Wedding this morning was so touching. I shed tears when the bride and groom were sharing their message in the Church. Finally, two of our friends and former colleagues tied the knot. Maricel and Jeremy, both musically inclined and devout Christians are going to start a family. Everybody wishes them well and say "hope you'll have children who will become priests/nuns in the future". God bless to both of them.
Arriving from Kapangan from the wedding celebration, I refreshed a little and went right away to the funeral of Mrs. C."Lac" F. Mayo. Heard the mass commemorating a life well lived for 68 years. She's not a smoker but they say lung cancer claimed her. I remember her so well as the sweet, smiling, kind lady. Met her when she was near her retirement but in her matured age, she showed me that a woman can still be beautiful and well loved despite the age. In my eyes, she's like the matured Audrey Hepburn. The grace and her character outshines her frail and old body. This is an example I want to follow. Godbless Ma'am Mayo's soul.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
"Once you realize that the road is the goal and that you are always on the road, not to reach a goal, but to enjoy its beauty and its wisdom, life ceases to be a task and becomes natural and simple, in itself an ecstasy.
Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, 1897-1981
Indian Spiritual Teacher"
Just sharing another wisdom that encourages to "to stop and smell the flowers." For the past days enjoying vacation at home, it gave me the time to stop, reflect and savor life at simplicity. I should have been enrolled to continue my graduate studies this summer but circumstances failed me to do so. Instead, it gave me the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the beauty and wisdom of life. At least I was able to watch and be inspired by Michael Jackson's songs, story and memorial (hey, that was almost year ago!), to pay a visit to my uncles, aunties and cousins (they only live in the same barangay Pico), to have coffee with friends and continue my piano lessons (yes, still at this age).
Simple things in life they are but it helped me to be refreshed, renewed and be ready for the next school year.
There are still some "to do" list waiting to be accomplished, movies long stored in the laptop to be watched after it was downloaded almost a year ago, a wedding to attend and books to read. But there is no need to rush, just tackle them one at a time.
Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, 1897-1981
Indian Spiritual Teacher"
Just sharing another wisdom that encourages to "to stop and smell the flowers." For the past days enjoying vacation at home, it gave me the time to stop, reflect and savor life at simplicity. I should have been enrolled to continue my graduate studies this summer but circumstances failed me to do so. Instead, it gave me the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the beauty and wisdom of life. At least I was able to watch and be inspired by Michael Jackson's songs, story and memorial (hey, that was almost year ago!), to pay a visit to my uncles, aunties and cousins (they only live in the same barangay Pico), to have coffee with friends and continue my piano lessons (yes, still at this age).
Simple things in life they are but it helped me to be refreshed, renewed and be ready for the next school year.
There are still some "to do" list waiting to be accomplished, movies long stored in the laptop to be watched after it was downloaded almost a year ago, a wedding to attend and books to read. But there is no need to rush, just tackle them one at a time.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Palawan 2010
With a budget of around Php 10,000.00 per pax, they say it's almost the same as going to Hong Kong or Taiwan. But I say, the experience would never be the same and as exciting as going through the natural wonders of Palawan.
Palawan for me used to be a subject to be studied in my elementary and high school days. I never ever dreamed of reaching that place (much more by plane) though I wonder how beautiful it is...But a few days ago, I was there and even wanting to have more of it, he he he...
Three nights and two days of going around Puerto Princesa is not even enough to see and experience the beautiful sights and eat delicious fresh sea food. The largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area, it is also the safest because it doesn't have any fault line, seldom do typhoons reach the area and there are no volcanoes. Not even pick pockets and hold-uppers are around. Cost of living is cheap compared to La Trinidad and houses can be built of light materials (pawid). The weather, it is as warm as the low land areas of the Philippines, but I say it is tolerable. Maybe because of the sea breeze or because it is February? But it is not as hot as Manila.
Internet and communications through cell phones are also available. Some parts or Puerto Princesa where commercial electricity is not available is powered by solar electricity. It is also one of the greenest and cleanest city in the Philippines. The city is more of like a rural area/province in comparison with my home town, La Trinidad. But there are some 24 hours shops like Jollibee and Dunkin Donuts and tricycles.
