Up Where We Belong: An Inspirational Song

          To give us inspiration for the day, allow me to share with you one of my favourite songs entitled Up Where We Belong. The two famous artists for this song are Joe Cocker and the beautiful Jennifer Warnes. This has been a source of inspiration for me not only because of the mastery of these two artists but the lyrics of the song itself. Personally, they were so moving and to let you feel also how these lyrics could impact our lives, I am sharing some of them here with my own reflection:

" The road is long. There are mountains in our way. But we climb a step every day. "

No matter how challenging, what is of great consequence to us is that we are always willing to step forward regardless whether the road is rough and tough or the other way around. Learning to appreciate our daily events will allow us to grow more in a positive way.


" Love lift us up where we belong. Where the eagles cry on the mountains high." 

If we know how to love and allow ourselves to be loved by others then we are putting and adding colours to our life. There are mountains, yes, they are in place everywhere but when we are able to climb them up then we can also see a much bigger picture of what is around us.


"Some hang on to used to be. Live their lives looking behind. All we have is here and now. All our life, out there to find."

Some may find their past so painful and struggle so much to forget them but in order for them to survive on this earth, they need to learn to embrace everything, both gain and pain, as part of life. Though I know that it is easy said than done but there is no other way to grow except to accept all chapters of our life.

To view the whole song, here is the link to that excellent song:



                        video credit: (You Tube ) georgeallen35m

          Hence, it is also my wish that you can find inspiration on this great love and inspirational song. Every in our life, we always need something to lighten up our load and share its blessings.




                                           

COming Together To Share Life and Love

          Just a few days ago, a finalisation meeting was held by the officers of the JUGAN clan to discuss matters pertinent to the coming Jugan clan reunion on May 24, 2015 (Sunday). This very important assembly was presided by the overall spokesperson, Dodong Feliculo Jugan Lecciones. 

representatives/officers of JUGAN clan reunion 2015

          Some of the things discussed and shared during this gathering: activities of the reunion day, sharing of resources, on food and accommodation and many more. 

Here is the initial list of activities to be held on the reunion day:

7:00   am- 10:00 am- registration

10:00 am- 11:00 am- mass

12:00 noon---------- lunch

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - presentation of all members of the clan

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm - raffles, games, singing contest with live band

fun, more fun and more fun.....

MCs of the event- Bubbles, Jessah and Hejil

          Words of gratitude to Ate Fe Jugan for sharing this information and we wish all members of Jugan clan good luck to this year's reunion. 

                                     

A Reflection: Be Happy and Contented in LIFe

          Each day, whopping opportunities come and go. And when the ball is in your court, grab it for it may never come again. Can you count on your fingers how many wasted chances you have in a single day? Can you remember a time when you lay hold of an opportunity at a grab of a hat? You should be constantly mindful of your own journey and that of others most notably those who are dearest to you.

          Meanwhile, be happy and contented with your life for it is with happiness that can assist you to radiate positive vibes to others. When you take a closer look at this world, you will see that this world that you live in has been so wounded by people's insecurities, greediness, unsatisfied needs as well as wants, and others. You can be its positive contributor if you realise that much  things can be done by you.

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          Avoid barking on the wrong tree for it will never do you any good. If appropriate, accept defeat and be sorry for any wrongdoing since it takes courage to humble oneself. On the other hand, when the situation provides you of the best of both worlds then rejoice for it will add to your blessings. Learn to cross any bridge when you come to it. Don't worry too much on things which are still in the future. Focus your energy on what is in store for you at this very moment.

         At the end of the day, learn to count your day's blessings and express gratitude for all people who have been part of such chapters of your day and always remember too to express gratitude to Him above being the source of everything.

                                               

Fe Jugan and Family

            We all know that Jugan family members are everywhere both inside and outside the Philippines. Thus this is the purpose of my blog to provide information and whereabouts of the members of the family. For this post, we will come to know the family of Fe Jugan. Ate Fe, as she is fondly called by her younger relatives, is a registered and an accomplished nurse. She graduated from Velez School of Nursing during the year 1975. 

          She resides in Sto. Nino, Suba, Poblacion Liloan, Cebu. Her parents are Alfredo Achumbre Jugan Sr. and Concordia Salibongcogon, both  have joined our Creator already. The other members of her family are: 

- Helen Elma- she finished in two courses which are Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She is married and presently residing on the same address as Ate Fe's.- Alfredo Jr.- he is a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering graduate.- Edgar- he is a Bachelor of Science in Nautical Engineering graduate and married as well. He passed away already and joined our Divine Creator also.

- Ma. Anie- she is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Commerce and of Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education-Jose Rey- a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He also has his own family and resides at Bag-ong Dan, Yati, liloan, Cebu.-Luisito- the youngest among the siblings and he finished his degree of  Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He has his own family as well and resides on the same address as Ate Fe's.

