Roses and its meaning...

"Oh the roses are so lovely– thank you so much, dear. So why did you give me 15 stalks?" the girl asks. "Huh? Hmm… well just thought the bouquet look nice with fifteen."

Ha! You just got yourself shoot!

Do you know that Roses, its colors and the number of stalks each has got their meaning? Yes, it has, and it might get you into some trouble if the person whom you’re giving the bouquet knows about its meaning.

So the next time you’re gonna try to impress that special someone with a bouquet of roses, make sure you know the meaning it represent.

Meaning of Color of Roses:

Meaning of Number of Roses:

Okay. Now that you know the true meaning of roses, you won't go wrong!

Whatever the occasion, there is always a rose color or combination that will express your feelings. Isn't it more meaningful that you chose the color that conveys a specific message for that special someone?

The recipient might not truly understand the meaning behind the roses sent but well, it’s your job to make her understand. Either from your own lips or from an accompanying card, along with the roses, your message will be delivered.

Try to express your feeling by telling your special someone the meaning of the roses you’ve just gave her. And with that, you may have just made that person be more impressed with you!

So why not send some roses to your loved ones today? It might not seem much of an effort on your side but think about it, wouldn't they be thrilled and surprised to receive a bouquet of roses say, in the middle of a boring day at work?

Free Hugs campaign...

There's a man who had been living in London when his world turned upside down and he'd had to come home. By the time his plane landed back in Sydney, all he had left was a carry on bag full of clothes and a world of troubles. No one to welcome him back, no place to call home. He was a tourist in his hometown.

Standing there in the arrivals terminal, watching other passengers meeting their waiting friends and family, with open arms and smiling faces, hugging and laughing together, he wanted someone out there to be waiting for him. To be happy to see him. To smile at him. To hug him.

So he got some cardboard and a marker and made a sign. He found the busiest pedestrian intersection in the city and held that sign aloft, with the words "Free Hugs" on both sides.

And for 15 minutes, people just stared right through him. The first person who stopped, tapped him on the shoulder and told him how her dog had just died that morning. How that morning had been the one year anniversary of her only daughter dying in a car accident. How what she needed now, when she felt most alone in the world, was a hug. He got down on one knee, they put their arms around each other and when they parted, she was smiling.

Everyone has problems and for sure his haven't compared. But to see someone who was once frowning, smile even for a moment, is worth it every time.




Sometimes, a hug is all what we need. Free hugs is a real-life controversial story of Juan Mann. A man whose sole mission was to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their lives. In this age of social disconnectivity and lack of human contact, the effects of the Free Hugs campaign became phenomenal.

The Free Hugs Campaign is an Internet-spread phenomenon that appears to have begun in June, 2004, and was widely publicized in 2006 by a music video on YouTube. The phenomenon involves individuals who offer hugs to strangers in public settings. The campaign is an example of a random act of kindness, a selfless act performed by a person for the sole reason of making others feel better. The original organizer has stated in interviews that the purpose is not to get names, phone numbers, or dates.

A video on YouTube was released on September 22, 2006, and by November 2007, had gained just over 20 million views. According to the video summary, it was recorded in Sydney. In the video, the main character who is giving out hugs, (identified as "Juan Mann", a pseudonym and a homonym of "one man"), walks through the Pitt Street Mall holding up a sign with the words FREE HUGS written on it. Music for the video is provided by Sick Puppies, an Australian band that Mann met a year earlier. Shimon Moore, the lead singer of the Sick Puppies who worked at the mall, shot the footage which he later compiled into a video for the song.

Initial distrust of Juan's motives eventually gave way to a gradual increase of people willing to be hugged, with other huggers (male and female) helping distribute them. After some time, security guards, then police told them they must stop, as Mann had not obtained public liability insurance worth $25 million for his actions. Mann and his companions used a petition to attempt to convince authorities that his campaign should be allowed to continue without the insurance. What we then witness is the true spirit of humanity come together in what can only be described as awe inspiring. His petition reached 10,000 signatures. He submitted it and was allowed to continue giving free hugs.

How fortunate we are...

English:


In fact, I'm fortunate. But I have never thought about it until now.

