Improving your luck through Feng Shui (without having to splurge a fortune)

Kiong Hee Huat Tsai!

The most colorful and traditional season of the year has finally arrived. Yes, the Chinese New Year has been included in the Philippines’ long list of non-working holidays to pay homage to the inevitable and eminent contribution of the Chinese community in the development of our local economy. Even before Magellan discovered the country, early Filipinos have already conducted business with Chinese merchants by way of trading products.

The Chinese found themselves suited with the Filipinos’ way of life, which explains why many of them, particularly those from the Southern Province of Fujian, have migrated and immersed themselves to various communities all over the country, which enriched our local culture since. With these Chinese marrying Filipinos, the rise of a new raise came to being- The Chinese-Filipinos, or aptly known as Chinoys.

I am one.

My father is a Filipino-Chinese with a hint of Spanish blood. My mom is half-American and half Chinese. As a Chinoy myself, I felt that it is my license to follow Feng Shui, or the art of balancing energies. Feng means wind while Shui means water.

I must admit that after I followed Feng Shui, I have seen improvements in some areas in my life. It is easy to understand. Consulting a feng shui expert can be costly, and if you can afford it, then continue. But if not, here are some basic things you have to remember to enhance your luck without breaking your bank.

1. Pray. This is the most powerful activity to increase your heaven’s luck. A prayer always shoots an arrow directly to heaven’s mail box.

2. Do acts of kindness. This should complement your prayers. Always do charity work, help others and keep silent about it.

3. Know your Chinese Zodiac sign. There are Bazi calculators available online to help you come up with your accurate sign then research more online. Look for your sign’s allies (in the animal chart, count four places clockwise and vice versa) conflict sign (the animal that is opposite your sign) for your guidance.

4. Do the right things at the right time. One needs to understand that feng shui teaches us to become rational in our action and patient in realizing our goals and ambitions in life. With the so-called proper timing of doing something, one takes his success further and his failure risk lesser.

5. Put the right things at the right place. Following this is not rocket science. We can easily decipher where things should be placed. A vase can’t obviously be at the center of your hallway, and a refrigerator can’t be inside your bath room. But common sense isn’t a concrete guarantee to harmonizing your area. Know your Chinese year sign to guide you on what and what not to display in your home or office table.

6. Stay positive. As said in The Secret, “What you focus on grows”. THOUGHTS. BECOME. THINGS. Avoid negative people, too. Always visit places that imbibe positive and good energy such as malls, groceries and churches.

7. WORK HARD. You may have all the lucky charms to counteract bad luck, but still you need to break a sweat, or else, this is all for nothing.

As we approach the year of the Water Snake, everyone is in high hopes of a better and luckier year. But let us remember that Feng Shui alone cannot guarantee your success. It is just one-third of our luck. The other two are Divine Luck and Hard Work. If this ought to be a bad year, one must not wallow in fear but instead, work harder and pray more often for guidance. If this will be a great year, then we must still work harder to help good fortune materialize sooner.

May we all have the best things that life has to offer in 2013!   

8 thoughts on forgiveness this Christmas

I must admit, writing this article has been a journey for me, since I consider myself a Terra Cotta warrior wounded from within. Please kindly visit it on this site and hope that it melts the hearts of those who still do not want to let go of the past. 

http://www.enlight8.com/8-thoughts-on-forgiveness-this-christmas/

Domino Effect

I first saw the light of day in 1987 in a country where changes move the course of history. It was a year after the world witnessed the EDSA people power revolution. Filipinos then felt the need for genuine change. They united to realize their vision for a democratic country and succeeded. The Philippines, after 14 years of the dictatorial regime, is free once again.

My country’s history dictates how the youth created changes that transformed our society and redefined our nationalism. Dr. Jose P. Rizal, our most-celebrated hero, and my fellow townsman, was born when the Philippines was under Spanish colonial rule. At seven, despite his premature wisdom, he realized that his fellow countrymen must not suffer and be treated like animals in their own fatherland. He envisioned a better Philippines for the forthcoming generations, with Filipinos shaping the country’s future with their own hands. He pioneered transformative change through bloodless revolution. He believed that change is possible, and nothing is unconquerable, if people will unite to realize their vision for a brighter tomorrow. Before he was executed by a firing squad at the Luneta Park, he even uttered in his final words as he faced the mighty sun, “The Youth is the Hope of the Motherland”.

