REACTION PAPER ON AN ARTICLE, “OUR WORST ENEMY” BY AMB. “AL” VILLACORTE

In this article written by one of the brightest ambassadors of the Philippines had shown us that the problems that is happening in this country such as corruption, poor governance, traffic, lack of discipline of its citizens, and others is because we choose the wrong decisions and that is the problem why we can’t achieve change. Definitely, we are our worst enemy.

People are even urinating in public showing that the Filipinos are ignorant of the existing laws against it. That is the problem, obedience to the law is almost optional. Indeed, this so-called “yuck” factor should disappear. However, this problem has already been part of the culture of the Filipinos. How can we change this? How can we show our pride as being a Filipino if others are damaging it? It is sad to say, but that is the truth.

Is there a way we can mend a “damaged culture”? Yes, of course. We are a Filipino and we are known as religious people with values, with a big heart, unique talents, and respect to elderly, and nothing can beat the Filipino hospitality. However, we need to correct the wrong decisions, the wrong things, and the wrong direction that we chose.

Remember, nobody else can help us if we don’t help ourselves. Let us rebuild again the reputation we are known for and undo the bad side of us. Let us be well informed of the laws of the country and take our part in achieving change for the Philippines. We are our worst enemy, but we should not let it defeat us. Let us together fight it for a better Philippines that we all can be proud of.

The Fighter

Why do we fight? What is it that is worth fighting for? What is the value of fighting? Do we need to fight? Do we know what we are fighting for? Are we a fighter?

We are all fighters. Since the day we are born and the day we learn to walk and speak, we are already fighting. Until now, we are still struggling to achieve our dreams, our goals. Some of us are victorious and some had failed. Others continue to fight, but some prefer to give up. You will always have to choose, but before choosing make sure you can handle the consequences you might encounter. I am not scaring you, but rather I am getting you packed up for your future.

Allow me tell you a story of a good fighter. His name is Alvin, a great man and a soldier. He is a simple man but he is a man that will stand for what he believes and will never give up just to tell everyone that he is worth it. All his life, he had been fighting hard to win his battles and he achieved it. There are times his soldiers will fall behind and get hurt during the battle, but as their leader, he will always return back to carry them behind his back. His soldiers look up to him and idolized him. They know that as long as he is there, they are in safe hands. He had achieved their trust and respect.

However, he is currently facing another battle, but this is not just an ordinary battle. This is a battle that will require him a long patience, a strong mind, a tough heart and a stable body. He needs to survive this battle; even it could take a long time. Sadly, He had lost most of his soldiers. Their enemy is so strong which they didn’t expect. As days pass by, they continue to decline in numbers. His soldiers told him that they need to surrender because they think they could not make it through this one. But still, he didn’t listen. Most of his soldiers ran away from the battle to save their souls but he continues to fight. Days continue to pass and he is losing hope, he had exhausted all his strength, he is hungry, and he is tired. He is crying because of pain and suffering. Can he survive this battle? Is he going to continue?

Those who stayed with him continue to encourage him to fight and never give up. They believe in him and they know that he can finish and win this one. They will never leave him for he never leaves them. They are willing to wait even it might take forever. This becomes his reason to stand up and to finish what he started. Because he knows that he is never alone. He is a fighter, a hero to everyone and he won’t easily give up.

Remember my friends, we are all fighters. We may sometimes want to give up but remember that you are not alone in your battles. Be like Alvin, he continues to fight and stand for those who believes in him. Have faith in God and you will be surprised that you had won any battles you face. You might be defeated at the end but at least you didn’t give up. You are born in this world for a reason and so be strong and FIGHT. So let me end this by giving you a quote by George Patton, “Better to fight for something than live for nothing.”

Author's note

Thank you for reading this blog, its been a long time since I made one. So I hope you enjoyed. I dedicate this to my friend, Alvin.

God bless you all, my friends

Yours Sincerely,

Dr. J

Believe that change happens.

Change? Why change? What do I have to change? Do I need to change the way I look? Do I have to change my attitude? Do I have to change the way I think? Do I have to change the way I live? Do I need to change? Does changing be more effective? Do I believe that change happens? Who should be the first to change? What should change first? When should changes happen?

In this world we live, there are people who believe that changes is impossible to do instead they prefer to complain with their life and there are people who look at the future and waiting for change to come and hoping it will be soon. However, they don't do anything to achieve what they are waiting for. The dream that they are hoping for will remain just a dream. Yes, I once told you to be patient and wait but I never told you to not do anything.

