True Test of Character

As I have always believed, it is so ugly to lose. In whatever form. In whatever way.

I am just saying that it is ugly but do not take me wrong because I welcome failure and losses.

With a 9-0 start, seeded number 2 in the pool/division and then losing 3 straight games with the last one being the most important game of the week, it really is tough to lose.

I am a great competitor. I am fierce to myself and to my team mates as well. I do care what say about me regarding my attitude during games but I care the most to our team. With a great start that we had with the recent tournament, it is quite harsh to admit the reality bites. And it is hard and painful. Up until now, it aches so much that after 24 hours I could hardly believe that we are not on track with the recent tournament.

But no matter painful and difficult a defeat may be, it does not fail to teach us certain lessons.

Losing teaches us to the true meaning of sportsmanship.
A true sportsman is measured not by the character that he shows in winning but in defeat.

Losing teaches us not to be complacent.
Our greatest enemy is not someone on the other side of the field but in our side. Remember to not make competition with other people. They are great friends. And comparing yourself to your friend is a burden that you will be carrying all throughout your life. Hence, compete with yourself each and every waking day of your life. Because the only enemy that you have is yourself yesterday and your inspiration is yourself tomorrow.

Last but not least, Losing (SHOULD) brings out the fire in each and everyone of us.
It is your burning desire to turn that negativity to positive one that will prove how much you want it and how much hunger you have to achieve that specific goal. Work your ass out. Know your own SWOT and capitalize on it. Just one step at a time.

These bumps on the road, callouses and scars are just obstacles to overcome.

A great sportsman, a  great ambassador of the game of basketball and a fierce competitor himself, Michael Jeffrey Jordan, the 50 year-old man once said, "I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games, 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

Think Fit, Be FIT

Yes! I feel that I am fit enough to do almost anything that I wanted to do.

But then again, feeling fit is not enough, I strongly believe that you have to feel and look fit. :)

VITAL STATISTICS:
Age: 24 y/o
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 160lbs
Status: Overweight
Normal body weight: 145-155lbs
Target weight: 145lbs
Chest: 39.5 inches
Waistline: 35 inches
Hips: 39 inches
Shoulder: 21 inches
Biceps: 13 inches

Why am I doing this? To publicly challenge myself with a hope that after 30 days, positive changes will start to occur. And with this, only healthy food shall be eaten and increase daily work activity shall be done.

This will be my daily / weekly / monthly journal to reach my goal.

 Join me as I take this step to a better and healthier version of me.

Next shots will be after 30days.

Cheers!

Being a Freeman

It took me for a while to realize this. How free I am right now?

And it took me six long years to realize.. How free I should I be? Up to what extent?

Yes. This maybe insane but I somehow felt that I am caged in an invisible cell not because someone made it but because I chose to be. I chose to be imprisoned - subconsciously. In a world where the only constant is change, we should know when and how to adjust, to cope up and to keep up. Because if you lose this ability, you will be in great danger of slowly detaching yourself from yourself. How? I also do not know. But what I do know, whatever happens, do not let yourself depend on other people. Do not ever let your happiness be held by anyone other than yourself.

Be your own happiness.

Agree? You may find yourself wondering, what the hell am I talking about? How is that even possible? Every person can shed their own light for you. But as far as I remember, we all have the ability to deflect or accept that light. Yes, others can make you happy but it is up to you whether you will be happy or not. Find anything that will make you happy. Life is too short. Do not waste it. Grab every chance. Spread your wings. Fly and be in a state of invisibility where you can feel that you are the king of the world. Find your happiness and once you have it do everything you can to hold on to it. Do not let it slip away. Dahil sabi nga nila, "Minsan, isang beses lang ang biyahe, baka wala nang susunod."

Enjoy the ride. Have fun. And be happy!

Cheers!

Insanity: "Are you insane enough?"

It all started when I wondered what is happening. What is happening with my body?

I think we all, at times, should ask this. Yes, I used to be a 180-pounder guy but I also used to be a 158-pounder. So, what happened? I also do not know. All I know is that this year, I am very focus and determined to lose all those extra flabs whatever it takes. Yes. WHATEVER IT TAKES!

I started playing Ultimate (Frisbee for the most) August 2011. If you are not familiar with the sport, this one is a serious one. It is not just about throwing the disc. It is, for me, the best team sport. No superstar. No one on one. Pure team play. And chemistry is very crucial. And as a player, it requires you to run up and down the field. Hence, carrdio resistance is needed for you to be able to play in a top level.

Taken last December. First tournament. More to come.

How can I do this if I have these extra flabs? And this leads me to be insane. Haha! Some of my teammates have been telling us about this workout. The Insanity work out. I asked for a copy and poof I have one already. I do not know anything about the work out aside from it is effective and it is insanely difficult. That really gets me interested.

Finally today, I get to experience the work out first hand. You have to believe the title. It really is Insanity!!! It was only the fitness test that I did today and I just found out how out of shape I am. From here on, I made a promise to myself that I will finish the program all the way. Just 2 months and a week in between.

This is not to scare you but to motivate you. Please ask yourself, 'What is happening with my body?'. If you are already satisfied and happy with what you have, I will be happy for you. But if you feel that you are out of shape and wants to improve your body holistically, it will be my honor to hand you over a copy of this work out. After all, nobody will prioritize you other than yourself. Let's all do this.

A Year of Learning - 2012

It is the first day of the year 2012. An annual 'New Year' reunion was held in our humble abode. Kids were running around everyone. The not so kid anymore finding things to be busy about. And the kids at heart just expressing their ideas and emotions.

