Pinoy Wired

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2011-12-27T19:47:00.000-08:00

Re-Discover The Kingdom - Dr. Myles Munroe

2011-04-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

The Story Behind the Picture of "The Praying Hands"

2010-12-06T07:38:00.000-08:00

Back in the fifteenth century, in a tiny village near Nuremberg, lived a family with eighteen children. Eighteen!
In order merely to keep food on the table for this big family, the father and head of the household, a goldsmith by profession, worked almost eighteen hours a day at his trade and any other paying chore he could find in the neighbourhood.

Despite their seemingly hopeless condition, two of Albrecht Durer the Elder's children had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they knew full well that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to Nuremberg to study at the Academy.

After many long discussions at night in their crowded bed, the two boys finally worked out a pact. They would toss a coin. The loser would go down into the nearby mines and, with his earnings, support his brother while he attended the academy. Then, when that brother who won the toss completed his studies, in four years, he would support the other brother at the academy, either with sales of his artwork or, if necessary, also by labouring in the mines.

They tossed a coin on a Sunday morning after church. Albrecht Durer won the toss and went off to Nuremberg.

Albert went down into the dangerous mines and, for the next four years, financed his brother, whose work at the academy was almost an immediate sensation. Albrecht's etchings, his woodcuts, and his oils were far better than those of most of his professors, and by the time he graduated, he was beginning to earn considerable fees for his commissioned works.

When the young artist returned to his village, the Durer family held a festive dinner on their lawn to celebrate Albrecht's triumphant homecoming. After a long and memorable meal, punctuated with music and laughter, Albrecht rose from his honoured position at the head of the table to drink a toast to his beloved brother for the years of sacrifice that had enabled Albrecht to fulfil his ambition. His closing words were, "And now, Albert, blessed brother of mine, now it is your turn. Now you can go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream, and I will take care of you."

All heads turned in eager expectation to the far end of the table where Albert sat, tears streaming down his pale face, shaking his lowered head from side to side while he sobbed and repeated, over and over, "No ...no ...no ...no."

Finally, Albert rose and wiped the tears from his cheeks. He glanced down the long table at the faces he loved, and then, holding his hands close to his right cheek, he said softly, "No, brother. I cannot go to Nuremberg. It is too late for me. Look ... look what four years in the mines have done to my hands! The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once, and lately I have been suffering from arthritis so badly in my right hand that I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast, much less make delicate lines on parchment or canvas with a pen or a brush. No, brother ... for me it is too late."

More than 450 years have passed. By now, Albrecht Durer's hundreds of masterful portraits, pen and silver point sketches, water-colours, charcoals, woodcuts, and copper engravings hang in every great museum in the world, but the odds are great that you, like most people, are familiar with only one of Albrecht Durer's works. More than merely being familiar with it, you very well may have a reproduction hanging in your home or office.

One day, to pay homage to Albert for all that he had sacrificed, Albrecht Durer painstakingly drew his brother's abused hands with palms together and thin fingers stretched skyward. He called his powerful drawing simply "Hands," but the entire world almost immediately opened their hearts to his great masterpiece and renamed his tribute of love "The Praying Hands."

The next time you see a copy of that touching creation, take a second look. Let it be your reminder, if you still need one, that no one - no one - - ever makes it alone!

(source: http://www.ftmagic.com/prayinghands.html)

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2010-09-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

Zero Corruption

2010-09-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

It's maybe a dream. Solving corruption might not be as easy as 1-2-3, but it's solvable.

Here's a mathematical equation of a corrupt deal: 2 (corrupt agents) x 2 (corrupt ideas) x 2 (corrupt process) x 2 (corrupt benefits) = 16 agents-with-corrupt-benefits-and-more-corrupt-ideas-and-more-corrupt-process. Overtime, the corruption will be entrenched in the system.

Notice if you zero-in in any of the agents, benefits, ideas, or process in the equation, you instantly solve the problem.

If the solution is this easy, what's the problem?

The problem is most of us don't honor and respect the laws of our land. We evade them because we think no one is looking or the rest of us are looking the other way. Because somehow or another, we will do the same sometime in the future or even now. And that our poverty warrants us to dishonor our country. At the very least, we despise the dignity of crossing the footbridge or the striped lane. That littering is acceptable because everybody is doing it.We jump to conclude that the programs that the government is arranging for us is no good and inconvenient, and would not benefit us in anyway.

So how would a simple solution be implemented to a national problem if our personal problem is not even dealt with. Friends, it would sound cliche, but love of country is the only way we could get out of perceived corruption in this planet.

This country belongs to all Filipinos that had died, are living, and soon to be born. Honor it's laws. Respect it's government. Restore dignity in all Pinoys.

Live your life zero corruption.

Overnight Success Myth

2010-09-13T17:16:00.000-07:00

I am awe-inspired by the the following thoughts because most of my life I've been wanting to be successful as fast as I could, yes, even overnight.

Did you know that athletes train very hard in long periods of time just to be in a draft of olympians? I'm sure you do. Hopefully, in the same thought, we realize that success overnight is a rare probability, maybe 1 in every million chances. So if that's the odds, my next question is, what are you going to do about it? If you're answer is work at it. You're enlightened.

Yesterday, I heard a short story about a wood-cutter who is well praised by his employer because of the number of trees he cuts on his first day. But decreases by the day. He contemplated and opted to resign because of his ineffective cutting after a few weeks on the job. His boss is not about to give up on him and said "Did you ever took time to sharpen your axe?".

I would like us to ask ourselves the same question. If you don't have the time. If you're focused on the doing. If you just want to get tight to it. Your results are predictable. they are not specially high or effective.

Taking Actions

Get a measurable time, perhaps an 30 minutes or an hour, of your day to sharpening your trade. It's the best use of your time, professionally. One of my mistakes I could teach with conviction is "Master a single craft before moving to another, it's better than doing everything and mastering nothing." That way if you fail onto the next you still can wield your master-craft.

Problems

The problem is not lack of information, in fact, we're swarmed by too much information, it's the lack of focus that's keeping us away from we ought to be doing. There's so much distraction, and if you're not careful you will be spending countless hours feeding just your eyes and not your mind.

Hey, It's not too late

Dreams are renewable. When we made them when we're 10 or even 50, those dreams are vivid. The only difference is when you're 10 you have no limits, you're mind swims through a wave of possibilities. At 50, what happens is that, over the course of time, you have picked up some limiting beliefs here and there. These pushes you at the sidelines or in the bench as watcher while people achieve their dreams.

Power

Don't wait for the power to come shine on you like a ray of light from the sun. You already have the power within you to overcome, regardless of your past, inabilities, education, appearance or physique. Just pick up the wisdom, train hard, pursue, and control. The war is not outside, fortunately. Because it's inside we can do something about it.

We will and we can overcome.

