…mY fIrSt TiMe

On my first day in Wuhan, I was bloody tired for I wasn’t able to rest the night before on the train. Then we had a lot of activities like playing badminton, going to park, crossing the Yangtze river and so on. Absolutely busy schedule we had that day.

Yes, my first time to cross Yangtze river by Ferry. I did several times by bus before. It was a great experience. The ferry is kinda big compared to ferries we have back home. This time, crossing only a river, it’s a nice and different feeling. Before back home, we had it crossing the sea, but here, just a river, which is comparable to a sea, too big for a river. We were around 10 to 15 minutes on the river. We had a wonderful moment as we crossed. We took pictures along the way, capturing the beautiful sites around it, the tower, tall buildings, cargo ferries, bridge, and the grayish-brown water. Maybelle, thanks for taking me there and experience a such marvelous instant. Thanks once again.

…iT’s mY pLeAsUrE

After a tedious job, you would of course feel tired. Yet, it’s so fulfilling if you know that your labor has done great things to others, especially they became successful in their careers. What a nice feeling! You’re like floating in the sky. You are proud of them as well as to yourself.

When my students came back from their regional battle, speech competition in the capital of our province, Hefei, I immediately asked my students about the results. They told me it was pretty tough. What a close fight! they said. I was overwhelmed by great happiness when they said someone would go to the next level, to Nanjing for another set of competition, inter-provincial competition. I was so elated and proud of her. She made it top three in the regional level. She is my student and at the same time, one of my trainees when I gave a speech training. She is in my Junior high class, though she is still in primary, for her English level is tantamount to that of the Junior high students. Congratulations to you and we wish you the best in the next level. We hope you would make it to the national level. You can make it. Believe in yourself. Remember, there's nothing impossible in this world if you do your best. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!

…tO mY eVeR-sUpPoRtIvE & rEsPoNsIbLe PARENTS

To my parents back home, this is for you, you are one of my inspirations. I labor hardly for you and for our family, as a whole. I am very proud to tell the world about you, to let them know how happy I am to have you. You are worth a thousand thanks! Even words are not enough to express my salutations to both of you.

It’s just that I badly miss them, especially when we talked about them with my adult students, last night during my class. I was kinda sad but I didn’t show to them. I do miss them, maybe because I am such a family-oriented person. Every time we talk about family, brothers or sisters, they always come to my mind. Miss you all so much!

My parents are just simple. They are only worried about the future of their children, our tomorrow. They are so concerned about it. They even always forgot about themselves, their own needs. They only focused on us. Such a responsible parents! I am so elevated to have such a lofty parents. (We really are). They did their best to educate us, that we can have a brilliant future, at the expense of sacrificing their own basic needs. Thanks for your care, Ma and Pa. I love you. We love you so much.

I honestly make this to let other people know, especially the parents out there, that POVERTY IS NOT A HINDRANCE TO SUCCESS. Only that if there’s a will, there’s always a way! They totally believe in this. They never let poverty barricade in achieving our bright future. It’s never a barrier, they strongly believe. We were all studying, five of us and without stopping even in the mid of difficulties. And now we harness the fruits of their labor, our labor. We are not what we are now if without them. Without their sacrifices, efforts and exertions, we wouldn’t have attained what we have right now. We owe you all these. Thanks a lot.

In spite of the hardships we encountered along the way, we were still able to survive. We have fought a good fight. As long as you have a strong will to do it, ample of courage to face challenges, a good deal of perseverance to persist until the end, sufficient enthusiasm, adequate forbearance, and a strong faith to the ONE above, there’s nothing impossible. And here we are now. Proud to say we survived, endured and outlived all the pains we encountered along the way.

Just wanna express my warmest thanks to all the people who in one way or another helped us in attaining our aims and goals in life. We are so grateful to all of you. We couldn’t be this successful if without you all. Most of all, to my dear parents, thank you and thank you so much to your unending support. Highest regard and thanks to the ONE above, whatever you believe HIM to be, thanks a lot. Ma and Pa, thanks for being always there for us. We love you! See you soon.

…FuLfiLLeD & hApPy

After I took my lunch, I was preparing myself for my siesta time ‘coz I always do this everyday, to somehow gain extra strength for my everyday battle. At least I could relax myself for about an hour or two. As I passed my living room’s table, I saw a lot of receipts jammed on top of it. It captivated my attention. I don’t want to take a nap this time. I wanna deal with this matter, I told myself.

I got all my paraphernalias for my scrapbook; my file folder, bond paper, paste and gather all my receipts on my computer table. I started pasting the receipts to the bond paper. It took me around one and a half hours. This is actually one of my interests, as you can see in my profile, collecting receipts. So I am really happy and fulfilled after finishing it. I told myself, “You’ve done a great job today!”

…bIvOuAc Of LiFe

I always crave for what is best. In anything I do, I see to it I carry the best results. I have to be sure I did the best thing, not only for myself but for everybody, as a whole. I always try to find ways to get what is desired, even more than that. Enough is not enough for me. There is more than enough. There’s always a room for improvement, betterment and success. I highly conceive that.

