HOW TO KEEP YOUR RELATIONSHIP FOREVER

     HOW TO KEEP YOUR RELATIONSHIP FOREVER

Wanna know how an existing relationship of yours lasts? Just read this article and you will find it helpful in keeping your relationship until the very end.

            Having one such good relationship is truly a gift from God, a blessing which has to be nurtured for years founded with positive thoughts and actions. Ideal relationships may not be a genre at this present time but come to think of it, the effects if you don't have it until the very last day of your life here on earth. Just hang on and remember this acronym (RELATIONSHIP) to be able to save your present relationship with somebody who means so much to you.

     Let's get started:

•     RESPONSIBILITY

               Remember that for every action, there is an equal and opposite force of reaction. Always be responsible in all your ways. If you're responsible enough of your actions, it means you care for this person and in return, this will be the usual yet ideal picture that exists in the history of your love affair. One is responsible in giving love (through a sort of ways) and care to one's partner.

•     ENCOURAGEMENT  

               Giving each other a word of encouragement will push your lover to pursue his / her goals in life. As a couple, you become one; hence his / her goal is also your goal. Keep it up giving him / her a push to be able to realize one's goal. Doing such would also mean getting into your relationship saved for remarkably doing things together.

•      LOVE

               Yes, you heard it right! Your burning love to each other will keep your relationship going. There are a variety of ways how you can display your utmost love and concern to your partner. A daily dose of saying "I love you" or "I care for you" coupled with responsible actions could be of help. Doing your authentic ways of showing how much you care is very much appreciated by your partner. Each one learns how to value one's existence. Without love, surely your relationship dies a natural death. For how could you stay up to this time, if you don't love each other anymore. Common guys, your actions couldn't deny. Your partner could feel  if  you're still in love with him / her. Truly, it's love that binds a couple together.

•      ALTRUISM

                When you're into relationship, you have decided to be one in most instances. You learn and accept each one's ways of life. Of course, you cling on to what is right. Move as one to the right path. In other words, you need not to be selfish. If your one old way of life is not acceptable, then it's a matter of sacrificing it by throwing it into the trash bin. Try not to be unselfish, or else you might not be able to save it forever.

•      TIME

               This is another important element for a relationship to last. Your being busy is not an excuse for not giving your partner your attention. Just a short but engaging conversation before actualizing your other businesses in life means a lot. Remember that giving him / her your limited (if you're too busy enough with your work) but quality time with your partner means significantly. Time element couldn't be removed from the list in saving one's relationship for how could you manage to have a good one if you don't even show how much you care for him / her. Most women want their partner to give their precious time (even just a so short time) to let them feel that they are still loved and cared.

•      INTANGIBILITY

               It's not material things that bring your relationship to last. It's not how many expensive presents you have given or shared. It is the intangible proof of how much you love and care for your partner. It's not always a good instance after giving him / her a gift then you squabble at the end of the day. Even though you haven't shared a gift on him / her on her birthdays or any other equally important occasions of your life as couple, your simple ways of displaying your love would count most. Taking time sharing your thoughts about life, your plans, your remarks about his / her accomplishments would mean significantly to your loved one.

•      OPENNESS

               How often do you spend time sharing about your daily experiences with your partner? Or have shared about what you like or don't like about him / her? How could such present relationship last if you're not open enough about your relationship? If this is disregarded, improving oneself would not take place. As a couple, feel free to share how both of you could lead your relationship to an open book where each of you could read what are and what aren't to, which are and which are not.

•      NOBILITY

               We cannot deny the fact that in choosing a partner in life, his / her character or personality should have to be considered much. Being noble in ways is always appreciated, hence it helps in keeping one's relationship. Your partner's impressiveness or magnificence can win your heart. Your partner may not be perfect in all his / her ways (for nobody's perfect) but at least he / she is exhibiting acts making each other happy with the relationship.

