the day you should have that dirty finger…nail

First of all…HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY to all the doting and loving moms in the planet!!! It’s not an easy job…it’s actually a vocation irreplaceable of any monetary value…

But tomorrow, May 13 2013, it will be a part of history as Filipinos will be voting for the national / local elections. It ain’t just one additional holiday for you to rest and eat…

In every media avenue, we have been reminded of what to do and what NOT to do this upcoming elections. So let me just keep this short, FRANK and simple of my thoughts this elections…

If you are 18 and above but still ain’t a registered voter…I PITY YOU…It is part of our rights as a Filipino citizen to suffrage or to vote. Election day ain’t just a holiday, it’s a day of obligation too…So even if you are a tax payer, but you don’t vote…it’s no use to complain so much of what is being negatively reflected in our country.

If you’re a registered voter but frustrated to vote just because of the results…hmmm…wouldn’t it be more frustrating if you have that voice but didn’t make yourself count? Or if your vote can actually make a difference than not doing anything at all?

A dirty finger always connotes something negative for all of us. But tomorrow, having that dirty finger will lead to a better difference — the simplest but the lawful and best way to be heard.

As GMA7 said, dun lang tayo sa “DAPAT TAMA”…

credits: http://youtube.com/gmanews

things I learned from Shell

As the lead character in the movie “Life of Pi” said, “life is a series of letting go’s”. Ends can lead to new beginnings. It’s like graduating from school, now after 3 and a half years, I have let go of the company who once nurtured me and made me a part of theirs. It wasn’t an easy choice leaving a company who have taught you a lot of things and made you better. But as they say, nobody is indispensible. Well, tendering a resignation is just like breaking up with your significant other (boyfriend or girlfriend) except that it is on a professional level, of course. However, just like breaking up, the whole ‘relationship’ experience should have made you learn a lot to shape you up in the next relationship to come…So that’s actually what I am tinkering here…

1. Be safe — The moment I became part of the company, the emphasis on safety at work and outside lingered in my head. The little things like turning off monitors and placing all valuables in cabinets (when away of the workstation) to riding taxi at bays and providing the taxi’s details to a close friend (while in transit) — these things eventually became a part of my system and even shared to family and friends. Though I’m not exactly a careless individual before I came in Shell, but I just became more cautious and aware of my surroundings to minimize untoward incidents.

2. Converse with courtesy but with conviction — It’s a given fact that majority of Pinoys are courteous and apologetic. But sometimes, these traits are the ones that eat us up alive (being abused that we aren’t the type who would fight for what we know and what we believe in). Being able to work in a multi-national company with foreigners as your colleagues may not be easy at the beginning. It is such a fantasy to have very nice colleagues from other countries…well, let’s face it, not all of them are…There will always be a few who would be hard to handle, acting spoiled brats. However, my experience taught me that it’s ok to say things courteously but without sugarcoating what has to be corrected or implemented to a colleague.

3. Diversity and Inclusion; Respect others amidst differences — I guess one of the advantages of working in a multi-national or an international company (apart from being able to harness your English skills…hehe) is you learn to adjust as you work with foreigners. We may not notice but when we work with fellow Pinoys, we tend to be complacent knowing the common attitudes or ways of working. But when we work along with foreigners too, we learn to adjust (and not just them adjusting to us) from the simple how to deliver jokes / punchlines to how should we respond to emails or acting on urgent requests. In a nutshell, I learned that I shouldn’t only be dealing with people I like or I have similarities with. I learned to adjust one after the other towards people and to embrace them who are totally different from me (their beliefs, sexual preferences, food they want to eat, what time they should eat, etc).

4. Work Life Balance — When an employee is still a yuppie (young urban professional), he prioritizes on what’s after work. As years pass, especially if he assumes a higher rank, he tends to focus so much more on the working table. But in Shell, they speak of one mantra “Work-Life Balance”. There are different interpretations of this though. In my perspective (like anybody else), this is a choice — choice whether at this moment you really need to extend your working hours to accomplish deadlines or to continue the next day as there’s always tomorrow. However you alter your schedule of which becomes a priority for now, that will be your choice, your decision. I must admit there were times I really have to stick my a** in the office to finish tasks, but of course, I balance it with some uber relaxing modes during weekends, holidays and leaves. I learned it’s ok to relax once in a while cause you won’t be able to turn back the hands of time and wish you could have done everything (apart from work). In summary, kanya-kanya lang ito…

