A Day with the Kids at Southville Resettlement Tanay Rizal

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Words cannot explain how I felt after spending a day with the kids of Southville10 Resettlement area in Tanay, Rizal. It's a short, fun-filled event that we shared with the kids to impart to them the value of reading while doing it with pure enjoyment.

We arrived at Southville 10 resettlement area at around 11AM. Despite the rains and rough roads going to the area, tired hands carrying heavy goods, what made us feel energized is the smiles painted in each kid’s face as they patiently wait for our arrival.

On our way to Southville 10 Resettlement, Tanay Rizal.

After a few conversations with the acting chairman of the Southville 10 community, we headed to the place where the kids are. Since the area is an open place, we decided to start while there were only 40 children in number. Hence, when the rain stopped, the kids’ number started to increase from 40 to 80 then 100! That was when we got worried because the gifts/stuff that we brought for them is only good for 50 kids. While we haven’t decided how to distribute the gifts, we went back to our prepared program and activities which the kids willingly participated to. At the back of our mind, “tiwala lang”, and we’ll get through this.

Glad that we were able to come up with a good strategy. Instead of distributing those 50 loot bags to 50 kids, we decided to divide the originally 50 bags of school supplies so we can give to everyone. It’s a blessing also that the spare stuff we have for games were more than enough as prizes, we added them to have sufficient stuff to give away. To our surprise, it seems our gifts will be able to accommodate more than 50 kids!

While some fellow volunteer bloggers had the reading activity, the other bloggers arranged games, which the kids really enjoyed. Then came next is the distribution of school supplies, books and snacks to the kids of Southville 10 Resettlement Community. While distributing, my worries turns into amazement.  We came with only 50 bags in our hands but it was so amazing to witness how our supplies reciprocate and finally would fit for 111 children! Right there and then, I remember the same scenario in the bible  [on verse John 6:15]  when Jesus feeds 5000 people with only a few loaves of bread and two fish. I found myself uttering... Thank You Lord! Indeed, He is faithful; we only need to trust Him with all our hearts.

Sometimes they just need to know that they are loved and cared for.

Even if we’re not completely done yet, I can already see the genuine happiness of these kids. They were full of energy the whole time, very cooperative in participating in all the games and so engrossed with the story that we read to them. When we handed them the loot bags, their excitement and gratefulness are evident with the smiles they gave to us in return. To feel that they appreciate the little tokens we gave them is more than enough for us. I personally felt a sense of fulfillment I haven’t felt for ages now.

Based on their smiles, this is a day they will certainly not forget anytime soon.

I was so touched when they said thank you, I felt the words penetrate through my heart. We felt even more how blessed we are and appreciate what we have.

The kids offered to sing for us their thanksgiving song before saying goodbye. But all of them asked for us to come back, which I believe will not be a hard one to fulfill.

The experience was so worth it and I encourage my fellow bloggers or anyone interested to participate in this advocacy. You may visit the website of Bloggers For A Cause  BFAC and discover other bloggers who like us are willing to share some time and resources to our less fortunate kababayan. No matter how small, our presence and our vision to make a difference in other people lives will certainly go a long way.


>> Learn more about BFAC recent programs and how you can help. 
>> To view the rest of the photos, click HERE.
>> If you are interested in volunteering you can also email me directly at voncass@gmail.com

 Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you. :)

smile & kisses,

SOFSM bares Gawad Sinop 2013 Awardees

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The Philippine Institute for Supply Management (PISM)’s advocacy arm, the Foundation of the Society of Fellows in Supply Management (SOFSM), recently announced this year’s recipients of Gawad Sinop Awards; namely, St. Luke’s Medical Center for the Corporate Award for Excellence in Supply Management Practices and International Rice Research Institute Senior Manager and Head of Supply Chain Services Hiram Dino Gomez, MM, CPSM for Supply Management Professional of the Year.

Gawad Sinop Awards is SOFSM’s annual event to pay recognition and tribute to Supply Management professionals who have exhibited outstanding achievements in the performance of the profession; and to corporations who have instituted best practices and human resource development programs in Supply Management. Gawad Sinop Awards is usually held during the annual Supply Link Conference and Exhibit.

Photo shows (from left) International Rice Research Institute Senior Manager and Head of Supply Chain Services Hiram Dino Gomez, MM, CPSM and St. Luke’s Medical Center Central Sterile Supply Department Manager Paul Ryan B. Salazar.

Dell Philippines Commits to Making a Difference in the Community

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PRESS RELEASE: MANILA, Philippines -- Dell Philippines has pledged support for four local charitable organisations promoting children’s welfare and education, further extending the company’s strategic global giving efforts to make a meaningful impact to communities around the world. The identified organizations are Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc., Childhope Asia Philippines, Inc., Children's Joy Foundation, Inc., and Haven for Children.

