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-Jalad ad Din Runi
My friend always tells me that as my mouth turns unstoppable whenever I tell her about Bliss team, the community development organization that we are trying to establish. For us, Bliss is not just a group of people wanting to make a difference. Bliss is an ideal that makes one abundant with joy. Though it is not a utopia (since sticking to it and trying to make it happen have not always been simple and stress-free), Bliss possesses something that causes us to impart and continue its purpose and ideals.
Bliss is bliss.
Bliss is this perpetual ecstasy that energizes us from within. It is this one liter Red Bull that invigorates us to work for the happiness of others despite our hectic schedule and numerous preoccupations. It is also a haven where our troubled spirits want to go because in helping others through Bliss, we realize that there are problems bigger than ours.
In Bliss, we realize that our mortal souls are capable to help and reach out. We are blessed to be able to think of others as some wallow in selfishness and self-pity. We also learn to put others before ourselves; so we also learn how to deal with our own troubles, most of which are caused usually by our own selfishness.
Also, our desire to make others happy does not only come from ourselves; it also emanates from God and from others. In carrying out our mission to make others happy, we see the potential in others –the potential to be happy. They can be happy because they are happy in simply wanting to be happy. And they are willing to be so despite the scarcity of opportunities. Our desire also comes from the Divine; He gives us eyes to see this promise. This promise, this potential that they have inspires us to do what we ought to do for them and for ourselves. And these keep us going amidst the things that try to hinder us from being 100% happy.
For us, happiness is a sense of fulfillment in knowing that our lives become and continue to be truly relevant… truly relevant in making a difference in the lives of other people… truly relevant in serving our purpose to love and lay our lives for others… truly relevant in becoming holistically better persons as we do so.
A Philosophy
In Bliss, our fulfillment dwells in wanting, sharing, and living this notion of happiness. By simply wanting to make someone happy, we become happy as thinkers. Because such intention is in itself good, thereby bringing good, in the form of “happiness” to the person who thinks about doing so. This happiness continues into actually doing something to make someone happy. Through this action, we become happy as doers. But if we remain in thinking about this act, our happiness is cut off. This is because the lack of intentionality of transforming this thought into action nullifies our heart’s pursuit of happiness. Otherwise, this means that our happiness resides anywhere but in the happiness of others.
By making, or trying to, make someone happy, we have also become relevant in the eyes of this person. We become relevant because we help this person achieve what he/she values the most. In this way, we become a part of this person’s pursuit. Granted, when the person’s his/her measure of happiness is achieved (hopefully) with the help of our good act, the person becomes happy. And even if the person’s measure of happiness is not achieved, the sincere sharing of that purpose, which resides in the happiness of other people as we try to help that person, makes us happy. It is because sharing the notion of happiness is an act in itself, an act that becomes a part of the other person’s happiness. Happiness hitherto does not rely on results but on the act and intentionality. Furthermore, the object of the act becomes the receiver who accepts the notion of happiness and thinks about the happiness of other people. Then, if his/her intentionality to do so is genuine, the receiver-turned-thinker becomes the doer. And the cycle of happiness goes on.
We facilitate and participate in that cycle through Bliss. We look for the willing heart to pursue happiness which goes in two ways. At one end, through God-given compassion, we find people and communities who have this intentionality to pursue their own measure of happiness despite the lack, if not, inaccessibility of opportunities for them to do so. On the other end, we search for those with these opportunities and whose happiness lies in handing over these opportunities to others. Then we bridge these hearts together. We link the needy and deserving to the gracious and openhanded as we aim to do this with excellence and innovation.
Through this, we envision a promising future, a future when opportunities are within people’s reach, when opportunities are many, diverse, and non-discriminatory. We dream for others and in this way, we also dream for ourselves. We aspire to see that every willing heart has pursued its own measure of happiness and to become genuinely fulfilled in witnessing so. Then, we have achieved our bliss.
