Go Green. Saving Mother Earth. Taking Care of the Environment.

Reason for this topic:

Sat, 06 Jul 2013 09:30:00 GMT | By PlasaMSN, Santirta Martendano and Alyssa Woo

Polar Bears on Thin Ice

http://news.ph.msn.com/polar-bears-on-thin-ice-6#image=15

I have not been that environment-conscious prior to reading the news above, but reading the article and seeing news pictures moved me to really be environment-friendly moving forward.

I am aware of the impact of climate change but such awareness had not really drilled in to my consciousness until I saw the news pictures. I want to see a polar bear someday! And since I won’t be seeing one in the near future, I am not letting all you people to prevent me from fulfilling my dream!!!! L0l! I know my basis is absurd but look at the bright side, this moved me to be a Go Green person. ;) (But mind you, I’m not the littering type but not also the Go Green righteous person. ;p)

So let’s start with plastics. I am happy most of the cities are already implementing the use of brown bag. I know it’s quite a hassle especially to most supermarket shoppers but really this is a way to help save Planet Earth. So why not bring foldable eco bags the next time you leave the house. It will save you money too since you won’t have to buy a new eco bag at the mall every time you unexpectedly buy something. So be proactive, bring an eco bag. ;) That way you won’t have to worry about buying something any time coz you always have an eco bag in handy. J

Littering. Let us totally avoid littering most especially small pieces of candy wrappers, bus tickets, torn portion of chip wraps, etc. and of course littering in bulk or big sizes/quantities. There’s a reason why there are trash bins around or you have a pocket or a purse in hand. You can throw trash in garbage cans or keep the trash for the time being until you find a trash bin in sight. Actually I was quite philosophical (pilosopo? :p) when I thought that when the place is so clean then there would be less street cleaners and garbage collectors since we will be needing less of them. But then I thought, the brighter idea would be they will be employed for more meaningful and hazard-free jobs. Like they can be gardeners/landscapers, sari-sari store attendants, etc.

Water conservation. I know one of our ideas of good restaurant service is constantly refilled water glasses. If you are certain you won’t be drinking a drop anymore, please advise the waiters/waitresses not to refill your glasses. You will do 2 things. One, save the waiters the hassle of keeping an eye on your table. Two, well, the heroic one, save water. ;)

Use of recycled paper. Actually, I do not know how used papers are recycled to make tissue papers, or other papers so what I’ll share now is the simple recycling of paper, more like just within the capabilities of human efforts. J

When in the office, you print a lot of reports, right? – or just anything that you need to print. It is not always that what you’ve printed are final copies since there will always be revisions and the like, so for the next set of copies, you can print back to back with the first copy. Or you can do handout style printing. But always print in clean papers for bosses, okay. J

Another in relation to printing – I know this might quite be too much for you but believe me I actually do this. L0l! I know a lot of us are fond of post-its, small notepads and the like so what I do is for back to back printed papers (there are always portions of blank spaces; still adequate for writing), I cut those blank portions and pile them as my scratch papers/notepads. J

Stainless utensils. The lunch provider at the office, to comply with the Go Green program, gave each one of us (avid customers) a set of stainless spoon and fork and a pair of chopsticks (the set you can buy at the mall/Divisoria, etc) in lieu of the disposable utensils they used to give us every time they deliver our lunch orders. I believe it will save them the cost in the long run also while at the same time helping save Mother Earth. ;)

I know there are issues as to using stainless utensils in public places like food court, but I guess the best way for you to ensure proper sanitation is by bringing your own set of utensils - so now you should bring two things in handy, 1) eco bag 2) utensils. ;) If you left your personal utensils and have no choice but to use those publicly used (since most food courts don’t allow disposables anymore), just use the fork since it is assumed to be less contaminated (I don’t know if that’s the appropriate term. ;p) since it is less swallowed than spoons.

Earth Hours. I would have to say I am in no position to recommend this since I’ve never participated in one but I believe this is one good program. Keeping the lights/electricity off for an hour all over the country/world will actually help, what does it do exactly?? :p Anyway, it’s a good practice to help save Mother Earth. ;)

So far, these are all that I could think for now. ;)

My opinion on...

People venting out their feelings (real-life issues) in twitter, FB, instagram, etc.

It is called a social network site for some reason. You socialize. You interact. So whatever you post – if you do not set it in some sort of privacy settings – is for the viewing of everyone. For some people, it is apt to their personality that they live their lives assuming they are public figures but I guess one should always put limits on what one posts in the internet.

