You. Just. Stand.

The last two weeks were pretty tough. The effects of the southwest monsoon floods has gotten everybody in the office doing multiple roles, each with multiple tasks. But somehow, we're getting through it...

I saw this episode of SMASH a few months back. I caught a re-run half an hour ago. It made a lot of sense then; more so now.

S T A N D


What do you do
when you've done all you can
and it seems like you can't make it through?
And what do you say
when your friends turn away,
and you're all alone?
Tell me, what do you give
when you've given your all,
and it seems like you can't make it through?

Well you just stand
when there's nothing left to do
You just stand
Watch the lord see you through
Yes after you've done all you can,
You just stand

Tell me what do you do
when you've given your all
And it seems, it seems like
You can't make it through?

Well, you just stand,
when there's nothing left to do
You just stand
Watch the Lord see you through
Yes, after you've done all you can
You just stand.

Stand and be sure
Be not entangled in that bondage again
You just stand and endure.
God has a purpose.
God has a plan.

Tell me what do you do
when you've done all you can
and it seems like you can't make it through?
Child you just stand
Through the storm (stand),
Stand through the rain (stand)
Through the hurt (stand), oh,
Stand through the pain (you just)

I’ll hold on (stand)
I’ll be strong (stand)
God will step in (stand),
And it won't be long (you just)

After you done all you can you just stand

(From http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/smashcast/stand.html

Never lost, always found (24): Of dads and driving, God and GPS

Never have I had so many encounters with the GPS- global positioning system- than we took long drives the last time I was in the United States with my parents.




Given the dizzying, criss-crossing multitude of highways, signs, and lanes the US road interstate network has, the GPS is indeed God-sent. It allows the driver to drive in peace, having a guide that tells him or her where to go, where to turn, where to exit onwards his or her final destination.



In this sense, I thought to myself while experiencing the myriad conveniences of the GPS, this tool is a lot like God and our relationship with Him.

Plans
Before my dad starts any trip, he keys in to the GPS the address of the, say, hotel or tourist attraction which we want to visit, trusting fully that the GPS will get us there with the best possible route in the shortest amount of time.

Similarly, we lift up to God our plans, our intentions, basically our lives, buoyed by the fact that He will take us there, in places and circumstances where we will blossom and thrive. This trust in the Lord has been one of the earliest and most enduring life lessons given to me by my parents, that “In everything we do, put God first and He will direct and crown our efforts with success.”


Directions
And so we launch out of the garage and into the main highways. The GPS screen gives a visual representation of the road ahead, with appropriately labelled roadways, exits, and landmarks. Alongside the visual representation, there is also an audio component that gives intermittent guidance on where to go next, which side of a fork in the road do we take, etc.

In like manner, God has provided for us visual and auditory reminders of His love through constant guidance. He has given us the Scriptures, our clergy, our lay leaders, even everyday folk to serve as representations of His presence in our lives. Through these, through them, He is helping us see the horizon of the possible, guiding us towards the path promised of unending joy.


Detours
But as is wont to happen, the GPS is at times ignored. Seeming familiarity to a better parallel road will at times tempt the driver to veer away from what the GPS is indicating to be the road. At times we reject the GPS directions and heed the reminders of family and friends to take this exit or that freeway instead because the last time they did so, it cut their trip by half an hour or half a day even- only to find out that doing so now would actually double the hours on the road because of repairs. The GPS was right all along.

And so, too, do we fail, when we rely on our own devices, when we give in to the jeers and taunts of the crowd around, despite these being contrary to God’s will. We take on the easy expressways, we swerve onto reckless routes, and we tread on tempting turnpikes in search of shortcuts which turn out to be more costly. We reject God because we think we know better.


U-turns
However, with each wrong exit taken, the GPS seems to move ahead of the driver, re-visualizing the road ahead, and gives off this repetitious, at times irritating, but almost always welcome reminder: Turnaround when possible. It will proceed to give alternative routes to enable the driver to go back to the original route, even if the latter will keep on ignoring the GPS reminder. Sooner or later, especially when the driver accedes to the GPS direction, s/he will find him/herself again on the right track.

