What Are Friends For - The Value of Friendship

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People are as diverse as the stars in the entire universe and are unique in their own ways. We differ vary according to race, creed, political views, religious beliefs, DNA and culture. Such is the wonders of true friendship as this type of relationship can cross the barriers of space and time. Space, because no matter where you or your friend is, the fact remains that you are still friends. And nothing can change that. Time, because even after the passage of numerous years, you and your friend are still connected and even remember the jolly good times of the past. friendship knows no boundaries and-dare i say it-can even be more powerful than agape love.

Friends are companions that somewhat share the passion as you, although not directly. For example, both of you could be artistic and could excel in the different fields of the Arts. Friends could be man, woman or anything in between. Friendship could even transcend species, as your dog is thought to be all the friend you will ever need (and they are indeed wonderful creatures to have!) Friendship is universal and can be developed quickly or overtime. No man could ever explain this phenomenon except the fact that human beings are social creatures and are designed to interact with one another. 

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The Almighty has given us a perfect set of senses to be able to interact with the people (and animals) around us. Of course, as previously mentioned above, not all people are the same. Conflicts could arise between friends and would put a strain on the relationship. Other friends can spread nasty rumors which may affect your friendship with others. To the married couple out there, your partner is supposed to be your best friend as the two of you are now bound by the sacrament of matrimony. But have you ever treated your partner the same? How do you treat your best friend?

The painful thing about life is that it is always too late to realize what you have done, and wish you could do something about it in the first place. No human being is perfect, especially when emotions come into play. Too much emotion will rob you of logical thinking. 

The good thing about life is that it is never too late to correct all the wrongdoings that may have affected your life early on. This means there is always a chance to rekindle lost friendships, no matter what type of friendship you are in. People change and they do all the time. But again as mentioned above, friendship transcends time and should make no difference regardless of the time spent apart.

The society has changed for the worst. People are now more enamored about work and how to earn vast amounts of money. The recent fiscal crisis managed to change the lives of millions of people around the world. It is only human to say that survival is of the utmost priority in today's changing world. 

Friendship would have to take a backseat. Two people that were friends before are now enemies because of a tryst at work. Or maybe because of a woman/man. Maybe your friend used to be a struggling entrepreneur and is now operating on a more profitable level than you. Your friend that used to hitch a ride now owns a car (and probably better than the one you have.) 

You will get to encounter a lot of people each and every day, with each person worthy of your friendship. Motives would have to discussed on a separate topic, but time to face reality. There are people out there who want to be your friend because you are either wealthy, good looking, famous or of much better use to them.

It really doesn't matter. Why?

The important things is that you were able to offer your friendship to them. Period.

And by friendship, it means you were able to connect on a certain level that managed to draw interest or arouse a certain passion.

Let them deal with their own demons. It is not your fault that they failed to realize the kind of friendship you were willing to offer to them. 

There are no good guys and bad guys to this equation. The cool thing is, you get to play both parts.

But the important thing to remember is that as your friends grow in number, never forget who your real friends are and what they really mean to you. Life is short but we have all the time in the world to realize who our real friends are.

True friendship is not only based on trust. It is also based on charity and love.

True friends are there when you need them most, even when you are not looking or asking for them. True friends will not only listen but will try to find ways on how to make things better. True friends will not only talk but will share a special moment worth mentioning in future conversations. True friends will not only give advice but will also seek advice when needed. True friends will not only give but are willing to graciously receive as well.

Now that wasn't so hard, wasn't it?

To all of you who have found true friends, cherish them for the rest of your life. Get to know their families, children and new areas of interest when given the chance. Do not let boundaries affect your friendship-because as mentioned above, there are no boundaries when it comes to friendship.

The Internet revolution has made the world a smaller place. It is now more easy to connect with friends from afar and friends of old. When was the last time you talked with your true friend who is out of the country?

True friends are actually very hard to come by. They are treasures worth more than any money or gold. It actually feels good to be surrounded by true friends, the kind who know exactly what you are and are willing to accept you for what you have become.

Special mention should go out to childhood friends such as Ernani and his wife Joyce, Dino, Bernie and Joel.

Kudos to Sherwin, Michael and Adrian. No matter where these guys are, the memories of friendship will always remain.

To Alexander and his wife Jenny, Jomer, Eugene and the rest of the crew, remember to always stay positive and maintain a favorable outlook in life. 

True friends encourage one another to succeed, right Jeff? Paula is lucky to have you as you are lucky that she bore your daughter Halley. 

To my good friend Michael Tabuac, thank you for being a part of my life. I will always remember the days when we used to laugh out loud to the various nuances and jokes of class 1993-1994 of BMC in Marist. Kudos to the members of class 93-94 of St.Cecilia in St.Scholastica as well. Remember that life will play nasty games throughout our journey of life but no obstacle is too gargantuan to endure when true friends are around. Cherish the people that matter most in your life.

