Oftentimes when we are pressed by a situation, we  react according to our emotions leaving traces of hate and pain.

We blame others when we are in an unfavorable situation since it is easier for our mind to process that other people are responsible for our insecurities and wounded egos. Why? Because we want to justify our inability to handle our emotions appropriately.

So, how do we snap out from this negative behavior? Self-awareness and acceptance. Sounds cliche, I know, but this is what I've learned the hard way.

Knowing what we want and what needs to be done moving forward will help us understand that things has to happen for a greater purpose. This mindset will allow us to take ownership of ourselves, take control of our emotions, and take responsibility of our actions saving us from shame and regret.

It takes time to change our behavior but with clear intentions, I know we will be better.

You will be better! 😉

*****

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David Mercado to release second track of his album Secrets Revealed.

Unless you're paying my bills

Your words won't hurt, they're nothing to me
Haven't you heard that they who pull you down
Are those who are beneath you

Five days to go and while waiting for this another secret partly revealed, why not participate on TikTok the #sweetlipsdavidmercado for fun? The prized challenge is over but the fun surely continues.  Watch the tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozCGaqdYFig

Headed to beach last Saturday to chill.  Talked about life, relationship and the alpha males we look up to.

Realized that it is indeed true, that even the strongest man falls down; and when they do, they end up disappointing us.

** Typing..deleting...typing...deleting **

I have a lot of things to think through but none of it seem to be important than the questions I have, hoping that anyone can enlighten me - 

What if the alpha falls down? 

How can we move forward?

I guess for now, I'll end this post with a quote:

The world you see is created by what you focus on. It's never too late to adjust your lens.

**********

Kagay-anon, remember the song Kahit Kunwari Man Lang? It is a hit interpreted by Agsunta and Moira Dela Torre, awarded as the Most Streamed song on Himig Handog 11th edition and garnered more than 12 million stream in all digital platforms. But do you know what makes it more special? The song was actually composed by a Kagay-anon artist, David Mercado.

David Mercado started his career when he co-hosted Mindanao Pop Idol in 2006-2007, alongside Darnel Cabaneros which was aired on a local channel in Northern Mindanao.

He is a popular events host and performer with these following credentials:

• Awarded as Top Artist during the Sessions Live July Rising Idols Finale Show;

• Won the 2019 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Long Beach, California; where he took home three division champion plaques, four gold medals, one silver, and two bronze medals;

• He was the Voice Coach of Barangay Gwapo by ABS CBN Northern Mindano 2013 and 2014 edition;

• He was one of the lead singers of ABS-CBN Northern Mindanao’s local version of their Christmas Station ID, “Magkasama Tayo sa Kwento ng Pasko” in 2013, and again in 2014;

• Awarded as Dreamboard Artist of the Year 2013 – Male Category, Most Requested Dreamboard Artist 2013 – Male Category, and Leadership Award 2013 – Male Category;

• Awarded as Dreamboard Artist Host of the Year 2014 – Male Category.

As the top artist of the Rising Idols Finale Show, David won placement on a Los Angeles outdoor billboard and promotion with a Billboard.com digital banner, as well as promotion on Spotify.

On August 20, he will release “Sweet Lips”, the first track of his very first album, EP Secrets Revealed. Produced by Omkast, the Extended Play has three original songs plus one bonus acoustic version of the tracks.

To continue supporting our fellow Kagay-anon, listen to David on Spotify, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram to find out how you can get a copy to EP Secrets Revealed.

And although we failed to witness the sea of clouds - quite the consequence for waking up late due to hungover, a rainbow appeared on our trek downhill.

A rainbow is a promise

Of sunshine after rain

Of calm after storm

Of joy after sadness

Of peace after pain

Of love after loss

Leafing through an old journal, I found this text written on the same month 13 years ago:

All of us are writers and our lives are open books. Each and every relationship would be a chapter, and it's up to us to make sure that the characters in our book are worthy of inclusion. However, unlike a printed book, we cannot edit out the bad choices. Some chapters would be sweet and memorable while others are painful but full of lessons. The most important thing to remember is that the pen is firmly in our hands and only us can decide how we unfold our story.

For few minutes I quite don't understand the logic here until I have to introspect and relate to my current situation. (Haha! Imagine me giggling for being stupid 😂) Surely, we can't choose who to meet in our lifetime then conclude how our story with them goes. There will be challenges along the way just like how it is on fairy tales. The readers may share their opinions but as our life story progresses, we have to make tough decisions for the benefit of our inner peace.

Looking back on the last two years of my failed relationship, I knew back then that we deserve to let each other go the moment we realized we have to grow separately. We got too caught up in our career that instead of supporting each other, we tried to outsmart one another - well that and other reasons I can't disclose. It was not easy to accept all the bitter things that happened but I have to for the sake of second chances; and as what my aunt advised me, "pag sinabtanay mog tarong kay kamo ra duha mag pamilya didto (sa CDO)". I clung to this family oriented advice but even so, I never had peace of mind because the more we tried to make our relationship work, the more toxic it became. I wanted to stay, I also wanted to leave but it was hard to end a relationship which once led me to the right track. It was a tough battle - I have to endure sleepless nights, countless cries, fake laughters and so on... I even prayed every night that God give me the courage to REALLY let go...

Until it finally happened...

Closing this chapter, I'd also like to ask those who were with us throughout the bittersweet 7 years we spent together to accept the fact that we can never be, that we're only meant to teach each other lessons, and that our purpose to each other's lives has already been served; as well as to let go of anger to what has been and the negative judgments to what we have or whoever we are with right now. I am happy to say that this breakup is an answered prayer.

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.  - Psalm 55:22 NIV

P.S. I failed to cite where I got the passage but if you happen to know, do inform me right away.

Today's the last day of January. How am I? Well, I'm still single and thriving. There's a lot of blessings I dare not post here but would love to share to people so dear to me. I'm keeping things low key and private as of late so my usual long write-up may not be possible this time. I'm also doing more of what's make me happy. So here again is another photo blog during our hike at Kapayawan Ridge. 😊

Cheers to my colleague, Charm, for her first ever trek!

2020 was a year of emotional and mental battle for me. I stayed too long between holding on & letting go such that uncertainties made me lost interest in doing things I really like. As 2021 came, I plan to turn over a new leaf so here's me posting photos from a not so recent trip at Fortune Valley - a place where I drew inspiration to write again, to have something to look forward to every month, to widen my circle, and to pursue things which define who I really am.