Respecting our free will, God seemingly allows us to stumble, wander, and eventually be lost in the maze of our own making. But in His infinite wisdom and mercy, He will give us second chances to get back on the road towards what is best for us. He will use any person, situation, or tool to rally us to what is good, what is right, and what is just. If only we will allow Him to do so.

Teamwork
It goes without saying though that the GPS cannot solely bring us to our destination. It takes a good vehicle, a competent driver, and a host of helpful travel gadgets and worthy road trip companions to make each destination merit the journey. No matter how hi-tech the GPS is, without the driver and his/her companions’ cooperation, they will never reach where they are supposed to go.

While with a snap of His finger God can all bring us to Him, He does not do so. He allows us to go to Him not out of fear of being punished but out of full knowledge and understanding of the immenseness of His mercy and love. He is showing us the way; it is but right that our response be to take the journey and persevere in the adventure.


Finish line
When we get to our destination, the GPS is turned off to conserve power. We may need to hook it up to our PCs to update its software. We need to be careful with it, lest the screen be scratched or worse shattered. Depending on our subscription, the GPS may not work in other countries. So in a way, the GPS can only take us so far.

Not our God, though. His power has created the moon and the stars. This same power perfectly crafted each grain of sand on the earth. His power has parted the Red Sea. This same power can relieve our anxiety before a job interview. Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His is a love that is all-encompassing, never fading nor failing. He is around us, anywhere, everywhere, crossing through political borders and language restrictions. His love and mercy are eternal, always fresh, available, accessible.

Our life’s True North Star, Inspiration, Guide…


For my Pop, who's taught us to drive, thereby giving us wings. Happy Father's Day =]

Never lost, always found (23): Five loaves and two fishes

After being in the same project for more than 18 months, facilitated trainings with local government health professionals from 14 of the 17 regions of the country, and spoken to not a few local and international guests and experts as regards our work, I still catch myself doubting the relevance of what I do. It gets especially worse when I succumb to the worst trap of all- comparing my self with others.

Good thing in these trainings, the Lord has a way of somehow reassuring me that I’m on the right track- or at least shaking me back to the right path when I seem to stray. One such way is through the opening prayers that are said before our trainings begin.

(Forgive me for saying this, but coming from a state university where prayer is not common practice in public gatherings, it is refreshing but at the same time a wee bit disconcerting that prayer is not only tolerated but expected to be a part of events/proceedings…)

In the last training I joined in Bukidnon province, this video below was shown in lieu of a formal prayer. Both the message and the timing could not be any better, especially for doubters like me.

CORRINNE MAY - FIVE LOAVES AND TWO FISHES LYRICS
A little boy of thirteen was on his way to school
He heard a crowd of people laughing and he went to take a look
Thousands were listening to the stories of one man
He spoke with such wisdom, even the kids could understand

The hours passed so quickly, the day turned to night
Everyone was hungry but there was no food in sight
The boy looked in his lunchbox at the little that he had
He wasn't sure what good it'd do, there were thousands to be fed

But he saw the twinkling eyes of Jesus
The kindness in His smile
And the boy cried out
With the trust of a child
He said:

"Take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as you will
I surrender
Take my fears and my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all to feed them all"

I often think about that boy when I'm feeling small
And I worry that the work I do means nothing at all

But every single tear I cry is a diamond in His hands
And every door that slams in my face, I will offer up in prayer

So I'll give you every breath that I have
Oh Lord, you can work miracles
All that you need is my "Amen"

So take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as you will
I surrender
Take my fears and my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all
I hope it's not too small

I trust in you
I trust in you

So take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as you will
I surrender
Take my fears and my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all
No gift is too small

LyricsBay | CORRINNE MAY - FIVE LOAVES AND TWO FISHES LYRICS

Everyday Easter

#gratefultobeYours

Heroism/Hero-is-in

November 30th, the birth anniversary of one of the foremost Philippine patriots, Andres Bonifacio.

