Forgive.

I doubt because ofwhat Emerson has done to me few days ago.

During tonight's Table Topics session, I volunteered to answer a question about forgiving. I shared with my colleagues my anger and frustration with the shutters guild and the person who claimed he founded the club. One of the audience was a bit perplexed and was very attentive during the entire speech. I just smile because that colleage, Jeff, knows Emerson. They both work at Jarir. After the meeting, Jeff approach me and ask for more details of what really happened. After explaining the incident, Jeff confided to me that Emerson is currently thinking of going on legal actions. Jeff was laughing because he pity Emerson's cluelessness.

That night, I talk to Donnie and told him about Emerson's plan. Donnie just laugh.

Leon

This time it was Leon who called me to say his piece on the issue at hand. He laid down his version and his biases which I patiently listened. To be honest nothing was new with what he said. It was the same old story, that SG abandoned him during the trying times at the Elite project. He zeroed in to Norman as the person to blame.

Oh, I almost forgot. He shared to me how he and Emerson patch up.

After several minutes, I bid adieu when I got his confirmation that he will come on the face-to-face meeting

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Insult

Emerson called early this morning to bent his frustration and anger. I learned that he already knew that there are quarters in SG that wants him out. He was of course furious of the news.  I tried to pacify him by simply listening to what he was saying.  When he started to cool down, I made a jest that maybe he is going the Steve Jobs way - kick out in Apple but redeemed himself back.  He just laugh but didn't agree with me.

Further during our talk, he lay down his beef with the group. He said, he felt useless that nobody listens to him, and he observed that he is often dismissed as nuisance rather an adviser. This, he claimed, does not dwell well with him.  He took it as an insult because he is the founder.

I tried my best to stay calm during the entire conversation.  When he is angry, I just listen.  I didn't argue with his claims or angst to avoid flaming the emotion.  He even displayed the audacity to claim that he owns Shutters Guild, that he is Shutters Guild, that it is his Shutters Guild, and that we should stop using the name Shutters Guild we build our own.  The words were hurtful but I just let it pass.   I even poke a joke that "kasama ba ako sa aalis?", which he politely said that I am not included.

The last straw of my patience started to crack when he questioned my leadership skills.  He blamed me for being too lenient with the team.  He claimed that I allowed Norman to lord over SG.  "Feeling ni Norman, siya ang SG", Emerson said.  

I wanted to shout and curse Emerson for the folly that he said.  I want to crush him and show to his face that SG is nothing without my effort.  But I didn't.   I know there is time for such and today it not that day.




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Emerson called

When I started unsubscribing to newsfeed from Emerson, Beejay, Noel, and Cathy my life simply went back to bliss. Bernard likewise, preclude himself from fanning fire on the issues lighted by Emerson's team. That is why we have peaceful status in the Shutters Guild group.

This morning, Emerson gave me a call. I was very much surprise because I thought he was frustrated and angry with me. Nevertheless, I didn't show any resentment or bad feelings. I readily greeted him and wish him best.

During our conversation, we talk about the new iPad. He suggested of waiting until next week because there is a strong chance that the price of old iPad will fall. He called to follow up the second session on studio lighting and portraiture. Thought i told him that I am amenable with the plan, I didn't give him any assurance on the schedule. I emphasized that the oficers will still be the decsion maker. He didn't argue but I could sense that he didn't like my answer.

I immediately called Donnie and told about Emerson's call. He agree with me that Emerson's team is running low of activity and they are looking at SG as a source of income. I have a feeling that they regret leaving SG, they just ashamed to admit.




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A trip to Jinadriyah Festival

Even with a hectic scheduled and truly tired body, I made sure that I have enough time and energy for my family.  Tonight, I asked my wife to prepare the kids because we are going to the Jinadriyah Festival to watch the display of Saudi Cultures and Tradition.   I really made sure that my would agree because today is the last day of the exhibit.

