Today is the best day to change your life, thus the tag line of Jerry Foster’s book, Small Changes, Big Results (2004).

Though it present itself as a self-help book, it is rather inspirational. It does not shout at your throat what you should do step-by-step to change your life but it has examples of real people and real experiences that will help the reader realize about his own circumstances in life. It presents practical principles and strategies that are easy to adopt as they enable you to be more conscious or aware of the choices that you make today.

The book is very imaginative. It lets you think your own “what ifs” and “how ifs” and lead you to rethink the things, events and choice that you make and all the possible cumulative outcome in the future. It will make you see into those small things that seemingly insignificant but can create big changes in the future. The author wants the readers not to disregard the small things but see it as a part of a holistic development of a person. Also, he encourages relationships, something that many people neglects in this very busy and fast paced world.

Since the author of the book is a businessman, there are business jargon throughout the text but nonetheless they are well explained and related to life situations; and they make the book more practical and realistic because you are assured that many of it are based from the personal experience of the author that worked over time. The book drives the readers to answer the questions, “Who am I?” and “What am I here for?” through discovering one’s potential and maximizing talents as they are intended to be.

The Vector Principle
Foster used the vector principle in his presentation of the choices that a person make in his/her life. The principle states that each choice you make vectors you (direct, change angle) to a certain destination. “You are currently on a course that was determined by choices you made since you were aware of your capacity to choose. Many of these choice seemed rather insignificant at the time, but small changes make a big difference over time.”

It does not matter whether you are in your twenties, forties or sixties as long as you are conscious of your choices and decisions, you can still change for a fruitful and well-lived life. A person can choose to invest  his/her life toward the path of indifference, path of indulgence, or path of influence. The path of indulgence is the self-centered life. The path of indifference, on the other hand, is existence-centered life. Finally, the part of influence is an others-centered life.

Foster leads the readers to take the path of influence which is characterized by the transformation of other people, personal satisfaction seeing others benefit, and broader perspective in life. This is the path that is grounded on relationships and vision. It strengthens the claim of John Wooden that “Real happiness and success comes from things that cannot be taken from you.” Those things are the legacy that a person can leave after his/her life of earth. Those things are the relationships that are build in love, and visions realized in confidence that bring out the best of life.

Five lifeWealth
Foster coined the term lifeWealth to describe the full investment that a person can make in his/her. It is “The accumulation of financial, relational, physical, intellectual and spiritual capital. (Here goes the business lingo!)

The author encourages each person to invest into the five lifeWealth. These can be treated like a bank where a person can deposit every choices or results that come after, good or bad, for future usage. The profitability of these investments depend on how a person manages them to comply to the vision he/she has in mind or want to accomplish for the future for his/her own life.

This lifeWealth principle leads the reader to evaluating each aspect and plotting vision that are realistic and can gain profit over time. The author has provided strategies how to evaluate and plan toward attaining the fullness of life. Though the book discusses so much of the future, it does not neglect the “now”, in fact it has given it importance because the “now” determines the future. And in the end, the person shall enjoy contentment.

I found this book in the shelf of Christian/Inspirational. The author has quoted some Biblical foundations and personalities to explain his points but even though, I still think that his principles apply whether you are a Christian or not—because all person come into a point in life when they become aware of their choices and have the ability to choose.

After two visas, getting the third one is the most difficult (wishing that someday, Filipinos no longer need visas to enter the first world countries). Here’s are my step-by-step experiences in applying for a Schengen Visa.

TRIVIA: Schengen Visa is valid for Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ggreece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemberg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. If you got this kind of visa, you are free to move from one country to the other.

After getting a word from the Division on Ministries with Young People (DMYP) about arrangement for the Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly Planning Team meeting in Berlin, Germany on July 6-10, I immediately set up to apply for my visa.

Visit the German Embassy website. I needed to see what are the visa requirements so I know what to prepare. The application form in PDF format is downloadable. The following are the general requirements to be submitted in original and photocopied forms.

