My Mom

They always say a picture is worth a thousand words… On this very special Mother’s Day, I found two timeless representations of beauty. If these images could speak they would tell two very different stories of a lifetime of struggle and triumph, devotion and dedication, self sacrifice and benevolence, persistence and perseverance, and unconditional love and undying care, but most of all it will reveal the quintessential components of motherhood.

I grew up in the small Chinatown apartment in the heart of New York City. Together, my older sister and I were raised by my parents and grandparents. With a close knit family, it was truly unique to experiences all the joys of having 3 generations under one roof. With this family dynamic I was nourished with the kind of love that could only be created by two very importantly different women. Their attributes, personalities, nature and unreserved affection nurtured me into who I am today. Together they made me strong, flexible, tough, and sensitive.

My Nge Nge (人人)

Their history of struggle, together with their relentless positive outlook, fostered my deep appreciation for hard working mothers to be and diligent mothers that are. Their stories are forever encapsulated in their experiences and their values are forever manifested in me. When you look into the eyes of these picture, you will see and feel an endless permutation of love. These two women I call Mom and Nge Nge (人人).

To my mom and to my Nge Nge, Thank You. To all the caring, compassionate, and kind motherly figures, who shaped my life, Thank You.

Sharing my experience of silence is somewhat difficult, and it remains a task I hope to realize. It will remain a reflection of morals and values, and worth more than words can rationalize. Patience is not something you wait for, it is something you work on. With words and the lack of word, silence and patience can reveal true character.

It was such a treat knowing that a selected group of kids in the foundation would be receiving new TOMS Shoes.  The excitement filled the room as cheerful kids taught me songs and pastimes. It was a learning experience for an old soul to reconnect with the simple joy of hand games and rhymes. The fun and amusement seemed endless as variations of simple games transformed into challenging and entertaining competitions. It was great to see the kids smile and laugh as I struggled to keep up with them.

When it was time to hand out the shoes, there was an overwhelming sense of joy, as we knew these kids wouldn’t have to go barefoot for months and years to come. What is a common misunderstanding with TOMS “One for One” motto, is that the children only get one pair of shoes. In reality, the selection process identifies those in need and shoes are provided every 8 months, so that the child continuously receives footwear to accommodate their growing feet.   So, the feeling of security and consistency of TOMS was truly present when we assisted in the shoe give. It gave us a peace of mind, that something we often take for granted like shoes, would be provided to a child in need as a commonality, normality and an essential piece of healthy living.

I want to thank the SPECS Foundation for warmly welcoming us on such a significant day for their kids, and commemorate them for the tremendous job they do for their community. I also want to thank the LBC Foundation for bringing us to the shoe give and giving us the chance to partake in serving a community through TOMS Shoes.

For more information on the SPECS foundation please contact Sandra M. Camesa.

For more information on the LBC Foundation please visit their Facebook page

Inspired by TOMS Shoes, that afternoon I headed over to Nothing but H20 to buy my very first pair. It was an emotional day. The significance of TOMS and being able to experience a shoe give was the highlight of this experience. To know and see first hand what I had purchased had directly put a shoe on a child’s foot and a smile on their face was an incredible sensation. Check out my NEW kicks.

Check out all the Cool New Merchandise from Nothing But H20 at http://www.nothingbuth2o.com/ or visit the Facebook Page.

I was honored to be given the opportunity to experience and be apart of the opening ceremony. Much like opening ceremonies in businesses and companies, the day represented the official start to a new beginning and a true first step forward. Though Roy and Naomi’s hard work, dedication and persistence had started long before the opening, this day was a special moment to everyone involved. It signified the birth date of their vision already in motion and their mission already making progress.

For me, it was a true privilege to experience the day that included an award ceremony for the players of Payatas FC for their performance and commitment to the sport and to their team. The feeling of camaraderie and teamwork that united an entire community truly filled every moment. It was also nice to play in a little friendly match between myself teamed up with Nate Burkey versus the Payatas FC kids. We even lost to little developing players, who displayed wonderful skills and fierce determination.

