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everyone of us has a gift...
have you ever realized that?
what uncommon gift do you have?
i have always wanted to have the gift of healing...
healing some people's pains..
some people's wounds...

one day, i felt so alive!
went to work with a light heart...
i didn't expect i would be of help to someone...
see? when you feel you are light-hearted...
it's just like things are coming out of your human brain...
advices, comforting words and others...
experience not needed...
i thought i couldn't handle it...

i was doing something...
when a pregnant friend messaged me...
i never considered her as a disturbance...
rather, i took her as a challenge...

i rarely spend time with this friend of mine...
but every time we talk, it's so serious and
i just like it the way it is...
we have so much learning from each other...

she was asking me few things...
few things about the way she feels...
or why is she always wantng to be aloof...
i have a little bit idea of it though...
but i wasn't sure... i was only 60% sure...
i told her it might be because of her pregnancy...
i was talking to her about hormones...
i always visit my gynecologist...
that is why i have a little background about hormones & moods...
then i made a quick search on the internet...
i was right... though my intention is only to make her at ease...

i always felt blessed when people finds comfort in me...
i could learn from them...
even if i can't help them with solutions...
but spending time with them in bitter times...
and lending them my ears and my shoulders are enough..

it doesn't really mean
that if you don't have ideas about the problem
you can't help or comfort someone...
most of the times, they don't need words from you...
they don't need advices...
just listen to them...
hear them...
that is all they wanted...

but when they really wanted you to say something,
and you don't have any idea...
try to find comforting words...
don't add to the pain they're feeling...

Wasted Opportunity

opportunities come rarely to someone...
an opportunity knocked at my door...
but i was so busy to open at least my window
to have welcomed it...

few days ago this month,
the sidetrip magazine editor in chief sent me a flickrmail:
she was seeking for my approval to use one of my photos
for a project travel guide - my Tabing Ilog Photo. (photo appears above)
and she needs my feedback within that day...

i was so busy with so many things nowadays...
i was no longer able to check my flickr account...
i was 7 days late to respond to her flickrmail...
i know it was too late but i still sent her the high resolution
of the photo...

and just today, she sent me an sms confirming the receipt of my mail...
but the project was already done... i was late...

i have wasted an opportunity...
it could have been the beginning of something...
something that i could be proud of...
my photo used in a travel magazine...
could have been a good feeling...
i missed it...

anyways, they say another better opportunity will come soon...
it's okay...
at least i know that few people are eyeing on my photos...
regardless of the number of comments...

ms. sol, thanks for the opportunity to communicate with you...
at least it made me feel proud that one of my photos was shortlisted
to be included in your travel magazine..
sorry that i replied too late...
i also hope to work with you in your future projects...

Change Begins with Choice

change has the biggest role in my life...
it has a huge impact on me...
i will not be who i am now if not of change..
and the choice i made...
it though have different results...
could it be positive or the other way...

i remembered a good friend telling me that people change...
that is why that friend is no longer the friend i've known...
yes... that was simply change...
i value people...
i value friends especially the good ones...
it hurts me a lot and it took me years to forget...
but i chose to let go... and that changed me...

to initially assess myself i am who i am now
because i choose to change...
people have told me i am this and i am that...
they become my mirror...
i've heard a lot of negative comments...
yes, i was hurt but i was thankful,
i cried and stood up...
with eagerness to improve somethings in me...
questions coming in...
as well as choices...
usually it's "do i want to be like this?"
or "will i just be someone of no purpose?"
then there were answers and "what ifs"...

i was once a loner...
literally a loner...
i would go to malls alone...
watch movie alone...
because i have this principle...
that friends can never stay by your side "always"..
they have their life too...
as a loner, i even stay at my grandparents' tomb and talk to them...
they were my outlet when i need to cry...
or when life is bitter...
crazy isn't it?
or i read a book there...

but i need to change it...
i thought i was really crazy... (ROTFL)
thank God He gave me time to change...
i've made a lot of thinking...
formulated a lot of choices...
now look at me...
i may not be perfectly happy...
but i love my life now...
because i choose to be happy...
people may not notice because i'm not that flashy...
but man! I AM HAPPY!

change begins with choice...
you make choices...
either you get stagnant?
or will you just let people treat you like that?
or go beyond your comfort zone...
but always remember that when you make choices, there are risks...
consider them...
get the factors that will be affected...
ask yourself which can you handle...

life is the sum total of the choice we made...