We arrived at the venue at around 8:30pm.  I immediately tour my family inside the cultural tent and showed them the live display of "what is the old Saudi life" before the industrialization.   My daughter Jasmine was very curious and asked a lot of question.  She even asked why there are live people in the display.  To my amusement, I simply replied "they are actors my baby".   Jasmine's curiosity didn't stop there.  She asked me to take their pictures with the actors on the background, which I willingly obliged.   Mommy joined in the pictorials to assist my son Joshua.   After several shots, we moved to another display area.

We also went to an old Saudi community.  When Jasmine saw the structure of the wall, she asked if it was a castle.  I replied that this building represents how Saudi castles and cities looks like in the olden times.   Inquisitive in nature perhaps, Jasmine further asked if there are King, Queen and princess in the castle.   I just smiled and allow mommy to answer the question.  Together with Joshua we moved away, while mommy explained to Jasmine why there are no princess in the castle.

We loiter around and check other exhibits as well.   The last area where we spend time is the Armed Forces display area.  My little boy Joshua was jubilant when he saw the Abram M2 tank.  I took them on top of the tank and took pictures.  They also pose at the nearby Bradley tank and on the piles of missiles and ammunition.  Joshua was smiling from ear to ear when he made it to the Huey helicopter.  I really want him to get inside the Apache helicopter but we were not allowed.   Moving further, we got a chance to take pictures on some planes such as the vintage WWII planes and F4 mirage.

After three hours, I felt so tired I looked for a bench to relax.  Mommy just smiled and told me that we will have bigger problems when we go to Disneyland.

We went home at around 11:15 and arrived at home 55 minutes later.

Offended

I really feel bad that some members of the Shutters Guild are so immature they would be so careless with what they are saying.   Emerson is now lording it over and wants attention.   B-Jay Gonzales is like a child who wants praise and commendation but would never listen to suggestions.   Noel is a cry baby who always find wrong in anything that we do.

I simple hate these people

Waiting during salah

i lost everything i wrote while waiting for salah to finsh, grrr.

Well, just in time for me to encash my salary check.

I took some photos though... and here are some samples.  Taken at the 18th street along Olaya Road. 




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Location:Al Waqidi,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia

Settlement

After more than a month of denial and avoidance, I finally took a step to face my problem with my car insurance.  I went to Tawuniah insurance agent named Ahmad, and discuss with him the details of settlement.  here's the breakdown:

Car original value:     SR61,000
Purchase Date:         Feb 2008
Settlement Date:       October 2008         
Care Age:                 3 year & 8 months or 44 months
Mileage:                   61,+++  kilometers
Depreciation rate:    1.5% per month vs original value
Depreciation cost:    SR40,+++
Book Value:             SR20,+++
Remaining Installment Payment:  8,+++
 
Settlement Value = SR12,075

Ahmad asked me to come back 10 days later to collect the check for settlement.

                            *                            *                            *                            *

If you ask me why it took me too long to settle with the insurance.  The reason?  I was hoping I could still salvage my beloved Tekla, my 2008 Hyundai Tucson Silver Gray. I tried asking around how much would it cost me to repair the car.  Some would estimate between 5k to 10k while other would give much higher price.  Seasoned mechanics argues that even if I can save the car, there is no assurance that it would function 100%.  I also have to be ready of unforeseen problem that may arise in the future.  Close friends strongly discourage me to go for repair on safety issue.  They argue, life is more important than a handful of savings. 

Ball park calculation, say the market value of the car is SR35k and the repair cost is around SR15k then it would just be reasonable to receive the clean SR20k book value settlement.   That's the reason, I finally agreed for settlement.

On the hindsight, I simply could not let go of Tekla because of so many good memories I had with her.  With my car, I was able to navigate all areas of Riyadh city.    I reached hidden places of Saudi Arabia such as Wadi Pitik, Edge of the World in Huraymilla, Wadi Laban, Wadi Hanifa, desert places, and many many more.  I also reached Bahrain and Jubail safely with my reliable Tekla.

