American Reunion- Saving the Best for Last

I watched American Reunion yesterday. I looked forward to watch this movie in silver screen since I only watched the other American Pie movies in DVDs or downloaded copies from friends (maiba lang). I consider American Pie as one of the movies of my generation (ehem oo na proud to be a member of  Millennium Batch). I was still in high school when the first pie was released. I got to know about the movie in newspaper ads but never rented a copy of VHS tape in Video City (minor pa kasi ako noon kaya hindi pa pwede lolz). I only got the chance to watch the movie when I was already in college (dorm days).

There are many things I like about the American Reunion. I like that all the members of original cast are present in the reunion movie. Unlike in the American Wedding where some of the characters were missing, the  movie is indeed reunion talaga (kudos to the casting of the film). Another positive thing about the movie is on how the story teller creatively linked some of the unforgettable scenes from first pie film. Who can forget the epic pie in the kitchen and Jim’s premature “climax” incident caught in video? In my own opinion the movie achieved its goal to reach the level of humor we all been waiting  to see similar to that from the first pie film but not overdoing it. In fact I even like the reunion movie more than the sequel of Hangover.

Aside from the humor and unfortunate events Jim and his friends involved in, the movie offers a strong message regarding high school reunion. In Philippine setting, we have different kinds of reunions – family, schools and group or organization we came from or been part of. But admit it guys, one of the much anticipated or dreaded reunion is the high school reunion. Some look forward to it with excitement while others as much as possible they will intentionally be absent. I guess it depends on how favorable or unfavorable our high school days went. To be honest I have lackluster high school days, way different from my college days. But I am still excited to attend our high school reunion if there will be one.

I once attended a high school reunion yung grand reunion ng isang batch.  It was actually a reunion of former students of my parents (invited pati anak ng teacher, what a privilege lolz). I forgot the year of that batch basta mga batang 80’s sila. Aside from enjoying the food and unlimited soda, napansin ko (wow keen observant na nun pa) and came to conclusion that reunion is like a phase in life when we go back to the old days and reminisce the good and bad moments. It is also the time where we see once again the people we used to see and deal with every day during high school years. Big groups have small circles. Reunion serves as reconnection of friends and building anew the once formidable circles.

While looking at the former students of my parents, I realized that reunion marked the day when all of the people bring out their stories. May kanya-kanyang baong kwento mga repapips. Reunion gave them the opportunity to showcase and brag about their work and how they become hotshots in their chosen career. There were also stories on what’s life outside Pinas coming from overseas workers or people who migrated in other countries. Some guys  exaggerated things up about their life – good and bad. There were other set of stories about their experiences of  getting married and going the family way, and joining the bandwagon of first time parents. Some brought with them their kids.

Reunion is indeed a mixture of different people and of different stories from those who left the hometown and searched for their life in other places and those who decided to stay and build a simple life.

If there is one thing I highly commended in the American Pie Reunion, I guess that would be having no scene of someone making self pity after years of graduating from high school. Although the movie shows different status (both in career and financial aspect) of the main casts, still accomplishments and money matters never been highly emphasized. In real life situation, high school reunion will give an opportunity for all of us to be seeded and brushed shoulders with our dear friends, former classmates and almost forgotten batch mates in high school. We will bring our own stories of greatness and achievements. We show the transformation happened to us how we increase the size of our waistlines and back accounts. Some might share their misfortunes and disappointments at certain level at their present situation especially on how different the course of their life has been for the past years. Then some might form certain level of insecurities once they see good things happened to their colleague. It’s like they are making a hole of emptiness in their life.

Bottom line is, one of the sad facts about reunion is that it never becomes fun for other people where in fact it is actually a celebration. And worst part of all, reunion becomes the day you size up and measure one another financially. It is when you label and identify who became richer and who remain the same or poorer.

But wait, we are the product of what we think and what we do. The way we think and how we do things are main factors on how we make decisions. Our status in life is also the product of our decisions. We become corporate slaves because we decided to apply and be part of the corporate world. We become OFW and citizens of other countries because we chose to leave Pinas and search for greener pasture. We become businessmen because we decided to become our own boss and establish our business venture. We become young parents because we settled and created a family during our 20′s. Our decisions come from what we think of and what we put in action. The status in life we showcase during reunion therefore is the product of our decision.

Of course we have our own share of regrets and disappointment but who cares of all those trashes during reunion- no one. Reunion is a celebration and regrets and disappointments are excess baggage not included in the list to celebrate. Reunion is not also a day of measurement of our worth. There are no scorecards for our performance during the years of working and living our life to be appraised. Although it is a celebration of our achievements, it means a celebration of ALL achievements – monetary or not. I believe we all have achievements in life either so glamorous or humble enough not to notice. On a personal note, I rather treasure my achievements that do not equate to extra cash or additional income. I am even proud of achievements that do not come in medals, awards, and additional remunerations.

It is also important to remember that reunion is also the day when we celebrate life, that all of us are still alive to reconnect with the friends and people closed to us. Like what I’ve written before, we are human beings designed to be connected in a line called relationships. So aside from celebrating our achievements; and playing our cards and continuously overcoming the adversities in life, we must keep in mind that our relationships with the people around us is far more important and more worthy for a toast.