When I was the kid in the family, I just enjoy running around. I do not care back then whatever is happening around me. All I care about is to play with my cousins. By the way, I have 24 cousins. But only a few are here. After this celebration version 2012, I know now what role I will play in the family.

I hope you enjoyed the first day of the year as much as I did. Have a great 2012!!

Have a blast everyone!!!

The Year that Was and Will Be

As another year unfolds, we shall bid goodbye to a year that was. A year full of excitement. A year full of realization.

I started the year with a huge decision. A wrong one. And I will forever regret it. I created a mess, which at first, should not be there. It was not part of the plan. A decision that is very impulsive.

Moving on. Yeah. I said I wanted to forget about it. Totally.

And as I close another chapter of my life, I will now officially write a chapter full of hopes and dreams. And that chapter is 2012.

It is yet another year to come but it is I who decides what will happen. It is with open arms that I welcome the challenges and hurdles waiting for me. It is with great courage that I face all the adversities in work and in personal life. And I will swear to accomplish the 23 great things that I plan to do this year of the Water Dragon.

1. Be on time every time. I have this tendency not to be sharp.
2. Follow what is planned. This one and the first one are connected. Haha!!
3. Do the best that you got every time. This one is a must.
4. Improve the Ultimate skills. :) Wooh! Throw some discs! Lezgo!
5. Save some for the future.
6. Pledge twice the amount that I give to Mama every month.
7. Attend mass every Sunday.
8. Hit the target. This is why I work.
9. RUN, RUN, RUN. Log more mileage.
10. Build some muscles. :)
11. Go to Boracay Open in Summer.
12. Spend quality time in Thailand.
13. Buy a Leica!! Must bring back love!!
14. 155lbs of 15% body fat!!
15. Read at least 20 books! That's a lot as for the moment being.
16. Blog everyday as possible. Make it a habit.
17. Juggle better. Just the time. :)
18. Widen the network. Be assertive.
19. Be the Lion. Find the courage in you.
20. Get a tattoo!! (I am now waiting for the violent reactions. Haha!)
21. Read the golden book everyday.
22. Bring something back to society. Reach out more often.
23. Be the better me.

Enjoy your New Year's Eve. Be ready for the year to come. Be the strong person. Be the BEST YOU!!

Constant change

As the old adage goes, change is the single most constant thing in this world.

I think you know what I am up to for writing this post. As of the moment, all I want to do is do something great, something way better than what I am doing now. It is not about doing different things. It is about doing something different with the things that you already have.

From now on, I swear to run and sweat it out every morning after waking up at 5am. Whip my ass out every working day. And do my best in every chance that I have and grab it. Do not just dream, make it happen. And make it happen now.

"If you want different results, do something different from what you are already doing." -Anonymous

Mas simple. Mas kaya.

Yes. It is rainy season once again at nagsimula na ang countdown ng Christmas. At madalas sa madalas, may malakas na bagyong tatama sa perlas ng silanganan bago magsimula ang kapaskuhan. Dati, si Ondoy ang nanalanta. Mahinang buhos ng ulan pero marami na pala iyon. Ngayon naman, si Pedring ang nagyayabang. Oo puro yabang dahil napakahangin. Hindi nga ganun kadami ang dalang ulan pero lintik naman humagupit. Sa bawat pagsbubok ay may aral na iniiwan. Sa bawat bagyo ay naghihintay ang magandang sikat ng araw sa susunod na araw. Anu ano ang naisip ko kung bakit ako nagsulat bigla Dalawa lang. At ang mga ito ay ang mga sumusunod:

1. Isa lang ang pinanggalingan ni Ondoy at Pedring – ang tao.

            Seryoso ba ako sa naisip ko? Oo. Nakatira ako sa Marilao, Bulacan. Subukan ninyonghanapin kung nasaan ang ilog naming baka hindi ninyo na makita dahil malamang sa malamang ay aakalain ninyo na itong isang tambakan ng basura. Noong dumating si Ondoy umapaw ito at ibinalik lahat sa tao ang mga plastic at iba pang basurang itinapon dito. Nagmistulang piyesta sa lahat ng aking madaanan. Nakasabit ang mga supot sa mga bakuran.

     Bukod sa aking tinuran, marami pang mga bagay na ginagawa ang tao na nakakaapekto sa ating kalikasan. Ang simpleng pagsindi ng sigarilyo, ang hindi pagtanggal sa saksakan ng kuryente kung hindi ginagamit at pagsusunog ng tuyong dahon sa ating bakuran ay nakakaapekto na sa ating kalikasan.

   Kaya itanong mo sa sarili mo kung ang mga simpleng bagay ay nagagawa mo upang hindi na makadagdag pa sa parusang natatanggap ng kalikasan. Hindi natin kailangang maging henyo para makabawas sa polusyon o makaisip ng solusyon. Mas simple mas maganda dahil mas kaya.

2. Maging patas sa lahat ng bagay.

           Kakaiba? Hindi kaugnay sa kalikasan? Oo pareho ang sagot ko. Bakit kasali? Simple lang.                 Tayong mga Pinoy ay kilala sa bayanihan sa oras ng pangangailangan lalo na sa sakuna. Masakit                 mang isipin, sa tuwing may sakuna lamang tayo nagdadamayan. Sa araw araw may mga taong                 may mga pangunahing pangangailan na wala sila tulad ng masisilungan, tubig at pagkain. Ilan                 lamang yan sa mga pagkukulang na dapat matugunan hindi lamang ng gobyerno pero ng buong                 bansa.

