Saturday photo

Perspective... to know what is most important
is to know how to put things in perspective.

 
To me, it's always been family... that, which is most important.  However, in this journey called life, the choices we make along the way come with a 'price tag', and they sometimes strain our true priorities in life.  Sometimes, out of loyalty, idealism and love (and foolishness, too), we accept responsibilities that demand more than what we are usually willing to give, more than we are capable of giving without hurting really badly.  As we do, we hope for the very best and prepare ourselves for the worst.  Of course, as most of us who give ourselves fully to our commitments know very well, the worst scenario we prepare ourselves for is never really the 'worst' but rather a mere underestimation of the negative forces around us, and so things can actually go worse than our worst-case scenario! :)  Should we turn away from our responsibility when reality bites?  No, we shouldn't... at least, we should do our best and finish the task we agreed to accomplish, without compromising our values, without giving in to the selfish motives of the many vultures around us whose vision is distorted by greed, anger, vanity, insecurity, insatiable hunger for power, and the reluctance to put things in perspective. 

So, yes, while many undesirable things (and some people... perhaps, including us) usually never change, we should put things into perspective, get the job done the best way possible, always clinging to our values and the vision we share with the persons who really matter - the important persons.  We need to keep our trust in them who inspired and convinced us with the same passion that beats within our souls to accept and commit to the responsibility in front of us no matter how daunting it is.  We need to keep the faith in their wisdom... and hope that we are able to mirror theirs in ours.  We need to see the big picture, and learn to focus on the many positive things - important things, rather than the few negative ones - unimportant ones, around us.  Of course, we musn't turn a blind eye to the ugliness around us, especially if our own mistakes add to this ugliness.  We need to admit that we committed these mistakes, and try to make amends wholeheartedly.  Sure, this ain't easy, but we need to do it just the same.  Furthermore, we need to focus on the happiness of the many persons who benefit from our efforts to make things work rather than the few who despise and hurt us just because they cannot sway us to their derelict ways.  Yes, we need to put things into perspective.

And then, once the job is done, we move on... move on to where our true happiness is - and never look back. 

Perspective... it allows us to see how beautiful life truly is, and enables us to live a happy life, regardless of the specks of ugliness around.  It reminds us that God is indeed good - all the time!

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Location: Villa Agustina Private Beach House in Calatagan, Batangas, Philippines.

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(B)Ending it like Beckham - gooooaal!

And with sadness, too.
=============================================================
by FBC

"I want to go out on top.
It's the right time.  I believe it's the right time."



Yeah, PAM is busy with 'serious stuff' (her words, not mine), but we can't just let this important moment in the "ballin' world" pass us by without a word just because she is busy with 'important things' (once again, her words, not mine... not that I don't believe that what she does in her 'day job' is really important. :)  OK, I know, if I didn't get an 'honorable mention' in her next post here, it would be a miracle. Haha...). Therefore, yours truly just had to step up to the plate even without the Boss' request. I'm a good "lieutenant", y'see. :)     

Anyway, PAM had to grab the TV's remote control last night to up the volume when CNN's Don Riddell - PAM's fave sports news presenter - came on to report that the world-famous football and pop culture

Bend it, and bend it good - like Beckham!

 icon, David Beckham, is retiring from the ballin' world.  This means that next season, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is going to have to rely on Zlatan Ibrahimovic to draw oohs and aahs from football fans around the world during their matches.  Of course, as to the possible reasons for the oohs and aahs that Ibra could be drawing from the crowd in Becks' absence... well, that remains to be seen.  While it will be fun to find out, I'm sure the world will understand if PSG's 'biggies' would decline to comment later regarding what other things Ibra is capable of on (and off) the pitch aside from making goals.  But I digress....

Going back to Becks, even PSG's current head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, had to grope for words to make a comment on the 38-year old Beck's impending retirement.  Are we sad about it?  Boy, do vampires suck blood?  Of course, they do!  So, of course, we are - sad!  In fact, I imagine PAM is just making an excuse about being busy with 'serious stuff' and all that to escape having to write about Beck's retirement.  The old girl is in denial, and I'm quite sure she's bent like Beckham - in sadness - right now.