Academic Labels: What it does?

2010-08-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

I'm glued by a very interesting audio-book in the past few days. I don't drive long so I got a chunk of 10-30 minutes load of these information each time. This gives me time to digest the information one bite at a time.

In this book, a very interesting thought comes through:

Good academic grades does not guarantee future economic success. It does not predict financial aptitude, nor it guarantees high paying job.

But wait, before you pull the plug on your college funds let me tell you briefly about what the "The Millionaire Next Door", by Thomas Stanley and William Danco, has to say. This book is a product of decades of research within the central theme to unravel these questions:

What millionaires are made of (in America)?

What does it take to become a millionaire (in America)?

Since there are too many factors surrounding the answer to these questions as mentioned in this book, I particularly lend a bigger ear on the part where the correlation of academic excellence and wealth was discussed. Perhaps because I would like to know if I have what it takes. As you already know, I'm not one of the top 5 students in any class I attended, so hearing that there were no correlation at all somehow gave additional wind to my little wings of hope to become a millionaire.

Another thought sparked in me, what happens to the thoughts that teachers and guardians constantly feed in the minds of students and children - "Good grades, good future" philosophy.

I can think of the followings effects.

Positive Effect

Some children will believe it and really work their way to it. Some may try and succeed to getting the grades they wanted, some will not be as successful. Either way one positive thing happens, these children will start to try to institute hard work in their system and becomes their character growing up. Which by the way is one of the biggest factor in the study.

Negative Effect

Some children that does not do well academically can accept that no good job, business, venture or even future awaits them. These expectations will be realized in the way these children make their decisions in life, sadly, even in most important areas of life.

Balance

After considering the positive and negative effect of "Good grades, good future" philosophy, I think it's leaning more on the positive side of the wall. Even more so if you consider the cerebral work available in the market like, lawyer, accountant, scientist and even beauty queens.

Common Denominators

However, I would like to point that, courage, discipline, hard work and resolve are the common denominators of all the millionaires studied, regardless if they inherit their wealth or first generation rich. How about interest or line of work? This is not part of the evidence of the rich either. And so my friend we can also be a winner in this economic race even if you are in the other end of the spectrum, academically.

Needed Action

No one can put you down without your permission.Be strong and take courage, do not fear nor be dismayed.

A quick but juicy read:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Millionaire_Next_Door

The Four Emotions That Can Lead to Life Change by Jim Rohn

2010-08-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

SOURCE: http://www.jimrohn.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=1241

Emotions are the most powerful forces inside us. Under the power of emotions, human beings can perform the most heroic (as well as barbaric) acts. To a great degree, civilization itself can be defined as the intelligent channeling of human emotion. Emotions are fuel and the mind is the pilot, which together propel the ship of civilized progress.

Which emotions cause people to act? There are four basic ones; each, or a combination of several, can trigger the most incredible activity. The day that you allow these emotions to fuel your desire is the day you'll turn your life around.

Disgust
One does not usually equate the word "disgust" with positive action. And yet properly channeled, disgust can change a person's life. The person who feels disgusted has reached a point of no return. He or she is ready to throw down the gauntlet at life and say, "I've had it!" That's what I said after many humiliating experiences at age 25. I said, "I don't want to live like this anymore. I've had it with being broke. I've had it with being embarrassed, and I've had it with lying."

Yes, productive feelings of disgust come when a person says, "Enough is enough."

The "guy" has finally had it with mediocrity. He's had it with those awful sick feelings of fear, pain and humiliation. He then decides he is "not going to live like this anymore." Look out! This could be the day that turns a life around. Call it what you will: the "I've had it" day, the "never again" day, the "enough's enough" day. Whatever you call it, it's powerful! There is nothing so life-changing as gut-wrenching disgust!

Decision
Most of us need to be pushed to the wall to make decisions. And once we reach this point, we have to deal with the conflicting emotions that come with making them. We have reached a fork in the road. Now this fork can be a two-prong, three-prong, or even a four-prong fork. No wonder that decision-making can create knots in stomachs, keep us awake in the middle of the night, or make us break out in a cold sweat.

Making life-changing decisions can be likened to internal civil war. Conflicting armies of emotions, each with its own arsenal of reasons, battle each other for supremacy of our minds. And our resulting decisions, whether bold or timid, well thought out or impulsive, can either set the course of action or blind it.

I don't have much advice to give you about decision-making except this: Whatever you do, don't camp at the fork in the road. Decide. It's far better to make a wrong decision than to not make one at all. Each of us must confront our emotional turmoil and sort out our feelings.

Desire
How does one gain desire? I don't think I can answer this directly because there are many ways. But I do know two things about desire:

A. It comes from the inside not the outside.
B. It can be triggered by outside forces.

Almost anything can trigger desire. It's a matter of timing as much as preparation. It might be a song that tugs at the heart. It might be a memorable sermon. It might be a movie, a conversation with a friend, a confrontation with the enemy, or a bitter experience. Even a book or an article such as this one can trigger the inner mechanism that will make some people say, "I want it now!"

Therefore, while searching for your "hot button" of pure, raw desire, welcome into your life each positive experience. Don't erect a wall to protect you from experiencing life. The same wall that keeps out your disappointment also keeps out the sunlight of enriching experiences. So let life touch you. The next touch could be the one that turns your life around.

Resolve
Resolve says, "I will." These two words are among the most potent in the English language. I WILL. Benjamin Disraeli, the great British statesman, once said, "Nothing can resist a human will that will stake even its existence on the extent of its purpose." In other words, when someone resolves to "do or die," nothing can stop him.

The mountain climber says, "I will climb the mountain. They've told me it's too high, it's too far, it's too steep, it's too rocky, it's too difficult. But it's my mountain. I will climb it. You'll soon see me waving from the top or you'll never see me, because unless I reach the peak, I'm not coming back." Who can argue with such resolve?

When confronted with such iron-will determination, I can see Time, Fate and Circumstance calling a hasty conference and deciding, "We might as well let him have his dream. He's said he's going to get there or die trying."

The best definition for "resolve" I've ever heard came from a schoolgirl in Foster City, California. As is my custom, I was lecturing about success to a group of bright kids at a junior high school. I asked, "Who can tell me what 'resolve' means?" Several hands went up, and I did get some pretty good definitions. But the last was the best. A shy girl from the back of the room got up and said with quiet intensity, "I think resolve means promising yourself you will never give up." That's it! That's the best definition I've ever heard: PROMISE YOURSELF YOU'LL NEVER GIVE UP.

Think about it! How long should a baby try to learn how to walk? How long would you give the average baby before you say, "That's it, you've had your chance"? You say that's crazy? Of course it is. Any mother would say, "My baby is going to keep trying until he learns how to walk!" No wonder everyone walks.