•      SINCERITY

               Are you sincere enough? Have you been so true about what you feel? Then, show it. After all, this is one such element of a relationship to keep it grow and last forever. Sincerity is something that lets each of the pair to realize that he / she is the focus of the relationship. Outside forces may intervene but once compounded with sincerity, no one can break the chain. Just let your partner know that he / she makes your world go round.

•      HONESTY 

               As the saying goes, "honesty is the best policy". Certainly, this element of relationship is so important to keep it growing. Just be true to yourself. Share what you feel. If you don't like his / her ways, tell it. After all, if it's left undone, it will create more problems in your relationship. Being honest at all times will keep her truest in you till the rest of time. Once trust is lost, it's difficult to win it back.

•      INTIMACY

              It may not necessarily refer to a private act of a couple but it would also mean how 'personal' is your relationship with your partner. Having a close relationship means you're making a point that one is connected with each other, in many ways of your lives as a couple. Being intimate lets one feel how much each one is being loved and cared. It lets your partner believe that he / she is the most important person in your life.

•      PATIENCE

              Patience is a virtue. As a couple, there are many plans that each would like to realize. These plans cannot be done in just a click of the finger. Some may be realized quickly but others take a long time. Whenever things do not turn out right, have patience. Little by little, your plans will be realized through waiting patiently. Do not lose the track. Do not blame each other for any failure in your plans or for not being in effect for a long period of waiting. Take note, things happen at the right time.

          RELATIONSHIP. This is such a powerful acronym to remember how you could make your love affair existing until the very end. Just take each letter of the word to be a guide to be able to reach your ultimate goals in life by sticking together at all times!

HIS AMAZING LOVE

            Night fell. He felt all alone in his room again. Pictures of the past flooded his mind. They played on his memory lane once more. Their bygone days of happy moments as a couple made him smile a bit as he reminisced them. But, his solitude kept him longing for her presence. Her absence for less than a decade now made him feel that the world was so cruel to him. Sometimes, he felt numb of her lost. When each night came, he tried putting himself into oblivion. But, how could he ever forget her? She’s the love of his life, after all. Can he still win her back after all these years - back into each other’s arms again?

            The first chapter of their love story took place in Balanga, Bataan in 1981 when Charles visited his elder sister Grace. Because he found the people so accommodating, he learned to love the place. So, he extended his vacation and tried seeking for employment. He applied in an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in a nearby place. Three days after he forwarded his resume and completed the needed requirements, the EPZ selection committee finally released the result and only five out of the 200 job seekers were taken. He leapt for joy for he was one of the chosen five.

 “Thank you, Lord, for giving me this opportunity. I really need it,” he sincerely thanked the Lord.

 The group had to wait for one month as slated in their contract. Since he didn’t want to waste time, he applied for another job which lasted for a month, then worked at the EPZ.

            Sunday came. Charles and her elder sister attended the mass. Many came and majority of the mass attendees was female. One fine young lady caught his attention. His heart was beating so fast every time he looked at her. “Is this love? Will she be the girl of my life?”These questions popped out while giving a second look at her. After the mass, Grace introduced his brother to this pretty lass. Charles greeted her so sweetly, “It’s my pleasure to meet you Karla! Hope, we can be good friends”. No words came from her lips but the lady just nodded and smiled. This lad couldn’t explain his feelings at that very moment. Their friendship started after that acquaintance.

            After attending several church activities, they took time sharing their stories and plans in life. They made sure that they were comfortable with each other every time they met. When Charles visited her at home or went for a spree, they sang beautiful love songs joyfully. Karla loved his music because he’s a good singer and could play the guitar well. She laughed out loud (LOL) whenever he cracked sensible jokes.

            Charles could not believe himself on their closeness after several meetings with her. At the back of his mind, he thought that she’s always with him, accompanying him because he’s new to the place. But, their sweetness or closeness could speak that these two were starting to fall in love with each other. How could they deny that something’s happening between them? They were inseparable. Their eyes couldn’t deny so with their actuations. Their friends even noticed how intimate they were during gatherings. Since they were at a young age, they defended themselves that they’re just simply good friends.

