My Slogan: 'Keep Calm and Press On'

This post is to officially announce my life slogan. 

“Hakuna Matata” has always been my motto since I was able to understand what a motto means.  During the time I was about to get to my silver anniversary – a notable life milestone – I contemplated if there’s a need for me to change my motto as I move forward with my life, but I arrive at the conclusion that there’s no need; “Hakuna Matata” is still appropriate at this point in my life. 

So with “Hakuna Matata” already at hand, why is there a need for a life slogan?  Well, basically, a motto is different from a slogan.  A motto is a brief statement that serves as the guiding principle or philosophy that one has to live by.  A slogan is more of a catchphrase that pushes an agenda or cause.  Therefore, the purpose of a life slogan is to promote in my life the cause that I have to live on and to pump me up as I progress with my life. 

If it’s still not apparent from the title of this post and the T-shirt I’m wearing in the photo above, my life slogan is “KEEP CALM AND PRESS ON.” 

“Keep Calm and Press On” is just another play with the “Keep Calm and…” meme, in which particular revisions are made on the original “Keep Calm and Carry On” slogan done by the UK government during the financial crisis back in the late 2000’s. Nonetheless, “Keep Calm and Press On” is almost similar in function as the original “Keep Calm and Carry On.”  Both basically mean that in the presence of excitement and difficulties, we should just remain calm and just continue moving forward.  It gives an optimistic message that no matter how hard and chaotic the situation is now, we will get through it.    Somehow, we’ll manage.  Somehow, we’ll overcome.

However, even if the implication of my life slogan is virtually similar to the original UK slogan, I still prefer to use the phrase “Press On” rather than “Carry On.” “Press On” alludes to what the Apostle Paul has stated on Philippians 3:7-14:

    But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
     Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Despite the tremendous amount of hardships and struggles that he had undergone in his life, Paul remained enthusiastic, resolute, and kept moving forward.  Why?  For he understood the great value of this future prize that God has set for him in Heaven, and that no earthly pleasure or glory can ever come close in matching that.  So he worked hard for the glory of God – storing riches in Heaven that will last for eternity – rather than seeking earthly pleasures and glory that are all temporary anyway.  In everything, he gave it his all, no matter what.  He knew that every sacrifice, every pain, every drop of effort, is going to be worth it; the glory and happiness that he would receive as reward far outweigh the sufferings that he experienced in this world while working for God’s glory.

Paul doggedly pressed on towards an upward prize, and didn’t get distracted by anything that this temporary world gives, whether temporal enjoyment or suffering.  Thus, by pressing on towards the Prize, his life became meaningful.  So for my life to be meaningful, I should follow the example that he has set.

I definitely won’t be able to do it with the same extent and quality as Paul’s, and there are times I completely forget about it that I ended up being a hypocrite.  But I just have to keep on trying; rise up each time I fail, and move forward again; don’t panic; and do the best I can and be the best I can be.  

This is what “Keep Calm and Press On” reminds me of.

Everything in this world is temporary.  Both earthly pleasures and pains will pass.  Therefore, I should not focus on the things of this world   No matter how bad my problems are, I should not let myself be drowned in them and despair – be calm.  And no matter how delightful earthly pleasures and personal glory are, I should not ground my ultimate satisfaction in them, pursuing them instead of heavenly rewards. 

My focus should be on the Prize.  If it’s for the glory of God, then I should go all out.  No holding back.  And no matter how hard the circumstances are, I should keep moving forward.  Even crawl if I have to.  Press on towards the Prize, no matter what. 

For the pains and the pleasures of this world are nothing compared to this immensely glorious Prize that God wants me to enjoy in Heaven.  Everything is going to be worth it.

In the Bible, the “crown” has several times served as symbol for heavenly rewards.  If the crown on top of the art design of the “Keep Calm and Carry On” campaign is any indication, then it’s definitely meant to be tailored for the context of my life’s slogan.

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A Delightful Thing Happened One Idle Afternoon...

Boring Monday afternoon.  Feel sluggish (and a bit feverish). Slow Internet connection.  But let me see if something interesting happ—

Of course, I’m elated.  By my own capabilities, I definitely wouldn’t have passed.  Considering the fact that I’m no TLE major (but it was the default subject of specialization given to the LET takers with degrees in business), and I succumbed to guessing around 65% of my answers during the specialization part, passing the LET was nothing short of a miracle.  This is definitely only due to God’s grace.   

