Bucket of Memoirs

Sorry, this BLOG is CLOSED.

2011-03-22T23:18:00.000-07:00

To my dearest friends, followers, readers and visitors, thank you so much for being a part of this blog of mine. I closed this blog due to some error on my google account. Please kindly visit me on my present blog named My Inner World.

See you there folks!

Watery Wednesday

2010-07-06T23:45:00.000-07:00

Photos courtesy of Mr. Joel Maglantay, my first cousin living in Davao City.

Joel tagged and permitted me to post these beautiful and magnificent photos of falls located at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato in Mindanao. Last June 05-06, 2010, together with his teacher friends they had an awesome adventure and had experienced the paradise haven of the place. Sooner or later, I wanted also to experience it myself.

For more Watery Wednesday, just click it here.

Today's Flowers

2010-05-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

I don't know what this flower bud is. I saw this flower growing at someone's home garden when we dropped by at Jasmin's house before we go to SM Fairview. We asked permission from someone if we could took some snapshots and she said it was okay.

After a week, same flower bud bloomed into passion. Jasmin took these photos from their neighbor's garden and asked the name of the flower. She was told that they called it "passionara". I googled it and I was glad to know that it is popularly known as "passion flowers or passion vines".

Visit Today's Flowers.

Today's Flowers

2010-05-23T00:04:00.000-07:00

These photographs were taken from the flower arrangement displayed at the hospital lobby several months ago.

Visit Today's Flowers to see more around the world.

Watery Wednesday

2010-04-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

Last January 2009, I took a one (1) week vacation in our province in Ibajay, Aklan and had a chance to visit once again the white sand and clear water of Boracay Island.

While on the beach, I gathered sea shells, stones and some sand because Ate Mhel requested me to bring some in Manila to be decorated in their aquarium.

My cousin and I enjoyed the day.

I took a last snapshot before we headed home.

To see more, just visit Watery Wednesday.

Today's Flowers

2010-04-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Visit Today's Flowers to see more bloom around the world.

Sky Watch Friday

2010-04-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

We captured the astonishing beauty of sunset.

To join, just visit Sky Watch Friday

Watery Wednesday

2010-03-31T04:43:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken last Summer Outing 2008 at Batangas City.

We were on the top of the mountain when I took this shot.

Today's Flowers

2010-03-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Today's Flowers.

Today's Flowers

2010-03-14T00:03:00.000-08:00

Up to this day, I still don't know what's the name of this flower. I saw this growing at the small garden of Good Shepherd Church when we went to Adoration Chapel to have a moment of silence and offered prayer.

Just visit Today's Flowers.

Today's Flowers

2010-02-21T05:57:00.000-08:00

I don’t know what this little flower is. Until I showed it to someone and had told me it is a white angel. It was growing at the flower box located at the corner side of the building premises of the hospital. I was glad to have it photographed and shared it with you.

To join, just visit Today's Flowers.

Today's Flowers

2010-02-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today is Valentine's Day which of course makes us think of love, romance and of course, flowers! And because heart is the symbol of love, I am very glad to share with you this heart shaped flower arrangement displayed at the hospital lobby.

This flower arrangement composed of fresh red and white malaysian mums was the centerpiece last Monday, February 07.

And when Thursday came, I was so excited to see once again the newly arranged flowers at the lobby. As I walked in to check it out, I saw the flowers are all new but the heart-shaped arrangement is still the same. They used different kinds of flowers - anthuriums (spadices were cut off), gerbera daisies, gladiolas and chinese asters.

I have met the flower designer that day and had a short conversation with her. I asked her to name a few flowers which unknown to me. I'm grateful for her kindness in sharing me such information.

To join, just visit Today's Flowers.

Sky Watch Friday

2010-02-12T07:01:00.000-08:00

I got these photos from my photo folder. These were taken last May 2007 when we had our department summer outing at Subic Bay, Zambales. We were on the long road of SCTX (Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway) going back to Manila when I watched the sky and have it photographed.

To join, please visit Sky Watch Friday.

Today's Flowers

2010-02-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

I found these beautiful flowers arranged and displayed at the lobby of Institute of Medicine building last January 14 when the FEU-NRMF Medical Alumni Society, Inc. celebrates its 35th Annual Alumni Homecoming Scientific Convention and Golden (Class 1960) and Silver (Class 1984) Jubilee. I took the chance to have it photographed before it will dry up and drop off.

Distinguished by their large, beautiful blooms and wide assortment of vibrant colors, gerbera daisies have become a favorite flower choice for expressing cheerful sentiments. The traditional flower meanings for the gerbera daisy, however, are beauty and innocence.

Orchid is the most highly coveted of ornamental plants, the delicate, exotic and graceful orchid represents love, luxury, beauty and strength.

While they resemble smaller versions of many lily varieties, Peruvian lilies, also known as alstroemeria, have many distinctive qualities of their own. If you’re looking for flower meanings like friendship and devotion, Peruvian lilies are the choice for you.

Thanks to Mr. Luis Santili Jr. and the rest of his team for this wonderful meme especially for Ms. Valkyrien for asking me if I would like to be guest friend on Today's Flowers site. I am very glad and honored to be one. To join, just click here.

Sky Watch Friday

2010-02-05T07:22:00.000-08:00

When I found this Sky Watch Friday meme involving the sky, I'm so excited to share my photos I have in my photo gallery.

Pictures were taken last summer of 2008 in Batangas when I joined the Medical Library outing.

After the 2 days outing, we drove to Tagaytay to enjoy the scenic view of the place and its invigorating climate.

I have captured this spectacular view of Taal lake and volcano.

For more Sky Watch pictures, just click it here.

Today's Flowers

2010-01-31T14:00:00.000-08:00

When I first saw this blue flower, I have no idea what its name. So I browsed the net and found out it is an agapanthus.

According to the flower expert, the name Agapanthus comes from the Greek agap, meaning love, and anthos, meaning flower, translating broadly as the flower of love.

Agapanthus is also commonly known as the Lily of the Nile, African Blue Lily, and African Lily. The genus, Agapanthus includes about 10 species. Agapanthus flowers bloom in large, round clusters or umbels of blue, white or violet- blue. The funnel shaped Agapanthus flowers gorw at the end of a thick 2 to 4 foot tall stem. The Agapanthus clusters measure about 6 to 8 inches across.

For more flowers, just visit Today's Flowers.

Today's Flowers: Sunflower

2010-01-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual plant that belongs to the family of Asteraceae. There's a reason why they are called the sun-loving flowers. Sunflower is a classic example of heliotropism, or the involuntary response of plant to the sun. It turns its head directly to face the sun and reorients overnight to wait for the rising of the sunrise. So, early dawn, looking at them in a vast area of a sunflower field, they look all drooped and weak. Sunflowers in the Philippines are grown for ornamental purposes and for its edible oil.

To see more beautiful flowers, just visit Today's Flowers.

Deep and Lasting Friendship

2010-01-20T03:18:00.000-08:00

It's really a great feeling when you know that there is someone who really cares, someone who lifts you up when you're feeling down, who reaches out each time you fall. I cannot put into enough words the deep and lasting friendship I have found in one of my bestfriends, Mareng Aieen. She may not be the perfect woman but I could say she's a perfect friend. She knew my every weakness and the problems I've been dealt in the road of life and love. She listened to my dreams and understood my wonders. Not once did she interrupt me or tell me I was wrong. She really understood what I was going through and promised she'd stay forever.

