It's my 30th day tomorrow. And it only means one thing - I have to fly back to the Philippines again. I have no plans as of this moment but I will definitely go straight to my province.
This post will be my last update for this week.
Next week, I have friends/ex-officemates who will come to Taipei. They still work in my previous company who also have a client here in Taipei. They will come here on Sunday up to Friday for work purposes. Unfortunately, I will be in the Philippines on that time. But never fret, we can still meet-up by next week because I will fly back to Taipei on Tuesday.
I will surely invite them to "my" apartment and probably cook for them. I'll post some pictures maybe later on.
Till next week!
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Monday, July 18, 2005
First Taiwan Typhoon
Yes, we don't have work today because of the typhoon Haitang currently striking the whole country. It's Taiwan's first. All public transportation were cancelled even all flights. Clearly, even e more progressive country than the Philippines still experiences difficulty like flood, et al - which made me realize that mother nature once it strike, it does and we have to beware.
Some random pictures I took last night. The picture does not give justice on how strong the wind and the rain though.
Here's some TV-captured images on what's going on around the country.
Some random pictures I took last night. The picture does not give justice on how strong the wind and the rain though.
Here's some TV-captured images on what's going on around the country.
Taipei - little Japan?
Stupid me, I closed my browser without saving my first draft, so I end up rewriting everything.
Last Saturday, we went to Guangwa Sangsan (sp). But before we proceed, I asked my companion to accompany me and have my SIM card be registered because my network provider asked me to do so. Actually, it's quite odd because I've been using this number for almost two year, not only that, my sister bought this SIM card like 4 years ago. So I asked myself, why only now? Well, since it says my number will be temporarily cancelled if I will not register, I complied no questions asked.
After that, we decided to just have our lunch in that area. It's a good thing because it's been a while since I roamed around in that area since Taipei 101 opened.
What striked me most are the buildings within the sorroundings. I haven't been to Japan but from the pictures I saw from the internet, Japanese architecture are very evident in these buildings.
If my history knowledge serves me right, Taiwan, formerly known as Formosa, was colonized by Japan for many years. Maybe that is why Japanese culture is well-embraced in this place. An example would be the donut chain, "Mister Donut" tagged as Japan's Number 1 Donut. Thus, the marketing strategy draw a lot of people queuing up just to buy donuts everyday. I actually thought it's funny because back in the Philippines, we usually don't mind these food chain. Maybe because of the number of stores within Metro Manila and it's been in existence in the Philippines for many years now.
Going back to the Japanese architures, look at the pictures below.
L - random bldgs from the view fr the walkay connecting Taipei 101 and New York, New York
R - New York, New York mall
L - Chanel Store
R - Warner Village
L & R - Mitsokoshi buildings
What I like about these buildings is that, they are good to look at. But what's important is, they don't block the sceneray at the background - which I think is a good idea, combining green scenery with modernized architectures.
Last Saturday, we went to Guangwa Sangsan (sp). But before we proceed, I asked my companion to accompany me and have my SIM card be registered because my network provider asked me to do so. Actually, it's quite odd because I've been using this number for almost two year, not only that, my sister bought this SIM card like 4 years ago. So I asked myself, why only now? Well, since it says my number will be temporarily cancelled if I will not register, I complied no questions asked.
After that, we decided to just have our lunch in that area. It's a good thing because it's been a while since I roamed around in that area since Taipei 101 opened.
What striked me most are the buildings within the sorroundings. I haven't been to Japan but from the pictures I saw from the internet, Japanese architecture are very evident in these buildings.
If my history knowledge serves me right, Taiwan, formerly known as Formosa, was colonized by Japan for many years. Maybe that is why Japanese culture is well-embraced in this place. An example would be the donut chain, "Mister Donut" tagged as Japan's Number 1 Donut. Thus, the marketing strategy draw a lot of people queuing up just to buy donuts everyday. I actually thought it's funny because back in the Philippines, we usually don't mind these food chain. Maybe because of the number of stores within Metro Manila and it's been in existence in the Philippines for many years now.
Going back to the Japanese architures, look at the pictures below.
