Thanksgiving prayer to St. Jude Thaddeus

God is truly great! :-D

Dear Lord, Mama Mary and St. Jude, thank you for all your blessings!

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Prayer for Thanksgiving (from this site)
(To be said when a favor has been granted)

O Most sweet Lord Jesus Christ, in union with the unutterable heavenly praise with which the Most Holy Trinity extols Itself and which flows upon Your Sacred Humanity, upon Mary, upon all the angels and saints, I praise, glorify and bless You for all the graces and privileges You have bestowed upon your chosen apostle and intimate friend, Jude Thaddeus. I pray You for the sake of his merits, grant me Your grace, and through his intercession come to my aid in all my needs, but especially at the hour of my death deign to strengthen me against the rage of my enemies. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, three times.

Lonely

I'm feeling a little bit lonely (which is probably why I'm still up). :-(

I remembered this opinion I posted on Facebook...Sometimes, even if you have tons of friends, you'll realize that you only have yourself to depend on. *Sigh*

I think I need to do new things and meet new people.

Slow Down

I was reading through a friend's blog when I came across her entry on slowing down.

I so loved this paragraph...

Slowing down doesn’t mean being complacent, just as rushing doesn’t mean being a go-getter.  Slowing down doesn’t mean being too laid back, just as rushing doesn’t mean being too serious.  Slowing down doesn’t mean defeat, just as rushing doesn’t mean victory.  Slowing down doesn’t mean failure, just as rushing doesn’t mean achievements.

What type is my blog? - Typealyzer

I found this site which analyzes your blog (you just type your URL) then gives you your personality type. Hmmm...a twist to the usual personality tests?!

I tried it out and got the following result:

The analysis indicates that the author of http://lovemeorleaveme.wordpress.com is of the type:

ESFP - The Performers

The entertaining and friendly type. They are especially attuned to pleasure and beauty and like to fill their surroundings with soft fabrics, bright colors and sweet smells. They live in the present moment and don´t like to plan ahead - they are always in risk of exhausting themselves.

The enjoy work that makes them able to help other people in a concrete and visible way. They tend to avoid conflicts and rarely initiate confrontation - qualities that can make it hard for them in management positions.

Well, I don't really see myself as a performer. Hehehe...When I tried the Jung and Briggs test  or the Myers-Briggs Type Indictor (MBTI) last year, I was an ISFJ - The Protector. Several years ago, I think I was an ISTJ -The Duty Fulfiller. Maybe I wasn't my usual self last year and so the "T" became an "F". ;-)

Novena to St. Jude Thaddeus

Thank you, St. Jude.

For more info on St. Jude, you can visit http://www.stjudenovena.org/.

May God be praised!

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O GLORIOUS APOSTLE, St. Jude Thaddeus, true relative of Jesus and Mary, I salute thee through the most Sacred Heart of Jesus! Through this Heart, I praise and thank God for all the graces He has bestowed upon thee. Humbly prostrate before thee. I implore thee through this Heart to look down upon me with compassion. Oh, despise not my poor prayers; let not my trust be confounded! To thee God has granted the privilege of aiding mankind in the most desperate cases. Oh, come to my aid, that I may praise the mercies of God! All my life I will be grateful to thee and will be thy faithful client until I can thank thee in heaven. Amen. (from http://www.rcam.org/novena/judethaddeus.htm)

You're Invited!

Yes, you're invited to our Sagip Christmas Party! :-D

[caption id="attachment_177" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Snowflake paper and Merry Christmas Tag by Bonnie Covel; Snowflake Strip from Shabby Princess"][/caption]

Should you wish to give gifts to the kids or help us out with the giveaways and prizes, do let me know.

Hope to see you there! :-)

E bakit busy ka?

I am on a roll! This is my 3rd entry today. Just have to let these thoughts out.....

I was talking to a brother from my community about some stuff. He asked about my mom and then asked about my work. When I told him I didn't go through with it, he then asked me why I was busy ( I told him I missed his calls because I was busy). Delayed reaction ako eh so ang nasagot ko na lang was ako ang nag-aasikaso sa bahay.

Napaisip tuloy ako. Can't I be busy with things other than work? Well, he probably didn't know that my mother is still in the hospital. Kung alam kaya niya, tatanungin pa rin niya kaya kung bakit ako busy? He's really not one of my close friends and he doesn't know everything so I don't expect him to understand.

