Be happy!

After weeks of cyberspace absence, I am finally breaking the silence.

My days offline were filled with so much splendid fireworks and wonderful events that I took the time off to savor every minute. This June, I would like to spread much happiness as I celebrate a lot of wonderful things that has come my way. :)

For my one and only Papa - happy birthday and happy Father's Day! On this special day, we rejoice for the strength of your character, the courage of your heart, and the sincerity of your love. We are eternally grateful to God for the gift that is you. :)

For my cousin - Though I do not see you often, I pray that you are well. I pray that you will grow up to be a young lady after the Lord's heart. Stay healthy and stay strong.

For the national hero - Dr. Jose P. Rizal, whose life has inspired millions of Filipinos and peoples around the world. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of his birth, may the Philippines as a country aim to move forward with the vision and ideals that he has long dreamed and fought for with his life.

For the children I work [play!] with - All of you have been my constant source of fulfillment and joy (despite frustration and distress at times). Your smiles and milestones have always been part of the greatest moments of my life. I lift each and every one of you to God; He knows you all by name. May you and your families prosper in God's love and protection always.

For my friends - I don't know what I would do without you. You have constantly kept my feet on the ground and made sure that my head and my heart are in their right places. Thank you for providing me with the breathing room that I need from the hurly-burly of my fast-paced life. I wouldn't have come this far if not for you.

For my special someone - Thank you for accepting me for who I am. It has been a roller coaster ride since we have met for the second time. It seems so simple how things have fallen into place - call it fate, destiny, or what-have-you but more than anything, I believe that the Lord has a plan for us. Blaise Pascal once said, "The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing. Love has reasons which reason cannot understand." I have given up trying to wrestle with a million reasons. I am taking a leap of faith.

I am filled with joy to say that I have gone quite far [so far] in my pursuit of happiness. :)

Royal Wedding of the Century

I have always had a special place in my heart for anything related to royal matters. I strongly feel the sense of history and tradition in the lives of the monarchs from Marie Antoinette to Sisi, from King Philip to Queen Elizabeth I, and now the present day royal family.

April 29, 2011 Friday

This day is history in-the-making and I am truly privileged to have witnessed it along with the rest of the world.

I want this day to remain forever in my memory for today marks a wonderful turning point in royal world history since the loss of the late Princess of Wales, Diana, whom I have admired so much even at my tender age of ten at the time [of her passing away].

This truly momentous day celebrates the union of Prince William Arthur Philip Louis Mountbatten-Windsor and Miss Catherine Elizabeth Middleton - now Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Earl and Countess of Strathearn, & Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus.

May their wedding mark the beginning of the British monarchy's openness to the changing times and to the people who are changing with it. May they prove through the years to come that fairy tales do come true. While the old classics will never die, some of those classics might be on the brink of being born today.

Best wishes to the newly-weds!

Night before Christmas

Christmas time is usually the best time of the year for me to slow down and think of how my life has generally been. As the year comes to a close, it is very helpful to pause and put plans and other things back into their proper perspective.

What I love about December is that besides being the last month of the year, it also signifies a period of transition into a new beginning. During this time when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we also celebrate HOPE.

Hope for closer relationship with family and friends.
Hope for success in work and school.
Hope for better days to come.
Hope for God to see us through.

Holiday decorations at home.

Rudolph had a very shiny nose, indeed. Now, I have found him!

Wine red and sheer white curtains this year.
I kind of miss the traditional yellow Christmas lights, though. :)

Still, blue remains my favorite color.

2010 has been a year of firsts and lasts, of not nows and next times, of always and nevers...

2010 has been a friend and foe.

Now, 2010 has come and will be gone soon. Too soon.

But we were not meant to look back for much longer; so tonight, I lay down everything once more beside the manger where the Christ was born.

Dress up your eyewear

This year's company Christmas party was so much fun! :)

Besides having FUNglasses for the party theme, the program was packed with group games, dance presentations, raffle draws, an awarding ceremony and more. The spirit of Christmas is wonderfully alive in everybody during the gathering.

I am filled with joy to witness the true essence of the season: togetherness in celebrating the wonderful gift of hope and love in our Lord Jesus.

I have so much to be thankful for tonight.

"Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see?
A star, a star
Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite..."

Faithful departed

Heaven and hell. Life after death. Judgment day. Where will you be after you have taken your last breath from this world?


All these thoughts come to mind more strongly at this time of year when the whole mother's side of the family goes to the cemetery to visit our departed loved ones. Each year, I experience a paradigm shift on this particular day, the first day of the month. Instead of seeing each day as one more day of living, I come to realize that it is one more day closer to dying. I do not wish to discourage or sound depressing; I just try to imagine what's it like seeing the half-full glass as half-empty.

