I'm a BUM!

I resigned from my previous work last August 2008. I have to undergo a minor operation during that time so I need to stop working. Since then, I'm staying at home. I'm not employed until now.

I could say...


I am a BUM! :_(


but then I choose to say...



Thank God I'm a B.U.M.!

B-eing
U-sed by God
M-ightily


I may not be employed but I can't say that I'm totally unproductive. In fact, God is giving so many tasks to me... some are too big and I just can't contain it. (Thank you Lord for trusting me!)

I just learned that being productive is not merely based on where you are or how much money you earn.

Being productive is always a choice! :)

Help me Lord to just trust Your promises... that You are the One who holds my future. Let me just accomplish the tasks You have given me. Prepare me for future assignments and may You always find me faithful no matter how small or big that task may be. :)

Press on Toward the Goal!

God has been so faithful to me, to the entire ministry. I want to thank Him for allowing us to be part of a bigger assignment all for His greater glory. :)

We joined a dance competition last November 29, Saturday (that was already the grand finals) at Folk Arts Theater, organized by Philippine Bible Society. That was not a mere dance competition but it's one way to promote the use of Bible using our craft - dancing. God paved the way for the team to be the champion. Truly, He answers sincere prayers.

We joined not because we want fame, not for the prize, but for one reason... to give glory to the Highest God! We want souls who will accept God. I could still remember how hard we prayed before we danced. That was really unforgettable! Our reward was God Himself.

Below is the video of the actual dance -- "B'lib ako sa Biblia ko!" (courtesy of Kua Firmo..thanks to you!)



But then, I don't want to dwell on past victories and will strain toward what is ahead... look forward to more assignments from God. Since this victory belongs to God, all the glory belongs to Him as well!

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

My Last Day, My Last Words...

This is my last day...



...as a 21 year old-lady. Tomorrow, i'm turning 22. hehehe!



My last words...



...God has been so faithful to me for 21 years and I'm looking forward to experience more of His love and mercy for another year.



I plan to end my 21st year by offering God praise and worship through a dance. After my operation (excision on the right breast due to breast mass), 'di na ko nakasayaw ulit...almost 2 and 1/2 months din yun. And this time, I want to make it really special. :D

Thank you so much Lord! I love You so much! Here's my song for you.

Thank You
by Katinas

My Prayer...

Banal Mong Tahanan

Ang puso ko'y dinudulog Sa'yo
Nagpapakumbaba, nagsusumamo
Paging dapatin Mo'ng Ikaw ay mamasdan
Makaniig Ka at Sa'yo ay pumisan

Koro:
Loobin Mo'ng ang buhay ko'y maging
Banal Mong tahanan
Luklukan ng Iyong wagas na pagsinta
Daluyan ng walang hanggang mga
papuri't pagsamba
Maghari Ka, O Diyos
Ngayon at kaylanman

Worship Camp 2008

Thank You Lord for such a wonderful experience! I was really blessed that God made a way for me to join this camp. I wasn't expecting na possible pa since 'di ko na talaga pinagpray... but I could still remember na nasabi ko kay Lord, "If I need it, please let me join, kung kaya naman kahit hindi ako makasama, ok lang..." Hai (isang malalim na buntong hininga), sobrang amazing talaga. Ang daming tinuro sa'kin ni Lord.

> Sa sponsor, thank you very much. May God bless you all the more! Thanks din kay Kua JB... sponsor sa zip line! :D

Below are some pictures...

What a Comfort!

Every morning, when I wake up at naririnig ko ang chirping love birds namin (from Kuya JB), na sila Pipoy at Pipay, na-co-comfort ako. If these birds eat and live without working for it, how much more are we, who are God's chosen people. God will provide all our needs! Thank You Lord!

Devotions & Reflections

October 16. "NEVER TOO BUSY"
Nothing on you agenda, no matter how pressing, is reason enough to ignore the voice of God when He tells you to stop and help.

October 15. "REST TO REFOCUS"
(a message of encouragement from the Lord)
"You can give everything you have to God's service and come away exhausted. God removed Elijah from the activity for a time so that he could spend time with God. If He needs to remove you from your work for a time, He will."

> I was able to relate with Elijah, who after doing everything for God's Kingdom including burning the altar, people still want to kill him. Eventually, he found himself tired & rested in a cave. God asked him, "what are you doing there?"... and comforted him with His gentle voice saying, "Go back..." Minsan, kailangan lang ng rest to clearly hear God's voice and to experience His presence. That's exactly what has happened to me. :D

October 14. "CLEAR MESSAGE"
If we walk with Him, in obedience to His Word, He will stand with us and ensure us victory over our challenges. "OUR DECISION WILL BE EVIDENT BY THE OUTCOME."

> I went to Manila to have my EEG Test at Makati Medical Center. On my way home, while riding on a bus, I saw a big billboard with the message, "Follow Me." - GOD. Feeling ko, ako lang ang nakakita ng billboard na yun. After I saw it, I prayed... "Lord, para sakin ba yun? Ano po bang utos Nyo?"

After few days... nalaman ko na what God wants me to do. :D

Answered Prayer :D

I failed to update my blog for the past month for some reasons... at namiss ko talaga lalo na ang blog hopping. I will try my best to recall kung ano yung mga nangyari during those time so I can post it here... sa aking "modern diary."

