Praise and Worship

I am born, baptized and raised to a Roman Catholic family. My grandparents are Roman Catholic devotees wherein both of them serve the church in their ‘able’ years. My family goes to Sunday Eucharistic celebrations, pray the Holy Rosary and knew the Lord's Prayer by heart. I even went to a Catholic School until my tertiary level. I think it was not a conscious thing that my parents sent us to a Catholic school. Yeah, I’m sure now because my brother studied in a non-Catholic school during his elementary to secondary years. So basically it’s more on its accessibility to our house, my parent's workplace for most part. I never changed my religion even until I married a non-Catholic person. My husband and his family were actually Roman Catholics before they converted to Christian-Protestants. We even got married in a Christian ceremony with Pastor as our celebrant and wed in a garden, not in the church. I can say that we are just lucky (so I think) that both sides of our family supported and understood our relationship until we tied the knot. Both our kids were dedicated to our Lord as Christians and my eldest daughter went to a Catholic school. Religion was never a big issue in our family. And it should never be. Thank God! I believe that for as long as we live harmoniously, respect each other and our relationships’ untainted despite religious differences, God doesn't mind. I cannot remember I struggled so much adapting to these two different religions because there are also some similarities as to how Catholics worship versus Christian Protestants. I am not very particular on the history of why they are called Protestants but base on what we practice, the way they service Mass has a similarity of how Catholics celebrate. There are songs of praise that I am accustomed to singing in Catholic mass that I sing in Sunday service at my husband’s church. The Holy Bible is the basis of both church’s Gospel reading and worship. When I enter both house of worship, there is a big sign of the Cross which is situated in altar and the stage. It may have some differences but I think it doesn’t matter as long as we worship and believe in the same God and what's base in the Holy Bible.

Ever since I attended Sunday service mass at my husband's church, I feel an overpowering joy to the extent of tearing up. Every time I sing songs for God, I feel grateful for my life. I feel the Lord is touching and healing me. Passages from the Bible gives me a sense of relief and calmness. It gives me comfort, hope and joy for myself and my God.

And when an opportunity came for me to attend #TheFeast (a Catholic meeting of Prayer and Worship), I didn't have second thoughts. I am ecstatic and told myself this is my chance since the venue is near my workplace. 

 

every Fridays at Cinema 3 SM Ecoland from 6:30pm-9pm.

Fridays now is my 'Fridates' with my God and myself.

A person who ran out of DREAMS is a person who ran out of LOVE.

 

I've heard of this group way before because of Bo Sanchez. I didn't mind it at first until my cousin has been attending The Feast at their Bay Area assembly. Attending The Feast is an answered prayer. I love singing and I like it that I can sing here with all my heart's might. More than that, it gives me a breather and time for myself. My 'me-time' with my God. Even for just 2 hours in a week, it recharges my faith and remind me that God is with me whether in bad times not only in good ones. Honestly, I am guilty that my family don't regularly go to Sunday service. But attending this once a week is like having attended Praise and worship service. But I know it is still not okay because my family is not with me everytime I attend this. I need to restore our bonding as a family to God in order for my children to grow up knowing God. If my husband can't, then who else will? Putting pride aside, maybe God is giving me in charge of our Faith. Then I have to obey.
 

As parting words, what I am trying to say here is that religion will not save us. Our faith does and it is our ticket to salvation. Nowadays, I see a lot of religious groups formed through time and it is sad to note that there are some of its members who righteously brag that theirs is the truth. I mean, it is not right to judge. For me, as long as you find yourself and God in whichever sect you have chosen to join, then that's where you belong. If you feel in your heart comfort, love, peace, kindness and selflessness, then you found the right one. Let us respect each others' belief because I believe if respect dwells in each one of us, our world will be as harmonious as we would like it to be. God bless our world!

