blurem23 blog: Francis Daniel Maning

it's all in the mind.. read my thoughts then

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Hi there. Im Francis, nice to meet you here in my blog. In my blog there are things you might get interested into. You can find here different ideas and thoughts inside my head. I talk about everything that I am interested in. I hope you will post your comments in each of the topics. You can also join the forum and exchange links there. Thank you!

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2007 BAR EXAMINATIONS - LIST OF SUCCESSFUL EXAMINEES

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Congratulations to our new lawyers!

iStayl Sugbo: 2007 BAR EXAMINATIONS - LIST OF SUCCESSFUL EXAMINEES

When Love Turns Around

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Hi there people, it has been a long time since I made a post. I don’t know if it was because of my busy schedules or is it because I have lost my passion to write. Well, here I am again. I missed the thinking and the writing in front of my PC.

I came back here in my blog because I want to share with you a very special thing that happened to me. I met this lady, I won’t mention her name because she might not like it and also it is without her knowledge that I am writing this. Let me just call her Sipat.

I call her Sipat, because she’s a fun loving lady, or shall I say a fun loving girl. It was months long ago that I happen to have met her, but it was only on a one rainy evening that I happen to get to know her better. And I believe it happened for a purpose, and not just a coincidence.

I was on my way out from work, hour overtime from the usual time I go out. My friend and me stayed for a while on the employees waiting area hoping that the rain would cease before we could take off with our bike. But the rain did not stop and it poured slowly and slowly as if it won’t even going to stop, so we decided to just wet ourselves and go home.

I then rode my bike and he rode his, and as we turned left, the usual route we take, a guard stopped us and told us to turn around and make a right turn. My body was soaked in rain that night, and I was so eager to go home. As we were nearing the exit, a shout called out for my name and I saw that it was my friends enjoying some beer also waiting for the rain to stop. They requested me to join them and so did I.

Minutes afterward, three ladies joined in, and it was my friend’s wife and her co-workers. Among the three, there I laid my eyes on Sipat. My first impression on her was nothing especial at all. But as we converse, and as I get to know her bit by bit, little by little, a little spark within me is slowly growing. And it is the comfort of talking with her that makes me think, this beautiful lady is different. We then became good friends. She is a very friendly person and she usually brings out the life of the crowd. She laughs a lot, moves a lot, and talks a lot. Sipat that is. Day by day, I never stopped thinking about her. And she never left my heart too. Maybe this is love, for if this is not love, then I don’t know what else to call it. Every time I am with her I experience ethereal joy.

Until one early morning, as I was about to send her home after a party, I never hesitated to tell her what I feel. The response I got was “You would only be hurt.” Then I asked why, she said “Know me first.” After that I didn’t bother asking her again, because when I did, I only get the same answers. It is only now that I know that her heart already belongs to somebody else, and that she is committed towards that other person.

And it is sad, knowing that the feeling is right, and all circumstances were in harmony, as if all the stars are aligned, and expecting that there will be her and me. You thought destiny was on your side, and that everything was a perfect plan that would bring you together. And later on being broken hearted by the fact that she’s not free.

All the things that happened, happened with a purpose. The overtime from work, the rain, the guard, the detour, the stopover, and the met up, all these to teach me that love does turn around. And things do happen the way you don’t want them to be.

Working in Waterfront Hotel

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Every time I go to work, I always take on my daily routines. Preparing myself for work, taking a jeepney, getting my uniform and reporting on my area.

Everyday is just the same, meeting the same people and doing the same task. I spent most of my time at work. I guess, most people do, most of us spend our time mostly at work. Our workplace has become our second home.

There was a time when somebody who I happen to be with on the jeepney on the way to work asked me where I work? I answered right away, “Waterfront”.

When I arrived, I was thinking to myself, did I answer the guy right? Well, I think so, but truth is I worked on Mizu Japanese restaurant. Mizu Japanese restaurant is a food outlet owned by the Hotel and the employees in it are Waterfront Employed, having the same benefits, having the same bosses, etc.

Now it came to my mind that I not belong to Mizu alone, I felt guilty because there were times that, all that I care about is for the betterment of the outlet of MIZU alone. It’s a reality, not only I, but I think most employees do. When they report to work, some employees locked themselves between the walls of their respected areas. And sometimes refuse to take extra steps that would benefit the whole hotel, directly or indirectly.

Take for example, this situation happened in reality. Two customers dined in, they ordered one set of meal to be divided into two. The first thought that came to my mind was, why the need to divide when they can share it? And also, dividing one set of meal for two would be a hassle and would take more time. The server then took the food and went to the kitchen to divide it.

