Learning Along The Way

Love Life

2011-11-21T03:38:00.001+08:00

A life with love will have some thorns, but a life without love will never have roses.

Perseverance

2011-11-07T03:03:00.004+08:00

Life holds no promises. It only gives us opportunities to pursue our dreams.

Despair Not

2011-10-29T13:27:00.004+08:00

Despair not! There will always be a sign of hope amidst the doom and gloom of life.

Resiliency

2011-10-25T12:41:00.000+08:00

Under a relentless wind, one must gently bend to survive...or be blown away to eternity.

Lee Kuan Yew on modern Singapore

2011-03-20T21:47:00.004+08:00

Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew on Hard Truths about how they can keep going their country, Singapore, amidst the trappings of modernity...There is so much we can learn from him.

Can Asians Think?

2011-01-21T13:10:00.002+08:00

Yes! Asians can think...

Start Where You Stand

2010-10-01T13:11:00.007+08:00

Start Where You Stand

by Berton Braley

Start where you stand and never mind the past,
The past won't help you in beginning new,
If you have left it all behind at last
Why, that's enough, you're done with it, you're through;
This is another chapter in the book,
This is another race that you have planned,
Don't give the vanished days a backward look,
Start where you stand.

The world won't care about your old defeats
If you can start anew and win success;
The future is your time, and time is fleet
And there is much of work and strain and stress;
Forget the buried woes and dead despairs,
Here is a brand-new trial right at hand,
The future is for him who does and dares,
Start where you stand.

Old failures will not halt, old triumphs aid,
To-day's the thing, to-morrow soon will be;
Get in the fight and face it unafraid,
And leave the past to ancient history,
What has been, has been; yesterday is dead
And by it you are neither blessed nor banned;
Take courage, man, be brave and drive ahead,
Start where you stand.

*Picture above is from Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Little Drummer Boy

2010-08-14T14:20:00.002+08:00

Amazing drum skill for a kid... Sit back and smile.

Focus On The Solution

2010-07-04T20:52:00.005+08:00

"...You're focusing on the problem. You focus on the problem, you can't see the solution. Never focus on the problem...See what no one else sees, see what everyone else chooses not to see on a fear of conformity and laziness...See the whole world anew each day."

*A clip from the movie "Patch Adams"

Gracias!

2010-06-26T13:48:00.002+08:00

"Gracias" sólo puede ser una palabra siete letras, pero significa mucho para mí y mi familia. Puede que nunca se sabe lo que usted nos ha ayudado. Déjeme decirle, "Este techo sobre nuestras cabezas, nos dio la dignidad como una familia ..." ("Gracias" may only be a 7-letter word but it means a lot to me and my family. You may all never know how much you have helped us. Let me tell you, "This roof-over-our-heads gave us dignity as a family..."

...The family will now move to the new house on the right from the old house on the left...Every house built is a learning and rewarding experience. It brings us all back to the harsh realities of life and makes us reexamine our priorities.

To the beneficiaries: "Thank you for giving us the opportunity to help."

Rock Me Baby

2010-06-15T14:12:00.006+08:00

=) Close your eyes and enjoy some good old Blues music from 4 remarkable performers.

"...Rock me baby, honey, rock me slow
Yeah, rock me pretty baby, baby rock me slow
Want you to rock me baby, till I want no more..."

BB King+Eric Clapton+Buddy Guy+Jim Vaughn = Awesome Music!

"Painful" Independence Day

2010-06-13T19:24:00.024+08:00

"'Painful' Independence Day as Abu Sayyaf Beheads 3 Loggers", one banner headline of a news company states.

It is indeed a sad day (June 12 - Philippine Independence Day) not only for the victims' families but also for the entire province of Basilan in Southern Philippines. This kind of story has been going on for so many years now and it seems endless - a true human tragedy. Worse, some residents are losing hope on whether they will still be able to experience living in a peaceful community.

But who is the real enemy? Is it solely the tandem of the Abu Sayyaf and JI group? Is it poverty? Is it the prevalent social injustice in the area?

Sometime in 2007, in a study paper I wrote, I cited three (3) basic observations in fighting ASG-JI in the Southeast Asian region and I would like to partly quote them here humbly for the sake of academic discussion:

"...The complex nature of the problem entails a comprehensive approach. ASG-JI partnership thrives in the exploitation of communal issues like economic and political neglect of Muslims by their governments. Utilizing everyday issues and mixing them with misplaced religious ideas and teachings lures new and younger generation of Muslims to join their cause. Being such, this writer posits the following observations and recommendations in combating terrorism and the ASG-JI partnership in Southeast Asia:

1. Steady pursuit of social, economic, and political reforms to achieve people empowerment. This can be achieve by advancing political reforms that protects individual rights, by promoting broad cultural or ethnic understanding to reduce animosities in the area or in the region, and by vigorously pushing for economic development that will benefit everyone in the community. With this approach, concerned governments will make their constituents feel that they are indeed valuable members in nation-building and have a better future than engaging in violence;

2. Institutionalizing programs for reconciliation, reintegration, and rehabilitation for everyone. By creating an atmosphere of reconciliation and rehabilitation, everyone is given a chance to reform and once again rejoin mainstream society. This aura of “second chance” reduces tendencies for anyone to become hardcore radicals as they see a way out if they choose. Likewise, such program confronts the terrorists’ “philosophy of hate”; and,

3. Increasing regional cooperation by the governments of Southeast Asia and other allies. Established regional organization such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) can be used as springboard for further cooperation especially on security and political issues in the region. And for economic development, the Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia Philippines - East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) may be utilized to hasten economic growth especially in depressed areas where terrorists thrive and hold sway over the residents..."

I do not claim to be an expert on ASG-JI nor possess the right solution but the foregoing is my honest observation to the problem that has been plaguing the region particularly the Basilan-Sulu-Zamboanga area.

As a peace-loving citizen, it is my fervent wish that this economically-debilitating problem be resolve the soonest time before our fellow Filipinos finally lost confidence in any peace effort and government initiatives. I dread the day that residents will take the law into their own hands simply to defend themselves...it will be chaos for sure.

Live Life

2010-05-23T19:01:00.000+08:00

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is bliss, taste it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is life, fight for it.

- Mother Teresa

Peace Through Music

2010-05-16T17:52:00.005+08:00

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." - Mother Teresa

GO OUT AND VOTE WISELY!

2010-05-10T09:23:00.003+08:00

Today (Monday), the nation's citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status, decide who will be conferred authority to run the affairs of government in the next few years.

At stake in today's elections are more than 18,000 elective positions - local Councilors, the City/Municipality Mayor and Vice Mayor, Provincial Board Members, Vice Governor and Governor, district and party-list Representatives, 12 Senators, the Vice President, and the President.

We call on all voters to make their choices very carefully. The choice of who to vote for must be borne out of a careful assessment of the character, competence, and track record of those who are contending.

The people who will be placed in positions of power must have the skills to govern and the character to be responsive and responsible.

Beyond voting, we encourage every elector to vigilantly watch the conduct of the elections. In these historic elections, the first in which we will have automated counting of votes, there are bound to be some problems. However, with election inspectors, independent and partisan watchers, and a vigilant public, there should be no cause for worry.

What separates democratic from non-democratic systems is the power vested in the citizenry to choose their officials. This power is conferred on every Filipino voter today. Let us take on this responsibility.

GO OUT AND VOTE WISELY!

