Mind Talk with Princess Maleiha

I LINK to YOU

2011-12-04T16:39:00.001-08:00

I link to you like the moon is linked to the stars..
I link to you like the sky where the sunset marks it place..

I link to you with all issues that affect humanity

For like you, I am my mind and my heart..

I link to you with the cry for peace

like the unborn child dependent to his mother..

like the birds finding refuge in the branches of trees

like Palestine's hunger for serenity

when nations of power dwell each other..

I link to you for justice

like the injustice done to a loved one

for using justice as the way to keep politics safe

yet we were denied the truth

I link to you with my right for privacy

when my peace is harassed

owing to bisexual stalking that uses friendship as disguise..

I link to you my secret admirer

from far and near

you might exist in silence

and I thank you for such attention

which I will respect unconditionally

Contented from afar, not imposing

I owe you my gratitude..

I link to you Philippine president

In your hands you hold the Bangsamoro Muslims

in your decision you can sentence them

Give them the peace they need

Do not riddle them with bullets
For the unborn deserve to see

the beauty of this country

with their rights in safety..

I link to you my FB friends

you are my heart at facebook

inspiration beyond measure

my smile and peace..

my dear dearest friends.

I link to you my friends in this world

wherever you are..whoever you are..whatever you do

I link my heart to YOU.

How to Make Peace Possible?

2011-11-28T16:20:00.000-08:00

A very simple question but many people find it hard to answer. Differences in perspective and background coupled with attitudinal problem is one reason that peace becomes a mere lip service.

To make peace possible, you need to live by example. You have to agitate people to value it because it is important and therefore it must be a priority action.

If you have the means to any forum, speak about it and recommend it as a way of life.

Everyday your peaceful nature is being challenged by outside forces. Hence, you need to ensure that your advocacy stays no matter what. Here are some ways to preserve peace in your community, family or wherever you are.

1. Write on the importance of peace. Recommend it everyday. Inspire people to value peace all the time.

2. Avoid arguments about religion. This topic will boil down to more arguments and conflict. Religion is a right. If you question the details of one's worship, you can expect rebuttal from the other camp. It is the anti-thesis of peace.

3. Inspire people with your thoughts and actions. Influence your community to embrace positivity for it is an imperative requirement to make peace a reality. Happy and inspired people find it easy to be kind with their friends, family and community.

4. Be appreciative and generous of praise. Express gratitude and appreciation when necessary. The gift of kind words lasts beyond lifetime.

5. Be sincere and true but polite. Always deal with the truth no matter what. Show sincerity and truthfulness in everything you do with politeness.

You are an agent of peace. Help make the world become a better place.

2011-11-19T20:32:00.001-08:00

REFLECTION OF THE DAY

We are NEWSPAPER babies

By Princess Maleiha

We are victims of superficial information. Controversial lives could be read in national broadsheets or watched from our television sets at home.

We are newspaper babies dating back to Renaissance Europe where handwritten newsletters circulated privately containing information about everything. This culture has seeped into our intellect using newspapers as guide to our view of people and systems in and outside the government.

Human submission to superficial information lacking the LAWS OF DIALECTIC could make us vulnerable to being judgmental.

If human industry is absent when it comes to getting the most acceptable and objective side of the story, we are vulnerable to accepting published news as the whole truth. Just because we are already CONVINCED sans reliability and accuracy check.

The Hegel's Law of Dialectics explains the need to arrive at the truth by stating a thesis, developing a

contradictory antithesis, and combining and resolving them into a coherent synthesis. Critical investigation is a must.

The wise men know what is publicity from truth. Be the instrument of objective truth.

Make A Stand

2011-08-25T05:10:00.000-07:00

Making a stand on issues is extremely important for it will help your friends and family know how to support you. It is important that you are loud with your perspectives and not just taken in by the flow. You have to know the purpose of your life and not allow situations of life to control you.

This has always been my principles in life. I stand strongly against human rights violations and that includes standing for animal welfare as well. To me, these things should not be compromised for God has entrusted us HIS creations in life, therefore we are expected to be caretakers for the present and future generation.

Take for instance, the case of the Bangsamoro Muslims in the Philippines. The history of struggle of the Muslims in Mindanao has been written in history but not in its factual context as some events had been omitted to slant a point. This error has caused a historical animosity between the Muslims and Christians in the Philippines.

Spain did not succeed to conquer the Muslims of Mindanao, particularly during the reign of my great great grandfather, Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat. However, the inability to conquer the Muslims might had been successful during those times for my ancestors, but there was no effort made to correct history's written flaws against the Muslims.

The attempt to make Muslims look like pirates by the Spanish government was a psychological warfare against the Muslims for rejecting Christianity.

This followed after Muslims raided predominantly Christian communities where Spanish soldiers stayed. Thinking that those raids were directed at the Christians, the distorted perception about Muslims grew and there was no concrete effort to set the record straight.

It is the duty of education officials to correct the negative perception and if needed, rewrite history in its unbiased and truthful form.

This writer is just making a stand.

Official Statement of the CANDAO CLAN on the LIGUASAN MARSH Controversy

2011-08-21T16:40:00.001-07:00

This official statement of the Candao clan is with reference to an alleged report made by the United States Embassy tagging the name of my father, former ARMM Governor Datu Zacaria Candao, as a claimant of the Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao. Said report was prepared during the time of US Ambassador Kenney to the Philippines in 2006 but was made available in Wikileak early this week.

In the name of TRUTH and FAIRNESS, we stand by the fact that the US Embassy diplomatic cable is “baseless and unfounded."

For the record, my father, Datu Zacaria Candao, has not filed any claim of the Liguasan Marsh in the past nor has he authorized any member of the Candao clan or any third party to lobby or make a claim of Liguasan Marsh on his behalf.

My father has openly addressed this problem during his incumbency as a major issue that has to be resolved between the Government of the Philippines and the MILF.

As a staunch advocate of peace in Maguindanao, the former Governor would support all talks between the Philippine Government and the MILF to settle the conflict over Liguasan Marsh.

For the interest of my readers, here is the full text of the original news from GMA News Online.

MILF won't let go of gas-rich wetlands – WikiLeaks

posting08/20/2011 | 02:18 AM

GMA News Online

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will not let go of mineral-rich ancestral lands in Mindanao, particularly an expanse known as the Liguasan Marsh, according to a “sensitive but unclassified" cable message of the United States’ Manila Embassy to Washington D.C.

A Singapore-based freelance journalist posted on his blog the supposed WikiLeaks-sourced diplomatic cable message sent in February 2006 when the US ambassador to Manila was still Kristie Kenney.

The US Embassy cable said, “MILF Vice-Chairman of Political Affairs Ghazali Jafaar has referred to the Liguasan Marsh as a "legacy from our forefathers" and stated that the Bangsamoro people…would not part with their lands in the marsh."

It noted the MILF even established a “Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) to lead, manage, and determine developmental efforts, including in the Liguasan Marsh."

The US Embassy recalled that in the late 1990s the Philippine National Oil Company and Malaysia’s state-run oil firm, Petronas, found natural gas and oil in five sites in the marsh, which covers a massive 288,000 hectares in the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.

“According to the PNOC, the estimated natural gas deposits in Sultan Sa Barongis alone would be enough to fuel a 60MW combined cycle power plant for 20 years," the embassy cable said.

“However, the PNOC and Petronas suspended operations in the Liguasan Marsh area due to threats from the MILF and extortion by local mayors and political warlords," the transmission added.

MILF stronghold

The US Embassy pointed out that the Liguasan Marsh “remains an important MILF stronghold, home to an estimated 280,000 Muslims, and an area where members of the terrorist Jemaah Islamiya have historically conducted training and sought refuge."

Several powerful Mindanao political clans have “competing land ownership claims" in the marsh, according to the US Embassy.

“The clan of former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Zacaria Candao has already staked a claim to 40 percent of this land, while other clans — including the Mangudadatus and Pendatuns — have claimed at least 50 per cent ownership," the cable noted.

The Ampatuan and Alamada clans were also mentioned as having land claims in the Liguasan Marsh.

The US Embassy said the various land claims “will make exploitation of these resources difficult."

“Multinational firms are already eyeing areas in Mindanao for possible projects," as of the early 2006, the US Embassy said, noting that those interested in mining and energy exploration in the Philippines grew significantly since the Supreme Court declared the Mining Act constitutional.

The embassy noted that firms up to 100 percent foreign-owned may now invest in large-scale search for oil, gas and minerals.

Back in 2008, the head of the Moro National Liberation Front — the organization from which the MILF splintered — Nur Misuari had pointed out that the Liguasan Marsh holds billions of dollars in gas.

Last year, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has embarked on restoring the ecosystem of the Liguasan marsh. (End of report)

REJOINDER:

I have already made known my side to the news site and in fairness, they have included our official statement in their updated version on the same day.

I decided to write this official statement as our final statement on this controversy. All media outlets can make use of this note as reference of the truth from our side.

Thank you very much for your time.

The INSANITY of being in-love

2011-08-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

He he he. So what is the insanity? Being in-love?

Millions of people around the world believe that love makes the world go round. Why not? It is obvious.

Arguing outside the traditional mind-set, one person in-love is willing to travel as far as the last continent of the earth just to see the significant other.

Love decreases geographical gap owing to the passionate and emotional desire to be with the special person desired.

The need to complete oneself with the other person is defined as emotional partnership. Whether that bond is physical or emotional, a person gets satisfaction from knowing that he belongs to another person. Or he has someone to run to, even if he just loves walking most of the time.

The need to fill-up the space of solitude is not love, but just the desire to get attach with someone. This kind of "want" or "need" will not last for it merely aims to satisfy something lacking..something wanted or needed.

My argument rests on the truthfulness that true love is the personal knowledge of both your heart and mind that you desire to be with someone because it is a constant feeling of wanting to commit..not just wanting to be owned.

For me, the term "possession" seems to be a threat, because I would rather be loved not owned.

NO OFFENSE MEANT, but most men think that having the woman they desire is a confirmation of their ego. This alone will push a man to experiment on his attractiveness hence if the woman reciprocates the attention, the challenge dies and the perceived undying love loses its potency. The relationship bores the man or the woman.

There is a clear misunderstanding between the motive of the heart and ego. We cannot account for the involvement of the mind because our cerebral faculties are adjusted to be functional and not destructive.

Now, what is my point?

The sanity of not being in-love is you know that you are in control of your actions and intentions. You tend to be objective about your very own emotions for you are not clouded with passion and the longing to be with someone just because you want to know if you can get the same answer for

the emotional equation that has been playing in your mind.

The insanity of being in-love is confusion. It is you who confuse yourself for not knowing how to stand in a relationship most especially if you are not ready to commit. Sometimes you thought you love someone just because you feel good whenever you are with that person.

However, true love is timeless, and it is the simple feeling of wanting to have that person BEYOND your personal needs but for the beloved.

True love is wanting to keep the person if you see him happy with you but willing to give him up if he is not happy, partly happy or happy but confused with you. In other words, true love is not self-focus but focuses on your significant other.

You evolve with the desire to love him but always ready to let go if the need arises. Most people think that love and happiness go together. For me, it is immaterial if I am happy, as long as my loved one is happy.

True love borrows happiness from the beloved. It is not the kind of happiness you demand, you plan or you enforce to make it a reality.

It is a common knowledge that true love brings mutual happiness for both person in-love, Yes, in some aspects of the relationship, most especially during the honeymoon stage. Later on, when familiarity seeps in, differences magnified and passion is gone, that is the right time to weigh the decision if you are to commit or not.

Commitment is best if the relationship could withstand all trials that come along. For if done haphazardly, then one will be forced to stay in a bond owing to the need to do so not because he loves to.

(Photo: Not Mine)

No to mass killing of wolves

2011-08-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

Dawn Duvo is a new friend on facebook. She asked to join my group Facebook Sisters and I thought that was just an act of friendship on her part. No reservation, I accepted her and asked her to briefly introduce herself.

Dawn is thoughtful and kind, her air of kindness opened a new connection that led me to something very important--the plight of the poor wolves in the United States.

My initial reaction was sympathy for the wolves. I raise thirteen cats as of the moment and some of them are street cats. My home has been a refuge for lost cats and I could not just bear to ignore them for they look so helpless and unprotected. It is every human soul's responsibility to protect and love animals.

Islam espouses the protection of all living creatures.

In the Holy Qur’aan (S4:36) we are advised to do good to “… what your right hands own …” According to the commentator Imaam Faghruddin al-Rhazi, this refers to all those who have no civil rights, including animals. Thus, the verse lays down the duty of being good toward animals.(Dr. Ayoub M. Banderker)

Since I am a Muslim, I posted a question to all my facebook friends, and here was the flow of our discussion. The point of asking was to establish the perimeters of a Muslim's limitations when it comes to advocating for the rights of a canine like wolves, which has the same origin with dogs.

The discussion went this way with my Muslim brother,Abdul Malik Dari Maharlika.

Princess Maleiha:

As a religion, we do not reject any animal that is one of Allahs creation. The Quran actually orders us to be kind and merciful to all of the creation of Allah.

However, the only thing that I have found in the Fiqh ruling (legislation) is that if a dog eats or drinks from a eating/drinking vessel, then it must be washed thoroughly...Also, that it is permissable to keep them in the house if one needs them for security (otherwise one could keep them outside the house)

The Prophet Muhamammad (peace be upon him) related an incident that when a women (prostitute) gave water to a dog that was dying of thirst, that Allah forgave her of her sins and would admit her to paradise. This is because of the mercy she showed to the Dog.

Thursday at 7:38pm · Like · 1 person

Abdul Malik Dari Maharlika:

Assalamu Alaikum sister. There is a Hadith to this, from Sahih Bukhari:

Volume 3, Book 39, Number 515 :

Narrated by Abu Huraira

Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever keeps a dog, one Qirat of the reward of his good deeds is deducted daily, unless the dog is used for guarding a farm or cattle." Abu Huraira (in another narration) said from the Prophet, "unless it is used for guarding sheep or farms, or for hunting." Narrated Abu Hazim from Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "A dog for guarding cattle or for hunting."

Basically the Fiqh ruling says that it is impermissible to have your dog in your house and sleeping with you but it is permissible to keep it outside like a guard dog. At least that is what a scholar told me. Good day :)

Thursday at 7:39pm · Unlike · 2 people

Princess Maleiha:

Yes brother Abdul...but the Holy Quran does not order the mass killing of dogs. This particular hadith is being used to campaign against dog:

Hadith - Bukhari 3:515, Narrated Abu Huraira

I heard Allah's Apostle saying; "Angels (of Mercy) do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or a picture of a living creature (a human being or an animal).

Thursday at 7:41pm · Like · 1 person

Princess Maleiha:

Here is a quote from the quran-Islam blog. The editor wrote:

It is traditional among Muslims all over the world to regard the dog as a dirty animal that when touched would void your wudu (ablution) and give you nagasah (dirty impurity!)

Sadly, this concept comes from fabricated hadith which claims that the prophet ordered the killing of dogs and gave numerous hadith that prohibit the keeping of dogs except for hunting and guarding, due to their dirty status!

However, by studying the Quran we find no such claims. Nowhere in the Quran are dogs prohibited. Consequently, we must dismiss all these hadith that fabricate lies against the prophet.

Thursday at 7:45pm · Like · 1 person

Abdul Malik Dari Maharlika:

About Killing a dog it is also in Sahih Bukhari:

Volume 3, Book 29, Number 55 :

Narrated by Aisha

Allah's Apostle said, "Five kinds of animals are harmful and could be killed in the Haram (Sanctuary). These are: the crow, the kite, the scorpion, the mouse and the rabid dog."

That being the dog would have to be 'rabid' and probably foaming at the mouth. I haven't asked the Ulema yet how they determine whether a dog is rabid or not but usually most people know because the dog acts erratic, showing i has rabies and foaming at the mouth.

Thursday at 7:45pm · Unlike · 1 person

Abdul Malik Dari Maharlika:

So therefore... killing dogs wantonly is not right. A rabid one... yes... provided that it can no longer be cured. I have to verify with the Ulama but I think thats the ijma.

Thursday at 7:46pm · Unlike · 1 person

Abdul Malik Dari Maharlika:

Also it has to be in the sanctuary :)

Thursday at 7:46pm · Unlike · 1 person

Princess Maleiha:

EXACTLY dear brother, Not only dogs,any animal that will be fatal and threat to human lives should be killed. The verse accentuates on RABID DOGS..because they can kill humans if allowed to live.

