Shades of Inspiration

Blessing for Better Days

When we keep an open mind, new opportunities open up. Sometimes when things don't go our way, it may seem that the world is coming to an end or that situation is hopeless. However, one way is just that, one way. There are many ways to achieve the goal and multiple solutions for a given situation. In fact, when one door slams shut, we should be alert for a new direction and new opportunities. All in all, when one door closes, it can actually be a blessing for better days.

-Anonymous-

Raven

Today is your very special day

Seven years you make us proud in so many ways
You are special because you are an excellent child
With a mind of an adult so sharp and so brilliant.

You are full of life and playful
Enjoying your time with your fellow playmates
You lead them to enjoy those precious time
Running and playing like there's no end for the night.

You are so warm and so sweet
You never forget to say "good morning" to your mom
You hug her so tight because she is your only guide
When you grow up, give her the love she had rendered to your life.

You are so thoughtful you never forget to say hello
Whenever I call and talk to you
The loneliness in my heart seems to fade
You're my inspiration wherever I go.

Raven, you make our world so joyful
In the family you are so adorable
In times of despair you make us happy
Sharing your own wit and humor our day is very lucky.

I stand as your second father, my son
My only wish for you is to continue your good behavior
Keep your studies as your high priority
Always pray to God and go to church constantly.

Remember this my son, my dear loving son
I will always support you whatever your endeavor
As you grow up you will understand this life
A life that is precious, full of colors, and very bright.

(This poem is dedicated to my loving son, Raven on his 7th birthday last September 26. Although the piece is supposed to be published last September at the time of his birthday, it is only now that I finally completed the poem. Nevertheless, its worth waiting for, and the poem is an inspiration for me).

The Start of the Cold Weather

The cold season in Saudi Arabia had just started on the first day of November. It is really enjoyable to take a walk at night and in the early hours of the morning while the untiring blow of the wind kisses my face and my skin. It's time to unwind to have a brisk walk after work along the Corniche. Last November 06, my friend Tony and I enjoyed the long walk at the Corniche area at Al-Khobar. Here are some snapshots I took during our journey.

"Soon shall the morning gild

The dark horizon rim,

Thy heart's desire shall be fullfilled

Wait patiently for Him."

-Havergal-

Myself taking time to relax.

This white bird caught my attention.
Saudi's taking a relaxing walk & conversation.
The tree of "Dates"

My friend Tony, having a grand time posing
behind the baywalk.

Waiting for our Kudu chicken lunch meal
order at Giant Store.

Wish I Could

Lots of pain and loneliness
This life of mine seems meaningless
Nobody cares, nobody dares
Wish I could have your happiness

Alone in the park, waiting for someone
Whom I can talk and partake my dreams
To share my feelings, my innermost thoughts
To listen with me and my life's history

Wish I could have all the key, of life's beautiful story
So I can live my life without to worry
To hold your hands and give me sympathy
Embrace my wholeness and warm my body

Wish I could be with you forever
So I will never cry and surrender
Someone I can love and be together
Until I die and at the end of time

Wish I could reach the rainbows end
So I can find the pot of joy that is God's send
The joy I'm longing to be with me
Forever and ever in a lifetime journey

Be Yourself

Believe in yourself
Stand by your own principle
Do what is right
And everything will be bright

Free yourself from worry
Create your own true identity
Preserve your dignity
Respect the rights of everybody

Enjoy your precious life
Be positive in your deeds
Smile and make others happy
Involve yourself in charity

Strengthen your faith to God
Make your life according to your belief
Just be your inner you
Be yourself
That's what you need to do

My Eleven Fruitful Years at MEBC

Looking back the past is not as easy it may be. There are past that are memorable and will be a guiding experience and learning in our life. For this reason, I would like to remember my eleven years of work at Middle East Battery Company a remarkable and unforgettable one.

Today, October 08, 2008, I’m celebrating my 11 years of employment with Middle East Battery Company (MEBC). I was hired on 1997 and it seems it was only like yesterday I was with my family in the Philippines. Eleven years of dedication of work, patience, perseverance, and fruitful years is how I describe my existence with my present company. For eleven years of hard work, I accomplished things that needs to be done. In other words, I was able to fulfill a significant part of my goals. I bought a parcel of land for future investment and completed to pay the house and lot I bought which I can say my very own. I had no regrets leaving my company in the Philippines because I can proudly say that I'm financially stable at this moment investing my money wisely. I know it’s not easy to work away from your family and love ones. This is the essence of sacrifice in order to uplift the condition of your economic status. I'm exultant to say that I helped and still helping my family and sending one of my nephew to school. My support to my family is unconditional and this makes me happy, contended, and fulfilled. You cannot explain the feelings inside if your intentions to do good things are sincere and wholeheartedly. Aside from these accomplishments, are experiences that I gained working in a foreign land. I had learned the culture of Saudi Arabia, its religion, the language, and most importantly the hospitality of the people in general. Working with other nationalities is a challenge for me to know their culture and traditions. Saudi Arabia is a good friend of our country and people. They welcome us to work with them and we became part of their success and development.

Eleven years seems too long for others. But for me, it was like a short period of time. If you look back and reminisce at the past, there are so many things to cherish and talk about. There are ups and downs, tears and laughter, frustrations and jubilations. This is a part of the process of moving and growing up, staying within the circle of time. I still believe that I can stay for two or three more years with MEBC, who knows. Only time can tell. For the meantime, I’m celebrating tonight my 11th anniversary going to my favorite restaurant at Al-Khobar area. Cheers!

Eid Mubarak!

Eid Mubarak! This is the greetings of every Muslims all over the world after the holy month of Ramadan has ended. I would like to congratulate our Muslim brothers on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr (September 30, 2008). I hope that the Eid would bring a new period of peace, progress and prosperity in the Islamic world. I have a deep respect for Islam. And one thing I admire to this religion is their fasting and performing prayers during this holy month seeking God's forgiveness and blessing. This is one of the pillars of Islam. Again, my congratulations to our Muslim brethren for this occasion.

Two days before the end of Ramadan, I was able to capture the night mood of Corniche area in Al-Khobar. It was absolutely quite and peaceful. People are still at home during that hour. Only few cars are passing along the highway and a small number of cars are parked at a nearby mall along the Corniche road. You can feel a little coldness of the night with intermittent blow of the wind, a sign that the cold season is approaching in Saudi Arabia. Needless to say, I'm the first person who will be glad to have the cold season fast approach as I personnally adore the climate intimately.

"No one has the right to deny another their life, even though they disagree with it, because everyone has the right to live the life they so desire if it doesn't harm another."

- Brad Pitt -