13 goals for 2013

new year, new dress, new shoes, new hair, new look but best of all, new goals!
have you written yours? here's mine, you can copy if you like. 

1. blog once a month

                I have to blog once a month, period.

2. write 12 short stories and 1 novel

                I’m thinking I’d write 1 short story a month and the novel I’d write during Nanowrimo, that’s November. I have to write to get better at writing, at churning out stories.

3. visit new york and phuket

                There are other places esp. local ones that i want to go to like the elusive Batanes trip that I’ve been planning with Rhei for n years now, but these 2 are a must.( A must also is to travel with my mom and dad but I haven’t really decided where. Maybe El Nido, Bangkok, Dubai so we can visit my sister there, or  Singapore again.)

                I’m intrigued with Phuket. Is it really as beautiful as many are saying? Can it compare with our beloved Boracay? I have to see for myself in June.

                New York is a longtime dream. Back when I was just finished my CT course in UP and like some classmates who went to Fashion Inst of Tech after, I too, wanted to take the diploma course. But the dream soon died when I learned how expensive it was. So, why not drop FIT and just go to NY? When I worked at VanHeusen, I thought the company would send me for a business trip like the other managers who went to the VH  HQ at NY. Apparently, I was only destined to go to HK, Bangkok and Bangalore. I was regularly at HK and Bangkok for meetings, exhibitions and fashion shows, what more can I ask for. But this year, my dream will soon come true, come 3^rd quarter of 2013. Thanks to my good old friend, Jane!

4. go on a pilgrimage to israel and rome

                Just today, I reminded my friend, Violet,  who has a travel agency of her promise to organize a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Vatican City that’s cheaper than what’s in the market. I’m thinking Oct.

5. read the bible

Aside from the benefits of understanding life and how to go about it thru the Bible, as a Catholic, and as one who went to a Catholic school from kinder to high school, it’s a shame that I haven’t read the Bible from cover to cover till now. I have read a lot of books and stories being an avid reader – The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Les Miserables, One Hundred Years of Solitude (more than twice from cover to cover; more than 5x without finishing) and other titles of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, To Kill a Mocking Bird (twice), Catcher in the Rye (about 10x), classics like Noli and El Fili, Jane Eyre’s etc, even the Shopaholic series among many other titles.

            I am glad I joined Bible Timeline, a bible study last year which will end in Feb because it is helping me understand what I am reading in the Bible.

6. read one chapter of proverbs a day every day of the year

                A few years back when I was reading books on finances, I came across this book that said one of the richest man ever alive is King Solomon. So it’s worth getting in his head and understand his frame of mind to get rich ourselves. He advised to read Proverbs in the Bible which was written by King Solomon himself. He said to read one chapter a day. The chapter of the day should correspond to the date of the month; there are 31 chapters in Proverbs. It should be done every day with reflection for 2 years. The goal of the exercise is to imbibe the teachings in one’s heart and mind and the riches will follow; opportunities will open up. I remember doing it in 2010 and a lot of opportunities sprang up unexpectedly, including sales in real estate, consultancy work and my current job.

But stopped in the middle of Jan 2011, which means, I am 1 year short. This year, I will fill in half of the requirement. So, I am expecting an avalanche of wonderful blessings and opportunities to come my way this year. 

            The author said he did the same and became a millionaire. He even coached another guy to do the same and his student also became one.  I’m next.

7. learn spanish

                My friend Ginger and I agreed to enroll in a Spanish class in June. We have to attend together so that we have each other to talk to and practice with later. It’s a long time dream to learn Spanish. When I was a kid taking my summer vacations , I loved reading. Left with no choice but to read about Rizal- his life and works, as the others were Algebra, Calculus and Management books, I later loved it. And he taught me to love my country. Because I loved Rizal so much, as early as then, I wanted to learn Spanish so I could read Noli and El Fili in the original text it was written. So, you bet one of goals in 2014 is to read and understand the 2 novels that rocked the country in 1896. I’m excited!

8. attend financial and writing seminars

I’d like to invest more this year in stocks so I’ve to sharpen my  financial skills and get connected and mingle with people who are in the know. There’s one in Feb that I’m planning to attend. Check out www.personalfinance.ph if interested.

I’d like to sharpen my writing skills so I could write more interesting and exciting stories.

9. drive my own car

I took driving lessons last year before my license expired. I realized it’s not easy to drive but I still want to drive. I don’t know how I will get me a brand new red automatic car, all I know is I want one so I am sending this message to the universe and let it work on it.