Pained Heart: Remembering Courageous Caitie

Yesterday is a devastating one for me. As a mother, I cannot imagine myself losing my child because of a life-threatening illness. During the journey, it's like each day gets harder and harder and you don't know what tomorrow has in store. You don't know until when the agony and pain will end. I am talking about the painful story of the almost 4 year old Caitlin 'Caitie' Lucas, daughter of Feliz and Jay Jay, who suffered and acquired a rare kind of leukemia which I got to follow in their facebook page, Courageous Caitie. Before, I was glued on the same situation of the 4-year-old daughter of actress Jackie Forster, Caleigh known as Kikay Caleigh at Instagram, who was struck with leukemia (but not the rare kind) also. But now, I rejoice because she was healed by God. It's so painful and I can't bear to feel what the parents of Caitie's undergoing right now. Sure, words of God and people who sympathize overflows with so much encouragement for the bereaved family. But nothing can ease as of the moment the reality of losing a loved one. I cannot bear to post photos from their Facebook page because everytime I see it, my eyes and heart tears. It aches so much. Yesterday at lunch break, I really cried coupled with sobs in between and even now writing this piece. I remember the photos of Feliz and Jay Jay holding Caitie's lifeless body in their arms. And in one photo, Jay Jay cradled Caitie and kissed her on the forehead. It's such a sorrowful ending. My only consolation is that Caitie is now pain-free and is safely in God's hands. My reflections about this journey of Caitie and her family is I PRAY that... I wish that accepting death is not too hard to deal with. Honestly now, I fear the life after death. Because I don't know where my soul take me. I know I will be in an unknown place and travel alone. I fear death because I still don't want to leave my kids behind at a very young age. I want to be present in their journey towards adulthood. Secondly, how I wish that my faith endures all things. Yes, I am weak. I need God in my life so much and I know that I've been missing a lot because I am preoccupied with a lot of worldly things.



Caitie touched my heart in so many ways. Like I said, I have a child almost as the same age of Caitie. That's why I am so moved and touched with the Lucas' family journey. Seeing my kids last night as I arrive home from work, I feel blessed and grateful to God that my kids are healthy and active. And I pray that it will always be that way. As a working mother, every minute that I got a chance to be with them, I take advantage of it by spending quality time with them. I know I am not a perfect mother and sometimes I want to take a break but with the realization Caitie has shared to us, I will never stop being there for my children. So that in the end there will be no regrets... only gratefulness of the moments that God gave to each one of us.

Caitie, my dear, you'll always be remembered. Thank you for showing to me how to be courageous, faithful and cheerful despite life's battles. Please help your Mama and Papa cope up with your loss. Always make rainbows in the sky so that they will feel your presence even in that instance. I love you!


For full details of Caitie's journey until the end, see links below:
http://www.yourpagemeetsmine.com/
http://mommyfleur.com/2016/03/31/rest-now-courageous-caitie/
http://teachwithjoy.com/2016/03/courageous-caities-legacy/

Heartbreaking Friday the 13th

Was it a mere coincidence or fated to happen? Last Friday, the 13th, shocked the whole world hours or days later. I don't want to believe in a Friday the 13th that it comes with a bad luck or something not nice will happen. After all it was a payday and many of us got already our partial pay bonus. That is not a bad luck after all, you think? This is what I saw in my Facebook newsfeed today...

I was stunned to read that Japan and Mexico was struck by a magnitude 8 and 4.3 earthquake, respectively. Honestly, I wasn't really shock of Beirut and Baghdad's bombing attacks because for me, it is kind of a usual happening that I hear and see in news of places being part of the Middle East and Muslim areas because of this ISIS thing. Seeing and hearing these news every time in that side of the globe breaks my heart especially if affected people are family with children. Even the Muslim people condemn these kind of terrorist attacks. It's against the law of Islam and their Quran. But what terrifies me the most is it was a random and planned event that lead to Paris terrorist attack that led to hundreds of death and seriously injured. It is disturbing to hear these news because its target are public places were innocent people are put in danger. More so a lot of tourist flock in the City of Lights all year round. It is frightening that there's no safe place anymore even if you're in the compounds of your own home. Christmas time is already a few days away and it's saddening to note all of these chaos happening in our world when it should be excitement, hope and joy we feel as we wait for the holidays draws nearer. 

Here in our country, we experienced a magnitude of 4.0 quake in Davao City last Nov. 7, 2015 and it was said that it is possible that we'll be experiencing a 7.0M quake noting that their are new fault lines discovered. Yesterday's local newspaper wrote about recent bombings in Mindanao particularly in Kabacan, North Cotabato hurting 7 people including minors.

I wish for world peace and that people should be sensitive to others in order to have a loving and happy environment to live in. So much anger in one's heart makes a destructive world that we don't care anymore of others but only our own. I pray that God will touch these bad people's hearts and minds that they may see how cruelty they've caused. A change of heart and a total surrender to God will make a big difference. 

