Serendipity

  “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” — Aristotle Working as an engineer in healthcare for the past three years has made me appreciate this idea in a very practical way. A healthcare facility does not begin with construction. It begins with identifying what the community needs, deciding what should be prioritized, planning, procuring, implementing and eventually maintaining the facility so it can continue serving its purpose. Every stage involves the work of many people from engineers, architects, contractors, suppliers, healthcare workers, administrative staff, maintenance personnel, skilled workers, and many others. A drawing, an inspection, a procurement document, a maintenance request, a repaired pipe, a working light, or a completed room may seem like small contributions when viewed individually. But together, they help create a facility where healthcare workers can do their jobs and where patients can receive the care they need. This has made me realize that eng...

 I first encountered the word “Carpe Diem” in high school when I watched Dead Poets Society. In the film, Mr. John Keating, played by Robin Williams, challenges his students to question what they are told, see things from different perspectives and have the courage to live their own lives. Upon searching it's etymology I learned that The phrase carpe diem comes from the Roman poet Horace: “Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero,” commonly translated as “Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future.” At first, I thought carpe diem simply meant enjoying life by earning money, traveling, having fun, or doing what makes you happy. But as I grew older, I realized it means something deeper. It is not about living recklessly or having a YOLO mindset. It is about understanding that today is the only moment we can truly act upon. One scene that stayed with me was when Keating showed his students old photographs of former students. Those young men once had dreams, ambitions,...

    Life isn’t about what you deserve; it’s about what you can negotiate. While some have to work hard to build leverage, others are handed a golden spoon from the very start. But that shouldn’t stop you from building your own leverage, creating your own opportunities, and negotiating your way toward the life you want. Your starting point may not be equal but it doesn’t have to determine where you finish .

  Approaching 30 made me realize how real the “hedonic treadmill” is. At 22, I once thought:  “Once I graduate and pass the board exam I’ll be happy.”  “Once I get the job, I’ll feel successful.”  “Once I save money, I’ll finally relax." Then I achieved those things… and my brain immediately created a new target. The goalpost keeps moving. A degree, license or certification becomes “not enough.” Savings become “still lacking.” Progress becomes invisible because comparison never stops. Especially today, where social media lets you compare yourself to everyone: the millionaire your age, the young professional traveling the world, the politician or businessman who inherited a position or business, the person who seemed to figure life out earlier. As a Filipino nearing 30, there’s also silent pressure:  “May bahay ka na?”  “Kailan ka mag-aasawa?”  “Magkano sweldo mo?” You start measuring your worth through milestones instead of fulfillment. B...

It all started one evening as I was scrolling through Facebook. I saw an ad for a Mt. Pulag climb. At that time, I was still in Mindoro. Mt. Pulag—the highest mountain in Luzon—immediately caught my attention. Among its four trails, the Ambangeg trail is known to be the easiest. The majestic view of the mountain and the famous sea of clouds at its peak sparked my curiosity and made me want to sign up. Honestly, I was just bored. I had been stuck at home for the past two years because of the pandemic. I just wanted to let go and experience something new. Mt. Pulag isn’t just far from Manila—it’s also one of the more expensive mountains to climb. The weather during the hike was freezing. The bottled water I brought from the lodge felt like it had come straight from a cooler. Despite the cold, the hike wasn’t that difficult for me since I was used to walking long distances. Although there was no sea of clouds when I reached the summit, I still felt something profound—I felt alive. I felt ...

  Norly Nening  Tapulao Mountain Guide         Mount Tapulao, known among hikers as the "Die Hike," is infamous for its grueling challenges. Spanning a 32-km back trail, it is the tallest peak in Central Luzon and a magnet for thrill-seekers and adventurers. The rocky and muddy path proves challenging even for seasoned climbers. I admit I didn’t do much research before this hike, aside from knowing it was the highest mountain in Central Luzon. I chose it partly because the cooler climate was more appealing compared to the typically scorching open trails of Zambales.        I managed to summit the peak during this day hike, but descending proved to be a different story. I slipped multiple times on the rain-soaked, clay-like soil, losing my balance again and again. Thankfully, our guide, Norly Nening, was there to assist us, ensuring we safely navigated our way down this formidable mountain.       One of the things I love ab...

