I'm Coming Home

(part 2)

Sunday, was a great day. Ang aga pala ng Christ the King this year. Well, maaga ang trouble magcommute from Buendia puntang MOA. Linggo to ha. hehe Thank God di naman ako nalate puntang SMX. I'm lucky that mahahabol ko yun mga Friday Classes which what I expected. Kasi nandun yun mga gusto kong classes, except for the first class.

That first class was about Guys of the House, headed by the 5 young builders namely si Bro. Velden, Bro. Jan, Bro. Jpaul, Bro. Monching again and Bro. Migs. I chose this class kasi ang other choice was power recipes ata. Di ko trip yun. hehe Anyway, simple lang yun set up nila, like a talk show and yes, due to time constraint, eh bawat isa sa kanila given like 10 mins lang ata to talk. Kaso napasobra. hehe May "B" ka ba yun topic nila eh. Well, I forgot all the B's they've said pero naala ko yun kay Bro. Jan kasi may pinagdadaanan siya and yun B niya is for Bare. You let it out all to one of your trusted friends. It dawned on me way back na talagang ginawa ko yun to my closest friends, deeply hurt and depressed. It helped me and I pray na kay Bro. Jan din. It will be a long process for him. Other B's eh blameless, then brave, I forgot the other 2 B's. It was a fun talk, and kung nanood si Bro. Bo nito, malamang tanggal na sila. Hahaha Kidding, he'll be proud of these young builders. Lalo na si Bro. Monching na kahit same story yun sinabi niya pero nagdagdagan pa ng ibang moves eh. hehe Pero in the end, naconvert din pala siya despite his rebellious past. 

Anyway, moving on to the second Class, which I waited and really looked forward eh si Paulo Tibig. Ang kanyang topic eh Home Work, how to start a home business successfully. Ok lang yun iba na short timed, but this class, sayang talaga, sana di maiksi yun time. Darn... So, siya pala ang CEO ng Vcargo na iniisip ko dati, baka Vmobile din yun. Hindi pala.. Thanks to his great intro video, V stands for parang last name ng family or what not tapos yun nagexpand siya. Grabe, Let me say, inspiring siya, kasi he done a lot of ventures and he tried but failed.. But in the end, he found one thing at tinuloy niya at ngayon di lang malakas yun corporation niya but also he became a great business speaker. Informational at fun yun ginawa niya talk at very easy steps yun presentation niya lalo na emphasize yun sideline na sinasabi niya. Na pag mas maraming effort and time sa sideline mo, baka pwede mo na iwan yun main na kinikita mo. I mean there will be risk but it's fun right? Pero marami pa siya sinabi at parang gusto ko makita yun isang book niya about entrep. I can say, pwede siya entrep prof. Sana ganun nga yun entrep prof namin. hehe Yun lang sana mahaba yun talk niya. I'll check his site later nga.

Last class for that morning eh, grabe, eto yun bonus. Akalain mo nakareserve pa ko ng isang class with Dean Pax Lapid. I have a glimpse of a real AIM prof works. Wow, I hope lahat ng business profs eh kagaya niya! hehe It was harsh yet informative and inspiring. Harsh kasi talagang sinasabi niya nasa loob niya at yun gusto niya talaga participate from the crowd. Tinuro niya kasi on how to make the right decisions and plan ahead in the future, di lang sayo kung hindi lalo na kung may company or small business ka. Informative, dami ako natutunan like the value of a worker, I mean monetary value, may chart pala siya. Sobrang baba ko. hehehe Tapos what tools you need to prepare for the future at ano dapat gawin. Saka yes, ganun pala sa AIM. Di sila basta basta talaga. Kaya mahal ang tuition. hahaha They have a brand and they deliver. Inspiring kasi yun mga ginagawa niya, lalo na sa daming negosyo tinayo niya at the same time, maintain din. Saka I can definitely say happy retiree siya. Sana ako din in the future, near future. Kahit risky yun mga ginawa niya, natuto siya and kept on going. Eto, no time constraint, sumobra naman ang haba ng talk niya. hahaha Sulit na sulit!

Then lunch break came, kain sa hypermarket food stalls. Don't ever attempt kakain sa restos in MOA, on a Sunday? Naku po. hehe Mas lalo ka lang magugutom. Nakalimutan ko pala, nung Saturday, I attended the Plenary talk at grabe, Rex Mendoza yun speaker.. Kahit siya nasurprise sa talk niya kasi he can talk about finance and money anytime and anyday kaso napunta sa kanya was a very sensitive for him. Family and his home. Despite his kinda tough childhood until he grown up and have his own family, eh nakarevenge talaga siya sa mga nagpahirap sa kanya, thru Love. It's quite a teary story pero ang galing nun ginawa niya at ayun.. He felt came home better. Sana ganun naman ang finance prof namin di ba. hahaha 

Holy Mass started and it was a good mass. Not very long and good homily. I forgot the priest's name, pero nakita ko na siya sa KCON some 2 years ago. Magaling na pari. Saka this year, parang lumalapit na ko sa main stage ha. Sulit pag premium talaga. hehe Thank Lord. 

After that, edi some reminders and break, biglang sinabi ni Bro. Randy na ang performer is One Walker. No idea who that was, pero nung lumabas na sa stage sina Ogie, Regine and Jaya.. Wala na. Hiyawan na lahat! Malamang. hahaha What surprised though was what they did. They sang worship songs. While they were performing, I'm asking in myself, will they perform their pop songs or that, well.... The answer was no. But I was moved by their performances and grabe, kung sila naglead ng worship, ewan ko pa pag di ka pa sumunod. hahaha What was great in their performances was they were able to focused in worship and praising God. I mean first time ko sila nagperform live, at nakakatawa pa sa worship. Grabe, dami nilang kinanta, and parang ang naglead lahat ng kanta si Ogie. Si Jaya had her one song, and yes, Regine sang on her own, one worship song. How cool was that. Si Regine despite at her age, which give credit to her, kahit di na laging birit, iba yun boses niya talaga pag live. Ang ganda sa tenga at soothing. Hay... Ogie is still great Ogie and Jaya, soul and R and B type, mas ok siya pag live than in TV. They said, it's their first time to debut as a worship group and I know it's weird but well, I understand. It's like they have a different alter ego nga. I mean Jaya and Regine at back up then Ogie is leading worship. Grabe, kakaiba. Sulit! Parang ba bonus na lang ito, kasi kala ko ilang kanta lang pero dami nila kinanta. Thank God!

