You say goodbye and I say Hello, hello, hello

As the year comes to a close, I would like to share some of the highlights of my 2010 journey:

TRAVEL

As early as January 9 , i got a chance to see Bangkok for the first time, learned some of their cultures and beliefs, visits temples and buddha (overload), enjoyed shopping at chatuchak and most importantly I got to taste thai food hmm (pad thai and milk tea, I miss)

LBM (Looking for Better Management)

In my quest for a better career opportunity I jumped from 1 job to another 3 times this year. Please dont get me wrong "job hopping" is not my hobby (lol). I got a chance to meet people, new friends and I learned a lot of things, albeit the downside of it is, I have to start over again.

Loved AND Lost - Need I explain more? I cried a bucket, but it is better to have loved and lost than never to have love at all. Agree?

Family Trip

Our travel up North, was I think, our very first family trip ( as far as I can remember). We went to Zambales and Baguio. We had fun specially the kids.

Yes, this is our very first out of town trip other than going to a relatives house or friends, my parents are not adventurous type of people, maybe because they are satisfied with the beauty they witness everyday:

the view from our home by the beach, there is no place like home indeed

Lastly, I got Olive, my new Ipod touch 4th gen (katas ng 13th month). I gave my Tabitha, my old ipod nano to my nephew as Christmas gift which I bought in Singapore 2 years ago. Now, when Im home, i spend more time with olive. Thank you Lord for the job, I was able to buy things I want. Hooray!

Other than these, I spent most of my time at work, home and new found friends and Facebook ( in the morning, before I sleep and every time i have the chance to open my account).

I am thankful to God for all the blessing he has given me and my family this year and as the new year starts, i would like to share some of the things I want to accomplish in 2011:

1. To be able to visit another Asian country hopefully HK with friends or family

2. To meet blogger friends. I am not a good writer, but i am happy to be able to share my thoughts with you. Thank you for dropping by and share a piece of you. I hope to see you all.

3. To be more health conscious

4. To travel alone and do thing that scared me most.

5. Update my blog regularly and visit all of you often.

6. Get my own domain to host my blog

7. And accomplish the things I was not able to accomplish in 2010.

Matthew Andrews, one of my favorite writers said, We should not label things that happen to us as good or bad", true indeed because everything happens for a reason, so whatever happens to you, just labeled it as gift from Above! Goodbye and thank you, 2010, Hello, hello 2011

I wish everyone a happy, safe and better and prosperous New year!

Mantra to self : I am healthy, I am good I am prosperous!

P.S. This is my entry to Jeanny year- end contest! Thanks to you sis, i was able to update my blog after 3 months.

A birthday prayer

Dear God,

I have noticed changes in my hands lately and it bothers me. The wrinkled skin on my knuckles become thicker and no matter how much lotion I applied, it always look dry. And it dawned on me, " I am a year older!" Oh yes I really am! (It shows in the hands)

Though, I dreaded wrinkles, arthritis, osteoporosis and illnesses associated with aging I am thankful for having reached this stage. Thank you for giving me a life, for a wonderful family and faithful friends.

Thank you for the many chances, for catching me before I fall ( i almost). I thank you for the job, it may not be a perfect job I always wanted (because there is no such thing) I am grateful for the new learning, for the new people i have met along the journey (personally and virtually), people who somehow touched my life in their own little way.

With all humility, I ask for forgiveness for the things i have done and the things I have failed to do. Albeit, i cried a bucket and deeply hurt, today, with all sincerity, I forgive all the people who have hurt me because I realized I dont want anger consume me for the rest of my life.

I know that thank you is not enough for all the graces you have bestowed upon me since I was born. I will always lay my heart desires to you.. with big hope. And in your time, with faith and confidence, all my wishes will come true specially that one wish i so earnestly ask of you.

Thank you for another year. I am a grateful heart.

Amen.

Let's go green, Spinach anyone?

{via}

I am picky eater when I was a kid, i hate vegetables and anything with sabaw. My mom is to frustrated because im too skinny and Im under weight despite taking appetite booster, that time I am taking Nutroplex (don't try to guess my age, lol). When i went for a vacation at my relatives house, I was forced to eat veggies because Im too shy to tell them what I want to eat, that's my first taste of veggie, pinakbet it is! Masarap pala and the rest is history.

One of my fave veggies is Spinach. I super love spinach soup specially when i have colds. I do love salad too. Last weekend we tried oven baked tilapia rubbed with olive oil, salt and black pepper, few thin strips of ginger and wrapped in Spinach, we baked it for 10 mins and viola! yummy.

Spinach is rich in vitamins C, K, E and folate and according to the research done by US Department of Agriculture, spinach packed and refrigerated under brightly for 3 days has a higher level of vitamins I mentioned above because it continue to photosynthesis even after picked(this also applies to other green leafy veggies) so supermarket is a perfect environment because lights are 24/7 (RD 7/10 issue).

Care to share your spinach recipe?

rejoice in finding the lost

I was lost and found my way back! My way back to blog world. This blog been idle for months for 3 reasons: (1) busy with work (2) nothing much to talk about except work and i dont want to exhaust you & (3) too lazy.