For people seeking for peaceful and simple get-away, Puerto Princesa can do.
I noticed that there are many foreigner visitors. Tagalog and English can be used and some even can speak Ilocano. There are also some kababayans from Benguet who are residing there. At the plane, we even met a cute stewardess from Bauko, Mountain Province.
Their tourist tour is also organized. Tour vans are provided by the local government but the guides are private in operation.
Day 1: Thursday February 18, 2010
Puerto Princesa Airport
When we arrived at Puerto Princesa, we had a Eucharistic celebration by Fr. Abner after our check-in. Then we had lunch followed by a city tour to Immaculate Conception Cathedral. The architecture is similar to that of our Baguio Cathedral except that is is not on top of a hill. We also passed by the Plaza Cuartel, then to the Crocodile Farm wherein the wounded crocs captured from poachers are taken cared of. Wow, it is my first time to see live crocs and they are even bigger than me.
Then off we go the the Mitra ranch. There I learned that the late Sen. Ramon Mitra has a fondness for Benguet people. He used to be one of the governors of the old Mountain Province. Though he was born in Palawan, he grew up and studied in Benguet. The Hamada family is where his father came from. When we had the tour in their ranch, it was only our delegation who were exclusively allowed to enter inside their house. Their helpers told us how the late senator gave special treatment to people of Benguet. Hmmm....it made me admire him, eh.
The teachers of San Jose High School
After that, we went to Baker's Hill to have some snack then we go the the Iwahig Penal farm. It is a place established by the Americans where hardened criminals are sent. (Mr. Laruan, our principal, said that one of his uncles were sent there because he is a victim of injustice). It was so hot but very wide and vast in land area. Here, the prisoners can have a chance to live outside the metal rails. They can go out in the fields and work. They cannot escape though because if they will go up in the mountains, they will surely die of Malaria and if they will to go to the city, the people will bring them back. The people know one another because of the few population. What is good in the penal farm is that the prisoners will have a chance to live and work for their own not just be sitting inside the jail. The farm produces rice to be bought by the Dept. of Justice and the money goes to the needs of the prison and of the prisoners. Then we went back home to the city at around 6pm. It took us approximately two hours travel time without traffic and with the van running at a fast speed. Then we had some shopping and made the salesladies so confused with our haggling and with our number.
Destination
After breakfast, we started our 18 kms trip for Sabang where the Underground River is. It is a river under a mountain which forms a face of a man. And they named that mountain St. Paul. Along the way, we had a stop over in the view deck overlooking a sea where sharks roam. Our guide told us that in the earlier times, warring tribes used to throw the head of their opponents in that sea to be eaten by the sharks. It also used to be the only way going to Sabang when the road is not yer built. Sharks used to accompany them with their tour... he he he. Then we continued and stopped for a while at the bay area where our guides registered us and waited for our turn to ride the motorboat going to our destination. Tourist can reach the place through trekking but it will take a day. When we arrived, there are a lot of tourists waiting for their turn to go inside the cave and we have to register again and wait for our turn. It took us around an hour to wait but it's alright because the experience of paddling inside the underground river is worth it. It's just that my camera cannot record the beauty inside. One needs a high powered flash and light because of the darkness. There are also bats inside and snakes in the water. But is is worthwhile looking at the various rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites. It took us 20 minutes of sight seeing. We did not go through the 8 kms stretch for one needs a special permit to be inside the very depts of the river cave. Meaning, it is more adventurous but one needs more special equipment to go through it.
Inside the cave
The Forest Reserve
Find the "Bayawak" (A local giant reptile)
After that, we had our lunch in the forest reserve area where the guides cautioned us against monkeys who love to steal anything that they can eat and will throw back digicams that they can't chew. It is a sure way to destroy the cam and the pictures inside it.
Vietnamese Village
Going back to the city, we had a side trip to the Vietnamese Village where refugees from the Vietnam war was temporarily placed under the Aquino administration. Now, it is more of a ghost town. The houses are abandoned though there are only three families left to maintain the restaurant and the souvenir shop. Aside from the Buddhist Temple, there is also a Catholic chapel for there are some Viets who were converted to Catholicism.