In my opinion, personal relationship issues should never be broadcasted in the cyber world. I’ve always believed that netizens (more so friends you just met online or real-life acquaintances but only get to talk to thru FB or the like but never when you’re face to face) are really not real-life friends. They are just there to aggravate matters, persuade you with no-ground advices, and pretend they care about your life when they really don’t – they actually don’t think about your issue once they’re no longer online, real friends do ;). For me, others who prefer to broadcast such issues are the ones who feel a little inferior about a particular aspect in life and just want some sort of sympathy in the cyber world – because they can’t get any from their real-life friends (or was that just too harsh?ö well I could be wrong J). But I believe the healthier approach is not dragging it on to the internet. Deal with it in reality, consult real-life friends and make sound decisions and actions. J

I would like to disclaim a little about my comment on netizens as not real-life friends. You can actually find good friends online and carry them on as friends in your real life but mind you, they are hard to find but not hopeless, though.

Use of E-Cig

The invention of electronic cigarettes has helped and has continued to help the lives of most chain smokers. Contrary to the opinions of others regarding the effects and perception of the whole e-cig craze are the honest and gratifying comments of chain smokers who so long wanted to lay low and quit habitual smoking.

I, for a fact, do not want the diversion to e-cig smoking from traditional smoking, if it’s just mere diversion. But using e-cig as a tool to lessen cigarette consumption and hopefully eventually quit the smoking process, I am a pro to that. I support it in the light of the difficulty to quit smoking. I am no smoker in reality – I have tried a few puffs because of curiosity but I did not get myself hooked to that – but I believe in the testimonials of smokers around. I see the efforts of friends trying to quit smoking but I am also aware of the casual moments they give in to temptation – I’d like to think of it as an ice cream, any dessert at that, struggling to be ignored by people going on a diet.

So since no health institution nor expert professionals have yet proven the side effects of the item, I would like ‘real’ smokers to continue reaping the benefits of e-cig. If this is truly a way for them to actually stop smoking – which most users are actually claiming and I quite believe them – then let us not discredit the e-cig discovery.

I guess the best thing for the government or health institutions to do is support this development, progress the study and eventually innovate the item so as to keep away of any future side effects to 1^st even 2^nd hand smokers. I believe the e-cig is a great invention and so far it is the closest quitting tool smokers can actually really hold on to. So instead of destroying the e-cig perception, or simply finding ways to put this invention into a stop, let us help the e-cig inventors totally help other people.

Also, what the government and health experts should do is find a way how to stop kiddos, who don’t smoke, but would love to keep up with the ‘trend’ (I know! It’s a trend now. haha!). I guess that’s another thing they should to deal with and as of now, I have no better suggestion, so I recommend they think for themselves. ;)

Lastly, I guess e-cig is always better than traditional smoking, which is by so far indeed very detrimental to one’s health. Again, I do not approve of mere diversion to e-cig but only using it as to alleviate if not yet instantly do away with the smoking addiction.

Tobacco companies “inspiring” (more like brainwashing) teens who are struggling with their identity to stand up for what they believe in, with the underlying message: “If you want to smoke, just go for it.”

Source:

Cigarette makers ‘cheat’ on ‘sin’ tax payments

Monday, 15 July 2013 20:33 Written by Claudeth C. Mocon

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/economy/16501-cigarette-makers-cheat-on-sin-tax-payments

I believe in business is business but I cannot keep away from thinking of the uselessness of tobacco companies. I understand smoking is a means to relieve stress but I see liquor as a better means – although I am not trying to promote drinking here; just for comparison. And now that the government has already made it an expensive habit for smokers, these tobacco companies exert so much efforts in keeping the business - Well, I cannot totally blame them for that. It is after all a business that stood long in the industry and has helped (really?? it has helped people?? :p) people by means of employment, etc. – but in doing so, I do not know if they are well aware (or has the thought of money for the business already engulfed their humanity?? – of the negative impact/damage they are doing to the people especially the youth (as evidence of the inspiring the youth campaign in the news).

I cannot think of a better solution for these companies to keep their business but I hope they are able to find alternatives that will not require them to destroy lives. The government has made an effort to make it hard for smokers to stay with the addiction (except they are “promoting sexual things” in exchange by means of the RH Bill – sorry, but really, that’s the way to see it!!) and these companies cannot accept that. I hope there is a solution to this. Not instantaneously, but at least, eventually.

Pinoy Ako

Dahil nanonood ako ng pelikulang Pinoy. (Gosh, ang hirap ng matinong seryosong Tagalog ha. :p I can speak plain Filipino though. It’s just that, hindi ako makata, yung hindi level ng El Filibusterismo at Noli Me Tangere. :p) I know a lot of people claiming to be Pinoys but appear to be allergic with Filipino movies and so I hate them for that. Some of the Pinoy movies I like: Amnesia Girl, No Other Woman, Tanging Yaman, and Mano Po (all its MMFF series).

