To Everyone Who Needs to Hear This

 

Realization

 

Inspiration despite the Disappointment

This is my second post for 2012. A lot of things have been going on and I'm sorry if I've not been updating my blog as often as I would've wanted. I know no one reads this so for this year, I'm going to make this my online diary once again, the keeper of my secrets, successes and disappointments.

Something happened tonight during rehearsals. It made me see real commitment - at least, commitment in my eyes, and the eyes of my friends who's working so hard to make our show not just a reality, but to make it something worth watching. 

Tonight, I also saw complacency disguised as confidence. Confidence that's borderline arrogance, honestly speaking.

Yes, the concerned people supposedly went to rehearsals to "ask my permission" if they can be excused from rehearsals so they can support our friends who were joining a contest. Nothing wrong with the support thingie, my issue is that since they knew beforehand that they're going to the contest, they should have informed us beforehand so that we can just cancel rehearsals altogether. And with the permission thingie, do you think they would have stayed if I said no? They didn't need my permission. That was just a "sign of respect" but asking permission is the wrong term - they were actually just informing me.

I take my hat off to the members who stayed behind even if they had every reason to go to the contest, and I would like to really mention their names because they've inspired me to go on with this despite the disappointment. Therese, Alfie, Valerie, April, Emilyn, Iris.. these people have showed their passion, sincerity, commitment and respect, and young as they are, will surely go a long way in life.

As for me, I again sacrificed my time with my family and braved through the heavy rains to go to rehearsals on-time, I sacrificed my time for work (yes, very late again), and I sacrificed my very rare time with Shin Shin who's in Cebu for a show with her fellow Kapuso artists. She comes to Cebu once in a blue moon, and I had to miss her because I was committed to our rehearsals - rehearsals that never really happened.

I promised myself that I'm going to be harsher this 2012, and what happened last night is another reason, but somehow, someway, the Super 6 who remained has given me the inspiration despite the disappointment.

As I start my 31st year..

What can one say to a dream come true?

What can one say to have sung for you?

All these years have been a blessing to me,

all of you included, not to mention my family.

And to the people whose faith took me to higher places,

too many names, but I will always remember the faces.

You are all in my heart, in my soul you belong

Wherever God puts me, you're in every song.

Chasing time is what I'm all about

"Time, don't chase me" is my prayer, my shout.

I thank you all for the 30 awesome years

Songs, smiles, laughters and tears.

I will make a promise for you all today

I will sing for you forever, can't stop me, no way.

I'm chasing time! Catch me if you can..

Will I make it or not? It's all up to the MAN! 

Are you a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime?

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

~ Unknown

Spark of Inspiration

I'm sorry if I haven't been blogging for the longest time. I didn't even blog about our play which is quite unusual because the play was a huge, huge success, and I wanted so much to talk about it. It's just that I became uninspired to write or blog again. The mind and the body was willing, the spirit was just not there - or it's there, but not what is used to be.

Yes, I'm back blogging again, at least for this entry, because I got a sort of spark of inspiration last night from an unexpected person, in the most unexpected event. I never expected anything from attending a debut last night. It was one of the very rare times when I was just a "normal guest" - no singing, no hosting, no behind-the-scenes job. For the first time in a long time, I was just one of the guests and I loved it.

What I didn't expect was that during the debutante's speech, I was one of the people she thanked, and even stopped in the middle of her speech to ask if I'm around and said "Hi" when people told her I was. I was really touched. She was just "one of the kids" when we formed CTC 7 years ago, and through the years, we never really kept in touch that much. Yes, that small thing of looking for me and including me in her speech made my day, it made my week. 

Thank you, Lace, for the spark of inspiration to write again, to blog again - at least for this entry. I hope to continue this, a sort of rebirth for my fortress.

The Paradox of Our Time

by Dr. Bob Moorehead

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, yet more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We’ve done larger things, but not better things.

We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; big men and small character; steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce; fancier houses but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit “delete”.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember to say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent.

Remember to say “I love you” to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Day 13 - A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days (write a letter)

Martin Nievera. He's my greatest musical influence, and I've been listening to his songs all the time - including those worst times that I've been in. Knowing that he himself is a survivor of a lot of storms in his life is an inspiration to me.

Up, Up and Away

I cried when I watched the movie UP by Disney, so when I saw this small feature about a small group of people who sort of made UP a reality, I cried once again. Seeing that real small yellow house fly gave me goosebumps.

Footprints in the Sand

One of the best poems ever, the original authorship of which is still being disputed until now with a dozen or so people claiming to have penned it.

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonging to Him and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of His life flashed before Him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of His life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of His life.

This really bothered Him and He questioned the LORD about it. LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.

The LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.

Best AI

With another season of American Idol coming to a close this week, I look back at my most fave American Idol with his song that brings me to tears every time I sing or even just listen to it. For me, David Cook will always be The American Idol.

The Climb

Day 14 of the 30 Day Challenge - A song that no one would expect you to love

No one expected me to love The Climb by Miley Cyrus. I know a lot of people don't like it, and most of them don't like it because they don't like Miley. I know, a very shallow and rather stupid reason. As for me, I so love the song, and though I don't really worship Miley Cyrus, I think she's one lucky and talented girl.

The Climb was nominated at the Grammys and has achieved worldwide success and became a top ten hit on charts in Australia, Canada, Norway, and the United States. In the United States, the song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the eighth best selling digital single of 2009. Five months after its release, the single was certified double platinum. In the short time since it was released in March 2009, a lot of artists have already covered the song, and for sure, a lot more will be doing the same thing in the future. At least Miley will have the recognition as the original singer of the inspirational power ballad.

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

We Miss You, JP II

Today is the 5th death anniversary of Pope John Paul II. I remember crying so hard on that very sad day. I've always looked at him as a living Saint, and by returning to his Creator, he takes a step to real sainthood. He was not perfect, but he lived his life to the fullest and did the best he could as Head of the Catholic Church.

I miss you, JP II.

May you continue to bless us from Up There.

Tell the World of His Love

Day 7 of the 30 Day Song Challenge - A song that reminds you of a certain event

The World Youth Day in Manila 15 years ago is an event I will always remember as long as I live. Not only was it the first time for an Asian country to host the event, it was also Pope John Paul II's second and last visit to the Philippines.

I remember the Pope arriving at the airport and then riding his Pope Mobile, going around Manila waving and blessing everyone. Everyone who saw the Pope that day cried. You can really feel the presence of the Lord in him. I'm crying now as I remember him telling everyone how much he loves the Philippines and promises to return. I cried so hard watching him go up the stairs to the plane. He would have kept his promise 8 years after but he was prevented by his failing health.

The closing mass at the Luneta Park was attended by more than 5 million people, the largest Papal gathering in Roman Catholic history.

Before the event, there was song writing competition for the event's theme song, and though all the finalists were beautiful, the winner truly deserved it. Tell the World of His Love composed by the amazing Trina Belamide and sung by Jeff Arcilla and Raquel Mangaliag is one of the most touching songs I've heard in my life.

We miss you, JP II (+)

Father, I Have Sinned

Day 6 of the 30 Day Song Challenge - A song that reminds you of somewhere

I rarely hear the song The Prodigal Son in church nowadays, but whenever I hear it, wherever I am, I am brought back to my high school years inside the chapel of Don Bosco Technology Center. From Grade 5 until I graduated from high school, we had Mass everyday in school and almost every time, there's this part where the Priest and the people would sing this very beautiful song. The celebrating Priest would sing the chorus while the people would sing the stanzas. I've always known the song as The Prodigal Son, but in YouTube it's entitled Father I have Sinned.

Whatever the real title of the song is, it's one of the most beautiful songs I know, and one of the most meaningful. I just rediscovered this song just in time for the coming Holy Week.

I forgive you, I love you

You are mine, take my hand

Go in peace, sin no more

Beloved One.. ♥

Her Time to Shine

Day 23 of the 30 Day Challenge - A YouTube Video


It was in 2001 when I last saw a very talented lady and a dear friend. Back then she just gave birth to cute baby girl. I didn't expect that the next time I'll see her will be on TV 9 years after..



I'm so proud of Ate Josephine. She worked hard all her life to give her daughter a good life. Hoping and praying this would be the start of her reaping the fruits of her labor. :)

Hero of the Year

Congratulations
Efren Peñaflorida,
2009 CNN Hero of the Year!

Thank you for bringing honor
to our country.

Mabuhay ka, Kuya Ef!

Real-life Super Dad

I never get tired of watching, listening and reading stories about Dick and Rick Hoyt, and every single time, it never fails to make me cry. It's the true story of unconditional love from a father to his son.

For me, Rick Hoyt is the Best Dad in the universe, a real-life Super Dad.

It ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit,

and keep moving forward..

- Rocky Balboa

Hachiko

I heard of Hachiko's story many years ago, but it was only recently that I tried to research about it. What I found out made me cry in the middle of the night. Hachiko's story is so touching that a Japanese movie about it in 1987 became a blockbuster, and Hollywood just released their own version starring Richard Gere.

Here's Hachi's story from Wiki:

In 1924, Hachikō was brought to Tokyo by his owner, Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo. During his owner's life Hachikō saw him off from the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return on the usual train one evening. The professor had suffered a stroke at the university that day. He died and never returned to the train station where his friend was waiting.

