Of Empathy And Valor

Today in the Philippines, we celebrate "Araw ng Kagitingan" or literally Day of Valor. We remember the sacrifices of Filipino and American soldiers in the hands of the Japanese to fight for the freedom that our country enjoys today, well officially, in papers. We are thankful for what our heroes did for us during the wars and until now, the front liners who sacrifices their own lives and existence to literally save the lives of others. Thank you so much Front liners! Nobody makes COVID a fightable war in the Philippines except for each and everyone of you! Thank you for giving more of yourselves and thinking more of others.

Thinking about others. It's not even about how we can better other's experience, but at the very least, how we can not inflict harm to them through our choices. Simply putting yourself in the shoes of others. Simply the golden rule - phrases that seem to be a big cliché or something we are too tired to hear during conversations. Have we truly learned what they mean? There's a reason for it being a constant reminder for people, because in our present society, it's still close to not existing.

A community or group governed by the principle of empathy is one that does not just function well, but functions for the benefit of one another, of each other. Simply thinking about your neighbor, and how your actions and choices will directly or indirectly affect them, can do wonders. Much more for leaders. We need more of those that can imagine themselves in place of its members. May it be a country, a company, or even at home, empathy should be a requirement for everybody to benefit not just the leader, but each and every member. 

Que, S. (2019, June) Guam.

Before you teach your child, or your student, or your workers the keys to excellence, making sure they become sensitive with their choices and how this will impact the bigger picture, is something that should be imposed in their hearts. We all are leaders one way or another. And as leaders, we should set an example and make sure this is evident in all our actions and decisions, not because we have to, but because as a member of a milieu, it is a responsibility. If you can't find ways to benefit people, at least make decisions that will not harm them..

In the end, if we don't take care of others, who will take care of ourselves? What will be the sense of any glory of a country or a company, if everybody else is harmed or infected or dead? Will the praises we gain through our indifference towards others make us truly feel like a winner? I think not and I hope not. 

"If you can't find ways to benefit people, at least make decisions that will not harm them."

Challenge yourself with every decision you make, whether it's for yourself, your employees, or your countrymen - have you thought of it's implications towards the bigger picture? You did? Okay think again, two or three times more! Remember, one's glory will never outweigh the able existence of two or hundreds or millions of the people around you. For tyrants and selfish people maybe, but to you? I believe in you! You are so much better than that! In the name of all the heroes that passed, and the heroes of today, be one! Don't do it for glory though, do it for the world and the worlds to come.

Stay safe! Really, I mean it truthfully, stay safe! I want you to live, to be able to breathe, and to be able to create more ripples of kindness because we all need it! We all depend on it!

They Say: "What I Love About Being A Teacher"

Nobody will ever be somebody without the people who help them be anybody that they wanted to be. Those people are usually regarded as our heroes in life. But most of us forget about the heroes that share most of their lives for the sake of us, our Teachers.

Being a teacher myself for five years has taught me a lot of lessons that I never have realized when I was just a student. Even if i was the one teaching, the profession has taught me things not just about life but also about the different people and situations in our society. People kept saying that it is a noble job, and it takes to be one to understand what that really means. Endless hours of preparation just to give an informative lecture or hours on the computer writing that challenging examination is no joke. And it doesn't end at that because we would all have to check and grade those papers all by ourselves in the middle of the night which can tend to drown you in the long run.

But what keep a teacher from leaving this tiring profession? What are their reasons to keep going and continue with this noble but usually forgotten profession. I have interviewed a few of our respected and ever loved teachers and here is what their answer to the question "What I love about being a Teacher":

Maam Wea A

PAREF Woodrose School

"Teaching is an opportunity to contribute to the future of the society as we help form the hearts and minds of our students. Teaching is enjoyable when you see your students enjoy the activities you prepared for them. It is fulfilling especially when you see your students become better versions of themselves. I love teaching because I learn a lot from my students and from teaching itself. I gain knowledge, experience, and virtues in the teaching-learning process."

Sir Pio G

San Beda College Alabang

"I think the best for me is the experience of encountering diverse types of people and seeing them explore their talents through classroom discussions. As Saint John Baptist de la Salle said, it is always about "teaching Minds, Touching hearts, and Transforming Lives". And that is the real essence and beauty of the teaching profession."

Maam Dharlene B

Bauan Technical High School

"Appreciation. That's what I love the most about being a Teacher. The simple things that I do which is truly just a part of my job but at the end of the day, your students will come to you and express how deeply grateful and how much they love you for those simple things, it really melts my heart! The love and appreciation of my students is in a different level that I myself cannot really explain, but one thing is for sure, it really is fulfilling. I may get tired from teaching but their simple gestures of appreciation keeps me going.."

Sir Argel M

Dasmariñas Integrated High School

"The best feeling for a teacher is when you realize how we serve as a guide to our students' young minds on their way to the right path. They do have their own sets of problems. But whenever I see the values I teach in our classroom being evident with their actions not just in the classroom but even beyond, it gives me pleasure to keep teaching. As they say, it's hard to be a teacher, with all the paperwork and the extra tasks that the government asks us to work on. But for me, I love this profession because it gives me the ability to inspire my students to reach for their dreams. At the moment I already have students who are now professionals themselves and it feels good when they come back and tell me how I was one of the reasons why they are where they are. Lastly, continuous learning. As a teacher, learning never stops - through seminars, training, and even supervising practice teachers. And even from students, especially now on the techie age, I also get to learn a lot from them."