Because I am fond of watching teleseryes kahit gaano ka Pinoy ang takbo ng kwento. From Mula sa Puso (yeah, inabot ko yun l0l!) to fantaseryes: Mulawin, Encantadia, Etheria, Majika, etc. to May Bukas Pa to Tayong Dalawa to Be Careful With My Heart, etc. Although I must admit I’ve never really watched Pinoy teleseryes as often as when I was still studying but given all the time, yes I would definitely watch. ;)

Dahil may mga Pinoy celebrity idols ako. I don’t just have Hollywood celebrity crushes. I also have Pinoy celebrity crushes/idols.

I can start from female Pinay celebrities (well, some of them, mixed blood J): G Toengi (my idea of ultimate simple Pinay look), Chin2 Gutierrez (pretty aged beauty with very good skin complexion), Amanda Griffin (speechless), Lea Salonga (very talented Pinay), Antoinette Taus (I know she’s totally been out of the screen for a long time now but I really admired her beauty then), Bianca Araneta (speechless the second, I must say they (Amanda G.) are my epitome of beauty l0l!), etc.

     

For male celebrities: (haha! Wait, I’m trying to cite a celebrity crush I’ve been crushing on since I was a kid and I realized now when he randomly appears on television that he looks exactly the same years back) Carlo Aquino (yeah, Carlo Aquino), together with Patrick Garcia, although they aren’t my celebrity crushes anymore today. Actually I have kid crushes too, like Bugoy! Yeah, that kiddo dancer! J Uhmmm. Yeah, I’ll admit, I’m of the Daniel Padilla fans and his song ‘Nasayo na ang lahat” really got into me. L0l! Oh, Doug Krameeeeer! :D I relived the fan moments when my friend introduced me his Instagram account (#dougkramer44). He’s so freakin’ handsome! And he’s got three kids and a lovely wife! Nice family actually. J I must say, although the next one’s not really my crush but staring at his IG account (#dongdantes) makes me realize he is very good looking and has good body built at that J – DingDong Dantes.

Because I loved playing patintero when I was a kid. What do kids play now? iPad? Angry Birds? I don’t think kids nowadays ever experienced what it’s really like to be kids. Sweat and bruises all over. :p

Coz I get proud seeing the Philippine flag. I dunno why. ;)

Coz I loooooove Pinoy food! I know some of the dishes I will mention do not really originate from the Philippines but they are sikat here as Pinoy food: Adobo, Sinigang, Kare-Kare, Baluuuuut! (Oh I truly love that sisiw and the sabaw that comes with it, definitely yummy! J) I love Dinakdakan too (actually learned this dish in #Gerry’s Grill).

Because I seriously admire OPM and my ultimate OPM artists are Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar, and Eraserheads. I love MYMP too before and some songs of Kamikazee, Itchyworms and other OPM bands. Oh! I forgot! I love True Faith and Freestyle too. J

Because I recognize and appreciate greatness of Filipino talents around the world, in whatever field they are in. I recognize that apart from that person’s mere talent, is his Filipino nationality that makes him excel in his field; that there is just something so unique about being a Filipino that we can always stand out in a crowd even in the midst of well-known people and a foreign crowd. J Mabuhay Pinoy! J

Dahil yun ang dugong dumadaloy sa akin. ;)

Pinoy ako and I’m proud to be one. J

written July 10, 2013

Why do/would... ~ I don't understand why...

Bus passengers insert bus tickets in between seats or anywhere in the bus where they could possibly tuck their tickets. Can they just keep it to themselves? Keep it inside their pockets? Purse? Bags? Big big bags?? I don’t exactly get why they want to litter inside! *angry

People spit anywhere. Literally, anywhere. Sorry, but I’ll go a little racist (gender race??) with this one. It is common to guys. But okay, to be fair, let us generalize, for all people. ;) I don’t understand why people would just actually spit anywhere. I was aghast when I even saw one spitting inside the maaaall!!!! Goodness! (Should I have said, Badness? :p anyway). Spitting for one is indecent, two, unhygienic. So please if you are one of those who habitually spit, please stooop!ö

People buy expensive slippers. I know they can afford it and you might be asking what business I have with that. But I still get confused why people spend the luxury with slippers. I would understand sandals but plain slip-on traditional slippers, no. I know others who buy the expensive ones, buy it for feet convenience like slippers are soft and they prevent your feet from whatever pains, etc. but for some who just want to buy it for the name and the fame (trend), especially if they buy more than two pairs, I really couldn’t and wouldn’t comprehend it.

    I love foot wears. I really do, but when talking about being practical, I wouldn’t spend much on slippers. I would buy a pair or two especially if it’s comfy but an insurmountable number of them, no. And not to mention, (well I guess I will have to mention l0l!), instead of the money you spend for such things, you can donate them to charity. Yeah, you read it right. Charity. There is more to what your money can do. It can help people’s lives. It can support families. P1,000 or so of a pair of slippers can feed a simple family in a day. I know you think that’s quite small but believe me, it can be so much for a simple family. So I hope you do get my point, more than not understanding why you buy expensive slippers, I want you to be considerate of such luxurious spending which can actually already help other people.

