Obedience

      Today, I'll be profiling a person so close to my heart. Wonder who is it? Well, just direct your eyes down and you'll know who.....


     His obedience is awesome and his way of facing life's challenges is fantastic. His name is John Howard Rafol Gamitin, a young man, a passionate lover of martial arts, a guitar player and an ace freshman student in a state university. And he is my eldest nephew to wit;

In taekwondo battle form

His defensive style

Ready to hit someone's face



John Howard with cousins Wonna and Jonavene

      I've written about him because I was just strucked by the conversation we had awhile ago. He's really keeping up to my fair expectations. Nakakatuwa lang isipin na habang nagiging buo ang kamalayan niya sa mundong ginagalawan niya ay masasalamin din ang mga kanais nais na pagbabago na ipinamamalas niya. I felt so grateful that he's learning to appreciate the values we took years of inculcating inside his young mind. He has grown to be a young lad with lots of promising ideals and visions in his life. His sensitivity within the surrounding he interacts allow him to learn more of the much needed insights and values a young man must equip to fairly and reasonably tackles life's challenges and upsets.

with good friend and neighbor April

strking a shy-type pose....hehehe!

     I had been so hopeful that he may grow wise and more mature his age. And bingo! he is turning into one. I have never knew or seen someone close to me speak the way Howard speaks his mind. He may be young both in heart, mind and physical stature but how he talks about his set of experiences in life puts me in amazement. How he tackles every situation is far more than my expactations.

In a sleek and sassy form

during his graduation

      It is such a joy to realize how his personality evolved from someone who is naive and relatively shy to a young man whose strength and determination as well as idealism in pursuing his passions lie in the core of his immediate family. How he meticulously listen to every words of wisdom we share and how he took by heart advices he solicits from us.

with me and cousin Jay Ann

   
      Kaming lahat ng kapamilya mo ay lubos ang kagalakan na makita kang nagsusumikap sa iyong piniling landas na tatahakin. Kami ay lagi lamang nasa iyong likod at makikitawa sa bawat tagumpay na iyong makakamtan at manaka nakang tutulo ang aming mga luha kung may kabiguan ka mang pagdadanasan, bagamat ang aming laging habilin lamang sa iyo kung mangyari man ang gayon ay tanging mga salitang mamumutawi sa aming mga labi ay: sa bawat kabiguan ay isang hagdan tungo sa iyong minimithing pangarap, sa tuwing maiisip mong iwanan ang hamon mo sa buhay, isipin mo ang mahabang landas na iyo nang tinahak upang makapag-isip kang ituloy ito at umuwing may ngiting tagumpay.

     We are so proud of you--young and willful man! Whatever accolades you are reaping are all worth for you. I have just one thing I want you to inculcate in mind and always carry with you wherever your dreams may lead you. It goes like this: Dream your dreams, do your best, never doubt, never rest, until the dream is yours. And lastly, always dedicate your plans and success to our great God above all else. And highly value your family.

     Until my next blog. Pardon me, but I guess I'll be concentrating more on human interest stories. So, on this note, I'll be featuring ordinary yet equally exciting personalities from my circle of influences. Godbless and have a nice read.......

Silent Outburst

 













     Our daily lives are composed of variety of emotions. Waking up in the morning you feel refreshed and energized. Upon reaching the wash room suddenly you become constipated. Time to take a bath renders you so agitatingly cold. At breakfast it becomes exciting. Now, you're hurrying for school or office quickly put you in a hassle-mood. In school, first period either makes you boring or lecture-engaged. Office makes your routine works monotonous. At break time, seeing your crush makes your heart thumps fast. In the office, the sight of your boss in a not-so-good-mood rendered you anxious. So, these are the typical scenarios our emotions display in daily life's struggles. No matter what is our circusmtances maybe, we alone are the masters of our actions and reactions. What a positive person sees in a very difficult situation is a challenging point on him. While in the eyes of a negative dweller, it pisses him off. Handling things either positively or negatively develop a certain traits in us. As they say, whatever you sow, you will also reap.

    Maraming tamang pagkakataon at pamamaraan sa pagharap ng ating mga iba't ibang sitwasyon o di kaya'y kinasasadlakan. Maaring sa una, ang reaksyon ng isang indibidwal ay di kanais-nais dala ng kanyang emosyon. Ang emosyon na malaki ang epekto sa kung paano tayo makisalamuha sa mga tao at sa lipunan na ating ginagalawan. Subalit sa di kalaunan, dala ng pagsusumikap na maintindihan ang sitwasyon, natututo tayong harapin or humarap sa mga suliranin o kamalayan ng may linaw ng isip, pag-aanalisa, at pagpapalalim ng ating pang-unawa upang maiwasan natin ang mga bagay na kung idadaan sa isang marahas na aksyon ay magdudulot ng di magandang epekto maaring sa kapwa natin, sa lipunang ating ginagalawan o higit sa lahat sa ating pagkatao.

