Arroyo Paskong Palaro ng Lahi 2015

Organized the 3rd high school classmates event this weekend. I'm so so happy to watch them laughing and enjoying each other's company again!!! What-a-joy!!!

Team Mothy Lazaro!!!

Team Winner!!!

Best in 10 - 20 --- Jaberon!!!

It's really GRACE na ang daming pumunta!!! 'til next year 4-A!!!

Sitting beside Inang

I watched the movie "Coco" and Mama Coco reminds me of my Inang. (March 15, 2018)

         I'm really fighting the tears as I sit here beside my Inang. Her name is Felisa and people call her Iling. She is my almost 99 year-old great grandmother.She looks skinny, she can't walk now and most of the time, she's asleep. Just like now... 

I just really miss her. This is so not her. This is so not us.

          I miss her shouting my name " Mayyyyyy!!!" and I just know that she will command me to do something. I dread it because I know it' ll seem to be endless. Hindi pa tapos isang utos, meron na naman ulit! She's just like that. Hangga't may ma isasabay, ipapasabay. For her, that's being wise. Pero for me, honestly it's frustrating.

           But as I sit here, guess what? I miss doing the things she asked me to do - cleaning our house, cooking (helping her in making her specialties like atsara, minatamis na kundol, relyenong bangus..) washing her towel, mag almirol ng damit nya, ipagplantsa sya (while watching me), ipitas sya ng ikmo, ibili sya ng bunga, ipagsipilyo sya ng pustiso and all that. I miss her shouting "mauubos ang kuryenteee" when she wants us to stop watching TV. I miss her waking up so early kapag magsisimba sya. I miss seeing her sitting in front of her mirror (applying lotion, putting a lot of powder in her face and body, fixing her hair or even counting her money). I.miss her working on her garden (even in her 90s, dinadamuhan pa nya ang bakuran namin), I.miss her asking me to help.... Wala na. Naiyak na talaga ako remembering these things. She's still here but I'm missing her badly.

           She's the one na hindi ako natiis when I was crying to her na gusto ko talaga mag-aral.

The one who taught me a lot of things. The one who listens to my declarations. The one who always tell me na tipiin ang bibig ko para gumanda ako (hahaha) pero pag binigyan ko naman sya ng pera, sinasabi nya gumaganda daw ako.

           Okay let' s take note of the learnings from her life and some advice from her now para hindi ko makalimutan!

           Magpundar.Magdasal palagi. Ang piliin na lalaki yung mabait at mahal ang Diyos (yes, she always tell me this), makipag kapwa tao, linisin agad ang mga gamit pagkatapos gamitin, isoli ang gamit kung saan kinuha, isangkutsa ng mabuti ang mga ulam, no to MSG, kapag may nakita nang dapat gawin, gawin na!, be presentable and modest!

I learned things in her life na mga dapat at hindi dapat gawin...

Medyo hindi na nya ako maalala these days. Hindi na sya.makasigaw ng "Mayyyyyyy!!!!". When I ask her who I am, she just say "si taga Maynila". Sometimes I could still make her smile but it's becoming more rare. We rarely talk and I rarely hear her voice..

Minutes passed.. I tried to shout and call her in my usual way ... "Inaaangggg!!! Inangggg!!!" but still, she's still. I could just watch her breathing...and I'm somehow thankful for that.

P.S.

Regarding her salvation, I shared the gospel to her one time. I remember praying with her too. I really really really pray that she trusted Jesus alone for salvation. Amen? Amen!!

Goodbye David v. 2. 0

Appa,

tears are about to say hello

Because he's here or because I'm alone

Yeah right Dad I'm not

yeah right Dad forget the past

Wait. That's what You said

You're doing something

Something beyond what's in my head

Something better than the dream

Someone better than the man there

Some years ago, Acel said goodbye to Danny

Now I should have the courage to let go and still be merry

Not him or my feelings is to be elevated

My heart be secured to our Lord and be guarded

Goodbye David

He'll never know how much he meant to me

Goodbye

He'll never know how much he hurt me

May these feelings be gone..

These are meant for His man.

These are meant for MOG.

A Line a day 2016 Journal

I would really really, really  love to have this journal!!! This is a journal project of my girl crush Ms. Rica Peralejo - Bonifacio.

