Thursday, August 30, 2007

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

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

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.


Friday, August 24, 2007

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.



Wednesday, August 22, 2007

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=



Friday, August 17, 2007

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.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

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.

Thursday, August 09, 2007

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).

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

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.





Monday, August 06, 2007

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.

Friday, August 03, 2007

The art of my signature

I've got nothing much to do. I grabbed my pen. The red one. I started to scribble few lines. I just wrote down anything that comes in to my mind. It went none sense. For the past half and hour, i've been writing, erasing, revising, erasing again until i find myself drawing a line. It has a shape. Yeah funny. It looks so funny, yeah?











Then, i went on scribbling, hoping i could formulate an interesting story. Or anything that has sense. But still i find my self erasing, revising, erasing again, crampled the paper, start again, but i cannot come up with even a simple short story about what and how my day went was. Then, a picture of a sunrise pop up in my mind. It was perfect. I tried to draw it but i could not get the right picture. And to my surprise, this is the result. It is far from the one that is in my mind. But i am quite satisfied with this.



















Finally, after signing some papers that are due in my table, i thought of doing something out of my signature. Well, most of them would comment on how i scribble my signature. The normal is you start from left to write just like the normal writing. But mine is quite different. I start from right to left. And they say it's unique. I thought so. And i actually discovered it when i was still i college. If i will tell you more about it, i will run out of time and you might get bored. After consuming 4 bond papers i come up with my final piece using my signature. I guess i can consider this as an art.

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Beyond forgiveness is restoration

Have you ever been betrayed by someone? If yes, How's your relationship with that person going on now?

Im sure many of us experienced being betrayed. It's throbbing especially if we least expect it from the person responsible and if the person did it mean so much to us. Forgiveness seem so bleak and impossible. And all we could think of is to get even to ease the pain.

But do we feel satisfied if we are able to get back to the person who caused us misery and pain? Isn't it heavy inside if we always carry the grudge? Sure it's not easy to forgive and forget. But it's not easy also to dwell with the pain, and you always carry it in your heart. Letting go of the pain means forgiving. Forgiving the person who wronged you means you are willing to restore back your relationship with that person.

"But i can't do it. It's impossible!" Yes, you can say that. But with God, nothing is impossible. I wanna share to you something i read from my daily devotional book, written by Harold Sala entitled Today Counts.

When General James Edward Oglethorpe said to John Wesley, “I never forgive,” Wesley answered, “Then I hope sir, that you never sin,” But is forgiveness enough? Does God want me to go beyond forgiveness to restoration?

For some, forgiveness is enough. But the truth is, you really did not forgive the person because you cannot forget what that person has done to you. I think God wants us to realized and understand how important it is to forgive and even go beyond. As what Dr. H. Sala defined forgiveness and restoration:

Forgiveness means you give up your bitterness and hatred for what someone has done. Restoration means reconnecting and re-establishing a relationship with the person who wronged you.Forgiveness is a mental act; restoration is an emotional one. Forgiveness means ending the war; restoration means going back home. Forgiveness means you cease hating your enemies; restoration means you re-establish a relationship with them.

It may be difficult to do at first but somehow the feeling of being forgiven and be able to forgive is paramount. God is so great that no sin is not forgiven only if you bend your knees before Him and ask for it. God Bless.