Not the WINNER nor the LOSER...

Wackiest picture we have on file.. Hahaha!

I've always want to blog about relationships especially (the boy/girl relationship) but I was always hesitant as it would really speak about my own. This time, the urge in my heart has burst - the experience will tell it all. 

I am proud to say that I have an almost 7-year old relationship with my "fiancé" as of this writing. I could confidently justify that there's no really perfect relationship on earth. Two different persons who will share similar things is not really that easy, promise! In the long run, as you grow together, you'll somehow realize the magic of these differences.

From the time we started this journey, I know it wouldn't be a smooth sailing one. Given the fact that he was my first boyfriend, I am very aware that it will require lots of adjustments on my part as if I will have "feelings experiment". By the grace of God, I was able to love unconditionally and maturely.

We both act, think, prioritize and decide differently. Despite of this fact, I can say that we really don't fight, we just do deeper conversations. We would sit together and discuss matters with so much respect on each views. As we move forward, through God's guidance, the differences have made us stronger. For the love history, the relationship has started with conversations... endless conversations. There were debates, serious talks, career discussions and spiritual points. Generously, I will reveal the secret of a peaceful and successful talk. It's because we don't converse to WIN nor recognize ourselves as the LOSER at the end of every conversations.

I can describe it as a "selfless" way of loving. In a relationship, competition in any way will definitely pull each other down. Needful to say, helping your partner to succeed in every aspect of life is a must - that's how companionship works. So, throw the pride and hug all the humility - that's it! How exciting a marriage will be knowing at this stage of our relationship we have already developed this kind of understanding. Of course, it is all by the guidance of the Lord who is the center of this kind of love.

As we go on, love grows well. Meaningful and meaningless talks will always be cherished!

Galatians 5:15 (NLT)
"But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another".

Watch out! ;)

Delved into the Richness of Baler

Bear with me if I had inserted a travel post here ;) I just can't keep the remarkable weekend getaway I had with my brethren and the superManly himself. Since I am addicted to travel documentaries and blogs, I myself would like to experience the actual fulfillment when you get to see a fresh view with great adventures. A few weeks ago, my friend Remsy has invited our Life Group to try Baler, Aurora. When I heard the place I was not hesitant to say yes to the invitation, of course I invited my superman to go with us (I am confident that the getaway will be more fun if we will be with him, naks! apart from the fact that we need an additional driver, lol). The preparation lasted for just a couple of weeks because we believe in the saying that an outing will push through if it will be planned on a shorter period of time. I guess that's proven so true!

I woud like to express the amusement with a number of pictures we had taken from the trip. Thanks to Manly and Teacher Tinay for the photos :) #photocredit. Sharing some views on our way to Baler and the destination itself.

Concluding this is a lake extending Pantabangan Dam

On our way to Baler proper, a very peaceful lake has welcomed us. We believed this is the extension of Pantabangan Dam - it's situated in Pantabangan area. We didn't see the actual Dam as we took the new and long road unknowingly. Road trippin' indeed! We do not know what lies ahead of us. Getting more excited for the next nature that will cheerfully greet us.

Relying on GPS and "pwede po magtanong" stop overs, we reached Baler after more than 2 hours of straight and 3 hours of zigzag road plus 20 minutes of pauses to ask for the correct direction. We didn't consider it as an arduous journey at all. Laugh times and bullying moments made the journey a fun!

After settling a room for the overnight stay, we have decided to try the waterfalls first. Baler locals said that there are 3 water falls to choose from but 2 of these require strenuous effort so we have decided to just go in Caunayan Falls that doesn't require trekking.

Oh rough road was worth it! See the breathtaking Caunayan Falls below. I've collated our photos - the water is super cold and clear! I tell you, you'll get tossed out from the powerful streams.

Baler beaches were described as one of the "top surf spots" in the Philippines. We will not allow to miss the happy waves that Sabang Beach could offer. Two of our brethren had the courage to try it. The waves were not that scary - fair enough!

Inah, Mai and Randell having fun with the happy surfboards...

Swimming was fun regardless of the painful impact of waves on our bare bodies haha! Joke! We actually enjoyed watching the professional surfers...

Sabang Beach

I tell you, you can't see any night life in Sabang Hotels. So what?! We will not get bored, Teacher brought UNO cards to celebrate an entertaining night in Baler. Some of us were not familiar with this card game - through Teacher's great effort in introducing the game mechanics, we made it! Losers will be punished. You can't believe what's the consquence. How about drinking a bottle lid of tuba vinegar. Ayiiii! (I am one of the losers, so I have experienced the awkward taste)


Playing UNO Game before calling Saturday a day - ManSelle and Inah were the losers of 3-round game.

