Choose Monbis!

It’s so hot hot hot! All of us would probably buy swimming pool that can be put inside our bag if there will be one available in the market right now. But no, that is not going to be possible. Atleast not in this lifetime! So our next option is a thirst quencher. Ice cream will top the list for sure. If you buy in cone it’s affordable but surely not satisfying, you will crave for more, so you will have another cone. Not economical.

So our next stop is halo-halo. And there is a lot of this in Cebu. Some are overrated.  You are made to believe the version is yummy and really suits your taste, only to be disappointed when you get the chance to finally sample the product itself.

I have tried a lot of halo-halo specialties but this one is top of my list: Monbis! Located in barangay Tisa, along that long stretch of siomai stalls, you will see Edmon, the owner, personally preparing his special halo-halo which he sells at P65. Yeah it’s really special because Edmon prepares it with so much passion. It has banana, jackfruit, Hershey syrup, scoop of ice cream, graham biscuit, rice crispy and a lot more of ingredients that make it really a standout. Ahh, each spoonful tastes like heaven and you cannot get enough of it!

It was my third time there last Sunday evening but it was only then that we got to briefly talk. It’s called Monbis because it is a contraction of his name and that of his wife Bambi: The Mon in Edmon and Bi in Bambi. The S was just added for sound effect. He opened two years ago where he also served meals (his beef stroganoff was very lami), until he decided to just concentrate in serving halo-halo because he and his assistant cannot cope up with the demand anymore. Edmon is so hands on. I thought he finished culinary arts. But no, he holds a degree in accountancy, worked at a pawnshop and a bank until he decided to quit and open Monbis saying, “fix man ang sweldo didto.”

 He serves halo-halo for five hours only every night or from 7pm to 12 midnight due to space constraints since like the siomai stalls along that stretch, he utilizes the road too for the tables and chairs. But in that span of time, he can serve a hundred or more halo-halo every night. Because there is not enough space for his loyal and consistently growing clientele, one can opt for takeout.  You can also order ahead so that when you get there, you can eat right away. Yeah call Monbis @ 514-75-11 to avoid waiting in line!

Trust me Monbis special halo –halo is sooo lami you will not regret shelling out P65 a serving!

Two Words

 

I bought two sachets of coffee and two pieces of eggs at a neighborhood store. The sales girl was pretty. But then, I changed my perception of her right after she handed me the remains of my P100 bill. That was because, she never thanked me for my purchase. You see, I always have issues with people who do not say thank you and please. The former is a sign of gratitude and the latter signifies respect, sometimes humility. I base my perception of people in their ability to say these words and how they say these. I have friends who told me once that it is not actually what you say that counts, but how say it that matters. But I surely give emphasis on both.

Anyway, the inability of people to mumble these beautiful magical words disappointed me for a time. But then I realized, you cannot blame them or scold them for that because it all goes back to how they were raised. It is a matter of attitude. When you grow up in a grateful family, centered on respect and faith, these magical words become like second skin to you----you feel naked if you cannot say them everytime a favor is granted or when you ask for one.

I am not sure, but it was either Pope Benedict XVI or his successor Pope Francis who said that there are only two words that you need to be successful in this world : Thank you and Please. I so agree. It is because, being able to deliver these words whenever the need arises will surely bring you to places. Who will turn against you when you are respectful? We all love grateful individuals. And when we love, we only want the best for the person to whom we feel such affection to.

If you have been saying these words even before reading this piece CONGRATULATIONS. I am sure you have been receiving favors one after the other, grateful people are blessed in various aspects of their lives. But if you are among those who find it burdensome to mumble these words, your time is RIGHT NOW! You can still change the course of your journey in this world. I am sure, you have never been successful. If you are, I am certain you are not truly happy. But worry not because there is always a time for people who want to be good and do good.

As for that sales girl, the downside is I will not be coming back to their store for some time because I abhor ungrateful people. And when I finally return there but she is still the same, I would take it as an opportunity to teach her in a nice way, so she can learn and change the course of her journey too. Remember, you  have the power to change your life. Just learn to appreciate the beauty of being grateful and respectful. When you have already learned, be ready for not stop downpour of blessings and grace.

True Meaning of Faith

There is a time in our life that no matter how hard we try, nothing happens. We give it our best, yet we still fail. We start questioning what is wrong with us, what is our purpose on earth. Does God love us in the first place?

The answer is Yes, God loves us all the time, and never that he will forsake us even for a blink. It’s just that sometimes we are looking at the wrong direction; we are searching at the wrong place. Moreover, we are too stubborn to traverse the path God has designed for us.

