2012: it ain't the end of the world

Since the 2012 movie and the end of the world scare, if that may be true, I've been thinking and planning on how to make my life better and more meaning if given only a few months to enjoy it.  Instead of being anxious that the world will end soon, either by some cosmic collision or whatever, I am actually excited to carry out my 2012 plans.

I know that you are thinking this piece is some sort of New Year's resolution and I say that is partly true.  There are some things from the past I want to leave behind together with good ole 2011.  These include resentment, bitterness, tardiness and procrastination.  Yes, I'm a bit of everything there.  So here goes my 2012 aspirations, goals and action plans.

Family:

I will be more caring and attentive to their needs.  I'd love to have a regular and more often bondings with my nephews since I got too busy with the clothing business this last quarter of 2011.

Career:

Since my broadcasting career is just ok and somehow stable, it may take a back seat this year as I plan to finally get enrolled in the business school by April.  But first, I need to talk to my manager to have my schedule adjusted a bit so I can take the weekday classes.

Business:

2012 is the year to reach greater heights for Sublime and Bits of Beads.  As my partners and I took our first step this year by joining bazaars, we plan to take our business a few notches higher by doing new ventures, perhaps a new line, and exploring the options we haven't done before.

Service:

Since I already said yes to various services for next year, I pray for the strength, wisdom, humility and patience to lovingly carry out the tasks of a servant leader.  I hope that I may draw my members to a closer relationship with the Lord and a deeper experience of God's love in their lives, and hone them to be future leaders of the community as well.

Another thing that I am really looking forward to this year is being a part of the Singles for Christ International Conference 2012 program  team.  I was deeply honored, and at the same time humbled that I was handpicked to be a part of the team. I see it as an opportunity to give back since the Lord has been so generous to me, giving me the talents and resources I currently enjoy. 

Lovelife:

Well, I know this shouldn't be planned since love just comes to you when you're ready for it.  I guess after a liberating heartbreak, I can say that I am ready to fall in love and feel the kilig again.  Thus, I will be more open to the options given me and the signs the world is sending me.  So, whoever is up to be on this life's journey with me, you're just in time.  You might be the Casanova I've been waiting for. But that doesn't mean I will settle to the first person who'll come into my life. It will still take a lot of prayers and discernment to know with whom I should be or rather, where I really should be.

Personal improvement:

This year, i wish to learn a new skill: driving.  I plan to take driving lessons by mid-year and God-willing, I hope to buy my first car before the year ends.

Also, I plan to return to the music school by June this year.  I miss playing my violin.  But before that, I need to do a lot of warm-ups and refreshers.  My callouses are all gone now.

So far, these are the only plans I have in mind.  I know I can carry out everything in this to-do list with the help of our dear Lord who has been there for me, allowing me to achieve my dreams one step at a time.

PS: By the way, I don't believe that it will be the end of the world next year (see NASA's answer here).  The scare is just reminiscent of the Y2K, but here we are, still alive and enjoying life.  Anyway, should it really be the end of the world, shouldn't we start loving and loving like it's the last year?

Christmas in the air

Let's make it happen.

With a calamity striking southern Philippines recently, let's make our brothers and sisters affected by Sendong feel the warmth of Christmas by extending our help.

Here's how:

1. GMA Kapuso Foundation

Material donations may be delivered to the GMA Kapuso Foundation office Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monetary pledges may also be deposited through these banks:

• METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST COMPANY (METROBANK)
• UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK (UCPB)
• CEBUANA LHUILLIER (all branches nationwide)
• BANCO DE ORO (BDO)
• PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK (PNB)

2. For members of Couples for Christ ministries, we can also send our donations through www.cfchomeoffice.com/sendong and proceeds will be given to the CFC leaders we have in CDO and Iligan for relief operations. Local and International credit cards are accepted.

And most important of all, let us include in our prayers the recovery of the families affected by the typhoon, especially those who have lost their loved-ones, that they may see hope amidst the crisis.

