Vigan-Laoag-Pagudpud Joy Ride

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There’s nothing more enjoyable than being with your whole family and clan during vacation month, especially the bonding that you create with each unique member of the family.  Traveling, as a group is also the best time to get to know more of one’s self. This is also the way that you are able to discover more of your family’s uniqueness, their ability to adjust and cope with certain situations that require you to be more patient and understanding. Camaraderie strengthens families when the situation demands for a couple of hands to do a certain task for the benefit of everybody’s hungry stomach. Feelings of happiness brought by this leisure brings immeasurable gratitude to the one who gave us chances to be and spend time with one another and in the end, to bring us all home safe and recharged. However, though it was really an exhausting journey, it gave us an opportunity to discuss matters that concern our family and to lean on one another’s shoulder for support. In the end it brings pleasure and a new perspective in life. Take every minute of our time to be with our family while we have the chance to be with them. Let us all explore the beauty and culture of North Luzon with our weekend joy ride with my family. I feel so blessed.

The Sanctity of Catholic Faith

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What do you understand about Catholic teaching in the light of Scripture? Do you know about the history of the Catholic Church? How deep is your faith in Catholicism? I still believe in letting people speak for themselves when it comes to Catholic doctrine. Born a sinner myself and being “not-so observant” of catholic practices, the question, for me, is both confusing and controversial.

I myself was raised a Roman Catholic by my parents and both their families. They have strong connections to the church and Roman Catholicism.  Since I was young, all I’ve known is to accept the tradition, customs and devotions of a baptized Catholic parishioner. As we grow, we have tried to plant modest seeds of faith among us siblings. And that’s why I thought we were all still hanging on the same rope of faith.

But as time goes by, with each sibling having his own priorities while trying to live the Catholic faith, things start to change. The change has affected the complexity of some personal faith and principles of this religion. The pain becomes difficult to bear and acceptance hard to obtain. The Rabbi (our father) was hurt by the change in faith of one of his precious followers (we, their children). It hurt him to learn that not all members of his community (our family) were united in one common faith.

The Rabbi looked defeated when he came to know about this. No one knows what goes on in his mind as it has become very difficult for his followers to relay the concern. It’s hard to see his frustration and the pain inflicted by these unexpected changes. However, it was also liberating and it led those who were left to a closer relationship with God. Maybe someday, when everyone is ready, when everyone becomes open- minded to accept things beyond what is expected, things will be back to normal.

People need to be respectful. I believe, regardless of our religious beliefs and affiliations, we are still sons and daughters of the same God. We just need to accept the fact that some things happen in this world that are beyond our control.

We all shall pass through this world. Make the journey as light as possible.

2012

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“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

-- Steve Jobs, businessman and inventor"

2012 was not really a tough year for us at the MIS Department. Instead, a better description would be that it was our most challenging year, thus far. It was the year when we not merely surpassed our accomplishment of the previous year, but doubled it.  Despite operational lapses, hurdles presented by factors beyond our control, and strong words from critics, we still managed to come out and work as a team.

In 2012 we realized that for every obstacle there is an equivalent strategy that can be used to achieve our goal and enable us to rise above the challenge. It’s just a matter of perseverance and commitment on the part of the team.

Trust and support from our believers became the guiding light that led us to the finish line, garnering awards in the process. Balanga City wins in the first Robredo ICT Awards

We humbly return all these blessings to the Almighty God who is our Number One client in our daily tasks.

To all the people who continue to believe in us and light our path, our profound gratitude.

Rest assured that this team will continue to do its utmost to deliver quality service in the City Government of Balanga.

The Officer


A Unique Breed of Leader

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 This is a compilation of newsletters of then Naga City Mayor,  now late Secretary Jesse Robredo. I have kept these copies of best practices in my hard archive for almost eight (8) years now. 

This month of August, we honor our nation’s HEROES. Anyone can be a hero just by showing love for his country, or even just by simply becoming a responsible leader himself. Just recently, a certain good leader bids in a heavenly realm. I rarely admire anyone, much less high-ranking officials with whom I have no affiliation at all. However, this man was a cut above the rest. He stoked the flame of public service in my heart. Then I was just a young, career public servant. In 2004, I attended a conference in Manila where I heard his name. He was then Mayor of Naga City. I was amazed by his achievements, much more so when I read about all the work he had done in the interest of public service.

