#Trending2014 : God's Version of His Dreams for Thina

Time flies so fast. 2014 is about to bid goodbye, while 2015 will say hi.

If 2013 was my Bibo Year and 2012 was my Hyped Year.

I'm very happy to say (err. I mean to write) that 2014's a mixture of bold and light colors in my life, thus I'll name my year at the conclusion part.

So, sit back and relax. Join me in reading this fun ride! :D

January 2014

January 10, 2014- The seven year old relationship of MeAnt (Meanne and Anthony) two of the most beautiful persons I know took it in a higher level- their engagement. Sooo Kilig and happy for them. <3

They're really 'meant' to be.

 Glad that our past and current friends were present to witness this lovely event.

January 26, 2014- Pao and I auditioned for the Voice of the Philippines at Lucky Chinatown, Binondo. Braving the longest line ever, eating solely our Presto Peanut butter biscuits with our water, talking to aspirants co-auditionees about their singing contest experiences, praying, sometimes sleeping and alas' grasping the heart pounding moment of audition.

Thank you Lord, for this awesome experience! :)

still went to the Feast after such ngarag moment.

February 2014

February 02, 2014-I distinctly remember that I had a jampacked Sunday the week after The Voice auds:

* Carl invited me to be part of his shirt biz's shoot with Tony, Niko and Joyce.

Do we look awesome, don't we? :) Ask our Daddy in Heaven. :)

 I served with my loves in Chorus Ministry.

Celebrating the birthdays of Migs, Coco, and Mark :)

February 14, 2014- I sang at the stunning wedding at church at the Hill, Tagaytay. I can call the couple as super servants, who fell inlove with each other while serving at He Cares Foundation. The venue was parallel to the wonderful sight of Mt. Batulao.

The Legally Blonde ladies

February 19, 2014- My first of class at the Feast Bible Study. This made me love History more, stronger and deeper. :)

With Melo, my baby girl :)

March 2014

March 15, 2014- I sang Let It Go at Singles Min's Kilig uch Conference.

I literally let it all gooo my heart, soul, throat, diaphragm, and voice! Wooh! :)

March 28, 2014- Last Screening for the Blind Auds. Didn't make it. But it's okay. I know God has a better plan and He surely does. :)

April 2014

April 08, 2014- Tita C, my favorite EIC sent me an email admitting to me her mistake, asking for my forgiveness, and telling me that she's proud and happy for me. I must say, that repentance is one of the most beautiful things in the world. I felt like I opened a closed window and allowed the fresh air to embrace me again! :)

April 12, 2014- Teltrade, PLDT supplier company's recollection at Tagaytay.

April 20, 2014- Grand Easter Feast at MOA Arena. :) Celebrating the Feast of the Risen Lord, with 18,000 throng of people.

Chorus, the singing bees and sunflowers

April 27, 2014- A week before this event, Bugs surprised me with an invitation to be part of the Praise Team for Popes John Paul II and John VI's canonization at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Someone remarked me that this was better than The Voice, indeed! Praise God!

May 2014

May 1-2, 2014- Chorus Team Building at Philip Sanctuary, Antipolo.

This acting workshop stirs us to unleash our energy to its 2000th power!

May 17, 2014- My team and I coordinated Uyan-Tan Nuptial at Bayanihan Events Center. I can do such coordination for long hours, because it made me alive!

I had a convesation with Meanne regarding this.

Me: Sis, I love weddings.

Meanne: No, Thina. Weddings love you! hihihi

June 2014

June 14, 2014- My family and I went to Tagaytay. :)

Thank you Lord, for their presence :)

June 18, 2014- Pre-auds for Quartet. What happened next? Idk. But, I'm thankful for the indefinite hold, maybe it's not yet the right time.

June 21, 2014- For fighting a good fight last Pistara in Rizal Stadium.

Let it Blue: Ansaya-saya sa legs! ^_^

June 28, 2014- Tony invited his intimate friends and some of his R4 brothers to attend the SAFE seminar. It actually opened more my radical soul and stirred a certain maturity in me.

Fight for Life! 

