MAKING A DIFFERENCE

In our everyday life, most of us are too occupied with many and different things.  We deal with the demand of our job: the architects and engineers design the buildings and bridges, the physicians attend the medical needs of the patients, journalists deliver the news, professors shape the young mind of students to become better and good citizens, the crews provide the services, and so on so forth.  And in our continuing deal with the call of our stressful busy works every day, we can still include to hone our craft for our advancement and achieve that attractive pay.  We are making ourselves better and work even harder not just to earn a living with hefty sum but also to secure a better future for our family and ourselves.

While we fill ourselves with career opportunities, we explore our horizon in other fields to have the best of social being like networking of friends and appreciating new gadgets.  We are practically doing all the best for ourselves to ensure our welfare and comforts – that is given.  But behind of all of these, once in a while it is still nice to take a look the other people who are less privilege and who are unable to do what we are into.  For the longer time we may always planning something for special occasions in our life, why don’t we plan in rare chance like today to touch other’s life and heart.  Why not for a while we make a change, different than usual and make ourselves express our other side’s aptitude of compassion.   Let us extend our hands to help the needy and deprived as giving back to all what we own.

Amidst of all these success and self-strengthening, we have all the chance to do something good to make a difference.  Let us take the chance in doing something that will give essence in our existence, feel our worthwhile and find our purpose.  For sure there are people out there who have already done this in any ordinary day but doing this in our important day is something to celebrate.  While for those who are too busy for themselves, may it serve an encouragement to stand and say it’s time to set aside ourselves and unleash the inner and natural kindness in our heart by doing charity.  It doesn’t necessary if expensive and grandiose, it doesn’t count in the numbers anyway but it is in the thought that really counts.  A simple help can build esteem and confidence, a small act can send a big message of kindness.

Let us help while we have the chance to do.  As the old and trite saying that goes it is better to give than to receive, it is really feeling blessed that we can able to give than needing someone to help us.  Let us feel thankful if we can help.  Given the chance just for today, let us disown some mundane things and do a unique thanksgiving.  It is not always thru serving foods on the table to give our thanks, sometimes we can express our thanksgiving by means of writing inspirational story to commemorate the occasion.  Depends on your interest, you can use your personality to give your thanks and help in your own little, humble and sincere way.  When you made someone’s world better than when you found him, or something that different from before, either by an improved idea, sweet poem, or a rescued soul – that is so big to thank, so noble act and so commendable.

By Alex V. Villamayor

November 30, 2014

GIVING THANKS

In our childhood lesson, we say thank you in every good thing we received, no matter how simple, huge, how often or rare, all of them must treat equally appreciated.  It doesn’t matter on how you say thank you.  Some say it laud that can be obvious and showy while others may simply quiet and out of fanfare.  It can be done thru serving foods, celebrations, thru gift-giving, anonymous donations or prayers whichever you desire is fine as long as it is sincere from the heart you are indeed good.This lesson from childhood must put into heart that uttering saying thank you should not become catchphrase that automatically utter when we receive something.  Until in a long run it will become not for altruism why we say thank you but for the gratification we feel.  Learn to say thank you as what it meant to be and in return you will feel expressing your appreciation in another way.  That is, it is not just take and receive, not just thru words and giving materials things as token of appreciation but it is in the sincere thanks uttered and true intention of giving thanksgiving.

In our existence, we receive different graces from our schools, company, community, and other groups.  Fortunes knocks in unexpected or most unanticipated times when we win in whatever contest and games we join in or we engaged.  We receive salary increase, gratuity, commissions, job promotion, award or recognition.  We call them blessings as we are happy for what we are having and we want to receive them, some may not prayed for them but still come.  That is what really called blessings.  And as the heckle goes you have to share your blessings, giving thanks despites of all of these is worth to do.  As part of our maturity, it is nice to give thanks aside from the childhood lesson of uttering thank you from what we received is to give thanks through giving to others specially to the less privilege.  Sharing your blessings is so noble, specially sharing it without show of display or grandstanding.  It is so amazing to show your very personality and true intention.  There is nothing wrong if you want to publicize it, if it is honest that can inspire others to do the same.  It can encourage the spirit of sharing and giving of blessings.

