These Little Wonders

I got worried when I saw the missed calls earlier today. So I immediately called back to check if there's anything wrong. When Papa picked up the phone, I asked at once, "Bakit Pa, ano pong nangyari?"  His reply both gave me a sigh of relief and a greater urge to come home.  "Wala naman, anak. Miss na miss lang kita."  Huhu. Why do you have to be such a drama king, Papa? Nagmamana tuloy ako sa 'yo e.  Papa used to be so bad with words but as he aged, he became more expressive. Now that he's just attained his dual citizenship (senior citizenship :p), he's even more emotional. Sometimes, out of the blue, he would send a message (or like today, call) just to say he misses us.  And I'm not complaining. In fact, I feel blessed and privileged to have such loving parents and such a sweet father. ♥ Now I can't wait to come home and give them a warm hug. I really miss them. It's hard to live alone. I know kids these days want

During one of the activities in our teambuilding last month, we were asked to share about our greatest accomplishment.  Honestly, I couldn't think of any because I have never accomplished anything I consider significant for the past 30 years of my life. Such a waste, huh? Seriously, I think all of my so-called "accomplishments" were just normal, little milestones. I mean they can all be achieved by everybody else, so there's nothing I could really boast of.  And so I told Kuya Rommel (who was my partner during the activity), "wala pa po sa ngayon, pero kung ma-pull off ko po yung fundraising activity (my goal is to raise at least Php100k sa screening ng Moana) for Raia, siguro po yun na."  The first ever event poster. ♥ I will not forget that fateful day, October 25, Tuesday.  Paolo just called to wake me up (he is my alarm clock when I need to wake up earlier than usual). And I was still struggling to get out of bed when I read the t

Last year, my best friend got married. And I wrote about it here . :)  This year, she got pregnant! And we're all very excited to meet her baby girl. Little did we know, that she was more excited to meet us. And so, even before her seventh month, baby Raia was already out! She is currently at the neonatal ICU for close monitoring and medication until she gets ready to face the bigger world as an awesome baby. ♥ So, to aid in her medical expenses (mind you, they're overwhelming!), we're having a movie screening of Moana at SM Megamall Cinema 6 on the upcoming holiday, November 30, 2PM , which is also the 1st day of screening. Since this is a fundraising activity, ticket price is Php500 each. Visit our page for more info: #ForTheLoveOfRaia Let me give you three simple reasons why you should go, watch, and support our event:  1. Moana is not your typical fairy-tale Disney movie. Much like Frozen (they have the same creators, by the way), it shows that

... be sure you're ready! ♥ But how can you ever be ready for a surprise? E surprise nga? Haha.  I am someone who so loves surprises that I actually kind of expect them already. Huh? Ano raw? :D  Truth is, daydreamer talaga ako. I can already think of ways how people would surprise me. That's why if they don't, I get disappointed and heartbroken. Haha. Weird me.  But this surprise is one I did not really expect. Which makes it a legit surprise ! I opened my email expecting a bunch of work-related stuff. And then I saw this:  I swear I was dumbfounded. Akala mo naman winner na. Haha. But seriously, I did not expect this nomination. I'm aware of the event and I even submitted nominations for the other categories but little did I know that I was going to be nominated as well. And not only that, I was shortlisted! What kind of sorcery is this?!  I may not know who is responsible for this (unless you tell me you did nominate me, c'mon, l

When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.' Today's Gospel is a reminder for us to remain humble despite all our "accomplishments." Because the truth is, those accomplishments are merely responsibilities we ought to fulfill.  I am Aiza. Daughter. Friend. Sister. Partner. Missionary.  SFC. PFO Coordinator. Writer. Editor. Process Analyst. Department Head.  I write. I blog. I do functional requirements. I organize retreats. I give talks. And the list goes on.  But really, these things don't make me a great person. I am nobody until God trusted me enough with these responsibilities. I do things not on my own capacity but only through the strength which comes from my Creator. I live only by His daily sufficient grace.  See, titles come and go. Accomplishments? They will soon be forgotten, and probably would become meaningless. All that matters in the end i

So it's the fourth quarter of 2016 and soon enough, we will be welcoming another year. Are we even ready for the new year?! Honestly, I'm excited for 2017 (like I was excited for 2016 and all the other past years :D) and I really am hopeful for greater things. Here I go again with my great expectations (that lead to great disappointments). There's just something about the new year that thrills me. Maybe I'm just curious about the "unknown" and I always look forward to it.  And because I'm too excited, still this early, I already have my planner for the following year. :) I've been a loyal Bella since 2010. This year, I decided to go for the Petit Planner (still from Viviamo) but for 2017, I have purchased the Power Planner once again. Isn't she lovely? ♥ I recently found this little quiz which helps one decide which planner is the perfect fit for their personality. I got EIP!  But after a thorough reflection, I decided

