We are God's Masterpiece

I came from a typical OFW family. My father went to Saudi Arabia when I was seven to search for greener pasteur while my mother who was a public school teacher raised me and my two brothers. Growing up, I never really had a physical father figure and I thought my family's structure was normal. My father would go home every two or three years and would only spend a month with us. That's how I remember my childhood with my father. On the other hand, my mother became the de facto head of the family with the responsibilities of raising three children all by herself. Financially, my father would support and provide us with everything that we need by sending us to Catholic schools and giving us a good lifestyle that we were really grateful for. But his lack of physical presence in our lives seemed to give us that feeling of emptiness as we grow older.

My lovely family 

By God's grace, I finished my education with flying colors while all the time acting as a good role model to my two younger brothers. I thought that was enough since I became the obedient daughter and supportive sister that I should be. Unfortunately, my brothers and I doesn't seem to share the same ideals.

One of my brothers, a former YFC like me, who we thought was doing okay with his Nursing degree had been having a hard time all along coping up with peer pressure and instead resorted to smoking and drinking. His growing addiction to computer games led him to fail his grades which inevitably got him kicked out of the program. His problem escalated more when he got his then-girlfriend pregnant at 18. This news came as a big shock to both my parents who have been great providers and supporters in their own way, especially to my mother who has been actively serving in the Church and is a CFC HOLD leader. My father, who thought everything is going well with us because we are all Catholic-schooled and had been guided spiritually by our Parish and CFC family felt devastated with what happened to his eldest son. He was even brought to the ICU and was hospitalized for a couple of days due to a heart attack after learning of all this because he never thought that his quiet, smart, altar-server-son would do such a thing.

Then, unexpectedly my youngest brother who at that time just started going to College as well suffered depression when he learned that his girlfriend from high school cheated on him when she went to the US. Instead of telling us about his problems, he simply kept silent and diverted his attention to smoking. Because of this, he got himself kicked out of his Accountancy program because of inconsistencies in school requirements.

During those times, I would remember that whenever I would pray so hard, I would always ask God why this is happening to us. I felt like we did something wrong. All of these trials came unexpectedly and has shaken our quiet family. What's worst is that I really feel bad seeing my parents going through the pain of disappointment and always questioning themselves about where could have they done wrong? Aalso, it pains me to see my two brothers going through all of these problems that we would only hear from stories of friends and relatives. It even came to a point where I felt helpless and as their Ate, I blamed myself that I wasn't able to guide them properly and that I just couldn't protect them.

I thought that what we have before was enough. Even though we have a dysfunctional family structure we have always been happy. But truth is, the problems arise because God intended for it to happen. Crazy as it may seem, God's plans are way better and complex than ours.

If God didn't separate my parents physically for the last 20 years, they wouldn't probably be celebrating their 31st wedding anniversary next month while still acting like lovestruck teenagers.

If God didn't allow us to be raised alone by our mother, we probably wouldn't be as strong as who we are now even with all the trials that had come our way.

If God didn't made my brother feel the addiction to vices and hadn't gotten him in a situation to become a young father, he wouldn't be the mature, hardworking and devoted husband to his wife that I know now who is also a father of three beautiful children.

If God didn't made my youngest brother suffer heart break, depression and confusion as to what he really wants with his life, he would've not found his girlfriend of 3 years now and won't be able to know that he wanted to become a Doctor.

God has his own plans for us because he created us, whether we may question his ways or try our best to understand everything. His plans are way bigger, better and more beautiful than what we can imagine and hope for.  It's simply trusting him to unfold his promises and to realize why they all happened. Everything will take its course according to his plans at the right time and all we need is to have faith. All of this is possible because We are God's masterpiece.

Are you Financially Secure?

Image credit to TGFI

Do you have any savings? Are you even aware how much interest it gives you? Is your savings more than 3-6 months worth of your salary? Will it be enough to cover your needs if tomorrow you will be laid off from your work or your family will need money because of unexpected emergencies?

Do you have a house of your own or do you just rent because you think its practical? Do you even have a car or simply commute because you can't afford to get one? 

Have you been paying all your bills, grocery and shopping wants through cash or you charge them as debit from your cards? Do you have some fund set aside to pay for your dream vacation? When you or one of your family members get sick, do you take a loan or ask other people to lend you money because you don't have any left on your wallet? 

Are you debt-free or are you like the others who are buried in debt you don't know what to do with it anymore? Do you have any idea how to free yourself from these debts?

If you have kids, can you even send them to good schools and give them the best education possible? Can you even afford your children's needs without touching your active income and savings? 

What if you meet your maker tomorrow (knock on wood) and you are your family's breadwinner -- who would be left to support them? Are you even ready at the thought that even without you, your family you would be leaving behind will be ok -- financially speaking? 

Do you even know or have the slightest idea how much is your total net worth, assets and liabilities? Are your finances enough to take care -- if not all, some of those needs? These are only few of the basic real-life questions that we all should be able to answer HONESTLY and be actually AWARE to know more about. 

Unfortunately Filipino culture makes us shy and awkward to talk about money and anything about finances. It's a very reluctant topic among family members and a somewhat taboo conversation even with friends especially with those you're only acquainted with or of course with strangers since asking someone about their net worth or assets is clearly a sign of prying and disrespecting one's pivacy. Unless the Government would inquire about one's SALN (Statements of Assets and Liabilities), we don't have a choice but to open and share that private information. But is that even healthy not to know? Or are we just in denial not to really know about it?

Opening oneself to public about your financial status would make you fall between being modest or arrogant. But the only important thing about is not actually knowing what you have but knowing what you need. By being honest about your financial needs, you may be able to think ahead, plan ahead and act ahead to prepare for the worse case scenarios that could happen. 

