Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Attitude is Everything!
Positive Attitude is Every Thing
From: targetseo, 9 months ago
Attitude is Every Thing - Exclusive Presentation on Business Management useful for HR Trainee, Management Student, MBA Student, Management Trainee, Corporates, Staff Training
SlideShare Link
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The holiday that was
Hi, guys!
How was your Christmas and New Year? I hope it went well. Mine came and gone without me feeling it that much. The festivities I mean.
In some ways having the family reunions before Christmas instead of on the day itself had its advantages. The day was spent quietly. Not much funfare. The Christmas Day mass was the highlight of the day...as it should be. I was also able to rest my mind (well a bit at least).
New Year was quite laid back too. Unfortunately since most of our relatives from both sides are abroad, we have somehow dropped the tradition. Maybe that was why it felt like any other season except for the Simbang Gabi.
I'm still not sure what this means. Does it mean that it's really the festivities that made the Season what it was before? To a certain extent maybe it did. In some ways though it was also good because now Christmas to me meant Simbang Gabi, not so much parties or gifts. It meant Jollibee's Ma-Agang Pasko donations. It meant a little break from the usual workload.
I guess my Hoilday Season could be considered uneventful. It was good though. If a part of me wished for a little more action, it was more for my daughter. I would have wanted her to see and play more with her cousins. Then again, she still had a blast with the laid back kind of celebration. She doesn't know any other kind yet anyway.
-------------------
Non-multiply members may email their comments to an.saldana@gmail.com.
How was your Christmas and New Year? I hope it went well. Mine came and gone without me feeling it that much. The festivities I mean.
In some ways having the family reunions before Christmas instead of on the day itself had its advantages. The day was spent quietly. Not much funfare. The Christmas Day mass was the highlight of the day...as it should be. I was also able to rest my mind (well a bit at least).
New Year was quite laid back too. Unfortunately since most of our relatives from both sides are abroad, we have somehow dropped the tradition. Maybe that was why it felt like any other season except for the Simbang Gabi.
I'm still not sure what this means. Does it mean that it's really the festivities that made the Season what it was before? To a certain extent maybe it did. In some ways though it was also good because now Christmas to me meant Simbang Gabi, not so much parties or gifts. It meant Jollibee's Ma-Agang Pasko donations. It meant a little break from the usual workload.
I guess my Hoilday Season could be considered uneventful. It was good though. If a part of me wished for a little more action, it was more for my daughter. I would have wanted her to see and play more with her cousins. Then again, she still had a blast with the laid back kind of celebration. She doesn't know any other kind yet anyway.
-------------------
Non-multiply members may email their comments to an.saldana@gmail.com.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Of fathers and children
Working at home has its perks. I was able to tune into Homeboy last Friday (November 17) to catch Ian (I think he goes by the name of Christian Bautista) and his dad, Tito Ebert guesting in the episode entitled Ok ka, Dad!!!
I've been lucky enough to have known Ian and Tito Ebert early in the year. Despite the fame, Ian has remained gracious and accommodating. He mentioned once he wanted to be funny too...well, you are that too, Ian, and more. And Tito Ebert? It never ceases to amaze me how he and Reb hit it off so well.
I saw another side of Ian and Tito Ebert though in Homeboy. Although talks of ideal women and marriage plus a phone patch with Shin (Rachelle Ann to most) got joy glands activated to maximum level, it was when Ian and Tito Ebert gave their messages to each other that really got to me. Tito Ebert said that two years ago, he had a name. Now he is known as Christian's dad. He said it though with much pride...and gratitude. He thanked Ian for always sharing the glory with his family. It made me realize that a few years back, I too had my own identity. When my daughter came along and even had her own achievements in her young life, I then became Reb's mom to many. And to me, it didn't really matter. To see people appreciating your child is what mattered most. A parent will always take pride in their children first before their own achievements. I can understand why Tito Ebert's voice almost broke when he thanked Ian for always giving back the respect and appreciation to God and his loved ones. When you get that kind of thanks for something you do because you love them, I call it a blessed bonus and it goes straight to the heart.