There is a vital lesson in this. Ask yourself, "How long am I going to work to make my dreams come true?" I suggest you answer, "As long as it takes." That's what these four emotions are all about.

Be alert. Be sober.

2010-08-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

Life is short even at the longest. We will be with God longer than our stay here. So like before anyone travels he makes sure he's got the right stuff. Do you?

Here are some checklist:

1 - Jesus. John 3:16
2 - Be alert. Be sober. Encourage one another. Build up one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

That's all I've got.

Haggai

2010-07-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered, why a double portion of your effort results to little or even nothing? Consider this book in the bible that says the reason of it all, the book of Haggai in the old testament. There's no doubt the word of God is true. But "yes" you say. your mind might be thinking, "but does it apply to me?"

Yes.

Whatever is your pursuit, whatever is your future plan, it's imperative that God's pursuit is among your interest. After all, whatever pursuit that is God owns it.

Life here on earth is uncertain, which makes it exciting. Imagine if otherwise, what a boring life it could be. The exact point, however, is we don't have to spend the rest of our lives chasing shadows because everybody is doing it, our life is short and ought to be spent in line with God's plan. It might be hard because it's not the usual way we do things, but it will be easy because the God of all is on your side.

Do not fear. Do not worry. Do not be anxious.

Possible SONA transcript of Pres. Noynoy Aquino

2010-07-25T22:04:00.001-07:00

Just a thought.

As a captain it's affirmative to know what's the present state of your ship.

What's the physical status? He needs to make sure that the ship is in good shape, changed oil, check gears, and patch few holes.
What's the current bearing? He needs to know where it is. So he can go from there to the destination.
Where it's heading? He might need to make some course correction, not after the trip but every few miles the ship moves, if it's moving.

That makes of a great captain. Will see.

Writing Practice (part 1 and a half) : Made Sweetly Just For You

2010-07-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Code Name: Alladin Conspiracy

John: Why do you think we have technology trickling in at same phase, every month? Can't they just put it all in one blow and offer it for five years? Why do merchants holding them back?

Peter: You should have waited.

John: Why do I feel that my desktop computer is way inferior than the day I bought it? Do the advertisers have something to do with this? The ads are not selling they're simply saying, "junk your clunker and get one of this", as if I can type faster when I had one. Why do ads do that?

Peter: It's a conspiracy man. But you like it, don't you?

John: Oh yea, on second thought, yes I want to have it, okay? Happy now?

Peter: Now what?

John: Of course these things are not cheap, it cost way too much than before because in this version you get additional memory slot which you will never use.

Peter: Alright, so much for ranting it's obvious - you can't afford it.

John: But in such a perfect time in one Aladdins music track the plastic is "shining, shimmering, splendid". As if it's saying "You don't have money, right? Wrong! The credit company is here to help you, the sweet offer is you can get it at zero percent interest only if you get it this month."

Peter: I know because before you know it you're signing the charge slip. Isn't that convenient? Oh those plastics, short term gain, long term pain.

Peter: By the way, with that you get a movie pass for an hour, it's not too much if they ask you to pay the rest of it, right?

John: Yeah, it hurts in many places.

Peter: And the cycle begins and rolls up to the bottomless pit. Merchants.... marketing.... advertisement... credit.... loser... See the pattern?

John: I think there's something fishy going on right here, don't you think?

Peter: Oh, is there? *wink*

Writing Practice (part 1)

2010-07-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Stephen King, in his book On Writing, is encouraging. His advice is to read a lot, and write a lot to anyone who aspires to write. He emphasizes that there are no other way than this two, perhaps there's one more he added, write to show situations not tell stories. That's interesting don't you think?

This I think is "a lot" already. Yey! I'm now a writer, I'm feeling a "writers block" creeping in.

Already?!

Walang maiiwan!!! (Inaugural Address of President Benigno Aquino III)

2010-06-30T00:19:00.000-07:00

The promise has been made, the six year wait begins... while we're at it let's do the ff:
(a) bring out the best in you, think big because life is too short to be little (disraeli)
(b) bring out the best in others, see the exponential result of an investment to people
(c) expect the best, your mind will give you the result you order it to do. and yes, even the worst.
(d) believe in your dreams. even if your friends mean well when they say you can't do it, do it anyway.
(e) be positive. the bad news is it will get worst before it get's better. the good news is positive results comes to those who persevere, persist, and bend but do not break - resilient.

Mr. Aquino, my loyalty and respect is in the office you hold. May you wield it's power to bring the nation to highest possible order without any compromise.

Honor your commitment lights-on and lights-out. We will be waiting and dreaming.

God bless you.

(Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/insights/06/30/10/president-benigno-aquino-iiis-inaugural-speech-june-30-2010)

Official English translation provided by Aquino media bureau

His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and members of the Senate, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and members of the House, justices of the Supreme Court, members of the foreign delegations,Your Excellencies of the diplomatic corps, fellow colleagues in government, aking mga kababayan.

My presence here today is proof that you are my true strength. I never expected that I will be here taking my oath of office before you, as your president. I never imagined that I would be tasked with continuing the mission of my parents. I never entertained the ambition to be the symbol of hope, and to inherit the problems of our nation.

I had a simple goal in life: to be true to my parents and our country as an honorable son, a caring brother, and a good citizen.

My father offered his life so our democracy could live. My mother devoted her life to nurturing that democracy. I will dedicate my life to making our democracy reach its fullest potential: that of ensuring equality for all. My family has sacrificed much and I am willing to do this again if necessary.

Although I was born to famous parents, I know and feel the problems of ordinary citizens. We all know what it is like to have a government that plays deaf and dumb. We know what it is like to be denied justice, to be ignored by those in whom we placed our trust and tasked to become our advocates.

Have you ever been ignored by the very government you helped put in power? I have. Have you had to endure being rudely shoved aside by the siren-blaring escorts of those who love to display their position and power over you? I have, too. Have you experienced exasperation and anger at a government that instead of serving you, needs to be endured by you? So have I.

I am like you. Many of our countrymen have already voted with their feet - migrating to other countries in search of change or tranquility. They have endured hardship, risked their lives because they believe that compared to their current state here, there is more hope for them in another country, no matter how bleak it may be. In moments when I thought of only my own welfare, I also wondered - is it possible that I can find the peace and quiet that I crave in another country? Is our government beyond redemption? Has it been written that the Filipino’s lot is merely to suffer?

Today marks the end of a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people. It is not Noynoy who found a way. You are the reason why the silent suffering of the nation is about to end. This is the beginning of my burden, but if many of us will bear the cross we will lift it, no matter how heavy it is.

Through good governance in the coming years, we will lessen our problems. The destiny of the Filipino will return to its rightful place, and as each year passes, the Filipino’s problems will continue to lessen with the assurance of progress in their lives.