We talked this afternoon and once again had told her about my worries and being impatient in God's perfect time. I told her I am sorry for disturbing her and being stupid of discussing the same topic again and again. I am always grateful that she understood. Her words of wisdom really touched me and brought tears in my eyes while we were chatting. She told me that last Saturday when she attended prayer meeting, had suddenly remembered me and in an instant she prayed to God that He will touch the heart of someone I love to stop the agony of making us wait for each other and if we are meant to be, He will make a way and this year will be a very good and blissful year for both of us. Tears kept falling from my eyes when she told me she really wanted me to be happy because I deserved it. She knows what I've gone through and for her it is just but proper for me to be rewarded by God for having a good heart and faith in Him. I excused myself for a while because I could not resist shedding tears in front of desktop.

Lately, she asked me if I know the song "Remember Me This Way" and told her I did. It is really a nice song and she dedicated it to me.

Distance is not a hindrance for keeping our friendship alive and I would always grateful to the technology being a big part of making us more closer. I would always give praise and thanks to God for BFF Aieen, who has graced my life with wisdom, love and laughter since we met. When my life is going well, I can't wait to tell her; when I am hurting, she consoles me, and when I have failed, she accepts.

What a wonderful feeling to have you in my life with GOD!!!

Ruby Tuesday

2010-01-19T15:30:00.000-08:00

I found this meme, Ruby Tuesday and I am glad to share my first entry - the yummy pizza from Pizza Hut.

Our merienda this afternoon were pizzas from Pizza Hut and Pepsi softdrink given to us by Ms. Weng. Jasmin had told me to take photos first before Boss Ted could savor the mouthwatering pizza.

We filled our empty stomachs with these two yummy flavors, the

Super Supreme - richly decked with nine delicious toppings - beef, ham, Italian sausage, pepperoni, pork, bell pepper, mushrooms, onions and pineapple; and

Hawaiian Supreme -say "Aloha" to our all-time favorite with double layers of ham and pineapple!

For more Ruby Tuesday, just click it here.

Today's Flowers - Azucena or Tuberoses

2010-01-17T14:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Ate Lilia , ladyguard assigned at the hospital lobby for giving me information that these white flowers are called "Azucena or Tuberoses." It has a very strong and distinctive fragrance.

Thanks for the creator of this interesting meme. To see more photos of flowers, just click it here.

My 2010 Wish List

2010-01-11T16:43:00.000-08:00

Today, I am going to look ahead and share my own personal wish list for what I am hoping to see happen in 2010.

I do love travel in some beautiful places of my motherland to witness its captivating beauty and to experience the adventure it offers. Enchanted Kingdom in Sta, Rosa, Laguna; La Union province up to Baguio City; and hopefully in Legazpi, Albay are on my travel destination list.
As technology improves our lifestyle, I want to have my own laptop (so I could have more time blogging); buy another digital camera (I am thinking to give my recent digicam to my sister); and own a new cellphone unit.
Being a photo enthusiast, I want to collect more photo prints and capture more momentous days and keep it safely in photo albums.
I want to invest my own house and lot located near my workplace.
I want to enroll on vocational/short courses to gain some technical skills that I could use in the future, or enroll in a masteral courses for further studies.
I want to collect FEU, FEU-NRMF memorabilia, accessories like jackets, t'shirt, etc.
I want to visit and attend mass/novena in different churches.
And my fervent wish and prayer - to have my own home sweet home.

If even half of these eight wishes come true, then 2010 is going to be a year to remember!

Today's Flowers

2010-01-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

Anthurium. It can also be called "Flamingo Flower" or "Boy Flower."

Chrysanthemum, often called mums

"Flowers springing from the bulb gently urge
us to appreciate life's mysteries
while enjoying its beauty."

Today's Flowers

2010-01-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

Here is my second entry for the meme "Today's Flowers." It is a Euphorbia, a combination of color pink and white. It was taken from my aunt's garden last January 2009 when I took a short vacation on my hometown in Aklan.

Christmas Gifts

2009-12-30T01:14:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas once again! Christmas and gifts go together. The long tradition of giving and receiving gifts has become one of the most enjoyable aspects of Christmas. I felt timid when my friends and acquaintances had given me Christmas gifts and I have nothing for them. They said it was fine but I could not resist thinking how I wish I had started looking for gifts as early as October so I might have something for them.

Santa came to town with a bountiful Christmas gifts for me. So I grabbed the camera and took some photos so I could post it here in my blog as my simple appreciation to all my friends and acquaintances who never failed to give me gifts this Yuletide season.

To all my friends and acquaintances, thank you so much for being Santa Claus. The True Miracle of CHRISTmas happens inside the Heart as we learn to share Christ's love and peace to others. I wish you all a Meaningful Christmas!!!

Today's Flowers

2009-12-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

I have found this interesting meme and I was inspired to join because I love flowers. And also in this simple way I may display my love and appreciation to God and in His wonderful creation.

Here is my first entry for the meme "today's flowers". It is a Red Daisy from the garden of Mommy Corpuz taken last summer of 2008 in Batangas when I joined the summer outing of Medical Library Department.

HRD Christmas Party '09

2009-12-23T02:36:00.000-08:00

We, at Human Resources Department had our dinner Christmas party celebration last December 22, 2009 at Luk Foo Cantonese Kitchen, Commonwealth Branch. We savored these yummy foods.

The eve is never complete without photo session of our Christmas Party celebration. Here are some photographs we had.

We went home laden with smiles and laughter as we commemorated the spirit of Yuletide season.

Merry Christmas to all!!!

2009 Christmas Party of HPMA-NCR, Inc.

2009-12-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is never complete without parties and gift giving. This made the December 09, 2009 a day of celebration and merry-making for the Hospital Personnel Management Association - National Capital Region, Inc. The Christmas party was held at Mey Lin Pot & Noodle House located at 1717 Adriatico St., Malate, Manila. It is the only branch that serves Chinese cuisine & KTV in one.

We enjoyed the goodness of authentic Chinese cuisine and savored the mouthwatering dishes like the all-time favorite pata tim w/ cuapao, oysters with tausi, squid with special sauce, steamed dumplings and many others.

It was a joyful celebration of a successful year and anticipation of more to come in 2010.

HITC Celebrates its 1st Christmas Party

2009-12-15T21:42:00.000-08:00

A Christmas Party can be a major undertaking or an unassuming gathering of friends. It has been marked for its special meaning. The Christmas Party that was held last December 10, 2009 at DOLE-NCR Quezon City Field Office was the first Hospital Industry Tripartite Council (HITC) Christmas Party. And because the FEU-Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation is a member of the association, we have participated the event. Jasmin and I really enjoyed the party.

While waiting for the other guests and members, I had the time to take some pictures.

the welcome banner

THE YUMMY CHRISTMAS PARTY FOODS

The night echoed with laughter and merrymaking as everyone was simply in a jovial mood. There are parlor games, exchange gifts, raffle draws and singing Christmas carols contest to complete the night. Everyone went home laden with smiles and cheers that befit the Christmas season.

Hanging Out with Friends

2009-11-27T15:24:00.000-08:00

Hanging out with my friends is one of the best bonding time to deepen more our friendship. Not only we would enjoy the moment of being together, be it by dining, malling, travelling and watching movies, it would also the time of relaxation and treats for our body and mind from a stressful day of working. My best buddies in my workplace were assigned from different departments and others have different work shifts. Due to time constraint, getting a gimmick time together quite hard for us. But we'd managed it a couple of times.