As a child, I lived my life through hardships. Parents got divorced after being born. Have not seen my father, even once. Poverty made my mother work for survival in other countries.

Being away from my own parents is a very difficult situation. No one would listen and no one would try to understand. That time, I really don’t know what it takes to be happy.

But I tried. Though I was happy, I wasn’t really comfortable and I couldn’t help being scared. I won’t be able to stay happy for long. It easily breaks after all. And even I, myself doesn’t understand it well. I had a mysterious feeling.

Now that I had grown up, got a vision of life, I finally understand the meaning of being happy, naturally. Yeah, like the small things in our normal existence. Like “Oh, the weather is so nice!” “The breeze feels so comfortable!” “Oh, that was beautiful!”.

If we could just see those simple things, if we could just feel the importance of those little things in our lives, I think I can say that we are fortunate!

With that, I know I’m living with happiness since the day I was born!



日本語：


実は僕幸せだった。でも、今まで全然考えたこともなかった。

子供の頃だいぶ苦労して生きてきた。生まれてから親が離婚。父も一度も見たことない。貧乏で母がほかの国で一か八か。

親と一緒に住めなくて、困難な状況。誰も聞いてくれない、誰も分かってくれない。あの頃の僕は幸せっていうことは何なのか、よく分からなかった。

でも、幸せになろうって頑張っていた。幸せなのに、居心地が悪くて、怖くて怖くて仕方がなかった。自分がずっと幸せでいれるはずがない、すぐに壊れるんだ、どうせ。そして、自分でもよく分からない。不思議な感じを抱いていた。

今大人になって、人生の先を読めて、やっと幸せの意味が自然と分かってきた。うん、そういうのさ、普通の暮らしの中の小さなこと。「いい天気だな～」とか、「風が気持ちいいね」とか「それがきれいだな～」とか。

そういうシンプルなものを見られれば、そういう小さなものの大切さを、感じていられれば、幸せなんだよって、僕は思うよな。

だから、生まれてから僕はずっと、幸せだと思うんだ！

Mom's overture...

You've got to watch this video! She's amazingly unbelievable!!! She really deserves a standing ovation!!!

However...

In your normal daily life, imagine if your mom does exactly the same things on her song 24/7... What are you gonna do???

In-love for the first time...

I think I just fell in-love...

I went to Tokyo for a business trip last week. As part of the trip, I went to the 40th Tokyo Motor Show to explore and check-out some new ideas and developments. With all the biggest motor company gathered, showcasing their new ideas and new car models, fanatics just got crazy! As usual, huge crowd and the area was packed!

And there she was... So attractive in black. The first time I saw her, I just can't take my eyes off. I wanted to feel her like I don't have another chance, like it was my last day here on earth. She's not the same slick sexy bitch that we use to see. She's rather wide but sporty with the beautiful curves on her body.

She's just so seductive with her arms wide open, literally inviting people to come to her. Of course, who's gonna resist the temptation with a gorgeous chick?! Everyone around her patiently waiting for their turn to take a picture with her. She's not mine yet, but I felt a little jealous when they came touching, feeling her smooth body.

But I played it cool. With that huge crowd, I know there is no chance for me to get close to her. So I just keep staring at her from a distance, trying to imagine what she've got in the inside. But the last thing I wanna know is her name... Coz if I could only get her name, I know there is a big chance for me to see her again.

And so I got it from her name plate...

Family Name: PORSCHE
First Name: CAYENNE
Middle Name: TURBO

Yes, you read it right!!! PORSCHE, CAYENNE TURBO - the embodiment of all Porsche values. I really fell in-love with her so badly that I wanted to have her as my own. I know it's hard. So I need to set my goal for the impossible to become possible. And so to Cayenne, I know it may take a long time, but I still believe in destiny.

Just for the record... For the first time in my life, I fell in-love with a car...

Nights in Tokyo...

You'll never gonna spend a boring night in Tokyo. As long as you're not afraid to explore and always ready for an adventure, for sure, you'll ganna have a memorable and splendid sojourn. Don't have any clue??? Well, read on and prepare for a satisfying journey!!!

If you don't have any idea where to stay, Ueno is highly recommended, where hotels are just a minute walk away from the train station. Besides being convenient, it's also of great significance in Japan history with a zoo, an old public park, a shrine, historical art museums, and of course, a nearby traditional wet and dry market. And so a walk around Ueno is just the beginning of a facinating experience.

