The Secrets of the Mountain..

When I graduated College, my best friend asked me to join him and his mountaineer group to climb mountain, it has become his passion since then, but I chose not to accept the invitation for personal reasons.

Last month, my cousin Doinkz, invited me for a climb, her happy stories of the pictures taken from the mountain she had climb convinced me to take the challenge. Yes, it was actually a challenge since am not in a good physical condition climbing mountains; I have bone and joint problems.

The day was all set, we were her guests, she asked help from her friend Sir Jot to guide us and assist us since the trail is quite difficult. Along with my sister’s friends we all ready to climb.

night trek with the KAMPAY (L-R) Me,Sir Erwin,Sir Jot,Sir Marco

D-day comes, there were mixed emotions, the excitement thrilled me, but the fear that my joints and muscles may hinder me along the way makes me worried. It was a night trek, I am also worrying about my vision, but nonetheless, it was a challenge that I have to face.

Sir Jot came along with his two friends from KAMPAY Mountaineering Group. Sir Marco, who lead the trail, Sir Erwin, “my friendship” who makes the difficult trail a lot easy and enjoyable with his funny lines and exceptional humor, and of course, Sir Jot as our guide and leader of the trail whom we owe a lot for helping us all throughout the hike, for his patience and accommodation. Not to mention Sir Toots and Sir Darwin for saving us a nice campsite and food! Hehehe..

KAMPAY (L-R) Me,Friendship Erwin,Sir Dennis,Sir Marco and Lhai

As we started the climb, the trail really is not easy, in fact, it is difficult. The rocks, the stiff and narrow pathways, huge rock formations to pass by, it was a whole lot new slice of life for me. But along the way, I was wondering, why people keep on climbing and struggling to reach the mountain top when in fact, climbing the mountain is really a tough activity?

Every time, Sir Marco shouts for break, I can see relief from my fellow beginners, it was also a relief for me. After almost two hours of climb, we have successfully reached the campsite. From there..a smile came across my face, seeing the many faces of the mountaineers answered my mind bugging question.

After having a quick dinner, most of us were set to take a rest, while KAMPAY and my cuz Doinks were in the circle for their “social”.

Cousins (L-R) Me,Doinkz,Khendz,Lhai(my younger sister)

Early morning, fog and humidity wakes us up. It was not a chilling point but the wind was just enough to wake up my senses. As I go outside the tent, I am ready to scroll and read the answers to my perplexity..

The Rockies Peak is not that far from our campsite, but before heading on to that, I have managed to scroll down faces of answers..The Mountain has many Secrets..

There was a man in his middle age, set his tent not quiet far from us, he was alone. He stood beside his tent with his eyes straight on the plants nearby; his eyes can’t hide the loneliness. Seeing me staring at him, he immediately got up and made a gesture while greeting us “Good Morning Ma’am”, but it was not a genuine smile, it was a mask. The man has a burden, he was there to share with the mountain all his fears and thoughts inside.

I glided to return back to camp since they were planning to reach the Rockies Peak, but along the way, I saw group of friends, enjoying their camp, having their breakfast together, chatting and joking around about themselves, I wonder if these people were having breakfast with their families happily every day?

Ooops, Did I see a couple inside a tent? I wonder how long will the relationships last? Or is it because of the Mountain that keeps them going stronger and being in love to each other?

Heading to the Rockies Peak everyone is excited to see the beauty of the mountain peak, the end of a thrilling journey and a rewarding view on top of the mountain. But hey! Am I sensing a broken heart from our group?  nah!

I was stunned for a while, if only the mountain can speak…

The trails are tougher and stiff, slippery and mud greeted us. 

Wow! Magnificent! God is really good! … I can only but utter that admiration to the beauty of the mountain peak. 

Now, it is clear to me that, the mountain can heal a hurting soul…

Scribbled Mind

        Ideas were running..

                            can't help but thinking..

                try to put it in writing..

                              I ended up with nothing...

How to Fight Rumors and Backstabbing In the Workplace

Being the subject of rumors can damage not only your work performance, but also your personal life. However, no matter the size of your company, there are some officemates whose main business is to backstab their co-workers—maybe even their bosses.

 Rumors are unjust, leaving you with barely a chance to fight back. This is because, oftentimes, you may be the last person to know about them. It is hard to deal with the issues because sometimes the story is altered as it is being passed from one person to another, making it more difficult for you to find the original source of the fabrication.

Here are some ways to handle office intrigues:

• Ignore the rumor. If the issue is not really too damaging, just allow it to come and go. Let it die a natural death.

• Try to be civil. If you found out who started the rumor, talk to the person, and explain your side and ask for his or her motive in making such statements. Do this in private, and remain composed and calm. This will send a signal that you are not afraid to confront him or her and that you may not be as forgiving next time.

• Have friends in the office. You may always be the subject of intrigues if you have no allies. The backstabbers will be dissuaded from attacking you if they know you have friends who will fight for you.

• Be helpful and nice. You will not be the object of intrigues, if everybody knows you are a kind person. People hate to see malicious attacks made on those they like.

• Prove them wrong. If your officemates are attacking you for being the boss’ pet, show them that you deserve your promotion, because you worked hard. Focus on your work, and always do your best.

• Inform your superior. Malicious intrigues may affect your performance. Inform your boss and ask for his or her help. Give your side of the issue, because keeping silent may lead him or her to think you are at fault.

• Be able to present evidence. If you believe that the information circulated is baseless or untrue, be able to provide proof. The best form of defence is to back up your claims with hard evidence.

• Don’t start it! Let us remember the persons who we will hurt. Not only are you damaging those people’s reputations, but also their future. If you plan to spread a rumor to get even, remember that you are just bringing yourself down to that person’s level.

In the end, although it is sad to say so, most companies tolerate office intrigues. Spreading rumors about a person gives the workplace amusement, fun and pleasure. Our best strategy is to plan a response proportionate to the attack; choosing our reaction carefully will help us win the war against this social virus.

*Originally published by the Manila Bulletin. Written by Ruben Anlacan, Jr. (President, BusinessCoach, Inc.) All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or copied without express written permission of the copyright holders.