Back with a vengeance...

...is 'the man from Mars'!
===========================================================================
by PAM

With a 24K pinky bling, our man, Bruno Mars, is back with a magic that's making babes fling their Versaces on the floor!  And, it's about time, too, as his last album came out three years ago.  Although we're not exactly BM-starved these past years as he has been coming up with awesome songs in collaboration with other artists, naturally, we want the 'whole package'.  And, we're finally here with BM's new 24K Magic album.  And it's nothing but awesomeness, of course! 

The first song out of the album, "24K Magic", is a 'classic BM' sound with a dash of freshness-with-a-zing thrown in - an irresistible catchy dance tune that leaves even the most 'principal-ish' among us absently allowing his/her body be moved by the music.  Man, what a party!  So, so cool!  

Watching this video made me realize just how much I've missed BM... his voice, his moves, his attitude...

"I'm a dangerous man with some money in my pocket... keep up!"

I dare you to resist playing the video - for at least 24 times. I tried, I failed... and I'm HAPPY!  Hah!  Sooo good!  Woo-hoo!

And then he pulls some romance galore on us, and we can't do anything but 'unzip' our Versace, assuming we have one, of course... and listen with all our hearts.

"Girl, you're perfect from your head to your heels...

Ooh,  love that dress but you won't need it anymore...

Versace on the floor."

Oh, boy!  Isn't that 'delicious'?  It's like living in the '80s now.  And, this is what I love about BM, he sings with a mix of an '80s romantic with a bit of '90s angst and beat; he performs in a choreography that a 'retro' superstar would perform to but pumps around on stage with the vibe of a true millennial gangsta.  You have many eras radiating from that little musical frame of his... and a cocktail of happy Latino and Filipino genes oozing out from his sound and moves, too.  What a treat, indeed!

Yep, I'm from planet earth, and I do love 'this man from Mars'!  

Mabuhay!

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

***

Saturday photo

The Miag-ao Church of St. Thomas of Villanueva in Iloilo, Philippines,
a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Blending work with play, my colleagues and I at the Philippine Association of Engineering Schools (PAES), Inc. (formerly, Philippine Association for Technological Education, Inc. or PATE, Inc.) held our monthly Board meeting in Iloilo City in the Visayas.  While in Iloilo, we also held information dissemination and forum with colleagues in various Universities

"Work + play" is a winning formula for a balanced life.

in the region on the implementation of K-12, and how this will affect the operations of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), particularly Engineering Schools, in 2016 when the first cohort of K-12 students attend Senior High School rather than the University.  

The weekend - well, this weekend - was spent educating ourselves on Iloilo.  Among many others, what caught my attention was the Miag-ao Church of St. Thomas of Villanueva.  The Church with Baroque-Romanesque architecture was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.  The massive structure earned it the "alias" of "church fortress" in the old days when there was still war between Christians and Muslims in the region, and the church was used to protect the region from Muslims/Moros who attacked it.

Sometimes, we go out and search for impressive stuff... and yet, right at our "backyard", we have "treasures", like the Miag-ao church.  Overall, it was a weekend well-spent.

***

Saturday photo

Paradise on earth...
...achieving harmony between nature and man-made recreation.

***
Photo details:  Taken at the Green Canyon Resort, a 22-ha piece of paradise at the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines.  Presently, the Resort is on 'soft opening', and will be on full operation by September 2014.

***

Saturday photo

Savoring 'la dolce vita'... away from it all.

Yep, I'm feeling the stress from 'City life' now... from my toes to the tips of my hair!  I feel that my 'tank' is nearly empty and, I'm mostly running on adrenaline... commitment and inspiration. I know though that, at some point, my body will realize that I am 'cheating' it with the will of mind and my heart's passion, and it would just drop (dead) from exhaustion.  So, before we get there... I need a 'refill', therefore I'll get some! 

