Sunday, October 19, 2014
It's enJOYAble 2.0
I have been away for quite a while but I'm back with all the goodies.
Photo credits: www.pinterest.com
Monday, September 8, 2014
Terrible 2 : Sept. 8, 2014 EXCELLERO ANNIVERSARY
Two years ago, we may never have thought we will be where we are right now...
A lot have called us foolish for starting a business with a market that was going down...
It was in economics, a bear.
But damn it, we've got balls.
With only sheer guts and glory at hand, we never ceased to believe the dream, and right now it happened... Dreams do come true - beauty was, we weren't sleeping!
Two years ago, with only a very few believers and our supportive family surrounding us, we opened to the public our vision, our first born kid... Excellero.
It wasn't cut to compete in the dwindling market but it was roughly formed to be a starting point of a new age... A system that would give a piece of cake to a world where pie and empanadas sprout...
It wasn't an easy climb. In fact we weren't even climbing, we were crawling.
We've got no millions, we've never had the luxury of mechanism and connections. We only have people who helped us by giving nails, springs, screws and glue to start the scaffoldings.
After the half a million rejection, we finally got the break, and we will forever be grateful to these people who gave us the chance despite the fact that the silver lining was nowhere at hand.
We knew how it feels to have nothing. That's why we are not afraid of emptiness now. But above all we appreciate whatever we have right now. It is indeed true that there's no substitute for hardwork. Blood, sweat and tears were the fuel of the system.
We didn't stick to a formula. We were formless that's why we are not curtailed to follow any particular method. What we applied was fluidity and it worked! The river will never be the same at two given times. Change and react!
We have gathered moss along the way. We tripped on stones and we got bruised but they just made us stronger. Every scar left, told a story and revealed a lesson. What was important is that we always knew where the quicksand was and we were quick to change route.
We are still happily threading the times and we are just fore-playing. We are yet to reach the summit of all these efforts. At any cost, we are patiently waiting.
These two years we believe will add up and multiply. And isn't it exciting?
This is a testament to the passion that we gave into this endeavor that kept us away from the retreat. After all, it is for us not a mere business but this is our tribute to all the goodness life gifted us. We are never perfect but we are not bowing to defeat.
To all those people who stayed with us and never have been afraid to be seen with us, supported us and stood by us, thank you and be assured that in everything and anywhere this dream will bring us, we will carry you through.
To all of our students, nothing will ever come true, if you didn't put your trust in us. Thank you for making us a part of your journeys.
To our families, thank you for all the support and the times you have to take over us and understand that we are always out of the house.
To the future students, friends and supporters, thank you.
Most of all, to God our provider. And to Mama Mary for the intercession - it is through you that we offer this dream on the day of your birth.
And to ourselves, for never giving up!
Keep still.
“Champions are built on a thousand invisible mornings.” - Kirk Cousins
A lot have called us foolish for starting a business with a market that was going down...
It was in economics, a bear.
But damn it, we've got balls.
With only sheer guts and glory at hand, we never ceased to believe the dream, and right now it happened... Dreams do come true - beauty was, we weren't sleeping!
Two years ago, with only a very few believers and our supportive family surrounding us, we opened to the public our vision, our first born kid... Excellero.
It wasn't cut to compete in the dwindling market but it was roughly formed to be a starting point of a new age... A system that would give a piece of cake to a world where pie and empanadas sprout...
It wasn't an easy climb. In fact we weren't even climbing, we were crawling.
We've got no millions, we've never had the luxury of mechanism and connections. We only have people who helped us by giving nails, springs, screws and glue to start the scaffoldings.
After the half a million rejection, we finally got the break, and we will forever be grateful to these people who gave us the chance despite the fact that the silver lining was nowhere at hand.
We knew how it feels to have nothing. That's why we are not afraid of emptiness now. But above all we appreciate whatever we have right now. It is indeed true that there's no substitute for hardwork. Blood, sweat and tears were the fuel of the system.
We didn't stick to a formula. We were formless that's why we are not curtailed to follow any particular method. What we applied was fluidity and it worked! The river will never be the same at two given times. Change and react!
We have gathered moss along the way. We tripped on stones and we got bruised but they just made us stronger. Every scar left, told a story and revealed a lesson. What was important is that we always knew where the quicksand was and we were quick to change route.