So uwian na. hahaha Nope, of course, main plenary talks na headed by Bro. Alvin, Bro. Arun and of course, Bro. Bo. Ah sorry, bago ito, Justin Fatica keeps on preaching you're amazing! Gotta love that dude. I mean, adik kay Jollibee eh. hahaha But yun simple style niya na sabihin na you're amazing tapos inspiring people then mix it up with his drill sergeant style eh ewan ko pa pag di ka pa nakinig. hehe I hope he'll be back next time. But his aggressive style made wonders. I'll watch nga yun documentary niya sa HBO pag may time. 

About the plenary talk, simple yet powerful message streamed for the past hour. Pero yun natouch ako yun kay Bro. Alvin. Naisip ko nga, I hope I had that kind of family.. Full of love and support.. Well, kaso hindi eh. hehe Pero ika nga niya, kahit nagkulang siya in the past, napunan naman yun with love and support from his family and Jesus. Very touching piece.. Bro. Arun, well, same message as I heard from yesterday ha. Pero despite sa kanyang momentous tasks and goal, naachieve niya kasi well, he trusts very much to the great team he has and God, he'll make wonders para lumaki ang The Feast in the south. Naisip ko, hirap ata nun. 

Lastly, with Bro. Bo, I already have it daw. Don't look furhter or farther. Sabagay naisip ko din and for this year, simple joys and every day seems a blessing to me. Unlike in the past years na I just let it slide or just finish a day without really doing something important. I always felt na I should do more to make them happy or me making happy. Pero di pala, as Jesus can make me happy enough. That's true, lalo na sa mga trials ngayon at mga darating.. Alam ko, I have it na he can help me and all the people around me to get through all of the struggles. It was a short message but a great talk by the 3 of them.

Thank God at kala ko matrapik ako sa España pauwi kasi sa pesteng Bar Exams. hehehe As I walk going home, KCON this year gave me an idea now and confirmed it na alam ko na gagawin ko sa buhay. Pero siyempre, not sa financially yet. Strapped pa. hahaha Pero to satisfy or becoming happy, I can do it and just have faith on what I'm doing and planning. Nafelt ko to nung first KCON ko. Parang wala pang yun effect ngayon, pero as time goes by, mayroon na. 

That's why this KCON this year is great and I can say something will happen to me, not now, but soon. I don't know what it is but I hope it will be for the better.

So that's why, despite chaos and struggles.. I am still..

Coming Home. 

I'm Coming Home

(Part one)

Masarap siyempre umuwi sa bahay kasi di lang dun ka nakatira, dahil din dun ka nakakakuha ng lakas at pagmamahal. Kung mag isa ka lang sa buhay, dun ka naman makakapahinga. Medyo nalate na ko nagregister for KCON for this year dahil sa tight funds. hehe Pero thank God for some help at di naman ako nahuli sa register. Yun nga lang, talagang di ko nakuha lahat ng gusto ko talks pero.. Sa huli, masasabi ko na it was better, way better than last year! Dahil late register, eh yun talks ko sa bandang third day eh medyo alat pero siguro napunta din ako dun para mablessed. Thursday edition really was bad choices for me, talagang way off and buti nga di ako nakapunta. 

Kung nagkataon pala, thanks to APEC eh medyo napadali yun pagpunta ko sa KCON. Namove kasi yun Thursday and Friday skeds to the weekend, kaya buenas talaga. hehe Ok, let's move forward sa mga napuntahan kong talks. 

First talk was Innovation Economics, Leading with lesser resources ang topic. Dapat yun business class kaso ayun ubos. hehe Pero sa first talk, dahil short time lang, eh medyo short lang yun sharing and talk. Sa talk kasi na to, tatlong speakers kaya ayun, medyo bitin pero sulit naman. 
It was started by Coach Joel Banal.. Noong nakikita ko siya sa first session dati sabi ko, magshashare kaya siya? Yun pala, sa KCON na siya lalabas. As expected, dahil one of the great basketball coaches siya, una topic niya eh about nung nagcoach siya sa Mapua. Di ko akalain na wala pala siyang star noon? Tama ba yun? Back to back champions pa! Kevin Ramas lang ang player niya narinig ko. hehe Grabe.. Kaso dahil short yun time, eh gist lang yun nasabi niya. Pero interesting fact, may IS school pala yun family niya at way more affordable ha.. Parang naisip ko, pag may anak ako, dun ko nga enroll. Yun lang, sa Pasig. hahaha He started yun discussion na I forgot yun 8 princples, galing from a google executive pero first 4 steps yun sinabi niya. Very deliberate yet effective steps ha. Nagulat ako sa radical na decision niya about sa coaching niya na imbes kumuha sa labas na player, sa intramurals within Mapua na lang. Ang hirap nun saka yun impact word niya eh innovation. Dahil maliit yun line up niya, sacrifice offensive rebounding, daanin na lang sa speed at pressure ha. Yun lang ang line up niya, no big man so yun. hehe No choice siya. Pero tignan mo naman ang effect back to back champs!

After the 4 steps he discussed, eh sumunod na si Bro. Monching. At first, it's the first time I saw him at tama siya, akalain mo builder siya. hehe Kidding.. Siya pala builder ng Marikina and Sta. Lucia sa may Rizal. Grabe, di lang siya masaya at makulit, very related yun ginawa niya sa topic. Grabe, eto kung baga, ililibing na lang, nabuhay pa! hehe No kidding, coming straight from him, muntikan na pala isara yun Marikina kasi well, yun sikat na builder dun eh napromote at bigla from security ministry, biglang si Bro. Monching ang naging builder. Kahit ang ginawa niyang sharing eh isa beses lang at inamin niya di pa maganda. Kung baga, kaw na bahala! hahaha From endangering to close ilang months, dahil lang sa mga strategy ginawa niya at innovate at a bit of sacrifice.. Ayun from 30 attendees, naging dalawang session na ata sa The Feast niya at nanganak pa sa Sta. Lucia. Iba talaga nagagawa pag dedicated kang servant ni God. In the leadership and strategy niya, nakakatawa kung ano ano ginawa nila para dumami yun attendees, kahit magmukhang perya daw sila pero it's worth lalo na, small budget. Galing niya. Saka yun mga banat ha.. Alam na ano past ni brother. hehe Kidding.