Kailangan pa bang antayin na may mangyari na hindi maganda para malaman ang mga kulang at dapat gawin kung pwede naman paghandaan ngayon pa lamang?

So how can we know in order to prepare ourselves to secure our family's financial needs? 

The answer is very simple. 

EDUCATION.

If you want to know more, click these links to find out how: TRULY RICH CLUB and 

OVERSEAS FILIPINO STOCKS INVESTORS

New Year's Resolutions

All of us every single year, we're a different person. I don't think were the same person all our lives. - Steven Spielberg

January feels special in a very different way. Not only because its my birth month which would remind me that I would age again another year (Thank God) but it's technically the representation of the alpha in the Roman Calendar that is commonly used. This month marks as the official start of another year full of hopes, dreams, desires, wishes, regrets, failures, disappointments, frustrations and so on. Its the start of yet another crazy yet interesting life story. 

Now why does every year people feel compelled to come up with their very own version of New Year's Resolutions? What the hell are these lists really for? According to my ever so reliant best friend Google, a "New Year's resolution is a tradition wherein a person makes a promise to do an act of self-improvement." So literally speaking, people are making lists of good deeds to do to reform oneself to probably be a much better citizen of the world. That's awesome. Really.

But only if these things are not just written on paper and would soon be forgotten after 24 hours.

Unfortunately, I, myself has failed so many times in making sure that I would follow or even do my supposed New Year's resolutions. Since I was a kid I always have this habit of listing the top 10 things that I would need to do to change myself for the better. But sadly, out of these usual 10 things that I would come up with, it would already be a miracle if I would have done at least one of them! Most are actually so-good-to-be-true, nonsensical dreams that only appears great on written paper.

What's supposed to be the problem here?

The answer is Me. Myself. And I.

It's that simple.

Honestly, I tend to be lazy in doing them or probably less inspired to achieve them. But looking back at my favorite yearly New Year's resolutions that would always be a repetition of last year, they seemed quite impossible to accomplish at some point. Imagine, promising myself not to argue with anybody for a year or to be always nice to everyone no matter what?  That would make me a Saint already! But kidding aside.. reviewing them now, I now that I would've done them only that I just need to push myself more and that's what has been lacking for the past years. 

My old 2013 Journal

But somehow, a miracle occurred. When I was cleaning my stack of yearly journals and stacking the old ones in a box, I came to read a page where I did my 2013 New Year's resolutions. And guess what? I actually, seriously, surprisingly and honestly did 90% of them! That really put a smile on my face like a crazy kid. Maybe I did have a change of heart somewhere. Because of that, it suddenly inspired me to continue my own tradition of self-improvement on a yearly basis. It may be very difficult and unrealistic most of the times, but the fact that I decided to list them down simply means that I honestly admit to myself all of my negativity and I fully accept the challenge of changing them to make myself a much better version of me. Besides, change would always need to start within oneself by accepting oneself fully -- from the worst to the best.

So did I continue to be successful with my 2014 New Year's resolutions? The answer is surprisingly yes again, which of course made me more than excited to write now my 2015 New Year's Resolutions. :D

1. Be more thankful and happy.

2. Be more accepting and forgiving.

3. Be more patient and understanding.

4. Be more honest and open.

5. Love more.

Investing101: The Basics of Financial Freedom

I love to travel. I love to go shopping. I love to dine and taste different kinds of food. I want to experience what life has to offer. But with my measly income, how can I experience all of this? I'm not even a fan of credit cards and I obviously don't want to be buried in debts just to cater to these wants.

Besides, I'm not getting any younger. I'm already in my late 20s. Five years from now I have plans of settling down (in God's will). I also want to own a house, send my children to good schools and live a comfortable life without thinking much about financial problems. I don't want to work 24/7 a day and live in complete poverty. I want to enjoy my life..financially free to be exact.

But the big question is.. HOW?

When I was in school, everyone would tell me that I need to study hard. Why? So I can finish school and get a good job afterwards. No one encouraged me to try and pursue having my own business. The old mentality of Filipino families is that when you have good education, you are guaranteed to get a good job, you can work abroad and earn good dollars. Funny thing is, not everyone who works abroad earn good dollars. Not everyone has the same rags-to-riches story after working abroad.

So how can I be financially free? From reading tons of articles, I found these easy steps that I'm currently following...and hopefully will continue to do so. *crossesfingers*

STEP 1 is important. KNOW ONESELF. Knowing one's goals in life is important. On my part I would have this little notebook to write down all the things that I want to accomplish and that includes being financially free in the near future. Somehow seeing my goal written down motivates me and obviously this gives a positive sense of inspiration to achieve that objective. My target goal: earn Php XX millions after 5 years. Too big? I don't care.

STEP 2 is obvious. CLEARING ALL DEBTS. Thankfully though I don't have any credit cards, loans or personal debt from anyone. I'm not saying that Credit cards are bad, since they're handy especially if you need instant cash, but based from my Mom's experience -- the interest rate will eat you up. (As of this writing the rate is around ~3% a month of your total accumulated expenses) For example you have Php 30,000 debt on you credit card and you have to pay Php~900 (interest rate) + other charges monthly. Imagine what you can buy with Php 900.

