TAMPERED PROFILE
While in a hurry one day because of an urgent text message to go home because someone was waiting, I failed to log out from my face book account. A hacker must have found it open and possibly just out of mere thrill my profile was tampered. Somehow I was made to appear 16 years old and single, aside from many other false entries.
For that supposedly simple incident I received a lot of unfavorable texts, and e-mails from greatly disturbed friends and relatives asking me why I was so corny, stupid, careless, irresponsible, etc. for trying hard to be a teen-ager.
I was of course doubly disturbed too since I honestly didn’t know how it happened. I took up my quick basic computer course just to learn how to type and how to chat. In fact in our municipality I was probably one of the very few who were computer literate septuagenarians.
Now I was beginning to realize why there were those who were saying that the computer was a devil’s advocate. I started enjoying chatting at the MIRC, whatever than means. It was where I learned some abbreviations like CTC. GTG, LOL, ROFL, FYI ,BTW, etc.,etc.
Then I was introduced to Yahoo Messenger, Hotmail. Aol, then to Friendster, Adult Friendster, Multiply, Tagged, Facebook, Fixters, etc., etc. In all these accounts I used different name and password because I thought it should be that way. It took me quite a while before I learned how to use the webcam, the USB, how to download or to browse.
For most senior citizens all those things were exhausting, like finding thousands of answers to a question while surfing or goggling or watching U tubes.
I was wondering where these new technologies would bring all of us. They said time would come when the machine shall control everyone. When that time comes I hope I would no longer be around to disobey or who knows? I might even be revived back to life by the technology to serve it endlessly.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A CHARITABLE END OF MOURNING
A CHARITABLE END OF MOURNING
The End of Mourning for my sister who died last year was scheduled on February 27, 2009 which fell on her 70th Birthday. Now being the only sibling alive I was supposed to make decision on how to commemorate the occasion.
In deference with the mood of the moment during this critical period of our nation’s history I found it relevant that instead of offering lunch, our family shall donate to a worthy charitable cause, aside from Masses and Prayers for the soul of my sister.
Because my decision was against traditional practice many opinions came out in the open criticizing my stand. I was almost tempted to go along with the crowd but on second thought I felt I simply couldn’t afford to let popular opinion shape even a single one of my decision—it might seem harmless to do something just to make everyone else happy, but in the end I knew it will put me in an uncomfortable false situations. Being popular was not worth sacrificing my independent thinking on my goals. So I pursued what I wanted to do – push as hard as I wanted and ignore what other people think. I have to stay true to my idealistic nature.
One of the first recipients of our donation was a poor boy studying at the Public School. He found a wallet with bunch of money and the I.D. of the owner, a student at the Private School.
Instead of taking advantage of the money he found, the boy waited at the gate of the Private School looking for the student in the I.D. picture to come out so that he could return the wallet. The Security guard helped him find the owner who at that time wasn’t yet aware that he lost his wallet.
The Principal of the Private School was touched by the unusual kind behavior of the poor boy. She offered him scholarship but he still lacked so much in personal needs. It was in this aspect that my intended donation found its way. I offered the boy to live in my house which was near the Private School and I would take responsibility for all his personal needs while under observation before I finally take him fully as a foster child.
He told me that his mother was complaining of backache, his father and a brother were tailors; other brothers were farmers while the young ones were studying in public school. They were nine siblings.
I decided to visit the place where he lived at the far end of the town. I brought some goodies and with I guide I walked through about half a kilometer of winding foot walks amidst barking dogs before I reached the small house made out of wood, bamboo and nipa. It was twilight time when I made the visit and my attention was caught by the boy’s two sisters who were then studying at one corner without light as there was no electricity in their house. All the time that I was there I could feel the disciplined behavior of everyone. Even the toddlers were seemingly well behaved. I hope my board and lodging donation would be of help.
The other recipient was a boy with intestinal obstruction who couldn’t submit to a surgical operation due to poverty. I remember that Psalm verse that says: “Whenever you possibly can, do good to people who need it”.
The End of Mourning for my sister who died last year was scheduled on February 27, 2009 which fell on her 70th Birthday. Now being the only sibling alive I was supposed to make decision on how to commemorate the occasion.
In deference with the mood of the moment during this critical period of our nation’s history I found it relevant that instead of offering lunch, our family shall donate to a worthy charitable cause, aside from Masses and Prayers for the soul of my sister.
