SABI NILA

(Excerpts from a not so long forgotten past....)

Sabi nila, hindi tayo bagay.

Masyado ka raw mabait para sa isang tulad ko.

Sabi ko naman, ganyan talaga, “Opposites Attract”, diba?

 Sabi nila, masyado ka raw matalino.

 Sabi ko, kakayanin kong magsunog ng limang kilong kilay gabi-gabi,

 mahabol ko lang ang IQ Test Score mo.

 Sabi nila, gwapo ka raw. Mabango. Cool ka.

 Bakit? Hindi nman ako pangit, ah.

 Wala din akong BO.

 Lulunurin ko ang sarili ko sa malamig na tubig,

 Uubusin ko ang sampung baldeng ice water hanggang ground zero.

 Ano, cool ba?

-carpe diem-

SABI NILA

(Excerpts from a not so long forgotten past....)

Sabi nila, hindi tayo bagay.

Masyado ka raw mabait para sa isang tulad ko.

Sabi ko naman, ganyan talaga, “Opposites Attract”, diba?

 Sabi nila, masyado ka raw matalino.

 Sabi ko, kakayanin kong magsunog ng limang kilong kilay gabi-gabi,

 mahabol ko lang ang IQ Test Score mo.

 Sabi nila, gwapo ka raw. Mabango. Cool ka.

 Bakit? Hindi nman ako pangit, ah.

 Wala din akong BO.

 Lulunurin ko ang sarili ko sa malamig na tubig,

 Uubusin ko ang sampung baldeng ice water hanggang ground zero.

 Ano, cool ba?

-carpe diem-

Life on Top of Two Dozens

Documenting conversations on life for two unlikely 24 year olds…

chewee: i'm so excited to quit corporate world. weee!!!

suey: why are you quitting?? my plan is to pursuing it for now... though, thoughts of practicing international law and servicing UN visit me sometimes.

chewee: i'm quitting coz i'm a freedom lover. when i'm 29, i would not want to look back and say I should've done that when i was 24. That's all. I'll be a social entrepreneur someday, and I'll start soon.

suey: social mktg is an interesting field. They have a course in AIM, online. You know,i'm so happy I have a friend like you. You keep me sane. Amazing!

chewee: oh, i can't afford AIM yet. so i will just utilize whatever resources I have. the most important thing is that i'm quitting corporate (world). haha.

suey: when are you exactly quitting corp. world? you sound serious.

chewee: me: and you sound worried. next year, january.

suey: that's barely two months from now. did you plan this? wala lang. i'm not worried. you're smart enough to know what you want. it just amazes me how you can make decisions like these.

chewee: i was never a safe player suey. it's just not me. i'm supposedly a spontaneous person, full of life and not boring. but i am what i don't want to be right now. if with this decision i fail, i can always come back to the corporate world. but i dont have to worry about that yet since i haven't started my venture. for now, i must try what i think is worth my time. try and learn.

suey: you sound exactly like the person i want to be but i guess i wont be that person ever. good luck. we're here for you no matter what. please stay being my friend even if it will kill you being with a boring and calculated person like me.

chewee: see? i dont have anything to fear. whatever happens, i'll have the most important treasures of my life. u, my family & friends. work? there's work everywhere. money? we'll never be satisfied with it. as long as i have you, i guess the world is still a better a place. you will have your time suey. someday, you'll let go of all your fears & you'll be who you'll want to be. of course, please keep me as a friend also. i'll surely be whiny with my mis/adventures.

suey: i wonder what i'm so afraid of? what do you think che?

chewee: hmm. could be the anxiety of not knowing what will happen next, or not knowing what to expect, or simply fear of not conforming to the standards of the world. you know, at this age you should be like this, achieved like that, earn this much. i have those fears too.

suey: i just dont want to mess up at this age. i did so many stupid things in the past and I just feel i can no longer extend my stupidity. i hurt and disappointed people along the way and i dont want to do that anymore. I try to comfort myself by just knowing that there are really more important things other than just going after the things that i want. in another lifetime perhaps I could be that kind of person.

chewee: well, we have different circumstances suey. i absolutely respect your views. it's just that for me, i dont like living on regrets. if i've done something stupid, i wont be apologizing for it in my entire lifetime. Whatever we did, stupid or not, made us wiser now. The world surely has moved on. It sounds selfish, but hey, we should live our own lives.

miss you all the time che!