Christmas at Wadi Hanifa Farm

I was never convinced that it was a good idea to celebrate advance Christmas at a farm in Wadi Hanifa.  Firstly, I do not like the idea of asking favor from our HH members to give us a ride for the simple reason that we will be carrying tons of gears for the overnight stay.  Secondly, I don't like to take the role as game master during the entire outing, and lastly I was tired and I want to relax in the house.   Yet there was nothing we could do.  We simply cannot say no because doing so would make us indifferent in the community.  Hence, I just grumbled within myself and silently complain why did I join this trip.

Tito Wilson pass at around 4pm, pick us up and took us to Panda Aziziah where we waited for the other members to arrived.  We started moving towards our destination at around 6pm.   We moved in a convoy of four vehicles carrying at least seven couple, six single male, two single ladies, and almost a dozen children.   I could say, we were relatively a big crowd.

We arrived at the place at around 7pm.  I actually expected the place to be a farm complete with plants and animals. But to my surprise it was not - the place was just a large flat with two room, large living room and a backyard for bonfire.  The farm - according to the caretaker - is still several meters away and would only be accessible on day time.  Upon hearing the news, I admit I was a bit dismayed because my expectation was never met.  I tried to hide it though, even from my wife.  I don't want to solicit comments from my elders that would just offend me.  I think, keeping silent would be much safer.

I tried to find ways to enjoy myself... and taking pictures was my best bet.  With Tito Bong Sanupe, we had some good time taking pictures of the food, the children and with our ladies.

I took one good pictures of the ladies which made them smile.

Later in the evening, the couples and single men played games.  As expected, me and my wife were the event masters.  I actually didn't do much.  It was my wife who made the games much enjoyable and more fun to play.  I particularly like the "itlog me game" - passing a boiled egg from one side of the pant towards the other.  This game elicit so much laughter among the participants.


The other game, that made everyone roll over the carpet, was the Zipper to Jerusalem.  It is a modified version of Trip to Jerusalem where participants would hold the boy's zipper in lieu of sitting on a chairs to stay in the game.

After the games the kids went to sleep, the single men went outside, while most couples stayed for a Karaoke session.


Most couple spend the night in individual pitched tents. 

Fun Time at Baher

Noises of laughter and shrills awaken me early in the morning. When I take a peek at the window, I saw my colleagues having fun at the swimming pool.  The others were taking a plunge at the nearby beach, and a handful were taking pictures of the rising sun.  The water was inviting but the bed is far more tempting hence I went back to bed and sleep.

It was past 11am when I wake up, when outside and then immediately headed to the beach to take a quick 10-minute swim.   Lunch followed.    Minutes later Mommy and the two ladies - Jestrel and Johnis joined me at the table.  


By 3pm, as the sun and temperature went down everyone went for swimming.   Jestrel and Johnis brought my daughter to the shallow waters of the beach and took a plunge.  My little boy Joshua stayed with mom at the beach side.  I guess, he was too afraid of the water. 

We had fun for sure.  I had precious bonding moments with my wife and two kids and also enjoyed watching my colleagues in Shutters Guild who were having a good time taking photos of Jestrel.   I know that for most of these photographers, this would be their first time to shoot a model in bikini.

I had a good day.

                         *                         *                         *                         *

11:59pm

My family and the two ladies - Jestrel and Johnis left Baher ahead of the pack.  Bong, Jong and Bernard who were on the other car followed us towards Riyadh.

We arrived safely early morning.

I got my Jordan visa

Finally after weeks of heart-stopping suspense whether our visa application would be approved, I received an email with the list of names of Toastmasters who are good to go.  I was number 2 and approved.

Yes! hello Jordan and I will be seeing you Petra.

Marion's Angst

Of all my siblings, there is only one that I know could beat me cold in any avenue of endeavor.  Be it in academics, extra curricular, athletics (yes, I was athletic before), adventures, meeting people, writing and even public speaking, Marion Jill would make me look amateur standing beside a pro.  I admire very much for she has grown so much and I do silently celebrate because she followed the path less taken among our kind.

This afternoon, I saw one hair-raising essay/speech she publish in her Facebook message:  (italic are mine)


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Marion Jill Amores                                                                              24 minutes ago, sent from a phone

Veritas Liberabit Vos The truth shall set you free

I have been searching for the truth and trying to understand the logo of my school. I can never call myself a real Atenean if I have not fully grasped what that Latin phrase meant.