STEP 3 is simple. LEARN HOW TO BUDGET. This is clearly organizing your thoughts on what you want. Check the video for more info credited to Pesos and Sense. :)

STEP 4 needs discipline and connected with the previous step. ALLOCATE A FIXED AMOUNT FROM MONTHLY SALARY FOR SAVINGS. This will not only teach you discipline to save from your monthly income, but it will also teach you the strategy called Compounding Interest. This simple matter of saving up can give you many options for your future needs where you can build your own funds. One important fund that people must have is called an Emergency Fund (3x worth your salary if you're single, 6x if you're married) which is supposedly good as cash that you can rely on when something unlikely happens like losing your job, etc. Dream Fund is something that most people want but never really thought of saving much for. This of course includes money saved for leisure activities and even for shopping for expensive items that's on your I-want-to-have-list. Another important fund which many people doesn't consider much is Retirement Fund, which most Filipinos rely on their future SSS pension. I'm not saying you need to rely on it 101% but there's a good chance that due to inflation rates, your pension 20-30-40 years from now won't be considered that much. Overall, there's like different other funds to enumerate but it still depends on you on where you'd want your savings to be used in the near future. For a good visual example, check the video again.

STEP 5 is a must. GET INSURED. When people hear insurances, they'll think of pre-need companies (for education etc) that went wrong. But insurances, primarily life insurance is fixed, stable and has been in the country for a century. Specifically a life insurance, is a service that would ensure that whatever happens to yo, your beneficiaries would be taken care of. You can of course get a health insurance, which can help you get covered when you and your family members are sick. Thankfully though here in Kuwait I have a health insurance that is compulsory when the visa is renewed. But the question is - what if I'm in the Philippines and *knockonwood* I would need an HMO to cover my expenses and I don't have one? That's a good question right? For more info, check this LINK.   

STEP 6 needs focus. KNOW WHERE TO INVEST. Thankfully there are a lot of financial instruments available for people to invest. There's the stocks, mutual funds, UITFs, treasury bills, bonds, etc. Since I'm a fan of Pesos and Sense videos, check this out.

These steps can be personalized according to your needs, but bottom line is.. when it comes to financial freedom it's all about having focus, discipline and knowing what you really want. :)

I am Beloved

I am a living proof of God’s victory.

As proud as it may seem, I am confident enough to say that I am. I'm only in my late 20s and haven’t really proved anything much to the world, but as I recount the years of my existence, I am 101% certain.

I've experienced joy, frustrations, heartaches, depression and betrayals. My life issues may not be as appalling, bold, tear-jerker and significant as the others but in my world, they are as big and horrendous as any problem can be. I even doubted at one point the reason for my way of life, but interestingly never felt uncertain that God existed. I'm a control freak and I like things to go my way. I've been rebellious at times but would always find my way back. I've got plans and have always dreamed of fame, fortune and pleasure. But unfortunately whatever I do, God never gave me what I wanted.

Instead, he would always give me what I need.

My decision to come to Kuwait came in a jiffy. My salary working in the Government sector is not enough but I'm about to be promoted permanently. My career’s doing great although my routine has turned dreary. My social life is also blossoming, with great people surrounding me. I've also got future plans to travel and do things that I've always wanted to do. But somewhere in my comfortable life..I felt lacking. You know that weird sense of emptiness that people at my age shouldn't be feeling.

Is that what you call mid-life crisis?

Dude, seriously?

I have absolutely no idea. I am happy and I know that I feel content somehow.. but the feeling of wanting to do something and be somewhere won’t go away. So when the chance of Kuwait came up, BAM! I’m out of the country in an instant. Sitting on the plane bound for Kuwait with my Mom in tow is not a picture I would want to remember for the rest of my life, more so convincing myself the reality that just dawned on me. I’m suddenly unemployed, broke, no social life and going to live with my parents for the next year or so. Convincing me of my new reality because of the out-of-the-blue decision suddenly came to haunt me.

Anyway I also do want to find a sense of adventure and something that’s out of my control right? But then you can lie to everyone but definitely not to yourself. So what’s the main reason why I did that?

Escape.

I want to be something else. To be livin’ la vida loca!

I want to have an adventure, to do the things what other people have experienced. I want to have a fun, roller-coaster-kind-of-life. Besides life is too short to waste on unimportant things and we obviously live once. Just like the old saying goes, Carpe Diem!

Fast forward more than two years from that plane ride I'm still stuck living in with my parents and only earning an income through my freelance online job. My idea of adventure didn't happen for things that I found myself lacking, financially so to speak. I'm also still patiently on hold waiting for a more stable work application that I have processed for the last two years and counting. Even though I've decided to give up for the nth time, but somehow when I'm on the verge of doing that small abrupt wake-up calls out of nowhere would overturn my decision to stick with it through thick and thin. It’s probably called divine intervention? No idea really, but I guess it’s a way that God tells me to be a bit more patient. Yes, patience. It’s a very big word that I have obediently been doing and applying to my life ever since.

But then, amongst the struggles that I'm still undergoing, I do however found myself going back to serving God - faithfully and sincerely. Of all places, why in Kuwait? I don’t actually know the answer but I just found myself going with the flow of things. I even developed a new kind social life that is centered with my Church friends and SFC community.

I obviously couldn't really afford expensive things with the very small income that I have, but interestingly I was able to buy myself a brand new Iphone, re-stabilized my wrecked savings account and even paid for this Dubai trip. I even found myself splurging on branded clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and eating at expensive restaurants without asking money from my parents at some point. Amazingly I was also able to help a cousin pay for his tuition from the surplus that I got from my freelance job. Yes, surplus from a very small income that came from a work unexpectedly. I even had the chance to do the things I found myself passionate about like photography and writing after letting myself be in complete surrender to the call of service.

But what’s more interesting? For the past 27 years, I never really found myself committing to any kind of relationship. It’s not that I am scared of love or being in love but I just probably never felt the need to. I thought I am content but then one day God gave me that unexpected gift that gives me joy – an answered prayer. Hopefully. 