Work lang ba ang rason para maging busy ka? If you don't have work, does that automatically mean na wala kang ginagawa? What if it was your choice to become unemployed for reasons you don't have to explain to everyone or anyone for that matter? Is my worth as a person measured by whether I have work or not? Maybe some people think that if you remain jobless, you do not care about your present and future. Meron sigurong tao na ganun but do people think I am like that? My career decisions may not have been the best according to general standards but I know that they have been the best for me. I have no regrets in terms of my career or about anything in my life. I have learned a lot from the consequences of my decisions and for all the times that I fell and reached the bottom, I have always managed to rise up and redeem myself. If I do not follow what most people think is correct, does that mean I am less of a person? I don't think so. We are all different and whatever is best for one person may not necessarily be the best for another.

Hay! How I wish people would be less critical, be more open-minded and sensitive.

True Friends

While I was writing my Sagada entry, I suddenly realized that a lot can happen in a year.

Some things change. Some don't.

Some people change. Some don't.

Some people stay. Some leave.

Some are still you friends. Some are not anymore.

While I was reading through the blog of Francis Magalona ( he also has leukemia like my mom but a different type), I came across this:

When the chips are down, that's when you'll see who your TRUE friends are.

I didn't quite understand what the word chips meant so I asked a friend. She gave me this version:

When the curtains' down, that's when you'll see who your TRUE friends are.

Sabi niya, that has several meanings daw:

1) at the end of a show, good or bad one, you'll see after who will stay... even when the lights have gone out....

2) when you've gone into hiding, you'd know who will open the window to check up on you... or who will just wait til youre ready to come out again.

Well, when the times are tough, that's when you'll know who your true friends are. Well, at least you'll know what kind of friendship you have with them. There are people with whom you share deep bonds. Meron naman akala mo close kayo, akala mo sila ang mas makakaintindi sa yo pero hindi pala. On the other hand, meron din na hindi mo ineexpect na kaibigan mo na kahit hindi pa kayo masyado magkakilala ng lubusan. 

I know that I still have to be thankful for all of them because they are still friends. Minsan nakakalungkot lang yung mga akala mong close friends mo.

My Sagada Adventure

I've been writing about really sad things lately. This time, I'm going to write about something fun for a change. :-)

 

I just got sentimental recently and remembered that it has been a year since my trip to Sagada in Mt. Province, Luzon. That trip was really fun and a major laugh and food trip! It was also exciting since my friends and I got to try caving.

I'll try to remember many details as possible. Hehehe...so please bear with me, may memory gap kasi ako ;-) Read on....

I went to Sagada with two good friends from SFC, Glo-Ann and Joe. I think dapat Bacolod kami but other friends backed out so we just decided to push through with this one. Glo-Ann had a friend who arranges tours and we availed of her set package. Almost all in na (almost kasi some of the meals were not included in the package) at P5k (or was it P4.5K?). Not bad di ba? ;-) You can click on the link to her site from my page (Tropical Paradise of Asia).

We left in the evening of Nov 1 and got to Bontoc at around 8 am the following day. That's where we had breakfast and made a quick stop at the Bontoc Museum.

[caption id="attachment_121" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Approaching Bonctoc"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_123" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Bontoc Museum"][/caption]

We arrived at Sagada around 11 am already. We checked in at our inn (I forgot its name). The three of us were assigned to a room together with our guide. That wasn't a problem for me or any of my friends. The only problem was that Glo-Ann and I didn't feel comfortable sharing the bathroom with other people. Yes, common CR siya! No offense to the others in our group but maarte lang kami siguro, hehehe. We decided to try and look for a place where we could transfer. But that would have to be during our free time. We had to go to lunch and proceed with our first hiking activity, which would prepare us dawfor the walking that we had to do the next day.

We had lunch at St. Jo's Restaurant(I think!). The food was ok. We didn't mind so much anymore since we were very hungry kaya lamon na lang, hehehe.

[caption id="attachment_125" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Socials during lunch"][/caption]

After lunch, we started with our hike to Echo Valley. We passed by St. Mary's Episcopal church and the Sagada cemetery.

[caption id="attachment_126" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Inside St. Mary's Church"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_130" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Sagada Cemetery"][/caption]

It wasn't so cold at that time, though we were ready. :-) Glo-Ann was wearing long sleeves and we had our trusty jackets. Everything was so green and the air was so fresh and relaxing! Because of that, we didn't get really tired from the all the walking.