After awhile, I then asked the then supervisor of MIZU, Sir Boyet Villalino, about the incident. I asked him, do we always allow such requests to be considered? He then answered me with a smile, and told me a very precise answer that changed my view about working in a hotel environment. “Whatever complaints we get from Mizu is a complaint on the hotel we work in, the guest might not come again.”

There are instances wherein we, as an employee, care only about our own undertaking. We neglect the simple things that we are able to do in order to contribute to the company. It could be picking up a piece of paper or plastic as you pass by a hallway, attending a guests request even though he isn’t your own outlet’s guest, making a call to report a none working bulb, or it could be answering a phone call when everybody is not able to do so.

Reply on MANILA:Truth serum topix

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Reply on MANILA:Truth serum -

The truth shall, indeed, will set you free. I am just a simple man with simple ideas. Living a simple life. I have a daughter with me, I have my stable job and business is ok so far. I don’t want the Philippines to look like trash from far nations. Considering I work for the hospitality industry, whatever affects tourism in our country affects my job. Life is much better than what it was years ago.

I know how important the truth is, I admire those people who cry for truth for the betterment of the nation. However, if these people who continue to crowd the streets, raising red flags and sometimes even burning our own flag doesn’t stop, our nation will never change.

To be honest, I was touched on how the people of the truth have come together in unity. It is so amazing to know that there are still these people who care for our nation.

However, you said,
"There and then before you was the truth
of the leaders of true faiths come to trumpet forth the truth, the truth of an
outraged people come to build a scaffold for those who would not tell the truth,
the truth of an awakened nation come to build a scaffolding for the truth."
I am sad about the OUTRAGED PEOPLE word, I hope many people will fight for truth not by anger and rage but rather be there and put love and compassion in the midst.

Free Tibet

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When I was young, I thought Tibet was a sovereign country; it is only now, because of the recent news on the Internet that I have come to know its present state. That Tibet is a Chinese controlled territory.

This year the eyes of the world would be on China for the Beijing Olympics to be held there. In China’s point of view it seems that the exiled government of Tibet, the Dalai Lama as their leader, is taking this opportunity to recover their country. However, the Dalai Lama and his government-in-exile denied this allegation.

If you look on the history of Tibet, the country is struggling for independence for decades. And as of this moment in time rallies, protests, and revolts are happening again. It is the same struggle for independence, history repeating itself. It would be the biggest revolt against China.

The saddest thing is, independence comes with a very expensive price. Right now, we are hearing reports of death from this uprising. Innocent people are being killed (directly or indirectly), taken into prison, and arrested.

I hope China will handle this situation with utmost care, the Chinese government should undertake the necessary measures, even to a point of giving up with the battle and granting Tibet its freedom.

As I recall this phrase from a famous Filipino song, “Ibon mang may layang lumipad, kulungin mo at umiiyak.” I don’t know the exact translation to this but here is mine “Like birds freely fly, cage them and they will cry.” I guess that’s it, it is human nature to ask for independence, as birds’ nature is to fly.

News article links from http://www.freetibet.org/march2008.html
Photos from http://www.freetibet.org/march2008.html






A letter to my Baby Christiane Francine

Posted on 9:36 PM comments (2)
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Another letter I wrote years ago. Sometime on June 2004. Many things have changed since I wrote this letter.

"Behold the greatest gift that God blessed upon me. She utter words that questions my thoughts, but it speaks with meanings deeper to the core of my heart.

Life is precious for it is of God. And, to bring forth life is a miraculous gift. And, to carry it onwards as it grows in the mile of our lives is a difficult responsibility, but together with it is an unspeakable joy, a joy not only of this world but also of heavenly nature. It is like hearing angels sing harmoniously.

Now, behold yourself for you are the greatest gift, a gift so pure and chaste. You bring unexplainable joy to my life. You are so precious to me. Your smile is greater than Eden and it nourishes my heart. The way you mold your face with different expressions, brings me laughter that is invaluable. Your eyes! Yes your eyes my dear! Makes me feel in love, like loving for the first time. Like first love that last forever, mine also is everlasting.

To be your father I know would be hard. Thanks to your mom that gives me strength and courage in the way, “sometimes”, cause she knows I am weak inside. I am sorry, my daughter, If I could not play my part as a good father. Taking these first inches in this mile-long journey of our lives as a father is harder than I have ever expected. It would require for me great strength and good judgment, these things I yet long to find and learn. Pardon me for this, for discovering the secrets of fatherhood will take time. I am still amateur.