You wonder, you go to hear mass daily, you pray whole-heartedly, you give penance—but it seems God is not hearing you, he has not seen the goodness in you. Actually, God has long seen you; he heard the desire of your heart already. The problem is it is you who does not listen, you refuse to see because you insist in having what you want you, what you desire because you have been praying for it for a very long time. But faith does not work that way.

Real faith is when you let go and let God. It means total surrender. It is all about letting God take charge of your life, let him direct your way, abide in the script that he has written for you since you came into this world.

Sometimes also, you have surrendered everything, yet the problems do not stop. You pray but what you get in return are more crisis, failures, disappointments, and pains. Do not give up then, that means God is now polishing your being so that you will come out more beautiful in his perfect time. The more faithful you are the more that you will be put to a test. But be happy then, because when you reach that level already, it signifies that glorious days are about to come for you.

Listen. Do not insist. Believe and let God. Keep the faith held high. Remember, the stormy your life will be while you are being faithful, the more beautiful the reward after that when it is time for the rainbow to shine on you.

Be A Nonito DONAIRE Jr!

 

Nonito Donaire Jr. is now a five division champion after defeating Simpewe Vetyeka in Macau on Saturday night. But Donaire was a bit unhappy of the result because their fight had to be stopped in the fourth round due to severe cuts in his both eyes. Those were caused by Vetyeka’s headbatting operations launched against Donaire since round one, much to the dismay of boxing fanatics since the referee never called it against the South African. Under the World Boxing Association (WBA) rules, when a fight has to be stopped in the fourth round, the score cards shall decide. And the figures favored Donaire:49-46.

During post fight interview, Donaire apologized to his fans and supporters for disappointing them by not giving a good fight. He bowed he tried his best since round one, but he did not have clear vision anymore as the blood and ointment were dripping toward his eyes due to the cuts he endured. That was why he asked for a halt. The pain was unbearable already for Donaire. Yet he apologized for the disappointment he had caused on everybody who believed so much in him.

 Donaire wanted to win impressively. That was why he vowed to train again after he has recuperated because he was very much open to a rematch. He said he has high respects for Vetyake who he described as a good boxer. A rematch would satisfy his fans and boxing fanatics as well. It will remove a cloud of doubt and erase what ifs and what nots. That is the beauty of boxing, you can always do a rematch to arrive at a better record and determine the real winner and powerful fighter. Most of all, you remove doubts and disappointment.

Life is also like boxing. Along the way we encounter a lot of what ifs and what nots, of what would have been and what would have been not. There are a lot of disappointment. We rise and fall, rise and fall again. It is a cycle. But there are those who are away and out of the cycle because they prepared and braced for what was to come. They are up there: Stronger. Bigger. Better. Brighter.

Imagine you are a parent. You are at the peak of your career, you are at the top of your game. What is on your mind? Enjoy the fruits of your labor and indulge in the end result of your effort? Anyway, life is a a cycle—you are up today and you are down tomorrow---you will bounce back eventually. You can opt for a rematch at life by starting over again. Or you think otherwise?

A responsible parent does not think that way. He wants to make it sure, safe, and sound so that when the going gets tough, he will not be a disappointment to his children. A thinking parent does not think of the possibility of a rematch, he wants it to be a perfect match for his children. So what do you so as not to disappointment your children in the future? You prepare. You save. You spare something now when everything is okay, so that when the challenging time comes, you have something to back you up. That way you will not stumble and eventually fall.

When I say save and spare something now, I mean be financially literate. Get to know Quick and Fast Credit Cooperative (QFCC), a C.H.R.I.S.T-centered cooperative that aims to “Help People Help Themselves.” It has various savings packages that will give you better deals and will allow you to be of help to others. When you open an account at QFCC and become a regular member, you automatically become part of the “Business Club” where you enjoy free entreprenurial mentorship so that when you are ready to manage your own business, you can do so by availing of a loan for your starting capital.

But if you do not want to manage a business, that will not be a problem. By being a member, your savings will grow still because it will be entitled to a 3% annual interest. QFCC has Kiddie and Youth Savings, Educational Savings and a lot more. You just have to choose the savings package that suits you and you desire. Actually, the most interesting savings package that has caught the attention of new members is the “Helping Hands.” Under that savings package your P300 initial deposit will be deducted with P5 for hospitalization and P10 burial assistance to members in need. It is just a small amount, yet it will surely go a very long way and you are able to help at the same time. Remember, the more you help, the more you will be blessed. God is watching 24/7 my friend.