Last speaker sa topic si Bro. Arun, ayun as usual, masaya yun talk niya. Simple lang yun sharing niya pero nakakagulat na grabe nilaki yun The Feast sa Alabang. Matindi yun hardwork niya at yun tinuro naman niya, proper deligation of work. Nakakatawa which is true, yun pagsulat sa bulletin, talagang inamin niya iba nagsulat pero of course may credit din. Kahit pala sa libro ha, humingi ng tulong pala siya. Sometimes, tama talaga na hingi ka ng tulong sa iba, lalo na sa nakakaalam nung gagawin. Naisip ko yun dati, grabe, self taught and yes, matanong ako ng tulong sa iba. Hanggang ngayon ata. hehe Anyway, great first talk at ayun... Bitin talaga.. 

Second talk was a first for me. It's about education and it's home teaching. I don't know what I'm doing here but kasalanan ko naman kasi wala naman ako ibang choice. Ala naman pumunta ako sa single women topic. hahaha Anyway, sorry I forgot her name, pero isa lang naman siyang prof with Doctorate degree sa UP, in education and sociology ba. She discussed different ways of education at how home school benefits saka yes, effective teaching methods na sana ginagawa ng mga teachers! Well, may history pa ng school na kasama. Sa kalagitnaan ng talk, parang ang sarap pakinggan, tapos bigla na lang pagbukas ng mata ko.. Anak ng tinapa, matatapos na yun talk! OMG! First time nakatulog ako sa talk. Sorry po. hehehe Anyway, parang naisip ko din na mas effective yun ibang style of schooling like home school or i forgot the name of the that method, yun parang low ratio setting and more on application than memorization of ideas. Parang ok yun sa bata. Ah, yes, the Iceland case pala. Sana mayrun dito at dapat sundin yun kahit ilan schools. Way more effective and less pressure sa bata. 

Last talk, a quite interesting talk. It's about a simple guide to a healthy leadership. Bro. Bert Miranda discussed about it and it's a surprise na kahit self explanatory and easy steps yun sinabi, ang galing nun explanation niya about the topic. Sinabi niya yun in a very short time. Lalo na yun proper mindset ng leader, being healthy and most importantly, have faith sa leader or of course, prayerful. hehe A leader can do a lot but prayer can do a lot more. Di lang faith for being a leader, siyempre sa members din, lalo na in difficult times. 

See, how short those talks are at masasabi ko, tama din yun mga napili ko. Siguro sabi niya, tama na muna ang Business and Career talks, dito muna sa leadership and education. Pwede ko pa nga habulin yun Thursday talks kaso it way different at di ako makakarelate. Managing church events, nyek. hehe Bully ology, yes I moved on from that and I don't need it. hehe Coffee date, ok na yun dati nakuha ko about one on one discipleship. 


Maaga na ko nakauwi at kahit trapik ng kaunti, nakapahinga pa ko. The next day is indeed the homecoming of our faith. 

Going home. 

Lifted High!

Despite it was for four days.. I didn't really go for four days. I only went for one and half days. Hehe As much I want to look forward for a long spiritual rest or just a break away from all this stress.. Unfortunately, I can only enjoy such rest in these short 4 days. So I chose to really rest for 2 days then get myself away from work and just watching jdrama and almost doing nothing. I can say I had really a rollercoaster year.. I tried my best to come early for Saturday but I really need to maximize my rest so I was late for this day. I just looked forward what will I learn in these last days. 

I got my ticket and a lot of pamphlets, which some of them might be useful in the future. Very useful. The first talk I listened to was about shifting from employment to business! I chose that coz hmmm the one I liked was taken or already full. This talk was kinda my second choice. 

While waiting for this talk to start, I was thinking what happened almost 3 years ago. Working and running business at the same time.. I was smiling every time I think bout it, the fact that until now.. I don't really know how I pulled it off. Hahaha Anyway the speaker currently has a consulting HR firm. Her name is Trixie Silerio

Then what striking about her credentials was she got a MBA degree at AIM. Wow. I would always dream when can I study there. Haha She is also a social entrepreneur. Those two latter words are kinda famous these days. 

Anyway, her sharing and story was simply motivating. I mean she discovered her passion since kid then growing up. But she worked in the corporate world for a while then ultimately, putting up her own firm. The points that struck me most, first was when going to business, you will need a lot time to think about it. In my case before, it took me a month to decide and go with my brother set up the cellphone shop. Second point was the difference of passion, hobby and business. The point made realize that most of abilities or skills are either hobby or business. Hehe All I need in the future is to choose which I can use to earn big. Last point was to prepare for the endeavor. I mean at my part, even i did well at my previous biz but i didn't prepare enough when the harsh times are approaching. Or even before I put my biz, I didn't save at least to have a working capital or reduced my loan at start which might have a big effect on how I earn. I should really do this in the future if I'll do this again. 

Overall, the talk went good and inspired to go back doing biz in the future. 

Last talk of the day was most motivating, which another surprisingly choice. The one I like was out so I scanned for another talk and this one was the one I need. Work life balance! 

Before I chose this talk, the speaker was kinda familiar especially with his credentials. I saw him saw him somewhere. Hehe Mr. James Michael Rafferty showed up and I thought he is a runningback in american football due to his big built. 

So he started talking and with few intro he started right away into his topic. He gave ten ways or tips to achieve work life balance. Sorry I didn't get the ten ways. Hahaha However, three ways that I got a great idea to really achieve work life balance! 

First way is to give importance or put family first. Very important point.. Give importance the family's advices, events and of course, relationship. Despite my ah hmmm I admit that I do have shortcomings to this aspect especially at the past.. Pressure is mounting as I grow old with family matters.. So, I really need to focus for the future. Darn, easier said and done. 

Second way, define my 5 roles. Wow, when he said that, there was a lightning bolt struck to my mind! Through previous years, as I need to try to do everything, which indeed made me stressed out. In my free time, I need to define my 5 roles. Strictly 5, not six. Hehe nothing more or less. Clear 5 roles! 