I made a decision a few weeks ago. I knew with full conviction that sticking to that decision was the right thing to do. But despite that assurance, I was not at peace. I was worried about the consequences of that decision; I was worried that the people who matter to me might hate me for making that choice. I feared that some of my friends would question my decision and say that it was a heartless thing to do. I also feared that people, whose company was my second family and home, would judge me ungrateful and hate me.
These things really bothered me to the point that I tried to run away from all these. I was indeed a paranoid coward. I went away during the weekend and chickened out of the situation. At first I thought the situation would just tone down. But later that week, I realized that other things, such as my community work, my God-given ministry, which is one of the precious things I value the most, would get badly affected if I would continue to hide from possible rejection.
Since I could not let that happen, helpless as I was, I prayed to God. I prayed for strength to face the consequences. He knew how much I value the people around me and how much I dwell in friendship and camaraderie. So I really needed all the guts I could get from Him. One may say that I should build up a support system, to tell others my side of the story (just in case they did know something about it); but that was a petty thing to do. Like what my friend told me, “You don’t owe any explanation to anyone since you knew it was the right thing to do.” Besides, if ever I did owe someone an explanation, that would only be the person directly affected by my decision.
Gracious as He has always been, God gave me the guts to face all the possible consequences of that decision. Finally, I went home and talked to that only person who deserved to know the why’s and how’s of my decision. I explained everything that must be clarified. I laid all my cards. I told this guy everything and even brought up those that bothered me after making that decision. He listened and accepted what I said. He was such a gentleman.
And then the next day, my phone rang. There was a text message from two of those who cared so much about this guy and treated me so nicely in favor of him. I was nervous at first but when I read it, everything lit up! They assured me that they would still deem me the same way whatever my decision was. They said that what was important was that all of us were in good terms since we all belong in one community.
The others also treated me the same way. They were still nice to me. When I got back, they did not make me feel as if I was wrong or they did not like what I did. They completely understood and respected it even though I did not explain to them anything. We were as we were -chummy and all that. I really was thankful that the people who knew were being mature about it. It was such a relief to know that they did not take anything against me.
At the end of the day, everything turns well when one sticks to what is right. And right now, I laugh at myself for being so paranoid and for worrying too much.
I have moved on but have struggled to get over. I am a prisoner of the past.. the past that continues to haunt me before I go to bed... the past which keeps me from thinking that I am undeniably happy in my life.
"Are you happy?" A friend asks me. And for that I sincerely thank him for it has given me clarity of thought. I am not happy -that is what I have realized. To confront oneself with a daunting question and to answer it with outmost honesty is probably the greatest feat that one can ever accomplish. This is something new to me given the facade of strength and resilience that I have built.
I have acknowledged and now I shall forget it. Although that will not probably happen overnight, it, nevertheless, unleashes a new beginning. I am opening my doors to those who deserve it. With discernment, I open myself to opportunity and promise that I know will make me happy. May I be more conscious of my decisions and willful of my actions. Now I step forward to freedom..hopeful that someday, by being true to myself, I begin to destroy the fortress of my past, to live forward as life itself presents the promises of goodness, truth, and happiness.
I just got an email from a dear friend who knew probably everything about me. I told her about the things that I went through just recently. I pasted snippets of the things that she said in her email which could help anyone with a troubled heart:
Don't lose hope so easily... hope is the thing that keeps us alive... [it] is the emotion that separates us from any other living thing. We know that things won't ever be the same as this moment's, but hope makes us think things can and will get better.
I know you'll prolly hate me for saying this. But the off chance *toot* really doesn't care about you. God has someone better for you! Someone who will care so much and see you for the gem you truly are.=) If God thinks so nicely of you that He treasures you, don't let men tell you any different. You are beautiful. You are precious.
When you're going through a tough time, it really amazes you how friends can really be friends. I thank God for her and those who are like her. (Dear, thanks for this and for always being there for me even when we're miles apart and thanks to you, my support system [you know who you guys are], who continue to love me through it all *hug*)
ILOILO CITY, Philippines—“It’s not for me. It’s for the mangroves.”