5. 3 letter Acronym, SAP! — Being the less techie that I HONESTLY AM…this one is definitely something I can never trade to have learned it in Shell. I owe them this one. Wherein most multi-national companies apply this system, it’s a plus factor if you at least know how to use it. I remember when I was being taught to use this system, I would even have to draw the icons in my notebook and list down the keys to tick step by step until I get the process. From a zero percent learning rate to this, I can honestly say it wasn’t easy for me. It took me months to finally memorize it and not browse at my notebook from time to time…hehe. And before I left, I’m thankful that I was also able to share the knowledge I got from using this thing. And also, grateful to them that they didn’t disregard accepting me just because I don’t know this.

6. Embracing changes and the unexpected — From changes of superiors and teammates, to roles and scope of works, to attending teambuilding that challenge your fears, to traveling with colleagues and learning from them…NAME IT…It’s all about being open. Way before, I used to be frustrated when things don’t go the way I wanted them to be. But thru my 3+ years in this company, it tested my way of thinking — that you just have to go with the flow and embrace whatever comes along…

7. and lastly…the tagline…MOVING FORWARD — Nobody’s perfect. As we commit mistakes, that shouldn’t let us stop right there. Unless we allow other people to keep going and be the man who can’t be moved, then ignore this last number. I guess this line was what made me go thru the company where I am now. I learned that being an employee entails not to expect so much with your employer. No company is 100% flawless. It’s how we can tolerate the imperfections that will keep us staying or leaving them…I owe a lot to this company the things I learned, but of course, it’s about time to stand up and move ahead. If this will be the start of something better or if this will lead me to a fresh start, then this is what I’m taking…

It’s been weeks since I started with my new employer and this won’t be an easy start. But because of the things I learned and more from Shell, I know everything will be just fine…

So to all of my colleagues and mentors in Shell, once again and always…THANK YOU! We shall definitely meet again…

PODFLIPSIDE: safety and customer service in stores…are they fun in Pinas?

Filipinos love to shop or to buy something…and it’s soooooooooooo given.

I, myself, am a self-confessed shopaholic (well, not that often…but lately…ehem…mahirap magexplain…haha). The moment I started working, being a part breadwinner of the family doesn’t fail me to make sure I buy something for my folks at home.

However, there are just days when you get a bad service or shopping experience and wish you shouldn’t have passed by that store. I have had those as well…I guess, nobody gets excused by that. The past few weeks I had my fair share of not so good experiences…But I’m not here to simply just bash on them…

Weeks ago, I accompanied my sister to do some shopping in a retail store. Of course, knowing that it’s just a simple errand, I wore my typical shirt and shorts. When we were inside the store, we already noticed that there’s less space for people to walk around. Passing by one of the racks, I hit one of their furniture — the table where the clothes are placed. I felt a little pain but I just ignored thinking it was a simple hit. When we were already outside the store, my sister noticed something on my leg…That’s when I found out, I didn’t just had a simple hit on the leg, but something that looks like this…

the wound i got from my leg

It took me a few days to make sure I can take a bath not bumping on that longgggg bruise *OUCH*

Weeks ago as well, me and my friend watched a movie and decided to buy some donuts for pasalubong at home. We have noticed that donuts store to be jampacked all the time. Since we saw there wasn’t much queue that night, we decided to get in the store. But to our MAJOR disappointment…we could have opted not to get in…

Due to minimal space, they could have maximized it to have more room for the employees to move in the baking and prepping of donuts area. What added to the dilemma are the people who keep changing their minds of what are they going to order and hoarding boxes and boxes of donuts [LIKE SERIOUSLY THERE'S NO TOMORROW!!!].

hoarding like there’s no tomorrow…tsk

I’m pretty sure these are just petty situations or stories compared to others’ experiences that we just ignore and let them pass. How I wish this would be the last I would share…but perhaps, maybe not…

I just really hope as our country progresses economically, so is the quality of living and quality of services consumers should truly deserve…After all, we should get what we pay for, right?

ps. If you have your fair share of not-so-good experiences that would make us fellow consumers alert or aware…or if you want to commend as well those who provided very good services, give us a buzz… =)

not all first times are good…

And before I share the story of why I mentioned that…Let me just say that I do appreciate those who keep viewing this site despite my months absence of posting. I even missed out that last Feb was the 2nd year anniversary of my blog…TSK TSK…MY BAD! =(

Since now that I’m getting that writer’s itch again, allow me to share this first time experience that I was referring to.