We are here to serve and not to lord over you. The mandate given to me was one of change. I accept your marching orders to transform our government from one that is self-serving to one that works for the welfare of the nation.

This mandate is the social contract that we agreed upon. It is the promise I made during the campaign, which you accepted on election day.

During the campaign we said, “If no one is corrupt, no one will be poor.” That is no mere slogan for posters -- it is the defining principle that will serve as the foundation of our administration.

Our foremost duty is to lift the nation from poverty through honest and effective governance.

The first step is to have leaders who are ethical, honest, and true public servants. I will set the example. I will strive to be a good model. I will not break the trust you have placed in me. I will ensure that this, too, will be the advocacy of my Cabinet and those who will join our government.

I do not believe that all of those who serve in our government are corrupt. In truth, the majority of them are honest. They joined government to serve and do good. Starting today, they will have the opportunity to show that they have what it takes. I am counting on them to help fight corruption within the bureaucracy.

To those who have been put in positions by unlawful means, this is my warning: we will begin earning back the trust of our people by reviewing midnight appointments. Let this serve as a warning to those who intend to continue the crooked ways that have become the norm for too long.

To our impoverished countrymen, starting today, your government will be your champion.

We will not disregard the needs of our students. We will begin by addressing the glaring shortage in classrooms and educational facilities.

Gradually, we will lessen the lack of infrastructures for transportation, tourism and trade. From now on, mediocre work will not be good enough when it comes to roads, bridges, and buildings because we will hold contractors responsible for maintaining their projects in good condition.

We will revive the emergency employment program established by former President Corazon Aquino. This will provide jobs for local communities and will help in the development of their and our economy.

We will not be the cause of your suffering or hardship. We will strengthen collections by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and we will fight corruption in the Bureau of Customs in order to fund our objectives for the public welfare, such as:

· Quality education, including vocational education, so that those who choose not to attend college or those who cannot afford it can find dignified livelihood;

· Improved public health services such as PhilHealth for all within three years;

· A home for every family, within safe communities.

We will strengthen the armed forces and the police, not to serve the interests of those who want to wield power with impunity, but to give added protection for ordinary folk. The armed forces and the police risk their lives daily so that the nation can live in peace and security. The population has doubled and yet their numbers remain unchanged. It is not right that those who make sacrifices are treated pitifully.

If there was a fertilizer scam in the past, today there will be security for farmers. We will help them with irrigation, extension services, and marketing their products at the best possible prices.

We are directing Secretary Alcala to set up trading centers that will directly link farmers and consumers thereby eliminating middlemen and opportunities for corruption. In this way, funds can be shared by farmers and consumers. We will make our country attractive to investors. We will cut red tape dramatically and implement stable economic policies. We will level the playing field for investors and make government an enabler, not a hindrance to business. This is the only means by which we can provide jobs for our people.

Our goal is to create jobs at home so that there will be no need to look for employment abroad. However, as we work towards that end, I am ordering the DFA, POEA, OWWA, and other relevant agencies to be even more responsive to the needs and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers.

We will strengthen the process of consultation and feedback. We will strive to uphold the constitutional right of citizens to information on matters of public concern.

We relived the spirit of people power during the campaign. Let it take us to good and effective governance. Those who believe in people power put the welfare of others before their own.

I can forgive those who did me wrong but I have no right to forgive those who abused our people.

To those who talk about reconciliation, if they mean that they would like us to simply forget about the wrongs that they have committed in the past, we have this to say: there can be no reconciliation without justice. When we allow crimes to go unpunished, we give consent to their occurring over and over again. Secretary de Lima, you have your marching orders. Begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.

We are also happy to inform you the acceptance of Chief Justice Hilario Davide of the challenge of strengthening and heading a Truth Commission that will shed light on many unanswered issues that continue to haunt our country.

My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflict, inclusive of the interests of all -- may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.

We shalI defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform, and equitable governance leading to a better life. With proper governance life will improve for all. When we are all living well, who will want to go back to living under oppression?

If I have all of you by my side, we will be able to build a nation in which there will be equality of opportunity, because each of us fulfilled our duties and responsibilities equally.

After the elections, you proved that it is the people who wield power in this country.

This is what democracy means. It is the foundation of our unity. We campaigned for change. Because of this, the Filipino stands tall once more. We are all part of a nation that can begin to dream again.

To our friends and neighbors around the world, we are ready to take our place as a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities.

We will be a predictable and consistent place for investment, a nation where everyone will say, “it all works.”

Today, I am inviting you to pledge to yourselves and to our people. No one shall be left behind.

No more junkets, no more senseless spending. No more turning back on pledges made during the campaign, whether today or in the coming challenges that will confront us over the next six years. No more influence-peddling, no more patronage politics, no more stealing. No more sirens, no more short cuts, no more bribes. It is time for us to work together once more.

We are here today because we stood together and believed in hope. We had no resources to campaign other than our common faith in the inherent goodness of the Filipino.

The people who are behind us dared to dream. Today, the dream starts to become a reality. To those among you who are still undecided about sharing the common burden I have only one question: Are you going to quit now that we have won?

You are the boss so I cannot ignore your orders. We will design and implement an interaction and feedback mechanism that can effectively respond to your needs and aspirations.

You are the ones who brought me here - our volunteers - old, young, celebrity, ordinary folks who went around the country to campaign for change; my household help who provided for all my personal needs; my family, friends, colleagues at work, who shared, cared, and gave their support; my lawyers who stayed all hours to guard my votes and make sure they were counted; and the millions of Filipinos who prevailed, kept faith, and never lost hope - I offer my heartfelt gratitude.

I will not be able to face my parents and you who have brought me here if do not fulfill the promises I made.

My parents sought nothing less, died for nothing less, than democracy and peace. I am blessed by this legacy. I shall carry the torch forward.

My hope is that when I leave office, everyone can say that we have traveled far on the right path, and that we are able to bequeath a better future to the next generation. Join me in continuing this fight for change.

Thank you and long live the Filipino people!

__________________________________________________________

INAUGURAL ADDRESS AS DELIVERED BY PRESIDENT BENIGNO AQUINO III

Ang pagtayo ko dito ngayon ay patunay na kayo ang aking tunay na lakas. Hindi ko inakala na darating tayo sa puntong ito, na ako'y manunumpa sa harap ninyo bilang inyong Pangulo. Hindi ko pinangarap maging tagapagtaguyod ng pag-asa at tagapagmana ng mga suliranin ng ating bayan.

Ang layunin ko sa buhay ay simple lang: maging tapat sa aking mga magulang at sa bayan bilang isang marangal na anak, mabait na kuya, at mabuting mamamayan.