It came to a point that they longed for each other’s presence. Charles wrote letters and Karla replied. They exchanged letters every now and then. The moment of truth came; they couldn’t hide their feelings anymore. They were brave enough to express how they deeply loved each other. “I love you very much, dear. You are the love of my life,” were the words from their lips.

Their beautiful relationship continued - an ideal relationship, indeed.

 After several months of working at the export zone, Charles decided to stop for he wanted to pursue his college degree. He went to school then. Their communication was not stopped even if he’s busy with his studies. He made sure that they had spare time for their relationship to grow.

He was in second year college when he stopped pursuing his degree. By then, he applied for another job at San Miguel Corporations as a casual employee. After his contract, he went home to his own town in Munoz (Nueva Ecija) and continued his college education. With God’s grace, he was able to obtain his college diploma in Bachelor of Elementary Education.

Since it was too difficult for him to land a teaching job in their municipality because of rampant nepotism and the lure of working abroad called, he then decided to work in United Arab Emirates for three years. While working abroad, he no longer heard any news about his girlfriend since cellular phones and internet were not at one’s fingertips yet.

Charles devoted his time on his job. After his contract in UAE, he again applied in another country, in Qatar. He found ways to contact her girlfriend, sending letters to her and even her friends asking her whereabouts but not a single response reached him.

He went home to his native land (Philippines) after his contract. He was so happy when his sister Grace handed him a letter. For sure, it was Karla’s letter! He read it and to his amazement, he found out that she’s working in Lebanon for years already. This was the reason why his mails did not reach her. After reading her letter, the air was filled with love again. His love for her became more intense! How he missed her so much! He replied and in two weeks of waiting, he received her much-awaited response. According to a common friend, Karla had been so hopeful that they would meet again.

The second chapter of their love story began.

 With technology which is no longer far-fetched by common people, they got series of long talks over cellular phones. Sometimes, their calls would last for about four hours of engaging conversation. (Thanks to technology!) They had to replenish those gloomy days of not hearing anything from each other into blissful chances exchanging sweet nothings and ‘look forward to’ plans of their lives.  

Karla and Charles talked about marriage in one of their phone conversations. They wanted to settle down. Unexpectedly, Karla’s father died, so she had to go home from Lebanon and see her father for the last time.

After the burial of Karla’s father, she gave Charles a call telling him to meet her up in Manila. He had to travel a day after their talk. The lovers were so eager to see each other after several years.

In their talk over the phone, they agreed to meet up at Farmer’s Plaza Food Court in Araneta, Cubao at 11:00 A.M. They had to wear green (since it’s their favorite color) for them to find each other easily in a crowded place. To surprise her, he did not follow what was agreed upon. After several minutes of waiting, Karla felt so anxious when he couldn’t find one wearing green t-shirt. She feared he would not appear that time. She made him a call and he responded telling her that he’s just two stones throw away from her.  She was so happy to meet him, so she embraced him tightly. Charles gave her a tighter embrace! Oh, how they missed each other! They didn’t mind the passers-by who were looking at them as they cuddled each other.

“How happy I am that we’ve finally met! I thought this day wouldn’t come but my prayers were answered!” They exchanged stories about those lonely years of their love affair.

Karla decided to go with Charles in his hometown . They planned to get married the soonest.

When a leader of their church visited them, she extended her help to arrange everything they need for their wedding. Their church had been a big help to realize their plan to build a simple yet happy family.

The much-awaited time of their lives came - their wedding day! They were blessed by the pastor of the church. It was only a simple wedding celebration with a few guests joining them since Charles hadn’t ‘much’ that time.

Their happiest moment came as a couple. Night fell. They expressed how they loved each other dearly. The couple exchanged their own expressions of love. It was the happiest night in their lives as a couple.

At the crack of dawn, Karla had to go back to Manila since it’s her flight back to Lebanon. While heading to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, they did not miss a chance to show off their affection as if this were the last time that they would be together again.

Was that really their last meeting?

            While his wife was working abroad, Charles was so active in church activities. With her absence, his life was so focused to God. Their communication continued. Through phone calls, they felt tranquil that each one was in God’s safe keeping.

