It's All About Perspective

Anything can be viewed as good or bad, depending on your perspective.

Let's take for example, going to a party. I invited a friend to a mini party. If she responds, "Thanks for the invite. But, am sorry. Can't come. Have to study", is she wrong?

On the perspective of career growth, education is definitely important. So, she is RIGHT, on that perspective. But in terms of socializing, she's a KJ (kill-joy). Party animals will most likely perceive her as WRONG. It really boils down to how you look at things, and this perhaps apply to almost all aspects.

Mugshots

You also need to be specific. Polygamy is immoral for Catholics, but not for Muslims. So we have two different versions of morality here. In the same way, it also sounds absurd to ask a political figure to take a "moral high ground". Politics is not driven by morality. Ethics would be the proper term to use in this case. Perhaps such call can be applied in legislation, but we really can't take things in general.

The real problem is when you have double standard. To say that someone should be present in a court hearing, while you will be absent for the same reasons (or excuses) when you are the accused, is absurd. For a concubine to cry human rights seems more like a joke.

Now, let's try to make things simple...

So which side should we be on?

In the end, we should understand our purpose and goals, and be consistent with them. If family is your top priority, then you are expected to ensure all your actions are for the sake of your family. If it's work, then most of your ideas are expected to be work-related.

But more than anything else, know our life's purpose, and we'll never get confused.

Are you satisfied with the standards with which you view things? Please share your experiences and insights in the comments section below.

The above post is brought to you by Jezreel Magbanua, who enjoys helping people MAKING things SIMPLE. Click here to get to know Jezreel Magbanua better. 

Basketball For Charity??? Hmm...

Are you a charitable person?

It's the feeling after giving or sharing a part of yourself, whether it be money or friendly advice or your physical strength, that is the most rewarding of all reasons why you have to lend a helping hand to those in need.

But have you thought that playing basketball can be a charitable deed?


Now, let's try to make things simple...

UNTV37, tagged as the "Public Service Channel", has organized what they call UNTV Cup, which is now on its 2nd season. It is currently the only charity basketball league in the Philippines.

Isn't it a very, VERY cool idea that the Filipino people's favorite game can be used to extend help for those in great need?

This is truly a one-of-a-kind concept. Various government offices or departments form their own teams and choose a charitable institution which they want to sponsor. The overall champion will then give the grand prize to their chosen foundation.

Any charitable idea, or better say "breakthrough", you can think of right now? Please share your experiences and insights in the comments section below.


The above post is brought to you by Jezreel Magbanua, who enjoys helping people MAKING things SIMPLE. Click here to get to know Jezreel Magbanua better. Thanks and GOD bless!!!

It Is Safer To Believe

What do you believe in?

It's difficult to quantify with accuracy how many believers and non-believers of deities there are in the world. There are also those who are not sure where to stand on this issue.

Below is a map from an article in The Washington Post showing demographics of atheism based on data by a polling firm.

Now, let's try to make things simple...

Let's make a very simple analysis (and no offense to both parties).

Granting, without accepting, that there is/are actually no creator/s or divine beings of any sort, what will happen to those who lived their life worshipping, singing praises, attending church gatherings, praying day and night, making sacrifices, fasting and dodging every attack of evil going their way, after their death? None. Nothing. Some may have even enjoyed doing some or all those religious activities mentioned, and had a peaceful heart throughout their life by applying spiritual values preached to them. Although some may not, expectedly, and may even suffered "hell" throughout their lives despite dedication in their chosen denomination. Those who did not believe will go, well, nowhere. Nothing will happen to them also. They also may or may not have spent valuable time on their lifetime here on Earth. Overall, nothing bad will happen for both sides after death.

Now, what if there really is/are creator/s or what we call gods and spirits? Those who believed, again, may or may not end well, depending on how they followed the true doctrines. Those who refused to believe, most probably, will end up in punishment. Overall, disbelief will most probably take you to failure and belief may take you to your sought after heaven.

Always be careful on what you believe in. Our mind is there, for a purpose.


So now, would you still hold on to what you believe in? Please share your experiences and insights in the comments section below.


