Saturday, May 30, 2009

competent!

First batch were ready at 8am..the earlier, the better ikanga. The Assessment venue was ready. They have prepared an array of equipments which we will utilize during the Demonstration. Nerve-wracking, yes, especially for those first-timers. This is my 2nd Competency Assessment, the first one was in Health Care Services NC 2 and hopefully, this one, in FBS [Food and Beverage Services] NC 2.

Most of us were holding on their notes, murmuring, some opts their quiet time under the mango and santol tree while some gathered themselves as a group sharing thoughts and ideas.

When the Assessor arrived, Representative from TESDA and School personnel followed. Then, started the introduction, orientation and began filling up some paperworks.

Pass 11am, half of the group took the written exam, including myself and the other half started demonstrating. It was around this time that I noticed something is hanging on my foot only to find out that my shoes' sole is beginning to separate from its heels. Ewww..embarassing, looked for something that could paste on it but to no avail. Nobody could actually help me. Gosh, I still haven't performed and my shoes bothers me. Its a good thing I brought a pair of sandals so I changed my footwear for the meantime.

12:06nn..Lunch time, I went along with Aileen and some of my classmates to have lunch at Mang Inasal, which just opened few days ago. While waiting, I bought a Super Glue at CWC. There, worry no more. I just had to fix it at school.

Before our names were called, my shoes were on its stable condition (or so i thought). I was confident demonstrating when in the middle of the scenario, I heard a terrible sound somewhere. Shaks, my shoes is at it again. Imagine you were like wearing a wooden shoes. I wanna laugh and scream 'cause of undue embarassment but I manage my composure, I manage to walk slowly. Darn! My partner was keeping herself from bursting with laughter. Me, too.

Right after the assessment, we took pictures as remembrance while waiting for the release of our allowance. And then, Aiza Mae, Jeanalyn, Kring2x, Mavic, Jeanebel had a tummy-filling meal at Chicken Ati-Atihan. Waiting for our meals to be served, Junar, Knowles, Herwin and some friends joined us. We were the coolest group. Our table was filled with so much fun and laughter. I will be missing these faces, my new group of friends, my endearing classmates.

Meet up with Chem before going home. Related to her what we've been through. It will be their turn tomorrow. Break a leg, chem!

Got home around 10:35pm, tired and exhausted but I won't let this day pass without having to post what we have accomplished today so I turned on my PC, still on its malfunctioning color of the monitor. My friends suggested to have this replaced. Maybe, soon. As the budget calls for it.

Thank God for this day. I could now sleep well. Goodnight, everyone! ?:-)

Monday, May 25, 2009

Monday, May 11, 2009

Amazing Race 14 Season Finale


I got frustrated when I failed to watch the episode preceeding the season finale. Thanks to the internet, by the way. I was able to catch up on the episode that determines the Final 3.  After finding out the 3 set of teams who will race for a million dollar bucks, I immediately posted a note on our refrigerator never to forget the season finale of Amazing Race 14.  

Few minutes ago, the show just ended and was glad of the result of the race. It always ends up with the brainy task. 

I remembered my post on February 23, 2009. I left a question stating "Will there be another sibling winners just like the latest season?" Oh yes, Tammy and Victor answers the question.




Tammy Jih (26), Victory Jih (35)
Amerians [American-Asian] from San Francisco and Los Angeles California are sibling lawyers with Harvard Law degrees and manage to work as partners in their law firm. Beating the odds in the race, their confidence and perseverance, not to mention teamwork made them the winners of this season. Being on the race is not just about physical investment, it takes mental ability to get ahead of the other team.  Knowledge is Power. It's a game. It's a competition. It's a race. 

Congratulations Tammy and Victor! 
You've made your fellow Asians more proud of you!


Leadership means service

Its officially 365 days to the NATIONAL ELECTION, and some of my fellow countrymen has yet to decide who will they choose to hold the highest position of the Republic of the Philippines.

But before doing so, sit back, spare a minute of your time and read what this article is all about. 

How do we defineLeadership? How do we assess a good leader? What characteristics should a true leader possess? Pretty hard questions, isn't? Can you think of an answers in a snap? 

A TRUE LEADER is not recognized by his title or position, but by his noble qualities. Only blind followers applaud a charlatan; wise men distinguish the qualified leader from ordinary folks and acknowledge his magnanimous deeds and reputable character.

Wise Teacher
   A wise teacher or leader finds it better to have a few intelligent followers who seriously undergo change than having a million stubborn and lazy adherents who want to remain as they are.
    Leadership is not a position of lordship but of service. It is not to be equated with indulgence in luxury or family prosperity but with performance of much sacrifice and austerity.
     When a leader makes a mistake, the karmic reaction incurred is multiplied by the number of people who are put into misery by the error. The more people are harmed, the heavier the payment in karmic terms. If a person is not ready to bear a burden, he should not seek such a position of responsibility.

