SG Meeting

By 1pm, I gathered all of Shutters Guild members for a meeting.  I just presided the opening and allowed Norman to take over the discussion.  All existing officers gave their respective year end report and likewise the appointed coordinators also gave their progress reports.    After that, I took over the control of the meeting to start the election of the new sets of officers for program year 2011-2012. 

The election went smoothly with Norman unanimously re-elected as president, and all other position were filled easily.   The only time there was a heated discussion was the issue on handling the case of Leon Zaragoza.  Norman asked the group what to do with his case:

1. He owes the group SR575
2. He used the name of the group for his personal photoshoot
3. He has not yet paid his membership dues
4. He don't attend meetings anymore

While I was elaborating Leon's case, Bernard made a comment on the sideline asking why some members were unceremoniously removed from the membership without going to due process.  Out from nowhere, Beejay claimed that he took the liberty of taking out Alex from the membership list because he felt that it his responsibility to clean out the mess of Alex - estafa in particular. That comes as a surprise to me. Now I know why I have not seen Alex for quite some time.

I immediately cut the argument and took the responsibility of the fault.  First, I commend Beejay for the decisive and valid action that he did because that is his function as an officer - and not because of "guilty" factor as the sponsor of Alex.  I also commend Bernard for his zeal of closing the issue on Leon.  I promised to take action on this matter.

Below is the minutes of meeting as reported by Tony:

SG MINUTES OF MEETING
Date: 14 July 2011 (Thursday)

Incumbent SG Officers (2010 – 2011)
President - Norman Cunanan
VP (Technical & Development) - Donnie Advento
VP (Membership) - Herbert Bagol
VP (Internal Affairs) - Umi Mamalayan
VP (External Affairs) - Vacant
Logistics & Sgt. at Arms - Beejay Gonzales
Treasurer - Cathy Gonzales
Auditor - Vacant
Secretary - Vacant

ACHIEVEMENTS

President
• Pres. Norman has been thankful for all the support of the co-officers
• Pres. Norman has been performing tasks for the VP External as he was sourcing projects that may provide additional funds for SG
• Pres. Norman has also stated that there may be events´ shoots which are free of charge and these should be accommodate to provide opportunities for the new members to learn and likewise for exposure of SG
• Pres. Norman has advised everyone that SG has been appointed as the official photographer of SE Productions, one of the reputable Filipino events institutions in KSA
• Pres. Norman is requesting all of the new SG members to participate in the events and support the SG vision and mission

VP (Technical & Development)
• There has been several technical and development activities executed over the year and to name a few, please find listed below:
o Re-training and development which are normally conducted every Mondays
o Edge of the World this coming Hajj
o Advanced Lighting Workshop
o Coffee Table Book
o Saudi Sceneries
o Historical and Cultural Heritage of Saudi Arabia
o And many more

VP (Membership)
• Validity of the membership is yearly
• All members are obliged to pay their membership fees annually
• Herbert to prepare the updated list of SG members
• It was proposed that the new members should be provided with ID cards and membership kit which includes SG-logo shirt

Logistics & Sgt. at Arms
• Assets are estimated to include the following
o Backdrop
o 27 Stands (Easel)
• Beejay to provide updated information with regard to the current SG assets
• Project – Palm Crest

Treasurer
• Cathy to provide updated cash report to SG officers

Miscellaneous
• All are requested to attend the Monday regular meeting
• Issue discussed with regard to the SG website. This should be activated by the group
• Setup of Human Name in FB dedicated only for SG members (Nathan to setup)
• It was also suggested that there are issues that need to be resolved by the SG officers only and meeting should be arranged among themselves

New SG Officers (2011 – 2012)
President - Norman Cunanan
VP (Technical & Development) - Beejay Gonzales
VP (Membership) - Cathy Gonzales
VP (Internal Affairs) - Temporarily assigned to Donnie Advento
VP (External Affairs) - JP Guiao
VP (Logistics & Sgt. at Arms) - Bernie Obenza & Chong Quintos
Treasurer - Cathy Gonzales
Auditor - Rudy Hipolito
Secretary - Jong Baylon

Advisers - Nathaniel Amores
Donnie Advento
Anthony De Guzman
Ammar Valdezco (On leave)

