People

I have in my mind list of people with whom I am so thankful of. They gave me inspiration to live life as it is. Neither do I know them all personally, but in a way they touch my heart to live and give of what I have. Somehow these people give me aspiration to fulfill my destiny in a more positive manner. They made me realized that in this world there will always be positive and negative, bad and good, happiness and despair, life and death. But it is up to us to choose how to deal with it. The numbers does not correspond to their importance.

1) Nicanor Saminal (My Father) & his parents
1) Norma Saminal (My Mother) & his parents
2) Jojie Saminal (My Brother)
2) Ryan Saminal (My Brother)
3) Nee-Nee Requinala
4) Marz Requinala
5) Alice Mapanao
6) Bobot Mapanao
7) Dorie Ibañez
8) Job – From the Bible
9) Mother Teresa
10) Pope John Paul
11) St. Claire of Assisi
12) St. Francis of Assisi
13) Julie Andrews
14) Leah Salonga
15) Alvin Patrimonio
16) Rick Warren
17) Bo Sanchez
18) Bianca Gonzales
19) Barbara Cartland
20) Danielle Steel
21) John Grisham
22) Ate Leonie
23) Dolly Shih
24) Teddy Gan
25) Edgardo Ilao
26) Ms. Alora
27) Lily Manalo
28) Lee Blumenthal
29) Ana Salonga
30) Pamela Andaya
31) Rapunzel Mirano
32) Maybelle Gacusana
33) Grace Vallejera
34) Cherryl Villacruz
35) Bro. Ador Salen
36) Fr. Sonny Ramirez
37) Former Parish Priest of United Subd.
38) Bro. Mike Velarde
39) Auntie Cora
40) Fr. Jerry Orbos
41) Rose Remoquillo
42) Mrs. Andaya
43) The Beatles
44) Alanis Morisette
45) Avril Lavigne
46) The Queen
47) Bee Gees
48) Jose Rizal
49) Francisco Balagtas
50) Shakepeare
51) Gabby Lopez
52) Ferdinand Marcos
53) Princess Diana
54) Julia – US peace corp member – killed in Benguet
55) Gina Lopez
56) Tony Meloto
57) Aung Su Kyi
58) Hilary Clinton
59) Julia Roberts
60) David Letterman
61) Stefani Graf
62) Tiger Woods
63) Bea Lucero
64) Manny Pacquaio
65) Inang Gabon
66) Sister Dulay
67) Mrs. Zeny – Johnsen
68) Bong Bong Marcos
67) Jonathan
68) Alex Lasan
69) Iris Yeung
70) Kailin Shih
71) Sharon Chen
72) Sevil
73) Francis Escudero
74) Mike Defensor
75) Evita Peron
76) Madonna
77) Chris O’ Donell
78) Christian Slater
79) Leah Vizcarra
80) Leonor Avecilla
81) F4
82) Utada Hikaru
83) Zanjoe Marudo
84) Prince Andrew of Monaco
85) Andrei Agassi
86) Pete Sampras
87) Michael Jordan
88) Bill Gates
89) Monique Lhuiller
90) Robbie Williams
91) Yu-Rong Lee
92) Jennifer Rosales
93) Akiko Thompson
94) Eric Buhain
95) Luke Perry
96) Shannon Doherty
97) Alicia Silverstone
98) Cranberries
99) Codoleezza Rice
100) Korina Sanchez
101) Ted Failon
102) Noli de Castro
103) Rey Langit
104) Darlene Antonio
105) James Chen
106) Bret Hart
107) Doraemon
108) Mariel Ombao
109) Nikko Ibañez
110) Brenda

Mission Conscious

What is my mission in this world? Until now I don’t know. Day by day I try as much as possible to perform my obligation as a daughter, sister, neighbor, employee, friend, colleague and everything else. For some reason, I know that God has a special task for me to perform but I cannot identify what is it? It is amazing how God hands weaved our destinies. I myself have many dreams in my head that seems too high to reach but if God’s will then in due time the word ‘’impossible’’ is unacceptable.