    I know you might think that it’s not your duty to help other people anyway – especially if you are that type who believes others didn’t really work that hard that’s why they aren’t earning that much, believe me, they are trying to work hard as they could but this is how just the society is, no matter how we deny the hierarchy if things, it really does exist – but believe it or not, as social beings, it is incumbent upon us to look after one another. And we could actually start with small things like doing away with unnecessary luxury just so we could share with others. It is okay to reward ourselves once in a while but if it becomes unnecessary fetish already then we might want to reconsider.

    For the richy rich ones, like who can really so afford these luxuries, you might use as defense that you also do charity or even have a foundation for that, but I still wanna say that you can help more people more than you are already helping now and it just means that you have so much enough to share.

    For me, the very reason why others have less, is because others have so much.

   

    (For richy, rich ones, I just do not mean expensive slippers, this covers all unnecessary luxury – many LVs, Pradas, Guccis, Dolce and Gabbanas, Hermeses, Rolexes, Omegas, Patek Philippes, Vacheron Constantins, IWCs, etc.)

Sad realities.

People often close their eyes when riding the MRT/bus for this particular reason: to play down guilt of not offering the seat to Senior Citizens and Pregnant Women. *sad... But sometimes some of these people have valid reasons like their leg hurts, they’re not feeling well, whatever valid excuse is available. But mind you, I’m no perfect citizen either. I try to close my eyes too but I make sure I have one good alibi. J

People who give the most (I mean the ‘many’iest’) good advice are the ones sometimes finding a hard time dealing with their own personal situations.

When asking for advice, we really don’t intend to follow them; we just want some inputs and end up doing our own actions still. We just want a sort of affirmation but when what we got is otherwise, we just take it as a guide and prepare ourselves for consequences because we know what we’re decided in doing already anyway.

There are a good number of social climbers but what’s bothering is when these social climbers personally deny members of their family because of their financial and societal status. (?!!) Seriously! That’s way too much! Ö

When we were still studying, we wanted so much for school requirements and the like to end. But when we start working, we kind of hoped school days never ended. (Not to mention SCHOOL = allowance, summer breaks, sembreaks, crushes, etc.)

There are a number of working people who do not earn as much as they are supposed to, to support their everyday personal and family expenses. Sad thing is a number of these people also are those addicted to gadgets, shopping, not to mention addicted to loans and credit cards. Rewarding yourself of material things is a good thing to relieve stress but making this a habit as if you totally afford them is so not a good thing.

Lottery is one good financial aid. It gives people hope. It even helps people via earnings received from purchased tickets but be it as gambling for not so fortunate people is again not a good thing. It is okay to hope for the best, to bet on numbers you think you’d get lucky with, but betting on them every day or every week is still not good practice. I guess monthly is a bit sound. I bet on Lotto too but I only do so when jackpot is quite big. ;)

Policemen are reputable people. Well that’s what they are supposed to be. I still believe a good number of cops still stand to their profession but I believe quite a number also abuse their power be it because of personal reasons, peer pressure or giving in to how a majority of the society think about them.

Some people do not really give that much respect to teachers. When this profession is compared with the other elite ones (Doctorate, Law, etc. - trust me they belong to the top in the realm of things), teaching profession does not seem to be as notable but we don’t realize that before the elite ones became who they are, teachers taught them the basics, the foundation of their academic selves. So the next time you meet a teacher, especially if you’re a doctor or lawyer already by then, give some respect. You wouldn’t be where you are without them. And I am referring to all levels of teachers, be it a district superintendent or a normal subject teacher in college, high school, grade school, or pre-school, etc.

Sometimes we blab so much about other people, about how they’re so not good with this and that, how they lack this and that, how they did not perfect this and that, what we don’t realize is the person we are talking to thinks the same way about us. So the next time you start backbiting, be careful not to tackle anything that might be under your specialty. ;) The ball might bounce back, even higher. ;)

Like riding the MRT/LRT, riding the elevator has some related issues: spacious areas inside. I would have understood if people riding the elevators have never ridden public transportation so they don’t know really how it is to utilize spaces but I guess they should have the value of ‘malasakit’ to at least be considerate enough to give space to allow people to get in.

On riding the MRT

Girls, you are well aware of the male-female ‘segregation scheme’ (yeah, that’s how MRT personnel call it) which dedicates a specific coach to women, senior citizens and people with disabilities (PWDs) and that is located in the first-most coach where the MRT operator is situated. So, main message is, ride that coach but if you choose otherwise, don’t complain in the ‘male coaches’ for whatever things. Yes, guys are being somehow rude already but you chose that coach so be ready with the things that go along with it.

