EARTH HOUR: Creating Awareness About Climate Change

As we go global in today's era, our concern also goes on a global scale.

Earlier, a small group of community friends gathered in our abode to experience once again and be one among millions around the world in observance of the worldwide phenomenon called ‘EARTH HOUR’. 

I, for one, has been so blessed to have been practicing this global effort for the past 4 years already. Since 2009 when I first knew about it I had become a believer of this advocacy.

Something To Smile & Be Proud Of - LOVE LETTER to FILIPINOS

Dr. David H. Harwell

Below is a "LOVE LETTER" - not about a typical boy/girl relationship but it digs deeper than that. It talked about praising our race. 

When I read it, my heart melted that I wanted to look for the person to thank him for saying many nice things about us. 

The letter made us remember that we are a chosen race and that we exudes love and compassion as a result of our sacrifices. 

A letter reminding us to love more our race and our being a Filipino.

This is from the writings of Dr. David H. Harwell as published in Philippine Daily Inquirer on February 17, 2013 (Sunday) as seen by yours truly in Facebook.

It is worth sharing that I personally share it here in my blog for you - my blog readers.

Anyhow, we have been so blessed to have received countless accolades from different people not from our race. But, it is more lovable and more heartwarming to receive it from someone who expressed his deep connection to us. And that person is Dr. David H. Harwell.  Don't skip read or else you'll miss the full extent of your smile or how fast your heart will melt. THIS IS A MUST READ!

Old Stuff, Old Memories

Earlier, I was busy sorting out my old stuff I left in my sister’s house in Cavite – of course, that includes many of my books. 

Upon seeing them neatly tucked inside the cabinet, lots of memories had flashed back.

Each book I saw hold its own story.  I had to sort them out since I am planning to donate some of my pre-loved items to our PBO's Bazaar For A Cause slated on February 14, 2013. The same day where hearts will be the blooming attraction of that particular day.

It's Our 8th Year - A Service With A Heart

I can still recall when I was approached by our dear President to be part of this social organization some eight years ago. I am amazed with the burning desire of this person to help that it would be perfect if I can work hand in hand with the then young organization he pioneered.  I was on their family flat in Al Khobar having a visit and probably eating something (a native delicacy I guess), when he told me this:

Mr. President: “Would you like to join us in our organization?

Me: Sure! It's a privilege as I myself is inclined to these kinds of works.

Being socially inclined with this kind of work myself, I never even blink my eyes before I say my sweet “Yes”. Wow, it has been eight straight years. And we have gone so far and will continue to soar high to cater to the needs of the less privileged kids in our hometown. It is such an honor to be part of a social cause which aims to help prepare young kids - let alone less fortunate ones - to reach their dreams and somehow reciprocate the acts to others when they are already in capacity to do so.

Because We Care: Promoting PBO’s Mission – Part 2

Relating to my previous post CLICK HERE- this is the continuation of my promotional campaign to spread out this worthy cause initiated by four ordinary yet  driven people behind a group called “Pinoy Bloggers Outreach”.

I've always been fascinated with people who despite their life's busy schedule still find time to think of something that alleviate a poor human condition. 

I, for one, is also a social worker and has been involved to numerous social organizations both permanent and as a volunteer. I love the idea of extending a hand to the less privileged people. I don't know but I guess this is my personal mission here on earth. It always gives me a priceless satisfaction and inner fulfillment of the soul. I see life in a different perspective when I'm with people who shares the same blazing passion with me.

Because We Care: Promoting PBO's Mission - Part 1

It started with a small dream. Fashioned for a cause. Groomed to spread happiness. Assembled to release the joy from within. 

As the tagline says: "We have a unified vision to take blogging experience to the next level by fulfilling our mission to share our heartfelt support to the less fortunate."

These group of people embodies the heart of a servant. Passionate for a cause, selfless for an act of kindness. 

