Merry Christmas to All!

I am wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a bountiful New Year.  May the FORCE be with you.

Not a Bad Year for the Philippines After All

NOT A BAD YEAR FOR THE PHILIPPINES AFTER ALL: Just when everybody thought that the Philippines was destined for a boxing doom - Nonito Donaire Jr. threw his favorite left hook on the chin of the unsuspecting Arce from Mexico. The Philippines has been vindicated for last week's failure of Manny Pacquiao. vs. JMM! Nonito - you are the man!


CONCIDENCE:

(1) With time dwindling down to 3 seconds Donaire connected with a "Hail Mary shot" like that of Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Manny Pacquiao; and(2) Arce fell to the canvas and slept for a while like that of Manny Pacquiao.

Head First!

There are two varied meanings to this post...

I just saw an awesome game between Pacquiao and Marquez -- they were two gladiators trying to outwit each other in boxing held at MGM Arena this morning.  Pacquiao tasted the first knock-down during the third round by what experts called "A punch that I didn't see."  However, as Filipinos were known for its resiliency, Pacquiao gave a tremendous left straight in the next round (is that a straight? I got to see the tape again) to the face of Marquez that connected and boom! the score was about even.  After that round, it was all Pacquiao -- who gave a tremendous beating on Marquez and was leading in all judges score cards.

Then came the sixth round, Pacquaio was again annihilating Marquez throughout the round until the bell rang signalling that there were only 10 seconds left.  As the former was pursuing the latter, Marquez made an out of this word side-step and position himself to throw that well-prepared punch under the guard of Pacquiao.  Sadly, Pacquiao fell HEAD FIRST!

Only if Manny Pacquiao used his HEAD FIRST by not attacking Marquez during the last 3 seconds it would have been a different story.

Awful Finances on the Last Month of the Year

I been experiencing financial dilemma especially this month of December.  Record-low on my financial accounts had been observed.  Debts were soaring high and instability on my reserves were evident.  Previous accounts payable and interest bearing notes have matured and all were waiting to clobber me.

Happy 6th Year Birthday Isaiah Joaquine Asi

Let me take this opportunity to greet my youngest son, Isaiah Joaquine, who is celebrating his 6th birthday today.  Isaiah, have fun and may God bless you abundantly.  I love you son.

Battered and Blue

Surprisingly, this feeling of emptiness due to financial dilemma is again bothering me.  I felt that I have a noxious personality that I always feel awful after spending time with myself.  My belief that I will be welcome to my family is clearly, non sequitur, on my part.  Everything had a strong pecuniary slant.  I am a fool causing things to misdirection.  Really, there is something quixotic in me about money.    

Victim of Faulty Investment Scheme

Sad to say that I was one of the victims of the faulty investment ploy.  Due to this wrong decision to invest I am now suffering financial difficulties.  Had to pick up the pieces and rebuild again.

Textbook Monitoring at Dumaguete City

I just arrived from a one-week textbook (TX) audit and monitoring at Siaton East & West and  Zamboanguita districts.  Believe me, the educators there were so hospitable.  The property custodians accompanied my group to mountainous far-flung areas with really kilometric rough-roads.  But we kept going and going just to oversee if the needed TX were delivered to the Filipino school children.  I was too tired most of the time due to the heat but seeing my colleagues (especially from the districts) laughing despite of the rough condition just to take us to the schools motivated me to continue.

General Cleaning of Unit

Yipee!  After a year of transferring from Tayuman to Binondo I had the chance to have our condo unit get cleaned up due to long vacation.  OMG, I was terrified to see legions of roaches all over the place.  The maternal cabinet had been the most heavily hit.  The foul smell was so alarming but I don't have a choice but to get rid of it.  Whew, it's good there were no rodents in attendance!

Worthwhile Experience at Quezon Province

Hospitality? It is one of the innate qualities of Filipinos,right? I experienced it at Quezon Province when I visited the place last week. My extreme gratitude goes to Sir George Aguila and Sir Virgilio Abrenica for the extraordinary support! Here are some of the pictures. I hope you'll like it.

