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...

When I learned that it's going to be a long weekend, my brain suddenly became busy thinking of things to do and places to go to. I came up with a lot but on top of everything that I listed was Baguio! It has been my go-to place. There's the PMA, and now the Assumption Sabbath Place where my new spiritual director resides.  Kung ako lang talaga ang masusunod, I would have spend the long weekend up north. Thing is, hindi ako ang nasunod - yung wallet at katawan ko.  Due to health and financial constraints, I had no choice but to stay in Manila.  Of course at first I was frustrated. And I kept on whining. I envied the people who seemed to enjoy their weekend getaway, who got an overdose of vitamin sea, those who went out of the country. Buti pa sila mahal ng Diyos.  I never doubted God's love for me, but sometimes, when you're sick and broke and alone, and you see others enjoying the company of family and friends, you can't help but think that probabl...

Wise men say, "only fools rush in" But I can't help falling in love with you A young priest once said, "we can't help falling in love." In the words of Donna Cruz, "kapag tumibok ang puso, wala ka ng magagawa kundi sundin ito." Exactly a week ago, I had an awesome experience in Cebu. I finally got to tick off the first item on my BDJ's travel checklist. Yay! Kawasan: CHECK! ♥ As I look at the photos and try to relive the memories of that great adventure, I came to realize that what we did - canyoneering/canyoning - was actually  a lot like love . You fall hard and you're dead. LOL.  Seriously, what I have gone through in canyoneering (and I believe my companions would also agree) can be pretty much likened to the  stages of falling in love. Let me begin. Looking fresh. :D It all starts with EXCITEMENT . That giddy feeling you get when there's something new! Months before our scheduled trip to Cebu, I...

Last Sunday was special, as every day is when spent with the people you love. ♥ From the celebration of the Holy Eucharist to watching two epic basketball games, God's message was consistent. And I heard it loud and clear. Four letters. One word. PRAY. Let's begin with the Gospel (Luke 11:1-13): Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."  He said to them, "When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread  and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test." And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,  for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,'  and he says...

U: July na! P: Use July in a sentence.  U: ??? P: Why did JULY ? It's bad. Don't do it again. 😱😱😱 One of the things I love most about Paolo is his intelligence/sense of humor. To some (or most 😁), his jokes are the corniest, but to me, they're the funniest. Define love. Hahahaha. 😂 Actually, I love the fact that he really tries his best to make me feel lighter, and better, every single time.  Here's another proof of how genius this man is: This, among other little things, makes my life beautiful. 💖 Today is the start of a new month. And I have a new side hustle (hooray!). I know more beautiful things await me because I have a generous and loving God who wants nothing but the best for me. 😊 So yeah, as the second half of the year unfolds, I am getting myself ready for new opportunities, pleasant surprises, and answered prayers. 😃 I am excited as I declare today, it's going to be a BEAUTIFUL JULY!!! 👊👌👍💖💕

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...

I was waiting for my turn to pay at the Meralco Business Center when my attention was caught by a woman wearing a black shirt with the statement "I LOVE MY HUSBAND" (bold and white). Yeah, loud and proud. However, I also noticed some gray texts in between those words. At first I thought they were just embellishments but when I got close enough to see them clearly, I found out they're actually words that complete this statement: I LOVE it when MY HUSBAND gives me money. I tried my best not to judge the woman but if I were her, I wouldn't wear something contrary to my personality. Neither would I wear a statement I don't personally agree to. But then again, that's just me.  But thanks to her and her attention-grabber shirt, I was reminded of what true love is. Unconditional . Today, we thank the good Lord for adding another year in Mama's life. Next to Mama Mary, she is the most important woman in my life, and the most beautiful woman I have ever...

Isang gabi naghahanap lang ako ng makakasama para manood ng G.I. Joe Retaliation. Isang gabi na-realize ko na may pag-ibig na akong nararamdaman pero in denial pa ako. Isang gabi hindi ko na napigilan ang aking nararamdaman. Nagtapat ng pag-ibig, nangligaw, at nagtagumpay. Lumipas ang ilang gabi. Nagsama sa saya at lungkot. Ilang bundok at ilang lugar din ang pinagsamahan. At aking naisip, mas maganda kung... Ako at ikaw... Magkasamang tuparin ang mga pangarap. Magkasamang akyatin ang mga bundok. Magkasamang libutin ang mundo. Magkasamang bubuo ng pamilya. Magkasamang lulutasin ang mga problema sa buhay. Magkasamang mag-iiyakan at magtatawanan. Magkasamang tatanda. When I first read the above poem, I was so overwhelmed that I was actually moved to tears. I am just so proud of my brother who was brave enough to make a stand, to fight for love, to decide to get married. :) I could just imagine how my soon-to-be sister-in-law felt during the proposal on top of ...

I jumped on the bandwagon and watched the much talked about  That Thing Called Tadhana  just because my brother insisted and just because he actually gave me money to spend. :D Thanks, bro! :) See, I just came back from a week-long stay in Palawan and I really don't have much money left in my wallet. Saktong pamasahe na lang talaga. :D And so I really thank my brother for this post-Valentine gift. :) A lot has been said about it, but here's my take: it was good, except for the many unnecessary PI's mentioned all throughout the film. Maybe it's just me but really, it was a big turnoff.  Nonetheless, the movie was indeed an arrow that pierced through the hearts of moviegoers (I assume), including mine. I enjoyed it and was reminded of valuable lessons about love and life. One of its strongest points is its being raw and real. That's why it's easy for people to relate and understand.  Tagos hanggang buto . Especially those scenes in Baguio and Sagada....

"Every song you love, every memory you cherish, every moment that has moved you to holy tears has been given to you from the One who has been pursuing you from your first breath in order to win your heart." -Captivating, John Eldredge I don't know if I just have a hangover from the Princess Diaries Retreat or it's just Friday (♪  I'm in love! ♪ ), but I'd rather think that it's simply God serenading me and reminding me how sweet it is to be loved by Him and how wonderful it is to love. :) This song has been playing on my mind since I heard it yesterday morning. It's a love song for no one else but my Greatest Lover , my Constant Partner , and my Faithful Warrior . ♥ I guess you've heard, I guess you know In time I might have told you, but I guess I'm too slow. That's overly romantic but I know that it's real I hope you don't you mind if I say what I feel. It's like I'm in somebody else's dream, Th...

I can't remember which movie it was but I do remember this line: "I am in a relationship with my job." That's pretty much true for me. I was looking for an image that would depict it but what I found was equally amusing:  Tama nga naman.   Sabi nga ni Tito Roland, "do not shop if you're not going to buy." :)  Anyway, today I thank God for these two things: workplace transformation , and my job .  Fr. Melvin Castro shared yesterday during the CFC Mission Core Assembly that our name is our mission . My name is UNAIZA, which literally means "unique"/"one and only". If you translate it in Filipino, it means "first one." I guess I was really born to be uniquely special and to always take the initiative to set things right or to make them better.  Today is a Philippine holiday, thanks to our Muslim brethren, but I chose to go to work to compensate for my week-long leave next week. ( I will be going home to ...