Maam Gloria D

De La Salle University - Dasmariñas

"To be someone acting as a vessel of information is a divine calling for me. Everyday, I have the obligation to tell my students to become the better version of themselves by improving their study habits and never losing sight that learning is a way of life. There is so much to learn from anything and everything!"

Being a teacher myself for five years, truly I had a fair share of reasons or better to say so much more of the saying teaching is the most noble profession. After all these years and almost another five years away from my college teaching days, all the experiences, learning, and love that I get from my students and even from the school community, I was able to live what one of my old friends had told me, and that is "Teachers are the most remembered".
*** Never Stop Teaching and Learning!  Steve

THEY SAY is a segment on my blog which features a little survey where I asked a few of my friends and readers about a certain subject. A Topic is started and they would respond in the way it applies to their lives and experiences.

GRATITUDE - Of Giving Thanks

Matabungkay Beach, Batangas, Philippines

There is no one stronger than a person whose heart is always filled with gratitude.

I found the quote above while doing my daily quotes reflection on Google. Yes, oftentimes, I search on quotes on Google about a specific topic - friendship, patience, happiness, grief, and this morning was all about giving thanks. A person who has the ability to count his/her blessings at the snap of a finger is someone who can find peace with it very easily. Having a grateful heart insures anyone of utmost happiness, for every time of sadness, you have this shining light of gratitude that will truly make you smile amidst all the darkness that surrounds you.

Whenever people talk about me or tell me something about myself, it warms my heart every single time I hear them talk about me being appreciative, me being thankful, or me being grateful. I think it's more than just being raised being taught about the importance of saying the magic words 'thank' and 'you'. It's not even the Filipino concept of 'utang na loob' or being indebted to someone for something. I personally think it all goes down to me being a very expressive person. But do you really have to say 'thank you' often? No. But do we really have to be thankful all the time? Yes!

How can we be a thankful person? Or at least how can we live this life having a thankful heart? Let me run through a list that I thought about:

Saying "Thank You" - This is probably the simplest yet the most important thing anyone should learn even from childhood. Saying thank you has been called one of the magic words especially taught when we were young. Thank You for being here today. Thank You for coming. Thank you for calling our office. We hear it endless times every single day. But do we really mean it? That is the question.

Counting Your Blessings - This is something a little deeper than the first one. Counting your blessings requires anybody to go through their days at the end of it or even at any moment of prayer, to recall and recount every single good thing that has happened to him/her. Not just the things that happened actually, but things that did not happen that we should also be thankful for, and trust me, you'll find joy in those. Thank you that I received my pay without any discrepancies. Thank you that the bus I rode earlier did not break down or worse, crashed. Thank you that my boss supported me on my presentation and did not point out the flaws in it. Counting your blessings also means counting the little happiness that can make up a bigger, larger happiness!

Recalling The Goods In Times Of Bad - This one is probably a lot harder. When you are in a brawl with someone or your friend just did something that brought you disappointment, this is a very good weapon for yourself or for your relationship to be fixed. I know, we do get blinded by someone's action and it's just so hard to find the good in it. But once you master this, you will not just find peace from that incident, but peace from within. 

When your younger sister broke your iPad which you have taken cared of for a long time, it's so hard to see how supportive she was during your last final exams. But try to look into it. It may not cover up the bad feelings you feel with that broken gadget, but it would at least compensate the loss. Besides, it might have been an accident. Or just take a look at when a friend said something bad about you to another person which he/she did repent on, I know sorry doesn't just compensate it all of a sudden, but think about the times when you were sick and how this friend helped you through it. Think about the calls that that friend made and the talks that your friend did whenever you needed it. or even the littlest supportive words that that friend did during those times. In the end, these acts would even made us think not just of the wrong things about our friend, but also the wrong things about ourselves.

In the end, it all boils down to the good that others do against the bad that they did. And having a thankful heart is like having a clear memory of the good things about those people and make them work as a weapon to find peace with something or someone.

Being Humble - Being humble doesn't just require being quiet or being low-key. For me, the easiest definition of humility is to not think that you are better than anyone else. Of course, we are all created unique, with our own sets of lusters and flaws. But anything about those differences just doesn't makes us any better than others. So anything that comes in between the better and the worse is something to be thankful for. Those differences can only be compensated by kindness and any act of kindness deserves gratitude. Stop being so competitive. Stop proving other people how great or better you are than anybody else. You are only better than yourself, that's the only concept that you should live by as you travel through life.

Ditching Too Much Pride - Pride kills, that's a fact! Thinking that you deserve everything and that you are entitled for the things that you have doesn't make you someone that is highly, it just makes you look like an ungrateful person. Yes, we do work hard for everything that we do and at times, we are even so blessed to receive  more than what we wanted. But that doesn't give us any entitlement for the things that we receive. Every time that security guard at the office greets us with a bright smile, say thank you and return that cheer. Never ever think that 'that's their job so they have to do it' because everyone has their bad days and for someone to rise up to that and offers you that good encouragement is being way beyond what he/she has to be.

