point of realization

since childhood, i was fond of dancing even if i can't dance well. i was even laughed at for being a "trying hard". nonetheless, i continued to join groups of dancers to dance everytime there is an activity in school and during fiesta and new year celebrations.
two years ago, in the company where i am presently engaged in, my "talent" in dancing was developed. it was "unbelievable". During our Christmas party, our President would give special awards to those who perform well. Since childhoodc, i dance because i just fell like dancing and i really wanted to perform in front of many people. Even if i don't do well. What was important to me was to entertain and be recognized by the community. However, for many years of dancing, I never heard of a comment such as "very good" or "you're a good dancer".
On my first Christmas Party in Senju, I danced together with new employees like me. I was so glad to hear my audience shouting my name while perfoming. I was so flattered when my boss told ne "I didn't know that you're a good dancer". I, myself, cannot believe to waht I've heard.
Since then, I perform with others everytime our company have a special activity. I enjoy dancing and happy to hear compliments but never believed people who compimented me. Never did I believe them because I thought that I would only believe myself as a good dancer if I will be awarded as the Best Female Performer.
Last night, my third Christmas at Senju, I hoped that my name be called as the Best Female Performer. Afar from what I've hoped, the award was given to someone else. Sadness was not what I felt. Last night was my point of realizing that I am a good dancer for after our performance and until we headed home, my co employees and friends smiled at me and said "Wow! you really dance so good!" "and galing mo naman". From that very moment, I never doubted those people who complimented me. From that very moment, i thought that probably it might be good for me to enroll a dancing class and make it as a career (lol).
At that very moment, I realized that an award is not an evidence to rate your talent but by every praise that you receive and most of all by every smile that you leave upon your audience.

at long last!

last night at Pan Pacific Hotel, we held our Christmas party. It was the very moment of giving all what all of us have prepared. The very moment to share our talents and the very moment to show our best.
My group won the third place. Good enough for presentations with mistakes and inorganized entrance. For that, my group was satisfied for we really have prepared with all what we thought would fit the theme. We may be the third but my group have felt more than that because me and my groups have left laughter, joy and smile among all our viewers. And those are greater prize than money.
From the start of the program, all of us enjoyed the food, place, ambiance,and the company of each and everyone.
I, personally, this party is the most that i've enjoyed since i was employed in Senju. Not because I was aha exceptionally beautiful (lol) but because I've felt the essence of Christmas which is love. Everyone showed concerns of care and greeted everyone with their sincere wishes of a merry christmas and happy new year. Everyone got along with other people not close to them. Everyone was welcomed warmly.
Overall, our Christmas party is a one of a kind.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

story behind wrapping

One Sunday morning, I had a chance to sit with my landlady. I saw her wrapping many gifts I thought that probably it’s for her godchildren but I was mistaken. She told me that it is for street children. I reacted with awe and appreciated her for her kind heart. Then she shared me her story.
When she was still young, she usually join her friends caroling from house to house every Christmas. Each of them would earn up to 1,000.00 in just one day. One unfortunate Christmas experience made her change stop from her usual Christmas activity. While they were caroling in front of a big house, a car came out of the gate. While the man driver was maneuvering the car, their friend was hit by the car and fell on the canal. The owner, knowing fully what had happened, heedlessly attended his victim. My land lady felt pity and felt so pathetic of herself. From there she promised herself not to beg during Christmas and instead strive for a better future so she can give to those who are less fortunate.
Today, she is living a good life with a happy family. During Christmas, her family had made it a tradition of giving gifts and feeding street children.
Her story made me decide to spend my Christmas with them. Spending Christmas with a goal of giving to the less fortunate, I believe, is worth spending rather than living in the luxury and superb ness of my traditional Christmas.