Everyone was excited. They said I should brace myself for a big surprise. Because it's the weekend, and because I'll be thirty.  I tried my best not to expect anything, because I know for a fact that with great expectations comes great disappointments . But human as I am, I couldn't help but hope for something special to happen. It sucks but I still consider myself a hope less ful romantic. I still believe that fairy tales can come true. Dreamy, I know. But that's just the way I am. Until I was hit by the realities of being thirty.  For the second time I spent my birthday away from my family, and for the first time in three decades, I spent it all by myself. Loneliness knows by name, huh?! Not.  I had a lot of plans. But too little money. Now that's the problem. Haha. You see, money can't buy love nor happiness, but it can make you do the things you love and things that make you happy. But that's not really the issue. I'm someone who apprec

When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be Whisper words of wisdom, let it be And when the broken-hearted people living in the world agree There will be an answer, let it be For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see There will be an answer, let it be Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be There will be an answer, let it be Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be Whisper words of wisdom, let it be Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be Whisper words of wisdom, let it be And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me Shine until tomorrow, let it be I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be There will

Three years ago, I wrote this :  Tumatakbo ang oras, naiiwan na ako ng panahon... I've been singing that line in my head since last night upon realizing that it's already the last night of September.  Well, it's true. Not only does time run, it flies! Sometimes, too fast. Photo Credits: Claire Mojher I still sing that song. Bakit ba kasi pinauso pa yan ng Mojofly? Haha.  Today is a day of bloopers. Nakakaloko. Puro sablay . But I'm still thankful. I choose to be. :D  And thanks to the first blooper, I was reminded that I'm almost thirty. Har.  Ganun pala yung pakiramdam na paggising mo ay may "happy birthday" greeting kang mababasa . Hahaha. Okay lang, Kuya. I understand. Senior moments, you know! ;p Anyway, perfect timing din siguro because I got to read this article today:  10 Small Steps to Happiness for Every Woman In Her 30s . Oo na, universe!!! 30 na ako!!!  At dahil diyan, sige, let's go over the

"You'll never know how strong you are until being strong is your only option." Yesterday, I got to prove that yet again.  Since I have been in a relationship with my headache for a week now and with my toothache for more than a month already, I finally decided to set an appointment with my dentist.  I told her I still have work in the afternoon so we scheduled it in the morning. She said two hours is more than enough.  My headache was still killing me softly so I got up a little late. Traffic was also bad, so by the time I was seated on the dental chair, it was already 11AM. My dentist said we can finish by 1PM.  It wasn't my first time to undergo tooth extraction, and I thought to myself, heck, I've been through two surgeries already, this should be easy.  After several shots of anesthesia, my dentist was ready to extract the tooth that has been causing me pain. After two hours, she still wasn't able to get it. Apparently, it wasn

How To Be Me? ...sit still, look pretty Yes, it's that simple.  I wish it were.  I wish I have a comfortable life, but I don't.  On April 21, 2011, I wrote this on my journal:  Five years from now, I see myself as a successful woman with a stable and growing career in the field of writing, education or research, and online communication, a happy and fulfilled marriage, at least two beautiful kids, a business of my own, and a cause I have fought and will continue to fight for. Pretty much a balanced and abundant life - mentally, financially, emotionally, and spiritually.  More than five years after, everything still remains a vision. Because while I have my plans, God has His own, and I chose to believe they're better, more beautiful than mine.  So how am I now? Where am I now?  Not much has changed. Except for the fact that I'm now living alone. And while I'm still working at the Global Mission Center, I am now entrusted with a

One famous motto in life is "CARPE DIEM" which is the Latin translation of "seize the day." It is a reminder to embrace the now and truly live in the present. And the "present" begins in the morning. And yes, there's some truth to the saying "win the day by winning the morning." To be honest, I don't consider myself a morning person. Since I had an operation late last year, I really find it a challenge to wake up early in the morning. I literally never want to leave my bed. I could think of so many reasons why I'd rather sleep a little longer. But then I realized, it all boils down to making a decision . Remember, we always have a choice . :) So how does one win the morning? I believe there's no one perfect formula that will work for everyone, but as for me, I have resolved to do the following rituals:  1. Nourish my relationships first. Basically, I am in a relationship with everyone around me, but what I value the

One of the things I learned in Splash is BRAND LOYALTY. Of course you have to try it first to believe it . But when you have proven that a brand (or service) works for you, you can stick with it forever (I believe it does exist!).  Over the years, I've come up with my own list of brands and services that work perfectly for me. I am a strict critic and I really go for quality all the time. With a lot of rewards and loyalty programs available, how do you know which ones are worth it?  In my humble opinion, you really have to know "what's in it for you" before choosing to sign up for a loyalty program and availing/purchasing a loyalty/rewards card.  I highly recommend the following:  1. SM Advantage You can use it not only to earn points from Watsons, SM Department Store, and SM Supermarket but also from their wide range of partners . I've been a member since 2010 and I have already paid for a number of items (including a gift for a former bos