IMHO: A Serious Post About My Guiding Principles

WARNING: This post could be pretty downbeat.

I think though that it is about time that I share about what I believe to be the keys to living a meaningful life. For me, it is being able to maintain a steadiness of three things: continuous learning, integrity and courage. There are quite other aspects to be valued, but in my opinion, these three that I've mentioned stand out and make sense as I go through my daily activities.

Having the zest for learning, which starts from knowing myself first of all, is very important. It is always a joy to discover my purpose and to have a clear vision of how I want myself to be with what I desire to experience. I practice this by observing how I relate with others in certain situations and determining what improvements I could do should I face the same thing again. I reflect whenever I am alone, when I start the day, or before I sleep- and I must say that it is interesting to learn more of myself.

However, it is not only my whole being that I am keen on knowing. I always got this certain level of curiosity, especially of those that I actually have no idea of. My reading references are so wide and I try to capture the essence of these books, magazines, and articles. I love watching talks, speeches, and enjoy learning even from the simplest conversations with the people I meet. I guess that it is never too late to apply these knowledge when the situation calls for it, and that as I age, I’d feel contented knowing that there are so many things I know that represent my values in life which I intend to use in order to help others grow, too.

Next is integrity. For me, sticking to my morals is a must rather than pleasing others or by giving in to their own standards at the expense of mine.  It is important to be true and honest as a person. Even when no one is watching me, it is essential to still be doing the right thing. I feel this sense of fulfillment when I know deep inside that I have done the right thing and that my character is sound. I also consider being real to others as important. It causes harm to speak negatively of others or do something to hurt them especially when it is out of anger, which may trigger them to distrust and disrespect me. So I just keep things simple by being myself, yet maintaining a personality of realness which could actually inspire others to be the same.

Lastly, the spirit of courage is something that I strongly rely on. The thing is, there are a lot of challenges that I have encountered, and somehow I've learned to practice determination and being daring enough to face these. I could have walked out or succumbed to self destruction but it is just not me to give up when I fail. Also, I love adventure and activities that challenge my mind and body. Going out of my comfort zone makes me flexible and fulfilled. It is always awesome to push myself, and I attribute that to my sheer audacity and the chutzpah to pull of things.

But courage is not only physical. I also think that having an intellectual courage is important. I share my ideas boldly because that is how we figure out things, by exploring all the options. I believe it is important to not be afraid of what others may think of our ideas.

So these are the principles that guide me, and it is a refreshing experience to write these down and check on myself. I will hold on to these as I try to live fabulously. And so pardon me for being too formal, but I think I am absolutely doing okay at this point in my life.

Happy Image # 06: Mt. Bromo!

No, I'm not going to put too much words on this one. Also, I won't dwell big time on my long hiatus to blogging since, clearly, I was way too busy and going online to write became even daunting. GUILTY. No further fancy stories, but pretty much, this year's been another crazy adventure for me. Few travels to UNESCO World Heritage sites and discovering food in the strangest places have simply been awesome, and damn straight, I need to check- in at every place on that list. 

One cool image though that I would like to share is from my Yogyakarta, Indonesia trip last July 2013 where I was just too in awe of the glorious Borobodur and the Prambanan. I love old temples and history, just as much as I enjoy churches with the eeriness and splendor combined. I also dig mountains and climbs, as much as I love the islands and the seas. But really, I am just too grateful that with such patience and accessibility, I was able to make a side- trip, but a 10 hour one at that (one way), to East Java from Jogja where I was able to hike up another volcano called Gunung Bromo.

Here's a photo I took of it from afar and there goes my 6th Happy Image! You could just imagine my delight at that time when I have witnessed its majesty from dawn while everything was dark and covered with fog, until its eventual disappearance as the sun rose, then unfolding the beauty of Mt. Bromo in the morning.