Children's joy

yesterday, the children from children's joy foundation visited us in our company. They entertained us with their dance and serenated us with their christmas songs. I was impressed with their talent in dancing, singing and playing musical instruments at an early age. The five year old girl attracted all our attention because she was so cute and talented.
In the middle of their performace, they sang "Bituing Walang Ningning" (Stars without light/ shine). They touched most of us. I wasn't able to hide my tears and so I decided to run to the comfort room.
At that very moment I realized that I am very much fortunate for having a family. Unlike those children left by their parents alone and existing in the world of abandoned.
At age ten, I came to learn about the abandoned children when I watched a life of an abandoned child. I really pitied the abandoned child in the movie. She was so pathetic. I pitied her. From there, I dreamed of building a foundation or charity that will house all children abadoned by their parents. I will give them good future that their parents denied them. At a young age, my tender heart was for the abandoned children.
Just yesterday, I recalled my dream is still a dream for I haven't fulfiiled it yet.
I cried because I can't do anything but to pity them. I pitied them but its useless for they needed not pity but help. And because I cannot financially help them enough, I am useless.
In this world, I just can't imagine why the world seems so unfair. And
not until these abadoned children see and be with their real parents, their joy will not be complete.

To children's joy foundation, may the good Lord shower you with more blessings and long life so that you will be able to help more needy children. And to the children of Children's Joy Foundation and all abandoned children, may God fulfill the desire of your hearts.

simbang gabi

The traditional simbang gabi or evening mass for Roman Catholics is fast approaching. Among Filipinos, the simnbang gabi which starts on the 16th of December marks the start of Christmas. During these days, the country is filled with excitement and joy.
A peculiar thing on simbang gabi, among believers, is the belief that their wishes will be granted after they have completed the 9 days of simbang gabi.
I remeber a friend, wayback in high school, she was saddened when she missed one mass and never wished on the Christmas Day. This belief I just kept in my mind but haven't practiced it. Odd.
Among Filipinoes, the simbang gabi come in with the traditional delicacy called "puto bumbong". However, in many provinces they have their own delicacy made of rice.
Further, simbang gabi signals the start of caroling. After the evening mass, children, adult and even oldies gather to serenade homes with their Christmas songs.
Caroling was an activity I enjoyed really when I was a child. After the mass we would gather with my friends and do caroling. Those moments were filled with unforgettable experiences like when a hungry- like dog ran after us, huh! it was tiring and some of us were crying but then we ended laughing lol. what a wonderful experience.
Last year, I was able to attend only two simbnag gabi. This coming simbang gabi might be worst, I might not be able to attend at least one. Sad but I will just leave it all to the only real reason for christmas, Jesus Christ.

Christmas is in the air!

Christmas isn’t here yet but it feels like Christmas everyday,
Christmas breeze greets me in the morning and kisses me at night.
Its coldness makes me shiver,
That I desire for hug every moment. Huh!

Christmas songs are so joyful,
Its sounds serenades my way from home to work.
Christmas lights are so bright,
That it’s brightness shines my way while walking along the busy streets.

The gigantic Christmas tree is so beautiful,
That its colorful decor soothes my stress for the day.
The coldness and darkness of the night,
Faded by the brightness of the Christmas lights and warmness of the Christmas love.

brr... so cold

this morning, my gosh! it was soooo cold and yet i forgot my jacket... just drunk coffee to warm myself
christmas is really nearing...
brrr...

exhausted

Last night, I was planning to read the text for my new project. Unconsciously, my body fall to bed and was not able to wake up until this 6 in the morning. When I woke up, I just noticed that my book was covered on my face. Quite funny.
It was unusual but normal. I remember what our speaker told us, one day, that when one collapses for dizziness don’t mind him because it means his body just needed rest. Sometimes, in our culture, when one collapses, we tend to pour cold water on them or pressure them to smell a particular chemical, which is wrong. Sometimes, our body gets tired so with our mind. Even if our mind says we’re strong if our body can no longer tolerate it, we can’t do anything but to give in to what our body need.
Due to heavy workloads, pressuring deadlines and clogging schedules, we tend to sob ourselves to work. This may not be a good idea instead might end up to self abuse.
So before we get tired of health problems, it pays to relax and take leisure once in a while.

