'Some' aren't satisfied where they live....

I've heard some insight coming from some people that reside (or have resided previously) in New York, Virginia, and Florida. They are not happy where they are living right now (for some of these individuals, a new state that they've moved to). Some of them say that they'd prefer to be living somewhere else in the U.S. It just comes to show that living in certain parts of the U.S. isn't as good as we have envisioned. Really, where is the best place in the U.S. that these people can go and lead a productive, healthy, satisfying lifestyle? Could it be the city for people living in the rural area? Could it be the rural area or a small town for people living in the city? Or (the wild card) - someplace other than the U.S., maybe? What is your preference?

Yes, more dreams - and an epic dream flashback!

I've had more dreams last night and it was more sad compared to the other ones. Both dream sequences had to do with death. However, it's not related to the people that are closest in my life at this present point in time.

One centered on an english inventor. He helped invent a multimedia-related product that was introduced to the world from his home in the UK to the pacifics in California. And for some reason, I ended up in that state along with some other filipinos. The group I was with said that I was working with them on a short-term basis. Funny, too, is that they had the newest vinyl LP of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller.' Then I looked from far away. It was a big city near the ocean. Since I never went to California, I didn't know what place was this. However, news had spread of the inventor's death and everyone were saddened. I just forgot what he invented though. My mind wasn't really tuned in to what he made, but it made a major difference in the world.

Then, the next dream was more serene and quite painful. It was about one of my real-life friends from Orlando. She was a part of the Christian group I was in, till she had to move back home to family. In this sequence, she only had a few months to live because of a severe illness not even the innovations of medical technology can stop it. So my family and I have decided to spend a few days with her joining up with her family who were feeling at a loss for words as to what was happening with her. We made each day special for her until she passed away. Having to make happy moments with her was genuine and we were glad to be there for her right to the very end. There was never a sign of weakness in her, only smiles and giggles. But when it was her time to go to God that day, we all accepted it unconditionally. We know now that she's smiling up there. For us, it was hard to handle. All we can do is keep thinking of how she was during her last days.

Seems like my mind is full of imagination the last couple of days. There must be so much going on in my life that its making me come up with so many dreams.

I must tell you that I haven't forgotten this one epic dream that happened two months ago during my sleep.

It was a good day at first in my old neighborhood. I spent it with my family who were living in the old house again. I'm not exactly sure as to why they are in there, but I hope it's for a good reason. We had a good time socializing and catching up with things happening in our lives. Then dark clouds started to hover everywhere. These clouds were unusual because I've never seen anything this dark before. So I went into my Civic and left. As I drove into the backways of the old neighborhood, a mini-tornado was forming on one side of the street - and then another appeared several blocks away. Winds started to pick up. Small debris started to be thrown here and there. I turned right and left and so forth to avoid. Then, it started to get even worse. To the right - a couple of blocks down - another mini-tornado came into formation. I was wondering out of all the places that these tornadoes could it, it's all happening right here in my neighborhood. I finally found a way to elude them. I took Denver Avenue which didn't had any in sight. Thus, it led me to 7-Eleven, in which workers were boarding up the windows with plywood. I parked my car there and they told me to hurry. Once I was inside, there were customers having the look of fear on their faces and some of their kids seem to have no worries at all playing with their dolls and action figures. We stayed as far back as we can because the tornadoes can put devastating impact on the store itself. A customer had his cell phone on and he got update from a neighbor that the tornadoes have formed into one massive, colossal whirlwind. As we can hear the roar of the winds pushing their way through, we kept ourselves patient by talking to one another about our lives while others slept on the floor as a means of trying to ride out the storm. The children no longer were allowed to play. Parents have put themselves on the front line for them acting as shields as they lay down. As for me, I sat on the floor looking at everyone who were feeling distraught and worried. They knew that they were going to face the struggles about to lose everything they have, except their lives, once the storm has come to pass. And then...utter silence. It was over. We came outside and it was sunny again. Our cars on the parking lot were spared, but 70% of the neighborhood is gone. It looked like a disaster area. I'm not even sure if any one had survived. But I saw from afar that my family's street was spared. Our home was fine. However, the streets behind it, didn't. It was a terrible scene. But hope started to linger as survivors surfaced from their suddenly broken-down homes. With the sun gazing on them, there is hope. And that was THE END.

I have recorded most of my dreams during the last couple of days on the blogs and I'm glad to have shared them with you. I thought it was fascinating to bring you these series of dream sequences.

Each one is different. Each has a meaning. Each one must have an ending. Each has its own weirdness to it. Each is inventive on its own. And it's all coming from my mind.

Special thanks to my friend Ray for reading my latest blogs. I really appreciated it.

Two New Dreams - The Previous Dream - And their endings!

The other night, I had forgotten to blog about two other dreams.


One dream sequence had two thugs crashing their pimped-out Chevy Caprice into my old home in which they tried to take as much belongings from me and the family. We were taken hostage. And that was the end - or was it? Let me tell you shortly about the surprise ending later that appeared the next night.

