Praises and Criticisms

A book worth reading, 'Ms. Phillips, You Were Wrong', by Peter J. Daniels is about the author being criticized by his teacher telling him that he will not be able to achieved anything. He proved to himself most especially to his teacher that he could do better things and be an achiever.

There are times when we received constructive criticisms...those that will help us improved ourselves and be a better person. On the other hand, there are also people who gave us destructive criticisms and worst accused us fallaciously. It all depends on us how we will handle criticisms...whether we take it positively or negatively.

People sometimes criticized an individual because they love and care for that person. They knew that he/she can accomplish more and be the best person he/she could be. However, there are people who are envious of what another person had and are not happy seeing him/her contented and successful. Thus, they tell degrading things about the person...and to those who have nothing nice to say it would be better if they keep their mouth shut.

Another thing I liked about the book was that the author emphasized the 'God Factor'. Only God knows the truth and without Him, we are nothing.

Just A Thought...

"There is no other thing more certain than uncertainty..."

One thing is for sure, we do not know what tomorrow holds. We can plan ahead our future or even geared up ourselves for the worst, but still tomorrow brings us surprises often than not will caught us unprepared...

Good Day Mate!

Pitong taon at limang buwan sa NZ at isang taon at 3 buwan naman dito sa AU...kahit na ganyan na kami katagal naninirahan sa ibang bansa, hindi ko pa rin maintindihan ang pananalita ng mga Kiwis at mga Australyano :).

May isang beses na kausap ako ni bossing, kahit isa sa mga sinabi niya ay wala akong naintindihan. Kaya habang siya ay salita ng salita, ako naman e pangiti-ngti lang. Kundi niya binagalan ang pagsa-salita at sabihin na "I am asking you a question?" 'di ko pa malalaman na tinatanong na pala niya ako...hehehe...buti na lang understanding si amo...

Kakaiba ang pag-bigkas ng mga puti dito. May diin kung sabihin ang letrang 'e' at 'i' at laging nawawala si 'r'. May tv show na pambata sa NZ na ang pamagat ay 'Bumble Bee and Friends', sa isang episode nito, sabi ni Bumble "Today, I am going to write a letter", ang buong parinig ko e, susulat siya kay Alita. Kaya tanong ko sa mga bata "Sino si Alita?". Buti na lang din magaling mag-explain ang aking mga anak...hehehe...

Hindi ko rin makakalimutan ang unang taon sa eskuwelahan ng aking panganay. Pinaiis-spell ko sa kanya ang 'hen' at sa tuwing sasabihin niya sa akin ang sagot, lagi itong 'hand'. Nainis na ako kasi 3 letra lang ang 'hen' 'di pa niya ma-spell! Tinawag ko ang aking babae, at pina-bigkas ito sa kanya. Naku po, ako pala ang may mali, dapat pala ang pagbigkas ko dito ay 'hin'.

Mga tao dito mahilig din gumamit ng mga salitang awesome, fabulous, wonderful, lovely. May mga expressions din sila na ginagamit tulad ng 'cool bananas' at 'rodeo'. At ang 'how are you' sa kanila ay 'howdy'. At ang mga matatanda dito (at kahit sa NZ), kahit di ka kakilala, ang itatawag sa iyo e 'love'...very sweet 'di ba? ;)

Master and Servants

Today we commemorate the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ. It's an opportunity for us to unwind and take some time to reflect on what we have done from the past...good or bad.

Last night, I attended the Holy Thursday Mass. The homily was all about to served and being served. The priest invited the parishioners to come forward those who would like their feet to be washed and those who want to wash someone else's feet. Kind of different from the usual washing of the feet where there are already 12 selected people who will act like the 12 apostles. This made me think of who I would like to served (aside from Jesus and Mama Mary).

First in my list (and always) are my parents. My Papa and Mama who without them I wouldn't be where I am right now. I saw how they have sacrificed to give me and my siblings the BEST of this world. Next is my own family, especially my 3 beautiful kids. I will give up my own life and happiness to give to them what they truly deserved. Then my 3 siblings...come hell and high water, will always be there for me and being their Ate, I will always be there for them. Lastly, my friends. I have many acquaintances but few real and good friends who knew me inside and out.