As always, Jurgenne Primavera thought about her advocacy first before her achievements.
The retired Iloilo-based scientist has been featured by Time magazine in its Oct. 6 special issue on “Heroes of the Environment.” She was among 30 activists, scientists, celebrities, innovators and financiers all over the world who were cited for their contribution to environmental protection.
What they have in common is the passion and resourcefulness to confront environmental threats, Time said.
“They cannot solve climate change alone or save endangered species single-handedly. But by their example, by their willingness to dedicate themselves to what too many still dismiss as a hopeless case, these heroes of the environment provide light in the darkness.”
Primavera, 61, was lauded for her “groundbreaking studies” on the life cycle of tiger prawns in the country which “helped galvanize an aquaculture revolution.”
The magazine cited her campaign for sustainable fish-farming in order to protect the mangrove forests that act as a fish nursery and a crucial buffer zone between land and sea which help block floods and tsunamis.
Recognition
Primavera, who has already received various awards, honors and citations from the academe and scientific community, including an honorary doctorate from the Stockholm University in 2004, said she was happy to be among Time’s choices because this would bring her campaign to a wider audience.
“It’s not I and my peers who will ultimately save the environment. It’s the laymen, the common folk, who will,” she said.
She also hopes that the fame will inspire young people to take up marine biology and focus on mangroves. She stressed the importance of educating children about environmental issues and preservation efforts.
“Start with the children because the values they learn will stay with them for a lifetime, the same way my experiences shaped my beliefs,” she said.
She remembered growing up surrounded by native trees in her hometown in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. She would spend hours with her siblings climbing mango, avocado and other tropical trees in their backyard.
But she also recalled the yearly floods caused by rampant logging that denuded forests in her province and often made roads impassable.
And on the day she took a scholarship examination of the National Science Development Board in 1961, floodwaters damaged or destroyed many bridges in Agusan del Norte, forcing her and her father to cross rivers on coconut trunks or bamboo poles to get to the testing center.
Her fondness for nature and experiences helped develop her interest on sciences and the environment. She eventually took zoology at the University of the Philippines in Diliman under an NSDB scholarship and graduated cum laude in 1966.
Primavera said her college life was mostly field trips for her course. “I was surprised that I couldn’t find a photo of me in a party. They were all taken in the field,” she said, laughing.
After graduating, she decided to go back to Mindanao and teach biology at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City until 1975. She enjoyed her work and going back to her roots and a pristine environment, and bringing her students to field trips.
“Teaching was a high point in my life,” Primavera said.
She developed her awareness of the environmental impact of development projects, especially those in Lake Lanao.
Passion
Her passion was also greatly reinforced by her participation in the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in 1972.
But the intensifying armed conflict between government troops and Moro rebels in the 1970s prompted her and several other scientists in Mindanao to relocate to Iloilo and join the Southeast Asian Fisheries and Development Center (Seafdec).
She spent her early years in the center back in its field station in Leganes town, spending hours on fishponds to work on brood stocks and study mangroves.
A few years later, she obtained a master’s degree in zoology at the Indiana University.
In 1990, she was granted a scholarship for her doctorate studies by the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development. Her thesis at UP Diliman focused on the impact of aquaculture on mangroves which also shaped her lifetime commitment to the preservation of mangroves.
While working on her thesis, she spent two years researching on Guimaras Island, which has one the richest varieties of mangrove species in the country.
After her studies, Primavera returned to research work at Seafdec, focusing on environment aquaculture.
She spoke out on threats of the booming shrimp and prawn industry on mangroves, and pointed at the destruction of mangrove areas or their conversion to fishponds.
She also expressed concern over the adverse impact of fishponds on municipal fishing, the means of livelihood of the majority of fishermen.
At a time when aquaculture was booming, Primavera rang warning bells on the perils of unregulated shrimp farming.
