A Million Reason to Smile

Originally posted in my other blog site: http://quotemoves.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-million-reason-to-smile.html

“ENJOY your life, no matter how hard it may seem. When life gives you a thousand reasons to cry, show the world you have a million reasons to SMILE”

Once upon a time, time to time, even I was not born and as well as you; the word “problem” exists and cannot be extinct and still upgrading into more severe chronic, hard and complicated that make people stress, depress and spin their world. I think that it is the root cause of this quotation. But problem didn’t know that there is a contrasting word for it, “smile” that everyone does to show their happiness, enjoyment and gladness even problems are striking, using this smile makes them feel better even though they use it to hide something.


There is no origin on how this quotation begun or where/ who is this came from, all I know is that it’s aspire my whole life. I didn’t consider it as a quotation to be a group mail in SMS but instead words of wisdom to my life.


Everyone has their own story to write and we can never stop that there will be a conflict to interfere with, as we continue for the climax or success we are all waiting for. Just like my life full of struggling moments but still standing to witness my big break.


At first I am not in touch with any life-changing, inspiring, aspiring, learning quotation in life, I only reckon in these things after I step forward as an Accountancy student back when I was first year. There I realize that not only life has its own problem but also accounting too, more than that I think it is. Problems to be encounter and entry with some adjustment or changes to have a balance and better life.


And that strong determination to achieve my dreams and a smiling face lost when I take one more step in life as a second year but not the same as first, now I am one of those who failed in Accountancy program, now I am a BS Accounting Technology. It hurts and there, problems eat me and take me to its stomach and stock there for a long time, I become hopeless and said to myself that I was a failure, why people like me still exist even I am just a waste and many factors flashing to my brain that make me more problematize.


I am the eldest child of my parents and I should be the one to have a better life so that I can support my siblings studying, to become a breadwinner, how about my dream to help my parents to change all their sacrifices they made for me, how can I become a Certified Public Accountant if that super death defying problems strike me all over again and again and now I have my problem again, my father lost his job because of his heart problem, how about our life now? And also almost all my exam in accounting failed even I’d reviewed all this time. Why is this happening to me? Why me!!! I became frustrated and so depressed, every time I see my grades, think of my family and others, I cried and almost give up on my life, there comes the point I doubt God but He made me realize of something.


One day, I ask him a sign if I still need to push it through or not, then He responses as He show the sunlight in my window even the weather is not good. There I become a new one, new man, stronger and fighter for my dreams, giving up is not an option, no matter how hard it is, no matter how Accounting can’t stop producing problems I will be standing tall, looking forward and said “You are just a problem; I am a man with God, with a big smile on my face. Yes it is hard but there are million reasons to smile. There is God that makes me smile. Pray and study in the hardest way but at the same time, enjoy what you are doing. Smile.”

Superheroes

Heroes are often seen as mythological legends with great courage and strength. They help people who are at risk. They sacrifice their lives for the life of others. Heroes have an interesting life stories changing a normal person to an extraordinary one. They are usually not famous and have a typical life with their families. My design is compose of different Superheroes.

First is Thor, who is a hammer-wielding god associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength that protections mankind. He has a great hammer that can destroy his enemies. Second is Ironman, which has a powered suit of armor to save his life and escape captivity. His power is all in his suit. Third is Flash, which has a super-speed that includes the ability to run and can move extremely fast. His name signifies his ability. Forth is Superman, he that displays superhuman abilities, which upon reaching maturity he resolved to use for the benefit of humanity. He is the famous all-time superhero show strength that a man can be a superman.   Fifth is Batman, he  makes use of intellect, detective skills, science and technology, wealth, physical prowess, martial arts skills, and intimidation in his continuous war on crime. He can change from a bat to a superhero. Sixth is Wolverine, a mutant who possesses animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, and a healing factor that allows him to recover from virtually any wound. Next is Captain America, who is armed with an indestructible, boomerang-like shield that can both be thrown as a weapon and used to defend against others' weapons.