With an aim to address pressing social issues, Dell will work with these charities to provide assistance through technology, know-how and volunteer support. “We find that these four organizations have many needs, donations being just one of them,” Richard Teo, president for Dell Philippines said. “The activities that they need to roll out require volunteers and additional manpower, so I see our Make a Difference program as the best way to connect our team members and the communities that can benefit from our collective giving efforts.

“Our team members have always been passionate about wanting to help different communities, but in the past, they did not know how and where to go. By formalizing our strategic giving partners, we now encourage team members to devote their time to these worthy causes,” added Teo.

“We chose our current partners because they regularly need volunteers and team support. The programs may evolve, but the need for help is always there,” he said. “Dell Philippines will strive to sustain these charitable activities and lend our time year-on-year. The ultimate goal is to spread volunteerism among our people, and to see our efforts grow and benefit the community.”

Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc.Dell has been supporting Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc.—a rehabilitation and skills training center dedicated to helping people with disabilities become productive and self-sufficient members of society—through mentoring, donations and volunteering at the center. Tess Lloren, resource mobilization director of Tahanang Walang Hagdan Inc., said “Dell really has compassion towards marginalized sectors; not all companies will stay with you throughout the years. They have been very supportive with our outreach programs and services and have really helped us in every way.

Tahanang Walang Hagdan Computer 101

 “Dell also donated several laptops which we use in the offices making our work faster and more efficient and also use them during our community visits in places where we undertake the community-based rehabilitation program,” she added.

The two organizations have also teamed up for a sustainable recycling program, another indication of the deep partnership between the two entities. According to Lloren, recyclable materials from the Dell Philippines offices will be sent to the center to be re-purposed. Items such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles can be reused by the foundation's staff, while newspapers are woven into other products, and non-recyclable items are sold to buyers of scrap materials. “The efforts of the volunteers and the proceeds really help us in sustaining our educational program for the young and with disabilities,” Lloren said.

2012 Dinner Dance: Anti - TB Educational and Fund Campaign

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Inspiring and heartwarming --  that's how I felt last night when I attended the 2012 Philippine Tuberculosis Society Dinner Dance. I admired the Fund Campaign Volunteers who work hard and make this event a success and to the sponsors who shares their blessings for the benefit of PTSI.

The Philippine Tuberculosis Society is a non-stock, non-profit charitable organization founded on July 29, 1910 primarily to combat tuberculosis which is said to be still a major health problem in the Philippines today. Since then, PTSI has been on the forefront in the campaign against TB. They actively involved in the National Tuberculosis Program of the  Department of Health, primarily through the Private-Public Mix DOTS (Directly Observed  Treatment Short Course) the subsidized  treatment of indigent TB patients, and its involvement in TB research and training  programs. With its constant quest for TB control and management.

Dancing and giving – all for a great cause.
2012 Dinner Dance, anti-TB educational and Fund Campaign was held in a beautiful ballroom, chandeliers and all with dinner and appetizers served at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan yesterday, September 27, 2012. Funds raised from these campaigns are used to subsidize medical treatments of indigent patients at the Quezon Institute, as well as to support the various anti-TB programs of PTSI in the provinces such as TB in Prisons, TB in Children and TB in the Workplace. Glad to know that there are company and manila’s cause-oriented folks that are willingly shelled out donations for PTSI’s fight against the deadly disease.

How to Apply for Pag-ibig Salary Loan

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Some companies facilitate Pag-ibig loans for their employees while others don't. So to apply personally for Pag-IBIG Salary Loan, here's the 3 easy steps:

1. Ready all the needed requirements before going to the nearest Pag-IBIG branch.
Xerox copies of 2 Valid ID's, Latest 1-month payslip, and duly accomplished Pag-IBIG Multi-Purpose Loan Application Form are the requirements.

2. Secure Employer's information needed to complete the form. 
Make sure to duly complete the form especially the Employer section -- Signature of Office Head/ or Authorized Representative, Employer, SSS/GSIS No., Agency Code, and Branch Code to avoid returning back.

3. Bring all the requirements together with your original valid IDs to the nearest Pag-IBIG Branch.
If you will apply at their Ortigas Branch in Pasig (just across SSS), application is at the 4th floor of Westar Bldg. Get a number from the guard and wait for your number to flash on the screen.

When called, present your requirements. It will be check by the personnel in-charge. This is to make sure you are qualified for a loan. If there is no problem with your records, a date will given to you for the claiming of your check. (More or less 2 weeks after your application).