Thursday at 7:47pm · Like · 1 person

Abdul Malik Dari Maharlika:

True sister... too many people take Hadith out of context.

Thursday at 7:48pm · Like

Princess Maleiha:

The preservation of life of humans is necessary and exposure to threats require protection of human life. But it was not stated in the HQ that we should KILL ALL DOGS.

Thursday at 7:49pm · Like · 1 person

Princess Maleiha:

From Newsweek, April 15, 2002:

Take that matter of dogs, for instance. To the literalists, the prohibition against dogs as pets is clearly delineated in one of the hadiths, the traditional accounts of the life and sayings of the prophet Mohammed.

In their view, the hadiths and the Koran unambiguously set forth the laws of sharia.

But as Abou El Fadl points out, determining which of the tens of thousands of hadiths are authoritative requires both knowledge and critical analysis.

One must evaluate the reliability of the sources and assess how consistent the hadiths are with the moral vision of the God who speaks in and through the Koran.

In the case of the dog hadith, Abou El Fadl found it hard to believe that the same God who created such companionable creatures would have his prophet declare them "unclean."

Investigating the sources, he discovered that the hadith in question not only derived from an unreliable chain of sources but reflected views far more consistent with pre-Islamic Arab customs and attitudes.

What's more, he says, he found that a hadith from one of the most trustworthy sources tells how the Prophet himself had prayed in the presence of his playfully cavorting dogs.

Thursday at 7:57pm · Like · 1 person

Princess Maleiha:

Animal Abuse and Welfare in Islam

by Dr. Ayoub M. Banderker (BVMCh),

veterinary surgeon

Let me clarify a few myths and make a few points:

1. It is NOT haraam to own a dog, though it is not hygienic to keep a dog in the house.

2. It is NOT haraam to touch a dog or any other animal. If the saliva of a dog touches you or any part of your clothing, then it is required of you to wash the body part touched and the item of clothing touched by the dog’s mouth or snout.

3. It is incumbent upon all Muslims who own animals, whether for farming or work purposes or as pets, to provide adequate shelter, food, water, and, when needed, veterinary care for their animals. Arrangements must be made, if one is going to be away from home, to have one’s animals taken care of as well.

4. It is haraam to keep a dog or any other animal on a short lead for long periods without food, water, and shelter. Dogs need exercise and are social creatures who form organized “family” structures in nature. Dog owners therefore need to spend time daily with their dogs.

5. It is cruel, and therefore haraam, to keep any animal in a cage so small that it cannot behave in a natural way.

6. Fireworks cause untold suffering to most domestic animals because of their acute sense of hearing.

7. It is haraam to participate in any blood “sport,” like dog fighting and trophy hunting.

No animal has been cursed in any way. Animals are referred to in many instances in the Qu’ran. In Surah Kahf, mention is made of the companions of the Cave and their dog. (S18: 18-22)

We would love for Allah to bestow His mercy upon us, so let’s show mercy and compassion to all His creation. This will also give non-Muslims a true reflection of Islam, aiding da’wah.

There are many Muslims who care well for their animals, and this article is aimed at those who are misinformed.

The appeal goes out to those Muslims: Please do not abuse or neglect any animal. This gives a distorted picture to others who are not Muslim.

May Allah be pleased with our efforts.

Thursday at 8:05pm · Like · 1 person

Princess Maleiha:

‎

In the Holy Qur’aan (S4:36) we are advised to do good to “… what your right hands own …” According to the commentator Imaam Faghruddin al-Rhazi, this refers to all those who have no civil rights, including animals. Thus, the verse lays down the duty of being good toward animals.(Dr. Ayoub M. Banderker)

Thursday at 8:09pm · Like · 1 person

Princess Maleiha:

‎

Below is a view of an Islamic scholar quoted by a writer which spells the origin of conflict about dogs in Islam. I categorized them for easy understanding.

1. Possible source of conflict:

"Muslim beliefs about dogs are sometimes confusing and contradictory. The majority of both Sunni and Shi'a Muslim jurists consider dogs to be ritually unclean but these beliefs are not unanimous.

The jurists from the Sunni Maliki School disagree with the idea that dogs are unclean, and those of the Sunni Hanafi School are ambiguous, allowing trade and care of dogs without religious consequences.

However all of these opinions are based, not on the Koran itself, but on the Hadith, which are commentaries, analyses, and interpretations of the Koran.

It is these Hadith that suggest that to be touched by a dog is to be defiled and requires an act of purification.

For instance they require that a bowl from which a dog has eaten or drunk must be washed seven times and scrubbed in earth before it is again fit for human use."

(The professor cited "Hadiths" as possible source of conflicts. What are hadiths? The professor defined it as "interpretations| of the HQ. Hence the next question is: How credible are personal interpretations of the HQ? Personal opinions anchor from one's social and cultural background. Therefore, Muslims should GO BACK TO WHAT was WRITTEN in the Holy Qur'an.)

My next post will share that.

Thursday at 8:19pm · Like

Princess Maleiha:

2. What does the Holy Quran says about dogs? This was explained by the same person from my above post.

"If we look directly at the Koran itself, it turns out that dogs are mentioned five times, and are never described as being unclean.

In fact the longest group of passages including a dog is quite positive, and it relates to the story of the Seven Sleepers.

As the chronicle goes, during the short reign of the Roman emperor Decius around A.D. 250, nonbelievers were systematically persecuted, in an effort to strengthen the state-supported religion.

In the city of Ephesus (now in western Turkey), seven faithful young men fled to a cave on Mount Coelius. The pet dog of one followed them in their flight.

Once in the cave, some of the men feared that the dog-Kitmir by name-might bark and reveal their hiding place, and they tried to drive it away.

At this point, God granted the dog the gift of speech, and he said, "I love those who are dear unto God. Go to sleep, therefore, and I will guard you."

After the men had settled down to sleep, leaning on the back wall of the cave, the dog stretched out with his forelegs facing the entrance and began his watch.

When Decius learned that religious refugees were hiding in some of the local caves, he ordered that all the entrances be sealed with stone.

Kitmir maintained his vigil, even while the cave was being sealed, and made sure that no one disturbed the sleepers.

The men were forgotten, and they slept for 309 years. When they were finally awakened by workers excavating a section of the mountain, the dog finally stirred and allowed his charges to return to the world, which was now safe for their faith.

According to Moslem tradition, the dog Kitmir was admitted to paradise upon his death.

Thursday at 8:24pm · Like

Princess Maleiha:

2. So what is the misconception about dogs?

"Certainly an unclean animal would not be admitted to paradise," the professor commented. "There is another passage, however, that is often misinterpreted when the jurists who wrote the Hadith note that Mohamed ordered ‘Kill all dogs.'"

This command from the prophet resulted from a historical incident, where the Governor of Medina was concerned about the number of stray dogs overrunning the city, particularly because of the threat of rabies and perhaps other diseases that were spread by the pariah dogs foraging through the garbage.

At first, Mohammed took the uncompromising position that all the dogs should be exterminated and thus issued his command.

On reflection, however, he mitigated his decree, for two major reasons. The first was religious: canines constituted a race of Allah's creatures, and He who created the race should be the only one to dictate that it should be removed from the earth.

The second, more pragmatic, was that some categories of dogs, particularly guard dogs, hunting dogs, and shepherd dogs, were useful to humans and had hence earned their right to exist.

Thursday at 8:28pm · Like

Princess Maleiha:

3. Did the Prophet Mohammad really wanted all dogs killed?

NO.

Why? Mohamed nullified his early ruling against the canine race.

HOW?

The Islamic professor added, "Some legends say that the prophet himself actually owned one or more salukis that he used for hunting. So, in effect, Mohamed nullified his early ruling against the canine race.

"Further evidence against the idea that all dogs were to be killed comes from another passage in the Koran.

It says that a prostitute noticed a dog near a well, who was suffering from thirst and near to death. She took off her shoe, dipped it into the well and allowed the dog to drink the water from it.

Because of this act of kindness, Mohamed absolved her of all of her sins and allowed her to enter paradise.

I find it hard to imagine that if he really felt that all dogs were evil and were to be killed that he would bless that women for saving a life that he had condemned.

Thursday at 8:33pm · Like · 1 person

Princess Maleiha:

4. If the Holy Quran does not support the killing of ALL dogs, then what is this persistent source of such misconception?

The professor explained:

"I personally believe that the reason that the Hadith condemn dogs comes from another source historically.

One of the religions standing in the way of the spread of Islam was Zoroastrianism, which was quite successful and had many adherents in the Middle East.

Dogs were prized by Zoroastrians, and treated with great affection and reverence.

If you look at the way history works it is often the case that the gods of the old religion are converted into the devils of the new religion.

Similarly those things prized by an old religion are often held up as objects of hysterical hatred by the new, and the Muslim attitude toward dogs fits into this category."

The professor said.

Thursday at 8:37pm · Like · 2 people

Finally, the discussion above has presented two important points: that Islam respects all living creatures of the Almighty Allah and dogs are included, not excluded in that teaching based on the Holy Qura'n.

I therefore sincerely appeal to all the readers of this blog who respect and believe that wolves should be spared from hunting, should join this facebook group and would rally behind this cause.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/danceswithwolves/

Facebookers react to Mubarak's resignation

2011-02-12T03:20:00.000-08:00

Growing dissent from the Egyptian people sent former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak out of his post leaving his thirty years of alleged oppressive rule in Egypt.

The Egyptian people got world attention when they marched on the streets to demand for the resignation of Mubarak.

United States President Barack Obama has called on Mubarak to step down but to no avail.

The latter stood his ground but later on surprised the world when he left the presidency Friday (February 11, 2011).

Following his resignation, the Egyptian people rejoiced upon which could be considered as their success in toppling the Mubarak regime.

Earlier threats posed by Mubarak's government gave the impression that violence and more deaths will be the result of such revolution.

News reports bared that prison cells in Egypt were left opened by the local police to allow inmates to attack those who were rallying for freedom against former President Hosni Mubarak.

Egypt was ruled by Mubarak from 1981 to 2011.

I asked some of my friends to share their minds on Mubarak's resignation and here are their thoughts:

Luis Anselmo Pulmones said he was "pleasantly surprised with the news but at the same time somewhat uncertain. I'm still waiting on what the composition of the new Egyptian government will be."

Camilo B. Millendez shares the happiness of the Egyptians in their homeland but has stressed that "their victory is just 50%, they should be sure that Mubarak"s replacement comes from their ranks, otherwise it is just changing the collar of the same dog. This did happened to us, Filipinos."

Millendez was referring to the two people power revolution that happened in 1986 and 2001 in the Philippines unseating two former Presidents-the late President Ferdinand Marcos and former President Joseph Estrada respectively.

Vaysha Marohombsar spoke of her elation for the Egyptians. " Alhamdulillah! At last Egypt has been liberated after decades of repression."

Samuel Uchenna Okwara strongly said: A new wave of governance has evolved in Egypt and is transgressing to Africa on the whole. People have understood that we live to participate. Democracy has come to stay. Aluta Continua, Victoria Acerta!

Khomieni Sariol Mohammad congratulated the people of Egypt wishing that their nation will hold onto that freedom and have a prosperous future.

Akram Latip added that "It's good and I hope the entire Middle East including Saudi Arabia have the same transition to democracy."

Peace advocate Bobby Benito asked on democracy: " Demo-craZy? s probably was the reason why we were all crazy. I don't think this system would be applicable in Saudi. I don't think Culture of nakedness is allowed in Saudi, it is also wrong to legalize the Casino and Bar in Mecca."

Opinions vary among facebook users. Many are joyful for the Egyptians but they still have reservations on what comes next after Mubarak's departure from the presidency.

♡ LOVE and Ethics

2011-02-11T20:51:00.001-08:00

Albert Schweitzer:

♡ Thoughts cannot avoid the ethical or reverence and love for all life. It will abandon the old confined systems of ethics and be forced to recognize the ethics that knows no bounds.

But on the other hand, those who believe in love for all creation must realize clearly the difficulties involved in the problem of a boundless ethic and must be resolved not to veil from [humankind] the conflicts which this ethic will involve [us], but allow [us] really to experience them. To think out in every implication the ethic of love for all creation -- this is the difficult task which confronts our age.

How my Facebook friends define love..

2011-02-11T18:10:00.000-08:00

Samuel Uchenna Okwara says:

Love is an affectio nate condition that brings out the 'PUT' in you.

P= Patience

U= Understanding

T= Tolerance

I agree. The heart that truly loves understands. I remember someone told me this. "Mahal kita kasi napapagpasensiyahan kita. He he he. (I love you because I am patient with you). That was many years ago. :-)

Vaysha Marohombsar adds:

Love is friendship set to Music" but " Love just doesn't sit there like a stone , It has to be made like bread, remade all the time, made anew... " And Love creates an "Us" without destroying the "Me" .... And Do We love our creator? Love our fellow being first .

Well-said from a beautiful lady cousin. Love is a music in "us"--both in our hearts and in togetherness. :)

Lynnie Tamano supports this thought when she said:

For me, "Real Love" is an unconditional love! It is caring about the happiness of another person without any thought for what we might get for ourselves.

Wonderful! Oh how wonderful! :)

Jayde Ku'uipo Medina agrees with this:

My definition of LOVE is that--.LOVE can blossomed in any form. :D

Well she is right..love grows anywhere!

Bob Jurisprudencia Mahadali added: "to admire, accord kind respect and intent to care for other people."

Raymond Victor Teodo concludes:

For me true love is something that is unconditional, that no matter what circumstances you are in, no matter what challenges you face, you still care about the other person and you put their welfare above your own.

Need I say more? :-)

(Photo: not mine)

Ahhh..Speechless

2011-02-09T03:48:00.000-08:00

Ahh..speechless I am for all these words, always cursing and no more time for healing.

Judgment seems insurmountable created by perfect minds with imperfect deeds. Is it too hard to draw a line between what is kindness from what is hypocrisy. That is why I am cautious in judging people because I am imperfect. Human as I am, I err.

Peace is not a gift given but an attitude worked with dedication. It is not easy to achieve peace in a world where human bias and prejudice hover over individual respect. For who speaks against an err is not credible if he errs himself.

Silence does not mean you condone..silence means you know but hurting words will not heal the system. Silence means you will dedicate your life to correct the system for it will not help if you keep throwing mud at other people's faces, if you know that you have a blot in your own life too.

Correcting a system is technical in its process but not humane-free. When we live in the human world, it is a world of EMOTIONS intertwined with personal mission and vision.

Honestly, I cannot breath in an environment where I hear more curses than forgiveness. My mind cannot fly high and my lungs feel tightened by the grip of too much righteousness in a world where perfection is the exclusive domain of God.

It is not too deep to intellectualize..hence I always write with my emotions. Technical exposition is not my thing for now, hence I write with my emotions. As you read this my dear reader, you read my heart, my mind is half-awake to allow my emotions to find its freedom.

Ahhh..speechless..I am turning to some music from ENYA to make me breath. Is there anyone among you who can house me with inspiring thoughts while I am online. Please add me on facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/pedsumpilanabai?sk=info

Borrowed

2011-02-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

From Allah I borrow my strength.

From my facebook and offline friends, I borrow my smile when I feel sad.

From my family, I borrow my love when I feel empty and alone.

From my kids, I borrow my life for they are the reason that I live.

From you, my dear reader, I borrow my will to write.

To all of you who have touched my life, thank you so much.

Thank you for lending me love, smiles, strength and the inspiration of the pen.

Mwaaah!

Angelo Reyes is dead..

2011-02-07T23:29:00.000-08:00

Angelo Reyes is dead. Allegedly he committed suicide in his mother's grave this morning.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20110208-319114/Angelo-Reyes-commits-suicide

My initial reaction was silence. No judgement. No ridicule.

Whether he was good or bad, he is dead.

I would rather not analyze the situation.

I will not rejoice in other people's misery.

Sympathy is justice, for the dead and the living.

For the dead because of his loved ones and friends.

For the living because many questions remain unanswered.

For to shame a man is to kill him.

Whether he deserves it or not.

Two consciences arise from this tragedy: The conscience of the shamed man and the people who shamed him. His alleged sins will not be washed away by his death but the cause and mode of his death will not wash away the guilt in other men's heart.

May he rest in peace.

