Take Time To Listen

Ni Hao! I was watching a cartoon program with my daughter today. I wasn’t expecting to learn a lesson from it, really! Today was very unpredictable. I should’ve never underestimated how a cartoon program can change one’s life perspectives.

Lesson learned today: Take time to listen because even the quietest person may have something super important to say.

Listening is a virtue, something that not everyone has. It gives you an insight of other people’s thoughts. It also gives you an idea of other person’s behavior. Listening opens a door to discovering and you’ll never know that you’ll be learning from the most surprising person. No matter how good or bad a story/comment/opinion a person says, lend an ear. At the end of the tunnel, we all benefit from it. Listening is an attitude of the heart, a genuine desire to be with another which both attracts and heals. As a powerful tool of influence, you have made the individual feel important. It also boosts your esteem. The bottom line is we learn acceptance, we made someone feel delighted and we improve ourselves.

Always remember that the first duty of love is to listen (Paul Tillich). When love has taken its place, everything will follow.

A Message To My Father

This is my Mom and Dad. The coolest buddies, uhm...parents, in the whole wide world! This picture was taken March of 2009 at Gerry's Grill, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila.

When I first had the glimpse on Earth,

Never knowing anything, all naive,

A man carried me with outbursts of mirth.

This man, I felt, was uniquely amative.

When this man heard my first word,

He was very delighted doubtlessly.

He taught me more on his own accord,

Impart the whole dictionary if need be.

When he recognized my first walk,

He pushed me to move forward.

Until I had my first day at school-shock,

He remained supportive and ever on guard.

Now that I have finished school,

And have raised a family of my own.

I know he'll always be here for me,

All through these times and more.

I made this piece for you because I love you. I miss you a lot. You are still someone to look up to mo matter how tall I've grown. I thank God for sending you to this world because you are truly one of a kind. I know you've got a lot of work to do but I hope this day would come out like the day you have want it to be. I am praying for your health all the time. You are the greatest hero and the family's greatest strength. We appreciate, admire and thank you for everything you have done for me and for us. Still, nothing can be better. Happy father's day, Papa.