July 2014

July 06, 2014- I was invited to be one of the facilitators for the Feast Bible Study Batch 5... Answered prayer. :)

Tama si Ate Che, gagawin ko lahat para kay Lord...=)

July 12, 2014- I applied in Accenture, then watched Carl and UPeepz's HHI fund raising concert at SM North Skydome. :)

July 14, 2014- I wrote a narrative prompt about Cris, my favorite photographer friend. :)

July 18, 2014- Wedding of Mayi and Didoy, Single's darling couple. I sang again for their AfterParty (what's new?hahaha)

With Bibo Sibs :)

July 31, 2014- Bayanihan Events Center, once more?!? This time, I sang Girl on Fire for the first ever Single's GIG (Gathering In God).

Orange is complemented with aqua! Perfect! =)

August 2014

August 12, 2014- Pao and I were asked to join as Music Ministers at BCBP (Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals).

We love Tito Danny and Tita Beck! =)

August 29, 2014- Mass Choir auds. Chorus has never been the same again. I know God will win that battle.

September Saturdays made us busy for ministering the participants in Metropolitan Club, Rockwell.

October 2014

October 12, 2014- For the first time in four-ever, I'll be dancing Crazy in love. haha!

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. – Marcel Proust

October 19, 2014- Batch 4's GIG! Praise God for the awesome Praise Team! :)

Who Wants to be a Millionaire: Be R.I.C.H to Reach

October 27, 2014- My 2nd year to judge with Pao and Coco, Write 'N Play Preschool Costume Party.

We didn't expect that 3 Queen Elsa's won their best costume

October 31, 2014- I received love letters from Chorus Ministry.

Ganu ako mahal ni Loooord???? 

Supeeeer! Megaaaa! Ubeeeer! (Just imagine me shouting these words!:D)

November 2014

November 02, 2014- I felt an incredible love from the people of Feast. God had a way of making my birthday special through the people. <3

November 03, 2014- My Amazing Birthday! <3

Meanne: Describe your birthday sis!

Me: My birthday is happy, contented, loved, matured and certain. :)

Meanne: Ulala. Love the adjectives. It sounds so 27 ;)

November 04, 2014- I celebrated my birthday in the office and with BCBP family. <3

November 23, 2014- Kerygma Conference Grand Feast. 

Sinung mag-aakalang sasayaw ako sa MOA Arena with these versatile and multi-talented people??? Galing ng Panginoon!

November 24, 2014- Bonding with Dreamteam @ Yakimix and Starbucks. Updating our current life status and reminiscin' some from our past-- as always it's laughtrip! :D

I have more friends than I know!

November 30, 2014- Pao, Tony, JL, Cris, Meanne and I celebrated our birthmonth altogether. :D We ate thrice on that day! We really spent our quality time together...<3 It was also the birthday of the best dancer at the Feast, Carl Flor, and I gave him a letter. :)

Pagkakaibigang Pinaglaban! =)

December 2014

December 06, 2014- Single's Christmas Party. Team Bravo (Bibo and Brave) bragged the best presentation as we performed, All I want for Christmas is You. Ahem! :)

We're the Dreamgirls... :)

December 07, 2014- Carl and I had a friendly date and bonding at Greenbelt. It was great that we're getting to know each other in a better, funnier, more realistic, and deeper perspective. :) Then he unexpectedly joined Pao and I in BCBP's Christmas Disco Party at AIM. Katuwaaaa! :D

Carl, are you our long lost brother? :)

Mejo kamukha ka na namin. haha

....And the winner is... MARJ! ^_^

Bongga ka 'day! :)

December 13, 2014- We annually visit Carmel of Our Lady of Mary Mediatrix of all Grace at Lipa City. We also went to Lomi King and ate their the luscious Lomi in town. :)

Mama Mary's face is the most beautiful face I've ever seen--altogether lovely and graceful!:)

December 17, 2014- I led and hosted our Project's Christmas Party in IDX. :) Natuwa naman sila. hahaha

December 21, 2014- Music Min's Christmas party at San Andres Ele School which centers at the theme, Palarong Pinoy Kiddie Style.

As every one unchained their inner child :D

December 28, 2014- We went to Padre Pio and asked him to intercede for us in granting our prayer for 2015. :)

December 30, 2014- Christmas Party with Dreamteam. :))

2014 is a colorful year for me.

I know the hope and love that I have brings out my faith in another level. My faith kept me alive and active. Unstoppable, maybe.

For the Catholic church, 2014 is the year of the laity which centers with the theme: Choose to be Brave!

I praise God, for I think I obeyed it, not perfectly, but in the best and most colorful that I can! 