Here are some important things to know about it:

• 62 leaves
• 3.5 x 8″
• 115 GSM (it works with fountain and calligraphy inks and pens!)
• hardcover
• black spring bound
• back to back, dated pages for 2016
• layout and lettering by Elle Battung
• 21 quotes are actually lines are examples of how a single string of words can catch the spirit of an entire story
• 21 lines come from a variety of literary sources like a book on French parenting, one on English lessons, verses from the Bible and from Homerian classics, Milton and Shakespeare!

 Awesome right? That is why this morning,   I brave myself to join her give away contest. :)

Here are the mechanics:


Tell me why A LINE A DAY 2016 is a great gift idea.
Post answer on your social media timelines, with a photo of journal. (You may grab one of those you see here.)
Add this link: http://www.ricaperalejo.ph/2015/a-line-a-day-2016-price-and-preordering-process/ so people who would like to order can be informed about the process.
Make sure you use official hashtag #linesanddays so I can monitor your entries!


Ta-daaahh! And I posted this on my instagram and facebook accounts:


Dear Christmas giver,

Don't be so confused anymore what to give your dear friend here.

Love of journaling is evident. Hear, hear!
Capturing little moments?
What more capturing little witty thoughts?
No pressure at all.
A line a day would do.

My 2016 would be so much awesome with this A LINE A DAY 2016 .
Life is worth documenting in this cute and easy way  dear!

What are you waiting for? Click the link over here: http://www.ricaperalejo.ph/2015/a-line-a-day-2016-price-and-preordering-process/

It's so easy you see?
Thanks in advance for your generosity!

Love,
Ycah.

  #linesanddays

Even if I win or not, it's still great to help her (somehow) to promote this wonderful project! :)

"Girl Crush"

Okay so. Not that I like girls in a romantic way. I just really really love to see them and to learn from them.

I first heard "girl crush" from one of my girl crushes (whut?), Ate Phoebe dela Cruz. She calls the women that  she admires "girl crush" .

You know ... "crush", it's admiring someone right? I just want to write about the girls/ women that I really admire and look up to. Here they go (please click their names to visit their instagram/blog sites):


1. Rica Peralejo - Bonifacio


The famous wife of Pastor Joseph Bonifacio and Mom to the super cute Philip. I love her love for adventure, how she embrace new seasons, her heart for other mothers and above all her love for Jesus. :)


2. Acel Bisa - Vanommen

Moonstar 88's former vocalist. Yeng and Maricar Reyes - Poon's leader. I really really admire her leadership and love for the lost people and street children. Most especially, her passion in obeying and honoring God.  I learned a lot from her book "Who would have thought?" (grab a copy!). I remember crying in a bus too while reading God's wonderful love story for her. Amazing woman! Isang pambihirang pagkakataon ang makilala sya though not yet  in person but I know it'll come. Teehee! I'll be so kilig when that happen!


3. Patty Laurel - Filiart

The woman I just love staring at (her pictures). I just love her smile, her hair and all (crush kung crush).  I can relate to her somehow because she said that she's the world's corniest jokester. And indeed I know it's true  just by reading her blog posts. She makes me smile with her little "hirit" here and there. I'm so happy that her faith is building up and I'm more happy that her husband is someone who loves Jesus so much and constantly leading her to Him. What-a-wonderful life she has and what-a-wonderful woman she is!

4.  Joei Gayares - Revilleza

I knew about her after watching their (she's the wife of Ptr. Noel Revilleza)  love story in MMK. That's the best MMK episode for me and I think the title was "Journal". Their lives were played by Jessy Mendiola and Sam Milby. She inspired me a lot to write for my future husband (hi MOG!). I even  send her a messsage on facebook to ask questions about how she did it and why. I love reading her blog posts too and inspired me to love Him more and more!

5. Yeng Constantino


Her passion for God is really evident. She's using her influence well! She's so true to herself and in her SNS! I just really love how she express her love for God and telling others about His love for them too!

6. Thammie Sy

I grew up as a woman of faith listening to her Podcast. I was always reminded that beauty is fleeting but the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised! Na yung mundo ko, yung buhay ko, hindi nakasalalay sa crush ko, kundi kay God. (Yes, that's very important to know for the younger me.) I love her voice too! It's just so sweet.

