SPECIAL GROCERY LIST
Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once. Visualizing the family needs, she said: "Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can."John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store. Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family.The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, "Do you have a grocery list?" Louise replied, "Yes sir."
"O.K" he said, "put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries."Louise, hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed. The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down.The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, "I can't believe it." The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement.It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said:"Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands." The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence.Louise thanked him and left the store. The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said; "It was worth every penny of it. Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs."THE POWER OF PRAYER: When you receive this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do. Just stop right now, and say a prayer of thanks for your own good fortune.Then please send this to all your friends and relatives.I believe if you will send this testimony out with prayer in faith, you will receive what you need God to do in your and your families' life . So dear heart, trust God to heal the sick, provide food for the hungry, clothes and shelter for those that don't have as we do. Amen & AmenDon't break this, please!Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.There is no cost but a lot of rewards.May you always walk with Angels God Bless! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I AM CLAIMING THIS FOR YOU
Three things will happen to you this coming week:
(1) You will find favor with someone you don't expect;
(2) You will be too relevant to be ignored;
(3) You will encounter God and you will never remain the same, Amen.
My prayer for you today:The eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil, the hands that will send this message to others shall not labor in vain, the mouth saying Amen to this prayer shall laugh forever. Remain in God's love as you send this prayer to everybody on your list. Have a lovely journey of life! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will never fail you because He is Awesome! If you truly need a blessing, continue reading this email:Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to you that you abundantly bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in you. Father, I send up a prayer request for blessings for not only the person who sent this to me, but for me and all that I have forwarded this message on to. And that the power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in you is more powerful than anything. I thank you in advance for your blessings. Father God, deliver the person reading this right now from debt and debt burdens. Release your Godly wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that You have given me Father, for I know how wonderful and mighty you are and how if we just obey you and walk in your word and have the faith of a mustard seed that you will pour out blessings. I thank you now Lord for the recent blessings I have received and for the blessings yet to come because I know you are not done with me yet. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen TAKE 60 SECONDS and send this on quickly and within hours, you will have caused a multitude of people to pray to God for each other. Then sit back and watch the power of God work in your life for doing the thing that you know He loves. Remain Blessed!!! Peace and Blessings...
Friday, January 18, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
20 Tips for a Positive New Year
20 Tips for a Positive New Year!
By Jon Gordon
1. Take a 10-30 minute "Thank you" walk every day. While you walk practice gratitude. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. Buy a TIVO, tape your late night shows and get more sleep - it's the ultimate energizer.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement: My purpose is to___________ today.
5. Live with the 3 E's. Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.
6. Read more books than you did in 2007.
7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Do the "one thing" you have always wanted to do.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured in plants.
11. Mentor someone and be mentored by someone.
12. Engage in daily random acts of kindness.
13. Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing positive energy into your life.
14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.
18. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished____________.
19. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
20. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy it.
By Jon Gordon
1. Take a 10-30 minute "Thank you" walk every day. While you walk practice gratitude. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. Buy a TIVO, tape your late night shows and get more sleep - it's the ultimate energizer.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement: My purpose is to___________ today.
5. Live with the 3 E's. Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.
6. Read more books than you did in 2007.
7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Do the "one thing" you have always wanted to do.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured in plants.
11. Mentor someone and be mentored by someone.
12. Engage in daily random acts of kindness.
13. Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing positive energy into your life.
14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.
18. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished____________.
19. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
20. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy it.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Former Philippines leader Estrada eyes movie comeback
MANILA (AFP) - Disgraced former Philippine president Joseph Estrada on Thursday said he would stage a comeback, but only on the silver screen where he plans to star in a comedy.
"I will return, yes, but in the movies only," the movie star-turned-politician, now 70, told AFP.
Estrada laid out his plans just over two months after he was released from detention for corruption after being granted a presidential pardon.
A starring role for Estrada in a film opposite one of the Philippines' leading comedy actresses was "under negotiation," he said.
"I was in jail for six years, I don't have money anymore," the former movie action star president and self-confessed womaniser said.
"People are already suffering and crying, we don't need to make them cry some more in a dramatic movie," he said, explaining his choice of a comedy for his comeback.
"I will return, yes, but in the movies only," the movie star-turned-politician, now 70, told AFP.
Estrada laid out his plans just over two months after he was released from detention for corruption after being granted a presidential pardon.
A starring role for Estrada in a film opposite one of the Philippines' leading comedy actresses was "under negotiation," he said.
"I was in jail for six years, I don't have money anymore," the former movie action star president and self-confessed womaniser said.
"People are already suffering and crying, we don't need to make them cry some more in a dramatic movie," he said, explaining his choice of a comedy for his comeback.
The film title was being kept under wraps, and he said his fee was also "negotiable."
Estrada, who made his name in more than 100 movies over three decades, cultivated an image of the everyday man who was a champion of the poor and remains hugely popular.
In 1998 he won the presidency by the biggest margin in Philippine history. Allegations of incompetence and massive corruption however led to his impeachment 30 months into office, and subsequently to his ouster in a military-backed bloodless popular revolt.
In April 2000 he became the first president to be booked and detained like a common criminal. His six-year trial ended in September last year, when he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
But two months later, his successor and arch enemy, incumbent President Gloria Arroyo pardoned him.
Estrada, still the de facto political opposition head, remains hugely popular with the masses while Arroyo has seen her popularity dwindle.
Estrada aides have been floating the idea of a possible presidential run in 2010 in the absence of a unifying figure among opposition candidates.