Ian's message got me too. I can sense some frustration and helplessness in him. The ironic price of success. Strangely enough, you don't need to be Asia's Pop Idol to relate to this. I know I do...and so does many sons and daughters who have grown up and strarted living their own lives. There was a time when work took too much of my time and energy that I just go straight to bed whenever I'm home. It was an effort to connect with them. Until now the remnants of those years still linger...unfortunately. I'm just grateful though that no matter what, the family has stuck not like glue but like Mighty Bond.
"You are my father. I respect you and I want to be like you someday."
Words that every parent will treasure forever. They make all the pain and heartaches worth it. They make being a parent worth every minute. Although a parent's job never ends, it's reassuring to know you're doing okay so far.
"Be better than me."
An advice that every child considers a tough act to follow.
That last exchange is something I can relate to as a daughter and as a mother. I aspire to be even half as good as my parents were...and would like my daughter to turn out to be much better than I did. As parents we know what we did right and where we fell short on. We therefore hope that we pass on enough of our wisdom for them to do a much better job with their lives than we did.
The Shin-Ian-Tito Ebert moments got people tickled-pink, yes. What can I say? Knowing Shin, Ian and even Tito Ebert made me appreciate them even more. It was the father-son moments towards the end of the show though that really got me thinking this time.
Thank you, Ian and Tito Ebert, for reminding us again just why parents and children need each other in their lives. You are both Godly men...just like my own Dad (and Mom).
-------------------
Non-multiply members may email their comments to an.saldana@gmail.com.
I've been lucky enough to have known Ian and Tito Ebert early in the year. Despite the fame, Ian has remained gracious and accommodating. He mentioned once he wanted to be funny too...well, you are that too, Ian, and more. And Tito Ebert? It never ceases to amaze me how he and Reb hit it off so well.
I saw another side of Ian and Tito Ebert though in Homeboy. Although talks of ideal women and marriage plus a phone patch with Shin (Rachelle Ann to most) got joy glands activated to maximum level, it was when Ian and Tito Ebert gave their messages to each other that really got to me. Tito Ebert said that two years ago, he had a name. Now he is known as Christian's dad. He said it though with much pride...and gratitude. He thanked Ian for always sharing the glory with his family. It made me realize that a few years back, I too had my own identity. When my daughter came along and even had her own achievements in her young life, I then became Reb's mom to many. And to me, it didn't really matter. To see people appreciating your child is what mattered most. A parent will always take pride in their children first before their own achievements. I can understand why Tito Ebert's voice almost broke when he thanked Ian for always giving back the respect and appreciation to God and his loved ones. When you get that kind of thanks for something you do because you love them, I call it a blessed bonus and it goes straight to the heart.
Ian's message got me too. I can sense some frustration and helplessness in him. The ironic price of success. Strangely enough, you don't need to be Asia's Pop Idol to relate to this. I know I do...and so does many sons and daughters who have grown up and strarted living their own lives. There was a time when work took too much of my time and energy that I just go straight to bed whenever I'm home. It was an effort to connect with them. Until now the remnants of those years still linger...unfortunately. I'm just grateful though that no matter what, the family has stuck not like glue but like Mighty Bond.
"You are my father. I respect you and I want to be like you someday."
Words that every parent will treasure forever. They make all the pain and heartaches worth it. They make being a parent worth every minute. Although a parent's job never ends, it's reassuring to know you're doing okay so far.
"Be better than me."
An advice that every child considers a tough act to follow.
That last exchange is something I can relate to as a daughter and as a mother. I aspire to be even half as good as my parents were...and would like my daughter to turn out to be much better than I did. As parents we know what we did right and where we fell short on. We therefore hope that we pass on enough of our wisdom for them to do a much better job with their lives than we did.
The Shin-Ian-Tito Ebert moments got people tickled-pink, yes. What can I say? Knowing Shin, Ian and even Tito Ebert made me appreciate them even more. It was the father-son moments towards the end of the show though that really got me thinking this time.
Thank you, Ian and Tito Ebert, for reminding us again just why parents and children need each other in their lives. You are both Godly men...just like my own Dad (and Mom).
