Travel Postcards

I love travelling, and pictures would always serve as tangible memories to prove especially when travel memories are slowly erased and oblivion by time. When I get bored, I browse my albums where I saved all my pictures and tries to rekindle the happiness I got from travelling.

This awestruck me for the first time, seeing Thai people worshiping an elephant. My stay in Thailand opened a good door for me travelling the nearby countries.

These are the first photos that I took when I first set foot in Thailand. Eventually, Thailand was the first country abroad I had been to. Truly the pictures aren't that clear because I was using HP digital compact cam, nonetheless, it remains vivid and memorable.

Of course, my travel in Thailand wasn't only for pleasure but to work as well, herewith were my High School students on their traditional costumes.

Was on the rooftop of the tower while taking a pic of this beautiful garden connected to the main street in Vientianne - Laos

The second country that I went to, was Laos. It's not as economically rich comparing to Thailand but the country is beautiful. Behind me is 

I took this picture early morning while I was wandering around the city of Singapore. Just wishing that Philippines could be as disciplinary as the Singaporeans.

The famous landmark of Singapore, the Merlion with a floating Styrofoam in the front. A day backpacking trip wasn't enough but then, it was worth the visit.

Of course, my trip to Poland was a immeasurable because it gave me the chance to peep out the other side of Europe. When I say Europe, they are rich in history, the buildings would always astound me and its romanticism.

Traditional dance from Romania was so exotic as it was my first to see European displayed of different countries presentation around Europe.

Dancers from Turkey. It was in Poland did I learn that western part of Turkey is Europe and the east is Asia. I met a lot of Turkish in Poland & even encountered a Jesus look alike guy, that encountered led us into friends.

Batu Cave Malaysia. That giant image at my back reminds of the image being mentioned in the Bible..

Of course, I didn't let the moment to pass without taking a shot with the tallest twin tower in the world - Petronas Tower.

This is called the "Little India" in Kuala Lumpur. Lots of Indian stores, resto and other. The place was cleaned and partly attractive.

Finding Refuge and Strenght

Lately, I was so down and depressed with that I came to blame my Creator about the mishaps in life, the mischance, the misfortune, and so on or whatever words you may describe it that collaborated with the word mishap. I used to do that when storms come along my way especially the time that I couldn't find a shelter to shade myself from the rain.

photo from Google.

But then after all those whines and complains I made, God has still patiently loving me and trying to understand everything a father could do for his child. Honestly, when I am confronted with adversary I couldn't find someone who could give the best comfort in the world but seeking refuge and strength from God.
Though my earthly parents would offer the warmest comfort they could have for me but God's protection is quick even before you ask for it. Where else could I run for a shelter?
When things get rough, God is always been a perfect to run to find refuge & strength, it's proven right. Sometimes, I get blinded by my anger without knowing that I myself involved on the mishaps the reason why it turn out to be not so nice because God is disciplining me.

Let me share this beautiful poem that I've got from the internet, eventually I am a fan of Penny Parker the .person who made this

I asked for health that I might do greater things ... I was given infirmity that I might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be happy ... I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men ... I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life ... I was given life that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for, But everything I hoped for. Almost despite myself, My unspoken prayers were answered. I am, among all men, most richly blessed! ~ Attributed to an Unknown Confederate Soldier ~