Asked to confirm the report on Thursday, Estrada played coy, saying: "That is just speculation right now, but who knows?"
Estrada, who made his name in more than 100 movies over three decades, cultivated an image of the everyday man who was a champion of the poor and remains hugely popular.
In 1998 he won the presidency by the biggest margin in Philippine history. Allegations of incompetence and massive corruption however led to his impeachment 30 months into office, and subsequently to his ouster in a military-backed bloodless popular revolt.
In April 2000 he became the first president to be booked and detained like a common criminal. His six-year trial ended in September last year, when he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
But two months later, his successor and arch enemy, incumbent President Gloria Arroyo pardoned him.
Estrada, still the de facto political opposition head, remains hugely popular with the masses while Arroyo has seen her popularity dwindle.
Estrada aides have been floating the idea of a possible presidential run in 2010 in the absence of a unifying figure among opposition candidates.
Asked to confirm the report on Thursday, Estrada played coy, saying: "That is just speculation right now, but who knows?"
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
"I wish you enough"
"I wish you enough!"
©By Bob Perks http://www.bobperks.com/
I never really thought that I'd spend as much time in airports as I do. I don't know why. I always wanted to be famous and that would mean lots of travel. But I'm not famous, yet I do see more than my share of airports.
I love them and I hate them. I love them because of the people I get to watch. But they are also the same reason why I hate airports. It all comes down to "hello" and "goodbye." I must have mentioned this a few times while writing my stories for you.
I have great difficulties with saying goodbye. Even as I write this I am experiencing that pounding sensation in my heart. If I am watching such a scene in a movie I am affected so much that I need to sit up and take a few deep breaths.
So when faced with a challenge in my life I have been known to go to our local airport and watch people say goodbye. I figure nothing that is happening to me at the time could be as bad as having to say goodbye.
Watching people cling to each other, crying, and holding each other in that last embrace makes me appreciate what I have even more. Seeing them finally pull apart, extending their arms until the tips of their fingers are the last to let go, is an image that stays forefront in my mind throughout the day.
On one of my recent business trips, when I arrived at the counter to check in, the woman said, "How are you today?" I replied, "I am missing my wife already and I haven't even said goodbye."
She then looked at my ticket and began to ask, "How long will you...Oh, my God. You will only be gone three days!" We all laughed. My problem was I still had to say goodbye.
But I learn from goodbye moments, too.
Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together. They had announced her departure and standing near the security gate, they hugged and he said, "I love you. I wish you enough."
She in turn said, "Daddy, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Daddy." They kissed and she left. He walked over toward the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry.
I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?"
"Yes, I have," I replied. Saying that brought back memories I had of expressing my love and appreciation for all my Dad had done for me. Recognizing that his days were limited, I took the time to tell him face to face how much he meant to me.
So I knew what this man experiencing.
"Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever goodbye?" I asked.
"I am old and she lives much too far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is, the next trip back would be for my funeral," he said. "When you were saying goodbye I heard you say, "I wish you enough." May I ask what that means?" He began to smile.
"That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone."
He paused for a moment and looking up as if trying to remember it in detail, he smiled even more.
"When we said 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them," he continued and then turning toward me he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."
He then began to sob and walked away.
My friends, I wish you enough!
Bob Perks is a motivational speaker, writer and one very special positive person.
Take a moment to visit his web site @ http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8UYPe&m=1dogAZVzV36fjD&b=v878WaiGRYu._ZzsjlpRzg
©By Bob Perks http://www.bobperks.com/
I never really thought that I'd spend as much time in airports as I do. I don't know why. I always wanted to be famous and that would mean lots of travel. But I'm not famous, yet I do see more than my share of airports.
I love them and I hate them. I love them because of the people I get to watch. But they are also the same reason why I hate airports. It all comes down to "hello" and "goodbye." I must have mentioned this a few times while writing my stories for you.
I have great difficulties with saying goodbye. Even as I write this I am experiencing that pounding sensation in my heart. If I am watching such a scene in a movie I am affected so much that I need to sit up and take a few deep breaths.
So when faced with a challenge in my life I have been known to go to our local airport and watch people say goodbye. I figure nothing that is happening to me at the time could be as bad as having to say goodbye.
Watching people cling to each other, crying, and holding each other in that last embrace makes me appreciate what I have even more. Seeing them finally pull apart, extending their arms until the tips of their fingers are the last to let go, is an image that stays forefront in my mind throughout the day.
On one of my recent business trips, when I arrived at the counter to check in, the woman said, "How are you today?" I replied, "I am missing my wife already and I haven't even said goodbye."
She then looked at my ticket and began to ask, "How long will you...Oh, my God. You will only be gone three days!" We all laughed. My problem was I still had to say goodbye.
But I learn from goodbye moments, too.
Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together. They had announced her departure and standing near the security gate, they hugged and he said, "I love you. I wish you enough."
She in turn said, "Daddy, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Daddy." They kissed and she left. He walked over toward the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry.
I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?"
"Yes, I have," I replied. Saying that brought back memories I had of expressing my love and appreciation for all my Dad had done for me. Recognizing that his days were limited, I took the time to tell him face to face how much he meant to me.
So I knew what this man experiencing.
"Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever goodbye?" I asked.
"I am old and she lives much too far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is, the next trip back would be for my funeral," he said. "When you were saying goodbye I heard you say, "I wish you enough." May I ask what that means?" He began to smile.
