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Because we live in a democracy, we have to live with the majority's choice no matter if it doesn't conform to our own. But there are factors that make a popular choice and not all of those are necessarily about credentials.

It is my dream to see voters who choose a leader based not on emotion but rather on qualification. The inability of a leader will manifest each time no matter how many good people he has around him. You can't hide incompetence. It will burst out however way you cover it.

The success of a leader is the success of the people. In this case, the inability of the leader has caused its people to suffer. It's true what they say, candidates don't win or lose the elections, it is the people who do. Hay, Heaven help us!

It's scary to see a leader who still could muster a smile after a hostage incident that led to the death of many lives...He doesn't even have to fake a sad face. Isn't the mere idea of innocent people getting killed reason enough to feel depressed? If human life is not that big a deal for him, then what else is? How could someone be so cold-hearted?

The hostage taker was desperate and ready to take lives that's why you negotiate. But you don't negotiate by agitating the hostage taker even more. Clearly, those who were supposed to take charge were just as helpless as everyone else. It shouldn't have taken 11 long hours to end the situation, and it shouldn't have ended that bloody way. Media didn't help as well. Where there's freedom, there's also responsibility and compassion. This is like a nightmare that will take a long time to forget.

My dream is to see a Philippines that is free from hatred, bitterness and division. How I'd love to see Filipinos moving towards the same direction no matter what social, political and religious advocacy they have. I envision a country finally eradicating crab mentality, selfishness and cynicism. I wish the wounds of the past will be healed quicker so we may be able to move on and start anew. Let us start a new era with positivism, with love and compassion. Let us work together not towards finding a fault but towards finding a solution. Let us take away all the negativity that's been hindering us from seeing the right path.. and may the love of God ultimately reign in our hearts.

My birthday

Yes, it's my birthday! This day comes once in a year and it's been a habit to post about anything each time this day comes. I'll be more spontaneous on this one. It takes a longer time when I think slowly because I have a tendency to edit/re-edit the stuff I write about before I even post it.

Now, I'm very thankful for the wonderful birthday greetings I've been receiving since last night. I never really thought I had that many friends. Really, I'm so grateful!

On this special day of my life, I thank God for allowing me to see the beauty of the world around me. I'm grateful to him for the life He gave me, for the loving family that I belong to and for the friends He gave along the way.

I thank God for the love, hope, peace, joy that this life has been giving me. Words aren't enough to express my gratitude for the strength He was able to provide me in the many tribulations I had faced in the past. I pray to continue on with my battles in life, with Him beside me.

My wish is for my loved ones to stay happy and healthy for my happiness is deeply dependent on their happiness and well-being. I feel so blessed and loved by those who know me. Feeling their presence, their love convinces me more that God has always been good to me.

I pray that love will live in the hearts of people so nobody would demonstrate hate. May all of us live our lives to the fullest and that whatever our calling is, we may serve it to glorify God.

Whatever lies ahead, may the greater good always prevail. And if God will ask me now for a birthday gift, I'll choose to have Gilbert's health...I love my dog so much. An angel for a partner is a possible second option. Haha! Now that one took away all the seriousness from this essay.

Happy birthday to me!!!!

God is good all the time!!!!

My Gilbert

It's just disturbing that some people dwell on hate and negativity as their way to get sympathy. I'm never buying that. Why can't they speak proudly of their merits rather than taint an opponent's name? God himself is the symbol of love and I find it ungodly when a person chooses hate over love.

I pray that whatever the outcome of the coming elections, it will be for the ultimate good of the people and that whoever wins the presidency will finally unite this country and serve as an example of love, peace and dignity for all of us to follow. God bless the Philippines!

You are

You are
the earth that I come home to,
the wind that blows me to places
I've never been to.

You are
the fire that burns within my heart,
the water that gives life to my blood.

You are everything my life is about,
that one person I see in a crowd.

You bring happiness even in the saddest of time,
your smile leads me to the glory of light.

You are what you mean to me.
You are the colors that I wish you to be.

You are mine...
only in my mind.

Watched the Pacquiao-Clottey fight again with my dad. Goodness, I laughed when Mario Lopez said Clottey didn't seem to be as beat-up as Pacquiao. Of course his face would look clean, he just practically covered it the whole time.