Lesson from the Movie: Click

Watching movies is one of my hobbies especially when boredom attacks me. And watching movies doesn't only entertains you but it also proclaims lessons in life.
One that truly moved me was the movie "Click". After watching the whole film, I just completely realized that  it pointed out exactly what I did in life. Usually, I want things to be done rightly as it is, & sometimes I wish time would fly by very fast, because I felt that I am being left alone and everyone have succeeded on their chosen field of interest of which I'm the only lone wanderer that still finding ways where to go and what to do- believing I don't suit to the environment that I am in.
By watching the film "Click", it opened my eyes why it happens for some reason that I don't pay attention to good things in life and appreciate it. I faithfully believe that it is also our attitude to the world around us that practically programs our future. Meaning, if you have thought of bad things - the response would be bad as well.
I become aware, if I'd whine & complains everyday about everything that I'm into at - surely I'll stay in this situation no matter what I want to do and dream about. Many people have stayed and remains frustrated because they don't know how to get out of it. The movie proclaims that we should slow down a bit and try to appreciate every single bit of life's moment and savor the wonderful things you have experienced.
 Adam Sandler, the lead star was an impatient man. He doesn't want to hear the usual and routinable life he had till he found himself in a store that changed his life forever. Someone gave him a remote control of his life that allows him to do as he wishes it. He forwarded everything just as the most memorable moments of his life that one day he realized that he missed a significant segments of his life.
Because he wanted things to be done quickly, he kept on pressing the fast forward till he got noticed that his family relationship ruined including his very own.
Well, I don't want to go on story telling bit by bit and pages to chapter but just see it for yourself. You'll know why I like it much and the movie would certainly open doors to realization and understanding the present reality of our life. It'll bring us to think that life needs to be appreciated and enjoy just as the Lord wants it that way, we don't need to rush things, because if things bounds to happen, it'll happen according to God's plan.

Lesson learned, we must be thankful that we live today. Let God be in control 'coz it will rightly fall in place.

According to Buddha: " Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die, so let us all be thankful."

We need not to worry,  but be sure to smell the flowers along the way. We all know that we need to stop and smell the roses and enjoy the small joys in our lives. When we rush, we barely acknowledge what is happening around us instead of always thinking of the next thing to do.

Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit.Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever,even if your whole world seems upset.- Saint Francis de Sales

Many Faces of Life

Today, we can easily recognize pain and happiness by just looking at people's faces. There are individuals who aren't so vocal and outspoken of their agonies, but it is the face that speaks it all whether you agree or not.
In my case, I am very frank and honest of voicing out my innermost feelings especially on the case of adversary. Nor, pausing myself to speak out my ill feelings towards to my Creator, because that's how the way I release my gloomy emotions. Things aren't really looking good since I came back (from) overseas. Just as the tide went on the other shore the more I got annoyed and irritates.
Well, I guess the faces of life aren't naturally one sided. I remember when I was in Europe, experiencing the four seasons was an eye opener seeing the life changes as we continue living in this ghastly planet.
As a neophyte, I didn't know that each season has its own face to show that affects life's mood. It reminds me that in life's journey, we would experience many different face changes.
Each season would bring us into the place of different struggles in life. For now, I am trying to look back the different faces of my life's experiences.

As a Child: As a little boy rose in the 70's and 80's, my vision in life back then was different. Having raised in a two religions (Catholic & SDA) and raised into a different places (Siquijor & Olongapo) was a bit of confusion, yet, fun at times. However, that gave me a clearer picture of two different faces. One was, life in the boondocks was so simple and far from the corruptions of the technologies and issues in the Metropolis. While in Olongapo, the pace of life then was so fast and advance and you could see the reality of life as good and evil. Money was so quick and easy. I'm thankful that I wasn't deprived materially.

Teenager:  The face of my teenager's life or High School Life brought me into a journey that involved both merriment and dreaming. While enjoying my teeny bopper's life in Olongapo city, was also the birth of my dreaming going abroad. When I was a kid, dreaming of going somewhere was just merely caused of the effect of seeing nice pictures & watching American movies. I had this strong inkling in life that I'd join the US Navy or work in Subic Naval Base so that I could see the US soil & settle there for good. The usual enjoyment of a teen ager in my time was more on mimicking the celebrities and partying..that's life in Olongapo, and that's a High School life.

The 20's: As I entered into my 20's, that's when I began to worry which path would I have to take. Studying in the College of Fisheries was not a plan nor intention to be taken so seriously since it wasn't my dream as well, but life brought me there as a way of viewing the real College Life of a lower middle class student. In my early 20's, that's when I began to work and find my own means to survive without depending my parent’s assistance monetarily. Yet, I was fighting and believing that life wasn't just about working in the factories. That there's more to life out there & you just have to reach it out. 

