The Circle of Life

It's the thought that counts

What is a thought leader? Wikipedia defines a thought leader as a person who is recognized among their peers and mentors for innovative ideas and demonstrates the confidence to promote or share those ideas as actionable distilled insights. Taking the vast ocean of opportunities, how does a thought leader developideas into a full grown an action plan? Being a thought leader can be a powerful tool, especially in the development stages of a endeavour, such as taking a company international or developing a compensation plan for a network marketing company. The health of a company indeed is built upon leadership.

Michael Dell is a thought leader. Some of you may know the story how instead of pursuing medicine Michael Dell left to build computers. He thought leadership was evident when he decided that he could sell his computers directly to the customer, something no other company had done at that point as successfully as he did. Anyone can become a thought leader. Find a mentor, develop yourself. You are your own greatest asset.

Of Weddings and Introductions

I hear from newlyweds quite often about all the things they love about their other half. Truth is, much of what we often find so incredible about another person can disappear in a moment. This is why we ultimately long for unconditional love. When we are loved even in our must unlovely states.

Yesterday, I accompanied my tita at a wedding ceremony in Tondo, Manila. She wanted me to drive her to the church. Actually, I haven't been there but good thing I have a map and that my uncle volunteered to be the driver. I navigate while he drives. What can I say? One word, Dense. Then later that night, I had a 121 with a new discipler, Kuya Oj. He's entertaining and a bit gay or maybe just a cheerful person. My 121's with him will be quite interesting. What ever happens, I'm looking forward to it.

Kung Alam Mo Lang

Inihahandog ng Regal films at nang Seiko films ang isang maatikabong pelikula na aantig sa inyong mga puso ngayong taon. Sa isang tambalang pinananabikan ng buong mundo. Princess bilang Cess at Voltaire bilang Vhon sa...
-cue in dramatic pinoy cliche musical score-

"Kung Alam Mo Lang"

Here's a picture of my cousin, ate Princess, and her, significant other, Voltaire that was taken at Tagaytay some time ago. I stole the picture.. well, I actually asked for it and told her that I'll mess with it. So, I present to you my masterpiece! Wahaha!

A Revelation

It's never too late! In line with the celebration of earth day, I'd like to remind myself and you to take action at moral issue in a global level. Watch An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore. Learn from it. Spread the word. Take action. It's never too late.

It's OKay not to be OKay

That is the latest lesson I've learnt. It's only taken me 20+ years to begin to understand something that other people master by the age of 3, but that's okay ;)

So, in other words, it's alright not to 'cope' all the time, it's okay to tell people close to you when you are unhappy with how they have treated you and feeling sad/happy/angry/pissed off etc etc is fine too. Keeping it all inside doesn't help and just makes things exponentially worse. It's okay when everything seems to go wrong like having a bad day or a quarrel or something even worse 'coz sooner or later everything will work out fine..ahm..am I making any sense?

It is also okay to give yourself a break and not beat yourself up when you are less than perfect - a lesson it took me over twenty years until I was forced to learn it.

I wouldn't worry. I'll get there one day....

Top 5 Reasons It Sucks to be an Engineering Student

I got this at Wired.com and wanted to post it in my blog because I find them true well at least at my course. No offense MEM, I'm just telling the truth. I'm thinking of making a list of caveats or something similar like this that applies to my course. You'd better watch out for it.

For many students, earning a degree in engineering is less than enjoyable and far from what they expected. Here are our biggest complaints about the educational rite of passage. Of course, they are sweeping generalizations. Feel free to disagree.

5. Awful Textbooks
Thick, dry, black and white manuscripts are rarely a source of inspiration and sometimes can cause loads of confusion. Often, the text is poorly written and interrupted by lengthy equations with symbols that are different from those used by the professor during lectures.

4. Professors are Rarely Encouraging
During each class, a professor that would rather be tending to his research will waltz up to a blackboard or overhead projector and scribble out equations for an hour without uttering a single sentence to create some excitement.

