Nothing to write

I didn't like the strategy. It was not thorough. Now, I have to do something about it. I dont like it at all. But, yeah.. take ownership. There can be several issues in a company and you will get to know them. Sometimes, all of them. You may get an idea on how to solve one or two.. then go ahead and give and share your ideas. No issues. It will become an issue if these "resolutions" your primary objectives everyday and you tend to set aside your real job. That's a problem in itself. Trying to solve a problem but you became a problem. Not good. Or sometimes, the issue is bigger than you which would need a lot of consideration, planning and management support then instead of just putting your feet to work... try talking to your boss first and see how they see things. I've learned that sometimes, big bosses know some critical information that make sense for something that doesnt make sense at first glance.

My point is. First, know why you are in that position. Your true real job. That's the priority then support the team especially if you yourself will benefit in the process so at the end you are still doing your job. The dangerous thing to do is to beinvolved in something that is out of your function without the go signal from your line manager. Be Careful. No matter how pationate you are in this virtual project.. it is not the reason why you got hired. Focus.


I still have a lot to learn that's for sure. I understand the language but still I need to know the processes, get information, understand the organization, and see how the leaders are doing it. Have an open mind and allow yourself to teach others as well.

Tomorrow, I will bring Polo to the creche. That's a new activity for me here in Luxembourg. I will send him there and leave him for three hours. Getting him on board a system, which even in the Philippines would apply. So, it is nothing extraordinary. Though, in Manila, I am sure that we ask his Yaya to wait for him until he finishes his class. Here, it is different. Teach them to have their own world and introduced them to other children. So, he will make friends now. Exciting life ahead of you, Polo. Same with Baby Nicolo. :) Go boys! Your parents will support you all the way! we will have disagreements, successes, frustrations, victories, disappointments, happy activities.. everything. We will experience and face everything as a family. :) Go boys!! woohooo!!!!

Swimming in Summer

Today is a new day. I want to go to work at 8am. That's it. I like it and I will get into the habit of going to office that early. No issue. No chance for politics. At least in that aspect. But people who go to work early has that psychological advantage (just my opinion). You are settled early. You feel fresh. You come in first. You can go home early without caring of what others might say because they can not take it against you. So many rather than being in a hurry. Coming in last. Then, at the same time, time seems to run faster when you arrive late. Ok. But I am not late at 9am if we talk about company policy. 9am is acceptable then go home at 6pm. but for me it is late.Thoughe everybody say it is ok to come what ever time you want.. but i know people will start noticing it. I dont like it. So cut it short, I will just go to work early.

That is just my personality. I work through momentum. Sometimes, it takes a while. I mean I am not at my best if I start with my work right away. I need a little bit of momentum so I can tackle the big issues. That's why I dont like back to back mtgs in the morning. It confuses my momentum. Others strive in getting their hands dirty right away, while I need to prepare myself and then I have no issue getting my hands dirty also.


Today, we had lunch in an itallian restaurant. Great food. Quite hot because there is no aircon but the food compensates for that. After eating, we went to Quick for a cup of coffee and to let Polo play in the indoor and outdoor playground. I see myself in Polo sometimes. He wants to play but sometimes he stops himself when he sees other kids playing.He can just sit patiently and wait for the kids to leave. Poor Polo. I dont think he will have a public playground all for himself. He just cant. I wanted to push him. Or even accompany him but I can't. Im not allowed and at the same time, I let him handle this situation. Ok, that's like me. I mean throw me i a crowd and I will not mind if I dont mingle with others. I will not get bored or concious. I cant patiently wait until I am ready or if someone approaches me. But, if there is no intervention, I could probably go home without talking to anyone. Wow. Yeah, I am that and sometimes I can see where Polo got his social behavior though I never told him to be like that. I even sometimes encourage him to play with others. Though, I know that he will get over it. Like me. Also, especially now that he will be in a day care, he will now be exposed to other kids at least and by himself. Good for him. Go Polo! Im excited to meet his first friend in Luxembourg. A friend he made not because of us. Not because, the kid's parents are our friends and they end up being friends. But here, he will meet kids of his age and become buddies.

