Live life with no regrets.

TOPMAN CHRISTMAS SHOP

2011-12-08T12:47:00.002+03:00

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Just The Way It Is.

2011-06-26T19:19:00.004+03:00

Sometimes in life, we experience things we want so much, but then, when it’s already there, we don’t seem to find contentment in ourselves, and eventually end up hurting ourselves.

We become intoxicated at the feeling of finding what we want, that we become blinded from the hidden consequences that come with those emotions. I know it sounds too sad but it’s the truth. We look at love like it’s an extraordinary gift given to some lucky individuals, but then we don’t seem to see the burden it can give us if we fall too much. I often hear myself saying that the greatest love is when someone loves another and is being loved exactly the same way that the person does. It should be mutual. But then I came to realize that it isn’t always that way. Sometimes you love someone and make yourself believe that you’re not expecting anything in return, even though nothing compares to the pain it gives to that individual. I, myself, feel that way.

I love someone but I make myself contented with what we have right now, me loving him so much and him loving another. That’s just the way it is. I often feel the burden of this kind of affection but it doesn’t matter to me. I just wanted to show him that I am capable of loving him the way that no one could, hoping that one day, he would realize that. But I don’t know how long I can stay this way. There’s too much pain in me knowing that I won’t be able to get security from him whenever I feel the need, that I won’t be able to talk to him every time I wanted to, that I won’t be able to see him when I’m down, that I would never be able to ask him to hug me or kiss me when I feel lonely. Maybe it’s just the simple words like “take care” and “sweet dreams” that give me the strength to love him more.

I know that these are the only true affectionate words that he said to me. I know that sometimes we say words that we don’t really mean, and I don’t want to make myself believe that he feels more than that, because I know, through experience, that actions speak louder than words. I don’t want him to feel the need to say things that he doesn’t really mean. Maybe at this very moment that I am writing this, he’s thinking of someone else. I just cried a while ago thinking of this, but now, I can say that I am still willing to continue my love for him even though the fear of him stopping to care for me or talk to me still lurks in my mind. Maybe I’m too masochist, but then, I still believe that these are some things that only those who are in love could understand. I just wish that one day, when he realized what I’m saying right now, I still love him this way….

A Letter for the One God has Prepared for Me.

2011-06-16T20:33:00.005+03:00

I am wondering at this very minute if you are thinking of me. If like me, you are wondering what is taking us so long to find each other. Many times I thought I finally found you only to be disillusioned by the fact that my wait has not yet ended. I get up each morning hoping. Dreaming. Longing to meet you.
I am thinking of how we will meet. Would it be as romantic as the ones I've seen in movies? Or is it possible that I have known you all my life but we have yet to realize that we are meant for each other? Oh, how I wish you were here right now because you are the only one who has the answers to all my questions.

Sometimes I ask myself if I have ever really known love. I do not have the answer to that question either but I believe that, more often than not, we will never really know what love is until we find that right person. And since I have not found you yet, then maybe I do not really know what love is!

You just don't know how often I dream of finally knowing what it feels like to be in your arms. Even at this very moment, I am imagining how you will simply sweep me off my feet! Perhaps I would be drawn to you by your smile, or your eyes, or maybe even how you manage to make me laugh by your silly little ways. I don't really know for sure but I am praying that God will help me recognize you when the right time comes.

I think of all the pain that I have gone through and of how much I cried since the day I began my search. I just wanted you to know that I find strength in clinging onto my vision of the beautiful life ahead of me. The life I shall spend with you. In my mind and in my heart, I know that you are worth all the pain and sacrifice.

After all, the tears have become a part of my life, and I believe that they are slowly washing away my flaws so that I would become perfect. Not perfect in its truest sense, but perfect for you! I wonder if you've gone through so much pain as well. I wonder if you've been hurt so many times along the journey. But my dearest one, please don't ever give up because I am right here... patiently waiting for you. I assure you that when we finally find each other, I would slowly heal those wounds by my love.

At night, I would look out my window and stare at the beautiful sky, hoping that somehow you are looking up and wondering about me, too. I utter a silent prayer and send all my cries to the heavens above, thinking that in time they would reach you. And when I feel impatient, I just close my eyes and believe that you are on your way and that you are longing to see me as well. It's funny but when I finally fall asleep, it is still you I think of, for you are always in my dreams. It seems that for now, that is the only place where I can hold on to you. Long enough to tell you how much I love you. In my dreams, you would kiss away my fears and wrap me with your arms of love.

And this all the more makes me want to wake up and face the new day ahead of me with hope that soon enough, you will no longer be a dream, but a reality, and once again I am assured that you are worth the wait. And when that time comes, everything will fall into its place, just as I had imagined, just as I had thought and dreamed, just as I believed it would be. By then, I would simply look back and smile at all that I have gone through, in spite of the pain and amidst the simple joys of life. And I would be very thankful because they all led me to you!

In the meantime, take care of yourself for me. Hold on to our dream and don't even think of letting go. Believe in your heart that we will find each other no matter what happens. God has planned the course and it is up to us to follow the directions. Don’t worry, don't be afraid of getting lost. God saw to it that all the roads, no matter which one you choose to follow, lead to me.

Michael Jackson Medley

2010-06-18T11:09:00.010+03:00

NICE ARRANGEMENT!

BALIK MANGGAGAWA or WORKER-ON-LEAVE

2010-04-19T14:24:00.005+03:00

GUIDELINES ON THE REGISTRATION OF WORKERS-ON-LEAVE (BALIK-MANGGAGAWA)

Pursuant to Section 5, Rule III of the 2002 POEA Rules and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Landbased Overseas Worker-on-Leave, the following guidelines are hereby issued:

1. DEFINITION OF TERMS

A Worker-on-Leave shall refer to an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who is on vacation or on leave and is returning to the same employer. (Part I, Rule II, POEA Rules)

2. DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENT

A Worker-on-Leave shall submit the following documents to the Administration or to its designated centers or units in the country or overseas for registration and for issuance of exit clearance:

Valid Passport
Re-entry visa, work permit, or any equivalent document
Proof that worker is returning to the same employer

3. REGISTRATION FEE
The following are the fees that a Worker-on-Leave shall pay to register and secure an e-Receipt / Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and/or OFW Electron ID card (e-Card :
Php 100.00 -POEA Processing Fee,
Php 900.00 - Medicare Coverage Premium
Php US$ 25.00 or peso equivalent - OWWA Membership Contribution

A Worker-on-Leave with valid OWWA membership and Medicare coverage shall only pay Php 100.00 for POEA processing fee.
The e-Card is issued to a Worker-on-Leave for free.
The e-Receipt / OED shall serve as travel exit clearance and exemptions from payment of travel tax and airport terminal fee.

4. WHERE TO REGISTER AND SECURE e-RECEIPT / OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATE (OEC) AND/OR OFW ELECTRON ID CARD (e-CARD).

A Worker-on-Leave may register individually or through the recruitment agency that previously deployed them;A Worker-on-Leave may secure the e-Receipt /OEC or e-Card at:
Balik-Manggagawa Processing Division(BMPD) Service Area, POEA Bldg., Ortigas Avenue corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City POEA Regional Centers / Regional Extension Units (REUs) and Satellite Offices POEA-deputized OWWA Regional Offices and Units ** Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in various Philippine Embassies and Consulates abroad.

Exit Clearance Delivery System (Dropbox)

* POEA Regional Centers / Regional Extension Units (REUs) and Satellite Offices:

POEA Regional Center for Luzon3rd Floor, South Paseo Yabes Bldg. Rizal Avenue, San Fernando CityLa Union

POEA Regional Ext. Unit-CARBenitez Court CompoundMagsaysay Avenue, Baguio City

POEA Satellite Office – Region IIIBalikbayan Mall, Angeles CityClarkfield Pampanga

POEA Satellite Office – Region IVNo. 4 Penthouse, Hectan Commercial Center Chipeco Ave., Brgy. Halang Calamba City

POEA Satellite Office – Region VGround Floor, OWWA RU 5ANST Bldg., Washington DriveLegaspi City

POEA Regional Center for Visayas3rd Floor, Gemini Bldg.719 M. J. Cuenco Ave., Cebu City

POEA Regional Ext. Unit – Region VI2nd Floor, S. C. Divinagracia Bldg.Quezon St., Iloilo City

POEA Satellite Office2nd Floor, UTC BuildingAraneta-Alunan St., SingcangBacolod City

POEA Satellite OfficeDOLE Compound, Trece MartirezTacloban City

POEA Regional Center for Mindanao2nd Flr., AMYA II Bldg.Quimpo Blvd. cor. Tulip DriveEcoland, Davao City

POEA Regional Ext. Unit – Region IX3rd Flr, TAUP Bldg, Nuñez ExtensionZamboanga City

POEA Regional Ext. Unit – Region X3rd Floor, Acersyant Bldg.Kauswagan RoadCagayan de Oro City

** POEA-Deputized OWWA Regional Offices and Units:
OFW Balikbayan Assistance Center Duty Free Fiesta Mall, Sucat , Parañaque City

OWWA Tugegarao Sycanco Bldg., Bonifacio Street, Tugegarao, Cagayan

OWWA Regional Unit – Caraga44 J.C Quirino Avenue, 8600 Butuan City

Department of Labor and Employment Region XII, AYS Building171 Sinsuat Ave., Cotabato City

PERSONS NOT QUALIFIED TO REGISTER AS WORKERS – ON – LEAVE:

Dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers (They can avail of the privilege of reduced travel tax by applying at the Philippine Tourism Authority)

Persons who are traveling on student visa.

Persons who are traveling on business visa

Permanent Residents of foreign countries.(They can avail of the privilege of travel tax exemption by applying at the PTA)

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who changed employers are considered New Hires.

REQUIREMENTS FOR REDUCED TRAVEL TAX FOR DEPENDENTS OF OFWs:

PASSPORT
PLANE TICKET
MARRIAGE CONTRACT
BIRTH CERTIFICATE
LATEST e-RECEIPT / OEC & INFORMATION SHEET OF THE OFW
To be submitted at:
PHILIPPINE TOURISM AUTHORITY (PTA),
Revenue Department, Travel Tax Division,
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
G/F 117, DOT Bldg.,T.M. Kalaw, Manila

NOTE: Dependents are entitled to reduced tax privilege only if proceeding to OFW’s jobsite. Unmarried dependent children are only entitled to the privilege until the 21st birthday.

R E M I N D E R STHINGS TO BRING TO THE AIRPORT UPON DEPARTURE:
1. PASSPORT
2. e-RECEIPT or OEC
3. e-CARDe-RECEIPT AND OEC ARE VALID ONLY FOR SIXTY (60) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUANCE.PRESENT e-RECEIPT OR OEC (AIRPORT COPY) AT THE AIRPORT TERMINAL FEE COUNTER TO AVAIL OF EXEMPTION FROM PAYMENT OF TERMINAL FEE. (info@poea.gov.ph)

LUCKY TO BE A DAVAOEÑO

2009-12-30T16:06:00.011+03:00

What makes Davao City different from other cities in the Philippines and in the Asia-Pacific Region that would make it ideal for tourism and investment?Davao City’s abundant and diverse nature and culture set in a clean, safe, and cosmopolitan community of happy and proud peoples.

Ten (10) things that sets Davao City apart from the rest:

1.Typhoon-Free Zone -Because Davao City is absolutely typhoon-free and enjoys good weather all year round, there is an abundance of flora and fauna as well as food, water, and livelihood. It is also ideal for outdoor activities because of the stable weather condition. It is a good season for adventure and sports anytime of the year so one is not limited to just the summer months.

2. Best Water in the World Davao City’s tap water has been tested internationally for quality against all the major bottled waters sold in the market and was adjudged the best in terms of cleanliness, safety, mineral content, and taste. No need for boiling, distilling, purifying, adding of minerals. It is absolutely perfect. And no less than the World Health Organization has certified that it is the best in the world.

3. Multi-cultural and Cosmopolitan Peoples Davao City is home to at least 10 major indigenous tribes, both Islamized and non-Islamized, as well as migrant settlers (mostly Christianized) from all over the Philippines and a growing global community of ex-patriates with different languages, cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and political persuasions. As opposed to the rest of the Filipinos who have been colonized by the West, the people of Davao are indigenized -- which means that they may come from different places with different ways but when they become residents of Davao, they adopt the multicultural and cosmopolitan way of life, embracing the diversity of the city.
4. Strong & Independent Local Government The local government of Davao City is much admired by other governments, not just nationally but also internationally. It is recognized to be ahead than the national government in many ways -- in the crafting of landmark pieces of legislation; in pioneering innovations in local governance; in its strong political will in the implementation of policies and programs; in its high level of self-sufficiency; and in its pluralist and liberal political climate that result in significant grassroots and civil society participation. It is a favorite destination for study tours because it is considered as a model for other cities in the country and in the world.