The 30's: This was the moment that I fully understood the faces of life. This was also the moment that I fully realized that, what I did back in my teenager's life was into darkness & my life was a bit out of control. This was the moment as well that I concentrated more deeply the spiritual side of my life and recognizing my flaws and letting God to control everything. This was the age that I joined the missionary and worked in the vineyard of God in the southernmost part of Mindanao. In this age, where I decided to go back to school and took Secondary Education. Enjoying myself on learning new things and absorbing things about English that I haven't learned in High School.

Today, my 40's:  Today, I have seen many faces. Some aren't pretty good, some are worth to keep about. I might have been committing tons of sins against my Creator, but letting it sure I'm not what I used to be. I did change, life has taught me much. I've been disciplined by the Lord, being whipped by the consequences of the mistakes that I've done. What matters most then is, I still have Him and I am with Him.

Faces of Life

They said, sometimes one picture can be worth a thousand words or textbooks. And by seeing the face of a person, things can be read without the mouth explaineth.
In my travels, I have had encounter so many people both on road travels & by planes. Staying in a metropolis with a crowded people cannot be barely avoided but meeting different types of people from different walks of life.
What made me so like and appreciated the more about the faces of the people are those who are living in the countryside both locals and abroad.
Their innocence and kindness are very apparent and amazing. The uniqueness & expression of their faces is mesmerizing and appealing too.
It's amazing how their faces give you insight about how life treats them and their happiness in life. Let me share some pictures of different faces that I have encountered in this world.

Devin from Canada

Kevin from Germany

Patrick from Sweden

My pupil - Polly (half French - Polish )

Two Piotreks

David (half British-Polish)

Hector (half French - Polish)

Chasing the Rainbow Ends

Most of my blog posts here are so gloomy and sad, knowing that no matter how beautiful life is, there is always sadness and loneliness behind all of those smiling and laughing.

I'm not trying to be so melodramatic and gathering some sympathies, but that's how the way it is. I'm not sad nor lonely because I was born that way but the way the cookie crumbles  that worries me. 

Been stuck in the four corners of a box since I arrived last July last year and nothing happens that is so worthy to brag about.

I found it so funny that there're a lot of invitations and job offers abroad so as possible signs that they could be a good bread & butter to hope upon, yet, in the long run of the process things slowly faded away and none of them have contacted me back. Just as my hope of getting a sign from above has vanishing too.

Have this weird thought that God has played a pun on me not just to test me but to be looked like a looser and idiot so to speak. I have been so vocal and frank telling of my ill-feelings towards my creator because of the opposite of what I expected to be. Chasing rainbows, spinning dreams: getting tired of chasing pretty rainbows and getting tired of spinning round and around.

My fear, that my dreams may remain as dreams, as it would no longer be seen but a shattered dreams. Toiling time seems so endless that my single heart is no longer rejoicing as my days are always doom to nothing.

As I always close my eyes in slumber, the agony of asking questions, will there be any chances to come when an evening the sun going down? Haplessly, I guess none.

(Disclaimer: Photos taken from Google search)

What I have Done and I Haven't Done

Huh! Life has been so hard, when you can't see the finish line ahead of you, it's easier to quit instead of keeping going. The race of life is no different. Sometimes, it seems too long and too hard & all you want to do is giving up.
When we are at the end of our rope, we long for God to rescue us. But we could never experience the thrill of being rescued if we didn't experience trouble & hopelessness. I am honestly broken and acknowledging that I could not fix it on my own but longing for some help from above with the hope rescue would come sooner before I get drown in the worst depression.
So much sharing of tidbits sentiment of life, let me amuse myself of what I have just done in life overseas and things I haven't done yet, but wish of trying them one day.

