The Unsuspecting Celebrant: Satt Cutanda

Saturnino – the name even if you haven’t met him yet signifies a tower of power. And in person, he is indeed a towering height. You’ll feel so small standing beside him that anytime he would turn into an incredible hulk he can quickly throw you away outside the window. But that’s not what he is made of- he is a GENTLE GIANT. A charming and disarming dude that was the apple of Tita Razel’s eye during our 2009 Midyear Assembly – in a Hawaiian inspired theme.  No wonder they ended-up together – haha.

I wouldn’t go back to where we had met or what’s the early memory I had with his company. What I am going to do here is to just honor this man – a brother in the community and a very dear friend. In fact, I consider him one of my best friends - if not the only one - I have here in the kingdom.

Of Winter Season, Of Life In Transit and Of Bidding Goodbye

Winter season always sets the mood where OFWs admittedly or not, experience homesickness. This is one of those days where we're frequently visited by spirit of melancholy. And what better way to write a piece of melodramatic message with its  chilling presence. Perfect indeed right!? 

Oftentimes, people exit in our lives - to chase bigger dreams, to seek greener opportunities in a far and distant places or perhaps to embark in an adventure immersing to a new culture completely different from one's comfort. The thrill of adventure sets in for these people who are always excited discovering new places. I, for one, love the idea as I have a heart of a traveler. 

But the bigger and more prompting question is - are we that ready to let go of the people closer to us that will be left behind or the people whose long term journey separate and distant from us? 

We are - to some quite extent - aren't always prepared to let go of these people in our lives. That if we could only lock them in to stay we'll do. If only we could buy things and opportunities that will make them be with us the longer we surely have rushed in to the nearest shop where we can grab one. But, in reality we cannot - even if we do have power we won't do it either. It is because at the back of our minds, even if our hearts want to make them stay, we would always think of the best for them. And if chasing their dreams elsewhere is the answer to that we completely understand.

The Fantastic Four Women In My Life

A day before the official “Mother’s Day” celebration I was so tempted and jealous seeing friends from Facebook expressing and sharing their words of love and gratitude in creative fashion to their own mothers. 

I was in the brink of expressing my celebratory remarks and way of honoring the four important women and mothers in my life – that if I finish would surely be shared in the social network I own - Twitter, Facebook & Instagram are waiting. 

Good graces – my control worked to my advantage. Before the jealousy overtook me, it deviated my focus to spending our day by going for a family bonding in the mall with my immediate family, together with my mother – who is under my care right now.

God -- You Are Sovereign!

"God – You are sovereign and all encompassing. We surrender all to You."

"My tatay had encountered a motorcycle accident yesterday night. We were stunned by the news coming from my eldest sister through FB. It was his third accident with the same vehicle. At first, we’re a bit furious because he didn’t listen to our proddings not to drive when drunk. But minutes after expressing our disgust and disappointment, it is our hearts that melted down in pity with his current situation. He’s the only person left in our house in the province since all of us are miles away from home. My eldest sister is residing in Carmona in Cavite, my two brothers are also in the Middle East ( one in UAE and the other in Western Part of Saudi Arabia). My nanay is under my care here in the Eastern Part.

We were like helpless because we cannot personally attend to him. But, we owe our great thanks and favor from our relatives who closely monitored him after the accident. I’ve been calling him from time to time, not minding the amount of money I already spent calling overseas.

10 Things I Love About "The Philippines" - Repost

Since “attack of sabaw moment” is on, I find it hard to write a new entry for the moment. Another culprit is my being busy in a lot of things. Plus I just came from “under the weather” that practically had my zest to write experiencing rough roads.

And what better way to update a blog by reposting one of the entries I love. This is the kind that sealed the “pinoy spirit” in me. Of course, with few revision and updates.