I am lying if I tell you that I do not fear death. I do, especially when I think of all the possible aftermaths of my loss. On the other hand, this tiny fear is overpowered by a bigger sense of excitement for the life after life. Death is merely a phase, a transition. I believe all those who have gone to rest are in hope of rising again and being with the Lord Jesus Christ.

My favorite Filipino glutinous rice especially made by Lolo.

Though going to the cemetery may sound sad and mournful, it really isn't all that. There is much merriment and laughter, too, since the yearly visits are one of those rare opportunities when big families can spend some time together.

During this once-a-year tradition, each family in our clan brings food to be shared with the extended family. There was lechong paksiw (a pork stew), sopas (chicken noodle soup), rice, chips and so on. To my delight, my grandfather made and brought his specialty, biko [pronounced /bee-koh/], which I haven't tasted in a long time. What a treat! It feels so good to be around family and feel loved. It's a great reminder that Jesus has overcome the world and has overcome death.

"It's the heart that really matters in the end..."

"No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me


From life’s first cry to final breath


Jesus commands my destiny


No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Till He returns or calls me home


Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand..."

- In Christ Alone -

Twenty Ten

As one of my favorite songs, In Good Time by Jessica Sheely (Wedding Planner OST), goes: "Smile for the picture man, dear. It's another day, another dream, another new year."

Welcome to the year 2010!

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

- Philippians 1:19-21 (NIV)

I pray that the new year will be an opportunity to know God, love God and serve God in a deeper way possible. I have set new goals for my self this year but I know that 'as man proposes, God disposes,' so may the Lord set the path and make the way clear for me beginning today.

For those who have new things to learn and old things to unlearn, for those who have habits to start and habits to break, for those who have ideas to keep and ideas to throw away, for those who have battles to win and battles to lose, and for those who have plans to starts and plans to end...

May the year two thousand and ten be kinder to us all. Namaste.

'Tis the season

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday.

Once the first day of December hits the calendars, an unexplainable sense of euphoria and greatness seems to envelope everything. The mere idea of wrapped presents, Christmas stockings, rich chocolates, blinking lights, holiday decorations and work breaks (formerly school breaks) is enough to send me flying to the moon. Moreover, Christmas songs fill homes and streets with the much needed atmosphere of love and good tidings.

This year, however, I welcomed Christmas quite differently. A good kind of different.

Since April 2009, God - the awesome provider - has blessed me with work that has consistently been an opportunity for me to grow in all aspects of my life, especially in financial matters. So for the first time in twenty two years, I was able to buy gifts this Christmas for people I care for using money I earned. I am also very glad that I am continuously able to support my sponsored child since I started working this year (despite the aftermath of calamities and shadows of recession). What a blessing it is to be a blessing to others in this regard!

I may not have a huge bulging sack of presents being pulled by flying reindeer or a factory of toys run by elves over at the North Pole but I believe there's a little bit of Santa in each of us. Even though I've outgrown Santa Claus per se, I'm still a big fan of the big, jolly guy in red. For me, he is more real as Saint Nicholas: a man with an extraordinarily generous heart who lived centuries ago whose story has been an inspiration for both young and old until now. His charitable act is not tough to follow; we all have something to share: time, talent, or treasure. Most importantly, we have the love of Jesus Christ to give to everybody...

Christmas will always be my favorite holiday.

I realize I am no longer a little girl at 22 years old but I am eternally thankful in the truth that I will always be a child of God.

As the holiday season reaches its highlight, I am filled with joy in embracing more closely the belief that 'it is in giving that we receive' (mentioned by St. Francis of Assisi in his prayer). Truly, 'tis the season to be bathed in gratitude for the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. On Christmas day, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us - to envelope us in the eternal love of God.

In giving our lives to God, we receive God Himself into our new lives. God be with us.

12 B.C.

It 's that time of the year again!

DECEMBER - the month that brings life into a good kind of busy state and a good kind of crazy state.

What do you think prevented me from blogging in a while?

Obviously, the Christmas bug has bitten me very, very hard.

P.S. It's only 12 days Before Christmas!

Remember...

On the first and second of November each year, Filipino families go to the cemeteries to visit their loved ones who have passed away.

In the Catholic church, November 1 is a solemn celebration in honor of saints termed All Saints Day appropriately, while November 2 is a commemoration of the departed faithful known as All Souls' Day. These days are called Undas in the Filipino language.