As I kept searching for what is best, I encountered a lot of hardships that I oftentimes fall, and find it hard to stand up again and face the world. It took me a while to sit back and relax, gain energy to be fully prepared for the next challenges I would come across. It takes patience, courage and hard work to be back again in this showdown of life. I did stand up and here I am facing the daily bivouac and struggles of life.

It doesn’t matter how many times you failed achieving your goals in life, it doesn’t matter how many times you kept falling and falling again, what matters most is the way you stood up, the way you fought to be back in the battle, the way you courageously faced the trials and endured the hardships you ran across. That’s the spirit of a fighter. Difficulties are always there waiting at our doors, but every time we go out to face them, we must have the right shield to protect ourselves, to cover ourselves in the arena that we might not be defeated easily.

So, let’s always shield ourselves with strength and courage all the time we go out. By that, we are always ready to face battle. Equip ourselves with knowledge and wisdom to cleverly fight in this battlefield we call earth. Be always ready! Learn from me, I always am.

…fReEdOm IsN’t FrEe

I watched a film last night for it is one of my favorite past time. It’s title is Sniper 2. I like this line uttered by the main actor, Tom Berenger, “Freedom isn’t free.” It strikes me the most. I personally like the film, too.

Friends, is it really true that freedom isn’t free? I came to think about it after I heard that line. History tells that freedom in fact, isn’t free at all. Am I right? Does that conclude it’s pretty true? Freedom from your parents also isn’t true at all cost. You have to show to them you are worth to be given one. Financial freedom, too is not easy to attain. You have to work for it. You have to see to it that you can stand financially in any circumstances.

So, let’s always work and do our best to attain freedom. Freedom at all sorts isn’t free at all. Strive hard to achieve it. Then, that’s the time you can say it’s totally free after all. Work hard and be free!

…dIfFeReNtLy SpEnT dAy OfF

After doing household chores early Monday morning, I went out and eat outside. Then, I proceeded to the downtown. I did window shopping for three hours, and finally bought shirts after. Hard to do shopping. That’s why I don’t like it. It’s just that, I need spring clothes this time, so I have to go and buy some.

I was terribly tired after. So I went home and slept for one a half hours. Then I checked my mails and planned to do blogging. All of a sudden, my phone rang, t’was Jim, a dear friend here who invited me to stroll around. I said I am totally free. So he picked me up and we went to the oldest park here.

I was fascinated with what I saw in the park, beautiful flowers bloom and trees turn green. Such a wonderful site for taking a break and amble around. Perfect to do meditations and reflections. Cool breeze touched my skin as we walked around the park, it’s really splendid. Lake adds beauty to it. I indeed had a fabulously spent day off.

As we were there, Jim’s phone rang several times and was told to be in the office for a significant discourse. So, he left and promised to be back in 30 minutes. I just read the books he left me while he wasn’t around. I did enjoy the place. I was surrounded by the beauties of nature. It was really a reminiscing one.

After a while, as I continued reading, I saw at a distant, a gentleman riding a bicycle, as he drew closer, I recognized him. He’s Stephen, a Canadian foreign teacher in the teacher’s college. I called him. He stopped and we did a nice chatting, then Jim arrived a short while after. What a coincidence! We were laughing ‘coz it’s as if we planned to meet there. We chatted for a short while only ‘coz Stephen had something to do. He continued riding his bike as we resumed our unfinished conversation. We truly had a great time there. I like it staying there, as if I am in heaven. Thanks Jim for that wonderful time. See you next time.

…LoNeLy No MoRe

Since I celebrated my 25th birthday here, I am lonely no more. Wanna know why? Considerably, I got a present from my colleague, a glass-like aquarium with two fishes in it. They are my ultimate companions now at home. I don’t feel sad anymore.

Kinda strange but in truth factual. I do talk to them. I am really happy this time that I have someone to talk to in my house. If I feel like talking, I just sit down in front of my computer table at home and talk to them. Aside from that, before going to work, I also talk to them as well as upon arriving. I kinda like asking them whether they are alright or something. I do treat them as members of my family. Before going to bed, too, I do the same. I also talk to them. Sometimes they are no longer moving, I guess they were already sleeping during those times, around 9:30 pm.

Well, thanks to the concern of my colleague, Doris. I have someone with me now. I ain’t lonely anymore.

…MeT a NeW FoReIgN TeAcHeR

As I am in a kinda small city, not the capital of the province, it’s very seldom to meet a new foreigner. So when I met a new foreign teacher yesterday, I was kinda elated to meet her. I was so glad to know that there’s one more foreigner at least near to my city, ‘coz she’s not in the city where I am in now.

When my boss came yesterday, after lunch break, he was with her. I was amazed and happy. Her name is Flora, from the States. She’s also out going. I like her company even if we just met yesterday. I can feel it. So I am just hoping I could meet her sooner or later. Thanks for visiting to our school. I would just like to ask for an apology that I wasn’t able to show you around, ‘coz I had a lot of classes. But maybe next time. I hope one day, I could also visit your school. It's a college in Chizhou, an hour and a half away from here. Flora, have a good time and take care always.