[caption id="attachment_131" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="With Glo-Ann"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_132" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Some hanging coffins"][/caption]

After our hike to Echo Valley, we had the rest of the afternoon and evening free. Before going back to our inn, we scouted for a new one where we could transfer. Luckily for us, we found this nice place near Masferre Country Inn and Resataurant. It's called the Igorot Inn. I think we paid P1.5K per night  for the room. Our room had its own bathroom equipped with hot and cold shower! We had to go back to the other inn to get our stuff. Walking distance naman but medyo malayo na rin if you have to carry stuff. Buti na lang, gentleman si Joe! ;-) He carried all the bags!

[caption id="attachment_133" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Hehehehe"][/caption]

Well, transferring was worth it. Look at the view from our room!

[caption id="attachment_135" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Wow!"][/caption]

When I knew that I was going to Sagada, I asked a friend who had been there for some tips. She specifically mentioned that we should try out Yoghurt House. Since it was already on the same street as Igorot Inn, we decided to have dinner there. I think we got sandwiches and pasta. We loved their Tomato and Basil Pasta! It was so yummy. And to think I'm not really into veggies. ;-)

[caption id="attachment_136" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Yummy pasta"][/caption]

Of course we tried out their yogurt. I think we ordered just the plain one and we didn't like it. :-( Maybe we should have gotten one that came with fruit toppings. We still decided to have it wrapped. I really don't know why but we were able to put it into good use that night. ;-) Sagada has curfew, which I think is 9pm. There was nothing to do anymore so we just decided to buy some wine and play truth or consequence (hey, there was no tv in our room!). Guess what was the consequence. ;-) Yup, eat a spoonful of yogurt! Hehehe :-D Hmmm...I think we almost finished the leftover yogurt. Guess who had to eat most of it. :-P

 

Our 2nd day there was jampacked! We went to see the Bomod-ok falls or the Big Falls in the morning. It tookus the whole morning to reach the falls, stay awhile for swimming and picture taking and then go back. Going to the falls was oksince we were mostly going down. Going back was harder! I should have excercised more! I really got so tired! Mahilo-hilo ako sa pagod! Grabe talaga! But the sights were worth it!

[caption id="attachment_137" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="On our way"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_138" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Sunflowers!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_140" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Rice terraces"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_141" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Well it was cold that day"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_142" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Finally, the Bomod-ok Falls!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_145" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Kapuy na!"][/caption]

After a very tiring morning, we rested for a short time during lunch at Masferre Restaurant before we were off  for the real adventure.  We were exploring Sumaguing Cave.

I've read that Sumaguing Cave is also called the Big Cave and one should not leave Sagada without visiting this one. I didn't take a lot of pictures inside because we were very busy trying not to slip and fall off! Hehehehe... There were times that I really had to hug the rocks or sandstone so that I could pull myself up. Most of the time we didn't mind anymore what our hands were touching(mud or bat poop!). I also enjoyed crawling into this very small hole, experiencing a human ladder ( kawawa naman si Manong...pero suplado siya!) and rapelling. There was this time when we held on to a rope to cross to the other side since the stream below was kind of deep. Well, you'll get wet whatever you do becuase this activity invloves crossing a waist deep pool (well, it more like chest deep for me! :-D). It was really a very memorable adventure!!!

[caption id="attachment_143" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="At the entrance"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_144" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="In between rock formations"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_146" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Rest time"][/caption]

When we got out of the cave, all I could think of was taking a shower and getting a massage! Hahahaha :-D Members of our group envied us because our hot and cold shower was waiting for us.

To make up for the very tiring day, our guide brought us to this cool palce called Log Cabin. We had buffet dinner!!! We had pork chops, mashed potato and veggies. Food was great and so yummy. I think this place only offers buffet every Saturday and you have to reserve to ensure seats. By the way, Saturday is also the market day in Sagada. The chef, I think, buys ingredients from the market in the morning so food is guaranteed fresh.

[caption id="attachment_147" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Photo c/o Glo-Ann"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_148" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Fireplace pix by Glo-Ann"][/caption]

On our last day there, we didn't go with the group to the pottery center. We decided to use the time to do some last minute pasalubong shopping. Glo-Ann and I hoarded these tea leaves which were really cheap at P10/pack!

Since we loved Yoghurt House so much, we dediced to have breakfast there. Nag take out pa kami ng sandwiches for lunch!

[caption id="attachment_149" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Last day"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_150" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Breakfast and take out...hehe"][/caption]

We stopped by Bontoc on our way home and had some shopping time there.