        And last is Spiderman, which is my favorite superhero. His powers came from the bite of a spiders that gives him strength and agility, the ability to cling to most surfaces, shoot spider-webs using wrist-mounted devices of his own invention, and react to danger quickly with his spider-sense.

Typical heroes are perfect, they do everything right.  Superhero is about the adventures of people who wear masks and fight crime. They are extraordinary persons who can give a good justice to everyone. It is my interest because it is exciting to watch movies about superheroes that have superpowers beyond natural people. They are helpful and kind to everyone who needs help or at risk. They have the ability to know people that are in a terrible situation and their location.  Most of them can fly and go to different places in a very short time. Superheroes have different characters and costumes. Their masks and costumes make them unique. It triggers us to be interested about what they can do, what powers they have and their special abilities. Most superheroes I like have red-colored costumes because that is my favorite color. Like Spiderman, it is wonderful to see that a spider is colored-red because the real spider is black. I also like the prints of superheroes in t-shirt. You can collect different character specially, marvel heroes. We can also play in computer, xbox and other gadgets. They also have comics and books about their life.

Everything about superheroes is around us. The creators of characters give a twist in every movies coming. They are in demand because of the innovation of the stories, characters and effects. It is merely a fantasy and dreams but it thrive in allowing the audience to transport themselves to other worlds that are both simpler and more exciting than their own.

As we grow old we learn a lot. Heroes take many forms when we are children, from the comic book superhero to the imaginary friend. Then, they become movies and action figures. A hero inspires us to be good and to help others. It is an ideal person that gives a right justice. In truth, a hero is what we make it. It constructs of an individual mind. We are the one who will think what is right and what is wrong. We can give our opinion to the problem of our society to make it better. We can also contribute to the environment by maintaining cleanliness.

All of us can be superhero in a simply way. We can help people in simple way; the persons suffering from calamity, senior citizens that need help because they are alone, poor children lives in highways, and people who are abused. A hero teaches us to be good and have justice to everyone. As a student, we are the hope of our country for the better future. The politicians are the one that should be trustworthy to do public service to people. We should all take the responsibility to make our life better and take care of the environment for the future generation.  We have the ability to serve and contribute knowledge to change the world.

Superhero stories, gives me a learning to understand the world. Wishing the world away, but by wishing the world was different. I believe the problems our world faces will not be solved until people believe one person can make a difference. It makes life an interesting in many facts, experiences, activities, and lessons.

I've asked my students to design the cover of their own notebook and write a reflection paper about it. This is the product.

Life

Life… It is a gift sent by God to us, people, to experience how to live, appreciate the beauty of the world, and to fulfill our own purpose. Many people view life as unfair because we are born unique in different aspects. So instead of being united as one, we became separated on our own beliefs, culture, religion, and even status in life. Life gives us an opportunity to experience the real essence of it. That is, to experience sorrow, grief, sadness, loneliness, or even happiness, gratefulness, love, care, and determination that will help us grow as a person and give us learning that we could apply in our entire living. It is the most important thing that people should value much because without it, we cannot exist in this world and we can no longer dream of what we want to be in the future. Every single breath we take and every single second in our life is essential because for me, life means happiness.

The different colors represent life giving me hundred reasons to cry, worry, to be frustrated, rejected, uncared, unloved, discriminated, and any other emotions we feel, yet when these colors are mixed, it will look colorful, lively, and jolly which I percept life giving me a thousand reasons to enjoy, smile, and laugh. Our life on earth has its limitations. We don’t know when you will die, when I will die, and even when all of us will die. Life is too short so leave all your worries and live life to the fullest. Smile at the world and the world will smile back at you.