There are many different reasons why we give.  Some people are giving to feel the sense of value and satisfaction, or simply we give because we care, while some are giving to give something back.  And some are because they believe in the cause of a charity.Whichever the case, it is best to give without hidden interest as in you just want to have good karma or simply for name popularity. But most of us may not lucky enough to express our thanks thru tangible things.  Many are those who are incapable or just enough to give part of their earnings.  In these cases, we can give our thanks in our own unique ways.In times we’re short too, the least we can do is to give our share through nonfinancial means.  The unmatched sincere prayer for the victims of disaster and natural calamities is indeed the most valuable support to these less fortunate.  You can use the images for sketch, maybe pen for music and poem or any cause of your expression of your interest to thanks the volunteers as appreciation and recognition to their value, worth, greatness and efforts.  During special days like anniversary, we can express our thanksgiving not just through celebration of foods and happiness but even through helping the needy.  And true, it is even more rewarding to feel that your thanksgiving has gone without any anticipated return into needier concerned rather than your self-satisfaction of worldly happiness.

By Alex V. Villamayor

November 30, 2014

STRUGGLES IN HEALTH

For those who are in dire struggle to lose weight, here are some unsolicited and personal advices that I would like to share which I am freely doing because I want to help.  Our body components may not the same but at least it can be applicable to many if not to everyone.

·         Slowly for beginner.  I know it’s difficult to control food intake, so I would advise take your time.  If you’re still craving for meat, you can cook them every weekend.  This is fine, as long as you are doing this on weekend only while during weekdays are healthy foods.  For starter I think it is right because I did this before.  At least it is just two days of eating meat comparing to seven days.  Until you accustomed yourself then you can adjust more until you fully accustomed in eating a week of healthy foods.  And you will just eat sumptuous and colorful foods during special occasions only like Year-end get-together party, holiday seasons and birthdays.

·         Limit yourself.  Basically three meals a day are enough.  In between we add snacks.  The “need to eat” and “desire to eat” are different.  Most of us are just simply love eating, excusing ourselves that when it comes to food we should not cut-spend ourselves.  I disagree to this.  It is not that you are controlling your budget that’s why you are eating less but because this is what you need only.  There are really many excuses when we do not like.  Others say “life is too short, so enjoy life”.  These people, the reason why they are saying these is because they cannot do it, no determination, motivation, discipline and control.

·         You are what you eat.  I always read and heard this in health articles and from health buff which is so right because our looks, internal and external including our wrinkles, itchiness, pimples, weights, heart failure and blood pressure is only reflection of our eating behavior.  For peace of mind, eat the right foods.  Just avoid these three: sweet, salty and fatty, then you are “almost” sure that you are in the right track.

• Sweet: not because your both parents are diabetic you will not get diabetes – very wrong and very old belief.  You have just least chance to have diabetes type-1 but if you will not avoid sweets then you are subject to get diabetes type-2.  Flavored drinks, cakes, cookies, soft drinks, ice cream, pie, coffee with milk or sugar, and even rice – most of us are guilty with these sweets.
• 
  
• Salty: junk foods, processed foods, instant foods, dried fish – all of these are salty and full of preservatives and saturated fats.  That is why it is called junk foods because you do not get benefits.  Frankfurter, meat loaf, luncheon meat – they are all salty but we don’t realize it because they are delicious.  Instant foods have lots of preservatives and they are instant because they are not natural.  If they are artificial then they don’t have nutrients.
• 
  
• Fats:  all fried foods, regardless if fish or vegetables add cholesterol if cooked in frying.  Avoid frying as much as possible and instead use grill.  Avoid sautéing and instead use boiling and steaming.  If cooking in oil is inevitable, then use olive oil or coconut oil.

