Passionate Leadership

I have attented different kinds of training and seminars about leadership but it is usually held in the conference room or in other training facility of the company. And the area is really boring and the whole training gets boring also. Although there were some icebreakers but it does not break the ice actually. I still feel sleepy and totally bored.

But that was before.

Now that i am employed in a much bigger company it is different. When our boss announced that we will going to have a two-day seminar/training which will be held out of town i get really excited. And to add to our excitement, she mentioned that it will be going to held in a resort so we could have relaxation and have the time to unwind at the same time and just forget work and have fun and learn at the same time.

We tried our best to look for some place outside the city that will fit our budget but we failed. Nevertheless, we did not lose hope. Instead, in our eagerness to spend to days in a resort with all expense paid plus the fact that we will be learning new things at the same time, gave us the will to find one perfect place. Finally, our boss closed a deal with one of the famous resort just around the island. It's called Plantation Bay. I was really happy to know that we are going there since i never had the chance to visit the place.

It really looks like a plantation! The place is just so magnificient that you can really realx and just relax and relax.

During the training, of course, we had fun while learning and absorbing the insights our speaker is giving us. We had fun during the MAZE challenge and all of us enjoyed the moment of being together and working together till we made it to the finish line. We have learned a lot of things during the challenge and during the two-day seminar/training. I just cannot explain the experienced. Our Training mainly focuses on how to become a passioante leader and unity. Our training also focuses on how to improve more your self as a leader and how you can be effective. It's not just about your being a leader but it also teaches us on how to lead people the right way.

It was indeed a winning days for all of us. We just didn't have fun but learned a lot. We also had the chance of knowing each other well.

I'm sure i will be going back to this place and this time it will be purely unwinding and realxing and more exploration to be made in the place. We just had the chance to ride the golf car which toured us aroung but we never saw the whole place in a closer look. And i dind't have the chance to dip myself on the pools around.

Beyond Forgetting

This is one of my most favorite poem. It is deep. It is very meaningful. I want to share it to you hoping you will like it too just as much as i do.

For a moment I thought I could forget you.
For a moment I thought I could still the restlessness in my heart.
I thought the past could no longer haunt me—nor hurt me.
How wrong I was! For the past, no matter how distant, is as much a part of me as life itself.
And you are part of that life.

You are so much a part of me—of my dreams, my early hopes,
my youth and my ambitions—that in all my tasks I can’t help remembering you.
Many little delights and things remind me of you.

Yes, I came. And would my pride mock my real feelings?
Would the love song, the sweet and lovely smile on your face,

be lost among the deepening shadows? I have wanted to be alone.

I thought I could make myself forget you in silence and in song...
And yet I remembered.

For who could forget the memory of the once lovely,
the once happy world such as ours? I came because the song that I kept

through the years is waiting to be sung. I cannot sing it without you.
The song when sung alone will lose the essence of its tune,
because you and I had been one.

I have wanted this misery to end, because it is part of my restlessness.
Can’t you understand?

Can’t you divine the depth and the tenderness of my feelings towards you?
Yes, can’t you see how I suffer in this even darkness without you?

You went away because you mistook my silence for indifference.
But silence, my dear, is the language of my heart.
How could I essay the intensity of my love when silence speaks a more eloquent tone?

But, perhaps, you didn’t understand... Remember,

I came because the gnawing loneliness is there and
will not be lost until the music is sung, until the poem is heard,

until the silence is understood, until you come to me again.

For you alone can blend the music and memory into one consuming ecstasy.

You alone...

Nature's Gift to Mankind

During my trip back home, i was excited to see some changes or more changes in our place. More shopping malls are rising left and right with different establishments opened. Some were new and most of them are another branches of their business. It only shows that business is doing good and that people are more open to some alternatives and at least the consumers have more options and have variety of choices from food to clothing to entertainment. Since i live in the city i see all of those often and i feel like suffocated most of the time. The noise and haste of the city life are sometimes stressful and life seem so fast. Time run so fast and you are always in a hurry.

Good thing i had my break. Pack my things and the next thing i knew the plane just landed the airport. The feeling of going back home is really relaxing. I have seen the green mountains again. The view is magnificient! Wish i could see this everyday in the city but that is very impossible. The only way to make it possible is to store it in the computer and serve as a desk top background. This is a wonderful gift of nature to man kind.

One of my past time during my childhood days is swimming in the river banks. It was fun. I learned how to swim through my constant visit in the river. It wide and quite deep so i really learned to paddle my feet hard and fast. From this river i also learn how to float and sleep for like 20 mins in the water. I also learned how to dive and swim at the bottom for some minutes. I was really glad to know that it is still alive now and still looks very natural. Now, its my nephews time to invade the river for some wonderfula nd fun-filled swimming.

