Posers

I've been had! again and again...

Shucks. How many times have I said that when a poser who pretends to meet me only to discover that this poser was a no-show?

Why do posers exist? What thrill or pleasure do they get out of this?

They waste your time, expectations... destroy your trust... and even puts a shame on you for being gullible or too trusting.

I never learn. Should I adjust to learn to deal with people like these? But I can't completely disregard meeting strangers. Because I make a living out of this. My line of business involves dealing with people from all walks of life. So I will just charge it to experience and try to detect or screen the real people from the pretenders.

Posers will always be there while the internet growth continues to expand. Posers will devise new schemes, employ dirty tricks to fool people. Fortunately, the posers I've dealt with are not hardened criminals or online thieves who are out to harm you as a means to their end.

Welcome to the internet age. Posers are the new breed of online anti-social people.

Survivor Philippines

I'm not a tv person.

Especially I do not follow reality shows.

But I don't know. Due to GMA Network's sheer marketing campaign, I find myself captivated, wanting, curious and following Survivor Philippines Celebrity Edition.

The idea of surviving in a jungle or island for 30 days is thought-provoking and mind-boggling, to say the least.

Or maybe I was prodded because of the comeback of Aubrey Miles. I'm not really a fan. But I admire her looks.

But wait. There's more. Who is this Solenn Heussaff? She was a stunner in every sense of the word.

How lucky can one get to be with her in the island for 30 days and see her everyday in a very seductive outfit? Whew!

I guess that drives me to follow Survivor Philippines Celebrity Edition.

It's the Freudian instinct at work!

Jackie Chan

When you rose into fame, I never liked you.

When I was a kid, I idolized Bruce Lee. As far as I can remember, when Bruce Lee died, you rose to fame. Because to my mind, the world back then was searching for someone to fill the shoes of Bruce Lee.

But you were a far cry from my idol even if both of you trace your roots in Hong Kong. I find your antics corny at best.

But your fame continued across the globe through the 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s to the present.

Until I watched Karate Kid 2. I began to like you after that. Your character was more serious which suits to my taste as I'm having a hard time reconciling a martial artist with being a clown or a comedian at the same time.

Fast forward to the recent current events in the Philippines where 8 HK tourists died in a failed hostage-rescue attempt by the Manila police.

Outrage swept across the globe. The blame game were quick to point at the Philippine authorities from P-Noy to the SWAT team to the media.

Then came your admonition to the Filipino people via your Twitter account that Filipinos should not be hated for this incident. And for this even some of your countrymen castigated you for this most unwelcome comment from someone of your stature.

You provided a great deal of relief to us Filipinos.

Thank you for being understanding and for treating this as an isolated case and not to be used against the Filipinos in general.

So it's ok not to like you in the beginning. What matters is that at the end of the day, you have my respect.

I liked you after Karate Kid 2 and I admire you all the more for your kindness to the Filipino people.

Thank you Jackie Chan.

I am now your fan.

Makati Sups

Earlier in the day, we decided to go out and have lunch.

It's hard when you don't have a maid at home. You'd rather eat outside to do away with dishwashing, cooking, preparing etc.

Top of mind - I said, let's go to Greenhills Unimart.

The moment you say Greenhills - it's automatic - you're going there for the classic Spaghetti of the Coffee Shop.

Originally located at Makati Commercial Center which became Ayala Center. We have been patronizing this delicious and yummy spaghetti since we were in our elementary days... as far as I can remember.

Makati Supermart moved to Alabang but retained its name. The nearest Supermarket chain of Peter Ng to our place though is in Greenhills and that is Unimart where you can find the Coffee Shop.

Thank God, the spaghetti is still there and it will always be an all-time favorite.

The long and winding road

At some point in our lives, we go through this phase when everything seems so far away... when you're hoping against hope.

Unfinished business. Unfulfilled dreams.... Unmet gratification.

You never wanted it but it's there for the taking.

It may have been inevitable but you never knew it.

Could be that events are building up and one thing leads to another then bang!

The door is there. You could see it from the distance or it's still not visible to the naked eye.

You say patience is the key. Continue hoping until you get there.

Time stood still. Seconds turn into minutes, minutes into hours, hours into days, days into weeks, weeks into months, months into years...

It's been a never-ending cycle. That's it - a vicious cycle.

Do you have a choice?

Yes. No matter what. There will always be a choice.

The long and winding road that leads to  the door. Either you continue to walk toward it or you retreat.

Anyway you do it, the road will never change.

What is beautiful is good

In this country, if you are beautiful or endowed with good looks, you will go places.

Otherwise, if you are exactly the opposite, chances are, you might be a candidate to be a regular in a comedy tv sitcom.

So, if you're somewhere in the middle, your success or failure depends on your output.

For those in the middle, fair enough.