How about you, have you think about who you would like to served?

A good and safe Easter to everyone!

Chicken Adobo

One of my (and my kids too) favorite dish is the Chicken Adobo. This is a famous Filipino dish which is so tasty and easy to cook.

My grandmother and mum has their own version of cooking Adobo (chicken or pork). I remember my lola using butter or vegetable oil when she cooks it. On the other hand, my mother uses plenty of garlic to enhance the taste. But my version of how to cook Chicken Adobo is a bit different from them and here's how...

Ingredients:
1 k chicken pieces
soy sauce
heaps of crushed garlic
3 to 4 bay leaves
a few drops of Worcestershire sauce
pepper (ground or whole)
a few slices of ginger
3/4 c water

Procedure:
Mix all the ingredients and cook in medium heat. When chicken is almost cooked, add some
vinegar (5 to 6 tablespoons will d0). Before turning-off the heat add a dash of sugar.

Hope you enjoy this delicious and healthy (it has no oil or butter which makes it less fatty) recipe!

What I learned today...

We had our 4^th home group meeting today (this is for my kids’ sacramental program), our mentor discussed what reconciliation is all about. He cited some examples when a person feels rejected and when to forgive. He also asked us (the parents and the kids) if there was a moment in our lives when we experienced rejection. Then he said that there is somebody who always feel rejected and that is Jesus.

During the discussion, he brought out some junk mails. These are pamphlets from various supermarkets and malls. He said that people are always occupied by material things and have less time for God. We spend heaps of hours watching in our huge plasma TV (thank goodness we do not have one…hehehehe) and few hours to pray to God. Upon hearing this, I felt guilty.

All the while I thought that I love Him above all things. I hear mass every Sunday, pray at night and in the morning. But is this enough? I always thank and praise Him but I often forget Him during those happy moments in my life. Maybe that’s the reason why He rather gave me trials so that I will remember Him all the time.

O Lord, today I learned to share with you all my joy and pain. To make you my constant companion not only through sorrow but also in gladness. To preempt my mind (and heart) of worldly things and lift up everything to you.

Lord, you know what is best for me, may your will be done and not mine.

Home Sweet Home

In the previous company I worked with, I was sometimes sent to another country to attend trainings or to work on a project. I was excited and at the same time sad because I have to leave my family behind.

I do love to travel. To be in a new place and do new things makes me happy. Being a mother of three, I see this as an opportunity for me to have some time solely for myself. But at the end of the day I miss my home, my family and most especially my three angels…and the feeling is no different to being away from my home country…

Yes, we have been living in another country for more than eight years! Seven and a half years in NZ and a year in Australia. Some may wonder why we decided to leave Philippines. I also asked myself this question. Bakit nga ba?

The reason we often hear why people leave their home country is that they are looking for a greener pasture and this also applies to us. I miss Philippines so much. I miss my relatives and friends. The food that you can only find and taste in the Philippines. The Filipino movies and TV shows and a lot more. Although, I haven’t been in places like Boracay or Pearl Farm, there are heaps of beautiful beaches in my home country. Oh yes, Philippines is blessed with wonderful natural resources! But sadly, these natural wealth are not used properly or if it was, it’s only for the benefit of a few and not of the many.

When we were still in New Zealand, a taxi driver told me that he once visited Philippines and was amazed of how beautiful my country is. He asked me why did I left? Then he added, the common reason why many people leave their home country is because of the government…how the officials put into practice their power. I don't mean to offend anyone, but I agree with the taxi driver.

Sometimes I asked myself, when is that day when we can experience in the Philippines the lifestyle we have here in Australia (or even in New Zealand). Where we can afford to eat what the rich people in the Philippines usually eats…to send three kids in a private school…and to have access to a good health system even if you are just a middle earner.

I can’t wait for that day when we can settle permanently in the Philippines…to have a scrumptious breakfast of sinangag, tinapa or toyo, tocino, longganisa at kapeng barako (yummy!)…to watch Filipino movies and TV shows…to dine in Jollibee, Chow King and Max’s…and to spend one lazy day making chika with my friends.

Truly, home is where your heart is…and my heart is still yearning to come home to Philippines.