She Embraces Her Time

She sets out at dawn, with an entire city to discover in a single day. Her schedule is full. The museum of history, the museum of art, the city monuments, the view from the top of a skyscraper, a meal in a typical old quartet restaurant... and that's just part of her itinerary. With all of her destinations marked on her tourist map like a constellation of jewels, she finds herself in the street outside her hotel, impatient embark on her journey of discovery. The watch on her wrist shows 07:08; she starts walking.

After just a few meters, a window grabs her attention: local life painted by street artists. The exhibition has only just opened; she hesitates... can she afford to deviate from her itinerary, probably not? Her watch shows 07:12 and seems to be saying that her indecisiveness has already cost her 2 minutes. Finally her curiosity gets the better of her and she heads the museum... but again she stops: a hidden church, a little marvel tucked away on the corner of the street. Gothic? Roman? Impossible to say. She disappears inside to find out. Emerging in a state of wonder, already she knows she'll be distracted by her another treasure in a matter of seconds. She has given up trying to resist her curiosity; her original itinerary seems distant and irrelevant. 10:30, according to her watch. 11:00... midday... 02:00...She's unstoppable. Hidden arcades, charming fountains, little cafes, and hideaways, musicians, flea markets, building facades, bazaars... Riches everywhere she turns... So afraid is she missing something that she devours this microcosm of the giant city with her eyes, as if tomorrow she might wake up blind. 

Her time shows 5:00. Turning around, she is stunned to realize that she is 500 meters from her hotel. She hasn't even left the district where she started. All this beauty, so close to her left unobserved. She had never taken the time to notice it. 

She smiles as she ponders her day, her journey of 500 meters which took skyscrapers, no official museums, no imperial monuments, no chic restaurants. And yet, she reflects, she didn't miss a single part of the real spectacle, the true hidden beauty visible to those who really look. 

She turns around and heads back, feeling light and happy, this time she didn't bring her camera. She's just being with herself. 

Cris is her name, and she definitely has time to discover the world! :)

Ang Sasakyang Kahel ni Lolo

Ang tagal na nong huli kong balik dito sa Pilipinas. Modernong-moderno na ang mga gusali lalo na dito sa Makati. Fashionista na rin ang mga kababaihan. Halus lahat ng mga sasakyang nakakasabay ko sa kalsada ay Porsche, Mercedes-Benz. Nalula ako sa ganda ng mga iyon.

“Ate, sobrang namiss kita. Ang laki na ng pinagbago dito matapos kang mangibang bansa,” banggit ni Cathy sa akin.

“Oo nga eh,” maikling sagot ko sa kanya bago ako pumunta sa isa sa mga byaheng di ko makakalimutan.

Unting oras na lang at makikita na kita.

Sa halus labin-limang taon kong pagtatrabaho sa Italya, nakapundar naman ako ng bahay at nakabili ng itim na kotse para sa pamilya ko. Naiibigay ko din naman sa kanila ang mga luho nila at higit doon plano ka na ring maging supplier ng mga Auto parts, sana palarin na makahanap ng mga kliyente.

Laking pasasalamat ko sa sasakyan ng lolo ko’t nakatulong iyon para makapangibang-bansa ako. Noong namayapa si lolo ay naibenta ng nanay at tatay sa isang Vintage shop ang kahel na sasakyan ni lolo.

“Bpppp,” busina ng nasa likod kong drayber.

Nakatigil pa rin ang sasakyan ko kahit na berde na ang kulay ng stop light. Siniko ako ni Cathy at tinanong kung ok lang ako. Sumagot ako ng oo. Matapos ay nag-maneho ako muli. Nag-umpisa nang bumalik ang mga ala-ala ng byahe ko kasama ang aking lolo.

“Lolo, nakakahiya naman itong sasakyan natin. Ang ingay ng tambutso at kitang-kita tayo tayo sa labas,” sambit ng 7 gulang na si Cynthia.

“Mahal na mahal ko tong sasakyan kong ito,” sagot nya habang nakasuot sa bibig nya ang bimpo, pananggalang sa usok.