Source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/mb/20100509/tph-go-out-and-vote-wisely-2d4f68f.html

Failure of Elections

2010-05-05T17:16:00.008+08:00

Inq7.net reported, "In a research note, Barclays Capital estimated a 10-percent chance of election failure, 30-percent chance of a smooth election, and 60-percent chance of a “bumpy ride” which sees some delays and unrest but eventually produces a credible result."

It's interesting to know that there seems to be a positive research result regarding the conduct of the first ever automated Philippine 2010 National Elections on May 10, 2010. But the inquisitor in me still wants to ask, "How bumpy is a "bumpy ride"? Will the "bumpy ride" makes most of us too dizzy not to notice some groups going berserk up to the point of running this country aground but to their advantage?" ...I hope not.

Let's all be vigilant.

Rodrigo Y Gabriela

2010-04-29T12:56:00.007+08:00

Everytime I watch Rodrigo y Gabriela, I want to run straight into the wilderness and hide inside a cave with only water and my guitar until I reach their level of guitar mastery!!

Freakin' genius indeed.

Lee Kuan Yew on Singapore and Democracy

2010-04-26T19:55:00.006+08:00

"If you don't have economic development, what are we talking about?", said Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.

Mr. Lee is one strong and effective leader whom I respect much. He has painstakingly led Singapore to become a successful multi-racial nation state inspite of seemingly insurmountable odds stacked against them from the very beginning.

Can Philippine leaders learn from Lee Kuan Yew? ...Certainly yes.

To learn more about the wisdom of this exemplary leader-statesman, please take time to watch the following video:

Life Is Wonderful

2010-04-21T12:45:00.008+08:00

Yes! Though life is full of twists and turns, it is still wonderful.

"...And it takes no time to fall in love
But it takes you years to know what love is
And it takes some fears to make you trust
It takes those tears to make it rust
It takes the dust to have it polished

Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
Ah la la la la la la life goes full circle
Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
Ah la la la la

It takes some silence to make sound
And it takes a lost before you found it
And it takes a road to go nowhere
It takes a toll to show you care
It takes a hole to see a mountain

Ah la la la la la life is wonderful
Ah la la la la la life is meaningful...."

*("Life is wonderful" by Jason Mraz)

Where Do We Go From Here?

2010-04-07T14:21:00.007+08:00

"We are poor because our elites have no sense of nation." - F. Sionil Jose, Filipino Novelist

Watch this...

...Now, open the following (few) video links and ponder on the possible future of the Philippines with the kind of government officials and political leaders we currently have:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZaVFghl2pc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6RqJw7r9VU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1VfqRLfcXU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsqB9YVPI3Q&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJX2x_j5UoU

Iskolar Ng Bayan?

2010-03-30T12:37:00.018+08:00

Students set fire to desks and take over the main buildings at PUP to protest tuition fee increases (Photo by Kabataan Partylist).

Geezz!!...What right these student-protesters have destroying those much-needed school equipment of a cash-strapped State University? Are these the so-called "Iskolar Ng Bayan"* that we, taxpayers, spend for to educate? Are they really scholars-in-training or just plain hooligans-in-school wasting much-needed government resources? Is violence the only method they know to air their grievance/s? Did their smart-minds run out of civil means and constructive ideas?

If this is the kind of "iskolar-ng-bayan" we have, I'm now slowly beginning to doubt the future of the Philippines.

Read:
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx articleId=562580&publicationSubCategoryId=64
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=563127&publicationSubCategoryId=64

*Iskolar ng Bayan - government/nation/people's scholar

Spiderman Jr.

2010-02-17T23:27:00.001+08:00

Spiderman Junior at his best!

Life

2010-01-30T20:10:00.000+08:00

This I learned today: "Life is not about every breath we take each moment. But rather, it's all about moments that take our breath away."

Social Entrepreneurship And Community Security

2010-01-27T20:37:00.008+08:00

I believe that what Root Capital has done for the coffee growers of Tanzania can also be replicated in the Philippines (or most likely, there are already ongoing business models here of the same kind). Our government, in partnership with local and foreign social entrepreneurs, should take a serious look into this socio-economic development shift. It should give its strong support to this economically-empowering initiative. Helping marginalized communities is for the interest of everyone because economically-able citizens become even more responsible stakeholders who will do their best to keep their communities safe and secure for everybody. After all, who would want to destroy the peace and not enjoy the fruit of their labors?

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Meet Willy Foote. William Foote was an investment banker during the Latin American growth years of the early 1990s. After the peso was devalued in 1994, he spent two years in rural Mexico studying and writing about the financial crisis and its effects on rural people and the environment. He founded EcoLogic Finance (now Root Capital) to provide loans of between $25,000 and $500,000 to small and medium-sized enterprises working in sustainable agriculture and fisheries, wild-harvested products, certified wood and ecotourism. Since inception, Root Capital has made 550 loans valued at over $120 million to rural producers in Latin American, African and South Asian countries, with a 99 percent repayment rate. Its has also provided financial training to 55 grassroots businesses representing 27,000 small-scale producers.

Political-Neglect and the Philippine Communist Insurgency

2010-01-25T20:04:00.033+08:00

At the rate our Philippine political leadership is moving, I doubt that the local communist insurgency problem (represented by the CPP/NPA) will be solved the soonest possible time. It has been decades since the current Philippine insurgency started to wreck havoc on the lives of many Filipinos but until now the government has not found apt solution to it. The government, I hope not, seems to rely more on the military to solve the problem alone. If true, it is idiotic because the military is only an integral part of the whole political spectrum. Military action, though essential to counterinsurgency, has limited impact to the insurgency problem in general.

Insurgency is a political act. It is a war of ideas, a battle of wits and not military might. Whether we like it or not, insurgents have valid causes to fight for but they just do it the wrong way. Corrupt politicians, real injustice suffered, poverty, etc. are only some reasons why people are enticed to join the insurgency. The foregoing ills are political in nature and therefore requires a political solution. But how do our political leaders respond to the insurgency challenge? ...Send the military to deal with the problem alone! Political inaction to insurgency is a slow and agonizing death to us in the lower echelons of Philippine society.

Some years ago in the hinterlands of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges, we came across an isolated hut. We knew there were people inside. We called them out so they will know of our presence. No response. We got anxious. We circled the hut and behind was an open door. I entered first and yes, there were five persons inside - a family. Three little kids were huddling around the fire in the kitchen. They all have yellowish eyes and skin. They were shivering, and it was noontime! Their father was lying down covered by a worn out home-made blanket while the mother seems to be preparing their camote meal. She was oblivious to our presence, or maybe seems not to care about us. I asked and came to know that they were all suffering from malaria. The reason they were all shivering! We end up giving most of our first aid medicines especially puritabs, part of our food supply and small amount of cash.

How many Filipino families are like them? The experience is one of the many situations that I encountered over the years throughout the Philippines. The sorry-state of our fellows in the rural areas is a fertile ground for insurgents to gain new members. People are easily recruited not because they believe in the ideology of the insurgents but due to the fact that they have no opportunity to move forward economically. They see the insurgent movement as their only way out of the grinding poverty. Joining the insurgency gives them at least a semblance of power and influence in their community. Yes, the same kind of power that was used to oppress them.

