10 days before Christmas

And I haven't wrap a single gift yet :( I don't want to stress my self though so I am not cramming, have bought a few gift items for our nieces and nephews and will try to buy few more for our godchildren just in time for our church thanksgiving party on Sunday. 

Like last year, I am organizing a gift giving event for our ministry again and this time our beneficiaries are the kids from San Luis,Aurora-   their area was badly hit by typhoon Lando last October. We are giving them small toys, hygiene stuff and cookies :) I hope that will make them smile and happy this Christmas.

*~*

I dreamt of my  Tatay last night, in my dreams, he was holding my hand and guiding me to a path going to our relatives place. It is in this time of season that I miss him most, because during Christmas, he gets excited, he plans for the food and whats not, he loves to open gifts from us. I guess our Christmas will never be the same again without him.

BUT, I refuse not to be on the celebrative mood this Christmas. I refuse not to be happy. I am blessed, I have family to spend the holidays and all my nieces and nephews are excited as usual.

10 more days to go and it's Christmas :) I hope you enjoy your time with your love ones!

Durian Ice Cream

This is DURIAN, Mindanao's most famous fruit.

It smells bad,ok really really bad but they said it tastes good. I can't bring my self to taste it because of the smell, I attempted many times (recently on our trip to Davao this last weekend) but I can't take it talaga.

Surprisingly, the durian ice cream is altogether different. When I had a taste of it last Monday (still in Davao) It was good and I liked it! No smell and no after taste of the durian fruit :)

I guess I'm okay now with the durian ice cream, I'm giving up on the fresh fruit. :)

Be strong and courageous

To anyone who might be facing difficulty or challenges in life, may you be encourage by the Lord. Happy Friday!

image not mine :) ctto

Surfing in Baler, Aurora

Our family went to Ma. Aurora, Aurora last weekend to attend a cousin's wedding and since it is an hour away from Baler we decided to go and visit the beach. Baler is well known for its big waves (Pacific Ocean) so it is also famous for surfing enthusiasts.

Now, it has been on our bucket list to try surfing (at least for my husband) and we did not let go of this chance. He did enjoy it and want to try it again someday soon.

Here he is, listening to the instructor giving basic lessons in surfing. Trying the board. Beside him is my eldest niece, it was his first time too but I think he is pretty good for beginners.

 I think that surfing board is way too heavy!! haha :)

paddle pa more! look at his instructor's big smile :) 

I didn't get to take a decent picture of him riding the waves but I have videos

After an hour of battling the waves :)

It was fun indeed!  I think I should also try it on our next visit lest I want to be the photographer again.

 

Hungry much?

It's past 5 in the afternoon, currently sitting here in my office table, waiting for my husband and I don't know why I am soooo hungry all I can think of is food.

Craving for all of these, yes, all of these.

Garlic Longganisa

Crispy fried chicken ( and  I only had this for lunch today) not the one from Jollibee though

 Sushi and maki

sigh, this is making me all the more hungry. Thank God it's weekend and I can at least cook fried chicken for us :)

Have a happy weekend everyone!

30 RULES FOR GODLY WOMEN

Got this on facebook and thought of sharing it here in my blog (CTTO)

I checked my self and sigh. I am a wife in progress. Married for 9 years and yet so very far from being a Godly wife. 

1). Never raise your voice for any reason to your husband. Its a sign of disrespect.(Prov 15: 1)

2). Don't expose your husband's weaknesses toyour family and friends. It will bounce back at you.You are each other's keeper.(Eph 5:12)

3). Never use attitudes and moods to communicate to your husband, you never know how your husband will interpret them. Defensive women don't have a happy home.(Prov 15:13)

4). Never compare your husband to other men, you've no idea what their life is all about. If you attack his Ego, his Love for you will diminish.

5). Never ill treat your husband's friends because you don't like them, the person who's supposed to get rid of them is your husband.(Prov 11:22)

6). Never forget that your husband married you, not your maid or anyone else. Do your duties.(Gen 2:24)

7). Never assign anyone to give attention to your husband, people may do everything else but your husband is your own responsibility.(Eph 5:33)

8). Never blame your husband if he comes back home empty handed. Rather encourage him.(Deut 3:28)

9). Never be a wasteful wife, your husband's sweat is too precious to be wasted.

