Monday, December 28, 2009

Hamzah Marbella-a child prodigy


I am now 32 years old but if you would ask me to paint a sunflower or a garden, I guess I can crudely produce one that would pass for a kindergarten level of work.
But watching on tv about what Hamzah Marbella can do totally blew me away that an epiphany hit me: this little guy really deserves credit. Which happily prompted me to submit an entry about him on the Ellen DeGeneres show website.

Check out what this young soul has achieved: (From Jessica Fenol's blog:
http://badgefenol.blogspot.com/2007/11/future-of-philippine-art-scene-whiz-kid.html )

Hamzah Marbella. Born March 31, 2001, eight-year-old Marbella is already an artist to reckon with in the field of visual arts. With over 40 local and international recognitions, he is the youngest member of the Artists Association of the Philippines.

Hamzah started painting at the age of 2, formally joined competitions at the age of four. At his young age, he is already a recipient of almost 50 awards (local and international). The most recent was from Korea's stamp making contest this November. SOme of his works are also displayed at the UN head quarters in New York City.

Although he received scholarships from prominent schools, it seems like he is still lacking with necessary support. Nevertheless, Cavite's local government already acknowledge this genious, he also appeared in some TV stations and newspapers alike. But what this young painter needs is support from our government. Sir Renato: "Nakakalungkot lang kasi ang napopromote lang yung mga artists na mayayaman kahit hindi masyadong magagaling". I hope artists like Hamzah will be given enough support and proper credit.

You can reach Hamzah through his parents MR. Renato - 09206266163 and Mrs. Elma - 09282626135.

Please be one with me in praying that Hamzah would be recognized worldwide thru the Ellen DeGeneres show and that he will have support in whatever means so that he would be able to grow as an artist and create a difference in this world thru his talent.

PS. Attached below is an e-mail I sent to wikipedia asking them to come up with an article about our wonderboy:

Sent: Monday, December 28, 2009 6:03 AM
To: 'info-en-o@wikimedia.org'
Subject: Please write an article about Hamzah Marbella
Importance: High

Hello,

Good day!

I have been relying on your site for everything that I need to know about anything. Kindly consider putting up an article on your site about an 8 year old Filipino prodigy in the field of visual arts.

Hamzah Marbella (male). Born March 31, 2001, eight-year-old Marbella is already an artist to reckon with in the field of visual arts. With over 40 local and international recognitions, he is the youngest member of the Artists Association of the Philippines.

Hamzah started painting at the age of 2, formally joined competitions at the age of four. At his young age, he is already a recipient of almost 50 awards (local and international). The most recent was from Korea's stamp making contest this November. SOme of his works are also displayed at the UN head quarters in New York City.

Although he received scholarships from prominent schools, it seems like he is still lacking with necessary support. Nevertheless, Cavite's local government already acknowledge this genious, he also appeared in some TV stations and newspapers alike. But what this young painter needs is support from our government.

I hope artists like Hamzah will be given enough support and proper credit.

He is very much googable which puzzled me why you have no article of him. But considering the tons of work your organization is undertaking, I can understand why.

Please, please, by acknowledging his work, you are helping him achieve his highest potential.

Happy Holidays and best regards,
Ruth Chase

Reply from wikipedia

----------
From: Wikipedia information team
Sent: Monday, December 28, 2009 6:46 AM
To: Chase, Ruth
Subject: Re: [Ticket#2009122810022788] Please write an article about Hamzah Marbella

Dear Chase Ruth \,

Thank you for your email.

12/28/2009 13:04 - Chase Ruth \ wrote:

> > Hello,
> >
> > Good day!
> >
> > I have been relying on your site for everything that I need to know about
anything. Kindly consider putting up an article on your site about an 8 year old
Filipino prodigy in the field of visual arts.
> >
> > Hamzah Marbella (male). Born March 31, 2001, eight-year-old Marbella is
already an artist to reckon with in the field of visual arts. With over 40 local
and international recognitions, he is the youngest member of the Artists
Association of the Philippines.
> >
> > Hamzah started painting at the age of 2, formally joined competitions at the
age of four. At his young age, he is already a recipient of almost 50 awards
(local and international). The most recent was from Korea's stamp making contest
this November. SOme of his works are also displayed at the UN head quarters in New
York City.
> >
> > Although he received scholarships from prominent schools, it seems like he is
still lacking with necessary support. Nevertheless, Cavite's local government
already acknowledge this genious, he also appeared in some TV stations and
newspapers alike. But what this young painter needs is support from our government.
> >
> > I hope artists like Hamzah will be given enough support and proper credit.
> >
> > He is very much googable which puzzled me why you have no article of him. But
considering the tons of work your organization is undertaking, I can understand why.
> >
> > Please, please, by acknowledging his work, you are helping him achieve his
highest potential.
> >
> > Happy Holidays and best regards,
> > Ruth Chase
> >
> >
> >
>

Thank you for suggesting a new entry in Wikipedia, the collaborative encyclopaedia
written by its readers. The subjects for our articles are chosen by the editing
community rather than by request.

If the entry qualifies under our notability guidelines
(), you can suggest the
creation of it at .

If one of our many editors feels the topic is worthwhile for inclusion, an entry
will be created. If you have already prepared material for the entry, you can
create it yourself if you have an account. Simply type in the title of the entry
into the search bar. If no articles with such a title exist, you will be given the
option of creating it or requesting it at the page mentioned above. Follow the
appropriate link, and you will be greeted with a form allowing you to create the
entry.

If you do not have an account, you will need to register one in order to submit
new entries. In addition to this, having an account will give you more options and
help you keep track of your contributions. You can create an account at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/wiki.phtml?title=Special:Userlogin

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can still help create a new entry. Simply
submit the content you have written to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Articles_for_creation where one of our many
editors will review the proposed article and create it.

Before editing, we advise you to be mindful that Wikipedia discourages articles
written by the subjects themselves or by others close to a subject because of the
difficulty in writing objectively about yourself, your family, or your work.
Please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Autobiography for our guidelines
on writing about yourself or topics you are personally involved with.

To help you get started, you can review our welcome page at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Welcome%2C_newcomers

Thanks for writing to us, and we do hope you will be able to submit an entry for
inclusion in Wikipedia.

Yours sincerely,
Joe Daly

--
Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org
---
Disclaimer: all mail to this address is answered by volunteers, and responses are
not to be considered an official statement of the Wikimedia Foundation. For
official correspondence, please contact the Wikimedia Foundation by certified mail
at the address listed on http://www.wikimediafoundation.org

Monday, August 17, 2009

My Joy


Some dream of reaching the stars...Others, to be the star.
Some dream of heaven...others, to be the god..
But I need not look far because I have you in my life.
I have my little one...my gift...my son...

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Asia will be first to rise out of global recession: ADB

Asia's recession appears to have touched bottom and the region is likely to be the first to climb out of the global economic slowdown, the Asian Development Bank's chief economist said Thursday.

However, ADB's Lee Jong-Wha said it would be difficult for the world's most populous region to return to the high-growth scenarios of 2007 and earlier unless the industrialised world also recovers from a deep recession.

Speaking at a news conference in Manila, Lee said that compared to other regions, Asia -- outside of Japan -- had mostly managed positive growth throughout the crisis, albeit at lower levels.

He added that the ADB was now seeing stronger numbers in terms of "quarter on quarter industrial production," and concluded that "Asia will see recovery faster than the industrialised countries."

Expansionary monetary policies implemented by governments around the region loosened credit and lowered interest rates, helping Asians spend more money to keep local economies ticking over, Lee said.

Meanwhile large countries such as China and India "maintained relatively strong and resilient growth which provided demand for regional exports" from Asian neighbours.

"Clearly now we are in the transition from recession to recovery. The question is how fast the recovery will happen," Lee said.

"No one can say for sure."

The Manila-based bank said it will update on September 22 its flagship Asian Development Outlook forecasts, which predicted earlier this year that developing Asia will see its economic growth fall to 3.4 percent this year compared to 6.3 percent in 2008.

Lee stressed that "the recovery is still not that strong" and that Asian governments must not pursue policies that may damage any green shoots, ensuring they review current stimulus policy once rehabilitation holds.