7.  Nikki Gil


The woman who can stand up in her convictions. Saludo. I'm so happy for her to finally meet  THE ONE. I feel inspired by just looking  at  her life. Indeed, may tamang panahon!

8. Jenn Punzalan

She's Pastor Paolo Punzalan's wife. She's also one of the leader's of Ms. Rica in the church before. A mother of four. Amazing leader. I learned from her  to confirm the relationship in my heart already and stop assuming things. Until he lays down his intention, walang nangyayari. Friends lang kami.  Her message helped me alot too.

9.  Marie Bonifacio

I love it that Mrs. Marie Bonifacio was also a broadcast communication major. I just knew her better while following her blog posts (over at joeybonifacio.com) every Thursday. It is called "Secrets my Father told me".  She's got the wit and the humility in her posts. I'm really learning a lot from her!


10. Phoebe dela Cruz - Cabral

Kahit na mas close sila ni Dyna (isa sa aking mga kaibigan), I also admire this woman even from afar. Naks. She's now an executive producer/ anchor/reporter  in  Light TV (where I had  my OJT). She's married and she's about to be a Mom. I love her being a writer and because she loves climbing mountains too. Not just climbing but they're making a difference in the lives of the people/tribes  there.
She got her dream wedding, went to Batanes for honeymoon and... pinaglilihian nyang kanta ang "Rise Heart' na favorite ko din!


Ten women who inspires me through their lives.
One thing in common: an awesome relationship with Jesus!

The One na nagpapakilig sa aming lahat.  #teehee

Christmas then and now

         When I was a young girl, Christmas was just a season or day of simbang gabi, aguinaldo, food, new clothes for Christmas party etc. In our family, we're not used to have Noche Buena (waiting for the 12 midnight to eat dinner and exchange gifts) because the elders need to sleep early so that they can wake early to cook more for the Christmas day. :( But one day, I hope we'll have one. :) We don't have Christmas tree too or socks.  Yeah, I just grew up that way.

         Honestly, I was more fond of new year. I love the fireworks, waiting for the 12 midnight,  jumping (so that I can get taller), the coins in my pocket (so that I can have more money for the new year) and all. I mean, it's more fun right?

        But then, Christmas became so special to me since I realized it's true meaning.
Yes, I've heard the story so many times before -  a virgin giving birth to Baby Jesus. But for some reason though, it's pretty much "normal", "so so" "okay"  to me.

         I remember my first Christmas after my Victory weekend. I am just so joyful and so thankful that Christmas happened. I was so amazed that the birthday celebrant is the Gift Himself  to us all. Instead na tayo yung magbibigay sa Kanya, Sya ang nagbigay. Binigay Nya ang sarili Nya.  I'm so in awe and I still am. I think  that's  the start that I buy cakes on Christmas with my greetings to the One who gave His all to me (Happy Birthday Jesus!)

         These days also, I am learning from Mrs. Bo (Rica Peralejo - Bonifacio) the meaning of the different Christmas decors. I really want to display them soon at home. I declare that for the coming years. I pray to prepare more for this season, but above all, a prepared heart for more of Him.

         Now, with all my heart. I agree that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. There is indeed joy to the world since the day Jesus was born.

       Truly, Jesus is the only gift who does not disappoint!

Merry Christmas! 

Mt. Pamitinan

One day I will climb mountains and shout "Thank You for Your love Jesus!" :)

This was my declaration in this blog and I'm really ecstatic to say that it already happened last Saturday!

A week before this climb, hindi pa talaga nag si-sink in sa akin na I'm gonna climb. I mean, as in hindi pa ganun ka giddy na.. this is it! Finally! Yung dream magiging reality na oh! oh! Because honestly, this is a huge thing for me. I was in a state of shock pa siguro a week before or while my friends are planning it months ago.  Minsan hindi na lang talaga  ako makapaniwala na eto na yun. Pero nung the day before, hala, eto na. I felt really excited especially when I went to Divi (Divisoria) with my friend  Ana  to buy the things that we need, like:

Jellyace (lots of it!)
Chocolates (flat tops! Yum!)
Water (wow dun pa talaga bumili eh noh?) (I bought 1.5 L of water and 500 ml of Pocari Sweat ;))
Gloves (yes, because it's rocky -- Php 25)
Cap (Php 100)
Arm band  (para mukhang mountaineer talaga --Php 50)


Now, remembering that it already happened and what actually happened make me so in awe pa din talaga.


