Just Be

"If you have the ability to imagine it, or even think about it, this Universe has the ability and the resources to deliver it fully unto you" 

-- Esther and Jerry Hicks (from the book Ask and It Is Given)

I've seen the movie Inception a couple of times and it still amazes me how much the plot was made intricately. I needed that "couple of times" rewatching and I was able to conclude that the entire movie was based on one basic premise.. "EVERYTHING STARTS OFF AS AN IDEA...". 

I could vividly remember the day we decided to do another birthday project this 2012. My good friend Kathleen Madula sent me a text message early September 2012 asking me "Coe, sabay ka ba ng birthday project?" Then that one little question started it all. We've subsequently spent weeks of brainstorming, choosing an instituion, soliciting, campaigning for sponsors and looking for willing people who would sign our petitions. Whew! And finally, on the 20th of October 2012, we again held together our 2nd Birthday Project (The 1st one was held on the 29th of October 2011 at Grace To Be Born Shelter, Pasig City.. see my blog entry about our Grace to Be Born Birthday Project 2011 and Kathleen's entry A Day in Grace to Be Born Shelter).

One day before the event, we spent the entire day preparing and we are very blessed with so many people who are willing to support us like Michael Andrew Abalos, Michelle Abalos, Apple Abalos Sister Carmen of the Salesian Sisters, Bryle Ian Bolong and Ryan Sta Teresa. I'm also grateful for the delicious meals care of the Abalos Siblings! ^_^

Then October 20, 2012 finally arrived! We reached Don Bosco Manila past lunchtime and was surprised to learn that the venue was moved from the Hall to the School Canteen. Which was actually way better since we have more privacy, there were drinking fountains plus it was well lit and ventilated. 

The Venue: Don Bosco Manila Canteen

We subsequently rushed in preparing the venue for the activity. We unloaded our cars of all the loot bags and paraphernalias that we are going to use. Some of the benches were moved to the corner for us to have a big floor space (we expected the children would run around ^_^). We also helped Ton of Fun to setup their Pop Corn and Cotton Candy carts (Yes, we have them due to our generous sponsors! ^_^). It was a nice surprise that we have a Shooting Game that comes free with these carts. <3

The venue prepping required a little more time than we expected! ^_^

After the long preparation, we opted to bless and start the entire activity with a prayer which was led by Ian. At around 3:30 pm, we opened our doors to our little angels. We started letting the VERY MUCH excited children into the campus and immediately escorted them into the school canteen. Kathleen kept on saying "SANDALI!" just to control the very antsy horde of kids. ^_^ Amazingly, we were able to group them into 4 teams wherein each team was handled by 2-3 volunteers which they called Mama Goose or Papa Goose. After the final headcount, we concluded that we have 42 streetchildren attendees. We expected to have 50 kids but we couldn't wait for more due to time constraint.

Opening our doors and welcoming the streetkids

The next quarter of an hour was spent on giving name tags on the children and building rapport with them. It was nice to know that their assigned Papa/Mama Goose were very much equipped in handling their charges despite the commotion.

Rapport Building with the kids

The 4 Teams with their Papa/Mama Goose

After the kids had settled down, to formally start the day's program, Kathleen and I introduced ourselves. We were surprised when the kids shouted "Happy Birthday Ate Coe and Ate Kath" in chorus! This definitely had set the cheerful and energy-filled mood during the entire day! ^_^ Afterwhich, we had them fall in line per teams and asked them to introduce themselves in front of the entire group. These "bibo" kids didn't shy away from the microphone and courageously announced their names, their age and their grade school level.