Every year, my family and relatives would gather at Eternal Gardens at Lipa City to visit the grave of my maternal grandmother whom we fondly call Mamita. Her real name is Natividad largely because she was born on the 25th of December, Christmas Day... which makes the holiday extra meaningful for us.

I have very few memories of Mamita in my mind. Most of what I remember about her are in pictures - thanks to film and camera. Nevertheless, the clearest memory I have of her is something I've been able to hold on to very well because that part of my life has influenced me a lot until now.

Mamita died of pancreatic cancer when I was six years old. The family's struggle with her condition and my grandmother's personal battle with cancer did not impact my life at that time because I was too young to understand.

When our family prepared to visit Mamita in the hospital one time while she was undergoing medication, I wrote a short letter for her at home upon the encouragement of my mother. I can't recall the exact words I jotted down but what I do recall vividly was that I put several coins in the envelope with the letter. Upon arriving at Mamita's hospital room, I handed my mother the letter and told her it was for grandma. She was intrigued by the weight of the enveloped and asked me what was inside. I said quite confident;y, "Pera para pandagdag sa babayaran ni Mamita." (Money to help pay for Mamita's medical expenses.) I have no idea what my mom thought of the gesture - whether she was amused or touched or both. It has crossed my mind to ask her about it but I never did.

When Mamita took her last breath, I did not feel the sorrow or the pain of her passing away.

During Mamita's wake in my grandparents' house, however, I remember asking my mom several times where Mamita was. "Natutulog na siya, anak," (She's sleeping now, child,) was all she told me. I did not question my mother's reply for indeed I saw my grandmother in a beautifully decorated bed (which was actually her coffin; I just didn't know.) In my mind, though, I thought, "If she's asleep, how come all these people are here? Is it okay for so many people to watch someone sleep? And what's with all the lights? You can't sleep with a lot of lights on."

Ah, such innocence is a blessing on a concept so seemingly cruel. That was my first encounter with death; my first experience of losing a beloved person.

Only a few years ago did I realize first hand that it was a very painful experience to lose someone you love so dearly. Only half a year ago when I started earning my own money did I understand the financial strain the medical expenses must have put on the family then. Only now has it started to sink in that the other true loss for me is not having grown up with a grandmother close to home. (My paternal grandmother lived most of her life in the United States although she visits the Philippines when she has the chance.)

Loss, it seems, is an easier topic to talk about. People can share experiences of loss with each other. On the other hand, people who have died can't go back to tell of their experience of death. Loss may entail acceptance or denial, either which a person can work on achieving some understanding about. We can take control of what happens after a loss. Meanwhile, there is so much more mystery about death. We don't know exactly what happens after one dies.

I know many people fear death. I am not at all I different; I also feel fear for I am human. But I have this greater feeling of peace about death that overpowers the fear. Knowing I have accepted Jesus as my Savior and believing He died for my sins so that I will be saved is all I need to vanquish fear of death. Mamita has invited Jesus into her life, too, and I am confident that her death is merely a passing on to a better world. I may not have been given a lot of time to be with her and to know her but realizing that she's with the Lord is all the assurance I need to understand that our family's loss is heaven's gain.

Araw ng Kalayaan

MABUHAY ang PILIPINAS!

Long live the Philippines!

Today, Filipinos celebrate Philippine Independence Day. After more than three centuries under Spanish rule and other foreign colonizers, the Pearl of the Orient is finally out of its oppressive shell.

I don't have anything monumental to share that I've done this June 12th besides this blog post but this I have and want to say: I am proud to be a Filipino. I take pride in sharing in the colorful culture and rich history of the Philippines. This country is home to admirable heroes both acclaimed and unsung. Moreover, the Filipino has truly proven himself to be a global individual - able to adapt and excel in various fields in different places all over the world.

However, it is undeniable that in spite of the physical absence of foreign invaders from the country, some effects of being a colony for so long is still very much present in the society at this point - in lifestlye and mentality. There is still much to be done for all of us to leap as one nation.

Are we truly FREE?

