Dear God:  The lady reading this is beautiful, classy and strong and I love her.  Help her live her life to the fullest.  Please promote her and cause her to excel above her expectations.  Help her to shine in the darkest places where it is impossible to love.  Protect her at all times, lift her up when she needs you most, and let her know that when she walks with you, she will always be safe.  Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain!!

It’s been a long journey to self discovery.  Thank you for all your continued support!

In Greek Mythology the three Fates were the apportioners and controlled the metaphorical thread of life.  I’ve attached a link to Wikipedia to learn more about Moirea, Moerae and Moirai. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moirai

At best, it is the inescapable destiny of man…

Other than the obvious and highly anticipated launching of the non-profit, I split my time between a few jobs. After coming back from the Philippines, I went back to working for the family part time as a Real Estate Specialist, where I negotiate a settlement for our clients with their lenders on their Short Sale Listings. I also assist in managing assets (otherwise known as Bank Owned Properties, Real Estate Owned or Foreclosure Properties) for some of our clients such as Bank of America, Premiere Asset Services (a division of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage), Indymac Federal Bank and One West Bank.  Lastly, I assist in developing business for the team, whether it’s creating marketing pieces for our direct mail campaigns or updating our website with our latest listing and real estate news. 

If you are need any type of real estate consulting or have any questions regarding your real estate investment, please don’t ever hesitate to drop me an email with your questions.  You may also visit our website www.TheMyriadGroupInc.com to learn more about our team and the services we offer. 

A few days a week, I work for a District Attorney appointed law firm and work on the files of clients who have paid attorneys and brokers that have had their brokers licenses revoked or have been disbarred from practicing law.  They are attorneys and brokers who have collected a fee on modifications and have either not completed a modification or have not rendered any service whatsoever. 

The law firm I have been working for have been working on these files since last September when the new laws were enacted and the California Attorney General began taking over these cases.  I guess it is my service for giving back to others, especially those families who are in need of saving their homes, especially for their childrens sake.  I don’t advertise this nor do many people know that I do this, but I enjoy working on these cases, especially when we are able to get them on their trial period with their new terms.

Again, if you have any questions regarding your real estate investments and any legal matters concerning your investment, then please feel free to contact me. 

Finally for fun, my cousin and her husband have ventured into the food trucking business and opened up Tropical Shave Ice.  They serve Hawaiian shave ice from a food truck.  It’s a new craze here in Los Angeles and Orange County and it’s about to get crazier.  They attend private events, participate in fundraisers and have regular weekly venues where they serve to their family and friends.  If you’re in the Los Angeles and Orange County area come out and have some shave ice.   Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or check out the website www.TropicalShaveIce.com.

I don’t always enjoy everything I do, but there are things that must be done.  It’s about keeping a balance in life and making sure you remember that life is about experiencing things and remembering that our emotions are a guidance of whether we’re going in the right direction.  Eventually, I know that one of these paths will ultimately lead me to where I’m suppose to be.

One of my favorite bands in the whole wide world is Dave Matthews Band.  I’ve watched them in concert every year since 2004 with the exception of last year, but that’s a whole other story.  They are currently touring, as they always do around this time of the year and I’m trying to score some tickets because they have decided to take 2011 off. 

The combination of bluegrass, rock, jazz and soul are what drew me to their music.  One of the greatest things about being a DMB fan are the tailgating parties.  If you’ve ever gone to a Dave Matthews concert, then you know what I mean.  It’s a whole different culture.  Their fans follow them from venue to venue and begin partying in the parking lots long before the concert begins.   If you haven’t gone, then I would encourage you to experience it!

When I become of a fan of someone or something, I usually look for unique traits.  Dave Matthews is a very talented musician, but moreover he’s a very kind hearted, loving and committed individual to his family and things he believes in.  What I love most about Dave is that he is a dynamic individual.  When I absolutely, positively knew that I was a fan of Dave Matthews was when I found out he was a farmer.  When he’s not busy being a celebrity and touring the world doing concerts, he grows organic foods for his family up in Seattle, Washington and on a farm in Viriginia which he named “The Best of What’s Around”. 

It was a difficult trying to figure which video I would share, but this has got to be one of my top three!  Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds…enjoy!

We began by watching Eat Pray Love at the Lido Theatre, built in 1938, featuring “Jezebel” with Betty Davis, as its first movie.  Really cool!  Then we went to Pelican Hills Resort, where we sat at the bar, drank a few glasses of wine and watched the sunset behind the beautiful golf course and Pacific Ocean.

