"ARE WE STARTING TO LOSE OURSELVES IN THIS DAY AND AGE?"

Let's take a close look at what's happening around us right now, as seen in different perspectives and areas. And it's not getting any better ...

Stock investments/ mutual funds in peril due to the inconsistent performance at the stock market ... Massive company layoffs and cutbacks ... Sudden corporate takeovers and mergers/buyouts ... Quarterly profits & losses ultimately deciding the fate of a business ... Companies interested in big bucks than retaining loyal, longtime workers ... Job outsourcing by companies (for lower job labor costs) ... Grocery prices increasing ... Soaring gas prices at the gas pumps ... Divorce rates climbing high ... Parents working more hours as they spend less time for their children ... Children becoming more obese and isolated relying on video games and the computer as their main activity (and spending less interactive family time) ... Teens are now more sexually active than ever before ... Pornography is a booming business on the internet ... Sex and violence are shown more often on the TV tube ... More seniors still work to get more money than retire, in order to survive ... Homes for residents are lost to foreclosures ... Our young generation continuing to die in a war that has yet no solution and no reason (as the head terrorist mastermind still looms at large) ... Greedy overpaid/ overhyped athletes that don't produce their stats (as sports becomes now more of a business than tradition) ... Celebrities 'on-the-edge', conceited and crazy wasting their life away... Working middle class suffering a whole lot more as the rich becomes more richer ... Earth is in big danger by man's actions as global warming is more evident than ever ...

From what I've mentioned, it's really getting worse and it seems likely that this trend will continue furthermore - with no end in sight. We're becoming our own victims falling prey to the factors mentioned. If I could decipher what's going on with everything, I came up with this:

MAN is motivated by POWER and GREED

In this present society we now live in, it seems that we're starting to lose ourselves and the simple pleasures/ fundamentals of life that our generations before had once embraced to keep going forward with their lives.

We must not lose hope. We must rely on our faith and God through all of this. We know He gives comfort especially in times of doubts and struggle. In our lives, He can give us only what we can really handle - and I'm a firm believer in that. God is the balance to our lives and that He will always be there for the long run despite all of the changes happening. Just keeping hanging on, everyone - and don't lose yourselves to the world.

RE-POST: "Remembering 9/11"

A day that'll forever live with us through history. We remember the fallen and the hope of a nation that faced tragedy. We are healing day by day ...

It is now 7 years later ...

A lesson learned...

Sometimes we wish to have a superpower that can change the world, ultimately bringing about a huge difference to one's life or many more in your important circle. Perhaps, even people that you've just gotten to know recently. And when you keep going forth with the extra mileage to show more faith & support, it has the potential to have risky consequences in the process. We would love to paint a good picture to show the finer things and simple pleasures in life with what we can do to shape one's life on a positive scale, but sometimes that's hard to do. Not every one around will fully appreciate and accept what one does for another. Being 'good', we can only do but so much. Worst case scenario is a friendship being misintepreted and misjudged out of nowhere by people (in a third-party that don't even know the other person) who do not know its roots/origins based between two individuals. And it's all blown out of proportions making a big deal out of nothing. Some in this category can also base an assumption that it's 'romanticism' based on opposite gender, but that's not my intentions or plan at all to begin with. The best thing really is to be openly frank and honest with that person than to hear from other people regarding the situation at-hand (when a problem exists) ... My goal, my aim is to create opportunties for real friendships and to show my banner of unconditional support wherever I am. No frills. No gimmicks here. More importantly, is to show the realism of what a friend should be - even in this imperfect world we live in. My faithful friends (whether it's here in FL or those in VA - even my EXs in past relationships) know that and have witnessed that - out of what I can do ... I do have to say that sometimes a setback like this can help improve one's performance for the better in the future having more responsibility on their given superpower and when to appropriately use it, instead of overdoing it so often. I take the blame if I've went too far for that friend being there so many times. It may be hard to accept at first, but it takes an honest man out of myself to admit it ... I'm glad that God provided the 'every day' so I can start from scratch, perhaps even picking up the pieces and moving on boldly without complaints, criticism and the polluted noise out there. It's better than having to wallow everything in self-pity. It's also a blessing to know that sometimes a lesson like this can build a whole lot more strength for a person of good character, such as myself ... Remember, it's not the end of the world. We can continue to immerse ourselves to be that superhero to everyone's lives (the ones that remain so faithful to us from the beginning and for those that have yet to bear witness to your powers). Just like 'Spider-Man' and 'Superman' in the comics world, they faced criticism out there for what they do with their innate abilities - yet they continue to shine by being good and persevering with it. We must do the same and show how versatile we are, even during doubtful times.

