Showing posts with label happiness. Show all posts

Secret to Happy Marriage - Random Survey

Secret to Happy Marriage - Random Survey

Happy ever after....

April 5, 2011 One Day Without Shoes

April 5, 2011 One Day Without Shoes

Just came across today with the news about One Day without Shoes. Today April 5, 2011 again One Day Without Shoes will be celebrated around the world. Although it is not so much popular but the founder encourage us to join this campaign. According to Blake Mycoskie, founder of Toms,"One Day without Shoes is the day we take off our shoes to raise the awareness of the impact of a pair of shoes can have on a child's Life"

Visit One Day without Shoes official website to learn more how can you join TOM's mission for every child without shoes

Philippines One Day without Shoes was celebrated at 4:00 pm in Trinoma Park (Level 4) , Quezon City. I hope more will join in our country next year.

Another Bright Day

Thank God it's another bright Saturday morning. Not literally bright, because the fact that today is a bit cloudy day and cold here in Al Khobar. After week of hearing the news of the rage. In general everything was under control. Although I spent the whole day at home yesterday, well for safety reason.

How about you? How is your weekend?

A Time for Everything

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
¹ There is a time for everything,
       and a season for every activity under heaven:
² a time to be born and a time to die,
       a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
       a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
       a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
       a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
       a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
       a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,
       a time for war and a time for peace.

Fat Tuesday - "Mardi Gras season"

Fat Tuesday - "Mardi Gras season"

I just come across with this topic "Fat Tuesday". This is a Catholics celebration before the lent or fasting season. Make some wiki-wiki and here is excerpt from wiki.

The terms "Mardi Gras" (pronounced /ˈmɑrdi grɑː/, "Mardi Gras season", and "Carnival season",in English, refer to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after the Epiphany and ending on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" (in ethnic English tradition, Shrove Tuesday), referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which started on Ash Wednesday. Related popular practices were associated with celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the penitential season of Lent. Popular practices included wearing masks and costumes, overturning social conventions, dancing, sports competitions, parades, etc. Similar expressions to Mardi Gras appear in other European languages sharing the Christian tradition. In English, the day is called Shrove Tuesday, associated with the religious requirement for confession before Lent begins.

Read full in wikipedia

image by thelifeofluxury.com

Dad How Much Is Your Time?

Dad How Much Is Your Time?

Author: Unknown

This is very inspiring story of a father and son.

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.

SON : 'Daddy, may I ask you a question?'

DAD : 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the man.

SON : 'Daddy, how much do you make an hour?'

DAD : 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the man said angrily.

SON : 'I just want to know.. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?'

DAD : 'If you must know, I make $20.00 an hour.'

SON : 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down.

SON: 'Daddy, may I please borrow $10.00 ?'

The father was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard everyday for such this childish behavior.'

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?

After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think:

Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $10..00 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

'Are you asleep, son?' He asked..

'No daddy, I'm awake,' replied the boy.

'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the man.

'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you.

Here's the $10.00 you asked for..'

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you daddy!' He yelled.

Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.

'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the father grumbled.

'Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied.

'Daddy, I have $20.00 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?

Please come home early tomorrow.. I would like to have dinner with you.'

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness.

It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts..

Do remember to share that $20.00 worth of your time with someone you love.

If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days....

But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.

And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to our family.

Kulungan na Walang Rehas Sa Gitnang Silangan

Life Story: By Bobot P. Erpelo – Jan 6, 2010 – SA)

Nitong Abril 2009 ay dinayo ko ang (SA) dito sa Gitnang Silangan. Dito nadestino ang aking asawa matapos ang ilang taon na pagtatrabaho sa Bahrain. Kasama ko ang aking bunsong anak na si EJ noong mga panahong iyon. Inabot din kami ng isang buwang bakasyon para samahan ang aking asawa.

Habang naririto ako, unti-unti kong naramdaman ang buhay na masasabi kong ‘mahirap.’

Taong 1991, dinala kami ng aking asawa sa Bahrain kasama ang aming tatlong anak. Anim na taong gulang palang ang aming panganay, apat na taon ang pangalawa, at isang-taong gulang ang pangatlo. Doon na sila nag-aral mula ‘grade school’ hanggang hayskul. Doon ko na rin isinilang ang aming pang-apat na anak na si EJ.

