Loving Photography

 Everytime we travel, I always look forward to capture the wonderful sceneries. Allow me to show you some of my travel photos..  :)

Lovely Sunset in Boracay

The welcoming white sand beach of Boracay

Dos Palmas view from our plane.

Isla Puting Buhangin

Take me back to this place.. PALAWAN!

Villa in Dos Palmas

Singapore flyer.. i miss!

Merlion!

Senado Square in Macau

Lobby of Venetian Macau

St. Paul's Ruins

Bangkok Bridge

Roses and roses! Bangkok market

Took this pic while crossing the street. Oha!

Las Casas in Bataan

OF LEADERSHIP..

written by Irenerose Beatrice Susi

“The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” – Kenneth Blanchard

LEADERSHIP is one of the few traits that are hardest to define. Every definition offered almost always falls short in its meaning. Even the Webster Dictionary’s definition, that is, “guidance” does not even come close to its distinctness. This is so because Leadership, per se, is an attitude...it is a state of being... “One leads by example”, so they say.

In order to have a grasp of the meaning of Leadership, one should not focus on what leadership is, but rather on the LEADER and the kind FOLLOWERS the leader is leading. Responsibility or “RESPONSE-ABLE, is one. The true leader is able to respond. He serves...serves people in their best interest, not because he wants to be popular, nor wanting to impress, but because he is motivated by CONCERN rather than by personal glory.

A true leader has the heart of a CUSTODIAN or a STEWARD. He performs the task of watching over that which was entrusted to him and by those who will benefit from it. It is not control, or ownership, but a state of inspiring or even empowering others to reach their potential. He becomes a catalyst to enable people to move roadblocks out of their way and hold the course for the benefit of all. And to do this, he should maintain his vision and faith in what his ideals are, what his beliefs are, and what he hopes for, and be the model or the example everyone should follow.

In reality, true leadership is and has always been a selfless action. It involves taking yourself out of the picture and considers the needs of others. It is a way of thinking that takes other people into account even when your own needs are pressing. It asks what is right or best in the wider interest of all. 

Clearly, leadership is an issue that affects all of us. Everybody is called to exercise it. How might we answer this question in a world that has seemingly grown unmanageable? Today our world is faced with serious, even life-threatening problems of a global nature, morality has decline, and respect for human life has eroded. Where will we find the wisdom necessary to curb modern civilization's most pressing dilemmas? Everyone...and everybody! Everyone is called to be involved in issues concerning government or business, guiding young minds, leading a family, standing for what is right or good, everyone has a leadership role to play. All of us are pushed into many different leadership roles again and again, throughout our lives. All of us are called upon to be custodians of what is right and good, lasting and of value, for the benefit of those who are in our care, and that is every one! Leadership is everyone’s business.

But then...Not Everyone Can Be A Leader...BUT EVERYONE CAN ENGAGE IN LOT MORE LEADERSHIP!

BEYOND SPORTS..

written by Irenerose Beatrice Susi

“Sports has the power to change the world, the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else can. Sports can create hope. It is an in instrument of peace.”

Indulging in sports create recreational activities. But looking at it deeply, one can see that it is essential in our lives. It teaches us how to win team effort. A basketball team may have short players but if the members perform according to their roles, the possibility of winning is not farfetched. An individual sportsman will know the value of sacrifice in order to achieve his goals. Manny Pacquiao, they say, works like a bull in practice. He knows the value of practice and the determination to win.

More so, sports have enduring qualities even if the athlete has retired, he still shows the qualities of the real sportsman. They respect their teammates and even their opponents. They know how to win with humility and lose with grace. They know how to set goals and they do everything to achieve or fulfil their goals. Sports teach discipline. These are the attributes that should be found in our youth today.

Can sports affect our social lives? Definitely! Every time Manny Pacquiao fights,the police register zero crime rates. But what is more important is the youth is not tempted to use drugs or alcohol. He learns how to be focused. Because of this, the grass root athletes are tapped, their potential explored.

