This was originally written in 2001, when Jillian was eight years old. We're having her Sweet 16 party this weekend. This - and two other old notes - will lead up to one current and very important one. Stay tuned if you want to thoroughly enjoy your present and parlay it into an incredible future.
And please pass this note along to whomever you think it will inspire.
*** ***
There is no better sound in the world than hearing your child laughing from the soul. It tells you that anything is possible.
I'm spending part of the morning doing Mad Libs with my daughter Jillian. She's discovering this verbal treasure for the first time, and the world of verbal humor is opening up for her.
And she's laughing like a big silly goon!
Later on in the day we stop at the bank. She sees the lollipops on the counter near the teller and makes her way toward them. Before I say a word she asks if she can get one for her little sister Sarah. At that moment I remember Jill doesn't like lollipops and feel a burst of pride and love for my little lady.
After the bank, we stop at the hair salon for a long overdue cut. She's getting the works: wash, blow dry, cut, styling. She's sees herself all fluffy and feminine, the hint of the woman she will become. As she's being fussed over by the beautician, she celebrates her new found prettiness with a grin from ear to ear.
Still later, we stop at a Subway restaurant to get her favorite treat...ham and provolone on whole wheat, no vegetables, no mayo, nothing.
Her eyes light up when I offer the three chocolate chip cookies (if she shares with Dad). I notice the look of unbridled pleasure on her face as she chomps on her sandwich. She savors the food itself and the fact that she's getting a special treat; the combination makes her feel like a princess.
Then we stop at my office so I can take care of some paperwork. I ask her to call home and tell Mommy where we are and how long we'll be. She delights in the fact that I show trust in her to make the call by herself, and that I believe in her enough to use the "special buttons" on the office phone. She handles the task as well as any administrative assistant I've ever had.
Close to bedtime, we work on math homework. She whips through four pages of multiplication, number patterns, graphs, and word problems. The quiet calm of competence shines in her eyes, and her mouth is turned up at the corners in a sublime, confident smile.
She knows her stuff, and tomorrow her teacher will know she knows it as well.
Want to see the wonders of the world? Find a child, one you love if possible.
See the world through his or her eyes, the joys, the kindness, the fears, the dreams, the unexpected delights, the gratitude.
Even better, see YOUR world as if YOU are the child. Experience things for the first time, and feel it with that intensity.
This is something you can access anytime you want.
And it will make you a better grown-up.
Your Pal,
Larry
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Yes, WE ALL CAN!
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
I owe my blog-mates MORE than just this video. Yes, I have decided to put on my running shoes and see where this path takes me. This path, however, is NOT new. I have been on the same path for the last 40 years of my life as anyone from San Juan City probably knows. Thus, it isn't anything REALLY "new" after the forty years when we first started the Pink Ladies and decided to give the San Juan ladies "some means of livelihood". It was also in the 70's when I started to improve the San Juan school library and health centers. Later, I tried to make sure that San Juan would have more schools, teachers, a museum and something close to a "mini cultural center". Thanks to my son JV, who was supportive in most of the projects.He understood that that we needed more schools, health centers, improvement of police force and the basic need of every resident (and guest) of the city to feel safe and secure.
Admittedly, there is always room for improvement. That is why I have the BSK (Balikatan sa Kaunlaran) projects such as recycling and waste management. San Juan is the "flood basin" of Metro Manila and during the rainy season there are times when some areas are still under water. There is also the sanitation situation that has vastly improved and we intend to do more given the "go signal" from the people.
Why only NOW? Frankly, I first was rallied by my friends and residents of the city to take the official role during the 90's. That was however a point in my life when I was more enthused about business and I had an unexpected health problem caused by taking a vaccine which was injected into my system. Vaccines can be GOOD but not everyone should be vaccinated all because it seems to be "fashionable" to do so. Anyway i shall tell you that story another time in my blog.
Last year I visited my sister Gilda in Chicago and decided to have a complete medical check up, just to make sure that I can stand the rigors of the campaign and public service. I prayed. I asked God that should He want me to pursue this not-so-new path, a sign would take would be that of my doctor's prognosis. Surprisingly, my doctor in Chicago declared me in the pink of health and added: "You can do anything you like". After some more prayers and perhaps, a bit of heartache now and then, it was clear that this is the time in my life when I had to go for it.This was God's time given me to take a more obvious role as leader of the city.