-carpe diem-

Life on Top of Two Dozens

Documenting conversations on life for two unlikely 24 year olds…

chewee: i'm so excited to quit corporate world. weee!!!

suey: why are you quitting?? my plan is to pursuing it for now... though, thoughts of practicing international law and servicing UN visit me sometimes.

chewee: i'm quitting coz i'm a freedom lover. when i'm 29, i would not want to look back and say I should've done that when i was 24. That's all. I'll be a social entrepreneur someday, and I'll start soon.

suey: social mktg is an interesting field. They have a course in AIM, online. You know,i'm so happy I have a friend like you. You keep me sane. Amazing!

chewee: oh, i can't afford AIM yet. so i will just utilize whatever resources I have. the most important thing is that i'm quitting corporate (world). haha.

suey: when are you exactly quitting corp. world? you sound serious.

chewee: me: and you sound worried. next year, january.

suey: that's barely two months from now. did you plan this? wala lang. i'm not worried. you're smart enough to know what you want. it just amazes me how you can make decisions like these.

chewee: i was never a safe player suey. it's just not me. i'm supposedly a spontaneous person, full of life and not boring. but i am what i don't want to be right now. if with this decision i fail, i can always come back to the corporate world. but i dont have to worry about that yet since i haven't started my venture. for now, i must try what i think is worth my time. try and learn.

suey: you sound exactly like the person i want to be but i guess i wont be that person ever. good luck. we're here for you no matter what. please stay being my friend even if it will kill you being with a boring and calculated person like me.

chewee: see? i dont have anything to fear. whatever happens, i'll have the most important treasures of my life. u, my family & friends. work? there's work everywhere. money? we'll never be satisfied with it. as long as i have you, i guess the world is still a better a place. you will have your time suey. someday, you'll let go of all your fears & you'll be who you'll want to be. of course, please keep me as a friend also. i'll surely be whiny with my mis/adventures.

suey: i wonder what i'm so afraid of? what do you think che?

chewee: hmm. could be the anxiety of not knowing what will happen next, or not knowing what to expect, or simply fear of not conforming to the standards of the world. you know, at this age you should be like this, achieved like that, earn this much. i have those fears too.

suey: i just dont want to mess up at this age. i did so many stupid things in the past and I just feel i can no longer extend my stupidity. i hurt and disappointed people along the way and i dont want to do that anymore. I try to comfort myself by just knowing that there are really more important things other than just going after the things that i want. in another lifetime perhaps I could be that kind of person.

chewee: well, we have different circumstances suey. i absolutely respect your views. it's just that for me, i dont like living on regrets. if i've done something stupid, i wont be apologizing for it in my entire lifetime. Whatever we did, stupid or not, made us wiser now. The world surely has moved on. It sounds selfish, but hey, we should live our own lives.

miss you all the time che!

-carpe diem-

Love According to Pareng Bob Marley

(Im skeptical about this, though. Bob Marley, writing a super cheesy piece on love. haha! judgemental! I'm posting anyway. Whoever wrote this, i like! yay! credits to Nurkhan crush -im reposting!)

"Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around.

You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more.

You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you.

When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful.

There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are.

The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever.

Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again.

Colours seem brighter and more brilliant.

Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all.

A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face.

In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby.

Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you.

You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do.

Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon.

You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible.

You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you.

You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile.

Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life."  - BOB MARLEY

sueyasuncion

Love According to Pareng Bob Marley

(Im skeptical about this, though. Bob Marley, writing a super cheesy piece on love. haha! judgemental! I'm posting anyway. Whoever wrote this, i like! yay! credits to Nurkhan crush -im reposting!)

"Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around.

You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more.

You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you.

When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful.

There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are.

The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever.

Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again.

Colours seem brighter and more brilliant.

Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all.

A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face.

In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby.

Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you.

You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do.

Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon.

You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible.

You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you.

You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile.

Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life."  - BOB MARLEY

sueyasuncion

I HEART SUNDAYS!

I love Sundays!

It is easily my most favorite day of the week.

A special date with Him and Him alone.

 All eyes, all ears, all words, all of me just directed to Him- how romantic! (cheesy!bleeeergh!!)

The perfect opportunity to give back to the Lord all the thanks and the praises for the week that has passed.

 For the new people and lessons met.

 The challenges - wrestled and bustled.

The wonderful and the not so wonderful feelings felt.

 The family that stood by- no matter what.

The friends that kept you insane during the week’s awful hell days.

The countless provisions that made the dining table complete.

And the job that kept you financially afloat! Yay! Just everything.

Thank you Papa Jesus! I loooooove You!

Don’t you just love Sundays? I love Sundays.

Come with me next Sunday!! J

sueyasuncion

I HEART SUNDAYS!

I love Sundays!

It is easily my most favorite day of the week.

A special date with Him and Him alone.