… uNdIsPuTeD

U – ndoubtedly factual, beyond any uncertainties, people around me found me to be something like this. They defined me as what they saw about me when we were together. Thanks for the great definitions.

N – evertheless, it’s all up to you to say something about me. What I would just enunciate is that, to emphatically know me better, join me ones, involve me twice, necessitate me thrice and that’s the perfect time to say something about me or any other people as a whole.

D – oes that mean something to you? Would it be applicable for you? Well, I would tell you, you can’t judge the book by its own cover. Define not the person by his appearance, you may eventually give a misleading information.

I – n such cases, be very careful about dealing with other people, they are as fragile as glasses. Too delicate to handle that you have to deal with extra care. They are also too precious to lose.

S – o, be gentle to those you meet everyday. Take them as special people in your life. They may in turn treat you the same way.

P – ut your shoes into their shoes, and you will feel what they are experiencing. In doing so, you won’t feel you are elevated and advanced than them. Be humble at all times.

U – nderstanding each other is one most important to happily deal with one another. So, I do try to do so. Take care of me, too. I’ll tell you who I really am and you would understand me more. Here we go. Fasten your seatbelt as we travel.

T – ax, the name I have been using since I was in high school. So many of my friends call me one. If you feel like you belong to them, find comfort to call me that. I would love to.

E – ustaquio III is my real first name. Kinda old one, yeah? Yet it’s so treasured by my family. It’s a name for three generations. Sound like Spanish as they say. Probably! Treat that with due respect.

D – amaolao is my surname. So please do esteem every person you meet daily. So do I. You can search my real name using Google, and you would know me more. Thanks people! Take care always.

…nO bLoWiNg Of CaNdLeS

As we filled the room with enjoyment and laughter, we felt tired and so hot, that we even called the assistant to turn on the air conditioner. We rested from dancing. This time, it’s the instant to light the candles and slice the cake they bought for me. A grateful heart is talking to you. Thanks a lot.

Such a good-looking cake they prepared. T’was a chocolate cake. Perfectly decorated. I do appreciate all of you, guys. They lit the candles for me. The big candle opened like petals of flowers, with candles on each, such a beautiful one.

We danced around the tables as we sung HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONG. We were like primary students turning around. I missed those times, acting like a kid in front of my family. I wasn’t able to blow the candles, ‘coz they were already out when we stopped dancing. I seriously sliced the cake and served them one by one. We delighted eating the cake and they, too, enjoyed putting icing on my face. T’was really a wondrous moment, worthy to be remembered.

We started singing and dancing again few minutes later. Then, we parted ways a short while after. I, in truth, was truly happy in that moment. Thanks for that feeling. I thanked all of them as we went home. Guys, you are one of a kind. Thanks for the acceptance. I do value that. Take care always and see you soon.

…KTV – tHe rEtUrN

Right after we basked the savory food during our dinner, we proceeded immediately to the KTV right across the restaurant. So funny, we had to hide the cake and soft drink, ‘coz it’s not aloud to bring them inside. We covered them with jackets for it not to be so obvious. Sounds funny, right? Then, we continued our enjoyment there.

Everybody tried to pick their songs and showed their hidden talents. The room was indeed full of laughter as we were singing and dancing. I couldn’t imagine myself doing it. But it’s kinda fun. We all enjoyed that time. It’s a thing I pretty like with these people is that, they are easy going. They are very friendly.

We had our songs one after the other. I also had the chance of sharing my hidden talent to them. And we all laughed. I like that place for they have lots of English songs, than that of the other night. And indeed, they also tried to sing a lot of English songs. Such a joyous moment! We were like kids singing and dancing together.

Guys, thanks for that marvelous time. I did enjoy it. My 25th birthday really was one of the most memorable one. I had such a great moment though away from family. Kinda I haven’t felt it. Thank you all for being there for me. Have a good time everyone.

…bIrThDaY – tHe RePeAt

As I was making this one, I couldn’t help but laugh ‘coz it sounds like a concert, the repeat. Hahahaha! Yet, it is truly factual. I did have other celebration the night after my birthday. I did consider my friends here to be very important, too. But they are not somewhat related to the school, I mean the company. So I didn’t want them to be with the first celebration, with my colleagues and students.

I was kinda shy to these people for I was late in going to the restaurant. I did a special speech training for an hour for those who were not able to come the other week. I came there at 7:00pm, right after my class, but we agreed to meet at 6:00. I told them about it, though. But I still felt shy about it. I don’t want them to wait for me for that long. I got no choice, anyway.

One picked me up at school for I don’t know how to get there. thanks Jim for that. When we came in, they were of course, there waiting for us. I did ask for an apology. Sorry for that guys. But they did understand the situation. I just told them to order ahead of time, so that when we would come, we would start eating right away. Yes, they did. They are all smart and professional. That’s one thing I like with this group. Thanks for joining me in my time of happiness. Greatly appreciated.

