Pray for Japan

Last March 11, 2011 Japan was hit by a major 8.9 magnitude earthquake on Friday morning, sparking a major tsunami which devastated coastal towns and has put the entire Pacific basin on alert.

Let us continue to storm heaven with prayers for the country's restoration and its people's healing. Let us also continue to support all disaster relief efforts and missions.

For Japan, with Love.

Hand in hand

I teach kids with special needs.

I have been told by countless of people that teaching is more than just a profession - it is a vocation; a calling. After more than a year of putting myself in the shoes of a teacher, indeed, I cannot argue with the fact that it is a laying down of one's life for the gaining of it by another. Now, I personally define teaching as a mission, a sacred one.

I'm writing this entry to support People First: Empowering People with Disabilities in Bloggers Unite to let the world know about children with special needs.

There have been many successful programs to provide better services for people with disabilities, particularly those with special needs. I am happy to say that being a therapist in an early intervention setting has truly made me appreciate the positive life-altering changes that 'tried-and-tested' programs have brought about to the children under our care.

However, the downside is that not all countries have those programs available to their people. More specifically, there isn't much government support being given for people with disabilities. There aren't very many laws or acts that truly empower them and their families. For example, here in the Philippines, it is quite expensive to enroll for high quality intervention programs. Although families can be really creative and resourceful, accessibility is still a major issue. The general public isn't made aware of the appropriate ways and means of [or trustworthy people and institutions to consult for] diagnosing, assessing, and helping their relatives or friends with special needs. Moreover, placement of these children in schools is also one of the concerns among many, many others.

Nevertheless, I do not like dwelling on what's negative unless I use it as a stepping stone for bringing about something positive [such as increasing awareness as to the reality of the situation]. To give credit where it is due, I applaud the efforts of countless of groups and organizations who have fought the battle of giving quality to life that children with special needs are living. There is always some sort of heroism each and every day, which should not be forgotten although there is so much more to be done...

On a different note, to tell you the truth, I have learned enormously from these kids - probably more than they could have ever learned from me. Their simplicity and quiet spirits are exemplary. Their total dependence at an early age emphasizes the way we must be in relationship with our Heavenly Father. In as much as I, a teacher, am trying to save them from this world - it is they who are saving me from the pitfalls of too much worrying and too much trying to take things into my own hands.

Lord, I lift up to you all these amazing children with special needs and people with disabilities. Through them, who are considered weak, You have shown us what it truly takes to be strong... strongly dependent on You alone.

Heat buster

I admit I could have taken a better picture of this scrumptious snack/dessert but my growling stomach couldn't care less at the moment.

I've been craving for a decent halo-halo for some time now and by 1:30 PM today, on my way home, I knew I could not let this day pass without ordering one at the nearest restaurant. It has been a busy week taking care of requirements and an extremely hot and tiring morning after enrolling for graduate school at Quezon City. The energy-draining high noon commute was the last straw for me.

As I was walking from the entrance of our condo village well past my lunchtime, my state of being sweaty, tired and hungry sank all at once into my conscious mind. When I reached the Burntmilk clubhouse, I plopped down on a chair located in front of the TV and this huge electric fan that had a built-in water/mist sprayer that helped calm my nerves and cool down my . I grabbed a menu from the counter and scanned it: no halo-halo written anywhere. I sighed. A waitress came up to me and smiled. I commented out loud, "Ang sarap ng halo-halo ngayon, no? Ang init kasi." (A halo-halo would be good for today, yes? Because it's so hot.) Then, after a quick pause, I turned to her asked hopefully, "May halo-halo ba kayo?" (Do you have halo-halo?) The lady nodded her head and said, "Meron po." (We have it.)

I sat up straighter. Am I hearing this right? "Meron kayo?" (You have it?), I repeated. I wanted to be sure what I was hearing wasn't hallucination from the unbelievable heat. "Opo, available po siya, wala lang sa menu," (Yes, it's available, just not written on the menu.) she replied. I wasted no time in saying, "I'll order one please! And one Pasta Amatriciana. Thank you!"

Suddenly, it was as if everything was alright with the world. I have finally found an oasis in a barren desert. My belated lunch was worth the wait :)

Later today at 8:30 in the evening, I will join the rest of the Philippines and the rest of the world in turning off the lights for Earth Hour. This year, however, I will be spending Earth Hour in silence and solitude. Because the accumulated distress of the week is taking its toll on me already, I will be going to sleep early tonight.