       Anong dapat gawin? Makiisa. Isipin mo kung anong prinsipyo mo sa buhay. Panindigan.                Maghanap ng grupo ng may kaparehong prinsipyo at lumahok sa mga gawain nito. Hindi laging                 pera ang sagot sa lahat. Minsan, mas nakakapagpagulo pa ang pera sa mga bagay bagay kung                 hindi nagagamit sa magandang bagay. Mas simple mas maganda dahil mas kaya.

                Hindi ko ito isinulat para lang mangaral. Isinulat ko ito upang ibahagi ang aking naiisip at pananaw sa buhay at mga nangyayari sa kasalukuyan. Hindi ko alam kung madali nga bang gawin ang naiisip ko. Pero ito lang ang sigurado ako. Mas simple mas maganda dahil mas kaya. Tayo pa!

15 Biggest Nutrition Myths

By David Zinczenko with Matt Goulding

May 20, 2011

Angelina’s jealous that Brad’s still secretly in love with Jennifer! Tom Cruise keeps Katie Holmes trapped in a crazed religious complex! And aliens are manning the toll booths on a Nevada freeway! How do I know these things are true? Because I read them in the tabloids at my local supermarket.

The supermarket is rife with less-than-accurate reporting, and not just in the checkout-lane newspaper racks. Walk the aisles scanning food labels and you'll see the fallout from millions of lobbying and advertising dollars spent to posit faulty claims about health and nutrition. You'll find row upon endless row of foods that promise—explicitly or not—to improve your life, flatten your belly, and make you a happier person. The fact is, many of these foods do just the opposite. Learn how to separate fact from fiction and you might finally shed the habits that are silently sabotaging your chances of losing weight. But I must warn you: The truth can hurt.

MYTH #1: High fructose corn syrup is worse than table sugar

Whether or not added sugar is bad for you has never been in dispute. The less sugar you eat, the better. But whether HFCS is worse than plain ol' table sugar has long been a contentious issue. Here’s what you need to know: Both HFCS and table sugar, or sucrose, are built with roughly a 50-50 blend of two sugars, fructose, and glucose. That means in all likelihood that your body can’t tell one from the other—they’re both just sugar. HFCS’s real sin is that it’s supercheap, and as a result, it’s added to everything from cereal to ketchup to salad dressing. Plus it may be affecting your health in ways not yet fully understood by the scientific community. Is it a good idea to minimize the HFCS in your diet? Absolutely. It’s best to cut out all unnecessary sugars. But HFCS’s role as nutritional enemy #1 has been exaggerated.

SPECIAL EAT THIS, NOT THAT! REPORT: Eating fiber- and protein-loaded snacks between meals can help you control hunger and avoid overeating at mealtime. Shed flab by checking out this essential list of the 50 Best Snack Foods in America.

MYTH #2: Sea salt is a healthier version of regular salt

Everyday table salt comes from a mine and contains roughly 2,300 milligrams of sodium per teaspoon. Sea salt comes from evaporated seawater, and it also contains roughly 2,300 milligrams of sodium. That makes them, well, roughly identical. Advocates point to the fact that sea salt also contains other compounds like magnesium and iron, but in truth, these minerals exist in trace amounts. To obtain a meaningful dose, you’d have to take in extremely high and potentially dangerous levels of sodium. What’s more, traditional table salt is regularly fortified with iodine, which plays an important role in regulating the hormones in your body. Sea salt, on the other hand, gives you virtually zero iodine. The bottom line is this: If switching from table salt to sea salt causes you to consume even one extra granule, then you’ve just completely snuffed out whatever elusive health boon you hope to receive. Plus you’ve wasted a few bucks.

MYTH #3: Energy drinks are less harmful than soda

Energy drinks like Red Bull, Monster, and Full Throttle attempt to boost your energy with a cache of B vitamins, herbal extracts, and amino acids. But what your body’s going to remember most (especially around your waistline) is the sugar in these concoctions; a 16-ounce can delivers as much as 280 calories of pure sugar, which is about 80 calories more than you’d find in a 16-ounce cup of Pepsi. What’s more, a University of Maryland study found energy drinks to be 11 percent more corrosive to your teeth than regular soda. So here’s the secret that energy drink companies don’t want you to know: The only proven, significant energy boost comes from caffeine. If you want an energy boost, save yourself the sugar spike and drink a cup of coffee.

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MYTH #4: Diet soda is harmless

The obesity-research community is becoming increasingly aware that the artificial sweeteners used in diet soda—aspartame and sucralose, for instance—lead to hard-to-control food urges later in the day. One Purdue study discovered that rats took in more calories if they'd been fed artificial sweeteners prior to mealtime, and a University of Texas study found that people who consume just three diet sodas per week were more than 40 percent more likely to be obese. Try weaning yourself off by switching to carbonated water and flavoring with lemon, cucumber, and fresh herbs.

MYTH #5: Low-fat foods are better for you

As it applies to food marketing, the term “low fat” is synonymous with “loaded with salt and cheap carbohydrates.” For instance, look at Smucker’s Reduced Fat Peanut Butter. To replace the fat it skimmed out, Smucker’s added a fast-digesting carbohydrate called maltodextrin. That’s not going to help you lose weight. A 2008 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that over a 2-year span, people on low-carb diets lost 62 percent more body weight than those trying to cut fat. (Plus, the fat in peanut butter is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat—you’d be better off eating more of it, not less!)

