Tuesday, September 4, 2012

A Letter To My Future Self - Lets go to Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics

My dearest 33, 34, 35 and 36 year old me,

I know we are facing a difficult task ahead. Imagine dreaming of watching an Olympics is quite an expensive dream for someone from a 3rd world country living in a paycheck to paycheck basis.

But this dream is something that I want to fulfill by Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics.
I think this is the most feasible time to do it.

Firstly, Filipino tourists are not required to apply for a special visa to enter Brazil . This at least lessen the daunting task of preparing to tour or visit a country outside ASEAN region.

Second, the weather will not be a hinder. For the past, I observed that my body cannot take too cold temperature. Anything that is too cold that touches my body, will cause some reactions that I have to take celestamine to fight it. I haven't seen a doctor about it though.

Here are some of the major task we have to do:

Money Matters

1) Save up money for plane ticket - USD 5,000.00 Timeline: Sept 2012 - Aug 2015.
2) Save up money for board and lodging at least USD 3,000.00
3) Save up money for other expenses at least USD 2,000.00

For money matters, research earlier-on for discounts or any promos with regards to the Olympics. Take advantage of marketing promotions by companies who ties-up with the Olympics 2016. Check hotels/motel earlier and try to befriend with them to negotiate a more reasonable rates. Sincerity is important in any negotiations. For the past 32 years, I realized that there are lots of people who are willing to help you in every way they could as long as you ask and you are sincere in asking.

Physical Condition

As I don't have an athletic body, I must persevere to at least be stay healthy. Going to an Olympic event specially in a tight budget would take an added physical push. Why take taxi if you can save by walking?

Also, I don't have an idea yet how the event will be done and where each sport will be located, so it will be the best idea to be physically fit to endure any physical task.

Spiritual and Mental Preparedness

As I always believe, God won't bring me, where his grace can't reach me. This dream of mine is always at the back of my mind since I was young. And it's like a light bulb that suddenly came into my head this year after watching London 2012 Olympics.

Last August 30,2012 while doing my morning walk, I was praying( literally looking up to the sky while there is an airplane and talking to God how will I do this) and when I went back to my room for breakfast and online mass, for some reason a Brazilian or Portugese priest (i'm not sure of this nationality) Fr. Cristiano Barbosa was the one celebrating the mass. After that, I had the strong feeling that my dream was already blessed by God and must go ahead and pursue it.

I really wish I have someone with me. My mother, my two brothers and if God will blessed me more, I have my loving husband with me (hmmm... i think having a husband should be in a separate prayer, LOL).

Athletes I believe are thru example of God's gift. There physical attributes and character to persevere and be determined to be the best of themselves are definitely a grace from above.

All of us can dream but very few like these Olympians are determine to follow and fulfill their dreams. And with this, I want to personally watch, support and appreciate these people who fight to follow and fulfill their dreams.

With the above, it will be a challenge, for sure many will laugh and many eyebrows will raise. Do not fret, do not loose hope, and do not give up.

For sure there will be discouragements along the way, see this as a challenge on how to further reach for it. Never give up on this dream.

Live for Passion. Let the 36 year old me be in Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics.

Yours truly,

32 year old me


Sunday, June 24, 2012

Hey Mr. Cap...

Oh how I wish to be closer to Mr. Cap...
He is like a mystery waiting to be unfold.

A faint smile from his lips will shatter your walls.
You will give in,though he is not willing to give more.

All I can do is sigh and dream from a afar.
Imagining what it would be, with me on his side.

His blue eyes sparkles, and his laughter is addicting.
His passion for his work will inspire you to keep going.

Crazy you might call me, crazy as it may seem.
Is there reason our path crosses, or am I imagining things?

I want to know what is on his great mind. I want to read his soul.
Is this is another joke of destiny? I will try not to get hurt.

Never worry as I don't expect and demand anything in return.
But I beg you don't laugh at me as this is something that had grown.

Vast oceans and lands separate us from one another.
Different culture and beliefs can't make us see eye to eye.

How this will end? I do not know.
Should I stop? Please tell me so.






Saturday, December 31, 2011

Saturday

In my mind I won’t forget
The pain in your eyes which I detest
To touch is all I can do.
I hate it when I can’t comfort you.

Seeing blood runs thru the tubes.
I’m so scared I will lose you soon.
Every minute passes is like a ticking bomb.
Hearing your cries makes me want to die.