So for the sake of enjoying reunion, just bring yourself for what you are. Share your stories and listen to the stories of others.

My batch in high school has no plans yet for a reunion. When that day comes I hope we celebrate the achievements of our fellow batchmates and set aside the insecurities in ourselves. I might read this article again to remind me what will I bring and what to do when I attend our reunion.

Looking forward for a reunion,

DB

I received a text message from my father last week. He was asking me to write a speech for Benedict, a young kid who is very close to our family. He will graduate in elementary this March and he is the valedictorian of their class. Now my sister is keep on reminding me about the speech, I finally made one for Benedict. I am not actually a speech writer. I am just a blogger but never been a formal writer, like for a speech. I used to be an informal speaker as well and i don’t actually prepare a written speech. I just speak from the heart.

Without further blah blah (lols!), here’s the portion (still a draft copy) of the speech with a theme:

YOUR GIFT OF LEARNING, OUR TOOL FOR NATION BUILDING

Hope I faired well writing this one.

 I see many eyes looking at me today.

In the eyes of the many, they see a young member of the society – a young individual with a great life ahead. In the eyes of my teachers, they see a successful and brilliant pupil –a graduate with great potential to become someone someday. In the eyes of my fellow graduates and classmates, they see me as the top member of our batch and at the same time a playmate and a friend. In the eyes of my proud parents they see a loving and obedient son – a son who will become a role model to my siblings, and a part of the foundation of our family.

If you ask me today, how I see myself, I will look in the mirror and most probably see my reflection. I will see nothing but a young child. I will still see the young me when I first entered our beloved school.  

Six years have passed since I entered this school. I enrolled and came armed only by a neatly sharpened pencil, a pad paper and a bag hanging to my shoulder. Back then, I was an innocent child who was about to be educated with basic skills- writing alphabets, reading simple words and sentences and counting numbers. I kept on acquiring more knowledge in each succeeding years. My subjects and the lessons attached turned from basic to complex. Each year, greater amount of time was continuously devoted to my study. Finally the long six years has ended. It is with great pleasure to share with you today my journey throughout these years.

It was a great journey. I have a fair share of dark and gloomy episodes and cheerful and inspiring moments in my life. During my journey, there are three lessons I learned which I would like to share with you.

First, I learned that life has many stages. There is a beginning and end of all these stages. One of these is our life in elementary school. Together with my fellow graduates, our quest to gain elementary education has finally ended but our ultimate goal to finish our education is not yet done. A couple of months from now, we are knocking the doors as freshmen in high school. I know all of us are excited and at the same time anxious as we move on to a new phase of our life. We will enter a new environment totally different from what we used to be in. If before we only had pencils and pad papers, now we are bringing with us the primary education we gained from our beloved Alma Mater.

My dear graduates, may we also have the COURAGE as we continue our secondary education. I would like to thank my parents as they keep on supporting me. I still look forward to the day my parents will see me accept my college diploma. To all other parents, we all know that life is tough amid with increasing prices in basic commodities and sending us to school is big challenge. However, the best gift you could give us is the gift of education. I hope all of my fellow graduates will get the opportunity to enrol in high school in the coming next school year.

Second, I learned the importance of developing more skills. Aside from basic skills taught to us there are other aspects of  our life which I need to improve. Our Emotional Intelligence is one of them. Our interpersonal skills, the way we deal with the people around us is very much important. Every day we meet and relate to different people with different attitudes, morals, and upbringing. It is just right to master the art of communicating and connecting with them.

Let us also enhance our God-give talents. My dear graduates, now is the perfect time for us to explore and identify our talents. There are reasons why God has given to us talents and it is just right to share it to people. Indeed the knowledge and trainings are not only confined within the four corners of a classroom. I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to all my teachers for providing basic skills and for opening the path as we explore and develop our skills and talents.   

Lastly, I learned that the formula to success is hardwork and prayer. I am proud to say that my efforts and hardship are paid by recognition. However, even without recognition and awards in the form of medals and ribbons, one must still persevere and work hard for success. I believe that some of us are late bloomers but high school is another field where we can grow and glow. My dear graduates aspire for more and don’t settle for being an average individual. Learn to appreciate life and accept the challenges it brings to us.

Also be reminded that God is always with us. He is always present in our life. I am not here today without His hands holding me and delivering this simple message. Believe in the power of prayer. 

These three lessons I learned are my tools in helping our country build a strong nation in the future. Years from now, we will become the working force of our country. I hope when that day comes, we are already responsible citizens, with skills and talents to share to our fellow Filipinos and successful in our endeavour under the guidance of our Almighty God.

To all graduates of 2012 may these lessons be our lessons in life.

Congratulations and may we all be an inspiration to all!

To Benedict, congratulations! Happy Graduation! =)

DB

It’s a brand new year once again. The much awaited 2012 has come. Amid the mixed feeling for the coming of New Year and the scare of the end of time, still majority of us are looking forward for a positive start on 2012. I am one of those hopeful for this year. Although gone are the days when I list down my New Year’s Resolution, still I learned to start the brand new year with a new style – no resolutions (oows). I know some of us will “philosophically” utter that they don’t even care to create NYR because they keep on failing to do their resolutions. I watched in the news and heard a specialist saying that in order to maintain and practice a new year’s resolution one must have a high level of discipline.

