Jacob's Birthday MYM

Jacobss Birthday MYM

Last Friday we attended Jacob 3rd Birthday Party. Jacob is my friend's son.  The motive is Sponge bob Square Pants.

*** Happy a Blessed Monday from Life Moto***

Visit other Mellow Yellow Monday!

Support Campaign Child Abuse - Change Profile Picture To Cartoons in Facebook

 Support Campaign Child Abuse - Change Profile Picture To Cartoons in Facebook

 " Change your facebook profile picture to your favorite childhood
cartoons/characters, invite your friends to do the same... Let us
encourage everyone not to have human faces on facebook until monday
(Dec. 6), but an invasion of memories. Support  The  Worldwide Protest Against Child Violence."

 When I first saw a picture profile of one of friend. I thought it just another gimmick. Till the next day it pop up like a mushroom, cartoon profile pictures. My curiosity I try to search about these amazing cartoons picture profile in facebook. Finally I got my answer. 

As for me weather it is a legit campaign or not, what matter IS most of us try to support this campaign "Support  The  Worldwide Protest Against Child Violence."  Congratulation to the author of this campaign.

 

 

1 Day Before Christmas - Gift Giving (Aguinaldo)

1 Day Before Christmas - Gift Giving (Aguinaldo)

1 Day na lang at Christmas na. Kaya gusto kong mag countdown by counting the Filipino customs and traditions during this Holiday seasons. My twelfth item Gift Giving (Aguinaldo).

Ang pagbibigay ng aguinaldo ay isang tradition na nagmula pa sa ating mga ninuno. Marahil ito ay nagsimula sa tatlong pantas; "Nang sila ay nasa loob na ng bahay, nakita nila ang bata, kasama ang kaniyang inang si Maria. Sila ay nagpatirapa at sinamba ang bata. Nang mabuksan na nila ang kanilang mga kayamanan, naghandog sila sa kaniya ng mga kaloob. Ang mga ito ay ginto, kamangyan at mira." (Mateo 2:11)

Ang pasko ay araw ng pagbibigay, kapayapaan at pagmamahalan. Ito rin ang pinakamasayang buwan ng taon. Para sa may trabaho, nakakakatanggap tayo ng 13th month pay, Christmas bonus, extra bonus at kung anu-ano pang fringe benefits. Saan kapa pag-uwi galing sa Christmas party ay meroon pang baon na kesso de bola, fiesta ham o di kaya isang plastic bag ng grocery. Oh... hohoho! hehehe! Ang saya-saya diba. Kakakatuwang nakakatanggap tayo ng mga aguinaldo sa ating mga amo.

Kung paano tayo napaligaya ng ating mga amo ay nararapat na ipamahagi din natin ang mga blessing na natatanggap natin. Kami ng sweetheart ko ay meron na nakahanda ng listahan ng mga regalo para sa amin mga anak, inaanak, kapamilya at kapuso... Doble ang saya ng pakiramdam kapag ikaw ang nagbibigay ng aguinaldo. " It is better to give than to receive!"

Kadalasan kapag magbibigay tayo ng regalo ang unang pumapasok sa isip natin ay yung the best na maibibgay natin. Yun bang tipong na kahit wala na sa budget ng ating bulsa ay pilit pa natin dinudukot. O di kaya ang isang bagay na pinaghirapan nating gawin, personalized para unique. Ika nga mula sa puso.

Alam nyo ba na meroon din Special na Aguinaldo ang Diyos para sa atin, bukod sa physical at pinansyal? Ito ay ang Kanyang bugtong na si Jesus. "Ito ay sapagkat sa ganitong paraan inibig ng Diyos ang sanlibutan kaya ipinagkaloob niya ang Kaniyang bugtong na Anak upang ang sinumang sumampalataya sa kaniya ay hindi mapahamak kundi magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan."(John 3:16).

Sabi nga kung magbibigay ka rin todo mo na. Sa araw na ito ano naman kaya ang the best gift na maibbigay natin sa ating Panginoon? Hindi na kailangan ng mamahaling hiyas o gintong nilukob. Ang tanging alay natin sa ating Ama ay ang ating pagmamahal sa Kanya at sa kapwa.

Give Love on Christmas day. And let us make everyday a Christmas day.

Life Moto
life is worth living for...

Elzie Crisler Segar - Popeye's Creator

Elzie Crisler Segar - Popeye's Creator

Google give another recognition to Elzie C. Segar or SEGAR for his birthday by featuring Popeye as their Google Logo. He was an American cartoonist, best known as the creator of Popeye. Elzie Segar was borned on December 8, 1894 and died October 13,1938. He was raised in Illinoise, a small town in Missisippi.

Popeye 1st Episode



Being a son of a handy man, so his early worked was helping his father by house painting and paper hanging. With his musical skills, he provided musical accompaniment to films and vaudeville acts in the local theater. At the age of 18 he decided to become a cartoonist.

