BAKER'S DOZEN

2009-04-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

Dream Big

Author Unknown

If there were ever a time to dare, to make a difference, to embark on something worth doing, it is now.
Not for any grand cause, necessarily-but for something that tugs at your heart, something that's your aspiration, something that's your dream.

You owe it to yourself to make your days here count.

Have fun. Dig Deep. Stretch. Dream big.

Know, though, that things worth doing seldom come easy. There will be good days. There will be times when you want to turn around, pack it up, and call it quits. those times tell you that you are pushing yourself, that you are not afraid to learn by trying.

Persist.
Because with an idea, determination, and the right tools, you can do great things. Let your instincts, your intellect, and your heart guide you.

Trust.
Believe in the incredible power of the human mind. Of doing something that makes a difference. Of working hard. Of laughing and hoping. Of lazy afternoons. Of lasting friends. Of all the things that will cross your path this year. The start of something new brings the hope of something great.

Anything is possible. There is only one you. And you will pass this way only once.

2009-04-14T18:04:00.000-07:00

2009-04-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

With Gemma's sons.

2009-04-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

At home with Daniel and Matthew.

2009-04-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

2009-04-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

2009-04-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

2009-04-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

2009-04-10T10:37:00.000-07:00

2009-04-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

2009-04-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

With Ate Nelly and Raymond and Rainier.

2009-04-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

With Kuya Jesse, Ate Nancy and Jensel.

2009-04-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

At Wada and Lizette's house with their kids and Rainier.

2009-04-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

With Mila and Eric's sons.

2009-04-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

With Capt. Mike and his sons.

2009-04-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

At Dra. Ics and Gerry's house with Rainier.

2009-04-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

At Maritoni and Capt. Nicomen's house.

2009-04-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

At Nini and Capt. James' house with Sonny Boy and Jamielou.

2009-04-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

Nini, Maritoni and Dra. Ics.

2009-04-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

Night out at Highway 19 East at Sucat.

2009-04-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

Clubbing with my pamangkins.

2009-04-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

Night out at Sucat.

2009-04-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

Summer 2007. At Manila Domestic Airport before Wada left to work in Qatar.

2005-11-17T17:28:00.000-08:00

Bellagio-Las Vegas

2005-07-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

Inuman sa likod ng bahay sa Kahoy.

2005-07-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

Capt. Tibo with Dra. Icay/Gerry, Maj. Reymuel and Dondon. M-Kahoy blowout.

2005-07-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

Lt. Mike and son and Dra. Icay with Rainier at Capt. Tibo's blowout in Mataasnakahoy, Batangas.

2005-07-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

Hola, amigos. Mel and Kuya Herman sa Mataasnakahoy during Cpt. Tibo's blowout.

2005-05-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

Undefeated Champion. Samboy's Lakan Bantam Team won the MPAA 2005 season without losing any game.Taken April 7, 2005 at Lorne Park School, Mississauga, ON

2005-04-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

"He said he is not going to do what he thinks is right, but what God thinks is right."
Kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers paid their respects to Pope Benedict XVI moments after his solemn inauguration as head of the Roman Catholic Church. Representatives of more than 100 nations attended the mass.

2005-04-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

Pope Benedict XVI. "Dear brothers and sisters after the great Pope, John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble worker in the Lord's vineyard," Pope Benedict said on Tuesday

2005-04-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

First Communion. Matthew with Mommy Ba at the foot of the altar of St. Francis Xavier Church in Mavis/Britannia, Mississauga, ON.

2005-04-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

Text of Pope John Paul II's Last Will

“I thank everyone. Of everyone I ask forgiveness. I also ask for prayer, that the Mercy of God may appear greater than my weakness and unworthiness. ”

April 7, 2005 · VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope John Paul II, weighed down by illness and age, reflected on his possible resignation as he turned 80, according to his last will and testament published Thursday. The pope also wrote of tormented times for himself and the church and left instructions for his notes to be burned.

The document, written in several entries over 22 years before he died Saturday at age 84, provides extraordinary insight into the pope's thinking in the twilight of his life as he reflected on death and his legacy, and as he prayed for the "necessary strength" to continue his mission.
"The times in which we live are unutterably difficult and disturbed," he wrote in 1980, according to the official Vatican translation from Polish. "The path of the church has also become difficult and tense... both for the faithful and for pastors."

