Jump Out

www.shadesofgrace.org

         When people are turning against you, most of the time you have a strong and conscious inkling as to why. It's either you did something incredibly right or terribly wrong. Whatever their reasons are, remember that you also have your own legit reasons why you did such things. Everything just settles down to you being you. To change because others don't appreciate your individuality and understand what you're going through is a sacrilege. It's unwarranted humility. It's degrading. It's not right.

       You are not perfect. You make mistakes. This imperfection and mistakes may lead to a destruction of things you thought you have strongly built and can weather the storms; that is, relationships, reputation, image, esteem etc. It happens. You just have to believe that destruction ends a cycle and makes room for another one to begin.
       This is the life. It goes on. As it goes on, you leave things behind. It doesn't mean that you aren't grateful for them. You just can't be slaved by a sense of gratitude. It's just not right.
And so let some things end. Let other things commence.

MOO

www.zwallpix.com

Almost everyday I meet new people and find myself saying, "This person is amazing." But I don't understand why it always points back to one specific individual. I guess when we meet that one very special person. whom we deem as perfect as one can ever be, somehow they become our standard, a yardstick to compare as to what's ideal. No one can replicate another, but for now I say there's just one, only one, who has my heart.

Have Faith

         I once learned from one of my Philosophy classes that having faith entails anticipating, as well as believing, that there is still something good that is to happen - something worth of our toils and efforts and something very compelling that will anchor us to stay. Just when I thought I've exhausted every drop of good things that I can actually have, and readying myself to leave and venture into a new horizon, circumstances tell me that there is something more. My faith hasn't been restored, it has leveled up

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       I believe one has the power to choose keeping faith over not keeping faith. One just need to look hard enough and be more receptive of the opportunities that lie ahead. Most importantly, one has to have and to acknowledge love. For faith and love coexist - one cannot survive without the other.

Tinikling (Description in Bikol-Naga)

Bamboo poles we used as props.

Champion pose! My team minutes before competition proper.

Kaidto daang panahon ning pananakop kang mga Kastila, nagkaigwa ning sistema na inaapod na encomienda kung saen pinagpatrarabaho ang satuyang ninunong Pilipino sa mga uma asin sa mga bukid. Mapang-abuso talaga daa ang mga Kastila. Pinapasakitan  daa sa paagi ning pagpalakpak ning duwang mga kawayan para ipiton ang  bitis ang mga mahiling nindang nagluluya-luya asin  maluway sa pagtrabaho. Syempre, iniialagan ninda ang mga kawayan para dae sinda malugadan.

Sabi pa daa, habang pinapasakitan ang mga Pilipino, garo daa sinda tikling hilingon habang nagrurulukso para mailagan ang mga kawayan.

Habang naghaloy, ang pag-ilag sa mga kawayan na may mga tunok pa asin balahibo, naging saro  nang pagsubok, sining, asin saro nang bayle. Inapod ninda ining Tinikling, huli ngani kayan ta pinapahiling kaini ang kaskas asin gaan kang mga Tikling.

Talagang maogmang tao ang mga Pilipino, maski na ngani pinaparasakitan na, nakakahanap man giraray rason para gibuhong magaan ang mga problema asin mag-bungakaras.

 This is actually the background as we do our entrance.  My team and I performed Tinikling as our piece during AdNU Intramurals '14: Bungkaras. We won first place.

Knowing is Power

www.angelamaiers.com

I now see that awareness is power. It gives me courage to venture into unfamiliar grounds. As much as it was frightening to dig deeper into myself, it is of significance to do so. What I am is a weapon that I could use in my present and future battles, be it in the aspect of leadership or the aspect of life in general.

Night Thoughts

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Tonight I find myself thinking of what I did last night. Last night, I was thinking of what I did the other night. The other night, I was thinking of what I did the previous night. Then I realized how fast life goes. And I resolve to not let happenings and experiences pass by like a blur - to live moments as they happen.

Overview: CSR

ec.europa.eu

      The World Business Council for Sustainable Development in its publication Making Good Business Sense by Lord Holme and Richard Watts, defines Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as "the continuing commitment by business firms to behave ethically and contribute to the economic development while improving the quality of of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large." Hence, CSR is a formalized term for practices upholding the responsibilities of the company to its business, employees, stakeholders, government, consumers and society, as engines of social progress to the society.