"That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone."
He paused for a moment and looking up as if trying to remember it in detail, he smiled even more.
"When we said 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them," he continued and then turning toward me he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."
He then began to sob and walked away.
My friends, I wish you enough!
Bob Perks is a motivational speaker, writer and one very special positive person.
Take a moment to visit his web site @ http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8UYPe&m=1dogAZVzV36fjD&b=v878WaiGRYu._ZzsjlpRzg
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
"It's never too late to be what you might have been"
Subject: PLEASE READ IMMEDIATELY, I HOPE YOU'RE NOT DOING THIS!!!
I am guilty of doing this. PLEASE READ IMMEDIATELY.
Do not charge your mobile phone the whole night and DON'T keep it near you while charging. IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ IMMEDIATELY! I HOPE YOU'RE NOT DOING THIS!!! Never, ever answer a cell phone while it is being RECHARGED!! A few days ago, a person was recharging his cell phone at home. Just at that time, a call came in and he answered it with the instrument still connected to the outlet. After a few seconds,electricity flowed into the cell phone unrestrained and the young man was thrown to the ground with a heavy thud. His parents rushed to theroom only to find him unconscious, with a weak heartbeat and burnt fingers. He was rushed to the nearby hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. Cell phones are a very useful modern invention. However, we must be aware that it can also be an instrument of death. Never use the cell phone while it is hooked to the electrical outlet!
FORWARD THIS TO THE PEOPLE THAT MATTER IN YOUR LIFE.
Do not charge your mobile phone the whole night and DON'T keep it near you while charging. IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ IMMEDIATELY! I HOPE YOU'RE NOT DOING THIS!!! Never, ever answer a cell phone while it is being RECHARGED!! A few days ago, a person was recharging his cell phone at home. Just at that time, a call came in and he answered it with the instrument still connected to the outlet. After a few seconds,electricity flowed into the cell phone unrestrained and the young man was thrown to the ground with a heavy thud. His parents rushed to theroom only to find him unconscious, with a weak heartbeat and burnt fingers. He was rushed to the nearby hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. Cell phones are a very useful modern invention. However, we must be aware that it can also be an instrument of death. Never use the cell phone while it is hooked to the electrical outlet!
FORWARD THIS TO THE PEOPLE THAT MATTER IN YOUR LIFE.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Magandang kwento . . . totoo at tumatalab . .
Magandang kwento . . . totoo at tumatalab . .
Isang bagong-saltang kaluluwa ang umakyat sa langit ang ngayon ay nakaharap kay San Pedro. Namasyal silang dalawa sa langit. Magkahawak-kamay silang naglakad-lakad sa isang malaking silid doon na puno ng mga anghel. Huminto si San Pedro sa harap ng isang lupon ng mga anghel at nagsalita, "Ito ang silid-tanggapan. Sa silid na ito, tinatanggap lahat ng mga kahilingan sa panalangin."Pinagmasdan ito ng kaluluwa, at nakita nitong abala ang lahat sa pag-uugnay-ugnay ng mga kahilingan na nakasulat sa bunton ng mga papel na galing sa buong mundo.
Nagpatuloy silang maglakad hanggang madaanan nila ang pangalawang lupon ng mga anghel. Ang wika ni San Pedro sa kaluluwa, "Ito naman ang 'Packaging at Delivery Section'.
Dito, ang biyaya at mga pagpapala na hiniling ng mga tao ay binabalot at dini-deliver sa mga tao na humingi noon ."Nakitang muli ng kaluluwa kung gaano ito kaabala. Maraming anghel doon ang talagang subsob sa trabaho sa dami ng mga pagpapalang hiniling at dini-deliver araw-araw sa lupa.Hanggang sa dumako sila sa huling lupon, sa pinakamalayong lupon.
Huminto ang anghel doon sa isang maliit na lupon. Sa kanyang pagkamangha, iisang anghel lamang ang nakaupo doon, walang ginagawa."Ito ang 'Acknowledgement Section," sabi ni San Pedro."Bakit tahimik? Wala ba silang ginagawa rito?"
"Nakakalungkot," sagot ni San Pedro,"pagkatapos makatanggap ng sagot sa kanilang mga panalangin ang mga tao, kakaunti ang nagbibigay ng pasasalamat.""Papaano ba magbibigay ng 'acknowledgement' ang mga tao sa Diyos?"
"Simple lang. Sabihin mo lang na "Salamat po Panginoon."
"Ano bang pagpapala ang dapat nilang ipagpasalamat?"
"Kung may pagkain ka sa iyong hapag-kainan, damit na sinusuot, may bahay na tinutuluyan at kamang tutulugan, ikaw ay mas mayaman sa 75% sa mundongito.
"Kung may salapi kang naiipon sa iyong pitaka at may natitira pang pambili ng pagkain, ikaw ay isa sa 8% na may mga kabuhayan sa mundo.
"Kapag nakuha mo ang mensaheng ito sa iyong computer, bahagi ka ng 1% sa mundong ito na may ganyang oportunidad."Kapag gumising ka sa umagang ito na walang sakit, mas pinagpala ka sa milyong tao sa mundong ito na hindi na makagising dahil sa hirap ng buhay.
"Kung di mo nararanasan ang takot sa gitna ng giyera, ang kalungkutan sa loob ng piitan, ang pasakit ng mga pagsubok, at ang pangil ng pagkagutom, mas malayo ka nang milya-milya sa 700 milyong tao na nabubuhay sa mundo."Kung buhay pa ang iyong mga magulang at nananatiling magkasama sa bisa ng kasal, kakaunti lang kayo.
