5 Things To Do When Your iPhone Gets Wet

Getting your iPhone wet or soaked, be it in a toilet bowl, sink, river or ocean or in a “bulalo soup” *(soup made from beef broth with some of the bone marrow), is already a big problem.

You can squeal, shout, cry, utter bad words or do anything to let out the frustrations. But the fact remains that you may have to say goodbye to your iPhones and all the data it contains…contacts, notes, calendars and most especially, all your photos and videos.

It happened to me with my 3-year old iPhone4s, on the morning of December 26, 2014,in our house in Bicol. I was about to use the toilet when I heard something drop into the bowl and when I looked down…wahhhhhh…my iPhone with its pink case. And all I can do is shout at the to top of my lungs, “ang phone ko nahulog sa bowl” and pick it up as fast as I can. 

Karen Davila was right when she said it on national TV in one of the episode of Bandila, when it happened your initial reaction is to get it no matter what. Good thing for me, the user before me was my youngest niece who just pee and did not forget to flush.

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Daily Log: Lord’s Plan for Us

It’s been awhile since my last post…

For several days now, I’ve been trying to search something deep within my memories and out of my chaos thoughts and put it into writing.

For now, amidst all the trials and tribulations of 2014, one thing is sure…after the sun set in the horizon...a new dawn of hope will follow...and the sun will shine again.

Taken last April 11, 2012 during PLDT sponsored Subic Bay Cruise

And I will always come back to the Lord’s promise that guided me 15 years ago until now, during the most trying times of my life…

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord,
plans to prosper you and not to harm you,plans to give you hope and a future

Jeremiah 29:11

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Daday’s Kitchen: Simple Breakfast to Something Special

I always look forward to Saturdays. Almost always,it turned to something special…wonderfully unexpected. It could be a lazy morning in bed with Dada and Daniz. Or simply snoozing from early morning until whatever time I feel like waking up. Or a sudden plan for a weekend getaway. 

Whatever it is…it will surely erase all the tiredness, stress and tension of the week before it.

Today, it’s a simple breakfast turned into something special with just a tweak on the presentation. I will often heard Daday telling Ate Bevs (our home angel) to always put extra effort on the way she served our food. That she has to satisfy the three senses: sight, smell then taste.

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One Fine Day in Bagasbas Beach, Daet, Camarines Norte

Bagasbas Beach is famous, not only to the locals, but even to foreign visitors. with its long stretched of beach, about 2 kilometers, with powdery sand. The beach faces sunrise from the shores of Daet. For a public beach, free for everyone, it is relatively clean...free of waste other than seaweeds or dried leaves.

Open cottages for rent lined part of the shoreline. Surf boards are available for rent and so are instructors for a standard rate. 

Going to Bagasbas Beach Last November 01 is a spur of a moment decision…not part of the things to do while we were in Bicol.

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Undas 2014: Journal of Our Bicol Road Trip

Travel time from Mabalacat, Pampanga to Paracale, Camarines Norte during ordinary weekend would only take us about 9~10 hours by car with an occasional restroom break and one coffee or snack break.

Our regular route: North Luzon Expressway > Skyway > South Luzon Expressway > Maharlika Highway > Road leading to our barangay.

This Undas 2014 was so different…in a big way. Getting there took us 14½ hours as well as going back. It’s due to traffic jam caused by the surge of commuters which was expected during this time. But the major reason was the collapsed bridge in Santa Elena, linking Camarines Norte to Metro Manila, due to the onslaught of Typhoon Mario (with international code name Fung Wong).

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Daily Log: The Toughest Things by Bob Perks

In life, easy things leave no lasting marks. The things that stays with us…the way we view ourselves…on how we relate to others…our outlook in life...those are the result of the toughest things that we have gone through and the toughest choices that we have made.

Some choices scared us and even scarred us. There are times that all we wanted to do is run away from everything that challenges us, removing us from our comfort zone. But when we stood our ground and we said to ourselves, “we can”…it is in those times that we found the strength to “go on” doing the things that we thought we cannot do…choosing the toughest things instead of the easy way out...