Joyfully, we have a special family occasion today... I have a good reason to leave behind

Date and Dine Italian Restaurant and Resort...
a hidden haven atop the beautiful hills of Antipolo.

the stressful "noise" of the City, and retreat with my family in this haven of a place, Date and Dine Italian Restaurant and Resort. The Resort is nestled in a quiet and exclusive village atop the beautiful hills of Antipolo.  It's a pretty place, a mix of classic and modern architecture that depicts the 'then and now' of Philippine home coziness, brought together by the inviting blueness of a small swimming pool in the middle.  With its cozy and homey appeal, it was initially envisioned by its owner to be a Bed and Breakfast place... a place close enough and private enough to get away to and recuperate from stress when the going gets tough in the City. 

It is owned by a lovely couple who have an appetite for entertaining guests. One is a Filipino garments manufacturer (Obra ni Juan) who loves cooking, and the other is a technology professional who later trained in the culinary field.  As they come to enjoy

Private and cozy:  highly recommended for family
events and other intimate gatherings.

entertaining guests with their cooking, they decided to open their private space to friends, and friends of friends, and share their cooking, too, using secret recipes in an Italian Restaurant.  Later, as they realized how four rooms in their modern home are rarely occupied, they decided to open these to guests as well who need a place for overnight stay, a weekend stay, or accommodation on a short-term basis.  And this led to the soft opening of Date and Dine about two months ago.  The accommodation rate is highly affordable, which includes breakfast, and the use of the pool, gym, mini office, wi-fi connections, recreation areas and the dining areas.  My family and I are very lucky to be among the very first guests of this lovely place.  We stayed overnight using all four rooms and had an exclusive use of the restaurant and all the amenities for our family event.  The personalized service is highly satisfying... it's like being in your own home with extra pampering, guaranteed to keep your mind away from work... and the stress that goes with it.    

Places like this, which make important family occasions even more special, are wonderful reminders that, indeed, life is good!  Thanks be to God that my family and I found another place to retreat to when City life becomes too grueling and unkind.  

***

Saturday photo

Contributing to national growth...
...through the advancement of high-quality education in the country.

It's been a looooong week, physically and mentally (emotionally, too) taxing... but it ended on a high note - exhilarating!  

This evening, the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School held its culminating event related to the celebration of its 75th Foundation Anniversary.  Watching the recipients of awards, specifically, the "Distinguished Professor" award, it made me appreciate once again how beautiful it really is to be investing time and committing one's life to educating the youth, and guiding those with scholarly minds who wish to pursue advanced studies.  None of it is about money or fame... it's all about knowing in the twilight of your life that, yes, you have spent your 'borrowed time' very well.  And when you go, to return your 'borrowed time' to the Greatest Teacher who ever walked the earth, you bring with it, many happy memories, wonderful thoughts, and the confidence that the fruits of The Teacher's investments, through you, will continue to flourish on earth... as you watch from afar.

Yes, I do love this profession.

***

About the Image:  A collage of photos taken from the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School at the Centennial Hall of the historical Manila Hotel.  The attire is Filipiniana - the traditional national costume in its many variants, depending on period.

***

Saturday photo

Lucky to be a part of an important event.

Earlier this week, a colleague and I had a great opportunity to be a part of an important event for Electronics Engineers in the country.  The Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) spent the morning with their colleagues in the Industry, Academe and the Government to mark an important milestone: the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Electronics Product Development Center (EPDC).  The Center is to be built in a strategic location: at the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) Compound in Bicutan, Taguig City, right across the DOST Compound.  The EPDC project is funded by the DOST through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), which is headed by Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara as its very able Executive Director.  Dr. Guevara is former Dean of the College of Engineering of the University of the Philippines-Diliman.  The event was attended by the dynamic DOST Secretary, Hon. Mario G. Montejo.    

