Superstitions! Superstitions!

Who believes in them? Honestly, I don't believe on these stuffs. For me they are a big hindrance in many ways! They hinder you to explore things, they limit your learning, and most of all they instill unnecessary guilt on people. And for what? Because of baseless crap? Ugh! As long as I know that I am not causing harm to anyone, then my conscience is clean. Bad luck only comes to negative people and to those who do harm to others. Yes, for me, karma is the name of the game.

Here are some superstitions I have heard in the province:

1. Don’t sing when eating, you will marry an older man. My mom tried this too, but the 2 times she got married, she got married to a younger man.
2. Don’t point at the rainbow, you will have a deformed finger. – I was afraid for sometime, I didn’t want to have a crooked finger!finally I got the guts to do it and nothing happened! 
3. Don’t build a house facing the west, your life will always be going down, no success. 
4. Don’t step over a rope when you are pregnant, your child will be born with the umbilical cord round his neck. - as you may have noticed now, I tend to disagree what I am told.
5. If you are sick, chances are the witch must have looked at you or touched you.  Then there was this old lady who claimed to cure all the illness in the village.  All she did was get a pick of ginger, make out a cross on your forehead, and your wrists. Then she puts the ginger on your head and say a sort of prayer in latin.  I knew she didn’t understand what came out of her mouth, This reminds me that during those times, the catholic church said their prayers in latin. Nobody studied latin in my country. The priest can substitute any word that he missed and nobody would even know!
6. Don't walk under a ladder or you'll have bad luck --- yeah, only if the person on top of that ladder happens to drop one of his tools.
7. Don't cut your nails at night or you will see a ghost.

Ridiculous? Definitely!

I remember in high school, my friends and I went at the back of our school building where there was an overgrowth of plants and trees. One of my friends didn't want us to go there because she was afraid that we might accidentally step on some unseen fairies which may take revenge on us. None of us believed her, so off we went and she eventually tagged along. The next day, she was sick with fever. Funny because among the five of us, she was the only one who got sick. She said it was because of the enchanted spirits in the forest, I think it was because she was so nervous the day before and that stressed her system.

My Experiences with Local Banks

I just want to share some of my experiences with the banks I transact with. Recently, one bank has managed to test my patience and I got to blurt out my frustrations in Facebook. That's how I found out that some of my friends are just as frustrated as I am with the said bank. My disappointment is not baseless after all. I would be glad to hear your experiences too, so we know which to avoid next time, hehehe.

Land Bank of the Philippines

- Personally, I will not choose this bank, me transacting with them is a matter of necessity and not of choice. I had to open a dollar account here because my mom finds it easier to send money through this bank from the States. Pros: I do not have to fall in line when I withdraw. I just give my ID for verification and wait for them to call my name, and I am done. Obviously, they prioritize such accounts. Also, they have branches in the rural areas which is why I send money to the province through this bank. Cons: Sometimes they run out of dollars and that's when you really wait until they can finish your request. And I am not allowed to withdraw from my dollar account from other branches, only at the branch where I opened my account. Third, I was once told by a guard to stay outside because, like some box-office hit movie, the inside of the bank is at full capacity - standing room only! How can't it be when their offices are so small? They really should improve on this. Depositors should be accommodated with a decent seat at least. Plus, their clients' safety and security are at risk outside of the establishment.

HSBC

- Having over 10,000 offices in 85 countries, I had high expectations from this bank. But heck, customer service is so poor. Or is this a local problem? If so, they really need to improve on this. I even dared them to give me an evaluation form so that I can give them an assessment for their own good - every organization needs that. There are transactions in other banks which can be done over the phone. This bank requires forms to be filled up and sent through fax/email (talk about banking online, duh). Twice, my fax have gotten lost. And what do they do? They asked me instead to dictate the data needed on the phone and they will process my application/transaction through that. Another, duh! Corresponding with them by email is also a pain. I really wonder what kind of clock or time system they use because even if they have declared that my email will be answered in two banking days, it usually takes five, sometimes I even have to follow it up for them to remember. Actually, I still have one open case with them from last month. What a really messy system! But hey, their collection department isn't going to disappoint you. Be sure to have no less than 5 missed calls in a day. **shakes head**

Bank of the Philippine Island

- This is my first bank, and up to now I have accounts with them. Pros: Sending money to other BPI accounts has no charge. I hope other banks would follow suit. Second, I believe they have the most number of atm machines where deposits are also allowed (although not all machines have this). Third, most transactions can be done online or through the phone. No hassle at all, very convenient. Not to mention that they have express centers that are open on weekends. Cons: Nothing really. I just wish that I can transact with BPI Family bank through them.

