Those Were The Days: Circa 2009 - Part 1

While looking for old pics for my featured first inspiring person. I came across a photo album that photographically chronicled our experience during the 11th SFC International Middle East Conference in Manama, Bahrain last October 28 - November 1, 2009. It still clearly echoes in my memory - the sheer fun and the unending laughter attending this awesome conference for Singles For Christ. 

Meeting different delegates from the Middle East Region is an awesome experience. Brushing off shoulders with SFC's of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in UAE, Muscat-Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, KSA and of course the host-country Bahrain tells stories of different pursuit.

Paseo De Sta. Rosa - Laguna - Funny Moment At The Parking Lot

I guess I just became a "Super Jay" tonight. I have done lots of things – posted two poems entries, wrapped the books for my blogger-friends, re-visited some of my laptop files and the list goes on. It’s really a feat so to speak. Added to that is the super uplifting worship songs that I keep on playing while doing these things.

While browsing my laptop, I came across several old videos. I opened each one of 'em and was delighted to watch again some funny moments of my night-out together with my WedSat Smashers Badminton Club. Here below is a funny moment classic. 

This video was taken last October 27, 2010

Upon watching, it led me back to the memory of our food tripping to Paseo De Sta. Rosa in Laguna. It feels like it was just yesterday with them. We're about to leave the place after we have enjoyed eating, chatting, and lightly drinking when Ren suggested that we'd do a "Pinoy Henyo" game at the parking lot before we finally head home. And so, the above video is one of the funniest videos I've ever had that night. I was literally running out of guesses as to what's the answer on top of my forehead. 

That was epic! 

The Poetry Corner: Ashes of Burnt Eyebrows

Flattered to have received positive comments regarding the poem I re-published here in my blog entitled I Need To Be Loved delivered by my former Grade-4 student Erika Marie Esteban. 

And to delight you again with another masterpiece of mine. Here once again a simple poem I especially composed way back March 21, 2006 to my Grade 5- First Honor Ephraim Ders Murro which he delivered during the graduation ceremony that year. 

Currently, Ram (as I fondly called him) is now a sophomore student of University of the Philippines - Diliman, Quezon City taking up a five-year degree course. I just forgot if it's Mass Communication, Business Administration or Political Science - I need to ask him to be sure. And I'm still in constant contact with him and even to my former grade school students. In fact last May 2010, I had arranged a get together with my former students when I went back to the Philippines for vacation. I was surprised how big they were already and I even jokingly shouted out "Stop growing guys!". Now, they are pursuing their dreams in college and seeing them excel in school is equivalent to my achievement too. That my mentoring has paid off.

The Poetry Corner: I Need To Be Loved

I was requested by our school principal to create a poem to be recited in the recognition day of my pupil in Grade 4- English. At first I told her, maybe we could just research for a poem fitting for that year Department of Education's theme. Don't ask me what's the theme....LoLs...I completely forgot about. But she insisted it would be nice if I can compose a simple one. And so the obedient in me, quickly submitted to her prodding. My feet was put to testing water when I find it hard what poem to create. It took me several nights of thinking until I came to this lovely yet meaningful poem.

The 365 Life Lessons Project: Life Lesson - 1

"A Son Longing For Dad's Reconnection"

While reading page 79 of “Chicken Soup For The Soul: Thank Dads” inside the car on my way home, a close blogger-friend suddenly popped-up in my mind. I remember how in our series of online chat he would discuss about his sour relationship with his dad.

Sensitive topics such as that related to a family always catch my utmost attention. His story about his dad is worth listening. Along our convy, I can strongly feel how he felt disconnected towards his dad. I quickly gauged that there is a clear gap between him and his dad. A gap that was rooted when he was a young boy growing up.

I feel him. I feel how pain still lingers in his heart even at present despite confessing to me that he had forgiven him already. He had attempts to get closer to him but none of his efforts succeeded.

Being a young dad, I somehow understand where he is coming from and there is this “dad’s instinct” in me that wanted to comfort him, that wanted to show him and let him feel how it is to be embraced by the love of a father. At some point I even musingly agreed to him calling me his dad even if it means a bit of awkwardness since I’m just several years his senior.

About Blog Improvements, Of New Features, Of People and of Real Stories: LOOK WHAT'S NEW

In line with the changing of the year, I also have devised some changes, improvements, and features in my blog. A combo of both new and old but improved features will be frequently seen in my blog. As true to its main reason – which is to really inspire bloggers-readers, I have come-up with this idea. As a writer in the online world  and though blogging is subjective, I somehow feel to be utmost responsible with what I write. And what better way to write than to inspire your readers with things not as extra-ordinary but of simple event or situation where anyone can derive inspiration, embrace hope, and uplift drowning spirit. 

This year, I will be writing a more seasoned and relevant write ups. Those which has the element of human-inspired stories, those that can collectively stir the mind and heart of my reader to pedal their own dreams, those which are community-based wherein ideas and insights can be an effective tool in effecting and affecting positive changes in one's community and/or organization. On a larger scale, I will be writing in support of the development and improvement of my country. 