Ah discipline. Discipline was such a lonely word, a word that is so easy to say yet so hard to live by.

I admit I failed to have discipline in some sectors of my life. While I think of areas I feel like I lack discipline, I feel like this article will turn out as an admission of my shortcomings. When it comes to financial management, food selection, and healthy lifestyle, I know I need to improve on these areas of my life. Although I already inculcated in my mind the consciousness of doing what is right and what is good for me, still I don’t exert an extra mile to do them- all because I don’t have discipline.

It’s hard.

Good thing even if we failed to maintain a perfect level of discipline, we are given a chance to change or to be better. We are so lucky to live in a planet that revolves around the sun only in 365 days which gives an end and a new beginning of a year. New Year has a magnificent effect in our lives. I compared the coming of New Year as a restart button of our life. Like an immaculate white paper where we draw and splash colors on how our life would look like, we commit mistakes and errors in the process of creating our “masterpiece”. At some point we want to press Ctrl-Z, Ctrl-Alt-Delete, or throw away what we had started. We are eager to grab a new paper and remove in our memory that we made “silly” mistakes. This has been the scenario each year.

The first seconds, minutes and hours of the year are so fragile (this side up) and delicate to all of us. As much as possible we eradicate the possibility of committing mistakes for we believe that our whole year would be like that. We grab and attract positive and good vibes. The first morning of the year is so majestic. The rays of light from sunrise deliver positive energy as we wake up after a grand New Year celebration. Most of us even tweet or post in Facebook our wake-up experiences.

One of the remarkable and most commendable observations is we all become optimistic. I neither read any negative post nor whine in Facebook. Lahat positive!

At the start of the year, we indeed view life in a positive way. For sinners like me, we look forward for a clean slate in our scorecard of good deeds. For dreamers like me (again), we believe that our goals and targets for the year will turn out to be a reality. For working individuals (like me again), we tried as much as possible not to be late on the first day of work, thinking we will always be late throughout the year if we are late.

As we start this year, allow me to share with you instead of my New Year’s Resolution but my More and Less List:

May we become more grateful and less unthankful.

May we save and invest more and spend less for “short-lived” source of happiness.

May we practice eating more fruits and vegetable and less junk food and fast food…

more water and less soda…

more juice and milk and less coffee…

more travels and outdoor activities and less online life…

and more exercises and less “tambay”.

Lastly more inspiration and more love… nothing less.

Happy New Year everyone! Boom!

DB

PS:

Photo by: Arnel Vergara

Location: Burnham Park, Baguio City
Date Taken: 1.1.12 @ 7:44am
Exposure: 1/400sec @ f/8
Focal Length: 50mm
ISO: 200
Lens: Canon 50mm Mark II
Processed: Adobe Photoshop CS5, Lightroom 3.4

Which do you prefer, a Title Champ or People's Champ?

Last Friday night I was invited to watch the movie Real Steel by my audit friends. I had some reservations whether to join the Friday Night Movie because I don’t like the idea of fighting robots and controlled like in video games. Though I have watched a portion of the trailer still I don’t buy the story (Feeling ko kasi pambata ang movie kasi Rated G pa). But after one hell of a hectic week I seek for time to relax so I decided to join the group.

If there is a saying that don’t judge the book by its cover, then for movies, I could say don’t judge the movie by its… hmmm trailer. Movie trailer is a like marketing tool wherein  good cut and paste of scenes might result to enticement to see the whole movie. It creates curiosity to see the movie (pero bat ganun pag napanood mo eh trailer ng Tagalog movie parang alam mo na yung buong story). I proved it right when I finally watched the movie. Real Steel is actually the Real Deal!

I will try my best not to be a spoiler for the benefit of those who haven’t seen yet the movie (sus spoiler pa rin). The setting of the story is a little bit futuristic extending our sight to year 2020 where humans are replaced by robots in boxing fights. The story revolves around Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman), a former boxer who once in his career had strings of winning moments but ended his career on a sour note. Charlie was a living debt after getting hooked to gambling on robot fights. His friend, Bailey Tallet (Evangeline Lilly), the owner of Tallet’s Gym and daughter of his former coach is his only ally in his roller-coaster life. His life was changed when his son Max (Dakota Goyo) came in to picture.

Definitely I enjoyed the movie. The storyline is easy to grasp. The plot is very family-oriented and the moral of the story is truly inspiring. I guess Pinoys, who aside from being basketball crazy followers, are also typical boxing fanatics will definitely relate to the movie. I could say the movie was partially inspired (wala hula ko lang)  by the growing drama of the much anticipated fight between Pacman and Mayweather, the typical David versus Goliath scenario. The boxing side is just the half of the movie, the other half tells about a peculiar kind of father-son relationship.