 All eyes, all ears, all words, all of me just directed to Him- how romantic! (cheesy!bleeeergh!!)

The perfect opportunity to give back to the Lord all the thanks and the praises for the week that has passed.

 For the new people and lessons met.

 The challenges - wrestled and bustled.

The wonderful and the not so wonderful feelings felt.

 The family that stood by- no matter what.

The friends that kept you insane during the week’s awful hell days.

The countless provisions that made the dining table complete.

And the job that kept you financially afloat! Yay! Just everything.

Thank you Papa Jesus! I loooooove You!

Don’t you just love Sundays? I love Sundays.

Come with me next Sunday!! J

sueyasuncion

On Achievement and Achieving

Read a friend’s column at a local daily which wrote about achievements and achieving. Afterwards I found myself immobilizing office work. Then I started emailing her my thoughts on achievements and achieving and what she basically wrote on that day.

First, I suck at financial management.

Second, yes, I am most of the time workaholic and crazy about my job. You were right when you said “the more you spend time with work the more it kills you with the sky high expectations accumulating day by day”.

But there are more days that I love my job and everything about it. It is refreshing and exciting and it feels like I’m doing something that I really enjoy (for the first time). I am thankful for this.

But then there are also days that I think of a Santorini vacation, long movie marathon couch moments, outdoor play, yummy dinner and drink nights with friends, kebab and pizza, among others.

I’ve been obsessed with achievement (music playing: the climb by miley cyrus) since i turned 2 the same exact moment I learned reading and scribbling my ABCDs and backwards.

Everyday my thoughts are saturated with these opportunities lost and it feels just like a surge of unmerited failure. So many things to do. So little time. So little cash.

I wish I could say "Let's Do It!” or “Let’s go!”  at any instant without thinking twice.

And so, like any other yuppie in her early 20s, I am indeed a work in progress-still got  room-full of learning to go through and adventures to conquer before I finally get to what much anticipated dream destination-wherever that is.

Our Lord has a plan for you and me. Things might not be as pretty right now, but know that He has ordained a prosperous and wonderful life ahead of us. While waiting, we need to keep a kind of faith that not only moves but climbs any mountain. He is faithful to His promises and His love is unfailing. In His time it will be perfect.

Remember:  "Adventure is out there!"  

Credits to Ms. Karla Singson for a very fine column.

On Achievement and Achieving

Read a friend’s column at a local daily which wrote about achievements and achieving. Afterwards I found myself immobilizing office work. Then I started emailing her my thoughts on achievements and achieving and what she basically wrote on that day.

First, I suck at financial management.

Second, yes, I am most of the time workaholic and crazy about my job. You were right when you said “the more you spend time with work the more it kills you with the sky high expectations accumulating day by day”.

But there are more days that I love my job and everything about it. It is refreshing and exciting and it feels like I’m doing something that I really enjoy (for the first time). I am thankful for this.

But then there are also days that I think of a Santorini vacation, long movie marathon couch moments, outdoor play, yummy dinner and drink nights with friends, kebab and pizza, among others.

I’ve been obsessed with achievement (music playing: the climb by miley cyrus) since i turned 2 the same exact moment I learned reading and scribbling my ABCDs and backwards.

Everyday my thoughts are saturated with these opportunities lost and it feels just like a surge of unmerited failure. So many things to do. So little time. So little cash.

I wish I could say "Let's Do It!” or “Let’s go!”  at any instant without thinking twice.

And so, like any other yuppie in her early 20s, I am indeed a work in progress-still got  room-full of learning to go through and adventures to conquer before I finally get to what much anticipated dream destination-wherever that is.

Our Lord has a plan for you and me. Things might not be as pretty right now, but know that He has ordained a prosperous and wonderful life ahead of us. While waiting, we need to keep a kind of faith that not only moves but climbs any mountain. He is faithful to His promises and His love is unfailing. In His time it will be perfect.

Remember:  "Adventure is out there!"  

Credits to Ms. Karla Singson for a very fine column.

OPUSES FROM THE PAST: 2009 YEAR THAT WAS

My 2009 according to my Old Multiply blog. 

Cheers to 2009 - the year that was.

But just before I face my 2010, id like to shout and scream my thanks and wholehearted gratitude to all of the people who defined the makes and breaks of my 2009, those who were there at the so called turning points of my 09 life whom have became instruments of the Lord to guide me to where I am at this moment. I’d like to honor the existence of some of these very wonderful people attached with much euphoria and gratefulness.

This is my version of Time Magazine’s PEOPLE OF THE YEAR issue – the very first time I’m doing it. Presenting to you THE PEOPLE OF MY YEAR 2009. (drum roll please! Hehe!)