Masasabi ko na ang buhay sa Bahrain ay napakagaan. Masaya lalo na kapag kasama mo ang pamilya at mga kapatiran. Sampung taon din kaming namalagi doon. Nang mag-kolehiyo na ang aming panganay at pangalawa ay napagdesisyunan naming mag-iina na sa Pilipinas nalang mamalagi. Noong mga panahong iyon ay nailipat ang aking asawa mula Bahrain patungong SA.

Naikumpara ko ang buhay sa Bahrain at estilo ng pamumuhay sa SA.

Sa Bahrain, ano mang oras ay pwede akong lumabas o mamasyal kasama ang aking mga anak. Dito sa SA ay hindi basta-basta pwedeng lumabas lalo na kung nag-iisa ka lang. Kailangan na palagi mong kasama ang iyong asawa at laging bitbit ang mga papeles bilang katibayan na ‘legal’ ang pag-aasawa niyo para sa ano mang biglaang pag-iinspeksyon.

Sa Bahrain ay pwede kang magsuot ng kahit anong ‘casual’ na damit. Dito sa SA ay kailangang naka- abaya ang mga babae tuwing lalabas.

Kung ikaw ay isang ‘dependent’, buong araw kang nasa loob lang ng bahay. Makakalabas ka lang kung dumating na ang iyong asawa. Minsan ay ‘di ka pa rin makalabas dahil mula sa trabaho ay pagod na rin ang iyong asawa kaya mas nanaisin pa niyang magpahinga.

Sa pangalawang pagbabalik ko sa SA nitong October 8, 2009 ay mag-isa nalang akong naglakbay at naiwan na ang aming bunso sa Pilipinas. Naramdaman ko ang kalungkutan na kailanma’y hindi ko pa nararamdaman sa buong buhay ko… sa Bahrain man o maging sa Pilipinas.

May mga oras na sa aking pag-iisa (habang ako ay kumakain) ay bigla nalang akong napapaluha. Naaalala ko ang aking mga anak na naiwan ko sa Pilipinas. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, “Bakit ka umiiyak? ‘Di ba gusto mong samahan ang iyong asawa?”

Dito ko biglang naisip, “Paano pa kaya ang aking asawa noong mga panahong siya lang ang naririto sa SA… at nag-iisa?

Ipinadama sa akin ng Panginoon kung ano ang nararamdaman ng mga taong nakatira sa lugar na ito.
Nasabi ko tuloy sa sarili ko na kung ako nga na may Panginoon na tinatawag ay nakakaranas pa rin ng ganitong lungkot… paano pa kaya ang ating mga kababayang wala pang relasyon sa ating Panginoon?

Dito ko na naisip na mas mahirap ang kanilang kalagayan dahil marami sa kanila ang talagang hindi makalabas ng bahay… lalo na ang mga domestic helper. Kapag nakikita ko sila sa mall kasama ang kanilang mga amo, bakas sa kanilang mukha ang matinding pananabik tuwing nakakakita sila ng kababayan!

Lalong nagsikip ang dibdib ko nang makita ko sila… at sinabi ko sa aking sarili na mas mapalad pa rin ako dahil kasama ko ang asawa ko…

Kung gaano ako nalulungkot ay mas doble pa ang kanilang nararamdaman dahil ‘total strangers’ ang kanilang mga kasama sa bahay (mga locals dito sa lugar na ito). Masuwerte kung sila ay nakahanap ng mabait at maunawain na amo… pero paano nalang kung ang amo nila ay tulad ng mga sinasabi ng iba na malulupit at mapang-abuso? Naisip ko na ito na rin siguro ang dahilan kung bakit nawawala na sa sarili ang ilan… sanhi ng lungkot na hindi nila makayanan. (‘Wag naman pong mangyari ito sa akin… sa grasya ng Panginoon.)