CHOOSE TO CHANGE!

goodbye 28, hello 29

wow! look at how time flies so fast!
i wonder what's in store for me at 29...

during my 28,
at these times, i was in a hospital.
not that my mom gave birth to me again.
but i with the whole family was nursing mom.
though she wasn't in an intensive care,
but her life was critical that she almost
left my family and me at 28.

few days after she was discharged from the hospital,
my father, my niece and her mother met a car accident.
went to the site with my sister very early in the morning.
the cab was
good thing was my dad was okay.
he was hugging my bloody niece.
my niece's mom was at the road side,
rescued by the 911.
that was the very first time i took a 911 ambulance.
spent the whole day at the hospital,
shaking while trying to give help.
my sister was crying asnd asked me
why is it happening one after the other.

after few months,
my future was put to risk.
threats were mouthed at me.
body was deteriorating,
lots of illnesses visiting me.
mind was bothered.
fears went gone and anger came in.
i felt pain inside my heart.
criticism came in and out of my ears.

i was just thankful.
despite of everything,
i was able to manage my emotions.
and things went back to its place.

and now,
i am bidding goodbye to the bitterness of 28.

i started the year right with my family,
in preparation to welcome my 29.

hello 29!

God Always Hears

i blogged about missing the old me..
yeah, just this morning..
and now, i have this feeling...
initially, i am gaining back my old self...

God always listens... that's guaranteed..

i had been bothered with a dispute lately..
not only me but some of my friends..
my mind is always bothered...
i craved for peace of mind lately...
muscles and nerves crumbling...
fear keeps in an on and off mode...
head feels like it's gonna explode...

can't sleep well...
thoughts coming in and out...
i lift everything to GOD..
we lift everything to GOD...
GOD really hears those who cry for help..
In search for truth and justice...

now, it's time for me and the others to packup,
i need to regain energy....
reform myself and face another life's challenge...
another step of challenge...
GOD ALWAYS LISTEN, ALL THE TIME!

missed the old me

badminton... lawn tennis...
walking... jogging...
photo shoots... meeting friends...
watch movies and pampering myself...
at my very own room....

i missed those things...

life has already changed
few years ago.
it changed more this time.
the responsibility is wider.
the risk is greater..

but i learned...

it made me more mature...
and it gave me more outlooks for the future...
it taught me not only to think about myself...

i never had regrets
about having this kind of life.
it helped me a lot to be a better person,
not only for myself but for others.
and i am happy to serve my fellow workers..
what i just wanna say is that i missed the old me...

soon, when everything's over...
i could perhaps go back to at least some old me...
sometimes... with mature thoughts... :)

Rest in Peace, Tita Cory... The Filipinos Love You!

It's been a while since I last wrote something in this blog.
But this woman led me in here to write something that I could
remembered when I was young.

It was weeks ago that I have heard news that Tita Cory was confined at the hospital because she had this colon cancer. And she could no longer eat well. Just Last Saturday, August 1, 2009,as a flickr addict,I went to my flickr group to find out who posted in what thread. While reading the thread topics, I was shocked
to read that Tita Cory's already dead.

Oh yes! I knew her plainly as a former President of this beloved Philippines.
Then, I have known that lots of people mourn for her death. Then I tried
asking myself,what have this woman done in the past when she was the President? Why do people love her that much? Then I started to think what I have remembered
when I was still at my young age.

Then there was a flashback: this woman's husband, Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. was killed in an airport during the Marcos' Presidency; she became the first female President of this country and Asia's first female President; The Woman in Yellow; she has a big part of the Philippine History. That is then that I have realized her big part in this country's History. I was still 5 years of age during the People Power Revolution. The song Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo will always be remembered.

Today, the Mother of Democracy, will be burried at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque. May her soul rest in Peace...