But the most important aspect sports can bring is discipline. In sports, you must give your best. Focus. You must sacrifice a lot of things for you have a goal to be attained. Learn to endure. “ Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision.” said Muhammad Ali, an American boxer. You must have a goal. Per aspera ad astra!- through difficulties to the stars. All these can attain through discipline.

And this is the reason why sports play an integral part of our school life. Article XIV Section 19 (1) of our Constitution provides that the state shall promote physical education and encourage sports programs, league competitions, and amateur sports, including training for competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry. And everybody is here to foster camaraderie, discipline, teamwork and excellence.. Now is the time for sport to show how much it can achieve beyond sport.. “MENS SANA IN CORPORE SANO”... a healthy mind in a healthy body.

All Saints Came Marching In

written by Irenerose Susi

For the last two years, we have been celebrating All Saint’s Day by going to the Memorial Park early in the morning and then are home after lunch. At first, I thought that my dad was too worried that ‘akyat bahay’ gang might attack during the night and steal all belongings, them knowing that nobody was in the house. Until lately, I was told that the reason why we visited our departed in the morning was that the spirituality of the occasion has been replaced by commercialism and this posed as a distraction in remembering your dear departed loved ones. And, thus, your early morning visits may be more genuine than during night.

Consider this scenario.

     As one enters the memorial parks or the cemeteries, he has to squeeze himself through lines of vendors offering all kinds of finger foods, beverages, and even toys! What irritates me more are the ‘sorbeteros’ who surrounds the chapel, and with their tiny bells, continuously tingling during the mass. As one moves forward, he has to wade through disorderly parked cars and tricycles.  Sometimes, parking spaces are rented for exorbitant fees. And as you reach your destination, your strength has been drained off, and you are too tired to pray for your loved ones. As you regained your consciousness, your emotions will be drowned by music from a karaoke, rowdiness by a group on drinking spree, stereos, TV sets, and even generators. My, the festivities have just started! And while you sulk in vain at the back of the tomb, here comes the sacristan, handing you an envelope, and then asking if you would want your tomb blessed by a priest… for a fee? Indeed, the highest for form of commercialism!

     Why not pay homage to our departed in solemn ways? These two days are intended to remember them, and pray for them. Probably signs of progress? Probably the belief in afterlife is taboo. Probably All Saint’s day and All Soul’s day have become reunion days of sorts… To my mind, the solemnity of the occasions should be preserved.

     It is also the habit of the family to come back on All Soul’s Day and spend a little more time with them. And what do you see? Yes, piles and piles of trash: scattered styros, empty bottles, empty cans, dried flowers, candles, plastics, and wrappers. Remnants of the revelry the night before… if only the souls can complain, they would probably tell us, “we were resting until you came!”

INTERNET: A BOON OR A BANE?

written by Irenerose Susi

The internet technology has phenomenally developed a system of providing and gathering data. This technology is presently available to anyone young, old, female, male, disabled and able. But recent controversies have erupted it destroyed reputations, records and lives. Is internet boon or bane?

Almost everybody, including corporations, companies, government institutions provide and gather data through internet. These can be accessed by everybody for personal growth. The internet provides medium to knowledge.

Computers undoubtedly make our jobs easier. They are tools that can help us learn lots of things in just a blink of an eye. No time wasted. In just one click, the world of data is in our hands. The Internet provides us options, and bases in our decisions. It increases our knowledge. 

Internet has made our world smaller. Imagine one communicates with one another miles and miles away through electronic medium. It has become a bridge that connects us to other people. It is a form of communication where we can extend our messages to them. It links people together. It touches us.

The Internet also provides us information. We can search on what we want to know. It boosts our ability to learn more. We can learn a lot from it and we can also share our knowledge to other people. As we all know, researches are posted in the Internet. Medical research could be accessed anytime. Economic status of different countries can be known.  News items can be known anytime. And all of these in just one press by a finger.