-------------------
Non-multiply members may email their comments to an.saldana@gmail.com.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
A matter of e-junk
I think I have about a hundred used batterries scattered around the house. Unfortunately, although I want to be environmentally conscious about waste disposal, it's pretty difficult to comply.
Thanks to the Philippine Business for the Environment (PBE) and my batchmate Dodong Matta who gave me the good news, there is now a place for my dead batteries to lie in state. The PBE is holding a Waste Trading Market or Recyclables Collection Event (RCE) for electronic junk every 3rd Friday until December at the Ayala Alabang Town Center (in front of St. Jerome Parish, parking lot 4), Muntinlupa City every 3rd Friday till December.
You can now bring your toxic and harmful non-biodegradables, such as computers, celfones, microwave ovens, electronic toys and gadgets, batteries, rechargeable lamps, wall-size TVs, tiny MP3 players and digital cameras to these electronic junkyards. Let's do our share in preserving our environment.
Here's hoping though that this pilot project will not end in December. As electronic gadgets continue to lord it over our lives, we can expect more and more e-junk in the future. We need this e-junkyard way beyond December.
For more details, you may call PBE at tel. nos 635-3670 and 635-2650 to 51.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
I'm moving in
After much deliberations with myself, I have decided to move in after more than a year of acquiring this house. I'm moving out of my Blogger home and into my new abode at Multiply.
It was a tough decision. I had to weigh my options. Blogger allows guests (or who they call as anonymous) to post comments. No need to be a member of the Blogger community to do so. Multiply doesn't allow that. Hmn. A point against. Blogger also sends you a copy of your post thru email. As far as I know, Multiply doesn't. Hmn. Another point against. Lastly, the comments left by friends and walk-in readers could not be imported from Blogger to Multiply. Now that to me is really disappointing.
Multiply however allows me to post pictures, videos and other stuff...so I (as well as those who are interested in my life for one reason or another) don't really need to go to other sites to do that...hence the title Life in Kilobytes.
You can still check out Thoughts in Kilobytes since not all my posts there were grabbed by Multiply. If this is your first time to read my blog, I do hope you visit my old bloghouse...there are a couple of posts there I wish I was able to migrate here. A pity.
******************
Non-Multiply visitors may email me their comments/feedback at an.saldana@gmail.com
Friday, August 18, 2006
More of Tagaytay
Hey, what do you know? More pics from our Tagaytay trip...see that fog setting in on us? It was eerie and at the same time amazing. The cloud you see behind me and Reb was the one that covered us with its cold misty air. It was such a sight!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
A breath of cool, fresh and revitalizing air
The first day of July started with a number of wrong turns along the way. Despite the setbacks, the rains and the snail-paced traffic to Tagaytay, we got to where we were suppose to go to.
First item (and the very reason why we were there) was to visit the Augustinian Sisters Servant of Jesus and Mary. It was quite far from the main road but the sight was amazing when we got there. Fog was settling in, making the surroundings look even more awesome. It was picture-perfect.
It wasn't as picture-perfect though when we saw the many kids that have been seeking refuge there. It was heartbreaking to see about 25 of them from babies to schooling age, forced to live away from their parents. They were happy but you can still see an emptiness in their eyes...or maybe it was an emptiness I imagined they may be feeling when the thought of family comes to mind.
I went there with my cousins, my aunt and my little girl, Reb. I've been exposing her to these things even if she still cannot grasp the essence of it all. My cousin also wanted her to provide some entertainment for the kids (hahaha). Though things didn't exactly fall into place when it came to the program, Reb still sang her song entitled "Thank You" (by Rachelle Ann Go). The lyrics were appropriate in so many ways.
Now after all the things that I have held on toSo true...when you lose everything, you turn back to Him for comfort, for solace, for help. There's nothing left to hold on to but your faith. And I can just imagine this with the kids. The worst thing that can happen is to be separated from your parents and family. And yet there they were trying to build a new life with the generous nuns who have taken them under their wing. And that's all that they need for now. These kids are very lucky to have found this place. Sister Yolly and all her fellow angels are doing all they can to make life as normal and as blessed as they can.