10. sing in front of an audience

                I know I can sing. As proof, I was a choir member at UP Chapel Choir and at another time at my former office. Even back in my grade school days, I liked singing church songs. I remember singing them with my siblings at night, especially during brownout. Even now, I like singing at church on my seat.

                Back in the late 90’s, before I graduated from college, I was fortunate to have been part of the UP Chapel Choir. That December, our choir and all the other singing groups in UP banded together for a concert called, “Handel’s Messiah.” With about 100 choir members, I sang onstage UP Theater. It was a very memorable moment for me.

                I wish I could join something like it again this year.

11. jog or bike at least once a week

                With my new running shoes, which I got on sale, I should have no excuse not to jog. As for the bike, I have yet to buy one. But for now, I will jog. In fact, today, I went to UP and jogged with Rhei and friends and had Mang Larry’s isaw after.

12. have my own column

                I’m thinking probably an advice column on life, career, relationships maybe, and even fashion in a national broadsheet or magazine. But I have to admit, this is a long shot, moonlighting. But as with my other goals, I am just putting it out  here for God and the universe to work it out. As before, I’m letting  God show me and lead me to get there.

13. attend a feast outside the country or hillsong concert in australia

                I just added this for no particular reason except that it’s something I haven’t done before so it’s probably fun. And the fact that, I'll have 13 goals.

                Feast is a weekly religious gathering where there’s a Catholic mass, and an inspiring talk by Bo Sanchez interspersed with praise and worship. Dubbed as the happiest place on earth where everybody is welcome, the Feast is organized by the Light of Jesus Family, founded by Bo Sanchez. There are different Feasts in and out of the country. Speakers depend on the venue. For details, check out any of the ff. websites:

www.bosanchez.com

www.lightfam.com   

Unlimited Blessings, Anyone?

If there’s one thing you’d like to attract in your life right now, what would it be? If you ask, Bro. Bo Sanchez, he’d say be a blessing magnet. How? Let Bro. Bo enlighten you in his latest book, How to Be a Blessing Magnet released last Easter Sunday.

This leader of the Light of Jesus Family, a charismatic community tells us that there are 8 simple steps to attract the miracles you need every day. Is it really simple? Not quite. This main preacher of a weekly Catholic gathering called The Feast teaches us we should be grateful for what we have received including those that we have yet to receive. Of course, it is easy to be thankful for what we see and what we have received but it takes faith to express gratitude to God in advance. After all, what if it doesn’t come? The doubting Thomas might ask. That’s precisely the point, Bro. Bo explains, your belief coupled with your grateful heart will attract your much-awaited blessings. 

If you have been following this successful author of 28 best-selling books and publisher of 8 magazines for a while now, you know that he writes and presents his ideas in simple, easy and fun ways - from healing yourself to becoming truly rich. But it takes an open mind to fully understand his message. Then it’s all up to you whether or not to follow his practical tips in attracting God’s unlimited and overflowing blessings that’s waiting and ready to overwhelm you.

To get started, go grab a copy of this blessing at your favorite bookstores and begin your way on becoming a blessing magnet yourself.

Your Slow but Surefire Way to Millions

How to make millions in the Stock Market? Preacher and financial guru, Bro. Bo Sanchez says, follow the turtle.

 

In his latest book, The Turtle Always Wins, Bo Sanchez, national best-selling author and entrepreneur, tells us how following the turtle’s lead can earn us millions of pesos in the Stock Market. How? With the simple to understand and easy to do Turtle Strategy and by following the 6 Lifestyle Principles of Mr. Turtle.

Yes, you can rake in millions of pesos in the Stock Market! Isn’t that fantastic? What’s more, with SAM (Strategic Averaging Method), you don’t need a high income to get started. Who said only millionaires and billionaires can invest in stocks? Bo promises anyone with a regular monthly income can! No kidding! You can take his word for it, and why not, he’s the author of the national best-selling book, My Maid Invests in the Stock Market! To date, his 2 maids and driver to date, are slowly but surely earning big bucks in the stock market. You see, anyone can! Isn’t it that exciting! 

Have you always wanted to dabble into stocks but were too afraid to try or even ask? Should you be a stock trader or a stock investor? Enough with the questions, go get a copy of his book now. Don’t delay. Start learning and start your way to making millions today!