To add more what a farm life like is that you are able to see different kinds of animals and be friend with them. Infact, animals in the farm do love each other :). These are the things that makes farm-life wonderful. the bounty of food and fresh air and everything. Nature has a lot to offer to man kind only if we know how to take care of it and how to value it.

All Saints and Souls Day in the Philippines

One of the most awaited holiday in the Philippines is the All Saints Day and the All Souls Day which falls every November 1 and 2. In this time of the year, it falls on the friday and saturday of the month so everyone was so excited for the long weekend vacation.

On these two holidays (All saints and souls day), it is already a tradition here in the Philippines that we visit the graves of our love one/s who passed away. Most families would go to the burial ground together, bring some food and will have a picnic there and even stay overnight, as you can see in the pictures below there were a lot of tents and some brought pillows, blankets and more foods. Some also, they take this opportunity to be reunited again. So it's like having a family reunion in the memorial park. This is not unusual to some but it already became a traditon and infact some party organizers will take this opportunity to host a halloween party in the memorial park itself. So instead of grieving and feeling melancholic, it is the other way around. Everybody is in happy mood in spite of the lost of a love one.

The pictures taken below shows that we Filipinos are really attached to each other even to the one who passed away. May it be a distant relative, someone close to our hearts, a family friend, friends, or someone that we cannot forget, we see to it that we find time to visit their grave during those days. Ofcourse we do not remember them only on those days but those are the only times wherein we can be together with our family and friends especially this time that it falls on the week ending days.

The truth is, it is my second time to spend all saints and souls days with my family and friends as i am always away from home and been always busy with work. So it is one wonderful opportunity to be with my family and friends, and at the same time visit my friends and love ones who passed away in their grave. Also, it is my opportunity to go home again after a year of being away from and working hard.

When you are in the Philippines, every celebration is wonderful and fun whatever the occasion is.

Looking forward to next year's holiday... :)

December and Depression

For many people, December is not really a good time of the year in spite of the bonuses, wonderfully-lighted Christmas decorations and the merry caroling. Some either get panic or depressed. The financial stress of the season dampens their holiday spirit. The month of December and depression seem to go together.

What really makes December (for some) depressing?

The real problem is a sense of disconnection and loss. Maybe you won’t be home for Christmas, or there may be no home to go to, or your family has disintegrated. Who wants to buy gifts when you don’t know whom to give and no one to celebrate with? Who wants to listen to Bing Crosby singing “I’ll be home for Christmas” when one is alone?

What do we do? Write off Christmas?

Part of the answer lies in rethinking what Christmas is all about. It is not just about family, food and gifts but a God-connection, which means that His Son came to earth to touch you at the point of your loneliness. Focus on the real meaning of Christmas. To help yourself prepare and beat the December blues, here are some guidelines that might help you.

PLAN AHEAD. As of today, there are less than 60 days until Christmas – you still have enough time to plan your activities. Take a sit with a calendar and do the planning. It works best.
PUTTING THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE. You are not a superhero so you can’t do everything, decide what is important. Don’t tire yourself too much on elaborating your decorations. The more simple things are the better.
REMEMBER THAT JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. If you have children, make sure they know that the true reason of Christmas focuses on the manger and that the jolly-old-fellow in the red suit. If you are planning to send Christmas cards to family and friends that are miles away, make sure that the message says what you want it to say – that through God’s Son, He is our light through a dark world.
FOCUS ON PEOPLE. For every lonely person 9which may include yourself), there’s another person somewhere who feels just as left out as you do. Reaching out to others, you can beat the December blues and feel better when the New Year rolls around.


Have a blessed holiday season to everyone!

Note: Some information are taken from the book of Dr. Harold Sala's Today Counts

What keeps me busy

It's been quite a long time now since my last post and i haven't write anything. I am actually busy with work since Beijing Olympics 2008 is fast approaching. Since adidas is always part of different sports events in the world we are also part of it. In fact, i am busy scrutinizing some logos of different countries joining the event. Like the team GB, Great Britain, i see to it it's perfect and looks great especially the five symbolic rings.

Another country joining is the Cuba. There's really nothing difficult on their logo except that tne rings must be perfect and if not, Olympic symbol would be demoralized and my work will be in joepardy. It's really hard because the logos are embroidered in a very thin fabrics. This is really a lot of work to do. Tough.

And then, Bahamas goes. But you see these is rejected due to BAHAMAS embroidery is not straight so i am responsible of rejecting those. Quite tough, huh!


Also includes UK. And a lot more to come in my table. I really enjoy doing these. But not the stress.

Just Three Words

Most of us would always find ways to show to our family, friends and love ones how they mean to us and how much we love them. Some would even spend money and do some extra efforts. But your effort will be more effective if you involve saying just three words. These three-word phrases has the power to build up new relationship, intensify the old ones and even serves as a healing tool to a wounded relationship and can even bring back the sweetness to your relationships that have soured.