Ang aming sinasakyan ay tinatawag na Sakbayan. Pinag-ipunan yun ng lolo habang sya’y nag-tuturo ng mga mag-pipiloto balang araw. Iyon ay kulay kahel, maaring makasakay ang 5 hanggang 6 na katao. Wala itong pintuan at tanging itim na trapal lang ang pumoprotekta sa amin mula sa loob. Ramdam ko ang hiya sa tuwing kami ay babyahe gamit ang sasakyang iyon. Palaging katabi ni lolo si lola sa kanan nya, samantalang kaming mga mag-kakapatid ay nasa likod. Nakayuko at pahapyaw lang tumingin sa kalsada.

“O, Ate Cynthia andito na tayo sa Quezon City. Naalala mo na naman ang makasaysayang byahe natin noon?” napansin ni Cathy ang byahe ng isip ko sa ibang lugar.

‘Oo,” sabay tingin sa kanya’t humagikgik na kami sa katatawa.

“Naalala mo ba yung tumigil ang sasakyan natin sa kahabaan ne EDSA at kailangan nating itulak iyon?”

“Oo naman. Pano ko makakalimutan yung mga matang nakatingin sa sasakyan natin habang nagtataka sa kakaiba nitong itsura?”

“ Buti na lang at may mga nag-magandang loob para tayo tulungan doon kungdi ay nako sasakay na ko sa ibang jeep.”

Ang daming nakikipagsabayan sa ming mga sasakyan, ang iba'y talagang humaharurot sa byahe-- baka na-llbm iniisip ko na lang. At sa kahabaan ng Kamuning Road, napakapit ako sa manibela ko nang makita ko ito.

Rallos Street.

“ O ate, liko ka na sa kalsadang yan.”

Paliko na kami ni Cathy sa isang kalsada at napansin ko na ang napakaraming nakaparada na lumang sasakyan. Merong Beetles, Mustangs, Chevrolet, Sakbayan. Nanlambot ako nong nakita ko ang Sakbayan. Pinaganda at binago ng pagawaan nito ang mga mistulang lumang tsikot, pero mas natuwa ako nang makita kong di nila binago ang kulay kahel na sasakyan ni lolo at mas lalo pa nila itong pinatingkad.

“Ma’am, bibilhin nyo po ba ito?” tanong ng May-ari sa akin.

“Oo naman, matagal na ba ito dito?” umaasang ang pinagbentahan ng sakbayan ni lolo ay ang may-ari nito.

"Opo, ma'am," sagot nya habang patuloy ko itong pinagmasdan.

Hindi man iyon ang mismong sasakyan ng lolo ko dahil marahil iba na ang nag-aalaga dito. Nakita ko naman ang kamukhang kamukha nyang sasakyan. Sapat na para ito’y aking bilhin, mas lalong pagandahin nang maibyahe ko naman sa kahabaan ng EDSA nang nakangiti, magaan ang loob at ipinagmamalaki ang bagong luma kong sasakyan.   

Inuna ko ito, higit sa kung ano pang gastusin. Sa susunod na ang mga makabagong sasakyan pag kumita na ako ng malaki sa aking negosyo.

Sakbayan

--30--

David, the Wisest King of Israel

Fresh 'baon' from The Feast Bibletimeline last night. I got most from Bro Rolly, though I inserted some of my learnings too. =) : 

David established the family of God as one Holy Kingdom (2 Samuel 6-7). He brought the Ark of Covenant to Jerusalem. He's like much of a priest than of a king as he danced and rejoiced before the Lord wearing a linen ephod, and become true to himself even if the people would see him, and even blessed the people around him! He understood who is the true king of Israel. God promised to make his name great and will give him a kingdom that will reign forever. It's a prophesy about Jesus, yes, he came from the line of David.

Though, David went through a lot of pain. Trouble chases sinners (Prov. 13:21). He pursued Bathsheba and committed adultery. He plotted the death of Bathsheba's husband, Uriah. The consequences of his actions: his son with Bathsheba died. His son raped his daughter. His another son rebelled against him. He went through adversities. But sometimes God used adversities to deepen our commitment to him. During David's reign, Israel was the most powerful nation. After David committed his sin, he repented with a contrition and retribution. His beautiful response about repentance was written in Psalms 51. Yes, adversities can bring out the best in him even to us!