MYTH #6: “Trans-fat free” foods are actually trans-fat free

The FDA’s guidelines allow companies to claim 0 grams of trans fat—even broadcast it on the front of their packages—as long as the food in question contains no more than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving. But here’s the deal: Due to an inextricable link to heart disease, the World Health Organization advises people to keep trans fat intake as low as possible, maxing out at about 1 gram per 2,000 calories consumed. If your cupboard’s full of foods with almost half a gram per serving, you might be blowing past that number every single day. TheAmerican Journal of Health Promotion recently published an article urging the FDA to rethink its lax regulations, but until that happens, you should avoid all foods with “partially hydrogenated oil” (meaning, trans fats) on their ingredients statements.

MYTH #7: Foods labeled “natural” are healthier

The FDA makes no serious effort to control the use of the word "natural" on nutrition labels. Case in point: 7UP boasts that it’s made with “100% Natural Flavors” when, in fact, the soda is sweetened with a decidedly un-natural dose of high fructose corn syrup. “Corn” is natural, but “high fructose corn syrup” is produced using a centrifuge and a series of chemical reactions. Other "natural" abusers include Natural Cheetos, which are made with maltodextrin and disodium phosphate, and “natural advantage” Post Raisin Bran, which bathes its raisins in both sugar and corn syrup. The worst part is, you're likely paying a premium price for common junk food.

BONUS TIP: Beware: Mr. Salty is running loose at some of your favorite restaurants! Click here to check out our complete list of the 30 Saltiest Foods in America.

MYTH #8: Egg yolks raise your cholesterol

Egg yolks contain dietary cholesterol; this much is true. But research has proven that dietary cholesterol has almost nothing to do with serum cholesterol, the stuff in your blood. Wake Forest University researchers reviewed more than 30 egg studies and found no link between egg consumption and heart disease, and a study in Saint Louis found that eating eggs for breakfast could decrease your calorie intake for the remainder of the day.

MYTH #9: Eating junk food helps battle stress

You’ve been there: Stressed out and sprawled across your sofa with one arm elbow deep in a bag of cheese puffs. In the moment, it can be comforting, but a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that people who consumed the most highly processed foods were 58 percent more likely to be depressed than those who ate the least. Your move: Find a healthy stress snack. Peanut butter and Triscuits do the trick, or check out the next myth …

MYTH #10: Chocolate is bad for you

Cocoa is a plant-based food replete with flavonoids that increase blood flow and release feel-good endorphins. Plus, it contains a healthy kind of saturated fat called stearic acid, which research has shown can increase your good HDL cholesterol. But here’s the rub: When most people think of chocolate, their minds jump immediately to milk chocolate, which contains far more sugar than actual cocoa. Instead, look for dark chocolate, specifically those versions that tell you exactly how much cocoa they contain. A bar with 60% cocoa is good, but the more cocoa it contains, the greater the health effects.

Myth #11: Granola is good for you

Oats are good for you, and the same goes for oatmeal. But granola takes those good-for-you hunks of flattened oat, blankets them in sugar, and bakes them in oil to give them crunch. The amount of fat and sugar added to each oat is at the discretion of food processors, but you can bet your last cup of milk it’s going to far sweeter and more fatty than a bowl of regular cereal. Take this example: A single cup of Quaker Natural Granola, Nuts & Raisins has 420 calories, 30 grams of sugar, and 10 grams of fat. Switch to a humble cup of Kix and you drop down about 90 calories, 2.5 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of fat. Or better yet, find your favorite healthy cereal here: The 24 Best and Worst Cereals in America.

MYTH #12: Bananas are the best source of potassium

Your body uses potassium to keep your nerves and muscles firing efficiently, and an adequate intake can blunt sodium’s effect on blood pressure. One 2009 study found that a 2:1 ratio of potassium to sodium could halve your risk of heart disease, and since the average American consumes about 3,400 milligrams of sodium each day, your goal should be 6,800 milligrams of daily potassium. You’re extremely unlikely to ever reach that mark—and never with bananas alone. One medium banana has 422 milligrams and 105 calories. Here are the sources that earn you roughly the same amount of potassium in fewer calories:

• Potato, half a medium spud, 80 calories
• Apricots, 5 whole fruit, 80 calories
• Cantaloupe, 1 cup cubes, 55 calories
• Broccoli, 1 full stalk, 50 calories
• Sun-dried tomatoes, a quarter cup, 35 calories

MYTH #13: Oranges are the best source of vitamin C

Far more than a simple immune booster, vitamin C is an antioxidant that plays a host of important roles in your body. It strengthens skin by helping to build collagen, improves mood by increasing the flow of norepinephrine, and bolsters metabolic efficiency by helping transport fat cells into the body’s energy-burning mitochondria. But since your body can neither store nor create the wonder vitamin, you need to provide a constant supply. An orange is the most famous vitamin-C food, and although it’s a good source, it’s by no means the best. For 70 calories, one orange gives you about 70 micrograms of vitamin C. Here are five sources with just as much vitamin C and even fewer calories:

• Papaya, ¾ cup, 50 calories
• Brussel’s sprouts, 1 cup, 40 calories
• Strawberries, 7 large fruit, 40 calories
• Broccoli, ½ stalk, 25 calories
• Red Bell Pepper, ½ medium pepper, 20 calories

MYTH #14: Organic is always better

Often, but not in every case. Organic produce is almost nutritionally identical to its conventional counterpart. The issue is pesticide exposure—pesticides have been linked to an increased risk of obesity in some studies. But many conventionally grown fruits and vegetables are very low in pesticides. Take, for example, the conventional onion: It’s got the lowest pesticide load of 45 fruits and vegetables tested by the Environmental Working Group. Also in the safe-to-eat-conventional group are avocados, sweet corn, and pineapple. In general, fruits and vegetables with impermeable skins are safe to buy conventional, while produce like celery, peaches, apples, and blueberries are better purchased organic.