To the former President Corazon Aquino, I and the Filipino people love you. You will always remain in our hearts. Thank you for loving this country and the people as well. You will always be remembered, Tita.



'Di na 'ko papayag mawala ka muli.
'Di na 'ko papayag na muli mabawi,
Ating kalayaan kay tagal natin mithi.
'Di na papayagang mabawi muli.

Magkakapit-bisig libo-libong tao.
Kay sarap palang maging Pilipino.
Sama-sama iisa ang adhikain.
Kelan man 'di na paalipin.

Ref:
Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo,
Mapayapang paraang pagbabago.
Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan
Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas.
Basta't magkaisa tayong lahat.

Masdan ang nagaganap sa aming bayan.
Nagkasama ng mahirap at mayaman.
Kapit-bisig madre, pari, at sundalo.
Naging Langit itong bahagi ng mundo.

Huwag muling payagang umiral ang dilim.
Tinig ng bawat tao'y bigyan ng pansin.
Magkakapatid lahat sa Panginoon.
Ito'y lagi nating tatandaan.
(repeat refrain two times)

Coda:
Mapayapang paraang pagbabago.
Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan.
Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas.
Basta't magkaisa tayong lahat!

The History of the FLICKR-holic Indio

Nowadays, many are addicted to flickr. I am one of them. For the benefit of those who are not familiar with flickr, please visit Flickr on Wikipedia .

I became a member of flickr in the 19th of June 2005. I have uploaded photos for the sake of having an online album. I was not into photography that time. I uploaded some photos of friends and some memories just like in friendster, facebook and multiply. I have also uploaded some personalized greeting cards.

In late 2007, I started to eye on good photos and admired photography until in the 1st of January 2008, I tried the first shot using my mom's point and shoot camera.



Until my photostream became a mixture of pictures intended for photography and pictures of memories with places and people.

I joined different groups in flickr and look for groups where I really think I could fit in. InMarch 2008, I joined the group flickristasindios. I have felt the warm welcome of the group and became a regular visitor in the duscussions. I don't have a DSLR that time so I just use my mom's point and shoot camera, post some photos and mingle with them in the discussion threads.

In May 6, 2008 I posted a new topic which is I think something that could build up closeness and bonding to members. Until now, I'm thankful to the members because it's still alive. To date, it has 2,591 replies.

In 1st of August 2008, I got my first D40 Nikon DSLR (bought by a friend in Peter Go's Photoshoppe in Cebu). I named him Niko.



Then I took some photos using Niko. Here's my first flickr upload:



In same month, I got my first flickr pro account. Before I go on, let me first thank the two people who supported this hobby through sponsoring my PRO account.

I would just like to thank my PRO account sponsors:

(1) Lolinda Sams(Aug 2008 - Aug 2009)
(2) Shirley Denia Ramos (Aug 2009 - Aug 2010)

Thank you!

Then I tried to combine graphics design and photography. I joined the Indios' calendar design contest. I became the contestant who first passed the design. Though I did not win, but still I am proud because I have designed a desk calendar.



Then, my life as a flickr addict and photography hobbyist started. You can visit my flickr account here.

And the hobby goes on...

In November 2, 2008, I got my first EXPLORED picture. By the way, for those who have no idea what an Explore is, please do visit the site FAQS about Explore. I took the photo after my Toastmaster's ice breaker speech.



I was shocked because there are more than one blogger using thisphoto. I remembered the #1 user seeking for my permission. Here are some sites using this photo:

1. Now Public's Writing Dilemma by Sara Star



NowPublic is a place where you can make, break, shape, and share the news that matters to you — as it happens. We are the largest and fastest-growing participatory news network in the world, with thousands of contributing members from over 140 countries.

Unlike traditional news organizations, NowPublic is an open community that enables everyone to participate in the newsmaking process. Whether you're interested in being an eyewitness "on the scene" reporter, a newshound that seeks out stories about topics that interest you, or any combination of editor, writer, blogger, photographer, videographer, avid commenter, or even a general news enthusiast — NowPublic lets you define the news agenda.