Because my decision was against traditional practice many opinions came out in the open criticizing my stand. I was almost tempted to go along with the crowd but on second thought I felt I simply couldn’t afford to let popular opinion shape even a single one of my decision—it might seem harmless to do something just to make everyone else happy, but in the end I knew it will put me in an uncomfortable false situations. Being popular was not worth sacrificing my independent thinking on my goals. So I pursued what I wanted to do – push as hard as I wanted and ignore what other people think. I have to stay true to my idealistic nature.
One of the first recipients of our donation was a poor boy studying at the Public School. He found a wallet with bunch of money and the I.D. of the owner, a student at the Private School.
Instead of taking advantage of the money he found, the boy waited at the gate of the Private School looking for the student in the I.D. picture to come out so that he could return the wallet. The Security guard helped him find the owner who at that time wasn’t yet aware that he lost his wallet.
The Principal of the Private School was touched by the unusual kind behavior of the poor boy. She offered him scholarship but he still lacked so much in personal needs. It was in this aspect that my intended donation found its way. I offered the boy to live in my house which was near the Private School and I would take responsibility for all his personal needs while under observation before I finally take him fully as a foster child.
He told me that his mother was complaining of backache, his father and a brother were tailors; other brothers were farmers while the young ones were studying in public school. They were nine siblings.
I decided to visit the place where he lived at the far end of the town. I brought some goodies and with I guide I walked through about half a kilometer of winding foot walks amidst barking dogs before I reached the small house made out of wood, bamboo and nipa. It was twilight time when I made the visit and my attention was caught by the boy’s two sisters who were then studying at one corner without light as there was no electricity in their house. All the time that I was there I could feel the disciplined behavior of everyone. Even the toddlers were seemingly well behaved. I hope my board and lodging donation would be of help.
The other recipient was a boy with intestinal obstruction who couldn’t submit to a surgical operation due to poverty. I remember that Psalm verse that says: “Whenever you possibly can, do good to people who need it”.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A LUNCHEON VALENTINE DATE
A LUNCHEON VALENTINE DATE
Five days before Valentine’s Day, my wife and I searched for a fine Valentine Dinner venue at and around the picturesque City of Tagaytay. We were astonished to find out that almost all the Fine Dining Venues were fully booked. And all the while I thought that the world is in crisis.
So, we settled for a Luncheon date at Discovery Suite. We reserved for early lunch at 11:00 a.m. to avoid the romantic rush and possible crowd of hungry lovers. We were told that there were few reservations for lunch and true enough we were only five pairs of senior citizens celebrating the day of love. There was an obvious pair of homosexuals decently enjoying their lunch too, minus the roses.
Someone distributed long stemmed rose to every lady while sweet music was playing romantic tunes. The atmosphere was in fact romantic as there was no noise compared to a crowded dinner happening. Dialogues were controlled as everyone was simply whispering sweet nothings to each other to while away the time.
The meal was lovely and sumptuous with appetizers of Asparagus Tempura and Asparagus with Prosciutto. Oyster Beignets was served with Ginger-braised Radish, Crispy Pork, Asian Vinegar Glaze, Light Beer Batter, Almond and Paprika Remoulade. Demis-Tasse consisted of Five-spice Roasted Pumpkin Soup, Peking Duck and Sesame Oil for me and for her, Creamy Artichoke Veloute, White Truffle Froth Permesen Crisp.
Her lobster was Clam Chowder Risotto in Aromatic Cilantro condiment while mine was with Shitake Baby Vegetables, Red Curry and Coconut Sauce. My Angos Rib Eye Steak was with Spanish Sherry Marinade, Mushroom’s “Al Agillo” and Pan Pepper Sauce. To me was offered Asian Soy Mustard Marinade, Garlic Edamame, Wasabi Potatoe Puree.
Finally my Chocolate Marquiz was composed of Baguio Strawberries and Pink Peppercorn English Cream. Hers was Passion Fruit Dizzles and Roasted Señorita Bananas. We concluded our Luncheon with a cup of coffee.
WE greatly enjoyed the Valentine Luncheon Date and went home fully convinced mutually that for love to survive it must be fed with Fine Meal together every once in a while.
Five days before Valentine’s Day, my wife and I searched for a fine Valentine Dinner venue at and around the picturesque City of Tagaytay. We were astonished to find out that almost all the Fine Dining Venues were fully booked. And all the while I thought that the world is in crisis.