(Photo:weheartit)

A friend's treat

2011-02-07T01:46:00.000-08:00

My 7 definitions of Fidelity

2011-02-06T21:19:00.000-08:00

Defined in a million ways, adding more description to what fidelity is will be too wordy.

So I endeavor to simplify it in my own way. To answer what fidelity is, let me share what I know:

1. Fidelity is smiling to admirers but saying a firm no if they cross the line of friendship.

2. Fidelity is saying "dear" to male friends, but there is always in it the essence of brotherhood.

3. Fidelity is consulting and weighing decisions with your special someone.

4. Fidelity is being attracted to someone else but you resist the temptation to go beyond the eyes.

5. Fidelity is a commitment to exclusivity.

6. Fidelity is saying no to an expensive friendly date with an admirer just because you will not put off a simple date with your beloved.

7. Fidelity is knowing he is not the most handsome man in the world but you will never let other man take his place in your heart.

A Love Letter..

2011-02-06T05:15:00.000-08:00

February is a love month and I am writing a love letter.

There is no one in my life now hence I dedicate this to all lovers around the world.

This love letter will assist some couples who want to convey their emotions through a letter.

You see, dear reader, even if technology has already advanced the conveyance of emotions to your special someone, it is still important that you write him or her a letter. The impact is more touching than a text or an e-mail message.

If you love someone truly, you need to get out of your convenient zone to put more warmth and depth in your relationship.

This writer shares the meaning of love being celebrated all over the world.

Here is my love letter to my future partner in life:

I miss you..there will never be a time that I do not have you in my thoughts.

When I wake up in the morning, I feel you like the sun. It is your warm presence that makes me smile. No matter where you are, you are close to me for you are in my soul.

I wonder why I see you "incomparable".

Is it the sweetness of your kisses?

The warmth of your embrace.

The reassuring hug and comforting words you always say?

Is it merely your presence that takes my breath away?

Is it the way you make me close my eyes when you kiss my lips?

Oh, God..you are just beyond words.

I need you. There is no time in this life that I will not be needing you.

I need you to strengthen me when I feel down. Your hug is enough to make me feel I am protected and loved.

I love you..no words will ever be enough.

You will always be the only one for me. For darling, when I gave my love to you, I have surrendered my being. With you, there is completeness.

Darling, it is time for me to bid you good night. I will wrap myself with your memory.

Thank you for your love and support. Thank you for you and our lives shared. Thank you for being in my life.

I am yours faithfully.

(Photo:http://weheartit.com/entry/12055504)

Which way?

2011-02-05T17:13:00.000-08:00

There you go again, confused and embattled.

You do not know which way to go.

Choosing life's way is in your hands. That starts from birth but allow fate to intervene indispensably.

I guess, life is a combination of challenge, mystery, decisions and fate.

Challenge?

You face life with two awareness of your being: You can seize life or you can choose to let other people decide for you.

Challenge comes in if you feel you can't seize everything, hence Mr. Ego, the mighty and proud, comes in to say never to give up. I see you smiling dear reader. You know I am talking about you. In some way perhaps. :)

Challenge is an energizer, psychological and intellectual. You always want to deliver and prove your critics wrong. But pause for a little and ask yourself: how long will I have to prove myself?

You need not prove anything. You are entitled to your life.

People view things subjectively--they feel most concern on issues and things that they cannot reach. Issues that hurt their principles and values. If they cannot achieve the change for themselves, they will go for those who can.

It is normal to identify ourselves with popular causes.

But if you know yourself better than anyone else, do your share but you need not keep on proving. That is living your life with other people's expectations of you.

Not good. Be yourself.

Trust your own judgment even if others fail to see your point.

The real challenge is standing up for what you believe in under any given circumstance.

Have the strength to have an independent mind in the midst of the crowd. Too much identification loses your individuality.

You cannot always be nodding if you feel like saying no. You will hurt those who expect you to follow their whims--in the end, you may lose them but not your self-respect.

Mystery?

You and I are still a mystery to each other no matter how close we are.

Every minute of your thoughts is yours and you can choose not to share them. Change, being the only permanent thing on this world, will push you to adapt or abandon your previous decisions. You are human that is why you are vulnerable to change.

Hence, there is a need to institutionalize commitment. This will keep previous words intact, safe and secured.

Marriage for one is an example of an institutionalized commitment. You need to stay married whether you like it or not.

Marriage has the elements of change and mystery which are intertwined. You may be with someone who is no longer the same twenty or more years ago.

True love does not exist without flaws. A couple may look at the same direction but the element of change can vary in intensity and interest.

Mystery is a part of life for we are all constantly changing.

Decisions?

We can not talk about permanent decisions without considering the future consequences of the way we have chosen.

Consider my arguments for Challenge and Mystery. These three things (challenge, mystery and decisions) are interrelated.

The decision maker is anchored on the personal challenge and mystery that he secretly keeps somewhere in his mind. Whatever he hides will come out subconsciously.

Fate?

Can we question the will of God?

Take for instance a situation when a man has committed himself to one woman for the rest of his life. Not necessarily between a married couple, but can be between two committed lovers.

Suddenly fate leads you to another person who never thought could touch your life. But he did and very strongly.

Fate shows you choices.

You might have dreamt of becoming a good businessman but fate led you to the wonderful world of writing.

You can be a good businessman and a writer at the same time but if by choice you prefer to be a writer, then you need to focus on what fulfills your personal preference.

You can be creative by combining both business and writing provided you know how to manage what you do with your time.

Smile!

Take time to smile. If you are bewildered by choices, smile. If someone hurts you, cry, but later on, smile. If you have no one to hold you when you are down, smile!

Life is a matter of choice. The truth is, you have to live with your choices, good or bad.

Moonshadow

2011-02-04T17:23:00.001-08:00

Cat Steven sings:

Yes I am being followed

by a moonshadow

Moonshadow,

moonshadow..

Leaping and hopping

on a moonshadow..

moonshadow, moonshadow..

This author says:

Moonshadow

comes

even in

broad daylight

with a mask

yet

tattered "divine"..

Crushing the innocent..

scarring the free

This moonshadow

is not for you and me.

Just a struggle for fame.

I know where the moon is.

Up above and in the hands of God.

Yet God is too kind

not to follow me

for He knows

the color of my heart.

I shall not

open my soul

for fun.

I just happen to know

where I stand.

Fairies

of love and kindness

are my friends.

They will bring sunshine

every now and then.

The universe has tiny spaces for truth and kindness. We all seek to fill up those emptiness to bridge peace in the universe. As we give a drop for healing wounded hearts, we must be careful not to step on toes. For not all freedom is without conscience. We are human and we learn from our mistakes. Learning means a vow for change...sealed in the heart of silence.

I cannot be happy seeing people in misery..even those perceived to be our "enemies". For I do not nurture hate..no..no. That is toxic in my heart.

Time has passed by and never did I use my sites to hurt those who hurt us. My arms are open wide pointing to the sky for God.

To God is my complete surrender. He knows my heart, soul and mind.

◕‿◕｡

2011-02-04T07:41:00.000-08:00

Sleepy.

Offline in a few minutes.

Wishing all my readers a wonderful day for those outside the Philippines.

Sweet dreams for all those in the same country with me.

Tomorrow is another day. ☼

It will be a happy day for me.

I will make sure of that.

Insa Allah.

The Pen Minus Me

2011-02-03T23:27:00.000-08:00

"Did I ask you to define me?" I asked a persistent suitor on facebook?

"No need, he said. You are very beautiful."

"You see my face but you do not know my thoughts."

"Because you are beautiful."

Ahhh. Thank you. You made me realized one very important thing.

The above was my conversation with a male FB user. He sent me messages and as I write, there is a new one in my inbox. He kept on asking personal questions. But when I asked him if he knows what my advocacy is, he said "no".

From now on, I told myself. I will use no personal photos as profile pictures.

It will just be my thoughts minus the face.

There shall be no face for my mind. It is my mind that I want to relay.

My advocacy is more important than anything else.

It spells my soul.

Conquering Leia

2011-02-02T23:07:00.000-08:00

An original short story

by Princess Maleiha

Leia is not going to answer the call from her mobile. She stood up from bed and readies herself for office. She heard a knock on the door. The house helper told her breakfast is ready. It is time for her to go back to reality and off to work.

She has been daydreaming these past few days.

Leia is an executive in one advertising agency that competes for the attention of companies willing to spend millions just to promote their products.

Leia, a strong manager, competitive and loves her work tremendously. Her work is her priority.

She has many admirers but Leia has not fully committed herself to any man.

She met Leo after she broke up with her former boyfriend, Robert.

Leo and Leia have strong personalities, hence, someone has to give in to settle any conflict in the relationship. Sometimes it is Leo and Leia also does her part if needed.

Leo is the protective type. He wants to know everything. He says because he loves Leia so he has to know how she is as often as possible. If she misses to text, Leo will get mad. If she fails to ask for his permission, Leo will give her a cold treatment.

"Hey, a penny for your thoughts?" says Rita, the always smiling amiable secretary of Leia.

"Nothing". Leia replied with a grin.

"Robert called few minutes before you arrived. He said he wanted to see you. You have to face him or else...."

"Hmmm..and what, he would call me again, Rita?" I just have to avoid him for everything about us is over!"

"Don't you think I told him about that a million times, Leia?! But he is determined."

Robert is the humble type, the submissive one. He makes Leia feel that she is always special while Leo is the opposite type.

Maybe that is why Robert is different from Leo. Robert is always there for her. Even if he knows that Leia wanted to break up with him.

Leo on the other hand is not the sweet type. Rough. Two different men, both competing for Leia's love.

Competing? No.

Robert does know about Leo but Robert knows Leia wants it over between them. But he won't give up.

The phone rings..once, twice. Leia muted the volume and continued with her work. Suddenly a rushing Rita opened her door with a very good looking man behind her.

"I am sorry Leia, I could not stop Robert."

"It is okay Rita..let him in."

"Why are you avoiding me, Lei?"

That is what Robert calls her,"Lei".

He whispers that name in her ears when she is hysterical.

Robert knows how to calm her.

Leo is different, he would leave her alone.That quite turned off Leia.

She stared at him and smile.."coffee?".

"Lei, stop that..I know that smile..you can't evade me now.."

He leaned towards her and attempted to kiss her but Leia stood up and went near the window. Her office is always her zone for relaxation.

She loves the green scenery just right in front of her window. Her mind was drifting far, thinking of Leo.

Suddenly, he felt Robert's arms all around her."Please Robert..no..."

She has to choose between Leo and Robert.

Leia wants to end it with Robert after hearing that he slept in the house of his ex-girlfriend.

Robert kept explaining that he was with his brother when that happened to assist the family with some important matters. Robert was already like a family member to them and had a very close relationship with the father of his former girlfriend.

"Lei, my brother slept beside me all night."

Leia, the stubborn type, attended a gathering of executives and met Leo there. Fresh from a break-up, Leia was vulnerable. Both passionate, the two clicked instantly.

She still loves Robert but Leo holds her interest now. But she needs to choose.

The time is now.

"Robert..I need to tell you something".

"Sssshh..come here..let me take you to a wonderful breakfast and no more buts"..

Robert is always sweet. He takes care of her everyday, check on her by phone and sometimes he would visit her unexpectedly to dine together. They both enjoy the sea and this is one reason that Leia finds it hard to leave him--Robert has not changed a bit since she last knew him. Always humble.

But how about Leo?

For Leia, Leo is her exact replica in the male form. They are similar in thoughts and passion.

This however, became a problem for Leia because unlike Robert, Leo wants to feel that his decision should come first before Leia's.

There are times that Leia wanted to give him up now that she sees his true color. The cold and domineering type. But avoiding him seems difficult for her now.

Leia tied up with Leo in one business. But if she has to, she can leave the partnership.

The meal with Robert was sweet. Leia feels secured whenever he is around. He knows how to take care of her.

She has to choose now for the longer it takes for her to decide, the more likely that she will hurt more hearts.

She is sleepless.

She needs to make a decision. She has to be with someone who loves her and puts her first before anything else. She must not only be an option. She knows who is the right one for her after all these years.

Tomorrow, she has to end it. She dialed the number of the man she will meet tommorow. Leia has to say her goodbye to him and get the closure between them.

Robert or Leo?

The phone rings...she heard the voice on the other line.

"Hello..Leo.."

(Photo: Net archive)

Arrogance

2011-02-02T21:15:00.000-08:00

I met arrogance once. The arrogant mind.

He looks down on others, as if he is the tallest.

But how come he became a dwarf

whenever he speaks highly.

The highness of arrogance

will never be taller than the tallest.

The arrogance of man

does not make him a king.

I met humility several times. Why many times?

Because arrogance lost me. I am now owned by humility.

Somebody wants to say hello.

The lady in green.

She is married to arrogance.

Hmmmmm....arrogance makes you look UGLY.

Images

2011-02-02T20:55:00.000-08:00

You see images

beyond the surface.

Go slow in finding meaning

for what is before you.

Images are just on the surface

what matters most is what is invisible to the eyes.

Who said that?

Oh the reflection!

My reflection?

Oh, your reflection..

your reflection in me..

But why such reflection?

Is it because you reflect me?

We both reflect us?

Small souvenirs

Some weddings, some birthdays..

the who and when do not matter..

The best thing is

I was remembered!

Such ducks..partners of eternity...

Such ducks, why can't they be human?

Forever they bond..

on the pond...

Oh..such ducks...

I know...

2011-02-02T20:05:00.000-08:00

I have few words for love.

I know and I feel. That means I know you love me.I feel your love.

Love is beyond words, although words are important to effect union.

No vague actions. All must be direct.

But love stands with time. The measure of true love is time.

If you love someone no matter what, that is true love.

Love is expression. Love is connection.

You know he is not the right one for you if you cannot connect. Connection leads to establishment of a status. If it is an open relationship, commitment is absent. If it is exlusive, then it is commitment.

Start a relationship with honesty. If you are ready, openness comes naturally.

Fidelity seals it.

Semper Fidelis. :-)

Pained

2011-02-02T16:48:00.000-08:00

Unless there is pain, a child will not be born.

No matter how small an impact is, if it hurts you, you are pained.

The truth has no lies. It stands clearly like a statue.

To build truth is to build an institution.

In fact, many will differ in how truth should be defined. It is human nature to defend your stand. To protect your motives. To support your cause.

You are free to explore it, but accept that it hurts others. You have no control of how people reacts. Respect their feelings.

The cycle of monotony and redundancy is brainwashing.

You deform a name not once, but twice and more.

My pain has no mask. I will tell you if it is excruciating. But please no judgments.

I am hurting for I am human. I am sensitive to issues for I have a heart.

The Diary Of An Ex

2011-01-27T21:03:00.000-08:00

The sight of love, a friendship that lasts. We all crave for that--to have the truest person to possess our being, while we give all that we have in return. This is the mature concept of an ideal relationship, but in reality, it just like a glass which is half full.

You are journeying your life with the confidence of knowing how to manage the gray areas, then suddenly, someone arrives and he wants to take control of your life.

He will tell you his rules without asking you if that is the way you want your life to be. Questions pour like rain just to know if you are worthy of his trust. You prove all the best that you can be...but as time goes by, you find it tiresome to always adjust and accommodate what he wants..and what you want sits behind the relationship.

You feel invaded..and you wonder how come you allow that to happen. The happiness that used to be there is clouded by so much doubts:

...just because you failed to text..

...just because you want to be with friends...

...just because you have a mood..

...just because he wants to know all the details about you...

You feel that you are misunderstood. That you have to live day by day satisfying someone just to make him feel loved. Is that the way to sustain love? It seems like sustaining one's selfish needs forgetting yours.

If you are loved, it should be him who has to prove his worth. It has to be him who must initiate actions and not just mere lip service; if you are loved, you do not need to explain yourself to him because he should know that you have no intention of hurting him. But words came scarce until there is no more desire to explain. You let go...You leave.

Why must they always blamed you for leaving, you asked. Leaving is a sweet freedom. You were allowed anyway. The door was not locked so you made a graceful exit. Then you moved on. You stopped expecting from him.

Why should you be faulted if you did not find means to greet him during the holidays? You did not want to disturb his peace. Your greeting might just come in between you. him and whoever he is with now. So the best way is to leave him in peace. He will not run out of people to love him. You justified your action.

Of course, you remember him. Those good times of laughter and love. But you cannot go on remembering him so you always find means to let him escape your mind. There are other love coming along, but you wonder why you could not help but compare him to them.