So, I’m now a licensed professional teacher. 

Time to train some genins...

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!  

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Chain of Thoughts on My Family's Christmas 2013 Trip

During the Christmas week (Dec 21-30), my family went travelling around Cavite, Laguna, Metro Manila, Baguio, and La Union.  We attended a wedding, had reunions with friends and relatives, went to see the sights, and had the obligatory picture-takings.  Here are some of my notes and insights during the trip:

 - I forgot to bring my sunglasses.  And couldn’t find a new pair that would fit/look good on me during the entire time of our travel.  Its absence was a constant disadvantage to me throughout the trip.

- Nagged a lot about air con buses.  Travelling at night in them is freezing.  That is already uncomfortable, but it also totally enhances every other travelling discomfort a traveler has.

- Food and other products sold in bus “stop-overs” are around 50% (of its reasonable, usual selling price) overpriced.  If I have the mind of a conspiracy theorist, my train of thinking won’t find it hard to find a correlation between the air con buses and the “stop-overs”; air con buses would make their interiors horribly cold on purpose, so that their passengers would be forced to buy overpriced cup noodles or coffee to offset the coldness.  That’s how I see it.

- I find the staff and management of fast food chains in Legazpi friendlier and more efficient than the staff and management of the fast food chains we have encountered during our trip.  Especially in Pacita Complex, San Pedro, Laguna; the KFC branch there almost ruined the Christmas Eve for us.

- Went to Enhanted Kingdom for the first time.  The only available tickets are those for unlimited rides, so we had those.  I rode this bad boy…

…and was so shaken by the experience that I refused to try other rides anymore (4D movie doesn’t count as a ride).  Look.  Throughout my life, I never rode any carnival rides more extreme than the Ferris Wheel.  Thus, I was not used to it.  Also had a headache afterwards.

- It’s still my dream to go to Disneyland someday.   But I’ll probably avoid the extreme rides. 

- Funny how people are willing to pay money so that they can experience terror. 

- Went to Manila Zoo for the first time.  I’ve got the same opinion of it as I have its city: it’s crowded and unimpressive.  It was the first time I saw an elephant and a hippo in person though. 

The elephant was as bored as me.

- Seriously.  Metro Manila’s air is thick with pollution.  And there’s too much traffic and crowds.  I don’t have the patience and the constitution to live in it. 

- Also went to Luneta and Manila Ocean Park (but did not go see any shows) for the first time.  (Also dropped by Mall of Asia [my third time to be there])   

The thing that thrilled me about Manila Ocean Park was there’s a great view of a US Navy ship docked in Manila de Bay.  I feel like a badass.

- Saw this in Luneta:  

The Korean War was arguably the time in which the Filipino military had its shiniest moment in international warfare history.  

- Baguio’s road ambience, taxis (which mostly are large cars like Crosswinds and Innovas), and taxi drivers’ driving greatly reminded me of the anime Initial D.

- The place we stayed in Baguio – Asia Pacific Thelogical Seminary (APTS) – has a more awesome view that Mines View Park. 

 I exaggerate not.

- Baguio is a pretty nice place.  Especially where the trees are rampant (particularly, Camp John Hay).  We checked out all the sites there.

Burnham Park. Only tourist spot in Baguio where we encountered beggars.

Strawberry farm.  Was foggy when we went there.  Fog is a staple there; greatly reminds me of horror films and Silent Hill.

Bell Church.  Seriously, why is there a lot of Chinese temples in our country?  Just shows how significant and deep China influences our country.  Let’s not pretend that we’re going to war with them someday.  Sigh.  Our country is more or less prepared for occupation.  Hmp. 

Mine’s View Park. Very crowded with tourists.  Taking photos with St. Bernards is a trademark in this place.  I was not interested in having a picture taken with a costumed Beethoven, until I saw this dog dressed as an Igorot.  Now, that’s brilliant and adorable.  I just had to have a photo with it.  His name’s “Casper.”  No one there was clever enough to name a St. Bernard “Beethoven.”

The Mansion. According to what I heard, the President is supposed to be spending his vacation there till New Year.

 Clean Comfort Room. You can find this in all tourist spots in Baguio. It seems there are more of these than McDonald’s branches in Baguio.

Botanical Garden. There’s a miniature Golden Gate bridge where you can pretend you are a Kaiju on an onslaught.