"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. 
Praise the LORD!"(Psalm 150:6)

--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--

Why Did She Stop Writing?

MAICA was once her classmates' scriptwriter, novelist, and playwright. Whenever they have a role playing in their English class. She eagerly finished a piece or script without getting worried on her grammar. She was confident with  her writing skills-- from it's technicality to its soul and rhythm.

She joined a Journalism club. She competed in school and even in National writing contest. Her parents, teachers, classmates, and everyone knows her exceptional talent. She remained humble inspite of being an achiever.

Everyone read her well-crafted poem, digested an insightful article that motivates a person to take a change, and fell in love with the dynamic characters that she puts in every time she writes a narrative prompt.

"I want to be an author someday,"  without blinking her eyes whenever someone asked her what she wants to happen in her life.

"Oh, dear, no doubt about it. You're outstanding talent will lead you into that dream," her mom assured her that she can make it.

Most of the happenings in her life were written on the pieces of notebook she has, or it's detailed on her journal. Her secrets were safe with the words inside her mind and the words she never wanted to write.

Suddenly, all the words that she was chasing ever since she was a child, started to diminish. She can't grasped them anymore. The words were shy to show their beauty to her. It's like an old friend leaving her because he has to move to another place and won't return anymore.

Maica doesn't want those friends to leave, but she has no choice, but to let them do the things they want to accomplish with their lives.

She stopped writing, because she became very sad with the lost of good memories. She didn't want to write anymore because she started believing that it has no sense anymore. Words will leave her and she won't them close anymore, so why spending time to weave the words.

Words and her had a gap.

She was in front of her pen and paper, she felt the jitters in her stomach as she began to grab the pen and write on the paper, but she was stucked. Nothing came out from her mind.

She remembers that she has to do something else aside from writing, and that is to do her accounting subject.

Maica didn't take up journalism. She was taking something that her dad wants her to take. Not what she wants but what others want her to do.

There. She stopped writing and she didn't know if she'll return to the one she loves doing before.

She. stopped. writing. And her punctuation marks were misplaced.

--30--

Press Release on How to Turn Your Passion Into Profit

The Head and the Heart of Business

Are you ready for a great adventure in your business?

This year, Bro. Bo Sanchez, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and the founding leader of the Light of Jesus  (LOJ) Family collaborated with Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Entrepreneurship professor Dean Pax Lapid, a phenomenal entrepreneur, who builds one business a year, to write the book, How to Turn your Passion into Profit, 8 Keys to Build a Truly Rich Business.

This manual is a must for those who already have their own businesses, those who are about to start one or those who haven’t a clue what business to open. Whichever you are of the 3 categories, Dean Pax and Bro. Bo will surely get you in the right path.

To complete your learning, while Bro. Bo shows how to follow your heart or your passion, Dean Pax gives the much-needed know-how. As a result, the duo comes up with a surefire highly-practical and doable guidebook for successful entrepreneurs. Like his previous books on the topic of riches, Bro. Bo reiterates his teaching that wealth should not be for oneself alone but should be used to serve others to be meaningful.

So, would you like to learn the Master Keys of Self, Opportunity, Business, how essential customers are and how to monetize your passion and never stop growing yourself, among others?

Grab your copy now at the nearest bookstore or at the Shepherds Voice Publication, Inc. office or call 725-9999.

-30-

Pangarap at Paghihintay

Noong bata ako, pangarap kong maging abugado. Lumaki raw kasi akong pilosopo sabi ni lolo. Pinag-bibigyan nya kong magpaliwanag, mag-kwento,gumawa ng sarili kong kwento, kahit kwentong barbero, pede kay lolo yun, di nya ko pagagalitan, at mag-eenjoy syang makinig. Kapag naikekwento ko sa kanya ang pangarap kong yun, di nya sinisingit ang kagustuhan nyang mag-AFP ako. Sya pa ang nag-sabi na dapat mahusay ako sa Math, kasi ang kursong dapat kunin ko ay Certified Public of Accountant (CPA)- pre course yun bago mag-abugasya. Sadyang ginalingan ko nong bata ako sa Math. Madalas matataas ang grado na nakukuha ko nong elementarya ako.