Bo Sanchez Revealed

IS the universe conspiring to bless you or is it going against you? Why do some circumstances get in the way to your success in life? Why do some people seem more blessed than you? Is God playing favorite?

My Conspiracy Theory, A Brief Autobiography at the Middle of My Life, from the bestselling author Bro. Bo Sanchez, the beloved founding leader of Light of Jesus Family, is now out and will open your eyes and mind to the wondrous work of God in our universe and in your life.

The founder of the The Feast, the Sunday prayer gathering which consists of Holy Mass, Praise and Worship, and his power talks, says this is his favorite book yet. And why not, what with a cover showing him and his two lovable boys, Benedict and Francis, all smiling and giggly! But this adorable photo is just for starters. As you turn the pages, you will find intimate snapshots of Bo as a little boy, a young preacher, with his dad, Eugenio Sr., a groom to his lovely wife and as a regular father to his boys.

This is the closest thing to getting to know Bo Sanchez as he pours out his intimate feelings and thoughts behind the good and bad situations that he has gone through life. Most of which, any regular person can relate to and learn from. To understand why he preaches, thinks and writes as he does, you have got to read this paperback and, as he likes to say, be blown away. Be transformed by his teachings and his examples and start living a more blessed and abundant life.

5 Things You Need to Do Before You Die

by Bo Sanchez

reprint from Ambassadors Dispatch



Do you feel confused sometimes? Not knowing how to go about life? Maybe because you lost someone or something and you feel like you just can’t move forward any further? Maybe you thought to yourself, it would be nice if you had a little manual on how to run your life? Just the basic stuff, the really important things that you need to do so you could be happy and fulfilled in this existence. But maybe, you also want it in a language that you perfectly understand, not needing any interpretation. And, maybe interspersed with an amusing anecdote or inspiring true-to-life story, so it doesn’t bore you and you’ll actually finish it from cover to cover.

Friends, if this is what you’ve been hoping for, wish no more. You just got your book, I mean, your wish! And yes, it’s a book. No less than the bestselling author Bo Sanchez just came out with his latest, “5 Things You Need to Do Before You Die.” And who could tell us better how to live a charmed life than this lovable preacher himself who seems to be already living a charmed life? Aren’t you itching to know what these 5 essential things are? Could you even wait another day to get started on a path to living a life in abundance? But why wait if you can do it now? Nobody is stopping you so go and get your copy now. And follow your bliss and live a life of no regrets, which by the way, is the subtitle of the book. ;p

5 Things You Need Before You Die

Do you feel confused sometimes? Not knowing how to go about life? Maybe because you lost someone or something and you feel like you just can’t move forward any further? Maybe you thought to yourself, it would be nice if you had a little manual on how to run your life? Just the basic stuff, the really important things that you need to do so you could be happy and fulfilled in this existence. But maybe, you also want it in a language that you perfectly understand, not needing any interpretation. And, maybe interspersed with an amusing anecdote or inspiring true-to-life story, so it doesn’t bore you and you’ll actually finish it from cover to cover.

Friends, if this is what you’ve been hoping for, wish no more. You just got your book, I mean, your wish! And yes, it’s a book. No less than the bestselling author Bro. Bo Sanchez just came out with his latest, “5 Things You Need to Do Before You Die.” And who could tell us better how to live a charmed life than this lovable preacher himself who seems to be already living a charmed life? Aren’t you itching to know what these 5 essential things are? Could you even wait another day to get started on a path to living a life in abundance? But why wait if you can do it now? Nobody is stopping you so go and get your copy now. And follow your bliss and live a life of no regrets, which by the way, is the subtitle of the book. ;p

my book review: bo sanchez's how your words can change your world

reprint from Ambassadors Dispatch
If you are looking a book to guide you in transforming your life from good or maybe not-so-good to great and fantastic, this is what you are looking for- Bo Sanchez’s latest, “How Your Words Can Change Your World.” Mind you, he surely knows what he is talking about because this handsome lay preacher is successful in every area of his life. He is healthy. He has a great relationship with his family and friends, flourishing career and businesses. Aren’t you curious to know how he achieved it? One way is to get into his mind, read his book. If you haven’t read any of his titles, this is a good one to start with.