Who is this new admirer wanting to take your time? Then you smile silently. You remember how he pursued you. That was touching. You know he made an extra effort to show you how much you meant to him and that is haunting.

But hey, there are others who can do that...yes..of course but is it a different person altogether.

Then you stopped and realized that he is only one in this world. Even if he could be cloned, the fact remains that it is not him. And so are you!

Love is truly an invasion of your entire being. It is not transferable hence you must always remember that the one you lost will not be the next person you will give your love to. He will always be different..and perhaps, the reason why he is worthy to remember is because he is he and there is no one like him in this mind-boggling and complicated world.

That is the beauty of knowing that love is unique in many special ways.

So that is the truth and you have moved on. Smile, The best thing to remember is how much deeply and truthfully you have loved him. That is over. He has forgotten you anyway.

Thank you

2011-01-27T20:27:00.000-08:00

A cousin told me about a secret admirer of my writings. He has been collecting and printing my articles and following all my blogs online, anonymously. Thank you my friend. I do not need to identify you. The most important thing is you believe in my thoughts and I appreciate that.

Anyone can get in-touch with me if you wish to if it is about my writings. You can send me an e-mail at princessmaleiha@ymail.com

Again, thank you so much for your support. Thank you dear readers and friends. :-)

Blind....

2011-01-26T19:03:00.000-08:00

The blind cannot see but there are those who can see. Irony? Yes. We always find what we are not suppose to see but we fail to see what we are expected to find. We always appreciate beauty but we rarely find time to correct deformities.

We must be truthful in everything. To demand transformation we must be truthfully strong. Doing that requires a lot of honesty--for a wrong is corrected if accepted.

(Photo: Bai Schejam Candao Biruar)

Father and Child...

2011-01-25T07:58:00.000-08:00

A photo of a father and child. The present holds the future. The maker and the receiver. That is why it is important for parents to understand that the formative years of a child's life must be full of love and proper guidance.

We should not entrust to others the nurturing of our own flesh and blood. They may think the best for our children. but the rest of its fulfillment relies heavily on us, the parents.

Blessed are those who are gifted with a new life to guide, protect and sustain. Parenting is not just the expression of love but definitely requires study and information.

It is not just asking why or what is wrong to your child, for it demands more time for listening and understanding him.

Parenting requires a lifetime attention, for every child no matter how he matures, there will always be a baby in him asking for attention.

Bombed

2011-01-25T05:47:00.000-08:00

I watched the news this evening on ABS-CBN.

The news showed the recent incident of bus bombing in Makati. Four dead and fourteen wounded as of the latest report. A hospital scene followed by some interviews. Apparently, another act of terrorism was made on the birth anniversary of the late President Corazon Aquino. The mother of the incumbent President, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino.

Was it intentionally done to insult the president? Or was it done to terrorize the Filipino masses?

Only the police authorities have the answer to this. But minds will speculate not unless this series of myteries will be put to rest. There are crimes of passion. So it is possible there are post-election crimes of political passion.

To live requires absolute security. Security is the knowledge that we are protected by the police and other law-enforcement agencies. The constitution states that every Filipino's right should be protected and upheld.

Pessimism has grown deep for the justice system in this county has always been questioned. A battle between the rich and the poor.

It is late. I shall unravel again in my next update. Briefly and direct.

I have more thoughts in my mind but for now I need to rest my pen.

(Photo: net archive)

Serenity

2010-12-20T06:58:00.001-08:00

Life has its ambivalence. Moments are divided causing confusion for preferences to be set. We call pressures as challenges no matter how stressful they become. Your sleep is disturbed and your mind perturbed.

Life is not a gift of serenity but more on honing the inner person in you. It does not pamper you to make you feel like a royalty, but instead, it will test your limits and fighting stamina. Sometimes, I do not wish to admit, but indeed, the earth is a battleground, the place where power is more important than life itself.

People get killed for power and some are ready to risk everything for it. Subtle or ambiguous ploy to outshine a person perceived to be a threat is some of the means how human beings react to challenges of instability.

This is the inequality of existence. Both sides have to give in order to receive. Nowadays, there is no such thing as unconditional power. It is the reciprocal process that prevails. In simple words, "scratch my back and I will scratch yours!"

There is no serenity. We all hunger for it. Many of us cannot rest their minds not unless they have ensured their grasp of invincibility. God is forgotten for they begin to act like Gods. How can God exist in the minds of those who feel like God? Serenity is truly elusive to them.

Simplicity of desire is not to be equated as a product of the weak. It is in fact a mark of the strongest soul. These are the people who are content with knowing that getting their rightful share is justice. They will not get what is not theirs for they know it is injustice.

Serenity is indeed wealth. Life is how we view it and how we react to it. What we value deep inside will manifest itself in the way we see our worth in this world. For those who live beyond themselves, they have lived well. But for those who live for themselves alone have not lived enough. Sharing yourself through your advocacy that is beyond self is living with the world.

Serenity does not always mean silence. Sometimes, it is an echo of good deeds that you carry in your heart everyday, It is the smile in your lips even if you are fast asleep.

Good night dear friends. Sweet sweet serenity.

New Blog

2010-12-18T21:39:00.000-08:00

Smiling to all! :)

I am inviting you to check on my new blog, Candid CaMera. Camera is spelled with stressed on the Me. Candid CaMera talks about my daily activities but more on photos and less of words. It is my way of maintaining my connection with my online friends when I have no more time to write long and in-depth articles.

If by chance you want to get updates, please let me know your e-mail address so that you will get regular articles whenever I published my thoughts on Candid Camera.

Hoping to connect with you anytime when it is possible. :)

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

2010-12-18T19:01:00.000-08:00

Wow, it has been a long time of absence from my blogging sites. My apology for such space. Wishing love and peace to everyone.

I was asked if Muslims are allowed to greet their non-Muslim friends this holiday season? With a surprised facial reaction , I asked, "why not?" Is greeting a non-Muslim friend a direct conversion to his religion? How can that myopia be sensationalized. Why is there such "absolute concept" of religion, close to discrimination.

How can that action be supportive of peace and justice. Is justice discriminatory in Islam?

There should be no discrimination in religion. Everyone has the right to his faith. It is not correct that we view greetings on Christmas for our non-Muslim friends as anti-Islam. What is prohibited in Islam is disrespect.

The Holy Qura'n teaches respect for other religion.

We evolve in a society of multiple religion, and the basic example of this is facebook. We meet people of varied perspectives, differences in faith included. If you connect with people selectively because of religion, then it is injustice. You have condemned a person just because he does not belong to your religion.

I hope we can still be true to the words of peace and justice at all times.

(Disclaimer: Photo not mine)

Farooq and the Princess

2010-10-08T18:43:00.001-07:00

By Princess Maleiha Bajunaid Candao

(Names, places, and some words used in this story are products of fiction. This story is NOT alluded to any person or groups.)

The Awakening

Farooq is a young little boy living with his poor family in a town called Jihad.

He grew up seeing how his parents, Ina Mariam and Ama Abdullah worked very hard for their daily subsistence. Oftentimes, he would pretend not hungry so that his younger siblings could eat for the day. He would rather give his share of the food to them. To satisfy his rambling stomach, he would hide outside to drink water.

There are ten of them in the family. His Kaka Zamrod had to skip school to fight for a cause. Farooq would always asked his Ama (father) why does his kaka (older brother) need to do that? His father would just simply say: "for freedom".

For a young boy like Farooq, his father's reply was vague. He wants to know more about freedom but he could not get enough answer to satisfy his curiosity.

Abdullah is a typical Muslim farmer who would do everything to feed his family. His wife, Mariam, is financially dependent on him and has only the children and him as her focus.She had no education for she is just one of those who are unfortunate not to benefit from education owing to poverty.

The mentality prevailing in the far-flung areas of Jihad province is the struggle of the fittest. The lesser the member of the family, the more they have the chances to survive. But this is not seen in their practices for those who have less have more kids. Hence, financial survival is difficult owing to more mouths to feed. Life for them is a hand-to-mouth existence.

Money was not enough for simple recreations like television and movies. Extra money for them would mean extra food on the table.

Farooq and his fellow kids witnessed the big disparity of life in Jihad town. They were brought up by their parents to believe that if they have nothing, they are worthless as a people. Only those who have the money and influence have a voice in the Jihad province.

This mentality has persisted which developed the fear for ruling elites. The poor consider themselves powerless--a psyche that was allowed to prevail to contain rebellion among the masses.

At his early age, Farooq knew what money and power can do to people like them--injustice."Ahh,that is why", Farooq told himself one day when he did not join his friends to bath in the river.

He went to his father's farm and sat under a mango tree. His eyes admired the paddy field-- a fruit of his father's labor. Soon his father will harvest rice and it means more food again. While his eyes explored the vastness of the area where his father works, he wondered why his father would always say: "the money is not all ours. we have debts to pay and loansharks get more than me".

"But father", Farooq questioned:"Why do you allow that? It is you who worked hard for the farm but you do not get enough?""

"I have no power my son. I have to accept the situation or die. I need to live longer for you, your mother and siblings". I have no money to buy guns for if I have, I would have joined your Kaka Zamrod."

Most of the land owners in Jihad town belong to ruling politicians with private armies. They spare no lives and they rule like God. No one can stand up against the injustice they committed or suffer the consequence of death.

For those who can find a safer place for their families and livelihood, they would migrate to nearby towns. But for those who are the poorest of the poor, silence and blindness to the atrocities of those in power are their only way out of violence.

Farooq realized that he and his family and those who are in the same predicament cannot fight for their rights not unless they join the armed struggle. He has gradually captured the full essence of what his father told him before:"for freedom".

Farooq said to himself: "Freedom can be attained through armed struggle." A thought that he has proven to be contrary to what he wants to see--PEACE.

The Dream

As a child, Farooq, though not educated, would love to hear stories from friends about fairy tales.

His friend, Rauf, a kind young boy with the same age as Farooq, comes from a well- to- do family. Rauf's parents taught him never to discriminate friends owing to their social status. Rauf and his family owns a school that educates Muslim and non-Muslim children with special lessons on co-existence. Rauf's mother is Balik Islam, used to be a Christian.

Rauf would always find time to share fairy tale stories to Farooq. He brought story books with him whenever he and Farooq would meet to exchange their experiences for the day.This developed the curiosity of Farooq to meet a true princess in his life. Like what he pictured from books, perhaps the princess he would meet is very beautiful with lots of other pretty women as her maids.

This was the thought that occupied his mind before he went to bed. And just as he wished, he saw a beautiful princess in his dream.

While in slumber, Farooq saw himself walking on a dark alley leading to a lighted place. He had no idea what he was doing in that place except that in his little curious heart, he learned of a princess who is living in a place nearby.

He followed his instincts until he saw a lady smiling at him. Farooq at his tender age admired the beautiful lady and walked towards her. As he approached the lady, she smiled at him and shook his hands."I was expecting you, Farooq", said the beautiful lady.I thanked Allah that he showed the way to you.

Do you know that you are an admirable little boy?, said the lady.

Farooq smiled with shyness and with a soft voice asked: "Why?"

The lady told Farooq that she loves little boys and girls who always seek answers for all the questions in their minds. By seeking, she said, you will find the truth. When you find the truth, you will know what you have to do.When parting was necessary, the lady told Farooq never forget to pray for Allah's guidance:

"His true words are your light. Only his true words and not the words of those who use them to manipulate events and minds."

Farooq woke up with a smile the following day. He told everything to Rauf. He even shared that he was surprised seeing a princess with no maids and no crown.

Rauf laughed at him and said:

"Ha ha ha ha. In the real world, even real princesses need not dress up extravagantly nor use a crown. My mother told me that true princesses touch the heart and not impress the eyes."

Farooq conversation with Rauf enlightened him more about the lives of royalty. Perhaps, he said again to himself:

That is the kind of princess I want to marry. One who will lead with humility and not with ostentatious display of wealth.

The Journey

Abdullah and Mariam found it strange that one morning, their son, Farooq, talked with sense.

While they were resting that night, Farooq told them:

I saw a princess in my dream and she told me to always ask and seek for answers. She said if I know the truth, I will know what to do.

Abdullah smiled at his son: "Who was the princess in your dream?"

"I did not ask her name for I was shy. But she touched my face and did not mind that my clothes were dirty. She made me sit beside her and told me those things."

Do you think ama, I can marry a princess one day?

Abdullah laughed and said: Nothing is impossible my son. But living with this condition, be happy if you find one of her maids who is willing to be your bride. Let us go to sleep now. There are many works to be done in the morning, Insa Allah.

"Insa Allah, Ama."

The following day was a good news for Farooq . Finally, Rauf's mother, a public teacher, has allowed Farooq to sit down in her class on value education.

Farooq had to do this secretly for he did not want to upset his father.

Abdullah shares the same view of most uneducated Muslims that those who will go to school will be christianized. But Farooq remembered what the princess told her: Always ask questions and seek for answers.

Rauf's mother is a Muslim convert. She has embraced Islam when she married Rauf's father. In Islam, men can marry non-Muslims provided that his wife and kids will follow the Islamic faith. Out of love, she surrendered.

Farooq learned the meaning of co-existence while he listened to the lecture. He has absorbed the meaning of respect for other people regardless of their religion.

He found out that Islam is a religion that has peace as a lifestyle. He thought that he need not fear his non-Muslim friends for kindness is not choosy. One can be fair and just to all. Farooq 's thinking progressed while he was being exposed to good values and learning.

He also discovered that self-discovery is an important tool to be a better Muslim and that through peaceful negotiations, a Muslim can still find justice without using guns.

The Conflict

Conflict of views started to seep into the life of Farooq. Oftentimes if his mother asked him to do an errand for him, to buy something in the store of her Babo Fatima, he would hear elders talking about the peace talks and armed struggle.

He would hear them say that non-Muslims do not think well of Muslims. He did not interrupt but he remembered the mother of Rauf who used to be a Christian. She was the one who taught him that kindness and justice should not be discriminatory.Now he hears a different thing.

Will he stand up for what he thinks is right and that the elders were wrong? Why it seems that those who think otherwise are labelled as "munafiq" (unbelievers).

The little boy in Farooq has slowly comprehend that in a rigid-thinking and biased community, there is no room for progressive thinking. It confines one's mind to what is considered to be prejudistic and if accepted as a way of thinking, there will never be a peaceful co-existence.

Farooq thought he needed a breather. He wished that he could see the princess in his dream again.

That night, slept came hard for Farooq . He needed an objective answer so that he knows if he is right.

Suddenly the princess appeared in his dream and sat beside his bed. Farooq was excited to see her.

Then the princess told Farooq :

"Islam is a religion of peace and a way of life. To live in peace you must learn to accept and respect differences. You cannot change how people will think but you can live up to the ideals of being a TRUE MUSLIM. A true Muslim does not hurt other people or coerce them to believe him. He will always be for peace and if injustice is done against him, he will seek to settle it in a peaceful manner and must always be willing to forgive if his enemy will seek his forgiveness."

Farooq woke up with a smile. His princess gave him a kiss on his cheek and told him to be a good boy.That inspired Farooq to do what the princess advised her to do.The following days were light for Farooq.

He made many friends and everyone was drawn to him for his kind and caring ways. The burden in his heart has diminished and he now reaches out to all the people in his neighborhood.

He now smiles when he joins conversations with his elders. His Bapa (Uncle) Masunsil noticed how he talks about peace. One time in their exchange, Bapa Masunsil asked how he is. Farooq answered gleefuly by saying that he has achieved freedom now.

"What do you mean by that, pakiwatan (nephew)?"

"Bapa I am now free from bias and prejudice. I have understood that Islam means kindness and acceptance. There should be no compulsion."

Pakiwatan, who told you that? In this town we need Jihad so that we can get our lands.""The princess told me that Bapa. She said, Islam is peace and a way of life. That is why peace must always rule."

"Pakiwatan, you are still young to say that. How can you live in peace if your land is taken away from you? How can you like non-Muslims if they stole our lands? How can we have faith in this Christian-ruled government if they will only scrap out Muslims from their lands?"

"Bapa, if they stole our lands, then why do we allow fellow Muslims to steal our lands too? There are Muslims doing that? Why don't we question them? Why only the non-Muslims?

Bapa, is justice discriminatory?"

Bapa Masunsil did not answer him and told him he will be back in the next few days to answer his question. He had to do something important.Farooq understood that his uncle could not give him a direct answer for he saw the confusion in his eyes.