She has pushed for the maintenance of a health balance between areas developed for aquaculture and those preserved for mangroves. For every unit area developed for ponds, there should be at least four unit areas for mangroves (1:4) to help protect the environment.
She admits being ostracized in aquaculture circles for her advocacy but she was later vindicated by the impact of the boom-and-bust nature of the shrimp industry that brought long-term damage to the environment.
Her work on mangroves was given a significant boost in 2004 with the publication of the “Handbook of Mangroves in the Philippines-Panay,” which she coauthored with other scientists and mangrove specialists. The manual was released to help students, nongovernment organizations and environmentalists better appreciate the country’s mangrove resources.
“We wanted people to look at mangroves through our eyes,” Primavera said.
Active in retirement
Now a grandmother of two, she remains one of the most active advocates of the protection of mangroves and the conservation of natural resources.
She cited the alarming state of mangroves, with only a fifth remaining from the 500,000 hectares at the turn of the 20th century. On the other hand, brackish water ponds have increased almost fourfold, from 61,000 ha in 1940 to 230,000 ha.
In between giving lectures and speeches, attending conferences here and abroad, and joining causes, Primavera tends to a nursery of native trees she has started to developed.
But she said bringing environmental issues to the common folk can be challenging. “People would always say at first that the issues we advocate are ‘indi makaon’ (not edible) and that economic and immediate needs should be prioritized.”
People would, however, easily make the connections between the environment and its impact on their lives when they attend workshops.
“The real challenge lies in changing the mind-set of policymakers and politicians,” Primavera said.
With the recent destruction brought by natural calamities, discussing the importance of taking care of the environment has become easier, she said. But she fears that the increase in awareness may not keep pace with the escalation of degradation.
“We need a few well-placed fearless fighters for our environment,” Primavera said.
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I took a test from http://quiz.ivillage.co.uk/uk_work/tests/c
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You would most enjoy a career that allows you to meet new people. You would also be happiest in a career that allows you to be free and flexible, and allows you to be extremely creative. Some careers that would be perfect for you are:
- Stockbroker
- Secretary
- Receptionist
- Director
- Recruitment Consultant
- Politician (ugh, there are other options to be influential ..tis is gonna be a long debate)
- Marketing
- Human Resources Manager
- Religious Minister (haha, now that was why some of the elders in our church wanted me to go to bible school after high school. haha! pero nasa calling yan e :P)
- Teacher
- Lawyer
- Advertising
- Consultant (That's why Strains became my life back in college :P)
- Financial Adviser
- Financial Planner (now who would've thought that i'm actually in the right career?? wahaha!)
- GP
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Public Relations (tis i have to try. but i have to learn how to be more perky and talkative :P)
- Estate Agent
- Travel Agent
- Restauranteur
- Hotel Manager
- Events Organiser
You are very spontaneous and often act before you think. You are always quick to answer when you are asked a question, even if you aren't sure of the answer. It is easier for you to improvise as you go along. You enjoy thinking out loud, and are most creative when brainstorming with friends or colleagues. You enjoy being involved in many activities.
You are very easy to read, (that's why i can't lie. kaya lagi akong talo sa bluff! :c ) and often wear your heart on your sleeve. You are never afraid to tell people what you think. You are very empathetic and genuine. You can sometimes be seen as over-emotional or too involved by others. But that is only because you tend to get so involved in the things you do that they become personal. You want to be adored, loved and appreciated. (haaay, can someone please tell that to whoever my prince charming is? haha) You like to please others and to make sure people are happy (so true!).
You trust your gut instincts. You are easily inspired and trust that inspiration. You are very innovative. You analyse things by looking at the big picture. You are concerned about how what you do affects others. You worry about your actions and the future. You tend to use a lot of metaphors and are very descriptive and colourful in your choice of language.
You are very creative, and get bored easily if you don't get to express yourself. You like to learn new things. You don't like the same old routine. You like to leave your options open.
"Gen, you're a guy."