All of these blessings suddenly poured unexpectedly. Things I never really thought would come amidst the choices and sacrifices I made prior to deciding to follow His call. Before I may not really know their significance or why these hardships have occurred, but today I am proud to speak out my realizations -that they are God’s victories, my victories.

Honestly, I could go on a different way. I can keep a deaf ear to His call for patience, faithfulness and service. If I hadn't been obedient to His call, I wouldn't be here. I still would have been stuck in my old life where I thought I was really happy with. But life is all about changes and these changes are inevitable. Even though I didn't get the things that I planned for and the dreams that I have always dreamed of, I know God is leading me to the path where I'm supposed to be not where I want to be.

Every day is a challenge but every day is also a victory from God that I would be proud to cherish.

Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait

Blogging is an expression of free will. It is a form of communication done through the use of online tools that vary depending on the blogger - the person behind the blog site. Blogs certainly differ from person to person and the blogger's interests. Some would either write short stories, opinions on things or tell tales of their real life experiences. Writings would also vary depending on the blogger's intent on his/her post, the structure structure or writing style used and language. While others capture quality moments through their lens which they share by posting photos or videos, blogging has been used mostly to express oneself. Interestingly, some has also used this online tool in earning a good income through one's passion while people like me simply just do this as a means to practice what I am fond of doing - writing.

Personally, I also know some people who use their blogs as a form of advocacy about real life experiences which inspire and motivates others to support their goals. These people come from different backgrounds and most of their stories share the same sentiment - being an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) who was forced to work out of the country for a greener pasture. The President of FBK (Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait) Ms Gracia Amor uses her blog DiaryNiGracia to create awareness about the current issues and lives of Filipino OFW here in Kuwait. Another member, Tito Al Manlangit's Soujournal blog is catered to show his love for landscape photography which reflects his artistic side and Architectural background. Some also uses their blog to chronicle their life's activities as a tool to communicate with their friends and relatives across the globe like Tita Freda Contrera's A Blessed Life.

Official Teaser Video for FBK's 1st Anniversary. Credit to PamatayHomesick.

Through their blogs, these Filipino Expats came together to create a small bonded group that advocates blogging as a form of communication not only as a past time (like in my case), but as well as use this medium to share and disseminate valuable information to other Filipino Expats who are in need. This blogging group established only last year called the Filipno Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK) has found itself an important role and responsibility in supporting important advocacies and creating awareness for other Filipinos here in Kuwait through these online tools to aid less fortunate fellow men in their needs. For the past year, the group has done charity work with the Philippine Embassy and other Filipino groups in helping maltreated fellow OFWs who were taking shelter in the Embassy. A few weeks from one, FBK will be hosting a Blood Donation project at the Kuwait Central Bank on the 20th of September 2013 and a free seminar about Blogging at the Philippine Embassy on a first-come-first-served basis.

Blood Donation Project. Credit for image go to FBK

Passion is a God-given gift and it is something that people should know how to use not only to entertain oneself but as well as use it responsibly to help others. Helping doesn't need to amount to a great extent in order to brag about something, but it can be done even in a small form through sharing valuable information that can give a sense of positive enlightenment.

Strict Implementation of Laws

News of thousands of people being deported out of Kuwait has raised fear among the expats. Different concerns has been raised and one report from a local newspaper even told tales of Indians asking their Embassy for help due to manhandling by the authorities. But who knows what is really happening? Some stories may well be exaggerated but then the fact that a number of people is being deported daily due to illegal issues is not a good thing. And since this is a sensitive issue that tackles violations, punishments and worst -- being thrown in prison cells for not following Kuwait laws, expats should be more cautious and disciplined. Besides, this is not our country and we are simply aliens living in a foreign land.

I saw this on an FB group page telling people to be more alert during checkings done by the police. I f you read it more closely, all the details were already existing rules here. No idea why some people are exaggerating this now..but anyway it's better be informed than being ignorant of what's happening around

Although this massive clean up of illegal residents is a bit of a shock due to their increasing numbers, abiding and respecting a country's law is compulsory in order to continue living freely and without any kind of hassle. 

New Traffic Penalties in Kuwait

Along 4th Ring Road (Salmiya-Hawally-Jabriya)

Road accidents are very common in this country. I remember the first time I passed 4th ring road to head out for a family dinner towards Arabian Gulf Street, we witnessed an aftermath of a car accident. It took us more than 20 minutes stuck on traffic that it caused but instead of being annoyed I felt sorry for the wrecked car (it was a small car hitting an SUV) and the people who were brought to the hospital by the ambulance team. But as I get myself immersed on the road etiquettes of drivers around this place, I was in shock. Seriously, who on their right mind would drive around with babies or toddlers on the driver's seat? Who would be sane enough by allowing their kids to play around the car windows while driving fast on the highway? Or who would be driving without knowing how to use car signals (tail lights for example) when overtaking or turning a different road? I'm definitely not an expert driver myself but I sure know the basics. But here..it's a totally different story. I have heard a couple of people (including my Dad) telling me that when you want to drive here, you need to always be on alert mode or else it's either you'll get hit or you'll be the one going to hit something.

Click to enlarge.

Anyway, since I thought this information is imperative when driving in Kuwait I do hope people would really find this traffic violations serious in order to minimize road accidents. It's obvious some people don't care much about the fines since this place is rich, but for the sake of those who wanted to live longer and avoid any accidents..I seriously hope and pray that drivers (everyone who has a car and license to drive here) will take this really, really, really, really seriously.