Climbing out of the crisis would be more difficult due to the "unprecedented synchronised recession" of the industrialised countries, he said, adding that Europe was apparently faring worse than previously forecast.

In Asia, Lee said Malaysia was also performing "worse than what we expected in March" because its high-tech industries were dependent on external demand, which was declining and not being offset by demand at home

PS. I just got back from a few days vacation in Guangzhou and HK to celebrate Gregg's bday...I was amazed how fluent he is with the Mandarin language...Way to go Dada!!!

Sunday, May 31, 2009

How to Succeed in Life by Andrew Carnegie

From The Pittsburg Bulletin, 19 December 1903. Reprinted from the New York Tribune.


Everybody wants to preach to the young, and tell them to be good and they will be happy. I shall not enter far upon that field, but confine myself to presenting from a business man's standpoint of view, a few rules, which, I believe, lie at the root of business success.

First--Never enter a bar-room. Do not drink liquor as a beverage. I will not paint the evil of drunkenness, or the moral crime; but I suggest to you that it is low and common to enter a bar-room, unworthy of any self-respecting man, and sure to fasten upon you a taint which will operate to your disadvantage in life, whether you ever become a drunkard or not.

Second--I wish young men would not use tobacco--not that it is morally wrong, except in so far as it is used in excess and injures health, which the medical faculty declares it does. But the use of tobacco requires young men to withdraw themselves from the society of women to indulge the habit. I think the absence of women from any assembly tends to lower the tone of that assembly. The habit of smoking tends to carry young men into the society of men whom it is not desirable that they should choose as their intimate associates. The practice of chewing tobacco was once common. Now it is considered offensive. I believe the race is soon to take another step forward, and that the coming man is to consider smoking as offensive as chewing was formally considered. As it is practically abandoned now, so I believe smoking will be.

Third--Having entered upon work, continue in that line of work. Fight it out on that line (except in extreme cases), for it matters little what avenue a young man finds first. Success can be attained in any branch of human labor. There is always room at the top in every pursuit. Concentrate all your thought and energy upon the performance of your duties. Put all your eggs into one basket and then watch that basket, do not scatter your shot. The man who is director in a half dozen railroads and three or four manufacturing companies, or who tries at one and the same time to work a farm, a factory, a line of street cars, a political party and a store, rarely amounts to much. He may be concerned in the management of more than one business enterprise, but they should all be of the one kind, which he understands. The great successes of life are made by concentration.

Fourth--Do not think a man has done his full duty when he has performed the work assigned him. A man will never rise if he does only this. Promotion comes from exceptional work. A man must discover where his employer's interests can be served beyond the range of the special work allotted to him; and whenever he sees his employer's interests suffer, or wherever the latter's interests can be promoted, tell him so. Differ from your employers upon what you think his mistakes. You will never make much of a success if you do not learn the needs and opportunities of your own branch much better than your employer can possibly do. You have been told to "obey orders if you break owners." Do no such foolish thing. If your employer starts upon a course which you think will prove injurious, tell him so, protest, give your reasons, and stand to them unless convinced you are wrong. It is the young man who does this, that capital wants for a partner or for a son-in-law.

Fifth--Whatever your wages are, save a little. Live within your means. The heads of stores, farms, banks, lawyers' offices, physicians' offices, insurance companies, mills and factories are not seeking capital; they are seeking brains and business habits. The man who saves a little from his income has given the surest indication of the qualities which every employer is seeking for.

Sixth--Never speculate. Never buy or sell grain or stocks upon a margin. If you have savings, invest them in solid securities, lands or property. The man who gambles upon the exchanges is in the condition of the man who gambles at the gaming table. He rarely, if ever, makes a permanent success. His judgment goes; his faculties are snapped; and his end, as a rule, is nervous prostration after an unworthy and useless life.

Seventh--If you ever enter business for yourself, never indorse for others. It is dishonest. All your resources and all your credit are the sacred property of the men who have trusted you; and until you have surplus cash and owe no man, it is dishonest to give your name as an indorser to others. Give the cash you can spare, if you wish, to help a friend. Your name is too sacred to give.