Introductions ^_^

Of course, what would the food carts be for if the kids don't get enjoy them?? After introducing themselves, we allow each child to run to the carts and choose whether they like pop corn or cotton candy. They also get to play shooting games as much as they like! <3

Everybody enjoyed the food carts from TON of FUN

Once everybody got their fill of pop corn and pink cotton candy, the kids got their chance of making their own party hats. After demonstrating how to make one,  each child was given strips of pink cartolina paper and a box of 24-piece crayon (again care of our beloved sponsors ^_^). They were asked to be as imaginative and as creative as they can be. Oh boy, were they competitive! During the activity, there were lots of giggling and laughter as each kid tried to outdo each other. Some kids didn't need assistance while the smaller children required more guidance. And of course, in such a "school-like" setting, some even tried copying one another! ^_^

Party Hat-Making activity of the kids ^_^

To further encourage the kids to make the best party they could make, we added a little "incentive" that whoever makes the best hat would get a special prize. Out of 42 kids, we picked out the best 3 party hat and asked the rest of the children to vote for their favorite. I guess popularity and fame do get you to places since Brenalyn, one of the older kids and known to be a good singer unquestionably won the competition. She singlehandedly ousted sisters Jhoannanel and Yuananel because of sheer popularity among the group. We got to hear her golden voice when she sang "Hulog ng Langit" in a capella and all I can say was "wow!" The kid got talent! I will definitely pray that she gets the opportunity to hone that innate talent.

Top 3 in the Party Hat Making and Brenalyn (middle) singing "Hulog ng Langit"

After the hat-making, the next activity was designed to have the kids pump up their energy because Kuya Ian will have them following his orders. The next activity was called "Arrange Yourselves" and the kids competed with their teams. We prepared 5 categories (Name in Alphabetical order, Height, Shoe Size, Birthday and Number of Siblings) but the teams were so competitive that we had multiple ties! We added another category (Grade Level) wherein Team 4 won!

"Arrange Yourselves" game and the Team 4 as winners in the middle

While the game was about to conclude, we welcomed the chefs and team of CCA Manila as they arrived in the venue. For a brief introduction, CCA Manila is actually the first Philippine Culinary Institution and was in operation since June 1997. The institution aims to visualize one's culinary dreams  and to provide excellent culinary education along with inculcating social & leadership values among CCA Communities. Aside from culinary and baking techniques (which we got to try pleasantly ^_^), the program also develops entrepreneural and management skills vital in the operation of an institutional kitchen.

And that was just the tip of the iceberg since CCA Manila, owing to their advocacy of stewardship and prudence, agreed to sponsor the food for 75people in celebration of our Birthday Project 2012! All they asked was 500 people to petition with us and sign up for our cause. Amazingly, with combined efforts we reached more than our target and CCA Manila was more than willing to share their talents and gifts with us! <3 <3 <3

CCA Manila Team: Ms. Lovely, Chef Jel, Chef Regina, Chef Marge, Chef Jenny and Chef Camille

While CCA Manila  was preparing the food and mini loot bags, we decided to kill time with our back-up game "Bring Me" (the favorite game in any Filipino Children's Party ^_^). We asked random items from the kids and their Papa/Mama Goose were more than willing to help them out. With our "average" height, it was hard to distinguish Kathleen and Me in the pictures when the kids literally "mobbed" us in desperate effort to win the prizes we have prepared for them! Ahahaha! :-D

Bring Me activity where the kids "mobbed" us

Once everything was prepared and we got tired of dodging running children (ahehe :-D), we asked everyone to settle down. Thanksgiving prayers were led by Sister Carmen of the Salesian Sisters. But before the kids lined up for food, they sang a Birthday Song for us (slow and fast version!) led by Brenalyn. ^_^ Then, the kids lined up one by one in the food queue and got to enjoy their packed meals (Spaghetti, Chicken Fingers with Gravy and a Choco Revel slice for dessert.. they also got a mini loot bag filled with chocolates, lollipops and more sweets!). The kids enjoyed their food and they were quiet for a while. ^_^ Interestingly enough, some kids didn't eat their food... when asked about it, they said they were saving it so they could bring it home to their family. Kids can really teach you so many things in their little ways of showing compassion and love!! <3

The kids enjoying the food prepared by CCA Manila

While enjoying the food, a very kindhearted and inspiring person dropped by and graced us with her presence. KCat Yarza arrived and blessed us with more goodies and loot bags to be given to the kids.