my first earning

Whew! These past few weeks I was buried in job and deadlines of my writing projects. I never thought my new job would bury me in books and would eat all my extra time. I was even usually rushing to meet my deadlines. Within two weeks, my life was concentrated at work and on books. Nighttime was time think and write instead of rest. At first, it wasn’t easy but I have to meet my commitments.
Just this December, I was overjoyed to see my $ 40.60 earnings. Wow! My extra job was tiresome and is really squeezing my mind but the joy of earning took it all. For about two weeks, I’ve completed three orders and even gained good remarks. It’s really worth working for. I’m not only earning but I’m also learning.
These changes in my daily routine have affected much my other activities. Maintaining my three blogs is very far from possible because time and effort cannot allow it.
This is the main reason also why I’ve decided to compress my thoughts in just only one site.
From now on, I'll be sharing infos and additional knowledge that I'd be learning from my writing job.

for every thing, give thanks

Two months ago, I've decided to find an extra job as a source for extra income. I applied in a call center and was able to pass the long and many exams and the preliminary interview. I was advised to wait for their call for they will have to schedule me for an interview. I waited but nobody called for an interview.
I quetioned the Almighty for not granting me the job I ever wanted. I was desperate. I was willing then to work at daytime and at night time. I was very willing to sacrifice my everything to be able to cope up the challenges and hardships of the job I was applying for.
A month ago, I applied in a writing company as a freelance writer, which I accidentally read while browsing the net. After a week, I receivesd a call and an email telling me that my application was approved. I was overjoyed. At last! I got an extra job.
One night, as I about to have my goodnight sleep, I came to realize that this is the answer for my prayers. I realized that this is what God wanted me to have. An extra job that will give me an oppotunity to earn extra money without requiring me to compromise my time and health. This job is better than what I was asking from Him because through this writing job, I will not only earn money but, above all, I will gain additional knowledge.
For this, I want to testify to all readers that GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME.
If we ask God for something, we just have to wait for what we ask might be better that what God will provide.
God bless us all!!!

Viva Australia!

The election of Australia’s new Prime Minister Howard Rudd leaves the USA the only one left standing heedless on the issue of global warming. One among the many changes in the Australian politics will be its active participation in the worldwide fight against global warming. PM Howard Rudd will be ratifying the Kyoto Protocol. It can be remembered that before, Australia and USA refused the Kyoto Protocol but it was still ratified through Russia.
This step by the new Prime Minister will only strengthen the Kyoto Protocol but will also put pressure on President Bush’s stand on global warming. Notably, Australia is considered as the major exporter of coal. With the participation of Australia in the Kyoto Protocol, it is expected that these elements aggravating greenhouse effect be controlled.
This is a big new progress in the International Community and everyone is watching Pres. Bush's response. We hope that US will not be rigid or stubborn but will do what Australia just had done. Not for the betterment of their country but for the betterment of the whole humanity.

strengthening solid waste management

The last time I went home to Baguio, I noticed a clean and green city of pines. I heard over the radio that the local goverment of Baguio is strengthening its campaign for a clean and green "Summer Capital of the Philippines". I was really delighted with the news.
At home, I also noticed that our trashcan is not fully loaded. All plastic and every waste that can be recycled are separated in one place, sorted according to its types. Then i learned that they're making money out of those trash. Our neighbors are also doing the same. It's nice to know that many and many people are getting involved in drives to restore the environment.
I hope that the greater Manila area will be fully informed and be aware of the environmental issues and do their share in saving our mother earth.
The MMDA could be a strong means to push for environmental programs because of the political will that the chaiman possess.

election mess

During election, politicians and their supporters find every ways to reach the voters. Usually they use tarpaulin, posters, fliers, and other campaign materials to make their candidate popular. These campaign materials are posted everywhere, may it be on public and private walls or buildings.Election day was the full blast of wooing the voters.
On this occasion, one common problem arise- waste. Evidence is not necessary. It is visible on streets and on walls. On the election day, pooling places are usually doomed with lots of trash. Plastic bags, styro boxes, campaign materials, etc are everywhere. Trash cans have been provided and yet trash were disposed maliciously everywhere. During these period, people are so heedless to the call of environment. They continue to pollute the land by creating more and more garbage.
After election, many are happy but they forget to sweep the mess that they have created. Worst thing is, when they sit in office, environment is their least prio
rity.
I just hope that environment will be included in the election policy and be included as top priority of the government.