10). Never pretend to be sick for the purpose of denying your husband sex. You must give it to him how he wants it. Sex is very important to Men, if you keep denying him, it is a matter of time before another woman takes over theat duty. No man can withstand sex starvation for too long(even the anointed ones) (SS 7:12)

11). Never compare your husband to your one time sex mate in bedroom, or an Ex-lover. Your home may Never recover from it if you do.(SS 5:9)

12). Never answer for your husband in public opinion polls, let him handle what is directed to him although he may answer for you in public opinion polls.(Prov 31:23)

13). Never shout or challenge your husband in front of children. Wise Women don't do that.(Eph 4:31)

14). Don't forget to check the smartness of your husband before he checks out.(Prov 12:4)

15). Never allow your friends to be too close to your husband.

16). Never be in a hurry in the bathroom and on the dressing table. Out there your husband is always surrounded by women who took their time on their looks.( 1 Sam25:3)

17). Your parents or family or friends do not have the final say in your marriage. Don't waste your time looking up to them for a final word. You must Leave if you want to Cleave.(Luke 21:16)

18). Never base your love on monetary things. Will you still submit to him even if you earn more money than him?

19). Don't forget that husbands want attention and good listeners, never be too busy for him. Good communication is the bed rock of every happy home. (Gal 6:9)

20). If your idea worked better than his, never compare yourself to him. Its always teamwork.(Gal 6:10)

21). Don't be too judgemental to your husband. No man wants a Nagging wife.(Eph 4:29)

22). A lazy wife is a careless wife. She doesn't even know that her body needs a bath.(Prov 24:27)(Prov 20:13)

23). Does your husband like a kind of cooked food?, try to change your cooking. No man jokes with food. (Prov 31:14)

24). Never be too demanding to your husband,enjoy every moment, resource as it comes.(Luke 11:3)

25). Make a glass of water the very first welcome to your husband and everyone entering your home. Sweetness of attitude is true beauty. (Prov 31:11)

26). Don't associate with women who have a wrong mental attitude about marriage.(Prov 22v14)

27). Your marriage is as valuable to you as the value that you give it. Recklessness is unacceptable.(Heb 13:4)

28). Fruit of the womb is a blessing from the Lord, love your children and teach them well.(Prov 22:6)

29). You are never too old to influence your home. Never reduce your care for your family for any reason. (Prov 31:28)

30). A prayerful wife is a better equipped wife,pray always for your husband and family(1 Thess 5:17)

Typhoon Koppu

According to news and the weather bureau, it was the worst storm to hit the Philippines this year. It was given a local name Lando.

Our home province was directly hit and we were greatly affected. Nueva Ecija was put under the state of calamity. 

I was very worried because of my Nanay who lives there and I wanted to go home immediately on Monday (Oct.19) but the roads are impassable due to flooding and fallen trees and debris. Finally, I was able to go home the day after. 

It is heart breaking to see my home town devastated, Cabanatuan City is almost covered with mud, people are starting to clean when I get there as the flood began to subside already.

Rice farmers are mostly affected as it was almost harvest time when the storm hit. Nueva Ecija is the rice granary of the Philippines because we are the largest rice producers so in effect the whole country will be affected by this calamity.

Despite of what have happened, I am thankful all of my relatives are safe, specially my Nanay. I have friends who were literally rescued from the roof of their houses but praise God they were all safe now.

 

   

I  took the photos during the repair of our roof  which was damaged by the typhoon. The Lord is good, He has provided for the replacement.

Thank you God for you have kept my family safe.

Choices

Have you ever been in a situation where you feel like you are being torn between two opposing sides? two friendships perhaps, or two ideas, or two Bosses?  I know it's hard to be in that situation.

