Water is Precious

It's Blog Action 2010 today and I'm glad to be taking part in this worldwide campaign this year. With focus on water, let me share my own views regarding this very important part of human life.

Water is vital for humans. Not drinking this liquid for several days can lead to death. And so as water resources are being threatened today around the world, it is a must for people to do their share in conserving water.

At home, I always tell my two kids the importance of not wasting water. This is regardless where they may be -- in the house or in school. I often get upset when I see that they're not following my advice but I keep reminding them in the hope that it will eventually sink in their minds. Constantly reminding them of their duties is part of the discipline process especially when it comes to children.

So what specifically can you do at home to save water and lower your water bills? You may have heard these steps many times but it won't hurt to echo them all over again.

1. Use a glass of water when brushing your teeth.
2. Use the last set of water when washing clothes to water your plants.
3. Fix leaking pipes and faucets right away or turn off water supply while you're waiting for your plumber.
4. Don't take too long in the shower.

These are only a few steps but when done consistently, they can help you save water at home. Do your part, too. It feels good when you know you've done something right and helped the environment.

The "Ber" Months

September had gone by so fast. It's like it was here for only a few weeks and we're now in the second "Ber" month. Time flies and in less than three months, we will welcome Christmas once again.

Christmas is a very special occasion for most of us here in the Philippines. We always look forward to it and we even prepare for its coming at the start of September. And so it's only in the Philippines where Christmas is celebrated the longest because it spans the entire "Ber" months.

Another point is that it's not only the families that are readying their homes for the holidays because even the shopping malls are one in this early Christmas preparation. We see homes already being decorated with the usual stuff -- Christmas tree with colorful lights, mistletoe and other decors. At the malls, all items that have to do with the Yuletide season are already out for sale. Some are even offered at a lower price.

I strongly believe that the early Christmas preparation is the Filipinos' way of staying positive amidst the possibility that they won't have everything they want this coming holiday season. At least, we all look forward to this joyful season with hope in our hearts and that's the spirit we need to have regardless of our status in life.

So stay hopeful and joyful!!

Being Filipino Means Being a Sulitizen

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A "SULITIZEN" refers to a Filipino who puts great value in whatever he or she does. This person knows how to make the most of every situation that involves work, school, time, money, people and relationships and does his best to find solutions to life's problems and challenges.

Another Year Older

I woke up early today to do my usual routine - preparing my son's breakfast and uniform. The only difference is that today is my birthday :)

Time flies so fast and I'm another year older. But as always, I'm thankful for all the blessings that have come my way. I'm quite contented with my life right now. I have my family with me, two great kids, a loving and hardworking husband and jobs that I love to do every day.

Life is good and it's only right that we make the most of it while we're still breathing. And so I share this birthday prayer with hope, love and faith in my heart.

Lord, let this feast of my birth be a reminder to me of all the gifts and blessings I have received from You this day and all the days of my life. On my day of celebration, I thank you for my life and all of my blessings and ask for another year filled with Your presence in my life that I may continue to grow in your love.

Gracious God, I thank You for enabling me to celebrate my birthday. Lord You have been good to me all these years and I thank You for all the blessings I have recieved but especially for life itself.

Creator God, I do not know what lies ahead for me this year. Yet I know that You are holding my future in Your hand. Let my ways be pleasing to you. As You have promised, be with me, Lord. Grid me with Your strength and grace so that I can live for Your light. Enable me to draw closer to You that I may walk in your peace and be the creative and loving person that you intend for me to be. I ask this and all things in the sure and certain knowledge of your love for me and for all your people. Amen.

The Lunar Eclipse

I had no idea that yesterday was going to be the day the first of the two lunar eclipses for 2010 will take place. Until I saw for myself the unusual appearance of the full moon at past 6 p.m. right outside our home. The sight of the moon caught my attention as it was yellowish and a yellow light was surrounding it. Seeing the small shadow creeping in at the left side of the moon made me think it was an eclipse. The moon felt so near and it was picture perfect I didn't even to have to use any eye accessory.

