Monday, November 27, 2023

10 Ways to Uplift Your Consciousness

10 Ways to Uplift Your Consciousness

1. Stay positive: Cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on the good in your life and practicing gratitude. This positive outlook can uplift your consciousness and attract more positive experiences.

2. Embrace change: Instead of resisting change, embrace it as an opportunity for growth and personal development. Recognize that change is a natural part of life and can lead to new possibilities and experiences.

3. Understand why change is difficult: It's important to recognize that our fear of change often stems from our conditioning and past experiences. By understanding this, we can consciously work through our fears and embrace change with more ease.

4. Learn to laugh at yourself: Develop a sense of humor and don't take yourself too seriously. Laughing at your mistakes and imperfections can help you let go of self-judgment and uplift your consciousness with lightheartedness.

5. Help others: Extend a helping hand to those in need. By selflessly assisting others, you not only make a positive impact on their lives but also uplift your own consciousness by cultivating compassion and empathy.

6. Engage in prayer and meditation: Set aside regular time for quiet reflection, prayer, or meditation. These practices can help calm your mind, connect you with your inner self, and bring peace and clarity to your consciousness.

7. Practice unconditional love and acceptance: Strive to love and accept others as they are, without judgment or conditions. By embracing the diversity and uniqueness of individuals, you enhance your own consciousness and contribute to a more harmonious world.

8. Seek self-knowledge: Dedicate time to explore your inner world and gain a better understanding of yourself. Read books, articles, or engage in self-reflection to uncover your strengths, weaknesses, and passions. This self-knowledge can lead to personal growth and an uplifted consciousness.

9. Find joy in your work: Seek fulfillment and joy in your professional pursuits. When you engage in work that aligns with your values and passions, you uplift your consciousness and experience greater satisfaction and purpose in your daily life.

10. Contribute to the greater good: Look for opportunities to make a positive impact on the world around you. Whether through volunteering, supporting charitable causes, or engaging in acts of kindness, contributing to the greater good uplifts your consciousness by creating a sense of purpose and interconnectedness.

By incorporating these ten practices into your life, you can uplift your consciousness and experience greater fulfillment, joy, and personal growth. Remember, uplifting your consciousness is an ongoing journey that requires intention, effort, and an open mind. Embrace these practices with curiosity and an open heart, and you will gradually elevate your consciousness to new heights.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING OPEN TO NEW PERSPECTIVES, IDEAS, AND EXPERIENCES

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING OPEN TO NEW PERSPECTIVES, IDEAS, AND EXPERIENCES 

Before you engage in an argument or a debate, it's important to pause for a moment and ask yourself a crucial question: Are you truly open to changing your mind? This simple yet powerful self-reflection can significantly impact the way you approach discussions and lead to more constructive and meaningful conversations.

Human beings are naturally inclined to hold onto their beliefs and opinions. We tend to seek confirmation of what we already think and surround ourselves with like-minded individuals. As a result, when confronted with opposing views, our instinctive response is often defensiveness rather than genuine curiosity. This defensive mindset hinders our ability to engage in productive dialogue and inhibits personal growth.

By honestly questioning our readiness to change our minds, we challenge our own biases and preconceived notions. It requires humility and intellectual honesty to acknowledge that we may not possess all the answers or have a monopoly on truth. Recognizing this allows us to approach discussions with an open mind and genuine interest in understanding different perspectives.

Changing one's mind should not be seen as a sign of weakness or defeat. Instead, it is a testament to intellectual flexibility and growth. The world is complex, and no single individual can claim to have all the right answers. Embracing the possibility of changing our minds opens up opportunities for personal development, broadening our horizons, and expanding our knowledge.

Engaging in a debate or argument with an open mind can yield several benefits. Firstly, it encourages us to actively listen to the opposing viewpoint. Instead of merely waiting for our turn to speak and refute arguments, we can genuinely absorb and consider what the other person is saying. This empathetic approach fosters mutual respect, even if we ultimately disagree.

Secondly, being ready to change our minds allows us to critically evaluate our own beliefs. When we encounter compelling arguments or evidence that challenge our existing views, we have the opportunity to reassess our position. This self-reflection promotes intellectual growth and prevents us from becoming stagnant in our thinking.