Two quotes, coming from seemingly polar opposites, remind us of our individual and collective responsibility to build each other up and sustain one another amidst the temptation to live solely for oneself.


We are all here on this planet, as it were, as tourists.
None of us can live here forever. The longest we might live is a hundred years.
So while we are here we should try to have a good heart
and to make something positive and useful of our lives.
The Dalai Lama

Mapalad ang bayang linitawan ng mga bayani
sapagka’t ang bayang iya’y walang kamatayan.
(Fortunate is the country where heroes emerge
because that country will live on).
Andres Bonifacio

A most perfect song while driving through the rain

This was the last song I heard on the radio last night after an hour-long trip home. This seems like a perfect fit for a rainy day drive; it has the right drizzle of being forlorn, with a splatter of hope, and spray of quiet delight.



There used to be a graying tower alone on the sea.
You became the light on the dark side of me.
Love remained a drug that's the high and not the pill.
But did you know,
That when it snows,
My eyes become large and
The light that you shine can be seen.
Baby,
I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray.
Ooh,
The more I get of you,
The stranger it feels, yeah.
And now that your rose is in bloom.
A light hits the gloom on the gray.
There is so much a man can tell you,
So much he can say.
You remain,
My power, my pleasure, my pain, baby
To me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny.
Won't you tell me is that healthy, baby?
But did you know,
That when it snows,
My eyes become large and the light that you shine can be seen.
Baby,
I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray.
Ooh, the more I get of you
The stranger it feels, yeah
Now that your rose is in bloom.
A light hits the gloom on the gray,
I've been kissed by a rose on the gray,
I've been kissed by a rose
I've been kissed by a rose on the gray,
...And if I should fall along the way
I've been kissed by a rose
...been kissed by a rose on the gray.
There is so much a man can tell you,
So much he can say.
You remain
My power, my pleasure, my pain.
To me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny, yeah
Won't you tell me is that healthy, baby.
But did you know,
That when it snows,
My eyes become large and the light that you shine can be seen.
Baby,
I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray.
Ooh, the more I get of you
The stranger it feels, yeah
Now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the gray.
Yes I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray
Ooh, the more I get of you
The stranger it feels, yeah
And now that your rose is in bloom
A light hits the gloom on the gray
Now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the gray.

from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/seal/kissfromarose.html

Occupy "So far, so good"

I just happened to wander into a blog of a new acquaintance. It was like a portkey to yesteryears, when blogging was about the words and not the ads, badges, and links. The blog was honest, straightforward, and nurturing of conversations; it had none of the clutter that distracts or, worse, turns people off. And so in the next few weeks, schedule permitting, I shall undertake some pruning and snipping of the overgrown foliage choking my blog. I shall take it back from the visual excesses I've allowed to mask what I truly want to do here: share my life through words and the occasional photos. It will be painful, tedious, and unrelenting. *off to get my haz-mat suit*

Called Out in the Dark (Snow Patrol)

Love, love, love this song =]



It's like we just can't help ourselves
'Cause we don't know how to back down
We were called out to the streets
We were called in to the towns

And how the heavens, they opened up
Like arms of dazzling gold
With our rain washed histories
Well they do not need to be told

Show me now, show me the arms aloft
Every eye trained on a different star
This magic
This drunken semaphore
And I

We are listening
And we're not blind
This is your life
This is your time

We are listening
And we're not blind
This is your life
This is your time

I was called out in the dark
By a choir of beautiful cheats
And as the kids took back the parks
You and I were left with the streets

Show me now, show me the arms aloft
Every eye trained on a different star
This magic
This drunken semaphore
And I

We are listening
And we're not blind
This is your life
This is your time

[repeats 5x]

from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/snowpatrol/calledoutinthedark.html

World Diabetes Day 2011

Diabetes is a health condition that runs in many families, including ours. In the face of its myriad challenges, we can still do something about diabetes. It is not a death sentence. Click on these online resources to find out more about the diabetes. You may just be a click away from better health.