Chinabank

- I just opened an account here so there isn't much to say. I did make a withdrawal a couple of months ago which was over-charged but it only took a single call to their office and it was credited back. There wasn't even a need for me to follow it up since they personally called me to inform me of the reversal. Now, that is what I call customer service. 

Of course, no bank is perfect. We just have to choose which one addresses our needs in the most convenient way. But we are depositors, and these banks are actually earning from us. So maybe it isn't much to ask for a good and cordial service. At this day and age, people will always prefer a bank that can offer convenience. Gone are the times when we have to fall in long lines or take a day off from work to be able to make transactions at the bank by 3pm. I see a few banks gearing for those good developments, and these banks do get a number of depositors because of this. Time for the others to follow their lead.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!!!

It's the year of the rabbit, and it's my year! 

It is said that this is the luckiest of all twelve signs, ain't that great? Honestly, whatever luck I am enjoying, I believe is due to my positivity, I am not really a fan of astrology but it is admittedly enjoyable to read at times. Although, I must admit that I filter what I take in - believe in the good predictions, junk the bad ones - only good energy folks! I actually have one true personal story about this. 

Some 6 years ago, my friend urged me to see a fortune teller that she usually visits. The old lady told me then that by this year (2011), I would already have my own house and car. Well, I got my house four years ago, and I am in the process of buying my car. Can you hear twilight zone's theme song in the background now? hehehe.... Honestly, I think what made that prediction come true is because I have set my mind on it. Meaning, I worked hard to have this house and car by this year. I didn't just sit down under the shade of the mango tree and watch it happen. By believing that this is gonna happen, the universe has paved ways for opportunities to present themselves to me, thus, the unfolding of these events. That is the power of positive energy! :)

Going back to the year of the rabbit, I may not be a true-blue believer of astrology, but I am mesmerized by it especially when I see how people go through details just to bring luck in their lives. And the Chinese people's belief and practice of it is amazing. Since, Ongpin is one of my favorite streets here in Manila, I went there to celebrate Chinese year. Merry, colorful, fun!

a very long Dragon

the reason I keep visiting the place, Wanton noodles at Ling Nam

my friend, imitating a rabbit :) :) :)

                             

Some characteristics of people born in the year of the rabbit:

• they are cautious, conservative, bright, and have a good head for business
• affectionate, naturally shy peacemakers
• always inspire deep admiration and trust
• they respond to the power and beauty of nature
• very generous to friends and loved ones
• reserved and very artistic
• good scholars
• they land on their feet and easily leap obstacles in their path
• has exquisite taste in dress and arts
• loves peace and generally avoids any kind of arguments
• can be manipulative --- (uh-oh)

Doppelgänger

I have been meaning to write something about this two for some time now but always forgets. Javier Bardem and Jeffrey Dean Morgan - separated at birth? The similarity is just way creepy. Supernatural? Nah, that's just the show Morgan starred in. I first saw him there, playing as the father of the two lead actors, then at Grey's anatomy as Izzie's love interest who died after a heart transplant (made a lot of audience cry, I bet!). He also did a guest role in CSI as an undercover agent, just a teeny weeny role. 

Anyway, then last year I saw "Eat, Pray, Love" which starred Julia Roberts (loved it!). Then this guy Felipe came and I was like, "oh, it's that guy on TV". But not quite. And I went on like that during the rest of the film... "yes, it is him"... "nah"..... "sure is"..... "no it's not!".... hahaha! Okay, reading the credits proved that it wasn't Morgan. But can you blame me? Can you tell who's who?

Javier Bardem (L) and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (R)

It's weird since they are both actors, I wonder how they react when they see each other. Heck, they can make a movie with them playing as twins. I know, overkill... hehehe! Of course, Bardem has that Spanish accent but they are actors and they can  change that which was why I really had a hard time convincing myself it wasn't Morgan in "Eat, Pray, Love". One thing I've learned to distinguish one from the other is by their noses. Bardem's is bigger but you have to see that from the side angle to really notice.

Bardem, by the way, is in the news these days, having been nominated in the Oscar's for best actor (yes, he's the one who can act  ^_^) and having recently had a child with wife Penelope Cruz. 

Maybe I should watch more of these two so I can distinguish them easily next time and stop arguing with myself, teehee!

