Tooth and ENT Doctor

I chanced upon this blog as I was 'Googling' and I realized that I have not written any post for the past year. When the pandemic happened and I started working from home, I thought it would be the best opportunity for me to start writing again. My excitement produced 2 blog posts, but that was it. Nothing followed. Fast forward to this time. Since I have some time to spare, let me just say this regarding what's happening out there. We are all tired of the quarantine life and wish we can go back to how we live before this virus came to being. We blame the government for all the inefficiencies and lack of foresight, insight and what not. We compare our state with other countries and their seemingly better response and outcome. We all have brilliant ideas on what to do and what should be done. We cannot even agree if face shields add a layer of protection or not! But do we really have to stress ourselves with all of these? Is it even worth the energy? Do we think something go...

It is heartwarming to read how people are coming together to help and support all those involved in this war against the corona virus 19. Indeed, the blessing in this crisis is the transparency of people and the willingness to help those in need without a second thought. We have proven once again that we can care beyond ourselves. Hopefully though, this selflessness goes beyond the end of this pandemic. Giving sincerely is powerful not only for the heart but also for the mind and soul. It provides an intrinsic reward that’s far more valuable than the gift.   It’s ‘finding one’s self by losing it in the service of others. As we nest in the comforts of our home, let us continuously find ways to help others in even small and meaningful ways.

It has been 2 weeks now since I stepped out of the house because of this Covid-19 situation and despite keeping myself busy working from home, I am beginning to experience the feeling that my life is at a standstill and I am starting to wonder how long I will be able to survive this situation. I have read everything there is to read about the Covid-19, and I am religiously keeping tab of the number of cases every day. With all the mishaps and misgivings of the government and the stubbornness of the public, it seems we’re in this for a long haul. As I am now conscious of this negative feeling that is starting to creep in, I am telling myself that I need to break out from it and continue being optimistic with life. So, I searched the world wide web on how to keep my sanity during this crisis. Here are good recommendations that I found: 1. Avoid internalizing everything that is going on. Read only credible sources of information. Stay away from negative comments and per...

It's Easter Sunday! Have you ever wondered why it's called such? Why not 'Wester', 'Souther', or 'Norther'? No, it was not named because of a particular direction, although a logical mind would say that probably it was named Easter because the sun rises from the east, and the feast is all about 'rising' or 'resurrecting'. Do you know that the feast was actually named after "Estre", the pagan goddess of 'rising sun of day' whose feast was celebrated in early years on April? What an irony! A supposedly christian' feast appellated from a 'pagan' god. Because of this, Resurrection Sunday I think would be a better name to call this day, in keeping with our remembrance of Jesus' death and resurrection. That is far more worth celebrating!

As we prepare for the coming week, let us be reminded again of this powerful message. In the message "Believe and Be Restored" we considered our need to believe that what God said is true. He said the death and resurrection of Jesus was the final sacrifice for our sin, and that those who believe would receive the gift of eternal life. Clearly, our Salvation is a gift from God; "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). We did nothing to earn our Salvation and there is nothing we must now do to keep it, we simply must believe; "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Though our sins are forgiven and Jesus is 100% sufficient for Salvation - though we walk in grace and are absolutely free of condemnation - sin in our life still causes temporary separation and tension in our relationship with God. Therefore, over and over in scripture, we are called to a life of holiness: "As obedient chi...

There is nothing permanent in this life. Everything  changes and whether we like it or not,  it impacts us. But instead of denying and resisting it, we should learn  how to accept it and move on. “We need to develop the habit of looking at whatever happens through a positive mindset instead of a negative, defeatist one.” Have faith that God has a purpose in everything that happens. We need not understand what and why now, but for sure in His perfect time, we will know it and be thankful about it.