Anxiety fills my troubled heart.
Tears pooled in my swollen eyes.
Everything is blurry and uncertain.
I asked, God, why papa has to carry this burden?

Like a bolt of lightning struck my core.
How dare me to question what is in-store?
Who am I to insist what I want?
I kept praying and convincing myself, Thy will be done.

I beg for you to bring him back to us.
I beg for you to take away his pain.
You answered by taking away his life.
You bring him back to Father in heaven where there is no pain.

I miss him so much, it hurts.
Knowing he’s with you, that’s what matters most.
Life on earth is a gift from up above.
Death commences our great life in heaven and beyond.

frajoma

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Papa


(+)Mr. Nicanor Salvante Saminal
October 19, 1950 - October 18, 2011

Life is full of struggles and imperfection.

It is good to know that we have you to lean on.

In times we fear the night and confused in sorrow.

You insist not to worry because there will be tomorrow.

During those times that luck and fate would turn against you.

I can feel your pain and shame, in your own way you just prayed.

And Papa you never gave up, you stood up, and fought,

In Shallah you utter, your faith is your best treasure.

Your strong faith is what we admire,

We are so lucky to witness it with our own eyes.

Daily dose of wisdom you share, reminding us to persevere,

to persist, and yet be gentle and to care.

Your love for music gives joy to our hearts,

And the sound of your laughter comforts our soul.

Your loyalty to the woman you married is inspiring.

We will take care of Mama who is our angel without wings.

Oh not to forget those sturdy hands that cradle,

Sturdy hands that grip and make us feel secure.

Everything will just be a memory now.

You have served your purpose and went back to our Creator.

Your unconditional love will be in our hearts forever.

In our hearts, we will never forget,

WE ARE WHO WE ARE,

BECAUSE WE GOT THE BEST FATHER THAT YOU ARE!!! (frajoma)

Sunday, September 18, 2011

WYD 2013 Rio de Janeiro - In My Heart

Go and make disciples of all peoples (Matthew 28:19)
Theme for WYD in Rio de Janeiro - July 21-29, 2013


Wow! It's been awhile seen the last time I posted a blog. And most of the time I post a new poem, surely, I was inspired by something challenging in life.

Lately, I had been in chaos of how I will deal with my work, with my life. Not sure if this is the mid life crisis they call, but definitely, there are things that I cannot understand. But at least there is one thing that I am very sure of, I only find peace when I am focus with God.

After 16 years, I had stumble upon a chance to again, ignite my Catholic faith. I may not be youth anymore but I believe this will help me to keep my Catholic faith stronger and most importantly to be closer to God.

WYD 2013 Rio de Janeiro - In my heart.

For today I had checked the Visa requirement for Philippine passport holders, and I saw the we are Exempted from Tourist visa, wow, thank God for this. Now, I need to check the expenses and where I will get my funds....hahaha... God if you want this, I can do this...

visa - http://www.brazilsf.org/visa_by_country.htm

Sunday, July 17, 2011

A Wreak

In frantic pace I circle.
Blinded by fear and confusion.
Longing for serendipity to transcend.
Unknown emotion creeping my head.

Loathing is an unbearable sorrow.
Keeps you down and see's no tomorrow.
Trying to break free from this shackle.
A nomad in my own body and soul.

Like a magnet pulling me closer.
To this unseen reality of life.
Life a rage of unstoppable waves.
Crushing through the walls of lies.

The ray of the sun stings the eyes.
Long time in the darkness I thought I had died.
Mist of the morning dew refreshes the faith.
Yearning to be freed in the living casket.

The Song

Then there was a song.
A lullaby sang by angels.
Cradle baby to sleep.
Soothes the soul of the lost.

A symphony that shatters the barriers
of young, old and the dead.
The melody continues to flow
weaving the travesty into reality.

Life is a music.
Life is a song.
So many choices, so many voices.
Let it not deter and confuse you.

The Clown

A smile at front.
A frown deep within.
Masquerade in this life's game.
Though happiness seems so far.
Avoid insincerity in dealing with humanity.
Value others with compassion.
Let not envy destroy camaraderie.
Competition does exist.
But destroying others we must resist.

Longing

Mind sails an unknown territory.
Longing to escape the pain of reality.
Soul departs from this filthy body.
Longing for freedom and audacity.

The eyes wander across the room.
Longing to stare and find who?
Sincerity seems we all long for.
Vulnerability is a havoc we must deplore.