Last one, well I had a lot of ways want to emphasize, but this one way kinda fun and crazy. List 100 things to do before you die. Hehe The logic for this one is you need to do for living this short life to the fullest. I will do this! Bwahahaha

Darn, the only thing I didn't like at this talk was the short time allotted for the speaker. As much he wants to expound every way, he is restrained. I hope he was given more time to talk about it. His topic is very essential to not only the usual employee but everybody who has work and life or even leaders, need to know this important balance in life. But one admiration that really strikes me is his trait of being helpful. I mean, how he helped the person who had a heart attack, despite he might in jail in Japan for doing first aid. He didn't mind that at all. Also how he helps our national track and field team, using his own time and money! Unbelievable guy.. We lucky to have him in our country!

Saturday is done.. Well I was able to go home fast and sleep early. 

It is weird as Sunday came. Grand feast is at 2pm at MOA. I arrived before 2pm yet I can't believe that crowd outside lining up was jampacked and worried that we might not fit inside. I heard rumors that others from the morning session still inside. 

It's already 10 minutes after 2pm, well I'm quite anxious bout, how the mass is on going and the program as well. Geez. Patience is a virtue. 

Great thing we are moving after 20 mins and at last, thank God.. I am in and it's a great thing, premium seats! Great thing, liturgy of the word just started. Hehe Thank God I'm not late. 

The mass was grand, and of course, solemn.. It was finished after like an hour and a half. Then one singing number which included a heartwarming sharing bout survival from a strong storm. 

Worship started and lead by Bro. Bo then first talk done by Bro. Arun about us being Uncontainable. It's a sense of being you are not confined in your faults, problems, sins or anything that hinders love to Jesus. It's an inspirational talk with a lot of fun and motivation. Although not really great, but just enough to be inspired. 

Last talk came of course from Bro. Bo. A passionate talk about lifting high with Jesus. Emphasizing bout the importance of faith, especially being very high with being close to Jesus, especially the times you need to lay down your weakness and ask him to heal you. Then follow him as well at end, of course, don't forget to spread that love to anybody. To close the talk, damn.. I don't know how to make a paper plane! Hahaha writing the dreams in this plane and thrown upward for reaching dreams. 

And that's was it. Hehe Actually, I can't say that it was great for this year's conference nor I didn't like it. I love it but due to the limited time I've attended to it, I can't just say anything bad to it. I just didn't maximize the four days of attending the conference. My bad of course. But the rest I got plus the conference itself, its worth it. Just a few points to improve on. 

I hope they'll put more business or career classes in the Thursday and Friday schedules to entice more attendees. Another thing, for the Sunday grand feast, I hope attendees has a choice to go at the morning asked especially like me, I'm a morning person. Hehe or better yet, get a bigger venue! 

I hope next year as I bit by bit fixing everything bout me, I'll attend full four days. Hehe If allows me, and if possible might serve perhaps. I just looking forward for next year's conference which has always something in store for me, whether spiritual, educational, motivation or decision as well.. Can't wait for next year's edition. 

For now, well, I'm thinking how to achieve that work life balance, now! Hahaha Definitely, how to be lifted high by Jesus. =)

Be Empowered!

Sunday, God's day.. Day of worship and celebration! Indeed..

Great thing di masyado matrafic. Great thing may budget pa. hahaha

Anyhow, this time, sobrang aga ko naman sa SMX. Last year, I had a promise that the next KCON, di na sa singles stream or class whatever.

However, this year, parang no choice. hehe Lalo na sa Sunday classes for the day, ala naman pumunta ulit ako sa faith. Inner healing. Or worse married! hehe Or single blessedness, which I don't feel talaga.
No choice eh. Naman..

First class was about how to enjoy life while searching that special someone. Discussed by Sis. Junie Romero from SFC and Bro. Jan Silan, the Makati feast builder from Makati. From a serious start until the kinda fun part. Honestly, parang all they have discussed was not really striking to me. Siguro halos half of the discussed eh nagawa ko na, or nothing new... Anyway, let's pass that part.

Second class was from Ardy Roberto, I thought the same Ardy last year in that great singles stream.. hehe Another speaker was Miriam Quiambao. When I heard yun news or announcement na she's engaged to the guy, I never thought na sila pala magsasalita sa conference. hehe Saktong sakto.

Anyway, Ardy's part was quite short but great thing because at first, quite skeptical who is he and sorts, pero in the end, aba ayos siya! hehe Kaso due to time, he needs to make his part short.

Well, sayang di ko nakuha yun libreng book niya, but I'm planning to buy well, that bestseller of his. The next part was touching. Fellow Thomasian, and let me say, panalo si Miriam ha. hehe Beautiful.. Dating beauty queen talaga. Isipin mo nasa UST lagi ang ganun, ang ganda naman talaga sa UST! hehehe Touching because what she shared despite it's about her life, eh may order naman, great pace at kakagulat yun ibang revelations niya. Lalo na yun part na nadepress pala siya after that divorce. And some mishaps sa showbiz dealings, nascam pa.. Sabi ko, grabe ang nangyari sa kanya.

Jesus saved her thru his words, at naging focus na lang siya to Jesus' promises. =) Indeed, kung ano nawala sa kanya, ayun very fruitful na siya ngayon. Mukhang blooming pa. hehe Kulang na lang talaga eh kasal between her and Ardy. Ok din sana yun story ni Ardy, very interesting lalo na yun part kung bakit siya nasingle ulit. Talagang kung sa kin nangyari yun, parang nawala na lahat sa kin. =( But in God's grace, two broken people, come into one full loving relationship..

After that uplifting class eh wala nang lunch lunch. hehe Pwesto na for the holy mass and the plenary feast session. It's the first time I saw si Cardinal Tagle, and I can say, very youthful and straightforward siya magpreach ha. Magaling nga siya.. No wonder he's the best one we can send and represent for us sa Vatican.

Holy Mass ended then some entertainment came in with UE Chorale which were good, Top Suzara, K5 then worship, tapos another powerful talk from Krish  which was about having a relationship with God in a different way. Actually steps to have that meaningful relationship with Him. Sabi ko, di lang pang business to, evangelist pa. =) Galing talaga!! Then plenary talk by Bro. Bo. All I can say about that talk, despite na scary topic, eh ayun.. Prophetic. Why? Sa ReView. hehe

Then after the talk, yun very solemn worship na sobrang joy and peaceful siguro dahil it's the way I can lift up to him my worries, doubts, troubles, problems and questions. Jesus indeed felt his presence at that time, until of course the last songs which party na! Celebration to the max... I went home, despite tiredness, I'm drained, and kinda broke. hehe I feel relieved.