06.09.2014_San Juan, La Union

"The Toughest Things"

By Bob Perks

 

There are lessons to be learned and people to teach them.

I find that to be true in every part of my life.  It is important to note that sometimes we are the student and sometimes we are the teacher.

So, how do we know if we are learning or teaching?

It all depends on our attitude.

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Daily Log: The Trouble With Dreaming by Bob Perks

"The Trouble with Dreaming
By Bob Perks

You can dream all you want and want all you dream
But sooner or later you have to put feet on them or they'll just die in place.
Dreams can't go anywhere.  They just stay right where you left them the last time you even considered them at all.

They are indeed convenient.  No one has to know a thing about them.  No one has to see them or touch them but you.  So, in reality they don't even exist until you say so.

I ask you what good is a dream if you don't bring it to life.  I mean why waste your time if you are only going to tuck it away? 

The trouble with dreaming is it gets you nowhere.  Oh, perhaps in your mind.,  You can dream of far away places and pretend that you are there.  I must ask you why not come up with a plan based on reality and get yourself there?

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Daily Log: What is "Meant To Be" by Bob Perks

  
What is "meant to be?"
We say it when good things happen.
We say it when bad things happen.
Or we add in "wasn't."  As in "It wasn't meant to be."

There is truth in it, but there are also lies.
Something goes right and we believe that there may have been some divine intervention.  How do we know it?

Maybe it just was. Maybe what happened is simply what we wanted so we declare it, "Meant to be."  But was it?  Or are we just making it so?

Maybe we use it to console one another when things go wrong.
"I'm sorry.  Maybe it just wasn't meant to be."
"Destined to exist."  That's how it is defined.

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6 Things You Can Do In Tam-Awan Village, Baguio City

Tam-Awan Village is located at the outskirts of Baguio City at 366-C Pinsao Proper. Getting there by car may be a bit difficult, by taxi is the easiest as the place is known to taxi drivers and as usual, the cheapest mode of transportation is by jeepney.

According to Baguio Attractions and Historical Landmarks,

Tam-awan in the local idiom means "vantage point," an apt name for a colony of Cordillera Huts that sit on a hillside that affords visitors a magnificent view of the South China Sea on a clear day. 

The Chanum Foundation, Inc., started reconstructing Ifugao houses in Baguio with the intention of recreating a native village accessible to those who have not had the opportunity to explore the different parts of the vast Cordillera region in the Philippines, laying the houses out just like a traditional Cordillera village. Tam-awan Village is also a venue for art exhibits, workshops and other activities that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Cordillera people.

Due to the temporary unpassable road at the end of Naguilian Road, a few kilometers to the heart of Baguio City, we found ourselves traversing the road less traveled going to La Trinidad, Benguet.

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Daily Log: Take Time To Pray

I found this prayer from my old emails dated August 20, 2010...during those times of chain emails. It was entitled "A Very Anointing Prayer #166"...Author Unknown. A note before the prayer states,

If you pray this prayer, change the number in the subject box before forwarding the message so people can SEE how many have done so.

The prayer is already touching and meaningful. But I want to honor the Author and tried to search the web about its origin. I pasted the first paragraph of the payer on Google Search and found this...index #6 of page 1. It caught my attention because of the date 09112001 on the link.

Chipura's Sister Email - 10/14/01 - Beirut Memorial On Linewww.beirut-memorial.org/09112001/chipura_sister.htmlFor those of you who don't know me, I am John's sister Nancy. I found this ... Dear Lord, I thank You for this day. I Thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me 

I may not succeed in knowing the person who wrote it but what I found gave a much deeper meaning to it.

"The Prayer Room". Taken last August 21, 2014 at St. Pio Church

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Trip to La Union and Baguio City for Daniz' 9th Birthday

Daniz’s Birthday Trip started in 2011, a week after she turned 6 years old. It was an accidental weekend getaway in Cagayan De Oro and Bukidnon. On her 7^th Birthday, she chose Hong Kong Disneyland Adventure over a themed party at Jollibee. And on her 8^th, we braved the road to Las Casas Filipinas, a day after typhoon Santi brought havoc to Central Luzon. 