1. Application form duly completed (including date and signature of applicant)
2. 2 recent passport photographs with applicant’s full name and birth date written on the back
3. Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months after expected date of return; passport must not be damaged) and Xerox copy of the applicant’s passport (pages containing data and Schengen-Visas)
4. for a visit (family, friends):
   
   • Original Affidavit of support (“Verpflichtungserklärung”) according to § 66-68 of the German Residence Law, certified by the competent Aliens Authority (“Ausländerbehörde”) in Germany
   • Proof of relationship with relative in Germany: Birth certificate on security paper (SECPA) from theNational Statistics Office (NSO) of applicant and relative in Germany; Marriage Contract of applicant’srelative in Germany (if married in the Philippines: on security paper issued by National Statistics Office (NSO); if married in Germany: Xerox copy or fax copy sufficient)

   for tourism:

   • confirmed hotel reservation and proof of funds covering a minimum amount of €60,- (or equivalent) per day
   • Round-trip confirmed flight reservation and complete itinerary (NOT airline ticket)

   for business:
   

   • Invitation letter in German language of the business partner in Germany stating complete name, date of birth and/or passport no. of applicant; by fax directly from Germany to German Embassy
   • Confirmed hotel reservation stating complete name, date of birth and/or passport no. of applicant
   • Proof of funds covering a minimum amount of € 60,- (or the equivalent) per day
   • Letter of guarantee from the company in the Philippines
5. Proof of health insurance valid for all Schengen States (not required for Spouses and children of EUnationals) covering an amount of € 30.000 in case of illness, repatriation and/or accidents and accredited by the Schengen-Embassies in Manila (please check accreditation with insurance provider or with Embassy)

There are other requirements depending if you are an employee, self-employed, minor, student, etc. Other requuirements can be viewed here.

Compile all the requirements needed. I emailed our meeting coordinator and the secretary of my host in Germany to send the letters that I need immediately. I already have secured my airline booking ahead of time so I was only waiting for the hard copy of the invitation letter in German language to arrive.

Call the Embassy and all the hassles. Unlike with the US Embassy where you can set an appointment for visa interview online, with German Embassy, you need to call their call center. It was not an easy dialling and talking call. It is a toll number assigned to every service provider. It’s very expensive as it cost PhP32-37 a minute.

I tried calling using the landline but I can not get through it. It says “The number you dialed is not yet assigned.” Again, slowly this time. The same answer. So I called customer service to verify of our phone’s IDD is active, and they said yes. Dialed again, the same answer. I called the General Inquiries phone of the embassy to ask if there is a problem in their number. They said none. Dialed the toll number again, the same answer. I called Bayantel customer service again to check and the CRS says there is a service error in our account.

Since the matter can’t wait since the minimum days requirement for application is 15 days and I urgently need an appointment, I loaded 500 credits on my cellphone. Dialed and not connected. I called Globe’s customer service to check again if IDD is active on my handset and they said yes. I asked for the instruction in calling a toll number. Dialed and at last I got an answering machine then a CSR. I was trying to give my name when the call dropped. Dialed again. I was in the middle of giving my passport number when the call dropped again. On the third call, I was spelling the address of my host when the call dropped. I run out of credits. So I need to load up again. Finally, I was able to set up an appointment but have spent almost a PhP1,o00. just for that. The calls took so long because I needed to spell everything with the call signs (alpha, bravo, charlie, etc.)

Get a recent passport size picture. I need to make sure the photographer follow the picture requirements. Yes, there are specificcations. You can view it here on page 4.

Appear at the Embassy. On my appointed date, I needed to be at the embassy 30 minutes before the time. The usual traffic to Makati every morning delayed me for some time but it was fine. The embassy is at 25/F RCBC Tower 2 in Ayala. I proceeded immediately to the lobby where I signed my name and get my visitor’s ID. When I arrived at the 25th floor, an arrogant guard greeted me and checked my bag. Upon inspecting, he told me that I should have deposited my laptop at the lobby. Obediently, I went down again and left my laptop. Going back to the guard, he let me in. At the window, I was given a waiting number. That time, I knew I had to forget my appointment time and just wait for my number to be called. I walked to the other side of the hall, left my cellphone at the locker, got my key and entered the room.

At least, there were less people compared to the US Embassy when I had to line up for three hours. There, I was sitting pretty. Just waiting patiently and a little nervous. When my name was called, I immediately appeared at the window with a Filipino woman consul. She got my forms and payment but instructed me to get more requirements, a travel insurance and my confirmed hotel booking. I did not have those documents with me then because the invitation letters said that the DMYP and my host shall take care of all expenses. While she was talking to me, I observed that she stamped my passport. I knew then that it was approved. If not, she should have given back my passport. Then, I paid the visa fee worth €60 or its peso equivalent, PhP3870.00. Then left, thinking where in the world will I get a travel insurance and how would I pay for it.