Masaya ang lolo ko sa mga grado ko lalu na sa Math—kadikit kasi yun ng pangarap ko. Pero nong nag-Highschool ako, pumurol ang utak ko sa Geometry, Statistics at Trigonometry. Totoo pala talagang mahirap ang asignaturang yun—sinisiw ko kasi dati ang Multiplication table, common denominator at fractions eh. Pero nag-iba dumagdag na ang Adjacent angle, parallel at perpendicular sabayan pa ng madalas na pag-gamit sa graphing paper. Yan ang natatanging asignaturang nagturo sa kin para mangopya tuwing may exam. Di pala dapat ako laging kumportable sa mga nangyayari sa Math life ko. (Marerealize ba yun ng 12 year old self ko, syempre hindi?)

Hanggang sa naranasan ko ng magkaroon ng 79. Perst taym yun, kaibigan! Iniyakan ko nang husto yun. Bumaha nang luha ko ang klasrum ng St. Luke, section ko nong 3rd year Highschool at kinailangan ko ng isang rolyo ng tissue sa pag-bagsak ng mga pangarap ko. Naglulupasay ako sa kakaiyak. Jowk! O.A lang, umiyak lang ako nang pahapyaw.

Buti na lang, niligtas ako ng pangalawang pangarap ko ang maging, Stage Actress.

Pag-actingin mo ko ng kung anu-ano simula seryoso hanggang nakakatawa—patok yan sa mga classmates, schoolmates at teachers ko. Siguro nga mas magiging masaya ako pag natupad yun. Kung anu-anong stage plays ang sinalihan ko-- naging tomboy ako, naging Maria sa Sound of Music, nanay, taumbayan.. Ansayang balikan nang mga ala-alang yun.

Kaso habang tumatanda ako, nagiging parte na ng buhay ko ang mga dati-rating mga pangarap ko, di man ako isang propesyunal na abugado o stage actress.

Natupad naman ang di ko man lang maisigaw at maipagmalaking gawain noon. Ang mag-sulat. Itanong mo ko kung ilang journals at diary ang meron ako sa bahay?

Ilan? Di ko kayo marinig. Ilan? Syempre di nyo alam.

Tumataginting na 10!

Bawat tao ay may panghihinayang, may lungkot, may sobrang nakakatuwa at nakakabilib na storya ng pag-pupunyagi! Yung aking storya ay simple lang, pero bumabaha ako sa pag-asa at pananalig sa taas.

Di ko man natupad na maging abugado at stage actress, naging kwentista (taga-kwenta ng mga pera),guro at manunulat naman ako. Mga magagandang propesyun na humubog sa kin. Di ko na nga rin naalala yung mga grado ko noon. Tanong uli: Kailangan ba talaga yun? Siguro, pero di batayan at sukatan ng pagkatao’t tunay na kakayanan.

Siguro di na rin pinahintulutan, kasi baka meron mas malaking nakalaan para sa kin. Isipin ko kung naging abugado ako, marahil madalas akong nakikipag-debate. Di ko gusto yung ganon kasi tatawa ako pag seryoso na ang usapan at mabulol pa ko. At kapag naging stage actress naman ako, lagi akong nakasuot nang makapal na make-up kapag may pagtatanghal. Ayoko rin naming araw-arawin yun, kasi baka magka-allergy ang fes ko’t di na ko makilala ni Mr. Right. Sa madaling salita, nag-iba na ang mga gusto ko.

Pero isa sa mga tanyag kong pangarap ay mananatili-- yun ang maging mabuting anak, kapatid, kaibigan at balang araw ay asawa’t ina-- tama ang Mabuting Ako! Sumunod na doon ang maging mahusay na manunulat at negusyante.

Sa tuwing iisipin ko kung ganu na kalaki ang sakripisyo ko sa mga taong minahal ko’t mahal ako di na ko tumitigil para ipag-patuloy ang mga nasimulan ko.

Di ko man matupad ang pagkarami-rami kong pangarap sa isang kindat, isang padyak ng paa at lunday ng buhok. Matutupad din yung iba doon pag tama na ang panahon at lugar at kapag mas napag-tibay na ng panahon ang karakter na dinesenyo para sa akin.

Ngayon, tuluy-tuloy lang ako sa paghawak sa papel at bolpen ko. Paumpisa pa lang ang pag-bubuo ko sa storya ng aking mga ilan-ilang pangarap. Hinay-hinay lang. Ngingiti, papalakpak, tatalon, sasayaw, tatambling at mag-didiwang din ang mga taong marunong mag-hintay! J

Lil' forward into the past, press forward to the future

You make all things new, yes, you make all things new

and I will follow you forward.