World Diabetes Day 2009-2013

View more presentations from International Diabetes Federation

The Dalai Lama: On introspection

Words

Last week, during our team building activity for the office, one session entailed us to reveal, through a small group discussion, some intimate things about our selves: our inspiration for doing things, what we deem our greatest professional success, what was holding us back from becoming the best version of our selves.

One question that was beauty pageant-ish that baffled me no end was the one which asked what was God’s greatest gift to me.

My first instinct was to say Words.

That words are a powerful tool could be the understatement of the millennium.

Through words, with or without bloodshed, empires have been built, revolutions sparked, dictators toppled.

Through words, across the ages, religions have been spread, ideals fueled, mythology passed on.

Through words, for whatever they are worth, achievements have been celebrated, morons
roasted, bigots berated.

Through words, in the worst of times, grief has been extinguished, fears assuaged, hope sparked.

Through words, in the best of times, love has been professed, devotion reassured, forever promised.

But in the end, I told my small group that God’s greatest gift to me was my family.

It was, is, my family, regardless of our age, who nurtured my faith, fueled my ideals, fanned the flames of my love for words- written, spoken, and even sung.

It was, is, my family, for whatever they are worth, celebrated my achievements, reminded me when I was acting moronic, and reminded me of tolerance when bigotry was the easier way to go.

In the best of times, my family extinguished my grief, assuaged my fears, stoked the embers of my hope.

In the worst of times, even sans words, my family has made me feel loved, with their perfect devotion, realistic enough to NOT promise forever but loving me here and now.

Dictionaries are filled with thousands of words, but they will never be quite as comforting as a thirty-second conversation with my sister at the end of an infernal day or a minute of parental soliloquy extolling the importance of finding a partner in life.

They will never suffice but here’s me thanking them, for everything, through words.

People helping people: World Humanitarian Day 2011

Amidst the strife, the destruction, the heartbreak of natural and human-generated disasters, the goodness of humanity shines through. WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY celebrates this innate goodness in all of us. Visit the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs online to find out how you can help survivors and responders cope with calamities.




Primer on the World Humanitarian Day from the United Nations:

Every year, disasters cause immense suffering for millions of people – usually
the world’s poorest, most marginalized and vulnerable individuals. Humanitarian
aid workers strive to provide life-saving assistance and long term rehabilitation to
disaster-affected communities, regardless of where they are in the world and
without discrimination.

Humanitarian aid is based on a number of founding principles, including
humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. Humanitarian aid workers
want to be able to access those in need in order to provide vital assistance. This
wish should be respected.

Humanitarian aid workers are from all corners of the world, male and female, and
reflect all cultures and backgrounds. The majority come from the countries in
which they work. Strong, professional and independent local organisations are
key actors in all humanitarian responses.

Everyone can be a humanitarian. People affected by disasters are the first to
help their own communities following a disaster. Communities, local partner
organizations, international organizations and the general public can build a
chain of solidarity to support communities in responding to and recovering from
disasters.

Responding to emergencies is only one aspect of humanitarian work.
Humanitarian workers also support communities to rebuild their lives after
disasters, to become more resilient to future crises, to help their voices to be
heard, and to build lasting and sustainable peace in areas of conflict.

Today, the most pressing humanitarian crisis in the world is unfolding in the Horn
of Africa. Famine has spread in Somalia, including Mogadishu, and threatens to
expand throughout the south. Many people are dying. 12.4 million people in
Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti urgently need our help and the numbers
are increasing. Humanitarian partners continue to work hard on the ground to
save lives. Their commitment must be matched by donors, the private sector and
individuals alike.

Awareness of impermanence and appreciation of our human potential will give us a sense of urgency that we must use every precious moment. - the Dalai Lama

Sangandaan - A fork in the road

It is a period of transitions in our office. It is a season of planned departures and burgeoning beginnings. We are anxious and at the same time excited and hopeful of how these next three weeks will unfold.

The soundtrack my heart hums is no other than Ding Achacoso and Pete Lacaba's SANGANDAAN, from the movie Sister Stella L.