We did have a nice chat as we enjoyed the food. Some cracked jokes while we were eating and we all laughed. We truly had a great time together. We shared our experiences and so on.

I just wanna express my warmest and heartfelt gratitude to all of these people; Stephen (a Canadian guy, foreign teacher in the teacher’s college here), thank you for spending your precious moment with me. I know you are pretty busy, too. But you did come. Thanks a lot. To Jim, for picking me up and for arranging for the event, my contact person. Thanks a lot for the sensitivity. To Linda, my great adviser, thanks for the wonderful thoughts you’ve shared to me. To Wendy, thanks for being such a nice friend, just think positive as we always say it. Last but not the least, to Sarah, thanks for being there and for always being there. I highly valued your presence last night. Thank you so much guys.

"Friendship is a strong and habitual inclination in two persons to promote the good and happiness of one another." --Eustace Budgell

…oNe Of A kInD

My friends handed me a special, very exceptional birthday card with their signatures on it. It is bought from the US. Wendy had a business trip there and in Canada for several times before. So they gave me one.

It's my first time to receive a birthday card from other countries. Christmas cards I did. But birthday card, that was the first. It’s one of a kind experience. It’s really beautiful. It talks about friendship. This is what it says, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Special people are like flowers in the garden of life.” That’s in the front page. What it says inside is, “You always seem to go out of your own way to make other people feel special. That’s one of the things I like best in you.”

I was touched as I read it. Thank you so much everyone. It made my day so special, as well as my feelings. In addition to that, I was indeed very happy. Words may not be enough to express it. Thanks a million times.

…bLoW tHe CaNdLeS

As we savored the luscious food, some also enjoyed singing at the same time. I felt like I was at home, doing the same thing the moment we have a celebration like this. Homesickness was gone. It was diverted into happiness. Thanks for that feeling.

In the middle of the celebration, they let me sing two songs. They all clapped their hands. You know, only few English songs here. Then, we continued eating. Laughters surround the place all through out the entire event. I can see every one was also happy.

“Blow the candles, time to blow them now,” that’s what I heard from them. Yet, one Chinese teacher programmed the sound system before blowing them. So I still have to sing again, 25 minutes by MLTR ‘coz they said I am already 25. Well, I got no choice. Everyone stood up as I sing the song and clapped their hands altogether. I was really touched. Then, happy birthday song followed.

Darkness covered the room that time as I lit the candles while everyone was singing. I blew the candles of the two cakes after I made a wish. Then, they clapped their hands the more, even louder. Slicing of cakes succeeded afterwards. I handed each one a slice of cake. I indeed had a fun time. I was genuinely happy, too like everyone else. Then, eating, laughters, singing and talks continued. We all had a fantastic time. Around an hour later, we parted ways. Thanks for the time guys. I somehow forgot home. Thanks a lot everyone!.

…gIfTs I rEcEiVeD

I couldn’t imagine why they were able to have a such wondrous presents for me. They have no time. I made it a point not to tell them in advance so that they won’t bother to buy some. But I was amazed. They made it in just less than an hour. My boss phoned them an hour before dinner and told them the restaurant. Yes, they came with their respective presents. They entered the room and greeted me HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY and wished me the best in life and here in China as they handed their gifts. I was filled with gratefulness and thanked them one by one.

Amazing gifts amused my eyes and diverted my feelings, for I was a little sad reminiscing those times I had with my family during this time. I truly appreciate the thoughtfulness of these people around me here. With my students, too, they are indeed worth calling, true and real friends. Thanks for the friendship you are offering.
I was filled with laughter as I opened each
of their presents. They, too enjoyed watching me opening them and capturing pictures at the same time. They also explained why they planned to buy them as I tore the wrappers. I couldn’t put in words what I felt that time. Indescribable! Well, thanks to all of you. I am in truth happy for your gifts. I just don’t know how to give back the kindness you showed me. I just wish you the best in your state of life, too. May all your labors be fruitful and successful. Thanks a lot.

…MiXeD fEeLiNgS

I barely couldn’t understand what I felt to my colleagues and adult students last night, as we celebrated my 25th birthday. Mixed emotions ruled all over the night. I was very happy with them. I wanna cry or something for like, they are real my families. I also felt like I was surrounded by my loved ones. But I still couldn’t take away the sadness for missing my family on that very day. But thanks to all of them for filling in the times where I should have spent with my family. You were there. Thanks a lot.

I don’t know how to thank you enough. Words are not sufficient to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you. Thank you and thank you so much. You really were there during the times I badly need someone to be with, talk to and enjoy my day. To my adult students: John, Chris, Linda, Jupiter with his lovely wife and super talented daughter, you are not just my students, but also my real friends. I won’t forget those times. Thank you so much. Thanks also for your presents, I do love them. To my headmaster, to my immediate boss, Mr. Wang (whom I call dad), to my fellow teachers; Joana and Doris, and Matthew (an American guy), to our staffs; Susan and Joy, my warmest gratitude to all of you for being there. Thanks to all of you for your wonderful presents. I highly appreciate them.