August 14. I went to Manila, as far as I could remember... unintentionally, I went to Philippine Bible Society (PBS) along United Nations Ave. Nakakabless lang, I bought a Bible at a discounted price care of Ate Vicky. Naaalala ko pa nung minsang magkita kami ni Ate Weena sa PCBS-SM Pala Pala, we were both praying for a Bible since we have given ours to people na alam naming kailangan un. hehehe. :D



Investment nga talaga ang Bible... I hope and pray that I will love God's Words all the more... Thank You po Lord!!!

Please Fall in Line!!!

I went to NBI at FRC Mall, Imus to apply for a clearance yesterday. I was there at around 6:00am (hindi pa ako ang pinakamaaga sa lagay na un), pang-191 na akong applicant! wheew! Those who preceded me went there at 2:00am...hai, di ko yun kaya!

Sobrang exagge talaga ang haba ng pila. Nakakalungkot pa dun, may mga sumisingit...kanya-kanyang tactics, may mga fixers din as expected. May mga hindi marunong mahiya,as in harapan ang paniningit ah. Nasabi ko tuloy...

"Hai naku, hindi uunlad ang Pilipinas n'yan kung sa pila na lang hindi pa faithful."

I was reminded of one of Jessica Sojo's episodes (Kapuso Mo, Jessica Sojo). Ang pila daw sa Pilipinas ay sumasalamin sa sistemang meron ang bansa. Yung mga nagdodorm, 'pag gising pa lang pila na para makagamit ng c.r. then pila ulit para makasakay sa jeep...pila pa rin 'pag magwi-withdraw sa ATM, another line sa bills payment and so on. Conclusion dun, may kabagalan ang pagbibigay ng service sa mga Pinoy. Somehow, true... but I know there will still be changes in our system (with the help of computers)... hopefully and prayerfully.

Going back, I got my clearance by 4:00 pm, in short, buong maghapon ako dun. Akala ko nga magco-colapse ako, sobrang init at nakakainip!!!

Period ( . )

I said good-bye to elementary teaching last Friday, August 29, 2008. I resigned due some personal reasons. Now, no more....

> lesson plans
> examinations
> topic outlines
> class records
> textbooks
> teacher's manuals
> school memos
> classes
> school discussions

What's sad about this is that I will no longer have time to bond with my students. I could still remember how my advisory class cried before I leave, and how they prepared cards and letters. (Medyo nakakataba ng puso at nakakalungkot at the same time). Sa decision na aking ginawa, I believe they were the ones who were greatly affected... though may teacher naman na nag-take over right away.

I won't forget those times na nakikipagkulitan ako sa mga bata. 'Di kasi ako mahilig sa kids since I have younger siblings (at parang nagsawa na...), but through them, I learned to appreciate children. They are so honest (to the point na nakaka-offend na minsan ang mga sinasabi..hahaha!), so pure, cheerful and giving, nakakabless. I pray that I'll meet them again someday.

When it comes to teaching... will it be a "period" Lord?

yummy...

I love the mocha frost of Mocha Blends... (Thanks to Ate Ansel for the treat)

and Kenny Roger's soup + Tuna Sandwich (Costly but worth it)

Hectic...

Sobrang dami ng work na nakaline-up sakin...hai.

School Work:
- checking of students' project
- grading sheet
- student evaluation
- updating of lesson plan
- preparing quizzes
- Linggo ng Wika presentation (advisory class)
- topic outline for second grading

Iba pa yung sa bahay at ministry...

"Lord, please strengthen me.. help me to finish everything. Thank You po."

Childish Prayer

It was the first day of our periodical exams. Nakakatuwa... dati ako lang ang nagtatake ng exam, pero ngayon ako na ang gumagawa, nagpapatake at nagbabantay sa mga students.hihi!

Before we start the second exam (second subject) my advisory class (specifically the girls) knelt down and prayed. Their prayer goes like this:

"Heavenly Father, sana po matanggal na ang malaking pimple ni teacher sa nose. Please remind her na 'wag na kumain ng shrimp para 'di na sya magkaroon ulit ng malaking pimple. Saka sana po 'wag na syang magka-asthma at wag na sya a-absent...

Tapos biglang may pahabol ung isa....

...tsaka sana po may magkagusto na kay teacher para magkaboyfriend na sya. Amen."

Hahaha! Natawa talaga ako lalo dun sa last part. I can't imagine that at a very young age mas naiisip pa nila yung ganong bagay than I do. pambihira! Anyway, I appreciate their simple but sincere prayer (lalo na ung sa pimple... ang laki kasi talaga!).

Nakakatuwang isipin kung ga'no ka-sweet ang prayer ng mga bata sa ears ni Lord. :D

Confession

I was doing the periodical examinations of my students when I encountered this wonderful poem. Share ko lang... it's very humbling. :D

Confession
Francis Ridley Havergel

Last night, my little boy confessed to me
Some childish wrong;
And kneeling at my knee
He prayed with tears –
“Dear God, make me a man
Like Daddy— wise and strong.
I know You can.”

Then while he slept,
I knelt beside his bed,
Confessed my sins,
And prayed with low-bowed head,
“O God, make me a child
Like my child here –
Pure, guileless,
Trusting Thee with faith sincere.”

At work...

After how many weeks or months, ngayon ko lang na-upload ang pictures ko with my co-teachers sa Academia. We had a summer training last May. I could still remember that some of the photos below were taken during the evaluation day (evaluation of our teaching demo). Habang may kinakausap ng one on one sa isang kubo sa likod ng NCST, tamang picture naman kami while waiting for our turn.