2012 Planners

Yes, it the time of the year again when I do this careful selection of the planner that best fits my needs (and style).  So here are the planners in my list, I would need some help though.

1. Paolo Coelho Moments 2012 Day Planner

I am a fan of Coelho, having written several thought-provoking novels.  For only P950, you can get this planner that comes with Coelho's latest novel Aleph.  This planner has a very colorful cover that quite suits my exuberant personality, plus it features several notable quotes from his books.  With the pages lined and exquisitely designed, surely I'll maximize this planner.

2. Starbucks Planner

This year, the planners are smaller (but a bit heavier, in my opinion).  The planners come in 5 different earth-tone colors with a pouch made of sack cloth for more earth-friendly appeal.

photo courtesy: http://philippines.starbucks.com/en-US/

3.  Belle de Jour planner

I was a user of the Belle de Jour planner for two years and the planners really helped me keep track of many important things in my life in all aspects:  career, relationships, finances and health.  But year after year, the BDJ planner has become heavier (maybe because of the freebie coupons and the added features) so I decided to try other simpler (and lighter) planners. Nevertheless, sometimes I wish I'm using BDJ for some of the features my current planner doesn't have like the gift list, vacation planner and expenses tracker.

Here's a sneak peek of the 2012 Belle de Jour planner:

4. Navi Planner

From the makers of the BDJ planners come the planner for your guy, Navi Planner 2012.  Actually, I like this better than BDJ since it's more mature looking and simpler with the discount coupons of BDJ.  This planner is perfect for the adventurous soul with a fierce attitude.

5. Handprints Creation planner

Here's a multiply find, a planner for everyone.  You'll surely find a planner to suit your style.

All Pastel planner, for a sweetie kikay girl

Pink Caramel: sweet yet serious

5. Handy Dandy planners by Team Oh Snap

If you're the artsy type, here's the planner for you.  So cute you'd love to carry it around and check the planner so often.

For only P350, this planner's fully loaded with these features:
yearly calendar, 2012 list of goals, wish list, expense tracker, travel checklist,  summer bucket list, movies 2012, websites to visit, holiday gift list.

6.  The Moonleaf Planner
Ok, I confess, I'm a milk tea addict.  I always crave for Moonleaf's Pearl Milk Tea, like, I'd brave heavy downpour just to get hold of a cold yummy milk tea.  So when I learned they are releasing a planner, got so thrilled.  Here's the planner everyone's talking about (next to Starbucks, I  guess)

Here's to start the year right. I hope I have helped you choose the perfect planner for you (and your friends, if you're looking for a gift).  Happy 2012!

My Christmas wishlist 2011

With only a few days before Christmas and a hectic schedule, I can't even draft my wishlist in just one go.  Everything seems to fly so fast that I haven't even digested all the events of this year yet.

What do I really want for 2012?  Some said it will be the end of the world by then.  If that will be so, I'll have to be more concrete, and maybe a little bit more ambitious and at the same time hopeful that this list will be achieved next year.

the 13M 68 Roces townhouse

Ambitious mode:

- a car for my business

- a QC townhouse, a few minutes from the office

- Holy Land tour

- more beach trips

- a shopping escapade with unlimited budget

Reality check:

- enrollment in advanced violin class

- a superior quality violin

- schedule adjustment to accommodate marketing classes on weekdays

- gym membership

- a new pair of trainers and workout outfit
- trip to Korea with my sister

Proenza Schouler PS1 medium, the "it" satchel

I'm a material girl

- 15" Cambridge satchel in red

- Proenza Schouler PS1 medium leather in blue or orange

- Sisterhood of the Traveling pants series books

- Forever21 Hello Kitty collection

- Ipad2 wifi + 3g

Angry birds cupcake from Gooeyfudge

Simple joys:

- Chocolate oatmeal cookies

- Christmas parties with Sagip kids

- Angry birds cupcakes

- cutesy stationeries

- a bookshelf

But still, there really is nothing more I want this Christmas than my family to be complete and celebrating it together over a sumptuous noche buena lovingly prepared.  I also look forward to spending the first Christmas with the new boy in my life. Weee! excited to hug my nephew and see him clad in a Christmas-y outfit. La vita e bella! :)

Fears

"Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." 1 Chronicles 28:20

When God is something to say to us, He often seems to begin by addressing our fear. Because fear usually keeps us from hearing or responding to what God wants us to hear.  We focus on the uncertainties, the pressure, the possibilities that could happen—the mountains—and we panic.