FAQ & Tips:

1. Are they still open after 5PM? Yes. Pag-ibig Branch in Pasig is still open after 5PM. I arrived there around 5:20PM yesterday (Sept 20, 2012) and they do still accept loan applicants.
2.  Where do they base the loan amount? As far as I know, the amount you can borrow is based on the total number of your contribution. 

So for instance, the borrower has a 30-months contribution, this will be multiplied by 200, then 60% of it would be the loanable amount.

Total no. of Contribution:                          30   (Months)

Borrower's Monthly Contribution:       x 200 (Employee + Employer Contribution)

                                                           --------------

                                                           = 6,000 x 0.60 = P3,600 (est. loanable amount)

- 24 to 59 months contribution = 60% of the total amount

- 60 to 119 months contribution = 70% of the total amount

- at least 120 months contribution = 80% of the total amount (this is the maximum)

Please also note that if you happen to work in different cities or provinces most probably your monthly contribution record on their system would be insufficient. This is because Pag-IBIG System is not centralized yet. If that's the case, you need to request to consolidate your contribution so that you will not be lacking in your monthly contribution.

Disclaimer: The steps you’ll read above is a documentation on my experience how I applied for my Pag-ibig Salary Loan. While I appreciate your comments, I can not do anything for any of your complaints nor could I answer any of your questions with regards to your personal Pag-ibig accounts. Thank you.

Faith Goals: Yes! He is indeed Faithful

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Hooray! It’s September! Gosh! Time flies so fast as they always say. The next thing you know, its already Christmas!

I suddenly thought of my faith goals. I checked my notes, from which I listed some of the things that I am believing for this year--I took time to ponder on it and it's just soO amazing to see how God can answer prayers. He is real, alive and He is indeed at work in our lives!

For me, listing my faith goal and seeing them answered by GOD increases my faith in HIM, it is also a good way to keep myself on track and motivated.  Last year, before my week of "one meal a day" Prayer and Fasting I started to list down the things that I am believing for 2012. I break down my faith goals into four areas.

1. Personal Faith Goals. It includes Spiritual Revival, Physical Healing, Rich Generosity, Prosperity and Abundance.
2. My Family. If you've been praying for Restoration of Relationships and Household Salvation in the Family.
3. Career. Excellence, Promotion.
4. Ministry. It is for Small Group Growth, Prayer for Colleagues, classmates, bosses, employees.

And here's a part of my notes. (my 'lil nephew thought of it as a scratch one time–so pls. bear with it^^)

For 2012, My Faith Goal is to Focus on what's Important, Year of 'No'.

PERSONAL FAITH GOALS

回 To be more Faithful on the 10% tights. It's really really challenging, especially my budget was really tight. It is not easy, believe me and this is something I'm still working on. Yet, God has been faithful to me.  He pour out His blessings abundantly - early this year when I was able to close a deal, real estate thingy which I got ten thousand bucks. I have a small sideline business that earns about 400-500 a week, I'll do blogging on the other sides and had the privilege of being invited to some events and get paid, I had an increase on salary! Not so big, but, something to be thankful for :) With God's financial provisions, it becomes possible for me to go to places I want. Four months ago when we had our first outreach program held in Ulingan. It was actually an answered prayer, much of the funding comes from our own pockets.  It's just overwhelming to see how God has blesses us so we can also be a blessings to others. :)

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.             Malachi 3:10

☑ Every Business (Buy & Sell) Shall prosper in Jesus mighty name amen! - My sideline business is going well, as I have mentioned, I was able to closed a deal too! :) and there's more for this month! Though, I already claimed it, still hoping that everything will really fall into place. :) (Update: Guess what?! We're able to closed the deal! woo-hoo!)

回 Praying for a  House and Lot for my parents. (Is anything too hard from the Lord? Just have Faith)
回 Lord I want to save additional 10k by the end of this year. This is aside from 150 pesos that I keep every week. Well, 4 months to go. geez.
回 Learn another Language. Mandarin (Target: March-June). Fail. But still have months to go.
☑ More Posts, more traffic for my sites. 4 posts/ Month. I'm happy cause there are actually some who reads my blog pala. hehe.  I have received several invites to some events, I get paid, I get freebies, it's an awesome experience. Lucky Me?! Ahmm, I guess I just have an awesome God who supplies me the wisdom and strength that I need. Believe me, when I was starting out, I can't even finish a post! ^^ But He is God who provides (Matthew 7:11) - He knows where I am lacking and He supplies me with that. :)

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19 

I'm still a newbie to the blogsphere though. :p

☑ Been praying for a new CP and a running shoes and it was answered! Yey! Got an iPhone 3Gs and a merrell running shoes which I got for 70% off! Oops, I've got also a free phone from my provider,  Alcatel One Touch which I sold. ^^  Remember, when He says He will provide, He will provide.  :)

For my bucket list, here's what I exactly wrote last year.

