What do stars do? February 28, 2008
Posted by Diadem in : Lessons in life , 3commentsHave you ever gone out at night and enjoyed stargazing while shivering under a cold breeze? This was one of my memorable pastimes during my college days. 
I hanged out with my college friends until the wee hours of the night at the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) main gate just to chat while waiting for the falling stars and race to find out the big dipper, one of the most easily recognizable groups of stars in the sky. We always do this especially during December in time for the lantern parade celebration.
Being very young ladies at that time, looking for the stars was our way of wishing for our dreams to come true, and inspire us to bring out the “stars” in ourselves. Together, we wished to be as bright as the stars and give starlight in the dark. Like the stars in the sky, we have varied luminosity depending on our capacity to shine. But of course, one thing I am sure of, we shine in our own special way! At times, we wither because of stormy weather, but we manage to shine again. And when we shine, we make sure that we shine brighter.
It is inevitable in life that we are tested through trials. But trials should be taken gracefully, as these open doors for opportunities…opportunities to surmount the trials and, in the process, make us stronger and better persons. According to James 1:12, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (more…)
Beyond nourishing the body February 19, 2008
Posted by Diadem in : Lessons in life , 2commentsBubbleShare: Share photos - Find great Clip Art Images.
“Tell me what you eat, and I’ll tell you who you are,” said renowned gastronome Jean Athelme Brillat-Savarin in 1825.
Foods mean more than nourishment. Food defines relationship, culture, health, and our life as a whole. I knew this several years ago, but I get to contemplate deeper on the role of food in our life when I started preparing food for my friends in Australia.
Preparing food made a difference in me. I became more resourceful, creative, imaginative, and persistent. I have to use my resourcefulness in searching for alternative ingredients available in the market and where to buy them at a cheaper price. Life is like that. More often than not, we have to find alternatives in reaching our goals. There are no lifts for success; we have to ascend or descend the ladder one step at a time.
“Good cooking does not depend on whether the dish is large or small, expensive or economical. If one has the art, then a piece of celery or salted cabbage can be made into a marvellous delicacy; whereas if one has not the art, not all the greatest delicacies and rarities of land, sea, or sky are of any avail”, said Yuan Mei (1716 – 1797). In life, we don’t also need to be aristocratic to become respectable. In fact, it is fulfilling to remain humble. (more…)
My life in Australia: A sheaf of countless blessings February 8, 2008
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Two weeks ago, I was in my home country enjoying the company of friends giving me send-off parties. Yes, I just left Philippines very recently to pursue my PhD in the Australian National University (ANU). Thanks to Ford Foundation International Fellowship Program for this opportunity (http://www.fordifp.net/index.aspx?id=274).
I got mixed emotions back then. I was excited…I was nervous. I was happy…I was sad. It was really an indescribable feeling. This is because this is my first time to be in Australia, my first step being on board its national carrier, Qantas. It’s fascinating to see the expanse of
I will be staying in this Australian Capital Territory for quite a long time, although I got a privilege to be home at least once a year. I will be away from my family, and I will be in a place with a new culture, unfamiliar Australian English twang, new food to adjust to, new time zone, new acquaintances, and so on and so forth.
I do not know anyone from Australia before I came here. I was just in contact with my adviser, Dr. Patrick Guiness, and the graduate student administrator, Liz Walters. I do not know much about Australia as well, except for its kangaroo and the Sydney Opera House – in pictures and through the Internet! (more…)