September-October Reading List

One of my goals is to bring back reading in my routine. Here you'll find a list of books that I will read for the next two months. Feel free to give comments if you've read some of these books already.


WIKIPEDIA: It tells the true story of sociologist Morrie Schwartz and his relationship with his students. One student in particular (Mitch Albom) plays an important part. After saying that he will keep in touch with Morrie on his graduation, Mitch hears nothing of his old professor until one night on T.V. he sees Morrie being interviewed. Morrie has ALS, a terminal disease. Mitch begins to visit his professor and soon realizes that, though he has grown remarkably, he still has a lot to learn about values



WIKIPEDIA: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, first published in 1989, is a a self help book written by Stephen R. Covey. It has sold over 15 million copies in 38 languages since first publication, which was marked by the release of a 15th anniversary edition in 2004. Covey presents an approach to being effective in attaining goals by aligning oneself to what he calls "true north" principles of a character ethic that he presents as universal and timeless.



ZONDERVAN: Nothing matters more than relationships—and no one understands them better than Jesus. Based on an exhaustive study of what Jesus did and said about relationships, this book guides readers on a forty-day journey that will bring new health and richness to their marriages, families, friendships, and all the relationships in their lives.



WIKIPEDIA: The Diary of a Young Girl is a book of the writings from the Dutch language diary kept by Anne Frank while she was in hiding for two years with her family during the Nazi Occupation in Netherlands.

MANYBOOKS:Training in public speaking is not a matter of externals--primarily; it is not a matter of imitation--fundamentally; it is not a matter of conformity to standards--at all. Public speaking is public utterance, public issuance, of the man himself; therefore the first thing both in time and in importance is that the man should be and think and feel things that are worthy of being given forth. Unless there be something of value within, no tricks of training can ever make of the talker anything more than a machine--albeit a highly perfected machine--for the delivery of other men's goods. So self-development is fundamental in our plan.

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The World is my Church

(the view from the 32nd floor of Lancaster Hotel, Mandaluyong.)

The woman said to him, "Sir, I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem." Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." - John 4:19-24

I was given the opportunity (or a burden, lol) to attend a Trainers' Training on the Upscaling of Business Permit and Licensing Sytems reforms at Manila for three (3) days. This is an advocacy to shorten the steps in securing a business permit. The event was attended by representatives of Regions 3, 4a, 4b and NCR. One highlight of this event is that I met 2 new friends, Kuya Ninoy of Batangas and Ate Apple of Occidental Mindoro. We formed a church.

How is that possible that we have formed a church in a matter of 3 days? I believe that church is not limited to Sunday services nor it is just a physical structure. It is the gathering of believers with different perceptions, different upbringing, but with similar desire to worship God and talk about Him.

Ate Apple is a Catholic. Kuya Ninoy is a Philosopher and a Catholic too. At first, I was bothered by the philosophical questions of Kuya Ninoy and his longing for facts. But in the long run, I have to agree with him without putting my own beliefs in jeopardy. We had series of discussions (not debates) about fact and faith for 7 hours (8pm - 3am). After that, I was comforted by God and He made me realize that I have to open my mind and need to undergo tests of faith to make me grow. James 1:2-3 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. "

Church. This is church. This is what I long for. This is what I asked of Him. I want God to give me opportunities to step out of my church building and appreciate His words in the streets, in places out of Angeles City, with various personalities. I want more of this church.

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I went to Batangas and Mindoro without leaving Manila. I will miss you, Kuya Ninoy and Ate Apple. Til next time, if there is a next time.

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I Kissed Facebook Goodbye

I KISSED
GOODBYE!

Before I write this post, allow me to make myself clear that I have nothing against Facebook nor hate the social networking site. This is a personal preference and I just want to share it in this blog. Thank you.

Deleting a Facebook account is a hard thing to do. It takes a leap of faith. Facebook, for me, became a comfort zone, which I don't really want to happen. Here are some reasons why I deleted my Facebook account:

1. Reunions became mediocre. I missed the feeling of missing someone. Take my aunt for example. She's been living in the states for like my entire lifetime. When she calls here before, everyone else loves to talk to her, to cherish the minutes, even seconds of the conversation, knowing that it is very limited. It is synonymous to cherishing every dollar she spent just for her to call us. Poof, then there came Facebook, she's online most of the time, but we never bothered to say Hi to her, because she was just there. At any minute, we can talk to her. The thrill of missing her, was just gone. Another examples are class reunions. Seeing someone change physically for how many years makes us excited. But with Facebook, or any other social networking site, we can already see what they look like. No thrill, no excitement, just plain dull reunions.

2. Privacy. Yes, privacy is still important. I remembered a friend of mine who wanted to go to a certain event with us, but she was hesitant because she was afraid that pictures will be posted, and some might "condemn" her for joining us. One time, I posted a picture of my friends, dating. I did not know that the relationship was private. They texted me to remove the pictures as soon as possible. I feel sorry about it and it almost ruined a friendship.

3. Word wars are easily created. Some people use the site to indirectly hurt a certain person. Some people I know used it as a form of revenge to her ex bf/gf. I myself had a word war experience at Facebook. It ruined a relationship instead of "connecting" them.

4. Facebook, when misused can cause us to brag about the things happening in our lives. Guilty? I am. "Currently at Starbucks" status or posting pictures while in a social party, are few examples I consider under the "bragging" category.

