Dreaming of You, Iloilo!

Last April 14, the Philippines set a new Guinness World Record for the largest flaming image using candles after almost 57,000 candles were lit during the "Light of Peace in the Philippines" event held in Iloilo.

Photo Credit: Iloilo Travel Guide

In the "Summer Break" segment of GMA News, Tricia Zafra also featured what is known as the "Heart of the Philippines", and its capital as the "City of Love". Actually, the places she visited were all in the northernmost parts of Iloilo: Bakwitan Cave and Tangke Saltwater Lake Lagoon are in Islas de Gigantes in Carles, while Polopiña and Agho Islands are in Concepcion. These are the areas that were badly hit by typhoon Yolanda. And I loved Tricia's concluding words, "hindi mahalaga kung ano ang nawala, ngunit kung ano ang naiwan."

Having seen the news about my beloved province, I am even more eager to go and be there this summer. But aside from the obvious reason of just wanting to travel, my more important purpose is family.

Tomorrow, Lola Rosa will celebrate her 89th birthday. And how I love to spend it with her and the whole Lopez-Martinete clan.

Since Lolo Amen died in 2001, I have told myself that I would visit Iloilo as often as I can or at least once a year, every April. When Lola Rosa was diagnosed with a terminal disease, I committed to go home every year during her birthday.

I had my plans. I would leave on Holy Wednesday and join in the GK Bayani Challenge, go home to Lola's house on Tuesday, spend the rest of the week with her and my relatives, then go back to Manila on Sunday, April 27.

It's already Thursday and I still don't have a ticket for Iloilo. I'm still hoping against hope that I can go. But if the universe is not cooperating with my plans, then, I guess I'll just try to convince myself that probably God has better plans. I never doubted Him. And I know He would understand why I am quite disappointed. Kaya nga siguro bumawi Siya agad kanina. Naka-libre ako ng pamasahe papuntang center. Thanks to Kuya Onnel and Ate Maia. And of course, thanks to the God of surprises. :)

So, I'm not giving up yet, but I am surrendering to the God who knows what is best and only gives nothing but the best. ♥

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These Little Wonders

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