When the sure-fire hit video “20 Things I Dislike About The Philippines” came out I’ve tried to be objective at most. After all, the guy who authored it has all the freedom in terms of speech and expressing his opinions. But minutes away after I clicked it, I began to be defensive and a bit annoyed. I personally took it at heart. Maybe patriotism and loyalty took its action in me.

Of Friendship: Letting Go Of Some and Keeping Some For Life

Friendship - when started and nurtured in good faith remains for a long time and even for life.  Similar to anybody's life - friendship is tested and a few struggle can end up losing one and ending the relationship. 

I value friendship even if it’s still young – I guess this is one quality inherent in me that even if a person is just a fresh entry in my life's circle, I always treat them as if they’ve been in my life from the very beginning. This quality of mine also borders into danger because some may take advantage of the goodness.

But hey – even then what’s important is that you’ve been a nice person while you’re in the friendship.

Of Lenten Season, Of Summer, and Of Ihaw-Ihaw Sa Tag-Araw

A powerful sneeze has just exploded before I started scribbling this. And I felt like my lungs could also explode any moment. It’s painful to sneeze esp. if it’s a forced one. The urge to release is so sudden. 

I don’t have any plan to write about anything right now – I mean it’s 2AM. Who the hell would wake up at this holy hour? I should suppose to be in my sound sleep. But I was awakened by that powerful sneeze and incessant coughing. It's so disturbing that I can't even go back to sleep again. 

So, what I did was - I went to the kitchen, boiled the lemon grass. After boiling, I pour out into a mug and mixed it with a powdered ginger given to us by my sister-in-law last Friday. 

ThrowBack Thursday: The Pilgrimage to Antipolo

It was summer of 1994. I was about to enter as a college freshman in Manila. And what better way to do fasting for Holy Week than doing an Alay Lakad from Pasig City going to Antipolo Church. 

Distance didn't factor to me as I was then built for longer distance walking - coming from a remote island in Sibuyan - where I practically grew up going to school walking a total of 4 kilometers (twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon) everyday. So that night of Apirl 9, we walked at a normal pace from an assembly point somewhere in Ortigas in Pasig City heading to Antipolo City, Rizal where our last pit stop was in front of Antipolo church.

What I've Been Into Lately?

Does anyone miss me lately?

Errrrr…my posts? Haha. Well, I had been so occupied the past week. As much as I wanted to write but reading both books and stock market updates & online tools had been the culprits for failing to give this blog some worthy posts.

Also reecently, I’ve been giving more time and attention to my stock market exposure as I’m gearing towards establishing a really strong fundamental and technical knowledge about it. I’ve been doing my own financial analysis plans, working on excel on the updates of my account, computing several valuations and target prices and stuff like that. 

Plus, I have a financial exposure that if one would see will say “Oh, that amount is huge” or so I thought. Well, it’ll still depend on how one consider a huge amount. One reason why I'm so focused in monitoring over these stocks.

Quick Movie Review: Miracle In Cell No. 7

I’ve seen quite a few friends sharing it in their timeline but paid little attention. Initially, I thought it's just another movie bordering from lame to boring kind - that made me skeptical to watch. Until a time when a brother in Singles For Christ shared it in his timeline that my interest heightened. So, I clicked the link and started watching. 

Society may not always have our best interests at heart. Laws and regulations are tangled with bureaucracy and riddled with a rigidity that often leaves the individual alone and unrepresented. Modern Korean cinema has embraced the depiction of such societal frustrations, often choosing to downplay authority figures while indulging melodramatics.

Sunday's Reflection: Of Being Not Qualified

So the other day, I got a message on Facebook that said “I love the message of your videos but none of it is coming from you. There are choices you’ve made in your past that render you NOT QUALIFIED to spread such a message. 

And for me that was hard to hear because the HYPOCRITICAL Christian is somethin' I FEAR. 

To be put in the category like that I could think of nothing worst. So maybe there something I should've set first. 

You see, I CAN'T and WON'T and DON'T claim to be PERFECT. In fact - most times - I'm not even GOOD. I'll take responsibIlity for the mistakes I've made and the hurts I've caused I got more than I probably should.