The principle and goal behind Earth Hour need not be celebrated only once a year. We can practice Earth Hour in our lives every day. Getting the eight-hour sleep we need does not only benefit us, it also means lesser lights turned on at night to help save Mother Earth. :)

Condura Run for the Dolphins 2010

After only one hour of sleep (It's a long story!), my friend and co-teacher, Ammy, and I got ready for our first race of the year: the Condura Run for the Dolphins 2010.

We woke up almost unwillingly when our alarm clocks shattered the silence at the unholy hour of 4:00 AM. On our way to Global City, we passed by a runner who was steadily moving along the highway. Wow. The guy made running look as easy as simply breathing. Without much preparation for the run except for a few jogging hours in the past weeks and walking in between daily commutes, we prayed to God that we'll be able to make it through our own races.

When Ammy and I arrived at the assembly area, we were amazed by the large number of people already gathered there. The public address system boomed to life the moment we stepped off the taxi. "Five minutes to gunshot for the ten kilometer race!" We quickened our pace and discussed on how we were to meet each other after completing our runs. Ammy was running 3K; I was going for 10K. While we hurried through the crowd, we bumped into our HR officer from the center where we work. She was also running 3K with her friends. I greeted them but had to go right away because it was almost time for the 10K race to begin.

They all wished me well before I weaved through the throng of people to stand somewhere near the starting line. As the 60-second countdown began, fireworks shot up into the black sky, which fired up the enthusiastic runners who couldn't seem to calm their nerves and tense muscles any longer.

Bang! It was time to go!

It is hard to describe what went on in my mind as I steadily ran the first five kilometers and half ran, half walked the last five. At first I was like, "Oh yeah! I can do this!" and then next I was, "What have I gotten myself into? Why did I sign up for 10K? I should have ran for just 5K." Although my head was somewhat throbbing because of lack of sleep before I even reached the halfway mark, I silently encouraged myself that I can finish this race.

I stopped several times for water break and walked when I needed to especially during the last five kilometers of the run. By now I knew well enough to listen to my body.

The part I didn't like the most about the race though was seeing plastic cups strewn all over the road near the water stations. I mean, does it cost more effort to drink water and put the cup back on the table where it belongs than to gulp water and splash the remaining contents of the cup before throwing it haphazardly on the ground? Seriously. It was contradicting to think that people would run for the dolphins, yet throw plastic cups on a whim. Yes, volunteers and organizers would pick up the trash when the event is over and maybe everyone's just trying to maintain their pace... but still. Bring your own water containers and tie them around your waist next time or hold the plastic cup until you run past a garbage bin or something.

Anyway, a more positive moment replaced the disappointment I felt with the water incident. The best memory I have of the 10K race was when I fell into step beside a man who was pushing a younger man on a three-wheel contraption that worked like a modified wheelchair. Part of our conversation went something like this:

Me: "Hi! Are you running with your friend?"

Man: "Hi! No, I'm running with my son."

Me: "How old is he?"

Man: "18."

Me: "Wow! It's great that you run with him. Congratulations in joining the race together."

Man: "Thank you! Congratulations to you, too."

Me: "Well, I probably shouldn't talk to much so we can conserve our energy. See you later."

Man: (laughs) "Okay, see you later."

Me: "See you at the finish line."

As he went ahead with his son, I noticed they wore the same white shirt that bore the words "Never Run Alone" at the back in red letters.

At that moment, I was inspired like I was never inspired before. I realized I was not running alone either. Someone else was running with me. God was running with me, cheering me on and helping me move forward when I needed a little push.

My unofficial time for the ten kilometer run is 1 hour, 15 minutes and 30 seconds.

I was the 1236th runner to reach the finish line out of 2110. Ammy also finished her race with flying colors. Praise the Lord! :) I am tremendously happy with the race results! It was a big personal achievement. (I mentioned that the time is unofficial because the marshals were not able to punch in our stubs right away. There was a five minute delay more or less because we had to wait in line after reaching the finish.)

When I ran for the five kilometer category in Race and Shine in 2009, I clocked in at 43 minutes and 14 seconds. This record time became my baseline time for the Condura Run. I figured that if I double the time of my 5K finish, that will be 1:26:28 - the time I need to beat for the 10K stretch... and beat the time I did.

But more than setting a new time record for myself, this year's Condura Run for the Dolphins proved to be an even better experience of discovering the many blessings of God.

Help Haiti: Act now!

As unending talk about the Maguindanao massacre in the Philippines has slowly quieted down, I would like to join the rest of the world in praying for and providing for the people of Port-au-Prince, Haiti who were extremely devastated by the strongest earthquake the country has had in more than a couple of hundred years.