The Weeks That Were

Forewarn: There's no photos ahead. It's all words. So I hope you bear with me as I was just unloading baggage to release me and make me feel better. Nevertheless, it's not an intention on the other hand to pass it on to you as I don't wish you feel the same way as I do.


I'm all out of words, nothing to say. But my mind is full of stories to tell and concerns to address. I'm full packed now. Maybe I'm just all too stressed out thinking on things that I have in mind. I'm making paramdam here because it's almost 1 month after my last blog post. But I am grateful and thankful to those who stumble across my blog and patiently and took their time reading it. I know there are people reading here because of my ranking that is actively moving in numbers. Yehey to that!

Okay what keeps me busy from the past few weeks? Let me enumerate it because I too lost track. More than two weeks ago, both my kids were down with flu and hit with fever. My 3 year old's temperature went up to 40. I got scared. I brought them to their Pedia and antibiotics were prescribed. Oh gosh! The thought of that makes me weak. For one, my kids and I have a hate-relationship especially the youngest whenever taking in antibiotics. She dislike its pungent taste (yes, I tasted it) and in full force, with all our joined forces, we really and literally hold her like someone has to hold her feet, her hands and her head just to give her that 5ml dose otherwise she wouldn't take it or worst spit it. I couldn't afford to see my kids fighting with all their might, screaming and struggling for a dose of that medicine. It's not only stressful to us but more so to the kids. Second, antibiotics are expensive prescribed drugs and it's the last thing I would want them to ingest in their system. Besides that, I noticed from my youngest daughter rashes from her legs spreading to the body and arms which became more profound and itchy, to which the doctor told us is just heat rashes. I never mind for the first three days of medication thinking that the antibiotics he gave to my daughter is not only for the phlegm but for the skin infection/rashes (I read in the leaflet of the medicine) she had. I thought it may be the effect that the rashes gradually is coming out and because of the heat. On the 8th day, I sensed that it is not already the normal rashes though she don't have fever anymore. It's more bigger, itchy and red. So I went back to the doctor and blurted out measles! I got worried right away because she already had contact with my eldest daughter and what if she might get the virus? Luckily and thank God I can see no signs of rashes from Mariella since then. So I packed the things of my dear one and send her for the meantime in my parental's house in order not to pass on infection to the sister. We're missing her already. It's been a week of not seeing her and only talk to her daily through the phone as I speak. 

Another thing that keeps my motherhood so alive in between those happenings is I crammed for my eldest daughter's projects in school. Create an Alphabet book and using recyclable materials, make an illustration of a human body parts. After all the sleepless nights and the worries, I still manage to think of it overnight to be submitted on the next day which is 2 days late already. During the medication of Mariella, I didn't send her to school so not to infect her classmates thus the delay of her project's submission. The pictures of the Alphabet Book, I slowly collected it days before. But finishing everything was done overnight. Then there were school requirements to be bought for their 2nd Annual Family Day at school which was held last Sunday which was a whole day event and this week is there examination. I thank God still because it was a long weekend where I got to take time and rest a bit.

Have you guys watched the movie 'The Love Affair'? I am in awe of Dawn Zulueta's timeless and ageless beauty. Richard Gomez charisma is still undoubtedly remained despite her age. Kinikilig ako sa kanilang dalawa ni Dawn in the roles they played. And Bea Alonzo, very beautiful, fresh and she's very flawless. I was affected by the story because I can relate to it and it brought back bitter memories. I watched the movie together with my husband and I don't know what effect it had on him. But I'm certain that he can relate to it as well. No discussions done after because my eyes are all red when I came out of the cinema. My eldest daughter asked after if I cried. Of course, I couldn't lie because it's all over my face. We just laughed it off!

I'm not yet through. Work-wise it's manageable and it helps that my boss is very considerate. But what pisses me off are  people who are taking advantage of the opportunity that their favors are granted almost all the time and that they couldn't help asking for more. They are not yet satisfied of the help they are getting and I feel that they are making that generous person like a milking cow for their own needs. I know for a fact what they are asking help for because I'm also a mother. But I hope they should find a long term means to support the needs of the family and not to always ask money for whatever it is to other people on a regular basis. I don't know if they know what shame and gratitude is. They are not ill or disabled people who cannot find ways to sustain the needs of their family. And to think even their family in their own blood had already said to ignore them. 'Nuff said.