Once operational, the EPDC is expected to help boost the country's electronics export revenue by product development and innovation as well as manpower training in the various sectors of the Electronics Industry.  It is expected to lower electronic products cost in the country by boosting local manufacture as product development and innovation is strengthened and manpower skills are further enhanced.

I know, this blog is described as "(almost) never about work", but I can't help it... it was such an exciting event, I had to make sure I mark it somewhere in my "e-diary" (this blog).  I, of course, hope and pray that the EPDC becomes operational soon... and my University becomes one of its biggest partners - for national progress.

Talk about concentrating on good things... and blocking negative vibrations radiated towards us.  We build a shield using inspiring deeds and pursuits such as the EPDC, and use that shield to protect us from being consumed by negative thoughts around.

We march forward!  :)

***

Saturday photo

Bangon, Pilipinas!

The image above is a photo of the painting of the late Filipino artist, Joey Velasco, which I took two years ago.  The painting was lent by Velasco's widow to the University of Santo Tomas during its Quadricentennial Retreat held at the SMX, Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

The morning after that horrifying experience and the incredible devastation left by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Visayas, we, Filipinos, dropped to our knees in national mourning.  But, as we take and endure the 'kick in the gut' of the horrific aftermath of our cruel visitor named Yolanda, we cling steadfastly to our faith - in God and in each other... and in the global community that seeks to spread goodwill through sincere expresssion of grief and generous acts to lend a hand.  We seek God's merciful face as we gather ourselves to rise again using borrowed strength from our friends in the global community.    

With God and true friendship, there is always hope.  And with hope, there is always life... and joy.  The Philippines will rise again... and, with our friends' support, we will be one happy nation, basking in God's amazing grace once again!  Amen.

Bangon, Visayas!  Bangon, Pilipinas!

***

Saturday photo

Define the goal --> form the Team --> focus ---> work hard --> win! 

It sounds simple enough... but it's not.  It seems hard... oh, yes, it is.  It seems boring... of course, NOT!  It seems impossible... DEFINITELY NOT!  Sounds exciting...  oh, YES, IT IS!  Therefore, we go for it - for the win!

***

Winning is the sweetest thing...

...if it was achieved through Teamwork! 

This is an old news but, just the same, I'll 'brag' a bit about it here...  

CONGRATULATIONS to the Electrical Engineering (EE) Department of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) for posting 96.5% passing rate (55/57) in the September Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) of the Philippines!  Ours is 2nd in the list of Top Performing Schools, FIRST in the more-than-50-Examinees category.  Therefore, we have produced the MOST NUMBER of professional Electrical Engineers (again) this year! Specifically, I would like to congratulate our UST EE Batch 2013 for posting 100% passing rate in the same Examination (54/54)!  Awesome feat, CONGRATULATIONS!  We are very proud!  Woohoo!  :)

A wink and a salute goes to Engr. Anthony John M. Crisostomo of Batch 2013 for landing in the 7th Place of the Top Ten successful examinees.  Engr. Crisostomo graduated magna cum laude and was the Faculty of Engineering's 2013 Rector's Awardee for Academic Excellence.  CONGRATS, Engr. Crisostomo! :)  

CONGRATULATIONS to the whole EE Department led by their Chair, Assoc. Prof. Cristino A. Carbonell, for producing excellent graduates!  They have inculcated the importance of Teamwork in achieving a goal, and the bigger glory in achieving success - as a TEAM.  Batch 2013 heeded the advice, took it to heart... and won 100% passing rate for their Batch, their loved ones, and the University!  Excellent job, Engineers!

THANKS BE TO GOD!  Amen.

***

Saturday photo

The promise of sunset:
Into the darkness now... and out of it - tomorrow.

I know... "not again", right?  Another sunset photo.  Sorry, I can't help it, I just find sunset's beauty irresistible.  To me, one lifetime is not enough to pay tribute to the One who came up with the "idea" of sunset. This is why I do my best... by expressing my appreciation often enough.

***

Location:  Taal Lake in Talisay, Batangas, Philippines.