Naisip ko ring magtake ng pictures ng ilang native items na matatagpuan sa isang kubo dun. :D

The one on the left is a picture of chimes made of bamboo that's why when the wind blows it produces good sounds ('di ko maexplain kung anong sound, basta relaxing). On the right side is a native chandelier. Natuwa lang ako..hehehe.

(Balik sa photo slideshow) I also took pictures with some of my students after the class. Then, yung last 3 photos were taken last Thursday lang, during our Scouting Investiture at Regatta Covered Court, sa Anabu, Imus. That was my first time to be an MC...MC ng bigger event with more or less 200 participants (including the teachers and parents), wearing Girl Scout Uniform (blouse and skirt)..hehe. Busy kami sa packing up kaya medyo konting pictures lang natake ko. :)

Poem Writing Activity

I love to write poems, yun nga lang wala na kong time para magsulat pa. I could still remember the day when I wrote my latest poem, that's almost a year ago. I was at the hospital looking over my sick grandma. It's about how gloomy that room was. Nasa ward kasi ang lola ko nun so I can see other patients with their relatives. One of the patients was about to die kaya medyo may iyakan.

Today I was able to write another poem together with my grade 4 class. Nasa poem writing na kasi kami and it was fun! :D We wrote a poem together using a guide found in their textbook. I was writing my poem on the board while they write theirs on a piece of paper. Here's my composition:

"I am"

I am an imaginative and creative girl

I wonder how eagles fly above the storm

I hear them chirping

I see their wings wide open

I want to fly high like eagles

I am an imaginative and creative girl

I pretend that I'm flying

I feel the strong winds against my wings

I touch the heavy clouds

I worry that I will not able to face the strong winds

I cry thinking that I will not make it through the storm

I am and imaginative and creative girl

I understand that God is with me

I say I will make it because I have Him

I dream to see myself flying over the dark clouds

I try to fly higher than ever

I hope to have stronger wings and deeper faith to persevere

I am an imaginative and creative girl.

Nakakatuwa lang, kahit sa simpleng tula I was able to share God's goodness to my students! You're so good Lord!

Double-minded

"He is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."

James 1:8

Lord, please help me not to be a double-minded person...

Help me to be wise in making decisions using Your Word as my basis.

Help me to stand firm in faith...

Life Seasons

Below are pictures of the same place in different seasons (which I received from Ate Gil via email :D).

These photos reminded me of Joshua Harris' words in his book, "I Kissed Dating Goodbye."

"Each of the seasons of our lives has a different emphasis,

focus, and beauty. One is not better than another;

each season yields its own unique treasures.

We cannot skip ahead to experience the riches of another life season.

Each season builds on the one before it."

We might be in a season that seems to be difficult but anyhow, one is thing is for sure...through the seasons that change, God's love remain...

Recharged...

Thank You Lord,

Your timing is really perfect.

You know exactly when to recharge me,

You made me really empty and even broken...

so that You can fill me once again.

:D

Teaching...

...is not only a profession,







but a calling.




Love for God is its foundation.

Do as What Pleases You

Lord, it's like facing uncertainty...

I don't want to be selfish...

So if this would mean giving up a thing...

I will obey even if it hurts...

I know that I'm a clay in a Potter's hand, and I have no right to quarrel with my Maker (Isaiah 45:9). I know you are shaping me in a way that seems best for You (Jeremiah 18:4) for a noble purpose and not just for common use (Romans 9:21)....

So be it unto me as what pleases You...

Notes:
Jeremiah 18:4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.

Isaiah 45:9 Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker, to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?' Does your work say, 'He has no hands'?

Romans 9:21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?

I had a dream...

Last night, I had a dream that was very meaningful...

I walked with Charm (my co-leader in the ministry) and crossed a road (na parang may center island) going to a dark place. I couldn't remember other details but I could clearly recall that there were men who wanted to hurt us. Napahiga na nga kami sa kalsada sa kaiiwas sa kanila. After a while, we were cornered and there's no way to escape. One man, na parang distorted ang itsura, tried to hit us with a hammer (a bigger one, na parang old model), we embraced each other tightly. Suddenly a transparent shield covered us, so hindi nya kami nasaktan.

I felt like crying when I woke up this morning. Sobrang nabless ako sa protection ni Lord. Even if that's just a dream, I strongly believe that God does protect us even more in reality. Thank You so much Lord... You are our Defender and Refuge!

The Right Approach

It is very true that God knows what we need. That's the reason why everytime I read His Words and pray or go to church on Sundays, I always ask God to give me an expectant heart. I know that the Sovereign God will speak to me, may it be a rebuke or an encouragement and so on. Yesterday, I just received a word from Him instructing me on how to face my problems, my Goliath.

The Right Approach in Facing Your Goliath

Text: 1 Samuel 17:37-40

1. Be Yourself. I don't need to pretend to be somebody else.
2. Use your talent. God has given me a full package of talent (this is somehow related to our team's devotion last Saturday) starting from planning, which means intelligence, up to execution, meaning skill and ability. (Exodus 35:30-35)
3. Use your faith. Indeed, believers live by faith and not by sight.

These words from the Lord strengthened my weak and tired soul. Thank you so much Lord!