The following is the Vatican information service's English translation of the official Italian translation of the text of Pope John Paul II's last will and testament, which was originally written in Polish, dated March 6, 1979, with successive additions (The editor's notes are the AP's. The parentheses are in the pope's text, except for Vatican notations):

Last Will and Testament
The testament of 6.3.1979 (Eds: March 6, 1979)
(and successive additions)

"Totus Tuus ego sum" (Eds: Latin for "I am completely in Your hands")
In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.

"Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming" (cf. Matthew 24, 42) - these words remind me of the last call, which will happen at the moment the Lord wishes. I desire to follow Him, and I desire that everything making up part of my earthly life should prepare me for this moment. I do not know when the moment will come, but like everything else, I place it too in the hands of the Mother of my Master: Totus Tuus. In the same maternal Hands I leave everything and everyone with whom my life and vocation have linked me. In these Hands I leave, above all, the Church, as well as my Nation and all humanity. I thank everyone. Of everyone I ask forgiveness. I also ask for prayer, that the Mercy of God may appear greater than my weakness and unworthiness.
During the spiritual exercises I reread the testament of the Holy Father Paul VI. That reading prompted me to write this testament.

I leave no property behind me of which it is necessary to dispose. As for the everyday objects that were of use to me, I ask they be distributed as seems appropriate. My personal notes are to be burned. I ask that this be attended to by Father Stanislaw (Eds: his personal secretary, Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz), whom I thank for his collaboration and help, so prolonged over the years and so understanding. As for all other thanks, I leave them in my heart before God Himself, because it is difficult to express them.

As for the funeral, I repeat the same dispositions as were given by the Holy Father Paul VI. (Here is a note in the margin: burial in the bare earth, not in a sarcophagus, 13.3.92) (Eds: March 13, 1992).

"Apud Dominum misericordia et copiosa apud Eum redemptio." (Eds: Latin for "With the Lord there is mercy, and with Him plentiful redemption.")
John Paul pp. II
Rome, 6.III.1979 (Eds: March 6, 1979)
After my death I ask for Masses and prayers.
5.III.1990 (Eds: March 5, 1990)

---
(Eds: Undated sheet of paper)
I express my profound trust that, despite all my weakness, the Lord will grant me all the grace necessary to face according to His will any task, trial or suffering that He will ask of His servant, in the course of his life. I also trust that He will never allow me - through some attitude of mine: words, deeds or omissions - to betray my obligations in this holy Petrine See.
24.II-1.III.1980 (Eds: Feb. 24-March 1, 1980)

Also during these spiritual exercises, I have reflected on the truth of the Priesthood of Christ in the perspective of that Transit that for each of us is the moment of our own death. For us the Resurrection of Christ is an eloquent (Vatican notation: added above, decisive) sign of departing from this world - to be born in the next, in the future world.

I have read, then, the copy of my testament from last year, also written during the spiritual exercises - I compared it with the testament of my great predecessor and Father, Paul VI, with that sublime witness to death of a Christian and a Pope - and I have renewed within me an awareness of the questions to which the copy of 6.III.1979 (Eds: March 6, 1979) refers, prepared by me (in a somewhat provisional way).

Today I wish to add only this: that each of us must bear in mind the prospect of death. And must be ready to present himself before the Lord and Judge - Who is at the same time Redeemer and Father. I too continually take this into consideration, entrusting that decisive moment to the Mother of Christ and of the Church - to the Mother of my hope.

The times in which we live are unutterably difficult and disturbed. The path of the Church has also become difficult and tense, a characteristic trial of these times - both for the Faithful and for Pastors. In some Countries (as, for example, in those about which I read during the spiritual exercises), the Church is undergoing a period of such persecution as to be in no way lesser than that of early centuries, indeed it surpasses them in its degree of cruelty and hatred. "Sanguis martyrum - semen christianorum" (Eds: Latin for "Blood of the martyrs - seeds of Christians"). And apart from this - many people die innocently even in this Country in which we are living.
Once again, I wish to entrust myself totally to the Lord's grace. He Himself will decide when and how I must end my earthly life and pastoral ministry. In life and in death, Totus Tuus in Mary Immaculate. Accepting that death, even now, I hope that Christ will give me the grace for the final passage, in other words (Vatican notation: "my") Easter. I also hope that He makes (Vatican notation: "that death") useful for this more important cause that I seek to serve: the salvation of men and women, the safeguarding of the human family and, in that, of all nations and all peoples (among them, I particularly address my earthly Homeland), and useful for the people with whom He particularly entrusted me, for the question of the Church, for the glory of God Himself.