Thank you so much KCat for being a wonderful blessing! <3

After eating, we spent sometime bonding more with kids and playing with them. They also got another go with the Pop Corn and Cotton Candy carts adding to the sugar rush. Hence, there were more screaming, running and exhibitions that happened! ^_^ Just imagine, 42 sugar-rushed kids paired with 15 of us... we were definitely outnumbered! Lovely chaos!!! :D

Fooling around with the kids ^_^

Pumped with sugary treats and with their energetic nature, it was very very VERY hard to calm all 42 kids and have them settle down to prepare for the next game. Sure enough, it took us almost 30 minutes just calling out to them and asking them to quiet down. ^_^ Plus it was very hard to explain to a bunch of kids the mechanics of the next game Human Bingo.. especially to the small ones. Still we are blessed since the older children assisted their younger counterparts and everyone helped each other out. Soon, the game was on a roll. Everyone was running, calling out to each other and asking one another about certain details about themselves. The first 10 who correctly completed the papers won and were given prizes which are lunch boxes sponsored by Nuffnang Team ^_^.

Everyone playing Human Bingo and Us having a difficult time
reviewing the entries ^_^ Ahaha Karma!

The next and last game was "Form the Longest Line" in which we lacked decent pictures. We do have a movie clip showing pure chaos with children screaming and jumping all around. The clip was rather hard to watch, I can only assume that Ian was bumped more than a couple of times by jumping and running kids. Ahaha! :-D At this game, Team 1 won and they were more than pleased to have receive their hard-won prizes.

After the wonderful day with kids, it was sad that everything must come to an end. Before we ended the entire program, we extended our gratitude to the kids and those who volunteered and sponsored us. The kids, with their loving nature and endless source of energy, again rendered their version of the "Birthday Song" to Kathleen and I. ^_^ Their "Happy Birthday Ate Coe and Ate Kath" and "Thank You Ate Coe and Ate Kath" made all the effort and time spent very much worth it.

And of course, as all children's party, we happily sent the kids home with their loot bags. We are proud to say that each loot bag was filled with love. We had numerous sponsors and contributors which overwhelmed both of us. Just to enumerate, each loot bag was filled with:

• Canned goods from Apple Abalos and Baby Ozato
• Noodles from Michelle Abalos
• Pansit Canton from Rheena Sison-Panser
• 1 kilo of Rice from Celia Abalos
• Pastel Buns from Dr. Viel Vincent Jose 
• Toothpaste from NuffNang Team
• Ballpens from Bryle Ian Bolong
• Small bag from Ralph Alcantara
• Candies and Sweets from KCat Yarza and Valeri Ann Chua

We also added from the sponsored fund:

• Biscuits and Cream Sandwiches 
• 1 Toothbrush
• 1 Bar of Soap
• 1 box of 24-piece crayon

The loot bags ^_^

I've learned from our previous birthday project, giving kindness and love is such a wonderful thing do because most of the time, when you're lucky enough, it is mirrored back to you. I would have settled for the smiles and joy in those children's eyes. They did more than that. All of the kids extended their greetings of gratitude, some of them wrote heart-warming messages and a few hugged us tightly. Yes, it was most definitely worth it. 

The Birthday Project concludes in a loving and joyful spirit ^_^

As in the beginning, I would again like to quote Esther and Jerry Hicks as they said "If you have the ability to imagine it, or even think about it, this Universe has the ability and the resources to deliver it fully unto you". 

Indeed, the entire project was a success not for our own sole efforts. We initiated the idea and then we are blessed with so many giving people who graced us with their efforts, God-given gifts, time and resources so we could witness the realization of what we can only imagine by ourselves alone. We are very grateful of all our sponsors, of all those who donated and all of those who volunteered. We are also thankful for the Don Bosco Manila Community and the Salesian Sisters especially Sister Carmen and Sister Ailyn Cayanan for wholeheartedly opening your doors to us. We cannot thank you all enough!