The girl represents me, not as what I possessed and what I am but the real me. As I continue to grow maturely physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually, I’ve learned how to reflect on with the decisions I chose, the actions I’ve made, and the corresponding consequences I’ve faced. I kept on talking to myself in front of the mirror. It is weird sometimes but because of doing it, little by little, I am knowing myself more. I don’t rely on what others described me as a person but I value their opinions because that would help me improve myself, avoid the bad side and maintain the good side. But self-reflecting mostly affects my values, perception, and habits. Regarding the callout connected with the girl on my design and the message it contains, that is one of the major product of my reflection. Because before, I entered college without having plans in my life. I just want to study and finish my degree. Then after that, just work. And you know what is funny about myself? I don’t know what kind of job I will apply for after graduation because that time, I am not yet confident on my own skills. That attitude made me weak and because of that, I did not study hard. And finally, I’ve learned. Now that I am in my third year as a college student, I realized that I have to value my education so much. Fortunately, I now have my plans for my future. All I have to do now is to have faith in God, dream big, believe in myself, and start now in order for me to be successful in life.

This activity is really challenging yet fruitful because for us students, there are lots of things that catches our attention and we find really interesting. It is favorable for me to share what’s on my mind and what my personality was that others might not be aware.

I’ve learned that we have to spend most of our time thinking of the good memories and not with the bad ones. Though we may experience different trials in life, stop worrying too much because it comes naturally to every one of us. Don’t take it that seriously because it will only make you stressed and your life would be boring. Just solve it with love and dedication and believe that God will not give you problems you can’t solve. View life in a positive way. Because in the end, it’s not going to matter how many breaths you took and years you’ve lived, but how many moments you’ve fine happiness, enjoyed your life, and lived to the fullest.

I've asked my students to design the cover of their own notebook and make a reflection paper about it.

3 Ultimate Things To Do To Lose Weight

I was overweight back in 2012 and managed to lose weight with a support group. I lost 27 kgs in 3 months. I took Herbalife back then, and a lot of diet. 

But time has passed and I failed to prioritize my health as a lot of other things had to be done in my works. And yes, works, with "s". My weight ballooned back to where it was and now as 2013 comes to and end, I'm determined to be back on my ideal weight. This time without a support group and I know I can do this. 

I actually started on November 1 with a weight of 83.7 kgs. My ideal weight should be at around 75 kgs, but I'm a runner, the lighter my weight is, coupled with proper training, the faster pace I'll have. So I'm targeting 65 kgs. 

As of recently, I'm 78.5 kgs already, and I haven't been much serious about it. But as of today, I think it's time to get serious once again and take this diet to the next level. 

Starting today I'll be doing these 3 things. These things are based on my experience and research. Although this will be first time I'm using this combo, I know I'll get fast results. I'll update you soon about the result. And here the three ultimate things:

1. Run

Although there are other factors, losing weight is all about calories. It's all about controlling your calories. There is a right amount of calories to be taken in every individual. And running burn calories. It burns what you eat. So up to this moment and probably until next month, I'll be running not for speed or distance, but to lose weight. That means running everyday for now. 

2. Eat eggs

Eggs, it has now been debunked that eating eggs will put you at risk of heart problems due to its high cholesterol content. We are now allowed to eat as many eggs in a week. Eggs have only 60 calories and are packed with protein. 

3. Herbalife shake

This shake was the key in losing my weight last time. Hence I'm bringing it back in my diet. It has 80 calories only and a lot of nutrients to fill what I may lose in dieting. 

Here's how my day goes starting today: 

1. Run at least one hour in the morning. 

2. Drink Herbalife shake for breakfast. 

3. Vegetables and fruits, without rice, for lunch. And a coffee. 

4. 2 hard boiled eggs for dinner. And a coffee. 

5. No snacks. I can substitute my lunch to any kind of normal meal, in case required in the office. Just no rice. 

6. Drink a lot of water. It should be number 1 in my ultimate things, but this one is already obvious.

The only hindrance here is coffee, I'm not used to taking black coffee. At a minimum, I put sugar on it. But sugar is bad, so it has to go. So I'll be in an unfamiliar zone. Let's see. 

