Fly like a peacock

Moe and his breakthrough quotes.
Just the right time to get this -- Fly like a bird.
Meaning: Dream like a bird -- dream high. But know that the ground is still there. Stay grounded.

Tips from St. Ignatius

I enjoyed this article thoroughly specially how God speaks to us.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-james-martin-sj/the-feast-of-st-ignatius_b_665837.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008

Yet there was a difference. When he was thinking about the things of the world, he took much delight in them, and afterwards, when he was tired and put them aside, he found that he was dry and discontented. But when he thought of going to Jerusalem, barefoot and eating nothing but herbs and undergoing all the things that the saints endured, not only was he consoled when he had these thoughts, but even after putting them aside, he remained content and happy. 

He did not notice this, however; nor did he stop to ponder the difference until one day his eyes were opened a little, and he began to marvel at the difference, realizing from experience that some thoughts left him sad and other happy. Little by little he came to recognize the difference between the spirits that agitated him, one from the enemy and one from God.

Ignatius began to understand that these feelings and desires might be ways that God was communicating with him. This is not to say that Ignatius found God and women in opposition. Rather, he began to see that his desires of winning fame by impressing others drew him away from God. His desires to surrender to a more generous and selfless way of life drew him towards God. What religious writers call a "grace" was not simply that he had these insights, but that he understood them as coming from God.


As a result of his experience, Ignatius began to understand that God wants to communicate with us. Directly.
...

Today the Ignatian notion of the Creator dealing directly with human beings is less controversial. It's assumed by those on the "spiritual but not religious" journey. The far more controversial aspect is that God would speak to us through religion.

But Ignatius's insight is as liberating as it was in his time. And it is here that Ignatian spirituality can help even the doubtful find God.

Some agnostics or atheists await a rational argument or a philosophical proof to demonstrate the existence of God. Some will not believe until someone can show them how suffering can coexist with the belief in God. A few may even hope for an incontrovertible physical "sign" to convince them of God's presence.

But God often speaks in ways that are beyond our intellect or reason, beyond philosophical proofs. While many are brought to God through the mind, just as many are brought to God through the heart. Here God often speaks more gently, more quietly, as he did during Ignatius's convalescence. In these quiet moments God often speaks the loudest.

I am called to belong, not just believe

I could not think of a better time to read this topic than now. The past few weeks I have been working as a silo from my team, not caring to belong or wanting to be part of it anymore.
although the book is referring to belonging to a church, I can't help but relate to how I interact with people I work with. I'd like to think that I'm becoming a better person by avoiding these inis triggering people but in fact it's me running away and denying the problem.
it doesn't feel right that I'm serving in the parish and hearing mass and yet not be able to carry on a loving caring relationship with the people I see and work with everyday. what a faker, sars.
Lord, grant me the grace to forgive and understand... Maybe not even understanding but humility in acknowledging these mistakes and shortcomings to them so that I can love them as brothers and sisters of your family.

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It's not about me

Today marks day 1 in reading the purpose driven life. I've never actually finished it...based on my old bookmark I don't think I made it far.
In a few days I'll turn 29. I'll do my annual 28 things I did while I was 28, and I'm not even sure if I met my target. But after that, what's next? These lists have been too much about me. but don't get me wrong, it was fun, exciting, and a lot of learning experiences.
For this coming birthday and new year, I want to change my focus from me to Him.

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Moving forward

I feel that my life is at a standstill.
Maybe it's because it's the end of the year. Or maybe because friends are starting new chapters in their lives (married or babies) while others are away, have moved away or will soon be moving away. Things are changing for everyone while I am in almost the same place and state.

On one hand, I know I chose this. There was a time I was too hurried in growing up and wanting to do things on my own. But then I realized that I was not ready. It was superficial and mostly it was an escape plan. and when I embraced this reality I learned to appreciate the now. it was a time when I felt that I had not wanted to move forward, felt that I had not had enough of my youth and family time.

But what now?
2010 was a great year of self discovery and introspection.
2011 was a year of adventure and new experiences. I am thankful for the many trips that I had the chance to take. And perhaps it had been thru these trips which have made me see the smallness of my life. There is so much out there! Unfortunately, this has also come along with the feeling of restlessness.

I want to move forward, go places, do great things. But perhaps a good question to ask myself is 'where do I want to go?'