Furthermore, being open to changing our minds encourages intellectual humility. It reminds us that knowledge is a constantly evolving process and that we should always be willing to reevaluate our positions as new information emerges. This mindset can lead to more robust and informed opinions, helping us make better decisions and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the world.

However, it is essential to note that being open to changing our minds does not mean accepting any argument without critical evaluation. It is still crucial to apply rational thinking, assess the evidence, and engage in reasoned debate. The goal is not to abandon our principles haphazardly but to approach discussions with a genuine willingness to question and potentially revise our beliefs based on valid arguments or new information.


THE ROLE OF BELIEFS AND FAITH IN SHAPING INDIVIDUAL PERSPECTIVES AND SOCIETAL STRUCTURES

THE ROLE OF BELIEFS AND FAITH IN SHAPING INDIVIDUAL PERSPECTIVES AND SOCIETAL STRUCTURES 

The statement, "It is done unto you according to your belief, it is done unto you according to your faith," suggests that our beliefs and faith play a significant role in shaping our experiences and outcomes in life. In simpler terms, what we believe and have faith in can either help us or undermine us.

According to the universal law, often referred to as the law of attraction, what we give out is what we get back. This means that the energy, thoughts, and actions we put into the world will eventually come back to us in some form. If we emit positive energy, we are likely to attract positive experiences, whereas negative energy attracts negative experiences.

It all starts with you. If you find yourself saying that you don't receive the respect you deserve from certain people, it implies that you might not be showing them respect in the first place. In other words, the way we treat others often influences how they treat us. If we want respect, it's important to give respect to others as well.

Let's consider an example. Imagine you're at work, and you feel that your colleagues don't value your opinions during team meetings. You might start questioning why this is happening and conclude that your colleagues don't respect you. However, if you examine your behavior, you might realize that you often interrupt others when they're speaking, dismiss their ideas, or fail to actively listen. In this case, your own actions are undermining the respect you desire from your colleagues.

On the other hand, if you genuinely show respect, listen attentively, and value others' opinions, you are more likely to receive the same treatment in return. By aligning your beliefs and actions with respect, you create a positive environment where respect becomes the norm.

It's important to recognize that this concept doesn't imply that every negative experience we encounter is solely our fault especially if you are aware of what is called the collective consciousness. There are external factors beyond our control that can influence our interactions and outcomes. However, by focusing on our own beliefs, faith, and actions, we can take responsibility for our part in shaping our experiences.

To summarize, our beliefs and faith greatly impact our lives. The universal law of attraction suggests that what we give out is what we receive in return. If we feel we lack respect or face similar challenges, it's crucial to examine our own behavior and ensure that we are embodying the qualities we desire from others. By doing so, we can create a positive shift in our experiences and foster better relationships with those around us.

THE POWER OF DREAMS: UNLEASHING YOUR IMAGINATION AND TRANSFORMING YOUR LIFE

THE POWER OF DREAMS: UNLEASHING YOUR IMAGINATION AND TRANSFORMING YOUR LIFE 

As a child, I have vivid memories of listening to songs on our record player that my father would play. These songs often talked about dreams and filled my imagination with wonder. One particular song that held a special place in my heart was "A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes" from the movie "Cinderella." Each time I heard that song, it was as if I was transported to another world, where I could live out my dreams.

Now, in my senior years, whenever I come across that song being sung or played somewhere, a rush of nostalgia washes over me. I find myself closing my eyes and reliving that familiar feeling of joy and ecstasy, as if I am once again residing in a different realm, living out a new dream. It's almost like what people describe as having parallel lives in parallel universes.

Because of my personal experience with the power of dreams, I have taken it upon myself to teach others about the importance of living their dreams. I have come to be known as the Dream Weaver, as I understand the profound effect that sweet and beautiful dreams can have on our lives.

Dreams hold a significant place in our hearts and minds. They are the aspirations and desires that fuel our spirits. Dreams have the ability to transport us from the mundane realities of everyday life to a world where anything is possible. They inspire us, motivate us, and give us a sense of purpose.

