The Mayonnaise Jar

"When things in your life seem almost too much to handle,
When 24 hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee."

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar,
And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.
He shook the jar lightly.
The pebble rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured into the jar.
Of course the sand filled up everything else.

He asked once more if the jar was full.
The students responded with a unanimous 'yes'.

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table,
And poured the entire contents into the jar,
Effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.

'Now' said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - family, children, health, friends and favorite passions-
Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained,
You life would still be full.

The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house and car.
The sand is everything else - the small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued,
There is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that are important to you.

So, pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children.
Take time to get medical check ups.
Take your partner out to dinner.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

'Take care of the golf balls first-
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked.'

It just goes to show that no matter how full your life may seem,
There's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

Earth Run 2010

My first 5K run during the Run for Home 2010 was so great! It inspired me to go further even with several physical limitations.

So, on April 18, 2010 I will again join a 5K event -- The Earth Run 2010, the beneficiary of this marathon is Greenpeace.

The event will be held at the Bonifacio Global City grounds. Assembly time starts 4:00 AM. Start time for 5K is 6:00 AM.

Below is the race singlet.

Run for Home 2010 - Race Day

I would like to share my experiences today during my first marathon run. We joined in the Run for Home 2010 5K event. It was a great run in the heart of Makati Business District.

Prior to gun start at 5.50 AM, March 21, 2010 along Ayala Avenue, Makati City

With Reman, while waiting for gun start

Just behind the finish line at Paseo de Roxas

Few minutes after crossing the finish line at the Ninoy Statue

With Ma'am Airene at the Ayala Triangle after the race

At the event stage, Ayala Triangle Park after the race

I Believe

I Believe...
That just because two people argue,
It doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
It doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends,
If we understand that friends change.
That no matter how good a friend is,
They are going to hurt you every once in a while,
And you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That we are responsible for what we do,
No matter how we feel.
That either you control your attitude,
Or it controls you.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I am angry,
I have the right to be angry,
But that doesn't give me the right
To be cruel.

I Believe...
That maturity has more to do,
With what experiences you've had,
And what you have learned from them,
And less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken,
The world doesn't stop for your grief.
That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others,
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances,
May have influenced who we are;
But we are responsible for who we have become.

Pointers to Ponder

1. Opposite values are complementary.

2. Whatever you resist will persist.

3. Present moment is inevitable. Live in the present moment.

4. Responsibility is equal to power. Irresponsibility is equal to complaints.

5. Do not see the intention behind other people's mistakes.

6. Be 100% in whatever you do.

7. Do not be a football of other people's opinion.

8. Accept people and situations as they are.

I Love You

I love you for what and who you are,
We have known each other from afar;
Our familiarity came through our hearts,
That no distance can be a hindrance to us.

I love you for your imperfections,
Because if you have been perfect;
I may not be able to love you,
The way you want me to.

I love you for your tantrums,
These reminds me to love you more,
And to give you the best care,
That you deserve.

I love you for our misunderstandings,
That through them we learn to listen;
And day by day we grow together,
As one solid lifetime partners.

I love you for our sad memoirs,
These made us stronger through the years;
For mistakes and loneliness make us realize,
That through them we will be better lovers.

I love you for our happy memories,
All of those are worthy to cherish,
Living life with you have been so blissful,
Loving you will always be beautiful.





dedicated to my friend, lover and wife - Dr. Myrnelly C. Pagdilao
written for our 69th Months together on 14th March 2010

Run for Home 2010 - My Running Kit

My first marathon is fast approaching. We will be joining the Globe and AyalaLand organized marathon Run for Home 2010 on the 21st of March. The event's proceeds will be for the benefit of Habitat for Humanity.

Below is my Running Kit which includes 1. Singlet; 2. Bib No.; 3.Timing Chip

Crossroads

In our lives we have to go through different roads,
There we meet diverse kind of circumstances,
and mingle into various human beings,
That may impart values and lessons to us.