If you're up for shopping, Harajuku should be your next destination. Or if you're a fashionist, try Shibuya -- Tokyo's center of fashion craze -- packed with people 24/7. However, if you're up for sight-seeing, a relaxing walk by the seaside at Odaiba is an option. But for people with a date, I highly recommend the beautiful illumination and ever so popular dating spot at Roppongi Hills.

Now, by this time, you may think that the night is over and probably ready to head home. Are you kiddin' me!? Hell no! Tokyo never sleeps! And the parties around Roppongi have just started! Whether you're alone or with someone, blending with people from different corners of the world is hassle-free. These people are gathered in every club of Roppongi just for one reason -- to party all night!

Clubs and bars in Roppongi are like paradise to me on a Saturday night. Anything can happen! Dirty dancing with someone, touching, slapping and squeezing someone's asses, deep kissing on the spot, or even a one night stand! All these are possible! All you have to do is do the talking and let the charm work! But for those coming with partners -- Beware! I ain't gonna recommend!

Just a simple advice -- You are partying with real party people. So don't try to seduce or get someone's attention by trying too hard. Be natural, be cool... And don't ever say "I like you" or "I'm fallin' for you" or "I wanna spend the rest of my fxckin' life with you." like you mean it. You'll never gonna get someone with that. Always remember, natural sense of humor always works!

But anyway, anyway, anyway... First things first – grab a drink! And when you're in there, it's all you!!! But let me tell you one thing for sure -- You'll probably gonna head home the next morning.

Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airline really lived up to its name. And it has become a trademark so well-known around the globe!

Oh, the first few statements may be misleading. This is not something Filipinos can be proud of. I'm not talking about their name as Philippine Airline. I'm talking about their acronym PAL, so popular worldwide, which simply stands for "Plane Always Late."

As I came to write something about this topic, I suddenly remember that the first ever flight I had was in fact with PAL. Of course, having your first ever experience to board a plane could be so exciting. But then the excitement was spoiled by an announcement. "Attention to all passengers of Philippine Airline Flight PR310, your boarding time has been delayed due to bla, bla, bla..."

I was 11 then, now I'm turning 25. That was almost 14 years and yet, Philippine Airline have no signs of getting their planes on scheduled time. My latest flight with PAL, it was like as usual. Here I was feeling so irritated. Then a foreigner sitting beside me, who is a frequent PAL flyer, calmly came to say, "It's nothing new..."

Woah, am I not a Filipino! And so, I was like, "Oh yeah, indeed!"

Basically, I don't think this reputation will give a huge organization like them any benefit. Surprizingly, it seems the business is good and they are still doing well!

So it makes me wonder...

Are these passengers contented with the way PAL operate, or they just don't have any options? Or maybe these passengers are used to it, that they willingly accepted the fact that Philippine Airline planes are always late? Is the Philippine Airline organization contented with this kind of reputation? And can we Filipinos, live-up with "Filipino Time" being globally referred to as always behind the schedule?

Anyway, PAL isn't the only one that should carry all the insult. This goes out to all the Filipinos in general. Believe me, it's in the blood. So the acronym PAL may after all, eventually mean "Philippine Always Late."

Day in the office...

English:

It's been so busy lately. I've been travelling for a week. In fact, I just came back home today.

Since I have nothing much to say today, I just leave you guys with a video of my day in my office. It's just a short video to let you have an idea about the nature of my work.

日本語：

最近、忙しい。　一週間の出張で、疲れてます！　実は今、家に帰ってきたところです。

今日は、特に何もないので、ビデオをアップロードします。オフィスにいる一日の俺の短いビデオだけです。まっ、つまらないと思いますが、どうぞ見てください。

Waiting for answers...

Lately, I'm so upset with the situation of the world we live in...

You come back home from work, switch your TV on for a routine news headlines, and the first thing that may pop-out from your screen are images of terror... Every single night, you can never miss an update of killings, bombings, religious war, worldwide threats, etc... And I'm so sick of it!