These three-word phrases are the only few that i have known which i believe can be a great means to help build up and nurture your relationships.

1. LET ME HELP. "A friend in need is a friend in deed." Friends need not to be ask to help. They just do it without being told.
2. I UNDERSTAND YOU. Letting your partner know-in so many little ways-that you understand them can bring healing to your relationship. We enjoy being with someone if we understand each other well. Just take for example this three letter word, HUH. In my own interpretation this means two human beings must have understanding, if U is missing, you can never tell what H_H means.
3. I RESPECT YOU. This is another way of showing your love. It conveys the message that the other person is the same as you are. You give respect you also earn respect from others.
4. I MISS YOU. This powerful affirmation tells your partner they are wanted, needed, desired and loved. I am definitely sure more marriages could have been saved and strengthened if and only couples will heartily and sincerely speak these three words. This can also be applied to any relationships.
5. MAYBE YOU'RE RIGHT. These three words is a very effective and proven is neutralizing and even diffusing an argument. Saying "maybe you're right" is simply admitting "maybe i'm wrong" and this can give you the opportunity to explore more on the subject of your discussion and eventually will give you the chance to express your point of view in a way that the other person can understand better.
6. PLEASE FORGIVE ME or I AM SORRY. All of us are vulnerable to faults and failures and we should never be ashame in admitting our mistakes. Our relationships can be restored and be healed if we would admit our mistakes and ask for forgiveness. This can only mean that we are more wiser today than yesterday.
7. I THANK YOU. Do not take daily courtesies for granted. Saying thank you is another way of telling the person that you appreciate what he/she has done to you. If someone feel pleased when you thank him/her how much more if someone has thanked you also.
8. COUNT ON ME or I'LL BE THERE. A true friend is one who walks in when others walk out. Loyalty is an emotional adhessive that make the bond of two people stronger. When troubles come, true friends are always there. Being there to another person is the greatest gift we can give and it feels really comforting to hear the phrase "i'll be there."
9. GO FOR IT. God has given each and everyone of us dreams, dreams that are unique to that person only. Support and encourage your friends to follow their dreams. Even to your partner, supporting them in pursuing their interest is also one way of telling them that you are proud of them.
10. I LOVE YOU. This is definitely the most important three-word phrase that you can say. It satisfies the deepest emotional need of a person. The need to belong, to feel appreciated, and wanted. Your spouse, your children, your friends and you, need to hear these most powerful three-word phrase, "I Love You."

Send in the Clowns

Lately, i have been feeling melancholic. I have been contemplating on the things that happened to me and the things that i have done whether good or bad. While doing so, i am listening to the song 'Send in The Clowns' sung by Barbra Streisand. It's a sad song. But i love it so much. The words in the lyrics are so deep such as the following, "Just when I'd stopped opening doors, finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours, making my entrance again with my usual flair, sure of my lines, no one is there."

When i listen to this kind of music (piano instrumental), i can contemplate better, can think better and can decide better. And as i continue listening to the song, i somehow feel better. Although the clowns were not around. As the last 4 stanzas of the song says, "Isn't it rich, isn't it queer, losing my timing this late in my career, and where are the clowns, Quick send in the clowns, Don't bother, they're here."

After the contemplation period, another loyal companion of mine is my book. I get inspired by the writings of Dr Harold Sala in his Today Counts, 365 guidelines to a meanignful life. It should be read in a daily basis but sometimes i go over the next day. Admittedly, i cannot sometimes read it in a daily basis but i see to it i did not miss to read each guidelines.

So, with the music and the book i am already fine. And the feeling of being melancholic, although i cannot ignore it, but i can somehow live with it in a positive way. No matter what level is my being melancholic, i see to it i am always on top.

Weekend getaway

These pictures was taken using my mobile phone's camera. An amazing sunrise i have witness in Argao, southern part of Cebu City Philippines. It was 5:30 in the morning, I was awaken by the sound of the sea water splashing calmly towards the shore line. The ocean looks so calm and the stillness of the water brings peace and comfort in me. As the sun rises it is as if telling us that no matter how dark your yesterdays, it will surely rise the following day and there will always be hope.

Just like the fisherman in this picture, patiently waiting for some sign of bountiful and sure catch. As i watched him, i felt like i don't have the right to rant for whatever hardships i am experiencing. This fisherman, his catch is never constant, its uncertain and yet he is not loosing hope that one day he can have the catch that will provide his needs more than what he is asking for a day.

I've been to this place for like 3 times already and i just love the sunrise. I have watched the sun rises in different angle, color, time and the view is just simply magnificient. So everytime i visit this place, i am always looking forward for the sunrise. Ofcourse the sound of the ocean is a plus factor. When you sleep at night and all you can hear are crickets and the splashing of the sea waves rushing to the shore.