And I can’t help but pretend that this is the yellow brick road towards Emerald City. 

 Camp John Hay. This is, hands down, the best part of Baguio.

First thing that came to my mind when I saw the awesome forest sceneries: “Let’s take pictures as if we’re in the Hunger Games!” 

“Ukay-Ukay” at Harrison Road. Tried my hand on it. No luck getting some cool stuff. Just not my thing, maybe.

This Haunted House? It’s President Marcos’ former property, seized by the PCGG.

- Baguio City, though generally refreshing because of the dominant nature presence, is not immune to littering and garbage mismanagement problems.

- There was also some medium to heavy traffic in Baguio when we were there.  This is due to the amount of tourists – many of whom brought their own vehicles with them – coming up to the city at that time of year.  Getting a taxi ride is a hassle, too.   Baguio is probably as crowded in Christmas season as it is during the summer.

- After Baguio, we went to La Union, our last stop. 

After the cool, foggy mountain comes the hot, steamy beach.

- To Kuya Orly, Ate Ana and Kuya Edgar, Kuya Griam, Pastor Rey and Ma’am June, Ate Remy, Pastor Arlan and Family, Kuya Oca and Ate Pressy, and the entire Trinity Gospel Church – San Fernando: my family is greatly thankful for your loving hearts, as you graciously served as our hosts, tour guides, and/or liaisons that made our trip a truly blessed one.  May God bless you greatly for your generosity and thoughtfulness. 

- “Home is where the heart is.”  That is so true.  Was so restless to go back home.  So restless to go back to my heart.     

For more photos of the trip, check them out in “My Photos”; these memories are now part of my life in pictures… 

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Establishing a New Status Quo (Hopefully)

Recently, I felt that if life is a board game, then I’ve always been eventually ending up on a tile that dictates “Go back to start.”  

And I’m tired of it. 

So I took the first step of changing the status quo – to make a new “start” point.  I need to get upgrades or/and overhauls on several facets of myself.  (Maybe it’s even time for the Version 2.0?)

From this month onward, there is a need for changes on my routines and, hopefully, my attitude.  This would take time and hard work.  And I pray that God would grant me the necessary wisdom, tenacity, perseverance, and patience for this process.

I’ll take one step at a time.  One day at a time.  

If all goes well, I will start to kick butt again.  

Hopefully...

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2012 in Review (Part 7): Wrap-Up

I would have wanted to do two or three more parts for this series, but it’s March already and I have to wrap this up.  Maybe having a series format for the review of 2012 wasn’t a good idea after all; never found the time to finish all the parts in January, as intended.  Won’t do this again for the review of 2013. LOL.

So how would I evaluate 2012? Hmmm.  It was okay… but could have been better.  Both 2010 and 2011 had been more awesomely notable.  Since 2009, I felt that each successive year has been better than the previous.  Now 2012 had some amazing stuff for me, however, I can’t say it was a better year than 2011.  Let’s say, that with 2012, I feel like I’m still stuck with the “step one.”  Still, I am thankful of 2012.        

In 2012, I screwed up aplenty, but God is so gracious, He bailed me a lot, too.  Of course, I’m deeply sorry of all my mistakes, but eternally grateful for God’s mercy and protection. 

God has shielded me from any major tragedies and sufferings (and I pray He would continually do so).  There were some heartbreaks, but, because of God’s grace, immediate speedy healing follows.  There were some discouragements, but I was always reminded to put my hope in God always and trust His wisdom. 

There weren’t much personal glory obtained during the year, but that doesn’t matter; I just hope I was able to amply give glory to God in 2012, which is more important.

Lastly, I think the top highlight of 2012 in my life is the fact that I gained a lot of weight that I’m now officially fat (never had a fat physique since I was in my early parts of being a twelve year old).  Hehe.

2012 wasn’t really as terrific as I wanted it to be.  But it didn’t suck either.  I had a blessed year as always.  Life has always been full of struggles.  But God is good.  And everyday in my life, He makes sure that I am reminded of this.    

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What My Left Eye Feels Like

This is no exaggeration.  (Almost.)

To be fair, this is not the first time my eyes screamed “Get us checked up!”

In the past, I would experience this feeling of “wormy” irritation behind my eyes (usually, my left) days or weeks at a time, then it would eventually subside. 

Before, I would delay any opportunity or refuse any invitation of going to an eye doctor.  Never wanted to wear glasses.  I perceived it as an inconvenience.   

