Limitless Mind

While ironing my clothes last Saturday I watched the film “Limitless”, an American fiction film directed by Neil Burger starring Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro (based on “The Dark Field” novel by Alan Glynn). Besides being mesmerized by Bradley Cooper good looks and enticing blue eyes J, I was drawn on the story plot. The story revolves around a guy who comes across a nootropic drug, NZT-48, that has the ability to access 100% capacity of human brain’s power as opposed to the normal usage of 20%. With all the twists and turns caused by the NZT-48 usage he managed to become a candidate for US Senate from being a desperate writer.

If ever a nootropic drug really exists that aid human to access 100% of brain’s capacity, then it might be amazing; boundless possibilities and opportunities for everyone. My curiousity to know whether it’s true (or not) that humans can only access normally 20% capacity of its brain power leads me to do some readings. Below is excerpt from Wikipedia about 10% of brain myth:

Though factors of intelligence can increase with training, the idea that large parts of the brain remain unused, and could subsequently be "activated" for conscious use, is without foundation. Although many mysteries regarding brain function remain, every part of the brain has a known function.

One possible origin is the reserve energy theories by Harvard psychologists William James and Boris Sidis in the 1890s who tested the theory in the accelerated raising of child prodigy William Sidis to affect an adulthood IQ of 250–300; thus William James told audiences that people only meet a fraction of their full mental potential, which is a plausible claim. In 1936, American writer Lowell Thomas summarized this idea (in a foreword to Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People) by adding a falsely precise percentage: “Professor William James of Harvard used to say that the average man develops only ten percent of his latent mental ability."

Neurologist Barry Gordon describes the myth as laughably false, adding, "we use virtually every part of the brain, and that [most of] the brain is active almost all the time".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10%25_of_brain_myth

Hmmm… so I’m using 100% of my brain after all, which err....only needs continuous enhancement J. Human brain is really mysterious and incredible to create such fascinating myth and story plot that makes others wonder.

Letter from God

Last April to May 2008 I attended Youth in the Spirit Seminar (YISS) and on one of its sessions they’ve gave me a piece of paper containing a letter from God. It’s a collective excerpt of verses from the word of God, the Holy Bible. The verses are structured in a way that God seems to have written a special letter to his precious and beloved child, the reader, which in that moment was me. It’s an amazing letter expressing his love for me, full of emotions and compassion.

Dear Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. _{Psalm 139:1}

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. _{Psalm 139:2}

I am familiar with all your ways. _{Psalm 139:3}

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. _{Matthew 10:29-31}

For you were made in my image. _{Genesis 1:27}

In me you live and move and have your being. _{Acts 17:28}

For you are my offspring. _{Acts 17:28}

I knew you even before you were conceived. _{Jeremiah 1:4-5}

I chose you when I plan creation. _{Ephesians 1:11-12}

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. _{Psalm 139:15-16}

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. _{Acts 17:26}

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. _{Psalm 139:14}

I knit you together in your mother’s womb. _{Psalm 139:13}

And brought you forth on the day you were born. _{Psalm 71:6}

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. _{John 8:41-44}

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. _{1 John 4:16}

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. _{1 John 3:1}

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. _{1 John 3:1}

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. _{Matthew 7:11}

For I am the perfect father. _{Matthew 5:48}

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. _{James 1:17}

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. _{Matthew 6:31-33}

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. _{Jeremiah 29:11}

Because I love you with an everlasting love. _{Jeremiah 31:3}

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. _{Psalm 139:17-18}

And I rejoice over you with singing. _{Zephaniah 3:17}

I will never stop doing good to you. _{Jeremiah 32:40}

For you are my treasured possession. _{Exodus 19:5}

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. _{Jeremiah 32:41}

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. _{Jeremiah 33:3}

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. _{Deuteronomy 4:29}

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. _{Psalm 37:4}

For it is I who gave you those desires. _{Philippians 2:13}

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. _{Ephesians 3:20}

For I am your greatest encourager. _{2 Thessalonians 2:16-17}

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. _{2 Corinthians 1:3-4}

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. _{Psalm 34:18}

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. _{Isaiah 40:11}

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. _{Revelation 21:3-4}

And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. _{Revelation 21:3-4}

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. _{John 17:23}

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. _{John 17:26}

He is the exact representation of my being. _{Hebrews 1:3}

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. _{Romans 8:31}

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. _{2 Corinthians 5:18-19}

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. _{2 Corinthians 5:18-19}

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. _{1 John 4:10}

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. _{Romans 8:31-32}

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. _{1 John 2:23}

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. _{Romans 8:38-39}

Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. _{Luke 15:7}

I have always been Father, and will always be Father. _{Ephesians 3:14-15}

My question is… Will you be my child? _{John 1:12-13}

I am waiting for you. _{Luke 15:11-32}

Love, Your Dad.

I know I’m not worthy but I’ll always be proud and grateful to be considered as his child. I pray that I could truly be a child he would be proud of; in my thoughts, words and actions. J

“Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” –Psalm 25:4-5

Top 10 Dream-Phil Destinations

Born and raised in the busy city of Manila, surrounded with buildings, malls, traffic and noise; I’ve always dreamt of exploring and experiencing the beautiful and breathtaking places my beloved country (Philippines) magnificent treasures.  Philippines archipelago is consists of 7,107 islands with total land area of approx. 300,000 km². Having the 5^th longest coastline in the world it is blessed with astonishing beaches, mountains and forests haven to variety of species.