Also, we would like to give thanks to everyone who signed and petitioned with us!!! Thank you Ma'am Maricor Macabenta, Garry Marvin Tolosa, Mary Grace Nunag, Bryle Ian Bolong and Apoll Bolong for helping us surpass our petition target! ^_^ We only targeted 500 names, and there were 800+ who supported our cause! Thank you everyone!!! ^_^

We are very grateful of you guys for volunteering and gracing us with your presence during the activity! Thank you very much Mitch, Apple, Ryan, Marian, Michelle, Jhoie, Joey, Jhoanna, Isha, Aileen, Kathleen Anne, Ma'am Recsi and Elyse for just being there! Also, we cannot emphasize enough our gratitude to Nico Orillano for being a talented photographer and our official graphic artist! The banners and cards were awesome!!! <3 <3 <3

Thank you for these two people for the inspiration
and for being the best runners, cameraman and "personal driver/assistants"  <3

CCA MANILA sponsored the meal for the entire activity
Dr. Viel Vincent Jose donated 10 dozens of Pastel Buns
NuffNang Team donated 15 Lunchboxes and a bagful of Toothpaste
and there were numerous contributors for the Loot Bags as mentioned above <3 <3 <3

Due to unavailability, some of our sponsors were unavailable to volunteer and be present during the entire program but they extended their support by giving Cash Donations. I would like to thank the following for your generosity!!! (I would refrain from mentioning 3 generous persons because they wish to remain anonymous ^_^)

• Daven Arcega
• Marian Encinas
• Jim Duldulao
• Catherine Lynn Tolosa
• Patria Tolosa-Lee
• Vic Calag
• Xtian Fernando
• Ralph Sacdalan
• Fr. Filemon Dela Cruz
• Radimir Relator
• Gian Carlo Trinidad
• Marissa Volante
• Judith Clemente
• Ginn Tolosa
• Anna Katrina Dayo
• Kilven John Tolosa
• Aileen Magparangalan
• Franco Telado
• Josefina Prado
• Jhoanna Anag
• Bin Edres
• Cha Roque
• Orlando Claveria
• Chris Valencia
• Joyce Estanislao
• Elyse Go

In terms of Cash Donations, we are able to solicit a total of P26800!!! Again, I cannot stress our gratitude enough! ^_^ As to the expenses of the whole activity, we were only able to spend P11,700. It was a combined decision that we will donate the extra cash we have solicited to charitable institutions. We donated P12, 100 to UNICEF (6050 under Kathleen's name and 6050 under yours truly) and P3000 to World Vision (P1500 under Kathleen's Name and P1500 under yours truly).

The success of an endeavor magnifies its greatness by how many lives you've affected and how many people you've touched. Thank you very much for the support and love... Kathleen and I are deeply loved and blessed.


Early this year, while on a relief mission in CDO during the flood calamity, I asked a friend of mine, "How can you make a difference? How can you be a blessing?"... He answered me, "Just love".

And I knew he was right.... you just give. Just love. Just be. <3






****You may also click the link to check Kathleen's Blog entry on our Birthday Project 2012 Preparations

Birthday Project 2012

"Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to give something back by becoming more."  

-Anthony Robbins-

Sure enough, its the "BER" months again... and I'm soon adding another year into my personal calendar :-) . Same time last year, I was blessed to have the opportunity to share my blessings to less fortunate people. Me and my friend Kathleen held our very first joint Birthday Project for the benefit of Grace To Be Born Foundation (please click link for my previous blog and you may read Kathleen's Grace to Be Born Blog entry as well.. it's more informative ahaha). That year, it was made possible together with our family and friends whose generosity showered both of us with love and overwhelming support.

