The UE Red Warriors, Forrest Gump and in Loving Arms

As a sports fan, I would sometimes associate the world to a basketball, not only because of their round shape but also from the lessons we can derive from them. They are actually wonderfully connected.

As we take on our journey on Earth, we should learn how to dribble our way towards our goal. However, in every drive we make, expect that there will be attempts to steal your chance to score or block you as you shoot for your dream. Just remember that if someone fouls you or forces you to commit a turnover, learn how to bounce back and rebound and for sure you will meet trusted teammates along the way who will assist you to victory.

I may sound like a sports geek but that’s how I love the basketball. Playing and watching games is one of the things that make my world wonderful. Imagine the heart-stopping game winning shot, the incredible plays of your idols, and the loudest scream of fans in every championship of your favourite team.  I have cheered for many basketball organizations but as hardcourt heroes who I admire retire, I would change teams. But if there is one sports team that I will forever follow by heart for as long as I live, it will be the Red Warriors of my dear Alma Mater, the University of the East.

Watching every game of the Warriors, either at home or live in the coliseums, brings me back the memories of my wonderful college years. Like my team, I struggle for years as I was forced to work while studying. Just imagine the difficulties I have to endure to juggle paper works and term papers. But I did not lose hope and eventually graduated because like a true warrior, I forever believe that if I want to achieve something, I should fight for it with all my might.

Aside from sports, I also love watching movies. It can be action, suspense, fantasy or comedy. I always find time to catch a film at home or movie houses and it serves as one way of relaxing from a week-long grind in the office.   I have a thing about the classics especially award-winning films because you are guaranteed that you will gain a lesson or two aside from the fact that it is high-quality and wonderfully made.

I have shortlist of my all-time favorite films but Tom Hank’s Forrest Gump is on top. For the longest time, I have always seen the movie as the story of a man and his epic journey through life meeting historical figures, influencing popular culture and experiencing first-hand historic events of the late 20th century while being largely unaware of their significance, due to his intellectual disability. But when I become a father, I learned to appreciate the significant role of Sally Field who acted as Forrest’s loving mom.

Mrs. Gump was Forrest’s pillar of strength. She was the only one who believed her son can be as good as other kids. She remained blind to discouragement and raised Forrest with a lot of “mother always says” lessons in life that may sometime sounds funny but had sense. Who can ever forget the classic line from the film, “My momma always said: Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Or how about the smart and funny line “Stupid is stupid does?” I also have a Mrs. Gump in my life and her name is Nanay Conchit, the most remarkable woman in my life who has given everything she has and whatever she can just to make our lives wonderful.

At the end of the day, I would always thank God how lucky I am that despite of the many stumbles and failures I have experienced in life, I have two pairs of loving arms to embrace me whatever happens. I have a home in my wife’s hugs and kisses and I have something to look forward to everyday in my son’s sweet caress.

That’s how wonderful my life is today. And the better news is that I have my family to share a lifetime of more wonderful moments as we take on life’s ups and down, travel the globe and continue to search what are true purpose in this journey called life.

Philippine Airlines flies to Auckland, New Zealand starting December 2015.
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20 Ways You Can Be The Best Friend Ever

There are at least three sure things that a man will experience in his lifetime--- birth, death and friendship.

A friend can come in any form, size, color, gender, shape whether it’s living or not. But seriously, I haven’t met anyone who confessed he or she doesn’t have a friend. Emo individuals might post in the Facebook wall, “Nobody loves me. I have no friend.” I’m pretty sure at least one kind soul will leave a warm message or comment just to assure him he is not alone.

Now, if you’re looking for someone to be a best friend or would like to be a best friend to someone, here’s a quick from-head-to-to list that might help you get that shoulder to cry on.

1.    On a bad hair day, just be there for her to comb her way out of misery.
2.    Be ready with your two listening, not just hearing, ears when she tells stories.
3.    Learn how to talk using your eyes. Isn’t it cute to be able to convey things with just a wink.
4.    Feast your eyes watching your movies and/ or TV shows.
5.    Smell good always. Consider this nosy but common, who doesn’t like fresh air?
6.    Compliment how rosy her cheeks are. Even if it’s really the magic of face powder.
7.    Ask her to be your taste buddies. Go on a food trip.
8.    Avoid getting into a neck-to-neck race on something. Try to achieve things without competing with one another.
9.    Be a shoulder to cry on when she feel like sobbing.
10.    Have time for a heart to heart talk on serious stuff.
11.    Tickle her funny bone during a boring afternoon.
12.    Rub elbows with other people. It’s also healthy for both of you to meet new acquaintances.
13.    You should always have open arms in accepting his flaws and shortcomings.
14.    Raise her arms and clap your arms during times of triumphs.
15.    Hold her hand and assure her that you are with her in times of trouble.
16.    Finger exercise with her for non-stop texting and chatting to kill boredom when you’re away from each other.
17.    Twist and wiggle those hips and dance together to your favorite tunes.
18.    Learn to bend your knees and admit to her when you are at fault.
19.    Travel on foot and discover the beauty of nature.
20.    Be that someone to keep her feet on the ground or bring her back to her senses just in case she’ll forget that one time in her life you were best of friends.