Listen to your Lord.  He’s trying to deal with that fear that has your heart and mind so tensed up that nothing can get in there—not even God’s voice.

Like a distraught little child cuddled in a parent’s arms, let your Father reassure you that there’s nothing facing you that He can’t handle.  He has the power to deliver you from all your fears.

- an excerpt from Jon Escoto's How to Find Extraordinary Joy @ Work

The Little Prince

photo courtesy: wikipedia

 Some quotes from the book that best describe what I feel this moment:

"Les hommes ont oublié cette vérité, dit le renard. Mais tu ne dois pas l’oublier. Tu deviens responsable pour toujours de ce que tu as apprivoisé."

"Men have forgotten this truth," said the fox. "But you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed." 

"Voici mon secret. Il est très simple: on ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux "

Here is my secret. It is very simple: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye

"Mais les yeux sont aveugles. Il faut chercher avec le cœur"

But the eyes are blind. One must look with the heart

So much for taming the foxes and the roses with thorns, I feel responsible forever for the people, things, places and events I have been a part of.   

"It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important." 

"You know — my flower... I am responsible for her. And she is so weak! She is so naïve! She has four thorns, of no use at all, to protect herself against all the world.."

Thank you my Little Prince.

My First Bazaar

This is quite unexpected.  I never planned to join bazaars this Christmas season but the unexpected turn of events led me to signing up to a series of bazaars with my new business partners.  In fact, our partnership is quite a surprise too.  After we've worked on the charity vintage bazaar, a few of my sisters in the Singles for Christ community tapped me to join forces with them and thus the GALZ group, taken from the last letters of our names (A from Imelda, Z from Emiluz and L from Hazel).  We've added "G" to remind us that our ultimate Boss in this endeavour is God who has led us to each other.

The greatest lesson I've learned so far in this venture is to always bear in mind your objective that is not the selfish motive. There is always a deeper reason for getting into business aside from earning a living.  In this case, the GALZ girls and I share the same passion of inspiring young entrepreneurs in our community to step out of the comfort zone and finally live their dreams.  And I must say that after a few weeks of getting our hands work for our business, we've already inspired a lot of brothers and sisters in the community to try going into business aside from getting busy with our day jobs.  And in a month's time, we've already got a few business proposals, mergers and publicity support from the people in and out of the community.

I still can't say the monetary success of our efforts, but I know with the lessons we've learned from the experience, the GALZ can always venture into more profitable endeavors armed with the skills and learnings, and most of all, guided by the grace of God.

jar of hearts

i know i can’t take one more step towards you
cause all thats waiting is regret
don’t you know i’m not your ghost anymore
you lost the love i loved the most

i learned to live, half alive
and now you want me one more time

who do you think you are?
runnin’ ’round leaving scars
collecting a jar of hearts
tearing love apart
you’re gonna catch a cold
from the ice inside your soul
don’t come back for me
who do you think you are?

i hear you’re asking all around
if i am anywhere to be found
but i have grown too strong
to ever fall back in your arms

ive learned to live, half alive
and now you want me one more time

who do you think you are?
runnin’ ’round leaving scars
collecting a jar of hearts
and tearing love apart
you’re gonna catch a cold
from the ice inside your soul
don’t come back for me
who do you think you are?

it took so long just to feel alright
remember how to put back the light in my eyes
i wish i had missed the first time that we kissed
cause you broke all your promises
and now you’re back
you don’t get to get me back

who do you think you are?
running around leaving scars
collecting a jar of hearts
and tearing love apart
you’re gonna catch a cold
from the ice inside your soul
so don’t come back for me
dont come back at all

who do you think you are?
who do you think you are?
who do you think you are?