Since the last time you heard from me, except those who are in my facebook list, I eat, I pray (and i lost love). I got hooked by Elizabeth's search for "balance". I drooled and craved for Italian food, imagined my self praying and scrubbing the tiles of the Ashram and hoping to replace a lost love (anywhere, even if i'm not) in Indonesia, and I want to meet the medicine man and his magic picture.

Today, I attended the (anticipated) mass at my favorite chapel, St.Pio Chapel in Libis. I discovered this chapel (that looked like a church) when i was working in Eastwood.

{Photo Credit}

The place is beautiful and solemn, I was amazed at its grandeur, that I lost for words describing it (i want you to find it for your self here). I been there many times and still, i feel like crying during my every visit. Many devotees of Padre Pio went there everyday. After every mass, there is a veneration of Padre Pio relics. You can write your petitions as many as you want, there are 2 drop boxes, one inside the chapel and the other one is in the garden at the back.

The place is so peaceful. When i first saw it, i told my self I want to get married here (but im not sure if they allow weddings there) . For me it is a perfect place for spiritual enhancement and soul searching.

This Sunday's gospel is about God's love for all of us, even those who've gone astray. God rejoices when a lost soul find its way back. I've lost my way many times, but with His love, I managed to trace the path back and i'm grateful for that.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone.

Pray, Hope and dont worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and
will hear your prayer. Prayer is the best weapon we have, it's the key
to God's heart - Padre Pio

busy as a bee

{via}

I do exist (still) but busy as a bee. I hope to catch up with you.. :(

I have a lot of things to say but could not organize my thoughts, so let this picture speak for me:

Life's journey for me is like the ocean, you never know when it will end, you will never know where it will lead you, following only the wind of change hoping that the tide will lead me to my true direction.

Enjoy the rest of the summer guys, because i will.. be safe.

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. ~James Dent

Reflection

... that silence is golden. When we are quiet, we can hear God's messages to us. Sometimes these messages may be in the form of subtle intuition. Sometimes it may feel like an inner knowing. Sometimes we may hear a 'still, small voice.' If it feels right in your heart, trust that it is God speaking to you.

I wish everyone a week filled with love, stronger faith and happiness..God Bless you all.

all i have are moments

Moments, that's all i have, moments of peace and serenity, and every time i am longing for your presence the best thing i can to is to stare at those photographs and dream of the moments we have shared then.

The world is like a huge oven nowadays = Save Me (Earth talking)

{Source: here }

Summer is officially here and as much as I wanted to enjoy it, I cant, the temperature is rising.

I went out to run an errand at 11am this morning, while i was climbing the pink overpass to go to the other side i felt like a flame will soon explode in my body, fortunately there is a nearby 711 and i bought water.

I really advise you all to carry umbrella and water if you are going out because we are all vulnerable to heat exaustion and heat stroke. Don't stay outside for too long ,if you cant avoid going out please drink plenty of water and look for shaded area. Oh don't forget your pets too, give them plenty of water.

And wear sunscreen/sunblock all the time with SPF 15 or 24 (for daily use), before, I hate using sunblock because it is sticky, I feel like my face adds up an inch and makes my face look dark, then my dermatologist recommended something that really suits me (sounds like commercial) It really helped, i been using that for years.

Just to give some info, there is a difference between sunscreen and sunblock, chemical sunscreen (SunScreen) has an ingredients that filters and reduces UV radiation that penetrates the skin, it acts as a barrier. It is present in most topical products for the skin such as creams, lotion and gels and unnoticeable when applied. While Physical sunscreen(SUNBLOCK) acts as a wall between the sun's harmful rays and skin. It provide protection against UVB and UVA light. Unlike sunscreen it is often messy, visible and not easily rinsed-off. It contains protective metallic ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that reflect and scatter UV light and give broad protection against UVB and UVA. It is highly recommended for individuals who have unusual sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. (Source: Dermatology News - By: Amy Lim, M.D.)

Which is better? Neither because according to the dermatologist, they both work well in protecting our skin. Choose what suits your skin type eh.

Anyway, let's pray for some rain for the fields, the plants, the fish, animals, for all of us.

Let's joins Earth Hour on March 27, 2010 at 8:30 PM. {Here}

Halo-halo of razons or ice buko (old school) with sweet monggo (black bean) anyone?

Nonetheless, let's enjoy the summer (the safe way), sayang ang beach.

Bangkok Escapade

Heyah, it's been a long time, there are so many reasons for my long absence and though so many things to tell, i couldnt find time to make kwento. But i have time now.

Remember my cousin-in-law who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer (pancreatic cancer) passed away after a month of battle. It was so soon, though we are ready, we didn't expect it to be that fast. We are thankful to the Lord that she didn't suffer that much. May she rest in peace.

On the lighter side, my trip to Bangkok went fine. Bangkok is so similar to Manila. The traffic, too many flyover, sidewalk vendors, tuktuk (same like trycle) and the tiangge, it so Manila, except of course for the Temples, right hand drive and the pink taxi. Their airport is nice and huge.


