My new Jogging Buddy...

Because my jogging partner has been taken away (no, he's not dead) by the Lord to brave stormy seas (literally, he is a marine engineer), I had to lessen my frequency in the cool tracks of Perdices Coliseum. I even stopped for 3 week as I was shut down by my laziness to exercise. After all it was so boring to jog alone, circling the tracks with impersonal people (or was that a good alibi?). I didn't feel like jogging anymore...

But after eating black forest, double dutch, snickers and buttered chicken (party left overs) in our house, Bing2 and me talked about how these appetite was so rich with calories and cholesterol. That was when she came to our place because she heard our fridge is full and she believed she had ref rights to open it. We were devouring all the food I mentioned and came to realize how gluttonous we are (overrating). Then I told her jokingly that I should shed some pounds after after this-I'll go jogging. She surprisingly said "I'm in!". I was not opt to believe that, knowing her for the rest of my 21 years in this world would not agree to that--It's just not her. But she was serious, and she said she will come with me. (maybe because of her "color"ful love life). So I said OK, you're coming with me...

And so jog we did, for a week now. After work, I rush home change to my jogging clothes and tag bing2 along. Actually, I'm the only one who's jogging. She just walks all the way, as if shes strolling in the park-looking to the side most of the time. But she's a good buddy. She pays for my fare to the Coliseum and the entrance fee (or I forced here most of the time). *Smirks*

But nothing beats jogging. It's just so stress relieving. Makes you ponder more with life, where your going, circling through life and all those stuff. I enjoy observing people also. Those who go by groups, or just alone. You will find professionals talking about business, see Health bop's doing their thing, the "moms" who don't want to be called fat by their hubby's and a lot more of people from different walks and jogs of life (I kinda eavesdrop sometimes).

This my new hobby now, to stay fit. You can catch me at 6pm, circling the tracks in "our only jogging haven in Dumaguete" of course jogging--and after wards gasping for breath. (hehehe)

PS. Mariel Di Pedeglorio AKA Ma'am Bing2 is My best friend's (BOBOT) little older sister. Sorry Bing!!! I know you don't access the internet that much and you don't do blogging--so I'm pretty sure you won't be able to read this.

God's way of cheering me up!!!

It may be shallow but it's really effective...

Last Thursday I got a call from someone unexpected. Tian Yu, our Malaysian marketing personnel told me that someone's on the line looking for me. I asked him jokingly if its from a female, and he said "yes". I was wondering who could that be. Who would call me from work @ 3:00 pm on our office land line. So I took the handset and said "Hello! This is Joseph, how may I help you?". And then a warm voice from the other line introduced herself...

A year ago, I was checking Asian Institute of Management's (AIM) website. I wanted to gather information about their 16 months Masters in Business Administration (MBA) course. It was my lifelong dream to be able to study in that prestigious school, after reading their school brochure when I was in high school. I even downloaded their application forms and registered in their website and after wards, started preparing the necessary admission requirements for the course. Then, just last week I checked their website again after a year and read that they will be having their student intake this September. And this is what happened after two days. I was shocked when the lady told me that she was calling directly from Makati-AIM Admission's office. I was saying to myself, "what in the world, how did they get this number?". She started telling me that she had one slot left for the September intake and asked me if I would like to be in. I was already overwhelmed that time, but I declined nicely. This year is not yet time for me. I told her that my employment will reach two years next March which is major requirement. That I plan to sign up for next year's second intake. She said it was a perfect choice. She also told me that they are coming to Dumaguete early next year, and promised to include my name on the list of applicants.

I was really happy in so many ways. One is that my waiting was not in vain. That God was still on track and is ahead of my vision even when I placed it on the shelf for some time. That He has been faithful all this time and that my life is actually going somewhere. Two, is because it is somehow a confirmation to my prayers. That my dream is starting to unfold right before me. I had so many plans-I want to do what the Lord wants me to do and at the same time be a blessing to the community and to my country. And, I think getting this education will be a big help to achieving the vision. Lastly, is that God is a God of "Perfect Timing" as He has always been. He knows when to cheer me up and how to do it.