We encounter people that make us feel bad,
Criticism, dismay and rejection make us sad,
But remember we are all unique and imperfect,
That no one should judge us, acting like God.

We meet beings that bring us love,
So much attention and caring make us happy,
But remember to give more love in return,
That giving is more modest than receiving.

We go through people that hurt us,
They may have done mistakes and sins,
But as long as we do not forgive and forget,
We will carry on with the heartache we have.

In the different roads we have in our lives,
Learn to appreciate everything, every person that goes by,
That life is so short to waste in thinking our misfortunes,
Let's stand up and face life whatever it may bring us.

Pain Killers

We live in a world of pains, it hurt but it's true;
Emotional, Psychological and Physical pain,
You name it and they are abound everywhere,
Some pains can be healed, some are not.

Time is one way to heal most pains,
Communication can also a good cure,
Scientific treatment is also available option,
But forgiving and letting go is the hardest but best healing.

Pain has been my friend and company since nineteen,
I developed joint and muscle pains which become built-in,
It was further categorized as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis,
It's painful and mysterious.

Since then, pain killers also became my personal ally,
Especially when the pains and swelling occurs,
I call these regular attacks or visits,
Because it's a blessing if no pain attack occur in a week.

We live in a world of pain,
And pain also became a part of me,
How I wish life would be easier,
But life is a world of different pains.

Quotations of the Week- from Ninang Edith

LOVE: FAMILY, FRIENDS & RELATIONSHIPS

Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that.
~Michael Leunig

Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
~Mother Teresa


LIFE: INSPIRATION, ATTITUDE & IDEALS

A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive, and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done."
~Vince Lombardi

Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.
~Jim Ryun


WORK: LEADERSHIP, TEAMWORK & SUCCESS

The most common cause of executive failure is inability or unwillingness to change with the demands of a new position. The executive who keeps on doing what he has done successfully before is almost bound to fail."
~ Peter Drucker

It is a fine thing to have ability, but the ability to discover ability in others is the true test.
~Elbert Hubbard

Addicted

Have you ever been addicted?
Have you felt the feeling that you need something?
Or you want to do that something all the time?
Well, few years ago I was addicted to this online game - MU online.
This game was developed in Korea and since then it evolved into different versions and upgrades.
It was also offered by different gaming servers either pay-to-play (P2P) or free-to-play (F2P).
P2P servers are stable and long time operations because of their steady funding source.
While F2P servers come and go because most of the time they got bankrupt when no donations are given by players.

Well, it was a nice addiction during those time, I have gone that way and it makes me smile when I remember this online game addiction.

 

 

Sacrifices

Why we need to sacrifice to gain something?
If you're a student, you need to burn your midnight oil;
You need to passed all your exams and other requirements,
Just to ensure your graduation and diploma.

Why we need to sacrifice to gain something?
If you're a parent, you will do anything even working abroad,
You will endure all pains and hardships of being away,
Just to give your children a bright future and comfortable life.

Why we need to sacrifice to gain something?
If you're a soldier, you need to endure all the wounds that battles bring,
Or even giving your precious life,
Just to maintain order and peace.

Why we need to sacrifice to gain something?
Because nothing can be attained just by sitting,
Success gained through sacrifices is the sweetest,
Through hardships, victory is more worthy.

Run for Home 2010

 I will be joining the Run for Home 2010 sponsored by Globe and Ayala Land on March 21, 2010. This will be my first Marathon so I have to prepare for it. Sharing you some important pointers from the organizers site.

 

GET READY FOR YOUR FIRST MARATHON

The marathon is great for people who want a different challenge and a fun workout. These tips will help you prepare and go the distance for a marathon or any long-distance running event.

 

1. CONDITION YOUR BODY

 

To avoid muscle pain or serious injuries, keep yourself in top physical condition. Stretch out and exercise regularly. Do short sprints around the neighborhood, and extend your run to longer distances. By the marathon's date, you'll be fit enough to finish the race.

