My New Year’s Forecast

2011 is Year of the Rabbit. I could be honest I am a fan of Chinese Astrology but that doesn’t mean I follow the predictions for that certain year. I don’t know why I am following it, it adds excitement to my imagination as to what’s gonna happen for the year to come. I still have to read yet about what’s in store for me in the year of the rabbit as I am born in the year of the Tiger – I guess that’s my first post in 2011!

To be candidly honest to all of you, I can’t wait to bid goodbye to 2010. I am antsy! Can’t wait to shake it off! You might be asking why? Oh well, I am not saying that 2010 hasn’t been good to me. In fact there were many good memories, “first times” (LOL) that had happened to me and lessons I have realized that I would say 2010 has been the most challenging and tumultuous year I have ever had. I could say it from both the professional and personal level, financial and romance. The most exciting was the romance of course (LOL) and the most heart-breaking was being financially BROKE!

My Biggest lessons in 2010:
1. Self Assurance. I have learned to depend from NO ONE but myself.
2. Savings and financial management is imperative for the rainy season.
3. Nurturing Relationships. True friends shine at your darkest moment to comfort you.
4. Friendship can sometimes be bruised by irresponsible actions but am sure it’s forgivable as long as the other party is apologetic.
5. PRIDE can have both a positive or negative influence on the decisions we make. If used in a positive way, it can make us stronger, move forward gracefully and rise up above from all our adversaries.
6. Health is wealth. Watch carefully what you put in your mouth because anything in excess in BAD.
7. Decision-making. Always calculate when you move.
8. Embracing Reality. Acceptance of the things that comes in your life even if they don’t seem to fit into the puzzle.
9. Make do of what is available.
10. Appreciate your imperfections and the imperfections of your family and friends.

There you go, my lessons that I am gonna bring to 2011. I am now ready to face fearlessly the New Year. In fact I am ready to break the “Law of Jante”. What is it? Well, I am an avid follower of Paolo Coelho (PC) and the Law of Jante was reflected in his book “Like the Flowing River”. According to PC, this law is very popular in Scandinavian Countries and in the words of PC “you are worthless; no one is interested in what you think, therefore you had better opt for mediocrity and anonymity. Do this and you will never face any major problems in life”. This law puts into context the feelings of jealousy and envy.

The Anti Jante Law then is that “You are worth much more than you think. Your work and your presence on this earth are important, even though you may not believe it. Of course such ideas could land you in a lot of trouble for breaking the law of Jante but don’t be intimidated. Continue to live without fear and you will triumph in the end”.

So with the coming New Year and banking on the challenges that came my way and the lessons I have realized – I am ready to break the Law of Jante, AJA! Have a joyful New Year everyone!

PS. Thanks Gaga for lending me your precious book.

9 Mornings of “Simbang Gabi”

December 16, 2010, I was so excited to welcome the first morning of Simbang Gabi, a 9-day ritual celebrated early morning culminating to a Misa de Gallo. A Spanish phrase, they say, coined to mean a midnight mass or more literally translated as “Rooster’s Mass” because it was believed that the rooster would have been the first to witness the birth of Jesus Christ and thus be the one to announce it (Wikipedia). The “Simbang Gabi signals the preparation for the birthday of our savior Jesus Christ. Beliefs exist that once you complete the 9 mornings culminating in a Misa de Gallo means a wish come true. My absence of three (3) years from celebrating this significant event at home perhaps is the very reason why I was so excited to attend the Simbang Gabi. I did actually promise to complete the 9 mornings because I have a personal wish. What is it? I’ll keep it for myself (LOL).
Things indeed have changed overtime just like the feast of the Immaculate Conception. As I turned my gaze to the parishioners, I have not seen any familiar faces. Everyone seemed to be foreign to my sight. The local place I used to grow up with has been densely populated with people whom I think also fell in love with the place now coined as the “little Tokyo” of the pre-war era. Barangay Mintal owes this title to the Japanese occupation during the “pre-war” era.

Over and above this belief, I still have strong convictions that it’s your faith and sincerity to the Lord Almighty that makes your wish granted whether you complete the 9 mornings or not.

So I am wishing everyone, a festive but peaceful and meaningful Christmas and a very prosperous New Year filled with new hopes and bright potentials.

All the best!