MYTH #15: Meat is bad for you

Pork, beef, and lamb are among the world’s best sources of complete protein, and a Danish study found that dieting with 25 percent of calories from protein can help you lose twice as much weight as dieting with 12 percent protein. Then there’s vitamin B12, which is prevalent only in animal-based foods. B12 is essential to your body’s ability to decode DNA and build red blood cells, and British researchers found that adequate intakes protect against age-related brain shrinkage. Now, if you’re worried that meat will increase your risk for heart disease, don’t be. A Harvard review last year looked at 20 studies and found that meat’s link to heart disease exists only with processed meats like bacon, sausage, and deli cuts. Unprocessed meats, those that hadn’t been smoked, cured, or chemically preserved, presented absolutely zero risk.

DID YOU KNOW? You don't need to make big changes to your diet to lose 10, 20, or even 30 pounds. You just need to make the right small tweaks. Change how you look and feel—fast and forever—with the Eat This, Not That! book series and this must-see report on the 25 Best Nutrition Secrets Ever!

Note:

This post is just a re-post from Yahoo and Men's Health U.S. :)

Someone who never fails

And so I'll make this an exemption. I just thought of keeping the ideas pour from my fatty tissues to my very complex group of muscles, bones and ligaments called hands straight to this blog that most of the time is being beaten by a thing called laziness.

An exemption to make simply because there is no single reason not to. An exemption to make because she's all I'll have when everyone turns their back on me. An exemption to make simply because she is that special to me that I would do the impossible just to make her feel that She simply is the most important person in the world to me.

To her, who never fails to make me laugh when she do her silly antics.

To her, who never fails to make me cry when we try to speak our hearts out.

To her, who never fails to make me realize how simple it is to live this life.

To her, who never fails to make me inspire to do things and be the best I can be.

To her, who never fails to make me think when she will be able to read this. :D

But to you, Mrs. Mary Lim - Garcia, thank you not only for taking care of me for nine long months inside your womb but most specially for making me see the things that you are seeing and live the life you are living.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there, who just like my mother that in spite of being a human, ALWAYS try to never fail.

I love you mama!

Arch Nemesis: Plantar Fasciitis

Here I am and found myself telling stories and facts why I am sidelined for the next month or so. Generally, it is keeping me from doing activities that will involve running in any form. But looking on a brighter side, it taught me how to re-invent myself in so many ways. And yes, it is all because of a condition called Plantar fasciitis. If you heard this or if you are running, you better read this to prevent it from happening.

The bane of many runners, plantar fasciitis is often misunderstood. Although the suffix -itis means inflammation, this condition is more of a 'wear and tear" condition of a tendon in our foot called plantar fascia. The tendon serves as a tension band that runs from heel to toe. It maintains the foot's longitudinal arch and stores and releases energy during runs. While biomechanics and genetics play their part, the main cause of plantar fasciitis is running TOO far, TOO soon, leading to micro-tears to the fascia. And the most common sign and symptom is pain in the bottom of the heel, which is usually worse in the morning and may improve throughout the day. By the end of the day the pain may be replaced by a dull ache that improves with rest. The good news? You have several home remedies at hand.

EASY-TO-DO HOME REMEDIES:

• REST - Stop for a while and cross-train (which means do something that doesn't require you to run) instead.
• GET YOURSELF A DRUG - Painkillers such as paracetamol, acetaminophen or even diclofenac will surely be effective but be cautious not to take it before running for you won't be able to tell if you are making the injury worse.
• ICE ICE BABY - Ice-ing and massage-ing the foot will surely relieve the pain. How? Simple. Fill a plastic bottle with water, freeze it and roll it underfoot.
• SORT YOUR KIT - Make sure your shoes fit well; consider over-the-counter arch supports or orthotics. A night splint can also come in hand by preventing pain on your first step out of bed in the morning, caused by overnight contraction.
• STRETCH - It helps to stretch your arch before getting out of bed, since pain is often worse first thing in the morning. A pre-run and post run EFFECTIVE and EFFICIENT stretching of calves will surely be helpful.

Here are some images to help you familiarize with the condition.

Right now, I had my second session of therapy for the condition. Since I had this long time ago and just shrugged it off, I just can't rely on home remedies alone. A visit to the doctor and more frequent visits with your physical therapist will never hurt you.

When to see a doctor? Contact your health care provider as soon as you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis. And the best way yo prevent this? Maintaining good flexibility around the ankle, particularly the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, is probably the best way to prevent plantar fasciitis.

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts." ~Washington Irving

Today, for me is the most important day of my life. I will not be known as Luther Ian Lim Garcia if it weren't for this day. This is the most important day simply because 51 years ago, Mary Gumpal Lim-Garcia, was born. I really don't know how her life started but all I know is that if it wasn't for her, my life won't.

taken during my 21st birthday
"I can fly higher than an eagle. 'Coz you are the wind beneath my wings"

I maybe a male version of her but she is far better than me. I've seen her doing almost everything for our family. If there will be a counterpart of Clark Kent in real life, I would proudly nominate her to be one. (And I know every good child will say the same thing. :D ) It is really hard for me to leave her on her most important day. It is really hard for me to leave her anytime of the day.