I envy your mother, for she knows much on being a great parent than I do. I idolize her. Hold on to her arms always so you wont get lost. Always listen to her words, for it will open your eyes to the truth of this world. Love her for she is the greatest mother and wife in the world. She will bring you to your success, not only in profession, but also more on the true success of being a righteous person, in the eyes of men and in the eyes of God. She will always comfort you, especially in times of pain. She will be there for you when you need her. She loves you so much and she will never change and tire in guiding and loving you.

I want you to know that it is very important to do one’s best to achieve greater learning in many fields. Having knowledge of music, in visual arts, letters, accounting, history, sports, technology, science, mathematics, and even in medicine, and many more.

This great deal of greed in knowledge and learning, I want you to carry on these traits for it will separate you from the rests. So you wont be oppressed and neglected. Consider yourself not as intelligent but be wise and clever. But one important thing, be not like me, for I have missed one field of mastery, to understand and learn even the basic ways and virtues of life.

It is a great irony that I have not been able to open my eyes and see the importance of this field. I was very busy and conceited, like a fool, eager to learn many things, yet what I did not notice was there is this “one thing” that we need to become a greater individual, that is what separates me from your mama, for she have understood the basic ways and virtues of life. Take it from her I love her for that.

One of these days, I will be a great father for you. From this moment on, I will do my best in achieving that, as long as I am able. I will make you happy in all the simple blessings that God will offer us. I will let you sing in all the problems you may encounter. Before I die, I promise, I will see to it that you will remember me as a very loving father, although, not a perfect one. I will hold in my hands your would-be future. I will be there for you.

Life is full of beautiful things my baby, I want you to always look closely even to the tiniest beauty of life’s blessings, and keep your eyes away from bad things, and I promise you, it would surely bring joy and peace in your heart. The same joy you will also feel when you open your heart and help others.

I know, from now, it would still be many years that you would be able to read this letter, yet I know right now at my side you knew and felt that it is my love for you that inspired me to write these words. And when the time comes you could read this letter, I wish it would help you through rough times, and wish that every time you would come to read this, you would also love me even if I were gone for the rest of your life.

Don’t ever be afraid of trouble, cause Jesus Christ will always be there with you as it is in your name. Feel free to ask Him any thing and if you believe, it will be given to you. You might ask why I wanted your first name to be Christiane, it is because I wanted you to be always close to Him.

You will always be my baby.

Your loving father
Francis Daniel V. Maning "










Hey smoker

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Government Warning: Cigarette Smoking is dangerous to your health!

This warning are seen on every cigarette packs here in the Philippines. Yet, no matter the warning given by the government, cigarette smoking is still very rampant here in the Philippines, and the saddest thing is the young people of our nation are easily get addicted into it.

Why is that? Is it maybe because majority of the people here in the Philippines wont buy packs of cigars, they settle buying for per sticks, that they wont be able to see the warnings themselves. That’s a funny thing.

In my own opinion, there are many factors that would contribute to an early start of smoking amongst the youth. One is, the parents themselves. It is more likely that a teen would smoke if the parents themselves puff cigars. Another is the influence teenagers get from school, barkadas, and friends. The teen may do this to fit in a particular group or association of friends that would somehow make them look cool. It could also be a form of rebellion towards their parent when they are dissatisfied for the attention that they need.

In a teenagers’ life, it is very easy nowadays to get into smoking, but not as easy to get out of. My advices, for teenagers planning to smoke, don’t do it, to the smokers? When will you stop? Until it’s to late that there will come a time that you will long for air? Or worse yet, you will just wait to die? Hehehe.. No offense smokers!

Food Quality System

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To arrive home early, this is what I get for attending the Waterfront Food Quality System. Other than getting home early, I also gained plenty of thoughts and additional info about the topic. Also, the best thing is getting paid for work for two days attending the seminar, not a rough life is it? Hope it would be seminar the whole month round!




Before I had the seminar, I did not know that the issue of food safety is that delicate and that it should be given utmost attention. Take for example; by just washing your hands before and during work you would be able to prevent the spread of phatogenic bacteria, which if taken internally may lead to a food borne illness. No wonder, Hand Washing is in the top list on the policies imposed.

Bacteria are microbiological organism that is unseen in our naked eye. Some are harmless and some are harmful enough that it could even paralyze and kill. Grrr. Bacteria could be transmitted in many different ways, and the food that we take are always at stake. And if not transmitted, it could grow on the food itself. Oh my, good thing our body is enough to handle a few amounts of it inside. However, if this amount exceeds its limit, it’s another story.