Here is also where the 'utang na loob' or 'being indebted to' comes to play. We don't collect the good things that we do to people and shove it in their faces when a conflict occurs with that person. Kindness knows no limits and records. If a friend does know how to recognize the good (see upper bullet) then that friend is for keeps! But unfortunately, if that friend does not count the good, it is not your job to enumerate them in their faces. Because that will just make you look much worse. If you know you have done so much good to certain people and they do not have the heart of gratitude, the soul to give thanks, and a good and clear memory to recount all your kindness, I guess it's not bad to cut ties with those people because it's not that they are bad, it's not that they don't deserve you, but they're just not for keeps. As we age, people come and go but only a good few will stay. Not just really stay but will fight through to have that spot in your life and yes, those are for keeps - yes, those are worthy to be thankful for.

***

Having a grateful heart is like having an everlasting candle. Anything that is so bad can only be fought by something so good. And if we learn to find that joy, that gratitude, that love, we are only as good as our happy days. in the end, we only want things and yes, people, who we can always count at the end of the day as good ones! And once we have that ability, we'll live lives with a smile - not a fake one huh - a smile from deep within! Carefree, Peaceful, Grateful

Never Stop Being Thankful!

Steve

Pointers for Newly Grads (and Not-So-Newly Grads)

Graduation Day with my Blockmates (March 26, 2010 DLSU-Dasmariñas)

"If you want something to hold on to, you have to have it first". And for you newly grads, you've just earned it, congratulations! They kept on telling you months before the ceremonies that "you'll soon be part of the real world", and before you knew it, you're already in it. The thing is, what is the real world? How do you take on it?

The real world is a world that is solely your own. A place where you can be whatever you want to be-with just one simple condition, you have to work for it. It doesn't always involve spending an 8-10 hour daily shifts at the office, or month-long preparations to land a starting point to a career path. Sometimes, the struggles that are in between are the ones you have to do extra work on. Surely there will be moments like "I got hired! But do I really want this job?" or "I hate this company, but is there something about this place that will help me get through to the next level?", such trade-offs and contradictions that honestly has struck our minds and my heart probably a hunderd times.

I know I'm not in a position to tell you how to be successful, for neither I am not at this moment. But as I write this, I guess I can tell you how I saw this journey and how I am seeing it now as I go through it. Here are a few tips I can share as we go through it together:

Set an ultimate goal for yourself.

On a deep chat conversation with my cousin Carmeline - a lawyer and somebody who I look up to as one of my mentors, she told me that "Everything ends and begins with your solid desire". One should be clear as to what he/she wants. Then, you push yourself towards that direction. Not always easy, she exclaimed, but you will make it. My drama king self still gets a tear or two every time I read what she said.

Ate Carm also told me that one should not be afraid of moving from a job to another. Because after all, it's not really quitting, it's calibrating your map towards that one specific goal. It may take you two or three of five jobs to finally get to your goal, but in the end, the sweetness of being in and living that dream is definitely rewarding. So as long as you don't have that goal, you'll just be floating in a big pool of a life with no reason. If you still don't have that dream, look for it, reflect, explore. It was my 27th birthday when she told these words to me which made me realise how I've been living my life without that ultimate goal. Now that I found my ultimate goal (a month after our conversation), I realise how scary it was not to have it.

Mistakes makes us smarter, makes us stronger. 

You've probably heard this one from a thousand people a million times over and over again. But to tell you, it's true. As of now to be honest, I can't consider myself as someone who is strong. I think I have made just a few mistakes in school, in life, in work. Not because I'm smart or I'm good at things, but it's because I'm afraid to try.

On a film I watched starring Shirley Maclaine, her character Harriet said that "We should all fall on our face". We've all been there right? Even if it's about school, or with love, or with life as we know it, we've all tripped and landed face down. For me, those moments aren't to be erased or be forgotten for those are the times where slips leave a mark where we least want it, thus will always make us remember how we made it through on such misfortunes.

Be Fearless. 

I'm not telling you to yell at your manager for being unfair, or join that interest group at work that teaches you how to ride a motorcycle with blindfolds on. Being fearless requires a strong heart that can resonate within yourself that "You can be whatever you want to be".

The world is very accepting right now. Your degree may be in finance, but the world of fashion awaits you just as long as you take that chance. A framed "Bachelor of Science in Computer Science" diploma can actually be a ticket to being one of the best Geographers in the world. If you're college course led you to a path that you really wanted, then good for you! But if not, it's not the end of the world for us millennials. We're young, we're fearless, we can make it happen, I trust in you!

Go back to school. Learn further, farther. 

Some of us dread school and for a lot of graduates, the only thing they miss about going to uni are their classmates and friends, never the schooling process. But I tell you, if you really want to go far, Graduate School may be your magic carpet to that palace in the clouds you are longing for. I spent a year in Master's but yes, I did well during my time but still, I stopped.