***

My first attempt...

...at HDR imaging.
===============================================================================
by PAM


Sixteen hours at work and doing work-related stuff daily - for the past three days.  My brain is bleeding.  I'm so tired.  :(  I need a break - I really do!  

Therefore, let me talk a bit about one of my other 'passions' - photography.  Unfortunately, I have not updated my 'toys' yet.  I still use the Canon EOS Rebel 2000, which is a 35-mm SLR, bought in... uhm, 2003 - just before the digital boom erupted - big time.  It was okay in the beginning until about five years later.  

The boom didn't hurt me much 'cause I was lucky to find my prized little toy, Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS Digital ELPH, while strolling along Michigan Ave. in Chicago about three years ago on its first release.  It was the most reliable thing... with its great functionality and awesome features.  It was so sleek... small, thin and light, I can keep it in my pants pocket, unlike my old Rebel, which needed a bulky bag. :)  Therefore, I can capture a scene discreetly and randomly in clear and crisp images (and videos).  My dear SD1400/ELPH took lovely HD (14.1 Mp) photos with its 4x IS lens, capturing images in wide angle, and letting me view and appreciate them more on my widescreen TV via HDMI.  The photos it churned didn't look like they were taken by a point-and-shoot.  I loved it, but... yeah, it died a 'natural death' recently. :(  

Now, I use the less powerful and bulkier Canon PowerShot A810 HD with 5x optical zoom lens (16 Mp) for my day-to-day photography fix... and it's worlds apart from what my 'late' SD1400 IS could do. :(  Unfortunately, the SD/ELPH series doesn't seem to be available locally... stores (at least the ones I visited) have the PSA/HD series only.  Why, oh, why, Canon??  :(  Oh, well... I have to go with what I've got.

Therefore, I keep taking photos with my PS A810.  Since about three years back, I've been drooling over High-Dynamic-Range (HDR) Images on photography magazines.  But time is too stingy to give me some to spend for my 'other passions'.  So, I can only admire... and not really able to experience taking photos and processing them as HDR.  However... yep, I finally took the plunge using my PS A810... and processed the photos HDR-ish.  And, it's very cool!  Take a look...

Digital photo before processing...

The fascinating power of innovative photography... 
...it makes one 'sketch' in great detail via digital lenses - pixel per pixel.

Obviously, I still don't know what I'm doing... and I don't know what I'm talking about here.  ;) Ah, but, I intend to be good at this. :)  I'm inspired by one person's works.  Yes, I'm absolutely fascinated by the various works of Trey Ratcliff.  He is one of them artists who are well-known advocates of HDR Imaging. In fact, I follow his blog, which is a parade of nature's breathtaking beauty, peppered with man-made stuff, seen from Trey's lenses and expressed to us, lesser talented ones, by his great artistry.

One day, I'll follow his footsteps. :)  Therefore, I need to take care of my arthritic knees now lest they prevent me from following the 'Trey trail'... later.  

Ah, retirement, what is taking you so long???

***

Location:  Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas.

***

Saturday photo

Calm and quiet, inspiring reflection...
...sunset, you're all that, and so much more.

More than a week ago, I went on a three-day Retreat with my colleagues... about 150 of us.  The days invited critical thinking, lively and honest discussion - assessing where we are in our mission as educators in the Pontifical University of Asia... the sunset inspired reflection - an honest assessment of our relationship with God, and with one another.  

***

Location:  Taal Lake (Taal Volcano) at Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas, Philippines.   

***

Rain, rain...

... go away!
===================================================================
by PAM


Climate change... 600 mm of rain in just 24 hours. Oy! :(

Philippines, my Philippines... stay strong.  

Five days of rain... is depressing.  This might be appropriate...

"Ain't no sunshine when she's gone...

...only darkness everyday."

Alright, let's try being positive about this, shall we?  How 'bout this...

"When it's over, so they say...

...it'll rain a sunny day."

