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as 2008 comes to an end, I look reflect back on the year that was 2008.

2008 brought many promises as well as pains.

I fell in love with the islands of Hawaii, but more than the obvious beauty of the landscape. I feel in love with the lesson learned, the people I spent time with, and the culture.

I saw love - the action, and experience heartache.

although it was hard to do, I said goodbye to good friends and hope to rekindle with them later. but I also, said hello to new friends.

while there was history happening in the summer beijing olympics, Georgia was being bombed by Russia.

I witnessed a presidential history as Mr. Obama promised change in America.

bid farewell to a job that I learned to love the students I had served but move to a position of possibilities of growth and shared philosophies.

2008 also brought hundreds of filipino activists killed or missing.

the year brought more light into myb people's history and current events in the philippines.

as the year comes to a close palestinians are bomed by israelis to a war that seems never ending. thousands of americans in bankcruptcy, lost their houses, and jobs

2008 was a roller coaster ride and I bed farewell to the experiences and I bring with me the lessons learned to 2009.

2009 I look forward to the challenges and growth you'll bring! I hope for everyone to have much blessing in the new year!

TRiO Works

California's Recession

I was watching the news tonight and the Governator said that we our in time of financial crisis. That's pretty obvious! Look at California's unemployment rate, closing down of businesses, and hundreds of foreclosures - does that not give you a hint? The Governator goes to blame the lawmakers for not coming up with any compromise in passing a budget that would bridge the gap of how much California owe and to build some revenue. He says if he has the power, he'd lock both parties, Democrats and Republicans, until they agreed on a sound budget. Taxpayers lose $470 every second, $2800 every minute, $1.7 million every house, $40 million every day as long as the lawmakers do not agree on a budget. Here's an idea STOP PAYING THE LAWMAKERS!!! until they get their act together. Almost, always financial budgetary cuts affects those among lowest rank state workers - i.e. janitors, university employees, etc... Why not put the burden onto the lawmakers so they know how important this is to the people that they are serving. Maybe, they won't have their fancy dinners, they're morning latte's, and their jet trips on the backs of taxpayers. Oh wait, but the lawmakers still would not feel the money crunch since they're pockets are supported by special interests!

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today, I was a kid again. I fully immersed in enjoying my time with my niece. I looked like a fool running around at chuck e cheese. oh we'll, it was all worth it. hopefully she can stay as innocent as she is as long as possible. as young as she is, I am able to learn from she teaches me. love, life for the moment, and always be a kid at heart!

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wow! theres definitely some times that I get tunnel vision and end up focused on what my wants are and to go through of the mishaps of what is not working well in my life. however, looking back into the my experience of the pass few days I am reminded how truly blessed I am.

this past saturday, I was able watch the culmination of 3 years of labor of putting together the documentary of the Manongs, a documentary based on the first wave Filipino immigrants of sonoma county. this documentary was able to bear fruit thanks to the hard work of the children of the manongs. most of the folks who worked on this project were the daughters of the manongs and I am blessed to have been surrounded by these powerful women! they probably will never know but I have learned so much from them. I am thankful that I was alowed to be in there presence.

this past few days has also renewed my passion for what I do as a job. actually, I wouldn't want to call ajob as I am doing what I love for a career. in an case, just being around such great individuals who identify, shape, and advocate for youths who have endless potential is simply amazing! what little part I did for the conference turned out to be such a great experience and a confidence builder. in some aspects, I was a part of every aspects of the behind the scenes work of the whole conferene. but what I pride myself the most is being able to be part of fundraising for scholarships for program students. we raised over $1200 through drawing prices and yes! through kareoke performances! great conference. great people. great experience. also, this conference gave me the booze to know that I have made the right choice changing working environment. I am blessed for such a great opportunity!

in addition, I watch history happen today as barrack obama became the US president elect. he brings new hope and new energy! just looking through this election process spirits have been awoken as debates were happening through emails, phone conversations, and other means. a surge of people were got themselves involve with the world of politics and took back their power - the power to tell stop compalinin and take action! both sides of aisles were engaged - young and old, men and women, heterosexuals and homosexuals, majority and minorities, conservatives, democrats, and independents, blacks, whites, latinos, asians, immigrants, citizens, FILIPINOS - all emerge to plug into the political arena and its a beautiful sight! I am blessed to have witnessed history!

simply put, I AM VERY BLESSED!

it all seems like a dream

this change - this move to a familiar yet new environment seems like a dream. it all happened too fast as I ask the world to slow down and let me catch up. im scared that apart of me has died and parts of me will die. however, I know parts of me will continue to grow. maybe this change is all to new which seemes likes its too fast. after all I never left sonoma county for I have left my roots there

letting go

letting go is the art of true freedom
but, the most challeging action to achieve