Death of Sec. Angelo Reyes an Admission of Guilt

Filipinos from all walks of life are now teary eyed by the departure of Sec. Angelo Reyes as followers and supporters will surely remember him as a dedicated soldier and government official. You would want to ask yourself a question regarding the timing of such an incident as suicide certainly connotes a different meaning altogether.

Reyes was rushed dead on arrival at the Quirino Medical Center one sad morning on the 8th of February due to a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. The former AFP Chief-of-Staff decided to put matters in his own hands during a visit to the wake of his parents at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City. Reyes was scheduled to appear at at congressional hearing to discuss the abnormalities about the Garcia plea bargaining agreement during the same date but was able to submit a letter to the committee declaring that the late Secretary will not be able to attend the hearing.

Secretary Angelo Reyes was obviously bothered by his conscience in light of the recent revelations of Lt.Col. George Rabusa at the Senate hearing a few days back. May his death be the beginning of a statewide investigation in regards to the conversion of funds of the AFP. This type of activity has been around long before our ancestors were born and is nothing new in a corrupt developing country such as the Philippines.

May this be the guiding light that will shed some truth to the whole issue. The Senate should increase all efforts to uncover the truth. Senators Trillanes and Estrada have nothing to be worried about as they were simply doing their job.

As for the late Secretary Reyes, it would have been more patriotic if he decided to take sides with the people and finally spoke about the rampant corruption happening within the walls of the AFP. His death is not the end of it all. In fact, further complications may arise from this simple but morbid admission of guilt.

Novena to Saint Jude

May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, loved in all tabernacles until the end of time, Amen.
May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised and glorified now and forever, Amen.

St.Jude pray for us and hear our prayers, Amen.

Blessed be the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Blessed be the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Blessed be Saint Jude Thaddeus in all the world and for all eternity.

O glorious apostle, St.Jude Thaddeus, true relative of Jesus and Mary,
I salute you through the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Through this heart I praise and thank God for all the graces He has bestowed upon you.
Humbly prostate before you,
I implore you through the heart to look down upon me with compassion.
Oh, despise not my poor prayer,
let not my trust be confounded.
To you God has granted the privilege of aiding mankind in the most desperate of cases.
Oh, come to my aid that I may praise the mercies of God.
All my life I will be grateful to you, and will be your faithful client until I can thank you in heaven,
Amen.

The short prayer mentioned above is a novena to Saint Jude Thaddeus. Make a deep affirmation about your intentions or wishes and pray intently.

Remember that no problem is too big for the Lord Almighty. We all have our ups and downs. We all undergo hardships in life. There comes a time when we encounter the crossroads in life and have a hard time deciding what to do.

Life is all about love.

The Lord is about Love.

Love the Lord above all, and learn to love oneself fully.

Only then can you learn to love others and spread the joy that life has in store.

Try

Misery is always part of the equation.
In life, you learn to give yourself fully as an expression of true love.
You learn to forget hate.
You learn to think of others first before yourself.
You learn to shut up when in fact it is really time to talk.
You learn to divulge in your own feelings and consider the feelings of others as a priority.
You learn to do things you do not normally do and enjoy it in the process.
You learn to forget luxury and focus on necessities instead.
You learn to love by sacrificing yourself.
It is through the above manifestations that love has truly presented itself.
But what about misery?
Self sacrifice will eventually take it's toll.
Love is the sole purpose of our existence.
This you should figure much.
But loving oneself is far more important than loving others.
It is through self growth that you learn to improve on loving yourself.
Only then should you consider the act of self sacrifice.
Only then that love can be openly given.
Only then that your soul can truly express the depths of your capability to love.
With no hate.
No misery.
And above all, no regrets.
Misery is a result of inadequacy.
Inadequate love.
Inadequate attention.
Inadequate expression.
Inadequate passion.
Learn to love yourself more.
Learn to pay attention to what your body and soul desires.
Learn to express yourself fully with no apprehensions.
Learn to harness your passion and never stop improving under any circumstances.
Passion is a manifestation of love.
This kind of love is inherent in any individual and should not be wasted at all.
Passion is an expression of self love.
Passion is a gift from God.
Misery should not deter you from expressing love.
Or passion at it's worst.
In fact, misery should let you gauge your thoughts and emotions.
Misery should inspire you to become a better person.
Misery should uplift the soul and energize the body towards improvement.
Misery is not the enemy.
You are the enemy.
Only you can harness and control the demons that forever linger inside your head.
Only you can create a harmonious environment to nurture passion and express love.
It is through you that the world can truly change.
It is through you that love can be openly given and felt.
Love yourself.
Love others.
And love the Almighty above all else.
It never hurts to try.