5. It steals away my time alone with God. This is the heaviest of the reasons why I deleted my account. No explanations needed. I missed God, a lot. Instead of meditating, I spend time looking for some things which cannot satisfy. Some can even cause stress.

I just want out of Facebook. I want my private life back, (of course, this blog is an exemption). I want my quiet time back. To you, dear reader, I don't encourage you to delete your Facebook account. This networking site can also inspire us or it can be a tool in fulfilling the "Great Commission"... but always remember, that moderation is always the key.

Into the Wild

"So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun." - from the movie Into the Wild.

I was really inspired with the film I randomly selected at one record store. The title is Into the Wild. Its a true story of Christopher McCandless, a fresh college graduate who chose life in the road and just set foot to the unknown and to meet people along his path. He felt real joy by stepping out of his comfort zone, to see the other side of the world and to be exposed in realities which he cannot learn in the confines of his own home.

After series of hitchhiking and countless adventures, he confined himself in the Alaskan wilderness inside an abandoned "hunters" bus. He learned to love nature and be content in a life with no money, no luxuries, no comfort foods. Its just him and nature.

While watching the film, I imagined myself setting off to a life's adventure-- to the "road less traveled" and to learn things that are different from what I already know. I want to see myself as one Christopher McCandless. I want to meet new people and to put myself in their shoes. I want to know God more by making the world as my sanctuary. Another "do hard thing" for me.

I also imagined Jesus Christ during his days on earth. I believe he is a backpacker/hitchhiker too (He hitchhiked a donkey, most probably). He walked to different towns and different places. Some welcomed him, some despised him. But he came not to learn, but he came to teach. He came not to see life, but to give life. He came not to see the realities because he himself is truth. He traveled while giving hope. Jesus is cool.

Whats my point?To be honest, I dont know. All I know is that I need to step out of my comfort zone and make a change--change my life, like McCandless and change the world like Jesus.

Lets start a new adventure. Lets explore new heights. Lets meet new people and learn. Step out, do a hard thing.

On the Go

Melody Gersbach,Binibining Pilipinas International 2009, died in a car crash last night while on her way to Albay, Bicol. She was 24. This news woke us up today, because she is my aunt's family friend.

Last week, we were shocked by a news, that the young son of a former employee of our office, had a seizure due to a swollen part of his brain. He was diagnosed with Pediatric Encephalitis--a viral infection. He got it by breathing. He's currently at the UST, unconscious.

Another news came yesterday about Karl, a former churchmate who migrated at San Diego, was accidentally hit by a drunk driver while waiting for his school bus. Praise God, he is well now after a major surgery.

These recent news reminded me of Psalms 90. The chapter simply says that LIFE IS SHORT so make the most out of it.

My nursing friends told me that seeing people die is inevitably part of their daily routine. They see both rich and poor people die, like it's just really part of life's process. How can it fly so quickly? I asked myself, "Am I really making the most out of my life?" or Im just wasting it by watching re-runs and spending most of my time in front of the computer? This reflection made me realize what really matters in life.

Its a matter of 30 days before I enter adulthood. I'll be turning 21. It could be my last birthday, we don't know. Am I really ready, If God suddenly talk to me and say "Its time for you to come home"? Am I on the go? What is important now is that we must make the most out of life and treat everyday as if its our last.

To all, let us pray for Jeremy, the little boy with Pediatric Encephalitis. I know there is hope if we believe. Let us also pause for a moment and pray for the family of the late Melody Gersbach. I believe that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).

Golden Brown

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.- 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger. - Proverbs 19:15

One of the reasons why we conduct livelihood trainings is to encourage people to get out of their comfort zones and to make use of their innate skills to be productive and enterprising. Today, we conducted a sweet and pastry training, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture for the people of the 4th District specifically in the municipality of Macabebe. It was exhausting especially there were REAL "high maintenance" participants. But of course, as service providers, we always need to keep our cool and be reminded of the good cause of the event. Of course, at the end of the day, people tend to appreciate you and thank you for the provisions given to them...and that simple appreciation can wipe away any stress, fatigue and exhaustion.

The list of golden brown colored sweets and pastries taught today includes the following. Can you guess what they are?

Click any of the pictures to view the album.

Hairs and Nails

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" - Chinese Proverb

"Hard" and 'Awkward" are two words to describe this day. HARD because it was physically exhausting and AWKWARD because it was more of a "girl" thing.

Today, August 16, 2010, The Department of Trade and Industry, in partnership with the Local Government Units has conducted a kick off event to open a "massive" livelihood training for the District 4 of Pampanga. These trainings will be conducted starting today until the end of November. Such trainings include Haircutting, Cosmetology, Soap Making, Meat Processing, Sweets and Pastry making, Waterlily Bags making, Bamboo Propagation etc. Also, a haircutting and cosmetology training was conducted today as the first training in the series. (Now you know why It was awkward). Hairs and Nails!

But no matter how hard and awkward the experience was, I still feel blessed to be part of this because of the feeling that one way or another, I contributed something in the lives of the participants even though we just worked "off-cam." Indirectly, I taught them how to fish. The unity between me and my colleagues was greatly seen. We happily prepared the banners, the attendance sheets, the supplies needed, documentations, and other logistical and secretarial concerns. I believe that we all did a great job. The invited speakers did great too and I believe that they have imparted their Haircutting and Cosmetology knowledge to the participants.

Click to view album

Im also blessed that the government, both Local and National initiates programs to "level up" the status of the individuals and the economy in general. Let us always support such projects and let us continue praying for our country.

God Bless us all.