Hachikō was given away after his master's death, but he routinely escaped, showing up again and again at his old home. Eventually, Hachikō apparently realized that Professor Ueno no longer lived at the house. So he went to look for his master at the train station where he had accompanied him so many times before. Each day, Hachikō waited for Professor Ueno to return. And each day he did not see his friend among the commuters at the station.

The permanent fixture at the train station that was Hachikō attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachikō and Professor Ueno together each day. They brought Hachikō treats and food to nourish him during his wait.

This continued for 10 years, with Hachikō appearing only in the evening time, precisely when the train was due at the station.

That same year, another of Ueno's faithful students (who had become something of an expert on the Akita breed) saw the dog at the station and followed him to the Kobayashi home where he learned the history of Hachikō's life. Shortly after this meeting, the former student published a documented census of Akitas in Japan. His research found only 30 purebred Akitas remaining, including Hachikō from Shibuya Station.

Professor Ueno's former student returned frequently to visit the dog and over the years published several articles about Hachikō's remarkable loyalty. In 1932 one of these articles, published in Tokyo's largest newspaper, threw the dog into the national spotlight. Hachikō became a national sensation. His faithfulness to his master's memory impressed the people of Japan as a spirit of family loyalty all should strive to achieve. Teachers and parents used Hachikō's vigil as an example for children to follow. A well-known Japanese artist rendered a sculpture of the dog, and throughout the country a new awareness of the Akita breed grew.

Eventually, Hachikō's legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty.

Hachikō died on March 8, 1935. He was found on a street in Shibuya. His stuffed and mounted remains are kept at the National Science Museum of Japan in Ueno, Tokyo.

In April 1934, a bronze statue in his likeness was erected at Shibuya Station, and Hachikō himself was present at its unveiling. The statue was recycled for the war effort during World War II. In 1948 The Society for Recreating the Hachikō Statue commissioned Takeshi Ando, son of the original artist who had since died, to make a second statue. The new statue, which was erected in August 1948, still stands and is an extremely popular meeting spot. The station entrance near this statue is named "Hachikō-guchi", meaning "The Hachikō Exit", and is one of Shibuya Station's five exits.

Muelmar Magallanes

I am reposting this from AP, a news article that touched me deeply...

Muelmar Magallanes braved rampaging floods to save more than 30 people, but ended up sacrificing his life in a last trip to rescue a baby girl who was being swept away on a styrofoam box.

Family members and people who Magallenes saved hailed the 18-year-old construction worker on Monday a hero, as his body lay in a coffin at a makeshift evacuation centre near their destroyed Manila riverside village. “I am going to be forever grateful to Muelmar. He gave his life for my baby. I will never forget his sacrifice,” said Menchie Penalosa, the mother of the six-month-old girl whom he carried to safety before being swept away himself. Magallanes was at home on Saturday with his family when tropical storm Ketsana unleashed the heaviest rains in more than 40 years on the Philippine capital and surrounding areas.

At first the family, long used to heavy rains, paid little attention to the storm. But Magallanes and his father quickly decided to evacuate the family once they realised the river 800 metres (2,600 feet) away had burst its banks. With the help of an older brother, Magallanes tied a string around his waist and attached it one-by-one to his three younger siblings, whom he took to higher ground. Then he came back for his parents. But Magallanes, a strong swimmer, decided to go back for neighbours trapped on rooftops. He ended up making many trips, and eventually saved more than 30 people from drowning, witnesses and survivors said.

Tired and shivering, Magallanes was back on higher ground with his family when he heard Penalosa screaming as she and her baby were being swept away on the polystyrene box they were using in an attempt to cross the swift currents. He dived back in after the mother and daughter, who were already a few metres away and bobbing precariously among the debris floating on the brown water.

“I didn’t know that the current was so strong. In an instant, I was under water. We were going to die,” said Penalosa, her eyes welling with tears and voice choking with emotion. “Then this man came from nowhere and grabbed us. He took us to where the other neighbours were, and then he was gone,” Penalosa said. Penalosa and other witnesses said an exhausted Magallanes was simply washed away amid the torrent of water.

Neighbours found his body on Sunday, along with 28 others who perished amid Manila’s epic flooding. The official death toll stands at 86 but that excludes those recovered in Magallanes’ village, called Bagong Silangan.

Standing next to his coffin, Magallanes’ parents paid tribute to their son. “He always had a good heart,” said his father, Samuel. “We had already been saved. But he decided to go back one last time for the girl.” His mother, Maria Luz, wept as she described her son as incredibly brave. “He saved so many people, but ended up not being able to save himself.”