The MRT force tried to designate a coach to prioritize women, senior citizens and PWDs (although I know one coach isn’t enough for the female population) and you deliberately did not choose the priority coach. Especially when you’re riding during off-peak hours or even the not-so-peak hours, you don’t have the right to complain UNLESS of course it’s already a deliberate women abuse moves acted upon you.

To All Passengers

1) You know how it feels seeing spacious areas inside coaches and people inside not even conscientiously moving to allow entry to more passengers. So if on your next ride, you happen to be on the foot of those people inside, move a little, give some space to allow entry.

For passengers entering the coaches, if you already see that there is really no space for the volume of your body to get in, no matter how slender you really are, please don’t push people inside. You don’t want to get pushed anyway when you’re inside.

SILVER RULE: Do not do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you.

I guess the silver rule is very much applicable to riding the MRT. (Mind you, I was not mistaken when I wrote Silver Rule, because it really is the Silver Rule. The Golden Rule is “Do unto others what you what others do unto you”. Yeah, the positive mode.)

2) When entering the MRT station itself, as in passing by the guards and turnstiles (it’s what you call the thing we pass through via badging our MRT tickets - I learned the term in my previous office because it has turnstiles too), please be diligent enough to open your bags for inspection. I know the guards aren’t always consistently checking the bags but in the face of law/policy/guideline, we should really be opening our bags for inspection.

Special note to those bringing PACKED items

It is MRT policy to ‘open’ (as in tanggalin ang scotchtape/wrapper at tignan kung ano nilalaman) so please stop battling with the guards. If you don’t want this hassle, don’t ride the MRT. Take a cab or whatever.

Oh, when allowing the guards to open the item, do not be sarcastic and say ‘Ano ba yan. Kita naman sa box label/image kung ano yan.’ Restrictive items intentionally being brought in by imp strangers are really disguised in a lot of ways. Malay ba namin kung isa kang masamang estranghero na mapagpanggap lang na inosenteng pasahero na umaasal epal sa mga gwardya.

To the GUARDS

Please be diligent as well in performing your job. (I wonder if any MRT guards will happen to read this post. At least, MRT personnel man lang to relay this.) Don’t be diligent only when there is a recent incident of threat or actual violence occurrence, etc. (Oh, I remember, this goes to guards also inside malls.)

You don’t expect passengers to be cooperative if you yourselves are not really constantly diligent in performing your job. If you want utmost cooperation from us, be persistent and perpetual in what you do.

Pregnant Women/Senior Citizens/PWDs-related

I know the world has evolved a lot. Filipino values and culture are dwindling and is extra evident in Metro Manila (sorry for singling out Metro Manila but that’s how I perceive it).

When riding the MRT and we really see, like totally, undeniably see old men/women, weak on their knees – they are riding the MRT for some reasons; one reason maybe they couldn’t afford a cab so no matter how they want a better transportation, their means just won’t allow it – let us please be valiant and proper enough to stand and offer our seats, especially if we aren’t feeling any physical illness/weakness at all, like our feet don’t hurt, we don’t feel dizzy, nauseous, etc. If we’re perfectly fine then let’s thank God for that, be happy and share our seats. Let’s give the elderly respect and gentle consideration.

This does not go to healthy men only. This goes to everyone young and strong. Let us offer our seats to senior citizens, pregnant women and of course, PWDs as well.

I was laughing inside my head because Kuya MRT personnel was announcing inside the station: “Wag po natin lamangan ang ibang pasahero, nagbabayad din po sila. Di lang kayo.”, “Isipin po rin natin ang kaligtasan ng ibang pasahero sa baba (pertaining to train waiting area).” That was his message to north-bound passengers trying to cross the entrance area by the guards/turnstiles when there was a stop entry and only south-bound passengers are momentarily allowed to enter. I laughed because Kuya was too emotional about it. But I get him. He was trying to get through people to be sensitive enough to other passengers. And I guess that’s the most important thing: to have enough malasakit to each and every one.

written June 19, 2013

Faith Within.

Faith for me, is one’s personal relationship with God. It’s that unique ultimate bond we share with Him.


I grew up a Catholic, was born a Catholic, was molded a Catholic. I’ve seen different religious beliefs and practices as I grew up, witnessed and be friends with others outside the Catholic faith, even attended summer Bible classes instituted by other Christian religions, even went to the point of facilitating such classes. I have nothing against other religious faiths because after all, I do believe we have One Father.

Whatever name we may call Him, I believe that the Father other religions recognize as their Father, is the same God the Father in the Catholic Faith, if not, well then, another version of God the Father, but same qualities and ideals.

What kind of bothers me is when other religions start saying some things about the Catholic faith. Yes, Catholics do also say a few things but more often than not, it’s other religions who criticize the Catholic faith. I get even more upset when new converts all of a sudden disown the Catholic faith by deliberately saying they found God once they are already official members of other religious sects. God was never lost. He is not to be found like in a quest of finding hidden treasures, well maybe, yes, but to be searched as in like to be searched within us, because He is within us.