Do not make riches, but usefulness, your first aim; and let your chief pride be that your daily occupation is in the line of progress and development; that your work, in whatever capacity it may be, is useful work, honestly conducted, and as such ennobling to your life.

To sum up, do not drink, do not smoke, do not indorse, do not speculate. Concentrate, perform more than your prescribed duties; be strictly honest in word and deed. And may all who read these words be just as happy and prosperous and long lived as I wish them all to be. And let this great fact always cheer them: It is impossible for any one to be cheated out of an honorable career unless he cheats himself.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

My Beloved Country

It was just a few months that I was riding high on the wave of motherhood. It seems like just yesterday when I was beaming with pride with the thought of having my dream (at 15 I knew I was going to be a mother someday)come true and being complete as a woman.

But now, looking how things are in the Philippines, I write this piece with a heavy heart and a few tears ran free. Is there hope for this country? Is there an assurance that when I choose to stay here and decide not to move to another country, I would be assured that my son would grow up having the same previleges and options that the other kids his age would have from the other part of the world?

For now, I can only pray and hope, that the best is yet to come for my beloved country and its people. That those brave souls who gave up their lives just for us to have the freedom that we are enjoying now, did not just die in vain.

I can only ask God for his mercy and grace to pour unto this country and its inhabitants...

Monday, April 20, 2009

AJ


With the birth of my son came a 180 degree change in my life, the direction I'm taking and things I consider my treasure.

My aspirations and dreams in life dramatically changed. Everything I do, I first think of him. Moment's came when I feel like just letting go and being carefree but then, I heard that whistle, pointing me to AJ. I could not afford to get sick, much worst, die and leave an almost toddler. I cannot afford to raise a son with my bachelor's degree and meager income, I must aspire for more and be more for my son.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Tell Me


BEcause you inspire me in so many ways I can't count--I wish to be eloquent, to say the right words, but its better for some to be left unsaid that I can sum them all up in a poem.

Which of my feelings is real?
Which is really mine?
Which goes with the bubble and which one would die?
Do you know how to count raindrops?
Do you know where a rainbow ends?
Have you seen the earth in its perfect beauty?
With your heart, do you know how love springs?
If you have the answer, tell me when when the world is asleep.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Spring Of The Heart


Spring time has begun (like the cracking of the rays of the sun at dawn) at some parts of the world. Living in a tropical country, I have only seen, summer, summer, summer and summer (I swear, no complaints!). But the rice fields of Narra,Palawan has given me, over and over again, a glimpse of what spring is like... I was at that time 15 ( a spring chicken) and I instantly made that strong connection with my inner self, my spirit...that when I see a young rice plant with its beautiful cool green color dancing in harmony with the every sway of the wind, I let go of a contented sigh, not knowing where to put the overflowing joy and calmness of the moment...It feels great to be alive...Those images and memories impacted me, and I carry them around.

After going through a lot emotionally- I have trudged from scorching deserts to sad winters--now my heart is dancing and basking in the glory and joys and beauty of spring...I have long awaited this, the spring of my heart...

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Pinoy slum teacher is a CNN hero (Written by Sabrina Oliveros)


Efren Peñaflorida , a 27-year-old Filipino teacher and youth worker, will be introduced today as a “CNN Hero” for providing Filipino youth growing up in slums an alternative to gang membership through education. The story of how Peñaflorida founded the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) that has taught basic reading and writing to 1,500 children will be aired on the CNN talk show Larry King Live today, March 6, 6:00 PM Manila time.

CNN Heroes is an ongoing endeavor of the international cable news network to feature 32 difference-makers based on nominations submitted from all over the globe. The top 10 heroes for 2009, as selected by a panel of judges, will be honored at the end of the year. The international public will then vote for the Hero of the Year.

The CNN campaign with the slogan “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact” honors people who fit the bill of community crusader, everyday superhero, medical marvel and young wonder as well as people who are engaged in defending the planet, protecting the powerless and championing children.

Peñaflorida, himself once threatened by the dangers he now works to steer kids away from, belongs to that last category.

