother had to leave us to work abroad so that she can support me and my 6 siblings, I looked for ways to augment my very minimal allowance. I sold ice candies inside the theate

Cell Phone Etiquette

J uly is cell phone courtesy month! This is an article on cell phone etiquette. To most of us, cell phones are a life saver, but rude cell phone users are the thorns in our sides. They're pretty much anywhere that there's a cell phone signal. The thing is, we could all probably use a little primer on cell phone etiquette. After all, most people who are being annoying don't realize they're being annoying. Here are Smart Reminders: Keep a 10-foot (3 meter) distance between you and anyone else whenever you talk on your phone. No exceptions. Don't talk too loud. Generally you don't have to shout in the microphone to be heard on the other end. Don't make calls while driving, shopping, banking, waiting in line, or doing pretty much anything that involves interacting with other human beings. Don't talk on the phone in any enclosed spaces, even if you're more than 10 feet away from anyone. They can still hear you (because it's an enclosed sp

A Father's Poem on Father's day

I am a person striving to be loving and kind, Often I know what my daughters have on their minds. I know how to listen to them, I guide, and I support them. I am their best friend... I am proud of their triumphs, and when things go wrong, I remain patient and helpful and strong... In all that they do, My love will always be a part. I know that whatever happens there's always a place for me deep in their heart. And each year that passes, I'm even more glad, More grateful and proud for them to call me... dad! Thank you, Monty and Sam!!! Happy Father's Day to Me!

Going Back To School

Dear Dr. Rio Abrenica , Congratulations! On behalf of the Health Unit-Ateneo Graduate School of Business, I am very pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to the Master in Business Administration in Health Program - Batch 8 (2009). We look forward to your enrolling in the MBA in Health... There goes my acceptance letter from AGSB. It's final, I'm going back to school AGAIN.  Of my 37 years of God-given life, 23 years were spent in school. Of the 14 years remaining, 4 were spent in specialty training, 1 in post-graduate internship and a cumulative 1 year in preparing for 3 Board Examinations. So basically, I'm still on my 8th year of living a textbook free life. But I'm not complaining. Every second in that 29 years were all worth it.  There's so much to learn and I think I will never loose the appetite to take in new and exciting knowledge. I'm going back to school because I need to be the best in my position right now. And

Are you a Rich Pinoy?

Do you know that you need to be earning at least 768pesos/day or 23,000pesos per month to be classified as middle class filipino citizen? This is what the following article says. I'm sure with these figures, many will fall below. I think it's time to really ponder on becoming 'spiritual wealthy' rather than being materially rich. At least the former has only one criteria, that is FAITH! NSCB SAYS GLOBAL CRISIS TRIMMED MEDIAN-INCOME GROUP By Darwin G. Amojelar, Senior Reporter A FILIPINO household has to earn close to half a million pesos this year to remain in the middleclass, according to the National Statistical Coordinating Board (NSCB).Romulo Virola, NSCB secretary-general, said the country's middle class is likely to have shrunk in light of the global financial crisis. "In 2006, the middle income class may be defined as those families with annual income ranging from P246,109 to P2,000,072. However, in 2008, a family needed an income tha

Volunteering From The Heart

Here's an article published in the Migrants' Forum publication in Hongkong written by my eldest sister Roselma. The mission of every association defines its purposes, program activities, values and the measure of its success. All its programs and decisions stem from the beliefs and vision that are its reason for existing in the first place. For our group, it is the concept of volunteering from the heart that keeps us together, and makes our involvement in community events a worthwhile exercise. have we ever wondered how we can better foster a spirit of volunteerism within our group? How would it feel like to take part in a fund raising event to benefit homeless kids back in our country, or to help and give back to the local community in Hongkong? For many of us belonging to different Filipino organizations here, our time is precious, but it becomes more invaluable when we use it to give to others, especially in these difficult times. It doesn't cost a cent to giv