UA&P'S I AM S.T.R.O.N.G

David Cook! American Idol Star

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:18:00 +0000

Hello everyone! How are you guys? We miss you all. Keep being STRONG.

Thank you!!

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:01:00 +0000

Jewelz says...

Just wanna say thanks to all the readers of I am STRONG. Sad to say but the semester is ending and we'll be graduating! :) Thanks also to my groupmates!!

Here's an interesting video my friend Jem shared with me...

Blogs by UA&P IMC students:

your world vision - http://urworldvision.blogspot.com

ikeeplovereal - http://ikeeplovereal.blogspot.com

project isko - http://uapprojectisko.blogspot.com

isharehappiness - http://isharehappiness.blogspot.com

out of place - http://uap-outofplace.blogspot.com

knowledge channel - http://kchanneluap.blogspot.com

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: Save Up!

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:21:00 +0000

Sara says..

We all know that Summer’s coming up and most of us won’t get our weekly allowances anymore, once classes have ended. For other future purposes, saving always comes in handy. It’s time to get practical by saving up money.

These tips will help all of us practice saving to live a practical and disciplined daily life. Here are a few tips on how to save money: (by Stephanie Dychiu)

#1: First of all, set aside 10% of your allowance. If you get P100 a day, stash 10 pesos and use only the 90. Or ask your parents to save it for you.

#2: Bring home-cooked food to school. Especially, last night’s leftovers would be more practical for it saves you money from cooking more food.

#3: Stop yourself from going to malls all the time. For now, focus on the places and things that will not tempt you to purchase things you don’t need. Need more clothes? I suggest you take a trip to bazaars or even ukay-ukay. They are cheap and if you look through clothes well, there are chances you’d see really good finds.

#4: Try to find a part-time job. I know we’re all young here, but try to be business-minded as soon as now. Sell things like candies, “kikay” stuff and others, or apply as an English tutor. You’re very much encouraged to do the things you love doing.

#5: Have a goal with a deadline and work towards it. Start saving up and plan certain goals ahead of time, so as to have a goal to look forward to. That should motivate us to do well in all our endeavors.

#6: Once you’ve been able to save as much money, like 1000 pesos, you could deposit at least 500 of you money. This will keep you going and saving.

Easy right? No, it is not easy, but you can develop the habit as you continue to do such. Let me know what you think? Do you save? We’d love to hear your side. J

Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P's I am S.T.R.O.N.G: Proverb

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 05:45:00 +0000

John ponders,

Final exams ahead of us! Reflect for a while and think of Him, our source of Wisdom and Knowledge.

"If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

James 1:5

Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P I AM STRONG- Just your LUCK!

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 14:14:00 +0000

Krystle shares some good stuff...

Luck is often regarded as a force that works for good and bad in a person’s like. Naturally, we all want the good. That’s why we go to some extremes to make sure that we become lucky and we stay that way—using a lucky pencil for a test, wearing lucky socks for a badminton tournament, or even keeping a lucky penny in our wallets! However, there are some people who seem to think that they are followed by bad luck wherever they go. To those people, take heart. Here’s an article by Angel Constantino which presents 7 strategies on how you can change your fate.

BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE LUCKY.

You create your own luck based on how you think and see things. If you believe that you will always be unlucky in love for example, you might just end up attracting the wrong kind of person. Train your mind to be more optimistic. If you begin the day on a positive note, you draw yourself to more potential lucky situations. Once you change your mindset, you’ll be surprised at how much your luck will change!

BE OPEN TO ALL POSSIBILITIES.

Lucky people are lucky because they know a good opportunity when they see one. If you want to create your own good luck, it’s important to have an open mind. Don’t disregard those things that seem coincidental. For instance, if you need to earn extra cash and your friend asks your help to start and online business, explore the idea—it might just be the break you are looking for.

TURN YOUR BAD LUCK INTO GOOD LUCK.

If you got a low grade on a paper, focus on what went right instead of berating yourself for what went wrong. Evaluate what you did and think about what you can do to make it better. This allows you to look at the positive side of any situation and will bring you good luck the next time around.

KNOW THE MOST GOOD LUCK COMES FROM OTHER PEOPLE.

Lucky breaks are often brought to you by other people. Say, you hear a classmate complaining about how this teacher is Malabo and how difficult it is to understand the lessons. Instead of griping along with them, a light bulb clicks in your head and you think of a peer tutoring project to help them. It even impresses your teachers that they give you a leadership award! Your classmates will be amazed at how lucky you are but the truth is, the idea came from them!

BE READY FOR LUCK.

Good luck favors those who are prepared for it. Imagine you’ve always dreamed of being an actress in your favorite telenovela. One day, a talent scout watches you in a school play, and is impressed by your performance, and invites you to an audition. Are you prepared for this big break? Or are you just going o fake your way though it? Opportunities like this come only once in a lifetime. Though it was handed to you on a silver platter, you still have to work hard to turn your dream into reality.