Nilabanan ng aking ama ang diktadurya at ibinuwis niya ang kanyang buhay para tubusin ang ating demokrasya. Inalay ng aking ina ang kanyang buhay upang pangalagaan ang demokrasyang ito. Ilalaan ko ang aking buhay para siguraduhin na ang ating demokrasya ay kapaki-pakinabang sa bawat isa. Namuhunan na po kami ng dugo at handa kong gawin ito kung muling kinakailangan.

Tanyag man ang aking mga magulang at ang kanilang mga nagawa, alam ko rin ang problema ng ordinaryong mamamayan. Alam nating lahat ang pakiramdam na magkaroon ng pamahalaang bulag at bingi. Alam natin ang pakiramdam na mapagkaitan ng hustisya, na mabalewala ng mga taong pinagkatiwalaan at inatasan nating maging ating tagapagtanggol.

Kayo ba ay minsan ring nalimutan ng pamahalaang inyong iniluklok sa puwesto? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay nagtiis na sa trapiko para lamang masingitan ng isang naghahari-hariang de-wangwang sa kalsada? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay sawang-sawa na sa pamahalaang sa halip na magsilbi sa taumbayan ay kailangan pa nila itong pagpasensiyahan at tiisin? Ako rin.

Katulad ninyo ako. Marami na sa atin ang bumoto gamit ang kanilang paa - nilisan na nila ang ating bansa sa kanilang paghahanap ng pagbabago at katahimikan. Tiniis nila ang hirap, sinugod ang panganib sa ibang bansa dahil doon may pag-asa kahit kaunti na dito sa atin ay hindi nila nakikita. Sa iilang sandali na sarili ko lang ang aking inaalala, pati ako ay napag-isip din - talaga bang hindi na mababago ang pamamahala natin dito? Hindi kaya nasa ibang bansa ang katahimikang hinahanap ko? Saan ba nakasulat na kailangang puro pagtitiis ang tadhana ng Pilipino?

Ngayon, sa araw na ito - dito magwawakas ang pamumunong manhid sa mga daing ng taumbayan. Hindi si Noynoy ang gumawa ng paraan, kayo ang dahilan kung bakit ngayon, magtatapos na ang pagtitiis ng sambayanan. Ito naman po ang umpisa ng kalbaryo ko, ngunit kung marami tayong magpapasan ng krus ay kakayanin natin ito, gaano man kabigat.

Sa tulong ng wastong pamamahala sa mga darating na taon, maiibsan din ang marami nating problema. Ang tadhana ng Pilipino ay babalik sa tamang kalagayan, na sa bawat taon pabawas ng pabawas ang problema ng Pinoy na nagsusumikap at may kasiguruhan sila na magiging tuloy-tuloy na ang pagbuti ng kanilang sitwasyon.

Kami ay narito para magsilbi at hindi para maghari. Ang mandato ninyo sa amin ay pagbabago - isang malinaw na utos para ayusin ang gobyerno at lipunan mula sa pamahalaang iilan lamang ang nakikinabang tungo sa isang pamahalaang kabutihan ng mamamayan ang pinangangalagaan.

Ang mandatong ito ay isa kung saan kayo at ang inyong pangulo ay nagkasundo para sa pagbabago - isang paninindigan na ipinangako ko noong kampanya at tinanggap ninyo noong araw ng halalan.

Sigaw natin noong kampanya: "Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap." Hindi lamang ito pang slogan o pang poster - ito ang mga prinsipyong tinatayuan at nagsisilbing batayan ng ating administrasyon.

Ang ating pangunahing tungkulin ay ang magsikap na maiangat ang bansa mula sa kahirapan, sa pamamagitan ng pagpapairal ng katapatan at mabuting pamamalakad sa pamahalaan.

Ang unang hakbang ay ang pagkakaroon ng tuwid at tapat na hanay ng mga pinuno. Magsisimula ito sa akin. Sisikapin kong maging isang mabuting ehemplo. Hinding hindi ko sasayangin ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob ninyo sa akin. Sisiguraduhin ko na ganito rin ang adhikain ng aking Gabinete at ng mga magiging kasama sa ating pamahalaan.

Naniniwala akong hindi lahat ng nagsisilbi sa gobyerno ay corrupt. Sa katunayan, mas marami sa kanila ay tapat. Pinili nilang maglingkod sa gobyerno upang gumawa ng kabutihan. Ngayon, magkakaroon na sila ng pagkakataong magpakitang-gilas. Inaasahan natin sila sa pagsupil ng korapsyon sa loob mismo ng burukrasya.

Sa mga itinalaga sa paraang labag sa batas, ito ang aking babala: sisimulan natin ang pagbabalik ng tiwala sa pamamagitan ng pag-usisa sa mga "midnight appointments." Sana ay magsilbi itong babala sa mga nag-iisip na ipagpatuloy ang baluktot na kalakarang nakasanayan na ng marami.

Sa mga kapuspalad nating mga kababayan, ngayon, ang pamahalaan ang inyong kampeon.

Hindi natin ipagpapaliban ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga estudyante, kaya't sisikapin nating punan ang kakulangan sa ating mga silid-aralan.

Unti-unti din nating babawasan ang mga kakulangan sa imprastraktura para sa transportasyon, turismo at pangangalakal. Mula ngayon, hindi na puwede ang "puwede na" pagdating sa mga kalye, tulay at gusali dahil magiging responsibilidad ng mga kontratista ang panatilihing nasa mabuting kalagayan ang mga proyekto nila.

Bubuhayin natin ang programang "emergency employment" ng dating pangulong Corazon Aquino sa pagtatayo ng mga bagong imprastraktura na ito. Ito ay magbibigay ng trabaho sa mga local na komunidad at makakatulong sa pagpapalago ng kanila at ng ating ekonomiya.

Hindi kami magiging sanhi ng inyong pasakit at perwisyo. Palalakasin natin ang koleksyon at pupuksain natin ang korapsyon sa Kawanihan ng Rentas Internas at Bureau of Customs para mapondohan natin ang ating mga hinahangad para sa lahat, tulad ng:

· dekalidad na edukasyon, kabilang ang edukasyong bokasyonal para makapaghanap ng marangal na trabaho ang hindi makapag-kolehiyo;
· serbisyong pangkalusugan, tulad ng Philhealth para sa lahat sa loob ng tatlong taon;
· tirahan sa loob ng mga ligtas na komunidad.

Palalakasin at palalaguin natin ang bilang ng ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan, hindi para tugunan ang interes ng mga naghahari-harian, ngunit para proteksyunan ang mamamayan. Itinataya nila ang kanilang buhay para mayroong pagkakataon sa katahimikan at kapayapaan sa sambayanan. Dumoble na ang populasyong kanilang binabantayan, nanatili naman sila sa bilang. Hindi tama na ang nagmamalasakit ay kinakawawa.

Kung dati ay may fertilizer scam, ngayon ay may kalinga ng tunay para sa mga magsasaka. Tutulungan natin sila sa irigasyon, extension services, at sa pagbenta ng kanilang produkto sa pinakamataas na presyong maaari.