We stayed at this place in Mulanay for one night. Thank you for the experience!

My First Time to Visit Quezon Province

Hello everyone! I had an scheduled trip to Quezon Province this week and yesterday my group (with Sir Tony our team leader and Sir Rey)went to Buendia JAM Terminal for our travel to Lucena. As if things would be going for the better - the moment we set our foot inside our bus it immediately left. The chauffer and the conductor assisted me in charging my cellular phone and camera batteries. At the Grand Central Terminal we were accompanied by Quezon Division Supply Officer George Aguila with Virgilio Abrenica whose demeanor have been outstanding. We had a long trip to District III Catanuan District wherein we passed by Pitogo and many more notable towns at Quezon. Our couterparts from the division introduced our group to the district supply officer Sir David who was not only very friendly but also very professional.

After setting our things, we were given a sumptuous dinner by the host district. Thereafter, I went to a nearby bar to sip my favorite SMB lights and listen to the band. I have been scouting for a massage parlor in the town but I did not find any at the time being. I headed to my station at about 10 p.m.

This morning, our group facilitated a brief orientation to very cooperative school heads of district three. I had a welcome remarks and I presented to our audience the importance of this activity: 1) to monitor the textbook situation on their district and to assess the 1:1 textbook to pupil ratio which was advocated by Secretary Luistro at the start of the school year.

To sum it up, the orientation had been well attended and very useful to everyone. I would like to thank the Division of Quezon Province for a very warm welcome and of course Sir George, Sir Vio, and Sir David for their support to our cause.

I just had a confession

I just had my confession at Quiapo Church and I shared everything I knew were my sins. At the end of my ordeal I was told to pray the rosary!

Bound to Tagaytay City

Again, for the nth time I will be going to Tagaytay City - now at Tagaytay International Convention Center (last week I was at Girl Scout of the Philippines Center). I will be staying for one week to assist on the institutionalization of learning materials nationwide. Hopefully, workshop sessions would be fruitful and beneficial to participants. Our speakers would employ series of LM innovations never been heard in public schools. About the project, for your initial information you can press this link.

BTW, Our participants will be ICT coordinators coming from Regions I, II, and III on the 17th to 18th ; and Regions IV-A, IV-B, V, and NCR on the 20th and 21st of September. Our major sponsors are SPHERE and AusAID.

About the Chess Olympiad: Happy for RP Chess Team

I have been diligently following the games of RP Chess Team over the internet and I am so impressed by the showing of our chessers. SGM Wesley So tremendously showcased his vast improvements of the game. Having drawn a match against Armenia's best SGM Levon Aronian proved to be a huge achievement. As usual, GMs Oliver Barbosa and Mark Paragua chess moves were a beauty to behold. Having participated in various tournaments, both local and foreign, they were very much cognoscente of the game. Not to be outdone was the performance of IM Oliver Dimakiling who proved he was a tough nut to crack. He demolished every opponent assigned to him except Armenia's experienced board 4 player. First Asia's GM Eugene Torre's antics to provide astonishing positional game was again evident in one of his games in the recent Olympiad.

There has been a post at philboxing.com site questioning why IM Dimakiling was fielded instead of GM Torre during RPs game vs. Armenia that caused RPs downfall. I believe that the comment against IM Dimakiling was not only made to denigrate him but the RP chess team as a whole. That poster, I believed, has became a maudlin due to Dimaks loss to a stronger and better player.

Let me share to you may 1 cent response: Firstly, during that time RP has had winning streaks and they have never been beaten by anyone in the Olympiad. Right? "Why would we fix it when it ain't broke." There was no need to change the horses at the middle of the battle. What if he won? Lastly, Torre was still mourning that time and I think (though he is ready) he is not yet emotionally prepared.

I am praying that the Philippines will demolish their opponents on their next games. Good luck!

The Country is Mourning

The country is mourning over the untimely death of DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. I do not have personal knowledge of this person but as I observed it - the whole weekend was truly dedicated to him. News reporters (both local and foreign) had been going gaga as to how and why such a wonderful person would experience an early demise. One of the most admirable traits of this man is his humility. Hail to you Sir Jesse.