But this time around, I won’t mind going.  In fact, I would gladly welcome any (free) chance of getting an eye check-up.   I would gladly wear glasses.  Having to wear glasses is waaaaaaay preferable than having an irreversible eye condition.  

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"It is my joy and prayer, that by making a fool of myself, you will be led to Christ."

I have some knack on making people laugh

Those who know me can attest to this

However, though I have wit, the best comedy I’ve ever created was not through cleverness

But through crazy, over-the-top antics

I’m somewhat of a clown

A jester

A fool

I have no problem in making myself ridiculous and nutty if necessary to arouse laughter

So there was not much difficulty when I was given the chance to do miming

(Technically, it’s pantomiming.  But those guys have been calling it “miming”, so…)

I can still remember

It was about four and a half years ago

Just about half a year had passed since transferring to this new church

It was in a summer youth camp

The poster paint made my face burn and itch 

(The discomfort from using poster paint as a replacement for face paint would continue on being my most disliked part about miming)

And from then on, I’ve been a staple and key member of our church’s mime team  

Mime has always been one of the usual performances in each special event of our church

Again andagain and again

I put white paint on my face and clown around on stage two or three times a year

On that stage

Acting out as a mad albularyo (Filipino witch doctor) – the most popular character I’ve played

Being ridiculous and all

My face burning and itchy

Along with others who have the same heart as mine

Whether we inspire an uproar of laughter or merely amused chuckles

Always has been a glorious experience

Why is it glorious?

Well…

To play the fool in the King’s court is a great honor

It’s not merely for the sake of making the spectators laugh…

But, most importantly, to please the King

And it’s promised that, someday, my silly jester hat will be replaced with a magnificent crown

Thus, I am proud to be the King’s fool

It is my joy and prayer, that by making a fool of myself, you will be led to Christ.

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Top 10 Highlights of 2011 (in My Life)

2011 was awesome for me.  I’m not saying it was perfect and painless, but it was generally good and happy. Yes, it had been awesome (even though the Lakers’ failed to threepeat.  At least, the hated Miami Heat didn’t win the championship either).  My 2010 – my first full year as an adult – was great and filled with highlights.  But my 2011 upped it significantly. Keeping my fingers crossed for this pattern to continue with each succeeding year – that each year would be even better than the prior one.   

For my year summary for 2011, I’m going to do it in a “top 10” format.  For a change.  Also, lazy to write all the 2011 highlights worth recording in a year summary essay.  

10.) “ANGRY BIRDS” IS THE GAME I PLAYED MOST DURING THE YEAR (“RETIRING” FROM GAMING)

As one grows older, his free time (and energy) for his hobbies and interests lessens.  And when he only has limited free time, he has to choose which among these hobbies and interests are his favorites or most advantageous on which he will spend the available free time he has.  This reality slowly applies to me.  Now there are a lucky few which this doesn’t apply, especially those who found careers in their hobbies.  Well, good for them, but most of us aren’t that fortunate.  This depletion of free time for hobbies and interests come about to someone due to growing responsibilities (like career or family).  Or finding activities that one thinks to be more worthwhile than them – not necessary more enjoyable, just more worthwhile.  Or even because of finding new hobbies and interests that one derives more happiness from (to be fair, this is somehow a reason in my case. See no. 1).  Or just plain outgrowing them.

Now, I’m a person of many interests and several hobbies.  And one of my hobbies is gaming.  Ever since I was a kid, there is some form of gaming that I waste my time on – Nintendo (through the Family Computer console), arcades, and – mostly – PC.  But because of the sad reality that one loses more and more free time and the energy to go with it when one grows older, gaming was the first real hobby that took the hit.  Other hobbies and interests are affected too (still got a pile of books I got in 2011 that I haven’t read yet) but gaming was the first “casualty”.  

Well, it started slowly.  In the first place, gaming is such a time-consuming (aside from being greatly enjoyable, modern gaming is a sport.  You need to practice hard to be competitive), addictive, and expensive hobby that it would take only take some time before I realize that I – in my current condition – can’t afford such hobby.  In my latter part of college, I found myself stopping playing in Internet Cafes though I had still played at home.  But from that point, my gaming started to decline.  I started settling with only flash games and Facebook applications, like “Mafia Wars” (was hooked for three years).  Then in 2011, I realized they eat too much of my Internet time and free time, that I stopped playing “Mafia Wars” and the others.    That stopped my gaming altogether.  Uh, maybe I played one or two retro games (i.e. PC games of my childhood, Windows ’95 stuff) during the year, but those games are finished in a few hours.  I played maybe some online Texas Hold ‘Em Up, too, but not as much as I do before.  Though, I did get hooked with “Angry Birds” and played it for a few weeks, but only until I got most of the golden eggs.  The bottomline is I didn’t spend the type of time that gamers significantly spend on playing games.  