I do not wish to add anything to what I wrote a year ago - only to express this readiness and, at the same time, this trust, to which the current spiritual exercises have again disposed me.
John Paul II
---
Totus Tuus ego sum 5.III.1982 (Ed: March 5, 1982)
In the course of this year's spiritual exercises I have read (a number of times) the text of the testament of 6.III.1979 (Eds: March 6, 1979). Although I still consider it provisional (not definitive), I leave it in the form in which it exists. I change nothing (for now), and neither do I add anything, as concerns the dispositions contained therein.
The attempt upon my life on 13.V.1981 (Eds: May 13, 1981) in some way confirmed the accuracy of the words written during the period of the spiritual exercises of 1980 (24.II-1.III) (Eds: Feb. 24-March 1).

All the more deeply I now feel that I am totally in the Hands of God - and I remain continually at the disposal of my Lord, entrusting myself to Him in His Immaculate Mother (Totus Tuus)
John Paul pp.II
---
5.III.82 (March 5, 1982)
In connection with the last sentence in my testament of 6.III.1979 (March 6, 1979) ("concerning the site / that is, the site of the funeral / let the College of Cardinals and Compatriots decide") - I will make it clear that I have in mind: the metropolitan of Krakow or the General Council of the Episcopate of Poland. In the meantime I ask the College of Cardinals to satisfy, as far as possible, any demands of the above-mentioned.
---
2. 1.III.1985 (Eds: March 1, 1985) (during the spiritual exercises)
Again - as regards the expression "College of Cardinals and Compatriots": the "College of Cardinals" has no obligation to consult "Compatriots" on this subject, however it can do so, if for some reason it feels it is right to do so.
JPII
---
Spiritual exercise of the Jubilee Year 2000 (12-18.III) (Eds: March 12-18).
(Vatican notation: "for my testament")

1. When, on Oct. 16, 1978, the conclave of cardinals chose John Paul II, the primate of Poland, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski told me: "The duty of the new Pope will be to introduce the Church into the Third Millennium." I don't know if I am repeating this sentence exactly, but at least this was the sense of what I heard at the time. This was said by the Man who entered history as the primate of the Millennium. A great primate. I was a witness to his mission, to his total entrustment. To his battles. To his victory. "Victory, when it comes, will be a victory through Mary" - The primate of the Millennium used to repeat these words of his predecessor, Cardinal August Hlond.

In this way I was prepared in some manner for the duty that presented itself to me on Oct. 16, 1978. As I write these words, the Jubilee Year 2000 is already a reality. The night of Dec. 24, 1999, the symbolic Door of the Great Jubilee in the Basilica of St. Peter's was opened, then that of St. John Lateran, then St. Mary Major - on New Year's, and on Jan. 19, the Door of the Basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls. This last event, given its ecumenical character, has remained impressed in my memory in a special way.

2. As the Jubilee Year progressed, day by day the 20th century closes behind us and the 21st century opens. According to the plans of Divine Providence, I was allowed to live in the difficult century that is retreating into the past, and now, in the year in which my life reaches 80 years ("octogesima adveniens"), it is time to ask oneself if it is not the time to repeat with the biblical Simeone 'nunc dimittis' (Ed: Latin for "Now Master you may let your servant go.")

On May 13, 1981, the day of the attack on the Pope during the general audience in St. Peter's Square, Divine Providence saved me in a miraculous way from death. The One Who is the Only Lord of life and death Himself prolonged my life, in a certain way He gave it to me again. From that moment it belonged to Him even more. I hope He will help me to recognize up to what point I must continue this service to which I was called on Oct. 16, 1978. I ask him to call me back when He Himself wishes. "In life and in death we belong to the Lord ... we are the Lord's." (cf. Romans 14,8). I also hope that, as long as I am called to fulfill the Petrine service in the Church, the Mercy of God will give me the necessary strength for this service.

3. As I do every year during spiritual exercises, I read my testament from 6-III-1979 (Eds: March 6, 1979). I continue to maintain the dispositions contained in this text. What then, and even during successive spiritual exercises, has been added constitutes a reflection of the difficult and tense general situation which marked the '80s. From autumn of the year 1989, this situation changed. The last decade of the century was free of the previous tensions; that does not mean that it did not bring with it new problems and difficulties. In a special way may Divine Providence be praised for this, that the period of the so-called "cold war" ended without violent nuclear conflict, the danger of which weighed on the world in the preceding period.