Twenty years of 'bending it', garnering League Championship trophies in four countries (with Manchester United in England, with Real Madrid in Spain, with LA Galaxy in the US, 

Role Model: The 'Baller is a good family man.

and now, with PSG in France), a treble with his boyhood Club, Man United, and the first to earn 100 caps for England - the home of football - and serving as England's Three Lions Captain for six years, too, plus constantly in the Top 10 of biggest earners in the Sporting World.  Why, his face is almost equivalent to that round leather thing!  Only, no one dares kick it around - it's too beautiful of a metrosexual face!  And the owner of the face is also a certified nice guy apparently, and you may go ahead and ask Prince William if you'd like.  In fact, Becks is a role model for most sportsmen in that, in 1999, he married, and still is married to, a thin 'spicy woman' who doesn't smile with whom he has a picture perfect family.  I bet PAM is subscribed to a site where Beck's family pictures are posted regularly.  In fact, her iPad is full of Becks fam pics.  :)   

So, are we going to miss Becks bending it on the pitch?  Hell, yeah!  Good thing he has life outside football, and we'll be seeing him often enough - that's for sure.

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Hello, Pep!

Speaking of 'going out on top', here's one who knows the art involved in doing that.  He is one of the winningest coaches in the history of the 'beautiful game'.  He left the team he built, which was hailed by football fans and sports analysts alike as one of the best football squads ever put together, while the world was at their feet. 

See, when a door closes just because someone said 'goodbye', another door opens because someone is about to say 'hello'.  In this case it's 'hello again'.  Yes, Pep Guardiola will be  back next season.  Nope, not in Barcelona, but with Bayern Munich in Germany's

Munich bound... Pep is, and we're excited!

Bundesliga.  Of course, it would've been a perfect 'love story' if he was returning to Barcelona, but for as long as the beautiful (as PAM puts it frequently) 'Bald and Bearded One' returns to the ballin' world, especially now that there will be a deficit of talents, passion and good looks as the Becks say 'bye, bye' to us, Pep's return to the scene is most welcome!  The only problem is I'm not sure how PAM's sked in her day job would be 'messed up' by Pep's return.  I guess there's going to be some limit of time allotted to these 'serious stuffs' 'cause our old girl has been dedicating at least 18 hours of her time per day on her day job.  While Becks and Pep are all about passion and commitment to what they do, they dislike this sort of 'enslaving dedication'.  Variety - that's what Becks recommends, old girl!  Pep had to stay away from football for a year to recuperate from the enslaving dedication to FC Barcelona that made him 'sick' in the end.  It would be a good idea to bend it and listen to these midfielder's wisdom, old girl.  :) 

Anyway, yes, we are looking forward to seeing more of those Pep moves at the touchline, in his trademark suits, complete with deep worry lines on his forehead, and the coolness that he exudes during pre-match and post-match interviews.  Man, I thought we won't be seeing those in a while.  We're glad that he's back.  Of course, we're excited to see, too, how he'd deal with Mario Gomez and his shirtlessness-related antics.  Then again, Pep kept Dani Alves's penchant for drama under control back in his Camp Nou days, making the Brazilian defender actually really productive in the process, and his role vital in FC Barcelona's tremendous success under Pep's guidance.  So, nope, we're not worried about the impending Pep-Mario tandem.  In fact, we are looking forward to seeing it unfold among the Bavarian crowd.  So, bring it!               

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Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

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Mother's Day: Looking through the eyes...

...of Mama.
==========================================================
by PAM

"Now I can take the time, I can see my life as it comes up shining now...

...looking through the eyes of love."

I remember watching this movie, "Ice Castles", starring Robby Benson and Lynn-Holly Johnson, and with its beautiful theme, "Looking through the eyes of love"  by Melissa Manchester.  I saw it with my Mother and siblings - in black and white - many years ago.  It was such a touching movie with a truly powerful message... the kind that makes one swear to never take love for granted... to always keep its meaning true no matter what.  For some (like myself, perhaps) it "messes up" everything related to romance, because these sort of films can influence some to have a 'very high standard' in love and romance.  :)  Hmm, ahem, nah, I'm not just making an excuse here for being single even when I am ultra-romantic like this. =)  But I admit that, after my mother passed away, whenever a question on love and

To all the wonderful mothers out there...
...Happy Mother's Day!

romance comes up, I tend to rummage through my love and romance-related interactions with her, such as watching this movie, and somehow, I feel (or imagined maybe?) her whispering words of wisdom.  So, yeah, I do look at many things through my mother's eyes.  :)

Anyway, this movie is a '70's classic... it came out around the time when "Superman 1", "Kramer vs. Kramer", "Love Story", "The Way We Were", "Terms of Endearment" and the likes hit the box office... late '70s to the '80s.  Those were some of the movies I saw with my mother and siblings... aside from the Sharon Cuneta teenage days classics, of course. :)  "Ice Castles" made us cry then... it makes us cry now, whenever we re-watch it... this time, without our mother anymore.  Our mother passed away 25 years ago, and yet, whenever I see this movie or hear this beautiful song, the feeling of togetherness with her is so real... as real as it was more than two decades ago.  Such is the love that binds one with his/her mother... it transcends time and life's boundaries.  I miss her... I miss the bonding moments... the ups and downs in our relationship that made me strong and strong-willed - like her, hopefully - and the dependable wisdom that always punctuated her words and advices.  She's an incredible woman, and she's irreplaceable.

