Christmas 2010

I can still remember how I "celebrated" the Christmas of 2009. I was alone in a foreign land. I was just so thankful for the internet because it made me feel like I was just home, somehow.

Now, I won't have to worry about that anymore. I will be celebrating this important season with my family.

I am just so excited celebrating Christmas with my children again. Merry Christmas everyone!

Back Again

There are really things that money cannot buy. I resigned from my work in Singapore because my husband and I decided that I have to be with my kids. They are growing up so fast and I do not want to miss it. I want to be a part of that. And, so I am back and enjoying my life with the person who truly matters to me - my family! Thank God for a change of heart. ;)

Pre occupied

I was very happy when my boss told me that for the whole July and August our office will be closed every Sunday.

God's timing is always the best. I needed every Sunday off. We will have our Sports Fest this coming August 9, 2010. We need to prepare for the "presentation" and we can only practice it every Sunday after service till midnight! Yes, we have been practicing 'till midnight! It was fun since we get to be together and get to know each other more.

My body is aching now, we had to dance. It has been a while since I last danced. I am just glad that God is giving me a chance to dance again now. One more week to go!!! :)

A dot

I was the center of attention inside the house. My housemates are teasing me because I have a zit! Well, it's just normal for me to have a zit every now and then (especially if it's about time for my monthly period), but this one is different. I have a zit in between my eyebrows. I actually find it cute though.

My zit looks like a Bindi(from Sanskrit bindu, meaning "a drop, small particle, dot") is a forehead) from afar.



I am not really too conscious about my face. But I remember an instance when I got a zit in my chin. It was there at the wrong time I guess, because I was to attend a reunion that day.

It was an Alumni Homecoming from my High School. I saw one of the faculty members from my Elementary School. I was surprised to know that we came from the same High School so I approached her. I introduced myself. She said she couldn't remember me and then I told her I was never really her student. And, then she said "Oh, yeah, I remember now. I recognized the mole on your chin!". I nodded and I just smiled.

I Commit to Change

A man who dares to waste one hour of life has not discovered the value of life.
Charles Darwin

Playing with your kids, hearing their stories, spending time talking with a dear friend, walking in the park, jogging, playing badminton, strolling, visiting a library or a bookstore to get a good book, chatting with a love one or an old friend, talking over the phone with my children, eating out. These are just some of the things that I do with my time and I valued them most.

What others may view as a waste of time could be the reasons for others to live a happy life.

I am supporting the I Commit to Change Movement in Facebook. And, I am committing my self to change the way I use my time. For the past weeks, I have noticed that I have not been using my time well and I know I have got to change. I am committing myself to value every second that I have been privileged to have.

Blog with Substance Award

I was speechless. The feeling was exhilarating. It was more than winning a beauty contest.

I was very happy to hear that Ma'am Carmen Araneta of The Living Grace informed me that I was one of the recipient of Blog with Substance Award. Thank you so much.

I have received a few awards for this blog when I started blogging but to be honest, it's really an honor to know that my blog will be viewed as a Blog of Substance.

I am accepting this award with all of my heart and here are the rules for this award:

1. Thank the blogger who awarded it to you.
2. Sum up your blogging philosophy, motivation, and experience using five (5)words. example: WRITE HEART PEOPLE LIVE HAPPY
3. Pass it on to 10 other blogs which you feel have real substance.


My blogging Philosophy focused on GOD, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, VALUES, STORY.

I am passing this awards to the following blogs that have inspired me and encouraged me to continue to learn and to grow not just in the world of blogging but to life itself.

Kudus to the following blogs. To one of my favorite blogs who really showed substance, The Brown Raise, to a very loving and passionate sister in Christ, Sunny, the very cuddly and cute Mommy Amor, to a very Fashionista and an expecting Mom, Mommy Phebie, Mommy Eds,a very simple woman yet to be admired, B & J, an inspiring woman and wife, Mommy Chris, and Mommy Jen.

I am hoping these blogs will continue to inspire other bloggers and stay to be a blog of real substance.

Back home

Tangahali na nang magising ako. Nagpuyat kasi kagabi. Ganito kami dito, kapag kinabukasan mga wala kaming pasok, sinasamantala ang gabi. Kwentuhan, kalokohan, kulitan.