[caption id="attachment_155" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Bontoc Town Proper"][/caption]

I think 3 days and 2 nights were not enough. Maybe 4 days or more would be better so you can schedule some rest time in between all the physical activities. Plus I think there were other sights that we could have visited also. Well, maybe next time. ;-) I really want to go back and just take it easy. Sagada was peaceful and calming. :-D

* Thanks to Glo-Ann for the pictures! :-)

A Piece of Advice

I came across this article today while reading the Philippine Star. It was written by Francis Kong. I became interested because I was impressed with him when he gave a talk at a conference. The title of the article also caught my attention - Attitude is Everything (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=200811159&type=2).

I've been down the past weeks because of our situation at home. Sometimes, it gets hard to see the brighter side of things. Plus I have this habit of really wallowing in my sadness before I decide to get my act together. I usually give myself time to feel sad, to feel the pain before I encourage myself to move forward. Ganun talaga ako. I don't want to force myself to immediately feel better just because that would make me seem like a strong person to others. Well, I don't want others naman to pity me.

The article emphasizes that attitude plays a big deal in whether we will be a success or a failure in life. Mr. Kong has these words for his readers: Your attitude would either make you or break you.

I think most of the time, it's really up to us how to make the most of what we get out of life. But how can we still smile when our world seems to be crumbling down? We remember that we are loved by God, that we are still blessed and that we should be thankful for these blessings.

Mr. Kong's advice:

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass.

It’s about learning to dance in the rain.

 

Let us all try to apply that in our daily lives. :-) Hope you all have a great week ahead!

Tough life

Life has been pretty tough the past few weeks. Mom was in the hospital for about a month.

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My mom was diagnosed with leukemia 2 months ago. It was something that was very hard to accept. To be honest, I am still trying very hard to comprehend and understand the the fact that my mother has cancer. Why does it have to be my mom? Sometimes, I wish that I was the one with cancer.

She went in and got confined to start her treatment. Unfortunately, 3 days after she was admitted, she was transferred to the ICU. I will never forget that early morning call from my father. He told me to go the hospital asap and that he has already contacted our driver so that I wouldn't have to drive. I called up my very good friends and told them about the call. 2 of them offered to go with me.

Ma had trouble with her breathing and so they had to put her on a respirator or ventilator. It was so hard to see Ma in that kind of condition. Before that, I was kind of in a state of denial. But that night, nag-sink na talaga. :-(

 

I guess Ma was also in denial or both my parents just didn't want others to worry. Ma didn't want other people to know, even her siblings. Pasaway ako e so my closest friends knew about the situation. Hindi ko ata kakayanin yun kung ako lang nakakaalam. Come to think of it, my parents were very brave and strong. They had no other support group aside from us, their kids. So when things didn't look good that night, I decided it was time for our relatives to know. It was hard calling them up and telling them that Ma was sick. They were all shocked to hear about Ma's condition. Bakit noon ko lang daw sinabi? It felt so good to share with them. One of my cousins and her husband immediately went to the hospital after I called them up. Some of Ma's siblings arrived from the province the day after. One of my aunts even came home from abroad. Support just came pouring in.

Life for about a month was just home and the hospital. I would see my friends when they came to visit. God bless the souls of those people who showed their support and concern for our family. I am overwhelemed by the number of people who said that they were praying for my mom. Maraming magtetext asking kung kamusta na ako at ang mom ko. There were also people who sent prayer booklets, blessed oils, food. There was really so much love and support and I appreciate all of them! But hindi pa rin maalis sa akin ang mag-worry. How do I deal with my mother being sick? I know that I have my faith. But I guess I am not as strong as I want to be. People would always tell me to be strong. But how do you do that? How do you do that when your mom has cancer?

My mom has always been my source of strength. If I have problems, my mom would cheer me on. She has always been supportive and spoiled kami sa Mama ko. Now, I have to be the stronger one. And most  of the time, I find that very hard to do. I am trying very hard not to breakdown because my family needs me. Everyday is a struggle. Some would say that we just need to learn how to balance everything. I know my friends mean well with that but sometimes I can't help think that one would REALLY understand me only if he/she was also in the same situation. Well, I wouldn't want them to be in the same situation.

I am trying my best to cope with the situation in my own way. I don't know what the future holds but I am praying that things will get better somehow. Nothing is impossible with God and I believe in miracles.

Just Believe and Have faith and be a witness

Someone just sent me this very short and simple sharing.

When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly! 'The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor. God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close. If you need God to open some doors for you, Just Believe and Have faith and be a witness. Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing.