The above post is brought to you by Jezreel Magbanua, who loves helping people MAKING things SIMPLE. Click here to get to know Jezreel Magbanua better. 

Pursuing Your Passion... and Your Success

What do you REALLY want?

I once became so passionate and focused on a certain goal way back in college, when I was given a chance to be the team captain of our Mechanical Engineering student quizzers in joining inter-university contests. Those days are still clear in my mind: when I choose self-review rather than playing games and having fun with friends; studying even during summer vacations; finding vacant rooms or going to the library during class breaks; getting up early and staying up late without watching TV and taking any food. Thank GOD, I was able lead my team to national championship even without formal coaching from my instructors.

Another good thing is, I was able to utilize those things I learned in contests for my studies, so I didn't had a hard time for my major subjects and even during my review sessions for the professional licensure examinations. I realized that I love what I did, and achieved what I REALLY wanted. Actually, I just aimed for the cash prize of PhP5,000 in the national level. A small sum, but that was all the motivation I needed, aside from the thrill I feel in testing my knowledge under time pressure.

With all honesty, I didn't know what course to take in college. Because engineering is the best course available in the university near our residence, I made a deduction on what particular engineering field to pursue. Anyway, I love science and math subjects. So I ended up in Mechanical Engineering, and graduated with flying colors, all with the help of GOD, and the pursuit of my passion.


Now, let's try to make things simple...

How did I use the process of elimination to choose which engineering course to take?

I had quite a fear of falling, so I won't take Electrical Engineering, where I most probably will end up climbing high voltage towers and posts, aside from the fatality of electrocution. The population of Electronics and Communications Engineering students is one of the highest in our college, so I foresee myself ending up jobless after graduation. Civil Engineering was of no interest for me as I hate manual drawing (no talent for that at all). Mechatronics Engineering was still newly-introduced at that time in our university.

So here I am, a registered mechanical engineer of the Philippines and ranked second place among the 2007 board passers.

My younger brother took my parent's advice to take another engineering course like me, and he chose electronics and communications engineering, which is definitely popular. He was able to finish the five-year program but unfortunately, he never experienced summer vacation because of failing grades, and never had the guts to take the licensure exams.

So this time, for my youngest brother (we're three in the family), I chose what course he should take, and not my parents.

My brother loves playing computer games, especially online stuffs. DotA (stand for Defense of the Ancients), Ragnarok, Counterstrike; he tried them all. He was frequently scolded by my father as he spends more time in those things than in his high school studies. Lots of money were also spared from that addiction of his. So I decided that... He must take an Information Technology (IT) course. And he agreed with that.

So where's my brother now?

Currently, he is doing on-the-job training in a reputable company in Makati as part of of his course requirements. Computer programming is his forte. He never had failing grades even while continuing with his cyber games. Their team always win the monthly tournaments and each one of them takes home around PhP4,000 - PhP5,000. So my brother already earns monthly (while being a student) what I earned in a year from participating in quiz shows. He's also been to Singapore (where I've never been) to represent the country, with his team, in Dragon Nest championship, a fast-rising internet game worldwide. And best of all, he is now applying for Visa so their team can represent again the country for a world championship to be held in China next month.

That addiction didn't interfere with his studies, but rather, it even boosted his IT learning. You should have seen how fast his fingers strike the keyboard without having tried those keyboard typing lessons. It's also easier for him to understand programming languages. No conflict was created between education and play. Not in his wildest dreams will he be going to another country just because of doing what he loves since childhood, playing computer games. My parents changed the way they view my brother's favorite hobby.

Do what you love, and not just what you like. No excuses; no regrets.

So what are you passionated about? Please share your experiences and insights in the comments section below.


The above post is brought to you by Jezreel Magbanua, who loves helping people MAKING things SIMPLE. Click here to get to know Jezreel Magbanua better. Thanks and GOD bless!!!

Go The Distance

How far will you go for your dreams?

Now, let's try to make things simple...

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. Michael Bolton did it really good for this one.

A song about going for your dreams.

Here's the lyrics and live video of the song. Enjoy (.^_^.)

