United Colors Of Benetton

Why am I writing about the title above? I don't even know where this product brand originates, Yet,I’ll still borrow this name as I do this blog post.

I started writing years back, a time when blogging is not in the main stream yet. A time when pager is the “in thing” in communication, a time when texting is nowhere in sight yet.

And today, I must say nag-level up na si Spidey, nagba-blogging na. Salamat to me at sa sariling pagsisikap matuto ayun at natuto na rin ng paunti-unti. Ika nga take it slow ng “Freestyle”.

Surprisingly, my blog has been gaining audiences from around the world. A dream I was waiting even before. LoL. Mapangarap lang. hahaha.

So far, I have seen visitors in as far as Croydon, UK, Durres, Albania, Bangkok, Thailand, Singapore, Riyadh, KSA, Dubai, UAE, London, England, Athens, Greece, New Jersey, USA, Bay Area, California, and cities I never imagine of knowing. Though my “Live Visitor’s Feed” won’t show them all since it just maintained 10 new visitors at the most. Still I am happy for this result.

So,these visitors from different countries explains why I used United Colors of Benetton. It's because they came from different countries with various flag colors and I just associate them to the brand name.

These, along with my visitor friends are my driving force, my fuel, my inspiration to write....to continue to write.

And like U.C.O.B. This blog will be as varied as it can be, as assorted as it appear and as inspiring as it can become.

CHEERS to United Colors Of Benetton :)

Juicy Jay

It was quite sometime now since I've been actively blogging and only just now that I was intrigued to use a catchy name. A self-coined name way back in December of 2009 when we're having a random photo shoots in a seaside here in my current place. 

As far back as I can recall, it was a random photo shoot done by bro. Aris for the purpose of putting a calendar for 2010 based on the birthdays of the person participated and the title if I'm not mistaken was "HOMBRE DE CALENDARIO". LoL. What a name! hahaha!

This was what I'm talking about:

Juicy Jay

JUICY JAY? LoL, quite funny isn't it. I just want people to laugh their hearts out when they see my name on the upper right portion of my blog. Maybe it'll work, maybe it'll be awkward. But nonetheless, gagamitin ko pa rin 'to. Walang basagan ng trip. Kanya kanya lang yan. hahaha.

Hmmm..Will it arouse different reactions? Will it stereotyped me to someone I'm not. But then, it's up to the first impressionist and it's up to the personality diggers. LoL. 

While doing this entry I can't stop myself from laughing. Hahaha. Even me is quite in a bit disagreement. But, my purpose is just plain and simple. I just want to use a name to spread laughter and for readers to be in wide grin after they saw it. LOL! (What's happening to me? Jay, are you still in sanity?) LOL.

And the answer is YES! Yes, I am still in my sound mind. It's just the idea that creeps the hell out of me. LoL. Whatever reactions, comments, or beyond that it won't affect me or none will be ever matter, I am who I am. I am free to choose any pseudonym I want to. And no one can stop me except my own.

Just bear with me guys, And just laugh your hearts out boisterously. CHEERS!

Of Thrills and Chills

Chilling while being thrilled? Or thrilled while chilling? 

Have you ever got into this feeling? It's kind of a weird one right? When one goes with the other or likewise. Well, I'm not a neophyte on this as I've gotten them several times.

In fact, I got it again tonight. And why is that so? Well, for quite few reasons. Firstly, thrilled for the soon-to-be-meet-up of a relative (his name is Christian Rafol) working as a nurse in London for the first time. We just got connected way back in 2009 through social network Facebook and this is our first time to see each other since we began fooling each other online two years back...hahaha..just kidding. And hopefully exchange few conversation. He's anxious excited while I'm just chillingly thrilled. There is this certain kind of unexplainable thought which confronts both of us especially because we'll be meeting each other for the first time. Well, understandable since we didn't even had a chance to bump into each other our entire life before. The uncertainty that maybe the person is way too different as he is online. I can't call it "meeting a stranger" either since we are consanguineous-related.

What further chilled me up is how we got our flights bound for Manila in the same time and schedule, boarding the same airbus without us even noticing about it. It just a coincidence so to speak. And what crept him up is the weird thought of how did it went that way--speaking of the same flight when we didn't even talked about it. We've arranged our flight bookings separately. He is from London and Dammam is where I am at right now. 

We just learned this fateful thing tonight while we were talking over the phone. He called me up for a different thing and through the course of our long convy, we got into our flight details. And there it goes, it's like the universe connived for us to finally meet. Our brotherly friendship became even closer as we banked on two common grounds. One is that we are relatives and two is that my younger brothers were once his classmates way back and close friends too up until now.