As for you, good luck and I hope this helps. If you need help about your diet, feel free to email me at martphilippe@me.com or if you're living in the Philippines, text me at 0932 740 1645. You can also check my Store here. I hope to hear from you. 

My Christmas Wish is Dinosaur Toys

I miss being a child. I also miss life before iPads and iPhones. Good thing I've stumbled on this site, it's time to bring back those memory just in time for next year. Expect me to buy character toys and take photos of them.

Full sized image: http://www.quickmeme.com/p/3vqq46

Disagreement

I'm a big fan of contentment. And contention is quite the opposite of contentment. Contention is disagreement. For the next few days, I'll posting Bible verses about contentment and contention.

10 Things to Give Up for Happiness

'Happiness is like a butterfly:
the more you chase it, the more it will elude you,
but if you turn your attention to other things,
it will come and sit softly on your shoulder ~ Thoreau'

Happiness is a choice. If you think some things have to change first in order for you to be happy, you are dead wrong. Changes will come and you will still think the same. It's a habit that you will always look for some things that need to be changed for you to be happy. You will never find happiness. I say, start your happiness now and things will change.

We don't have to change anything to happy. In fact, we can give up somethings, here it goes:

1. Give up caring what other people think of you. 
2. Give up trying to please everyone. 
3. Give up participating in gossip. 
4. Quit worrying.
5. Let go of insecurity. 
6. Stop taking everything personally. 
7. Give up the past. 
8. Give up spending money on what you don’t need in effort to buy happiness. 
9. Give up anger. 
10. Give up control.

For details of the above, you can check the entire article here: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2013/06/10-things-to-give-up-in-exchange-for-happiness/

If you liked the author too, you can check her here: http://www.dailytransformations.com

Music

“Where words fail, music speaks.” –Hans Christian Andersen

 Music is the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity (source: Merriam-Webster). Music had been a part of the human race since the beginning up until now and it had−has been, continuing on evolving to more different kinds from mellow to hard-rock and from ballad to hip-hop, no matter what language it would be. Music will be commonly define by artist or singers as a way of saying what they can’t say directly, be it to someone they love or dear to them, or to the things they have opinions on. It has been a way to express things through rhymed words with accompanying musical instruments. Music can play a big role to one’s life as some tend to listen to it to lighten up the mood, or to simply enjoy and appreciate the work of other people.

Music has been a way for me to forget things. Has been an escape to the things I want to forget even for just a mere minute. It may sound weird but it certainly it is. I’m not the kind to play music or sing though, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy it.

 In the growing world of music, it’s not like I don’t appreciate the OPM (Original Pilipino Music), it just happens that we have different preferences in terms of it. I do enjoy English ones, Taylor Swift’s, Owl City’s, Jason Mraz’s. Taylor Swift’s are simply nice, her lyrics are transparent, one listen to it and you can know what she wants to say. Owl City’s gives me nostalgic feels, their lyrics are, to say bluntly, is really hard to understand, it may sound as if the lyrics were not even related to the first stanzas but then as you continue on, the nostalgic feels will seep through inside and it’ll sometimes just trigger something in me that would sometimes make me smile more often than not. Jason Mraz’s, who doesn’t like Jason Mraz’s compositions? He’s one of the singer I look up the most because of his songs, the nostalgic feelings up to the reality that he states. It was nice to know that there are people who produce such good kind of music.

Still, above all, I enjoy Korean Pop, or simply K-pop. It’s not a secret that it is widely known worldwide since Super Junior to Big Bang and Girls’ Generation to 2NE1, or maybe even from the first generation of Korean Groups such as H.O.T. and S.E.S. It may seem odd to those people who doesn’t appreciate songs that the lyrics are not their own or even the universal, English, language. There are countless times I’ve been asked, you don’t even understand what they are saying, why do you like them and not your own country’s?, I asked myself that once too, and the answer just slap me in the face, language is not a basis to stop liking or appreciating something that makes you happy. I may not understand every word, but there would be the blogs and websites who are willingly providing translations, it’s only a click away to understand them so why would I stop myself from doing it? I appreciate OPM, I admire Filipino singers for composing songs, especially those who are not scared to give their personal opinions on the current way the government is governing the present Philippines.