L - random bldgs from the view fr the walkay connecting Taipei 101 and New York, New York
R - New York, New York mall
L - Chanel Store
R - Warner Village
L & R - Mitsokoshi buildings
What I like about these buildings is that, they are good to look at. But what's important is, they don't block the sceneray at the background - which I think is a good idea, combining green scenery with modernized architectures.
Friday, July 15, 2005
Kung Pao Chicken
Okay. It's Friday and I don't have any idea what's to post. Then, we had lunch at this favorite restaurant of ours. They serve delicious authentic chinese food or Taiwanese food for our own delight. Pictures below are out favorite dishes.
Kung Pao Chicken - they call it kung pao chiting (chiting = chicken). It's sweety soury little spicy dish. Eversince we lived here, we always order this superb dish. Try here for the recipe. Of course, every restaurant has it's own recipe and secret ingredients. So the link was only to give you a picture of how it's like.
Bittermelon beef - I don't know it's Chinese name but the english name probably give you an idea what's the main ingredient. It's beef and bittermelon. You can compare it to a Filipino dish called "Ampalaya con carne" although the only difference I think is the latter is a bit spicy.
Egg Tofu - Eating in that restaurant will not be complete without this dish. The might have an egg when it was made because we can't see any egg in the dish. It was cut into smaller pieces. I think the tofu was fried first before saute-ing into a thick sauce. It's just lovely.
We christened the restaurnat to a name easier for us to remember. And when I say "us", we Filipinos who were assigned here in Taipei during rigorous developement of our project. The real name is "her-ki-way". It sounds like that but it's just too hard for us to pronounce so we call it "Labuhek". Why "Labuhek"? Hmn. Let's see. There is this chinese restaurant called Lavec where we also eat before we found labuhek. Since they offer basically the same food, we preferred labuhek because of the cheaper price and the tastier of the food. So that's where we get the "La". "Buhek" - change the 'e' to 'o' and it become "buhok", which means hair. Nope. We were not engrossed with the beauty of the cashier's hair. We were amazed of how long the armpit's hair of the cashier. The cashier is a she. It's gross you may say, but maybe it has something to do with our cultural differences. Isn't that European women doesn't shave their armpits as well? So, there you go - LABUHEK.
Another funny story about the restaurant was, they don't speak English. So, most of the time, we should have someone who can translate the menu to us. Since, we always eat there and of course, we don't always have that someone who can help get the order, the cashier gave us the whole menu and ask somebody from our client who can translate everything. That way, it would be easier for us to give our orders. What a clever idea, wasn't it? Now if they have future customers who can't read/speak Chinese, just whip out the menu and walla! They can now order. And by the way, the translation job was free of charge. At least they could have hand us out a kung pao chicken in return. :)
Kung Pao Chicken - they call it kung pao chiting (chiting = chicken). It's sweety soury little spicy dish. Eversince we lived here, we always order this superb dish. Try here for the recipe. Of course, every restaurant has it's own recipe and secret ingredients. So the link was only to give you a picture of how it's like.
Bittermelon beef - I don't know it's Chinese name but the english name probably give you an idea what's the main ingredient. It's beef and bittermelon. You can compare it to a Filipino dish called "Ampalaya con carne" although the only difference I think is the latter is a bit spicy.
Egg Tofu - Eating in that restaurant will not be complete without this dish. The might have an egg when it was made because we can't see any egg in the dish. It was cut into smaller pieces. I think the tofu was fried first before saute-ing into a thick sauce. It's just lovely.
We christened the restaurnat to a name easier for us to remember. And when I say "us", we Filipinos who were assigned here in Taipei during rigorous developement of our project. The real name is "her-ki-way". It sounds like that but it's just too hard for us to pronounce so we call it "Labuhek". Why "Labuhek"? Hmn. Let's see. There is this chinese restaurant called Lavec where we also eat before we found labuhek. Since they offer basically the same food, we preferred labuhek because of the cheaper price and the tastier of the food. So that's where we get the "La". "Buhek" - change the 'e' to 'o' and it become "buhok", which means hair. Nope. We were not engrossed with the beauty of the cashier's hair. We were amazed of how long the armpit's hair of the cashier. The cashier is a she. It's gross you may say, but maybe it has something to do with our cultural differences. Isn't that European women doesn't shave their armpits as well? So, there you go - LABUHEK.