☑ 2 Mountains, Pico & Pulag =) | Mount Pulag, checked! I haven't go back to Pico yet, BUT I was able to conquer Mt. Manalmon, so checked!
回 Walk accross San Juanico Bridge
☑ 2 islands, Kwebang Lagpas, Potipot or Magalawa, Zambales. Kwebang Lampas is one of the best! (December Updates: Funny how God can be a comedian. I remember writing only 2 islands from my "bucket list". And this year, I was able to see Kwebang Lampas and just 2 weeks ago, we were able to visit hundred islands (*unplanned trip). I only ask for 2, He gave me hundreds of them. ^^ SO generous, isn't it?
☑ 2 Beaches, El Nido & _______________________. Family Outing on one of the beaches in Laiya, Batangas (April). (December Update : Although haven't visit El Nido yet :(, I was able to go beach bumming at one of the beaches in Lingayen, Pangasinan weeks ago. So checked! :D
回 Bike across greenfields of Bataan
回 Lord I want to see shooting star in person
回 Lemme Lord experiene to milk a cow
回 Lord I wish to see fireflies, gleaming on the sky!
☑ Travel Solo. / Eat in a resto alone. Checked! Went to Touch of Glory aka Prayer mountain in Antipolo for an overnight stay.
回 Watch a movie alone.

Some of them has been answered already while some were not answered YET. Still, I am grateful because GOD has blessed me beyond my faith goal list and I'm posting it simply because I want this to be a testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness. Indeed, He is a Faithful God and He will be forever faithful. We just have to be still, have faith and know that He is God!

Hebrews 11:17-19 | Malachi 3:6 | Numbers 23:19 | Psalm 105:8 | 1 Corinthians 10:13

Well, I guess this is too long already will share with you guys the other three areas in my next post.

But before I end this post, here's a question I want to leave with you:
- What are you believing God for this year? Was it answered already?

Rummage Sale - Glad it was a Success!

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We had our first EVER garage sale last weekend! And I was really glad it was a success! Woo-hoo!

The idea of doing this is to learn to let go, to make money and to donate some percentage of the proceeds to the chosen charity.

Last January when I started cleaning out my closet. Y'know, cleaning out your closet to make room for new things! :) It actually feels nice to be honest with what you will actually wear and what you won’t. No sense holding on to things that just take up the limited space in you're closet.

Indeed, having a rummage sale is a great way to get rid of things you no longer need and raise money for a cause. :)

If you're planning to do a garage/ yard/ rummage sale, here are some tips to help you.  Happy Selling! :)

Set the Date and Stick to it.
This is the first thing that you should do. By sticking to your date, you start planning other details such as "where" and "what" with greater confidence.

Choose and sort all the things you want to sell. A couple of weeks before your rummage sale, start thinking about what you want to sell. Just open your closet and you will surely find a lot of things that you can sell. Ask yourself, "What clothes do you no longer wear?" And instead of thinking “you might need that someday”, think about how great it will be to turn the item into cash! You would also be surprised at what people buy.

We ask the participants to make a list or a copy of their ledger of all the items that they want to sell

I did a major clean out and it feels soO good...

Clean
After you’ve gone through the motions of sorting and choosing, now you need to make sure everything is clean.

Wash, iron and neatly fold or hang all clothing.

Ask for a Permission
Check to see if your homeowners association or Brgy. Municipality has rules about conducting a sale.  Call them and inquire if there are permitting requirements.

Get ready with your "Letter of Authorization".

Consider finding a rummage buddy
This will also help to keep you motivated. Ask your friends, or neighbors if they are interested in having a sale of their own.  Remember, two heads are better than one. Two group - can get twice the traffic. And, just like in SEO, the more traffic, the more sale you have!

We invited friends via Facebook Event Page, where it becomes easy for us to communicate and share ideas.

From left to right: Me, Eden, Pinky, Joy (participants)

Pricing
Be certain to secure a tag to each item and record the costs on a sheet. This will assist you in keeping track of what you have sold and if for some reason the price tag should fall off.

If you are having a joint sale, be sure to mark your items with your own color/name tag.

I suggests that you start pricing your items a day before your rummage sale. Put initials on the price tag to credit who owned it. So you can still keep all like items together.

 

Advertising Use signs, balloons, flags and banners and get them high enough off the ground for the average motoring public to see. Use a map on your street signs to assist potential customers in finding your home.