Tanong ko… sa isip ko… “Paano na pala sila? Ano na kaya ang nangyayari sa kanila? Kumakain kaya sila ng tatlong beses sa isang araw?” Maraming bagay ang naglalaro sa aking isipan. Paano ko sila maaabot o matutulungan? Biglang ipinaisip lang ng Panginoon sa akin ang manalangin at isama sila sa bawat panalangin ko habang ako’y naririto sa lupain ng mga taga-SA.

Sa araw-araw na lumipas ay unti-unting napapawi ang aking kalungkutan dahil sa dami ng aking dapat ipanalangin. Halos buong oras ko ay nabubuhos sa panalangin. Matapos nito ay magbubukas ako ng computer para mag-surf sa internet at bisitahin ang aking mga kaibigan sa facebook. Napakapalad ko pa rin talaga dahil kahit maghapon akong nakakulong sa bahay ay may ‘access’ pa rin ako sa mga mahal ko sa buhay, mga kapatiran, at mga kaibigang nasa iba’t-ibang sulok ng mundo. Sa pamamagitan ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa kanila, nae-express ko ang aking sarili.

Napakaimportante ang ‘constant communication’ dahil ito lang ang pwedeng gawin habang naririto ka sa ganitong lugar. Marami siguro sa atin ang may mga pamilya at kapatid sa Gitnang Silangan o kung saan mang panig ng mundo. Ito’y isang panawagan… na kung maari lamang ay gawin ninyong ‘regular’ ang pakikipag-usap o ugnayan sa kanila. Iba po talaga ang nararanasan kapag malayo sa pamilya.

Sa sobrang lungkot ko po dito ay nakagawa ako ng isang tula… na ibabahagi ko sa inyo. Ang pamagat ay, “Si Juan… ang Pinoy.”

Nawa po any maging halimbawa ang aking karanasan sa bawat isa sa inyo. Nakita ko po rito… na kung wala sa ating puso ang ating Panginoon… maaaring hindi ko ito makakayanan nang ako lang. Sa araw -araw ay Siya lang talaga ang aking kalakasan. Sa Kanya ako kumukuha ng karunungan upang gawin ang mga bagay na dapat kong gawin sa araw-araw. Purihin ang Panginoon dahil dito ko rin nailabas ang mga ibinigay Niyang talento sa akin.

Sa pamamagitan ng aking pagsusulat… ito’y nagsilbing paraan para makapag-encourage pa rin ako ng ibang tao… kahit na minsan ay ako mismo ang nangangailangan nito.

Dito ko rin naranasan ang maghintay… na ma-exercise ko ang paghihintay… tulad ng paghihintay natin sa pagdating ng ating Panginoon…

Wala tayong pwedeng sabihin na dahilan kung bakit ‘di natin nararanasan ang Kanyang kabutihan. Sa mga pagsubok… lahat ay ating makakayanan kung tayo ay magtitiwala lamang sa Kanya. Matuto tayong makinig at gawin ang mga ipinag-uutos Niya.

Masasabi kong nanaisin ko pa ring bumalik sa lugar na tulad nito kung ang kapalit naman ay walang hanggang pakikipag-ugnayan sa aking Diyos na Siyang nagbibigay ng lakas, aral, at kulay sa aking buhay.

Gusto ko lang ibahagi sa inyo ang kabutihan ng ating Panginoon.

Sa mga taong may mga kamag-anak, asawa, o kaibigan na malayo sa inyo… hayaan ninyong maging pagpapala kayo sa kanila. Bigyan ninyo ng oras at panahon ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa kanila.
Isang sakripisyo na sa inyo ay inalay…

Nawa ay kapulutan n’yo ng aral ang aking mga naging karanasan habang ako’y naririto sa Gitnang Silangan sa SA.
.
Maraming salamat po sa inyong oras at panahon para sa pagbabasa’t pakikinig.

Adopt The Pace of Nature

Author Unknown

There is no investment you'll ever make that will pay you so well
As the effort to scatter sunshine and good cheer wherever you are.

The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. If you treat an individual as if they were what they ought to be and could be, They will become what they ought to be and could be. Everyone thrives on being appreciated, loved and needed. There is no stimulus like that which comes from the consciousness of knowing that others believe in you.