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Saturday photo

To be nimble, to be quick:  four little shoes for four little feet.

Somebody are starting to be acutely vain and demanding these days, aside from being ultra diva-ish.  They just don't 'demand' regular grooming now, they also 'wail' for nice looking shoes for their regular stroll.  Imagine that?  Before we know it, they'd want a gym of their own.  Hmmm... and we thought these guys are the "low-maintenance" type.  Obviously, we're mistaken.  Oh, well... at least they are lovable.  :)

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Senti Friday...

...for a change.
===================================================================
by PAM

"And now the wait is over, and love has finally showed her my way....
Marry me... if I ever get the nerve to say 'hello'...
...say you will."

Oy!  Train of the "Drops of Jupiter" fame, good-aah! 

Uhm, ahem, is it mega-cheesy for you, guys?  :)  Well, blame it on Liam Lagdameo (Xian Lim) and Celyn Marasigan (Kim Chiu) of "Ina, Kapatid, Anak" fame... I swear those two are kilig-to-the-bone-marrow powerhouse!  :)  

Xian Lim is so believable in his role as Celyn's dashing "knight in shining armor".  He's got it all figured out, and his role acted out well enough to trend in twitterdom nationwide and worldwide.  He mixes the right amount of cheesiness with the take-charge and dependable-man aura about him, with a sprinkling of natural male protective attitude, territorial when needed, and exuding some mystery, too.  He's perfect as Liam! :)  Kim Chiu's Celyn is very feminine in spite of being strong-willed, intelligent, independent, and practical... she is a lovely and lovable kid when family is involved - very Filipino, a tough and responsible Executive at work when the situation calls for it - very Filipina... and a sentimental girlfriend when Liam is involved - absolutely Filipina!  Away from each other, both are whole and tough against all the challenges around them... together, they are as sweet as honey.  I like that about the characters... one is not incomplete without the other, and yet, together, you see them complementing each other into a wholeness that radiates happiness, too.  I believe couples should be like that.  Yep, nice characters, young people worth emulating... and very good portrayal by Xian and Kim as primetime TV's megacouple, "Celiam".  Uh-hmm, that's right, I'm a big "KimXi" fan... just in case it isn't obvious to you yet.  ;)

And, well... yeah, I must admit that that Wednesday nostalgia thing two days ago sorta adds to all this Senti Friday nonsensical talks... too many very good memories float to the surface whenever Cornell comes to mind. :)  Then again, if 'nonsensical' feels this good, I'd go for nonsensical anytime! :)

Therefore, let's load up!

"I've found I'm scared to know I'm always on your mind...
Even the best fall down sometimes, even the wrong words seem to rhyme...."

Aw, man, that is so good!  And while we're at it, let's keep going...

"If I lay here, if I just lay here...

...would you lie with me and just forget the world?"

Oh, boy... too good!  These guys are too good!  I wonder if they can get any better....

"I guess we've never really moved on... it's really good to hear your voice."

...aw, yep, they can, even when they're singing about sad stuff!  Aawww-wooo!  :)  Why can't I write songs like they can... and sing great like they do?!  Oh, well... I guess some guys have all the luck?  Right!  ;)  

Alright, I swear this is the last one now...

"You didn't have to cut me off...
...now you're just somebody that I used to know."



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Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

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Wednesday nostalgia...

...just because it's been a while.
=====================================================================
by PAM


I don't remember the last time I wrote a "Wednesday nostalgia" entry here... I just know that it's been a long time since I last wrote one.  Perhaps, this present phase of my life is preventing me from feeling anything related to nostalgia... the practical side of my brain is at work all the time, the nostalgic bit is buried under a heap of overused logic cells that are starting to feel painful - physically, actually.  But, enough is enough!  Forget work for a little while!  I guess it's time to allow a bit of sentimental feeling and nostalgia... and let this tired old brain recuperate.

Last weekend was very good... I was productive work-wise (although I know it's unwise to bring work home).  I had a chance to bond with my sisters... shopping, eating out, and just talking, aside from going to church to pray together as usual.  I also found two truly uplifting e-mails in my inbox. One is a letter from an old friend - a very good one - from Grad School in Ithaca, New York.  For a couple of hours, while I read and re-read the funny letter, and while I replied to it, I felt the rush of teenage-like cheers - I was my 'crazy self', and it felt soooo good! :)  My friend's letter detailed some "special plans", and our plans to get together with our other friends in a not-so-distant-future.  Exciting!  

