My 2012.

Since it’s near the end, I guess it’s time for us to start back from the beginning and recount 2012 as a whole. This post is going to be terribly long, but i’d really appreciate it if you’d read it all. It’s not very well written, as I’m just kind of rambling on, just so you know. 

I changed so much as a person in so little time, it’s astonishing to look back to the person that I was. I was timid, quiet, afraid to try new things, and simply a person I didn't like at all. I struggled with many kept secrets and wanted so badly to let go of a lot of things so that I could start feeling good about myself and how I perceived myself and how I wanted others to perceive me. I’m slowly getting there and I know that I wouldn't be where I am now if it weren't for certain people in my life…and no matter if we aren't all together or if we’re not all friends now, I could never regret anything that happened. I visited different places and met new friends. I appreciate the life that I have now and I’m glad I haven’t died yet…there is just so much waiting for me.

2012 has been the most interesting year of my existence thus far and the anticipation to what 2013 has to offer is almost too much to bare. I want this year to be over so I can start fresh again. (allyourlight tumblr)

WHAT IF WE ARE HIT TO THE CORE?

Very recently we witnessed 2 of our own public figures seemed to "fail" from their expected performances. Regine Velasquez who lost her voice on the concert day itself and Manny Pacquaio who was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez in their 4th encounter.

We can say, they were hit to the core. Two things they have in common: (1) they failed on what they do best, singing and boxing respectively, (2) and these happening after they publicly professed their personal relationship with the Lord and striving to live Christian lives.

Some people ask why these things happen to them just when they tell the world about their renewed faith. They are supposed to be more successful because they are "nearer" to God. But God has a different meaning of success. To Him it means when you have shifted your focus from material things and worldly success to things of God and heaven.

Who said that with our relationship with Jesus everything will go as the world sees it? There will be testing of faith and usually they are the things/ people we value which may be involved. It's part of developing our character that will ultimately bring glory to God. I'm sure Regine and Manny cried and got scared at the moment but they showed that they put their hopes in Jesus and believed that there's a greater purpose why things happen.

I admire these 2 people for not giving up their faith despite the painful events that happened to them. And I pray that they remain steadfast and perseverant for they will bring many to the God's kingdom.

I just remembered a verse in Philippians 3:14, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

God is not done with us. And just like Abraham, when he believed God, it was credited to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3).

It's not easy when our faith is tested. But for sure if we pass it God will remember us. And this is more important. (Courtesy: Written by by Judith Atienza-Cinco)

Exploring CARAMOAN

Not everyone has a luxury of time for a long luxurious vacation. Some have to plan on a limited budget and take advantage of weekend breaks to unwind, relax and enjoy. But for us, beach lovers, it is a time for adventure, to explore and have fun, in a budget of course. This time – Caramoan. (Lakwatsero.com)

Caramoan is a peninsular town in Camarines Sur consisting of islands and islets that spread across the Pacific. Some say that the place is like Coron or El Nido in Palawan and Boracay in Aklan combined. While I agree that the place reminded me of Coron with its white sand islands and limestone cliffs, Boracay was out of my sight. It was more like Bucas Grande Islands in Surigao del Norte and Coron combined.

We also went to the Caramoan church, the Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel. This church was put up by the Franciscan missionaries who wanted to spread the good news in the late 16th century. The church has a mezzanine where in the public can go to and see the wonderful view of Caramoan Peninsula, which we were not able to do. Next time, we’ll give it a try.

CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) Wakeboarding Experience

One would visit Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC) mainly for wakeboarding. Wakeboarding was created from a combination of water skiing, snow boarding and surfing techniques. CWC is the place to be when you talk about cable wakeboarding in the Philippines. In fact, it is already famous worldwide prompting numerous international cable wake boarding competitions to be held here as well. Wakeboarding, besides being one of the world’s fastest growing sports and is gradually being recognized globally, has become a lifestyle for others. A recently held international competition includes the 2009 World’s Ultimate Wake Championships. CWC is owned by Governor L-Ray Villafuerte. Just so you know why their villa and accommodations were named as Villa Rey and the lake was named as Lago del Rey. We actually saw him there.