Life is always full of open opportunities. Yes, life will play nasty games that will test your faith and enthusiasm in life. But friends are always there to support you and listen to your rants and raves. 

Learn to count your blessings. In retrospect, who would you be without your friends?

Aftermath of the Manila Bus Hijacking Incident

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Time and time again I promised myself never to talk about ugly incidents as this will only draw negative energies to my entire well being. But relationships span in every race and creed, and it will only be appropriate to say a few words about the tourist bus hijacking that happened in Manila last August 23, 2010. Call it a case of the hungry ghost month if you like, but what happened during that incident was shameful and a showcase of being unprofessional.

Rolando Mendoza was a decorated police officer. Whatever transpired during his case with the Office of the Ombudsman in Manila will never be known. What is known is the fact that the police senior inspector was dismissed by the Ombudsman on drug related charges. Mendoza is also due for retirement next year but will suffer the consequence of not getting any retirement benefits due to the dismissal order against him.

What Mendoza did, without question, is unfathomably wrong. Wrong in the sense that picking innocent Chinese tourists as his main target should be the last thing on his mind. Staging a hijack would definitely take a lot of balls, but when a person is fueled by rage and desperation then common sense and rightful thinking takes a back seat. Add to the fact the current economic crisis which has left millions in hunger and debt and the situation is further aggravated still.

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The Manila bus hijacking that left 8 Hong Kong nationals dead is a source of disgrace amongst the people of the Philippines. Why is this, you may ask? Is the harsh comment really necessary?

What happened that night was shameful beyond words. It only showed inadequacy in handling a delicate and potentially life threatening situation. Such is the case with a country that was fed on corruption and greed. The entire Filipino nation is not to blame for this inadequacy. In fact, nobody wanted the Manila bus hijacking incident to happen. But it did. And when it happened, the police could have shown a little professionalism in handling the claim.

I was amongst the millions of viewers on that rainy Monday night who lay witness to the incident. The way the police handled the situation was, for lack of a better word, humorous. Why? Because all the basics were foregone and everything was left in disarray. Yes, including the chain of command.

Hostage dramas are nothing new. In fact, a lot of hostage dramas could be seen on cable or Hollywood movies. As stupid as this may sound, the movies depict that the first thing to do in a sensitive situation as the Manila bus hijacking was to seal the area and create a solid barrier between the scene of the crime and the onlookers. This should be basic. My apologies to the police officers involved in that incident, but this negligence alone is reason enough for an early retirement.

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I could go on and on, but this would not change a single thing. What needs to change is how the Filipino people should focus on self growth and how discipline should play a major part in everyday life. This is the result of corruption, as the police officers were clearly not equipped to handle the situation. Everything was done harshly and without consequence. No wonder the Chinese people are mad! They have every right to express their anger. They lost someone they know and love. They lost their fellow countrymen. Innocent tourists, at that.

But the President of the Republic of the Philippines is not to blame for this matter. The young President is all too sentimental about the Manila bus hijacking incident. Rest assured that everything will be done in accordance with the law. But this incident should serve as the crossroads towards change.

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To all the Chinese nationals who lost their lives, may all your souls rest in peace in the arms of the Almighty.

Apologies are clearly not accepted but is diligently offered from the heart.

The Manila bus hijacking incident will live forever in the hearts and minds of all those who witnessed it. The Philippines may be concerned about the fall of tourism in the country and deserves every bit of negative data that surveys can come up with. The country deserves all the insults and shame, as when fame and honor was garnered during the winning days of Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (before becoming a congressman.)

This is the time for true change. Such a pity that innocent lives were sacrificed through the consequences of inadequacy.

How to Make a Relationship Last

This topic could spawn a thousand ideas and anecdotes about how to handle a relationship. Take note that in order to make a relationship last, you would have to consider the seed that you planted at the beginning of the relationship.

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What do I mean, precisely?

Think of a relationship as the human body. It would not matter what kind of relationship you are in, be it married, going out or a blossoming friendship. What you put inside your body will be reflected on how you look and ultimately, how you act. The same goes true with a relationship. Love alone is not enough to make a relationship prosper. Let this be known to one and all.

If you care for the seed properly, then the plant will grow healthy and strong. Building a solid relationship takes time, courage, perseverance and patience. You will notice that things fall naturally when you are with the right person. Plant the seed in the wrong kind of soil and the plant will ultimately die. People will differ accordingly and will tend to look at relationships differently but if you want to know how to make a relationship last, then the human essence should come into mind. It's easier said than done, I know, but its better than beating around the bush. Sensitivity should come into play and both of you should be sensitive to the needs of the other. This can be achieved by having a casual conversation every now and then. It never hurts to be honest. This is better than pretending to be quiet and everything is okay. No. You will hurt yourself in the long run.

