NEW DAY, NEW HOPE - A BRIGHTER TOMMORROW

All too often, we tend to spend too much time looking back in the past with misery and failures, instead of living our lives, we give the past too much importance over who we are now, as opposed to what and who we were during the time that we are still ok. Lets not forget that there is still tomorrow, a new hope for a bright future. Let me share some light words to inspire us that there is still a bright shiny day ahead of us, a positive bright future:

“Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”
― L.M. Montgomery

 “Write it on your heart
that every day is the best day in the year.
He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day
who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.

Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in.
Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day;
begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit
to be cumbered with your old nonsense.

This new day is too dear,
with its hopes and invitations,
to waste a moment on the yesterdays.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson,

 “Today is a new day. Don't let your history interfere with your destiny! Let today be the day you stop being a victim of your circumstances and start taking action towards the life you want. You have the power and the time to shape your life. Break free from the poisonous victim mentality and embrace the truth of your greatness. You were not meant for a mundane or mediocre life!”
― Steve Maraboli

“Each new day is a blank page in the diary of your life. The secret of success is in turning that diary into the best story you possibly can.”
― Douglas Pagels

 “Have you ever seen the dawn? Not a dawn groggy with lack of sleep or hectic with mindless obligations and you about to rush off on an early adventure or business, but full of deep silence and absolute clarity of perception? A dawning which you truly observe, degree by degree. It is the most amazing moment of birth. And more than anything it can spur you to action. Have a burning day.”
― Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration 

 “Every new day is a once in a lifetime event. How much more exciting would our lives be if we embraced this truth and lived accordingly?!”
― Steve Maraboli

As I sat in the cafe along with my Nieces and Nephew, I began to think that I still need a hope for tomorrow. They are still there to rely on me for their bright and positive future. I know that I need to work on it and strive to be a better one again. The future is not only for me but for the people I loved most - My Family.  

Eat Pray and Travel

-->

As I begun my journey for 2013, I decided to set a goal to go back and re-start my career. I started to pack my things; everything I wanted to prepare a new and challenging competition has been outlined. I set my mind that whatever happens everything will be ok and will go back to normal. That’s my objectives and it happens with a single blink in my journey. I brought with me three things, Eat Pray and Travel.

Let me start my journey in Beijing where it was new again to myself. Places I have stayed courtesy with my long time friend Mardy. I stayed in the central business district of Beijing China. 

 With a degree of Negative 10, I needed to put on 3 to 4 clothes to warm me up. There, I discover the beauty of the place, where I explore cultural heritage, the landmarks, and historical sites. I also indulge myself into the almost original branded items that you can only see only in Beijing. I prayed respect also to the temples and shrines. The food that they offer will keep you coming back. Friends that I have met were truly great full and will be missed. Beijing is again added to my long list of memories that it will never be forgotten.

My second stop was Dubai, the aggressive and ambitious city that no one wants to surpass as they want to be the pioneer of everything and only as they say you can find it only in UAE. There I stayed to a good friend Janet where I started my career in the insurance company. I didn’t bother to explore much of the place as I have already been there many times. I work already and got involve in many facets of the insurance business. During my stay, every weekend was a mandate to me to visit St. Mary Church to pray and thank him for everything he has done to me to make this journey a memorable one. Got to explore a bit of the food courtesy of Maria. The shabu shabu is one thing that I crave for as I have tasted this back in Beijing. My visit to Dubai will not be completed without the help of Melvie(Ate Vi) for his undying assistance to me on my entry visa. I also got to assist and help my sister Chona fulfill her dream to go and eventually stay for good in Italy. I will be missing her when i come back in Dubai but life has to move on.

Last trip was Thailand where I got to explore again this magnificent temples and Buddha’s all over Bangkok. I was able to visit Silom for their affordable items, fabulous foods along the streets of Saladaeng, bars in Pathpong. The Babylon should not be missed as they offer relaxation, rejuvenation and of course happy ending for all the PLU’s. My stay to Bangkok was cut short as I have to go to the south to explore and probably got aware of the New places and Tourist Island they offer. This is of course the famous “Phuket”. exploring bangkok was easy for me to do it, just go the famous MBK for the genuine leather and some branded items of the Siam Paragon. You can try also the chatuchak the version of the Divisoria in Manila. Aesthetic beautification is anywhere you can look at as Bangkok offers a wide range of derma clinic. when you want to look good and be young again, this is the place for you to visit and you deal with the price range depending on the requirements you need.