            Three years after, Karla filed her application to work in Milan, Italy and it was approved. There, it started their love story to slowly come to an end. He seldom received a call from her. Whenever he received one, Karla was so apathetic. He was perplexed. He couldn’t find any single reason why this had to happen, why he had to suffer this much. He was sincere enough.

            Charles did not lose hope. Instead, he poured his time tending his flock. He became a pastor of their church – the Christian Fellowship. He gained many friends. He served the people. Most of all, he served God. He lifted everything to the Lord all his sorrows and pains. He never doubted Him that the truth would prevail, that his wife would soon believe in him for he didn’t do wrong which caused her to lose her trust in him.

            Day after day, he offered everything to the Lord all the trials of his life. Year after year, his questions were slowly answered why his wife was poisoned of false accusations against him which he never did. One person had been so unkind of him, telling false allegations to his wife that he spent their money to nothing and had relationships with several women in their place. Now, he knew why his wife did not trust him anymore which resulted in ending the few chapters of their love story.

            For now, it’s been eight long years that they’re not together – no communication at all. 

Night is about to fall again. Their blissful memories as a couple play on his mind once more. He can’t help but cry reminiscing their past. He still doesn’t lose hope. He fervently prays to God that the truth will set him free. His amazing love to his one and only woman in his life never wanes. He still hopes that God can change her mind and believe in the pureness of his love.

‘Til now, he’s still waiting for that fateful moment for her to finally come to his loving embrace.

Will their love story have its third chapter?

Only time can tell.

THE PEARLS OF LAPOG (SAN JUAN, ILOCOS SUR)

     As our nation struggles for its economic recovery, the Municipality of San Juan (Ilocos Sur) strives to move forward for progress, peace and prosperity.
     Amidst the economic strife, San Juan (then Lapog) is now on its first level of metamorphosis. The infrastructure projects like the construction of the public market, municipal hall, bridges and paving barangay roads to boost ventures in agriculture and local industry will totally facelift the whole municipality.

St. John the Baptist Parish Church

     Speaking of natural beauty, the panoramic view in the east is invigorating to see. The Pikkang Falls at Brgy. Malamin invites tourists to bathe in its cool, pristine and fresh water. The mountains in the eastern part of the municipality promise abundance of resources for life's sustenance: food, medicine, lumber and habitat for wildlife. Mountain hiking in Brgy. Barbar is totally enjoyed by mountaineers or hikers when they pass by the nerve-wrecking Asilang footbridge to complete the trail.

Tapao Mountain Resort

     The fertile soil of Lapog terrain assures plenty of harvest for farmers economic boom. Eggplant, onion, bulbs, corn, rice, tobacco, pepper, string beans, squash, bitter gourd, and the Ilocano favorite food - Malunggay grow in abundance in every barangay's fertile soil.

Buri Festival

The buri industry in Malamin, Darao, Bannuar, Immayos Norte, Caronoan, Camanggaan and other barangays starts to bloom. The weaving industry has been featured in local and national networks to showcase its products. The municipality  has been staging its Buri Festival every year (done in April previously but moved in June to coincide with St. John the Baptist Feast Day). Its 2nd Buri Festival featured the longest Buri mat in the country. For sure, this will push the economic growth for the Lapoguenios.

Solotsolot Beach

     The seascape in the west promises a beautiful destination for tourists here and abroad. The richness of the sea guarantees lifetime nourishment of the folks along coastal areas like Barangays San Isidro, Saoang, Sabangan, Camindoroan, Solotsolot and Dardarat. Who would forget the unique taste of sea urchins, spiny puffer, sea ganyde, lobsters, shellfish such as balinggasa, kallu-it, battuki, and sea weeds like urba, pokpoklo, ar-arusip, balballulang, kanut-kanut, kaw-kawayan, ar-aritos and nagpurok?
     San Juan is truly blessed with nature's gifts. These blessings which are considered precious "pearls" need to be taken care of for the sake of the coming generations.
     