It wouldn't be a such happy moment if without you guys. I would just be like an island celebrating my day if you weren’t there. I sincerely express my fondest thanks to all of you. Thank you and thank you. Have a good time and take care always.

…OnLiNe GrEeTiNgS

This is what I was just expecting from my family and friends back home. And they did. A lot of them did. With my friendster account, many tried their best to greet me on my special day, no matter how busy they were, they really spent time just to send their greetings to me. Highly valued guys! I do appreciate your efforts.

With my facebook account, quite a few spent their precious time just to greet me that time. Thanks to all of you people. I just couldn’t reply you all at the same time, ‘coz I am also a little busy. I am just going to tell you, I do appreciate what you did. Thanks for that.

With my yahoo account, e-mail and my messenger, super many of them greeted me. Since I wasn’t online for the entire day, I just opened this morning. A lot of offline messages from my dear family members and friends. E-mails also were sent that day, but I just read them today. To all of those who are so concern about me and truly remember my special day, it’s an honor to have you all. I am so lucky to have you, so precious and dear to me. Thanks for you comments and greetings. I just wish and pray that you are also happy everyday just like what you wished for me. Thank you so much everyone. Let’s pray for one another. Have a good time everyone!

My mobile phone also was very busy beeping. Many, too tried to greet me through my phone. Others even called me up just to express their sentiments. Very well fellas, thanks a lot. Take care always.

…mY fIrSt TiMe

You might be thinking of my birthday again celebrated away from home. Yeah, t’was my first time. Yet, it’s not what I am talking here this time. For almost a year now of staying here, I haven’t eaten mangoes, one of the best fruits in my hometown. It’s just that they weren’t worth eating as I saw them before. Wrinkling peelings discouraged me to buy them.

So as to mention, every time I go to grocery store, I never minded looking at them, for I knew the fact that they are not that pleasing. I always have this in mind, though I truly want to buy even a kilo.

When I passed the fruits section, one time, April 16, my birthday exactly, I was astonished as I looked at them. They were somewhat saying, “Look at me now.” They were very beautiful that time, so smooth, so yellow and so fragrant. I felt somehow it’s a nature’s gift on my birthday. With no disinclinations, I did buy one and a half kilograms. Kinda expensive, yet they are worth it. I do miss eating them. It was my first time eating mangoes here in China, on my birthday. Thanks for passing there that time that my longing of eating mangoes vanished. I relished that time eating them, as if I didn’t want that moment to end. Thanks for the wonderful gift!

…a ReMiNiScEnT tImE

I just couldn’t help but think of those days I happily celebrated this day with my family, relatives, neighbors and circle of friends. I feel I am homesick now. I just find this so peculiar this time. Couldn’t explain what I feel. Mixed emotions surround me now. So strange! Well, maybe because it’s a special time, yet away from them, and I feel so lonely, and first time to encounter this situation.

I have several impressions in mind now. I keep thinking of, “If only I were with my family, if only I were home, if only were not away, if only I were with my friends, if only they were here, if only we were together, if only… if only… if only…, I wouldn’t have felt this way, I wouldn’t have been lonely, I wouldn’t have been sad, I wouldn’t have felt homesick, I wouldn’t… I wouldn’t… I wouldn’t…"

Somewhat I hate everything. I do love music, yet I don’t want to listen to it. It would just somehow add my loneliness, especially listening to songs we usually sang together before. I would just remember those times the more, and add this odd feeling of mine. I don’t know what to do. I can’t understand. I just badly miss them, I guess. That’s why I don’t want to remember special occasions, ‘coz it would just make me feel lonely, instead of being happy. Well, thanks to technology that it’s just easy to communicate with them. But sadness still rules my world at this time. Yeah, I can do it. It would just be over in due time. I only have to be strong. Thanks a lot guys!

…tHe DaY I wAs BoRn

Ever since I got to know what’s going on around me, I never thought of experiencing this situation, celebrating one of the most special days in my life away from my loved ones. I was always around them when this day comes. We celebrate together, eat, laugh, sing and talk together on this day. Kinda sad to think about it now. But here I am, away from them. I have no choice except to accept the reality of life – we are not together always, right? I never had experience this before. Yet life must go on.

Well, now that I am away, I just wish I could make myself go back to the day I was born. I would never have felt sadness or whatever. I only thought of eating and sleeping, and be in the bosom of my mom or dad. Always being hugged, kissed and taken cared of. What a nice feeling! Yet it’s inconceivable. We always change and grow. And here I am! Proud to say I do exist and develop and grow.