I hope I only have to deal with the kind of  choosing clothes or shoes or places to eat-you know what I mean? the kind of whatever you choose you'll end up happy :) 

Say, if husband has to choose between Tay Tay 12 which I think is a 12 string Taylor guitar or a new electronic drum set, I guess whatever he ends up to, he'll be very happy. I would love to be in that kind of  situation anytime of the day.

Unfortunately, in life, harder choices have to be made. But at least you have a CHOICE. It is even more difficult when you are left with no choice right?

I know I have made some bad choices in the past and I ma not very proud of it, but I am hoping that today and in the future I'll choose whatever is right, whatever is more valuable in life and whatever is best for me and for the people I love.

Cheers everyone! 

Thankful

Last October 10, we celebrated Nanay's 76th birthday. We went home to be with her, we did not have any grand celebration like what we had last year but it's still meaningful. What matters most to me is that we got to spend time with her, letting her know that she is loved by us.

She said days before her birthday she dream of my Tatay, in her dream, he was asking her to come with him and stroll somewhere, glad she didn't go :(

When Tatay was still with us, he would always remind us of Nanay's birthday and will often ask us of what are we going to prepare for that day. No doubt, he loved Nanay, 56 years of marriage, it was only death that separated them. 

I just hope, we made Nanay happy even if we did not do anything special on her birthday, we were just there together with some relatives and her closest friends and yes it was such a happy time.

I love you so much Nanay, I am so glad you have reached 76 and am looking forward to more happy birthdays to come. May your prayers be granted. 

Her special prayer is that she be given more years, for her to see her grand kids graduate in college. My eldest nephew is graduating in 2018. I'm sure she'll be there to celebrate with all of us.

5 things to tell yourself daily

Let us all welcome October with a POSITIVE attitude!

image from twitter

Praying..

Birthday Dinner in Vikings

This was of course a late post because hubs birthday was September 14th.

We dined in at Vikings because they do have a birthday promo :) Hubby's dinner is free! And as you all know, we love eat all you can because we are big eaters..hahaha!!

Vikings at SM Jazz in Makati City is only 5 minutes away from us so no hassle going there.

My favorites are their sushi and maki :) look at these colors..so good!

Happy birthday again my loves and here's to many vbuffet dinner with you!

The Ostrich Farm @ Blue Bay Walk

Last weekend, our good friend J-mie treated us for a very yummy and special hamburger (early birthday treat for Rudolf!) at The Ostrich Farm in Blue Bay Walk in Macapagal, Pasay City. It's a burger restaurant and these days I am so into hamburgers..hahaha! I think I can eat burgers everyday :)

They say ostrich burger is a healthier option so we gave in to the wait staff's suggestion even if it is too much pricey ( Thanks again J-mie!) but I still prefer the taste of beef.

Take a look my friends :)

 

This is the mushroom burger, look at that cheese!! so tempting :)

here's the free burger and cheese pops that was given to us for free because it's husband's birthday month, you get that for a minimum purchase of 800.00

Ok, so now I am very hungry and I think I can eat all of those..hahaha!!

'Tis the SEASON :)

Oh hello September :) hello "BER" months.

I can sense everyone's excitement with the arrival of the ber months, as you know this signifies the beginning of Christmas season, yes Christmas season here in my part of the world, yesterday I heard some radio stations airing Christmas songs and on the evening news are people buying Christmas decors as early as now.

I am excited for that season too. BUT before that, husband's birthday comes first-he'll turn 34 on the 14th of this this month. I have no plans yet on how are we going to celebrate, I'll see what I can do or  come up to on the day itself  :)  I am such a very good wife..hahaha!

I just  hope September will be better. Not only for me but also for all of you.

Blessings everyone! 

Health issues

With all the stress I am getting at work now (plus other stressors) I hope I can have at least a once a week whole body massage. I wish I could get Columbus chiropractic services because they do not only offer body massage they do massage therapies and they deal with other health concerns as well. I love a head massage when I have headache and to get it on professional, I think that’s so relieving. To this day, health is number one priority for me and the husband, we cannot afford to get sick because that would mean additional financial burden and I don’t want that now. 