It is so heartwarming to think when people starts realizing their potential to do great things by sharing their time, talent, and treasure to the next one in need. I am privileged to have known the real people behind these bloggers. People who not only devote time to create opportunities but also find time to share the happiness. Creating opportunities that will validate their existence in this world. 

It is remarkable to note that all of us have something within us that is reserve to touch one's life. An act that should be unleashed to spread out such a paradigm that will send smiles to the people in our community. That will push a glimmer of hope for someone in distress. That will uplift a burdened spirit that hope can still be availed and endless.

Inspiring People: JOEMIL ZAPANTA REYES

I started this section “INSPIRING PEOPLE” in my blog way back 2011. And since I’m a person who wants to inspire and be inspired, I conceptualized this idea. Basically, it features various people who inspire me. It is not limited to people I know but it features ordinary people I meet along the way, in the streets, in the concert arena, in a sports’ stadium, people I chat with, read in the book. Also people I look up to but haven’t met yet – co-bloggers, Facebook friends, people in my community, people in the government, people in the aspect of faith and most of all, people stranger to me but have made a personal impact because of an extraordinary deed.

 In my life, I have this early fascination and passion for social work. I don’t know the exact reason but I just feel for others especially those who lived beyond my living standard.

This fascination was only made realized when I began joining volunteer works to several non-governmental organizations during my college days. Most of the times, I ended up presenting myself to volunteer for a public endeavor which needs people who can freely devote their spare time. And since I’m just a typical, average geek guy (geek?) hahaha! –who happens to be a home-school-cinema dweller, I was able to devote my free time doing social work.

Having this attitude, if I may say, was due to how we were molded growing up. I was raised in a simple family with few things in life. We eat three times a day but don’t have enough money for savings. In short, I was raised in a modest family. So, the thought of studying hard, giving your best shot in all your endeavors early implanted in my system. Aside from the fact that we’re triggered by the life principles inculcated by our parents to us like:

1.       Always be fair to others.

2.       Always extend help when opportunity comes in

3.       Defend yourself if you know you’re right,

4.       Do not bully others (though I was bullied in grade school),

5.       And practice humility at all times.

Perhaps, lots of qualities I developed all through-out my life can also be found in this man. I would assume so since we easily connected with each other. I guess the major common ground where we stand is our desire to be of person to others. There is this beaming passion residing in our hearts to help-out highly deserving less privilege people. We know we don’t have much in life too. We could only give so much but helping is not all about money, it can also be a character or attitude influence.

A lot of you may wonder and ask question “Who is this man?”. This confronting question perhaps frequent the mind of those who weren’t aware of a simple, beautiful, and heartwarming story attached to this man. But I’m pretty sure that hundreds of thousands people already know him by now.

That smile that changes the outlook in life of many

 There is only one root where you hold on when asks about his name – JOEMIL  ZAPANTA REYES. Many would say like this: “Ah yes! I know him, He’s the guy who helped Mang Roldan”, or others would quip by saying: “Oh yeah!, He’s the “Better Samaritan” or maybe some would simply say” Oh dude! He’s just simply awesome!.

Like many of you, I just happened to know this ordinary guy with extraordinary heart through the story he shared in Facebook. Obviously, we didn’t meet yet. The only thing that connects us is through phone calls, or Facebook chat or messages, and texts. I was just amazed of how he willingly seized the moment and selflessly act to help a stranger not even consanguineously related to him.

Standing beside the man who inspired him

Honestly, I'm running out of adjectives to describe him. Perhaps due to the many accolades I've read in our Facebook page about him. Of those people who thanked him for his effort. There were those who composed poems showing their appreciation. There were those whose messages really touched the core -- that you'll just sob in gratitude and thanks. He has long way to go, many challenges to encounter, situations that would test again his strength and even his faith. Yet, knowing how he faces life he surely can ace those challenges. And with the help of friends like me, we can run the race and finish it strong.