"PEOPLE COME INTO YOUR LIFE"

NOTE: I didn't personally write this, but I can really understand and relate to what this is all about - because it seems so true ... My friend Raymond recently posted this into his blog section on his MySpace profile. Give it a read while you can.

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on. Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a s olid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or whether you are a lifetime.

"I AM FILIPINO" (my remixed version)

I may not speak or know too much tagalog, but I AM FILIPINO ... To others, my looks and features alone may pass for someone else from another background or culture, but I AM FILIPINO ... I may feel more of the typical American because of how I've been raised all my life, but I haven't forgotten that through my blood, my skin - I AM FILIPINO ... While some of my own sport clothes from different nations (like Italia or Brasil), I wear clothes that signify the pinoy pride because I AM FILIPINO ... I may not be fully accepted by my own people as a true filipino, but I gotta say again - I AM FILIPINO ... Hearing the history (from my mother) about my lolo (grandfather) being among the filipino prisoners to the Japanese during the Death March, I am proud of his courage to stand strong with the others mightily to the end - and after hearing that - makes me so proud to say that I AM FILIPINO ... I love all people of different races, different faces and treating them as equals in this country we live in, as I AM FILIPINO ... I help my own people because we are all like family and with that in mind, I AM FILIPINO. As I await my chances of visiting the country one of these days in the near future, I surely will keep this reminder that I AM and ALWAYS will be FILIPINO. Period.

"The Dash"

To ALL my wonderful JONNYROOBS.NET browsers,

I just watched a beautiful and powerful presentation that really touched me and
I wanted to share it with you.

I'm sure you'll enjoy the amazing images
and inspiring message.

Everyone deserves this message of encouragement.

You can check it out HERE.

P.S. Special thanks to one of the sisters in the Christian group for passing this along.

This sickens me.

I park up on one of the spaces at Panera Bread's parking area. I got out of my Honda Civic and carried my laptop bag heading towards the entrance. It's a steaming 89 degrees Fahrenheit past 10AM EDT this morning ... And this sickens me. I hesitated for a moment and I wish I could do something good out of this situation: a customer at Panera has left a small dog behind inside the truck. So inhumane! Only the left window is slightly cracked as the dog is trying to find a quick way out. I can already see signs that it is gasping for air. Imagine how hot it is inside the truck, alone. Probably 10 degrees higher than in the outside, I bet ... Hopefully by the time I finish this entry, the owner would have returned - and that the dog's life is not endangered.

Is music a waste these days - and what's up with that?

Seems like almost every day, every week and every month - a new song comes out from an artist. Then another. And another. It's a continuous process that's never ending. Ever come to listen to the music you downloaded a year or two ago? Is it still in your mind? Maybe. Maybe not. Some people seemed to have given up on their artist after a few years. They would pawn a couple of CDs to a used-music store and reek in a few bucks for gas or a meal. So, in a way, music is like soda - it's wasted. First we seem to thirst for it so bad that we like to play the jams in our cars, laptops, cell phones, and MP3 players. Then it just -- fades away. And you would probably wind up being the only one still listening to it ... What I can encourage the music lovers today to do is just to download all your music collection to a hard-drive device. Make a playlist and decide which songs should appear there. You have the option to drag in and drag out the ones you like and don't like. Sometimes it's also good to mix in the old and the new. That way, it may kick in a little bit of some ol' school / new school flavor at your workplace or at an event with your friends ... Regarding CDs, you may have to limit a bit on that. Did you know that most artists today only release like 1 or 2 songs - and that's it? Seems like they are ripping us off, huh. Go for digital downloads such as iTunes, Napster, or any media downloading software made available on the web. You have the power to choose wisefully than lose a few dollars more on CD material that will seem to be on the brink of extinction ... And what's up with that? The songs today - well - they're a bit more on the wild side than my younger days. Imagine a young kid singing some 'booty slappin' rap beat or a 'I hate you' rock song in a classroom. it is possible these days and it seems we are failing in society to teach 'em what is appropriate and what is not. The media portal is as bigger as ever and that any one (even a kid) can fall prey to it. So I got to encourage the parents out there to step up in showing kids what's right .... Wow, some blog, huh. And I don't mind freeflowing more here in Panera Bread during my day off. It all just comes - from my brain and if I got something - it'll show up right here on JONNYROOBS CENTRAL.