At first, I thought graduate school is not for me but then I realise, I'm just taking the wrong course, the wrong field. So right now do I want to go to Graduate School? By all means, Yes! But this time, I'll follow not what's required of me, but what field my heart really wants in, what my mind wants to learn more about. Oh I imagine how learning is when you're studying something you are passionate about.

You have to deserve it. 

I got this on a ride home from Manila with my cousin Caren Viniegra, who is also like most of you (yes you, reader!) who just graduated college and will be entering Law school. She got this statement from one of her older sisters Carmina (Carmeline is their eldest sister, how can you not love these siblings?). Caren told me that no matter how smart you are or how capable you are of doing something, if you don't work hard for it, then it will not be given to you. You have to earn it. When she said this, it sent me shivers.

There were times when I had this silent overconfidence within myself, about myself. On a job application as a corporate auditor for a prestigious airline company, I can say I did well every interview by showing them who I am, but I did not end up having the position. To be honest, the fact that I reached that fifth and final interview despite having a different college degree and job experiences that are way too far than what the position requires, it makes me smile as I look back to it. through that experience, I realise that aside from the thought that maybe God wants me somewhere else than there, I did not land the job because I did not deserve it. Not because I'm not smart enough or I lack experience, but because I did not prepare enough.

If you want it, you have to deserve it. Earn it by working hard for it.

***

I haven't been to were I wanted to be, but I know it all depends on myself, and God of course, to be on that very place. Being there won't be as smooth for some as it is easier for others, but all the efforts, the risks, and the hard work will definitely payoff once you're there. But to "be there", remember, you have to dream, fail, stand up, learn, and deserve it.

Graduation Day (March 26, 2010 - DLSU-Dasmariñas)

Never Stop Pushing!

Steve
200600549

"They Say" Episode 4: Fast Food

No matter how many calories our favorite 'value meal' has, we can easily admit that fast food, at times, equates to comfort food. Oh that greasy burger, slices of cheese, and who will ignore that crispy french fried potatoes! Not me of course.

The Philippines has a wide variety of Fast Food chains both local and international that offers all kinds of goodies that we love. Whether we order it a-la-carte or by value meals, these places just gives us the sense of inner happiness with the very first big bite of that Big Mac from McDonald's or a forkful of that Jolly Spaghetti. One more thing that any Filipino would love to debate about is which chain has the best Fried Chicken.

I asked a few of my friends on what for them is the best fast food chain ever in the Philippines. Check out their answers below:

Jayson S

Jollibee

"Jollibee is Pinoy. The default go-to place for the hungry. Their food items are affordable, tasty, and sulit. Chicken Joy with Palabok [is my favorite from Jollibee]."

Kathleen L
Burger King

"I eat there two to three times a month. I'm good with their whooper burgers, even the cheeseburger is promising for starters. It's also worth mentioning their apple and orange juice for those who want to negate soda in their diet. Burger King is inventive when it comes to burger, from providing a wide variety of options, to serving their customer with freshly made burger. I love their flame grilled and juicy patty."

R-Jay M

Jollibee

"Even though I was a "McDonald's kid" before, I can't seem to get away with Jollibee. I guess it's because the menu is a diverse mashup of the Western and some Filipino comfort food. My favorite is non other than the Chickenjoy which just hits the spot! I usually go there averaging from 2-5 times a month."

Mark Gabriel L

McDonald's

"For me, the choice boils down to these two: McDonald's and Jollibee. It took me a while to decide which, for me, is the best fast food because I really like the both of them. What I love about Jollibee is the simplicity of the Yum and the pasta sauce of Jolly Spaghetti. I like the Jolly Hotdog and the Cheesy Bacon Mushroom Yum as well. However, the "overall" ambiance of Jollibee stores is a major turn off for me. It often feels so chaotic and sometimes gross. McDonald's on the other hand is cozy. What I love about McDo is their Double Cheeseburger (after taking off the pickles) and of course, the Big Mac! I like crispy chicken sandwich and McSpicy Chicken Sandwich (but they stopped selling this, I think). I like McDonald's fries more than Jollibee's. Jollibee's fries are bland and dry. Before I stopped drinking softdrinks, I used to order McFloat. Now I just order their orange juice or pineapple juice (rarely though). Having said all of these, McDonald's is the best fast food chain."

Ralph John S

Burger King

"My favorite fast food chain in the Philippines is probably Burger King! I usually order their signature Whooper, and of course with a large side order of onion rings. I usually eat there once a week since it's just 3 blocks away from where I currently live."

Jane G

Jollibee

"I believe the best fast food chain in the Philippines is Jollibee. It is the best because you would see the people falling in line and even willing to wait just to have a taste of their food, not to mention they are now global! My favorite items from Jollibee is their TLC [Tomato-Lettuce-Catsup] and Choco Sundae."

Never Stop Eating!  Steve

THEY SAY is a segment on my blog which features a little survey where I asked a few of my friends and readers about a certain subject. A Topic is started and they would respond in the way it applies to their lives and experiences.

Forgiveness

Good Friday is about a lot of things to different people. For us Catholics, it means a day to be silent and to reflect. For people who are working, it means double pay for every hour spent in the office. But for us Christians, this holy week is all about Love. Love stronger than a hundred Valentine's Days combined altogether because this is about the strongest love in this world, God's Love.