5. Safest Destination Davao City has one of the lowest crime rates in the world averaging at 0.8 in every 10,000 persons per month. The Davao City Police Office has consistently been chosen as the Best Police Office in the entire country. The Davao City Peace and Order Council has been elevated to the Philippine Hall of Fame for consistently being the best in the country.

6. Most Prepared City to Respond to an Emergency Davao City is proud to be the only Asian city that has an integrated emergency response system similar to that of the United States and Canada – the Central 911. It responds to all kinds of emergency – medical, fire, police assistance, natural or man-made disaster. The only difference between Davao’s 911 and that of the US and Canada is – in Davao the service is absolutely free, totally subsidized by the local government. The Davao City Disaster Coordinating Council is also recognized as the best prepared disaster coordinating council in the country.

7. Excellent Public Utilities & Infrastructure Davao City enjoys an abundant and stable supply of water and power 24 hours a day all year round. The Davao City Water District (DCWD) is the number one water utility company in the Asia-Pacific Region among the 50 water utilities in the region. It is also the Most Outstanding Water District (very large category) for four years given by the Local Water Utilities Administration. On the other hand, Davao Light & Power (DLPC) is third largest privately-owned electric utility in the Philippines. It is the country’s most efficiently run power utilities, its systems loss rate of 8.13% is well below the government mandated cap of 9.50%. Davao City has a pioneering state-of-the-art traffic system similar to the system in Los Angeles, California. It is the first city in the Philippines to have an adaptive traffic signalization system. Plans are underway also to make the entire Davao City a Wi-Fi Zone.
8. Healthy Lifestyle Davao City adheres to a wholesome and healthy lifestyle for its residents and encourages its visitors to pursue the same. It pioneered the regulation of smoking in public places in the Philippines, which was replicated by other cities and gave birth to the national anti-smoking law. It has tough policies against dangerous drugs, violence against women and children (including prostitution and human trafficking), and environmental pollution. It led the ban on aerial spraying of plantations as well as the use of pyrotechnics. It is also in the forefront in the conservation of endangered species such as the country’s national bird, the Philippine Eagle, as well as the protection of the city’s watershed, coastal areas, rivers and gulf. It also boasts of one of the most progressive and comprehensive reproductive health program in the world.
9. More Value for Money Davao City has the freshest and highest quality produce in the country. Its exports of banana, pineapple, orchids, and tuna, among others, are considered the best in the world. Its pomelo, durian, and mangosteen are sought-after by the rest of the country. Yet these excellent, world-class products remain affordable and accessible to the locals on a daily basis. In Davao, the high quality of life does not come at a high cost.

10. Inclusive, Not Exclusive Davao City is open to all, regardless of one’s stature in life. There are no exclusive clubs for the social and economic elite nor are there forbidden ghettos confined to the poor and marginalized. Children and pets are welcome everywhere. Diversity in religious, political, sexual and gender orientation respected and celebrated. There are no strict dress codes to follow. Celebrities and famous people are treated like everyone else. No special treatments for those in powerful positions. Everybody is entitled to the same rights and privileges. There is zero tolerance for all kinds of abuse and discrimination. Elitism and haughtiness are treated with disdain while humility and openness are valued virtues. (more at davaotourism.com)

meRRy Christmas!

2009-12-24T13:34:00.001+03:00

Saan Nagtatago si Happiness.

2009-11-19T08:42:00.011+03:00

Laughter is the best medicine, as they say—it really is! But is it enough to say that happiness is just obtained by simply laughing or by merely smiling?It is true that all of us experience varying degrees of happiness—in all different hues and colors, and with all of its complexities. People would be content with just satisfying personal wants, some other would want inner peace and time to unwind. People would equate happiness with pleasure, others with pain. But what is it that would eventually appease our ailing soul in its endless search for true bliss? What then would make a happy life?

In my search for that something that makes a happy life, I came across different people with different perspectives and opinions, which can somehow give us concrete ideas to enlighten our understanding regarding this matter.

The first person I met during my journey was a lexicographer. I asked him, “Sir, do you know what is it that would make a man happy?” He quickly grabbed onto one of his dictionaries, and started to find something. Finally, he began to read, “Happiness is a state of well-being and contentment; a pleasurable satisfaction. To be happy is to enjoy contentment and to feel satisfied; it came from a Middle English word, hap.” Upon having his “concise” definition, I went on to my quest with a mind still full of dangling technicalities.

I then tried the aid of a poet, asking the same bothering question. He looked above and through the horizon, and said, “Happiness is like a sunbeam, which the least shadow intercepts…Happiness is not a reward—it is a consequence, it isn’t something one experience, rather, it’s something one remembers…” But before he was through, I realized that I was in fact, gliding into the lofty and romantic realms of blissful reality.

Moving on, still yearning for more, I stumbled upon a group of seemingly knowledgeable persons, much like philosophers. I have asked them the same query and they gave me several responses. One told me that happiness is when you’ve achieved your goals and everything you’ve always wanted in life. Another provided the idea of Utopia, of which everything is in perfect harmony, but of them rebutted, saying—”Utopia for all is impossible for people have these traits of selfishness and aggression in their genes.” One person agreed and added, “People experience varying degrees of happiness because they have relative wants for it. We can have it only through an individual pursuit, ’cause a happy life is a life-long struggle for one but not for everybody.” I enjoyed listening, but an argument is starting to build up. I don’t want to spoil my search so I left the group.

It is already dark and as I trek along the winding road, almost in desperation, I noticed these bright neon lights. I was so attracted by their radiant glows that I walked towards them relatively unconscious of what I was doing. I said to myself, “Wow, I think I’ve found where happiness really is!” Inside, everything was in festive mood, liquors overflowing, people satisfied and in constant merrymaking like there is no tomorrow. But nonetheless, I came into realization that this is nothing but an illusion to cover misery and insatiable lust with inappropriate sense of pleasure. So I left, with hope almost gone.

I came across a group of children, clad in rug-like clothes, gently extending their arms to reach over the rambling passers-by. Something came upon me, so I gave them some of my coins. Then I saw in them this tender smile of gratitude—and of contentment. The same is true with what I felt during that encounter—I felt an overwhelming feeling of happiness inside of me.

In this search for contentment, we tend to turn to superficial pleasure. We search for joy in worthless desires for money, power, and sex. But it doesn’t have to be this complicated. Happiness may not be as rare as it may seem. It can be achieved in simple deeds of generosity, in reaching out to others, and by exercising our freedom for the benefit of all. It is indeed more satisfying to give something coming from within us—something dear to us—than to snatch other people’s object of desires. Also, we can find happiness in sufferings and grievances—making life sweeter and indeed, making it more meaningful for without which we cannot attain pure bliss.

Finally, I got home after that tiring journey. My family and I ate dinner together. Afterwards, I called up some friends, sent text messages for a while before I took my rest. And as I close my eyes to pray, I asked myself again what’s that thing that makes a happy life?—As I opened my eyes upon the greeting sunlight of the next morn, I now knew at last, I have found happiness in my life, and I thanked God for giving me such.

What we can gain from this simple journey enables us to look beyond what our senses can perceive. Sometimes, we embark upon long, exasperating journeys, blindly aiming for something, always searching and yet, not finding—only to find out that the answer we’ve long been trying to figure out, can’t be that far from us, in fact, it can be found deep within us. What we need is to establish this strong will inside, to reflect, learn, and discover the precious gems of happiness hidden in all of us. This would not be hard if we are ready to open up ourselves and give up into understanding of yet simple things found amidst our existence.

The mere fact that we were able to experience living our lives, is more than enough reason for all of us to be happy—we were able to dream and achieve, to share our blessings, to stand up high and face life’s challenges, and sometimes cry when we feel so low, we were able to love and be loved, to wait in hope, and see everything from the sky above—all of these makes us complete, all of which makes life happy. And finally, with all these and so much more, it is then rightful to give back due recognition and honor to our Almighty Father, from whom all good things springs and blossoms and with whom we’ll obtain eternal joy and peace.

PUTTING IT OUT THERE

2009-11-11T14:26:00.005+03:00

Are you afraid to ask for fear of being refused? This article encourages us to take chances.

PUTTING IT OUT THERE
-by Steve Goodier-

We used to play spin the bottle when I was a kid," says comedy writer Gene Perret. "A girl would spin the bottle, and if the bottle pointed to you when it stopped, the girl could either kiss you or give you a nickel. By the time I was 14, I owned my own home."

Gotta admire persistence. Because rejection is hard to take. Especially when it comes from someone you know. Or, come to think about it, someone you don't know.

And we all want to be appreciated. We like being valued for what we do and who we are.

American football coach Bum Phillips lives in a world where one can become a hero or a heel in an amazingly short time. One mediocre season and a coach, even a good one, can be out of a job. Like Phillips once said, "There's only two kinds of coaches -- them that's been fired and them that's about to be fired." Sounds like they might want to make friends with rejection.

Few things hold people back more than the fear of rejection. They don't ask for what they need because the answer may be no. They don't ask their boss for a raise or for more time off. They don't ask for help. They are afraid to be the first to say "I love you" (what if they don't hear "I love you" back?). They don't ask for a better deal or a lower interest rate. They don't submit that manuscript to a publisher. In short, they don't let their wants and needs be known, for fear of being turned away, turned down or turned out.

But the wonderful truth is this: If you can accept NO for an answer, you can ask for anything. ANYTHING. When no is an acceptable and okay answer to what you'd like, you can fearlessly ask for whatever you need.

I love the expression, "I'm just putting it out there." Just put it out there. Ask. And don't worry about the response. Nobody can say YES if you never asked. Just put it out there and don't be afraid -- you may be surprised at the answer you get. Sometimes people just need to be asked. And if you don't get the response you want, are you any worse off than before?

Hey -- I'm just putting it out there.

Securely In-Love daw oh!

2009-09-27T09:33:00.004+03:00

Pagkatapos ng mahabang oras ng pagtatrabaho, ang nais ko sana ay isang tao na mapagbabahaginan ko ng kwento kung paano lumipas ang oras sa aking mundo. Subalit lagi na sa araw-araw na gusto mong may makinig sayo, araw-araw ka ring nadidisappoint dahil zero, walang someone na pwede mong sabihin ng iyong mga kalokohan, at syempre ng iyong mga hinaing sa mundo. Yes, I missed those days na I have someone, a friend whom I can share what I accomplished for a certain day.

Far from the thoughts of others, I really moved on from my relationship with my ex. so why the hell I’m ranting now is because I missed the feeling of being securely in-love.

Securely in-love.- meaning to have someone who will be there ALWAYS. As in ALWAYS, someone who'll find time for a RELATIONSHIP or PARTNERSHIP or whatever you call it...to be with someone who is willing to really UNRAVEL my true feelings and emotions...to love someone not so perfect but willing to accept all the imperfections in me...someone who will listen to all my blabbing and afterward will hold me lovingly and says, everything will be alright...the list could go on and on... but I think I must rest my case and just do my ranting alone cause being securely in love is far from being real...

La Vie En Rose.

2009-08-19T22:57:00.013+03:00

Everymorning as I passed through the entrance of the building where I am working, I could'nt help but to look at the lovely landscaped flowers as they blooms together graciously spreading their very own petals to its perfection, flaunting different colors to the brightest they could... Well, that was several weeks ago co'z this is how they looked like yesterday when I passed by. Just like the bunch of roses displayed in my office... as days goes by, it's leaves and petals became dull, and finally dried up.

LA VIE EN ROSE

When we see others wielding their Kiehls and Lab Series, with their TREsemme' hair and their Armani suit. Then we look at our pathetic puddle of Watson's EXTRA! 25% more!'. You'd wish you can have what the others have and add legendary 'Creme de La Mer' to your collection.

Then it comes a time, where no amount of SK-II is going to make you look 17 again or anything like Zac Efron. Some may end up injecting toxins into their face; some for a little nip here and a lot of tucking everywhere else. We have always challenged the course of time, as cliche as it is....we lose.

These flowers, just like a rose, be it red, yellow, pink or black. From a humble bud, it blooms to be the most loved flower of all. You may mist it now and then to help it stay vigor just a little longer. But you know it, and I know it... Someday, that once vibrant flower and its fragrance, will be but a memory. And just like the rose, we'll always remind ourselves of that oh-so-very-far-away time when we were 'younger'.

But what separates us from the rose is this.

The rose will always be remembered for it's most beautiful moment. And we will always be remembered for the number of times we fell and failed. The rose never tries to look like a lily... the rose withers.. and WE AGE. But the rose, in any other name, broken and withered, is still a rose....... Can we say the same for ourselves?

Being Positive Inspite Of Your Problems by: Rick Warren

2009-08-15T11:13:00.005+03:00

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way” (James 1:2–4 MSG).