Sangandaan or "fork in the road" talks about our humanity as we face choices, our moments of indecision, and the need to just take the plunge and do it- especially about matters of the heart. It can be Divine Providence; it can be human folly. Quite apt, the music is, for the movie Sister Stella L. where a young nun finds herself at the crossroads of her faith, to stay put in the confines of her convent or live among God's poorest, to stay true to her religious vows or rekindle an abruptly ended romance. For us in the office, the song has a different hue, as it still represents our common career conundrums.

Noel Cabangon's cover as well as the lyrics (from Mr. Lacaba's blog) follow below.



SANGANDAAN

Walang komplikasyon
Ang buhay mo noon:
Kalooban mo’y panatag,
Kalangitan ay maliwanag,
Ang daan ay tuwid at patag
Sa buhay mo noon.
Ngunit bawat pusong naglalakbay,
Dumarating sa sangandaan:
Ngayong narito ka,
Kailangang magpasiya.
Aling landas ang susundin ng puso?
Saan ka liligaya, saan mabibigo?
Saan ka tutungo?

Kay daling sumunod
Sa hangin at agos:
Aasa ka na ang dalangin,
Gagabay sa ‘yong damdamin.
Ngunit saan ka dadalhin
Ng hangin at agos?
Alam mong bawat pusong nagmamahal,
Dumarating sa sangandaan:
Ngayong narito ka,
Kailangang magpasiya.
Aling landas ang susundin ng puso?
Saan ka liligaya, saan mabibigo?
Saan ka tutungo?

Never lost, always found (22): Just be

Last Sunday's Second Reading is one of my all-time favorite passages from the Holy Bible:

Brothers and sisters:
What will separate us from the love of Christ?
Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly
through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities,
nor present things, nor future things,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35, 37-39


It is St Paul's enduring reassurance of God's love, for those in transition, for those choosing to stay put. It is a perfect overarching cloak of love, especially if you'll choose to espouse The Holstee Manifesto below:

The science of moods

Discover why you feel the way you do. Explain the highs and lows you experience. Join The Mind Museum's Cafe Sci and swim into THE SCIENCE OF MOODS, 30 July, 2pm-3pm at Mercato Centrale, Bonifacio Global City. Entrance is free.

For more updates on The Mind Museum, follow them on Twitter @themindmuseum and be a fan on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/themindmuseum.

A site for sore eyes

Eyes, Greek philosopher Heraclitus says, are more accurate witnesses than ears. But what do you do when those witnesses- your eyes- need help to stay sharp and focused? When the going gets blurred, the blurred go to Zenni Optical.

Here are ten things to love about the Zenni Optical site:

1. BALANCE: The Zenni Optical website offers eyewear options that are both stylish and affordable without sacrificing their health benefits. Affordable prescription eyeglasses that are practical, fashionable, without costing an arm and a leg.

2. NUMBERS: There are literally thousands of choices, all with photos, so you will see what you will be actually purchasing. Currently, some 3000-plus frames are yours for the choosing.

3. OPTIONS: The site has highly customizable options (on its left-hand panel) which can help narrow down your selection of eyewear- by price, by frame shape, by prescription type, by gender of user, among other filters.

4. TESTING: Not only will you able to see what you will purchase, you can actually see how it will look like on a human face, short of fitting it on yours. There are eight “faces” of various ages and ethnicity on Zenni Optical’s Frame Fit application where you can “try on” the frames you are considering to buy.


5. FREEBIES: Purchases have lots of bonuses, like free anti-scratch coating, eyeglass case and microfiber cleaning cloth.

6. HELP: The site has an extensive Help section which guides buyers with information like how to order from the site and understanding prescriptions for eyeglasses.

7. CONTACT: Zenni Optical’s team makes itself very accessible to the public. Inquiries can be fielded via email, live chat, phone, Facebook, and Twitter.

8. BLOG: Zenni Optical has a blog where additional information- so-called tips and tricks- for patrons are available at their fingertips.