Jesus died on the cross and suffered not for Himself but for all of us. Even for people who are sinners, even for people who doesn't know Him, He died for them. It is the highest and most amazing act of sacrifice just to forgive us all from sin.

April Sunset over the Manila Bay

What is forgiveness really all about? We ask forgiveness whenever we humble ourselves if we do something wrong against another person. We offer forgiveness when people ask it for us to clear out the wrong things that they did against us. But do we really have to be the wrong party, for us to ask forgiveness?

It takes a lot of guts for some people to ask for forgiveness, or, especially to forgive. Pride is the main reason why it's usually hard for us to forgive or much more, to even say sorry for the things we did wrong. Personally, I think forgiving is a powerful act of love. It's like clearing up whatever wrong or misunderstanding that was done and just moving forward together with the other person. You don't really forget, I mean, you don't have to, but what we do is to take it as a lesson and move on, I assure you, it's a great feeling!

Asking for forgiveness on the other hand, I think is an act of bravery. It's like going to war and taking off any outer armor or protection and just fighting for something with just your bare hands. It's humbling yourself, accepting and owning any wrong, and asking for a chance to make up to whichever mistake you did to somebody.

But then again, back to the question, "Do you really have to be the wrong one to ask for forgiveness?". My answer, personally to this one is No. Asking for forgiveness is like clearing yourself from all hate and grudges just to save up a friendship or any relationship. This is probably the best possible way of showing how you can be a better person than the situation. In the end, it doesn't matter if the person you are asking for forgiveness actually does forgive you, he or she may or may not, but at the end of the day, it will all be about yourself.

It will all be about how clear your heart is, no excess baggage, no heavy feelings. It's like letting go of all hate, grudges, and feelings of discomfort towards the other person and just moving forward with a lighter, happier heart. I assure you, it feels a lot better after saying sorry. Honestly, it's like passing that heavy ball out to the other person. You may have done something so bad to him/her or just a little misunderstanding, but what's important is you let go of that heaviness out of your system. Whether the other person forgives you or not, will be their own different journey. Also, don't forget to pray for them, and wish them well - for a good and meek heart is one's ticket to a happy travel through this journey of life.

No matter how long or how hard we reflect about forgiving, it all comes down to remembering how God gave His own son to forgive all of us and until now, He is still forgiving our every wrong. If God can forgive us, so can we forgive, so should we forgive.

***

Never Stop Forgiving!

Steve

This post is part of Skywatch Friday that features different views of the sky around the world. Visit Skywatch and go on tour around the globe seeing sunrises, sunsets and so much more than the sky that you know at http://skyley.blogspot.in/

"They Say" Episode 3: What I Miss Most About The Philippines

Though the heat of the summer here gets very excruciating (especially for me, ladies and gentlemen), no Filipino can ever deny how amazing it is to live in the Philippines. Despite the poverty, the corruption, and all the many problems of the world that this country has embraced for quite sometime now, someone who lived here can really say that 'It's More Fun in the Philippines'

Whether it be the comforts of your very own bedroom at home (which I really longed for while I lived in San Francisco for 2 months), your Mom's very intricately slow-cooked Caldereta, hanging out with your childhood friends every weekend afternoons, or just simply whatever, leaving our country for somewhere else to live gives us more meaning to the saying 'There's no place like Home'.

With all of that said, this episode of They Say is all about the things that Filipinos miss about living in the Pearl of the Orient. Aside from their families (of course, we know how closely knit Filipinos are with their Family) here are the things that my students and friends who are currently living abroad, yearn for in this land:

Joylyn M
Arezzo, Italy

"What I really miss aside from my family and friends, is the Filipino culture. Our culture is very different compared to foreign countries, most especially the manners we learned from our ancestors. Here in Europe, given that it is the center of Catholicism, people here are liberated, even if they are still minors. Unlike in the Philippines, at young age, they know how to say 'po' and 'opo' and respect not only the elderly, but people of all ages. Also, I adore how filipinos treat each other as family even if they are not really blood related. Even if I go to many different countries, or stay here for long, I'm still proud that I am Filipina"

Jailah R

Auckland, New Zealand

"FOOD! Nothing beats filipino cuisine! From main dishes to merienda to street foods.. especially when you go food tripping with your barkadas."

Ralph M

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

"One thing I miss in the Philippines is the freedom to roam around anywhere and anytime. Here in Saudi Arabia, gasoline is very cheap but I can't enjoy that privilege because I don't own a car. Buses and taxis are expensive unlike in the Philippines where I can ride a Jeepney and/or a tricycle to save more money. Plus, there's not much to see here in the place I'm at right now. Maybe it's just me or maybe because this is where I grew up but life here is pretty simple. Go home after work. Sleep, go to work and go home again. And that's what I miss in the Philippines. The kind of freedom where I can visit Baguio, Palawan, Tagaytay or just hang out with some friends at the mall without having problems on how to get there without owning a car. Speaking of friends, hanging out with friends here is very difficult because girls and boys are not allowed to be together unless you're a married couple or a family. To make the story short, we need a married couple to come with us if we want to hang out with our girl friends."

