On success

So, so, so true!

2013: Starting it right

Not sure if making resolutions whenever New Year comes about is already passe' for others. As for me, I stopped making resolutions in my 20s, not because I don't want to make improvements. 

We tend to break resolutions. And resolutions should not just be made whenever it's the first of January. Resolutions should be made the whole-year-round. 

I don't make New Year's resolutions because to me, everyday is a chance to make small improvements or life-changing decisions. Every day that we've got is a chance to make things better. To make life better. 

I must say I had a great 2012 - better than what I expected. And 2013 for me MUST be a continuation of better things to come. And I guess, that is mostly up to me - me and my faith that God has already carved out His great plan for me.

As far as resolutions are concerned, I intend to do better and to become greater this year. Not just for me, but for everyone whose lives I touch.  

This whole month of January is all about pruning, spring cleaning, detoxifying and shedding off all the excesses to prepare me to receive more blessings each day.
 
Here's to claiming 2013!  Cheers to greater, better, happier lives!

2012, In Retrospect

According to Feng Shui, Snake-born people were not supposed to be lucky in 2012. Career was supposed to be on the down-low, money luck will be subsiding and lethargy will get in the way of big projects.

On the contrary, I HAD FUN IN 2012! I had a blast!!!

True, true --- things were not perfect. The year carried with it some glitches, but I must say that I pulled through with grace.

I cannot count one by one all the blessings that I received. That’s how much generosity I got from the heavens --- there’s way too many to count!

I returned to the Philippines with a better and brighter career. I am definitely happier and more fulfilled in my not-so-new workplace. I was scared of my comeback since I was filling up BIG shoes, but I did prove the weight that I can carry and the contributions that I can bring in.

I have so many windfalls to be thankful for, too! Money was supposed to be dry but the Universe was just way too generous. I’m not swimming in money, so to speak, but I can say that I have more than enough. For myself, for my family and for what I can share to others.

I lost my one great love, but I’m thankful that in this lifetime, I can say that I was able to experience and find it. At the same time, I’m even more blessed and more grateful to find a new love, a second chance to fall in love again with a great guy who adores me.

2012 had so much to offer. I’d like to believe that there’s both heaven and earth luck, but I probably tided over the trials and tribulations of the year because of my perseverance and persistence aka bonggang-bonggang kakulitan, hard work, strength, courage and resilience aka kakanta ng “I will survive.”

Most of all, it was my faith in God that held my hand. I knew I can make it because of my faith. My darkest hours became my finest moments because He was there --- the entire time. JC, I cannot thank you enough for embracing me in your grace.

So to all the survivors and to all the blessed, cheers to a spectacular and blessed 2013!!!

I’m looking forward to another great year ahead!

New Year's Eve

Woke up very early today. By very early, it's 6am for me on a non-working holiday, with no alarm to disrupt my sleep. 

Off to dear ol' Chinatown today with Skye. I hope the shops and restos are open since it's going to be his first time. 

Last day of the year.

Let's make the most!!! 

A tribute to Rita Levi Montalcini

I once wrote about her in 2009.

Nobel prize winner Rita Levi Montalcini passed away yesterday at age 103. 

Aside from her ever-famous quote that I held on to during difficult moments of my life, she is a woman who was way ahead of her time. 

While every girl was a wife and a mother, she became a doctor. And a scientist to boot with a Nobel prize tucked under her belt. 

I am saddened by the news that today, we lost a great woman. But with all her achievements and at 103, she must have lived a very full life. 

Hats off to you, Rita. All my respect. Thank you for the inspiration. Thank you for the encouraging words of wisdom.

Sharing with you the article from I Fucking Love Science: 


"Today we say goodbye to Nobel prize winner Rita Levi-Montalcini, who passed away today aged 103.

Levi-Montalcini enrolled in medical school in 1930 despite her father's objections (who believed that the role of a woman was to be a wife and mother, not an academic). She earned a degree in medicine and surgery, but her post-graduate career was cut short when Mussolini issued his "Manifesto of Race" which barred those of Jewish descent from professional careers. Rather than fleeing the country, Levi-Montalcini chose to stay in Italy and continue her work alone. She built a small research unit at her home and installed it in her bedroom.

She spent time on her research and as a physician during the war, and then returned to academic life afterwards. In 1947 she joined Washington University and became a full professor there in 1958. In 1962 she established a research unit in Rome, splitting her time between there and St. Louis, and in 1969 she became the Director of the Institute of Cell Biology of the Italian National Council of Research.

In 1986, Levi-Montalcini and Stanley Cohen were awarded the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for isolating Nerve Growth Factor from tumor cells.

Although she officially retired in 1977, she never truly stopped working as a scientist or an educator. Eight years ago she founded the European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) in Rome. She (with her sister Paola) also founded the Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, which focuses on the education of girls and young women in Africa. In 2001 she was appointed an Italian Senator-for-life.

Levi-Montalcini was truly an inspiring woman and she will be greatly missed."

Watch an interview with Levi-Montalcini here: http://bit.ly/ZMklM3
Read more about her life and work here: http://bit.ly/12QFbs8

Grateful morning

Today, I woke up with a grateful heart.

I had a good sleep. I opened my eyes and woke up to a beautiful morning. I was locked in a wonderful embrace with the new love.

I have a crazy but loving family. I have loyal friends.

God gave me everything that I need. Even more.

Grateful. Just really grateful for everything.