He is indeed growing up. I can't believe it is so fast. He is now 3 years old and 4 months. Wow! Everybody even thinks he is actually 4 yrs old because of how he talk and his height.

After Quick, we went home just to change clothes and off we went to a nearby indoor swimming pool. What a great location to live! We are blessed. We can run outside, bike, play basketball, football, tennis, etc etc.. and then swimming. We can swim everyday if we want to.

Baby Nicolo is coming to town very soon!!!! :)

Another development sad but also good

The boys are left at home. Naturally, Polo cried seeing his mum leaving without him.But, we've been through it so I didn't panic. A chocolate can soothe anything indeed.Plus ice cream and some chips then a nice funny movie. There, he isn't crying anymore.

Then, we spilled the ice cream, chips and coffee on the carpet... hahahaha.. just minutes after the mommy has been away.. here we are boys. messy messy..

Bad and good with my former team. It was inevitable and it started happening since the day he said yes to the position. He had chances to evolve and develop the needed skills but from our eyes and most of the people around.. he didn't. So, here he is. He had to go. Though, maybe it was also good for him. He is a millionaire so not to much worries financially unless he has huge debts. He can go back to his core competencies and succeed. He can get more money and apply somewhere or maybe he will be offered a position that he can succeed. He should have asked for help. The stress I imagined maybe was too much for him for so many years. So this is kinda good also. Freedom. Not the way he wanted it to end but it should happen. He will be okay. Good for hima and good for the company as well.

As for me, I realize that we really have to continue evolving and learning and be aware of why you have and what other skills you need. Self awareness. Self inventory. Especially if you are assigned a new job or has been promoted for sure there are always room for improvement and learning. Continuous.

6 items in one day

It was stressful but I liked it. It wasn't perfect still I liked it. I was grilled and scutinized. yup, Iliked it. I was challenged and I liked the adrenalin rush perhaps. But I think I will be careful next time on how projects I should present. For me, it was too much that the quality suffered. Though, I felt it was necessary. Well, that will be my life now in Vodafone so I welcome it.

I just changed my car. From the Mercedez Benz B180 to Ford Mondero(?). I was surprised that I felt a little attachment with the Benz. It was the first car I have driven in Europe. The benz I may say. I was already comfortable with it and it has brought us safely to so many places. But, I think it isn't big enough to fit all stuff of my kids. That's the first decision I made for baby Nicolo. To be honest, of course, I would want to drive a Benz vs a Ford. There is a prestige attached to it whether it shared by others or completely just mine but the thought of two strollers, two car seats, lots of bags, plus groceries from time to time made me realized that the benz was really too small. It was like our Honda City and we used it when Polo was born and we brought our clothes to Marikina with that car plus Polo's baby things. It was really really packed.


I dont want that anymore and I want my boys and wife to be comfortable as much as possible. There is a time for struggles, discomfort but if it isn't needed then why force the issue. I am just concerned that I have never driven a car like this ever. The Tucson was a first as well so I can manage.


I cant think of topics that could be interesting to write here. The fact that it is also 12 midnight made it harder. But I think starting to write again whether it has value or none, it still a good start. I want to go back and write and write again.

Ok. Got to go.

Our new life.

Time has passed. Many things have happened. From me struggling but enjoying my early career life in Smart, living and learning a Christian life, being with Josephine and learning to love each other more then deciding to get married, moving up the ladder, a miscarriage, living with in-laws, having Polo, getting promoted, then here we are in Luxembourg and I'm a manager of one if not the biggest Telco group in the world. Wow. indeed. Praise God.

From Marikina to Makati to Paranaque and now to Walferdange Luxembourg. Life is not stopping. Literally. We will have baby Nicolo joining this simple family very very very soon.

Sad. I lost most of my journals in the flood. Now, this blog that I kept for many years is the only one that keeps what I have been through, what I going through and what I will go through. Somehow. My life keeps on moving. I can read it here. C'est ici! I am thankful. so much. to God. He is the reason for everything.

We are blessed. I am blessed. I have Josephine first of all. Then Polo and then Baby Nicolo. I have a wonderful job that can support us and our families in the Philippines and in the USA. I don't mind really. We just need to manage our finances and somehow, we are learning and enjoying it.