This man won my silent applause. From a distance, I became his fan. My adulation for him grew even greater when he was chosen to lead the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). I told myself, “This is it! Innovations will surely follow!” However, when I read the news in my twitter account that DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo died in a plane crash, my hopes that this country would still excel in good governance were dashed. I started to contemplate and figuring out the core of this incident towards public service and good governance. Why this man, and why this early? And after careful analysis and viewing things in a different perspective, I realized that this incident brought out the real essence of public service, as it was sensationalized by mass media. His death was a plea for us to renew our commitment to the people we serve. His legacy imparts an altitude of 180 feet deep meaning to the word leadership. Then, I rephrased my questions: “Who will be the next to follow his footsteps? Are You the One?”

Thy Will Be Done

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A very expensive birthday gift that I received from my nephew, Jonas.

My Precious Gem -  My Family. This was taken during  my mother's birthday celebration. Happy birthday to my loving Nanay..

When I woke up one particular morning several years ago, I told myself I should stop making deals with God. I prayed : “LORD, I lift-up my life to you. Take my hands and lead me wherever YOU want me to go. Thy will be done. Just give me clarity of mind & courage to carry out Thy Will.” In time things unfolded & everything fell into place.  I eventually landed where I got & get what I ever dreamed of. It was such a hard struggle since so much of me wanted to do what I wanted to do --- to realize MY own plans, to organize MY future, and to make MY decisions. But situations would arise to put me back to where I am now.


God shattered my plans and replaced them with something so much better! Too frequently, things have happened to me to teach me to align my plans for myself to His. Whatever plans I have for myself now, I always tell myself, "Thy Will Be Done"..

One of my happiest birthday celebrations was spent with my Team. I honestly appreciate all their efforts to make my day special. Thank you, guys, from the bottom of my heart.

God moves in a mysterious way...

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So many things have happened and so many blessings have been received to be thankful for this month of July. Just last week, my team went to a certain “battle” where my “orders” were disputed. Words were exchanged. It seemed like I was fighting a battle using disoriented soldiers. I presumed everyone understood what we were fighting for. This was a costly mistake on my part. Because of this mistake, we were not able to reach our goals. However, just like a soldier, the more I got wounded, the more I became aggressive to try to turn the tide of battle. However, I needed to draw another tactical plan that would lead my team to victory.

 This scenario put me in a difficult situation where I had to decide whom to choose to come with me to continue what had been started. So I asked the intervention of the Most Powerful Soldier on earth to guide me in my decision. This time there would be no room for mistakes. Any mistake might cause bigger problems and might even complicate the present scenario. I whispered to Him, “Lord, give me a sign. Lead me to the person who can help me to bring out the best in my team. Help me to come out with a win-win solution.”

Then one Saturday morning, a knock on the window of our convenience store called my attention. As I opened the window, I saw a young man in his early 20's pleasantly smiling at me. He asked if I could give a little time to listen to the words of God. He carried a small bible in his right hand and a long, black umbrella and a black bag portfolio in the other. Despite the heavy rain, he was so patiently giving away a very expensive offer for free! As I glanced at him, I saw he was wearing a checkered-white polo, black trousers, and a pair of mud-covered black leather shoes. Suddenly, he reminded me of an Electrolux product-demo representative and of a certain line in its TV commercial which goes like this: "I'm gonna knock on your door, ring on your bell, knock on your windows, too!”. Kidding aside, he had the looks that every woman of his age would admire. Anyway, I assumed he was a member of a certain religious group that regularly conducts house-to-house bible study. I simply responded and said; "Go ahead," because that time, I really needed it most. He read with me a short bible verse that was spiritually enlightening. The image that follows this article gave me the sign that I asked for. It helped me to support my course of action.

Now I know that in order for me to come up with a win-win solution, I must first submit myself to further self-evaluation. Maybe it was I who needed to change. My decision should affect our goals in the long run.  There are times when we need to accept the fact that even though it hurts, parting ways sometimes is the best recourse to terminate a relationship that does not work. This is in order for those affected to grow wiser, to become more productive, and to strive to improve their personal and professional life. This decision will surely interpret negative impression to those affected especially on the part of the decision-maker. However, upon deeper analysis of the situation, this could be the best time for those affected to grow as a person and to do their best while working outside of their comfort zone.