And it became an annual event…

For this year, we took advantage of the long weekend, a 3-day vacation, from Saturday to Sunday (October 4~6).

• Day 1: La Union with an overnight stay at San Juan Surf Resort

• Day 2-3: Baguio City with an overnight accommodation at Camp John Hay’s Forest Lodge Hotel

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5 Things That Makes San Juan, La Union Enjoyable

Last October 4 was our second visit to Brgy. Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union. The first was last June as our last adventure before the school finally starts.

This time is for the annual trip of our daughter, Daniz, for her 9th birthday (October 10). It's still a week early but we took advantage of the long weekend, a 3-day vacation from Saturday to Monday. We also invited my mother-in-law, Mommy Lydia, to join us on this trip

The highlights of our trip to San Juan:

1. Stay and Dine at San Juan Surf Resort
2. Surfing the Waves of Brgy. Urbiztondo
3. Sights and Sounds of the Waves
4. Beautiful Sunset
5. Early Morning Walk at the Beach

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Daily Log: “I’ve Learned That...” by Maya Angelou

THE GREAT MAYA ANGELOU
This photo is from http://www.vibrantword.com/maya_angelou.html

While browsing through my old email...again. Yes...again! I do not know what's got into me these days...I always find myself checking old emails from family and friends. Nostalgia...#throwbackthursday???

And in the process, I have found an email, a chain email popular during those times, from a cousin dated January 11, 2009 with a subject, Maya Angelou. So I re-opened it...and I found a "treasure of words"...

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. 

And, there on television, she said it was 'exciting.' Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.

The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!

Maya Angelou said this:

When I was in my younger days, I weighed a few pounds less, I needn't hold my tummy in to wear a belted dress.But now that I am older, I've set my body free;There's the comfort of elastic… Where once my waist would be.Inventor of those high-heeled shoes… My feet have not forgiven; I have to wear a nine now, But used to wear a seven.And how about those pantyhose –They're sized by weight, you see, So how come when I put them onThe crotch is at my knee?I need to wear these glasses… As the print's been getting smaller;And it wasn't very long ago I know that I was taller.Though my hair has turned to gray and my skin no longer fits,On the inside, I'm the same old me, It's the outside's changed a bit. 

But, on a positive note…
'I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.'
'I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.'
'I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.'
'I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'
'I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.'
'I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.'
'I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.'
'I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.'
'I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.'
'I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.'
'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'

At the end of the email, a message states:

Please send this to five phenomenal women today.

If you do, something good will happen: You will boost another woman's self-esteem.  

If you don't...the elastic will break and your underpants will fall down around your ankles!  

Believe me, I didn't take any chances on MY elastic breaking....  

I sent it to a lot of special women I care for. And you are one of them!!

Be Well!

FOOTNOTES:

• Dr Maya Angelou is a remarkable renaissance woman who is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. As a poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director, she continues to travel the world, spreading her legendary wisdom. Within the rhythm of her poetry and elegance of her prose lies Angelou's unique power to help readers of every orientation span the lines of race. Angelou captivates audiences through the vigor and sheer beauty of her words and lyrics.

• The post above is just an excerpt of the interview. For the complete story, please visit http://www.vibrantword.com/maya_angelou.html

• I read some of her qoutes...she's truly an inspiration...a woman of wisdom. I might dedicate a whole week of Maya Angelou's quotable quotes for Daily Log...

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Horseback Riding at Wright Park, Baguio City

Wright Park is famous for its long rectangular shallow pool known as the “Pool of Pines”. The access road on each side of the pool is lined with tall pine trees and street lights. Flowering plants also lined both sides of the pool framing it with assortment of colors. All these make the Wright Park perfect for picture taking, plus the fact that the park is just across the Mansion.

But it's not just the "Pool of Pines" that the park is famous for, because horseback riding became synonymous with Wright Park.