"Brazo de Mercedes": 2 days, 2 slices

I do not know what you call this in Western Countries but here in Philippines it's called "Brazo de Mercedes", a kind of dessert that is so sweet. The yellow in the middle makes it sweet and the white part (which is made of eggwhites) is not that sweet at all and it has a foamy feeling while you eat (like the feel of cotton candy). I have never eaten this for quite a long time now so when i bought 1 whole roll yesterday, i actually finished 2 slices. If only i haven't eaten a heavy lunch i think i can finish 3 slices (huh!). That's how i miss eating this dessert. And this morning i have eaten 1 slice in and another slice for lunch. So all in all i had four and still craving for more.

What!!!!!????

Yes! Believe it or not i just love eating sweets. And my calorie count is still normal. I don't exercise regularly. It's just that my metabolism is fast.

How's my weight going?

My weight is normal (i guess).

Maybe i don't get bigger and gain weight that fast is probably because instead of taking a cab going to work, i just ride a Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ, which is very common here in the Philippines) and from the Jeepney stop i just walk going to our office which roughly will take me 7-10 minutes.

So, now becomes my daily exercise. I don't sweat but i guess it has an effect. And after office i do the same. I walk from our office going to Jeepney station. So whether i eat a lot for sweets i don't worry. But ofcourse i take some discipline of not having too much calorie intake.

Prevention is better than cure.

adidas Pepsi tandem: Impossible Is Nothing

Celebrating it's 109th year of existence, Pepsi has decided to change it's look.The most exciting part of its changes is adidas will be a part of it. Pepsi believed in adidas' campaign Impossible Is Nothing (IIN) is relevant to their desire to interact with the consumers especially what the so called 'Millenial Generation'. Among other reasons why Pepsi wanted to have partnership with adidas is because of its graphics, target audience and innovative and ward-winning on line technology.

When you check out teh new Pepsi cans in your local market, available several weeks from now or even less, Pepsi features adidas graphics from its Impossible Is Nothing campaign. In the cans adidas invite Pepsi consumers to enjoy a unique adidas experience by visiting www.startmystory.com. When you visit the website, the first greeting you will receive are from Laila Ali and David Beckham. You can choose between Laila and David to help you get started or you can even read their IIN story. While making your story you can draw using variety of text tools and colors available so you can be more creative as you would like. And if you don't feel like drawing, animated characters of Laila and David will be grateful to help you. And since music is also one way of interacting, you have the choice to include it in your story. Cool prizes are at stake like joining Laila or David during work out. Weeks from now, billions of Pepsi cans will be available in your local supermarket. You can find the adidas startmystory website. Also, you can check out Yahoo website, Pepsi will be there and adidas will be there too.

My first sketch inspired by Somewhere in Time movie

I’m sure for movie fanatics this face is familiar to them. For those who don’t have any idea this is the famous face of the lady in the movie Somewhere in Time starred by the late Christopher Reeves. Yes I draw this. I’m not really into sketching but I can draw if I have a subject as basis. I cannot really just sketch something that is out of my imagination.

But what makes this sketch unique is the frame. This is made of old newspapers. I have to admit I have some talents in craft making. And one of my past time is doing some crafts (turning trash into treasures) or making bracelets out of beads. This art work of mine is very memorable to me because this is my first sketch and the movie has touched me very much. And I really love the movie theme song, also the movie title, Somewhere in Time. The piano version is very sentimental and the lyrics are so profound. Take time to read the lyrics. I know the movie is quite old but i still sob whenever i watch the movie again and again. I can't get enough of it. The fact that the movie is all about the true love of two people and how they fight and keep their love till the end of time. That is why the movie is entitled Somewhere In Time because they continue their love affair somewhere in the right time.

Somewhere in time,
We’ll share one love, one life
And with each gentle touch
I know this much, it’s true
And when we kiss,I see forever,
and in your arms,I’m lost, you find me again.

No words, no writes,
Describe this pain inside,
No matter how hard I tried,
I die inside, to let you go,
To say goodbye my heart breaks forever
Somewhere in time,
I know we’ll meet again

You're in my heart you’re in my soul
And if you go away from me
I can’t let go.

Until the end, I know,
We’ll meet again
Somewhere in time

Fixed Handshake

There are a lot of variety of videos posted in you tube. Just choose your category, channels or community. I am really amazed as to how CNN come up with this kind of website. And you see it works. For some they just upload videos for fun and some for advertising and promotions. There were videos that are truly hilarious. But most of the videos are truly entertaining. Just like this video that I am sharing to you. It is funny really. Have you think and wonder what if this will happen to you? Yes, in real life. What if you shake the hand of someone and then suddenly you can’t take off your hands. You’re both stuck with each other. And the only way out is to cut off your hands. Ouch! What a spell! If this will happen to me i surely don't know what to do. But this might lead to another medical history. Nothing's impossile with medical experts. Sure tehy will be able to find ways.But this is just an assumption or what you call "What If".

