subtleoasis

Yes. You are right. The title of this post says it all. Within the next few weeks we are moving to our new home - rather, host. :) Thanks to our friend, JM, who willingly endowed us with a portion of his humongous web space.

This isn't only about my plan to move to a new web host. I've been, again, on an unprecedented hiatus. I was appointed head of the Multimedia and Designs Committee of the NÜV (an interschool dance and band competition) - one of the activities for our 45th Foundation Day Celebrations. This was enough to deprive me of my free time that I use for blogging. The whole committee and I were busy with pictorials, VTR's and AVP production (below is the official 30-sec AVP promoting the event). I've been in the move lately - literally. The tasks to fulfill are enough to blow-off one's head. Good thing I'm with a team. This collaboration amazes me.

Application. This idea is the one preoccupying my mind as of the moment. January is a significant event for everyone under the initial formation in our congregation. On the 31st of this month - Feast of our Founder, St. John Bosco - we are to submit the letter which would concretely express how we want to go on with our lives. To apply or not, that is the question.

Movements entail change. In my mind, now, runs,  in rapid succession, a series of images - thumbnails of my experiences twined with nuggets of joy, sorrow, confusion, anxiety - sealed with love, understanding, faith, wisdom, happiness and strength. These images I fondly keep - treasure, and review - dwell on - from time to time to seek consolation, to see my self and be in-tune with my inner me.

~

Moving
To move on I must look back.
To look within, I must.
To quell anger's wrath,
To quench my drought...
To set afire love's amber,
To grab a glimpse of Thine Light
Thine Goodness -
Thine Wisdom -
Thine Strength -
Within me.
I must look within. To move on.

Labels: an attempt, deviation, introspection, verse's freedom, video

by Web Correspondent at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments

Christmas greetings and new year's well wishes weren't that much compared to what I've received last year. Anyway. A question visited me the night before the bangs and glitz of the year's turn flooded the sky (and so did IM's popped up and crammed my screen :D): "Why are there so many resolutions made at the turn of the year?"

My contention isn't about making resolutions. What I'm trying to question is that, why do a lot of people have to do it every "end" of the year? Why not do it as needed? Or has it just become a fad? Just questions, you might want to answer them... :D

New Found Friends (NFFs)

Kay, Ar, Cee, Em and Dee (not their real names) are my new found friends. They are a group of differently-abled people that I've met yesterday during the post-Christmas and post-New Year Get-together program for the PWDs (Persons With Disabilities Different Abilities - not comfortable with the original word) in our parish. I joined the youth ministry who spearheaded the event. While helping in facilitating the activities, I noticed a group of participants who aren't that participative. I went by and discovered that they are deaf-mutes. There was no one in organizing group who knows sign language. Ergo, they don't understand what's happening around. I only have a bit knowledge of their language. Actually, I only know the alphabets, the clap and my name. Nonetheless, I volunteered to be with the - scribbling the important announcements and other audible things that would matter to them.

The questions on their faces were eventually transformed into smiles and cheerful admiration and involvement to everything that is happening around them. That painted a smile in my heart.

This encounter has brought up a new challenge for me to take. I thought of learning the sign language. Why? They are young people. The path were I am now is leading me to a life of service to the poor and marginalized youth. I thought that it would be best if I would be able to communicate with them in their own language. This brings me back to my desire of becoming a missionary. A thought rings to my mind, this might be the chorus of every missionary, it sounds something like this - every one is a missionary and every soul is a mission land. Well, this could be my mission.

Me and Gratitude

Gifts. The Epiphany is near and the thought of telling something about the gifts I received this past holy-days lit-up. I wouldn't want actually to brag about the gifts I've received, rather I would like to thank those who have gone beyond themselves and allotted a space for me in their gift budgets. Among them are my family, Kuya Bong, Ate Fe, my Ate, Ninang Emma (Ninang Eloi you might want to Send Money to the Philippines Online for my aguinaldo, *smiles* just a joke! - I'll email you soon), and Tita Hilda & her hubby Tito John. :D

Um, yes, of course, gratitude is also fitting for everyone who has never grown tired of praying for me. Those people who remembered me during the Christmas novena and also those who have been so generous in giving their time just to pause and intercede for me (no matter what day it may be). I might not know each and everyone of you, nonetheless, be assured that you are remembered in every good deed and prayer that I do.

Also, for all those who have been so patient in reading this blog. Thank you so much, I really appreciate the time you spend in my subtle oasis. I hope you find it as such - an oasis of thought and realizations, that is.

Labels: an attempt, christmas, introspection

by Web Correspondent at 1:56 PM | Permalink | Comments

Taking care. Reading through the lists of lauds written during the retreat of my high school class lead me to a gallery of questions - on spotlight was "am I really this good?" And while undergoing this process of solitude, I was struck by a clear fact - none stated my being caring. I have not been so caring. As a son, as a brother, as a friend. Yes, I've done much good, but for whom? For myself! I've not been so caring to the point of thinking less of other people. I've not been so charitable enough -to my ego, yes; to others, never. Thus, little do I care for myself. Ironic but true.

Taking chances. Risks. The world isn't binary nor it is pre-programmed. Breaks like what I'm having now slaps FREEDOM on my face. Actually, it hit me hard. RESPONSIBILITY, FOCUS, COMMITMENT and PRUDENCE - all related to choice. Opportunities abound. I had a host of them for the past year. Some of which I was too  afraid to take. Yet, I dared to take them. Not all were successful but every risk I took made me a better person.

Giving LOVE. Well, the pure essence of Christmas. Love. I've been given a chance to share love to a lot of people - to my family, closest friend most especially to the unloved and less loved. :D

Happy Christmas and May Everyone Have a BLESSED NEW YEAR! :D

Labels: an attempt, christmas, introspection

by Web Correspondent at 11:57 PM | Permalink | Comments