I feel that my PMS is somewhere down the road. Even a little detail affect my emotions. Recently, I posted something in a social media for my loved ones to see but it was nowhere to be found. It was deleted. Even if I don't want to feel anything for it, I felt hurt. I prayed that my hurt will just let go because it's not really a big deal after all. But I don't know. I felt a pinch in my heart. I got affected.

To end, I want to do many things to erase all these challenges that came my way lately. I'm thinking of pampering myself with facial and body massage, going to a retreat to embrace myself and meeting people who can be an inspiration for my everyday living, making memories with my family like going somewhere and doing the unusual stuff.

Thank you God for making my life not dull. I am not asking you to get rid of those unpleasant instances but I am asking for enough strength, wisdom, patience and heart to do all the things you let me encounter in this lifetime of mine. Everything that I have now -good, even the not so one- I thank you for I know you are molding me to be a person for others.

Torn Feelings

God has been extra good to me and my family this year. I am beyond elated more than words can say. It's more of grateful and overjoyed on the things that's been happening to our family. God has been a good provider ever since we start our family. Indeed it's true that patience, faith and trust will find it's way to God's promise for us. My belief now is God directs our path ahead. Even if we don't understand why this happens in our life, we have to accept and follow His will for us. Most of the time, I am just surprised of God's goodness because He blesses us things that we didn't pray and expect. And now I understand why certain things just don't happen because God gives us the things He knows the best for us.


Why I am sharing this because I think God is so amazing, so generous and so loving. He is working things according to my desire and prayers. Lately, He is answering my little requests but there's only one thing left unanswered. It's gonna be a life changing thing if it's against my will. But I'm still hoping that God will consider my reason which I think is valid. It is actually a blessing that I'd rather wish it to other people who needs it more. I know, shame on me to turn down a blessing from God but I think I have enough for the moment and I see other people needs it more than I do. At this point, it's payback time. People have been good to me and my family. I think it's our time to share our blessings to those who needs it the most. It's actually a very nice feeling more than the bliss of receiving. Of course, it's nice also to receive gifts from other people and of God. But you know, the satisfaction, fulfillment and achievement of sharing surpasses everything.


It's my birth month and I still wish from God that my heart's desires are enough for a birthday present: good health for me and my loved ones, comfortable way of living, quality time with my loved ones, a stable job, enjoy and have a peaceful life and being able to hurdle life's challenges.


I ask and I'm sure I will receive… #bepositive #Godisgood

Sunday Must Be's and Must Have's

Growing up, my siblings and I were made to love Sundays because of the following:


Family

My parents made us experience and value quality time with them. Even if both of them are working, they did not compromise or hinder giving us their children the precious time to be with us. During Sunday, we look forward to eating out after we attend the Holy mass. Then we go to the grocery afterwards which we kids are very much excited going through the food sections. Or, spend weekends with the relatives on the paternal side. Being with the relatives is usually a blast. We didn't miss weekends without going to the beach or be at each respective houses to just gather around. We always have fun with our cousins as we have close age gaps. If time permits, we love to do sleep overs in each others houses and play as long as we want.

Sundays are memory spent with my paternal grandfather and grandmother. Every Sunday, my grandpa goes to the market and buys as Pinoy delicacies like sticky rice (Suman), puto, bibingka and our all-time favorite bitso-bitso. Then my grandma would make a delicious tsokolate made using her baterol. Those are my fond memories why I love Sundays. 

Now that I have a family of my own, being with the kids is very precious to me. I want them to experience my childhood days full of memories being with the family. As much as I can, I stay at home during weekends since weekdays are spent away from them because of work. Saturday is hubby's time in the farm. So we made a pact that Sunday is family day whether we just stay at home or out of the house.


Holy Mass

I miss this very important celebration in my life. I feel guilty of not spending time with my Creator. I feel I'm not fulfilling my duties as a daughter to Him. I know in my heart and God knows that I want to have a complete and constant connection to Him. I know I lacked the spiritual momentum to direct my ways in life. I know I'm not a good mother or a good wife or a good daughter and a good friend. I've always feel empty, missing, been impatient and unforgiving to myself and others. I've always told my husband that we have to make it a point to make time with our Creator so that our children will establish their foundation as a Christian. If we will not be a good example to our faith and role as good Christians, then our children will find it hard to seek God above all things.


