Why we have to say our thanks this year?

Walking blind folded with sheer senses, that was my thing this year. It was really either about fate or faith perhaps?

Some people say that angels have been with us since birth, and some could even claim that they even take human forms just to be with us. You may refer to your family, friends, teachers, or just a perennial stranger. Imagine out of those millions of people, you cross your path with someone who could turn your life so different - great or bad, you could learn from them.

As someone in business, planning should have been consistent with all of my activities but isn't it that we have to be spontaneous as well to whatever opportunities that may arise? Some acts may not be as specific as they should be, right? You may like sweets: eclairs, bonbons, candies, etc. Things come in different forms that you never imagined yourself taking, but you just did since you know it is somehow close to that.

Whether this will be permanent or temporary, we simply cannot deny that we have shared some common paths with a lot of people. We can say that we are happy having them around and hoping they got entertained as well.

Being in schools, make me feel that my hunger for knowledge is more than just for books but also an interaction. In my grad school, it's more intense because you belong to a group who depends on your projects - mini company what my professors are saying. This is bigger step than just the dose of theories which I've been dwelling back in college. My teaching stint to my Alma Mater s also a unique experience. Dealing with students who are almost of my same age and still maintaining the status quo is indeed perplexing as well. I love my the toxicity of my schedule as I juggle with my sales work in hotel. Though it's different from the traditional approach, the experience is a good start and I am not afraid to expose myself further to it.

Being stranded during cyclones was my pride since I got good feedbacks which reflected my leadership skills. I'm not boasting about it but I acknowledge praises when it is due. It helps me to show to other people, especially to younger individuals, future is not afterall deteriorating. You still could see nobility from youngsters who see themselves as solutions to the already heaping dilemma of this country. It's not standing as if you're Superman, instead gathering a group of people who believes in kindness and hardwork. Let's continue to seek for these people to emulate. Let's show them that they are not running for extinction.

Sometimes, I wish same old faces would stay at one place so that when you got back, you no longer need to adjust- is complacency a sin? People do move on with their lives and they also seek for growth, even they thought that they were just retiring! It was a good chance for me to know more people and perhaps getting a more innovative approach on things.

Surprises, more of this stuff, for 2009. I thought I would drop on my knees but with a lot of help and grace from God, I stood firmly on my principles and I believe I became better, wiser, kinder. I owe this to all sorts of things I've been through. yes, uncertainty still fills me for next year but what the heck! I survived the 365 days of 2009, I'm surely could do the same, even better!

I no longer need to enumerate the significant names of people who contributed alot. I know that while you are walking around, you feel as if you are gliding with respect and dignity, because you know that somehow you have helped someone along the way. If ever you have read this blog and do know me, in your heart my words of gratitude is heard...it says thanks to you!

Tiger in, ox out!

I was uncertain on how my year will unfold as the world recession flooded the media. Perhaps even for a strong-willed person like me was truly scared at that time since poverty was exaggerated, darn pessimists! Anyway, 2009 was truly good for a juvenile who believed that 2008 was my year (that was my 888). 2008, I have dared the most critical challenges in my career, 2009 was the start of a wonderful things, 2010...well, I'm crossing my fingers so that's why I have distributed tiger charms to my friends and loved ones too.

Planning was not really something I'm good at, but what is innate is my sheer enthusiasm and curiosity. I became more daring to things or events that I have never imagined doing before such as teaching, sales, and a lot of fun stuff. This is my first time to live independently as well, so I got my share of difficulty too. Personally, I believe that courage and faith were my kits for the year of the ox. I am religious but how come I'm speaking Chinese mythology here? It is simply just fun! the prediction is more of an art to me, rather than principles. I believe that we always to watch out and reading some notion excites me.

For the year of the tiger, I'm still optimistic and I learned that we simply have to become spontaneous in order to let the natural expertise flow. My advise, don't easily get disheartened, it's part of the cycle of unwrapping gifts...you have to tear the beautiful wrapper to discover what's inside. It may seemed hard (some gifts even use seemed-to-be permanent-glues plus thick wrappers) but you will love doing it repeatedly through time. Yes, a cliche that "life is like a box of chocolates, you don't know what you gonna get!" might make you wonder what's in stored for you, that's why you have to keep an open-minded lifestyle and afterall, life is a continuous learning process! Remember to trust your instinct and to have faith in God.