11.11.11 (unabridged)

To be honest, I waited for a long time for this day to come, perhaps hoping that something really good will happen.

Maybe I'd get to my dream destination, a grand vacation with the person I care most about.

Or how about walking the aisle to say vows with him?

Hah?!  Of course that didn't happen.  And that never will.

But then something good came out of 11.11.11.

Had a great bonding time with my friends in the church community I am in, and a very fruitful business meeting with my partners. Also had a very hearty breakfast chat with my family that morning, a rare occasion for me.

I realized, why do I keep looking for happiness elsewhere when it is actually right in front of me.  Why do I waste my time sulking in loneliness when in fact I am surrounded with loving and caring family and friends. The Lord has constantly blessed me with so many good things, some even undeserved, but I keep focusing on what I've lost that I fail to see the blessings I already have.

Knowing who esteems me high, I won't need to go searching for love somewhere else. I guess I should also give up my futile attempts to reconcile differences from the past that I know will never find their places.  

Someday, I will be complete and totally healed.  And hopefully soon, I can share myself again with someone as whole as I am.

11.11.11

SO WHAT!

Delays

I hate delays.  With my rigid and well-planned hectic schedule, I ought to have much patience to deal with them.  But recently, I've learned to accept delays as part of God's greater plan.

Here's how delays changed my life:

1.  I had to delay my enrollment for the business school for another term due to schedule conflicts. The program coordinator offered me two options: either I fix my work schedule so I can come to school in the evening or take a new program offering a weekend class.  Should I go with the first option, I only had two days to negotiate with my boss my workshift (omg, that is not possible!). So I chose option 2.  I had to condition myself to like and embrace whole-heatedly the new program offered to me.  But I can't be admitted this term because I only have two days to process my application that normally takes two months. Hence I decided to delay my enrollment until the next semester.  It took a great deal of effort to understand the situation, and much faith to  hold on to believing that God's hands is working behind all those delays.  Patience and my total surrender helped me accept that something better is up for me.  

Now I am so much grateful for that delay, as it paved the way for me to help a friend in need, and as a bonus, introduced me to a wide array of business opportunities.  Through the event I spearheaded, I met several hardworking people who share the same passion as mine, and eventually became my business partners.  Wow!  Truly, the Lord rewards us more than what we expect when we entrust our endeavours to His mighty hands.

2.  Our holiday trip to Ilocos was postponed because of a bad weather.  I felt so devastated when the trip that took us months to prepare had to be rescheduled the last minute because of a typhoon.  So we moved our trip to a date that coincides an event that I don't want to attend.  Isn't that fantastic?  I am now saved from creating alibis.

3.  I have been applying for the current post I am holding since 2007 and in fact, I have been rejected twice.  And early this year, without me applying for the post, I was offered by my manager the same job, but this time with a higher rate and rank than what I was applying for four years ago.  See how God works through delays as He prepares you for the best.

From these recent experiences I learned to embrace delays as part of life, sometimes inevitable though really annoying. When things go not according to our plans, our faith and optimism can save us from getting frustrated about life. In short, allowing changes with an open heart and mind, being optimistic and letting the hand of God take over are the keys to a life free from unnecessary worries.

May God bless you through delays. :)

Benefit Bazaar

I always wanted to mount a bazaar. But I never thought my first will be for a cause.

Call for pledges banner

It is so overwhelming to hear the positive responses from the people I tapped for this activity. Everyone's enthusiastic to take part in this sale, as well as looking forward to the improvement of Baby Yzrael's health. 

It is once again proven that during tough times people get together to care for a friend, a brother or sister in the community, or a relative, even if they are in the midst of their own concerns too.  I once got a test message that says, 

"Love won't run out.  In moments when you feel like you have given and given until there is no more of yourself to give, remember that love won't run out. God has an infinite amount of love for you and for you to pass on to others.  Even at times when the well seems dry, God can send a flood.  Let the flood of love wash over you and drench everyone around you."