We are still happily threading the times and we are just fore-playing. We are yet to reach the summit of all these efforts. At any cost, we are patiently waiting.
These two years we believe will add up and multiply. And isn't it exciting?
This is a testament to the passion that we gave into this endeavor that kept us away from the retreat. After all, it is for us not a mere business but this is our tribute to all the goodness life gifted us. We are never perfect but we are not bowing to defeat.
To all those people who stayed with us and never have been afraid to be seen with us, supported us and stood by us, thank you and be assured that in everything and anywhere this dream will bring us, we will carry you through.
To all of our students, nothing will ever come true, if you didn't put your trust in us. Thank you for making us a part of your journeys.
To our families, thank you for all the support and the times you have to take over us and understand that we are always out of the house.
To the future students, friends and supporters, thank you.
Most of all, to God our provider. And to Mama Mary for the intercession - it is through you that we offer this dream on the day of your birth.
And to ourselves, for never giving up!
Keep still.
“Champions are built on a thousand invisible mornings.” - Kirk Cousins
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Hashtag paba-on, Mister Donut!
A few months ago, I received a call about how we are as a review center for nurses.
Little did I know that it was going to be the start of a life-long partnership between us.
As the days left are only within our finger's number, I would like to express how you all changed us as persons and as teachers. No amount of money or recognition could eve replace the kind of feeling that we have for the trust that you all gave us. It isn't an easy job because you placed in our midst not money but your future and your family's.
I am in awe how God moved things for all of us.
Remember how we used to deal with the summer classes at our 'looban room'.
It was something i remember because not one complained but what we felt were more of appreciation.
Soon after, when we moved to the 'sosyal room' it was the final start of our journey as conquerors. We were happy each day as we tried to mend our schedule with your own schedule processing. We shared a lot of good things and God knows how much I endured everything and kept the ball rolling when I personally was catastrophic. Each time I face you, though I'm battling hurt and frustrations, you brought sunshine to my day.
As we drew closer to the last quarter of the year, we saw how you all struggled and worked your ass off to be where you all wanted to be. Some faltered and fell but you all brought each other back in your fighting form.
As we drew closer to the last quarter of the year, we saw how you all struggled and worked your ass off to be where you all wanted to be. Some faltered and fell but you all brought each other back in your fighting form.
I can not fathom how could a class like yours be that humble enough to admit that you know nothing and asked for help. That alone for me is the true essence of study. In our little abode we fix things and you greased to be the ready.
Yes, be ready. But like I always tell you, no one goes to it ready.
Whatever happens the day after the board exam will never change how I looked at you and the memories we all shared.
You guys, have been a solid rock of bottomless courage for me.
We all know and aware that we are nothing compared to all the others who are more than capable, but I am certain that what makes you better than all the others is your attitude. Between knowledge and attitude I will not think twice in choosing to teach a student who has the right attitude over the right aptitude.
As we drew closer to the final days of our relationship as teacher and students, allow me to mention a few things I want you to remember about us.
First and foremost, I thank you for the trust you gave us. (sobs)
For never doubting us amidst the fact that some of you may have been snatched, that some of you may have heard silly things and that most of you were asked why us. I am more than thankful for the genuine relationship that we all have. What i felt was not only as a teacher but as a mother, and unconditionally I will do my best to nurture you.
Second, for being dedicated and following our guidance. Your dedication to study and pursue your dreams will earn you a realization of your dreams.
Lastly, I want you all to know that we are just here for better or for worse. That what ever the result may be, we're all in this together.
I think that this is the best season that we have. I think that I have the best students, the best experience and the best outcome.
I am actually very very tired already, but that's just a statement. My stat of mind is bigger than any physical exhaustion. I am proud and happy for all of you.
If I have to repeat everything in a heartbeat, I will do so.
 |
| EXCELLERISTAS December 2013 |
Congratulations nurses and thank you very much!
God is awesome!
Tandaan! Mister Donut ang pasalubong ng bayan!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Paying it Forward
Stories about the supertyphoon Yolanda (Haiyan) still flood our country and the whole planet. The Filipino people is still gripping each other's hand in order for everyone to survive and grew stronger as the nation starts to rebuild a portion of the Visayas with nothing at hand except for hope.
In my own province, Negros Occidental, there are also parts that suffered the wrath of the supertyphoon; one in particular is Brgy. Tabunok, Cadiz City.