        In the Philippines, CSR, is described as a way in which a business gives back to society (Baker, 2004). Perhaps this is just one of the many ways of showing gratitude by profitable firms to the society in general for a lucrative operation given the popular Filipino trait of “Utang na Loob.”

        Moreover, UK Small Business Consortium, says that 88% of consumers said they were more likely to buy from a company that supports and engages in activities to improve society.” Thus, CSR can be considered as one of the winning strategies of firms.

       Winning could be attributed to the fact that CSR could bring forth a bunch of benefits not just to the surrounding communities but to business entities themselves. Margaret Rouse in her article states that "CSR policies and programs seek to benefit society while simultaneously improving a corporation’s public image and profitability." Hence, it is safe to assume that CSR is one of the characteristics that could throw one firm into the "in" group profit and image wise.

        Yet given the glittering descriptions of CSR are some grey areas." The term is often criticized for simply being a public relations buzzword"(Rouse, 2014). You see, the idea of altruism and benevolence seem to be in question. In the same light, some would ask and would like to measure as to what extent these outreach programs and CSR policies impact the supposed beneficiaries and receivers.

For God and You

a.    

imgbuddy.com

The Ateneo de Naga University attaches value to education that is of quality and is holistic. Its principles are rooted specifically in St. Ignatius of Loyola’s teachings and generally of Jesus Christ’s ministry. It believes that every aspect of one’s life should be given attention to, be formed and be excelled in. As one can only give what he has, it is its hope that through this integral formation, constituents who shall pass its portals will be empowered to help the poor and to improve and uphold Filipino and  the Bikol culture most especially. Hence, it believes in the education that is not self-serving but of one that overflows to genuine service to the Church and community that one belongs. For it also underscores the teaching of Jesus Christ, that is, to serve first the Kingdom of God.

Connections

         

www.dcmarketingpro.com

I can't put into words that feeling I have after a sensible (yet not  irksome) conversation with someone, when ideas do complement, when I'm interacting and learning. It's like I'm having a "we belong" and an "I want us to be friends for life" moment.I guess I just  feel lucky and grateful to have met person/s whom I realize I have an intellectual connection with. 

It Has Been

      

ajourneytilltheend.blog.com

        As I look back, I find myself appreciating the things that I have undergone. They shaped me for what I am now. They taught me life lessons that only experience can. They gave me wisdom that I’d forever bring within me. Yet some lessons are learned the hard way. But I carry on.

       What are my guiding principles? Did I apply them in these experiences? I did for some. But most of them, I got from my experiences. I have learned to modify them for the better and add to the list of the principles that will be the foundation of my decisions and undertakings. Some of the ideals that I consider as my guiding principles are:

• Identify and stick with things that actually matter. These are the things that can’t be bought and can’t be replaced or replayed e.g. love, happiness, quality time with family etc.
•  Follow the law, established rules and guidelines. It’s implemented for a reason. 
•  Don’t leap beyond my means. Be humble.
•   “Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa.”
•  Everything I do must be effective and efficient. I am the manager of my life. Everything I do must be pointed towards achievement of my short term and long term goals.

     

          This is actually the first time that I was asked what my principles in life are. I found it hard. Maybe I wasn’t paying attention to it then; that is, I don’t really pinpoint them and enumerate them as I select between choices. I just make decisions. From  where I am now, I think I am applying them somehow. Heck I’d be unhappy if I haven’t. But of course, the journey goes on and on. I still have time to engage in some adventures. I would bear these principles in mind.

Si Jean Paul-Sartre at Ako

Si Jean Paul-Sartre

whynogod.wordpress.com

Naniniwala ang pilosopong si Jean Paul-Sartre na tayong mga tao ay ganap at isunumpa para maging malaya. Dahil sa hindi maikakailang kalayaang ito, masasabing wala tayong Diyos.