1

1.   1.Victory Christian Fellowship (Davao City)

2  Started joining Victory July 2009. The journey has been wonderful, rewarding and enlightening. Life group, Praise and Worship, Kids Church and Sundays at Church are instantly my most favorite days of the week. Looking forward to a more church-involved Me in 2010. Thank you pastor Alvin, Te Weng, Kuya Ty, and my Life group friends for the lessons and experiences shared. Thank you Jesus! Weeh!

2.Greta Kuenzle Mebrano.

Greta’s intense love of the world and traveling reminds me to never to ever die without seeing the pyramids in Egypt, gaze on the Cherry blossoms of the north and to finally step in the confines of the Taj Mahal. She is dear to me because we are a lot alike in more ways than others would know (Zafra? Bob Ong? And well, Men Problems...haha!). She is the Economist, strong willed and smart who will love you “no matter what” and would stick to you even when the whole world decides to abandon you.

3.The Ateneo MBA “Banjing” Batch.

 Met this bunch June 2008 and since then we’re glued as super friends. Never a dull moment with this group. Life in school has been so much better and a lot like fun. Don’t know why they call us “Banjing Batch”, we’re not fooling around and it’s not as if we’re just taking our MBA flippantly, we just make learning fun!

4.Karen Peralta-Demorin

They say, it takes a lifetime to find your one true best friend. Well, I’m quite lucky, found her 10 years ago. Beyond that curly hair, the dark-rimmed glasses and well, the record-breaking long moments of “just” laughter...hehe! Is no less than my bestfriend in the world! Tough times has been so much easier with her around. Singing “Time passes, the world changes, but I’m still the same ole kid. And your jokes still bring me laughter, as if you still were here...Coz you were there when no one was, just when I thought nobody cared, you showed me love...” Hope she enjoys London a lot this time. Will be here for our much awaited reunion 2 years from now.

5.DCCCII Professional Management Team

Best team ever!

6.Aisa Manlosa

During the lowest, most depressing and happiest moments of my 2009, Ate Aisa was there to remind me to keep my feet on the ground, be faithful with the Lord and trust that better days will come.

7.Atty. Marc Fabian Castrodes

I’d like to subject myself into the idea that Kuya Ian was the brother I never had. There was never a major decision I made in my 2009 without seeking for his wisdom. Without him, I may never have spoke and debated and wrote my pieces. He is my most trusted confidante, coach and best adviser. A family man and the leader that should be admired and emulated by the new generation.

8.Alpha Marl Epsilon

My closest, most treasured friends, my newest travel buddies, the best group affiliation ever created in the world! For almost a decade of friendship these guys never fail to soar higher! Yes, we will always rock and rule!

9.The Brady Bunch

I love our family. We’re not at all perfect. Nevertheless, the best I can ever imagine. Albeit all of the challenges 2009 brought us, we still stand. Hugs and Kisses! (My thanks to Cousins, Ate An and Paouwee, Titos and Titas and grandps…)

10.Simeon P. Marfori, II

Much of my work ethics and views on management and leadership in the professional context I owe to this person-my boss. The learning opportunities with President Sim have been tough, sleepless and at times extremely taxing. But everything was worth all the blood and tears shed. Behind that rough and powerful image is a wonderful father and a great mentor.

11. The DCCCII-PAHRDF Committee (Tina Ramos, Evelyn Lavina, Yvonne Cabada, Leny Castillo, Bert Barriga)

This is practically the best committee composition the Chamber can ever have. 2009 has been a good year for the Chamber and PAHRDF because of the hard work and love for volunteerism of these people. Being able to work with them for this year has been an honor and a pleasure.

12. Noel, Henrietta and Rica Asuncion

Pa, Ma and Cookie. These couple, taught me the best lessons that I could ever learn in my life, they gave me a good life and have molded me to become the best person that I can be. My Shobe, taught me the value of understanding and selflessness this year, and I thank her for that. Our family has been through a lot but our unfailing and unconditional love for each other has been able to shield our family against all possible hardships. The success of my 2009, I dedicate to them.

13. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” He reminds me (his picture in my office corkboard), in my most difficult and darkest times, that all of us are meant to flicker and shine and succeed, not just some us, but all of us are capable of being great.

sueyasuncion

OPUSES FROM THE PAST: 2009 YEAR THAT WAS

My 2009 according to my Old Multiply blog. 

Cheers to 2009 - the year that was.