BE MORE GENEROUS.

As the saying goes, “The more you give, the more you receive.” The orectice of generousity—becoming more understanding, learning to be more cheerful, and being a better friend—are surefire ways to attract luck. Improving your attitude will also enhance your overall wellbeing—and you cant get any luckier than that!

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHATEVER HAPPENS IN YOUR LIFE.

The Universal Law of Attraction states that “like attracts like.” If you are focused enough on your goals, you will attract exactly what you want, and vice versa. When things go wrong in our lives we tend to deny any responsibility and blame others. But if there’s anything in your life you want to change, nobody can do it but yourself.

Do you consider yourself lucky? Why? What do you do or have to keep that luck stuck to you? Tick the comment link and share 'em with us!

*we support UA&P I AM STRONG

UA&P - I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: 5 Ways to Beat the Clock

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 10:41:00 +0000

Joie shares..

I have 3 more weeks to go and I’ll be done with school! Summer, home, rest, fun and no stress :) But before all that happens, the last 3 weeks for school will be extra hectic for me. I have too many things to accomplish in a limited amount of time. My planner is filled with meetings, presentations , exams and deadlines. Hmm.. not a very pretty sight!

I’m sure most of you are also going through the same thing. So here’s something I found which might be helpful! Take time to read and apply these useful tips for you not to be too stressed during the last weeks of school! Good luck everyone! :)

5 Ways to Beat the Clock

Taking a minute to read this will actually save you time … and stress.

by Cherissa Roebuck

1. Start at the Top

You can't do everything, right? But you can do the most important things. That's why you have to figure out what's really important, what's kind of important and what's not so important. Here's how: Make a list of ways you spend your time. Include homework, watching TV, sports, time with family and friends, IMing, and other things you do during a typical week.

Next, rank each item on the list with a number, from most important to least important. The next time you must decide between two activities, think about your priority list and choose the activity that's more important. Another important tip: If you play on two sports teams and are in three different clubs, take a hard look at all five activities and decide which of the five are most important. You may even have to cut out two or three activities. Yeah, it's tough, but concentrating on, say, one sport makes you a better, more-focused athlete than splitting your energy and your time between three. It will also help you avoid burnout.

2. Get Organized

"I forgot!" "I'm late again!" "I can't make the debate meet! I have an appointment with my orthodontist!" Sound familiar? Then you seriously need some organization in your life. Without it, you'll end up late, lost and losing out. With it, you'll probably end up with more time than you thought possible. Want a little organizational secret? It's called a PDA or day planner. You need something to help you keep a detailed schedule of all of your assignments, appointments and responsibilities—as well as an up-to-date list of important phone numbers and e-mail addresses. A PDA or day planner will help keep you from double-booking; it will also help keep you from losing assignments and important phone numbers.

3. Be Nice to Yourself

With all the things you have to do, it's easy to forget about taking care of your body. Don't let that happen. The next time you're tempted to pull an all-nighter or skip another meal because you're late for play practice, think twice. And think priority list. Decent eating habits, sleep and exercise should probably be near the top of the list. Here's the thing: When you're healthy and well rested, you feel better and you usually end up making the best use of the time you have.

4. Say "No"

If you're the type of person who's constantly overcommitting, you must learn to say no. Even if an activity or opportunity is good, it could be a bad choice if you already have too much to do. Possible problem: You overcommit because you're a people pleaser. That's a tough one, but try working on this area of your life. Practice saying no in a mirror. Spend time thinking about how much God loves you for who you are. Memorize Psalm 139:13-18. Repeat this sentence over and over: "I am important not because of what I do, but because God loves me!"

5. Don't Waste Small Spaces

Every day is the hiding place for small spaces of time. Search them out and put them to work. Let's say you're waiting in line at the mall. You can tap your foot impatiently over that terribly slow sales clerk. Or you can pull out small note cards and work on Spanish vocab. What about those spaces of time you spend waiting for a friend to arrive? Make good use of those five or ten minutes: Clear your floor of dirty clothes, write a note to a friend, pray for a family member. Another way to use those small spaces: Think about how you can use those small spaces!

* Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P - I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: Allow God to Write Your Love Story

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:37:00 +0000

Ruther writes..

How do you find your true mate at an early age? Many young people get into boy-girl relationships while they’re still in high school. They think that what they actually experiencing is true love. However, are we really in a relationship for the right reasons? Are we praying and committing our future partner to God? This might be something God would say for those people who are in a hurry to be in a relationship.

On His Plan for Your Mate

Everyone longs to give himself/ herself completely to someone, to be loved thoroughly and exclusively. But God says:

“No, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled and contented with living, loved by me alone; with giving yourself totally and unreservedly for me. To have an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone.”

