First, Sour Notes… Then Sweet Music

LOVE IS what makes the world go round. True.

But for me, at times, what makes the world go round is music—from its melody, to its high and low notes, especially in its harmony.

 I distinctly remember the talk series: 3Ts (Time, Treasure and Talent) which, in a gist, advised that we serve God, using our time, treasure, and talent. I’ve been blessed with a good voice. Since I was 8 years old, I’d been a Glee club member in my elementary school, a choir member in highschool, a band singer and member of the Music Ministry of the Youth for Christ in Adamson University. I’ve been invited to be a wedding or birthday singer. Plus I had joined various singing contests. attempted to write songs, too.

So following the 3T teaching, I auditioned to be a member of the Feast PICC Choir in 2010. Simon Santos, the chorus pianist, told me to go to 8^th Note studios on Quezon Avenue in Quezon City for the audition. Unfortunately, I couldn’t go because I had work on the day of the audtion. 

A few months after, I heard the Media Ministry was calling for volunteers.  I love to write, so I joined the Ministry.

I love my co-servants who have become my extended family and true friends. I enjoyed my Media work—covering Feast events and writing stories for The Feast bulletin. Yet deep inside me, I still yearned to join the Feast Choir. One time, in one of its Lobby gimmicks, the Creative and Events Group set up a big Wish Ko Lord board and invited Feast attendees to draw a specific dream on the board. I drew my dream of singing for the Lord.

Three years after, Bro. Pong Jimenez, The Feast Choir master, asked me several times to join the Choir. But I told him I already had some obligations in the Media Ministry.

Then, last February, the Music Ministry opened an audition again for singers and instrumentalists. All the music genres played both in my head and my heart as I wondered whether to take another chance to join the Choir. 

The only thing that urged me to go was one word: Believe! I took a leap of faith and auditioned.

But I encountered series of obstacles, like sour notes playing, starting on the day before the audition day. There was blackout in our place, so I spent a sleepless night. The following day, because I didn’t have enough sleep, I felt my voice cracking. I was like, “Oh, God, not this day!”

Still I proceeded to the 8^th Note studios on Panay Avenue, Quezon City, for the audition which was scheduled at 7:30 p.m. On the way, I encountered more troubles.  There was a heavy traffic so I decided to take the MRT. But alas, the MRT was not issuing tickets because the trains were delayed.

 I decided to take a bus. But when the time came for me to pay my fare, I realized my coin ourse was missing. It was snatched from my bag! My heart thumped as I told the conductor I was robbed.

I was supposed to meet up with my friend, Candice on Quezon Avenue. She would accompany me to the audition.  So I attempted to call her to let her know my predicament. But whoa, I ran out of load. Good thing my mobile phone had this amenity where you could communicate with someone via your Facebook account—even if you didn’t have enough load. So I was able to get in touch with Candice. She told me to pray ask Mother Mary to intercede for me.  I did. And would you believe, right after I said my Hail Mary, my phone rang. Another friend, Apple, who knew I was going for the audition, was calling me just to say “Goodluck.”

I told her I was running out of load. And Apple, bless her, went to 7-11 store and sent me a P100 worth of load. 

Then when I was about to get off the bus, the conductor did not demand for my fare. He gave me P20 instead. A young woman who heard that I’d been robbed handed me a crisp P50-bill! 

It was already 8p.m when I finally met up with Candice.  I was already 30 minutes late for the audition. Hurriedly we took a tricycle to 8^th Note Studios. As I entered the room, I saw the Choir members were there already. And the moment they saw me, they applauded. I never felt so welcomed, so loved! I then auditioned and by God’s grace, I was taken in. Suddenly the sour notes were gone, as sweet music played around me.

It was a rhythm divine as my dreams started to align with my time, my work schedule and my family and friend’s support. I praise the Lord because I’m able to sing for Him at the Feast every Sunday. And the moment I sing with the Choir, I feel the angels above are singing with us—all for God’s glory.

Big chorus team praising our Big God

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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.

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My significant other--music and writing

 Thank you Single's Ministry for inviting me to jam with other servants during CG (Caring group) campaign last Sunday.

