Mind Over Body

"Running or any sports, anything that you love, can change your attitude toward your disposition in life, in your works and make you a better person."

I heard this quote from one of my friend Christian Gerard Romero. Before I didn't know who told this quote and tried to google this phrase and found that Muhammad Ali originated this. I only know that Muhammad Ali may be best known for “swoop like a butterfly and sting like a bee,” but I think the above quote is his most brainy.

Ali understood something that is difficult to hold, or if grasped is difficult to put in practice. He recognized the power of the mind, the fact that it is the linchpin to your body’s actions and the amazing ease with which it can be influenced.

This moral is not exclusive to running. I could just as easily write this in my blog, which is more occupational and digital media oriented, but it is a lesson that proves true every time I tie my running shoes.

When I think about failing at my goal, get distracted by negative things in my life or loose mental focus my performance is affected. When I think clearly, positively and logically my performance improves.

When running, you may be trying to outwit your opponents…”I will draft him until there are only two miles left” or “I’m going to sprint out in front of  her so she thinks she doesn’t stand a chance.” More often though, I find that I am trying to outwit myself. I need to trick myself into thinking I have more energy than I feel like I do. Usually if my mind believes I have the energy my body will follow along, and it’s almost always the case that I really did have that energy.

There are a lot more characters that have inspired me like Manny Pacquiao with his courage and discipline, Michael Jordan with his heart, all in little ways. But I think I got my message across with these few. The point is, running or any sports, anything that you love, can change your attitude toward your disposition in life, in your works and make you a better person, despite its flaws. When you love something, or someone, they become a part of you that shapes the type of person you become. 

I love you Mom (Nanay)

I could never start to fondle the memories I have for my “Nanay”, or the feelings and thoughts I share to other people about my childhood. I am very much grateful for the wonderful mother that I have! My mother was so present for us everyday during my childhood life. She made food, played with us, took us to the school, taught us all day long, exposed me to study hard and never give up in all kinds of hardships – I love it!… I could go on and on….

Most of all, my “nanay” showed us to have a faith in God to fight for impecuniousness in life. Her encouragement has been an inspiration to me… She was really spectacular, never giving up ... During my school days, I was one of the best at getting around obstacles on my studying. Untiil now I want to be the best at confronting the most difficult problems of my life with all my strength. She was just extremely gifted for me.

I really do hope that I’m doing a good job as my mother and my father want me to do. Looking back, I can tell how much treasured those days we were all young even though some pieces of a good things and happiness in life were not given to us. But the most important thing is, she enjoys being my nanay now. 

Happy Mothers Days Nanay! lavyah….

Sec. Angelo Reyes Left with a Message

I awoke this morning with a text message from someone I knew, I read the message, “Sec. Angelo Reyes has passed away” – I opened my television and informed that the text is true. I was a bit shocked and truly saddened at the moment.

As you may know, Sec. Angelo Reyes is a brilliant man. He completed his secondary education at the Cubao High School in 1960 where he graduated as the class valedictorian. In 1966, he was among the top ten graduates of the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City. He then proceeded to acquire two masters degrees, namely: Masters in Business Administration from the Asian Institute of Management in 1973 and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1991. He also took up International Defense Management Course in Monterey, California in 1983. In 1987, he graduated No. 1 in Trust Operations Management Course conducted by the Trust Institutes Foundation of the Philippines at the Ateneo Business School which eventually earned him a scholarship to the Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago.  He was also known for his temper but revealed a lighter side too, as part of a three-member soprano group in which the macho general sang and danced in charity shows.

Right, he was a great man, full of examples for his family even in our country. And one of his most important characteristics was his courage and endurance to help this country move forward. But bad times came, when the accusation of corruptions come on his way along with  other generals in the AFP. Sec. Angie for what we call him is being dragged into the “Garcia plea bargain deal” issue. It becomes a whopping issue in the Philippines. Witnesses were came out and telling that he is directly involved in the corruption in the AFP. As a result, he is being judged even he is not proven guilty. And of course his reputation, his names and also his family is at stake by this contention. All of his accomplishments were vanished.

I don’t know the reason why he took his life, it's either Sec. Angelo Reyes cannot unload all that troubles and his family is also being trailed by those allegations (for what we call "trial by publicity") or maybe he cannot release the feeling of guilt.

But in my own opinion, maybe he also wants to send us a message. I’m not saying it’s his effective way to deliver such note but the message is simple and clear - It might be the "Time to End Corruption" in this country.


To the family of Sec. Angelo Reyes:
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.