Another funny story about the restaurant was, they don't speak English. So, most of the time, we should have someone who can translate the menu to us. Since, we always eat there and of course, we don't always have that someone who can help get the order, the cashier gave us the whole menu and ask somebody from our client who can translate everything. That way, it would be easier for us to give our orders. What a clever idea, wasn't it? Now if they have future customers who can't read/speak Chinese, just whip out the menu and walla! They can now order. And by the way, the translation job was free of charge. At least they could have hand us out a kung pao chicken in return. :)
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Reminisce
It's another day where I am sure I will just be wasting browsing the web and doing non-related work.
I have this hobby of keeping all the sent e-mails in my "Sent" folder in my company's e-amil account. Since I am not busy, I checked it out and found the email shown above.
It was my last e-mail to my dear friend Jicky before he passed away. It was his last birthday and I was here inTaipei so I wasn't able to greet him personally.
Actually, I still often reminisce about the good old times.And just by thinking about it, makes me really sad.
I have this hobby of keeping all the sent e-mails in my "Sent" folder in my company's e-amil account. Since I am not busy, I checked it out and found the email shown above.
It was my last e-mail to my dear friend Jicky before he passed away. It was his last birthday and I was here inTaipei so I wasn't able to greet him personally.
Actually, I still often reminisce about the good old times.And just by thinking about it, makes me really sad.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Lazy Wednesday
Here it is again. Sitting infront of my computer desk - acting like I'm busy with work. But na-ah. Nope. I've been reading blog since this morning. Yes, I've nothing to do. It's been weeks/months since I fixed all the problems given to me. I recently finished all the documents necessary before I can promote all the changes done in all the program(s) affected into the production.
I am really bored. I already followed-up the current status of my user's own testing but he said he is doing other IR (incident reports aka production problem). Darn!
Oh well, being paid a US$50 a day to browse websites is not bad at all.
I am really bored. I already followed-up the current status of my user's own testing but he said he is doing other IR (incident reports aka production problem). Darn!
Oh well, being paid a US$50 a day to browse websites is not bad at all.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Random Picture - I
This is where we live. Located at the heart of downtown Taipei. It's a walking distance to Taipei 101 building. My pad is located at the 6th floor.
Taishin Bank International - Taipei, Taiwan
This is Taishin Bank International. This is our client here in Tapei. It's in Neihu district. We are at the 8th floor. This building is quite famous as it is being used by many TV commercials and Music videos by local artists.
TGIF on Tuesdays
It's 10:40 PM (Taipei Time) now. I'm still full. We had a heavy meal at my aparment's nearby TGIF. Two people from Manila office is here in Taipei for a demonstration to a propective bank client. One of them is a key person in Manila office so, he paid the bill. Yehey!
Actually, I feel so guilty right now. Earlier, we had a heavy lunch - we had Teppanyaki in RT-Mart 1. Now, I don't know how to burn all the carbo intakes I had today. While writing this entry, I have cup of hot green tea at my table.
I am not complaining. I'm thankful that I eat decent meals everyday. It's just that, I'm really trying to cut my carbo intake. Or should I say, I'm really trying to cut my food intake.
Topic over dinner? Work-related. Although it's not really work-related per se. We talked on the current, new and possible projects that Manila office will handle. Our boss is teasing us that our client just signed another year contract so that means that we still have to stay here for another year. I don't know if he is just toying us but let's see.
Actually, I feel so guilty right now. Earlier, we had a heavy lunch - we had Teppanyaki in RT-Mart 1. Now, I don't know how to burn all the carbo intakes I had today. While writing this entry, I have cup of hot green tea at my table.
I am not complaining. I'm thankful that I eat decent meals everyday. It's just that, I'm really trying to cut my carbo intake. Or should I say, I'm really trying to cut my food intake.