Then when we were back in the city, I joined some teachers who went to the market to buy dried fish as pasalubong. Dannggit which costs around Php 600.00 per kilo in Baguio can be baught for Php 290.00. It made our room smell like Danggit when we were back in the inn.
Before breakfast, we had again a Holy Mass. It is already time to pack our baggage. Since our flight back to Manila is 7:30 pm, we spent our free time shopping and going around the city. I was able to see their museum which costs an adult 20 pesos only. Then we chance to see native Aetas who were ferried back to the mountains after their medical check up. They were escorted by marines. Then we went to the mall. Their mall is more of like a huge grocery. There is a play area and TV viewing area. Malls in Baguio are still bigger. 7 hours of free time is not enough to tour the city. But we have to be inside the terminal at 4pm for our check in.
Our flight was delayed for 30 minutes because our plane has to wait for the Zest plane to vacate the loading area. There I learned that prices inside the terminal (and much more inside the plane) is much higher compared to prices outside (which is only a few meters away). A can of soda which costs 15 pesos outside the terminal is 30 pesos. Walk a few steps inside the waiting area and that will cost 40 pesos. Anyway, the flight back to Manila was just 50 minutes. We transferred to Genesis bus and we are back home in La Trinidad at 5 o'clock am Sunday morning with the cool morning air welcoming us back home.
I wish I can go back and tour the places I haven't seen. Hmmm....I did I hear our next tour will be in Bohol? he he he...
Palawan for me used to be a subject to be studied in my elementary and high school days. I never ever dreamed of reaching that place (much more by plane) though I wonder how beautiful it is...But a few days ago, I was there and even wanting to have more of it, he he he...
Mean and me
Three nights and two days of going around Puerto Princesa is not even enough to see and experience the beautiful sights and eat delicious fresh sea food. The largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area, it is also the safest because it doesn't have any fault line, seldom do typhoons reach the area and there are no volcanoes. Not even pick pockets and hold-uppers are around. Cost of living is cheap compared to La Trinidad and houses can be built of light materials (pawid). The weather, it is as warm as the low land areas of the Philippines, but I say it is tolerable. Maybe because of the sea breeze or because it is February? But it is not as hot as Manila.
Internet and communications through cell phones are also available. Some parts or Puerto Princesa where commercial electricity is not available is powered by solar electricity. It is also one of the greenest and cleanest city in the Philippines. The city is more of like a rural area/province in comparison with my home town, La Trinidad. But there are some 24 hours shops like Jollibee and Dunkin Donuts and tricycles.
For people seeking for peaceful and simple get-away, Puerto Princesa can do.
I noticed that there are many foreigner visitors. Tagalog and English can be used and some even can speak Ilocano. There are also some kababayans from Benguet who are residing there. At the plane, we even met a cute stewardess from Bauko, Mountain Province.
Their tourist tour is also organized. Tour vans are provided by the local government but the guides are private in operation.
Our Tour
Day 1: Thursday February 18, 2010
At the Crocodile farm. Picture above: A Palawan weaver.
When we arrived at Puerto Princesa, we had a Eucharistic celebration by Fr. Abner after our check-in. Then we had lunch followed by a city tour to Immaculate Conception Cathedral. The architecture is similar to that of our Baguio Cathedral except that is is not on top of a hill. We also passed by the Plaza Cuartel, then to the Crocodile Farm wherein the wounded crocs captured from poachers are taken cared of. Wow, it is my first time to see live crocs and they are even bigger than me.
Then off we go the the Mitra ranch. There I learned that the late Sen. Ramon Mitra has a fondness for Benguet people. He used to be one of the governors of the old Mountain Province. Though he was born in Palawan, he grew up and studied in Benguet. The Hamada family is where his father came from. When we had the tour in their ranch, it was only our delegation who were exclusively allowed to enter inside their house. Their helpers told us how the late senator gave special treatment to people of Benguet. Hmmm....it made me admire him, eh.