Our irritations become our gems, because God wants to refine and purify us. Solomon wasn't the wisest man, because in the end he didn't use it for goodness. He can be knowledgeable because he had written his wisdom literature in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon but he overlooked his common sense. He didn't follow Moses' prophetic warnings in Deuteronomy 17 regarding a King shouldn't multiply his gold, chariots and wives. Solomon has 700 wives, 300 concubines, and 666 talents of gold. His foreign wives made his heart turned to other gods. And during his reign, he became tyrant. He didn't put his wisdom into practice thus he ended in ruin, later on it caused the kingdom's division, in which his father David built and united.

In today's generation, temptation is related to pride and sexual immorality. We must be careful and be guarded not to fall in any of those.

It's still good to be wise in the way, God's wise.

David, a Man after God's Heart

--30--

Joseph the Dreamer

This may sound personal, but all of us have our own favorite bible character. Mine, aside from Jesus Christ, who was the seed of the woman,  was his almost counterpart in the Old testament, Joseph. In recounting his life during Session 5 at the Feast Bible Study, I don’t know but his life is somehow related to mine. I’m sure a lot of people could relate or even get awed once they piece by piece study Joseph’s life. You may refer to Genesis 37-50.

Jacob/Israel is now the father of twelve songs from whom will come the twelve tribes of Israel. This “account of Jacob” zeroes in on Joseph, who is eleventh son of the firstborn son of his beloved wife Rachel. Like those before him, Joseph is tested. Inspite of dreams indicating that he will rule over his brothers, circumstances are against him for years. “Will you trust God?” is still the question. 

Who would've thought his life can change forever?

Joseph never loses his faith in God, inspite of mistreatment by his brothers, being sold as a slave, unjust accusations, and languishing forgotten in prison. He is honest, hardworking, thoughtful, and courageous. He is humble and gives all credit to God rather than trying to advance himself in the eyes of others. He does not grasp what has been promised but waits patiently for it, trusting that God will do as he has said. Consequently, he rises to the chief position of leadership under Pharoah and is able to bless not only Egypt, but the surrounding countries as well.

After Jacob’s death, his brothers ask forgiveness and offer themselves as slaves. This was Joseph’s reply to them, “As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20). This was a foreshadowing of Bible verse from the New Testament, “All things work for good, to those who love him and those whom he called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Joseph had learned through years of patient waiting and through tribulation that God had his hand in their affairs—that whatever things looked like on the outside, God was working it for good. Joseph’s faith gave him eyes to take this eternal perspective on events, while his brothers’ lack of faith and guilt fixed their eyes on temporal.

According to Jeff Cavins, Joseph is the forerunner of Jesus. These are the many parallels, similarities in character, in circumstances, and in what they accomplish.

Both Joseph and Jesus:

* are humble, forgiving, and strong in the face of temptation

* are beloved sons of their fathers

* see beyond the appearance of things and trust in God

* are betrayed and sold for silver

* are wrongly accused

* are brought out of captivity/death to life and glory

* reconcile their brethren to their father

* save the world

* become the source of food and life

* both have a big heart

Joseph blesses the foreign land, Egypt, and other nations by the end of Genesis. It shows that it's another stage in the growth of God's family when the seventy strong family of Jacob stayed there and completed the 12 tribes of Israel.

I keep on believing that dreams do come true, in God's perfect time. :)

Joseph, the real guiding star.

--30--

SAY YES TO LIFE

There was this guy who told me before, “Get a life!”

I actually got choked and didn’t reply.

His words opened my heart and mind into a reality if I’m having a good life or not. To think that this guy came from the same faith community where I belonged before.

In retrospection, I was convinced that I was having a good kind of life. I had a supportive family, intelligent friends, humorous and faithful faith community friends, building houses for the poor, showcasing our talent, getting good grades, having a sort of an influence, had a colorful past and experiences which made me who I am right now. Maybe during that time he was pertaining to me about getting in or diving in a sort of like adventure. Maybe for him, living a comfortable life isn’t enough to say that you’re living a life to the fullest. I think he was being subjective in telling that to me. Anyway, his comment was thought provoking.

