Every Day is a Gift

          Thinking on the condition of our world today, I can't help myself but be reflective on what's going on around me. Apparently, there is so much need for mankind to stop for a while from his/her busy life and seriously think about the state of our world. From one to the next then to the rest of the corners of the world, great plea for assistance is urgently heard. Natural and man made calamities (war, famine, hunger, inequality, environmental deterioration etc) abound and on its midst, I came up with this shortlist of things that might make a difference to this greatly treasured world. - paradigm shift- we need to retreat once in a while so as to have a wider picture to what's going on in our life and the world. Consequently, we will discover things that are productive for us and on the other hand, we might discover things such as values, lifestyle, traits that could have been unhelpful thus it needs us to make a radical shift in our life. We need t...

          The ongoing XXII Winter Olympics showcased to the whole world how heroes are made. Staging various events fo such a world caliber standards is such an amazing feat and for all those who have successfully topped their events, the glory are cherished not just by them but by their wellwishers as well.           We all know how demanding the training of these athletes of such quality. Being away from their respective homes and families, the sacrifice they offer are so great that just by being able to represent their countries in the prestigious event is so overwhelming. imagecredit: http://www.freeimageslive.com/galleries/sports/sportsgames/pics/kitesuring.jpg           As the events continue to unfold day by day, the glory of all those who triumphed in their events were so infectious and great. On the other hand, the agony of defeat was also felt by those who failed to land a decent performanc...

           By February 9 of this year, I will recall the first entry that I had on this blog. After such initial entry, I came up with several posts on various human interests topics. As the days and months passed by, I didn't notice that I will soon, in fact, two days from now, be celebrating one year of blogging.           As this meaningful event for me arrives, I will express my extreme joy and sincere gratefulness to the following: - to you readers, for sharing your time in reading my posts. It is my pleasure to impart with you my posts enabling me to share with you my thoughts, inspirations, journey, fears, aspirations, learnings as I continue with my treasured life; - to my family, my wife Yanyan and my son Kurt Kristoff, for they are the very source of my strength and patience to come up with all those posts and for my coming ones; imagecredit:  http://www.freeimageslive.com/galleries/nature/views/pics...

          With the growing popularity of the online world nowadays, it then becomes a reality that many people are exposing themselves to the lure of the internet to the extent that they sacrifice their personal affairs for online activities. Moreover, occasions spent on the internet could result either positively or negatively depending on their intensity.            On the other hand, constantly consider that you certainly own various pertinent relationships and as such, you also owe the responsibility to nurture each one of  them. And by nurturing them, you allow each person involved in the relationship to grow in a positive manner.  imagecredit : http://www.freeimages.co.uk/galleries/nature/environment/slides/clean_beach6085.htm             Yet in the midst of all these net developments that  you treasure nowadays, are you aware then of their brought risks to your life? It ...

          As you make an entrance into another chapter of your life through the commencement of this new year, what comes out also are your prepared New Year's resolutions- list of things that you want to achieve in your life. This has been the practice of so many people since a long time ago dated back during the period of the Babylonians until the era of the knights on the Medieval times.           You may have personally set up your own goals this year. May it be for a change in your lifestyle like limiting your time in front of the television set or in front of your laptop. Others will aim for a more moderation in terms of certain rituals such as smoking, drinking and going out late at nights with friends. imagecredit: http://www.freeimageslive.com/galleries/nature/views/pics/naturevistahill1345.jpg            On the other hand, there are those who aim for self improvement such as positive men...

          Life is at times full of elations and sometimes that of misery. Each one has dreams that wanted to be realized. And in your everyday journey, it is also coupled with bountiful trials and crosses. Challenges which you might think that they have no end anymore. With this reality, you then realize that life is  not at all happiness.            At times, you tend to fall down but then when those moments come, you need to get up and continue the journey. Life's tests are accorded to you yet they are not given for you to lose hope. Moreover they are not showered in your life to destroy your dreams however they are present to enable you to become stronger and learn how to face life squarely. imagecredit:  http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-images-wild-horses-image1408129           As you go on with your journey, your main inspiration is your family. When your loved ones are...

