“You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.” -George Lorimer

Why do I keep waking up at 4:00 in the morning to do a 5km fun run or a 40km fun ride on my bike? No, I don’t enjoy struggling to shake off that drowsy feeling on a weekend morning when I know I should be sleeping in. Knowing how I will punish myself again with physical pain I find myself asking the same question over and over, “Car, why do you this?”

Last Friday (May 1, Labor Day) I woke up with a sore throat and fever I wasn’t excited to ride my bike. I wanted to back out but backing out wasn’t an option. My running coach said to me once, “Pain is all in the mind.” I forced myself to get up, eat breakfast and after taking 2000mg of vitamin C and paracetamol I left our house with very low energy.

I survived the ordeal of biking for almost 1 hour covering a stretch of 40km. Maybe it’s the effect of the medicine, or perhaps it’s sheer willpower. In my mind I kept pushing myself to keep going and going. I’m just thankful I didn’t collapse or had an asthma attack. I was exhausted yet, happy. But as soon as I got home I went straight to my room and crashed into my bed.

So why do I do these things? Why do I bike and run? I have one simple answer: I feel good about myself. When I am able to beat my personal record it feels great. When I survive a gruelling ride of uphill and winding roads it’s exhilarating because I was able to commune with nature. I feel good when I actually try out something new and not just wishfully think about it.

I believe that physical pain is nothing next to pain of regret. I would rather listen to my joints and muscles cry out in soreness, than my soul being haunted by what ifs.

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“… and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” -Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

Being a Christian is not easy. I have my own share of ‘modern-day persecutions’. I have been labeled as being too serious and too straight by some. My personality has been judged as well because I don’t subscribe to other people’s idea of fun.

It takes a lot of courage to even admit out in the open I believe and pray to God. But I know I shouldn’t feel any shame. What’s really difficult is trying not to give in to daily temptations such as gossiping, whining or having a good laugh at the expense of making fun of people. It is not easy to overlook an offense and be forgiving, to be patient and not to say bad things about other people.

This is the real race I have chosen to run. To keep moving forward in my faith living out my identity as a child of God first and foremost. All other worldly titles are secondary. As God continues to mold me with His forgiving hands I know He is always there to cheer me on. For some people they will never appreciate nor fully understand what this whole ‘faith thing’ is all about. And if that is the reason for people to see or treat me differently then so be it . I’m willing to cut some ties. But life without God is empty. So I’d rather keep Him.  Starting out a journey with Him is an exciting experience it’s almost like starting a race. But it’s how we finish it is what matters most. I may have been sidetracked many times by fleeting pleasures. But I’m thankful for His grace and mercy I can always get back on track. And as I persevere to focus my eyes on the road my goal is to cross that finish line.

I first learned about this phrase, carpe diem, in high school when we were studying poetry in literature class.  Since then, it has become my motto in life.  Carpe diem, or seize the day, originally coined by the Roman writer Horace in Odes, reminds me of how I must take advantage of my day and to not just let it pass me by.  Sure, there are many times that I have not seized the day, but I come back to this phrase over and over again to remind me how I should conquer life.

I seize the day (and night - carpe noctem) by learning as much as possible, by creating and pursuing new ideas, and by helping others fulfill their dreams.  I seize the day by asking questions, by providing answers, and by wondering about things.  I seize the day resting, by daydreaming, and by sleeping.  There are so many ways to seize the day, but in my own little way, I do so by helping my friends, colleagues, students, clients, and family members achieve their goals.  Goals such as building a business, planning a career, and in improving their communication skills.

How about you?  How do you seize the day?  What is your favorite motto?

My goal was to arrive by 9 am. I woke up on time. Just a little past 8. I know I would be in by 9. It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to get to work. Twenty minutes at the most. Even with traffic.

I waited outside my building 20 minutes before 9 am. I’m going to be on time.

He stood outside waving at me. Should I ride with him today? No. He charges 100 pesos. I pay only 50 to 60 pesos in a cab. No thanks.

It was already 8:50. Ten minutes was enough to soak my shirt with shirt. Ten minutes was way more than enough for sweat to trickle down my legs. Still, I thought positive. I have 10 more minutes to get there.

But the taxis came and went. Some filled. Some refused to take me.

I would not achieve my goal. Still, I tried to remain positive.

I walked a block, trying to find share. And a taxi of course. I raised my right arm. I tried my left arm. No taxi. Sweat drenched me.

Still, I tried to remain positive even as if more taxis refused to go in my direction. I should have offered them a tip. I was greedy. I would only pay 50-60 pesos because that’s what I normally pay with my destination.

I was cheap.

