Life is Beautiful

Not always is actually, but we have to choose to see the brighter side in everything.

When one is busy, one can either see it as a deprivation or simply a disadvantage. Me? I look at it as a blessing. 

God is truly good! Did people ever tell you that God's plans for you are better than what you can imagine? Well... That's the bold truth!  I have prayed for a lot of things in the past and right now, God is showing me glimpses of His plans for my life. I tell you, I'm speechless and in awe! I'm walking through some of it now... The best is yet to come.

God's word for me for this year is OBEY. Even if He says something that doesn't make sense, just OBEY. The rewards of being obedient is limitless!

In the mean time, I'd like to share some photos with you that spells HAPPY. 

August 8. Fellowship with my spiritual family at Victory.

August 10. Mini family reunion at my Grandparent's house in Pampanga

August 17. Another mini family reunion at my Aunt's house in Pampanga

August 28. My family... We miss you Mom and Dad!

Me and Gabby

These are just SOME of the things I'm grateful for in life.  Life is beautiful indeed.

Reunions

It's been a while since I last posted.  I miss blogging, but I had other priorities I needed to attend to first.  Other stuff had to take a backseat, including blogging. I do miss my bloggy friends though.

All is well.  When people ask me how my health is doing, I'd always say thank God, I'm getting better everyday.  I still do have my regular check up.  It was every week, then it became every two weeks and now it's every month.

Let me share a few random photos during my MIA mode. =)

My cousin, Resi, from the US came home after decades of living there with her family. What better reason to hold a family gathering, right?  So family gathering it was last July 7. These were just few of my relatives from the side of my mom. Trust me, when we gather together, all of us, it'll be a riot!

Lunch at Texas Roadhouse Grill. Dinner with cousins at Army Navy.

Mom celebrated her birthday at Makan Makan Asian Food Village last July 14.

Mom with my sister and her youngest child, Robyn Denise

Finally, last August 15, I met up with my college friend Joan, after years of staying in Russia with her family.  It was really nice to see her again. We had a quick lunch at Kaya, Rockwell.

Though I was MIA in the blogging world for a little more than a month, it was a season of reunions with family and friends.  It was fun!  

Family Reunion

After four years, I went back to my Mom's home town, at my grandparents' house. I saw a lot of changes in the house. I was feeling a bit nostalgic. Anyway, I was happy to see my aunts and uncles, cousins and nieces again. Many weren't there last November 1 and wished they were. Aunt Juliet came home from California. 

My Mom's siblings. 

L-R: Uncle Dan, Aunt Thelma, Aunt Juliet, Mom, Aunt Tess & Aunt Marita

My relatives

One thing I looked forward to coming back here was the food.  My aunts are such good cooks.  We had my fave Sinigang, Rellenong Bangus (Stuffed Milkfish), Bopis, Inihaw na Tilapia at Hito (grilled Catfish) with rice and then Ginatan, Suman and Cassava cake for desert.  Yummy!!! 

We all had Rellenong Bangus and Embutido packed to bring home. Thanks to Aunt Marita and Aunt Tess for preparing these take home goodies for us!  

With my cousin, Bing

Filipinos are known for balikbayan boxes, those huge boxes full of goodies to be distributed as gifts to family and friends back home. This isn't new to us. Aunt Juliet brought home a balikbayan box full of chocolates, branded clothing, toiletries, etc.  Everybody gathered around and waited for their turn to get something.  Well, I got my fave... a bottle of lotion. *Grin*

Though we all missed my Lolo and Lola, we still tried to enjoy the moment and kept their memories alive.  

Chillin With HS Friends

After a very tiring stressful day of going around the metro meeting people and doing presentations, it's definitely a welcome breather to sit down, chill and have coffee with my high school friends.

With Claire & Pam

Top (L-R): Edward, Jed, Amia, Tim & David

Sitting (L-R): Claire, Pam & me

With Joy, David's wife, on my left

I felt like I came out of a war zone going home before heading to UCC Podium to meet my friends.  It was horrible!  I took the metro rail transit because I knew it's fast and I will be home in a jiff, but I guess I will never do that again.  I was pushed and squashed...  It was crazy!!!  

Anyway, I'm happy because I'm ending my day with a smile and a thankful heart.  Thankful for friends and for all of God's blessings.  

Good night, everyone!

Thankful Thursday

I have so many things to thank God for this week...

Last Friday, December 10, our High School class '90, section 5, had our second reunion at Cafe Romulo.  I was glad to see them again.  Some weren't able to make it, but that's okay.  I'm sure when we have our first ever Batch reunion next year, after 20 years,  they will be there.

 My Senior High School classmates. So glad to see them again!

L-R: Sherie, me, Joyce, Janice, Bia and Claire

Three days after, Monday, December 13, my officemates and I had our Christmas Party at Palladium Clubhouse.  Boy, this was really fun!  We had 70's as our theme.  Disco Fever!!!

 

 

Peace!

And finally yesterday,  December 15, a very special day for me.  While I am waiting for God's perfect time for my breakthrough, I went with my friend, Zenda, to do a feeding program for the elderly.  I felt a different kind of joy and at the same time my heart broke for these grandpa's and grandma's who were left to this home for the elders by their families... for good.

 

 

 

 The grandpa's and grandma's prepared a number for us.  Sweet!
They were all very happy to see us.  

The Double Happiness Team 
L-R: Zenda, me, Che, Raul, Kat & Christian

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40

Father, thank you for the fun and for the chance to serve others.  To You be all the glory and honor!

What are you thankful for this week?

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Grace Alone.

7... A Year Of Completion

Seven years ago this song was played while I was walking down the aisle. I specifically chose this because of the meaning of the song and it still stands true up to this day...

For my friends who don't speak my language, this is the English translation of the song. It's not in sync with the music, but I just want you to be able to somehow understand the essence of the song.

You

You are given by God (God sent)
The answer to my prayer
So that for all time
I'll love you every chance I have

You are the light of my life
The other half of my heart
Not for a moment will anyone be able to take your place
Now and forever, it'll just be you

You are the reason for everything I do
If ever I look forward to tomorrow
It is because of you
Forever is not enough
Because every moment, every second
I will love only you

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

F U N !!!

Last weekend was fun! Fun! Fun!

We had our first ever High School Batch '90 Section Five (IV-5) reunion last November 13, 2003 at Celsius Gastrolounge. After 19 years, we saw each other again. For some, like me, it was the first time to see them again after graduating from high school. Yeah, it was that long ago.

Maybe next time everybody from our class can attend. The more, the merrier.

My girl friends

With Joyce, Claire and Bia

With Janet and Bia

I'm so happy to see them again!

The following day, Saturday, my friends and I went to Enchanted Kingdom, a theme park in Laguna, and went for the rides immediately. I felt like a little kid all over again.

See that Mickey Mouse bag? That's mine! =D
I asked Jericho to hold it for me because they put all their stuff inside and it was heavy

Thumbs Up Mini Ice Cream

Me!!!

I got tired of screaming at the top of my lungs during the Anchors Away (Pirate Ship) and the Jungle Log Jam (Log Flume) rides, but I had so much fun! I haven't laughed so hard for a long time and it felt good!

Yesterday after the service, my friends and I watched 2012. Nice movie. Got home at 11:30 p.m.