I am so proud that I gain a good friend in you. Like what I was saying to you. Just tap me up when you need collaboration in any endeavors you will enter. Like the catchy statement in my blog -- I'm Jesus Christ mission-ready servant.

A Worthy Pursuit

"There is more to life than sitting in our comfort zone. We were made for something more than merely avoiding failure. There is something inside us that wants to walk on the water -- to leave the comfort of routine existence and abandon ourselves to the high adventure of following God's lead for a greater and worthy pursuit."-- JayRadaRafol

When God presents us with a platform to help and change lives of others we cannot choose our circumstances where, when, and how it will happen. Unexpectedly, it just happens in a least likely place. In the same way that it chooses no race, color, gender, status, and most of all it ignores appearances. Our heart just obeys to the leadings of the Divine. Out of nowhere, we’ll just realize that we’ve touched someone’s life and impacted to our community. On a greater scale, a domino effect spreads-out to the society where we thrive.

Worthy Cause - Part 3

     Good day guys! And whooah! akalain mo yon magkakaroon pa pala ng Part 3 ang WORTHY CAUSE post ko...hehehe...

     Kidding aside, this continuation is all about the photos I took while we're sorting and packing the relief goods generously donated by our loving and kind community people. Kudos to them!

     In volunteerism and charity works, there is a priceless joy and satisfaction. A joy that radiates from your inner core and makes you feel good about yourself. Have you had this feeling? I bet you do....

     By the way, let your eyes ride through the candid shots, bro. Carl, bro. Edmund, and I took while sorting is in progress that night of Tuesday, October 10 at the center (venue's name withheld for security reason).

Satt on my left, ME, Jojo peeking in front & somehow a terrifed Owen..hehehe

busy Carl, laughing Owen, Jojo in striking yellow shirt and Satt on the far right

ME arranging clothes inside the box, Owen handing me over, Leo sorting out and Jojo

ME and Carl sorting out clothes from the plastic bags

     Below are some of the piled-up clothes we need to sort-out and put in a "balikbayan box". There's a funny short story about the boxes we used. While on our way to the center, Satt and I look forward to do the task,  but when we reached there we found out na wala pa palang balikbayan boxes na paglalagyan. "Anak ng pating na puti ang karne! hahahaha...So, our dear bro. Leo and Chad had to rushed to the nearby SKY FREIGHT office to buy some boxes. Good thing, Tita Ging was able to offer one box for us to start the packing.

Some donations from loving and kind community people

ME sorting out

     And what made us boisterously laughed that night was when bro. Sattie and bro. Jojo tried out few of the ladies wear and starting goofing around. We're laughing our hearts out when we realized that when they fit it in, the clothes almost tear apart since malalaki sila...hahaha. It was such an awkward moments but so funny as they goof around. I can't show you their photos here baka "pagalitan" ako...hahaha...Baka sabihin sa akin "the unbecoming of an SFC Leader"..hahaha...

     By the way, sorry guys, if some of the people involved in the sorting and packing were not seen in these photos. I just took some random photos kaya di ko na na-include ang iba....

     Beneficiaries of this effort will be the victims of typhoon PEDRING which recently devastated our country. It's a noble act for us OFW's to do this kind of thing as a gesture of reaching out to our fellow countrymen who have lost their homes and livelihood. People who needs immediate assistance.

So this is it. Back to work mode now. :))))

Worthy Cause - Part 2

     As promised eto yong Part 2 ng WORTHY CAUSE na post ko kanina. Di na ako nakatiis at sinimulan ko agad ang pagsusulat ng part two. Inisip ko lang na baka mawala pa ang mga ideas na maaari kung masabi dito. Ang hirap nun! Mag-iisip uli...di naman kasi ganun kadali ang magsulat.