Applaud others when they run.
Console them when they fail.
And cheer them when they recover.
As water is to a flower, so is praise to the heart of another.

Slow down and enjoy

"Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience."
Racing through life is very stressful. If we stay in high gear too long, we lose our ability to shift down. And when we're stressed, we can't access happiness, appreciation, fun, compassion, generosity, awareness of beauty and other wonderful qualities. High stress also triggers negative emotions like frustration, impatience, anger and fear.

Life has so much to offer if we will slow down and truly experience it. We must always remember that we are the ones in control of the accelerator. We CAN choose to brake.

Some of us take baby steps
Some of us take giant steps

But the secret is not to let that
one step back turn into a failure.
Learn from backward steps
And keep on stepping forward in this dance
Called Life!

"If you accept what has happened and search for the positive, you will be able to move forward in your life. So keep putting one foot in front of the other, and taking your life day by day."

New Year's Traditions in Philippines

Filipinos have many customs and traditions during New Year's Eve. We have inherited from our ancestors, influenced by foreign settlers, words of mouth or commercialism.

Here are some of the practices...

Foods

On our table top, we usually prepare 12 kinds fruit. Rounded fruits is preferable. Three bowls fill with rice, salt and cotton. Each one have some coins on top. A pack of Fiesta Hams. A red Keso De Bola. Some sweets, buko pandan, buko salad and fruit salads. Plus other mouth watering dishes.

Dress

To attract money for the coming year, you should wear Polka Dots dress or shirt.

To Do

If you wish to gain extra height, you must jump as high as you could.

You keep on smiling and be happy. It is nice to start the year with jolly heart.

Make your New Year's resolutions.

Drive away bad spirit and bad luck. Here are some practices that we got from the Chinese.

Sprinkling of rice and salt around the house. Make noise in and out of the house with cymbals, trumpets and drums. And the most awaited event is the fireworks.

The best seller firecrackers are Judas belt, sawa, fountains, super lolo, bawang, crying cow and more. For cheaper and safety, it is advisable to use "lusis, labintador or watusi".

To avoid any kind of accidents, some local officials have designated firecrackers zone. Specially in some congested and slum areas. They event organized a party or concert. And then followed by colorful and majestic fireworks display as the New Year strike.

After the the festive celebration. Families are gather around in order to give grace and have a midnight meal or medya noche. It is a belief that family member should stay together before the separation of year. Well this will be an exemption for Expats like us.

Some of the faithful Christians prefer to attend the church service instead of enjoying the firecrackers and party.

These traditions are the manifestation of our imagination. Other said its a pagans practices. In general, it's just for fun in order to have a joyful celebration. For whatever reasons. We must not put our fate in such traditions. But instead focus on our life and have faith in the Lord. Work out for our success.

We can do all things through Christ Jesus!

Happy New Year to Everyone!

Ang Diwa ng Pasko

Konting Trivia muna sa kapanganakan si Jesus (biblically) Mateo 1
¹⁸Ganito ang naging kapanganakan ni Jesucristo. Ang kaniyang inang si Maria ay nakatakdang mapangasawa ni Jose. Ngunit bago pa sila nagsama, si Maria ay natagpuang nagdadalang-tao na sa pamamagitan ng Banal na Espiritu. ¹⁹Si Jose na kaniyang asawa ay lalaking matuwid at hindi niya ginusto na mapahiya sa madla si Maria, kaya nagpasiya siyang paalisin nang lihim si Maria.

²⁰Samantalang iniisip niya ang mga bagay na ito, narito, isang anghel ng Panginoon ang nagpakita sa kaniya sa isang panaginip. Sinabi ng anghel: Jose, ikaw na nagmula sa angkan ni David, huwag kang mangambang tanggapin si Maria na iyong asawa. Ito ay dahil ang dinadala niya sa kaniyang sinapupunan ay sa Banal na Espiritu. ²¹Siya ay manganganak ng isang lalaki. Ang ipangangalan mo sa kaniya ay Jesus sapagkat ililigtas niya ang kaniyang mga tao sa kanilang kasalanan.

