Lessons in Vienna Austria

First, I've learned to use a train rather than the more comfortable taxis. Crazy, I was informed by our hotel that it could cost me as much as Euro18 to go to the BARG meeting venue while a train just cost me Euro1.70.

The funny thing is that I have different eperiences in the three (3) days that I used the train. First day, I asked the front desk for a direction and she exlained it clearly and so with a map on my hand I confidently board a train. After 20min or so I was already in Karlplatz. I didn't that much but I just went out of the station believing it was like an MRT where as soon as get out it would be easy to go where ever you want. I was wrong. The was landmark the front lady told me was no where in sight. I had to open my big map and then I had to ask people. I did. Maybe I asked three people. They told me where but all of them wanted me to take a tramp. I said I want to walk. You know be familiar with the place and see Vienna by foot. At last the last guy told me that at the end of the block I will see Mcdonald's then I turn right. McDO??? now that sounds familiar. So, I did and then ask few more people until I finally arrived. No sweat literally. It was cold so it was good for walking.

The second day. Karlplatz and I said I will not get lost again. But lo and behold, when I stepped out of the station it was a different place all together. I had to look for that damn Mcdo. Whew.. I had to ask and ask until I found my way. Faster than it was the other day.

The third day. Naah, I wont get lost anymore and then I was with my colleague so no more problem. I spoke fast. When we arrived and step out of the station. IT WAS RAINING!! hahahahahahaha.... We waited and waited and actually went inside a school campus for shelter. It seemed that the rain wouldn't stop so we decided to take a cab.

The whole time I was in Vienna was like being in a gym. Just walking and walking and walking for more until the last day. The food wasn't good at all. Filipino food is still the best. C'mmon not let me eat binagoongan, lechon kawali, sinigang na baboy etc etc., hmmm, now I am hungry. Well, I am happy with the experience.

The real and very important learnings happened on the second day. I was tired the night before because we ate very late in a fancy restaurant (for free, but the food wasn't that recommendable but the ambience of that place was different and so it made me buy a bottle of wine and I hope iy would reach the Philippines in good shape). Different time zone and got tired with all the walking with a very heavy laptop bag. Anyway, in the afternoon the blue bug hit me. Yeah, I was feeling sad and maybe homesick and drain with all the presentations and meetings I had. This made me feel a little bit intimidated and so at the end of the sessions, I was really in the right disposition. I needed an open space.

I walked and saw that people were going inside a very old gate. I came in and it made me laugh inside because it was a university and people stared at me. An Asian guy lost in a crowd of Austrian students. I prentended that I wasn't lost but Im sure they figured it out. Then I went inside another gate. I got my open space. It was the Belvedere. Wow. I mean wow! Huge.. anyway, I sat down and relaxed a bit and took some pictures and decided to come back the following day. Ok, I wasn't really feeling well yet. blue blue blue... my world was blue. Then I saw a church. The doors were open. But I wasn't sure yet that it was a Catholic church. Then I saw the pictures of the late Pope John Paul II and that of Mother Mary. I felt it. I was home. It was God's grace that I was there. Right there and then a tear fell off. I was sad and homesick and He called me. That's how much God loves me. He knew me inside and outside. He knew I needed some rest. How I felt His love and how it changed what I was feeling. I saw just maybe five people and realized that the Priest was preparing for the Mass. I decided to stay. I didn't understand a word because everything was in German. I just went a long. That night I opened the bible and I was struck with reading in Psalms for that day. You know, the trees are planted on a stream.. something like that. See. He refreshed me and gave me enough energy and positive feeling to end a week long journey. Going back to the mass. God was in Austria as He is in the Philippines. He was in Slovenia and anywhere I went. I know He can speak in German but He made sure to tell me in English and Filipino how everything will be alright and that He was there for me. Amen. He was with me all the time.

Ok.. there are other learnings but I am starting to get dizzy. I can't wait to get home and see Josephine and my dear son, Polo. :)

To Vienna with work....and fun

Day One:

Nope. I am not yet there. I just landed from Manila to HK and waiting for the real flight. This is nothing compares to the more than 15hrs of flight time which will start in about an hour and half. PAL had some problem with the landing gears so talk and we got delayed by 30 minutes. Then, in the runway it wasn't smooth at all. It was like there potholes everywhere so yeah I admit I got scared as usual. I prayed and prayed. The plane took off and then we encountered turbulence. AAAAAAhhhhhhhh.. talk about my first experience in business class (actually second :) ). Just imagine my face turning white as all my blood was evaporating and I do not where it was going. I prayed again and asked to please shield us from the wind. That did it. It stopped. I can just imagine how the apostles felt when the storm calmed down when Jesus commanded it to stop. Yeah, I pretty sure we had the same experience. Cool dudes. :)

I was in Mabuhay Lounge in Manila now I am at the Cathay Pacific Business Lounge. Cool for a simple guy. Though, in the past days I did maybe something that I never did before. I shopped like my wife but mine was more expensive. All these branded items from laptop bags, wallet, gloves, scarf, ballpen to passport holder etc etc aren't really my thing because deep inside me I knew that I spent a lot for this trip. Pardon me. My intention is just to be at least presentable to my counterparts. I dont want to feel so off. I am there not just for myself but for my company and of course I also represent the Philippines. Ey dont get me wrong. Though I said branded items these are not the top of the line. Just simple items that for simple Filipinos like I am are already considered branded. :). I am happy.

Ok. That's about it for today... I have to psyche myself for now... :)

That "Ber-feeling" is here

Pool time with friends. Kuya Ethan and Maia.
Ethan explaining and Polo giving his Mom a look on why they can still play in the pool
Kid-made-little-tidal waves

Yup. I love swimming.
Hmmm. which should I play next....
Just another day at work
My own version of rain
Co workers busy

Happy eating
What else will I eat?
Hide and seek

Papa cooked these.

Papa Bin Papa Babin Pa Bin

The other day Polo shouted in full volume my name. He wanted me to get his toys from the cabinet. Of course, his request had his unique version of saying "PLEASE"..... What made me laugh was when he called me by my name. Hahahahahahaha... I heard him before calling me Marvin, not perfect but it was still Marvin. I thought then that he would not like be the other children who had a hard time prouncing Marvin. Then again, Polo just called and kept on calling me Papa Bin especially if it is with great urgency for him. Sometimes he would even grab my hand and lead me where he wants to be. That's my son. I like it. If you want anything say it. hahahahahahaahahaha.. At least he is not calling me Pappy anymore. May he realize that we are not dogs or he hasn't seen wowowie lately.

All of the sudden we are now concern about the price of his diapers, baby wipes and soap. They are very every expensive. When he was still a baby, it was hard because of his sensitive skin but now, we are ready to try the cheaper ones. Php12 per diaper.. that's expensive.. :) We will try to use the more affordable ones. That's not a problem. But we wish not to save on his milk or food. We will give want we can. Polo's diet, lots of fruits, juice, rice, bread and how he loves pop corn... he eats anything though it also depends on how it is presented. He likes rice so much. He would say, "rice" rice" rice.. and if he wants something.. he would say...like like like... if he gets what he wants.. he has this "excited" expression and body language that a parent would always want to see.. :) He is really adorable and sweet. I came home late one evening. He woke up in the middle of the night and saw me beside him. Polo sat and then lay down on my chest. It was like he was telling me. "My daddy is here at last" After a few minutes, he went to his mom to sleep. Touching that even if he woke me up, I still felt loved by this little kid.