Indeed, the Lord has flooded this world with so much love.

And may God bless you more.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...dadada...

It really is sooo here.  And I mean, Christmas!

In the office, we started playing Christmas songs and in one department, I already saw a tree up.  Wow! 

So excited for this year's Yule, contrary to how I thought before (never mind my post last year).  

As early as Sept1, God has already given me a new cuddly, cute baby nephew Andrew as a gift.

I also have a few out-of-town trips and activities lined up (since I got a term delay in school--a blessing in disguise, actually).  I plan to focus more on GK Sagip activities.  And I am excited to return to the music school this second semester so I can play Christmas tunes with my Ivy (violin) again.

Bits of Beads Holiday 2010 collection.  Watch out for the 2011 collection. :)

Aside from those, I am excited to launch my new line of clothing (still thinking of a name) and Bits of Beads holiday collection this last quarter of the year.  I think it's best to launch products every Christmas season because people tend to be more impulsive with all the bonuses and cash gifts (hence, tag-yaman season).

Early this week, I already made my gift list (I really am so excited). I want to plan ahead this year (1) to avoid the Christmas rush, (2) so I can choose better gifts, and (3) to catch the pre-Holiday sale.

Perhaps this planning ahead thing is just one manifestation of my maturity (read: being 30).  I am just glad that Christmas knows no age, and just smelling the Holidays makes me nostalgic and transports me back to my childhood. :P

Gotta Go!

Have a travel buddy, will go!

I just want to list down the places in the Philippines I'd like to see before I tie a knot (whenever that will be--what a vague timetable here!)

**in no particular order**

photo courtesy: http://www.siargao.com/

Siargao

They say it's a surfer's haven.  Well, I'm no surfer chick but I'd definitely give it a try once I reach the famed island. 

Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Several Survivor TV Show editions have been shot here, who wouldn't want to see the place in person.  When I reach the island, I'd definitely have a picture shot ala Survivor castaway.

photo courtesy: wikipedia

Camiguin

The White Island and the sunken cemetery is totally interesting to me.  I guess it would be better if I take a few diving lessons prior to the trip so I can see the cemetery up close.  I'd love to experience also the vast sandbar of the White Island.

 
Davao City

Who wouldn't want to experience a city with a beach nearby.  A trip to Davao City would be a bliss with its malls and white sand beaches. I'd love to stay at the Pearl Farm and stroll along the shores of Samal Island.

Palawan

There has been a campaign to raise awareness and put the Underground River in the new Seven Wonders of the World.  President PNoy himself checked this and I'd love to experience it as well.  Also, I don't like to miss the famous El Nido, the beach I've been dreaming of since I was 12.

Antique, Dumaguete, Guimaras

These up and coming tourist spots have gained a lot of positive reviews and features lately, with people now discovering the gems in these islands:  immaculate beaches, natural falls and springs.

Bantayan

Far off Cebu City is the pristine beach of Bantayan Island.  Before I head to this paradise, I'd better ready myself for butt cramps, having to endure 2 hours of bus travel and another 2 hours of ferry ride.  But friends who've been there said it's worth the love travel. So gotta bring a lot of patience with me in this trip.

Basilan

This farthest town in the country is truly blessed with beautiful beaches.  Too bad, civil war has driven tourists and foreigners away.  When I'm ready, I might give this island a shot.

Siquijor

Contrary to nasty rumors about this place, the island's actually serene. With it's beautiful stretch of white sand beach, comparable to that of Boracay's, I don't mind the old stories at all.

Cagayan de Oro

When I finally have the guts, I'd definitely try the adrenaline-pumping white water rafting adventure and bungee jumping.  But first, I need to get over my fear of heights.

my Cebu City trip collage

Cebu City

I went here two years ago and fell in love with the charming city right away.  It's like the antique beauty of Intramuros, the hustle and bustle of Manila and Quezon City, and the relaxing breeze of Antipolo City all in one place, plus a nearby beach. Too many sights to see in Cebu, not to mention the people are really warm and the food is really tasty.  The next time I go back, I'd like to try the sky walk, hoard loads of danggit (dried fish) and dried mangoes, and visit the Plantation Bay.