Inaantay kong tumunog ang "alarm" ng telepono ko. Nakita ko kasi sa relo sa pader na 5:40 pa lang ng umaga kaya natulog ulit ako. Pag gising ko, tumingin ako sa relo. 5:40 pa rin ng umaga! Sira pala ang baterya. Ang telepono ko naman wala na ring baterya kaya di na gumana ang alarm.

Pag tingin ko sa isa pang relo, 11:43 ng umaga na pala. Dali dali akong tumawag sa asawa ko. Malapit na palang umalis ang anak ko bahay. 5:45 ng hapon ang flight nila.

Video call naman, ang unang tanong sakin ng anak ko, "Bakit ka malungkot, Mommy?" Di ko alam na nakita nya pala ang nararamdaman ko. Sabi ko, "Wala lang." Pero medyo nagmana sa kin ang anak ko. Di siya pumayag na iyon lang ang sagot ko. Tinanong ulit nya, "Bakit ka nga malungkot,Mommy?". Di ko na napigilan. "Na mimiss ko na kasi kayo." Iyon na lang ang sinabi ko.

Ngayon na ang araw na aalis ang anak kong lalaki papunta sa Aklan. Nalulungkot ako kasi sa loob ng halos 3 linggo, di nya makakasama ang Daddy at Baby Andie Girl nya...

Tumawag ulit ako nung nasa Airport na sila. Kinausap ko ang anak ko. Tinanong ko sya kung ready na siya pumunta sa Aklan. Ang sabi nya, " Ready na ko Mommy, pero malungkot din ako." Tinanong ko siya kung bakit sya malungkot. Sabi niya, "Wala lang malungkot lang ako." Di rin ako pumayag na yun lang ang sagot nya. "Bakit ka nga malungkot?", ang tanong ko. " Kasi ma mi-miss ko rin sila Daddy.", at bigla na nyang pinasa ang telepono sa Daddy nya.

Di bale na, mahirap talaga pag humaharap tayo sa mga pagbabago. Pero naniniwala ako na ang desisyon namin na doon na lang muna sila sa Aklan ay mabuti. Alam ko para din sa ikabubuti nila yun.

Nawa ay patnubayan ng Diyos ang pamilya ko, kahit saan man sila pumaroon.

A New Beginning

" Anywhere in the Philippines, as long as the three of you are together." That is what I told my husband after so many days of deliberation. We have decided that it would be best if they will go back to Aklan.

My sister in law is now busy helping us to look for a school where we can transfer my son, Seandy. The list goes on and we are yet to decide which one we will take.

Well my husband said it will be finalized this week. My son will go first, together with my mom in law.

My husband and my baby girl will follow.

We are actually excited about this. It's less crowded there, less polluted. And the people are also great, we also have a church there (Bread of Life). And, eventually my husband can study too.

I have always loved living in the province. Plus, they can learn the dialect! One thing, I wish I could have learned(well, i know just a little).

Welcome home my kids. Kalibo, Aklan is such a great place. :)

Had a wonderful dream

Last Thursday, me and my housemates decided to eat out for our dinner. We went to Harry's Bar. We just hang around a bit. The food was great.



We went home at around 11:00 pm. Everyone was tired and went to bed.

It was okay to sleep late for I will be having a 3-day vacation but I woke up early at around 5:00 AM and felt that I was still dreaming. I have seen myself inside the Changi Airport checking in my luggage.


I then went inside the plane and slept again. I had to wait for more than 3 hours until the plane reached its destination.

Finally, I woke up, I thought the dream has stopped. I saw myself queuing to get my baggage back. There was not much people in the airport - it was a relief.




My dream continues and this time, I saw myself inside a mall. I was sure I was waiting for the people that matters to me the most. I was excited to see them, to hear them, to kiss them.

My dream brought me to our favorite Pizza Parlor. I was with my kids and my husband again!




After which we went home. I then saw myself with my family. I was able to kiss my mother, hug my father, and talk with my sisters.

They seem to miss me a lot too. Have you experienced dreaming and you had to sleep in your dreams? I slept and the first day was over.

I woke up in my dreams and it was the second day. I've seen myself playing with my kids and singing with my sisters. We were able to watch some good movies together again.