     Kanina, habang akong panandaliang nagpapahinga, nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon para sulyapan ang mga pangyayari sa ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng panonood ng iba't ibang balita sa telebisyon. Habang ang mga mata ko'y nakatutok sa mga ibinabalita ng taga-ulat, di ko maiwasan mapa-buntong hininga. Napag-isip isip ko sa aking hinuha, malayo na nga pala ang narating ng ating teknolohiya sa paghahatid ng mga makabuluhang balita. Pero di doon nakatuon ang aking kaisipan, bagamat, sa mga katiwalian sa gobyerno na kung iisipin ay sandamakmak na. Ang nagpapuyos pa ng aking kalmadong damdamin ay ang katotohanang mga opisyales ng ating pamahalaan ang sangkot sa ganitong pagmamalabis sa kaban ng ating bayan.

    Sa kabilang banda, hindi ko masisi kung ang iilan o nakararami man, ay tinutungo ang Mendiola upang hayagan ipamalas ang kanilang saloobin sa gobyerno dahil sa isang banda, may karapatan sila at may pinanghahawakang mga dahilan. Dahilan na nag-udyok sa kanila para magprotesta.

    As I was watching the news continuously I can't help but let go of my silent outburst about the current happenings in our country. As an OFW, whose primal dream is to provide a descent living for his family, I am really affected by the cries of millions of Filipinos who hungers for change and starve in their daily existence. I felt helpless in thinking when and how can we finally alleviate our people standard of living if many of our government officials continue to err against our system and its people. Worse to think, it involves financial matters not in a meager amount but in millions of bucks.

     Sadyang nakakapanlumong isipin na silang mga dapat pinagkakatiwalaan ng ating mga mamamayan ay sila pa ang mga pasimuno ng kabulastugan sa ating pamahalaan dala ng ganid sa kayamanan at sa kapangyarihan.

     It is so disappointing to think that eventhough they were sworn to office and have certain ethical standards that they (should) abide, yet they still has this mock-faced personality to do malicious conducts which discredit them.

     Maaring isa lamang ako sa mga may ganitong saloobin. Kayo man, ay alam kong nakakaramdam ng mga ganitong pagpupuyos ng damdamin. As they say, human as we are, we are sometimes carried away into a certain situation that our emotional control just doesn't work right.

     Sa ganang akin, ito'y isang malayang paraan ng pagpapahayag ng aking saloobin sa mga kasalukuyang pangyayaring nagaganap sa ating bayan. Bilang isang mamamayan na may positibong pananaw sa buhay, sa isang banda, kinakailangan ding hayaang magpuyos ang ating damdamin para mailabas ang tunay na nararamdaman. At minarapat kung isulat ang aking saloobin sa ating sariling wika para mas maintindihan ng nakararami, bagamat ang pamagat nito'y sa wikang Ingles at ang ibang mga salita ay nasa wikang banyaga din.

     Hanggang sa susunod na panulat mga kaibigan. Isang mapagpalang gabi sa inyong lahat.

30 Bits & Pieces of Underground Diggin' Facts About Me

     1. My proud parents named their second born "Joven Rada Rafol". I officially came out from my mother’s womb at around 7:45pm on the 7th day of the last month of the year. I’m sporting a nickname at home as Jhun. To my peers and friends, Jovs and Jay would fit me.

     2. A proud descendant of the Rafol clan of the barrio Taclobo, town of San Fernando, And a beautiful and enchanted island of Sibuyan, Romblon.

     3. A sagguitarian by zodiac, is a 5′6 1/2" swimming buff. Has extreme love of football. Plays badminton. Second in the family of 6. Has 3 other siblings named Jinky-eldest and twin brothers-Jorlan and Jordan-youngest.

     4. An extrovert who love adventurous life and tranquil places suitable to express his poetic side.

     5. He’ll give you a million thanks if you could give him for free CD/VCD/DVD of Boyzone, Matchbox 20, Cranberries, Usher, Alicia Keys, B2K, Josh Groban, BSB and Boyz2men. If you can offer for free Tom Hanks’ award-winning film-FORREST GUMP, Harrison Ford’s INDIANA JONES, Humprey Bougart and Ingrid Bergman’s CASABLANCA and all war movies of any sort. Special to mention-Human Interest Stories Books.