Get a travel insurance with US$50,000 coverage. Yes, that is the minimum coverage or at least 2.5 million. That same day after the application, I surveyed the accredited insurance companies and ask about travel insurance to Schengen countries and how much it worth. I got the best deal with Mafre Insular for only US$25 or PhP1208.50. I just needed to wake up early morning and go to their office in Ortigas.

I did not have any trouble with my hotel booking it was sent to me via email the following day. So two days after the application, I went back to the embassy to submit the remaining requirements. I could have used their accredited courier but it would cost me PhP160 plus the cost of calling their toll number again. So better find time going back to the embassy.

Upon submission of the requirements, the consul told me to go home and wait for my passport to be delivered after two weeks.

Wait, wait, wait patiently. This is I think the hardest part. There is no specific time or day when my passport will be delivered. I was just told two weeks. And to follow-up I need to call the toll number again… too much expense. I had a lot of appointments and I was worried if I miss the courier. There is not always a person staying at home. Gladly the CSR at the embassy told me to follow-up on July 1 to see if my passport can be released on that date. I was worried because I am scheduled to fly on July 6, Monday and July 1 is a Wednesday. What if, it is not delivered in time for my flight. Well, I just have to put my trust in them and (with the Lord).

July 1. I called the Visa Section of the embassy. The one who answered me says the visa can not be followed-up over the phone. I need to call the toll number to verify it. So I tried to call but all get was the answering machine repeatedly saying the spiel. I just waited for half day. Then I tried again. Finally, I got through and someone aswered affirming that my passport and visa was released yesterday and scheduled for delivery today. So I wait.

Finally, after a long wait, I got my visa today but not yet ready to fly. I am still raising funds.

Well, I just hope next time, the embassy will have a new system that will allow online appointment and bank deposit for payment for a lesser cost and more effecient use of time. If not, I have to repeat the entire process next year with a group of young people who might be more impatient that I do.

I do not have my biological father now to greet a “Happy Father’s Day” but I am always grateful that this especial day is celebrate to remind me of a life well-spent. My father died five years ago, though I miss him sometimes, it seems that he is still with us. Also, God has provided me some people to serve as fathers.

Fathers are the people whom we seek for wisdom. My Papa was a silent person, he does not talk too much but when he talks I know that what he says is important. For the difficult decisions that I had to make, I always seek his advise. Even now that what I have is only a foster (or maybe adopted) father, I still go to him for advises.

Fathers are strong. Not only physically but emotionally. Sadly my father succumb to cancer (which we believe is a result of his depression) however we know that his strength was within. He did not want us to suffer from anything. He protects us from sickness and any other danger.

Fathers are compassionate, too. Oftentimes, the virtue of being compassionate is associated with moms but fathers have this virtue, too; they just don’t want to show sometimes because they want to project that they are strong. Deep in their hearts they are and they make ways that these compassion will be turned into an action that makes us happy.

Mothers may be enough to raise us but a family will never be complete with fathers. To my Papa, thank you for your legacy on my life, in our family and to the people whom you have touched. I miss you!

Lately, we have been seeing advocacy-advertisements that encourage individuals to take part in the transformation of the country. Many have already joined, especially that these advocacy are led by popular personalities in media, arts and politics. Many of these are young people who have hopes for the country; young people who, in their age of strength and idealism, want to be agents of change.

The Philippine Constitution acknowledges the vital contribution of young people in nation-building; however, it is usually the non-government organizations that creates the places for the younger generation for self-expression of nationalism. Though many people have already lost their hope for change and became passive, some are still working to give the next generation a better coutry to live in.

Be the Change
The anecdote of ‘The Man Who Wanted to Change the World” is already overused but it never failed to let people realize that they can make the change they want in the society even as individuals. The story is attributed to Rabii Israel Salanter and it reads:

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.
I found it was very difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.
When I found I couldn’t change my nation, I began to focus on my town.
I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have an impact on my family.
My family and I could have made an impact on our town.
Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.

Sometimes, because of our too much eagerness to effect change we see beyond what we can do. We advocate for something we could not even do ourselves. If only many people would realize that as individuals, we can be the change, the impact could make a better society.

