Of Cautious Optimism and Tempered Exuberance

     Last night I was privileged to meet wonderful new friends courtesy of the love of my life (ehem!). It was in a very lovely home somewhere in San Juan. So I was introduced to CC, who owns the lovely home and the rest of the gang (whose names I remember but would not dare mention since I have no permission to do so). Drinks were served and small talks were exchanged and there after, the night's agenda was laid. The discussion started about what everyone is looking forward to the year 2013. I'm not going to dig into what each one said since this will be aired via podcast anyway (yes, ang showbiz lang di ba! Watch out for it on iTunes!) but what struck me most were the terms "Cautious Optimism" and "Tempered Exuberance". Being a very mental person I always (well, most of the time) think things through before making a major decision. And so these notion of being "cautious yet optimistic" sounded more skeptic. More so of being "temperately exuberant". My very "mental" mind says, "it does not compute, illogical!". How can you be moderately energetic? Or careful yet be positive about it? There has to be some negativity there, right?

Tempered Exuberance - distance from the ground should only 

be about 4 feet high and arms only very slightly outstretched.
Anything more than that, you'll be overly exuberant! =) 

photo borrowed from www.phocabulary.com  

photo borrowed from 

logophilia.imagekind.com

    

    

   
     And yet again, 2012 and 2013 events would not really compute mentally for me either so why question the oxymoronic notions? So taking off from what I said last night of 2012 being about re-learning gratitude, love and celebration then making great things happen and 2013 being able to make great new beginnings happen, I dare say, 2013 is a year for new beginnings. A year for new adventures , new prospects, new lives and new loves. However, these things do come at a risk. Whatever that is and how great that risk may be would vary from person to person. But indeed, 2013 is also a year to apply your lessons from 2012 so you become as careful as possible without being too delusional. It's all about maintaining your balance. And the gauge for a balanced life, I've learned in my experience is subjective. Mine for one is about the very basic emotion - love, trust and respect. That is how I plan to balance my year.

     

Excess: I am proud to say I've found my balance right now. I'm starting my year right by marking today as a special day career wise and relationship wise. To you Mahal, you inspire me to be the best that I can be. I've never been happier. I love you! #justhavetosayit 

Cheers!

My 2012 Top 10 Icons

With the year 2012 gone, we saw a lot of countdowns here and there, The year's top 10 actresses, actors, tragedies, significant events, etc. A way to look back at the year that has gone and a starting point to the year that has come. Well, it's my turn to release my own version  of my year's Top 10. I know its a bit late to be posting a year-ender list considering we are almost at the end of January. But as I look back at 2012, I look back not only at the memories and events but at the top 10 persons who had significantly touched my life this year whether they knew it or not. No matter how small the part they think they made in my life, hey, everything to/for me is significant!   I already said no drama for the year-ender before but again, this is my blog and this ain't drama but an acknowledgement of the greatness of these wonderful people. So without  further delays, here are my top 10 icons for 2012:

We Made It Happen 100%! - photo courtesy of Leap Pichures fb page

10. Leap Team 51 Make It Happen    Facilitators, Students and Coaching Team - Earlier in 2012, I took this Life Coaching program called Leadership Excellence Achievement Program. It was a leap of faith, taking that course; I was jobless, almost to the point of being dead broke, not to mention that my life had no direction at all. This group helped me re-focus and bring my life back into perspective. In the almost 3 months we spent together virtually and personally, I have come to treat this group as my source of good vibes and strength. Each one had their own story and I am very thankful that I have been made part of a chapter in their lives. Individually, we were able to make our lives work. Together, we Made It Happen! 

Supernova are L-R; Chelle Sadie, JP Jacinto, Nyms Sumakot,
Reyson Yap and guided by Coach Maevie Ortiz (center)

9. LEAP 51 Make It Happen Supernova - During the 3 month program, I was grouped with a smaller council of equally bright and powerful human beings. We called ourselves, Supernova based on the  astronomical phenomenon  when/where stars are formed. Supernova is the brightest point of a star and our council was supposed to shine our brightest light. We did shine brightly in the end of our LEAP journey although distance and personal struggles almost dimmed our brightest lights. These people were my rock when I broke down and lost faith in myself. I was their council leader and was supposed to be an example for them. Instead I ended up learning so much from them and they became my teachers. I am very blessed to be part of this council. It was only months after our journey that I came to realize (through a casual talk with an equally powerful woman, Coach Carol B.) why I ended up with Supernova- it is because of my capacity to bring these people together. I would like to think that I did and I am glad I did. 

Kerwin Meily - photo courtesy 
of Gold's Gym page

The Trainer from Hell - taken during
Gold's Halloween costume thingy.