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“Reason, Season, Lifetime”

Sharing a beautiful 

“Reason, Season, Lifetime” by Aleksandra Lachut

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

Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime

quarterlife crisis... 25ish

I am reminded of this article now that chesca's going thru her quarterlife crisis haha

What To Know When You're 25(ish)

Here are the things really worth caring about in your 20s.

Editor's note: This week, we're taking a look at some of the "Best of RELEVANTMagazine.com" from 2010. This article is our most read ever. Period. End of story. It clearly hit many of you (and us) right where you're at—approaching, at, or just past your late 20s, trying to figure out what it's all meant and where you go from here. Most of you really resonated with Shauna's thoughts, though some of you had quibbles with some of her emphases. But read it over again, and chime in below. The year might be almost over, but the conversation can keep going.

When you’re 25-ish, you’re old enough to know what kind of music you love, regardless of what your last boyfriend or roommate always used to play. You know how to walk in heels, how to tie a necktie, how to give a good toast at a wedding and how to make something for dinner. You don’t have to think much about skin care, home ownership or your retirement plan. Your life can look a lot of different ways when you’re 25: single, dating, engaged, married. You are working in dream jobs, pay-the-bills jobs and downright horrible jobs. You are young enough to believe that anything is possible, and you are old enough to make that belief a reality.

Job

Now is the time to figure out what kind of work you love to do. What are you good at? What makes you feel alive? What do you dream about? You can go back to school now, switch directions entirely. You can work for almost nothing, or live in another country, or volunteer long hours for something that moves you. There will be a time when finances and schedules make this a little trickier, so do it now. Try it, apply for it, get up and do it.

When I was 25, I was in my third job in as many years—all in the same area at a church, but the responsibilities were different each time. I was frustrated at the end of the third year because I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do next. I didn’t feel like I’d found my place yet. I met with my boss, who was in his 50s. I told him how anxious I was about finding the one perfect job for me, and quick. He asked me how old I was, and when I told him I was 25, he told me that I couldn’t complain to him about finding the right job until I was 32. In his opinion, it takes about 10 years after college to find the right fit, and anyone who finds it earlier than that is just plain lucky. So use every bit of your 10 years: try things, take classes, start over.

Relationships

Now is also the time to get serious about relationships. And “serious” might mean walking away from the ones that don’t give you everything you need. Some of the most life-shaping decisions you make in this season will be about walking away from good-enough, in search of can’t-live-without. One of the only truly devastating mistakes you can make in this season is staying with the wrong person even though you know he or she is the wrong person. It’s not fair to that person, and it’s not fair to you.

Counseling

Twenty-five is also a great time to start counseling, if you haven’t already, and it might be a good round two of counseling if it’s been a while. You might have just enough space from your parents to start digging around your childhood a little bit. Unravel the knots that keep you from living a healthy whole life, and do it now, before any more time passes.

Church

Twenty-five is the perfect time to get involved in a church you love, no matter how different it is from the one you were a part of growing up. Be patient and prayerful, and decide that you’re going to be a person who grows, who seeks your own faith, who lives with intention. Set your alarm on Sunday mornings, no matter how late you were out on Saturday night. It will be dreadful at first, and then after a few weeks, you’ll find that you like it, that the pattern of it fills up something inside you.

Don't get stuck

This is the thing: when you start to hit 28 or 30, everything starts to divide, and you can see very clearly two kinds of people: on one side, people who have used their 20s to learn and grow, to find God and themselves and their deep dreams, people who know what works and what doesn’t, who have pushed through to become real live adults. And then there’s the other kind, who are hanging onto college, or high school even, with all their might. They’ve stayed in jobs they hate, because they’re too scared to get another one. They’ve stayed with men or women who are good but not great, because they don’t want to be lonely. They mean to find a church, they mean to develop honest, intimate friendships, they mean to stop drinking like life is one big frat party. But they don’t do those things, so they live in kind of an extended adolescence, no closer to adulthood than they were when they graduated college.

Don’t be like that. Don’t get stuck. Move, travel, take a class, take a risk. Walk away, try something new. There is a season for wildness and a season for settledness, and this is neither. This season is about becoming. Don’t lose yourself at happy hour, but don’t lose yourself on the corporate ladder either. Stop every once in a while and go out to coffee or climb in bed with your journal. Ask yourself some good questions like: “Am I proud of the life I’m living? What have I tried this month? What have I learned about God this year? What parts of my childhood faith am I leaving behind, and what parts am I choosing to keep with me for this leg of the journey? Do the people I’m spending time with give me life, or make me feel small? Is there any brokenness in my life that’s keeping me from moving forward?”