The Woman Behind BALUT MANILA

First meeting in Bo's Coffee in MOA with Arvin last February 2013

Lately, I was thinking how to surprise the woman behind the blog “BALUT MANILA” on her upcoming birthday. Ideas seem rare but some are proving to be worthy.  

Few days ago, making a picture greeting was at the back of my mind. But, I just feel that it’s quite an understatement to a person whom I maintained good friendship with through out my blogging life -not only online but in person as well. 

Undeniably, it's both our "gone-in-the-calendar" age that swiftly in tuned us. She's a devoted mom to a number of children and a loving wife to his only God's gift. While yours truly is a father of soon to be two kids and a supportive hubby to my God's gift as well. 

When she talks I listen and versa. Call it the same wave length - perhaps that's how to describe how we get along so well. She's passionate in writing - the same as I do. Another common denominator between us is our love of reading.  

If I'd go back to recall the first encounter I had with her blog - trust me - you'll be disappointed because I cannot remember when it has started. All I'm sure about was the year - it was year 2011 when her blog captured my interest. I'm particularly intrigued with its name "Balut Manila" - of which when we finally had the chance to talk she told me the back story. As I read some entries, I quickly had the desire to go back and read for more. Her Sundays Quote and Photograph didn't fail to impress me. I realized as well that she's into poetry too, like me.

Sunday's Reflection: I Ponder As I Journey Beyond

A while ago, as I was looking for something that would be a pre-cursor for my Sunday’s reflection, I come across a photo posted in our SFC Global Facebook page (photo on the left). 

This photo consists of seven (7) interesting messages that centers on our CFC theme this year - Behold and Ponder. Seven as it fits the number of days in a week. I read them one after the other. Its hashtags read #Ponder #Share #Act #Share #Act #Ponder #Share - seven of them right? 

This is a lenten season (for Roman Catholic observant like me) challenge for every SFC single man and woman. In fact, it's the first week of lent. I know I'm not under SFC already since I've crossed over to CFC last December 2011 but I'd use this to make my reflection anyway. Since it's Sunday, it's very timely to utilize the Sunday's ponder challenge.

The TOP TEN BLOGPOSTS Of All Time

I’ve visited my blog statistics today for no apparent reason or purpose. 

Call it accidental? - Yes, it is. I was about to click the comment moderation page when I clicked the wrong button. 

Then suddenly an idea just popped-up in my mind. How about sharing something to you? Would it be a good idea if I'll give you a glimpse of what posts occupy the most number of views in my five years of blogging.  

This caters as of current date and the list may differ depending on the number of visitors in the coming days or months or years.

I have never done this before - so I guess it's quite thrilling if you'd see which one topped the list. I can't even imagine nor have concrete thought how some of them landed a spot in the list.

It's Called A Free Flow

Ever wonder why sometimes we’re left with no words or should I say specific topic to write. As if our tongue is tied or our mind is so cluttered that thinking of anything to write is impossible at the very moment we need to. Perhaps, it happened to you as it quite frequently happens to me. 

So, I got a resolve on that. I want to fill that void in me that hinders my fingers to press the letters in the keyboard of my lappy. 

And I want to call it as a “free flow thinking”. I will write whatever I think of as of the moment without regarding the sequential flow of thoughts. 

And so here it goes.  

I'm sipping a mug of green tea mixed with little sugar to satisfy my glucose need. Occasionally, peeking at our living room window right across the other building where a light is still visible at the wee hour of 2am.

What Room Does Fear Have?

I used to be afraid at night - afraid of the dark. Afraid that just beyond that point my eyesight allowed me to see that there would be something lurking. Afraid that the darkness itself would somehow surround me and swallow me up. As if darkness were anything more than just simple the absence of light.

I used to be afraid of tomorrow, afraid that who I was would continually dictate who I am and that who I would be would be might be someone who I didn’t like very much at all- as if that there was no such thing as being made new.