For me, I didn’t have to change religion to realize that He is there for me, that he is present, because God intrinsically, is omnipresent. I am not saying this because I am a Catholic. If I was born from another religion, I would have defended my faith in the same way I am now advocating the faith I actually grew up with, the Catholic faith.

I am no perfect Christian. I am no perfect Catholic. I have my flaws and I will never stop making human mistakes in the course of my existence. But I know what my faith is. I know the duties as well that comes with it. That I have a responsibility to reach out to others, that I have a responsibility to personally reach out to God, that I have a responsibility to bring Him closer to other people and vice versa. I realize the vastness of the Catholic faith and I realize the limits of the people forming it.

Catholic faith, as in any other religious faith is formed by people, all humans at that. And as humans, we all have same capabilities and limitations. We can only go as far as our capabilities would allow us. We could stretch but still there is a limit to the maximum stretch that we could attain. If members of the church reach out to other people, they can only do so much. Yes, missionaries can travel all over the world but they can never fully cover every barangay, every district, every city, every municipality, every nation, all the more every single person in that every community. Just like a lighthouse can illumine only so much.

A few common sentiments shared by Catholics who converted into other religious sects are they did not feel God in the Catholic faith, they found other religion’s service livelier than the Holy Eucharist celebration, they weren’t able to know the Bible deeply when they were Catholics, again, the most common, they found God outside Catholicism.

If I were to comment, which is what I am doing now, these are but shallow reasons. It’s like saying you no longer love a person because you found a prettier one, more talented, more caring, and more understanding, etc. If you are looking for lively gatherings, Catholic faith has that. Be part of the different religious organizations and you are bound to witness the liveliest praises you could ever imagine. Praise Jam (if you’re familiar J) is one of the best gatherings I’ve ever attended. People just sing their hearts out, jump to the beat of the praise songs and utter out loud prayers of thanksgiving, praise and even speak in tongues. To knowing the Bible even more, attend prayer sessions, even you yourself can personally read Bible verses at home.

Point is, everything that people say they found in other religious faith, is definitely in the Catholic faith too, not to mention, the Catholic faith started all these practices. You should only know how to take part of your mission as a Christian. Sorry for the connotation that I will try to resemble with, but people who have converted to other religions and gave such shallow ideas about Catholics (from which they came from) can quite be resembled with ‘Juan Tamad’, just waiting around for apples to fall down from an apple tree, just waiting for people to offer a hand, just simply sitting around, in short, passive. When I said we have a responsibility as Christians, I meant we also have a personal responsibility to take a step to get closer to God. We just don’t wait for people to invite us in a service, Bible study, etc. I know people who have converted to other religions are well aware of the different Catholic organizations that abound but missed to make a move to be part of these or even if they did, they found a flaw inside the organization, not so good heads maybe, or gossiping members, etc.

It has been a common conception also, once some guy/girl appears to be almost all good, someone would say ‘Christian kasi’ or would refer specifically to the religious organization that he or she belongs to. (By the way, the term Christian shouldn’t be termed as such for Non-Catholics because Christian means ‘Christ-like’ so it is basically a general term for every one of us. But anyway, I guess most understand that when others coin people as Christians, they mean of another religious sect.) Religious connection does not automatically entail holiness, nor does it ever connote perfection. We are all humans and whatever religion we belong to, we will still commit mistakes. Yes, we can be guided, but we can never be sin-free, that’s why we’re humans.

I was out with friends one night and we were just nonchalantly chitchatting about things when we happened to ask one friend in the group if he ever did something not good with his ex, then he said ‘No, bawal yan sa religion namin eh.’ So we asked right away, ‘What is your religion?’ He answered ‘Catholic.’ and we all had a good laugh but that line really got into my consciousness. There was some post-pondering after he uttered that line. Then he said, ‘Bakit, bawal din naman yan sa Katoliko ah.’ And he really made a good sense with that.

When members of other religious faiths say something like, ‘bawal yan sa amin’, I just wish they are really trying to make their religion as a point of reference and not some comparison to the faith of the person they are talking too. Like, not thinking at the back of their minds, ‘bawal yan sa amin, ayos lng nman sa inyo (Catholics)’. We share almost the same practices (except for the Marian notion of the Catholic faith, I guess that is the most distinct difference) so stop saying ‘bawal yan sa amin’ when you meant something common to almost all practices. Pre-marital sex is a no no for most religions (actually I don’t know if there’s a religion allowing that, I guess nil) so if you are referring to that topic, do not assume it’s allowed to Catholics. It’s okay if you refer to topics really distinct to your sect, like not celebrating birthdays (Jehovah’s Witnesses), not cutting of hair when you’re the eldest female among the siblings and you haven’t turned 18 (I don’t know what religion this is but I remembered a friend telling me this), not wearing of jeans during Sunday services* (Iglesia – I guess there are a lot of other religions also practicing this) etc., but if it’s something pretty much general like stealing, lying, adultery, please don’t come clean and refer to your faith for this. We are all generally tasked to preserve goodness in this planet so it’s just not you or your specific religious faith.

