I wrote my dad a card with a sum of money attached to it. I can't exactly remember everything I wrote, but it went something along these lines:
"Dad, hope you'll forgive this small amount of help I could give. It's a far cry from the $1000 US some other son sends his family monthly. I wasn't fortunate enough to have the same opportunity as them. Had that been the case, I would have probably been away from you as well, toiling just to be able to put BETTER food on the table. But the good thing is - we are already enjoying something that they still have to grow old and gray to be enjoying."
I think I needed to say that since I was really picking a good time to tell him that I was really getting pissed off at being compared to my other batchmates who are rich or have migrated to other countries. Truly it makes me curse my being born in this country. However I realize that no matter how much you try to be change your identity when you're a foreigner in another country - you will and always will be - a native of your own country.
For example:
"So if you're chinese, it doesn't matter if you're in the Philippines - you're still Chinese, and with it, every trait, every habit"
- You don't necessarily have to be in the most industrialized country to be this. No matter how high or far you go, you'll die one day, Your consolation is that more successful people in life will die more painfully, because they have much much more to lose. Be thankful for the gift of death. Like a famous CEO said - it is nature's cleansing agent.
- Having realized this early in life, it all comes down into being all you can be - within your means. Be thankful for the gift of realization.
- Most importantly - all you have to do to realize you're lucky - is to look at other's misfortune, then look back at your so-called misfortune. Everything will be much much easier. Be thankful for the gift of life.
God, no matter how crazy we think He is sometimes, still manages to make these gifts felt - not always in the way we expect, but in a way that we'll feel it.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
30+ is a turn-on
One of expectations society brings us is that love is the reason for marriage. In the olden times, it's 100% true. But as time went by, it started going down.. down to let's say.. 50% (I'm being kind at this point). But wait, it's half past the 21st century.. hmm.. I really want to say that it's.. 25% love-75% the other reason.. but I can't seem to convince myself of that.
Anyway, what I wanted to say is..
at age 30 and above, I believe girls become even more attractive. This is for a number of reasons:
1. Loss of cards - she loses the "if you don't marry me before I hit 30, I'll break up with you" card. My favorite reason. The most f_cked up reason for breaking up with your guy I suppose. The solution? Find and hook up with a RICH guy. If he doesn't marry you before you hit 30, he's probably not serious about you. But if you're banking on a poor Filipino guy - there you have it.. tough luck.
2. Lessened shopping attitude (actually I think this isn't true, but whatever) - I can really compare, having seen girls at their early, mid and late 20's. Come early 20's, a good number of girls are so full of "it" (go figure this one out yourself). Mid-20's.. well yeah they're still there, wanting the *icing still. But come late 20's, omg, it's like a race to the christmas rush. They can only ask so much from a man. If the guy couldn't marry them due to financial reasons, and you want to get married NOW, then what do you do? Here's what you do - you break up with the guy. And marry the next guy you are in a relationship with. Right? =D
3. No wasting of time
But all that pride and sh!t disappears when you hit 30.. since it doesn't matter anyway in the long run. The 30-something girl will no longer beat around the bush when giving a guy feedback. For guys, you will more or less know if your time with each other is leading somewhere. I wasn't implying that there's no courtship. It's just that for people who want to be honest with each other for the rest of their lives, it is probably one of the hyprocritical acts we do, because someone wanted the icing, when what they really want is the cake.
For a guy, this theory also works - If you do fancy a girl who is in her 30's, then you must probably really really like her. Why? Because there are probably a lot of younger girls in your life which will almost satisfy your every fantasy, but no -- you decide to hang out with a girl who crossed the 30-line. The most plausible reason in my head right now is that we'll know immediately if you'll like each other. No need for icing.
4. Open-mindedness - I hate the country whoever influenced a nation that 30 is the "get married before or else" age. If you happen to fall in this category - congratulations, you have just contributed to the correction of a 300-year long bad habit.
5. Experience - I don't know about you people but I like someone who I didn't have to teach "things" to. Most especially for someone who hit 30,
* Taken from a smart Filipina friend - Icing = "the BS". Sweet nothings, anything which causes the sparkle.
Anyway, what I wanted to say is..
at age 30 and above, I believe girls become even more attractive. This is for a number of reasons:
1. Loss of cards - she loses the "if you don't marry me before I hit 30, I'll break up with you" card. My favorite reason. The most f_cked up reason for breaking up with your guy I suppose. The solution? Find and hook up with a RICH guy. If he doesn't marry you before you hit 30, he's probably not serious about you. But if you're banking on a poor Filipino guy - there you have it.. tough luck.