          Presently, Ate Fe is working in Saudi Arabia being a NICU Staff Nurse 1. She regularly visits her family in the Philippines for she believes that the bonding within her family counts a lot. We also join the whole family in their journey and we wish them the best in whatever endeavour they will take part in the future. 




                                      

The Challenge of the Modern World of Today

         Have you contemplated on how the world of today differ from the kind of world that we had before? I'm not that sure if our traditional practices and games have been preserved and have been introduced to the children of today. Mostly what I notice nowadays is that our present day children are very much engrossed and exposed to the modern world of technologies. From what I could think of, I remember when we were still children and we used to gather in unison to play basic and simple games making use of our local gadgets such as bamboo, paper, rubber bands, cans etc..

imagecredit: Erwin Doriman

          Nowadays, children are introduced at an early stage to the electronic technologies. I'm not saying that this is bad or good but somehow, the challenge now is on all of us on how we, adults, accompany our children during this modern era. On the other hand, I am thankful for the latest technology since it personally helps me and my wife to communicate with our kid who is miles and miles away from us. 

          Anyway what is important in our world today is that we make use of all these modern technologies to our advancement and never to our failures. Thus we must make it sure that they would not hinder us to personally communicate with our loved ones. One among the many essential things in life is creating, building, maintaining, and developing harmonious relationships with our families, with others, with the world around us and with our Creator. 

                                         

Maintaining Harmonious Relationship Within the Family

          Just recently, I read a write up about the ways on improving one's relationship within the family. We all know that one of our main sources of strength is the family. From the very first moment that we were born on this earth up to our present stage, everything that we acquired and inherited then were all partly due to our family's influence. 

  

          From the fundamental values and traits that we hold on, these are mostly things that we acquired from our role models in the family most notably the parents. In relation to this, I would like to share with you areas that could help us develop positively our relationships within the family. To name them:

- making relationships a priority

- communicating effectively

- working together as a family

- providing support for each other 

(Source: http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/families/about-families/family-relationships/building-blocks-healthy-family-relationships)

          Hence with the interplay of all these four plus some other factors related to them, the relationship among the members of the family will prosper. To share some thoughts on these four, indeed it is very essential that every member of the family will cling and look up to it as the main source of inspiration to wake up each day and continue one's journey.

imagecredit: Jozh Tuballa

          Although it could not be avoided that conflicts among the members will arise but with the aid of effective communication, whatsoever source of the tension will be unearthed and be resolved. Hopefully the initiative will start from within the elders and pass on to the rest of the members. The timing also in giving the communication should also be noted. No conflict, whatsoever, should be left unresolved till the following morning. As early as the family can, it is beneficial for all members if peace within will emerge again after every conflict.

          On the other hand, there is also that sense of joy when everyone contributes to whatever endeavour the family is involved with. As it is said, strength emerges when all participate in whatever activity. When something happens to any member of the family, whether it is good or bad, all other members are directly or indirectly affected by it. Hence, no one can just be  a mere audience when something occur to anybody within the family. 

          Consequently, it is constantly beneficial when each member endows support to others in whatever field of interest that one get involve with, or in any project. Lastly it is always good to know that somebody cares for every member of the household. 

                                            

Honoring Sr. Sto. Nino: JANUARY 2014

          Recently, me and my wife had the great opportunity to attend the Sinulog celebration in Deer Park, Melbourne, Australia. Sinulog is an annual festival held on the 3rd Sunday of January in Cebu City, Philippines. On this festival, the Filipino people's pagan origin and consequently, their embrace of Christianity is being remembered. 

          While attending the ceremony of the Holy Eucharist, the congregation gathered together displayed a unified conviction in Santo Nino. What was striking for me personally is the overwhelming faith of the congregation. In spite of being far away from home and from their loved ones, those people who flocked together for the commemoration showed their genuine devotion.

         After the mass, we witnessed the Sinulog dance offered by the Halad dancers. On this dance, the reverence spirit of the Filipino people is expressed by its various steps. It had the sound of the drums as its background and it depicted the desire to turn back from those evil noises around and inside of us.

          Thus, the celebration meant not just to gather the Filipino faithful on this faraway place yet what counted most is their manifested unity.  Much credit also is extended to my dear cousin, Lyn Jugan Banzon, for creating the Sinulog dance offering steps and the colorful costume of all Halad dancers.

The Best of the Holiday Season

          As we come nearing to the end of this year 2013, may we all come back to where we started this year. Since January up to this point in time, bountiful blessings have arrived in our life.

