My First Dog Love

Saw this kid in Pangasinan while I was on the bus to Manila. He was eating a biscuit and was sharing bits and pieces of it to the dog beside whose tail is wagging endlessly.

My first dog's name is Magic. He was the one and only dog my family took care of. When a younger brother (third) came to the family, we didn't get another. It only took Magic to make me understand what I understood then and what I understand now - just one dog to make me love all the dogs in the world.

He was my first dog love.

Parents, teach your kids to make good friendships, so that when they get old, they will not depart from it.

This post can also be found from this.  

TRAVEL SNIPPETS: Selfie with Jake

Jake is a 12-yo kid who works at the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, PH. He goes to the farm every weekend to lend a hand and get paid. This helps him help his parents bring him to school. He will be in high school very soon. You could see his excitement when how his eyes lights up when talking about high school.

He works with a ready smile all the time. He ends his sentences with a “po” (a word in the Filipino language that expresses courtesy) always. When he felt comfortable talking to me, he shared stories of the people he met at the farm. You could say he was proud of the friendships he made. I’d like to think he was happy and proud to meet me, too.

He wants to become a teacher.

It was a short encounter but it was meaningful.

Thank you, Jake, for this wonderful chance to have a photo with you. I hope that you reach your dreams. Hope to see you again soon.

You Still Have the Candy

Am out of town with friends this weekend. Yesterday, while we were waiting for the rest of the group to get ready for dinner, some of us decided to turn on the tv and catch whatever we can.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is on! I've seen this twice and it never ceases to capture me. Today, another line hit me.

SPOILER ALERT

Willy Wonka, the owner of the reopened chocolate factory, has released an invitation to five lucky kids who will find the Golden Ticket from five of his many chocolate bars released to the public, to visit the factory.

Charlie, a kid from a very poor yet loving family, dreams of getting one of the tickets but knows that his chance is slim, almost none. His loving parents (and bedridden grandparents) wanted to support his dream. On his birthday, they bought a chocolate bar hoping he would find a ticket. His dad just lost his job so buying the chocolate also means they have given up the money they would have used for food.

When Charlie's father handed over their gift to him, the whole family was happy to see a Willy Wonka's chocolate bar. His father said, "Whatever happens, you still have the candy."

End.

When we don't get what we want, the tendency is to ignore what was given instead. Whatever happens, you still have the candy. You always have a candy.

Photo: Hot chocolate from Gloria Jean's