So, we settled for a Luncheon date at Discovery Suite. We reserved for early lunch at 11:00 a.m. to avoid the romantic rush and possible crowd of hungry lovers. We were told that there were few reservations for lunch and true enough we were only five pairs of senior citizens celebrating the day of love. There was an obvious pair of homosexuals decently enjoying their lunch too, minus the roses.
Someone distributed long stemmed rose to every lady while sweet music was playing romantic tunes. The atmosphere was in fact romantic as there was no noise compared to a crowded dinner happening. Dialogues were controlled as everyone was simply whispering sweet nothings to each other to while away the time.
The meal was lovely and sumptuous with appetizers of Asparagus Tempura and Asparagus with Prosciutto. Oyster Beignets was served with Ginger-braised Radish, Crispy Pork, Asian Vinegar Glaze, Light Beer Batter, Almond and Paprika Remoulade. Demis-Tasse consisted of Five-spice Roasted Pumpkin Soup, Peking Duck and Sesame Oil for me and for her, Creamy Artichoke Veloute, White Truffle Froth Permesen Crisp.
Her lobster was Clam Chowder Risotto in Aromatic Cilantro condiment while mine was with Shitake Baby Vegetables, Red Curry and Coconut Sauce. My Angos Rib Eye Steak was with Spanish Sherry Marinade, Mushroom’s “Al Agillo” and Pan Pepper Sauce. To me was offered Asian Soy Mustard Marinade, Garlic Edamame, Wasabi Potatoe Puree.
Finally my Chocolate Marquiz was composed of Baguio Strawberries and Pink Peppercorn English Cream. Hers was Passion Fruit Dizzles and Roasted Señorita Bananas. We concluded our Luncheon with a cup of coffee.
WE greatly enjoyed the Valentine Luncheon Date and went home fully convinced mutually that for love to survive it must be fed with Fine Meal together every once in a while.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
ALL ON THE MIND
ALL ON THE MIND
I saw a woman younger than me walking with difficulty while climbing the steps to a pharmacy store. Obviously she was experiencing rheumatic pains. She could hardly move her legs and made faces at every attempt.
When the weather is cold like it is now many people including the younger ones are afflicted with rheumatism. About all of them are taking several pills and avoiding so many kinds of foods. Almost all have develop the habit of enjoying how so many pills they are taking and how so many foods they are avoiding and how so many pains still continue devastating them.
In my case I am not avoiding any kind of food and I am not also taking any anti rheumatic pill. I never have time to exchange experiences with them about pains. I think I am the living proof that 90% of rheumatic pains and swellings are psychological in origin. When one sees food against rheumatism he immediately begins feeling the pains on his joints or just thinking that the cold season is around is enough to initiate an attack.
I remember what my mother used to say: “You know, those pains have “minds” of their own. When you caress your painful swelling, the pains invite their kind to come around and stay with them as the body they are attacking is so kind and caring”. So the pain and the swelling are magnified and intensified. “But if you don’t mind them”, continued my mother, “They will feel neglected and will just leave you as they transfer to another caring body”. Seemingly corny and shallow but it worked because the power of the mind is so strong that what we think becomes a reality.
Our attitude about health matters much for health, according to the World Health Organization is not simply the absence of disease. Health is actually a state of well-being and optimal well-being is a concept of health that goes beyond the curing of illness to one of achieving wellness.
Our health doesn’t depend solely on the kind of health care we are receiving or the kind of pills we are taking and the kind of food we are eating. Our health is our responsibility. We are the only ones who can make the life style decisions that bring about our well being. We must individually take steps to keep ourselves healthy and to promote genuine wellness. Positive thinking helps much.
The choices we make daily for our lives is very important in attaining the wellness that we deserve. We can choose to do more of what is good for us and the world around us and less of what is harmful to us. We all possess incredible inner wisdom and as we gather information and experiences we can gain confidence in using energy to follow our path to wellness.. We can choose to learn more about our health and the variety of health care options available. Our strong mental energy is enough to defeat the power of ailment to put us down. The problem is, we easily succumb to the treat of ailments and so we easily resorts to all kinds of pills as we also continue believing that we are already defeated. Think Healthy at all time.
I saw a woman younger than me walking with difficulty while climbing the steps to a pharmacy store. Obviously she was experiencing rheumatic pains. She could hardly move her legs and made faces at every attempt.