“I love you My child. You won’t be capable of true love and cannot experience also the kind of love I’ve planned for you, until you discover that only in Me can you find satisfaction.

I want you to stop planning, stop wishing and instead just allow Me to give the thrilling plan existing—one that you cannot imagine. I want you to have the best. Please allow Me to bring it to you. Keep learning and listening to the things I am telling you – you must wait. Don’t be anxious. Don’t look around at the things others got for themselves or those that I have given them. Don’t look for things you think you want. Just keep your eyes on Me or you’ll miss what I want to show you.

And then when you are ready, I will surprise you with love far more than wonderful that you’d ever dream. You see, until you are ready and until the one I have for you is ready, (I’m working even this very moment to have both of you ready), and until you are both satisfied exclusively with ME and the life I have prepared for you, you won’t; be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me. And this is perfect love.”

Don’t hurry love for it will come in the right place and time.

Allow God to write your love story!

*Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P I am STRONG- Prepping for the Finals

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:08:00 +0000

Krystle thinks you should read this

Do you sweat, chew your pencil, and feel butterflies in your stomach as your teacher hands out a test? A lot of people (adults included) get freaked out when it's time to take a test.

It's natural to feel some stress about taking tests. In fact, sometimes a little adrenaline (a hormone made by your body during times of excitement or stress) is a good thing to jump-start you.

Finals is just around the corner so here some tips for taking tests that I found:

First, be sure you've studied properly. It sounds like a no-brainer, but if you're sure of the information, you'll have less reason to be worried.
Get enough sleep the night before the test. Your memory recall will be much better if you've had enough rest. In a scientific study, people who got enough sleep before taking a math test did better than those who stayed up all night studying.
Listen closely to any instructions. As the teacher hands out the test, be sure you know what's expected of you.
Read the test through first. Once you have the test paper in front of you, read over the entire test, checking out how long it is and all the parts that you are expected to complete. This will allow you to estimate how much time you have for each section and ask the teacher any questions. If something seems unclear before you start, don't panic: ask.
Focus on addressing each question individually. As you take the test, if you don't know an answer, don't obsess over it. Instead, answer the best way you can or skip over the question and come back to it after you've answered other questions.
Relax. If you're so nervous that you blank out, you might need a mini-break. Of course you can't get up and move around in the middle of a test, but you can wiggle your fingers and toes, take four or five deep breaths, or picture yourself on a beach or some other calm place. As we all know, it can be easy to forget things we know well - like a locker combination. The difference is we know we'll remember our locker combination because we've used it hundreds of times, so we don't panic and the combination number eventually comes back. During a test, if you blank out on something and start to get tense, it suddenly becomes much more difficult to remember.
Finished already? Although most teachers will let you hand a test in early, it's usually a good idea to spend any extra time checking over your work. You also can add details that you may not have thought you'd have time for. On the other hand, if you have 5 minutes until the bell rings and you're still writing, wind up whatever you're working on without panicking.

These tips should help most people, but some can get serious test-taking terror. If you're one of them, you may need to talk to a parent, teacher, or counselor for help.

Good luck!

Do you have any tips to share? Stuff that worked for you in the past? Tick the comment box and start typing! Cheerio!

*brought to you by UA&P I AM STRONG

UA&P - I am STRONG: SPANK'd

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:55:00 +0000

Jewelz says...

I am also an active blogger at SPANK'd. It is a blog created to turn passive audiences in to active ones by being able to point out unethical ads.

Definition:

SPANK (spăngk)
v., SPANK'd, spank·ing, spanks.
To discipline an ad because of it’s unethical content.

There are many advertisements that are unethical, yet as audiences, we just allow the ad to pass us by. The long term effect of passive viewing of unethical ads can be very harmful. It can desensitize us and sooner or later we would be accepting unethical ads as a norm. As audiences, we should have a critical eye on what we listen to, what we watch on TV and what we see on the billboards all around us. If there is something wrong with what we see, we should step up and act upon ads that do not promote values.

Please visit http://ethicaladvertising.blogspot.com to read more about SPANK'd. In the meantime, let me share with you one of my favorite ads by Coke.

This is an example of a good ad.

Something I want to ask... Why do you think it's important to be critical of what you watch? What are some good ads and bad ads you know?

*This blog is in support of UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P - I am STRONG: Fundraiser at UA&P

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 23:11:00 +0000

Here are some pictures of our first day for our fundraiser for UA&P's I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

In your own way, how have you helped others? Or how have others helped you? :)

*Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: Can you hear this sound?

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:05:00 +0000

John shares what he has discovered from a fellow philmug (philippine macintosh users group) member.
Thanks to philmug user lord_art8!

click here to listen.