We stayed at Baiyoke Suite, it is cheaper than other hotel, tidy and comfy. Outside the hotel you can see rows of stalls selling mostly clothes it is more of divisoria type but cleaner.

Hotel lobby

This unique wall clock caught my eyes, I've learned that it came from Japan

small dinning area

the bedroom

View outside the Hotel, stall owners are starting to put up their booth

During weekends, as early as 7:00am stall owners are ready to open the stores and closes at midnight. Tiangge is all over the city and you will end up exhausted. You can buy decent dress for only P200. I always convert baht to peso every time I'll buy and since I'm BS Math (bobo sa math) i always have my calculator with me.

We spent our first day at Chatuchak after dropping by at Gems Gallery, if you are a fan of Jewelries , it's heaven there, so many stuff to choose from. There is a shuttle that will pick you up at the hotel to bring you to the gallery and if the driver is nice enough he can bring you to your next destination. Just be nice and give a little tip for the effort.


Chatuchak, the biggest weekend market in Bangkok it's like the size of a football field, you should be wearing comfy footwear because it is a long adventure. Great finds for a cheap price. You need to be makulit so they will give you discount. It is hard because most of them doesn't speak English.





On our second day, we allot morning for the temple tour. Good thing our tour guide can speak English well she explained detail by detail. You have to take off your footwear every time you enter the temple.

Amazing reclining Buddha

Tombs of the rich families in Thailand

There are so many Temples that later on I grew tried of putting in and taking off my shoes, so I just took pictures aside. Just like what KG had experienced when she went there., a Buddha overload"


According to our tour guide, there is a belief that if a monk crossed your path, you will be single forever, when I heard that, I keep on recalling if that monk praying crossed mine, lol.


I am not adventurous when it comes to food, i ate only food known to me. I ate only these: eto lang ang alam ko kainin.

pad thai

Bagoong rice

Tomyang

Sticky rice with manggo
this mango dip in something like spicy bagoong with sugar is awesome too.
Of course I will not leave without tasting their coffee and iced tea

Our remaining days in Bangkok spent for shopping, we didn't go to floating market and elephant show because it's 2 hour drive from where we are staying and beside the tour packages are expensive.

I enjoyed, Siam Paragon, the high-end mall in Bangkok. We also went to Ocean world which the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia and is located at the mall, the whole tour will cost you 1000baht, it include souvenir photo, fish spa, pop corn and drinks, 4D show and a lot more, sulit namn sya for me. I had fun, it revived the child in me. I love the otter and the penguins show.

Ocean World

All in all, it was tiring, happy and truly, a trip to remember.. next destination.. HK. hay nakakapagod talaga kulang ang 3days...

break it to me gently

It was Christmas when I last saw her, nearly one month ago, i told her "you lose weight," every time we see each other our usual greeting is about our weight "oy tumaba ka or oy payat ka na" things like that. Though thin, I noticed the size of her belly is a bit big for her current weight. I felt something is not right. I overheard her, my brother and my sister in law talking about her sickness and the mysterious lumps that all of a sudden grow on her shoulder and head, i joined them, she was complaining about abdominal and lower back pain, we told her to consult another doctor (actually we coerced her) for a complete check up since despite the negative result of her ultrasound she still experiencing pains. And the lump is so alarming.

Came new year and the pain is no longer bearable they brought her here in manila last week and she submitted to several tests like MRI, CT Scan, etc. Waiting for the test results is like eternity, first, the ultrasound revealed that her pancreas is swollen and they found lumps on her ovaries and chest and took tissues for biopsy. The big day came (which is today) when the doctor broke the news, yes she has a cancer ( bone cancer) and it's on stage 4, the doctors can no longer tell where did it starts since the cancer spreads to several parts of the body. According to my cousin, her husband, the doctor says they cannot do anything about it (hands up) but our faith doesn't want to give up, i know it will be hard for my cousin and the rest of our family, it came to us as a shock, it was too fast, she is complaining pains since September but at that time it is still tolerable, she had ultrasound and the result is negative so she ignores it, came november and december when the pain becomes severe and she cannot sit for too long.

We dont know how to deal with it yet, the only thing we can do now is to accept it, pray for her and be there for her. I didn't visit her in the hospital since she was admitted, i can't face her without breaking down, Im too transparent, the least we can do is to be brave for her and i dont want her to see me crying.

I pray for her and for other people who are in the same predicament.

Welcome 2010- I hope ...

I was'nt able to greet you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year, but it's better late than never, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.

I have noticed that I only have 31 posts for 2009 compare to 98 from last year considering that I started mid of 2008, my life really turned upside down, last year i been boasting about my privilege of buying my own time, now I hope I can buy time, saan na bibili? Well, the famous saying " ang buhay ay weather weather lang" is indeed true.

I'm thankful to God for all the blessings, for the work even if it brought so much stress to me. I hope i can spend more time with you, read your blogs like i did before, i hope i can manage my time enough to visit you everyday.

I am hopeful that this year will be a lot better for all of us especially for our country.

I hope i can update my blog often, im looking forward to my Bangkok trip next week, I have something to tell you when I get back.

Happy new year everyone, keep the faith and be safe. God Bless you all.