Our kids have this power over us. A positive one. I know everyone agress how they can wipe away the stresses of life, refresh tired bodies, warm up a sad and cold heart. That's how they are. Pure love exists through them from God. I actually still can't believe that I already have a child of my own. I am enjoying everyminute of it. He isn't just a friend who came across my path. He is our child. Wow. Thank God. Praise God. To hear him call me Papa is something I always look forward to everyday.

God is Faithful!

Amen. That's the message of Paul to the Corinthians in the first reading today.



I amazed. Yesterday's reading was about not giving up and something else which struck me. Ey, up until now God is watching over me. Thank God for His grace that I am able to read His words. It is different. Somehow, I feel guided and I feel that someone is looking after me.



Look. I am caught in a big web of responsibilities. Tough. Trying to free my right hand only to find out that my other arm and legs are also stuck to this web. Much of the time, I just lay there thinking that one day I will be free but if I dont do anything then nothing will happen. Oh, maybe something more bad can happen. His words then are refreshing to me.



You can not really change people. IT is a personal decision. You can empower them. Uplift them. Say good things about them. Inspire them. Teach them. At the end of the plank, it is them who should jump and no one can do that for them. I have learned how to respect in a much deeper sense. Before, I get frustrated with people whom I was trying to push and do the things I've been telling them to do. I knew that I can't but deep inside it was like a war going on. I wanted to just bang his/her head to make him realize things. Of course, I can't.

Now it is different. If a person doesn't agree with my suggestion or opinion. I let him be without any resentment. Sometimes.. you will see potential in a person and those are the times that I feel compelled to let that person knows his/her inner strength and how he can improve it. Only to my dismay, that person doesnt believe he can pull it through. It is so clear that the person he is seeing is totally different from what I am seeing. Patience then. Be consistent and pray that one day they would learn to accept what the people around them are seeing.

Battling low self esteem is a fight that takes time and effort and no matter what the other say and regardless of their relationship, at the end it is a one on one battle. Oh. me I won it with God on my side. When I did, only then that I realized that it wasn't difficult at all. It was just really a decision to just to take one brave step to a renewed you. Eureka! That was it. I felt free. It was hardwork and one decision. That is to move.

A decision has to be made and I said YES to it.

No more. One day I know I have to decide and do the necessary change in my life. Accept that this is how it is. No more what if or only if and any of its variations or forms. No more delaying. I have been stuck in here for so long that I have started to enjoy it. Obviously, it isn't healthy and staying at a station without any intention to leave is a life half lived. Unless, that's the station you should embark. Even then you still have to leave the station and go to where you should be going. Not there. NO one should stay only at a station wasting precious moments. Life can not wait. We live the life. I am not sure I am making sense here but I have said it.

You know, like go to a coffee shop/bars with your friends or drink alone by yourself. Eventually, time will catch up and you have to go home. What ever deals you have to face in your house, you should face it.

Tomorrow. It will be a different day even if the Philippines today is engulf by thick clouds and endless raining. It doesn't matter. It will not count. Change is knocking. Not once but persistently from the day I opened and entered a door. Get out, it is shouting. Don't live in virtual comfort. An illusion of contentment. Get grip of reality. There is more. Board the train and go. Dont be late anymore. The ticket has been issued and it would cost you another gold if you let it slip away. While train may come but time would not stay still. Leave now while you can.

Tomorrow. A new song from my heart. A different ideology. I have to go even. There is no map to follow but just instructions on what I should be doing. Humble me Father. Humble my lazy heart and let me go back to they ways of a prudent man. I have achieved nothing yet. Following You should still be my biggest concern. I didn't earn a pass to be complacent but just a ticket for a new job. A new responsibility. A new life. That is what is all about. There is no use. I have been given a new pair of shoes but if I dont run it meant nothing at all.

I dont need to be running in full gear I only have to carry my legs one at a time. Make the necessary steps and learn once again how to walk and then fly. Soar. Again, nobody is here to remind me that. I am against myself. I am not align with my values and my attitude is slowly being corrupted by inefficiency. A decay that could soon be a cause of regret, disappointment, tears, fears and nightmares. I always remember what Stephen Covey has said, if you pick a stick at one end you will surely also get the other end of that stick. Part of life is choosing the direction of where we want to go, how we want to go there and what do we need to do. We know the answer. Always. That's the reason why at this age maybe I shouldn't wait for someone to tell me what I should be doing because at the back of mind, I know it.

There is no excuse. Only choices. Yesterdays have happened. People might have said something hurtful, unproductive or they were unkind. So be it. They should not made be into excuses. Like carrying posters in the streets and telling the whole world how unkind people/circumstances were to you. No one will listen and even if they do so what? What will you do with their sympathies? Justification of an efficient life? Loser. Loser really. I mean really really really.

No need of that. I remember the first time I drove my brand new car. After, years of being comfortable of having an AT car, I really got afraid when it was time to drive a much bigger and it was MT too. I was very nervous because I had to take it out from the warehouse during rush hour. Wow. I could have backed away and just maybe ask my brother to bring it home. I could also maybe let it stay at the warehouse and wait for the license plate. I could have given other excuses just not to drive it at that particular day. But hey, I was excited. It would be my first time to drive a car. It was also the first time in our family that someone was able to have brand new car (and a SUV at that). When I first saw my car, my jaw dropped. Wow. I swear, I could have embraced it if not for the people around me. I could have kissed it. I went inside and then with my stroke the engine roar into life. How sweet it was to hear and smell the freshness of a new car. Was I still worried? Nope. I took control. Yeah, I was still nervous but eventually I felt it wasn't difficult at all.

So tomorrow, I will start the engine and toot toot toot.. off I go to my next journey. I should be excited, I am going to VIENNA, AUSTRIA this October. :)

Be inspired

Let's say I climbed a mountain and I reached a point which happened to be my goal. I trained and worked hard to reach this peak and so I enjoyed being here. The view and everything and whew what a journey it had been. Life is good. Rewarding. But it shouldn't be over. This shouldn't be the goal yet but just a stepping stone. Ahhhhhhhhhh!!! how many stepping stones should be there in the first place? I guess the a better question is what is my goal in the first place. I read in a book (Tipping point) about this scenario.

I felt special when I still a Supervisor. You know doing things that were beyond my position. Knowing a lot which weren't expected of me. Then now, I am a Manager. Nope. There is no more feeling of being on top of my job. I have became ordinary because of the promotion. Get it? I mean when I was still in a rank below, I did things that made people say that I was ready to be a Manager. And now, it is just expected. Not that I am fishing for affirmation or what. I realize though that I should rise and perform. That's where my problem is right now.

Inspiration.

I think our soul must be connected to the things that we are doing or love to do. It should be our soul that should propel us to do things. Not just the heart and mind. Mind is the first level. Heart is the second and the soul is the most important level. In the soul level, it lets you face and overcome physical limitations and it overrides the negative feelings to let you succeed and proceed to what ever goal you have set in place. Hmmmmm.. People just talk about the heart and mind but I think now in my stage the sould is more applicable.