The political-neglect that our government leaders have perpetuated over the years is consistently fuelling the insurgency and continuously destroying millions of lives. Unless there is improved governance and a sustained significant economic development in the countryside, the insurgency will continue and the 2010 deadline set by the current government to stamp out the communists' insurgency is improbable. Remember, "Insurgents do not need to crush any sitting government, they (insurgents) only need to outlast them (gov't)."

Promisingly, there are now well-meaning government officials and civilian leaders who better understand the country's insurgency situation and they are doing their best in their own sphere of influence. Unfortunately, their piecemeal effort has limited effect. It will not address the insurgency problem in its entirety. A massive and unified effort from the national leadership is needed to have a significant positive impact to the problem.

So I ask, "How many more years of insurgency are we going to endure? How many more lives will be lost? As citizens, are we not going to make our political leaders accountable for their inaction to the problem?"

Commitment

2010-01-24T18:26:00.008+08:00

Some people say "commitment" is crippling because it bounds us to one thing, it ties up to the subject of our commitment, it restricts us from other pursuits. I disagree. I say, commitment is truly liberating, it makes life meaningful. It makes us free from doubts clouding our minds, it frees us from fear of the unknown. The act makes us more productive as persons...To commit to something or someone is a distinctively human thing to do. Commitment makes us focus on things, on causes, or persons who matter to us most.

Without commitment, we will be like a boat that does not know its bearings in the middle of a rough sea.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T08:10:00.005+08:00

Happy New Year to everyone! ...Live best, laugh often, love much.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T20:10:00.005+08:00

A very nice video for the holidays to remind us of our greatest "joys" in life - our families, friends, and all things that are seemingly inordinate but truly significant to us... Merry Christmas to everyone!

Simply Thinking Aloud (2)

2009-12-18T22:27:00.002+08:00

"Is it not better if we think more of what we have instead of what we want?...To do so, I believe, is less stressful and life becomes more enjoyable."

Election 2010 Opening Salvo!

2009-11-24T13:40:00.016+08:00

Gruesome massacre! ...Another senseless, stupid act brought upon by Philippine-style politics.

Click: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091124-238026/Bodies-pulled-out-from-shallow-gravespolice

Simply Thinking Aloud

2009-11-09T14:48:00.012+08:00

"As mere mortals, we cannot do everything nor turn back the hands of time but we can choose our priorities to make our lifetime worthwhile. Our values are excellent guideposts to determine our priorities and eventually, our own personal happiness."

Huh?!

2009-11-07T15:08:00.003+08:00

Carpool anyone?

What Soft Drinks Are Doing To Your Body?

2009-11-03T12:16:00.011+08:00

Allow me to share you the article below as I find it relevant taking into consideration the recent study (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091029-232942/49M-Filipinos-risk-contracting-diabetes) that lots of young Filipinos risk contracting Type-2 Diabetes now. The following article could partly answer the recent surge of diabetes cases among Filipinos.

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What Soft Drinks are Doing to Your Body
By Dr. Maoshing Ni

Soda, pop, cola, soft drink — whatever you call it, it is one of the worst beverages that you could be drinking for your health. As the debate for whether to put a tax on the sale of soft drinks continues, you should know how they affect your body so that you can make an informed choice on your own.

Soft drinks are hard on your health.

Soft drinks contain little to no vitamins or other essential nutrients. However, it is what they do contain that is the problem: caffeine, carbonation, simple sugars — or worse, sugar substitutes — and often food additives such as artificial coloring, flavoring, and preservatives.

A lot of research has found that consumption of soft drinks in high quantity, especially by children, is responsible for many health problems that include tooth decay, nutritional depletion, obesity, type-2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Why the sugar in soft drinks isn’t so sweet?

Most soft drinks contain a high amount of simple sugars. The USDA recommendation of sugar consumption for a 2,000-calorie diet is a daily allotment of 10 teaspoons of added sugars. Many soft drinks contain more than this amount!

Just why is too much sugar so unhealthy? Well, to start, let's talk about what happens to you as sugar enters your body. When you drink sodas that are packed with simple sugars, the pancreas is called upon to produce and release insulin, a hormone that empties the sugar in your blood stream into all the tissues and cells for usage. The result of overindulging in simple sugar is raised insulin levels. Raised blood insulin levels beyond the norm can lead to depression of the immune system, which in turn weakens your ability to fight disease.

Something else to consider is that most of the excess sugar ends up being stored as fat in your body, which results in weight gain and elevates risk for heart disease and cancer. One study found that when subjects were given refined sugar, their white blood cell count decreased significantly for several hours afterwards. Another study discovered that rats fed a high-sugar diet had a substantially elevated rate of breast cancer when compared to rats on a regular diet.

The health effects of diet soda

You may come to the conclusion that diet or sugar-free soda is a better choice. However, one study discovered that drinking one or more soft drinks a day — and it didn’t matter whether it was diet or regular — led to a 30% greater chance of weight gain around the belly.

Diet soda is filled with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, or saccharin. These artificial sweeteners pose a threat to your health. Saccharin, for instance, has been found to be carcinogenic, and studies have found that it produced bladder cancer in rats.

Aspartame, commonly known as nutrasweet, is a chemical that stimulates the brain to think the food is sweet. It breaks down into acpartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol at a temperature of 86 degrees. (Remember, your stomach is somewhere around 98 degrees.) An article put out by the University of Texas found that aspartame has been linked to obesity. The process of stimulating the brain causes more cravings for sweets and leads to carbohydrate loading.

Carbonation depletes calcium

Beverages with bubbles contain phosphoric acid, which can severely deplete the blood calcium levels; calcium is a key component of the bone matrix. With less concentration of calcium over a long time, it can lower deposition rates so that bone mass and density suffer. This means that drinking sodas and carbonated water increases your risk of osteoporosis.

Add in the caffeine usually present in soft drinks, and you are in for even more trouble. Caffeine can deplete the body’s calcium, in addition to stimulating your central nervous system and contributing to stress, a racing mind, and insomnia.

Skip the soda and go for:

• Fresh water

Water is a vital beverage for good health. Each and every cell needs water to perform its essential functions. Since studies show that tap water is filled with contaminants, antibiotics, and a number of other unhealthy substances, consider investing in a quality carbon-based filter for your tap water. To find out more about a high-performance filtration system, click here.

On the go? Try using a stainless steel thermos or glass bottle, filled with filtered water. Enhance the flavor of your water with a refreshing infusion of basil, mint leaves, and a drop of honey.

• Fruit Juice

If you are a juice drinker, try watering down your juice to cut back on the sugar content. Buy a jar of organic 100% juice, especially cranberry, acai, pomegranate, and then dilute three parts filtered water to one part juice. You will get a subtle sweet taste and the benefit of antioxidants. After a couple of weeks, you will no longer miss the sweetness of sugary concentrated juices.

• Tea

Tea gently lifts your energy and has numerous health benefits. Black, green, white, and oolong teas all contain antioxidant polyphenols. In fact, tea ranks as high or higher than many fruits and vegetables on the ORAC scale, the score that measures antioxidant potential of plant-based foods.

Herbal tea does not have the same antioxidant properties, though it is still a great beverage choice with other health benefits, such as inducing calming and relaxing effects.

If tea doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth, try adding cinnamon or a little honey, which has important health benefits that refined sugar lacks. For a selection of healthy teas that promote total body wellness, click here. Drink up!

I hope you find the ways and means to avoid soft drinks. I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

Source: http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/20270/what-soft-drinks-are-doing-to-your-body/

Where do I go from here?