But among the extremes, why is that? stereotype? judgmental?

So anything beautiful is associated with good? and anything ugly is tied up with the bad.

Sounds unfair esp for those who were born ugly. Silver platter to those with good looks.

Either you live with it or heck, do something about it.

What counts is what you do with your life.

There is life after...

Terminated from work. Failed relationships. Business shutdown.

Quite a number of abrupt endings when you least expect it.

Welcome to the unexpected!

But even if your usual routine has been taken away without due notice, do not fret.

For in everything, there is life after that.

Even in death.

Major Major!

You'd think this was a cry for help the other day from one of the hostages during the Rizal Hostage taking at the Quirino grandstand but this was the popular phrase coined by the Philippines' bet, Venus Raj, during the interview part in the Ms. Universe pageant 2010 held at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, USA.

While Venus Raj was a favorite, her chances were pulled down because of this "major, major" boo-boo.

uhmm, major major!

Had she answered properly and in context, perhaps her chances were higher. But God has other plans for her.

So what can be done? Do we still push for our candidates to answer in English because we pride ourselves as an English-speaking country? Or would it be better if we emulate other countries to go forward and bring our own interpreters as well? After all, it has been proven that you can win the title even by having an interpreter. The point is, you should answer not only correctly but impressively.

Look at Ms. Mexico. She was able to answer well because she spoke from her own dialect by having someone translate the English question for her.

In fairness, I rooted for Ms. Jamaica, the runner-up winner to the Ms. Universe. And I realized Ms. Mexico is also well-deserving.

So Venus Raj landing as 4th runner-up was not really a "major, major" letdown.

Still, it was like a breath of fresh air to our countrymen after our country is still recovering from the tragic hostage incident yesterday.

The height of insensitivity

WTF! The nerve. This is the height of insensitivity. Definitely done in bad taste. This was taken a day after the Rizal bloodbath where 8 HK tourists died after a bungled handling of the Manila police.

Can this be classified "only in the Philippines"?

This will only infuriate Hong Kong more. Bad publicity and it should be broadcasted to reach these girls. Shame on them.

The school should impose disciplinary action on these students if their parents will not do something about their insensitive act.

This is sickening.

Facebook

literally Facebook. lol!

Ok, who doesn't have a Facebook account? The last time I checked, it has reached 1 billion membership and counting. Way to go Facebook owners and developers! I can imagine you're laughing your way to the bank!

At first, when I opened a Facebook account a couple of years ago, I was stumped. I find it better and more interesting than Friendster. It's more interactive because you can post in the Wall of your FB friends, tag pictures and so forth.

The best thing about Facebook is that it reconnected old friends, schoolmates, classmates, relatives, families, regardless of distance. I've seen a lot of reunions, re-connections and been a witness myself to this wonderful event called reunion which puts a smile in everyone face. I, for one, met my long time buddy in school after more than 20 years.

But Facebook to me is like a macro-Twitter because some of my FB friends literally post every move they make!

So I'm dumbfounded. Do you really have to report mundane things every time? Worse, it gets to be annoying because he posts the same activity over and over. Good thing, he doesn't run out of comments from his FB friends or maybe they are just too polite to ignore his oft-repeated activity. So that's the downside of FB to me. Facebook is all about I, me, myself - it promotes selfishness to the highest level in more ways than one.

Anyway, is Facebook here to stay?

I think so and it will only get better over time with more and better features I guess.

These are the signs of the times and I'm not doing this because it's the "in" thing but because it's a necessity to keep up with old friends and relatives. Besides, you get added benefits by gaining new friends and other updates around the world that might interest you.

So thank you Facebook. You have definitely changed the world in more ways than one.

It's

Geez, I saw it again. Can't believe it. Here's one for you and it came from a supposedly American journalist:


Team USA officially announced it's 12-man roster this afternoon. 


If I were to dissect it, it goes like this: Team USA officially announced it is 12-man roster this afternoon.


I am no English teacher but I sure know how to use its vs. it's.


I know we already have so much problems in this world and I shouldn't brood over trivial things like this but who says I'm brooding over it.


Nonetheless, it irks me. It's quite plain and simple.


People should know how to use it. 

What's wrong with the Philippines?

Last Saturday, I read the title of the article written by the late Ninoy Aquino, What's wrong with the Philippines?

I glanced at the article but that's about it.

Then, many thoughts crossed my mind about the question. And it occurred to me, the answer is - A lot.

That in spite of our rich natural resources, beautiful tourist spots, good and skilled workers, bright and artistic talents, great food, good hospitality - warmth and smile and all, our country seems to be inundated with a negative image, thanks to the international and local media alike. They are the main culprit? No. But they contributed significantly to the perception that the world has on the Philippines as a country.

