The Incredible Journey Of Andy Leong Fook Tin

It's been two weeks now since we moved-in to our new house and I was supposed to write this entry earlier after that. I feel that y'all; my good friends and anyone who will read this would have a new outlook in life as how this beautiful human being affected mine.

Who is Andy Leong Fook Tin? I barely know him as he was just another random stranger, a local Singaporean driver introduced to me by our good friend and kumare' Rose Dizon Marinas to drive the lorry service for us moving and shifting our things. I was able to meet Andy after exchanging few calls. Now, I don’t know if any of you have ever felt a sudden connection with someone whether you’ve never met them or just met them (& mind you, it isn’t necessary that they feel the same), but that’s how I felt when I met Andy last October 01, 2011. He was like a human fireplace exuding light, warmth, comfort, & that external spark that you know only comes from an inner blaze. I was then with my bro Vincent,and he was kind enough to share his story during our journey to and from our old place to the new one.

During our conversation, Andy openly shared that he was diagnosed with & had been suffering from Stage 4 cancer. I don’t need to go into the details of that ailment because I’m sure y'all understand what it’s about. Now, I’ve unfortunately had many people in my life been affected and taken away by cancer, but NEVER in my life had I come across a human being with such positivity & strength in the face of it. Andy, is someone who, though I don’t know personally; has made me see the world differently. I am a born pessimist. Half empty half full person. I’ve tried to change my outlook numerous times, but who knew that a man I had only met once would be the one to help me to actually do it? At 61, he still drives and works tirelessly for a living and to support his medical needs 7 days a week and in between chemotheraphy sessions (he even joked that he'd be happy if no one calls him for his driving service as he would consider it his day-off) He face everyday with positivity not minding his situation without any trace of regret and desperation. His strength of will, dignified character, inner & outer beauty, grace, & MOST OF ALL; his UNBELIEVABLE sense of humor about his life & his journey made me realize that "you can handle anything that comes your way with a laugh & a sense of contentment with who you are as a person." Not only did/does he glow from within, he shone a light on many other individuals especially his wife (a Filipina) and two sons, whose support for him came completely from the heart.

To illustrate how it affected me, a very close friend of mine (Warren Mina) passed away almost a year ago after suffering from cancer. He was the most proud, funny, intelligent, strong, responsible, most kind-hearted man I’ve ever met. He was full of class & revered, respected by anyone who knew him within our circle of friends & in his family. Like Andy, he was determined to live and had survived the final days of his life with grace. The stark contrast between my good friend's state of mind & Andy’s propelled me to do whatever I could to support him further, whether it be by random tweets and Facebook posts and blogs like this. I realized that his attitude was partially responsible for saving his life & I wanted to make sure that I could do whatever else remained to help with that process.

I’d like to say in closing that; I found an inspiration in Andy that I never knew I was missing. He ignited a passion in me for service that was always there simmering beneath the surface but needed to be brought to action. Andy is someone to look up to & admire for the way he lives his life; "LIVES" being the key word. For Andy, though I’m sure he has his days & validly so; he grabs life by the balls & makes sure to get all of the glory out of it..a trait that very few of us possess. To Andy, if you're reading this; you are “incredible” & have made a lasting impact on MY life. You make the people around you feel like they’re special (in the good way, lol) & as though life is full of the shine of sparkles & rainbows, the cuddliness of puppies & babies, the warmth of Christmas, the fireworks during new year & the promise and hope of a fulfilled, energetic, brilliant life. I am proud, honored and so grateful to have met you. "THANK YOU VERY MUCH!":)

"IF ONLY I COULD HANDLE ANY PART OF MY LIFE WITH SUCH GRACE, CLASS AND CONFIDENCE AS YOU.. THEN, I WILL BE OKAY."

Happy Birthday Kiko -- You Are Badly Missed

October 04, 2011 marks Francis Magalona's 47th Birthday -- in memoriam, I would like to share with y'all: this is one of those rare and raw video's with Francis back in 2006 during a recording session for his song "The Light"



truly; he is not just an artist,song writer, producer,actor, director, entrepreneur, photographer and patriot -- but also a man of God. "Thank you Kiko" for your musical and artistic brilliance, your deep faith in God and the Filipino's -- and your sense of national pride that continue to inspire us.”

