A Tribute to Fathers

When I was a kid, one of the things I was most proud of was being born on the 6th day of my birth month because my tatay (father in the Tagalog dialect) was born on the same day but in a different month. I remembered nanay (mother) saying that we shared a lot in common because we were both born day of our birth months. I didn’t understand her then, but to be honest, I did grow up to be more like my dad.

Tatay spent a hard life earning money in order to raise us but never complained once. He made sure his kids would finish education by working hard in his tailor shop, which he built up for years. He worked with his hands and enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment that went with it. He was a man of few words, soft spoken. His strong character as well as his gentleness and sincerity of heart won him many friends.


Last sunday was Father’s day, and even though my tatay has been gone for a few years now, I can still recall how kind and patient he was. He's always in my heart. How could he not be?

Another dad who made a profound influence in me and my life is my husband. He taught me that life is not just about myself. He taught me the value of communication, of playing time and not just time for work, of interdependence at home. Even with his busy schedule, he finds time to watch a movie, chat, have fun, wine and dine, and exercise with me.

Today most especially, fathers hold a special place in my thoughts. They remind me of the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet "Alef" which means an ox. This letter which stands for strength, a leader, or what is first, is used in the Hebrew word for father (ab or av), symbolizing that a father is the leader or the strength of the family. To all fathers, here's a unique workout which beautifully mirrors you, like the ancient character Alef!


Want to find out more about the rest of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet? Strengthen yourselves and move through the PraiseMoves Alphabetics!

Plan to succeed!

One of the things I would miss about my current job (when I leave someday) is the privilege to attend different conferences. I get to personally meet and listen to various political figures and national icons.

Just last week, I heard the new Secretary of the Department of Energy speak about the energy situation in the Philippines. He said that for 2013 until 2016, projects are already in place in order to avoid possible shortage of electricity in the country. However, the problem still lies for 2011 and 2012, whilst this period should have been addressed in 2008 and 2009.

Balancing contemplation and action

Last July, my husband and I joined 40 other couples who gathered for the week-end Marriage Enrichment Retreat (MER) at Capuchin Retreat Center, a formation house situated at a 10-ha land in Lipa, Batangas. It was organized by Couples for Christ (CFC) to help couples discover more intimately the meaning of marriage vocation within the context of God’s plan.

Find your passion, realize your dream

I simply love dancing. When I was a child, every time I hear upbeat music, I would turn the rhythm into a dance and feel absolutely wonderful! In high school, I loved going to parties and discos, and danced until midnight (my mom would fetch me so I could go home safely. Did I feel like Cinderella!). The audio speaker was my favorite partner because it didn’t get tired. I also remember joining dance competitions and programs with friends to showcase our talents.

Succeed through words of affirmation

Ever wonder how great achievers succeed in life? Or how the biggest weight losers get started to get to their ideal weight? They start with a goal, and with a goal, they visualize what happens in the future. How? Most goal achievers and fitness trainers I know use affirmations to get what they want in life. They speak to themselves with positive talks, believing things have already happened even before they have.

Surrounding yourself with empowering people

MD Factory Convention at the SMX Convention Center Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, March 20 to 21, 2010

Where to find your dream job

I came across this article yesterday about the sad fact that still, only a small percentage of our graduates will be employable:
Who really needs to go to college?. It says, “based on the government’s latest Labor Force Survey, the number of unemployed persons as of January was 2.8 million, a bit lower than the 2.9 million people without jobs reported during the same month last year.”

You can reach your full potential!

Have you ever been told you are no good? Has anyone told you that you will not make it even if you try? Has anyone made you feel unimportant? You may have experienced feelings of insignificance at one point or another in your life. People may have caused you these feelings directly or indirectly. But what should you do if you come across sources that give you negative thoughts or feelings about yourself?