My precious FIFA miniature soccer ball

After the success of FIFA World Cup, our Big Boss gave all of us a souvenir FIFA soccer ball ofcourse signed by him. When i received my 2 soccer balls i can't help but be thankful to him. I am proud of it. This is one of my most treasured possesion. My friends would even like to buy them but it is priceless. I can never buy such in the market. It's so cute. How i wish i can let David Beckham sign on it. Who knows?

You might wonder where's the other one? Well, i have never inflated it. I just put it on top of my television the way as it is. It has faces of the athletes legendaries also an adidas endorsers. One of them is David Beckham. Yeah. Admit it. He is famous and rich. I just love him, and i start to have an interest on soccer football becasue i work with adidas and because of David Beckham. Never mind what achievements he has achieved now or how his life after the relocation and team-shifting. For as long as he will be playing the way he does and perform as expected.

Photo curtesy of adidas You see, he still look great and look man enough. For sure you'll love to have one of this shirt he's wearing. Not to mention i got a few of his adidas clothing designs. Just for some souvenirs. :)

Moments shared with friends

Before we became friends, she used to be my Professor when i was in college. The first subject she taught during her first day in school is Accounting which i dislike. I was in my third year then. Until now we still have communication.She is not only a mentor, a friend, but she is also my adviser. Hahahahaha. Yeah. I can never forget the time when we walk downtown and our umbrella turned upside down. It was raining hard and kind of windy. And the most memorable time we had is when we went to Dunkin' Donuts. All i did was eat while listening to her long story. It's a secret i can't share.

This girl, i consider her as my younger sister. This picture is taken during our get together outing in one of Cebu's famous island resort, Ogtong Cave, Bantayan Island. This picture portrays our being serious when it comes to talking about matters of heart and love. Through her experiences i have learned a lot. Why we get along well is because we always talk about our problems and laugh at it. We rant and at the same time we eat. And this friend of mine, always find a song related to her love life. The last thing i remember is she always hum the song "Whatever we imagine".

Another good friend of mine known for her collection of sewing machines miniature. She's my big sister and adviser. She always reminds me whenever i overdo things especially when it comes to love. She is a good sounding board and i always go to her place whenever i am pissed off and there i pour out all my sentiments and she listens intently to all my rantings.

This is Toni. Yeah, she's a she. She's my buddy at work and we get along well although part of her i can't still understand. We have some things in common. We both like Robbie Williams' Angel and Better Man and we always sing along everytime we play it. We both love music although we have some preferences. She likes Rock music and i love piano instrumental. She loves cherries and Lola, her dog very much.

Moringa, Malunggay or Sajina

In English, it is called Moringga. In the Philippines it is widely known as Malunggay or in Indian Subcontinent and South East Asian it is called Sajina. This tropical plant have many uses. Infact, scientific Doctors have discovered and made malunggay seeds and leaves into a medicine in the form of capsules. Flowers, leaves, young pods and roots are being utilized. And these plant tree is not only useful but it is the most nutritional vegetable and a herbal plant.

Facts and uses about this plant tree are as follows:

1. Flowers, leaves and pods are eaten as a vegetables. It is teh best source of calcium, iron, phosphorus and vitamins A, B and C.

2. A volatile oil, called Ben oil which can be extracted from flowers in the enfleurage process can be use as illuminant, ointment base and absorbent. It is also helpful for arthritic pains, rheumatic and gouty joints.

3. Young leaves increases the flow of milk, which is best for mothers who just gave birth. In the Philippines is it practice that after the mother gave birth, they will give them a soup from Moringa leaves (usually mixed with chicken meat, just boil it and season to taste).

4. Decoction of boiled roots is used to wash sores and ulcers. It is also use as gargle for horseness and sore throat.

5. Boiled leaves is used to help increase lactation. Seeds of Moringa is best for hypertension, gout, asthma, hiccups, and for diuretic. For rheumatic complaints, seeds being decocted or powdered roasted seeds are applied to affected area.

6. The roots has the taste of horseradish. This plant is drought resistant and grows in practically all kinds of well-drained soils. It helps conserve water by shedding leaves during dry season.

7. Pounded fresh leaves mixed with coconut oil applied to wounds and cuts.

8. The flowers boiled with soy milk thought to have aphrodisiac quality.

Planting Moringa in our backyard is not only beneficial to our environment but to humans as well. It does not only give fresh air but also helps us in so many ways that we can think of. Some of the Filipinos use this as a boarder plant as well. It is a multi-purpose plant. This plant can be wild-crafted and propagation is by seeds and stem cuttings.