2009-11-01T10:35:00.022+08:00

"Where do I go from here? What lies ahead for us?" seem to be the questions boggling the mind of the man in the picture below while he scans the devastation brought by Typhoon "Santi". From corrupt politicians to Typhoon "Ondoy" to "Pepeng" to "Ramil" and now "Santi", it seems that Filipinos will have no respite from endless natural calamities and human tragedies. Worse, there is one more frightening and perennial man-made calamity waiting to sow mayhem (as history tells us) in the near future...it is the Philippine National Election in May 2010. But I hope it will be different this time. I wish it will be the beginning of a better Philippines.

'SANTI’ NO SAINT A man sits on his bamboo bed stunned over what’s left of his house in Lupang Arenda in Taytay, Rizal, after the area was hit Saturday by strong winds and big waves spawned by Typhoon ``Santi'' . (EDWIN BACASMAS/www.inquirer.net)

A Better Man

2009-10-30T14:29:00.009+08:00

Yeah! One of my favorite songs. Enjoy! ..."A Better Man" by Keb' Mo'

Visit: http://playingforchange.com/

Pacquiao - Cotto 24/7

2009-10-27T11:44:00.009+08:00

Go PacMan!

A Prayer For My Servant-Soldier

2009-10-21T22:16:00.011+08:00

The following prayer was sent to me few years ago and I have kept it as a treasured one ever since. I believe it is an apt prayer for those who have family members and friends who are in the military service. Please allow me to share it to you.

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A Prayer For My Servant-Soldier

“Dear Lord, I thank you for the special call you have for my servant-soldier. I thank you more because he has willingly given himself to his country, his duty. I commit him to you everyday. I believe that you know him in a way none of us do.”

“His duties, daunting as they are, may cause him to become physically and emotionally drained. Lord, when he feels this way, when he feels the world is so heavy upon him and his heart burdened, I pray that Your promise be made known to him - that anyone who comes to You will find rest.”

“When he gets disillusioned, lead him to You and mend his inner strength. When he feels fear, be his courage, his fortress, his shield, enlighten him that every battle is not only his but Yours too. When he is alone and find no one to bare his soul, let him feel that You can be anyone he wants You to be - a friend, a brother, a father. When he is tempted to fully believe that all he can have is the sweet taste of a moment’s love, may You remind him that there is one love that last for more than a lifetime - Your love.”

“And when all prayers have been offered and things still don’t turn out the way I want them to be, I will still keep faith in You for I am certain that You will never forsake us."

"I will find comfort in knowing that You understand what is best for him. I will sleep peaceably every night assured that you love him more than I can. And as always, dear Lord, please make my beloved soldier safe from harm so he can come home soon and enjoy the fruit of his labor – peace to our community. Amen.”

Break The Ice!

2009-10-13T14:41:00.004+08:00

Let's see if you can hold your laughter with this video...

How To Help Tropical Storm "Ondoy" Victims

2009-09-28T13:58:00.015+08:00

Click on these links:

Tim Garcia Wails

2009-09-14T06:17:00.004+08:00

Folks, allow me to share this amusing(?) blog story to you. Ponder, analyze, swallow, or whatever you may want to think or do with the message it conveys...but still keep your cool.

Click on this link: http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-09-11/fashions-night-on-probation/

One blog reader named-FlipNFlip has this to say:

"Mr. Davis, if your purpose in writing this blog is to initiate a sympathy campaign on the plight of Tim Garcia, then you are a sad little man in the middle of New York. But if you wrote this to tell the world how a frivolous little boy wails at the loss of his freedom amidst the fashion brands that adorn his home - thank you very much.

For those who take the sympathy side of this sad little princess - Mr. Garcia is the son of a lowly paid general in a third world country called the Philippines, a former colonial territory of the United States that was bought by Washington as a reparation from Spain. Garcia is the son of a General who takes home a pay of little less than US$ 500.00 a month.

The Philippines has a population of 90 million, a third of US population and nearly half earns less than 3 to 4 dollars a day. The father who is a controller meaning handled financial transactions for one of the poorly equipped and underpaid Armed Forces in the world is facing bribery charges pocketing purchases. As the butterfly son wails over his lost little freedom, an ankle monitor by his branded leather boots, soldiers of the Philippine army is fighting in wet and dangerous jungles fighting Communist insurgents and Islamic extremists with their worn out boots, dying to help stop terrorists who are part of the group who destroyed your World Trade Center eight years ago.

Fifty percent of the 90 million Filipinos are below the poverty line, nearly 5 million are abroad trying to earn money to send home and feed their families. You would see a Filipino possibly serving your coffee, driving your cab there in New York, or perhaps cleaning the toilet of your hotel, maybe even caring for your bleeding noses at the general hospital downtown.

If there will be any sad sympathy for this little sad confused boy - America hates Maddof so much, what your financial guru did is nothing compared to what Garcia and his family has done to people in the Philippines - people are dying here because money needed to feed and care for people here have to give it up because of the frivolous lifestyle of this Tim Garcia. If there is any truth to the American fairness and justice, this little prick whining over his incarceration is like a puss leech who eats the blood, flesh and soul of his countrymen.

Now, in parting, does Tim Garcia and his family have any real wealth to spend and act like royalties? No! The family who lives in Trump Plaza declared that the only property they ever have in the Philippines is a small bungalow house that even New York sewer rats would hate to live in. Unlike most who leave aliases here .. my name is Allan de los Reyes and one of my relatives is a front line soldier who died in the island of Mindanao fighting Islamic extremists, died poor with little benefit left for a service to the Philippines and for America's freedom!"

Related Stories:

Renegades, Not Robots

2009-09-09T13:07:00.014+08:00

Military officer Major Dennis Eclarin of the Philippine Army captivates the audience, the WhyNut community, with his topic Renegades, Not Robots. Debunking all stereotypes and biases we normally have towards military officers, Dennis shares his vision on progressive nationalism and democracy through his own brand of renegade-ism (Link: http://www.whynotforum.com/)

*This thought-provoking talk was delivered on August 22, 2009 at the Ayala Museum during the event sponsored by WHY NOT? Forum under the theme, "Why Not A REIMAGiNATION?"

Clan Violence: Rido in Mindanao

2009-08-31T23:32:00.003+08:00

"Rido" (clan violence) is a perennial and tragic occurrence in Mindanao especially in Muslim communities. It affects not just members of warring parties but the entire community. It hampers peace and development not only in the conflict area but beyond it. Simply put, "rido" is a malady that has a debilitating impact to our country.

To understand more about "rido", please click on this link: http://www.balaymindanaw.org/bmfi/essays/2007/02rido.html

No More Trouble...please

2009-08-28T14:40:00.001+08:00

http://www.playingforchange.com/ - As we made our way around the world we encountered love, hate, rich and poor, black and white, and many different religious groups and ideologies. It became very clear that as a human race we need to transcend from the darkness to the light and music is our weapon of the future. This song around the world features musicians who have seen and overcome conflict and hatred with love and perseverance. We dont need more trouble, what we need is love. The spirit of Bob Marley always lives on.

This is the fourth Song Around The World video released from the CD/DVD Playing For Change: Songs Around The World and the follow up to the classics "Stand By Me," "One Love" and "Don't Worry." This unforgetable track was performed by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it traveled the globe.