So here’s the list to say YES TO A BEAUTIFUL LIFE GOD HAS GIVEN US. A YES TO EVERY SEASON. A RESOUNDING YES TO WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW. Some maybe applicable and some may not to you and me. It really depends where we are right now. Say yes:

1.       To be a hero or heroine for someone or a group of people.

2.      To accept someone’s invitation for lunch or dinner.

3.      To sit down, relax, pray, and reflect upon God’s goodness in your life.

4.      To study and deepen your relationship with God.

5.      To sing in a videoke whole heartedly with friends and laugh like you’ve never laughed before.

6.      To write a thank you note to your loved ones.

7.      To hold a hand of your grandparents and whisper to them that they’re still beautiful and handsome despite of their age. (I hope I can return to this time while I can do this to my grannies.)

8.      To do scuba diving, mountain climbing, snorkeling, bunjee jumping and shout at the top of your lungs.

9.      To serve in your faith community or even do some mercy missions.

10.   To listen to someone’s story of defeat, victory, joy, upset, dreams and vision.

11.    To build true, deep, and awesome friendship.

12.   To kiss your mom or your dad on their cheek or forehead. (believe me, they’d melt when you do that.)

13.   To invite someone for a cup of coffee or just a chitchat.

14.   To show your care and on being a credible, efficient, and effective employee to your boss.

15.   To promotion and salary increase! J

16.   To be brave enough to stand up for your right and dignity as a person.

17.   To jog, exercise, and do some warm up stretching.

18.   To give a smile to a sad and down-trodden friend or officemate.

19.   To have an awesome photoshoot with friends.

20.  To the man of your dreams.

21.   To motherhood and fatherhood.

22.  To join a band, literary, dance, singing, art or any competition where you can enhance and challenge to the limit your talent.

23.  To open a business and to embrace financial literacy.

24.  To shout to the world you’re the awesomest person in the world. J

25.  To love yourself in the depths of your being.

26.  To believe in the power of your dreams and visions.

27.  To drive a car.

28.  To clean your house, cook a meal, and serve your family.

29.  To joke and play around, make silly face and tap your inner child again. J

30.  To read a novel, self-help book, or even comics. Be well-informed.

31.   To bounce back after reaching your breaking point.

32.  To improve your social skills, and on being charismatic.

33.  To clean as you go.

34.  To develop your good habits. Dress up. Work on your posture.

35.  To paint your future with different color hues.

36.  To never underestimate and downgrade the lowly people.

37.  To return to your old-fashioned values and restore them now.

38.  To confess your weaknesses.

39.  To ride a bike alone or with someone.

40. To fly a kite.

I believe that when we say yes to life, we say yes to Jesus. For that let’s encourage one another to create an awesome life now and as he said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

I think what’s more helpful is to take the time to reflect on our seasons and be deliberately aware of how God is moving in this time of our life. For only then do the seasons become more beautiful, purposeful, fruitful, meaningful, in our eyes.

Oh, lastly, when I see that guy again, and he'll tell me that same comment. I’ll reply in confidence, “I just didn’t get a life. I’m actually embracing it and loving it to the fullest. So I wish you do the same.” Then, I'll put a smile on my face.

Note: That guy I’m pertaining to was just an acquaintance. J

Mind to add some of your yes moments… J You may leave a comment below. Thanks.

Be the Scriptwriter of Your Life

Let others lead small lives, but not you.
Let others argue over small things, but not you.
Let others cry over small hurts, but not you.
Let others leave their future in someone else’s hands, but not you.
— Jim Rohn

To help people write their dreams, I created the Life Dreams Success Journal. In it, I wrote that when it comes to self-direction, there are three kinds of people in this world.

First is the Moviegoer.

This person watches the movie of her life, admires some parts and criticizes other parts. Aside from that, she does nothing else. All shesays the whole day is, “I like this thing but I don’t like that thing.” The Moviegoer feels she has absolutely no control of her life—except to
comment about it. Moviegoers are the most pathetic, miserable people in the world.

Second is the Actor.

This person doesn’t only watch the movie of her life. She actually realizes she’s the Actor—and can control a big part of her life. She can actually make or break the movie—by how well she delivers her lines and by how she portrays her character. Actors are a happy bunch. They realize they’re the star of the show and enjoy some level of control. But many times, they wish the movie would end in another way—but realize that they have no say in such things.

Third is the Actor-Scriptwriter.