     6. Tagged by his sister as TV addict, hooked on shows like the Probe Team, National Geo, Game Plan, I-Witness, Lonely Planet, Seventh Heaven and Amazing Race. Idolizes TV Hosts like Che-che Lazaro, Korina Sanchez, Paolo Abrera and Susie Entrata, Karen Davila Howie Severino, Kara David and Jay Taruc on locals. Oprah Winfrey, Larry King, Billy Bush, Conan O’Brien and David Letterman on international caliber.

     7. If he had to be given chance to rewind his life he would probably be in a career of Travel Journalism, Marine Biology and Astronomy. He also would want to pursue a career in International Studies with concentration in World History.

     8. Most fave pet (don’t know if it can be called as one) Aquarium with variety of cultured fishes.

     9. When free, enjoys to be alone or in a company of silent-but-sensible talking individuals and reflects in a silent place, or might as well be seen walking bare footed in a sand of a peaceful shore watching sun sets.

     10. Things or people he couldn’t live without- immediate family, my pens, my books and my present love interest-if you happen to read this you know its you I am referring to.

     11. A free-spirited person who has a great attitude of a disciplinarian, whose patience and understanding is far more advanced that the common folks.

     12. A no. 1 fan of cinema. He treasured movies lilke: Indiana Jones, Ghost, Casablanca, Jurassic Park, Forrest Gump, All X-Files movies and tv series, The Thin Red Lines, Saving Private Ryan, Schindler’s List, The Village, The Notebook, Cold Mountain, Patriot, Deep Impact, The Last of the Mohicans, Y Tu Mama Tambien, and the God Father. You can relate to his sentiments and ideals if you are a moviegoer too.

     13. In case you want to make him laugh you must be the likes or can copy great comic acts of Eddie Murphy, Ben Stiller, Chris Rock and Chris Tucker.

     14. Impressing him would most likely to be a swimming enthusiast, nature lover, simple but with deep faith in God and probably offer things in blue and green to compliments his being a blue and green color loyalist.

     15. In music, would be great to watch in concert the harmonic and heavenly voice of Josh Groban, the sleek and sassy style of Rob Thomas, the crowd-pleaser and people-charmer Maroon 5, the groovy and upbeat concert prowess of Usher and BillyCrawford, the soulful and enchanting voices of Boyz2men and Alicia Keys.

     16. Would be willing to learn to play instruments like organ, piano, violin, flute and drums too.

     17. A "can-drop-tears" counselor and adviser to his closest buddies and friends. He’s very friendly but very meticulous in choosing friends. He clings on and stays to those people who are really sensible and has a liberal yet morally bound views about life.

     18. Loves cooking and considers it as an opportunity to impress and win girl’s heart or anybody’s friendship and love.

     19. For an ideal date’ would try to bring his special someone down the seashore and walk barefooted on sand while enjoying a great conversation.

     20. Most treasured memory in the past was when he was with his 1st love and the amazing thoughts he learned from her. At present- his special someone who is right now the apple of the his eyes- you know who you are, my feelings for you never fail nor wavered and is still in constant growth. Hope we can always be in good terms.

     21. Composition of songs, poems and prose, any articles and other writing stuffs would complete his day.

     22. When he has lots of liesure time he would always visit any swimming pools or nearby beach/es or just travel with his cam and take nature photos or anything that would catch his interests. In addition, he’s starting to elaborate his basic knowledge in exterior landscaping and extending his knowledge on the wonders of photography.

     23. His usual dress code: not-so-tight denim jeans and semi-fit t-shirts and polos and a pair of sneakers.

     24. Considers biting the edge of a pen his worst habit. Not now since he overcomes it already.

     25. He’s into sports of swimming, boxing, football, bowling, badminton, volleyball, and diving.

     26. A girl is likely to impress him if she has nice set of teeth, long jet-black hair, and nice-clean feet. In terms of personality, he prefers bubbly, easy to go with, smart and intelligent, has own share of her faith in God and respectful.

     27. Fave time of the day: breezy afternoon or near midnight

     28. Catches his interest most is to listen or read human-interest stories, travel with local destination and share culture with different people. His life’s greatest fancy is to travel Europe and the rest of the world.

     29. Would like to meet in person famous personalities such as Nelson Mandela, Kraig  & Marc Kielburger, Michael Phelps, Ronaldo, Kofi Annan, The Dalai Lama, Shannen Sossamon, Gretchen Baretto, Tony Blair, Oprah Winfrey and Angelina Jolie.