Being the true American ....

Once we see the news or anything from the tube (reality TV shows, sitcoms, etc.), we are aimed to be influenced easily in an instant. And this concept of 'influencing' also goes with judging our own people in this country. Just think of it - there are many of us that yearn for the American dream yet it's sad to see how many of us Americans view each other in such a negative way. The fact of the matter is that we're too blind to see past the colors, the racial barrier, and even the gender/sex line ... During my younger days, I have to say that I was as ignorant as anything saying this and that because I was influenced by the society and the peers I grew up in. But as I have gotten older, I have learned to embrace and appreciate everything that makes this country what it is .... It's a blessing to be in a new place to live in where I see many people of various nationalities, cultures and backgrounds. I have keenly observed that we are in contrast to each other because of where our origins have came from. But that doesn't mean we have to build a barrier to stay away and isolate ourselves. We have to reach out and extend a handshake, even a smile - that can bring a world of a difference. Imagine that. It would be awesome wouldn't it? ... For me, I've been accustomed to the American life for so long in Virginia, but I was stuck mainly with my Filipino friends in the middle of a black & white society. Then I've went on further to know more of my Filipino background after my college years. And now at age 33, I am seeing the world in a bigger and better way. I have traveled to places around the eastern parts of this country whether they were of rural or urban settings. That same time, I also noticed how Americans act differently from one another. From there, I have started to get the sense of the true American feel and the freedoms our country's forefathers have given to the people ... A message to the next generation: let's bridge everyone together in spite of how different we may be from each other. Our country must continue being strong as a united front.

A lesson about men's fashion in GQ...

My car was being serviced for an 80,000 mile maintenance at Tuffy auto service center. There I was sitting in the waiting room. TV was on. News was the usual: filled with bad and outrageous elements (in other words, 'crap,' basically). Hardly any good news, except hearing the fact that the Pope Benedict XVI has arrived for his first visit to the U.S. So that was cool ... Then I saw stacks of GQ magazines on the table. I grabbed one with Eric Bana on the cover. I turned each page and saw some interesting stuff, particularly men's fashion - some of which are way too tacky and some are pretty impressive. Then there are the really crazy articles. However, there was something that caught my eye. No, it's not some guys hot bods, because it's not. lol. Wrong, silly! It's about the clothes that make the man. But it's gotta be fitted right. I feel like I need a makeover in a way because most of my clothes (which were once ok for my big size before) have now made me look like I'm a kid sporting on my dad's gear. So instead of being an L or even an M, I have to make the switch to (perhaps...) an S. That's right! Size S - mostly for the buttoned shirts. The same for the pants as they need to be fitted on the waist and properly hemmed. I'll have to start saving up and redefining my look and appearance yet again to another level ... Back to GQ. It showed candidates with their before and after shots. I know if they can look as good with going a size smaller, so can I. I'm looking forward to get the trend going for myself.

"LET IT GO"

The posting you see below was not created by me, but rather from someone that my friend Raymond, knows from the online community, MySpace. From what I've read, it really goes 'straight to the point' and it definitely had a profound impact on me somehow because it correlates to most of the events (dealing with people, in general) that circulated most of my life before heading down to Orlando for a new start. I hope that this message will serve its purpose to those that were affected someway, somehow - and may it serve as a 'beacon of light' (hope) in our lives. While we are still living, its never too late to "LET IT GO" and move on to the next phase. Thanks Ray for passing this on. It definitely deserves it's due as the latest blog entry.

When people can walk away from you: let them walk.I don’t want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. people leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can’t make them stay. Let them go!! If you are holding on to past hurts and pains ......LET IT GO!!! If someone can’t treat you right, love you back, and see your worth....LET IT GO!!! If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge......LET IT GO!!! If you a re involved in a wrong relationship or addiction......LET IT GO!!! If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better......LET IT GO!!! If you’re stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him......LET IT GO!!! If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship.......LET IT GO!!! If you keep trying to help someone who won’t even try to help themselves......LET IT GO!!! If you’re feeling depressed and stressed ........LET IT GO!! ! If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying "take your hands off of it," then you need to...... LET IT GO!!! Forget the former things... think about it, and then.LET IT GO!!!

'Untitled Blog' for 2/21/08.