The first time I saw the TV ad of “Ako Mismo”, I was already amazed at its concept. It greatly challenges individuals to do something that will effect change. It is a call for a commitment that the individuals would do. Ako Mismo is spearheaded by DDB Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of DDB Group in the Philippines. It is undertaken with the support of PLDT Smart Foundation.

The advocacy believes that each individual, especially the youth, could bring hope and effect change in the country.

Another advocacy that is very popular especially among TV viewers is the “Boto Mo Ipatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” (BMPM) of ABS-CBN. This started from the station’s Citizen Patrol where individuals could be the reporters for their own communities. This time, the advocacy encourages individuals to be patrolers and watchers in the next national election in 2010. The role of individuals is not only responsible voting but to watch over the leaders whom they have elected. Citizen patrolling does not end when the election ends, but it would only be the beginning.

When I was in college, I experienced becoming an election reporter. It was a tough job especially that I was under the biggest radio station in our province, but that experience opened my eyes to many areas of Philippine politics. The things that I had only seen on television or heard over the radio became real in front of me.

I have already joined BMPM through online registration; and as a first time voter, I commit to be responsible in choosing the people who would lead the country. The hope may not actually come from these politicians but raising every glimpse of hope that individuals have can have great impact in the community. Change is not only a responsibility of the government but also of individual citizens.

When Small Things Become Great
The things we commit to do to transform our nation may be small. Maybe we just committed to conserve water in any way we can in our own houses. Maybe we just have committed to teach our children good values or maybe pray for our nation once a week. The things we perceive as small ones can impact our community.

It is not a necessity that each individual do big things to effect change, small things can become great when they are done responsibly and with commitment for a greater cause.

Like the man who wanted to change the world, let us not wait until we are old to realize that the best way to effect change is to change ourselves to become better citizens.

I want to be with my boyfriend. Sadly, he is not able to come. He came and spent time together until yesterday. He can’t stay longer because of his pigery. But I was just glad to have him and celebrate our birthdays together. His birthday is on Sunday.

I wish my mom will cook a puto pao for me. My mom called and told me that she wanted to cook puto pao for me but there was no one to bring it. If only Jong told her that he will come, she would have cooked. Better luck next time. But then, thanks to Mae for cooking sopas.

June 10 @ World Chiken, Trinoma Foodcourt

I wish someone would treat me to a fine dining. Jong treated me twice! The restaurants were not so “fine dining” but they were wonderful and the foods are good. On my birthday, we went to Chef d’ Angelo with Mighty and Tatay Homer. Then yesterday, we ate at World Chicken to celebrate his birthday.

I wish someone would treat me to a movie. No one did this but we watched “Up” at home. It was a feel good animation movie and I just enjoyed it.

I wish someone would give me flowers. No flowers this time

Stringbean Jr. is my new buddy!

I want a huggable teddy bear. Jong gave me a bear! It’s name is Stringbean Jr. On its tag, it says, “Hello! Iam one of Blue Magic’s little fairy tale friends. I was created to inspire love and kindness and I promise to share with you lots of warmth and happiness. I am a twinkling dream nurtured to life by pure hearts and gentle fingers.” Meet my new buddy, STRINGBEAN JR.

I want to reward myself by traveling somewhere far from home. (I hope someone would give me a ticket.) I am working on my itinerary to Germany and getting my visa. Though is not a vacation, at least it will be far and new place for me. I am also thinking if I can go to Italy to visit my relatives there.

I want some boxes, big boxes for my things and books. No boxes yet. Can someone give me. I got a lot of books to arrange and some things to put off my desk. So I badly need these for some organization at home.

Thanks Ate April

I want another pair of slippers and sleeping socks. Thanks to Ate April, I got a new pair of slippers; and to Jong for buying me a new pair of sleeping socks.

Above all these wishes coming true, I just thank the good and gracious Lord for the wonderful things He has done for my life and letting me live yet another year. I pray that there will be more blessings that will come this year.

Minutes from now is already my 13th birthday. I finally let go of being 12 after so many years. I always tell people that I already stopped counting my age. But this time, I just feel that I want to grow up a little.

I don’t know when was the last time I made a wish list for my birthday. Well, since I am become one year older now, I just want to post the following wishes:

1. I want to be with my boyfriend. Sadly, he is not able to come.
2. I wish my mom will cook a puto pao for me.
3. I wish someone would treat me to a fine dining.
4. I wish someone would treat me to a movie.
5. I wish someone would give me flowers.
6. I want a huggable teddy bear.
7. I want to reward myself by traveling somewhere far from home. (I hope someone would give me a ticket.)
8. I want some boxes, big boxes for my things and books.
9. I want another pair of slippers and sleeping socks.
10. I wish all these will come true this week.