Mitra's House
The teachers of San Jose High School
Palawan's Baywalk
After that, we went to Baker's Hill to have some snack then we go the the Iwahig Penal farm. It is a place established by the Americans where hardened criminals are sent. (Mr. Laruan, our principal, said that one of his uncles were sent there because he is a victim of injustice). It was so hot but very wide and vast in land area. Here, the prisoners can have a chance to live outside the metal rails. They can go out in the fields and work. They cannot escape though because if they will go up in the mountains, they will surely die of Malaria and if they will to go to the city, the people will bring them back. The people know one another because of the few population. What is good in the penal farm is that the prisoners will have a chance to live and work for their own not just be sitting inside the jail. The farm produces rice to be bought by the Dept. of Justice and the money goes to the needs of the prison and of the prisoners. Then we went back home to the city at around 6pm. It took us approximately two hours travel time without traffic and with the van running at a fast speed. Then we had some shopping and made the salesladies so confused with our haggling and with our number.
Day 2: Friday of February 19, 2010
Overlooking the bay of sharks
Our tour van
Sabang Bay
Local children
San Jose High School teachers fishing like children
Mt. of St. Paul. Underneath is the underground river. The under highest tip of the nose is where "the Cathedral" rock formation is.
Destination
Cave entrance
Inside the caveSome rock formation 
The Forest Reserve
After that, we had our lunch in the forest reserve area where the guides cautioned us against monkeys who love to steal anything that they can eat and will throw back digicams that they can't chew. It is a sure way to destroy the cam and the pictures inside it.
Vietnamese Village
Going back to the city, we had a side trip to the Vietnamese Village where refugees from the Vietnam war was temporarily placed under the Aquino administration. Now, it is more of a ghost town. The houses are abandoned though there are only three families left to maintain the restaurant and the souvenir shop. Aside from the Buddhist Temple, there is also a Catholic chapel for there are some Viets who were converted to Catholicism.
Then when we were back in the city, I joined some teachers who went to the market to buy dried fish as pasalubong. Dannggit which costs around Php 600.00 per kilo in Baguio can be baught for Php 290.00. It made our room smell like Danggit when we were back in the inn.
Day 3: Saturday February 20, 2010
Before breakfast, we had again a Holy Mass. It is already time to pack our baggage. Since our flight back to Manila is 7:30 pm, we spent our free time shopping and going around the city. I was able to see their museum which costs an adult 20 pesos only. Then we chance to see native Aetas who were ferried back to the mountains after their medical check up. They were escorted by marines. Then we went to the mall. Their mall is more of like a huge grocery. There is a play area and TV viewing area. Malls in Baguio are still bigger. 7 hours of free time is not enough to tour the city. But we have to be inside the terminal at 4pm for our check in.
Our flight was delayed for 30 minutes because our plane has to wait for the Zest plane to vacate the loading area. There I learned that prices inside the terminal (and much more inside the plane) is much higher compared to prices outside (which is only a few meters away). A can of soda which costs 15 pesos outside the terminal is 30 pesos. Walk a few steps inside the waiting area and that will cost 40 pesos. Anyway, the flight back to Manila was just 50 minutes. We transferred to Genesis bus and we are back home in La Trinidad at 5 o'clock am Sunday morning with the cool morning air welcoming us back home.
I wish I can go back and tour the places I haven't seen. Hmmm....I did I hear our next tour will be in Bohol? he he he...
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Hunter X Hunter
The long days of ‘no classes’ made me have an opportunity to sit down and watch. I cannot go out because I’m trying to recondition my self. I suddenly got sick after paying a visit to some of the wake of the casualties of Pepeng. Sad until now and thinking about that event is somewhat stalling.
So here comes a cartoon series that helped me cheer up. I’m not yet done watching the series but it did surprised me. I thought Hunter X Hunter is a cartoons about entertainment only. I was wrong. It teaches about values especially of respect, politeness, care and compassion to friends and animals. Aside from the wit, it incites the viewer to think deeply. Example, in one of the Hunter quiz given by the old lady, the question is: “If two of your children is kidnapped and you can only save one of them, which are you going to choose? One, your daughter; or two, your son?” Hmmm…tough question eh?