While it is definitely important to spend a lot of time together, a successful relationship can be had with quality time apart as this will enable you and your special someone to grow as a person. This is an important aspect of every relationship, whether married or not. Learn to enjoy the company of friends even when the two of you are apart and you will find out that you ended up missing each other more.

The act of giving should also come into play as this is a crucial part on how to make a relationship last. But the act of giving should not be relegated to physical gifts alone. Learn to give yourself both physically and emotionally, especially if your partner manifests the same towards you. Simple chores like taking out the trash, cooking breakfast or dinner will play a big part in the foundation of your relationship. If your partner wants to watch TV with you (despite the fact that you have other things in mind) then do it. The simple act of allocating a few minutes of your time will yield dividends in your relationship.

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Money should not be the sole reason for an existing relationship and if this is the case, then I wish you all the best. Money is best left to be enjoyed, not as a means to build a solid foundation with your special someone. This holds true to any culture in every part of the world. In these tough financial times, you and your partner are always in a constant struggle for everyday survival. The ideal couple will talk things out and find ways on how to better supplement their income. Learn the value of sacrifice and do not be afraid to let go of habitual luxuries for the sake of the relationship. Common sense should come into play. If you cannot afford to buy a new car then don't. If getting a tall Starbucks latte is out of the budget, then why not whip out the blender and make your favorite coffee drink at home. Your partner will love you for it and appreciate the effort.

These are just a few things worth considering when finding ways on how to make a relationship last. In fact, all of these should fall naturally if you are with the right person. But what is the right person, anyway?

For me, the right person is the one who not only makes you fall head over heels in love, but allows you to grow and mature as an individual person. The right person will praise you for your success and scold you for your mistakes. The right person will be there regardless of financial condition and will stay there in times of desperate need. The right person will laugh with you in times of happiness and cry with you in times of despair. Finding the right person is never easy. But believe me, he/she is out there. I am lucky enough to find the right person for me and here's hoping that you find yours, too.

Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts regarding the topic. I would love to hear your insight regarding how to make a relationship work. I am not a guru or a shrink. But I am witness to countless trials and errors not only to myself, but with my friends as well. Of course, a break up is inevitable and we all get the chance to undergo such trials.

Remember that breaking up is not the end of the world. In fact, it marks a new transition period in your life-a transition towards self growth. A break up is the opportunity for both of you to reassess yourselves and think about the future. It really doesn't matter if you came from an abusive/tormented relationship, or if the break up was inevitable because you really were not meant to be together (probably due to personal differences) but the truth still remains.

A break up means yearning for personal growth. Others may call it "freedom" or "liberation" but the concept remains the same. What happens next after the break up is entirely up to you (as break ups tend to be temporary) but remember that a lasting relationship should enable both of you to grow individually as a person. Tips on breaking up are hard to come by but do not be ashamed to ask advice from your true friends.

This blog is meant for the average person to tell the world your feelings and thoughts regarding relationships with friends, lovers, family or the person you just met while going to/from work. In fact, this blog is better because you are ascertained that a kind heart with a kind soul is ready to listen to you or give advice no matter what the situation may be. You could use this blog to voice your opinions, frustrations, tribulations and other praises to the special someone in your life.

If you are willing to read, then I am very much willing to listen.

Compact Car Prices

Have you guys noticed the change in trends that took place in the automobile industry? The last time I looked, gargantuan SUV's were everywhere and the love affair with gas guzzling vehicles have begun. Then came the rise in petrol prices and consumers are now shying away from cars that have a poor fuel efficiency rating.

Image courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors

Compact cars used to be predominant only in Asia and Europe. Folks from the United States have always preferred huge automobiles that epitomize highway cruising comfort at the expense of sharp handling. But all this has changed. Take a look at the new Honda Civic and Mitsubishi Lancer. These cars used to be delegated purely to the compact class but with the world's fascination with small cars, the compact class has matured not only in looks and size but in performance and amenities as well!

Small cars like the Hyundai Accent and Honda Jazz/Fit are ideal for the college student or up and coming office executive. A lot of people may scoff at the idea of owning a Hyundai but believe me, the company is showcasing every piece of ship-building engineering into their cars-which means their cars are reliable and well engineered. A quick look at the Hyundai Genesis will make you a believer.

Image courtesy of Hyundai Motors

Cars like the Accent and Fit/Jazz are probably all the car that an average person might need, and more. In some markets that offer the amazing CRDI (common rail direct injection) diesel engine in the accent will love the torque available from idle all the way to the diesel-shallow 4,500RPM red line. Try 37 km/liter of consumption and figure out for yourself how the Accent can save you a lot of money.


Compact cars have managed to capture the imagination of the average individual. The consumer is now presented with a wide variety of makes and models designed to suit every imaginable preference. When looking for the average price of a car take into consideration your needs and wants and see for yourself what kind of car will fit your passion and your budget.