30 Powerful Habits

So, I saw this on my Facebook newsfeed weeks ago. In every item, I'm going to write a comment about my progress, or simply just say about something. You know, I am in the mood to update this personal blog.

Here we go!

1) Okay, IT WILL ALWAYS BE A STRUGGLE FOR ME TO WAKE UP EARLY. Plus, because of my work schedule, my body clock's all whacked up. Meaning, I sleep regardless of the time of the day. During days-off, I usually wake up late in the morning just to make up with the loss time of sleep during my work week, most especially if I rendered 24 to 32 hrs of overtime shift.

2) Well, let's just say I am pragmatic when it comes to dealing with life decisions.

4) I always love to test my limits. One of my ways is through traveling. Also, I get to know more about myself!

5) Speaking of traveling, I always make sure that I travel to experience new things. I am usually frugal, but when it comes to traveling, it almost came to a point that I became impulsive because I am always thirsty for new adventures and experiences.

6) Quality over quantity! It never bothered me that I only have a few close friends. They're the ones who fully understand me. We've been through thick and thin, so, our level of understanding and empathy is on a higher pedestal.

7) People always think that you can't say no to everyone. Through the years, I have learned the art of saying 'no'. You can't just do everything! You need to assess the situation first before you enter a certain situation.

8) Through traveling. Also, getting out of my comfort zone allowed me to know myself better.

9) I still have to learn about investments. For now, I'm doing the insurance and investment bundle from PruLife UK.

10) I love sharing new things with people–videos, blog posts, and other forms of media. Suffice to say, I'm a visual storyteller.

11) I never take small things for granted. They all matter. I've learned my lesson the hard way.

12) I. AM. TRYING. TO. EAT. VEGETABLES. I feel so attacked. Also, less usage of nonbiodegradable stuff.

13) Sometimes, engaging in political and religious views can be very toxic, especially here in the Philippines. But, I'll try to have an open mind and not resort to ad hominem fallacies.

14) Spending time with nature is always a good idea. It gives me a breath of fresh air. Literally.

15) I believe I have self-control when it comes to shopping. During the sale, I don't buy a thing just because it's on sale. If you don't need it, don't buy it. Just because it's 50% off, doesn't mean you're obliged to buy it.

16) Back to number 6. You'll never know, they'll be the one who'll protect you from harm. I'd rather have friends who are pragmatic, honest, and straightforward.

17) OMG. They say that I'm vain because I follow a strict skin-care routine. There's a huge difference between vanity and taking good care of yourself. Duh.

18) I still have to practice how to properly meditate. I ended up sleeping after trying to meditate.

19) I guess I have to be mindful of what I eat. I don't easily get fat, but I am getting older.

20) Thank God, I now have the drive to go to the gym at least 3-4 times a week!

21) When your gut's acting up, it'll be hard to recuperate as we grow older.

22) HAHAHAHA. I didn't grow up in a family that's super passionate about food. I can't cook, and it's not really for everyone.

23) Drink your water, bitch!

24) I am always grateful for everything, whether big or small.

25) Actually, I am trying to achieve my social media goals, but I need to rewrite it. I always tend to forget these things due to my busy work schedule.

26) This is how I do my things. Once I'm done with the hardest part, everything's going to be easy, finishing the task faster than I thought.

27) It's also the same as choosing your battles. Not all battles are worth fighting for.

28) I always do this at least twice a week. I usually go to the mall alone, do the shopping and eating at restaurants alone. Solitude allows me to think about a lot of things. Some find it weird, but for me, it's one of my ways to regenerate myself. Talking to a lot of people can be tiring.

29) I am always inspired.

30) Just do it.

Daddy Green

Volkswagen USA's latest ad, The Last Mile | Beetle, brought me to tears. I have a very fond memory of this car. No, I didn't use to own this car, but somebody very close to my heart.

My earliest memory of this car was almost three decades ago. My daddy–that's what I call my late paternal grandfather–owned this car until 2011 ish before they decided to just sell its parts. My papa told me me that daddy bought the Beetle around the 70s. It became their family car, and I was fortunate enough to be the next generation passenger. When I started talking, I can't stop admiring daddy's green Beetle, hence the monicker, Daddy Green. Whenever my papa's not around due to his work, daddy will always come to the rescue, and he'll drive me to school. My memory with daddy and his Daddy Green is nothing but bittersweet. That's just one of the moments that I'll treasure the most. When daddy left us three years ago, I was devastated. I couldn't grasp the fact that he's already gone. It felt like a part of me was missing. I was an almost finished puzzle, and he was the only missing puzzle piece.