Oh, and of course- I climbed it and reached the crater with some smoke coming out of its mouth. Awesome! :)

Mapping The Uncharted Stream of Potential

I've always been fascinated with life. Wow, naks: that may be one commonly used pang- publicity first line of an essay or ad material but please understand that it's carefully arrived at and written in all candor. Though there are probably some points that aren't just exciting as expected throughout time, I've learned to rather dwell on its meaning and the potential inside. Actually, my mind has always been the Sparta battlefield of whether to focus on finding happiness versus finding meaning. However the case, one thing's for certain: LIFE IS FREAKING SHORT. If you look at it, that shouldn't be much of a scary thought but something that'd provoke you to move and care. So just like living by another cliche, I've made those attempts on making the most out of it as my main biz by trying to infuse the art of breathing into the core of my existence; that every circumstance shall be dealt with introspection at first and diving into whatever I thought to be could maximize my potential.

Hold it-  I'm not here to have you explore the depths of my cranium. The convolutions inside it are so intricate and complicated that it'd be better to keep them private. I also am not used to writing about dramatic, cheesy, and heart- wrenching moments because the thing is I got a fancy for current events, lifestyle, music, food, and other keen observations of things. Although I hope that you'd excuse me if I sometimes tweet or post a line from a love song or a Neruda poem. Sarap kaya ng laging feeling na in- love at gigising ka sa umaga with a grace- filled aura. One would see me running here and there, involved with various sorts of activities to and fro, sharing what I thought of the recent episode of a hot series, listening to some weirdly beautiful sounds, describing glorious food I've been craving for or have just tasted, or simply talking about my daily musings. I'm busy raving about stuff and most of the time, I don't make too much fuss about what other people hate as it'd only ignite them to anger. But I'm human- sometimes I'd rant or wallow but the thing is I'd eventually just sigh and utter, "Wow pre, natatawa na lang talaga ako eh." There, there... tapos comedy na and craziness overload afterwards.

But yeah, seriously- what I intend for you to realize is that no matter how gripping and negative the events in this world are, one should always use a big space for magic and hope. I know, I know... some may just go on and doubt about the intention of others, or even doubt on the goodness of a situation. I know how rational we could all get because yeah there were some instances that I turned out to be a person who questions everything and overanalyzes whatever is upfront out of emptiness. And I tell you, being so cynical and dwelling too much on an issue may do more harm. These will get you stuck and then you'd recognize that life had passed you by already. We ask what the point is in everything without realizing that it's part of the process and the transformation. You will have to go through it and learn, that something beautiful will happen in the end. Parang ano lang yan eh, yung pot of gold sa other end of the rainbow? YON. Haha!

So when we dream, don't think that it's such a bad thing. It will not make you weak and stupid! You see, it's always cool to map out where you're going, to have this vision of your ideals and that desired situation. It's such a lovely feeling to close your eyes for a while and see yourself in a wild place that your mind could think of, which you may not afford to live in right now but in a few years time, why not?! And with all your loved ones around you as bonus! Keep all these images in mind and then go on attempting that reroute if you must because hey, lots of potentials are in store.  

Lastly, we can all agree that life is short, but ironically, it's also never too late to figure out what will keep you sane, happy, and what could actually give your life meaning. 

Marso Polo

Marso na! Dalawang buwan mula ng gumawa ka ng mga kalokohang resolutions na ‘yan nung Enero ay nasaang estado ng buhay ka na ngayong 2013? Ako man ay mistulang nabibilisan din sa takbo ng panahon eh. Agad- agad lagi! Kaka- Christmas lang kaya; sabay summer na ulit? Project Balik Alindog na naman pati, eh di pa nga bumababa yung kinain ko nung New Year eh! 

Ngunit wala namang magagawa kundi umusad ng umusad, tumakbo ng tumakbo, at siguraduhing nakakakapit sa sanga na inaagos. Yung mga pagbabago, normal lang yan na kailangang sakyan araw- araw. Dumami na nga ang uso; ‘di ko alam kung sasabay pa ako.

Sa sobrang dami ng trip ng madla ngayon, 'eto yata ang listahan ng mga dapat ko’ng itanong nang di ko maturing ang aking sarili na kabilang sa mga ume- ermitanyo mode:

1)     Ano ang meron sa Candy Crush Saga at nagkakagulo ang lahat dito?

2)     Mga ilang buwan pa bago ko makita ang benepisyo ng Phewtick?