Pinatunayan niyang hindi maipagkakasundo ang konsepto n gating pagiging malaya at ang pagkakaroon ng Diyos sa pamamagitan nang pagtalakay niya ng pagkakaiba ng mga kaisipang “kakanyahan bago ang kariyanan” (essence precedes existence) at “kariyanan bago ang kakanyahan” (existence precedes essence.) Ipinaliwanag niya na lahat ng inilikha at inembento ng tao ay may nakatakda nang kakanyahan e.g. hitsura, porma, silbi, gamit, etc. sa isip ng manlilikha o imbentor bago pa man ito gawin. Kaya, sila ay sumusunod sa kaisipang “kakanyahan bago ang kariyanan.” Hindi sila malayang pumili kung anong gusto nilang maging. Tayong mga tao, ayon sa kanya ay hindi ganito. Dahil kung may isang Makapangyarihang Tagapaglikha na tinatawag nating Diyos, para na rin tayong mga likha ng tao na may nakatakda nang kakanyahan bago pa man tayo ipanganak. Naniniwala si Sartre na hindi ito maaari kasi tayo nga ay may ganap na kalayaan (absolute freedom) at isinumpa tayo para maging malaya (condemned to be free.) Ganap, dahil walang Diyos na makakapigil sa atin, at isinumpa dahil wala tayong kawala sa pagiging malaya.

Isinilang tayo na wala pang kakanyahan o essence. Nagkakaroon tayo nito bilang resulta ng ating mga desisyon at mga ginawa habang tayo ay lumalaki. Ayon pa sa kanya, ang ating kakanyahan ay ang kalahatan ng ating mga gawa at mga napagtagumpayan. Sa madaling salita, nauuna an gating kariyanan ke’sa sa ating kakanyahan. Kaya, walang Diyos na Tagapaglikha, tayo ay malaya.

www.atheistrepublic.com

Kakabit daw ng ating pagiging ganap na kalayaan ay ang ganap na pananagutan. Dahil wala tayong Diyos na masasandalan, tayo ang magbibigay solusyon sa ating mga suliranin. Dahil walang Diyos na gumawa ng lahat, wala tayong karapatan magreklamo sa kung anumang sitwasyon tayo napapalagay. Lahat ay kagagawan natin.

At para sa isang makabuluhang pamumuhay, bilang mga nilalang na may kalayaan, ay gumawa ng konsepto ng moralidad at mga pagpapahalaga(values) dahil wala ngang Diyos na nagdidikta ng mga ito sa atin.

Ako

Masasabi kong kahanga-hanga si Sartre. Akalain mong naisip niya ang mga bagay na yun? Hindi ako isang pilosopo. Wala akong kredibilidad para sabihing mali siya. Hindi ako masyadong matalino para sabihing may kulang pa. Hindi ko siya ganoon kakilala para paghusgahan siya. Pero ito ang masasabi ko, may punto siya, magaling ang mga argumento niya.

Magiging dahilan ba ito para hindi na ako maniwala na may Diyos? Ang sagot ko ay hindi.

www.bhmpics.com

Marahil dahil sa kanyang salita, ako ay isang “duwag, at walang binatbat, at walang kwenta. (They are cowards and scum.”) Pero hindi.

Marahil dahil ayoko ko lang talagang tumiwalag sa mga nakagisnan ko nang paniniwala. Pero hindi.

Ang sagot kung bakit hindi? Kasi naniniwala akong walang ganap na kalayaan. Hindi lahat ng bagay ay magagawa ng natin ng walang limitasyon. Hindi lahat ng gusto natin ay nasusunod. Hindi lahat ng gustuhin natin ay mangyayari.

Bilang mga tao, sadya tayong may mga kahinaan. Natural yan. Hindi dahil malaya tayo ay mawawala na ang karakteristik na ito. Oo, marahil pwede natin itong kontrolin at malagpasan, pero darating at darating pa rin ang mga oras na magiging mahina tayo.

Bilang mga malayang tao, bakit karamihan pa rin ang naniniwala sa Diyos? Dahil kailangan nating maniwala, hindi dahil tayo ay likha niya, kundi dahil tayo ay tao. Tao na gustong mabuhay ng masaya at makabuluhan, tao na may mga hindi naipapaliwanag na mga bagay-bagay at misteryo, tao na may kalayaang maniwala sa gusto niyang paniwalaan para maibsan ang mga pagkukulang niya.