Food trip

My weakness is to be able to create sumptuous dish for my family. I'm no novice nor expert in cooking but my heart is full of hope to create delicious food for my family every Sunday. I find at ease to cook or bake for my family during this time because, for one, my family is complete and there's no rush going on since it's a free day. And I also noticed that hubby is happy when I cook something different unlike the rest of the days.


These are simple pleasures I have every Sunday. These are simple ways to make myself happy as well as the whole family. We need not spend a lot but being with the family, sharing good food and a time to relax and be with the Lord are happiness at its finest. Don't you think? 

Blogging: my new personal diary

Just this morning, I felt another episode of dismay. I just couldn't express it in words to avoid further discussions and turning a bad day to my companions at the house. I just thought I would reserve it to my personal diary which is my blog. I find relief whenever I write something here. May it be happy thoughts, bad experience or ill feelings to a person. I don't know until when will I go through all of these things which bothers me a lot every single day and for these people to realize that if everybody works together without depending on other people to work on their supposed role, then there would be no heavy load. A woman plays a lot of role in the family and even in the society as a whole. She can even do what man can do. But why cannot be the other way around? Gender-sensitivity comes in. I envy women who have strong support system in their household. I don't know if there's something wrong with the way I handle myself or my household. It's just that I don't have the right vibes and I need to silence myself for a while to reflect on things because I feel my environment is very chaotic. I cannot think properly. But how can I? My hands are so full that I cannot even handle my own well. I know I've been missing my God for a long time. But I know He's just there for me. Waiting for my call. I have to start my personal contact with my Creator. I know and I'm guilty with this. It is not an easy journey because from the start I've been journeying all by myself. And I know my God is always there for me and He has been my support system all through out. I gotta save myself from going nowhere. In short, I think I'm lost. Please help!

Challenging years

Hello fellow bloggers! This has been the longest time I haven't been seen with something new to share. Now I am back together with welcoming the New Year. I am grateful for the year 2012 since it brought new inspiration to look forward to for this coming year. And with that, it is with gratitude that today marks our 3rd year as husband and wife and 10 years in all of being together. Hubby and I have gone a lot especially in the later years. This later years really tested our bond as a couple and as an individual. I could say that marriage is also a way to sharpen one's personality for it carries out all your emotions invested throughout your life. It is not that easy though because your partner has a different personality as yours. Being married to an extremely opposite personality as mine is such a challenging, worthwhile and exciting married life I have now. I thank God for being able to conquer our  family, our home and most especially our marriage despite all odds. Thank you langga for the wonderful experience you have imparted me and to our marriage may it be good or bad. I love you for everything that you are.

Countdown

Right now, I'm beginning to feel giddy and a can't-wait mindset about my soon to labor and delivery moment. I am just too ecstatic of seeing my 2nd born and to finish this exhaustion and boredom about the discomforts I have nearing my awaited day. Oh how I wish it'll be a safe delivery and a bearable labor pains. But I still have a lot of preparation to do like having the baby's cabinet (me and hubby thought of having it customized for a more sturdier one), buy N's feeding bottles, cleaning items for the feeding bottles, mittens (I lost or maybe misplaced M's), install the baby's crib and prepare its fittings, buy her bathing paraphernalia, her towels, blankets. I won't buy a lot since I can use M's when she was still newborn. Buying new ones won't be necessary and I am just being practical because N won't use it for long. I'm excited about buying her new stuff this weekend since I am preparing it before I go on labor. I have already washed the baby clothes and other linens last weekend and have it ironed already. I just hope I'd be able to buy and get the stuff I want in one store. Happy baby shopping!!

Life's Little Mishaps

Yesterday's turn around of events were unexpected. There were a couple of not so good incidents that happened to me and my hubby on our way after office work. We did not go home directly since we have to fetch somebody at the airport. She'll be arriving at 6:45 in the evening. Aside that the weather is a bit gloomy (though it didn't rain), my husband told me that we will stop first at a vulcanizing shop to have his spare tire fixed. It's almost 7pm and we were still there. He told the man who fixed his tire if it can be finished the soonest since we'll still be going to the airport. Maybe because of that pressure, the tire wasn't worked properly. Because halfway on our way to the airport, we heard a noise at the back of the car, it's like we were pulling tin cans. When I told my husband what's the noise all about, he immediately pulled down his window and saw that the tire that was fixed was again almost wrecked.  We were still thankful that we were not driving in a highway and prevent any deadly accident. That was so frustrating. Even if we have to fetch his friend, he asked her instead to take the taxi and follow us where we had a change of tire again. Good thing that there were good Samaritan bystanders who extended their help changing the tire. That was a time consuming incident. I was surprised that I didn't flare up and took it coolly. I was able to calm my husband down despite what happened because I know he is already hungry.