4. Being on the threshold of the third millennium "in medio Ecclesiae" (Eds: Latin for "inside the Church") I wish once again to express gratitude to the Holy Spirit for the great gift of Vatican Council II, to which, together with the entire Church - and above all the entire episcopacy - I feel indebted. I am convinced that for a long time to come the new generations will draw upon the riches that this Council of the 20th century gave us. As a bishop who participated in this conciliar event from the first to the last day, I wish to entrust this great patrimony to all those who are and who will be called in the future to realize it. For my part I thank the eternal Pastor Who allowed me to serve this very great cause during the course of all the years of my pontificate.

"In medio Ecclesiae" ... from the first years of my service as a bishop - precisely thanks to the Council - I was able to experience the fraternal communion of the Episcopacy. As a priest of the Archdiocese of Krakow, I experienced the fraternal communion among priests - and the Council opened a new dimension to this experience.

5. How many people should I list! Probably the Lord God has called to Himself the majority of them - as to those who are still on this side, may the words of this testament recall them, everyone and everywhere, wherever they are.

During the more than 20 years that I am fulfilling the Petrine service "in medio Ecclesiae" I have experienced the benevolence and even more the fecund collaboration of so many cardinals, archbishops and bishops, so many priests, so many consecrated persons - brothers and sisters - and, lastly, so very, very many lay persons, within the Curia, in the vicariate of the diocese of Rome, as well as outside these milieux.

How can I not embrace with grateful memory all the bishops of the world whom I have met in "ad limina Apostolorum" (Eds: a reference to required, periodic visits)! How can I not recall so many non-Catholic Christian brothers! And the rabbi of Rome and so many representatives of non -Christian religions! And how many representatives of the world of culture, science, politics, and of the means of social communication!

6. As the end of my life approaches I return with my memory to the beginning, to my parents, to my brother, to the sister (I never knew because she died before my birth), to the parish in Wadowice, where I was baptized, to that city I love, to my peers, friends from elementary school, high school and the university, up to the time of the occupation when I was a worker, and then in the parish of Niegowic, then St. Florian's in Krakow, to the pastoral ministry of academics, to the milieu of ... to all milieux ... to Krakow and to Rome ... to the people who were entrusted to me in a special way by the Lord.

To all I want to say just one thing: "May God reward you."

"In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum." (Eds: Latin for "In your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.")
A.D. 17.III.2000 (Eds: March 17, 2000)
JOHN PAUL II: TESTAMENT

2005-04-08T18:09:00.000-07:00

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger sprinkles the coffin of Pope John Paul II with holy water during the pontiff's funeral at the Vatican, April 8.

2005-04-01T20:16:00.000-08:00

Let us pray for the Holy Father. A Pope for Christians and for all of humanity.

2005-04-01T20:01:00.000-08:00

WYD 2002 in Canada. PM Jean Chretien kisses the hands of Pope John Paul II.

2005-04-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

Pope JPII during his healthy days

2005-04-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

Pope JPII as a young priest.

2005-04-01T19:53:00.000-08:00

The young Pope John Paul II

2005-01-29T19:42:00.000-08:00

THE HOSPITAL WINDOW (by Author Unknown )

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present.

2005-01-29T19:36:00.000-08:00

Words to live by...

"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them – every day begin the task anew." – Saint Francis de Sales

2005-01-29T19:29:00.000-08:00

Ganito ang mag-swimming... Tinuturuan ni Honey at Bevs si Dooding.

2005-01-29T19:23:00.000-08:00

Kape muna tayo. Si Boy N. at si Boy J.

2005-01-29T19:15:00.000-08:00

Miss Terry Fox Way...Eto ang Mutya ng 5073 Terry Fox Way, Mississauga. Kita ba ang cleavage?

2005-01-29T19:02:00.000-08:00

Mejia Family. Venetian-Las Vegas. Puede ba tayong sumakay sa bangka, Mom?, tanong ni Miggy.

2005-01-27T19:48:00.000-08:00

Erap's Visit to Mississauga. Aba, nakangiti yata lahat.

2005-01-27T19:45:00.000-08:00

Tsibugan na.. Abigail's visit to Mississauga.

2005-01-27T19:39:00.000-08:00

Samboy's self-drawing.