Go the Distance
by Michael Bolton 

I have often dreamed, of a far off place 
Where a hero's welcome, would be waiting for me 
Where the crowds will cheer, when they see my face 
And a voice keeps saying, this is where I'm meant to be 

I'll be there someday, if I can go the distance 
I will find my way, if I can be strong 
I know ev'ry mile, would be worth my while 
When I go the distance, I'll be right where I belong 

Down an unknown road, to embrace my fate 
Though that road may wander, it will lead me to you 
And a thousand years, would be worth the wait 
It might take a lifetime, but somehow I'll see it through 

And I won't look back, 'coz I can go the distance 
And I'll stay on track, no I won't accept defeat 
It's an uphill slope, but I won't lose hope 
'Til I go the distance, and my journey is complete 

But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part 
For a hero's strength is measured by his heart 

Like a shooting star, I can go the distance 
I will search this world, I will face its harms 
I don't care how far, i can go the distance 
'Til I find my hero's welcome, waiting in your arms 

I will search this world, and I will face its harms 
Until I find my hero's welcome, waiting in your arms

Which songs motivate you to go for your dreams? Please share your experiences and insights in the comments section below.


The above post is brought to you by Jezreel Magbanua, who loves helping people MAKING things SIMPLE. Click here to get to know Jezreel Magbanua better. Thanks and GOD bless!!!

Pay Me Now!!! Or Else...

How do you feel when someone you lent doesn't pay you on due date? Or never ever pays every money he borrows?

Now, let's try to make things simple...

Lend what you can afford to lose.

Have you experienced lending someone PhP500.00 and then he or she didn't paid back? How did you feel? If you felt anger and even reprimanded the borrower, then it means you can't afford losing that much money. 

But if you didn't felt bad, then most probably you can lend that amount again or perhaps, even more!

If you can't afford PhP100.00 to not come back to you, then do not lend PhP100.00 to anyone! Who cares if the other person felt bad! You can just say, "I'm sorry.. Got so many expenses this month that I can't escape."

If you lent PhP10.00 and the borrower did not pay you, then you didn't feel sorrow nor rage, it means it's fine for you to lend PhP10.00.

Again, always be prepared for the worst. And know the limits of your feelings.

So how much money have you given away to debtors? Please share your experiences and insights in the comments section below.


The above post is brought to you by Jezreel Magbanua, who loves helping people MAKING things SIMPLE. Click here to get to know Jezreel Magbanua better. Thanks and GOD bless!!!

Enjoy Taking Risks

In everything we do, there are risks involved. Life is so full of risks...

- Back in our school years, our parents took the risk of spending a great deal of amount, notwithstanding if their child will end up in failure. Others even take greater risk by applying for financial loans just to push through their child's education.

- Inside our own homes, there's the risk that a sinkhole might, literally, swallow the house whole, anytime.

- It's risky to live near airports because landing planes have a higher probability of crashing on you.

- Going to office will make you exposed to fast-moving cars that might hit you along the way.

- Just by reading this blog post, the improbable can happen (.^_^.)

In like manner also, business has it's risks: risk of getting robbed, risk of an employee meeting an accident at work, risk of a big meteorite colliding into your store, etc.


Now, let's try to make things simple...

As I have learned from listening to preachings, and also speaking from personal experience, these are the basic rules:

1. If negativity fills up your brain, better do yourself a favor: please, DON'T JOIN! Pessimism will destroy you as you go along, if you recklessly enter just any open door. Perhaps this particular is either not for you, or this is not yet the right timing for you.

2. Never invest with an amount your heart cannot take, when the plan fails. Only give away money that will make you say, "Well, that's only $xxxx.xx; I don't even feel it's gone now."

3. Always go for "calculated risks". Sit down on a table, get your pen, plus a piece of paper and a calculator, then list down the figures. Don't be an overexcited chicken on every proposal brought to your consciousness.

Whatever fate will bring, it's still a WHOLE LOT better that you TRIED and FAILED, rather than hiding behind your mama's skirt. Whether you win or lose, for sure, experience will make you LEARN!

What kind of risks have you taken so far? Please share your experiences and insights in the comments section below.


The above post is brought to you by Jezreel Magbanua, who loves helping people MAKING things SIMPLE. Click here to get to know Jezreel Magbanua better. Thanks and GOD bless!!!