"Kung naititingala mo pa ang iyong ulo nang may ngiti sa iyong mga labi, hindi ka kasama sa karamihan. Naiiba ka kaysa sa kanila na puno ng kapighatian at mga kagulumihanan."Tanong ng kaluluwa,
"Kung gano'n, papaano ako magsisimulang magpasalamat?"
"Kung nababasa mo ang mensaheng ito, nakatanggap ka na naman ng dobleng pagpapala, dahil may isang nagpadala sa iyo na iniisip na espesyal kang nilalang, at mas pinagpala ka kaysa sa dalawang bilyong mga tao sa buong mundo na hindi marunong magbasa . . .
"Pagpalain ang araw mo, bilangin mo ang iyong mga pagpapala, at kung ibig mo, pagpalain mo rin ang mga tao sa iyong paligid upang malaman din nila kung gaano sila pinagpala ng Panginoon.
ATTN: Acknowledgement Department: "Salamat po, Panginoon. Salamat po sa pagbibigay mo sa akin ng abilidad na ibahagi ang mensaheng ito at sa pagbibigay mo sa akin ng mabubuti at magagandang tao na babahaginan nito!
"Salamat po."
Isang bagong-saltang kaluluwa ang umakyat sa langit ang ngayon ay nakaharap kay San Pedro. Namasyal silang dalawa sa langit. Magkahawak-kamay silang naglakad-lakad sa isang malaking silid doon na puno ng mga anghel. Huminto si San Pedro sa harap ng isang lupon ng mga anghel at nagsalita, "Ito ang silid-tanggapan. Sa silid na ito, tinatanggap lahat ng mga kahilingan sa panalangin."Pinagmasdan ito ng kaluluwa, at nakita nitong abala ang lahat sa pag-uugnay-ugnay ng mga kahilingan na nakasulat sa bunton ng mga papel na galing sa buong mundo.
Nagpatuloy silang maglakad hanggang madaanan nila ang pangalawang lupon ng mga anghel. Ang wika ni San Pedro sa kaluluwa, "Ito naman ang 'Packaging at Delivery Section'.
Dito, ang biyaya at mga pagpapala na hiniling ng mga tao ay binabalot at dini-deliver sa mga tao na humingi noon ."Nakitang muli ng kaluluwa kung gaano ito kaabala. Maraming anghel doon ang talagang subsob sa trabaho sa dami ng mga pagpapalang hiniling at dini-deliver araw-araw sa lupa.Hanggang sa dumako sila sa huling lupon, sa pinakamalayong lupon.
Huminto ang anghel doon sa isang maliit na lupon. Sa kanyang pagkamangha, iisang anghel lamang ang nakaupo doon, walang ginagawa."Ito ang 'Acknowledgement Section," sabi ni San Pedro."Bakit tahimik? Wala ba silang ginagawa rito?"
"Nakakalungkot," sagot ni San Pedro,"pagkatapos makatanggap ng sagot sa kanilang mga panalangin ang mga tao, kakaunti ang nagbibigay ng pasasalamat.""Papaano ba magbibigay ng 'acknowledgement' ang mga tao sa Diyos?"
"Simple lang. Sabihin mo lang na "Salamat po Panginoon."
"Ano bang pagpapala ang dapat nilang ipagpasalamat?"
"Kung may pagkain ka sa iyong hapag-kainan, damit na sinusuot, may bahay na tinutuluyan at kamang tutulugan, ikaw ay mas mayaman sa 75% sa mundongito.
"Kung may salapi kang naiipon sa iyong pitaka at may natitira pang pambili ng pagkain, ikaw ay isa sa 8% na may mga kabuhayan sa mundo.
"Kapag nakuha mo ang mensaheng ito sa iyong computer, bahagi ka ng 1% sa mundong ito na may ganyang oportunidad."Kapag gumising ka sa umagang ito na walang sakit, mas pinagpala ka sa milyong tao sa mundong ito na hindi na makagising dahil sa hirap ng buhay.
"Kung di mo nararanasan ang takot sa gitna ng giyera, ang kalungkutan sa loob ng piitan, ang pasakit ng mga pagsubok, at ang pangil ng pagkagutom, mas malayo ka nang milya-milya sa 700 milyong tao na nabubuhay sa mundo."Kung buhay pa ang iyong mga magulang at nananatiling magkasama sa bisa ng kasal, kakaunti lang kayo.
"Kung naititingala mo pa ang iyong ulo nang may ngiti sa iyong mga labi, hindi ka kasama sa karamihan. Naiiba ka kaysa sa kanila na puno ng kapighatian at mga kagulumihanan."Tanong ng kaluluwa,
"Kung gano'n, papaano ako magsisimulang magpasalamat?"
"Kung nababasa mo ang mensaheng ito, nakatanggap ka na naman ng dobleng pagpapala, dahil may isang nagpadala sa iyo na iniisip na espesyal kang nilalang, at mas pinagpala ka kaysa sa dalawang bilyong mga tao sa buong mundo na hindi marunong magbasa . . .
"Pagpalain ang araw mo, bilangin mo ang iyong mga pagpapala, at kung ibig mo, pagpalain mo rin ang mga tao sa iyong paligid upang malaman din nila kung gaano sila pinagpala ng Panginoon.