Have you ever heard a music that touch your soul so deep that makes you stay still for a while. It isn't your lips that is singing or your ears that are listening. This time, it is your soul. You dont want to move, you feel that it should last more and do not want it to end, you don't sing a long with it, you close your eyes and not really see anything but inside you something magical is happening. You try to smell it or touch it but can't because it is needed. It is living within you. It is a moment when you do not care what is happening outside, or if you have any concerns, or if you are tired. Just there in a moment. That my friend is your soul.

We all need that connection. How much experience/ecstacy it would be if your could commune with God. Wow! Perfect. Diba? Ok. I understand that it would be easier to achieve this kind of experience if you a lot some of your precious time for meditation. Yeah, maybe once a day or twice a week. All I think is that it is needed. It let's you see clearly, remove the clouds inside your mind. Just that and let your soul be free. Let it listen and sing and most importantly think.

Yeah, that's my opinion. We are busy everyday at work, weekends for the family and see it could lead you to a crowded street and eventually stress you out. Working with this kind of stress has a negative impact.

Inspiration. Where will get it though? I am struggling. I need to silence my self and hear.

Hillsong Manila!

I am just one of the 20,000 plus people who watched the concert of Hillsong at Araneta. Yet, I didn't feel insignificantat all. I felt special being in one big community regardless of backgrounds we were all there to worship God. A gathering so specially amazing because of the audience's responses. It was different. I mean, the concert wasn't marketed heavily at all. You would think that only a few knew about it. Nothing in the tv, radio, magazine and maybe just a little in the newspaper and yet it was very very very successful! Two and half hours of complete ecstacy. We were all worshiping God. Unbelievable and yet it happened and I was there to witness it.

You ask around who or what Hillsong is all about and you will receive blank faces. Yeah, only a few would know but there wow! Araneta was filled with so many worshippers! The best thing that ever happened. I am telling you, if you attend a "concert worship"especially if it is Hillsong I think you might not be that interested to attend a regular concert. Because here you scream, shout, dance, pray, sing not for the singers/band but for God.

I still belong after all. That's what I realized last night. What ever I have achieved shouldn't be a reason for me to stop searching and longing for Jesus. Oh, I have not achieved anything if it just created distance between me and God. Not. I am for God. I love God and I know He loves me more than what I have done and He will not allow me to wander far from Him. I know that and believe in how much He cares for me. Everyday. I've been deliquent in my prayers lately especially my evening prayers and yet He is still here. Jesus is so cool.

He is the reason and will always be the reason why I live. He is where I am. I am here with Him. I might not be able to be as perfect as I want it to be but He is. He will be there when I fall down and He will be the one lift me high. I am not afraid to look back at my life. Before maybe I was, I have so many regrets and resentments but now it is totally different. I see God. I see His footprints. I see how He changed everything and how He made sure that I will be back on the right path. No matter if I look at my past or my present or my future I see Him. There are moments that I ignore Him but at the end I still see Him. I remember that this is how I want to be... I've lost my copy of my vision and mission statement but I remember that more than anything else, I want to Jesus to rule over me. Have I achieved it? I guess I am still far. :) There is still so much things to learn. I guess He is yet done with me. I am still a child after all.

Big Boy Polo

I'm with my first date. My mommy. Enchanted Kingdom
Mom, Im big already. I can handle this ride.
Me, my Yaya and my stroller
Yes?
My crew.

Yeah. Cool.

My friend, Sofia
Polo the Hunk
I can act, you know

Let's get it on!

A different playing field. Upgrade. Just like in video games, in order for you to be more successful and win in the next level, you have to get some new tools, power, skills etc. Otherwise, it would tough to finish it or worse you will not even see the end.

Wow. The international roaming industry has changed so much since I started working. At first, it was just a matter of roll outs with new and happy roaming partners. Then came new technologies, then the alliances and now the rates game. Oh, the technology hasn't stopped yet. It just keeps on getting complicated. So many things to read.

This is precisely the reason why people should be trained as well. To cope and compete in this new game. Not only to learn from experience but maybe to acquire new skills through training. Pacquiao who is a great boxer no doubt but still he trains seriously whenever he has a fight. It pays off at the end.

I am not saying that we are not capable but as I've said it would help us be more efficient and effective in this highly competitive industry. Global.

I can't believe that I have this work. Really. I love it!!!! :) It is difficult and challenging but I enjoy it. Yeah, I spend extra hours working at home. Have not done that for years. I am not saying that I dont feel fear. I am not anxious. That it is all positive. Not. There are times when I want to quit and yes just be at home and spend the day not thinking about work. But c'mmon, this is perfectly where I want to be. I know there are a lot of things to improve. The problem is not with just work itself but I also encounter even with my own team and others. That's how dynamic everything is. Also, if you are not doing good (revenue wise), I understand that the more I will experience pressure and this moment is a perfect ground to learn about everything.

I am sure I have not experience yet the full force of this storm. It has just started. I should be mentally, emotionally and physically strong to arrive at the shore. I am. I still acknowledge God is with me.

1. Pray
2. Focus
3. Order
4. Courage
5. Fight

It is May!

As expected, I had an April rush. I can't believe that there are only two more days left before May kicks in (with a Holiday of course). I had so many activities that I hardly spent time in the office. All official activities of course. Am I lost with what am I supposed to do? A little bit. I am a little bit confuse. Tasks are all screaming inside my head. Start with me! what about me? When are you going to pay attention to me? Hey, you have forgoten your promised! I am urgent! I am important! Hahahahahahaha.. I learned that in order to stay sane, I must managed all of these demanding activities and tame them! How? Again, be organized!

I am happy to learn that if I want to excel in my difficult job there is only one important discipline I should do everyday of my life. Organize! Every day I must act if I dont want to get things out of control. I must always be in control. I am very well sure that this what the Ayalas Pangilinans, Gates', Buffet, Sy's are doing. Loving all the actions even if it is something difficult they find ways how to tame it and follow its command.

I like Ilocos. But it is not a place for me to go back year after year (unlike Boracay). I can stay there for a long period of time maybe still if you ask me if I want to go there again anytime soon? Nope. :) There is no love yet.

Yehey... May 1 is a Holiday!

As of today

I'm back. My first day in office after being away for around four days. And guess what? It is Friday today! Wohooooo!!! I am glad because I am still exhausted after attending the GSM AP in Cebu. Not too much sleep and a lot of meetings. Imagine, I was there since Saturday but I only had the time to relax a bit (two hours) last wednesday after my morning meeting with KTF. I checked out on that same day. It was ok. Today, aside from trying to catch up and be mentally prepared I still have to attend three meetings. 1:30pm with RSF for our OCSMS updates, 3:00pm with Verisign and then at 4:30pm with Wolfpac. I'm packed! But then again, it is Friday so it is not like I will have to face these and other things tomorrow. I have two days to enjoy my time with my family and even to organize myself. Right now, I am like recovering from a typhoon. There are a lot of loose ends that need to be fixed. Gee, then next week we are off to Ilocos for our team building. aaaaaaaaaa!!!!

I really love Shangri La Mactan. The best resort hotel for me. It is a home away from home. I wish I could bring my family there but maybe we should go to Boracay first. :)

I will share something about the GSM AP meeting in a different post maybe.