I've been hearing that comment from most of my guy friends lately. They say I'm too organized, planned, rational, domineering, and practical, and too fascinated with conspiracy movies and non-fiction books on philosophy, leadership, economics and politics (i wanna read '33 strategies of war'!! who has one? :P) whereas girls of my age are free-spirited, meek, spontaneous, and indulge themselves with romantic tear jerkers and "shopaholic"-ish novels. Of course, my initial reaction is this: "(**high pitched voice**) e sino bang nagdidikta kung panlalaki ang mga yun o hinde??" But let's not go to that gender debate. In my case, I am girly in a lot of ways. In fact, my officemate sometimes qualms about my "girly" stuff at work (e.g. curly lettering in the office folders, pastel colored excel sheets, etc.) I like pink (altho I love white better). I like watching chic flicks and crying at the their sad but sweet ending. I like reading fashion magazines. I like dressing up (and yes, I'm finally iearning how to look all made-up after n years of hearing my sister nagging me about my bad, or lack of, fashion sense hehe). And for those who question my sexuality, I think they have to get to know me well and my friends whose ears already get tired of hearing me rant all day about my biggest guy crush and day dream about romantic stuff. As for my domineering and inkling to abash men sometimes, well.. I think only one person had known my passive side, to whom i was willing to be the meek, submissive lamb.
Anyway, enough venting about people commenting on my gender issues. Point is, "Babae po ako." And in case you haven't learn from philosophy101, let me share you this: One should never put anyone in a box. In fact, no one can be put in a box; no one can be fully defined because knowing a person entails more than a lifetime of uncovering his/her facets of truth.
World Youth Alliance (WYA) is looking for volunteers! See details below.
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What is the World Youth Alliance ?
The World Youth Alliance (WYA) is a global coalition of young people committed to promoting the dignity of the person and building solidarity among youth from developed and developing nations. We train young people to work at the regional and international levels to impact policy and culture. Through this lived experience of the dignity of the person, young people are able to affirm life at all levels of society. Founded in 1999, WYA now has regional offices in Africa ( Nairobi ), Asia Pacific ( Manila ), Europe ( Brussels ), Latin America ( Mexico City ) and North America ( New York ) and embraces over 1 million members from over 100 nationalities.
Next year will be a momentous year for WYA as it celebrates its 10th year of untiring work towards creating a deeper understanding of human dignity and the promotion of solidarity among the world’s nations. All five regions will be staging their respective celebrations.
What is the project?
Project DDD – Decade of Dignity and Development. Theme: Good Governance and Marginalization
Activities being planned for the Asia Pacific region
- -A 3-day international conference in Manila to be attended by outstanding youth organizations from the different parts of the region and presenting best practices on an extensive range of topics dealing with human dignity in everyday action.
- -Major fund-raising activities to support the international conference – exhibits, street fairs and food plus shopping bazaars, to name a few.
- -Food trips, cultural tours and a Philippine N.G.O. underground experience/immersio n.
Who should join?
- -Passionate, fun-loving and dynamic young leaders
- -Young people who would love to get a chance to help organize an international conference and a couple of exciting fund raising and cultural activities.
- -Young people willing to learn serious on-the-job project management skills – marketing, public relations, sponsorship, people management and logistics.
- -Young people looking for productive things to do during their spare time i.e., weekend warriors, part-timers are all welcome; involvement and commitment level will be discussed accordingly; in short, no need to quit your day job!
- -Young people looking to expand their social network locally and throughout the Asia Pacific region.
- -Those eager to help stage exciting events with a team of fun and dynamic individuals.