Tagubilin at Habilin

G. Pete Lacaba

Mabuhay ka kaibigan

Iyan ang una’t huli kong tagubilin at habilin,

Mabuhay ka

Sa edad kong ito, marami akong maibibigay na payo, mayaman ako sa payo

Maghugas ka ng kamay bago kumain

Maghugas ka ng kamay pagkatapos kumain

Pero huwag kang maghuhugas ng kamay para lamang maka-iwas sa sisi

Huwag kang maghuhugas ng kamay kung may inaapi na kaya mong tulungan

Paupuin mo sa bus ang matatanda at ang mga may kalong na sanggol

Magpasalamat ka sa nagmamagandang-loob

Matuto sa karanasan ng matatanda pero huwag magpatali sa kaisipang makaluma

Huwag piliting matulog kung ayaw kang dalawin ng antok

Huwag pagaksayahan ng panahon ang mga walang utang na loob

Huwag makipagtalo sa bobo at baka ka mapagkamalang bobo

Huwag bubulong-bulong sa mga panahong kailangang sumigaw

Huwag kang manalig sa bulung-bulungan

Huwag papatay-patay sa ilalim ng pagitin

Huwag kang tutulog-tulog sa pansitan

Umawit ka kung nag-iisa ka sa banyo, umawit ka sa piling ng barkada

Umawit ka kung nalulungkot, umawit ka kung masaya

Ingat lang, huwag kang aawit ng My Way sa videoke bar at baka ka mabaril

Huwag kang magsindi ng sigarilyo sa gasolinahan

Dahan-dahan sa matatarik na landas, dahan-dahan sa malulubak na daan

Higit sa lahat inuulit ko, mabuhay ka

Maraming bagay sa mundo na nakakadismaya, mabuhay ka

Maraming problema ang mundo na wala na yatang lunas, mabuhay ka

Sa hirap ng panahon, sa harap ng kabiguan kung minsan ay gusto mo nang mamatay

Gusto mong maglaslas ng pulso kung sawi sa pag-ibig

Gusto mong magbigti kung napakabigat ng mga pasanin

Gusto mong pasabugin ang bungo mo kung maraming gumugulo sa utak

Huwag kang patatalo, huwag kang susuko

Narinig mo ang sinasabi ng awitin, gising at magbangon sa pagkagubilin

Sa pagkakatulog na lubhang mahimbing

Gumising ka kung hinaharana ka ng pag-ibig

Bumangon ka kung nananawagan ang kapus-palad

Ang sabi ng iba, ang matapang ay walang takot lumaban

Ang sabi ko naman, ang tunay na matapang ay lumalaban kahit natatakot

Lumaban ka kung iningungudngud ang nguso mo sa putik

Bumalikwas ka kung tinatapak-tapakan ka

Buong tapang mong ipaglaban ang iyong mga prinspiyo

Kahit hindi ka sigurado na agad-agad kang mananalo

Mabuhay ka kaibigan

Mabuhay ka

(I got the Philippine flag picture by via Google and landing on Doomnet.)

Matters of the Heart

It is the day before Valentine's Day. In line with the celebration of this highly popular event, a thought crossed my mind and I decided to put it into writing. I remember jotting down some quotes regarding youth a few years ago and one of them is very relevant for the 14th of February.

"Young men make great mistakes in life; for one thing, they idealize love too much." 

- Benjamin Jowett

I agree. (I noticed he used the term men but I would like to believe he meant 'man' in general because young women fall into the same trap, too.) Nowadays, it's not hard to find people wearing rose-colored glasses when it comes to love. With the amount of 'idealism' being bombarded by the media regarding love and relationships - confusion and sadly, destruction, is often the result. Many young people enter premarital sex, deal with unwanted pregnancies, commit abortion and so on.

I came across this webpage on Christianity -- Youth Issues - Relationship and one of the thoughts there that struck me was this: "Immature love demands perfection." How true! Even I once dreamed of that fairy tale-like love story complete with "and they lived happily ever after". Thankfully, I know better now. I am also glad to share of the GREATEST LOVE STORY ever told summed up in John 3:16 - 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

On this eve of Valentine's Day, I share to you this poem. It is my own reflection of why the heart symbolizes love.

HEART TO HEART

© 2009 Julie Ann Caringal

Many have sought to understand

this one word of letters four.

Two vowels, two consonants,

a pair like never before.

People have talked about it,

more so now than ever.

But they forget an important thing..

to listen well, nay, listen better!

For the heart is a shape

made from a union, no doubt, of two:

the left ear and the right ear,

which attend to matters both Godly and true.

If you lift your hands to heaven

and place them side by side,

again the heart is made visible

where prayers and charity reside.

The heart embodies love

for another good reason.

It is the best, yet most unnoticed,

 analogy and conclusion.

From that moment in the womb

until the day one dies,

every single heartbeat

is where the answer lies.

For the heart, too, is unconditional;

it 'suffers long and is kind'.

It 'bears all things, endures all things';

beats long after fallen is the mind.

Remember now and remember well,

this one word of letters four.

Two vowels, two consonants;

 fulfilled only in God forevermore.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
- Proverbs 4:23