Mariel got her request. Cds from her fav bands in Korea. These are even CDs bought in Korea. Lucky her. Yeah, I was willing to look for them here in Manila of course. I am sure though that it would be difficult. The GSM AP helped a lot since my friend from Korea (Shawn) attended this event and he was the one who bought the cds. If I were Mariel, I am surely to be ecstatic about it. I mean it is like maybe owning my pair of Rockport which my mom bought in US. I love it! I could buy it hear but it is expensive that I would think once, twice or never even imagine to buy it myself. Or like what I want to have now, a Samsung laptop bag. It is around Php4.5K and I can't even convince myself to buy it. No matter how much I rationalize I am still hesitant to purchase one. Unless someone out there will buy it for me. :)

Ok. Time to Work again....

Something to say

The weekend was great. I enjoyed every minute of it especially bringing Polo to the Fun Ranch (where kids rule). I am happy to see how happy he was during the time we spent there. He was cooperative enough while his parents where looking for someting to buy in Tiendesitas. It wasn't planned actually. We only decided to visit the place because I was hoping to find the shoes in Tiendesitas, unfortunately I didn't find it. So hop we went to the Fun Ranch. First stop was the activitiy center where we let Polo and his Yaya to play there for 30min while we watched them have fun. Polo was walking and walking and "priceless" really. Then we tried teh airplane ride which he enjoyed like how he loves cars. There are a lot activities that happened afterward but I am too lazy now to share it. :)

Today, we are back to the corporate world. Tough day. It just a few hours old but my mind had been working since yesterday. I have to finish a lot so I would not have to think over and over these things. At least the GSM Asia Pacific will be next week already and it is one of my pressing tasks this week. Thanks so much to our Marketing Events people, they have managed to shrunk this big event into small pieces. I love Shangri La Mactan. I will not change what I have said before. For me, it is one of the best hotels in the world! The GSMAP will be held there and I will be in Shang from April 13 to April 16. Exciting but not so much anymore. It is really different if you have a family already. It changes everything. If they can join me then that would be the best scenario. But it is like I am not there yet but I am already longing to go home.

GSMAP preoccupies maybe 40% of my time because I can not give everything. I still have some businesses to handle. Crazy stuff. The Psalm reading for today inspires me to just move on because "HE is the ROCK of MY REFUGE. Whew!!! I hope they can stop giving me work for the meantime. Well, I am under His wings to Jesus will be the one to help me here. :) I dont want to stress out my self so much and I am sure God has this big plans on how to move these things. I will just listen and do my work and work. 100% I will give to Him. That's the only solution I can think of right now given the truck load of work I have right now.

I want to be fit

Josephine and tried exercising again. It just happened last Sunday. We arrived from Marikina then we decided on the spot to at least walk around the village for 30 min. We did and we had fun doing so except for Polo who probably was surprised by our disappearance. I jogged last Monday and then yesterday Josephine joined me. All of them at night. It was easier I guess. It is like if you want to do it, do it now. Of course, I will not exaggerate the result. I burnt calories for sure but I am sure it doesn't translate yet to losing pounds. No no no. I am just happy to be doing something about my physical well being and having to do it with my wife. What could be a better deal than that? It is even for free. You know, Josephine and I had been together for so many years already. We see each other more than the other couples I guess because we work in the same company. We eat lunch together here and it doesn't bother us. We go to work together and go home together. Jogging together is another activity and I like it because we still talk :)

We will take one day at a time. Exercising is a daily commitment so as eating healthy food. They always go together to remain healthy. I also am taking Fern C. Again, too early to say but for three(3) months of taking a capsule a day has maybe improved my resistance against flue and colds. I noticed like last year that I always get sick every single month. My clinic records can attest to that. That's depressing! Crazy. Something is wrong and something must be done. Fern C did wonders to me so far. God bless and hopefully I will have a healthy 2008. Same goes with the rest of the family.

I need to be healthy because my job is crazier than it was last year or a year before that. International Roaming business is a beast that can not be tamed but only managed. Sometimes, it looks like there is nothing would put us down then again its horn swagger to left and we get hit. Wow! Or sometimes this bull run endlessly wrecking havoc along the way. The only thing we could do is to manage the damage. But sometimes, we use its full strength to benefit from its power. Crazy, man. Fluctuating currencies, political situation, economic health, storms, holidays, price of oil (heheheheehehe but I am sure it indirectly affect us), realtionship with different partners of different backgrounds and culture, network quality, new technologies, fraudsters, alliances, US presidential elections, IRAQ crisis, Wow!!! see. too much factors. Exciting job isn't it? :) Pressure pressure.. I must be physically, mentally and most of all spiritually fit to handle this job. Yeah, that's international roaming for you.

Exercise is a must if I want to have a longer life. I still want to have enough energy to spend time with my dear boy, Polo. Especially now, that he demands more physical attention and I am sure it will increase as he grows.....We only just have begun.

Working. Backwards

It was time for me to leave the academic world and once and for all face and understand what others were seeing outside this comfortable home. Nope, I wasn't a professor or anything. I had a non-teaching position where I was given a chance to train student leaders of our school. Cool. Idealistic and then I was there. I had fun and was still so immature! My peer group was starting to share their corporate adventures and mis adventures while I can not offer anything but listen to their colorful stories.

Then one day I was out. I jumped and was optimistic given that I had a La Sallian education and I was exactly a fresh graduate. Internet recruitment at that time isn't a fad yet. I bought Manila Bulletin every Sunday, asked for referral and then did some walk-in application. Since I wasn't using email yet I had to wait for letters of interview or acceptance. I was positive that I would land a job in no time. After a month, two, three, four...... the enthusiam was starting to go down. I looked into my expensive pair of shoes ( i didnt know it was expensive) was starting to quit. It has holes on it soles. I've been around Makati, up and down the buildings. Then Pasig, Manila, even Southern Manila.... Negative. Either I didn't like the job or I wasn't fit. And being in the Academe for two years was not that advantageous for me.

Fund was low. Morale was low. Shoulders dropped. Restless night. I was already hesitant to ask money from my parents and yet I still had no job.Tough life. I found comfort in visiting the chapel at the end of the day. In there, I just rest and share my stories to God. I guess it was one of those moments that made me closer to God. I did. That was my consolation.

One day, I got a job offer from an Insurance Company. I was invited to report the following week. I still had an interview with another company and I went for it. My interview was with the Sales Director right away and I was applying for Sales Training. He asked something simple from me. He said, "Marvin, sell that condiminium to me" Whoa!!! I didnt have any experience in selling but I tried. Then he said, what I did was so bookish. I lack the emotion and I do not seem to believe in what I was saying. Oh no................. I don't need another lecture. He said something actually that changed my self perception. He said, he saw something in me. I have the potential and everything but I have to show it. There is no way, agents will buy my words if I myself do not believe in it. Thank you. (I actually met this guy in another company). Basta, because of him I started believing in myself. Slowly. I never had the chance to talk to him once again (after maybe two years).

I accepted the sales job in the insurance company because I said I wanted to experience what it is like to be one. Again, I persevered. I tried all the tricks I read and heard from others. I was able to sign some policies and I had the chance to sign with a very big one. I was focused to close that one even if it meant going to some unknown places which were very far from my office. Maybe I spent a month with them. I gave my best. I did so many things in that company. After six months though I wasn't accepted as a full time sales agent but they had a different plan for me. Oh no. I can't believe that I might lose another job. I didnt want to be there again (I failed to listen to the next part of the sentence).