I love the innocence of Gon and his faith in people. The wisdom of Kurapica and of course Leorio’s foolishness is a comedy but he is compassionate. Maybe I can also see myself in Leorio. He’s an adult but the children, Gon, Kurapica and a third child, are teaching him the manners he he…Aside from that, he shows himself as tough, greedy and selfish in the outside to conceal his real self. He reasons money and greed as his intention to go through and pass the Hunter exam. But deep inside, he is going through all those trouble to acquire the money he need to become a doctor and heal people for free. He needs to portray that kind of character until he will be able to fulfill the plan. If not, it can be easily ruined by others.
These days, I have to show off myself as tough and hard to my students especially if the child is so weak. I noticed many of today’s generation are so weak. They were over-protected by their parents that if a problem and trial will come, they will easily give up. I don’t want them to become like that. Aside from that, I also have my personal reasons and just like Leorio, I have to stay like this for some time until the plan will materialize. Just like Leorio again, it is the students who also teaches me. Not through their year-end evaluation, but through their sharings, stories, answers to questions, characters and attitude. Just like what my high school teacher once told us.
So here comes a cartoon series that helped me cheer up. I’m not yet done watching the series but it did surprised me. I thought Hunter X Hunter is a cartoons about entertainment only. I was wrong. It teaches about values especially of respect, politeness, care and compassion to friends and animals. Aside from the wit, it incites the viewer to think deeply. Example, in one of the Hunter quiz given by the old lady, the question is: “If two of your children is kidnapped and you can only save one of them, which are you going to choose? One, your daughter; or two, your son?” Hmmm…tough question eh?
I love the innocence of Gon and his faith in people. The wisdom of Kurapica and of course Leorio’s foolishness is a comedy but he is compassionate. Maybe I can also see myself in Leorio. He’s an adult but the children, Gon, Kurapica and a third child, are teaching him the manners he he…Aside from that, he shows himself as tough, greedy and selfish in the outside to conceal his real self. He reasons money and greed as his intention to go through and pass the Hunter exam. But deep inside, he is going through all those trouble to acquire the money he need to become a doctor and heal people for free. He needs to portray that kind of character until he will be able to fulfill the plan. If not, it can be easily ruined by others.
These days, I have to show off myself as tough and hard to my students especially if the child is so weak. I noticed many of today’s generation are so weak. They were over-protected by their parents that if a problem and trial will come, they will easily give up. I don’t want them to become like that. Aside from that, I also have my personal reasons and just like Leorio, I have to stay like this for some time until the plan will materialize. Just like Leorio again, it is the students who also teaches me. Not through their year-end evaluation, but through their sharings, stories, answers to questions, characters and attitude. Just like what my high school teacher once told us.
Addicted to Boys Over Flower
I’m not the only one but I know there are millions out there who’s got a following of this Korean interpretation of hana yori dango Boys Over Flowers. The character’s looks are not the only reason why they’ve got millions of fans. Aside from nostalgia, I guess it’s also the message of the story and the real-life values/manners/virtues of the actors.
The drama inspires innocence, family, hope and with the witch-like mother of Gu Jun Pyo wreaking havoc to the life and family of Geum Jan Di, the latter did never harbor any ill feeling to the mother of her true love. Instead of revenge, she helped her realize what is more essential to her life. She opened her eyes to stop beeing greedy and channel her energies instead to the most valuable in her life: her family.
This is a story of teen-age romance. But instead of following the hollywood type of getting into a relationship in an instant, it teaches about being chaste. That is, knowing how to wait for the right time for love to get ripe before pullling it out from the tree.