Reflections on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8, 2010)

Philippines is home to a numerous religious feast being that it is the largest Christian Nation in Asia. As a Filipino and a Roman Catholic, I grew up celebrating the feast of the Immaculate Conception every December 8 in my hometown. It is a celebration of significance to many devout Catholics as a way of thanking and respecting our parish patron saint. This is a celebration I always eagerly look forward to every year when I was younger. In my innocent mind, this means new clothes, tidy and clean house and plenty of food to die for. But as time goes by, things changes, people get older I mean I am getting older and my excitement fades away. In addition, the global recession is hitting us hard so we became more practical (that means less food preparation) as life becomes more difficult.
I was overseas since 2002 and since then I have not witness nor celebrated this important local event. My excitement somehow built up overtime. I am home so I was keen at celebrating the feast at least to give thanks to the good lord for the blessings and even the challenges. However, my uncle died and so I have to deal with grieving. We laid him to rest on the 7th of December. We did not prepare food for the feast for one I was low with funds.

I was moving around to keenly observe the festive mood of everyone on the street. I was pretty excited. Drunkards kept the streets alive. Loud music and people singing in karaoke’s even way out of tune lifted my spirit. Young people dressed in their own "out of this world" fashion flooded the street. I was trying to assess my feelings and sadly, I can not find that feeling I had when I was younger. People I saw and met were new. The local neighborhoods I used to mingle with were not there anymore. I can not find familiar faces. Indeed, in the last 10 years, the place I call home has changed in terms of its economic development. The population has grown tremendously over the past years.

In retrospect, everything has changed. I am a changed. The feast is no longer the celebration I was looking for. I was maybe looking for some old good ways, yet simple, fun but meaningful. In my heart I know it’s a time for thanksgiving on the Virgin Mother Mary – Mother of Jesus Christ and If I am given the chance next time to celebrate the feast with a bang then I will do it.

Autumn in Beijing

Truly a work of love - A floral arrangement and display during autumn in Tian'an men square (fronting Forbidden City), Beijing, China. An excellent show of talent, skills and creativity. Kudos!

Forbidden City

The Magnificent structure at Forbidden City in Beijing called "The Place of Heavenly Purity" - Amazing sight that dates back to thousand years and is filled with historical significance.

The Hotel inside the Sun City

The Amazing Palace Hotel in Sun City South Africa

The Legislative Union Building

The Legislative Union Building in Pretoria, South Africa

Symbol of Africa

The beautiful and magnificent Baobab Tree which symbolizes Africa.

The Great Wall

A Man is not a true man if he/she has not climb the Great Wall

- Mao Ze Dong

The Good Samaritan

October 30, I had an uneasy feeling and thought that a symptom of a gouty attack is on its way. I can still manage the pain I had on my right foot and even had fun with my family on a Halloween party on 31st October. By November 1, it was just inconceivable to walk as the pain got worst when my right foot was swelling. I was really planning to visit the cemetery and pay respect and offer prayers to souls of my relatives and close friends. It was the first time in three (3) years that I would be able to do that being that I am always overseas during ‘all souls Day’. Then I realized that there are really things no matter how hard you plan them, they just do not happen the way you want them to happen.

I have no choice but to stay home and get enough rest. By fifth (5th) of November I was tired and bored lying alone in bed so I tried to get out limping and hopping my way out bringing with me my monobloc chair. Ahhh, it’s just so cool to catch some fresh air. By then it sunk in to me, it is and will always be difficult to be disable but on a positive note it teaches me a good lesson that no matter how hard and difficult the situation is, you can do something to overcome a certain situation whether that is physical, psychological or emotional in nature.

This yet another “gouty” episode being the third (with the first two attacks in China) again shows me that there are really good people in this universe and that by nature man is kind and caring. While I was watching the sun sets, a neighbor I don’t know whom I observed to regularly pass by my house everyday noticed me hopping in and asked me. What’s wrong with you? With all humility I retorted – my arthritis is giving me hard time. And the short conversation started. He said “Pau de Arcu” leaves are potent in keeping away arthritis. It’s very effective. I tried them with my nephew. I’ll go now and bring you some fresh leaves. He came back and brought a handful of Pau de Arcu leaves and gave me instructions how to use it. He strongly suggested I stopped taking the western medicines as they won’t bring good effect on a long term use. Curious, my other neighbor came in and shared some thoughts and how she managed her arthritis by becoming a vegetarian and this time the fish vendor came into the scene and instead of selling her fish she gave as well her caring thoughts as to how to manage the pain.