ATTN: Acknowledgement Department: "Salamat po, Panginoon. Salamat po sa pagbibigay mo sa akin ng abilidad na ibahagi ang mensaheng ito at sa pagbibigay mo sa akin ng mabubuti at magagandang tao na babahaginan nito!
"Salamat po."
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
History of the Phillippines
"Concise" History of the Phillippines
An up-to-date 'concise' history of the Philippines
AUTHOR : ANONYMOUS
WHAT'S the big deal when Lapu-Lapu killed Magellan in 1521? Nothing much really. During Lapu-Lapu's time, Mactan was strictly tribal. Think small. There were no big ideas such as nationalism or geopolitics. Lapu-Lapu was simply, the local siga-siga and Magellan was the culture-shocked Westerner, a native first-timer in the exotic east. We lionize Lapu-Lapu as a hero and nationalist. Ang totoo, mayabang lang si Lapu-Lapu. But his defeat of a foreign invader, did not make a Filipino nation. The timing was wrong. And don't you believe that bull that Spanish explorers came to find spices of the East to improve the taste of their bland cuisine. Their hidden agenda was to spread their kingdom through colonization, the euphemism for land grabbing.
During the 333 years of Spanish rule (1565-1898), hundreds of rebellions were waged by native firebrands in many parts of the archipelago. Not one succeeded. Our rebels were either caught, garotted, or simply ignored by the Commandante as nuisances. Puro malas!
The execution of Rizal in 1896 was a traumatic experience for Filipinos. Those who read Rizal's Fili and Noli were incensed by the abuses of the church and state regime of the Spaniards. Emotions ran high, from Aparri to Jolo. The critical mass needed for nationhood was formed. At last we could rebel as a people, as a nation.
The Katipunan did their battle heroics, originally led by the firebrand Bonifacio and later on by the crafty Aguinaldo. With more Katipunan charges (Sugod mga Kapatid), freedom seemed possible. Between 1897 and 1899, stealth, betrayal, and skullduggery bedeviled our prospect for independence. The Aguinaldo and Bonifacio factions engaged in An ugly infighting (the talangka mentality) resulting in the execution of Bonifacio.
Meantime, an American Admiral named Dewey entered Manila Bay and defeated a lackluster Spanish navy. Aguinaldo reneged on the pact of Biak na bato. He resumed the revolution by proclaiming the Philippine Independence in Kawit..
Meanwhile, American and Spanish soldiers held a "moromoro" battle in Intramuros with the Spaniards surrendering. Aguinaldo's republic and his KKK patriots were left out and ignored. Naisahan tayo. Minalas na naman. The Filipino-American War broke out. Tall American soldiers looking like Clark Gable chased and battled the outlawed Filipino revolutionaries, ending in the capture of Aguinaldo in Isabela. Thanks to the mercenaries from Macabebe. This was the mother of all kamalasan.
At that time, our population was 8 million. The gap between the rich and the poor was estimated at 30% middle-class and rich, 70% low-class and rural poor. During the Commonwealth period (1901-1941), which followed, there were lots of learning on democratic principles, its structure and governance. Technology transfers were done on Constitutional Rights, Public Education, Transportation, Health, International Trade and Industrialization. The Americans turned out to be good tutors. Filipinos also went crazy over American brand products like Libby's corned beef and Portola sardines, Hershey's Kisses and Wrigley's chewing gum, Camel cigarettes and Model T Ford for the hacienderos of Pampanga and Bacolod (Negros).
Hollywood films made Pinoy males fantasize on Jean Harlow, Betty Grable, and Mae West. Thus, Filipino colonial mentality began. We fondly called this period Peace Time. By the way, American troops massacred innocent people in Balanguiga. Mga hayup din pala!
1941. Disaster! World War II! After attacking Pearl Harbor, the Japanese army invaded our country defeating the combined American and Filipino forces (USAFE). General McArthur, the proud and handsome Army chief, fled to Australia at the height of the battle. For four miserable years we suffered the sadism of the Japanese militarists rule. Torture, famine, and death were for us, the order of the day. Kawawa. Malas na malas!
The American forces returned in 1945 to liberate the country. McArthur, General superiority complex himself, sporting Ray Ban sunglasses and corncob pipe swaggered back to Manila. Piqued at his humiliation in 1941, McArthur ordered the bombing and shelling of Manila till kingdom come. The whole-wide expanse South of Pasig - from Post Office to Vito Cruz, including all of Intramuros - was pulverized. Manila was the most destroyed city of World War II next to Tokyo. Our culture, our heritage, and historical assets (seven beautiful churches in Intramuros, hundreds of elegant Art Deco and neo-classical architecture in Paco) were sacrificed recklessly and completely erased from the face of the earth. Sayang na sayang!
In 1946, we gained our Independence from the Americans. We were a free nation at last. We had enough exposure and lessons on how to govern a democratic country, the first in Asia. Our population was 17 million. The dollar exchange was US$1 to P2.
But there was still no peace from 1947 to 1966. A widespread communist rebellion led by Taruc, the Lava brothers, and its armed guerillas called Hukbalahap waged bloody war with government troops. Filipinos killed kapwa Filipinos. Malas na naman!
Our politicians and bureaucrats learned to engage in graft and corruption (What are we in power for?) - such as the war surplus bribery, the Tambobong wheeler-dealing and the Namarco scam. Talo! Six presidents were elected to manage the country from 1947 to 1972, under the democratic system. They were Presidents Roxas, Quirino, Magsaysay, Garcia, Macapagal, and Marcos.