Exactly 25 years ago, everybody was totally happy especially my family and all people around me, seeing a healthy baby came to witness the beauty of the world. They had a blank idea of what and who would I become in the future. They were just wishing I would live a good life and be successful in due time. Thanks for all their wishes and prayers, they are truly part of what and who I am today. I do owe you all a heartfelt thank you. I do miss you all. I love you and hope to see you all again very very soon. Thanks and have a good time. Hugs and kisses to all of you.

…tHoUgHtFuL PaLs

Thanks to my sponsors! LOL. My colleagues bought me some presents. They do find time to look for one and gave me this afternoon. There’s just one present I found so peculiar. Amazing! I couldn’t imagine ‘coz I never heard of this before.

When she handed over her present, she told me that I should be careful in opening it. It’s fragile she said. So I slowly opened the gift, tore its wrapper and opened the box. I saw a glass covered with somewhat foil and there’s water inside. As I picked it up. There are two fishes in side. Pretty small. It’s totally covered. I innocently asked, “How will I feed them?” They answered, no, no need to feed them. They won’t die for four or even five months. They added, I only have to put it in a cold place. No sunshine at all.

People, thanks a lot for that. I do appreciate them. Once again, I gratefully thank you.

…DiNnEr AnD KTV

That’s my ultimate plan before when I would celebrate my birthday here. Somewhat no other choices. Well tonight, we are going to dinner and KTV. I invited all our staffs and all my adult students, for I suppose to have a class with them tonight. So we are going to have our class in KTV, joke. We will enjoy once in a while. They agreed, too. So no problem at all. They also like the idea.

So, my boss called the place in advance. Then he also phoned all my adult students and reminded them again and told them the place. So, see you all later, guys! Let’s enjoy and have fun. Thanks for being with me as I celebrate my happy moment. Let’s have a good time. Let’s party!

…I dIdN’t ExPeCt

Well, as I announced to my colleagues that this day is my birthday, they were all surprised. They were shouting and blaming each other, for one has remembered but somebody said it’s not yet. So they were laughing and saying a lot of things but I couldn’t understand. They really didn’t expect that.

Someone actually asked me about it few days ago, but I didn’t answer yet. She asked whether it would be this month or on June, but somebody interrupted. Then, I wasn’t able to tell. So they were really surprised today.

They went home early in the morning. I was left alone in the office. I was a little sad. So I went home, too after few minutes. And when I came back in the afternoon, they weren’t in the office yet. Kinda strange ‘coz usually, they will arrive earlier than me. Only to find out, they bought some presents for me. I was so elated. Thanks for them. I somehow forget my loneliness and homesickness. I feel I’m at home with my friends. Thanks a lot! I cordially appreciate your efforts to comfort me. Thanks you very much.

…YoU aRe CoRdIaLLY iNvItEd

As I celebrate my 25th birthday today, I am inviting everyone to celebrate with me. Join me as I blow the candles and take wishes. Wish me a happy, progressive, healthy, strong, and a long life. That I may survive through all the hurdles that may come my way.

It’s my silver birth anniversary, 25 years of existence and survival here in this battlefield, we call earth. I have fought a good fight, as St. Paul said, combating all the hassles that I met along the way. Thanks to all the people who in one way or another gave me a hand as I go on my way each day. Thanks a lot to all of you.

With this special day, come and join me in my happiness. Let’s forget our troubles. Set them aside and be free from them. For a short moment, let’s be happy and celebrate this such a special day. Let’s go to dinner together and KTV afterwards. Let’s have fun this day. Let’s be happy! Thanks a lot.

…DeSiDeRaTa

It’s been a long long while I haven’t read this poem. Such a beautiful one. I just remembered the time when we had our presentation regarding this poem. Our teacher gave us time to make a real life situation drama to be presented in the class the next day, and should be based from the wonderful poem. We did all we can to have a fantastic presentation. We all cooperated and performed very well. We had a pretty high remark from our teacher.

I have accumulated a lot of learning from the poem, for it talks about life, attaining happiness, and, of course, the struggles one must do to achieve it. It gave me ideas on how to live my life in accordance with what is socially upright and ethically accepted. It showed me rooms for improvement, betterment and success. It opened wide doors for me to valiantly face the real life, the battle here on earth.

This is such an interesting and educating poem. Come, read and learn from it. Just like I did. Take you time and have fun.


"Desiderata" (Latin for "desired things", plural of desideratum) is an inspirational prose poem about attaining happiness in life. It was first copyrighted in 1927 by Max Ehrmann.
In the 1960s it was widely circulated without attribution to Ehrmann, sometimes with the claim that it was found in St. Paul's Church, Baltimore, Maryland, and was written in 1692 (the year of the founding of St. Paul's). Nevertheless, the estate of Ehrmann has kept various editions of the work in print. A spoken-word recording of the essay was made by Les Crane and reached #8 on the Billboard magazine charts in late 1971.
At least one court case has held the poem to be forfeited to the public domain because of distribution during and before World War II, but other cases have ruled that the assignee through Ehrmann's heirs holds the purchased copyright.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others,

even the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,

they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain and bitter;

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career,

however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs;

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals;

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love;

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit

to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,

be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be,

and whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life

keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann (September 26, 1872 - September 9, 1945), an attorney from Indiana, was best known for writing the prose poem "Desiderata" (Latin: "something desired as essential") in 1927.
Ehrmann, who was of German descent, received a degree in English from DePauw University, followed by a degree in Philosophy from Harvard University. He then returned to his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana to practice law. Eventually this led him to work in his family's meatpacking business and in the overalls manufacturing industry. Finally at the age of 41, Ehrmann decided to forget such work and become a writer. At the age of 55 he wrote Desiderata, which achieved fame only after his death.