My presidential bet

A couple of hours ago, I happened to tune in to a television forum featuring presidential candidate Gilbert Teodoro. To begin with, I am one of those who have not decided yet on which candidate to vote. As I watched Gibo answer questions of various concerns, I started to really get all excited by the idea that finally, someone with genuine wisdom and strong moral/spiritual core is being given the chance to serve.

Gibo makes perfect sense. His answers are very practical and logical. He's an eloquent speaker whose arguments are rooted from a very sound moral judgment. He doesn't find pleasure in tainting an opponent's character and does not need celebrities to speak on his behalf. Instead, his conscientious responses to important questions elevate him to the top.

I see him as a man of great moral values with a strong faith in God. The calmness in his rhetoric also adds up to a complete package for an ideal leader. I have yet to see him lose his temper. After watching Gibo and hearing all he had to say, I am convinced that only he can put this country back in the game.

But then, as Gibo himself believes, governance is not a monopoly. A political leader needs to seek the assistance of political advisers, moral and spiritual leaders, etc. because the moment he thinks he knows every thing, it becomes his downfall. Some may not agree with this but it is the truth. A leader must be able to analyze from perspectives other than his own or we're talking dictatorship here.

Come May 10th, I'll be one of millions of Filipinos who will exercise their right to vote. I wanted to skip this one for the lack of qualified candidates to choose from but Gibo convinced me to do otherwise.

Win or lose, I will support Gibo in whatever endeavor he chooses to engage in. I trust he will do only what is right. Yes, finally I trust someone in government. Gibo is my man.

My Prayer to God

Lord, thank you for coming into my life. I would not have been the person I am today had you not found me. Please forgive me if in ways I have offended other people. On the other hand, please touch the hearts of those who have offended others so they may not harm anymore. Thank you for the gift of life, for the happy days with my loved ones. And even in the most trying of times, I thank you for guiding us to move towards the right direction.

Thank you for the mercy and grace you so abundantly give my family. Forgive me if a few times I tend to succumb to the temptations of the worldly life. I'm a person with flaws but I know it isn't an excuse to commit a sin. Thank you for always making me feel welcomed each time I turn to you.

The wishes and desires of my heart are the same ones I've kept praying for all these years. Good health, financial, emotional and most especially spiritual stability are those that I always pray for for my loved ones especially my family. May your love live in our hearts forever. All these I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Merry Christmas to everyone! Happy birthday Jesus!

Still so happy that I (along with my office friends) got the chance to take a picture with John Lloyd Cruz. Isn't he a cutie?

Oh my! I've spent my entire day watching Charice Pempengco's live performances posted on youtube. That lady is just awesome. She just amazes me with every song, with each performance. I love her! She's just perfection. And so I held a microphone this afternoon and sang my heart out. I've been learning a few techniques by merely watching her. She just inspires me to sing better.

Thoughts on my birthday

In the past, I used to get excited at the thought of friends and loved ones giving presents and preparing surprises for me every birthday I'd have. I've always associated my special day with fancy little things that to me, proved my importance to them.

Now that I have reached my 31st birthday, I guess things are changing quite drastically. Last night, I attended a seminar for my Singles For Christ fellowship. I didn't tell anyone that in a few hours I'd be celebrating my birthday but then, the host announced that two people were celebrating their birthdays and of course, I was one of the two. Everyone greeted me. The funny thing is that I didn't know any of them personally yet, I felt so much loved. I even said, this is the happiest birthday I've had in my entire life. Really, what I felt last night was a genuine happiness.

It's so special in that I was surrounded by people who lived and breathed God's words. They too like myself have shortcomings but they strive like I do, to do good in each day of our lives. I really felt they were my true brothers and sisters, like we were indeed children of our Lord as we held a strong faith in him.

I believe that I have matured a lot in the last few years. I was once a pessimist who always viewed things negatively. Part of me still carries a little of that pessimism but having built my life upon God, I feel as if negative thoughts are now senseless and unworthy of contemplation.

I used to wish that I would find a partner and that I'd have my own family but I guess He knows I'm really not ready for it yet. I feel as if He's honing me to become more mature, more positive and more stable financially and emotionally to embrace the challenging work of becoming both a mother and a wife.

I'm not questioning God's will anymore. I'm just allowing myself to be lifted along the way, along this journey in life built upon a strong faith in God and in the faith that He will bring me to where I should be if I surrender everything to him. Of course, I know I have to do my share and not just let him do everything for me. But I'm getting there. As I get to know him more, I'm getting to know myself better. Through an appreciation of what I have, I guess I'll know what I can offer and never be afraid to share them with the people I love.