Re: all religious faiths and its members as a whole, there can never be a perfect community. We can all try to be one by correcting all our negative actions but we can never attain perfection, so organizations will always have their own set of flaws. Flaws may come in the form of off-beam or out-of-whack heads, preachers, programs, activities, etc. but all these should never prevent us from keeping our relationship with God. Converting from one religion to another will not change these facts/happenings because every religion is composed of the human race, capable of making mistakes. These flaws should not stop us from going to mass or be part of organizations. Maybe it is incumbent upon us to revolutionize these transgressions so instead of being disheartened and shunning away, we must assume responsibility to better the situation and this goes as well to those who converted from Catholicism. If you find anything off with your new religion, it’s okay to go back to Catholicism but it’s not okay to change to another religion again. You can never go from one religion to another just so you’d find a perfect religious community, instead, look for ways to help your community.

Faith is within us. The best way to keep the faith is strengthen it within us and not be continuously swayed by human flaws/imperfections. To be swayed by these is natural but to be constantly won over by these imperfections is a matter of outcome of your own personal choice of being won over. Go to church because you choose to go to church not because you’re accompanying someone to church, the church is air-conditioned, it is required for a school project, your crush goes to church or I guess the most common is, your crush is a member of the choir, etc. Faith must be intrinsic.

We were once told by our high school teacher that there are 3 kinds of values: preferential, instrumental and intrinsic. Preferential refers to our choice of simple things, like the color red over blue. We prefer an item over the other; that preferred item represents preferential value. Instrumental pertains to things we value because from its literal meaning ‘instrument’, it is a means towards achieving something. Like you want to go to Z Mall because you want to catch a mall tour of your favorite artist; Z Mall becomes an instrumental value for you. Intrinsic value is a set of values we give importance to because they are in themselves, intrinsic in nature. Like people, we should never represent preferential nor instrumental values. One should never use a person as a means to accomplish something. Mentoring and seeking help is different from treating a person as merely an instrument to get we want. I guess the perfect example of intrinsic value our teacher gave us is love. You don’t love someone for a reason, you just love. So is the same with faith, we just keep the faith.

I'm actually wonderin' if I interpreted our lesson right. l0l! but I believe I made a good point out of it. Well, that's how I see it. ;)

So we go to back to the reason why we go to church, prayer sessions and other similar religious activities. We don’t use these places as instruments. Sometimes accidentally there is a good outcome in having crushes in religious groups but I hope you don’t get stuck into that level of making the religious community as an alibi. You should transcend to that level where you go to church, because you want to; you go to church, because you decide to; you have faith because you believe; you have faith because you choose to seize it.

Faith is within us. We have the duty to keep it and share it with others. We don’t just wait for people to help nurture and strengthen our faith. We too should make a move. Reach out. Pray. Inspire.

Faith = Me and God and You.

I was supposed to close it as Faith = Me and God but I had to include You because I know God is in you too J and God would always want us to transcend to that level of seeing Him in other people too.

*I just want to express admiration to religions able to practice this. I am not really anti-jeans on Sundays, I even wear jeans when I go to mass but what I want to emphasize the most is other religions wear what they call “Sundays Best”. I am sorry to say this, I know I have a lot of friends who do this, but I am so against people wearing shorts, slippers, spaghetti tank tops, not to mean, tube! backless! during masses. Like c’mon guys, have some respect. We’re not here to party nor are we just in the mall, hanging around with friends (oh, I’m still not even amenable to short shorts and slippers when strolling in the malls, I feel like you’re making the mall as an extension of your living room at home). Other religions did quite a great job in telling their members not to wear jeans and be decent-looking in attending masses.

I know some Catholic churches already asking strict compliance from their mass goers but I guess implementation must really be stringent since a lot still do not observe proper Sunday wear even when they see posters and prints already of YES and NOs for Sunday wears.

started writing June 3, 2013; finished June 13, 2013

'Call Center lang pala'

I am not against any call center or BPO agents at all. But at this point, I wish to shed light on the whole perspective/perception of ‘Call Center lang pala’. Yes, I’ve read a million posts of call center agents venting their frustration and disappointment on people who looked at them in such low manner but a particular FB post hit me the most, almost awestruck. It was written by a Law graduate.