Then came this video. All the memories with daddy and Daddy Green rushed through my system, like a strong wind blowing from the sea. It was still painful in my part, and I still long for daddy's presence. I can't blame myself, I was his first grandson, and I was really spoiled by him. He loved me dearly. He was my playmate. He was my attorney. He was my confidant. He was my everything.

I miss him every day. I am sure that he is in a happy place right now. He regularly visits me in my dreams, wearing a big smile on his face, wearing his favorite yellow tank top, and his short shorts.

Hello there, 2020!

I cannot believe that it's almost the last year of the decade. Looking back, I have grown physically, mentally, and emotionally. I am forever grateful to all the things I've experienced for the last ten years. Ten years, for the lack of better cliche, was a roller coaster ride. I've experienced the highs and lows, but here I am! Still alive, bitches!

For now, I shall update my online journal more often. 2019 was uhmm, let's just say I got to preoccupied with some things that were not actually worth my time. But it's okay. I shall update you in another blog post, soon. For now I shall be back for work to continue my 24-hour overtime shift. Ciao!

International ATC Day

The Philippines is comprised of 7,641 islands, less than a third of which are inhabited, and is considered home to more than 105 million Filipinos. As one of the growing economies of Southeast Asia, the transportation system of the country is vital, functioning like blood vessels in our body.

For the past century, the aviation industry grew at an exponential rate. The demand, particularly in air transportation, is increasing every year to meet the basic needs of the constituents. Furthermore, there was a need for the safekeeping of the flying public, hence establishing air traffic service in our country.

The role of an air traffic controller is to ensure the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic. As simple and straightforward as it may sound, the job is never easy. To become an air traffic controller, one must undergo a series of rigorous training. Air traffic control cannot function without air traffic controllers. In normal circumstances, they are transparent and unseen like electricity: unseen and unheard of unless a predicament arises.

Through the years, the journey of Philippine Air Traffic Service was not smooth sailing. We have experienced things that had caused a huge blow not just to the flying public, but also to our morale. We also fought with nature, natural disasters, and struggled with the previous administration's competency, or lack thereof. Undeniably, those days were the darkest. We wrestled to find the light, we fought for justice, but most importantly, we didn't give up. Giving up isn't part of our nature. We strived, but we move on. We were selfless. All we ever think was the safety of the flying public–that even if we were not allowed to take leaves during Christmas or New Year's Eve, seeing other people reunited with their families was already enough, a reward something that some people will never understand. Together, we have proved how strong our mental fortitude was. Determined, dauntless, and a fighter.

It is not a secret that only a few people know what we do for a living. Some assume that we work under the scorching heat of the sun, guiding the aircraft to its designated parking bay. Some think that we only work at the control towers. Despite these, we managed to do our job well, guiding the flying public to their final destinations safe and sound. As we celebrate the International Day of Air Traffic Controllers, let us not forget the men and women of the Philippine Air Traffic Controllers Association who keep the skies safe 24/7. We invite air travelers to ponder on the wonder that is aviation, and to sincerely thank all those people - and in particular, the air traffic controllers - who make aviation the amazing achievement that it is.

That is our commitment, that is our dedication.

How Does One Waltz Away?

Last week, I finally have the chance to watch Anna And The King. The movie was first released last December 1999, almost 20 years ago. I know, shame... shame, but better late than ever, okay?

The movie is all about King Mongkut's relationship with the Kingdom of Siam's newly hired English schoolteacher, Anna Leonowens. Basically, it's all about finding love in a very untimely circumstance. I really like this movie because it's not too cheesy, and it reflects the reality of life. You meet someone who would make your life meaningful but do not end up with the person whom you truly love. Sometimes, they come to our life to teach us valuable lessons.

Here's my favorite part of the movie, during the last part. IT REALLY STRUCK THE CORE OF MY SOUL.