Let me ask you this question: Who are you among these three people?
Do you merely watch your life go by?
Or do you act a script that you feel has been handed to you?
Or do you write the script and make your life beautiful?
Friends, make a decision now to become the Scriptwriter of your life.
God wants you to be the Scriptwriter.
Create the life you were meant to live.
By the way, you might be asking: Where is God in the movie?
He’s the Producer. He says, “Make the movie beautiful. Here’s the budget…”
He then gives you a thick, fat checkbook with blank checks—but all pre-signed.
“Just put whatever figure you need.” Yes, my friend, He has given you all
that you need for success. Start using God’s checkbook now!
Write your dreams.


Be the Scriptwriter of your life.

Truly Rich Principle:You have the power to create the life you want.

Source: Bo Sanchez's 8 Secrets of the Truly Rich; pg. 87-88

2013 is My Bibo Year! :)

1.       1. GOD'S THE ULTIMATE SOURCE OF MY HAPPINESS- The reason why I'm always perky and bubbly. 

Ms. Perky Little Sunshine

2. MOMENTS OF LOVE- Enjoying every moment spent with my family, friends and loved-ones. 

Me, Mama, Pao, Meanne and Rans

Suria Clan

Such an honor to write something lovely about my bestfriends, Ant and Meanne. :)

Standing from left: Rans and Ant; Sitting from left: Pao, Meanne, Me and Jens

CG with Bibo Kids

The unkaboggable service at PISTARA 2013

3. WORSHIP EVERY SUNDAY and REHEARSAL EVERY FRIDAY with LOJ Feast PICC chorus. 

I lift my hand to believe again, 
you are my refuge, you are my stre

ngth

Last day of service for 2013: Go Red and Green Team! 
Fight til the end! :)

  4. iBLOG. iWRITE- I never stopped writing thru my blogs and it's my 3rd yr to join a Children'sstorywriting contest. hihi 

5. iLOVE WEDDINGS- Praise our fabulous God, for allowing me to be a wedding singer 3x this year, and a wedding reception host last Dec.26 and was booked to coordinate a wedding on Dec. 2014. 

True blue, baby I love you!:)

Angels brought me here...:)

Happy is when I'm with you...

Such a delight to co-host with Direk Paul Sargei

  6. FULL OF LIFE- I've attended Lovelife Batch 4. Had served at Lovelife Batch 5 and LiveLife, and surprisingly became Ms. Dreamgirl at DreamLife. 

LLRB4 Reunion- Shine Bright Like A Diamond

Ang service ko na puros tawa't halakhak! :D

Nauso ang Group selfie!

With my beautiful and handsome brads and sissies!

Serenading all the singles with God's love songs

Shoot! Ms. Dreamgirl! (Meanne said, it's not every day that someone will get that crown---so why not enjoy??!)

Lovely shot with lovely people in the house! Yow!!! :D

7. IT'S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES- I took mini vacay with family and friends in some of the 
beautiful spots in our country.  

BAGUIO!!!!----ang nagpalamig ng ulo ko...Salamat!:)

Kamay ni Hesus- It's a grace to recount all the good things you've done in my life!:)

With Kuya "Mighty Bond" Jab!:)

Our Lady of Grace Mediatrix

8. iFORGIVE- I finally embraced the person who caused me a deep pain this year. 

9. NOVEMBER 03, 2013- So far that was the most memorable bday party I had. BIG THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!! 

Thank you, chorus for making my day the happiest!:)

Akalaing mong magkakatuluyan pala yung 2 sa kaliwa ko!!:)

Surprise!!! GIFTS!!! :D
Photo by Apple Chico

Nang kinuyog nila si Kuya Jab! hahaha

10. I VOLUNTEER AS A TRIBUTE- Volunteered for relief op at Caritas Manila to help the victims of Yolanda and our kababayans in Tacloban, Samar, and diff. parts of Visayas region.

Para sa inyo 'to mga kapatid ko!

Chorus team serving at KCON 2013!:)

11. HEALTH- Praise God, I gained 7lbs from my last yr's body weight. hihi 

12. FINANCIAL LITERACY- I keep on learning and reading books about finances. I also attended financial seminars.

 13. MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Time to be with family and to be at HOME. MORE LOVE and GRACES to come for 2014!!! :D

Let Go. Let God. He's the MASTER PLANNER! :) He plans to prosper me, to expand my territory and to reach the highest mountains. I praise HIS NAME!!! :D I can't do all these, without him. He deserves the credit! :D

2 Corinthians 8:7

But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

--30--