A Great Lesson from a True Story

All of us want to be somebody in the society and be proud of whatever we have or achieved. I've got a question for you to answer.Would you like to have a very inclined life in the beginning of your journey but in the end you end up with nothing? I want to share this true story that will teach every Filipino family a lesson.

I watched the "Blusa" Episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya via internet. Blusa is a tagalog term which means a blouse.That thing was wore by the main character by the time that she was hunting for a job.It was a gift given to her by her caring and loving sister (Dimple Romana).The main character was played by Angel Locsin.She was awarded as Magna Cum Laude when she graduated in college.She's a product of the University of the Philippines.She's an achiever in the family and her parents are expecting much from her.Her siblings stopped going to school because she was the one prioritized to be sent .Since she was a young girl all she wanted was to help her family alleviate from poverty.Her goal is to fulfill it.She was high-spirited and very much confident that after finishing school she'll have a good job.

Fate came and tested her.She tried hard to look for one but she didn't get any.In addition,she was pressured because her dad got sick.She had to give financial support to them and found herself working in a night club!Her mom sent her away after her father died without getting proper medications and she blamed herself much. She believed that she caused the death of his father.

She came from a province and she was a scholar in UP Manila.Her sister stayed with her in times that she's no longer in her proper  mind setting.Due to depression, much family pressure and extreme disappointments she went crazy. Her emotional stability was shaken with what happened to her.She's no longer having normal thinking.She doesn't have enough food to eat most of the time because her sister had to leave her. The main character has an attitude problem and that cause their separation.Her pride is the reason why she wasn't successful. She keeps on thinking that she's a failure to everybody.

I'd say that her life isn't balance.He never had a boyfriend to be with or close friends to share her problems with.She only had her sister.Her sister has her own family.She didn't stop taking care of her though.Her mom was no longer concern about her because her mom felt that she's a disappointment in their community.

It couldn't happen to her if only if her mom didn't force her to achieve great things in life easily.Her pride added to her own destruction.She longs for good things for her family.There's nothing wrong with it.But the way she sees how life goes is the wrong one.Furthermore, she doesn't have the right perspective and thought that life is indeed unfair.

I always believe that the kind of foundation that a family has will serve as the members' base in getting into the different avenues of life.Moreover, balance is the key word to get along with the world well.

Intelligence alone can't make a person successful.Attitude goes along with it.

A Tree Planted by the River

"I shall not be

I shall not be moved

Just like a tree planted by the river

I shall not be moved"

These are the words from a  Christian song that I’ve known for more than 20 years. Every time I hear this, I always think about my mom when she was in Germany. She went there in the 90’s.We didn't have cell phones yet and our means of communication were letters,  a land line and voice recorder. She loved listening to this song and I first understood its message when I was in high school. This song was her stronghold when her love ones were far from her.Jesus Christ has been her refuge.

This was the message delivered to us last Sunday. I was blessed with our visitor. He was a young pastor yet filled with God's anointing.The song gives meaning to a man’s life which is full of faith and meditation of God’s word that can be compared to a tee that grows up near the body of water that will last long for it has enough water to sustain life. Its roots can develop and function well. Thus, it can’t be easily pulled out.It can have green, leafy and shiny leaves that represent success and spiritual stability.

Unlike man’s life which does not conform to the will of God, a tree-like life by the river is strong enough to fight evil and overcome circumstances. In addition, it can be fruitful since it has sufficient water to sustain its life.A person can stand against all odds and remain unbreakable in the test of time.On the contrary, a man who lives the opposite way  can be equate to a tree which leaves will eventually fall as its body dies. In other words, a man’s life in this example will disappear in this world without becoming successful and getting heavenly rewards. He can’t claim the peace, joy and righteousness that are promised by God. As a result, living on earth yet getting a life like hell.

To achieve this kind of life, man should serve the Lord, follow thy ways and live with the guidance of His words and Holy Spirit.

Personal uprightness is temporal yet spiritual holiness isn’t.Forcing ourselves to do good  things is hard but a change by the grace of God is a sign of real modification.Many things make us happy.The happiness we get from Him though is the best we can get.

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.-Psalms 37:4

Giving and Getting Feedback

“Constructive Criticism is when I criticize you. Destructive when you criticize me.”