Here I am on a humid rainy Thursday evening at Panera Bread in Orlando. I just got off work. Long day. Grrrr. lol ... This blog I'm typing now has nothing worthy to mention when it comes to a subject matter that's non-related to me, but this latest entry is to assure everyone that I have returned full-circle to the blogging bandwagon after such a long hiatus. Yeah, I know I said that I was gonna be back as mentioned on the previous blog posting below (from 12/21/07). There was just so much to take care of here in Orlando. If you only knew what I had to go through to get to where I am today. My close faithfuls out there know what I'm talking about. In a couple of months' time, I felt like I grew more as a person appreciating the finest things in life - things that people look past on and ignore. It's not about the worldly possessions either. It's more of being at an inner peace and feeling satisfied of what life has to offer for me. I feel there's tons of things to accomplish here and I know that there's a lot more expected ahead ... Well, here's one highlight I like to mention. Right now, I've just leased an apartment unit nearby and it suits me well. Talk about convenience! It's only a few miles from my work. That means no more long drives and paying toll money. Plus I'm saving on gas, too. I've added a couple of touches to the apartment by buying items from IKEA. So far, it definitely has a contemporary, modern feel. I'm still brainstorming on what else to put there. It's always good to put the creative juices to use. So what's next, maybe? I say, pictures and drapes to hang ... Oh, and where did my previous blogs went? Well, uhm, they're gone. I decided it was best to delete most of the clutter from the first page in exchange for this exclusive latest posting. Look no further, I'll deliver more blogs in the times to come. And with most of my time soon-to-be spent often at Panera Bread, the blogs will surely continue on. I'll also try to put some recent video postings, as well. You know, as I know, it needs major updating. Let's just say - EVERYTHING, including the intro portion. Expect more great things to come as this website is now in it's 4th year. Look forward to the Orlando-esque edition of JONNYROOBS.NET coming soon. Thanks so much for reading and having faith in me. One way or another, I'll always make that eventual return. Stay tuned.

From my FRIENDSTER posting: "Things I would still like to do, but have never done yet" (revised)

(1) Win the lottery big time (lol)... (2) Travel around the world ... (3) Read and study more scriptures from the Bible (and applying that more to my daily life) ... (4) Go camping ... (5) Attend an NBA game at a team's home court arena ... ( 6) Practicing how to ballroom dance(and other dances too) ... (7) Learning how to play a guitar ... (8) Publish my mini-novel of-sorts ... (9) Go to Philly and see the 'Rocky'statue ... (10) Sail on a cruise to the Bahamas ... (11) Visit the Philippines again after so long ...(12 ) Running a marathon ... (13) Going to Six Flags ... (14) Checking out the west coast, particularly California ... (15) ... get married, have kids, have agreat rewarding career - so good tomake my Mom and Dad proud of me.

Mistaken for being a Spanish-speaking person

Here I am now residing in a great area called Orlando, Florida. I've been here for already 1 month and 12 days. The place and the people are lovely so far with only little or nothing to complain about. However, I do have to mention something that is interesting, and I do not find it to be offensive whatsoever. I think it's pretty cool, come to think of it! I know for a fact that part of my physical features would definitely match up with the looks of a Hispanic or Latino. I can only assume that part of my family's origins could've came somewhere along the lines from that of the Spaniards. Orlando is a different from the place I left: Hampton Roads. In Hampton Roads, VA, there are lots of Filipinos everywhere no matter where I go. Here in Orlando, I can spot a handful in certain spots - so that makes me and others of my own - the minority. Hispanics and Latinos seem to dominate in the bigger numbers as well as caucasians residing here. There are a couple of Asian nationalities (asides from Filipinos) around too, from what I have observed ... So with all this happening, I go to public places as this totally exclusive Florida resident and whenever I talk with a sales associate and/or a customer from a store, a construction worker on the 14th floor, or even a neighbor from around the way, THEY are speaking to me in Spanish. I'm saying to myself, "No hablo espanol." I decided not to go for that idea. Instead, I say to them that I am a Filipino who have a bit of Spanish-blood yet I don't speak the language OR to avoid the "race" thing altogether in a more simple way, I just say I speak only the english language and grew up in the United States for years ... I really admire the fact that I can pass as an individual who bears resemblance to the Hispanics and Latinos. And in the end, even that respect is there!

MY RANDOM QUOTE for September 23, 2007

"SELF-RESPECT is what matters the most in the world we live today. JUDGING OTHERS also poses as another challenge within us that must be dealt with successfully. In the end, LOVE must conquer all, above everything."

Trying to help someone ... then again, one doesn't listen anyways.