In 2011, I “retired” from significant gaming (kind of sad, really, but necessary).  

9.) EXPERIENCED DINING IN A CLASS RESTAURANT 

Last March 2011, my parents celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary.  They decided to bring my sister and me along with them to dine at, definitely, the best restaurant of the city (which is the restaurant of the best hotel in the city).  Crossroads is the name of the place (and St. Ellis is the name of the hotel).  Prior to dining there, I never had such eating experience before as what I had experienced there.  The restaurant is not exactly 5-star, suit-and-tie fancy, but could be the closest thing to fine dining we have here in Legazpi.  It had been awesome.  

I was actually hesitant to enter since I was wearing just a T-shirt, jeans, and slippers.  But since the security guard and our “maître d'” (if I dare to sound fancy) didn’t drive me away, I, with great haste, went to conceal myself at our table.  The appetizer part of the meal – bread sticks with oil and then tempura salad – had been delightful already.  The main dishes ordered – some BBQ and beef and I forget the rest – were fantastically delicious and enough to stuff me (who probably is the one with the biggest appetite in the family).  The mango (I think) shake was great.  But it was the truffles which had been really special – one of the best, if not the best, desserts I ever had.  There were also some live music, and my father asked me to request Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”  The singers were real pros.          

         

After that experience, I promised that, as much as possible (the promise won’t apply if someone again decides to treat me there), I would only return to that place when I finally get the sufficient success in life needed that allows me to afford inviting anybody there and to wear the appropriate clothing.    

Got myself another goal in life.

8.) EARNING A PAYCHECK FROM AN EIGHT-TO-FIVE JOB

From sometime in 2010 to August 2011, I derive income from tutoring Koreans and being a teacher-monitor in our church’s school. It was decent income, but it wasn’t exactly from an “eight-to-five” kind of job that is in line with what my course in college prepared me for.  I’m no teacher.  I could have stayed there, but I wanted to try some other work – something in an office environment.

By September, I got that kind of job.  Nothing fancy.  Just as a humble accounting clerk (in my alma mater).  It’s not even a permanent position, just by job order.   Still, it was the “eight-to-five” experience that I wanted.  And the main upside is such non-permanent position allows me to have some flexibility and no full commitments.  I could leave (or be fired) anytime, to look for the next step in my life as part of the work force, until I finally get my calling – the vocation I was meant to do and be productive on for the rest of my life.    

     

7.) GOT A PASSPORT

I only own two valid IDs.  First (which I had gotten in 2010) is a postal ID and the second is the passport I have obtained this year.  I got a passport, not because of a soon and certain possibility or plan of going abroad, but my father just asked me to get a passport for the sake of owning a passport.  So, for now, it serves as an ID. A very expensive ID.  (Note: My voter’s ID takes too long to get released!)   

But I believe that God has a purpose for everything.  When God has a plan or a gift for someone, He first equips and prepares him for it.  And this passport could be a preparation for a future blessing of God.  This passport will expire in 5 years (2016) and I have a great feeling – very optimistic – that sometime within this 5-year period, God will bless me the experience of visiting a foreign land.      

6.) PERFORMING IN A BIG STAGE

I am no stranger to performing in concerts or in front of big crowds.  Both in school and church activities, for years, I was able to perform.  Even just this year, we (my band) were able to perform in several events, both local and out of town.  But all of these are nothing compared to what I experienced this year at Will Graham’s “Celebration of Hope” that was held at Pili, Camarines Sur.  It was like being part of the Big Leagues.    

It was a major event.  There were celebrity guests performing and giving testimonies.  There were a professional stage and equipment.  There were pro roadies to assist you and other sound support.  There were cameramen.  There were directors.  And there were thousands in the audience.  The environment was like of that a concert of an international act.             