Jhun B

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

"One of the things that I miss in the Philippines is Filipino Food. My love for Filipino food will never be forgotten. Sizzling Sisig, Taho, Crispy Pata, Tapsilog and so much more. It's also best to share with the people you love like my family and friends. My family also makes me miss the Philippines. Sometimes they are the reason why you are weak because you miss them so much and that is what many OFW called "homesickness" but they are also your energy booster to face your everyday challenges and problems. Aside from that, I miss also the holidays in the Philippines because when you're abroad you will not feel the same feeling of celebrating Christmas and New Year in the Philippines. These are the few things I miss in "Pinas". At this moment, I'm not sure when am I going come home again but I'm sure that when I'm back to the Philippines it's going to be fun and memorable again."

Paula O
Seattle, Washington

"A thing I really miss besides my family in the Philippines is that 'Laid Back' type of feeling all the time. It's like you don't have to set alarms in the morning but through out the day you'll get a lot done.. or you can just be like "hey, I wanna go to the beach." And with some friends you can make it happen there and then. here in the states the lifestyle is all about "Time is Money" so you live by minutes and hours with no time to sit back and relax and appreciate the things around you.. and THE BEACHES! how can you not miss the gorgeous beaches!"

Marvin B

Siem Reap, Cambodia

"One thing I miss about the Philippines is food. I think its common for most of OFWs like me. Cambodian dishes are healthy and delicious but I still prefer Filipino food because I've been eating them since I was young. Yes, it is good to try something new, but at the end of the day, you'll end up craving for the food that you used to eat most of the time. Good thing that Cambodia is also a tropical country so it shouldn't be so hard to find the ingredients to cook Filipino food. It is not surrounded by water so, I would say I also miss the salt water fishes of the Philippines because most of the fish here are found in lakes."

Now there you have just some of a million reasons as to why it's more fun to live in the Philippines! I for one may be a citizen of the world, a lover of different cultures and traditions, but I can really say that it's the best feeling to know and be reminded everyday that I am a Filipino! And to everyone who is not, we just have so much love to give and we welcome you to our beautiful country filled with delicious food, colorful traditions, and a heart full of warmth, joy, and much much of love! See you in the Philippines!

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Never Stop Being a Filipino!

Steve

THEY SAY is a segment on my blog which features a little survey where I asked a few of my friends and readers about a certain subject. A Topic is started and they would respond in the way it applies to their lives and experiences.

"They Say" Episode 2: Childhood Ambitions

I am just so excited for this second episode of They Say! They Say is a segment on my blog where in my closest friends, family, and students would have to share what "They Say" about a specific topic that would be best to be shared not just by myself.

On this episode, we will be talking about childhood ambitions. We will never forget that moment during our Kindergarten and Prep Graduations as we present what we want to be when we grow up. A large pool of kids wanting to be doctors and engineers and nurses line up and wait for their turn on the microphone to proudly tell the world what they will be working on in the next two decades at school.

I for one wanted to be a doctor when I was a little boy. I can remember doing check ups with my stuffed animals with my plastic stethoscope and giving them vaccinations for their fever. Then I realize, I did not really enjoy being the doctor, but I had fun writing up details on their respective index cards and asking 'them' about their vitals. Yes, I enjoyed being the secretary.

Then I grew up wanting so many things at once until university application came. I listed three degree choices and guess what, there was no pre-med nor a secretarial course on it. To be honest, I really did not know what I really want that time. years after, I was marching on my graduation with a degree in Computer Science and worked for half a decade a s a college instructor and now, a Deduction/Balance Associate for a multinational manufacturing company.

Well, enough about me and let's listen to what my dear readers about their childhood ambitions and what they end up with right now. Did they follow their early dreams, or did life led them to somewhere different? Here's what 'They Say'

Mary Anne R
Application Development Analyst, Accenture
Childhood Dream: To be a NURSE

"When i was a child, I see my future self wearing a white uniform, taking care of injured and sick people. I wanted to be a Nurse. My childhood dream is to travel the world carrying medical kits with my doctor husband. 

I did not pursue my ambition because of the movie "Wag Kang Lilingon", a horror film. I'm about to enroll in a Nursing school but after watching that movie, I got scared. I got scared of ghosts in hospitals. I'm afraid of the dark and of all unknown spirits that lie within. I know it sounds weird, but that's the real reason why I did not pursue my ambition.

Yes, I still want to be a nurse, still want to wear that white uniform, still want to help sick people. I still want to attend the oath taking ceremony and I still want to wear a nurse's cap. I still want to make the world a better place. I still want to be a Nurse but I am enjoying my life now as a developer"

Eunice L

IT QA Test Lead, GMA Network

Childhood Dream: To be a WRITER

"At my parents’ insistence, I took up Information Technology. For a while, yes I did regret that decision. I’m very idealistic, you see, and back then I believed that people should be given the freedom to do whatever they wanted. But as I grew and matured, I learned that life isn’t always black and white. There are many, many good things in life – things that will make you happy – and they’re not always what you expect. I learned that sometimes, there are no right or wrong decisions. For instance, I did not make a wrong decision when I chose IT over creative writing. Why? Because I also found happiness in IT. Not the one I imagined when I was little, but happiness nonetheless. And who knows, what if I chose creative writing and ended up not happy at all? I guess what I’m trying to say is, the best path is not always the most obvious one. You just have to take a leap of faith and make the most of everything. And of course, pray."