So you think you’ve got problems? Consider Brian Hise:

He had more than his share of bad luck a few years ago in July. When his apartment in Provo, Utah, became flooded from a broken pipe in the apartment above his, the manager told him to go out and rent a wet/dry vacuum.

That’s when Brian discovered that his car had a flat tire. He changed the tire and went inside again to phone a friend for help. But the electric shock he got from the phone so startled him that he inadvertently ripped the instrument off the wall! Before he could leave his apartment a second time, a neighbor had to kick his door down because by now water damage had jammed it too tight to open.

While all this was going on, someone stole Brian’s car! But since it was almost out of gas, Brian found it just a few blocks away. He then had to push it to a gas station where he filled up the tank.

That evening Brian attended a military ceremony at the university he was attending. He injured himself severely when he somehow sat on his bayonet, which had been tossed in the front seat of his car!

Doctors were able to stitch up Brian’s wound but, in the meantime, no one was able to resuscitate four of his canaries who were crushed to death from the wet, falling plaster in his apartment. He discovered their deaths after arriving home and then slipping on the wet carpet in his apartment, badly injuring his tailbone.

Brian said he began to wonder if (and I quote), “God wanted me dead, but just kept missing!”

The Bible says, “Is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete” (James 1:2–4 LB).

The Woman in Yellow.

2009-08-03T11:13:00.008+03:00

This I offer to the woman in yellow, to The woman of inspiration and to The woman who restores Philippines’ democracy,... The woman,... former President Corazon C. Aquino... Maraming Salamat at Isang Maluwalhating Paglalakbay...

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Corazon Aquino 76, who has died after a 16-month battle against colon cancer, became president of the Philippines in 1986 after Ferdinand Marcos was forced to flee into exile. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corazon_Aquino

Enjoying What You Do.

2009-07-29T15:50:00.002+03:00

To enjoy your work more, it helps to put some play in what you do. But what if you don't like your work? Can you find something to do you enjoy?

Enjoying What You Do
-by Steve Goodier-

Plato said that work should be play. Some airline employees have taken his injunction seriously. After landing, one flight attendant announced, "Thank you for flying Delta Business Express. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride."

As a plane touched down and was slowing to a stop at Washington National, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!"

One pilot made this weather announcement: "Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but they'll try to have them fixed before we arrive."

"As you exit the plane," a flight attendant said, "please make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses."

And passengers heard this just as they were to exit the aircraft: "Last one off the plane must clean it."To enjoy your work more, it helps to put some play in what you do. But what if you don't like your work? Can you find something to do you enjoy?

Authors Doug Hall and David Wecker tell the story of Ken Davis, a man who found a simple way to enjoy his work (MAKING THE COURAGE CONNECTION; Fireside Books, 1997). Ken just couldn't find his occupational niche. He worked at a variety of jobs and disliked them all. While Ken was working as a door salesman, he noticed that at least half of his customers had malfunctioning doorbells. And suddenly, Ken's life career became clear. He opened his own doorbell repair service.

Ken's wife laughed when she first heard his idea. When she realized he was serious, she cried. Whoever heard of making a living repairing doorbells? But Ken is making a comfortable living at his unique job, and he's happier than he's ever been. Ken didn't enjoy what he was doing, so he is now doing what he enjoys.

"The biggest mistake that you can make is to believe that you are working for somebody else," Earl Nightingale asserts. "Job security is gone. The driving force of a career must come from the individual. Remember, jobs are owned by the company; you own your career!"

No matter where you work, you work for yourself! With a little creativity and imagination, your work can seem less like drudgery and more like play. And wouldn't you really rather have it that way?

Fretting Is A Waste

2009-07-26T15:23:00.004+03:00

The older we get, the shorter life seems. Author Victor Hugo said, "Short as life is, we make it still shorter by the careless waste of time."

There's no sadder example of wasted time than a life dominated by fretting. Take, for example, an American woman whose dream of riding a train through the English countryside came true. After boarding the train she kept fretting about the windows and the temperature, complaining about her seat assignment, rearranging her luggage, and so on. To her shock, she suddenly reached her journey's end. With deep regret she said to the person meeting her, "If I'd known I was going to arrive so soon, I wouldn't have wasted my time fretting so much."

It's easy to get sidetracked by problems that won't matter at life's end—difficult neighbors, a tight budget, signs of aging, people who are wealthier than you. Moses acknowledged the brevity of life and prayed, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).

Instead of fretting, feed on God's Word and apply it to yourself. Strive to grow in God's wisdom every day. Stay focused on eternal values. Make it your goal to greet your waiting Savior one day with a heart of wisdom, rather than a heart of care. — Joanie Yoder

Day by day and with each passing moment,

Strength I find to meet my trials here;

Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,

I've no cause for worry or for fear. —Berg

Worry casts a big shadow behind a small thing.

-our daily bread-

Who's Got Your Tongue?

2009-07-25T10:43:00.002+03:00

It's been estimated that a talkative person may speak 30,000 words a day! But the important question is, how do our words, whether many or few, affect others?

A Greek philosopher asked his servant to cook the best dish possible. The servant, who was very wise, prepared a dish of tongue, saying, "It's the best of all dishes, for it reminds us that we may use the tongue to bless and express happiness, dispel sorrow, remove despair, and spread cheer."

Later the servant was asked to cook the worst dish possible. Again, he prepared a dish of tongue, saying, "It's the worst dish, for it reminds us that we may use the tongue to curse and break hearts, destroy reputations, create strife, and set families and nations at war."

We don't have to eat tongue to grasp that servant's point. But we may have to "eat our own words" quite often before we learn to avoid saying things we'd like to retract. Solomon wrote: "The tongue of the wise promotes health" (Proverbs 12:18). It affirms and encourages others. The key word in that verse isn't tongue but wise. The tongue is not in control, but the person behind it is.

If you want your tongue to build people up and not tear them down, ask God to make you wise. — Joanie Yoder

A wise old bird sat on an oak—

The more he saw the less he spoke,

The less he spoke the more he heard;

Lord, make me like that wise old bird. —Anon.

Wisdom is knowing when to speak your mind

and when to mind your speech.

-rbc ministries-

Where are You Going?

2009-07-18T10:11:00.004+03:00

For some of us life is a matter of chance. While the course of our lives are sometimes affected by random events that may alter it’s direction, we do retain substantial control over it. I am hoping that this short article will encourage you to stay the path that you chose.

Where are You Going?
-by Steve Goodier-

(apocalypse of tristancafe)

An army chaplain tells of the time he was asked to preach at a church some 20 miles from the base. He took his family along, but had neglected to tell his six-year-old daughter where they were going. After a few miles on the road, she asked, "Dad, when we get to where we're going, where will we be?" A good question! And one all of us should try to answer for ourselves.

Think of your life's journey. When you get to where you're going, where will you be? One year, five years, or even 20 years from now, if you keep heading in the same direction you are heading and keep doing what you are doing, what will your life look like? Not only vocationally and financially, but what kind of person will you be? Do you have a pretty clear picture of the way you would like things to turn out, or will you be as surprised when it happens as everybody else?

It has been my experience that most people do not spend much time with these questions. But as Henry David Thoreau once said, "In the long run, we only hit what we aim at."

To live aimlessly is to waste this precious gift of life. But to live with direction is to live fully.

Are You Strong Enough to Handle Critics?

2009-07-15T11:13:00.002+03:00

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again because there is no effort without error and shortcomings, who knows the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at his best knows in the end the high achievement of triumph and who at worst, if he fails while daring greatly, knows his place shall never be with those timid and cold souls who know neither victory nor defeat. (Theodore Roosevelt)

Daily sex 'best for good sperm'

2009-07-12T16:53:00.004+03:00

Having sex every day improves sperm quality and could boost the chances of getting pregnant, research suggests. In a study of men with fertility problems, daily ejaculation for a week cut the amount of DNA damage seen in sperm samples.

Speaking at a fertility conference, the Australian researcher said general advice for couples had been to have sex every two or three days. Early results from the trial had already shown promising results.

Perhaps we have been blaming the women as couples get older but perhaps there's a contribution from the male because we're not behaving as we should be (Dr David Greening Sydney IVF ) But 118 men have now been tested and the benefits for sperm have become clearer.

Dr David Greening, from Sydney IVF, told delegates at the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology meeting that eight in ten men taking part showed a 12% drop in sperm DNA damage after the seven days. Although there was a big drop in sperm numbers from 180 million to 70 million over the week, men were still within the normal "fertile" range. Sperm also became more active over the seven days with a small rise in motility, he added.

Damage.

The theory is the longer sperm hang around in the testes the more likely they are to accumulate DNA damage and the warm environment could also make them more sluggish after a while. Sperm come under attack by free radicals - small reactive molecules which can damage DNA and cause cell death - in the tube that stores and carries sperm away from the testes. Further work is needed to work out if daily sex for men without fertility problems has the same benefits but Dr Greening believes it is likely to be the case. He warns that having daily sex for too long - say a fortnight - would probably cut sperm numbers too much.

But recommended "lots of sex daily" around the time the woman is ovulating. He said it was best to "keep the river flowing".

As men age they may not have as much sex as they did when they were younger, adding to the problem of infertility, Dr Greening told delegates. "We are designed to breed in our youth. "Perhaps we have been blaming the women as couples get older but perhaps there's a contribution from the male because we're not behaving as we should be."

The findings may also have implications for couples undergoing IVF as men are commonly told to abstain from sex for a couple of days to try and boost sperm numbers. Dr Alan Pacey, a fertility expert at the University of Sheffield, said the finding that daily ejaculation improved the chances of conception was interesting, but it would be wrong to apply the results to all men. "For example, in cases where men have low sperm counts to start with, daily ejaculations may well reduce the sperm count still further and whilst sperm may be more healthy the reduced numbers could impede the chance of natural conception.

"The best general advice is that if couples are attempting to conceive naturally, intercourse every couple of days will make sure the sperm are as healthy as possible on each occasion.

"However, in preparation for IVF or ICSI treatment, this advice may well change in response to medical test results like DNA damage measurements."-By Emma Wilkinson BBC News health reporter in Amsterdam-

Type kong magpaka-SENTI.

2009-06-23T14:51:00.002+03:00

Matapos ang ilang buwan, unti unti ng naghihilom ang mga sugat ng nakaraan kong pag-ibig. At ngayon, handang handa na akong umibig muli katunayan, Heto na naman si puso at pinana na naman ni Mr. Cupid… eh pano ba naman kasi napaka bait niyang tao inside and out walang ka ere-ere.,,siya ang typical na gusto kong maging ka partner while away from my homeland… kaya lang ang problema parang naaamoy ko na ayaw niya sa mga nilalang na katulad ko… Pero super friends naman kami ngayon.

At ang isa pang problema hindi niya alam na like ko siya at natatakot ako na malalaman niya kasi baka “BASTID” ang mapapala ko. Baka magaya ako sa isang nilalang na umaaligid sa kanya at nagpakita ng intensyon na ngayon ay hindi pa mahugot-hugot dahil tumilapon at nababa-on sa puso negro..in short, binastid din niya…hehehehe kidding aside,... Haayyy… ang hirap ng may itinatago sa loob kaya lang pag ni-reveal ko kasi ang feelings ko maraming magtataasan ang kilay for sure… tsaka ayokong nakikipag compete sa mga taong HINDI MALAWAK ANG PANG UNAWA at HINDI MARUNONG TUMANGGAP NG PAGKATALO yung tipong alam mo na na hindi ka gusto at inaayawan ka na.? Sabagay baka kasi may iba din siyang paniniwala.

Pero para sa akin naman kong hindi talaga para sayo huwag ng ipilit dahil mas lalo ka lang masasaktan, at tanggapin ng buong puso na may mga bagay talaga na hindi para sayo ang tanging magagawa nalang natin ay ang palayain at suportahan sa kong saan niya gusto at saan siya maging masaya dahil yan naman talaga dapat ang pagibig, ang magparaya sa pansiriling kaligayan at maging masaya sa ika-sasaya ng iyong minamahal.( nakz!) Tandaan natin na hindi lahat nakukuha sa material o pera lang dahil ang pag –ibig ay hindi nabibili. Kasama mo nga siya pero ang puso naman niya ay pagmamay-ari ng iba, hindi ba mas masakit kong pagmamayari mo lang ang katawan niya? Puwera nalang kong KATAWAN at panandali-ang aliw lang din ang habol mo sa kanya…J …Haaayyy .. kadalasan din kasi ang tao ang gumagawa ng problema at komplikadong buhay.

Kaya heto nalang,,.. para sa pinakamamahal kong si (name is omitted) ang masasabi ko lang sayo sa ngayon ay eto…“I’d rather love you in silence, for in silence nobody owns you but me.” Oh diba ang senti ko? Martir na martir ang drama … oh siya sige react!...NOW NA!

