Friendship is About Uniqueness

I want to share to you some insights on friends, life, and other issues that concern  many of us. I don't want to push these concerns before you, but I hope it will greatly help you.

I hear others talk about being friends because they have the same personality, likes, dislikes, hobbies, and perhaps, preference of lovers.

It is sad they cannot stay with people who don’t share their passion, their desires, and their fantasies.

Let me be candid with this world of amity and communion. Friendship is a covalent bond that binds unique beings. It is not a requirement to have the same likes, dislikes, or whatever preference it is. We always have differences.

The best thing about friendship is staying together even if decision clashes, hobby repels, need differs, and life walks on different roads.

It is a matter of connection between souls – not similarities.

There is more than meet the eyes.

_________________________________ 

In the deepest loneliness of man, all he can hear is his own heartbeat.

Of pain ringing even in the wind;

Of sorrow declaring the end;

Of loneliness shouting misery.

Where the wind blows?

Who can save me from the pain of silence.

_______________________________

Freshen up.

Life is not a race dear.

It is a delectable menu in the table.

The more time you spend in chewing the chunks, the tasty it gets.

Try to live each day with a better perspective and you see the grand arena of life.

Don't live life as if you will be passing the same stage again.

Live it as if it is the last day of your life.

___Have a great day ahead______

Where is Peace?

Peace. Peace. Peace. This is the shout from the mountaintops. This is the cry from the valleys. But where is peace?

The United States against China. The Middle East into a brawl. And next world war spreading its terror and pain. Indeed, peace is nowhere to be found. Indeed, the world has become the stage of global tension. The display of power. Of who is strong and who is the underdog. Peace is dead.

Modern technology promised progress. And along with progress, peace is hatched from the egg. Technology offers means for open communication, but not for open hearts. Modern advancement provides global engagement, but not a calm soul. Our global village has become so crowded that we cannot contain our greed.

Greed. This is the fuel of our global peace failure. We live in a rat-race generation, where the survival of the fittest is defined as killing and trampling down others. We live in a proud generation, where personal emotions are higher than global security. Yes, we have defined humanity based on our greed of the world. We want it for our own. Whoever tries to get his share will have his fair deal.

But where is peace?

Deep in the human soul lies the courage to define peace. In the corners of the child’s eyes, the world stops its rattles. In the corners of the child’s heart, waves calm their rage. Indeed, the human soul finds peace deep within. Deep within, there is no global pride, no global power, no global competition. Deep within, the human soul searches for true peace.

Alas, forget rhetoric of world peace. It is but a dream. Alas, forget bridges of communication, they fail. Magnanimity is not anymore a story. It is a fiction told in pastime. The law of consanguinity devoured in the law of savagery. Killing becomes a fashion. And men are passionate on war, and not on easing hearts.

Our generation needs a few good men. A few good men to stand in the gap. A few good men to elevate peace than personal security. Just a few good men. Men whose courage stands. Men whose compassion is real. Men who understand the value of life. Men whose arms are not made of steel. Men whose weapons are not destruction.

The call is made. Who hears it? Who will make a difference? There is a call. But not everyone answers.

Let the voice be heard. Let the ocean caves hear. Let the deepest mire thunder. Peace is just around the bend. Grasp it and it will stay. Shrug it off and it’s gone.

The world may lose its value, but we will not lose our peace. Fortune may end its display, but peace will stand forever. Give peace a chance. Make a difference. Make peace a reality. It starts with me!

Lest We Forget

Towering skyscrapers, interweaving skyways, connecting cantilevers, bullet-traveling trains – these complete the buzzing metropolis. The grand picture of progress, a dreamland of hope, the story of soaring business arena. Now, look across the stage, mountains cave in, stones are hewn, the earth turn upside-down. A horrifying drama of the old oak tumbling down. A story of grand bird migration, of disturbed species, of lost ecosystem.