Order the CD/DVD Playing For Change Songs Around The World" now at amazon.com!
http://tinyurl.com/c6mhgd

The Playing For Change "Songs Around The World" CD/DVD is also available at your neighborhood Starbucks and everywhere music is sold.

Order the "War/No More Trouble," "Stand By Me," "Don't Worry," and "One Love" videos and the new Songs Around The World album now at itunes!
http://tinyurl.com/pfcitunes

Sign up at http://playingforchange.com for updates and exclusive content. You can also buy cool stuff in our new online store!

Join the Playing for Change Online Street Team at:
http://ufanz.com/teams/playingforchange

Join the movement to help inspire people from around the world to come together through music.

Corazon C. Aquino (1933 - 2009)

2009-08-01T23:20:00.001+08:00

Thank you, President Cory...You're one of a kind.

People Power's Philippine Saint: Corazon Aquino, 1933-2009

By Howard Chua-Eoan

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1914125-1,00.html

The arc of Corazon Aquino's life lent itself to maxims, but two hard-nosed ones seem particularly worth pointing out. First, political sainthood is a gift from heaven with a Cinderella deadline — once past midnight, you are a pumpkin. Second, personal virtues are never a guarantee of effective or successful governance. What was truly shocking about Aquino's tumultuous six-year term as President of the Philippines was that those maxims proved untrue. Midnight always threatened Aquino but never struck; and she was a good woman whose goodness alone, at the very end, was what proved enough, if only by an iota, to save her country.

The exact opposite was foretold by the husband whose murder she vowed to avenge and whose political legacy she promised to preserve. Anyone who succeeded Ferdinand Marcos, Benigno Aquino declared, would smell like horse manure six months after taking power. The residual effects of the dictatorship of Marcos and his wife Imelda, he said, could guarantee no success — only disaster, despair and failure. (See Aquino's life in photos.)

But after a popular rebellion in 1986 overthrew Marcos and proclaimed her President in his stead, Benigno Aquino's widow lasted more than six months; indeed, she lasted her entire six-year term. Furthermore, she retained a whiff of sanctity even as her government rotted, even as Filipinos worked hard to prove George Orwell's aphorism that saints are guilty until proven innocent. As Aquino ruled, every month seemed to diminish the political miracle of her astonishing rise to power, but she survived. And her survival guaranteed the continuation of democracy in her homeland. (Read TIME's 1986 Woman of the Year cover story on Aquino.)

The Philippines is still a raucous political hothouse. And every now and then it seems to return to the brink. But the dire days of deadly coup plots are over. Corazon Aquino died a revered figure, after an excruciating struggle with colon cancer, in a hospital in the Philippines.

Corazon Cojuangco was born into one of the wealthiest families in the islands. Fated to be married off in one dynastic match or the other, she was courted by and fell in love with Benigno Aquino Jr., a brilliant and ambitious journalist turned politician whose own family was as illustrious though not quite as wealthy as her baronial clan. The marriage would help propel Benigno's career even as "Cory" was a cipher at his side, the high-born wife whose social ministrations at smoke-filled political sessions flattered her husband's supporters. Benigno's popularity soon challenged Ferdinand Marcos, who had been elected President in 1965. And so, when Marcos assumed dictatorial power in 1972, he threw his rival into jail. Corazon then became her husband's instrument, smuggling messages out of prison and raising funds for the opposition. But as long as he lived, she was merely an extension of Benigno Aquino.

All that changed on Aug. 21, 1983, when Benigno Aquino returned to the Philippines after three years of exile in the U.S. only to be shot dead even before he could set foot on the tarmac of Manila's international airport. Filipinos were outraged, and suspicion immediately fell on Marcos. At Benigno's funeral, mourners transformed Corazon into a symbol. (Read TIME's 1986 Woman of the Year cover story on Aquino.)

The devout and stoic Roman Catholic widow became the incarnation of a pious nation that had itself suffered silently through more than a decade of autocratic rule. Millions lined the funeral route and repeated her nickname as if saying the rosary: "Cory, Cory, Cory." If she had agreed to let the massive demonstrations of outrage pass in front of Malacañang Palace, said Vicente Paterno, a Marcos official who would later be her ally, "that could have toppled Marcos." But it would be nearly three years before she would learn to take advantage of her power. Instead, she concentrated on the fractious opposition, using her moral influence to help it choose a leader to oppose Marcos.

Filipinos saw her as that leader, but she declined the role until November 1985. It was then that a Marcos-controlled court acquitted the military men accused of killing Benigno. Marcos then decided to hold a snap presidential election to reaffirm his mandate.

Though hampered by the government's near monopoly of the media, the Aquino campaign attracted millions of fervent supporters, all decked out in yellow, the reluctant candidate's favorite color. And when Marcos cheated her of victory in the February 1986 vote, the outcry was tremendous — and his doom was sealed. Bearing witness to their political allegiance, the millions who crammed the streets to protect reformist soldiers who had mutinied against Marcos chanted the now familiar mantra: "Cory, Cory, Cory." Nuns armed only with rosaries knelt in front of tanks, stopping them in their tracks.

By way of 24-hour cable news, the world witnessed four days of the military-civilian rebellion, a preview of similar uprisings that would later shake out the autocracies of Asia, Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. And then, in a sweep of U.S. helicopters, Marcos was whisked off to exile in Hawaii and Aquino was proclaimed President of the Philippines. It was a most astonishing political story. TIME named her Woman of the Year at the end of 1986, the first female to hold TIME's annual distinction on her own since the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth in 1952.

To govern the Philippines, she would need all the good will she could muster. The country was one breath away from the economic morgue, while Manila's brand of democracy was built on reeds. Aquino survived eight coup attempts by plotters who hoped to head off her liberal constitution and the return of a bicameral Congress. She took pride in her fortitude. "I have to project my confidence even more than some men do," she said early in her presidency. "No one can say that Cory did not give it her all."

Aquino was convinced that her presidency was divinely inspired, even as her political foes mocked her piety. "If the country needs me," she said, "God will spare me." And miracle of miracles, she proved God right and her critics wrong. She would be succeeded by a democratically elected general — the first to be at her side as Marcos threatened to mow down her supporters in the streets. She anointed him despite the opposition of her church. Indeed, Fidel Ramos would be the first Protestant to lead the overwhelmingly Catholic country. And he would give the islands a taste of stability and economic prosperity that she was unable to deliver. But without her withstanding the enemies of freedom, he would never have had the chance.

After the presidency, she ran a think tank and center on nonviolence that carried her husband's name. She also every so often led public protests opposing the policies of her successors, if not her successors themselves. She led demonstrations to remind Ramos that she had promised to dismantle America's bases in the Philippines. He complied. She joined crowds that led to the overthrow of the inept and corrupt government of the actor-politician Joseph Estrada. She also led protests against her former ally, the second woman President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in the wake of corruption charges against Arroyo and her husband. Whenever the country appeared to be in a crisis, Cory Aquino rose above the bureaucratic procrastination that had always bogged it down, reminding her people that they once astonished the world with their bravery — and that they could do it again. But Filipinos must now take stock. Whom will they march with now that their saint has gone to meet her God?

Long Live The Fearless Man

2009-06-11T11:10:00.002+08:00

*This film has been chosen as a finalist for the Democracy Video Challenge. To vote, please go to http://www.youtube.com/user/Democracy... Search for aissathesheriff, then click on the thumbnail of our film. Just click on the thumbs up button to vote. When it turns green, then it means you have casted your vote.