NBA Dream Team Thoughts

'just when the NBA Dream Team 2 thought they were far better than the Dream Team 1, the former won the basketball Olympic gold by measly 7 points. They were almost beaten by Lithuania in the elimination round via a scary 99-94 game.

Losing a Mother

I just lost my mother. I realize that losing such an important person is never easy. She's been my Dad and Mom rolled into one (I lost my father in 1987). I missed her hugs, her seemingly endless advices... Mama I missed you.

Why o Why?

Deep thinking: I have been wondering why after cutting cost in my rental apartment (I now live in a condo unit for teachers (courtesy of my wife) for only P671.00 I still suffer monetary setbacks. The bills continue to float and debts soar so high. I am so upset!

Amazing Toastmaster Evaluators

'just attended this week's Manila Bay Toastmasters Club meeting at Casino Espanol de Manila and we were joined by the Bayanihan Club. It was awesome to hear guest evaluators who shared their wealth of experiences. Kudos to Jared our outgoing president and welcome Sir Meo. I had a terrific evening!

A Dismal Performance at the Manila Chessfest!

I joined the 441st Manila Open Chess Tournament yesterday at SM Manila Lower Basement and I scored 4.5 out of 8 games. I scored 4 wins, 3 losses, and a draw. I could have scored better had I not lost the last game and probably get the category award as the best unrated player of the event. However, I was not as lucky as the rest of the newbies since I was paired with the veteran NM Adrian Ros Pacis. After post-mortem analysis, NM Pacis suggested that I should have not taken his knight on g5 for it gave him the opportunity to push his pawns. My other disappointing game happened on the 5th round wherein after having a pawn and a spatial advantage the game ended in a truce. My lapses on judgment was very clearly evident as I gave away every advantage I had as I self-destruct.

Perhaps, I should join tournaments again in the future to further my experience.

Congratulations to the winners and to all the players as well. Special mention to GM Laylo, GM Antonio, and NM Andador for getting the major awards and to all the sponsors (i.e., Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, PAGCOR, Spartan Mining, and SM Prime Holdings of course for the venue! Below are the results of my games against various opponents:

Losing a Winning Game

Manny Pacquiao lost a seemingly winning game against Timothy Bradley last night that (at least) according to two idiot judges who favored Bradley - the new Wheelchair Weight Champion.

One of the judges declared, that Bradley out-punched and out-smarted Manny Pacquiao, however, the compubox stats says otherwise (see photo). So, I was wrong when I said that one of the judges was an idiot - for he was not only stupid but also a liar.

The words of former heavyweight champion Lenox Lewis has destructed the above-mentioned judges but also the sport he loved so dearly: “Pac won the fight. Bradley won the decision. (Arum) won another payday. Boxing lost its integrity and the fans lost confidence."

I am hoping that the decision made will be overturned in favor of the rightful winner. Hail to boxing!

With Reckless Abandon

I first heard of the phrase with reckless abandon from Mr. Quinito Henson during a boxing match in the Philippines last Sunday afternoon and I quote, "he throws punches with reckless abandon..." I googled it and found this one - with reckless abandon: to do or to say something without regards for consequences

In my case, it was a different version of reckless abandonment.

May 18, 2012

I went to my hometown to mourn on the sudden demise of my mother. I just couldn't believe it - my wife, my kids and I just visited her during the Mother's day celebration and she's ok!

Before my mother's death I had an scheduled trip to Singapore (May 21-25) and my wife & kids (with other relatives) would also go to Hong Kong (May 19-22) which were pre-planned months ago. Our family collectively decided to entomb my mom on Sunday, the 20th of May.

May 19-20, 2012

I was almost sleepless for two days entertaining relatives & guests and playing cards as well. I would just sneak out to take a short nap only to wake-up again due to constant taps from my friends. The final day of the mourning was spent through praying and following the relatives erehiya "don't look back," "don't bring back any food you brought to the cemetery," etc.

I am very thankful to my relatives, friends, and kababayans who helped and sympathized with us during our moments of grief.