The reason of others is saying we need sweet, salt and fats in our body – yes that is correct but not in these unhealthy foods.  If you are after the sweet, salt and fats – you can get them from fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk, wheat, and brown bread.  Avoid pork, beef, organs, and fishes under red meat and instead choose chicken especially chicken breast.  If you don’t like chicken breast, remove the skin when cooking.

Skeptic says all of us will die whether we eat unhealthy or healthy foods and nobody wants to live in this earth for hundred years.  Absolutely they are right, but we are doing this not to live longer but to get rid of sickness and it is better to die gracefully rather than suffered.

Alex V. Villamayor

November 8, 2014

Disclaimer:  The entire content of this article is for sharing of knowledge and information purposes only.  It is not intended to replace the qualified health care professional and all information provided here are NOT substitutes for a medication.  Consult a medical doctor before engaging in any type of physical activity or a radical change in diet.

CHILDREN IN NEED

One universal issue that can easily break my heart is the children’s undesirable condition.  Many children that are not only those in our sights but from other places have caught up in unpleasant circumstances.  There are tens of thousands of children around the world who were plunged in bitter fate and we may never have the chance to see them but we’re not deaf to be heard of them.  Many children are not lucky enough to enjoy their times as what children should suppose to do.  Some of them are victims of circumstances, exploitation, and cruelty of time, destiny and the elder people themselves.  Some of them have to deal so early the challenges of life.  And these children have no choice but to embrace the challenges they are facing.  They do not deserve to go what they are going through.

When we look around and open our eyes wide, we will see these children that were deprived the opportunity to enjoy their childhood.  There are the street children, the out of school youth, the abandoned and homeless or even the orphan, and the child labour.  Every day there are children who were abused, stripped off their rights as children and as human.  We see them begging for foods and loose change, striving to work heavy, and in some instances doing prostitution.  These children were oppressed to live young, that they too young yet look old. With all these things surmounting to the children, it is the adults’ responsibility to draw them away from sufferings and assume the custody of their welfare.  It is saddening to see child abuse all over our world.  Child abuse happens in many forms.  Every day they are experiencing physical, moral, verbal and emotional sufferings.  Sometimes we ourselves are unintentionally or unconsciously abusing them.  A flesh of their own flesh, they are excusing themselves imposing an excessive corporal discipline to their children as parenthood.

Children are so weak against the oppressors and predators too.  Bullying them is definitely sign of cowardice for children are weak, tiny and apparently helpless to defend themselves.  Parents oppressing their children should retrench parenthood for there are many out there who are aspiring and more deserving to become parents.  Since children are young, weak and incapable for themselves alone, we should protect, guide and provide them with their needs.  Like us adults and as human being, children have rights too.  They have the right to grow, to play, to rest, and treat fair.  They have also right to have name, family and country to belong.  Because of their physical incapacities, children should be given their foods and medical attention.  They should not be hurt by others, be safe, and not have to work too hard.  Because of their mental insufficiency, children should be sent to school, learn many things, share ideas and be listened.  They have the freedom to learn to be the best they can be.  Because of their emotional needs, they should be given the free will to choose friends, speak own language, and have privacy.

I have soft spot with children because they too are hesitant to speak what they want and cannot able to resist because of weaknesses.  As it is said eyes is the window of our soul, I see the lot of sufferings and emotions when I am staring to these battled children’s weary eyes.  I feel their sufferings from what painful they’re undergoing when I talk to their hurt.  If I have enough capacity, if I have the authority, or if I have magic spell, I want to build a city or maybe just a roof for these children.  But since I am not, the least that I can do now is to give whatever I can and on my own way.  We are all children of God.  We should not prohibit anyone to enjoy the life as we enjoy it.