Months ago, I saw two of my new found galpals (via Passion Play) who joined a marathon. I saw their pics thru FB and they’ve been sharing to us that the whole marathon experience that the organizers gave were really that good. So I told myself, if they do a repeat, I would definitely join. Fast forward, they organized the second event. No more hesitations on my side, I registered. I had some expectations that I felt were just enough that if the event’s over, we would be going home happy and excited to share. Also, since it’s my first time to do a night run, I hoped for more activities towards the late night (sort of a gimik moment na ren).

Unfortunately, I’m posting this not just to bash…but to make people go for second thoughts next time before registering for a run or a marathon.

Ok, me and a lot of the fellow registrants of the event understood that the neon lights will be the ones to bring color along Bonifacio Global City that night (since it’s a night run). But, c’mon, in your first event, you even showered some powdered colors the entire run, why not at least one? At least towards the finish line? Majority of the registrants (from the whispers after the run) were expecting some splash of color since their shirts were black, so the powdered colors would be so visible.

Second, hydration is soooo important in any sporting activity. This may be a fun run — but still requires physical energy right? There were small tons of cups of water on long tables, but after the run, the hydration stations in the finish line weren’t able to offer each runner a bottle of Gatorade. They gave it in cups, but not enough for everybody? As for the food, a pack of bread, pieces of biscuit with tuna and a hotdog on stick? And how much did we pay for the event??? A whopping 800PHP?!!!

Here’s the thing. I may not be the most generous person in the world, but I know that whatever I’m joining into would be for a good cause, I go for those endeavors. But please, in organizing events and when you use the line “for charity” or “for a good cause”, make sure that you don’t just get something from the people. Make sure that they would get a little something good from you too, so that in your next events, they would never hesitate to keep coming back. In addition, events like these, which involved so much people, should be open to comments or suggestions. Don’t shut the door by just showing the satisfied. Acknowledge the minorities comments and keep that to work on further improvements next time. After all, events organizing shouldn’t be a one hit wonder. Remember the Alicia Keys’ liner, “What goes around, comes around, what comes up, must come down…”

I’ve been in two running events but this one really disappointed me. Good thing, I was with my galpals. We just took this as a learning experience (telling ourselves that our money will hopefully go a long way) and served as our bonding time.

Well, I wouldn’t need an explanation anymore, since I’ve seen comments in FB already and the organizers kept mum about this. It just made me realize to better attend events that will be handled with those who have more expertise and credibility in the industry…

To the organizers of Color Manila Night Run, sayang nga lang, sana naging magandang opportunity nyo na ito para mas makilala at mas pagkatiwalaan…

12 learnings to end year 2012

Before I start cooking for our NYE dishes, it’s about time to do a quick share of what 2012 has made me in all aspects…whether it directly involved me or it was just out in the news…

1. Refreshed of the quote: You reap what you sow…

Sad to say, sometimes, it only takes to know a person totally when they are gone…One of them was whom we called the comedy king, Dolphy. He passed away months ago but that time even just a mere couch potato like me was touched and saddened with his passing. I felt like I lost my grandparents all over again. During his wake, a lot of people — famous or just plain folks — have attested to the goodness of this man and have been inspired to become better people because of him. He broke the ideals that people thought of — the good die young.

2. As a public servant — don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…

A well loved public servant also passed months ago from a plane crash — Sec. Jesse Robredo. Because of his passing, testimonies surfaced on how noble and how humble this public official was. It only goes to show that we Filipinos may have a bad notion of government employees and officials, but there are a few good men in this field. And if only those who are still working the government would be able to keep up with the kind of attitude sir Jesse exemplified, then we might be at par again with our fellow neighboring countries in Asia.

3. Everybody’s watching your move…so act decently REGARDLESS…

This was the year that CCTV’s have been a striking necessity anywhere in the metro. Thanks to these gadgets and also the video recorders in cellphones, we somehow benefit from them. Fine, negatively, some abuse it. But this year, it was more of being able help a lot of people — catch culprits of their crimes, humiliate those who’ve done bad things against their fellowmen. So even if we say that let’s be ourselves and carefree, we still have to be responsible of our words and actions — cause everybody might be watching!