Note: It was agreed by all that there will be a general assembly of all SG members sometime in September. Exact date shall be advised to all

Trip to Al Baher - departure

I left the office early today to make sure I have enough time to do my pending tasks.   First thing I did after leaving NIC compound at 2:30pm was to get my Police Certificate at the Olaya Police Station at Exit 5.  When I arrived at the place, I was initially glad that I will be talking to the same officer who entertained us last Wednesday night.  But my smiles immediately flew away because I found him unhelpful.  He made me wait for over an hour for some reason I could not comprehend.  If only this certificate in not important, I would never humiliate myself and would leave immediately.  But gee... I need this because we will be traveling to Khobar tonight and Mom and the two kids has no iqama. Two hours later, I decided to ask help from Beejay.   I ask him to talk and try to persuade the desk officer to expedite my request, in the language they understand - Arabic.  Finally, after some hesitation the officer prepared a memo and handed it to me.

I run short of time because of the delay at the Police Station so I decided to skip the check up on my car's battery.   I decided to do it before leaving Riyadh at 8pm.   I proceed to my house at around 5pm.  After taking a quick dinner, I took a short nap hoping I can gain enough strength and stamina for our 5 hours drive tonight. 

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7pm, everything was set to go.  Mom and the kids were all fully dressed up and our things were loaded at the car.  We then proceed to pick up Jestrel and Johnis at their accommodation.  I saw Bong and Bernard near the gate and learned from them that they were waiting for the other members of SG and plans to leave at 8pm.  Since our departure time is just close, I decided to go in convoy with the rest of the team.  Anyway, I still have to have my car's battery checkup.


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When the Indian mechanic checked my car, he declared that the battery was defective.  He showed me from the battery meter that my battery only registers 13 instead of the required 14.  I didn't understand what he was talking about but believe in him anyway.  He further suggest that the alternator was defective.   Hearing that, I started to panic.  Certainly, this news will make our Khobar trip impossible.   I asked he can recommend a mechanic who can fix the alternator.  A Filipino guy approached and take a look at the engine.  He made some phone calls and declare that there was no available parts.

Deeply worried, I rushed to the nearest Hyundai Service Center to see if they can fix my car in time.  My friend Leo guarantee that he can work on it in an hour provided there are parts - which turns out to be available only the following day.  In desperation, I called friend Rey to seek some advise.  In less than 10 minutes, Rey arrived and checked the car.  He explained to me that the battery is not defective but only only performing less than its 100% capacity. Meaning, the battery can still provide electricity to the car but at a diminished performance.  He also explained that the alternator was fine.  Had it been otherwise, my car should be stalled because the battery would be dead by now.

Donnie and the rest of the team arrived just in time when Rey declared that my car was fit for Khobar travel.  The rest of the team assured me that they can tow my car if ever it breaks down.   After thanking Rey, we left and rendezvous with the rest of the gang at Max center at Nassim.   Seven cars left Max center at around 9:10pm.   One car called up and promised to catch up.   Rudy took the lead car and cruise us at 110 kph, enough for the last car to catch in an hour.

The convoy of 8 cars cruise 5 long hours before arriving at Al Baher in Khobar.

HH in Khobar

I only took two hours of sleep today.  At 2am, I was awaken by the phone call from Tito Wilson advising us that T2 Jun Saporsantos is already waiting for us.   We immediately prepare the kids, our things and we started driving towards Madarem at near Exit 8.  And because the road was near empty, it didn't take us more than 10 minutes to arrive in the place.  T2 Arnel and T2 Rick - aside from T2 Jun - were already there.  They were just waiting for me and T2 Willy to start our convoy to Khobar.

T2 Rick took the lead car. Hehhee.. they all agreed to set me in the middle of the convoy knowing that I am fast driver.  And true to what we previously agreed, we cruise at 80 - 100 kph.   Gee... we were very slow and it made me very very sleepy.  I was so sleepy that was a moment that I swivel three lanes on my left.  Good thing, there were no other cars on the road.  I made a recovery just in time before I would fall on the road shoulders.  T2 Arnel notice that swivel and he immediately called on my phone and asking if I need an alternative driver.  I assured him that I was okay.


After a grueling four and half hours of drive, we finally arrived at Khobar. 