Gurong Estudyante

Mahirap maging estudyante...
- maraming assignments, projects
- nosebleed sa examinations
- may mga demanding na professors na tipong feeling nila yun lang ang subject mo kung maghain ng requirements
- mahirap magbudget ng allowance lalo na kung may biglaang photocopies and handouts na dapat bayaran

Mahirap ding maging guro...
- kailangang magprepare ng lesson plan everyday or for the whole week
- kailangang mahaba ang pasensya sa mga batang makukulit
- bawal ang mapikon
- masakit sa lalamunan ang magdiscuss ng magdiscuss
- mahirap sagutin ang ilang tanong ng students, dapat laging prepared sa pagsagot ng possible questions nila
- dapat iba ibang approach ang gagawin sa pagtuturo since mahirap hulihin ang attention ng bata at madali silang mabore (it's a must to squeeze out your creative juices)

pero higit pa lang mahirap kapag pareho kang estudyante at guro...
- dapat i-budget ng maigi ang oras
- madalas 3-4 hours lang ang tulog lalo na 'pag weekdays
- dapat maging handa sa pagbabago ng appearance (up to 3 layers ang eyebags, papayat, etc)
- medyo mahirap ang shifting ng status, sa umaga teacher mode, sa gabi student mode
- gumagawa ng ipapa-assignment sa mga tinuturuan at gumagawa ng ipina-assignment ng professor

Gayunpaman, ang kalakasan ay nasa Panginoon. 'Di Nya tayo bibigyan ng kahit ano mang higit sa kaya nating pasanin. :D

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." - Ecclesiastes 9:10

I am confident of this...

You are with me everywhere I go...



I claim Your promise Lord!

A Leap of Faith

Since my scholarship was not approved for an unknown reason, I need to shoulder all the expenses. All in all I need to pay Php2+,+++ for the first trimester, consisting of 9 units or 3 subjects, and I have to pay it in full.

The on-line enrollment preceded the release of scholarship grants; I was enrolled before I came to know the result last May 20. The night before the said day, I prayed, "Lord, gamitin mo po lahat ng ka-imposiblehan sa mundo para ma-glorify ka sa buhay ko..." Indeed, God answers prayers. The next day, I was adviced that my scholarship application was not granted. Nasabi ko tuloy, "Lord, nagkamali yata ako ng prayer last night..." (sabay tawa). Ka-imposiblehan no.1 kasi na makapag-aral ako ng M.A. na shoulder ko lahat. I survived college at DLSU-D with scholarship grant every semester by God's grace.

I was scheduled to pay the tuition fee last Saturday and have my ID picture taken but since wala naman akong cash on hand, i just attended the graduate school orientation. I still have 2 weeks to settle my account (June 7) or else I will be removed from the official class list. My class will start tomorrow and of course, I will attend. hahaha!

I keep on praying that God will provide and make a way out for me. I was contemplating if I will continue or not. But then, I still have to pay 10% of the full assessment if I will choose not to continue, that's La Salle's policy.I was weighing if I have the right motive in taking my master's degree; Am I trying to insist what I want or this is what God wants? Am I following my own calendar or is it God's perfect time?

Actually, it's fine with me if I will not take my M.A. this school year. I don't want to be a burden to my parents considering that I still have younger siblings who must pursue their elementary/secondary/undergraduate education. I will be too selfish if I will ask support from my parents.

Naalala ko pa kung pa'no ako nakasubmit ng requirements noon, na-extend lang yung date of admission nila kaya ako nakahabol. I also remembered how God led me when it comes to the course I must take (nakwento ko yata yun sa isang post ko before). At 'pag iniisip ko lahat ng hirap na yun para makapasok, ang grace ni Lord sa bawat lakad ko, at sa lahat ng answered prayers, hindi talaga ako naniniwalang hindi ako makakapag-aral. Siguro para sa'kin, scholarship lang ang naiiisip kong way para makapag-aral, but God has so many ways... some of these, I can't understand because it's beyond my comprehension.

"Pa'no ngayon ang gagawin mo? Pa'no mo yan babayaran?" yan ang madalas na tanong sakin ng mga nakakaalam ng storya. Honestly, kahit ako, 'di ko alam ang sagot, 'di ko alam kung papa'no. But one thing is certain about this, GOD IS ABLE TO DO EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY MORE THAN WHAT I ASK AND IMAGINE! (Ephesians 3:20) Whatever happens, I know God is with me. This is a deeper level of test for me. This is a big leap of faith!

I will trust YOU...

Sadly, my scholarship application was not approved...

...but then LORD, my heart will still praise YOU!

Isaiah 55:9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. "

I will trust You 'cause You know what's best for me.

Held

A lyrical dance...

...na prayer naming (sa dance ministry) magawa.

April Happenings (Part 2)

A continuation...

April 21: NEW LOOK!

Nagpa-hair cut kami ng 2 sisters ko at si mama. Nung sabihin ko sa hair stylist ang gupit na gusto ko, hindi sya pumayag. hmf! In short, hindi nya pinagbigyan ang kagustuhan ko, pinagtawanan pa ako (a little bit sarcastic). Side bangs ang ginawa nya sa buhok ko, then trim ng konti. Ang gusto ko kasi, "Dora bangs" kung tawagin nila. Umuwi ako ng hindi satisfied kaya pinagupit ko sa sister ko ung buhok ko..haha! Ngayon, since 'di ko pwedeng ibalik ang buhok na nagupit na, kailangan ko na itong panindigan. hahaha! thanks to Ate Eu and Ate Ann na nag-ayos ng bangs ko last Sunday. :D

April 26: FULL LOAD!
Sobrang daming naka-line up na activities ngayon (dalawa lang naman actually...hahaha!). Start ng Dance 101 today. Below are some pictures.