Amen to this and may God be praised! :-D

The Best Bible

This will be short since I have to get ready in a few minutes.

As I was searching the net for the best or appropriate version of the Bible for Catholics, I came across this site, http://www.catholic.com/library/bible_translations_guide.asp. I liked the closing for this entry. :-)

So, which Bible is the best? Perhaps the best answer is this: The one you’ll read. 

:-D

There is hope with the Lord

I'm going to share something that I think will be helpful to a lot of people all over the world. Some of you might have family members, loved ones, friends or colleagues who are in the same boat and this could be just the hint of hope that you have been waiting for. (This gave me hope and affirmed to me that the Lord will never forsake me.)

When a former boss learned about the case of my mom, he shared with me the case of his Dad, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer last 2000 (if I rember correctly). This year, his Dad was cleared (Please excuse my terms. I'm not familiar with the appropriate medical terms.) from cancer. He then proceeded to tell me about this hospital in China where his Dad got treatment. His dad was already in Stage 4 and had other complications as well but is now cancer free and doing well (Praise God! :-D). My boss said that it was the treatment from this hospital that cured his Dad.

I'm sure a lot of you are now very curious about this hospital. Well, it's called the Fuda Cancer Hospital in Guangzhou, China. You may visit its website at http://www.orienttumor.com/ for more details about their services. You can also check out their rates, which my boss said were even cheaper compared to the rates at the best hospitals here in Manila.

I decided to share this information because it came from a very reliable source. My boss was able to experience staying at this hospital and relating to the people there. This hospital has been tried and tested by someone I know.

My boss said that not a lot of people are aware about this hospital (which is quite surprising since the hospital has a very high cure rate). So I would like to spread the word. ;-) And maybe, by doing so, I would be of help to someone.

God bless!

Some updates

Wow, I haven't written in almost a month already!

Well, life has been pretty...(hmmm...can't think of the appropriate word...chaotic seems to be such a strong word)...mixed up.

First, just want to thank everyone who prayed for my mom. The results of the tests were not really favorable but thank God because no matter how serious things are, there is still hope. I don't really want to dwell on it here as my mom still has her regular check ups plus we are still going for a second opinion. Please do continue including her in your prayers. Thanks in advance.

Second, I have resigned from my job already. My last day at work was a week and a half ago. I got busy with saving copies of my files (mostly pictures and music files hehe ;-) ).

Third, I had to re-assess my plans for the very near future (like end of September!). My mind was already set on leaving the country by end of this month. However, because of the situation with my Mom, it was not really an option anymore. I do welcome the break (being a bum has its ups too hehe!) since I can spend more time at home. But of course I can't be in this situation for a long time. Baka tumaba pa ako lalo sa kakatulog ko! Hehe...Seriously, sa hirap ng buhay ngayon, it's not practical to use up your savings and rely on your other investments ng basta basta.

Fourth, I went on a 4-day trip. Before that, I really thought about pushing through with it given the situation with my Mom. But both my parents urged me to go since nothing major was really going to happen in those 4 days. They were just a bit worried because ofthe weather.

Well, these are the things that got me preoccupied in the past weeks. Just wanted to write again tonight hence this post. But I will probably be writing more and with additional details in the coming days. Will keep you posted! ;-)

Prayer Request

My mom had just undergone bone marrow examination thru biopsy. According to the doctor, my mom has low hemoglobin.

I am not familiar with the terms and so I looked them up.

This is what I found at Wikipedia.

Bone marrow examination refers to the pathologic analysis of samples of bone marrow obtained by bone marrow biopsy (often called a trephine biopsy) and bone marrow aspiration. Bone marrow examination is used in the diagnosis of a number of conditions, including leukemia, multiple myeloma, anemia, and pancytopenia. The bone marrow produces the cellular elements of the blood, including platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells. While much information can be gleaned by testing the blood itself (drawn from a vein by phlebotomy), it is sometimes necessary to examine the source of the blood cells in the bone marrow to obtain more information on hematopoiesis; this is the role of bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Hemoglobin (also spelled haemoglobin and abbreviated Hb or Hgb) is the iron-containing oxygen-transport metalloprotein in the red blood cells of vertebrates.^[1] In mammals, the protein makes up about 97% of the red cell’s dry content, and around 35% of the total content (including water). Hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs or gills to the rest of the body, such as to the muscles, where it releases the oxygen for cell use. It also has a variety of other roles of gas transport and effect-modulation which vary from species to species, and are quite diverse in some invertebrates.

And this from http://www.mayoclinic.com.

Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that gives blood its red color. The normal range of hemoglobin is approximately 14 to 17 grams per deciliter for men and 12 to 16 grams per deciliter for women. A low hemoglobin count indicates a low red blood cell count (anemia). Anemia can have many causes, including:

• Vitamin and iron deficiencies


• Acute or chronic bleeding


• Hormone deficiencies, such as thyroid hormone or testosterone


• Chronic diseases, such as kidney failure, cancer and Crohn's disease


• Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus


• Side effect of certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

The test results will be out by next Wednesday. Please help me pray that it's nothing serious.

Thank you and God bless.

Yahoo!!!

Wala lang. I'm just so happy that I am able to access this page again! I've been trying to since last week! Thanks for the help, Marvs! :-D

Trust His Heart

The Lord is truly great!

He ALWAYS answers our prayers and affirms us of His presence. I was reminded of this again when I attended mass this afternoon. The Lord knows my desires at the moment and when I came to mass, I lifted those up. Sabi ko kay Lord bahala na siya sa akin. I really do not know where I will be in 2 months and I wanted the Lord to take me to wherever He wants me to be.

When it was time for communion, this was the first song that was played.

All things work for our good though sometimes we don’t see how they could. Struggles that break our hearts in two sometimes blinded to the truth. Our Father knows what best for us he ways are not our own. So when your pathway grows dim and you just don’t see him remember your never alone. 

God is to wise to be mistaken God is to good to be unkind. So when you don’t understand when you don’t his plan when you can’t trace his hand trust his heart, trust his heart. (He alone is faithful and true he alone knows what is best for you). 

He’s see the master plan and he hold our future in his hand so don’t live as those who have no hope for our hope is found in him. We see the presently clearly but he see the 1st and the last and like a tapestry he’s weaving you and me to someday be just like him.

I came out of mass smiling and hopeful about the future. The song was His way of tellng me that I shouldn't worry because He has the best plan for me. I should continue to hold on and be patient because He will reveal His plans in His own perfect time.

May God be praised.

Tsismisan over coffee and ensaymada

I'm going to write tonight. I felt a little off in the office today (hmmm...bakit kaya?!) and I just want to get rid of the feeling. As J1 said, smile na lang. So here's my big smile... :-D ! Hehe...

Anyways, 3 weeks ago, after attending Angel's baptism (yes, ninang na naman po ako...tsk...tsk...tsk...can't keep track of all of them anymore!), my friends and I tried out this place in Marikina. But wait, before anything else, just want to share a picture of my beautiful inaanak.

[caption id="attachment_48" align="aligncenter" width="198" caption="Van with her Angel"][/caption]

Congrats, Van! I'm really very happy for you and Arthur! I know how hard you prayed for your little angel. The Lord blesses those who remain faithful! :-)

So after a very heavy lunch (yumyum chinese food!), J1, Marvin and I were off to Pan de Americana. It's located somewhere in Marikina. Don't ask me where exactly because I really have no idea. :-p We learned about this place through Min's multiply site (http://shadowveil.multiply.com/) and got interested in the big chess thingamajigs. Sabi namin mukhang magandang magphotoshoot dun, hehe.

I liked the place. It was simple. If you like the country and rustic feel, you'll like this place. :-)

[caption id="attachment_50" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Inside Pan de Americana"][/caption]

You'll find lots of interesting things. Just keep your eyes open. ;-)

 

One more good thing pa is that the food is cheap! Since we were still so full, we just ordered coffee and halo halo for Marvin, although we tried out their famous ensaymada na inantay namin for 1 1/2 hours. Blockbuster nga siya because when the ensaymadas were ready, a lot of people were lining up for them. Nakipila na rin kami ni J1!Medyo mainit nga lang sa counter because the ovens were so near, hehe. We got our pasalubongs then ordered 2, which we ate there. At 10 bucks a piece, it was worth it! Masarap siya ha!

[caption id="attachment_59" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Good coffee...instant"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_60" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The famous ensaymada"][/caption]

Sabi namin ni J1, ok dun magdate kasi cheap lang! Busog ka na sa kape at pandesal! Wala pang P50. Pero talo ka naman sa pamasahe! Hehe :-p

It was relaxing afternoon for me. Tsismisan lang talaga. Hmm...kanino kaya galing ang mga tsismis?! Haha!