Trash
     If you seek the limelight, be ready for the trash that will be thrown at you.  A real leader seeks to go to the forefront of a battle, not to seek privileges for himself but to protect and serve the weak and innocent.  He is motivated by compassion, not by lustful passion.
     Praises only have real value when they are truthful; if heaped upon an unqualified soul, they are simply empty words.

Inner strength
     A real leader survives the worst of battles because he has an inner strength that cannot be defeated by weapons. In victory or defeat, he remains a man of wisdom and compassion. Thus, he is admired by all.
     Power can be intoxicating. It can drive you mad or make you bad.
    If you ever get into a position of power, use it for the good of others and in the service of the Supreme [we all know who He is].  In this way, you don't get sucked into the snake pit of hellish and selfish existence.

Mistakes
     A real leader admits his mistakes and becomes a greater person by doing so.
     If you don't have any good qualities as a leader, what can you pass on to your followers?
     Lead by good and not by greed!

Source: PDI 9/2/2000, page E13, Lotus Pond Column by R. Valencia

[Note: I've been keeping this clipping for the past 8 years. One day, while going through my papers, it suddenly tear off. I have no choice but to throw it out. But before doing that, I decided to post it to share the realizations of this article.] 

2010 Election is upcoming. It's time for us to make radical decisions. Decisions that will indeed change each Filipino lives. Choose wisely! Vote wisely!!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Missing Mama..

Mother's day na, celebrating the most triumphant role a woman does. Being a mother, a wife, a friend, and as an individual desirous to make everything possible for her family. Their role as the 2nd head of the family is no joke.

That's what my mother does in her 39 years on earth. Every 2nd Sunday of May, me and my sister would greet Mama with a kiss. Hug her then utters the sweetest word a Mother wishes to hear, "I love you, Ma". Now that she's gone for almost 16 years, all we could do is stare at her picture, greet her, offer a mass for her, lit a candle for her since we could not visit her tomb in Manila. We're oceans apart from her. But God knows, we do remember her. Most often, we cooked foods Mama used to prepare for us then chat everything about her, funny things about her, mimic how she looks when she's mad and mimic's her voice, as well. 

Sometimes, it still makes me cry remembering the times we've spent with Mama. I cry whenever I watch movies or shows that talks about Moms.  It still hurts, seeing a complete family because no matter what we do, she's not here anymore. We can no longer kiss her, hug her.  

If she had lived, we would have been complete. She could have seen us grow. She could have witnessed when I stumbled and when I stood up. She could have seen me strived for my family. She could have heard me say, "Ma, I've learned a lot from life's realizations". I will still say this though, in my heart, in every prayer. 

But God has reasons for taking her from us.  I understand that. Missing Mama drove me even closer to my mommy friends'. I usually hug them when we bond. 

Read more on my tribute about Mama on May 2007 <---- Click on!

Let us not just celebrate Mother's Day on this particular day but everyday. Show your dear mother the love and care that she deserves. Never forget to say "I love you, Ma [Nay, Mom, Nang, Mang, My, etc.]" always. Constantly hug and kiss her before and after going to the office or school. Life is short, unpredictable.  Show them that you value them despite the times that they nag, talk a lot and scold you.  Bear with them. Understand them. At the end of the day, they would come to you and caress you in a manner they were sorry for what happened.  As daughters and sons, we became responsive through our hugs. Bear in mind you were conceived for 9 months and having you in their uterus for such time is not easy. I've seen a friend when she delivered her son at a Lying-in clinic when we were in College.  All of us were there, witness to the pain and joy after the baby was out. We are the source of their joy, their pride, their happiness. 

I am thankful we have Aunts who acted as our Mother. Who continues to advise, encourage, love, care and believes in us. Thank you for the guidance. 

We love you, Ma. We will always say that, infront of your pictures..by heart. 
We miss you so much.

To my Auntie Nelly, Auntie Myrna, Auntie Betty, Auntie Vicky, Auntie Patching, Auntie Eta, Auntie Baby, Manang Lily, Manang Jean, Manang Sel, Ate Che, Abigail, Manang Gretchen, Auntie Inday, Manang Glenda, Reina, Malyn, Ate Shine, Mama Love, Analiza, Mommy Ana, Jona, Ma'am Jen, Ma'am Ethel, Ma'am Margaret, Ma'am Annie, Ate Grace, Ate Joy, Shevie and to the rest of my friends whose now Moms and Moms-to-be... 

Happy Mother's Day to all of you!