For the Jesuits it must be completely personal and I am in the same page. I believe mostly in individualistic approach the moment I studied psychotherapy back in my university years. I did excel in my academic and exageratingly countless organizations at the university and yes working 8 hours a day to pay my ridiculous yet worthy expensive school... I would have graduated cum laude or higher if I was rich not worrying about where to live the next fuckin day and what to eat for the coming hours.

Imagine a regular business man who would worry about food for next month, but I am speaking about hours here. Back to my truth.

My heart is not close to my cousins and grandparents. That is the bomb right there, heart devastated. My heart and plans belong to the immediate so called 'dysfunctional family' only. For some reasons like uncles and aunties would feast the moment my eyes open in the morning during clan gatherings and then talk about how my mom as a failure and my dad being ugly just for being him.

I never knew about Lola or lolo because they never showed me the meaning of what grandparents should be. All I can remember is that Lola would abuse me emotionally and I would run away whenever I see her. Even if we put up the 'utang na loob' idiocracy still it wont patch up the pain they have injected on that 10 years old girl's heart. Running for help the moment my father was shot 2am in the morning... asking the so called grandparents. they said nothing but "finally he is gone" not even a hug. I was terrorized like a motherfucker! So i continued running for help dragging my little brother barefooted. Everything is still so vivid in my heart and soul.

If you talk about love? That is A big BS. I think how the big clan defined love as filling up their expectations. That is not love, that is slavery.

So this is the bomb. What are yours?

I don't even want to apologize coz there is nothing to apologize about. I am not afraid possessing this in my heart because I know what love is and these bomb will not come back to me because my future children will know what love, encouragement, real help, truth and being a grandmother or a mother is. The saying,"ang gaba dili magsaba" that only applies for the mischief of the idiots who until at their old age forgot to be conscious of what is truth and life. Life is full of stimulants for instance experiences... to wake you up, I believe.

I found the heart of gold from my parents out of their own hands to represent as a parent and I am glad they were not those kind that television or books thought... nothing but the natural beauty of being human raring 6children. The old folks should not take credit because they did nothing but shouting to us how to live, when you can never teach that. Joan was a teenager, If was the auntie and grandma right at that point of her life? I wouldn't criticize nor talk about it. so much for ignorance! To bad we can't even make it as an excuse!


I found gold in the heart of different people from around the world who suffered to be accepted, I found friends... the richest and the poorest, drug addicts who would shot heroin on our road trips and too religious individuals... but they understood and conscious what it is to live.

This is not rebellion! This is a proposal to stop trying too hard and pretend that we know what a community unit is like. In the first place there never was. Let us be aware and try to reach that level of consciousness. it's not about all the physical and materialistic bs. not even religion! don't argue... this is what I think. just saying. So this will be the very first letter written for long generated silence!

Wrecking.. err... cleaning the house

I didn't realize cleaning the house would be this complicated?  I really thought, it would be a walk in the park and easy.  But it is not!

Last March, I told mommy that I will re-arrange the house during their long vacation in the Philippines.  With no babies in the house, I explained, I have all the freedom to move things without worrying about the kid's safety.  Indeed, I did what I planned.  After coming back from the Philippines last 1st week of April, I started my long planned "renovation" of the house.

I first started at the very dusty balcony.   One inch of thick dusk proves too much to handle: I got sick and that forced me to stop working.  Two weeks later, I get back and close the entire area to preclude the dust from getting in.  Next was the living room.  The job of putting in my trophy rack was easy.  The difficult part was to arrange my stuff without worrying that mom would scream once she discover I moved her things.  Darn, this took up three weeks of my time (oh, this was the contest weeks of Toastmasters).  Then last week, I started working on our sleeping room.  I fixed broken cabinets, made some racks for storage, and then repacked all our old stuff into black plastic bags.   The task was so huge, I'm not yet half through - as of yesterday.

Gee... I felt tired and my body is aching!

I got an iPhone 4 white

After long 5 years... I finally got a new phone and it's not just an ordinary phone. It's an iPhone 4 white!  Hah!