Nuisance is an obstacle I must face.
Everyday all I can do is ask God's grace.
I will never survive a day without you.
In this life everything owe to you.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

The Rain

Drenched with trouble and fear.

Pacing hastily like a vulture ready to kill.

Rambling in my heart, dried my throat.

Unable to utter a single word.

Succumb to anger, body shaking in tremor.

I pray God forbids me to commit murder.

Sanity is about to desert me now.

Closed my fist until knuckles crack.

Suddenly I can hear the deafening thunders.

Startle me, and I shivered.

Lightning flashes thru my eyes.

Strikes a tree, turned into a fire.

Heavy breathing subsides,

Tears swelled and moisten my eyes.

Sighting of rain drops in the window pane,

Help to ease up the soul in pain.



—iheart2wander—
(from my tumblr 6/18)

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Let's Take a Walk

It's a holiday. Instead of going to the city. I decided to stay in the dormitory and roam around the factory. Appreciating the beauty of nature without spending a cent.


Along the white picket fences of our dormitory are wild grass which unfortunately I don't know the name.


This small one find herself amongst the grass in our factory's big yard.


She is prettier if you will look closer.


Wanting to escape from the unbearable suffocation.


"It is now my turn to shine." said the leaves.


Again, a masterpiece of our Creator.


Protected against the world.


But let it go and it will bloom on it's own.

A start of a new beginning...

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Time

Time is one of the most important essences of life. One can be rich with proper disposition of time. Struggling in this competitive life leads us to so many distractions.

We got goals we want to achieve. We got dreams we want to fulfill. And yet, there are tons of obstacles that will stall us to nothing. Individuals who embody discipline in their lives are admirable people. Discipline maximizes time. There are individuals who run their lives with passion on being in order, everything must be properly planned.

There are individuals who are laid back, appreciate what is in store for today and face tomorrow when It comes. Either of these choices is understandable. One must live life according to comfort and not to conformity.

Time is truly magical. People have different perception how to spend time. There are these individuals who spent until their last second based on what they planned beforehand. They don’t like surprises and freaks out easily if anything suddenly came out of hand. Truly astonishing. My personal belief, leaders usually comes from
this niche of society. Everything is in order, and their imagination run until the far flung futures. They maximize what was left from yesterday; take the most out of today and their imagination reaps the fruits of tomorrow.

Time is passion. Individuals who can still smile after a long period of disappointment are admirable. Striving for something and suddenly at the end of the day you receive nothing, is quite a nuisance. Rather than squirming they go home with a smile and consider it a challenging day. These people inspire me. They take life with so much patience and being with them make the world seems a better place.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Life and Love

The saddest thing in life is being away from the people you love. The saddest moment is when you are down and no shoulder to cry on. Life on earth is a challenging path. Many times it will make you crazy but with an open mind and heart these challenges make human beings shimmer like a gold in proper time.

I had to be honest to myself, these so called challenges in life are quite too heavy for me. Maybe I don’t have that much open mind and heart. Maybe I am a coward to face reality of life. Maybe’s exists during moment of doubts and confusions. But I have to keep going on. One can always choose to give up the fight. But does it mean giving up the fight means giving up a dream? Or maybe giving up on something that cannot bring out the best of oneself is a good opportunity for an individual to search the deeper meaning of life.

Life is love. Love is life. And when we live with love, we seek perfection as love is perfect. I love this life as God trusted unto me this life. Thus, only with God’s grace, I must reiterate, ONLY WITH GOD’S GRACE, I can live life.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Inspiration

Inspirations in our lives come in different forms. This week is one of the most inspiring week for me. I met great people who inspired me to do better and appreciate the life that I have now. Daniel Kwan, Barbara Notebaert and Nicole Deken are people who are committed to their jobs. They perform there jobs with a certain passion that i cannot describe.For a short span of time being with them, they inspired me. Some people may not understand me but i love to interact with different people as it helps me to appreciate more what i have. I believe that as long as someone has an open mind,the greatness and passion of people that surrounds you are like electric current that will create a spark in your life. These three people I just mentioned did it to me. Too bad I was too coward to let loose of myself and tell them know how much I appreciate meeting them and thank them for the impact how it will affect in my life in the future. The great memories and ideas learned will be engraved in my mind and my heart . Stuck somewhere in the back of my mind, wherein I can pull strength incase of weakness.

I miss them already. I wish I can still see them someday.

