These Little Wonders

Nang ginising mo ako kaninang alas-3 ng madaling araw, akala ko nagpapapansin ka lang. Hindi kita masyadong inintindi at pinilit kong bumalik sa pagtulog. Ngunit hindi mo ako tinigilan. Siniguro mong mararamdaman ko ang iyong presensya hanggang sa wala na akong nagawa kundi bumangon at pakinggan ang mensaheng nais mong iparating.  Naiintindihan kita. At humihingi ako ng tawad.  Alam kong marami akong naging pagkukulang sa 'yo. Hindi ko natumbasan ang pagmamahal at pag-aalagang ibinigay sa 'yo ng iyong mga magulang noong ikaw ay bata pa. Maraming pagkakataon na hindi ka nakakapagpahinga o nakakatulog nang husto. Minsan sa sobrang pagiging abala ko sa mga gawain sa paaralan o sa trabaho o maging sa bahay, nakakaligtaan na kitang pakainin. Maaalala ko na lang kapag dumaing ka na. Ilang ulit ka na rin bang napagod sa pakikipagsiksikan sa bus o sa jeep o sa FX, nangalay dahil sa pagbubuhat ng mabigat, pumila nang pagkahaba-haba, o maglakad nang pagkalayo-layo dahil walang...

I was only fourteen years old then, but I had it all planned already. You said you can peacefully go when you reach the age of 80. So I thought that you would still be around by the time I graduate from high school, and it would only be fitting for you to come up to the stage with me. You know you have always been my inspiration. And you're actually the reason why I studied so hard to earn all those medals. Your achievements were my motivation. I wanted to be just like you.  I once told you I wanted to have as much medals as you had. You told me to study and work hard for them. And I did. Thank you for the inspiration, Lolo. ♥ But everything changed on that Good Friday, fourteen years ago. I woke up to Mama's voice, crying inconsolably. I knew something happened. You left us to join our Creator. 13 April 2001. From then on, I hated Friday the 13ths. Because it was Friday the 13th when I first had my heart broken. And it remains to be the hardest to deal with. I gue...

Tonight, I just found out about a dear friend and sister's engagement. I was so excited that I sent her a message telling her how happy I am for this milestone in her life. She is my twin sister back in high school. We were classmates from first year to fourth year (and we call ourselves III-1 deportees, but I won't tell you why :D #PastIsPast), went to the same university (took different courses, though), fell in love, got our hearts broken, picked up the pieces together, and encouraged each other to be better. :)  Years later, I invited her to attend the SFC International Conference in Bohol. She attended the Christian Life Program after that and eventually became an active member (and now, also a leader) of SFC Central B. There she met the man whom God has been preparing for her. Just last month, after two years of being in a (long-distance) relationship, he already asked her to be his wife. And she said yes! Hooray!!! ♥♥♥ Tonight, I also said yes to a proposal... ...

Last night, I received this text message: "uy, one more chance part 2. sa nov 25." Yes, tuloy na tuloy na ang pagbabalik nina Popoy at Basha. But this post is not about them. :D I had a highly emotional morning.  I decided to go to Pasig City Hall to claim my voter's ID. Braved the heavy traffic along Dr. Sixto Antonio Avenue, perspired like I just worked out, made my way through the bunch of angry people, only to be told that the releasing of IDs was moved to November. By God's grace, I was able to keep myself together.  I was already on a jeep to Tramo and just right after I got my change, the accident happened. The jeepney hit a motorcycle. Although the rider fell, he did not sustain serious injuries. Mas naawa pa ako kay Manong Jeepney Driver. Matanda na kasi siya at iika-ika na rin. The other passengers demanded their money back and just rode another jeep. I wanted to stay and wait until everything is settled but I also needed to report to the of...

One of the gifts I received on my birthday month was winning in The Mind Museum's Forever Lab Photo Contest. ♥ (My brother won too, by the way. :D) The prize(s)?  My photo featured at Forever Lab: Will you still love me at 150? Four (4) Museum All Day Passes in the form of Gift Certificates Twenty (20) P50 OFF discount coupons, which can be applied to any regular museum ticket available at the gate. I guess my forever really started on October 13. Haha. #WishfulThinking :p And because October was a very busy month, I plan to use the free tickets next month. :)  I got very excited when I received the newsletter just this evening. I truly believe it's going to be a November to remember. ♥ Here's something to look forward to:  I've gone to SandBox a few months back (attended the Brightscape Campfest with my brother's fiancee) and I can honestly say that when the night falls, you can't help but stare at the beautiful sky, and fall...