Hmmm, 'sunny day'... there you go - positive!  Therefore, we dance with this...

"I feel the love that's really real, walkin' on sunshine, baby, wooah...

...and don't it feel good!"

Hey, Bill (Withers), she's back... Katrina is - your sunshine. :)  D'ya see the rain - on a sunny day, d'ya feel the warmth, d'ya feel the love that's really real?  Yes?  Good!  Let's hope for a better day tomorrow, okay?  Alright then, stop weeping! :)

***

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

***

Saturday photo(s)



One fine day... may lead to one fine life.

How things in our daily lives affect our being and disposition is all a matter of... uhm, yeah, perspective.  

A few days ago, I was duty-bound to travel about 245 kilometers north of Manila - by bus.  I was reluctant to do it because of terrible stomach upset and the many, many things waiting for my attention at work.  And yet, what awaits me in the North... was more work - bigger ones... well, at least, their implications.  While the mere thought of my 'mission' in the North intimidated me like skydiving above the Pacific Ocean would,  it was comforting to think how accomplishing the tasks ahead would mean great contribution to national progress through excellent Engineering Education.  And so, I braced myself for the onslaught of wild-indigestion-on-the-road, packed a bag of medicine, re-

Life is a beautiful journey... in heartfelt prayer.

charged my iPad's battery and my BB's battery - just in case I'd need to call on emergency, pushed a handful of bravery in my heart's pocket... and 'took the ride'.  

Opening my eyes after praying for a safe travel, I found myself enjoying hours of green fields, blue sky, good road... and the quiet time alone with myself, just with my thoughts, away from the tiring hustle-bustle at the workplace.  The experience was so refreshing after almost nine months of non-stop 'grind' that it made me utter more prayer - of thanks - for the time to be away from the usual concrete walls of my office and the sea of papers on my desk, waiting to be read, signed or replied to.  It made me see how that little office of mine, where a mightily giant beast called work that challenges me to a duel every single day resides, is a part of God's grand and wonderful scheme of things.  And that defeating 'the beast'  is a mission worth setting out for every single day. I paused to thank heavens for that chance to 'fight and defeat the beast' while others could merely dream of the same chance.

When we decide to cease being negative about things, and choose to view things with new and hopeful eyes, God reveals breathtaking beauty... and there's just so much beauty in this life of ours!  

Perspective... it enables us to ignore the prickly little things that don't matter, and concentrate on the big ones that do matter. It enables us to see beauty... and its meaning, even in darkness - through the powerful light of faith and heartfelt prayers.      

***
Location:  (1) North Luzon Express Way or NLEX, and (2) Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral or Baguio Cathedral, Baguio City.

***

To all the cool Dads out there...



...Happy Father's Day!

Yep, my siblings and I managed to find common time to celebrate Father's Day for our father and the "kids" in the family.  "If there's a will, there's a way," or "if something is important enough, you make the time."  Thank goodness for our favorite "snap vacation" destination - Tagaytay City.  It has everything for family activities:  nice places to stay, good food, cool and fresh air, nice sceneries, beautiful places of worship, pet-friendly restaurants, and venues for adventures.  

These days, my siblings and I are realizing that it gets harder to get everyone together... as "kids" aged.  It's a good thing the "kids" in our family are loving and kind, they still prioritize family and spending time with each other, and with us - their "old folks".  And God is all that generous to always provide us with enough to afford to have food to share as we enjoy one another's company... especially on important family occasions.  I hope our father feels lucky.  :)

***
   

Araw ng Kalayaan 2013



Proud to be a Filipino!

I wear the Philippine colors with love and pride - anywhere, anytime... especially in my proudest moments.  While I enjoyed my journey in many places, fascinated by the uniqueness of each place, and I hold dear in my heart the wonderful moments of experiencing other cultures, meeting great people from different cultural roots, and making new friends from other parts of the world, I'd always longed for home... and I always will.  And I will never get awed enough by my beloved country - Pilipinas kong minumutya! 