The first was last April 30 of this year. We hung out at Trinoma Mall as per agreed. Though it wasn't perfect one because we're not really satisfied to the limited time we spent with, I'm still happy for the time we've been together. We dined at Congo Grille and enjoyed the crispy pata, pork sisig, sinigang na ulo ng salmon sa miso, and then one nestea tower as drinks plus leche plan as dessert. To summed it up, it was really a great dinner then. With much gusto, we also ordered two buckets of San Mig Light with sizzling sisig and calamares as pulutan.

We paused for a while just to have snapshots moment.

Months have passed but we haven't planned yet when will be the next evening hang out. Until one day, I've got a feeling that the second chance of hanging out with my friends is coming. I asked my friends and suggested them what I'm planning. Surprisingly, the date I'd chosen to be the perfect movie date with them was accepted.

Last November 25, 2009 as what we had agreed, we went to SM Fairview to watch the New Moon movie. Joy did not join with us because she's not feeling well.

our movie tickets

Rachella and I had no photos taken near the movie house because we dropped in on Sun Cellular outlet to pay my monthly postpaid line and inquire some thing Rachella needs.

After the movie we looked for a restaurant and agreed to eat at Buckaroo's Grilled Pizza & Burger.

We had meat platter (chicken, pork and beef ribs), rice, coleslaw, mixed vegetables, vanilla shake and iced tea for dinner. And we enjoyed it!

After dinner we decided to go home. We made our way to a christmas decor and have a last minute of photo shoots.

Feeling Blue

2009-11-21T17:45:00.000-08:00

There are times when I feel unloved, lonely and feeling blue. Times when I'm alone and again and again I sit by the window wondering why God hadn't chosen me for the blessing of marriage.

I read an article from the internet that says, "Before you find Mr. or Ms. Right, many relationships will come and go. Everything happens for a reason, so when you go through another break up, you're actually getting closer to finding your future bride or groom." Do I have to keep my faith on this?

The person I thought God has sent was gone. And up until now, I have not found the right man man yet. Each day makes me feel more frustrating, thinking about that man I should end up with and sometimes, I feel like I'm about to give up. I'm tired of getting in and out of a relationship and risked myself to love and then only lose again in the end. I wanted a real one, a more stable and for a lifetime commitment. Am I becoming a loser? How will I make myself happy whenever frustration strikes me? What shall I do? Do I have to give up?

Joe D' Mango on his Lovenotes once advised, "Sometimes , it seems that it would take us an eternity to find a lasting relationship. It is easy to fall in love but keeping the fire burning is a different story. For a hundred and different reasons, the glow and the excitement of the first few episodes of a seemingly perfect relationship can unexpectedly turn dark and cold. And soon, the would sparks fade and people will just find themselves falling out of love.

Unfortunately , there is no sure-fire formula to enduring relationships. We wouldn't know exactly if it would work unless we get ourselves into it . And indulging our emotions seriously into heart matters can have serious repercussions when the love that we thought will stay forever changes its course and leaves us.

Sometimes, finding the right person doesn't always makes us happy either. Remember, we should not expect others to make us happy for we can experience it even if we are all by ourselves . Real happiness is a state of mind and flows from within our hearts and not from others. Remember, every relationship , successful or not, is always a learning experience. After each recovery , we come out as a better knowing person. We learn to experience that pain will hurt us but we will also learn to understand that pain will teach us to become stronger persons.

Don't give up . The curtains of love will not close on you .You just have to trust that God always has a better reason for making us suffer . Do not count and think of your shattered dreams for you will lose focus on things that are more important. Remember , it shouldn't matter how many times we love and lose our balance , what should matters is how many times we get up after each fall and learn to trust and love again."

Life must go on. I should live because God gave me the breath of life. I should pray and talk to Him. And in His Word I put my hope. Who knows, maybe God has some wonderful surprises in store. Maybe the trouble I thought was so great will turn out to be a blessing. Romans 8:28 encourages me, "In all things God works for the good of those who love him." I should learn to greet each day with praise and thanksgiving. And believe that nothing is impossible with God.

Christmas is Fast Approaching!

2009-11-19T15:34:00.001-08:00

Christmas holiday season is almost here. Everywhere we hear christmas songs played on and see places decorated with christmas symbols. It's the season of parties, bonuses, gifts giving, and shopping galore. But let us all be reminded that the true meaning of Christmas season doesn't exactly mean spending too much on material things just to satisfy our wants. This is the time when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. But did we all know the true essence of this season? God is Love and Christmas is all about love. It simply means love is the spirit of Christmas. The Bible tells us "love one another" and I think this is the perfect time of spreading our love to everyone. It would be the best and priceless gift that we can give and receive. It's Christmas time all year and every day is Christmas because every day is a day to love, to give love and receive love.

A snapshots taken in front of a Christmas tree

with my friends

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!!!

Strolling with Jack

2009-11-18T16:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday when I opened my facebook account I saw a buddypoke posted by Jack on my wall. I'm glad when she invited me to stroll even it's just in buddypoke application of facebook.

Jack and I went for a drive around town

Actually it never crossed my mind that somebody will respond on my post, a buddypoke saying I'm feeling tired. But I'm glad she did. It really reminds me of the things we did before like strolling around the town of Angono, Rizal and she's the driver. I miss the time when we did crazy things. We went to her friends at dawn when Ate Esther and Jamers were sleeping. I could still remember the time when Jack, Joy and I enjoyed our talks and giggles in the middle of the night at the sala of Ate Esther's house. When we're hungry, we just go out of the house and go to Jusay's Bakery near the town plaza and buy pandesal and juice. It's too late at night but we didn't care of walking down the street for all we know we're safe. I could say that Jack was my best confidante during my stay in Ate Esther's house when Jack was still single. We shared secrets and ideas. Jack and Joy stayed by my side and comforted me when my ex-boyfriend and I broke-up. We were at their bedroom then, had a bottle of alcoholic drinks and soon get drunk. Being in the spirit of alcohol, I couldn't stop myself in pouring out all my heartaches to them. I cried and cried until they're carried away on what I felt. Joy comforted me by wrapping her arms around me. I saw tears falling from her eyes and for that I knew how Joy did understand me. Jack comforted me by her encouraging words. I woke up the following day with eye bags and dark circles added with headache caused by my drinking.

Now, we only communicate through web chat when both of us are online. I do really miss her and the things we did before. But somehow that's life, time came when we'd to separate ways and face our lives differently. Still, memories will still be a memories... but have to reminisce it once in a while. A very touching and inspiring life when you know there is someone who cares.

Movie Date with Friends

2009-11-17T17:31:00.000-08:00

I asked my friends out on a movie date on November 25, 2009 after office hour. I'm glad they'd agreed with my plan. The last time I went to a movie theater was last year when Mareng Aieen and I watched the "twilight" movie. And now looking forward to the second movie of the twilight saga "new moon." While waiting, I read the synopsis and watch the trailer of the said movie.

Joy of Love

2009-11-04T20:52:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the one we loved the most turns out to be the one who hurts us the most. But still, we should always remember that failing in love is not reason enough for us to fear love. The joy comes in loving when nothing is expected in return. Love is not all about happiness for we can never know what being happy is like without experiencing some pain.

Moreover, love is not seeking for your own happiness. Its main concern is giving, not taking. It is not about making sure that the other person's life will revolve around yours, but it's a celebration of the others' existence and being - even if you're totally different from each other. Love always makes sure there is ultimate honesty and sincerity in the heart as well as much respect and honor. Love goes nowhere without faith, hope and trust. Love is not about beautiful words. It is about making a firm decision and action to make the relationship grow stronger each day. It's the willingness to exert effort to keep the love alive. It does not give up.