Gratitude goes to the kind who enjoined and sent out their gifts, money and effort to give the people a little bit of sunshine through a small pack of goods and clothes.
A total of 100 gifts were distributed to the families in Brgy. Tabunok. Though the total number of families affected counts to 380(+), we have at least served 1/3 of it and hopefully we will be able to return on December to cover the remaining 280.
For the meantime, here are a few pictures of the operation last November 24, 2013.
Everything happened faster that I expected, and though we have given it still lingers in me the fact that there is still a lot of things to be done. I hope this is not the last.
Mothers were asking me if we brought a long pad papers and notebooks for school children because their school items got wet. I told them if we come back, I will bring some for the kids.
The relief project will not be successful and fulfilling if not for the gifts shared by the students and some private individuals. From the people pf Brgy. Tabunok, Cadiz City, Thank you very much.
Clothing:
1. Mr. Marlon Rey Anacleto
2. Ms. Mary Grace Baker
3. Ms. Tricia Cuenca
4. Ms. Dulce Verde Regatalio
5. Excellero Review System students
6. Riverside College Caregiver Class of 71 thru Verlyn Malvas
Canned Goods
1. MJ Alpas
2. Dyeka Tuparan
Noodles
1. Riverside College Caregiver Class of 71 thru Verlyn Malvas
Rice
1. Ms Lydia Jackie Rivera of California
Special thanks to:
Sir Daniel Francis Sustento, Steve Genzola, Kim Villarosa, Lira Catalan, Serlyn Locanilao & family and Gilbert Tan for helping out in the repacking and distribution of goods.
We hope that more and more people will be inspired to reach out as we have bigger goals to meet.
We are still planning the second leg of this relief operation by December and we welcome those who are still willing to help us in any way.
God bless and Mabuhay ang nagtutulungang Pilipino!
In my own province, Negros Occidental, there are also parts that suffered the wrath of the supertyphoon; one in particular is Brgy. Tabunok, Cadiz City.
Gratitude goes to the kind who enjoined and sent out their gifts, money and effort to give the people a little bit of sunshine through a small pack of goods and clothes.
A total of 100 gifts were distributed to the families in Brgy. Tabunok. Though the total number of families affected counts to 380(+), we have at least served 1/3 of it and hopefully we will be able to return on December to cover the remaining 280.
For the meantime, here are a few pictures of the operation last November 24, 2013.
.jpg) |
| Upon arrival, people started forming a queue. |
 |
| Kim, one of my students was the one in-charge for dispatching the goods form the pick up truck |
 |
| Kim & Lira with teh little girls, smiling despite everything |
 |
| Lira giving out the clothes we brought |
 |
| Giving a little bit of spiel before handing out the goods |
 |
| We asked recipients of goods to sign their names so that next time we can accommodate those who have not received yet |
 |
| Special Thanks to Gilbert for volunteering his truck to transport the goods |
And here are the names of the recipients.
We actually coordinated with the barangay captain and sent out a coupon ahead of time so we could somehow control who receives the goods. And these coupons were given to the severely damaged households.
Everything happened faster that I expected, and though we have given it still lingers in me the fact that there is still a lot of things to be done. I hope this is not the last.
Mothers were asking me if we brought a long pad papers and notebooks for school children because their school items got wet. I told them if we come back, I will bring some for the kids.
The relief project will not be successful and fulfilling if not for the gifts shared by the students and some private individuals. From the people pf Brgy. Tabunok, Cadiz City, Thank you very much.
Clothing:
1. Mr. Marlon Rey Anacleto
2. Ms. Mary Grace Baker
3. Ms. Tricia Cuenca
4. Ms. Dulce Verde Regatalio
5. Excellero Review System students
6. Riverside College Caregiver Class of 71 thru Verlyn Malvas
Canned Goods
1. MJ Alpas
2. Dyeka Tuparan
Noodles
1. Riverside College Caregiver Class of 71 thru Verlyn Malvas
Rice
1. Ms Lydia Jackie Rivera of California
Special thanks to:
Sir Daniel Francis Sustento, Steve Genzola, Kim Villarosa, Lira Catalan, Serlyn Locanilao & family and Gilbert Tan for helping out in the repacking and distribution of goods.
We hope that more and more people will be inspired to reach out as we have bigger goals to meet.