As I embark my journey in Phuket, the first thing that comes to my mind is the place that I will stay. Immediately got my guidebook for the best, friendly and affordable place to stay and it was only adjacent to where the city offers – The Paradise complex. Tired and exhausted did not stop me from exploring the place right away I went to the beach to see what its all about. “Patong” beach is one of a kind and stayed to catch the beautiful sunset. Truly is a magnificent world class Phuket will offer to travelers. Places to go, Island hopping, bars in almost every streets, shopping malls and Tiange were truly delightful. Foods were everywhere, relaxations and spa is truly ideally recommended to those who got some exhaustive and tiring journey. I dream to myself that one day I will visit and see for myself what Phuket can offer differently from the rest. I have made my judgment and it is indeed a world class to offer.

Last journey in Thailand will be in Pattaya were a variety of tourist spot and places to explore awaits me. As the guidebook has told me, There were also beaches and bars to offers and other interesting places to explore that only me can unravel it. What more can I ask for, I’m pretty sure they halve also for PLUs to cater the needs. 

Last note, I am very thankful for this wonderful journey I have and what can I say, my birthday was fulfilled and celebrated with this gifts this places can offer. I would only hope that its does not end here and perhaps only the beginning of the never-ending exploration of what Gods has given to mankind.

TRIALS

I stumble into the Webster Dictionary for the meaning, there was only one that catches my attention, " a test of faith, patience, or stamina through subjection to suffering or temptation; broadly : a source of vexation or annoyance." 

We all have our own trials in life. Sometimes we get to the point where we think if God will take away this one thing, this one trial, everything else would fall into place and we could handle the other things in life. If he would only take this one thing away, we could handle all the rest. I guess this is human nature to do this but it sure never works out that way. 

Despite the trials, afflictions, persecutions or problems we face in life we are well able to endure and emerge victorious. The Lord tells us through His Word that our attitude while we are going through our trials is important to our victory. Refuse to be sad and cast down but demonstrate a joyful and positive attitude like Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 12:10.
Our attitude is crucial to our endurance of our life’s problems and trials. Listen to the type of reaction we need to demonstrate in the face of trials, “took joyfully the spoiling of your goods”. How is this possible? It’s easier said than done, if you operate in your own power and strength. However, by the power of the Holy Ghost, you can do all things through Christ, and that includes enduring trials and tests.

These trials we experience are ultimately for our good and these trials that all of us are under is exactly where God wants us to be. I don’t like my trials one bit, but I have peace in my heart knowing that God is in control. If he wants me to be here going through this. Then this is where I want to be. Many greater men have gone through much worse than I will ever go through.

That goes for us as well. The trial that you may be in right now may seem like it’s going to go on forever, but it’s not. It will only go on for as long as it fulfills God’s purposes, in your life or somebody else’s. He is the one that will release you from it when the time is right. So pick your head up and focus your eyes on Jesus.  Don’t let anything distract you from him. No Trial lasts forever, Not David’s, not mine and not yours. 

I PROMISE MYSELF

If the World would only Live by these truthful Words, THEN there will be no bitterness and unhappiness within....

~ I PROMISE MYSELF ~

To be strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every
person I meet.
To make all my friend feel that there is something
... worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make my
optimism come true.
To think only the best, to work only for the best
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as I am about my own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the
greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a
smile to every living creature I meet.
T give so much time to improving myself that I have
no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong
for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world.
not in loud words, but in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side,
so long as I am true to the best that is in me.....

~ Secret~ Christian D. Larson...

Sometimes we need to be content and let the happiness and positive outlook in life flows in our life as this is the only way to make it easier and more healthier to live without much worry and difficulty.