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3 Ways Daniz Celebrated Her 9th Birthday

Daniz was born October 10, 2005. Every year, except her 1st and 7th birthday, we celebrated the day with just a simple dinner with family and friends. And since 2011, we went on an annual trip on the weekend following her birthday.

This year, it's a bit different...we celebrated it in 3 ways.

1. Birthday Trip to La Union and Baguio City
2. Simple Birthday Dinner at Home with Family and Friends
3. A Special Day with Mama Mary Through the Family Living Rosary

The chair she was sitting is an antique piece being used by priest during the olden days...it was located on the underground chapel of Basilica of Our Lady of Charity (Agoo)

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Birthday Wishes for Daniz

 

These are birthday wishes and messages lovingly thought of by some of the persons who have watched her grow and blossom into who she is today and some who just knew her but wish her well.

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Daniz is Turning Nine

It seems only yesterday when “Papa God” blessed Jonjie and I with the “most precious gift ever”…our daughter, Shemaella Daniz. And she will be 9 years old tomorrow.

Our baby is turning a into a little lady. And I can’t help but think…time flies…so fast.

She is the reason why we are a family. She gives us immense joy and happiness. She is the child of our hearts.

We have waited and prayed for her for seven years, and it was worth the wait. And we will forever be grateful…thus, we named her Shemaella.

Inspires gratitude and thanksgiving, a big YES...love life to its fullest measure, multiple YES...fill our hearts and mind with serenity, hmmmnnn...

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Daily Log: “I Wish You Enough” by Bob Perks

The first time I read it was January 11, 2002 as part of the day's inspirational message from Friends Reflections sent via email...Author Unknown. But the words remain with me until this day...

It was in early 2006 when I happened to stumble upon a website, "I believe in you!" Stories by Bob Perks that I finally knew the author behind the poem. 

For days now, I have been trying to share this...searching for the right words. But there is none...

Sunset at Brgy. Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union. Taken last October 04, 2014

I Wish You Enough! ©2001 

By Bob Perks

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough "Hellos"

to get you through the final "Goodbye."

To fully appreciate the poem, please read the full story here.

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Wakeboarding at Deca Clark, Pampanga

Wakeboarding is a surface water sport which involves riding a wakeboard over the surface of a body of water. It was developed from a combination of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing techniques.

Deca Wakeboard Park is part of the Deca Clark Resort Residences located in Margot, Angeles City. Its close proximity to Clark Freeport Zone ensures access to other amenities that the area can offer such as parks, restaurants, hotels.

Deca Wakeboard Park is a man-made lake which is surrounded by a series of masts that hold an overhead cable. The overhead cable rotates in a counterclockwise motion around the lake. Along the cable there is a number of carriers. Riders are pulled around the lake by the ropes attached to these carriers.

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I Am A Runner...

One of the things I want to do before I die is to run and finish a full marathon…a 42-kilometer run.

I am 48 years old, which means I have more or less 27.59 years to do it based on the estimated 2014 Philippines Life Expectancy At Birth for female.

“I AM A RUNNER because I run.
Not because I run fast. Not because I run far.
I AM A RUNNER because I say I am.
And no one can tell me I’m not."
John "The Penguin" Bingham

This afternoon, I ran again…and it felt good. It’s only a 5-kilometer run…on an easy pace…without stopping nor walking…and I am sweating profusely during and after the run.

I AM A RUNNER because even if I know I will be tired yet I still run. I love the feel of the wind on my face and on my skin and the sweat trickling my body.

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Daily Log: The Power of 3 Little Words

The 3 Little Words are:

• I'll Be There
• I Miss You
• I Respect You
• Maybe You're Right
• Please Forgive Me
• I Thank You
• Count On Me
• Let Me Help
• I Understand You
• Go For It 
• I LOVE YOU.

I am browsing through my old documents and I came across my compilations of old emails and this inspirational message immediately caught my attention.

It was from FriendsReflections…one of the yahoo groups I’ve been subscribing since 2000. While writing this daily log, I just realized that the messages stop coming but I never unsubscribe from the group. I tried to search the web and voila...I am still a member of the group but with bounce messages because my registered email was not active anymore.