An insurance client actually was impressed with me so she asked me if I wanted to join her team. Since I didn't get that my previous company had another plan for me I left them and joined this new company. The decision wasn't well accepted by everybody because they said that even non college graduates can get a job like that. I cant share to them that I actually prayed for it. Even I had a difficulty comprehending why I should accept the jon which was not really different from my previous one. Just different industry. But the Lord said yes, join them. I did.

In here, I met another mentor who taught me so much about dealing with clients and making proposal. I was able to close some accounts and I still struggled since it was still not easy. But I started getting the hang of it. Sales is not just about the people you know but everything boils down to perseverance, hard work and cultivating relationships. My Boss then was so happy about me that when he left which surprised me completely created confusion and a little bit anxiety. Not now. Of course there was nothing I could do.

Until maybe after a month, he called me and asked me for a meeting. When we met, he just asked me how I was doing and everything then out of the blue he said if I want to join him in his new job as a Sales Director of a new internet company. I prayed and then joined him.

In Worldroom.com, I met the best boss I ever had in my life until now. My Ninang, Tina Di Cicco. She of course like the others taught me about the work but most of all she said so many good things about me and for the first time I wasn't scared of myself. I mean, the wounds inflicted to me from so many emotional clashes with people close and not close to me were really devasting. I walked for years carrying these wounds. Then here she came. She didn't point out the wounds to me nor looked into my weakness but she treated me with dignity and looked into the person I have seen for quite awhile. She believed. I guess that was the difference. I was able to smile again and slowly regained my self esteem. It is really different if you meet someone (Mentor type) who will feed you with positive things and yeah really believes in you. She did. After a year, I dont know but I felt confident that when it was time for me to be interviewed here in SMART I was ready.

After two years with Tina, I was able to join SMART where I am working right now. This is a dream job come true. You know, the scope is international and being able to travel the world and meet people. I am still learning and really am looking for another mentor who can help me to move further. It is still open. I am sure the Lord will send another Angel to help me here.

Being a Global Player

I am now thinking of several important action steps for my job. Tough! I am telling you. It is consuming all the cells of my brain. My heart would like to raise a white flag with the pressure he is feeling now but my mind is tougher! This year, the Lord message for me is to face all obstacles/challenges head on! No fear shall make me bow down to anything or anyone. I will face with if faith like how David did it when confronted with the mighty giant Goliath. Right now, I have several Goliaths and there is a new one bigger than the rest. Literally. Who am I but a small soldier in this company. Yet, I will not fail the Lord. He is my strength and the source of my strategies.

Negotiation to a multicultural environment which involves different races from Americans, Asians, Europeans, Arabs to Indians... name it and I have dealt on them in this work. What's my experience? Hahahahahahahahahahaha.. I have but a slingshot on my hand. Some of them are wearing protective helmets, shields, and armored plates... name it they have it. But I have the Lord God with me. I also know that these are not enemies but Ally that I must learn how to earn their side. To convince them that we are actually partners. That is what negotiation is all about. It isn't a yes or a no but it is about discussing the middle ground and working on how we cultivate that common ground without compromising each others interest. Now, there is someone who didn't play fair. He unleashed a devastating blow like a lion in the dark striking me almost to death then when I faced him he said... oh let's work on for a WIN/WIN solution!!! WHAT???!!!!! Win/win??!!! Do you really know what exactly it means? Crap. Ok. Working on this isn't about restoring some pride or anything. This is about getting both Parties in a negotiation table once again but not bowing down to his terms. Good thing I know my cards. I am willing to share it but not by selling short of my self. Get it? Negotiation at its finest. Am I afraid/scared? Yes maybe but in FAITH I will hit him in his head.

Different strokes for different folks. Literally. Sometimes the other party is no nice (mostly Asian) and you should read between the lines because you are not sure if if his yes and smile is really is a Yes or what... you have to observe his body language, tone of his voice, and maybe his eyes and you have to draw it out from him and clarify and clarify... but Asians are tougher that you think. Hidden dragon. That's what I like about being an Asian and for westerners are their bravery and how they love to play risk. Combine them both then there you go. You can now go anywhere.

I have met someone like that. An Australian. He listen like what Asian wants but persistent and courageous like what westerners are. I can not say he is soft because he is not. He actually just got promoted. This means that what he is doing is definitely working for him. Good for him. I am still new despite my experience in Global Negotiation but I can see now. Clearer than before. I have made mistakes and sadly no one is ready to point it out to me but fortunately I've seen them.

Generally, I am excited that I am participating in this kind of activity. A dream come true. I want to enter this world then here I am. Baptism of fire ika nga. Though, I have been exposed in international environments for several years but this is the peak. I am excited. God told me to face it then I shall face like a little boy David who grew to become one of the best Kings ever to live on earth.

Lord, give me courage to face the known and the unknown. Let me thrust my self with your wisdom and not but my foolishness. It is not about fighting but about winning your enemies. I come not to be converted but for them to respect and recognize me. I need a strength of a thousand lion but working in wisdom is better than positioning myself as someone powerful. I want to be powerful silently and for them to see at the end that this strength comes from you and not from me. Let me do this not to gloriy God and bring honor to Him.

I worship the Lord

Your assuring voice is a music to my heart

It knows no other but everyday it waits for you

Every word is a beautiful note that calms my soul

Speak to me and let me be free

Say to me what you want for me
I will follow you even if my strength fails me
Because you will carry me to the heaven above
I am lost in this world without You

Stay with me forever

Even if at times when I do not look for you

I am but weak Father.

Let your mercy see beyond my frailties

Lord, at the end of the day

It is still you I am waiting to be with

It is still your voice that lets me fall asleep

Just you Jesus in my heart

Let me praise you in the morning
Let me give you thanks before I close my eyes
Tomorrow will wait but my praise will not
You set my heart on fire! I will bless your name.

Why should wait for the sun to rise?

but in my darkness you are still there

You are the lighthouse in the fiercest of storms

A refuge to everyone who needs to rest

Your love for me is more than I could comprehend or will ever know

Not in this world when my heart is preoccupied

But in Heaven when it can embrace all the love you have for me

I will wait Father but for now I rejoice in your presence

Trying a poem once more

I bring myself near to your heart
Not knowing if you will say yes or not
I am not afraid if you will ignore or if you reject me
Love is not that

I will stand here and wait for you
A nod or a tight embrace are not so different
Either would mean a lot to me
I will treasure them

When you cry, I can be your shoulder
Let your tears fall down and you shouldn't be worried
I will stay until you can stand on your own
I love you more

Hear me in the silence of your night
I have a gentle voice to soothe your aching heart
Let me love you. Allow me to be with you
Everyday of your life.

