Archive for the 'Personal' Category

5 YouTube Videos That Always Make Me Stop and Ponder

Published at January 16, 2008 in Videos and Personal. 13 Comments

YouTube is a haven for people who love entertainment. It is a place rich in all kind of videos: hilarious, educational, thought-provoking. You name it, YouTube has it.

Since anyone knowledgeable with videos can upload anything he wants, YouTube has somewhat become contaminated by junk videos that present no meaning at all. Worse, some people abuse the system by writing offensive comments that can be considered as trash and immature.

However, if you are a person who exercise good judgement, you will know when to avoid those and how to find valuable videos that are worth remembering. I applaud video creators, who post insightful clips. They truly understand that a thing of beauty is meant for sharing.

Below you will find videos which I personally like as they inspire me and make me reflect on life.

You probably had seen some (if not all), but it never hurts watching them again. To go directly to the YouTube page of the videos where you can also read viewers comments, click on the title. Otherwise, simply click on the Play button of each video below to start watching:

1. Young Tiger Woods Wins British Open (1 min)


This spliced video, which features a young Tiger Woods winning the British Open, is one of my favorite Nike Commercials. It makes me smile for two reasons, 1.) Seeing Tiger Woods as a young kid playing golf is amazing in itself. 2.) His relationship with his parents is masterfully captured in this concise clip. My full interpretation can be read in this post.

2. Dancing Prisoners (4 min 25 sec)


Fellow Filipino Byron Garcia probably didn’t see his idea becoming a huge hit all over the world when he published the video of the prisoners dancing “Thriller” (popularized by Michael Jackson). It was inspiring and amusing at the same time, and seeing the inmates dance like they have a mission is a sight to behold.

The video has been viewed approximately 11 million times, and has caught the attention of bigtime and international press. As a result, the inmates dedicated a dance to the whole world and CNN featured them on its website with their heart-warming stories of rehabilitation. I hope every prison in the world does something productive instead of letting the inmates hurt each other.

3. Everyday (5 min 45 sec)


The world is spinning slowly everyday, and people from all walks of life have their own business to mind. In the midst is one man - Noah Kalina – who took pictures of himself everyday, for 6 years, and created a video out of them. The result was awesome. It started with the word “Everyday”, and then one by one, his compiled daily pictures which were taken in various places, flashed in quick sequence. It ended with a phrase “A work in progress.” Which, in my opinion, is open for interpretation.

4. My Name Is Lisa (6 min 26 sec)


This short film came out just a couple of months ago and immediately gained recognition because of its truthful message addressing an “unwanted condition”. Already viewed more than a million times, it won 3rd place in YouTube Project: Direct voted by the viewers. I don’t intend to spoil this clip, but here’s a short scene near the end to give you a hint of what the film is all about: An old lady suspiciously asked a young girl: “Who are you? What’s your name?” Confused, the 13-year old girl answered in a soft manner: “My name is Lisa…” Great script, great acting, excellent message.

5. The Shot (30 sec)


A regular guy had a dream of making it to a professional basketball league and making a game-winning shot when he was young. It didn’t happen. However, he has a competitive drive to win and dreams of playing in an organized game. He continues to love basketball. So he continually practiced hard, working on his shooting in the community gym with his friends.

That regular guy is me. And when my awaited day arrived, I finally hit a winning shot for the first time in my life. Somehow, my dream came true. (Additional information in this post.)

—–

I know some of these clips might not mean anything to you. Some of you probably have your own selections, and that is perfectly acknowledged, because I also understand that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

So allow me to take this chance to say that I am truly thankful for the video creators who shared their masterpieces with public viewers. Their geniuses make it worth the stay in YouTube.

Popularity: 31% [?]

13 Comments Email This Post Email This Post Print This Post Print This Post

Christmas Isn’t All About Material Things

Published at December 21, 2007 in Personal, School/Teaching and Observations and Opinions. 11 Comments

Santa Claus, True Meaning of ChristmasI have read a few articles saying that kids of today are not getting the real meaning of Christmas — that they only care about material things and Saint Nicholas, or more popularly known as Santa Claus. I was not convinced.