That's what life is all about. You never know what will happen to you in the course of life. But we must be ready to face any untoward incident that comes along our way. The most important thing is the attitude we choose on those trying times and how are we able to deal with it.

But at the end of the day, we were able to get half dozen of Krispy Kreme from that friend of ours. It was a happy ending indeed!

Birthdays and Thanksgiving

This year I should say is the 2nd best birthday celebration I will not forget in my lifetime. The first is  my birthday celebration in year 2000 where I was surprised. My relatives from Manila carefully planned for my birthday bash. I almost broke in tears. That wasn't an extravagant one but knowing that they took the extra effort to prepare everything, that was so touching! And this year was incomparable too. I had 3 batches of birthday celebration all in my birth date! That was so tiring yet satisfied and happy at the same time. I had prepared lunch for my immediate family and some relatives, merienda time with my in-laws and dinner time with some officemates of my husband. That was tiring indeed but fulfilled. I give credits to my mother since she helped me all throughout my preparation.

With these celebrations, I thank the Lord for giving me another year of worthwhile experience and unending blessings. Blessings that I didn't ask yet He gave. Every day of my life, all I am wishing is good health for myself and my family and sustenance that I may live each day in greater glory of His name.

Firmoo: I won!

I won! Here's the proof. Finally, I had my first winning giveaway from my fellow blogger. Thank you Elilea for the sponsorship/opportunity (thanks to Firmoo too!) and for the random luck I got from your giveaway promo. When I opened my blog today, a Monday, I am totally surprised and at awe when I got the email notice from you. I can't believe it! Though I haven't completed the total number entries required but I gave my best to comply some of the requirements to the best of my ability. Actually, I never expected to win because I am never lucky with this kind of "pa-contest." But then, through Elilea's blog, I am driven to join more blog sponsorship giveaways. Thank you Pretzel! You've given me hope.

This is also a coincidence since my birthday is coming up in a week's time. Thank you Lord for answering my needs! I know that in many years, I deprived what is due to my health especially my eyes. Now that I have a pair of eyeglasses coming up (still waiting for Elilea's reply to my email confirmation and the possibility of Firmoo to contact me), I am very much excited to give myself, my eyes in exact, total relaxation and medication.

Versatile Blogger (Part II)

Thada!! And here is my Top 15 Versatile Bloggers not in random order. I chose to not put it in order since I don't know who tops the most since everybody deserves to be in Top 1. Where in fact, it takes me days to ponder and jot down my Top 15 because everybody on the blogosphere deserves the versatility in blogging since each and everyone has its own unique pages that speaks of their own personality. But since Ate Balut just ask for Top 15, I had to make my own list. Pardon for those who are not in the following list, but those who are in my blogroll deserves in this list too. That's why I had you in my list because your site inspires me! 

And the Versatile Blogger Award goes to....

1. Balut on Balut Manila and Run! And Keep on Running
2. Joanne of My Open Notebook
3. Nikki of Askmewhats
4. Chloe of ChloeBelle's Nest and ACE'S
5. Irish of D' Explorer
6. Zenith in Heart of DNA Success
7. Mike of Explorer, First Time Networker, Jocy's World and The Researcher
8. Lester of Gateway to adventure
9. SMF of Life In Every Moment, The Blood Donor and The Flowergirl Artist
10. Shengy of Love Always, Shengy'sdelight and theLivingShed
11. Michael of The Pinoy Wanderer and Show Me Your Look Today
12. Blogger of The Pinay Wanderer (hey, what's your nick?)
13. Mai Flores of Budget Biyahera and Sinigang Junkie
14. Joanne of Joanne's Blog
15. Maxi of The Travelling Swe-Nay Foodie
16. Jenn of Tara! Let's Eat

And there you have it. I have Top 16 because they really deserve this award! I can't help it. Thank you to all of you!

Versatile Blogger (Part I)

Same as you Ate Balut, I was surprised too for considering me as one of which you think is a "Versatile Blogger." And like you also, it's my first ever blogger award! Yehey! 