“High school was hell for Peñaflorida,” reported businessmirror.com and manilatimes.net. As a kid growing up in the slums outside of Cavite City, Peñaflorida lived in the shadow of local gangs who “constantly harassed and threatened” him, as they did other students in his school who wound up either joining the gangs or leaving school altogether. Still, Peñaflorida was able to enjoy a privilege—many of his peers had no chance at education in the first place.

Then, at 16 years old, he decided to “combine two problems to create a solution.” Together with three other high school students, Peñaflorida began reaching out to slum kids and laid the foundations for the DTC. According to dynamicteamcompany.org, Peñaflorida started his advocacy in 1999 by feeding and teaching slum children, as well as helping them stage performances and sell recycled products. As the DTC expanded over the last decade, Peñaflorida and his colleagues have realized their vision to “teach unschooled, labor-exploited and neglected children.” Former drug users, petty thieves and scavengers have all joined the DTC as volunteers, and thousands of unschooled children are now able to read and write.

Rhandolf Fajardo, who joined a gang in sixth grade, told CNN.com: “I thought I'd get stuck in that situation and that my life would never improve. I would probably in jail right now, most likely a drug addict—if I hadn't met Efren.”

Answered Peñaflorida: “They need education to be successful in life. It's just giving them what others gave to me.”

“I always tell my volunteers that you are the change that you dream and I am the change that I dream,” he added, noting that he wants to bring his “pushcart classes” beyond the slums of his childhood. “And collectively we are the change that this world needs to be.”

Monday, March 23, 2009

YOU


Falling in love with you was one of the most beautfiul thing that happened to me.
I was driving along this winding road, with no destination in mind and heading nowhere.
Suddenly, a cool gust of wind swept my face, filled my lungs, down my heart.
It was you. I didn't see you coming, but it was you.
Filling my life, my heart, my whole being, loving my soul.
Baby, you are so beautiful.
At first, I was afraid that I was falling for you, too fast, too soon.
But then, love is not measured by how long we have known each other but how long I have held you, treasured you in my heart.

I just love you so.
Then, when I asked you what you want in life, hoping to hear you say that you'd want to take my hand and walk down the abandoned road, our road. You said you want your "freedom and peace of mind", so with a heavy heart, I am going back to where I was, driving along the winding road until destination finds me.

Please don't be sad for me, I am walking away with a happy heart, giving you what you want, giving your "freedom and peace of mind".

I am walking away because I love you. I love you until I don't know when.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

101 reasons why I Love You


I always fall in love whenever I am holding a Nicholas Sparks book in my hand...He brings that beautiful magic into reading...Thank you...