Guidelines in living a successfull life.

2009-06-15T20:33:00.004+03:00

Cherish things while you still have them, before they're gone, and you realize how precious they really are.
Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.
Everything in life is temporary. So if things are going good, enjoy it because it won't last forever.
And if things are going bad, don't worry because it won't last forever either.
Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Never cross a bridge without knowing how to swim the tides.
If you could not add years to your life Add life to your years.

Have a nice day everyone!:)

starlight of tristan

Cyborg Girl (A Japanese Movie)

2009-06-10T11:51:00.006+03:00

Got glued on this movie last night. This movie has a charming fusion of romance, comedy, sci-fi, and drama all in one. It is directed by Kwak Jae Yong the same director of a very successful Korean movie, My Sassy Girl. Scenes are captured in Japan starring Koide Keisuke(Jiro) and actress Ayase Haruka (as Cyborg).

SHORT SYNOPSIS OF THE MOVIE:

Jiro (Koide Keisuke) is just an ordinary college student with the most mundane of existences until one day 'She' (Ayase Haruka) shows up. With her large unblinking eyes and silver bodysuit, She walks into his lonely life and heart on his birthday, and turns his world upside down. A cyborg from the future, She was sent back in time by her creator, Jiro of the future, to protect present-day Jiro from a shooting that would have crippled him for life. For Jiro, having a beautiful, if slightly rough cyborg around is mighty handy, as She uses her super powers to save lives and get Jiro to class on time. Jiro gradually falls in love with this cyborg who develops human emotions, but She knows something about the future that he doesn't. (reviews at http://asiacue.com)

Making The Best Of You

2009-06-07T13:13:00.003+03:00

Adversity is a part of life. What is important is how we transform these into positive experiences.

Making The Best of You

by Steve Goodier

They say "make the best of a bad situation." But I believe the bad situation makes the best of you. Even the irritations of life can be useful. President Abraham Lincoln showed us how this is so.

One of his cabinet appointees, Edwin Stanton, frequently found flaws with the president and criticized him -- sometimes in public. Lincoln seemed to show excessive patience with him. The president was asked why he kept such a man in a high level position.

Lincoln characteristically responded with a story. He told about a time he was visiting with an old farmer. He noticed a big horsefly biting the flank of the farmer's horse. Lincoln said he reached over to brush the fly away. As he did so, the farmer stopped him and cautioned, "Don't do that, friend. That horsefly is the only thing keeping this old horse moving."

Even life's many irritations and problems have their place. They may cause us to change directions. Or prod us to greater achievement. Or keep us moving along when it's easier to go nowhere.

DEADLY ASSUMPTIONS.

2009-04-23T10:22:00.002+03:00

How many times have we assumed something only to find out later that we were wrong? This article reminds us that things are usually not what they seem and that we should validate information before we make judgments. I am hoping that this saves you a lot of grief and humiliation.

Deadly Assumptions

Joan, the town gossip and supervisor of the town's morals recently accused George, a local man, of having a drinking problem because she observed his pickup truck outside the town's only bar one morning. George stared at her for a moment, and said nothing. Later that evening, he parked his pickup truck in front of her house and left it there all night.

Why is it that most assumptions are wrong? Yet we too often act as if they are right!

Years ago, a young American at a banquet found himself seated next to the eminent V. K. Wellington Koo, a Chinese diplomat. Completely at a loss as to what to say to someone from such a different culture, this young man ventured, "Likee soupee?"

Mr. Koo smiled and nodded. Later when called upon to speak, Wellington Koo delivered an eloquent talk in exquisite English, sat down while the applause was still resounding, turned to the young man and smiled, "Likee speechee?"

His assumption about Mr. Koo was simply not true. Which is not unlike a husband who assumes he knows his wife's opinion on a matter, only to find out she thinks differently. Or a wife who assumes that her husband's silence means he is angry or disinterested, only to learn that he is worried about something else. Or an employee who assumes he knows that his boss is upset with him because she didn't praise his performance on a project, when she was merely preoccupied with another matter.

Assumptions. We all make them. They're usually wrong and they too often get us into trouble.

I like the advice of Eniong Hilario: "Things are better said than assumed." When in doubt, check it out. You think you know what was said? Check it out. You think you know what was meant? Check it out. You may think you know, but check it out.

And when you do, be prepared to be surprised!

Kabsa

2009-04-06T13:27:00.006+03:00

When I arrived here in Riyadh, Brian a friend of mine introduced me this gastronomic food which eventually became one of my favorite Arabian cuisines.

Kabsa is a Fragrant Rice with Chicken meat. This classic Arabian dish is Saudi Arabian in origin, and is believed to originate from the nomadic Bedouin tribes centuries ago. Arabic cuisine has its roots in tent cookery. Nomadic tribes could use only transportable foods such as rice and dates, or their nomadic stock like sheep and camels in their recipes. As the caravans journeyed throughout the Middle East, new seasonings and vegetables were discovered and added to the existing repertoire. Each new discovery was incorporated into the diet in quantities palatable to a particular tribe - a fact that many cooks believe is responsible for the anomalies found in some Arabic dishes today. You can use lamb (or camel!!) in this dish, but it is more usual to make it with chicken nowadays. I copied some of the original recipe posted on recipezaar.com for the Kabsa spice mix needed in this recipe.

Ingredients

1 kg chicken piece
500 g basmati rice
2 dried limes, finely chopped
250 g fresh tomatoes
250 g onions, peeled and diced
50 g garlic cloves, peeled and finely diced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh coriander, chopped
50 ml olive oil
2 tablespoons kabsa spice mix (OR use the following spices, 1
teaspoon cardamom seed, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon
cummin)

Accompanying sauce Ingredients
250 g fresh tomatoes
100 g fresh mint, leave
5 g salt
50 g green chili peppers
water

Directions

Slice the onion and garlic, cut the tomatoes in to wedges and chop the fresh coriander.
Heat the oil in a casserole dish and add the onions, garlic - sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, then add chicken and cook for a further 5 minutes. Add the rice and sauté for about 3 minutes before adding the tomato, spices, salt and dried limes.
Add water just enough to cover the rice mixture and bring to boil, turn the heat down and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Remove from heat, stir in the sultanas and almonds, then leave for further 10 minutes with the lid on.
Remove the lid, stir well and serve with the following sauce.
Accompanying Sauce.
Skin the tomatoes and mix all the ingredients together, season to taste.
Serve the Kabsa with the tomato sauce and flatbreads.
NB. If making up the Kabsa spice mixture fresh - grind all the spices together in a coffee grinder or a food processor/mixer, or with a pestle and mortar.

Bob Ong's Philosophy On Love.

2009-04-01T10:37:00.005+03:00

Wala lang na-inspire lang ako dito sa sinulat ni Bob Ong sa kanyang libro kaya share ko lang..:)

1.) "Kung hindi mo mahal ang isang tao, wag ka nang magpakita ng motibo para mahalin ka nya."

2.) "Huwag mong bitawan ang bagay na hindi mo kayang makitang hawak ng iba."

3.) "Huwag mong hawakan kung alam mong bibitawan mo lang."

4.) "Huwag na huwag ka hahawak kapag alam mong may hawak ka na."

5.) "Parang elevator lang yan eh, bakit mo pagsisiksikan yung sarili mo kung walang pwesto para sayo. Eh meron naman hagdan, ayaw mo lang pansinin."

6.) "Kung maghihintay ka nang lalandi sayo, walang mangyayari sa buhay mo..Dapat lumandi ka din."

7.) "Pag may mahal ka at ayaw sayo, hayaan mo. Malay mo sa mga susunod na araw ayaw mo na din sa kanya, naunahan ka lang."

8.) "Hiwalayan na kung di ka na masaya. Walang gamot sa tanga kundi pagkukusa."

9.) "Pag hindi ka mahal ng mahal mo wag ka magreklamo. Kasi may mga tao rin na di mo mahal pero mahal ka.. Kaya quits lang."

10.) "Kung dalawa ang mahal mo, piliin mo yung pangalawa. Kasi hindi kanaman magmamahal ng iba kung mahal mo talaga yung una."

11.) "Hindi porke't madalas mong ka-chat, kausap sa telepono, kasama sa mga lakad o ka-text ng wantusawa eh may gusto sayo at magkakatuluyan kayo. Meron langtalagang mga taong sadyang friendly, sweet, flirt, malandi, pa-fall o paasa."

12.) "Huwag magmadali sa babae o lalaki. Tatlo, lima , sampung taon, mag-iiba ang pamantayan mo at maiisip mong hindi pala tamang pumili ng kapareha dahil lang maganda o nakakalibog ito. Totoong mas mahalaga ang kalooban ng tao higit sa anuman. Sa paglipas ng panahon, maging ang mga crush ng bayan nagmumukha ding pandesal, maniwala ka."

13.) "Minsan kahit ikaw ang nakaschedule, kailangan mo pa rin maghintay,kasi hindi ikaw ang priority."

14.) "Mahirap pumapel sa buhay ng tao. Lalo na kung hindi ikaw yung bida sa script na pinili nya."

15.) "Alam mo ba kung gaano kalayo ang pagitan ng dalawang tao pag nagtalikuran na sila? Kailangan mong libutin ang buong mundo para lang makaharap ulit ang taong tinalikuran mo."

16.) "Mas mabuting mabigo sa paggawa ng isang bagay kesa magtagumpay sa paggawa ng wala"

17.) Hindi lahat ng kaya mong intindihin ay katotohan, at hindi lahat ng hindi mo kayang intindihin ay kasinungalingan."

18. "Kung nagmahal ka ng taong di dapat at nasaktan ka, wag mong sisihin ang puso mo. Tumitibok lng yan para mag-supply ng dugo sa katawan mo. Ngayon, kung magaling ka sa anatomy at ang sisisihin mo naman ay ang hypothalamus mo na kumokontrol ng emotions mo, mali ka pa rin! Bakit? Utang na loob! Wag mong isisi sa body organs mo ang mga sama ng loob mo sa buhay! Tandaan mo: magiging masaya ka lang kung matututo kang tanggapin na hindi ang puso, utak, atay o bituka mo ang may kasalanan sa lahat ng nangyari sayo, kundi IKAW mismo!"

19. "Ang pag-ibig parang imburnal...nakakatakot mahulog...at kapag nahulog ka, it's either by accident or talagang tanga ka.."

Why God Allows Pain And Suffering.

2009-04-01T10:19:00.002+03:00

This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and suffering that we have seen...

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said:

"I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer.

"Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.

" The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber:

"You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!" "No!" the customer exclaimed.

"Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me."

"Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

MY FAREWELL LETTER TO MY SPECIAL FRIEND'S LOVER

2009-03-07T17:44:00.004+03:00

I can see lately you & my best bud are havin' a great time together. In fact, my special friend has forgotten to call me or just to say hi and hellos because my special friend has you now. No big deal, I'm prepared, I expected that this would happen. That one day I'll lose my special friend along the way.

I just want to tell you that my special friend is the kind who seems to be so tough on the outside, yet with a soft heart inside. When something bothers my special friend, my special friend won't tell it to you directly. Instead, you have to be sensitive enough to feel the doubts and insecurities and everything my special friend hides within. A little encouraging talk would be nice, but my special friend would surely appreciate it when you'll do the listener's part and share your comments occasionally.

My special friend may not be so showy when jealous or when has "tampo" but you should understand it. You shouldn't do things that might hurt my special friend feelings 'coz I'll be the first one to feel the pain. My special friend let you feel the love in little ways and you should appreciate it as a lover because I know my special friend love you so much. My special friend likes everything to be simple, so he does things in a very modest way but it all flows out from my special friend heart that's why it always turns out to be special.

Some of my special friend's ideas may seem weird but there's a saying that goes, "when you love someone, you should accept his totality." If you can't stand my special friend anymore, just tell my special friend to call me, I'd be happy to listen to my special friend's ideas.

I need not to explain to you why I'm doing this, I hope sure you know why. If you only knew that I love my special friend so much. Not that I blame you, my special friend's really a catch. I just hope that now that you have my special friend in your life, you will not take my special friend for granted nor try to hurt my special friend's feelings. Please make it feel that you value my special friend so much. Make yourself available whenever my special friend needs someone to talk to. I know you wouldn't do things that would hurt my special friend but in case you do, if you hurt my special friend's feelings, please tell my special friend you're sorry. Don't let your conversations end with hate and anger.

I love my special friend so much. When my special friend excitedly told me that the two of you were already comfortable with each other, I decided to stay away from my special friend 'coz I know my special friend has to focus more on you. You shouldn't worry anymore about my presence 'coz I have decided to give way.

Please bestow my special friend with all the love that you can give, because my special friend deserves that. That's all I can ask.

Your Special friend.

In The Middle Of All These.