Image source credited to: q8hosp[dot]info

Eleksyon 2013

Bakit nga ba kelangan bumoto? Napakasimpleng tanong na mayroon din napakaraming sagot. Ngunit kung ito'y ating uunawain, isang bagay lamang talaga ang dapat isa isip. Ito ay isang karapatan.  

Registered Absentee Voter

Exercising my right to suffrage is something I have actively done since I turned 18. But since moving to Kuwait, this was the first time that I opted to become an Absentee voter to continue my participation in this national elections. The registration and transfer of my records from my previous local precinct took a couple of months (registered only late last year when I renewed my passport) but luckily it was approved without any hassle. So yesterday, I finally had my chance to be a part of this Overseas Absentee Voters program for Filipino Citizens living abroad. As per COMELEC rules, OAVs are given a month before the official election begins in the Philippines which will be on the 13th of May 2013.

Philippine Embassy in Faiha, Kuwait

Reminder posted at the entrance of the Philippine Embassy in Faiha

What's happening inside the Voting place

Trying out the PCOS machine. It looked old but still working.

The election was held at the Philippine Embassy in Faiha and in order to ensure that you're a registered voter or a Filipino citizen, you'll either need to show your OAV voters license or your original passport. The procedure is done through properly shading electronic papers and be fed under PCOS machines. Once the machine accepts the paper, the votes will be counted and should be wired through their main system. Not sure where the main system was located but hopefully it's in safe hands. Hopefully. *crossesfingers*

Just like what Dr. Jose Rizal said, "It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted in the field without becoming part of an edifice. The glory of saving a country is not for him who has contributed to its ruin. (El Filibusterismo)" This simply states that in order for us to achieve something greater, we must all do our part in our own little way. As this Senatorial election continues on, may we as proud Filipino citizens try our best to perform our right to choose wisely who we think should fill in the vacant seats in our democratic government. If we won't act, who else will?

2012: The year that was

365 days quickly passed by like some jet flying across the sky. One thing I knew, I'm bidding goodbye to 2012 and saying hello to another new year. For the most part, I think I found myself floating along the past year without much fervor.

One of the momentous and Guinness world-breaking event in Kuwait's history took place last November 10, 2012 when this oil-rich state celebrated its Government Constitution's jubilee. A huge celebration was thrown by the government by dazzling the world with its astounding $15 million dollar pyromusical and fireworks display. I'm talking about 77,283 pieces of fireworks in total! How cool was that?! 

Ahh-mazing Kuwait Fireworks display! Image credit to Cajie of Flickr.

Forward a couple of weeks, on December 21, CFC-SFC's annual Pasko sa Embassy (at Philippine Embassy in Faiha) event took place with a much bigger cause. The number of distressed Filipino household workers reached a staggering 224 from last year's ~120. The program contained the usual gift giving, contests and entertainment  numbers. Santa Claus (in costume of course) made a special appearance to add excitement that day.

Tons of gifts for the holiday! 

Enjoying the Psasko sa Embasy event at Philippine Embassy in Faiha, Kuwait

CFC-SFC Social Ministry Pasko sa Embassy Team

Moreover, the 29th of December 2012 was the culmination day for the 3-consecutive Saturdays free seminar-workshop on money savings, small-time business ideas and basic accounting held at ICSA, Panasonic Tower in Kuwait City. The seminar-workshop entitled "Mag-Impok, Mag-Negosyo, Mag-Accounting Kabayan. Iskolar ni LBC" was funded by LBC Express Cargo in partnership with ICSA. Pastor Gil Bantugan, a CPA and Financial and Real estate consultant by profession was the renowned lecturer for the duration of the events. 

The students eagerly listening to the lecture

The graduates with their certificates together with Pastor Gil Bantugan (2nd to the  right)

Although a lot of things happened, some just stayed true to what they are. Interestingly, living in Kuwait has given me additional months to know this place that I call my new home. 

Garage Sale For A Cause

One friend told me "Iba ang pakiramdam kapag alam mo na makakatulong ka/It's a different feeling when you know you can help". This statement simply sums up what I have experienced last Friday after I said YES to become part of a Garage Sale.

This kind of event isn't something new to me. As a kid growing up in a Catholic school, we've been doing regular charity events or sales in order to raise funds for those who are in need of help. The usual fund raising activity would either be a Bingo game, a sports tournament, a ball/party, food sales or garage sales such as this one. On most occasions, the resources that we use for these events were sponsored by my rich classmates or from companies who have answered our sponsorship letters, so I actually don't remember a time when we have certain difficulties whenever we gather our resources. But with the recent event that I attended to...it was a rather different experience.

Since this is only a religious-community-based event, under the CFC, the initial gathering of resources for the said Garage sale has already posed a struggle. Unfortunately, not everyone appears to have a kind heart to donate their semi-used goods for charitable purposes. But still lucky enough, and yes, through God's way, unexpected miracles do happen. It's only a matter of believing, I guess. So on the day of the said event, when we're about to tally what we have gathered, we're surprised to find 2 boxes and a couple of huge plastic bags filled with clothes and accessories to sell with! Some good-hearted people even donated used appliances to add to our list!

By the end of the day (around 5PM to be exact), even though not all of our stuffs were sold we have at least accumulated around 56KD! Not bad enough though. This money, as little as it may seem, will be sent to the Philippine's CFC ANCOP scholarship fund to help young kids with their school. But what's more interesting is that the left-over things will be shipped off instead to a depressed part in India as aid for those who have been stricken by the current flooding. This has been agreed upon by the leaders of the community since the last time when the Filipino members of the CFC community were in need of help, our Indian brothers and sisters have been generous enough. So this of course seems like a great deal of giving back what they deserve.