Anna: I, uh, ordered this some time ago for the children. It's a fine example of scientific thinking. As music is mathematical in nature
King Mongkut: Chords, constructed from notes in intervals of thirds. And so on, and so on.
Anna: Precisely. I would like to know why, if science can unravel something as beautiful as music, why it cannot posit a solution for a school teacher and a king?
King Mongkut: The manner in which people might understand, such new possibilities is also a process of evolution.
Anna: Everything in Siam has its own time.
King Mongkut: Even if King is also wanting it to be different.
Anna: I still must go, Your Majesty.
King Mongkut: So, where is it you will be going?
Anna: England.
King Mongkut: Home. This is good ma'am. Very good for Louis as well.
Anna: What?
King Mongkut: I'm wondering if given circumstances it is appropriate for a King to ask... Anna... to dance?
Anna: I have danced with a king before, your Majesty
King Mongkut: And I... an Englishwoman. Until now, Madam Leonowens, I did not understand supposition man could be satisfied with only one woman.
Narrator (Prince Chulalongkorn): I was only a boy, but the image of my father, holding the woman he loved for the last time has remained with me throughout the years. It is always surprising how small a part of life is taken up by meaningful moments. Most often they're over before they start even though they cast a light on the future and make the person who originated them unforgettable. Anna had shined such a light to Siam.

Such a bittersweet ending.

Pat On The Back

Whenever I have problems, I try to deal with it by myself. I don't seek help from someone, unless if everything gets worse. I've been like this since I was young, but I am not afraid to share my struggles if it becomes overwhelming. I don't know, I think I don't have this 'empathy' aura or vibe. Most people think that I'm straightforward and frank. When it comes to empathy, I score low in that area. For some reasons, some of my friends are comfortable of sharing their problems to me–love, friendship, work, you name it.

And here comes the worse part–when they start to cry hysterically, I panic inside. I get dumbfounded. I honestly do not know what to do.  I give them advises base not on my intuition or experiences, but through rationalizing and proper judgment on what I think is best for them. I know I have a strong personality, but I do empathize with people, it's just, it's hard for me to show that I truly empathize. It really is hard when you are independent and have a strong personality, yes?

Well, I am not perfect, and will always not be, but I am a work in progress. Always a work in progress. I can be a good listener, but I just can't hug a person to calm him or her down.

Yo Shorty, It's Mah Birthday

I can't believe that I'm celebrating the last year of my 20s. A lot of things have happened since I turned 20–from life realizations to choosing your battles wisely. Here are some of the things I have learned since I turned 20.

1) You are not everyone's cup of tea. The world is filled with people who, no matter what you do, no matter what you try, will simply not like you. Worse, they will try to bring you down. Instead of showing them your inner demon, kill them with kindness. Learn the subtle art of not giving a fuck (good book, by the way). Promise, it will save you time and energy.

2) It is easier to admit your mistakes than to deny it. If you did something wrong or offensive, say sorry. If someone points out your wrongdoings but praises your achievements whether big or small, thank that person. Treasure that person.

3) You know yourself better than anyone else.

4) You are as good of a person as you choose to be. Over the last couple of years, I have made the conscious decision to be a good person, and it has transformed my life for the better. I didn’t do this for religious reasons. I rediscovered who I am and realized that being 'good' feels more natural than being manipulative, or anything less than good.

5) A tall glass of beer is good, but a cup of black coffee is always better.

6) Some people come and go, and it is okay.

I am forever grateful for having a very loving and supportive family, and true friends who are always on my side. They always remind me that I shouldn't stop dreaming big. My life goal is to look younger than my age when I hit my 40s or my 50s. LOL.

PS: It's my first time to celebrate my birthday in my hometown. I've been celebrating my birthdays abroad since 2015.

PPS: LOLJK, will celebrate my post-birthday trip at the land down under in 6 days! HAHA.

Seagate Levels Up Data Creation with Storage Solutions to Fit Any Digital Life

Seagate Technology, a world leader in data solutions, today announced an exciting extension of its portfolio with several new models, including new solid-state drive offerings. From gung-ho gamers to Instagram gurus, photo-collecting parents, or visionary creatives, Seagate offers the data storage solutions that empower users to live their best digital lives in today's fast-changing data-heavy landscape.