Internet can also be used to express our feelings. We can share our experiences through blogging and we can share our lessons to other people. We can learn from others’ experiences too. It boosts our talents for creativity.

Computers and the use of the Internet per se is not bad. These tools are made so that we can benefit from them. What makes them bane is when others use them the way they should not be used. When privacy is encroached it makes it bane.  When foolishness is uploaded, it makes it bane. Really, what makes it bane or boon depends on people use it! When one uses it with much responsibility, it is boon, but if one irresponsible person mismanages the Internet, it becomes bane. If you are responsible user of the Internet...do you think it is bane or boon?

“To err is human--and to blame it on a computer is even more so.”- Robert Orben

Education is LIFE

written by Irenerose Susi

The youth is the hope of our future. They will be the next generation who will help in nation building. They should be trained and given the right education as this is essential the performances of their duties and responsibilities in the future. They will be the future doctors, future lawyers, future leaders.... who will lead the country. The future of the nation will be safe in the hands of the educated youth.

Article XIV, Section 1 of our Constitution states that “the state shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.” Our government provides public education for free, but because of poverty, not all children can afford other expenses needed such as transportation fares, school uniforms, school supplies and other miscellaneous fees.

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” It is a continuing process. Graduating from school does not mean stopping from learning. Like life, it is also a continuous learning. To gain knowledge is education. All of us may face good or bad experiences. And being learned helps us how to make decisions and accept failures and successes.

Being educated can make a difference. It can help in eradicating family. Great knowledge allows people to be more productive, to play a greater role in economic life and to earn a better living. Education is essential in economic development.

“Ipsa scientia potestas est”- Knowledge itself is power. It helps create a clear picture of everything around us and eradicating confusion. It gives us satisfactory answers to all questions. It helps analyze questionable beliefs and could lead us to enlightenment.

More importantly, education makes us different from other forms of animals. It teaches us the right behaviour, the good manners, the values. It teaches us how to lead our lives, it teaches us how to be fair and just in our dealings with our fellowmen. Education is conscience.

Are you a “MMORPGs Addict?”

In a study published in a PEDIATRICS Magazine, a doctor said that “Children addicted to online gaming usually have ‘poor self-esteem and social problems’…they’re intelligent and imaginative but don’t have many friends at school”

MMORPGs or massive multi-player online role-playing games is defined as ‘networks of players, who interact with each other to achieve goals, go on missions, and reach high scores in a fantasy world.”  Sometimes the game may be spectacular and colorful. Unfortunately, many have elements of interaction in battles, fighting and killing each other.

Because these online games foster bonding, release stress, and entertain, the appeal to students is understandable.  If one wins, it gives the student a semblance of total control. In other words, it should be played with responsibility. These can teach cooperation, teamwork, courtesy and camaraderie.  Students can attain visual skills, good behavior, and better concentration.

With the good, comes the bad.  Excessive online gaming can result in headaches, dry eyes, weight gain, poor personal hygiene, postural disorders, such as backaches. BUT when behavioral changes do occur, such as sense of well-being when in front of a computer, craving more and more for time at the computer, neglecting family and friends, and becoming depressed or irritable when not at the computer, then the bigger problem is setting in, ONLINE ADDICTION! This will lead to disastrous consequences. Gamers will have no other interest other than online gaming. They will neglect everything and everybody they used to love: hobbies, family and friends. They become irritable and even violent when denied access to online gaming. They will manifest three warning signs: school performance suffers, such as lower grades, moodiness, and fatigue.

Online games, per se, are not bad.  In fact it could be regarded as a natural teacher, when used in a proper perspective. But hey should be played with responsibility and with supervision. Your teammates and co- gamers can constantly remind you of the consequences. Remember, it is a team game. But when the computer starts to control you, expect the worst: the “MMORPGs addict” will no longer know the difference between fantasy world and reality, and what is worst is … they do not care.