Special thanks to Wallace Wattles and Albert Einstein.

Auto Repair and Maintenance

It would be great to talk about cars for a change. Talking about auto repair and maintenance, when was the last time you checked the oil inside your engine? Did you know that this task should be done at least every week? Certified car enthusiasts have the habit of checking their engine oil everyday, especially those who have tuned engines. High performance engines require frequent oil changes to optimize power and efficiency.

When it comes to auto repair and maintenance, always entrust the services of a certified and qualified repair shop with years of experience in the auto industry. It does not mater if you happen to drive a simple, mundane compact or a high end sports car. Sure, modern metallurgy enable engines to perform at higher compression and heat ratios but proper maintenance is essential for a smoother driving car.

Courtesy of Repairpal.com

Notice the kind of cars that traverse our roads today? It used to be dominated by huge SUV's and pick up trucks that guzzle gargantuan amounts of fuel. The roads are now dominated by small and compact cars that offer fuel efficiency with an acceptable level of performance. The default brand for mid size cars would have to be the Toyota Camry and is a worthy alternative to other brands offered in the market. And why not? The Camry is sized just right for the intended task and offer the ride oppulence similar to luxury brand Lexus. The engines are torque rich and fuel efficient given the Camry's portly weight but would still succumb to heavy wear and tear when not properly maintained. The Camry (or any other Toyot for that matter) is a smart investment in that it offers reliability at a considerably friendly price. Remember that modern cars are governed by sophisticated computers and ECU units so careful consideration should be given in the event of a check engine light. This particular warning light is located on the dash as acts like a diagnostic tool to arn the driver of immediate engine repair and/or maintenance.

New car owners should take note. It is okay to do car maintenance at home provided that you know sufficient knowledge about auto repair and maintenance. Always read the owners manual for proper maintenance and repair tips. Always consult an expert in auto repair for all your maintenance needs. This means you always get the most out of your hard earned money. It never hurts to ask around or look for qualified repair shops in your area and get an estimate based on the job you want done. Like going to a doctor, it helps to get a second opinion regarding car repair.

                                                     

Why Aaron Matters

This is a story worth telling and is designed neither to inspire nor draw pity from the reader. A lot of people are probably under the same plight and already suffering from within. There is nothing more painful than being taken for granted or being misinterpreted for every action. Emotional pain is something we all have to deal with. The demons inside might prevent you from taking logical action-instead it provokes a sense of desperation and haunting. Read on and try to assess yourself based on the story below.

Nobody understands Aaron. He is a sensitive guy with a love for life and everything that is offered by the Almighty. He never thinks about himself and focuses on the people around him. It don't matter if he's hungry or craving for much needed attention; in fact, everybody around him comes first. He makes it a point to be jovial and cordial at the same time, despite being lonely as hell.

Aaron wants to die, and he hates life to the fullest.

He was brought up by caring parents whom he loves dearly. His father is touted to be the best dad in the world and considers him to be his best friend. Everything that Aaron is..the way he talks, the way he moves and the way he thinks is a direct result of his father. His father made sure that Aaron grew in a well loved environment and sent him to the best schools in order for him to sustain much needed knowledge to the fullest. Aaron did his best to be the man that he is but grew up to be spoiled and dependent on his parents.

Nothing wrong there you might say, and you're probably right.

His mother loves him so dearly and considers him to be the apple of her eye, as what all mothers should do. Aaron loves her dearly and could not imagine what life would be like without her. He was given everything that he wanted including all the luxuries that life could give him.

Yes, life was good for Aaron.

But why is Aaron feeling this way?

Aaron is a deep thinker. He likes to ponder on all aspects of life and tries very hard to explore his inner being.

Life made a sudden downturn and Aaron was caught unprepared. Yes, he gave up all the luxuries in exchange for a simpler life and was actually cool with it.

But with all the hardships came pain; not the kind that would break bones and cause painful scars. It was much worst than that.

