Words to Inspire

     The works of poetry may not speak its meaning directly, but when examined how words are put together could tell a lot of things and even capture our overall emotions. One of the reasons that  I learned to love poems is because of its words that inspire. :)

     The following are some of the poems with their corresponding authors who give me a sort of inspiration:

1. If By Rudyard Kipling

2. Still I Rise By Maya Angelou

3. You Told Me By Imani Miller

4. Dreaming By Johnitha Anderson

5. Thank You Mrs. Newby By Kristen Ottesen

6. Heart Over Matter By Din Kriegsman

7. Human Family By Maya Angelou

8. Dreams By John Raines

9. The Invitation By Oriah Mountain Dreamer

10. The Road Not Taken By Robert Frost 

11. Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening By Robert Frost

12. I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud By William Wordsworth

13. I Had No Time to Hate Because By Emily Dickinson

14. The Invitation By Oriah Mountain Dreamer

15. Dreams By Langston Hughes

16. The Paradoxical Commandments By Kent M. Keith

17. Love After Love By Derek Walcott

18. All the World’s A Stage By William Shakespeare

19. Music By Bessie Rayner Parkes

20. A Prayer on Going Into My House By William Butler Yeats

21. How Do I Love Thee? By Elizabeth Barrett Browning

22. Love’s Language By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

23. The Passionate Shepherd To His Love By Christopher Marlowe

24. A Time To Talk By Robert Frost

25. Love's Coming By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

From a Grateful Heart

     While we still have time, let us not forget to say our thanks to those people whom we love, cherish, and value so much. Indeed, there are many ways on how to express our gratitude to others.

    We can express it directly by words, or by our actions. We can say it personally to someone, or by giving him/her a letter that expresses our gratitude. Moreover, we can also express it by giving him/her flowers or gifts. But above all, we can give him/her a hug, a tap from his/her shoulder, and our time. These things would surely remains and will not be easily forgotten since these come from a greatful heart. :)

At Home :D

     If you don't have a job yet and you are still a student or a person who goes to nowhere but just stay at home, home, home, then the best way to do is to earn a money by staying at... HOME. :D

     First, save money. When someone gave you money to buy something like your food or snacks, then spare some and keep it. If possible, you can keep it in your bank. "Piggy bank" will do. :D In that way, you can avoid yourself from spending your money.

     Second, start a home-based mini business. You can sell ice or ice candy, vegetables from your garden, foods like junkfoods, or be a TM or Smart loader. In short, be a seller. :D

    And third, make an investment. If you have an extra money left, let someone borrow it with an interest. He/She may be your parent, sibling, neighhor or others. In that way, the amount of your money will increase and you are now able to buy a lot of things that you would like to.

LOVE In Mysterious Ways

     There are many ways that we can show our love to other people and most of these ways may not be obvious. But if you really want to let others feel that they are loved, then you can show your love to them in mysterious ways. :D

1. Make them amazed by touching their hearts. :D

     You can do a lot of good things to them which you have never done before. In other words, change for the better. :D

2. If you don't say it, then do it. :)

   "Action speaks louder than words." Doing some "movez" with care and kindness is one way that you can show your love to them.

3. If you won't do it, then say it. :D
     Of course, if you won't show that you love them, just say it. You might not say the actual word of LOVE :D but you can tell something different that lies behind  the meaning of LOVE.

      Yes, it may be hard to understand these things. That's why we called it Love in Mysterious Ways. :) ;) :D

    

Questions of Love

     As human beings, it is in our nature to love and be loved in return. However, how can we know whether we are loved by that certain person whom we love? Anyway, here are some questions that if answered mostly by YES, would help us perceive that our family, friends, or even loved ones (Eros love) really love us. ;)

1. Does he/she asks whether you have already eaten your meal or not?

2. Is he/she worried if you go home late?

3. Is he/she concerned whether you still have the money to spend for your expenses?

4. Does he/she tell you to take care before you leave?

5. Does he/she try to understand you no matter how unpredictable you are?

6. Does he/she respect and accept you for who you are?

7. Does he/she value you more than the material things?

8. Does he/she have a usual communication with you?

9. Does he/she ask whether you are okay?

10. Does he/she treat you as a special person?

    Have you tried answering these questions? If YES, then keep that to yourself. :) Blessed are you if you know that you are loved. But if NOT, then you can make your own questions of love. :D

Speak Different!