As we grow older, it's easy to let go of our dreams and settle for a life that is comfortable but unfulfilling. We may tell ourselves that dreams are only for the young or that they are unrealistic fantasies. However, I firmly believe that dreams should never be abandoned. They are the essence of who we are and what we can become.

Living our dreams doesn't necessarily mean achieving massive success or fame. It means pursuing what truly makes us happy and fulfilled. It means having the courage to take risks and step outside of our comfort zones. It means embracing our passions and talents, no matter how big or small they may seem.

The journey towards living our dreams is not always easy. It requires dedication, perseverance, and resilience. There will be obstacles and setbacks along the way, but it's important to remember that dreams are worth pursuing. They have the power to transform our lives and bring us immense joy and satisfaction.

So, I encourage you to hold onto your dreams, no matter your age or circumstances. Embrace the childlike wonder and imagination that inspired you in your youth. Allow yourself to be transported to that magical place where dreams come true. And remember, with determination and belief in yourself, you can be the weaver of your own dreams, just like I am the Dream Weaver.

From Ur to the Promised Land: The Origin and Journey of Abraham, Father of Nations

From Ur to the Promised Land: The Origin and Journey of Abraham, Father of Nations

Abraham, a significant figure in the Bible, is believed to have come from a city called Ur, an ancient Sumerian city which was located in Mesopotamia, in what is now modern-day Iraq. During Abraham's time, Ur was a bustling city with a highly developed civilization. People in Ur had advanced knowledge in various areas such as architecture, writing, and mathematics.

One important aspect of life in Ur was the religious beliefs of its people. They worshipped many gods, and one of the prominent deities was the moon god Nanna. Abraham grew up in this religious and cultural environment.

According to the biblical accounts, Abraham left Ur and embarked on a journey to various places. Eventually, he settled in a land known as Canaan, which later became known as the Promised Land. Throughout his journeys, Abraham is said to have encountered divine revelations and made a covenant with God, which became the foundation of his teachings.

Abraham is considered a significant figure because he is regarded as the father of three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. While these religions have different interpretations and beliefs, they all trace their roots back to Abraham. His teachings and faith have had a profound influence on the development of these religions and their understanding of God.

It's worth noting that while Abraham's teachings revolve around monotheism and the worship of one God, there is no direct mention of extraterrestrial presence in the biblical accounts. The focus is primarily on God's relationship with humanity and the ethical and moral teachings associated with it. The idea of extraterrestrial presence is not a central theme in the teachings of Abraham. But the verses in the bible based from the teachings of Abraham are very similar to the ancient Sumerian texts.

ALIEN!

Those who had the opportunity to watch the well-liked television comedy show called "Ang Dating Doon" featuring comedian and scriptwriter Isko Salvador, who is more commonly known as Brod Pete, will recall his humorous imitation of the television program hosted by TV evangelist Ely Soriano in the 1990s called "Ang Dating Daan." Isko and his colleagues would humorously exclaim "Alien" instead of "Amen" after reciting verses, although these verses were not from the scriptures but rather from nursery rhymes. It made me wonder then if Isko was aware that even if he had used the original scriptures, he would still be technically correct in saying "Alien" because I personally believe that many passages in the Bible are related to extraterrestrial beings.

Saturday, November 11, 2023

From Ur to the Promised Land: The Origin and Journey of Abraham, Father of Nations

From Ur to the Promised Land: The Origin and Journey of Abraham, Father of Nations

Abraham, a significant figure in the Bible, originated from the city of Ur in Mesopotamia. Ur was an ancient Sumerian city located in what is now modern-day Iraq. It was a thriving urban center during Abraham's time, known for its advanced civilization and as a center of worship for the moon god Nanna. Abraham left Ur and journeyed to various places before eventually settling in the land of Canaan, which later became known as the Promised Land.


Abraham, a significant figure in the Bible, is believed to have come from a city called Ur, an ancient Sumerian city which was located in Mesopotamia, in what is now modern-day Iraq. During Abraham's time, Ur was a bustling city with a highly developed civilization. People in Ur had advanced knowledge in various areas such as architecture, writing, and mathematics.

One important aspect of life in Ur was the religious beliefs of its people. They worshipped many gods, and one of the prominent deities was the moon god Nanna. Abraham grew up in this religious and cultural environment.