     30. Fascinated by Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisines. A plate of veggies and rice and a cup of crab and corn soup would make him survive. Lastly, He believes in two great cliches:


"Dream your dreams, do your best, never doubts, never rests, until the dream is yours"


"The more you take focus on what you want in life and believe in yourself and God, the more it’ll gonna happen to you"


I hope these facts helps you out in knowing the rea me. Until my next blog. Godnight and Godbless.

Good Thoughts In Life & Commitment

     I wanna share with you some thoughts pertaining to commitment and marriage and life in general. This was series of thoughts after having a great convy with a good friend. Listen folks you might get something good from it.

A SOULFUL RELATIONSHIP

     Once you decided to commit to someone, overtime, his flaws, vulnerabilities, pet peeves and differences will become more obvious. If you love your mate and want the relationship to grow and evolve, you have to learn to close one eye and not let everything bother you. You and your mate have many different expectations, emotional needs, values, dreams, weaknesses and strengths. You are two unique individual children of God who have decided to share a life together. Neither of you are perfect, but are you perfect for each other? Do you bring out the best in each other? Do you compliment and compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare and control? What do you bring to the relationship? Do you bring past relationship, past hurt, past mistrust, past pain?

    












     Manipulation, control, jealousy, neediness and selfishness are not the ingredients of a thriving, healthy loving and lasting relationship. Seeking status, sex, wealth and security are the wrong reasons to be in a relationship. What keeps a relationship strong? Communication, intimacy, trust, a sense of humor, sharing household tasks, some getaway time without business and daily exchanges ( a meal, shared activity, a hug, a call, a touch, a note). Leave a nice message on their voicemail or send a nice mail. Sharing common goals and interests. Growth is important. Grow together, not away from each other, giving each other space to grow without feeling insecure.

     Allow your mate to have outside interests. You can’t always be together. Give each other a sense of belonging and assurances of commitment. Don’t try to control one another. Learn each other’s family situation. Respect his parents regardless. Don’t put pressure on each other for material goods. Remember for richer or for poorer. If these qualities are missing the relationship will erode as resentment, withdrawal, abuse, neglect, dishonesty and pain replace the passion.

     Remember, the difference between "united" and "untied" is where you put the "i".

     That’s all folks….those who can read it—it’s nice to know you pause your work and find time reading it. For would-be-readers—-you can learn a lot from these basic facts of life and commitment.

     Until my next blog. Goodnight!



Tough Day

     Yesterday was so tough. I felt I was baffled.

     It was lack of sleep which consumed me to really be in a struggling state. My body was like weak—five senses were not working in excellent condition. It’s as if my blood isn’t running at a normal speed. My energy is like in a dormant state.

     I had been having concern sleeping way so late especially if the clock ticks past 12 midnight. Bingo! I promise you guys, it’ll be a horror getting sleep during that time. Ang hirap ko ng makatulog. Parang nakainom ako ng substance which rendered me to stay awake for like hours. Even to the point where I even reached 4am wide awake.

     In the office, what makes the situation worse was part of me struggles to stay awake while in the middle of calling clients and interacting with my work colleagues. Funny as it was, I need to be smart enough not to forget important errands that day. Plus my boss was constantly ringing my phone to hear some updates from the suppliers I was tasked to contact.

     So far I still managed to finish urgent errands and was able to deliver on my required task. Buti nalang sanay na ako sa “multi-tasking” way of working.

     That’s all folks. No other significant topics to write about. Just having the “me” time. It’s all about me ika nga..hehehe…
    
     Until my next blog. Keep posted.

Kasimanwa Ko

    

     Kasimanwa Ko -the name derives from two words, “Kasimanwa" which is Ilongo dialect word for "living in the same place" and followed by the possessive pronoun "Ko”, which simply means "my."

     Why am I writing about this association? Well, basically it's worth an article. But there is one main advocate I am trying to emphasize as I go along with this post.

     Many, if not all of us, have an attitude of helping others. It is our implied and intrinsic quality that whenever one needs assistance we always put our best foot forward to offer any kind of help available from us.

     I am part of this community-based organization. When it was introduced to me I quickly nod for acceptance since I'm a guy who has an inclination in this kind of endeavors.

    Our association focuses on uplifting the literacy level of less privileged kids in our native town. We have various programs upon which we support focusing on the welfare of the less privileged children especially emphasizing on their basic school needs.