We all go through the highs and the lows of life. One moment we are loving every second, then we just want to give up on everything all of a sudden. They say that is human nature, a result of several generic, metabolic, environmental, and idiopathic factors. Whatever is the cause though, we can actually control it. It is really all in the mind. We have the power to determine what our mind focuses on. If we harbor the negative thoughts and situations, the longer we stay on the down side. If we fill our mind with good things and positivity, the faster we go up that happy state again. To do this though, a strong faith and right perspective are necessary. We should just always remember that all things work together for good for those who are called according to God’s purpose!

Today is my last day here in Laos and looking back at the past 4 days, it has been an awesome and unforgettable experience. My passion to make a difference in one person’s life has been reinforced more than ever. There is indeed a lot of needs that has to be addressed all over the world and we can do our parts in our own little ways.  Let us continue to live a life of purpose and make this world a better place for everyone.

Yesterday, the company treated us with a full course Chinese meal in celebration of the Lunar New Year. We had the traditional Yusheng, or prosperity toss, a salad consisting of strips of salmon, mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments and other ingredients. The higher you toss with your chopsticks, the more prosperous your new year will be, they say. While eating the 6 course meal, our boss handed out to each one of us a red envelope known popularly as ‘ang-pau’ with 88 Singapore dollars in it. It got me thinking, what’s with number 8? Why is it considered a lucky number? “8 has long been regarded as the luckiest number in Chinese culture. With pronunciation of 'Ba' in Chinese, number 8 sounds similar to the word 'Fa', which means to make a fortune. It contains meanings of prosperity, success and high social status.” I respect the belief and I sometimes catch myself saying ‘good luck’ to people. But our faith should put it in the right per...

After a short break and vacation to be with my girls, I am back on the bus en route to the SG office. With a wireless earphone listening to praise songs, I reminisce the weekend that was. Four days are really not enough to spend with love ones. There are too many things to do, stories to catch up and lazy moments to just hug and lie around in each  others arms. These are the precious times that we often  neglect when we are always with them. Indeed, you will never know how much you love your family unless you are away from them. 

Love is the most powerful thing in this world. It is much more than feelings, instincts or emotions. It has an unlimited reach. As Jesus says, ‘Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, soul, mind and strength”. He even demonstrated it by becoming man and dying for our sins!  Love is indeed costly. “ Real love demands sacrifice that can’t be found in self-centeredness. You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. Sacrificial love requires that we give what we value most.” So if you ask me, ‘Love can only be understood from the actions it prompts. When we bear with the failings and weaknesses of others, divine love reveals itself ( Ephesians 4:2 ). At all costs, this love compels us to give so that we alleviate the suffering of others. Instead of seeking to fulfill our emotional and physical needs (receiving), we humbly give of ourselves ( 1 Peter 3:8 –9)’.

Bus ride in Singapore never cease to amaze me. It is convenient, predictable, comfortable and relaxing. I cannot remember the last time I rode a bus in Manila but it is surely not a similar feel good experience. I can’t help but postulate on the many reasons why there’s such a big difference but there are actually just two glaring ones, systems and discipline. What can go wrong with designated bus numbers and bus stops, almost on point arrival times, passengers on queue and automated card for fares? What can go right when buses stop anytime and anywhere, and passengers flag and alight at any point they wish to?  The fact that I can write a blog post while on the bus in Singapore is proof enough that it is such a joy ride.

It has been 26 days since I courageously accepted the challenge to come to Singapore and work for a few months, alone and without my family. It is a big move considering that I haven’t lived singly for the longest time and so the anxiety and fear of having to do everything and navigating through life by myself are overwhelming. But surprisingly, despite some first day mishaps, I found myself settling quite well and easy. I guess it is because this ‘exile’, as I call it, is with a bigger purpose, more than just for career advancement. I am going to write about this wonderful journey as it happens and it is a great opportunity to go back to blogging once again.