Bottom feeders

Years have passed since the enactment of environmental laws particularly RA9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. The law is almost seven years old and yet its simple purpose has not yet been fully achieved. One basic purpose of RA9003 is the simple segregation of waste commonly generated in the household. Information campaigns and implementing guidelines have been set and yet the desired result is not visible. Looking into the surroundings will prove it. Litters indiscriminately thrown anywhere, despite the impending environmental issues, shows the lack of discipline of the people. In this kind of society, a bright future of nature is vague. Unknowingly, a group of people unnoticed are bringing hope to the future generation. They are the BOTTOM FEEDERS.
Bottom feeders are those, out of poverty, dig the dirt and profit from repugnant things. They are those seen along the streets digging every trash can for plastics, bottles or anything that can be sold in the junkshop or that can be reused. For them, it is their fate- to live in poverty, survive from garbage, be mocked as outcast and be treated as bete noire by fortunate ones. It is their means for survival. But behind those dirty clothes and stinky smell, the nature treasures them more that gold and silver. They are treasures of Mother Earth because they fulfill the responsibilities that the fortunate people cannot fulfill. They lessen the emission of methane gas and other greenhouse gases by saving those things that could have been burned in the dumpsites. They put those mess in their proper place and use. Unfortunate they may say, they are an important people in this kind of undisciplined society. What they do may just be little things but in the eyes of future generations it is a heroic act.

KILL JPEPA

For the first time, the Philippines would be entering into a bilateral agreement if the JPEPA would pass through the scrutiny of the Senate. In accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO) Pres. Arroyo and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi signed the Japan- Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement or JPEPA. The agreement offers numerous benefits to economy and labor. It would generate job to thousands jobseekers, create livelihood to small businessmen, open opportunities to those engaged in industrial and agricultural business, invite more investors in the country , strengthen ties between the two nations and would build up business confidence of the Philippines. Interestingly, the tariff of the exporting and importing goods and services is eliminated by the agreement. Thus, making the trading convenient for both nations.

While the agreement is being studied and debated in the Senate, the people have staged rallies and speeches supporting and opposing the agreement. Certain groups like the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) and the League of Municipalities of the Phils. (LMP) have strongly expressed their support to the President. They cited that the agreement would benefit them and the Filipino nation as it will generate jobs and would open free trade of goods and services. On the other hand, environment groups strongly oppose the agreement basically on the environmental risk that the agreement poses.

In Art. 29 of the agreement, the products which are covered by the agreement includes, (a) articles collected in the Party which can no longer perform their original purpose in the Party nor are capable of being restored or repaired and which are fit only for disposal or for the recovery of parts or raw materials; (b) scrap and waste derived from manufacturing or processing operations or from consumption in the Party and fit only for disposal or for the recovery of raw materials; and (c) parts or raw materials recovered in the Party from articles which can no longer perform their original purpose nor are capable of being restored or repaired. These products, however they may be called by the agreement, are basically wastes. Maybe some would be recycled but definitely some will just end up in the dumping site adding to the mountainous garbage of the Filipinos.

This particular stipulation in the agreement is the very fear of those opposing the agreement particularly the environment sector. With the elimination of tariff and including these products in the agreement, hazardous and toxic wastes can enter freely and legally in the Philippine jurisdiction. Japan is known to be a great generator of hazardous wastes because of their manufacturing processes. It can be recalled that barrels of toxic wastes from Japan were left unattended in the Philippine port and no news was heard if the said waste was claimed by the responsible Japanese. Notably, when the Japanese embassy was asked on their stand on the environment impact of JPEPA they said that Japan would not export toxic wastes to any country UNLESS THE GOVERNMENT OF SUCH COUNTRY APPROVES SUCH EXPORT. From their statement, it can be drawn that the intention of exporting toxic waste is present and by the JPEPA alone it can be drawn that Philippine agrees to such export. When toxic wastes enter the Philippine jurisdiction, the Filipino health is in jeopardy.

With the issues raised by different groups, the Senate should carefully scrutinize the JPEPA or better yet kill the agreement. Economic gain should not compromise with the future of the country. What is money when people would helplessly die of toxicity? What is economic progress if nature would helplessly die of pollution?