Have been put away by time I'm back to You
Thank you for being the OneIndeed, a love that lasts till the end is the greatest gift we could ever receive...and that comes from no other than the One above. Everyone dear to us may abandon us but He will always be there, waiting for us to find our way back to Him for solace. And He uses instruments like the nuns and even ordinary people like you and me to spread His love to the world.
For being the sun
For being the rainbow after the rain
For being the blue in the blue sky
And I thank you for ending the night
For shining the light
Your taking me home again
When I lost sight of all hope
You were a friend
Thank you for a love that lasted till th end
A last word on the Augustinian Sisters Servant of Jesus and Mary:
They became an orphanage by accident when a baby was left in their care. Since then, the babies kept coming in. They are, however, still working towards getting their license. They are having a building built right now to house the growing number of kids being left in their care but they need funding to finish it. That's where we all can hopefully come in...if we can just share a little to give these kids a little more than what they have right now.
Spending time with orphans (old and young alike) always makes you count your own blessings. It was difficult to fathom how life is growing up with strangers but it's comforting to know that there are so many things we can do to ease the pain and heal the loneliness somehow.
It was fun time after that visit. We all went to a picnic grove where Reb was able to ride a horse for the first time. It was also such an eerie feeling when thick fog rapidly set in while we were enjoying the majestic Taal volcano. We did everything short of running for cover for we weren't sure if it was fog or rain. I wanted to click a picture or two but mommy duties had to come first.
Tagaytay on that first day of July was a picture of life in all its ironies and twists and turns. But all those gave us a wisp of fresh and revitalizing air as we find our own way in the foggy times of our lives by not just asking for help...but giving it to heal our troubled hearts.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Snap out of it!
Take me out of this listlessness, I silently screamed early this morning.Was I kicked out of my wits when I got an email from Paul:
Dear family and friends,
In view of this early evening's train bombings in Mumbai, please know that I am safe at home. The bombings occurred around the suburb that I live and work in, so the situation was pretty scary.
It also did not help that all stores and restaurants closed early. I was left with the horrific idea of having nothing to eat for dinner since I was unable to do my weekend grocery. Thankfully, Smokin' Joe Pizza was preparing to close when I called, so I ordered something called Chaat Paneer Masala Pizza. It tasted as horrible as its name, but given the present situation, I am glad I was not the chicken that went on those pizzas.)
The local and national mobile phone network is down, though, so I am unable to determine whether my staff and colleagues have been able to reach home safely. The bombings began when people were rushing to get home.
Your thoughts and prayers for the people of India will be very helpful.
It was after I read his message that I noticed my CNN Breaking News email alert a couple of emails back. In my state of lethargy, I never bothered to open that email. I would have known an hour or so before that something has happened somewhere where I knew someone. I therefore made it a point to open the next email alert and found out another train disaster had unfolded in Chicago. Thank God there were no casualties reported there (let's hope).
While I'm being fed all these by the information superhighway, the torrential rains continue to drown the sounds of the feel good music I was listening to. That's okay. I'm lucky that's the only thing bothering me at the moment.
More on the bombing in Mumbai at CNN.com.
I've offered a prayer for the people who are in anguish right now and the souls who I hope will rest in peace. Ei, Paul, I also said a prayer of thanks you weren't the chicken you just ate. Next time, stack up on Happy Time biscuits.
Whew, what a way to snap out of my lethargy.
Friday, July 07, 2006
The antidote
For a while there I was worried about the mixed-up biscuits (why didn't they just call it assorted biscuits for goodness sake!). I found the antidote. It's good to know there are happy time biscuits. The answer when you've had enough of the mixed up kind.
I'm now a happy girl.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Mixed-up biscuits?
Hmn...I'm not exactly sure I want to eat these...I'm pretty mixed up myself. Do I really need to put in more mixed up stuff inside me?
Let's see...what happens when I'm sad and all mixed-up and I get hungry and eat these? Do I get more mixed up inside?