I was affirmed also by Blaise's words as he described Cris, Pao, Gel Anne, Kia, Arthur, Aris and I on his photo from facebook. He said that he can’t remember the last time he strummed his guitar, but yesterday he kept on doing so for hours. He was happy to be with the most talented and energetic servants he knows. Cris used to be a band vocalist before. While Kia is from Madrigal singers, then Arthur and Aris were so young to have such incredible talent in playing guitar and percussion. Ate Che seemed so simple but also passionately rocks during our jamming. Jake and Jason enjoyed singing, What makes you beautiful. :) Pao was so cute when she sang Diamond by Rihanna. I was happy to hear that he enjoyed the jamming because that’s what’s important. You’re enjoying and at the same time others were receiving the benefit of your happiness. 

With my uber talented friends

He’s glad because his core gift was used to bless others. He felt significant.

You don't know how proud am I to my sis and friends. :)

Serious ang mga brads?

Me too, I remember the days when I’d sing in the different bars, weddings, birthday celebs or even just a simple karaoke bar. I don’t care much whether there’ll be few or many people who’s gonna watch me and my band—I’ll still sing anyway. I was not much concerned with applauses; I was more of drawing out the talent that was given to me. I was more of hearing myself singing the song inside my heart and be connected with the people who has the same passion as mine. 

I remember my story about music. When it’s music, it’s also about oneness.. My gosh, my God loves me. He gives me a song that tells me I'm unique. When it comes to chances, choices and decision-making, I feel light at the moment. When given an opportunity, as long as I can produce something good about it, I’ll take and give it all. 

The Peace Band

I remember during JE, I said I’ll give my all to God. Wala na kong iiwan, lahat na ng sa kin, sa kanya na. Dahil sa kanya naman talaga, I just borrowed it from Him.

Blaise, leader of the band

Gel Anne, the proud girlfriend

I love singing. I love harmony. I love giving others a chance to sing and play instruments.

Even though, I'm going to minister a big task, I'll still find my way to jam with others. :)

Count my countless blessings

1. Thank you for my Mom who wakes up early in the morning to prepare my food in the office.
2. For my beautiful and bubbly sister, Pao. :)
3. For the work, because I almost accomplished all the pending PR creation.
4. For the gift of 1,000 Feasts and getting the updates on its improvement.
5. For my supplier’s invitation of lunch treat tom.
6. For being healthy and able to see and feel the world.
7. For the books, The Magic by Rhonda Byrne and Become a better You by Joel Osteen.
8. For Ate Rhoda’s invitation for me to sing in a beautiful stage. Wohohooo!!!!:D
9. For Cris’ treat yesterday @ Platto wraps and blizzards in Dairy Queen.
10. For Tita Rita’s excitement and affirmation that me and Pao have a very beautiful voices. Hihihi and she’s requesting us to sing again. J
11. For ate Kim’s and Kuya A’s wonderful wedding. :) :) :)
12. For an affirmation from other people that I’m getting fatter. (waited it for a year! :D)
13. For somebody's smile. =)
14. For Kuya Obet’s treat last Friday at World of Chicken, Happy Lemon, Jollibee and Vigil in Sanctuario in Forbes Park . 
15. For Tintin’s invite if I could sell some of her Lulu’s wardrobe. =)
16. For Ate Kim’s surprise gift next week. Hihihihi
17. For the 5 sodexo gcs from Cris, because of that we’re able to buy our groceries yesterday.
18. For my beautiful bangs. hehehe
19. For Che’s wonderful personality as I remember Jobelle to her. :)
20. Alas’ saw Meanne as I gladly gave her my a little long overdue gift.
21. For the Feast and Feasters yesterday. For seeing Pads, roaming around the lobby hall to greet a Happy New Year to my friends and co-servants. :)
22. For a wonderful message, Lord, that you’re going to search a place for me where I can shine bright. :) (shine bright like a diamond ang peg.hehe)
23. For sharing my lunch with KC. ^_^
24. For sharing my blogsite to Che. :)
25. For gifts that I unexpectedly received yesterday. :)

Magical Garden

Pages from a Journal

Last day of 2012—whew!

Memory is the diary we all carry about with us.

Ok, this would be a long post but promise; it’s only the summary/highlights of the beautiful, including the painful experiences that happened to me this 2012.