Last night, I went to Saudi Telephone Company (STC) office at Thalia-Fahad Road to apply for a post-paid line.  You may wonder why only now?  You see, I've been waiting for the past six months for my new iqama which was delayed to to issues on my sponsorship transfer.  When Khalid Moussa gave me my new iqama last Sunday, I actually wanted to go directly to STC and apply.  But conflict with the scheduled Shutter's Guild retaining session made me decide to do it last night.  When I arrived there - yes, last night - the customer service representative ask me to come back early morning - today!

And yes, I did come back and I was early.  I was second in line and after 30 minutes, I got my new iPhone 4 32 GB RAM and it comes in white color.  I choose the 32GB model on the ground that I may use more memory for my photos and video.  This cost me SR2399 which is  SR400 more expensive than the 16GB model.  Besides, there's no available white color in 16GB. 

Hehehe... just imagine how happy I was when I got out of the STC office?  I am smiling from ears to ear!

  
*            *            *            *            *            *

Few minutes later, I called up my wife and told her that I got a new iPhone.  She was happy for me that finally, I bought a new phone for myself.  I promised to her that I will also get her an iPhone when she comes back here in Riyadh.

the second best

Yep, you are right.  I was the second best contestant in the Speech Evaluation competition during the 2011 Division A Toastmasters Annual Conference held at the Riyadh Palace Hotel.  The only person who beat me was TM Sankayan Aier of the Riyadh Toastmasters Club. This was the same person who beat me in the Table Topics contest during the Area 1 conference held last April.  And I also remember, he beat me last year in the International Speech contest also in Area 1 conference. Score: Sankayan- 3, Nathan - 0.

There were actually five contestants and these five were the finalist or winners among the 5 different Areas of the Division A.  TM Mohammed Al Hajeri represented Area 38, TM Sunila Chaku from Area 22, TM Federico Delfin who was the 3rd place winner comes from Area 4, TM Sankayan the champion comes from Area 1, and I represented Area 5.  Many Toastmasters said that it was tough contest and we had very close fight.  Considering TM Sunila was the division champion three years back, TM Al Hajeri was a champion 4 years back, TM Delfin was the champion in 2005 & 2004, and TM Sankayan was a 5 times champion; the fact that I beat three other former champion was already a feat by itself.

I was happy, of course.  Initially, I just thought of joining the contest and said "let's get through with this".  It never crossed my mind to join-to-win.  All I wanted was to participate and make a good performance.  Now that I have the 2nd price, well... that's a consolation.

Eighteen Months Later

How fast time flies.

Eighteen months ago, I complained that my life became boring and predictable. When family joined with me here in Saudi Arabia last Sep 2009, I was forced to change my daily routine. With heavy heart I dropped all my outdoor activities, taking photos halted almost to nada, and I literally stopped using my laptop computer. I didn't even have the chance to watch movies anymore - my kids owns my TV and use them all the time.

To fill up the void left by photography, I choose to get more active with Toastmasters. I have done a lot both in the club level and in the Area Level. Well, I help setup four new clubs under my sleeve, I recruited 15 new members, was appointed chairman of the Speaker's Bureau of Division A, and was appointed Assistant Governor both in Area 5 and in Area 1, and this is not to mention my personal achievements in my Leadership and Communication Awards.

On the first count, I was dead wrong that my life was boring and predictable. Certainly, my family added spice to my outside activities. My daughter Jasmine was famous among Indian Toastmasters and my adorable wife Pinky, gee... she became a sensation of her own as she became a sought after Masters of Ceremony and Guest Speaker.

On the second count I was wrong because even if stopped my photography, Comsofil gave me something else better. They allowed me to handle photography classes. And the sweet thing is... my students founded a group called "Shutters Guild" which is now the home of the rising photographers of the city.

On the third count I was wrong because when I dropped my outside activities - involving mostly of parties and booze - I found something else better. I found the CFC-FFL community which greatly help us improve our spiritual life and made us better person.