Revered panel of judges, critical members of the audience, lovers of change and doubters of progress alike, to embrace the status quo as the thundering message from heaven is the bottleneck of stupidity, but to forget dangers of progress is the proud Titanic without its lifeboats.

Progress has its many forms and guesses, accolades and benefits, advantages and strengths. It favors the brave in heart, the enterprising in spirit – the young and old, the passive and active, the privileged and the displaced. Progress is the conjoined twin of change. Progress is subtle but change is painful. Deeply wounding. Gently piercing.

The season changes to benefit vegetation; the shore welcomes tides to pamper marine life, the undesirable worm metamorphosizes into an alluring butterfly. Change is the distinct aroma of progress; take it away and you’ll find everything degressing.

A person that remains the same as years pass by s a living dead; so does a nation. Expel progress and change, a nation crumbles into nothing. Moving forward is the singular focus of the nation. As long as it holds to the painful process of change, progress happens. As long as it keeps the flame of progress, the nation thrives.

This is our hope. The dawning aurora of the future is breaking. It is time to seize the moment, the change to meet progress with a warm embrace.

But along with progress, let change pass the road of sustainability. We will not allow our enthusiastic search for progress to destroy this hallowed ground we trod. We will not allow our aspirations to target our future. We will not allow promises of progress to darken our wisdom and faculties. Change must remain in the path that leads to progressive sustainability.

Progress withdraws from the large deposit of the earth. There is not end to global business economy. Change withdraws from the resources deposit of the grateful land. The ground offers progress a better path. But no deposit is ever made to replace funds. What if we have exhausted earth’s bank deposit that our check comes back because of insufficient funds? Is there an alternative world to live?

Sustainability examines the behest of change to promote progress. It develops awareness among us, breathing humans, to ensure earth’s longevity. Governmental policies, working together with sound social commitment, result to a better pathway for progress to trod.

Change may swift us way to forget the dangers of progress. Lest we forget the reality to favor safeguarding temporary safety. Lest we forget that the world of ours is finite. Lest we forget that the ground we trod is not indispensable.

Indeed, we have come to a compromise. A compromise to stimulate progress, to welcome change, to embrace development under the very blanket of sustainability. A compromise that ensures moving forward without sacrificing earth’s grandeur. A compromise to secure a lovely world for the next generation to inherit, to protect and to enjoy.

We will say yes to the building of taller skyscrapers over the others. It’s a yes to the pave pathways across borders. A resounding yes to the development of the metropolis. Yes to the creation of economic showdown to stimulate and open opportunities for the young, dynamic, and enterprising Filipino.

But we will say no to the destruction of the earth. It’s a no when our endemic species can find no refuge. It’s a thundering no to the wanton destruction of our forest to pave for industrial complex. No to the excessive damage of today’s world with nothing left for tomorrow’s generation.

We will open arms for progress travailed in the womb of change, but will not rejoice of the demise of its mother – the world we live in.

Away from the World: Let us Zip Away

After the busy Conference we had, we hibernated (Lol) from the world to take a good rest. It is time to travel to Funtastic Medellin - ZipAway.

Thanks God for a good day because some of us would need to travel by motorbikes. Although the hot summer was excruciating, but it was better than a pouring rain. We have to travel from San Remigio, the seat of San Remigio Beach Club, Hagnaya Beach Resort, and other beautiful beaches,  to Medellin. It at least 14-kilometer travel that we had to endure. And the road is not really good when you arrive at Caputatan Norte, Medellin, Cebu.

 

Going back to nature is a great opportunity to regain your strength and energy. After the stress of the city and the pressure of activities you were on, it is time to get back to the calmness of nature to inhale fresh air and just relieve yourself. But if you really want to take advantage of nature's refreshing beauty, you must get rid of your gadgets and means of communication. You have to isolate yourself with nature to enjoy its beauty. 