Empowered!

I said this to my friend and sis sa CG na this is the best KCON for the past 3 years. Dahil na din kahit nakakapagod yun 4 days, maganda yun theme! 2 days for church/community groups, then yun 2 days ang usual streams or topics. On time ang classes, I mean may delay ng 10-15 mins, but not more than that unlike before na 30 mins-45 mins. Naexperience ko lang yun once but most of the time, sakto.  Maganda yun topics that were discussed, best collection of speakers lalo na nung Saturday classes, grabe.. Then worship and reflections were there.

Although when it comes sa entertainment, ok pa yun last year or lalo na yun 2011! All star ha. hehe Saka yun venue talaga kung nasa field lang like 2011, that is way better lalo na pagworship, iba yun aura and presence eh. Pero mas safe naman siyempre sa SMX. hehe

Some suggestions. First, hmmm I hope wag isama sa isang araw yun singles, kasi like what happened this year, looking forward ako maiiwasan ko na, kaso hindi eh. hehe Sana kinalat na lang nila nung other days, not compile it sa isang araw. How about prolonging yun time ng speakers, sayang kung mahaba lang yun time, not like less than 1 hour, sobrang sulit! hehe Another suggestion, yun host, sana wag din speaker, kakapagod kaya yun. hahaha

Sa church series, I hope they'll invite more speakers from other communities, although marami na nga this year. hehe Pero siguro other facets or make topics about church service or evangelism, or missionary works interesting.

Alam ko may magaling na speaker for 2014, sana lalo na for business/career, they'll invite CEO's from big companies. Kung pwede si MVP why not? hehe Or Ayala, or kahit si Jollibee CEO or pagsama nila sila Francis Kong, Anthony Pangilinan and that other Ardy, sorry I forgot his last name. Even sila Larry Gamboa, Colayco or kahit yun Penshoppe CEO hehe Sa religious talks, well sana, hindi claim na!! hehe Pwede naman mangarap kahit isa lang sa kanila, Rick Warren, or Joyce Meyer and that mysterious Joel Osteen.  How about Bill Maher? hehe

Anyway kidding aside, ah nagpapasalamat ako sa servants na kahit haggard na happy to serve pa din! hehe Mukhang next year pag buenas ka nga naman.. Happy to serve na ata ako. hahaha

Well, I also suggest, please they just need yun MOA Arena or Araneta para sa plenary talks. Magastos ang dalawang floor ng SMX ha. At grabe, sardinas paglabasan na. hehe But anyway, suggestion lang.. Mas maayos kasi at para lahat masaya at for the good na din ng production. Less expense and hassle.

To recap, this year I can say eh sobrang blessed and enlightened. Parang retreat talaga except no physical rest. hehe

But in God's grace and Holy Spirit's presence, I'm always at peace.

Jesus always empowers me. Empowers us..  =)

See ya next year where we will be lifted high!

Be Empowered!

Still shocked and blessed from that very first talk.. Eh wala na kainan ito, deretcho na sa first class for the Saturday Edition. Unfortunately, as much I thrilled sa health talk eh nadelay. The only delay I experienced in this year's KCON. I chose this talk kasi I'm now into healthy living, starting ha. hehe But the diet is there, then excercise na lang, nadelay ulit kasi well for personal reasons. 

Ah, Bro Bo discussed, hmmmm let's say I heard that before, just recently in one series. Forgive me. hehe With some new information lalo na what to drink in breakfast ha, mahirap yun. hehe 28 Kalamansi juice? Really? Ubos oras.. Magawa nga sometime. hehe 

After that simple talk, hmmmm the interesting topic arrived, Neuro Linguistic style whatever, but let me tell you, it helps. The fastest way to get sleep is here or if you have a bad habit or trauma, mukhang nakakatulong. Kaso due to the late start.. =( Well, talk got cut short. Mabuti na lang may book yun friend ko. hehe Makahiram nga!

Well, after that class, I was expecting a lot but I think I'll just read the book at tuloy ang plan for diet and excercise. hehe

The second class well, pinili ko siya baka may other ways to enjoy or have motivation sa career. 

Yun pala, I'm in a treat! hehe

Eto naman sis ko, eh puwesto agad sa second row, middle of the stage, kakahiya baka magtawag ng audience! hehe Grabe.. Sana nabili ko nga yun libro niya. =(

At ngayon ko lang naalala yun amazing race  na sumali sila ng daughter niya, paano kasi iba yun pinapanood ko dun, actually basta maganda yun pair that's for sure. hahaha But anyway.. 

Jhet Van Ruyven should be one of our hidden treasures, I mean di lang international speaker or author but siya yun symbol na pagiging pinoy natin! I mean, mangugulay lang sa batangas becoming entrepeneur sa Canada tapos best selling author pa.. At di lang super serious like most of us in achieving dreams, siya pagkakalog ba at di mahiyain na ishare yun nangyari sa kanya, yun masayahin na tunay nagrepresent na pagiging successful pinoy abroad. 

Despite some tech difficulties, and short time at simple yun topic, powerful si te. hehe Bad trip, nashort pera ko, di tuloy ako nakabili nung libro niya. 

What shocked me most sa huli, noong pupunta siya sa edge ng stage kala ko thankful bow lang pero grabe, tumalon si Jhet with her heels at wala lang, rumampa! hahaha Ayun pumunta sa likod at picture at autograph din.

Well, I hope she'll come back sometime here to inspire again. =)

Until now, I'm suprised, that the last speaker that should have been at that last class eh Rex Mendoza, President and CEO of Philam life, I want to know his experience or his journey. I kinda read his article, seems a good CEO, willing to share to others. 

Nasan siya? I don't know..

Pero yun kapalit, sulit!! Sobrang sulit! hahahaha

Surprise replacement, well, one of the 2 students of the great Zig Ziglar, which until now iniisip ko pa din kung sino yun isa. hehe His name is Krish Dhanam, and wow.. Fortunate to see a speaker that not only passionate but motivating talaga. Tamang tama, selling pa naman yun theme, pag sales man ka, after hearing this piece, motivate na bumenta ka. hehe Ako, naisip ko kala ko magaling na ko bumenta dati pero kulang pa. 

Selling is not only just sell something but more into building relationship sa client or customer. And it's a process. You never stop at one customer, lalo na pag ayaw, then go to the another one. 

