The Alchemist - My Favorite Quotes

My friend and I are so very fond of "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coehlo.

Both of us believe in the Personal Legend.

On my part, I believe on the following quotes in the book:

It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting. (p11)

What's the world's greatest lie? It's this: that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. (p18)

The boy didn't know what a person's "destiny" was. It's what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their destiny is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their destiny. (p22)

And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. (p23)

People learn early in their lives what is their reason for being. (p25)

When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision. (p71)

Intuition is really a sudden immersion of the soul into the universal current of life. (p77)

When you want something with all your heart, that's when you are closest to the Soul of the World. It's always a positive force. (p82)

The alchemists spent years in their laboratories, observing the fire that purified the metals. They spent so much time close to the fire that gradually they gave up the vanities of the world. They discovered that the purification of the metals had led to a purification of themselves (p85)

"I learned that the world has a soul, and that whoever understands that soul can also understand the language of things. I learned that many alchemists realized their destinies, and wound up discovering the Soul of the World, the Philosopher's Stone, and the Elixir of Life. But above all, I learned that these things are all so simple they could be written on the surface of an emerald." (p87)

I don't live in either my past or my future. I'm interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you'll be a happy man. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we're living now. (p88/89)

Because people become fascinated with pictures and words, and wind up forgetting the Language of the World. (p91)

In his pursuit of the dream, he was being constantly subjected to tests of his persistence and courage. So he could not be hasty, nor impatient. If he pushed forward impulsively, he would fail to see the signs and omens left by God along his path. (p93)

When you are in love, things make even more sense, he thought. (p105)

Courage is the quality most essential to understanding the Language of the World. (p117)

Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure. You've got to find the treasure, so that everything you have learned along the way can make sense. (p122)

"There is only one way to learn," the alchemist answered. "It's through action. Everything you need to know you have learned through your journey. (p132)

The wise men understood that this natural world is only an image and a copy of paradise. The existence of this world is simply a guarantee that there exists a world that is perfect. God created the world so that, through its visible objects, men could understand his spiritual teachings and the marvels of this wisdom. That's what I mean by action." (p133)

All you have to do is contemplate a simple grain of sand, and you will see in it all the marvels of creation. Listen to your heart. It knows all things, because it came from the Soul of the World, and it will one day return there. (p134)

People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams, because they feel that they don't deserve them, or that they'll be unable to achieve them. (p136)

Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity.

Everyone on earth has a treasure that awaits him. (p138)

Every search begins with beginners luck and ends with the victor's being severely tested. (p139)

The boy and his heart had become friends, and neither was capable now of betraying the other. (p141)

When you are loved, you can do anything in creation. When you are loved, there's no need at all to understand what's happening, because everything happens within you. (p155)

The last one is so really true, when you are loved, nothing else matter, nothing else need any explanation...

A Magical Christmas Fashion Show

Oooooooooooops, I did it again he he he, another successfully mounted event by yourstruly at Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall yesterday, November 22 - A Magical Christmas, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall's Annual Holiday Fashion show with the winners of Little Stars, Generation East and Sexy Body. Here are some pics...

My head aches

I feel so tired and irritable today. I wonder what am I setting myself up.

Now that I can cross teaching among my list of Life Goals (which, in the first place makes me doubt myself as to WHY of all the goals in life I added that... f**k its soooooooo f**king hard to teach!!!! My voice is going hoarse from talking nonstop for four hours!)

The only goals left are pay up my debts and go somewhere abroad.

That's the power of vision.

I have always been a believer of having a vision. I know in a couple of years time, those other two goals will be fulfilled.

F**K talaga, ang sakit ng ulo ko!!!!

A Very Powerful Phone Call

I cried so much. click the link. i will find a way to post this video.



The link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCdZwitrNoY



The link for the CBN interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh5Fa6vZuFo

First Day High!

One thing is for sure, I am very tired but I am HAPPY. I didn't know that my throat can get overworked.