May 20, 2012 (afternoon)

After my mother was buried, I prepared my baggage(my wife and kids went ahead of me for their trip to Hong Kong was on May 19, 2012 - I whispered it to my mom on her coffin)for I have a trip to Singapore at 6 a.m. on May 21. But before leaving, I borrowed US $200 and Philippine pesos to my sisters Margie and Leah thinking that I might incur several expenses in Singapore. I (with my cousin Michelle) left hastily after that for we wanted to catch the Supercat on its 5:30 trip. However, we arrived late and had to be contented with a 6:30 p.m. long trip on a Montenegro vessel.

Disappointed, disgusted, and outraged we search for better seats only to know that the ship was full-packed. "Why is this happening to me?" I asked my self in solitude. Later, we found a bench in front of a huge industrial fan! It rained during that trip so passengers went inside the air-conditioned room that added to my discomfort. On the middle of the trip I felt this tingling pain to pee and I cannot hold it any longer. So I left my baggage at my seat WITH RECKLESS ABANDON (Michelle was already asleep so I left my bag beside her so no one could take my slot). I stood up and pursued my way to the comfort room. Upon my return, I saw this mother and child tandem occupying my seat. By golly! I politely asked them to vacate my seat and the lady said, "Dito ka?" At the back of my mind I was telling my self, "Do I need to say Yes! ^+X$%<{" I then realized that it was so hard to travel without a sleep and it was very hard to control my temper.

After a long travel via Montenegro vessel we then took a bus in going to Manila. As if the driver was testing me and everybody else's patience he tried to load every passenger he can in an already full-seated bus. Damn!

May 21, 2012

It was almost past midnight when we reached Manila. I assisted first my cousin in getting a taxi to Sucat and after jotting down the taxi's name and plate number I hurriedly went home.

I was inserting things inside my baggage when I noticed that the pouch containing the money I borrowed was not in the same place where I put it. I looked at it on my other bag but instead of finding answers I found questions! Where did I put it? I repeatedly searched for my pouch but I found nothing. That was the time that I cried. I cried and cried until no more tears were there to hide.

Test of Faith!

A man decided to test his faith when his town got flooded. A rescue boat comes along but he denies their help. "My God will save me" he told them. So they went away. The waters rose, so next along comes a large Lifeboat. Again the man says "my God will save me" and sends them away. The floodwaters rose up to his roof and a helicopter appeared. For the third time, the man sent them away stating "my God will save me". Having then drowned, the man's angry soul got up to heaven and upon meeting God asked "so why didn't you save me then?". God replied "What are you on about man, I sent you two boats and a bl00dy helicopter."

-heard from my colleague at Couples for Christ

1st Time in Singapore

Whew, I'm now in Singapore. I had a great time with my colleagues and friends.   Here are the pictures guys!

Which One to Choose?

I was scheduled to go to Hong Kong on May 20 to 23, 2012 with my family, however, my supposed inspection work at Singapore will happen on the same date. So, my wife and kids will be in two different countries on that week. Sometimes, you don't know what life offers.

Great Time with my Wife and Kids!

I had a great time with my wife and kids yesterday.  We started by going to Binondo Church then dined out at MacDonald's Divisoria branch.  After that, my wife and I had a soothing foot massage at a nearby therapeutic parlor.

Never Again

I been experiencing compulsion to a kind of diversion. I been wasting too much of my time and my resources. I am committing myself too much to improve, however, I always fail. This time I promise not to be indulged too much in it. Never again, unless it is necessary.

Nice words from my old notes

Kapwa tayo lumaki sa isang liblib na nayon, doon sa kagandahan ng kalikasan at ang halimuyak ng mga bulaklak ay nagkapagpapabago sa pusong tahimik, sa mga kaluluwa'y ang munting pangarap ay nabubuhay ng mapayapa.

Ikaw ay kasingdikit ng takipsilim, ang iyong buhok ay maiitim na kawangis ng madilim na gabi kung lumalatag sa kabukiran, ang iyong mata ay maiitim ding buhay na buhay at ang iyong makipot na bibig ay sariwang sariwa at ang mga labi'y kakulay ng saga.