The ribbon cutting for me truly made me feel a sense of pride and appreciation for what Roy and Naomi have done. It made me realize their willingness to share such a significant day with others. They reminded me that such a momentous ceremony for the drop in center was just a small piece to the work they do. It showed us all that the center will remain only a physical structure that is incomparable to its meaning. To them both, the kids of Payatas, and the entire community the safety, the education and the care they provide will remain at the very core, and no ceremony can ever outshine their sweat and tears poured into their work.

Check out the Fair Play For All Foundations News Letter below and Stay connected with all that is going on with their organization.

At the moment Naomi Tomlinson has been nominated for the UK’s “Charity Women of the Year” Award for her work with Tripple E, the Fair Play For All Foundation and Payatas FC. Please stayed tuned for more on her amazing journey.

Nena Wuthrich, co-founder of Mother Earth Bags presented me with a couple of her signature bags. With funny slogans printed on the recycled and reusable all purpose bags, their message to the world is far from a joke. The premiss of the bags is to promote a reusable carry tote that would replace the hundreds of thousand plastic bags we waste. The fun graphic designs remind us that Mother Earth is what should be at the forefront of our consideration when it comes to minimizing our carbon footprint on the world. These bags give us a witty alternative to the tons of plastic we create, use and dispose of every year. By limiting our use of unnecessary plastics, we can being to help reduce our harmful effects on our environment.

So, what makes these bags more special than the Eco friendly bags already out there?

When the founders of Mother Earth Bags came together to release these sustainable bags they envisioned a deeper mission that goes beyond just helping mother nature. With the main focus on Mother Earth, the consideration extended to mothers, daughters, sisters and women in general to incorporate the appreciation for a life created and lives helped. Mother Earth Bags are made by the hard-working women of The Livelihood Shop, a center that employs underprivileged women in Manila. Located in Taguig, a special group of women get to make a living and create their own sustainability by making Mother Earth bags.

One of the slogans used by Mother Earth reminds us that we can do more than just refrain from using plastic bags, we can not only consciously save the environment, but we can save lives in the process. So, check out Mother Earth Bags and start using one.

“Use this Mother Earth bag as if life depended on it. Because it does.”

We use our “I [Heart] my mother” bag every time we go grocery shopping. It reminds me of the feelings I get when I go help my mom or grandma as they shop. It is a feeling I miss when I am away from home, and I am glad they have instilled in me the values of helping when ever I can. Big thanks to Mother Earth Bags for creating such a product that promotes environmental and social responsibility.

“Mom, Nge Nge, Noreen… You would love these bags too! Sending some home.” Love, Lex.

For more information please check Mother Earth Bags facebook page and visit http://mamaearth.multiply.com/ to purchase your very own Bag TODAY!

What is One Day Without Shoes?
One Day Without Shoes is an annual event TOMS holds throughout the world. For one day, an hour, or even just ten minutes, they encourage everyone to take off their shoes to understand the importance of shoes and raise awareness on the impact of a pair of shoes can make on an child’s life. The campaign this year revolves around asking everyone to do what they normally do but without shoes.

Why?
Millions of children live without proper footwear, exposing them to injury and disease everyday. Every single barefoot person can make a difference. Put yourself in a child’s
shoes by removing your own.

Join us for a walk and other exciting activities on April 10 at Greenbelt 3 Park, Ayala Center Makati City!

One for One!

To Learn More about “One Day Without Shoes” Visit http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/

For more Video’s of your Philippines Azkals Supporting Tom’s “One Day without Shoes” Event Check out the Vimeo Links below.

Not having been with Kaya FC for 10 days, took its toll on me and the rest of my Kaya teammates on the road. Focusing on the national team was primary in our effects against two very strong international friendly against Australia’s and Uzbekistan’s U23 Olympic squads, along with a competitive game against Qatar’s Al Ahli Club. At the same time, we knew we were missing some crucial training sessions with our own club. After our defeat against Loyola 2 weeks back, our mission was to get back on track and gain a result against Pasagard. Leaving no team in the league underestimated, we knew we had to come out strong against the new team. Pasagard had surprised the league with a draw against first place team Stallions, so preparations for a defensive styled opponent was implemented.