Sunday's Reflection

In the middle of reading Paulo Coelho's "Like A Flowing River" I came across statements that definitely struck me like a lightning. 

So, I pleasurably took photo of it. And if it's a real one - then - I won't mind being a victim. If that lightning brings refinement in my soul I would willingly subject myself in it. 

Why? It is because it nourished my soul. 

Of course, I won't let the day pass without sharing it to you. 

And since I'm slowly detaching myself from excessive hours of exposure in Facebook, I decided to make it a blog entry. Why not? hehe! 

Confidence Downdrops

It’s a sucker - a sucker of confidence that is. 

I never saw it coming - never did. But it came - it's like it slapped me with a heavy palm. It happened - and it did tonight.

The convergence of misfits and errors really chillingly shivered me. 

The technical didn't work the way it should supposed to back me up, the sheer exhaustion, the "no sleep at all" the night before - which I didn't intend to happen. Adding up to the injury is the unexpected nerve which really took me by surprise. Plus the timing of the talk. All these factors contributed to the down-dropping of my confidence.

The Day I Changed My Heart

Over the years, I must say ours is not the best relationship. That's a sad fact.

Many a time, I’ve been a hardheaded fool. There were days of heaven with you and days counting as hell. 

I remember those days when we used to frequent the PICC grounds just to catch the early sunrise over Manila Bay. It was an energizer in my body and a comfy feeling for you as well. 

Back then, our relationship was at its best. I can vividly recall how you'd be at my bed side when weekends come so that I'd not miss our regular weekend dates. I'd wake up as early as 4am or even earlier just not to miss a day without you by my side. Us - running together, striding up the dilapidated steps of Manila Film Center back and forth and ended up gasping for breath while laughing hard - because no matter how frequent we do the routine, I still gasp for air in the end.

When Michael Christian Martinez Made History In The Winter Olympics

History has been made!

MICHAEL CHRISTIAN MARTINEZ - the name that has been the talk of the tinseltown - the man of the hour. 

The first Filipino figure skater and the first in South East Asia who have landed a spot in the competitive field of figure skating. 

Goosebumps embraced my entire body. It feels like all my hair went straight up. I stay tuned to my twitter account for more updates and reactions from Filipinos - both back home and abroad.

His praiseworthy and amazing performance made history for the Philippines as he completed his routine with such passion, finesse and grace. Thereafter, finally advances to the free and final skate tomorrow night.

Gilmore Junio's Selfless Act

It always gives me chills when I hear something selfless is done. It touches my core – it really does. Tears just flow echoing a joy in my heart. Well, all of you would feel the same the way I do - as the gravity it brings to our hearts is so heartwarming. 

He is GILMORE JUNIO - born August 6, 1990, Filipino - Canadian, Olympic athlete who represented Canada in Sochi for 500-meter and 1000-meter race in the ice for speed skating. 

Heritage wise, he is of Filipino descent as both of his parents are from the Philippines. He earned his Canadian citizenship when his family migrated in Canada in the 70's. His olympic bid was particularly sponsored by our very own telecommunication network PLDT for this season of Winter Olympics. 

Although, Gilmore was born and raised in Calgary, he knew people in his parents' homeland would track his progress in Russia - for it's rarity for a person of Filipino origin to participate in the winter games.

A Dose of Inspiration - Dose No. 1

I guess I did it right – haha. This quote applies to a conversation I had to one of the many bloggers whose work I love.

This is kind of a blind item but if that person discovers it - I guess that person will be at least delighted. 

It is indeed true - that sometimes when people build walls, it doesn't mean that they really wanted to keep others out of their loop. It may also be their way to see if there will be persistent ones who will really try to break that hard wall to show that they genuinely care - to let that person realize that you care for them after all.

A Lone Hopeful In The Winter Olympics

It's still winter season in most parts of the world. Fashion sense still favors the leather jackets, thick clothing and bonnet as a head gear completes it. 