  "The danger of an adventure is worth a thousand days of ease and comfort." —Paulo Coelho Since I don't have work on Monday and Tuesday, I decided to take a hike to clear my mind and evaluate where I am in life. I chose to hike Mt. Tapulao, located in Palauig and part of the Zambales mountain range. The hike started at 4:00 AM, with a beautiful sky in the background. The first 3 kilometers of the 18-kilometer hike to the summit (36 kilometers in total, since this is a back trail ) are on an asphalt road that was previously a dirt road. During these first 3 kilometers, I was faster than my co-hikers, but I couldn't keep up with the first guide and the leading hiker. I found myself walking alone on a dark road, reflecting on many things while being wary of cars that could hit me. After 3 kilometers, the end of the asphalt road revealed the West Philippine Sea in the background, where I could spot Chinese ships. This made me think about how close the disputed territorie...

       A psychologist once said, 'Relationships are transactions of value.' The transaction remains invisible when functioning well. However, no matter how strong the relationship is, if individuals are in different phases of life, one must let go while the other accepts it's end. Saying goodbye may be bittersweet, yet it involves hoping for someone's best interests and trusting that they will live their best life until their paths cross again. .....  SA QC, SA UP, SA KALSADA NG BGC. Poc.wharfinger · Maki - Saan @Wish

 Opacarophile - Lover of Sunset Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro Patar Beach Bolinao, Pangasinan San Juan Beach, La Union Liwliwa, Zambales Manila Bay (MOA Bayside)

  In the world of anime, characters often serve as windows into the human experience, and few illustrate this better than Kenny Ackerman from "Attack on Titan." Despite his initial portrayal as a tough and ruthless character, Kenny's philosophy, shared in a poignant moment before his death, unveils a profound understanding of what it means to be human. As Kenny faces his final moments, he offers a quote that hits home with universal truths about human nature. He acknowledges that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, is driven by various desires and attachments. Whether it's enjoying a drink, seeking love, following religious beliefs, or chasing power, these desires shape our lives in profound ways. Kenny's insight into this shared human experience is a testament to his understanding of the complexities of life. What makes Kenny's philosophy so compelling is the contrast it brings to his character. Despite his tough exterior and reputation...

                            IN CLOUD 9!  

       First Quarter of the year, feeling better than ever. Physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and spiritually, this will going to be my year. Let's Go!

                                                                           Sunset at Patar Bolinao Pangasinan                                              There is always something about sunset that brings a sense of calmness. Perhaps it's because, after a hardworking day, you can finally find solace in knowing that the day is coming to an end. If you are on the beachside, watching the sunset is truly magnificent. Standing at the water's edge, gazing out at the horizon where the sun meets the sea, it's as if the sun, like a radiant ball of fire, begins its slow descent towards the waiting embrace of the ocean, casting a golden glow across the sky.  Sunset feels like a grand curtain ...

    When I was just 6 years old, I remember gazing at the night sky from the window seat of a bus on our way back to Manila after visiting my grandparents in Masbate. The full moon shone brilliantly, with only a few clouds to adorn it. I wondered if the same moon graced the skies of Manila and if the dragon had forgotten to take a bite, leaving it full that night. Makati Skyline as seen from Poblacion Makati Over 20 years later, during the Lunar (Chinese) New Year, I found myself atop a 30-story building in Poblacion, Makati drinking cocktail. The bustling music contrasted with the serene ambiance, and the breathtaking view of the Makati skyline filled me with inspiration. As I was gazing with the towering buildings I feel more motivated and reflect on what I want in life. The soothing cocktails and clear sky added to the unforgettable night. As the gentle breeze caressed my skin, I couldn't help but wonder if we were looking at the same sky.