So it has already been a month since Ray and Mars got married and I'm still on a high. :) It was the nearest that I got to the altar (so far) and like what I told a friend, parang pangarap ko na rin ang natupad . :)  I've attended a lot of weddings already and I have played almost every role (aside from being a principal sponsor and a bride), but last month's wedding was extra special.  Ang lakas maka-good vibes . Probably because it's my best friend's wedding. And Mars is not just a best friend, but a sister I love so dearly. :)  Here are 12 reasons why:   1. We're both born on the 15th day of the 10th month (and it was a Wednesday). 2. We're both unica hijas. 3. We're both BDJ Bellas (she was actually the one who persuaded me to buy my first BDJ planner). 4. We both love to eat, sing, read, and learn. 5. We're both "raketeras". We write for extra income. 6. We blog too! :) Visit her site: www.delighteduniverse.com ) ...

Gumaganda ang paligid Kung bawat tao Ay puno ng pag-ibig Napapawi ang pighati Masilayan lang ang iyong ngiti O kay gandang isipin Ang isang mundong puno ng pag-ibig Parang isang bulaklak Na ka'y ganda Na inabot mo Sa iyong sinisinta Ang iyong nilaan na pagmamahal Ang dulot nito ay tunay na ligaya Pag-ibig nga ang susi Nararapat lang ibahagi Gumaganda ang paligid Kung bawat tao Ay puno ng pag-ibig Napapawi ang pighati Masilayan lang ang iyong ngiti O kay gandang isipin Ang isang mundong puno ng pag-ibig So I've been listening to this song over and over again since 8pm tonight. The melody is so addicting and the lyrics, well, simply beautiful! ♥ Found out that it's the theme song of GMA's new show, Dangwa , led by Mark Herras, Aljur Abrenica, and Janine Gutierrez. Sayang wala akong TV.   Haha. As if naman mapapanood ko e may pasok din naman. Pero feeling ko, good vibes ang show na ito. :) I was also a bit surprised t...

Things we must be thankful for today and everyday: 1. Worries at the start of the day : means you are still alive . 2. Headache at the end of the day : means you can still work hard . 3. Clothes that are too tight : means you have food to eat . 4. The mess to clean after a party : means you have friends around you . 5. Too many text messages received : means you're always remembered . Image Source: FamilyChristian.com Starting the week right with a prayer of thanksgiving for everything that the Lord has done for me, in me, and through me, for all that He has given me, the people He has blessed me with, and most of all, for His unfailing love and infinite mercy. ♥ Thank You Lord! You are truly faithful! You are simply amazing! ♥

Today's readings remind us of two important truths:  1. The salvation of souls is the primary reason of our existence in this world.  2. The only necessary thing  is living with God here and now, communicating with Him in prayer, basking in His presence.  The First Reading, taken from the book of Jonah, tells about the disobedience of the prophet and the faithfulness of God. Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh. He did what he could to escape the call of the Lord but because God wanted to save His people, He did not stop until Jonah finally proclaimed the Good News. Because again, salvation   of souls  is the primary reason of our existence. We are meant to help each other go back to the Father where we all truly belong.  In the Gospel, Martha was a good host. She made sure that Jesus and his disciples were taken good care of. It's not a bad thing. However, Jesus commended Mary for her contemplative disposition. She desired to be with ...

"True Christian love is generous and tangible , " says Fr. Ruper Solis, SVD.  He further explained what it means in his homily.  Generous. Loving is giving. We cannot love without giving. But giving is not necessarily loving. Because one can give without actually loving.  Speaking of sincere giving, I have learned time and again that it is truly in giving that we receive. The one who gives more, receives more.  Just this afternoon, I decided to pay half of my office mate's merienda. Wala na kasi siyang barya.  After he had eaten, he went out and came back with this, saying, "Mas masarap yan (baked ziti) pag may kasamang ganito." Dahil "special" daw ako. :D I noticed the message on the wrapper: "May pasobra dahil special ka!"   Loving is giving generously, sincerely, cheerfully! :) Also a week ago, I gave macaroni salad (which I personally made) to Kuya Elmer and Kuya Edward (guards on duty). Two days after...

Mine is a basic phone, thus I cannot install Flipagram. :(  But since I am a proud BDJ Bella, a veteran at that, I decided to still make this short video about my journey as an empowered woman. :)  BDJ Veteran ♥ I can't believe it has already been ten years. I've witnessed how Viviamo has evolved as an organization and I'm proud to be part of the Bella Community. Thanks to my friend and sister, Mars, who introduced me to BDJ six years ago. As a Bella community, we are empowered to empower. And so, through the following efforts, we can also reach, empower, and inspire more Filipinas in the next 10 years: 1. More boot camps for young women (students and professionals) 2. Community immersions (eat, sleep, and interact with ethnic women) 3. Social media evangelization (through meaningful hashtags and empowering posts) These are simple and attainable ways to really make a difference. As one strong and united community, let's continue to shine and ...