Krish not only discussed selling but some life points din na nakakatuwa and uplifting. Eto talaga, bad trip, bitin. At sana may ibang aspects siya nadiscuss, kahit anong aspect ata sa business pwede na idiscuss. Saka makikita mo talaga sa kanya, trained by Zig. Wow.. I hope, he'll be back kahit di sa KCON, other conferences pa. hehe

Yun talaga, motivational speaking excellence. hehe Galing..

Saturday ended and I felt not only very blessed..

But very motivated. Naks.. hehe

From morning till dawn, can't seem to forget what all those speakers said. =)

End of Part 2.

Be Empowered!

When I first heard that KCON this year is 4 days.. I thought, at first.. Paano yun? Mukhang maiipon ata ako ng VL. hehe Take note, forecast na agad kung may Sat Shift, at yes.. Tama, may Sat Shift. I prayed na Lord kahit LOA or VTO na ng Sat shift, basta makapunta. hehe Or maaprove lang yun Thursday and Friday ok na.

Well, due to some events eh biglang napaisip ko magpalit ng earlier sked then have fixed off for good reasons, one is to look at Algerro when I go home at para marami din magawa. Ok naman yun 6am to 3pm pero para matapos na agad, 2pm uwian na!

He made a way, ayun napprove naman ang request ko at no more worrying about the Sat and Sun classes and siyempre grand Feast. Unfortunately, VL na lang, pero he still provide na approve yun VL ko at wala naman hassle.

Got some good seats and all I need to do is wait for these days.
Kaso due to some commitment eh di ako nakapunta ng first day, pero mabuti na lang, my friend sa CG eh nakapagrecord!! hehe

Let's go sa second day.

First talk was about We Chat, discussing about well how to not only talk sa members, but doing more than that. Mentoring, guiding the members and most of all, seeing their spiritual growth pag tagal. You might forget it in the future but malay mo, yun mga naguide mo eh di nakalimutan ang ginawa mo for them. I was touched with the sharing of Kitting Gelano that from her, to her former student tapos from that person to Bro. Velden. Of course, kakatuwa na sa huli nagkita sila and here sa class na yun. Pay it forward, a good one.
Last class ng Friday was about keeping the community's fallout rate low or in business terms or organization terms, eh attrition. Sinong company/org na gustong mataas na attrition? hehe

With Bro. Arun and Bro. Jay discussed simple yet effective ways of keeping your community kung di lang malaki, of course, low fall out rate. It's start with relationship then 3 ways to keep it working. Una na yun small groups, tapos fun activities then events siyempre. Medyo nakalimutan ko pero mabuti nasave ko sa voice recorder. hehe Ito naman inaapply sa lahat ng community it's just the matter how they execute. Kasi mahirap magmaintain ng group especially kung choice pala ng member eh umalis, wala nang choice. Let go.
After that, plenary speaking with I'm surprised Holy Mass, healing mass. Wow, very blessed with Fr. Dave as the lead celebrator ng mass at I can say, that's a priest. I mean akala ko marami na ko nakita at narinig na priest na magaling, iba to.. He's very transparent yet holistic on how he explained yun Gospel and the word of God. Truly inspirational, I hope I can see him again sometime. =)
Tapos ng mass, another talk and very energetic  and long worship. For that day, I can say ah very focused sa church/community building ha. Kahit namiss ko yun unang day, terms they used are more general than it's for sa min. hehe Which is good at maganda marami pumunta na galing ibang community. I hope they enjoyed and importantly, learned a lot from our community. They can bring that back to their own community, used it and make their community grow.

Saturday came and I thought, or let's say I'm thinking of rest.

Kasi naman Thursday whole day of waiting sa doctor tapos late na nakauwi. Friday it was good, blessed yet pagkauwi, sa sobrang pagod, tulog agad.. Di man lang nagayos ng gamit, bad trip pa paguwi. hehe Mapagastos bigla.

Shining bright at SMX and medyo nalate pa ko, Lord napakahaba ng pila. hehe

Eh mabuti na lang may friends ako kasama, madali kumuha ng seats, kaso kakahiya,malapit sa camera! hehe I hate dancing, at si Bro Migs eh pasayaw ng pasayaw ng fireworks. hehe Anyway, after that, ah after a very cool introduction, started with a very, very, I don't know what I can say.. Simply prophetic. Speaker was Adam Comiskey and thank God, he just spoke to my heart. Let's say, in my current weakness, sometimes I gave up on how but still trying to get away from it and most of the time, most methods don't work. He gave a great answer! =) I'll do that, but still I was moved, inspired and it's like when I'm remembering yun talk niya, parang sinisigawan niya na ko. hehe Now, I understand his mercy..

Dahil sa powerful talk na yun, I almost forget the next talk until the end. Pero siyempre ok naman yun plenary talk ni Bro. Bo, but still Adam's talk still echoing in my ears. In my heart. In my soul.

Well, after that long plenary talk and worship..

The day was not over yet..

The very best has yet to come!!!!

End of Part 1.

Champion's Arise!

Last year at KCON, they announced that the theme for the next one is Champion's Arise.. After some months and yes, muntikan pa ko di makabili ng ticket, even with the shorter array of talks eh at the end, it's better!

Better than last year I can say. At kakagulat, ang daming pumunta, kala ko may isa o dalawang stream na di mapupuno, anak ng tinapa, lahat jam packed! Oh God. hehe Yeah as I still remember na sabi ko di na singles yun stream ko for this year eh di ko nasunod. May reason naman pala si God dun. =)

First of all, I want to thank Dad for this gift. hehe Despite the situation, you've still helped me. It's a big help for me. =) You're the best, Dad!

I chose Catholic Faith as my first stream. By the way, this year the format was choose 2 streams in two days, from a variety of topics you want to learn or inspire. From worship to business streams in first day. Then from the streams last year like singles to leadership. Pinili ko yun Catholic Faith kasi yun ibang stream na gusto ko magkasabay pa in one day, like business and career. Business I don't really need it now lalo na may experience na ko for that. Pero siyempre mas maganda kung yun ang kinuha ko for more ideas. hehe 

Career was another bright choice, however, nakita ko yun speakers and ano topic... I knew it. Let's I was able to avoid the inevitable. hehe Better yet I chose faith since ang builder eh si Bro. Arun then the speakers might help me to understand more sa Catholic Faith.