Managing editor William Curley thought Segar could succeed in New York, so he sent him to King Features Syndicate, where Segar worked for many years. He began by drawing Thimble Theatre for the New York Journal. The strip made its debut on December 19, 1919, featuring the characters Olive Oyl, Castor Oyl and Horace Hamgravy, whose name was quickly shortened in the strip to simply "Ham Gravy". They were the strip's leads for about a decade. In January 1929, when Castor Oyl needed a mariner to navigate his ship to Dice Island, Castor picked up an old salt down by the docks named Popeye. Popeye's first words in the strip, when asked if he was a sailor, were: " 'Ja think I'm a cowboy?". The Popeye character stole the show and became the permanent featured character. Some of the other notable characters Segar created include J. Wellington Wimpy and Eugene the Jeep. source wikipedia

Popeye was one of my favorite cartoons characters during my chidhood days. I miss his toot-toot sound, trembling muscles as he ate a can of spinach. Though he is never as famous as those early 90's. The moral value of this cartoon shows...

Words of Wisdom

"good is always triumph over evil".

"Unleash The Hero in You"-Efren Peñaflorida CNN Hero 2009

"Unleash The Hero in You"-Efren Peñaflorida CNN Hero 2009
Life Story

Efren Peñaflorida has been selected as CNN Hero of the year after getting the highest number of online vote, More than 2.75 million were cast for 7 weeks. For bringing education to the poor children though his "Kariton Klasroom". Efren received $100,000 cash prize . He also received $25,000 when he was elected as one of the top 10 finalist CNN Heroes. The 90% of the prize will go to Dynamic Teen Company and their projects. While the 10% of it will go to the church.






In his acceptance speech at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday night encourage to the crowd to "Unleash the Hero in You".

"Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry," Peñaflorida said. "Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need.”

He also urged them to “serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve.”

“As I always tell to my co-volunteers ... you are the change that you dream as I am the change that I dream and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be," he added.

The Order Lakandula

Upon Efren return from America, he will be conferred "The Order Of Lakandula" by President Aroyo. The Order of Lakandula is the one of the highest honor given by Republic of the Philippines. Those who are dedicated themselves to the welfare of society, perform meritorious political and civic service and lead lives worthy of emulation.

Congratulation Efren Peñaflorida, you are truly a modern day hero! We are proud of you. More power and God bless you and your team...

Words of Wisdom

“serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve.”

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 21:26)

I Need Help for My Restaurant City!

I Need Help for My Restaurant City!

Yes you read it right! I need help for my Restaurant City. One of my favorite games in Facebook is Restaurant City. Not because of bumabalik ako sa pagkabata, but dito ko nakakabonding ang mga anak ko. Kahit ha na virtually. Back to my problem. To those who are Restaurant City fanatics. If you check with the image, my three employees is not working at all. Is their any tips. Please help!

Actually this is not for me but for my little lovely Angel. Due to the storm Ondoy our internet connection is still disconnected. So to cope up with the points and level of the games I try to work for her Restaurant city and other games in Facebook.

Akala ko sa totoong buhay lang ang meron "pumepetiks" na empleyado. Pati pala sa virtual game. Naging mabait naman ako sa kanila. I fed them when they are hungry and I give them a day off when they are tired. Saan ba ako nagkamali? Hindi naman ako naging malupit sa kanila. Bakit sila nagwewelga? So mga KABLOGS,kapuso and kapamilya give me some advice.

Well it just a game. But what are the lessons we can learn from it in real life.
For the employers: They should take care of their employees so that the employees will take care of their business.
For the Employees: They should work hard so that the employers will take care of their lives.

Words Of Wisdom

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Ephesians 6:5-9

May Sulat Si Tatay at Nanay Para sa Atin

May Sulat Si Tatay at Nanay Para sa Atin

Hindi pa araw ng Tatay at Nanay, subalit karapat-dapat na paaalahanan tayo sa ating tungkulin bilang isang anak. May suntok sa dibdib ang kabuuang nilalaman ng tula na sinulat ni Rev. Fr. Ariel F. Robles, CWL Spiritual Director ng St. Augustine Parish sa Baliuag, Bulacan, ginigising nito ang kamalayan ng mga anak na nakalilimot sa kanilang mga magulang.

Narito po…

Sulat ni Tatay at Nanay

Sa aking pagtanda, unawain mo sana ako at pagpasensiyahan. Kapag dala ng kalabuan ng mata ay nakabasag ako ng pinggan o nakatapon ng sabaw sa hapag-kainan, huwag mo sana akong kagagalitan. Maramdamin ang isang matanda. Nagse-self-pity ako tuwing sisigawan mo ako.

Kapag mahina na ang tenga ko at hindi ko maintindihan ang sinasabi mo, huwag mo naman sana akong sabihan ng bingi, pakiulit na lang ang sinabi mo o pakisulat na lang. Pasensya ka na, anak. Matanda na talaga ako.

Kapag mahina na ang tuhod ko, pagtiyagaan mo sana akong tulungang tumayo, katulad ng pag-aalalay ko sa iyo noong nag-aaral ka pa lamang lumakad.