By Alex V. Villamayor

November 8, 2014

DISLIKING OVER FUN

Right now I am in a point where my interest in social fun is fading.  Not sure if it is seclusion but I am certain that I am more interested in family and personal fun.  It is just that I am no longer interested in much pleasure, lots of fun, entertainment and trivial worldliness. I feel I don’t need superfluous fun, fulsomeness habits and materialistic merriments for they are just mere redundancies.  I have indulged myself enough.   And I think I have to lose some spree, and instead I need to do something different but relevant.

It’s about time for me to disown some worldly things so I will give up old same usual mundane things that I have did for the past several years in my life.  In a straightforward statement, I am losing interest in worldliness.  Celebration and thanksgiving thru merriment like parties of foods, drinks, music, and big occasions are things that I want to drop.  Keep the experiences in memories, choose the important and leave it up the rest.  All these worldliness, I will turn my back with some of them and instead will go for family and personal goals.  I think I need to let them go and I don’t feel my life today is uninteresting or boring in other word while in fact I feel now the better peace of mind.

It comes to a point where I don’t like much fun and I’m not enjoying them.  I believe there’s nothing wrong with this. I think I’m fine with what I am going through.  It’s a matter of priority, if I prefer other things over the things that I have accustomed. People change, if it is here where I’ll be happy and I think it’s not for the worse, then it is certainly not sadness at all as what other people may think.  Nevertheless, rejecting social fun is not relevant to me. I am not bother about this because there is in me that I feel my presence is not necessary anyway and my company is not important at all.  Being a quite person the nature I am, this will not be difficult for me.  If you know the feeling of “you are interrelating but seem you do not exist”, this is where I am coming from.  People are normally searching for their place and I think I found myself in simplicity, serenity, and singleness, I guess this is it.

There is nothing religious faith and influence, let say sanctification with this important and big change in my life.  Neither a bad mood nor just had a bad day because both are nothing.  It is simply a personal choice and self decision in making me good, kind and better.  For I believe life must be simple, I want to make it simpler and easy.  Repugnance and aversion to happiness is what I want to put into practice.  The craze in lavish, materialistic, temporal, and earthen circumstances is only a matter of excessiveness.  I don’t want it and I am not enjoying it now.  At the end of the day, we are all looking for our happiness and I am contented in my feelings today.

Back in my mid-20, I dreamed myself as an old man in an unknown place where I’ve never been.  Few years back, I said that I would like to settle in a quiet, serene and so nature place as my retiring home.  When I set my feet in Palawan for the first time and recently in Batanes, this refreshed my dream anew.  These places are far from noise of modern city, so natural, simple, pure and no calls of fun modern but simple fun.  Under the impression of being amazed, I want to live in a rural place that is so closed to nature and I think that dream is happening now starting with my strong attachment in simplicity.

By Alex V. Villamayor

November 4, 2014

CRAB IN TOMATO SAUCE

In my objective to make a unique cuisine, I have come up with this dish that is one of the favourites menu in a tropical and sea foods restaurants.  This time is about crabs.

This is an easy and fast to prepare dish that can best served in a lunch or dinner.  To prepare, you will need the following:

2 medium or big crabs
1 small glove of garlic
1 medium onion
Onion leaves
Tomato sauce or catsup
Salt and pepper to taste

Here is the procedure:
1. Wash the crabs and put some salt to taste.
2. In medium heat, put the crabs in the casserole and poach until cook, then set aside.
3. In a pan, sauté the minced garlic and onion.
4. Add some water (approximately half cup) and let it simmer for a minute.
5. Add half cup of tomato sauce or catsup, stir well and let it boil for a minute or two.
6. Put a dash of pepper.
7. Put the poached crabs and mix the sauce over the whole crabs.
8. Let is simmer of a minute to permeate the sauce to the crabs.
9. Serve in plate garnished by onion leaves cut into small.

And lastly, just eat right.

By Alex V. Villamayor
November 1, 2014