     As a gesture of our collective interest in meeting their needs we have launched this program called "Lapis Kag Papel Project". It's our 5th year now. This one focuses on the school necessities of those less privileged children upon which accessing school is a major concern for them since they are literally uncapable doing it.

     Therein, lies the core importance of this post. As a member of this organization, I am speaking on behalf of my team using this site as a platform to voice out my appeal for help from those whose hearts are generous enough to share a lift of burden for the kids of our organization.

     May we realize the love, enthusiasm, determination and passion for learning of these kids. May you be a contribution to the society where you thrives. A penny when generously provided by thousands of people will surely make a difference in their lives. And a gesture of smile from their young lives will act as their way of thanking us for extending supports to them. Let us help build the characters of these kids as they are our future's biggest hope towards positive change. Educating them is educating the future of our nation.

     So everyone who might read this post, donate now, do not have second thoughts. Your meager assistance is a lot to these children. Get your friends support and be involved in our advocacy. 

     Getting these kids a proper and well-deserved education is a big transformation to start with. Let us shake the world with purposeful action. Let us do our share to create an impact to these kids' lives who have been denied of the right to education due to poverty and isolation in their native town. Your immediate action will save a young kid from loitering on the streets in the future or even becoming a liability of our society by resorting to illegal acts due to insufficient knowledge on how to live a descent life.

     STAND UP AND SAY TO THE WORLD--- I CAN HELP IN MY OWN LITTLE WAY.

     P.S.- For further details, you can contact Mr. Erwin R. Relox via email (erwinrelox@zamilindustrial.com) or yours truly. You can also visit our FB account via this link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100001552462240 . Our website is http://www.kasimanwako.com/ . Due to site maintenance, accessing it is temporarily disabled.

     MADAMO GUID NGA SALAMAT SA MGA MAY MAAYO NGA KABUBUT-ON NGA MAY BALAK GUID NGA MAGBULIG SA GINAPTIGAYON NAMON NGA ADBOKASIYA.

     God bless the generous both in heart and spirit!

    

A Special Something

     Everyone is looking for that something.  a special thing so important in their life.

     Some find it sharing after a simple wake up.  Maybe, somewhere on top of a mountain for others. Some at a look in a child's innocent eyes. Some finds it in boisterous laughter of carefree people.

     Sometimes, you'll find it in a place so strange that you never thought it could be there. Some may find it in a faraway solitude. More often to a sweet grin of a zealous lover.

     To some, they find it in their deepest thoughts. It may be impossible at first but by heart's will and constant determination -- a willful spirit finds it in it's time.

     That special something which is possible from a parent's kiss, a teacher's nod, a friend's approval, a sportsman's wish, a mother's cry, a boy's desire or maybe a young child's dream.

     And when you find that special something it's like flying wingless for joy, swimming waterless in a ocean of peace, breathing like air less coming out. It's like sleeping in a broad daylight, wishing upon a star in a prickly heat of the sun, dancing in the heavy rain and waving in a crowdless stadium.

     What is that special something that I am talking about here? Why do people always put it first in their priority list, in the locket of their hearts, in the solemnity of their stare, in the passion of their affection, and in the sweetest caress of their hands.

     A special something- an abstract thing that manifest through our actions upon which if properly conveyed produces the inner joy from us.

     Guys, I am talking about LOVE. The binder of all that there is in us. the keeper of our faith, the holder of our commitment.

      So if ever you find it, never get loose of it. Keep it so dearly and grow along with it. With LOVE in our hearts it fuels our passion for anything that surrounds us.

      I just wanna share these thoughts upon having a time with some of the dearest people in my life. I have so many dearest people in life and they are counted on my list. Thanks guys, for the bonding we have had. It's getting more frequent and it's a joy in my heart keeping you around.

     To Sababan Family-- Kudos-- I am proud getting closer and closer to you. And to my God's gift-- my love for you  is getting deeper each day. It's true to me that distance is not a factor from the heart of a willing man. I love you guys!

Me and my God's gift Wida

Bay with Jon (3rd child of Fe and Jojo)

Me and Jannea (2nd child of Fe & Jojo)

the sweet couple Jojo & Fe (my cousin)



Wida and O.R. (youngest child of Fe and Jojo)



Jon, Jannea, Wida, Me and Fe

     Allen isn't around since he's in Pinas studying college - an engineering freshman.    

     Family bonding is highly important to me. It's a source of strength. It opens communication among members. It develops formidable unity. Collectively, it is what God wants for everyone of us.

     Time to sleep guys, until my next blog. I must brag that this post makes a lot of sense. Godbless everyone! Choose a happy life. Have a nice read.

