Run

It was a sweet, cold Thursday morning when everybody did wake up early, put on their shoes and run. The school carried out the activity "Run For The King" as the King is about to celebrate his birthday on the fifth of December. Parents, students and teachers as well did participate in the said activity. 

For Thai people, King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the King of all kings. He is the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history and is loved and respected by the people of Thailand and take note, he earned that respect, not forced.

It's just so different here, we often hear news about people of most countries overthrowing their rulers and so on.

So why do Thai people love him? 

Simply put, it is because he cared for his people especially the poor ones in rural areas. He doesn't indulge in luxuries or extravagant lifestyle, he is morally upright, righteous, compassionate, he possesses charisma and good leadership qualities, a pious and holy man.  

The said program was done annually as a sign of support for their King's intention which is largely to help everyone in every possible way and be a stronger nation. But this year, an even greater reason was put and that is  for the speedy recovery of the country and the King. The flood situation really did cause depressing moments to the people and the King who was reportedly upset about the current condition. 

The run was fun and impressive, and again showed how these people stand as one and support their leader. 

Opening Borders

Last week was full of fun and surprise as the Anuban Uttaraditt School held the English Camp 2011.

 "To Open Borders to the ASEAN Community"

Photo Courtesy: Make A Difference

Students get to know more of the South East Asian regions and the amazing places and culture, at the same time integrating their English communication skills. The event was another good opportunity for students to focus and develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills while enjoying and interacting with peers in doing activities. 

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At first, a handbook was given to everyone as guide for them to enjoy  the planned activities. Sports were played to build up self awareness and various lectures about one's surroundings were done to widen minds in protecting  the environment.


Photo Courtesy: Make A Difference

It's the second time I took part in the camp and was just happy seein them in smiles and having fun...:) 

Ninth

Its freezin in here as the cold season was approaching and it kinda irk me a bit. The last two months of the year here is pretty much the same with that of the Philippines. 



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For sure, everybody will miss a lot of things about "Paskong Pinoy Celebration" and it's sad but true. In little ways though, we still find time to gather and share festive nights like everybody's doin in the old place.

And again, today, I find myself another reason to have fun coz' today marks another month of my page and I have a lot to be thankful for....

Yahoo!!! Ninth Month!!! 



Separation

Just last week, the whole Thai community celebrated their most anticipated festival which is the Loi Krathong Festival. Loi Krathong takes place during the full moon of the 12th Thai month. This celebration is not only observed by Thai but even Laotians and Burmeses.

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Loi means "to float", while a Krathong is like a lotus shaped receptacle often made upon banana leaves and trunks. The thing here is that they go to rivers and prays fervently, repenting for all the sins and asking for forgiveness and blessings. They let the Krathong flowed with their prayers, hoping for a second chance and a greater opportunity to change.

Photo Courtesy: Google Images

The same principle is true with the Chinese Lantern, they lit it and at the same time wished and prayed for a brighter future and more chance to live a better life. 

I was able to witness Thai people doing Loi Krathong for the second time and the celebration caught my attention and reminded me of many things. To believe in power of prayer and the thing that most people find hard to do "to forgive". It was just so amazing how space and separation can do, like to think  out and reflect on things . A well known author once said that to forgive is actually not a sign of weakness but a sign of greatness. "Everybody needs a little time away", as the song goes. 

Hope everybody enjoyed the "Loi Krathong"!!! :)

Wet...Wet...Wet...

It's been two to three months now since the biggest and catastrophic flooding beset and submerged places in Thailand. People here considered it to be the worst flooding ever occurred in their history.

To be honest, I was thinking twice whether to post this article or not. I'd rather share ideas that would suggest looking at the brighter side of life than writing a thing about devastation. I reckon there are still significant thoughts though and perhaps, we could glean something brilliant here like personal vigilance and understanding the world we live.



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Before this mad and sad situation started, Yingluck won the election as the new prime minister of Thailand. I couldn't say that she got a bit unlucky but it was an event full of surprise for her and for all. The said flooding was totally saddening and frightening . It took lives of many and damage properties, both residential and commercial and even industrial. It caused delays to land transportation and flights were even disrupted. All sorts of worst thing one could possibly imagine did happen.

Thailand is prone to seasonal flush flooding due to its seasonal savanna climate. Some claim that it's due to climate change and the poor drainage system. Heavy downpours filled and stored large amount of water in rivers and its tributaries and as a result, it overflows and seek grounds. A basic water phenomenon: Water flows from higher to lower level of grounds and if you put boulders in the way of its flow, it will in time gets collected in sufficient amount and will break the barrier created by the boulder. A lot of effort was done in preventing the water to completely reach the capital city but they failed to stop nature.

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On the brighter side of the picture, all never did cease in helping and reaching out. Temporary shelter was provided and all possible aids and relief efforts were exerted to all affected communities. A strong, determined and bold Thailand emerged amidst the crisis. I once go across a news update and saw people of different walks carrying and passing sand bags used as rip raps that would somehow or even just a bit stop an insignificant amount of water to move in. They never lose their faith... :)

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Eight

Happy Eight Month "Make A Difference"

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I love the Chinese proverb, "The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it"

Isn't it interesting that so many people who have never tried something are quick to tell you that a thing can't be done?

Almost all the times, I find myself on both my sides of this proverbs. To be honest, I rarely see myself initiating something to be done but find myself to be the one interrupting someone.  I just always like to stay on my comfort zone and play safe.

Again, I was inspired as I was reading the reflection about this proverb. But in one way or another it made me think that there's always room for improvement and it reminded me of another proverb saying " The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now. So I'm planting and making my tree grow now!

Just do it and believe!!!

To wrap things up. Life is like a chess match every single move changes a situation and every single move is a new oppotunity... :) 

Sound Choice

To laugh is to risk appearing fool

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental

To expose true feelings is to risk exposing your true self

To place your ideas, your dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss

To live is to risk dying

To hope is to risk despair

To try is to risk failure...

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Some claim that the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. You may avoid suffering and sorrow but you simply cannot learn and grow to a certain extent. Therefore, a person who risks nothing does nothing and has nothing. These are just some of the old yet practical words I recall from reading an article and decided to print it out and integrate it with my idea.

Few days from now, and I would be like a year here. It's been that long and I can hardly believe it. But the least thing I guess is to enjoy every single minute of it. The place, to my surprise had become a heaven and I think of planning to stay longer.

I learn one thing though that all cannot escape from dealing with risk. Not a shadow of an idea showed up that I will land my feet here, but things just happen so quick and unexpected. I've done and took my part in dealing with that risk. And believe me, they're annoying and amazing at the same time.

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"To risk is to expose oneself to the chances of losing"

People often decide on something and the moment they stepped out and bet on something not sure is the same moment of accepting the risk on it. It's like putting oneself in highly vulnerable situation which hard to do. I can clearly remember the last time I took one of those and luckily, the risk paid off. I am wishing though that I could still handle more and act on it.

So when's the last time you took a risk?