At first glance, his formula for success seems all too simplistic. You might argue, how can merely the use of words that I speak alter my future? I am not God who created the world by mere words, you might say. But apparently, there is power in the words we speak, write and use to mold our destiny and that of the people around us, too. Words can be a blessing or a curse. [Even Robert Kiyosaki, of the Rich Dad, Poor Dad fame, is in the same line of thinking. He claims that the difference between a rich man and a poor man is his use of words. He asserts that words and thoughts are free and should be used wisely.] That is probably why Bro. Bo, as he is fondly called by the members of the Light of Jesus Family, a religious Catholic community he founded and leads, included 31 Faith Declarations meant for you to read out loud for the next 31 days and expect to be amazed by the changes in your life.

Let Bro. Bo mesmerize you through his amusing way of weaving stories together to make his point. Before you know it, you’ll be nodding your head in agreement and cannot put this handy book down. He will not only make you laugh as he showcases his talent in writing and joking, but will surely hit a spot in your heart, which isn’t bad because when you’re done snorting and hooting, you’ll realize, you’re sold and on your way to a great life. Next thing you know, you’re back in the bookstore looking for his other titles and has become an ardent fan. Welcome to the club.

To buy the book, go to http://shepherdsvoice.com.ph/

what a great 2011 so far

as if making up for lost time, i'm blogging one after the other tonight.

2011 has been great so far, i couldn't complain. got lots to thank about. and yet i know, the best is yet to come.

the highlights of my 2011:

jan
*got a new "writing" job on top of some.
*trips to tagaytay & subic with family


feb
*my novelette is published/serialized on mod ;p

mar
*i have fan mail. 2 girls actually bothered to write the mag they like my noelle ;p
*trip to puerto princesa
* bbox is available in all rustan's branches

apr
*my first ever visit to adb, the only 5-star hotel office i know so far. which got me thinking it would be nice to work there. as soon as you step out of the office,

*a phenomenal visit to monasterio de tarlac, which is worth blogging about later.

*cdo-camiguin-bukidnon aka white water rafting, white sand, falls and zipline adventure. my travel buds and i all agree it's the best one we've ever made. yes, i will also blog about this.

*i was given the task of reviewing bo sanchez's latest book, how words can change your world. felt excited and honored. i hope it sees print. i loved the book but of course, i'm a fanatic. and it's not because i got the book for free.

*bbox opened at landmark trinoma


these are the things on the top of my head. i will be adding in the coming days should i remember them. expecting more and better blessings this year. keep them coming Father God ;p

richard's story is my story ;p

My first article that came out at Light of Jesus' The PICC Feast Bulletin

Richard's Story

For 15 years, he didn't hear Mass...Now he serves in the Feast Security Ministry...

Richard Go is a dreamer and his dream is big. His dream is to build Dumaguete Feast chapter with his fiancee Marie. Why not, isn’t that what Bro. Bo Sanchez has been teaching us all along, to dream big dreams not just for ourselves but for our country and for God?

He envisions people worshipping God at Dumaguete Feast with a view of the sea. He also sees Feast Manila Bay Worship Leader Bro. Adrian Panganiban in the team, probably leading or mentoring them. He does not see himself leading worship or preaching. He sees himself at the back-end, logistics, security. Something he knows a lot about since he’s part of Security at the Feast Manila Bay at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) right now. This generous outpouring of love and service to God and the Light of Jesus Family stems from his love and thanksgiving to the Lord for what he calls his third life.

Richard was not this enthusiastic about serving God in a faith community. For 15 years he shunned God and did not lay foot in church. What brought about this great turnaround? Read on...

Richard was born on January 26, 1980, as an only child to a Chinese father and Filipina mother. Looking from the outside, his was a happy and normal childhood. On Sundays, the family heard Mass, ate out, watched a movie at Harrison’s and his parents sometimes bought him G.I. Joe toys. He went to a private Catholic school. Things seemed good except that his parents had a lot of fights, sometimes violent, usually about money, which bothered him. Until one day, the unthinkable happened. The family's business closed down and his parents left him to relatives on his father's side. He was only 13 years old.

He calls this his second life. He lived from one relative to another, they were passing him around. He says he was not taken in for free. He had to work for his food, lodging, and schooling. He felt so miserable. He felt unwanted. Starting then, he stored up ill feelings-- anger, hatred, resentment toward his parents, relatives, people -- and God. Every day, he was so tired, that in the evening, he simply dropped on his bed and dozed off.

Strange as it may seem, he felt an angel was with him all those years. "It was some voice in my mind, in times of my confusion," he recalls, "redirecting my plans, my steps."