3. Dearth of Quality Counseling
College students may not have a sense for how to build their resume and they might be clueless about the variety of career opportunities that await them. Unfortunately, some academic advisers do little more than post fliers about internships and hand out a checklist of classes to take. They should make some projections about the future job market, learn about the interests of each young scholar, and offer them tailored advice for how to best prepare themselves.

2. Other Disciplines Have Inflated Grades
Brilliant engineering students may earn surprisingly low grades while slackers in other departments score straight As for writing book reports and throwing together papers about their favorite zombie films.

Some professors view undergraduate education as a type of natural selection, but their analogy is flawed. Many of the brightest students may struggle while mediocre scholars can earn top scores because they have a larger group of supportive friends to or more time to dedicate to studying.

1. Every Assignment Feels the Same
Nearly every homework assignment and test question is a math problem. Only a few courses require creativity or offer hands-on experience.

If you want to complain about your education, or our list, this is your chance. Leave a comment!

121121121

The point of this entry? no real point. Just to say i was moved and was a bit teary eyed by a lecture. But I'm good. I'm no wimp waha. I want to write something about my learnings on a 121 session but I feel too tired and must go to sleep. I apologize. But first, to those who don't know 121, it's a form of discipling wherein a one-to-one communication of biblical preaching is happening between a preacher/discipler and a listener/disciple. It's a notion or better a practice known in the VCF. And yes, I'm currently participating the services of VCF and hopefully it continues.

P.S. Lord, make me strong.
121 121 121 ... that's like almost a group discussion but with pairs. wahaha
(o well, I know, nobody got the joke)

The book

Now I'm sitting here with the book laying in my lap and the music gently playing in the background,
And I wonder if, at this very minute,
I wonder if this is what's running through your mind right now
I bought the book you showed to me the last time we met.
And there's the music you were listening to and I downloaded it, too.
I got broke after I bought the book.
Now I'm sitting here with the book laying in my lap and the music softly playing in the background,
And I wonder if, at this very moment,
we're on the same page
and on the same line
reading the same word
listening to the same track and the same verse
I feel closer to you now.
Like I'm with you.

Old Testament ways to get a wife

Psst, guys! Didn't our religion teacher, priests and pastors told us that the bible is the source of knowledge and contains answers to our questions? Well, I bumped into a blog called Neatorama (http://www.neatorama.com) and got this post which originally belongs to Ian McKenzie of Ian’s Messy Desk blog and tells us 14 Old Testament Ways to Get a Wife. Here are the first five:

1. Find an attractive prisoner of war, bring her home, shave her head, trim her nails, and give her new clothes. Then she’s yours. - (Deuteronomy 21:11-13)

2. Find a prostitute and marry her. - (Hosea 1:1-3)

3. Find a man with seven daughters, and impress him by watering his flock.- Moses (Exodus 2:16-21)

4. Purchase a piece of property, and get a woman as part of the deal. - Boaz (Ruth 4:5-10)

5. Go to a party and hide. When the women come out to dance, grab one and carry her off to be your wife. - Benjaminites (Judges 21:19-25)

I personally find no.5 funny but I'd go for no.2 for practicality. wahah =p

hungry

I enjoy eating as much as the next person, but sometimes I wish I could get my entire daily caloric intake and allowance of nutrients in one, simple beverage. There are days when eating is a huge drain of resources, money and time wise.

My other option is to starve. But I do that anyways, and it isn't nearly as satisfying even though my mom keeps on reminding me to eat plenty. I miss mom. I miss her cooking. The last time I had a taste of her food was last September 2007, and prior to that, way back to my last trip at Dubai during my high school days. I do cook. I love to cook. No, I mean I like cooking. I can't necessarily say that I love to cook because if that was the case, I'd persist no matter what circumstances arise that may hinder me from cooking. Probably, I would love to cook only if I have all the materials I need and a nice kitchen.