2005-01-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

Mendoza family. Anthony, David and Lisa from Cathedral City. ...

2005-01-27T19:29:00.000-08:00

Here comes the bride... Leng/Wennie, meron na silang made in Canada.

2005-01-27T19:16:00.000-08:00

Pera o Puri?... Samboy at Universal Studios.

2005-01-27T19:14:00.000-08:00

Men in Black. ..mukhang bagong kain ang mga ito.

2005-01-27T19:10:00.000-08:00

Dad, eto ang gusto kong car. (Universal Studios/Fast & Furios cars)

2005-01-27T19:08:00.000-08:00

Pizza please, sabi ni Matthew.

2005-01-27T19:05:00.000-08:00

Maligalig. Nagwala si Doods noong graduation ni Matthew sa SK/St. Valentines

2005-01-27T18:54:00.000-08:00

Dinner with Capt. Tibo sa Pittsburgh on his first Boeing 717 simulation training.

2005-01-24T20:35:00.000-08:00

Thought for today.

"I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occassions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot . . . and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why . . . I succeed."
Michael Jordan

2005-01-24T20:27:00.000-08:00

...Dyaran.... Ninang si Rhodes sa kasal ng anak ni Ruben. Taken at home before the wedding ceremony/reception at Hamilton.

2005-01-24T20:23:00.000-08:00

Kuya Matthew, tayo na pumasok na tayo sa St. Valentine, sabi ni Dooding.

2005-01-24T20:21:00.000-08:00

Trick or Treat. Si Dooding at si Matthew. Maraming tsokolate at candies ang nakuha nila.

2005-01-22T19:25:00.000-08:00

Kids in front of Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas

2005-01-22T19:23:00.000-08:00

Ladies' Choice...(Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas)

2005-01-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

WOW LEGS...Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas

2005-01-22T19:14:00.000-08:00

Ang mga apo ni Mommy Ba. Inside Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

2005-01-22T19:12:00.000-08:00

Busog na ang barangay. Las Vegas trip.

2005-01-22T18:44:00.000-08:00

3 Musketeers. Daniel Jude, Matthew John and Samuel Jeffrey- taken at home, XMAS 2004

2005-01-09T19:01:00.000-08:00

Kong Family: l-r, Willy, Sendy, Bebs and Honey

2005-01-09T18:59:00.000-08:00

Mendoza Family: l-r Fichie, Donna, Joseph, Renzo and Choi

2005-01-09T18:58:00.000-08:00

Mendoza Family: l-r Melanie, Mely, Mark, Boy and Michael.

2005-01-09T18:56:00.000-08:00

Aba naman....o pagandahan tayo..

2005-01-09T18:52:00.000-08:00

Sarap ng handa....may tsibug na may pabaon pa.

2005-01-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary! (Sam and Rhoda)

2005-01-09T18:36:00.000-08:00

Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa lahat. (l-r: Samboy, Daniel, Rhoda, Matthew and Sam)

2004-09-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

Factory Outlet sa Grove City. Taken inside Amerihost.

2004-09-14T18:44:00.000-07:00

Party ni Samboy (with his friends and classmates) sa basement.

2004-09-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

Swimming na! Boracay is a leading tourist destination sa Pilipinas.

2004-09-14T18:16:00.000-07:00

O, sakay na. Byaheng Manila-Toronto-Manila. Jeepney is still the primary means of public transportation in the Philippines.

2004-09-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

Words to Live by:

Don't Quit
"When things go wrong as they sometimes will When the road you're trudging seems all up hill. When funds are low and the debts are high. And you want to smile, but you have to sigh. When care is pressing you down a bit. Rest, if you must, but don't you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns. As everyone of us sometimes learns. And many a failure turns about When he might have won had he stuck it out:Don't give up though the pace seems slow - You may succeed with another blow. Success is failure turned inside out - The silver tint of the clouds of doubt. And you never can tell how close you are. It may be near when it seems so far: So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit It's when things seem worst that you must not QUIT."Author unknown

2004-09-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

Rockefeller Center. Barangay Terry Fox. Sam/Daniel, Rhoda/Matthew and Samboy

2004-09-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

Rockefeller Center pix ng pamilya ni Joseph at Donna with Renzo, Choy and Fichi.

2004-09-08T20:18:00.000-07:00

Barangay II sa Days Inn- Tonelle St.,Jersey City

2004-09-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

Jersey City. Days Inn at Tonelle, Joseph, Sam and Samboy.