Prior to the event, there were auditions around the Bicol region for local artists (that’s how they termed it) good enough to perform at the event.  And our church was blessed to have the chance of sending about four acts to that event (moreover, our church’s talents also participated in two “heralding” events – which occurred weeks prior – for the “Celebration of Hope” event).  One of the acts was our band, Floodgates.  We opened for the Day 2 – April 29 – concert.  As the front act, it seemed we were used as “sound check” for the technicians to properly mix the sound and equipment for the acts ahead of us.  Still, it was a wonderful experience and exhilarating for us.  And according to the response, our performance had been powerful.  

Happy we were given a copy of the official video of it (private or individual video taking was not allowed during the event).    

Aside from the great experience of performing on the big stage, there were other wonderful experiences as well at the back stage.  There were conversations and fellowship with other performers.  But my most favorite backstage experience was being a few feet away from Barbie Almalbis.  I was walking alone and she, with an assistant, was walking opposite me.  I greeted her a “good evening” and she acknowledged with a smile and nod.  Such regret I have that I didn’t ask to have my picture taken with her (all because I don’t have a blasted camera with me).    

I thank God for the chance he had given to glorify Him through such glorious manner.  

5.) FROM GUITARIST TO KEYBOARDIST

At the later part of the year, the keyboardist of our band has to excuse himself from the band because of his work.  His work schedule disallows him from joining our gigs, practices, and Sunday service.  Thus, there is a void in the keyboardist spot.  And the band leader asked me to fill the void.  

Before this, I only play keyboard during the Wednesday night and Friday night services in our church.  But now I have to be the keyboardist in all church services and band performances.     

It’s always fun to make music and play with a band no matter what the instrument I play, but I love the guitar the most above all the instruments I can somehow play.  I love being a guitarist.  I have been a guitarist for years.  But I have to lay down the beloved guitar and have to embrace the keyboard.  For the good of the band.  I have to be the keyboardist until our original keyboardist comes back or a new keyboardist joins the band.  I’m not certain if I will be returned as a guitarist or be a keyboardist from now on, but I will be faithful to this new role that has been given to me.  (Praying for a personal keyboard to practice on at home.  Need to be the best keyboardist I can possibly be.)

4.) MISSION TRIP TO MANILA

My first ever mission trip was a wonderful experience.  Many first times.  Plenty of enjoyment.  And overflowing with God’s grace.  Some highlights:

• We went to Manila via air plane.  It was my first plane ride since I was ten years old.  And we went back home via air plane as well.  I now have a total of four plane trips under my belt in my lifetime.  
• We went ice skating and it was my first time. Really don’t know how.  And we finished our skating session without me learning at all.  
• We watched “Thor” in 3-d.  
• We performed a set of performances in the church that invited us.  
• We went to several places, most notably the Chinese cemetery.  I have been to Manila many times since I was a kid that I already lost count how many times.  But it was my first time at that Chinese cemetery.  Funny how the mausoleums there are more beautiful and bigger than most Filipinos’ houses (including mine).  
• I ate my first Burger King burger.  Man, it was the biggest burger I have ever eaten.  First time I got stuffed by one burger.  
• Stayed at the home of Pastor Ko, our host, during our first night and stayed at a hotel for the second.
• Visited several book stores.  Saw several graphic novels (rare to find graphic novels in Legazpi).  But didn’t see anything worth buying among the expensive literature being sold there.  
• Great bonding time (see no. 1).

3.) MY SITE'S 5TH ANNIVERSARY

In May 2011, http://bernel.blogspot.com had its 5th anniversary.  I’ve been blogging longer than that (6 years blogging in 2011), but this is where I have spent most of my blogging days.  It had been a splendid writing experience during all those years.  As I’ve said in the 5th anniversary post of this site: 

“I made this blog to house most of my written works.  Later on, I would also use it to archive my videos and host my photo albums.  But initially and primarily, this blog was for my writings.  I wanted to create a form of ‘autobiography’ of myself through my writing and discussion of various topics (and, now, also through the photo albums of my life and videos) and not just explicit journal-type writings of what happen in my life.  I write about all things that interest me or what was on my mind at a particular time, and through these, a reader might catch a glimpse of who Bernel is.

“In those five years, I had written more than a hundred posts – in essays or scribbles – on a range of topics in this blog.  I love to write.  I write to organize my thoughts.  I write as therapy (in fact I consider it as my best form of therapy for myself).  I write to chronicle a particular moment I want to look back to.  I write as a pastime.  I write for fun.  I just love to write.”    