Voting is until June 15. Please spread the word! Support Pinoy filmmakers! Thank you! :D

Cheers,
Aissa and Migs
-creators-

A "Note To God" From Charice

2009-05-19T13:08:00.003+08:00

Breaking barriers...amazing! Another powerful performance by Charice in Italy for her new single, Note to God.

PacMan KOs Hitman

2009-05-04T11:38:00.000+08:00

Wicked left hook...devastating! World's best pound for pound fighter Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao landing his "left of doom" on IBO champ Ricky "Hitman" Hatton putting the latter unconcious for a few moments.

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Congratulations, Manny. May you continue to serve as inspiration to a lot of people.

Pacman vs. Hitman

2009-04-23T11:59:00.001+08:00

Go Pacman!

The Hand Of Success

2009-04-21T11:35:00.000+08:00

1. Make wise choices

2. Do your best

3. Use words wisely

4. Work together

5. Be truthful

Live Fully

2009-04-05T12:10:00.000+08:00

Life is a journey and sometimes it is cut short suddenly.

Therefore, explore tirelessly.

Try new things, new paths.

Free yourself from biases.

Help those in need.

Break out from the ordinary.

Strive to be the best.

Love like you can never be hurt because in the end,

all that will be left to us are memories, either bitter or sweet.

Live life fully.

Playing For Change

2009-03-19T12:23:00.002+08:00

...Knowing that someone will stand for us especially in our "down time" makes life easier and better.

Let me share you an excellent video from the award-winning documentary, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music".

Visit http://playingforchange.com/

Take A Hike!

2009-03-18T13:10:00.000+08:00

This is what you see after a cool hike :-)

Heart Of Glass

2009-02-15T02:04:00.001+08:00

Happy Valentines Day! ...Just as exciting it is to decipher the wishes of our hearts, let us for a few moments tinker with the "heart of glass" puzzle. Click on the picture to mix and solve :-)

(http://www.jigzone.com/)

Experience Philippines

2009-02-09T13:35:00.002+08:00

Philippines...my country, my home. A place like no other.

Huh?!

2009-02-01T04:17:00.000+08:00

Rin On The Rox

2009-01-27T11:20:00.004+08:00

Funny but cool...Two Pinays who regularly have late-night jam session inside their bathroom ended up being invited by Ellen Degeneres to be in her show (The Ellen Degeneres Show)... Rock on, ladies!

You're (not) Beautiful

2009-01-15T12:48:00.000+08:00

Time to trash that work-related stress...listen and smile!

*A cool warped-work to the tune of James Blunt's popular song, You're Beautiful ;)

Human Drive

2009-01-06T12:16:00.000+08:00

What makes us glint every moment? What is the primary human drive? What is that 'something' which makes us strive harder everyday? ...Is it simply the attainment of "temporal pleasure" or the "pursuit of something we find meaningful in our lives"?

Charice Unplugged

2009-01-05T14:08:00.002+08:00

She can play the guitar too?!...Wow! She's really amazing.

What can this girl not possibly do music-wise? Answer: None probably... Nakakatorete talaga ang galing sa musika ng batang ito! :)

*Taken inside a mall while Charice sings "Torete" and plays the display guitar*

Welcome 2009!

2009-01-02T00:10:00.001+08:00

Time flies so fast and each day contains its own challenges, mysteries, expectations, and opportunities. As another year passed, may we all graciously welcome and live the new year with high hopes to make our lives better from hereon... I wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year!

- o O o -

To my family and friends, I dedicate this song to you. Thank you for always being there for me through the years, through thick and thin... Let's all have a great 2009.

*Thank you Christine for this heartwarming original song of yours, Forever In My Heart. Keep rockin!

Happy Christmas

2008-12-26T00:38:00.001+08:00

Merry Christmas...and peace to everyone.

Watching the video above will somehow help us realize that there is so much to be thankful everyday in our lives. As kids, we were taught that christmas is the season of love, hope, peace, joy and thanksgiving but is it not more wonderful if we live and celebrate the spirit of Christmas all year round?

"Never let anyone come to you without coming away better and happier." - Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910 - 1997)

More blessings to you

2008-12-24T00:18:00.000+08:00

Happy birthday, li'l brother...I wish you all the best.

Phonecall

2008-12-21T12:04:00.000+08:00

"How important is a phonecall to a girl?"... Answer: It is very important 'coz a phonecall is one way to make a girl feel needed and the "center of the universe", so to speak. Making a girl feel unwanted is a big mistake - this is the lesson I and my friends learned today. :)

Self-improvement

2008-12-17T13:06:00.000+08:00

"...self-improvement is not possible unless we respect reality and readily accept change..." - x24/7

Pacman vs the Golden Boy

2008-12-09T12:12:00.001+08:00

...maybe a lot of us can relate to this "reaction video" when we were watching the Manny Pacquiao vs. Oscar de la Hoya fight last Saturday :)

Peace

2008-12-04T14:25:00.001+08:00

"If all the money that is being spent on finding ways to kill people was used instead to feed them and house them, clothe them and educate them - how beautiful that would be. We are too often afraid of the sacrifices we might have to make. But where there is true love, there is joy and peace."

Mother Teresa (1910 - 1997)

*Extract from a press release in Cairo, Egypt (1994)

Maxim (2)

2008-12-01T12:09:00.001+08:00

Confidence

2008-11-26T13:14:00.000+08:00

I saw this attention-getting print on a shirt today...

"Confidence is the feeling you have before you understand the situation."

...maybe true, maybe false. It's relative. ^_^

Steps

2008-11-25T11:04:00.000+08:00

Flight of steps... Maybe ordinary and inconsequential to most but to me it signifies life's struggles, life's "ups and downs". It reminds me that I need to keep climbing up no matter what life throws at me. Moving up is the most logical direction to overcome my inadequacy - the way towards positive change, the way to a level where I can have better "view" of life.

Maxim (1)

2008-11-23T11:09:00.001+08:00

Bapu

2008-11-16T02:08:00.001+08:00

"No matter how insignificant the thing you have to do, do it as well as you can, give it as much of your care and attention as you would give to the thing you regard as most important. For it will be by those small things that you will be judged."

Mahatma Gandhi

(1869 - 1948)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi

Veterans Day

2008-11-13T13:20:00.001+08:00

Yesterday is American Veterans Day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans_Day) and I got the chance to watch on TV some war veterans and former prisoners of war (POW) together with their families and friends being interviewed and sharing their own stories. I was amazed by the kind of spirit they have shown despite their harrowing experiences in the wars they have fought, and even in the “war” they had after they came home.

Many have admitted that the memories of war are far more difficult to conquer than the actual war. They have had nightmares in their sleep, their attitudes have been radically changed, etc. Evidently, wars transformed them into something they hardly understand. “Identifying themselves” becomes the new frontier - every war veteran undergoes this test. Their battle-scarred souls became part of the collateral damages wars have inflicted. But tortuous as it may, veterans always rise above their ordeals. They always emerged triumphant. As my grandfather used to say, “Of course, we veterans will always survive in this life because we have gone through the best training already early in life. We’ve gone through all the sh*t that life can give us during our respective wars. What lessons in life can we ask for? What challenges can we not overcome?”

