Love and Loving

What is love?

What does it entail when you love someone?

I've been in love a lot of times or so I thought. At some earlier point in my life I thought I love someone, and a lot of people think so too. The symptoms: I like to talk and think about him.
I can sense his moods even when others do not. And when the feeling goes a little deeper, I can sense his pains. Is that love?

Love I was told was selfless. It admires and at the same time desires what is good for the one that you love. But when you feel someone, when you experience pain as the other experiences, is wanting that person to be happy and have all that makes life worthwhile a selfless longing? Cause when you feel the pain, it is but natural that when the person is happy, you too will be happier. So going back the above premise that love is selfless for it desires what is good for the other; isn't the desire itself a selfish longing to be happy?

We'll I don't know, I really don't. Why don't you tell me, hmmm.

Giant Steps Towards Living the Dream

I was always told to never let go of my dreams. If it matters that much hang on to it; think, feel and visualize your dream and somehow, somewhere it will come true.

When I was young, I dream of becoming a teacher. Back then I put teachers at the top of a golden pedestal. To me, they are one of those people who can and will shape the future of young lives. I have so much regard for my teachers that I dreamed of wanting to be just like them.

The opportunity to guide, to influence and to inspire young minds to reach their full potential and live a good life is like a light that beacons me forever.

Until now I never got around to becoming a teacher-- a school teacher that is. But I did some teaching and my share of trying to inspire others. Growing up, the desire to teach and inspire never leaves me even when I left the pursuit of earning a professional educators license. I traded one means with another, but still working on the same dream.

The two pictures you find here are hard proofs that no matter what; no matter when and for how long you will wait; and whether or not you feel ready for it, someday you'll just have to tough it out and take that first step towards living your dream.

The pictures were taken during the Basic Supervisory Skills seminar that I had the good fortune to facilitate at Cebu Graphic Star. These are the wonderful supervisors that have given me the opportunity to test the waters and gauge whether I will comfortably fit in with the role I have always envisioned my self to be.

I know I still have a long way to go in fulfilling what I always wanted to become. However, after that experience with Graphic Star, I am quite confident that if I will allow myself, I can be whatever I wanted to be.

To all the staff of Cebu Graphic Star. Thank your for letting me jump start my dreams inside your walls.

And to all those out there that's looking for some highly customizable leadership and supervisory trainings for your staff and crew that's within your budget, I am here waiting, anticipating and enthusiastically preparing for the second helping of my dream.

Out of Control

I don't feel good.
Its like I've stumbled upon some slippery road.
No matter what I do, can't seem to hold,
To keep trudging on the right road.

I hate it when my will is thwarted.
Especially those I expected to follow it.
I have very few things I want
But those I do, I expected to have.

Right now I'm reeling in some limbo,
Unsure of what to do.
To the one who openly disobeys,
And refuse to subject to authority.

The only thing I'm sure nowadays,
Is that I am in a place that's really mine to take,
And no matter what it requires,
I'll see it through to its successful climb.

With a Smile on the Phone

Here folks, is another song that have become a bittersweet part of my life.
Before, I love this song just for the sheer impact of its message. The positive outlook that the composer and artist wants the listeners to hear and bring into their lives.

The song used to inspire and only elicit pleasant emotions... a feeling of hope, courage, and strength that somehow you'll make it through whatever it is that makes you feel that hell is a lot preferable than your present.

Then one day... someone, someone who've become very special maybe because of the song or despite of it; did something to me quite out of the ordinary. Something that would raise anyone's sense of romanticism, even if they, by nature are not romantic by heart. What did he do?
He sung the song to me over the phone.

Since then the song took on a new meaning. Bring about a new sense of hope and courage. A new anchor. A sense of security that someone, or so I thought, would be there for me no matter what. But then, he never really said that he love me and so he left. Left me with my heart hanging on the steep cliff of emotional high. Then letting it drop like worthless pieces of clay that had cease to become useful, leaving me alone to pick up and make do with the shattered pieces.

Ironically, despite the bittersweet association, the song have still made me get by with that smile that the composer and artist talk about-- though this time, tears smeared the otherwise hopeful smile.

Lift your head, baby, don't be scared
Of the things that could go wrong along the way
You'll get by with a smile
You can't win at everything but you can try.
Baby, you don't have to worry
'Coz there ain't no need to hurry
No one ever said that there's an easy way
When they're closing all their doors
And they don't want you anymore
This sounds funny but I'll say it anyway.
Girl I'll stay through the bad times
Even if I have to fetch you everyday
I'll get by if you smile
You can never be too happy in this life.
In a world where everybody
Hates a happy ending story
It's a wonder love can make the world go round
And don't let it bring you down
And turn your face into a frown
You'll get along with a little prayer and a song.
(Too doo doo...)
Let me hear you sing it
(Too doo doo...)
In a world where everybody
Hates a happy ending story
It's a wonder love can make the world go round
But don't let it bring you down
And turn your face into a frown
You'll get along with a little prayer and a song.
Lift your head, baby, don't be scared
Of the things that could go wrong along the way
You'll get by with a smile
Now it's time to kiss away those tears goodbye
(Too doo doo...)
Let me hear you sing it
(Too doo doo)

Songs of Inspiration

Below are two songs that resonate in my heart throughout my school days and even during those times when work is especially difficult. Along with books, songs have become one of my sources of strength and wisdom.

My Way
Frank Sinatra

And now, the end is near;
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, I’ll say it clear,
Ill state my case, of which I’m certain.
I’ve lived a life that’s full.
I’ve traveled each and evry highway;
And more, much more than this,I did it my way.
Regrets, I’ve had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to doAnd saw it through without exemption.
I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this, I did it my way.
Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.
I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried.
I’ve had my fill; my share of losing.
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.
To think I did all that; And may I say - not in a shy way,
No, oh no not me, I did it my way.
For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows -And did it my way!

I Made It through the Rain
Barry Manilow

We dreamers have our ways;
Of facing rainy days
And somehow we survive
We keep the feelings warm
Protect them from the storm
Until our time arrives
Then one day the sun appears
And we come shining through those lonely years
I made it through the rain
I kept my world protected
I made it through the rain
I kept my point of view
I made it through the rain
And found myself respectedBy the others who
Got rained on too
And made it through
When friends are hard to find
And life seems so unkind
Sometimes you feel alone
That's when i knew
I could finally say...
Just aim beyond the clouds
And rise above the crowds
And start your own parade
'Cause when I chased my fears away
That's when I knew that I could finally say

I made it through the rain
I kept my world protected
I made it through the rain
I kept my point of view
I made it through the rain
And found myself respected
By the others who
Got rained on too
And made it through