I love the place where we stay. It is a large apartelle suite with two big rooms, a huge sala, three comfort rooms and one nice kitchen.  The place is also clean and the room service was good.   My family took the masters room while T2 Arnel and T2 Jun shared the other big room.  T2 Willy and T2 Ric opted to share the very huge sala.  T2 Wilson will be on the other suite and will share with T2 Chris Miranda - who will arrive later.

We actually arrived very very early.  Our household will start at 7pm and the Lay Communion Service (LCS) will start at 10pm.  Meaning, we have the entire day to relax, move around and go shopping.   T2 Wilson and T2 Arnel went out to buy seafood at Khatif while the rest of the ladies prepared the house.







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Me on the other hand left the apartelle because I have a Toastmasters District 79 meeting to attend.  I was actually arrive late but not later than the Jeddah delegates.  I was just in time for the critical agenda of the meeting - the educational plan for the district - the part that matters on my Area.   I stayed until lunch and then went back to the apartelle.

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Tita Vicky was surprised to see me in formal clothes.  I just smiled and told her that I attended a Toastmasters meeting.  I proceed to our room and took a much needed rest.

Mommy woke me up at around 3pm.  Every body gathered in the kitchen to partake the sumptuous buffet of adobo, fish, and blue crabs.   We had a good time and did enjoy the food.  Me and Tita Mabel was particularly happy with the delicious blue crabs.  I guess, I eat 3 dozens of large blue crabs.  Whew!  After lunch, I went back to sleep.

We started our household at around 7:30pm.   As usual, we had some good time bonding together and sharing each others' joy and sorrows.  We made fun with each other - kulitan - and we always encourage each other.  I guess, we have matured as a household that we are no longer restricted by our inhibitions.  Tita Marian, who was the most timid among us, started to be assertive and open.  She even shared to use some personal secrets about T2 Arnel.  T2 Arnel gave us a revelation that he is now ready to accept responsibility in the community.   Tito Wilson, our household leader, gave us an inspiring message that made everyone smiling.  We enjoy our household meeting so much, we didn't notice that it was already past 11pm.   We close the meeting and started preparing for the LCS.

Minutes later, the FFL servants who were based here in Khobar start arriving.  I was nice knowing that there were three servants who are from Cagayan de Oro.


More picture in mommy's FB account

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.234241249927292.67694.100000242572580

The Beautiful Marina Bay

Marina Bay has transformed a million times better than it was three years ago.  

The entire flyover field has vanished. From the Esplanade viewpoint, it was now hidden behind the huge Marina Sands Casino Resort.   On my right, gone are the rusty boats at the old Clifford Pier. The pier itself was renovated and was transformed as the new Fullerton Bay Hotel - an extension of the iconic main Fullerton Hotel.   There were also several under construction high rise building between the old The Sail building and One Marina Boulevard building.  On my far left, the beautiful Singapore Flyer stood proudly illuminating the dark sky with its beautifully lighter observation tubes.  And there was a beautiful foot bridge that links the Marina Sand towards the Esplanade.  It was beautiful beyond description.

Oh, I miss Singapore so much... I want to come back and live here again!

Cancelled trip to Universal Studio

I have long wanted to take a glance to the famed Universal Studio of Singapore and this visit was my schedule.  To make sure I have the right information, I called Marie, my Pinoygrapher colleague who works with the studio.  She replied that today would not be a good time to visit the place because there is an ongoing renovations on major spots. To aggravate the problem, there was island wide brownout since morning.   Upon hearing the news, I decided not to pursue my visit to Universal.  I just proceed to Orchard hoping I can watch some good movies.

I arrived at Lido Cinema at around 5pm and tried looking for the Imax Theater.   I was surprised to see hundred of people loitering at the lobby.   I find the ticket booth and initially thought they just moved it to a new location.  After searching and failed to find it, I asked around.  A beautiful woman who was surrounded with chubby kids replied that the booth was relocated near the elevator and it is currently closed.  The showing right now,s he said, is a premier show for the movie X-men First Class.  There are not ticket because it is sponsored by Starhub.   She offered to give me her extra ticket... much to my delight.

Indeed, I was very glad to watch the opening show of X-men movie.

I left Orchard at around 9pm. I took an MRT train and proceed to City Hall.  I intend to take my dinner at the Soup Spoon at Raffles Place.

