sunnysideup perspectives: Use your past to fertilize your future

I have subscribed to Bo Sanchez' videos and blogs. I find a lot of inspiration is his articles and teachings.

Today I just watched his video on Youtube that reminds us to take our failures, pains or sins as fertilizers for our future. We can use our past experiences as a learning experience that will help us. We should also remember that God can make ugly things beautiful.

Watch his video and be blessed!




*Bo Sanchez is an author, a speaker and founder of several organizations designed to help the poor and inspire people. Read more about him on his site.

sunnysideup perspectives: Reform and Opening Up

I woke up this morning to a TV news on China's Anniversary Celebration - 30 years of successful Reform and Opening up. It just struck me that their opening up anniversary is almost the same age I have. So recent, so young yet so vibrant! I just find it amazing that in just a span of 3 decades, the changes in their country occurred and are so obvious. Just this year we've witnessed China host the Olympics and send men to outer space. They've also been more active in Global forums and meetings with country leaders.

Their current and resounding battle cry is Reform, Change and Open Up, something I am really witnessing firsthand. Their focus on education, labor and development is so apparent: Buildings are in construction here and there, roads and highways are well maintained, English schools and centers are thriving. In fact, I am meeting more and more Chinese people who are able/or learning to speak English. Times are hard now but I have no doubt that in a few more years, this country will grow further and attain more success. I congratulate them in advance for a job well done!

In all of this the main realization and learning that we can get is 'change'. That we all need to be open to change and adapt to our fast evolving world. It's a learn, adapt or be-left-behind world. Those who move, win!

Sunnysideup perspectives: An Election of Change

I'm not an American but I've been following this exciting election since the announcement of Obama as Democratic party's candidate. Thanks to Broadband internet and the impressive campaign monitoring of the media, I've been kept abreast on the campaign trail (Sarah Palin, Joe the Plumber, the VP and Presidential debates etc)

I also got to ask 2 people about their picks before the election. Both of them are Asians based in the US. I asked them who they are likely to vote and they said - Obama.

I find this election monumental and special. Simply because it offers so much hope and 'change'. Change seems to be the keyword here. Anyway, its amazing to see how things has transpired and how one person - a minority with very diverse roots - can rise up to one of the most powerful position in the world. I do hope that Mr. Obama's background and diversity will enable him to create a really positive impact to the world.

Hopefully we will see real change and that things do improve for everyone, especially since we are now seeing how we are all interconnected.

God bless the world!

Sunnysideup perspectives: The seasons of our lives

I'd like to share a very inspiring video by Bo Sanchez. It's about the seasons of our lives. When we experience growth, failure, change and end. I can relate so much especially since I'm in a moment of many changes in my life.

This is also very timely since we just had All Souls day and Halloween. Reminds us of our need to grow and move on. Plus it's a great way to start our week. A blessed Monday to you all!



Got this video from Youtube, uploaded by Annasamovar.

Thank you series: My first Halloween in China

I spent my Halloween weekend quite differently this year.

1. I was not able to go and visit my mom's in her garden resting place so I just lit a candle for her in our veranda and said my prayers. In the same way, I am not able to bond with my dad, since this is usually our 'day off' to bond and go to my moms grave.
2. I wasn't also able to meet up with my old friends, usually I also get to meet them since they also a a family, parent or grandparent, buried in the same cemetery were my mom is.
3. I was not able to see the entertaining mall decors and Trick or Treat costumed kids at the mall.

But,

1. I shared the moment with my hubby. This is our first Halloween as husband and wife. Soon it will also be our first Christmas together.

2. I got to attend another feast here in China. It's a thank you ceremony complete with dances and acrobatic performances. I was told that it was a celebration hosted by a realty company, to give thanks for their successful projects and to bless the new project they are going to build. I guess, one of the best ways to ward off bad karma or spirits is with a celebration.

3. We also spent a Halloween evening in Alex bar. It was pleasant and fun to see people in wild and wacky costumes. Bumped into a group of young expats on the bus already dressed for the fun evening.

Happy Halloween!