The little boy in Farooq has transformed into a man with sensitivity and values that are commendable.He has pushed his way out of the box to understand the reasons for all the misunderstanding between the Muslims and Christians in his community.

He wanted to be the peace maker, the one who can reunite the community by providing a sense of direction to everyone, even to his family if needed. But how can a little boy do it? Who will believe him?That night he wanted to talk with the princess.

But the princess did not appear in his dreams again.

Farooq grew up fast but his mind did not stop asking questions and seeking for answers. He has understood the reasons of the conflict for he managed to finish high-school through the help of Rauf's mother who made him a scholar.

Farooq excelled in his class and he was always chosen as the leader in most class activities for he is always objective and fair.Farooq knew that everything started with peace in his mind. For he cared that the people in his community will stop fighting with each other owing to deep-seated conflict arising from differences in religion.

But he knew in his heart that it is still a long way towards genuine peace. Yet with this in mind, he can still afford to smile for he believes in the power of having faith in the teachings of TRUE ISLAM and his unwavering faith in the justness and justice of Allah.

(Photo: net archive)

Once in One's Life

2010-08-26T04:16:00.000-07:00

Once in one’s life, man has to understand the meaning of existence. It is not merely breathing in oxygen to stay alive, it also means the strike of awakened consciousness.

Once in one’s life, a man needs to make a decision. He has to brave the heights to climb the highest mountain so that he will know the experience of being in two opposite circumstances: being at the top or at the bottom.

Should a man’s struggle lead to his demise? Should faulty beliefs win over goodness? Man’s evil is not his curse but a curse to other innocent beings.

The deadly hostage drama of the late police officer Senior Inspector Rolando Del Rosario Mendoza is an example of how ” justice” was deformed to suit one man’s struggle for self-worth.

It was a reflection of how people like Mendoza can protect their honor by dishonoring the entire police force.

Mendoza had options, but he chose the wrong way. It was a do or die situation for he wanted public sympathy. Perhaps he did not want to kill the innocent victims but he was in a no-win situation. Pushed to the wall, death was the only way out.

We could not or should not generalize a situation of one man’s distorted quest for self-worth as the holistic image of men in uniform. That will be another injustice–a stagnant mentality.

I sympathize with the innocent Chinese victims, whose fate should not have reached that excruciating point driven by Mendoza. Said hostage incident was aggravated by wrong strategy which resulted to more deaths.

But where did all those bullets come from? Why was there a need to spray bullets on the tourist bus? What was the need for the open firing if the status of the people inside the bus was not yet established?

Indeed, it is another slap on the tourism industry and a deep laceration on the reputation of our country.

How so ironic that we must accept the contrasting blows of fate–a tragedy that hurt our national pride although regaining momentum after the Philippines ranked four in the Miss Universe 2010 pageant.

I got accustomed to hearing : “if one door closes, another one opens”–perhaps it would be morally uplifting if our police force could strive harder to make our country stay at the top with a sterling reputation in combating lawlessness within their ranks.

But then again, once in our lives, there will always be an ugly shadow chasing the blue sky or lurking above our smiles.

August 24, 2010

Davao City

Culture Shock

2010-08-17T17:58:00.000-07:00

I had this exchange of notes with a friend in one forum thread. He is not a Filipino hence his concept on culture shock is different from that of a Filipino.I understood him.

Compared to foreigners,the Filipino family is close-knit, and this is proven in the presence of extended families in most Filipino homes.

Westerners were taught to be independent at an early age hence it is easy for them to leave their families at young age.

One foreigner reacted to my point of view and he defined culture shock as a thing that ordinarily happens everyday. In fact, he said: "One does not have to "move" to experience culture shock. Just being placed in an environment that is totally different than what one is accustom to can also trigger culture shock."

His definition summed up his understanding of culture shock based on his personal background. There is no argument on that matter.

But for Filipinos, "culture shock" involves a long process of struggle to overcome the emptiness and longing for the families back home in the Philippines. It is not an ordinary experience for it is a diffucult battle with reality.

That is one big difference.

A Filipino suffers culture shock whether lingering or only for a short period of time. The fact remains that "culture shock" is prevalent among Asian people.

Apparently, if Filipinos have a better choice, they would not leave their country if the same opportunity for financial growth is available in the Philippines.

(Photo source: Net archive)

2010-08-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

Valuing our Mentors

2010-08-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

Flawless administrations in the past should have expectedly prioritized fund allocation for the most deprived sectors of our society. These are the farmers, fisherfolk, vendors, laborers and even our teachers.

Inherent in every unsound leadership is mismanagement of national funds.

Our previous national leaders have had exhibited one flaw in their leadership--too much political will or the lack of it.

Political will as a synergy is not applied equally. Meaning, those areas of governance that need strong political will receive a nil of it.Those that do not require much will get more.

Ironical in application. Confusing in leadership strategy.

For instance, in the past, the government is required to provide funding sustainability in providing services for education and health. But history has shown us instead that funds were diverted to other projects that do not benefit these areas.

Most of the efforts came from non-government organizations to help elevate the literacy rate in our country. The sad part is that many teachers were deprived of their salaries owing to mismanagement of funds but notwithstanding, they still deliver their responsibilities even in the far-flung areas of this country.

The teachers are the most important sector in the sustainability of education.

Their heroism should not be ignored for through them, our children have learned the basic values which cultivated their skills at young age.

Political indecisiveness hampers pro-people project. People at this stage know the difference of lip service from actual performance. The Filipinos are wary in making true changes possible--a transformation that will benefit the helpless and hapless.

We are all mentors but our teachers dedicate their lifetime to better our youth and prepare them for their future.

They deserve more attention from the government.

(Photo source: Net archive)

Love's Universality is CONNECTION

2010-08-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

This is not going to be another boring article.

No, it is not all about that kisses and hugs nor a love meeting a soulmate and they live happily ever after. Not another fairtytale.

So do not worry.

I just need a few minutes of your time to EXPLAIN why I have recently called myself the PRINCESS OF LOVE.

No, it does not mean I am embracing all offers of love. I am not one for the many.

But I invite you to connect with the universality of love, for whether you like it or not, accept or reject it, once in your lifetime, you have been touched by love.

Noticeably, I enjoy writing about love and less of political issues. One reason for this is owing to the universality of connection when love is the main topic.

Anyone can relate with it, old and young alike, Muslims and non-Muslims alike--LOVE BRIDGES religion and creed for it can connect with all hearts. You see no discrimination in color nor race.

You can only see the unity of many hearts. That is the truth.

On the other hand, POLITICS is always viewed as a subjective phase of life. People look at it as a form of self-aggrandizement, promoting only vested interest with no value for loyalty of frienship and alliances.

In other words, the universal appeal of politics is not connecting hearts but always leading to a divide.

The world is ninety-nice percent a "DOUBTING WORLD".

You read articles always full of questions: doubt about other people's honesty in government service; loyalty and fidelity in romantic and committed relationships; accuracy in intellectual analysis and even questioning ALMIGHTY GOD'S help during troubled lives. WE DO NOT STOP DOUBTING.

When in doubts, we seek for answers. When answers are not available, we operate with speculations. Hasty judgment becomes the easiest resort when facts are not available.

Hence, it is true, small minds talk about people but great minds talk about relevant issues. I agree, but let me accentuate that: GREAT MINDS TALK ABOUT SALIENT MATTERS WITH A SOLID BASIS. Great minds wait for evidences, not unless your emotions will cloud your objectivity.

The best thing about discussions on love is that it diminishes the barrier of saving face because emotions are real. They flow like clear water, hence everyone will understand you without showing pedanticity.NO need for books or scientific explanation. All you need is common sense.

ON the other hand, politics is a debatable issue. Intellectuals grab books for cerebral debate so that by citing the thoughts of world-acclaimed leaders, poets, writers and political analysts, they feel invincible.

I find this funny. Why? Because everyone of us is capable of having an analytical mind, and there is no need to borrow the thoughts of other people not unless you want to show similar thoughts of other smart brains with regard to your assertion.

Similarity is redudancy. STRIVE HARD FOR UNIQUENESS.

Love is common but always unique in its impact. It is expressed in other forms but its consequence is individually completing. The self can find its difference by the love of the other person, and even without much explanation, the other person with the same experience will understand you.

The connection is instantaneous--the impact is GLOBAL.

With love in our minds and hearts, we can start a journey where everyone will be willing to take part in it.

(Photo credit:

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa227/zeks_photos/comments%202/Love_3_by_mjagiellicz.jpg)

My Motherhood

2010-05-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

Motherhood is a gift- God's gift to the female race. God gave you the power to mold your own flesh and blood to what is right and just for their personal growth and development.

Motherhood is a completing and fulfilling experience no matter how complicated it becomes, sometimes. You need to balance your points if the need arises for you have to struggle to protect your children from the negativism of reality, including the negatives in yourself.

It is a personal struggle for a mother like me, to my two children, to make them see that all my flaws should be mine alone and not for them to try. Acknowledging imperfections owing to my strong emotionalism and at the same time presenting them the right options not to follow my own falters, is always the most difficult part for me.

No matter how inconsitent I am with myself, to them I show consistency. That is why I would rather hide to let them see nothing of all those things that they should not emulate. Deep inside, I am still a child longing for love and understanding of my flaws..in the privacy of my thoughts...but once I have to face Bai Schejam and Datu Rhaz, I show them what should consistency be in all the realms of life.I show them firmness in character with uncompromising principles.

In many areas of my life, I walk the talk. However, my falter shows when it comes to my heart. I shield this from them.

Nevertheless, my eldest, Bai Schejam, will not just watch and do nothing. Oftentimes I found her initiating things just to make me happy...and I realized that my baby is more stronger than me when it comes to the affairs of the heart.

She is very straightforward when she says her mind...and I end up telling myself how lucky I am as a mother.

It is a mother's pride to see the principles she has taught looking at her to the face through her own flesh and blood. And yes I can say..my kids are the reflection of my values and principles in life.

The reward itself is the knowledge that as a mother, you are capable of ensuring that your kids will be socially relevant and useful owing to the values that you instilled in them. The positive values of love and respect for their friends and family members.

Let this humble writer, also a mother, inspire you to remember those tiny hands touching your face when your baby had a first gasp of air. Oh yes..my first birth..Bai's tiny eyes staring at me blankly but they penetrate my soul, absorbing my total essence as a woman.

My baby's fragile body is totally helpless without me, needing my love and care to help her little legs stand up and walk a step further.

Never forget to remember that God gave you the power to mold your baby's life in your hands.

When you are in a complete desolation, please never forget to remind yourself that motherhood is not a problem but an opportunity to solve posers with your kids who need your guidance and patience to stand by them through thick and thin.

Smile at your temporary burdens for now. When your children grow up and raise their own respective families, you will have no more chance to be a mother like what you used to do now for them every step of the way.

They may still be needing you, however, it is but proper that once they are married, you should allow them to make their own decisions. So please never lose the chance and the time that you have now to enjoy your role as a mother. Savor it and make sure that you will be sharing golden memories with them- something wonderful to reminisce when your children grow older.

Finally, set a good example to them. Teach them how to be strong but humble, friendly but respectable and principled in life. Touch their souls with a firm faith in God and color their eyes with the beauty of life through inspiration and humility.

As a mother, you are an angel. I remember one story which states that God made mothers because He can't always be around with children. God call mothers, "the angels" of the earth.

You are powerful as a mother for you are your children's molder, the one who rocks their cradle. As the saying goes, "the hand who rocks the cradle, rocks the world".

BE NOT GOD

2010-05-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

One time when I was a moderator of one forum site on the net, an argument ensued between me and a fellow moderator on the issue of whether to create a nude thread or not. My stand was on the negative, in defense of other women in the site and to open it to general patronage.

My colleague told me that I have no right to suppress the freedom of expression..to put it bluntly, what he meant was the freedom to show the genitalia of women.

The debate went on with my following stand:

"The issue here is NOT THE CREATION OF THE THREAD PERSE. The main issue here is "exposing nudity." This moderator recommends that the thread be accessed with a password and not available for public view.

The irked male moderator said: What is wrong with being true in threads?

To that, I replied: To rephrase your question, what you meant was: "What is wrong if we become public about our libido?" Am I being moralistic here? Nope. I did not say that those who will favor for the creation of the thread are immoral.

Let me explain:

1. Filipina women share the sense of "delicadeza"..we cover for each other to protect our collective reputation.We find it shameful if a woman's genitalia is exposed to the world.

2. We all value our "sense of privacy". Part of that is opting to get naked in private.

I hope I will not be faulted for standing up for my principles.

I have firmly underscored that nudity should be a matter of choice. Not all those who are on the site favor the display of such profanity. I stood for this principle. At the same time, I have also taken cognizance of the freedom of expression by suggesting that the thread be opened with a password.

I have addressed two salient human rights here: The right to view and the right not to view.

I do not know if the issue was resolved because I left the site even before it was acted upon by the administration. I got turned off by the display of pornographic ads which started to appear on the site.

Nudity is a choice. One can choose to bare herself before a trusted partner or not opt to be bare at all. No one can question one's right to choose. The only problem is that if the choice is publicized for reasons serving business interest.

Exhibitionism is always a source of public scandal. The mores and laws of man are weighed between good character and morality.

Outside of this is a taboo. This is defined by many as imprisonment by morality.. the Niezche's definition of morality holding mankind by the nose.

But we have no choice. In order to preserve the moral order and God's teachings in the hearts of the believers, we should know the proper social manners.

A deviant is condemned before understood. A morally upright person gets the nod of everyone.

While I assert that nudity is a matter of choice, meaning one is free to decide if he or she would like to expose her body in public, the human law of sensitivity should be applied by considering that Filipino values and culture will oppose exhibitionism of all sorts.

Therefore, it is proper that in a forum site managed and operated by Filipinos, this should be highly considered.

Now let me divert from this issue to another glaring truth..and that is NO MAN IS PERFECT and no one can ACT LIKE GOD to judge or condemn the errors of man.

However, before I expound and to be clear with my stand at the forum on nudity, I am of the premise that one man's desire be not forcefully imposed on the rest. If one moderator wants nudity...it does not apply that the rest will abide with it. That is why I stood as opposition.

Now, this issue on man's weakness is another angle of human choice--the right to be imperfect without condemnation.

While it is true that many people would choose to proclaim what are morally correct behaviors for social conformity, not all of us have clean lives in our private moments.

If morality dictates that man should only lust for his wife, then men of insatiable appetite for sex will lust for all women either by fantasizing about them or pursuing them in real life. They can do this discreetly.

Hence, men and women are human beings with hidden desires that occupy their minds.

Some are loud because they are brave enough to hurdle social criticism, but some prefer to act in silence to avoid being condemned for his acts even if it is his source of happiness.

Our society enjoys the freedom to condemn and praise in sync. We admire people of high moral standards for the good things they display in public but later on condemn them for committing errors as human beings.

President Clinton is one example.Latest of which is Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay who admitted to his infidelity. Binay was truthful for accepting his mistake in the past, but social law and mores are used by moralists to deprive him of his right to be human.

Meaning they condemned not only the sin but also the sinner. The perfect and righteous should cast the first stone.

The common mistake of making Godly interpretation of human morality is it forgets that man himself is a house of temptation, a part of him that is inherent. However, he exercises control over his behavior because his faith in God prevails most of the time.

This is the reason that religion is imposed to direct man's behavior and tap his conscience most of the time. If he fails to deliver what it is to be an ideal Muslim or Christian or other faith.

Faith in God demands the conformity to Godlike description of goodness. This becomes in contradictory to Freud's libido theory..that what man supresses will fight its way out. Unexpressed and suppressed emotions make a man unstable.

Let us not discuss this issue by just focusing on the satisfaction of man's carnal desire.

Take the case of leadership. We form our ideal standards for the kind of leader we want to head our country. But if he falters and continue to falter, we condemn him. I agree that we need to demand for an upright leader for he holds the fate of the nation and its people. While a man who falters alone has only himself to destroy and can still amend to reform what he has to do for his own good.

There is reformation again. The cycle of good and bad, bad and good...and this is continuous and unending. That is why we need to accept change as a part of life's system that is permanent. We can not fight it, but only accept it as a fact.

What is the point of this article? Am I saying that man must be allowed to falter? NO, I am trying to assert that NO MAN IS PERFECT SO HE WILL FALTER.