I then called my son and daughter and pointed to the unique appearance of the moon. I told my 12-year-old son it's a lunar eclipse but he wouldn't believe it perhaps because we didn't hear any news on TV about its occurrence. But my instinct remained that it was indeed a lunar eclipse that I saw.

Just this morning when I logged into Facebook and read a post by a former college classmate now working in one of the country's TV networks, I confirmed everything. I was right all along. It was a lunar eclipse that occurred last night.

Upon checking Wikipedia, it said that the June 26, 2010 lunar eclipse was one of the two lunar eclipses for this year. The next one will be a total lunar eclipse and will take place during the Christmas season specifically on December 21, 2010. This July 11, though, a total solar eclipse will occur over the South Pacific.

This lunar eclipse is said to be part of the Lunar Saros 120 series that repeats every 18 years and 10 days. The last lunar eclipse recorded was on June 15, 1992.

I felt so lucky for being able to see last night's partial lunar eclipse. And at the most unexpected time at that. Hopefully, I'll be able to see the next one on July 6, 2028.

Nanay - The Wind Beneath My Wings

It's time to pay tribute to my Nanay as the world celebrates Mother's Day again. I've been actually doing this for a long time but this is the first time I'm sharing my thoughts about the most important woman in our lives on the internet.

I'm one of the lucky people who still have my mother around. Nanay is turning 70 this year but remains to be an active and young looking person. With God's grace, she was able to surpass the great trials in her life particularly those that came along her way after Tatay passed on to the next life almost five years ago now.

Nanay has always been a strong woman, physically and emotionally. It's only when a loved one passes away that I see her shed tears but in the most discreet way.

She's my inspiration and the source of my strength. Every step of the way, she was always there to support me and my siblings as well as my Tatay. Through her example, I was able to learn so much about keeping the house clean and well organized and even fixing parts of the house including upholstering old furniture. She's a real handyman, only a woman.

In terms of handling her marital relationship, Nanay was also a winner. Old-fashioned might be her style but it worked for her and Tatay. She served my father well and consistently and I think that was what endeared her so much to Tatay. Never in my young life did I see her and my father fight in front of us or heard them raise their voices when discussing certain family issues. They spared us from the usual marital conflicts couples face every now and then.

Now that I have a family of my own with two wonderful kids, my Nanay is still a big part of my life. Although we live apart now, I make sure to ring her every so often or she would call me. She's very supportive, always giving me encouraging words whenever I'm faced with difficult decisions. I'm very thankful that she was able to come to my place when I gave birth to my two children, even in short notice.

I can go on sharing so many great thoughts about Nanay but these are the most important for now. Indeed she's a Godsend!

Facebook Connection

Facebook is no doubt the most popular social media today. With some 45 million users and still counting, FB as what many people call it continues to attract more web savvy folks from around the world.

I'm one of those who have been captivated by the power of Facebook in terms of connecting people who share similar interests as well as friends and relatives. Since I created my account on this social media last year, I have already connected with old friends from way back in my elementary, high school and college days and have made new friends, too. This has given me so much joy that I always make it a point now to check in every day just to find out what friends and relatives are up to.

There are so many ways to connect on Facebook. One can send a private message, post thoughts or share links, photos and videos on the main What's on Your Mind? box, comment on photos and updates and send a Friend Request to people you know that you want to include in your friends list.

It indeed feels great to see old faces you know after a long time. Some have gained weight, looked more mature now while the others still look pretty much the same as in the past. The only difference is the age we have now but that's not a major issue.

What's even a joy to find out on Facebook are the families we have established and the kids we have bore. Despite the challenges we may have gone through in our careers and family life, it's wonderful to see happy family photos posted on our FB profiles and albums which our dear friends can access to at their own convenience.

This is just the personal side of it because the truth is, Facebook now also caters to business minded people. People who are into any type of business can very well take advantage of this famous social media to promote their products and services and get more clients.

So whether you want to connect or promote your business, Facebook is the way to go today. Better tell your other friends with no account yet to join in and have fun connecting.