Having just a short nights rest, the Saturdays match-up with Pasagard came upon us in no time. I was happy to reunite with my club and my teammates. They seem to be in very high spirits as we haven’t had a match since the Loyola game,  and training seemed to have been going well. They felt strong and ready for a nice afternoon game. I too was ready to see the pitch as limited playing time with the national team made me hungry from some time. Knowing that my playing time would further be limited in the Pasagard match due to our absence, I patiently supported the team from the sidelines to take in our performance.

All in all, I was glad to have come in late in the game, contribute and really reincorporate myself on a team that has been working extremely hard while I was away.  It was particularly nice to see different players used in different positions and to see some of the progress the team has made. Although there is still plenty of things we need to work on, it was nice to see an different perspective of our game and really refocus on the things we still need to improve on. Most of all, just being back gets me really excited to rejoin our squad and get back to working hard.

Kaya FC beat Pasagard in our 5th match of the 2012 UFL Season.

For More Information on KayaFC, Check out our NEWLY Launch Website KayaFC.COM

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Until this day, it can easily be said that the game between Kaya FC and Loyola was the most exciting match to watch in 2011. With a comfortable 3-0 lead at half time, Kaya had the sure advantage moving into the second half, only to find a reluctant Loyola narrowing the gap and eventually stealing the game in a high scoring 5-4 victory.

This seemingly impossible comeback surely set the stage for Kaya FC and Loyola’s second match-up. This time, in the UFL League, as the first round of games commenced in a double round robin format, the two teams faced each other, in what was described as an “epic rematch” of the 2012 season. The outcome last time, was a triumphant underdog fight for Loyola to tie the match up and to finally take the win. For Kaya FC it was a bitter snowballing of unfortunate events that lead to a mega loss of the match and a potential cup title. This time with much at stake, Loyola fighting to maintain their win, and for Kaya to recapture the victory they had in their hands in the prior game.

Disappointing to say, Kaya fell short yet again against the orange Sparks. Much can be said about both teams performances, whether or not things could have been done or should have been done, and speculations can be made about all aspects of the match. The truth is before we start analyzing everything, I will use this time to reflect on my own performance and be accountable for the things I had control over.

Upon reflecting on my sub-par performance, I really have to reanalyze all of the controllable factors leading up to and during the match. We as professionals always say “Control the Controllable’s” and forget about everything else. By this we mean: Do what you need to do to best prepare you for the results you seek. For peak performance, it means preparing everything in your immediate control that will directly impact your effectiveness and efficiency.  Despite feeling great at the start of the match, it’s tough to say that after being fouled early in the game, the nagging physical nuisance pulled me mentally into a different state for the rest of the match, and it was quite evident that my “efficiency and effectiveness” suffered.

We can’t control the ref’s, we can’t control what others choose to do or not do, and we can’t control hard tackles by others, but what we can control is how we deal with these factors. Unfortunately, I was unable to physically and mentally overcome the “uncontrollable factors” presented to me in the match and furthermore I failed to take ownership over the controllable ones that would have dictated a positive performance.

All too often, it is hard for people to look past the “uncontrollable’s” and extreme focus is marginalized to excuses and blame. Being accountable and responsible for your own performance is key in moving forward and excelling. I hope to use games like this to further propel me in the right direction. It is a harsh and stern reminder that the game is only physical to a certain point, controlled and limited by your mental capability.

We have to wait until the second round of the UFL League to face Loyola Meralco Sparks in our 3rd overall match-up. What seems to be light years away, we have even more to look forward to, as we seek  unfinished business.

For More Information on KayaFC, Check out our NEWLY Launch Website KayaFC.COM

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This tells us that we need to do a better job converting more on the chances we create and we need to solidify our mistakes when teams see small windows to goal. Despite the close games, I feel our team is overall more confident as our focused and directed training has been translating on the field. Though progress is being made, we still have plenty to work on.

Our focus and hard work will hopefully determine more secure results in the league to come. We will see how this plays out in our upcoming match against Loyal Meralco Sparks, an epic rematch since facing them in the UFL Cup Semi-Finals.

For More Information on KayaFC, Check out our NEWLY Launch Website KayaFC.COM

For More Articles for Lexton Moy Check out Soccerpirrs.com and Follow him on Twitter @LextonMoy