When I'd look at you- I know I'm new.

I'm the one whom I dreamt of becoming.

I’ll constantly remember what this voice said,

"Enough for the thrill and twirl;

 yield and loosen up in the breeze."

Pedal

To my Foreign readers: This short story is written in Tagalog  (Filipino language) if I have time, I'd try to translate this in English. This is made for my Filipino readers first. Thank you.

“Mama, may bago na naman pala tayong pabo, parang ang dami-dami ng bagong alagain dito sa tin ha.” sabi ni Rissa sa kanyang mama.

“Eh, alam mo naman ang papa mo mahilig talagang mag-alaga ng kung anu-anong klase ng mga hayop.” sagot ni mama habang naglilinis ng kulungan.

Pagkatapos kong magtanong agad-agad na kong pumasok ng bahay, minsan kasi di ko na rin maintindihan kung bakit taun-taon na lang eh may mga bago kaming alagain. Madalas doon na lang nila binubuhos ang atensyon nila kay Roderik, kay miming, kay Mr. Dog. Sa sobrang dami naming pabo, pusa, kalapati, aso, baboy at manok di ko na maalala yung pangalan ng iba. Naguguluhan ako sa ingay at baho ng bakuran namin. Buti na lang at bigla kong naalalang may bago pa lang bisikletang binili si papa para sa kin. Alam nyang pangarap kong magkaroon non, kaya nong nag-sampung taon ako nong nakaraang Pebrero, niregaluhan nya ko ng isang bisikleta. Binenta ni papa ang ilan sa mga alaga nyang hayop para maregaluhan ako. Agad agad akong lumabas uli ng bahay para masulyapan ang bisikleta ko, wala pa rin itong karumi-rumi at mukhang bago.

“Anak, parang wala kang balak na gamitin yang regalo ng papa mo ha.” Pag-alala ni mama sa kin.

“Mama, kahit anong gawin ko, banu-bano ako sa pag-bibisikleta.”

“ Rissa, isang beses mo pa lang naman sinakyan yan eh, subukan mo uli.” Tumatawang sagot ni mama.

“Eh, ayaw ko ng madagdagan ang mga peklat ko dahil sa ilang beses kong pag-semplang.”

Napangiti na lang ang nanay sa sagot ko’t nag-walis muli.

Lumipas ang mga linggo at bakasyon na. Madalas na umaalis ako ng bahay kasama ang bisikleta ko, pero di ko man lang ito sinasakyan. Ang mga ilan naming kapitbahay ay nagtataka na rin sa hindi ko pag-angkas dito, sayang naman daw. Palibhasa ako lang ang natatanging bata sa lugar namin na meron nito, yun di siguro ang dahilan kung bakit napaka-sipag at bilis ng mga kalaro kong mag-lakad patungong paaralan. Bigla akong nahiya sa sarili ko, kaya nagmadali akong umuwi pero di ko pa rin sinakyan ang aking bisikleta. “Aray!” bigla kasing kumirot yung peklat ko, pero peklat na naman yun? o baka kinakabahan lang ako sa iniisip ko.

Malapit na ko sa bahay ng marinig ko ang ingay ng pabong paboritong paborito akong asarin habang ito’y nasa kulungan. Sa tuwing makikita nya ko, ibubuka nya ang kanyang maiitim na pakpak at sabay mag-iingay nang nakaririndi. Nakipag-sabayan ang iba pang mga pabo. Bukod sa ayoko sa itsura,kulay at ingay nya ay natuka na rin nya ko sa binti. Sumunod na ang ungol ni Mr. Dog. Dali-dali ko ng inilagay sa gilid ng bakuran ang bisikleta ko at pumasok ng bahay.

“Andyan ka na pala Rissa.” banggit ni papa habang ako’y lumapit para mag-mano.

“Papa, akyat na po ako sa itaas.”

“Kararating ko lang ha, baka pwede namang turuan kitang mag-bisikleta uli.”

“Ehhh, papa naman- natatakot akong mag-pedal. Iangkas mo na lang ako.”

“Hay tong batang to, halika na’t tuturuan kita.”