In my location, the cold weather has come back. In the past few days, we thought it's over and summer is most likely seeing a grand entrance - but we're wrong. It's as if there's still a "last hurrah" for the winter season. In fact - 'tis the season for the winter olympics - 2104 WINTER OLYMPICS that is. Currently ongoing in Sochi, Russia.

But hey, wait! I should supposed to be doing a post focusing on the upcoming heart’s day right? Why am I so out of tune?

The PHILIPPINES Says THANK YOU To The WORLD!

We – Filipinos – apart from being labeled as one of the most, if not the most, hospitable people in the world - also possesses a commendable character of innate gratitude. That's how we are as people - immersed in a culture of sensitivity that binds us as people. Our problem is just a smile away - that despite the gravity of brokenness we faced we never forget to flash our genuine and re-assuring smile. A smile of strength and courage.

A Birthday Treat

Perhaps, one might think that I’d be spending bucks to shoulder his birthday expenses. I cannot do that – not even close to what I think of. It’s impossible given the current location we each have. Plus, I think he has more money than I do - haha.

But for a person who finds creativity an always engaging thing to do, there’s always a great way to make ones birthday a much happier one. 

I need to dig my online files if I'd be specific of how long our friendship has been now.It's kind of a tall order to do. But as far back as I can remember, our friendship started two years ago.

20 Lessons I’ve Learned Through Pain

I suddenly had this sense of urgency to share this wonderful article I saw and read from the blog of "THE PRAYING WOMAN" that I can't even wait until the morning comes. 

Her realizations were too strong, inspiring and empowering from the pains she had encountered in life or she had been a witness of. 

This is not my work, I am just sharing this to all of you for the sole purpose of reading it as it may help you in dealing with the pain - current or past - in your lives. All the credit goes to the owner of this article. I'll just give my own parting thoughts as I end this entry.

Let's Have A "Date" Soon

I know what you're thinking! It's obvious. I have a mental telepathic ability - haha!

Many of you would have guessed or initially thought - that the title speaks of a real date to a person. Am I right or am I right? - haha! 

No - it's not. The "date" that I'm speaking of is a "book date" - and perhaps it won't just end as a one time engagement only but a commitment of lifelong effect.

Yes, I've made up my mind. I really did.

What 10 Things Should I Do In The Next 30 Days - If They Were My Last

I am scribbling this now with every fraction of my writing soul in resentment with my lazy fingers and idle neuron. As I realizes the downright injustice these two have done for delaying some posts because of entertaining procrastination. 

It's not yet my schedule to write another entry nor to finish a draft intended for a series of February posts.

Notes And Letters: Letter To My Former English Teacher

"Someday, you'll gonna be a prose or poetry writer."  

A word from an English teacher. A vivid memory that still owns a special place in my heart and mind. 

It was year 1992.  I'm a sophomore student. The time then was 9:00 o'clock in the morning. English class ongoing. 

The lesson was all about "adjectives". She got us think of an adjective word. From that adjective we've chosen we need to used every letter of that word and form a one stanza poem. 

And so the eager me hurried to get my pen and a piece of paper. The word I selected was "FAST". 

I started digging my thoughts, trying to come up with rhyming words to complete that one stanza requirement. Being in the star section - the cream of the crop, I need to step up my game or else I'll be lagging behind some of my brilliant classmates. Afraid that I might end up submitting last, I quickly thought of words that would complete the stanza. Never did I realized that when I passed that piece of paper - that one fourth piece of paper - I'd be seeing my paper as the first one being submitted.

35 Reasons Why This Guy Is Endearingly Likeable

Firstly, I want to say sorry in advance (kumpare) if I bravely reveal your number - I mean the length of time you're existing here on Earth -- up to this moment (without even asking permission from you). It's because my post has something to do with numbers - lols! I just can't hide it haha. Had I became a magician in my past life this could be avoided by doing magic tricks - haha! :)

Okay here we go, 35 reasons - wow that's awesome indeed, right? And equally challenging as I need to dig deep of our friendship.