Turtle Islands,Tawi-tawi

I'm totally fascinated with turtles.  I'm fact, I'd love to have one for a pet. After seeing the GMA News and Public Affairs feature on Turtle Island, a virgin beach where mother green sea turtles lay their eggs, I really got intrigued and wanted to see it live in action.

Banawe Rice Terraces

Who wouldn't want to explore the Eighth Wonder of the World?  The structure really amazes me; the ingenuity of the Ifugaos who made it about 2000 years ago is totally superb.

Truly the country's blessed with so much natural resources.  As a Filipino, I'd like also to do my share in keeping the beauty of the country in my own little way.  Of course, I'd like grandchildren to experience these too.

some plans and some random muni-muni again

Like I always tell my younger friends, it's never too late to change the course of your life.  Before I reached 30, I faced what seemed to be the hardest challenge of my life.  But then, here I am still standing and ready to take the next challenge life has for me.

Since I was a child, I've been lured by the glitz and glamour of showbiz.  I felt like I was born to be on the spotlight, to perform and entertain people.  For me, theater and showbiz is more than passion, it's a vocation. 

I always believed life revolves around this passion on pleasing everyone and making people happy. And that made me pursue a communication arts degree and got myself involved in a theater guild.  Armed with the experiences and learnings from the school and the organization, I landed my job in the TV network and the rest is history.

I am not yet a big shot where I am now, there's still a lot to learn and a lot of people (clients and bigwigs) to deal with.  Though I haven't exhausted everything yet in this job, and with 3 years more before I reach my 10th year of service, I know I need to plan ahead.  What else can I do to make my existence here on earth remarkable (to my standards, at least).

Perhaps due to docu-drama overload here in the office, my eyes were opened to crises underprivileged families in the far-flung areas face.  And with that, I feel the need to make a step to at least help them ease their burdens.  The big question now is HOW?  I don't even know where to start, and what to contribute.

There has been a resonant voice inside me saying I need to make a bit of sacrifice, that is, to leave my comfort zone and reach out to the less-fortunate.  But I am not ready for that yet.  There are still dreams i want to reach, places I want to go to, and things I want to acquire for myself and my family.

After a decade of working in the TV network that exposed me to these social problems, will I be able to face that challenge of leaving the comfortable city life to serve in the outskirts? 

Oh well, 3 years is long enough to prepare and save up for that.  Unless some wicked guy steals my heart, I might not go and serve elsewhere. :p

something new

September marks a new chapter in my life.

I'm so excited for the new baby in the family.  Another bundle of joy is expected  and I just can't wait! Last weekend, we shopped for baby things, so cute and everything in sky blue. 

Also this September, I'll be stepping in a new university as a student.  Enrolling for this course has been a long-time dream that finally materialized.  After two years in the music school, I guess it's now time for formal schooling.

One setback though is missing the Sagip kids every Saturday.  And no out-of-town trips for the meantime, but I think it will be worth the sacrifice.


With all the blessings I receive, the more I feel grateful that I know i should serve Him more.  Which, by the way, reminds me that September is also the start of SFC-Claret's Christian Life Program and 14th anniversary.

So happy that there are so many things to look forward to the last quarter of 2011.  I should say, 2011 is the Alta year.  This is our year. :)

I'm OK

I am glad to finally realize that I am OK.

Perfectly fine.

And ready to open myself to possibilities again.

I can say that I have finally come to this time that I know I can get up again.

I am fine, perfectly OK.

And if you will show up at this right moment, 

who knows, I might welcome you with open arms

to make our lives a bliss.