Nakakatuwa ang pagkilos ni Lord... We were entrusted to draw more youth closer to God. :D

After the Dance Training, we attended a crusade, "Angkla" in Lalaan. Nakakabless din ang work ni Lord sa lugar na 'yun.

April 28: TOGETHER AGAIN

After a year, nagkita ulit kami ni Agatha. I visited her in Biñan, Laguna (for some business). Nakakatawa lang talaga, kung kailan naman ako nasa ibang lugar, saka naman ako inatake ng dysmenorrhea. Nagulo tuloy ang maganda nilang opisina para lamang bigyan ako ng mahihigaan para makapagpahinga! grr... kakahiya talaga yun!

After about an hour, medyo narelieve na ang pain so kain to the max naman! haha. Before going home, nagmeet muna kami ni mama sa SM, nag-grocery lang. After that, kumain kami ng siopao na syang naging dahilan upang mag-tumbling ang cellphone ko sa lapag. Nabitawan ko kasi ang cellphone ko sa kagustuhang masalo ang mahuhulog na siopao sauce. In the end, wala akong nasalo sa dalawa. As a result, two days din akong walang cellphone, walang nag-aappear sa screen. May tinuro lang sa'kin si LORD, 'wag magtext ng magtext! ahaha! Now, ok na ang phone ko... kailangan lang pala ng rest.

April 29-30: FAMILY'S SUMMER BONDING

At last, natuloy din ang plano ng family na mag-outing. Since karamihan samin takot mangitim, we had an overnight swimming sa 'di kalayuang resort sa bahay, sa Double V Resort. Thank You Lord for that great family bonding.

That's the highlight of my April's happenings. For this month , I believe marami pa ring in store for me, for the family, for the ministry... I'm so blessed, God has entrusted me new tasks, more people, which I will lay down sooner.

"Thank You so much Lord! You are able to prove to me that You are ever faithful... Help me to love You more and please give me the consuming desire to know You even more."

April Happenings

After several weeks, I had the chance to update my blog. (Hirap pala `pag walang sariling computer and internet connection. I want to have a set of computer...hindi lang naman for blogging.)

Below is a summary of what transpired for the past few weeks.

April 10: ANOTHER SISTER IN CHRIST
I went to Manila to submit my application requirements to La Salle University-Taft. I`m applying for graduate studies major in Marketing Communication. Nakakatuwa nga ang leading ni Lord sa course na dapat kong kunin. I was supposed to take up Applied Media Studies but when I submitted my requirements, `di pala nila ino-offer ang course for this coming school year. Sabi ng staff pumili na lang daw ako ng iba. I was a bit pressured kasi I need to decide on the course right away because that was the last day of application for graduate studies. I scanned the list of courses offered and I noticed that Marketing Communication will be more useful. Haha! Thank You Lord for leading me!

I rode a bus back to Dasmarinas and sat beside a woman who was going to Batangas. She`s Nanay Teresita, with two sons and one daughter. She`s leaving for Japan in few days.We had a good conversation and I had the chance to share God`s love to her. I was glad to know that she`s a Christian too! She gave me this pony (pang-ipit sa buhok), natuwa siguro :)


April 15: BONDING MOMENTS
Sa La Salle Dasma naman ang aking tungo para asikasuhin ang aking credentials. After that, nagkita kami ni Charm sa SM, lakad dito, lakad doon... We stayed for more than an hour at the Food Court, nakaupo lang at text ng text! hahaha! Parang naghanap lang ng ibang ambiance para magtext! haha! I waited for my sister and mom kaya nagstay kami dun ng matagal. Si Kua Pob dun dumiretso after work para mag-withdraw... sweldo!!! Of course `di na sya nakahindi na i-treat kami. We had dinner at Chowking... natuwa din ako sa item na `to...

lalagyan ng toothpick :)

April 17: TEST TO THE MAX!
La Salle Taft- I took my entrance exam at 1:30 pm. Ok naman ang Verbal Test (English, written) at Quantitative Exam (more on Algebra, pero in fairness nakalimutan ko na ito ha... 1st year college ang huli kong subject na may math eh!). However, nosebleed naman `pag dating sa essay part na 1 and 1/2 hour ang itinagal. My chosen topic was `The Filipino Youth Today.` Di ganon kadali dahil may format na kailangang sundin, it`s a Problem-Solution Essay.

After taking the exam, balik Dasma and had a practice for Sunday Praise & Worship. :)

April 20: SACRIFICE OF PRAISE
Whole day ang team (Tehillah) sa Church... 6 services ito kaya nakakapagod pero nakakatuwa because God is extending our limitations! After ng sayaw, ito ang kinahinatnan ng mga tuhod ko...


Pero I had no regrets. I`m blessed to be used by a Mighty God! Ito ang sayaw namin that caused pain to my knees and to my heart... `Give Us Clean Hands`

...pain to my knees kasi may step na biglang luluhod at the same time pain to my heart because God is at work! "Lord, give me clean hands and a pure heart," this was my week-long prayer. And God is exposing the impurities of my heart (pati kabulukan ng attitude ko) of course, it`s painful. Thank You so much Lord for working in me.