 

The problem with many of us is that we want to enjoy a time alone and just refresh ourselves from the chaos of the office and the pressure of work, but we do bring our phones, our laptops, and so on.   For me, it just adds stress to you. When someone is calling you in the middle of a vacation and you don't have a hands-on on these things, you feel like being placed in a box that you don't know what to do. Better off, leave all means of communication to avoid disruption of your relaxation time. 

Okay, so let me cut the chase and go to the activity we had in the Funtastic Medellin - ZipAway. When we arrived in there, it was already 11 am, and we decided to take the ride first before eating. You guess why? Hahaha. We don't want to throw off all the foods we will eat. 

So there, we are already fitted with the harness. Oh, I would not dare to take that ride without those safety gears. I am really afraid of heights. (Only two things I am afraid of: heights and dogs.) 

After making sure that safety knots are already placed properly, it is time to conquer the fear of heights. Fingers-crossed and face-palm, was praying things would to smoothly.

And it really went well. Wow. Thanks God. 

After enjoying the zipline, we went to Monyeka Cave. It was developed by the government of Medellin, but when we arrived there, it seemed that the cave's development was on hold and the place was left barren. 

Anyways, it was very cold in there and smelly with the bats' waste. 

 

It was my first time to be in a cave and it was scary. We were not able to bring flashlights and we used our phones as improvised lights, but it was not enough. And worst, we saw several snake skin in there. Really big snake skins. 

So we were not able to explore the cave, but it was worth the sweat. Hahaha. Yeah, it was cold, but we were sweating in there. 

Then, after all those treks, we went home and had a good rest watching Love Comes Softly in the main auditorium of the church. Hahaha.  

When the Dead Starts Living

At last our Missions Conference is over. Whew. Thanks God for the blessings.

Last Saturday, May 18, 2013, I received a text message from a friend, it says (to this effect): Do you have a tired week? Place your hand in your chest area, can you feel your heart beating? That means you have a purpose. Live.

Oftentimes, we miss the meaning of our lives because we are so busy doing things that don't matter at all. It is as if the world is ours to take and we need to play all these roles too well. And when we have played them well, we forgot the meaning and purpose of our lives. We are just lost in the forest or the forest got lost in us. And we just realize our life is not what we want; we want something else, but we are already near the end of the road and going back would be useless.

So while we are young let us rethink of the following:

Start living life now!

1. Live for God. What's the purpose of life? Simple, you have to follow God's will. Nothing else, nothing more for everything else just follows and falls into place.

There is always a place that God wants us to be, a place where we will bloom. And unless God is over with us in that place, He will continue to open doors for to fulfill our place in the world. No man can shut these doors for God is the one working them out for us.

The problem is: Are we yielded to the plan of God? And still it points to another problem: How can we follow God if He did not become our Father and we are just bastards of His family? And it springs another question: How can he became our Father if we haven't yielded our soul to the saving grace of Christ?

But if we have resolved all those problems, we can easily yield to the plan of God. There is no time to keep on looking and searching when God is already shouting for us to see His plans. There is no time to beat in the air and return nothing because we don't want the will of God. Hey, He is Supreme of All and He knows exactly what's best for us, even if we feel and think it is the not the best for us.

Until we start living for God will we live for ourselves and desires of our flesh.

2. Live your passion. I believe God is not sadistic nor masochistic (He wants to be happy), so this next point won't go against the first one. Live the passion that burns in your heart. Don't do things when you are not for that place.

I always here this: You'll only live this world once, so live it to the fullest. And how can you live it to the fullest when you are living your passion? How can share some smiles to others if deep within you are aching and desiring to do what you really want?

At young age, embark to a search of looking for what you really want. There is that passion within that wants to be out. You have to cultivate it. If you want to paint, do paint for God. If you want to teach, do teach for God. If you want to a physician, be one for God. Do what's burning within and you will find it easy to do things.

3. Live for others. One time, I was messaged by an old friend. He said what I really wanted in life. Don't I want to be a famous person or some sorts, he said.