On our case, we printed 2 tarps. The other one was placed in front of the village gate.
So people can easily locate our place.

It would also be best to create flyers that you can hang around the neighborhood or just anywhere that they’ll let you distribute it.

Layout
Create a layout that makes it easy for your customers to move around. Label everything clearly and group them together in a way that is visually appealing and easy to shop from (all clothes together, accessories, books together, etc).

Consider having some mellow background music to help with the “ambiance”. Keep the volume to a just-audible level though.

Lastly, smile as you greet your customers. A great smile and a likeable attitude will get you great sales and maybe even new friends!

Lesson learned: Just because you own something, it doesn’t mean that you have to keep it forever. :)

>> Check out the items that are still up for grabs 

Joseph Kony - The Worst Criminal in the World

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Joseph Kony is the notorious leader of Uganda's rebel guerrillas. He has an army and what he does is he takes children from their parents and gives them a gun to shoot and  makes other shoot other people. And for 26 years Kony has has been kidnapping children to his rebel group that called LRA.

Joseph Kony

Turning the girls into sex slaves and the boys in the child soldiers.

Turning the girls into sex slaves

Turning boys in the child soldiers

He makes and mutilate people faces and He forces them to killed their own parents. Since his reign, Kony has abducted more than 30,000 children using ruthless tactics.

Kony mutilate faces

 

In 2002, the International Criminal Court (ICC) was started to find and demand the arrest of the World's worst criminals, and Joseph Kony is number one on their list. Although there are lot of warlords, murderers and dictators in the world  (Abdullah senussi at Muammar Gaddfi are just one on the list) the perversity of Kony's crime made him first on the courts list. These are the crimes that are against humanity and war crimes committed against the civilian population including slavery, rapes, abductions.

Kony is the first guy indicted by the ICC (International Criminal Court)

Its obvious that Kony need to be stop, BUT the problem is many of us doesn't know who he is. I hope you could take time to watch and share this video. (https://s3.amazonaws.com/kony2012/watch_the_film.html)



I am shocked and almost cry watching this video. I actually feel the need to share and create awareness to those who doesn't know Joseph Kony. I am joining the movement to help capture Kony and stop the LRA, and this is my little way to help Jacob and the invisible Children. To spread the news and help make Joseph Kony famous NOT to be celebrated but to be stopped.

MV Logos Hope - The World's Largest Floating Bookstore is back here in Manila!

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Calling all book lovers! MV Logos Hope, the worlds largest floating bookstore is back here in Manila! I'm fond of reading at night before going to sleep. At times, I look for books on sale cause I love it when I find a good read for a couple of bucks!

So when I heard the news that this Floating library docks in Manila port, I get excited, and I feel the need to spread the word. Cause I believe it is really worth a visit. I mean, I'm not a bookworm, but the moment I heard about this floating bookstore, two years ago, I've been really wanting to see it!   I wonder how it feels like to be inside that huge floating library with different kinds of books to choose from. Yes, I really wanted to see it with my own eyes.

MV Logos Hope

MV Logos is said to come here every year, and sad cause I always missed their Manila visit. But this time, I'll make sure that I'm gonna be here this March. Who's with me? ^_^ I wanna take advantage of the big sale, which runs until March 13 only.

The biggest floating library ship was constructed in 1973, MV Logos Hope (first named Gustav Vasa) was originally built as a passenger car ferry sailing the North Atlantic routes. It is owned by Christian charity organization GBA Ships, and I was really surprised when I found out that it is run by a volunteer crew. Yes, you heard it right. The crew and staff are all non-salaried volunteers – including many serving in their professional capacity, such as seafarers, engineers, electricians, nurses, teachers and cook. Amazing, isn't it?!

The ship has a library onboard with over 5,000 titles, covering a wide range of topics. They're been sailing from port to port since 2009 in its mission of “bringing knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world. And they come here every year to provide Filipino students an opportunity to buy quality books at cheaper prices.

See the world’s largest floating book fair and buy quality books at affordable prices.

(Inside of the MV Logos Hope floating bookstore.)

Entrance Fee:
- Adults: Php20 Only.
- Children 12 years and below: FREE

Schedule:
MV Logos Hope is open everyday except Monday, until March 13, 2012 only in Manila.
- Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Location: 
- Pier 15 in the Port Area, Manila.


*Photos courtesy of Philippine Inquirer & ABS-CBN News.

My Short Take on SOPA & PIPA Bill

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I was supposed to finished my research task today but it seems that I will not be able to do that since most of the websites where I can get  the information I need are blacked out. And yes, including Wordpress.org.






















