Revenge

I am not the most righteous person but I have beliefs and I try to live God's teachings in whatever decisions I make. What I am trying to say is that I am the kind of person who doesn't like the idea of revenge.

When my son was hit and ran by a motorcycle about two years ago,  I was devastated and we couldn't find the person who did that to him, even until now. Remembering my son's condition at the Emergency Room still brings tears to my eyes but what can I do. I guess what hurts the most is that I could not give justice to my son and the thought of it breaks my heart into pieces. Despite the hurt, I could not sense revenge in my pain. I believe that in time, his action will have a counter effect on him. I also believe that if the things that we do, our endeavors, are rooted out of revenge, we will not succeed. God knows what is in our hearts even before we were born.

Revenge must come from Him alone, in His own time.

"Don't try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord." (Romans 12:19 CEB)

New Book: The Disney Way by Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson

I was so pissed and stressed earlier this day that I went to the bookstore to buy a book. I have been planning to have a grand vacation since time immemorial and in my to-see places list is Disneyland--the happiest place on earth--to experience the magic of being in the land of pure innocence. Having Disneyland in my mind made me buy this book--The Disney Way: Harnessing the Management Secrets of Disney in Your Company. I may not go to Disneyland any time soon but at least I get to take a look into the mind of the man who made a mouse famous--Walt Disney.

My Best Friend's Boyfriend is My Ex

Is there a rule not to have a relationship with your best friend's ex-boyfriend?

It didn't happen to me but I don't think I will be comfortable hanging out with my best friend with my ex-boyfriend as her new boyfriend tagging along. It will just bring in memories. Even if you have moved on completely, I can't say to my friend "I am happy for you two" when at the back of my mind I am really saying "It should be me". I will be too paranoid to think that he's maybe telling my best friend that she is better than I was when we were together. I think it will be awkward too for my best friend because she knows our better days.

When it happens to you, how are you going to deal with it? Would you still be friends with your best friend? Would you rather slowly drift away?

Random Clicks: Mount Sea Resort

My employer was so generous to treat us department heads to a summer escape in Mount Sea Resort in Marseilla St., Rosario, Cavite. It is around 30 minutes away from Manila and is accessible via Cavitex.

Aside from swimming pools, the resort also has a restaurant, a bar, billiards, KTV, zip line, obstacle course and hotel rooms. They have various affordable recreation packages for every group type to enjoy.

This is outside of one of the pools of the resort. It opens to the public at 7 in the morning. Guests are allowed to bring in foods. The road leads to the zip line and obstacle course. The zip line is around 500 meters and ends in another resort. A one-way ride is only 50 pesos.

The 5 feet deep pool has slides. Guests are allowed to wear white shirt or sleeveless and board shorts for female if they do not want to wear swimsuit and board shorts only for male.

The kiddie pool is 3 feet deep and it also has slides. The resort also offers swimming lessons on regular schedules.

The adult and kiddie pool is actually one pool with sloping depth. Over it is the largest banquet area for large groups. It can accommodate as much as 50 persons. There are also bamboo cottages and tables for smaller groups.

If you want to know more about Mount Sea Resort and to avail of their promos, click on this link.

My Thoughts: Angelina Jolie's Preventive Double Mastectomy

Angelina Jolie recently revealed that she underwent double mastectomy last April as a preventive measure following the discovery that she is carrying a cancer gene. The chances for her to develop cancer dropped to 5% from 87%. Her mother died of ovarian cancer and seeing her mother throughout the battle and her six young children were the motivations for her to do the procedure. She also considers the removal of her ovaries.

I think it was heroic of her. It was a courageous feat to sacrifice the removal of a part of her femininity and choose to live longer for her to see her children grow up. I remember the famous Miss Universe 2013 question "What is the essence of being a woman?" that was confidently answered by Sushmita Sen of India. After 10 years, it was only now that it was answered most profoundly.

Her revelation made us think that we do have options for our health and our happiness. Sometimes, we have to give up a part of ourselves to someone or something that matters the most--ensuring that we are there for our kids so that they may be able to grow up as loving and caring citizens as possible.

Election 2013: My Thoughts

I didn't bother to register at the COMELEC for this year's election because I couldn't find time in my busy schedule to take a leave. I was hoping the agency would have office on weekdays for someone as busy as I am, but to no avail. Somebody told me that if I will not register, I won't be able to vote. My mind was already set that I won't be able to exercise my right to decide for the future of our nation.

The campaign went on as scheduled. I was stuck in traffic for two hours on two separate occasions because of the long campaign caravans of opposing parties. It was one hell of an afternoon ride! I was late for important appointments.

A few days ago, I had a conversation with my sister about the ongoing campaign--how we both hate a particular campaign jingle, the allowed sizes for campaign posters, the tons of garbage it will leave after the election and the cunning ways a politician does and will do to win precious votes. I told my sister that I won't be able to vote and she told me that I can. My name is still on the list of registered voters... even the name of our deceased grandparents are there. I could not help but ask myself, "What kind of election and political system do we have?". 

There were reports in our area of posters being burned and slashed by the opposing party. Those things were done on broad daylight. Whoever did such things are sore losers and desperate... and knowing that I can still exercise my right, they will never have my precious vote. I don't want my child to live a life in a society of immature leaders.

My prayer for the Philippines this May 13, 2013 election is for the people to vote wisely. 

New Book: Manuscript Found in Accra by Paulo Coelho

I am a Paulo Coelho fan. I like his style of writing, he simply puts me into a different world each time I read his book.

I went to a bookstore and found this book on the featured rack. I was immediately drawn to take a look and then found myself walking towards the queue at the cashier to make a purchase. I could have bought it on Kindle but holding a real book would be a nice change even for a while.

I am currently on page 50 and so far so good. Here is an excerpt from the book that is inspiring.

Have a great day everyone!

Summer Escapade: Hundred Islands, Pangasinan

It was my second time to go to Hundred Islands, Pangasinan and the first time to tag along my son, my older sister and niece. It was a fun-filled day and I am sure my son had a blast! We arrived at Vista de las Islas (the hotel where we stayed last year) at around 1 in the morning, had a few hours of sleep and we're off to island hopping.

You can tell by the look on his face that he is enjoying his first boat ride. I am so proud of my son! 

I am hoping to visit again next year! There's still a lot of things to do and explore in Hundred Islands.

When life is a bit shaky, say these words...

PSALMS 46:1-3

God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble. That's why we won't be afraid when the world falls apart, when the mountains crumble into the center of the sea, when its waters roar and rage, when the mountains shake because of its surging waves. Selah.

We have a new Pope!

Photo from www.voxxi.com

We have one happy new pope here!

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio is our new pope and he will be called Pope Francis. He is the first Latin American pope and the first from the Jesuit order to be elected on the highest seat in Catholic Church.

Here are some facts about Pope Francis...

1. Rather than living in archbishop's palace, he chose to live in an apartment and ride a bus instead of a limousine to go to work.

2. He cooks his own meals.

3. He advocates social justice. He strongly opposes same-sex marriage, abortion and euthanasia.

4. He lives with only one lung. His other lung was removed when he was still young due to infection.

5. He doesn't have a Vatican experience.

6. He was one of the runners-up of Pope Benedict XVI during the 2005 conclave.

7. He was accused of kidnapping two priests in Argentina in the 1970s. No case was filed.

8. He speaks Italian and German aside from his native tongue Spanish.

God bless!