There's so much joy and gratitude that I feel right now considering I'm a newbie and that I'm still creating my niche in the blogosphere. Thank you for always supporting and noticing my page, my blog posts and giving your time commenting on my thoughts. You're a love and a dear! And now, in order not to violate any of your rules and to avoid being having a punishment (LOL!), here are the following random things about me:

1.  INTROVERT. Sheepishly shy yet gladly welcomes new acquaintances that comes along. I'd wait for  somebody to approach me rather than me to make the first move.

2. DOMESTICATED. I am a homebody rather than going outdoors. However, once in a while I go out just to pamper myself and update myself on what's new around me. Haven't hang out with my college classmates for the very long time already due to my career as a working mom.

3. MUSIC LOVER. I love soothing music that relaxes my senses. I'm into rhythm & blues, jazz kind of music. I listen to the new ones depending on the beat that I like. But for my list, R&B and Jazz music is the best!

4. A LOVER FOR ARTISTRY. I can say to myself that I'm one because being an "Interior Designer" is my most coveted profession and dream. Even if I am not given the privilege and time to do my own crafts, still it remains my hidden desire until now. I like conceptualizing designs in my mind that should have been realized. Yet not given the opportunity to make it happen.

5. HAS A SWEET TOOTH. Loves coffee, chocolates, cakes & everything that is FOOD. I can drink coffee in any way it's prepared and for how many cups a day except for the strong, black one. I like it when it has combination. Same with chocolates. But I prefer the bittersweet one. I don't care if it has nuts or raisins on it. I would love to bake but don't have oven at house. So, it's still my pending thing to do

6. TRAVELER... Wanderer. Apart from being an introvert, I have this side of me that loves to go outdoors especially if means travelling for a vacation. I love to explore new places and try out their food. But that again remains in my wishlist since I have a kid to take care of, a job and constraint in my finances. That's why I'm just a wanderer in my mind as for the moment.

7. GOOD KEEPER. I am a sentimental person. I treasure things that is of value to me. That's is why I have loads of things in the house that I have to constantly check if to trash or not. I love to keep things that I think I still have to keep even if it's okay to be trashed already. Same as with the things that I do and the people around me. I am very careful with the things that I do so as not to have a bad karma. But sometimes my mouth gets out of me.

8. BLOGGER! Need to say more?

My Beloved: It's your day!

They say that love is sweeter the second time around. Many don't know that my marriage is tested at the beginning of our lifetime together. At first it was like a bomb that hit me in pieces and denial stage has dawned in me. Many thoughts run to my head at that time because so many things were at that moment already there. It was most of me and myself alone and a friend. I want to break free but couldn't. So many reasons and realities to face and consider. But I hang on to myself and to my God. He never left me from the start until the end of my struggle. It was so real and I have to face it (come what may).

I am writing this because I want to thank my husband who strengthened my being. Despite of everything that we've been through, I will always be thankful to my Father for reasons that He only knew. It's been a roller coaster ride and I won't surrender until my dying days. To my husband, I thank you for showing me that marriage is a two way process. I know I have my downs, my weaknesses and my imperfections but still you never gave up on me. I can see you are trying and doing the best you can to provide for us. Thank you for making up and for trying to be a better husband and a father. Thank you for always being patient and considerate now with my needs and feelings. I somehow realize that being a father is a no-joke. It is a big responsibility to take as he should be the strength of the family. I salute you "Langga"/ "Papa" (to M) for standing by with us and for taking ways to support and provide for us. Thank you for showing your happiness whenever you are with us and that is enough for me to think that you love us more than anything else. I/We love you very much. Happy Father's Day!

My Blog got PR1

Yey! Finally my online diary got recognized today. For these past few days, I've been trying to check if my page rank got at least a 1. But it failed and even was invalid when I try to check it via page rank checker . And at least today when I tried to check again, I got a PR 1 today. I still have a long way to go since the highest is 10. Not too bad compared to last week with no rank at all. And here's another one, I check also my blog site if how it ranked in the top blog of the Philippines and from last week's 700++, I am now at 495 (as of writing time). Thanks to all my fellow bloggers who have been visiting my site religiously and even oftentimes. If not for your support, my site wouldn't have a face in the blogosphere.