This is in line with the protest against proposed US anti-piracy law.  The proposed legislation is to Stop Online Piracy Act aka (SOPA) in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the PROTECT IP Act aka (PIPA) in the U.S. Senate.

I believe that we don’t have to be a U.S. citizen to take charge here. As an everyday internet user we also have to speaks out about this internet censorship. With that I do also signed the online petition.

Here's my short take on this proposed bill:

SOPA & PIPA Bill is intended to protect against online piracy by granting broad new powers to the U.S. Government when it comes to blocking access to sites that deliver pirated content. Yep it all sounds good. But if this bill gets passed Social Media sharing will also be limited as users might not be able to upload and share images, videos, clips, or any type of copyrighted content WITHOUT permission. In the long run, this bill would be a great way for Governtment and Corporation to control the information that reaches us.

Although the bills' drafters says that the laws aren’t intended to be used that way, it's just hard to think that it is NOT impossible to happen. Its just scary though that many of us only hear about important things/ news because someone shares a link or a video on facebook, twitter or some other social media sites and these stories are often shared by someone who stumbled across an article on one of the thousands of websites which could  be stand in danger of being banned, if one of these bills gets passed.

It makes me sad to think that if our ability to share and spread information is limited, chances are many of these important issues will go unnoticed by majority and spreading information about these other causes, as well as discussing and protesting them will become far more difficult.

Yes it would really be nice to stop Piracy, but please, NOT our Liberty.

Why Travel is not just a want BUT a need

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Before, I felt guilty exploring places I want since it entails of spending money. I have this notion that you need to be financially stable first before traveling. As I get older I've realized that you still can travel without spending too much. The world wide web was evolving and I am amazed at how simple and easy it was to accomplish many things through it.

Without further ado  here are my Top Reasons why Traveling is not just a want but a Need:

1. Firstly, Travel is essential to our temple. Reading through the Bible, I've realized that people do also travel in biblical times.  Whatever these people were and however varied their lives and wealth through the centuries, surely they were NOT inclined to stay put. This just proves to me that  certain amount of travel was essential.

When you go to different places, You've learned different culture, meet different people, different beliefs nevertheless it teaches you to look deeper into a person and see their true spirit, what drives them, and who they are, rather than just looking at their outside person. 

Talk to strangers even though your mother told you not to ^_^. You never know who you'll meet or what genius they might impart : ). Me with Mauban locals :).

2. Secondly, You get to escape your everyday existence, and while hopefully your everyday existence is a pretty happy and satisfying thing, being able to get away from it only amplifies your appreciation for it when you get back.

It's gonna put you in places that will force you to care for issues that are bigger than you. If you go on mountain climbing or travel to some isolated part of the philippines you'll surely be amazed how the local kids were able to survive with their schooling. All grade levels are placed in one classroom, many students have to walk miles to get to school every day some even need to cross the river just to get to school.

Local Students of Mongoto Elementary School

Mongoto Elementary School, One-room School. Single teacher teach basic academics to several grade levels of 
elementary-age boys and girls.  And students walked miles and miles just to get to school. *updated as of May 2011

3. Thirdly, it fires up your creative impulses. In an unfamiliar situation, you’re forced to use your brain in new ways, which results in you being more inventive and experimental than ever!

Since we do not know how to react in an uncertain stuation we normally fear that unknown. Travelling is not just being a tourist itself it’s about experiencing true risk and adventure so you don’t have to live in fear for the rest of your life. You should take the time to see the world and taste the fullness of life.

White, powdery sand of Calaguas

It's all really fear of change that comes naturally since we do not know how to react when that unknown situation comes in. Embarking Calaguas Island with my three good-friends was one of those liberating experience ever! Scary, yes it is! The thought of were only four on that island, no electricity, frighthens us,  the roar of the sea plus those small gust of wind on midnight terrifies us, yet the moon plus the stars hang bright above, silent, give us a full assurance. :)

4. Lastly, it’s an excellent way to get some perspective on your life — and remind yourself that there is a big, big world outside your little bubble! *wink

Get to know the world and the magnificent people that fill it. I can describe the turquoise water and powdery sand of Calaguas to you, but you really have to see it for yourself to experience it. You can read all the blogs in the web about Mt. Timbak and the mystical river of Cagbalete  but being there is a different story.

The world is a stunning place, its full of wonder and excitement.. See it..Explore it..  : )

Superman Ride, Tree Top Adventure Subic

You don't have to be extraordinary to create a change :)

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Change Starts With U!