2. Lessened shopping attitude (actually I think this isn't true, but whatever) - I can really compare, having seen girls at their early, mid and late 20's. Come early 20's, a good number of girls are so full of "it" (go figure this one out yourself). Mid-20's.. well yeah they're still there, wanting the *icing still. But come late 20's, omg, it's like a race to the christmas rush. They can only ask so much from a man. If the guy couldn't marry them due to financial reasons, and you want to get married NOW, then what do you do? Here's what you do - you break up with the guy. And marry the next guy you are in a relationship with. Right? =D
3. No wasting of time
But all that pride and sh!t disappears when you hit 30.. since it doesn't matter anyway in the long run. The 30-something girl will no longer beat around the bush when giving a guy feedback. For guys, you will more or less know if your time with each other is leading somewhere. I wasn't implying that there's no courtship. It's just that for people who want to be honest with each other for the rest of their lives, it is probably one of the hyprocritical acts we do, because someone wanted the icing, when what they really want is the cake.
For a guy, this theory also works - If you do fancy a girl who is in her 30's, then you must probably really really like her. Why? Because there are probably a lot of younger girls in your life which will almost satisfy your every fantasy, but no -- you decide to hang out with a girl who crossed the 30-line. The most plausible reason in my head right now is that we'll know immediately if you'll like each other. No need for icing.
4. Open-mindedness - I hate the country whoever influenced a nation that 30 is the "get married before or else" age. If you happen to fall in this category - congratulations, you have just contributed to the correction of a 300-year long bad habit.
5. Experience - I don't know about you people but I like someone who I didn't have to teach "things" to. Most especially for someone who hit 30,
* Taken from a smart Filipina friend - Icing = "the BS". Sweet nothings, anything which causes the sparkle.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
The Pen that doesn't write anymore
I always have a pen with me wherever I go. This pen, I make sure it runs out of ink before I actually buy a new one. It's the way I've always been. Because of this habit I have, every pen other people give me ends up for months into years of not being used.
When a day came that I actually wanted to use one of those never-used pens that I had for months, I find that they don't write that well anymore (if at all). It seems that the ballpoint pens when left too long without being used, end up being unusable in the long run.
While I feel sorry for the pen being unusable, I figured it's like I didn't want to use it. I didn't use the a pen because I already am using one and I was happy with it. By "being happy with it" - I mean the pen renders good service, given it writes as it should.
Looking back now at the many pens in my desk drawer that have gone to waste, choices in our life are like that - they come to us in many shapes, colors and features. We don't have to feel bad about not taking them all. You simply have to make a choice and stick with it.
Screw the use of the pen - that's what the printer is for.. ^_^
When a day came that I actually wanted to use one of those never-used pens that I had for months, I find that they don't write that well anymore (if at all). It seems that the ballpoint pens when left too long without being used, end up being unusable in the long run.
While I feel sorry for the pen being unusable, I figured it's like I didn't want to use it. I didn't use the a pen because I already am using one and I was happy with it. By "being happy with it" - I mean the pen renders good service, given it writes as it should.
Looking back now at the many pens in my desk drawer that have gone to waste, choices in our life are like that - they come to us in many shapes, colors and features. We don't have to feel bad about not taking them all. You simply have to make a choice and stick with it.
Screw the use of the pen - that's what the printer is for.. ^_^
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Card Game
"It is human to forgive and not to forget"
When people do anything to us, we remember them. Yes, we also remember good things as well as the bad things. You can classify all your deeds towards other people as "giving them cards". To clarify - it's like those cards that you can play at card games. The sooner you understand this human tendency, you'll be able to be more aware of how to deal with people.
Here are some examples:
My dad never bought me anything more expensive than what I've ever bought for myself, so the average son would call him a cheapskate. He therefore gave me a "I am a stingy person" card. However, he also gave me a "I want you to be able to stand on your own" card.
Because of those cards I have, I know now not to expect any financial help from my father at all. And I am proud of him for teaching me to be independent.
-= O =-
When you're a girl and someone invites you out and you decline, depending on your reason - you give the guy a "I'm not really that interested in you" card or "Ask me out again" card, and if your attitude reeks of it, you also give him a "I'm building up my importance, ask me again" card.
The guy on the other hand gives the girl a "I asked you out, so I won't ask you out again ever. You do the asking." card. You also give her a "You probably think that I want you, but no I just want to hang out with you" card, depending on the guy's delivery.
-= O =-
Take note however, that some actions produce certain cards whether you like it or not, no matter how suave your delivery is.