Will I feel better if I eat Happy biscuits instead? Well, do they still make Happy biscuits?
Saturday, June 17, 2006
One dream down...more to go
It's been a month now since the Lucky Me pancit canton commercial where Reb is a part of has been aired. Since then I've seen three versions.Ver 1: Reb was shown eating pancit canton. Then she said, "Ang sasabihin ko, 'Mommy you're the best!'"
Ver 2: Ililigpit ko po ang aking toys at ang sarili ko.
Ver 3: Pag 9 o'clock, ipapatay na po ang tv.
She's lucky so far that she's in all three versions. But I was so surprised when someone I just met mentioned that in their house, they love that line of hers in the second version (she was actually the "punchline"). She was surprised to learn that the little tyke who said that is my daughter. That version is actually a favorite of a lot of our friends and relatives. It's just so surprising to learn how that line has caught people's attention.
A lot were even more surprised to hear that it was a spontaneous answer. Nope, that wasn't scripted. Her line in the first version was but those in the second and third were her own.
What's even more amazing is that a handful of people have been recognizing her as that little girl in the Lucky Me commercial. Her reaction? Nothing. Hahaha. Let's hope it stays that way. An inflated ego has no place in that small body of hers.
I remember when she was barely two years old. She said she didn't want to study. And just what does she plan to do with her life, I asked. She sad she wanted to be a commercial model of Lucky Me. I laughed that time. Never did it cross my mind that it can happen.
Lucky girl then. Do you know of anybody else who has fulfilled her dream at three and a half years old?
Hmn.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Distinction of the sexes...the MRT way
Wow! My writer friends Jason de Villa and Paul Ancheta are on a roll about this. Now let me join the fray.
Let me start by saying I'm still in a tug-o-war of emotions on this matter. Does this mean preferential treatment? Or is it because they see women as the weaker sex? Or simply just protecting them from lascivious men? It really depends on how you look at it.
For me though, whether I am on the male or female designated car of the MRT does not really matter much. If you get a seat, good for you. If you don't suffer the consequences. Not a lot of people give their seat to an elderly, a pregnant woman or one with kid/s in tow anyway. Especially not during rush hour. Just recently I rode the MRT with Reb in tow. We had to stand because it was full. You'd think a man or a woman would offer us their seat even if they saw me struggling with our bags and Reb crying for milk? NOPE. People just looked away. At one point I had to crouch to let her sit on my lap...and still people looked away. Finally a young woman. I was suppose to say thank you because I thought she was giving her seat to me but was unable to. She stood up because was getting off the next station. Well...I guess no matter which car I rode (those for men or those from women), I would have had the same experience.
It was no different when I was pregnant. Not a lot of people do offer seats anymore in public transportations. I understand that they too are tired...but nudging me out of the way to get to the empty seat is taking it a bit too far.
Everytime I see an elderly, a pregnant woman or one with kids in tow, I can't help but give my seat because I know how difficult it is...though I have yet to experience the elderly part, okay? Hahaha. I'm not saying they are physically weaker, except for the elderly who are a little less stronger than us. All I'm saying is that carrying a child either inside you or having one with you gives you a very obvious handicap. I know so. I have that handicap. And it does not make me less of a woman to admit that because not considering the child in me or with me is a safety hazard.
I can't help but look at this in a pragmatic way. Bottomline: segregating the men from the women, elderly, blah blah doesn't really do much for me. Maybe some concerns are addressed but as a whole, my own horror stories remain simply because I have no choice but to brave our overflowing public transportation (and evrything that goes with it).
Really though, I don't sweat about it much. It's a fact of life. Is it because we are a bit desensitized to the people around us? Or are we just too tired to care? Whichever it is, I just pray day in and day out that I get home safely to my daughter.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Uncharted music history
I was assigned to come up with an article on the history of Philippine bands. Though I was fortunate enough to have witnessed a time in golden pinoy music history, itwasn't enough to keep me going.As usual, the net was the first destination for background info before I go out and interview. Whoa! It was a sorry sight for me to get nothing from the info superhighway. The best I got was the lyrics to the songs of Philippine music greats but nothing about them.