My simple reply sums up this point. "I don't want to live selfishly and greedily, after all I will die sooner or later. What I want is just to be an influence on another person that one day when I die, that person will be able to live what I believe in and what I desire. It would be the best success I could ever have."

Then that old friend was silenced.

Overall, just live. Don't fret on small and petty things, life is more than the salty food you have in the table, it is more than the traffic jam, or the storm that passes you through. Just live.

When You're Stressed Out, Do the Following

I haven't written a post for the past four days. Whew. I was busy working with some academic papers.

And worst, the election just freaked my brains out. I was in the voting precinct before 6 am. So early? Crazily right. I accompanied my mother; she wanted to vote early to avoid too much chaos. Of course, when we arrived there, there were few people and my mother was one of the firsts in there. After having all things settled, I left my mother there and went home. (I asked my cousin to drive my mother back home after voting.) I was expecting that my mother would be home around 7:30 am (voting starts at 7:00 am). But lo and behold, my mother was still not home at around 8:00 am. I freaked out what had happened to my mother; my mother is hypertensive.

I called my sister in there and she told me my mother was still not able to vote. It made my hairs stand upright to heaven. For crying out loud, she had been there for almost three hours. And there, got myself stressed. I went back to the school. My mother was fine, but I was not. I was already angry at those dumb teachers who were not able to figure out how to make the voting run smoothly even after three hours of thinking. Wow. Such a mediocre mind. If I was their boss, I could have fired them for slow response and reaction, as well as contigency plans.

What I did? You'll hate me, buddy. I scolded the teachers there... and it made my acid high and my blood pressure over my head. Ouch.

When I went out, I was already trembling. I am hypertensive myself.

So why I am talking about what to do when you're stressed out? Because I had been there over and over again.

Here's what I do:

1. I call someone who can listen to my tirades and angry burst. Thanks God, I have a friend who's willing to listen to me. Have one, be sure of that
    
2. I would take a break out my desk and just walk around. A good walk will surely relieve the tension.
   
3. Music can help. I have a good list of songs to listen to. And I sing my heart out. Who cares if I don't have the voice of Pavarotti or Bocelli, I just want to sing loud and... louder. Lol.
   
4. I listen to an audio Bible. Bible verses remind me to keep calm, to be angry and sin not.
   
5. I get a book and read some lines. Be sure to buy some real good books.
    
6. I keep on playing with my pen. It's a good stressor.
   
7. I watch a movie clip of an inspiring movie or a coutroom drama. It's a good one.
   
8. I play the Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert. It's a long one, around 2 hours. After the play is over, I am relieved of my stress.
   
9. I eat some foods. My friend called this the best idea of stress-reliever. Haha.
   
10. I just close my eyes and have a good sleep. Nothing beats that. 

Have a stress-free day ahead of you.

Happy Mother's Day - The Hypocrisy

It's Mother's Day, I know. I don't want to ruin the occasion, nor I want to be a miser before your eyes, but I have some important things to discuss about this celebration.

I. Mother's Day is EVERYDAY. I can't seem to understand how in the world kids would say I love you Mommy, Happy Mother's Day Mom, yet throughout the year, they were pain in the neck of their mothers. I understand you just want to make your mother's smile, but being a mother is a lifetime and if you want to make your mother feel the real "Happy Mother's Day", get your life in order. It is the greatest gift you can give to your mother.

How will a mother feel if her only son goes to jail for some crimes? A regular mom would say that she failed in her office as a mother. It is her job and responsibility to guide her kids in the right path, but if kids don't grow as they should be, not because mothers failed, but because kids choose it, it is still a pain in the heart of the mother. You cannot limit being a mother for it is a lifetime job.

Let's be real people, Mother's Day is everyday. Live your life that is pleasing to God and to your mother, and the real meaning of "Mother's Day" will be felt by your mother. It is time for us to mean what we say. Let's not just say "Happy Mother's Day" because some do, but let us say these words because we mean them. And let us live up to those words.