Now is your time. Become, believe, try. Walk closely with people you love, and with other people who believe that God is very good and life is a grand adventure. Don’t spend time with people who make you feel like less than you are. Don’t get stuck in the past, and don’t try to fast-forward yourself into a future you haven’t yet earned. Give today all the love and intensity and courage you can, and keep traveling honestly along life’s path.

Taken from Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist Copyright © 2010. Used by permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com

Land of milk and honey

Place holder to transfer

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when things fall apart

This was supposed to be the year... 2011. This was the year of our Euro trip! It still is...but at this point things are looking bleak. 
Start of the year pa lang we knew it was this year...what month? Perhaps Aug-Sept.
Feb and March, we started researching seriously on costs and requirements.
April we decide the month and find out you can apply 90 days prior to your trip.
May we decide what destinations to go to...Chesca's here. But still not contacting the Embassy.
June serious planning...we're 4 months away and we start making appointments.
NOW, I find out it takes like 2 months to get an appointment! PLUS 3 to 4 weeks for processing... making it impossible to get the visa early on to buy a decently priced ticket. :(


DANG. I don't know if something will open up sooner. 
Timing is the key...and now I don't know how we can make this push thru. :(

Liking is for cowards. Go for what hurts.

Here's an excerpt from AJ (someone from LD)...


"Anyway, as I was going through my morning readings earlier, I came across an Op-Ed written at the NY Times entitled "Liking is for Cowards. Go for what Hurts." written by Jonanthan Franzen. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/29/opinion/29franzen.html?_r=4&hp&pagewanted=all

I highly suggest that you guys check it out. It's an assessment of how love can truly be experienced in our fast-paced, technology-driven world. During the LD weekend, we are invited to be in-love...and to be truly in-love in an absolute and final way. What I discovered is that love exists in relationships rather than in preference, outside manifestations (i.e. Choncho's inner-outer world dualism) or the idea of being "liked" in the Facebook sense. And being in-love is risking...many times, the greatest risk of our lives. Being left with nothing is a very real possibility...and so we need to leap towards our heart's desires with the possibility of rejection and failure. We jump not because rewards await us, but because only in that leap that we can find our home. "Liking" therefore is for cowards, while Loving, which many times will hurt us, is truly for those who wish to live and to live fully.
"

Do one thing every day that scares you

Do one thing every day that scares you.

I read that post from Moe. It reminded me how I've been pulling back from things for most part of my life because of fear. How many opportunities did I pass up because I was afraid of failing? How many experiences-- or even just ideas in my head, did I dismiss because I was afraid I couldn't do it? How many excuses have I made to justify that what I'm doing is okay, and there is nothing more that I would want to do?

Let's look back on some things I've been afraid of. Some of these go way back in GS and some I've already grown out of, but still fear in general paralyzes me from doing some things til now...
:: talking in front of people -- afraid id say something wrong
:: writing sentences and being creative -- my ideas might not be aligned with others'
:: being a leader -- why me, i dont know what to do
:: singing -- i cant hear myself and know if i'm in tune
:: pursuing implem or development work when i graduated -- afraid i wouldnt get another opportunity with same salary
:: transferring to implem within HP -- at first i thought i didnt know enough..and now it's just fear of starting over, plus not sure how i'd fit in with the people
:: finding work in another country -- would i survive alone?
:: meeting/dating guys -- what if it doesnt work out, i might lose a friend? also, i dont know how to put myself out-out there vulnerable again.

:: buying clothes -- does it look good on me, is it worth it, will i fit in?
:: trying new things -- i might not be good at it
:: business -- what if i loose my money

Challenge accepted! This 2011, this is what I'll focus on. Not daily, but perhaps more often than before. The 20+ new things for each birthday is still on, but i think this scary thing should be a good twist on that list.

randomness

the past 2 days, 2 different people randomly asked me some advice on relationships.
Hmm, what made them think I know anything??