Another follow up thrilling thing is the thought of anticipation for our (Ken and I) entries for the Middle East Conference "Reflection Writing Contest". I was highly waiting for the final announcement of the short-listed entries of KSA contestants tonight as scheduled, but my excitement were engulfed by the news Sis. Jodie of SFC Riyadh broke into me. She told me that we'll still have to wait for another uncertain and a bit agonizing week since the jurors decided to postpone it for another week. She discloses that they need more time for deep discernment and prayers to cast their verdict to all the entries. So far, I'm still crossing my fingers. Just hoping but not highly expecting though as there are numerous brilliant minds in the field that friendly compete against me. 

For me personally, MEC is a big thing here in the Mid East and be given the chance to participate is such an honor more than whatever lucrative thing at stake for it. It gives me the platform to voice out our insights and opinions about a topic assigned to us. Insights that we know will matter to our fellow SFC and the entire community. As opinions reflect of how we have gone far in our lives in the community. How we have embraced the myriad of insightful teachings they taught us.

So, these are what I've had tonight. A mixture of different feelings. Feeling of quiver. Of shiver or shudder. Of thrills and chills.

And like what the lyrics of Coldplay's song: "Every tear drop is a waterfall. And I quote: Every thrills is an awesome chill as every chill resonates thrills.'

It's because tonight is so wonderful. Tonight is of thrills and chills.

That Night

     And I wrote:

This is that night;

When we had our spirits low

This is that night;

When we thought a friend's dream blows.

This is that night;

We keep thinkin' why and why

This is that night;

Even answers seems so shy.

This is that night;

Our efforts to stay alive

This is that night;

Was overshadowed by doubts and inner cries.

This is that night;

We keep ourselves composed and tact

This is that night;

We can no longer hide the crack.

This that night.

Our biggest fears we come to face

This is that night;

Our prayers did manifest. 

     This is that night when one of our dear friends was on its lowest of lows. We came to a rescue and attempted to paint with words of encouragement his thousand pains. A pain that when he wakes up in the morning a feeling of relief has replaced. All the blur will become clear. All the doubts will suddenly disappear. All the fears will turn to courage.

     This is that night when we're all tongue-tied and mouth shut. But, this is that night also where we all utter our fervent prayers.

Sattie, Archie, ME, Ronnie, Marlon & Jansenn

     One day, we highly hope that things will come as fine to you. If it's God's hard way of refinement for you, then so be it. Humbly accept the challenge. We may not be at your side in your life's greatest battle, but our prayers and well wishes will always be there every time you feel the pain in the process.

     Just keep the faith, never give up. Faith is the manifestation of hope. We are sure you're abundant with that. The community is behind you all the way. Get well soon, T2 Ronnie Bautista.

P.S. - I could have added a video in here but the format of the video isn't compatible and is being rejected by the settings, so this is a video-less entry.

Inspiring People: Part 1 - Meet The Kielburger

     WARNING: This post might be too long for non-readers (especially yong tamad magbasa) but, I can guarantee you it's worth the read once you've started, even a blink won't interrupt you from finishing...lol. Seriously, it is worth the read. Please give your eyes a chance to finish right down the last lines.     


     Like what I've promised in my previous post "People Who Inspire Me - The Concept", two people topped the list of those whom I draw inspiration from. These two brothers were extra-ordinary people yet living in humility. 


     Here a video of Craig doing online invites from people around Canada and the world to join in their cause in Free The Children.

     
     Introducing: Craig Kielburger & Marc Kielburger, Canadians, founded the "FREE THE CHILDREN" organization back in 1995. 

Craig @ 12

How Did I Know About Him (Them)?  
  
     How did I learn about them? It happened one hot afternoon of 2004 while I was browsing books for re-sale at BOOKSALE in SM Southmall (Las Pinas Branch). As I can remember, I was waiting for my relatives that afternoon but realized that they were still far from SM's vicinity. So I decided to stroll around and eventually ended up in BookSale store at the far north wing of the mall. 


     It is a normal routine for me whenever I visit malls to initially check out bookstores since I am a reader. While waiting, I busied myself browsing different books that might interest me. And so after series of scanning, I found this book "Free The Children". I was intrigued, so I opened and read the back portion (the synopsis) and I was just fascinated and captivated when I learned that the author of that book is a 12-year old boy named "Craig Kielburger" eventhough I'm still uncertain if his book was worth the read. Without a second thought, I immediately handed it over to the cashier to pay for a cheap price of P60.00 pesos. It's under re-sale that's why the price is way way inexpensive.