II. Love to Mom is NEVER a POST, TWEET, ETC. When I opened my Facebook awhile ago, what dawned on me are the messages and posts of people about Mother's Day. They wrote heartbreaking messages to parents - and some just simple greetings. I understand you just want to shout your love to your mother, (but I hope, you'll show it next time). But Facebook, Twitter, etc are not right avenues to express that love.

I would that you go to mom, and tell her those words. What do you think? It would make things real and right for I worry that you don't understand the meaning of LOVE at all. Hey, the virtual expression of emotions are sometimes uninhibited and surreal, to the point of unreal.

Worst, it maybe that your mom forgets to open her FB this day and the message was read next week. Oh, that would be sad. And still the situation gets nastier. Instead of your mother reading the post and commenting on it, a friend of yours commented and praised you for your love to your mom. Wow. Instead of telling your mom these words and making her the center of the event, you steal the show and get all the praise for your love to your mom. Just ecstatic about that! And you'll surely love those praises from friends. Fool!

Buddy, it is time to get real with things. If I want to tell my mom I love you, I would tell her and make her feel that I mean those words. Well, whatever your way, just do it.

Oh, I want to sleep now. Really had a long day and reading FB posts just made me sick. Got to sleep now.

Get real, buddy - Mother's day is today, tomorrow and forever.

What I Hate About Socialism, Philippine Government's Pantawid Program, and Why I Like Margaret Thatcher?

Oh, I wasn't able to jog this morning. And I hate my pants for doing it to me. Anyways, I love to share some thoughts on socialism, the Philippine government, and Margaret Thatcher.

I. Margaret Thatcher is a leader. 

Margaret Thatcher is a divisive leader. That's why some love her and some hate her with words of vengeance. She's a Methodist and I believe she understood that Christ is also a divisive one. Instead of unifying families, He broke them; and He is the reason why sons would go up against fathers, daughters against mothers. Christ is a divisive leader, so does Margaret Thatcher.

I admire her political will for "the Lady's not for turning". Indeed, she is the Iron Lady whose determination and will exceeds her frail body of a woman (as Queen Elizabeth I) would say. Margaret knew that her policies would plunge her popularity into the mire, but she pursued her policies. It is POLITICAL WILL. I like the story of her being the "milk snatcher" of public schools kindergarten. It gained such a moniker of criminal, I believe. But such protests against her were nothing compared to her will to do things.

On her death, the UK was divided into half. Others jeered that she was dead, that finally that evil woman of the 20th century is dead. But others were greatly saddened for the loss of a great leader who changed the course of UK and who gave back the meaning of Great Britain.

II. Socialism. 

The policy of Thatcher was simple: no to socialism, yes to free enterprise; no to dependency of the people, yes to self-determination. And this policy was the Waterloo of Thatcher but was the Nagasaki of the United Kingdom. She wrote in The Path to Power:

"As Prime Minister between 1979 and 1990 I had the opportunity to put these convictions into effect in economic policy - We intended policy in the 1980s to be directed towards fundamentally different goals from those of most of the post-war ear. We believed that since jobs (in a free society) did not depend on government but upon satisfying customers, there was no point in setting targets for 'full' employment. Instead, government should create the right framework of sound money, low taxes, light regulation and flexible markets (including labour markets) to allow prosperity and employment to grow."

It is breaking the chain of government policies and regulations for the improvement of the country and allowing the market to work its own way. The truism of this is taking away subsidies of the government on housing and other basic needs. Thatcher took away these subsidies to allow the market to work and for the people to determine. As a result, the people arose into power and gained tremendous results. The economy grew, and the UK citizenry acquired their properties, their own homes, and they became more independent.

III. The Philippine Government Heads Downward. 

The recent Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps is a direction of socialism of our free market. The government allocates big amount of money to subsidize thousands of Filipino that they consider below or in the poverty line. I don't have anything against help, but I am against poorly planned program.