I had my first day of classes today. Although I didn't really teach, but still, I talked and talked the whole morning. My schedule is so full in the morning - from 730am to 1130, that's four classes MWF, and tomorrow my schedule is 730 am to 12nn for three classes.

I can't think of anything yet to discuss tomorrow. My textbook and reference materials are not yet with me, and in my syllabus, it says there that the first week is orientation. I have nothing else to orient my students!

Gotta sleep early, coz after classes, I still do my marketing consultancy.

Me @ Day Off QTV11

Novel in the Making

I have been toying with an idea of writing my novel online, but I have never been around doing it. True, I do have the luxury of time, and yet, I always seem to find excuses not to write.

Now, I will be teaching English 2 aside from my events job...

But I know, I will find it in myself to start writing... as in now na...

Latest Big Event I directed

I wasn't really able to take pictures coz I was busy directing, you know he he he.

Getting Busy

Whew!

From the time I resigned from my work in Makati (last September 26) til today, I have been so swamped with work.

Guess I really don;t need a corporate job to be fulfilled. Rather not stay in a thankless job with big-egoed bosses.

Short recap - directed one of Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall's biggest event of the year - Star Gays. Have arranged minimum of two events a week for my other client, have hosted Ever Gotesco Mall's Videokarir every Sunday - really quite fun and...

This Monday, I will start teaching English 2 - English Composition in college.

Come November 22, I will direct again Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall's Annual Christmas Fashion Show (yaiks! tomorrow I have to submit the backdrop design!!!!).

Other clients - mmmm, I have to draft a marketing proposal for another school as to how we can market their high school and college programs...

Whew...

Hope I won't get so swamped.

I am thinking of writing my novel online...

Tuwing Umuulan

Isang Tula
isang tula noong ako ay walang magawa…

Sa bawat pagpatak ng ulan, may kasamang patak ng luha.
Iisipin mo na panaginip, ang lahat ng dumaan.
Ninais na magising, upang baguhin ang lumipas.
Wala ng magagawa, kundi lingunin ang nagdaan…
Umiling, sabihin sa sarili,
Magbabago din ang lahat…
Ngunit kapag ang puso ay pagod na pala
Kahit anong isip, o dikta ng isipan…
Manhid na, pagod na, wala ng pakialam…
Sa mga nagdaang lumipas
Sa mga panahong naglaho
Ang mga yapak ng kahapon
Animo’y yapak sa buhangin sa dalampasigan…
Na pag dinaanan na ng tubig dagat
Sa isang iglap ay mabubura.
Sa pagtulog, may pahinga nga ba?
Sa paggising, may bago bang lakas?
Ang bukas ba ay puno ng pag-asa?
O katulad lamang ng mga nagdaan?
Sa isang pitsel na tubig, kalahati ang laman
Ito ba ay puno o kulang?
Ang bukangliwayway ba ay maganda
Kung sa dapithapon, ang araw ay magpapaalam din naman…
Oo nga at may buwan at bituin,
Marikit tingnan sa kalangitan
Ngunit kaylamig, katulad ng hangin sa gabi
Walang pakialam…

On My Own

Share ko lang yung very successful mounting ng Star Gays 2008 Grand Finals yesterday. I am proud 'coz I directed with the help of my staff. But still, this is the second time I directed a big event on my own without my business partner - the first one was the Women's Journal E-Teen Model Search 2007 Grand Finals which I didn't earn any cent. Yesterday was the first where I was paid professionally.

I am just happy I was able to do it. Kaya ko pala mag-isa. Great!

Pat on my back....