The death toll continues to rise and it is believed that casualties may even reach about 200,000 or more. The numbers are staggering and disturbing but we shouldn't be content with knowing mere facts and feeling overwhelming emotions. People in Haiti are dying. We must be moved to ACT now.

I do not have firsthand experience of the the tragedy that befell Haiti. I cannot even begin to describe even the littlest glimpse of what it feels like to be in the shoes of the people in Haiti now as they fight their way to live - to survive - amidst all the rubble and despair. I was not there when it happened. I'm not there right now.

But being far away or not having enough money are not excuses for just standing to watch, listen, and wait. We can all do something - big or small, it doesn't matter. Each one of us has something to offer:

• Donate to World Vision or Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres) and many other organizations that mobilize relief operations and rescue missions to Haiti.
• Volunteer to physically help and assist in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
• Raise money for the benefit of the victims of the earthquake.
• Make your community aware of the Haiti crisis happening right this very moment.
• Pray for lives to be saved and pray for those who are offering help to never falter in giving help to those who need it.

And the list goes on. We can all contribute and make a difference.

A few months back as the year 2009 was coming to a close, I have experienced first hand the wrath and aftermath of three successive typhoons namely Ondoy [Ketsana], Pepeng [Parma], and Quedan [Melor] that swept my country. It broke my heart and hurt my soul to see the people who were suffering tremendously from the calamities. Nevertheless, that did not leave me and many others helpless and hopeless. In fact, we were more fueled to deny ourselves and take up not only our crosses but our brothers' and sisters' crosses as well. Who else do we have but God and each other?

The world is getting smaller.

We are considered a global village.

What happens to one affects every one.

What will you do?

Race and Shine!

This morning, I ran my first ever five kilometer (5K) race at The Fort, Global City: Race and Shine!

I went with co-teachers from ACC and had a very good time although the race briefing and gunstarts for each running distance (15K, 10K, and 5K) were almost an hour late. The breakfast served after the race was simple but delicious. :)

My unofficial time for the race was 43 minutes and 14 seconds! :) I am extremely HAPPY with the results! I thought I would finish the whole run in about an hour more or less as the week wore on until race day but, lo and behold, I finished in less than three quarters of an hour. Alright! I was also able to meet my goal of not stopping for a walk break or water break during the entire five kilometer distance. I was steadily running (or jogging) the whole time. Going to aerokickboxing and dance class really helped with the cardio and breathing. :)

Tweety de Leon-Gonzales and other public figures were present to grace the event as well. It is heartwarming to know that they support the cause behind run.

Here's a little background of Race and Shine!:

Help Others Help Themselves

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." - Chinese Proverb

Most meaningful provisions for individuals with autism end upon leaving school. The challenge continues as our children with autism become adults. Although the Magna Carta defines their right for employment, the reality we face is in the fact that individuals with autism need more equal opportunities to work.

More research is needed to gather information on all possible suitable jobs for persons with autism. The responsibility does not end at providing vocational training, but also in seeking placement for them by providing work opportunities and creating programs for small and medium-sized companies to employ individuals with autism. The research becomes a basis not only to create skills training programs for adults with autism, but also be used as basis for training and assistance to business owners who want to determine how they can create these work opportunities.

There are several schools that have sheltered workshops that provide vocational programs to prepare them for future employment. The information to be gathered in a research will be shared to all schools and centers that offer vocational training so that they can design curricula that will equip adults with autism with the essential skills necessary to qualify for employment. The potential employers will also have access to research data on the skills and potentials adults with autism have and thus, be guided by information which will facilitate placement into their companies.

The funds raised from RACE & SHINE will go to the ongoing research by the Let It Shine Foundation. The key information being sought out for specifically will identify what job descriptions, employee roles and responsibilities and performance levels are to be expected of them. Your participation will definitely help in making individuals with Autism Shine! Contact the foundation for more information: shine.foundation@gmail.com or 218-2362.

Source: Race and Shine flyer included in the race kit.

I am definitely looking forward to running my next race.

Shine on!

Feed the Need

The aftermath of typhoon Ondoy led to various relief operations by both government and private sectors. The severity of the damage caused by the heavy rainfall last weekend still prevails today even with typhoon Pepeng (Parma) and typhoon Quedan (Melor) already within Philippine territory.

Calls for volunteers to help repack relief goods like canned food, instant noodles, rice, blankets, clothes, medicines, and bottled water were abundant to which many people wholeheartedly acted upon.

Yesterday, I met with friends from UST at TriNoMa between 10:30-11:00 am to help out in distributing relief goods to victims of typhoon Ondoy in the area of Pasig.