                           "Give me some sunshine, give me some rain,           Give me another chance. I wanna grow up once again." -3 Idiots As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey it has been this year. Mentally, financially, and socially, I've experienced growth. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I've met new people, explored different places, tried new things, and witnessed the world through a different lens. The pandemic has ended after two years, similar to Luffy's decision to reunite with his crew before sailing to the new world, aware that they are still unprepared for more challenging seas. Now, at age 27, I stand ready to navigate this new world after two years of being secluded in my comfort zone. Losing connections, especially with those you care about the most, is undoubtedly challeng...

       Ang pinakamayaman na lugar raw sa mundo ay ang sementeryo hindi dahil sa laki o dami ng materyal na bagay na naipundar ng mga nakalibing ruon kundi dahil sa pangarap, yaman,ideya, potensyal, kinabukasan  at talento na di na naisasakatuparan dahil natapos na ang kanilang paglalakbay.       Walong taon na din pala simula ng nawala ang kapatid ko, di ko mawari kung paano ang isang umaga ay magbabago sa takbo ng aming mundo, kung paano ang isang umaga ay magiging only child na lang ako ni mama, kung paano ang isang umaga ay di na maririnig ang iyong tawa, kung paano ang isang umaga ay di ka na makikita pa.       Walong taon na din pala ang lumipas ng ikaw ay namahinga, dalawang buwan na lang sana ay ika-14 na taon mo na. Walong taon na din ang lumipas simula ng huling nakalaro sa basketball, umulan man o umaraw. Walong taon na din ang lumipas simula ng huling beses kong narinig na tawagin mo akong kuya. Walong taon na pala ang lu...

'Tong alay kong harana, para sa dalagang Walang kasingganda, amoy-rosas ang halimuyak Kung nanaisin ng tadhanang mapanlinlang 'Di hahayaang mawala pa 'Tong liham na umaasang mata mo ang makabasa Handang gawin lahat, maging pamilya'y liligawan Ngayon lang nakadama ng wagas na pagkamangha Hiling ko lang naman na Tayo na sanang dalawa ang siyang huli at ang umpisa Papatunayang ang unang pag-ibig ay 'di mawawala Nakailang tula na, ba't tila 'di napupuna? Ang tangi kong hiling, hanggang dulo, ikaw ang kapiling Kung puwede lang, hanggang pangmagpakailanman Hinding-hindi na papakawalan kailanman Ang dating tamis ng pagsasama, nasa'n na? (Hinahanap-hanap ka, whoa) Ba't sa 'ting dal'wa, ako na lang ang natira? (Sana'y magkita pa) Tinig mong kay ganda, maririnig pa ba? Handang tahaking mag-isa kahit wala ka na Kung nasa'n ka man, nawa ay masaya ka na (palalayain ka, whoa) Kahit na 'di na tayo magsasama pa (mahal pa rin kita) Dinggin mo lang...

                                                         Sunset at MOA Bay area                        "Every new beginning comes from some  other beginning's end"                                               -Closing Time by Semisonic

 

    In moments when we feel lost, weak, doubtful, or scared, a powerful whisper can arise from within: "Courage, dear heart." This phrase, inspired by C.S. Lewis, is more than just words. It's a lifeline, a gentle reminder that even in unfamiliar territories, we've faced similar challenges before and triumphed. "Courage, dear heart" -C.S. Lewis, Voyage of the dawn threader    The journey of life is punctuated with peaks and valleys, light and shadow. There might be times when we stand at crossroads, unsure of which direction to take. Or moments when the weight of the world seems unbearably heavy on our shoulders. Yet, if we pause and listen closely, the whisper returns, "Courage, dear heart."      Remember, this isn't our first rodeo. We've navigated choppy waters before and have always found our way back to shore. It's this resilience, this inherent strength within, that propels us forward.     So the next time doubt clouds your path, ...