January the 1st
         ·         I wrote a Tagalog short story, Pedal (here) on my blog, very proud on the way it was written. :)

·         One of my bestfriends, Yani got married to her childhood sweetheart, Patrick.

·          Started dreaming to go to Indo-China. 

·          Got busy in attending Wedding expo, Media Min’s fellowship and bday celeb of Tita Chay @ Quezon City Circle Park, first time to go to Bookay Ukay, and observing with family and friends Chinese New Year in Binondo.

February the 2^nd

·         Submitted a resignation letter in Enoz. Bye, Bye Teachers! 

·         Joined Pao on her Kerygma Mag’s Photoshoot in Summit Media. 

·         Had fun in Hot Air Balloon Fest @ Clark Field, Angeles City, Pampanga.

·         Went to Camaya Coast, a Residential Resort and an Emerging Vacation Destination in Bataan.

March the 3rd

·         Started searching for a new job. Broke, literally! Haha

·         Was fortunate and honored since Tita Chay asked me to help her in The Feast Bulletin’s presswork.

·         So many crossroad moments.

April the 4^th

·          Was pleased and amazed to learn and meet the 40 Feasts, Local and International Missions all over the world.

·         Mega blessed with the 13,000 throng of people gathered in SMX Convention Center for Grand Easter Feast. Happy the whole day, ‘cause afterwards I had an awesome time with Dreamteam friends as we kept on talking, laughing, eating and singing @ the videoke that day.

·         Still continued praying for a job. (Hallucinations became part of me! Hahaha)

·         Finally met my idol, Scott Lee Chua (here)! Yihee! 

May the 5^th

·         One of the milestones in developing my core gift occurred last May 6, Sunday when Feast PICC founded by Bro. Bo Sanchez organized a Ministry Fair. 

·         High Five! Got a job in PLDT. J Thanks to Tin and to the 4^th phonebooth.

June the 6^th

·         Celebrated Ma’s 49^th birthday.

·         Dated and celebrated Yani’s birthday by watching Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme. Nyahahaha!

·         Cristeh, got a new and angst lense for her camera! Of course photoshoot galore!

July the 7^th

·         Blessed as I found a new friend in the office. Talk about long walks and laughter in the rain.

·         Proud to be Pinay as I watched a superb performance in CCP & Ballet Philippines of Candice Acea, Ballet Philippines’ Principal dancer who won First Price at Helsinki Int’l Ballet Competion, together with Jean March Cordero who won a Special Jury Awards for the Best in Pas de Deuz Technique. Great job!

August the 8^th

·         Habagat, go away! Survived Habagat’s wrath.

·         Created a 7^th bday party checklist. Though on September, the family changed their mind not to pursue the party anymore. (It’s ok, still got my 20% Dp. Hehehe)

·         Fashioned a draft illustration of my children’s book. (here)

·         Back to presswork! Keep on believing that my blogging and writing will go a long way.

September the 9^th

·         Got Braver as I watched Brave! 

·         Started to get busy for the publicity of Kerygma Conference 2012!

·         As usual, Pao’s assistant on her photoshoot with Jessed and Janella. Met Milkshake and fell in love on her fluffiness! ;)

October the 10^th

·         Read 3 books in 1 month row! :)

·         Proud with Anthony V. as he’s October cover model on Kerygma Mag.

·         Business for Kerygma Conference heightened!

·         Had a Tuesdate with my super sister, Apple.

·         Finally, had a 6-day vacay at Cam Sur! 

November the 11^th

·         Receiving Birthday Gifts. Letters. Messages, friendship, hugs, underground and alternatives artists, family, and serving at the Kerygma Conference. :)

·         More tears, shaking and spiritually challenged.

·         Pao’s, Lolo Nitoy, Kuya Eval, Tita Ann, Ninong Jun’s bday! (Jam-packed family celeb!)

·         Enchanting Lights and Sounds at the Ayala triangle (Panjak! panjak! –Korean for twinkling! twinkling!)

·         Dated 2 of my most favorite girls, Leah and MK! 

·         So many serendipitous events. This is my MONTH! :D

December the 12^th

·         Proud of my sister, Pao, since she’s the cover girl for December 2012 Kerygma Magazine. :)

·         Proud also with Meanne’s newest website (here).