The WedSat Smashers' Club

     If swimming and football occupies a special place in my heart so as badminton. I ain't no new to this sport. In fact I used to play badminton during my childhood until early teener days using improvised rackets and shuttlecocks in a not standardized playing field. Usually intended to just have fun with my cousins and playmates. During those times, I never thought that I can excel in this sport. Well, maybe because I just play it for fun & it wasn't so popular until the late 90's or early 2000's. Not so many youngsters and adults alike were so interested playing it until came present time. 

 

      Badminton was like a mushroom that just popped-out from a soil in today's time. So many were like so ga-ga hooking themselves playing it. Various reasons motivated them why they enroll into badminton clinics. There were people who play the game for health reason, some for extending circle of influences while many play just for the love of it.

     I so love the sport. It's like a rice that I always look forward to eat. Out of my passion for this sport, I really invest in buying badminton rackets, shuttlecocks and it's accessories.

  

      As my desire to reach the peak of my game I even befriended people who shares the same passion with me. I literally roamed and checked-out Badminton Courts within Manila just to get to know people and play with them. Visiting courts in as far as Toyota in Alabang, Christ The King in Muntinlupa, Metropolis in Alabang, The Metro in Boni behind Robinsons Mall, YMCA in Manila, The Smash Center in Bocobo, Olivarez Badminton Center in Binan and the place where I'm frequently at "The Smasher's Point near University of Perpetual Help-Binan Campus where I used to have regular session during Wednesdays and Saturdays. Inside Smasher's Point is the exact place where I knew my badminton buddies Mike and Menchie Dela Cruz, Arnold Nillo, Ren Ocampo, Mark Ambayec Abad, Cora Hidalgo, Joseph Lastrilla, Mark Malong and Claudette "Clang" Sadili. Clang isn't in photos because she was sick when these photos were taken. These were the coolest guys I know for a short period of time and became close to me that I consider them as long time friends. Indeed, real friendship doesn't recognize length of time but purest of intention. It knows no color, size, society status, and life's background. But it dwells in the heart invested through friendly interaction.

Me sportin' a smash position

Arnold and Cora

Mike and Menchie with Ren behind

Joseph, Mark Malong and Ren during a snack break.

Cora and I in mixed double action

Mark Abad with Igy in action

Ren in singles' action

      My separate buddies in Alabang were Filimar "Bocs" Boclot, Nigel Ian Dalumpines, Mike, Renar Lego, and Ace Adelante. I play with them during Mondays and Thursdays. Occasionally, we have our smashing encounters in Christ The King in Muntinlupa or in Toyota Alabang not to discount the court in Metropolis too.

     Out of our love and passion for the sport, whatever personal motivation each one of us has, we collectively decided and formed the WedSat Smashers' Club. As each one of us journey along to our separate lives, we met together for one goal alone--to continue playing one of the sports that makes our blood pressure runnin' at a normal rate. Our degree of commitment may vary but the love for this sport will remain in us as long as we can and still able to play the game.

     Life is like a game, most of the time you need to risk playin' it in order to win a challenge. But losing isn't the end of it all but a beginning of a stronger and wiser player in you. Most importantly, you have to play it with all your passion and enjoy every challenging encounters.

     Guys, hope to see you in December and looking forward to bond with you in our favorite melting pot--The Smasher's Point--where it all begun.

An Afternoon of Unwinding With Good Old Friends

      This story happened way back August 5 & 6, 2006. I just thought of sharing it with you guys. Too bad I don't have photos to share with you since it's in the Philippines. But nonetheless, just enjoy the short story of good old friends.

      Saturday-August 05, 2006 - T’was Saturday, past one o’clock in the afternoon. I was relaxingly lying on our sofa, I busied my eyes watching a noontime show in a popular channel, though at times switching channels looking for some great watch. While watching, I was holding in my left hand my oldest sister’s mobile phone (sssshh! truth was i just took it from her table without her knowledge) pity on me guys, my mobile was banned by the network….hehe kidding..actually.. it needs repair. So back to the topic…Mobile phone in my left hand and remote control in my right….Heck! What a luxury of time I got huh..no it’s just that no one was watching with me so I had all the freedom to do the shifting of channels…Not far from me was my cute li’l nephew, who at that time, was very occupied playing with his li’l robot gadget. I turned my attention to the mobile phone, checking for nothing,(Note: It wasn’t my habit prying on to someone’s private messages, if there are any, so I occasionally leave it unread as a respect to the owner) not even attempting of grabbing opportunity using the mobile phone for my friends…I just looked at it as if I am expecting a text from someone important, but in fact none at all. Suddenly, to my great surprise, a familiar message alert tone rang. Anxious excited as I am, I quickly checked on it and what a blast! it was my dear good friend and classmate Michelle’s text. It says, " Gud pm , makikisuyo po sana kay Kuya Joven, pakisabi naman sa kanya if sama siya with us Loren and Randy punta sa SM Mall of Asia nood "Pirates of the Carribbean" The Dead Man’s Chest."(Note: not really the authentic text but at least the key element was there). That was the content of her message, so I secretly grinned, To my mind, Michelle didn’t even realized that I was holding my sister’s phone that time.