Sundays are special for me

Ever since I can remember, I always like the Sunday spirit. I don't know why but I feel something different. Different in the sense that it's a positive vibe. Maybe because I associate it with families bonding together, going to church and it's the day that we spend it with our God. If my memory can recall it right, when we were still kids, we go to the beach every Sunday and the only time that we eat together as a family including holidays and birthdays. My father, most of my schooling years, was assigned in different areas in Mindanao (Philippines) because of work. And that made me feel special when Sundays come because of my father is home with us.

Another reason why I like Sunday is we look forward to what my grandfather brought for us from the market. He goes to the market early in the morning and bring home some "kakanin." And that's what we eat during our breakfast since it's already heavy in the stomach. Kakanin are Filipino specialties which is usually served as snack food. We look forward to Sundays because we drink cola drinks every after lunch and dinner. Sundays are also "tsokolate" time for us which my grandmother makes which is a good partner with "kakanin".

Oh how I love Sunday! How about you, don't you feel the same way?

Wisdom for today

"Happiness is celebrating the little things"..in life. 

That 'Promises Message' quote came from a small package of a chocolate named "Dove" given by smf over lunch and a Tootsie roll (a childhood favorite!). I never noticed it until smf said there's a saying in it. She said it's true for me. I wonder what she is trying to say. But eventually it sinked it. Yes, it's true! Little things like a smile on someone's face can brighten our day, a kiss, a word of appreciation, a thank you, a sorry, a hug, friendships, family, doing our favorite past time, simple chit-chat with our love ones and having God as the center of our life. Most of the time, these simple gestures are much easily taken for granted because it just passes away easily. We never thought about it until the other one died or because they've hurt you. Even if they've left, the memory of them makes us happy enough. I believe that money and material things are just secondary to our so-called happiness. It's temporary.  What matters is the simple things that come from who and what is around us. Everyday that we wake up is already a gift that comes from our God. That is Happiness!

Holy Week activities

I am born and raised with a religious and devoted Roman Catholic family. My grandparents in the paternal side are the reason why we in the family are closely-knit and always put God in the center of our family. Both my grandparents were active in the church when they we're still capable. My grandma passed away in 2009 while my grandpa is still active at the age of 92. He no longer is active in church but he regularly attends mass every Sundays. He never misses a Sunday.

This year is a long holy week for us. It was a timely event since my brother was here for a vacation, my sister-in-law too both all the way from UK and my auntie from Kuwait. Aside from observing holy week together, it was also perfect to spend more time with them.

• Day 1 (Holy Wednesday) is scheduled for a get-together with my family and relatives for a Videoke party. It was the only available time to unwind since my brother and his wife is leaving by the 8 of April. We had a fun night and ended around 10:30pm. If it hadn't been our cut-off time, surely we'll end up in the wee hours of the following day. 
• Day 2 (Maundy Thursday) we stayed at home together with my family and do some laundry. My nanny-cum-helper went home in their province and me and my husband left doing the household chores. Good thing my mom was there to nanny my baby. Doing the chores was like part of the penitence.
• Day 3 (Good Friday), we did Visita Iglesia (7 churches + 1) with my entire family. It was also a good bonding time together with my kid and my sister's one. The plus one is our traditional thing we do. After visiting the 7 churches, it is time to take a rest and pamper our stomachs. Chowking is our saviour.
• Day 4 (Black Saturday), me and my family headed to SM for a picture taking. Since my brother was here, we took advantage to have our family photo taken together with our kids.
• Day 5 (Easter Sunday), my sister-in-law treated as for a lunch at Ah Fat Seafood restaurant here in Davao City. It was a hearty meal.
• Day 6 (Araw Ng Kagitingan) is considered a regular holiday in the Philippines. It was the time that I just stayed home and rest after the long holiday/ holy day activities.

It was indeed a full-packed holidays and holy week that I'll surely keep. 

Me-time

With the Holy week falls on a long holiday, it is a great time to renew and recharge our spiritual self. It is with this that I will be out in the blogosphere world for some time after some soul recharging and self-recollection. It will not take long. It is just during these holy days and will be back as soon as regular days will be back to life. I know that it will be a good time to be with myself and recollect with what I have done wrong especially to my husband that I know that I’ve hurt a lot. I want to confess and say sorry for my wrongdoings. At the same time, I will be spending it with family whom I haven’t had a great and long time bonding and catching up with them. I will be back and visit you guys as soon as the Holy days (holidays) are over.

But at the same time, please do still support and visit my blog for those who are still in the surfing world!

A Blessed week to all!