Thirty minutes passed. I could no longer think positive. My mind was filled with red, red, red. Anger. Hate. Disgust.

Do I deserve this? The answer is a resounding yes! I get what I deserve. All my actions in the past led to this event. All my thoughts in the past led to this. If I wanted to change this situation, only I could do it. No one else. No one will. Sure, I will need the help of others. But the change I want must come first from within.

I deserved to be soaked and drenched in my own sweat. I do not want that anymore. But I know that it will happen again. I just have to get one step closer to not letting it happen again.

What will I do?

I will think of wealth and abundance. I will attract prosperity and happiness into my life. It starts in my mind. To think positive. To change my behavior. And if I do this, I know that my thoughts are compelling me to change my life. The universe will conspire to bring it to me. The law of attraction has been activated.

I simply need to visualize myself, with my own driver to pick me up in front of my doorsteps. My own car, with my own driver.

He says, “Hi Chris. Let’s go. We will be just in time.”

I’m 38 years old and single. Never been married, no kids. I have been in relationships, all serious so yes, I have loved and been loved. I have received a marriage proposal several years ago but I decided to back out. I have never regretted that decision. Not even a second.

So why am I still single and unattached? Here are my reasons:

Because I am not looking for a boyfriend or in the meantime partner.

Because I don’t believe (anymore) in disposable relationships.

Because I can wait. I know my man is worth the wait. And I know my worth as well.

I know what I’m looking for and I’m not about to bend my standards so I can fit a man into my mold. After all you cannot change a person. If I get married I will stick to it forever and ever because I believe so much in the sanctity of marriage. I do not support separation or divorce laws. I will be in a relationship because I can submit myself to his character and principles. I would like to be in a relationship where we can complement each other, not control the other.

I want to be pursued by a man who has a plan and knows his purpose in life. A man who is steady when it comes to his emotions. A man who will not be threatened by my achievements and talents. A man who can lead both of us spiritually and not just financially. A man who is undaunted when it comes to commitment.

Obviously I am not the typical Filipina who, at my age, should be married with at least 3 kids. I would always get a reaction from people and they ask the same thing: “Why?” I have come to terms with it that I actually enjoy their curiosity. It becomes a testimony and an inspiration, rather than a disability.

In the meantime I shall hustle while I wait. Continue to happily pursue my passions and interests. Being single is not a curse. So why should I brood about not having a boyfriend or husband? This is an exciting time to explore the world! If it turns out I am meant for single blessedness at least I can always look back and smile because I know I have lived my life to the fullest.

We had a seminar in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya at Saint Mary’s University twice already; the last one this past December.  We stayed at the Highlander Hotel, a modest, but the best hotel, in Bayombong.  The walls are dark pink with Venetian style portraits of Filipino life.  It’s a really weird interior design, but it’s the best one Bayombong has to offer.

Vin had his shirt ironed the next morning so that he can look very presentable for this seminar, but a crew member burnt the collar.  All she said was sorry and that they will not be charging us for it.  Weird.  That shirt cost more than Php 1,500.  At the end of the day, they gave a 5% discount on our stay there.  So they ruined a 1500-peso shirt, and we saved about Php 100 on the hotel.  Do your mathematics!

The rooms may be the best, but their service definitely sucks!  At least we slept well the night before.

Tardiness is not something you can do on your own. Many things contributed to my tardiness. I would like to thank my parents who can never afford a car that I can use to go to work; Metro Manila where traffic is notorious; the shuttle drivers who always get caught by LTO; and last but not least, my granny who spend hours making my breakfast. Kidding aside…

“I don’t care what time you come in, as long as it is before 7 a.m. And I don’t care what time you go home, as long as it is after 7 p.m.” – this line from Mr. Ford is similar from what I heard last week and it gave me the urge to prove that I can be on time.

Tardiness at work is something I don’t deny, but I’m not proud of. It hurts me on the job and it leads to negative consequences, which often discourage me. I want to find something that will motivate me to change my perpetual lateness, definitely not by money but maybe for professional growth.

By reorganizing my life, I know and I am certain, I can change and learn to be on time. Here are some tips I have read and gathered for myself so I can make it to work on time.

First, change my mind-set. I have to be at work at 9:00am but I will change it to 8:30am as my clock-in time. I have to keep that in mind, aim for that, and if I achieve it, that’s extra time for me to run to McDonalds, answer personal emails, or watch smugly as others arrive after me.

Second, accountability. My job really does ride with my ability to be on time. Others may think of me as irresponsible, unreliable, uncaring and disrespectful. I owe it to myself to make sure I am on time. I will remember this when I get up each morning may be the motivation I need to time-manage.

