It's been an amazing month.

I've been exploring new things, and meeting people in occupations I never knew existed in S'pore. For example, I just met an unlikely duo who have paired because of the engineering and design background to do some classified projects for our government. Amazing. Really brilliant people too.

How are you?

It's been a while. Exams around the corner. Feeling a little anxious and worried?

Hey it's normal to feel that especially now. It's perfectly human.

Fight the good fight until its over. It'll be November soon. Hang in there.

Love you all.

THANK YOU!

Hey guys,

Thanks to everyone who's been thinking of me, sending a post and sms-ing. I'm really touched you remember me still even though I've left teaching.

The truth is we are all teachers. Including you. Yes, you! Everyone is.

I want you to know that I miss you greatly and love you all.

God bless you!!!

Rafa & me - Downtown East playground

Wow. It's been a while since I posted. I know some of you have popping by my blog and asking what's up... so sorry...

During my absence I've been super busy with work and trying to squeeze in time with the family! And still am working hard as usual, to make things happen.

Here's an update. I've made it a point to read more books, and to immerse myself in the company of people who are positive & those who share similar aspirations as me. I may have shared with you in class: it's ok if you don't know everything... make sure you mix with people who know more and who can help you... learn from them and also give back to them in some way.

Today I met a business colleague. We connected easily because our intention is to support each other's business. We happen to share very similar priorities in life:

God, then
Family - Wife, Children, Parents (in that order), then
Health, then
Business.

For you my dear friends, could I switch the last with

Studies.

However if you are sitting for exams, pls prioritise and know what you must do. Hey I know the results are out for MT. How'd you do? either msn, email, tag me or sms me k.

Love you.

Kids having a wild time. Tung Lok, East Coast.

you're not forgotten

I've been REAALLL busy. Will keep you posted by end of the month. Hope you are all doing ok. Understand CT approaching soon. Keep at it and stay focused.

Love,
Pinto

Hey keep tagging your emails. I'm only gonna get back to those who tag. Pretty soon.
Seriously.
Really.
: )

READ THIS & LEAVE YOUR EMAIL

To you beautiful people reading this:

I am taking a short break from blogging as I may be travelling a bit now & then. (I will still be around on Saturdays so guys don't worry - everything is on as per normal).

FOR EVERYONE, pls keep in touch and do tag your email so I can keep you posted now and then of interesting stories that will motivate, inspire and hopefully make a difference in your life.

Remember to include your name. EG:

John jtay@singnet.com.sg

I would like to express how much I care and believe in you. You are great just as you are. Each and every single one of you. I do not take you for granted, I value your time and thank you tremendously for your being a part of my life. I really and sincerely hope you continue to be a part of it and grow together with me, and lets continue to be friends.

Thank you for reading my blog and being an avid supporter. I just want to say you are worth all the tired nights I stayed up to blog or post something funny. : )

I have more I want to share with you, so pls remember to leave your email.

In addition, for those who leave your email I'll also keep you updated on what I'm currently doing / working on.

I love you guys very, very much. Sooooo much.

I'll keep in touch. Promise.

Here's one before I go:

Darth Vader to Elmo: Who's your DADDY??? LOL

Thanks Aniysh, I appreciate the CN pics!

LOL. I couldn't help posting this. Cookie Monster having a healthy diet with no more cookies...

Started the day at the Good Shepherd Cathedral. Remembered two friends going through a rough time and said a short prayer for them. One had a close relative pass away, another has an important decision to make in his life. Prayer is an important part of our family life, and my life.

I’ve been sitting ‘on a work-related problem’ for a few days. It’s been on my mind, and I’ve been racking my brain trying to find a solution. Last night I was asking a lot of questions about what and how I could do to solve this problem. I must have dozed off and fallen asleep while thinking about it.

Suddenly this morning, midway through breakfast, an idea crossed my mind… and EUREKA! Everything connected and I found a solution to my problem!!! It was funny because I was enjoying my kaya bread and egg and wasn’t even thinking about it!!!

Have you ever experienced this before? It’s as though I threw the problems to the back of my mind and somehow a solution came out of it.

After breakfast I proceeded to Carlton hotel for a briefing.

Later we meet with a couple of vendors, to formalize an agreement.

Had Sakae Sushi for lunch.

Meeting a lovely couple tonight to discuss some future plans.

Hey anybody wants to learn more about Bali let me know as I just completed a mini-project on it which just ended today.

Someone sent this to me. Quite funny...