…A pSaLm Of LiFe

I am just reminded of my high school life with this poem. Out teacher let us memorize this and recite in front. That was a reminiscent time. We all did our best, enjoyed and learned a lot from it. What a beautiful poem about our existence here on earth. Life is a battle that we have to face. Read and learn from it.

Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream ! —
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.

Life is real ! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal ;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way ;
But to act, that each tomorrow
Find us farther than today.

Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.

In the world's broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle !
Be a hero in the strife !

Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant !
Let the dead Past bury its dead !
Act,— act in the living Present !
Heart within, and God o'erhead !

Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time ;

Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.

Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate ;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.

Henry was the son of Stephen Longfellow and Zilpah Wadsworth Longfellow. He was born February 27, 1807, in Portland, Maine. Portland was a seaport, and this gave its citizens a breadth of view lacking in the more insular New England towns. The variety of people and the activity of the harbors stirred the mind of the boy and gave him a curiosity about life beyond his own immediate experience. He was sent to school when he was only three years old. When he was six, the following report of him was received at home:"Master Henry Longfellow is one of the best boys we have in school. He spells and reads very well. He can also add and multiply numbers. His conduct last quarter was very correct and amiable."

…tAkE mE oUt Of ThE dArK

By simply reading the title perse, it can actually catch the attention, just like what happened to me. When I first heard this song, I felt elated, upon knowing there’s this truly nice music, soothing to my ears as I listened to it. It touched my ego. I felt so sorry for myself. I kinda stayed in silence for sometime and wonder what I have done in this world. That’s after hearing this meaningful song. Thanks for music and for the singer. More powers!

Take me out of the dark
Gary Valenciano

Just what is it in me?

Sometimes I just don't know

What keeps me in Your love,

Why you never let me go

And though you're in me now,

I fall and hurt you stillMy Lord,

please show me how

To know just how you feel

You have forgiven me

Too many times it seems

I feel I'm not what you might call

A worthy Christian after all

And though I love You so

Temptation finds its way to me

Teach me to trust in You

With all my heart

To lean not on my own understanding

I just forget

You won't give me what I can't bear

Take me out of the dark, my Lord

I don't wanna be there

You've never left my side

You gave Your hand to me to hold

Oh Jesus, I'm no longer in the cold

And yet, I leave You there

When I feel satisfied

I'd like to thankYou every day

Not only when I feel that way

I've never known a Man

Who'd give His life for sinners like me

And yet, because He loves us so

He's promised us eternity

And we can have that promise

And be His if we have faith

And just believe

Teach us to trust in you

With all my heart

To lean not on my own understanding

We just forget

You won't give us what we can't bear

Take us out of the dark, My Lord

'Cause we don't want to be alone

Take me out of the dark, My Lord

We don't wanna be there, My Lord

Trust in You with all my heart

Lean not on my own understanding

I just forget

You won't give me what I can't bear

Take me out of the dark, My Lord

'Cause we don't want to be alone

Take me out of the dark, My Lord

I don't want to be there

Edgardo Jose Martin Santiago Valenciano, better known as simply Gary Valenciano (shortened to Gary V.), is a Filipino musician, composer, actor, producer, and gospel singer who is best known for many songs, especially those that became theme songs for movies. His energetic dance moves also garnered him the nickname "Mr Pure Energy.”

… tHaNkS I mEt YoU

About three weeks ago, I met a lot of out going friends in my place. I am really happy in their company. They are all good and easy going friends. I am so fortunate I met them. They are real friends. Thanks a lot for the friendship. I highly appreciate that.

Last night, we had a grand dinner together. I met another new friend, Saus, I hope I made the correct spelling, their classmate in university. They are indeed very successful in their states of life. I can barely see it in their status now in the society. They are all good speakers of English, too. They have a good command of the language. Really great at their age, ‘coz as I know, only the new generations are studying English here. They are a few of the exemption! They are veritably clever, as I observed. They are in truth fortunate and successful.

In the same way, I am very open to them. I feel I am accepted. I do belong. Thanks for that feeling. I showed one to my flat after our dinner, which is not what I used to do with some of my friends. But with them, I feel so open. I am too flattered that they like to be with me, too. He helped me solve with the water problem in my flat. I was really grateful to him. Jim, thanks a lot. We had a great chat before he went home.

To everyone, be true and be what and who you are, and you will find people to understand you. And value them as you value your life. Take care of your friends.