Negative perceptions abound - we are known for providing the domestic helpers abroad - in effect, people look down at us Filipinos and think of us as a country of slaves, or domestic helpers in this modern era, foreigners hooking up with mail-order brides, corrupt government officials making our country the favorite place for smuggling, drug and human trafficking. Name it, it was even insinuated that the perpetrators of the 9/11 tragedy honed their preparations here before launching it with finesse.

So what's basically wrong with the Philippines?

Actually it doesn't have anything to do with the location. It's the people, the culture, the breeding, the lack of immorality, accountability that contributed negatively to the nation's perception.

We were labeled once the sick man of Asia and more recently, one of the most corrupt countries in Asia.

It doesn't take much thought to find out what's wrong. Though the Philippines may be known as the only Christian country in the region, bottomline is the people's selfish ways and corrupt mindset.

So with the decaying moral fibre of some of our people, mostly in the government industry, no wonder, services are rotten and unparalleled.

God help us. God save the Philippines.

An act of desperation

Another tragic incident befell our country yesterday.

It's all about a bemedalled officer who felt he was unjustly dismissed and denied of his retirement benefits, prompting him to hostage several tourists and later killing some of them when negotiations fell through.

Ex-policeman Mendoza
Source: Phil Star

Desperate acts like these are common occurrences in our country.

In many instances, you will see a young man climbing up the billboard tower getting everyone's attention by threatening to jump. What drove this guy nuts? Well, he was jobless to begin with. And his wife left him for another paramour. Bottomline: Desperation. The need for attention is very high in situations like these.

Unfortunately, when some can't survive desperate situations, they take matters into their own hands by taking their life.

But what I'm trying to understand is the depth of these people's desperation. It seems like these people want the whole world's attention to do something about their plight. And mind you, this is not only Philippine territory. You see violence in US schools where shooting spree has become the norm for desperate people.

Can these be prevented? But of course.

These people just need someone to listen to them - to give them the attention they need - to address their personal concern.

So it boils down to the family as a unit. Because no matter how desperate your situation is, at the end of the day, you still go home either alone, or with someone, or with your family.

If you grew up with a loving and caring family, if you know you can talk to someone or at least air your grievances, then somehow it lets the steam off your pent up emotions. No need to resort to desperate acts when push comes to shove because somehow, someone is there to understand you and listen to you.

But if you go through it alone, with no one caring about your plight, no one taking the time to listen to your dilemma, then there lies the problem.

Sounds cheesy? But really, it is that simple.

As Dr. Watson, would have said, it's very elementary my friend.

Money Money Money!

A friend once told me, there are three words that certainly get the attention of most people, if not all. These are

God

Mother

Money

It has been said the Jesus talked about money more than he talked about love, faith, forgiveness and the like. Maybe because Jesus was being practical. He knows that the realities of money in this world.

Some people love because of money.

While other people kill because of money.

For even the Apostle Paul once said, "For the root of all evil is the love of money."

Money is not the problem. It is a necessity. It is the manner how we approach or use it.

That is why, in a song, popularized by ABBA, "money, money, money" is always funny in the rich man's world.

But to a poor man, having money is the ultimate happiness. Err, that may be relative actually.

Suffice it to say that there has not been scant attention given to this interesting subject.

Reality bites.

Money talks.

That's why when money talks, everyone listens.

There are many ways to make money.

Some do it simply by working. Some desperately try to find inheritance within the family tree. Others do it the short cut way - by marrying a rich partner!

Indeed there are many ways if you will just think about it. Saving up, investing, creating a business, selling, networking, and the list goes on and on.

Though money may be viewed as a necessity. It is written in the Bible that you cannot serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money (Matthew 6:24).

And that's a bitter pill to swallow for those who idolizes money.

And that's the Truth speaking  - Jesus Christ.

Does Prayer work?

Now of all things, why would I discuss this topic?

Anyway, does prayer really work? Is there really a God who answers our prayer? Some will say God answers with a Yes, No, Later or I have other plans for you which is a subtle way of saying No.

In the Christian circle, even before your prayer is realized or answered, you already claim it. Now that's faith. To the non-Christian who prays the same and claims it, you call it visualization. But I think visualization is opposed to the Christian beliefs. It is like trusting in one self. But then again if it's trusting in one self, then you really don't pray to a God whom you believe can help you with your cause.

So again. Does Prayer work?

It does. Try it!

The last 3 words to live by.

Lol. As if you have to hold on to these words to be able to survive in this wacky and crazy world we have at this age.

This is merely a continuation of the previous post that I was not able to finish because either I'm too sleepy to continue or mind was simply exhausted. Anyway...