After the sunset, we sat done for some fine Italian dining at Andrea with our fine waiter.  On a side note, I must admit Jerome was very handsome and quite charming on top of the fact, I had all my girlfriends encouraging me to ask him out.  Heck, they would ask him out for me!  For some reason, I knew I was really true to myself and what I wanted in a man, so I didn’t do it.  ANYWAYS, after an amazing meal, we ended the evening by driving down to Crystal Cove, where we sat on the beach and one by one, each of us would share what our plans were for the future.  We all agreed that whenever we would think of each other, that we would hold that intention for each one of us.

To my sisters, know that you are always in my hearts and whenever I think of you, I think of love and light and let it go, remembering what each of your hearts and desires are.  As for myself and my new found freedom since returning from the Philippines, after my son and I get settled into our new place, I would like to go back to Italy. I last visited Rome and Florence in 2006, where it so happened that Italia won the the World Cup. Viva Italia!!  This time I would like to go back and visit the Amalfi Coast and finish off in Lake Como, Italy. It’s always been my intention since I first saw this video

I have traveled with my family every year for almost seven years straight. I am looking to do this trip either on my own and meet up with some friends from Rome or with anyone who would like to join me in Italy.  If you”re interested, email me LizaFlorida@yahoo.com.

-Tony Robbins

To every single person no matter where you are in your life and whatever your circumstances may be, whether its to become materially rich or to find love, stay true to the desires you keep closest to your heart…for it is the only thing that will never fail you!

So if you’re home relaxing after a busy week at work OR snuggled up with that special someone in front of the television set OR you’re out on a date playing kissing games on the benches of the San Monica Pier OR having a feast with the family at Orange County Fair OR working away in front of the computer on a Friday evening, know that it is a matter of a split second decision that could possibly open the doors to your wildest dreams.

I haven’t posted in a while, but you’ve been on my mind.  This one’s for you….

Sorry, I decided to change the video from my original post.  Same song, same meaning, different venue and much better picture quality.  Hope you enjoy this version!!

I created this post prior to leaving for the Philippines, however I never published it until now.  There is always a reason to why things happen the way they do.  Timing always seems to play the biggest factor in many of my situations.  I’ve learned so much about my people, my motherland, my heritage, but moreover I’ve learned so much about myself.  I have deeper more enriched relationships with everyone around me and I appreciate all the different talents and gift they contribute to this world. 

A month prior to leaving for the Philippines, I set out on a deeper spiritual journey and fasted on juices.  It was one of the greatest, however one of the most difficult sacrifices I have taken upon myself.  I knew that my volunteer work would bring to different places of great poverty and that I would actually bear witness to those who suffered from hunger on a daily basis. 

Whenever I would look at my five year old son I could never fathom the thought of him ever going hungry, yet there are millions of children that go to bed with empty stomachs.  So with a great desire to bring myself to a position where I could possibly come close to what others were experiencing, I fasted on juices and prayed that God would strengthen my inner will and open my heart to great love and compassion.

I initially embarked on my spiritual journey about a year and a half ago and as I learn to surrender to what is, I began to open my world up to learning so much more about how I operate on a daily basis.  Through this journey I also learned what my true purpose in life.

So whatever your religious and spiritual beliefs, I want you to know that I respect your space and ultimately believe that we are all called to learn how to love one another.  I have posted a video from  Spiritual Teacher, Tobias Lars about opening the heart.  He takes a very unconventional and forthright approach to his spiritual practices, however when I viewed the full video stream, I found that I completely agree with his view on emotions.

As I look back on the five weeks I spent in the Philippines, one of the most important things that I practiced was to be with or to just be in the moment.  I experienced life to its fullest by just being present, I laughed and enjoyed the company of family and friends.  With the simple practice of being present and feeling good, I was able to free myself of so many mental and emotional barriers I placed upon myself. 

I mentioned earlier that my spiritual journey began a year and a half ago and I must admit that when I embarked on that journey there were only a handful of friends who could truly understand the depth of soul searching that goes on during this period.  Thank you, Mat and Jason for the spiritual guidance you have imparted upon me.  Your support has given me the courage to take on the world in an extraordinary way. 

I have attached a video clip of their documentary work Project Everlasting!

I leave you with a quote that is so fitting of my life at this very moment…

When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds:  Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness extends in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world.  Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive and you discover yourself by far to be a far greater person than you ever dreamed yourself to be.

-Pantanjali

Five weeks was by no means enough time to volunteer in such a way that it would make an impact on a large scale, however I know it is in doing the small things, such as moving one block at a time, that makes the bigger difference in the end.

From spending time with family and friends down to meeting a new network of like minded individuals through my volunteer work has all contributed towards the overall experience that has changed me and will continue to do so on so many levels.  What I do know is that when there is a desire to serve others, doors of opportunity open up left and right.