April 22: A REWARD!
Manila again...I went to NSO to get my mom`s birth certificate. Haba ng pila!!!! Buong maghapon akong pinawisan ng matindi dahil sa hirap ng pagpila sa pagscreen ng application at pagclaim ng certificate. It was almost 5:00 pm nung matapos ako. It happened na nagkita kami ng dati kong ka-officemate sa NSO. After that, niyaya nya akong magpa-spa... pinagamit nya sakin ang isa nyang full-body massage gift certificate (worth P580.00). Bawal ang magtake ng pictures kaya kwento ko na lang briefly.
Step 1. Shower
Step 2. Jacuzzi (babad kami dun for 30 mins.)
Step 3. Sauna (steam bath for 3 mins. Supposedly 10-15 mins. kami dun kaso sobrang init, a taste of hell!!!)
Step 4. Shower (ulit)
Step 5. Full body massage (for one hour. Ang galing nung masahista, akalain mong nabuhat kami! Actually pede pang magstay dun sa room at matulog pero dahil gumagabi na, di na kami nagstay pa.)
Step 6. Buffet (To the max na kain naman! Eat all you can, kaso may bayad `pag may natira kaya super limited ang kinuha ko kaso napadami ang kuha ni Irish kaya... Hay, Lord, sorry na.)

Nakakatuwa talaga ang reward ni Lord! Napagod man ako buong maghapon, napawi naman sa masahe! hehehe!

Miss ko na 'to!

Nakakamiss din pala ang blogging at pati ang blog hopping. Nasanay kasi akong online lagi (dati) at nakakapanibagong hindi na ganon ngayon...hehe.

But then, I'm thankful because I have more time to read my Bible and to pray. I write down my thoughts on my devotion notebook instead of posting it here (syempre wala naman akong budget para regular na magrent ng computer and so on).

Naguguluhan ako sa maraming bagay...

but Lord, my eyes are upon YOU!

Thank You LORD

God is giving me new task... medyo mas mabigat na responsibility.

Thank You Lord for trusting me though I fail You most of the time...

Dance Audition 2008

Summer ulit... nag-open na naman ang dance ministry for auditions. We had 20 auditionees last March 25 and 38 yesterday, March 27.

photos were taken last March 25 (first batch)

Nakakatuwa si Lord, medyo marami ang pinagkatiwala nya sa'min this time. Excited na ko!!!

One thing I realized during the auditions, God can make use of the dance ministry to somehow lead the auditionees in knowing their calling. It's tough to fail someone pero ganon talaga... we always need to make a decision.

For the passers, congratulations! I'm excited to see how God will train you (as new members) and us (as leaders. wheew!).

For those wo failed, it's ok. There's no harm in trying. I pray that you will continue seeking God and try find some other way to glorify His most holy name!

Y.A. Camp 2008

This was my first time to join a camp (sa church). I was recharged. I learned new things. I was reminded... and I realized a few things.

I love the place. Malaki ang alon kaya pala maraming surfers dun..hehe.

Below are some pictures (saka ko na idadagdag ang iba pa...):

Random updates

- WORK, WORK...

For almost one year, I worked with PACEOS. Nasanay akong nasa harap ng computer all day (kapag walang field work) . Nakakamiss din pala... This was my cubicle:

Maliit lang ang space kung tutuusin, pero enough na para makahinga ako..haha! Actually, these photos were taken after the effectivity of my resignation, which means nakapag-impake na ko. So lahat ng personal stuffs ko ay unti-unti ko nang nahakot. :)

I was reminded of those times na umiiyak ako in front of my computer, trying so hard to hide my tears from my officemates (syempre nakakahiya). I was praying with tears sa ganong mga pagkakataon (kapag may misunderstanding with my boss, may masakit na salitang narinig, etc.).

God has trained me both in technicals and in character sa work na 'to (I can say it's more on the character side).

Some things I've learned in my previous work (technical):

- various secretarial and administrative works

- business writing (sobra!)

- event management (from conceptualization & budget projection to egress)

- website management (sort of)

- basic of accounting (including issuing of checks, preparing financial reports, etc.)

- messengerial works (naging familiar ako sa areas ng Quezon City, Manila, Makati, etc.)

(On the spiritual side and character):

- submit to authorities

- humility

- have a sense of responsibility

- mean what you say and say what you mean

- be honest

- stand on your grounds (don't compromise your faith just to please somebody)

- don't defend yourself too much, let God do it

- go back to your goal from time to time

- be faithful in small things

- always look at something with expectancy to learn new things
- don't seek recognition

- be grateful at all times for small and big things

- be an example to your officemates (you don't have to please them, just do what pleases God)

- be careful with your words

- let your yes be yes and your no be no

- don't bad mouth your superiors nor back fight them

- learn to listen

- learn how to say "Sorry" (it will not degrade you as a person but will make you a better person)

- don't be afraid to speak

- follow instructions carefully

- be punctual

- always smile

- consider God first (don't foget to say a prayer, it's powerful!)

Kahit maraming beses akong umiyak dahil sa work na ito, it's all worth it!

As of the moment, wala pang nahahanap na kapalit ko kaya walang tumatayong executive assistant ang PACEOS. As much as I would want to be there, God is giving me so much assignments kaya un... Mamimiss ko lahat including the GMMs, BODs, at lahat ng boss ko at members ng association!