I was actually feel so honored and blessed to be part of the success of the biggest and 100th Event of "U!", "U! Can RESTORE medical/dental mission and nourishment program". The event was held last Saturday at Delpan Sports Complex Tondo, Manila.
"U! Happy Events" have been creating various, fun, impact-filled events to bring out better opportunities to kids and their families, to their communities and even to their partners. It was founded by Harvard Uy de Baron.

I believed there are 35 doctors, 31 sponsors, more than 150 kids, 155 parents, 16 leaders, 14 dentists, 12 nurses, and more than 115 Volunteers have participated in the event.

We really had a great time! You know the feeling of being physically tired? Yet, you still feel good?Yes! the experience is sooo.. rewarding :) And.. when you see those lil' kids of Ulingan Tondo get excited about the learning, and those priceless smile when we started giving away hotdogs it really worth of the time and effort.  Plus the people that we met, they're are smart and interesting. This experience demonstrate very clearly to me that we don’t have to be in any particular job or circumstance to be extraordinary and make a difference. Also it doesn't need to take hundreds of hours or lots of money. All it takes is just a little time and effort. : )

Kids are approaching...  and 200 more hotdogs are still need to cook. Kaya namen toh! :D

 

Ate Eden Gatpandan of URC (Universal Robina Corp.)  started giving away big boy hotdogs. yey!

Delpan Sports Complex was almost filled with the participants.

 

I'm really thankful that I said 'yes' with my friend for this program. It was an awesome experience! I was actually feeling down the past few weeks it seems that things are not exactly going my way. Yung feeling na ang dami mong gustong gawin, ang dami mong gustong bilihin pro wala! Parang walang nangyayare. I really felt I was swimming against the current! :(  Can't help it but feel envious. And then this event made me realize that I have so much in life to contend with :) It just seeing things from a different perspective.. ^^

When you choose to be cheerful & thankful then life takes on a different look. Life takes on a different feel.

Ikaw din, kung ikaw man ay isa sa mga bata na nagmumukmok simply because you're mom can't afford to buy you a cellphone, isipin mo na lang na maraming bata na kasing edad mo na naglalakad ng ilang kilometrong bundok makapasok lang sa eskwelahan. Or kung isa ka naman sa mga nagsisimyento na hindi makapunta sa isang magandang beach resort, isipin mo na lang na ang iba nga sa aten ay isang beses na lamang kumain sa isang araw at ang iba naman, sa kawalan ng makakain ay itinutulog na lamang nila ang nadaramang paghapdi ng tiyan. Sounds cliche? But it's really true. And you are blessed! We are are still blessed!

 

Kids of Ulingan, Tondo

Ulingan (Charcoal Factory) & Smoky Mountain  >>
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ramdiboy/sets/72157610262367453/
Here are some of the generous sponsors who took part in the "U CAN RESTORE medical/dental mission and nourishment program".

Boxes of medicines and vitamins

Robina Farms Big Boy Hotdog

It's a fun-filled Saturday. Indeed, Volunteering rocks! And to end this not so long post ^^ I want to encourage you to pick something which is important to you  and see what you can do to help. Can you offer time, money, your voice or influence? I tell you, so many people would really, really, really appreciate your help & attention. : )

Are you Addicted to Work?

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I once became addicted to work. It was actually during my early period in a corporate world. I came to a point when work becomes almost my life.   Then it made me realize that staying in office 'too much' longer caused me to miss out a lot of things.

How many of us here who do too much? Who spend all of his time taking care of others? Or those who were so defined by his work that we’re consumed by it and can’t let go. As I have mentioned, I once was addicted to work but over the past year, I've learned to slow down and make some changes. Here's my piece of advice:

• Set boundaries. If you’ve missed your favorite cousins wedding or said "no" too many times to your best friend’s dinner parties, you could alienate yourself from your friends and family. It may return on you. Give yourself a time frame as when to end work. It not only helps you organize your day, but you are likely to be productive at something else, after work.

• Quality vs. quantity. Use every minute efficiently. Sometimes, we seem to need longer hours simply because we don’t give ourselves the opportunity to sit down, focus and do a large amount of work in one sitting. My work before is from 7am-4pm yet I used to stay at work  until ten pm. And I realized that all I had done for the whole day was cubicle-hop, facebooking, chatting ^^. Use your hours to help you :). 


• Keep fresh. According to some book and articles I've read ideas need to incubate for a time. We need time off from doing or creating something so we can go back and see the work in a new light. Don’t take too much work home with you nevertheless don't take work home :p. Sometimes, you approach things fresher the next day. Believe me :) 


• The Superwoman/Superman Syndrome. Admit to yourself that you cannot do everything yourself, and neither can anybody else. Ask for help, delegate, and instead of making things happen, just let things unfold! 