So thankful that for this site.  So thankful I am able to write.  One of God’s great gifts to me.

2.) TURNED 22 YEARS OLD

Birthdays are always important highlights of each year. I didn’t get a birthday cake this year unlike in 2009 and 2010 – the first two birthdays of my adulthood.  But I had a birthday dinner with my family in a good restaurant (4 seasons).  Got gifts from friends.  Plenty of greetings from friends and acquaintances through text and Facebook.       

Wow.  I’m 22 already.  Time really flies fast.  And it’ll fly faster and faster as one gets older and older (just the psychological reality of time perception).  I’m getting older.  I’m getting fatter and slower (missing the insane teenage metabolism).  I’m getting wiser (hopefully). 

What were my realizations?  Aside from the one I mentioned in no. 10 about free time and hobbies, I also continue to realize how God has been – and is being – good to me.  In spite of trials and difficulties, I never experienced pains that destroyed me.  I never lacked anything I need.  I never begged to get my daily bread.  I never got sick seriously.  I enjoy overwhelming gifts and favors.  All thanks to God’s grace and providence.  This is an encouragement that God would, indeed, never leave me nor forsake me in the years to come.  So, I’ll continue to trust God and to desire to live a faithful life for His glory.        

1.) ARL

'Nuff said ^__^  ^.^

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Top 10 Skills I Want To Learn

To have a rich variety of skills or talents is an advantage.  The more you have, the more capable you are in a wider scope of life situations.  It also makes you a more interesting person.

I like learning new things. And, though, I have been called “versatile” or “well-rounded” several times already, I still consider myself lacking.  There are still plenty of skills I want to learn.  Among those, here’s the top ten…

 

10.) COMPUTER HACKING

Movies and TV shows heavily romanticized computer hacking.   When depicted by Hollywood, hacking is presented as having the power to take control or manipulate everything with a laptop and light-speed typing skills.  Of course, several of these scenarios or cases depicted are completely absurd.  However, indeed, there is power in hacking in real life.  And I want to learn it, not because I want to have power, but because everything is starting to get centralized on computer technology.  And when the time comes that everything is dependent on or working by computers, the more computer know-how you have, the more competitive and fit you are in such environment.      

9.) COOKING WELL

Who isn’t fond of eating good food?  I, like everyone else, greatly enjoy eating.  And the only thing as good as eating good food is preparing it.  A delicious meal is made more enjoyable by the thought that you were the one who made it.  Thus, I want to be richly adept in the culinary arts – to prepare good food for myself and for others to enjoy.

8.) MAKING ART

When I was a kid, I often draw. And I love looking at art ever since.

I appreciate art, that’s why I know the fact that I’m still lacking in skill.  I envy those who have the talents to create amazing art – painters, sculptors, pencilers, etc.  I want to feel that fulfillment of creating something that will awe and/or cheer people. 

  

7.) PICKING A POCKET

“First, hacking a computer.  Now, picking a pocket?!  You aren’t deciding of becoming a criminal, are you?” you might ask.  No, of course not.  I just think that this skill is pretty cool – to get something from someone’s pocket without him noticing.  To have such quick and graceful hands is a great way to show off.  I should have probably used the term “sleight of hand” instead of “picking pocket” if I’m pertaining to this skill.  The “sleight of hand” is mighty invaluable in performing magic tricks and such… but more so with picking pockets.     

Note: I’m actually also considering adding “picking a lock” in this list.  But that would probably make you pretty suspicious of this list of skills I want to learn.  Besides, I think that the traditional lock-and-key convenience that we have in the present would be very much extinct in the near future.  Thus, the skill of “picking locks” would be inutile. 

6.) UBERMAN SLEEPING

This is going to be probably the longest entry in this list since I need to explain this skill…

We need sleep to refresh us.  But the time spent on sleeping seems to take out a large chunk out of our precious time.  We sleep, by average, around 8 hours a day (the recommended and usual given amount to the question “how much sleep we should get?”).  That’s already a third of our 24-hour day.  So that means we roughly spend a third of our lives sleeping!  It kind of sucks when you think about it: we’ll be sleeping when we’re dead anyway, why does sleep has to take a third of the time we’re alive, too?!

But what if sleeping would only take two hours out of our 24-hour day, and it’ll still be very much enough to refresh us?  Too good to be true?  Well, that’s how the Uberman sleeping schedule works.    