Happy Birthday!

to see full video high-light right click and go to this link : http://www.youtube.com/user/nookie0525?feature=mhsn#g/a

I'm A Star Wars Nerd, And Yes -- This Is Pure Class

My amazing and talented friend R.C.Yanse has made my day again - sent me this pic via e-mail along with the back story ;

This one is both neat and sickening to collectors -

About 1986, when I was 12, I dropped my dad’s red Bakelite soldering gun and broke the casing. Of course he was upset, so I did my best to “fix it.” So I took my original Star Wars Han Solo pistol and gutted it to hold the soldering gun components. I even ran the lightbulb up into the scope on top. The button on the handle worked well for the trigger switch. 25 years later, when the old house was sold, the gun wound up in my belongings. To this day, when an underpowered iron just won’t do, I pull out the “Han Solderer” and get the job done. Half of me likes the mod, the other half is ill over the fact that I gutted my vintage Star Wars toy. What’s done is done.

“Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good soldering gun at your side, kid.”

To state the obvious: “Han soldered first!”

A Letter To You From Satan

I saw you yesterday as you began your daily chores.You awoke without kneeling to pray. As a matter of fact,you didn't even bless your meals, or pray before going to bed last night.You are so unthankful, I like that about you.

I cannot tell you how glad I am that you have not changed your way of living, Fool, you are mine. Remember, you and I have been going steady for years, and I still don't love you yet. As a matter of fact, I hate you, because I hate God.

He kicked me out of heaven, and I'm going to use you as long as possible to pay him back.You see, Fool; GOD LOVES YOU and HE has great plans in store for you. But you have yielded your life to me, and I'm going to make your life a living hell.That way, we'll be together twice. This will really hurt God.

Thanks to you, I'm really showing Him who's boss in your life with all of the good times we've had.

We have been...

watching dirty movies, cursing people out, loving worldly things, having bad influences, stealing, lying, being hypocritical, fornicating, overeating, telling dirty jokes, gossiping, being judgmental, back stabbing people, disrespecting adults, and those in leadership positions, no respect for the Church, bad attitudes.

SURELY you don't want to give all this up -- BWAHAHA! you make me sick.

Sin is beginning to take its toll on your life. You look 20 years older, and now, I need new blood. So go ahead and teach some children how to sin. All you have to do is smoke, Take some drugs, get drunk or drink while under-aged, cheat, gamble, gossip, fornicate, and live being as selfish as possible. Do all of this in the presence of children and they will do it too.

Come on, Fool, let's burn together forever. I've got some hot plans for us. This is just a letter of appreciation from me to you. I'd like to say 'THANKS' for letting me use you for most of your foolish life.You are so gullible, I laugh at you. When you are tempted to sin, you give in.

To My Mother Aurora Matanguihan Flores

If you can’t seem to find me on-line today, chances are good that I’m still composing this entry. I wanted to buy a greeting card and send it though; coz not too many people use or send these cards anymore. Like most of us, I will wait till the last minute to do the one thing that matters most to my Mom: a phone call. (See, today is my Mom's birthday).

Sure, I could call her later, but I personally think that its much better If I can blog about it and let all my friends and family know how much this wonderful woman mean to me :)

Mom, thank you:

For walking with me through the hard times.
For not turning against me when I lost my way.
For being my biggest fan.
For seeing the best and not the worst in me.
For being a voice of truth in my darkness.
For helping me sift through everything in my brokenness.
For telling me when I was wrong, and when I was right.
For showing grace when others condemned.
For showing love when others showed hatred.
For not allowing me to believe that my mistakes defined me.
For not letting me lose faith in who God made me to be.

Mostly, I want to say thank you Mom, for listening, for your kind honesty, and for your friendship. You always know my heart even often times we disagree, and I hope you know that all the advice I give in return comes from the same loving place as yours. I could never repay you for all you’ve done & given me, and I’m just so thankful that you were born. "Happy Birthday Mom, I love you with all my heart."

Mom with my son's; Victor Paulo and Juan Miguel