Once, I had the opportunity to ask an old veteran, “Did your war experience changed your philosophy in life?” The veteran readily replied in the affirmative and he said something like this: “Yes. The life that we have now can be considered a privileged life, a charmed one. When we feel cold, we got heater; when we feel hot, we got AC. When we want to eat exotic and high-end food, we got all kinds of restaurant to choose from. When we want to say something, we got freedom of speech; when we want to go somewhere else, we got freedom to move freely. What else can we ask for? But these things are what we fail to appreciate most often… Many easily complain and give up on the slightest problem and petty issues in their lives. Many are so absorb in themselves thinking that they are the most miserable creatures in this world. Many are still so inconsiderate as to the plight of others who are and have been far less fortunate than they are… Yes, the wars that I have fought did change tremendously my philosophy in life. I have learned to be so grateful to all the things in my life, both good and bad… Bad experiences make us wiser, good experiences make us thankful and bolder. In the end, it will always be the kind of spirit that you bring into the fight that will make you win your own "wars" and come out a better person. Focusing on the good side always is what made me survive and succeed.” ...Truly, with great adversity comes greater opportunity.

To all veterans, I respect and thank you for your service.

Awesome!

2008-10-18T12:20:00.001+08:00

one cool singer + original/meaningful song = awesome!!!

*check Christine @ http://www.happyslip.com/ ...but she's even more fun to be with in person - a real sweetheart.

Life is good afterall

2008-10-12T13:27:00.002+08:00

While browsing old pictures, I came across this photo - a meaningful one to me… Memories came rushing back.

It’s been a year since I took picture of the above signboard while walking on the picturesque streets of Conway, NH (a popular destination for mountain climbers). When I saw it, my initial reaction was: “Oh yeah? Life is good?”. Yes folks, it is a reaction filled with doubts (and sarcasm). But lo and behold, that simple sign made me think about the bliss life offers to all of us. It made me evaluate deeper my attitude towards life, and I finally realized (after so many years…lol) that life is indeed good even when we are confronted with a myriad of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Funny as it may but the above sign eventually served as a personal mantra to live life as it is, to be appreciative and not be stonecold, to be grateful of every blessing that comes along and share them… Life after all can only get better, never bitter.

It is sad to note however that many spend their lifetime searching for the good life and yet failed. It only brought misery to them… So, what makes life good? Having a wonderful family? Having a huge-figure income? Having tons of honorific titles? Having many friends? Becoming a celebrity? Or maybe, just being confident of who we are... Most often, a humble acceptance of who we are makes life good and super special.

"Bakwits"

2008-10-08T03:38:00.003+08:00

Upsetting indeed... Last night I opened the website of Balay Mindanaw (www.balaymindanaw.org) and read the harrowing tale of a “bakwit” (Visayan vernacular for “evacuee”). I could not help but relate to the experience of 73-year-old Nong Tiburcio, the subject “bakwit, since I have had my share of similar scenario. Nong Tiburcio’s plight is truly a tragedy and certainly it is only one of the many horrible stories of evacuees and other victims of armed conflicts. How many more “Nong Tiburcios” are out there right now?

-------

A personal journey with the 'bakwits”
By Leonardo " Bau" Bautista /23 September 2008 /www.balaymindanaw.org

“Wala nako nakahigayon nga makadagan ug motago tungod sa akong kondisyon. Tigulang nako ug luya na. Nadakpan ko nila sa dalan. Gikulata ko nila, gituklod, ug kalit gitigbas ang akong wala nga dalunggan ginamit ang bolo. Giguyod ko nila ug gibilin sa dalan. Grabe ang dugo sa akong dalunggan. Human ato nga kasinatian, maglisod nako matulog. Naa sa akong hunahuna ang mga nahitabo ato nga gabhiona. Hadlok ko nga mobalik pa sila.”

(I did not have the chance to run and hide because of my poor condition. I am already old and weak. They caught me in the street. They beat me up all over, pushed me, and suddenly one of them hit my left ear with a bolo. They dragged and left me in the street. My ear was bleeding severely. After that experience, I have a hard time sleeping. I have these thoughts of that night’s events. I am afraid that they would come back.)

These were the words of 73-year-old Nong Tiburcio as he vividly recalled the events that happened to him during the first day of the attack of an MILF renegade group led by Commander Bravo in several towns in Lanao del Norte last August 18, 2008. It was a shocking experience for this old man. While he shared his plight, his hands and feet were trembling.

Spending time with the people of Barangay Lapayan in the town of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte has been a learning experience for all the participants of the Trauma Healing Basic Training last September 3-4, 2008 at the Balay Mindanaw Peace Center. This was the hardest hit barangay in the town during the attack of the rebel group.

I was overwhelmed while listening to the sharing of Nong Tiburcio. It was my first experience to listen to the ordeals of members of a community affected by armed violence. I have heard of such stories of violence from the news but I never thought that I would be given a rare chance to hear such stories direct from the victims themselves. Personally, it has touched my soul and innermost self. It has opened my eyes into the cruel realities and effects of violence not only to the properties but also to life – the long term effects of fear, trauma, and shock to the people. It was more than what I expected when I volunteered to help. The people would need long term support not just in terms of relief goods, logistics, and medicines, but as well as support for their inner healing, emotional processing and recovery. Looking at them, I wished that more organizations would consider extending this kind of support to the affected communities as an important post-conflict intervention because I can only imagine how the trauma will affect the men, women and children if this will not be processed and continue to be suppressed.

But with my limited skills, I asked the help of one of our trainers, Bebot Rodil, to process Nong Tiburcio. Ate Bebot immediately asked Nong Tiburcio how he was and what was his feeling. Then she asked him where he was physically hurting. While he was talking, his hands, legs and feet were still trembling. Ate Bebot requested him to take deep breaths and be aware of his body, his trembling and the pain. She let him tremble for minutes while doing deep breathing.

On my part, if I did not have any internal preparations myself, I might not be able to listen to them and focus. The exercises introduced on basic trauma healing such as the deep breathings really aided me to also calm myself. And yet I took this opportunity as a unique experience listening to stories like the ones told by Nong Tiburcio since I know it is not easy for the victims to trust a stranger for them to be able to relate their painful personal stories.

Deep inside I know the process will not end here … it is just a start of a continued processing intervention to the communities … and a continued journey with myself.

Peace, indeed, is a way of journeying.

"Nong Tiburcio with a bandage where his left ear used to be."

*(Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc. (BMFI) is a Mindanao-based and Mindanao-focused Philippine NGO. BMFI’s work and its people articulate a sense of fierce pride for Mindanao and a passion for transforming this poorest and most conflict-torn of the country’s regions into a “balay”, a true home for its peoples – Christians, Muslims and Lumads, indigenous peoples of Mindanao. It is a non-stock, non-profit foundation primarily engaged in peace-building, promoting sustainable integrated area development, developing the mechanisms and technology for democratic participation of peoples and communities in local governance and facilitating agrarian reform implementation.)

The "Q"

2008-10-03T12:22:00.000+08:00

“How far, in any aspect of life, will a person go in the name of love?” ...This is a question asked by one of my friends today that giving a definite answer seems beyond me... Funny but isn't it wonderful that sometimes we are confronted with a question that makes us at a loss for words?

Helping

2008-09-17T13:08:00.000+08:00

Today, we were able to collect some monetary donations for those who were badly affected by the recent hostilities in Mindanao, particularly in Lanao del Norte and Central Mindanao provinces… Ordinary people modestly helping needy brethrens…It's self-fulfilling.