First speaker sa stream was seasoned, veteran actress Pinky Marquez talking about her experiences about her faith, lalo na before.. Kahit di detailed eh it's a heartwarming experience about yun doubts niya about our faith kasi napangasawa niya before not in the same faith.. Tapos how she came back to catholic faith because of her role of Mama Mary in theater for the Magnificat, then shown us her God given talent.. Singing! I was thinking that time, damn Karel has a great Mom, that's why she looks good. hehe Layo no.


Next speaker was the feast builder in SM Manila, mentor ng Rad Men, Bro. Obet. I admit, I am not a fan of his... Pero, after his talk about the basics of catholic faith through the acronym issues, eh fan niya na ko. hehe Simple yet fun way of answering some basic truths of our faith with the help of vatican doctrines. =)

Sumunod eh eto na.. Alam na, si Father Rap Rap.. =) One of the priests that made my recollection memorable sa the feast Alabang. hehe Honestly, I forgot what he discussed in detail kasi naman sa great fun and lines niya, but I remember eh he talked about we as catholics should serve according to our purpose. Definitely, iba yun talk niya here than sa recollection. How important is our faith to search that purpose. Yun ating faith eh one of our core in our life that needs to be fed of God's eternal word. Naks.. Quite deep pero grabe ang tawa ko lalo na sa huli through his adventures of his service.

Lastly, eh another priest that really surprises me kasi sa looks niya kala mo very serious or yun intimidating.. Hindi pala. =) What a high time for the year of faith to be discussed in detail by Father Mario, he discussed why us a country who has 80% of its population is into catholic faith, still eh we're among the poorest and worse, corrupt countries. I agree with his explaination, we have broken values. Like palakasan, crab mentality and you know yun mga values na I know it's there pero most of us just live through it. Then sama pa yun hyper faith.. Relying so much sa faith that we forget that our actions are equally important to our faith. The year of faith wants us to revisit our faith tying it through prayer and service to him. =) Love God, Jesus, and be blessed by the Holy spirit. 

I can say despite the lack of discussing in detail about the catholic faith or kahit sana may Q and A portion for us, ok yun stream. You might ask parang theo ba hanap mo style? Yeah, but not that sleepy type discussions. hehe Ok na siya because the way delivered was simpler and fun, effective. Even the time is short for each speaker eh sulit naman, di naman sila kinulang. Or sumobra.

I've chosen singles stream kasi, hmmmm I took leadership last year at ok na sa kin yun. Yun ibang stream doesn't interest me. Lalo naman yun single blessedness at youth. hehe Eh kung binebuenas ka nga naman.. 

First speaker is from business works, it's Ardy, or damn I forgot his name! But really a great speaker. I wrote some notes nga eh. hehe That business works company, worth it pagnapaseminar kayo sa kanila, not only authorized John Maxwell facilitator but damn, has inspiring speakers. Francis Kong, Anthony Pangilinan, then this dude, sulit! haha

He talked about how achieve success in life through decisions, actions and being consistent and most importantly, character! 10% of success can be attributted sa skills, but the remaining 90%, comes from character. 
Well, he inspired me to really focus in my strengths, working in my weaknesses and yes, achieve great goals bit by bit. =) Itatago ko yun simple notes sa powerful talk niya.

Next one was about Spirituality at work. Title pa lang parang boring na, but once Mike Joseph entered, it's a great talk about how faith you have will inspire you not only to do work, pero siyempre direction in life. He has some pointers, pero focuses more sa obstacles in achieving spirituality. He gave these five pointers, Sin, temptation, impatience, passivity and over spiritualization. Naks. I thought, well, parang napagdaanan ko lahat ito ha. Pero binigyan niya ng ways how to go through at tama naman siya for each pointer, like discernment, seek wisdom and add skills, prayer at guidance din. This talk kahit slow eh, enriching at fun naman. I am alert all the time kahit medyo slow or dragging yun topic.

Last one was the highlight of the stream. Two speakers eh sulit na sa kin, I can go home. haha This one, great thing I didn't miss it. Joseph and Rica, a loving couple. By the way, before that, kakakilig yun sharing ng isang bro kasi from a state of nothing, I mean nawala sa kanya lahat, eh biglang naging in place lahat because of his faith and service to the Lord. A happy ending din kasi after kasal niya with his fiance, Barcelona lang naman ang honeymoon. hehe Kaya yun ang kulit ni Rica kay Joseph. hehe

Joseph Bonifacio, a pastor sa isang church, more sa youth and dedicated servant, married Rica Peralejo which as we all know, lalo na sa guys, from teeny booper to hot screen star, to a dedicated wife and serving the Lord. You'll ask yourself, how they become married? I saw Rica leaving yun morning show sa dos, reasons eh she's getting married and sorts tapos, may iba sa kanya.. Parang she became conservative and happy despite not making films or shows. I wonder, sino kaya pinakasal nito at naging ganun siya. =)

Just there, ayun, she's talking about how relationship works and it should work under one God. Joseph on the other hand, charismatic but well, not that stunning. Yet very engaged on what he preach and making it easy na lahat eh makasunod sa kaniya. Natawa yun share niya about one ball na pinuntahan nila, ayaw niya talaga sa lights ng showbiz, kaya yun, balikat lang nakita sa pic ni Rica. hehe

They discussed together on how malaman or how to find the right mate. Simply but a 
lot of hard work at discernment. First they talked about siyempre, ikaw, dapat malaman mo kung sino ka and even your weaknesses na papaalam mo sa partner mo. Committed to make changes as long na nasa tama hindi yun pinilit ka or you don't sacifice that much. Knowing yourself helps siyempre finding who is right for you, yun sa tingin mo sino makakasundo mo.

Second is knowing your partner more. Siyempre normal sa inyo may common interest or views in life, pero it's not enough to know your partner better. Important is you need to know more of your partner and nourish para magtagal kayo. if you know each other up to the most inner secrets eh you will trust an understand better and love unconditionally in the future. 

Lastly, put God in the center of your relationship. In one God above your relationship, at una siya tapos pangalawa ang iyong mahal eh malaking tulong yun. Like all other relationship or example na lang kay Rica and Joseph, they serve together, they pray and go to church together kaya yun trust nila sa isa't isa become stronger kasi you won't do things that will look bad in the eyes of God and even your longtime partner. 