Though, I want to clear the picture by saying that I write not to impress but borne out of love. My writing is raw, imperfect, with flaws, isn't far from erroneous grammar. Technically,I am not a trained creative writer and I don't write based on structure. It's free flowing of thoughts captured by my pen out from my mind.  As long as I am not hurting anyone, I will continue to write. And best of all, it's God's gift I'm just putting in action.

About Twenty Thirteen: What Lies Ahead Is Up To Us

Recently, we have just closed the last leaf of our book for twenty-twelve. Part of closing is making peace and reconciliation to every minuscule of rifts we have had. We have to or else we will be haunted by our unresolved past and moving on and ahead will be difficult for us. Have you had done it? - if any? 

As for me, I always find "me time" to contemplate and reflect on the past year and talk to God - thanking Him, asking forgiveness for shortcomings and mistakes done, and asking for guidance for a brand new year. 

Way back in the Philippines, I usually go to the "Blessed Sacrament" in "Nature Church" located in Moonwalk - Las Pinas - where I started my SFC (Single for Christ) life and served as a choir member even though for a short span of time. If you don't know the place - paki- google na lang hehe! The Italian Architect who maintains the church's structure is a good friend of mine. How did we became friends? - Well, his daughter to a Filipina was once my grade school student. FYI - I taught grade school English and Computer subjects in a private school owned by my dear Tito in Las Pinas. That was long ago hehe! Way back 2004  until 2007. 

About 2012 And Of Year-Ender Special: My Blogging Year in Review

Date: December 30, 2012

Location: Company Warehouse - a 30-minutes drive from our office.

Time: 10:00AM

What took place during the Year 2012? There are one thousands and one stories. Stories that made me shout for joy, sob for sorrow and hope for tomorrow. 

I am writing my year-end post in the middle of work - year end inventory - despite me having a flu and is extremely not feeling well. I need to finish the physical count before our accounting system closes for 2012. 

I feel the urge to write as I have no enough time at all. Plus, I fear that If I'm  not going to do it, I won't be able to post it before the short hand of the clock hits 12:00 midnight of January 01, 2013. Hurriedly, I'm now exercising my talent in multi-tasking. Occasionally, when some of my colleagues approach towards my direction I quickly hide what I'm writing about for them not to gauge that I'm doing something not work-related. It's kind of hard to write when you know your neuron doesn't cooperate that much. Added to the agony is the fact that you're suffering from flu -another reason why your mind isn't functioning on a normal level. 

This is the bond paper I folded into four where I secretly
 wrote the draft. That's my handwriting when in a hurry

BUT, what the heck! I need to squeeze and bring out my creative juices from a single thalamus. I am trying to defy the odds. As they say, it's noteworthy to write when you're not at your best. It's when you're not driven and de-motivated that you can bring out the genius in you (genius daw?). 

I believe that there is greatness in me waiting to emerge. All I need to do it to step out courageously to do what I think I can't do. Having said that, I am pushing that "GENIUS IN ME"  to the surface. - Naks! minotivate ang sarli hahaha!

Another proof that I did the draft while at field work.

As Oxford's "Grammar and Composition" taught and encouraged me: : "Just write whatever your thoughts as of the moment, then try to sequentially arrange its chronology later". So the obedient in me, gladly obeyed. Hala, sulat lang ng sulat! The above paragraphs are just statements of my current status - an introduction of what's to be written ahead. 

I have noticed that some of my co-bloggers were able to write and post already their year-end post for 2012. I somehow felt the pressure since posting a year-end review is concretely part of my plan on how to end my year 2012 in blogging. I've been thinking about it since two weeks ago. There were few chances but my mind contradicted to those chances - sabaw lang ang laman ng utak ko when chances to write comes in. So, I was able to let go of those chances.

I will post it now so that it will still be within year 2012. I just update it later - time for my 2nd shift at work now. Kaya I need to stop.

TO BE CONTINUED...........abangan!

About Books, Of New Formed Friendship, and Of Personal Messages: BOOKS' RECIPIENTS

I have been meaning to post this entry a week back but due to my usual busy schedule it took a while for this entry to surface on the bloggers' world. 

Pardon me guys! I know there are lots of both interesting and gruesome topics that are too tempting to discuss or share views with but those are not my interest as of now. 

If you are a follower or a frequent visitor of this blog, perhaps you are aware that I had a blog contest recently. To be exact, it was in mid-November when I designed my birthday blog contest. 

As promised to the recipients (I'm talking about the winners), I will write/put a personal dedication message to each of the book as a gesture of a newly-formed friendship between the winners and me. BUT, it doesn't mean that having these personal messages limits my friendship to the winners. Of course, all my blogger friends are important to me. I'm just obeying a promise to them (winners).

About A Perfect Gift and Of Prayers: When You Pray Hard God Really Listens

"When you pray hard God really listens! "

I almost failed to be with my wife and son on the eve of Christmas last night due to work reason.  

Yesterday, I was surprised when my manager tasked me to do a physical count of all the stocks we have in our warehouse.  When I hear it I was really pissed off. I know that it will take me from morning until almost midnight. I mean there’s a whole lot of inventory stuff that we need to reconcile.