And the fact that we are not getting any younger now, we really need to take care of our health, we’re loading up on vitamins supplements and I am hitting the bed earlier than usual, I now feel the need of a complete hours of sleep, well unlike before, 4 to 5 hours of sleep and I’m good to go. 

My motto as of this moment is “prevention is better than cure”. Thank God that I haven’t had serious illness for my 42 years of existence, was never confined in the hospital, except for some trips to emergency room mostly due to ear infection or Urinary Tract Infection. 

My main concern now is the absence of physical activities, I wanted to at least do some walking two or three times a week and I hope I can start again sooner. All I do in the office is sit and type in the computer, walk one floor up during lunch and that’s it. I need to motivate myself strong/hard enough to start this walking activity. Husband has started basketball activity with some of our officemates, he needed that too because all the comments we get now a days are “you’re both getting bigger” hehehe. Although I think it’s only him who is getting bigger :) 

Anywyas, we should all put importance in our health and take good care of our bodies, nobody will do that for you except you yourself right? Have a happy healthy weekend everyone!

Worship Symposium

This is happening on Sunday. My husband is speaking about "Worship as a ministry" . Please do say a prayer for him. I get anxious when he is invited to speak because  I'd rather see him lead the worship. But this is another opportunity to share and to minister so we said yes all for God's glory!!

Couple's retreat

Last Friday being a holiday here, we were able to attend our church's couples retreat in Laguna. I was hesitant at first because I wanted to just rest (sleep all day and do nothing) because of the load of works I do in the office and the sad incidents the past few weeks but my husband said "we should go", we needed that to recharge"  and he was right. I am glad we went despite the heavy downpour of rain. 

Husband's new haircut :)

Inside the church

It was indeed a time of refreshing and rest and most of all eating!!

Thank you Lord for days like these.

Goodbye Nessa

Last Sunday, we said goodbye to this sweet and young lady, her family and friends finally laid her to rest but not in our hearts for she will be remembered forever.

The photos were taken on her 18th birthday 3 years ago, we did the balloon decors as our gift to her. She was in the worship team in our church before and I became her discipler just before her water baptism in 2011.  We have so many memories together and even after we've separated ways (church) she remained sweet and thoughtful to us, often times calling us to ask for worship songs and we kept on encouraging her to use her talent for the Lord.

It is painful to see her go so young, but God has a purpose and I trust Him. Now, we shall continue the love we have for her through the son she left with us. A premature baby boy, still in the hospital but is fighting for his life. Nessa risked her life for this baby and I know she will appreciate every love that will be thrown his way.

If you are praying, please remember baby James Matthew (Nessa's son), pray that he'll gain the weight he needs, that he will be healthy and well with NO complications at all. Thank you.

Good bye for now Nessa but we shall see each other again in heaven. Hugs and kisses.

Ate Raquel & Kuya Rudolf.

Prayer

August. Happiness

Time flies so fast. Soon it will be September and…..Christmas!!! 

I welcomed August in bed (fever and tummy ache) which lasted till Monday. Praise God I am okay now. I have always known that my husband is such a caring soul but seeing him take care of me while I was sick made me even more thankful. The whole weekend, he cooked and prepared food for us, did the laundry and at the same time did not forget the responsibilities he has in the church. I’ve got an amazing husband. And surprisingly even as I was sick and down with fever I did not feel irritated at all because I know I am being cared for excellently :) It helped me recover fast and quick.

Sorry for bragging about him, please do understand that I am just so thankful I married such a very very good man. Made me think of how I was to him when he’s in the receiving end. I cringe because I know there were times that I was not that calm and caring and loving. I know I am far from being that “woman” in Proverbs 31. I am a work in progress and I praise God even more because my husband looks beyond all that shortcomings and lapses I make from time to time. I am blessed beyond words. Blessed with much more than material things. True, money can't buy you happiness.

I love you mahal!

Have a happy weekend with your love ones!

Food Trip in KL, Malaysia

 Bad thing though, I forgot what they call these :) But they are all delicious and surprisingly cheap.

