I was browsing through my photos, and I came across this one. My friends and I traveled to Hundred Islands during the Holy Week, and along the way, we saw the re-enacment of Jesus' excruciating "carrying of the the cross." I have seen this on TV before on CNN when I was still in the US, but this vision was now live. Behind "Jesus" were some shirtless men who wereself-flagellating.

I was amazed by what I saw because there are some of us who are so passionate about our beliefs. We know that there are many wars out there cause by our overzealous beliefs. I would not necessarily approve of this act, but as long as it is done safely, without hurting the self and others, then I say "to each his own."

Shaka - from Hawaii

Everytime I take a picture, I do the shaka. Most times. Some people give out the peace sign, the nasty sign, or the "I love you" sign. Many of my friends and students have been asking what it is. It's great to explain what it is, especially because its meaning is so significant and has a lot of good values.

Since I grew up in Hawaii, I do the shaka. It means "how's it going," "what's up," "hang loose," or "right on." Simply put, it is a cultural statement meaning "aloha" and that everything is going to be all right.

Some of my friends and students here in the Philippines are now using the shaka to take pictures. It beats the overused peace sign, doesn't it?

Changes and Growth

I am changing the name of this blog to AIEPRO, which is the website of my school.

There comes a time when we morph into something new, to a better self. I have learned, throughout my one year and a half here in the Philippines, that we shouldn't take life too seriously, but also not to take life whimsically. We must have a good balance. It's a "yin yang." It's give and take. It's give and receive. It's karma.

AIEPRO for me has been a blessing. Through this project, I have seen the goodness in so many Filipinos, how they strive, and how they want to make a difference. On the other hand, I have seen how they don't want to make a difference at all. That's fine with me. I intend to help them see otherwise. I don't need to do it on a grand scale. I just have to remind myself everyday, one day at a time.

I had respect for different individuals before, but I learned it so much more here in the Philippines. It is sometimes hard to respect those who have different attitudes and values, and so I struggled here. But I am learning to adapt, to acculturate, and the battle continues. I remind myself everyday, that even if I cannot change other people's attitudes, I can change mine. That is all I have to worry about, for now.

And so, anyone can change. For better, or for worse. It's up to us to change our selves.