More than everything else, changing my priority set my life to good path and the right direction. I gained the trust and win back the love of my wife, my children are far more closer to me than anytime back then, and more importantly... we are all happy.

Eighteen months later, I reflect back and say to my self: "this was the best days of my life so far, and yes! I thank thee Lord"

Dinner Date with our HH

Last Friday, our household leader Tito Wilson secretly convinced all the boys to bring our respective spouse to Tony Roma's for a dinner date. That would also serve as our Valentine's celebration aside from our typical bonding moment with each other. Well, all the boys agreed and they all planned for a good alibi so that the spouses would not suspect.

My alibi was "the BoC will meet us to discuss the issue on camera". Hehehe... this alibi actually sent some shivers on mommy's spine. Who would not be. Anyone would surely tremble on the thought of "one-on-one" with the church community overall leaders. I learned that Tito Arnel's alibi was "to meet and old classmate at Tony Romas", while Tito Willy's alibi was "to check if the venue is good".


Well, we actually surprised our spouses and certainly made them happy. We had sumptuous feast of beef steak, grilled chicken and lots of bread and french fries. Overall, we had one memorable Valentine's celebration.

Palm Crest JS Prom speech

Few days ago, tito Noel hinted the Palm Crest may invite me as judge and mommy Pinky as the guest speaker for their annual JS Promenade. He asked my permission if he can give my number to Tito Russell Malveda, which I readily agreed. Indeed a day later, Tito Russell formally invited me and mommy to their JS prom as judge and guest speaker, respectively.

You could guess happened next: mommy was frantic. She was angry with me why I accepted the invitation... and she started thinking of alibi on how to retract and decline the invitation. I was not affected though. This is just the typical mommy who always doubtful of her beauty and skill. She started to calm down when I promised to help her write the JS Prom speech. I know mommy trust my ability to create a good speech that is appropriate for the occasion.

Well, here I am now writing mommy's speech. The choice of words were mine, the structure and the transition. But the overall tone and content? It was all mommy's idea.

Here's the first draft of the speech:

Salutation

Palm Crest Board of Directors Mr & Ms Danny Lopez, Mr & Ms Russell Malveda, School Administrator Dr. Dominador Mangusad, School Principal Dr. Araceli Cabral, Academic Chairman Jacquiline Dela Cruz, School officials, our beloved teachers, and most especially to you the Junior and Senior students of Palm Crest International school… good evening!

Class Reminiscing

Twenty five years ago, I can still vividly remember my own JS Prom. Like any girl in our class, we all dream of wearing beautiful gown, walk with poise during the presentation, and to make that evening a night to remember. Indeed, it was a very memorable night for me, but not the way I wished it would be… only better!

What you see right now is the anti-thesis of my high school self. Before, I love to wear loose shirt and jeans, put on my favorite black sneakers, and carry with me my denim backpack. Safe to say, I was more of a boyish type than your typical cutie girl next door. Imagine how my classmates went into euphoria, when for the first time they saw me wearing a ladies’ gown. It was transformation beyond imagination, they say. And I believe it was!

Before the prom started, I intensely prayed that my partner would be my childhood crush - the school varsity and the hunk of the class. But lady luck did not smile at me. When I saw my escort, I almost fainted because it was not a dashing prince charming but a skinny and lanky lizard. Gee… my partner looks like he just woke up from a coffin.

But as the night goes by, I was surprise to found out that my lizard escort was a gentleman, he was funny and talented – he gave us an awe full version of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and more importantly he delivered an inspirational speech that was full of wisdom. Needless to say, I was totally bewitched by the lanky lizard.

My JS prom story was simple but the lessons I gathered from it had a profound effect to my life and to my circle of friends. And that is what I wanted to share to you tonight.

{{ take a long pause while looking and smiling to the audience}}

Challenge for the Juniors

To all Juniors… (let me see the hands of the Juniors?)... please allow me to greet you “congratulations and welcome to the teenage and young adult life”. Tonight is your right of passage! You shall no longer be called girls but ladies, likewise to the male, you should no longer be called boys but instead gentlemen. You will soon take the first steps of how to manage yourself, on how to be a leader among your peers, and how to become inspirations to the younger generation in your school.