Topic over dinner? Work-related. Although it's not really work-related per se. We talked on the current, new and possible projects that Manila office will handle. Our boss is teasing us that our client just signed another year contract so that means that we still have to stay here for another year. I don't know if he is just toying us but let's see.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Korean Soju
My Korean officemate just got back here in Taipei from a week vacation in her native land.
Well, I am very vocal about my fascination with Korean culture given the fact that I'm addicted with K-movies and K-dramas and been started learning their language. Mind you, I can translate a whole song in romanized form already. Although I still can't translate each word to a language known to me.
Actually, I'm excited because at long last, she already brought this authentic korean drink - SOJU - straight from where it was originated. She brought not only one but three. Yahoo!
It's a strong drink actually. That's what she said. But let's see. Although I think it is, from what I read and from the facial expressions of the actors in those movies I've watched (while drinking, that is). And yes, my curiosity of the taste started because of watching.
Anyway, kum-map-ta! ( less formal "thank you" in hangul (korean)).
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Extra Challenge
Nope. It's not the ever-popular show in GMA-7's Kapuso channel.
It's just that, I've been challenging myself once again. When I was still younger, I always crave for informations. I am very eager to learn. My brain is knowledge-hungry freak. I've always wanted to be an adult so that I can watch or read or experience what adult people enjoys.
The challenge? Learning a new language. Yes, Korean language. Not the Japanese or Chinese or Norsk I wrote in one of my post. Why Korean? I was fascinated with their language. Maybe too much watching Koream movies and series influence me much. :-P
I started my self-study last Monday. And so far, I can write and read simple and not-so-simple korean language already. Nevertheless, I have still troubles translating what it means. Or the proper pronunciation of the words I am reading.
Reason? I don't know. My friend said, "kina-career ko na" (getting at it). Maybe I am. It's quite funny because I am here in Taiwan for such a long time but I wasn't able to learn chinese language so much. Sorry, but I really find chinese character and words hard to learn. Whereas for Korean, In just a couple of hours, I can read, write, and translate some words in romanized form. That's a feat.
It's also strange because I only know like one Korean person comparaed to more than one chinese friend. Odd? Hmn. Maybe yes. But let's see. I have all the time in the world. I have still a long way to go and who knows, I might have the courage to learn chinese in the near future.
Then, in parting, let me just say, "Aja"!
It's just that, I've been challenging myself once again. When I was still younger, I always crave for informations. I am very eager to learn. My brain is knowledge-hungry freak. I've always wanted to be an adult so that I can watch or read or experience what adult people enjoys.
The challenge? Learning a new language. Yes, Korean language. Not the Japanese or Chinese or Norsk I wrote in one of my post. Why Korean? I was fascinated with their language. Maybe too much watching Koream movies and series influence me much. :-P
I started my self-study last Monday. And so far, I can write and read simple and not-so-simple korean language already. Nevertheless, I have still troubles translating what it means. Or the proper pronunciation of the words I am reading.
Reason? I don't know. My friend said, "kina-career ko na" (getting at it). Maybe I am. It's quite funny because I am here in Taiwan for such a long time but I wasn't able to learn chinese language so much. Sorry, but I really find chinese character and words hard to learn. Whereas for Korean, In just a couple of hours, I can read, write, and translate some words in romanized form. That's a feat.
It's also strange because I only know like one Korean person comparaed to more than one chinese friend. Odd? Hmn. Maybe yes. But let's see. I have all the time in the world. I have still a long way to go and who knows, I might have the courage to learn chinese in the near future.
Then, in parting, let me just say, "Aja"!
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Stamina
I have colds. It started late afternoon yesterday. I have a running nose as well. I am questioning myself as to why I've got colds. I always drink orange juice and pineapple juice. I eat fruits, not a lot though but still, I assume my C supplements are enough. Or isn't it?
Maybe its beginning to get really hot here in Taiwan. And damn, the weather keeps on changing. I learned that there is really no rainy season here though it was raining hard for the past few months after the spring season.
It was really hot yesterday. I ate lunch alone so I had to look for a place where I could eat a nice food and fast. I thought of a place but later decided to have it in one of my favorite place which by the way, at that time, it was far from my location. I weathered the heat and I was sweating all over. After eating, I went straight to the office and was relieved that the airconditiong was good.