Filipino Dancing Inmates: Cebu Philippines

A month ago, a video was posted in youtube about Filipino Inmates peforming some dancing and there are about 5,853,100 people (even more than) who have viewed it. I have heard a lot of positive comments about this video and that makes me proud as a Filipino. Thanks to the management of Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center who organized this event. This is actually new and something Filipinos, most especially Cebuano's, to be proud of.

There are actually several performances of the inmates posted in youtube. If you want to see more of the dancing inmates check this site and be fascinated by their performances. http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dancing+inmates+of+cebu&search=Search

What is the fragrance of your attitude?

How do you define success and when can you tell that you are successful? Quite complicated right? There are at least six synonyms that are closest to the word success, achievement, accomplishment, victory, triumph, winner and sensation. And the only and best antonym I could find is failure. When someone tells you you’re a failure it hurts so badly as if you want to stop living because it feels like you’re useless. But when you have done something better, like making other people’s lives a little bit well, rarely can recognize it. Helping others is an achievement so it can be considered success. Meaning, success is a continuous process. You can never say you’re not yet successful because a little help you extend is already considered success.

After reading the book Attitudes that attract Success by Wayne Cordeiro, I have learned that attitude can be so powerful and it can also be devastating. It all depends on us as to how we approach every difficulty in our lives. Others consider difficulty as an opportunity and others find it hard to take one more step in every difficulty. In every situation, our attitude is most likely the one that will bring us up or destroy us forever. As what the author of this book said; “Our attitude is like a lei. Each of us has one, but we have the choice of what we are going to string together to make up that lei. If you string together a collection of dried fish, everything starts smelling fishy! If you string together old socks, the whole world has this funny odor to it. Your attitude is like a fragrance you carry around with you. The difference is that skunks carry a bad odor while a beautiful Hawaiian plumeria blossom carries a fragrance. Whether you like it or not, each of us carries one of the above. You choose which it will be.”

Friends, if you want something that will make your life 100% successful, a positive attitude will help you. Our attitudes are like rudder of a ship. You will either be ruled by the rudder, or you will be ruled by the rocks. We’ll always be faced by problems. Just don’t give up no matter what.

A poem by Kent Keith is so much appropriate for us. Read on.

ANYWAY…
People are unreasonable,
illogical, self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse
you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you'll win
false friends and make true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
Honestly and Kindness may make you vulnerable.
Be honest and kind anyway.
The good you do today may very
well be forgotten tomorrow.
But do good anyway.
The biggest people with the
biggest ideas can get shot
down by the smallest people
with the smallest minds.
But think big anyway.
Give the world the best you got.
You may very well get
kicked in the teeth for it.
But give the world the
best you got... ANYWAY.

Beijing 2008 Olympic Countdown

One of the highlights of our company’s newsletter for this month is the countdown kicked off in Hong Kong for the Beijing 2008 Olympics which started on July 31st. Billboards are now posted in the streets of Causeway Bay and Fa Yuen in Mongkok. The streets now look so colorful with the alive posters of adidas highlighting Beijing 2008 Olympics. This is also a message of support from adidas to the Hong Kong athletes to win the golds and bring the bacon home. Hong Kong citizens also participated in the event and gathered their signatures in support for the Hong Kong athletes, telling them to do their best to win the game. The countdown event held at Times Square, Hong Kong’s famous shopping malls, was graced by some famous celebrities and famous Hong Kong’s athletes. adidas staff ofcourse are present in the event including some of our big bosses. Indeed the party was successful and full of fun. Although I was not there to witness the event I still had all the details. (Yeah. Glad to be a part of adidas Group).

After winning from the votations (among 5 cities that are nominated to host the 2008 Olympic) since 2005, Beijing China and its neighboring cities prepared a lot for this grandest event. One of the main preparation they made is creating sculptures that will be displayed in the main cities and its neighboring. The committee of the event (social cultural activity for the 29th Olympic Games) received 2, 433 pcs or sets of designs from 82 countries around the world who. There will be expert judges that will choose the winning designs plus the public votations as well. The sculptures will then be displayed as landscape schemes for the said Olympic Games. At present there are about 290 sets of landscape sculptures displayed inthe northwestern part of China, and will still continue untill the end of 2007. Of course one of the many will stand out as the best landscape sculpture ever for 2008 Olympic.

Frustration: How can you fight it?

I guess nobody wants to get frustrated as much as possible. But frustration will always be a part of life whether we like it or not. We get frustrated every now and then because we always expect something good in return to what we do, act or say whether we are at work, home, with friends, families, simple gathering or even in our deep thoughts. We can never ever get rid of frustrations no matter what we do. But there are some guidelines that can surely help us fight back. And these guidelines provided by Dr Harold Sala from his book Today Counts will surely help us bounce back faster and be able to fight back.