9/11

2008-09-12T03:18:00.000+08:00

Folks, let’s offer at least a minute of prayer for those who have perished in the terror attacks on 9/11/01 and to those who died fighting to keep our world a better place to live in… Peace to everyone.

Endless Replay?

2008-09-10T17:08:00.001+08:00

I’m writing this after a nightmarish dream - a vivid flashback of history. A blast from the past.

When Commander Bravo’s MILF fighters pillaged Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte in year 2000, I was right there fighting to drive them out from the area. I’ve seen people killed, houses burned, and thousands evacuated to nowhere. It was one of my life's milestone, a life-changing experience. I was so moved by the plight of civilians caught in the middle of two opposing deadly forces - a real human tragedy.

Now it’s year 2008 and it’s the same thing all over again.

The recent atrocities in Mindanao , especially the raid by Commander Bravo’s group in Lanao del Norte on August 18, 2008 where scores of residents were killed and displaced again, is a replay of what happened in year 2000. Same place, same tactics, and same perpetrators!

Why do ordinary people have to suffer and relive such senseless and murderous act? How many more incidents of this kind will happen again? How many more years before old wounds are opened again? It seems that history repeats itself every few years in Mindanao as a whole. It's mind boggling, it's disburbing.

*Residents fleeing their homes. (Photo by Bobby Timonera / MindaNews)

Motherland and her Hope

2008-09-10T13:38:00.004+08:00

In my wandering years, I have had the chance to travel and to live with our fellow Filipinos in the countryside. Though my experience in those areas is not pleasing, it’s rewarding nonetheless because I have learned valuable lessons early in life.

I have seen the myriad of problems faced by our kababayans. Daily struggles are compounded by the lack of available basic services. No potable water, no electricity, no farm-to-market roads, no dependable transportation, no adequate health services, etc. But remarkably, there are no decent schools for kids! This situation is very alarming because it effectively undermines the intellectual growth in those places. How can a certain community prosper economically if its people do not have the capacity to comprehend complex issues?

It is sad to note that many of our youth, the so-called “Hope of the Motherland”, are not given ample chance to get better primary education. Good educational foundation appears to have been thrown out of the window. And though the Philippine government provides a free primary and secondary education, attending public schools appears to have become a luxury already to most of the kids in this difficult time. Daily expense for school is very costly to ordinary families.

A typical family in rural areas has five members (3 kids and 2 parents). Due to poor economic condition, parents could not get sufficient source of income. This sorry-state creates a big bad impact on the general well-being of the family. What do you think can happen when the family’s average monthly gross income is roughly 2,000Php? Definitely, kids suffer because instead of going to school, they prefer staying home to save expenses or to work and help their families. Given this fact, what will happen therefore to the “Hope of the Motherland” and to the “Motherland” herself?

Adapt or Perish?

2008-09-09T14:31:00.001+08:00

“The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitude of mind.” – William James

The foregoing was mentioned years ago by one of my mentors and still reverberates in my mind to this day. In fact, the adage has been one of my guideposts in traveling this maze we call human world. There is no doubt indeed that life is so interesting and that for all the twists and turns we may and will have, there are no constant textbook solutions for them.

Through the years, I have learned that in every situation there is a peculiar way of handling each one effectively. The means always vary because solutions depend on how we assess each situation or problem that comes along – “depende sa sitwasyon” (it depends) as we always say. Significantly, the experiences, especially past mistakes, we have had always play a huge role in determining our course of action. True as it is, let’s not however over indulge in our experiences because we might be overwhelmed by them and eventually reduce us into inaction. Experiences are also fertile ground for biases, which when utilized improperly will prove detrimental to the healthy resolution of a particular circumstance. Allowing our “biases”, and mistakes, to take hold of our lives will only make us unreasonably fearful (and stupid too). Mistakes are life’s lessons, let’s learn from them and not live in them.

The value of objectively assessing every situation is paramount before plunging into decision-making, there is no substitute for this. Our experiences and wide array of knowledge will be for naught if we still fail to evaluate issues straight on. Some may label us “drifters” for changing minds but this will not matter as long as we survive “from within”. Yes, adapting to life’s perpetual challenges is tricky but ably dealing with them defines success from failure. It's my strong belief that our time will eventually unfold if we keep moving positively forward.

Tough times do not last but tough people do.

Wise Advice

2008-09-08T13:47:00.000+08:00

***(This was forwarded to me. I think it’s worth posting, reading and it’s sound advice indeed.)

Don’t date because you are desperate.
Don’t marry because you are miserable.
Don’t have kids because you think your genes are superior.
Don’t philander because you think you are irresistible.

Don’t associate with people you can’t trust.
Don’t cheat. Don’t lie. Don’t pretend.
Don’t dictate because you are smarter.
Don’t demand because you are stronger.

Don’t sleep around because you think you are old enough and know better.

Don’t hurt your kids because loving them is harder.
Don’t sell yourself, your family, or your ideals.
Don’t stagnate.

Don’t regress.
Don’t live in the past. Time can’t bring anything or anyone back.
Don’t put your life on hold for possibly Mr/Ms Right.
Don’t throw your life away on absolutely Mr/Ms Wrong because your biological clock is ticking.

Learn a new skill.
Find a new friend.
Start a new career.
Sometimes, there is no race to be won. Only a price to be paid for some of life’s more hasty decisions.

To terminate your loneliness, reach out to the homeless.
To feed your nurturing instincts, care for the needy.
To fulfill your parenting fantasies, get a puppy.
Don’t bring another life into this world for all the wrong reasons.

To make yourself happy, pursue your passions and be the best of what you can be.
Simplify your life. Take away the clutter.
Get rid of destructive elements: abusive friends, nasty habits, and dangerous liaisons.
Don’t abandon your responsibilities but don’t overdose on duty.

Don’t live life recklessly without thought and feeling for your family.
Be true to yourself.
Don’t commit when you are not ready.
Don’t keep others waiting needlessly.

Go on that trip. Don’t postpone it.
Say those words. Don’t let the moment pass.
Do what you have to, even at society’s scorn.

Write poetry.
Love Deeply.
Walk barefoot.
Dance with wild abandon.
Cry at the movies.

Take care of yourself. Don’t wait for someone to take care of you.
You light up your life.

It is true that life does not get easier with age. It only gets more challenging.
Don’t give up. Don’t be afraid. Don’t lose your capacity to love.
Pursue your passions.

Live your dreams.
Don’t lose faith in God.
Don’t grow old. Just grow YOU.

Don't Quit

2008-09-04T12:04:00.002+08:00

***(Here's another personal favorite poem. It's entitled "Don't Quit". I often refer to it whenever I need inspiration. I hope it could make a difference somewhere, somehow to you as well.)

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow
You might succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup.

And he learned too late,
when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

Desiderata

2008-09-02T11:38:00.000+08:00

***(Let me share to you one of my favorite poems. It has guided and counseled me through the years. This poem is entitled "Desiderata" and written by lawyer and poet Max Ehrmann in 1927. "Desiderata" is a Latin word that means "desired things".)

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Why I dared to blog?

2008-09-02T10:42:00.000+08:00

...'coz i find blogging:

> a cool way to express my thoughts and ideas (wise or otherwise) without bothering anyone
> an excellent way to relieve stress...therapeutic?
> a good way to pass time
> a means to hone my poor writing ability

ok folks, enjoy my blog at your own risk... :)