So choose not to disappoint the ones who believe and depend on you. Be a Donaire!

Preparing for the future because they do not want to be a disappointment to those who believe and depend on them.

Write Your Story NOW!

We do not know her story. But we very well know we can make our own story. Make it beautiful!

 

The photo above was taken last month at the St. John Baptist Parish Church in Calamba,Laguna. It was Tuesday afternoon, past four o’clock. Inside the church, there were only about five people praying. It was silent. It was peaceful. Outside, there were about five people in the church’s backyard. They were praying and lighting a candle.

Then a young couple arrived and went in. They shelled out coins and put them in the woman’s disposable cup.She immedietly picked the coins, counted them, then put them on her pocket. From where I was standing, I have mentally counted five coins in P1 denomination. Then my companion put a piece of cupcake to her cup. That was the last scene I saw.

On my way out, I whispered a prayer for her. I prayed that she will be taken cared of by authorities, like the local social workers. Where could have been her relatives? Does she have children? Why was she left there begging? What could be her story that brought her there? How much money will she gain at the end of the day?

For sure, the amount of money she can receive from churchgoers will not be enough for the long haul. Maybe it can buy her needs for a day or two. What about for the day after that or for next week or next month? We do not know her story but one thing is clear her future depends solely to kind-hearted souls now. She cannot go back in time and prepare for what is to come. She is now in her twilight, what will happen to those she will leave behind?

Her story is about to end. By the looks of it, I suspect it not does not happy details. It could be colorful but not cheerful. Hopefully, her story can have a happy ending. I really hope so. I will pray for it.

But her story, which might be unhappy by the looks of it, serves as inspiration to us younger and able ones. We all have chance to create a beautiful story. We just have to think look term and bear in mind that our actions at present are all for the future. The choice is ours what kind of ending do we want for our own story. What do you choose then?

Write your story now. If the details are not beautiful, it is time to rewrite it. Think long term. Live simply. Prepare for tomorrow.

 

ACT ON IT!

 

 

 

 

“Isipin ang future.” This was award-winning actor Coco Martin’s answer when asked by Boy Abunda on The Buzz last Sunday, what is his grandmother’s constant advice to him. That is why he is working hard and giving his everything at work or why he srikes when the iron is still hot so to speak. He has no complaint.

Imagine he has tapings for his ABS-CBN toprating primetime series Ikaw Lamang, he was doing his reunion project (their first was Idol series in 2010) with Popstar Princess Sarah Geronimo via the movie “Maybe This Time” which will open in theaters nationwide on Wednesday, May 28. The movie tells the story of childhood friends Tonio (Coco) and Monica (Sarah) who parted ways and eventually reunited after how many years. This time the guy is in a relationship with no less than the girl’s boss. He thought they had something, but she made it clear, there was none.

Reports say, both have undeniable chemistry. The movie will reportedly match if not surpass, in the kilig department to the films Sarah starred in with John Lloyd Cruz. And if you keep going back to the moviehouse during the showing of monster hit Starting Over Again (the highest grossing movie this year so far) starring Piolo Pascual nd Toni Gonzaga, you will intrestingly do the same in this Sarah-Coco starrer. It is absolutely a “Valentine Summer “, they say.

Anyway, because of the movie, Coco had promotional activities are left and right, guesting here and there to insure the movie’s box-office success. These are draining and tiring, you know. To say it ‘s a hectic schedule would be an understatement. No it’s a killer sched!

Coco is doing all these, simultaneous with his commitments for his various product endorsements which could be appearances or interviews to promote the brand. Where does he get the energy and strength for all these? Yet he is never complaining. And now it can be told, his grandmother’s advice is his driving force, his adrenaline, his energy pill.

For Coco there is no turning back because gone are his very struggling years growing up. He is now Coco Martin: Prince of Indie Films, award-winning actor, most sought after product endorser and one of tinseltown’s hottest properties.

He is definitely preparing for the future. How about you? What about us? No, I’m not waiting for Coco to tell me, “There was never...us.” I’m asking you and even my self. How prepared are we or what have we been doing for what is to come? 

Of course, I’m aware of what is written in the bible: Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. But it does not mean that we will just sit all day, doing nothing at all. No we have to do something. After all there is a saying that goes, “Do your best and God will do the rest.” That means the action should come from us humans and God will deliver what is meant to be and what is for us.