Collectively as a class, ahead of you is the responsibility to maintain, if not surpass, the level of achievements that the Seniors had achieved in the past years. In your own unique way, find your specialty and strength, and then make your school proud. Be competitive, be excellent, but keep your feet in the ground – be humble all the time. Next year, you have to take the shoes of the Seniors. You need to stand as the big brothers and big sisters of the Palm Crest International Schools. Be the model of discipline and be the face of what it is to be a real PCISian so that the young boys and girls of the school will wholeheartedly emulate you.

On a personal level, Juniors, this is your time to shine and be seen. Get out from the closet of insecurities; break free from the cocoon of doubts; take the bold step of knowing who you really are, and then explore of your own uniqueness.

I took my challenge twenty five years ago, and found myself as the Lady Pinky and not the boyish Pinky.

Once again, Juniors, welcome to the world of teenagers and young adults.

The marching Seniors

To the graduating class, our Seniors (let me see your hands please), congratulations and welcome to the real world. In just few weeks, you will be leaving the comfort and warm embrace of your alma mater – the Palm Crest International School. As you turn-over the helm of leadership to the Juniors, be proud of what you have achieved. I am sure that this year, you made your school proud.

You will soon walk the path that all of us – adults – had taken. A path that may defined your our own destinies and may shaped your our fates. Some of you may already know what course to take: Engineering, Medicine, Teaching, or you may choose to stay and help the family. Perhaps some of you are still doubtful. That is alright. Take your time, consider all your options and be certain of what path to take. Remember, there is no reset button in life: there are no exams and no grades … your decision will define who you will be in the future.

Tonight, I want you to look around and remember your teachers and peers. These are the people who help mold who you are today. Remember your teachers: they made sure that you have the right skills and knowledge to prepare for the next chapter of your life. Remember your peers: these are your buddies, your friends, and your partner in crime (just kidding). They are the memories of your high school life.

Pick a choice, make a decision and excel on that field.

Closing

Twenty five years ago, I made my choice. And I am happy to say that now, I am a successful educator… just like the way I wanted to be. My journey, by the way, was not easy. I have more downs than up, but it didn’t matter. What was more important was the learning experience every time I get up from a fall.

Oh by the way, you may ask: what happened to my skinny lizard escort? I can see you are giggling… you are curious, aren’t you?

I still get in touch with him. He became a successful family man and the last time I checked, he is no longer skinny but has big tummy. He is still a reptilian though, not a lizard but a big crocodile. This crocodile is no other than my beloved husband and partner in life.

Good luck to all of you. Be a successful PCISian.

HH session

After the Induction program, mommy and I went directly to Tito Willy's place. We actually have a scheduled regular household schedule for our church community. Also, Tito Willy is celebrating his birthday.

We were late when we arrived but glad to say, they really waited for us. And you know what, they immediately confronted us regarding the issue on Tito Noel borrowing my cameras. They all tried to convince us that we should get the camera immediately.

Well... we actually followed their advice. After the household meeting, we went to Tito Noel's house and asked for the camera. Noel gave me the 20D (old one) saying he still needs the other one for this coming Wednesday's event at Palm Crest.

Comsofil Induction

With heavy heart, I took the responsibility to introduced the Guest Speaker during the Comsofil Induction ceremony. As mentioned in my previous blog, I was harboring this bad vibes with the arrogant Consul. Well, mommy seems not to agree. She thinks, I was arrogant. hehehehe.

Anyway, the program completed smoothly. I saw the consul made chika-chicka with the members of the Board of Directors especially among the ladies. And you bet, she stayed longer at the table of my wife. Hah! I beat him on that category... I have a beautiful wife! Could you see my smiles from ears to ears? Hehehehe... I think, I am just bitter and envious. Yey!

By the way, I did shake hands and exchange pleasantries with the consult. He deserves that (even if I am angry with him) and I think, he also deserves to be given a honeymoon period with new position. I know, we will bump each other again. Besides, the Filipino communities in Riyadh is closely knitted and small.