After talking to them, I remembered this link I ready that was so relevant to me during the peak of my 'quarter life crisis'.
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/whole-life/features/22864-what-to-know-when-youre-25ish

2011 Lenten reflection

i've let go the need to know why, for YOU know better than i
song: Better than I
from the movie Joseph: King of Dreams


I fell in love with that line from the song. I heard it from the online retreat created by the Jesuits.
I also loved the prayer here, intended to be prayed after you say all the things you ask from God...



But then, Lord,
I know in my heart of hearts
that more than myself,
You know what is best for me.
You want what is best for me.
And this moment, here and now,
I open my hands
and I open my heart
to receive that special gift
that You want to give to me today. 
Surprise me, Lord.
Amen.

Believing is an article of faith

Found this beautiful song... Article of Faith by Minus Ted


When you cannot find the twinkle of your lucky star
And the constellations won’t reveal your place
When your compass is wavering and you don’t know who you are
Believing is an article of faith

When you know that change is coming and it’s finally time
Desperation guides the chances that you take
When you've used up all your choices and you are shooting blind
Tomorrow is an article of faith

Get back to your cloud tops you angels of woe
I know you’d like to fly me to a darker place
If angels see everything you should already know
I’m just one breath ahead of you today

Like accidental children careening off of walls
Disappointment leaves the spirit in a heap
Everybody climbs the mountain and everybody falls
But you decide the sacraments you keep

So get back to your cloud tops you angels of woe
I know you would like to fly me to a darker place
If angels see everything you should already know
I’m just one breath ahead of you today.

When you cannot find the twinkle of your lucky star
And the constellations won’t reveal your place
When your compass is wavering and you don’t know who you are
Believing is an article of faith
Believing is an article of faith
Believing is an article of faith

plus can be downloaded here.

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Rough Patch

I've been having a difficult time at work for the past months. I know why but I don't know how to fix it. Remember my Germany trip last August? Let's just say I've been paying for that. I'm getting stressed with this new module which was the reason I was sent.

First, I'm having difficulty learning this new module. It's been 6 months since the trip, and I'm not confident to say that I truly understand this new module. I've got my faults because when I got back I was preoccupied with other roles and I was not able to put to practice what I learned. I really got practical experience only this January when I really started involving myself in the issues. Don't get me wrong, I've been learning. But I feel it's always a catch up. I feel that everyone else is learning more than me. Everyone else knows more than me.

I'm happy for them, I sure am! The problem is that, I'm supposed to be third level support for this module. They are supposed to escalate to me. But how can I support them when I know less? There's this expectation for me to be an expert in this field and right now I'm not. It's a good thing that Fabio is still here and we can escalate to him. But I don't know if I'm learning fast enough. I want to ask questions, but I'm afraid to look to stupid. L2, specially Benson, already has a lot of experience.

Sometimes when the whole situation sinks in, it just makes me sad. It makes me feel how I fall short of expectations. I want to cry. But i know it will not do me any good. But I just want a good cry because I know I'm not strong and I don't have what it takes. I'm failing.

I don't want to quit. I need help. I don't know how to ask for it. I don't want to keep on failing. I need help.

How Good People Turn Evil

Here's an article that was posted in facebook which I hope I don't lose. It's inspiring. It's challenging. It makes me look at myself and question if I have crossed over that line. I hope I remember to read this article whenever I'm faced at a situation that questions my values. Even more, I hope to be able to contribute to a tipping point for people to eradicate corruption in this country.


http://www.mariaressa.com/how-good-people-turn-evil-corruption-in-the-philippines/

“How Good People Turn Evil” – Corruption in the Philippines

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Maria Ressa

Last week’s expose by Lt. Col. George Rabusa ripped open a Pandora’s box of corruption that implicated three former military chiefs-of-staff. He is expected to reveal more including implicating former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

3 legs of a relationship

On this day, God wants you to know

... that every relationship rests on three legs: accepting, supporting and challenging. That's really it, isn't it? You want your relationships to be grounded on accepting each other as you are. On supporting each other through the inevitable ups and downs. On challenging each other to become more, to grow, to flourish.

I like this quote from Kay's status. It's so true about relationships - be it friendship, family or even romantic relationships. 

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Sing this to me please?