Living out the Lost Dream

How many of us became victims of lost dreams? No matter how big or small the dreams we lost, a feeling of incompleteness deep inside our heart remains. Call it unfinished business or a story with no end. As much as we want a Cinderella type of story in our own endeavor, reality dictates that happy ending will never be served on us on a silver platter. For Charlie’s story his life as a boxer needs a closure. He is on denial that his hey days are over. He tries to meet both ends by accepting casual underground fights. Not only that he is a hard-lucked bastard he is also a lousy gambler. He is lost and he knows deep inside in his heart he is incomplete.

One of the scenes in the movie I like best is when the little Max and Charlie engaged to an agreement. Max agreed to dance (magaling ang moves ng bata kulang na lang magteach me how to dougie) before the fight while Charlie will do the boxing. The agreement is actually the avenue for Charlie to go back to his boxing ways. The once faded dream of Charlie was relived and he was back to his fighting mode. I think this movie is the Rocky version of Robot Boxing!

And here’s something I learned from the movie. Sometimes dead or lost dreams can be revived by a simple inspiration. Inspiration might come from a certain event of our life or from someone we love. Of course most of the time inspiration comes from the person we love, giving us an invigorating drive to accomplish our dreams. For Charlie, it was through his son Max that opens the door for another chance to fight in the big stream.

The movie reminded us that it only takes a matter of time for us to get another chance to fulfill our dream. Once the opportunity knocks on our door (tao po…), there should be no reason for us not opening the door. The opportunity to fulfill our dream or to put closure to our unfinished business in life might be too hard to find nowadays but for sure it will come.

Fight For Me

Another interesting part of the story is how Charlie and Max took turn in throwing jabs of witty lines. The chemistry of the two is remarkable, both compliments each other. One of the scenes that stick in my memory is when Max was about to be taken by his aunt and uncle away from Charlie. Max only wanted one thing from his father and that is for his father to fight for him.

It actually feels good if you fight and win what you want. However fighting for someone takes a lot of guts. In all honestly, I am not a gutsy person. However through this movie I somewhat learned that it needs to be gutsy sometimes. And the secret to fight for someone lies on watching this movies (boy I need to be paid advertising this movie).  In my observation fighting for our special someone starts by being honest to someone you want to fight for. Expressing in an impromptu what you feel both good and bad as well as the admission of guilt and shortcoming might also help.

I once tried fighting for someone but I failed. Maybe back then I lack the killer instinct to finish a good round of fight. Or maybe my inexperience and lack of ample amount of effort resulted to unsavory result. But it was already in the past and just like the old ways, I charged it to experience (sabi mo lang yun, bitter ka lang). Watching Real Steel reminded me both the feeling of urgency to fight for someone but at the same time made me think and ask, “Can I do it?”

Only my guts can answer.

After leaving the theatre house feeling relaxed, I thank God for pushing me to join my audit friend for a movie night. Indeed lessons might come in mysterious ways (di ba love yun) and last Friday night it came from Real Steel.

Indeed Real Steel is a real deal!

During the past weeks, a small group of students asked my help for their feasibility study. They asked if I could be their consultant or sort of an adviser. I informed them that what I could offer is to answer their queries and give them some insights on how to conduct a feasibility study.

Actually ang baon ko lang is a small amount of expertise when it comes to doing a “feasib”.  Back in college we had a feasibility subject. My memory still serves me well as I can still remember the details of our experiences of our feasibility study. Our proposed business was a Rent-a-Room Videoke, similar to Red Box and Music 21 we have here in Manila. We call it Labyrinth Rent-a-Room Videoke. Back in Baguio during our time (I sound like parang tanda ko na ah), there was no such kind of establishment. I guess meron pero not a total package with great sounds, updated songs and a place that offers perfect party food and drinks. All we know is that there are videoke rooms for rent and meron din mga “SingKalong” (lolz).

Going back to my story, I finally met the three musketeers. Aside from bringing their fans and friends, they also brought with them their laptop and showed to me their initial draft. I could say sabog-sabog ang kanilang feasib. From marketing study to technical and here’s the catch- they have no idea how to come up or even start a financial study. I initially thought what I will share is on how to do and start a financial study lang. Numpala lahat kelangan ko silang tulungan. So since I already joined the boat, I eventually joined the journey as we coursed through the water (naks). So from all parts of the feasib, inayos naming lahat.

After my class we had our short huddle (I don’t know how to call our meet-up… huddle na lang). They showed me the progress of their work and asked them to send them to my e-mail and I will put review notes (parang audit lang kung magreview). Eventually after weeks of constant meetings, the gang managed to draft an almost perfect feasibility study. And I wish them all the luck on their upcoming defense. I joked them by suggesting to scheduled their defense near lunchtime and served the best food to their defense panel. Sabi ko daanin na lang sa dami ng food lols!

One of the things that vividly stayed in my mind is when I checked how they deliver their presentation and I took a disturbing question on what is their business’ mission and vision. I asked them to put emphasis on their mission and vision. Mission and vision will be their guiding light in their feasib. I read about different companies’ profile and on how they are guided by their mission and vision. One of them is Starbucks our friendly coffee shop in the neighbourhood. Nakakatuwa kasi this coffee shop really managed to live up its mission and vision.