For years, I've known this fellow. We've became good friends for quite a long time now. However, there were situations that tend to put a strain in our friendship. It was mostly from his own doings and all I could do is offer the best advice to him while I'm around. But the strategy I do to give advice is beyond normal. You see, whenever I try to give good advice, he seems not to listen at all as my words shoot past his left ear to the right ear and it's gone. But in order to let it absorb within him, I have to somehow talk to him like it's an insult-of-sorts. And somehow, someway, he'll wound up remembering it. Tonight in a phone conversation, (out of nowhere) he tried to turn the tables on me suddenly saying aloud why I'm ganging up on his business like his mother and brother. Like them, I care about him whilst he probably doesn't seem to express the same towards them and myself. Now this guy's talking more trash just because I'm in Orlando grounds and that he's in Virginia. I can say this: I worked my darndest to get this man going to the right path. But he chose the other direction instead where he tries to fit in and ends up making so many irrational decisions. The specifics of his problems will not be mentioned here on this blog as a sign of respect for his privacy. But if he wants to do what he likes, then so be it. I've done my part and I was glad to have helped him out at that particular point in time. It's all up to him now. He's got to listen to himself and make wise choices instead of wrong ones. He has to learn this all, even if it's by means of ending this friendship. Sometimes being a good person to someone in this world doesn't matter. One can never accept his wrongs and faults. Instead, he denies thinking instead that he's flawlessly perfect - but really, he's not.

"You can lead a horse to the water, but you can't make him drink."

Blogging From Charlotte, NC Airport ...

Laptop is on. Internet is accessible. CONNECTED! Here I am at Gate 12 in the Charlotte, NC Airport. Multitudes of people are sitting down waiting for the 4:30PM USAIR flight that is bound for Orlando. I seem to be enjoying the leisure time reading the bible browsing through a couple of passages particularly from the books of Psalms and Ephesians ... I'm going to cut the blogging time short as I'll be surfing the net with only 60% left of my laptop's battery ... Just a few hours from now, I'm going to be on Orlando grounds and starting a new lease on life, a new chapter.

"LOVE"

"Love." Such a wonderful word, isn't it? Makes us feel good. Makes us feel great. Makes us feel like we're on 'cloud nine.' "Love" shouldn't just be applied in the relationship we have with our partner for life - but to those around us as well: families and friends. And it all comes down to this. If none of these people (including your significant other) show you the "love," then it's well said like an exclamation point that they've never loved you to begin with or not loved you at all. Best thing to do really in that scenario is just to rid them out of your life and start anew. There are always people somewhere around us who are yearning for that same genuine "love" we seek to find. When it comes to loving a person, one must love and accept you for who you are as this person that stands before them. "Love" will undoubtedly reveal the real people around us to truly call friends, family, and even that one amazing person you intend to share your life with. Then, you will easily distinguish the fake ones from the real individuals that really love and trust you. "Love"... is everywhere!

To my friend :)

This weekend marks yet another milestone in your life, my friend.
You are getting married.
I am very happy for you and to the one you love most deeply.
For two hearts will be intertwined as one;
And hand-in-hand you two will be
Spending years and years creating great moments and memories together.
The love shared between the both of you will truly last forever even with age.
For your future children will be blessed always,
to have faithful, loving parents by their side.
Thanks for sharing the good news with me,
for I wish you all the very best.
I am very proud to be one of your longtime friends;
For that I am eternally grateful.
May God always shine upon you, your life partner, and your growing family line-up in the times to come.

God reveals a great supportive cast of people through time ...

It's happening right now as we speak. God's working 24/7 on everyone living today. And part of His amazing plan is bringing forth a great supportive cast of wonderful people in our lives whether they would be family members, long lost friends, school buddies, or even a significant other from the past. Throughout the test of time, each one will be revealed to us one-by-one sometimes slowly but surely. He knows who'll stick around for the long run. Most people we've gotten to know in our lifetime may come and go eventually as the continuity of time remains, but He knows which ones will stay around and have that profound effect in us for the duration of our lives. That also includes right to the very end because things can go on a different page in God's plan, too for all of us. Whether there should be a time where we all would meet our end so suddenly or if that same situation may also apply to someone that we held so dear for all time, the magic will live on - in body and in spirit. A supportive cast keeps us motivated and confident, makes us feel alive and strong from whatever challenges may come, and giving us the unconditional love and care that is needed to keep our day going. Having a supportive cast is one of the many blessings that He has given us. And I feel so eternally grateful to have my own set of good people in my corner :-)