Taken last September 10, 2014 at the grounds of Apung Mamacalulu Shrine, Angeles City, Pampanga

January 17, 2008

The Power of Three Little Words

Author Unknown

Some of the most significant messages people deliver to one another often come in just three words. When spoken or conveyed, those statements have the power to forge new friendships, deepen old ones and restore relationships that have cooled.

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Daily Log: "Let Go, Enjoy the Ride" by Bob Perks

Here’s another inspiring thoughts that simply tells us to enjoy life to its fullest…including the 'ups' and 'downs', the 'twists' and 'turns' that comes along with it.
   


"Let go, enjoy the ride"
By Bob Perks

Don't try to rationalize everything in your life.  Life is sometimes irrational.  It certainly is unpredictable.

It's meant to be spontaneous if you don't try to conform it and reign it in.

Life is meant to surprise you.  That means you cannot be prepared for everything and thinking you can or should be sucks the life out of moments of pure joy.

 

Life is like a ride in an amusement park  The only difference is it changes everyday. What was a hill will be a valley. What was a straight, smooth journey will be filled with twists and turns.

 

It was meant to be that way.  It was meant to turn dull, repetitive hours into journeys of never ending splendor.

Let it go.  Raise your hands toward Heaven proving that this ride is hands free and God is in control. While they are up, offer praise and thanks to the One Who has given you all this.

Life will not tire you out because it is hard.  Life will exhaust you because you have lived it fully.

Then, at just the right time, it slows down and peacefully, gently brings you to a resting point just as darkness washes over the day.

Clear your mind.  Don't waste time worrying about what was, what might have been, or what will be.

Set it free.  Let it go.

 

Tomorrow will bring so much more if you let it. 

"I believe in you!"
J
Bob
www.Ok2Be.Me
"Live an inspired life!"

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Relaxation: Mi Chay Foot and Body Massage

Yesterday night, I had a relaxing massage. And this morning when I woke up, I felt refresh and light…and stress-free.

Massage or “hilot” is one of the ways I pamper myself…at least once or twice a month. It relaxes not just my whole body but my mind as well, as I tend to sleep most of the time during the session.

Since 2011 until late last year I even have one “manghihilot” went to our house once in a while but it’s difficult to request for a schedule because I want to have the session after work. And she’s already a senior citizen and I worry about her going home at night.

So when a foot and body massage opened in Mabalacat…it was a most welcome relief. It was a walking distance from our house.

Mi Chay Foot and Body Massage opened last March 15, 2014. It is located at the newly built Clark Gateway Commercial Complex in San Francisco, Mabalacat, Pampanga, in between Clark Mabalacat Gate and Mabalacat Public Market. They are open from 1:00 pm ~ 1:00 am (last call is 12:00am), Monday to Sunday.

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Daily Log: “Want to be Happy? Aim for Joy!" by Bob Perks

I have been following Bob Perks since 2001. He is an inspirational writer and speaker, an author, a life coach.

In more ways, he touched my life with his writings. I want...I aim to write like him...I want to inspire others the way he inspired me.

For today, I want to share this with you…

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Want to be happy?  Aim for Joy!"
By Bob Perks

Happy seems to be a goal for most of us.  We want to be "Happy."

That doesn't sound like a lot to ask does it?

It has been said that happiness is a choice.  You can choose to be happy. 

I believe that to be true in this sense.  You can choose to be happy and then work toward that goal.  Happiness is a goal.

I don't begin to suggest that you choose to be happy, blink your eyes and there you are.

I do believe that by making "happiness a choice" you create the mindset to become that.

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Daday’s Kitchen: Bolognese Spaghetti Di Daniz

Most children like their spaghetti Filipino style…sweet, like that of Jollibee. But not our daughter, Daniz…no, no, no. She likes it Italian style…tomato based with mince beef or pork…sour with just a hint of sweetness.

It’s not that she does not love Jollibee…she does, especially Chicken Joy. She grew up eating Italian style spaghetti. And so, just now, Jonjie and i decided to call this recipe…Bolognese Spaghetti Di Daniz.