I hope and wish that when the time comes that we cross paths once more, they could humbly say, "Thank you for getting me off your team. Because of that, I have become more confident of myself, and now I am one of the most successful businessmen in town.” If that happens, I will consider myself a fulfilled leader.

Boracay Vacation: I'm a Beach Girl.

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Life always gives us the opportunity to prove our strengths in every given situation. This is to test our endurance and skills in handling challenging circumstances.  Fear can hold us up, take away precious time to move forward, and hinder us from experiencing life’s most thrilling events or activities. Bear in mind that the chance to fully experience and explore the beauty of life is not equally given to all for some reason.

When my doctors put me on a certain edge of physical limit…I told myself, “We’re only human and we all exist in this world to breath for a living. We can only guide people on what to do with their life, but not to just put them in a box wrapped with imaginary fears and anxieties.” Confront whatever it is you're afraid of.  Just relax and control your emotions. Never panic. The tricks that work for me might also work for you, so try them. Remember, just because you're afraid doesn't mean you're a coward. But doing something that scares you because it's important or necessary is bravery. And you surely are brave if you have decided to face your fears. Just keep in mind that God never puts us in trouble without protection. We just need to assess our physical and emotional endurance. I am a beach lover so for me summer 2012 will not end without splurging on the coast. We only live once in this world, so make the most out of it! To my dearest and loving friend, thank you for always giving me a big boost of self-confidence!

Jet Ski - Riding a Jet Ski in Boracay is one of my unforgettable adventures. It was my first time to experience this extreme activity and I loved it!  At first, I was hesitant to drive in full speed because I was afraid that the waves might topple me over. But the second time around, I pushed the accelerator to maximum speed and it was a hell of a ride. I just needed to remember my driving skills.

Fly fish- A speedboat throwing an inflatable craft out the sea isn't a good sight, especially if it's me on the fly fish craft. It could be exciting, yes, but can I survive it?  When the speedboat started to accelerate, almost my entire group where thrown out and I was the only one left! I told myself, “I made it, Yahoo!” But on the last run of the speedboat, my luck did not hold out wasn’t go on my side as I full off myself on the grip and fall to the shore, and the excitements begin!

 Helmet Diving- This is one water activity that scared me the most. Why? This water activity really measures breathing stamina. I honestly told the helmet diving guide that I had some heart issue and I was currently having an asthma attack. Still, I insisted that I really wanted to experience this water activity.  Maybe they got irritated with me, so they gave in! lol. It was a great experience, and I survived! I love it!

ATV- When I heard the word “Boracay”, I thought it was just all about island hopping.  There was another fun and exciting activity, riding an ATV and going hell bent for leather through the island with a short stop in Mount Luho – Boracay’s highest peak. If you want to do something that will make your pulse pound and your mind fill with excitement, this is it!

Zorb- It is a giant, inflatable bouncing ball usually made of transparent plastic rolled down the hill for the purpose of recreation and I rode on a hydro zorb.  This is an Uphill to downhill ride. I had back pains the next morning! But the experience paid - off!

 

Zip line- Boracay Mount Luho Zip line relies on gravity. Like a fast roller coaster down the mountain, you can really feel the G-force unlike other zip lines that operate on machine-driven pulley systems. I’ve been to Tree Top adventure in Subic, Zambales so this experience wasn’t as exciting compared to the other activities I did in Boracay.

Speed Boat- the first time I got the opportunity to ride a speedboat was traumatic. That was when I was rushed to the hospital due to asthma attack. But in Boracay, riding a speedboat was a great, relaxing experience as the boat captain always tried to make turns that made us yell out loud!

Beach vacation will not be complete without food galore! My doctor strictly advised me not to eat seafood’s while having an asthma attack, but who could resist eating sumptuous and mouth-watering foods in D’ Talipapa Boracay where a fresh line of seafood’s invites everyone for a taste! I had a fully loaded pack of anti-histamine with me anyway. I took steroids this time so my appetite really drove me crazy! This is my third time in Boracay and I could say that this is one of the best Boracay experiences that I've ever had!