I do hope that this act of kindness and sharing will be a common practice not only because this is an event run by a religious community nor by a certain group of people, but by everyone in the hopes that this will be a symbol of unity for all.

RH Bill

When I moved to Kuwait, I thought I wouldn't find myself more interested about news and issues back home. But I was wrong. The more time I spend living outside of my home country, the more I felt intrigued about what's happening back there. That's probably what you'd call home sickness? But as I get myself indulged in one issue-to-another, comparisons started to arise. Kuwait vs Philippines. Two different countries with two different ideals and societal issues. A very interesting fact is that religion plays an important role in the legislations of Kuwait through the Sharia, more so like the Philippines in truth, even if it proudly describes itself as a secular democratic country. One important issue where the Catholic Church, the largest religious domination in the Philippines, plays a somewhat significant role (or insignificant to others) is the ongoing debate about the Reproductive Health Bill.

The Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2011 or simply termed as the RH Bill is geared towards universal access to information of birth control and maternal care, as well as certain issues regarding the use of contraceptives and abortion in the Philippines. This bill has been amended since its initial conception in 1995 to lower down the population boom of the country. In the status that I made in my personal Facebook page in support of this bill, I got some criticisms from my fellow faith-followers. But nonetheless, even though some don't seem to agree with my stand on this, I feel compelled to voice out my opinion since as a citizen of the Philippines, I have a right in my own way to participate in this so-called argument over who's right and who's not. Also, to set the matter straight - I'm a Catholic and a Pro-Life but I do know how to read and understand English so technically speaking, I didn't find anything in the amended bill that tells everyone that abortion is being legalized nor people are being encouraged to use contraceptives and that contraceptives can kill people. There are so-called studies that negates the use of contraceptives but with proper and guided information, programs about Family Planning in general not only focusing on contraceptive use can most like lower the unwanted booming population of the country. Seriously, the current statistics has it that the Philippines has already reached 92 Million + people. (92,337,852 population as of May 2010 according to NSO )  Like what my status says: "Information is true knowledge. There's a reason why we are created to be rational and logical human beings" Besides, as a Filipino even if I'm currently living abroad, I will still be affected with this issue in one way or another.

Image credit to ManilaKid

For the past months, when the RH Bill issue seemed to have mellowed down due to the ongoing Cyber Crime Law panic, I thought to myself that maybe its detractors would have a time to reread the amended proposed bill and pinpoint any other "misconstrued information" that needed to be polished for everybody else's clear understanding. But unfortunately, after reading an editorial from my own alumni, I felt utter disappointment. Granted that UST is a pontifical school that follows the lead of the CBCP, but adding more  inappropriate remarks against those who are plainly exercising their own freedom as a citizen of the country is way too unethical. Yes, those Professors of other Catholic institutions may want to voice out their side on this national issue, but calling them cowards and threatening its own faculty to resign from their posts if they so wish to follow suit as they call in a "series of bandwagon" somehow makes them look like tyrants. Are we back in the Spanish Colonial Era? What's the sense of the so called separation of Church and State?

"The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable." (Article II, Section 6 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution)

Moreover, as far as I can remember we are living in the 21st century and we have this Bill of Rights to safeguard every person's freedom of speech and expression. At this point in time, we are also freely able to make our own decision which we see best fit for ourselves. The role of the Government is not to dictate what  its citizen should do, act or say but only to give substantial and unbiased information for the benefit of its people. Only unless the Philippine Government is not a secular democratic society. Or maybe someone has forgotten to give out the memo that the Philippines is now going back to its once theocratic roots?

Quoting one sentence from The Varistarian's Editorial page "Every person is given the "freedom" to choose but that freedom is not absolute." Obviously, nothing in this world is truly absolute, except in scientific terms of course. That, is already a given thought, but the fact still exist that as a modern society we live in a world where democracy is highly regarded and people are encouraged to be open about their rights. If the CBCP and its followers would continue on with their angst over how the legislators would want to run the country, then we all might as well dump the current constitution and call for a charter change.

RA No 10175

Credit to whoever made this. :)

I know how it is being restricted. Your anonymity a laughing stock. The feeling of people prying in to your work and others meddling with them even without your permission.  Your so-called confidentiality with the things that you do is actually transparent, viewable by those in higher authority...waiting to be pounded to tell you that you might have done something wrong or against the Government. This is what you'd call evasion of privacy. This is what I usually feels whenever surfing the internet in these places that I call my second home, for example. (No pun intended just stating a fact.)

So, obviously I am on the pro side of the ANTI-CYBER CRIME LAW (RA 10175) that will start its implementation in the Philippines, my home country, starting October 3rd.

At first, I am actually glad that the Congress has thought of this plan to protect internet identities and punish those who uses the internet to do their mischief. Cybercrime has been really a pain in  the neck since the evolution of the digital world. But as I read through the whole bill, it seems that those who have written it didn't use their common sense. I actually even thought that this is for  the benefit of all. But hell no. This would only benefit those who are in power. Besides, the up coming 2013 election is only months away. Well one thing to note is that this new bill contradicts the Bill of Right of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, among others.

"Section 1 of Article III of the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Constitution provides that 'No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.."