The world is a wonderful place
because of the people we meet everyday.

We begin at the person whom we see at the mirror
who look like someone else, maybe the mother or father;
reminding that we are at living alone
because we came from another person

Our neighbors may be loud or silent
we may know them or not, but hey
they exist in the other side of the room or compound
to make the world go round

Our classmates or workmates that we talk to
or maybe talk about sometimes
we journey together hand in hand
to the life we want to become

The people on the streets are also important;
they may be different and come from other places
but they are individuals whom we never know
will change something in us as we walk through

Thank God for the people we meet
everyday and in many other way
because they are part of us no matter what.

It has been long since I became inactive in writing (on only in this blog). It is not I do not have time but most of the time, I just too tired to think, sit down and write something. So this time, I am planning to write anew (I hope it won’t end as only a plan), so Happy New Year, too.

June is always a new year to me. It is the month when I celebrate my birthday, the month when school year begins, and the month when conference year starts. Most of the time, I always look forward to June because of those reasons. This year’s June is even more significant because it means that I am spending my last year as a UMYF and as a national president. Somehow, I feel unhappy because next year, I will be in the young adult group and may miss a lot of things and people in the youth group.  But I am also challenged. Since this will be the last year of my term, I know the there will be more pressure in implementing the planned programs. This year may be the longest. Other than the responsibilities in the national level, there are also some international/general agency level.

I need some fresh perspectives in doing things this year. Something that will make me more productive and manage my time wisely.

Time Management. I know it is not right to ask God for more time or days or weekends as I used to utter in my prayers; the right thing to do is to learn how to manage the 24 hours that I have — making sure that I accomplish something and get balance between work and play (and rest).

Days Off. When I started my term as the national president, I set Sunday as my day off but most of the time, it is not honored because sometime it is the only day we could get for meetings and other activities. Maybe this year, it would be Monday or if not, just a week off after some rigid activities. I am always reminded to rest but there are times that all I do is rest and I am not use to not doing anything then feel at lost and depressed.

Prayer and Devotion Time. I am glad that I have sustained my devotion time in the morning since January. But I guess I need more time for prayer and to really talk to God. There are times that I am lost and I want to pray but I do not know what to say. Sometimes I am just too tired to really meditate and listen to God.

Improve Relationships. Also, I think I need to spend more time with people, with my family and friends and to make even more friends. I really need to improve my relational skills and get out of my shell. I have tried a lot of times but it seems it’s not really my kind of personality. I am still trying so to those people who are always with me, remind me to get out of the room and dance! Less time in front of my computer.

Read More and Write More. I guess there is no reason I should not do this item. Classes will start next week and as a student, I need to really read more; but also, read for pleasure! Also, I want to have a regular writing output again. I just don’t know how regular that could be.

So now that is my new year, I should remind myself to keep moving and living!

Happy New Year!

Long time ago, I discovered something about a person close to me. Now, I rediscovered the matter again and it’s even worse.

I don’t know what to do. I already cried a lot but the images keep flashing in my mind and I can’t stop myself in imaging actions that I could do.

It struck me deep into the spirit and I am just praying that God grant me the space to forgive this person and to love more instead of hating or losing respect.

Finally, I got my own copy of the United Methodist Church Book of Discipline. This doesn’t mean that I need this book to have some discipline in life but I just need it as a resource book. Some may see it as the second Bible of the UMC. As Cokesbury describes it:

The Book of Discipline sets forth the plan by which we United Methodists govern ourselves. It reflects our understanding of the Church and of what is expected of its laity and clergy as they seek to be effective witnesses in the world as a part of the whole body of Christ.

The Discipline includes our church Constitution, our history, our doctrinal standards, and our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ, as well as practical processes through which our congregations connect and support each other to reach the world.

Thanks to the pastor who gave this to me as I continue to explore the life and ministries of our church. Twin to this book is the UMC Book of Resolutions, a thicker one. But since I do not want to carry two thick books with me in my luggage, I just bought a CD for it.

I am proud of the Book of Resolutions because part of it is our contribution. We had a resolution condemning the Political Killings in the Philippines passed last 2006 in the Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly and was adopted by the 2008 General Conference and now included in the book.