A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbor. Before she says a word, Bob says, ‘I’ll give you $800 to drop that towel.’

After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob, after a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves.

The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs.

When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, ‘Who was that?’

‘It was Bob the next door neighbor,’ she replies.

‘Great,’ the husband says, ‘did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?’

Moral of the story:

If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders, in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

Lesson 2:

A priest offered a Nun a lift. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said, ‘Father, remember Psalm 129?’

The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, ‘Father, remember Psalm 129?’

The priest apologized ‘Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.’

Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way.

On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, ‘Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.’

Moral of the story:

If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.

Lesson 3:

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp.

They rub it and a Genie comes out.

The Genie says, ‘I’ll give each of you just one wish.’

‘Me first! Me first!’ says the admin clerk. ‘I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.’

Puff! She’s gone.

‘Me next! Me next!’ says the sales rep. ‘I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.’

Puff! He’s gone.

‘OK, you’re up,’ the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, ‘I want those two back in the office after lunch.’

Moral of the story:

Always let your boss have the first say.

Lesson 4

An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing.

A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, ‘Can I also sit like you and do nothing?’

The eagle answered: ‘Sure, why not.’

So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Moral of the story:

To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.

Lesson 5

A turkey was chatting with a bull.

‘I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree’ sighed the turkey, ‘but I haven’t got the energy.’

‘Well, why don’t you nibble on some of my droppings?’ replied the bull. They’re packed with nutrients.’

The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree.

The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree.  He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.

Moral of the story:

Bull Shit might get you to the top, but it won’t keep you there.

Lesson 6

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field.

While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him.

As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.

A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

Morals of the story:

(1) Not everyone who sh*ts on you is your enemy.

(2) Not everyone who gets you out of sh*t is your friend.

(3) And when you’re in deep sh*t, it’s best to keep

your mouth shut!

(Original Source: Unknown)

Speaking of freedom, a good “Thriller” dances away melancholy but not forever…

September 18, 2007: Randy Pausch

“Almost all of us have childhood dreams; for example, being an astronaut, or making movies or video games for a living. Sadly, most people don’t achieve theirs, and I think that’s a shame. I had several specific childhood dreams, and I’ve actually achieved most of them. More importantly, I have found ways, in particular the creation (with Don Marinelli), of CMU’s Entertainment Technology Center of helping many young people actually *achieve* their childhood dreams.” – Randy Pausch, Oct. 23, 1960 – July 25, 2008

Source:

http://thelastlecture.com/

http://www.cmu.edu/uls/journeys/randy-pausch/index.html

Presidential Inauguration 2009

At exactly 12 noon, President-elect Barack H. Obama becomes or will be sworn-in as the 44th President of the United States of America, and as the historic first African-American US President.  Also, VP-elect Joe Biden takes his inaugural oath today.

I can’t be physically present in Washington, DC, for the Inauguration-related partying.  I am staying at home and the following minute-by-minute unfolding of events on CNN.   I feel so lucky that I don’t have to stay out there in the cold but I intend not to miss moment in history so I plan to be as teary-eyed, as ecstatic, and probably as restless capturing all “digital moments” opportunities (in the comforts of my couch).

Last night, I wrote a song (lyrics/poem)  dedicated to President Obama and his victorious race to the White House.  Let’s read it together (or sing it to the tune of your choice, for now).

“Moment for Change” (The Unofficial Obama Song)

You stayed in my shadows
As history unfolds
You stood up in line for “Change”
Just because I am with you

I am nothing to the stars

But I am the greatest with you
I just want to touch you
And to let you know

Chorus:
Now is for Change
To shine and make it through
But this is your moment
As I love you

You’ve been there for me
As I live the dream others most aspired
This stage may belong to me
Only because I’m with you

I had tears but you make me smile inside
I falter but you keep me believe
I am weak but you me give a lift
This is for you

Chorus:
Now is for Change
To shine and make it through
But this is your moment
Since I love you

I thank you for seeing through me
For feeling my heart
From the start to this moment
It is you and I forever…

It’d definitely be a magical experience to have a taste of the historical moments in the nation’s capital as President Obama takes the first bite of the throne (with all the political and economic challenges bonded with it) as the country’s “top CEO” and the Commander-in-Chief of the most powerful armed forces in the world.   God bless President Obama! God bless us! God bless America!

“Santa… are you there?”

Perhaps this is the spark that I need for a new start.
Perhaps I am that one missing graphical statistic for the seeking-for-work market to reach the tipping point – come on, the uphill curve must stop somewhere!
Perhaps the moment has come to face the twists and turns of life.

Thank God for a beating heart!