[caption id="attachment_61" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Kay J1 kaya?! Mukhang nakikinig lang siya..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_62" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Eh kay Marvin kaya?! Hmm..busy naman sa kakapicture ;-)"][/caption]

Will I go back? Kung may magdadrive, why not?! Hehe...If you just want to try out their ensaymada, I think they have a branch in Katipunan (white plains side). Happy eating! Hehe :-)

 

 

Can't Wait ;-)

This will just be short because I still have things to do and I'm kinda getting sleepy already.

Well, I'm just counting the days 'til ___________________. Hehe... ;-)

 

:-D :-D :-D

 

[caption id="attachment_37" align="aligncenter" width="299" caption="The countdown begins"][/caption]

Saturday Night Dinner

Time to write something light in this site. Medyo heavy kasi yung mga past posts ko ;-) Hehe...

Had dinner with a friend last Saturday in Tagaytay. I felt I was up for a long drive (though siya papunta and ako pauwi, yahoo!) and I had my cam with me so road trip na ito! :-p

My friend suggested this place which I haven't tried yet. Tagal ko na rin palang hindi napadpad dun kasi I wasn't aware of that place.

I'm not so sure about the name but I think it's The Grill, ang Ihawan ni Anotnio's or The Grill by Antonio's, hehe. Basta may Antonio's! It's in the area of Dencio's, Starbucks and Pancake House. It was a simple restaurant but the food was great! :-D

 

We didn't get to try their Bulalo kasi 2 lang kami so sayang naman if we don't get to finish it. So we just went for their Laing, Liempo and Crabmeat fried rice.

I'm not a veggies person but my friend ordered this one so no choice but to eat some of it. Haha :D It was ok naman. Not as good as the usual Laing that I am used to ;-) Syempre, hindi ko pa naubos yung serving on my plate. Tsk..tsk..tsk...

[caption id="attachment_29" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Laing"][/caption]

Of course, kelangan may meat! Carnivorous ako eh ;-) And what's my fave?! Ano pa nga ba kundi ang...tada...

[caption id="attachment_30" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Liempo!!!"][/caption]

Last but not the least...ang all-time favorite ko. Hindi pwedeng wala to. (Hmmm...paano ko kaya makakaya ang no rice dinner diet?!!!)

[caption id="attachment_31" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Kanin kung kanin!"][/caption]

As my friend said, kanin pa lang ulam na! :D This was so yummy!!! Funny pa because the server warned us that it was for 3-4 persons. Hehe, hindi niya kilala ang mga kausap niya! :D Muntik na naming masimot yung kanin! Hahaha...

Though the food was already delicious by itself, may dagdag na pampagana pa! ;-) Sarap! :D

[caption id="attachment_32" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Sili!"][/caption]

We were so full!!! Grabe! To aid in digestion, we ordered coffee. Sarap din uminom ng mainit since it was raining and cold there. Here's my Cafe Mocha...

[caption id="attachment_33" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Cafe Mocha"][/caption]

It was a simple gimik but I enjoyed the food, chatting with my friend and taking pictures. :-D

 

Sa uulitin! ;-)

My Box of Treasures

I didnt have such a great birthday this year for reasons I'd rather keep to myself.

I came close to hating it. Come to think of it, I think I actually did. Something not so nice always happens around my birthday.

But the Lord always has a way of surprising you. 3 weeks after my birthday, my friend handed me a package which included her gift of chocolates (yum, yum!). May bag pa! :-D

When I got home, I inspected the other contents of the package. There was a card with messages from some of my friends from SFC. May dolphin stickers din. Then meron 1 box.

When I opened the box, I was so touched to  find birthday messages from my Sagip kids. Their messages were written on fish-shaped notes. I cried when I read them one by one! I felt ashamed of myself kasi the Lord's message was ang dami-daming nagmamahal sa yo and yet you do not realize and appreciate it.

I've been serving for more than 2 years now. I've seen them grow up. Yung iba, dalaga at binata na! My prayer na lang talaga is sana, as their Ate's and Kuya's, we've made a difference in their lives. Hindi naman kami forever na nandun. Plus when they graduate to Siga, iba na ang maghandle sa kanila. Sana talaga, kahit papaano, we've influenced these kids to become a better person. Sana yung mga tinuturo naming values, ma-instill talaga sa kanila. Sana talaga, walang mawala sa landas sa kanila.

Here's a picture of the bag. I found out it was made by the mom of one of the kids. Sabi niya, sorry daw kasi hindi na siya nalagyan ng varnish kasi nagmamadali na daw nung kinuha yung bag. :-) I love this bag kasi it was made for me! Plus magaan pa kasi made of paper. Yun nga lang, bawal mabasa! Hehe :-D

[caption id="attachment_24" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="My Fave bag"][/caption]

 And here's my box of treasures...