And before I ended my weekend while going back to Manila (uwi kasi ng uwi sa bahay), I asked the same question to myself. Do I also give emphasis to my personal Mission and Vision? Or before I answer that personal question, do I have Mission and Vision in the first place? (Wala sa first baka nasa second place siguro… sabay ngiti! Corny!)

I wanted to be part of the group of successful individuals. I wanted to be the best. But sometimes I only see the successful me if I close my eyes or when I daydream (petiks). I keep in me wonderful business proposals, new and weird business ideas, organizations or foundations to establish and careers (with “s” po talaga) I wanted to be known with. I wanted to write a book, direct an “indie” film (or should I say “Hindi” film as in “Hindi” sya macoconsider na film… ngiti ulit!), or be a commercial model (kahit commercial ng Tiger Lion Katol magkaroon lang ng break at exposure lol!)

Funny thing is meron din palang disadvantage pag marami kang ideas at gustong gawin. I came to a certain point wherein with my long list of things to do in life I don’t know where to start or what is the order of priority. And then I go back to my disturbing question again, I guess I missed establishing what is my real mission and vision.

One of my theories in life is that the reason why people feel so depressed in life or why there are some people, who wanted to end their life, is because they already dumped the idea that they have a mission and their vision is already clouded by their problems and setbacks in life. Just to share, when I left audit after staying for almost three years, I never knew what to do next. My mind was so disturbed and I didn’t know what to choose. Eventually I chose the only available option during crunch time to decide. But I later found out that the one I chose was not for me. And I charged to experience and to my immaturity not creating a concrete mission and vision in life.

Right now I could say I still lack my personal mission and vision. To be honest, kaya nga ako napapaisip kasi I don’t see my real mission yet. I still don’t know my real calling in life. But as days go by, realizations knock on my door. I guess before any man or woman could create his/her mission, me kailangan muna syang marealize. And realization will come from our experiences, talents, passion and things we do love best.

Currently I went back to audit (the other kind of audit naman) and I enjoy my days in academe (buhay pa ang raket ko thank you Lord!). That is my first realization. I’m happy being challenged in my current audit work and I still enjoy my teaching raket. I realized masarap magshare ng learning, teaching time and tidbits of experiences to young minds. I’m sure there are still realizations to come not just for my career but also to my personal life.

As for my vision, hmmm I guess nandun pa rin syempre to aspire for greatness and to give my best to all things I do.  Easier said than done right? But the struggle is still there. I guess my vision will be to keep on track to the challenge and to simply not giving up. I used to be a quitter and I am comfortable before to accept defeat. Pero nakakasawa na rin to be branded a mediocre. So I guess tama lang when I say to myself… to simply aspire to be the best.

Starting today my…

Mission is to offer my time to others and to keep inspiring others through my lectures, teachings, blog write-ups and my daily actions (wag lang sosobra, o maging trying hard at magiging makupal).

And my…

Vision is to create “another me” in others para if I will be gone, a portion of me will still live.

Basta yun na yun!

"Patiently Waiting..."

“The waiting game is a drawn-out and tediously prolonged match between man and himself; sadly, man holds a losing record” – Keveen Cruz

I actually hate to wait. But I still do.

I am a man of impatience but I have a high value of time. In every meeting, I always make it a point to come minutes earlier from what has been agreed upon. I rather want to see the meeting room empty and to be the first one to arrive and wait.

When I go out for a date, coming on time becomes a part of the challenge, aside from making the date to be meaningful and unforgettable. I come earlier to the meeting place or to the girl’s place and take some time waiting.

But I still hate waiting but I don’t have any choice but to do so.

A friend of mine once said, “Good things happen to those who wait”. He said this when both of us left our recent job and bravely face the time of being unemployed. I couldn’t help myself but to believe in his statement and indeed there are really good results of waiting. Since then it becomes one of my principles in life- to wait.

Being a dreamer, waiting to make all my dreams a reality is indeed a life-changing experience for me. I almost give up when I failed to accomplish one of my biggest dreams. Of course I cried my heart out and asked the many “Why” questions. There is a certain point of our life when we seek the reason why our dreams are derailed for a moment and why it was not given to us in an instant. From what I learned in all the dreams that I achieved but took some time is this, “Wait and do something while waiting”.

Waiting for a moment to come; for a person to arrive; or things to happen is really a challenge. It will test your personal character and your limitation. It will give you frown and it will drive anxiety in you. It will give you the itchy feeling and a dreadful desire to make time to run faster. In short, gusto mong bumilis ang lahat.

As I learn to embrace the bitterness of waiting, I try to see the other side of the coin. Waiting shows us that the people, things and events we are looking for is just about to come. It gives a breather to prepare. Maraming pwedeng gawin. Maraming idea ang pwedeng pumasok sa ating mga utak on how to make the arrival of the things we wait to become more awesome. Move and do something while waiting. Maximizing the available time in making us to be better, para kapag dumating ang mga bagay na hinihintay natin masasabi nating we are ready and we are deserving.

Right now I am waiting and I don’t know why I do wait. I am looking aimlessly while waiting but while the upcoming arrival is about to happen, I can still do some changes to present a better me once the right time comes.

I am waiting….

But I still hate waiting.