BUSINESS MATTERS (Beyond the bottom line) By Francis J. Kong (The Philippine Star)  Updated November 2, 2014 - 12:00am   Leadership is never easy. People desire positions of high leadership without knowing the many challenges that accompany such titles. Most people equate leadership with high positions, but this is not quite the case and I do have an explanation for this.   These people are focused on the perks of leadership; they do not understand the price of leadership. When you’re a leader, all eyes are on you.   Every person makes mistakes. No one is exempted from making wrong decisions. When you were a junior, you probably got some tongue lashing or a memo.   As a leader, you get the blame for every mistake. The entire team criticizes and comments against you. Your bosses start to doubt your capabilities and you begin to doubt yourself as well.   I’ve made many bad decisions when I was building my career as an ex...

Information from The New York City Department of Health. Ebola is a severe, often fatal disease caused by a virus. A large outbreak is now occurring in three West African countries: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.   It is spread by direct contact (through broken skin or your mouth, eyes or nose) with - body fluids (such as blood, vomit, urine, feces and sweat) of a person sick with Ebola (People only become contagious after they begin to have symptoms, such as fever.) - objects soiled with the body fluids of a person sick with Ebola. - the body of a person who died from Ebola. Ebola is not spread through the air or simply by being near someone who is infected. During outbreaks, the disease can spread within health care settings if workers do not wear protective gear and take proper precautions.   The current outbreak is taking place in three West African countries: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Four cases of Ebola have been diagnosed in the U.S. The...

We need to realize that it is all in God’s timing. If we want to move things along, then show God what we’ve learned. If we are responsible with His blessings, Scripture tells us He will give us more. If we waste them, then scripture tells us He will take them away. If things seem hard, and we don’t know why, take a look at James and his example of a farmer. The farmer learns all he can about growing crops and he puts it to use. He isn’t irresponsible with the grain, or the water, or the fertilizer. He does exactly as he needs to, and then waits for God’s timing to produce his crop. You and I may not be farmers, but we might as well be. There are things in this life that we want and need. And more importantly there are things in the next life that we should be looking forward to. Without patience, we won’t see any of them. I pray a generous blessing of God’s mercy and grace on each of you. Be patient, do as God commands, and see how He blesses you for it. - From the sermon shared b...

N ine years ago today, we exchanged vows to each other before God, friends, and family.  We didn't know what will happen next and how we'll be able keep our promises. As years passed, by God's grace and mercy, we've learned how to love each other more and how we can keep our family together forever.   It may not be perfect but we fulfilled each other's purpose in life to be a lover,  a friend, a spouse, and parents to our beautiful daughters.  May God continue to bless us and strengthen the foundation of family. Happy 9th Wedding Anniversary Hon!

I have always wanted to go the United States to see and experience what everyone has been calling as the ‘land of the free’ and the ‘land of milk and honey’. I knew that this longing will come to reality because I am sure that the Lord grants the desires of our hearts in His own perfect time, according to His will and purpose. And He did!  My wife and I just returned from a 2-week opportunity to see the beauty of the East Coast, reconnect with friends and bond with her wonderful relatives. It’s Resurrection Sunday and in keeping with the real meaning of the feast, this is the best time to write about the memories of a great vacation that definitely gave me and my wife a new zest for life and a rejuvenated hope for the years ahead. I spent my first few days in Princeton, New Jersey to attend some job related meetings. My wife spent her time with one of her best friends who flew all the way from the West Coast. We had a time for dinner and shopping. One of the h...

It’s a new year and it is a good time to reflect on what we have achieved in the year that passed and what we intend to maintain and attain in the next 12 months. I don’t believe in resolutions because without firm resolve, almost always, we eventually forget about it and fail in the long run. I think the better way to do it is to take a moment and remember the significant events that happened the year before and pray for strength to avoid the failures and duplicate, or even surpass the successful ones. Truly, only by grace and mercy can we be better persons every new year that comes.

My New Year wish for all of you Is to have a year better than just new, A year of peace and bounty, In love and joy not just in money. My New Year wish for all of you Is for health that is as fresh like a dew, A year in which you can cherish All that life will bring and admonish. I am praying for you the best And God will surely do the rest, May you be blessed with His abundance and grace As the year 2013 you now face.