These Little Wonders

My husband is good at everything. That's why one of my struggles before is to find my place in our relationship. For quite some time, I've felt useless, in Tagalog, 'walang silbi' kasi kaya namang gawin ng asawa ko lahat. I've shared in a previous post that I admired my husband so much that I lost my self-confidence. I made the mistake of comparing myself to him and I'd get frustrated at the realization that he's the better version of me. By the grace of God, I found the courage to finally tell my husband about my insecurities. And all the more I admired him for reminding me of my own strengths and helping me believe in myself again. Our relationship has gotten better ever since. We've been married for 1.5 years now and I know we still have a long way to go, but I'm super proud of what we have become as individuals and as a couple. We're far from perfect but we're everything I've dreamed of and more (anak na lang talaga kulang, Lord! I k...

It's been seven months since I married the man of my dreams and every day, I discover something about him that makes me fall in love even harder. Today, let me share seven (of the many) reasons why I always say that I married the best man. 😊 One of our ninangs said that we must always have that "bilib" for our partner. And everyday, Paolo shows something really admirable. I just hope and pray I am able to do the same. ❣️ 1-3: He cares for all living things - humans, plants, and animals.  He cooks our meals and prepares our baon  for work. He buys me things he knows I need even if I don't ask him to. He looks not just after my welfare but he is also genuinely concern about everyone we come in contact with. He is full of gentleness and compassion. He doesn't want to cause any inconvenience to anyone. Most of the time, he gives way. He's a defensive driver, a reliable friend, a loving son and sibling, a passionate and practical man. More than any...

I travelled to Baguio last weekend to attend the graduation of the last batch of cadets I took care of during CFC Singles for Christ's Christian Life Program back in 2015. My husband was not able to come but he made sure I'd have everything I need for the trip. ❤️ He took a half-day leave on Friday to prepare my food and to bring my things (so that I don't need to bring a lot of stuff in the office). He met me and Ate Chie at Galleria that night and accompanied us to the bus terminal. Much to my surprise, he also prepared something for Ate Chie (most likely a bribe to remind her to take care of me 😂).  And so I had a very emotional (in a good way) weekend in Baguio. I got to see and talk to my girls, I bonded with my SFC brothers and sisters, and finally got to eat at Arca's Yard and Cafe Adriana . Every now and then, he would send me a text message to check how I was doing, if I had already eaten (I've been following a strict diet - food and timing - si...

I've done tons of projects in my life but one I consider the biggest (so far) is our wedding. 😍 Yey! Finally, I'm sharing about it after five months!!! 😊 To be honest, I still feel like it just happened yesterday. And until now, I'm still overwhelmed at how the Lord worked through the people around us to make it such a beautiful occasion. It wasn't my "dream" wedding. But it's everything that I needed it to be. ❤️ And so today, on Labor Day, and on the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, allow us to honor the beautiful souls who worked so hard to make our wedding as perfect as it could be. Ceremony and Reception : Sta. Maria Della Strada Parish Church Thanks to Ate Tere and everyone in the Parish Office! And of course to Rev. Fr. Dante Martinez for saying yes to be our officiating priest. 😊 We will always remember your advice, Fr. Dante. ❤️ Flowers:   L&R Flowershop Thanks to Ryan and his team for accommodating all our requests...

We are on our fourth month to forever! 😍  This song perfectly narrates what I have to say. 😊 Thank you, Johnoy Danao! 👏 ANG PANATA Kasalukuyang Iniibig ka ‘Di inakalang Buung-buong tatanggapin Ako na yata'ng Pinakamapalad ako nga ba ay karapatdapat ‘Di karamihan Ang ari-arian Maaalay ko lang Buong buhay ko Magpakailanman Ikaw ay tatabihan Sasamahan ko Ang iyong pangarap Aalagaan ko Ang iyong tiwala Pipilitin kong ‘Di ka luluha Karangalang Maging iyong katuwang Kaulayaw ‘Di ako bibitaw Magpakailanman Ikaw ay tatabihan Sasamahan Ang iyong pangarap Aalagaan ko Ang iyong tiwala Pipilitin kong ‘Di ka luluha Tapat kang mamahalin Sa hirap at ginhawa Luha mo'y luha ko na rin Aking sinta Kinabukasan Iibigin ka Mas higit pa Bukas makalawa Ikaw at ako hanggang dulo. ❤️

February just went by so quickly but before I say goodbye to the Love Month, let me first share three (of the many reasons) why I thank the Lord for giving me the Love of my life, my wonderful husband. 😊 1. While praying after receiving Holy Communion, I was not able to hold back my tears. After the mass, my husband asked, "may kasalanan ba ako?" I swear he was super cute. 😍 He was so worried he might have done or said something I did not like. I smiled and told him the reason why I got a little emotional (and just to set things straight, it wasn't because of him 🙂). I thank the Lord for giving me a husband who pays attention to my thoughts and emotions and makes sure he does nothing that would upset me (and if he does, he'd quickly apologize and make up for it). ❤️ 2. A friend had to sleep over due to personal commitments. My husband set up the bed and made sure everything is ready before our guest arrives. Also, there was a time when one of our housemate...