Pagpasensyahan mo sana ako kung ako man ay nagiging makulit at paulit-ulit na parang sirang-plaka. Basta pakinggan mo na lang ako. Huwag mo sana akong pagtatawanan o pagsasawaang pakinggan. Natatandaan mo anak noong bata ka pa? Kapag gusto mo ng lobo, paulit-ulit mo 'yung sasabihin, maghapon kang mangungulit hanggang hindi mo nakukuha ang gusto mo. Pinagtiyagaan ko ang kakulitan mo.

Pagpasensiyahan mo na rin sana ang aking amoy. Amoy-matanda, amoy-lupa. Huwag mo sana akong piliting maligo. Mahina na ang katawan ko. Madaling magkasakit kapag nalamigan, huwag mo sana akong pandirihan. Natatandaan mo noong bata ka pa? Pinagtiyagaan kitang habulin sa ilalim ng kama kapag ayaw mong maligo.

Pagpasensiyahan mo sana kung madalas, ako'y masungit, dala na marahil ito ng katandaan. Pagtanda mo, maiintindihan mo rin ako.

Kapag may konti kang panahon, magkuwentuhan naman tayo, kahit sandali lang, inip na ako sa bahay, maghapong nag-iisa. Walang kausap. Alam kong busy ka sa trabaho,

Subalit nais kong malaman mo na sabik na sabik na akong makakuwentuhan ka, kahit alam kong hindi ka interesado sa mga kuwento ko. Natatandaan mo anak, noong bata ka pa? Pinagtiyagaan kong pakinggan at intindihin ang pautal-utal mong kuwento tungkol sa iyong teddy bear.

At kapag dumating ang sandali na ako'y magkasakit at maratay sa banig ng karamdaman, huwag mo sana akong pagsawaang alagaan. Pagpasensiyahan mo na sana kung ako man ay maihi o madumi sa higaan, pagtiyagaan mo sana akong alagaan sa mga huling sandali ng aking buhay. Tutal hindi na naman ako magtatagal.

Kapag dumating ang sandali ng aking pagpanaw, hawakan mo sana ang aking kamay at bigyan mo ako ng lakas ng loob na harapin ang kamatayan.

At huwag kang mag-alala, kapag kaharap ko na ang Diyos na lumikha, ibubulong ko sa kanya na pagpalain ka sana . .. dahil naging mapagmahal ka sa iyong ama't ina. ..

Written by Rev. Fr. Ariel F. Robles

CWL Spiritual Director

St. Augustine Parish, Baliuag, Bulacan"

"Sesame Street" Translated into Arabic (Alam Simsim)

"Sesame Street" Translated into Arabic (Alam Simsim)

When I open my browser today these two feet shown in Arabic Google search page. It's Big-bird feet. Make some search and read on...

Since its debut in 1969 in the United States, the children's television show "Sesame Street" has spread around the world, reaching youngsters in 120 countries. Now the colorful, furry puppets known as the Muppets will educate and entertain in even more of the world's 22 Arabic-speaking countries. The show's Egyptian version is being dubbed into Simplified Classical Arabic.


Video is in Arabic



Alam Simsim (Arabic: عالم سمسم‎) is an Arabic language Egyptian-made adaptation of the format used in the children's television series Sesame Street. Alam Simsim is Arabic for "Sesame World".

The show, funded by the U.S. Government's U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID,) is a cooperative project between Egypt's Karma Production and the US's Sesame Workshop (formerly Children's Television Workshop). This effort is one of several such cooperative projects funded by USAID in countries such as Russia and South Africa.

Satellite broadcaster Future Television of Lebanon picked up the show in November 2005, expanding possible viewership to more than 200 million viewers in the Arab States.

The show is set in the imaginary Alam Simsim (Sesame World) neighborhood in Egypt. This area is Medieval-looking like Old Cairo except perhaps more rural and green. It consists of a small public square surrounded by a park; a store owned by 'Am Gherghis; the carpenter's shop owned by 'Am Hussein with apartments above occupied by 'Am Hussein's family, 'Ama Kheireya his wife, Mona his teenage daughter and Kareem his young son. A bookstore or library (the same word is used for both in Arabic so it is hard to tell which is intended) is run by a young woman named Nabila. [1] The humans are referred to as 'Am and 'Ama, which are "Uncle" and "Aunt" in Egyptian Arabic. These titles denote familiarity common in Egyptian neighborhoods.

Source Wikipedia

Your Child Safety Tips oN Halloween

Your Child Safety Tips oN Halloween

This is a repost from a mom's choice. Safety tips for our children during this Halloween.

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Keeping your kids safe is no different on Halloween then any other day of the year. While your trick or treating with your kids it's easy to put your guard down. Halloween seems to bring out a lot of tricksters who get caught up in the moment and don’t think with their head.



Here are some suggestions on how to keep your kids safe during Halloween.