²²Ang lahat ng ito ay naganap upang matupad ang sinabi ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng mga propeta. ²³Sinabi nila: Narito, isang dalagang birhen ang magdadalang-tao at manganganak ng isang lalaki. Tatawagin nila siyang Emmanuel na ang ibig sabihin ay: Ang Diyos ay sumasaatin.

²⁴Sa pagbangon ni Jose mula sa pagkakatulog, ginawa niya ang ayon sa ipinag-utos sa kaniya ng anghel ng Panginoon. Tinanggap niya si Maria upang maging asawa. ²⁵Hindi niya sinipingan ang kaniyang asawa hanggang sa maipanganak niya ang kaniyang panganay na anak na lalaki. Pinangalanan siya ni Jose na Jesus.

Ang Pagdating ng mga Pantas Mateo 2
¹Pagkatapos na maipanganak si Jesus sa Bethlehem ng Juda, sa panahon ng paghahari ni Herodes, may dumating sa Jerusalem mula sa silangan, na mga lalaking pantas sa pag-aaral ng mga bituin. ²Sinabi nila: Saan naroroon ang ipinanganak na Hari ng mga Judio? Ito ay sapagkat nakita namin ang kaniyang bituin sa silangan at naparito kami upang sambahin siya.

³Nang marinig ni haring Herodes ang mga bagay na ito, naligalig siya at ang lahat ng mga tao sa Jerusalem. ⁴Tinipon niya ang lahat ng mga pinunong-saserdote at mga guro ng kautusan ng mga tao. Tinanong niya sa kanila kung saan ipanganganak ang Mesiyas. ⁵Sinabi nila sa kaniya: Sa Bethlehem ng Judea sapagkat ganito ang isinulat ng propeta: ⁶Ikaw Bethlehem sa lupain ng Juda, hindi ikaw ang pinakamaliit sa mga gobernador ng Juda sapagkat mula sa iyo ay lalabas ang isang pinuno na siyang mamumuno sa aking bayang Israel.

⁷Nang magkagayon, tinawag ni Herodes nang palihim ang mga pantas na lalaki. Itinanong niyang mabuti sa kanila kung kailan nagpakita ang bituin. ⁸At pinapunta niya sila sa Bethlehem. Sinabi niya: Pumaroon kayo at matiyaga ninyong ipagtanong ang patungkol sa bata. Kapag natagpuan ninyo siya, balitaan ninyo ako upang makapunta rin ako at sambahin siya.

⁹Pagkarinig nila sa hari ay tumuloy na sila sa kanilang lakad. Narito, ang bituin na kanilang nakita sa silanganan ay nanguna sa kanila. Nanguna ito sa kanila hanggang sa sumapit at tumigil sa tapat ng kinaroroonan ng maliit na bata. ¹⁰Nang makita nila ang bituin, lubos silang nagalak. ¹¹Nang 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. ¹²At nagbabala ang Diyos sa kanila sa isang panaginip na huwag na silang bumalik kay Herodes. Kaya sila ay nag-iba ng daan pauwi sa kanilang sariling lupain. source http://www.biblegateway.com

Hindi man eksaktong December 25 ang araw ng kapanganakan ng Panginoon Jesus. Ang mahalaga ay ang pagdating Nya para maligtas ang bawat isa.

Christmas is a time of; gift giving, noche buena, pag decorate ng mga Christmas ornament sa bahay, party all the way, pagsabit ng parol, pagkaroling, simbang gabi, pagkain ng masasarap na fiesta ham, puto at bibingka, pagkaroon ng bagong damit at sapatos.

Ano nga ba ang tunay na diwa ng pasko?

Peace - Ang kapayapaan ay magsisimula sa ating sarili.
Share - Kung paano natin natatanggap ang mga blessing ay marapat na ipamahagi natin.
Love - kalimutan ang ang mga adhiwaan at magmahalaan tayo. Katulad ng pagmamahal ng Diyos sa atin.
Humility - si Jesus ay ipinanganak sa sabsaban. Dito ipinakikita ang kababaang loob na ating Panginoon.