[caption id="attachment_25" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The box"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_26" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Ang mga isda! ;-)"][/caption]

Patience

Just wanted to share this reading written by Bishop Soc Villegas.

Patience is indeed a gift from the Lord. We do have to ask,pray for it and work on it continuously because most of the time, it is much easier to give in to our emotions.

"We can choose to be impatient or annoyed or to be kind and understanding no matter how difficult the situation may be."

What if you've tried so many times to be kind and understanding and still that wasn't enough? What if you've reached the point where there's nothing to give and you just don't care at all?

What do you do?

I guess I forgot to ask the Lord for help, to give me strength to be more patient.

Patience

By Bishop Soc Villegas

reprinted from his book Jesus our Light

What makes people impatient? Many people will give many and varied reasons. Some will say it is the terrible and annoying traffic. Another will say it is the slow-learning maids and helpers. Still others will say it is the repeated mistakes of the children and even adults. I think the reasons for impatience will be as many and as varied as there are people in the world.

But come to think of it, is it really the traffic or the slow learners or repeated frustrations that make us impatient? Is not the reason for our impatience our decision, however, unaware we may be, to react impatiently to a particular situation? How come some people go through the heavy traffic unperturbed? How come some people react to slow-learners with gentle and kind understanding? How come some people are so deprived in life and yet they can smile and laugh more than the people who actually enjoy greater material prosperity? How come there are sick people who inspire the healthy in the virtues of courage and fortitude and love?

We can choose to be impatient or annoyed or to be kind and understanding no matter how difficult the situation may be.

Do you remember how the widow in the gospel did not allow her poverty to limit her generosity? It was her decision. Do you remember how the Good Samaritan did not allow his fear of being involved in a difficult situation to determine the extent of his charity? Do you remember how the apostles were squabbling for priority seats and how the Lord dealt with their childish ambition? Jesus did not turn to impatience. He taught them again. Do you remember how the apostles misunderstood the directions set by the Master and how the Lord, although exasperated already, still talked to them and taught them the way to the Father?

People do need to be impatient. We all have the capacity to be good, to be understanding and to be patient. When people get annoyed, there is nobody to blame but the self. It is not the fault of the traffic or the repeated mistakes of the house helpers. The problem is not outside. The problem is within. The problem could be yourself.

When those around us show arrogance and hardness of heart, we respond to them by showing them more arrogance, more hatred, more violence, more resentment. Does it improve the situation? No, it just gives us a little ego massage but the number of impatient people in the world would have increased because of us. If you can not find patient and kind and gentle people, be the first to be patient and to be kind and to be gentle and then you will find others changing for the better because of the good seeds you sowed.

We can learn again to be patient by allowing the patient and kind people that we know to teach us. The lives of the great men and women remind us that we can still make our lives sublime. If they can be good and admirable in patience, why can't I? let us allow others to inspire us.

The best and most patient "Other" who can teach us to be patient is Jesus Himself. Patience is a grace. Patience is a gift from God that we can ask for, work for and harness. Perhaps one of the truly major reasons why we are impatient is that we have not fully appreciated the patient love of God. How can God be so good? Is that easy? Yes, indeed it is. God is quick to forgive and very slow to judge.

Our impatience with the shortcomings of those around us could be a reflection of our own failure to accept patiently and humbly our own limitations.

The root could be our pride. We want to see progress immediately. Impatience could be selfishness and pride in another form.

Geegurlz for life!

I was browsing through the cd of pictures that I got from Mark when I saw this one. (Many thanks, Mark!)

[wp_caption id="attachment_13" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The Geegurlz 2 years ago"][/wp_caption]

I suddenly got sentimental. Tagal na namin friends! Haha, not that I am complaining...

And ang tagal na rin namin nagseserve sa GK Sison. Kami ang naglagay ng lupa para may tayuan ng playground sa GK Sison! You should see it now!!! Hindi lang ako makahanap ng picture now but when I do, I will post it here so you can see.

This is a great picture. 2 people I soooo love in the place that will always be special to me....

Finally!

Finally, I have this site already! Tried signing up at several other blog sites but the username I wanted was taken already.

So why did I start a blog? Well, I've been wrting in my Friendster and Multiply accounts but I decided it would be better to keep all my thoughts in one place. :-) I just hope I have the time to put them into writing. Hehe ;-)