When the weather is cold like it is now many people including the younger ones are afflicted with rheumatism. About all of them are taking several pills and avoiding so many kinds of foods. Almost all have develop the habit of enjoying how so many pills they are taking and how so many foods they are avoiding and how so many pains still continue devastating them.
In my case I am not avoiding any kind of food and I am not also taking any anti rheumatic pill. I never have time to exchange experiences with them about pains. I think I am the living proof that 90% of rheumatic pains and swellings are psychological in origin. When one sees food against rheumatism he immediately begins feeling the pains on his joints or just thinking that the cold season is around is enough to initiate an attack.
I remember what my mother used to say: “You know, those pains have “minds” of their own. When you caress your painful swelling, the pains invite their kind to come around and stay with them as the body they are attacking is so kind and caring”. So the pain and the swelling are magnified and intensified. “But if you don’t mind them”, continued my mother, “They will feel neglected and will just leave you as they transfer to another caring body”. Seemingly corny and shallow but it worked because the power of the mind is so strong that what we think becomes a reality.
Our attitude about health matters much for health, according to the World Health Organization is not simply the absence of disease. Health is actually a state of well-being and optimal well-being is a concept of health that goes beyond the curing of illness to one of achieving wellness.
Our health doesn’t depend solely on the kind of health care we are receiving or the kind of pills we are taking and the kind of food we are eating. Our health is our responsibility. We are the only ones who can make the life style decisions that bring about our well being. We must individually take steps to keep ourselves healthy and to promote genuine wellness. Positive thinking helps much.
The choices we make daily for our lives is very important in attaining the wellness that we deserve. We can choose to do more of what is good for us and the world around us and less of what is harmful to us. We all possess incredible inner wisdom and as we gather information and experiences we can gain confidence in using energy to follow our path to wellness.. We can choose to learn more about our health and the variety of health care options available. Our strong mental energy is enough to defeat the power of ailment to put us down. The problem is, we easily succumb to the treat of ailments and so we easily resorts to all kinds of pills as we also continue believing that we are already defeated. Think Healthy at all time.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
LOVE IN NEED IS LOVE INDEED
To be sure we would make a mutual decision, my wife and I decided to scout for a Valentine date venue. We limited our search to the scenic Tagaytay area. As it turned out most of the Fine Eateries were already fully booked.
We were about to give up when we thought of the Country Suite recommended by our son-in-law. Our request for reservation was granted but not for dinner as it was also fully booked. We settled for a luncheon date hoping that it would also be thrillingly romantic.
when the man on the desk inquired how many we were reserving for I answered "only the two of us". He looked at us alternately then giggly whispered "How sweet naman". I proudly told him that our relationship was indeed "very sweet" though it only started as a whirlwind wedding following a 45 minute courtship.
Yes, many predicted that our relationship won't last six months but that public condemnation turned out to be the great challenge that made our love for each other stronger, sweeter and more relevant.
That was thirty nine years ago graced with five healthy children, five intelligent, kind, loving and dignified children-in-law and seven grandchildren all healthy, happy and promising.
Observing how successful and contented our family turned out, many people were asking what our secret was. I always answered there was no secret. We just applied the most important and most powerful but most forgotten energy that kept a relationship strong and intact.
I was talking about the strong power of need. Every person had his own unique need and the force of needs affected our opinion, attitude and viewpoint. Consider our natural needs such as air to breath, water to drink, ground to walk on.We don't even think of them until we are in a situation deprived of them. We have essential needs like food, warmth, security.
Some especial needs we also consider such as sexual fulfilment, procreation and sense of self esteem. Most of all we analyzed our daily changing needs such as activity, money, recreation, work and vocation.
This most neglected, but I say, the strongest power of need was actually the most powerful bind that kept the relationship strong.
My wife and I can now proudly tell everyone that our surprising compatibility was based mainly on the fact that we knew each other's needs, we were capable of filling them and most of all we were both willing to fill those needs.
We discovered that filling each other's needs was the mysterious power that kept our love blooming. If the need of the moment was a simple luncheon Valentine Date, we gave it.
We were about to give up when we thought of the Country Suite recommended by our son-in-law. Our request for reservation was granted but not for dinner as it was also fully booked. We settled for a luncheon date hoping that it would also be thrillingly romantic.
when the man on the desk inquired how many we were reserving for I answered "only the two of us". He looked at us alternately then giggly whispered "How sweet naman". I proudly told him that our relationship was indeed "very sweet" though it only started as a whirlwind wedding following a 45 minute courtship.