Good bye PR

I got lots of items in my itinerary and I wanted to finish them all so I have extra time to watch movie.  The first thing I did was to check out from Hotel 81 Boon Keen and transferred to Hotel 81 Baliester.  I find the new place closer to my destinations and nearer to my "friends".  Hhehehe...

First order of the day: Immigration and Checkpoint Authority.   I arrived at ICA at around 11am and took me 10 minutes to wait before an immigration officer came to see me.  She polite, accommodating and prompt.  She easily understand my case and readily explained to me the rules of Singapore immigration.   She said that my absence is Singapore is not a ground for rejection for renewal of Permanent Residence.  As long as I have an active contribution to Central Provident Fund, then I can be renewed.  In my case, because my employer is not based in Singapore then I don't have contribution to CPF.  When I inquire if an individual can contribute directly to CPF, she answered no.  Only registered Singapore companies can.  She summarize my case as follows:

• I had been away in Singapore for so long - not a ground for disqualification
• I don't have contribution to CPF - a ground for disqualification
• I have an option to apply for temporary extension of 6 months to give time for me to find an employer in Singapore.  I must be employed by a Singapore company during my application for renewal
• I have the option to withdraw or leave my CPF.  It will earn interest if left untouched
• If I go back to Singapore, I can apply for PR again.  If I am qualified, then I can get a PR.  Losing my PR may not be a ground against my application for another PR.

Now it is clear to me that after August 10, 2011 my Permanent Residence will expire and ... goodby Singapore.

I left ICA office with heavy hearts.

Nice to be back

3pm

Now with fully charged body and ready to go, I immediately took a stroll towards Singapore Management University MRT Station.  I was curious because this station was not yet operational the last time I was here.  I was glad that this station can take me to Harbour Front just right to get me to my destination - movie house at Vivo City.

I watched a 3D movie Kung Fu Panda 2.


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It was still early when I went out of the movie house.  I tried strolling at Vivo city but didn't find it interesting.  Perhaps there's just too many people around and it was raining outside.  No choice, I opted to indulge myself with my favorite Prawn Mei at the famous Vivo Hawker Center. 

Later, I went to Cathay Cineplex along Orchard Road to check for the schedule of Pirates of Caribbean.   When I found that the movie schedules were not on my side, I decided to talk a walk towards the hotel.  

I need a rest

 

Rest muna

8:10am

I guess arrived too early at the Hotel, the receptionist requested me to stay at the receiving area and wait for a vacancy in their rooms.  After making I have a room reservation and kept my bag safe, I went out to find breakfast.  I readily found the nearby hawker and ordered my favorite chicken rice and fish soup.  I went back to the hotel at around 9am and was advised to wait further because there was not room available yet.

10:30am

I started calling my contacts in Singapore and inform them that I just arrived this morning.  I was sad that Pinoygraphers had no schedule today and Bong Odal is in the Philippines.   Tolits and Tonski were not reacheable and I assume they chanced their phone numbers.  I also called Inkyo who readily answered and promised to drop by at the hotel after lunch.

11:10am

Finally, I got a room and was able to take a much needed rest.
 
I slept... zzzzzzz

Hello Singapore

Singapore Airlines flight SG 941 touched down at the Changi International Airport at around 6:30 in the morning.  It has been so long since I went back to my home base - over a year, I guess, and the scent of the cozy terminal gave me a mixed feeling of excitement and sadness.  Excitement because I will be seeing my friends again and sadness as well because I have to face the fact the my PR will soon expire.   

I didn't exit at the immigration immediately.  I stayed for almost an hour at the terminal and assisted my seat mate to find her transit flight to Cebu.  I tried to convince her to come with me since her flight would still be the following day.  Rather than stay bored at the terminal for 26 hours, she could spend the day with me and tour Singapore.   She was actually receptive to the idea and even agrees to share the hotel with me.  However after showing her the ins and outs of the beautiful Changi terminal and also assuring her that it is safe inside, she begs off on going out with me.  I politely bid goodbye and then proceed to the immigration area to pickup my baggage.

After showing my PR ID, the immigration officer stamped my passport without any question.  In less than a minute, I was already inside a yellow cab on my way to Hotel 81 Boon Keen.

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!

  
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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"