We're currently looking for people who are willing to volunteer in the ff committees:
1. Marketing and Communications
Contact person: Emily Dy (wyaap.emilydy@ gmail.com) ; 09209615894
-- The Marketing Communications committee is responsible for communications that is tasked to achieve three main things: (a) create a strong visual identity for the project, (b) make noise about the project via traditional and non-traditional media, and (c) recruit participants to the event. To be able to do this, the team will be divided into three basic teams - concept team, audience development team and publicity team. The concept team will be tasked to create the branding and design needs for the project. The audience development team will concentrate on recruiting participants, and assisting them throughout the registration process, and preparation of their participant kits. The publicity team, on the other hand, will be more focused on dealing with members of the traditional media (reporters, etc.) and the non-traditional media (bloggers, etc.) that want to talk about the event / cover the event.
2. Sponsorships Committee
Contact Person: Frank Chiu (wyaap.frankchiu@ gmail.com) ; 09175457225
-- The main focus of the Sponsorships Committee is to generate funds for the project. We need people who are willing to help out or head street fairs, fun runs, bazaars and other fund raising activities we can think of. There will be corporate sponsorships as well but our main focus will be fund raising through fun activities so we can attract different kinds of people.
3. Logistics Committee
Contact Person: Gab Tatad (wyaap.gab@gmail. com); 09062735773
-- Further subdivided into the logistics, programs and documentation committee, this committee is in charge of taking care of the program flow, agenda, venue of the conference, lodging of foreign participants and compilation of pertinent documents for future reference.
-- The committee is looking for people who can be deputies to the three sub-committees.
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You may also email me at angelica.m.espinosa@gmail.com
August 30, 2008 - After going to the community's baranggay captain with Christopher, I crashed into an advocacy event of Galing Pilipino Movement at a local university in my hometown. Honestly, I barely had any idea about GPM and I used to have biases against sheer advocacy talks. As some of you may know, I was a product of advocacy talks. I used to love going to different conferences and workshops on nation-building and patriotism. I also used to be the stereotypical activist who planned on making a black propaganda about one board member of the provincial council back then (but thank God that evil plan wasn't pushed through; otherwise, sa kangkungan lang ako aabutan :P). But while participating in these conferences and gatherings, I saw so many wrong things about the government and the public school system that I became disappointed and then frustrated. It made me realize how futile these talks were because no one was willing to take that big step of leaving the conference room to fight the arena, to actually change things instead of barking at the politicians or the state; what I thought back then was that talks were just talks and everything just ended right there.
Because of that, I shifted to something that yields tangible results. I shifted to the development framework of transforming institutions and organizations (thank you Strains for this) and then recently, to economic praxis (thank you betsy, ateneo economics curriculum :D, Sir Randy and Sir Joey) with Team BLISS. I thought being results oriented was the only way to actually change things.
But I was wrong. Meeting the organizers and participants, made me reexamine the notion of change. Seeing the passion of these young people who were courageous enough to take the notion of nation-building to the next level and advocate service and excellence for the nation, set me on fire. I saw the light in them. Their passion manifested in their talks and volunteerism which reinvented the concept of having one nation. To them, having one nation meant having a sense of belonging; that despite globalization, we still have commonalities -our heritage, our tradition, our unique Filipino values. This sense of belonging also has a message of unity: that since we all belong to one nation, all of us should do our part in rebuilding it.
Their take on unity also made me realize that nation building is a cohesive effort. Every civic group and every concerned citizen should help one another.. that we should unite in building one nation since we cannot go without the other. We are all interdependent. An advocacy group might get frustrated with the state if there's no one who intervene in policy making process and execution of these policies. Development enthusiasts and implementers might also get frustrated when there's no one would continues to motivate them in this endeavor, that they lose their sense of purpose why they want to change society in the first place.
The magic of our interdependence also lies in the very nature of positive change, that change has always been multidimensional. If one ought to make a difference, he/she should tap on the economic, cultural, political, and social element of society. Fortunately, the Philippines is blessed with a deeply engaged private sector. There are institutions, such as CBCP, SLB, Protestant congregations, and parish councils, who continue to shape the belief and morality of the people. Some lobby to change the processes and policies through the efforts of local partylists and advocacy of other socio-political activist groups. Others, particularly the academe, also improve our way of living through technological and scientific innovation and expansion of knowledge while some help improve economic situation through direct and indirect intervention like social welfare services and livelihood programs. However, it is sad to know that many of these efforts go in vain because we fail to unite, that we tend to focus only on one aspect of change and neglect the other. Sometimes, we even belittle the efforts of other people.