Photo by: Arnel Vergara

“Patiently Waiting…”
Location: Burnham Park, Baguio City, Philippines
Date Taken: 7.29.11 @ 11:16am
Exposure: 1/250 sec @ f/2.8
Focal Length: 92mm
ISO: 200
Camera: Nikon D40
Lens: Sigma 70 -200mm
Processed: Adobe Photoshop CS3, Lightroom 3.4

After the Food is Gone.

I am not fan of eat-all-you-can promos. In fact I don’t even look forward eating in a buffet. However, recently I did have a chance to well “pig-out” in one of the restaurants back in my hometown during Father’s Day. Together with my family, we enjoyed our eating session with a… burp!

I took some pictures during that day, aside from eating like there’s no tomorrow. As I browsed some of the shots, I stopped on the picture of my plate. I remember how empty it was in the beginning, which later turned out to be like a plate of a “monster”.

I guess life is like a big feast, that each and every one of us is invited and has its own plate. And while we hold our plate, we all have different thoughts in our mind: “Ilang beses kaya ako makakabalik?” “Where’s the strategic place?” “Tataba ulit ako netoh!”, “Blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar level, allergies, who cares?”

 Still all our questions can be summarized to:  “how am I going to be satisfied?”

So with this question running inside our head, we then marched and proclaim a war to the all the food our eyes could see. We grab the finest, crunchy looking “balat ng lechon”. We pick-up some friendly fried chicken and “pampa” pata. We balance our takes with some leafy veges and salads (pa-healthy effect). We take turn trying all the “ulam” that ends to letter O- embutido, adobo, menudo, pochero –pahingi ng sayo! Oh by the way this is just the beginning (lol!).

Amidst all the food choices available, we try to fill our plates that we really think would meet our satisfaction. Just like in real life (me pirated life din b?) we also run to things that we think will satisfy us. We want a better of all things- a better education, a better house, gadgets, cars, a better you know… life! Some want to be rich and famous, others get addicted to power and fame and still some of us want more- to the point where in our plates in life become a little platito because of the many wants that we have.

It’s great to aspire for a better life. It’s great to have dreams and ambitions and the drive to become something extraordinary. It is normal to have the cravings for earthly stuffs and to salivate to the comforts the world can offer (Brad tao lang din ako). But we should know when to stop.

 We should know our limit of all these things. Too much of something is not good (of course even too little).  We should observe the thin line separating the feeling of “I have enough” and the feeling of “I want some more”. We should be wary of our limits and not to be driven by our greed.

So if you think your lady spoon misses her porky fork. Pagtabihin mo na sila and say… “I’m done.”

“Busog na ako.”

I feel satisified already.

I woke up so early last Monday even if I stayed late last Sunday night. I gathered all the positive vibes as I stretched my hands and moved my legs to stand up from my bed. When the cold water rushing out from the shower hit my sleepy body I knew life started kicking in me. Coming out from bathroom I felt the freshness of a morning shower and all the positive energies just wrapped my “fatilicious” body. Then I made a great statement while I was looking at the mirror, “DB you’re a hunk!”

No I did not say that, but this one, “It will end today. Dallas will win today!”

I rooted for the Dallas Mavericks because Miami Heat eliminated my Boston Celtics (that’s the main reason). You can add the fact that I love to cheer for the underdogs.  Throughout the season, basketball crazed people are talking about the triumvirate trio of Lebron James, Dwane Wade and Chris Bosh. I hated the way Lebron announced his transfer from Cleveland to Miami live on national TV (I find it too arrogant and insensitive on his part). Most of all I hated the grand celebration of presenting the “Big Three” of Miami during the preseason (it seemed they had already written a championship on their name). Pardon to all Miami fans but in my opinion, the real Big Three of the decade is still the Boston’s Big Three. But I will leave the Big Three stories for another day. I would like to make the most of my blogging time writing about my feeling after I read the inspiring stories of Dallas Mavericks- from its battle tested superstar, to the players who were described as journeymen in NBA, to the coach who once part of Boston Championship, to the emotional and tongue lashing team owner, and to the city who waited for almost three decades for a Larry O’brien trophy.

Given the chance of having snapshots during the recent Finals, I take three pictures which for me depict the drama of the whole series. Being a sports fan, I still vividly recall what happened during the first time Dallas and Miami faced-off for the championship.  I remember how Dallas acted so immature that time after winning the first two games of the series. They were already expecting a sweep and a great parade once they returned to their home. But ho and behold, that episode of premature ejaculation of jubilation motivated Miami to dominate the rest of the games. Miami won three straight in their turf. Dallas of the past didn’t know what struck them. Miami won that championship in Game 6 and for years, the stigma of Dirk Nowitzki choking during crunch time and the lack of winning character of the team stained the immaculate white and cool-as-a-sea blue jersey of Dallas.

They suffered another blow the following season when they were eliminated by the lowly eighth seeded Golden State. I guess the string of bad luck hobbled the whole team as each playoff season from then on people became prophetic and already expected an early summer vacation for Dallas- which what actually happened.

