F A M I L Y

One of the most important aspects of a person's life is his origin, that we hail as ... FAMILY. As the saying goes, " Where can a person be better than in the bosom of their family " . The family is itself a shelter , where we feel safe and protected from all sorts of uncertainty and vulnerability. This is also a " haven of grandeur " that we could go to when ever we need assurance and stability. For most of us, FAMILY is the source of strength, joy and inspiration. Regardless of some flaws that our family may bear, still we can't deny the fact that this is the only place we could consider ourselves most welcome, especially when every single soul out there has closed its door on us. And in spite all odds, the reason behind why we still continue to keep on our toes. We may also consider friends, as an important aspect in our life, but then more often than not they just come and go, but FAMILY is always and forever here to stay. That is why, sometimes it is unfair to assume on our part to consider our family as the last resort to concede in times of success and triumph, and of failure and defeat. For our family is the only one that could give us the real and genuine boost in any situation we are in. There is a saying that " oftentimes, we tend to hurt the people we love ". This is proven, and more often than not the people we usually aggrieved the most are the people close to us and that is our family. There is a parable written in the Bible, by St. Luke 15:11 - 32, entitled " The Prodigal Son ". Where in the rebel son, after realizing the wrong that he did, has no other option but to swallow his pride and return to his father's house. Where he was welcome with two open arms. There is no perfect family as there are no perfect relationship . Just like my own, sometimes we argue, got our own misunderstanding every now and then, have our share of "cold wars" sometimes... yet at the end of the day we still have that unconditional love and support for one another.

And as I end my article, I would like to share this saying which made me appreciate my FAMILY even more, "I know why families were created with all their imperfections. They humanize you. They are made to make you forget yourself occasionally, so that the beautiful balance of life is not destroyed."

L-O-V-E

This four letter word, embraces a very broad area in our life. When young, your idea of this is somewhat enchanting, passionate, idealistic and impractical. As you grow older your concept of this word becomes more inclusive, stretched and realistic. Often times we hear this word being tagged as" blind ". This meaning is cute yet so immature.On the contrary LOVE must come from an open mind and soul, for I believe these two are the significant aspects that command our heart to execute the feeling to the person we love in a more matured way.

What's so frustrating sometimes is we tend to mix up LOVE with lust.True love never dies for it is lust that fades away. Love bonds for a lifetime but lust just pushes away.That is why, love comes with trust, responsibility and endurance.Love knows how to wait, unconditional and pure.Love is suppose to be sacred, for the reason that this was introduced and bestowed as "GIFT" to mankind from OUR GOD ALMIGHTY.
From the time we are conceived up to the moment we deliver our first cry are all product of love. Why?for me, the baby cries to extend his love and gratitude to his parents for bringing him out into this world.
Now as we celebrate the romantic side of love so to speak, which is VALENTINES DAY, allow me to end my blog with a reminder, "love is like playing the piano. First you must learn to play by the rules, then you must forget the rules and play from your heart."

SHARING...

As far as I could remember, in my childhood days, one thing that excites me a lot was "sharing something" to my friends and playmates. Being a child, I could recall how I always wanted to share my toys, snacks and some of my fantasy stories with them. As I grew up and became a teenager, I noticed that I evolved into sharing my opinions, views and personal experiences to my close friends, to the point that I couldn't separate anymore w/c things to divulge and w/c one should be kept confidential. That's why my favorite tag line then was "ME and my BIG MOUTH". But, don't get me wrong, I know how to keep my "friends secret". The only problem,is I couldn't do the same w/ my own, w/c I know so ironical. When I left abroad and gotten the chance to work there, I tried to change my attitude. Meeting new set of friends, new environment, and different working exposure,I promised myself to be less assertive and vocal.Though I'm not really sure... my supposed to be friends there could only attest to that. Anyway, now that I'm back home, w/ less pressure and few things to attend to I'm back to my old self. Though this time, more assertive and more vocal w/ all these broader issues around me to tackle with . Political, vocational, spiritual, even personal subject matter never will I avoid the issue by turning away from it, as long as i have a little know how about the topic.. Well at least, I have to give my opinion, comment or views first before leaving the post. And that's through Computer Network. The only disadvantage in this new venture that I've gotten into, is more often than not, I'M BEING MISUNDERSTOOD. Also you tend to encounter different types of personalities, like extraordinary, cynical, paranoid, even w/bipolar symptoms etc. Anyhow, my primary intention of participating into some discussions is to share what I think, I could contribute to the subject matter in one way or another. Defending myself also is one of my aims, especially from those who think I'm incoherent and "out of tune"' so to speak. And one thing more, to protect those who couldn't defend themselves, most especially those who are close to me. On the other hand posting my expression of emotions through my site is something that I love to do as well, maybe other people will look at it negatively, maybe some will be irritated. So be it, as the saying goes "can't please everybody". As long as my intention is pure and I don't intend to hurt anybody, and my reason is simply to express what I feel like joy, disappointment, or sadness, I don't give a damn. When I give an opinion on something or an advise, The last decision still lies on the person concerned, and will always be respected by your friend here, as I expect to be respected in return .I'm just here to point out my views and wish I could contribute,enlighten a vague issue or situation in my own little way.