According to the biblical accounts, Abraham left Ur and embarked on a journey to various places. Eventually, he settled in a land known as Canaan, which later became known as the Promised Land. Throughout his journeys, Abraham is said to have encountered divine revelations and made a covenant with God, which became the foundation of his teachings.

Abraham is considered a significant figure because he is regarded as the father of three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. While these religions have different interpretations and beliefs, they all trace their roots back to Abraham. His teachings and faith have had a profound influence on the development of these religions and their understanding of God.

It's worth noting that while Abraham's teachings revolve around monotheism and the worship of one God, there is no direct mention of extraterrestrial presence in the biblical accounts. The focus is primarily on God's relationship with humanity and the ethical and moral teachings associated with it. The idea of extraterrestrial presence is not a central theme in the teachings of Abraham. But the verses in the bible based from the teachings of Abraham are very similar to the ancient Sumerian texts.

ALIEN!

Those who had the opportunity to watch the well-liked television comedy show called "Ang Dating Doon" featuring comedian and scriptwriter Isko Salvador, who is more commonly known as Brod Pete, will recall his humorous imitation of the television program hosted by TV evangelist Ely Soriano in the 1990s called "Ang Dating Daan." Isko and his colleagues would humorously exclaim "Alien" instead of "Amen" after reciting verses, although these verses were not from the scriptures but rather from nursery rhymes. It made me wonder then if Isko was aware that even if he had used the original scriptures, he would still be technically correct in saying "Alien" because I personally believe that many passages in the Bible are related to extraterrestrial beings.

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

A Love Story Spanning Through Time and Distance: Passion, Struggle, and Redemption.

A Love Story Spanning Through Time and Distance: Passion, Struggle, and Redemption.

I once had a relationship with someone whose family didn't approve of me. She lived nearby, so whenever we went out, I had to be careful not to be seen by her mom. I would drive around the block to avoid any chance of her noticing me. It was always a bit nerve-wracking, but we managed to keep our relationship a secret.

One day, without any warning, she suddenly left for Singapore. She didn't tell me anything or explain why she was leaving. I was left feeling confused and heartbroken. In the following months, I couldn't stop thinking about her, and I decided to take a leap of faith. I flew to Singapore in search of her, hoping to find some answers and maybe even rekindle our relationship.

When I arrived in Singapore, I was determined to find her. I spent days wandering the streets, going to places we had talked about, and desperately looking for any sign of her. But it wasn't easy. We didn't have cellphones then. I kept mistaking other people for her, and it felt like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Years later, a surprising twist of fate occurred. I received an invitation to visit a former neighbor in Switzerland. To my astonishment, the girl I had been searching for in Singapore was now their neighbor. It was an unexpected turn of events, but sadly, she was already married and had two children.

Despite the past disapproval from her family, her mother now warmly welcomed me into their home. She invited me to see their lives and assured me that she would inform her daughter about my presence. She even arranged a lunch get-together at my friend's house for the next day.

When we finally met, there was a mix of excitement and nervousness in the air. As soon as she saw me, she hugged me tightly, and it felt like time stood still. We sat down together for lunch, catching up on all the time we had lost. Surprisingly, her husband and children didn't mind our reunion. It was a joyful experience, filled with laughter and reminiscing about our shared past.

Although our lives had taken different paths, the connection between us remained strong. We treasured this unexpected opportunity to reconnect, heal old wounds, and appreciate the love that had endured despite the challenges we faced. As we said our goodbyes, this time with a bittersweet understanding of our separate lives, we held onto the memories of that joyful reunion as a reminder of the resilience of love and the unpredictable journey life can take us on.

Reunion and Regret

Reunion and Regret

I had a girlfriend who was separated with a child. Our love deepened, and she grew close to my family, particularly my mother. However, we encountered a major hurdle. I wanted to marry her, but she was still legally married, despite being separated from her husband. I advised her to seek an annulment, but the challenge was that she didn't know her husband's whereabouts as he had gone abroad.

After careful consideration, I made a difficult choice. I expressed to her that if she couldn't secure an annulment, it would be better for us to part ways. It was a heartbreaking decision, but I believed it was in the best interest of both of us. She cried, and we didn't see each other for a long time.