Hearing news like these seem like the future is so unclear. It seems danger is everywhere. I may exaggerate things but terrorism happened already before, and we know there are still possibilities for another one... Makes me worry sometimes.

Wasn't there a moment in your life when you thought the same? Have you ever worried? Or you simply just don't really care?

Well I do care... a lot! How I wish I am Superman, to stop all these, and bring back peace in this world, all by myself.

Things became so complicated today because of the 9/11 terrorism. It started all these uneasiness in our lives and all these threats in the world today. And we might have to witness another terror with Osama Bin Laden still out there, regrouping, still a threat.

Damn, how I wish to find this azzhole myself. And if I do, I'd kill him with my bare hands, then tear his mazzafxckin' gut'z into pieces...

In reality, I'm just another powerless individual after all. And all I can do is sit, watch, and ask, “When will this be over? How will this gonna end?

Questions still waiting for answers...

Sunday morning...

English:

Here's a video of my typical Sunday morning.

And for my readers to watch without feeling bored, the video was edited like a new version of Maroon 5's Sunday Morning music video.

And so, there you go... Enjoy!!!

日本語：

俺の典型的な日曜日の朝のビデオを添付しました。

ただのビデオだけで退屈だと思うので、マルーン５のサンデー・モーニングのミュージックビデオの新バージョンみたいに編集しました。

どうぞ、楽しんでください！！！

Marion Jones

"...and so it is with a great amount of shame that I stand before you and tell you that I have betrayed your trust."

"...I am responsible fully for my actions. I have no one to blame but myself for what I've done."

"...I have been dishonest and you have the right to be angry with me. I have let (my family) down. I have let my country down, and I have let myself down. I recognize that by saying that I'm deeply sorry, it might not be enough and sufficient to address the pain and the hurt that I've caused you. Therefore, I want to ask for your forgiveness for my actions, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

Marion Jones on a news conference (2007-10-05).

In a tearful apology, Marion Jones, winner of three golds and two bronze medals in 2000 Olympics, admitted she used steriods.

But wow! I say, what a revelation!!!

Indeed, this was a sad day for sport. But what a brave decision to finally admit the shameful act she had done. What a heart to face an angry world!!!

And so, to Marion Jones...

Though the world is upset, I still salute you for having the guts to face it, despite the consequences.

With the International Olympic Committee stripping you of your medals, you're not an Olympic champion anymore. But you became a different champion. You might just won the heart of many for your bravery.

Goodluck!!!

Video Introduction

Priceless...

It’s almost been a week since coming back from Philippines, but I’m still dosed with memories from the reunion party. All of it, amazingly “unforgettable”.

Now I’m back to work. I tell you, coming back to office after a 3-days break is like a pain in the ass. Even when I was still in Philippines, on the way to the airport, a customer called me asking for shipping confirmation and shipment details. Then 15 minutes later another one called me to discuss delivery problems of our new products.

It was like, “Damn, give me a break!”. It’s real crazy, I’m freaking out, makes me wanna run away. But I’m still fine, able to pick up the pieces from where I left off.

Well, going back to the party, there were mixed emotions of gladness, at the same time loneliness. ‘Coz there I was, so excited to go back, thinking of nothing else but ideas on how to make the party worth keeping for life. But then at the end of it, we have to part ways again, a setback that I didn’t see coming.

The welcome hugs were felt to the bones, I’ve been longing for it since I left Phils. But the hugs of saying goodbye once again were so deep that it touched my soul to the point that I don’t wanna let go. But then… gotta face reality!

I wanna thank everyone who joined that special moment. Thank them for the entertainment, for the intense battle over an undesirable prize, for teasing each other, for a shot of whiskey and vodka, for the karaoke, for all the crazy stuffs, for the surprises, etc.! And most of all, for giving everyone the chance to have a glimpse of each other.

I wanna thank them for those, coz they’re all equivalent to a one crazy unforgettable little reunion party. I’m not talking about mastercard, but indeed, that moment was PRICELESS!!!

Looking back...

My kind of job isn't right for people without patience.

In my case, I've been very patient but I'm about to lose it anytime now.

I'm flying tonight, but with some delivery problems going on, here I am on my desk, trying to convince clients over the phone, replying emails to customers from Japan, inspecting product samples from suppliers, waiting for shipping documents, etc... all these I need to finish within today.
Well I guess I did a great job! I'm about to take-off from my seat now, grab my luggage as I lead my way to the airport.