·         Kuya A’s marriage proposal to Ate Kim. :)

·         Christmas parties here and there, Family reunion, long vacay, Allowing God’s love to quiet me.

·         Got busy with an unexpected job as a web content writer and online marketer. Thanks, Ke ke Robert (Chinese for older brother, pronounced as kuh-kuh)!

Thank you 2012 for all the beautiful memories, whether good or bad.The best is yet to come!

See you 2013! :)

As God's promised in Jeremiah 29:11: 

“ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

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When Kim said Yes

I define Romantic comedy or Rom com as a type of movie genre wherein the characters portray not just funny stunts but they creatively, awkwardly and humorously throw their lines. Sometimes the male character will take time proposing to the woman he loves and then the woman will wait in a in-denial state, but would probably feel that somewhere in time, whether funny twists and turns happen—this still lead them in a happy ever after. 

(Sensya na, info overload part ng curriculum eh…hahaha)

I

f a man loves a woman, he’d do anything even the impossible things for her.

Last Sunday night was one of my most anticipated nights for this year. Finally someone proposed a marriage to….ok, not to me, but to Ate Kim, the hottest-bride-to-be and one of my most special sissies in our Ministry. 

Supposedly, it was her Bridal shower, but we broke the odds and norms that it should only be a lady’s thing, as we invited our brothers from our ministry.

The usual stuff happened from  eating to suprising the bride to be with games, giving of wishes, sending gifts,  and talking about who’s next to get married..  I’ve attended different bridal showers before and mind you all were WHOLESOME with li’l naughtiness as well. And all of them were absolutely amazing.

But this one was different.

A

te Kim’s bridal shower became a way for Kuya Albert to propose to her.

Yes, these funny and a little bit crazy lovers will get altar-bounded next month. I love to write their lovestory but nothing beats Ate Kim as she will testify her journey in finding the one.

She was clueless that this proposal will take in or maybe she has a hint of it but remained silent about it. Even us, were surprised that Kuya A haven’t proposed to her yet and his reason: he doesn’t know the size of Ate Kim’s ring finger. We could be like, “Hello, Kuya A, one month na lang at kasal nyo na,” but instead of distressing him, Cris, I, and all our connivers saw it as way to make everything special and exceptional.  Ok, genius na rin! Hahaha

She already knew the bridal shower set up since 3 weeks ago. So, after attending the Feast and as our heads engaged in their meeting, I was excited to witness this serendipitous event. Call me romantic, fine! ^_^

Tito Ed patiently drove us to Ate Kim’s condo and then alas’ to  Ate Amor and Kuya Mark’s place at East Raya Gardens. We stayed at the high-end clubhouse for our dinner. Some of us haven’t got the food yet, so Pao, Jan, Cris, Kuya A. and I bought immediately the food. When we were already outside, we saw Ate Angel backrides on her boyfriend’s motor. Pao, Jan, Cris, and I got kilig after catching Ate Angel and her boyfriend’s sweetness. It took us awhile to buy all the viand, dessert and alike, so when we returned to the clubhouse… I was glad to see the 3^rd session servants: ACru (Apple Cruda), Kuya Dave, Candice, Jessed and A Cru’s friend, Val. Then, our eyes gorged on the sumptuous meal. We prayed of course first then we started our eating festival. After producing the sound of each of our, “burp,” I readied myself for the surprise game, however, Ate Amor told me that we can use the empty space on their upper unit instead. So, we immediately cleaned our mess and leftovers and packed up our belongings.

Before arriving to that empty space, Cris or Pao (I’m not sure who did it..hehe) blindfolded Ate Kim as Pao guided her going upstairs.  Few minutes passed by before we asked her to remove her blindfold. And then…

L

ights out, Kuya Dave, the macho dancer in!

Everyone was humming the legendary sound of “tenan tan tan, ten ten ten,” as Kuya Dave started to dirty dance in front of Ate Kim.

I have so much respect to Kuya Dave, but when Cris started convincing him to dirty dance for Ate Kim, he was half ready about it, but he still did. Honestly, nothing changed; I still love and respect Kuya Dave after he did that.. ‘Twas actually fun! 