9. TESTIMONIALS: Customers have a corner where they can share their very own Zenni Optical stories. Here's another corner of the blogosphere where the benefits of Zenni Optical are being heralded by a satisfied patron.

10. APPROVAL: Seals of good business practice can be found at the bottom part of the site, thus increasing buyer confidence in the site.

To see is to believe. Head on over to Zenni Optical and open your eyes to the endless possibilities for your eye care needs.

Task Force Noah: COTABATO - Help for the flooding survivors in Mindanao

Update as of July 1st on the Cotabato floods can be found here.

--==+==--

Reposting this emailed appeal from Simbahang Lingkod Bayan, a faith-based, Jesuit-run non-government organization who is engaged in various disaster response initiatives. Photo below is from the SLB website www.slb.ph taken by their program manager for disaster response.


The number of families and individuals in the evacuation sites in Cotabato City is not decreasing despite the decrease in rainfall. The piling up of the water hyacinths covering an area of estimated 10 hectares clogged all tributaries of the watershed and thus flood level remains almost the same for the past seven days. The local government are trying to clear Rio Grande de Mindanao from water hyacinths, but the massive volume of hyacinths will require two (2) full weeks. With another threat of tropical cyclone passing our territory the next 24 hours bringing heavy rains in Mindanao according to PAGASA, the evacuees will have to bear the ordeal much longer. The situation in the various evacuation sites visited by our personnel is getting worse. More kids are getting sick, food shortage is common, potable water supply is unpredictable, sanitation is a major concern. Very few organizations are helping in the relief operations.

More Cotabato flooding pictures can be found here.

Our brothers and sisters are waiting for our urgent assistance. The Archbishop of Cotabato, Most Rev. Orlando Quevedo, OMI, DD has sent an appeal for assistance through the Social Action Center of the archdiocese. We appeal for the generosity of every Filipino out there to extend financial assistance and help our evacuees cope with the crisis. The evacuees are in need of the following:

1. Food and water supply.
2. Medical personnel and medicines.

How you can help?

1. DONATE IN CASH. Due to difficulty in transporting relief goods to the affected areas we are asking that donations be made in cash for the sake of efficiency. Kindly send by fax your validated deposit slip at (+63) 2 426-5968. And for proper acknowledgment please indicate your contact information (name of individual or organization, address, email, landline/mobile)

2. ORGANIZE A MEDICAL MISSION TEAM. SLB can assist in coordination with proper authorities and facilitate the transportation, if SLB's assistance is necessary.

For Cash Donation, you can visit the SLB office at Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan road, Loyola Heights Quezon City, or deposit to

SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account name/payee)
Bank of the Philippine Islands, Loyola Katipunan Branch
BPI PESO Checking Account Number 3081-1111-61
BPI Dollar Savings Account Number 3084-0420-12

Please pass this message to your friends and network.

For more information, please contact SLB hotlines: in Manila 426-5968, or mobile number 0949-733-7049, or email slb@admu.edu.ph

Manalangin.Manindigan.Makialam
Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan
Loyola House of Studies
Ateneo de Manila University

Jose Rizal, National Hero of the Philippines (1861-2011)

Timely reminders on what it is to be truly Filipino, on the celebration of Dr Jose Rizal's 150th birth anniversary this Sunday, June 19th.

More Rizal truisms in Rizal @ 150 on Facebook.

Earth Hour 2011, March 26 8.30pm-9.30pm

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” - Theodore Roosevelt




Breaking my blogging hiatus to just remind all of us about EARTH HOUR 2011 which happens this Saturday, March 26, 8.30pm-9.30pm in whatever part of the planet we are in. This call for collective action asks all of us to turn off non-essential electrical appliances for 60 minutes as a symbolic gesture in support of initiatives for wiser use of the planets meager, dwindling energy and environmental resources. Hopefully, participation in Earth Hour will raise enough awareness to make all of us do more beyond the hour.

For more information, visit EarthHour.org

Good night and thank you, 2010!

To those who have passed this way and will wander into this space, a sincere Irish blessing to you as we all welcome the new year 2011-



May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.