This is a sound that can only be heard by people under 20 (some over 20 can hear it but not many) - it is a sine wave at 18,000 Hz (by comparison, a dog whistle sounds at 16,000 - 22,000 HZ - meaning your dog can hear this “under 20s” sound as well). This sound is used by some teenagers as a ring tone on their mobile phone so that only they (and others of their age group) can tell when the phone is ringing. It is also occasionally used in England to play very loud in areas that authorities don’t want teens to congregate in, as the noise annoys them. As people get older they lose the ability to hear higher pitched sounds - that is the reason that only young people can hear this sound - it is too high for most people over the age of 20.

*Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: HappySlip's Boypren

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 17:18:00 +0000

Sara speaks..

Hey guys!

I discovered this video from Christine Gambito, also known as HappySlip, not so long ago and I decided to show it to you guys now. I think it’s a very funny video, one of the funniest videos of Happy Slip. For those who do not know who Happy Slip is, she’s a long-time video blogger in YouTube and she was recently named the Ambassador of Tourism. She acts, directs, sings and does so many things in her videos. Most of her videos depict Filipino family habits and culture in the States.

For this certain video, we have Happy Slip showing us how her “cousin” Minnie has a boyfriend and how her “aunt” brags it to everyone. Watch the video to find out more about how talented our current Ambassador is.

This video is not only funny, but also poses a very interesting topic. It shows how teenagers get caught having a romantic relationship with someone by their parents and how oddly parents react to that sort of situation. Watch the video and tell me if you can relate.

There are more HappySlip videos on YouTube. Be sure to catch them. You’ll feel the Filipino pride upon seeing the videos.

How old do you think is it okay to start being in a relationship? How did your parents react when they found out about your boyfriend or girlfriend? What do you think of the video? What do you think of HappySlip?

Let me know what you think.

Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. Fundraiser!

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 07:57:00 +0000

UA&P I AM STRONG is having a week long fundraiser in support of the I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. Organization starting tomorrow, March 3 to March 7 2008 at the Ledge in the University of Asia and the Pacific.

Lots of Accessories, Chocolates and Dessert Cookies will be on SALE

Proceeds will go to the I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. Organization's efforts of teaching and spreading good values to Filipino Teens.

We hope that you support us! Thank you!

*have you made efforts to support a worthy cause sometime in the past? if so, click the comment link and share them with us!

we support the I AM STRONG Organization of UA&P

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G presents: S.T.R.O.N.G Ads

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 12:36:00 +0000

Sometimes the biggest changes can be made from the simplest of ideas. Here are a few catchy ads that will make you think twice about the way you've been living your days.

Joie wants you to check these out!

Ads from: http://notsalmon.com/

So what do YOU think of the ads? And which one is your favorite?

* Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: Get In The Habit!

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:16:00 +0000

Krystle slaps your face with...

It was around 2 days ago (i think) when i introduced the 7 habits of highly defective teens. As promised, I give you now the 7 habits of highly effective teens. Why just now? Because according to Sean Covey, the man behind all these values-- to understand the 7 effective teen values is first to understand what they are not.

By now, you're probably wondering what these habits are so I might as well end the suspense. Here they are, followed by a brief explanation--see what habits you already possess:

Habit 1: Be Proactive
Take responsibility for your life.

Habit 2: Begin with theEnd in Mind
Define your mission and goals in life.

Habit 3: Put First Things First
Prioritize, and do the most important things first.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Have an everyone-can-win attitude.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Listen to people sincerely.

Habit 6: Synergize
Work together to achieve more.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Renew yourself regularly.

As the above diagram shows, the habits build upon each other. Habits 1, 2, and 3 deal with self-mastery. We call it the "private victory." Habits 4, 5, and 6 deal with relationships and teamwork. We call it the "public victory." You've got to get your personal act together before you can be a good team player. That's why the private victory comes before the public victory. The last habit, Habit 7, is the habit of renewal. It feeds all of the other six habits. The habits seem rather simple, don't they? But just wait till you see how powerful they can be!

What of each effective teen value do you already have? Share them with us!

*Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: IF

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 07:27:00 +0000

Ruther writes..

“If you could go back and just change one thing in your life, would you? And if you did, would that change make your life better? Or would that change ultimately break your heart? Or break the heart of another? Would you choose an entirely different path? Or would you just change just one thing, just one moment? One moment you want always back?”

- One Tree Hill; Season 4, Ep. 14

Every time we encounter problems, most of the time, we wish we could turn back time to change certain situations in the past. We are left with the “If’s” and the “should have’s…” We think of statements like “If was only given a chance…”, “if it was not because of him”, so on and so forth. Then we look back and regret the things that we have done. Such situations can help us to move forward with our lives or can hinder us from enjoying our current state. Either we accept reality or become blinded with the good things that are ahead of us.