So, Tuesday morning, during my computer class, I asked my grade 2 students to write in their notebook what Christmas means to them. I required them at least 2 sentences.

When they were done, I collected and read all the 25 notebooks. I was surprised by their answers: none of them wrote about Santa Claus. Zero.

As a matter of fact, Baby Jesus was their main answer, followed by these keywords: Love, Sharing, Caring, Family. (in random order)

Sure there are a few students who also answered “time for fun“, “getting presents” and the like. That’s part of the tradition.

These kids are 7ish-8ish years old. They are at the tender age of innocence and will believe almost anything a trustworthy adult would say. So I wondered: How come Santa Claus was left off? Do they “already” have an idea who Santa Claus really is?

My curiosity didn’t end there. The following day, I had the 1st graders, so I took the chance and interviewed random students by asking the same question: “What does Christmas mean to you?”

The answers were basically the same as the previous grade. This time, however, a couple of students finally mentioned the name Santa Claus. Still, it’s just a blip on the radar. And I felt good they are not materially obsessed.

I just had to laugh at some articles that blame the changing times if kids associate Christmas with material things. The point is, we want kids to realize the true meaning of Christmas, but it is us - the grown-ups - who color Christmas with money and attach Santa Claus to material things. The kids are just the reflection of us.

And then we write or talk about how kids today don’t get it.

Maybe we need to look at ourselves at the mirror and ask why.

Bring the kids to church; learn who Saint Nicholas really is and teach the kids why he - as Santa Claus - is a great symbol for this season; give something to the less fortunate without asking for return. These are some of the practical things we can do to teach them the real meaning of Christmas.

I watched my students play in the computer. And I thought: Christmas spirit isn’t really lost yet, but it depends on me and you.

Popularity: 16% [?]

11 Comments Email This Post Email This Post Print This Post Print This Post

You Love Writing, Does Someone Understand?

Published at November 15, 2007 in Blogs and Blogging, Personal and Observations and Opinions. 10 Comments

When you love something, you do whatever it takes to get it. Take writing for instance. As a blogger or a writer, you spend considerable amount of time writing, and A LOT of time thinking which is driven by inspiration.

And you don’t even notice it.

When you are taking a shower, and an idea suddenly hits you, you want to rush out of the bathroom and sit down in front of the computer and start typing.

Because when a writer starts to think, he feels his ideas are unique; or at least feels he has found a creative way of presenting old thoughts. It’s hard to pass it up. A passionate writer wants to finish writing in one sitting because he feels when he loses his grip, a big chunk of himself is gone. When that happens, the writer feels restless. I know. Because that’s how I feel.

That’s why sometimes, I feel I write better when I’m sleepy. Or should I say, “still sleepy”, because the only time I feel sleepy is when I wake up abruptly from a slumber. I don’t feel sleepy at night. I feel tired. And when my eyes feel tired they automatically close and I fall into sleep.

SunriseWhen I’m sleepy, the quietness of the dawn and the freshness of my mind combine to form a unique thought — at least to me. A thought that I feel could inspire others. Or teach. Or help. Or anything useful. A thought that I think could change the world. And wonderful thoughts deserve the best choice of words.

I always think I’m alone when I’m in this state. Is that weird or lonely? I don’t think so. I just think most people do not understand when a writer begins to dwell in his own world and why he has to do it.

So I did the logical thing. I asked the person who I think will understand me best. The person who I want to be with for the rest of my life.

“Andie?” I asked my girlfriend. “Will you understand me when I am writing?”

“What do you mean?” she asked. And I said, “when I’m like this.” and I described my state to her. She likes it when I am talking to her. I think most girls do when their guys open themselves.

She understands, and said. “Yes.”

I was happy, but I really do hope she does because writing is important to me. So I chuckled, and told her, “You know this won’t be the last time, right?” I didn’t expect or need any answer.

My fingers tapped the keyboard as my thought wandered in the quietness of the dawn, as the rainy morning of our 3rd Anniversary arrives.

Popularity: 9% [?]