Another national hero, General Emilio Aguinaldo, was only 25 when he became president of the first Philippine Republic. With his passion for change, he became the glory behind the Philippine Revolution, which tumbled the 333-year Spanish Rule in 1898.

It is unfortunate that Rizal and Aguinaldo did not live to see their vision become a reality, but they still continue to ignite the youth’s passion to create the change they want. As young leaders of their generation, they perceived the need for genuine change and acted upon it. Today, more than 90 million grateful Filipinos live the free life that they can only dream of during their time.

Change is always complex and widespread. Every action and decision to realize change will not only affect us, but other people as well. As a young teacher and writer, I recognize my duty of building a strong character foundation for my students, not with the vision of making them future captains of industry, but to mold them as effective and responsive future leaders and catalysts of change. Like how Rizal believed in the generations that succeeded him, I expend effort to ignite my fellow youth’s desire to create impactful changes, because as Rizal said, the future lies in our hands.

During one of our classes, one of my students asked me, “Sir, I have always wanted to become an engineer, but I came from a poor family. I might not go to college. I really wanted to change my life. What should I do?” I was dumbfounded. I knew that whatever I tell him will either strengthen or weaken his hope. What will come out of my mouth will change his perception until he grows up. I suddenly remembered Terreri Trent, a woman featured on Oprah who experienced discrimination, poverty, and domestic violence. She wrote her dreams of earning a degree, placed it in a tin can and planted it in the soil like a tree. Day and night, she prayed that her life will change. Today, she is a Doctorate degree holder, and has already built a school for Kenyan women and children.

Like Terreri, I asked my student to write his dream, bury it in the ground, and hold in his heart the great hope that change will start to grow in his life. I reminded him not just to wait, but do everything in his capacity to make his dreams come true. I told him that for change to transpire, there must be hope coupled with hard work and determination.

I always believe that change is not just a life concept but a decision for us to create and realize. It must not be overpowered by our differences in culture, race, religion, economic status, and political convictions. To make an impact, we must focus on our vision of creating a future free from globalized issues that remain unsolved for decades, including poverty, hunger, transnational crimes, health threats like HIV, corruption, armed conflict, territorial disputes and environmental degradation.

Under a new government, we Filipinos are beginning to heal the wounds of the past and break the walls of political divisions. We realize that when we change for the better, we light our indomitable spirit with fervent hope. This light shall spread to the people around us, and the people surrounding them. One day, we hope to wake up and see the change we started light up and transform our country and the world towards genuine progress. From our history, we learned that no problem is insurmountable if we begin to change ourselves first.

Tale in the Tills: This Guy's In Love With You Mare

I actually had no plans to go out Saturday. I was saving all my energy for my wonderful escapade the next day when one of

my closest friends texted me.

“Hey friend, are you busy?”, she said.

“Let’s watch This Guy’s In Love With You Mare?”, I eagerly asked… with four exclamation points at the end of my statement.

“Uhm, ok. After my masteral (class)”, she replied.

Later that day, I would find out that she texted me to ask help for her seatwork. But like me and millions of Filipinos who are looking for a feel-good yet heart-wrenching flick, we trooped to SM Cinemas and disregarded the long lines, the traffic, and the noisy seatmates at the movie house.

This Guy’s In Love With You Mare revolves around three characters: Lester, played by Vice Ganda; Mike, played by Luis Manzano; and the focal person of the story, Gemma, played by Toni Gonzaga. Mike splits up with Lester, his gay lover and benefactor for three years, reasoning out his conversion to the Born Again Faith. Left in despair, Lester follows Mike and discovers that he was dumped by the latter in favour of Gemma, a Bank Teller who easily falls head over heels to chivalrous acts.

Motivated by the possibility of reconciling things with Mike, Lester plots to split the two lovers by acting like a straight guy who would save Gemma from a hoax hold-up staged with the help of his four gay friends, played by IC Mendoza, Ricci Chan, Ricky Rivero and the group’s punching bag, Lassy.

Confused, Gemma’s affection towards Mike turns SOS as the former begins to fall for pretending Lester, who has showered her with ridiculous gifts such as giant-sized flowers and chocolates, and even tickets to the back-to-back-to-back concert of Aegis and April Boy Regino.

Things get more complicated as Mike discovers that his archrival in Gemma’s heart is his ex gay lover.