P.S. I just found out that I was starting to get some comments from people that I wasn't related to! The Blogger guys have very kindly included me as one of their Blogs of Note. Unbelievable, I know Hahaha.. Nows there's pressure to actually say something interesting, rather than ramble on aimlessly about nothing like I usually do.

Family

Leo & Scorpio

When a Leo child is born to a Scorpio parent, they often create a vigorous and powerful energy. These relatives understand each other's needs well; Scorpio needs to be respected and honored, while Leo wants to be adored and complimented. They are both strongly loyal, often possessive of each other.

This family is strongly loyal and demanding of one another's time. Leo tends to be flamboyant, and the service-oriented Scorpio parent will be more than happy to give Leo the audience they require. As Leo shines, Scorpio will be content to control the fundamentals. Because both Signs are so determined, they really need to work to understand and accept each other.

Both Signs are able to provide what the other needs and respond favorably to one another's strengths. Scorpio wants to feel needed and likes and expects their child to come to them for advice. Leo wants to hear that they are on track and that they have their parent's approval on life decisions. Laughing together and enjoying time spent with the family, they will have few disagreements.

The best aspect of the Leo-Scorpio family relationship is their mutual dedication to each other and the projects they partake in. Both Signs have very powerful, yet different personalities. They are seen as a strong pair by others, and their mutual commitment to fulfilling their goals makes theirs a powerful and reliable family.

Provided by: Astrology.com

Coworker

Leo & Aquarius

When Leo and Aquarius work together, the combination of Aquarian vision and Leo creativity makes the world take notice. This partnership is vibrant and vigorous, and while occasional competitions may arise between them, there is never a dull moment for this pair! They can be great friends and business associates; their Signs are congenial and have a good rapport. Both of them are idealistic and enthusiastic about life. Both are attracted to anything new, and they love thrills; they may even occasionally turn life into a giant game of Truth or Dare.

Many Leo-Aquarius relationships thrive on mutual admiration. Leo admires the uniqueness, vision and inventive characteristics of Aquarius. In turn, Aquarius admires the Lion's energy, charisma and dignity -- Aquarians always have new ideas, but they don't always have the ambition to turn ideas into reality the way Leo does. Both Signs enjoy their independence, but conflicts can arise if Leo seems too overbearing or Aquarius seems too impersonal or distant. Both partners need to learn that they view the world in different ways. Leo can be too dramatic for Aquarius' taste, but Aquarius, in turn, may be too unpredictable for their Leo partner. As long as they express to each other the value of the alliance, things will be just fine!

Leo is ruled by the Sun and Aquarius is ruled by the Planets Saturn and Uranus. These three Planets form a sort of cycle that is indicative of the Leo-Aquarius relationship and their ability to come together to create new institutions. Uranus is the Planet of new ideas and creativity; it's from this Planet that Aquarius gets its great vision. Then the Sun gives life and an identity to their collective ideas. Finally Saturn keeps the process going to completion, following up after Uranus' inspiration has been exhausted and the Sun's energy moves on to new things.

Leo is a Fire Sign and Aquarius is an Air Sign. Air fuels Fire and keeps it going; Aquarius can keep up with the action and energy of Leo and create special effects from the control panel that make the Lion a shining star. They can reach astounding heights together. Aquarius is able to use intellect to inspire Leo's ambition and feed them new ideas to put into practice -- they are very stimulating to Leo. Together the two reciprocate a cycle of personal growth and development. Both Signs have wide-ranging interests, and Leo's desire to creatively participate makes them happy to carry out the ideas of the more reserved Aquarius.

Leo and Aquarius are both Fixed Signs. Leo gives Aquarius the assertiveness to charge ahead and take action, rather than just sitting in the laboratory concocting new ideas. Aquarius can impress Leo with their unique vision and originality. They are both loyal and devoted, and when they understand that they don't need to lead or follow, they can succeed as a team.