2009-03-04T17:18:00.007+03:00

When you came barging into my life late December, never in my wildest dreams had I imagined that you would affect me this much, or that I would learn to love you this much. Had I known, I would’ve run away from you as far I can, as fast as I could, knowing that our lives are far too complicated for us to ever be together. Or for us to ever be more than friends.

I didn’t know how it all started, or when. Though I did question myself when I started anticipating your calls and your texts, I tried to assure myself that you were just a friend, that I am just enjoying your company, and that there’s nothing more to it. Even from the start, I felt that we were meant to be the best of friends. We enjoy the same music, and share the same wavelength as far as anything and everything is concerned. I felt so comfortable around you, as you are to me, and we’d hang out as often as we like, unmindful of what anyone would say. You were the coolest being for me, and I was the coolest for you too. And our friendship seemed like the coolest thing that happened to us.

But unfortunately, somewhere in the middle of all these, I fell in-love with you. Ironically, just weeks before you told me about your girlfriend and the worst of it all, I found out that a human creation belonged to a third sex world had entered in the scene knowingly.

For someone so used to heartaches, I didn’t imagine it could still hurt me this badly. But it did. For days, I gathered enough courage to avoid you and to ignore the nagging thoughts in my mind that tell me I miss you, and that I need to see you, or talk to you, or even just to text you. Soon enough, you noticed the changes, as well as the space that I’ve tried to create between us, and expectedly, you assured me that nothing would change, and that nothing would get in the way of our friendship, not even the fact that you already have a girlfriend back home. A part of me wanted to believe you, but unfortunately, I know better. Of course, things will change and we tried to keep the friendship at the same level thought its hard to pretend to be just your friend when I know in my mind that you are so much more than that to me. While we still tried to pick up the pieces together still, It hurts me even more each time I see you associating and trying to involve yourself to which according to you, he is only your “FRIEND”. So many instances that you broke my heart unnoticeably especially when I found out that you and your gay “FRIEND” are seeing each other. It’s weird but this is in contrast to the emotion I felt to your girlfriend, as I never feel any symptoms of jealousy at all.

Despite all these, I still continued to be your friend, I still continued to be there for you, I still continued to be available whenever you need me, and I still held on to the thought that maybe you could still change your mind, and that you could still fall in-love with me.

Somehow, in the middle of all these, my wish came true but not in the way I expected it; I don’t want to elaborate what we had decided when we had a serious talk, but one thing I am sure of is that I perceived clearly the kind of a relationship you wanted to be in me.

Though you didn’t acknowledge your feelings to me vocally I’ve learned to be contented of what we had compromised. Though I know it could be the most wonderful and meaningful moment I’ve ever felt if you could only say the words I longed to hear from you and that is, you love me too. That you’ve also grown to love me more than a friend. I should be happy hearing you say all this, but I don’t know which is worse, not knowing the fact that you love me too or knowing the fact that you love me too yet the reality that I could not have you.

I am not one to fool myself and make believe that there will be a happy ending for us. I couldn’t fault you for laying it down to me plain & simple that we can never be more than what we are right now. Ok, so you felt the same way. Period. Who am I to expect that you also want to bring this, whatever this is, to the next level anyway? I might’ve been watching too many romantic movies that I am led to believe that one kiss is all it takes for two people to live happily ever after. I am dead wrong.

You don’t have to avoid me to make me realize that nothing will come out of this. I’ve realized that early on. Truly, love is not enough. I don’t regret being friends with you, but I regret the fact that we became too close, and that this closeness made you so special to me and gave me the chance to fall in love with you. When you came into my life, I didn’t really think of how long will you stay or how soon will you go, but I’d like to thank you for the fact that at one point in my life, you made me happy just by being in it.

Although I could’ve loved you more,... I know now that you’re not the right one for me.

A million thanks to( habibi )

The Donkey in the Well.

2008-10-03T03:35:00.004+03:00

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.… Finally he decided since the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway, it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. So, the farmer invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed shovels, and began to shovel dirt into the well. All the other farm animals were very upset about this, because the donkey was their friend. But they discovered there was nothing they could do to help him. At first, when the donkey realized what was happening, he cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement, he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well, and was astonished at what he saw.

With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off, and take a step up on the dirt as it piled up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well, and trotted off!

MORAL: Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. But each trouble can be a stepping stone. What happens to you isn't nearly as important as how you react to it. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not giving up!

Shake it off, and take a step up!

"Halo-halo" A Filipino Dessert.

2008-09-24T03:37:00.007+03:00

Halo halo is a representative of the various sweets Filipinos enjoy. Legumes, rootcrops and fruits are cooked in syrup until tender and sweet. Eggyolks and milk are made into leche flan. Ube is grated for haleya. Fresh ripe fruits are cubed, pinipig is toasted, buko is grated and if one has time - sorbets or ice cream can even be made. All these are put in a tall glass that is then filled with shaved ice. It is served with a long teaspoon and continually mixed as you eat (halo ng halo).

Estimated preparation time: 50 minutes

Halo Halo Ingredients:

1 ripe large banana
2 ripe mangoes or 1 cup canned ripe mango
1 cup firm gelatin set into gel and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup canned ripe jackfruit
1/2 cup sweet corn or chick peas (garbanzos)
1 cup young shredded coconut, fresh or canned
1 cup cooked sweet yams or (ube halaya) glutinous purple yam, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cup shaved ice
2 cup milk
4 scoops of favorite ice cream
1/2 cup chopped peanuts or rice krispies

Halo Halo Preparation Instruc

Peel mangoes and slice the meat into 1/2-inch cubes. Discard the seeds.
Prepare 4 tall glasses. Divide each ingredient into 4 equal parts.
In each glass place 1/4 of each ingredient, adding layer by layer starting with corn or chick peas, cooked sweet yams, jackfruit, bananas, coconut, and gelatin.
Top with 1/2 cup shaved ice.
Pour 1/4 cup milk over shaved ice and top with a scoop of ice cream.
Sprinkle nuts or rice krispies over it. See more recipes at www.pinoyrecipes.net

Lunch With God

2008-09-18T03:59:00.006+03:00

A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his backpack with Twinkies and a six pack of root beer, and started on his journey.

When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his backpack. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her a Twinkie. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted!

They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, and they never said a word. As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever.

When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? She has the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!

"Meanwhile, the old woman,, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and asked, "Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy?" She replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God." Before her son responded, she added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected."

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

Remember, we don't know what God will look like. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

Images taken at Coco's Restaurant Garden

Getting Ready For Tomorrow

2008-09-16T03:55:00.005+03:00

If we truly wish for something extraordinary in our lives, we must be prepared to undertake extraordinary efforts. This article stresses the need for such preparations. I am hoping that this guides you.

GETTING READY FOR TOMORROW
-by Steve Goodier-

You heard about the sign posted on a rancher's fence? On the other side of the fence resides the biggest, meanest looking bull you can imagine. The sign is intended to strike fear into the hearts of would-be trespassers. It reads: "Don't attempt to cross this field unless you can do it in 9.9 seconds. The bull can do it in 10 flat!"

Don't try to cross that field unless you are prepared! And isn't that the way it is in life? We have to be ready when the opportunity arises or else we will have little chance of success.

Sixth-grade schoolteacher Ms. Shelton believed in readiness. Students remember how she walked in on the first day of class and began writing words of an eighth-grade caliber on the chalkboard. They quickly protested that the words were not on their level and they couldn't learn them.

Their teacher insisted that the students could and would learn these words. She said that she would never teach down to them. Ms. Shelton ended by saying that one of the students in that classroom could go on to greatness, maybe even be president some day, and she wanted to prepare them for that day.

Ms. Shelton spoke those words many years ago. Little did she know that someday one of her students - Jesse Jackson - would take them seriously ("Leadership, " Summer 1992). She believed that if they were well prepared, they could achieve high goals.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "People only see what they are prepared to see." If that's true, then it is also true that they only become what they are prepared to become. And a lot of life is just about getting ready.

"I want to be doing something more significant with my life than what I am doing now," a young man once said to me. He felt like what he was doing was just not that important. Other people have said things to me such as, "I only wish I had a meaningful relationship. " And, "I'd really like to get a better job, but I just don't see how."

You fill in the blanks. What is it you would like to happen that isn't happening? Perhaps the answer is that you are not yet ready. Maybe you need more time to prepare before you are truly ready for that which you desire.

Think of today as another chance to prepare yourself for that exciting future you are looking for. Today is not wasted. If you desire more from life, then you can use today as training. For you will experience only what you are prepared to experience. Something wonderful can happen. And you can use today to get ready for tomorrow.

apocalypse of tristancafe

FORGET THE DUCK

2008-09-13T03:44:00.003+03:00

Forgiveness. All too often we are enslaved by our sins and misgivings that we fail to consider that all we have to do is to ask for forgiveness.

FORGET THE DUCK!
-by Steve Goodier-

Richard Hoefler, in his book WILL DAYLIGHT COME?, tells about two young children visiting their grandparents for the summer. Johnny was given his first slingshot. He practiced shooting in the woods, but missed everything he aimed at. As he returned to Grandma's back yard, however, he spied her pet duck. It wasn't the only duck she kept, but it was her favorite. On an impulse he took aim and let it fly. This time he didn't miss. His stone struck and killed the duck. The boy panicked. He didn't mean to hurt the bird -- he was even sure he'd miss! But he had killed it. His panic grew to desperation and he hid the duck in the woodpile, only to look up and see his sister.

Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing to her grandparents. After lunch that day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." Sally said, "Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today. Didn't you Johnny?" She whispered to him, "Remember the duck." So Johnny did the dishes. Later Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing. Grandma said, "I'm sorry, but I need Sally to help make supper." Sally smiled and said, "That's all taken care of, Johnny wants to do it." Again she whispered, "Remember the duck." Johnny stayed while Sally went fishing.

Johnny did both his chores and Sally's for several days, and could stand it no longer. He confessed to Grandma that he'd killed the duck. She said, "I know Johnny." She gave him a big hug and added, "I was standing at the window and saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I forgave you. I just wondered how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."

His grandmother was more ready to forgive then he was even to ask for forgiveness. The arms of many people, and I believe God, are open wide, waiting for us to experience a warm embrace of acceptance. But a disturbing inner voice often whispers, "Remember the duck. Remember the duck." Some people live their whole lives enslaved by that voice that says, "Remember the duck." They never let themselves be forgiven! They don't know the meaning of deep peace. They are seldom free of guilt and feel as if happiness only comes to others more deserving. What does it matter if the whole world were to love us, and accept us in spite of our failings, if we persist in feeling badly? Are you sick of feeling sick about the mistakes of your past? Maybe it's time to forget the duck! After you've done all you can to rectify the past, then it's time to put it down. Forget the duck! After all...you, too, deserve to be happy.

tristancafe

The List

2008-09-13T03:39:00.005+03:00

We tend to think more about our problems and setbacks instead of our blessings. Through this article, I am hoping that you will all realize how God showers us with so many blessings.

The List
-by Steve Goodier-

Do you have anything to be thankful for? In his classic novel Robinson Crusoe, author Daniel Defoe has shipwrecked Crusoe take inventory of his life. He makes two lists. One is a list of his problems. The other is an inventory of that for which he can give thanks.

A problem he writes is that he has no clothing. On his corresponding list he writes that the weather is warm and he really has little need for clothing. Another problem is that all of his provisions were lost at sea. But on the other list he writes that he has fresh fruit and water and can provide for himself. And so it goes. He lists his problems and likewise lists all that he has going for him. He is surprised at the size of the list of his assets.

How long would your list be if you took inventory of your blessings - all of that for which you can give thanks? For family. For friends. For faith. For health and the necessities of life. Did you know that some one million people will die this week...how is your health? Those who have food, clothing and shelter have more than much of our world's population will ever possess. Do you have these necessities of living?

How long would your list be if you took inventory of your blessings...and added one new item daily? Would you be amazed at the size of the list?

You have 1,440 minutes in every day. How would your life be different if you spent just 15 of those minutes daily giving thanks? Just 15 minutes filling your mind with concrete examples of how fortunate you are? Most of us would discover even after a few days that the exercise was life changing!

Poet Courtland Sayers put it this way:

"Five thousand breathless dawns all new;

One million flowers fresh in dew.

Five thousand sunsets wrapped in gold;

One million snowflakes served ice cold.

Five quiet friends, one baby's love;

One white sea of clouds above.

One June night in a fragrant wood;

One heart that loved and understood.

I wondered when I waked that day -

In God's name - how could I ever pay?"

Christian mystic Meister Eckhart said, "If the only prayer you say in your whole life is 'thank you,' that would suffice." I suspect he is right.

Happy weekend everyone..:)

tristancafe

The HEALTH BENEFITS of COFFEE

2008-09-11T03:34:00.007+03:00

Want a drug that could lower your risk of diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and colon cancer? That could lift your mood and treat headaches? That could lower your risk of cavities?
If it sounds too good to be true, think again.