As we our about to turn "ehem" this year, we wish to hold another Birthday Project for the year 2012. Our beneficiary would be the street children of Don Bosco School (DBS) where Kathleen finished her primary and secondary education, hence this year, our birthday project is more personal and close to our hearts. <3

The foundation is run by FMA Sisters and they hold their weekly oratory every Sunday. After the early morning (7am) mass, the street children are welcomed inside the campus and weekly cathechism is held and occasionally, feeding programs are done. Both Kathleen and me are at the early stages of planning and coordinating the entire activity together with DBS. We plan to hold this humble activity on October 20th which is roughly halfway between our birthdates since Kathleen is turning "ehem" this upcoming September ^_^.

Basically, we plan to celebrate a modified birthday party with the kids. The entire activity would be sort of a fusion of a "mini recollection" that we usually do during our UST Center for Campus Ministry days pumped up with a "mini birthday party" with the kids. A few more brainstorming and planning regarding the details and specifics are needed so we can hold the activity as planned.

As of the moment, we implore and request our reader's generosity to support our Birthday Project 2012. We accept donations and support in any forms like cash, personal support and even items for loot bags... Please see DONATION and SUPPORT for details on how you can support our project. 

And to everyone, we are very grateful for the love and support. <3 <3 <3

*** Please be advised that updates regarding the activity and project will be uploaded through this blog entry. ^_^ ***

Check out Kathleen's Birthday Project 2012 for further information.

To know more about the Salesian Sisters and FMA, check this link: FMA Philippines 

To know more about Don Bosco School, check this link: Don Bosco School Manila

Empty Spaces

 I wrote this last February 15, 2012... one day after Valentine's day. I actually dont intend to publish this because I wrote it for personal reading but I find this funny and I have the need to actually share. Hail to singles out there! ;-)

***

This day has been all about gratitude. I didn't plan anything special today. I did multiple personal errands, "attempted" to study at a coffee shop and chatted with a friend about a business venture. It took me almost the whole day to get through most of my tasks. My last errand entails a 1-hour drive to MOA to pick a bank draft. So at around 4pm in the afternoon, afraid to  miss out on open office hours, I speedily drove through the highway to catch up on lost time...only to find out I was in the wrong office and that I forgot the draft receipt! Haha! I didn't really care that it was all waste of time, effort and gas. All I can think of is, "what am I gonna do now?!" It's roughly an hour-drive back home and it's rush hour already so I decided to pick some groceries for my furry pet and got some dog food.. but then I was done in 15 minutes! I also tried to buy some books from National Bookstore but "Boy Meets Girl" and "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" were both out of stock. At that moment, I surrendered. Nothing worked out at that point anyway.

I then decided, Im going out on a date... with myself. It's post-Valentine's day and I can see a lot of couples and here I am alone--by myself! Who the hell cares, I said. So I decided I'm going to watch a movie and went out to buy a movie ticket and the line is aaawfully long. I got sandwiched between couples holding hands and kissing on all directions. Some with flowers and fancy gift bags in tow. I can't stop smiling. I like it actually because I stand out like a sore thumb! Ahaha!

Inside the movie theater, there were more hugging, holding hands, kissing and smiles all over the place. Which made me wonder, how come a fiction movie about a young orphan boy could inspire so much romance.. and there I was, with two empty seats on both sides.  But I survived. Obviously. :-)

Further on through the night, since Im on a "date", I also went out and dined with myself at one of my comfort fastfood chain and sat at the farthest corner where I can observe everyone and everything. Sitting there myself have given me the best conversation with myself.. (disclaimer: the conversation happened only through my head though :-b). Pondering over the day's events, I cant help smiling. I was actually contented and I felt happier than I ever. Being alone, I was at ease and there were no pressure. Yes, the occasion made the fact that Im single more prominent but i wasnt lonely. I was happy. And looking at the empty seat before me.. I know I dont want it any other way. I was glad it was empty because it made me realize that I was actually fine by myself. I didn't realize when it happened, but I knew it then. I want that empty space.