We are still planning the second leg of this relief operation by December and we welcome those who are still willing to help us in any way.
God bless and Mabuhay ang nagtutulungang Pilipino!
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Foods in BCD: Fogo
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet and so is my place.
Life is sweeter in Bacolod and streets in Negros are covered with sugar.
The place where you can find the sweetest smile and the charming sing-song intonation.
Let me start my blogging about my province.
This is the Bini-brainy sharing you Negros Occidental.
FIRST stop is the Negros Food.
Aside from the very popular Bacolod chicken inasal, there are a hundred more places to go and fulfill your gastronomic needs when in Bacolod.
The other night, we tried a new restaurant called Fogo which means "fire" in Portuguese.
The flavors were a mix of South American dishes like burritos and quesadilla.
Here's what we ordered:
Clockwise:
1. Cheese Quesadilla
2. Beef Burrittos
3. Carnitas
4. Peri-peri Chicken
I'm really not quite well adept with the terms, ingredients and seasonings that they used but let me just describe the food.
Here we go.
The Cheese Quesadilla was good. Probably our favorite because it wasn't very moist and salty and the crust (is that how it's called?) is not too dry or soft.
The burrito was also a go-to food. It's somehow complete because it is like a rice with ulam in a foil. (Haha!)
The carnitas, it was a corned beef with a twist because it wasn't anything like a canned food.
The Peri-peri Chicken was I think an Argentinian dish. It's chicken in a peri-peri sauce, which I'm sorry not to know the ingredients.
The owners were very accommodating and we appreciate them for taking time in introducing each cuisine.
Then, as my tradition, I should check on the "powder room" or "comfort room" of the restaurants I visit. It says a lot about the practice especially the 'cleanliness' of a food house. And I'm glad, Fogo's is clean and colorful too.
To sum it all, I'm gonna give Fogo a 3.5/5 score - for the new ambience, food and warmth.
!Muito Gostosoi!
Violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet and so is my place.
Life is sweeter in Bacolod and streets in Negros are covered with sugar.
The place where you can find the sweetest smile and the charming sing-song intonation.
Let me start my blogging about my province.
This is the Bini-brainy sharing you Negros Occidental.
FIRST stop is the Negros Food.
Aside from the very popular Bacolod chicken inasal, there are a hundred more places to go and fulfill your gastronomic needs when in Bacolod.
The other night, we tried a new restaurant called Fogo which means "fire" in Portuguese.
The flavors were a mix of South American dishes like burritos and quesadilla.
Here's what we ordered:
Clockwise:
1. Cheese Quesadilla
2. Beef Burrittos
3. Carnitas
4. Peri-peri Chicken
I'm really not quite well adept with the terms, ingredients and seasonings that they used but let me just describe the food.
Here we go.
The Cheese Quesadilla was good. Probably our favorite because it wasn't very moist and salty and the crust (is that how it's called?) is not too dry or soft.
The burrito was also a go-to food. It's somehow complete because it is like a rice with ulam in a foil. (Haha!)
The carnitas, it was a corned beef with a twist because it wasn't anything like a canned food.
The Peri-peri Chicken was I think an Argentinian dish. It's chicken in a peri-peri sauce, which I'm sorry not to know the ingredients.
The owners were very accommodating and we appreciate them for taking time in introducing each cuisine.
Then, as my tradition, I should check on the "powder room" or "comfort room" of the restaurants I visit. It says a lot about the practice especially the 'cleanliness' of a food house. And I'm glad, Fogo's is clean and colorful too.
 |
| Iril in this very colorful toilet. #OC #clean #plus5 |
To sum it all, I'm gonna give Fogo a 3.5/5 score - for the new ambience, food and warmth.
!Muito Gostosoi!
My thoughts on and on and on
It may come as a realization on my part that I may have lost the best love of my life (in so far).
It may be a jab on face to know that things slipped, and plans forgone.
So much that to consider it as a painful failure made things a little more difficult to surpass.
In my world of idealism, it should never happen.
But then, we live in the real world, and in our perception which is more or less influenced by the people around us, it's quite an arduous task.
Today, I heard a story about a person I look up to, Someone, I thought have everything. But then learning that she too is not spared from all the difficulties life can throw, even the most influential person can also be down and depressed, tried and tested.
Without comparing our own life's path I am just learning a thing or two from her experience.
