Evolve

"When people suggest we write a song, record, or sound like an previous record, that always floors me. I always wonder if the people suggesting this are musicians. If they are, do they only play the same chords and progressions or do they enjoy learning new chords, new arrangements, new ideas? This is really the case in anything you passionately pursue in life. Who wants to paint the same picture time and time again, write the same poem, live the same day over and over again? My favorite artists always evolve and when they stop, that's usually when I stop listening. Growing is the most important part of living." -Dave Elkins (vocalist of Mae)

I can never agree more on what Dave Elkins said when fans expects bands to write the same songs over and over again and how he related it life and growing up. Personally, I am on a phase what a lot of people dread of doing: moving on.

I've recently was accepted in a new job. After a couple of months of looking for work, I finally landed one and I'm ecstatic to start this coming Monday. Although I have a higher salary in my previous company, I'm still happy that I managed to find a job that I was really hoping to do. Career wise, it's the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm going to live the dream that I had when I was still a newly graduate and after passing the board exams.

I know how a lot of people from my former company thinks it's risky to leave with the amount they are currently earning. But if they know better, that's not a good enough reason to keep them from looking for better opportunities. I can't blame them though. This has been the toughest economic times in recent memory and it's almost suicidal to even ponder anything that's related to job resignation. It's understandable how anyone will think more about the short-term than the long-term results of our actions.

Is it just the money? I don't think so. After working for years on the same environment with the same people and sometimes with the same situations, some people have developed a phobia in experiencing uncertainties or what they call a "comfort zone" syndrome. But like what Dave Elkin said, "Growing is the most important part of living". Change doesn't come with a guarantee of a better life but it does give you the invaluable experience of learning.

Summer Destinations: Malapascua Island

Malapascua is an island located near Cebu. To get there you need to take a long bus ride (around 4 hours) from Mactan airport and almost an hour of boat ride from the nearby dock in Maya. It's quite far but it's all worth it once you've seen the white sand and crystal clear waters which reminds me of how Boracay looks like more than a decade ago.

The island is not that crowded during summer compared to more famous beaches like Puerto Galera or Boracay. But for me, the best time to go here is during off-peak seasons. It feels like you're all alone stranded on paradise. You can go all out nude if you like.

One of the best things on this island is the food. Compared to other destinations, Malapascua has nearby restaurants that sells not only great tasting food but cheap as well! The most famous is Ging Ging's, whose pancakes are to die for and very attentive staff.

If there's one place I won't mind going to over and over again, it would be Malapascua. For more info about this great place like how to commute, places to stay and contact persons just click here.

What kind of Nail are you?

Photo by Marcos André

Nails (the pin type fastener used in woodworking or construction) comes in different sizes and shapes. Depending on it's use and type of material that it will support or bind together. Personalities are a lot like nails. Some breaks before even putting a dent on the wood, some bend half-way through and there are those who penetrates the wood completely. In life, we get hammered by misfortunes and other sorts of problems but it's up to us to become that nail that will go through any obstacle that's put in front of us.

In sight of the insight

Recent events have lead me to this point in my life where it seems like I'm starting all over again. I'm not gonna lie... I'm scared of all the uncertainties that surrounds me. And in some days, I also feel depressed and lacking self-confidence if I'll be able to pull through this hole that I'm in.

I had a career, stable financial condition and worry free relationship with my girlfriend. Now, everything has turned 180degrees. I'm jobless, limited financial capability and a hot-cold love life. I'm in what is now more popularly known as "Recession".

But I've realized that I'm still blessed because not many people are given the chance to rebuild their lives and I'm in that very rare place where I have the opportunity to carve a path for myself. I don't think I have given my best yet and there's a lot more that needs to be done. Clearly, It's all up to me to do the hard work and focus on what I have right now and the positive things that's still going on.

I know it's not gonna be long that I will see myself looking back to this day and tell myself that I overcame another difficult phase in my life. Knowing that everything will come to full view how these series of events have re-shaped me to become a better person in every way. Equipped with a new set of tools that will help me succeed and more prepared to take on obstacles that life will throw at me in the future.

Like they say "Quitters never win. Winners never quit."

Top 10 Most Viewed Photos in my Flickr

I'm taking pictures of everything to remind me of the place that's so perfect for me...
-The Starting Line "Left Coast Envy

It has been a great 2008 year in photography for me. I purchased some cameras, traveled to many places and last but not the least, started this photoblog. Thanks to everyone who has been supportive to my craft and hopefully you've enjoyed looking at this pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.

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