Didn’t you notice that most of the time we are right when we are the ones who judge people? Unknowingly we see criticisms of people towards us destructive when it’s them correcting us. We find it below the belt or unacceptable because people notice our mistakes. We don’t realize that what people see in us is true and you have to change it because they find it undesirable and destructive to your life as a whole. When you accept criticisms, reflect on it and evaluate yourself so that negative feedback can turn into a good one. On the other hand, if you find it offending then you’ll definitely find it non-constructive.

My mom always refreshes our thoughts by talking to us if we have the chance. All of us are busy with our own careers but she always finds time for counseling. We were used to it. Every time she sees that we’re not on the right track she’ll definitely talk to you for a very long time. We’re expecting it especially when we did something wrong and she caught us. My mom tells us to check our hearts and desires in life. Furthermore she keeps on telling us that we should take people’s negative feedback as a challenge- that is to prove them wrong.

In order to live normally we should learn how to deal with negative comments and feedback Or else? You'll go crazy if you want to follow what everybody is telling you to do. We can't please everybody so take your stand and stick with it.

If you're a blogger, how do you manage negative or striking comments on your posts?

Read more

Giving Negative Feedback

A World Class Filipino Peformer

Lea Salonga showed her incredible performance from London to Broadway. Her concert two weeks ago in PICC "My Life on Stage" was such a wonderful theater show.It was a success! Thanks to ABSCBN for bringing it on Philippine TV.

Lea has several commercials too. Some of her sponsors are Avon, Splash (baby powder and Happy toothpaste) and Bayo. She began her singing career when she was 10.

In addition, she was married to a chinese national, Mr. Chien. She'd done several music records with disney pictures.She sang the song "A Whole New World" in Disney movie-Aladdin.Moreover she played Kim for the original London and Broadway productions of "Miss Saigon". These are her greatest achievements in the field that she had chosen to work with. These were also her most amazing experiences that she had.

The conductor of her concert was his own brother Gerard Salonga, the conductor of Philharmonica. Lea's concert showed her entire life. It was a musical presentation of her life.From her career when he was still a small child, in getting to the top of her dream and was awarded, to getting married and having an angel in their own family in the person of Nichole Salonga Chien. She is a Tony Awardee on its 45th year in giving prestigious awards.


Lea Salonga is indeed a great theater actress! Her passion is on singing and she feels joy in her heart if she sings. That's the reason why she only did 8 movies in Philippine cinema. Two of her movies were with Aga Mulach in "Bakit Labis Kitang Minahal" and "Sana'y Maulit Muli". Actor Aga Mulach was Lea's special guest on her concert. They sang together and it was good. The people applaud for it. Lea sings with her heart. I knew it. She has perfect facial expressions. Furthermore, she looks more beautiful when she starts singing. I love her smile!!!!As a whole, the concert is simple yet filled with love and life. I could feel it.....

I remember when she was interviewed and was asked about the reality tv show in the country. She said if you have your talent then you can be a shining star and not through the latest way of bringing a new star into showbiz. She added that if you believe  you can do great in what you do best, you can make your own name and become a star.

In her 32 years of existence she is happy and shared the secret of her success- " KEEP KNOCKING ON NEW DOORS". Other doors may not give you the best experience but on trying to a new one will definitely surprise you with the great things it can offer that is beyond your expectation. As of now she has no regrets.She excelled in her career, happily married and have a lovely daughter.The people who care and love her around the world is a bonus.

Lea Salonga is a certified World Class Filipino Performer. I'm so proud of you!

PDA-Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 Dream Night

I just seen the PDA-Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 Dream Night. Tonight's program was the moment when the teachers, mentors and head master Ryan Cayabyab had chosen the 15 official scholars who will experience the chance to be with these mentors, learn to explore more about their talents and had the opportunity to become a star! This is the beginning of new school year in the Academy. Pinoy Dream Academy is an institution that will mold the future stars of today. They will not only give you encouragements but help you develop the kindof gift that you have in the field of music. This is a once in a lifetime experience to enhance their singing abilities. Below is the list of the lucky aspirants:

1. Hansen Nichols ( cancer survivor)
2. Michele Belmonte ( comedy bar queen)
3. Jay Bogayo ( farmer's son)
4. Jon Ross Dio ( stylist's son)
5. Van Louelle Lojaz ( heartthrob)
6. Cris Pastor ( singing interior designer)
7. Miguel Mendoza ( romantic crooner)
8. Beatriz Muñoz ( sweet chanteuse)
9. Chivas Anton Malunda ( student husband)
10. Maria Liezel Garcia ( pride of Puerto Galera)
11. Apple Abarquez ( different couple's daughter)
12. Christian Alvear ( small boy wonder)
13. Jiovannie Malunda ( teacher wife)
14. Rafael Ignacio ( stage performer)
15. Laarni Losala ( independent woman)