It was only last weekend that I noticed that there were more differences to Boyce Avenue's version of Teenage dream aside from the acoustic-ness of it... they changed the lyrics too! And it made it super sweet and romantic (not to mention wholesome). Awwwww. When I find the one in the future, can you please sing this to me? hehehe

Here's the video and lyrics (differences from Katy's in parenthesis)

I think you're pretty 

Without any makeup on 

I think you're funny 

When you tell the punchline wrong 

I knew you got me 

So you let your walls come down, down 

Before you met me 

I was alright, but things 

Were kinda heavy 

You brought me to life 

Now every February 

You'll be my Valentine, Valentine 

Let's just talk all through the night (Let's go all the way tonight)

There's no need to rush (No regrets, just love)

We can dance, until we die 

You and I, will be young forever 

[Chorus] 

You make me feel 

Like I'm livin' a Teenage dream 

The way you turn me on 

I can't sleep 

Let's run away and 

Don't ever look back, Don't ever look back 

My heart stops 

When you look at me 

Just one touch 

Now baby I believe 

This is real 

So take a chance and 

Don't ever look back, Don't ever look back 

When you're around me, (We drove to Cali)

Life's like a movie scene (And got drunk on the beach)

I wasn't happy, (Got a motel and)

Until you became my queen (Built a fort out of sheets)

I finally found you, 

My missing puzzle piece 

I'm complete 

I'mma get your heart racing 

If that's what you need, (In my skin-tight jeans)

In this teenage dream tonight (Be your teenage dream tonight)

Let you rest your head on me, (Let you put your hands on me)

If that's what you need, (In my skin-tight jeans)

In this teenage dream tonight, tonight, tonight 

Tonight 

Monday, January 03, 2011

25 THINGS TO DO IN THE PHILIPPINES …before fantasizing about exploring other countries

Got this link from Kay. Not bad, 9 of 25. :) 
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/super/super/view/20101204-306875/25-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-THE-PHILIPPINES-


1. Go white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro. DONE!
2. Visit Batanes. I want to plan this out this year
3. See Mt. Mayon up close. DONE!... went to Legaspi last year and saw it from the viewing deck. :)
4. Swim with the whale sharks in Donsol. I want to plan this out this year
5. Climb Mt. Pulag and be awed by its sea of clouds.
6. Dive, swim and explore Palawan’s underground river. DONE!
7. Hike and let the view of Mt. Pinatubo crater take your breath away.
8. Party in your bikini in Boracay. DONE! had some drinks but not in my bikini hahaha
9. Surf’s up! Choose your wave—La Union, Zambales or Real, Quezon. totally pushing thru this 2011!
10. Missed out on the pristine beauty of Boracay 15 years ago? Visit Malapascua, Cebu. hopefully can be planned out for the August Cebu trip
11. Dive and see the rich marine life of Anilao, Batangas.
12. Travel back in time—go to Vigan. DONE!
13. Let Bohol wow you with its many offerings—the Chocolate Hills, the tarsier, the Loboc River Cruise, old churches and the beach. DONE!
14. Go high! Drive to the Mountain Province of Sagada. Check out the caves, the hanging coffins and enjoy the laidback lifestyle.
15. Grab a Viaje del Sol map, visit Ugu Binyan’s pottery studio, eat at Kusina Salud and unwind at Casa San Pablo. Want to do this with family this year :)
16. Spend an entire week up north. Take a road trip from Manila to Vigan, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Aparri and Isabela!
17. Try wakeboarding in Camsur. DONE!
18. Check out Malate, Old Manila and all their secret spots.
19. There are many reasons to love Davao. Kublai’s artworks, its proximity to the beach, the tasty pastil and juicy suha. And did I mention that it’s a smoke-free city? DONE!
20. Spend a weekend roughing it in Anawangin and Capones in Zambales.
21. Check out our colorful fiestas and document them with your camera. Ati-atihan, Dinagyang, Masskara, Sinulog, Higantes, Panagbenga and more.
22. Pick your own strawberries at the Strawberry Fields in La Trinidad, Benguet.
23. Go to Pampanga for sisig.
24. If it’s too hot in Manila, grab a few friends and take a quick trip to Tagaytay. DONE!
25. Enjoy a food trip in Iloilo. You’ll never go hungry in this city.

Monday, December 27, 2010

2011... love?

Looking back at the past years i realized that each year has a general theme to it.

2009 - Eat
2010 - Pray
2011 - Love? Sana! :P

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