I remember when I was in my 1^st year high school. I have a friend whom I was always with every break time. We share stories, we give advices about what to do with our crushes, and we help each other in almost all aspects of our teenage years. We were happy then. But because one mistake I did, our friendship seemed to fall apart. At first, I thought the situation was just okay.

Fast forward to my 2^nd year, I realized each day we were becoming more and more distant to each other. I tried to make up for what I did until I was in 3^rd year and 4^th year high school. But in the end, I realized that it was already too late for me to rebuild our great friendship again.

There were days when I can’t help but regret that moment. All I wanted was to turn back the time and change the wrong things that I have done. But life is not meant for us to go back in the past. We cannot live a life of regret. Instead all we can do is move forward, recover and learn from the mistakes we have caused other people.

How about you? What will be your answer in the quote? Share your story with us.

Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P - I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: Cultivate a Circle of Friends

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:58:00 +0000

Jewelz found...

Social Support: The Hows and Whys of Cultivating a Circle of Friends
By Elizabeth Scott, M.S.

Why It Pays To Have A Group:
Studies on social support show that having one or two close and supportive friends is at least as valuable to emotional health as having a large group of friendly acquaintances or more shallow friendships. However, having social support from several supportive friends would be the best of both worlds. You probably already know if you're more comfortable with one good friend or many, but there are some good reasons to have at least a few different friends to fall back on:

If you have only one person supporting you through difficult times, you may wear that person out, or feel unsupported if that person is unavailable. It’s better for everyone if you have at least a few people to depend on.
You draw different benefits from different types of people. Having an outgoing friend to party with, a knowledgeable friend to gain information and insights from, and an empathic friend to be a good listener during tough times, for example, provides a better blend of social support than any one of these people alone could give.
Your friends can bring out different qualities in one another that benefit all of you. For example, your outgoing friend could bring your shy empathic friend out of her shell, and the three of you could go out and party together. Plus, your friends can introduce you to more friends, giving you a greater pool of pre-screened potential friends.
Studies show that a sense of belonging is extremely important for emotional health and well-being; those who have social support but don't feel a sense of belonging are much more likely to suffer from depression, for example.

How to Meet New People:

If you’re not still in school or working for a large company with a built-in social structure and constant opportunities to meet new people, it’s still easy to build new friendships. Here are a few ways to meet new people:

Join a Gym. If you’re not comfortable striking up a conversation with the person on the next stairmaster, most gyms offer yoga, aerobics or even martial arts classes, which provide a more intimate setting and opportunities to meet people, perhaps finding a workout buddy.
Get Involved in a Hobby. If you enjoy making things with your hands, perhaps you can enroll in a community art class. If you like writing, a writer’s workshop will provide a great opportunity to improve your writing skills and get to know other writers at the same time. Joining a class geared toward your interests ensures you’ll improve yourself, and you’ll meet people with whom you already have something in common!
Volunteer! Getting involved with a charity you believe in will give you a sense of doing something positive to help the world, which has a great way of relieving stress in itself, and you’ll meet others with similarly big hearts and great passion for helping.
Get a Pet Not only will you derive physical and emotional benefits from being a pet owner, you can meet others at dog parks or pet stores. There are even park days for passionate rabbit owners! Let your ‘best friend’ help you connect with other (human) friends.
Have a Party If you invite all of your current friends and encourage each to bring a friend, you’ll have a pool of new people to meet. Plus, you may inspire your friends to throw their own parties, where you’ll meet even more new people.
Smile! This one may sound simple, but if you give off an ‘approachable vibe’, you may find that you’re striking up conversations with new people wherever you go. Not all these conversations need to lead to a new friendship, but some might, and just one warm exchange with someone new can brighten up your day (and theirs)!

*article taken from http://stress.about.com/od/relationships/a/circleoffriends.htm

I enjoy being around friends, especially when I'm down. They offer a lot of support and find great ways in cheering you up. I have this friend named Avvy and she says the most hilarious things, I just can't get enough! I have many different kinds of friends who are all precious to me because of who they are. I just moved to Manila for college and I think I have met some of the most amazing people whom I'll never forget - block J during my freshman year, my classmates in IMC, students I meet in other classes, people I meet outside of school, and all my teachers.

Having friends makes you feel comfortable being who you are and they allow you to grow and mature. How have friends touched your lives?

Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P - I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: The Poi

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 06:51:00 +0000

Jewelz shares..

When I joined the Philippine Flag Football League (PFFL) during my first year in college, I met new friends and great people. There were dads, moms, people in high school and college, some working with all kinds of jobs. One thing that fascinated me most was the poi. Our coaches, Joe Pagulayan and Dino were really good at this and even taught in Boracay. For one of the competitions in Assumption College, some of my team members from the Avengers used the poi in parts of their routine and won Championship. It's really amazing how you can do so much with a ball attached to a string. It takes a lot of hand-eye coordination and it serves as a great workout too! Well, here's a video I want to share with you... enjoy!

