Yesterday, I received the TOYM award from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Malacanang.  Gosh, I never knew how beautiful Malacanang was!  The ceremony hall had the most magnificent wooden chandeliers I’ve ever seen.  It also had “banig”-inspired walls that was simply exquisite.  (I’ll show a video on Preacher in Blue Jeans in the next few days.)
    Thankfully, I had a really nice Barong Tagalog that Adrian Panganiban made for me for our Concerts two years ago, so I wore it to fit the regal hall around me.
    But believe me, the impressive physical surroundings were nothing compared to the phenomenal human beings around me that day: The other TOYM awardees.
    I felt small.  My companions are giants.

Last year, I visited a parish church.  A young woman recognized me and said, “Are you Brother Bo?”  
    “Yes,” I said, “do you belong to this parish?”
    “Yes.  I’ve been a Mass commentator here for three years now.  But I won’t be serving for long…”
     “How come?  Too busy?”
    “No, I’ll be serving now this Born Again church in Ortigas…”

I received an email from Alexa Porta who writes about her dizzying multi-tasking life and how it’s important to focus on her Core Gift.  She wrote this after reading my Manny Pacquiao blog. I decided to post it here because it may encourage others to also focus on their Core Gift. (Thanks Alexa.)  Here is her inspiring letter (especially the last paragraph)...

God Is Unfair: He Made The Pinoy Extra Gifted!

I Receive It In Behalf Of My Team, For Without Them I’m Nothing

Your Kind Words Make My Heart Sing Praises To God

Daisy Baad Tells Us About Them

Do You Want To Be A Champion In Life?

You’re A Very Important Part Of My Dream Team

They Don’t Take Vacations; They Never Complain; They Touch Lives Wherever They Go