Determination

I'm sure thousands of businesses that statistically should have failed are successful today because of the determination of their owners.

• In the first 3 years in the auto business, Henry Ford went bankrupt twice.
• Coca-cola sold 400 Cokes in its first year.
• Apple Computer was rejected by Hewlett-Packard and Atari.

I remember I once conversed with a friend (who was in marketing) how many calls he would make to a prospect before giving up. He told me: "It depends on which one of us dies first."

Determination is what keeps us hammering away. As Vince Lombardi said, "It's not whether you get knocked down. It's whether you get up again."

Look at Mother Teresa. The tiny nun brought world attention to the plight of the poor through her quiet determination.

Just because the going gets tough, it doesn't mean you should throw in the towel. Be like a postage stamp. Stick to it until you get there.

Today was a great Saturday.

Morning enrichment: so nice to see everyone. I'm really enjoying my Sat mornings, like the highlight of my week!!!

Afternoon enrichment: time spent bonding with Mike & Gabs. Mike's gonna go for his TKD grading soon. He's preparing for his yellow belt.

I had some friends over to my house in the evening. Some brought their kids. It was nice seeing the kids really enjoying themselves. I've not been spending too much time with my kids this week. It's been very busy and I'm feeling guilty. I had no time to get the gelato ice cream too. I have to make up for them.

Met a friend I haven't seen for 5 years, and we had a good time catching up. It reminds me of how important it is to keep in touch. Time flies.

Cultural Nite pics

Krystle.


Dinner kaki.


Shu Mei...


Elisse & Sammy... doesn't she look like a doll?


The heart break kid, Shaun.

Cultural Night

Ms Khalidal, if you're reading this, YOU DID GOOD! I enjoyed your production!!! :D

I also really enjoyed catching up with all you guys there. I really miss you all. It was good to see so many faces and though I didn't see everyone, I'm sure we will meet again.

I didn't bring my camera, so for those who were there can you pls send me the pics or let me know where I can get them so I can put them up and remember you on this night.

Love you guys.

Had a wonderful dinner with Seng Choon, Peng Jie, Shannon, Shili, Melody Loh, Jia Hao and Daren at BK, PS. We had a good laugh and we also got a little lost finding ACS. I like the guy with the best shoes. I hope he's reading this. Lol. We must get out more often.

Thanks for the lift James. CO SIR!!!

Today was fun. I'm looking forward to tomorrow!!!

NETWORK INTELLIGENCE

Every Thursday, I meet some friends at 7.30am for about 2 hours and have breakfast together next to Raffles Place.

Barter trader, civil lawyer, educational consultant, finance expert, gelato importer (yeah!), 2 IT solution providers, property agent (she's hot!), a florist (he's hot too! Lol), a lady who owns an audit firm, aesthetics franchise owner, a couple working on corporate branding, and a few others. 22 of us for now. All in business, some are business owners, big shots and little shots. And then there's me. Offering them something they don't have, yet need.

We form a network. Even though we're from different trades, we're linked by the common understanding that its better to have friends and share ideas and refer contacts to each other than to try to make it on our own. Word of mouth referral is the best form of referral you know. There's a nice word I like to use: leverage. Why do it alone when you can have an extended arm helping you and vice versa?

I learnt this principle in school, and you may have heard me saying it to you in class before: don't just study hard, study smart and learn from those who know more / better. Don't be shy to make friends with those you think are cleverer than you and can help you. That's what I did. If I hadn't, I would have probably flunk my chemistry! If you can, offer to share what you know too. It's better to have a smart friend than to work alone and have no one to turn to! Guess what, it applies in working life too! But nobody's going to tell you to mix with people who have got more knowledge or expertise to help you.

Take it from me: in life, there are times when you don't have to know everything as long as you know people who do.

That's work too. But working smart. If you're studying in school, STUDY SMART.

And when you start to work, call me and I'll be your coach again and your mentor to show you the first steps. Whether you're interested in business, or just need a friend... : )

You are what you read

I remember someone sharing this with me when I was a teenager: You are what you read.

It is true you can learn much from reading good books. I believe I am finally making reading a daily habit. I spend half an hour every day reading while commuting. I find its addictive in a way, and boy do I actually enjoy it!

Incidently, do you also know you are what you eat?

If there is any truth in that, I must be a chocolate banana nut!!! LOL

So what food are YOU??? Tag me if you dare share... just for fun!

I sms-ed an ex-colleague how I missed not going to school today.

I really miss all you guys reading this.