1. I can be myself when I'm with you.
2. You fill up my senses, like the mountains in spring time.
3. You love me even with all my faults.
4. You are so beautiful to me.
5. I don't have to vacuum before you come over.
6. You're never boring.
7. Even when I'm grumpy, you still like me.
8. You let me give you a detailed description of how I spent my day.
9. Your idea of romance is dim lights, soft music, and just the two of us.
10. We both know that together we can work out anything.
11. You never make fun of me, even when I look like a clown.
12. Because you make me feel like I've never felt before.
13. I can tell you anything and you won't be shocked.
14. You never say, "Are you going to tell that story AGAIN?"
15. We can talk about everything or nothing--it's always okay with you.
16. You're the light in my life, you're the inspiration.
17. When you hold me tight, everything becomes alright.
18. I love sharing rainbow walks with you.
19. You always seem to know when things aren't going great.
20. Your undying faith is what keeps the flame of our love alive.
21. You never intimidate me.
22. You know how to bring a smile to my face.
23. You're always on my side.
24. We can talk over the telephone for hours together even if I've seen you the day before.
25. You're so dependable and trustworthy.
26. When I need to cry, you lend me a shoulder and a tissue.
27. When I'm with you, nothing else seems to matter.
28. 'Coz a smile from you can chase away all the blues.
29. When you listen, I know you're really listening and not just waiting for your turn to talk.
30. You and me together...we can make magic.
31. When you're around, everything's fun.
32. We're a perfect match.
33. We both really can't do without each other.
34. Thinking of you add a wonderful touch of love to my every day.
35. You've taught me the meaning of love and sharing. Our world is more complete because of it.
36. You understand me...even when I'm sobbing.
37. Every moment spent with you is one filled with fun.
38. Your idea of a big night out is just the two of us.
39. Your love gives me the feeling that the best is still ahead.
40. With you I feel, as if in a single lifetime, I have known the joy of a thousand years.
41. You at least pretend you're going to do what I suggest.
42. You never give up on me and that's what keeps me going.
43. You're as helpful as therapy, but you never charge me for it.
44. You're simply irresistible.
45. Sometimes you call just because you're thinking about me.
46. I can feel it, in the warmth of your touch, 'cause it touches my heart and soul.
47. For your sensitivity and support.
48. I love your smile...I really do. =)
49. Your terrific sense of humor...you know how to make me laugh.
50. I love you because you bring out the best in me.
51. You never get mad at me...even when I drive you up the wall.
52. 'Coz you're amazing, dazzling, and extra nice.
53. You understand if I forget something worth remembering.
54. In the story of my life, the best chapters are filled with you.
55. You always know just how to spoil me.
56. You're a good sport even when I'm not.
57. Every heartbeat belongs to you.
58. It's in the way you look at me and in your warm embrace.
59. Every time I look at you my heart misses a beat.
60. Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure.
61. You're the one who holds the key to my heart.
62. I like sharing crazy times with you because you add the spice to my life.
63. When we're together, time just comes to a halt.
64. You can read my innermost thoughts.
65. Your loving gaze is enough to carry me through a long day.
66. You bring to me joy beyond measure.
67. Your idea of fun is laughing really hard and playing practical jokes.
68. You never snore while I'm talking to you.
69. Honey, you're that someone who makes happiness happen.
70. I feel so at ease in your arms.
71. Because of you, no matter what may come tomorrow, today my life is more complete.
72. Since the day you came into my life, everything's perfect.
73. We share the right kind of love.
74. You always say what I need to hear.
75. All I need to do is look at you and....
76. You're cool--no matter what the time, no matter what the place.
77. All the little things you do make such a big difference in my life.
78. I want to stay forever with you.
79. I can see my dreams come true in the ocean of your eyes.
80. You've taught me the meaning of love.
81. The softness of your voice is like satin on my soul.
82. You're so cuddlesome.
83. I love all the ways you give.
84. I just can't imagine being me without you.
85. You're my anchor in life's ocean and most of all, you're my best friend.
86. You're always on my mind. I just can't do without you.
87. Just a touch...and I lose my heart all over again.
88. You've seen me at my worst and you still love me.
89. You're so magnetic...I just keep coming back to you.
90. Love is what you mean to me...and you mean everything.
91. You are my theme for a dream.
92. You're someone I can be goofy with.
93. I enjoy being with you.
94. You'd give up your favorite pastime to be with me.
95. I can ask you a dumb question without feeling dumb.
96. Whenever I need it most you're there with your all-purpose hugs.
97. You excite me, delight me, ignite me.
98. You know all my secrets...and keep them.
99. You're too hot to handle.
100. I've had the time of my life and I owe it all to you.
101. There are endless reasons why I love you but the most important is...darling, knowing you is loving you.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count The Ways


The best poem from a woman to the only one she loves...It has never failed to move me..

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..."
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Ahoi! Single (and looking) Ladies--->HOW NOT TO GET A MAN


We hear you loud and clear oh! great Martha Beck as you coached single and looking ladies on how to properly conduct themselves when it comes to the dating and seeking game/s.

"The so-called rules tell you to scheme, flatter, and play hard to get, but that may not get you very far. It's time to rethink the dating game.

Day after day, as I hear single women bemoan the lack of available men, I wish ethics allowed me to set them up with my wonderful male clients who are searching, with equal frustration, for the right woman. Instead, I end up simply witnessing singles of both sexes failing to find each other. I believe this failure has much to do with the model of love-seeking most popular in our culture: the idea of romantic pursuit as a type of predation, a hunting expedition the goal of which is capture. In my experience, the way of thinking that leads to successful relationships is altogether different. It's focused on the idea that the way to find love is to become so much yourself that you find others of your own kind, with whom you can share freedom.

