Two on Two 💕

Today, the 2nd day of the 2nd month, Pao and I are celebrating our 2nd month as a married couple, and I am writing my 2nd post for the year. 😍

I initially wanted to share my January highlights and/or something about our wedding, but since we're still sorting the official photos (and waiting for the others), I'll save that post for later 😁.

For now, let me share a more timely content. Actually, this post has been on my Draft folder since 2016. But I guess it wasn't meant to be posted until now. 😊

Soooo, here it goes! Happy February! 💕

Secrets To A Happy, Lasting Marriage ♥

During a mass with the cadets, PMA Chaplain Fr. Leonides Cruel, shared 8 secrets to a happy and lasting marriage based on the letters of the word itself:

Mutual Understanding. We acknowledge the reality that the husband and the wife are two completely different, unique individuals. They have different beliefs and opinions but what would keep them together is mutual agreement and understanding.

Admiration. Courtship does not end when you're married. Maintain the "kilig" factor in the relationship. Don't stop showing your partner how much you admire them.

Respect. This is basic. Respect each other's private space. Respect each other's belief. But remember that respect is earned. So do your best to continuously earn the respect of your partner. Integrity is the key.

Responsibility. I always say that my Lolo Amen had only one advice in finding a spouse: he/she has to be responsible - in all aspects. That means he/she knows how to manage his/her time, resources (including finances), and emotions. When you're already married, you share those responsibilities with your spouse. You're no longer two, but one.

Interaction. In any relationship, communication is the key. You can't have a successful partnership if you don't interact with one another. Interaction allows you to get to know your partner better. The more time you spend together, the more you will discover the beautiful gift of having someone to share your life with. Make time for meaningful conversations and genuine interactions. Be truly present.

Acceptance. Nobody's perfect, but two people can be perfect for each other if they learn how to completely love and accept the other. You don't enter or stay in a relationship just to change your partner or mold them into the person that you want them to be. You embrace them for who they are, you see the beauty of their soul, and you help them become the best versions of themselves.

God. This is basic. And the most important. I couldn't stress this enough. If you have all of the above (and even if you include the other letters of the alphabet), without God, you can still do nothing. We can't make things work on our own, no matter how brilliant we are. Everything is grace. And grace comes from God alone. We need Him in our lives, and in all of our relationships. In fact, we must first be in a relationship with Him. Then we invite Him to be the "third party" because as what is written in Ecclesiastes:

Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Eternal Love. Love that comes from God. Love that is free and true. Love that is described in 1 Corinthians 13. ❤️

Marriage is beautiful. Let's make it last. 😊

Two blissful months (and a lifetime of love). 💕

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Understanding Lupang Hinirang

Every Filipino knows Lupang Hinirang (though some know it better as " Bayang Magiliw "). How can you not know it when it is the national anthem of the Philippines? But do we really mean the lyrics that we sing? Do we understand it in the first place? Photo Credit: http://diazi.ism-online.org This video has gone viral weeks ago. This afternoon, I shared it to my teammates, and one commented, "Yun pala yun . Ngayon ko lang naintindihan." He immediately downloaded it and converted to MP3. So for those who have not seen it, once again, here is Joey Ayala's version of Lupang Hinirang. And I agree, you would never want to sing it in another way. (But that's just me. :D) This rendition is simply beautiful. Truly Filipino. :) Of course that doesn't mean we need to revise our national anthem but maybe we can consider about correcting the way we sing it (read: proper pronunciation). Read more about the Philippine National Anthem here .

Jesus Week 2015: A Time To HEAL ♥

I had the best, most meaningful HOLY WEEK ever, so far (the best is yet to come!). :) Thanks to Joy who shared the Jesus Week poster on Facebook. It was God's personal invitation, and I couldn't thank Him enough for the grace that He also gave me to respond. Everything is grace. It was not just my personal decision to join. It was God's grace that allowed me to. So how did it go? Well, as what I have told my friends, it was amazingly beautiful! The experience was priceless! On Holy Monday, I posted Fr. Jerry Orbos' acronym for HOLY WEEK . I experienced all of that and more! :) I won't be able to share everything as there is just a lot of personal, intimate encounters with the Lord. But if I were to summarize, it was a time for me to HEAL. :) H alt . Indeed, I was able to stop and just rest in the Lord. Before leaving Manila, I have already told myself that this retreat will be all about Jesus ( Jesus Week nga e :D ). No emails, no texts, no calls. I

Thank You, Lord! :)

It has been a long and stressful day (the past three days have been lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng and stressssssssssssssssssssssssssssssful), but You are just so amazing, Lord that I couldn't sleep without telling You how grateful I am. :) Thank You, Lord for the miracle that You did yesterday. Break even and more. :) Thank You, Lord for the laughter and stories shared during the post-mission meeting with Team Thailand. :) Team Thailand - Princesses from SFC Metro Manila :) Thank You, Lord for Lawrence. He is just the (almost) perfect man. He has his flaws, but they are acceptable; he makes mistakes, but they are all forgivable. There are a lot of men but there can never be anyone else. He's really the one. And You know it very well. :) ♥ Nemo. Love. ♥ Thank You, Lord for giving me strength and endurance each day. :) Thank You, Lord for the short but restful sleeps. :) Thank You, Lord for every waking moment and every opportunity that You give

The Holy Spirit*

*Cluster 4 Household Topic Reflections from John 15:26-16:4 True friendship is strengthened in adversity. Jesus offers His disciples the best and truest of friends. Who is this promised friend? Jesus calls the Holy Spirit our Counselor and Advocate (also translated Paraclete or Helper). Counselor is a legal term for the one who will defend someone against an adversary and who guides that person during the ordeal of trial. The Holy Spirit is our Advocate and Helper who brings us safely through the challenges and adversities we must face in this life. As Jesus approaches the hour that He was to be glorified - through His death on the cross and His resurrection - He revealed more fully to His disciples the person and the role of the Holy Spirit. What does Jesus tell us about the Holy Spirit? First, the Holy Spirit is inseparably one with the Father and the Son. It is the Holy Spirit who gives life - the very life of God - and who kindles faith in hearts receptive

Interesting Facts Courtesy of Celebrity Bluff :)

I was writing a different post, but Celebrity Bluff is just so fun and informative, I had to stop from blogging to list down the fun facts that I learn from each round. :) Thought it would be nice to share them here as well. For future reference. :D Q: In 2012, what kind of animal was named after Beyonce? A: Horse Fly Q: What rare job in China will pay you US$50,000 a year? A: Fart Smeller Q: What alcoholic drink literally means "water of life"? A: Whisky Q: In which part of the body can you find the tragus? A: Ear Q: According to Merriam-Webster, what is the female equivalent of dude? A: Dudine Q: What is longer in the male turtles than in the females? A: Nails And the final question is... Q: According to Box Office Mojo what are the top four (4) movies of 2013 according to global profit? A: (1) Iron Man 3, (2) Despicable Me 2, (3) Fast and the Furious 6 (4) The Hunger Games: Catching Fire That's all

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