SO COMPLICATED TO BE .... HIM

The saying that goes " IT'S HARD TO PLEASE EVERYBODY ", is common but something that truly exist. No one is exempted to experience this kind of treatment from others, including HIM. Endowing us happiness and contentment is a tough task to do. Though how sincere HIS intentions are and with HIS DIVINE and SUPREME POWER, we always have something to say and comment about. It's really a burdensome situation to be in HIS place.I could just imagine how much effort HE tries to exert just to make us joyful and contented. We always question HIS decisions and motives, even how pure and sacred it is. Come to think of it, there are billions and billions of people (more or less) that HE is serving continually every second, every minute, every hour of the day. For the simple reason, that HIS love for us is absolute. HE got no rectification from doing all these. In the first place, HE was the ONE who brought us here and provided us this supposed to be a wonderful place to live in. And in addition to this, HE supplies us with everything we need for us to survive. Just to prove that HIS motive is selfless and generous, HE gave us "FREEDOM" to do anything we want to. Though knowing us, and our weaknesses, HE bestowed upon us a weapon we could use to protect ourselves from evil that comes our way, and that is...INTELLIGENCE and COMMON SENSE. And to support this HE gave us a list of reminders to guide us, while we are on our own. We call it..."THE TEN COMMANDMENTS". Despite all these, we choose to complicate things that lead us to confusion and disbelief. Isn't it when we love someone our tendency is just to follow, no questions ask, in spite of some vague perspectives he tries to introduce? How unfair and prejudiced we could be. I believe that HE made man in accordance to HIS IMAGE, except SIN. Even though HE provided Mankind with protection and guidance, still SIN is committed. That only proves our susceptibility to any form of temptation. It is so difficult for some to accept that He sent HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON into this world to DELIVER US from sin. Why? FOR THE SIMPLE REASON "THAT HIS LOVE FOR MANKIND IS ABSOLUTE AND ETERNAL". Questions that usually arises from unbelievers, are Why from so simple origin, born from a poor family aren't HE suppose to be THE KING?, why choose a Woman as human, simple and so naive like Mary, to become HIS MOTHER? why born from a disgusting place as that of a manger, etc. So many questions that will lead to only one answer, GOD is an INFINITE BEING who is supremely good, WHO created the world, who knows all and can do all, WHO is transcendent over and immanent in the world, and WHO loves humanity. We Catholics do believe that GOD lived on earth in the flesh as JESUS (see THE HOLY TRINITY). Yet still, some of us insist and choose to constrain our mind from UNVARNISHED TRUTH and GENUINE GOODNESS. That's why I said it is just difficult and too demanding to be ... in HIS place.

ON A SIMPLE NOTE

Acumen is one wondrous gift that our GOD ALMIGHTY bestowed upon mankind. This gift is one aspect that makes a human being superior, and more valuable from the rest of HIS creations. This means the ability to understand and reason out.That's why mental analysis and argument usually appeals to us.On a personal note allow me to say that being a gift from God we are expected to use such, with accountability. That is why this ability comes hand in hand with what you call "common sense". As a general rule, you enter into a discussion not just for the purpose of argument, but for you to present something, prudent, sensible and rational point of view.On the other hand as human we have limitations and weaknesses as well, that's why we must be cautious and careful when we get so curious on something and eventually develop that urge to discover it yourself. Uncovering new ventures, adventures, undertakings or what have you is not bad.For one, I do believe that by doing so will also help widen your horizons so to speak, thus making life more interesting and less dull and monotonous. Simply beware that if you intend to do so, make sure, that you do it with open mind, heart and soul, or else you'll surely be trapped, and instead of broadening your outlook in life, you'll just narrow down your mentality and before you know it you've already allowed yourself to be duped forever in a state similar to life imprisonment.That's why before we enter into something that we actually aren't so sure of, we should be alert and conscious to know the extent of our capacity and constraint when to stop. Thus protecting ourselves from being entrap by unforeseen or unexpected difficulty or disaster. I'm aware that life is but a gamble, but then just like any game we get into, our primary purpose is to win not to loss, though we take the risk and sometimes, if not most of the time a huge risk we must be certain that we should know when to stop by the time we perceive that it's already causing disruptions in the major area of our life, such as physical, social or vocational, much more psychological. To end this issue do allow me to quote my own saying:
"a stable attitude bears secured decision,principles, values and faith,4 i believe wavering and inconsistency will only prove ones immaturity and insecurity".