Inaatasan natin na ang papasok na Secretary Alcala ay magtayo ng mga trading centers kung saan diretso na ang magsasaka sa mamimili - lalaktawan natin ang gitna, kasama na ang kotong cop. Sa ganitong paraan, ang dating napupunta sa gitna ay maari nang paghatian ng magsasaka at mamimili.

Gagawin nating kaaya-aya sa negosyante ang ating bansa. We will cut red tape dramatically and implement stable economic policies. We will level the playing field for investors and make government an enabler, not a hindrance, to business. Sa ganitong paraan lamang natin mapupunan ang kakulangan ng trabaho para sa ating mga mamamayan.

Layunin nating paramihin ang trabaho dito sa ating bansa upang hindi na kailanganin ang mangibang-bansa para makahanap lamang ng trabaho. Ngunit habang ito ay hindi pa natin naaabot, inaatasan ko ang mga kawani ng DFA, POEA at ng OWWA at iba pang mga kinauukulang ahensiya na mas lalo pang paigtingin ang pagtugon sa mga hinaing at pangangailangan ng ating mga overseas Filipino workers.

Papaigtingin namin ang proceso ng konsultasyon at pag-uulat sa taumbayan. Sisikapin naming isakatuparan ang nakasaad sa ating Konstitusiyon na kinikilala ang karapatan ng mamamayaan na magkaroon ng kaalaman ukol sa mga pampublikong alintana.

Binuhay natin ang diwa ng people power noong kampanya. Ipagpatuloy natin ito tungo sa tuwid at tapat na pamamahala. Ang naniniwala sa people power ay nakatuon sa kapwa at hindi sa sarili.

Sa mga nang-api sa akin, kaya ko kayong patawarin at pinapatawad ko na kayo. Sa mga nang-api sa sambayanan, wala akong karapatan na limutin ang inyong mga kasalanan.

To those who are talking about reconciliation, if they mean that they would like us to simply forget about the wrongs that they have committed in the past, we have this to say: there can be no reconciliation without justice. Sa paglimot ng pagkakasala, sinisigurado mong maulit muli ang mga pagkakasalang ito. Secretary de Lima, you have your marching orders. Begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.

Ikinagagalak din naming ibahagi sa inyo ang pagtanggap ni dating Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. sa hamon ng pagtatatag at pamumuno sa isang Truth Commission na magbibigay linaw sa maraming kahinahinalang isyu na hanggang ngayon ay walang kasagutan at resolusyon.

Ang sinumang nagkamali ay kailangang humarap sa hustisya. Hindi maaaring patuloy ang kalakaran ng walang pananagutan at tuloy na pang-aapi.

My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflicts, inclusive of the interests of all - may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.

We shall defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform, and equitable governance leading to a better life. Sa tamang pamamahala gaganda ang buhay ng lahat, at sa buhay na maganda, sino pa ang gugustuhing bumalik sa panahon ng pang-aapi?

Kung kasama ko kayo, maitataguyod natin ang isang bayan kung saan pantay-pantay ang pagkakataon, dahil pantay-pantay nating ginagampanan ang ating mga pananagutan.

Kamakailan lamang, ang bawat isa sa atin ay nanindigan sa presinto. Bumoto tayo ayon sa ating karapatan at konsensiya. Hindi tayo umatras sa tungkulin nating ipaglaban ang karapatan na ito.

Pagkatapos ng bilangan, pinatunayan ninyo na ang tao ang tunay na lakas ng bayan.

Ito ang kahalagahan ng ating demokrasya. Ito ang pundasyon ng ating pagkakaisa. Nangampanya tayo para sa pagbabago. Dahil dito taas-noo muli ang Pilipino. Tayong lahat ay kabilang sa isang bansa kung saan maaari nang mangarap muli.

To our friends and neighbors around the world, we are ready to take our place as a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities.

We will be a predictable and consistent place for investment, a nation where everyone will say, "it all works."

Inaanyayahan ko kayo ngayon na manumpa sa ating mga sarili, sa sambayanan, WALANG MAIIWAN.

Walang pangingibang-bayan at gastusan na walang wastong dahilan. Walang pagtalikod sa mga salitang binitawan noong kampanya, ngayon at hanggang sa mga susunod pang pagsubok na pagdadaanan sa loob ng anim na taon.

Walang lamangan, walang padrino at walang pagnanakaw. Walang wang-wang, walang counterflow, walang tong. Panahon na upang tayo ay muling magkawanggawa.

Nandito tayo ngayon dahil sama-sama tayong nanindigan at nagtiwala na may pag-asa.

The people who are behind us dared to dream. Today, the dream starts to become a reality. Sa inyong mga nag-iisip pa kung tutulong kayo sa pagpasan ng ating krus, isa lang ang aking tanong - kung kailan tayo nanalo, saka pa ba kayo susuko?

Kayo ang boss ko, kaya't hindi maaaring hindi ako makinig sa mga utos ninyo. We will design and implement an interaction and feedback mechanism that can effectively respond to the people's needs and aspirations.

Kayo ang nagdala sa akin sa puntong ito - ang ating mga volunteers - matanda, bata, celebrity, ordinaryong tao, na umikot sa Pilipinas para ikampanya ang pagbabago; ang aking mga kasambahay, na nag-asikaso ng lahat ng aking mga personal na pangangailangan; ang aking pamilya, kaibigan at katrabaho, na dumamay, nag-alaga at nagbigay ng suporta sa akin; ang ating mga abogado, na nagpuyat para bantayan ang ating mga boto at siguraduhing mabilang ang bawat isa; ang aking mga kapartido at kaalyado na kasama kong nangahas mangarap; at ang milyun-milyong Pilipinong nagkaisa, nagtiwala at hindi nawalan ng pag-asa - nasa inyo ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat.

Hindi ko makakayang harapin ang aking mga magulang, at kayong mga nagdala sa akin sa yugto ng buhay kong ito, kung hindi ko maisasakatuparan ang aking mga binitawang salita sa araw na ito.

My parents sought nothing less and died for nothing less than democracy, peace and prosperity. I am blessed by this legacy. I shall carry the torch forward.

Layunin ko na sa pagbaba ko sa katungkulan, masasabi ng lahat na malayo na ang narating natin sa pagtahak ng tuwid na landas at mas maganda na ang kinabukasang ipapamana natin sa susunod na henerasyon. Samahan ninyo ako sa pagtatapos ng laban na ito. Tayo na sa tuwid na landas.