If you hurt your girlfriend by breaking up with her, you give her a "I'm a jerk" card. It doesn't matter if you want to be friends with her or not or how honest you've been. You give this card to her without you being aware of it. If you cheat on her and she finds out, you give her a "I'll probably cheat again" card OR a "That will be the last time I'll cheat on you card". The girl gives the guy however, a "If I find a better guy, we're through" card.
When your boss screws you over by foregoing you for a promotion when you deserve it, he gives you a "I am unappreciative of your efforts to the company" card. The employee most probably gives him a "I'm leaving for a company that will take of me better" card.
-= O =-
There are also some instances that you can produce an inifinite number of the same card you just gave out.
When your girl leaves you for a guy who is wealthier than you, you get a "I am a materialistic person" card. Then you end up giving a "If all girls are like that, I'd rather be single for life" card.
Remember that this applies to almost every aspect of life. It isn't just limited to relationships.
See.. the list goes on an on. This is rather fun actually! ^^;
When people do anything to us, we remember them. Yes, we also remember good things as well as the bad things. You can classify all your deeds towards other people as "giving them cards". To clarify - it's like those cards that you can play at card games. The sooner you understand this human tendency, you'll be able to be more aware of how to deal with people.
Here are some examples:
My dad never bought me anything more expensive than what I've ever bought for myself, so the average son would call him a cheapskate. He therefore gave me a "I am a stingy person" card. However, he also gave me a "I want you to be able to stand on your own" card.
Because of those cards I have, I know now not to expect any financial help from my father at all. And I am proud of him for teaching me to be independent.
-= O =-
When you're a girl and someone invites you out and you decline, depending on your reason - you give the guy a "I'm not really that interested in you" card or "Ask me out again" card, and if your attitude reeks of it, you also give him a "I'm building up my importance, ask me again" card.
The guy on the other hand gives the girl a "I asked you out, so I won't ask you out again ever. You do the asking." card. You also give her a "You probably think that I want you, but no I just want to hang out with you" card, depending on the guy's delivery.
-= O =-
Take note however, that some actions produce certain cards whether you like it or not, no matter how suave your delivery is.
If you hurt your girlfriend by breaking up with her, you give her a "I'm a jerk" card. It doesn't matter if you want to be friends with her or not or how honest you've been. You give this card to her without you being aware of it. If you cheat on her and she finds out, you give her a "I'll probably cheat again" card OR a "That will be the last time I'll cheat on you card". The girl gives the guy however, a "If I find a better guy, we're through" card.
When your boss screws you over by foregoing you for a promotion when you deserve it, he gives you a "I am unappreciative of your efforts to the company" card. The employee most probably gives him a "I'm leaving for a company that will take of me better" card.
-= O =-
There are also some instances that you can produce an inifinite number of the same card you just gave out.
When your girl leaves you for a guy who is wealthier than you, you get a "I am a materialistic person" card. Then you end up giving a "If all girls are like that, I'd rather be single for life" card.
Remember that this applies to almost every aspect of life. It isn't just limited to relationships.
See.. the list goes on an on. This is rather fun actually! ^^;
Monday, September 24, 2007
(Another serving of) Thoughts
Shitting in your backyard
I came across an article in a prominent publication a friend pointed me to read. There was this article about a columnist who gave really condescending statements about her own countrymen. There's probably only one reason why she wrote that way - because she's rich.
Well, that's the problem with being too rich - you tend to look down on others irresponsibly oftentimes. This isn't true for all since I know wealthily successful people who aren't aristocratic and I find them even more approachable than a well-to-do social climber.
We are today's heroes
If there is anything I admire the filipino people for - it's their indellible spirit. We are perhaps the only nation whose people can afford to smile despite all the odds reality brings us. We endure being separated from our families in order to provide livelihood to our loved ones, and in the midst of this, we can smile still. Can you find a trait like that in any other nation's people?
On the other end..
Of course you have to accept the fact that sometimes, love of country is lost in the middle of your life, and you just gave up on your country. When you do fall into this category of people, good for you. Good luck in finding a country that will love you as much, but whatever happens - no other country will respect you as much as your mother country. But wait.. no I shouldn't be saying that.. I should be saying, take care, we will miss you.
(I will probably be saying this to myself oneday)
I came across an article in a prominent publication a friend pointed me to read. There was this article about a columnist who gave really condescending statements about her own countrymen. There's probably only one reason why she wrote that way - because she's rich.
Well, that's the problem with being too rich - you tend to look down on others irresponsibly oftentimes. This isn't true for all since I know wealthily successful people who aren't aristocratic and I find them even more approachable than a well-to-do social climber.
