Twelve Journey to Success- What is Life?

It is time for My Food for Thought for the Week!

From My Face Book This Morning!

1. You will always have problems. Learn to enjoy life while solving them.

2. People don’t decide their future; they decide their habits, and their habits decide their future.

3. In life, you can only control two things: your effort and your attitude.

4. Don’t ask how to start. Start, and then ask how to improve.

5. Happiness has less to do with pleasure and more to do with purpose.

6. Life is harder when you expect too much from the world and too little from yourself.

7. Life gets easier when you expect a lot from yourself and little from the world. High standards, low expectations.

8. Half of your problems are simply your mind turning minor issues into major ones.

9. Don’t look for secrets when what you need is repetition.

10. Don’t let yourself be controlled by three things: people, money, or past experiences.

11. In every challenge or even tragedy, there’s an opportunity. If you train yourself to find the opportunity, you can take control of the situation and even turn it into something positive—or, if it cannot be entirely good, at least something good can come from it.

12. Be thankful every day, because even if you feel there’s nothing to be grateful for, your “normal” day is someone else’s dream.

Meanwhile, "What is life?

💜What is Life to:

• Dostoevsky: It’s hell.

• Socrates: It’s a test.

• Aristotle: It’s the mind.

• Nietzsche: It’s power.

• Freud: It’s death.

• Marx: It’s the idea.

• Picasso: It’s art.

• Gandhi: It’s love.

• Schopenhauer: It’s suffering.

• Bertrand Russell: It’s competition.

• Steve Jobs: It’s faith.

• Einstein: It’s knowledge.

• Stephen Hawking: It’s hope.

• Kafka: It’s just the beginning."

Finally, My Photo of the Day!

💜Personal Note: My Dear Readers, If you are ask what one word, What is life to You, What is your answer? I like to hear from you.

Two More Books from My Blogs Published

💚💚Batman and Robin-My current two apartment mates- They kept me active and wakes me up at the same time in the morning

The Four D's ( Ditas, Dodie, David E (RIP) and Dinah) and Me at Ian's King Wedding November, 2021 

 I was so happy with the first book of photos and articles from my blog in 2023 that arrived a few months ago,

https://planningtovisitthephilippines.blogspot.com/2024/01/my-2023-blog-book-has-arrived.html

that I ordered two more books from www.mysocialbook.com. The first book is the highlights of photos and articles in my blog for the year 2021-2022 and the second book is from January 2023 to January 2024.  Here are some sample pages from the 2022 year book. My apology for not able to rotate the photos for better viewing.

Modeling My Batman  Sweat Shirt 

Empanada and other Pinoy Dishes

My Purple Okra Harvest- from My Backyard Garden, Fair Oaks, CA   

Bitter Melon (Ampalaya) also from My Garden. Fair Oaks, CA

Summary of Photos for 2022

Here's sample of photos and pages from the Year 2023-2024 

Playing Mahjong and my Dinugu-an ( Pork Blood Stew) and Fried Fish ( Pompano) Dinner 

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Macrine and I - our Photo Crystal -the Original Photo versus the Finished Photo

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The Katague Clan- All White Party during my 88th Birthday Party-Dungeness Crabs Served

Here's my favorite quote on Memoirs Writing:

“Memoirs are the backstairs of history.” “Inside each of us is a natural-born storyteller, waiting to be released.” “Memories too often die with their owner, and time too often surprises us by running out.” “After nourishment, shelter, and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.”

Meanwhile, Did You Know?

The Philippines, with its bustling cities and diverse islands, is the 12th most populous country globally. This means its population size even surpasses some of the world’s largest countries in terms of land area, like Japan and Russia! With over 113 million people packed into a land area that ranks just 73rd in size, the country is one of the densest, making its cities vibrant but often crowded. The islands’ mix of urban centers and rural areas results in a unique demographic blend, contributing to a rich tapestry of cultures and languages.

And while it may be surprising that such a geographically compact country has this many people, the Philippines’ youthful population—where nearly 40% are under 20 years old—adds a dynamic energy, making it one of the fastest-growing populations in Asia.

Lastly, here's my amaryllis 4th and 9th days after planting:

An Unexpected Reward for Kindness and Compassion

This is a true story relayed to me from a previous co-worker/friend, who was jobless for a while. His wife has a distant relative couple( originally from the Philippines) with no children in their 80's. The couple needed help in their daily activities ( Assisted Living). Since he was jobless he volunteered to be their care taker and this is what he wrote.