While growing up in a very simple Christian family, (having two younger brothers and very supportive parents) it is impossible for me not to know God. Our family had been into ups and downs. We have our own family problems such as vices, financial instability, constant change of residence and some other things family would fight over. Thanks to Gods grace and my parents confidence in allowing God to take over our family we were able to pass slowly and surely most of these difficulties.

I am happy that I know (though not personally) two people who were able to perform God’s special task for them. During their lifetime they were able to share love, joy, peace, mercy and charity to humankind. They never ran out of passion to share GOD until there last breath. Pope John Paul II and Mother Theresa were called ‘’living saints’’ for nothing.

They maybe gone now but their lives will be instrumental in challenging the next generation to be mission conscious.

‘’…And it is dying that we are born to eternal life…’’ (St. Francis of Assisi)

Dear Lord

I think it is just my responsibility to share this beautiful prayer shared to me by a former officemate:


Dear Lord,

I thank you for this day. I thank you for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I’m blessed because you are a forgiving GOD and an understanding GOD. You have done so much for me and you keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and everyday to clear my mind so I can hear from you. Please broaden my mind so I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. And it’s the best response when I’m pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can’t pray, you listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do your will. Continue to bless me that I maybe a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can’t find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don’t know you intimately. I pray for those who forget to pray and those who do not share you and your word with others. I pray for those who don’t believe. But I thank you that I believe. I believe GOD changes people and GOD changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers, for each and every family member in their household. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I pray that everyone will know that there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than you, GOD. Every battle is in your hands for you to fight. I pray that these words be received into my heart. GOD, I love you and I need you, come into my heart, please. AMEN.

I Just Wanna Shout!!!

Whew… I just want to shout. I feel so bored right now. I was supposed to be happy as I’m not doing anything - exact opposite. After working so damn hard from my previous job, it feels so weird to do nothing at all. For the past three weeks, all I have to do is following up samples from our sample room and doing some clerical stuff then go back to my computer and access internet all day long. Being used to hard work but low pay job certainly affected my situation today. I can feel guilt all over me as I’m having a good paying job but nothing to do. I play now a role of an assistant so most of the time, all my works depends on what I will be told to do so. It does feel weird and sometimes pride intervenes but thank God he gave me patience.

To at least feel productive, I’m doing this blog. It’s 4:43 PM, all the local (Cambodian) employees went home already but those foreign employees like me have to stay until 6:00 PM which is dinner time. I was informed by a colleague that I am lucky to enter this company during company’s low season so to speak. This is not a complain but just out of curiosity, why is that if you are working in a garment factory, living inside the compound of the company and you’re a foreigner you cannot just leave your table even after working hours. You have to act as if you’re so busy to please your boss. Well, I’m just bored that is why I am able to say these kinds of words. I know that when peak season comes, I will be beating my own butts off. As my boss keeps on telling me I need to grow-up as soon as I can.

I pray to God to bless with wisdom – in decision makings; patience – in dealing with people; health – to endure physical pain and faith that nothing in this world is more than GOD.

Sunday Obligation

It’s Sunday again and unfortunately it’s my third Sunday not being able to attend mass. When I was in Philippines I promised to regularly attend Sunday mass when I go to Cambodia. For some unacceptable reason, I had never been to a church for three long weeks now. I would some time try to encourage or invite those people closest to me here in Cambodia to attend a mass but sad to say I was never successful. Yesterday, I was already in front of the building where masses are being held but instead nurturing my soul with the gospel, I choose to go to the mall. Instead of accepting the body in Christ through communion, I choose to eat fried chicken and fries. I know what is right or wrong, but why I do not have the courage to fight for what I know and what I believe is right. I know obliging GOD must be a priority in life, how come I am afraid of that other people will think about me.

GOD I AM BEGGING FOR YOUR HOLY GUIDANCE. PLEASE GIVE ME THE WISDOM AND COURAGE TO PERFOM MY OBLIGATIONS ON TO YOU!!!