Five Freezing Reasons Why I Love "Frozen": An Unofficial Movie Review

For decades, Disney seldom disappoints. There might be a few flicks which didn't make that huge cash in - money wise, but still has given movie-goers something to ponder on. 

But just lately, there's this movie that headlined the box-office chart in unprecedented fashion. And people around the globe just plainly fell in love and were enchanted by this current film Disney had come-up.

And The Game Is On: Australian Open 2014 - RAFAEL NADAL vs. GRIGOR DIMITROV - QFINAL

My heart is thumping so fast as I write this post. I feel like I'm on the edge of a cliff - that at any moment, would fall flat on the ground -- dead. 

And why is that? Why I should feel that way? 

Well, I'm just watching the quarterfinal match of Australian Open 2014 between a powerhouse player and a fighting underdog - RAFAEL "RAFA" NADAL of SPAIN is up against GRIGOR DIMITROV of BULGARIA.  

Apart from my interest in badminton I'm also eyeing this sport. I've been a fan of this sport though I don't play it yet competitively. 

While the first set is still running, the skeptic in me annoyed my concentration and had a bit of doubt if Rafa could easily upstage his rival.

What Was He Thinking?

If one has to do a short story using a single photo taken by someone, what would that be? 

Can one unleash his/her creative juices plausible to the photo being the subject? 

It can be and can be not. The thing is it's hard to create a story without knowing how it happened. 

But definitely, one can brainstorm of a lot of ideas that can be associated to formulate a story out of a single photo. 

We call it imagination. Through imagining something and putting ourselves into the subject, we can compose something out of it. The beholder can always put words by describing the photo.

My Boy Is Growing Up So Fast

Watching him discover every little new things is such a joy. 

We're the ecstatic parents when we first saw him walk on his feet. When he uttered few words like "Dada" "Mama" and the famed and funny "Tekko! Tekko" which in my guess sounds like "Thank you" are awesome to hear. 

I remember those days when he's just on his back lying in bed, flashing his innocent smile whenever he sees someone rushing towards him. How he's so excited when he knows that someone lifts him up and cuddle up with a tender hug.

She's Just A Lovely Girl: HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dimple!

Perhaps when you see her in person, the first thing you'll notice is her smile factor that is closely coordinated with her tantalizing eyes. It's as if the two senses connived to project an appealing arrive. 

Her name is Claudine Zyra Capistrano, Please here by calling her nick Dimple. Registered Nurse and is currently connected at National Guards Hospitals. A new recruit in our community. I'm not quite sure how long she has been working at the hospital. But if I may overheard it right, I guess, six months or more. 

I happen to know her since we're the Couple Coordinator handling the SFC Ladies here in our community. Last night, she was in our house together with other SFC ladies for their weekly household meeting - it's a spiritual gathering intended for bible reading, worship, teaching, and fellowship.

About Investing: Stock Market Made Easy

WARNING: Do not read this post if you're not interested. The reason why I did this is for my many OFW friends and acquaintances who somehow show interest in entering investment opportunities back home. But if you're willing to risk your time soaking into it, might as well help you in deciding when and where to invest your money. After all, it has something to do with your future.

Basically, this blog entry all about stock market aims to inform, to educate and to encourage those who would want to enter into this field not having the much needed financial knowledge of how it works.

Of Giving Compliments: The Power of Words

Tonight, I intentionally stay up late for the purpose of doing a blog post worthy of reading. As you may notice above, the catch-phrase I tag along with my blog somehow has this moving influence in me to always end up writing inspiring entry - at most. I know, "Mission-Ready" is such a big word. More so, it's a big responsibility. But I'm constantly reminded by the fact that If you'll just say "Yes" to the Lord, your perception of an impossible task changes. Suddenly, a task deemed impossible can be seen as possible. That's the working of the Christ in us.