To you, the most important woman in my life. I do not when will you be able to read this. I do not know if there is a chance that your eyes will glance at this. But all I know is that I owe everything to you. You have been, for the past 51 years, and will always be a blessing to all the people that you've met and that you will meet soon. This is the first time that you will wake the next morning without your eldest. This will be the first time that I have left you while you're celebrating your natal day. And this is the first time that I made you sad during the most important day of your life. It is really hard for me to do this but believe it or not, this is all for you and papa. You may not be able to understand everything but soon you will. I will make everything clear for both of you soon. I know that you love me so much that is why you hate seeing me getting tired or even losing weight for the right purpose just because you feel that I am already undernourished. You will always be my inspiration. You will always be the fire that keeps my flame burning. And you will always be the most important woman of my life. Happy birthday! And always keep this in your heart, "You are the wind beneath my wings."

You're the future, and you've come for what is yours
The hidden treasure, locked behind the hidden doors
And the promise of a day that's shiny new
Only a dreamer, could afford this point of view
But you're a driver, not a passenger in life
And if you're ready, you won't have to try 'cause

You are the UNIVERSE
And there ain't nothin' you can't do
If you CONCEIVE it, you can ACHIEVE it
That's why, I believe in you, yes I do

You're a winner, so do what you came here for
The secret weapon, isn't secret anymore
You're a driver, never passenger in life
And when you're ready, you won't have to try 'cause

You are the Universe
And there ain't nothin' you can't do
If you conceive it, you can achieve it
That's why, I believe in you, yes I do

You are the Universe
And there ain't nothin' you can't be
If you conceive it, you can achieve it
That's why, I believe in you, and I believe in me

(Yes I do
Believe in you
I do)

You're a DRIVER, not a passenger in life
And when you're ready, you won't have to try 'cause

You are the Universe...

I really love the song. Yes! It is a song. This is a song that has been forgotten because of the RNB artists like Neyo, Usher and many more. Just look through every word, every lyrics of the song. It may not be the love song that you are looking for but this is DEFINITELY the right song to start your morning and day with. :) Always remember, you are the DRIVER, not the passenger in life. You don't have to try cause you are the UNIVERSE. :)

Christmas in the A-I-R

Have you ever felt that freezy cold feeling? That familiar cold air that makes you remember every experience you've had for one whole year? How about those sparkling lights? Does it ever shine the same time it did last year?

If your answer is YES, then it just means that it is CHRISTMAS time already. And this is the special season when the chilly air touches your skin, it will never fail you to bring you time and again to the happy moments you've had 365 days ago.

But this year for me is so special. This time, it'll be a whole lot different. Our HOME will be filled with warmth and love. For this year, we will be complete - I will be complete. As I write this blog down, I can't help my emotions to flow because I really feel the excitement. The kid in me is jumping up and down already.

December 18 will be the day. I know that it just dawned on me that there will be conflict. But I know that this day will surely turn this season from ordinary to special one. Come that day, I will be so happy.

Major negative, Major positive

How ironic it is to sleep last night with shattered pride and wake up today with our pride in glory days.

This is what I personally felt today as the events unfolds in our dearest country Philippines.

Yesterday happened one of the most tragic hostage taking to date in our country. Thanks to Capt. Mendoza and his villain-some act which put our dearest country in a big big hole. But then again, is he really the one to blame here or should we really point fingers to someone just for them to feel guilty of what they've done?

This is what I really hate about our culture. The "crab-mantality" culture of the Filipinos. There are a lot of things to be proud as a Filipino but there are also things to hate about our culture. When I am on my way to Makati yesterday, the cab driver told me what is happening. And then my reaction was " Ah! Talaga?". Hahaha! Funny but true. That was, for me, the most stoic answer that a cab driver would get after bringing a bad news. And we share some thoughts on how it can be solved. The driver even thought of making some fake documents just to make the hostage taker surrender himself and let everybody inside the bus go.

How I wish that it was that easy.

Later that night, things are worse than I thought. But then again, while I was watching the news I can't help myself but laugh on how the reporters react while covering the event. I understand that their job is very dangerous but hey I want to laugh. And it ended in the death of Capt. Mendoza. May his soul rests in peace.

And then, the cyberworld became very active. Ideas here. Thoughts over there. But what we can only do is think of the "could have beens". What the police could have done. What the local government could have provided. What the national government could have given. And all this came up after a very TRAGIC incident. Yes I agree that there are lapses on how the policemen operated. But I think, we should still take our hats off because they have done their part. And it is time for us to do ours. Pay our due taxes. Help other people as much as we could. And most importantly, not to point our fingers to other people.

Today is the Ms. Universe pageant. Although the telecast on our local network is delayed, there are updates thru the cyber world that kept me ahead of the pack. Everyone was so ecstatic when Ms. Venus Raj made it to the top 15. The internet savvy expressed more pride when she made it to the top 5. But when she had lapses while answering in the Final Question and Answer portion, everybody started to express their disappointment. And it seems that they hate to be a Filipino at that very moment. And then I was able to read the "could have beens" again. She did her best but for some of us, it was not enough. She can only do so much. And what did she gain, criticism. Holy cow! From your fellow countrymen.

Life is not a Word document that you can edit. Life is not a machine in the making that when you had a mistake in putting some parts, you can buy the more appropriate one so that everything will be fine. Life is all about life. Living the present. Thanking the past. Looking forward to the future. Pointing your finger to someone won't help at all. Let's take everything as it happens. Let's learn to live our lives.

P.S.

This blog is just an opinion of the writer. It doesn't intend to hurt someone. It is intended for sharing of thoughts.

Anong magagawa natin?

Isang malaking tanong ang pumukaw ng aking pag-iisip. Ano ito? Ito ang malaking tanong na tinutukoy ko. “Anong magagawa natin?” Ikaw ba, naisip mo na ito? Hindi ba at napapanahon ito lalong lalo na ngayon at eleksyon dito sa Pilipinas.

