| As I called upon my family of clients and supporters to commit to their participation for Filipino Family, I was asked, “Are you ready yet?” I laughed off the question and the prospect of answering. After all, how many times are we asked, “Are you ready yet?”, only to be forced to realize that we may not, in fact, be ready. This is especially true with events such as Family Day. There are so many details, elements and people involved it’s sometimes difficult to keep track of everything. At the back of my mind, I feel I am 85 percent ready — at least on my end. I hope my comrades are on the same level and not behind in their particular assignments. I have great faith in them, but sometimes no matter how experienced you are, there are variables or new situations that come into play. The key to success in my opinion is feedback and communication among members — making sure that everyone is pretty much on the same page. By that, I mean on the “same page” in our efforts to provide the best possible experience to the attendees and people involved. Teamwork, communication, respect and cooperation are the key elements in ensuring any event or project is successful. That is what I consider being on the same page with our team members as we go about the implementation phase of the project. How exciting that thought can be, as it motivates us to take action. For comments and suggestions, please feel free to e-mail me at
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. Come and visit us at www.filipinopress.com. For information or discount coupons for Filipino Family Day at Knott’s Soak City, visit www.filipinofamilyday.com. |
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Filipinos' love for their families is unquestionable. In the Philippines it is not uncommon for families to do the best they can to send their children to school, looking at this as their main investment in the future of their children.
In search of a better life for their families and children, parents will move mountains and mortgage their properties in order to send their children to college or to send their loved ones abroad to seek greener pastures that may not be available in the Philippines.
In the U.S., Filipino parents work two, sometimes three jobs to be able to earn money for their children's college education and to ensure they live a life of comfort their parents may have never achieved.
It is also common to see parents give their children automobiles when they graduate from high school or college.
While this may be a material manifestation of love for their children, it is also true that there are mothers who would put their careers on hold to take care of their children during their formative years. Some might say these sacrifices may be similar to what other communities may be doing, but it is comforting to be reminded of the sacrifices Filipino parents make to put their family’s well-being ahead of their own comfort.
Filipino Family Day
Speaking of families, don’t forget to spend time with your family and loved ones on Saturday, Aug. 14, as the Filipino community celebrates the 13th anniversary of the Filipino Family Day at Knott’s Soak City.
Children love it and look forward to it year after year. The event is an opportunity for families and loved ones to share in the spirit of fun, laughter, and family bonding.
I’d like to thank the many children who have reminded me of the impact that the event has made on their lives. Many say going to the water park is not the same unless it is Family Day.
The event is often difficult to put together and taps all my energy, but I happily embrace the challenge as it brings unspeakable joy and happiness to the people who support and attend it.
See you at Knott’s on Aug 14. Prepare for pleasant surprises and special guest entertainers. Visit filipinofamilyday.com for more information.
Send comments and suggestions to
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One of my favorite songs of all times, is that of Michael Jackson’s entitled “Man in the Mirror”. I normally sing the refrain and it reads like this: “I'm starting with the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways. And no message could have been any clearer. If you wanna make the world a better place take a look at yourself and then make a change”.
To me, it’s a constant reminder that everything start’s with oneself, if one is to make an impact, a difference in one’s life or others. And that is one of life’s common challenges- to be able to work on making changes in oneself, be it in terms of attitude, habits or actuations. Humans are creatures of habit and a lot of times, when we get to used to doing things a certain way, or have developed a certain mindset- somehow it becomes difficult to bend, change or make adjustments. Especially if in our minds, we are right or we stick to a belief or behavior because that is the only way we know how or it has worked for us in the past.
There are times though that people, places, situations change so it is imperative that we may need to make changes or adjustments to deal with situations at hand effectively-thus change is pretty much in the offing.
Instead of feeling frustrated because things are not turning out how we expect or we don’t get our desired outcome, it’s a good idea to look at the positive side of things, that maybe what we desire for- the right timing has not come yet. A straight look at ourselves in front of the mirror may just be the tickler to remind us that change can be good, and minor changes like changing our hairstyle or putting a smile on our face and singing a happy tune can pretty much enliven and set the right tone of the day.
For comments or suggestions, email me at
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. Visit us at www. filipinopress.com.
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| Danny Harnaez: Next time you pray |
Greetings!
Every year various national polls indicate that almost 90% of US residents pray. Most come to the great Giver looking for gifts. After all, Jesus did say "whatever you ask in my name, I will give it." So why doesn't it work all the time? I have prayed asking for my team to win, for my car to make it to the next exit before running out of gas, for the perfect job, for God to heal my dying friend. And, nothing happened. I ended up feeling more distant than ever and disconnected from the invisible God. Sadly, I had missed the point. God wants more for us, not more requests from us.
Do you talk to God about your discoveries, surprises, dreams, embarrassments, questions, and joys? Do you confess your weaknesses, your failures, your mess-ups? Do you ask him to help you forget and forgive? Do you long to have an inside track, to see what he's up to? To share His secrets? Do you talk back to him, vent your frustrations, struggle with the whys and why nots? When you finally understand how things are working together for good, do you share that with him? Do you ask for courage to do what you already know you need to do? Do you pray for open eyes to see what God sees, to feel what he feels, to hear what he hears? Do you ask him to put people in your path who need to see an authentic believer? Do you ask for assignments, for opportunities to make him proud? Do you thank him for the adventures and discoveries and wonders along the way? Do you stop long enough for him to write grace and peace on your heart?
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