     

Saving Lives, Improving Lives through S and T

     What if Science and Technology (S & T) did not boom beyond primitive time? Do you think we'll benefit from what S and T brings to mankind with this so-called wireless world?

     Beloved friends, allow me to put across on what Science and Technology has grown to be in this generation.
     Science and technology continues to pour blessings to the human race. It becomes a powerful tool, NOT master of humankind. It should strengthen and enrich, NOT destroy humanity.

     S and T remains unchallenged as the source of enlightenment, understanding, and hope for a better, healthier and safer world. The gifts of Science are visible everywhere one looks. Human ills are overcome as evidenced by countless health care packages and potent technological breakthroughs: surgery, chemotherapy, and laser treatments to name a few. Hi-tech gadgets melt anywhere, travel and communications are quicker and easier, so are the luxuries of life. Innovations and healthful issues never fail to reach us because the world is at one's fingertips. Thanks to cyberspace!

www.flicker.com/photos

     Each year brings marvelous achievements of Science and Technology. The rapid development of S and T offers solution to our life's crises. Who knows one among us will soon claim a global recognition as the first Filipino Nobel Prize awardee for discovering miraculous pills or capsules that will totally cure people's sufferings? Do you take this challenge?
     By enumerating here the various accomplishments of S and T, I wanted to illustrate great possibilities paving the way to improve human existence. The modern developments give the present and future generations the full opportunity of creating satisfactory life for all. Surely, it is conceivable that we will utilize all these efforts. It is possible that the inheritance of unsuccessful past will commence building a happy future of mankind. I believe that the upcoming developments that S and T brings will be largely dependent on the proper application of the working principles of organisms.
     All of us carry gigantic tasks not only for ourselves but also for the future generations. Let the discoveries be used as they should be, NOT to destroy mankind. A parallel example is how Nobel's invention is being used. His intention in making explosives was for people to use them solely for peaceful purposes like blasting rocks and drilling holes. But, his explosives are used in war, in fishing which eventually disrupts the cycles of the ecosystem.
     Responsibilities call upon us. Before marching onward to progress, let us take conscientiously the present situation of our environment: the depletion of our earth's shield, the harmful gases emitted, our Mother Nature raped and plundered. Everyone has his own share. Help restore our nature's ecological balance, promote the global Clean Air Act campaign and Save the Earth Movement. The state should strictly and consistently monitor environmental concerns. If these happen, a healthy life and blissful destiny of the human race is now moving onward to such a path.

Enjoying Summer Splash in the Philippines

     Summer… summer… summer… Yes, it’s summer time,   at last!

     When one is asked where to go this summer… one would probably answer “WATER… BEACHES… FALLS… RIVERS”. And others would probably have a nod with those mentioned refreshing words. AAAhhhh… water… here I come.

     The Philippines is surrounded by big bodies of water… South China Sea… Celebes… Pacific Ocean… No wonder, the country is often visited by even those from strange lands just to enjoy the cool splash of Philippine waters. Have a dip and enjoy the summer splash at Boracay Beach (bedecked with white sand which really wows the first timers to land on this place), the world famous Palawan – filled with nature’s wonders, Bohol, Davao, Subic and even the Ilocos Region. And, every point in the country has a lot to offer to all water lovers, especially this summer time. Surfing… water sports activities… are all here for you to enjoy.

     The beauty of nature is also a sight to behold as we enjoy our own tripping this summer. Capture the moment and share with friends. The captivating sunset, the clear waters and people wearing smiles on their faces can be counted as summer moments to treasure. Cooking your favorite foods outdoors (barbecue, fish menus, and icy fruity drinks… wow), playing your favorite ball games are things that people truly love this summer time which we cannot do during work months or school days. Well, children are those who would long that summer has to come soon so they can play their favorite games and of course, to have longer period of playing which they really miss during school time. Perhaps, this is the best gift we could give them as their parents… to let them enjoy the whole summer time… free from hassles… complaints coming from them for waking them up so early to avoid traffic… Yes, this is truly a time to relax and rest, a vacation for everyone.