I can do that for you and no one can take that away from me
I love you more. I love you more.
Let me show you where you heart belongs
I will take care of it day and night

I love you more

Noise at 4am

A disastrous morning. Waking up at 4am forcibly isn't a greeting that is welcomed by anyone. Not in this sleepy planet. Jaz for some strange reasons got locked out and wasn't able to enter her room after going to the rest room. She knocked on our door asking for a spare key (which we fortunately were able to duplicate due to laziness to give instructions). The keys were inside the car and I let her get it. Suddenly, lo and behold, the whole garage came to life. The car alarm was triggered. Noise at 4am. Bummer. When I felt that she can't handle it I had no choice but to stand up. There she was with a dazed look. I took the car keys from her and it was silent after I turned off the alarm. Unfortunately, it didnt stop there. The dog gave his all. Venting it out maybe he had waited for this opportunity to happen. Giving him reasons to just bark as loud as he can! He did for maybe 15 minutes straight! I just can imagine him grinning at what he was doing. Ngiting Aso. He got tired but still I heard him bark once in a while. I'm sure that the other houses were awaken by that bastard dog. Well. He enjoyed doing it so I am happy for him. There you go. I got my sleep back maybe at 5am already. I still managed to dream though.

April will be a very busy month for me. Not everything is about work but still it would be tiring to travel almost every week.

April 3 to 4: Strat Plan (Tagaytay)

April 13 to 16: GSMAP (Mactan-Cebu)

April 19: EK with Family

April 24 to 26: TCP (Fort Ilocandia)

Good luck.

Latest pictures-Caylabne Adventures

Family discussion
Driving is quite hard
Watch out for the sandcastle destroyer!!!
Wondering what's up there
Just horsing around

Polo so happy with a pretty girl beside him.
Polo so happy being with his original girlfriend
Dining with Mom and Pop

Wanting to be someone else or something

During our weekend vacation I had an opportunity to spend more than five (5) hours just being by myself fishing. I just caught two fishes. Nothing to brag about or make it a topic with the boys. There weren't any fish there. I never felt their presence and I waited for hours just for some to maybe accidentaly pass by my hook. None. Maybe I was the fish who accidentally passed by God's presence. Why? Because I spent the free time thinking of my life and God. I need Him still. I realized that it is a challenge to recognize him when everything is doing fine in one's life than when you are confronted with a lot of trials. Still I realized I need Him. Not less. I want Jesus in my life, forever!

I asked my self what I fear most now. First is my original fear that one day I might just wake up not without Jesus by my side. Not that He has left me but more on me leading my life without Him and it is scarry because I dont know. How on earth will I move and to think that I will handle all these problems by myself? That's suicide! I love Jesus before and I still love him now. I do not want that to change. Clear. Second, I guess I am worried about losing Polo. Wow! That would be tough. Diba? I mean basta it is different. Same with losing my wife. AAAAAAhhhhhh... I cant bear even thinking about it. So I guess only God can assure me that everything will be ok.

I guess these are the fears that scare me the most. The others I know are more manageable.

I saw an eagle just flying around the mountain. He is so free. No cares in the world. He is free. I looked at this creature and wonder how his life is. I am sure he also has his own worries and challenges and observing him for just an hour would not be enough to define him.

I realized that I need to nourish my relationship with God this year. Not by own strength but by His grace. With Him, everything will be ok. With Him, I can soar like an eagle. With Him, I am free.

Another new year. Happy Easter

The joy of being a Manager isn't as joyous as it seems. It is not a time of full celebration when you can rest on one's accomplishment. On just sitting back and enjoying the scene. It isn't at all. It means working and owning the business. Treating it as yours and then reporting the figures to the shareholders. What it means? Pressure to no end. If you are doing nothing then something is definitely wrong. If you are doing something but it isnt progressing as you want it to be then still it is your responsibility because it would appear that you are not doing anything. Who said that you can put your legs on the table and let things unravel before your eyes. no no no... I guess being a Manager means that you have to apply everything that you have learned. You know thigns that seemed useless before but now it is something important already. Yeah, like managing stress. Definitely, this is very challenging, Of course, there are now perks that helps me cope with the stresses of being in this position.

How will I react or respond to this? How else??? Above every skill, talent, strategy etc., I acknowledge my unworthiness. I do not know anything except to follow the guidance of God. That's the first step I realized that I should continue doing. Recognizing my need to be with God and not be foolish to move on without him. That would endanger my life. Big time. Second. Study and study. I think learning wouldnt and shouldnt stop regardless what I have accomplish. I should always look for ways how to improve not only with my job but in other aspect of my life as well. There is an Ocean of learning that I can swim on forever. Third. Persevere. For sure, there will be difficulties not only with projects but about working. I mean it gets tiring sometimes. No where to go but to persevere. Fourth. Celebrate. Create time to enjoy the blessings I receive. But before I could even celebrate I should see the blessings. This would help me greatly on how to manage pressure and stress. Fifth. Link my work to its true meaning. I work not for the sake of working. I work not for my self only. I work for my Family.

Bucket list?

Something has happened. It is Easter. 1.36am. I realized that I still wish to pursue somethings in my life. Do you think I have given up living on an industrialized/first world country? The answer is a big loud NO! Where? When? How? Nothing is clear but it seems that I still want it to happen.

Studying is also part of that list. I want to STUDY! I dont know why? But I can feel that there is a thirst within me. Something that has to do with GLOBAL Business. I want to learn how to PLAY a piano. I also want to study another LANGUAGE.

See the world but not on a long period of time unless I am with my family.

Community service. I need to do something. It seemed that when I had nothing, it was easier to serve. It is true and maybe it just normal. But there it is in my heart. A desire of wanting to serve.

The other night I realized that 2007 was the lowest spiritual focus I had in recent years. It is different and yeah there is still a calling for me to respond to. HOW on earth will I survive this world without HIS guidance. My work has reached a stressful level. Highest. IT is complicated. I need a rest!!! This Holy Week rest isn't enough.

Going back to my first wish. New Zealand, Australia,Canada, Switzerland, Sweden and US are my targets and the first three are the ones I wish to explore on.

Got to rest now. Im and tired and sleepy.

MoonVille

Welcome to a new house and a new environment. I will take it. It is a lot better than where we were before. How on earth were we able to hide all those possession under one roof or under own room even. Too many things that aren't really useful for us. I am not certainly a fan of keeping unused items over a long period of time. Our new car has finally tasted its own garage and can be protected from heat and rain. You can walk blindly knowing that nothing could happen to you because it is a guarded village within a guarded village. That's how tight it is. There is somehow a sense of security. Polo has more room to move around in and out of the house. He has the second floor to explore as well. Jaz has her own room as well. Angel will have a chance to upgrade her house but she has to wait.

As for us, the little simple Agustin Family of three (3) :), well we have to contend still being with my in laws with all its pros and cons. Embracing and learning as much as we can. While, our room didnt really expanded like I envisioned it to be. You know like a bed of Polo could fit and still leaving us enough space to breathe. I guess it isn't time yet for that. He is still a baby and doesnt need his own bed yet. We were able to rid of the eye sores and at least I can relax as I close my eyes at night. Before I can not but help see our shoes and can't believe that we are sleeping with those shoes around. I mean it is so dirty. Then stacks and stacks of photoalbums, files, papers, bags, and what have you. The aircon was too noisy and the window was so dusty. You wouldn't even mind keeping those windows closed because there werent anything to see there except water tank and containers. Can you picture it? Nothing worth sharing about. Nothing. Our exp-room was so cluttered but Josephine and I then now Polo were able to adjust to it.