We are today's heroes
If there is anything I admire the filipino people for - it's their indellible spirit. We are perhaps the only nation whose people can afford to smile despite all the odds reality brings us. We endure being separated from our families in order to provide livelihood to our loved ones, and in the midst of this, we can smile still. Can you find a trait like that in any other nation's people?
On the other end..
Of course you have to accept the fact that sometimes, love of country is lost in the middle of your life, and you just gave up on your country. When you do fall into this category of people, good for you. Good luck in finding a country that will love you as much, but whatever happens - no other country will respect you as much as your mother country. But wait.. no I shouldn't be saying that.. I should be saying, take care, we will miss you.
(I will probably be saying this to myself oneday)
Monday, August 27, 2007
Lessons (again)
Why you are where you are
A line from my gal pal went something like this:
A line from my gal pal went something like this:
"Where you are right now is where you should be" or something to that extent"
After hearing that, it kinda hit me - "plan ahead, but leave plans open-ended." It sounds contradictory, but it actually is true. You'll never know that things might turn better, what would seem the worst scenario. You've probably made plans to do this thing, ok you plan it out, but don't get too specific. Leave some stuff open. You just might enjoy things better that way.
If it works, it works; if it doesn't work, it doesn't work
This is a reality I really had a tough time accepting. There are things in life that simply won't go good for you. But if you can develop the ability to learn how to spot this early in life, then you'll be making better choices for your life. Which brings me to the third one...
Aside from being born the way you where, everything is a choice
If you were born with misfortune, that wasn't your fault. It IS your fault however, if you live just resigning yourself to the misfortune (or whatever it is in your life that you don't like). It doesn't matter if you succeed or fail - the point is the JOURNEY.
Aside from being born the way you where, everything is a choice
If you were born with misfortune, that wasn't your fault. It IS your fault however, if you live just resigning yourself to the misfortune (or whatever it is in your life that you don't like). It doesn't matter if you succeed or fail - the point is the JOURNEY.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Why you should use your powers
Can you imagine IF Superman really existed and he didn't use his power at all? That would really be waste.
I have a rich friend. she doesn't have to go abroad to live the good life. Heck, he doesn't even have to work either. His parents own a business which is stable to fund even his grandchildren. And true to the direction life is taking him in - he doesn't work. He spends the day in front of his computer almost whole day playing games, watching movies even, etc.
I have another friend - she's pretty, yet single. She's in and out of relationships, but hasn't really had any relationship I would call long. She's not exactly rich, but from a well-to-do family. But because of invites from so many guys, she gets to save anyway because all those guys inviting her out always pay for her while she still insists to. Her fear of not having the same status here as in overseas is what's keeping her from wanting to try looking for a job abroad. Of course because she's young I can understand that. That would probably change sooner or later.
I have a third friend - he works in a company his family owns. Because of this, his position is high, and he chooses his working hours. Because he picks his working hours, it's almost equivalent to doing whatever the hell he wants.
You wouldn't exactly call those "normal" situations. And if you were a stranger and you met people like these, you'd probably tell youself "it's not fair. I'm working my ass off at fixed time, my salary is meager, i don't have these opportunities blah blah".
The thing here is - those friends I have aren't doing any wrong, although they don't live their lives as you'd expect most people would. This is because THEY CAN. That's using your powers right there. I'm sure each of us has their own situation - one that is of power and you can use it. You just have to take a closer look at your life and you'll see it.
I have a rich friend. she doesn't have to go abroad to live the good life. Heck, he doesn't even have to work either. His parents own a business which is stable to fund even his grandchildren. And true to the direction life is taking him in - he doesn't work. He spends the day in front of his computer almost whole day playing games, watching movies even, etc.
I have another friend - she's pretty, yet single. She's in and out of relationships, but hasn't really had any relationship I would call long. She's not exactly rich, but from a well-to-do family. But because of invites from so many guys, she gets to save anyway because all those guys inviting her out always pay for her while she still insists to. Her fear of not having the same status here as in overseas is what's keeping her from wanting to try looking for a job abroad. Of course because she's young I can understand that. That would probably change sooner or later.
I have a third friend - he works in a company his family owns. Because of this, his position is high, and he chooses his working hours. Because he picks his working hours, it's almost equivalent to doing whatever the hell he wants.
You wouldn't exactly call those "normal" situations. And if you were a stranger and you met people like these, you'd probably tell youself "it's not fair. I'm working my ass off at fixed time, my salary is meager, i don't have these opportunities blah blah".
The thing here is - those friends I have aren't doing any wrong, although they don't live their lives as you'd expect most people would. This is because THEY CAN. That's using your powers right there. I'm sure each of us has their own situation - one that is of power and you can use it. You just have to take a closer look at your life and you'll see it.
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