     As we come to embrace the summer time and complain the scorching heat of the sun, the cool and refreshing splash of water will truly change our minds on how we can enjoy to the fullest this long-awaited time of the year. Let’s not forget that as we enjoy bathing in these beautiful bodies of water, our bonding with our family and friends plus the thirst-quenching drinks and hearty meals would spell enjoying summer the best. This is indeed a great moment to share our plans, discuss with friends significant things in life, well… the life after work. The joys and laughter as we deal with our loved ones is a scenario that we really would like to reminisce over and over again.

     Come to the Philippines… and enjoy the summer full of fun and excitement!!!

     You will truly love coming back once you have experienced dipping your feet on the white sand beaches, swimming in its cool waters and enjoying the marvelous sights of Philippine nature.

     Are you coming?

BROKEN PIECES

"Daddy, please find a reason to stay with my mama. We both love you, Daddy, please don't leave. And if you can't find a reason, Daddy, I wouldn't mind if you found that reason to be me."

My whole body shatters every time I hear this echoing tune over the radio. I remember when our family was broken in pieces. We, their children, were broken into pieces when this devastating moment of our life happened.


It was at the mid of May when this hurtful episode of our life occurred. Mommy could hardly speak asking "Why does it have to end this way?" She even said, "I have done everything to mend the gaps we had. But, don't you understand?"

Past events flooded my mind. Mom and dad were arguing about financial issue. "We cannot send our two kids in college and high school if we won't tighten our belts in spending," Mom said. Dad stood and shouted furiously, "I shouldn't be blamed of our fluctuating budget since I don't manage the spending!" There wasn't a day that they were squabbling about money, money, money! I even cupped my ears in order not to hear this old rippling tale.


Dad did not finish college, so he could not land a white-collared job like my mom. My mom worked as a municipal accountant while my dad as a messenger of a rural bank in a nearby town. Perhaps, with this situation they had, he felt so insecure because mom got higher pay than my dad.


Money was not the biggest issue they fought. It deafened me and felt numbed when I heard mom shouting in their locked room, "Who is Maribel in your life?" Young as I am but I know that with that echo I heard, she meant dad has another woman. I was desperate. My heart was rumbling and would like to scream "Why does our family life have to close its story?" Dad could not answer back. Instead, he packed his things up and left our house, once our home. He loved more his woman than us, his own family. This saddened my heart.


There's no day that my mom could be seen relieved from the heavy load she's carrying.  She still loved our father despite the nightmares that happened. I, for one, still long for his presence. A father will always be a father. I am still waiting for that fateful moment for Daddy to come home, so these broken pieces will be mended and patched up, so we could live a peaceful and happy life just like other children do.


I heard the song again. It reminded me of that chapter of our life when misery and pain dwelt in our hearts. Everyone was crying in pain! "Daddy, please come home... I miss you dad. Life is so hard when our family is incomplete," my youngest sibling cried, gasping and I could not breathe, too, till I got up on bed and rushed into their room... only to find out that this was only a nightmare. I could not believe on what I had seen, they kept embracing each other tightly as they were still in a deep slumber. "Thank, God," I said. "It was only a nightmare," I deeply sighed.


"Whew, we aren't broken pieces," I mumbled. I went back to my room and felt relieved.


(Image from the Internet)

SOURCE OF JOY

I see love when our two lovely kids joyously share with each other even the littlest things they have, play  their favorite games happily or tell their success stories in school or even their failures. 


Seeing them grow as maturing individuals, loving each other and putting into actions what they are learning from us and in school, is such a great gift to us, parents. 


Our kids are such a blessing that we truly cherish in this life. 

With the love that we share each day, it is truly given back to us a thousandfold through their own wonderful display of positive thoughts and actions. Their random acts of kindness seen everyday is such an amazing picture of their growing up. Love radiates between them which is a source of joy to us, parents!  


This is my entry to “Love as I see it", a project of www.islandrose.net flowers Philippines.