Maraming salamat po at mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino! (June 30, 2010)

My Personal Mission Statement

2010-03-27T00:17:00.000-07:00

I am at my best when I am speaking and researching concepts.
I will try to prevent times when I am procrastinating and not preparing when necessary.
I will enjoy my work by finding employment where I can communicate ideas.
I will find enjoyment in my personal life through learning new concepts.
I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as speaking, mentoring, teaching.
I can do anything I set my mind to. I will write, inspire, speak.

My life's journey is creating a lasting value for myself, my family and the people around me. I would like to have the highest impact and influence in their lives even if I am gone.
I will be a person who is generous, full of wisdom, experienced, has practical insights, and most specially, highly regarded for competence, integrity and honesty.
My most important future contribution to others will be to empower people to live their highest potential and achieve their aspirations by the impact in the way I have lived my life. So that even if I am gone, they will continue to press on and live in their fullest ideals. In this way I could leave a legacy that will echo for many generations.

I will stop procrastinating and start working on:

* Lack of consciousness in keeping healthy.
* I need more compassion and consideration for others.
* Confidence in speaking.

I will strive to incorporate the following attributes into my life:

* Wisdom filled. Practical. Give simple words, but with great impact.
* Experienced. Great business acumen. Rigorous.

I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life:

* Exercise more
* Pray more
* Reflect more
* Be vulnerable with others more

The world is mine poem

2009-10-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

THE WORLD IS MINE
Dr. Tennyson Guyer

Today upon a bus I saw a girl with golden hair;
She seemed so gay, I envied her, and wished that I were half so fair;
I watched her as she rose to leave, and saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and wore a crutch, but as she passed--a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;
I have two legs--the world is mine.

Later on I bought some sweets. The boy who sold them had such charm,
I thought I'd stop and talk awhile. If I were late, t'would do no harm.
And as we talked he said, "thank you, sir, you've really been so kind .
It's nice to talk to folks like you because, you see, I'm blind."
Oh, God , forgive me when I whine;
I have two eyes--the world is mine.

Later, walking down the street, I met a boy with eyes so blue.
But he stood and watched the others play, it seemed he knew not what to do.
I paused, and then I said," Why don't you join the others, dear?"
But he looked straight ahead without a word, and then I knew, he couldn't hear.

Oh, God forgive me when I whine;
I have two ears--the world is mine.
Two legs to take me where I go,
Two eyes to see the sunset's glow,
Two ears to hear all I should know,
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;
I'm blest, indeed, the world is mine.

Ten (10) Commandments For Kids

2009-09-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

1. Thank God for each new day.
2. Be thoughtful and kind in what you do or say.
3. Share your things cheerfully.
4. Help family members without being asked.
5. Take care of all living things: people, animals and plants.
6. Be true to what is really important.
7. Treat other people's things as if they were your own.
8. Always tell the truth and be honest.
9. Be happy for your friends when good things happen to them.
10. Show God your love by loving others.

Is It That Important?

2009-09-16T15:03:00.000-07:00

A TV commercial is working if after it runs people get to think one of these...

"I wish I could have that..."
"I wish to be that..."
"I wish to buy that..."
"I will go there..."

But there's a subtle effect that these commercials are doing. For some, they will have the feeling of lack all their lives, they believe they don't have the capacity to be, to do or to have. For some other, they become so obsessed that no matter what happens, against all odds, they got to have it. Because they believe that they can have it. And there's the rest who passively watch and ignore the feeling, because they believe that it's just a gap between the real program.

The real score is that between the real program and the commercials, they get more money on the latter. Where do they get it? They are taking it from our pockets, because you get to buy their stuff. How? The commercial turns on a signal in your head that if you need a certain product their name should pop-up - the commercials did that, and it's working.

What is that signal? It's the belief that operates inside people. The commercials gets to play with that belief everytime, and it works all the time.

I don't have anything agaist commercials on TV, they're fun to watch except the suggestive ones. But these are just an introduction to a single point. Here's the point...

If our belief is that important to them, should it be more important to us?

The answer is, OF COURSE.

If you are under achieving or performing poorly, this is the best place to start, because belief and self esteem precedes good performance.

"The size of your success is determined by the size of your belief." -- David J. Schwartz

It's imperative that we work on our beliefs.

Have you had your "Don't-Kid-Yourself-Anymore" day?

2009-09-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

"If it's raining you can't fix the roof. If it's not raining there's no need to fix the roof."

Clever ha! But you can't do this all day, you see, what you do in a day probably you'll probably do tomorrow, this week, the entire month and even a lifetime.

Take an offensive position for your life, because there's a fight going on. Someone, something is robbing you your life, your money, your time and your family to say the least.

Observe the weeds, one day your front yard is clear from it but lo and behold after some relaxing and folding of the hands, there it is - weeds! Nobody planted it there, in fact, there's no need to plant weeds, they just grow.

Observe your life, what are the weeds that needs hacking. Do that and make sure it never grew again.

Life is not a joke, like some people are saying. Life is not even a movie. Well, perhaps it's a movie, without the glamor of the shining lights, no take-two's after a mistake, no dress-rehearsals either.

This is real life.

I hope that today is your day, the "Don't kid yourself anymore" day.

Written by: Alfred M. Ocon
Cartoon: cartoonstock.com

IT'S POSSIBLE

2009-09-08T16:12:00.000-07:00

"Through testimonials and personal experience we have enough reason to conclude that it's possible to design and live an extraordinary life." -- Jim Rohn

Image Source: cartoonstock.com

Being debt free By Francis J. Kong

2009-09-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

Being debt free
BUSINESS MATTERS (Beyond the bottom line) By Francis J. Kong (The Philippine Star) Updated September 06, 2009 12:00 AM
Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=502636&publicationSubCategoryId=66

There is an unpleasant scene happening as the landlord and its artist tenant were fighting over the rent. It is obvious that the artist has been deep in debt and could not pay the rent and so the following conversation ensued:

The penniless artist was cornered by her landlord, who demanded several months’ back rent. “Just think,” the artist pleaded, “someday tourists will be pointing to this building and say, ‘The great abstract painter AntonioGarcia used to live here.’

The landlord shrugged. “And if you don’t pay up, they can come by tomorrow and say that.”

The Bible tells us: Proverbs 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Ask the ones who are deep in debt. They will tell you this is so true.

They say that only the rich can be debt free. That is not true. There are many rich people who are “rich” but only because they are living on borrowed money. There are people who do not have much money but they are richer than the rich because they are debt free. The truth is that anyone can become debt free an d reducing debt is as simple as plain common sense and hard work.

Here are some ideas by which you can avoid debt or get out of it:

1. GET OUT OF DENIAL

Denial time is over. The glorious days of wanton disregard for spending are gone. Get real. Decide to get out of debt NOW and be willing to do some work. Stop blaming people and stop blaming circumstances. You made a mistake, take responsibility because this starts the whole healing process.