But just before I face my 2010, id like to shout and scream my thanks and wholehearted gratitude to all of the people who defined the makes and breaks of my 2009, those who were there at the so called turning points of my 09 life whom have became instruments of the Lord to guide me to where I am at this moment. I’d like to honor the existence of some of these very wonderful people attached with much euphoria and gratefulness.

This is my version of Time Magazine’s PEOPLE OF THE YEAR issue – the very first time I’m doing it. Presenting to you THE PEOPLE OF MY YEAR 2009. (drum roll please! Hehe!)

1

1.   1.Victory Christian Fellowship (Davao City)

2  Started joining Victory July 2009. The journey has been wonderful, rewarding and enlightening. Life group, Praise and Worship, Kids Church and Sundays at Church are instantly my most favorite days of the week. Looking forward to a more church-involved Me in 2010. Thank you pastor Alvin, Te Weng, Kuya Ty, and my Life group friends for the lessons and experiences shared. Thank you Jesus! Weeh!

2.Greta Kuenzle Mebrano.

Greta’s intense love of the world and traveling reminds me to never to ever die without seeing the pyramids in Egypt, gaze on the Cherry blossoms of the north and to finally step in the confines of the Taj Mahal. She is dear to me because we are a lot alike in more ways than others would know (Zafra? Bob Ong? And well, Men Problems...haha!). She is the Economist, strong willed and smart who will love you “no matter what” and would stick to you even when the whole world decides to abandon you.

3.The Ateneo MBA “Banjing” Batch.

 Met this bunch June 2008 and since then we’re glued as super friends. Never a dull moment with this group. Life in school has been so much better and a lot like fun. Don’t know why they call us “Banjing Batch”, we’re not fooling around and it’s not as if we’re just taking our MBA flippantly, we just make learning fun!

4.Karen Peralta-Demorin

They say, it takes a lifetime to find your one true best friend. Well, I’m quite lucky, found her 10 years ago. Beyond that curly hair, the dark-rimmed glasses and well, the record-breaking long moments of “just” laughter...hehe! Is no less than my bestfriend in the world! Tough times has been so much easier with her around. Singing “Time passes, the world changes, but I’m still the same ole kid. And your jokes still bring me laughter, as if you still were here...Coz you were there when no one was, just when I thought nobody cared, you showed me love...” Hope she enjoys London a lot this time. Will be here for our much awaited reunion 2 years from now.

5.DCCCII Professional Management Team

Best team ever!

6.Aisa Manlosa

During the lowest, most depressing and happiest moments of my 2009, Ate Aisa was there to remind me to keep my feet on the ground, be faithful with the Lord and trust that better days will come.

7.Atty. Marc Fabian Castrodes

I’d like to subject myself into the idea that Kuya Ian was the brother I never had. There was never a major decision I made in my 2009 without seeking for his wisdom. Without him, I may never have spoke and debated and wrote my pieces. He is my most trusted confidante, coach and best adviser. A family man and the leader that should be admired and emulated by the new generation.

8.Alpha Marl Epsilon

My closest, most treasured friends, my newest travel buddies, the best group affiliation ever created in the world! For almost a decade of friendship these guys never fail to soar higher! Yes, we will always rock and rule!

9.The Brady Bunch

I love our family. We’re not at all perfect. Nevertheless, the best I can ever imagine. Albeit all of the challenges 2009 brought us, we still stand. Hugs and Kisses! (My thanks to Cousins, Ate An and Paouwee, Titos and Titas and grandps…)

10.Simeon P. Marfori, II

Much of my work ethics and views on management and leadership in the professional context I owe to this person-my boss. The learning opportunities with President Sim have been tough, sleepless and at times extremely taxing. But everything was worth all the blood and tears shed. Behind that rough and powerful image is a wonderful father and a great mentor.

11. The DCCCII-PAHRDF Committee (Tina Ramos, Evelyn Lavina, Yvonne Cabada, Leny Castillo, Bert Barriga)

This is practically the best committee composition the Chamber can ever have. 2009 has been a good year for the Chamber and PAHRDF because of the hard work and love for volunteerism of these people. Being able to work with them for this year has been an honor and a pleasure.

12. Noel, Henrietta and Rica Asuncion

Pa, Ma and Cookie. These couple, taught me the best lessons that I could ever learn in my life, they gave me a good life and have molded me to become the best person that I can be. My Shobe, taught me the value of understanding and selflessness this year, and I thank her for that. Our family has been through a lot but our unfailing and unconditional love for each other has been able to shield our family against all possible hardships. The success of my 2009, I dedicate to them.

13. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” He reminds me (his picture in my office corkboard), in my most difficult and darkest times, that all of us are meant to flicker and shine and succeed, not just some us, but all of us are capable of being great.

sueyasuncion