Ilan lang yan sa mga diwa ng pasko. Dapat natin ipamuhay ang tunay na diwa, hindi lang sa pagsapit sa buwan ng December kundi sa buong taon. Sana araw-araw ay magiging Pasko lagi. Bukod sa materials, higit dito ay spiritual nating pamumuhay.

Para sa inyo ano nga ba ang essence ng pasko?

Maligayang at Mapagpalang Pasko sa inyong lahat!
Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan
Glaedelig Jul
Joyeux Noel
Selamat Hari Natal
Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Maupay nga Pasko ngan Mainuswagon nga Bag-o nga Tu-ig
Sawadee Pee Mai
Merry Christmas!

Life Moto
life is worth living for...

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...

6 Days Before Christmas - Ang Star ng Pasko

6 Days Before Christmas - Ang Star ng Pasko (Parol)

6 Days na lang at Christmas na. Kaya gusto kong mag countdown by counting the Filipino customs and traditions during this Holiday seasons. My sixth item Ang Star ng Pasko (Parol)

Ang Star ay liwanag nagbibigay liwanag sa kadiliman ng gabi. Ito rin ang nagbigay ng gabay sa tatlong pantas para makarating sa kinaroroonan ng ating Panginoon Jesus.

Tuwing sumasapit ang kapaskuhan ay hindi nawawala sa ating tahanan at kapaligiran ang mga parol. Itoy nakakapagbigay ng liwanag at ligaya sa ating buhay. Dahil sa pagiging kretib at artistik ng Pinoy ay marami uri ng Parol ang ginagawa sa ating bansa. May Yari sa capiz, bamboo, plastic, coconut hush at kung anu ano.

Sa pag ilaw ng ating parol ay ating alalahanin ang Liwanag na binibigay sa atin ng Panginoon. Ang ilaw ng buhay bilang pag gabay sa tamang landas sa pang araw-arw ng pamumuhay.

Bro Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko - ABS-CBN Christmas Sation ID 2009

Words of Wisdom

"I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who
believes in Me will not remain in darkness. ...
John 12:46

Nine Days Before Christmas - Christmas Tree

9 Days na lang at Christmas na. Kaya gusto kong mag countdown by counting the things that we make and do during this Holiday seasons. My forth item ay Christmas Tree.

Karaniwan na makikita ang Christmas Tree na isa sa mga ornaments na nabibigay kulay at sigla sa kapaligiran tuwing sasapit ang kapaskohan. Saan man mapaling ang iyong mga mata ay makikita mo ang mga naggagandahang Chirstmas Tree. Mula sa mga maliliit na dampa hanggang sa mga naglalakihang gusali; Ali Mall, Mega Mall, Asia Mall at kung anu- ano pang mall ay may nakatayong Christmas Tree.

Iba't ibang kulay, uri at laki ang makikita mo. Depende na lang sa budget at panlasa ng may ari ng Christmas tree. Kahit wala ngang snow sa Pilipinas ay meron white tree. Kung nais mo na may pagkaelegante ang dating, bagay sa taste mo ang silver or golden tree. Pero mas realistik kung green ang christmas tree mo.

Salat man tayo sa Fir tree ay hindi nangangahulugan na wala na tayong Christmas tree. Iba talaga ang galing ng Pinoy. Likas na sa atin ang pagiging isang kretib at artistik. Gawa ng malikhaing kaisipan ay nakakagawa tayo ng mga Christmas tree na yari sa iba't ibang materyales.

Isa sa Christmas tree na yari sa walis tingting ang amin naging project noong nasa elementaya pa ako. Sa bahay naman ng tiyahin ko ay aChristmas tree na gawa sa kartolina na may hinugis cone. Ito naman pinalibutan ng egg foam.

Dahil sa climate change kaya kailangan gumamit ng recycle materials. Noong nakaraang taon, gumawa sila ng Christmas tree na gawa sa gulong, ngayon naman isang 30-footer Christmas tree na gawa sa basura ang itinayo ng isang barangay sa Ibaan, Batangas.