2. AVOID QUICK FIXES

You cannot borrow money just to pay the money you owe. There are sources offering easy credit but exorbitant interests, These are quick fixes that will get you deeper in your debt hole. Others go into buying lotto tickets or would role the little money they have left in games and gambling. That is not the way to go. That is the recipe for disaster.

3. BE WILLING TO WORK HARD

Quick fixes are for lazy people. Sacrifice and hard work are for disciplined people.

You need to be willing to work hard and sacrifice in order to fix the situations that you created with your own irresponsibility. If you are not willing, then you cannot be helped.

Maybe you need to take up additional jobs, work a few more days including Sundays. Accept any job that could add a little more money on your paycheck. Work is the only way you can get money to pay off your debt.

4. LIQUIDATE STUFF

Most of the stuff you have in your homes are stuff you wanted not the stuff you needed.

Sell them even for a loss and make sure you use the money to pay off your creditors. Check all those small expenses that are there like gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, phone bills and plans and just plug those expenses holes so you can stop your ship from the sinking process.

5. BUDGET. BUDGET AND BUDGET

You may not like math but now you need to face it. Be an accountant. Make sure you list down every expense item you incur no matter how small they are so you can measure where your money goes. Always remember that you cannot manage what you do not measure.

6. SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFESTYLE

Stop worrying about your “image.” If you are in debt you have a bad image.

Simplify…simplify and simplify.

7. PRAY AND TRUST GOD

God says He provides food for the sparrows and are you not worth more than birds? This is the time when you and your entire family stop blaming each other and start supporting one another and to come to God in prayer. Ask for wisdom. Ask for grace and ask for God to provide opportunities for recovery.

Ever since the economic downturn happened, I have had friends who turned to God because their businesses went down. It’s been 10 months since and I have actually seen improvements in their conditions.

The best three words on a tombstone in not “Rest in Peace.” In my opinion it should be “Paid in Full.”

(Francis Kong will be the lead trainer for the Dr. John Maxwell’s “Developing the Leader Within You” leadership program this September 29-30 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. For further inquiries contact Inspire Leadership Consultancy Inc. 632-6872614 OR 09178511115)

KASAMA KA SA IILAN

2009-08-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

Kulay ng Iilan
Written by Alfred M. Ocon

Verse1:
Takot sa iilan hangganan moy wag pigilan
Pagisipan at di na kalimutan
Wag makalimot ang isip ay iikot
Manlulupig ay ka kulay lang

Verse2:
Wag nang sayangin pa
Kalayaay paalabin na
Pagibig sa bayan ay bantayan
Manlulupig ay ka kulay lang

Chorus:
Kayamanan sa isip at kalikasan mararanasan
Kung nagiisip ang iilan
Kasamaan ay mananatili at patuloy
Kung walang bahala ang iilan

Verse3:
Magdurusa ang madami sa tahimik na iilan
Isiping mabuti lahat ay makinig
Wag isisi kung di ka kasali
Manlulupig ay ka kulay lang

Bridge:
Dalawamput walo di na mabilang
Sana ay sapat na para matapos na
Pero paano kung ang nais lang ay para sa iilan
Sa mabuting iilan pag magsama-samay di mabilang
Kasama ka sa iilan

Repentance Leads To Gratitude

2009-07-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

When should we repent? When we commit sin. Right answer, but not quite.

Let's see some areas we sometimes overlooked.

We fail to recognize God's works in our lives. We seem to take most of the credits when we did something right. We should thank Him for He's our partner in all right pursuits in our life.

We fail to appreciate God's provision. We seem to take for granted how God provides not only material things you need, but also for the people He caused to bless us. We should thank Him for allowing people to walk in our lives either by leaving a mark of blessing or a scar.

We fail to trust God's hands NOT only in situations that we do not have control over, but most of the time WHEN we are in control. Sometimes, we tend to do it our way only to make it worst. We should thank Him for giving us that understanding that an all powerful God is making all things work together according to His purpose.

We fail to identify the blessing of God's presence and continue to do wrong things in his presence. We tend to ignore that he's always around, waiting for us to make room for Him. We should thank and honor Him for always being there, supplying the very air that we breath and the sun that shines after each rain.

Let us give Him that recognition, appreciation, and the honor fit for a king of kings, and the lord of lords through repentance.

[Based on the sermon last sunday, July 26, by Ptr. Romy Villegas]
[Cartoon credit: cartoonstock.com]

Live High

2009-07-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

LIVE HIGH

Standard Tuning:

Intro
A C#m7 Cm7-Bm7 Dm7

Verse
A
I try to picture a girl
C#m7
Through a looking glass
D
See her as a carbon atom
Dm7
See her eyes and stare back at them
A
See that girl
C#m7
As her own new world
D Dm7
Though a home is on the surface, she is still a universe
A C#m7
Glory God, oh God is peeking through the blinds
D
Are we all here standing naked
Dm7 A
Taking guesses at the actual date and time
C#m7
Oh my, justifying reasons why
D Dm7
Is an absolutely insane resolution to live by

Chorus
A
Live high
C#m7
Live mighty
Cm7-Bm7
Live righteously
Dm7
Takin it easy
A C#m7
Live high, live mighty
Cm7-Bm7 Dm7
Live righteously

Verse 2: same as verse 1
I try to picture a man
to always have an open hand
I see him as a giving tree
I see him as matter
matter of fact he’s not a beast
no not the devil either
always a good deed do-er
and it’s laughter that we’re making after all
the call of the wild is still in order nationwide
in the order of the primates
all our politics are too late
Oh my, the congregation in my mind
is this assembly selling gratitude
practicing their loving for you
Chorus

Bridge
D Dm7
Just take it easy
C#m7 Fm
And celebrate the malleable reality
Bm7
Nothing is ever as it seems
Dm7
This life is but a dream

Whatever You Give To Life, Life Gives You Back

2009-07-14T16:11:00.001-07:00

The Seed
(From my inbox)

A successful business man was growing old and
knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.

Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children,
he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together.

He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you.
"The young executives were Shocked, but the boss continued. "I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED.
I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you.
I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO."

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed.
Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had
grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.

Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew...
Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing.
By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.
Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however... He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - He so wanted the seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection.
Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot.
But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick to his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right.
He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful -- in all shapes and sizes.
Jim put his empty pot on the floor and
many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!

When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives.

Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!"

All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the Financial Director to bring him to the front.
Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a
failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"

When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story.

The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, "Behold your next Chief Executive Officer! His name is Jim!"
Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed.

"How could he be the new CEO?" the others said.

Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed.. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow.

All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you.
Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer!"

* If you plant honesty, you will reap trust
* If you plant goodness, you will reap friends
* If you plant humility, you will reap greatness
* If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment
* If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective
* If you plant hard work, you will reap success
* If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation
* If you plant faith in God , you will reap a harvest

So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later..

[Image from cartoonstock.com]