I know and accept that it was different when Polo was about to be born. Yeah, we were like doing everything to accept our first child. It is different now with Nicolo. Gone were the crazy preparation. We know already a thing or two about birth and caring for new born. Of course easier to say but actually we are more relaxed. But the circumstance then was different from today. I believe baby nicolo will have a different experience. He will have the full attention of his mother. A great team of doctors. Modern hospital. Free birth. He will receive allowances from the government. Of course, he is the only Agustin to be born in Europe! Wow. Amazing for him. I am excited for him and even Polo for the opportunities that they can have here. I do pray for guidance that we will be able to lead them to the right direction. In God's name, I claim we will.


I seldom write here. I can blame facebook because I usually spend my surfing hours in it and by the time I feel I should write something on my blog, the interest has left me. Maybe also, I don't feel so much stressed and there is nothing to expressed in written form whether to pick my self up, to see things differently, to vent, to just free my self from any negative feelings, to share positive events as well, my thought etc., etc.,

Yes. I feel better and fulfilled that I dont see any reason to complain or any reason to be sad, depressed etc., Probably, it is time to reach out. I am healed and well taken care of, then I need to stretch my self and be of service to others. Not just with our family but even to total strangers.

Everyday, I thank God for his goodness.

Fully Booked

I always find myself going inside a bookstore everytime I'm in mall. Not clothes, watches or accessories or shoes or gadgets but books triggers a strong positive feeling within me. It makes me feel alive and inspired (church of course provokes a more powerful feeling). The downside... It is addicting and I have to control myself from buying books (as if I can really do that). I made a pack that I will not buy it unless I finish what I am currently reading. Right now, I'm reading two books, the success principles and parenting by grace. Good books.

I like to read though I cant claim yet that I am a book worm or even a good reader.

Yes, Lux im still here with Phil.

I never questioned whether I made the right decision or not. I knew and still believe it is. Everything that is happening now is for its fulfillment. It is really just not that easy waiting especially now the Im out of job and financial worries start to creep in. I dont worry if I will have the job or not. Again, it is the waiting that is making me feel crazy.... We've prayed every single step and followed instructions. So, I know we are just doing fine but I never imagined that waiting could this be tormenting. Everything happens for a reason and here I am immersed totally in this moment of unending thinking. What good came out in this stage.

1. 100% Polo. i think this will be the only time of my life I will be able to enjoy every waking moment and doing activities with and for Polo. Having breakfast with him. Playing and watching tv. Having lunch. Bathing him. Being there when he wakes up and calling my name. Singing and dancing. Going out to parks and playgrounds. Talking with him as if he is already a big boy. Of course, receiving his kisses, hugs and most of all hearing him say that he loves me. Seeing him smile, laugh and even cry. Hearing his funny uncomprehensible stories... And so much much more.

Before I resigned, I think this was on top of my mind. To establish that connection with my first son before we embark to the greatest adventure of our your young family life. By default, he is already that close to his mother and Im sure once we are in Luxembourg their relationship will be nourished more. So I still have to secure him of his place in my life and not leave time to tell him how much he means to me. Yes, it will go on wherever we are but I want to start it right, right now. See, somehow I got to know him better. He already has his own personality and I'm happy that he can already say what he wants and whatt doesn't interest him. Simple things but meaningful. He knows when he wants to do things his way or when he needs helps. Im proud of him.

His Yaya just had 3 wks of vacation, which gave me exclusive time to attend to all his needs. How happy I am that I can bring him to the mall without anyone. It is possible and achievable and rewarding! Father and son time. One of my visions before. And when the other kid comes out, I will find time to spend alone with him or her. I will let him/her know special he/she is to me. My two kids and a beautiful, kind, intelligent wife. Blessing indeed.

2. No Helper means I had to do some house duties.

I think my training in helping out during my growing up years helped me to be sensitive and accept the fact that I have to be a part of the working crew. No sweat. Mopping the floor, washing the dishes, ironing (polo's) clothes, cooking, sweeping, waking up for the garbage truck, running errands, etc., I think these are not too much and considering that this duty is just temporary. A humbling experience and funny that sometimes it triggers negative and unwanted emotions, which is still good since I had time to reflect why I was feeling that way.