Humility

This year, a brand new Dallas comes to life. Gone are the days of being arrogant and proud. The team took some scrappy players, veteran and experienced players and a new coach who knows the feeling of wearing championship ring. Before the play-off started team’s chemistry blossomed just on time as if based on a well crafted script of a basketball movie. During the initial round of the playoff, the team was pictured with an image of HUMILITY, an image far from what they used to be five years ago. I guess Dallas got used to bowing their heads after all the setbacks they got.  They don’t have anything to be proud of, maybe not yet that time. They have no face to be proud of but they made a new face of their own. Setbacks created a humble effect to the team. They learned to be humble and simply to take the course of winning basketball. No fancy gimmicks or publicity throughout the season.  No more proud words of promises of great wins- just plain basketball. Throughout the post season there’s no words of early celebration can you hear from the players because they know their assignment is not yet finished. They humbly accept their underdog tag.  

Persistence

Game 2 of the championship series was the turning point of the story. Downed by 15 points with less than 7 minutes in the final quarter and the whole Miami fans were celebrating for another take home win.  But the Dallas got used to be in this kind of situation many times. Shot after scrappy shots, rebound after mighty rebounds, and hussle after every sweaty hussles, the game came to its gripping finale. The last two minutes was the longest couple of minutes the team ever had. Dirk Nowitzi, known as  sweet shooting seven-foot forward (not a center) and was baptized as a soft with no winning character, made the whole basketball world silent with a basket through swifty lay-up amidst the upstretched hand defense of Chris Bosh. Boom Dallas won!

 At that priceless moment, momentum was shifted to Dallas. Even some of my bosom friends changed team and began rooting for Dallas. During the interviews after Game 2, stories of the players, coach and the team’s superstar can only be pictured out in one word- PERSISTENCE. Dallas was heck-of-a-resilient team. What they accomplished that night is now considered as one of the great comeback stories in the history of NBA. Miami will also remember this setback and every generation will hear and read the triumphant story of Dallas. If not for the hard work, good ball rotation and honest defense of the team, they might have lost that game. Just like the old saying goes- “Hard work pays off. Never giving up pays off. Persistence pays off.”

Loyalty and Trust

As the final buzzer rang during Game 6, the whole Dallas team began to celebrate. It may not be the best Finals in the history of NBA, but surely, it is one of the most thrilling and inspiring series. Another picture flashed into my eyes. I see Mark Cuban and Dirk Nowitzki carrying the Champs trophy and NBA Finals MVP “mini” trophy, respectively. I see the LOYALTY of Dirk and the TRUST of Mark to his main man in all those good and bumpy years of their franchise. Nowitzki crystallized his statuette as the face and the heart and soul of the team. He overcame a broken finger, fever and cough throughout the series. Some described his desire to play and win as a Jordan-like act. Part of the future Hall-of-Famer’s success is the fact that his loyalty paid off. He waited enough and never entertained the idea of being traded or transferring to a championship caliber team. Instead he created a championship caliber team of his own in Dallas. And to Mark Cuban who before I used to hate, but now whom I could take my hat off. I am proud of his dedication and faith to his team. His unfaltering faith to his team finally gifted him a taste of champagne shower. His humble gesture of letting the original owner of Dallas to receive the trophy added an icing of respect I have for this fellow.

Life is indeed like a game of basketball.  Following this series not only brought total adrenaline rush to me but also three valuable lessons in life- HUMILITY, PERSEVERANCE AND LOYALTY with a pinch of TRUST.

Congrats Dallas!

Every one of us has story to tell. We have a box of memories like a vault of experiences from our childhood until the twilight of our time. As we grow old, we become like a classic song either love to be heard by our generation or hate by the new bunch of kids. Still we want to be heard even the silence of our actions is evident and the absence of the words we speak doesn’t mind the people around us. Are our stories will just die as we are buried? 

I believe that there is life after death. I am sure of that. My faith in God is unquestionable. I am sure I was born in this world with a purpose. I also know that when my time comes, I will return the life I borrowed from Him. This is the scenario in the life after death. This is how we view the cycle of life. We are born not from our free will. We never know that we will come out of life in this beautiful yet unfair world. We never thought that we will spend chapters of our lives around our family, friends and people whom we never know. We have our own shares of periods, of ups and downs, of hatred and love, of bitterness and kindness, of good and bad. We then worry the fats that we gain; those unwanted hairs in our body, even the scars in our skins and the smell of our existence. We never thought we will play delusion and denial with the number called age. And we never thought we will fear the end of our journey.

The facts are with us that life is temporary. Still we are afraid when the final curtain will fall. Only few are brave to face the real truth and wise to adjust their lifestyle in preparation to life after death. I know some whom as they became seasoned men and women they turn themselves back to our Creator. They have a sudden change of heart, the metanoia. We love the stories of change. We are glued to movies of sick or physically ill character who is about to die. We savour the moment when we witness the protagonist of the story turns to good from evil. How great the story isn’t it?

As much as I want to read and hear stories of good life in preparation to life after death, I then realize that there is also another kind of life. There is also a life before death. It is like the other side of the coin. It is the other side of the universe that will define the quality of life that we lived. Quality is what I am talking about and not the quantity. We all have one life but we differentiate from one another how long our stay is. Life before death speaks of the quality of life which does not depend alone as to the longevity of our stay.