Why are we not doing anything? Are we going to continue waiting for nothing? Are we going to wait for someone to stand and do it for us? Why are we afraid? What can I possibly do? Can I do it? What if I failed? What if it is not effective?

Yes, negative thoughts will whisper to you and convince you to stop and give it up. Ignore it my friends and shout 'Not Today!!!' Stop with the 'What Ifs' instead say that 'I can do it.' Don't let fear take you away from what you are fighting for. Because defeating fear is just the beginning for there are more fights to go.

Change is something we want yet not everyone is willing to do it. Remember that change starts from you. Change is the reason why people become successful. Change is the reason why a country progress. But let me convince you more by telling you my story.

Last week, I was given an opportunity by our church to participate in a kid's camp. I was a group leader of a group consisting of four young children who are from 8 to 12 years old. As a person who had past experience with leading a group whose members are the same age as me, obviously this one is different and yes it would be a challenge for me. At first, I introduced myself by making fun of myself, specifically my size. And I thought it won't work. Lucky for me, it was a great shot. I must say in just 10 minutes the group is now comfortable with me. So I was able to get to know my group and I found out that all my members are just like me when I was young, a shy person.

There are times when they were asked to share their views about a topic in front of all the people, but because of the word 'shy' they prefer to just keep quiet. But I didn't lose hope and I am determined to make them speak. I motivated them and told them that I was once like them and told them how I overcome it. That night we had a bonfire session when each member of a group is asked to write down in a piece of paper about the bad attitudes they have and the things that they want to change. And after that they throw their paper to the camp fire. After that they asked who wanted to speak and share their reflection. Suddenly one of my members, put his hand up and I was shocked. At first he was silent and so I went to him and hold his hand. He looked at me and I told him that I am here and you can do it. Other people might not see it, but i felt he was tense, he was shaking. After a few seconds he spoke and told everyone that he was blessed to be in this camp and happy that God gave him a great leader. After that, I don't know how but all my group members put their hands up and shared their experience and thanking me for being there for them. At that very moment, I felt like crying and I felt like jumping. I am so proud of them, they overcome their fear. They changed. I can't describe how happy I was. But what I am sure of is that after that night the once most quiet group are now the most noisy group.

See, if those children can change, why we can't? If those children are brave enough to change, why are we not? Because the truth is, we can, we can change. We can change how the world thinks. We can change how we live. We can change our attitudes. We can change for a better and prosperous life. Be determined to change. Don't be afraid to change because everthing changes and happens for a reason, right?

Yes, my dear friends believe that change is possible and never been impossible. Believe that change happens and remember that to change is never too late because the truth is we are the ones we have been waiting for. We are the change we seek.

Thank you to all my readers and God bless you all.

Yours Faithfully,

Dr. J

Never ever give up on something worth the wait.

There are moments in our life when we fail. There are moments when we feel pain. There are moments when we suffer. There are moments when we feel angry. There are moments when other people hurt us with what they do. There are moments when we lose our patience. There are moments when we lose our chances. There are moments when we lose our confidence. There are moments when we regret. There are moments when we feel confused. There are moments when we feel weak. There are moments when we feel alone. There are moments when we want to give up.

In our life, those things I mentioned  above are not easily avoided. They will try to test you. They will try to challenge you. They will try to bring you down. They will try to make your life miserable. They will try to convince you that it is time to give up and let it go.

Are you up for the challenge? Are you going to continue fighting? Are you willing to continue? Are you prepared for the worst? Are you ready? Can you handle it alone? Now those are the questions.

Everybody in this world gets hurt. Especially when it comes to love. And you can't argue with me, agree? That's because some people are confused with what they feel. Some people can't accept their feelings. Some people pretend to love. Some people are afraid to love. Some people intend to fast track everthing. Some people are not ready for a relationship. But what they don't know is that they are actually hurting the feelings of another person.

In a relationship, sacrifices, trust, commitment, acceptance, openness and the like are needed for a successful relationship. Some people are confused with what they feel as I said just now. Don't push yourself, give time, think about it and when you are ready face it. Some I said are afraid to love again. Well, I can't blame you guys. It will indeed take time for that scar to heal. However, all I can say is that don't let fear take you away from your happiness, fight it. Be happy, be strong and be willing to open your heart again. It doesn't end there. And to other people who isn't ready for a relationship yet, like me hahahaha. Don't be so hard on yourself. Don't be jealous with your friends who are in a relationship. Trust me that there is a right time for that. Besides if you are still young, then why not enjoy being young and free. No, don't tell me that no one loves you. You still have your parents and your friends who are always there for you during your darkest and brightest hour and who loves you because of who you are.