Economists looked back to the decades of the 50s and 60s as the best years of the Philippine economy, surpassing Asian countries. The nostalgia was naiveté, a useless ego-tripping. The gap between the rich and the poor remained big. 30% middle-class and rich, 70% low-class, rural and urban poor. We were 27 million people. US$1 was to P4.
During the late 60's, the Maoist communists led by Commander Dante intensified its drive to overthrow the government. Marcos added fuel to the fire by creating a communist spook. Violence and mayhem rule the streets. The youth went up in arms! Martial Law was declared in 1972 and Marcos became dictator. Freedom of assembly and expression went out of the window.
What followed were years of dictatorial abuse, crony capitalism, shackled free enterprise, near economic collapse and a demoralized middle class. The gap between the rich (30%) and poor (70%)remained in a quagmire. Pareho rin Pala ang situation. Our population was 40 million. Exchange rate was US$1 to P7. Kawawang kawawa! Malas na malas!
In 1983, Ninoy Aquino, Marcos' exiled arch rival,was assassinated upon his return. Push came to shove. Cardinal Sin egged on the people on to protest. Outrage, self-pity, shame and fury raged and rumbled like a tidal wave, culminating in the incredible People Power Revolution. The very sick and obstinate Marcos fled (hijacked by Americans from Clark) to Hawaii (sounds like Paoay) where he died. His alleged millions of stolen dollars intact and unresolved. Up to now... Peso to dollar exchange is now P20 to $1.
But People Power was our shining glory! The whole world applauded our saintly courage, our dignified defiance, our bloodless solution to expel a dictator. We were the toast of all freedom-loving countries, the envy of all oppressed people. In 1986, we placed Cory Aquino, Ninoy's widow, in Malacañang. She was virtuous, sincere and full of good intentions for the country.
But what happens? Coup attempts by Honasan, power struggle, political squabbles, and the infighting for juicy deals harassed the amateur Cory presidency. So nothing happened. No progress took place. The economy was still bad.
The poor suffered more and more. Sure we got democracy back on its feet. But the Filipino resolve didn't happen. People Power pala was ningas cogon power. Sayang na sayang! Tha gap between the rich and the poor remained at 30% (middle-class and rich), 70% (lower-class and rural/urban poor). Exchange rate was US$1 to P25. We were 55 million people.
In 1992, Cory's choice, Fidel Ramos, West Pointer, soldier, and hero of the People Power won the presidency. He had the bearing, the single-mindedness and the vision to bring the country to a tiger economy status. Ramos was a terrific salesman of the Philippines to the world. He was able to hype a climate of an economic ground. He removed barriers to progress. He was an apostle of privatization. His mantra was, less government, more private sector! Fidel hit the right note and the economy went on a roll. Fidel wanted to run for reelection but failed to swing the cha-cha (an idiotic Acronym for Constitutional Change) so he could run again.
In 1997, the Asian economic crises struck, triggered by a balloons burst of the hyper speculative Bangkok economy. The financial debacle created disastrous effects in the investment institutions of Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Taiwan. All the Ramos gains evaporated into thin air. Malas na naman! The poor, especially Mang Pandoy, were poorer than ever.
1998 was showbiz time! The Erap para sa mahirap show opened to the chagrin of Makati Business Club. Pasensya na po kayo, mga elitists. Democracy is also weird. The choice of the masa must be respected. Catastrophe! Chavit Singson exploded jueteng bombs! For days on end, a nation sick in the stomach, sat through primetime TV aghast at watching the bizarre drama of alleged bribery, gambling, drunkenness, womanizing, deceit, and corruption. A lantern-jawed witness and a sexy intelligence "asset" hogged the witness stand.
Viewing the scandals on TV was like watching dogs mating in the public square. It's embarrassing but you can't take your eyes off them.
The impeachment trial serialized on TV was riveting. The defense lawyers, some wearing a canine sneer (ngiting aso) insulted our intelligence often. (Lokohin n'yo ang lelang n'yo). The whole country was stinking to high heavens. The prosecution produced its own witnesses Clarissa Ocampo, Emma Lim, Carmencita Itchon and many others. Idols with feet of clay fell crashing into the dust. Those who voted against opening the enveloped were legalese, procedural, and sounding intellectually brilliant. Also heartless and thick-skinned. They couldn't fathom the heartbeat of the nation. Cardinal Sin, aging and sickly, called the people again. It was People Power II! Same humongous and collective umbrage, same brinkmanship, and same staccato prayers! Generals Reyes and Villanueva simply joined the mammoth EDSA crowd. No US jets from Clark this time. Erap was out! Gloria was in!
Hope springs eternal. Malacañang regained its honor and dignity. Protocol was observed. Absurdity was gone. Grammatical English was back. 2001. More catastrophies! The peso plummeted to a horrifying P51 to US$1.
The Abu Sayyaf (extremist ideologues? Or mindless barbarians) were into kidnapping and terrorism, gaining worldwide notoriety. Businesses are still closing shop. Thousands of workers are being retrenched. Prices of food and Gasoline are very high. (Galunggong is P80 per kilo!) Our streets became permanent garbage dumps.
Maggots multiply to spread disease. Our communities stink. Again, the whole nation was witnessing sickening crimes attributed to people in the government. Talo na naman! We are now 75 million people but the gap between the rich, 30% (middle-class and rich), 70%(lower-class and rural/urban poor) remains the same for one century.