2004-09-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

Cuadro de Jack. Matthew, Daniel, Choy and Renzo at 42nd St.- Time Square, 9/4/04

2004-09-08T20:05:00.000-07:00

New York, New York..City that never sleeps! taken at 43rd/7th St. - Time Square on Sept. 4, 2004

2004-09-08T20:01:00.000-07:00

Piece of Cake! Daniel (left) and Matthew trying to decide what to do with the ice cream cake.

2004-08-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

Medalist: Samboy was awarded Academic honors and Athletics when he graduated Grade 8 at St. Valentine's in 2002.

2004-08-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

Let's go Camping! I'm doing barbecue here..Joseph M. is eating his dinner.

2004-08-23T17:47:00.000-07:00

Viva Las Vegas! Picture taken inside Bellagio; outside the hotel is the crowd-drawer in the strip..the dancing fountain.

2004-08-23T17:08:00.000-07:00

Words of Wisdom:

Some men give up their designs when they have almost reached the goal; While others, on the contrary, obtain a victory by exerting, at the last moment, more vigorous efforts than ever before." Herodotus

2004-05-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

Mga utol,

Gemma's death anniversary falls either on May 21 or May 22..I'm not too sure. To any of the utols, please let me know the exact date. Let us always include Gemma and her son in our prayers.

Maj. Reymuel,

Kumusta ang stay mo sa Thailand. Have you been to Pat Phong?..Ingat sa lugar na 'yan..

I visited Bangkok about 9 years ago. I stayed at Oriental Hotel (?) where we had a conference. I spoke before the User's Group about a software application that we successfully implemented at AMI-P.
====
I noticed that your co-officers from your Balikatan exercise are using the Satellite as well. I hope it helps.
====

I'm getting homesick but it may take time before I go home. I'll let you know.

Take care and warmest regards to all.

Pray always.

K. Sammy

2004-05-03T16:36:00.000-07:00

2004-04-26T17:26:00.000-07:00

Regalado Reunion: San Jose, Iriga City, April 25, 2004.
=====
Thought for the day.

"Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises." Demosthenes

2004-04-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

Let us all say a prayer for Tatay's 21st death anniversary. (Our Father-1x).

It was April 13, 1983 when I learned the news. I was working at Permaline Container Corp., QC when the VP of FF Cruz called informing me that Tatay's plane was "overdue".

A week before, Tatay called me on the phone which was rather unusual because he usually calls Mel in Makati (BIR office) or he just comes home from his long, tiring flights. He said that they flew "highly-precisioned" flights where they have to maintain altitude at 3500 ft., with not even a 1 degree left or right variance in direction from start to finish. He was tired but he was happy because he always loved flying. His pay was good too.

From the Philippines, he was looking forward to their next foreign assignment.

It took four (4) days to find his body and the rest of the crew in the jungles of Cauayan, Isabela. Mel, Agut and Jun V. joined the search and rescue party while I stayed at the Rescue Coordinating Center in Manila and relayed whatever information to Inay and our family in M-Kahoy.

He was identified through his "Grosby" leather shoes he was wearing at the time. We (Mel, Sammy & Agut) all have a pair of Grosby shoes at that time. Their bodies were found on top of a trelis being "smoked" to ward away insects and animals.

There was a multitude of people who came to pay their respect to Tatay when he was buried. We never had the chance to thank them all except during the mass.

May he rest in peace with Inay, Gemma and her son.
=====
It has been 21 years to date. All thirteen of us have our own families now. We may have lost our parents early in our lives. Do not allow minor 'bumps' to undermine us. Let the family bond be as close and strong as ever.

Inay and Tatay, if they were alive, would have been proud of all of us.

Pray Always.

K.Sammy

2004-04-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

(Easter Sunday. A word of wisdom... short poem to uplift sagging morale.)

Don't Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill.
When funds are low and the debts are high.
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit.
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns.
As everyone of us sometimes learns.
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out:

Don't give up though the pace seems slow -
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are.
It may be near when it seems so far:
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things seem worst that you must not QUIT.

Author unknown

2004-04-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

2004-04-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

2004-04-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

Subject: Part1 of Maj. Reymuel's Address to the Graduating Class of M-Kahoy elementary school.