When you tried to follow the recipe, you can tweak it, put your own brand…and you can even change the name.

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Daily Log: Trust in the Lord

Each of us has our own cross to carry…our own trials and tribulations. Each of us at some point in our lives experienced deep pain or sadness…a loss of loved one…betrayal…unfaithfulness…humiliation.

In those times, we feel differently…we act differently. Some put up an invisible wall around themselves not feel it again. Others tried to keep it to themselves, afraid to be ridiculed. A few would resort to harm themselves or others. But for most, they chose to be with their family and be comforted…to heal…to recover…to move on.

Taken last June 8, 2014 while finding our way to the Historical Church of our Lady of Namacpacan in Luna, La Union

I always believe that our own cross was given to us for a purpose.

To teach us a lesson…to hold on…to let go…to fight…to dream…to be steadfast. To challenge us to be the best that we can be. To discover our strength. To accept our weaknesses. To love unconditionally. To give freely. And most of all, to know ourselves.

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Food Trip: Jonas Pares, Mayon St, Quezon City

I was introduced to Jonas and its famous “pares” in 1999 during our church wedding preparation. That was the first time I ate “pares” and since then, we always eat at Jonas every time there is an opportunity.

Even Daniz grew up eating “pares”…she like it very much. Daday already made his own pares recipe which is almost the same with Jonas, and in time I will post it here.

"PARES is a pairing of rice and beef coined by the owner to speed up the service for the value meal of fried rice, beef stew and soup, and the name caught and since then JONAS has been called the 'original pares' place."

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Daily Log: Life Is Precious

The Risen Christ at the Monasterio de Tarlac,
A 30-foot statue located at Tarlac Eco-Tourism Park, Brgy Lubigan, San Jose, Tarlac.
Taken last January 05, 2014.

Everyday is a gift. An opportunity to live life for one more day. A chance for a new beginning.

And this morning, I was reminded how precious life is. And the chance that was given to all of us, young and old, to live our life to its fullest. To enjoy each moment with our loved ones.

This morning I saw a picture of a 2-year old girl, fighting for her life…so little, so fragile,so innocent.

And I wanted to cry.

For the bruises and stitches on her face…the injury on her head…the unimaginable pain on her frail body.

For the mother who was at work, trying to earn a living, for her little girl.

Then I thought of the lady who just wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle. The relatives taking care of the little girl.

All their lives suddenly changed because of an accident. Each of them will suffer their own pain…and will carry their own burden because of what happened. Each of them will be scarred for life…

I wanted to ask “why the little girl?”. Instead I pause, close my eyes and open the Daily Word for Healing for some guidance, and these are the words I received…

“In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being.”

Job 12:10

Life is precious…it was God’s gift to us. Live it. Love it. Treat it well. Be responsible…not just for your own but for others’ as well.

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Dearest Inay…I Remember You

Inay…it was 2 months and 2 days ago when we lost you…when our Lord and Creator called upon you to join Him. We cried…we mourned our loss…and we are trying to live our lives.

Taken last April 28, 2013, at Clearwater Resort and Country Club, Clark, Pampanga

But there are times when I feel the pain as if it was just yesterday…when I misses you. And these past days were one of the hardest. And tonight while resting in the hammock at Daniz Garden, I remember you…

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Daily Log: In Silence With God…

For two days now, I’ve been staring on a blank electronic paper…trying to start...writing some words, but nothing makes sense.

And then, holding the “Daily Word for Healing", I closed my eyes and prayed for guidance. I opened the book in random, and today's message was,

VACATION

In silence with God, I am refreshed and renewed.

Adoration Chapel of the Holy Rosary Parish Church, Angeles City, Pampanga.
Taken last 07.28.2014.

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Daily Log: God Is In Charge

Taken August 21, 2014. The altar of the small chapel at St. Pio Church, Eastwood, Quezon City

In spite of what is happening around me or to me, I affirm that all is in divine order and that order will prevail because God is in charge.