It was so frustrating for me. It's a mortal sin to not chronicle our local music industry in the very place where it should have been. I wonder just why nobody has made this available online. It's something we owe to the people who made Pinoy music what it is now.
It's really not the same to talk to individuals. They may have their own intentions. It pays to have matter-of-fact information from Pinoy music historians. An objective accounting of events as they happened.
It was unthinkable to find nothing on the Circus Band, the mother of all bands. The very band that produced the likes of Tillie Moreno, Basil Valdez, Hajji Alejandro and Jacqui Magno, to name just a few. And its founder, Atek Jacinto, is himself a distinguished musician. Frustrating that there's nothing about the VST & Co which gave us hits like "Awitin Mo" which made us swing it out in the dancefloor even until now. It's not fair, really. Not fair for these people who have defined Pinoy music.
Too bad really. To think we are known around te world as musically-inclined people. Big sigh. What's worse, I need to write more pieces on Pinoy music!
Paging Ces Rodriguez and Tony Maghirang. Please put the Jingle archives online! We need you! NOW NA!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Another blessing
Maybe it was just coincidence but I'd like to believe otherwise. Two days after Reb volunteered her time for the cancer-stricken kids at PGH, she was given this blessing. I got word that she had been included in the final edited version of the noodles commercial that was shot two weeks ago.
What makes this TVC special is that she is the youngest (again) at 3 1/2 since most of the kids with her were 4 going 5 and 6 years old. It was also one without a script where the kids to be included in the final edited version will be chosen based on their answers to questions thrown at them during the shoot. It was quite a feat since most of the questions were really meant for the older kids. Imagine Reb being asked, "anong magandang asal ang itinuro ng mommy mo sa iyo?" Yaiks. She was able to get back in the game when they gave her lines to say...and because they found her cute and charming while eating noodles.Somebody asked me what my gutfeel is in terms of her chances of getting in. I dared not say I know she'll be included because I know she wasn't as effective during the question and answer portion due to the nature of the questions. I was just hoping she'll be chosen since it was her dream way back when she just turned two to be a commercial model of that brand of noodle (sorry, can't tell yet since it hasn't aired). Hahaha...wish granted.
I would like to think that wishes granted are just good deeds coming back to you though maybe not always tenfold. Yet a wish granted will always be a blessing...and a shower of blessing is just too much to just receive...it must be shared or passed on...and hopefully that circle of giving and receiving is something Reb will truly understand, appreciate and more importantly put into action when she becomes older and wiser.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Gift of giving
It's not everyday that we get the chance to give to those who are in need. Last Sunday we were fortunate enough to have had that chance and still enjoy a memorable night with 25 celebrities. It was truly a night of Stars in Stripes at TGIF Glorietta 3 as celebrities shared their time to wait on the customers. And for a good cause at that. This event was for the benefit of the Medial Social Service UP-PGH Pedia Onco support group which is dedicated to children afflicted with cancer.
What made it more memorable was Reb taking part in the event. She and another little girl went around with baskets to seek for more blessings for their fellow children who, unfortunately are not as healthy as them. She enjoyed herself so much and was able to coax around P7000 from generous TGIF patrons.
It was heart-wrenching to see the kids who could not have a normal childhood like Reb. We feel for them, especially when you see them in the flesh. You feel helpless that you can only probably prolong their lives a bit and not make the cancer go away (well, maybe for some we can). Then again, we can do a lot more by praying for what is best for them.
It was great having the likes of Jimmy Bondoc, Derek Ramsey, Aliyah Parks, Aiza Seguerra and a lot more share their time for these special kids of God but I think the blessing is in the giving of love for them who, at this point in time, thrive because of prayers. It is in showing them that we care enough to spend time with them that creates that magic that continues to heal their little hearts and souls. Yes, we need the cash to keep their treatments going but we need to show them love to keep their souls nurtured and alive.
Thank you to the organizers for this gift of giving. Through this event, you gave us an opportunity to reach out. This was a chance I didn't dare pass up...