Nevertheless, music is music, no matter what language it is, or what kind it is. It all depends on how certain person see things.

Since I’m more of a keep-things-to-myself type of person, and since music is a way to express things, feelings and opinions, I’ll be trying my best to express myself clearly as like it. Many misunderstands what I really meant by things I do or things I say and it actually gets frustrating to explain it that they got it all wrong, that it’s not what I meant.  I want people to fully understand my real intentions like how music does.

I've asked my students to design their own notebook based on their interests/hobbies. I've asked them further to make an essay about their design.

Why Should You Watch the Movie "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"?

You may be asking what the hell is that movie. Well, it is starred by Ben Stiller, and I'm cutting the chase right now, they spent their promotional budget helping the typhoon Yolanda victims. Here's the video and it has reached 872,420 views already as of this posting.

And oh, consider donating.

Source: http://ph.omg.yahoo.com/news/how--the-secret-life-of-walter-mitty--helped-yolanda-victims-073141546.html

10 Lessons Running Teaches You About Life

Source: http://thedailyrunnerpage.com/2013/09/16/10-lessons-running-teaches-you-about-life/

Excuses for not Making it on Class

There comes a time that students can’t make it on time  and the reason may not be acceptable for those who have waited, whether teacher or group mates.  Reasons like you don’t suddenly feel like going. It may cost you grades or friendship if you don’t make the right excuses afterwards.  But cheer up, I’ve got excuse suggestions to maintain your grades and friends while being absent or late for a while.  Here it goes:

1. You are not feeling well.
2. You fell asleep.
3. There is no water.
4. You ate pancit canton.
5. You were walking going to the class when you met a friend or relative you haven’t seen for a long time.
6. You have to rush to water station to refill.
7. Neighbor’s house was on fire and you needed to help.
8. You were not feeling well and there’s no water and you want to eat Pancit Canton.  So you bought Pancit Canton and have your water gallons refilled.  But while walking you saw your cousin that you haven’t seen for a while so you talked for a while. And while going back you saw that your neighbor’s house was on fire. So you helped them fight the fire and rescue their belongings. When you got home, you cooked the Pancit Canton you’ve bought, and fell asleep after.

A Force In The Middle: Mika Aereen Reyes

I've asked my students to design their own notebook based on their interests/hobbies. I've asked them further to make an essay about their design. Here's the fourth...

“A force in the middle,” is how her Facebook fan page describes the former St. Scholastica’s College, Manila volleyball statuesque, Mika Aereen Reyes. Only an inch shy from being a six-footer, and still growing, this 5’11 stand-out is one of the most anticipated rookies of this year’s DLSU women’s volleyball line-up. This first year AB-PSM volleybelle, will be filling in the big shoes left by last season’s MVP Jacqueline Alarca. Still a raw middle blocker-hitter, Reyes is poised to provide an added ceiling in the Lady Spikers’ frontline defense. 17-year old Reyes was not always athletic; she only started spiking and hitting volleyballs during her freshmen year in high school. She learned the ropes of the center position, and maximized her obvious height advantage among peers. Soon enough, Reyes earned her first athletic award for volleyball, the Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 41 Best Blocker in her last playing year for St. Scholastica. During her pre-season stints in the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PFV) Intercollegiate Championship and PVF National Open Volleyball Championship, Reyes reinforced the Lady Spikers’ blocking department while chipping in points from her promising quick attacks and drop shots. The transition from high school to collegiate volleyball may not be as smooth, but with her dedication, tenacity and Coach Ramil de Jesus’ mentorship, Reyes is definitely the next force to reckon with

My notebook will have a covering of a photo of me and a volleyball player who I idolized the most, looking at each other, with conversation balloons containing the subject of the notebook and its schedule. She is special; a young volleyball player whom I adore much because of her wit and humility; Mika Aereen Reyes. I chose this covering because she gave me the inspiration to pursue my studies as my greatest priority above sports. I admire her for being humble and modest on and off the television and the volleyball court.