========================

TO THE PARENTS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THE GRADUATING STUDENTS, TO THE TEACHERS AND STAFF OF THIS SCHOOL, TO THE GRADUATING STUDENTS, OTHER DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN GOOD MORNING!
WHEN MY SISTER MARITONI TOLD ME THAT I AM BEING INVITED TO BECOME THE GUEST SPEAKER OF THIS MEMORABLE EVENTc.. I HAVE FELT MIXED EMOTIONS œ
FIRSTLY, MAINLY BECAUSE AFTER ALMOST 34 YEARS I WOULD BE ABLE TO SEE AND VISIT MY ALMA MATER, MY SCHOOL WHO ONE-WAY OR THE OTHER MADE OF WHAT MY STATUS IN LIFE TODAYœ ( IM SAYING THIS BECAUSE ME AND MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS WERE GRADUATES OF THIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND WE ARE PROUD TO BE AN ALUMNI OF THIS SCHOOL) œ
ON THE OTHER HAND, I FELT SADNESS FOR THE MAIN REASON THAT IT BROUGHT SOME MEMORABLE MOMENTS BETWEEN ME AND MY MOTHER gVIOLYh WHO WAS INCIDENTALLY WAS ALSO A FACULTY MEMBER OF THIS SCHOOLœ FOR THE INFORMATION OF EVERYBODY MY MOTHER AND MY FATHER HAD JOINED OUR CREATOR IN HEAVEN, HOWEVER, I DO BELIEVE THAT THEY WERE HAPPY AND VERY PROUD OF THEIR SON, WHO IS NOW GIVING SOME INSPIRATIONAL TALK TO ALL OF YOUœ
THE GRADUATION THEME EDUCATION FOR A STRONG REPUBLIC: LAYING A SOLID FOUNDATION IS VERY APPROPRIATE BECAUSE WE ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE INDESPENSABLE ROLE OF OUR YOUNG GRADUATES TODAY, WHO WILL EVENTUALLY COMPRISE THE CRITICAL MASS OF OUR YOUNG GENERATION IN THE FUTUREœ
THE THINGS THEY HAVE LEARNED IN THE FOUR CORNERS AND WALLS OF THE MATAASNAKAHOY CENTRAL SCHOOL IS THE REAL PROOF OF A VERY STRONG FOUNDATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM THAT WOULD BE NEEDED IN SHAPING FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRYœ AS WHAT OUR NATIONAL HERO DR. JOSE P RIZAL HAD SAID AND I QUOTE g THE YOUTH IS THE FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRYh œ
THAT IS WHY WHEN I SAW THE GRADUATING STUDENTS IN FRONT OF US IT GIVES ME A MEMORY RECALL OF MY CHILDHOOD DAYS ( JUST LIKE IN THE MOVIE OF ARNOLD SZWARZENNEGER) œ FORGIVE ME IF EVER IM OBLIGED TO GIVE YOU A SHORT STORY OF MY EXPERIENCE WHEN I WAS STILL IN GRADE FOURœ IT HAPPENED ON OUR ENGLISH SUBJECT, THE TOPIC THAT DAY WAS WHAT YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UPœ
THE ANSWERS OF MY CLASSMATES WEREc.. MAAfM WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO BECOME A DOCTOR,,, SOME SAY THEY WANT TO BE A NURSE.. AN ARCHITECT, A SOLDIER, POLICEMAN ETCœ THEN IT WAS MY TURN TO TELL THEM WHAT I WANT TO BEcc. I TOLD MY TEACHER, MAAfM WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO BECOME AN ENGINEER AND A gPELOTh œ MY TEACHER SMILING AND WITH A BIG GRIN IN HER FACE ASKED ME AGAIN, WHATcc A gPELOTh œ
I TOLD HER THAT MAAfM, IT IS JUST LIKE MY FATHER WHO IS MAKING THE AIRCRAFT FLIESœ AAAH YOU WANT TO BECOME A PILOTœ I RESPONDED TO HER YES MAAfM I WANT TO BECOME A PILOTœ WHEN MY CLASSMATES HEARD THIS THEY STARTED TO LAUGH AND TEASED ME UUY PELOT, PELOT HAHAHAœ
WITH THE HELP OF GOD AND A LOT OF BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS AS WELL AS PERSEVERANCE I WAS ABLE TO BECOME A CIVIL ENGINEER BY PROFESSION AND A FULL PLEDGE gPELOT g OR A PILOTœ
MAYBE YOU ARE WONDERING AND ASKING YOURSELVES WHY I AM TELLING YOU MY EXPERIENCE IN THE PAST, THE MAIN REASON IS THAT FOR OUR GRADUATING STUDENTS AS WELL AS THE YOUTH WHO ARE HERE TODAY TO HAVE A BIRDS EYE VIEW OR A MIND OPENING THAT EVEN AT THEIR VERY YOUNG AGE, THEY MUST AND SHOULD HAVE AN AMBITION, A DREAM AND A