Craig @ 28 now

     So, let me give you a brief background of Craig Kielburger. He was born on December 17, 1982 in Thornhill, Ontario, Canada. He is Canadian. An activist for the rights of children. He is the co-founder of "Free The Children" - an international organization of development and youth empowerment helping children around the world & co-founder of "ME to WE". On February 20, 2007, he was named a member of the "Order of Canada" by the Governor General of Canada. 


     He attended Bishop Scalabrini Catholic School, in Thornill which is where he did a school project which eventually gave birth to Free The Children and was assigned by Mr. Fedrigoni of Bishop Scalabrini. He graduated with a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, a double minor in Psychology and Politics from University of Toronto. In 2009, he completed his Executive MBA at Schulich School of Business at York University as the program's youngest ever graduate. For full biography and advocacy, please click this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Kielburger (credits goes to Wikipedia)


     Let's jump now to his older brother Marc Kielburger. 

Marc Kielburger - eldest & only brother of Craig

     Marc Kielbruger, CM, OMC, (born 1977) is a Canadian author, humanitarian and activist for children's rights. he is the co-founder of Free The Children, an international development and youth empowerment organization.


     Kielburger is also the co-founder and Director of Me to We. The goal of Me to We is to make ethical living become the norm while helping Free The Children achieve financila sustainability.


     After attending Brebeuf College School in Toronto, Kielburger graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard University, completing a degree in International Relations. He won a coveted Rhodes Scholarship and went on to complete a law degree at Oxford University with an emphasis on human rights law. He has also received two honorary doctorates for his work in the field of education and human rights.


     He is the co-author of national best sellers Take Action! A Guide to Active Citizenship, Take More Action and most recently, the New York Times Best Seller Me to We: Finding Meaning in a Material World. For full biography and advocacy, please click this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Kielburger (credits goes to Wikipedia)

What inspired me about them?

Talking of inspiration, there are lots of people that thrilled me in this aspect. Definitely, I need at least one notebook or one pad of paper to list them. But I'll be both objective and subjective to them, These brothers inspired me in so many ways than one. As someone who is so inclined in social work, I really admired them for their efforts in helping children around the world. Which is why it triggered me more to be closely involved in various organizations that focuses on under privileged children's literacy and education.

Currently, I have been involved in two separate organizations in the Philippines. One is, Silid Aralan Inc. (www.silidaralan.inc) spearheaded by a good friend of mine Arcie G. Mallari. and the other one is Kasimanwa Ko Association (www.kasimanwako.com) - a hometown social organization being run and co-founded by a great friend of mine Erwin R. Relox

Marc & Craig

     It's just so amazing to get to know these people and be influenced by their works and how they live their lives. By the way, I'll brag on this though it's just a petty thing, but it matters to me. When my dear friend Arcie Mallari went to Canada for further studies, he got this chance to meet-up with my idol Craig in one of the events there. As I prodded him to say hi to Craig for me, he made my request realized. He was able to exchanged few words to Craig and say hi for me. That's awesome right? Being mentioned in a conversation by your idol in a very rare occasion is like epic to me. I can't ask for more. And it happened just this year. I guess it was June or July ( I can't just be sure, but definitely within those moths frame).

     This book below is the reason why my enthusiasm to work with the needy has escalated more than I dreamed of. 

The Book

     So, basically, these are two of the Top 10 list of "Inspiring People" I'll be featuring in my blogs. Can't wait for the next one? Just sit back, relax, and wait for the my second entry on this. I just hope that through this writing, you'll be inspired and also start your social work too by getting involved to one of the many organizations with the same advocacy. 

     Let us be movers and shakers and do not stay idle to our comfort zone. Let us go for high adventure of living a life that is inclined to our purpose. And let us always be a person to others.

Reflection

     In our SFC community, we have this annual M.E. Conference gathering. I can still remember the joyous and euphoric moments when I attended one in Manama, Bahrain way back in 2009.

     It is our yearly gathering of Praise and Worship to our Creator. A time where all are gathered to pour in their hearts and souls to glorify our great God. To have awesome fun, to enjoy each other's company, to participate in different workshops and teachings, to get to know other delegates within the M.E. Region. All boiling down to thanking Him for all that He has done for us. For all the blessings which sustain us and trials which keep us stronger.