Be Cool - BIKOL Part 1

I was born in Legazpi City and after my mother gave birth to me on October 1979 my parents decided to settle down in my father’s hometown, Polangui, Albay. On year 1989, my parents decided to move in San Pedro, Laguna. Technically speaking, I spent my first 10 years in Bicol region and the other 17 years in San Pedro Laguna. The first 10 years of my life gave me the most unforgettable, memorable and happiest memory I ever had…It’s so weird that every time I would visit Polangui, Albay it gives me the sense of pride and happiness which I cannot explain. Here are some of my favorite memories in Bicol.

Basud Day Care Center near chapel besides railroad - I would hear my mother telling me that every time my aunts would visit us, I would get lazy going to school. The best thing happened here was during my graduation (by the way the graduation rites was done in another school, I think it was Magurang Elementary School). My parents gave me a gift -- a beautiful umbrella and we had our family picture after the ceremony (which we kept in a small circular frame). The umbrella is gone now, but the happiness brought to me by that memory subconsciously inspired me to strive harder in my studies. I really love my family, they are my inspiration…

PNR Station at the back of our house - Hahaha..it’s so funny to recall that during my younger days, I would envy those people who were able to ride the train. Every time I would cross the rail road and the train is there, I try to sneak and get inside. I would imagine how beautiful it is to travel in a train. The funny thing is until now; I haven’t ridden in a train to Polangui Albay. But GOD gave me an opportunity to ride a plane to Vietnam and Cambodia…

Polangui North Elementary School – I love this school. This is where I spent my first grade until I finished my third grade. I was so proud going to this school as many of my cousins also went there. My older cousins already made their positive mark on that school. Thanks to their effort as I felt I’m also special as I was carrying the same surname they got. Hey, I love it so much now, I can remember the name of my teachers; grade 1 - Mrs. Briones, grade 2 – Mrs. Posis…sorry I forgot the name of my grade 3 teacher. Special thanks also to our service tricyle named 357, it made going to school so much fun. The worst thing that happened to me during my stay here is when my brother Jojie got into fight. When I heard that the other boy has a sibling in nearby high school I asked my brother to hide at the back of school stage but I did not check what was happening to him. I left school thinking that he also went home. When I arrived home, I was so scared to realize that my brother is not yet home. My uncle accompanied me to walk back to school and look for him. I was so relieved to see him and met him in the road. For 17 long years, the guilt still creeps in me. It still makes me cry to realize how I was not able to fight for my brother. Since then on, I promised that I will do my very best to be with my brothers, Jojie and Ryan when they need me. Please God help me to fight for my family’s honor.

River in Pier 7 – I remember how excited I am together with my two brothers and our friends going to the river. Unfortunately, our mother found out and you guess it right, we were detained under disciplinary actions, hahahaha. My mom hit our buttocks with slippers… It did physically hurt, but for some reason, there was no anger in my heart. I realized how much over protective my mother to us. My parents never forget to give us love and in the same time discipline us.

I think this list is enough for tonight… For sure I have many things on mind to be included in this list.BE COOL - BIKOL

Careful of What You Wish For!!!

Wow…now I do believe that you really must be careful of what you wish for. I’d been working for seven years now with various companies. Every time I got tired, I would wish that I can find a job not so tiring. At this very moment it’s so funny to realize that I got a good paying job but I am just a faker. I am working out of the country; I got this new job for two weeks now and I DON’T HAVE RESPOSIBILITIES yet. I should be happy right? But for some reason, it makes me feel lost and guilty. As I can see everybody is busy with their stuff, I am here sitting in front of my computer and doing this blog. I know that in due time, I will really be busy and may not able to post a blog. So, please take off from me this guilt and let me enjoy the moment…

My brother gave me a book (Purpose Driven Life) which I had been reading for the past four years now, still trying to finish it…hahaha. The back cover of the book reminds me of my materialistic (sorry for the term) list of dreams before reaching 30. Here it goes: (1) Salary of not less that PHP25,000 (2) Driving a car expertly and (3) Having my own car.

Here I am again trying pursue a blogging career..hahaha. Please give me patience and perseverance to continue posting, as I badly need an outlet for my innermost thoughts.