* Don't let your children go trick or treating alone.
* Walk up to the door with your kids.
* Carry a flashlight with you.
* Wear reflective clothing
* Try to wear make up instead of a mask, they obstruct the child's view.
* Don't wear a mask while you’re walking down the street with your child.
* Be aware of your surroundings, its easy to get distracted.
* Check your child's candy before they eat any of it.
* Check with the local hospital to see if they offer to x-ray your child's candy.
* Check where the sex offenders live in the area where your child is trick r treating and stay away from those homes. Individual states have a registry too, look for sex offender registry in your state.
* Go to a mall to trick r treating instead of going door to door.
* Participate in an alternative to Halloween such as a church function or friend's party
* Only go up to door where a porch light is on.
* Don't let your kids answer the door when your not home.
* Walk towards the traffic if you have to walk on the street.
* Make sure you know where your child is and what they are doing at all times.
* Be aware of the route your child is taking, if you’re not going with them.
* Remind your kids not to get into the cars of people they don't know.
* Make sure the mask on the costume doesn't obstruct your child's line of vision.
* Be careful who you answer the door to during the trick r treating.

Have a Happy Halloween it's better to be safe.

History of Halloween

image townofogden

History of Halloween

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Abby_Wilshire]Abby Wilshire

October 31st is a date that both children and adults alike look forward to with anticipation. We decorate our homes and our yards and try to outspook the neighbours. We scare ourselves and each other with movies and pranks and haunted houses. Did you ever wonder how this tradition came about?

The origins of Halloween date back thousands of years ago to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts lived 2,000 years ago in what is now Ireland, northern France and the United Kingdom. Their calendar was different than ours is today, and they celebrated their New Year on November 1.

They believed that on the day before the New Year, October 31, the worlds of the living and the dead co-mingled, and they would celebrate Samhain. During Samhain, it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth,and they would run around causing havoc and damaging crops.

The Celts celebrated the night before the New Year by wearing costumes that typically consisted of animal heads and skins. They built huge, sacred bonfires where they would burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. After the celebration, they would light their hearth fires from the sacred bonfire, and this was believed that it would help protect them during the coming winter.

Halloween survived strongly with the Irish, Scottish, and Welsh Communities and immigrants from these countries brought the tradition to North America. The Irish brought over the idea of the children dressing up and going door to door to collect treats, mainly fruit, which was later used for playing games such as bobbing for apples. Carving pumpkins is believed to have come from the tradition of carving ghoulish faces into turnips to hold candles.

The tradition of Trick or Treating as it has developed in North America seems to have more obscure origins, especially the Trick part. Some believe that the original intention was that the spirits would be blamed for any mischievous behavior that occurred. They would do things like hiding everyday items of those adults who were less popular. These harmless pranks have gradually developed into more harmful ones somehow, such as throwing raw eggs, soaping windows, and smashing pumpkins.

As this Halloween comes around, we can remember where this favorite holiday came from, and most importantly, let's keep it all in good fun!

Read more about the history of Halloween and find great savings on Halloween costumes and Halloween decorations at http://www.frightnightcostumes.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abby_Wilshire http://EzineArticles.com/?History-of-Halloween&id=2854870

Vote Efren Peñaflorida For 2009 Top CNN Hero

Vote Efren Peñaflorida For 2009 Top CNN Hero

Click Image to Cast Your vote

Efren Peñaflorida is one of the 2009 Top 10 CNN Heroes. We don’t need another super hero; a man of steel, a friendly neighborhood or the x-men. Heroes are just around the corner. CNN Heroes are ordinary people with extra ordinary impact.




Efren Peñaflorida is a teacher and a social worker. He grew up in Cavite City, Philippines. He has been recognized as one of the 2009 CNN Heroes for his outstanding advocacy to educate Filipino out of school youth through “Push Cart Classes.” Efren recalled to standing against a gang leader and refuse to join the gang, in high school. At the age of 16, he and his friends conceptualize an idea to divert teenagers like them to be productive. He was born from a poor family and lived in a shanty near dump site. Despite of the poverty he managed to finished his study.

He concern for the unschooled children in his hometown. He then established Dynamic Teen Company (DTC). After a decade DTC has gained around 10,000 memberships. They conducted tutorials for approximately 1,500 children. Pushcart classroom teaches basic reading and writing to street children every Saturday. DTC also runs a hygiene clinic, where children can get a bath and learn how to brush their teeth

Among their awards are:

* Outstanding Volunteer Award
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and United Nations Volunteer Program (UNVP) – 2008


* Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO)
National Youth Commission of the Philippines – 2008
TAYO Awards Foundation – 2008
Coca-cola Foundation, Philippines – 2008


* Bayaning Samahang Pilipino
ABS-CBN Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. – 2007
14th Congress Republic of the Philippines – 2007

DTC Official website: http://dynamicteencompany.org/

Let support our own hero! Be Proud to be a Filipino

Vote For Efren Peñaflorida 2009 CNN Hero

Bids And Prayers for Hannah

Bids And Prayers for Hannah

I have came across to kiddomind blog about Baby Hanah. As I continuing reading the article. I was touch by her story as well as her parent sacrifices. Let me tell you a bit of their story.