The best aspect of the Leo-Aquarius relationship is their ability to achieve a great deal when they work together. Fixed Fire and Fixed Air cover all the bases -- these partners can come up with an idea, plan how to implement it, get it going and stick with it to make it succeed. This complete cycle makes theirs a relationship of vision as well as practice.

Provided by: Astrology.com

Romantic

Leo & Aquarius

When Leo and Aquarius join together in a love match, the merging of Aquarian foresight and Leo creativity causes people to take notice. This partnership is energetic and unstoppable, and although occasional competitions may occur, there is never a dull moment for these two. Their Signs are congenial and have a good relationship. Both tend to be idealistic and highly motivated. Both are attracted to all things novel, and are thrill-seekers; they may even occasionally turn life into a giant game of Truth or Dare.

Many Leo-Aquarius relationships thrive on unending mutual admiration. Leo admires the individualism, vision and creative characteristics of Aquarius. In turn, Aquarius admires the Lion's zeal, charm and dignity -- Aquarians always have new ideas, but they don't always have the drive to make those ideas real as Leo does. Both Signs pride themselves on their independence, but conflicts can arise if Leo seems too demanding or Aquarius seems too aloof. Both partners should respect differences of perspective in the other. Leo can be too dramatic for Aquarius' taste, but Aquarius in turn could be too unsteady for their Leo counterpart. If they communicate to one another the value of the relationship, everything will be okay.

Leo is ruled by The Sun and Aquarius is ruled by the Planets Saturn and Uranus. These three Planets form a sort of cycle indicative of the Leo-Aquarius relationship and their ability to come together to create new institutions. Uranus is the Planet of new ideas and creativity; it's from this Planet that Aquarius gets its great vision. Then The Sun gives life and an identity to their collective ideas. Finally Saturn keeps the process going to completion, following up after Uranus's inspiration has been exhausted and The Sun's energy moves on to new things.

Leo is a Fire Sign and Aquarius is an Air Sign. Air fuels Fire and keeps it going; Aquarius can not only keep pace with the motion and fireball of energy that is Leo, but can add special effects. They can soar to astounding heights together. Aquarius is able to use intellect to inspire Leo's ambition and feed them new ideas to put into practice -- they are very stimulating to Leo. Together the two feed a process of mutual personal growth and development. Both Signs have a multitude of interests, and Leo's desire to be original leaves them more than happy to carry out the ideas of the more withdrawn Aquarius.

Leo and Aquarius are both Fixed Signs. Leo gives Aquarius the courage to charge ahead and take action, rather than just sitting in the lab formulating ideas. Aquarius's originality can impress Leo, as can their unique vision. They are both loyal and extremely devoted to one another, and when they understand that they don't necessarily need to be in charge all the time, they can succeed side by side.

What's the best aspect of the Leo-Aquarius relationship? It's their ability to create magic when they're together. Fixed Fire and Fixed Air cover all the bases -- these partners get an idea, plan how to put it into action, get the ball rolling and see it through to completion. This cycle makes theirs a love match of vision as well as practice.

Provided by: Astrology.com

Personal Mission - Vision Statement

MISSION:

Throughout each day in my life I strive to be loyal to my friends and family, lead a successful career that I will enjoy, stay healthy, serve those who are in need and take on any challenges that come my way.

I treasure my family, friends, spiritual fulfillment, sense of accomplishment, integrity and respect for others.

My Family Members
Throughout my life I will always be supportive and loyal to all my family members, allowing a relationship that will last a life time.

Deep Friendships with Kindred Spirits
I will always be supportive to fellow friends and assist with any endeavors they may have.

Spiritual Fulfillment
My spiritual beliefs remain extremely important in my life, creating the backbone of my inner self.

Sense of Accomplishment
I live life to the fullest and strongly believe that nothing is impossible.

Integrity
I value the lessons that was brought up to me, cherish it until I grow old, and passed down to next generations.