The major charmer of the movie is the unique storyline and plot. Such is regarded as fresh since it has not been done in local cinema. The writer was also able to successfully highlight the major characters with respect to gender.

Also the movie will not leave one boisterously laughing to the point of exhaustion, but with the witty punchlines wisely distributed throughout the film, viewers were able to sustain their interest until the very end of the film.

There is one scene that really stood out among the rest. In Moron 5, it was John Lapus’ Shaider Monologue. In Kimmy Dora 2, it was Eugene Domingo’s Maldita moments as Kimmy. Sans being a spoiler, that hilarious scene was after Mike finds out that Lester was courting Gemma and their cars met on the street. Go see, and laugh, for yourself.

Vice Ganda was brilliant in portraying a straight guy. He would definitely pass for one, but since he’s openly gay, such fact has served as an icing to the humor of his action scenes. He effectively separated the guy from the gay Lester.

Luis was also effective as a boy toy. He looked the part, and even gave audience the impression that he came from a poor family but was still able to survive because of his good looks. He also made the audience feel how he wanted to change for the love of Gemma.

Toni was a riot in the film. Her witty remarks made her punch lines more effective, coupled with her signature facial expressions which made her fresh and sincere on-screen.

All in all, the movie was a total riot. And it wouldn't be a big surprise if it even exceeds Private Benjamin or The Mistress. 

The Moment of a Lifetime at the 33rd Manila International Book Fair

THE MOMENT OF A LIFETIME. My very first (of many to come) photo with my favorite writer of all time,
THE GRACE CHONG. Indeed, the finest hour of my life as an aspiring writer.

Last September 13, thousands of book lovers trooped to the SMX Convention Center for the 33^rd Manila International Book Fair. Every corner was filled with worms scanning for their favorite hardbounds, like digging a pile to find the perfect companion for a boring afternoon or coffee time.

I am definitely not one of them.

Weeks earlier, I was given by my favorite writer, THE GRACE CHONG, free tickets to the said event. Since then, my heart has always been filled with excitement, wanting to pull the calendar towards September 13, not with the intention of feeling like a genius surrounded with books but because of my fervent desire to see Miss Grace in person.

I can feel every single heartbeat that afternoon. I can’t believe that I was invited to this grand event by no less that my favorite writer of all time. And the moment to unfold was one of the most exciting highlights of my entire life.

The moment has finally arrived.

I was with my second mom, Gina Tiu, my sister from her, Candy Tiu, our other best friend Julie Delgado, and her favorite nephew Kuya Totoy, who was kind enough to drive us from Laguna all the way to Mall of Asia.

When we entered the Book Fair, my eyes were already looking for the Church Strengthening Ministries (CSM) Booth. She was not there.

I felt sad because I thought she had already left. Then, different things were running in my mind. “Maybe she already left”, “It’s that God-forsaken traffic!”, “Why oh why!”. But being the gentleman that I am, I never mentioned a word to my friends because they were enjoying so much.

Then a text message came, “Ok. Coming 2 giv ur tcket”.

WOAH! Who can ever imagine that THE GRACE CHONG said that to me? Right then and there, I said, “God, you really rock!”

After a few exchanges of text messages, this is it. I rapidly walked to OMF Literature Booth…

“Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”, angels were singing.

There she was. The lady with that recognizable short hair, wearing a sleek and chic white polo embellished with a polka dot scarf that sealed her regal stature.

I was shaking. Terribly shaking. I shook like that for the first time when I saw Jamie Rivera at Forbes Park years ago.

I approached her.

“Hi Miss Grace”, my voice was obviously shaking.

“Oh, are you JP?”, she looked at me endearingly as if I was Mateo.

Me, Ma'am Gina, Brain Bunny, Ate Julie, and Kuya Totoy

I began talking gibberish, and I couldn’t even remember the things I said to her, except… “ Ma’am can we realize the mega photo op moment of a lifetime?”, something that I have been telling her in FB and in our exchange of texts earlier on.

She was so kind. After we took our photo together, she even requested Ate Julie to take a photo of us in her camera.

Now talk about pure awesomeness- like what Po said.

I immediately told Ate Julie, “Isn’t it too awesome? You held Miss Grace’s camera?” she agreed and said, “She’s so kind!”.

Not wanting to be outdone, I said, ‘But it’s beyond awesome that my photo was taken on her camera”.