Always remember, when you love someone, don't give up on them that easily. It might take a long time but whatever happens make them feel that they are worth the wait. Because there are many things in this world that is indeed worth fighting for. Some people say that it is hard to wait around for something you know might never happen. But remember that it is harder to give up when you know its everthing you want. Be there for them. However, be gentle, dont rush things up. After all, love is a slow dance.

Whatever happens, whatever challenges you face, whatever pain, suffering and anger you feel and whatever life gives you. Always remember to be strong because strong walls shake but never collapse. It is not going to be easy, it is going to be worth it. Keep in mind that when life gives you something that makes you feel afraid, that is actually when life gives you a chance to be brave. Believe that in your journey, you are not alone. God is always there for you to give his hand when you fall. Trust in him and ask for his wisdom and guidance. Lastly, never give up and just keep fighting because your journey doesn't end here yet.

Thank you very much to all my readers and to the person who requested this. Hahaha you know who you are. Hope you like it. God bless to everyone.

Yours FAITHFULLY,
Dr.J

Defining Happiness

What is happiness? What does it mean to be happy? Well it seems these questions are those questions that no one knows the answer to. However, I am determined to find it. So what do you think is happiness? Of course there will always be a simple, boring response that any scientist can tell you. Happiness is an experience that we know happens when there are certain levels of different chemicals in our brains. These chemicals trigger a response somewhere in our nervous system, and we feel what we call "happy." Unfortunately, that still doesn't answer us. That only tells us what happens, but that is not enough. Some would say that happiness is something that lies in the deepest parts of our bodies. It resides in all of us but not everyone acknowledges this.

Well one of the ways to find the definition of happiness is to find out what makes us happy. Well it could be anything. It could be an activity we enjoy, or maybe a person who you value the most. Anything we do, we see can make us happy. Knowing what makes us happy put us at least one step closer to knowing why, and what happiness really means.

Happiness is indeed something that we cannot buy or sell. In my own experience, I never saw a store which sells happiness. And if there will be such store, then I guess everbody in this world are happy, agree? Maybe you might say that expensive items like jewelry, luxury houses, sports car, money are the happiness of any person. That is not true and will never will be true. That is not real happiness.

Real happiness is when you are contented on what you have, when you learn to love and care for someone, being positive and throwing away the negative, being yourself and not someone else, being a great person and setting an example to others, being a servant and at the same time a leader, being generous and helping the people in need, being a person who respects others, being a child of your parents, being a friend to others and the like.

Be happy, for there are many reasons in this world to be happy. Be happy because you can see the sun shines every morning and sets every night. Be happy because you can feel the wind. Be happy because you can still eat and taste various types of food. Be happy because you can walk and run. Be happy because you can read and write. Be happy because you have a family and friends that loves you. Be happy because you are alive and well.

Some people would ask me, "How to be happy?" And I would just reply, "Everyone has their own happiness, you just have to find it." Believe in me when I say that. As I said earlier, anything we do, anything we see can make us happy. Find it, only you can find it and only you can feel it. It is around you somewhere. Don't waste time looking at the past, you won't find your happiness there. Instead look forward at the future ahead of you. So be alert, for I don't want you to miss it. Be patient and don't give up. And I guess soon you will find what will make you happy.

At the end of the day, we can't define the meaning of happiness in words. Because only you can define it to yourself, only you can figure it out and only you can feel it. Let all of us be happy and remember that happiness is just around the corner. So go out. Go find what makes you happy. We all have the right to be happy. Lastly, be happy not because everyone else is doing it, but because it is the best thing that there is something to do.

Thank you my friends for reading my blog, I really appreciate it. Thank you for giving me the inspiration again Mr. Lance. Hahaha God bless to everyone.....

Yours FAITHFULLY,
Dr. J

The Unknown Side

There are things that we hide, there are things that we want to change, but isn't it unfair to other people to hide our real personality? We are afraid, but maybe it's time to show our unknown side.

You, me,  them, everbody have our own unknown side. We are afraid to let it go and instead we prefer to hide it. Why? Because we fear that people might not accept and like who we trully are. Maybe, we are just protecting ourselves. The problem is, we humans intend to judge other people without even knowing the real truth behind it. Ignorance!!! We are ignorant. I, myself is a victim of being ignorant.

However, a person help me escape from being a prisoner of my own ignorance. He help me to move on and help me to start a new life. If it weren't for him, I would have rot and died in that prison that I created. Now let me tell you our story.