Respect for others
Without respect for life and human beings the world we live in would be meaningless.

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." --Thoreau

VISION:

I will live a productive, happy, active life in a committed family and friends.

Personal
I will pursue a field of study that will enable me to maintain a reasonable standard of living, never forgetting that my family will always be first in my life and that I want to continue to reside near my extended family and friends, and significant other.

Professional Career
I am computer literate, have athletic ability, creative, great interest in technological revolutions, computers, cooking and strong writing ability. I will use these talents to pursue a career as an entrepreneur through traditional and new electronic media while supporting the family business.

Financial
I will be recognized as the bread-winner of the family that provides a decent shelter through financial security.

Socio Civic
I want to dedicate myself to the proposition that I, a person of strong faith and integrity, will be involved in my community and people in need. I will use my accumulated wealth to benefit myself, my family, and my community.

“Everyone has the power for greatness—not for fame but greatness, because greatness is determined by service.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

wasto

Isipin mo kung tutuusin, walang magandang naidudulot ang eleksyon sa ating bansa. Naghahalal tayo ng mga kandidato ngunit sino nga ba sa mga ito ang tunay na naglilingkod.

Alam kong hindi tama ang hindi magparehistro dahil alam kong sa edad kong twenTEEN dapat nakatala na ako sa mahabang listahan ng mga botante. Gusto ko na sanang magparehistro noong Disyembre kaya lang hindi ko naman alam na deadline ng pa-rehistro ay tapos na. Hindi ata mabuting na-announce ng COMELEC ang pagpaparehistro o di kaya hindi lang ako nakakabasa ng dyaryo. Hindi na kasi kami nagpaparasyon ng dyaryo ngayon tulad ng dati. Kaya tuloy hindi ako makakaboto ngayon. Pati ang kapatid ng pinsan ko hindi din makakaboto.

Siguro nga mali pero sa apat na eleksyon na aking nasubaybayan, parang wala akong nakitang pag-asa sa bawat kandidato na naihalal. Walang administrasyon local man o national ang makakapagmayabang ng magandang nagawa nila sa bayan. Sa bawat administrasyong nagdaan, patuloy pa rin ang paghihirap ng ating bayan. Dito sa amin, kaliwa't kanan ang pagtatanggal ng mga trabahante, ang pagdedemolish ng mga bahay at idagdag pa natin ang pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin.

Siguro sa isang boto ko, it would make a difference. Ahahaha. Seryoso.. malay nyo. Ngunit iilan lang ba tayong nag-iisip talaga bago bumoto. Hindi ba't mauungusan din naman tayo ng mga taong bumubuto alinsunod sa batayan ng popularidad? Baliwala na rin ang aking boto. Pero baka ngayon may mga taong natututo na. At kung pagmamasdan ninyo, mas madami ngayong kandidato na artista, singer o kung sino man sikat na taong iyon.

Sa tingin ko ang laban ngayong eleksyon ay sa pamamagitan ng kampon ng oposisyon at ng administrasyon at nariyan ang mga independent ngunit mas malakas ang laban ng dalawang nagtatalong panig. Pati sa kani-kanilang political ads kapansin-pansin ang paninira sa magkakabilang panig. Dito lang yan sa Pinas. Sa Senatorial race, Narian ang mga dating nangagandidato - Tessie Aquino-Oreta, Joker Arroyo, Edgardo Angara, etc. Ang mga baguhan sina Chiz Escudero, Sonia Roco, etc. Pati mga dating artista Goma!? Montano!? Victor Wood!? Sa Congressional, at sa Mayor ayaw ko na pagusapan pa.