Aaron came to a point when he no longer gets the attention he deserves. It seems he is surrounded by people he loves dearly..so much, in fact, that he is willing to give up EVERYTHING just to make things work.

Aaron is far away from home and has no access to the family spirit and support that he used to enjoy.

He keeps saying to himself, "..I wonder what is wrong..why am I feeling this way?"

"I never think about myself. My personal life be damned!"

"Do I really need to shout just to be heard? Do I really need to pound the walls and watch my hand bleed in agonizing pain before somebody listens to my heart?"

Words don't mean much to Aaron. He prefers to observe the people around him, and somehow has the talent to correctly judge a persona even without directly knowing who the person is.

He was blessed with a kind heart and a personality that everyone will surely enjoy. He connects with everyone rich or poor, man or woman, human or otherwise.

Of course Aaron is not perfect. Nobody is! But he prefers not to think about such things.

What is important is that the people around him are comfortable, no matter what the circumstance. That's the kind of person Aaron is.

He is capable of too much love that the only thing he asks in return is a little attention and a smidgen of sensitivity to the people around him.

He deserves it! He has sacrificed so much..to the extent of not being with the family he loves most.

Aaron has a brother that he loves dearly. He is prepared to do everything for him, much in the same way that he is prepared to do everything to everyone he loves.

His brother is the complete opposite of what Aaron is, but it is this kind of distinction that makes Aaron love him more.

He is prepared to battle life and limb, all in the name of brotherly love. And his brother knows this. It is in this regard that Aaron feels secure when he is with his brother, as the two share a common bond that never fades even when they are apart.

You might be wondering why the hell Aaron is so depressed and feeling so much pain..up to the point that he wants to die.

It is because despite all the effort he puts in his everyday life, Aaron is most often misinterpreted by the people around him. Despite all the love that he manages to give..despite all the sacrifices that he makes.

And it is in this regard that pain fills his heart and managed to corrupt his soul.

He is looking to escape the reality that surrounds him, and could think of no better way than giving up his life.

But the thought of his family makes him strong, even when strength is nowhere to be found.

He does not need much attention.

He does not need much support.

What Aaron needs is understanding; but not the kind that you get from friends.

True friends are there no matter what the situation may be and Aaron is lucky to be surrounded by friends that really care about him.

But every person in the world is looking for a kind of support that reaches deep into the soul. Something that will not only uplift the mind but the spirit as well.

Aaron will not die, nor give up his life just to be heard, praised or even seen.

He fears the Almighty for all his negative thoughts and even regrets the idea of giving up his life.

He is left with no choice but to just keep silent and keep every rant upon himself.

It is in this regard that you, the reader, should never take anyone for granted.

Not all people are the same and you have to be sensitive to the people around you.

Life is not all about you and you alone. There is something much bigger than that.

Look around you..when was the last time that you hugged your friend? Your parents? Your brothers and sisters? Your dog or cat?

Your lover? Your husband or wife?

Think about it. Someone around you must be feeling a pain far greater than what Aaron is feeling right now. And not all people are like Aaron, either.

DO NOT take someone for granted, especially the people that you love the most.

Would you like to feel the kind of pain that Aaron is going through?

Share a moment with your loved ones and cherish their presence each and every day of your existence in this world, no matter how hard life could be.

Remember that life is short. Every second that ticks by is a wasted opportunity to express love and give thanks.

Thank your father for being the man that he is.

Thank your mother for bringing you up in this world.

Thank your brothers and sisters for all the good and bad times that you shared together.

Thank your significant other for sharing this wonderful life together.

And what about Aaron?

Despite all the demons that fill his heart and mind, he still finds compassion to fully understand that life is not about him.

It is about how you continue to give yourself to others while never asking for anything in return, even when it hurts the most.



Blog Networking in Real-time

Welcome to Cars and Relationships

Image courtesy of pictures-of-cars.com

This blog is meant to appeal to the man or woman who happens to have nagging questions about cars and relationships. Why this combination, you may ask?

Well to tell you frankly, I happen to know a lot about car maintenance, car reviews and unbiased opinions about the various makes and models of cars. Yes, I am a car enthusiast and have been so since puberty. Let me just clarify that I am by no means a know-it-all car guy. Yes I am a man, and a sensitive one at that. Which brings us to our next topic..