One of the above mention names will be the next singing personality in the Philippines! Today marks their way to stardom. All of the 15 chosen scholars were emotional because of too much joy and thanksgiving. These students of PDA were overwhelmed because of the opportunity and privilege they're getting as well as their parents and guardians. Mentor Monette Silvestre will also be joining the scholars at PDA building.Actually there should be 16 official scholars. The one who belongs on the 16th spot made a choice not to be one of them.And so the headmaster had came up with the idea that there will be 4 wait listers that will fight for the last spot. It is possible through text voting. His/her chance in entering the PDA will now depends on the Filipino people.The four wait listers are :

• Hera Reblado ( fighting Davaweña)
• Jet Singh ( videojock)
• Catherine Palma ( obedient daughter)
• Lamberto Reyes ( singing engineer)

PDA Uber will be aired every afternoon to be hosted by RNB Sensation Billy Crawford. PDA Uber will feature the latest updates and happenings inside the Pinoy Dream Academy.

Have faith and believe in yourself. It pays to dream big. Why not!?" Dram Big Kapamilya".

Carpie Diem

I read a 5-page story that talks on having the courage to pursue the things that you want. To get what your heart desire. I learned that you've got to do what your heart tells you even if you're trembling with fear. Like for instance, winning a woman's heart or getting the sports or jobs you love. I myself, I've been always afraid. Afraid to take risk and get the challenge. I have to believe in myself more to show the best in me. The story implies on putting your heart without expecting good returns of it. The result is not always what we expect to have. What matter is the feeling of satisfaction that relieves us. Even if you didn't get it at least you've tried and given your best. The good thing is "no regrets". It's fine if the girls dump you or say no to you. As long as you had showed her who you are and express your love for her, you'll have a price for that. The writer added added that its essential to look on what we can give like offering and giving love for other people than always counting on what we can get for ourselves. The title of the story is " Carpe Diem" which means "Seize the Day". He included other people's lives and thinking on taking the day no matter what the situation is. Take the day, decide,have faith, do something about it and feel good (^_^).

Another Achievement

Producing another graduate in the family is another achievement for everybody. I'm happy and proud that my sister Aloha finished her degree. Last year she had just taken the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) and she did make it! I'm so proud of her. I know that she did a good job all the way with her studies. Aloha don't want to disappoint us especially mom. I'm thankful for giving us another blessing. And now we have to pursue our education. We are planning to take masters degree and at the same time practice our profession. I'm pretty excited and quite nervous to think about it! Before I was asking myself why I enrolled myself in this field but now I'm loving it. I learned its relevance and I believe in my capabilities that I can be a good mentor to my future learners. And of course I can do that with the help of other and experienced teachers to guide me as I enter a new challenge in my life.

Here are Aloha's graduation pictures.

The Golden Lady of Pediatrics

" I believe the children are our future.....teach them well and let them lead the way..." this song performed by Whitney Houston is very common to us. Almost everybody knows what this song is. It's a song that touches our hearts and lifts our spirit for love for children. This love for children keep Dr. Fe del Mundo to continue what she had started. For those who doesn't her, Dr. Fe del Mundo is a Filipino pediatrician. I can't believe that she still alive! I just saw a segment about her in TV few minutes ago and finally I saw her in video. I was smiling while the program was talking about her because I just got to read her name in books! In my Science subject in elementary I already knew that she was the one who improvised an "incubator". During her time, there was no incubators available in the country. She made it for the new born babies who were needing it in order to survive and live a normal life. That's all I have in mind about her. It's been years and yet I can't forget her name and her contribution among all those Filipino Scientists . After I saw the said show, I learned more about this generous and giver heart. According to Charlene Gonzales, the host of the show, Dr. Fe wanted to study medicine because her 2 siblings died at young age;that is in chilhood. That made her decide to be on pediatrics. Dr. Fe del Mundo had already citations and awards. In 1977, she was a Pres. Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Public Service. In addition, Ferdinand Marcos named del Mundo as a National Scientist of the Philippines. She also received an Elizabeth Blackwell Award for Outstanding Service to Mankind. The Filipino children who are in need of medical support inspired Dr. Fe. Until now at her age she still does a morning round in the pediatric hospital. Speaking of hospital, this big heart person was able to sell some of her wealth to put up a pediatric hospital which was later named after her. During Worl War I, she went home in the country from the states and voluntered at Red Cross. Dr. Fe del Mundo is a legacy; a kind-hearted woman who dedicate herself for public service giving prior to our future generation. While watching her on TV, I can tell that she's still beautiful. This coming November she'll turn 97! God really made her a useful person on earth.I can feel the inner beauty that she has. No wonder she lives a long life. There was a part when she was listening to a heartbeat of one of the cancer patients in hospitals. I can sense that she's happy and contented with her life. While she's in a wheelchair I can see her face glowing and smiling at the people around her! This "Golden Lady of Pediatrics in the Philippines" had written books and helped research works. This month we are celebrating a Women's Month and Dr. Fe del Mundo make us all proud as a woman and as a Filipina as well. " Give your best to the world and you'll get the same"- Dr. Fe del Mundo