10 Comments Email This Post Email This Post Print This Post Print This Post

Appreciation Post - Special Thanks and Shout Outs To My Readers!

Published at October 28, 2007 in Personal and Random Ramblings. 7 Comments

When I started this blog 2 months ago, I thanked the bloggers who inspired me to write. Since it is now weekend and almost end of the month, it is time for appreciation post to acknowledge my most loyal readers who have been reading my entries and have been posting comments. This is my way of returning the favor because I believe that loyalty is a two-way street:

(Click on their names to visit their blogs)

1. Vic Grace – Lately, you’re always the first to comment so I guess you deserve to be the first here. :P I love reading your blog, you have great content and it’s easy to read. Thanks and Good luck with the money-making adventure!

2. Jennifer HIll Ertmer – I still don’t know why your “I” is always in uppercase. :P Thank you for the visits and the great comments! I love reading your stories especially about little Miss Maya. By the way, are you going to monetize your blog too?

3. Cris – my fellow Filipino, thanks for always coming by. Keep up the good work with your blog.

4. Squaretan – a Sports fan who never gets tired of updating his readers with Sports events. NBA is just around the corner, maybe you could post about it once in a while? :P

5. Ottayan – A guy who never runs out of ideas. Thanks for the visits

6. Gleb Reys - Thanks for visiting and commenting and good luck on your new webhost!

7. Priscilla Palmer – Thanks for the visits and comments. Good luck on your upcoming book!

8. Ms Whatsit - a teacher who also loves cats and cooking! Hope the cinnamon sticks work for you if you decide to try.

9. Edward Mills – I enjoyed writing about 36-Hours you started. Thanks!

10. Peter C. - one of my brightest students at St. Aedans. Good luck with your studies and thanks for the visit!

11. Jonathan Velazco and Labelle - two of my first visitors here, thanks for visiting and commenting! Keep in touch!

And to the following bloggers who stumbled upon my site via blogrush, google, and/or other sites:

Danny @ Blogs for Money, Chris Velazco, K. Williams, Canuckle Head, Natural Woman, African Boy, Eddie, Rinnah, Tina Kubala, Jaya, GettyCash, My Personal “Keep Me Up To Date On The Top News” blog

To my friends, like Jojit, Elmer, Elaine, Melissa, The Godfather, Adis, Mrs. Perdomo: thanks for stopping by and taking time out to post in the guestbook and/or comment box, I appreciate it!

To my family in the Philippines, I know you’re reading my posts, based on our online calls. To my sisters Shandz and Sade, thanks for posting in the guestbook! Take care of Mama. Special thanks to my Father who keeps on motivating me that my topics are good.

And of course to my girlfriend, Andie. When my eyes are tired, she’s the one who helps me proof-read my entries before I post them. Thank you for supporting me in every endeavor I take. Advanced Happy 3rd Anniversary! :* :* :*

To all MyBlogLog community readers who visit my site, thanks! And to the thousands of unknown unique IP Addresses, thanks for dropping by and hope you become “known” soon — like Alex, Anon, and Guillermo, who already posted even though they still don’t have blogs/sites.

Thanks a million! Feel free to come back anytime!

Popularity: 14% [?]

7 Comments Email This Post Email This Post Print This Post Print This Post

The Ability to Multi-Task

Published at October 12, 2007 in Career/Work/Job, Personal and Observations and Opinions. 6 Comments

A few people from work asked me to do a thing or two for them. I had to say YES, because: 1.) I was the only one who can do it; and 2.) It had to be done by today.

Normally, after I laid out my plans for the day, I would zone out everything and carry out my plan. If I get interrupted by favors indirectly related to my regular work, I would accept it and politely say “I’d finish it as soon as I can.“

But today was a lot different from my normal Friday, which is supposed to be lighter, compared to other days of the week. Today, I had to endure extended work and a couple of distractions. (I felt the need to sugar-coat the word “distractions” and use “challenges” instead, but, decided against it because they are what they really are: distractions.)

Continue reading ‘The Ability to Multi-Task’

Popularity: 7% [?]

6 Comments Email This Post Email This Post Print This Post Print This Post

« Previous Entries
"