Think about it....2013 is over now. And as you welcome the new year, think about how you lived in the past. Think if you still has a purpose in life. Try to think how many eyes have tears because of you? How many hearts were broken because of you? Learn to say sorry if you made mistakes. Don't live a life that is full of hatred. Learn to love and accept failures because no one in this world is perfect. Learn to forgive and forget as the Heavenly Father forgives us sinners. Don't be arrogant. Be thankful of what you have. All you have is a blessing. You may be lucky today but perhaps not tomorrow so learn to value what you have. imagecredit: www.freedigitalphotos.com Be kind to people because you also need their kindness sometimes. Always remember that you are like anybody else who commit mistakes and fail. Learn to accept your weaknesses. For what you will grow and will learn by your mistakes. Don't compare yourself with others be...

           While nearing the completion of this year, I reflected on what has happened on my life during its course. I was amazed on how blessed I am as I recalled back the events of this year. How precious the life is- that is one of the focuses of my reflections this year. Life just come and go so we must need to embrace every moment that comes each day. Consequently, some of those reflections which I would like to share with you are the following: A three-legged stool : - each leg relies on each other for strength; - on top of the stool is a space for a comfortable sitting; - equal footing for each leg to stand in balance and in harmony; - each leg's brace provides support and strength as the three of them       intertwined with each other imagecredit :   http://www.freeimageslive.com/galleries/nature/trees/pics/trees01830.jpg   Relating it to life: - we need support system such as each other, family, friends, rel...

          How do you define the meaning of Christmas? What is the importance of this season in your life and that of your family? Who do you spend your time with on Christmas time? At times, when you are obssessed with new things such as clothes and gadgets, what you look forward as a younger boy or girl at this season is the luxurious gift that you will receive from others.           These are but just some of the questions that come to your mind when you think about Christmas. You may think perhaps of the times when you were still young and the idea then of Christmas was mainly focused on the following: imagecredit: a. receiving gifts and giveaways from loved ones especially from parents; b. playing time with friends  c. opportunity to go around and mill with friends to make carolling to various houses and even to strangers thus allowing the spirit of Christmas to be shared with everyone       ...

          It's Christmas morning! And many people in this side of the world are still sleeping at 8:09 am. I woke up with the priest's words during the Christmas eve mass still ringing in my ears. His main message centered on the theme: "Can we see Jesus who was born in lowliness and in poverty?"            In our culture, the long Christmas celebration which starts in October until January, focuses on the material aspects -- food, parties, new clothes and gadgets. If not for Yolanda, people would still have those annual big and pompous celebration. I believe that calamities do happen before Christmas to give us a message -- TO SIMPLIFY.            I remember last year, when I introduced a gift-less Christmas to my family in respect to the Pablo victims and survivors. It was done but was not well received. Nakasanayan na kasi eh (It has been a tradition.) . And worse, I heard " Si Tito Nel kas...

          Previously, it was typical for any family that a father goes to work and provides the needs of the family. On the other hand, the mother stays at home to take charge of the children. Nowadays, it is but prevalent that both parents prefer to work so as to provide the financial benefits of the children. These two contrasting realities both have their positive and negative effects.           You may perhaps think that children with both working parents naturally receive the material benefits. As such, the parents can afford to buy anything luxurious like toys, modern gadgets, and can even send the children to exclusive schools. Moreover, proponents of this view argues that due to the family's extra wealth, it will enable them to go overseas for a holiday.           On the other hand, one of the possible negative results when both parents are working is the deprivation of guidance and moral support...

What would be food without salt? Salt, what an amazing ingredient. Can you imagine your favorite adobo without any salt? Salt is even added to caramel to give it a rounded rich flavour, don't believe me? Get a salted caramel ice cream or tart they're the craze nowadays, I've had an amazing, can't get enough of it popcorn that was sweet and salty. It was sold in this huge, plastic pillow case size bags and people where queueing up to buy not just one bag but two!  Salt, what an amazing ingredient indeed.  Ever wondered what it meant to be salt? In (Mt 5: 13) Jesus told us "You are salt of the earth but if salt loses its salty taste it cannot be made salty again. It is good for nothing. It must be thrown out for people to walk on."   One of the functions of salt is that it helps preserve food. I know, I'm thinking of tuyo (salted pilchard or anchovies), dried squid man this writing is making me hungry!   What salt does is it prevents t...