An image of her past and present

New Inspiration..Ruben Gonzaga

I'm talking about Ruben Gonzaga. The Pinoy Big Brother's Big Winner on Celebrity Edition. Ruben lives here in Davao. In fact we're on the same barangay. The people in our community know him specially the Barangay Council. Most of our current officers are his close neighbors. Well as far as I know, this married man is known to be a good man at all times. Almost everybody is his friends! He formerly worked at ABSCBN TV Station Davao. He was working on one of the local shows in my city. After the victory parties he had in Manila he went back here in Davao. He visited a lot of offices and people. He's been here in our village. There was a program for him managed by ABSCBN Davao. There was games, contests and dancing! I didn't participated though. I don't want to be seen on Tv!jajajajajajajaja. That event will be aired on the following Sunday after they shoot it one Saturday morning.jajajajajajajaja. I had a great time watching the people having fun and games with him. Ruben is another product from Davao who's now be working on the capital. That only shows that "Dabaweños" can beat "Manileñas" and other people around the globe! That was a reality contest. A great challenge. Even if the fact tha he's from the province and look not great unlike other celebrities that time, his strong will and faith made him finished the race. I watched it and being a true and honest person with good heart to everybody will take you at the top. That made him a BIG WINNER! He has a big heart for everyone no matter who you are, no matter if you are a full or half Filipino. Visit the official website of the Pinoy Big Brother to know more about Ruben and other events that happened inside the Big Brother's house in that edition. There you can also see the latest updates of the coming new edition for this undisputed reality Tv show in the Philippines.

Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) 2006

After finishing my course I had my review for less than two months. It's so tiring to be studying again right after our graduation. I thought that it's all over yet I was wrong. It was just the beginning. I thought I can have my job by then. But I never looked for a partial job. I want to concentrate with my review because I wanna pass it without taking it again. I sacrificed a lot of things during that time. No much time on watching TV and using the internet, no malling for the mean time, no date. I'll just go out with my bf once in two weeks. I asked him to have this setting just for that time. And most of all no hanging out with friends. All of us were very busy for our board exam. Here at home I would just sleep to rest and had my self review when I woke up. I'm thankful that my sister aloha helped me so much during that moment. Mom wasn't here. She's in abroad and I wanna prove to them that even without them I can still do good with my studies. The day before the exam, my bf's family envited me to their family reunion but I did'nt go there. I want to prepare myself 100%. I slept for 5 hours straight before I ate on that day. It was so hard for me the day that I took the LET. Something really really bad had happened the night before. I'm not gonna share it here. I don't want to be emotional.jejejejejejeje. Aloha is the only witnessed. I did tried my best. I was saying that I'll be fine after the result. In two months, we have it and that gave me a very pleasant feeling. When a friend of mine texted me the result was at hand, I hurriedly looked up my name on the internet and emailed mom that I did made it!

Roll of Successful Examinees in the L.E.T. - ELEMENTARY - ALL REGIONS Held in AUGUST 27, 2006 Released on October 07, 2006 Page: 2 of 349

Seq. No. N a m e

1 AALA, LEAH GARGAR 2 ABA, FAIDAH MAUTE 3 ABA, MICHAEL ASOY 4 ABA, MORENA YUSOP 5 ABA, VENUS VALLES 6 ABAA, CHRISANNE GUIMBAO 7 ABAA, MARDY SALUT 8 ABABAO, CATHERINE KWAN 9 ABABAO, ANN PAGONZAGA 10 ABABAT, TOMAS MEJARES 11 ABABON, ARIAN 12 ABABON, JOVELINE CANILLO 13 ABAD, ANGELINE FALLORAN 14 ABAD, ARCHIELYN YSUG 15 ABAD, ARNELYN LUNGUB 16 ABAD, GERALD SUBIA 17 ABAD, GERLY CASTILLON 18 ABAD, JASMIN JARALVE 19 ABAD, JEAN ERECE 20 ABAD, JURLYN OBLIGADO Visit this site to know the rest of LET passers for BEED and BSED