Nagsumpaan tayo sa isang malaking puno na may luntiang dahon na nakayongyong sa isang batis na gabi't araw ay may awit ng kalikasan.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I got these lines from my old notes, I didn't get the author and the source.

Classy Birthday Celebration at Quezon City

My family attended the birthday celebration of my brother-in-law, Froilan, at Quezon City, Philippines. Firstly, we partook sumptuous food at the cozy Cafeteria Buffet located near the GMA Network.

Thereafter, our group moved to Quezon City Circle to let the children (and adults as well) to enjoy the newly-installed structures at the park. What an experience!

Hurdled the International Arbiter's Examination

'just got a message from my colleague that I passed the FIDE Arbiter's Examination. Wow. God is so good!

Here is the link for some details >>>FIDE<<<

Answered Prayer!

My family just moved-in to our unit (condominium for teachers) at Numancia Residences and we spent our first night yesterday. It would be cost-effective for us since our family would spend only minimal amount on maintenance and utility costs. My wife was so lucky to get this unit instead of us paying P10,000.00 for apartment rental plus water and electric bills. Instead of paying our bills, I think, the rest of our budget would be paid for our food and supplies. Thank you Lord for providing us this wonderful blessing.

Poema Al Perderte Yo A Ti de Ernesto Cardenal

Al perderte yo a ti tú y yo hemos perdido:
yo porque tú eras lo que yo más amaba
y tú porque yo era el que te amaba más.
Pero de nosotros dos tú pierdes más que yo:
porque yo podré amar a otras como te amaba a ti
pero a ti no te amarán como te amaba yo.
- Ernesto Cardenal (Granada, Nicaragua)

Filipino Translation:
Nang mawala ka sa akin, ikaw at ako'y nawalan
ako dahil ikaw ang minahal ko nang lubusan
at ikaw dahil ako ang sa iyo'y lubusang nagmahal.
Ngunit sa dalawa ay ikaw ang higit na nawalan.
Dahil puwede kong mahalin ang iba tulad ng pagmamahal ko sa iyo
Ngunit ikaw'y di na mamahalin tulad nang kung paano kita minahal

Project 3, Man and Woman

Man and Woman

by Victor Hugo

Man is the most elevated of creatures, Woman the most sublime of ideals.
God made for a man a throne; for woman an altar.
The throne exalts, the altar sanctifies.
Man is the brain, Woman the heart.
The brain creates light, the heart, Love.  Light engenders, Love resurrects.
Because of reason Man is strong, because of tears Woman is invincible.
Reason is convincing, tears moving.
Man is capable of all heroism, Woman of all martyrdom.
Heroism ennobles, martyrdom sublimates.
Man has supremacy, Woman, preference.
Supremacy is strength, preference is the right.
Man is a genius, Woman, an angel.
Genius is immeasurable, the angel undefinable.
The aspiration of man is supreme glory,
The aspiration of woman is extreme virtue.
Glory creates all that is great; virtue, all that is divine.
Man is a code, Woman a gospel.
A code corrects, the gospel perfects.
Man thinks, Woman dreams.
To think is to have a worm in the brain,
to dream is to have a halo on the brow.
Man is the ocean, Woman a lake.
The ocean has the adorning pearl, the lake, dazzling poetry.
Man is the flying eagle, Woman, the singing nightingale.
To fly is to conquer space.  To sing is to conquer the Soul.
Man is a temple, Woman a shrine.
Before the temple we discover ourselves, before the shrine we kneel.
In short, man is found where earth finishes, woman where heaven begins.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I delivered this speech as my Project 3 at Manila Bay Toastmasters Club meeting and the comments were:
from DTM Rod Reyes
1) It could have been better if I compared real people, e.g. Bill Gates and Ofrah Winfrey, etc.
2) I should have explained the equality of sexes
from the Timer
Undertime

Project 2, My First 5 days in Okinawa, Japan

Thank you Distinguised Toastmaster of the Evening, Madam Zoila, for the kind introduction.  Fellow members, friends, and guests - good evening.