Tuwing eleksyon parang fiesta. Tuwing eleksyon makalat ang lungsod. Tuwing eleksyon maraming plastic. Tuwing eleksyon may namamatay at namumukod tangi ang pandaraya. May pag-asa pa ba ang politika sa bansa? Iilang hakbang na lang ang pwede nating isulong upang mabago natin ang institusyon at maiahon natin ang ating bansa sa basurang tinatapon ng mga politiko. Iyang mga hakbangin na iyan, iilan lang ang sumusuporta. Noon lagi kong dinadasal na sana maganda ang resulta ng eleksyon pero sa tingin ko, kahit Panginoon natin ay hindi kayang kontrolin ang paglaganap ng mga politikong walang inaatupag kundi palawakin ang sariling interes. Hindi sila karapatdapat na umupo sa katungkulan nila kung ganun na lamang ang ugali nila. Kung meron man MALINIS ang kalooban na kandidato ay bibihira lang sila at nabibilang sa daliri. Nakahahabag talagang isipin ngunit nag-iisa nga lamang ako. Bahala na, kahit sino ang iboboto ninyo basta pag-isipan ninyo ang ikabubuti ng bayan at ang kinabukasan natin lahat, nasa ibang gawain naman ako. Sa aking maliit na paraan, isusulong ko na lang ang kaisipang alam kong makakapagpabago ng ating pamahalaan. Sama kayo sa akin. Baguhin natin ang basurang bumabalot sa ating politika. Sa mga botante, bumoto ng wasto.

P.S. Baka makatulong ang website na ito sa pagpili ng kandidato - www.ivote.ph

Simply put, there are too many darker corners in this world that calls out for caring hearts, and that the vast majority of us who live in comfort take too many blessings for granted. Then, we lose the ability to think differently and to understand people who live in tough situations. Although one can say that I can never do enough to make a difference, but I won’t believe that. I don't know which direction I am going to go yet, or how exactly am I going to get there, but I can make a difference, and I will. I can start by making a vote.. problem is I'm not a registered voter this coming elections.

life is not just about being happy or unhappy all the time. life is about being yourself, accepting the not-so-happy emotions, learning how to cope with such situations, and growing to become a better person.

Taken from RD which he got from Set

1. Tell you why I friended you.
2. Associate you with a song / movie.
3. Tell a random fact about you.
4. Tell a first memory about you.
5. Associate you with an animal / fruit.
6. Ask something I've always wanted to know about you.
7. In return, you must post this in your own blog.

Post Valentines

I never missed a school fair when I was in high school (coz attendance was a requirement). Now, that I'm in college I've already missed twice. For the past 4 years in Taft, yesterday was the best University week. The past University week sucked. Literally It sucks. They shouldn't have celebrated a University week if most of the students doesn't even feel the presence of it. But, this year's University week and even its culminating night was the best. Even Br. Armyn, the chairman of our school, admits that this year was the largest La Salle crowd they've gathered. Somehow, yesterday was memorable, because somehow something nice happened.

I was hoping that many of my batch mates are going to show up at the culminating night. Kita-kits na naman ang barkada! But it was only Bev who showed up. Sigh. I also saw Omi but only after the fireworks display which was the finale of the night. I should have reminded them about the concert. Yeah, there was a concert, organization fair, faculty show (of the entire college) and a fashion show (by F&H) too. Yet, I still had fun even though the gang wasn't complete and even though I wasn't able to watch the faculty presentation. As always, COE had the funniest faculty presentation. I was able to see some clips of the presentation. Professors, chair head, and the Vice-dean in top less dancing to the tune of Jumbo Hotdog?! Plus a short ballet skit by Sir Bello. =P

I wasn't that enthusiastic with the concert (Sugarfree lang ang gusto ko mapanood sa bands). I was more excited with the badminton game. I barely no a little about badminton but I still gave it a try just for fun. The match was a doubles against Aby and Hanzel. I had Kevin as my partner. At the last minute he backed out for an important agenda. Good thing Herlyn was available as a substitute that day. So it was me and Herlyn versus Hanzel and Aby. It took us 1-hr to finish our match (feeling pro kami). Ok, so we lost. But you can put it this way, we were too kind to let them win. hahah