Last May, I got really sick. I had a fever actually. That't the day I went straight to the office from my trip from Manila to Taipei. At that time, Manila was so damn hot. Taipei wasn't that hot that day and I am sure that the sudden weather change greatly affected my stamina.
Nevertheless, I know that this simple change of temparature never bothers me before considering I am accustomed to it. Try living in a tropical country like the Philippines. Everyday I battled with outside heat and enjoys the comfort of my company office's air conditioning. But, I never get sick.
Then consider the fact that I am "living" in Taipei where pollution is far less compared to Manila's air status, and I still get sick. I even started doing small daily excercise routines and jog for an hour or more every weekends but it seems like my body is not accustomed to all of these.
Does it mean that I am getting old and my body is giving up on me? Oh no!
Maybe its beginning to get really hot here in Taiwan. And damn, the weather keeps on changing. I learned that there is really no rainy season here though it was raining hard for the past few months after the spring season.
It was really hot yesterday. I ate lunch alone so I had to look for a place where I could eat a nice food and fast. I thought of a place but later decided to have it in one of my favorite place which by the way, at that time, it was far from my location. I weathered the heat and I was sweating all over. After eating, I went straight to the office and was relieved that the airconditiong was good.
Last May, I got really sick. I had a fever actually. That't the day I went straight to the office from my trip from Manila to Taipei. At that time, Manila was so damn hot. Taipei wasn't that hot that day and I am sure that the sudden weather change greatly affected my stamina.
Nevertheless, I know that this simple change of temparature never bothers me before considering I am accustomed to it. Try living in a tropical country like the Philippines. Everyday I battled with outside heat and enjoys the comfort of my company office's air conditioning. But, I never get sick.
Then consider the fact that I am "living" in Taipei where pollution is far less compared to Manila's air status, and I still get sick. I even started doing small daily excercise routines and jog for an hour or more every weekends but it seems like my body is not accustomed to all of these.
Does it mean that I am getting old and my body is giving up on me? Oh no!
Monday, July 04, 2005
Weekend Madness ?
It's Monday once again. I didn't blog for the past two days because it's weekend. It's a personal decision not to. I thought I have to take a rest just like taking a rest from a whole week work.
Anyway, I'm feeling a lot better now compared last Monday. I am still a little sleepy though because I watched TV again until past midnight. I don't know but since I been "living" here in Taipei, I've been accustomed to past midnight bed time. Maybe because there is really nothing to do physically to get me exhausted so that I can go to bed early. But I've noticed that everytime I'm in Manila by 10PM I'm already off to dreamland.
Saturday. Have you tried staying for 24 Hours in just one place? I did. That's what I've been up to last Saturday - inside the comfort of "my" apartment. I had a lot of food, a lot DVD to watch, what a man should do? :D I planned of going to "Daan Park" to jog but it was raining so I cancelled and decided to sweat out inside. I did sweat a lot. Jog in place. Some push up. Some pumps with the jumping rope. I felt good later. Good thing was, I already finish this Korea Drama called "Sad Sonata" aka "Sad Love Song" aka "Sad Love Story". It is indeed SAD. But I already expected it and been predicting which one of the protagonist will die (knowing Korea drama) and I my prediction was true. I really don't like watching heavy dramas where every scene is a tear-jerking one. I really prefer comedy or light romance or romantic comedy. But I have no choice. These are the only avialable shows the last time I was in Manila. Nevertheless, I really love all the songs in it especially those songs performed by Song Seung Heon. I can't believe this guy. He got the looks, the height, all the girls, fame, money, a model, an actor, now, his secret talent was uncovered - singing. This dude can sing. I like his voice considering I am very picky when it comes to singers. Anyway.
Sunday was mostly the same. I only left the apartment at around 6PM to jog in Daan Park. My laziness hit me again so I did not went to the church. You see, the church where we attend mass is kind-a far. I did planned to attend the early mass but I woke up past 11 AM so there is no way I will be able to catch the 12 noon mass. It's not an excuse, I know. Then I said I'll just take the 6PM mass. Unfortunately, I chose jogging over church. Maybe that is why I have a little sprain in my right foot - punishment :) .