Perhaps there is such a fixation as destiny.
Perhaps I will have to follow a new path.
Perhaps it’s not good to work so hard – it really doesn’t matter in a psychiatry ward.
Perhaps I am too brown to continue to move up the tier.

Perhaps I was born in the wrong side of the globe.
Perhaps I have to learn the recipe for clatite cu spuma de mure.
Perhaps it’s time for a dental check-up.
Perhaps I want to go to Paris, too.

I lost my father when I was a kid due to heart disease; perhaps he needed a heart no more in the next life.
Perhaps earthlings don’t feel the same way as the angels.
Perhaps it makes no difference if I have a heart in heaven – happiness interminable.
Perhaps a heart is very cheap trade in hell –- no heart : no feelings : no pain.

Perhaps my mother will have to expect fewer calls from me this Christmas.
Perhaps Santa will have to appear (and appeal) to Congress and present a “sustainable” business plan for a bailout.
Perhaps the magic of the season may work for me in time for a “happy” New Year.
Perhaps holidays “unpaid” is the best way to celebrate its true value.

Perhaps my wife would love to have some Maryland crabs sautéed in olive oil and lots of garlic for dinner – it’s been a while.

The world is round.  Worldwide economy is down to the dumps.  Money changes everything.  Justice is blind. God is omnipotent. Tomorrow never dies.

According to the 2008 World Health Statistics by the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer in the world – 29.9 % of the total number of deaths in 2004, that is, ischemic heart disease (12.2%) and cerebrovascular disease or stroke (9.7%) combined.

Like you, I, too, may be heartbroken (or simply broke) but this “man-made” tragedy should make us stronger and better (not bitter) persons.  Give to no one the right to hurt you (and vice versa)… otherwise, you will have to stay and live with them in agony forever HAHA!

Perhaps you have your own story to tell.  Perhaps…

Perhaps this is my story.  I say it again; God is watching!  Whatever happens in life, I will be happy and successful someday.  I walk one foot forward in every step to remind me that I can only live a day at time. Yes, everything happens for a reason.

It’s only a job.   I am still here… to be with the ones that really matter (most).

BEFORE

Try the “Viking Roll” from Ginza Japanese Restaurant.  I believe there are a number of the franchise around New York City area.

AFTER

The “Vikings” were here!!!

Last night, a fundraiser was held at The Sparks (Café) in New York City in support of the Global Youth Coalition on HIV-AIDS (GYCA).  Together with the dedicated officers and members of the organization, supporters, and friends, I was very pleased to be a part of the host committee for the event.  The evening was blissfully relaxed as the guests exchange greetings and updates over an open bar – bottles of beers (donated by Brooklyn Brewery) and wines (courtesy of De Bortoli Wines and a number of bottles from Park Lane Liquors and other individual donors) – while checking the silent auction of some interesting art pieces and other bestowed personal effects. Let it be known that 100% of the silent auction plus the ticket sales go to GYCA!

The hors d’oeuvres and desserts were very enticing but the conversation with friends and former colleagues who showed up to support the cause was more engaging.  Yes, I went home hungry for home-cooked dinner but I was so “spirited” to reflect on the unexplained (feeling of “high”) experience of kindness and giving.

Growing up, my mother, and some matter-of-facts in my life, made me believe that “the more you give, the more you receive”.  At church, people give discretely (or anonymously) as the collection box is being passed around because God sees it anyway.  The rich and the “profitables” make sure that they shed off some of their earnings as tax-deductibles. Some people give to impress and some are just happy to give, plain and simple.

My personal mantra about generosity is “to give is to cure, not to injure”.  It is very sound and fair to say that people should only give what is in excess of their pockets.  We could only give for as long as it doesn’t hurt since giving is an act – in fact, an act of love. Well, some people believe that love hurts; no doubt, it hurts if only and if you give too much to the extent of the “giving-it-all-with-nothing-left-of-me” drama.  Remember that Jesus Christ, the redeemer of our worldly sins, was crucified because He had nothing with him to equal (and bail himself out from) the costly betrayal of Judas.

The point of the matter of all these is, “Thank you!”  I am so grateful for the love in so many people, friends and strangers alike, around me.  I see smiles everywhere.  Everyone has very personal stories to tell, the headlines are scary, and bank account accounts are bleeding dry, but the hope for recovery and a better tomorrow remains.

Yes, it’s the joy and hope that that keep us believing in the young people of the world – the future leaders – who are making a difference.  We believe in engaging the youth and organizers with the knowledge, skills, resources and opportunities they need to effectively carry out their work and change the course of the worst pandemic in human history, i.e., HIV-AIDS. Very nice these young people (sic), right?

It’s never too late to empower these young leaders to advance their initiatives on the ground.  You could still donate to GYCA by clicking this link.  You may also visit the Global Youth Action Network (GYAN) and extend your support to the youth movement around the world.

