Birthday Wishes for a Motherly Friend

Today marks the 31st birthday of my (and of many) dearest friend Yolynne Medina!

What else can I say? Yolynne is a personification of strength, faith and resolve who truly deserves the best of everything in life. No matter what, her unwavering faith and selflessness will surely be rewarded in God's will.

Let me share this:

"Happiness is a very subjective factor in one's life. Being happy doesn't depend on achieving what you want, but rather making the best out of what is given. Life isn't fair, it never is. The only thing that can make you completely happy is CONTENTMENT. Be contented with what you have, but be sure to aim high and never stop believing you can do better anytime, everytime. But if all else fails, always remember you are not alone."

Again, my motherly friend Yolynne, here's wishing you all the good health and to your family, a strong togetherness. We miss you back here in Manila. But as what I always say to the rest, you will be in spirit, wherever... whenever.

A CONTENTED BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

See you soon here in Manila. With love and care always.

AsiaSource 2 in Malaysia

Photos courtesy of Sam Hui and Al Rodriguez. Collage by FOSSyFrancis.

AsiaSource 2 people have been going places and popping out and meeting up around the world since Sukabumi, Indonesia. After meeting some of them in the Philippines, now we find ourselves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The OSHCA 2007 Conference held last 8 to11 May 2007 brought in over 100 delegates from different parts of the world to discuss on healthcare FOSS interoperability. It was here that UNDP-IOSN ASEAN+3 together with InWEnt of Germany have sponsored 20 talented FOSS developers from Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam to participate in the conference and to attend a developers' training workshop.

It was another chance in everyone's lifetime as AS2 veterans aka "FOSSerans"(just thought of that word instantaneously) had a brief yet wonderful reunion with generous hosts Sam Hui, Jaya Kumar, and Gayathry (she begged off due to chicken pox).

There to share a gastronomic fiesta at the Nan/Tanduri place near TMC Bangsar, a quick stroll through the expat pubs and foot reflexology spas of Bangsar Village, and at the Nirwana Mamak Shop's masala and ginger tea were Foaud Bajwa, Ravindra da Silva, Nelia Victolero and yours truly. Olivia Dwi Ayu, Truong Anh Tuan was not able to join us, though. Also, Marvin Pascual was still coming in the following day. But we had them with us in pure FOSS spirit.

It was a night to remember for all as the group trooped to the famed Petronas Twin Towers at the KLCC and did not waste precious time capturing those moments of awe, friendship and togetherness. It was almost midnight when we reached the towers to marvel at its nocturnally-illuminated splendor. The golden reflection of the Public Bank at its front was also as captivating. Oohs, ahhs, hey and wows were all we can say!

Indeed, the AS2 spirit and pulse will continue to grow, glow and go (places)!

More of this in Sam's blog at http://smoothriver.net/blog/2007/05/10/kl-night-out/#more-500