     We, Filipinos, are usually interested to speak a language which is not our own. For instance, we try to use English, Korean, Japanese or any other foreign languages. We may become "trying hard" in using other languages, but learning a new language is always be possible especially when you know these strategies:

1. Buy a dictionary that uses your target language. In this way, you can enhance your stock of vocabulary and enrich your knowledge about the language.

2. Download an application software for translating two languages that you want to learn. 

3. Watch movies or listen to any songs that are in the target language while reading the equivalent translation which is written in your own language.

4. Have an exposure to the target language. For instance, if you want to learn how to speak Korean language, the best and most effective way to do is to go to Korea.  Dealing with the people there might bring out your capabilities and full potentials in using a new language.

If you can follow all the tips as mentioned above, you can now SPEAK DIFFERENT!

Hooo! Huhh!

     No matter how strong you are, you are still subject and vulnerable to any pain. And so, you need to know how to defend yourself when you are being attacked by anyone. Here are the tactics:

1. Aim by striking your attacker on his eyes. In that way, he will have a difficulty in seeing you and will no longer be inspired in fighting against you. :D

2. Many personal items from your pocket or purse can be used as a defensive weapon, like a comb! Press the teeth above your attacker's upper lip as hard as you can; test this on yourself and see how painful it is!

3. Although it might seem ineffective at face value, shouting can knock an attacker off his track, opening up opportunity for you to escape or to fight. Aside from that, it gives a sign for help and rest assured that no criminals appreciate loud noise at the crime scene. Your attacker is just as afraid as you.

4. Before and after every attack, shout "Hooo! Huhh!" to show that you are brave enough to fight your attacker. It also frightens your opponent, thus, making him dance in nervousness.

5. Run for your life. It may not be cool, not sexy, and not going to give you a story, but if your primary goal is safety and you have no any strength and courage to fight, the best thing you can do is get clear of danger. :D

     Apply the five (5) mentioned tactics and assuredly, you will have an enjoyable and victorious fight ever. Hooo! Huhh!

Secrets to a Wholesome Glow

     Being healthy and fit does not only mean having a sound mind and body. But, it also implies having a wholesome appearance, behavior and spirit.
      So wanna have a wholesome glow? Here are the tips:

Tips to be good looking:

FOR LOVELY EYES – always look at the good side of other people. (Phil. 2:4)

FOR TENDER LIPS – speak only kind words towards others. (Col. 4:6)

FOR A CHARMING FACE – always smile with a happy heart. (Prov. 15:13)

FOR GRACEFUL ARMS – reach out with compassion to those in need. (Rom. 9:15)

FOR BEAUTIFUL FEET – always walk with GOD. (Gen. 6:9)

Be a good-looking person all the time!”

***

Other Tips for a Wholesome Well-Being:

Start fresh,

Think positively,

Eat right,

Live healthy,

Stay strong,

Run forward,

Work hard,

Build faith,

Worry less,

Don't stop,

Push harder,

Keep going,

Exercise daily:

Walk with the Lord :)

Will it be easy? Nope.

Will it be worth it? Absolutely!

Change Starts Within You

Have you been struggling on the way you handle yourself, the way you handle your personality? Yes, we can't really deny the fact that sometimes we mess up with people as a result of our careless dealings with them. So, if you really want to be a better person than you used to be, here are the tips that you have to consider:

1. Be  willing to change.

     Of course it would be so hard for you to change the way you speak or the way you act if you are not willing to do so in the very first place. You should start it by making a decision.

2. List the attitudes that you want to improve.

     In this way, you will be aware on the negative attitudes that you have to change and be guided on how to respond right when certain situation comes.

3. Have self-control.

     Many people usually speak words that they regret afterwards especially when  they are angry. So as for you, you have to think carefully before you speak. And if possible, stay calm or just be silent to avoid speaking hurtful words to others.

4. Have integrity and respect others. 

     Being honest and true to your word will bring you admiration, gratitude and respect from other people. You can also gain the respect of others if you also have respect towards them. 

5. Be changed by the Word of God.

    Of all the tips that can be mentioned, this one is the most effective. The Word of God has the power to change not only our personality but also our whole being. If  you just spend time to read the Bible which contains the Word of God and meditate on it, you will be able to know what God really wants you to be. It might be too hard for us to change ourselves, but nothing is impossible with God.

 Indeed, change starts within you! :)

Be Wise!