Hope to see you real soon.

A Simple Formula for a Meaningful Life

I'm halfway through a book called "Tuesdays with Morrie" written by Mitch Albom. Simple to read, yet beautiful insights about life. Here's an excerpt on finding a meaningful life:

"Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating, something that gives you purpose and meaning."

Hmm... Love others and do something purposeful.

Now that's a life formula I could live by.

Choose your direction carefully

This one's for all you guys who are starting school term tomorrow.

Plan your path well. Choose the wrong way and you could be a goner.



It is important to remain focused on your goals and outcomes and stay on the right path.

Have a good week!

Fears vs Dreams

Today somebody asked "What do you fear the most?"

I shrugged my shoulders. Okay I will be honest I am fearful of a few things.

I am fearful of working until old age, cos they're prolly gonna raise the bar and say we have to work until 70, if we live that long.
I am fearful of having poor health.
I am fearful of what would happen to my family should I die young.

I see having dreams as the positive way of looking at things, cos you know the direction you want to head. I don't want to live or focus on my fears. I guess I should make provisions and start working towards these things so there's no need to be fearful.

What are your fears? Better yet, what are your dreams? Care to share?

I've discovered that believing the best in people usually brings the best out of people.

Mark Twain said, "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."

The question to ask ourselves: Do I believe in the best of others?

"Excuse me, I've got cancer and I'm a survivor"

Today I was talking to a friend. She's about my age and has been through a lot of challenges in her life. The latest is cancer. I wish you could meet her and hear her story. I asked and she gave me permission to share a bit about her on my blog.

She shared about how her life is so precious to her now, and she wants to pass the message to people she meets that you have to treasure every moment and make the best of your time whatever you do. And how we should really take care of our health from young! She shared with me her sufferings and how much she's spent so far on treatments alone (over $30k). And how she's scared because she can have a relapse anytime.

She was laid off work and had difficulty finding a job after her chemotherapy. I felt sorry for her. So I thought for a moment how I could help her without letting her feel like I was doing it just because I felt sorry for her. I shared with her my business plan and offered her to join me if she felt she was up to it. "After all, I'm looking for a good secretary," I winked.

Just wanted to share that this lady has such an optimism about her. It certainly made me reflect on my life when I was with her. I wonder what would I do differently if I was told I had cancer or some incurable disease?

What would you do differently? Lets not wait until we should hear such news. I hope we don't contract any terminal illnesses, but I hope you and I learn to live life to the fullest.

When I got home from work, I was informed that my son did his poo poo inside his pants. This son of mine likes to bluff especially when he does this. So I was very careful how I approached him. Here's how our conversation went:

Dad: Rafa , if you tell me the truth, I will understand. Daddy doesn't like lies. And if you lie to me, and I find out, I will spank you. Do you understand?

Rafa: (Nods his head in understanding).

Dad: Good. Did you uh-uh-uh in your pants today?

Rafa: Noooo...

Dad: Rafa, don't lie...

Rafa: Noooo.... Daddy I did not uh-uh-uh in my pants...

Dad: Rafa, I'm warning you...

Rafa: ...I uh-uh-uh in my UNDERWEAR!

Dad: ... (looking at Rafa, speechless)...

Rafa: ... (looking at Dad then points his finger at me)... HA HA HA.....

I kept my poker face even though it was really quite funny. My wife who was watching was trying not to laugh at me. Good one!!! My kid has a great sense of humour!

So does humour overcome disappointment? And is all forgiven? ABSOLUTELY!

So there was no spanking. : )

A Warrior

A man with a dream will not be denied. A man with a dream is like a warrior. A warrior is someone who cannot be stopped. He will go all out and achieve his mission.

I am such a warrior. So are you.


Pic from The Last Samurai.

Someone feels like a somebody today...

Today, one of my colleagues was having a tough morning. I could see something was bothering her and it was affecting her work. So I listened to her during lunch as she shared her problems. After that, I told her that she's really doing an incredible job and that I support her 100% when it comes to her doing her work. I meant it. I saw her whole face lit up. "So you ok?" I asked. "I feel like an important person," she replied.

I think the recognition and my belief in her ability helped her feel "like a somebody."And by the looks of things, she performed her office duties a lot better in the afternoon!

When you believe in people, every day is a terrific day. Why? Because every morning brings a day in which someone's life can change.

Everyday is an opportunity for us to make a difference in someone else's life.