     Here comes the pleasant twist. I wasn’t sure then if I’m gonna go on with my naughty plan of cracking a practical goodtime jokes. But I thought, since it was just a joke, I went on, I replied, but instead of responding plainly to her I had planned a pretentious tricky joke that I knew would made her and my other friends go a li’l wild. I made it a point that I’ll be using my sister’s name as if she was actually the one replying to Michelle. So I replied her back like this " Ay, censiya na po, nasa Italy na kc siya magto-two months na". Immediately, she replied back and she was a bit stunned and anxious when she learned of my sudden exit from the country. Here’s what she said in text "Daya talaga ng taong yon di man lang paalam us." My kinda naughty practical jokes made it successful in the first base. I convincingly made her believed that it was really my sister who was replying her and that I truly was in Italy already. (Har!har!har!) The exchanging of texts went on for almost ten or so consecutive texts. A sudden feel of guilt consumed me. It made me realized that it wasn’t good of an idea to continue fooling my good friends whose only pure intention was to invite me for a movie. So I quickly replied her that all those texts were pure lies and it was just a masterfully planned practical joke…just for some spice and fun in our convy.

     But my idea didn’t stop there, when Michelle learned that I was just joking, I teased her to pass on the joke with Loren, who by that time was already been aware of my fancy out of the country text dialogue. So, without so much prodding, Michelle agreed to pass on the joke to my poor dear Loren. Michelle promised that whatever texts she’ll received from Loren she’ll be forwarding them to me. And so the bigger naughty plan happened and indeed, we successfully fooled Loren about our crazy idea. "Loren was a bit worried about me. She was like in a state of disbelief. Thinking why I leave without even informing her and others. Feeling sorry about the unsuccessful date we’ve planned a month ago.She even asked Michelle if she knew my email address believing that at least she could reach me via email." On the other hand, we kept in touch with Randy and secretly told him about our li’l idea just in case Loren would verify from him about the truthfulness of the texts. Randy agreed to cooperate with us with no hesitation at all and in fact a bit excited about how Loren would react on my absence. Whew! What a foolish creatures we are. Plotting an incident based on foolish fancy and making someone go wild and us mockingly laughing our hearts out.

     It was really a hilarious Saturday afternoon for me and Michelle. It was like I was in a high mood of ecstasy due to that funny and exhilarating stupidity of mine.

     So when Michelle has gone through the feeling of sudden li’l paranoia, we decided to discuss about our original plan of meeting together for a movie. We decided to set the time for that quick-planned meeting we are goin’ to have. We first discussed about the finality of the movie all of us will watch. Discussed, argued, agreed. So our minds finally concluded one decision.."Pirates of the Carribbean" was the last thing on our mind in favor of Michelle and Randy who weren’t able to watch the movie yet. Though at the back of my mind and Loren we highly favored the movie "Sukob" for a change of atmosphere. But then, since it was Michelle’s authentic idea we subtlety submitted our reluctant yes. Now, the talk thru text came as to how we meet? Michelle was suggesting that I’ll fetch Loren from her house co’z she and Randy will be coming together. And it would be of best interest for both of us to be meeting them both .I politely disagreed of fetching Loren since I will be too inconvenient for me to go North of Manila reason that I’ll be coming from the south Las Piñas City to be exact. They agreed. On the contrary, Loren was hesitant to come due to her belief that I was not around when they meet. Hesitation enveloped Loren’s mind. But then again, Michelle has this ability of convincing someone just to join in and even though Loren was in a layback mood she still agreed to show up.

     Sunday-August 06, 2006 - Sunday morning comes. I was alarmed by Michelle’s text reminding me of our planned afternoon siesta. I tended my quick response to her affirming her to count me in. Agreed time of meeting was 2:00pm, SM Mall of Asia. Part of our get together was actually to check the newly built mall believed to be the biggest and grandest of all SM Malls. Lot of good reviews and delightful talks I’ve been hearing from those people who happened to visit the said mall. So the feeling of excitement embraced me and maybe they felt the same too.