Sunnysideup Perspectives: The essence of a woman

As I was doing the dishes, a thought occurred to me - when a lady becomes a wife she enters a new phase of womanhood; she will enter a commitment that entails more sacrifice and more selflessness. Life is no longer about oneself and ones ambition, but dreams and goals with a partner, for a family. Of course I don't mean that married life will only be full of misery or self neglect. That's simply not healthy and I don't think anyone would want to get married if this is how they view marriage.

There is a thin line between selflessness and low esteem. I don't actually believe that one should be a martyr and stick it through when your husband is a jerk who hurts or abuses you. What I mean is that we begin to see that life is not just about us or our next shopping splurge or the next position and raise we are targeting. I mean, our priorities change, and we begin to see that we are here to live for others - for our family, maybe even our community. Of course if a woman is lucky her submissiveness and efforts will be rewarded with a mans love, respect and care. I think I am one of the lucky ones to have been blessed with a good husband who takes on this role very seriously.

I don't mean to sound like a feminist nor do I intend to trivialize the sacrifices of a man. I mean, I do see and observe how my husband is adjusting to the different demands of married life. How he too is thinking more about our family instead of himself and how he has been learning to take on the role that his dad use to play. Afterall, he too will be a father in the future. He too will be Mr. Fix-it, the stay-in handyman, for everything from home furnishings to shoes. Aside from that he is tasked to be the head and protector of the home and more importantly a Dad :)

Coming back to my point about women, I think what actually makes the adjustment harder for women and girls now is the clash of modern and traditional ways. For us women born in modern times, we are trained and used to independence. As singles we are able to carry our own weight and achieve success. We have our own goals and are able to compete or cooperate with men within the corporate world. A woman is highly regarded when she has 'beauty and brains,' but once they marry they are expected to learn the value of submissiveness. At some point we live double lives. A woman may be the boss in the office but once she comes home she needs to be able to change hats - willing and able to take on a support role. Here's one more thing to think about: Women in Manila (might not be applicable in other cultures and countries) change their surnames once they get married. Personally I don't have an issue with this, just the hassle of going to every government agency or corporate entity, to change your name is sooo tedious. (e.g. Drivers License, ID, Social Security... ooh and even ones email address)

In 1994 Ms. Universe winner, Sushmita Sen, described the essence of a woman, she said "Just being a woman is God's gift. The origin of a child is a mother, a woman. She shows a man what sharing, caring, and loving is all about. That is the essence of a woman." These words never meant as much to me and they do now. Being a woman is hard but now I see the blessing that comes with it.

I now also understand that being a housewife is not for everyone. Some are best suited as working moms, others for single-blessedness. My sister-in-law explained to me when I asked her about her decision to stop working and be a stay home mom. I am newly married and am not an expert on this. Some people may not agree with me but this is just my perspective - a reflection actually of what I've gone through this year.

Maybe it is safe to ask future brides and single ladies this, "Are you ready to live a life that is less about you and your dreams? Are you ready to lose and give a part of yourself to blend with your future partner?" If the answer is yes, then maybe you are indeed ready for the challenging yet fulfilling new journey called marriage.

To all my fellow newly weds, I wish you well and God bless! May our marriages be blessed to inspire, encourage and make a difference.

A New Beginning

Today, marks a new beginning for me. I create a new blog site as I start my life offshore with my husband. We just relocated here in Guangdong, China to further his career as an Engineer and to explore the world together. We've always wanted to travel and this is a step towards our dream of enjoying a full life together. I look forward to our upcoming trips to Macau and HK Disney. I think it's time for me to explore more of the Asian region since I've been to France, Italy and the USA.

"At the airport waiting for our plane."

"At the plane."

"A few more photo ops."

We arrived in China last Sunday, August 24, 2008. And since then we've been busy settling with our new surrounding. I love the fact that we are staying in a very peaceful place, a community of condo's. We've almost completed our furnishing shopping, just a few more things like the shower curtain and potholder, and we're done.

"Finally arrived in our apartment."

To all my friends and family, who will miss me. I miss you too. We are not that far away, especially with the Internet. I'll see you soon.