God is the master creator of everything and everyone --- every person and animal, every star and planet in the universe. And God is in charge of all.

When events in my life seem to be taking me in a direction that I do not want to go or I am feeling as if I am not as healthy or peace-filled as I would like to be, I remember God’s promise, “Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go” (Genesis 28:15).

God is with me now and forever. I may not understand why I am experiencing a particular challenge; however, I do know that God has a greater plan that brings order to my life. Through every moment of my life, God is in charge. The assurance of God’s presence and care brings me peace of mind.

Daily Word for Healing

Colleen Zuck, Janie Wright, Elaine Meyer

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Daily Log: Listen, Beloved

"The Lotus Flowers"
Taken during Salen's Clan trip to Tabas, Paracale, Camarines Norte. My sister Pau requested  the caretaker of the Watermelon Plantation where the pond is located for a bunch, because these are Inay's favorite.

Anybody who has ever observed a lotus flower emerging from a murky pond cannot fail to see the beauty of this exquisite plant.

The flower always looks so clean and pure against the background of the dirty pond.

Because of this the lotus flower has come to be associated with purity and beauty in the religions of Buddhism and Hinduism respectively; the ancient Egyptians scholars observed that in the night-time the lotus closed its flowers and sank into the water, and came up with a different association with the flower related to rebirth and the Sun; in actual fact the Lotus slowly emerges from a pond over a three day period and then blooms in the morning until mid-afternoon.

Excerpt from Lotus Flower Meaning and Symbolisms 

"For Inay"

I missed you, dearest Inay!

I remember your love, your brilliant smile

My heart is longing to hear your sweet voice

Calling my name again...

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Our Love Story: Ang Aming Muling Pagtanggap ng Basbas ng Kasal

Ngayong araw ang pagdiriwang ng kaarawan ni Mama Mary. Ngayong araw din ang ikalabinlimang anibersaryo ng aming kasal ni Jonjie…kasalang sibil, hindi sa simbahan. At ngayong araw nangyari ang muli naming pagtanggap ng basbas ng kasal...ibig sabihin, mula sa araw na ito, ang aming kasal sa sibil ay may basbas na rin ng simbahan.

At sa loob ng labinlimang taon, apat na beses na kaming ikinasal at binasbasan.

1. 09.08.1999 - The Civil Wedding at Imus Regional Trial Court
2. 12.27.1999 - The Church Wedding at the Presentation of the Child Jesus Christ Parish, BF Homes Paranaque
3. 12.29.2004 - The Renewal of Wedding Vows on our 5th Wedding Anniversary at Our Lady of the Pillar Parish, Pilar Village Las Pinas
4. 09.08.2014 - The Blessing of Marriage on our 15th Wedding Anniversary at St. Raphael Parish, Mabalacat City Pampanga

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Daily Log: Moment of Solitude

A time to be alone

To reflect about life

To enrich the soul

To give thanks for all the blessings

Or to ask forgiveness for all the shortcomings

We bought the hammock during one of return trips from Bicol...no specific place to hang...it was just left untouched. Last Friday, this was what greeted me after I came home from work.

I’d been longing for a place…to be alone…to be silent…
to think…or to just do nothing

But I do not need to look far because I have such a place
just right outside our house

Lovingly thought of and provided by the one who really
understand my deepest needs

For solitude…for a moment of silence…
a place to rest my soul for just a  little while

Thank you Daday!

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Our Love Story: 15 Years and Counting

As a newbie in the company

You became my instant enemy

You’re so arrogant, noisy and loud

So full of yourself and so proud

All along, that’s what I thought

 

And then one day out of the blue

We talked, shared our thoughts

And in just a short span of time

I see a different side of you

Contemplative, thoughtful, true

For one whole week afterwards

Getting to know each other, we did

We spent much time, talking, sharing

Enjoying, laughing and even crying

Together…discovering, exploring

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Our Love Story: The Civil Wedding

It was never our plan to have a civil wedding.

As early as August 15, even before we formally informed The Sabenianos of our plan, we already started preparing for December church wedding. And to save money for my room rental in Cavite and other daily expenses, we decided that I moved in with Jonjie to his parents’ house in Las Pinas.