The other one was centered in the rural area. There were two guys in the home who said they were willing to take care of my car. One guy looked like a young John Elway with his forever smiling trademark and the other looked like that singer from Hawaii - Jack Johnson. They don't look like guys to be trusted, believe me. Even singing legend Little Richard came to their home demanding for royalties and/or song rights from them. He wasn't pleased in how they treated him - and man, he looked so real, because I was right beside him when this was going on. They used his song "Tutti Fruitti" to get what the money they want out of the local townspeople in an event. Then, Little Richard left in frustration walking away. And then it was my turn. They insisted on buying parts for my Civic to take care of any damages done to it already. And I was wondering - what have I done lately to it that can cause that to happen? I figured it was them. So I looked from afar and I saw one of them driving my Civic, like crazy. The other was cheering 'woohoo' or something equivalent to that. I'm like, is this the real-life version 'Dukes of Hazzard?' My car appeared beaten and not even washed. The bumper had a few damages and the hubcaps were missing. So there had to be an ending on this. It followed on to the next night, as well.

Okay, it's the next night. My mind took me back to these dream sequences. But first I would like to ask anyone if they ever went back to complete their dreams. It's probably unheard of for many, but it happened to me. I finished these.

So what were the endings?

Regarding the thugs that were holding me and the family hostage at our old home, they were killed instantly by my big brother who did a sneak attack strategy to rid of the two. My bro used his gun as the weapon of choice to save our lives. Not having him around in the previous chapter of this dream seemed to be no hope in sight. But there he was -defending the family in a crisis.

As for the other dream's ending, I went after the guys using one of their badly beaten-up vehicles. I parked far away and went to the shop they were in. One had the keys. The other was talking to a pretty female. And while the John Elway lookalike guy swayed his attention to the female, as well, I came for the attack. I went straight to his right arm and the key was on the ground. I ran quickly into the Civic and sped off never coming back to that place again. Although my car was beaten up on the outside, she still sounded like new in the inside.

And there was one dream I really had to complete - and it happened. I had the time to finish it off. Remember the one that the revelation of my best friend dying tragically in that classic high-rise tower? YES, that one! Turns out there was the ending it deserved. Here's the conclusion:

It turns out that my best friend Ray wasn't dead as I once thought. The ghost I was talking with said he was, but I didn't believe it. Turns out I grabbed her and demanded where he was taken. She had that demonized look from the exorcist movie, but that didn't scare me one bit. When I seem to grab her by the throat, she told me to enter through the walls as that was the portal leading to another dimension. I went through - and there he was held captive in a cell. He was stuck between worlds and only given a certain time to enter the tower because he was held prisoner by the dead and its ruler. But he was never dead all along. He didn't had the look like the others. They all had the grim reminders of what happened to them before their untimely demise. Remember the lady with a cloth or a belt around her neck OR the asian guy with a mangled, bloody face? Ray didn't had the looks they had. Of all the ghosts, he appeared normal and there were no signs of foul play involved regarding his 'supposed' death. Turns out that I spoke to the leader of the dead and asked for him to release my good friend Ray. He laughed and said that I must go back in time to do as many good deeds as I can to the tenants who inhabited the tower several years ago. He said I must change things. And so I did. I was teleported back and it was no problem. Whoever I bumped into, I did as many random good deeds to them and forming several friendships along the way - including the lady who had the belt/cloth wrapped around her neck - and the asian man who had his face mangled. They appeared normal during this timeframe. I gave both of them a lecture about how good life is and to make their lives better in the best way possible. In the future, the leader was looking on with what I was doing. He shook his head in agreement and realized how far I would go to change things. He was praising me. And it was happening. The apparitions of the lady with the belt/cloth and the mangled-faced asian man started to disappear and fade out. So were the rest. I was making a huge difference in trying to make things better for the tenants that had their lives cursed for all this time. Satisfied, the leader brought me back to the present timeline. He gave me the go-ahead to get Ray from the cell and head back to our rightful dimension. The leader also vowed us to never enter the underworld again. However, in respect, he waved his right arm and wished us well. Ray and I were back. Here we were again in the tower. Lights are no longer dim-lit. The hallway had so much lighting and that it looked better than last time. We exited the tower and looked at it one more time. Ray smiled at me and said, "Thanks for putting yourself on the line for me. You're a real friend, John. I'll never forget that." I smiled back and replied, "That's what real friendships are for." We left separately. He drove his black Corolla. I drove in my green Civic. THE END.

So yeah, there are good endings to terrible dreams. Thankful to have finished 'em off the right way. I just hope they won't be ruined.

A Series of Odd Dreams During My Sleep

There was nothing related to my dreams in real-life (with the exception of some individuals from the past that showed up). However, I would like to share these with you. I better get this off the top of my head before I won't even remember them.