I've been a Belle De Jour Power Planner user since 2010. Aside from the coupons and the BDJ Lifestyle Card, I really love how the planner serves my every need as a woman. But yeah, the lifestyle card and the coupons are a great bonus.  I am not a coffee drinker but I love hanging out at CBTL, just because the ambiance is perfect for quality conversations, plus they have free WIFI access too, and in some stores, particularly the one in MOA, you can charge your gadgets for free! Just bring an extension cord so that others could use too. :)  That's why this year, I've used up almost all my CBTL coupons and the Lifestyle Card, in Filipino, sulit na sulit!  :D Below are three of my most cherished moments at CBTL where I mostly enjoyed the perks of a bella:  1. CBTL SM MOA One of the most productive nights of my life so far. I was able to finish four articles, post an entry on my blog, catch up with my friends on Facebook, and enjoy a refreshing White C...

"For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory..."  -Matthew 16:27- Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Archangels, Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.  Image source: By Hand, With Heart Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel Prince of the Heavenly Hosts Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle! Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.  May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, cast into hell Satan and the other evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.  Amen.  Saint Michael the Archangel, pray for us.  ***** Prayer to St. Gabriel the Archangel Special Messenger of God O loving messenger of the Incarnation,  descend upon all those for whom I wish peace and happiness.  Spread your wings over the cradles of the new-born babes, you who announced the coming of the Infant Jesu...

Last Friday, while Dra. Jes was busy taking care of my two front teeth, I was busy taking notes from Eat Bulaga's Kalye Serye. :D As usual, Lola Nidora's words of wisdom were noteworthy. I particularly liked this:  “Walang maiinip sa taong tapat ang hangarin. Walang susuko sa taong totoo ang tibok ng puso. Ang pag-ibig na hinihintay ang tamang panahon, ay pag-ibig na magtatagal sa mahabang panahon.” Speaking of " tamang panahon ," a lot of songs have already been written about AlDub but this has got to be the best so far (at least for me):  ALDUB Music Video - "SOTANGHON" Song (Full Length Video) UP NOW: Aldub "SOTANGHON" Song (Full Length Music Video)#aldubSOTANGHONsong #satamangpanahonA treat for the AlDub Nation! Sing your hearts out on this one, guys! :D"Kahit na anong hirap ang abutin, kahit pagtabuyan pa ng paulit-ulit-ulitAko'y di mapapagod at maghihintay sa'yo, hanggang sa tamang panahon"Song Title: ...

Ganito magmahal. :)  13 May 2012 (oo, more than 3 years ago na, pero ang sarap pa ring balik-balikan) I went home a little late dahil napahaba ang homily ni Father Mark. Pero gaya nga ng sinabi niya, sinadya niyang pahabain ang homily dahil ang tunay raw na nagmamahal, hindi binibilang ang oras na inilalagi niya sa piling ng kanyang minamahal . :) Thus, if one truly loves the Lord, he won't mind spending more than an hour with Him in His very temple, the church. :) So there, around 10pm na ako nakauwi. And it was only then when I had dinner. I never liked dinuguan. But tonight, I feasted on dinuguan for dinner. Guess who cooked it. Not Mama (she's a very good cook, though) but Papa. :) And this is the story behind the dinuguan. Yesterday, nagpaparinig daw si Mama about Mothers' Day. She was asking Papa to treat us sa Mang Inasal or Chicboy . Sabi niya ang tagal na raw niyang hindi nakakain ng dinuguan at puto. Napa-compute naman si Papa kung magkano ang magaga...

... palagi bang masasaktan?  On the way back to Manila from our mission trip in Baguio, we watched The Breakup Playlist . It's a movie about two musicians who met at a music camp, fell in love, made beautiful music together, but eventually grew apart and broke up due to their ego and pride. It took them three long years to mature and realize what went wrong and what should have been done.  The title and the first line of this post actually came from the movie soundtrack. I can't help it, LSS e. Plus the fact that this morning (09.21), God's inspiration (through one of my daily devotionals) is about love.  What Is Love? God's Response: Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.  ( 1 Corinthians 13:7 ) A healthy definition of love is crucial to understanding the central message of the Bible. According to the Bible, love is not about sexuality, nor is it primarily a feeling. The Bible teaches that...

Chivalry.   Men behaving courteously toward women — holding the door for them, offering them their jackets when it's cold — is called chivalry. Many women consider chivalry a lost art.  Cavalry (soldiers on horseback) and chivalry have the same root: the Medieval Latin word caballarius , meaning "horseman" or "knight." In the Middle Ages, a knight was expected to be brave, loyal, and to open the tavern door for his date. Picture a knight kneeling before a maiden and kissing her hand. It's a classic image of chivalry from the storybooks. Some women wonder whether chivalry has ever existed anywhere else.  Source: Vocabulary.com I also once believed that chivalry is dead. But thanks to the few good men who proved me wrong. :)  Obviously, I'm talking about my father, my brother (from whom I regularly get "I love you" messages), and my cousins. But aside from them, I am also blessed to have met modern-day knights in my community, CFC...