Siguro looking back in my past relationship, eto yun sobrang kulang sa relationship namin. I mean I've no problems knowing her or kilala niya ako. We even felt kami na talaga, kaso iba lang talaga faith namin. I can't decide which to go.. Praying and serving together.

After the talk, of course, nawala yun stigma ko kay Rica. Naks, we are happy for her and now, she's living the life what God wants for her. I hope she can comeback sa showbiz. she's still stunning. hehe More beautiful than I watched her in a film titled Balahibong Pusa. hahaha for Joseph, keep up the good work and continue serving to God an proclaiming his word in a more easy way. Damn you're lucky. =)

KCon this year indeed became better and I hope they will continue to do this, inspire and enligthen more people through fun and motivating talks from people who succeeded through God's magnificent grace.

It made a champion arise!

Before and After Arise..

I don't know why I became late papuntang MOA. hehe Ah kasi naman late naman din ako nagising, 2am kasi ang uwi. Anyhow, pagdating ko eh great thing sa baba ako, yun mismong court ng MOA then start na ng worship! Oh Lord, late na nga ako. =) Ang naglead ng worship was the Emmanuel Worship, singing their own songs sa worship. Even I have no idea about their songs, but its uplifting and engaging to praise God. I thought matagal siya but well, I keep on sa worship, and prayer.. I hope next year, they'll bring a lot of those artists, kung kaya famous ones. hehe

After that great worship, siyempre some announcements and a show started na. A talk from Roselle Ambubuyog, the blind lady who is a summa cum laude graduate in ADMU with a degree in BS Math. She talked about her life how she became blind and rose to the challenge to be like a normal student/professional despite her disability. Kakainspire yun talk niya kasi yun pagiging blind niya di pala inborn, she became blind because of allergy sa gamot or some medical condition that affected her eyesight and never see again. 

Kung ako nabully nung HS, siya, mas mahirap, she almost cannot go to school kasi few schools lang ang nagaaccept ng kagaya niya. Until now, totoo yun, at di ata dumami. Yun challenges niya going to school and even yun mga teachers niya dati, grabe ni ayaw siya iguide or bigyan even normal treatment kasi nasa public. Kakatuwa yun transition niya from HS to college which is ADMU. Akala ko yun ADMU has facilities already before for the blind and disabled. Well, she's smart and very much faithful. Faithful in the sense that despite her blindness eh she can still serve being a lector, ang hirap nun ha.. Braille na Bible yun kailangan niya lagi. Tapos she's advocating yun sa blind, opportunity, giving speeches and yun blessed naman siya sa work, working for a company who is making software for the blind. 

To end my thought about her talk, it taught that me that despite the odds or disability, surrender to him and take pride of overcoming such difficulty without any doubts kasi you've lifted up to him. Ah, kakatawa yun sinabi niya about selecting her for top honors, one student who was interviewed answered the question, instead answering why you should be the top of the class.. The student asked and answered, why Roselle should be the top of the class, then answered she inspired us and we looked ourselves despite not blind, we did not achieve like she does then so forth. That made here proud. =)

Ah, next is a short talk with Bro. Bo about the course of KCON in the next two days then there, short worship and prayer. 

After that, ayun may nakita ako kasama, si Sis Bev. At we're running crazy sa buong MOA looking for food. Malas lang, wala! Sobrang jampacked and tight ang lahat ng kainan.. We ended up sa Spam Jam, eating some sandwiches. hehe Sabi ko sa kanya, bawi na lang paguwi. Tapos there, the catholic faith stream, siya ay nakalimutan ko kung san. hehe

Sunday, the end of liturgical calendar ng catholic church, meaning Christ the King. Then just like last year, end na din and highlight ng kcon. Singles talk muna then after that very fun filled and motivating talks... Di na ko kumain ng lunch, I went straight sa baba ng SMX, and great thing sa premium seats, malapit sa stage! 

After some hourse of waiting and wala akong katabi na kilala ko kasi malamang lahat ng kakilala ko nasa gilid ng SMX.. Eh di ko na ininda yun gutom. I waited and after some long hours, mass started!

The Holy Mass celebration was good.. And si Bishop Ongtioco very lively magmass and funny. Kahit yun sound system eh static and what not, the mass was filled with grace and joy. This KCON grand feast was massive, kasi I thought kami lang nasa baba, akalain mo sa taas, may 7thou people pa and still enjoying the KCON. Meaning they need to have a bigger venue next year! hehe

After the Holy Mass, the usual worship but bago worship, some entertainment and raffle!!! Damn, di na naman ako nanalo! hahaha Entertainment was good, a surprise entertainment from Lani Misalucha.. Damn, partida, mukhang kakagising lang pero ang performance level, pang concert! hehe Sulit ang paghihintay. 

Worship started and I can say, it's a special worship kasi di lang matagal but may additional sharing and talk.. Suprisingly, Bro. Pio shared that he almost resigned sa LOJ due to what happened in his family. Pero di naman tinanggap ng LOJ yun letter niya, it happened years ago.. Even ganun, he continued to serve and yes, he treated yun nangyari as a blessing and it made his family closer each other and to God. 

Now, as he is very happy with his family and yeah, yun tinakbo ng service niya sa LOJ. That proves everything happens in a reason, in the end, you'll see why it happened. =) Bro. Bo started the miracle worker series, discussed about us making or asking for miracles through him. We too, can share miracles to others. It ended with a great worship, spreading our faith to him and gladly finished KCON indeed, better.

Well, I do hope they'll find a bigger venue for the grand feast next year. Sa mga venue sa streams, hmmmm ok sa SMX, easier to find and transportation din pauwi at papunta mas madali. Yeah, thanks to that premium ticket and I do have great seats in the venue. 

Although until now, di pa really I mean reached the goals I want or changes that happen.. Ang gusto ko sa KCON is that the talks are there to inspire you to do better in life in small steps. Motivates you to make changes in the plans you have in place, to make plans na more suitable for you, wisdom is needed to make those changes. Be informed on the things that you're searching for answers deep inside.. Lastly, if you're looking for a break from everything, you want to be filled with God's love and grace and have a fun time, definitely, reserve the dates and go to KCON!

Now, kahit bumalik sa regular life, well.. Everyday, I'm moving forward and apply what I learn for the better. Looking forward next year, can't wait!

Always remember, we are champion in the eyes of God.

Arise and stand up, make your move...