Wala akong nagawa kungdi sumunod sa kanya. Kinuha ko ang aking bisikleta at sinubukan kong mag-pedal. Unang sabak pa lang, tumumba na ko. Pangalawa, nagtapang-tapangang lang ako’t nakapedal hanggang dalawang ulit, nakaramdam ako nang unting kumpyansa kaso ilang segundo lang at sumemplang na naman ako. “Sige, lang!” Pangungulit ni papa. Umulit ako ng pangatlo, pang-apat hanggang di ko na mabilang kung ilang beses kong sinubukang ibalanse ang pag-papatakbo ng bisikleta. Wala talaga.“Waaaaahh! Suko na ko, papa!” nangingilid na ang luha ko’t habang tumutulo ang pawis sa mukha ko.

Hindi na ko muling pinilit ni papa at sya na rin ang humawak ng bisikleta ko habang pauwi ng bahay. Dumaan ang mga araw na nakatambay na lang ang regalo ni papa sa aming bakuran, at naglaho na ang pagnanais ko na mapaandar ito kahit sa parke man lang o patungong paaralan. Habang ako’y nag-iisip, bumungad na naman si Pablo, ang pabong malugod akong inaabangan para tukain. Nagalit ako sa kanya’t sinabing, “Wag mo nga akong tingnan!” Nag-ingay ito habang bubukas-sasara ang mga pakpak. Nag-punta ako sa aking biskleta, hinawakan ko ito nang di mag-laon eh, di nasara nang maayos ni mama ang kukungan ng mga pabo at nakawala si Pablo. Tumakbo ito papalapit sa kin, habang nag-iingay at hinabol ako. Dahil sa takot ako’y napasakay bigla sa bisikleta’t sumisigaw kay mama na papasukin ang pabo sa kulungan. Di ako pinakinggan ni mama at tinawag na nya si papa hindi para patahimikin at pakalmahin ang mga pabo kungdi upang panoorin ako habang napepedal ko na ang bisikleta’t, nakakaandar na ko sa buong bakuran kasabay ng pag-iingay ng iba’t ibang klase naming mga hayop. Nanginginig ako sa kaba, pero ramdam kong patuloy ang pag-pedal ko’t nakailang ikot din ako.

Tumigil na lang ako ng sabihin ni papa, “O musta ang pag-pepedal? Wari di ka mapigil ha, kailangan lang palang takutin ka ni Pablo.” nang-aasar na sambit ni papa. Habang si mama naman ay pinapatuloy na muli sa kulungan ang mga nakawalang pabo. Tumakbo ako mula sa bisikleta at napa-akap ako sa aking papa, dahil bukod sa hapo at takot na naramdaman ko ay unti-unting nag-bukas ang isip kong kaya ko pala.

“Papa, pinilit kong mag-pedal nang matulin dahil ayokong matuka.” sagot kong may namumuong kumpyansa sa aking sarili.

“ O sya, subukan mo naman sa parke.”

“ Pero kailangang dalhin si Pablo doon o kaya hanap tayo ng malaking aso para habulin ako?”

“Hindi mo na kailangan yun. Sige, ha bukas na bukas dadalhin ko sina Miming at Mr. Dog habang pinanood kang mag-pedal nang mag-pedal nang mag-pedal.”

* This is based on a true to life story of someone who loves biking, but learned it the hard way.;)

Nothing is impossible (recalling 2011)

Inspired by Meanne's, Ara's and Belle's post.

God had made me a conqueror for the things that happened to me last year. When He said conqueror- it’s a strong belief that I can surpass and do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

Ok, this would be a long post but promise; it’s only summary/highlights of the beautiful, including the painful experiences that happened to me last 2011.

January – I had 2 week Holiday vacation here, so I spent time with my family.

I remember that I most of the time see my Dream team friends this month, mini get together, birthday celebration and ADU Mass Comm reunion. And then I also made a mini surprise for my best buddy, MK, here in the office, in which she loved indeed. Wow- thus I can say that I’ve been a good daughter, sister and friend that month. :)

February – Ok, I usually celebrate this with my family and friends. Hahaha. I made a lot of cutie letters and cards that month. I also got excited for the Panagbenga trip, I missed long travels, though I met emotional hurdles before going there, but certainly surpass it.  I also learned Tithing from The Feast.