          On the other hand, we look forward to each of the seasons all throughout the year and most significantly, we cherish this holiday period as we await for the coming of our Most Trusted Friend Jesus. Consequently, I believe that it is but fitting for us all to think of all significant people who have journeyed with us on this year. Each moment spent with them is beyond any price and condition. 

imagecredit:

          Yes indeed we can somehow celebrate this joyous season by remembering in our hearts and minds those people whom we have encountered during the course of this year. In one way or the other, they have left imprints in our hearts and these markings resulted us to be better persons.

          Thus we all come into prayer for all of these significant and the less significant people whom we have shared our life this year. May they always enkindle in their hearts the true spirit of Christmas- the sharing of joy and life to everyone regardless of whatsoever differences that we have.

                                      


                    


                                                     

HAPPY WEEKEND TO ALL MY LOVED ONES

          Today as I enjoy my weekend, I come to think of the many members of our clan, Jugan family, then I realized that members of our family have been scattered all over the world. Yet in spite of this reality that sometimes, loved ones are separated by miles and miles away from each other, the LOVE that binds us all will constantly strengthened the relationship against all odds.

          From the early beginning of the clan in Cebu City, generations have come and go and still, the foundations brougth along by the very first generations unceasingly serve as anchor to this family. Just like any ordinary family, at times the relationship among the members is challenged by misunderstandings, misconceptions, quarrels etc but similar to a hardened stone, the family hurdled them one by one. 

          Thanks to the wisdom of all the elders of the family who facilitated discussions, processings, meetings and other initiatives to patch out differences. On the other hand, the members also cherish together the wonderful and fun moments which also reflect the bond of true blood within them. Today's young generations will consistently have something to look up to from the elders. Thus, what is the joy and pain of every member becomes the same with the rest of the family.

                               

                                                          

JERRY S. JUGAN AND FAMILY

          JUGAN members are all over the world. With the present means of communication that we have (facebook, twitter etc), it becomes easier and swifter for us to establish and to maintain the relationships among our family members.

          Every opportunity that allows all members to interact with one another is treasured. The latest one that was cherished by members most notably by those who were able to participate was the reunion held last May. 

          Indeed it was such a success that every participant's experience was well kept deep inside his/her heart. Moreover the family that our blog will feature at this time is the family of Jerry S. Jugan. 

          Jerry is married to Maria Gina T. Jugan. Their marriage is blessed with 12 children. The following comprise the whole family:

1. Jergin- eldest who graduated from her course last year and now is presently working;
2. Retchen with twin sister Reschen- both are married
3. Reschen
4. Michelle- who is on her first year college taking up BSBA
5. Janice- high school
6. Jerry Jr- high school
7. Jake- elementary
8. Redgie- elementary
9. Chrystel- elementary
10. Miles- elementary
12. Lycka

The 11th member passed away years ago and may his soul rest in peace. 

Jerry originally hails from Batad, Bogo City and now, he resides together with the family in Sibonga, Cebu Province. Let us include Jerry and his family in our prayers.

TEAMWORK: KEY TO A TEAM'S SUCCESS

Coming together is a beginning.

Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.

- Henry Ford

          Years ago, I had the chance to coach a basketball team composed of students between 15 yrs. old to 18 yrs. old. Recalling back that experience, I could say that several factors such as individual discipline, commitment to the team, set of self direction, perseverance, teamwork etc. contribute to the success of a team.  Among them, I would single out teamwork as focus of my sharing at this time. 

from:www.kozzi.com

          Going back to my team, those boys were young, talented and had much  vigor in them. There were 15 of them who comprised the school's varsity team. After weeks of try out, sweating it out with all hopeful, they came out as the lucky ones and emerged victorious. All throughout the year, we had our regular practice sessions and we were able to participate in certain competitions. Consequently, there were tears on moments of defeat and screams of joy when we won games especially against much favored teams. 

          Basically what came out as an outstanding quality among these kids was their ability to promote and maintain teamwork among themselves. Basketball is one of those games that needs teamwork among all players. Among anything else, there should be cohesiveness within the team. Each player must condition his heart that he plays an essential role in the team and the moment that he forgets about it,  it's the whole team that suffers. 

          As Henry Ford says above, "working together means success." At times, any player will experience a tug of war between one's self centered desire to get everybody else's adoration and accolade against the team's goal of winning. On the other hand, when teamwork is present, each member prioritizes the team's  goals and ideals. With teamwork, other areas such as defense, team morale, collective effort and morale are positively affected. Any team's integral parts are made up of members who are working together as one.     

from: www.kozzi.com

          As mentioned by one the game's most influential and popular player, Michael Jordan, " Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships." With his statement, he knew exactly that he is considered as such an exceptional talent however, it is also very evident that he recognizes the contributions done by his teammates. He was never been selfish in his games. Being a winner then exemplifies certain characteristics with teamwork emerges as one of the most crucial one.