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:  M utual 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 unde...

(1) Because yesterday, my parents celebrated another year of togetherness. Happy Anniversary, Papa and Mama! Thank you for making me believe in forever. ♥ (2) Because today is the first day of June - the month of many weddings. May it not just be about weddings but long-lasting marriages. :) (3) Because one day, someday, I will marry the man God has prepared for me. And we'll both need all these reminders. :)  Borrowing the words of St. Justin , whose martyrdom we remember today, "I do not think. I know. " ♥ #TiwalaLang #MyTimeWillCome #InHisTime :D ***** See my other posts on the same topic:  http://bit.ly/1GgkMn3  :)

Happy Independence Day, Philippines! :) Thanks for the doodle, Google! ♥ As the Philippines celebrates its 116th year of independence, let's take a look again at the  12 Wonderful Things about the Filipino and our Motherland : 1. The Filipino has a home for its family and people, a country so naturally rich and beautiful. 2. The Filipino brings hope to humanity. The Filipino heart is one of the biggest, one of the honest and most upright among mankind. 3. The Filipino is part of the solution to the world's problems. It contributes to the advancement of human civilization. 4. The Filipino brings life to the world. He is one of the happiest and friendliest peoples of the earth. 5. The Filipino has a culture of heroism, the Bayanihan. 6. Filipinas are among the most beautiful, free and highly accomplished women in the world. 7. The Filipino is among the most respectful and tolerant of religious, cultural and political beliefs. 8. The Filipino is among the mos...

While listening to the radio this morning, my heart skipped a beat upon hearing this: Manila Cathedral, muling   magbubukas ngayong Abril . ♥♥♥ I've always loved the Manila Cathedral. From the moment I first stepped foot on its holy grounds sometime in 2000, I've already told myself that I wouldn't get married anywhere else but there. My hopes were lost when I learned that it was closed for renovation and thus, weddings were no longer allowed until the completion of the reconstruction. So when I saw the Transfiguration Chapel  in Caleruega, I told myself, " sige , pwede namang dito na lang ."  Asa naman kasi ako masyadong ikakasal ako bago matapos ang paggawa ng  Manila Cathedral . Haha . Assuming much. :D  But really, I'm happy to know that rehabilitation is finally over! According to news , the renovated cathedral looks brighter with more lights and refurbished chandeliers. And did I mention it has thirteen (13) chandeliers?! I...

What I thought was the best proposal is not even close to this: I didn't know anything about Justin Baldoni until I saw his epic proposal to his very beautiful (and lucky) girlfriend, now wife, Emily . :) I'm a fan!  It was the best thing I've seen and experienced in 27 minutes. One pack of tissue is not enough. Haha. It was just... perfect! I couldn't think of any other word to describe it. Pure bliss! ♥ By the way, they already got married. And their wedding vows? Absolutely the best - the most sincere I have ever heard. :) Justin + Emily :: Corona, CA :: Extended Trailer from FFDC :: Jeffrey Holland on Vimeo . ************* Now the "sense-making" part, as what Fr. Benedict calls it. :D I saw these videos at a time when I am exhausted, drained, troubled, and in a way, feeling that "so many things to do so little time" syndrome. And in both videos, `Abdu'l-Bahá was quoted:  "Where there is love nothing i...

If I could ask God just one question today, it'll be this: WHY IS EVERYBODY GETTING EITHER ENGAGED OR MARRIED?! WHY?! I swear there's no bitterness in that. Haha.  As what I have previously shared , I have come to realize that I'm not getting any younger because of social media. Sa totoo lang, tuwing binubuksan ko ang aking Facebook account , ang mga nakikita ko sa News Feed ay isang malaking sampal sa mukha at sigaw sa tainga na ako'y matanda na. Okay. Exaggerated. :D  But seriously, everything I see nowadays is all about marriage and family - engagements, proposals, weddings, babies, etc. And I really am happy for them. :) Just this morning, I heard that some lady is getting a bit impatient because the man she's been dating for two months now hasn't popped the question yet. Goodness! Nagmamadali masyado si ate. Kamusta naman ang ibang relationships na more than 7 years na ? Well, siguro nga wala talaga yan sa haba o ikli ng pinagsamahan. Kun...

I admit, I can sometimes be a stalker. :D And guess where my curiosity led me this time?  To this:  Solemnizing Officers Information System The Solemnizing Officers Information System (SOIS)  is basically a repository of all solemnizing officers duly recognized by the Office of the Civil Registrar General . If you're getting married and you want to make sure that the priest/pastor who will officiate your wedding is licensed to do so, you can check out SOIS . :) In my case, aliw lang makita ang profiles  ng mga kilala kong pari . :D  Here is Cardinal Tagle's profile:  As you can see, he is allowed to preside wedding masses until December 31 only. So if you want him to solemnize your wedding, better contact him soon. But if you're not in a hurry, you can wait until he renews his registration, probably next year. :D Interestingly, I did not find Fr. Joel Jason's records. That means he is not authorized to sign marriage cont...