2. Writing


3. Top 3 Marketing Tips


4. If Serious About Blogging, Write Better


5. Discover More About Yourself Through Blogging


6. Understanding Freelance Writing


7. What Kind of Writing Do You Do?


8. Group Writing: The Poorest Time in My Life


9. Writing Meme: What and How I Write


10. How to Work at Home and Make Money Online


11. Article Marketing is About How to Sell Yourself


12. Steps to Write Better Posts on Your Blog


13. Direct Sales Article Marketing


14. How to Manage


15. The Basics of a Non-Profit Grants


16. Helium vs. Hubpages - The Statistics


17. How to Write Your Book and Get Paid to It


18. Writing


19. 5 Risorse Per Diventare Scrittore Professionista

Then, Explored photos keep coming in. And my loyality to the group became intense(tama ba yan? ump!). Memebers visiting Davao City would never froget to communicate and meet me and the other members who are in the city.

Then I met Ate Norly, the first Indio I've met. Along with her were stuffs sent by Kuya Jo to me.





Then I met Kuya Ding and other Indios in Davao(Maggy & Ate Jo).



The I became more proud of the group because the activities does not only involve photography but also in helping the community. The group was already acknowledged by Yahoo(the owner of flickr). And the number of members keeps on growing!

The group had our first photo exhibit.



Then, I had my first photoshoot woth the Davao-based Indios the day after Christmas.



In January 2009, I started to dp something beyond photography. I started to enter into the world of photo processing - HDR (High Dynamic Range). Here's my first attempt:



In March 2009, I met another Indio, Kuya Abdul with my other friends who share same passion with me.



Then, in late March 2009, another Indio came to the city for an OB. I met him with some of my Davao Light pals.



That was same date when I had my first win in the group's Hamon (photo contest). The theme was "Light Painting" and here's my entry:



Ang here's what I got as a prize which I donated to Kuya Uckhet's birthday mamam... a Chivas Regal!



And just after the Holy Week, I had my 2nd Xcelerator experience with the Indios-Davao.



And the other day, I received Flickr stuffs from a friend. Thanks, Kev.

That's all for now, folks.... back to normal programming... :)

My 2nd INDIO HAMON Winning Photo

Haaaayyy... kakapagod! Maaga nga kaming pinauwi dahil nga transport stike pero 6pm na ako nakarating sa bahay....

Anyways, while I was making a "silip" sa silid ng INDIOS(sa flickr po), nabigla na lang ako nang makita ko ang pangalan ko na nakarugtong sa HAMON 09 #38 ng INDIOS. Sa kasawiang palad.... Ako ang nanalo! Pangalawang panalo ko na po sa HAMON. Minsa lang po ako sumasali... Eto po ang entry ko sa HAMONG: DON'T TOUCH MY BIRDIE.....



Maraming salamat po sa bumoto dito sa entry ko....

Ako po'y nahihirapan nung kunan ko ang hayop na iyan. Mahirap pong matyempuhan ang pagharap niya sa camera. Pinoposisyon ko po kasi ang camera ko kung saan po na hindi makikita ang cyclone wire na naging kulungan niya. pangalawang beses ko po siyang binalikbalikan kasi po sa tuwing nakaready na po ako, likod niya agad ang pinapaharap niya sa lente ko. Ang sakit pa naman ng kagat ng araw.....

Wala lang po... share ko lang... hehehehehhe...

More Than a Year of Flickr Addiction

This photo is for my 1st year of FLICKR ADDICTION. I had been registered to flickr for more than 2 years but I was addicted to flickr only last January of 2008. And because life had been so hard since 2009 started( thank God it's all over), that is why I made something for my more than a year of flickr addiction only this time.

This is my 2nd upload for the month of May and it's been more than a month that I have not visited flickr regularly because of my busy life (work, tennis class, and etc.). I don't even have photo shoots these days because I couldn't free my mind from worrying about some things. My eyes couldn't see beautiful things through my lens right now and I promise, when things fall back to its place, I will be back to my regular programming hehehehe...

No matter how busy life is, I still find time to visit flickr (watch mode nga lang)... therefore, I still consider myself as FLICKR ADDICT.


Salamat nga pala sa mga grupong tumanggap sa akin ng buong-buo at sa mga pro account sponsors ko... Maraming salamat po!