Hannah S. Cordoviz is her real name or Baby Hannah. Born on August 14, 2007. Hannah is a cute and energetic kid as you can see, but she was afflicted with Congenital Central Hypoventilation (CCHS). In laymen term the nerve center that is supposed to make her breath in not functioning well. The doctor had to cut a hole in her throat in order to put a Tracheostomy Tube and attached it with a Respirator to keep her breathing.

Due to her very delicate condition, which requires 24/7 care, her parent were force to resigned from their respective jobs. To cover up her mediation, hospitalization and nurse, not to mention their daily needs, they make Rosary and sell it from their online store

It is truly difficult for a parent to see their child suffering from such illness. In spite of the trials, they still put their trust in the Lord. They believe that God has a plan and a mission for them. And their mission is to propagate prayers.

For those who would like to share their blessing, kindly visit Hannah Ysabelle Homepage.

Bids and prayers for little Hannah.
Let us pray for complete healing of baby Hannah.

My Close Encounter With Michael Jackson in Manila

My Close Encounter With Michael Jackson in Manila
By Gwen Cariño

I receive an email from a friend. It is about an experienced of one of the Hotel PR officer with Michael Jackson in Manila 1996. To verify if the story is authentic, I try to search in the net. Fortunately I am able to contact Miss Gwen Cariño (author) and ask her permission to re-publish the story. The article was originally printed in Ricky Lo's section in The Philippine Star I love the story and I want to share it. I appreciate that she allows me to re-publish her great experience with Michael Jackson generosity.



*************************************************************************************
The author (right) shares a light moment with Michael Jackson during a Christmas party for orphans in Manila on Dec. 7, 1996.

Manila Hotel's former PR officer Gwen Cariño writes about her close encounter with hotel guest Michael Jackson in December 1996.


When I was a PR officer at Manila Hotel, I was assigned to head the annual Orphan's Christmas Party where 300 children from different orphanages around Metro Manila were treated to a day of fun and surprises. It was one of the biggest projects on my plate and it was such a challenge to focus on work the day before the big event, knowing Michael Jackson was billeted in the hotel.

Two nights before, I had been fortunate to be part of his welcome line at the hotel lobby together with the rest of the PR and sales staff but was content enough to see him walk by.

The day before, a guy claiming to be Michael Jackson's aide from Mamarao Productions came to the office. I couldn't recall his name but he looked for the "person in charge" and said his boss had read the announcement about the event in the Dear Guest flyers we had circulated to all the rooms a week before. Michael wanted to know how he could help. His aide went up to the Penthouse and down to the PR office several times after we gave our suggestions.

Michael offered to fill up the 300 loot bags with goodies and toys, candies and chocolates. But after getting close to 50 sponsors, it was actually a problem for us to dispose of everything.

So I thought hard...how can the King of Pop meaningfully join the affair? I couldn't possibly have him be with the kids in the palayok game or the pabitin as he might end up being mobbed! And since the annual event was really all about giving, I mustered all my courage and told the Mamarao guy that the best thing I could think of was for Michael to literally be present to help distribute the loot bags, sign autographs and pose with the children for photos. "Wow, that may not be easy. You're talking about handing goodie bags to 300 children and I can just imagine the chaos. We'll see, Ms. Jacinto. I'll get back to you," he said.

Lunch break came and it was the most hurried one I ever took in my entire life. It wasn't until after 5 p.m. that Michael's aide came back and said, "Michael is more than happy to do whatever you suggest. How do we go about it tomorrow?" I wanted to scream. I had to calm myself and regain composure as the Lizzie Maguire in me said, "Get real, get back into focus."

We agreed that Michael would join after the games, musical program and snacks, and at the last part to give out the loot bags. My colleague Annette Africano and boss Dulce Agnir requested for additional security around the garden and the stage area as this was where we decided to distribute the gifts. We made sure the children would form an orderly line.



Then the moment arrived. It was at the Champagne Gardens on Dec. 7, 1996. I was surprised to see him walking towards us, guided by his aide. Michael came up to me as I had to brief him.

"Hi, how are you? Thanks so much for letting me in, I know I'm early 'coz I didn't want to miss the program." I said, "Are you kidding? Thanks so much for volunteering! Here's what Michael, why don't you just sit here and watch the musical numbers before we get into the gift giving. I will have to tweak the program a bit." He replied, "Sure, anything you say... (pausing to look at my name tag) Gwen!" I was stunned at how incredibly sweet and modest he was. And in my mind it was, "Oh my God, this is really happening!"

Amazing how he patiently sat through the whole program. Carol Banawa, then an Ang TV mainstay couldn't believe MJ was watching her perform. She had her red blouse signed by him right after her number. Then followed Stefano Mori's dance number. Later, his back up singers and dancers came up on stage followed by select kids from different orphanages who danced to the beat of Billie Jean. Oh, the smile on Michael's face was just amazing.

Then we announced that Michael will be distributing gifts onstage. I explained to him that there's a loot bag for the younger kids and another for the older ones and he nodded. The thrill and excitement he gave those children was incredibly touching. It was in between the gift bag distribution that I caught a glimpse of MJ, not as a performer but as a person.