When he was 19, he couldn’t take anymore of his sorry plight and so he decided to live on his own. He continued to fend for himself and send himself to school. He got into all sorts of odd jobs, worked in a fancy hotel, even through illegal means at one time. But he stressed he was never into drugs. He was into drag racing or partying with friends, surrounded by girls, into drag racing. There were times when he put his life at risk just for the hang of it. He has scars in his body to prove it. One time, he even saved a prominent family from a burning building. He was his own man, he thought to himself. He didn’t answer to anybody. He didn’t need anybody. But really, his self-worth was so low.

Then in 2003, his mom showed up from out of the blue. No drama, no questions asked, no explanation. He went with her and they started their new life together. He was happy somewhat but not completely. His father died that same year. Richard went to his wake out of respect. The thing that nagged him the most -- how his parents managed to go through life without him on their side -- never got answered.

Despite that, two years ago, a series of events led him to become the happy man he is now.

First, he suffered severe diarrhea for three days. He was brought to the hospital and doctors said he contracted the salmonella virus. In the course of those three days, he suffered dehydration and almost died. He also had hallucinations. "I saw an angel," he says. "The same one who must had been with me during the difficult ten years when I was apart from my parents. It was around that time when I started thinking about God."

Next, while recuperating, Richard saw two movies, Forrest Gump and The Passion of Christ. The first made him realize that it is better to follow God than to lead your empty life alone. The second film so moved him that he made a decision to go back to Jesus.

That was a wish that set the universe in action to bring him to what he now calls his third life. First, it so happened that his fiancée Marie regularly attended the Feast, the Sunday prayer gathering of the Light of Jesus Family, a faith community founded by. Bro. Bo Sanchez.

Richard regularly accompanied Marie to the Feast led by Bro. Bo at the Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig City. "But I just waited for her outside the building," Richard now laughs.

Then in October 2009, he found out Fr. Gerry Orbos was celebrating a healing mass at the Feast. He went in and joined Marie. This was the first time he heard Mass in 15 years. Nothing spectacular happened.

But little did he know that God was already working in him. He bought Fr. Gerry’s books and CDs which eventually opened his heart to God’s unconditional love. This time he decided to surrender his life to God. He attended the Feast regularly, taking in the graces of the Holy Mass and the lively worship, and delighting over Bro. Bo’s talks. He even joined a Caring Group and from then on, saw outpouring of blessings. He felt healing inside him, as he slowly let go of his past hurts. His relationship with his fiancée and his mom went from good to great.

By this time he was already working in an information technology company. Following his joining the Feast, he was promoted to a managerial position. It was a mean feat for him since only those with four-year IT degree were considered for such post. His is a two-year diploma. "I believe it was his reward for my service to God and the Light of Jesus," he beams.

"But my greater reward really is having found a family in LOJ who welcomed me no matter of who I was," he added. "My LOJ Caring Group helped me to be closer to God. I feel so much at home with my LOJ family who are the coolest people in the world. When you speak, they listen. If you are broken, they sympathize. When you prosper, they celebrate with you.”

Finally, he enjoins Feast attendees to not just give tithes but to give time as well by serving in the community. This year, Bro. Bo started a Feast at the PICC by the Manila Bay. Richard volunteered as member of the Feast Manila Bay Security Ministry.

"My service every Sunday is a way to start the week right," he says. "I need to do this to glorify God and that I may be blessed and inspired as I go through the humdrum of the work week."

Or you can say, his own little way of securing his place in Heaven.

29 Days of Gift-Giving

I chanced upon this book, 29 Gifts while I was whiling time at Powerbooks (I love Powerbooks!). Written by Cami Walker, who has MS but somehow she managed to get on with her life by focusing not on her disease or her limitations but instead, she chose to focus on what she can do and give to others, as advised by her good friend. She gave anything she had, from loose change to time spent with a friend to giving moral support. You can check out her website, www.29gifts.org or buy the book. I liked the idea so much that I started it right away.

Hers was MS, mine was selfishness & self-centeredness. I always thought I don't have much, that I had to have more so I can give more. The past few years I have been teaching myself to give more. Lately did I realize, thanks to Bo Sanchez and books like that of Cami's, that I have so much to give with what I already have. And it's not only material things that I can give, I can share my talents, time, pieces of good advice, flash a smile, laughter and say prayers for other people.

Like her and other people she's encouraged, I made a journal out of my gift-giving which I will post here. What's fascinating is that though I was giving, I was also on the receiving end. Notice how many gifts I receive on the same day ;p