Here we go! November 14, 2015 Saturday.

I talk to Daddy (God) first when I woke up He gave me these words:

They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, "Do you believe I can make you see?" "Yes, Lord," they told him, "we do."   (Matthew 9:28)

Do you believe I can make you see [the summit]?

Yes, Lord!!!


The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. (Habakkuk 3:19)

I am claiming this! He is my strength! I am surefooted! I will tread upon the heights!


Next, I did some stretching and practiced going up and down the stairs 10x. :)
Then take a bath and meet Ana.

We went to Jolllibee Farmers, ate breakfast and bought our lunch there with Arlene.

Rode the UV Express going to Eastwood Montalban Rizal -- the terminal is just next to the Jollibee Farmers.  (Php 50) One more time, Eastwood Montalban Rizal hah. Not Eastwood QC. ;)

We met Gabby and her workmate Micah and Luke there at Eastwood Montalban.

We then rode a tricycle going to Brgy. Wawa ( Php 60 isang ride ng tricycle, so kung 6 kayo, tig Php 10)

Find a Tour Guide. (nandun lang sila)

Register in DENR and Brgy. (You'll pay  Php 2 here)

Yun nah! Akyat na. Pero picture muna. Haha!

                                      

Nagsisimula pa lang medyo challenging na. Here I realized na totoo yung mga narinig at nabasa ko na depende din talaga sa mindset ang pag-akyat. If you really want to be in the summit. Kakayanin mo. One step at a time. 

I stayed near our tour guide going up  so that he can teach me first hand how to overcome the rocks! Na inspire ako na kaya nya, so kakayanin ko din. Natuwa ako kasi parang ganun din kay Daddy, He already knows the way and tuturuan ka Nya how you can overcome. 

Nung nasa kalahati na kami. I'm amazed na may nagtitinda ng palamig dun! Ang cool. 

Then yun, sabak ulit. This time. MORE challenging na ang trail.. ang mga bato ganyan. Pero mas maganda na din ang view. OUCH! Nauntog din nga pala ako. Watch out din sa ulo paakyat, hindi lang sa paa ang tingin. 

Bato pa more. Picture pa more. Strength pa more Daddy! 

May makakasalubong ka din or malalagpasan ng ibang mountaineers. It's really encouraging. 

YUN!! After 2 hours I think,  nakarating din sa "summit- summitan" yung lugar na malapit sa summit haha. We took loads of pictures there while waiting for our turn sa summit (maliit lang ang summit ng pamitinan, so per group lang ang akyat dito). Here we talked to other tour guides and learned more about Montalban, the mountains, the legend of Bernardo Carpio.. etc. It was  somehow fun waiting.

IN THE SUMMIT. 

Whoo! Amazing! Ang saya lang. Hahaha. We did it! God made me see it! I was surefooted!

 Sobrang gusto ko na isigaw agad agad yung "Thank You for Your Love, Jesus!!!"  But I was  little hindered kasi may ibang tayo sa baba na nakatingin sa amin. Waah. Will I do it? Of course. I WILL. I will not be ashamed! 

 "Thank You for Your Love, Jesus!!!" 

YES. I DID IT!! Declaration come to pass all because of His grace! 

Sa summit din, ang cloudy lang kahit na bandang 12 noon kami nandon. Sobrang favored and sabi nga ni Gabby, sobrang ramdam namin ang Kanyang presence!!!

GOING DOWN DOWN.

It's more challenging and painful for me. Nakakanginig talaga ng tuhod. 

Hungry and all. We decided to eat lunch sa bilihan ng mga palamig na pinaggalingan namin kanina. 

Then baba ulit. Nadudulas dulas na ko dito. Haha.  

WAWA Dam. 

We saw BIG rocks, the Dam, balsa and the river. It's nice and pretty! Picture picture! 

We then prepared to go home. Haayyyy. Totoo, it's not the mountain that I conqured, but myself on that day. Amazing Grace! 

We bid good bye to Kuya Jimmy ,  took the tricyle again to Eastwood Montalban  and  then the  UV Express going to Cubao. :) 

Gusto ko ulit isigaw: 

"Thank You for Your Love, Jesus!!!" 

'til our next climb!

P.S. 

Thank you Gabbski for leading and organizing! We're blessed! 