One, instead of using the government's money to support basic infrastructures that would improve the country's status or would generate employment, the government uses the taxpayers' money to have a good look. This government loves grooming. They are just after to what the masses will say, and what the poll survey will tell on the poverty index of this country. This policy would make Thatcher to rise from her grave.

Second, socialism is characterized by the sharing of the people's wealth across the board. And this is what 4Ps is all about. It is sharing people's wealth to all. After all, why should we not get a share of the government's money when we are the one paying for its survival through our taxes, right? But sharing the wealth of the country is socialism and not a true direction for success.

Third, socialism dictates that those in the elevated sections of the society should help those in the lowest section. (Why am I not getting any help? Discriminatory!) But this does not foster growth. Instead, it fosters dependency on the government and it causes too much weight for this country to advance.

Fourth, this act of socialism encourages mediocrity. You may not agree with me, or hate me, but this is true. I have seen those who have been subsidized taking care of gambling cards and dices all day long and not looking for work or doing something that would benefit the nation's progress. This just develops society ills. Why should one should work if one is subsidized? (Evil thought.)

Fifth (and last, I am tired typing), 4Ps and the introduction of cash to the populace increases flow of the economy as the people have the power to purchase. But the question is until when will we experience this bubble growth? Que horror, another collapse of the economy.

There, I love Thatcher, but the Philippine government failed. (And don't tell me I am wrong for this my opinion; you have yours, go your way.)

Philippine Politics While Jogging

Thanks Kiara May for this photo. 

I woke up early this morning to jog with some friends. (Opps, yesterday I came late and was only able to dine with them.) The early jog was a wonderful one - and of course, I had my share of political issues tackled to bore their jog. Sorry. :(

The problem of Philippine politics, I told them, is severe that to recover from this sickness is a far-fetched idea. Where in the world can you find politicians without stellar background leading the polls over those who have exemplary stories to display? Where in the world can you find television and movie celebrities running for public office, in large number, and win? Where in the world can you find so much ignorance? (Oh, foul!) Only in the Philippines.

Look at the polls who are leading in surveys, though I don't believe in surveys. I don't have any bad blood against Grace Poe, but hers is just irritating. I don't want a respectful politician, for all these bastards will one day demand respect from us, but I want an able one. I want a senator who can roll out her or his sleeve and fight for my rights before the floor of that hallowed place. I want someone who is not easily swayed by the words and influence of others. Perhaps, this is the reason  I also don't like Bam Aquino. Just another Aquino. I really don't like the family. (If you don't like it, get out.)

On the other corner, I also don't like Nancy Binay. I don't want a Nanay de Pamilya in the Senate. I want a fighter like Risa Hontiveros. If Nancy wins, I would be expecting more of a caregiver and a personal assistant than a debater who can influence outcomes of the plenary session. Risa would be a massive one in there. She stands for what she believes whatever the cost. I love that, even if you say Risa is a leftist. Let it be, I love to see another tiger in the Senate aside from the Iron Lady of Asia.

As we jog in the public park, I persuaded them to vote for Teddy Casiño. His will be lone voice, but he will be a good dissenter. He will play the role well because his stellar record shows it. And he is a fresh name. I love fresh names for they will build their names yet and avoid anomalies that will pull them down.

And of course, I did not forget to mention  the failure of Peter Cayetano and Chiz Escudero to deliver. These were promising guys back 2007, but they were not able to rise to what are expected of them. And I don't like a boxing senator, right Allan? So much mention that you have started to work on PTK, I haven't seen any.

With regards to Chiz, my friend said she is not also voting for him. He is just another opportunist and family breaker, she said. Well, said. I also don't like him. He just wasted years in the Senate in wooing girls and in appearing in TV shows. It was not a cute one, though.

But yeah, in the end, we all agreed that it is hard to fill the 12-seat for the Senate, come May 13. We haven't decided who to include yet. It is hard to trust all these untrusworthy.