But remember that although love means never giving up, it can also mean letting go. Sometimes, we'll meet people who can't be strong and whose weakness will poison us. When loving becomes a one-way process we have to let go. Letting go is like a pill that we swallow so as to heal ourselves and move on to the next phase of our life.

His Strength is Perfect

2009-10-30T23:54:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful and encouraging song! And I want to share it with you.

I am so grateful that He sees beyond our fault and sees our need. I am so grateful for His deep, unconditional and amazing love and graces to us. I know that His strength is Perfect when our own strength is gone, and He carries us with His loving arms.

A Natal Day Celebration

2009-10-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

A natal day celebration is a very common tradition for us Filipinos. We believe birthday celebration is not only for kids but for adults as well. October 22 is the birthday of Ate Aieen, one of my bestfriends. I truly miss her a lot. I had no chance to greet her in person because right now she's in Saudi Arabia working as librarian. And to show and express my greetings and wishes, I posted on her facebook's wall some photo art and birthday wishes.

God gave a gift to the world when you were born; a person who loves and cares, who sees a person's need and fills it, who encourages and lifts people up, who spends energy on others rather than yourself, who touches each life you enter and makes a difference in the world. May the love you have shown to others return to you multiplied. May each and every passing year bring you wisdom, peace and cheer. You'll always be forever young. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Hope this day is as special as you are. Count your life by smiles, not tears. Count your age by friends, not years. You're not getting older, you're getting better. May the years continue to be good to you. May this year bring with it all the success and fulfillment your heart desires. I'm so glad you were born, because you brighten my life and fill it with joy. Your best years are still ahead of you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Last thursday, October 22, 2009, Jasmin and I went to San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan to visit Ate Aieen's family and be a part of the simple celebration of her birthday prepared by her beloved family. We savored the sumptuous foods they served like

beef caldereta,

crispy pata,

and hazel nut mousse desire cake from Goldilocks.

We never missed the opportunity of having a photo shoots with Ate Aieen's two angels, Cedie and Ashley (my godchild). They're really super cute and lovable kids.

Cedie and Ashley

me with Ashley

me with Cedie and Ashley

Jasmin with Cedie and Ashley

We not only savored the sumptuous dinner we had with her family for we had also a great fun and precious bonding moment with her two kids, Cedie and Ashley. And to Ate Aieen, the greatest bestfriend I ever had, a million thanks to you for everything. I couldn't find enough words to define how grateful I was when you came into my life and being a part of it. You're a precious and best priceless gift I have ever received from Above.

Again, happy birthday to you!!! I love you so much, my bestfriend. Missing you so much!!!

kuwento ng buhay, pag-ibig at pag-asa

2009-10-26T01:54:00.000-07:00

i listened to 97.1 fm radio station last oct. 18, 2009 mga 10pm ng gabi. actually first time kong makinig ng linggo ng gabi sa fm station na ito. at noon ko lang natuklasan na may barangay love stories na ang host ay si papa dudut ng barangay ls fm ayos gyud. nakinig ako ng kuwento ng gabing iyon at na-inspired me talaga sa love story na binasa ni papa dudut . doon ko napatunayan na kapag destined talaga ang dalawang taong nagmamahalan walang sinuman ang makakahadlang nito at kahit ano mang pagsubok, panahon ang lumipas, gagawa't gagawa ng paraan ang tadhana para silang dalawa ay pagtagpuin muli upang magsama at maging maligaya ang buhay sa piling ng bawat isa.

Doon ko napatunayan na ang kasabihan na " If you love someone, set them free, if they come back they're yours; if they don't they never were" ay totoo. kung kailangan mo na syang i-let go then you must to do it. si Bro na lang ang bahala sa lahat. kung talagang kau ang para sa isa't isa in the end kau pa rin. minsan hindi mo lang talga alam kung kelan kau ulit pagtatagpuin ng tadhana. tanging panahon lang ang makakapagsabi kung kelan ang tamang panahon. ang kailangan lang maging handa ka sa mga bagay na di mo inaaasahan. at kung hindi man kailangan mong tanggapin ng maluwag sa dibdib ang katotohanang hindi kau para sa isa't isa. at ang pinakamahalaga sa lahat kailangan mong magtiwala kay Bro na may magandang bukas na darating sa iyo at laging pakaisipin na lahat ng bagay na nangyayari sa buhay natin ay may dahilan at ito ay para sa kabutihan ng lahat.

He Cares

2009-10-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

Do you often feel discouraged? Do you often feel pity in yourself? Do you often feel depress, insecure, hated, unwanted or criticized? Do you think no one loves nor understand you?

You feel hopeless and don't know what to do or how to solve the problems you are facing right now. You feel jealous to other people who are loved and are treated well. You think God created you to carry the burdens you believe you don't deserve. You think you are alone and the only solution to your problem is to put an end to your life.

Check this out, God is still willing, ready and able to help, understand and love you. Sometimes you don't feel His love or that He cares, but He does. Sometimes you don't feel His love or that He cares, but He does. He knows everything about you. He knows the number of your hair, the affairs that you are in, your deepest secret. He promised never to leave you nor forsake you.

Sometimes you need to be hurt in order for you to grow. You must fail for you to learn. You must lose in order for you to gain. Through pain you will learn the lesson that will make you a better, not bitter, person.

"God has not promised skies always blue,

Flowers strewn pathways, all the night through

God has not promised sunshine without rain

Laughter without sorrow, joys without pain."

This is a famous congregational song that speaks of our resources in times of trials. So despite the burdens you are carrying right now, fly again. Nurture another dream; assume your other roles. Learn from your mistakes. You are free to choose the kind of life you want to live, but remember that blessings come after the trials. Aren't you excited what will come to you next?

i thought it was him

2009-10-08T03:35:00.000-07:00

i thought it was him, my mr. right and my future groom; the man i thought i would be spending the rest of my life. i had never thought and never expected that our paths would cross the way it goes. i just met him online when he sent message on my profile in the website that my cousin had introduced to me. i just don't know but i could only say and feel that he's totally different from other guys i met online. my instinct really says he's gentleman enough to put my trust on him, put so much credence in anything he says and be comfortable with him. our mere acquaintances bloomed into deeper intimacy when almost everyday we would chat and send offline messages. we met last march 2009 when i got back to work after a couple of days on leave when my college bestfriend took a forlough from her work in dubai.

we had talked and shared almost everything in life. work, love, home, family, friends, secrets and dreams are some of the things we had shared and talked about. whenever he got busy or some activities need to attend to, he would just let me know of his whereabouts. to sum and to describe it in a simple way i could say we have mutual understanding. it means that we're more than friends and less than lovers. but deep inside i knew from my heart that this would have turned into a much deeper relationship. words are not enough to describe and express my feelings when finally we became lovers. since then our life is really a great one filled with so much love and inspiration. we had started nurturing our relationship through chatting more than a couple of times everyday and uttering words of love and care for each other. until one day, he proposed marriage but then i told him i want to be sure of ourselves first by seeing each other, getting to know more and having a tete-a-tete (heart-to-heart talk) before we commit ourselves for a timeless and unending commitment. i asked him to wait till we meet in person when he arrives here in philippines for business trip and i'm so glad when he says he would.