4. Not all battles are worth fighting for…

Manny Pacquiao fought twice this year and we saw how he was defeated (and cheated even on his fight against Timothy Bradley). True enough that as long as we live we have to keep fighting…but not all of those battles should be fought upfront…There are just some that one should take the proper detour and timing…Well, I know Manny won’t hear me, but I bet he deserves to drop those gloves now and pass it on to those who deserve to take their chance now…

5. The balance of quantity, quality and speed ain’t easy work on…

After 10+ years, the RH (Reproductive Health) Bill has finally been passed and is now close to being signed by our President. It took soooo long and one stiff President to finally finish a bill that could have been helping our population 10 years ago. I understand the church sentiments but again we are living on earth as humans…Faith alone wouldn’t be able to save all of us from hunger and getting our basic needs. We need to balance the quantity of the people and the quality of life they deserve in this country…NUFF SAID.

6. We will always be tested but we will never give up…

Habagat…Earthquake in Visayas…Typhoon Pablo…Typhoon Quinta

Despite the many times natural calamities and humiliations have hit us, we don’t just let ourselves give up that easily…The resilience and resourcefulness kept us going…How we wish less of these will happen for 2013 though.

7. Filipinos will never let themselves be outshined just that…There’s more to offer!!!

Bourne Legacy shot here in Manila…Thy Womb reaping recognition in film festivals abroad…Jessica Sanchez top 2 in American Idol…Janine Tugonon 1st runner up in Ms Universe…Andrew Wolfe 1st runner up in Mr World…Bryan Boy as one of the correspondents in America’s Next Top Model…Archbishop Luis Cardinal Tagle…2nd Filipino Saint – Saint Pedro Calungsod…

There’s more of that list for 2012…So despite the negativities and challenges this country is going thru, we suddenly forget them for a while and celebrate the goodness and the best we have as Filipinos.

8. Never forget to look back at your roots for what the past led you to now…

This year, I was finally able to fulfill a childhood travel I wish I could’ve done while my grandparents were still alive — travel to Corregidor. Thanks to mah galpals and Deal Grocer…hehe…I was able to look back and appreciate what my grandparents have done for this country. It may be a small deal compared to those whose names made it in our history books. Still, there’s that pride in me and appreciation that at least they got to share to me what they did in the past while they were alive back then.

Corregidor!!!

9. Do something NEW…REGARDLESS…

Months ago, I was able to join a life changing thing for me…It’s organized with one of the bloggers I avidly follow, Ms Lois Yasay. It’s called Passion Play. Thank goodness that I didn’t back out cause I gained a lot from the experience…which included doing something new to me — SURFING! Yeap! It truly tested my patience but after a gazillion attempts I was able to stand for a few seconds…WUPPEEE!!!

this won’t be the last def…nakssss

At dahil dyan, hopefully, I could try more new stuffs by 2013 — interesting and worthwhile. ^_^

10. Travel more…

This year was a no-stamped passport travel for me…I was more on local travels but all of them were such good experiences. And for 2013, one of my goals is to get that wanderlust mode back.

11. Good things come in unexpected packages…

5 words: The David Archuleta 38-day experience — need I say more…I guess that said it! My fangirl mode was sooo good for 2012. Though it’s a bit sad and I’m missing not to hear much from him, but his stay here in Manila is one of the best experiences I had in my entire life…

You can check my previous posts for recaps of those ^_^

12. Get myself back together…

This year wasn’t exactly a better year for me compared to the previous years…Don’t get me wrong I’m thankful for the things that happened, but for the aches, frustrations, self-disappointments and mishaps on my end that I could’ve done better this year, that’s why I’m feeling just on the normal level.

It was a good thing I ended up my year with my fellow fangirls nd guys for some QT with kids from an orphanage. It became an eye-opener for me that there are just some things I have to collect altogether and make me a better person coming 2013.

credits c/o my fellow Archie – Rosse

From reducing my weight (shoootttt -_-’) to a better career to trying some new stuff to wishing I can finally get to meet “the man” of my life — WELL, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE…I’ll just do my things and lift them all to God…

So to close this, I wish all of us a Blessed and Prosperous New Year for 2013 and a better one — whatever our aspirations or desires are…HAPPY NEW YEAR Everyone ^_^

Flashback Travels: Sawasdee Khap, Bangkok ^_^

Majority of Pinoys are still on the holiday and long weekend mode, so let me just reminisce a bit from 2 years back — my first out of the country trip with officemates and first trip to a different time-zoned country — to Bangkok, Thailand.