Here are the guidelines:
1. Consult God before you make plans. It is here we often fail. Ignoring Him, we formulate our plan, then ask Him to bless it, or call on Him to bail us out when we are in trouble – instead of saying, “Lord, what do You want? Is what I have in mind in sync with Your will and purpose for my life”?
2. Realize Murphy’s Law is as exacting as the laws of thermodynamics. If something can go wrong, it will; so learn to plan ahead. If plan A doesn’t work, have plan B which will get you where you want to go through a different way.
3. Be Realistic. Some of our frustrations are the result of attempting the impossible. It is far better to have goals you can achieve than have goals so unrealistic that you are always frustrated.
4. To avoid frustration, act without reacting. If you can’t climb the mountain, then tunnel through or go around. But don’t quit.
5. Fix it or forget it. If your car is a source of frustration, park it and walk, get a new one or buy a bicycle. But if you can fix it, ask God for the grace to love it.
6. Simplify, simplify, simplify. When I was struggling with a computer a few years a go, my dad-then in his 80s-asked, “Wouldn’t it be better to just get a good electric typewriter?” He had a point. Simplifying life as much as you can eliminates a lot of frustration.
7. Refuse to let it get you. Put up a barrier that say, “This far and no further!”

Whatever life has to offer, whether good or bad, sad or happy, frustrating or not, we are still accountable to our own acts. Consult God all the time for sure He will never forsake you.

Global Warming: What can we do to help save mother earth?

I never heard this "Global Warming" thing until i saw Al Gore's presentation in one of Oprah's episode. It was scary to see the ice melting bit by bit and i couldn't imagine the animals living there will die and disappear. Islands will be gone and the body of water will become larger. Some state will be separated from the other and more disastrous thing will happen if we will not do something. I have the option not to care and ignore this thing but as human being and living in this planet i think i am responsible to take care my environment. I know it's never too late to do somethig to help Al Gore's crusade against global warming. I think this is not just for Al Gore's sake but thanks to him because he took courage to do something to inform us about what's going to happen in the future. This is for our own sake and for our future children's sake and thier children.

What can we do to help save mother earth? Actually we can do a lot of things. It's not necessary to spend money to be able to help. The following are my suggestions and i think it is not hard to practice these things in our home.

1. Manage properly our garbage. We have to stop burning garbage left and right just to get rid of it.
2. Plant trees. If your backyard is not big enough for tree planting then you can start growing ornamental plants using pots. You can even have indoor plants. These can help regulate the air and provide more oxygen.
3. Recycle, recycle, recycle. If you don't have any idea about recycling things, the internet can give you handful of ideas. turning trash into treasure is a good hobby and will even give you monetary benefits.
4. Be vigilant for those who are smoke belchers. And check your own cars.
5. Love your environment and show some concern. If you do you'll find yourself doing things to help save mother earth.

When you click on the link below, you can watch the predicted happening when global warming becomes worst. actually it is bit by bit happening now. And as of Auguts 23, 2007, there are 89, 028 people who had viewed this video. I hope, they too have thought of doing something to help save the earth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FVZSUsT-Ws&mode=related&search=

Another link below which portray the situation will be if global warming will become worst. That is why a lot of women are wearing dresses that show more of their skin not because they want to flaunt or flirt but because the weather is becoming warmer. If we do not do something, might be the day will come that most of the peole will only wear undies. And the world will become chaotic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr5O1HsTVgA&mode=related&search=

Flowers in bloom and to bloom

One sunny day while waiting for the service shuttle going to my workstation, I decided to sit in the gutter in front of our office building. The sun was so bright, the sky looks blue with a spot of some wonderfully-shaped clouds and it’s kind of windy. In short, the weather is very much fine.















As I was sitting, I saw across the plants, with flowers in bloom, swaying as the wind blows, as if they seem to be so cheerful like children playing in the playground with laughter’s echoing. I’m not really into photography but when I saw the tiny flowers, I tried my best to capture it. I was really attracted to this simple yet precious tiny flower. I took many shots and choosed the best.















Then I saw two kinds of flowers which are just starting to bloom. It looks like a newly-born baby. When I was looking at it, it seems to be the flowers are talking and saying, “Hey, look at me. I’m coming out, I want the world to know.” It’s perfect. If I have to describe the pictures in one word it would be Magnificent.















I’m overwhelmed. Although for some this is just an ordinary shot but for me the picture and the flower itself speaks a thousand words. It shows God’s wondrous power. Nobody can even create or paint such beauty neither Michael Angelo nor Leonardo d Vinci. These little flowers, they may look so ordinary but when they come in numbers and in full bloom, you can never resist but to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Philippines national fruit symbol: Mango

The mango (plural mangoes or mangos) is a tropical fruit of the mango tree. Mangoes are the most famous nutritional source that contains vitamins, minerals and is a very good antioxidant, as well as enzymes such as magneferin and lactase which aid in digestion and intestinal health. This fruit is actually the national fruit of the Philippines.
In the Philippines, a young mango or unripe mango is mostly eaten with bagoong. Ripe mangoes are processed and become sweet-dried-stips.