Marami din mga matataas ng Christmas tree na matatagpuan sa Pilipinas. Ang Christmas Tree sa Araneta center ay isa sa mga pinataka matagal at pinaka mataas. May taas itong 85 talampakan at inaabangan ng marami tuwing Pasko kapag iilawan ang kanyang Christmas lights. Ang Christmas tree sa Puerto Princesa City sa Palawan ay taas na 100 talampakan. May itinayo ring dambuhalang Christmas tree sa Davao City na tinatayaang aabot din sa mahigit 100 talampakan ang taas. Ngunit ang itinuturing pinakamataas na Christmas tree ay makikita sa Tagum City sa Davao del Norte na aabot sa 160 talampakan.- GMANews.TV

Sa amin tahanan ay nagtatayo kami ng Christmas tree right after ng All Saints Day. Dahil sa may paka kretib ang Sweetheart ko kaya bawat taon ay iba ang desenyo sa aming puno. Ang bawat isa sa amin ay nagagalak at nasasabik na matapos ang aming puno. Nakakapawi ng pagod at ligayang nadarama sa oras na sinindihan na namin ang mga kumukutitap na iba't ibang kulay ng ilaw nito.

Gaano man kaliit ang ating Christmas tree ang mahalaga ay kung paano natin isinasapuso ang essence ng Christmas. Huwag lang tayo titingin sa mga regalo sa ilalim ng Christmas tree, rather tignan natin kung saan nakaturo ng puno, heaven. Be content for what we have and always give thanks to the Lord for His blessings.

Words of Wisdom

Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content. - Helen Keller

Photo: Tallest Christmas tree sa Tagun Davao (wikipediea)

Let Us Share A Minute of Smile

Smile Is A Sign Of......

A smile is a sign of love
A smile is a sign of care
A smile tells how much to others
You are important and also dear

A smile is a sign of cheer
A smile is a sign of trust
A smile shows how you can
Be happy even in hard crust

A smile is a sign of joy
A smile is a sign of hope
A smile teaches you how you can
Remove the clouds of mope

For nothing but only a smile
Takes away your pain and trial
And pick your trouble's pile
And let you smile, smile and smile.

Seema Chowdhury

Where ever you are, what ever you do let us share our smile even for just a minute. Bilang pakikiisa sa Isang Minutong Smile ni Pope at Lord Cm ay nais ko po kayong invite to join sa December 8, at 8 pm na mag smile tayo. The more you smile the longer you live. Happy smiling!

Words Of Wisdom

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

- Proverbs 17:22 -

Father & Son Amazing Ironman Race

Father & Son Amazing Ironman Race
Life Story of Dick & Rick Hoyt

The is very inspiring story of Dick Hoyt and his son Rick (a handicap). A son asked his father, "Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?" The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, "Dad, let's join the Ironman together." To which, his father said 'Yes' too.

For your information Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island. Father and son went on to complete the race together.

Here is one of the testimonies in Hoyt site:

"Today, I watched a show called Amazing Families and saw your story. I just wanted to say 'thanks' to your whole family. I am very aware that it is because of people like yourselves, who fought before us to get acceptance in the real world, that our struggles are less. Yes, I do have to be vigilant and fight for my son to have what he needs, but because others have done it before us, it is easier. Now I can go into a school meeting and say, 'Zachary will go to college. Look at Rick Hoyt, he did it, and so will Zach.' You have helped me to affirm that anything is possible if you are willing to be creative and work hard..."

—Sent by Danya, a mother to a son with cerebral palsy

For your support and donation please visit Hoyt Team Website
http://www.teamhoyt.com/index.html

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

Eid Mubarak To You!

Image by: Fugeela

Eid Ul Fitr is a Muslim Holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. Often it is abbreviated TO Eid. An Arabic word Eid means festivity while Fitr to break the fast. This holiday symbolizes the breaking of month long of fasting. It celebrated in the last month of Islamic Ramadan and first day of Shaawaal. The end of Holy Month of Ramadan occurs when the new moon of Shaawaal is sighted.

There are two Muslim holidays that celebrate according to the Islamic Faith. Eid Ul Fitr comes after the Ramadan and Eid Al Adha is after the the complition of Hajj,or pilgrim to Makka.