I was amazed how the complex looks like. I never thought that despite of the simple living on this province, there is still such impressive resort / complex placed in CamSur. CWC is located at Provincial Capitol Complex Cadlan, Pili. It is approximately 15 - 20 minutes from Airport. There are free shuttle from airport which will take you to CWC. And if I'm not mistaken, there are also free shuttle from Naga to CWC. But if you fail to catch the free shuttle, from Naga you may ride a bus going to Legazpi City and ask the driver to drop you off at the Provincial Capitol. And from Capitol you may ride a tricycle which will take you to CWC. CWC is truly a prime destination for everyone, risen as the hottest destination to visit.

CWC’s rates are affordable and this includes, among others:

              Free use of basic equipment (beginner wakeboards, water skis and knee boards) for those new to the sport.

Free basic and safety instruction by CWCs resident instructors and operators.

                   World class obstacle courses designed to challenge even the most advanced riders yet safe enough for the brave ones who dare to try tricks for the very first time

CWC also has the following facilities:

Gear up for the ride with the cable park’s Pro Shop which is equipped with everything a rider needs to pursue the desired sport.

Besides the ramps and obstacles, the park has also set aside a beach volleyball area and a pool for those who would like to take a break from the boards but still want to keep bathing under the sun.

            A Clubhouse is built for the guest’s dining area and for live entertainment. Guests can also chill at the Clubhouse and enjoy round of billiards, darts and football.

     An elevated spectator area is placed beside the lake so that the guests will have a better view of the exhibitions.

          The park also boasts of Wi-Fi capability which enables the guests to take a break from the bustles of the   city yet still remain connected to the necessities of the world.

v      Accommodations within walking distance from the park are also readily available for small or big groups.

                While waiting for the operation to start, we opted to eat at CWC Clubhouse near the Wake Boarding area (Solid Force). The CWC Clubhouse has an array of meals to choose from. They serve the usual fast food meals like burgers, cheese steaks, pizzas, etc. They also serve rice meals for those who wanted a heavier meal. Their kitchen is a bit small and is located at a small stall on the side. The guests could choose to seat on the area overlooking those wake boarders near the water. The price is not that cheap, like the meals you can buy at Manila.

               Since we have no plans of spending half day for it, I just asked for the 1 hour wakeboarding. The 1 hour rate for beginners (cable pass rate) is PHP 125.00 + equipment rental (Life Vest & Helmet) of PHP 40.00, initial deposit of PHP 500.00 is needed (but it's refundable). It also includes a free use of swimming pool? Great deal, isn't it? So it ended up Me, Errol, Archivald and Boggs for wakeboarding.

    

                 There is no official class / instruction for this one. The instructor will only tell you what to do in a span of 1 minute. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask, his instructions are only brief. But don't be scared just have fun because all experts were once beginners, right? We were given wrist bands to indicate our time there. After fitting into the right gears, we went to the beginner’s area where we can practice wake boarding for an hour. 

          My first to third take doesn't turn well; I ended up in the middle. I tried another one, then another one. OK, try and try, never give up! For my fourth try, I was able to get it! It was fun, nakakaadik kahit masakit sa muscles  and I lined up for another one and couple more times. It is like skate boarding on water. It looks simple and easy as you look at the people doing it but truth is, it is very difficult.

              

             There are professional wakeboarders (Filipinos and foreigners) doing their stunt at the lake. Kailan kaya ako magiging ganyan kagaling? Soon! (evil laugh).. :))

     

I super love it here. My break from everything. I felt short for this experience and I hope anytime I can go here and do wakeboarding! I know there will still be next time and I hope I have companions (ehem 3idiots) with me who are game for such adventure! Next time I will spend whole week in CWC! (haha) :)) Thanks Errol, Boggs and Archivald. I definitely had fun!

Servant or Leader?

“Servant Leaders bring in the best talent in the business in order to accomplish their goal, even when that means they may be upstaged.” (russcanto)

As humans, we naturally organize people into two categories: servants and masters, or leaders and followers. But there is a third category that Jesus asks us to participate in… many knows it as the “servant leader”.