     In this year's conference which will be held in Doha, Qatar, the over-all organizing committee decided to make some enhancement in this year's format. And so they devise this "SFC Reflection Writing" competition as one of the modifications. Each countries are requested to submit a maximum of three (3) entries. 

     And yours truly submitted an entry which focus on Mark 12: 38-44 as our gospel reading to reflect on. Please find below photo as my official entry in the said competition which is still subject for short listing. We are only given a maximum of 200 words and we should fully abide with the mechanics (I won't elaborate it here) to create a competitive entry.

     Yours truly is hoping (fingers crossed) that I may be included in the short-listed official entries. If not, participating is more than an honor for me as I treat winning as secondary. The bottom line is that I was able to take part in this year's MEC despite my absence. If you find it hard to read the full text of my entry, please read it below;

WE OWE IT FROM HIM

     "The pure intention coming from a sincere heart of the poor widow affected me the most. It is through our genuine intention which truly matters and not by the amount being presented.

     Being Christ's follower, this passage reminds me that life isn't sized up by how big or small we give but by how sincerely we offer. There are riches in poverty that God wants us to realize. We oftentimes view being poor as something to be championed for or eradicate. But in Mark's gospel, it is presented as something to be glorified. That, in reality, the joy in living and of living isn't in the possession of material riches but in our ability to be faithful in transcending the real essence of giving.

      This gospel made me realize and reflect that it isn't about what we accumulate that makes us who we are. It is about what we owe from Him that all our actions deeply roots for. He is the giver of all that we need and therefore we should rightfully return with sincerest intention what was originally His. It's because in life, all that we have we owe it from Him."

     

     To all participating delegates, good luck and may God be praised.

Naisip Lang

People ARRIVE.

They come to SHARE.

People GO.

Sometimes, they bring TEAR.

But life is a BLUR.

Nothing's CERTAIN.

Just play what's your PART.

Act it to ENTERTAIN.

Bothered?

     

     I've had a very exhausting and physically draining day today, lots of work had to share their time with me. Did office stuff while doing the laundry, working on updates for my big day, doing purchasing queries & worst of all phone ringing every now and then too. I hate the idea of answering phone calls when I'm in the middle of doing something. 
     
     General cleaning in my room is quite a daunting task sometimes. Especially when there are various thoughts bugging my mind. Plus the burden of ironing my clothes...ugghhh..I hate it. But who else would do it for me? Clothes piled up and waiting for my hands to pick them up lay it on top of the iron flat stand. In short, I had a share of physical and mental works today.

     While doing all those stuff at the same time, with only few breaks at intervals, I feel like I'm stressed big time. I haven't been feeling this mind drifts as I call it as tiring as it is. I don't know, but I just felt so low this week. I'm like not in my best condition-physically & emotionally. There are anxious moments where it just puts me to stop amidst something I'm working on.

     Right now, it's 1AM and I'm still wide awake. I'm trying to invite Mr. Sleep to visit me quickly but it seems though that he's like so faraway from where I'm at. He's not even caring that I badly need a good sleep for almost weeks now. I've engulped two mugs of milk tea in my attempt to sleep but I just can't sleep now.

     I know there is something significant that's bothering me right now. I know that I need to address it sooner before it gets blown up and out of proportion. Oh God!....I need you this time. 

     God, you know very well what's inside my heart. My struggles, my pains, my sorrows as well as my hopes, my aspirations, my courage, and my strength. Right now, I'm leaving all my worries to you. Lead me to your path and direct my thoughts as well as my actions. 

     As I attempt to sleep now this is what I want to ask from you, GOD, grant me peace of mind and a forgiving heart. 

     Good night LORD. Put me at peace when I wake up in the morning.

Goal + Focus = Target Reached

     I have been sitting all day since 10AM in the morning working on an urgent office work and my butt is aching now. Awwwww....ang sakit talaga...hahaha..sign of aging..hahaha. And so I decided to take a break. 

     Now my company is a mug of milk with tea blend. Take note, It's LIPTON's Clear Green Tea (my fave). I need to sip something hot to freshen me up so I did one mug. And I'm using my fave mug. Actually it's a coffee mug but been using it for blending tea as well.

     While doing some relaxation after havin' a break from the enslaving "inventory reconciliation + purchasing follow-up & inquiries" and my right hand holding the mug of milk tea, may naisip na naman ako. "Jay lagi ka nalang may naiisip..tugon ko sa sarili. Well, eh ano ang magagawa ko eh sadyang palaisip lang akong tao...hehehe..