Yes, it's my birthday, and I'm thankful that despite the many problems I'm facing, I remain positive. Gone is the pessimist me. Though there are things that are missing, with my family, friends and God with me, and all the blessings coming my way, there's no reason to be sad. I choose to be happy.

Good luck Anoop!

I will not hide the fact that right this minute, I feel like cracking into a major fit of sobbing. The results of this week's American Idol elimination had gone hours past but it seems as if it has sunk in only now. I cannot believe that my beloved Anoop Desai is out of the competition. It was him I had followed religiously from day one. It will be hard to watch Idol and expect not to see him. I loved Anoop the first time I saw him. I will love him till my last breath. He is the only Idol contestant I've ever been so enamoured with. Good luck Anoop.

Back Again

Almost four months in complete hibernation and I have finally contemplated on getting back to writing on this blog again. It probably won't be on a regular day-to-week basis as I've become less sensitive of the triumphs and travails that surround this big old world we live in, but I will write for as long as it still makes sense to write.

So many things to write about yet, there isn't one that's worthy to be told. If I were in a basketball game, I was probably pulled out from the bench to play as a starter, then stumbled with a few missed shots and a couple of fouls that ultimately led me back to where I originally came from - the bench.

Yes, I'm in this phase again where it seems as if I'm in keen search of where I should be heading to professionally and emotionally.

People do get tired. I've grown too impatient and I know it isn't a good trait but if I don't do something drastic now, I know I'll regret it for the rest of my life. I want to have a clear vision of my future. Be it with regards to my career or a romantic life ahead, I need to start acting on it or it will not take long before I realize it's too late.

Maybe a different career, a different venue with different people and a far different approach than that I've had all this time could make my existence great again. And though it's not all that wonderful right this moment, I'm hoping that God will help me find happiness and contentment in whatever decision I choose to make.

Freddie and Manny

For days, I have marveled about how impeccable and masterful Filipino pugilist Manny Pacquiao performed in his recent fight with living legend Oscar de la Hoya. To this day, I couldn't stop admiring the boxing phenomenon who now ranks among the highest in my list of boxing greats.

It was more than a month ago that I remember writing about Pacquiao's inspirational journey towards pound-for-pound excellence. It's a belief I held then and that which has been affirmed now, that no matter who Manny chooses to fight or that even if the odds are against him, Manny is always bound to win. The reasons for his winning could be enumerated. It could be his speed, it could be his extraordinary strength or his improved boxing skills. But none of those weigh as much significance as the fire in his heart, for it is his heart that makes the difference.

In all of Manny's successes too, it is not easy to discount the discipline that his trainer imposed on him. Freddie Roach masterfully crafted Manny's abilities like that of a jeweler honing a diamond. He created a masterpiece in Pacquiao, capable of defeating quality fighters and improving at virtually every game he's on. In Manny and Freddie, there's not only a right amount of fighter-trainer relationship, there's also a little of a father-son connection between the two. They seem to genuinely have trust and respect for each other which have helped boost Manny's confidence in his fights.

I admire Freddie as much as I admire Manny. Having read a little of Freddie's biography, I can't help but see Manny's story in him too, only he's a white guy. The talented trainer grew up into a family of boxers since his father was once an accomplished fighter. As a pugilist, Freddie boxed like there was no tomorrow. He gave it all, winning some, losing some. He ate punches to give some back. But success as a boxer seemed to have evaded him. At age 26, he retired early from boxing. He did a few things that moved away from pugilism, until the chance to work as an assistant trainer to legendary Eddie Futch came. And since then, Freddie though troubled by Parkinson's disease, has found his true calling. He finally knew what he was good at doing, somehow better than he could ever be as a boxer: that was being a trainer.

This year, Freddie received a well-deserved award as Trainer of the Year from Yahoo! Sports. Thanks to a very impressive year of wins for Manny Pacquiao which could not have been possible without his unyielding support, trust and hardwork.

Freddie's story is truly an inspiring one. He fell but got back on his knees. He's proved that whatever battle lost, it doesn't equate surrender. And that's why he and Manny make a great combination because in them we see humans being hurt but capable of bouncing back. They might be beaten up but they choose to stand firm and carry their pride and their heart to face the challenge. For that, Freddie and Manny are my modern-day heroes.