Coffee, the much maligned but undoubtedly beloved beverage, just made headlines for possibly cutting the risk of the latest disease epidemic, type 2 diabetes. And the real news seems to be that the more you drink, the better.

Reducing Disease Risk

After analyzing data on 126,000 people for as long as 18 years, Harvard researchers calculate that compared with not partaking in America's favorite morning drink, downing one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce diabetes risk by single digits. But having six cups or more each day slashed men's risk by 54% and women's by 30% over java avoiders.
Though the scientists give the customary "more research is needed" before they recommend you do overtime at Starbuck's to specifically prevent diabetes, their findings are very similar to those in a less-publicized Dutch study. And perhaps more importantly, it's the latest of hundreds of studies suggesting that coffee may be something of a health food -- especially in higher amounts.

In recent decades, some 19,000 studies have been done examining coffee's impact on health. And for the most part, their results are as pleasing as a gulp of freshly brewed Breakfast Blend for the 108 million Americans who routinely enjoy this traditionally morning -- and increasingly daylong -- ritual. In practical terms, regular coffee drinkers include the majority of U.S. adults and a growing number of children.

"Overall, the research shows that coffee is far more healthful than it is harmful," says Tomas DePaulis, PhD, research scientist at Vanderbilt University's Institute for Coffee Studies, which conducts its own medical research and tracks coffee studies from around the world. "For most people, very little bad comes from drinking it, but a lot of good."
Consider this: At least six studies indicate that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson's, with three showing the more they drink, the lower the risk. Other research shows that compared to not drinking coffee, at least two cups daily can translate to a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones.

Coffee even offsets some of the damage caused by other vices, some research indicates. "People who smoke and are heavy drinkers have less heart disease and liver damage when they regularly consume large amounts of coffee compared to those who don't," says DePaulis.
There's also some evidence that coffee may help manage asthma and even control attacks when medication is unavailable, stop a headache, boost mood, and even prevent cavities.

Read more about coffee at :http://men.webmd.com/features/coffee-new-health-food

http://www.positivelycoffee.org/

PAINTED WITH A DIFFERENT BRUSH.

2008-09-09T03:57:00.004+03:00

It is always important to dare to differ from those around us. More so when everyone seems to be doing the wrong things. I am hoping that this article will encourage you to do what is right.

PAINTED WITH A DIFFERENT BRUSH

-by Steve Goodier-

One man who loved the color yellow had yellow carpet, yellow furniture, yellow drapes, yellow walls and even yellow appliances in his yellow kitchen. He slept in a yellow bed with yellow covers and wore yellow pajamas. He got sick. You guessed it ... yellow jaundice.

He called a doctor who came to his apartment building. The manager told him he'd have no trouble finding the right one. "You just go down the hall and come to a yellow door," he said. "That's the one."

In a few moments the doctor was back. The apartment manager asked, "Were you able to help him?"The doctor replied, "Help him! I couldn't even FIND him!"

I suppose it's not always a good idea to blend too closely with your surroundings. And that holds true for the way we think and behave, too. We may not always want to be like everyone else around us. I admire those people willing to stand out from the crowd.

People like a Miami mother who came to police and spilled out cash and coins totaling $19.53. Her young son added another 85 cents to the little pile. It turns out that, after two days, they were the only people to return money scooped up from an armored truck that toppled on an overpass and rained more than half a million dollars onto the street below. Police said that witnesses reported seeing rush-hour commuters loading money into their cars and driving off while the armored truck employees lay bleeding. Police had pleaded with residents to return the money, but got nothing but laughter until a mother and a boy came in.

In a world that seemed to think alike, two people had a different idea. They refused to blend in with those around them. It was as if they were painted with a different brush. "I have children and I needed to set a good example," said the mother of six, who could have used a little extra cash to supplement her low retail store wage.

Most people talk about values and what they believe to be right and wrong. But I've noticed that our REAL values can be seen by the way we live. It is the things we do and the choices we make that show what we truly believe.

An 11-year-old boy who turned in 85 cents because he felt "it was wrong for me to keep anything" stood out from the crowd. And a mother who wanted to teach her children to do the right thing set an example they will never forget. Like Ruth E. Renkel says, "Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritances. "

When this Miami mother one day passes away, she will leave her children a rich inheritance. Maybe not a pile of money, but she will leave them an example of a life of integrity and self respect, an example of what it is like to be painted with a different brush. She will leave them something far more important than wealth.

If her children inherit her values, anything else is just money.

Paint them fortunate.

SUPER PEKPEK.

2008-09-05T04:00:00.004+03:00

Nagulat ka ba nang mabasa ang title ng post na ito? Well, kung di ka pa rin makapaniwala sa nabasa mo, gusto kong sabihin sayo na believe your eyes! Tama ang nabasa mo. Kung ikaw ay isang babae matuwa ka, dahil good news ito para sa iyo. Kung lalake ka naman, ito ay magsisilbing babala para sayo.

Isang grupo ng mga pekpek--mga adventurous at galit na galit na mga pekpek ang naghahasik ng isang magandang lagim ngayon. Pero hindi ito bastos, ok? Hindi rin ito lokohan. Totoo ito! Super Pekpek ang tawag sa grupong ito. Ito ay pinangungunahan ni Elsa na nagmula sa planetang Pektonia. She was raised by a coconut vendor mang gusting..she saw how women are being fooled by men in love and in lust so she decided to avenge all female victims.

Ano ba ang objective nila? Humanda ka... kasi medyo nakakatawa... Kowt and kowt mula sa mga super pekpek heroes:

"Ang objective lang naman ng Superpekpek ay turuan ng leksyon ang mga etits na mapagsamatala at ipaghiganti ang mga pekpek na naapi..."

OH my Superpekpek!!!! Vongacious ang mission statement nila. Hahaha.

Nakita ko lang ang website nila habang nagre-reseach ako sa Google about women's organizations that aim to stop domestic violence. Nang mabasa ko ang objective nila, hindi ko talaga mapigilan ang mapatawa. Kung tutuusin, medyo may pagkabalahura ang ibang words sa website pero, kung gusto mong maaliw at mag-alis ng stress pwede na siyang pagtyagaan. Kung gusto mong makabasa ng mga nakakaaliw na kwento, puntahan mo ang website nila:http://www.geocities.com/super pekpek/.

Let's support their advocasy..:) hehehe

27 years of living a life.

2008-09-04T11:01:00.006+03:00

There was an instance in my life where I felt so alone. Then, I could say that I’m always the odd one who find it hard to go along with others; different in words, with this futile and unique individuality.

That time, there was a place where I used to sleep. It was under that big tree alongside our house. There was nothing I could ask for more other than having this ambience of peace and serenity in that safe place.

But deep inside me, there was a longing.. A quest to satisfy my unbelongingness in this world. A quest for me to quench the thirst of my own desert; to have a friend that is, to know who I am.

I came home from my grade 3 classes and hurriedly went to my sanctuary to unwind.

I saw a seed. Being inquisitive as I am, I took a close look at the seed and figured out what kind of seed it was. I asked my mom about it, but like me she also had no idea.

I made a conclusion that this seed came from the bushes near that tree but never from that tree. I made more research regarding the seed but nothing had met my curiosity. The day came when I gave up and so I decided to just plant the seed and let the seed reveal its own mysteries.I took good care of the planted seed from day to day. I was checking on it daily as the seed’s whimsicality makes me even more frustrated each passing day.

And so at last, there was this small little sprout. It made me smile but it wass too futile by that time that I couldn't tell its identity. Days and days had passed, and I still didn’t know what kind of creation was that thing that grows in front of me. Almost a month, then, I lost patience about it and had forgotten about the seed.

As the vulnerable little creation grows, I spent my days craving against the meandering road of living a life and this thirst for who am I and what are friends kept on assaulting my mind. I then went on many situations and made a mess out of me. Got along with lot of people as I’m trying to fake smiles and laughters with them. I was too desperate thatI tried to cheat over my self and tried to be a man not of me.

But a thing could not last when it clings on the outside of its radicals. It will die fast and will reach it’s surrender naturally for it always wont fit in. It was just like me when I met my repentance. What I did never had given me satisfaction. All the journeys and hard work for me to find someone or anyone didn’t pay off. I had to cry and go back to that sanctuary.

It was a good thing that this tree is still standing there after all the typhoons that came. I wont bother to ask, this tree is huge, but, what caught my attention was this new little bush with beautiful twigs standing simply on a familiar spot.It was then that I remember the seed which grew and spent the past of its life with me not knowing it. It is so different among the other bushes and my conclusion before was a mistake. “It didn’t came from the other bushes near that tree.”

I asked my Papa and my Mama, my aunts and cousins everyone whom I know about this mysterious bush, but no one had to offer me an answer... not even me. In spite of all the efforts, I had to shrug everything off.

And so I lied in that place with just a stare on the bush as I kept on figuring my identity.Surprisingly a profound thing preoccupied my mind in the image of that bush. It was like a serendipity. But... "I was like that seed."

We both live inside the circles of our "own mysteries" trying to find out who we are and, what we are. But there is a difference; I am lost, while the seed isn’t.So envy of the seed I sought for reasons, and, as I pray,I learned.......

That like the seed, I was planted here for a reason. Like the seed, I grow each day, it is just up for me to notice it. Like the seed, I will bear new ones someday...Like the seed that grew against the winds of adversities, I am too should and would.

But just like how I knew this seed’s reason for existence and growth, I also know,...Someone has His will after me and so, I learned to say: "I trust God for I am nothing at all, and everything that I am is not important as long as the life that I live is Him from Him."I am a seed, just like that seed who grows each day, but, I am better by reasons.

Be Thankful

2008-09-02T12:24:00.004+03:00

This article tells us to appreciate the setbacks that we face. I am hoping that this will inspire you.

Be Thankful

-Unknown Author-

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something,

for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,

because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,

because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,

because it means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,

and they can become your blessings.

IF LIFE WERE NOT SO BITTER

2008-08-25T03:23:00.004+03:00

Bitterness is never meant to reside in our hearts. This article makes this point by way of a humorous story. I am hoping that you will learn from this.

IF LIFE WERE NOT SO BITTER...
-by Steve Goodier-

File this story under the heading: "If life were not so bitter, revenge would not be sweet."

After seventeen years of marriage, a man dumped his wife for a younger woman. The downtown luxury apartment was in his name and he wanted to remain there with his new love, so he asked his wife to move out and said he would buy her another place. The wife agreed to this, but asked that she be given three days.

The first day she packed her personal belongings into boxes and crates and suitcases. On the second day, she had the movers come and collect her things. On the third day, she sat down for the last time at their candlelit dining table, soft music playing in the background, and feasted alone on shrimp and a bottle of Chardonnay.

When she had finished, she went into each room and deposited shrimp leftovers into the hollow of her curtain rods. She then cleaned up the kitchen and left.

Her husband returned with his new girl, and all was bliss for the first few days. Then it started; slowly but surely. Clueless, the man could not explain why the place smelled as it did.

They tried everything. First they cleaned and mopped and aired the place out. That didn't work. Then they checked vents for dead rodents. Still no luck. They steam cleaned the carpets and hung air fresheners. That didn't solve the problem. They hired exterminators; still no good. They ripped out the carpets and replaced them. But the smell lingered.

Finally, they could take it no more and decided to move. The moving company packed everything and moved it all to their new place. Everything. Even the curtain rods.

I like the story because of the humor. But revenge is always a poor option if we want to be healthy and happy.

The problem is... we can't carry a grudge and carry love in our hearts at the same time. We have to give one of them up. It's a choice we make.

Some resentments are large; they've built up over a long time and will not be easy to part with. Some have been fed by years of pain and anger. But all the more reason to give them up.

When we're tired of the anger and resentment and bitterness, we can choose a better way. We can be forever unhappy, or we can be healthy. We're just not made to carry a big grudge and a heart filled with love at the same time.

But I still chuckle at the story.

MASTURBATION

2008-08-22T03:05:00.004+03:00

Masturbation means touching your own genitals for sexual pleasure. This is a normal, healthy expression of sexuality but about half the people who masturbate feel ashamed or embarrassed about it. This is because masturbation has been maligned for centuries as a deviant, dangerous and sinful practice, and some of the old taboos linger on.

Childhood memories of being ‘caught in the act’ by horrified parents can trouble a person well into their adult years. Some of the known health benefits of masturbation include stress reduction and enhanced immune system function. Other terms for masturbation include solo sex, self loving, self pleasuring and wanking.

Myths about masturbation

Masturbation has been wrongly blamed for a host of human ills, including:

Blindness, Feeblemindedness, Madness, Physical decrepitude, Sexual perversion, Reduced sexual function, Neurotic disorders.