Of Giving Back, Of Sharing, And The Joy It Brings

If you’re a frequent reader of this blog, you probably have gauged that I’m a guy who likes to do social and humanitarian endeavors – doing charity works, social awareness initiatives, molding young kids by teaching them and the likes. It can be creating an idea and acting upon it. It's always a joy to see myself working for the good of other people by sharing my time, talent, and treasure - up to what it can allow me to do. 

A quote from Erich From is so fitting in this post.

Giving is the highest expression of potency. In the very act of giving, I experience my strength, my wealth, my power. This experience of heightened vitality and potency fills me with joy. I experience myself as overflowing, spending, alive, hence as joyous. Giving is more joyous than receiving, not because it is a deprivation, but because in the act of giving lies the expression of my aliveness.” ~ Erich Fromm

Awhile ago, I had the luxury of time watching some YT stuffs about sharing and giving back. People doing random act of kindness - impromptu actions to the point that almost all of the people they intend to help are really in awe of their kindness. And that in return, those people being helped expressed their sincere thanks and utter a word of blessing to the benefactor. 

Of International Camaraderie: The Sheikh & The Little Prince

Perhaps you might be thinkin' if the title really speaks for itself. I mean the real thing. And that I have met one of the Sheikhs here and his little prince. Hahaha! Brace yourself it's just my kumpareng Randy Turiano.

Earlier tonight, my wife and little C attended the "International Community Day" celebration annually held by the National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA) - where my wife and kumpare work. It's a yearly tradition showcasing different cultures & traditions represented by employees of NGHA who hails from various countries.

Basically, its purpose is to promote international camaraderie and cultural diversity - showcasing some native stuff coming from each participating country. Allowing everyone to get to know more of other countries cultures and traditions. 

I didnt' bother to go with them since I'm quite lazy to go out due to the cold weather. Plus, I'm working on the plans for our upcoming "Family Day" wherein a brainstorming slash meeting will happen tomorrow to finalize the various activities for the said event.

Of Life's Moments, Of Celebration, Of Drooling Foods and Supportive Community Friends

The Birthday Girl

Her name is JENNIFER ZABALA. 

Call her "Jeng" as her nick.

She maybe the first one who will be my pioneering entry about “Birthday Celebrations Of 2014” but surely she’ll not be the only one in the coming days and months. I decided to feature birthdays of people in our spiritual community – well for those I am fully aware of because obviously I don’t know everyone's birthday in our community – just to step up my commitment to the core group where I belong and share life with. I’d like to call it as my “extra love” in letting them feel how they matter to us in our community.

2014: Part 2 - Of Moving On, Going Forward & There's So Many Things To Do

Now, here's the second part of my Year 2014 post. In this part, I will briefly talk about my assessment of 2013, my aspirations, my goals, and other equally important things that my neuron would allow.

ASSESSMENT  

If I'd be putting a score in my last year's performance - in a scale of 1 is to 10, I feel like giving myself around 7.5. I'd say there's a petty disappointment running in my head as it is not even at par from my target of at least 8.5 to 9. Far from the guy in me who is used to be competitive in almost all areas of life - school, work, and other significant activities.

2014: Part 1 - A Quick Look Back At 2013

The past year has been one-hell-of-a-good-ride with occasional bumps on the road. 

Why I said that? Well, 2013 just gave me more than what I want & need - and it's not always a kind of thing which makes me smile after. As usual, the book of 2013 won't be an interestingly must-read without those challenges that shared the limelight of an equally joyful year. 

In 2013, new friendship has been found and formed. People from different walks of life - equally exciting personalities entered the scene. Others made a grand entrance in my circle and some made their presence felt in a very memorable way. Few were notable and worth keeping while others I still need to discover and get to know more. There were so many great stories and wonderful meetings. The laughter we've shared were contagious and the fellowship was circled with so much positive energy and acceptance.