1.  I have spent New Year in Singapore's immigration office as the first foreigner & the first one being held & interrogated on the welcoming of the eve's day. My stuff was scanned and checked intently so as the bus that I took from Kuala Lumpur left me. But I haven't experienced being in a restricted & censored country to visit like Eritrea, Cuba, Uzbekistan, Syria.

2. I have ridden a cow, horse, and a water buffalo(in the Philippines) an elephant when I was in Thailand, but I haven't ridden an ostrich which I long to try one day.

3. I have traveled one day in Macau & explore the most sought Hotel, Park & Shopping spree in one - The Venetian, but I haven't tried visiting Macau Sky Tower Jump where the highest Bungee Jumping in the world is. Well, this one is out of my To-Do-List, 'coz I have fear of heights..won't dare to do it, would I?

4. I have been to Poland, Hungary - will include the transit flights & airports visited like Ukraine, Amsterdam, but I haven't been to other European countries like Germany, Norway, Sweden, etc.

5. I have visited the Concentration Camps in Auschwitz where millions of Jews and other Europeans being murdered by the Nazi-led by Adolf Hitler himself. It was the first thing that came to my list when I learned that I'd be flying for Poland. Poland is known for the killing fields of the Jews. To include, I have visited the factory of Oscar Schindler - if you happened to watch the movie "Schindler's Lists" then it's really true, I was there. But I haven't been to Israel, I really dream of going there and checking myself the remains of the Bible artifacts & the places where Jesus had gone to.

6. I have experienced Four Seasons (at last), to describe it - it's like the cycle of life, trust me. But I haven't experienced a snowstorm nor its snowing throughout the year. The South Pole or Antarctica is part of the places in the world that I wish to see.

7. I have taught foreign students since 2006 mentioning, Indonesian, Brazilian, African, Cambodian, Thai, Bulgarian, Polish, Spanish and a half - Briton, but I haven't encountered American or Australian nor Canadian students, I know deep in my heart - it won't happen, they don't need me to teach them about English grammar..

8. I have talked and encountered monks & even the novice one up close, & made a little tete a tete and we laughed while taking pictures. But I haven't encountered a Jesuit, I wanted to meet one.

9. I have eaten Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, American, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Indonesian, Indian, Russian, and Polish food but I haven't tried eating exotic foods (though I did like a frog in Olongapo) like a worm, wooden cockroach, grasshopper, scorpion, and other which we could see them freshly served from the kitchen in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

10. I have made friends around not only locally but internationally as well and so proud that I am still in contact with them, thanks to Facebook that keeps us updated always. But I haven't met some of them personally, yet, by just clicking of a mouse that would make us closer as if we have met once in person. Just posting the pixies of my foreign friends here, expressing how lucky am I to have them as pals & keeping me company & helping me to feel at home while I'm away from home. Though we are separated by seas then that won't make us different regardless of our skin colors, race, beliefs, etc. 'coz that's what friends are for.

Paulina from Poland

Teacher Magda, my co-teacher, and a close pal.

Cherry from Jamaica.

Robert from Poland and Dianne from Jamaica on their wed.

Ewa Jurek originally from Poland but lives in Italy

Terry co-teacher in Poland, from Jamaica

Constance, an SDA friend whom I just met on the Christian dating site.

Miriam Silva originally from Portugal, whom I just met online

Joseph from Korea..my student and a close pal too.

Kasia, co-teacher in Poland and a good friend.

Couple of missionaries in Thailand from Scotland who served as my mentor.

Genevieve from a French-speaking area in Canada whom I just met online 

Devin from Canada the one that I hosted in Thailand.

Fellow backpackers that I met in Malaysia

Kasia, Susanne, and Urs from Europe,, are good buddies

Martin from Switzerland..

My headteacher in Thailand and a kind family.

Helena from Poland

Eko from Indonesia..

Ken from Kenya

Ajarn Somchai from Thailand

Anita originally from Rwanda but a Pinoy by heart.

Artur from Germany, we used to chat things about life

Nina from Russia

Nestor from Argentina

Ryan Pool from Alaska