Everything seems so real. :)

And just like any other dream, I knew I had to wake up. The last thing I remembered was my husband sitting beside me in the bus sending me off again.




I went inside the plane and fell asleep. Then I woke up and my life here in Singapore began again. I miss my family. I would like to see them again real soon.

Wake up dream's over. :)

TGI Tuesday!

I'm very excited whenever the 1st and 3rd Tuesday arrive. I have learned how important small group is. I used to have my small group, but when I moved to Aklan, I lost touch with them. I only met a few of them again when I went back to Manila.

My small group has helped me a lot. It was with them that I have grown a little deeper. I'm still growing now and I am thankful knowing my new Small group will be there for me.

Last night we have started our first session on the book "The Purpose Driven Group". This book is design to help small groups in churches. This is in line with the book Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.



As we start this journey together, I know that God will use each of us to strengthen each others faith; and would help us grown deeper.

Now what?

Tapos na ang halalan. Aantayin na lang natin ngayon ang final at official na results ng election. Then what? Ang mga Filipino ba na walang trabaho sa kasalukuyan ay magsisimula ng tumayo at lumakad para maghanap ng trabaho o gaya pa rin ng dati na uupo at mag aantay ng magandang oportunista o trabaho na lalapit sa kanila.

Ang alam ko ang sinisigaw natin, "Itama ang boto, iboto ang tama". "Ako ang simula". "Kailangan natin ng Pagbabago!" Nakahanda na ba talaga ang Pilipinas sa pagbabago? Handa na ba talaga tayo na harapin ang mundo at muling itayo ang bandila ng Pilipinas?

Ang pagbabago ay nasa bawat isa. Kahit sino pa ang dumaang presidente sa Pilipinas kung ang mga tao mismo ay ayaw magbago wala ring mangyayari. Aanhin mo ang magandang batas kung wala namang may balak na sumunod?

Nakakatuwang isipin na marami-rami din ang napabago ng eleksyon na ito. Lalong lalo na ang kabataan. Mas marami akong nakita, nabasa at narinig na mga taong nagpapakita kung gaano nila kamahal ang bansa.

Natutuwa rin akong isipin na bago maganap ang botohan, ipinagdiwang muna natin ang "Mother's Day." Naniniwala ako na kung ang bawat magulang ay magtuturo ng maayos at magiging magandang ehemplo sa kanilang mga anak mas magiging maganda ang Pilipinas sa mga susunod na henerasyon.

Very significant ang nakikita kong pagbabago sa mga kabataan ngayon. Pinapakita nila ang suporta at pagmamahal nila sa ating bayan. Huwag lang sana nating kalimutan na ipagdasal ang ating mga pinuno - kahit na ang nanalo ay hindi ang gusto mo.

God bless the Philippines. :)

In Moments like this

This is the day I have been dreading about. My son called me and asked me to come back home. He said he missed me a lot. He told me he no longer have Mommy to sleep beside him at night - and then he started crying. I started crying to. I needed to think of ways on how to stop him from crying. He only stopped when I told him that I will ask his dad to bring them here to visit me.

How could I ever decline a request from a child. I promised him I will go back but not for now. Hopefully tomorrow. LOL.

I know I couldn't make any justifications as to why I am here. But my God knows what is happening within and that's more important to me right now.

Do not worry my son, mommy will be there in no time. :)

May 2010 Election

May 10, 2010, another monumental day in the Philippines. It's presidential elections once again.

I was very sad because I could not exercise my right to vote this year. I went here last November and the registration for Absentee Voters was over. Too bad I can't vote.

I was never into politics ever since, because I believe that politics can't help much in building the nation. I believe that what we really need is a change of character a change of hearts. But the Bible is also clear in saying that we have to respect the authorities here on earth. As Romans 13:1 says, "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God."

I wasn't able to vote this time which is why I have been proactively campaigning the

man

that I would like to vote.

Before I began posting his ads on my site on Facebook, I had to message two of my best friends. I just thought I needed to let them know that I would be supporting Dick Gordon.




I just don't want to hurt their feelings. My best friends Jhanie and Pia are supporting Eddie Villanueva and Jojo Binay respectively.