while waiting for the day of his arrival, i'm on tenterhook but enthusiastic knowing it will be the first meeting day for us. i thought our relationship is a perfect one and will not be having any problem until one day, i found out something fishy about him that it really bothered me. i want answers from him so i told him what i've found out. and i never thought that he would be mad about such thing. i felt sorry for what had happened and told him that it doesn't mean i don't believed on him. but then he just left me with nothing but a single word "bye". since then, i am quite crazy thinking what precisely the truth is because i have still unanswered questions in mind. he never replied on my emails nor sent messages on my mobile phone which he used to do.

until now, we never meet in person though i knew he's already here in philippines. likewise, i've never heard anything from him. i waited for months hoping he would responded but it was really frustrating and depressing when i got nothing but pure silence. i would not disavow that tears falling from my eyes, that i'm hurting inside, that pain, frustration and suffering overwhelmed me. it adds to my distress and despondency whenever i think of his proposal and our intention of getting married and building a life filled with love and simplicity knowing that it would just plunged beyond the bounds of possibility. no matter how it hurts, i should accept and bear the pain of losing someone i thought he was the one for me, come to realize that it's time to bid goodbye and letting him go. only then, i could ameliorate and lessen the heartache and distress, could find the courage to move on and finally could start in building a brand new and fresh leaf of life with hope and faith without him but with GOD.

MyNiceProfile.com

A Friend is a Gift of GOD

2009-10-06T22:47:00.000-07:00

...For in this world of trouble that is filled with anxious care

Everybody needs a friend in whom they're free to share

The little secret heartaches that lay heavy on their mind,

Not just a mere acquaintances

But someone who's just "just our kind" ---

For, somehow, in His charity and wisdom always sends

A sense of understanding and the power of perception

And mixes these fine qualities with kindness and affection

So when we need sympathy or a friendly hand to touch

Or an ear that listens tenderly

And speak words that mean so much,

We seek our true and trusted friend in the knowledge that we'll find

A heart that's sympathetic and all understanding mind...

And often just without a word there seems to be union,

Of thoughts and kindred feelings

For God gives true friend communion.

Ondoy's Aftermath

2009-10-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

It was September 26, 2009 when the storm "Ondoy" makes landfall, causes widespread flooding here in the Philippines. I was in the office at that time because we were obliged to finish the requirements for Philhealth Accreditation. Here are some of the damages wrecked by the typhoon Ondoy in the FEU-NRMF Medical Center here in West Fairview, Quezon City.

the Medical Library

the IM parking area

the IM Lobby

the back of FEU-NRMF

LORD as we stand helpless in this display of nature's wrath, we implore the name of JESUS and the power of the HOLY SPIRIT to save all affected by the floods. AMEN.

to hold on or to give up

2009-10-03T18:28:00.000-07:00

Quietly awake while lying in my bed, I can see myself trapped in the middle of crossroads, where whichever path I would espouse...to hold on or to give up.

To hold on. Others may think I'm so dumb, idiot and such a foolish one for holding on to the belief that we're meant to be. But how I can persuade myself that it's over when my heart still feel I want to try and go on? It's my firm decision and willingness to hold on and follow my heart as long as I can. It maybe the stupidiest thing to do but I am just being true to myself without cogitating what others may say and think of me. In the end, if I do get lost and reach a dead end, I should accept my action, learn from them, charge them from experience, use them to lead me back home and move on.

To give up. It means saying goodbye and letting go. It is one of the hardest things to do. It is hard as breaking a crystal glass because I'll never know when I'll be able to pick up the pieces again. It is me who stayed behind that suffer because I am left with memories of love that was meant to be. Time heals all wounds but takes a little push on my part. It's just a matter of faith and acceptance. It is not easy to accept painful things, to go on with my life after experiencing betrayal. It's something I can't control, something I have to live up and this life has to go on.

LORD AS I PUT MY HOPE IN YOU GIVE ME THE WISDOM TO KNOW WHEN TO HOLD ON, WHEN TO LET GO AND WHEN TO MOVE ON WITH FAITH.

Another Victory for FEU-NRMF Basketball Team

2009-10-01T01:01:00.000-07:00

At last the most awaited basketball championship game for the 3rd HPMA Interhospital Basketball Tournament was indeed a success. It was held last September 25, 2009 at PNP Gymnasium, Camp Crame, Quezon City. When we arrived at the gym there were just a few people who watched the game between La Salle and Asian Hospital competing for the 3rd runner up and 4th runner up. I think they were just playing for fun and I couldn't see any tension with the two competing teams. When the game was over, it was followed by awarding the 3rd runner-up and 2nd second runner-up and the mythical five. Two players from FEU-NRMF basketball team were chosen to be awarded as members of mythical five. When the game between FEU-NRMF and St. Luke's Medical Center begun, the fans and supporters of each participating team cheered with so much excitement and anticipation. The question of the moment is, "Who will be the overall champion?" Is it FEU-NRMF again or St. Luke's Medical Center?

The game was full of tension, excitement from all members, fans and supporters of each participating team. Whilst in the intensity of the game, assault stirred up until dispute grew into heated arguments between the two. The crowds have some violent feelings. I was just sitting nearby, looking what will happen and hoping that everything will be okay. When some clarifications and misunderstanding had been settled, the game continued.

At last, the game was ended with so much joy and victorious moment for all the FEU-NRMF group. It was another victory celebration for FEU-NRMF Basketball Team for being the CHAMPION again after the tireless effort, preparation and generous support of all the officers and members of the team. And moment of pride, honor, joy and gratification for Biboy Rapista, better half of my friend RR, being awarded as Most Valuable Player. The night was showered with rain but still the celebration goes on. All were agog and wallowed in so much joy and pleasure in celebrating the victory in Taverna Verde Bar and Restaurant owned by Sir Nino Reyes located at the heart of Ortigas, Pasig City.

We were so thankful that Sir Nino invited us to the air-conditioned and non-smoking area of his bar and restaurant. We relished the victory celebration with so much joy, fun and enthusiasm. We savored the foods served to us with their accommodating waitpersons. It was already 12:30am when we left the resto.

The Strange Flagman

2009-09-24T01:02:00.000-07:00

(Written article by Nelly Favis Villafuerte published in old newspaper that I had unintentionally read early this morning. Because last night I was crying and praying to God that He may give me the courage and strength to accept what will happen when October ends. I know God has a purpose and reason why I found this piece. I believed it was God's way of telling me that in His Mighty Hands I am always safe and He has a better plan for me because He's in control of everything.)

So often said that God is neither early nor late. He's exactly on time! Yes, God's timing in our lives is a mystery that we cannot fully understand no matter how we try. Isaiah 55:8-9 of the Holy Bible says: "For My (God) thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."

Many times in our lives, we ask our Lord God: "Why O Lord are you allowing this and that to happen in our lives? You let us down, Lord. You disappoint us." When we are in this situation, our faith in our Almighty God wavers. Our faith dwindles. We don't like God's direction, so we seek our own alternative. We cease to believe that Biblical promise of our Lord God that "I will never leave you. I will never forsake you." In short, we ignore Proverbs 3:5 that says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." We forget that our Lord God is in control.