Unlike the other holidays such as Christmas, exchange gift is not in their practice. On this day Muslim show their real joy for the health, strength, and the opportunities of life. There are some general practices that the Muslim do:

Wake up early
They prepare for the personal hygiene
Wear their best cloths, weather it new or old
Eat their breakfast on Eid Ul Fitr before leaving for prayer ground
Give charity to the poor or Zakaat Al Fitr
Offer Salaat al Eid in congregation
Use two separate routeto and from the prayer ground
Recite the Takbir on the way to Salaat and until the beginning of Salaat al Eid.

I am not a Muslim but I want to share this Special Holiday with our Muslim brothers and sisters. I personally admire their disciplines during this Ramadan, their fasting and prayers. May the Love, peace and joy be with you all!

I wish our Muslim brothers & sister a very Happy Holiday.
Eid Mubarak!

Source:Wikipedia,Kaleej Times & Islamic City

When Grandparent's Day Began

When Grandparent's Day Began
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Veronica_Scott]Veronica Scott

'Where there is a will, there is a way. Belief in oneself and one's abilities can move mountains and change the shape of the world we live in. And it all starts with a single idea. Single-handedly, Marion Lucille Herndon McQuade created a landmark in the history of service and efforts for the elderly.

In 1956, Mrs. McQuade helped Jim Comstock, editor of the West Virginia Hillbilly and the Richwood News Leader, in organizing a Past 80 Party. Sympathetic towards the octogenarians who were pampered around Christmas with family visits and gifts, they spent the other 364 days of the year in quiet and nostalgic reminiscence of memories. They were isolated from the love and visits of families, and Mrs. McQuade realized that the family tree was disintegrating all across the states.

To organize the Past 80 Party entailed reaching out to several nursing homes. Mrs. McQuade was heartbroken when she discovered the sadness and chronic isolation experienced by a large number of the elderly. She devoted most of her time for the next five years lobbying. Her drive and ambition paid off. On May 27, 1973, a special Grandparent's Day was proclaimed in the state of West Virginia by Governor Arch Moore.

But that was only the beginning. Buoyed by success at the state level, Mrs. McQuade worked tirelessly through U.S. Senators Robert Byrd and Jennings Randolph to create a national observance at the national level. Her efforts and dreams were realized in September 1978, when the White House called to inform her that President Jimmy Carter had signed Public Law 96-62, and it had been given unanimous Congressional approval ... the Sunday after Labour Day was designated as National Grandparent's Day. The first nationwide observance occurred in 1979, and it continues to grow in popularity. The month of September was aptly chosen for the holiday to signify the "autumn years" of life for the elderly generation.

Today millions throughout the United States observe this event, begun by only a few.

Mrs. McQuade has made it her goal to educate the youth community on the important contributions made by the senior citizens, as well as requesting contributions that they are willing to make if asked. She has also urged the younger generation to adopt a grandparent for a lifetime of experience and caring. You realize that the true meaning of family bonding and experience cannot be bought in any bookstore or imparted in any corporate training.

The statute's preamble cites the day's purpose as: "... to honour grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer."

The official song of National Grandparents Day is "A Song for Grandma And Grandpa" by Johnny Prill. The official flower is wonderful--the forget-me-not.

The main purpose of celebrating Grandparent's day is: to honour grandparents, to give them an opportunity to show their love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of the quality of information and guidance older people can offer in their lives.

Isolation from near and dear ones is a growing social phenomenon. People try to assuage their loneliness in material pleasures and trying to maximize the output of 24 hours a day. In every neighbourhood, there are elderly who would love an opportunity to be a Foster Grandparent. Take a look around the next time you go out for a walk.

Most important, Grandparent's Day can signify a loving spirit that lives within us throughout the year--a spirit of love and respect for our elders.

'Age is opportunity no less Than youth itself, though in another dress, And as the evening twilight fades away The sky is filled with stars, invisible by day.' - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Find helpful and creative ideas for parents and grandparents while you shop our great selection of kids furniture (including our popular [http://www.themagicalrockinghorse.com/toddler-beds.html]beds for toddlers) and classic toys. Visit http://www.TheMagicalRockingHorse.com today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Veronica_Scott http://EzineArticles.com/?When-Grandparents-Day-Began&id=1762122

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)