Kung ako ang tatanungin, ang maisasagot ko ay OO NAMAN. Bakit? Ang mga sumusunod na talata ay magpapahayag ng aking damdamin hindi lamang sa nalalapit na eleksyon kung hindi sa pangkalahatang kalagayan ng ating buhay bilang Pilipino.

Unang una, mas maganda kung gamitin natin ng tama ang karapatan natin bilang Pilipino dahil mayroon tayong magagawa para sa pagbabago ng ating bansa patungo sa kaunlaran nito. Ano? Ang maging rehistradong botante ay isa sa malaking hakbang na dapat ay nagawa ng bawat Pilipinong maari nang makilahok sa nalalapit na eleksyon. Sabi nga ng patalastas ng isang pahayagan, “Wala kang karapatang magreklamo kung hindi ka boboto”. Naniniwala ako dun sapagkat mayroon kang karapatang bumoto ngunit hindi mo ito ginamit. At ang kauna unahang hakbang ay maging rehistradong botante.

Ang ikalawa naman ay wag sana tayong maging negatibo sa mga bagay bagay. Kung ang iyong pananaw sa buhay ay wala na tayong magagawa, mabuti pa ay sarilinin mo na lamang iyan at baka makahawa ka pa. Maaring ang Pilipinas ay isang third world country SA NGAYON ngunit hindi mo maitatanggi na tayong mga Pilipino ay sadyang maabilidad kung kaya tayo ay hinahangaan sa buong mundo. Ang maliliit na hakbang patungo sa pag-unlad ay hindi masama. Dahil kung dadami ang taong gumagawa ng maliliit na bagay na iyan, malamang bukas ay isa nang malaking hakbang ang iuunlad ng Pilipinas.

Ang ikatlo at huling punto na gusto kong ipahayag ay kung gusto nating tumulong, tumulong ka na lang. Huwag mo nang punahin ang mga pagkakamali ng ibang tao. Kung nakita mo siyang nagkamali ngunit gumawa siya ng paraan upang makabawi sa kanyang pagkakamali, tigilan mo na. Bakit hindi tayo magtulong tulong para magawa ang dapat gawin nang sa ganun at tuloy tuloy ang pagsulong ng ating bansa.

Nirerespeto ko ang desisyon ng lahat ng tao. Nirerespeto ko ang kanilang dahilan. Ngunit kung ang dahilan ng tao ay “wala lang”, hindi ba’t nakakalungkot iyon dahil isa itong senyales na naiimpluwensyahan lang ang tao sa kanyang desisyon at hindi siya nakakagawa ng desisyon ayon sa kanyang paniniwala at paninindigan.

Ang mahalagang desisyon na ating gagawin sa ika-10 ng Mayo ay isang desisyon kung saan nakasalalay ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa. Gusto kong ulitin na sa araw na iyon, ito na ang ating pagkakataon upang maging boss at mamili ng isang tao na gusto nating manilbihan ng tapat at ibibigay ang buong puso upang maglingkod sa Pilipinas. Ngunit hindi ba’t nararapat naman na maging patas tayo sa pagpili at kilalanin natin ang bawat kandidato upang mabigyan sila ng pantay pantay na pagkakataong mamuno.

Be assertive. Be positive. Be pro-active.

9 mornings

Misa de gallo is a traditional Catholic celebration held early in the morning during yuletide season. It starts from December 15 to December 23 if you will be attending the anticipated mass and from December 16 to December 24. I see the latter part as the more difficult one because you have to commit yourself in waking up at 4 am to be ready for the 430am mass. Some people do attend the mass because the folks have always believed that if you complete the 9 misa de gallo, you will be entitled with a wish. And it is also believed that it does come true.

And usually, people who have attended the mass will also have some gathering just outside the church. Let us call this a Christmas picnic. People from different walks of life swarm around kiosk of the two most favorite delicacies during Yuletide season. It's puto bumbong and bibingka.

And this year, I have a first hand experience of how we, Filipinos, celebrate this misa de gallo during the happiest time of the year. And as the number of masses I have attended increase, my interest of hearing the homily does too.

For those who was not able to attend the traditional Yuletide series of masses, here is the run down of the homilies:

First day: To prove that you are a son of God, you should follow HIS doing. There is no other way but HIS. It has been proven throughout the history and yet most of us fail to do so. Even yours truly do falter at times. But what it is important is you keep coming back to HIM.

Second day: To be happy, follow HIS will. It is no wonder even if you make millions of cash and stash it for your future you will still feel incomplete and lonely without HIM. It is only thru HIM that we feel complete and happy.

Third day: HE will never forsake us. Just open your eyes and listen to HIM because HE cares for us no matter what. HE is our father. Unlike our biological father, HE is very merciful. Whatever we have done in the past, HE will not mind at all as long as we seek for HIS forgiveness.

Fourth day: Nothing is impossible to HIM. Just have a little faith. HE is OMNIPOTENT. I guess that is something that we forget at times. If something that you want did not happen, there is a reason behind that and that is you will get something better than what you want. Just be patient and have a little faith.

Fifth day: Never stop caring and showing some respect because HE never stops. Caring for each other is something that HE wants us to do. Remember during every mass, there is always a part where we give peace to each other because HE wants a good and sound relationship with each other.

Sixth day: Do not lose HOPE. Trust comes with hope. If we will only learn to fully trust HIM, your hope will never fade out like a candle which loses its fire after just being blown off. As we live our own lives, we don’t have to hope that HE will never leave us if we will only trust our lives to HIM.