Still, I cannot do it alone. Not without your help or your suggestions. If there is anything I appreciate, it is good and productive ideas for the city. I do not view this phase in my life as me running alone but all of you running "WITH ME". I have never viewed leadership as simply giving the orders but rather a partnership with the people who share the goals I have for the city. After all, I am no super woman, I was only a provincial whose roots are from Negros and who managed to be fortunate enough to get good education-- BUT if we all come to terms with our set goals for the betterment of the city (and even the country) then yes we can do and accomplish anything!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Michael Jackson: A Short Tribute
I chose this video because it's the earliest memory I have of a Michael Jackson song -- about that of an "unwanted" rat by the name of "Ben". Another reason I decided on this video is that it seems that Michael Jackson saw himself as "Ben".He knew that he missed his childhood, has no long lasting relationships, had no list of "best friends" except perhaps Liz Taylor whom he wanted to marry. The problem was that Liz Taylor knew that Michael Jackson wanted a "mother", not a wife. So it went that he married Lisa Presley which sounded like a PR/corporate coup but we all knew that marriage would not last.
Many wonder why and perhaps, it was for the obvious reason that Michael Jackson was obsessed in buying the childhood years he was never allowed to enjoy. Childhood, children, kids.... it was the Peter Pan syndrome even his "Neverland Ranch" (his heaven on earth) seemed to be nothing but a huge playground for kids.
He was not perfect - aha! we all know that.But do we REALLY KNOW or do we only think we know? Michael Jackson was a human being who was soft spoken (when not on stage) and who was, obviously, harassed all his life because he had BIG money. He has "problems" and thus had to pay-off a lot of people. He almost lost everything though and was planning his "great comeback" in the London stage this July when he passed away on the same day as another pop icon, Farrah Fawcett, got her real wings.
Except that Farrah was loved. She had her parents, family and the man who loved her by her side when she slipped to heaven. Michael Jackson was alone when he died with no one, living in a rented hundred thousand dollar a month apartment.
We wish him forever peace. At last, he may be in that better place where he NOW has learned to love himself at last. Today, he knows that he was loved, even if he thought that he was so "unattractive" that he "needed" to change his face and skin color. It is reported that he had more than a dozen facial surgeries.
His music however forever lives on as we remember that there was once a poor boy who sang and never grew up and was called "The King of Pop". That king is dead but what moves me about this man/boy is the whole tragedy of his life. Even in death, he remains an "enigma". Sometimes it makes me wonder if geniuses like him and Vincent Van Gogh for instant are pretty much doomed to be unhappy in this planet because "they don't belong". Again, I quote Don Mclean : "But I could have told you Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you".
Twitter is alive with Michael Jackson tributes, google almost collapsed today and there are other people dying as I write this. It's sad that Michael Jackson's whole life was a lingering performance, much like the life of Ben, the rat in the video, except that Ben found one loyal friend. I doubt if Michael had one though he had millions of fans.
Sad.. really.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Poem for My Sister
Born in the same womb
You and I bloomed
I became me and you became you
Parted by oceans yet instinctively I feel me and you
so near as though we share one nest
connected still by some invisible umbilical chord
called love -- or more than love.
You sit sometimes at eight in the morn
praying to God each day that His blessings me adorn
Knowing that so often your visual image makes me smile
You are to me my sister, my closest friend- the classiest one with style
THAT A-1 human being who makes me laugh as I recall
the merriest memories of "us" -- being simply us.
Family means those memories though some of them have dimmed
mom and dad, the scent of the Christmas air, sounds of the Church bells
The books in school, the sweetness of family dinners, the problems of "long ago"
When we felt so secure because we knew "we belonged" - nurtured, safe, loved.