" I know what kindness is all about. I experienced it firsthand. When I just got here in USA I encountered a challenging situation. Although I stood up my ground I did not antagonize the hostility. When he grew old my wife was obliged to care for him and his wife. I had to take good care of him when he was terminally ill. With kindness I put aside all my bad experiences with him. I took good care of him really good. Subsequently the rewards was so enormous".

Later on after 3 years, the childless couple passed away. When their Will was read, My friend was surprised that the coupled had given him and his wife, their house and lot in the hills of Oakland, Ca and quite a substantial amount of their savings. This was their payment to him for taking care of the couple daily living needs for 3 years, besides the monthly subsidy the couple was giving him for his services.

My co-worker and his wife did not have financial worries after they received the unexpected inheritance. They spent some of the inherited money to travel around the world. My co-worker and his wife are only in their mid-70's. They did not expect that the couple will give their assets after their demise, and since the couple have no relatives here in the US, they inherited not only the fully paid house and lot but also a substantial amount of savings. Again, this is a true story and not just a product of my imagination. 💚

Meanwhile, Did you now that The Philippine Trench, one of the deepest parts of the ocean, reaches depths of about 10,540 meters (34,580 feet) in the Emden Deep.

The trench is a result of the complex tectonic activity in the region where the Philippine Sea Plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate.

Despite the extreme depths and pressures, unique and diverse marine life inhabits the trench, adapted to the harsh conditions.

The Philippine Trench has been a significant site for deep-sea exploration, providing insights into geological processes and deep-sea ecosystems.

To put it in perspective, the Philippine Trench is deeper than Mount Everest is tall, highlighting the vastness and mystery of the ocean's depths.

Lastly here is a photo of my amaryllis showing 2 blooms and a bud.

💚This is a similar story that happened to Michael Buble parents. A Filipina immigrant took care of Buble parents as they age. When Buble parents passed they gave their house to her. As a result the Filipina caretaker was able to bring her family from the Philippines to Canada for permanent residency.  

Michael Bublé is a Canadian singer and songwriter. Regarded as a pop icon, he is often credited for helping to renew public interest and appreciation for traditional pop standards and the Great American Songbook.

Gordon Ramsay on Filipino Food

World-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay thrilled Filipino food enthusiasts during his visit to Manila on January 20, 2025, where he announced plans to open three new restaurants in the Philippines.

Speaking to a full house of industry leaders and culinary students, Ramsay expressed deep admiration for the country, calling it the “Sleeping Beauty of Asia” when it comes to cuisine. He also declared that Filipino food is the next big thing poised to captivate the world's palate.

"Maybe a Hell’s Kitchen restaurant as well. So, so exciting," Ramsay teased, hinting at one of the possible concepts in the works.

When asked about his favorite Filipino dish, the Michelin-starred chef didn’t hesitate to say, “Sisig Tacos".

This announcement has sparked excitement among Filipinos, who eagerly await the arrival of Ramsay’s culinary expertise in Manila’s dynamic food scene.

Gordon Ramsay is one of the most celebrated chefs in the world, with a career spanning over three decades. Born on November 8, 1966, in Scotland, he initially pursued a career in professional football before an injury led him to the kitchen. Ramsay trained under legendary chefs like Marco Pierre White and Guy Savoy, eventually earning his own Michelin stars. Today, he boasts an impressive 17 Michelin stars across his restaurants, making him a global culinary icon.

Known for his fiery personality and perfectionism, Ramsay rose to international fame through hit TV shows like Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef, and Kitchen Nightmares. His sharp critiques and passion for excellence have inspired chefs worldwide to push their boundaries and strive for greatness.

Interesting facts about Gordon Ramsay:

- He holds the prestigious title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to the hospitality industry.

- Ramsay is a marathon runner and has completed multiple Ironman triathlons.

- Despite his tough exterior, he’s a family man with five children and is deeply involved in charity work.

- He is known for his love of Filipino food, especially adobo, which he praised during his previous visits to the country.

Ramsay’s presence in the Philippines is not just about expanding his restaurants but also about sharing his culinary philosophy and inspiring the next generation of chefs. His commitment to quality and innovation continues to make him one of the most respected figures in the culinary world.