The predator model of love leads to a hunter's way of dating: Seek large gatherings of your prey, dangle a false self as bait, wait for an individual to stray from the herd, then pounce on him with all the wit and wile it takes to bring him down. Internet matchmaking services, singles bars, speed dating, personal ads and even blind dating all borrow from this "statistical mass" logic. I've seen clients spend years dating this way, entering one briefly exciting, painfully doomed relationship after another. This is not a numbers game. It's a soul search.

I would encourage anyone who wants to find a soul mate to follow these three steps:

1. Know thyself. Women who are willing to hide or detach from their real selves in order to bag a man often seem to believe that the right guy will give them a sense of identity and self-confidence. This is backward. Looking for love before developing a strong sense of self is like trying to find the mate of a shoe you've never seen.

Next time you're feeling fretfully single, try exploring your own nature: Write down your favorite foods or colors or songs or books or sports. Visit a therapist. Embark on a voyage of self-discovery for its own sake and because it is on that journey that you are likely to bump into the perfect traveling companion.

2. Value thyself. The single women I know are frequently advised, "Stop being so picky," "Have a better attitude," and "Lower your standards," perhaps to the point where they'll date anyone with a penis and a pulse. I believe this is precisely the wrong approach. Why? Consider our statistical friend, the bell curve. The great bulge in the middle represents areas where you are, well, average. This is also the part of you that could easily be mixed and matched with the largest number of potential mates. The skinnier upper end represents your greatest gifts, the areas where you are most talented and extraordinary. The few people who share your most exceptional characteristics are your tribe, the population that is most likely to contain your heart's partner.

I suggest that you should be pickier, less accepting and more committed to the "bad attitude" that will make you seek people who are extraordinary in the same way you are. Be courteous to men who don't appeal to you, but for God's sake, don't waste your evenings — let alone your nights — with them. "Oh," conventional rule-keepers might exclaim, "you'll have to spend some nights alone!" Yes, indeed. Your pool of candidates is much smaller at the high-quality end of the bell curve, your chances of having no date on Saturday much larger if you refuse to go out with men who bore or repulse you. But if memory serves, the boredom and/or repulsion of bad dating is much worse than spending a few hours on your own.

3. Engage thyself. The authors of The Rules: Time-Tested Secrets for Capturing the Heart of Mr. Right emphasize that in order to get a guy, a woman should always act busy — for instance, when a desirable man calls, it's wise to set a timer to go off a few minutes later, then recite a memorized exit line, such as "Sorry, gotta go. I have a million things to do." Here's my crazy idea: How about actually having a million things to do? How about actually filling your life with interesting activities? If you want to attract a partner, identify what you love to do, and do it—a lot. Involved, busy people really are more attractive, so if you want to get engaged to your soul mate, start by being engaged in activities that fascinate you — especially those that have nothing to do with dating and that make you forget to go love hunting."

By Martha Beck from "O, The Oprah Magazine"

Friday, March 13, 2009

AJ Turned 1 year old on March 12, 2009


My son just turned 1 year old. Time flew so fast. Last time I know, he was just a growing lump with a heart beat inside my belly. Now, he is the little monkey (as his dada would fondly call him) I call him the little pigeon sometimes, that has so much energy and restlessness.

I just couldn't help myself to love him more. In the stillness of the night when he is sleeping and the world was dozing off with him, I wonder why I have been so lucky, so blessed to have this so much joy and happiness in my life personified in him. The moment I knew I was having him in my life, I knew that I am headed for bigger things not because It's my destiny but I have to.

There are a few things that I am hoping AJ would have:

1. Happy Childhood

2. More choices in life

3. Good character and values

4. Happy life overall

Thank you Dada for sharing and giving me this wonderful gift!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.


I had been living all these years with the thought that one day, happiness, I mean profound happiness would find me putting an end to the waiting and seeking games, once I have found out who I am and my purpose of existence.

George Bernard Shaw is damn right, Life is about creating and not finding. No wonder my happiness is not always whole.

All these years, the answer I am looking for is just at the tip of my nose...(President Barack O is right, love, peace, joy, contenment can be found in unlikely places and events)...