It was one in the afternoon. Santa Claus (David Endriga, a friend of fellow PR officer Francis Capistrano) was with us. The heat was scourging and I was worried that Michael felt so hot with his black long-sleeved signature attire and hat.

"Are you alright Michael? We can let you take a break," I asked. He said, "I'm cool Gwen. Just imagine how Santa feels inside his velvet suit and beard. We'll be fine." I never heard him complain or say a word about how hot it was or how long the line was. He had the most beautiful manners. He didn't even ask for a drink or a towel to wipe his sweat but one of our banquet staff made sure he got a glass of fresh orange juice.

An hour passed and we were halfway through gift-giving when we noticed that the garden was getting filled up. Suddenly, there were people from media, politicians, officials and hotel guests including those in a wedding reception at the nearby Champagne Room who deserted the newly-weds just to get a glimpse of the King of Pop.

"Oh oh, this isn't supposed to be, I'm so sorry," I said. It's all right, we'll get through it," Michael said smiling. As we finished giving out the last loot bag to an 11-year-old orphan, a new line of more kids and adults formed. Michael's bodyguard, Wayne, said. "We can leave now."

Michael replied calmly, "We can't leave when there are still people in line. It's Christmas, dude."

I felt my heart beat faster and the hair on my arms and the back of my neck stood up. He wasn't just the most electrifying performer, but the most generous person.

One of the most memorable moments was when a lady came up to him for an autograph. Laughing and holding his tummy, he said "Hey Gwen, you've gotta check this out. He whispered, "It's a blank check. The lady is making me sign on a blank check."

We laughed hard and little did we know that it wasn't even half of the comedy. He later showed me and Wayne other stuff people would use or pick up on the ground when they couldn't find paper for him to sign on. One lady made him sign at the back of her elegant, designer Filipiniana gown. One teenager came up to him holding a dead leaf and another one, a popped balloon. Imagine how our laughter ballooned as well.

It was an amazing, genuine experience. At one point he asked if I was going to catch his History concert and I said "tomorrow night." "Oh, you'll have a blast!" Michael told me.

At this point he became concerned about the stage as adults outnumbered the kids. His face had nervousness written all over it but he still didn't complain. He tapped the wooden floor with his foot several times making sure it was sturdy enough not to fall apart. "I've experienced the stage collapse and I just want to make sure we're all safe here," he explained.

Half of me wanted the line to finish because we were literally melting and worried about our safety, but half of me didn't, knowing that once the line ended, Michael will leave.

At some point it did end. I managed to get an autograph for my sisters and me before our general manager, Clem Pablo, requested him to sing 'Give Love on Christmas Day'.

Cesar Sarino, one of the hotel's officials, addressed his thank you note to the King of Pop. Then I saw his guards and aides whisking Michael off stage. I said in my mind, "Oh man, I didn't even have the chance to say goodbye."

Suddenly, I saw Michael return on stage and say, "Thanks so much to you and your team, Gwen. This really means a lot." Then he held me beside him and said, "I'll see you at the concert."

As Michael Jackson is laid to rest and returned to pristine condition in the afterlife, these two incredible acts of the King of Pop --- volunteering for charity and unselfishly spending time with the less fortunate, will forever be the way I will remember this man.

************

All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor,
the very thing I was eager to do.
(Galatians 2:10)

Single Mother & An OFW

Single Mother & An OFW

Clip from Movie Anak by: Vilma Santos

I want to share a short story about Nanay Lydia. Last December 2008 ay nakasabay ko sya sa eroplano pauwi ng Pilipinas. Ilang oras na lang at darating na kami sa NAIA. Nagkakuwentuhan kami tungkol sa kanyang trabaho at pamilya



Isang teacher by profession sa Ilo-ilo si nanay Lydia. Maliliit pa lang ang kanyang mga anak nang sya ay naging biyuda. Subalit hindi ito naging hadlang para di nya maitaguyod ang kanyang mga anak. Dahil sa kakulangan ng pera ay napilitan nyang iwanan sa kanyang mga kapatid ang mga ana. At sya ay nagtrabaho sa Saudi Arabia bilang isang domenstic helper.

Mahigit na ring sampong taon sya naninilbihan sa isang Labanese family. Malaki ang pasasalamat nya sa Dios at naging mabuti ang treatment sa kanya. Itinuturing na siya na isang kapamilya at kapuso. Sa kanya na nagdalaga ang mga anak ng kanyang employer. Nagugustuhan din nila ang luto ni Nanay, lalo na ang adobong manok at pansit.

Out of my curiousity ay naitanong ko kay nanay kung hindi ba sya nag karoon ng ka relation dito sa Saudi. Napangiti sya sa akin at taas noo nyang sinagot ang tanong ko. Maligaya na ako na sa piling ng mga anak ko. Gagawin ko ang lahat para sila ay buhayin. Pinili ko ang lumayo sa kanila para bigyan sila ng magandang buhay. Nanalig ako na hindi sila pababayaan ng Dios.