After the event, I talked to some of the organizers and suddenly a stream of ideas started flowing in our conversation. And the next thing we knew, we were planning to take this conversation to the next level, a tie-up opportunity, if possible. This event really inspired me to form alliance with other pro-change groups and engaged individuals because it made me realize how our unity, our solidarity, our togetherness can magnifiy our efforts; that we as one, can trully rock this nation.
I present to you our start-up organization: Bridging Leaders Into a Successful Society (BLISS) Team :)
We're all about nation-building, progress, and development. We aim to form self-sustaining and competent individuals to create a successful society. If you want to know more about us, join our e-group:
bliss_team@yahoogroups.com
You may also contact me through e-mail:
angelica.m.espinosa@gmail.com
Love,
Gen
Social Realist (SR)
TEST AT http://www.ipersonic.com/test.html
Social Realists are popular persons full of energy. They are reliable, well organized and helpful. Traditional values are important to them. Founding a family also plays a central role in their life. Social Realists have a marked social streak. They are always ready to listen to the worries and problems of others and spare no effort when they are asked for help. With empathy and understanding, they can sense what other people need. Social Realists are always willing to highly regard the strong points of the other person and to excuse that person’s weaknesses. They are the most sociable of all personality types. Social contacts are very important to them.Social Realists find it very difficult to cope with conflicts and criticism - harmony is their elixir of life. Acknowledgement and esteem are very important to this type. Differentiation on the other hand is not necessarily one of their strong points. At work and in partnerships, they are loyal, committed and always there when needed. They find it easy to make friends due to their open, warm manner and they have a large circle of friends. In love, they are faithful and attentive and care for their partners with a great deal of imagination and sensitivity. Social Realists show their feelings openly and honestly. Should a relationship break up, they tend to blame themselves. That is why they find it very difficult to end a partnership even if it has not fulfilled their requirements for some time.
Social Realists are more conservative types. They have a set system of values and rules which is orientated to the prevailing traditions. They prefer clear, structured surroundings and work processes; they find too much change und unrest unpleasant. Their strong points are carefulness and reliability and not so much flexibility and spontaneity. Social Realists are open-minded towards anything new only to a limited extent. But, should one be looking for someone to fulfil a task reliably and exactly, they are the right persons.
Adjectives which describe your type
extroverted, practical, sentimental, planning, emotional, temperamental, energetic, tradition-conscious, loyal, helpful, devoted, reliable, caring, objective, thorough, organised, warm-hearted, open, friendly, sociable, chummy, obliging, self-sacrificing, public-spirited, sensitive, kind, demandingThese subjects could interest you
honorary work, parties, going out, music, hiking, cooking, craftwork, nature, literatureI quoted this from one of my blog entries a year ago which was written a month after the height of my breakup. And you know what? I've realized that God has not only relieved me of the pain. I think God has finally healed me. I am no longer bitter nor afraid. Even though I barely have a love life right now, I see so much love in this world. I am also ready to risk my heart once again. But of course, I'll risk it to the one who seems to deserve my love and attention.
(Who is he? Well, I don't know yet. *tihiheeee. :p )
Tomorrow will be my store immersion for KFC. I will serve as a crew member and then as a store manager for next week's assignment so that I'll be able to learn all the store-based processes and operations of the company. (haha, so hindi lang puro numero ang alam ko). Hayan, so kung gusto mo kong alilain (*just kidding) bili ka na sa KFC Araneta Cubao. See you there :)
Thanks, louise, betsy, jason, kite, sta, jun and sare for wanting to help in the English training program for Barrio Bliss.
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The English training project, as you all know, is still in its nascent stage. I'm still asking other people about the approach and strategies that ought to be done.