Masturbation at different life stages:

People who masturbate do it because it feels good. Other issues by age group may include:

Babies - infants tend to masturbate as part of general body exploration.

Young children - sexual fantasies don’t usually accompany masturbation at this age. Young children begin to pick up on their parents’ attitudes towards masturbation. If parents react in a mortified way, the child can feel ashamed of their sexual feelings and behaviours.

Teenagers - many teenagers feel nervous or unsure about their developing bodies and sexual feelings. Mixed messages and misinformation about masturbation from parents and peers can increase the anxiety.

Adults - some people believe that masturbation is only appropriate for those without partners, but most people with regular partners continue to masturbate throughout their adult life. The idea that adults who masturbate must be sexually deprived or inadequate is simply not true.

How much is too much?

A common concern, especially among teenagers, is the frequency of masturbation. ‘Normal’ ranges from several times per day, week or month to never masturbating at all. The frequency of masturbation isn’t a problem unless it is linked with an obsessive compulsive disorder, where the same activity must be repeated over and over.

Sexual benefits

Some of the known sexual health benefits of masturbation include:

Solo masturbation is a safe sex practice that carries no risk of sexually transmitted infection and unwanted pregnancy. As part of lovemaking between two people, it is known as ‘mutual masturbation’.
Sexual tension is released. Masturbation allows a person to express their sexuality by themselves and is valuable if, for example, they don’t have a partner or if sex with their partner isn’t available, or if they want to (or have to) abstain from sex for any reason.

Being familiar with your own sexual responses allows you to better communicate your wants and needs to your partner. Masturbation is a popular treatment for sexual dysfunction; for example, women who don’t orgasm can learn by masturbating. Men who suffer from premature ejaculation can use masturbation to practice control.

Health benefits.

Some of the known health benefits of masturbation include:

Eases some of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
Relief from menstrual cramps
Muscle relaxation
Helps you to fall asleep
Promotes release of the brain’s opioid-like neurotransmitters (endorphins), which cause feelings of physical and mental wellbeing
Reduces stress
Enhances self-esteem.

MASTURBATION IN YOUNG CHILDREN

Boys generally start masturbating at an earlier age than girls, since the clitoris and vagina are harder to find than the penis. Studies show that the way in which parents react to their child’s masturbation impacts on the child’s sexual attitudes and behaviours in adult life.

Suggestions for parents include:

Young children masturbate for various reasons, including curiosity, exploration and sensory pleasure. Reassure yourself that masturbation in young children is normal. It is not a sign of sexual deviancy. Focus on the setting, rather than the activity itself. For example, if your child is masturbating in public, tell them that what they’re doing is fine if they do it in private, much like toileting and picking one’s nose are private activities. Young children may turn to masturbation in times of stress. If your child is masturbating to the point where playtime and other activities are curtailed, you need to find out what is making them anxious and upset. If you are concerned about your child’s masturbatory practices, consult with your doctor or pediatrician.

pretty_me of tristancafe

The Simple Difference

2008-08-20T03:31:00.006+03:00

It’s a pity that a lot of us equate happiness with material wealth and spend most of their lives trying to pursue happiness in what they have acquired. Indeed, the best things in life can not be bought at any price. This article explains how a simple life can actually lead to happiness. I am hoping that this illuminates you.

The Simple Difference
-by Steve Goodier-

Calvin, of the "Calvin and Hobbes" comic strip fame, once imparted some timeless wisdom: "If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night," he observed, "I'll bet they'd live a lot differently."

I believe he's right. Year by bewildering year, our world grows more complex. We crave peace within our souls. We long for simplicity in lives that too easily become inexplicably tangled in complicated webs.

David enjoyed the simple things of life. He sometimes took jobs at dude ranches, national parks and seasonal resorts. His brother, however, wanted to entice him to get a "real" job and live in a world surrounded by things that only money can buy. David's brother often sent him photos of himself enjoying the so called "good life." He labeled his snapshots "My new sound system" or "My new car."

But the photos stopped arriving after David responded with a picture of his own. He sent his brother a large poster with a breathtaking view of Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park. On the back was David's message: "My back yard."

I believe I understand how David feels. "The Good Life" is not defined by possessions, but by pure and utter enjoyment of simplicity.

John Burroughs (18371921) put it like this: "To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter...to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring these are some of the rewards of the simple life."

Those who take time to find pleasure in the ordinary DO live differently. The simple difference is this: because they have learned to live simply, they have learned to live.

thanks to apocalypse of tristancafe

Prayer of A Boy

2008-08-19T12:28:00.005+03:00

Somewhere in Milaor, Camarines Sur, there lived a fourth grader Boy who would follow this route to school everyday: He has to cross the rugged plains and cross the dangerous highway where vehicles are recklessly driving to and from.

Once passed this highway, the boy would take a short cut by passing by the Church every morning just to say Hi to God, and faithfully say his, "Magandang umaga po" in Bicol dialect. He was faithfully being watched by a Priest who was happy to find innocence so uplifting in the morning,

"Kamusta Andoy! Papasok ka na?"

"Opo padre ... " he would flash his innocent grin, the priest would be touched. He was so concerned that one day he talked to Andoy.

"From school...", he advised "Do not cross the highway, you can pass through the Church and I can accompany you to the other side of the road ...that way I can see that you are home safe...."

"Thank you father ..."

"Why don't you go home ... do you stay in this church right after school?"

"I just want to say "Hi" to my friend, God," and the priest would leave the boy to spend time beside the altar, talking by himself, but he was hiding behind the altar to listen to what this boy has to say to his heavenly FATHER.

"You know my math exam was pretty bad today, but I did not cheat although my seatmate is bullying me for notes... I ate one cracker and drank my water, Itay had a bad season and all I can eat is this cracker. Thank you for this!
I saw a poor kitten that was hungry and I know how he feels so I gave my last cracker to him ... funny but I am not that hungry .. Look, this is my last pair of slippers ... I may have to walk barefooted next week you see this is about to be broken... but it is okay ....at least I am still going to school.... some say we will have a hard season this month, some of my classmates have already stopped going to school ... please help them get to school again, please God? ...

Oh, you know, Inay had hit me again, it is painful, but I know this pain will pass away, at least I still have a mother.... God, you want to see my bruises? I know you can heal them .... here...here and .... oh...blood ... I guess you knew about this one huh? Please don't be mad at Inay,she is just tired and she worries for the food in our table and my schooling that is why she hits us ....

Oh, I think I am in love ... there's this pretty girl in my class,her name is Anita ... do you think she will like me? Anyway, at least I know you will always like me, I don't have to be anybody just to please you, you are my very best friend!

Hey your birthday is two days from now!!! Aren't you excited? I am! wait till you see, I have a gift for you .... but it is a surprise! I hope you will like it! Oooops, I have to go ..." then he stood up and calls out, "Padre, padre, I am finished talking to my friend... you can accompany me to the other side of the road now"

This routine happens everyday. Andoy never fails. Father Agaton shares this every Sunday to the people in his church because he has not seen a very pure faith and trust in God, a very positive look at negative situations.

One Christmas day, Father Agaton was sick so he could not make it in the Church, he was sent to the hospital. The Church was left to 4 manangs who would chant the rosary in 1000 miles per hour, would not smile and would always find fault in what you do, they are also very well versed in cursing if you irritate them!

They were kneeling, saying their kilometric rosary when Andoy, coming from his Christmas party, playfully dashed in.

"Hello God! I "P----!! (a curse) bata ka!! Alam mo nang may nagdadasal!! Alis!!" Poor Andoy was so terrified, "Where's Father Agaton? He is supposed to help me cross the street .... and to be able to cross the street I will have to pass by the back door of this church ...not only that, I have to greet Jesus. It is His birthday, I have a gift right here..."

Just as he was about to get the gift out of his shirt, the manang pulled his shirt and threw him out of the church. "Susmaryosep!!! (does a sign of the cross fervently) Alis kang bata ka, kung hindi matatamaan ka!!! So the boy had no choice but to cross the dangerous side of the road in front of the church. He crossed. A fast moving bus came in. There was a blind curve. The boy was protecting his gift inside his shirt, so he was not looking. There was so little time. Andoy died on the spot. A lot of people crowded the poor boy, the body of a lifeless young boy ...

Suddenly, out of nowhere a tall man in pure white shirt and pants, a face so mild and gentle, but with eyes full of tears... He came and carried the boy in His arms. He was crying. Curious bystanders nudged the man in white, and asked, "Excuse me sir, are you related to this child? Do you know this child?" The man in white, His face mourning and in agony, lifted up and answered, "He was my bestfriend .... " was all he said. He took the badly wrapped gift in the bloody chest of the lifeless boy, and placed it near His heart. He stood up and carried the boy away and they both disappeared in sight. The crowd was curious ...

On Christmas Eve, Father Agaton learned of the shocking news. He visited the house, and wanted to verify about the man in white. He consulted the parents of Andoy. "How did you know that your son died?" "A man in white brought him here." sobbed the mother. "What did he say? " The father answered, "He did not say anything. He was mourning. We do not know him and yet he was very lonely at our son's death, as if he knew our son very well. But there was something peaceful and unexplainable about him. He gave me my son, and then he smiled peacefully. He rubbed my son's hair away from his face and kissed him on his forehead, then he whispered something ..." "What did he say?" He said to my boy..." said by the father "Thank you for the gift ... I will see you soon ... you will be with me..." and the father of the boy continued, "and you know for a while, it felt so wonderful... I cried, but I do not know why.... all I know is I cried in tears of joy ... I could not explain it, Father, but when that man left, something peaceful came over me, I felt a deep sense of love inside ... I could not explain the joy in my heart, I knew my boy is in heaven now but ...tell me, Father, who is This man that my son talks to everyday in your church, you should know because you are always there ... except On the time of his death ..." Father Agaton suddenly felt the tears welling in his eyes, with trembling knees, he murmurred, " ... He was talking to no one .....But ....GOD...."

thanks to tristancafe

The Real You.

2008-08-18T11:29:00.004+03:00

This article shows us where real beauty lies. I am hoping that through this, you will gain a greater appreciation of yourself.

THE REAL YOU
-by Steve Goodier-

One woman describes herself as "Five feet, three inches tall and pleasingly plump." After she had a minor accident, her mother accompanied her to the hospital emergency room. The admitting nurse asked for her height and weight, and she blurted out, "Five-foot-eight, 125 pounds."

The nurse pondered over this information and looked over the patient. Then the woman's mother leaned over to her and gently chided, "Sweetheart, this is not the Internet."

If you could change your appearance in life as easily as you can make one up on the Internet, would you remake yourself? It's tempting to think so. We live in an age when most of us are increasingly dissatisfied with our bodies. We want liposuction, face lifts, tummy tucks, silicon implants and cosmetic surgery - too often for no other reason than to look like someone else!

And don't think I am only talking about women. Men too place great emphasis on their bodies. Studies show that in 1972, one in six men didn't like their appearance; today, almost 50% of men surveyed reported being unhappy with their looks.

Of course, our bodies keep changing. I have less hair on top than twenty years ago. An older man who happens to be bald looked at my head recently and said, "It looks like you go to the same barber as I do."

According to the book THE ADONIS COMPLEX (The Free Press, 2000), more and more men are feeling insecure about their appearance. In 1996, over 700,000 men had some cosmetic surgery - often in an unhealthy attempt to fix a perceived flaw that nobody else noticed. Eating disorders and steroid abuse are common among males.

The book's authors Harrison Pope, Katharine Phillips, and Robert Olivardia did an experiment in which men were asked to take a computer image of an ordinary man and add muscle mass to him until he was the size these men wanted to be. On average, the men packed about 28 more pounds of muscle mass on the computer image; women, on the other hand, only added a negligible amount of muscles to the image to create their ideal guy.

Poet Khalil Gibran said, "Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart." When you and I choose to believe that our most attractive qualities lie within, we can let go of those unrealistic expectations of our bodies.

Let's care for our bodies; we'll keep them for the rest of our lives. Let's be thankful for them and treat them well.

But remember, the real you, the essence of you, cannot be improved by a bottle or a pill or a salon. It is a beautiful and glorious light shining from your heart to the heart of the world. Cherish the real you - it's pretty terrific. And let it shine.

VOYAGE

2008-08-12T07:18:00.004+03:00

We come. We go. That's life or so they say. Come and go, it's inevitable; or is it necessary? When bidding goodbye comes, we look back and it doesn't matter if we cry or smile. Leaving is always sad and solemn, after all, both for the one who leaves and for those for whom he is leaving from. We're never as much hurt whenever we go.We wonder why is it that leaving is always painful and emotional. In case we pretend to be unhurt of our going, our emotions could betray us, and lay bare our wounds of our leaving. Hidden or otherwise, wounds are just part and parcel of the whole saga. We cry. We smile despite the pain. And there's the mix emotion, one that is both sad and excited. Then we go; and we've already left before we could ever know it. It doesn't matter when we're gone.