Nothing to rant, bitch about so far. That's good. But let's see.
Anyway, I'm feeling a lot better now compared last Monday. I am still a little sleepy though because I watched TV again until past midnight. I don't know but since I been "living" here in Taipei, I've been accustomed to past midnight bed time. Maybe because there is really nothing to do physically to get me exhausted so that I can go to bed early. But I've noticed that everytime I'm in Manila by 10PM I'm already off to dreamland.
Saturday. Have you tried staying for 24 Hours in just one place? I did. That's what I've been up to last Saturday - inside the comfort of "my" apartment. I had a lot of food, a lot DVD to watch, what a man should do? :D I planned of going to "Daan Park" to jog but it was raining so I cancelled and decided to sweat out inside. I did sweat a lot. Jog in place. Some push up. Some pumps with the jumping rope. I felt good later. Good thing was, I already finish this Korea Drama called "Sad Sonata" aka "Sad Love Song" aka "Sad Love Story". It is indeed SAD. But I already expected it and been predicting which one of the protagonist will die (knowing Korea drama) and I my prediction was true. I really don't like watching heavy dramas where every scene is a tear-jerking one. I really prefer comedy or light romance or romantic comedy. But I have no choice. These are the only avialable shows the last time I was in Manila. Nevertheless, I really love all the songs in it especially those songs performed by Song Seung Heon. I can't believe this guy. He got the looks, the height, all the girls, fame, money, a model, an actor, now, his secret talent was uncovered - singing. This dude can sing. I like his voice considering I am very picky when it comes to singers. Anyway.
Sunday was mostly the same. I only left the apartment at around 6PM to jog in Daan Park. My laziness hit me again so I did not went to the church. You see, the church where we attend mass is kind-a far. I did planned to attend the early mass but I woke up past 11 AM so there is no way I will be able to catch the 12 noon mass. It's not an excuse, I know. Then I said I'll just take the 6PM mass. Unfortunately, I chose jogging over church. Maybe that is why I have a little sprain in my right foot - punishment :) .
Nothing to rant, bitch about so far. That's good. But let's see.
Friday, July 01, 2005
The Day I Became a Speaker
This is a long overdue post actually. I delivered a speech to the graduates of my High School alma mater last April 15, 2005. It was my first. Astonishingly, I was not nervous. I was very confident. Maybe because I have to be self-assured as I could be. Maybe because that's the image I wanted to portray infront of my audience.
Well, this post is not about my experience. I'd like to post the speech I delivered.
Here it is.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cadaratan National High School
Commencement Exercises
April 15, 2005
Guests, parents, members of the faculty and especially the graduates, good day to one and all.
Before I proceed, I would like to extend my congratulations to all the graduates for a job well done, as well as to the members of the faculty for their never ending commitment of shaping the young minds and to all the parents who are here today whose support for their children never ceases. Can we please give ourselves a round of applause.
Moving along, to tell you honestly, the task to be your guest speaker is a huge pressure on my part. I know that being a guest speaker is a huge responsibility. It is not a contest nor to let everyone know that you can speak well in front of an audience. It is a major task to reach out to the minds of the people whom you are addressing your thoughts and insights on certain matters, which would help them be motivated as a by-product.
To my fellow alumnae, let me ask you a simple question. What’s next after this?
When all the feasts and celebrations are over and you are back in reality, what now?
“It’s too early to ask” you may say, but I believe that things are never too early or too late. We manage our own time and it is up to us how and when to use it.
To the dear parents of the graduates, I hope you won’t mind me asking, what’s in store for your children?
Mind you, the question is straightforward, but I know that the answer is complicated. Do you know why I would say that the answer could be complex? It is because it’s every graduate’s future that we are discussing here. Our every decision will shape their life and their future. Quite scary, isn’t it? But life is never easy. These are the things that make our life interesting.
On that note, I will leave that thought for you to ponder on.