This is beside the hotel where we stayed, food is a lot cheaper and so many varieties. Lots of green vegies!

 and fruit drinks too! This is watermelon smoothie, we were laughing so hard because of the husband

 

This one was at the central market food court, I have salted chicken with bokchoy 

 

and we had Mcdonalds at the airport :( not so happy about this but not really bad though.

American/Winter dream

Still on the top of my wish/dream list (whatever you call it) is to set foot on American soil someday soon. The number one reason is to visit our very good friend (who is like a sister to me) who now resides in Florida, also I have some cousins to visit in Chicago and I hope to meet Sandee too of course!

If ever, am planning to visit on winter time. We want to experience winter at some point of our life..hahaha!! I know it’s shallow but we want to see and feel snow :)

As a matter of fact, I get excited just looking at this website. They have various winter products and I am quite stunned. Battery heated clothing? Battery heated socks?

I wonder how it feels to wear them.

But sorry, just as much as I want them, it is only for experience. I don’t think I’ll want to live or settle in cold and freezing country, I think tropical climate is still best for me.

I know someday this dream will happen. I will look back at this post and smile and give thanks to the Lord who makes all things possible in His time.

Kuala Lumpur Trip

yes, we're back from our trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, it's our first time there and we enjoyed the food and the people. We attended a  conference for three days and we had a day city tour. It was an experience I will never forget :)

I am grateful that we are given the chance to come to this conference.Grateful for the provision and for the people we met.

Here are some of our pictures. Enjoy!

@ Malaysia Tourism Council, besides the Cocoa boutique/factory.

This was at the Indepence Square

Making funny faces at the King's Palace

Hotel lobby-tired and yet happy

With us is the founder of "The Fellowship International" Pastor Don Leavell from Corpus Christi, Texas

Some of  the TFI delegated from the Philippines

At the conference venue, it's huge! more or less 2000 people, 20 nations represented.

Study hard please

This goes to all my nephews and nieces. Please study hard.

Got this picture from facebook and I know this was meant to be a joke or a funny post but I thought otherwise  because I know very well that for some it is very hard to get an Education. It is supposed to be a RIGHT but it has now become a privilege.My heart goes out to those who are poor but deserving students- the reason why "Scholarship" has become one of my advocacy.

Fishnets ministry, the one I work with started with only one scholar years ago but praise God, now, we have 9 full college scholars. We've had 5 graduates already and are now working, earning a living and are helping their families. Education is such a powerful tool to eradicate poverty right?

July!!

And it is almost middle of the month and I'm only on my first post. I know things have been quite busy but I guess that is not an excuse for me not to blog.

Anyways, here's random pictures of us of where we've been and what are we doing for the past weeks.

SEARCH FOR A WEDDING VENUE 

We were in Tagaytay last July  4 (Saturday), it was rainy but it's ok, we were able to check this beautiful garden that is perfectly fir for the wedding of a young couple who are very dear to us.  I am working on two weddings now and I sooo love it!.

And because we were in Tagaytay and it is cold and raining, Bulalo for dinner  is a must!

BALLOON DECOR

The next morning, we were out again early because we have a birthday event where we made balloon decors. Thank you Lord for the extra income :)

and then..that same evening we went to CITY OF DREAMS MANILA..

The boss gave us a  voucher in one of the restaurants there and we wanted to experience City of dreams, it's a hotel and casino and without that voucher we know we will never go there, it's an expensive place :) So thanks to the boss.

Last week was also a busy week inspite of the heavy rain brought about by two typhoons. It's indeed wet season here now.

My dear husband went for a recording Friday night (July 10), he tagged me along  :) It's been a while since I went with him in the  recording studio and it's a joy to see him do what he loved to do, play guitar, sing and make music. It reminded me of his ultimate dream of having his own studio someday, speakers, mixers, instrument and gadgets and even these mid atlantic racks, I just hope and pray we will be able to have that in our home soon.  

This week...guess what? we are traveling!!! yey! finally, we are going out of town after four years. We are going to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday till Monday. We are attending an International  prayer/revival conference and of course we are doing some sight seeing too. I am excited!!

July is an exciting month for us and I do hope you are having the best time also. God bless everyone!