You can try this out at home and make your own poi. All you need is a pair of soccer socks and some beans to put inside, then tie it up. You can also roll another pair of socks and put it into the soccer socks. Of course, you can also buy some if you have a friend. :) Try it out, there are simple tricks you can easily learn!

What do you think of the video?

*we support UA&P I AM STRONG

UA&P - I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: The Defective Teen

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:40:00 +0000

Krystle tells you

You have heard of Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective Persons and Sean Covey’s 7 Habits to Highly Effective Teens. Now here comes The 7 Habits of Highly Defective Teens. According to Sean covey, the key understanding the 7 habits of Highly Effective Teens is to understand what they are not. So before we share to you the 7 Effective Teen Habits, we first present the 7 Defective Teen Habits. Enjoy. =)

Habit 1: React
Blame all of your problems on your parents, your stupid teachers or professors, your lousy neighborhood, your boy- or girlfriend, the government, or something or somebody else. Be a victim. Take no responsibility for your life. Act like an animal. If you're hungry, eat. If someone yells at you, yell back. If you feel like doing something you know is wrong, just do it.

Habit 2: Begin with No End in Mind
Don't have a plan. Avoid goals at all costs. And never think about tomorrow. Why worry about the consequences of your actions? Live for the moment. Sleep around, get wasted, and party on, for tomorrow we die.

Habit 3: Put First Things Last
Whatever is most important in your life, don't do it until you have spent sufficient time watching reruns, talking endlessly on the phone, surfing the Net, and lounging around. Always put off your homework until tomorrow. Make sure that things that don't matter always come before things that do.

Habit 4: Think Win-Lose
See life as a vicious competition. Your classmate is out to get you, so you'd better get him or her first. Don't let anyone else succeed at anything because, remember, if they win, you lose. If it looks like you're going to lose, however, make sure you drag that sucker down with you.

Habit 5: Seek First to Talk, Then Pretend to Listen
You were born with a mouth, so use it. Make sure you talk a lot. Always express your side of the story first. Once you're sure everyone understands your views, then pretend to listen by nodding and saying "uh-huh." Or, if you really want their opinion, give it to them.

Habit 6: Don't Cooperate
Let's face it, other people are weird because they're different from you. So why try to get along with them? Teamwork is for the dogs. Since you always have the best ideas, you are better off doing everything by yourself. Be your own island.

Habit 7: Wear Yourself Out
Be so busy with life that you never take time to renew or improve yourself. Never study. Don't learn anything new. Avoid exercise like the plague. And, for heaven's sake, stay away from good books, nature, or anything else that may inspire you.

As you can see, the habits listed above are recipes for disaster. Yet many of us indulge in them regularly (yes, you and me included). And, given this, it's no wonder that life can really stink at times.

What defective teen habits do you have and what do you intend to do with it? Click on the comment button and share them to us!

Brought to you in Support of the I AM STRONG organization of UA&P

UA&P - I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: The Fence

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:39:00 +0000

Jewelz would like to share a short story written by her dad when she was back in highschool...

The Fence

(A message for world peace)

There was once a white child, a black child, and a brown child. By fate or what seemed like predestination, they were born exactly the same date.

They were next-door neighbors too.

They were energetic and smiling babies, so innocent and care-free, brought to earth in times of unrelenting chaos among nations.

As they grew up, they could constantly hear the voices and laughter of one another.

But they could not meet.

They could not play with one another.

And this made them lonely and isolated.

Each of them could not understand why there was a fence separating their homes.

The years slowly passed by, and the lack of much-needed friendship pushed them to study hard and pursue brilliant careers. They traveled far and wide.

They eventually ended up as the top leaders of their respective powerful countries, handling delicate matters of utmost importance to world peace.

Planet earth was continuously bombarded by myriad of problems arising from greed and the desire for world dominance.

Like an inflated balloon, the bursting point was near.

The world was heading for the ultimate war.

The white man, the black man, and the brown man were called upon to personally meet and try to resolve the most volatile conflict in the history of mankind.

One humid, summer afternoon, a round table was prepared with three simple chairs. There was a lighted candle, a flower, and a dove at the center of the table, in the hope that these three powerful leaders with diverse backgrounds would come to terms and avert the total annihilation of mankind.

The burdens on their shoulders were enormous with so little time left. The future hung on the wisdom of the three, with their advisers and statisticians whispering mixed opinions. The media were in a frenzy, the armies were alert, and the entire populace were uneasy.

They met.

They merely stared at one another, unmoving, with total concentration and focus.

Not a word was spoken.

Somewhere deep in their subconscious mind, an inexplicable feeling of loneliness was suddenly released, a euphoric sensation of happiness.

They meekly smiled.

Unexpectedly, with outstretched arms, they embraced.