"Yes. The writer inside me is very much alive. But as I see it, there’s little possibility that I’ll pursue a full time writing career in the future. I love what I’m doing now, and I am very much settled here. I still write though, and sometimes when I feel a little brave, I submit my writings to online blogs or websites. And some of them do get published. See? Dreams don’t stop just because you chose a different path. Now I am able to pursue two dreams. One in IT and one, during my free time, in writing. And so can you. So can anyone."

Miko A
Analyst Programmer, Insular Life Assurance Co. Ltd.
Childhood Dream: To be an ARCHITECT

" I don't have any regrets cause I personally decided to take I.T. (second option to Architecture) and no one forced me to do so. Just to share, my third option was HRM (remember the spam rice with chopsticks na nilike nyo sa IG sir?) 

Math subjects [made me changed my mind]. I passed the Architecture exam, interview and already paid for my tuition until I saw my registration form full of math subjects. Trigonometry, Calculus, etc. I thought Architecture was more on drawing and designs that time. Never thought that it's full of Math. I still wanted to be Architect Jose Miguel B. Alhambra! I still enjoy planning and designing houses during my spare time. I really want to personally design the "dream" house for me and my family. But architect or not, I know I can and I will build that hopefully soon. (Sabi nila tiwala lang hahaha) 

 I don't want to compare my life as an I.T professional with the life I will have if I'm an architect. Cause it's not about the profession you choose but on how you make your life meaningful whatever path you take."

Kenneth G

Software Engineer, E-Science Corporation

Childhood Dream: To be a DRIVER

"Back when I was a child, I wanted to be a tricycle driver (real talk) but my parents did not approved. 

As I grew up or before going to college I wanted to achieve more in life and my ambition changed, that’s why I never got to pursue my childhood ambition and definitely I didn’t had any regrets. If I pursued my ambition I wouldn’t be like this right now providing for my family and traveling the Philippines (hopefully the world soon!)."

Ira G

Email Specialist, Security Bank

Childhood Dream: To be an ARTIST

" I wanted to be an artist. I was really into arts and writing back then. I remember having colouring pencils and watercolours to keep me company after school. 

 I have no regrets. All my decisions in life shaped me into who I am and led me to where I am today. Plus I can still do traditional art on my free time. Sometimes, it's not about just pursuing your ambition, you know. I believe that it's about holding on to it like a heart on your sleeve. 

Somehow. I mean, it doesn't change my love for art but today I am very happy with what I'm doing because my job allows me to combine writing with design so it's all good!"

No Matter what ambitions they have before or now, it goes to show that whatever lives they have at the moment, they are enjoying it and living it to their fullest! And for that, I will forever be proud of my dear students. I may not be teaching anymore but seeing them grow and succeed in the paths that the Lord had given them, makes me feel very lucky I was once their mentor.

Cheers to you my dear students!

***

Never Stop Dreaming!

Steve

THEY SAY is a segment on my blog which features a little survey where I asked a few of my friends and readers about a certain subject. A Topic is started and they would respond in the way it applies to their lives and experiences.

Weaknesses

Baler, Aurora - December 2015

Whether we admit it or not, exposing our weaknesses is something that is hard for us to do. It's not really because of pride or self-judgement but the act of acknowledging where we are bad at, really is mind draining. It's not that we think too highly of ourselves but I guess it has something to do with us, being so used to thinking positively about our personalities - strengths, virtues, and just things that other people usually commend us or recognize in us.

Personally, one of my weaknesses is being too passionate. I know that is something positive but too much of something, of anything is not really a good thing. I am very passionate about friends, relationships, hobbies to name a few. I am someone who gives more than a hundred percent to things that I really like, to people who matter so much to me. In the end, I get so drawn, so involved without realizing I'm giving too much of myself to it. In the end, I blame myself; not for the things I should not have done, but for the things I did too much.

Another weakness, and probably quite a big one for me is not knowing when to stop at something. Being a very emotional person, whenever I feel happy about something or someone, I feel really happy! And I do mean really really happy! I focus myself on it just like embracing it all as if it is the sunshine that I need to make me feel alive. But the downfall of anything so good, so high, is that we fall so hard by the time this happiness fades. There is no 'slow fall' with me, it's always a big fall. There then rolls another weakness; I never learn, not easily from these big falls.

At school I can say that I am a fast learner. I can get by acing a test or an exam without really reviewing at home because whenever a teacher delivers his/her lectures, I make sure that I am a very dry sponge ready to absorb every word that the teacher would deliver. And that's all I need for any upcoming evaluation, together with a fast scan on some of my friends' notes minutes before the papers are handed to us to build up on. But if it's life giving me lectures, it's something that I feel so dumb with. I don't really learn that fast.