I know, it's still a long way and a long wait. If ever I get accepted to the course, the tuition will be a problem. The 16 month course cost 36, 000 USD and I am the same amount short of it. My plan is to to be on the 5% top scorers of the Admission exams so that I can be admitted as full scholar. It is like a punch to the moon which seems to be impossible. But, I know with His help I can do it-along with a lot of hard work and prayer. At this time, I am already starting to discipline myself more rigid. I have to read a lot of books from now on. I have to make use of my time wisely, as time is not a luxury for me because I have to balance work, ministry and recreation. But this will be a new challenge I need to square off. I still have less than a year.

At the end of the day, I'm glad I waited even though not that patiently (still I waited) and did not push through with my premature plans. God is in control of my life and I will put my Trust in Him...

The Mystery of Death...

Death has been evident to me in the past few weeks...

There was the former president's funeral that was attended and watched by millions of people. I saw on television how mourners and those "nakikiramay" lined up in Manila Cathedral, just to have even a glimpse of the "Woman" who touched their lives in one way or another. How people close to her remembered her and gave their Eulogies on the requiem mass. Also, when people packed up in the streets to pay their last respect as she was being brought to Manila cemetery where she would be laid to rest.

I came to ask myself, "What is death that we are so drawn to it even though most of us are fearful about it?".

Just a week ago, my cousin's mother-in-law died. I was saddened and even tearful when I received an SMS from my mom that Auntie Lucita died the morning on Wednesday. I was in Cebu that time and immediately thought about some fond memories with her. She was like family to us as she she attended the same church in the last two years of her life. I also remembered whenever I visited my cousin's house and how she would start talking to me. It usually lasted nearly an hour as she did all the talking and I did the listening. She was in agony in the last days of her life because of her recurring Diabetes. When I looked at her though, inside the coffin during the wake, I noticed that her face was peaceful. She died in her sleep and did not have to suffer anymore.

Every time I look at the deceased inside the their caskets, I cant help but think about a lot of things. Questions and What if's flood my mind. I don't know the answers to most of these queries and only in eternity will I ever grasp the full meaning of it all.

Death always reminds us that we are finite beings, temporary and limited. It reminds us to make life more meaningful everyday. To live each day as if it is the last. That from dust we were formed and from dust we shall return. But, we should also reflect that death is not the end. That it is just a beginning. That after death there is life. And this life will be everlasting...

Health Services- A job to be improved in Dumaguete

It was 4: 30 pm yesterday when my cousin took of from Dumaguete Airport to Siquijor to airlift a relative who had a stroke that day. He flew the company's Piper Warrior- a 4 seater private plane. He came back after 20 minutes bringing the patient along with her two companions. We rushed to the plane to help the patient out. One aircraft mechanic who was with me cradled her down as she was unable to move a muscle and was really pale. I then helped out in holding the IV. We let her sit down for a while as I ran to the office to call for an Ambulance.

I dialed the Emergency room number of the biggest hospital here in Dumaguete. I was answered by a lady. I told her if they can send an Ambulance to pick up a stroke patient we just airlifted. She asked for my location, And I told her I was inside Dumaguete Airport. She then told me to hold the line as she said she would ask if there was an available ambulance. I held the line for more than ten minutes. I was really upset that time. In between the line I can hear her talking to somebody, she was asking for her transfer papers and other stuff. Impatience got me and I asked nicely if she can accommodate my request. She then ask me the name of the patient, I told her I forgot-as I deemed it unnecessary because this was an Emergency. She then told me to hold the line again. I was really pissed this time. After another 5 minutes she told me that the ambulance was at another place and I am next in line. I asked her if she can give me an exact time for the pick-up and she answered that she's not sure as they only have one ambulance. I told her 'thank you nalang" I'll find another way to bring her there and sarcastically she answered, " OK, as you wish you can always bring her to another hospital". Fortunately, I knew a student who had a car, and asked him if I can borrow it to bring someone to the hospital. He agreed so we rushed the patient the same hospital.