Everything was well-planned, but there were a lot of bloopers along the way and I love those! I was sure, God laughed terribly at us. Actually, the surprise game was Pinoy Henyo, but later on I changed it into Pinoy Genius, because the guesser and the respondent will solely speak in English. All the words that I used are wedding related.

Little did Ate Kim know that it was a pre-proposal set-up. I was flabbergasted that my friends were all best actors and actresses. 

During the game, Cris was the funniest, because as Pao kept on guessing the word, Cris abruptly revealed, “Gown,” so I disqualified them right away. Hihihi

I planned that only Ate Rhoda and Ate Amor vs. Kuya A. and Ate Kim will be on the 2^nd round, and eventually these lovebirds will take it all on the FINAL round.

Kuya A: Person? Animal? Thing?

B

efore the final round was over, the moment of truth began to set in.

I placed the picture of Mama Mary on Kuya A’s head; I mean the picture of Our Lady of Veritas since I can’t find an exact image of Mama Mary. I used my resourcefulness and wrote in bold letters, “MARY” on the bottom of the picture. Kuya A. started guessing the word and I saw Ate Kim’s confused face, though she kept on answering, “Yes.. No..  Could be,” It almost took a minute after Kuya A said, “Mary,” then with an unsure answer, Ate Kim said, “Yes!” I immediately place the word, “ME!!!” While Ate Kim answered in a shocked and confused face, “Yes!” Then Kuya A. completed the 2 words with, “MARRY ME!” Ate Kim’s face turned blank. Then Kuya A went closer to Ate Kim, held her hand and said in a funny and childlike way, “Marry Me!“ Again, Ate Kim had no reaction yet.

Thanks to Cris' perfect suggestion on the final round's flow. :)

As I was dumdfounded on the scene, Cris blurted out, “Oy, Marthina yung ilaw patayin mo na!” hahaha.. It was so funny and awkward. But, as the lights faded out, the candles were in. Ate Rhoda, Cris, others and I were holding the candles which set us in a serious mode. I was holding the candle close to Ate Kim and she seemed so natural, remained composed and witty while Kuya A. had a little shaky voice and trembling knees. But he was confident on what he was doing and what he was about to say. Then, he had finally knelt down in front of Ate Kim, showed the ring and began to say his proposal lines from the movie, Runaway Bride:

Ate Kim: Hindi kinakaya ng hair ko to!

“Look, I guarantee there'll be tough times. I guarantee that at some point, one or both of us is gonna want to get out of this thing. But I also guarantee that if I don't ask you to be mine, I'll regret it for the rest of my life, because I know, in my heart, you're the only one for me.”

One thing I’ve realized… It doesn’t matter how perfect and special the proposal is, what’s essential is, the woman would say, YES! Ate Kim had finally said Yes to Kuya A. Not just because Kuya A perfected the Pinoy Genius game or Ate Kim’s desperate, or everybody coerced her to say it. Moreover, she’s definitely SURE about her answer. She prayed about it every day,  waited for many years, and sweat it out to be who is she is now, same as with Kuya A. God already made them strong before they met each other. Ate Kim is one of the best event organizers I know and she always say this, “God orchestrated everything perfectly.” 

Ate Kim: Ay ito na yun???

She believes that she’ll meet the one for her someday. Actually, she even contracted Cris to be her official photographer, even if she hasn’t met her future husband yet. Talk about strong faith.

As the couple sat together, Pao and I sang them Forevermore by Side-A.

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy! :)

And then, since, media people love press conference; these two lovebirds were caught in it. A-Cru was the most interested and Tita Chay of course. Afterwards Tita Chay asked us to give them wishes. Everyone prayed for longevity, peace, children, trust and faith to each other; remain as a role model, say kind words to each other. But I loved what Jan said to them, “When you reach 500 years old, I’ll still be your wedding dressmaker. Even on your 25^th, 50^th and 100^th wedding anniversary.” And also Val’s wish, “I pray for your financial abundance,” which I think is what the future marriage partner badly needs someday. Well, God will provide the best things to their marriage.

After that, we went down to Ate Amor’s and Kuya Mark’s room to consume Tintin’s kink 

cake. 

To the Hottest Bride We Know

Photos by Dave Apalla

Wait for my next blog post next month… It’s:  When Kim said I do.

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