For Details visit the following sites:

https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/food-drinks/gordon-ramsay-filipino-cuisine-sleeping-beauty-asia-waking-up/

https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/20/exclusive-gordon-ramsay-talks-filipino-cuisine-comfort-food-and-global-trends?fbclid=IwY2xjawH-EeBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXOUkV-ccFf2e8wsfRS2gXQdVka5YyJd7NtDwPhfqeHTB2daaW4kJnW2lw_aem_97NSXdMbXzHyj6lQ8lxSnw

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/1/21/gordon-ramsay-shares-the-key-ingredient-to-his-culinary-success-1645

Meanwhile, here's the latest photo of my 2 room mates, Batman & Robin

Lastly, here are some photos I took at our Annual Lobster Lunch at the WC Yacht Club Sea Food Restaurant, yesterday!

The Main Lobster, French Fries and Coles Slaw were a Gastronomic Delight!!!

Personal Note: To THD Movie Goers, Here's review of Our Movie Tonite-Widow Clicqout

ihttps://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/widow-clicquot-film-review-2024

Reviews of the Movie, A Real Pain

The Movie, A Real Pain is scheduled at our Cinema tonite, at 7PM. I am planning to watch it. It has excellent reviews and the music is almost all classical Chopin music.  The following are two of several 4-5 stars critics review. “A Real Pain” has earned the following two Oscar nominations:

Best supporting actor, Kieran Culkin

Best original screenplay

Read this review if you are not concerned about a Spoiler Alert! 

" A Real Pain is a lovely story of estranged cousins reconnecting after the death of their Polish grandmother by of taking a trip to Poland on a guided tour. The leads are played by Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin. Benji (Culkin) is a free spirit with a warm and honest sense of humor who is confident and funny, and while these traits are organic to his personality he uses these traits to cover up the pain and sadness that lies within him. David (Eisenberg) a father and husband with a career who is uncomfortable with emotion but has a big heart who cares deeply about his cousin. 

Although cousins they feel like great friends from childhood that took different paths and through a tragic event find the oppurtune time to reconnect. I related to both characters. Benji in that he is well practiced at masking his pain through humor so that he doesn't have to talk about it and David, in that although I'm not married and don't have kids I took the safe career path which provides a level of security but have found there's a longing for more from life. 

The setting of Poland is shot beautifully and the tour locations are appropriate in helping the characters grieve and deal w their inner turmoil. The side characters in the tour group feel like real people you would meet on a tour like this. Nothing in the film feels forced, especially there not being a contrived love story which often happens in films of similar themes and ultimately detracts from the central story. 

The glue of the film is the score. Instead of using contemporary pop music, the music is classical, primarily Chopin, is tonally perfect and doesn't overshadow the story but matches the mood of the characters melancholy. The movie perfectly bookends itself and doesnt have the typical tie up the bow ending. Eisenberg's direction, the acting (especially Culkin) and all other technical aspects of the film are superb and were handled w care. Theres a perfect blend of humor and inner sadness that looms over the central characters. I would recommend this film to anyone, especially families and most especially families of Jewish heritage. Hats off to Eisenberg on his directorial debut. 5/5

Here's Another Review:

 A Real Pain explores the concept of pain in a nuanced way: the pain of losing a loved one, the pain of dealing with a challenging family member, and the generational pain of having a family’s future stolen. The film captures how different people cope with these pains: David, Benji, the other tour participants, and even the tour guide, as they confront the events of the Holocaust, visit a Polish Jewish cemetery, and tour the Majdanek concentration camp. The message is clear: to cope with pain healthily, we must face it head-on in our own way. This journey of confronting pain is essential for building our resilience and strength.

Pain is what connects us to our humanity, reminding us that we are truly alive. During the trip, Benji recounts a painful memory: their grandmother once slapped him in a New York City restaurant because he arrived late for dinner. She had dressed up for the occasion, and the public slap left Benji feeling real pain. However, he acknowledges that this act of accountability, though hurtful, came from a place of love. Benji yearns for this kind of tough love from others, particularly from David. He craves someone who can hold him back from his impulsive tendencies, showing him care and affection in the process.