     Actually, I'm utilizing my three (3) hours break from work since split timing ako sa office. So, aside from updating things for my wedding, I do the usual multi-tasking which I've been practicing for more than a decade. Likas naman sa ating mga pinoy na kung ano ang pwedeng magagawang bagay higit pa sa isa ay gagawin natin. Benefits of it are: saving our time & finishing multiple jobs at the same time. Basta focus lang ang kailangan while doing it.

     Last night, while Satt & I were traveling going the center where the "sorting and packing" will be done, I was thinking about several things. I started contemplating about life. And these are my random thoughts:

1. I AM LUCKY! - I felt blessed to have things ordinary people don't have in life. Well, I don't own expensive gadgets or the likes, but things that are just my needs and a lil bit of a "want" na rin. I am lucky to have a job that pays more than I need.

2. I MUST SHARE! - As someone who's really inclined to charity works, volunteerism, and the likes. I always feel I have to give back. I have to share the blessings regardless how small or big it is.

3. I WON'T COMPLAIN!- Sometimes, complaining is normal, but it becomes an annoying thing if every now and then we complain. I realized that I am really blessed despite little misfortunes which happens from time to time. Blessed because there are countless people somewhere who suffer problems bigger as mountains than I am or have.

4. I WILL ALWAYS HAVE A TIME FOR SOMEONE WHO NEEDS ME - There are certain moments in our lives where we feel so lazy to respond. We tend to ignore things to be done, people to talk to and situation to act upon. I am guilty of it admittedly. So, I realized that I should be more sensitive to the needs of others from me--especially "time". We never know what impact we can create by sharing our time to others. More so, to our love ones. So from now on I will have more time for them.

     You might be wond'rin why there were no photos yet for the relief goods sorting and packing, it's because I don't know how the bluetooth in Satt's laptop works. I've tried but being a not-so-tech-savvy  kind of guy, I find it hard to figure out. So, I'll be posting photos later when I got home from work using my own laptop.

     So watch out for it. I'll update this post later. Meanwhile I have to prepare to go back to work. I only have 30 minutes remaining and lots of office stuffs await me there.

     CIAO Amigos Y Amigas!

Worthy Cause - Part 1

     "Maayong aga sa indo tanan" (hiligaynon dialect for "magandang umaga sa inyong lahat).

     Gusto ko sanang isulat ang naging partisipasyon ko sa "relief goods sorting and packaging" kagabi ngunit ang aking "antuking mata" ay di na kinaya pang makisama sa ninanais ng aking katawan. Ugali na ng aking katawan na kapag dumating or bago pa dumating ang midnight siguradong aantukin na ako. Masuwerte na lang kung malagpasan ko ang midnight na di ako aantukin. Well, it only happens when I'm surrounded with people. 

     Kagabi habang kami ay masayang nagso-sort out ng aming ipapadala sa mga biktima ng typhoon PEDRING ay bumalik sa alaala ko ang naging kaparehong sitwasyon nang ang mapanirang ONDOY ay nanalasa sa ating bansa noong Setyembre taong 2009. 

     It is such a horrifying scene seeing the capital of the Philippines - Manila - being swayed out by heavy and deep floods which stirs the world wide community. Imagine, being featured in the CNN as a "Breaking News" is something more than alarming. It means that the incident was really disturbing and highly dangerous.

     Philippines, along with other countries surrounding and nearby Pacific Ocean has been regarded as one of the frequent "typhoon stricken" countries. It's a sad truth. Pero wala naman tayong magawa or magagawa kasi natural calamity ang typhoon. We can't even do some magic to stop them from hitting us and our livelihood. All we can do is to always be prepared. And pray of course. Prayers have been proven to help in difficult times.

     Siguro mamaya or bukas ko na isusulat ang Part 2 ng entry kong ito. As you may notice the photo for the relief goods isn't authentic since the real photos which I took last night while doing the sorting and packing are still in my mobile phone. I need to use it's bluetooth to transfer it to my laptop.

     Well guys, this is it for now. PART 2 coming up in 5 hours? See yah! Cheers to helping and sharing. -:)))