Though I speak of long ago, I"m also glad there's NOW
You are there and I am here... and still our lives bring me joy
because we are still family
our parents watches o'er us
proud of what we've become, but more so ecstatic that we love
each other -- as sisters often do - and should.
by Guia Gomez
You and I bloomed
I became me and you became you
Parted by oceans yet instinctively I feel me and you
so near as though we share one nest
connected still by some invisible umbilical chord
called love -- or more than love.
You sit sometimes at eight in the morn
praying to God each day that His blessings me adorn
Knowing that so often your visual image makes me smile
You are to me my sister, my closest friend- the classiest one with style
THAT A-1 human being who makes me laugh as I recall
the merriest memories of "us" -- being simply us.
Family means those memories though some of them have dimmed
mom and dad, the scent of the Christmas air, sounds of the Church bells
The books in school, the sweetness of family dinners, the problems of "long ago"
When we felt so secure because we knew "we belonged" - nurtured, safe, loved.
Though I speak of long ago, I"m also glad there's NOW
You are there and I am here... and still our lives bring me joy
because we are still family
our parents watches o'er us
proud of what we've become, but more so ecstatic that we love
each other -- as sisters often do - and should.
by Guia Gomez
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Lessons From a 90 Year Old
I would love to be able to take credit for this but alas it was not I who wrote this. I hope you enjoy this and learn from it as I did.
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7.. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43.. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.."
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7.. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43.. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.."
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Guia as Enterpreneur Guru- By Evelyn Alcantara
Guia Gomez, an entrepreneur who underwent a series of trial and error challenges in several business ventures is considered an “entrepreneur guru” of striving and aspiring entrepreneurs who sought her advises. Her thirty seven (37) long years of involvement in various kinds of businesses with several associates provided her the hands-on training on management, marketing, production, technical and financial operations equivalent to a masteral degree in business administration or even a doctoral degree.
Her various business endeavors at a given time were: catering, manufacturing, export, international recruitment, domestic employment assistance, development and realty, construction, environment consulting, management, marketing, franchising and e-commerce.
The business instincts of Ms. Gomez made her companies financially and operationally viable during its incubation and up to a certain period of time. She believes that entrepreneurs should be flexible and must have the “let go” attitude in order for them to survive the fast-changing business environment. She always warns the aspiring entrepreneurs not be to emotionally attached to their products and must be opened to “change” so that they can continue to be in the business world.
Name the business and Ms. Gomez can say significant statement about it. Her wide exposure in different types of business ventures as a single proprietor, partner and corporate board member led to the registration of thirty three (33) companies with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Majority of these companies are categorized as small or micro businesses with paid up capital of six thousand pesos (P6,000.00) or below per company. Ms. Gomez, as entrepreneur advocate supported the creation of companies among her friends colleagues and wide spectrum of business associates. She provided them her wisdom, technical assistance and networks of friends with various fields of expertise.
She has now graduated from the tediousness and stressful business operations and spending time in mentoring other micro-entrepreneurs inspired by the Balikatan sa Kaunlaran (BSK) National Foundation, a thirty-two year old family-based, non-stock, non-profit organization promoting Entre-Pinoy and Agri-business as its flagship programs.
As the BSK National President, Ms. Gomez spearheaded the adoption of a BSK social enterprise to ensure the financial sustainability of the organization. Called the “Nenita” dolls, the BSK doll trademark has pioneered the creation of doll museums in the country and contributed in promoting nationalism among youth and children. Among the doll museums depicting histories of various cities can be found in Marikina, San Juan, Las Pinas, Pulilan, Bulacan and Subic.
In addition to her role as the “icon” of doll museums in the country, Ms. Gomez continues to provide entrepreneurs her ideas and perspectives on how to pursue their business ventures. One has to be objective in accepting her negative comments on their business prospects because as “entrepreneur guru,” Ms. Gomez will definitely verbalize both her positive and negative perspectives so that the entrepreneur is ready to face the problem that he/she may encounter in the future.
As her son, Mayor JV Ejercito puts it, “he learned from all her mother’s mistakes in businesses.” Ms. Gomez did it the hard way and she wants to help other entrepreneurs to learn how to cope because businesses nowadays are more complicated as a result of the global financial crisis.