March- I fell inlove with the movie Tangled and its OSTs. I recalled all the sweet things that happened in me. But somehow, struggled financially from sustaining all my family’s expenses, then I lost weight. That’s also the time that I started finding for some rackets and one of the breakthroughs is that when I finally published my first article at The Feast Bulletin here.

April- This month is the start of posting and sharing my previous short stories to the virtual world. It actually helped me to be more observant of my surroundings and to give details to my new narratives. I also experienced emotional rollercoaster from work and personal life, but again- I survived! J It’s also my first year of attending/serving at the Feast. Had a team building in Phillip’s sanctuary, Antipolo. Most of all, it's my first time to meet Jav! J

May- I believe that this month garnered the most number of posts for this year. This only mean that I’m uber diligent, creative and inspired this month or I only have few classes, ah yeah, I got it- I only have few classes because of my students’ summer vacation. I finished watching my 2 fave Korean dramas- My girlfriend is a gumiho and Secret garden and appreciate Korean myths more. I also remembered showing my mom 2 of my narratives and that’s the first time she gave me her, “kudos!” See me now, unstoppable in creating stories. I also met a new family, friends at the Feast.

June- Having a new bobbed haircut. Attending different activities from my ministry. Celebrating my mom’s birthday with Pao, Yani, Meanne and Ant while watching Nestle’s 100 year Kasambuhay-habambuhay film anthology’s Tingala sa baba and inspired me more to create children’s stories. Missing my grandparents terribly. L

July- Woah! This month is one of the most unforgettable. 3 of my closest friends from the office left. Organizing a retro party and wearing a cool afro wig! Hahaha. Full of nostalgia, some failures, discussion, letting go and most of all restoration and new beginnings. First anniversary of Media Ministry. Success of Takbo para sa puso for Zairra Engracia. Serving side by side with my sister, Pao. She’s the BEST!:)

August- Got excited to go to a snowy place (just in my dream). Meeting Meanne’s new blog. Hesitating at first to go on a party but decided to do so and enjoying the night out with new friends and Feasters. More on dancing and sweating out for 4 hours and enjoying the music from 60’s-contemporary. Meeting a blind child and realizing that I’m blessed to be physically able. Inspiring my officemates to blog. Published my 2^nd article  dandelion at the Feast Bulletin,  received good feedbacks and some friends asked for an autograph- isn’t amazing? Most importantly I also transferred into a bigger house.

September- I got to meet different heroes everywhere. Getting closer and madly inlove with the Lord and His surprises. Appreciating animals and wild more and made stories about them. New team excites and challenges me-including the mentoring!:)

October- Experiencing Jesus encounter. Completing my Caring group’s session. Attending a Journalism seminar. Gathering ideas for our Luau party, Jav’s christening, seeing Dreamteam again, almost complete- missing others. Randolf and Belle attended The Feast for the first time. Surrendering my attachments to all my dreams into God’s version of my dreams. Gaining weight.

November- Loving the vanilla scent. Receiving Birthday Gifts. Letters. Messages, friendship, hugs, underground and alternatives artists, family, serving at the Kerygma conference, Bro. Bo’s appreciation message, photoshoot with Dreamteam by Mads, More tears, shaking and spiritually challenged. Lights at the Ayala triangle (Panjak! panjak! –Korean for twinkling! twinkling!) So many serendipitous events. This is my MONTH! :D

December- The month where I often hear the words, “I love you. Thank you. And Forgive me.” not just only for me but for others too. Finding out that the 5 stars hotel in Manila and Makati serves a 60p blueberry pastry that led me to spend time with my sister and friends at the seaside for photoshoots, fun and loving our innerchild. Cool music videos with Dreamteam. Swimming at the cold pool; Creating a birthdayblog for my bestfriend whom I admire sooo much. Buying gifts for the people so dear tome. Buying children’s books and sharing it. Bringing Jewel in MOA and carrying this extremely heavy dog. Loving my sister's passion and resourcefulness and mom's care. Hearing my mom said that she’s proud of me and my sister and telling to others those things that we accomplished.

Last day of the year: Receiving an expert advise from a relationship coach and even complimented me to share my story because it'll give benefits to many women.
Finding out that I have 3 homes now: OFFICE, PICC and PANDACAN- maybe I have to enlarge it more. ;)

I wrote every dream that I have in my journal last year. Some had happened and some were unaccomplished yet. So, 2012 is another year to nearly complete my purpose- glad to be ALIVE! :D