Oo, tama siya na tayo mismo ang gumagawa ng ating mga kakanyahan at wala nang iba. Pero hindi natin maipagkakaila na may tumutulong sa ating ibang tao, ibang mga aspeto katulad ng klima, pangangailangan, atbp. Hindi sapat ang argumento na nagawa natin ang lahat dahil lang sa malaya tayo. May mga bagay na umuusbong na nagsasabi sa ating kailangan nating gawin ang mga bagay bagay. Kung kailangan mo at matino kang tao, hindi mo ba to gagawin kasi may kalayaan kang hindi gawin ito. Hindi ako masyadong bihasa sa Pilosopiya pero alam kong ito ay sumasakop lamang sa may matitinong pag-iisip at mga makabuluhang ideya.

www.cdmchurch.com

Isa pa, masasabi bang lohikal kapag kinompara ang mga tao sa mga bagay? Dahil nga bagay sila, wala silang kakayahan para magdesisyon kung anong maging gusto nila. Natural yan sa kanila. Gawa lamang sila ng mga tao na hindi Diyos, na makapangyarihan at nakakapagbigay buhay. Ang mga bagay ay walang kakayahang hindi magpa-likha kung gusto siyang ilikha at kailangan siyang ilikha. Ang mga bagay ay produkto ng pangangailangan ng mga tao. Masasabi ba nating produkto tayo ng pangangailangan ng Diyos? Harapin natin ang katotohanan na tayo ang nangangailangan sa isang konsepto ng Diyos.

Sa tingin ko, ang mga pilosopiyang ganito ay hindi masama. Marahil hindi tama sa mata ng simbahan, pero isa itong pagsubok sa paniniwala ng mga naniniwala. Isang pagsubok na kapag nalagpasan ay magbubunga sa isang mas magandang paniniwala at relihiyon. Isang bagong estruktura na may mas matatag na pundasyon.

Muli hindi ako nagsasabing mali si Sartre. Di ko sinasabing masama siyang tao. Isa lang siyang taong nag-iisip at nag-oobserba sa mga bagay-bagay sa mundo. Hindi rin ako nagsasabi na tama ako. May tama nga ba sa mundo ng Pilosopiya? Hindi ko alam. Maniwala ka sa gusto mong paniwalaan. Malaya ka.

"Staying On Top": An Insight

          

Ho Kwon Ping from scmp.com

A business firm is a reflection of its owner or owners. Business firms as we see them at present, whether successful or not, are the products of the decisions, choices, goals and aspirations of entrepreneurs: hence, these four factors truly are relevant in making ventures a success.

            Decision-making must be done methodically, rationally and wisely. Thus, the process requires the owners or the proprietor together with the policy-making body to be intelligent as to know what are the significant things to decide on for the progress of the business. Indeed, good educational background helps a lot in making businesses successful. Having to attend school at Stanford University and with a family of businessmen, Ho Kwon Ping must've fulled his bucket of knowledge and enhanced his skills.

            In the same way, the subsequent decision made must be the most appropriate one. That is, it's a matter of choosing the best and right choices. “Staying on Top” tells readers how Ping, the owner of Banyan Tree hotels made a choice in certain situations like having to choose between brand and technology to be his proprietary advantage as well as “choosing the battlefield where to fight the battle.” Life is the total sum of all the choices that we've made, whether the good or the bad ones, and so is a business firm.

            Perhaps, the core value, on which the piece of writing revolved, is innovativeness. Being innovative as the core value, is a way of responding to circumstances that has a great impact to the firm. It's somehow a call to be pliant as the necessity compels; hence, “Necessity is the mother of all inventions.” This fact is manifested in introducing new ways of service and unique structures such as the pool villas and tropical garden spa as done by Ping on Banyan Tree due to the absence of beach in the hotel's vicinity.

www.dealsextra.com.au

            Innovativeness is also a way of achieving the goal and aspiration of the owner to stay on the top position. Continuous innovations and thus keeping the reputation of being positively different from others who offer the same service will keep customers and attract other tourists to patronize the service. Similarly, expanding to locations that are not yet exposed to the kind of service,introducing their innovation to them as well as setting the trend will be of great aid to attain their aim of staying on top. Business companies must not be complacent of their present status; hence, innovating must be continuous, just as education to us humans is a never ending process. Ceasing to go continue learning and thus being stagnant will make us futile. There's always room for improvements.

            Ho Kwon Ping is the businessman to be. In the article I've seen how his efforts are focused and how he panned and made decisions with his goals as guiding force. He also have acted soundly upon the threat of new entrants and rivalry amongst competitors through the application of his well-equipped knowledge, his never-give-up-there-are-many-ways-to-be-a-successful-businessman and the company's core value – innovativeness.

This insight is on the article "Staying on Top" by Sonia Kolesnikov-Jessop, published on Reader's Digest Asia, December 2009 issue.