Image courtesy of http://www.iamatechie.com/

Relationships are the root cause of happiness and frailty in every human being. It is by connecting with other people that our emotions are exercised and practiced as human beings. A happy relationship, whether the married or going out kind, is an accurate meter of how we feel and how our life will transpire in the future.

I'm just a small voice trying to make a difference in life.

I am first and foremost a struggling businessman engaged in the garments trade. I am also a writer with a deep passion for the beauty and functionality of the automobile. Cars inspire me to be better and maintain a positive attitude. Cars are also the window to my inner soul. It is with cars that I feel free and in control of my life.

But I am also a friend. I love answering questions about cars and ultimately, relationships as well. Such is the purpose of this blog. Feel free to ask questions, no wonder how mundane it would be. Let this page be a comfort zone where you can express all your thoughts and sentiments. Feel free to make this site as your car, as it it is for me. It never hurts to express your thoughts in one way or another. In fact, it's a good way to express creativity.
                                                                    

Car Engine Repair Tips: Understanding your Car Engine

Image courtesy of http://www.turbomagazine.com

Every car owner will encounter a few problems with the car engine every once in a while and this holds true for most pre owned or used cars. Buying brand new is preferred but in today's trying times, most people only have enough money to buy a used car.

Nothing wrong with buying a used car. This topic will be discussed in another time but for those with minor engine problems (such as sputtering, engine vibrations, inability to start, hesitation when accelerating, etc.) these few helpful tips might save you a lot of money and the hassles of being duped by an opportunist mechanic or repair shop.

ENGINE PROBLEM 1: CAR WOULD NOT START


If your car fails to start in the morning (or at random occurrences during the course of the day) it would be best to first check these 3 vital components:

• car battery
• ignition
• starter

If your car refuses to start, press the horn button on the steering wheel. If the horn sounds unusually weak, or if the car interior lights are dim then your car could have a weak battery. The battery connections could also be loose. Pop open the hood and check for looseness on the battery cables. Have the battery replaced in the event of a weak, old or dead battery.

The ignition components would also have to be checked. The would include the spark plugs, ignition cables and distributor. Most modern cars run on a distributor-less system and if this is the case, then the condition of the spark plugs would have to be determined. You would either have to replace or clean the existing spark plugs to eliminate engine problems. Worn out or dirty spark plugs will affect engine starting performance.

If an unusual sound is heard when cranking the engine, then the engine starter would have to be checked. Unfortunately, you will have to hire the services of an expert and trustworthy mechanic to properly determine the condition of the starter. Remember that the car engine starter is quite durable and could last the life of the car. It is not unusual, however, to replace the starter at least every 4 or 5 years on abused and neglected cars.

ENGINE PROBLEM 2: ENGINE HESITATION and POOR ACCELERATION


If you step on the gas pedal and feel a slight hesitation or poor acceleration, then special attention should be given regarding this matter. All things being normal, changing the spark plugs and the engine oil is usually enough to get the most performance from your car engine. But if the problem persists (especially on automatic transmission model cars) then the car would have to be checked by an authorized dealer or repair shop.

It could be the result of a sensor problem. Modern engines rely on various sensors to properly operate and one such sensor that is vital to engine performance is the crankshaft position sensor. It is then important to read more about the symptoms of a bad crankshaft position sensor to solve engine problems that lead to hesitation and poor acceleration.

Engine Problem 3: Engine Knocking


This sound is often referred to as the sound of "crashing bottles" and is often prevalent when climbing steep hills or when accelerating. The quality of fuel you put into your car is the leading cause of engine knocks. A dirty combustion chamber could also result to these annoying sounds. Changing the spark plugs and using the required type of fuel/petrol in your car will help eliminate knocking and pinging.

A dirty fuel injector, fuel filter and fuel line will also starve the engine of the right mix of fuel and air, leading to pre detonation or engine knocks. Commercially available additives will help solve the problem but remember to read the instructions on the bottle carefully. Check your owners manual regarding the use of car engine and fuel injector cleaners.

Car maintenance will play a crucial part in determining the life and performance of your car engine. Every car owner should practice diligent car maintenance not only to make the most out of your ownership experience but to preserve the environment as well. With proper maintenance, potential car engine problems could be avoided.