As we leave, we know we could go back one day. It's time that tells us when. What it seems to be the most sensible thing to do when we're leaving is nothing but to look back. It may do us no good but it's important nonetheless.

There we can see people and places, and the special moments, and the memories as well. Looking back hurts. Always. There we can find those we left behind. Some are friends and foes...some are the people we loved, others that we hated...and some we feel near to, others that we feel distant from...people and events and memories that dwell in places we've been to. And we realize as we go, that all of that, comprises the one person that we were. And we realize we did not at all the time love and love.We hate also at times. There are moments in which we're confident, others in which we're regretful.We've loved, we've lost. Memories. How can we ever forget to include them in our suitcase? We can always go back anyhow to cherish and love the more or otherwise. It's a matter to decide for.

When we go, it's not the people or places that we turn our back to. It's the person that we were. It's not possible to include it in the list of things to bring as we would memories.And it's not surprising then, that we feel a sense of loss whenever we go.When we leave, we don't lose people and places as easy as we lose our very selves that we once were. We could go back to the same people, same places, or whatever it is that we want to go back to, but we can never go back to the same "us" that we have left.We realize that even going back hurts as much as leaving.

In our life, there are things we think we cannot just live without. For one thing, we value all that belongs to friendship much as life. But when we leave and go, chances are, we may lose them. We wish we could keep them eternally. We can if we stay perhaps. When we go, we can be able to save some for keeps; but the others, we would totally lost in vain. It is unfair sometimes why we ever have to lose something. The consequence is so painful that we feel we can never afford to lose anymore. But it's totally absurd, as it's totally crazy that in whatever way and no matter how we try to understand how the whole thing works, we may still lose nonetheless for over a time and again.

The same sad feeling goes to the people we left behind. They lose us; or at least in the sight of their eyes.

When we decide to go, there in our hands lay the blueprint of where we're leading to or what we're up to. There's the plan. The itinerary. The tools and principles. However, failure comes when the plan we know best they're gonna work out do not materialize the way we expect them to. It happens. We make mistakes. We blunder. We fall along the road. It's just a matter of luck maybe. But destiny is something we work out for. It's good that it was said, " failure is a choice." At least, we can know if we're doing the right thing.

The moment we go, we should not forget we've been to the places and people we left behind. We know we could have lost a home. But home is where it is safe to be who we really are. It's where we can never be lost.

One day, should we decide that we go back to where we have left, it would be special to reminisce the past just to have the taste of what it feels like to be exactly where we were before. The people..the events..the places.. Here, we can refresh the memories. We go. We go back. The same thing happens. The tears..the smile..the memories.

thanks to france of tristancafe

PARA SA MGA CHISMOSO AT CHISMOSA

2008-08-06T12:48:00.003+03:00

A woman repeated a bit of gossip about a neighbor. Within a few days the whole community knew the story. The person it concerned was deeply hurt and offended.

Later the woman responsible for spreading the rumor learned that it was completely untrue. She was very sorry and went to a wise old Ustadh to find out what she could do to repair the damage.

"Go to the marketplace," he said, "and purchase a chicken, and have it killed. Then on your way home, pluck its feathers and drop them one by one along the road." Although surprised by this advice, the woman did what she was told.The next day the wise man said, "Now go and collect all those feathers you dropped yesterday and bring them back to me."

The woman followed the same road, but to her dismay, the wind had blown the feathers all away. After searching for hours, she returned with only three in her hand.

"You see," said the old Ustadh, "it's easy to drop them, but it's impossible to get them back.

So it is with gossip. It doesn't take much to spread a rumor, but once you do, you can never completely undo the wrong."

I Could Not Think of Anything...

2008-08-04T15:22:00.005+03:00

I just don't know what to say for now, I'm tired from my work this morning and I could not think of anything tonight. My mind is totally blackout and I think I need to rest early and hopefully I could gain back my energy tomorrow for another work loads... I'll just share this poem which I got from tristancafe site. This poem had been around for a long time now but its still popular as ever cause people loves it and believe in it. Reading this poems always touches the core of my being hope you like it too.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints
in the sand: one belonging to him and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed
before him he looked back at the footprints
in the sand. He noticed that many times along
the path of his life there was
only one set of footprints. He also noticed
that it happened at the very lowest and
saddest times of his life

This really bothered him and
questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once i decided to follow you
you'd walk with me all the way
But i have noticed that during the most troublesome
times in my life, there is only one set of footprints
I don't understand why when i needed You most,
You would leave me.

The Lord replied, "My son,
My precious child, I love you
and I will never leave you
During your times of trials and sufferings,
W"HEN YOU SEE ONLY ONE SET OF FOOTPRINTS,
IT WAS THEN THAT I CARRIED YOU"

SAVE A LIFE: DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH

2008-06-19T03:19:00.005+03:00

I want to share this health tips I received from my officemate a week ago I did it and found out the positive result perhaps I could attest that this is the cheapest yet very effective.

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:

METHOD OF TREATMENT

1.)As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water…interesting.
2.) Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes.
3.)After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4.)After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours.
5.)Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6.)The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases.

1.) High Blood Pressure - 30 days
2.) Gastric - 10 days
3.) Diabetes - 30 days
4.) Constipation - 10 days
5.) Cancer - 180 days
6.) TB - 90 days

7.)Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the first week and second week onwards- daily.

This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times. It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in life.

Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.

This makes sense… the Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals… not cold water, maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain…

For those who like drink cold water, this article applicable to you:

It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you just have consumed. It will slow down the digestion.

Once this “sludge” reacts with the acid, it will break down be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after meal.

A serious note about heart attacks: Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.

Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let’s be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive…

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to everyone they know, you can be sure that we’ll save at least one life.

Past, Present, and Future

2008-06-05T03:13:00.002+03:00

I have been left to think of things past, present and future.
Although I cannot change the past, I can work in the present so that it is not repeated in the future.
I can be humble enough in the present to admit that I have seriously injured people in the past, so that hopefully they can forgive me in the future.
I can forget the past mistakes of others against me and love them both in the present and future.
I can look to the future and pray that the present I am in today is not the past of tomorrow I will regret.

Friend and Acquaintance.

2008-06-04T03:26:00.005+03:00

There is a difference between being an acquaintance and being a friend. An acquaintance is someone whose name you know, who you see every now and then, who you probably have something in common with and who you feel comfortable around.
It's a person that you can invite to your home and share things with. But they are people who you don't share your life with, whose actions sometimes you don't understand because you don't know enough about them.
On the other hand, a friend is someone you love. Not that you are "in love" with them, but you care about them and you think about them when they are not there. The people you are reminded of when you see something they might like, and you know this because you know them so well. They are the people whose pictures you have and whose faces are in your head regardless.
Friends are the people you feel safe around because you know they care about you. They call just to see how you are doing, because a friend doesn't need an excuse. They tell you the truth, the first time, and you do the same. You know that if you have a problem, they are there to listen.
Friends are the people who won't laugh at you or hurt you, and if they do hurt you they try hard to make it up to you. They are the people you love, regardless of whether you realize it.
Friends are the people you cried with when you got rejected from colleges and during the last song at the prom and at graduation. They are the people that when you hug them, you don't think about how long to hug and who's going to be the first one to let go.
Maybe they are the people that hold the rings at your wedding, or maybe they are the people who give you away at your wedding, or maybe they are the people you marry. Maybe they are the people who cry at your wedding because they are happy or because they are proud.
They are the people who stop you from making mistakes and help you when you do. They are are the people whose hand you can hold, or you can hug or give them a kiss and not have it be awkward because they understand the things you do and they love you for them.
They stick with you and stand by you. They hold your hand. They watch you live and you watch them live and you learn from them. Your life is not the same without them.

Letting Go Of Regrets To Make Better Choices

2008-04-14T03:30:00.009+03:00

Conceptualizing is always the best way to determine each choice that you make. When you do this, you have to visualize the possible outcome or circumstances that might occur if you make that choice.
There are many different possible circumstances to each choice. The best choices are always made when you are being honest to yourself and to others. If you happen to make any other choice, it will surely not flow consistently and in a normal pattern, therefore the results will not be consistent and normal. The determination of these factors is something only you can control at the given moment, and each moment varies in complexity.
We have all made disastrous decisions in our lifetimes and I am sure that there may be some regrets that are attached to those decisions.
You shall not let these past decisions affect you anymore. The energy that is attached to your regrets will encompass any of your future choices and will assure the same type of results. Letting go of such regrets will allow you to move forward by giving yourself a level of self-forgiveness.
The act of self-forgiveness lets you grow forward and even if you affected others with this decisions that you have made, your individual growth and forgiveness will be a positive energy that everyone will notice while in your company.
One will say, "They have changed", and the circumstances of your new, positive, self-appreciating self will only get better in time.

Thinking Positively

2007-10-19T12:24:00.003+03:00

If you want to get somewhere, you have to know where you want to go and how to get there. Then never, never, never give up. The secret of life isn't what happens to you, but what you do with what happens to you.

Help other people to cope with their problems and your own will be easier to cope with.

Never use the word impossible seriously again. Toss it into the verbal wastebasket. Self-trust is the first secret of success. So believe in and trust yourself. Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven't half the strength you think they have.

Joy increases as you give it, and diminishes as you try to keep it for yourself. In giving it, you will accumulate a deposit of joy greater than you ever believed possible. How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself - so always think positively.

Go at life with abandon; give it all you've got. And life will give all it has to you.

The Best Results In Life

2007-10-17T03:54:00.004+03:00

When I was in Manila, I was hooked listening to a certain radio station simply because aside from the wonderful music they played, they also give thoughts to ponder and inspirational stories every morning. One of the stories I loved is the story that proves that the best results can rise from the worst circumstances. I would like to share the story and hopefully you’d like it too.

A young man was playing poker with six of his friends. Now this young man did not have a vast amount of money but wanted to play anyway so he threw a quarter of his money in the pot. When the dealer dealt his cards he noticed he had the worst possible hand - a high card. Since he had put a quarter of his money in the pot already, he reasoned that he would do what he could to come out victorious. This young man knew what he was doing and did not even glance at any of the other six players. When the opportunity arose to swap all of his cards he tactfully refused and kept his seemingly worthless hand. Now, when the time came to throw in more bets, this young man put in another quarter of his earnings. Because three of the other six observed that he never changed his cards, they assumed he had a great hand so they immediately folded and withdrew whilst the remaining three called and threw in some of their money. Knowing that there were still three players left, he decided to put all his money in the pot. This frightened the last three and they folded. This young man came out victorious and now had ten times the amount he began with. When his six friends asked him to show them his hand, he threw his cards on the table revealing the lowest hand. After a brief pause the young man stated:

"I knew I was going to win because the cards don't matter in poker, it is the trick of leading your opponent to believe you have an unbeatable hand".

This is not to say we should bluff our way through life, rather we should use what we have to be the best we can. In life, no one is dealt with a perfect hand. Some are just dealt with higher cards and some will choose to try and change those cards. If you want to win in anything, remember that your hand is only as strong as your will and determination. Put in all you talents and never focus on what another person has because you will just be more disappointed in the end.

Your life is in YOUR hand. Have a nice day everyone.

I am Me

2007-10-13T03:32:00.002+03:00

In all the world, there is no one else exactly like me. There are people who have some parts like me but no one adds up exactly like me. Therefore, everything that comes out of me is authentically mine because I alone choose it. I own everything about me- my body, including everything it does; my mind, including all my thoughts and ideas; my eyes, including the images of all they behold; my feelings, whatever they might be -- anger, joy, frustration, love, disappointment, excitement; my mouth and all the words that come out of it -- polite, sweet and rough, correct or incorrect; my voice, loud and soft; all my actions, whether they be to others or myself.

I own my fantasies, my dreams, my hopes, my fears. I own my triumphs and successes, and all my failures and mistakes. Because I own all of me, I can become intimately acquainted with me. By doing so, I can love me and be friendly with me in all my parts. I can then make it possible for all of me to work in my best interests.

I know that there are aspects about myself that puzzle me, and other aspects that I do not know. But as long as I am friendly and loving to myself, I can courageously and hopefully look for the solutions to the puzzles and for to find out more about me.

However I look and sound, whatever I say and do and whatever I think and feel at a given moment in time is me. This is authentic and represents where I am at that moment in time. When I review later how I looked and sounded, what I said and did, and how I thought and felt, some parts may turn out to be unfitting, and keep that which proved fitting, and invent something new for that which I discarded.

I can see, hear, feel, think, say and do. I have the tools to survive, to be close to others, to be productive, to make sense and order out of the world of people and things outside of me.
I own me and therefore I can engineer me. I am me and I am okay.