But having limited resources I‘ve only managed to visits some places such as Baguio City (summer capital of the Philippines), Pangasinan (home of Hundred Islands), Laguna (resorts & hot springs), Tagaytay (chillax scenery & atmosphere), Batangas (beaches), Subic Bay (former US naval base), La Union (plantation fields) and Corregidor Island (historical military defense field). So I’ve listed my top ten Philippines destinations I’m looking forward to see if time and budget permits.J

1.       Palawan

Palawan is biogeographically part of Sundalan (regions of Southeastern Asia which envelops the areas of the Asian continental shelf that was exposed during the last ice age), a sanctuary to distinctive wide variety of exotic flora and fauna. Here nestled the Tubbataha Reef, the only national marine park included to the World Heritage List and majestically comparable to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

It features more than a thousand islands and islets with white-sand beaches, picturesque rock formations, underwater rivers and amazing caves. Some of its renowned places include El Nido well-known for its awesome seascape and limestone cliffs; Saint Paul’s National Park which takes pride of caves that lays an underground river; Caluit Island, habitat of Philippine-African wildlife; and the ancient Busuanga Island.

2.       Siargao Island

A tear-drop shaped island in the province of Surigao Del Norte, Siargao is a classic tropical island lies sheltered within its surrounding coral reef with dozens of coconut palms in-circled in the center of the Island. It possesses the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao at Del Carmen, longest stretches of wetlands and miles of white sandy beaches. Siargao Island is a perfect place for the sun, beach and surf buffs due to its Cloud 9 break which is rated to be among the best in the world. It’s also ideal for deep sea fishing, sailing, wind-surfing and kayaking.

3.       Camiguin Island

Camiguin is of volcanic origin, this 62 km² island-province has more volcanoes per km² than any other island on Earth. Aside from Lanzones festival in the month of October, it is also famous for its white-sand beaches, waterfalls, spring resorts and astonishing caves haven to exotic and endemic species. Among its popular natural attractions are the White Island, Mantigue Island, Katibawasan Falls, Tuasan Falls, Ardent Hot Springs, Tangub Hot Springs, Sto. Niño Cold Springs and Bura Natural Soda Water Swimming Pool.

4.       Guimaras Island

Situated in the Western Visayas Region known for its 238.3 kilometers coastline, Guimaras Island is notable for its clear blue waters, marine life and long stretches of white powdery sand considered among the finest in the world. It’s also famous for producing the sweetest mangoes in the world and the Manggahan Festival (Mango Festival). Its major attractions include Roca Encantadia, Guisi Lighthouse, Tiniguiban Islet, Isla Naburot, Lombija Wildlife Resort, Taklong-Tandog Island, Igang Marine Station, Toyo Reef, and La Paz & Pamankulan Fish Sanctuaries.

5.       Boracay Island

Famous for its pure fine talcum powder-sand beaches, Boracay Island belongs to the Western Visayas island-group. It has countless hidden coves dotting the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches, on top of its azure seas and stunning sunsets. Thus, it’s voted as one of the best beaches in the world by the BMW Tropical Beach Handbook (1990) and the world’s number one tropical beach by British publication TV Quick (1996). Its serene crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming, sailing, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kite boarding, cliff diving, sunbathing, and beach relaxation.

6.       Sagada

A pastoral upland valley Sagada enjoys cool weather and magnificent sceneries; early in the morning its infinite vast of mountain ranges is clothed by fogs. It is blessed with limestone cliffs, subterranean caves, unexplored forests, underground river and falls. Some of its many natural wonders include Bokong and Bomod-ok Falls, Sumaging and Lumiang Caves, Rice Terraces, Echo Valley, Kiltepan Tower, Lake Danum, Kitongan bottomless pit, Calvary Hill, Alipine Lake Banao, underground river and the most notable hanging coffins (err, which I’m not really that eager to experience J). It’s a perfect place to enjoy nature in its best by trekking, hiking, exploration, spelunking, rappelling, bonfires and picnics.

7.       Albay

Albay is part of the Bicol Region and most notable to its main landmark Mayon Volcano, the nearly perfect cone shaped active volcano that forms a scenic backdrop to its capital city of Legaspi. Besides the majestic Mayon Volcano other notable tourist spots include Spanish Galleon wreck site, Putsan beach, Cagsawa ruins, Sogod Beach, Bugsucan Falls, Palale Falls, San Lorenzo beach, Parian Mainit spring, Hayop-hayopan caves, Calabidongan caves, Busay falls, Naglaus underground river, Balubagon boiling cave, Ilologan beach, Mataginting Falls, Del Rosario Caves and Minaroso Caves.

8.       Bohol City

Located at the Central Visayas region, Bohol is a popular tourist destination with its coastline glided by gentle coves and white-sand beaches, numerous mounds of limestone formation and crystal springs. It’s well-known for the rolling hills and plateaus of Chocolate Hills; and haven to the Philippine Tarsier considered as the second-smallest primate in the world. Panglao Island regarded as one of the top ten diving locations in the world also nestled in Bohol.

9.       Cebu City

One of the most urbanized provinces in the Philippines, Cebu is consists of narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus, coastal plains, rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges. It is named as the “Island of Festivals “for its various celebrations of festivals such as Sinulog, Paskuhan and Kadaugan sa Mactan. Cebu is also famous for its historical landmarks such as Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Fort San Pedro, Lapu Lapu Shrine, Magellan’s Cross, Magellan Shrine and Cebu Taoist Temple.

10.       Ilocos

Ilocos is collectively refers to two provinces, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur; both rich in heritage and natural wonders. Its most notable landmark is the Heritage City of Vigan inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its preserve houses of a Spanish colonial town in Asia. Other notable attractions include Kapurpurawan rock formation, Ilocos Windmill, Pagudpud Beach and Paoay Church.

(Sigh). I’m keeping my fingers crossed that soon I’ll have the luxury to explore all these awesome places and I can actually account here all the experiences and fun I have when it happens. “A whole stack of memories never equal one little hope.” (-Charles M. Schulz)