Seventh day: Just look around to feel how blessed you are. HE makes our lives easy if HE wishes to. And HE said, “Let there be light.” And then there was light so that we will not find ourselves always in the dark. We just have to appreciate what we have in life and stop asking for what we do not have. Maybe we do not need what we do not have at all.

Eight day: We are all responsible for our CHRISTian community. The reason why we all have names to keep is that we will be responsible in every move we make because it will be your dignity that will be put on the line. Being a responsible CHRISTian is also making each and every step of yours carefully because you know that HIS name will be put on the line.

Last day: Open up your hearts for our Saviour has come. Before you can say that you are ready for HIM, let us empty our hearts with the words me, myself and I. Stop being selfish and reach out and lend a hand to others because that is what HE did for all of us. HE gave us HIS only son for the redemption of our sins.

This year’s Christmas will be very meaningful to me even if I have to spend another Christmas without my Dad beside me. I know that time will come that he will be able to have his own chance of opening his gift from us like how we do it during Christmas eve.

HOPE, TRUST, UNSELFISHNESS and LOVE.

Let us spread the words and give some love this Christmas. If and when that volcano in Albay explodes in the time where we celebrate the coming of Messiah, let us still continue the spirit of Christmas all year long. As long as there is someone who is needy for an extra hand, Christmas will be there in our strongest muscle – in our heart.

Yehey! Wala na kami...

Here is an article that I happen to read again after 2 long years.

Read this article and realize how to seriously take care of the relationship that you have right now.

Is it really worth the freedom that you're asking for?

Are you really ready for the consequences?

Are you really ready to give up that happiness?

Better think about it.

Yehey!!! Wala na kami…

Yehey! Wala na kami.

Wala na akong aalalahanin, wala na akong iisipin…

Pero hirap akong matulog sa gabi dahil bumabalik yung mga alaala noong magkasama kami.

Naiisip ko kung paano niya hawakan yung kamay ko, yung tipong nagsasabing hindi niya ako iiwanan.

Kung paano niya ako yakapin, yung nagsasabing hindi niya ako iiwanan.

At kung paano niya ako halikan, yung nagsasabing mahal na mahal niya ako.

Yehey! Wala na kami.

Hindi na ako iiyak pa…

Pero kapag gabi, nagagawa ko pa ring umiyak dahil na-mimiss ko siya.

Na-mimiss ko yung mga ngiti niyang nakakaloko, mga jokes niyang corny, mga tingin niyang nakakatunaw, tawa niyang nakakabaliw, pangungulit niya sa akin at kung anu-ano pang kapraningan na ginagawa niya.

Na-mimiss ko yun…

Yehey! Wala na kami.

Wala na akong tatawagan, hindi na ako magtetext sa kanya, at makaka-ipon na ako ng pera para sa sarili ko.

Pero sa tuwing hawak ko ang cell phone ko, lagi kong hinahanap ang pangalan niya.

Lagi akong na-tetempt na magtext sa kanya o di naman kaya tumawag.

Nangangati lagi ang daliri ko na pindutin ang ‘Write message’, i-type and message ko, i-scroll yung button para Makita ko yung number niya at i-pepress ko yung ‘Send’.

O kaya naman, i-scroll ko yung button para mahanap yung name niya tapos i-pepress ko yung ‘Call’ kahit na alam ko na mauubos na ang load ko at wala na akong pambili ng load (dahil kabibigay lang ni Nanay).

Kahit na alam kong hindi naman siya magrereply at hinding hindi niya ako tatawagan.

At kahit kailang, hindi na niya gagawin pang magparamdam.

Yehey! Wala na kami.

Magkakaroon na ako ng time para sa sarili ko, sa pamilya ko at sa barkada ko.

Pero sa tuwing lalabas ako ng bahay, kasama man ang pamilya o barkada ko, siya lagi ang naaalala ko.

Na sana kasama ko siya ngayon.

Na sana magkahawak kamay kaming namamasyal, naglolokohan, nagkukulitan at nagtatawanan.

Tapos, walang katapusang usapan kung saan kakain ng lunch. Kung sa Jollibee, McDo, KFC o Chowking.

Kung pupunta ba kami sa isang game arcade para maglaro ng video games o di kaya naman, kung maglalaro kami ng basketball, volleyball or badminton.

Tapos, ihahatid ko siya pauwi sabay nanakaw ng halik habang nasa biyahe.

Yehey! Wala na kami.

Hindi na ako magpupuyat sa kakatutok sa computer, aabutin ng medaling-araw kaka-chat sa kanya.

Pero sa tuwing gagamit ako ng internet, bubuksan ko ang Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, ICQ at MIRC. Dahil baka sakaling dumating siya.

Makausap ko man lang, makikipagkulitan at baka sakalaing magkaliwanagan kami at maibalik ang dating kami.

Yehey! Wala na kami.

Wala na akong significant other. Pwede na akong tumingin sa iba at magkaroon ng bagon love life.

Pero sabi ko sa sarili ko, hindi ako magmamahal pa ulit. Dahil siya lang ang mahal ko.

Siya lang ang nakaka-kumpleto sa araw ko.

Siya lang yung inspirasyon ko sa mga bagay bagay.

Siya lang yung nakakaintindi sa akin kapag may problema ako.

Siya lang yung nakakapagpatahan sa akin kapag umiiyak ako.

Siya lang ang buhay ko.

Siya lang. Wala nang iba.

Magmamahal din ako.

Pero hindi muna ngayon. Hindi muna……