Hindi nya binigyan ng puwang ang tawag ng laman at puso. Nalulungkot lang si nanay at hindi nya napalaki ang sarili nyang mga anak. Masmahaba pa ang panahon na ginugol nya sa anak ng amo nya. Dahil dito ay ayaw na syang payagan mag resign at napamahal na sya sa kanila. At naging payo ng kanyang Mada'm na mag apply ang anak nya sa kumpanya ng kanyang mister.

Na impress po ako sa naging pahayag ni Nanay. Alam ko na marami ang katulad ni Nanay Lydia sa iba't-ibang panik ng mundo. Respeto sa sarili at pananalig sa Dios ang naging sandata para sa pakikibaka sa buhay. Lalung-lalo na para sa kinabukasan ng kanilang mga anak.

Bilang pagpupugay sa lahat ng Single at working mothers na OFW ay isang Maligayang at mapagpalang Mother's day po sa inyong lahat.

Frugal Living Tips for New Dads

Frugal Living Tips for New Dads

by Paul B

With a recession in full swing, and the possibility of more to come, new dads have to figure out how to cut costs even with a baby on the way. Here are a few frugal living tips:


Don't fall for the temptation to buy every electronic gizmo that might help you take care of your baby. Human beings for millions of years have done without the latest gadgets and done just fine. Babies need food, changing, love, and attention. You'll get far more value out of just "spending time" with your baby, rather than spending money on videos and stimulating electronic toys.

Make a list of all the items you'll need for your nursery. Talk to other parents and show them this list to find out what was really necessary, in what turned out to be a waste of money. The results may surprise you.

Make sure friends and family are aware that you are neither too modest or too proud to take hand-me-downs. Almost everyone shares slightly used clothing, baby paraphernalia, and lots of baby books with parents who are just a few months behind on the baby curve. Make sure that friends with kids just a few months older than yours know that you love to get their hand-me-downs.

Shop eBay and other used sites for discount items. You'll be shocked at a price of baby merchandise at the store, but used prices might be significantly less expensive.
Start buying things for baby as early as possible. If you arm yourself with your trusted list, you can take advantage of sales on specific items. Watch for grocery store sales on diapers and formula and stock up even before the baby arrives.

Trying to check your brand-consciousness when you shop. Your baby is truly one person in your life who won't care what logo he wears on his polo shirt.

Into your friends that you'd really like a baby shower. Baby showers are great for getting things that you might not buy it for yourself, and also things that other parents know you will need to have.

Don't forget the library for parenting books. There are also local community "toy libraries" where you can check out toys for short periods of time.

Never forget that babies and kids need your time and love are more than they do cool toys and accessories.



Paul Banas is a founder of GreatDad.com. He writes articles on parenting, dads and pregnancy, parenting tips, baby names, child development and many more topics related to dads.

Article Source: http://www.abcarticledirectory.com

7 Signs Your Child is Gifted

7 Signs Your Child is Gifted
by Rachel Nunez

There are many ways to define giftedness, though gifted children have one common factor: they can show extraordinary performance in many ways. As parents, we should understand that a child is gifted in his own way. They can be exceptional in different areas such as music and arts. Every child has their own skills and talents, though it needs to be nurtured starting at toddler. Many parents provide educational toys to enhance their child's skills. Parents can tell if their child is gifted by observing them play.




Here are signs that your child is gifted:

1. Child shows excellent abilities in terms of academic fields, whether it is mathematics, languages, science and even at performing arts. Usually, the child receives an award for academic performance, or as an outstanding student of the class. Learning is fast for him. He can read, write, recite without mom's help. The child also shows resourcefulness by improvising things. Mostly good in written and oral skills. He can answer questions and solve problems too. When you found out that your child possess this abilities, be happy - your child is gifted. Provide your child educational toys to cultivate their knowledge. Chunky board books, ABCs, pop-up books are some of the educational toys your child will surely love to have.

2. Child loves to listen to music and enjoys singing a lot. He has a good voice and can follow rhythms well, knows how to read notes and put them into tones. More over, the child expresses himself through music.

3. Child tends to be a dramatist. He can act out characters on his favorite toy characters and voice out what he reads at a book.

4. Child shows appreciation in performing and visual arts. Likely, he would ask you to buy art materials and then, you would find him making a few sketch, drawing or painting. The child is usually focused on his drawings and he is too good on color combinations. He loves to carry his sketch pad and shows it to his playmates. What you should provide him are educational toys for arts, such as coloring pads, color pens, crayons and washable books.

5. Child's psychomotor activity and coordination of body, hands and feet is good. The child loves adventure, physical games and outdoor activities. Energetic but knows how to choose what kind of games he will play. When your child has this skill, he may be an athlete. He is good in motor skills and has strong stamina.

6. Child loves to express himself through writing. You can find this child in the depth of his writing. The child usually writes stories about his dreams, favorite places and trips. Pen and paper is his top most favorite things. He can write a good essay in a short moment. Observe your little one, if he loves to read and then, most likely he has a passion for writing. Provide your child with educational toys that enables him to nurture his knowledge.