Fast Facts: Thailand is considered to be same as us [a Southeast Asian country], their time zone is one hour delayed from Manila. History dates back their country’s former name is Siam, the capital is Bangkok and they predominantly believe in Buddhism which is pretty obvious with the temples around the city. They’re into spicy food so expect more spicy condiments…

Most trips to BKK are at night and we arrived close to midnight. Upon arrival, we just went to the hotel and had our first dose of sleep in Bangkok.

We stayed at the Golden House Hotel — a very quaint, simple hotel within the city, near malls and the BTS station (Chit Lom station, to be exact).

Day 1: Temples, BTS and Shopping ^_^

We have set to follow our DYI city tour on our first day. Started with a good breakfast [except for the scrambled egg filled with green bell peppers...hehe] and a dose of Starbucks frapp before heading to our first destination. Actually, some of their famous places [if within the city only] are near BTS stations just make sure you don’t get confused with the names…

breakfast!!!

1st stop coming up…

First stop was at Saphan Taksin station and a few minutes walk to River Pier (Sathorn station) to go to the famous palaces (Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace). These places are considered holy places for Thais, so as a forewarning, DO NOT WEAR SHORTS…Otherwise, they will force you to borrow or buy their cover-ups before you can enter their premises.

Reclining Buddha

Their temperature during our visit was a bit humid soooo it’s really dang hot. Dehydrated and slight tired from walking to and fro, we still opted to our next stop…the famous mecca of bargains in Thailand — Chatuchak Weekend Market! From the palaces, we headed the same route back, except for a BTS ride this time to Mo Chit station. They sell everything as in EVERYTHING — clothes, accessories, food, novelty items, household stuff and even plants and pets! Again, to remind, this place is only open on weekends and since the market is huge each hallway has a number as reference and serves as organizer for which items you want to see and buy. But really, we ended up like joining Amazing Race cause we got confused which hallways is which. In between our shopping, we ended up with our Thai meal — Pad Thai and Mango with Sticky Rice…

Pad Thai…mmmm

We didn’t call it a day just yet…we embarked on another Thai adventure — ride the tuktuk. Though we have read thru bloggers who went there that it isn’t safe to ride tuktuk lately, we just tried for our one and only time to do so. We ended up in the night market for a little roaming, shopping, booking for local trips in a travel agency and dinner. I must say we had fun on the succeeding days, it’s just that I cannot 100% recommend relying on travel agents there. If your hotel can provide a shuttle and do the road trips with you, the better.

Day 2 – Ayutthaya and some more shopping…

Ayutthaya used to be the capital of Thailand during ancient times before it was transferred to the city of Bangkok. At present, they are one of the UNESCO heritage sites in Asia, so this was where we headed for our next roundabout.

Hmmm…can I say this day we were the bit “pasaway” gals that moment? Yes we were…We were late [yikessss...IKR] around 15-30mins from the call time of our service. Anyway, since we already paid, of course kuya driver would have no choice but to wait. It was a two-hour drive until we finally arrived on our first stop in Ayutthaya. Though it wasn’t 100% preserved as to what it looked like before, but the remains can still lead you to a sort of a flashback of how Thailand might have looked centuries ago.

temples and more of that in Ayutthaya

the famous image…

The day tour to Ayutthaya already included shuttle to and fro the city plus lunch.

After the whole day tour, we went back to the hotel just to change clothes and hydrate. We never rested and headed this time to some malls and the Pratunam area for another batch of shopping. There was a small street at the Pratunam area where they sell Thai delicacies that we can take home as pasalubong. Good thing that we were three cause they could give further discounts if you buy in bulk. However, for shopping for clothes especially for the local stalls, be forewarned that they DON’T ALLOW FITTING. So don’t just buy because you like the dress or don’t go for impulse buying cause you might end up not being able to wear it back home here in Manila.

Day 3 – Floating Market, Mayhem and Last Minute Shopping

Our last day was a trip to their floating market at Damnoensaduak. For more than a 100THB, we were able to roam around the market, buy a few more stuff and experience the heavy traffic over water…It’s nice to see though that life goes on and business is bustling on the village on water. We do have similar villages in Mindanao so it’s like being able to go to Tawi-Tawi already except that these people talk in Thai.

walang life vest, who’s not going to get a bit freaky…

It was a fun last adventure, however, we had a little not so good thing going on that day. When we were about to ride the shuttle back to Bangkok city proper, the tour guide and the driver told us we need to stop by a jewelry factory and wood factory as part of the paid tour. Since it was our last day and our time is limited to do some other stuff [our flight back to Manila was around 11pm, Bangkok time, that same day], we insisted we should just be going to the Floating Market and that was it. After further discussions [and a few smirks on our end], we were transferred to another shuttle that will already be heading back to Bangkok earlier.