I was still undecided whether or not to join come the day itself. By nine o'clock in the morning, I began preparing for the relief operations albeit I knew it subconsciously because half of me wanted so badly to help out and half of me wanted to stay home as advised by my dad since typhoon Pepeng was reported to be hitting land by late Friday.

At fifteen minutes to ten o'clock, I left our condo unit all geared up for the mission ahead while the voice of the news reporter and other sounds from the television lingered in my ears. I rode a taxi going to Magallanes station of the MRT to make up for lost time but unfortunately, I was still met by heavy traffic along Chino Roces Avenue (Pasong Tamo Extension). I wasn't usually late for appointments. In fact, I don't like being late. However, the tug-o-war within me was simply taking a toll on my decision-making but, apparently, an inner calling prevailed.

There wasn't a single drop of regret when I have forsaken the safety of home to the risk of possibly endangering my life under such circumstances. It was a day I'll never forget.

The experience of riding inside a cargo truck on top of hundreds of relief goods on our way to Pasig was truly a concrete way of "putting oneself in other people's shoes" or as Vanessa Williams' song Colors of the Wind goes, "If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew, you never knew."

As the saying goes, 'Mahirap maging mahirap' (It is difficult to be poor). And how hard it must be! To see those people - young and old, men and women alike - struggling, no, begging for food will break one's heart to a million little pieces. They did not chose to be poor. Most of them were born poor... but a lot of times I wonder why majority of them chose to remain poor.

You might be thinking, "Surely you're not asking why. You know already know the answer/s to that question." Perhaps. But do I really? I can't say that I know what it's like to live in poverty because I haven't been there. On the other hand, I can say I do know why and refer to all the studies and resources supporting my claims. Technically speaking, there's a scientific/economic explanation for such queries. But then moments after, Ubuntu in African spirituality suddenly came to mind: "I am because of who we all are."

The truth is - the majority poor of our country is both part and product of the society we all belong to. They are who they are because of who I am, who the rest of us are.

Unsurprisingly, the outreach that day to 'feed the need' went both ways: the flood victims' physical needs were met while the volunteers' psychological/philosophical hunger was fed. The encounter with those people who were affected by the heavy floods gave me fraction of understanding, a glimpse into the dynamics of their lives, that I hope will push me more to be a better part of the whole.

No to Hunger

How many times does the thought of eating food cross your mind in a day?

I'm guessing, more than thrice.

What kind of food would be great to have the next time you eat?

I'm sure you have a lot of choices in mind.

How many times have you actually eaten the food that you want to have that crossed your mind today?

Perhaps at least once.

Have you ever worried that your next meal time might not come for hours and eventually days and that you would not be able to eat what you want or, more pressingly, not be able to eat anything at all?

Millions of people all over the world have.

Ten days ago, I committed to participate in a 'campaign to raise awareness about the urgent hunger crisis affecting over one billion people around the world'.

The global humanitarian organization Action Against Hunger is launching No Hunger with a trailer to Al Gore’s next film—a film that doesn’t exist yet—about acute malnutrition, a disease that kills 5 million children each year.

I signed the petition asking Al Gore to make No Hunger his next film, a film that will open the eyes of everyone to the harsh reality of the hunger and malnutrition crisis today in order 'to end childhood deaths from malnutrition—a predictable, preventable condition that threatens 55 million children every year'.

The world's hungry exceeds one billion and that definitely tells us something; it tells us to do something.

Just as the 2007 Nobel Prize Winning work, An Inconvenient Truth, helped reshape public perceptions of climate change, we hope that No Hunger will help attract the public support needed to reach every acutely malnourished child.

The campaign’s overall objective is to reshape public understanding of acute malnutrition. The new story is we now have the tools to end acute malnutrition and we’re convinced a film by Al Gore could reshape perceptions and mobilize the resources needed to end hunger-related deaths.

The No Hunger initiative, which began in Madrid, has already collected more than 64,000 signatures and is endorsed by “Heroes” co-star Jimmy Jean-Louis and numerous French and Spanish actors.

The petition will be presented to Al Gore this December at the climate change conference in Copenhagen.

The first step before action is awareness. One cannot act on something he does not know about. Go ahead and discover what is there to be learned about hunger and malnutrition. Be counted.

Remember, "big things come in small packages".

Unlike the cures for many other diseases, the treatment for severe acute malnutrition is not expensive—it costs about $50 and doesn’t require prescription drugs. Instead, it relies on nutrient dense, ready-to-use food products, such as plumpy’nut, that can take a child from the brink of death and restore him to health in as little as six weeks.

Click here to view a video report about plumpy’nut by Anderson Cooper.