- HOMECOMING...

Last week, nagpunta kami ng thesis partner ko sa school. Imagine, after a year, ngayon lang kami magsusubmit ng thesis! haha. Ngayon lang namin napa-hard bound. Hopefully next week matapos na pati clearance namin para makuha ko na ang T.O.R. ko at diploma.

Nakakamiss din ang school ha...parang kelan lang, kami yung mga estudyanteng laging tumatakbo para hindi malate sa class, haggard to the max na tipong kung ano itsura pag pasok ganon na rin hanggang sa makauwi! hahaha.

Ang JFH Building kung saan umiikot ang mundo namin noon...

During that time, may job fair din pala sa alumni building kaya dumaan na rin kami. Iba pala talaga ang feeling 'pag ikaw na ang tumitingin sa ganitong board...

Nakakatuwang sariwain ang mga panahong ang iniisip ko lang ay kung paano matatapos ang project, paano maipapasa ang exams..hehe! Ngayon, mas mabigat ang responsibilities.

- CHURCH ACTIVITY...

We, Tehillah and Halal Team, had an overnight retreat last March 8 at COG. Nakakabless ang activity na yun. Ito ang group symbols ng bawat team:

'Di ko na masabi yung explanations bakit ganyan ang kinalabasan ng dalawang yan! hahaha. Basta, I'm thanking God for this activity, very helpful in restoring unity. :D

- EXTRA...

Nagpagupit kami ni Ate Eu last Monday, March 10. Finally, natuloy din! Medyo naligaw pa kami on our way to K & Q Salon sa Manggahan. Ang naggupit samin... si Kua Gani, friend ni Jacob ng Praise and Worship at attendee rin ng church! cool! Thanks to him...

Si Ate Eu ung nasa left side, ako naman ung nasa right.hehe. Ang haba ng buhok ko at lalong humaba after the treatment, nanghinayang tuloy gupitan ni Kua Gani, trim nalang daw...

> Namiss ko rin ang blogging... sa ngayon, wala akong gaanong time to update. Ganon pa man, masaya ako sa kung ano man ang mga naging decision ko.

Thank you Lord for leading me. I will patiently wait for You...

Ma'am Edith's Birthday

Kain to the max na naman kami sa office, it's Ms. Edith's golden birthday. Ang laman ng plate ko...



...Yang chow, sweet and sour fish, steamed vegetables with sauce (I don't know how to call it), chicken, pancit canton. For dessert, double dutch ice cream, mega mocca crunch ice cream and double dutch cake of Red Ribbon. :D

More birthdays to come Ma'am! May God bless you even more!

I am defenseless

Lord, You know how defenseless I am against their painful accusations, their misjudgments. I can't say a word, I know I need not to explain myself...

(Numbers 12:1,3-9)

1 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses...
3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)
4 At once the LORD said to Moses, Aaron and Miriam, "Come out to the Tent of Meeting, all three of you." So the three of them came out.
5 Then the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud; he stood at the entrance to the Tent and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them stepped forward,
6 he said, "Listen to my words: "When a prophet of the LORD is among you, I reveal myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams.
7 But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house.
8 With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?"
9 The anger of the LORD burned against them, and he left them.

I know I'm neither as humble as Moses nor as faithful as him but I am convinced that we have the same GOD. Now, can I ask You a favor?

"Can You please defend me Lord..."

Napansin ko lang...

Nakakalungkot pa lang maghugas ng plato 'pag bareta ang gamit mo at hindi dish washing liquid, lalo na 'pag nasanay kang yun ang gamit mo...

I Missed Cooking!

'Pag nasa bahay ako, pagluluto ang madalas kong ginagawa. Since I'm at work on weekdays and in church on weekends, wala na 'kong time para makapagluto pa. Kaya naman sobrang natuwa ako nung makapagluto ako ulit last weekend.

• Saturday. Ginisang Manok sa sayote (I don't know how should I call it)
• Sunday. Pork Sinigang
• Monday (holiday). Chicken Afritada and for merienda, Champorado and tuyo. :)

na-realize ko lang, namimiss ko nang magluto...

Sorry Lord...

Sa tuwing makikita ko ang...

- MMDA street sweepers na maagang nagwawalis kahit mainit...
- ponkan vendor na umaakyat sa bawat bus na nakapila sa terminal, masayang nakikipag-usap sa mga pasahero at sinasabing walang kamatayang 5 piso lang ang bawat piraso ng ponkan...
- kilalang burger vendor, na iba-iba ang hair style, na sinusuyod din ang mga bus sa terminal at nakangiting sinasabi, "Burger Ma'am, Sir, burger...with coleslaw na po, baon sa b'yahe"...
- masasayahing parking attendants sa compound ng Boom na Boom...
- babaeng traffic enforcer na nasa gitna ng daan buong maghapon...

...nahihiya ako Sa'yo Lord dahil feeling ko napaka-ungrateful ko sa work na binigay Mo sa'kin.

Naalala ko tuloy ang mga lines na ito:
* It's not important how big or small your task is, what matters is that you do it with joy and love.
* I can't do great things. I can do small things in great ways.

Lord, help me to be faithful up to the end. May everything I do give glory to Your Most Holy Name.