     If you would ask someone on what he would like to do if he has a lot of money, one of the answers might probably be to travel or go to any places. But what if you do not have enough budget for this? So the best way to do is to consider the following tips on how to travel while keeping enough budget. It's time to be wise!

1. Plan out your activities so you know where your money will be going. You don't have to plan the whole trip, but looking over your day in the morning is a great way to cut costs.

2. Don't take what you don't need. The extra weight will cost you when you're boarding the plane and anything you need can be bought cheaply when you arrive.

3. Get travel insurance before you leave. While it does cost money, it's totally worth it if you get injured, and can end up saving you a lot in the long run.

4. Bring a water bottle or any small amount of snacks. Buying for food or water outside the town or in other places might cost you a large amount of money.

5. Always look to get free admission when going to a place to visit like museums and other local activities that may be going on.

6. Instead of buying some expensive souvenirs, taking your own photos will do.

7. Be thrifty. Be wise. :)

Best Specialties You Can Have

Maja Blanca

Daral
Zamboanga

Putli Mandi
Zamboanga

Cassava Cake

Palitaw
Negros Occidental

Cebuano Corn Pudding
Cebu City

Bukayo
Western Visayas

Silvanas
Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Puto Bumbong
Western Visayas

Pinasugbo
Iloilo, Bacolod, Western Visayas

Piaya
Negros Islands

Bibingka
Western Visayas

Leche Flan

Warm Brownie Cup
Cebu City

Maja de Ube

Sapin-Sapin

Pastillas
Bulacan

Buko Tart
Laguna, Southern Luzon

Baulu
Zamboanguita

Pichi Pichi
Quezon City

Royal Bibingka
Vigan City

Turones de Mani
Cagayan de Oro

Salvaro
Zamboanga

Camote Suman

Buko Pie
Laguna

Until My Breath Runs Dry

     Knowing that our life on earth is just permanent, I have set 25 things that I want to do before the time comes for God to take my life.

1. I will have an experience working in a call center.
2. I will teach in a secondary school.
3. I will teach young kids in a Christian school.
4. I will be a good and effective leader in our ministry.
5. I will go to different countries around the world for a mission.
6. I will meet my high school classmates and bestfriends and have a memorable bonding with them.
7. I will strive hard to be a successful person.
8. I will conduct a party as a celebration for my success.
9. I will visit my relatives in Pangasinan together with my family.
10. I will meet my father and have a serious talk with him. :D
11. I will meet my brother-in-law and hug him. :D
12. I will go to Korea and meet my favorite Korean celebrities.
13. I will go abroad and meet some popular Christian musicians.
14. I will get married to a person who is meant for me. ;)
15. I will buy a house and a car on my own.
16. I will have my own happy family. :)
17. My family and I will serve God together.
18. I will go to different places in and out of the Philippines for fun and adventure together with my family.
19. I will donate some of my money for a charity.
20. I will ask for apology to all the people I have hurt.
21. I will say my thanks to all the people who became part of my life.
22. I will hug all of my loved ones tightly.
23. I will tell those people who love me not to worry and that I love them very much.
24. I will choose my white dress and pink coffin. :D
25. For my last breath, I will have a sincere talk with God acknowledging Jesus as my savior and the author of my life.

- Ready for the Afterlife. -

7C's: What's there to explore?

     If I would be given an opportunity to explore to other places, I will choose the following countries for certain reasons. So, what is really there to explore about?

1. Korea

     I really wish to go in this country because I want to learn personally about their rich cultures and the language that they primarily use. In that way, when I will meet my favorite Korean artists or celebrities (as shown below), I would also know how to communicate and deal with them. :D

Lee Hong Ki ;                                  Song Jong Ki ;                                 Lee Hyun Woo

2. Japan

At Maid Cafe

     This country is known for its restaurants called as maid cafes which some might even consider as part of their culture. In short, it is a place where you go to have a meal and the staff are all dressed up in over-the-top French outfits. So, I want to go there to see it personally and not just in anime that I watch.

     Aside from that, I also like to visit its breathtaking scenery including the famous cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji.

Cherry Blossom

3. Italy

  

Leaning Tower of Pisa

     It is said that Italy is the home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. High art and monuments are also said to be found everywhere around in this country. Aside from that, Italy is famous for its best cuisines in the whole world. Therefore, aside from exploring the different scenic spots, I also want to eat their unique Italian dishes and foods there

     For other tourist attractions, click here.