Aside from the story, I’ve been trying to get a deeper glimpse of the actors in real life through the internet of course. It makes me happy that they are people of dignity, manners and compassion. Lee Min Ho (aka Gu Jun Pyo) is an ambassador to the UN’s food program, Gu Hye Sun (aka Geum Jan Di) built up a cafe for struggling artists to put up their work, Kim Bum loves to give charity to children, Kim Hyun Joong was so polite and toughtful that he sent his fans flowers to thank them for thinking about him when he was sick with H1N1 and even if it’s obvious that he’s not yet well, he sent fans affirmation telling them that he’s fine so that the fans will not worry. As for Woo Bin (another Kim in real life) is heard of as joining the army for his country? I’m not sure but even in his silence, fans can see his support to his fellow actors through the pix caught by fans. I’m happy that there are “idols” who exmplify and inspire good values to their fans.
Another one, Lee Min Ho in an interview said that he wants to be remembered as an actor who rose up because of DILIGENCE. Personally, I remember that line everytime I want to get lazy. Truely, they are characters and people worth of emmulation. And yes, I want to become like them and I’m on the process of refining my own self and character.
There are a lot of values and virtues notable of almost all Korean and Asian made movies. Values which the heart yearns to see, hear, preserve and promote . A universal and classical truth. The advocacy of values makes literature to stand out from the crowd and overcome the test of time.
For me, never mind if somewhat they are still lacking in acting skills and cinematography. Never mind if it is a low budget film. As long as the story is promoting good values, that is what I want in an entertainment.
under: movie
Tags: BOF
The drama inspires innocence, family, hope and with the witch-like mother of Gu Jun Pyo wreaking havoc to the life and family of Geum Jan Di, the latter did never harbor any ill feeling to the mother of her true love. Instead of revenge, she helped her realize what is more essential to her life. She opened her eyes to stop beeing greedy and channel her energies instead to the most valuable in her life: her family.
This is a story of teen-age romance. But instead of following the hollywood type of getting into a relationship in an instant, it teaches about being chaste. That is, knowing how to wait for the right time for love to get ripe before pullling it out from the tree.
Aside from the story, I’ve been trying to get a deeper glimpse of the actors in real life through the internet of course. It makes me happy that they are people of dignity, manners and compassion. Lee Min Ho (aka Gu Jun Pyo) is an ambassador to the UN’s food program, Gu Hye Sun (aka Geum Jan Di) built up a cafe for struggling artists to put up their work, Kim Bum loves to give charity to children, Kim Hyun Joong was so polite and toughtful that he sent his fans flowers to thank them for thinking about him when he was sick with H1N1 and even if it’s obvious that he’s not yet well, he sent fans affirmation telling them that he’s fine so that the fans will not worry. As for Woo Bin (another Kim in real life) is heard of as joining the army for his country? I’m not sure but even in his silence, fans can see his support to his fellow actors through the pix caught by fans. I’m happy that there are “idols” who exmplify and inspire good values to their fans.
Another one, Lee Min Ho in an interview said that he wants to be remembered as an actor who rose up because of DILIGENCE. Personally, I remember that line everytime I want to get lazy. Truely, they are characters and people worth of emmulation. And yes, I want to become like them and I’m on the process of refining my own self and character.
There are a lot of values and virtues notable of almost all Korean and Asian made movies. Values which the heart yearns to see, hear, preserve and promote . A universal and classical truth. The advocacy of values makes literature to stand out from the crowd and overcome the test of time.
For me, never mind if somewhat they are still lacking in acting skills and cinematography. Never mind if it is a low budget film. As long as the story is promoting good values, that is what I want in an entertainment.
under: movie
Tags: BOF
The Soloist
It's been a long time since I last visited my blog. Been busy posting them at friendster.I guess I'll just post some of them here...
A true story of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a talented musician suffering from schizophrenia. It tells about how he found friendship with Steve Lopez, an LA Times columnist. Out from this friendship, chronicles of the life and struggles with mental illness touch and inspires many readers. And through this movie, he continues to inspire, give hope and touch lives.
I say, he is not only a talented musician but a great teacher too. The two-hour movie inspires in me determination, diligence and to treasure and make the best of where I’m in and what I have.
Many more reflection do I want to put into this blog. But the many tasks, tiredness and sleepiness from the day’s work keeps me away from doing it. Huhhhmmm… Well, at least the Soloist made me add one more post despite the heavy eyes.