The three of them in a glorious triangle of unity.

Together they lifted their tightly-clasped hands and showed their genuine smiles for the whole world to see that peace is the ultimate solution.

Everyone in the room broke down in silent tears, amidst thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the gallery.

Still not a single word was spoken.

Everyone could not understand the wisdom of the three men.

But the three remembered the fence. They knew. They understood.

After that fateful humid afternoon, the three exhausted leaders passed on their instructions to their respective governments and opted to return to their neighborhood where they were born.

The fence was still there.

Dehydration seemed to seep into their bodies and with their last ounce of strength, all three embraced, and the fence gave way to their combined weight.

A gentle breeze swept through their neighborhood and the three men looked high up in the heavens and seemed to fly into the skies above.

And the clouds accepted them.

There were no need for words.

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning appeared from out of nowhere and struck the fallen fence into tiny pieces.

A breathtaking rainbow appeared for all the world to see. And from thereon, planet earth was a beautiful place to live in all eternity.

Written By:

Boogie Lim

Cebu, Philippines

*Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.
What do you think of the short story? :)

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: COOLEST video i've ever seen on YouTube!

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 07:08:00 +0000

John found a video that he thinks would ROCK everybody's head!

I know that PANCAKES have nothing to do with school or anything, but I would like to share this awesome video I found on YouTube. I know everyone deserves a break from stress and everything, so I suggest you sit back, relax and check this one out! It's totally COOL!

*Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: The Balancing Act: Why it is fine to have academic and non-academic at the same time

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:45:00 +0000

Sara shares us her story..

I remember back in high school, I did not have much extra-curricular activities after my second year. In my first year, I tried joining the school’s marching band as a brass flutist. I eventually quit when I realized that I’m slow in reading notes. I got disheartened easily. In my second year in high school, I started training to be an officer, so I joined the COCC. Again, after a short while, I quit. From then on, there was no steady hobby or activity that I was in.

My mediocre lifestyle ended when I reached my first year in college. Fate brought me to the two very important and memorable things in my college life. These basically brought so much learning to me. I learned more about life, people, wisdom, and commitment and so much more through these extra-curricular activities. I tried out for the Women’s Futsal Team (indoor soccer) and I auditioned for a school play. From then on, my life in college had more meaning. It had more substance and juice to it. Being a varsity and a stage actress in my school brought out (and still brings) the best out of me. At least that’s what I think.

My academic life, though, is already very demanding. Being in my fourth year in college, the workload of my course has gotten tougher. Most of the people in my batch gave up what they loved doing on the side for the sake of surviving and making better grades this year. As for me, I may be called stubborn for trying to juggle everything that I’m doing. Indeed, it is very risky. I try my best to multi-task and still there are some things that I miss out or sacrifice because of all the activities and work I am engaging myself in. However, this did not and does not stop me.

For the times I miss out on something or someone (like family and friends), I try my best to make up to them. Of course, when it comes to academics, when I have to focus on doing a requirement or extra studying for the lessons to come, I sacrifice training or rehearsals just to fulfill those.

It’s never wrong or irresponsible to engage in extra-curricular activities such as sports or the arts if you know what to set your priorities and manage your time. Do not look down on the other good things that you can do aside from studying. For me, it’s impressive to know someone who is good in both academics and extra-curriculars. Futsal and theater arts have grown part of my life, and they aren’t considered “extras” anymore.

How about you? What are your extra-curricular activities? Do you balance your time well? Let me know your side.

*Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: Improve Your Self-Esteem!

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:51:00 +0000

Joie Shares..

How we feel about ourselves can influence how we live our lives. People who feel that they are likable and lovable (in other words people with good self-esteem) have better relationships. They are more likely to ask for help and support from friends and family when they need it. People who believe they can accomplish goals and solve problems are more likely to do well in school. Having good self-esteem allows you to accept yourself and live life to the fullest.

Steps to Improving Self-Esteem:

If you want to improve your self-esteem, here are some steps to start empowering yourself:

1.Try to stop thinking negative thoughts about yourself.
If you're used to focusing on your shortcomings, start thinking about positive aspects of yourself that outweigh them. When you catch yourself being too critical, counter it by saying something positive about yourself. Each day, write down three things about yourself that make you happy.

2. Aim for accomplishments rather than perfection.
Some people become paralyzed by perfection. Instead of holding yourself back with thoughts like, "I won't audition for the play until I lose 10 pounds," think about what you're good at and what you enjoy, and go for it.

3. View mistakes as learning opportunities.
Accept that you will make mistakes because everyone does. Mistakes are part of learning. Remind yourself that a person's talents are constantly developing, and everyone excels at different things — it's what makes people interesting.

4. Try new things.
Experiment with different activities that will help you get in touch with your talents. Then take pride in new skills you develop.