Many of us who choose to seek our own alternative when our faith in our Lord God dwindles - find out that after we have played out all our alternatives and options, we become more helpless. And during this crisis in our life, we come to realize that there is nothing more we can do except to trust our Almighty God. We come to realize and admit that there are beyond our scope and power to fix. We come to realized that in hopeless situations in our life, we can find comfort and peace of mind in the words of Psalm 46:10 that says: "Be still, and know that I am God xxx." Be still simply means to relax and to loosen our tension. Yes, let us just lift our problems up and let God be God. As the Holy Bible says: "The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy." Let us not forget that small and big problems have one common successful solution. And that is simply to trust in God. We can never out plan, out talk, out solve, out think and out do our omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent God. Our human abilities are limited. God's capabilities are limitless, absolute, matchless and endless. Clearly capsulized in the words of the Holy Bible that "nothing is impossible with God."

If we spend time to inventory the miracles that happen in our lives - we will give praise to God. We will realize that our Lord God who loves us, who protects us, and who provides for us is there when we need Him - at the right time. Indeed, our life will definitely be less complicated if we just trust our Lord God in everything. And to realize too that God is also in control of everything. Unfortunately, the vision of many of us as to the role of our Lord God in our life is blurred. Many of us want to do things our own way ignoring God's promises and warnings in the Holy Bible. Forgetting that "the Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. (Psalm 145:18)

Let me share to you a story that illustrates God's protection for His people. This is a story from a book by Strand.

"The crack British express train raced through the night, its powerful head lamp spearing the darkness ahead. This was special run because it was carrying Queen Victoria and her attendants.

"Suddenly... the engineer saw a startling sight! Revealed in the powerful beam of the engine's headlights was a weird figure loosely wrapped in a black coat that was flapping in the breeze, standing on the middle of the train tracks, waving its arms, a signal stop! The engineer immediately grabbed for the brakes and brought the train to a screeching, grinding, sparks-flying halt!

"Then the engineer, his assistant, the coal tender, and a couple of conductors climbed down to see what had stopped them. They looked, but they could find no trace of the strange figure. But on a hunch, the engineer walked a few yards further down the tracks. Instantly he stopped and stared into the fog in horror! The rain storm, which passed through the area earlier in the evening, had caused the bridge to wash out in the middle span and it had toppled into the storm-swollen stream! If he had not paid attention to the ghostly, weird figure, the train would have plunged into the overflowing stream...with, how many lives lost or bodies mangled, who knows? The engineer was so overcome with the emotion of the near- miss that he sat down on the tracks for a few moments before making his way back to the idling steam engine.

"Word was wired help. And while the bridge and tracks were being repaired, the crew again made a more intensive search for the strange flagman, unsuccessfully. But it wasn't until they got to London that the mystery was solved."

"At the base of the steam engine's head lamp, the engineer discovered a huge dead moth. He looked at it a few moments... then, on impulse, wet its wings and pasted it to the glass of the head lamp."

"Climbing back into the cab.. he switched on the lamp and saw the "flagman" in the beam. He knew the answer now, the moth had flown into the beam mere seconds before the train was due to reach the washed-out bridge. In the fog it had appeared to be phantom figure, a flagon waving its arms signaling the train to stop!"

"Later when Queen Victoria was told of the strange happenings she said, "I'm sure it was no accident. It was God's way of protecting us."

This story of the strange flagman illustrates clearly God's intervention in the lives of people to showcase His care, compassion and concern for us. A touch of His love. A touch of His providence. Hopefully, this story will increase our faith and trust in our Lord God. Faith is believing and not waivering at the promises of God. Faith is being fully convinced without any doubt that what God has promised in the Holy Bible He is able to perform. Let us remember that faith honors God and God honors faith.

I Let GOD do HIS Will

2009-09-23T03:19:00.000-07:00

I opened my yahoomail and I saw him online. I sent a letter to him I've prepared yesterday. And then I sent also a chat message to him saying, “If you wish to talk to me, you can contact me on my mobile phone number I’ve given you. I will wait until end of October for you to communicate with me or answer my messages. If I got no answer after that month, it means time to say goodbye. Thank you so much for everything. Whatever happens, always remember that I did love you.”

I waited for a second, a minute, and an hour but sadly I got no response even just a simple “hi” or how are you?” With that I couldn’t feel any or just a little hope that I could possibly hold on to the love we once had. But still I’m willing to wait until October ends to be sure of the final decision I should make. I need to be strong for whatever it may bring to me. At least I had given him a chance, told him what I wanted to say and express my feelings, and did what I know is right so that I couldn’t have any regrets that will haunt me forever if I never did what I wanted to do.

While waiting, I let God do His will for me because I have strong faith that He’s the only One who knows what's the best for me. I will open my eyes to the brighter future ahead of me that God planned for me. Maybe now I may not understand and know exactly His will but I know time will come everything will fall into each good place in its due time. Because I believe He is the Author of Time and He will grant my heart’s desire at the right time. He’s never too early nor a second too late. He always delivers right on the dot because He is PERFECT.

Excerpt from my facebook account - A message from God

2009-09-20T01:12:00.000-07:00

On this day of your life, we believe God wants you to know ... that humans learn only by trial and error, and that includes you.

You've got to live life, not think about it. Step into the midst of things, try and fail and learn and stand up again. The question is not whether you will or will not make mistakes - you will. The question is do you want to learn and grow, or do you want to shrink back and be stuck? Take that step you've been avoiding. You can succeed, or you can get feedback that it didn't work, but in either case you are sure to feel alive.

Thank you so much Lord for the inspiring words.

How stupid I am!

2009-09-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

I feel so stupid and sad at this point of time. I want to scream, I want to shout, I want to cry. I am stupid enough to believe in you, trust you and love you the way it goes. It makes me crazy thinking why it happened to me. I try to ignore the pain that tries to engulf me but in every turn of my head it reminds me of the heartbreak and betrayal you brought me. How can I move on when I'm still holding on the belief that we are meant to be? Sometimes I feel I want to cry, to pour my emotions but I find myself staring at blankness. Do I need to be tipsy to be able to release all my negative emotions? I don't want this.

Pain, emptiness, betrayal, heartbreak, anger, revenge.... These are the mixed feelings that overwhelmed me right now. It's because of my stupidity, of not being cautious, of trusting someone I've never yet meet in person. Is this normal to feel this way? But do I have to blame myself for this? I am only human, capable of making mistakes.

natatakot ako!

2009-09-17T22:14:00.000-07:00

Ngaung araw na to, Sept. 18, 2009 ang araw ng pagdating nya dito sa Pilipinas galing Hongkong sakay ng Cathay Pacific CX903. Ang oras ng arrival nya sa NAIA ay 6:30pm at bka mga 8:00pm na sya makakalabas ng airport.

Natatakot ako na if until sunday hindi pa rin sya nagpaparamdam sa akin. May usapan kmi dati na gagawin sa araw ng sat at sun. Di ko ngaun alam kung matutuloy un.

Natatakot ako na tanggapin na matatapos ang relasyon namin ng ganito lang. Ok na sa akin na di matuloy ang pamamasyal namin. Ang gusto ko lang, magkita kmi at magkausap man lang khit sa huling sandali man lang kung un n tlaga ang patutunguhan.

Ngaun di tlga ako mapakali. Di ko alam kung anong gagawin ko.

Sana po Lord bigyan mo ako ng lakas ng loob sa panibagong pagsubok na ito ng buhay ko. Pagod na pagod na rin po sa kaiiyak.

Inspiring Story for RR

2009-09-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

Many of you have prayed all year for God to take away the miscarriage and infertility that has troubled you and give you your own child. Low sperm production problems has troubled you and stopped you from having your own child. You have done all you know to do in the physical yet no answer. It looks like God has forsaken you. It looks like heaven has become brass in your case. In times like these what can I do? You may ask?