I’ve had small bits of leadership during my life, and this is never something that I’ve thought deeply about. Servant leading? Yeah, okay, totally. I’ve heard that term since I was a kid, in Sunday school and on mission trips.

But in the recent future I’ve suddenly begun to have real leadership positions… I have people working under me, and I have to lead WELL… and I’m glad that there is a learning curve, because I have a lot of work to do! I like to lead, but I’m not always necessarily GOOD at leading, I’ve found.

And then today I stumble upon John 13. (Well it wasn’t too much of a stumble, really - since I’m reading through John)

This is the chapter of the Bible where Jesus washes his disciples’ feet. Wow. It’s kind of crazy. He is the leader of ALL, and yet he’s stooping to do something dirty and menial, but he’s doing it FOR THEM. He isn’t too much of a leader to serve. Because the right kind of leader is one who serves. Yes, a leader is needed to stand up and give instructions and organize and hold people to deadlines and all that… but there’s also this part of being a leader - a very important part - that included being willing to SERVE those who are following you. To be willing to do their jobs, or even jobs below what they do, in order to help them or care for them.

I think the idea of a servant leader is nice and idealistic, but it’s not often seen. Sure, there is the perfect model that Christ gave us, but where else do we see this being carried out?

The modern business world often promotes an, “ahead at any/all costs” mentality. The modern world of church leadership often values flash, numbers, and giving rather than substance, service, and sacrifice. Don’t even get me started on the modeling that occurs within Hollywood and those of fame and status.

When you become a leader, you get a whole lot more responsibility. You become partially responsible for those who are following you, or working for you. It’s easy to just get caught up with finishing your task, and forget about serving those you are working with. (Courtesy: Natalie of http://coffeetimewithgod.tumblr.com/)

And I’m determined to learn how to NOT do that. Like Jesus.

“Whenever we have an opportunity or responsibility to influence the thinking, behavior, or development of others, the first choice we are called to make is whether to see the moment through the eyes of self-interest or for the benefit of those we are leading.”

—           Ken Blanchard

Through the Rain

        The unusual non-stop heavy rains that hit the Philippines since last Tuesday has transformed Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, and other provinces into Water World. It isn’t about just the rain or the floods. These past few days, many parts of the Philippines have been suffering from floods because of continuous heavy rain that the Southwest monsoon brought. It’s only a monsoon which made a whole lot of disaster so what about the storms that may follow? It’s about the infrastructure and the means of livelihood that get washed away. It’s about the homes that will probably never get rebuilt. It’s about the next time a heavy downpour happens and you start thinking, “Oh no. not again.”

Aerial view of the affected areas

        What I like about this country is the people’s undying spirit of optimism. Despite the rains and floods we’ve been experiencing for the past two weeks, we Filipinos have a way to turn a bad situation into something that’s worth a smile.

         Feeling proud for actually buying boxes of food and toiletries today to donate to evacuees. It was an even greater feeling to see the supermarkets full of people with the same good intentions. Everyone just wanted to play their part to help. The Filipino Bayanihan spirit thrives. After donating and volunteering for several days, I realized how helping really brings joy to your heart. Despite, the heavy rains, and the floods, we were successfully able to fill boxes with food, water, clothes, etc.

Volunteers from UP - Diliman

         A collection of photos surfaced the different social media sites showing how Filipinos dealt with the catastrophe that fell upon the country. Thus, this event marked the birth of ‘The Filipino Spirit is Waterproof’ campaign. Still, in the end, it’s a clear manifestation of God’s love for us. No matter what happens, we’ll be safe in His arms. We just have to pray hard and have faith in Him and everything will be fine again. Thank you, Lord! It’s more fun in the Philippines, indeed.

        You can also help. Volunteer and donate canned goods, cooked food, noodles, biscuits,bread, milk, bottled water, medicine, blankets, clothes, towels, reusable containers, toothbrushes, toothpastes, etc. Peso and Dollar cash donations can also be made. The link below has the most updated list of media outlets, government and non-government organizations, churches, businesses and overseas efforts that are accepting donations and volunteers.

        Here’s a website that has a comprehensive list of places to donate to, what to donate, evacuation centers, etc. Visit www.reliefph.com

#PrayForThePhilippines