SELF PORTRAIT

Although pulchritude is the forethought of man, I am fortunate enough God created man in His own image, with so much pride that I am good enough for a second look. My inadequate command of adjectives and words make me fail to describe myself vividly. I wish I could televise myself so that what I tell would prove to be true. I am Eric Am-is Baroy Mahinay a pure descent of half Spanish, and Malayan race. I'm a Filipino adventurer and sojourner and due to my adventurous spirit, I was able to reach the 3 big major islands of the country, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. My mother was supposedly naming me an old Spanish-inspired name of a lover's saint Valentino because I was born on Valentine's day. Good heaven, the midwife suggested Eric as in King Eric of Denmark which was a viker then, the reason I name my blog Vikings after the meaning of my name itself. My early childhood was spent in different places in the country, then in Olongapo city where I graduated high school in the '80s. I moved back to my mother's homeplace and took my first course in college at my father's ancestral home Cebu. My birthday falls every Valentine's day of the year. I was born on a dear exotic and peaceful island of the world called " Isla del Fuego". It is located in the central part of Visayas (you could locate it on the Philippine map). My life as a Christian has spent 17 years inactively and 6 years actively. I'd not be where I am today without the untiring, powerful touch of the Holy Spirit. Thanks to the aghast threat of the millennium bug, to my horror I kneel crying alarmed to be grilled in the lake of fire. I thank God for giving me the opportunity of sharing this website. I hope this will transcends the barriers that keep from reaching out to one another. The above picture is the sketch of me being as the young me before. There comes a time in your life when you realize that if you stand still, you will remain at this point forever You'll realize that if you fail and stay down, life will pass you by..... Life's circumstances are not always what you might wish them to be. The pattern of life does not necessarily go as you plan. Beyond any understanding, you may at times be led in different directions that you never imagined, dreamed, or designed. Yet, if you had never put any effort into choosing a path, or tried to carry out your dream, then perhaps you would have no direction at all. Rather than wondering about or questioning the direction your life has taken, accept the fact that there is a path before you now. Shake off the why's and what if's, and rid yourself of confusion, Whatever is- is what's important. The past is a brief reflection. The future is yet to be realized. Today is here. Walk your path one step at a time with courage, faith, and determination. Keep your head up, and cast your dreams to the stars. Soon your steps will become firm, and your footing will be solid again. A path that you never imagined will become the most comfortable direction you could have ever hoped to follow. Keep your belief in yourself and walk on your new journey. You will find it magnificent, spectacular, and beyond your wildest imaginings.