Anti-RH Bill

I am saddened by the fact that a lot of people are so pro-RH without even reading the entire bill.  Surverys say that around 60% of the respondents are ok with the bill.  But did you know that these same surveys also say that only less than 5% of those who said yes to RH Bill have actually read and understood it? Just plain reading the full manuscript of either the ammended or unrevised House Bill 4244, setting aside religious issues, one can easily conclude that the bill is no good.

Been stormed and bothered by Pros the past weeks that I decided to write down my reasons why I am so against this bill:
 
1. I am against the use of contraceptives.  Call me Manang, KJ or whatever, I don't care.  Because I care more for the health of women like me. Currently, these contraceptives are readily available in health centers, being distributed to women from poor families.  Are these women even oriented of the harmful effects these contraceptives can bring?  I have a friend who once used pills and later developed a lump in her breast.  Her OB gyne (from a reputable hospital) admitted that the lump can be an effect of the pills she herself recommended my friend.

2. Hence, I wouldn't want the taxpayers' money be spent on these.  According to Rep. Roilo Golez, the RH bill is only 99th in the priority list of the Congress.  Now it puzzles me why is there an ardent force pushing this bill be passed soonest.  As a taxpayer, I'd rather have the money be spent on really basic needs like food, shelter and education.  Recently, I watched a documentary on TV showing how poorly managed rural schools are.  There was a school with blackboards and roofs ripped off by the past typhoons. Some children have to walk 7kms or more and cross wild rivers just to reach school since there isn't any in their barrios.  Considering such situations, why is the government slashing the budget for education?  Why aren't there enough books and classrooms?  Don't you think it would be better if we allot the budget for causes like this instead of purchasing contraceptives and distributing them to the poor.  If you ask a beggar on the street, I am very sure he'll choose a cup of rice over a handful of condoms.

3.  Current population is not the cause of poverty.  Corruption is.  The Philippines is very rich in natural resources, our teachers in HEKASI once taught us.  But what happened to these resources? Only a few people has access to the country's God-given riches.  Also, our fiscal reserves that should be used properly for projects that will benefit the people go straight to the fat anomalous bank accounts of selfish corrupt. Just thinking about this wearies me off much. 

4.  Values education over sex education.  Values ed should not only be taught to kids but to grown-ups as well.  What happened to "Honesty is the best policy" posted on the walls of our classrooms when we see dishonesty so rampant these days?  We were taught that telling a lie is a sin but why do we see good actors during hearings, acting as if innocent?  We were asked to memorize the Ten Commandments in elementary but why are crimes so common now?  As grown-ups, have we forgotten what we were taught in school?  With all the negative things happening around, which do you think is more important: Values education or sex education?  As morals are strengthened early in life, people will naturally embody discipline, respect and faithfulness.  And if each of us will practice these virtues, do you think we will still need to be taught sex education?

5. Empower the poor than controlling them.  Instead of considering our people as liabilities, why not see them as assets.  Instead of controlling childbirths, why not empower the poverty-stricken families by teaching them skills to help alleviate their current situation.  More and more people are in the streets begging because of lack of employment opportunities.  Most of them have not even gone to school.  If budget will be allocated to skills training, more people will be able to get the right jobs for themselves here and abroad.  Consequently, these people can later on support their own families as well as contributing to the progress of the society.

6.  Overpopulation is a myth.  We feel the metro is so congested, hence concluding there is overpopulation.  So we love going on out-of-town trips to relish the greens in the countryside.  With this experience, can you say that there is overpopulation when are still areas of undeveloped land in the provinces?  The cities have gone crowded because there are no employment opportunities in the rural areas.  Thus, families migrate to the metropolis in the hope of getting a job to ease their poverty.  If equal job opportunities and infrastructure are given to the provinces, do you think people will take the a gamble in the urban jungle?  Even quality health care is only concentrated in the city.  Once I went to the Philippine General Hospital in Manila and found out that people from the farthest corners of the country come there waiting in long queues for their turn since a medical facility is not available in their province. 