So are you thinking of the future? Me, I don’t just think about it, I’m actually doing something about it. You should follow through as well. For a start, browse my other articles and you will find the answer from there, on what you should do and how to prepare for the future. Don’t just think about it, ACT ON IT!

TVCs with Strong Recall

Our TV viewing pleasure is bombarded by commercials. Often we complain, how our favorite show is loaded with commercials vying for our attention, hoping we will buy their products. A lot of these commercials star today’s brightest celebrities.There are forgetable commercials, meaning, you can’t remember them anymore after several days. But there are those which you cannot ignore. These are commercials whhich have very strong memory recall.

Often times, you can vividly recall the scenes and the dialogues. You will remember them, sometimes because of the punchlines, the song that goes with it, and the actions that are bestowed before you. These are commercials that make you smile, leaves you thinking and even clapping. These are definitely successful in leaving an impression to the public.

Sharing with you my top 12 TVCs which cannot be ignored, in no particular order:

Hanna Shampoo. Marian Rivera is very beautiful and the scenes are breathtaking. Beauty of a woman and her surrounding are effectively presented. Her hair is artistically played. But really Marian’s face in that TVC is memorably beautiful you will remember her shampoo right away.

 Kopiko with Gerald Anderson, Kim Chiu, Jessy Mendiola and Matteo Guidecelli. “Pwede mo nang balikan.” Their speaking lines will make you stop and look at, then just as you thought there is reconciliation or they have a soap together...boom, it ‘s just a coffee they are talking about.

Goya chocolate. “Everyday life is worth celebrating...” that line is very memorable and that elevator scene between a woman and her crush is very cute. The other version which is that of an office worker who is celebrating after bagging a big project, is relatable and truthful. But again it is really the song. Admit it you are humming if not singing already while reading...Everyday life is worth celebrating..

Deo with Sarah Geronimo and Enrique Gil. What did I say? When there is dancing and singing in it, expect people to never forget. Besides how can you forget that commercial with Enrique’s tongue-wagging prowess and Sarah’s fierce dance moves?

 Palmolive Check Your Hair with Liza Soberano. First and foremost, it is the song that is doing the  trick since day one. It hooks you and makes you a victim of last song syndrome (LSS). Secondly, it is because of Liza. Her beauty is very refreshing. It is a face that has a general appeal. You would love her to be your daughter, sister, bestfriend and girlfriend. It also helps that the first TVC with fellow Star Magic talent Janella Salvador has established a very solid recall.

Magic Sarap with Jodi Santa Maria and Richard Yap. Oh well, the endorsers are very famous now thanks to their hit series Be Careful with my Heart. So that is a plus factor already. But for me, the one that makes that commercial memorable is the intro, when their son declares: I love mornings!

       Magnum Gold. The first time I saw it, I thought it is a trailer of a new action movie inspired by Mr.& Mrs. Smith starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. I really did not blink. The explosion scene solidified my initial belief. But when they were able to enter the room filled with gold bars, I quipped: Oh wow, how smart!

      

 * Del Monte Pineapple Tidbits. It is simply smart and timely. The creators of that TVC are so quick to ride on with the popularity of reality show The Voice. And when there is singing and dancing in it, expect people to never forget.

 

 * Lucky Me Lomi with Kris Aquino and Bimby. The kid is adorable. And the sharing of Kris about eating Lomi at their house in Tarlac before is heartwarming. But the scene that gives it the solid push for me is when Bimby asks that peeping shy girl: You want some?

  

 * Skyflakes biscuit. Any TVC of that product does not fail to touch a cord in my heart. They have been very successful in the emotional appeal department all these years. Everything is very memorable.

*Nesfruta Dalandan with Cheska and Kendra Kramer. “Dan dan dan, dalandan.” I could not stop singing the first time I caught it on TV. Need I say more?

*  Alaska Crema. This is my most favorite now. I first saw it on ETC weeks ago and fell in love with it right away. It makes me emotional everytime I see it. That’s the commercial with a boy rushing to his girlfriend’s house carrying a cage with a pair of lovebirds, supposedly his surprise gift to her.When he arrived, it was the girl’s dad who opened the door, grabbed the cage and released the birds, leaving him bewildered. Then in the nextt scene while they are about to sip their coffee with Alaska Crema of course, the dad told the guy: Lovebirds din ang regalo ng ex ni(name of the girl), di sila nagkatuluyan.

They smiled at each other and I did the same while mentally clapping.

What are your favorite TVCs now? Please share..

Photos courtesy of www. yahoo.com