3)     Bakit binebenta pa yung mga piso fare deals na’to kung inuubos din agad ng mga travel agencies yung slots?

4)   Bakit tahimik ang Malacañang tungkol sa mga Pinoy na inaaresto at kinikitil ang buhay sa Sabah?

5)  Bakit ang perfect- perfect pa rin ni Zooey Deschanel para sa'kin?

6)  Sino 'tong si Daniel Padilla at laging trending sa Twitter? Hashtag WHO? Nese kenye ne beng lehet et negmemehel sye neng tepet?

7)  At bakit nauso itong Harlem Shake? Ako nalang ba ang walang bidyo na nagsasayaw nito???

8)  Ano kaya ang wala kay Sir Chief at di ako adiktus at magpapakamatay para makapanood ng Be Careful With My Heart?

9)  Bakit solid yung hype ng JCo at IHOP sa Pinas at dito naman sa SG ay Jollibee yung patok at may long queue?

10) Bakit ang tagal ng bagong episode ng Tales From The Friend Zone??!

Ngayon, hindi ko alam kung wala lang akong gana alamin kaya 'di ko binigyan ng oras ang paghalukay sa mga kasagutan sa mga tanong na yan. Samakatuwid, maaaring wala akong interes at pake kung may bagong hoopla sa mundo habang ako ay nagha- have fun sa aking sariling universe. Sana bago matapos ang Marso ay medyo maliwanagan ako sa mga bagay na yan para hindi ako magmukhang mangmang sa mga trip ng madla lately. Mahirap na; baka masabihan ng wagas na "You don't do that to me!" eh.

Hahahaha! :D


Lyrics of the Quarter:

"YOLO, say No- No. Isolate yourself and just roll solo. Be careful - o. You ought to look out also stands for YOLO!!!"     - The Lonely Island Feat. Adam Levine and Kendrick Lamar; An SNL Digital Short

On How Cool Cynthia Alexander Is

I remembered last 2012 when local music feeds talked of why Cynthia Alexander, one of my favorite homegrown singers/ songwriters, needed to leave the Philippines for the United States. There was a relaxed, farewell show held wherein she performed for the last time in my homeland. I must say that I felt a bit bad that I was not able to go there last year and watch her perform live, which was actually one of my dreams. Imagine sitting on cozy, native room with her performing a few steps away from you, with a percussionist playing bonggos and other indie musicians beside her. Laid back and easy. Online videos of some parts of the show were all that was left for me to see. 

Some issues rose that the music industry back in the Philippines didn't pay more value or attention to great artists like the amazing Cynthia, hence, a feeling of disappointment with a hint of going out may have triggered these musicians to share their music to places and listeners where there's more opportunity and appreciation. Support has been given to artists of a genre that's more acceptable to the Filipino 'masa'. 

So why am I talking about Cynthia right now, when the buzz of her is already a thing of the past? 

That's it. Waves about her aren't made recently, and I truly missed her music. I've listened to her well- crafted songs of tasteful sound and meaningful lyrics since I was young. On my playlist for years are One Hundred Eight Eyes, Comfort In Your Strangeness, Daisy Chain, U & I, Motorbykle, and other songs that would leave one tinkering the heart and mind from those plucked strings. 

Her rendition of the Beatles's Blackbird was amazing by the way.

True enough, the Cynthia Alexander experience is sublime.

Here's another great song from her, Knowing There Is Only Now. 

Mabuhay ka, Miss Cynthia! 

Smashing Mt. Pinatubo

Hello and Happy New Year to everyone! 2012 has been a year of wonderful achievements for me especially in the line of fitness and outdoor adventures. Yeah, well, it ended with a few slight health issues but these of course didn't stop me from getting the most out of the year!

I returned to the Philippines a day after the SFC Singapore Thanksgiving Party, wherein I served as one of the dancers who performed a hiphop/ jazz opening number. Yes, that's a week after my full marathon. So I truly give heaps of credit to these strong legs and muscles, hahaha! Or probably the indomitable will to get moving? The activities didn't stop there; I cooked up something for my return back to the Philippines on my week- long vacay, and one of them was this Pinatubo trip.