Oh my God! Can't believe this is happenin'! After long years, finally going back to where I started. I know this opportunity will come, and I believed that the only person in the world who can offer this opportunity to myself is myself alone. So I decided. It's gotta be now or never.

Yes, here I am, giving myself an opportunity to meet again, the people who has become a part of me growing-up. People I laugh and cry with, people I argue or fight with, people I listen to music with, people I once fell in-love with. Oh yeah, they're all the people who made me become a person like I am now. Never been so excited like this!

I'm not that so spontaneous when it comes to showing my emotions. So when I meet this people again at the party tomorrow, I'm not really sure what I'm gonna do. I might freak-out!

Anyway, I wish I can make them feel at home. How I wish to make this party bangin' for them.

Wish me goodluck!

Nothing permanent...

English:

There's nothing permanent except change...

I walked through life for almost 25 years. And lately, I came to notice an often taken for granted important thing.

“Change”.

The time I realized, I was like, “Oh, so this is life after all!”
Believe me; you’ll gonna understand life better when you try to relate it into “change”.

In my life, I believe that there’s no single thing in this world that never change. If ever there is, then that should be “change” itself.

Things in this world, we can’t just handle them with our own hands. If we could only control things so easily, then we can just make things happen the way we want them to be. But, it’s just so impossible for things to stay the same. As time passes, everything just keeps changing.

What we have now doesn’t mean we still have exactly the same one tomorrow. Someday, it may turn into something that we’ve been longing for or it goes the other way.

That’s why it’s always best to enjoy every moment.

日本語：

変化以外に、永久のものはない。。。

約25年間人生を歩んできた。そして、よく無視される一つ大事なことを最近気がついた。

「変化」

気ついたとき、人生ってこういうもんだ～って分かってきた。
これを信じろ；人生というものを「変化」につなげば、よく理解できるようになる。

この世に永久不変のものはないってことを信じている。もし、不変できるものがあるとすれば、それは「変化」そのものだ。

物事は自分の手に置けば、すぐにコントロールできるもんじゃない。そんな簡単にコントロールできるんであれば、すべては自分が思う通りでスムーズに進むはずでしょう。しかし、どんなに恒久に進んで欲しくても、あり得ない。時は流れ、あらゆるものは変化続ける。

今日ここにあるもの、明日も同じものが現れるとは限らない。いつか、希望していた何かに変わるかもしれない。あるいは、その反対になるかもしれない。

だから、あらゆる瞬間を楽しめば、いいんだ！

The Life Journal

English:

Everyone! CJ is in the house!

I've been thinking a lot whether to open a blog or not. Eventually, I finally decided to have one!

So why open my own blog? Well, there's some reasons for that.

One: I can write just anything I want to write. Opinions on certain issues, criticism, thoughts, etc. and whatever just come into my mind!

Two: Since I also want Japanese people to understand, I'll be posting Japanese version of some of my articles. This is my way of improving my Japanese speaking skills.

Three: Isn't it a great way to connect people?

So, for that reasons, I will try my best to make every article interesting, so that everyone's time will not be wasted.

And of course, I would be glad to receive any comments, reactions or suggestions!

So please, occasionally visit and have fun! Hope to see you often!



日本語：

どうも、どうも、CJですっ！

いろいろ考えたんだけど、結局ブログを作ることにした。。。
や～、どきどきやな～！！

さあ、何故作ることにしたんだろう？
まあ、いろんな理由で。。。

一つ： 自分の意見や考え方だとか、人になかなか言えないことだとか、まっ、とにかくどんなことでも、ここにぶつけようかなって思って。。。

二つ： それと、日本の方も読めるように毎回の記事を日本語で翻訳するんで、自分の日本語力も進歩させることできるでしょう！！

三つ： 人々をつなぐすばらしい方法ではないでしょうか？

というわけですので、皆の時間が無駄にならないように、毎回毎回面白い記事を頑張って書きますので、たまに遊びに来て下さい！

もちろん、コメント、反応、サジェスションを書いてくれれば、うれしいです！

では、では、では、、、　よろしく！