That evening, I realized how people can be truly caring – even if strangers (shame, we didn’t even exchanged names). The natural goodness of human beings always comes out in the most unexpected time. The Good Samaritan will always be there.

Xie xie ni Paolo Coelho

Thank you very much! Muito Obrigado! Xie Xie ni! Maraming Salamat! Daghang Salamat! - No words not even a language can describe how grateful I am for having the opportunity to read the greatest works of Paolo Coelho. They just come at the time when I am my lowest ebb. He is one of my fave authours. Your words linger with positivity and hope. This time I was reading your “Like the flowing River” – wow, so refreshing and indeed enriching – Just in time when I need it the most.

And I quote “we are all walking towards death, but we never know when death will touch us and it is our duty, therefore, to look around us, to be grateful for each minute. But we should also be grateful to death because it makes us think about the important decision we take, or fail to take; it makes us stop doing anything that keeps us stuck in the category of the ‘living dead’ and, instead, urges us to risk everything, to bet everything on those things we always dreamed of doing, because, whether we like it or not, the angel of death is waiting for us".

I have in many opportunity shared my thoughts on death with my closest friends while some thought it to be morbid others were agreeable. Yes, I am not afraid of death for I know it can come anytime but also, I have made an agreement with our Lord God if, it can be possible - I'd like to have a silent death - one that doesn't make so much noise and news. One that I can consider a graceful exit from this world (LOL). I should make a blood compact with the Lord hahahaha.

Although I have always dreamt of a rich life, a life of abundance and luxury but just in case my time comes before my dreams are realized at least I am ready with my funeral. In fact I have gotten an account with Forest Lake (memorial lot) and St. Peters for the services. At least my family will have an easier time dealing with death and grief for at this point in time it is expensive to die.

But hey let's get on moving towards the realization of our dreams, after all Life is so good. It's good to be alive. Life is worth fighting for.

Happy 1st Birthday Safina

Today is a special day because it marks the first birthday of my cutest angel Safina. Safina, I may not have expensive or material gift but I have my priceless love for you.

May you grow with substance and values that embodies a life of true christian.

Happy birthday.

Love you,

Tito Joel

Rewind – sometime back in July 2009

I wrote this article way back in July 2009 and for no apparent reason it was completely forgotten in the huge files in my computer and now it found it’s way out of the box – that’s destiny! I know Jovie – you are fed up with destiny but yes if you can make or at least control one show it to me now! LOL.

They say misery loves company. I say boredom loves company. I was not miserable then but I was bored with nothing going on in my placement - nada. When you are bored, you feel everything is boring, lousy. As a chain reaction, I felt my blog profile is quite boring as well and I have not blogged for quite sometime. I haven’t written anything: read: without you the poetry in me is dead” – whew! And true indeed my mind is not moving, not working, completely shut down. So for the sake of fun I sent email to a cross section of my friends – located in different parts of the world. Wow, I received amazing replies. You see it’s not only me who is bored – a lot of my friends were bored as well. Imagine they replied to this non-sense brainstorming (LOL).

I know you are all familiar with the theory of Johari’s window. Yes, there are really things we don’t know or we are not aware of or sometimes aware but just can’t accept it because it’s too negative and you feel it’s a crime to act that way. But in doing this crazy non-sense thing I thought, it’s amazing to have a glimpse of what your friends thought of you. Others may not reflect the real you but it could be as well that you are inclined to be on that side in the future.

So to all of you who participated in this quickie stuff – thank you so much for being so honest and for those who were afraid to mention the negative side of myself – c’mon if you are my friend – just tell me straight – no hurt feelings! Promise!