I already consulted Betsy about this (on the day, my wallet was stolen.. huhu :c ) and her advice was to make a concrete structure first before brainstorming on the strategies, which was a really great idea.
For for us to come up with a concrete structure and the flow of the training program, I think we should be able to set our goal, to articulate why we are doing this, or in other words, compose our vision-mission. So, if you're interested to help (even if you don't think you can contribute anything, ok lang, i'm also a newbie in this one), just give me your number through email (if i don't have it), then we'll meet up and finally set these things straight.
By the way, Jason's friend, Rachel also volunteered to help. She's an honor student from UP and a Comparative Literature graduate. She'll make a curriculum fitted for our target community. O diba? We're really moving forward. :)
More updates to come! :)
Love,
Gen
What I just mentioned was one of the numerous stories of young women from Barrio Bliss. For six years that I have known these women, I could really say that their sufferings came along with their poor situation. Despite of that, they were and still are determined to overcome their situation. In fact, one of them texted me last month and asked if I could teach her English (ugh, bakit ako?) so that she could apply to be an OFW (or maybe work as a call center agent, pwede rin :> )
This is an opportunity knocking on our doors. We can help educate these women even through a small tutorial class in which we can integrate values formation and eventually, skills training. These can help them get a decent job here or abroad. (Kahit small time lang na trabaho, ok lang. Basta disente.) Ultimately, a simple form of education like this can also help empower them.
I've been trying to organize a FREE, English tutorial session for these women every Saturday in Balanga (aside from working on weekdays). I've browsed through the resource materials that I have at home but they are not enough. Some are even inappropriate because they are too technical or too old. So IF YOU HAVE ANY TEACHING MATERIAL (e.g. books, past homework/exercises, call center tapes/cds, etc.) WHICH YOU THINK CAN BE USED FOR THE TUTORIAL SESSION, OR IF YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS OR SIMPLY WANT TO HELP OUT, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME :) Kahit di ka taga-Bataan, ok lang. I'd still be very delighted to hear from you :)
Then I woke up with a heavy heart. That was not just the most disturbing dream that I ever had; that was extreme poverty at its worst!!
This evening I told my mom about this dream I had last Thursday night and then she said, "Lagi mo kasi iniisip kaya napapaginipan mo." She was right. I've always thought of them. I didn't know why but my heart resides with the voiceless, unprivileged and marginalized. It made me think about what I am doing right now and how that was a part of my bigger plan for the future, of my ultimate dream.
Now, I'm doing financial analysis for a living and I'm hoping that I could save enough money to put up a social enterprise, or if not, organize investors to make one that could develop the people in the barrio. I've decided to do this because I think the business orientation in this career can also equip me on how to handle this development project.
I know I dream too much. But I do hope all will go well and in accordance to God's plan. Or if ever I fail, I hope that with this blog entry, someone will be disturbed and share this development plan with me so that he/she can continue whatever needs to be accomplished for these people.
I trully hope that one day my vision for a decent life for the barrio people will be fulfilled.
Stressed out naaaa kooooooo!!!! I wanna be with my best friends who are now having a pizza /slumber party but I can't join them because I have to work. I wanna watch a Sino Sikat concert and go to UP fair but I can't 'cause I'm drowning with so much school stuff. Reports, thesis defense, rec talk/one-on-one with the big company guys, paper presentation to community, philo oral exam, org's big project .... Ano pa ba? Marami pa! Huhu...
*2 weeks na lang... I need to keep a high spirit. Help me God.
Okay, life has been such a rollercoaster ride lately. Now i'm really happy, ecstatic even :D All this time, I've been really pessimistic about enjoying the season for the past several days because of tons of school work piling up on my study table, most of which are due by the end of this week. But fortunately, something unexpected came up, something nice, refreshing, and inspiring came up. Pinapasaya talaga ako ng langit (haha, cheesy)! Tiheeee (^^,)