I patiently waited for her turn to speak at the CSM Book Launching. When her moment came, I snatched Ate Julie’s Mac Book and took her video while talking. She ended her speech saying, “GBU (God Bless You)” and “143444! (I love you very very much!)”, which really looked so cool on her.

Candy, Me, Ma'am Gina and Kuya Totoy

Indeed, Miss Grace symbolizes many things for us. She is the voice of a child that we never outgrew. She is the Tita next door we can run to when our parents become too hard on us. She is the friend that you can invite drinking coffee or sipping tea. She is the mother who constantly inspires us to be at our best. She is the dream that we all want to achieve. Her thoughts are not hers, but God’s, and her story is the story that empowers us to be better people but never let the child in us die.

Miss Grace, no words can express how thankful I am for your spiritual generosity and kindness. I am nobody, yet you treated me like a friend you have known for ages. No wonder God has blessed you so much, because you are a blessing to others as well. Wherever life takes me, I know that I will not be afraid to go against the waves and conquer that storm in pursuit of my dreams. In the midst of life’s darkness, I will never be afraid to lose my path, because I look up to that shining star called GRACE CHONG. THE GRACE CHONG. Xieh Xieh Ni!  

The Price of Conviction

bulatlat.com 

In a country that holds freedom as its most important wealth, the rise of forced disappearances is a staggering reality that deems detrimental to its democratic foundations.

Jonas Burgos thought that April 28, 2007 was an ordinary day in his life. He went to a nearby mall to have his lunch. While enjoying his meal, a group of men approached his table, and abducted him. Little did his friends and relatives know that it was the last that they’ll see and hear of him. To this day, the Burgos family still remains clueless of Jonas’ whereabouts- or even if he’s still alive.

The search for justice is a most excruciating experience for the Burgos family. Despite being dragged into the public eye, Jonas’ brother, JL, alongside his relatives, friends, and colleagues, have already surrendered their hope of living in privacy and brought to the media their quest of finding Jonas. As years pass by, their dint of faith continues to flicker down. Yet, their love for Jonas sustains them to hold on to their frail hope, because they still believe that fate will favour them one day.

Jonas Burgos is just one of the 206 Filipinos who suddenly disappeared under the Arroyo Administration alone. Most of these individuals are journalists, alleged insurgents, workers, indigents, defenders of freedom and the oppressed. They are ordinary people fighting for their extraordinary causes.

They knew that they will have to pay for their dignified undertakings. But they never thought that the price would be this painful, that their families would have to endure the turmoil of them vanishing without a trace.

With the disappearance of freedom fighters like Jonas, a son is lost, a family is broken, a future is capped short of fulfilling its destiny. All that is left in the bereaved hearts of their loved ones are their worthy causes, and their precious memories.

When President Benigno S. Aquino III became the country’s Chief Executive, extra-judiciary killings have dramatically decreased. But friends and loved ones of disappeared persons believe that the Philippine government must expend their fullest effort to give justice by prosecuting the perpetrators.

Until that day, the family of Jonas Burgos, alongside those relatives of other missing individuals, shall anticipate for the return of their loved ones. Even when their loss of faith weakens them, they will still continue marching on the streets, light candles, and raise placards that seek justice for those who paid the price of their conviction.

These Philippine families will never stop fighting until the qualms in their minds have been answered, like those of other families around the world yearning for help.

orthodoxytoday.com

The story of Jonas tells us that sometimes, the hardest thing to do is to wait for someone who might no longer return. Look for something that can no longer be found. Above all, look for a dint of hope in a world filled with darkness, conspiracy, corruption, and injustice, and pray that one day, these missing individuals will find their way home.

Regret

How do you spend a Saturday night when you can't sleep? Write a poem about what keeps you up... and thinking.

collective-evolution.com

The chances that we missed

The times we never kissed

That moment we could have prayed

That day we should have stayed

The words that never slipped our lips

The choice to let go of someone for keeps

The second we quickly turned away

The life that we have left astray

The questions that we never answered

The neglect of things that really mattered

The wrong move to disregard something

The deep sorrow of losing everything

The chance we should have hugged

The secrets that keep our souls bugged

To utter what was strictly forbidden

Or say not what should be hidden

When a precious moment has passed

Regret comes, endures, lasts

A powerful reminder, reality’s mime

We can never turn back the hands of time