When will this end? It's been more than 350 years since Lapu's-Lapu' s victory, 100 years since Rizal martyrdom and we're nowhere as a people, as a nation. Malas pa rin!
An up-to-date 'concise' history of the Philippines
AUTHOR : ANONYMOUS
WHAT'S the big deal when Lapu-Lapu killed Magellan in 1521? Nothing much really. During Lapu-Lapu's time, Mactan was strictly tribal. Think small. There were no big ideas such as nationalism or geopolitics. Lapu-Lapu was simply, the local siga-siga and Magellan was the culture-shocked Westerner, a native first-timer in the exotic east. We lionize Lapu-Lapu as a hero and nationalist. Ang totoo, mayabang lang si Lapu-Lapu. But his defeat of a foreign invader, did not make a Filipino nation. The timing was wrong. And don't you believe that bull that Spanish explorers came to find spices of the East to improve the taste of their bland cuisine. Their hidden agenda was to spread their kingdom through colonization, the euphemism for land grabbing.
During the 333 years of Spanish rule (1565-1898), hundreds of rebellions were waged by native firebrands in many parts of the archipelago. Not one succeeded. Our rebels were either caught, garotted, or simply ignored by the Commandante as nuisances. Puro malas!
The execution of Rizal in 1896 was a traumatic experience for Filipinos. Those who read Rizal's Fili and Noli were incensed by the abuses of the church and state regime of the Spaniards. Emotions ran high, from Aparri to Jolo. The critical mass needed for nationhood was formed. At last we could rebel as a people, as a nation.
The Katipunan did their battle heroics, originally led by the firebrand Bonifacio and later on by the crafty Aguinaldo. With more Katipunan charges (Sugod mga Kapatid), freedom seemed possible. Between 1897 and 1899, stealth, betrayal, and skullduggery bedeviled our prospect for independence. The Aguinaldo and Bonifacio factions engaged in An ugly infighting (the talangka mentality) resulting in the execution of Bonifacio.
Meantime, an American Admiral named Dewey entered Manila Bay and defeated a lackluster Spanish navy. Aguinaldo reneged on the pact of Biak na bato. He resumed the revolution by proclaiming the Philippine Independence in Kawit..
Meanwhile, American and Spanish soldiers held a "moromoro" battle in Intramuros with the Spaniards surrendering. Aguinaldo's republic and his KKK patriots were left out and ignored. Naisahan tayo. Minalas na naman. The Filipino-American War broke out. Tall American soldiers looking like Clark Gable chased and battled the outlawed Filipino revolutionaries, ending in the capture of Aguinaldo in Isabela. Thanks to the mercenaries from Macabebe. This was the mother of all kamalasan.
At that time, our population was 8 million. The gap between the rich and the poor was estimated at 30% middle-class and rich, 70% low-class and rural poor. During the Commonwealth period (1901-1941), which followed, there were lots of learning on democratic principles, its structure and governance. Technology transfers were done on Constitutional Rights, Public Education, Transportation, Health, International Trade and Industrialization. The Americans turned out to be good tutors. Filipinos also went crazy over American brand products like Libby's corned beef and Portola sardines, Hershey's Kisses and Wrigley's chewing gum, Camel cigarettes and Model T Ford for the hacienderos of Pampanga and Bacolod (Negros).
Hollywood films made Pinoy males fantasize on Jean Harlow, Betty Grable, and Mae West. Thus, Filipino colonial mentality began. We fondly called this period Peace Time. By the way, American troops massacred innocent people in Balanguiga. Mga hayup din pala!
1941. Disaster! World War II! After attacking Pearl Harbor, the Japanese army invaded our country defeating the combined American and Filipino forces (USAFE). General McArthur, the proud and handsome Army chief, fled to Australia at the height of the battle. For four miserable years we suffered the sadism of the Japanese militarists rule. Torture, famine, and death were for us, the order of the day. Kawawa. Malas na malas!
The American forces returned in 1945 to liberate the country. McArthur, General superiority complex himself, sporting Ray Ban sunglasses and corncob pipe swaggered back to Manila. Piqued at his humiliation in 1941, McArthur ordered the bombing and shelling of Manila till kingdom come. The whole-wide expanse South of Pasig - from Post Office to Vito Cruz, including all of Intramuros - was pulverized. Manila was the most destroyed city of World War II next to Tokyo. Our culture, our heritage, and historical assets (seven beautiful churches in Intramuros, hundreds of elegant Art Deco and neo-classical architecture in Paco) were sacrificed recklessly and completely erased from the face of the earth. Sayang na sayang!
In 1946, we gained our Independence from the Americans. We were a free nation at last. We had enough exposure and lessons on how to govern a democratic country, the first in Asia. Our population was 17 million. The dollar exchange was US$1 to P2.
But there was still no peace from 1947 to 1966. A widespread communist rebellion led by Taruc, the Lava brothers, and its armed guerillas called Hukbalahap waged bloody war with government troops. Filipinos killed kapwa Filipinos. Malas na naman!
Our politicians and bureaucrats learned to engage in graft and corruption (What are we in power for?) - such as the war surplus bribery, the Tambobong wheeler-dealing and the Namarco scam. Talo! Six presidents were elected to manage the country from 1947 to 1972, under the democratic system. They were Presidents Roxas, Quirino, Magsaysay, Garcia, Macapagal, and Marcos.