Today I want us to visit the Bible and see someone who faced the problem of unanswered prayer and how she finally overcame it.

In the book of 1 Samue1- 1:11, I found an unanswered prayer. A woman named Hannah was offering this prayer. It becomes obvious upon close observation that she had been praying this prayer for a long time. If you will notice, her prayer is not unscriptural It is simply unanswered. All she wants is a child. However, no child is born. Day and night she cried out to God to bless her with her own child.

The Bible tells us that Hannah is a faithful child of the Most High God. She and her husband go to Shiloh and worship God each time there is a feast. During those pilgrimages they always make the proper sacrifices and give generously to the work of the Lord in Shiloh.

Since we know that Hannah is a faithful worshiper of Almighty God, it is only reasonable to believe she is also a woman of prayer. Because of her great desire to have a son, we know she is constantly praying to conceive. No doubt she rises early every morning with this special prayer request, "Oh, God, give me a Son!"

Like so many out there she keeps at it, Lord, take away this miscarriage, take away this infertility from my life! Visit my womb with a child. Surely she continues to call out to the Lord Almighty every single day yet nothing seemed to be happening.

Everyone in the house knows her prayer by heart. I am sure she has asked all her family and neighbors again and again to agree with her that she will overcome infertility. All the angels of heaven know her desire. To put it bluntly, everyone in heaven and earth seems to have heard her prayer - that is, everyone except God. Here we see the most heart-breaking kind of prayer. It is an unanswered prayer!

The Bible tells us that sorrow over her unanswered petition finally causes her to stop eating, "In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD".

At this point she makes a radical change in the way she prays. Driven by desperation, she makes one last, violent attempt to move God's hand. Thank God, she has the sense to throw tradition to the wind and boldly take hold of that which is rightfully hers! Child of God, don't be turned off by the thought of taking violent action in prayer, for the violent leap of faith almost always brings deliverance, especially when your heaven has turned to brass.

We can see the desperation in Hannah's heart in the unusual way she forms her prayer. Her approach to God totally disregards tradition. The words she speaks can be described only as spiritual violence. It did not matter to her any more what anybody had to say.

Hannah's new way of praying swiftly moves God's mighty hand to her point of need. The Bible tells us that within hours of praying, she becomes pregnant. Take a moment, and read her most unusual prayer.

Hannah's Prayer:

"she made a vow, saying, O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head,1 Samuel 1:11.

In her prayer she openly accuses God of forgetting her. She dares to bargain with Him for an answer. She talks to God the way a child will talk to a father. She talks to God like one who has a relationship with Him. She knows God's Word does tell us He chooses to be reminded of his word. For the Bible says in, Isaiah 49:14-16.

"But Zion said, The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me. Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me".

I hope you caught the significance of what you just read? The Bible says your name is tattooed on the palm of God's hand. He has placed it there as a reminder so that He won't forget you. Furthermore, He plainly asks you to remind Him of his word. God wants us to remind Him of our needs, our wants and our desires.

Hannah Confronts God

Be assured that Hannah's new-found way of prayer does not contradict God's Word. She simply expresses her true feelings about her situation and how she feels forgotten by God. She literally storms heaven for an answer. She demands an answer from her God, and she gets one.

She Bargains With God

If you carefully study the next part of her prayer, you will see that she actually bargains with God for an answer.

Hannah's Prayer:

1 Samuel 1:11

Please make a mental note of the extreme value of her gift. It is very precious, for it will be her first-born son. Don't let the thought of mixing your giving and praying together disturb you. It is not unscriptural to strengthen prayer by adding something to it. Many times I always encourage people to strengthen their prayers with their giving. Sow your seed into a good ground. If you are believing God for a child sow into a ministry that God is using in the earth for such cause. Bless the orphans and give specifically by faith towards your hearts desire. Hannah did it and it moved Gods hand.

Fasting Added to Prayer

Once the Lord Jesus himself instructed his disciples to add something to one of their unanswered prayers. If you remember, He told them to add fasting when prayer alone had failed. "And he said unto them, this kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting". Mark 9:29.

This is what Hannah did -she added giving to her prayers. You too can do the same. Note how swiftly God's hand moves when Hannah boldly adds giving to her prayer! Notice carefully the decisive steps that bring her the answer.

• First, she makes a vow (a strong promise)
• Second, she asks that she be no longer forgotten
• Third, she adds sacrificial giving to her prayers

Let's look at her prayer one more time. I want you to have no doubt about what I am saying:

God remembers her, "Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the LORD and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah lay with Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her, 1 Samuel 1:19.

There you have it in black and white! God states that Hannah's new line of prayer reminded Him of her need. I want you to notice further how quickly her answer comes. As Soon as she returns home she conceives.

While Hannah's prayer may disturb some it is evident that it pleased God. Notice that in just a few days years of unanswered prayer have ended. The miracle does not stop there.

The Bible says that after Hannah gave Samuel to the Lord, s work the Lord visited Hannah in a second pregnancy "the LORD was gracious to Hannah; she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD" I Samuel 2:21.

Chance! Luck! I Think Not!

Some will say that what you have just read is nothing more than a coincidence. However this same kind of prayer is repeated throughout the pages of the Bible. It has worked in my life again and again. I also know by faith that if you will do the same it will work for you too.

If you feel the least bit uncomfortable with the things you have just read, I encourage you to remember the following words of God from the Bible, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts, Isaiah 55:8-9.

Remember, God's ways and thoughts are different from yours. Isn't it amazing that Hannah, a simple housewife, knew more about moving God's hand than most people do theses days?

God is no respecter of person but will surely honour your faith if you give it to him, like Hannah did. Praise the Lord!

Prayer: I will sing to the Lord a new song. For the Lord is good. Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name. I proclaim his salvation day after day. I declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. My God is good and his mercy endures for ever. Great is my Lord and most worthy of praise. He is to be feared above all gods. I bless you Lord. I give you glory Lord.

The Lord God of Heaven you answered Hannah. You are my Father too. I know you will do the same in my life. I want to make a deal with you Lord. Hannah made a deal with you and you moved in her life. Lord I am making this vow before you today. (Make your vows only if you mean to keep it-now make that exchange with God). Lord remember me like you did Hannah and open my womb now in Jesus name. Thank you Lord for hearing me and doing it in my life too in Jesus name. From today I call myself a happy mother of children in Jesus name. Amen.

God's Way is Best:

2009-09-14T03:21:00.000-07:00

One day I asked God for a bunch of beautiful flowers but, instead He gave me a cactus with thorns. Later, I asked Him to give me butterflies but, instead He gave me worms. I was disappointed and I wept. But, few days after, I noticed that the cactus bloomed with beautiful flowers, and the worms soon became butterflies.

God wants us to wait for the right time, for He knows all the best that He can give!

For my BFF Aieen

2009-09-12T21:40:00.000-07:00

For my friend RR

2009-09-12T19:39:00.000-07:00

Friend, thank you so much for always being there. I may not say it often but I’m truly grateful to God for having you in my life. It really unexplainable how I am confident and at ease in telling you how I feel, who I am, and how I’m scared of anything. We can’t deny that we are just starting the seed of friendship but I believe it’s a friendship that will bloom and bear fruit of happiness and goodness for a lifetime. Maybe it is God’s way of telling me that you’re such a precious gift from Above that I should be thankful of.

