Truly, An Inspiration

"You will find that strength to get back up." - Nick Vujicic

Be Inspired! 

Bicolandia's Beautiful Volcano: Mt. Mayon

This summer 2012, we enjoyed another visit to our family's hometown/province, Bicolandia.  One of the sights to see is the Mayon Volcano aka Mount Mayon at its perfection.  Known for its perfect cone, the Mayon Volcano does not show its beauty all the time.  If you get to see it on a bright, clear day and not hiding from the clouds, you can count yourself as one of the very few lucky ones.  We're one of 'em! 

From tales passed down from one generation to another, here's a lil background on its legend stories.  The term "Mayon"  was derived from a beautiful lady named Magayon (Bicol dialect for beautiful) aka Daragang Magayon.  Stories have it that Magayon had a suitor, was being courted by a gentleman with whom she also shared the same feelings with.  Only thing was, her parents did not approve of it.  They were arranging a fixed marriage for her to set her off to another man of royalty.  Helplessly, she ended up killing herself out of despair and loneliness.  From where she was laid to rest, was where the volcano came forth.  Thus it became as the Mayon Volcano. 

It is the most active volcano in the Philippines.  It is located at Legazpi City, the largest city, population-wise, in Bicol, Luzon islands.   It is in the province of Albay.  Although through the years, Bicol has seen its worst with the eruptions and fearful lava flow, Mt. Mayon by the wonder of nature, still has its perfection. 

Bag It Up!

It brings such a good feeling that our city now has an ordinance for commercial establishments NOT to use plastic bags.  This surely helps out in the long run in saving the environment.

Back in 2008, when I visited Sydney Australia, was when I first had the good experience of "bringing own bag" at the grocery store.  I learned of its environmental friendly message.  Instead of using plastic bags, customers bring in their own bags that are reusable.

One of the big malls in the Philipppines, SM, started a project on M.O.B. "My Own Bag" during Wednesdays.  As an incentive, they credit points to your advantage card.

In Muntinlupa city, they first implemented the law against use of plastic bags.  The place where I reside followed at the start of 2012.  If you don't have your own bag, they make use of brown paper bags or the carton boxes that are recyclable.  This responsible practice reduces the waste brought on from the use of nonbiodegradable plastic bags.      

Everybody can do their own share in different ways in saving our environment.  This is a good start for the society:  "Bag it up!"

Let's Ring In 2012!!!

          HAPPY  NEW   YEAR!!!!!!!!

As another year goes by, I am thankful for 2011 as it's the year that I found myself learning again on how to get back up.  We welcome 2012 with much anticipation and excitement for the continued blessings that God has in store for us.  Looking forward to the many, wonderful memories to build that we can cherish in many years to come. 

May this new year be a blessed one for you, family and loved ones as we continue to grow as a person.  Have a Healthy, Happy, and Prosperous New Year! 

Season to be Merry!

It's the season when Jesus is the reason. Happy birthday sweet Jesus!  A blessed Christmas to everyone!

Here's a pic of one of the holiday greetings at the city:  "Maligayang Pasko at Masaganang Bagong Taon!"  A Very Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year! 

One of my favorite lines in a Christmas song:  "No greater gift is there than love." 

Color My World

So Beautiful!
As I was heading out the door, this wonderful creation splashed its colors around 5 p.m. on September 23, 2011, loves it!

Walking In Making A Difference

After last year's first ever national marathon, this was my first ever walk-a-thon.  I was glad that there's an event like this made for walking since from my most recent Ortho consultation, no jogging or running for me yet but got to stick with walking.  My friend and I were one of the many participants, among which included children who gamely walked the 5 kilometers.  The kids were upbeat in saying, after seeing the 1 km mark:  "1 down, 4 to go!"  Now that's positivity right there!  As each kilometer is reached, all the more everybody felt energized in coming nearer and nearer the finish line.  We clocked in at one hour and ten minutes. 

This Global Walk 2011 is a project in supporting and funding children's education.  Its theme is:  "I walked for a scholar, I made a difference!"

Since last year with my medical conditions, being able to walk again normally is something I treasure now more than ever.  I love my feet and I love my back among many other things.  I love being able to give back.  

As my friend said, the hard part was waking up really early.  But being there at the venue and making it just in time is a feat itself and upon reaching the finish line gives a big accomplishment feeling.  Knowing that in our own little ways, we are contributing in making a difference to somebody's dreams gives us a great feeling.  That was one of the main reasons why I joined.  We are a nation building community.   

POINTS OF VIEW: Reproduction

REPRODUCTION:  THE PARTS OF A FLOWER

I am not siding with the Church nor the State.  I am just going to point out my own views on the subject with regards to reproduction, not necessarily the Reproductive Health Bill itself.  I think that to come up with a law that would serve its purpose well for the common good of all, there should be a compromise.  You can either agree or disagree but here are my thoughts on it:

(1)    Let’s be realistic.  Here in the Philippines, the population is booming.  Our society is divided into different classes.  Mostly, those who have many children are the ones in the poverty level.  As a state, it is the government’s responsibility to educate the people when it comes to reproduction, yes, sex education.  Contraceptives have a way of controlling this.  Used responsibly, this could be of help.  Without proper guidance that includes family planning, people tend to just have sex without thinking about the repercussions and that is when it also becomes the couples’ responsibility to begin with.  As for the teenagers, making the contraceptives readily available should be regulated.  If they have easy access to it, improper timing of teenage pregnancy becomes an issue.  Why not make it prescribed?  That way, you educate and at the same time, regulate.  

(2)    Moral issues.  If the birth rate is not controlled, it leads to abortion.  This is a sin and a crime committed on the unborn child.  The worst case is intentionally done.  This is more of the moral issue and not just the use of contraceptives.  Whereas in the first place, the couple involved should have known what sex could lead to.  The aborted baby cannot even fight back for its own life.  Some may say it is pro-choice on woman’s body.  But question is:  What about the baby?  Does the baby not have its own right too?  Who else can speak for the child?  Even on circumstances beyond a woman’s control – yes it is hard but God must have laid out a plan for the baby even if it is unwanted.  Somewhere out there, a couple longs for in taking care of a child to the best of their abilities.  Again, this leads to responsibility.  There are ways to prevent something that people would not desire to happen.  What is wrong is if there is already a fetus, something has been conceived.  But precautionary measures are okay before anything leads to fruition.  

(3)    Decision.  Who decides in the end are the persons involved in the act of reproduction.  The law should not compel nor insist, making it a requirement.  Why?  Because we are a country of free will and the responsibility mainly lies in the first place on the individuals themselves.  

(4)    Discussion.  At this stage, it is still a bill that is open to discussion and deliberation on what the ground rules should be.  Once it becomes a law, that is the time for implementation.  The law is there to be followed.  Bottom choice on what the bill should be:  For the common good of all.   It is like laying out the bone structure of the system and that system is the government.