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...

Hold Me Jesus...

"Hold me Jesus" is a song from the christian alternative band Big Daddy Weave. Heard of it from a friend. Since then, It has been my life song... I keep singing this song, asking Him to just Hold me-please Hold me Jesus...

Life is tough, especially when you have to decide for something. Something that would impact your whole life and define you as a man. I admit that right now I am fearful in following His will, surrendering, and giving it all up. So I just sing "Hold me Jesus". Please hold me real tight...


here goes the lyrics...

Well, sometimes my life
Just don’t make sense at all
When the mountains look so big
And my faith just seems so small

CHORUS
So hold me Jesus, ’cause I’m shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won’t you be my Prince of Peace

And I wake up in the night and feel the dark
It’s so hot inside my soul
I swear there must be blisters on my heart

CHORUS
So hold me Jesus, ’cause I’m shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won’t you be my Prince of Peace

Surrender don’t come natural to me
I’d rather fight You for something
I don’t really want
Than to take what You give that I need
And I’ve beat my head against so many walls
Now I’m falling down, I’m falling on my knees

And this Salvation Army band
Is playing this hymn
And Your grace rings out so deep
It makes my resistance seem so thin

CHORUS
So hold me Jesus, ’cause I’m shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won’t you be my Prince of Peace
(4x)

You have been King of my glory
Won’t You be my Prince of Peace

click the video below.