Thursday, March 31, 2011

Kalibo, Aklan... Here I Come

I will be in Kalibo, Aklan from April 1 to 4, 2011 as DepEd's representative in the upcoming Inter Province Chess Tournament. I am so glad that, finally, I was given the go signal by my superiors to attend in this prestigious event. I am also praying that I can perform better beyond my team's expectation.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Greatly Blessed!

Wow was the correct word. My family had been greatly blessed this day. Well, my wife won cash, my daughter received an electric fan, and I've got a 14-inch colored TV in a raffle held this morning at P. Gomez Elementary School, Manila, Philippines. I am so flabbergasted, really. God is so good!

The T.V. should not have been given to my wife because I was not present during the raffle when my name was called (I am in the office for an O.T.) but luck was my best friend this time, as one of the Board of Directors approved that the item be given to my wife and kids.

Thank you Lord for these blessings.



Friday, March 25, 2011

Betty More Than a Penny

I just heard the good news from my wife that my very charming daughter, Betty, is currently the 3rd Honor(s) in her class. Congratulations to you Betty. Muah!

Monday, March 21, 2011

I am Too Impressed with Jon 'Bone' Jones Fight at UFC

Early this morning I watched the UFC game between Mauricio Rua (the champion) and Jon "Bone" Jones (the challenger) and I was totally impressed with the later for performing extraordinary and precise combative skills. Jones elbow attacks were so lethal and his leg kicks were so vicious. I overheard from the announcer that, for the record, Jones 'THE FUTURE' will be the youngest champion at the UFC to date.

After the show, I took a rest then headed to the church with my family. We then proceeded to the SM San Lazaro Branch for our dinner and treat the kids at the World of Fun.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

On Forlorn Mode About Japan's Eartquake

Got so devastated about what's happening in Japan. It was terrible. I have good memories of my stay there 2 years ago, and I was still in awe as to why this wrath happened to the "Land of the Rising Sun."

To my sensei(s), friends, and the Japanese people - I am praying that you will recover in time. May God bless you on this tragedy.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Letter of Heidi Mendoza regarding Corruption

Worth Reading. This article was taken from the internet.
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Greetings of Peace! In the middle of the raging controversies that our country is facing, one glaring truth cannot simply be ignored. There is a brewing tension between good and evil and I believe now is the time to for a baptized Catholic and a Christian public servant like me to run to my mentors and seek the comfort of the church.

As many of you would know, I accepted the General Garcia case not as another audit engagement sometime in October 2004. It was a result of prayerful discernment and a series of consultation with guardians of my faith. I went beyond the call of duty and closed my eyes to my personal fears, guided by the thought that my heart is in the right place.

The assignment just like any Christian experience is not smooth sailing. There are challenges coming from the very institutions that are supposed to protect the interest of the people. I stood firm though I cannot deny that there were several instances when convictions and beliefs simply failed to sustain me. As history will tell, then, Ombudsman Marcelo resigned, I was left to seek help from my own office the Commission on Audit. The response is again a challenge to ordinary faith. No less than the former Chair convinced me to simply return the documents my team gathered and close the case. "Christ himself failed to save the world so how can ordinary mortals like us dream of succeeding in the fight against corruption when obviously it is a fight between good and evil."

Perhaps I am not willing to give up my flickering hope and diminishing faith inside that I just decided to quit from a 20 year old job. In March 16, 2006, on the birth of my father who has painstakingly shown me the values of honest and dedicated public service, I filed my resignation.

In October 2007, the state prosecutors handling the case, begged me to help the government and with minor convincing, I agreed. I appeared at Sandiganbayan for more than 16 times and in between those hearing, I felt the absence of the public support which I think is critical to cases such as this. In one instance, in open court hearing, I was astounded when the defense lawyer slapped before my face the copy of the letter of the CoA chair denying the creation of an audit team that took care of the investigation. It's the biggest test to my faith. No less than the accused told me that I am a liar and that there will be a reckoning day for me"

It is in this particular time that I sought for a God with His mighty arm that
will simply strike the opponents of truth with his blazing sword. At the same time, I sought for the wounded and agonizing face of my savior so I can draw some strength and the passion to go on. I felt so alone that prayers alone are not sufficient to console me, I was then literally reaching to a God whom I can hold, I can touch, I can embrace! He did not deprive me of this longing, when you texted me on that date, I realized that God has gone high tech and invaded the virtual world.

I thought that the challenge was ended, the moment I completed my appearances before the Sandiganbayan. I was wrong. Last March 12, 2010 I personally saw the signed plea bargain agreement but I must admit that I have been weakened by my own experience and already afraid to give up the comfortable life that I have.

Still however, I searched my conscience and shared these with few trusted
friends. As a consequence of my fear, we now have a seeming triumph of evil versus the truth.

Last December 23, 2010, I filed my resignation from my current employer in response to a conscience call. It is my Christian calling that I cannot ignore that is why I went out of my comfort zone and together with my entire family heed the call to embrace this cause with the same passion when I started it.

I seek your assistance, I am reaching out for help in making a united stand. Sinners as we are, I am confident that God will bless the pure longing of our broken heart if we are willing to make a sacrifice.

The government that we have right now is certainly not perfect, but I think it is the only Government that we have and the government that we deserve. The plea bargain happened during the dark years of the previous administration. Together we need to inform our people, we need to make a united stand.

In ending, let me express my gratitude to the only people I looked up with so much faith and respect. The recent events have shown me that the truth is unveiled not in the brilliant minds of men but only in the hearts of men burning with Love and Faith.

I would like to apologize, if there are any courtesies which I have not
observed. I am asking for prayers not only for my family but for the entire
country.

Marami pong salamat!

Heidi Mendoza

Friday, March 11, 2011

Isaiah Joaquine's Graduation at Day Care Center

Almost 500 kids from District III of the City of Manila attended the graduation ceremony at RASAC gym yesterday. I was one of those proud parents who was present to support Isaiah Joaquine, my four-year old son, was so hyperactive during this occasion. Instead of staying and relaxing before the activity, he played (running and teasing) with her sister Betty inside the RASAC tennis court. Anyway, here are some of the photos during the event. Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Time Flies!

How fast time flies? I really couldn't believe that my kid, Isaiah Joaquine, will be graduating at day care center here in Manila. From a dissappointing sickness during his birth at the Chinese General Hospital look at him now - a very smart kid with captivating smile.


Congrats Totoy!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Table Tennis Practice at Ampitheater

Had a chance to touch my table tennis racket again after 3 long years. Aizzzttt. I could still remember the time wherein I managed to play almost every night at Okinawa International Center playroom and twice at Tokyo International Center Gymnasium. Oh...I almost forgot, I joined the Couples for Christ (CFC) Tournament at Quezon City in which I got eliminated early though I was the champion in the Team Badminton Tournament (see my previous post).

The catch was, though I am not really good at playing table tennis, I was able to practice every now and then and was able to get acquianted with DepEd officials and friends. I could also make myself physically fit.

Thanks to my buddies Eric and Rey for making me achieve those hard-earned lessons and perspiration as well.