A poignant moment in the film occurs when David and Benji visit their late grandmother’s former house in Poland. The home is now owned by another family, and any traces of the Kaplans’ presence have long vanished. In a touching gesture, David places a stone in front of the house to honor their grandmother’s memory. However, the moment takes a humorous yet bittersweet turn when an elderly Polish man chastises them. He misunderstands their intention, believing the stone was placed maliciously to cause harm to the current elderly resident. Despite their efforts to explain the Jewish tradition of placing stones as a memorial to remember their deceased grandmother, the older man remains unconvinced despite his son’s English to Polish translation of their reasoning for having placed the stone there. Feeling awkward about the entire encounter, David and Benji decide to take the stone with them when they leave Poland.

In a beautifully symbolic gesture upon his return to New York, David later places the stone at the entrance of his Brooklyn home, where he lives with his wife and child. This act underscores the universal idea that “home is where the heart is.” While the memory of the family’s life in Poland has faded, their grandmother’s legacy endures. Her journey as an immigrant to America, striving to build a new life for her family while preserving her Jewish identity, continues to inspire her descendants, including David and Benji.

As the film concludes, the audience is left wondering about the futures of David and Benji’s relationship and their individual paths. The heritage trip and their shared memories of their grandmother seem to strengthen their bond. The film suggests that, despite their differences, family is ultimately the one thing you can rely upon in life. While Benji and David drive each other crazy, they also admire and need each other. The hope is that they will continue to support one another, bringing balance to each other’s lives with David finding more spontaneity and emotional authenticity, and Benji discovering greater stability and purpose.

Meanwhile, Did you Know That---- Hundreds of same-sex couples are tying the knot across Thailand today as the country becomes the first in Southeast Asia to recognize marriage equality. The landmark bill marks a momentous win for the LGBTQ+ community, which has fought for more than a decade for the same marriage rights as heterosexual couples. Under the legislation, passed by Thailand's parliament and endorsed by the king last year, same-sex couples are now able to register their marriages with full legal, financial, and medical rights, as well as adoption and inheritance rights. Lastly, the Ten Things People Learn too Late in Life!

Landscaping of the Main House of Chateau Du Mer- Philippines

Three weeks ago, my three grandchildren ( Philip, Alix and Marina)  enjoyed a one week vacation on my island Paradise in the Philippines - the Beautiful island of Marinduque-Heart of the Philippines. 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/01/photos-of-my-grand-children-vacation-in.html

The Capital town of the island is Boac. This is the place where our retirement home and Beach House is located. From 2002 to 2020 my wife ( RIP) and I spent at least 3 months ( sometimes 4 months) every year during winter time here in the US. Thus, we called ourselves, snowbirds in the Philippines. 

In 2016, we spent for 4 months instead of our standard 3 months stay. I had enough time to maximize the landscaping of the Main House, Beach House and Conference Center. I had 2 gardeners helped maintained the landscaping of the 2-acre front, side and backyard of the main house. 

The following are some photos I took at that time. Note that there are no photos of the Beach house or Conference Center, as well as the inside of the Main House or the Conference Center. These are just photos of the front, side, and back of the main house.    

Driveway from the National Road

The View of the Main House- Side ways = North- South Direction  

Statuary of Saint Anthony de Padua guarded by two potted dwarf Kalanchoe Trees 

 Side of the Garage with the Virgin Mary Statuary and Succulent Flowering Plants  

Front Porch with two Lions Head Guarding the Entrance to the House

One of Several of My Dwarf Coconut Trees

Two of the Several Blooming Orchids

One of my Pineapple Plants starting to bear Fruits  

Two Herons Statuary Under the Tamarind Tree 

The Seven Dwarfs Statuary Under the Mango Tree

Another statuary by the Side of the House 

The back yard on the way to the Beach, Beach House and Conference Center.

For Complete details and photos of the Beach House and Conference Center visit:

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2021/08/photo-memories-of-chateau-du-mer-and.html

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2023/02/good-bye-chateau-du-mer-beach-house.html

Meanwhile, here are some most powerful Life Hacks for Men:

Lastly, here are some photos I took of the newly installed Fountain by the Side of the Fairmont Building as well as the new night lights installed in the Court Yard  and Swimming Pool Area.   Thank You THD for your beautification projects and newly installed outdoor furnitures and lighting projects.

 

The Night Lights add ambience and feeling of Security in this Gated Community for Active Seniors