Also, this may have strengthen the territory of libel cases but this again appears to be too redundant. The bill may have a good point in protecting children against child pornography, cybersex crimes and identity thieves but restricting people to express what they have in mind and gathering "free data" using P2P or torrent connections for example is obviously against any human rights. Kapag ito ay talagang naisabatas, bawal na ang pag-download ng mga pelikula, kanta, laro, litrato at kung ano-ano pa na libre mula sa internet. Malamang ipagbabawal na din ang panonood ng mga palabas sa youtube na hindi naayon o ang pag-stream ng mga panoorin sa mga libreng website gaya ng mga anime mula sa Japan, mga drama galing South Korea at mangyari pati ang panonood ng laban ni Pacquiao? Magiging limitado ang pagpaskil ng mga litrato dahil dapat ito ay magiging naayon sa paningin ng batas. Bawal na din ang mga kwento, mabibigat na opinyon at usaping walang katuturan na kahit likhang-isip lamang o dahil sa bugso ng damdamin ay pwedeng gamitin laban sa iba. Bawal na din ang pagkomento ng hindi naayon o pwedeng makasakit ng ibang tao. Malamang, ang pag-like sa isang status o komento sa mga social networking site gaya ng Facebook ay pwede nang ireklamo ng kung sino man kung hindi ito magustuhan. At ano na din ang mangyayari sa mga nagkalakat na blogs na patungkol sa mga pagbatikos sa mga nasa Gobyerno at iba pang linta sa lipunan? Dahil sa kanilang mabibigat na opinyon, malamang ito na mahaharang na. Nasaan na ang kalayaan na nakasulat sa ating saligang batas? Magiging makatarungan ba ang mga magaganap o simpleng kabalbalan lamang?

In addition, I actually remembered a statement coming from the United Nations affirming that "internet freedom is a basic human right." See UN PDF File

Reaffirming the human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and relevant international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,

Is the Philippine Congress not aware of this?

If only the Congress would try to reread this bill, use their common sense and amend whatever seems to look redundant or that contradicts the Law of the land, then at least they wouldn't even be hearing any negative comments from the public nor seeing massive oppositions.

Like one of my favorite quotes: THINK. IT'S NOT ILLEGAL YET!

Something Random

Another attack of insomnia.

Too much caffeine?

Probably.

One thing I'm sure, it's one of those nights where even if I try to go to bed early, my mind's simply going on a detour. My brain's neglecting the need for my physical body to fare off to dreamland.

Anyhow, to make of the time I had no other choice but to recollect the thoughts that were popping out of nowhere. Ideas that connotes varying definitions and gives adjunct correlation in between. Needless to say, I need something sensible to vent to.

And here comes the Blog. Yes, this Blog. My Blog.

Getting the gist of my 30+ posts, I couldn't help but gag at some of the awry topics I took the effort to write. Yes, personal effort per se. It must be the delivery or the theme itself but it gave a mere reflection that this blog was self-centered and sometimes lacks an entertainment factor. The exposition was inaugurably true since I had it in mind to be presented in a journal-type-context.

So is that a negative or positive thing?

Both.

Now what?

I need to find a conclusion. And then I came up with... thank God it took me only a few minutes to realize this!

Bottomline. I guess I need to be more open and write more about whatever is on my mind.

Less inhibitions. Yes, that's the spirit.

We'll see.

Sa Embahada ng Pilipinas: Kalokohan?

Bawat ahensya ay may mga pamantayan na sinusunod upang maging pulido ang isang trabaho. Ang Embahada ay iniluklok upang pagsilbihan ang mga manggagawang Pilipino na nagpapakahirap kumita ng pera sa isang banyagang lugar, ngunit ang mga alituntuning ito ay nagagampanan ba ng maayos?

Maraming kwento na akong naririnig tungkol sa mga pamantayang ipinapatupad na imbes makatulong ay nakakadagdag pa sa problema ng mga tao. Noong isang araw lamang, ako ay may ipinasa na dokumento na kinakailangan ng papel na magpapatunay na ito ay totoo. Kumpleto ito sa proseso magmula ng inilakad ito sa Pilipinas at iyong sa Embahada na lamang ang kulang. Ngunit laking gulat ko ng sabihan pa ako na kailangan ko maghintay ng 15 araw para sa beripikasyon kung ang dokumentong hawak ko na dumaan na sa iba't-ibang ahensya sa Pilipinas ay tunay. Sa totoo lang, ako ay natawa hindi dahil sa galak kundi sa inis. Dahil meron akong hinahabol na oras, hindi ko inaasahan na maaantala pa ang aking plano dahil sa wala sa katwiran na alituntunin. Ang dokumentong hawak ko ay nagpapatunayan na ako ay nagtapos ng Haiskul na inaprubahan pa mula sa eskwelahang aking pinagtapusan hanggang sa ito ay tanggapin ng DFA sa Maynila, kasama ng mga orihinal at pirmadong dokumento na nanggaling pa sa DepEd. Kahit ito ay ipinakita ko na bilang katibayan, nagmukha lamang akong tanga dahil sa walang kwentang alituntunin na pinapatupad nila. Maiintindihan ko pa sana ang kanilang rason kung hindi pa ako tapos mag pa beripika at mag patunay ng mga dokumento ko sa Kolehiyo. Ngunit kahit itong mga papeles ko sa Kolehiyo na sila na mismo ang nagpatunay na totoo ay hindi nila ginawang basehan para sa wala sa katwiran nilang alituntunin.

Ang tanong lamang naman ay ganito: makakapag tapos ba ako sa isa sa kilalang Unibersidad sa Pilipinas at makakapag trabaho sa Gobyerno kung hindi ako nakapagtapos ng Haiskul? Hindi ba't ang naganap ay isang malaking kalokohan? Kaya nga sila nandito sa Kuwait, bilang empleyado ng Gobyerno ng Pilipinas, ay mapagsilbihan at matulungan ang mga nagpapakahirap sa bansang ito hindi iyong sila mismo pa ang nakikidagdag sa paghihirap ng mga kababayan natin.