Did I ever tell you that I was granted an international training scholarship by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in years 2007 to 2008?  Well, the training course was about the “Application of Multimedia Technology for e-Education.  I will share with you my experiences on my first five days in Okinawa, Japan.  It goes this way...

I started forming impressions on Japan as soon as my foot landed in the Narita Airport. After I was through with the landing procedure of the Bureau of Immigration, I took my sets of luggage and lifted from baggage carousel. As soon as I approached the JICA counter at the airport, I was provided with a ticket to a limousine bus, then she gave me a detailed instruction on what to do next, then she escorted me to the bus stop and guided me go to the Haneda Airport then travelled again to Naha Airport where I was cheerfully assisted by JICA staff to my final destination - Okinawa International Center (OIC). At the OIC, a room key and a meal card were given to me, some personnel offered explanations as to how these card and other amenities of the center be used. I felt I was never away from home especially after two young Filipinos (Erik and Cris) entertained me by telling wonderful experiences during their first week of stay. I immediately bought call cards and called my wife and daughter from the Philippines.  My first day ended at Room 235 of OIC,  the weather was so cold, and so am I.

I woke up at about 7:00 a.m. and started the 2nd day at the Tsukodo (dining area).  I saw jolly participants from different countries.  Cris san guided me to the canteen staff who showed me how to use my meal card. 

After eating, I was visited by my coordinator (from JICA) who briefed me about important matters like house rules, courtesy, meetings and many more. I was able to meet my classmates for the training and various participants from the various courses.  It was fun to meet them and our sponsors as well.

I was late during the 3rd day meeting with the participants and sponsors and I felt so sad.  I was not able to control myself for I overslept.  Perhaps, it was due to the changing of weather condition which I was not accustomed to.  I saw that my colleagues were given calling cards by Japanese staff from prestigious companies.  Damn me, for not waking up on time!  I felt I was a little form surrounded by the head and foot of a parenthesis.  But I was able to recover as my name was called to give a brief self-introduction.  I stood up and immediately recited my prepared speech – in Japanese of course!  I felt relieved after that.

The 4th day was spent at Urasoe City, wherein, the participants were introduced to the mayor, and we were given a key to the city,  at the same time, we were given our non-resident alien cards for us to be able to formally live with the locals.  Astounding! 

In the afternoon a raffle was set for participants – a visit to the Churaumi Aquarium.

The day was spent studying Japanese culture and discussing their form of government, the Diet.

 

I got interested to go to the Churaumi Aquarium because of the feedback I received from my friends in Okinawa.  They told me that it was extremely beautiful.  My enthusiasm to go there was further intensified by the fact that only few participants would be able to go there due to limited number of slots.  It would really rely on luck.  So I was praying very hard that my name be called.  

Oooh... how can I forget the raffle day for the trainee to attend an Observation Tour at Okinawa Aquarium (believe me it was so huge and was in the deepest part of the sea). The slots for the participants were 53, but more than 80 persons signed up in the manifesto. So what the JICA staff did was picked 53 individuals by random. Sad to say I was not chosen.

But the big fighter that I am, I did not quit... I know that somewhere along the way some trainees who were selected would not be able to join the trip for some reasons or another. So I thought waiting early in the morning of the next day would be a great idea... maybe I could get a slot... oh maybe...

The 5th day...

The next day I immediately went to the registration room but got shocked after I saw five other individuals, ahead of me, forming a long queue in case someone backout of the trip (I thought I was the only one with that kind of thinking). So I was kinda praying that God would give me a chance to join the trip - then two people called the secretariat that they won't be able to join... another three sent peelers that they won't be able to make it. So, I was left alone in the line and I was so nervous, my heart was pounding too fast... maybe if you would come nearer to where I stood you would hear my heartbeat.

But no more backed-out...

The coordinator then signal the driver to start the engine... I got so frustrated and sad... so I prepared myself to leave and never to look back again...

While walking (with my head showing melancholic despair), I felt a soft tap on my shoulder - "Common join us young man!" 

I consider myself fortunate that these two generous people from the bus company agreed to accommodate me in a two-seater bench...and the rest was history. 