Have you ever wondered why successful people keep on thriving? Have you ever wondered what keeps them going? Have you ever wonder why a person is happy even for small things?
Frankly, I wonder.
These questions allowed me to dwell in deep thoughts. Is it a mystery? What are their secrets? Or are there any secrets for success?
Success. Such a sweet word, isn’t it? Everybody is rooting for it. Some captures it but it’s a question why is it elusive to some.
A simple click on the computer tells you that being successful is having obtained something desired or intended.
So as the description implies, do you think it is easy to be one?
Be aware that success is something that we can not attain overnight nor can be achieve in a bed of roses. There are so many obstacles along the way. But do you think that because of these hindrances, successful people abandoned and gave up their goals, for them to reach what they are now? I don’t think so! You should never fret and give up. Pick up from where you stumble and continue striving for your goals.
You should remember that successful people treat wrong directions as valuable experiences while those who are not regard wrong directions as failure.
Goals and success are like twins. Do you agree? And like twins, one comes first before the other. There will never be an instance where twins are born at exactly the same time.
And in this case, GOALS come first before success.
How can you be successful if you don’t have goals in the first place?
By now, I know that most of you graduates already have goals or plans for your future. If you don’t have it now, I believe you better start thinking for one.
Everyone has a goal in life. Agree? I for one have still a lot of goals.
My parents worked so hard for them to achieve their objectives. That is why I am here today standing and talking in front of you.
You have to understand that it is not important how huge or small our goals are. What’s important is for us to have one because of the main reason that goals keep us moving, goals keep us going.
Our everyday life always consists of goals. Going to the market is a goal. Getting a high score in an exam is a goal. Even trying to look handsome and beautiful for our crushes is a goal. Every little thing that we do are bits and pieces of achieving these objectives.
You have to know your goals. To start with, if you have many, write it down. Making a list always work. Don’t we list down all the things we need when doing a project or say when going to the market or when organizing a party? It does work all the time and It will in achieving your goals. Looking at the list will motivate us in accomplishing these goals. You may not be able to achieve it at the same time; at least you will have something to keep holding on to.
More importantly, lists give us a method and structure of achieving what we want out of life.
But life is a joker sometimes. At times, in fulfilling our goals, the end results vary, the end results differ.
But it is normal to be sad when we don’t get what we’ve planned. What matters is we tried.
Let me share to you what my favorite author, Andrew Matthews, said in his book.
“Goals are the vehicles whereby we can become someone more than we already are. We need goals, not for what they get for us but for what they do for us.”
If for example I aimed to be in higher position in my company and somehow, I got hard time achieving it, I should not say, “It’s just a waste of time and energy.” I have to understand that what important are the things I learned while taking that journey. I may not be a manager but I should be thankful for the people I met, for acquiring other knowledge while going through the process, for the opportunities to travel and meeting other races and learning new cultures.
As Mr. Matthews said, “What you get in pursuit of your goals is of lesser importance. The real question is, “What will you become?”
In ending, I dare you to have goals. It is normal and it is a human nature to have one. You might fall once or twice, but I say not to be afraid to stand up when you fall. Keep you heads up. You have to understand that things happen for a reason.
Again, congratulations and God bless.
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Did I made sense? Only my listeners can answer me with that question. After the speech, I was relieved that it was over. I heard a loud applause and I could do is smile.
Well, this post is not about my experience. I'd like to post the speech I delivered.
Here it is.
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Cadaratan National High School
Commencement Exercises
April 15, 2005
Guests, parents, members of the faculty and especially the graduates, good day to one and all.
Before I proceed, I would like to extend my congratulations to all the graduates for a job well done, as well as to the members of the faculty for their never ending commitment of shaping the young minds and to all the parents who are here today whose support for their children never ceases. Can we please give ourselves a round of applause.
Moving along, to tell you honestly, the task to be your guest speaker is a huge pressure on my part. I know that being a guest speaker is a huge responsibility. It is not a contest nor to let everyone know that you can speak well in front of an audience. It is a major task to reach out to the minds of the people whom you are addressing your thoughts and insights on certain matters, which would help them be motivated as a by-product.