Epilogue:

I remember Fr. Juan Sanz, S.J., a great teacher, a remarkable counselor, a very charismatic speaker, and a very dedicated soccer coach in my high school at Ateneo.  In his exact words at a mass sermon, he said, “Some men give love to get sex while some women give sex to get love.”  Obviously, he was talking in the context of (discouraging the sinful act of) pre- and extra-marital sex.  If the same words would echo in our thoughts, it would be an added “red flag” before making any “uneducated” judgments that may eventually lead to “unprotected” actions.

This holiday season, give, love, and hope.  For all the lovers out there, if you can’t be good, be safe.  If you can’t be safe, be good.  For Christ’s sake!!!

The Mindanao-born (south island of Philippines) WBC Lightweight Champion boxer, (Emmanuel Dapidran) Manny “Pacman the Destroyer” Pacquiao, 29, will put up a 12-round, non-title fight against the Mexican-American, Oscar “The Golden Boy” De La Joya, 35.

This boxing “dream match” is one of the most anticipated TV coverage for most Filipinos around the world.  I know some groups of friends who have been planning for months now for tomorrow night’s game with get-together party, drinking or just “chip-in watching” (a sign of the time recession-proof alternative to pay for the pay-per-view fee).  Pacquiao will receive $15 to 30 million (share of the pay-per-view), plus a guaranteed amount.

Tickets reportedly sold out just hours after they went on sale. The total gate revenues were said to be nearly $17 million dollars. That amount would give the bout has the second largest gate revenue in boxing history (after the De La Hoya-Mayweather Jr. fight in 2007 which generated $18.4 million in gate revenue).

I would be unforgivably remiss if I fail to mention that Pacquiao’s victorious fame in the ring has also earned Philippine pop-culture his ubiquitous presence.

He has appeared in ads for more than a dozen international brands, including Nike, McDonald’s and San Miguel Beer (a top-selling beer in the Philippines).

A movie based on Pacquiao’s life was released in 2006 entitled, “Pacquiao: The Movie”. The movie is believed to have flopped at the box office. Also in 2006, around the time of Erik Morales rematch with Pacquiao, he produced and recorded the song, “Para sa’yo ang Laban na ‘to (This Fight is for You),” which caters to national pride and his struggles in the ring.  He is featured in the boxing video games, “Fight Night: Round 2″, and “Fight Night: Round 3″.

Along the way, Pacquiao has been showered with a number of other prestigious honors, which include being named the 2003 Person of the Year in the Philippine archipelago, as well as recognition by HBO, Ring Magazine and the Boxing Writers Association as America’s 2006 Fighter of the Year.

Pacquiao ran for a congressional seat to represent the 1st district of South Cotabato in August 2008, but he was defeated.  He has said he will enter politics after he ends his boxing career.

At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Pacquiao was the Philippines’ national flag bearer. He became the first Filipino athlete to appear on a postage stamp.

Manny Pacquiao owns a lottery outlet that’s supported by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, which is part of the government’s charity arm, and is frequently called upon to provide funding for essential health and welfare activities.

I may be playing favorites but I predict that Pacquiao’s powerful “southpaw” punches will prevail in the ring over De La Joya’s “orthodox” stance until the 12th round in a unanimous decision.  I make this guess while thinking as a businessman. Well, promoters, advertisers, and (with due respect to the most honorable) politicians alike “strike while the iron is hot”.  Let’s face it, Pacquiao is as hot as hell in the box office! Whatever happens tomorrow night, I may be too smashed already to call my die-hard aficionados (my mother included) in the Philippines to exchange post-fight analysis.

After tomorrow’s fight, only one thing is for sure – life goes on.  More potential stories would certainly unfold and here are some of them:
-    Both Pacquiao and De La Joya will add millions of dollars to their names while the fanatics either win or lose their hard-earned $10 bets.
-    Pacquiao will release a second album, “This Fight is for You Again ”, while De La Joya will re-launch his album “Oscar De La Joya Story” back-to-back with Britney Spears on a world tour.  Another prospect of a collaborative project is a Pacquiao-De La Joya album entitled, “Dream Voice”.
-    Both will be a featured in a starring role in the movie,  “The Golden Pacman”.
-    De la Joya will be invited to join (and probably will consider)  “Dancing with the Stars”
-    Pacquiao will launch building the most-expensive campaign machinery for the national elections in the Philippines in 2012.
-    OJ Simpson will be serving his sentence in a Nevada jail.  Indeed, “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”.
-    The automakers’ plea for government bailout will be debated forever in Congress until we all find ourselves taking the “tuk tuk ” to work.  Remember people – they already have your votes.