I could say that your words of wisdom, encouragement, hope, and inspiration helped me a lot to go through with the heartaches, confusion, burden and pain I am experiencing right now. Cause deep inside I am so inspired by your words that it gave me hope, courage and belief that life is beautiful. To tell you honestly, one of the weapons I have in struggling life’s difficulties ever since is the words of encouragement, inspiration, faith and hope coming from the people who believe I can do it. That’s the only way I feel I am strong enough to keep going and moving on with my life.

And for this sad moment of my life and you’re always there, willing to lend a helping hand, ready to give a comforting hug, wiling to wipe my tears and ready to listen tenderly, I owe you a lot. Thank you so much, friend. Love you, my friend. You will always be in my heart and be remembered forever.

Sana di ka magsasawang makinig at magbigay sa akin ng lakas ng loob na makakaya ko to. Pasensya na din at naiistorbo na kita sa kakulitan ko na para na akong sirang plaka na paulit ulit na lang. Tanging un na lang ang alam kong paraan para kahit papano maibsan ang sakit na nararamdaman ko ngaun.

How do I move on without real closure?

2009-09-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

I’ve told myself and my friends told me, MOVE ON. So easy to say but too hard to do it, because it drives me crazy thinking and wondering what went wrong. I want a CLOSURE. Maybe I could have endured the pain easier if he just told me we were over, the end. But no. Nothing. Nothing. NOTHING.

Unanswered Questions

2009-09-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

Lord, I felt frustrated today. There are still unanswered questions in my mind. I only asked the things that bothered me. It doesn't mean that I don't believe in him and doesn't mean that I believe on what I've found. All I wanted is the truth so that I could have peace of mind. But is it mean that wanting to know the truth means gaining the pain that I have now? What if I didn’t ask him about the stupid thing, did it result to a better relationship? Is it really a great mistake what I’ve done that he didn’t accept my sincerest apology? Did it really offend him that he left me with nothing but confusion? I should not have done this, but I think it's unfair. Now I don’t know what to do. Do I have to keep going and hoping that everything will be okay? Or better yet accept and forget it to ease the pain? I can’t deny the hurt that embodied me. I’m tired of crying and fighting the losing battle inside me.

Do I need to regret what I’ve done? Do I have to accuse myself that I’m terribly wrong? I’m tired of thinking what if and why it happened? Is this happened for a reason? Then what is the reason? Why it happened now? Now that I love him so much, that we had so many dreams together, that we are planning to build a home together, and then suddenly it will stop with just one stupid question. I can't keep going through each day pretending everything is wonderful, when inside I am crumbling and breaking.

Lord, show me my path and help me walk along it. I need You to be my angel, my protector, my guardian, my friend and my shield. Show me the way I should go and give me the courage to accept the things I need to accept. Lord, please take me in your arms and heal me from the inside to the outside. Lord I am calling out to you because I can no longer rely on my own strength. I am at my breaking point. I am trying, but I just don’t feel better inside. I am aching desperately for you Lord. Lord, lead me to the paths that will give me answers, hope and belief that it will get better. I'm scared of the answers Lord but please give me the courage to find it. Lord, please help me let go of my fears so that I can find the peace inside me. You are the only one that can help me Lord. Please Lord, I need you.

Take a break and have fun…

2009-09-12T03:19:00.000-07:00

If we are really busy with our daily activities we don’t easily notice the fast approaching of the days gone by.

Stepping away from work in small chunks of time will help in releasing mental pressures. It will allow me to a healing mental break and serves as reward for better feeling of myself. It will also create happier outlook in life. To make it possible…travel is my choice.

I visited Aklan, my hometown, to bond with my family and friends. I spent special moments with them to attain strong and healthy relationship. Also I got the opportunity to explore some of the tourist destinations of my hometown.

I attended the Ibajay Ati-Atihan Town Fiesta 2009 wherein I was fascinated with the floats of different barangay.

I went to Boracay to witness once again the white beach, sand castles, events, night life that described today’s Bora.

Also, I visited the 2.7 hectares small paradise in New Washington, Aklan called Sampaguita Gardens. Sampaguita Gardens is owned by Precious Moments creator Sam Butcher. The Gardens is a resort, amusement park, and convention center housed under one mansion. It has Circus Rides, Spa, Swimming pool, Gym facilities, a 43 ft. Aquarium, Jojo’s Christmas Cottage which sells Precious Moments collectibles, a Butterfly Farm and a Precious Moments museum.

If you want to know more about this small but beautiful paradise in Aklan you may visit their website at www.sampaguitagardens.com to see and believe what I’ve said.

By September my travel schedule will be in Daraga, Albay to attend my bestfriend’s wedding. And hopefully in October we are planning to go to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Still I need a confirmation for those events… for a while… I have to do my daily routines.

Aftermath of a Broken Family

2009-09-12T02:44:00.000-07:00

Some says: “it depends on how a member reacts.” Yes, it is true. Like me, I am a product of a broken family. No one wants to be on that situation because of all the pain and struggles of life you may be encountered. It was really a devastating experience. I’m happy for knowing some people reacted positively but lonely when some did the other way around.

I’m proud to say that I have reacted positively. Though a lot of pain I have experienced it did not bothered and stopped me of dreaming that someday I will succeed. And I was grateful to God for guiding and showing me that life is beautiful and full of surprises.

It was not simple at first to accept that I am one. It adds to my pain when I knew that I am an illegitimate child. I cried for knowing the truth, but will it be changed? So I wiped my tears and decided to go on with my life. There are times when I want to give up because of so many trials I’ve been through…so many things, different situations, different difficulties and different aspects of life. But God is really good.

I am being more eager to surpass all hindrances and taste the sweetness of success. I studied well, learned many things from four sides of the classroom. I have met many kinds of people whom I gained some beautiful and inspiring stories that molded me to be an optimistic person. Though there are times when I want to give it up but still I moved on. I worked hard, prayed for guidance and asked for His abiding help to strengthen me. I learned to let go of the things which are not meant for me. Though it hurts, it paid off whenever good things happened. Since then, I believed “everything happens for a reason.”

I still recall the time when I was still a working student. A lot of sacrifices and hard work I’ve exerted in finishing my college degree. There are ocean sized lessons in life I have learned and instilled in my mind. I learned to be thrifty so that I can be able to sustain my other needs. I learned to manage my time and prioritize things to meet deadlines. I learned to appreciate everything in life. I learned how not to take the people I love for granted. I learned to be thankful for everything that happens, be it good or bad. I learned to love and be loved in return. I learned to sacrifice my love for someone special in behalf of my dreams for my family. I learned to face the terrible moment when I lose someone I dearly love and letting him go. I learned to accept whatever outcome in every decision I made. I learned to be patient in dealing with other people. I learned to accept that my life is different from my other friends. I learned to surrender my ego just to have a smooth relationship with others. I learned to let go of my pride just to gratify other people because they wanted it to be. I learned to accept mistake of other people though it shouldn’t be. I learned to live with other people far from my family. I learned to accept that it is my life – full of ups and downs. And at the end of the dark tunnel, I found the light leading to what good life could offer. I can’t find words to explain how I felt when my graduation came. I am very proud of holding the price of my hard work and sacrifices – my diploma.

Looking back, I could say that I am so blessed for where I am right now. I have a stable job in one of the prestigious company of my country. I enjoyed life with my work, acquainted with different personality and dealt with different work environment. Still, unexpected trials come but I am strong enough to face whatever it is. And most importantly, God is always there, perfectly on time in pouring me His undying love and overflowing graces.