Madam Toastmaster.

Project 1, Self-Introduction

Thank you Madam Toastmaster, for that humble introduction.

Fellow members and guests, Helen Keller was once asked, “What would be worst than being born blind?”  She replied, “It’s having a sight without a vision.”

Ladies and gentlemen, that statement has become my guiding principle in life.  

It was on the 16^th of July 1970 in a developing town of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro when two healthy twin baby boys were born.  The proud parents were so happy to see these beautiful creatures.  However, they were so poor that they decided to let go of one of the babies.  It’s either, through adoption or by throwing one of the babies to the river.  They chose the latter.  Well, that was the first time that I learned to swim  (of course, this is a joke.  I just wanted to catch your attention).

As if misfortune was haunting me, at age 7, while I was in the elementary school, I suffered a vehicular accident. I was hit by a rushing 6-wheeler type jeep and was thrown farther than where I originally stood.  I was brought to the hospital from Mindoro to Manila.  While crying, my mom told the driver, who caused me creeping pains and prolong agony, that should I survive, she won’t get any single penny from him.  I did survive the accident and I also have no money.

While I was in high school, I had had so many crushes but I didn’t have the chance to tell them.  Finally, during my senior year, I mustered the courage to court a certain girl.  Unfortunately, she dumped me right away.  Since then, I told myself not to fall in love again for nobody would pay an attention to me, especially beautiful ones.

 All these frustrations made me a stronger and better person.  As I related my stories to friends and well-wishers altruistic people turned from nil to too many.  They told me to focus my time more on my studies.

I did!  My first course was Business Administration at the University of the East, Manila.  After that, I took up my master’s degree in Government Management at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and then later, I got my Certificate on Teaching Profession at the Philippine Normal University.  Thereafter, I took a board examination for teachers and passed.

I rose from ranks.  I started as an administrative aide at the Division of City Schools, Manila and because I have government eligibilities I got promoted twice.  I then transferred to the Department of Education Central Office as a Creative Arts Specialist I.  It was then that I was able to use my teacher’s certificate for I got promoted to Education Program Specialist II position.

My greatest fear is talking in front of people that I really don’t know.  While my greatest achievement so far, was in years 2007-2008 wherein I got an scholarship grant from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) by way of Okinawa International Centre, Okinawa Japan and my course was “Application of Multimedia Technology for e-Education.”  My experiences in Okinawa widened my horizons and I learned and gained international perspectives.

I consider my wife and two kids to be my greatest award.  They are the ones who tap my shoulder in my moment of pity as if to say “We are ready to help you, can’t you see?”

Well that’s me, Joselito Asi, a Manila Bay Toastmasters Club’s newbie.

Allow me to end my speech by stating my favorite quotation, “Good better best, never let it rest, ‘til your good becomes better and your better best!”

Fellow toastmasters, good evening.

Lightning Strikes Twice!

I, for the 2nd time, attended the toastmasters meeting (as guest) at the Casino Espanol de Manila and I was assigned a table topic, "Good wine needs no bush," a statement made by William Shakespeare.  Like in my previous recital I self-destruct.  I couldn't say longer sentences but a simple, "I can compare wine to purity..." I couldn't see the relevance of the statement I just chided.  Then, followed it up with, "The wine gets better as it is tested by time..." then a prolong stop... Why? o Why I was assigned a difficult task wherein I can't regroup words.  I felt that I have been universally mocked for my statements.  As a newbie, I just hope that Manila Bay Toastmasters club members won't disown me due to my fear of talking in front of people that I really don't know.

Twice I was tested and twice I failed.
  

Baptism of Fire!

I told you earlier, guys, that I was planning to upgrade due to recent boo-boos I've committed at the office.  Well, I started finding clubs to join wherein I can mingle with people who are motivated and pro-active - and I found one.  While browsing the internet and key-in the word "toastmaster," I was directed by a link to its club directory.  What I did was, I chose a place where I would be convenient on going in after office hours.  I picked Manila Bay Toastmasters Club at which point the membership was open to everyone.  I immediately called the club official (Sir Meo) and he presented me, verbally, on what to expect and what they were doing at the club.  Cool.