• Less is more. Actually cutting down on work can have benefits. Doing other activities and being with a different set of people can give us new perspectives—and ultimately, improve the quality of our work.

Everything is a process. It will surely take some time and a lot of adjustment. But once you're ok, you'll surely love your work more! Good luck!

Give Up the Good for the Best

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What does it take to obey something that seems so unthinkable, and so unacceptable?

In full hands

Several times I have needed to give up something good for something better. Like learning to say "NO" with friends to do productive work at home. Getting up earlier in the morning so I could still have time for breakfast and had bonding with mom, and lastly, even ending up a relationship to meet a better one.. :)

I believe that for each one of us, God has a unique way of catching our attention. On my end, it was when I had a painful break up with my ex-boyfriend. Where I need to end that long term relationship completely. And in the middle of that heartbreaking experience, God opened my eyes to Isaiah 26:3 that "In order for me to have peace, all I need to do is to focus my mind on God. When I focus my mind on the Lord, then along with that focus comes trust in Him and in His power."  I also realized that He allowed me a painful trial to give me a better and healthier perspective of Him. He made me feel brokenness that I may witness His overflowing grace. :)

And so, 3 years ago I gave my wounded heart back to Him, still trusting and relying on His wisdom. Then He led me to a perfect peace in the midst of my personal storm and assured me of His wisdom for prayers yet too be answered. I felt His embrace in the midst of my disappointment. He filled my mind with hope and my heart with joy. Then I began to recognize God’s blessings around me, and, by faith, appreciated the work He was doing in my life. Best of all, I realized that nothing could surpass the blessing of being in the palm of God’s hand – the only place one can find perfect peace.

It was then that I understood what overwhelming grief and sorrow felt like. In the end, there was no one I could expect to stay with me. Yet, I was reminded that Someone was always with me. God, my Father, was with me. :)  I remember crying out to Him.  And then in Psalm 34:18, the Lord gave His wonderful reassurance:

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

That night, barriers between us melted and I felt His loving presence. That night, despite all my past inconsistencies. He gave His comfort and assurance. And I fell asleep in the loving arms of my heavenly Father. And I am m believing that on His time I will received that love story I will be proud of. A love story that would cause others to grow in faith, hope and love in Him. A love story I did not manipulate but God alone created. :)

Have a blessed looooooooooong... weekend everyone! cheers!

A Free Gift :)

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Do you pay for a Gift? Absolutely not. Somebody has paid for it so it's Free! A Gift is a form of  gratitude, appreciation, it is given as a tribute to an important person. Same with Salvation. Somebody has already paid for it and that's Jesus Christ . Remember the shed-blood of Jesus on the cross?  We have all sinned, and the penalty had to be paid in order for God to be "Just" -- Jesus Christ has paid that penalty.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-7)

To be saved by sin is a gift that is free from merit. And it is critical to understand that we cannot save ourselves. Even good things we do, -- our "works" cannot free us from salvation likewise even if you're the most intelligent, or riches person in the world these will not save you, nor  I.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

So what is the gift of God called Grace?

• God's Grace is getting what you don't deserve
• God's Mercy is when he does not give us what we deserve.
• God's Justice is when He gives us what we deserved.
(here's a sample scenario)

The foundation of our faith is Jesus death and Resurrection that's what paid the penalty for our sins. We must realized that we are sinners without excuse (Romans 11:20) and that it is only through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we can be saved.

Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. (Romans 11:20)

In Ephesians 2, Apostle Paul emphasied that those who receive this Gift of God do not deserve this blessings. But because our God is King of glory He is full of Grace and Mercy and He love us so much that He gave His one and only Son, Jesus, who lived a sinless life and then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.

among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved — and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

As a result of God's work in Jesus, we are a new people with a new heart and a new Lord. Better stop trusting in yourself and your own good works & start trusting in Christ alone for Salvation

So is it really not possible to be saved by the good things we do --  our works? So how we are save again? We are saved by the Grace of god, through faith. (Ephesians 2:8)

If God does not save us because of things we do, then why does he save us? God is merciful. Because of his mercy that's why we are saved.

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:4-5)

I'm already saved! Why should I do good works then?

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8)

Yes! It is true that God love us just the way we are, BUT God doesn't want us to be the same.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, (Titus 2:11, 12)

The grace of God simply not spared us from the punishment we deserve but the Grace of God also give us the power to say "no" to sin.

Salvation is "free to you and me" in the sense that Jesus bought our release from sin through His blood . Nothing we can do could ever "pay" for sin. It took our sinless Savior to redeem us from the bondage of sin. That is the "free" I am referring to when I refer to salvation as "God's free gift", that is, free for us, because Jesus paid the price.