Yes, many predicted that our relationship won't last six months but that public condemnation turned out to be the great challenge that made our love for each other stronger, sweeter and more relevant.
That was thirty nine years ago graced with five healthy children, five intelligent, kind, loving and dignified children-in-law and seven grandchildren all healthy, happy and promising.
Observing how successful and contented our family turned out, many people were asking what our secret was. I always answered there was no secret. We just applied the most important and most powerful but most forgotten energy that kept a relationship strong and intact.
I was talking about the strong power of need. Every person had his own unique need and the force of needs affected our opinion, attitude and viewpoint. Consider our natural needs such as air to breath, water to drink, ground to walk on.We don't even think of them until we are in a situation deprived of them. We have essential needs like food, warmth, security.
Some especial needs we also consider such as sexual fulfilment, procreation and sense of self esteem. Most of all we analyzed our daily changing needs such as activity, money, recreation, work and vocation.
This most neglected, but I say, the strongest power of need was actually the most powerful bind that kept the relationship strong.
My wife and I can now proudly tell everyone that our surprising compatibility was based mainly on the fact that we knew each other's needs, we were capable of filling them and most of all we were both willing to fill those needs.
We discovered that filling each other's needs was the mysterious power that kept our love blooming. If the need of the moment was a simple luncheon Valentine Date, we gave it.
Friday, February 6, 2009
SMART DRIVERS???
SMART DRIVERS???
I was going to Tagaytay to withdraw some amount from my ATM account at BPI. I was comfortably sitting at the bus seat behind the driver. By my left side was an ordinary looking man. Everything was going on very smoothly until we reached Mendez Crossing.
The man by my side, I didn’t know by what authority, suddenly stood up cursing a bus then appearing from Mendez. I was a bit irritated and puzzled while the man immediately commanded the driver of our bus to go fast ahead of the bus from Mendez. The driver uncomplainingly followed the instructions of the man to the extent of not picking passengers along the way just to be ahead of the other bus. The man who gave instructions must be a driver too of the same bus company intending to go somewhere.
The bus from Mendez also tried to overtake and when we reached the intersection marked by a Gas Station, the two buses almost collided; the loud screeching of the breaks was heard by everyone. Both drivers felt challenged and so they tried their best driving skills to outmaneuver each other while putting all the passengers at the risk of meeting a vehicular accident.
I was lucky I had to alight at BPI bank at Tagaytay Rotunda but at that moment the bus from Mendez successfully overtook the bus that I left. Then both went on like angry bulls trying to kill each other in the midst of other street vehicles.Only God knew what would happen before the two buses reach their destinations.
The incident was not isolated. It was a daily occurrence. Getting out of the bus and transferring to another one wasn’t a solution for the other bus was also racing against other buses. There simply ought to be a law that could be implemented on this matter.
I was going to Tagaytay to withdraw some amount from my ATM account at BPI. I was comfortably sitting at the bus seat behind the driver. By my left side was an ordinary looking man. Everything was going on very smoothly until we reached Mendez Crossing.
The man by my side, I didn’t know by what authority, suddenly stood up cursing a bus then appearing from Mendez. I was a bit irritated and puzzled while the man immediately commanded the driver of our bus to go fast ahead of the bus from Mendez. The driver uncomplainingly followed the instructions of the man to the extent of not picking passengers along the way just to be ahead of the other bus. The man who gave instructions must be a driver too of the same bus company intending to go somewhere.
The bus from Mendez also tried to overtake and when we reached the intersection marked by a Gas Station, the two buses almost collided; the loud screeching of the breaks was heard by everyone. Both drivers felt challenged and so they tried their best driving skills to outmaneuver each other while putting all the passengers at the risk of meeting a vehicular accident.
I was lucky I had to alight at BPI bank at Tagaytay Rotunda but at that moment the bus from Mendez successfully overtook the bus that I left. Then both went on like angry bulls trying to kill each other in the midst of other street vehicles.Only God knew what would happen before the two buses reach their destinations.
The incident was not isolated. It was a daily occurrence. Getting out of the bus and transferring to another one wasn’t a solution for the other bus was also racing against other buses. There simply ought to be a law that could be implemented on this matter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