Living, Loving, and Learning...by Leonardo Buscaglia

Have you guys read this book? Leonardo Buscaglia is one of may favorite authors and people. Most lovable and loved by many, and why not when his speeches preaches of nothing but LOVE. He actually taught the subject in the University of California - Love 101. Great, huh? It may be weird for some but I would have gladly taken that class every year. Well, too bad Leo is no longer with us and I wonder if someone has pursued teaching the subject now. Good thing that he was able to author several books for us to ponder on and spend one quiet afternoon with.

About this book, this is actually a compilation of sort of excerpts from his speeches and lectures. Such a nourishment for the soul if you give it a chance to read. It has a way of leading us back to ourselves, of accepting our weaknesses and yet loving ourselves despite of the flaws. To marvel in our uniqueness and to not put our energy into being someone else. Yet, it also emphasizes on the process of learning new things to enrich us, and unlearning things that hinders us. To not limit ourselves by clinging on the filters that were imposed to us as a child by our environment.

That is basically what I like most about this book (no wonder I have read it like a hundred times!), it teaches me to love myself. Not in an egotistical way, but in a healthy manner so that by loving myself I can learn how to love other people and teach them to love themselves too. The title of the book shows us that this is a process. We live, we love, and we learn. On and on and on. We may get hurt or get broken, and we learn from that. Or better yet, we may get lucky and rejoice in it... :) 

            

The one on the left was bought in 1999, so it's been with me for 12yrs now. Over-used, over-read, and over-traveled. I always bring it with me in my travels. On the right is barely a year old, got it during a sale of a local bookstore. I managed to buy 5 copies and been giving them to close friends. Kept one for myself and still have another one which is still waiting for the lucky recipient... ^_^

friendship

I consider myself the most vulnerable person on earth. Easily played on, easily fooled, easily taken for granted.

Now why did i give this blog its title? That's because this is my overview of how I have been a friend and how I have been neglected as one.

I almost always see the good things. If a person shows me one good side of him/her, you win me. That tiny bitsy thing will give me a lasting impression of that person, of his potentials, clouding everything else that I should have taken in consideration. Realities that are right in front of my face.

What can i say, that's me. Is there anything bad in seeing the good in others? Nothing i guess. It only becomes bad when the other person uses that to either exploit you, play with you or worse be so selfish.

Many times I have gone out of my boundaries just to save a friendship that I have valued most, only to be rejected. It even came to the point of begging. still, no budge. Then it struck me, this person never valued me. with all the good I've shown, nothing good was given back. And I have only myself to deal with it in sadness.

As i may quote one of the messages I got from GodWhispers....."Go to where you are appreciated, not to where you are tolerated, not to where you are not valued. I have given you gifts. Give them to those who appreciate them. Do not throw your pearls to the swine." So true... ^_^

forgiveness

"The weak cannot forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong" .... it takes a lot of courage to forgive and let go of all the anger. To finally be able to say, "it's okay now, the anger is gone", requires a strong heart, aided by prayers and a positive mind. Not to forgive is like drinking poison hoping that the other person will die. It's like feeding a cancer inside us, harboring the hatred hinders us from moving forward and making better things for ourselves. It is hard to do if the person who has done us wrong doesn't even feel sorry for it. But do we have to wait until they realize that? I guess not. Some people see their mistakes, others just don't. Think of yourself, love yourself. Coz if you don't, who else will? That is our responsibility to ourself, to keep it healthy and harmoniously wealthy..... in mind, body and spirit. Forgiving is a hard journey, with it comes the realization that we have to let go of all the people and things that comes along with that hatred, even people that we want to hold on to if the circumstances were different.

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The above blog is an old one from my old blogsite but I chose to make it my first post here as I officially start my blogspot (finally!). Now, why this? Well, there are various reasons. Since it's the beginning of the year (it's my year!) and the start of a new blog warehouse, I thought of having a positive aura incorporated into it. Forgiveness came so naturally among the many subjects I can think of. Leave all the grudges, ill-feelings, and bitterness behind. Let the last decade deal with it! I'm only bringing with me all the good stuff!

So, let's define what's good ---- food, travel, (good) relationships, values, good karma, good intentions, love, joy, hope, abundance, life!----- in other words, anything good, yummy, and fun! These are the stuff I want to be writing about. Oh, there might be times I get so "emo" and start scribbling sentiments, please do stop me when I do, I would really appreciate that :)

Oftentimes, when "forgiveness" pops in, we think only of those people who have hurt us. Let's remember that we should forgive ourselves as well. It's the only way to move on and start anew. Time for a fresh start!!!