Maligayang araw ng kalayaan sa ating lahat, mga minamahal kong kababayan! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!      

***

Saturday photo



Life is good... and a life spent in service to others is best.

A few days ago, I had to struggle to keep it together, and not break down in tears as a young lady broke down in front of me, after trying - very hard - to hold back tears.  It was most unfortunate that she was born to an extremely impoverished family.  She had to scrape her way through Elementary and High School - in a very good school, on hard-earned scholarship, as her parents, who could not even obtain High School education, tried to make both ends meet by working as househelps.  None of her hardships though could sway her sight away from her dream to get a College degree, and help her family out of the rut of poverty.  "With hardwork and faith in God, there is always hope," she said. 

After finishing high school, she had to stop attending school for a year, not having enough money to pay for her graduation fees and other fees in high school not covered by her scholarship. Therefore, she was not able to graduate officially even when she was able to fulfil all the academic requirements. And, anyway, even if she was able to get her high school diploma, her family did not have enough money to get her into College.  For a year, she worked as househelp for a relative, living on strict budget and setting aside money, hoping she'd have enough in a couple of years or so to get to College... until a priest in her Parish gave her the idea to look into the possibility of studying in this University he knew about - on scholarship.  She worked to earn enough money to pay her debts in high school and to pay for her University Entrance Examination fee.  She studied hard to make sure she'd pass the Exam... and she did.  After that, she had to work harder to pay the initial fees to enrol in the University.  Once in, she worked very hard, setting aside the temerity that she acquired from being underprivilleged all her life, to find scholarship in the University.  Luckily, she found her way through the process of getting a scholarship. 

I was very lucky to have been given the task to speak with this girl regarding her scholarship application.  I was beginning to despair about how hard I had to work - day in and day out - to fulfil my (many, many) tasks at work.  It took a conversation with this girl to remind myself how lucky I am to be in this position where I am able to serve and help wonderful people like her to fulfil their precious dreams.  And the harder I work, the more people, like this young lady, benefit from the fruits of my labor. 

I guess it helps to always remind ourselves how beautiful this life that we're living truly is... by making it our goal to put a smile on the lips of the people around us, especially those we serve - of course, without compromising the principles and high standard of the Institution that sustains the platform on which we dispense of our service. 

To be put in a position that enables us to serve others is in itself a great blessing from God, and serving well is the best way to show our appreciation for this blessing.  Therefore, let's serve well.

***
Location:  Stilts Beach Resort in Calatagan, Batangas, Philippines

***

Saturday photo



Life's a beach....


"Life's a beach... and then we die." Hopefully, not in vain. :)

We swim and struggle to stay afloat, we spend our 'time in the beach' doing that - and nothing else. Sometimes, we fail to pay attention of how beautiful our surrounding really is... how fascinatingly clear and refreshing the water is, how lovely that blue sky can be, how crisp and fragrant the air is, how so much fun people around us are having. We concentrate so much on our struggles that we forget to sit back and enjoy - the beach. It's only when it's time to leave that we, all of a sudden, realize that we did manage to stay afloat alright, but we didn't really 'experience' the beach. It's only when the sky turns dark that we begin to regret why we didn't pause to admire its lovely blue color and the air-brushed cottony white clouds that only daylight can reveal.

Therefore, let's not wait for the sunset to enjoy the beach... let's run around, feel the fine sand between our toes, the sweet breeze on our faces, and let the giggly waves sweep us back and forth as we admire the sky above us, the green mountains around... and the laughter of our jolly company - by laughing along in wholehearted glee. And as we do, let's give thanks to God who is almighty and good, and from whose love and generosity, all this beauty come from.

Yes, life's a beach... let's live it up!

***
Location: Stilts Beach Resort in Calatagan, Batangas, Philippines

***

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!

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

***   



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!
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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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