Okay, so the Pinatubo hike was scheduled on mid- December. Originally, we were supposed to climb the highest peak of Luzon which is Mt. Pulag, but because my friends were having Christmas parties on that weekend which they needed to organize (they're ex- HR colleagues), we just opted for a day tour and the only available adventure was heading up into the crater of Pinatubo.  

So... bottomline, Mt. Pinatubo was just the next best option. My heart seriously yearned to climb Pulag and gaze at the sea of clouds around it.

On Mt. Pinatubo: The volcano is known to be the culprit of one of the worst and biggest eruptions in the history of the Philippines which destroyed several lives and properties in Central Luzon back in the 90's. I remember witnessing some ashfall back when I was a kid, and to think it reached Makati at that time, it was that serious. I didn't realize I'd someday be swimming in the crater of what was once known to be the mouth of a monstrous and abominable mountain.

We all met at 4-ish AM and drove along NLEX. When we got to Capas, Tarlac, we were a few minutes earlier than the expected time. Our excitement level just kept pumping us up.

The experience started by (rough-) riding a 4x4 which crossed a rocky and sandy terrain. The driver of the huge jeep along with the local tour guide were skilled enough to know which part of the land (and water) to tread. Otherwise, we might land on a dangerous spot.

Four of us huddled at the back of the 4x4 jeep

We then had to hike 7 kilometers up into the peak. I didn't have too much sleep the night before the climb so I was like crossing fingers not too fall because of the heat and all those challenges along the rugged trail. 

Finally, we reached the peak and were amazed by the outrageous blue- green lake. Yes, as others say, it's indeed majestic. 

Other tourists were there to be captivated as well. After a few sightseeing, we then hopped into a boat that took us to the other side of the lake. However, the water was too hot for swimming on that part. We decided to go back to the main side where we could enjoy cool water and float away. 

The water's deep, by the way. I just think that lifeguards should be around should there be any emergency case.

Here is the panoramic view of the crater:

So there you go; my final outdoor adventure for 2012! I can't wait to climb, dive, and let myself get lost in breathtaking places this year. 

Happy Image # 05: My First Full Marathon!

I know! Super late this post has been (yes, Yoda?). There are so many things to update because for the last few months, I've been so heavily busy with service, work, and some running. And I am so grateful to experience these activities!

Oh, running. So yeah, I finally got to run a full 42 kilometers distance at the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2012 which was held last December 2. I finished it with all blisters and pains which I endured all throughout the race. The feeling of accomplishing a full mary has been totally overwhelming!!!

This was what I wrote in the album description of my race photos:

"When I registered online a few months ago, I signed up with both squinted eyes yet with a firm stand that I should be able to finish a full marathon before I turn 30 on 2013. However, during the time gap between the registration and the race, I was initially thinking of bailing out because of other commitments and lags on my training. Weeks before 2/12/12, I had to remind myself of that indomitable will. So I managed to run, taper and get on with the SCMS 2012. I can only think of the many challenges I encountered during the 42.195 kilometers course which were eventually beaten by the fun and the unbreakable human spirit of others that I and my running buddies witnessed along the way. So praise God, I did it, and now I am back in the office where my boss is nagging me to wear the finisher's shirt on wash day. Haha! :)"

Some other facts:

1) I didn't tell my parents about me joining it until the day before race day so as not to get them worried.

2) I've had like 3 energy gels throughout the race.

3) As I crossed the 25th kilometer, I began to question my motives for running the 42 when I could have signed up for the 21.

4) I had scratches on my left arm because I wasn't able to apply some body glide on it.

5) My middle toenails were black for a week. They didn't die, though. New nails, new beginnings. Whatevs.

6) I was on leave the following day to nurse myself and pop out the icky water from the blisters. Hahaha!

7) When I returned for work, I was surprised by my beloved boss and colleagues with a yummy cake to recognize my achievement. I was soooo touched and felt honored!

8) I ran a full marathon before I turn 30. 'Slashed it out of the bucket list. How cool is that.

So now, if you ask me if I will still be running a full 42, my answer is: Hell, YES!

Here's my finisher's medal! Happy Image number 5!