But with that decision, we realized we are not setting a good moral values to the three young minds, Jonjie’s nephews and niece, with whom we have daily interactions.

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Our Love Story: Meeting The Parents, The Sabenianos

Jonjie never asked me formally if I want to marry him. But after our “Isang Linggong Pag-Ibig” we’ve talked about marriage and started preparing for it.

Then last August 27, 1999, we traveled to Bicol to inform my parents about our plan. From work, we went directly to Philtranco terminal in Pasay. We rode the bus going to Paracale, a province of Camarines Norte…it was an 8-hour trip. We arrived at around three in the morning and slept for a few hours.

When we woke up, we did the customary “mano po”  and I formally introduced Jonjie to Itay and Inay. “Si Jonjie po…Emmanuel Espiritu, kasama ko po sa trabaho, taga Las Pinas. Boyfriend ko po."

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Daily Log: Healthy Communication

I have read it this morning and tried to connect it with myself. Why this Lord? What do you want to tell me? Then, I became busy and forgot about it…

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Our Love Story: Isang Linggong Pag-Ibig Version 1999

Nagsimula ang lahat noong Ika-2 ng Hulyo, 1999…ikalawang araw ko sa kompanyang pinagtatrabahuhan ni Jonjie sa Cavite. Pagpapakilala pa lang sa akin, malakas na ang dating nya…antipatiko. Dumating ang tanghalian, nakita ko sya sa kantina kausap ang ibang engineers, nakatayo at nakataas ang isang paa sa upuan habang kumakain at nagsasalita…ang ingay, balasubas. Dakong hapon nakasalubong ko sya nakabukas ang unipormeng “shirt jock” at kung maglakad parang sya ang boss…ang yabang. Iyan ang mga unang impresyon ko sa kanya…tandang-tanda ko pa, parang kaylan lang.

Ganun tumakbo ang pakikitungo ko sa kanya. May isang pagkakataon pa na sinabihan ko sya, “hindi ka pa nanliligaw, basted ka na”. At ang sagot nya, “bakit, sinong maysabi sa ‘yong liligawan kita”. Grrrrrr…lagi na lang sya ay may huling salita….hmmmmp. Hanggang isang araw, wala noon ang manager ko, nagkakwentuhan kami tungkol sa buhay-buhay, likes and dislikes, mountain climbing…sabi ko sa sarili ko “hmmmn, malalim din pala sya…maingay nga lang talaga at malakas ang boses”.

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Daily Log: Don’t Worry About Anything…

This picture was taken at Fort Santiago way back January 18, 2004...just waiting for the right verses.

This morning while I was taking a bath, my mind is full of worries…thinking about our life, my work…our future and what awaits us. Also, I was thinking what to write for the “Daily Log” section of this blog that I just started yesterday…and I uttered a silent prayer for Him to help me find the right words. I know…I know…I worry too much…that’s what Jonjie always tells me.

The moment I went out of the bathroom, Jonjie said that the verses of Philippians 4:6-7 is beautiful and he read it aloud…and it really is. It touched me to the core of my being because it is the Lord’s immediate answer to my prayer…an affirmation that He is always there and all I have to do is pray and leave everything to Him. 

There will be moments that I will worry, but I know that my LORD is bigger than my worries…then my heart and mind will be at peace…and so is my husband.

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Unexplored Labnig Beach of Paracale, Camarines Norte

Camarines Norte became popular to tourists, locals and foreigners alike, because of Calaguas Island with its powdery sand that offers peace and serenity to visitors. But unknown to many, including myself, there is another unexplored paradise nearby...a hidden cove called Labnig Beach. From Paracale, it can be reached using a motorized boat in about 5 minutes

Labnig is one of the barangays which are in the outlying area of Municipality of Paracale. Paracale with a population of about 46,856 and its 27 barangays belong to the partly urban areas in the Philippines. While some of the barangays developed modern urban structures, some others, especially those which are seated in the outlying areas, remained rural.

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