There are 5 stages of sleep.  But the only actual essential stage is the REM (rapid eye movement) stage.  This is the stage where we dream.  This is the stage where we are really being recharged.  The Uberman system aims to skip the other unnecessary 4 stages of sleep and go directly to the REM stage as soon as the eyes are closed.  The Uberman sleeping schedule goes like this: you take 20-minute naps every four hours.  That would give you 6 naps – a total of 2 hours of sleep – each day.  Of course, your brain and body wouldn’t adapt to this schedule quickly.  It would take one or two weeks till the brain and body gets accustomed to it.  During that period, you would definitely feel like crap.  But the idea is, once your brain and body get used to it, you will be able to sleep comfortably on such unorthodox schedule and will be refreshed from the naps because you will experience REM immediately.

Now that is the Uberman way of sleeping.  And I want to learn it. (Note: Some say that it’s a dangerous method though.) 

    

5.) SPEAKING WELL

Like most people, I write better than I speak.  I can organize my thoughts better and have a better command of diction when writing.  So, I prefer prepared speeches than extemporaneous ones.  However, I’m still not extremely good at delivering a prepared speech.  Most of the time during the speech, my eyes are looking down on my written copy.  Instead of using it as a guide, I mostly recite it verbatim.  I don’t want to lose the entire flavor on what I have written.  Of course, a good speaker merely glances at his written copy and maintain eye contact with his audience most of the time.  I want to be like that: to maintain the connection with the audience without sacrificing the entire flavor of the prepared speech.  I want to be able to be articulate my thoughts always; not only by writing, but by speech as well.  Speeches are usually more empathic than writings. 

There is a reason why a batshit Austrian imbecile (it’s a misconception that he’s a genius) like Hitler was able to gain power in Germany.  He might be madman, but he was a charismatic speaker.  I’m not saying I want to be like Hitler, but my point is, more often than not, those that can deliver speeches well are the one gaining leadership, prominence and recognition in history.  Churchill, Lincoln, Luther King, Jr… here are people who, unlike Hitler, used their legendary speaking prowess for the good of many.     

I really want to be good at speaking.  I want to be good at both the prepared speech and the extemporaneous speech.  To rally people with my tongue.  To give encouragement.  To proclaim truth and ideas with clarity and emphasis.  To impact history by words.  I want the skill – no, it’s not just a skill – the power of speech.

  

4.) PLAYING SAXOPHONE

As an amateur musician, I know how to play several instruments.  I’m not saying I am great in playing all of these instruments, but I know how to play them well enough to be able to experience performing with them at least once.  These instruments that I know how to play either belong to the string family or percussion family of musical instruments.  I don’t know how to play any wind instrument.  That’s why the next instrument I really want to learn to play is the saxophone – a wind instrument.  And why the saxophone you ask?  Well, because it is the sexiest sounding instrument there is.  Case study: non-sensual songs like “Careless Whisper” and “The One You Love” (check the lyrics) became “sexy” songs because of their popular saxophone riffs.    

3.) PILOTING A PLANE

I still don’t know how to drive a motorbike or car.  But, I think, eventually, it is very probable I’ll get to that.  But learning how to pilot a plane is a dream of mine since I was small.  I remember that when I was just a toddler – next to being an astronaut – I really wanted to be a fighter plane pilot.  Now, I don’t really dream of piloting planes as a vocation, but piloting a plane (not necessarily a fighter jet, of course) is still something I want to do.  

2.) KRAV MAGA

I consider Krav Maga as the best fighting style there is.  It’s practical and can be learned in just a few months.  Violence is not always the answer.  But as the song and saying goes, “you don’t have to fight to be a man, but, sometimes, you need to fight when you’re a man.”  I want to be equipped and have the confidence that I can go Krav Maga-berserk at any time or as a last result to protect myself and those dear to me from a threat. 

1.) ONLINE TRADING OF SECURITIES

Trading securities is like poker.  It’s risky and rewarding, but not that romantic as pop culture presented.  The reality is, like poker, trading securities involves a lot of math.

I want to have the proper training and knowledge to be able to trade securities via Internet.  Online trading is definitely convenient, since the conventional trading of securities involve leasing a sit on the floor of the Stock Exchange.  With merely logging in, clicking the mouse, I can buy and sell securities for profit at the convenience of being at home. 

Really need somebody to teach me this.  Anybody? Or, if not, you can teach me how to earn through online poker instead.     

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