Christmas Greetings!

A Blessed Christmas to all. May the Lord shower you all with blessings. And please remember that on this day, not just a King was born but a poor boy who was born not in a castle but in a humble manger. Let us share our blessings not only with our loved ones but to those who have been forgotten by the world. There is desperation all around us in these trying times. I pray that even for a day, the guns of conflict fall silent and peace and hope would touch everyone's heart. That those who are hungry be full and those that were forgotten be remembered.

SAHMs, WAHMs, Thank You MOMs!

I've been meaning to write this weeks ago but have been too busy to do so. I know Mothers' Day is months away but I must pay tribute to these women who try their best to raise their kids, attend to marital affairs and sacrifice their rest time in trying to help their "HUBBIES" make ends meet through blogging. It's unfair to belittle them and insinuate that they are pests as some snobs in the blogosphere would have it.

A big portion of those who visit my blogs and drop on my EC are these selfless homemakers. Regardless if their motive was for traffic or they read my posts, I try as much as possible to reciprocate. I am not irritated by them but I laud them for their effort to help their families out. You are free to "DROP and RUN" anytime on all my blogs.

So to all the SAHMs,WAHMs and other MOMs, thank you for spending some of your precious minutes in dropping by my blog. As for those who think they are pesky and irritating, create your own social network where snobs like you can blog yourselves to boredom. Don't pick on these moms whose only wish is to be productive for their families.

Entrecard may have its shortcomings but I thank them for giving these women a venue to network and increase their site's traffic. Frankly, I've discovered so many great blogs through Entrecard and I have considered many as my friends and even family. So to the hardworking moms of the world wide web, I salute you.

Nation's Cup At The ROC

It was nice seeing Michael Schumacher race again. Teaming up with Sebastian Vettel, they successfully defended the Nation's Cup title at the recently concluded Race of Champions. The raced in three different cars in three disciplines, the buggy, DTM and rally. They stomped the opposition with their solid driving and raw talent. Schumi is still as competitive as he can be. He is lean and very fit.

Schumi however only made it to the quarterfinals which rally champ Sebastian Loeb won. Loeb is the best there is in the rally scene and has proven time and again that he is the best there is. I'll be waiting same time next year for the Race of Champions. And I'm sure it will be a blast.

Double Whammy!

I attended the anti charter change rally last Friday in the heart of Manila's financial district, Makati. I left the house early expecting that I would be able to go home before 10pm. I was wrong, I enjoyed the company of friends as we discussed the current political landscape in the Philippines right after the rally. I have been active with Philippine politics for the past 4 years now, working closely with civil society and other advocacy groups.

I went home late and was hoping to make my EC drops. Lo and behold, EC was down. I had to leave early Saturday morning to visit my parents. Went I got home, it was our ISP's turn to strike. The service came back late in the afternoon of Sunday. I wasn't able to do my opps nor my EC drops again. It was not a good weekend for me.

But I suppose nothing beats being with old friends, enjoying dinner and discussing the latest buzz in Philippine politics.

My Kids Are Growing Up

My son who is 12 is growing up fast. He asked permission to attend a swimming party tomorrow after class. The boy who used to hug and kiss me is starting to go out into the world outside the four corners of our house. He has a regular set of friends and he's definitely enjoying their company. I've always been very lenient with my kids. My eldest who turned 20 last September has a boyfriend already. Actually, she is very open with me. I suppose I'm doing something right.

I've always treated them as friends and avoided imposing anything on them. I let them decide for themselves even when they were young. Perhaps this is why they are comfortable sharing with me their secrets. I'm glad I was able to enjoy them while they were younger. It helped me accept that they are starting to spread their wings. My little boy is starting to know what the world has to offer and I'm happy that he has very well-behaved friends.

I've always believed that parents are there to guide and not to impose. I believe that for them to be independent, I must teach them to decide for themselves. I've always given them enough space for them to experience and cherish life. To be too strict would drive them away from me and it could lead to things we all could regret in the end. So despite the criticisms I get from my parents and siblings, I stuck to my beliefs. I have to show my kids respect so that they would feel the love I have for them.

In a few years, my daughter would surely settle down and start a family of her own. My son would surely spend less time with us and go out often. I think I've taught them well and I trust their judgement. Honestly, I do not dread the day when they would leave us and start their own lives. I'm glad I saw them grow and have the same principles and beliefs I have.