So, let me call him Draco Malfoy, the name I created exclusively for him. Well you guys might be thinking why that name. It is because of his attitude, or to be more specific, his horrible attitude. Let me add annoying, ambitious, rude, insensitive and all those bad adjectives that can be use to describe a person. He is said to ge the most hated person in the class and I, myself dislike him. Sometimes we would talk, but I will just pretend to listen. Sometimes I would say negative things behind his back and sometimes I would think to myself that he has zero chance of changing. But I am wrong.

One day, while I am sitting on the train beside my most hated friend. I don't know what force or thing that struck me, made me listen to me. He was telling me about how he feels that almost everybody in the class hated him. He also told me his high school days and told me that all his life, he didn't experience the true meaning of friendship. And that is when I realized that he is lonely and all he wanted is a friend, a real friend and at that moment, I felt bad, I was wrong to judge him, how could I be so cruel to him. So I told him that I will help you change if you will help yourself also.

Now, the Draco Malfoy is no longer the Draco Malfoy I knew. I saw his commitment to change, he listened to all my advices and now I am proud to say that those negative adjectives that I used to describe him are now positive adjectives. And what makes me more proud is that he became a good friend of mine and I can't believe that I, who once a hater, now a good friend. He deserves my respect, my protection and my loyalty. Even our classmates are shocked on what he had become. He also got the trust of my another good friend and my idol, Mr Lance, who also contributed to helping to change our friend.

The lesson here is very simple. Firstly, don't judge a person until you haven't discover his unknown side. Secondly, give them a chance to show who they trully are. Thirdly, if you are given a chance to make a difference to a person's life, do it. Lastly, always believe that everybody can change and it is never too late to do that.

All I can say is that, Its been a great honour and blessing that you my friend came to my life and help and guide me to the right path. Indeed God works in mysterious ways.

Hahaha thank you very much Mr. Lance for giving me the inspiration to write this blog. I dedicate this to Mr. Draco Malfoy and to all reader I hope you like it. GOD BLESS TO EVERYONE.

Saying Goodbye to 2013

Another fresh new year is here. Another year to live. To overpower our worries, doubts and fears. To love and laugh and give. To forget and forgive. To commit mistakes and learn from them. To improve ourselves and others. So let us be thankful that God continues to bless us another year.

However, my fellow friends, let us not forget all the incidents happened in our life this year, 2013. Let us ask ourselves. Did we achieve our goals? Did we manage to improve ourselves? Did we manage to fight and win the challenges which we faced? Did we hurt anybody? Did we forget and forgive our enemies? Are we happy? Are we satisfied? So let us look back our past, my fellow friends.
 
We all know that many things happened, not only in our lifes but also to our country. This year, the Philippines faced many tragedies, just like the crisis in Mindanao, the earthquake in Cebu and Bohol, the Typhoon 'Yolanda' which struck Tacloban and other incidents. Yes, many people's lives were changed, many people's love ones, homes were taken from them in just a blink of an eye, and this still marked in minds of many. Others were traumatized, others steal and kill to survive. How could we forget these incidents. But even though, the Philippines faced these problems, we still manage to stand up and fight. And that is something the world sees. That my friends is something we the Filipinos should be proud of. But let us look at the bright side, there are also many things that made Philippines a proud country right.

Not everytime, we will be successful, there is always failures. Yes, it is impossible that a person would not experience failures, right? Because I believe that before you succeed you always fail first. There are no people in the world, who did not fail. So don't lose hope my friends. We have another year. That is why God gave us another year right, to improve, to succeed. But let us not forget that to accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream: not only plan, but also believe. Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

And for me, well, I could say that, I am very thankful to God for all the blessings, I receive, the patience, the strength, and all things that made Jeff, the Jeff you know. I am very thankful to my bestfriend in Brunei and my friends and families in Brunei and the Philippines, who is always been supportive and always there for me during my brightest and darkest hour and always making me happy. And yes, I faced many challenges, I learned from my mistakes, I accomplished many things, and I realized many things. And yes, I feel proud also that I helped other people with their problems. Thank you for trusting this Big Jeff. So always remember Jeff is always here to help, for you are not alone and I am not alone. But hahaha Unfortunately, I did not manage to fully accomplished one of my 2013 new year's resolution, and that is to get thin, hahaha maybe next year. How could I ever forget this year. The year, that I faced my new life in the Philippines and would you look at that, I survived.

Soon, the year 2013, will end, we will face another year,  another challenge, another journey for our journey, doesn't stop here, we must continue to fight, do not lose hope and continue to have faith to our God Almighty. Remember, on the first day of January is the first blank page of a 365 page book. So write a good one hahahaha. Good bye 2013, and Hello 2014.

Happy New Year to all my friends and wish u all the best. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.