Awesomeness of 2011

It's only a few hours, 4 to be exact, before 2011 is officially over. As I look back the year that was, while scanning the last pages of my planner, I couldn't believe that I've had so many things to be really grateful for. Ironically, my planner was called "This Journal will actually change someone's life!!!" and the time that I had it, I didn't really thought much about it's meaning but coincidence or not, my life really did change. 2011 was quite an astounding year for me and my family because of the so many things that happened. Doodling on the last page of my planner, I listed the top 12 reasons that made my 2011 uber awesome!

12 Amazing Things that Happened in 2011

1. First Complete New Year celebration with the newest member of our family - baby Aiden!

2. My University's 400th year celebration

3. 3 years with DA-NMIS family

4. My Quarter of a Century Birthday celebration aka 25 years of being alive and kicking

5. Kuwait

6. My first baby DSLR - Nikon D5100

7. Mom's new work

8. Aiden's 1st Birthday celebration

9. Awesome events and concerts that I had the chance to be at (oh yeah there's social life in Kuwait lol)

10. SFC + the Beckies

11. Job at MOH

12. Priceless bonding with my Dad

Looking back, I feel so blessed with everything that 2011 has brought me and my family. All of this would not be possible without His grace and for that I am uber and sincerely thankful. Now that 2012 is almost here, I'm more than optimistic and blissful to welcome the new year, with the hopes of continuous guidance and blessing from Him, who made all things possible. <3

Renewal of Faith

I grew up in a strong Catholic community wherein my mom initiated us into the service. I remember I was in 3rd grade when I first attended a Couples For Christ Lord's Day celebration where all the ministries gathered together in joyous acclamation of their faith to the Lord. Back then, I honestly couldn't understand all the hype although I had been enrolled in a parochial school. It must be because back then, all I cared about was interacting with my fellow kids to play games while all the adults were raising their hands high up in the air, dancing spontaneously, singing Christian songs and mumbling odd sounds.

My Mom definitely kept the spirit alive. She was really an active member of the community and it's already a common scenario to see people coming to our house on a monthly basis to do their so-called Household activities. Obviously, my brothers and I were immediately included in the community, specifically in the Kids for Christ group, even though we didn't really know its relevance in our young lives.

The summer of my junior year in College, I joined the Youth for Christ group, another ministry of the CFC Family that caters to those in their teens. Just like how I ended up in the KFC group, it wasn't because I wanted to but for sake of writing a report for my Theology class. It was quite selfish, I'm aware of that, but who would blame me if it was the only choice I've got to pass that boring class? CFC was the only Christian community that I am familiar with outside of my Catholic school since the once strangers who'd regularly come to our house were now like my second family, calling the oldies Titos and Titas. I was really confident that writing a report about the community is not much of a big deal, since I know the basics, thanks to my technical Christian background and from the fact that I grew up knowing what these people do even though I didn't care much about it.

But what happened during that 3 day Youth camp was something that I know can't forget. My two high school best friends were with me that time and we all felt something we thought were only the creations of the imaginative mind. During that night when I was being baptized, receiving the Holy Spirit so they say, I honestly swear that I felt there was a moment that I had somewhat been blinded by something. Oddly enough, my eyes were shut tight during that time and on my palm, I really felt something hot like all the energy in my body were being centered there. But that experience only lasted for a few seconds but for me it felt like I could just die at that moment. The feeling was really, really, really weird.

After that experience, I suddenly found myself being more active in the service than my Mom. I would spend most of my free time with my new YFC peers, going to different schools spreading the faith and evangelizing other doubtful teens like me. I joined the Music ministry as a backup, learning, singing and loving all the songs that I once felt were only good for routinary dull Sunday masses and also finding myself doing the odd ways of raising my hands in the air, dancing spontaneously to any rhythm and mumble sounds that I don't really understand but only because I felt like my tongue were just doing it by itself (Tongue worship) that I once thought were quite odd as a means of praising the Lord. I don't know what strange force acted up on me to be like that, but everyone that knew me in the community never felt happier to see me participating more eagerly than I used to.

Good things seems not to last, because after my schedule turned hectic, I then felt myself being pulled away from the service that I'm starting to know better. Unfortunately, I wasn't that strong back then and the support system that should have guided me, one-by-one disappeared due to different conflicts. It only took me a few months to bounce back to my old stressful reality, slowly diminishing my intimate personal connection with God and only seeking him whenever I 'm in need.

Years passed by, after quite a number of changes that occurred to me, I found myself being called unexpectedly into the community once again. Interestingly, not with familiar faces that I grew up with but in a land far from where I never imagined being at in the first place. More so, this time I volunteered sincerely to take part in the 12 long weeks of the Singles For Christ Christian Life Program without anyone telling me to do so. Since I'm obviously not fit anymore to partake in my previous ministry's activities because of the current needs differences, I thought it's about time to accept the call once more and be matured about it - no buts or anything.

And just like one of the bible verses that caught my attention -- "For many are invited but not all are chosen (Matt 22:14)", I felt that the CLP experience as a whole was a wake-up call for me. I've had my fair share of trials in the past and there were moments in my life I felt God was being unfair, always questioning him, believing logically that life is always and will be unfair, but due of the teachings that were shared, I'm now slowly realizing that God only answers prayers in three ways: Yes, No and Not yet time. Although I'm still in the process of accepting the things that I cannot change or is still seeking the wisdom to discern the happenings in my life, I realized the need to view them in a different perspective, more as blessings from God to help me become a good follower. With this understanding that God never ever fails, I'm now a firm believer that all we have to do is to sincerely ask Him and in time everything will be given.