In addition to the free entrepreneurial consultancy services being provided by Ms. Gomez, she also assists in marketing quality products through direct selling and on-line marketing. Ms. Gomez ensures that the products that she will endorse will pass her own-quality control criteria through using them and testing their efficiency or effectiveness. Among the products that she is promoting are: herbal medicines, powdered green tea, liquid soap, decorative eggs and novelty items.
During her recent television interviews at UNTV station, Ms. Gomez stressed that the “global financial crisis is a wake up call for all of us. Our country can survive if we just simplify our lifestyle, go back to basics and have strong faith in God.”
Ms. Gomez reiterates that entrepreneurs are the backbone of country’s economy. They should be provided with support mechanisms so that our country can survive the crisis.
Submitted by Evelyn B. Alcantara*
May 13, 2009
* Evelyn Alcantara is the Executive Trustee of the Balikatan sa Kaunlaran (BSK) National
Foundation
Her various business endeavors at a given time were: catering, manufacturing, export, international recruitment, domestic employment assistance, development and realty, construction, environment consulting, management, marketing, franchising and e-commerce.
The business instincts of Ms. Gomez made her companies financially and operationally viable during its incubation and up to a certain period of time. She believes that entrepreneurs should be flexible and must have the “let go” attitude in order for them to survive the fast-changing business environment. She always warns the aspiring entrepreneurs not be to emotionally attached to their products and must be opened to “change” so that they can continue to be in the business world.
Name the business and Ms. Gomez can say significant statement about it. Her wide exposure in different types of business ventures as a single proprietor, partner and corporate board member led to the registration of thirty three (33) companies with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Majority of these companies are categorized as small or micro businesses with paid up capital of six thousand pesos (P6,000.00) or below per company. Ms. Gomez, as entrepreneur advocate supported the creation of companies among her friends colleagues and wide spectrum of business associates. She provided them her wisdom, technical assistance and networks of friends with various fields of expertise.
She has now graduated from the tediousness and stressful business operations and spending time in mentoring other micro-entrepreneurs inspired by the Balikatan sa Kaunlaran (BSK) National Foundation, a thirty-two year old family-based, non-stock, non-profit organization promoting Entre-Pinoy and Agri-business as its flagship programs.
As the BSK National President, Ms. Gomez spearheaded the adoption of a BSK social enterprise to ensure the financial sustainability of the organization. Called the “Nenita” dolls, the BSK doll trademark has pioneered the creation of doll museums in the country and contributed in promoting nationalism among youth and children. Among the doll museums depicting histories of various cities can be found in Marikina, San Juan, Las Pinas, Pulilan, Bulacan and Subic.
In addition to her role as the “icon” of doll museums in the country, Ms. Gomez continues to provide entrepreneurs her ideas and perspectives on how to pursue their business ventures. One has to be objective in accepting her negative comments on their business prospects because as “entrepreneur guru,” Ms. Gomez will definitely verbalize both her positive and negative perspectives so that the entrepreneur is ready to face the problem that he/she may encounter in the future.
As her son, Mayor JV Ejercito puts it, “he learned from all her mother’s mistakes in businesses.” Ms. Gomez did it the hard way and she wants to help other entrepreneurs to learn how to cope because businesses nowadays are more complicated as a result of the global financial crisis.
In addition to the free entrepreneurial consultancy services being provided by Ms. Gomez, she also assists in marketing quality products through direct selling and on-line marketing. Ms. Gomez ensures that the products that she will endorse will pass her own-quality control criteria through using them and testing their efficiency or effectiveness. Among the products that she is promoting are: herbal medicines, powdered green tea, liquid soap, decorative eggs and novelty items.
During her recent television interviews at UNTV station, Ms. Gomez stressed that the “global financial crisis is a wake up call for all of us. Our country can survive if we just simplify our lifestyle, go back to basics and have strong faith in God.”
Ms. Gomez reiterates that entrepreneurs are the backbone of country’s economy. They should be provided with support mechanisms so that our country can survive the crisis.
Submitted by Evelyn B. Alcantara*
May 13, 2009
* Evelyn Alcantara is the Executive Trustee of the Balikatan sa Kaunlaran (BSK) National
Foundation
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