4. Australia

     According to MapsofWorld.com, the people of Australia are noted for their sense of adventure and their belief in living life to the fullest. Therefore, I want to go there to explore the different awesome places which I could have fun and adventure.

     Australia is also known for its unique animals and many of its zoos are among the world's best. It  has both public and private zoos which mostly hold special events. As a person who loves animals, I want to explore the different amazing animals that could be found in this country.

At Australian Zoo

Cheetah at Australian Zoo

Sitting on a Friendly Crocodile at Australian Zoo

5. Netherlands
    As a person who loves and easily appreciates beauty, I want to explore the different beautiful flowers found in Netherlands which is known as the largest producer of flowers all over the world. It is producing about 66% of world's entire flower production making it a delightful nation because of its blooms.
    I also desire to visit Keukenhof which is also known as the Garden of Europe and consider as one of the world's largest flower garden.

Keukenhof, Urban Park in Netherlands

6. Switzerland
     Switzerland is considered as the most beautiful country in Europe which has the abundant lakes, rivers, mountains and the aesthetic beauty of nature. Aside from that, it is famous for having the world's chocolate made of finest milk and cream and a place where you can find the finest quality of cheese.

 

7. New Zealand
     I want to go and explore in this country because it is said to be the one of the best destinations for adventure and has unlimited tourist attractions and activities to offer.

Netherlands

3 Things that I Love Most

    A place where I am born, a place where I am nurtured, and a place that I am really proud of --- no other than the Philippines. Despite of hearing a lot of negative things about this country, there are still a lot of good reasons why I love this place. 

    The following are the three things that I love most about Philippines:

1. Beautiful Places

     Though I haven't been visited a lot of beautiful places in the Philippines, these awesome tourist spots which attract many foreigners is something that I can be proud of being a citizen of this country.

2. Delicious Foods

     I really love the foods in my native land. Eventhough how simple it is, it could surely still satisfy my craving once I tasted it. There are also delicious foods there that could not be found in any other place. It's only in the Philippines! :)

3. The Filipinos

     I really admire the Filipinos especially in terms of their values, rich cultures and traditions. I heard a lot from other people that Filipinos are known to be hospitable, respectful, helpful, hardworking and happy people which I proved to be true. Then despite coming from different social and cultural backgrounds, Filipinos remain intact and united. 

Filipinos showing Hospitality to a Foreigner

 A Way of Showing Respect

Working for the Benefits of Many

Facing the Storm with a Smile :)

Indeed, these three things mentioned are what I am really proud of and what makes me love my own country, Philippines. :)

A Place of Wonders

     There is no such place as wonderful as the place of Bayawan City. It is a place where you can be mesmerized by its exotic beauty. :)

     Bayawan City, Negros Oriental is the home of the longest boulevard in the Philippines (about 3km). Along its length set up their stalls every night where you can eat tocino, bachoy, and matching puso delightfully with the sand between your toes. The food there is also just very affordable and the breeze of the sea is very refreshing that you can definitely sit back and relax. :)

      Another exciting place to go is the ever newly-reconsructed plaza in the City. It is not just an ordinary plaza for it has a towering fountain that produces different colors as jets of water is sent high up into the air. Just by watching it while listening its background music could somehow vanish your problems away. :D

     When you become tired and want to eat, then baye-baye is best for you!

     "Baye-baye" is the most famous delicacy in Bayawan City. It is made from roasted glutinous rice (pilit), bukayo which is candied strips of young coconut and sugar. So out from just simple ingredients, we can already achieve a unique palatability. Before you leave Bayawan City, baye-baye is the best pasalubong that you can bring to your friends, family, or even your loved ones. :)

     Come and be amazed again by the wonders that Bayawan City could give!!!

The Anthem of ME ;)

     The song "This is Me" is the one that I considered as the anthem that really fits my childhood. Whenever I listen to this song, I felt like I am the one who is being described by the lyrics as it tells about some of my childhood personalities such as having a very low self-esteem. I didn't have enough courage to show to anyone what am I capable of doing. Then as time passed by, I suddenly found the courage to come out from my own shell, my own dark and empty world. Until then, I started to believe in myself, to unhide the greatness that is inside of me, and to let the light shine to my life. I could now say that this is the real me. This is ME. ;) And because of that, I also consider this song as the anthem of my life. :)

     "This Is Me", is a song by Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas from the Disney Channel original movie Camp Rock. It was released by Walt Disney Records on June 17, 2008.