7. Pregnancy is not a disease.  I am deeply bothered by the way RH Bill addresses pregnancy as if it is a dreaded disease.  Sure, pregnant women should be treated with utmost care and health services should be readily and affordably available.  Pro-RH guys keep on insisting that this bill will answer the increasing incidence of maternal deaths.  But did you know that this section on "pre-natal and post-natal care" has already been included in the approved Magna Carta for Women (2009)?  In Section 13, it says that women should have access to: (1) Maternal care to include pre- and post-natal services to address pregnancy and infant health and nutrition; (2) Promotion of breastfeeding; (3) Legal, ethical, medically safe and effective methods of family planning; 

This Magna Carta for Women has already been approved, why then is this aspect of the law not enacted?  If this is effectively carried out, do you think there is still a need for the RH bill? 

Giving our lawmakers a benefit of the doubt, perhaps the RH bill sponsors also have their good intentions.  But in my opinion, with several groups opposing, I think our congressmen should pause and think why after several years, amendments and presidents, this bill remains unapproved and controversial.  I am standing against the RH bill not because I am a staunch follower of the Catholic Church.  In fact, I was once believed that RH Bill is the answer to poverty until I researched and attended several fora that I fully understood what it really is all about.  If you'll notice, I only pointed out objective and medical reasons why I oppose the bill and not focused on the moral implications, otherwise I will sound prejudiced.

I hope this answers why I am fighting against the RH bill and somehow enlightened those who still don't know what their stand is.  For more info, please read http://fightrhbill.blogspot.com/

transition

Im surprised at my morning prayer today. I don't know where it came from but it seems to have sprung from the deepest recess of my heart.

It's funny that the first person i thought of the moment I woke up today is the guy I've been crushing on for almost 2months now. I've met him way way back and never saw him the way i see him now until we got close, became seatmates and chatted for a short yet sensible moment. That was like, my sleeping heart leapt from deep slumber. After that first encounter, i tried to erase every memory of him, still scared to entertain thoughts of a possible lovelife since i just came from a major heartbreak. But destiny is really playing on me. As time went by we became closer and closer, and i got to realize that we have so much in common. And i am even surprised that i can be myself around him: i can chat all day at any topic and goof around without reservation. The tough girl that I am didnt even hesitate to get out of my shell when i am near him.

As i relish this new found friendship, ironically, i pray that my feelings for him would eventually fade. If this person isn't meant to stay long in my life, I hope he'd just go while still in this early stage. After several failed relationships, i don't want this to be another failure. So before I totally fall in love with this person, i pray that I may be given the courage to simply walk away.

Change

People and things change constantly.  And sometimes, these changes cause people to drift apart.

Through the years I've seen changes as they affect me.  Moving out of an old neighborhood, taking a new job, death and losing a loved-one.  Changes, both positive and negative, contribute to who you are at present.

I've gone a lot of change myself, coping with gains and losses in this life.  In every decision or undertaking, there is change.

Feelings, like our surroundings, change.  The people who you esteem so high before may be the person you least admire now.  Couples break apart because of certain "change of heart".  People go astray when there is a shift in priorities.

As change affect me, either positively or negatively, I know I shouldn't fret. Somewhere, someone or something is also changing for me.  Changing to fit my needs perfectly.

And amidst these changes, there is one thing I can count on:  the Love of God is constant .

leader

The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly. ---Jim Rohn

This week in our household, we discussed the traits that we look for in a leader.  And here are our ideals:

consistent
 - practices what he preaches

persistent
 - and persevering

flexible
 - can adapt to different personalities in the group he is handling

happy
 - not grumpy; diffuses fumes of happiness in the group

open
 - openness to suggestions and being able to put himself in the shoes of other people

genuine
 - can tell you point-blank what's good and bad in you

sincere
 - can communicate with you with utmost sincerity, can emphatize at your highest and lowest moments

humble
 - leadership is service

not self-centered
 - thinks not only of his own welfare but also of others.  Can sacrifice for the group.

Now that a lot of us are being called to be leaders, I hope that when it's my turn to be one, I can be guided by these points so that I can be the best person I can be.