7. Child shows leadership. When he plays with other kids, he is the one who gives instructions to the rest. The child organizes the play and resolve quarrelling playmates. His playmates often ask ideas and directions from him. The child has a lot of ideas, shares them to others and decides. He is a good decision maker.

Of course, there are a lot more signs that your child is gifted and parents should be aware of it. Your child may or may not have the given signs but they can be exceptional in other ways. If you see the signs that your child is gifted, make a generous effort to nourish it. Provide your child educational toys that can help them stimulate and cultivate their skills even at playtime.

About the Author

For more tips and information about educational toys, check out http://www.thekidstoystore.com/science-kits.html.

Effects Of Domestic Violence On Children

Effects Of Domestic Violence On Children
by Arthor Penz

Children who witnesses domestic violence against his or her parent is a victim of domestic violence as well. Approximately five million children witness domestic violence in their homes each year. A child may be a witness to his or her parent being emotionally abused, physically abused, economically abused and/or even sexually abused.


No matter how hard a parent tries to shield their child from the abuse he or she receives from an abusive partner, the child usually knows what is occurring. Even a young infant can tune into the tension and emotional feelings of his or her mother.

Most children will experience problems if they live in a violent home and witness a parent being abused. Children who witness abuse are more inclined to have behavior and emotional problems. Some children will develop psychosomatic disorders. This may include bed-wetting, school problems, night terrors, stuttering, excessive fear and crying. Children may experience depression, suicidal behaviors and phobias if they are kept in a violent household.

Older children may blame themselves for the abuse a parent receives. Older children may even step into the abuse to direct the attention onto themselves and off of the battered parent. There is a great risk that children who witness abuse may grow up thinking that violence is the only means to resolve emotional and relationship conflicts. Boys who grow up in an abusive home are more likely to batter their future partners versus boys who grow up in a nonviolent home. Children who have witnessed abuse to a parent are also more likely to drink alcohol and abuse drugs.

Children who live in a domestically violent home will suffer some form of neglect, be it physical or emotional. It isn’t always just the mother who is abused, but the children may be abused as well. Many adults who were abused when they were children report that witnessing the abuse to their mother was harder for them to deal with then the abuse they personally received.

Help for Battered Women:

If you are a victim of domestic violence, help is available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. They will direct you to places in your area where you can seek help. Please get yourself and your dear children to safety: YOU ARE LOVED.



http://www.easysinglemotherpay.com (Pretend Reality) is a income and emotional resource site for single mothers and battered women.


Article Source: http://www.abcarticledirectory.com

Are We Over Protecting Our Children?

Are We Over Protecting Our Children?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tony_S_Gee]Tony S Gee

The short answer to this question is simply 'YES'.

Fears regarding safety and litigation have resulted in playgrounds that are unchallenging and unappealing to young people. Parents are obsessively concerned with protecting their children and this is leading to their offspring not developing the resilience and physical skills that they need.



The streets today are choked with traffic, unrecognisable compared with the roads that we used to play in as children. And the toys of today (video games and computers) actually appear to encourage physical idleness. The explosion in the use of the mobile phone has also contributed to the lazy, sedentary lives that many of us and our children lead today.

Surveys of children and young people have shown that most would actually like to spend more time engaged in healthy activities but facilities no longer exist. Many of us can recall growing up at a time when people were poor and there were very few purpose built facilities for young people. We look at the modern parks and play areas and think 'what is wrong with kids today, we didn't have all this when we were young.'

It is true that the modern, well designed and safe play areas and parks didn't exist when we were young but what we did have was space. The roads were far less crowded and it was possible to play football or soccer in the street outside your house. Where there are now housing estates and car parking spaces there was once open space, ideal for adventurous play. The playgrounds of the sixties and seventies would have just a few pieces of poorly maintained playground equipment. Maybe a slide, some swings and occasionally a roundabout. The fact that the equipment was old and a little dangerous made it all the more exciting! Today much of this equipment would be considered unsafe and local authorities would not allow it to be used for fear of expensive claims for damages if a child hurt themselves using it.

It is us, the older generation who are responsible for these changes and the growing risk aversion that is denying our children the opportunities to play outdoors. I am not suggesting that we should tolerate poorly maintained or dangerous playground equipment in our parks and play areas but what I am saying is that we are responsible for the overcrowded, unhealthy society in which we live today and the over-protection of our youngsters. The developmental needs of our children have been pushed aside as we have tried to make everything ultra-safe in order to allay our anxieties whilst, at the same time, we've allowed our towns and cities to become horribly overcrowded.

We need to fix things now! We need to provide our children with the opportunities to play outdoors, to have adventures, to develop their physical skills, resilience and to be trusted. We need to take a hard look at the society that we have created and the examples that we set and take steps to make it a healthy society with facilities and attitudes that encourage youngsters to develop healthy habits.

By Tony S Gee

I recommend trampolines from http://www.climbingframesuk.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_S_Gee http://EzineArticles.com/?Are-We-Over-Protecting-Our-Children?&id=1481186