…MeLaNcHoLiC yEt FeLiCiToUs

Sounds belying, right? Have you experienced such a situation? In what way? How did it happen? They are two completely opposite from one another. Would it be possible? How?

Marked by the intense attention to the dramatical growth of my weight, I did lots of exercises every morning. I was kinda sad of having avoirdupois in the near future, ‘coz it’s in our race. My elder brother even is veritably fat at a very young age. I don’t want that to happen to me. So I must do something about it, I forced myself. I have to fight this fact as I convinced myself, I can manage the situation. I highly believe of the saying, “When there’s a will, there’s a way.” Pretty true, right?

Supervising oneself should be put in mind by all people, whether there’s development or its contrary in whatever they do. In doing so, life would be more meaningful and the world is such a wonderful place to be lived in. Everyone is so concern about everything, for everybody’s welfare. What a life if that happens!

As I monitored myself lately, after a faithful exercises every morning for almost three weeks now, I absolutely felt complete difference than before doing some exercises. When I ckecked my weight this morning, I was in truth surprised. I sharply dropped my weight. I am successful with my goal. I lost 5 kilograms in just more than two weeks. Amazingly great! Thanks to the sports complex near my flat, it somehow invites me to do exercises every morning.

So to all, there’s nothing impossible to a willing heart. No matter how difficult it may seem, but if you have the will to do it, you would truly succeed. Believe in yourself! If you won’t, who would? Trsut yourself and have faith to the One above!

…I dIeD SeVeRaL tImEs BeFoRe

Can you imagine that? Sounds incredible, right? Can somebody die and live again for several times? Since when? Is it really true? Have you heard of such stories?

Well guys, I’m talking of different thing here. It’s not what you are thinking. Whether it is true or not, whether you believe in it or not, it lies in your hand. I have nothing to do about it. It is your right to do so. I do respect you for that. But as what I have said, it’s not what I am talking about. Then, what is that? you may ask.

Friends, I am just totally amazed by the beauty of nature. Such a perfect creation! After the cold season, winter, now comes the spring. Absolutely wonderful! Everything turns green. This is what I am talking about. Perhaps you were puzzled a while back. As you can see outside, gorgeous flowers are somehow smiling at you and saying how are you, very beautiful and fresh. Everything comes to life again. They all turn green and look happy. As their leaves sway, somewhat they are saying, here we are again, we’re back to life. We’re alive again. After quite a long period of death, here we are, we survived. After few months of struggles, we proudly say, we succeeded. what a nice words from them, if they can only speak. well, they're really beautiful and green. This time, they all look fresh, green and happy. So do I.

…QuItE eXpEnSiVe, HuH?

Quite expensive or you just don’t have enough money? Which is which?

Well, I went to the supermarket one Monday evening. Something caught really my attention, ‘coz they are perfectly dissimilar to many. They are pretty smooth than others, big as compared to some, and reasonably yellow than the majority. I induced closer to them. I really wanted to buy them directly for I do miss eating them.

I was just shocked upon asking the price, really expensive. Proudly presents, Mabuhay Pilipinas! as I read the sticker attached to them. Straight from the Philippines. I was kinda happy as I read it. I felt I ‘m at home. Do you know what they are? Bananas! Dole! I bought some, around six pieces, I guess, it cost 10.29 RMB or approximately 70 pesos. Imagine! Pretty expensive, huh! But I do like it, of course, I love my own, as they said. But I really love eating them. For me, its price was just precise for it is imported. And they are worth it. Buy some if you see them. Absolutely mouth-watering!

…gReAt HaPpInEsS

What is happiness? Is it easy to attain it? How would you define it? Are you a happy person? What makes you happy? Why? Are you a happy-making person? Or the other way around? Do you want to see other people laugh?

Many people crave for happiness, including myself. I always want to be happy. I am indeed a happy fellow, as others define me. I also want to make other people happy especially in their times of distress. But there are also many people, no matter how they tried to be happy, they can’t achieve it. As if it even goes away from them. While there are those people who are unhappy when they see other people happy and successful. I have had some experiences with these kind of people, I met them several times. They want to take away your happiness for they are not. What should you do if you met them?

Based from my limited experiences regarding this matter, I am not affected with these people. I just don’t mind them. As long as I am doing what is right, I don’t step on others’s rights, I don’t deceive people just to attain it, I am as strong as a tree. I am not bothered with them. If they say something against me just to put me down, for as long as I know I have a clean conscience, I’m not affected. Even if the world goes against me, it won’t cause me trouble. I would even be happy at least I would know who are really with me and against me. I hold to those who are with me, as long as I know I am in the right path.

What about you, how would you deal with this situation? Do you have the courage to face the world? That even the one you consider one of your best friends goes against you, even betrays you? What would you do?

Well, friends, we have the right to be happy. Behold not to those who caused you pain, yet forgive them. Don’t fight back. They will just realize sooner or later that they’ve done wrong. Be even grateful to them. You have the chance to sacrifice. Let’s always strive to be happy, no matter what.