The second letter carried so many pictures that made me feel thoroughly nostalgic.  The bunch of pictures included this...


Hey, Spring!  What took you so long?

The second letter was detailing the renovations being done at the Stocking Hall in Cornell University through pictures and catchy captions.  Needless to say, that kind of brought warm 

I wonder how everybody's doin'....

nostalgic feeling... after all, I worked in Stocking Hall for five years - five beautiful and unforgettable years! 

The picture above, the facade of Stocking Hall, has nothing to do with the massive renovations inside it and the annex building (labs, pilot plant and the 'Dairy Bar')... but if you spent time in Ithaca, NY, you'd know that when the blossoms finally appeared, it's a special moment alright, you just gotta have to capture it.  And, you just gotta have to do it fast because the beautiful sight has that exasperating habit of disappearing all of a sudden.  And when you're already living away from Ithaca, you'd miss those moments... and the letter sender knew that, and is thoughtful enough to send a snap of that special moment.  Friendship... we call it friendship, and that's how it works - with warm thoughtfulness that you can feel from across oceans.

Boy, I miss Cornell... I miss the people... I miss my friends!  I hope to see them soon... hopefully, in Ithaca, too.  Then again, it ain't matter where... I just want to catch up with them - soon!  Therefore, I need to work hard and finish up my present commitments... and set out once more - to spread my wings and soar once again!  Boy, oh, boy... I totally miss feeling the wind on my face in a carefree 'sky dive' with truly good and sincere friends - those I know for sure would catch me if my 'parachute' would malfunction.  That's the beauty of friendship... it makes all the risk-taking fun, successful, and so worth it.  I want that soon!  Therefore, c'mon, time... fly! 

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Saturday photo

"I am the eye in the sky, looking at you... I can read your mind."

"Eye in the Sky"
The Alan Parsons Project (1982)

Don't think sorry's easily said
Don't try turning tables instead
Youv'e taken lots of chances before
But I'm not gonna give anymore
Don't ask me
That's how it goes
'Cause part of me knows what you're thinkin'

Don't say words you're gonna regret
Don't let the fire rush to your head
I've heard the accusation before
And I ain't gonna take any more
Believe me
The sun in your eyes
Made some of the lies worth believing

Chorus:
I am the eye in the sky
Looking at you
I can read your mind
I am the maker of rules
Dealing with fools
I can cheat you blind
And I don't need to see any more
To know that
I can read your mind, I can read your mind

Dont leave false illusions behind
Dont cry cause I ain't changing my mind
So find another fool like before
Cause I ain't gonna live anymore believing
Some of the lies while all of the signs are deceiving

I remember choosing this song to review for an English class back in High School.  It had a great impact on me then.  Listening to it still drives me to contemplation until now.  The good thoughts that it brings... and the cleansing of the mind and the heart that it initiates feels good each time.  Some things never change, just because some things are really good... like this song, and the emotions and the positive realization that it invokes.

"Don't say words you're gonna regret...."

Uh-hmm... doesn't the video remind you of 'the Queen' and James Bond sky diving from a chopper into the Olympic Arena during the 2012 London Summer Games Opening Ceremony?  Now, we know where that cool idea came from, huh?  Awesomeness! :)

  



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Location:  Sky Ranch in Tagaytay City, Philippines
Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

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Up, up...

...and away!  Away from troubles!
============================================================
by PAM



"Whoa! Waaaah...."


Uhm-hmm... yeah, I took a little break - with my family.  Just catching up, seeing what's new in one of our fave vacation-on-an-impulse destinations just outside Metro Manila.  Apparently, a 'big wheel', supposedly the tallest in the Philippines, is now the newest 'allure' of Tagaytay City.  And so, we got into our 'fun gear' and took a sampling of 'sky fun' in the Sky Ranch.  It was good.  But what was 'riot' was the "Super Viking" - definitely a 'must try'!  But, and that's a big fat 'but', make sure that you have a healthy heart before trying it out.  D'ya wanna know how I did?  Well, I survived!!!  Whew!  =)


With family... life is good!

So, yep, adventure, fun talks, shopping, eating, eating... and more eating!  'Sounds family'?  Yes, it does... because it is!  Of course, the family bonding time is not complete without praying together... and we found the best place in the City to do just that. 

Ah, life is good... thank you, oh, Lord!

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