Am I trying to convince my readers that those who falter must be forgiven and be allowed to do the same thing? NO, I am saying that since man is not perfect, he will always be inconsistent, not because he wants to but because it is his nature to get carried away by any form of temptation.Why? Because he is not God. He is human.

Judgment and Condemnation are not for humans to make. Let us leave it to God for He alone knows the reasons and intentions of every man. We are not entitled to act as God before other people for we are not God.

I am just a writer but I am not hypocrite. I would not pretend to be always righteous for I am not. But I will not answer nor explain to you why. I will face God in my own time and to HIM alone I shall submit.

Going back to my opposition in the creation of the thread--please take note that I offered two choices. The freedom of choice is a right. I did not hamper any of those, I just simply present an option to choose from. That is the beauty of life, WE CAN ALWAYS CHOOSE THE BEST.

(Photo: Pablo-Picasso-Blue-Nude--1902)

An Article Of My Heart

2010-04-27T00:51:00.000-07:00

The original article had a definite date..the concept was to focus on the rebirth of my emotions. However, I need to rewrite it to protect the privacy of my heart

Close your eyes, those were the whispers coming out passionately. From a distance my heart was caught,made no effort to resist the flame. Back in the past when Barbra Cartland's romantic fantasy books swept off my high-school emotions to crushes and secret admirations, they never failed to make me smile. Temporary and not lasting though.

Where was I when love was born? I guess I was enclosed in the arms of my parents and cuddled by their protectiveness. At thirteen, my father was protective, hence expect gates locked and doors closed after school. I could only read love letters, when our househelpers fearfully gave them to me when I was alone. No..there were no regrets.

My parents loved me for they wanted to protect my naivety and innocence. At sixteen, dad gave me books to read. This time it was educational, not on the intellect but on my femininity and one of the most unforgettable books was Susana Hofman's 22 types of men. It was dad's way of telling me, choose not with haste but with taste.

Daddy opened my world on the physical intimacy between men and women and how relationships could start from heaven to hell. "Oh Daddy, I heard myself say, "why is it like that?"..Dad never gave me an answer, prepare your mind and heart my dear, men will surely be your problem. I can't protect you all my life," dad said, but "I shall open your eyes to the truths of the world". At that time, I would grimaced, when my eyes caught lines that were too unconventional for me, having raised by a conservative family. However, I thanked daddy for educating me, making me see what awaits.

Yes..I need to know and discover more before I can truly say that the love that will seized me is the love that I need to last for a lifetime.

Why do writers write?

2010-03-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

Writers ink their thoughts for it is a basic need on their part to express their perceptions and principles in life. They write to respond to an array of unending questions that challenge their thoughts or sometimes they write to dispute the facts in the enclaves of their minds.

Writers write to breath through their words no matter how simple those are. Writers are human beings of a world of words, of ideas and theories, poetry and illusions.

Writers write for it is their life. Tell them not to write and it would kill their right to gasp for life through the kind of expression they could skillfully share honed by their personal experiences and mastery of words describing the images of time and space.

Writers live in a macrocosm of colloquy for they could think of a thousand stories to write about compared to those who have no passion for writing and find the inked skill a bore.

Writers write to share events of history through broadcast or print media. It is not the exclusive domain of the brainy but the literary demesne of the expressive homosapiens whose cerebral faculty is entirely flexible, permeable and analytical. They are the news writers for television, radio and newspapers.

Brilliant minded writers are those who could open new dimensions from a common perception hence elevating the standards of the mind.

Expression of the mind and the spirit comes in varied form. Some have artistic way of doing it through their paintings, songs, carved statues and public political speeches. The art of human expression anchors on one's special capabilities.

Let me take you to a scene and make you see how a writer's mind operates in a given situation differently from those who are not inclined to write.

For instance, take a writer to a place where sunset comes in neutral colors. Out of the ordinary colors of nature, the writer's mind could transform such simple scenery into a breathtaking interlude of the mind and soul, captivating lovers and passive bystanders.

The writer's mind has the wisdom to invite people to look beyond what they see and appreciate such events of nature as a progressive and productive union of man's gratefulness to our creator for his creations.

In other words, a brilliant writer could touch the conscience of man to appreciate nature and put value in it which could be translated to an awakened social consciousness toward responsible citizenry.

Can you see my point my dear readers? A writer writes for his mind can start at anything and stops at nothing.

In other words, writers write to free their souls through the cerebral driving of their pens and inspired by the passion locked in their hearts and minds.

The Swish of the Mindanao Kris

2010-03-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

Abstract. My thoughts get so tempted to write in abstraction although I know that it is a puzzle uncalled for. Now is the time to concretize ideas for peace, for it is always spoken with a political.slant here in Mindanao.

Shall I mumble what is only known to me? Such mystery is not communicative of the moment. As a writer, I ink my thoughts for this is a need I have to address to capture and record for history, before my mind changes in perspective.

My special adviser said that predictability is a value for vision..I do agree and submit. My mind shall not wander in perspective for my vision is my lifetime mission. This is the commitment of predictability-- MY PASSION.

Rispettare le parole di saggezza.

This writer is stepping on the ground of my forefathers. This is the very reason that I do not want to step out of my historical zone, for this is where I must be abreast with changes. I owe it to my roots.

Whose roots do you owe?

My investigative mind is scouring all parts of the internet to get reliable information on works done for peace in Mindanao.

The ABS CBN News Channel aired the Peace Policy Forum on "Transforming Conflict and Building Peace Towards Security Sector Reform" last night and I found time to watch it to examine the views of our leaders in the military and government on how they see the Mindanao conflict or how they address the Mindanao problem through peaceful intervention.

Getting updated with the issue on the Mindanao conflict is like salivating for the truth for I am also a part of those desiring to see that peace will be installed in our beloved war-ravaged island.

National Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales has cited the bias of the Christians against the Muslims. This was a salient point from his end and has to be addressed, not through mere government policy approach, but by way of an extensive cultural strategy that shall instill, educate, and institutionalize peace in all aspects.

AMIN Partylist Representative Ariel Hernandez cited doable points in the field of education which is considered a core solution for the future generation in conflict areas in Mindanao as well as those in Luzon and Visayas.

Congressman Hernandez is a true-blooded Mindanawan whose advocacies for peace and anti-poverty are genuine and sincere.

Hernandez and other Mindanao leaders are also facing the same issue about cold and hidden animosity between the Muslims and non-Muslims in Mindanao.

All leaders who are confronted with this issue should struggle hard to contain it. They must initiate more programs or projects to strengthen interfaith co-existence in Mindanao.

Historically speaking, the bias of Muslims against Christians and vice-versa traces back to the Spanish era. The Spaniards created such "culture of animosity between the Muslims and Christians" by labeling the Muslims as "pirates"--the people with "questionable" faith.

The Muslims were unsubjugated by the Spaniards hence the latter needed to ally with the Christian community to displace the Moros in the land of their forefathers.

Attacks launched by the early Moros were meant to drive away the Spaniards who mostly settled in villages occupied by the Christians. The object of the raids was the Spaniards and not the Christian villagers.

However, these persistent offensives by the Muslims marked in the minds of the Christians that Muslims are "pirates" or violent people. Unfortunately, this continues to this day to the detriment of the incoming Muslim generation.

Furthermore, the cultural conflict then was aggravated by the Americans for allowing non-Christian settlers to occupy lands in Mindanao identified as conflict areas.

Strategically, it was a low intensity conflict (lic) using non-Muslims to contain the Muslim rebellion.

Past and present interfaith dialogues are somehow helping to bridge this gap, but it will take a lifetime to ensure that the bias between Muslim and non-Muslims will become a thing of the past.

The past haunts for it has a place in history.

Going back to the ANC forum, General Raymundo Ferrer has stressed in the ANC interview that their peace efforts are facing similar questions. Criticisms are zeroing on the "trust" aspect since the military has always been perceived to be militant or always instigating conflict. Hence, their non-combat operations suffer the most.

Clearly, the distinguished gentlemen, are aware, that they are facing not only the problem of formulating policies to solve the peace problem in Mindanao, but they are also attempting to penetrate a cultural structure that blocks, in a small or great measure, their dream of attaining a peaceful Mindanao.

In concept, the television program was excellent. We hope to see or hear more of that kind of media mileage to shed light on the details of all peace efforts in Mindanao.

Along this line, it is prevalent that Mindanao is not peaceful internally and externally. The struggle for peace starts with one Mindanawan who fights justice againts a feudalistic Muslim warlord. This happens in all parts of Mindanao where the 3 Gs rule (Guns, Goons and Gold).

Why it was allowed in the first place by those in the central government is a question of political puppetry. Power monopoly is the toxin of democracy.The prevailing problem is the inability of positive transformation to permeate because the system has always been corrupted with human greed.

Oh please, spare me from reverberating semantics.Those hyprocritical call for peace yet in private they are practicing the language of violence.

Oh please, do not insult me with those pseudo-concern for the poor if the underprivileged could not

even choose their true candidates out of fear for their lives.

Presidentiables should not rely on power brokers in Mindanao.

GO DOWN TO THE GRASSROOTS. From the bottom to the top. Not the other way around. Give the voice for the common tao. STOP pleasuring the local elites.

The funny thing is that the multi-party system is operating almost anywhere in the country.There seems to be no true color for one group. Lucky are those who run independently. They can think and move without dictations.

Do you see the structure of what is prevailing in the political scene? Is our value for leadership degrading?

Ask me not. I stand for excellence.

Beyond Sex in Marriage

2009-12-29T22:43:00.000-08:00

By Princess Maleiha Bajunaid Candao

Once again, I sign my pen, in view of marriage as a bond for a healthy partnership and a sustaining commitment between spouses.

Great minds and books delve on attitudinal solutions to difficult marriages undergoing conflicts. But why seek answers from those who do not experience your own pains? The answer has always been within. It is soulfully within.

Searching the reality of life, we stumble at cases where difficult marriages mean that only one spouse is meeting his or her full responsibility as a mate. Whatever causes this failure has to be addressed. Whatever starts the pain must be stopped.

Usually, the joy of marriage is when both spouses meet each other's expectations. The opposite of this will result to a failure of one area in the union that has been neglected. This is not the way to treat a beloved.

Now here I am, unquestioning realities, but instead I offer some thoughts that might lessen the pain of a friend. Perhaps even that of a reader who reaches out to my hands. Here is what I can offer. Please listen to my thoughts and there you might not wonder.

While I want to talk about the factors that can contribute to marital discord, I want to provide a different perspective by talking about sex in marriage, decently. Raise no eyebrows for a princess has the right to express her stand. As long as decency is my rule, I shall break no laws in my family. Not yours for that matter, my dear loyal reader.

As a writer, my primordial concern is beyond just transmitting my thoughts but to convey them in an acceptable manner without offending the sensibilities of my readers considering that my blog readers come from different countries with varied cultural beliefs on sensitive issues like sex and marriage. I do this with care for it matters to me that you feel me in my words..feel the sincerity in my heart.

Hence I impose it upon myself to articulate my ideas on physical intimacy in marriage by catering to the standards of responsible authorship and welcoming even to the young and curious readers of today. The youth is our hope, the key to our future and the students of our present.

Sex in marriage is defined by me as the couple's "soulful connection"--this will allow you to look at our physical bodies not just as houses of mere gratification. Instead we should get in-touch with our souls through love and emotions that should be the basis of physical connection with our partners. There is a connection beyond the taste of one's lips and smell of one's breath--it is the connection of the body, mind and spirit.

I shall therefore not touch on the three-letter-word,"sex", using the "kamasutra" vocabulary, for the lexicon that I would like to encourage is the imperativeness of taking a deeper look at the significance of soulful oneness during sex and not just a form of lust quenching. The thirst for love is soulful. The taste of love in a soulful connection is eternal.

Sans generalization, many men want to get women to satiate their hunger for the flesh, hence, their polygamous nature is more often than not an ego-snuffing out-approach to get feedbacks on their masculinity. This happens if a man does not realize that he can be powerful even with just being with one woman alone. This happens only with the right partner, with the right woman.

I do not believe my dear readers, that a man needs more than ten women to complete his worth. A woman's value is not in quantity but quality. Akin to words and their meanings, akin to affections without numbers.

Many say that men womanize to prove how alluring they are to the opposite sex. A self-made man must not struggle for his masculinity. Principles make a man. His performance in bed is a private matter between him and his wife. We do not have the right to peep into their secrets. Humanity has boundaries.

Why do men have to collect and select women but in the end they feel vacuous for having to run away from commitments? A real man will never use sex to prove his masculinity nor inflate his shrunken ego. Real men respect their women and will always put them at the pedestal. These type of men are worth dying for.

Soulful connection in sex is all about sharing yourself with your partner completely without hesitation. It is beyond physical gratification for it fulfills not only a physical need. In fact, it feeds a soulful hunger .

Have you ever felt so lonely after sex? Or have you felt so connected that you seem fulfilled beyond words? The first question addresses a physical union without soulful connection and the latter is the opposite.

Soulful connection in bed allows spontaneity sans fretfulness. Anxious bed partners will show-off rather than interlock their souls with their mates. Let love flow freely. Let your soul unify with your mate.

Sexual proficiency should not be technical for physical union in marriage is between two human beings with heart and spirit. Liberate from impressing but focus more on connecting. If love and respect are present, soulful connection in bed fills up the empty spaces that separates each partner from the other.

An "unseen" guide during the process of the intimacy will guide both partners to the nucleus of their oneness...notwithstanding the turmoils of the outside world. Engaging in a romantic conversation with one's partner can help explore each other's preferences in bed. Being sensitive to your partner's unspoken need is a requirement to be soulfully connected with him or her, totally.

If passion dies, strengthen your soulful connection. Look at this connection beyond sex or procreation. Bolster the union, dear partners, to ensure that both of you will stay committed in marriage.

In simple words, soulful connection is achieved if both partners attained a sustaining degree of intertwined souls. Hence, sensitivity is highly suggested.

Ladies, be informed that you need to follow your instincts when it comes to love. There is no manual for this, my dear friend..for YOUR MAN is unique. You need to understand how your man imparts a need or a want without articulating it.

Ladies, be the fire of passion; be the key to balance; be the heart of his life and be his soulful connection.

Soulful connection calls for: absence of egoism in marriage, healthy intellectual discussions, slow in judgment, more room for understanding, avoid conflict and name calling. Of course, I am talking about the presence of love and respect here. What if those two important things are absent? Well, it is difficult to answer this for others, but in my case, I fought for my divorce.

Ask me not if I will turn my back on these beliefs for this I shall stand for: If I love a man, I shall love him with no reservation. But if I do not, I shall not imprison myself in a bond that will kill my self-dignity and respect. There is no fear in soulful connection if the feeling is true and sincere.

The beauty of love is that it balances negative and positive emotions by melting anger and building more love in return.

As marriage grows in time, lessons must be learned and changes must be welcomed. A smart and loving wife knows that she has to welcome all the changes in him as long as he still loves and respects her. A gifted wife is the one who brings out the best in her man. The man of her life.

If your man is not reciprocating all the good things you do for him, be not angry nor feel hurt. Talk to him with an open heart. If loves you, he will not hurt you. Free him from nagging by letting him breath on his own. If he loves you, he will never lose your direction nor turn his back on you. If he does not love you, you know the answer to that.

Ladies, pull your man to your arms when he needs you but never push him to go against his principles. Discuss with him your fears and worries about the relationship and if he loves you, he would voluntarily stop anything that he knows would hurt you.

Love him like a baby for he is still a little child who needs your affection every step of the way but respect him like a king if he needs to decide for the best of the family. Stand by him, through thick and thin if he has to fight for his principles and beliefs. You are his soulful mate, from who else should he get all these?

Be his soulmate. Connect with your man. For a successful marriage is more than just sex. It is a soulful connection. Be your partner's lan vital.

For the Man I love

2009-12-28T23:55:00.000-08:00

By Princess Maleiha B. Candao

More than sweet candy bars and soothing promises, ours is not a fairytale. The beauty of nature is ours to keep for our love is a gift.

I ink my heart for you to see the words that you left every moment when we talk...words that came from your soul connecting to the whole of me. You appear before me when I close my eyes no matter where you are. My love, this one is for you, from my heart that is in your keeping, with your soul that is completing.

I ignore the distance that separates us because you connect with me every moment of my everyday. You never fail to fill up the emptiness of my heart for you find time to let me know that I am with you in every step of your way.