So Close.. Almost - Miss Philippines on Miss Universe 2012

Not sure if the Filipinos already move on to the results happened yesterday at Miss Universe 2012 held at Las Vegas, home of the Miss U organizer Donald Trump.  I myself still wonder is there really a politics behind the pageants, can they manipulate the tabulation and pick the choice they want, and if there is then what is the essence of organizing the competition and sending your delegates only to find out that at the end the winner is picked not by the judges but by the influence of the organizers themselves. Lets look at the top 5 and their answers to find out who you think has the most chances in winning the crown.

The two closest to the crown were Miss USA and of Course the very own Miss Philippines. They were asked different questions from different judges. Let start from the Philippines, The Judge ask “As an international ambassador, do you believe that speaking English should be a prerequisite to being Miss Universe? Why or why not?”and she answered gracefully “For me, being Miss Universe is not just about knowing how to speak a specific language. It’s being able to influence and inspire other people. As long as your heart wants to serve and you have a strong mind to show people, then you can be Miss Universe.”Lets move on to Miss USA, The judge ask "what was something that she regretted most" she replied "I'd like to start off by saying that every experience no matter what is good or bad, you'll learn from it that just life but something i've done I've regretted is probably picking on my siblings growing up, because you appreciate them so much more as you grow older".

Even as Miss USA Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012 and the most beautiful woman in the world, her victory came as a big surprise as a majority of viewers were expecting Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon to win the crown.
Tugonon ended up in second place, but a number of users, especially Filipinos, exploded on Twitter with their disappointment over the loss.
The Philippines has not won the pageant since 1973 when Margarita Moran won. The only other time that the country has won the contest was in 1969 when Gloria Diaz was crowned Miss Universe.
Shortly after her first runner-up finish in this year’s Miss Universe pageant, Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon shared her disappointment at not winning the crown.
Janine said she honestly thought that she could have easily become the third Filipina to get the coveted Miss Universe title.

Christmas Preparation & Celebration - Philippines

Paskong Pinoy is one of the world's longest running Christmas celebrations, usually beginning as early as the arrival of the "-ber" months (September, October, and so on). Filipinos from all over spend this entire season with enormously rich yuletide traditions of merry-making observed up to the present day.The word Pasko is derived from the Spanish "Pascua de Natividad", which literally means "Easter of the Nativity." However the word "pascua" is associated with "solemnity" or "celebration" for the Spanish, and used for other religious feasts. Historical records show that even before Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines in 1521, an Italian Franciscan friar named Odoric de Perdenon and his colleagues had already landed on the shores of Pangasinan (formerly called “Thalma-sin”). Their arrival marked the country's first Christmas Mass as de Perdenone celebrated a Natale Mass with a group of native folk on the 25th of December. It was only later in 1565, during Miguel Lopez de Legaspi's rule, when the first official celebration of the Feast of the Nativity happened.However, even before Spanish colonizers came to the country, the natives had long been practicing thanksgiving rituals in the early mornings before working in the fields. Thus, Filipinos' Christmas traditions at present have their roots in this practice.

Christmas season is the most awaited celebration for the Filipino people. It is the best time of the year for Filipinos who worked overseas, and those who migrated to other countries to visit their homeland, the Philippines and spend holidays with their loved ones. Young and old are excited when Christmas season comes. Everybody is busy decorating their houses and offices with sparkling "parol" or lanterns, putting colorful Christmas lights, preparing for Christmas party, buying and wrapping of gifts, cooking different recipes for relatives and friends to partake, travel to other provinces to visit relatives, enjoying the holidays with loved ones.
In the Philippines, the spirit of Christmas filled in the air starting on the month of September. You can hear Christmas songs played in Malls, radio stations and even in their homes. People will start to decorate their houses, offices, business areas like malls, restaurants and even in parks and plazas. Colorful Christmas lights. lanterns and Christmas trees are present everywhere which make everybody feels that Christmas is here. It adds to the excitement of the Filipinos to see Christmas promos and sale of all goods in most department stores. malls and supermarkets. Almost all business sectors have their own way of promoting their business On Christmas season. Most Filipinos, young and old are looking forward to this time of the year. Here's how they prepare for Christmas celebration.