Pinoy Big Brother Big Winner-Teen Edition

Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu or commonly known as Kim Chiu was one of the 13 housemates who entered the Pinoy Big Brother house last April 23, 2006. She was the big winner for having the most number of text votes here and abroad. What made people choose Kim is her cuteness, sportmanship and talents. This Filipino-Chinese teen got talents that entertained her supporters. She is semi-contortionist and knows hot to play the guitar. Kim Chiu is now a young now an actress in the country. Together with his love team and co-housemate Gerald Anderson, he was able to do a teleserye and movie. She's currently appearing on ABSCBN's shows. From the very beginning of their stay at the PBB house I watched them all and Filipino people had made the right decision to choose Kim as the Big Winner. Their votes made her way to showbusiness and stardom. In few day, PBB house will be opened again for the Big Brother Teen Edition Plus.I am sharing Kim's life to encourage the youths of today not to stop dreaming and work for it. Why not try to accept challenges? It was a big challenge for Kim to continue her way to the Big Brother house because as fas as I could remember she only had her older sister who accompanied her on the day to enter PBB house unlike the other teens that they had with them their entire family. " They don't believe in me...that I can make it, that I have talents to show and prove. But see? I have more than what I asked for!", Kim said. Get to know the remaining teen housemates. Visit the official website of Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition

People's Champ-Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao

Emmanuel "Manny" Dapidran Pacquiao is a Filipino professional boxer. He is the current WBC Super Featherweight Champion.He is also the former world champion at IBF Super Bantamweight and WBC Flyweight divisions. He is the first Asian boxer to have won three titles in three different weight divisions. The last fight he had fight was held yesterday March 15 (March 16 in Manila,Philippines) in Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas USA with Marquez. Manny won the fight and will bring back again the vistory to the Filipino people. Bob Arum, Top Rank promoter said that Manny is the one. A legendary boxer. Before the fight began, Juan Manuel Enriquez admitted that its hard to put Manny down. According to him, Filipino ring superstar is too strong to beat. But he had also his own strenght to attack Manny. On the other hand, Pacquiao revealed his new strategy. That is to make use of her right hand to punch! It was observed that Manny's left hand has the greater impact to his opponents. I was able to meet Manny in person but that was years ago. Our friend is a close pal to him and we were able to see him while having his practice fight in Davao Almendras Gym. His boys were really cute ones.To every Filipino, Manny brings the pride and flag of the country. He made it shine in the field of boxing. Keep up the good work Manny! See other fights of Manny and the result.

Gwafa_coop@commarts.edu

---Us (gwafa_coop)---

During my college years I met a lot of gals and guys. I joined different school clubs and organization. Our intramurals is one of the best times. A week of celebration, fun and competition. I also joined sports event like volleyball and girls basketball.jajajajajajajajaja. You don't believe it? Actually that was just an accident. I got close to one of my classmates. He’s boyfriend is school’s varsity player and she’s playing basketball too. What happened was she encouraged me to join the team for our major because they’re lacking teammates. It has to be completed and the officers have to submit the line up.I want to help our organization of course so I decided to play.jajajaja LOL. That was so cool. My guy friends can’t believe that I’m in basketball court dribbling the ball!!!! A lot had happened during those times. Betrayal as well as wonderful things completed those years. Without the hardships I can never be this strong. I realized that wounds can be healed..in due time. ..I thought I can never get through with it…yet I did.

My mom was always there to support me. In my studies I never had a problem with my books, with my projects and everything that I needed. I’m proud of having a mother like her (^_^).

Souvenir of our graduation ceremony

Great Job

Another accomplishment for today. It's a great feeling that you were able to do what you have to. I don't want to disappoint my mom and ate Jackie so I really tried my best to do what they ask me too. I'm certain that they want the best for everybody so there's no reason for me to disobey them.

When I reached home holding that important paper, I was filled with so much joy that I got it with no hassles. I know mom felt the same way too. I can see it. I noticed it as she was reading the content of the said document. After a while I hurriedly make an email for my older sister saying that I finally got it!!!Whatever decisions they are making now, I'm on it. They have my support and full understanding of our situation right now.