I hope my colleague continued to have a great day, and hopefully, she'll have a great week. I hope you do too. : )

BTW, If you're planning to be in orchard and would like to meet up for lunch... send me an sms to let me know!

Father's Day

It's Father's Day.

I'm grateful for the gift of Fatherhood. I'm far from being a perfect father. I do feel disappointed in myself sometimes when I fall short of being the kind of father I strive to be. A father's work is a great responsibility. Say what you will... to be a father isn't easy. Especially when it comes to role modeling and wanting what's best for their kids.

I know my Dad did his best to raise us. And now I understand the rotans I received were necessary when I did those regrettably dumb things when I was a lot younger. Like breaking my brother's album (its like a cd) because he took my toy. Whack! Like secretly throwing away the green vegetables I was supposed to eat into the garden. Whack! Like losing my brother's expensive bicycle which he bought with his own money. Double whack! Though it was painful (the rotans), I see now that it was my father's love behind it that made me realise right from wrong. His motives were the best for me, to grow up into the kind of person he would be proud of.

I'm sure your Dads are proud of you, although they may not say it. They are doing their very best for you. You are their child, a precious one in your father's (and mother's) eyes. No matter what.

Read this again: You are special, precious and beautiful in their eyes. No matter what.

Forgive us, your fathers, if we fall short of your expectations, we are just doing our best, in the best way we know how.

Hey, if your Dad is still around, it's a great day to give your Dad a hug, tell them that you love them or just say thank you. And its never too late even after today, but just find the courage and do it. As difficult and awkward as it is for you.

Hey Dad-o. You're far far away, but know that I truly love you.

"The time is now."

For the those reading this, the song title says it all. It happens to be Stoneman's favourite song.

Dedicated to my friends.

Enjoy it.

Friends who will "go to battle with you"

You may have friends, but not all of them will be the kind to stick with you when you need them. Such friendships are special.

It's said that a friend is someone...

• who will keep your secrets and never divulge them - even if tortured or tempted with chocolate (or in my case, Ben & Jerry's choc chip ice cream!)
• who will lift you up when you are down
• who listens to you even though they may disagree with what you're saying
• who may at times embark on something with you not so much because they personally believe in it, but because they want to do it with you and support you

Friends who will stick with you are that - and then some. They'd face any danger with you. They'd do anything for you. They'd give anything of theirs to you.

I read a story once about two soldier friends. When one of them was injured on the battlefield and couldn't get back to safety, his buddy went out to get him, against his officer's advice. He returned wounded, and his friend, whom he had carried back, was dead.

The officer was angry. "I told you not to go," he said. Now I've lost one and you're useless. It was not worth it."

The injured man replied, "But it was, sir, because when I got to him, he said "hey, I knew you'd come back."

Unlike what these two men faced, the conflicts we face may not be on the battlefield. They may not be life or death. No matter what, wouldn't you prefer to face them with a friend at your side? If so, be a friend to others, the kind that others can trust, no matter what.

The people whom we can really call as friends we can count on are few. It's also true that we may not be that kind of friend to all people. But if there are people in your life who would "go to battle with you," value them, for they are rare indeed.

I'd like to say a very special thank you those who know me personally, who have been with me and would be with me when I need someone in my corner. This especially goes out to V, RP, "stoneman" and Ed P. People I trust who have shown their friendship to me when it was not asked for. It means a whole lot to me. Thanks, guys!!!

Work.

Shopping at Centerpoint. The Great Singapore Sale is still on. Lunch at Sanur Restaurant.

Kung Fu Panda with wife and kids. It was hilarious. LOL.

Gardening.

I had an enjoyable dinner with my ex-5N1s (07) at Hong Kong Cafe, Kovan. Thanks Yu Heng for organising the makan. It was a great turn-out. Lovely company, but same lame jokes la! Lol. Its just incredible how time flies and now you're all in tertiary institutions... hey do fill me in once in a while so I can keep track of your developments. : )


L to R: Yee Ling, Li Xian, Ivan, Pei Ling, Edwin, Gui Qing, Vinod, Hui Yu, me, Boon Peng (Emily), Ragu, Boon Kwang, Sandy, Alvin, Yuh Yang, Jamie, Jian Long, Eshlyn, Yu Hua, Yu Heng, Wei Liang!


The serious (right) and not-so-serious (left)...


With the well-composed ladies...


and the merry men... It sure was nice to meet up again. Thanks for having me, thanks for the treat, and thanks for the bottle of wine.

The pics are uploaded and with Mr Nice Guy.