In dealing with day tours there in Bangkok, be a little courteous yet cautious and persistent of the agreements you had with them. Otherwise, you will end up frustrated or disappointed. Another thing, I’m sure you may have read some reviews in riding taxis there. Be sure before you ride, you check if the driver really understood what you said or better yet have a paper handy with the name/s of the places you are heading to written in Thai. So to those who keep blabbering about the taxi drivers we have here in Manila, think again. They got some of those too in Bangkok.

Overall, the tour has been so nice and refreshing to us that we didn’t let those mini-unfortunate incidents spoil the entire 3 days. Besides, each travel brings out overflowing experiences. It’s just how you will deal with it or take it.

There are actually more places one can see, taste and feel once they are in Bangkok…Well, there’s always a room for a repeat right? ^_^

me and Ronald…McDonald =p

additional info:

Golden House Bangkok - 1025/5-9 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand.
Tel : +662 252 9535 (36, 37) Fax : +662 252 9538                                                                 E-Mail: info@goldenhousebangkok.com

Bangkok Mass Transit System

soon it will be Christmas day…

Ok I know…most adults would say do you really have to talk about it this early???

Let’s face it, after Nov 1 and 2 holidays (All Saints and All Souls Day), Christmas season resurfaces…And before we all get giddy giddy with all the merry-making, wouldn’t it be nicer to prepare ourselves spiritually and emotionally?

I’m not a fan of commercials, especially if it takes you already to dreamland while waiting for your favorite tv show to be back. Plus, I end up feeling sick seeing local actors and actresses endorsing a lot of products (anubeeehhh…wala na bang ibang tao sa Pilipinas?).

What’s the connect of Christmas and commercials? Here’s the latest commercial of Coca-Cola as we usher the Christmas season — no famous actors or actresses, not too much antics and technology-touched and best of all, it’s a very timely message for everyone…

We all go thru problems everyday and if we don’t…hmmm…then it’s your cue to after-life…But at the end of the day, it’s telling us — Be grateful with whatever blessings, big or small, come your way. We can never have everything so just appreciate what’s on your plate for now.

Recently, I admit I’ve been having some rough moments…and also, I’m an offender — at times in doubt if I’ll survive what I’m going thru and forgetting the blessings I receive and received from God…It may just be a more than a minute commercial, but the impact [that is kung isasaisip at isasapuso *as in period*] can last a lifetime…So I’m not just imparting this for a thought to my fellow readers here [close to 3k hits already...woooohooo...ambabaw...haha...THANKS!], but it’s also for me of course…

Enjoy! Advance Merry Christmas to all!

Sa kabila ng lahat, mas marami tayong dahilan para magpasalamat…

credits: CocaCola (You Tube)

the road to sainthood

Way back in high school, one of my favorite subjects SURPRISINGLY for some is Religion. I studied in a Catholic school till high school plus I’ve been serving in our parish as a choir member soooo I hope that quickly explains why twas one my faves.

Back then, I am much interested when the topic is about saints and their lives — how they lived nobly, how they made a difference and how they became instruments of the Catholic faith. During my time as a student, I wondered why out of all the saints the Church has blessed there is only one Filipino saint…Saint Lorenzo Ruiz. After so many years, finally, another Filipino saint will be added to the list — Saint Pedro Calungsod…

In a nutshell, he hailed from Cebu and worked as an altar server and missionary. He died in the hands of the foreigners while he and other church servers were spreading the word of God in the island of Guam. He died at the tender age of 17…At an age when he was supposed to be at school with friends just enjoying the time of his life (well, of course, if he can be zapped to present time), but for him, it was a serious deal of serving God thru spreading His word and good news.