By learning about what we can do to save the people suffering from hunger and malnutrition, we are slowly getting closer to making this world a better place.

Be aware. Be heard. Be involved.

Together, let's say NO to HUNGER.

Autism. Awareness. Action.

I love children. They have so much enthusiasm for life. To look at the world through a child's eyes is a wonderful experience. I cannot begin to explain the peace I feel in my spirit upon gazing into the depths of a child's innocent eyes or the warmth I feel in my heart upon clasping a child's little hand in mine. 

I couldn't agree more with Walt Streightiff when he said, "There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million." Indeed! If there is one thing I've learned from a child, it's this: To consider every moment of my life a miracle of God. I can share to you a hundred other quotes about children, by children and for children and still fall short of words to explain the joy children bring.

I grew up in a large family with three siblings and many cousins. When I was only six or seven years old, I've had amazing opportunities to watch over my younger sister. When I was ten, I became Ate (older sister) to a baby brother.

Looking at family photo albums and seeing how my siblings, my cousins and I grew up together brings back fond memories; it is simply amazing. I can't believe how fast time has gone by at this point in my life. Four of 'the original eight' will be finishing their studies by next year, God-willing. On the other hand, one of my cousins will be starting a training program he applied to on the same day I will be having my first day at work this mid-April. Another cousin, Coco, has been working for a couple of years now. On a brighter note, his sister, Patsy, just graduated from college today. 

For many of us, life seems to go on as naturally as a river finding its way into the sea.

While thousands celebrate the beginning of another chapter in their lives this month with graduation ceremonies and commencement exercises here and there, I wish to put the spotlight on another very important event as well.

World Autism Awareness Day

On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Consort of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, supported the campaign for a World Autism Awareness Day through the current 62nd UN General Assembly Session, garnering consensus support from all United Nations Member States.

This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.

World Autism Awareness Day shines a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and is a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.

About World Autism Awareness Day. (2009). Autism Speaks, Inc. Retrieved April 2, 2009 from http://www.worldautismawarenessday.org/site/c.egLMI2ODKpF/b.3917077/k.186A/About_World_Autism_Awareness_Day.htm

As a BS Psychology graduate, I want to do my part in empowering individuals with autism. While the course of the river may be rough for all of us, we have to be aware that many people have to go through a waterfall drop before they start the challenging journey down the riverbanks and into the ocean. Nevertheless, we can do something about it - to make the jump less intimidating and most definitely worthwhile.

I share Forest E. Witcraft's sentiment: "A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."

EARTHour

Mahatma Ghandi once said, "The earth has enough for man’s need but not for man’s greed." It is true; ours is a finite earth. However, with this thought, we - as caretakers of God's creation - are doing a very poor job of watching over the one planet that we all share. Nevertheless, it is reassuring to know that things are changing for the better. It might be helpful to realize that the earth existed before man ever stepped foot on it and that the earth can go on existing without us men... but we cannot exist without the earth.

Well, folks, this is it. I am taking a stand.

I am half an hour into my vote to save Mother Earth. As I wait in silence surrounded by darkness, I feel a sense of ease wash over me. Tonight, Filipinos and people from many other countries are turning their lights off to show that they care about the planet. There was no national or local mandate about this historical event for mankind but the people chose to Vote Earth. I am blown away by the power of strong awareness campaigns and by the word of mouth. It is just amazing how people from all over the world are coming together to support the Earth Hour movement. It is proof that many of us have, indeed, put kindness back in mankind.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

Vote Earth. Your Light Switch is Your Vote. (2009). Retrieved March 28, 2009, from http://www.earthhour.org/about/

I first knew about Earth Hour in 2008. When the time came for turning off the lights, the only people in the house then were Mama and I. I shared to her about the important message that Earth Hour is trying to convey through its goal and my own opinion on the matter. That one hour of darkness became a time of light for me and my mom. We stayed in the living room and spent 60 minutes of meaningful conversation about life in general, which we don't get to have every day.

This year, my parents are away at a conference but they did not forget about Earth Hour. In fact, Papa called an earlier to remind us to switch off the lights. :)

It is now seventeen minutes after 9:30pm yet the lights in our house are still turned off. I chose to leave it off for a few more minutes - or maybe another hour. I believe that while Earth Hour is very significant as a point of oneness with the whole world at a particular date and time, it doesn't have to just start and end on March 28, 2009 from 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening. If we strongly believe in its message, we can hold Earth Hour at least once a day, once a week or once a month. We can also help in fighting the green battle by being more aware and well informed of the many environmental issues our generation is facing today.

"Treat the Earth well. It was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."
- Ancient Indian Proverb