Switching On the Sun

One of the most gratifying feelings is being in-love. The sense of knowing you’re capable of tendering anything possible for a loved one is just overwhelming. What makes it more promising is the fact that you’re almost sure to give up anything for that special person. Even so, a promise of “forever” is likewise emphasized. Meeting that one person you believe is meant for you, sets off assertion to make do of any probability just to validate the unfolding of destiny. On occasion against all odds, withstanding the challenge makes it much sweeter than it already is; and quite seemingly, it’s an assumed substantiation of the concerned couple’s destined union. When parting ensues once realization sets in to rather serve as a wake-up call that contradicts the primary passion, believing “it’s not meant to be” isn’t as simple to accept as the time you prematurely thought it was. It’s a case of easily accepting a possible-lover stranger although hardly letting-go of a used-to-be-stranger...

“OP” means “Out of Place” figuratively speaking (at least here among those who understand). It’s usually used referring to one who appears to be “OP” in the company of a group apparently in sync amidst some interest perhaps. Quite recently, we were displaced from our wellbeing due to the successive heavy pounding of two tropical storms. Oddly enough, in accordance with alphabetical order, the two typhoons were consecutively named Ondoy and Pepeng. As if they knew of their would-be unwelcome entry suiting their names “OP” and rather decided to ascertain their place with “Who’s OP now?!” With Ondoy’s Pushiness (OP) and the Onslaught of Pepeng (OP), they literally forced a vast number of people out of place.   There are a lot of lessons to be learned. However, I wouldn’t be too insensitive to even lecture about righteousness in the midst of distress. The most important thing now is that despite of adversity; we can all be sympathetic and make everyone feel they have a place… If th...

It’s been a busy yet fruitful week. Aside from my key function among other commitments at work, I have the task of familiarizing employees with essential work ethics not just as one needs but as to how these values harmonize with the company principles. I’ve designed a training module that will hopefully address the ideal complementing roles between the company and its employees. In conveying the importance of such standards, I put significant emphasis on professionalism. Somehow, the best way to do that is to rather lead by example. In any work place, this will time and again be reasonably required or most likely be challenged. My wife once hypothetically asked me if I’d report perchance an anomaly involving her should we be both working in the same company. Suggesting that I would most likely do, she was in a way taken aback. Before she could even ask me why, I told her of the more complex implication that will rather affect us… If she did that in the first place, she should have ...

Firstly, a pine cone makes a good accent piece. From its normal (outwardly parched and eccentric looking) form, crafts made of these manifest valuable revelations. Of no use as it appear with its dried up scales layered into its (usually) ovate outline, purpose of which remains interesting and ingenious. Classmates from way back were merely known as playmates. Soon after, acquaintances helped realize the essence of friendship. As we grew older, some emotions intensified into deeper feelings. Groups were formed. Alliances were established. Relationships were sustained. Each has a story to tell. Nevertheless, like scales of a pine cone, different personalities among diverse standings set off to solidify a bond. From its pine tree for an alma mater, several pine cones were produced. Thus, it seems to be as common. It’s (just) probably good as a highlight embellishment. Though together, it could be more than a decorative detail. More than anything else, its use is infinite. “Scales” ...

Fetching my mother from the grocery last Sunday, I’ve picked up ire as well. She was about to board the car when a cab driver wouldn’t allow her to comfortably and safely get in as he continued to unpleasantly drive towards her. As if that wasn’t enough, he rudely shouted at my mom saying she shouldn’t be boarding where we were – in a drop-off point where they too pick up their passengers. That ticked me off! I was behind the car as I just closed the compartment door right beside the cab driver. Having witnessed his arrogance, I approached and disdainfully cursed him. Pointing out his disrespectfulness seemingly admonishing him of how would it affect him if such is similarly done to her mother, I bullied him. I was somewhat harsh. The cab driver’s face suddenly changed into a terrified-pitiful look. Guilty, I knew I could have been more diplomatic… Spur of the moment rather got the better off me… If my bullying of him was witnessed by anyone, chances are, their sympathies will be ...

Upon entering some establishment, we were welcomed with greetings uttered with passion. As soon as such welcoming was delivered, they proceeded with what they were doing as if the greeting was obligatory. I didn’t feel the sincerity. Though, I didn’t bother. Some sensitive customers would have reacted… While the misconstrued saying “The customer is always right” gives customers prerogative to loftiness, it gives service personnel conscientiousness to servitude. What is discontenting about this though is not the sense behind it, may it be politically right or otherwise, but the unlikely nature on how the workforce applies impartiality regardless of the situation it represents. Modesty and patience are considerable factors. These attributes are relatively important when interrelating with people from different walks of life. Accordingly, working in an environment where consumers as customers are the main source of an establishment’s bread and butter, they also deal with ‘indirect cu...

The title is rather suggestive of a horror story wherein a young Count is boldly biting on exerting his influence all over and among those within an ancient castle. Far from the eerie scenarios though, it’s a familiar circumstance in a modern setting. With change as the only constant thing as not just a popular cliché but a guiding principle. Horror is what it is only for those proud enough to embrace such development. On the face of innovation in a time such is vital, new ideas are sought for. In achieving these, young bloods are taken into service; classically, at the expense of old school’s pride. When I was just starting (once a new blood) with the company I am currently employed in 6 years ago, we were told of the new ideas we can bring in as one considerable reason for which we were hired. Not to put my best foot forward nor simply make an impression, I considerably contemplated on decently abiding professionalism. Accordingly, I’ve earned a significant reputation for my subst...

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” is a line from Matthew 6: 2-4 that's remindful of humility. Literally though, in getting some work done, coordination between both hands with pairs of others rather clasps the idea of others’ testament of your deed instead. We had our hands full setting up a “trade” showcase to be awarded to a recipient for a politician’s generous cause of which we co-sponsored. In the midst of the rush not to unveil the surprise, a right hand from that of a public servant reached out for an acknowledging hand shake as we became subject of lenses worthy of media hype. Smile? Click! Click! Click! Click! Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!   As the program progressed, more cameras rolled and clicked for documentation (err) publicity. Politicians abounded. True to their words (oops) style, they delivered their speeches with conviction BUT modesty… “Oh don’t you just admire them for their knack for subtle bragging? ...