I eat a little of this and it makes me a million pounds heavier. But still, when that food is handed over, I'd still indulge myself with it even if it's something I can easily avoid. I already know that if I skip washing my hair with nizoral shampoo once every month, my dandruff will suddenly gives a surprise appearance that bugs me out easily, I'd still feel sluggish maintaining it. And yes, the person I gave up all my heart to, who I fell over and over again even after hurt after hurt; I just never learn. Even after realizing just why, I still find myself going towards it again no matter how hard my fall was. Talk about being stupid?

But the biggest weakness that I really need to work on is my anxiety. I do overthink quite so much. I overwork my mind especially whenever I have idle times and have nothing to do, my mind gets clouded so easily by thoughts that aren't really needed at that very moment. This one, is one of those weaknesses that is negative by nature and should be minimized, if not totally removed. Time, efforts, thoughts are wasted. Too much anticipation could kill you, really!

The list just goes on and on but just as I have said, I recognize that I have a lot of weaknesses but it's tad hard to iterate every single one of it in detail. Though one thing I've known through these 26 years, is that these weaknesses are there to make us whole. These may be something negative in each of us but we cannot just take it off because it's part of who we are, it's part of what make us ourselves.

There's nothing wrong with making efforts to take these weaknesses away from our totality, besides, we are here on earth to live and work towards a better version of what we are than yesterday's. But as these weaknesses somehow finds home in us, without plans of leaving anytime soon, we should learn how to embrace it. Yes! Concede with these traits, attitudes and feelings and use them to make other weaknesses turn into strengths, use them to a better person. Not just a better son, a better mother, a better classmate, or a better friend - but a better person for yourself!

***

Never Stop Improving!

Steve

This post is part of Skywatch Friday that features different views of the sky around the world. Visit Skywatch and go on tour around the globe seeing sunrises, sunsets and so much more than the sky that you know at http://skyley.blogspot.in/

"They Say" Epsiode 1: Dream Destination

I love talking to people. Talking in general, about everything and almost anything! Their interests, their likes and dislikes, their dreams, you name it. That's why I thought of creating this new segment on my blog where in my closest friends, family, and students would have to share what "They Say" about specific topics close to my heart!

For our first episode of "They Say", let us know what their dream destinations are. We all dreamt of being somewhere at some place, having a beautiful stroll with your loved one or a delicious exotic dinner with your amazing friends. It is something that makes me stand up with excitement whenever I ask this to myself or even whenever a friend opens up about this topic.

But what makes a destination something you dream about? Does it have to be far, or just a bike ride away from where you are at. I asked some of my closest friends from here in the Philippines and across the globe, "Where is your dream destination and Why?". Here are their awesome answers:

Adrian A

Warsaw, Poland

"I actually don't have a specific place in mind. My dream destination is somewhere where I would be able to meet my best friends, especially my little bro. It can be anywhere in the world - my backyard, Italy, or Antarctica"

Carlos V
Los Angeles, USA

"Many places exist to be explored in this world. If I have to choose which is my ultimate destination, I must say the city of Rome. This is where the seat of power of the greatest empire ever existed. Great emperors walked at that place. I want to set my feet there also. I want to see what they saw there, It might be a very tiny resemblance of the past, but at least there is something!"

Dianne C

Cavite, Philippines

"My ultimate dream destination is Greece, because I am so fascinated by its beauty. What adds up most to my dream of going there is when I watched the movie Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants"

Pranab M

Mumbai, India

"My dream destination is Slovenia. I want to visit with my wife. It's so green. Ljubljana, Bled, Pilar, Kranjskagora, Triglav National Park, Postojna Caves are on the list. I feel sLOVEnia!"

Lea Katrina B

Mangaf, Kuwait

"To travel anywhere around the world will be my dream destination. Every place for me is a new venture, a different opportunity to experience what is life on the other sides of the world. Seeking new things, experiencing new cultures, and meeting new people is life indeed for me. And given the opportunity to travel the world, I would do so, for what we have now is a once in a lifetime experience."

Stephan S

Hamburg, Germany

"A Fjord in Norway, where I can live in silence and peace. With distance to other people but with comfort of modern civilisation. For me, its silence is impressive and good. It makes you slow and brings you back to nature. It is so good to hear birds sing, raindrops fall, wind in the trees, waves at the beach"

Stevenson Q

Cavite, Philippines

"My dream destination is somewhere were the four seasons are in its most spectacular display. Growing up in the tropics, we only have summer, summer, rain, and summer throughout the year so the seasons are something that really fascinates me."

That wraps up our first episode of "They Say". It was so much fun to ask my dear friends and family for their dream destinations and I hope and pray that the Lord will grant them their amazing travel adventures soon! Special thanks to my dear friends Adrian, Pranab, Stephan, my classmates Dianne and Lea, and to my cousin Carlos for their time. This article will not be possible without them.

Wishing you all the great things and I can't wait for you to join us on the next episode of "They Say" soon! How about you? What's your dream destination? Share it with us by posting a comment below!

Never Stop Asking!

Steve

THEY SAY is a segment on my blog which features a little survey where I asked a few of my friends and readers about a certain subject. A Topic is started and they would respond in the way it applies to their lives and experiences.