I began thinking of other "empty spaces" in my life. And  I actually smiled because I was glad that I have those empty spaces because it means that it can be filled! That empty space gives me hope that it can be filled by something better and that I have another chance to make better choices.

Thank you for empty spaces. :-)

Switching Seeds

Same time last year, I remember ending the year angry and disappointed. What a way to welcome 2011. I can't stop laughing now... No wonder this year gave me so much headaches! Haha!

As the saying goes, "you reap what you sow". I sowed seeds of anger and it bit me back really hard with a big snarl! I sowed seeds of disappointment and I got what I asked for magnified ten times! It doesn't take a genius to figure things out. I made poor choices. I keep on picking the wrong seeds. I guess that's why life gave me a hard time... You know, just to knock the sense out of me. It's like God telling me, "My child, you could do a lot better than that." Well, heck yeah!

All of this nostalgic drama was induced when I was looking at my Belle De Jour Diary Book and my Date Book. I looked at the blank spaces... My heart is overwhelmed over the thought that I will fill them with wonderful and happy memories this time. I'm very excited to meet new people, learn new things and visit new places. I'm moving from the backseat and grabbing the wheel of my life. No one should be responsible for my happiness or sadness but me. And obviously, the choice is easy to make. Of course, I choose happiness! I know i could never do it without my "champions"---my God, my family, friends (aka therapists haha), coaches and my dog.

Cobe never failed to brighten up my day. ^_^

Mommy is my greatest champion 

Every hero, in my case heroine, needs a posse. I have an amazing posse and I'm bringing them with me as I move on to truly living life, wether they like it or not. :-b

I now know what I want and need to succeed in life. I've got a new attitude and I now face problems head-on. I'm sick of negativities and dramatic issues. Im planting a new set of seeds this time. I will face all of them with my bright smile, optimism and loving attitude! <3

I survived 2011 with much grace and love... So 2012, I can't wait for you! Bring it on!

Of Giving

I am about to add in another year into my rollercoaster ride called life in days time. Being brought up in a family with modest financial resources, I was blessed with annual birthday dinners, sometimes parties, and treated to wonderful gifts. Year after year, I look forward to my birthday for numerous selfish reasons. It was MY day after all, why not receive all the love I can get, right? But then, that was the old me. This year has been a year of overwhelming personal growth and milestones. Finally, my God knocked the sense out of me. It was painful that I got torn into this little pieces of uncertainty and questions. Who am I again? Then, gradually, I found myself through other people. My friends, my family, colleagues and more through my enemies. Through these people, I've learned again how to become me and how to make better choices in life. I felt so loved by the people I previously took for granted. The scars of my pain and failures only magnified my appreciation of how much I am loved and how I overlooked so many things. I felt ashamed. I've been generously given and still receiving yet I am not giving at all. A deep desire to return and share my gifts was stirred. I decided that I want to celebrate my birthday differently this year. This year, I wanted to give.

My eager intention to share my blessings was further inspired by a friend of mine, Kathleen Madula, who also planned to hold a simple charity benefit for her birthday this year. She allowed me to join her benefit. She already accomplished solicitations for sponsorships, scheduling and logistics. On the other hand, I hosted our impromptu program, held a mini-lecturette/forum with Zenaida Gomez and prepared the prizes/goodies which were sponsored by Zenaida Gomez and Daven Arcega. Our simple benefit was held last October 29, 2011 at Grace To Be Born Shelter, Pasig City.