Aaaahhh this brings to appreciating what we have now and never mind the other unwanted or those that are not part of our wish list. Our new rooom. We still have the same bed (and I thought it will be upgraded but ok I feel it is ok since the new was bigger than what our room can accommodate). NO MORE SHOES around!!!! They are outside at last!!! The walls are clean that I do not mind putting any wall decor on it. I mean it looks clean and against our lamps it generates a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. We got rid of some stuff that we no longer find satisfaction having them. I can breathe. Finally, a clean room. We are not yet finish since we plan to make it more comfortable and cleaner I guess. I can open my windows as well. Clean air. A project garden and a view of street. No more crappy walls or noisy neighbor's helpers. Yeah, so far I am happy. I also like the fact that is nearer to the main road unlike before that it takes maybe 10 to 15 minutes to reach the main road from the house. Oh, the rest room is also great. Not that beautiful but it can be improved. At least it isn't as slimy, hairy and dirty like the one we had. What else? Hmmmmmm... yeah, water. We now have a steady supply of water and not at the mercy of those tankers. In long holidays, we do not have to worry of running out of water for several days. Cool. These are the good ones.

And now for the challenges. First, we are still living with my in-laws. One thing that I have to swallow is that I have to adjust and adapt. There is no way that I could "own" the place. It is humbling and I know I have to wait patiently for our time to have our own. Yes, of course we can afford now to rent or even own a place but I guess it isn't the right time. I want prepfer to wait and not compromise our needs and wants. When opportunity knocks then I will open the. But now, I would wait before pounding on this goal. I have to bit my lips at times for sure. I also want to be a gentleman in handling this situation. Someday, we will appreciate going through this like any other experiences we had. For now, maybe we should focus more on how to handle our finances better. On planning what we wish to become. And of course looking forward to provide the needs of our son. I am just worried about electricity bill. I dont want to pay for another PHP10k plus worth of electricity. It would be a waste. All are using then all should contribute accordingly.

So off we go to a new life. Here we are 2008.

Differently

It could not be a far fetched idea that all Government's project are covered with corruption. So discouraging. Imagine the taxes we pay are high enough and still these people have the balls to do make this way. Wow! Unbelievable.

I do not know what they are thinking and why they do it. I am sure not all are corrupt but it seems that majority of the leaders are. Politics here is so dirty. I am sure even in other parts of the world but Philippines can be compared to countries lower than our economic status. We are a developing country and we can not say that we are lagging so much from the developed countries. Because what they can do, we can do as well. Sigh. We vote for people hoping they can make a difference. Not for me or to the other middle class people but maybe for the underprivileged, indigent, the poor. I am a college graduate and for sure those who were able to get a college diploma would at least have a chance to do something. But the poor are getting poorer and yet our government are taking advantage of their lack of knowledge, information. Hard to believe. But it is happening. Sigh.

Let's discuss something else.

A boyfriend called it quits after four (4) years of being a couple. Reasons are vague and yet he still calls her and even say sweet nothings. If given a chance he would still see her and act as if nothing has been decided. And yet at the end of the day there is no commitment and the guy would say that he wishes that life could be like this.......

Something is definitely wrong. A guy who wouldn't want to commit is definitely someone who has not decided whether he wants to be with you forever. Yeah, he has things to do, accomplish etc., so the relationship is not on top of his agenda. Cool. But if I were you do not treat him as if he is your boyfriend already unless you also just want to play along. You can be friends or even good friends but that's about it. Never be intimate with him or hope that one day he will say in your face the words you are wanting to hear. Duh. No commitment with him? then be open with other guys. Date and get to know others instead of sulking and letting the world know how you were maltreated and unfair it is. Yes, I agree it is unfair but if you are not doing anything at all then you probably also like what is happening. C'mmon. Wake up! If he is ready then he will speak up. If he really likes you then he would know the risk of losing you to someone else if he doesnt do anything. You have the right to be happy. Your happiness shouldnt be tied to his or anyone's plans. Because you are not a plan or a goal. You are a person and you have to right to be free. If you decide to let go of him then he should without bitterness. Be free and see the world in a different perspective. You do not need anyone to make you complete. By yourself you are already complete and maybe finding another person to share this completeness is satisfying but not a requirement for your happiness. Blessed are you for being alive in this troubled world. Blessed are you to find someone who can respect your individuality.

What to do if he keeps on showing up on your door and continues to send "kakakilig' text messages?

Get REAL!!! and confront him. Ask him point blank what is he up to. What is his intention? What is he doing? If he continues to ask you about your plans for the day, who you've been with? you had lunch with? You have to right not to tell him the details especially if you are sensing any tension. Be free, I say.

Hahahahaahahahaha.... let me see.. i will read a newspaper or magazine concerning people's lives then I will answer it here in my blog. hahahahaha

What's next?

Persistence doesn't know no end. So does learning and re-learning, discipline, humility, patience and then hope and faith. You know.... you want to practice these values only if you have hope. Do you want to excel? Then remember these simple values. It will lead you somewhere definitely. Beyond where you are right now. Definitely again. Never stop. Do not declare, "Finally, I am here!" that would be the end and it would be harder to get up in the morning realizing that you have achieved already what you always want. The thirst for more should always be there. I am not saying be greedy but against just learning to move forward after achieving something. Why am I saying this? For my own sake. :) Like, should I rest now that I am a step higher? There are more things to look forward to. The fuel of my engine now is different from what it used to be. I used up all when I push hard the gas pedal during my last race. I am in a pit now. Checking, evaluating but also planning for another race. Last week, I got tired really tired. I was stressed to the max. I got scared and that was when I thought about dying. Yeah, I was that stresed. Anyhow. Life goes on. Career goes on. Marriage goes on. Polo grows up. Finances should be managed on a daily basis. Waking up early in the morning is still a struggle. Finding time to exercise is also a challenge that needs to be faced. Get my point!

I get back again to great leaders. How do they manage to accomplish so much when we all have 24 hrs for all our activities. Imagine being a CEO, Chairman, President, Bussinesman., and what have you. Even newscaster. Working in the morning tv and still seeing them in the evening. Gee... where do they get all the energy and how do they manage their personal relationships without letting their loved ones be astray? WOW!

I am just a simple manager, simple family, simply needs so I am very far from their where they are playing. Do I want to be in their playing field? Why now? How in the world can I do it though? I am turning 35 yrs old and maybe have used up half of my life. The next 35 will not be any shorter or slower. It will still be fast. I already made my 2008 plans but I guess I (and Josephine) should look into the future and start visualising together.

What's next?

All in a day's work

It isn't over yet. There are still too many goals to meet, a lot of activities waiting for us to participate into and service, service, service... Yeah, life is rich with things to do. It won't stop and it shouldn't. There are nights when I think about death maybe because right now I do not want it to happen. Unlike maybe when I was younger, it seemed it was ok then. But now?!!! Nope. It saddens me to think that my wife will raise Polo without me and it brings me to tear to imagine Polo not really getting to know me more. Yeah, right now if God permits, please let me leave until I see my children's children. What's good about it is maybe it led me to cautious about my present state of health. My father got his double bypass surgery at his thirties and in a couple of months now I would be in my mid-30's. Heart problem and maybe diabetes. These two are the ones I should always be careful of. I'm watching my weight as well. The highest I got was maybe 165 to 170lbs. My dad reach somewhered 180lbs. I do not want to even exceed 160lbs. That's where I am now. My target is 155lbs to 150lbs.