Luckily, because of HACCP, these food borne illnesses could be prevented or minimized. A reliable food safety is already being practiced; Waterfront Hotels in particular has its own way of reacting to this hazard.

HACCP or Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point is the main core of the system. Because of this internationally used system, when it comes to food safety, the Waterfront Food Quality Manual is derived. On this manual are policies listed to guide every individual (in or outside the hotel, which is directly or indirectly in contact with its food products) in handling food items. From proper hand washing, correct food temperatures, required government permits, to maintaining clean equipments, etc.

Waterfront Food Quality System is a system Waterfront Hotels are using to maintain the best quality of their food products. Thus providing utmost food safety to hotel guests and clients.

My message to the guest, from the food suppliers up to your table, it is rest assured that the meal you are taking have undergone a rigid test within the system. Making you feel at home as if you yourself prepared your meal.


When is the Best Time to Connect?

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By Cora Maning - Lahug Elementary School Teacher
my mother

When things in life get rough, and you need a shoulder to lean on, come to me and I’ll lead you.

Oftentimes, people remember God only when their struggles prove to be too much and too many for them to face alone.
.
A teacher’s life may not be a bed of roses but it’s full of grace from God. Every time problems come across, there’s always Him who helps us carry the load.

A message from A. J. Russell in “God Calling”, God said, “If you only had sought my friendship long ago many of your difficulties would not have existed. Your life would have been different.”

Of course, if given the chance to be born again, I would still want to be a teacher, and I know some teachers do.

There might be difficult times for us, times that we realize we have no more time for ourselves. A day is never enough for our pupils, friends and family.

However, after a day’s work, a teacher asks, “What have I done today?”

Life may not be easy for all of us and there are times we want to fall. The only strength that melts all thread of burden and tiresome moments is God’s presence in our lives.

He is a Good Shepherd as we are to our pupils.

When is the best time to connect to God? He said, “Seek Me early, that is the only way to find Me.”
Find time to talk to Him from 3:00 – 4:00 AM before He gets crowded by life’s troubles, difficulties, demands and pressures.

Sto. Niño Church

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Another day-off for me, another time for my family, my baby. I decided to take her to the usual place we always go to when I somehow remember God. It is sad to say that I always forget to say thank you to God for His blessings. I only remember Him when I am down, and that ‘is’ a sad thing. I think most people do. I admire people who go to church every Sunday.

Anyway, this visit now is not to go to Him because
I am down but rather to visit Him to say thanks. I was happy that that day I was able to visit Him, and most of all I brought my kid with me. I took her to Jesus’ house of worship. Although we weren’t able to attend the mass, but we were able to light some candles and pray.

It is so amazing that Sto. Niño has changed a lot by time. Sto. Niño is not just for worship anymore, there are also people coming over to see the aged old church, a church that had become one of Cebu’s symbol, and not only for the island of Cebu, but also for it’s people.

The church symbolizes the strong faith of the Cebuano people towards Jesus Christ. As time goes by, the church may age, but the faith of the devotos will always rebirth thru their offspring. I may not be a devoto myself, I am just a regular sinner who in reality could never change, but before I die, I want to impart the respect, fear and love for God to my child for her to learn that God is the only place to go, to make oneself comfortable in times of insecurity. I want her to be like me, when faced with questions that could not be answered, I immediately turn to God.

A LETTER TO A WIFE

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As I was rearranging my room, I happen to browse some old notes that I have, it so happen I found this letter that I made years ago. I wrote this letter for my ex-wife the night before our marriage. Sad thing is, it didn't work well. Anyways life goes on..

Dated April 3, 2004


"The road is long and our journey is about to start. In this road there shall be day and there shall be night. There shall be times that the sun shall warm us, and times that the sun shall part us. It shall rain and shall it be sad and it shall often times be merry. In that road you will guide me with the light of your love when I am lost. Like a lighthouse you shall glow so I can find my way in the darkness of the sea. Find my way back to you, my home, my family, and the only destination I can see.

You are my family, a family not of my blood but have become my blood. Be it known to all that you are now a part of me, a special part of myself. You are the true person who holds the key to my heart, a person who knows myself more than I do. The years of my life are yours forever.

Many people said that marriage is the greatest gift a person can give to his or her love one. But marriage is just a word, a one-time event that shall be forgotten. But on this day, it is not only marrying that I have given and pledge. On this moment I will give the greatest gift that I can give, my life, myself, and my love be yours forever. What more can a man give than his own life? These gifts are more than words, they are actions. These gifts are more than events, it is a lifetime. More than a man could remember, it is history. The one that I have promised to you ever since the day I held your hand.