Last Thursday (January 5), @ 7 p.m. I entered the Casino Espanol de Manila (the venue) a place where I am very familiar with, since I visited this place before in one of my trainings for JICA.  I promised myself to create a good impression so that I would give an immediate impact.  As I entered the room I was greeted by Sir Meo who gave me a seat on the west side of the room, a couple of seats away from the rostrum. I was just right on time for the invocation, singing of national anthem and of the club hymn.

I enthusiastically observed every participant and some of them were eating already or were having some orders, I was approached by my seatmate Shey from the Central Bank, if I were briefed by Sir Meo regarding matters on ordering of food, etc.  I learned that if you want to eat you will just make an order to the waiter and pay it later.  Ahh... ok.  I thought it was free at first.

The first part of the the session was done by introducing himself or herself and since it was the start of the year  the participant should say his or her New Year's resolution.  I gave mine of course and the rest of the group and the method of doing the task was done clockwise.  I giggled as I heard the first speaker Dr. Ben for he said that he will change his wife.  Ha.ha.ha. I knew he was joking.   Others told that they will minimize the use of their credit cards and I shared that I will try to be the best that I can be in the coming days.

After that, the word of the night was given by Dr. Ben - INSIPID.  Insipid is an adjective and a word that means uninteresting, dull, flavorless, and tasteless.  Everyone was asked to use it in a sentence to which few people obliged.

Then, speakers were called for their 4th s, 5th, and 8th speech - I been wondering why.  I learned it later that I will do the same thing in the future should I become member, as well.  I couldn't help but smile as I looked at them, some of them were very confident, others have prolong stop, and few talked while on a sideward position while giving their prepared speech.  I told myself that if I my name will be called I would give a better performance.

And so, the next session was the giving of the table topics.  A timer was set and a set of criteria was given. The first quotation was assigned - "If I speak I am condemned, If I stay silent I am damned," from Victor Hugo's Les Misérables.  I am so impressed with the first speaker (I forgot his name) but believed me I saw him on T.V. one time.  Then an unexpected thing happened.  My name was called.  I sweated profusely.  I didn't know what to do.  The quotation was announced publicly -  "Life is a banquet and everyone is starving to death." I understood that this made me a conundrum and I couldn't help myself. To be honest I am really puzzled on how to start but I am not a quitter so I rushed to the podium. But it was really difficult to link what you were saying to the group of professionals (lawyers, doctors, bankers, etc.) and students. I felt the butterflies on my stomach, I couldn't say a word.  I felt that the more words I would say the more mistakes I would commit.

Where was the promised I made for myself that I would create a good impression?  I am simply stupid.  I failed, and I failed miserably!

2012, What Else to Delve?

Well, the 4th quarter of 2011 brought me financial woes.  I suffered miserably in all aspects of life.  I wasn't able to get what I want to achieve.

I am still eyeing for an scholarship or short training abroad.  Perhaps, I should try to impress my superiors first for me to be allowed another opportunity to go to another country to study.

Though I was the 2011 Chess Champion at the Department of Education, Central Office, my performance on  other tournaments were not as impressive or should I say forgettable, especially during my December tournament at the Victory Mall in Monumento, Caloocan, Philippines.  I just scored 4 out of 8 games in a non-master chess tournament.  By golly, I could have performed better but I was not able to convert 2 drawing positions to victories.

Professionally, all things were going well smoothly, however, month of December was not as cooperative as that of the other months.  I didn't realize that I made a very big mistake of not seeing a very basic mistake in a book that I have been keeping for a very long time.  I was so thwarted not to see the error in one of its pages - 'Texbook' instead of 'Textbook'.  Although, I commented the mistake earlier it was not implemented by the supposed party.  Lesson, not be too confident and too trusting.  Just rely on yourself.  No one is to blame but myself..

So, I am planning to expand my horizon by joining a group called toastmaster to help me grow personally and professionally.

I am wishing that 2012 with give me better breaks and not freaks!  Happy holidays to all.