Never Give Up On Me

- Josh Bates -

Time after time You’ve been left behind

like the sun when it’s starting to rain

Time after time You’ve been forgotten

like a picture that’s faded with age

Time after time You ran after me

when I was still running away

Chorus:

You never give up on me

No, You never give up on me

Though I’m weak You are strong

You told me I still belong

No, You never, never give up on me

Time after time I’ve used Your grace

as a way to do what I please

I’ve taken for granted prayers that You answered

never been all I could be

You are holding out Your hands

and now I clearly see

You always erase all my mistakes

You lift me up when I'm down

Through all the ages, Your love never changes

You welcome me just as I am

Never give up, never give up on me...

Field Work Again...

I realized how tiring it was to apply for a business permit. I thought 'pag tapos kong magbayad ng tax sa City Hall, I can claim the permit a week after. When I went back to Pasay City Hall I was told to accomplish a clearance form. Whew! So, last friday I went to Pasay Fire Department for Clearance then to Pasay General Hospital. Inauguration pala ng General Hospital kasi ni-renovate kaya ang daming tao. I looked for the City Veterenarian's office, it was on the 6th floor. Medyo scary nga lang ung floor na yun kasi ginagawa pa. I took some pictures. It was a good shooting location (ng horror film? hehe! medyo)...

Sa magulong bahaging ito ng ospital hindi ko akalaing may nag-oopisina na dito...

Joyful Toons by Mike Waters

- I received this email last week. Nakakabless lang... Indeed, we can use everything for God's glory. :)

7 Practices of the Effective Woman

- a repost taken from Ate Gil's page.

1. She rises early
2. She maintains the spiritual disciplines
3. She focuses on relational priorities for every season
4. She sets up regular times for planning
5. She develops an effective to-do list system and calendar/planner system
6. She establishes an efficient routine for managing her home
7. She organizes her house systematically

A Happy Trip

Finally, I was able to ride on Erjohn's new bus called "Golden Dragon". Last night was my second time. Na-appreciate ko ang magandang ambiance na tipong nasa airplane lang.

Sa bus, I hate sitting at the back dahil feeling ko wala na kong makita bukod pa sa sobrang bouncy na halos hindi ka na makasandal ng maayos. Isa pa, ang init na sa likod at parang nasisikipan ako.


However, for the very first time, na-enjoy ko ang pwesto sa dulo. Elevated ang seats kaya sobrang kita ko ang daan at ang magandang sea and cityscape sa part ng Coastal Road. Hindi rin siksikan since there are only five seats compared to most of the buses na anim ang uupo.

Also, 'pag nasa dulong seat ako (sa aircon ibang bus), maliwanag na sa'kin na hindi ako magkakaroon ng tyansang makapanood o makasulyap man lamang sa telebisyon. Pero natuwa ako sa makabagong bus na 'ito na LCD nga ang tv at dahil dyan naunawaan ko ang palabas (a movie starring Jackie Chan).

May microphone system ding gamit ang driver kaya madaling sabihan ang mga paseherong bababa (parang MRT lang na every station ina-announce ng driver).

Na-appreciate ko talaga ng sobra ang bus na ito, very comfortable! Kaya isang bagsak para sa iyo Golden Dragon! :D

Cellphone

Sa blog ni Ate Gil, may phone na nakapost (ang kanyang dream phone). Ganon din naman sa page ni Ate Weena, ang kanyang bagong biling phone. Ito naman ang sa'kin...

Hindi yan bagong bili (obviously) at lalong hindi yan ang dream phone ko! LOL! That was my phone since I enter college (meaning to say 5 years na yan sa'kin) and now I will hand it over to my younger sister. Bumili kasi ng phone ang ate ko so ako naman ang gagamit ng lumang phone nya. Oh di ba, parang damit lang...ipinamamana!

Packing Up

Last night, inimpake ko na ang iba ko pang gamit sa apartment. Yun na ang huling tulog ko sa lugar na 'yon.

Sabi ko nga sa sarili ko (at sa prayer) "Khen, kailangan bang mag-drama ka ng ganyan? haha! Feeling mo naman sa abroad ka pupunta!" (actually natatawa rin ako sa sarili ko) Buti na lang nagkakaintindihan kami ni Lord. Hay... *isang malalim na buntong-hininga. Hirap pala talaga iwan ang isang bagay na mahalaga para sayo...

Ate Malu's Birthday Celebration

Thanks to Ate Malu for a bountiful lunch. Few weeks before, iniisip pa lang namin kung ano ang menu. Every one seems to be excited sa pagdating ng araw na ito... kung saan seafood ang maghahari sa hapag. :)

mapapansing wala ako sa mga larawang ito dahil ako ang cameraman :)

My plate was this full...

For main dish, we have:

- a tray of baked salmon of Conti's Restaurant

- sinigang na hipon

- baked talaba

- crab in garlic and cheese

- 2 whole Andok's chicken

For dessert:

- half gallon of Nestle Cookies & Cream Ice Cream

- half gallon of another flavor of Nestle Ice Cream (I don't know how it's called... it's a combination of chocolate and peanut butter I guess)

- mango bravo of Conti's Restaurant

The cake was about 4-5 inches tall with three layers. The first layer was chiffon, the second was a layer of mango and the bottom layer was crunchy (tipong toasted chiffon kung may ganon man). That was the only cake na nagustuhan ko ang icing. Yummy!

More blessed years to come Ate Malu... and more mango bravo for us! haha! :D