Hayyy… making this list made me realize that I haven’t talked to my friends from high school and college school and former offices.  A real friend calls not only in time of trials. I might give them a ring one by since since eith GoUnli20, it’s now easy to call without a need for a prefix and it’s just P20 for unli calls, 15mb of mobile surfing, and 20 texts to all networks! Kaya if you need a friend, don’t call me, I’ll call you!

My gift to my beloved country

The Philippines is arguably the most unique country in the world.

Where else in the world can you find people who are so accommodating to foreigners (dumugo man ang ilong at maubos na lahat ng naitatagong ingles maituro lang kung saan ang Cubao sa naliligaw na turista); more behaved and law abiding drivers when in abroad; and never fails to ask “kumain ka na?” when you visit their homes or “San' ka galing?” when meeting an acquaintance outside.

Where else in the world can you find people who can turn notorious thugs and convicted felons to well-choreographed dancers; can survive a day with only 20 pesos ($0.50) and a tabo; and still finds time to smile in the midst of every tragedy.

Where else in the world can you find people who can create big celebrations or feasts on just about anything (carabao, tsinelas, lechon, mudpack festivals and etc.); play basketball in just about any place (mountain, flooded gym, and even in the middle of a busy street); and never get tired of watching the same old variety show during lunch time for more than three decades.

These are just few of the many reasons that make this country so unique. This is also the home of the some of the greatest men who ever lived: Manny Pacquaio (Boxing); Paeng Nepomuceno (Bowling) and Efren “Bata” Reyes (Billards) are considered the best-ever in their respective fields. Incidentally, all fields starts with the letter B (Other B’s where Pinoys excel are in boat race, basketball, and our world-class beaches).

I am proud to be a Filipino and I am grateful that I was born in the land of the longest Christmas celebration, closer family ties and adobo, sinigang and lechon. I am in my mid-30’s now and I have spent all my years of existence (except for two years of working abroad) in this wonderful country. Sometimes, I ask myself how I can give back to my motherland aside from being a good citizen with no criminal records and questionable tax returns.

If there is one thing I can give to the Philippines, I’d say I’ll leave a good legacy that will be of good use to many people in future. I read before that there are three legacies you can give to the world and I am proud to say that I have accomplished them all (and would still continue to do them for as long I am able). 

Plant a tree.  Since my grade school years, I’ve planted trees during different events like camping, jamborees, hiking trips with friends and company activities. I even have one tree somewhere in the mountains of Bataan named after me. I just hope it will grow with longer bangs and firmer trunk than me. Trees give food, shelter, and other use and it helps saves lives and maintain the balance of nature. If only I have the resources and enough support, I would like to organize a tree planting event with my family, friends and other nature advocates. Tress are sure fool-proof gifts the Philippines need today.

Write a book.  I am associated with a NGO that advocates harmonious relationship between employers and employees in the country. We publish different books every year about best people practice and labor-related topics. I am proud to have collaborated with other writers in coming up with “Humor in HR” which promotes having fun at work. As one saying goes, “Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.” If I'll be given a chance to write a book again, I am planning of publishing "7001 Reasons why I love the Philippines" that will showcase the amazing people, sights, and uniqueness of our country. I'm sure a lot of fellow bloggers can help me out in coming up with a wonderful output.

 

Raise a child. Although my 4-year old son Charles knows more English words than Tagalog, I see to it that he grow up proud of his roots and tells him that the Philippines is one awesome nation. He asks me “Which team is Philippines?” when I watch basketball (even if the Gilas exploit in the FIBA-Asia tournament is already finished months ago) or “Where’s Pacquaio?” when I watch boxing. Then he’ll shout, “Philippines is the winner!” He is also not shy to points out if he sees someone not throwing trash in the garbage bin or a motorist crossing the intersection even it’s a red light. I’m pretty sure he’ll be a good leader of the land someday because he’s not fond of holding money as long he gets his dose of soup, fried chicken and pancakes regularly. There are a lot of other deserving kids who, if given a chance, can create a big difference for the Philippines in the future. One of my dreams is to build a mini library at least in one identified institution (orphanage, public school, rural community). Anyone who learns to read through this project is one priceless accomplishment.

One at a time, my dream is to fulfill each wish of gifts for my beloved country.  My gift of legacy is not only a personal milestone but also to those who will be touched and reached out along the way.

How about you, what is your gift to the Philippines?

Leave a comment below and you might win an Apple gadget.  If this blog post wins in the #GLOBEProjectWonderful2014 promotion, one lucky commenter will take home an iPad mini 2.

You can also help create a wonderful Philippines. Visit www.projectwonderful.ph if you’d like to volunteer or make a donation.