Early days of Being 23

I was reading Ms. Patty's blog earlier and I'm just so inspired to write again about what's happening these days.. these early days of being 23.

Some of the highlights were my tummy's breakthroughs. Haha. I ate T-bone Steak and Lamb for the first time! I ate the steak during my birthday celebration with VF's over at Artsy Cafe. I loved it when I said "well-done" to the waiter when he asked me how I like my steak to be done. It was really delicious and it's fun to eat since I need to use a knife. HAHAHA. Ang babaw ko talaga noh?

Anyway,  then I ate  the Lamb kabab last  night in Mister Kabab  with Marian. We did our One 2 One there. It's a little salty for me and I just shrugged the middle eastern flavor (I'm not really a fan of that). Because it's a Lamb, I feel like maybe I could see one in person one day. (yes, I really would love to see one!) That made me happy and excited. So it's a fun experience too!


Next is, I'm loving Kids ministry these days. We just had our General Assembly last Saturday and it was really awesome. Great bonding time with them! Ah, too bad that I'm gonna miss the Christmas party this coming Saturday! (You'll know why soon.;))

Last Sunday, I attended my coaching group and my leader taught us about being a shepherd to our spiritual daughters. I realize and I know now that it's not really easy taking care of the sheeps. You really got to be careful. So careful. It made me more amazed with my own Shepherd that Jesus who laid down His life for the "maarte" "messy" and "dumb" sheep like me.  Oh Daddy, help me to become the shepherd that you want me to be for the girls.

One of my girls is having a hard time right now and I feel like I can't even help her. I feel at times like I'm not really being a good and wise leader. Huhuhuhu. But I can pray and remind her of God's truth and promises right? We'll keep on fighting.


Another thing that happened was during the Intercessors' meeting in PUP, I shared a Word to them for the first time! Grabe si Holy Spirit nun! Iba. Bongga. Ang galing! I shared the verse Luke 16:10 and Kuya Tim even thanked me for the Word!

I just really want to document these moments, these early days of this amazing year of my life. I decalre promotion in every way, to overcome struggles, spiritual growth, adventures and to bless more people. Happy Thursday!


P.S.


Feeling ko may dalawa akong crush these days. Hinahangaan.. ganyan. Pero kino conquer ko. Guarding my heart. Kung iisipin kasi .. having a crush or crushes is having unnecessary kilig, unnecessary pain, thoughts, hopes etc. Brothers mo sila. Friends. Let it go. Merong Tamang Panahon. Emotional purity, emotional purity!!!

Whew,  I'll just really be myself, enjoy Jesus, know and  do His purposes for me and bloom in my relationship with Him (that's the most important).  I'll just wait for MOG to have the courage to tell me what he prayed for and his intentions. Aja!

22 things that happened when I'm 22

22 things that happened when I'm 22


When I was in high school and even in the early years of college, 22 was my favorite number. It's so special to me back then because it's Yael Yuzon (Sponge Cola's Frontman) 's birthday. 22. They even have a song with that title. Throwback kung throwback (sakto throwback Thursday ngayon)!

And now.. taran! It's speacial because I'm 22 and and I'm about to leave this age. This post is just to document the things that happened in the 22 year-old me. I really feel that time is slipping away and I'm really not getting any younger! I want to record everything as much possible.

Okay so at 22,

1. I signed up for a mission trip in Kyrgyzstan but I was not accepted.

That's alright because I can still pray for it and send and friend. (Hi Mai!)  We can still reach the people there.

2. Got a passport and bought a suitcase with my Family

3. I rode an airplane.

4.I saw stewardess in action.

5.I went to Korea

6. I saw snow.

7. I experienced -11 / -19 C Temperature

wow. Just in my Korea trip, I can write a lot of first times! REALLY, who would have thought?!! At 22, I will see snow, I will go to another country and that's all for almost FREE! (almost, haha) ! All by His GRACE and MIGHTY POWER!!!! Kung sinabi mo sa akin ito nung high school  ako, hindi siguro ako maniniwala. At "Weh?" lang ang isasagot. Overwhelming talaga si Lord noh?