         When you're being a sports enthusiast, you would know that on each one of us, there stays a kind of player when you are into a game. No matter what your recreational activity is, from ball sports to cards and even to online games, one question that you ought to ask yourself is " Are you aware of your own dynamics when you are playing? "  Just to point out certain types of player that you can be, you can either be one or more of the following: 1. passionate player 2. impulsive player 3. vindictive player 4. easy go lucky player 5. team player 1. Passionate player- you are into into the game...you put your heart in every game you play. You are willing to go one step farther from what others are doing....as they say, exerting extra mile. Moreover, you know the in and out of the game. You try and search for ways to improve your skills. You don't just stop while the practice is over, instead you go for extra effort to harness your ski...

          Do you have a true friend? Do you consider yourself a close friend to somebody? What is a true friend by the way? You may perhaps think of many diverse meanings on what a true friend is but the best part of this is for you to be one real friend to somebody before you could really tell that you have one.           Allow me to share with you two quotations on friendship which I considered to be undoubtedly instrumental in establishing and maintaining friendship. First, this one by Nerrisa Nam as she says, " Always be there ". Yes, giving quality presence is a very essential ingredient to a true friendship. Nowadays you are pounded with lots of technologies that keep much of your attention that at times, you tend to neglect in staying focus on your relationship with a friend. Physical presence counts a lot in progressing one's friendship. However when friends are separated by some distances or even a thousand miles away, the...

          One could not hold back tears and emotions while watching the current news on the recent catastrophe that struck the Philippines. Amidst the chaos brought along by Typhoon Haiyan, one could simply ask himself/herself, " Where will I go from here?". Perhaps this may even end up as a very vague question for much uncertainty is what lies ahead as an aftermath of Haiyan.           However, you could also find the resiliency and firmness in the hearts of the Filipino people that in the midst of this disaster which claimed thousands of lives and left a large score of homeless people, many still chose to continue with their journey in spite of this seemingly dark chapter of their life. imagecredit:   By  tungphoto , published on 08 February 2011           The Philippine government through its president, Pres. Benigno Aquino Jr. is trying its very best to restore order and hope on the sit...

          While having a conversation with a friend, the idea that " men are turned off by women with strong personalities"  came up to my mind and then I started to share and asked her opinion about such notion. Thus, I came up with this post just to contribute thoughts about this familiar belief.           My friend, being a girl with a strong personality herself, affirmed this notion. Experience wise, she observed that men around her felt uneasy and uncomfortable dealing with her. Consequently, she felt inside herself being unwelcomed and unsupported.  Being an outspoken and witty girl, she declared that those men just felt overruled by her and took them out of their safety zones.           Can you relate to such scenery? Is it a cultural thing, or why is this so? Being involve in this complicated world, you can think of many reasons and you can even add your own experience to agree or the o...

Follow my blog with Bloglovin I have so much in life I have wealth of the world No one can harm me No one can win over me This is my destiny And this is my life. Now, my world has changed I'm running out of defense I never know anyone Not even myself I knew No one can see me No one remembers me. imagecredit: Where is your claim? Is it a scheme or a dream? You own nothing You owe everything Touch your heart Down to the deepest part. Life, life must go on I bring nothing for fortune I am blessed with my nothingness It’s a grace; I have emptiness I am great with my little things I am rich with what I have left. No one owns the world nobody has the hold It is a gift and a grace Share it and take pace Don’t tire of giving many are earnestly waiting . Author: Bro. Romel Tampus Valen, SC              Brothers of the Sacred Heart         ...

          Life is a never ending journey. And as we progress with our life journey, we undertake to reflect on previous events of our life then realize that we are actually reading our own book of life. With such realization, we become so glad to be active participants to this journey. Everytime we wake up each single day, new and fresh learnings embrace us and they support us in our personal development.            On the other hand, we all know that life learnings are beyond any limit or bondary. It only takes one's responsibility to participate unceasingly in this journey that will make a corresponding difference in his/her life. One positive point in life is when we exchange our various giftedness with each other. As you and me go on with our everyday learnings, we grow the more when we exchange life's wonderful stories.            Every individual chapter in our life entails huge amount o...