GIVE THANKS

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

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Give thanks.

These are the words that first came into my mind as the day commenced.

Yes, today is the day where I will offer the deepest of deepest gratitude to Him for several reasons. The day where I will proudly proclaim my appreciation of all the best things that happened in the first three chapters of the Year 2012.

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CHAPTER ONE

"The chapter describes a smooth sailing in its expedition over the sea. New opportunities are like fishes waiting to be caught. Blue waters seem so endless as if one can extend his power beyond boundaries."

At the start of the year, I'm bound to scatter myself in different fields of life - in personal, career, and spiritual. This definition made me realized that I can work out more on my attitude and abilities. That there are so many room for improvements in which I have to grab.

CHAPTER TWO

"The chapter is but a realization connected with reconciliation. The twisted philosophical beliefs were broken and pride and prejudice are the main characters. End result...REUNITED!"

The best things in life are always around the corner. And one of the best things in life are the friendships you have built throughout the times. Sure there will be chances of misunderstandings, but there will come a time that you will appreciate its purpose.

CHAPTER THREE

"The chapter brought the biggest news so far! The pure carbon is now being groomed to be one of the best diamonds in the world!"

Before the month ends, a wonderful news with regard to career was brought on the table which banged my innermost being. It is true that it's the best feeling if you received a good news without you expecting on it. Beside these blessings, are the people who trusted my capabilities in which I really thank for..it is through them where I learned and grew. My promise to improve and deliver the best will always be my "protocol".

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Bigger challenges and opportunities are waiting in the next chapters, hoping that all of these will bring remarkable footprints in my sands of life!

Photo credits: http://www.desicomments.com/thank-you/thank-you-33/

Will It Ever Snow in the Philippines?

By Jeffrey R. Ballares (View)

Today as I woke up and visit my Facebook homepage, I was suddenly engrossed with the pictures posted by my friend who lives now in Japan for years. The pictures which caught my attention, are scenic views of the city blanketed by snowflakes taken outside her window.

And from that moment in time, I found myself jealous asking why our country has no winter season. And suddenly, a million dollar question popped into my mind...will it ever snow in the Philippines? My mind hanged for awhile.

I admit, I also want to experience snow...to touch it and feel it through my palms. You know that icy feeling while you're throwing snowballs to someone, or when you're toppling snowballs to make a snowman?

Ugh! I guess it's too much of a wishing! Just like the fable of the fox and the grapes (where the fox said that the grapes are sour when he wasn't able to get it), I just said to myself that snow surely has its own negativities. Sure enough, after browsing articles, forums, and facts on the net, I was able to put up below common comments of "snowpeople" and why Filipinos are fortunate of not having a winter season:

1.) Roads are covered with snow, slush and salt. Snow plowers are needed to shovel the area covered with snow so people can safely use the road. -----> Too much effort huh!

2.) There will be a need for a carwash, if you want your car to save from rust (as salt accelerates rust in any exposed metal) ---> ouch! That's an extra cost out from your pocket!

3.) Winter strikes crops. ----> knowing that Philippines depends widely in agriculture, our government will surely hate to snow right?

4.) Jacket is not enough. ------> so Filipinos will be obliged to buy additional wintercoats...hey, how about our marginalized brothers and sisters who are less fortunate to buy these garments?

5.) Work becomes idle. ----> and when work becomes idle, gossiping around fireplace took place!

Oh well, good thing I read the fable of the Fox and the Grapes!

Photo credits: http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A2KJkIcWoC5PViYAcieJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTA3cnMybzJvBHNsawNpbWc-?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dsnow%26n%3D30%26ei%3Dutf-8%26y%3DSearch%26fr%3Dyfp-t-701%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D97&w=1232&h=1200&imgurl=www.redtag.ca%2Ftravel-articles%2Fcontent_images%2Ftestpicture%2FMiniskirts_in_snow_storm.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.redtag.ca%2Ftravel-articles%2Farticles%2F138%2F1%2FRare-Snowstorm-dumps-on-Las-Vegas-and-California.html&size=1.7+KB&name=RARE+snowfall+has+blanketed+Las+Vegas%2C+cancelling+all+flights+in+and+...&p=snow&oid=f8bc158ffe674774f50fb7ce49c8c78f&fr2=&fr=yfp-t-701&tt=RARE%2Bsnowfall%2Bhas%2Bblanketed%2BLas%2BVegas%252C%2Bcancelling%2Ball%2Bflights%2Bin%2Band%2B...&b=91&ni=96&no=97&tab=organic&ts=&sigr=139gsj9sl&sigb=1390nj8kk&sigi=12lqhiop9&.crumb=rEqDkPykYgK