     I think I need to set a more concrete GOAL this time. I think I need to set high priorities in my life. Well, it's not that I don't have one, but I guess there is a need to re-organize what's existing. I can feel the monotony. I want to break out from the routine existence.

     Suddenly, I just feel I want to resign to my current life and embark to a new adventure. Ang lalim nun ah...hahaha..puno ng meaning..tsk..tsk..ano naman kaya ang new adventures. Jay, how about doing some innovation of what's already existing. It's more like enhancing, putting more colors.

    Siguro nga napapahon na, kelangan na. Kelangan ng tuldukan ang kung anong meron ako na di na ako masaya. Marami ng mga bagay at mga pangyayari na di na ako masaya. Maging iilan sa mga nakakasalamuha ko ay di na ako nagiging comfortable. Tama ba tong gagawin ko. Pero siguro nga may "wisdom" akong makukuha sa "bold move" kung ito. Sabihin na nating kelangan ko lang mag-isip, mag-isa, mag-contemplate, mag-reflect. Siguro maiintidihan naman nila ang magiging desisyon ko.

     Gusto kung ibalik ang dating ako. Ang dating may focus, in control, and mapangarap. Di ko na rin sasabihin dito "in details" kung anu-anong mga pagbabago ang gusto kung gawin. Kasi, kapag inilagay ko pa dito natitiyak kung puno na naman nang pang-aalaska ang aabutin ko. Hayaan ko nalang na ang pagbabago ko ang magbibigay sa kanila ng ideya or hayaan ko nalang na sila ang makapansin.

     I have reached a point in life where things & situations start becoming a bit blurred. So, before it swallows me, I'll do the change to make it sparks again. Like the tea I'm drinking now, I want my life to be as CLEAR AND GREEN again.

     And so today, GOALS has been set & FOCUS starts now and eventually TARGET will be reached.

    I'm more determined now. I whisk-off the idea that I'll be doing this to prove something but I'm doing this for my self-improvement. Lord, guide me on this high adventure. A shift which isn't easy. So, I'll say, Jay, good luck to you.

Wake Up

     What keeps you motivated to wake up...err..I mean to wake up early and enthusiastically?

     Waking up early in the morning, in my opinion, is the best. Unang una, nakaka inspire makita si Haring Araw na sumisikat palang at ang dampi ng "sun rays" sa ating mga mala-porselanang kutis ng balat ay sadyang napakasarap sa pakiramdam.

     As the say, our sun produces energy and vitamins which our body needs. So, that's basically the primary reason why I always wake-up as early as I could even when there were times na "puyat ako. Especially, kapag mayroon akong lakad or importanteng gagawin, kahit one hour sleep lang sa akin is enough na.

     It's Friday morning here in downtown Dammam and I'm off from work. BUT, I still be working since I'm rushing things (nagdala ako ng trabaho sa bahay----wow the first time ever since I joined my current company) due to a vacation which culminates like in a month. Yeheey! makakauwi na rin sa wakas. And looking forward to the more bondings with my family and friends and new acquiantances as well.

     I feel sorry that I need to turn down the hosting (emcee-ing) job in our community acitivity today. And I'll miss the teaching and bonding too.  But I need to since I really have to finished "bulk paper works" from the office today. I hate turning down favors but I only have one body and as our community teaches us "we should always learn to say no" when necessary. I am sure, with lots of talented and interesting people in the community, hopefully bro. Leo will be able to find one.

     Shifting aside, ano nga ba ang mga bagay that positively push you to wake up? And here's some random thoughts why I'm interested to wake up early everyday.

     1. I wake up to thank God for another day of my life.

     2. I wake up to feed my hungry stomach (ang babaw...lol)

     3. I wake up to take a bath, fix myself and go to work (need to since work is my bread and butter).

     4. I wake up to reach out to people I love.

     5. I wake up thinking how can I be of help to someone in need for that day.

     6. I wake up excited to continue working on my dreams

     7. I wake up to think & work on things I love (like writing, reading & eating-:))

     8. Gumigising ako kasi may mga moments na masarap ang kape sa umaga (di ako coffee drinker, milk drinker ako with tea blend.)

     9. Gumigising ako kasi lagi kung gusto ang amoy ng pandesal and dairy cream sa umaga (kahit wala dito sa kinaroroonan ko..lol)

     10. Gumigising ako kasi gusto kung makita ang masasayang ngiti ng mga taong mahal ko.

     So, If I may ask you, "What motivates you to wake up early everyday?