2004-04-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Subject: Part2 of Maj. Reymuel's recent address to the Graduating Class of M-Kahoy elemementary school.
=====================================================================

PLAN FOR THEIR FUTUREœ WHO KNOWS MAYBE AFTER FIVE OR 20 YEARS FROM NOW, ONE OR MAYBE SOME OF THEM WOULD BE OUR FUTURE LEADERS THAT WOULD LEAD AND MOLD OUR COUNTRY TO PROGRESS, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACEFULNESSœ
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OR READ A QUOTATION FROM AN ANONYMOUS ENGLISH WRITER REGARDING THE INDIVIDUALfS AMBITION IN LIFE AND I QUOTE g WHAT YOU WANT TO BE TOMORROW, DEPENDS ON THE CHOICES YOU MAKE TODAYh œ IT MEANS THAT TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE, ALTHOUGH AT YOUR VERY YOUNG AGE YOU MUST MAKE A CHOICE AND A MIND SET TO PURSUE THAT DREAMœ HOWEVER, IT WOULD ONLY BE REALIZED IF YOU HAVE SELECTED THE RIGHT AND SUITABLE DREAMœ IN THIS INSTANCE THE ASSISTANCE AND LOVE, OF YOUR UNCLES, AUNTS, TEACHERS MOST ESPECIALLY THE GUIDANCE OF YOUR PARENTS WILL BE NEEDED THE MOSTœ SO TO ALL THE YOUTH WHO ARE HERE TODAY, DONfT BE OFFENDED IF EVER YOUR PARENTS ARE TOO STRICT AND ALWAYS SCRUTINIZING YOUR EVERY MOVEMENT, THEY ARE JUST DOING THAT TO ENSURE YOUR GOOD WELFARE AND FOR YOUR FUTURE AS WELLœ
TO THE GRADUATING STUDENTS, YOU HAVE HURDLE ONE CHAPTER OF YOUR STUDIES AS AN ELEMENTARY STUDENTS THAT NEEDS TO BE CELEBRATEDœ HOWEVER, DONfT BE TOO JOYFUL BECAUSE THIS IS ALSO THE START OF A NEW BEGINNINGS OF YOU BEING A YOUTHœ I HOPE IN THE NEXT 20 YEARS ONE OF YOU WOULD BE STANDING HERE IN THIS SAME STAGE AS A GUEST SPEAKER THAT WOULD ALSO CONVEYING/GIVING SPEECH TO GRADUATING STUDENTS LIKE YOUœ
IN CLOSING I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND ALL THE GRADUATES TO BE MORE VIGILANT AND STEADFAST IN YOUR STUDIES AND FUTURE UNDERTAKINGS IN LIFE BECAUSE AS IfVE SAID EARLIER YOU WILL BE THE FUTURE OF OUR BELOVED COUNTRYœ IN BEHALF OF MY WIFE JOLA, MY THREE SONS NAMED JEROME, MIGUEL AND MARTIN AND THE REST OF THE REGALADO FAMILY, ALLOW ME TO EXTEND OUR WARMEST CONGRATULATIONS TO THE YOUNG GRADUATES, TO THE PROUD BROTHERS AND SISTERS, PARENTS AND TO THE FACULTY AND STAFF OF THE MATAASNAKAHOY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR INVITING ME AND ONCE AGAIN A PLEASANT AND A VERY PRODUCTIVE GOOD MORNING TO ALL OF YOU!

2004-04-05T06:10:00.000-07:00

I hope you received my email on how to access and post your updates on Satellite.

1. I forgot to mention in the email that once you're in Blogspot.com you have to click on the Satellite icon (right side) to write your news or updates.
2. Click on Publish to have it posted on Satellite. ( Click on Preview to see how it looks like or if you want to edit.) and them click on publish.
3. Try sending test message/s.

K. Sammy

2004-03-30T12:52:00.000-08:00

Hello.

This is my first attempt in creating what hopefully will be a useful tool towards efficient and inexpensive online communication.