I got so tired last week and I really felt stressed and fatigue(d?). It lingered until this week which made me to decide to just take a rest yesterday. Why is it when it is time to work, it takes effort to stand up but when you know that it is a rest day it harded even to stay on bed? It is like given a million bucks which you can use in anyway you want to. Hard to figure out what to do. It got me excited so I woke up earlier and really not knowing what will I do for the day. Haahahahahahaha... weird. I end up watching a movie (Vantage Point - a great one) while eating Wendy's burger, grocery even if it isn't the time yet (though I find it really therapheutic), I had my car waxed after thinking about for a couple of weeks already, a good massage then I went home to play with Polo. See.. no additional sleep but it energized me. Sleep isn't really jsut the answer to a tired body. Find other activities that could relieved the stress out of your body.

My work. Too much and too hard to manage and control. More difficult that it was last year. Not because I am a manager now but it seems like there are just coming without end. Aaaaaaaaargggghhhh.... The answer of course is discipline, order, time management and lots of prayers. :)

Whew! One year of parenting and loving it!

in
A lot of people say that being a parent is extra challenging. It saps away everything from energy to the last coins in your pocket. Yeah, I agree though sometimes they fail to share the joys of being parents. Here's one picture that I guess captures why we feel so blessed having Polo.



We are so happy seeing our son always smiling. He has his tantrums from time to time which makes him normal. : ) Over all Polo smiles more than he is crying or anything.

Going back to parenting. One year. That's not enough to say that we've mastered anything. Nope. If we are in the military we are still in the lower ranks, Privates! Salute. I understand that it is a lifetime commitment without rest or until I rest in peace. hahahahaha. No VL or anything. Hard work all the time. But being a full time Daddy is the best job on the planet. Rank #1 of all time. See that smile on Polo's face. That's our compensation our reward our medal. I speak maybe for all parents out there. We always want our child/ren to be happy. Always.

Polo got sick maybe four times in his first year. The last two I guess were not worrisome but the first two really stirred fear in us especially when he had to be tested for denque and the doctors had to get a sample of his blood. We like his Pedia Doctor. Doc Joey. For us, He is the best out there. He took care of Polo's medical needs and I guess his wellbeing. Kaya at the end of Polo's med check and to hear him say that Polo is a well baby. Another medal for us. Also, Josephine deserves to have a gold medal because until now she is breastfeeding our little boy. That's shows her devotion and dedication to make sure that Polo only gets the best. I know it isn't easy. To see her doing it for a year is made me just love her even more. Salute.

Hmmmm... if Josephine and I are going to give rewards then Mommy Annie deserves to get the highest honor. She never blinked in taking care of Polo even if it caused her back aches. Right now, she can no longer carry Polo but still her dedication is still there. Then I guess we also commend Princess for being Polo's favorite Tita. She has this knack for making Polo laugh. It so unique that not even I can compete with her.

We are now looking forward for another year. We know that the package remains the same. Challenging but another level of fun. It is truly a blessing to love Polo and to take care of him.

Polo Emoticons

listening....
thinking.......
laughing.....
guilty?....
interesting.....

amusing.....

intrigue.....

(all pictures were taken by Alan)

Not too many times

Is it February? What happened in January? It is like it passed by so oh so silently. Even the Lenten Season would start early this year. Tomorrow will already be Ash Wednesday when last year, I was in the Hospital waiting for Polo to come out!

Our adorable child will turn One year old on Feb 21. Imagine! That's how fast everything is. From a very fragile infant into move-over-your fragile stuff away from this happy child. Well, he hasn't really broken that much yet. The first I think was the Thermos. So, here's to Polo for more things to break... :)

I was in Tokyo Japan but I never had time to share what happened in that trip. I never had time and I can't seem to find the groove to write anything. Yeah, still have so many things to do in the office. Many many many things.

I already bought the external hard disk that I've been wanting to buy. 120GB. Great accessories. I already transfered all the photos and videos from my laptop to this gadget. My laptop now can breathe! I do not even have to be worried from our IT in case they check what's inside this computer. All work, man! All work.

Back in Tokyo. I was fortunate to witness the first snow in Tokyo this year. Ok but it wasn't heavy like the previous ones. They say it is rare to have snow in Tokyo so I guess I was lucky to see it. But not that much since it was thick enough for me to pick it up. Tokyo didn't turn white at all. Oh well....

hahahahahahahahaha.. The boarding time I thought was 7pm. So, I leisurely strolled around Narita Airport. From North wing where Northwest gate is located, I went as far as the South Wing. So, I looked for somethings to buy for everybody especially for Josephine, Marieli and Polo. Something unique. I end up buying just a couple of shirts for Polo, Japanese CD for Marieli and a bracelet for Josephine... then I heard that the last call for my flight!! Ran ran ran as fast as I could (it was like HK experience all over again). It several minutes before I was able to board the plane because of security check ups. I thought I was the last one. A lady came in last. I was exhausted and smiling inside but of course the passengers were not all amused. Someone asked me where I had been. I told him but he doesn't know where it was because it was just a stop over for him in Narita. He came from US. Too bad. No need for me to say a lot. I knew they were tired and excited to go home in Manila. :)

Just a little

What am I supposed to do at 2:30am? Yeah, I am checking out my Tokyo trip this Sunday. I want to know ahead of time what I can see near the hotel. I also listed what I want to happen while I am there. First thing in my Agenda actually is my plans for 2008. To be honest, I have not started it yet. Tsk Tsk tsk.... Too bad but look I will do it in Tokyo. It took God to place me somewhere far so I can concentrate on the things that I have been ignoring. I really hoep to achieve these plans.

Ok. I am sleepy..... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... cant continue.. Sorry

Great, 2008 is faster than I expected it to be!

Finally, I am about to finish a book. Last year, I screwed up. I had so many books but I never finished a single one. Very bad! This year not only do I plan to finish reading those books, I also would like to read more. Sources of wisdom, ideas, understanding and even good jokes.

So, I bought this book last week. Babywise book two. It is not as thick or it is not even thick! hahahahahaha.. It caught my attention because it is all about raising pre-toddlers. 6 months to 15 months I think. Polo is turning 11months next Monday. I started reading it and learned somethings I (or we) sometimes ignore in caring for children in the age group. Like, they are ready for discplining (not the physical stuff of course), how to encourage them express themselves thru sign language since verbal skills are not there yet. From 1 to 5, I give this book 3.5. Kulang pero helpful naman. I'm in the last chapter. Actually, it is an annex na. See. I've accomplished something already. Great!

Oh wait, there is another book I am reading. the 48 Laws of Power. Interesting and funny. It is the concise version so I guess I will be able to finish it very soon. That's two books in January!!! Wow! :)

I will be going to Tokyo, Japan. Totally different from India. What they share in common I guess is (in my opinion) their rich culture. Different of course. But Japan and India have been in this planet for so very long. I might not be able to see the whole Japan but I will try my best to see and appreciate their historical importance to our world.

I've telling/preaching people to make sure that they plans/goals for this year. To tell you the truth, I have started writing mine. What a bad preacher I am! I have of course an intention to finish this exercise. I want to and I have to. It is in my system. I admit that it was hard for me to free up my schedule to really just sit and jot down my plans. So, my first day in Japan (w/c is a Sunday) will be devoted for finalizing my plans. 2008, I am almost there! :)