Together we shall have the fruits of our love, and together we shall grow older. And if you can recall what I have told you way back years ago, I quote “One day we shall sit together side by side with our gray hairs and shall marvel and tell ourselves and our grandchildren of what a wonderful life we had. A life that is full of adventures.”

We shall also recall that on this day, April 4TH, 2004, we were held one. Yes, we are one now, love is the reason. God is the reason for God is love. And He will always be the reason of it all.

I LOVE YOU. "

The Strength of A Man

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The strength of a man isn't seen in the width of his shoulders.It's in the width of his arms that encircle you.
The strength of a man isn't in the deep tone of his voice.It's in the gentle words he whispers.
The strength of a man isn't how many buddies he has.It's how
good a buddy he is with his children.
The strength of a man isn't in how respected he is at work.It's in how respected he is at home.
The strength of a man isn't in how hard he hits.It's in how tender he touches.
The strength of a man isn't in the hair on his chest.It's in his heart, that lies within his chest.
The strength of a man isn't how many women he's loved.It's in being true to one woman.
The strength of a man isn't in the weight he can lift.It's in the burdens he can carry.

© July 15, 1999 Jacqueline Marie Griffiths


via Pulpit Helps
Source for the above poem: http://www.appleseeds.org/strength_man.htm

In the past, man depicts power, authority, and dominance. These qualities were derived from our previous ancestors. Who once lived in caves or jungles during those times, it is the physical strength of man that puts him on top. By his strength he draws his power, authority, and dominance.

This was the past. And by time, this status has changed dramatically. The meaning of Manliness in present is determined not anymore by physical attributes. Man’s manliness is now more highlighted on the values that govern his character and personality.

Man’s strength is grounded on his values, and is visible thru his character. These values will always differ from one man to another. As each person’s values in life are not the same. The key to unlocking this strength is first discovering the values in life. From these values he would then be able to set his goals in his life.

I am not a man of strength myself. But I draw this strength from my child, which in turn opens my eyes to the values that I should possess. Outline my goals. If I cannot realize my dreams then better be dreaming than not dreaming at all.

Long ago, measuring a man’s strength is determine by man’s struggle against the challenges of his environment, in these modern times it is the struggle against himself that will measure his strength.

Our Family Park Experience - Cebu City Family Park

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Wednesday, March 5, 2008, it may seem unusual going to a park in the middle of the week. However, after me and my baby daughter had our lunch at McDo, it suddenly came into my mind that I should take some time for my baby, and that the best thing would be taking her to the Zoo. Sad to say, Cebu city’s zoo has

long closed.

The first place that came to my mind now was the Residence Inn somewhere at Busay road. I remembered way back years ago, my friends and me went there, and there was this large yellow python. It was a nice experience, and we did enjoy it. But that was way years back. So I was hesitant to proceed there.

My last option was The Family Park somewhere near Talamban, I have never been there, not even once, but my mother did mention it to me the mini zoo and the pool. On our way there, we experienced heavy traffic near Foodland, there was this construction for a flyover going on, so it took us more like 30 – 45 minutes to get there from JY Square Discovery Mall.

When we arrived, just as we entered the place, along the road surrounded by the trees, I heard my daughter marveled “Nindota dri oi!” It then gave me a grief that I did do the right thing taking her to this park. For the entrance it only cost us 15 pesos. Not a bad price for a place to stroll and a visit to the mini zoo. It would be her first time to really see live wild animals, such us monkeys; oh the family park has plenty of monkeys and baboons. The Philippine brown deer, the myna bird, python, monitor lizards, and eagles.

I took her hand as we were going to the Mini Zoo. My baby was so amazed about the animals, and a little bit of being afraid. She was delighted being there even though it’s not really that nice to most of us who have been to large zoos, like the Manila zoo or the used to be Cebu zoo, we could easily compare about the variety of animals that we should see. What makes this place especial is because it’s the only place we have now here in Cebu. It is really an irony that most parents right now are so busy looking for money in the struggle for everyday life that most of them forget to give their children the experience that every child should have. Things like a stroll to the park, a picnic, a visit to the zoo, or a day on the pool or beach. If it had been that way, places like The Family Park would have been much nicer, parks would have more funds to sustain maintenance and daily expenses. Even the large pool, needs more maintenance. Algae are developing that means there is a need for more chemicals.

About our midweek experience on The Family Park? Above satisfactory, low cost, unplanned yet satisfying. My baby’s joy seeing those animals was priceless. I hope this blog would give you the idea of going there yourself and your family every once in awhile. The next time we will visit the park, we will going to try the small pool.
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