AMOTHER'S LOVE ( A MOTHER'S TRIBUTE TO HER OWN DAUGHTER )

Out of the seven entries of the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival, I've gotten the chance to watch 3 films and one of them is Mano Po...A Mother's Love.To be honest the reason why I watched the film, aside from being enthusiastic to see my favorite Ms. Cuneta in a wide screen once again, whom I believe is an admirable performer, was the title of the movie that inspired me as well.The movie presented the faultless and undiminished Mother's love.As we all know, mothers are supposed to love their children unconditionally, and I'm pleased to say that I consider myself one of them. From the time I conceived my four children up to this very moment, I still have a photographic memory in my heart and mind the pain and glory of bringing them out into this world. Besides the ordeals that I went through, I likewise value the moments I had, with each one of them, especially when they were still young.I still recall how they were as babies, as teenagers and in the course of time what they are now and what they have become.That's how I treasure each one of them.Now my children are all grown - ups, as a matter of fact 2 of them, are wed and have kids of their own.But never will it hinder me of continually protecting, defending and insuring their safety as a mother should. Unusually, as mothers we are delicate and sensitive, especially when our children are finally on their own. At times, we carelessly tend to be senseless and cross beyond normal limits.We refuse to let go those moments that our children were yet kids, always depending on us, wanting us to be constantly around them.We refuse to accept the fact that they have already their own lives to live,new priorities and other things to attend to, aside from us.Though we are aware of this we choose to be stubborn to get once again their full attention.Why? for the reason we simply refuse to let go of them.That's how we mothers are, our love for our children is ultimate, no ifs,and no borders.Sometimes our children could hardly get the idea why we are acting this way, but I'm sure when their time comes, that's when they realize why.I remember, one time my daughter commented that I was being childish.I admit that I was acting so, for I wanted it my way.You see when my daughter being a hard working entrepreneur, gets too busy with her business, It's so hard for me to get in her way.I just miss my oldest baby I used to cuddle in my arms.Though I understand that's how it is.Anyway I'm proud of my daughter, at an early age I consider her successful on her chosen craft. And that goes with the rest of my brood.Anyway enough with bragging, just happened to mention my daughter in connection w/ the movie, Mano Po... A Mother's Love wherein the oldest daughter of Ms. Cuneta, played by Heart Evangelista, became a successful business woman, though her aim was quite wicked, to get even with her mother. Whereas in my daughter's case it's the contrary and completely different, the reason why I'm so proud of her.Being a mother myself this is one topic that's really close to my heart.Allow me to end my blog with this phrase..."A mother's love is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, it never fails or falters, even though the heart is breaking” .True enough,HOW ABOUT YOU MOTHERS OUT THERE DON'T YOU AGREE?

AFFLICTION

The outlook of an individual reflects on what's in the core of his heart and soul.The person may try to portray otherwise, yet the genuine character will eventually come out. I'm simply referring to my personal observation,not trying to act as a psychologist, nor an expert on human behavior. But I believe any speculator like me could attest to that.You could easily detect a pathetic personality, even in an ordinary sharing of opinions and views.An ideal example of this is,dealing on topics of success,instead of giving positive reaction on the specific subject matter, the person has always negative comments to argue with.During light situations you are in, he always has a way to inject complicated footing thus making the whole scenario melancholy.As I've said, when anger or hatred wraps-up your spirit, you tend to shun away from being productive, instead you drown yourself to self pity & most likely turn to be abortive.
People with behavior as this are also characterized as cynical.Meaning, they are always expecting bad outcomes, instead of being hopeful.It is useless to argue with this type of people or else before you know it you might turn out to be just like one of them.One thing that's alarming to deal with such,are their expertise on manipulating unsteady and weak personality.
I hate to appraise such kind of person,though to encounter behaviors as this are often times annoying and usually provoking.But as I contemplate, I believe, that maybe they are just in need of compassion and understanding for they didn't choose to be like this.I guess it's no easy to be in their shoe, I feel to be in a state of mental torture is no wieldy. Given the chance, I think they also might turn out to be sympathetic and lovable.Maybe all they need is affection and TLC. Anyway there's always a chance to undergo an innovation process, if we want to.Only we must first learn to accept our affliction so we can move on for the better if not for the best.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL and LET'S ALL LOOK FORWARD TO A TRANQUIL 2010!