Yes, it is impolite and indecorous to give out such comments as ‘Call Center lang pala.’ People who bluntly deliver this line, even all aware of the people around who can so hear their insensitive comment, are quite well unaware also of what their line truly insinuates. Somehow there’s a part of me wanting to believe they have a good intention of saying that. Yes, you read it right. I believe there is still a good intention behind that insensitive line; because somehow, I do say that in my head too but not in mere sarcasm or mockery.

AD MAJOREM NATUS SUM. I believe in this: ‘We are born for greater things.’

Not that I think being an agent is not being ‘great’. Well, I guess yeah somehow. It is just ‘better’ but not ‘great’. I understand the responsibilities and duties attached to an agent and I seriously salute all agents taking graveyard and mid-shifts just to fulfill their dreams, provide for their families and for others, simply earn higher income. Call Centers and BPOs have been a go-to industry of most people who wanted to earn much for a living and thereafter support their families and pursue their dreams of travel and even the wants of gizmos and gadgets. And to fulfill all these entail sleepless nights, countless cursing from callers, extreme perseverance and determination to go through each day, etc. So for all these, let us give our credits to these agents.

But…there’s a but. This type of industry usually denotes underemployment. The term ‘unemployment’ has become the most prominent subject for the career/professional world (how should I call it?) but has forgotten another quite important matter, underemployment. If you have quite also forgotten what underemployment is, it is working on a job you are overly qualified for. Now you might be thinking of your present job. ;) It is inevitable given the vacancies and the limited positions a company holds. But in the realm of things, you can still find a job suited for your skills and level of education.

Anyway, back to the main point ‘Call Center lang pala’. Why drop such line? Because agents obtained a particular job they are overqualified of. Again, I must say, I was almost awestruck when I learned even a law graduate worked as an agent. You work your ass off to complete college and for some even, subsequently complete law school/masters, etc. For what? Point being. You have reached that level of education, completed that phase of studies for hopefully, a rewarding job at the end. Almost everyone in the call center and BPO industry are indeed also respectable graduates of reputable courses and colleges in the country.

I guess what I really want to point out is for agents not to vent also to these kind of comments. Not that the comments are good, but it won’t do you any good either if you go around fussing about it. Bear in mind that you applied for that job for a particular reason, rate of income maybe or easy-in to the industry. (I’m pertaining ‘easy-in’ to those learned also, and fluent enough as well to speak English. Like come on, you wouldn’t stoop down to the level of people not even able to pass the same tests you took nor people who are actually just by-standers lacking the know-hows and the right skills for a decent job. Well, at least, that’s what I hoped you not to do.) If you had priorities in mind and certain responsibilities in life that you felt the industry is the next best thing that can help you, then go on, carry on with the job and ignore people who give such comments. You yourself know what it’s like to work in the industry, how hard the whole course is, the number of things you have to bear to stay in the industry, and all that, so go on with your job, perform, and succeed. J

To wrap it up:

For those who did not make it to the training/production floor, stop the bitterness.

For those unaware of what call center agents do, cut these agents some slack. You don’t know how hard it is to be in that industry. Nor do you know what or who it is that they are offering their jobs/earnings to.

For people in the call center/BPO industry and consistently being affected by cliché comments, you still have a choice. Well, you had the choice from the very start, and you made that choice. It is but rude to just say, live with it. So I would say, make the most out of it. ;) If you try to fight back with such none-thought-of words, only really stirred-by-emotion words, then you’re losing ground. Why not just prove what good the industry has done for you, your family; your life as a whole. There is no perfect job. So whatever nuisances the industry has for you, there is another form of nuisance also in the normal industries. But then again, bear in mind also, AD MAJOREM NATUS SUM. I know there’s more to you. ;)

written May 30, 2013

About Me

Some random Pinay. ;)

the "Eva Braun" car

I’m no celebrity, not even a high profile personality in school, nor in the office. I am some random chic. ;) Not even a chic who goes bar hopping as past time. I am simply one random Pinay. ;)

It has been my fetish to think actively while on my way home. Yeah, all thinking happens during the ride home, like most others too. ;) I believe I have been creating great speeches, creative opinions on my way home but all those are just lost the moment I reach the house. I just let those thoughts fade away during the short ride home. Then the next day it will be the same routine.

What is different now is I actually write those thoughts down. I try to recall all the topics I’ve ever thought during my ride home then I just let my thoughts and fingers do all the typing until I am able to completely express them into writing. I am not editor-in-chief in a school paper way back nor was I a pro in feature essay writing. I do business writing now but it’s nothing compared to the free-flowing ideas I have here.

In creating this thought journal, I wish to just express all my ideas and feelings and yeah somehow a part of me wants to get through to people. I believe I have a lot of opinions which are actually quite practical and easy to deal with so I am hoping people to understand the message and do something about it.

I am some random Pinay with a lot of random thoughts in mind. So everything in here is, randomosity. ;)