 

2. GET THE RIGHT GEAR

 

Running shoes and clothes are more than just for looking good. They not only keep you comfortable, but also protect you from harsh elements. Here are some suggestions when looking for the proper gear:

• Running shoes provide support and comfort during the run. Try to buy the best running shoes you can afford. Good running shoes have adequate cushioning, a good fit, and are made of sturdy materials.

• Layers. Singlets, shorts, and running tights do more than just identify you on the race course. Lightweight, breathable fabrics wick away moisture from the body, and keep you cool and comfortable as you run.

• Hydration. Sports drinks or water should always be on hand to keep your body cool. Keep them on hand with a hydration belt.

• Sunscreen and accessories. Sunblock and sunscreen help protect you from ultraviolet rays. Sunglasses keep the glare out of the road, giving you a clearer view of the course. If you have long hair, wear a cap or a headband to wick away sweat that may get into your eyes.

 

3. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

 

Carbohydrates are a great source of energy that you need for a marathon, and protein helps build the muscles needed to withstand the race. Avoid junk food and empty calories. Energy bars and protein shakes can also help satisfy your sugar cravings.

 

4. STRETCH AND COOL DOWN

 

Treat a marathon as a vigorous exercise. To prevent unnecessary injuries, stretch before the run, and cool down after.

 

5. GET YOURSELF INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY.

 

Many clubs and organizations help novices and beginners get started in the sport. You can learn a lot from veterans of distance running, as well as form new friendships on the track.

 

6. ENJOY

 

Marathons keep your body fit, test your limits, and help you enjoy the fine art of running. With these tips, you can make it your quest to go the distance in more races to come.

The thrill of crossing the finish line first may be the ultimate goal, but the best reward is finishing and enjoying the race. Have fun, and take in as much of the scenery and the experience as you can.

E-mailed Message from my Ninang Edith

I want to share to you another e-mail message from my beloved Ninang Edith. She is currently working in Kuwait, so we keep in touch through the internet.

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with Kings--nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

-Excerpt from the poem “IF” by Rudyard Kipling

The central idea of this poem is that success comes from self-control and a true sense of the values of things. In extremes lies danger. A man must not lose heart because of doubts or opposition, yet he must do his best to see the grounds for both. He must not be deceived into thinking either triumph or disaster final; he must use each wisely--and push on. In all things he must hold to the golden mean. If he does, he will own the world, and even better, for his personal reward he will attain the full stature of manhood.

-Joseph Morris

Reaching Out

Have you ever been touched by the scenes of poverty?

 

  

 

Have you ever extended your hands for the deprived?

 

 

 

Have you ever felt the fulfillment of reaching out for others?

 

  

 

Our outreach activity last November 29, 2009 at Barangay Bathaluman, Rosario, Pasig. One of the areas flooded during the Typhoon Ondoy.

My First Trip to Mindanao

Some says Mindanao is the Land of Promise and Opportunities, some says Mindanao is the Land of Unending Conflicts....

Whatever they may call Mindanao, it is still undeniably a Land of Beauty, Tranquility and Diversity. I witnessed these when I have my first visit to Mindanao last December 30, 2005 - it's been almost five years ago.

It was also my first meeting with my parents-in-laws to be. Myrnelly and I were just starting our relationship that time.

Our first stop is Dakak Beach and Resort. I love the sunset shots I have taken through my old camera phone.

 

From December 2005, I already have several visits to Mindanao specifically in Dipolog and Dapitan Cities both in Zamboanga del Norte. I am hoping to visit more places in this big island soon. 

Opposites

Why opposites exist?
If there's happiness, there's sadness,
If there are failures, there are triumphs.

Why opposites exist?
There's negative, and also positive,
There's birth, and death.

Why opposites exist?
We experience wars, we have peace,
We have growth, we go through decay.

Why opposites exist?
There's darkness and light,
We have day and night.

Why opposites exist?
Because without the other part,
It won't be always that right.

Opposites attract,
Opposites complement,
Opposites are part of life.