There Still Are Heroes Among Us

I am really happy today. Why you ask?!

I'll tell you a story...

My brother went back to Ireland yesterday because his vacation was already up! As much as we wanted him to stay longer I think there are some things he still had to fix in Ireland so he went ahead and got his bags packed and set on the 20th. When I went back home they were still there arguing about what to include in the luggage and there were a couple of things he tried to bring for people in Eire for "pasalubong" purposes. He filled up this huge duffel bag that could even fit me inside it. So its a mixture of clothes, shoes, stuff from Bohol and a couple of goodies from the local grocer. He carries this in and out of the country and it is quite convenient since you can push it around as it has small sturdy wheels on it too. When we said our goodbyes I never got to accompany him to the airport anymore since the seats were full and Mum and Dad would probably be the best to go with him that time. They got on around 10:30 I think and used this pickup truck my Uncle lent them since our van was barred from traveling in a number coding scheme implemented by the government. About 30 or 40 minutes passed, I received a call from my Mom (and this was where I felt something was definitely wrong) she said my brother's bag is missing. It fell off somewhere in EDSA (but it could be anywhere from our house to Ortigas!) and they tried going around circles but could not find the bag anymore. They knew someone probably picked it up and we were frantic trying to at least find it but my brother's flight was already coming. It was noon when they decided to just leave it and go back to the airport. I was really worried because now, he did not have any clothes to wear once he goes back to Ireland. Just the few old clothes he left there and the one on his back. Good thing he had his papers on another bag or else his ticket and trip would be compromised. But just the same we were all very depressed that day because of the incident and we were still hoping to have that bag recovered. He left a sad boy, and so were we.

I tweeted, posted on facebook, told DZMM, DZBB, Love Radio 90.7 and everyone that could help even the police where they even said that we should not be hopeful it would still be returned anymore. I know how it is in the Philippines and probably anyone can attest to this; that sometimes Filipinos tend to not return things like that because of poverty and all the things unrighteous to men.

Today, I was listening to DZMM teleradyo (Radio and Cable TV broadcast) but turned off the TV because I was trying not to be depressed by it and get some sleep. Then just a few minutes after, my Dad suddenly came upstairs (since we live in a 2 story house) and told me that the bag was found. People from DZMM got the bag from a guy who lived in a Barangay close to us. I was ecstatic!

Imagine after all that drama, a good samaritan gave it to DZMM, then they announced it. Mom and Dad claimed it this afternoon. I guess there are still some good people in the Philippines. It is something to be optimistic about us PINOYS and our good heart! At least there are some who still choose to be good at this day and age. I will let you know about this guy tomorrow and I will post his pictures in this article so I could at least let you guys know who this hero is. Thank you! Thank you! We can't thank you enough kind sir!

I Should Have Brought Cards!

Have you ever felt something might go wrong in a business meeting? When was it? Have you finished presenting projects and sometimes think they are not enough even for your standards? Were you unsure about some deals you made in the past? You wish you could follow up with supporting documents but it's too late. I was not able to leave contact numbers because I ran out of business cards too. All that just happened yesterday. This was one of the most humiliating days in my entire life.

Remember a few articles ago when I wanted to get a little serious about my photography? I tried breaking a deal yesterday in covering an event for a former boss. He saw my work on a social networking site and got impressed enough to ask for it. If only I had some cheap business cards then I could have managed things smoothly when we parted ways. Of all the things I should forget, it was that minute detail that made it all miserable for me. If I got one, then I would not have looked unprofessional to clients. They might think I am not ready to go main stream. I just hope I did not lose this opportunity; or worse made an impression that I could not do it at all. I don't know how important business cards were until yesterday. I am willing to make amends with myself now. Where do you think I should get one? Do you have any suggestions?!

Oh Haiti!

When I woke up this morning to get my regular dose of chocolate drink, I was dumbfounded when I heard in the news that there was another earthquake in Haiti. Not just a simple aftershock because this one registered 6.1 in the richter scale. It was almost as strong as the first one they had that toppled almost the whole capital. I was worried about the casualties that we had (I mean the Philippines) because as it turned out, the missing 3 UN workers actually died and was just recovered yesterday. There is total chaos in the region because of the thousands that died and they could not even get them accommodate on local cemeteries. Some of them literally leave their loved ones outside the streets to rot because they are not able to preserve them anymore.

It was not a sight for a cup of Cadbury Chocolate Drink but good think I was strong at least I was able to still finish the drink.. But boy it was not a pretty sight to see!

I pity those who perished and the people they left behind. I wish there was something we could do to speed up the rescue efforts. I wish them well in the days to come because the last thing that they need is another earthquake!

The Art of Moving

Statistics show that there are almost 2000 families moving everyday in the country because of economic, social, political and practical reasons; and I think this is the time I should share my expertise in the subject since I have done that around 10 times in the last decade. I want you to have at least a glimpse of the hardships I went through in moving to apartments, houses and condominiums. It has never been easy for me but let me get you in on what could save a lot of time if you plan to do this too in the next few weeks. Let me show you where to start!

Theoretical planning should be the first thing you should do in the event that you decide "when" to move. I always thought that I was strong willed and I always wanted to plan at the last minute when I have to move since it is already inevitable. I hire professionals like those in Moving Companies Los Angeles if I need things done fast and efficiently. They get the job done even on a few moments notice. My basic things like kitchenware, dinnerware, bedroom and entertainment paraphernalia's are first on the list. I basically need to cook, put them on plates, sleep and keep myself busy on the new place I am moving to so if ever there would be essentials that you have to get first then that would be the ones you should take care of. If ever there are things you might leave because they are too bulky and fragile to travel with then your movers can take good care of that for you. Do not attempt to do it yourself if you are unsure of its safety. Have presence of mind and always take necessary precaution when moving. If your stuff ends up in 2 places, of course there would be one of them that would be left unguarded. You know what to do when that time comes since you do not want to end up buying new stuff for your new apartment if you already have what you need in the first place. I must say that these are hard times. You must make sure to take care of payments, since you are leaving one you must make sure you do not have outstanding bills with your former residence. The new one should also get necessary deposits and advanced payments if needed be. You can never be sure about abrupt spending so make sure you also have cash on hand. If you accomplish these things then moving will be a cinch! I would never want you to be unprepared if you take this step; so make sure you cover what you need when it happens. Moving is an art form so make sure you show your best and be the best at what you do, then you will never fall into unscrupulous individuals when you need help moving. That is the right thing to do and you know it!