Me holding one of our gifts

On that day, I felt different. Yeah, I've been to this kind of activity before. I've went through lots of outreach programs and medical missions more than I could count but this was different. It was because we were there to celebrate our special day with people we don't know and give them a part of us. It was a day of  revelation for me. I came to give and impart a part of me but I received more. I felt their happiness and gratitude when they received our gifts, when they ate the food we prepared and when we were just chatting with each other. As we come to know their stories and took a glimpse of their life, I've realized these are strong women. Amidst adversities, they stand by their belief to keep their unborn child.  They smiled and laughed as if nothing is bothering them. They are happy and contented because they chose to be. They are true heroes of their own households. Strong women running against all odds. I realized that any one of them could be my hero.

Many people are seemed too keen to take "whatever they deserve" because it's their right. Yes, it can bring you happiness and contentment... but now I've learned that you get to receive more when you give. Generosity mirrors everything back to you in ways not understood by a selfish heart. I came there hands full of gifts for others and left with my heart outpouring and filled with love. This year is indeed the best year of my rollercoaster life. I am indeed blessed.

If you  want to know the details of our benefit, you may visit my friend Kathleen's Blog (link below):

http://kathmadula.com/2011/11/a-day-in-grace-to-be-born-shelter/

Bucket List

"Never tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon." Unknown

I lie wide awake in my bed doing nothing again after doing nothing the whole day. I have a medical exam to prepare for and my IELTS exam is also upcoming real soon. I have done so many things for the past few months alone but I have been awfully lazy lately. I suddenly realized, I am stuck. I then jerked myself out of my bed and got hold of the tattered notebook I had while I was attending a life coaching program before. I was then embarrassed of myself when i saw my list of life goals then. I have actually accomplished most of my goals achievable at this point in time. A knowing feeling punched me right into my guts. I actually aimed much lower than I should have. I was capable of so many things but I was not willing to admit to myself that I was. I am rather disappointed of myself.

" Your attitude, not your aptitude, determines your altitude." Zig Ziglar

So I reckoned, I will make a new list. I initially wanted to call it my "WISH or DREAM LIST" but i don't want them to stay just wishes or dreams. Then I remembered the word "Bucket List", straight from the movie of the same name. Then I wondered, why such a list of activities to do before you die is named as such. After research (yes I did research), i learned that it was adapted from the old phrase "kicking the bucket" which means "dying or passing away". Although I have reservations with the words "death or passing away", i think it would be nice to accomplish things before I ultimately lose all opportunity.

I included all that I've ever listed in my previous "wish list" since I was a child and added the ones from my latest list since the program. I've updated them and checked out the ones I've accomplished so far. I also deleted some goals that I'm not too proud of (hehehe). I will continuously update this as I come to encounter more outrageous goals to make my life more exciting (^_^). I hope to accomplish everything and I'm gonna do it!

☑ Become a licensed medical doctor

☐ Enter a residency program in a good medical institution

☐ Pass all accreditation exams in that certain residency program

☐ Be affiliated in a respectable medical institution and have a good medical practice WITH GOOD PAY ^_^

☑ Learn how to drive (stickshift)

☑ Learn how to sing and perform on stage

☑ Do ziplining

☑ Do a recording of me singing
☑ Have my own Blog (duh!)

☑ Learn how to bake

☑ Have 1000+ friends in Facebook (found out this was too easy eventually ^_^)

☑ Be involved in charity

☐ Have a full makeover

☑ Be involved in a fun run

☐ Climb Mount Apo (gulp) and have my picture taken there

☑ Learn how to drink alcohol judiciously

☐ Have a portrait of me done and displayed

☐ Learn how to paint properly and have one of my art displayed on my home and sell some

☐ Learn how to dance and perform

☐ Learn how to do yoga and acquire it as a lifestyle

☐ Learn how to cook, preferably enroll in a culinary school

☐ Learn and do scuba diving

☐ Learn and do para sailing

☐ Learn and do skim boarding

☐ Learn and do surfing

☐ Do bunjee jumping

☐ Ride a helicopter

☐ Skydiving!