So when I say "I love you," that means we are one...devoid of shallow reasons but full of depth and commitment.

There you are from afar, yet you are just a breath away from me. In your refuge you let me in, and I see nothing but truthfulness. Your simple joys take me to heaven as you show me the truth in your heart.

Your vision is so inviting that compels me to share the same journey to what is peaceful and just. You speak of so much love and joy yet with less words..it must be the gentle nature of your soul that sings a beautiful melody leaving an inspiration when my smiles disappear.

Tell me my love, why do I long for you? Why is my smile hiding from me whenever we are apart? Is it because our souls know that one is lacking to complete the whole? Is it because you live in me for you are the song of my music and the smile of my heart?

I see that smile again as your eyes caress my words...I feel your love in every unspoken thought. Honey, I love you..let me not just say it to make you happy..let me state it again and again for you to witness that God has made our fate to meet and share what is beautiful in HIS eyes.

Let HIM be there to guide us, for what awaits us, never fear that I will be gone. My heart will stay with you beyond our time and space for GOD is our witness.

♡ Should ex-lovers be friends?

2009-10-30T22:15:00.001-07:00

♡ Should ex-lovers be friends?
Originally uploaded by Bai Maleiha B. Candao

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.
--Alfred Tennyson

SHOULD EX-LOVERS BE FRIENDS?
By Bai Maleiha B. Candao

ABSOLUTELY,YES! But this is easier said than done.

Not all estranged partners end up being cordial with each other. One reason is that past hurts and pains will soon catch up with them. The face that one dreads would seem to look like a living nightmare even during the waking hours.

Sad but true. Solvable? Maybe, with civility, perhaps. But in truthfulness, the one who caused you so much pain would always be the last person you wanted to see or talk to.

But let us be objective in looking at this situation. What if you are married with kids? Do you have a choice? None, but it is a matter of personal decision. In the end, you can welcome the inevitable chance to discuss family issues for the betterment of your kids, sans the need to talk about reconciliation.

Being friends with an ex is totally different from living together again.

But if you need to be civil for the sake of the children,then embrace the need to be so.

Only you can draw the line. Only you know where you should stand in the face of all the issues at your hand.

For unmarried couples, reconciling is best to preserve friendship and civility of manners. Friendship is friendship. It means cordiality and kindness out of the dictates of one's education or breeding, or out of the simple reason that you just want to be kind to the person who hurt you in the past. Period.

Reconciling for mere friendship after a break-up depends on the gravity of reasons that caused the separation.

Saying hello when you both meet on the streets unexpectedly, or that both of you accidentally bumped into each other while malling, is not bad at all. In fact, this will show good breeding and finesse in one's character.

Well of course, it is easier said than done,as I have said earlier. This is very true to partners where one cheated and lied. But on the positive side, why not move on from the past and show your ex that his or her presence does not affect you at all, anymore.

If you are faking it, your partner will sense it. But if your sincerity is overwhelming, chances are, your ex will respect the friendship and might keep his or her distance. Not unless if your ex is still crazy about you.

Not being friends with your ex means not being able to move on, that is the usual adage, but it is not always the case. Some people, like me, distances myself from someone in my past to avoid giving the impression that I am open for reconciliation. If however, I received an unwanted visitor, the best way is to be civil. No more,no less.

Yes, there are cases of marital separation that is irreconcilable. The battle of principles weighs heavier than the mere emotionality of a broken heart.

The heart that has been broken can still heal and love again.A broken trust oftentimes takes a lifetime to heal.

On the other hand, if issues of break-up were minor ones, then friendship is not that hard to start after a couple of weeks or months. Some people take years before they could feel comfortable exchanging chats with their ex-lovers.

Friendship could also help establish direct communication to help dispel bad rumors about each other and may help bridge the gap that could eventually turn hostile if not remedied.

Let me however rephrase this question: Should ex-lovers be close friends again?

This is one point that has to be understood. Saying hi and hello to one's ex inside malls or anywhere owing to accidental meeting is very civil and advisable.

But getting too close and becoming close buddies is not impossible but the probability is low.

To sit down and chat closely as if the past did not happen is a big hypocrisy.

Finally, let me say it again that friends are always around, even an ex-lover could be one. But to have an ex for a close and trusted friend is not that easy.

It is not a sin to be kind with an ex. You can always forgive the person who hurt you and learn from the lessons of your past.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

❥ My Craft: Writing

2009-10-26T16:49:00.001-07:00

❥ My Craft: Writing
Originally uploaded by Princess Activist

The online world is full of complexity. However, I face it with
optimism and faith in the goodness of people no matter who they
are. I welcome friendship regardless of who my friends are for it is
not my principle to ask my new-found friends who they are and what
makes them distinct from me and the rest. I would rather welcome
friendship with a sincere, "How are you?"

A daily purpose for my life is imperative if I need to aim for an
achievement that is relevant and productive both in the online
and real world. By definition, finding relevance in life is subjective.
However, it is through individual expression that separates
mediocrity from professionalism.

I am a writer, not only by profession but by choice as well.
Just like other artists, creating words and forms demand mental
ingenuity and originality. While painters and sculptors create with
their hands and soul to express what they want to share to the
world, I find meaning in using words to connect with my readers.

Each artist interprets commonalities of life by setting distinction
in their craft. The best part of it is they do it out of love and passion
for their work and not just for any monetary consideration.

Writing is my craft and I derive fulfillment from it. Transcribing my
thoughts and sharing it with others is self-actualizing. Getting
feedbacks allows me to interact with my readers and fellow
writers which contributes to a well anticipated life everyday,
online or in the real world.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

➪ Face of Poverty (329 views)

2009-10-26T16:44:00.001-07:00

➪ Face of Poverty (329 views)
Originally uploaded by Princess Activist

✎ By Princess Maleiha

I found this photo in my yahoo group. You can see the innocent eyes of a child who is struggling in the face of poverty. His hands are overworked and his mind is imprisoned by the need to help his parents meet their basic needs for survival.

"Sabi ng isa.."nag-iigib lang ng tubig" ay "poverty" na?
Ang nakita niya kasi ay ang mga sisidlan ng tubig,
hindi niya nababanaag ang "sigaw ng saklolo" sa mga
matang nakakaawa...

Tumingin nga ng bahagya sa nakatago mong
konsensiya"

What is "Confusion" for me?

2009-10-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

To be or not to be. This is the enigma of confusion.

Look around you and there is a random of symbols that can give rise to concepts like irony, opposites and similarities that could be taken in their literal or figurative form. Life is indeed complex and the arena of confusion.

How can we as normal beings not be confused when those people we looked up to are more often than not the ones causing the turmoil in our minds. Take for example a preacher who says things that he could not deliver by example. They could not walk the talk.

Confusion in my own definition is brought about by an inconsistent action by someone who we expect to be flawless and honest in every way, but only to find out that he failed to meet our expectations.

It is true that we do not love and live based on other people's expectations. But in the case of the example I cited above, this applies to people holding powerful or influential positions in our social and religious lives. Mostly, they are the people who we call as priests, nuns, teachers, media people, popular columnists, politicians or government leaders. The society looks up to them as leaders. Hence, it is inexcusable for them to blunder whether intentionally or not.

Moral confusion arises when a priest would tell a lie. This is unacceptable for the many who look at people of the church as holy and flawless. Meaning, that although lying is an inevitable human flaw, it is the confusing moral standard which we uphold that makes it unacceptable or hard to understand for a priest to be a liar.

It is equally confusing when a school teacher educates her students to practice the value of respect for one's chosen career, but she herself does not respect her profession. She secretly sells food products to her students and threatens to fail them in her class if they would not submit to her pressure.

In marriage, a wife gets bewildered if she finds out that her trusted husband, who constantly professed so much love for her, has plenty of extra-marital affairs.

Confusion sets in when expectations and reality do not meet halfway. Or when a truth is bared after masks were unveiled.

It is important to allow confusion to penetrate into our mental wavelengths for this will compel us to look at the details of our life without using colored lens. Confusion is our mental microscope enabling us to view the iota of our doubts and unanswered questions.

You and I are always confused about something. Welcome and face it. Learn and get over it fast but make sure that you will acquire a sense of truthful comprehension of the predicament that you are in.

How can your mind kill you?

2009-08-28T23:46:00.001-07:00

When we speak of the human mind, we are in fact referring to the human brain, which controls the central nervous system. The part that controls the higher functions is the forebrain, while the other two parts, midbrain and hindbrain, are responsible for our unconscious and autonomic functions.

Also known as the seat of intelligence, the human brain has the power and control over one's character. How an individual thinks about himself and life in general will affect in no small measure his social attitude.

Psychological studies on personality and Sigmund Freud's attempt to explain the complex reality of the brain, through his theory on id,ego and superego were in fact a struggle to understand how the mind works and how it affects man's existence. The works of great minds in the past which brought to forth amazing discoveries on science, math and human behavior only prove that the mind is a powerful instrument that could control man's destiny.

The emergence of clinical psychopathology as another arena of studying the causality of human behavior anchored on its clinical history, is another testimony that attempts to contain the negative effects of man's twisted behavioral profile.

Hence, this article aims to dig a part of the hidden iceberg in man's brains and how it could possibly lead to imbalance in man's personality or human behavior.

A small awareness on this aspect might remind us all to reflect closely on how we react to everyday pressures and how we handle ourselves to face all those challenges.

Do we act favorably or do we sabotage our actions?

Let me expound.

A healthy mind is the one that inquires sans answers. It is the desire for retort that propels an intelligent mind to explore the details of life using a non-colored monocle. A mind that yearns for knowledge reads, converses, analyzes, then concludes. Hyperboles are a no, no, no.

We use our mental competence to understand our everyday issues. These include our interpersonal relationships, our office tasks and the decisions we need to make on a daily basis. A smart mind delivers the most balance decision after an objective study of a situation. All these are possible if your mind is healthy and capable of intelligent decisions.

But what happens if your mind is working against you?

One popular proof on the fatal result of one's mental illness is the case of the world's renowned Karen Carpenter of the "The Carpenters", who died of anorexia nervosa.

The term "anorexic" became popular after her death. It caused a worldwide hiatus which made people take a closer look at this kind of mental illness.

A person suffering from this emotional disorder literally starves herself. She induces forced vomiting out of the fear of becoming fat. The usual sufferers of this mental illness are young girls or women who have a morbid fear of becoming overweight. This is a concrete example of how a disturbed mind can be fatal to its host. An example of a woman whose own mind is her greatest enemy--the SUB-CONSCIOUS ENEMY.

In its physiological effect, "anorexia nervosa" take its toll on the appetite, diminishing its victim will to eat until the human body dies out of starvation.

Anorexic patients are obsessed with the idea that their bodies are fat and therefore they need to slim down. They rate themselves unfavorably owing to their body weight.

What I have just given as an example is a clinical case of an anorexic patient whose lifestyle is focused on one aspect: to become thin and attractive to everyone's eyes.

On the flip side, in application to one's mental anatomy, an anorexic mind is a mind that starves itself from real knowledge and refuses to absorb its need for it, hence, resulting to its in-utility.

This is common. You might now know, but maybe you are exhibiting an anorexic mind.

How?

Have you observed that you sub-consciously postpone some of the things you want to do despite of the fact that you know they will contribute to your self-growth? You postpone not because you have no means but because you REFUSE to do it, just because you DO NOT LIKE to do it.

A student who REJECTS the idea of studying his lessons; a wife who REFUSES to understand the causes of her marital woes with her husband; a husband who DENIES to acknowledge the sacrifices of his wife owing to his infidelity; a business partner who TURNS DOWN the idea of equal sharing of accrued profit with his partner owing to greed and other cases that illustrate one's capability to do something but DECLINES to do it owing to selfishness.

An anorexic mind, if allowed to control the subconscious, will become a mental habit that may result to ugly attitude in life which recognizes nothing but total self-engrossment.

An anorexic mind is a mind the does not accept explanation nor recognize fairness. It is a selfish desire to implement its will against any form of barrier.

Is this an exclusive reality of those people who are dumb? NO. An intelligent person could still exhibit "anorexic mind". If she would not welcome negotiations and would refuse to recognize his/her mistakes in life.

Is this an exclusive domain of women? No. Both sexes are doing it subconsciously.

This type of mind is fatal for it will not listen to reason. It is not likened to a stubborn mind that could still be influenced to change stance.

An anorexic mind is a closed mind, I repeat, a CLOSED MIND, which can not be opened by anyone including the host herself. It operates on its own creed and acts toward that belief until it will meets its end-or the consequences of such mentality.

Victims of anorexia nervosa are aware that they must eat in order to live. But their minds are already closed and no matter how they try to eat, their stomachs could not accept their food intake, hence vomiting follows. This is the result of extreme mental conditioning out of the fear that eating could result to obesity.

If applied to an "anorexic mind or behavior", the same symptoms or pattern of behavior will be exhibited, but not on getting thin but subliminally closing all avenues to view life with all its colors, joy and positivism.

The mind becomes so self-centered that it would disallow any form of interference as a threat to its stability. This therefore compels the owner to close it to preserve her own interest.

This article establishes one undeniable truth: The Human Mind is Dangerous if hosted by disturbed personality.

The mind has a will of its own. A caring psychological guidance that aims to neutralize the behavior of a pessimist to promote and develop positive view of life does not only depend on the trainings of a psychiatrist but must be supported with the love and patience from the immediate fanily members of the mentally disturbed individual.(end)

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WORDS TO WATCH IN THIS ARTICLE : Anorexic mind

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This is also published in my MIND TALK blog.

President Cory's Smile

2009-08-02T21:35:00.000-07:00

President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino will be laid down to rest on August 5, 2009. She was a true moral leader who never failed to deliver what was expected of her during her incumbency.

My most vivid memory of her was her lovely and charming smile during the first inauguration of the regional government in Mindanao in 1990.

Her critics in the past accused her of not having quality leadership because she was indecisive at times. That is what they wrongly thought of her. Her critics failed to see that President Cory was not dictatorial in her leadership for she often delegated it to the people she trusted. She was open to consultations and sought the opinion of her credible leaders to arrive at a just decision. In fact, she did not run after her term despite the prodding of her political supporters. It showed the pureness of her heart and soul. She was indeed a lady worthy of respect and admiration.

President Cory will continue to live in the hearts of every Filipino for her legacy of democracy is untainted and beyond life itself.

In my heart I feel what my fellow Filipinos feel..we indeed lost a mother with a pure heart and soul. A prayerful president with a loving heart.

I will not say goodbye to President Cory for the only moment we will truly lose her is if we stop remembering the kindness of her soul and the spirit of freedom she left to every Filipino.

Fipinos are chanting "Cory!" as her coffin passed by Ayala Avenue in Makati today...and my heart chants with them from a distance.

Photo credit:
http://pinoywired.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/coryaquino.jpg

How To Start Dating Again When You Are Over 50?

2009-07-24T23:00:00.000-07:00

I wrote this article with focus on the woman at 50 who is accomplished, both professionally and personally. This article is for one writing site in competition for a title category. However, I am no longer active in that site so I decided to share this with the readers of this blog. The idea is to ink an article that would both encourage and inspire a woman at 50.

The most beautiful woman is the woman of 50's. She has already accomplished a sense of completion either as a mother or a working woman. The man in her life would view her not on her chronological age but on her confidence in herself, for being able to excel in her chosen field.

It is wrong to think badly that when the first number of a woman's age strikes at 5, that means she is completely out of the female race. This is in fact the time to show the world who you are based on your personal achievements and the wholeness of the character you possessed.

Time has already taught you the humps of life and which road to take that is the shortest way to your dreams. At this age, you have managed to put in order all your priorities in life for your kids, as a single parent, or for your immediate family members if you are single and available.

This is the time to give yourself the chance to find the right man and for him to conquer you. It does not mean giving up your whole person to him but to experience the joy of having someone to hold you when you feel alone. Someone to lift up your spirit, to exchange intellectual conversations with you and most importantly, is to have someone to get soulfully connected with.

Sounds exciting! It is, great woman! So what are you waiting for?

How does a woman of your great character date at 50? Here are some tips that you could make use of to let the sun shine in your lips, in your eyes and stay glowing even when sunset comes:

1. Be ready with the clothes that will complement your body and skin. Consult a friend or a family member who has a sense of elegance when it comes to fashion. Yes, great lady, elegance should be the theme of your life now. It does not need to be expensive if you know the right approach to becoming one elegant lady at 50. You can read books or magazines on fashion. Just make sure that your natural character will come out with the clothes you wear for elegance in fashion also means simplicity and comfortability. The basic point is to be yourself in the clothes you wear.