While my parents and in laws are ready to support Noynoy.



I have been praying for our country and I hope to see our country rise again. We may have different bets but I hope that every Filipino will have one prayer in mind - the welfare of our country.

Don't be like my daughter. She can easily flash that sign and shout the name but she doesn't have any idea at all. God bless the Philippines.

Happy Mother's day.

It's mother's day again. I missed my mom. Last year's Mother's day, I bought chocolate flowers and asked her grandchildren to give it to her one by one. I was so happy seeing my mom smile shyly. I love to see my mom smile. I have already ordered online to deliver flowers for her this Mother's day but it would be different now since I will not see the smile on her face. However, knowing she is happy will be enough for me.

Since I am a mother myself, I will miss my children all the more. I missed playing with them, hugging them, watching them. Yes, I get to talk to them everyday but it's different seeing and hearing them face to face.

I especially missed my kids at night - it was at night time when I get to talk to them longer. We share bed time stories, my son would tell me what happened to him during the day. It was also at that time when my son would tell me his dreams, his plans.

I often ask my son how much does he loves me. He would say, "Mom, I love you this much!" (then he would stretch his hands).

Sometimes if he got disappointed with me, he would show me his hands, stretched only a little. Which means he loves me less at that time.







But if he was too happy, he would stretch his hands so big to mean that he loves me so so much.


Knowing how much my son loves me gives me happiness. His love and appreciation means so much to me.

It reminds me of how much our Father in heaven loves me. Do you want to know how our father in Heaven loves us?

He loves us this much...with His arms outstretched on the cross.

The God our Father loves us so much that He gave His only son to die for us. I hope that His sacrifice will not be in vain. For those who has not accepted His gift of salvation yet. Now is the time to decide, before everything is too late.

God bless every mother. Happy Mother's day to all moms in the world.

My daughter

A couple of weeks ago my son was very excited when he told me that her "Lola Ann" and her "Tita Myan" are coming over to visit them .

I am also very thankful because my sister in law took some videos of my daughter. I really miss them.

I just want to share the videos here.



Here's another video. Beware: Parental Guidance needed.




Thank you Tita Myan. Looking forward for more videos to come. :)

Yellow day

I am very excited to join Mommy Moments once again. It has been a while since I had my last entry.

This week's theme is about the color yellow. I am posting pictures of my kids that has something to do with yellow.

Here are the pictures:


This is my son, Seandy, with his cousin, Elijah showing a piece of yellow toy.





This is my baby girl, Andie wearing a yellow sunglasses.









Other pictures that has a touch of Yellow.





Looking forward for more Mommy Moments again. :)

Over time.

Last Sunday, our boss treated us for a night of fun. I was excited since it will be my first time to play bowling. We were divided in 2 groups. We won on the first set but the other team won the second set. We only played two sets and based on the accumulated scores - the second team won. Yeah our team did not win, but it was okay. My boss gave consolation prices anyway. I got $50, yay!!

We were so excited to play that we forgot to take pictures for souvenir. Luckily, I got a few pictures on my phone.








I had fun. I was the only one in who never had a strike. At least, I got score. Not bad for a first time. LOL.

After bowling, we had our sumptuous dinner at Lerkthai. if you like spicy food, then you have to go to this place. Me and my friends tried Korean food last time, and this time it's Thai.

Every food I ate (except the rice of course) was spicy. But I love it.

I love the taste of their "Traditional Green Mango Salad"


And, when I saw that they have "Eggplant with Minced Chicken" I ordered it too. But, I like it better with minced pork.









My thumb and my ankle still hurt but it was worth it. Looking forward for a re-match!

Thanks for the Fellowship

I had to hurry last night. My church opened new small groups here in Singapore and it will be my first time to attend. I had to stay in the office until 8:00 PM and the meet up was scheduled at 8:00pm too.

I didn't make it on time but when I arrived they have just started. We ate at Crystal Jade Ginseng Chicken & BBQ in Centrepoint. Since it was just the first meeting, we only introduced each other.

Here are some pictures I got online of the food that we have eaten.







We had a lots of fun and we all left with full stomach. I thank the Lord for the friendship that is about to blossom.

I will look forward for another gathering next week. :)