8. Kerwin Meily - okay, so this man on the left may be to many the "Personal Trainer from Hell". But to me, working out at Gold's Gym would never have been fruitful without him. You see, this man made me  push myself to my physical limits. I was initially a bit intimidated to learn that he is the brother of a celebrity who is known to have significantly transformed himself to a health nut. But Kerwin personally told  me he had nothing to do with that. But he had everything to do with how I look now. Not only did he help me gain confidence in building my muscles  but those small chats and encouragements after workout sessions at the fitness counter boosted my emotional confidence as well. 

Carol's "Bagong gising" look. A little

sultry don't you think? - grabbed from 

her fb page

7. Coach Carol Battad - Yes, this powerful woman made my top ten. How can she not? Coach Carol may not be my most favorite coach during my LEAP journey (because she made me "okray" and "ooh cry!" during one of the more crucial events of the journey) but I realized, I needed that. In a way she helped me reach my lowest low so that I can soar higher and shine brighter. Also, it was a privilege staffing a seminar under her leadership. Those casual but frank "in your face" conversations during the smoking breaks with Jackie Abueg and Inye Hernandez when we staffed for a seminar were just what the doctor ordered. I vividly remember her asking  me at one point; "Do you know why you were in your council during your LEAP journey? Why you have people from far places in your council?" and the answer was obvious yet I needed to hear it. "It is because of your capacity to be out there in the world and bring them all together!" and I needed that reminder, that I can be out there and and make a significance in the world. Coach Carol - as above, so below... your love works!

Billie Burke as Glinda, the good 

witch in the Wizard of Oz.

My good witch who showed the "Tin man" his heart.

6. Chona Santos - Yup, this woman is a witch. Well, she is my Glinda, my good witch that is. I am reaching far back in late 2011 here, but that is crucial. Chona was one of the facilitators during my Advanced Leadership course. Chona, helped me realize that I am a courageous, trusting and worthy man. She helped me find my heart. During my LEAP journey her words of encouragement cheered me on to reach 100%

HC Ben Francia

5. Ben Francia - Now this man's power is his great love. Imagine being a Dad for 3 months to 39 students and big brother to 11 people. I can never forget the look on HC Ben's face when we passed our first obstacle as a team. HC Ben is an inspiration both personally and professionally. The love he shared to us and his willingness to share  his professional expertise is simply, awesome. How he transformed his career will always be an inspiration to me.
Check out his website at www.benfrancia.com and know how he can help your business gain ground in the internet. 

Jackie Abueg

4. Jackie Maronilla Abueg - I call her Bunso. A Fashion genius, a loving daughter, sister and friend. She is a very powerful woman who talked me into staying on and not to quit LEAP when I almost did. Well, Jackie, we made it through and your confidence in me mean a lot. I love you sis!

Lunch with Inay Maevie at UCC Coffee

3. Maevie Ortiz - My pre-coach and my LEAP coach. I'm sorry for the times I made you cry because I fell victim to circumstances and wanted to give up. But you were there when I journeyed and your words of wisdom and encouragement got me through. You will always be a friend and a big sister your love made it happen for us, your Supernova babies.

Lee, Mawi Acosta and yours truly

2. Lee Cruz - There are a lot to say about this man. But I have nothing but gratitude for his unending love.  He taught me a lot in handling family matters, personal relationships and about being a better person. In 2012, you showed me who you truly are.You are LOVE, and with your love, I am infinite.

Christmas 2011 - Can't believe I got my 

Dad to wear a Santa Hat!

1. My Dad and Mom - these two gave us quite a scare in 2012. Mom, with her gall bladder operation and Dad without saying anything, was my pillar of strength when I was really scared of losing Mom. What can I say, I learned more from my parents last year than any year of my life. I guess because I saw them in a different light.
Some people say we become our parents when we grow old. Yes that could be true, but my parents also taught their kids to become the best that they could be and that made all the difference.

Of course I have to acknowledge numerous other people too. My Cisco team, my siblings, the rest of the family, friends who stood with me and by me when I went loco, new found loves, erstwhile loves, lost loves, etc. for you I would not have been able to look back and say, "Hey, 2012 has been just awesome!" and that is that.


Cheers!

Ooh Cry!

Posted on FB. I think this deserves a spot on my blog.



Nao-okok sa tagal ma-extract na report... mag-grammar check na lang (in bold font and yellow highlight)

based "on" hindi based "from"
Looking forward "to" hindi looking forward "for"
we "thank" God hindi we "thanks" God

At dumating na yung report. Remember, kung hindi kaya i-english, tagalugin na lang. Kung sa Ms. Universe nga may translator eh. Meron din naman auto translate si FB. At sabi nga ni Janine, “For me, being Miss Universe is not just about knowing how to speak a specific language. It’s about being able to influence and inspire other people.If you have a heart to serve and a strong mind to show people then you can be Miss Universe,”

'Pinuyir!!!



Cheers!!!