What makes the Filipino Christmas unique? Filipinos have a lot of Christmas tradition which makes us different from the other, here are some of them.

• Parol - Filipino Christmas Lantern As early as November, Filipinos houses offices, schools, shoppingmalls and even streets are adorned with these star-shaped multicolored lanterns.

• Filipino Christmas Tradition - Simbang Gabi "Simbang Gabi" a Filipino Christmas tradition, it is is a series of nine (9) dawn masses, the mass starts as early as 4:00 a.m. It begins on December 16 and ends on the midnight of the 24th of December.
• Monito Monita - Exchange GiftsChristmas is the season of gift giving. In keeping with the tradition of giving, Filipinos have their own version of exchanging gifts or Kris Kringle, it is called Monito - Monita
•  Christmas Caroling in the Philippines  - Once the "Simbang Gabi" starts, children like to form groups and enjoy hopping from one house to another every night singing Jingle Bells, Silent Night and traditional Filipino Christmas songs.

Halloween - What does it really symbolizes?

Halloween

-- Still Defying The World-Order
For centuries, the celebration of "Hallowe'en" has withstood the opposition of disapproving entities such as religious hierarchy, government officials, and superstitious populace. Currently, the ancient celebration - aka - "All Hallows Eve", is drawing vehement criticism from fundamentalists.
The accuracy of the historic roots of the famed harvest festival are still argued by scholars worldwide; however the origin of the festival is believed by most to have evolved from pagan tradition. The influence of the ancient Celtic pagan festival known as "Samhain" has been widely accepted as the predecessor to the modern day version of the haunting holiday. Early tradition included the belief that departed souls would visit the living on Hallowe'en night; Christian observance would follow on November 1^st - "All Saints Day".
Eerily feeding the mortals fascination of breaching the boundary between life and death, Halloween has been glorified by novels, tales, media and cinema. The obsession with the dark festival has manifested its continuous resurrection - despite numerous global adversaries.
The transformation of Halloween from harvest festival, to honoring the deceased, to costume eccentricity has defied controlled order; the festival has now evolved into a commercial holiday rivaling Christmas. Celebrated October 31^st, the holiday continues to evolve and spread worldwide -- in further defiance of the increasing pressures from many religious organizations. News stories concerning the Vaticans condemnation of Halloween on October 31, 2009, were later countered by damage control experts deflecting the articles -- arguably to prevent alienating youth from church membership.
While the anticipation and exuberance of "trick-or-treating" in costume remains the attraction to millions of children around the globe, the role playing innuendo allows adults to stray from conservatism undaunted. Halloween has surreptitiously regained its pagan fertility; merging fantasy and costumery with sexuality -- while honoring the mysterious dark side -- feeding on the human instinct.
Although

adults have conveniently masqueraded sexuality in an excusable, yet acceptable atmosphere on Halloween, the transformation to erotic Halloween costumary has inundated the teen market as well. Not only have the boundaries between the living and the dead been crossed on Halloween -- the religious right has proclaimed that the boundaries for costume guidelines have been crossed even more.
Merging gothic influence, paganism, vampirism, sexuality and occultism together, Hallowe'en may very well have succeeded in pleasing the heathen ghosts from centuries ago -- much to the disapproval of conservatives universally.
Halloweens advantage over its adversaries is also bolstered by its ability to reinforce the economy -- 1.6 billion dollars was spent on Halloween candy last year in the US. According to the National Retailers Association, approximately 2 billion dollars was spent on costumes. In addition, 1.7 Billion dollars will be spent on Halloween decorations in the US this year. Adding alcohol, food, party supplies, rentals and events to the list - the total estimated flow of US Halloween Dollars is a staggering 9 Billion dollars.
As millions more people become infected with Hallowe'en fever around the globe each year, and the spending increases economic movement, opponents of the pagan holiday lose influence. The souls of the departed have repeatedly emerged to haunt and defy the conservative world order -- and the ghosts of Hallowe'en continue to win.