In span of almost a year now, working in Winning Sportswears is indeed a life changing period of my life. I didn’t cry much compared when I was in Cambodia. The best thing that happened to me in this company are the priceless lessons in life. There is Phyllis Wu and Chris Wenstein that I will also never forget. People you meet in an hour meeting in exchage of life time lessons. Sylvan Balieu is another guy who made me believe that I can do things that I never expected I will be able to do so.

Suffering here, frustrations there, pressure, stress, tears and yet this is a great life indeed because of inspiring people like them.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Essence of Time


Time is one of the most important essences of life. One can be rich with proper disposition of time. Struggling in this competitive life leads us to so many distractions.

We got goals we want to achieve. We got dreams we want to fulfill. And yet, there are tons of obstacles that will stall us to nothing. Individuals who embody discipline in their lives are admirable people. Discipline maximizes time. There are individuals who run their lives with passion on being in order, everything must be properly planned.

There are individuals who are laid back, appreciate what is in store for today and face tomorrow when It comes. Either of these choices is understandable. One must live life according to comfort and not to conformity.

Time is truly magical. People have different perception how to spend time. There are these individuals who spent until their last second based on what they planned beforehand. They don’t like surprises and freaks out easily if anything suddenly came out of hand. Truly astonishing. My personal belief, leaders usually comes from
this niche of society. Everything is in order, and their imagination run until the far flung futures. They maximize what was left from yesterday; take the most out of today and their imagination reaps the fruits of tomorrow.

Time is passion. Individuals who can still smile after a long period of disappointment are admirable. Striving for something and suddenly at the end of the day you receive nothing, is quite a nuisance. Rather than squirming they go home with a smile and consider it a challenging day. These people inspire me. They take life with so much patience and being with them make the world seems a better place.

In whichever way we spend our time, may it bring out our purpose and nothing but the best in us.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Paranoia at Work

I have been angry with myself for awhile as I cannot understand with all the blessings that come my way I am still filled with anxiety and fear. Every day coming to work is becoming a pain and uncertainties creeps my head to the extent that I can’t be productive anymore.

I am trying for the past 10 month to cope up with the new working situation I am in but the longer time I am in here, the more it becomes harder for me. I don’t care spending long hours of work and sleepless nights. What I care the most is about the quality of my work. I feel that I am not worthy of the position. I feel that I am not doing enough to perform my obligations. There are lots of things to be done and deadlines to be met. Unfortunately, I got lot of it I cannot finish on time.

Doubt on my capacity and leadership lingers in me most of the time. Unmet needs by buyers leave me disgusted over myself.The wost thing is that I am trying to inspire people around me to make them feel good about working and bring out the best of themselves while I am crashing and breaking inside. I feel so imbecile when there are times that I cannot fight for them and insist to other people that we are right.

Decision makings are harder to implement as I have stepped into a new arena which my knowledge is comparable to an infant. Coward as I call myself for the times that I tried to run away from the situation that I am in.

May God help me that I may not go insane if this paranoia won’t stop soon.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Never Give Up

my heart sings an unknown tune.
horizon widen further more.
yesterday's argument already forgotten.
moving on for today, dreaming of tomorrow.

i had been hurt, too many to count.
ego lambasted, bruised pride.
smile back that's all i can do.
cannot turn away now, forget adieu.

serenity in life seems too aloof.
i need an angel to hold on.
breaking down is an easy escape.
but i will face reality to keep my sanity.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Ten Reminders How Should I Run My Life:

1) In everything you do, put God first and he will direct you and crown
your effort with success.

2) Do not do unto others what you do not want others do unto you.

3) Patience is a virtue.

4) Respect begets respect.

5) Empathize to realize.

6) I am not perfect.

7) Always say thank you.

8) Never be afraid to say I Love You and I am Sorry.

9) Dream big, work hard, pray hard, and smile often.

10) Live each day with a purpose. Start and end each day with a prayer.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Loosen Up in Laos

My trip to Laos on April 12, 2009 to April 15, 2009 together with colleagues Brenda and Rose. As usual im just using my phone to take photos...


Ready to go!!!


Stung Streng - Mekong River


Stung Streng Park


Cambodian Border (Stung Streng)


On the road to Laos. Special thanks to the Cambodian guy in Stung Streng who was very helpful to us.


Meeeeeh!!!


Leaving Cambodia - The Border.


Arriving in Laos - The Border.


Finally we are here in Laos (from Brenda's fone)...




At the bus terminal in Pakse.


Pakse!!!


Park in Pakse.






Sleeper bus going to Vientiane.


Vientiane!!!













Next stop???