To my fellow alumnae, let me ask you a simple question. What’s next after this?
When all the feasts and celebrations are over and you are back in reality, what now?
“It’s too early to ask” you may say, but I believe that things are never too early or too late. We manage our own time and it is up to us how and when to use it.
To the dear parents of the graduates, I hope you won’t mind me asking, what’s in store for your children?
Mind you, the question is straightforward, but I know that the answer is complicated. Do you know why I would say that the answer could be complex? It is because it’s every graduate’s future that we are discussing here. Our every decision will shape their life and their future. Quite scary, isn’t it? But life is never easy. These are the things that make our life interesting.
On that note, I will leave that thought for you to ponder on.
Have you ever wondered why successful people keep on thriving? Have you ever wondered what keeps them going? Have you ever wonder why a person is happy even for small things?
Frankly, I wonder.
These questions allowed me to dwell in deep thoughts. Is it a mystery? What are their secrets? Or are there any secrets for success?
Success. Such a sweet word, isn’t it? Everybody is rooting for it. Some captures it but it’s a question why is it elusive to some.
A simple click on the computer tells you that being successful is having obtained something desired or intended.
So as the description implies, do you think it is easy to be one?
Be aware that success is something that we can not attain overnight nor can be achieve in a bed of roses. There are so many obstacles along the way. But do you think that because of these hindrances, successful people abandoned and gave up their goals, for them to reach what they are now? I don’t think so! You should never fret and give up. Pick up from where you stumble and continue striving for your goals.
You should remember that successful people treat wrong directions as valuable experiences while those who are not regard wrong directions as failure.
Goals and success are like twins. Do you agree? And like twins, one comes first before the other. There will never be an instance where twins are born at exactly the same time.
And in this case, GOALS come first before success.
How can you be successful if you don’t have goals in the first place?
By now, I know that most of you graduates already have goals or plans for your future. If you don’t have it now, I believe you better start thinking for one.
Everyone has a goal in life. Agree? I for one have still a lot of goals.
My parents worked so hard for them to achieve their objectives. That is why I am here today standing and talking in front of you.
You have to understand that it is not important how huge or small our goals are. What’s important is for us to have one because of the main reason that goals keep us moving, goals keep us going.
Our everyday life always consists of goals. Going to the market is a goal. Getting a high score in an exam is a goal. Even trying to look handsome and beautiful for our crushes is a goal. Every little thing that we do are bits and pieces of achieving these objectives.
You have to know your goals. To start with, if you have many, write it down. Making a list always work. Don’t we list down all the things we need when doing a project or say when going to the market or when organizing a party? It does work all the time and It will in achieving your goals. Looking at the list will motivate us in accomplishing these goals. You may not be able to achieve it at the same time; at least you will have something to keep holding on to.
More importantly, lists give us a method and structure of achieving what we want out of life.
But life is a joker sometimes. At times, in fulfilling our goals, the end results vary, the end results differ.
But it is normal to be sad when we don’t get what we’ve planned. What matters is we tried.
Let me share to you what my favorite author, Andrew Matthews, said in his book.
“Goals are the vehicles whereby we can become someone more than we already are. We need goals, not for what they get for us but for what they do for us.”
If for example I aimed to be in higher position in my company and somehow, I got hard time achieving it, I should not say, “It’s just a waste of time and energy.” I have to understand that what important are the things I learned while taking that journey. I may not be a manager but I should be thankful for the people I met, for acquiring other knowledge while going through the process, for the opportunities to travel and meeting other races and learning new cultures.
As Mr. Matthews said, “What you get in pursuit of your goals is of lesser importance. The real question is, “What will you become?”
In ending, I dare you to have goals. It is normal and it is a human nature to have one. You might fall once or twice, but I say not to be afraid to stand up when you fall. Keep you heads up. You have to understand that things happen for a reason.
Again, congratulations and God bless.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did I made sense? Only my listeners can answer me with that question. After the speech, I was relieved that it was over. I heard a loud applause and I could do is smile.
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Who.Am.I
- Jessie
- It's just me - Jessie or Banz or Bansiong to family and friends. Into IT but definitely a music lover.