Time to take some rest…zzzz
under: movie
Tags: movie
A true story of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a talented musician suffering from schizophrenia. It tells about how he found friendship with Steve Lopez, an LA Times columnist. Out from this friendship, chronicles of the life and struggles with mental illness touch and inspires many readers. And through this movie, he continues to inspire, give hope and touch lives.
I say, he is not only a talented musician but a great teacher too. The two-hour movie inspires in me determination, diligence and to treasure and make the best of where I’m in and what I have.
Many more reflection do I want to put into this blog. But the many tasks, tiredness and sleepiness from the day’s work keeps me away from doing it. Huhhhmmm… Well, at least the Soloist made me add one more post despite the heavy eyes.
Time to take some rest…zzzz
under: movie
Tags: movie
Sunday, November 2, 2008
It Took Me This Long
October 24, 2008. I've finally decided to take the belt exams. Ready or not, in good physical condition or tired, I have to. I've stalled myself for too long a time.
I've been practicing karate for reasons of discipline and physical fitness only. The discipline part is already hard because as Sensei Jun said, "diay bagi yu ti kalaban yu ditoy" (During practices, it is the self that is the real opponent). To endure pain and push your body to the limits, to discipline the mind to counter the whinning self and focus on the training are already some challenge.
And yes! Finally, I've reached third kyu. But with the higher rank of belt comes greater challenges and responsibility. I have to constantly remind myself to train harder. To put more zeal in the trainings and stop thinking of myself and be a good example to the lower belts.
Here again, I see God's hands at work. He wants me to push harder and to overcome the self. He constantly reminds me of the past. Of Senseis and Sempais who are an inspiration. They are not only good at karate but what I like best at them is their character. A result of the dojokun they carry with them always. They taught me well by word and by example. If before I was their younger sister, now I have to be the elder.
Honestly, I am already the oldest student when it comes to age at the Epiphany gym. The other adults are I think somewhere else around the globe if not in the Philippines. Looking at these young bloods, I can see myself in them. Whatever attitude I carry, they might immitate it. Just like what my seniors have imbibed in me when I was their age. I wonder what am I influencing on them? Is it discipline or lazyness? Hope its the good one.
Responsibility and the invitation to take the challenge are the two things that kept me from advancing. Not only in karate but in some aspect of my life. But hey, I have to move on. I know I can do much more better than my current performance. I am now facing my 'Jungian dragon.' And the belt exams is only the beginning. (Hey, this decision might even push me to join a tournament ha ha...)
I've been practicing karate for reasons of discipline and physical fitness only. The discipline part is already hard because as Sensei Jun said, "diay bagi yu ti kalaban yu ditoy" (During practices, it is the self that is the real opponent). To endure pain and push your body to the limits, to discipline the mind to counter the whinning self and focus on the training are already some challenge.
And yes! Finally, I've reached third kyu. But with the higher rank of belt comes greater challenges and responsibility. I have to constantly remind myself to train harder. To put more zeal in the trainings and stop thinking of myself and be a good example to the lower belts.
Here again, I see God's hands at work. He wants me to push harder and to overcome the self. He constantly reminds me of the past. Of Senseis and Sempais who are an inspiration. They are not only good at karate but what I like best at them is their character. A result of the dojokun they carry with them always. They taught me well by word and by example. If before I was their younger sister, now I have to be the elder.
Honestly, I am already the oldest student when it comes to age at the Epiphany gym. The other adults are I think somewhere else around the globe if not in the Philippines. Looking at these young bloods, I can see myself in them. Whatever attitude I carry, they might immitate it. Just like what my seniors have imbibed in me when I was their age. I wonder what am I influencing on them? Is it discipline or lazyness? Hope its the good one.
Responsibility and the invitation to take the challenge are the two things that kept me from advancing. Not only in karate but in some aspect of my life. But hey, I have to move on. I know I can do much more better than my current performance. I am now facing my 'Jungian dragon.' And the belt exams is only the beginning. (Hey, this decision might even push me to join a tournament ha ha...)
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