5. Recognize what you can change and what you can't.
If you realize that you're unhappy with something about yourself that you can change, then start today. If it's something you can't change (like your height), then start to work toward loving yourself the way you are.

6. Set goals.
Think about what you'd like to accomplish, then make a plan for how to do it. Stick with your plan and keep track of your progress.

7. Take pride in your opinions and ideas.
Don't be afraid to voice them.

8. Make a contribution.
Tutor a classmate who's having trouble, help clean up your neighborhood, participate in a walk-a-thon for a good cause, or volunteer your time in some other way. Feeling like you're making a difference and that your help is valued can do wonders to improve self-esteem.

9. Exercise!
You'll relieve stress, and be healthier and happier.

10. Have fun.
Ever found yourself thinking stuff like "I'd have more friends if I were thinner"? Enjoy spending time with the people you care about and doing the things you love. Relax and have a good time — and avoid putting your life on hold.

*article taken from: http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/self_esteem.html

Self-esteem plays a role in almost everything you do. People with high self-esteem do better in school and find it easier to make friends. They tend to have better relationships with peers and adults, feel happier, find it easier to deal with mistakes, disappointments, and failures, and are more likely to stick with something until they succeed. It takes some work, but it's a skill you'll have for life :)

How were you able to develop your self-esteem? :) Share us your thoughts!

*Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: Teenage Advice

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:37:00 +0000

Look what Joie found!

Our teenage years are definitely the most critical stages in our development as persons. It is during these years that we are molded to become the kinds of people we will be as adults. This fact should prompt us to really think twice about how we live our teenage years.
Here’s a good poem that can serve as a guide =)

A Motto for Teenagers
By Susan Schutz

Be an independent thinker
Make decisions
based on how you feel
AND on what you know is right
regardless of what your peers
or other people think
Know yourself
Know what you can
and want to do in life
Set goals
and work hard to achieve them
Have fun every day in every way
Be creative---
It is an expression of your feelings
Be sensitive in viewing the world
Trust in your family
Believe in love---
It is the most complete
and most important emotion possible
Believe in yourself
and know that you are loved.

*Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P - I am STRONG: Don't be Shy!

noreply@blogger.com (UA&P- I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:36:00 +0000

Jewelz shares...

5 Ways to Shake Shyness

Having a shy style isn't necessarily a problem. It's perfectly OK to take time to warm up to new people and situations. But shyness blocks some people from being as comfortable or sociable as they'd like to be.
Some people want to feel less shy so they can have more fun socializing and being themselves around others. Here are some tips for overcoming shy feelings:

1. Start small with people you know. Practice social behaviors like eye contact, confident body language, introductions, small talk, asking questions, and invitations with the people you feel most comfortable around. Smile. Build your confidence this way. Then branch out to do this with new friends, too.

2. Think of some conversation starters. Often, the hardest part of talking to someone new is getting started. Think of conversation openers, like introducing yourself ("Hi, I'm Chris, we're in the same English class"), giving a compliment ("That jacket looks great on you"), or asking a question ("Do you know when our report is due?"). Being ready with a conversation starter (or a few) makes it easier to approach someone.

3. Rehearse what to say. When you're ready to try something you've been avoiding because of shyness — like a phone call or a conversation — write down what you want to say beforehand. Rehearse it out loud, maybe even in front of the mirror. Then just do it. Don't worry if it's not exactly like you practiced or if it's not perfect. Few of the things more confident-seeming people do are perfect either. Be proud that you gave it a go. Next time, it'll be even better because it will be easier.

4. Give yourself a chance. Find group activities where you can be with people who share your interests. Give yourself a chance to practice socializing with these new people, and get to know them slowly. People who are shy often worry about failing or how others will judge them. Worries and feelings like these can keep you from trying. If self-criticism plays a role for you, ask yourself whether you'd be this critical of your best friend. Chances are you'd be much more accepting. So treat yourself like your own best friend. Encourage yourself instead of expecting to fail.

5. Develop your assertiveness. Because shy people can be overly concerned with other peoples' reactions, they don't want to rock the boat. That doesn't mean

they're wimpy or cowardly. But it can mean they are less likely to be assertive. Being assertive means speaking up for yourself when you should, asking for what you want or need, or telling other people when they're stepping on your toes.
Most of all, be yourself. It's OK to try out different conversational approaches you see others using. But say and do what fits your style. Being the real you — and daring to let yourself be noticed — is what attracts friends.
Reviewed by: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD

*article taken from

http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/problems/shy_tips.html

Stepping up and speaking out may be tough, especially if you do not know the people around you. There are benefits in taking a step back and listening to people before drawing conclusions, however, overcoming shyness allows you to express yourself to others and be heard. You become more comfortable being yourself.

Share stories on how overcoming shyness helped you. :)

*this blog is in support of the I am STRONG organization by UA&P.