The first one was probably the most longer dream out of the others that followed later. It took place during the evening in a lavishly, expensive high-rise tower that has stood through the test of time in the big city (assuming that it is New York maybe). There were different celebration parties happening at the same time on several floors leading to the top. Of why they were celebrating, it's probably a work-related thing. I was to meet up with my co-workers (these were made up, too) and mingle along with them to the other partygoers. It turns out that I did find them on different parts of the floors, but I neglected to do so. A few noticeable faces from real-life started to appear so I didn't care about what was going on in the party. Instead, I chatted with some of them in the lobby and we were able to get caught up with things recently since me and them only knew each other from the past. And then the party was over. The entertainment crew was hauling all their equipment in a mid-sized truck showing a clown's face in the middle. A few that were left around still socialized even though the rest of the crowd dwindled in numbers as the clock already shows the wee hours of the morning. I've decided to call it a night. I walked downstairs and saw one of my best friends (a best friend in real-life). I asked him how he was doing and he said he was doing fine. Then there was something odd. He faded into darkness. The stairwell was gloomy only dim lit. And as I kept going I saw even worse. There were apparitions walking around staring at me. One lady looked dead as a zombie as if she was hung. I saw something on her neck and it appears to look like a belt or a cloth. Then, a few walks later, there was a man of Asian descent whose face looked bloody and mangled staring right at me. Later, a couple more ghostlike figures came and walked around in ghost-like fashion vanishing into thin air once they go through the walls. The classic style high-rise tower that I was in, had a history of mysterious deaths and many of the past deceased tenants in this place had never left at all. I was still scratching my head why my best friend was in it. A ghostly tenant came up to me and said that he died tragically in this place. I was shocked to hear this and my eyes became big and then my dream...err...nightmare...faded into black. That was over.

Then the second dream was a bit of an adventure and a comedy of sorts. It had actors Jennifer Garner, Ethan Hawke and Ben Stiller with me in this dream. We were looking forward to meeting a particular individual - an Asian lady, that was somehow important for them finding a good deal on a luxury apartment in New York City. In this dream, I foresaw of things to come realizing that we missed out by a few minutes in meeting her at her office. With my own powers-of-sorts, I had to somehow track her down by mind. So me and the gang all ran, but it was up for me to meet her. And so I did. I introduced myself kindly and later, I brought on the others to meet her. From there, the talks went well and we were able to land the good deal on the apartment - not missing out. I was glad to alter history for a good cause.

The third one was weird. I was working at a pet store overnight along with other co-workers (in which some of them were my inventory co-workers in real-life). And there were people shopping like the time never even affected them. Take this as odd, but the supervisor and manager didn't want us to wear nametags at all. We just had a white patch on our shirts with nothing labeled on it. Another weird element here: no bar codes on the product. It's a plain white rectangle instead.

And the last was an 'okay' dream. My mom was helping me find a job in a bank, but it was more than just a bank. Below were medical records in a box located downstairs. I don't even know why they were even there - maybe the job requires these prior to starting a job there. All of the people in the building were filipino. My mom talked with the Human Resources lady as well as the applicant who was at the computer ... And then ....


I woke up. Dreams AND a nightmare are over. It's a Saturday. A sunny Saturday. Time to get things going. But wow. 7 hours of dreaming can lead onto interesting things.

My 'Lola' going blind?

'Lola' (meaning "grandma" in Filipino) mentioned this to me a few months ago during a telephone conversation. She wants to see me before she'll go blind in the times to come. It pains me to hear of the news that this is happening to her. I can only imagine being 'in her shoes' facing this bad news. I hope that there is still time to see her before this may get eventually even worse. My mom is currently working on the effort in trying to find an eye care specialist that is around or closest to the Pangasinan area of the Philippines ... 'Lola' has been blessed for most of her years, especially during her few years stay in the U.S. during the early to late 1990s. She still remains very active for her age (in her early 80s now). She continues to go forth with her passion of gardening vegetables around the home. And her voice hasn't slowed down one bit, although it seems now that her hearing is being affected slightly. I question the 'hearing' part, however. Sometimes phone calls to the Philippines do have audio problems on top of the many failed attempts we try to reach our loved ones there. I'm sure many of us filipinos can relate to that part .... I hope that I will be given an opportunity in the near-future to visit my relatives there, especially 'Lola.' Right now, I'm working on my plan in trying to find a lucrative career, good enough to make me earn a decent income - and spend a small portion of that for a 3-week trip to the Philippines. Whatever consequences she is going to face, 'Lola' will know that I am around when I am finally there by way of my voice and when I'll touch her hand, or even give her a warm hug:)

Taking bold steps with the blogs ... a new direction.

Hello everyone. Yes it is me. I'm back at the blog bandwagon once again. I would like to make this announcement and let all of you know that I will be taking bold steps with the blogs. That means that I will be writing more personal blogs that many of you all have come to appreciate and love for the last few years. I am going to curb down slightly on the movie reviews and national headlines that have pretty much congested my page for a very long time now, especially as of recent. So stay tuned and get ready for the awesome restart to JONNYROOBS CENTRAL.

Many thanks to those who have kept in touch with me on Facebook. I really appreciate everyone's company so far. And yes, I also have Twitter. Check it out, as well.

So yeah, look forward to the new changes to the entries posted on JONNYROOBS CENTRAL.

"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!