Jopay's Mom's world revolve around these everyday for so many years already. It ain't easy. Or maybe because I'm not used to it. Maybe. But I've learned to appreciate and respect what she has done. Sometimes we tend to forget their roles that when we get home we expect to get this and that, eat this or that, we justify that we are tired and deserve some relaxing time BUT being at home and actively making sure that everything is clean and we have warm food to eat are not easy man. It is also tiring and stressful at times.

We will be in Europe. A western country where you do things on your own. Rich and poor alike. Unless, you are willing to pay for a price. Asians are accustomed to having helpers around. There is merit but at the same time, it deprives you of some basic lessons and skills. First, if they can do it, why can't we? A chance to teach kids to help in the house and do not grow up feeling privileged or too entitled.

I guess this is a refresher course for me then. Getting ready specially that Josephine is pregnant.

3. No work related stress.

Wow! No revenue to think about. No plans or goals, no customer complaints, no meetings, no bosses, no gossips or politics.... Of course, I will have to deal with these things very soon but for now, I am happy that I do not need to think too corporate. Rest. Simplifying my life. I'm happy too that I have not gained weight so far. I plan to lose at least 10lbs more starting tomorrow. I have been eating oatmeal and I hope I'm getting something good about it because it really taste awful. I've learned not to eat too much and my body isn't craving for anything except coffee. That is an exception. I'm healthy. I do want to be healthy and be with my children physically in their activities. I do not need to be awake early in the morning just to finish a rush report or analysis. I do not need to deal with people I dont like to work with. Just for now, later on, I will be ready with a smile.

4. Time for myself.

I thought I will have control of my time when January came. Our helper took a VL so there you go. I didnt want to be selfish but I just let myself be part of a family. Though, I had tome to read books, reflect and sometimes go out like right now but to be honest I miss my son. I will still choose to be with him. I just needed to do something and also grab this opportunity to spend some time with my wife. A date.

I need to have this time to reflect and plan. i will do just that.


Got to go

scaredy cat

There are so many twists in every turn. Im exhausted mentally and emotionally. Whew! Whew! Whew! In the name of pursuing a dream. You have to bleed and be tormented for awhile. It is quite a challenge and really difficult to manage. The process is long... Very long. Stay positive and keep the faith alive. That's all I can do for now. Fight. Fight. Fight. Yeah, giving up is always a thought that keeps only knocking on my door. But can I, really?

I have trusted God long enough and it will also be the same in this case. I will obey. Yes, Lord I am here. I will follow and simply obey. Go go go. My concerns and worries.. Take it Lord! We are in this together!

2010. A different beginning!

Thank you 2009. It was challenging and we will take everything in it. Except the resentments, regrets, frustrations, failures, pains and everything that we will not need. Goodbye!

It's a new year and literally new for me. For us. For our little family. I will let excitement to slowly get out of the bag to help me battle any negative thoughts or other similar concerns. Be excited!

I wish to know and learn so many things in life. I am excited that I will be outside of my world and the adventures of my life will begin. Same goes with Josephine. We approach the horizon with great anticipation with eyes wide open. We become students of life once again. The whole world is our classroom. No time to define our limits but we are here to let our imagination conquer what our mind can think of.

It will be our first time to be alone as a family. To run a household by ourselves. To look after each other. To create a home and not just a house. A time to let our taste come out. Our personalities will be the main colors of our lives. We can try now and be free entirely of who we want to be and what we want to be. We can shape our future by our decisions. The right ones and even the mistakes we might make. Entirely our own. Independence. Interdependence. The Great Life. And then we still have families spread across different continents. But the best of all, WE HAVE JESUS WITH US WHERE EVER WE WILL GO. That's His promise that will not be broken for generations to come. In Him, we find our strength and courage.

Where will we begin? We start by praising our God and we ask the He will reveal to us His plans for us. Life is truly amazing. I am not afraid and I will move forward. New year. My eyes will open to a tomorrow of a different light. I will smile. I will kiss my wife. I will kiss my son. I will kiss our baby in the womb. I breathe and smile back to the Giver.