Economists looked back to the decades of the 50s and 60s as the best years of the Philippine economy, surpassing Asian countries. The nostalgia was naiveté, a useless ego-tripping. The gap between the rich and the poor remained big. 30% middle-class and rich, 70% low-class, rural and urban poor. We were 27 million people. US$1 was to P4.
During the late 60's, the Maoist communists led by Commander Dante intensified its drive to overthrow the government. Marcos added fuel to the fire by creating a communist spook. Violence and mayhem rule the streets. The youth went up in arms! Martial Law was declared in 1972 and Marcos became dictator. Freedom of assembly and expression went out of the window.
What followed were years of dictatorial abuse, crony capitalism, shackled free enterprise, near economic collapse and a demoralized middle class. The gap between the rich (30%) and poor (70%)remained in a quagmire. Pareho rin Pala ang situation. Our population was 40 million. Exchange rate was US$1 to P7. Kawawang kawawa! Malas na malas!
In 1983, Ninoy Aquino, Marcos' exiled arch rival,was assassinated upon his return. Push came to shove. Cardinal Sin egged on the people on to protest. Outrage, self-pity, shame and fury raged and rumbled like a tidal wave, culminating in the incredible People Power Revolution. The very sick and obstinate Marcos fled (hijacked by Americans from Clark) to Hawaii (sounds like Paoay) where he died. His alleged millions of stolen dollars intact and unresolved. Up to now... Peso to dollar exchange is now P20 to $1.
But People Power was our shining glory! The whole world applauded our saintly courage, our dignified defiance, our bloodless solution to expel a dictator. We were the toast of all freedom-loving countries, the envy of all oppressed people. In 1986, we placed Cory Aquino, Ninoy's widow, in Malacañang. She was virtuous, sincere and full of good intentions for the country.
But what happens? Coup attempts by Honasan, power struggle, political squabbles, and the infighting for juicy deals harassed the amateur Cory presidency. So nothing happened. No progress took place. The economy was still bad.
The poor suffered more and more. Sure we got democracy back on its feet. But the Filipino resolve didn't happen. People Power pala was ningas cogon power. Sayang na sayang! Tha gap between the rich and the poor remained at 30% (middle-class and rich), 70% (lower-class and rural/urban poor). Exchange rate was US$1 to P25. We were 55 million people.
In 1992, Cory's choice, Fidel Ramos, West Pointer, soldier, and hero of the People Power won the presidency. He had the bearing, the single-mindedness and the vision to bring the country to a tiger economy status. Ramos was a terrific salesman of the Philippines to the world. He was able to hype a climate of an economic ground. He removed barriers to progress. He was an apostle of privatization. His mantra was, less government, more private sector! Fidel hit the right note and the economy went on a roll. Fidel wanted to run for reelection but failed to swing the cha-cha (an idiotic Acronym for Constitutional Change) so he could run again.
In 1997, the Asian economic crises struck, triggered by a balloons burst of the hyper speculative Bangkok economy. The financial debacle created disastrous effects in the investment institutions of Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Taiwan. All the Ramos gains evaporated into thin air. Malas na naman! The poor, especially Mang Pandoy, were poorer than ever.
1998 was showbiz time! The Erap para sa mahirap show opened to the chagrin of Makati Business Club. Pasensya na po kayo, mga elitists. Democracy is also weird. The choice of the masa must be respected. Catastrophe! Chavit Singson exploded jueteng bombs! For days on end, a nation sick in the stomach, sat through primetime TV aghast at watching the bizarre drama of alleged bribery, gambling, drunkenness, womanizing, deceit, and corruption. A lantern-jawed witness and a sexy intelligence "asset" hogged the witness stand.
Viewing the scandals on TV was like watching dogs mating in the public square. It's embarrassing but you can't take your eyes off them.
The impeachment trial serialized on TV was riveting. The defense lawyers, some wearing a canine sneer (ngiting aso) insulted our intelligence often. (Lokohin n'yo ang lelang n'yo). The whole country was stinking to high heavens. The prosecution produced its own witnesses Clarissa Ocampo, Emma Lim, Carmencita Itchon and many others. Idols with feet of clay fell crashing into the dust. Those who voted against opening the enveloped were legalese, procedural, and sounding intellectually brilliant. Also heartless and thick-skinned. They couldn't fathom the heartbeat of the nation. Cardinal Sin, aging and sickly, called the people again. It was People Power II! Same humongous and collective umbrage, same brinkmanship, and same staccato prayers! Generals Reyes and Villanueva simply joined the mammoth EDSA crowd. No US jets from Clark this time. Erap was out! Gloria was in!
Hope springs eternal. Malacañang regained its honor and dignity. Protocol was observed. Absurdity was gone. Grammatical English was back. 2001. More catastrophies! The peso plummeted to a horrifying P51 to US$1.
The Abu Sayyaf (extremist ideologues? Or mindless barbarians) were into kidnapping and terrorism, gaining worldwide notoriety. Businesses are still closing shop. Thousands of workers are being retrenched. Prices of food and Gasoline are very high. (Galunggong is P80 per kilo!) Our streets became permanent garbage dumps.
Maggots multiply to spread disease. Our communities stink. Again, the whole nation was witnessing sickening crimes attributed to people in the government. Talo na naman! We are now 75 million people but the gap between the rich, 30% (middle-class and rich), 70%(lower-class and rural/urban poor) remains the same for one century.
When will this end? It's been more than 350 years since Lapu's-Lapu' s victory, 100 years since Rizal martyrdom and we're nowhere as a people, as a nation. Malas pa rin!
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