2. Join social organizations or groups that will increase your chances to meet men who will choose a woman of your character. It is very common that many matured and responsible men go for women who are older than them for they feel at ease with their calm disposition. Younger women are oftentimes hysterical when disagreement with their loved ones ensues.

3. Be yourself. Never pretend to be who you are not. Men could easily sense if you are a fake or natural. Men love naturalism in women. They love how women laugh at their jokes and enjoy how they are well understood by women of your age. One attractive feature of matured women which is being sought after by men is their patience and understanding ways. With them there is no need for rushing things and eventually everything falls at the proper place.

Finally, enjoy every moment of your experience. The main idea is to be soulfully connected with your date and make him feel relaxed and not challenged by a great personality like yours. A listening ear is a gift of love. Listen more and talk less. Men will get crazy with you if you know how to treat them right.

So, great woman, what are you waiting for? Go out and explore your emotional world!

Michael Jackson

2009-07-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson

Michael was a misunderstood music icon. He was not perfect and so are we. Judgmentalism has eroded those with biased minds judging Michael for his alleged past misdeeds and forgetting that just like the accusers, the late pop icon was not an exemption to imperfection. His flaws was magnified by the public eye because of his worldwide popularity. He was not excused for his errors for they thought that he was a saint.

Whether he was guilty of what he was accused of, Michael still had to be recognized for his great contribution to peace and charity. He was not my idol, but I just could not let him die with the good things he had done. He was remarkable in his own right, an artist of par excellence.

A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON.

How To Write A Quality Blog Article?

2009-06-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

An inviting introduction and a substantive conclusion packed with a content-rich perspective will make your blog article asset to your site. Before you ink your thoughts, let me offer some suggestions that can be of help, in whatever measure they will benefit you.

READ AND WRITE

To read and write is a perfect combination for any literary composition. It is an intelligent move to equip your mind with facts and figures before you come up with an article that is of quality read. Hence, reading is important in the processing of thoughts and in digesting ideas from articles that are to be rated by your readers.

There are many ways to touch a topic but no matter how a writer puts it, knowledge is very important in discussing the elements of an issue. Research is important too before writing a piece.

A good writer also needs to read all other articles written for a particular topic before expressing his thesis. This way he avoids a circular flow of crafted ideas. If a new hypothesis must emerge from one topic, it must have these following qualities: It must be interesting, educational, transformational and innovative.

To "innovate" means introducing new concepts that are practical and worth adapting in life. Every article bridges the principles and intellect of the writer on the subject matter, hence it is always a two-way process. One, the writer conveys his thoughts and two, the reader's feedback on his writing. The gist of the message will be: Did the author successfully connect with the reader?

To "innovate" means to release some form of energy from your mind to awaken your reader's consciousness--to change from the negative to positive.

You can develop a personal battlecry in writing. Mine is "to touch other people's lives by injecting positive thoughts". After knowing your first steps to writing a quality material for your blog, then know how to sustain your passion for it. Address your personal motivation why you choose to write more than anything else. Mine is to express and educate.

If you find fulfillment in writing without any other reason then that is your choice. I speak with a practical connotation. Many people will not waste time on doing something if they do not get self-fulfillment. Others tire up easily once their expectations are not met. Therefore, before you need to meet the suppositions of your passion for writing, determine as well your personal needs. An inspired writer is a good writer.

INNOVATIVE WRITING

Innovative writing is a personal style and more often than not it is an exclusive property of the writer. Good writing possesses an inviting introduction and a substantive conclusion.

Primary words are important at the start of the article. Construct thought provoking words for the first line of your essay for this will either get the interest of your readers or turns them off. Before I decide to scribble on a title, I usually consider points discussed by other writers on the same subject and once I have focused on expounding the cerebral crusade, the words "re-angling the issue" have become a must for me to avoid a repetition of analogy. Analysis by repetition will hamper the attainment of an innovative synthesis. I am sure you would not like to hear your readers say, "same craft".

INNOVATE BY RE-ANGLING

I innovate by providing a twist by touching on the unexpected angle of the story. Many readers can tell the flow of the article once they see the title. Innovative writing is giving the readers an unanticipated twist of the piece. As a journalist in the past, the word "re-angling" or "highlighting" of news allowed my readers to see the "other side"of the story that was obscured by other writers.

For instance, the subject on smoking has always been written with angles on its "personal and social effects". If you want to innovate your article, then explore the untouched angle that other writers did not expound. You can write about "man being used for commercialism", or you could point out about the "cultural reasons" that contribute to smoking as a vice.

You need not always be formal in your writing. You can cite your personal account to clarify your point. A quality read is an article written with a personalized touch but includes salient points with a moral lesson.

I call it my personal-moral-objective approach to writing.

All writers are assets of the literary world. Everyone has a unique style in writing. Always pay attention to your spelling and grammar.

Please remember that your article must me substantive and readable by all. It should be family friendly, content-rich, and thought-provoking.

Photo source: weheartit

♡ HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

2009-06-09T20:49:00.001-07:00

♡ HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
Originally uploaded by Princess Activist

♡ For my daddy and all the fathers in the world.

What Makes a Dad
Author unknown

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

♡ What is love? (A video by Bai Maleiha)

2009-06-06T00:43:00.001-07:00

♡ What is love? (A video by Bai Maleiha)
Originally uploaded by Princess Activist

♡ Please watch video with a soundtrack here.

♡ Angel of Healing by Stephen Rhode (A video on Peace)

2009-06-06T00:39:00.001-07:00

♡ Angel of Healing by Stephen Rhode (A video on Peace)
Originally uploaded by Princess Activist

♡ This is dedicated to all..A video on peace.

A video on peace by Princess Maleiha with Stephen Rhode's "Angel of Healing" as background music. Please watch full video here.

♡ There is no other way to express love..

2009-05-30T18:25:00.001-07:00

♡ There is no other way to express love..
Originally uploaded by Inspired Inspiration

..but through words, actions and deeds.

This post is quick for I just want to relay a message that there is no greater feeling than being loved and loving someone truly in your life.

How can writing heal broken spirits?

2009-05-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

Yes. You can heal through writing. Words can heal. Writing the right words for a sincere purpose with a relevant theme is an act of healing tragedies in life.

Words have a life of their own. They could take the place of a human touch when distance stops one from getting close with her or his special someone. They can medicate, and if written or verbalized regularly with sweetness and sincerity, they also have the power TO HEAL. But what is there to heal? A broken soul or just a broken dream? The former needs a longer time to recuperate while the latter needs a maximum dose of inspirational words to awaken the sleeping spirit within.

One of the most valued words that healed many people in my hometown at the height of war then was "Peace". A beautiful and calming word. Peace once spoken disrupts the flow of war. A word that is the exact opposite of violence and restlessness. A written or spoken word of "peace" is a healing act. The desire to have it and to work hard to materialize it sooths and gives hope to those hopeless and bothered souls. I have seen this through my actual experience as the editor-in-chief of a local paper in my war ravaged hometown.

Please allow me to share my personal experience, no matter how small, on how my writing has participated in effecting the healing process for the war victims in 2000 here in the province of Maguindanao, in the Philippines, during the time when I was the editor-publisher of a local paper here.

I have witnessed how human souls lost their way to the light owing to violence and cruelty of war. The only sweetest word then, and the most needed was "PEACE". All the people here were in dire need to pacify the warring groups and to cease the strife through their campaign for a war-free community.

Whenever the word "PEACE" was spoken, everyone in our war devastated province listened. To them it was the only HEALING WORD that gave them hope. The only chance to see the other side of life-opposite of war.

Through my writing I conveyed the importance of "healing" by appealing through the editorials I wrote on the necessity of avoiding the use of war-provoking words that could rekindle animosity which would lead to another bloody and violent confrontation.

My contribution then as a writer was to help in achieving and sustaining the healing of the community whose collective spirit dived down to zero owing to war. As a broadcast journalist too, I tried hard to inject inspirational words into the theme of my television show and radio programs, to help lift up spirits among my listeners and viewers. Both in writing and oral communication, I tried my very best to help in the healing process. To me, it was not just my social obligation as a community publisher. It was in fact a personal need for me to see "hope" in the midst of such excruciating situations.

On the other hand, my written communications to my family and friends, are always composed of kind words. I want to inspire them and show how much I value each one of them. A short note of love to friends and loved ones would always heal them especially during the moments when they are too down to smile.

As a writer, my dear friend, you can heal. You have the power to make someone smile, encourage a hopeless soul, lift up a forlorn spirit and inspire someone to be the best that he could be. For the gift of writing is the gift of God. It is a skill given us to put in words the angelic spirit of God's love for our friends, co-workers, neighbors, family and most especially, those who are in need of attention and care.

Writers are healers. If you are a writer, then thank God for your talent. You have the power to change the lives of those people who believe in very word you pen for them to read and learn from.

Can I have your attention,please?

2009-05-18T19:17:00.001-07:00

Can I have your attention,please?
Originally uploaded by Princess Activist

Dear Friends, ☺

I hope everyone is fine today..Let me share some of my thoughts about my blogging. It is something that I could not live without. It is a part of me that completes my self-expression but I always make it a point that my readers will connect with me easily.

Yes, I write about my analysis on the political developments in my country using my objective stance. If ever I have to critic, I do it constructively for I refrain from being too loud about some issues that I do NOT have a basis in the first place. I find it a need that if I have to raise an issue that concerns the nation, I have sufficient facts to assert my points, otherwise I would be likened to those who write based on unfounded rumors or mere speculations.

In other words, my dear friends, I would always want to write objectively.

A ray of hope..

2009-05-16T18:35:00.001-07:00

I love to reflect. I love private moments with myself. I am a very private person and I do not have a night life. Adventurism is not my definition of being a complete woman. What I consider of utmost importance is giving weight to the value of my decisions and priorities in life.

Thanks to my readers and guests..

2009-05-12T17:08:00.001-07:00

Thank you friends and guests for constantly visiting my page. There are around more than a hundred visitors a day in all my sites, including my blogs.

I get around more or less five thousand viewers for a month. Thank you from the deepest corner of my heart. This may look minimal to those who get more than a hundred guests per day, but to me even one guest lights up my world for I know that I get the chance to connect with one soul. What more for more than a hundred guests?

I chose the image above to symbolize the relationship I have with my guests and consistent readers. While I hold the flame to inspire goodwill and positive thoughts, they serve as the one shielding me from the rain to ensure that my flame of inspiration continue to burn under the rain.

Again, my sincerest gratitude to all.

Reflection: I will NOT live in the shadow of my past..

2009-05-09T06:41:00.001-07:00

Today and tomorrow shall be a world of sweetness for I have buried my past to rest. Thus I shall not disturb such slumber for it will chase me with regrets.

Instead I chose to smile and clear the cobwebs from my mind. The past is dead so I must not live under its shadow, hence, it must be laid to rest. Let me not write sadness and pain. Allow me to share laughter and joy. I thrive in the opposite of the past. If I did cry, then I shall smile now and the day thereafter.

No room for gloomy thoughts as it will steal the dreams of my present. Rather I will exist to inspire so that others will not be in the same predicament.

Look beyond the pain that caused you, for you are wonderful and therefore be beautiful in spirit. Let the world share your glee, for you are one lucky individual to be free.

Sometimes at night an ugly image appears before me but I respond with serenity. If I keep living in the past, how much more time will be left for the present, for eternity is never ours. Is it right to enslave myself for a sad memory that was caused by blind emotionality?

Why must I be so harshed with life, if no one is perfect and that includes me. What matters to me most is who I am today, not the past where I got lost.

The river of life is wavy and risky, but do not stop for you will break. Swim your way to the shore for once in land your steps are sure. Stand to be yourself and not of what you had been for it is wrong to keep sadness inside your chest, once it piles up your heart will blow up with regrets.

Many of those who live in the shadow of their past are hearts that were jailed by the haunting memories of someone whose love possessed their very soul.

What was beautiful in the past is gone, only golden thoughts to keep. A chance to be happy must not be thrown for as a man you should not be alone.

For those who dedicate their life for their family, live and enjoy every moment with sincerity. Your living loved ones need you most, therefore you must never fail them for it is your chance.

For those who you loved deeply in the past, but they are now gone and no point to flashback. Smile with their memory and borrow only those that made you laugh. If you are tempted to re-experience the pain, please check your clock and see the date. The time will tell you to start moving on.

Please use every moment as your wealth. Once lost, time will never be replaced. As the saying goes and this applies, time is gold and you must fly.

I leave one wisdom to you, please live your life and be your best. Do not let the past ruin your quest.

Article: All Rights Reserved

Photo: http://weheartit.com/entry/12941532

What are the qualities of a good person?

2009-05-08T06:17:00.001-07:00

If I describe the characteristics of a good person, I will follow the general description of the majority and this would point to having good and gentle manners or exhibit simply the exact persona of a well-bred profile.

People who talk gently or assert their points humbly devoid of arrogance would always be pleasing to spend time with. Politeness is a virtue and helpfulness is always admirable.

But wait, those I have cited are mere descriptions of which are noticeable on the outer level. These could be exhibited by anyone who wants to get the approval of the many. People who hold powerful positions in the government and private sectors would do everything "good" to preserve their image.

So in essence, my point is, I would like to expound my thoughts instead by adding the word "true" as I unravel my points on 'THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A TRUE GOOD PERSON".

In brief, I mainly described the possibility that actions could be manipulated to gain sympathy and credence for one's vested interests. In other words, I choose to admire and label someone good if he is true and has exhibited goodness without waiting for something in return.

The goodness of one man is not advertised, for it is a secret nurturance of the soul to empower man to give beyond himself. Goodness and selflessness are intertwined, the former is the effect and the latter is the fulfillment derived from it. It is a chain reaction. NO good man is selfish.

Our history has many names for goodness embodied by Mahatma Gandhi who gave his life for a peaceful revolution; Sister Teresa who had nothing in mind but to give not only what is material but as well as immaterial, something purely from the soul; Philippine's national heroes, Dr. Jose Rizal who gave his life to rally for political reform through his writings during the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines and another Filipino martyr, Andres Bonifacio whose heroism was also dedicated to free the Philippines from foreign imperialism; and other names that you could also share based on the general standard of "goodness" measured more on giving one's time sans selfish motives.

To simplify my point: Goodness of one man is true if he does that in private in an effort to mask his identity for his only intention is to comfort other people during their trials, feed the hungry, heal the wounded, prevent war instead of provoking strife and other human deeds that are capable of transforming lives positively.

A true good man may be well-known or not, but to him, it does not matter. He keeps doing what he thinks is good for the many, at any given time, with the best of his abilities. A good man does not give half of what he could afford. He gives everything of what he has even if it means losing his share. For he gives unselfishly and that for him is already a source of self-fulfillment.

COPYRIGHT 2009

BeiNG A WoMan...

2009-05-07T20:57:00.001-07:00

BeiNG A WoMan...
Originally uploaded by Princess Activist

PHOTO NOT MINE

Being a woman is a gift
What else can give me a lift?
Motherhood, empowerment
Molder of my generation
Mother of my kids
Nursed in my womb
Until they exist
In the wilderness of the earth
I stood by to protect
their fragile dreams
their unblemished hope..
I am the mother
of my future
where my blood and genes
will leave a mark..

Being a woman
Is God's gift to me
and to the entire women
of the universe..

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOMS!

(Poem, "Being a Woman" By Bai Maleiha)

ChiLDHooD..

2009-05-07T20:55:00.001-07:00

ChiLDHooD..
Originally uploaded by Princess Activist

PHOTO NOT MINE

I want to go back to my childhood
where I can be at peace with myself..
needing not to worry if errors fall on me..
for I still have the time to transform the whole of me..

I wish to be like a baby
when mom was alive
and she would cuddle me
I felt safe in the refuge
of her heart and arms..
she was my home
which fate took away..
but she shall live forever
no matter what will be..

I love childhood
where candies are sweet
to sooth a needing taste
unlike adulthood
where candies look sweet
on the outer layer
but the inside taste
the bitterness consumes..

However, no matter what
I must be thankful to God
he has gifted me with a sensitive heart
where I can feel the hurts
And I can heal the wounds
For I am just like you
I want a happy and meaningful life...

(Poem, "Childhood" by Bai Maleiha B. Candao)