My friend D (a close friend of mine) who refused to be named here first said I am a “user” (can this be true?) hahahahaha but retracted it when I said I am gonna mention the name for credits so she put it this way. Joel is kind and sociable (LOL). Aydel who is based in Zambia sees me as “adventurous and bold” – I just do not know in which aspect but I know deep down there in me is wanting to be adventurous and bold hahahaha – nice shot Aydel! A lot of replies were on the positive side – c’mon guys don’t be afraid to voice out anything negative! Two (2) of my friends named Eves thought Joel is always positive, optimistic and brilliant. Great you have tea from me (LOL). I love this one. Pazee thought he is bubbly and intelligent (what? read: IQ below sea level (LOL) but moody. By forced Jovie – a self-proclaimed gifted child (sorry she claimed it by our group affiliation LOL) thought Joel is bubbly jolly. N, a friend who is based in Canada refused to share my negative traits as she said it could be hurting as definitely she’ll be hurt to hear negative traits. Hmmm the law of Karma is working. Well she said Joel is a trusted friend and a friend forever and that is supported by Bayen. Angie is a friend way back my NGO time in the Philippines and our friendship is one that is pure and complicated. By purity I mean we say straight what one doesn’t really want to hear (LOL). This friendship is totally different in myriad ways. I say it’s harsh and sweet. She said Joel is Mosaic and Knotty. Whatever that means (LOL). But Lorey a close cousin said I am simple yet complicated. That is actually what Angie means with knotty. Jess – a fellow volunteer and a friend I met in China described me as brutally frank and bluntly honest – all for the goodness of everyone. Lastly, Barbs whom I consider a good friend and a mentor thought I am sweet but can be as loud as 1.3 billion Chinese (LOL) – nice one! What do you think?

The Message!

Hello everyone. I know, I know I promised to get back after my post last week but apologies I wasn’t able to keep up to that promise. I thought it was bad idea to share with you some negative news but also on the other hand it might be sensible to share the lessons and message we learn from the things we experience. I was again hit the third time by “gouty arthritis”. Yes, at this young age I am already keeping with several bouts of this chronic disease. But I am a survivor, definitely! I was still alive and kicking during the Halloween party at home with my siblings, nieces and nephews but indeed you will never know what’s in store for everyone of us tomorrow. A fact of life I now embrace!

At one point I felt helpless and useless as I was limping in pain. I realized it’s no joke to be disabled by certain disease. It was just difficult moving around hopping in with one foot. My right leg was swollen it was impossible to make use of it.

Learning and in keeping with the things I realized from the 2 episodes when I was in China, I kept myself fit by having regular (in fact, religious) belly dancing and watching my diet but still the 3rd episode was inevitable. I reckon all my efforts were futile but on a deeper contemplation, I managed to entangle the mesh and decipher some meanings and important message it is trying to cut across – I can’t just ignore this. I was then anxious and as Paolo Coelho puts it “gradually, the anxiety gives way to contemplation and, and I start to listen to my soul”.

On deeper thought, I realized that at this very moment my life is like a big sheet of canvass. Nothing in it! I suddenly asked myself: What have you done to your life? It might seem an easy question but trust me I can not answer it.

At the moment I am jobless. In fact, 6 months already of being jobless in the Philippines. I am sick and it just dawned on me I have no medical, accident or life insurance to ensure that I can be taken cared of in times like this. I used to have a life insurance, in fact I was just waiting for its maturity but I have to surrender my plan as my insurer was on the brink of bankruptcy. My Pag-Ibig and SSS account are also inactive because I haven’t given my contribution for several years now and all my financial loans were being offset from my premiums. I am not financially liquid as my back account starting to drain.

I strongly believed that “everything that had to happen happened” – there are no accidents, each has reason and purpose. With all of these scenarios happening right now with my life – I felt I need to weigh everything, consider my prospects in life, understand the situation and decide what’s best for me.

Thank you Lord for giving me pain because it is only then that I become closer to you, to myself and to my soul.

“If you are not going to change direction, you are probably heading to where you are going” – Confucius

Born Survivor

After my last blog the other week, I thought it's not a good idea to start with a news that I am sick right now.. But what can we do? There are things we want to avoid but keep on recurring. For example the first time I was hit with gouty arthritis was when I was in China and so I promised myself to watch carefully my diet. Now at home (Philippines) I was so engrossed with dieting and even a regular (hey religious) belly dancing just to keep me fit but it's all futile as I was hit again with another episode making me disable, immobile (mobile to some extent) but so difficult to walk when your left leg is numb, swollen and in pain.

At the end of the day, I still thank God for giving all these pains because these makes me stronger and realizing that He somehow wanted to send a message I yet to decipher.

I still look at life positively, from a totally different perspective now.

Hello Everyone!

Wow, It's been such a long time! I completely forgot about my blog - apologies to you my dear readers and of course to my Blog!

There are many changes in my blog right now. If you notice, I changed the lay-out which is themed to be "travel" plus the color combinations - I just love it. This captured my emotions, thoughts and hopes and fears right at this point of my life and career.

I promise you all, I will be catching this blog with new articles - all about random thoughts, anything under the heat of the sun. So expect more exciting articles in the days to come.

So long everyone. All the best.