Taz may inaway pa pala ako sa checkout counter ng Grocer E. Sheesh, ang sungit ko na kasi, tumatanda na. Naman kasi yung cashier, sinimangutan ako. Eh pagod lola mo, so sabi ko, dinadabugan mo ako (kasi wala akong barya kaya ang binigay ko dalawang one hundred sa bill na 100.30). Nakasimangot. Sabi ko customer ako wag nya ako simangutan. Sagutin ba ako na masama daw pakiramdam nya (walang sorry) sabi ko, masama pala pakiramdam mo bakit ka pa pumasok, umuwi ka na lang. aba, sinagot pa rin ako. sabi ko ulit, wala akong pakialam, ako pagod ako pero customer mo ako kaya wag mo ako sisimangutan. ayun, nakatikim tuloy sa akin.

i was sooooo tired, grabe naman, director ka na, floor director pa, ikaw na sa sound system pati pag-aasikaso sa backstage.

pag ganitong event, lumalabas pagiging strikto ko eh.

in fairness, i was happy at maayos yung event.

KUDOS! to me syempre. Now lang naman ako magbubuhat ng bangko eh. From concept to implementation, ako lang mag-isa so I am proud.

Syempre kumuha ako ng mga mag-aassist, kaloka naman kung ako lang talaga mag-isa di ba?

Try ko magpost ng pics, bagal ng modem ko eh. Sensya na, di ako naka-dsl eh.

It's My Birthday Today

Gee weez, so what?

I don't feel older nor wiser... although today is special. I cooked my signature dish - tuna spaghetti and as usual, ubos na agad, sarap ko kasi magluto eh.

One thing I realized, the connections we made with people, the strongest will always be with your family. No matter how far away the members are, there's always the bond...

A Year Older, A Lifetime Wiser

It’s my birthday!

What now?

It has been a roller coaster ride thus far…

Much has changed, but much has remained the same. Life keeps on moving along.

Looking back, one cannot quite help but ask, did I live a fruitful life?

Was I able to accomplish my goals?

Did I make the people around me happy?

Most importantly, am I happy?

But ei, it’s only been 1230am, 30 minutes into my birthday.

One of my best friends already called from the US. I am kind of disappointed that two others have forgotten to even text me, which is unusually but I cannot harbor any resentment.

For the past six years, I have “chucked” my old life. I seldom (well never) meet new people by choice. I slowed down. I have settled down. It is not the quantity of greeters but more of the quality of friends that remain.

And yes, I appreciate more, and would forever be more appreciative with family.

Choices

I don't know what to feel, I am numb.

I feel the world crushing on my shoulders.

I am lost.

He he he. Emote lang. Ako pa.

My life is a very good life.

Nachachallenge nga ako eh.

Eto na naman, tatalon na naman ako sa basngin.

Pero this time, may parachute na ako.

Sabagay, masarap lumipad.

Masarap maging malaya.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!

Day Off with Carmina Villaroel

This happened yesterday...

Funny thing, while we were shooting, I saw my old boss (from my first job). Kind of my mentor then when I was just a rank and file, so I updated him that now, I'm a Marketing Communications Manager...

Had a foot spa at California Nail & Day Spa, an assignment from my bosses - competitors check. Wasn't really happy with it...

Sa Wakas

I know his name and cp number - Michael name niya. Kwento ko later paano ako nakipagkilala...

so here goes

last Monday, September 8, di ko akalain na makakasabay ko ulit cia. Medyo napaaga alis ko sa bahay at ayun, nakasabay ko cia. Hindi cia tumabi sa akin pero umupo cia sa harap ko. He he he, kinunan ko ulit ng picture ha ha ha.

Sa isip isip ko, magreresign na ako, malamang hindi ko na siya makita. So pagbaba namin sa PB Com, kinalabit ko, sabi ko, "Kumain ka na ba?" He he he, halatang nagulat, sabi, "oo, bakit?" sabi ko, wala lang, yayain sana kita magbreakfast. sabi uli niya, bakit? sabi ko, tagal na kc kita gus2 makilala. i found out na 7am pala ang time in nya kaya maaga cia pumasok. I got his number. i texted him if its ok to be friends with him, nagreply naman, sabi nia ok lng.

That is his first and only text. Kc after that, hindi na cia nagrereply sa text ko.

Oh well, ganun talaga eh. Kung ayaw nia makipagfriends eh d wag.

tsaka tapos na rin naman obsession ko kc nakilala at nakuha ko na name nia.

here are the pics. malabo naman na makita nia na pinopost ko na natutulog cia noh he he he

gwapo nia noh?