First, that is to keep the balance in everything that we do and everything that we are. May it be in love, career, relationships and goals.
Second, at this age and time, I still grateful that at least I am encountering difficulties. This is indeed life and everything is a part of growing up. I know that I will never be able to master it even until my deathbed but I will just have to be prepared.
I am glad of everything that I have now. And more importantly I am blessed to have everyone surround me.
I may have a lot of mistakes committed and errors more to make, but I will keep in mind and in my heart that things happen for a reason. Our yes may sometimes need to be a no. Our time may not be now. Our days may not be always sunny.
Then again, this is still our life and we should live it.
With a happy heart!
It may be a jab on face to know that things slipped, and plans forgone.
So much that to consider it as a painful failure made things a little more difficult to surpass.
In my world of idealism, it should never happen.
But then, we live in the real world, and in our perception which is more or less influenced by the people around us, it's quite an arduous task.
Today, I heard a story about a person I look up to, Someone, I thought have everything. But then learning that she too is not spared from all the difficulties life can throw, even the most influential person can also be down and depressed, tried and tested.
Without comparing our own life's path I am just learning a thing or two from her experience.
First, that is to keep the balance in everything that we do and everything that we are. May it be in love, career, relationships and goals.
Second, at this age and time, I still grateful that at least I am encountering difficulties. This is indeed life and everything is a part of growing up. I know that I will never be able to master it even until my deathbed but I will just have to be prepared.
I am glad of everything that I have now. And more importantly I am blessed to have everyone surround me.
I may have a lot of mistakes committed and errors more to make, but I will keep in mind and in my heart that things happen for a reason. Our yes may sometimes need to be a no. Our time may not be now. Our days may not be always sunny.
Then again, this is still our life and we should live it.
With a happy heart!
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Why hurt the heart?
Why do we keep hurting the people we proclaim to love and loves us?
This is question I want to find the answer the soonest time possible.
It is very difficult to reconcile how love and anger can be compatible.
This is explanable yes, arguably understandable but in thoughts, matters and beatings of our heart or in neurology, the parietal lobe, it is still unbearable.
I'd like to know why this world though how much love we paint and understanding we deliver, we are still bound to commit one of the biggest and most fatal error - that is to hurt the people we loved the most.
I don't want to sound so naive nor experienced but it can be observed that most of the time we are culprits of the most beautiful and the most hurtful love we can give to one another. I'm thinking whether that's just the normal cyclical dynamics of our existence or do we really have the best hand to rule over these circumstances.
I have been in loved not long ago. It was not a perfect love but I know I gave ample amount of love and faith into it, but then in a lot of occasions I fell short, committed a mistake and hurt the person. This is sad definitely, I feel bad and I try to undo things by becoming better, but in another moment, I may have hurt the person all over again and yes, I felt sorry. However, I try to figure out now how is this related to our existence now? Is it really a part and parcel of our being or maybe we can shortcut the situation and proceed to loving?
I still do not know the answer. All I know is that I am in the process of discovering how it should, would and could have been... a little bit less painful.
I am sorry for all the heartaches I have brought and believe me, I am miserably sorry.
This is question I want to find the answer the soonest time possible.
It is very difficult to reconcile how love and anger can be compatible.
This is explanable yes, arguably understandable but in thoughts, matters and beatings of our heart or in neurology, the parietal lobe, it is still unbearable.
I'd like to know why this world though how much love we paint and understanding we deliver, we are still bound to commit one of the biggest and most fatal error - that is to hurt the people we loved the most.
I don't want to sound so naive nor experienced but it can be observed that most of the time we are culprits of the most beautiful and the most hurtful love we can give to one another. I'm thinking whether that's just the normal cyclical dynamics of our existence or do we really have the best hand to rule over these circumstances.
I have been in loved not long ago. It was not a perfect love but I know I gave ample amount of love and faith into it, but then in a lot of occasions I fell short, committed a mistake and hurt the person. This is sad definitely, I feel bad and I try to undo things by becoming better, but in another moment, I may have hurt the person all over again and yes, I felt sorry. However, I try to figure out now how is this related to our existence now? Is it really a part and parcel of our being or maybe we can shortcut the situation and proceed to loving?
I still do not know the answer. All I know is that I am in the process of discovering how it should, would and could have been... a little bit less painful.
I am sorry for all the heartaches I have brought and believe me, I am miserably sorry.
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