As an application to my everyday life, I can also be an inspiration to my fellow student-athlete, like Mika, to balance their time as in the classroom and in the court, not to neglect studies and fail our parents’ expectations and dreams for us, for they wanted us to have better lives ahead, and not wanting us to regret someday that we had chosen sports over studies for they are both our priorities.

Eco-Friendly

I've asked my students to design their own notebook based on their interests/hobbies. I've asked them further to make an essay about their design. Here's the third...

There is a sufficiency in the world for man’s need but not for man’s greed. - Mohandas K. Gandhi

It’s no secret that our environment is in a state of decline. In newspapers and on TV, in magazines and even in our schools, everyone is talking about environmental conservation and how to reduce the effects of global warming. It has become obvious that we need to take action and do something to reduce greenhouse gasses, but just how do we go green?

In recent years, terms like "going green" and "eco-friendly" have become buzz words on talk shows, commercials and product packaging. The term "eco-friendly" has been used for so many different products and practices, its meaning is in danger of being lost. By understanding the true meaning of eco-friendly, we can implement the practices that will lead to healthier living for the planet and its inhabitants, big and small.

Eco-friendly literally means earth-friendly or not harmful to the environment. This term most commonly refers to products that contribute to green living or practices that help conserve resources like water and energy. Eco-friendly products also prevent contributions to air, water and land pollution.

            “Going green” is a popular phrase being bandied about these days. Chances are, you have heard it referred to quite a lot. But what does going green mean? In essence, it refers to using various everyday methods to help save the world and its environment. Many people consider going green to be an actual lifestyle; for them, it means basing your actions on working to save the world. From the smallest details to the most sweeping aspects of life, saving the world by implementing a green lifestyle is something that more and more people are aiming to do.

Living a green lifestyle – or going green – can begin in small, easy to manage ways. Recycling is a huge, obvious part of helping to save the world through green living. Reducing one’s reliance on oil-based energy sources is another popular method employed in trying to save the world. Purchasing only all organic, chemical free products is another way that many people begin going green, and is considered a very effective method at trying to save the world and all of its resources. Green living is infiltrating all parts of daily life, and the planet is sure to be better for it.

  

                        The notebook I bought, is an eco-friendly, I chose it because I want to help even in a little thing to our environment to conserve and save it. We all know that this world doesn’t exist forever, but we must be responsible for keeping this world to maintain its beauty, so our next generation will be benefited.

Because of the growth in the population, a large number of trees are cut for fuel, pollution, and world crime movements are some reasons why our environment become unhealthy. Using plastic bags, gas-operated machines and vehicles, over-using of appliances and other electrical materials, these things mentioned must be minimized in order to save our Mother Earth.

As we can see, animals in the forest become rare, we experienced super typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural calamities which destroy not only the things exist, but also the human beings.

But how these calamities be minimized? So term like “going green” is a good idea for people to become more discipline and more aware about what is real world today. Embracing this term is a big responsibility for us, but it will be a big change for this world, to protect and keep its beauty.

  

We must need to participate on how to care our environment by re-using, reducing and recycling things.

As a part of this eco-system, I am interested and willing to make a move for the good of our society. As a student, I will engage in eco-friendly habits or practices by being more conscious of how I use these resources such as turning off the light when not in use as same as some appliances we have on our home, and instead of purchasing packs of expensive bottled water, I will buy reusable water bottle and fill it often to stay hydrated and healthy. It’s good for the environment and also save some money. 

I am just an ordinary person who wants to make a difference,  and I know that there are more easy things that I can do to help the environment.  Because I believe on Chief Seattle sayings that, “Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.”

Through God, all things are possible.