Lastly, think of others. When I’m late, others have to cover for me. They may grow resentful because they can manage to be on time, why can’t I? I want to keep a harmonious relationship with them and with that, I have to force myself to make it to work on time until I get used to it.

Timeliness and responsibility are the values I realized over the weekend while doing this blog. All of us have our own share of tardiness; at work, meetings, parties, activities, and classes. Blame it on the weather, the traffic, the drivers, etc. - the truth remains: When you are late, you’re not on time!. From this day henceforth, I will take this lesson for my self improvement.  Produce if you must, but to be truly responsible, one must walk the talk.

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Wow!  I can’t believe it’s already been two years since we first opened our doors on January 22, 2007.  We had our 1st year anniversary celebration here at the office, but our 2nd year anniversary was celebrated with a bang as 75 students, friends, and clients invaded Puerto Galera with us!

With four vans, two SUV’s, and a lot of heart, we started our journey on Ayala and made our way through Batangas to Lea Beach where our two private boats awaited us.  The sea was calm and the sky was cloudy, but a glimmer of sunshine gave us hope that we were going to have a great weekend ahead of us.

We celebrated on day one with The Treasure Hunt / Amazing Race, and the team of Kiko, Edward, Jhana, Jason, Grace, Amy, Arisa, Rebecca, Jinny, and yours truly, Chris, won this event.  Our prize?  Dinner and a movie!  Yehey!

That night, we saw some great videoke singers, excellent dancers, silly jokers, mild to wild drinkers,good eaters, and so much more!

On our way back, we had another excellent adventure as our boats traveresed high waves and rocked the boats!  The high seas were no match for AIEPRO!

Thank you to everyone who joined and helped us!

Thanksgiving break. Is it the holiday that most college fellows enjoy? Or is it just the few days in which they can escape the stress brought by school related work?

The school I went to gave us a whole week off from school in which many went to their respective hometowns. Some stayed on campus, and some decided to fly out of the country where they can experience a vacation ridiculously far from everything school-related.

For myself, I’m stuck at home which is just twenty minutes away from the university. The week-long break gave me a chance to think and realize that there are more things that could be experienced in such a short period of time. I was able to connect to people; friends whom I lost contact with for a very long time. I also got a chance to open myself up to new friends who, in a similar case, are stuck somewhere close to campus and are being chase by boredom—the international students.

There are a lot of take home exams and homework that would due right after the break, but yet trying to accomplish these school requirements is such stress-free since it can be done whenever, wherever within that week. Whatever tasks are at hand, the special day couldn’t be ignored which is the main reason for the week-long break in the first place.

So what’s so special about this day? According to Wikipedia, it’s a day to express thanks for one’s material and spiritual possessions. Do people really think that? I’m not sure. But for the sake of argument, I’ll speak for myself. Thanksgiving is a day when dinner, served in a neatly set dining table, ridiculously flows out from the kitchen. It is a day when everyone eats right after eating just right after eating. A day in which gaining five pounds is as easy as taking a shower. A day when relatives show up from distant locations. Is it that special then?

Yes, it is. I would say it is special because it gave me an opportunity to relax, to think and analyze things, to watch tv shows and movies I never get a chance to see, to talk to friends and meet new friends, and of course, to write this blog which I hope would bore the reader, not.

It’s been a long while since the last time I surf and post through different webpage in the AIEPRO website. I was told that the latest development in the site is a special page dedicated for blogs and bloggers. What surprised me was the fact that there’s a special category dedicated to me. I was overwhelmed and thrilled for the fact that my virtual presence was appreciated and better yet, expected in the website.

I would like to express my gratitude for Chris and Vinnie for such very flattering words to describe myself. To be honest, I never heard anybody describe me as such. In return, I would try my very best to satisfy what is required of me. I do hope that the words I’ll share in this site – whether an argument, a vague idea, or just a mere opinion— would help one or many in whatever way it could. It is in my greatest admiration to share my thoughts to anybody who’s connected to the AIEP in order to help achieve the goals of the institute in which all of us would benefit. Again, thanks and I look forward to gratify this blog site.

There’s a flash flood warning that’s in effect right now in the island of Oahu and Kauai. Kauai is pouring heavily, while here in Oahu is pretty calm actually. The strong winds that was felt 2 days ago has gone down. is this the calm before the storm?

Enjoyed a korean dinner today with my close friends that I haven’t seen in awhile. Laughing, chit-chatting, and food is always a great company anyday. Then hanged out at her place and enjoyed a wonderful, heartwarming movie called “The Other Sister”.  I recommend you checking it out. Well, have a great weekend everyone.=)