Knowing Your Parenting Style

For parents - here's what you should know:

WHAT KIND OF PARENT ARE YOU?
Know Your Parenting Style and Improve Relationship with Your Family

As a parent, there is no one formula for successfully raising of children. Our styles may vary. Some may be strict while others may be more relaxed in disciplining their kids. Being aware of our personal style as a parent can significantly affect how we relate to our partner and children. It will allow us to have a better understanding, not only of ourselves, but as to how we can enrich our relationship with our family.

LIFO® Method is a practical way to understand your approach to parenting. With LIFO® Method, you will understand how partners react to each other and appreciate each others strengths, examine and understand reactions to children’s behavior, enable desired change in relation to the strengths you possess and understand your unique parenting style.

In the LIFO® Method, there are four parenting orientations or styles. These styles are about our strengths, not weaknesses, and how we are a combination of strengths. Styles are not types, you can discover that you may belong to more than one style, or that in different situations, you prefer to use different styles in dealing with them.

The first step is to introspect and identify which of the four styles best describe you:

Supporting-Giving Style is characterized with these strengths: thoughtful, idealistic, modest, trusting, cooperative, helpful, receptive, responsive, seeks excellence and loyal. The philosophy is “If I prove my worth by working hard and pursuing excellence, I will be able to realize my goals.” Goals are to prove worth and be helpful. This style is symbolized by a mountain, meaning passion for excellence.

Controlling-Taking Style is someone who has these traits: directing, quick to act, confident, seeks change, persuasive, forceful, competitive, risk-taking, persistent, and urgent. The philosophy is “If I can get results by being competent and seizing opportunity, what I desire will be there for the taking.” Goals are be confident and get results, and is symbolized by lightning or passion for action.

Conserving-Holding is a style characterized by being: tenacious, practical, economical, reserved, factual, steadfast, thorough, methodical, detail-oriented and analytical. “If I think before I act and make the most of what I’ve got, I can build up resources to accomplish my goals.” is the philosophy, goals are to go slow and be sure and is symbolized by a constellation for passion for reason.

Last but not least is Adapting-Dealing Style. People who preferred this orientation are usually flexible, tactful, socially adept, youthful, enthusiastic, adaptable, inspiring, experimental, negotiating and animated. The philosophy is “If I am aware of other people and fill their needs first, then I can get my needs filled that I have wanted all along.” with goals to know people and to get along. This style is symbolized by a rainbow for passion for harmony.

After knowing your parenting style, the next step is to find out your partner’s and child’s styles. Knowing their style, you may now know how best to interact with them. A very good example would be relating to our children during their early years.

There are natural periods in a child’s life where it is important to use certain styles in relating to them e.g. 2-3 years old babies are best handled using the controlling-taking style, 4-5 years old toddlers respond more to adapting-dealing style, 6-10 years old kids answer to more supporting-giving and adapting-dealing styles.

Knowing your own preferred style will give you a better understanding on how to relate with your family, especially with your children. To know more about parenting styles, it is best to take the LIFO® Method Parenting Style Survey so you will have a definite picture of your preferred style. Tintin Bersola-Babao shall be having a talk called LIFO® Lifemasters Series on Parenting, of which the survey will be given out as part of the workshop. This is on Friday, September 12, 2008 from 1pm to 5pm at East Café, 2nd Floor of Rustans Makati. She will be there to talk about parenting and knowing your style and share with you how to make a balance between advancing your career and your family. You can contact ACG Human Capital Solutions at 8932445 local 410 or e-mail lifemasters@acghumancapital.com to register.

Challenges in Life

In just a month and a week from now, I'm turning 32. Ten years ago, looking back when I was 22, I was very naive. I just started working, I was just a fresh grad.

That was ten years ago.

Lots had happened to changed me. Did I evolved?

Embarrassingly it is to say, I still do not know what I really wanted, but I decided that knowing what I do not want is the right direction to take.