He will be canonized with 6 more from different nationalities on Oct 21 (Sunday). It’s been all over the news that the whole Filipino nation and the whole Catholic community will be celebrating this very rare occasion of the Church. I, who served the church during my youth days, am very proud of this event and it brings back all the memories I had as a choir member…

Though I got a lot of questions in my head — Does someone have to experience a sacrificial or brutal death to be a saint? Do miracles have to occur for you to be a well deserved individual to the gates of heaven? — what is certain that the road towards sainthood isn’t easy and takes time. Just like those who take professional licensure exams [eg. doctors, engineers, lawyers, etc], it’s a long road and it’s a bit hard too before they get their titles. The only difference for the church, this is something spiritual — beyond earthly stuff. I’d better leave this whole sainthood process to them, but rest assured, one doesn’t have to be a sacrificial lamb to get to heaven or to do something drastic to be acknowledged.

Regardless of religion, we all know the drill to get to our final destination with the Supreme Being — do something good and pleasing to Him. Keep it in mind, heart and deed and everything will just fall into place. A little good deed can come a long way…just like how the saints did it. They were just ordinary till they got noticed and are now extra-ordinary…

The Piano Guys

Months ago, somebody from my Facebook homepage posted a link of their rendition of a classical song. Recently, they caught my attention when I saw some vids of their renditions of current songs just with the piano and the cello. However, collectively these 5 guys — Jon Schmidt, Steven Sharp Nelson, Paul Anderson, Tel Stewart and Al van der Beek — are known as “The Piano Guys”.

Their claim to fame — their music appreciated worldwide thru their 35 videos that made millions of hits via You Tube. To date, they just recently released an album in the US.

I came across their rendition of this teeny-bopper song. Well, we all know One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful”, right? Watching the first few seconds was like, what the frigging are they doing with one piano…Hmm, I’d better let the video do the talking to see what I mean…

Enjoy and just check out their You Tube site - http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePianoGuys?feature=watch or their website to keep you updated or informed - http://thepianoguys.com

PS: These guys came from Utah! TAKE NOTE! Yes, from Utah…For those who know me, you get the code right?! haha…No wonder, they’re somehow close to my heart…haha [sorry, just in a missing mode, half of a year passed since...eeeeeep] =p

one of those quick wake up calls — simple but so true…

It’s been a while, but before I really cap off this day with some zzZZ’s, I can’t help but share what happened to me this morning while heading to work…

As we pass by one of the streets in Makati, something happened to our car. We thought it was the engine but when my dad pulled over, we found out one of our tires got busted. Good thing, my dad has a spare tire and essential car tools for those quick fixes. However, he’s not getting any younger so removing the screws of the tire was ‘the’ challenge. He left me in the car for a while to get some help or a mechanic from the nearest vulcanizing shop…While waiting, some vehicles just passed by. But minutes more, there was an old man maybe in his 60′s who stopped by to check the situation. He asked what happened and I just told the gist. In a matter of seconds, without hesitation, he settled his bicycle for a while and started to help out in changing the tires. Trust me it wasn’t easy cause it took much effort from his end to change it. All I did was just pass him on the tools and check on what else he might need. Finally, when my dad came back, it was just in time that the tire was already replaced.

MY REACTION: WHEEWWWW…RELIEF!!!

It took a few seconds and force for me before the man accepted the bucks I gave. What I just said was “please take it, have a good breakfast after the good deed you did to us…and may God just bless you, sir”.

To many, it is just a typical situation in the streets or one of those usual car issues. But to me, it was a wake up call…

Those who used to see me might say that I am fine. But, honestly, for the past few months, I’ve been going thru some not so good times or moments. Of course, I don’t want to look cray cray [crazy - baliw] in front of other people that I have to look sad everyday just to show that I’m not ok. Well, I’m not here to tell what are those — a little privacy, thank you. What I can just say is that because of those not so good moments, it somehow affected my perspective on relationships towards others, beliefs, optimism — life in general.

Suddenly, I felt like I got a pat at the back from God telling me like “C’mon Carla, please believe even just a little bit that there are still good people in this world…learn and accept dealing with people regardless of who they are…be optimistic and never doubt God’s grace and power.” It was during those moments that He was making me realize that He hears my prayers and He is always with us…I know some would even question that I served in the church for so long and yet, I’ve been going thru this stage…In a nutshell, I am human — tested of strength and faith.

Sincerely, I cannot say that what happened to me this morning would change me in a snap of a finger. But now, I am sure, it can definitely change my perspectives in life and it will be one of those things that will keep me going…Hopefully, it will be the start of something better…

Thank you, Lord for what happened today…

And as the lyrics of James Morrison’s song goes (may concert hangover pa…hehe), “as it all falls down, the only way is up…”

I hope whatever we are going thru that makes us down today will lead us in the future to move up again…