So be brave, pray, and let's become more productive- afterall that is life all about, so have fun!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Yearly we have anticipated this season of cheers and I myself have been so pre-occupied of many agenda that I have to fulfill. I got my seemed-to-be-endless list for the gifts, plus freaking outfits for posh parties and many more. I even hoped to complete the roosters mass but unfortunately I missed the first day (sad). Who else is not excited of gatherings or reunions? I got my own share of activities even, though it's really hard joining the gaps among our schedules.

The celebration started pumping up last December 5, I really took time dressing-up ala-Edward of New moon, of course with a twist of bow tie! It was held at Prince Plaza, then followed by series of getaways with my officemates from IHG- hotels and other restos. Since I'm into grad school, I had my share of joys with my class in DLSU-RCBC last Dec. 15. For both series of parties, I have been gormandizing on gargantuan pizzas either from Niro or El buono (both were sumptuous feasts!). Then a coupls of days, my cellphone rang, it was an invite from my previous employer in MOLPHIL, they got a family party which I dressedd up outlandishly with a blue hair! The day after, was my college friend, Ana's wedding at Edsa Shrine with a reception at Jade's Palace. The theme was gold and red, so festive that is so timely for the Holidays. Good thing I kept my classic Filipino suit then partnered with a nice sort-of-a golden brown pants from GQ, so stunning on me (hahaha). I am happy for her, for I was one of those who keeps on bugging them to tie the knot and look for optimism rather to look on receipts! I remember our escapades on how I've been dragging her to do decisions for her, now she even got fiercer for having a marriage. Soon she'll have her own babies other than her pups. Hooo! Time passes so fast. Finally, I got my most recent party with my other part time job in CEU. I was one of the emcees and the theme was Retro to 70's. i was really looking for a bell bottom but that was nowhere to be found in the mall. Anyway, I re-used my ala-edward outfit and hooded with a better personality as necessary for hosting. The event is quite unusual since the party was held in day time, I thought I was about to melt away! Good thing I survived 'till end in one piece.

Much have been written and said, but one thing is for sure, these celebrations wouldn't be possible with out its real essence and that is Jesus Christ! Yes, I'm looking forward to a lot of parties until early next year and let's not forget nor be hesitant to mention his name during this important occasions. Amidst our crises, God has continually bless us with wonderful gifts and miracles. I have my family, what can I ask for? Personal and country finances, well for practical survival. Peace in our country, sure it's hard to live in chaos and in hate! Perhaps, so much more. So let's keep our prayers running guys, more than the receipts from boutiques!

Merry Christmas, happy New Year, and Happy Birthday Bro!

Have you heard of UN's WHRP?

It was my initial intention to suffice my cravings from Pizza Hut. I love the super supreme pizza then having a volcano of cheese in its crust. Anyway, it's not my sumptuous meal which I wanted to share on this blog but my amazement on how this food chain same to tie up with other international food retail outlets like Taco Bell, A&W, KFC, etc. It was actually my habit to observe my surrounding (especially about social milieu) and I am such a sinner when it comes to curiosity. While I was waiting for my food, I scanned through some promotional catalogs ( I usually do this now since I'm handling advertising for my undergrad class in CEU). From one of its portions, I noticed the ad about the above and it surely arouse my concern since the main beneficiary are some folks in Mindanao.

Some 75,000 primary school children in 428 schools in the Mindanao provinces of Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato, will receive P35 million from Yum! Brands, the world?s largest restaurant company and parent of Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, through United Nations World Hunger Relief Program (WHRP) Philippines. Awesome!.

This Christmas, amidst crises, let's try to extend our little generosity. The baller only amounts to PhP 100. You can also have either a calendar for PhP 50.00 or a bookmark for PhP 20.00. It's like a service charge from these restos and I believe it won't bother you at all just to help our fellowmen in Mindanao ( at least from this, government corruption cease to exist!) By the way, international pop diva - Christina Aguilera supports this generous and noble program. Since World Hunger Relief launched in 2007, more than 1 million of the company's employees, franchisees and their families have volunteered more than 9 million hours to aid hunger relief efforts in communities worldwide.

The effort has raised US$ 36 million for WFP and other hunger relief organizations and is helping to provide about 160 million meals and save the lives of about four million people in remote areas worldwide.

WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency and the UN's frontline agency for hunger solutions. In 2009, WFP aims to feed 105 million people in 74 countries.

So bon-a-petit and share your blessing this Christmas!