Upon completing my volunteer application with the Philippine National Red Cross, I had expressed my intention and desire to volunteer with their Disaster Preparedness Program Service.  I chose this service due to wanting to reach out to the flood victims of the hurricanes that devastated the Philippines in September of 2009.  Because the operations of the Red Cross mainly concentrates on dispersing immediate assistance and aide in the event of a natural disaster they forwarded me to an non-profit organization Ang Balangay Ng Kaginoohan in Botolan, Zambales, a town who suffered six natural calamities last year.

Through an introduction facilitated by the Philippine National Red Cross, I met with the President of the organization, Mr. James Doble.  On our first meeting he gave me a briefing of the overall situation of more than 20,000 individuals affected by the tropical storms.  He informed me of the existing programs, future projects and immediate need of the people such as medical supplies and infant clothing.

In the following days I toured the communities to take pictures, video footage and speak with the families.  After seeing with my own eyes exactly what happened to these flood victims and now being educated on the fact the flood victims will once again suffer the same issues with the tropical storm season beginning again in July, I was absolutely committed to assisting the organization in sharing their documentary video and mission with my network of family, friends and sphere of influence.

Like I mentioned, it is in taking the smallest steps that will make the biggest difference in the end.  My first step is to share a letter from the President ofAng Balangay Ng Kanginoohan in hopes that if you feel compelled to reach out or learn more about future projects that you contact their organization.

Dear Sir/Madam:

The Municipality of Botolan in the Province of Zambales suffered six natural calamities last year (Tropical Storms KIKO, LABUYO, NANDO, ONDOY, PEPENG and Tropical Depression MARING) within a period of three months, from August to October.

This resulted into damages in infrastructures such as roads, bridges and residences.  It has also devastated the means of livelihood and welfare of more than twenty thousand individuals and obliterating several communities.

The affected population is still living in evacuation centers and makeshift dwelling units, while the local government and private sector are jointly undertaking relief efforts and medical missions.

Despite the deep desolation fraught by the natural disasters, a number of kindred people in the village of Mayamban have consolidated together in order to form a new community with the desire of fostering an atmosphere of authentic human formation and responsive social conscience.

Ordaining ourselves as the Balangay, a social unit whose symbol takes its inspiration from the first wooden watercraft evident of craftsmanship by our ancestors even before precolonial times, and Kaginoohan as a word representative of venerable aspirations, we intend to fulfill the following goals:

     1.  Reducing Human Poverty

     2.  Alternative Learning Systems

     3.  Athletic Youth Leagues

     4.  Alternative Medicinal Practices

     5.  Discussing Aeta and Zambal Cultures

     6.  Advocating Indigenous Peoples Rights

     7.  Defending Women, Children and Gender Rights

     8.  Promoting Benevolent and Self-Managing Communities

     9.  Fostering Energy and Environmental Sustainability

     10.  Addressing Climate Change and Natural Disasters

     11.  Strengthening Peace and Conflict Preventions

     12.  Seeking Local and Foreign Agencies for Humanitarian Assistance

The Balangay in precolonial times demonstrated the seamanship skills of our ancestors.  It is with this memory that we desire to be a vessel bearing a social unit reflective of unity and dignity.

The undersigned would also like to take this opportunity to inform you that the Securities and Exchange Commission has already approved and accredited our organization as a legal and developmental non-profit entity.  As such, we are now ready to transact official business with governmental and non-governmental institutions and organizations for technical and financial assistance.

In this regard, we would like to seek the goodwill of your friends in obtaining information technology projects that could support our programs for recovery and rehabilitation.

Our duly designated representative for the United States of America is Liza Florida who is currently residing in California.  Miss Florida, whose maternal side hails from San Marcelino, Zambales, has visited the disaster-affected areas in the Municipality of Botolan on Thursday 15 April 2010.  She is personally known to me and has volunteered to obtain and facilitate projects for our cause. 

May I therefore endorse her to your good office and also to the extension programs of other allied universities with the hope of obtaining possible assistance for our worthwhile endeavor.  Should you favorably consider this letter, you may coordinate with me or directly with Miss Florida.

Thank you.  I remain

Yours most sincerely,

James Ohmar Dasca Doble

President

For more information:

Mayamban Botolan 2202 Zambales

SEC Reg No CN201003647

SEC TIN 007-640-631

Contacts: angbalangay@gmail.com

(02) 430-6903

(+63) 921-777-3344

Please note that the letter drafted by Mr. Doble is to seek assistance from a particular university here in the United States, however the letter was articulated in such a manner that it is able to reach out to the general public.  I am publishing the letter in hopes that you may gain a greater understanding of their cause and take an interest in participating whichever way you deem appropriate!