As time went by, my feelings for her remained strong. I clung to the hope of a future reunion, unaware of what fate had in store for us.

I learned that she had married someone else in the United States, and it brought me great sadness. I had hoped for a reunion and her happiness, so it was hard to accept that she had moved on.
But fate works in mysterious ways. Eventually, she returned to Manila, and surprisingly, she reached out to me. She wanted to know if I still had the desire to meet her. I couldn't ignore the opportunity to see her again, so I agreed. I wanted to catch up and find closure for the emotions that had lingered for so long.

We decided to have dinner at the Rembrandt Hotel, where a band I was managing happened to be performing there. As I laid eyes on her once again, a wave of emotions overcame me. Tears started streaming down my face and continued to do so throughout the entire evening. It was a mixture of happiness, regret, and sadness.

During our time together, I took the opportunity to apologize for the pain I had caused her in the past. I expressed my deep remorse and regret. It was a bittersweet moment when she revealed that she had indeed managed to obtain an annulment, but unfortunately, she had moved on and married someone else.

It was a heartbreaking realization for me. I had held onto the hope of a second chance, but life had different plans. Despite the sorrow, I knew I had to accept the reality of the situation and find a way to move forward.

Life has a way of bringing unexpected twists and turns. This experience taught me the importance of making difficult choices for the sake of personal happiness and growth. It also reminded me of the value of closure and the need to express remorse when necessary. Sometimes, despite our deepest desires, life takes us on a different path, and we must find the strength to adapt and find our own happiness once again. 

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

The Importance of A&R Professionals: Nurturing Talent, Shaping Sound, and Driving Music Industry Success

The Importance of A&R Professionals: Nurturing Talent, Shaping Sound, and Driving Music Industry Success

As an A&R (Artist & Repertoire) manager for record companies in the past, I understand the importance of knowledgeable A&R professionals for modern artists. Without their guidance, many artists are left clueless about which songs could propel their careers. A&R people play a crucial role in helping artists navigate their projects and ensuring that recording companies handle the technical aspects, allowing artists to focus on their creativity and artistry. Unfortunately, most artists today lack experienced professionals behind them, which is a loss for the industry and can hinder their success.

Many recording artists did not like some of their hit songs for various reasons. The late Bella Tan of Universal Records questioned my decision not to sign up Cooky Chua's band, Color It Red, when their song "Paglisan" became a hit. I showed her the demo tape they submitted and pointed out that the song was not included. 

The same was the case with Noel Cabangon. I insisted that if I were to sign him up, he should include "Kanlungan" ("Panapanahon"). In his album produced by the Jesuit Communication, he did include it, and the song became a big hit, but only after several years since we last talked.

Initially, Marco Sison didn't like his hit song "Make Believe," stating that there was something wrong with the lyrics.

The Company, a jazz-pop group, recorded a song in their first album titled "Everlasting Love," which they didn't want to promote because it wasn't jazzy enough. They didn't even like the title. I informed their producers that it was the only song in the album that was going to be a hit, and people would remember the words "Everlasting Love." True enough, it became a hit, and they had to record another similar-sounding song as their follow-up single.

Many of Barry Manilow's hit songs were not written by him. In fact, he didn't want to record "I Write The Songs," composed by Bruce Johnston, a former member of the Beach Boys, because he believed that the lyrics "would be misinterpreted as a monumental ego trip." However, Johnston explained that the "I" in the song represents God, and that songs originate from the spirit of creativity within everyone.

Clive Davis, the president of Arista Records, persuaded Barry to record the song. Another song Barry hesitated to record was "Mandy," originally titled "Brandy" and written by Scott English and Richard Kerr. It had been previously recorded by Captain and Tennille. Barry, considering himself a singer-songwriter, felt insulted by the suggestion to sing songs by other composers. Clive emphasized the need for hit songs and highlighted that Barry's own compositions didn't meet that standard.

Here are the other hit songs recorded by Barry Manilow which were not written by him:
I Made It Through The Rain
Copacabana
Ready To Take A Chance Again
Trying To Get The Feeling Again
The Old Songs
Somewhere In The Night
Can't Smile Without You