The country gained its popularity not only inside as well as outside the country and even made it to the exporting market around the world. Cebu, in particular, is the most famous province in the Philippines that manufactures sweet dried strips of mangoes and even famous to have the sweetest mangoes in the Philippines.

Mango is also famous for juices, both in ripe and unripe. If it is mixed with milk and some crashed ice cubes you can have a mango shake which is very nutritious. Or if you really want to savor the sweetness of the mango without any mixture, it is best if you chill it for some minutes then you can enjoy eating leaving the husk of the mango seeds visible. Ripe mangoes are also for fruit salads, and for some other fruit toppings. Here in Philippines we already made some mango pie and it taste so good.

Filipinos are also known for their talents and skills. The manufacturers here in Cebu not just settled for one product, sweet-dried mango stips, instead, they did extensive research and development and came out with multiple products such as mango puree, mango nectar, and even incorporate mango fruit with some other fruit like tamarind. Mangorind or MarinGo is a mixeture of two fruits, the mango and tamarind. Those who like sweet and sour taste, this is the best choice. It comes in different brands. Shown in hte picture is just one sample for you.

For those of you who loves to travel, visit Philippines, especially Cebu, and do not forget to have a taste of our local mangoes and bring with you some mango products. And if you would like to know more of Cebu, watch out for my next post.

I Will Run to You

Two of the guidelines i have read in my daily devotional book Today Counts by Dr. Harold Sala is entitled 'A Sense of Purpose' and 'The Definition of Life.'
Most people spend their lives searching for happiness - money to buy everything they want, good friends, big houses, luxurious cars, the right job, even finding Mr. and Ms. Right. In their quest for searching happiness, they end up in gloom and disparagement. Just like the voice of Solomon, who said, "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity." This only means that whatever it is that makes life sensible or valuable cannot be bought by money nor money itself, nor all the luxury in life.

As what Dr. Sala wrote, if God's Son came for a purpose, and His death wasn't wasted, then there has to be more to life than just living, loving and enjoying. To really live, love and enjoy, you need a sense of definition,a sense of purpose.

In case one of you is looking for the definition of your life, the Bible alone can answer to all of the serious questions about the definition of life. If you are trying to ask yourself, "Who am I?" the bible is all you need. And if you are still confused as to "Why am I here?" the bible has the answer.
The Bible says we are made in the image of God, it already proves that our lives has a meaning, a purpose. The next step that we are going to make is to find out how God wants us to live and finding out His purpose for us. Living life in God's will leads us to the right way to His purpose.

Coming home to the Father allows Him to give you guidanceso you can love, live and enjoy. It's the only way your life will have a sense of purpose (Dr. Harold Sala).

After All

Chances Are Facts

For some who was not able to watch this movie, the story is all about a young woman whose perfect marriage came to and end when her husband died unexpectedly. Luckily, her husband was re-incarnated to a newborn (Robert Downey).
Cast includes Cybill Shepherd, Robert Downey Jr., Mary Stuart Masterson, Ryan O’Neal, Josef Sommer and more. Directed by Emile Ardolino.
This movie was release in 1989 with a running time 108minutes.

The Notebook Facts

Another movie with the same love theme song 'After All' is The Notebook. The story is all about a young couple (Ryan Gosling as Noah and Rachel McAdams as Allie)who got separated for 14 years because of World War II. When Noah returns after the war he reunites with Allie who is already engaged.
Cast includes, Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner, Gena Rowlands, Sam Shepard, Joan Allen and more. Directed by Nick Cassavetes.
This movie is written by Jeremy Leven and Jan Sardi, it is a novel before it became a movie. Released on June 25, 2004 with a running time 121 minutes.

So, for those of you who was not able to watch these movies, grab a DVD copy now and see the power of love. After all, love moves in mysterious ways.

Creations and Designs

Showing you some of my artistic quality creation, though it doesn’t look extraordinary but it shows the artist side of my me. It’s been quite a while since I stop designing my own bracelets for my day to day usage. I also have given away few of them as my gifts to my friends which they said they liked it very much. As proof of liking it they even ordered some more and somehow i earned back my capital and gain some profit :).

These are my first designs. It looks so simple yet when i am wearing it, it seems like i am creating my own fashion statement. It matches the color of my dress-to-wear.It's not really easy to think of a design and the colors to used. It challenges me more because the outcome portrays my being creative and artistic.














When i saw my creations, i am further inspired to create more design in different colors and concepts. But I am now concentrating on improving more on my designing, something that is remarkable and extraordinary. Using just an ordinary beads, I don’t know if I can make it but I guess there is no impossibility if I have the will.