I don't mean to generalize the whole health care providers in Dumaguete. Some are good, maybe, but I often see and hear these issues in many hospitals.I share the sentiments of those victims of the poor service from those who should supposedly take care of us. Some issues are forgivable but I think mine is severe. I was really bothered by some thoughts. Let me enumerate them.


1. MedEvac' s are given full priority in our Philippine Airports. They are given the 1st clearance to land regardless of air traffic. I think this is done because of the word "emergency". I think the lady (operator) didn't understand that and the hospital as a whole. I told her this was a stroke case. Every second is a matter of life and death. Even if it was not stroke-may be another sickness, a patient should be given utmost care in respect to the dignity of human life. During emergencies, hospitals should be quick and committed in accommodating the patient. After all this is what their business is all about.

2. I was bothered when that lady told me that they can't accommodate my request at this time because they only had one ambulance. I really don't know if that is true. But, I was wondering if there are 3 emergency callers at the same time asking for an ambulance, what would they do? Ini minimini mo? "Please wait for the ambulance as you will be next in line"-its like saying "please slow down the death of the victim until the ambulance arrives...

3. To be fair with the lady who answered me, maybe she was really doing everything to help me in my request. But maybe next time she had to be more nice and stop acting sarcastic. I was really nice with her even if I was tired of holding the line. I myself, working for a training institution is taught to treat our costumers well. This is customer service, and our customers are our business.

I hope there will be improvements in our services. Many lives depend on it. We should do our part in improving our city, and our nation. All is not lost... Lets do something about it!!!

When people you've been building dreams are taken away...

I was really frustrated, that's how I felt last week. I know, I shouldn't be. But, I am just human and I get discouraged often times. Last week has been so tough. The past few weeks was a whole lot better. I felt I had to do it all over again-from square one...

Just this past few months, I've been building dreams with a youth leader in our church. He became my protegee and I his mentor. He has been with our church for four years now. His name is Mourel, a product of our outreach bible study in a certain housing project here in Dumaguete. He is now a member of our church worship team, a guitarist and a worship leader as well.

This year is his 4th and last year in his Marine Engineering course. This stage will be allocated for apprenticeship. When he came back here after his vacation from his province he had no classes anymore. He was just waiting for his call from the shipping companies whom he passed his application to.

I knew its gonna happen, that someday he's gonna leave home and board the ship-after all it was his chosen career. The first scheduled trip was supposed to be October, then moved to the end of August. It came nearer every time. But it came as a shock when the manager called him to start his apprenticeship two days after the call. It was the last week of July then. He was kinda reluctant to go. He felt it was a rush. He did not want to leave that early and he still had to ask money from his parents for his trip. I told him to think and pray about it. The same day he got the call, I accompanied him to the office branch of the Shipping company to seek for advice. They're advice was to take the offer because this was a big opportunity for him. I convinced him to go also, though deep inside me I wanted him to stay so that we can push through with our ministry plans, I also felt this was God's favor on him. He decided to go and brave the new journey in his life.

I was sad though, it had to be this early. He was really of good help to me in the ministry. He was among many-my assistant in my Values class, my partner in our visiting ministry every night, guitarist in our youth bible study, my protegee, my jogging mate, my basketball partner and most especially my brother in Christ. I'll surely miss this guy. But I was also happy in his leaving. He already passed one stage in his life, now he had to undergo the next. But I know God has a purpose for this young man's life and I am confident he'd make it through.

After last week, I wasn't frustrated anymore. I finally understood that this is life, we all have this certain transitions that makes us grow emotionally and spiritually. I guess I have to find another person to mentor next...