People might raise their eyebrows regarding life before death. It seems like it is materialistic and worldly kind of story. Others might think that these stories will only cover the merrymaking and partying all night till the wee hours of the morning or enjoying the lavishness of the power of money and embracing the comfort being provided by our earthly possessions. I tell you, it is not. Life before death is absolutely not a one-sided story. Of course there is the bright side of celebrations, the simple and lavish festivities of triumph, success and achievements. It doesn’t end on that side alone. Our imperfections, sorrows and tribulations are all present giving more color and sweetness to our joy and happiness.

After existing of more than a couple of decade here on earth, I could say I gained my lion’s share of stories suiting enough to be retold to the people whom I will no longer meet and acquaint with. Nevertheless, it doesn’t stop me of sharing tiny pieces of my humanity to their time. Besides, only the life of mine before death is what I could only share as I cannot leave any print of what my life after death will be.

It has been my great plan to watch the movie the Bucket List. For those who haven’t seen this movie download it or rent a DVD of it now. If I could remember it right, I included this movie as of one of those movies I planned to watch during my hiatus from corporate world. But I failed to watch it. Every time I got the glimpse of this movie in HBO either the middle part or the last part ang naaabutan ko. In short, I already saw the tidbits of the movie but still I want to complete it in one single showing with my pop corn and soda.

Finally, last week napanood ko na rin sya…  without my popcorn and soda. Still I enjoyed the movie kahit na parang anti climax na ang nangyari. Finally napagdugtong-dugtong ko na ang kwento ng movie. It makes me think again and again what if same fate will happen to me. The probability is high if I will think of it. First on the list is that, my clan has always been a regular “suki” of the dreaded capital C. So there is a “what if” question bogging my mind. What if I got so lucky and be a victim as well of cancer?

Of course I don’t what it to happen (knock on the woods). But if that moment comes in my life, I will look again the DVD in my father’s DVDs (dami nyang collection ng movies) and watch all over again the movie Bucket List. At bakit (i like the pun lolz)? Because I am sure that I could see the answer in this movie.

The portrayal of Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman of their respective characters is astonishing. They highlighted their individual strengths and weaknesses during their ordeal. Plus it adds color to the movie the differences between the two characters- an arrogant and proud  rich old man paired with gifted and highly intellectual  mechanic under one hospital room. The plot is so simple (I wonder bakit di makagawa ng ganito ang mga local movie makers natin. If meron man mabibilang lang), but the whole story is highly touching and senseful.

Peace of Mind and Peace of Heart

One thing that I could highlight from this movie is that both characters are at peace. Mahirap tanggapin na may taning na ang buhay mo. It’s like you are a walking time bomb but it doesn’t stop both characters to enjoy the remaining breath of their lives. Instead of going to a series of chemo treatment, tila naging bata muli ang mga maysakit  and made the best out of their lives. It’s not that they ignore or they did not accept the realities of their situation- tinanggap nila actually  na me sakit sila at malapit na silang kunin ni Lord.

Amidst the physical and emotional pain the big C gave to their lives, still they were at peace. At peace of maximizing their time to enjoy life and to resolve all the gusot sa buhay nila (konyo na naman lolz). And that will stick in my mind (good movies has good lessons di ba?). I will not wait for the time na magkakasakit ako just to remind me na oops ano pa hinihintay mo, enjoy na! I could go and travel the other side of the world or even go to US and watch a live NBA game (that’s if I become rich). I could also enjoy the most trivial happiness in life like a heartful laugh, a kiss from a beautiful lady (hekhek) and winning basket in a basketball game.  But beyond those enjoyment in life hopefully I could also prepare myself spiritually on what would be the next part of my life.

While continuing my life, isa lang din naman ang hanap natin- to have a peace of mind and a peace of heart. I know life is hard pero sana it will not be the reason why we cannot find peace in our mind. Sa isang taong kagaya ko, malikot at laging napapaisip, it’s becoming a challenge for me to have a peace of mind. I think about my future alot. I think of the welfare of my family. I think of my dreams and on the means on how to make them into a reality. I think of my heart and all the matters of the heart. Puro na lang think think think at malapit na akong maging Lenovo Think Pad!

But today I found a way that is useful in order to have a peace of mind and a peace of heart. So simple- I cleaned my room this morning (simpleng-simple). Inayos ko ang gamit ko at tinapon ang basura. Nagwalis ng sahig at nagpunas ng mga gamit. Nabawasan ang alikabok at nakahinga ako ng maluwag. I guess same is true with our life. All we have to do is simply to cleanse our life, our lifestyle, our system and our habit. Remove or lessen the negativities, forget the hatred and tender your heart. Aalisin ko na ang kurot ng inggit at pagtingin sa kung ano ang tinatamasa ng ibang tao. Don’t look at what you don’t have rather be thankful on what you have sabi nga nila and it’s true. View life as glass of half-filled water- half full instead of half empty.

I hope through this way I could enjoy my life and to have peace within me. And to end this article at mahaba na at boring na ulit basahin, learn to open the communication line with God. It’s the best conversation you can have in your life.

By the way read  Desiderata it will also help!

At peace,

DB