☐ Ride and drive a race car

☐ Have a photoshoot in a professional studio with my close friends

☐ Learn photography and have my own portfolio
☐ Travel around the Philippines (Top 10)
                 ☑ Camiguin                                ☐ Coron, Palawan
                 ☑ Puerto Princesa, Palawan      ☑ Boracay
                 ☑ Ilocos                                      ☐ Cebu

                 ☑ Baguio                                    ☐ Siargao

                 ☑ Bohol                                      ☐ Davao

☐ Travel around the world (Top 10)
                 ☐ France                                     ☐ Brazil

                 ☐ Rome                                      ☐ Australia

                 ☐ Japan                                      ☐ Germany

                 ☐ Italy                                        ☐ Greece

                 ☑Singapore                                ☐ England

☐ See all the 7 New Wonders of the World

                 ☐ Chichen Itza - Yucatan, Mexico

                 ☐ Christ the Redeemer - Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

                 ☐ Colosseum - Rome, Italy

                 ☐ Great Wall of China - People's Republic of China

                 ☐ Machu Picchu - Cuzco Region, Peru

                 ☐ Petra - Ma'an Governorate, Jordan

                 ☐ Taj Mahal - Agra, India

☐ See the Great Pyramid Complex at Giza, Egypt

☐ Go to Disneyland

☑ Go to Universal Studios

☐ Be a delegate at a World Youth Day Pilgrimage

☐ See the Pope

☑ Own a car (hopefully, the last one would be a luxury car)

☐ Own a big house

☐ Own a business, preferably pastry shop, book shop or a coffee shop

☐ Migrate to Canada (gulp)

☐ Acquire Canadian Citizenship (bigger gulp)

☐ Acquire a Canadian Passport (biggest gulp)

☐ Fall in love with the right person, my soulmate

☐ Get married at the Transfiguration Chapel, Caleruega, Batangas

☐ Have children someday

☐ Breed dogs and earn from it

☐ Write a novel or a book and have it published

☐ Be a professor of Psychology or, even better, any subject in the field of medicine

☐ Be involved in research

☐ Become a forum or a conference speaker

☑ Insure myself

☑ Make someone feel special and loved and keep that person in my heart forever

☐ Change the life of a person unrelated to me forever

"By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be." Mark Victore Hansen

Rest assured that I have also written this down in paper for future reference. ^_^

My Crossroad

I stand alone at the edge of a crossroad. The first path was undoubtedly shorter, straighter and brightly lit but the destination was of great uncertainty. In contrast, the other path appears indeterminable, ruthlessly crooked and poorly lit but there is a promise of great surprise and blessing. It is the inevitable crossroad of my life. I had passed this crossroad before and knew it--I had chosen poorly.

We are but creatures in a continuing cycle of learning and turning points. Struggles are encountered. Mistakes are made. Learning is ensured with a fleeting promise of never repeating the error. Only a handful are lucky to possess the elusive answers to all consuming questions that lead others to their ruin. A greater number of us are smart enough to learn from the mistakes of others. Yet, surprisingly, the answer was simple. That in all afflictions in the road of life to divine happiness, the answer is the one we dread the most--that is to expect pain and hardship along the way. Growth then occurs when we choose to surrender. The struggle begins when we choose the brightly lit road to short-lived happiness. Most of those who have "learned" forgets. The emerging culture is sadly embodying a tendency to avoid pain and hardship.

Being a child of the recent generation, I have forgotten and was jolted by a distant memory. A familiar inkling that I have faced this before. I'm yet again at the edge of this familiar crossroad. The urge to whine and blame was overwhelming. I knew the answer but I disappointingly chose to hesitate and pretend. Every moment of dallying and delay is one step toward stagnation and my ultimate ruin.

Looking at the horizon of my past and what lies ahead, I know in my heart that I will choose differently now. The right choice was glaring in front of me and I choose to surrender. I choose to be happy and have a life of blessing, maybe not now but definitely for a bright future years ahead. I purposefully took my first step onto that dreadful crooked road. I surrender, push on and leap forward. True happiness is awaiting my arrival.