Take for instance my job.

It IS a job - not a career, not something I look forward to doing. So yesterday, I filed my resignation effective a month from now. Regrets? None.

Of course my mother is against it. It is a nice paying job, and admittedly, because of it, I was able to pay-off two of my seven credit cards. The remaining five I have to pay installment for another year and a half.

But I am not making a mark, I am not stepping up. My official job title is Marketing Communications Manager, but I feel like I'm a run of the mill rank and file employee. I do not have a staff to manage, so the manager part of the title is a lie. I am a one man team. I do the creatives,. I do the planning, I do the execution, I do the implementation. Admittedly, I wasn't able to show what I can really do. I do not have a team to help me.

Is resigning, am I prepared?

Yes.

I will be managing once again my small Events company. I am happy calling my shots. Seeing and doing my events.

And I want to teach.

And continue my MA studies.

And write a novel.

And take care of my birth certificate so I can get a passport, and leave the country, either for pleasure or work.

And exercise.

And do things I can do like go to the mall in the middle of the day, on weekdays!

All these, I want to start doing on the day I reach 32.

Movies and DVD, and long weekends

Long weekend last Saturday to Monday, so what did I do? Anything productive? Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! he he he. This coming weekend, another long weekend.

So, what did I do.... hmmmmmmmmmmm

Last Saturday, I treated my mom and dad to SM Taytay to watch a movie with me and my nephew JM. Hmmm, they watched Dobol trobol, kami ni JM, Wall-E. Cute yung Wall-E, although set in the future, "realistic" ang theme... i.e., dahil sa sobrang pollution, people left Earth. Dahil sa dependency sa robots, people gew fat and cant even walk. Pagbalik nila ng Earth, earth wasn't miraculously clean and teeming with new life, puro basura pa rin but that's their challenge, to make it clean again. So five stars! Although si JM, malapit ng matapos nabored at nag-yaya ng lumabas at hanapin daw namin lolo at lola nya sa kabilang sine. he he he.

Last Sunday, nagpuyat ako para matapos ko lng ang season 1 ng brothers and sisters. Maganda rin naman yun, kaya pala nanalo si Sally Field ng Emmy. Kaya ko lng naman bimnili yun kc andun c Calista Flockhart ng Ally McBeal. In fairnes, gay people should watch it kc may isang character dun na gay na kapupulutan ng style he he he.

Yesterday, nagluto ako ng tuna spaghetti. Bday kc ng kapatid kong bunso, so pinagluto ako ng nanay ko. Yun lng naman ahng alam ko lutuin. Well, na-try ko na mag-carbonara kaso magastos sa sauce eh. Ano pa ba magandang sauce ng spaghetti? Hmmmmmmm....

Next weekend, e2 itinerary ko:

Saturday - watch Cinderella starring Lea Salonga sa CCP (or PICC ba? basta sa roxas blvd.)

Sunday - linisin ang office dahil babalik na ako dun. at magpuyat sa Season 2 ng brothers and sisters (na hindi ko pa pala nabibili)

Monday - wala, mag-emote lng muna... or gumawa ng quarter plan for my life...

cge, work muna, siningit ko lng itong blog eh...

When faced with uncertainties in life...

I ask myself, why am I not content?

I don't really want much, I want the simple things... but still, I am not happy.

Today is my father's 66th bday.

In fairness to him, he achieved a lot... I believe he was able to raise six children God-fearing and responsible.

I admit, we are not the perfect family. But on my part, I wouldn't trade my family for anyone else's.

Sarap isulat ng mga memorable moments kaya lang baka umbagin ako ng mga kapatid ko at sabihin bakit ko kinekwento he he he. Siguro, if I ever really have the guts na gumawa ng nobela... soon...

Ano ba ba ang hinahanap ko?

I am already a Marketing Communications Manager. I am not aspiring to be a director or VP.

Mabayaran lng talaga mga utang.

I'm turning 32 this October...

Sa dami na ng natutunan ko, hindi na naman ako siguro magkakamali...