Give.
You have heard of the line, It is better to give than to receive. It is biblical, isn't it. You have heard also of the song, "why don't you give love on Christmas day?". Truly, giving is a noble purpose. But more than the act per se. Giving is love in action, if done from the heart. For God loves a cheerful giver. Give according to your heart desires. Give according to your limitations as pragmatists would say. But giving like what the poor woman did in Jesus' times when she gave her all and left nothing for herself, this is giving in faith. And this is the kind of giving that God wants us to emulate.

But that is not what the article is about. It just says that when you give, you certainly make a difference in this world. Give without expecting anything in return. And by being a generous giver, God will surely reward you for your kindness.

Try.
How will you know if you will not give it a try? Before we can become experts in anything, we give that something a try. Then when we become used to it. We keep doing it until it becomes second nature to us.

But more than trying. The article says that life is about trying. In a sense, it is another word for risk although in a gentler term. Try if you must. Try and try until you succeed. That is the essence of trying.


Laugh.
Laughter is the best medicine. It's a grreat stress reliever. The world badly needs to laugh these days what with all the problems besetting it. As if this is an understatement, there is now what you call a Laughter Therapy. The practitioner well knows what he is talking about. Our body needs it. Our mind needs it. When you laugh, it somehow relieves us of the tension, makes us forget our sad situation and cures us of our ills, mentally, physically, emotionally.

Try laughter. It may just be the thing you need to cope in this world. Lol!

7 words to live by...

I still remember reading a nice article from Reader's Digest. The title of the article is the title of this topic.

It may sound so simple and yet if followed to the core, what difference it will make in the lives of many people...

Here goes:

Live. Love. Learn. Think. Give. Try. Laugh.

In my own words, I will expound on each word.

Live.
Live and let live. All of us have to go through this motion. Though mortal that we are, we are still bound to go through the motion and as the cliche goes, live life to the fullest. If only this is as simple as it is followed. But such is Life. You do not know what to expect. Some may be born lucky, or if you don't believe in luck, call it fortunate or blessed. Others might wonder, "why me?" if they feel like they are carrying the problems of the world. So no matter what. Live and let live. For it is only through living can we gain the necessary experience to lead us to our destiny.

Love.
They say a person needs three things in this world. 1. To love someone. 2. To be loved. 3. And something to hope for. Love is such a powerful action whether you are the giver or receiver. I think it is human nature to be attracted to someone and also to desire to be loved. But love is not only limited to what you call a romantic love. There are actually many kinds of love. You have love taking form as 1. Romantic 2. Eros 3. Friendly 4. Brotherly 5. Agape or Platonic. I used to have that book spelling out the different kinds of love. There could be more but the bottomline is this. If our lives will be governed by love, then who needs the law to remind us of what is right or wrong?

Learn.
Learning a new thing each day keeps your mind young. But learning per se is not what this article is all about. You learn things from school, you learn things from life as you go through each day living your life either to the fullest or under normal pace. As you develop your propensity to learn from your varied experiences in life, you acquire wisdom. And the wisdom gained will set you apart and lead you to a noble purpose if you are fully committed to it.

Think.
If only all of us would think first before plunging into action, I guess the world would have become a better place. For whether the best laid plans or the ill-advised decisions are carried out, the precursor to the outcome is first the rational mind. Thinking is a process. But oftentimes, thinking wisely is often neglected or taken for granted. That is why people are often hurt when others say spiteful things without even thinking about the consequences. In the same manner, before you reap what you sow, it depends on what level of thinking did you go through.

Whew. I'm done for today. Til the next post.

CCF

I discovered CCF sometime around 1996. At that time, it was still holding its worship service in Valle Verde Country Club. I was in a spiritual hopping mode back then... it took a few more years before I finally became a regular member.  But that was in the early 2000s. I hibernated for quite some time and beginning last year, I started dropping by again.

It's been a struggle going back but I am praying, trying hard to get myself get back at least on Sunday worship services again. It's been a spiritual goal for me and it's one of the most elusive goals as far as my personal life is concerned.

Christ's Commission Fellowship - transforming lives.

CCF is Christ's Commission Fellowship. It is not a religion but a movement of lay men and lay women whose ultimate task is to make followers of the Lord Jesus Christ in line with Jesus' command before He ascended into heaven.

It's not enough to simply believe. For even the demons believe in Jesus Christ.

CCF transforms lives and makes committed followers of Jesus Christ.

And there lies the struggle within me. What keeps me from growing spritually? 

Possibly, the Freudian mind.

The birth of the Freudian Mind

Sigmund Freud

Listen! I’m not a poser.

I will not claim something I am not. But then again, I coined this phrase, “Freudian Mind”, with the thought that everything I write here is a product, not of my green imagination, but of my subconscious and sometimes my conscious mind. That’s the beauty of blogs, isn’t it? You just fire away, unmindful of what others might think of you. That’s why it’s best to remain incognito.

That’s it for now. I’m off to church. It’s my 2^nd consecutive week of attending a worship service.

brb.