Food trippin': having a taste of first hand Buko fruit which has a first hand price haha! Lunch on the second day at Gerry Shan's Place located in Baler town proper was awesome as well! Food really taste good with an affordable price. It was indeed a satisying meal for all.

Before heading home, we got the chance to see Baler Museum. Very historical... Award winning movie "Baler", will tell it all.

Museo de Baler

"Kulitan" was the highlight of the weekend, we may say.. Travelling with these guys was crazy! I can still remember why teacher has been K.O as you can see below. It was Remsy's fault haha! She got drunk from the tubas that Remsy brought for pasalubong. lol! Laughing a lot made our journey a remarkable one.



PACPS DGroup



Thank you PACPS for the experience. So blessed to have you! We do not know each other for a long time but our bond through Christ has made us thicker. 



Thank you Guys for the great company! :)

Otso- the Magic Number!


Till next time Baler! We will miss your beautiful morning sunshine!

Sunrise lying in Sabang Beach, Baler

 GLORY TO GOD!

Remarkable and Exceptional Weekend

I can confidently say that I had a remarkable and exeptional long Easter weekend (March 28-30, 2013). Wow! I can still feel the  unforgettable feeling and I'm praying to sense it every single moment. I am so grateful and blessed to be part of the Encounter God Weekend of the Catalyst held at Mt. Peniel Prayer Mountain and Camp Site in the mountainy part of Capaz Tarlac.

 

I really don't know how to explain in writing what I felt that weekend - goosebumps!

 

All I can do is thank and praise God for letting me experience His mighty presence - heart to heart and face to face.

 

So let me just share some photos I've taken during the retreat - these photos will make the journey pellucid.

 

 

Welcoming us with this sign board - and the excitement was palpable.

 

 

Mood of the sky when we arrived.. Sunset is approaching.
 

Taken in front of the door of the dormitory where we stayed for 3 days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a lovely morning! (our second day in the mountain) I love how the sun rays have reflected. I can see the glory of God :)

Yes! Nature is the art of God!

I can still smell the morning breeze - it was a lovely sunrise experience.

 

 

 

 









It seems that the moon and the cross smile at each other. I was reminded here on how mighty is the power of the cross! Jesus has given light to the entire universe and creation amidst of darkness.

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

The highlight - the lives that were touched by God.

This is the Life Group where I belong - these photos were taken after the last session (3rd day).

 

 
2 Cor 3:18

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord--who is the Spirit--makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.





 

It’s not who she is but who she can be…

December 2011 - Christmas Party

I am not a teacher by profession but I have experienced 4 happy and momentous years of being with children, parents and Co teachers  – that was a very rare opportunity, all by God’s grace.

I started teaching at the age of 19, nervous at first but I know I was really excited.
I know it was indeed God’s plan – I had a word from Him and was guided from the very beginning. But that was not an easy decision, I kept on resisting.


Is this really your will Lord? Yes or No? I’ve battled with that thought.

These are the things I’ve pondered:
• Teaching is a noble profession, teachers’ skills are exceptional!
• No one touches the future like teachers routinely do – this will be a great fulfillment.
• Try! It’s God’s way to mold and teach me to love people even more.
• By God’s grace, it will be enjoyable!

Another reminder was the Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30
To sum it up: Three men were given talents by their master. The first two received five and two talents of money which they are put to good use and doubled their money. The third man chose to bury his because he was afraid to lose it. The master called his stewards to account on his return. He applauded the first two but upbraided the third.

So, I realized - this is my starting position and I said YES to God and to the calling! At the back of my mind, I’m afraid to be scolded by God if I will not maximize and explore the skills that He has entrusted me. In the long run, it was all for God’s glory!

My journey through teaching has thought me numerous lessons and experiences that justify saying YES to God was of great purpose. I enjoyed being with young minds: talked and thought like a kid – had long discussions with their parents and most of all loving these kids like mine.

Yes, not a teacher by profession but I became a mother (young mom), companion and supporter of many mankind.

Left teaching with fulfillment in me, I know I left something.. Not a perfect one but did things with great love. The good thing is, I still communicate with my bebes. They are indeed a manifestation of God’s generosity in giving wonderful opportunities -  ie. to love and be loved!

This is the challenge...
Are you willing to stretch yourself to seek, obey, learn, experience variety of things and  do more than what you know and are already capable of doing now? Do you believe that God has a wonderful plan for your life?

Let's learn to listen to His instructions and act according to His perfect will. Pray fervently to recognize His purpose. The more we seek the more we find.
All of our days are held in God's hands - crafted into His perfect plans.
We can be a clay that is surrendered to the Potter's hand!

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:6-8