     So came 12:00 noon, I wasn’t even busy preparing myself nor fixing what I’m gonna wear. Still undecided, I replied Michelle if I could just pair a simple shirts and a walking short with presentable slippers. I gauged she wasn’t that happy for me sportin’ such kinda outfit. But, I replied her that I am most comfortable with those get up since in the first place we’re not goin’ to attend some kinda formal party but a casual friends get together. I was favored and so I decided to wear shorts and slippers. Unmindful of the time, I was runnin’ late. so I replied them to extend some time to wait for me since I’ll be a bit late due to my miscalculation of traffic. Unfortunately, I was very late. It was like they’ve waited for me for almost two hours. I was really ashamed of my being late. Loren even called me when she finally knew I was coming, and her voice was a bit agitated and upset to me being late on the agreed time. All I can do is to plead an apology to her since that was my last resort to calm her out. And I came late. it was past 4:00pm when I finally arrived. Apology, apology, and apology was my words. So we went on immediately, queueing to buy tickets and bingo! We are inside the cinema 2 of the state-of-the-art entertainment center. Ambiance got cooler so as the people that surrounded me. There were no trace of irritation and high temperament from them when the movie begun. Instead, they were happy seeing me again and of course I did to with them…our get together is kinda getting on a regular basis and it was a great gestures and concerted effort on our part.

     After the movie, we decided to spend time in the seawalls facing the mall. Cracking old lines of jokes, spending happy time with each other’s company was what we busied ourselves just to kill the time. Indeed, that afternoon of unwinding ended up to an evening of happy moments. We went home separate ways at around 10:00pm.

     That rounded up my manuscript…just for the thought of it and just to put it in writing for good memories will always last in my young mind.

     The author wished to thanks Mr. Randy Ado, Ms. Michelle Balgoma and most especially Ms. Loren Royo…because they are the author’s inspiration and reasons for writing this article.

     To you guys, God Bless! Always keep the faith. Stay put!

I Know Nothing About You

I know nothing about you;
My recognition is clouded wiht ecstasy;
My wit is perplexed;
But I am happy to hear you great story.

I know nothing about you;
But your angelic face is the reason I smile;
I can’t quit thinking of you;
Nor has plan to erase you in my mind.


I know nothing about you;
But why am I spending so much time and thought;
Why do all these things happening?
Can I call these sweet coincidence?


I know nothing about you;
But the impact is mind-boggling;
For a casual start we ended up attached;
Your presence is consuming me viciously.

I know nothing about you;
But beyond far distance is genuine respect;
Beyond physical absence blooms affection;
In each God’s happy day I dwell in love.

I know nothing about you;
Yet the feeling radiates mutual understanding;
The emotion explodes in high adoration;
It seek no explanation but affection and action.


I know nothing about you;
My longing persist in each God-given day;
My fantasies are real and enigmatic;
Courage to trigger my constant desire;

MAYBE….. I know nothing about you;
But my desire will conquer all the barriers.

     This poem was created way back July 23, 2007 when I was inside Power Books in Alabang Town Center browsing several books by Og Mandino, Dave Pelzer and Paolo Coelho. I wrote it after a meet-up with a girl.

     It was a gloomy afternoon then when a woman named Claire - a foxy lass from BF Resort in Las Pinas City, approached me and ask my assistance regarding a book she was searching which was authored by Paolo Coelho. The book's exact name was "The Alchemist". As much as I wanted to spoil her all about it since I already read the book twice my lips was rendered speechless. Speechless for two reasons: 1. She is absolutely foxy and smart 2. She is so kind and accomodating. Guys, won't you believe but she offered me to go with her for a coffee inside Starbucks after the book store chat which yours truly never hesitated. I just told her "KKB" nalang. Since nakakahiya naman if she'll pay for it alone even when she initiated that friendly gesture. She was interested since we both have common interest--and that's--reading. It's like we can sit or laid back whole day eating nothing especially if we are too hooked with a particular story. She discloses also that she's studying at Saint Paul- Manila with a degree in Tourism. A thing that sparks my interest more since I love travelling. But to cut the story short--our meet-up never ended into something special since after exchanging numbers I accidentally lost hers for reason that I just wrote it in a Starbucks tissue napkin. No regrets--afterall that afternoon is one of the best memories I have had.

     This is just part of my past and just retelling it for your delight. Have a nice read guys. Until the next entry. Have to prepare a slideshow for my talk in SFC Covenant Orientation on Thursday (January 27, 2011).