8. First family bonding/ Swimming

9. Regular VG with Winnie, Ja and Jhesie

10. Naging Prayer partners ang mga high school friends

11. SINGLES CAMP (I met Team Solar!)

12. First Time in BAGUIO!!!

13. I cooked Adobo for the first time. (lasa daw hamonado sabi ni Brother.)

14. My brother raised his hand to accept Jesus in a Planetshakers concert.

15. Bump Car (in Lotte World)

16. First Leave in the Office

17. Discipling a Single Professional (I met Marian!)

18. Bowling!! (with the Jr Kids volunteers)

19. Beach with PUP Alumni!!! Oh sea oh sea!!

20 Bought a smartphone!

21 Namaga ang paa ko dahil sa pagpapa pedicure

22  I met Sir JJ, Ms. Han, Ms. Jenny and Clara (in Korea). I really miss them.


Wee! More adventures to come at 23!! Here we go!!!

"My love for daughter is so big"

"My love for daughter is so big"

or My love for my daughter is so big.

or I love my daughter very much.

Yes, I would correct my student.

But then even if there's a slight slip on his sentence, it doesn't matter. It didn't matter.

For I know at that moment, he's speaking from a father's heart.

I was teary-eyed when he said this.


 I just felt that daddy God was speaking in my heart. It's not the first time that He said He loves me but everytime He does, my heart is just gonna explode like that (Wahhh, I can't even explain well how it feels). So overwhelmed, so in awe.

I really love a father's love. It's just one of the wonderful  things on earth. Though, my father died when I was just six,I know he loves me. Though, my father was gone too soon, my Heavenly Father was more than enough and His love is incomparable.


It's amazing. There are times that He would just hug and whisper that He loves me  in my heart. He will remind of Jesus and love is there - in His blood, in His body. So when I  sometimes wonder  if He still loves me ('cause I messed things up or didn't obey), I was always reminded of the cross (or I'll really do my best to remember). Of the Gospel. That is the ultimate proof that He loves me more than Jesus' life. Yun, yon. He loves me sooo soooo much  to give His one and only precious Son.

As the song goes.. "I always thought that love could be the strangest thing to me". But then He came and He revealed His love to me. To someone so unworthy, so messy..

It's not strange anymore. Love is not a stranger anymore.

"My love for daughter is so big"

and "My love for son is so big"

Yes, He loves me (and you) so big. so BIG.

Happy Thursday! 

Little Miracles

3:42 AM. Friday.

I usually wake up at 3:10AM to prepare for work. This morning,  I didn't hear the alarm and I don't know why. I woke up at 3:42 though  and I know how.

My Dad woke me up again.

Though I'm hastily preparing, there's a smile in my heart knowing that I experience Him again. Seemingly in a  little way but actually, these are the sweetest moments.


That's not the only one though.


I remember the times when I'm really almost late, I just know that He's making me fly and He's making the time slow down. I can never thank Him enough for the favors!

I remember when I don't want to go to an "albularyo" with my Mom but I need to be with her since she's not feeling well. I prayed and yeah, I'm too happy. The "albularyo" is not around!

That same day I needed to go the hospital. I prayed for the Doctor to be a woman. And yes,  she is!

Around 7 years ago. I prayed to be friends again with someone and now, yes, we are again! I'm amazed that  Jesus  the brand new  reason why we became friends again. We're even prayer partners now.

When you feel empty and just tried hard to seek Him and .....He met you. He even said that the "best you" is about to come. I will just be the best me. He's always telling me that.. "Be comfy..be you..stop being insecure". Nakakaiyak. Pga si Lord nag transform, hindi basta-basta. Yun ang revelation. Really, there are days that I really felt like a mess but He picks me up again and again.

Little miracles... little as they may seem but when you witness them personally, it captures your heart and it's just an instant "faith booster" for you.

You know He is mindful. You know He is present. You know he cares. And you know, He is ABLE. BUt don't just know. BELIEVE.

Do you know Jesus?

Me: What is your favorite holiday?
Student: My favorite holiday is Christmas.
M: Why?
S: It is because I can have fun with my brother.
M: It's my favorite too because it's Jesus' birthday!
S: *No response
M: Jesus. Yesu (Jesus' Name in Korean) . Do you know Yesu? Jesus?
S: No...


She doesn't even have a little idea who He is. Huhuhuhuhuuhuhuhuhuhuhuhu. It's like the first time that she heard Jesus' name. This just broke my heart and to think there are other kids and people who never even heard of His Name.

Seoul Barbecue

"It' s our first dinner in the nation of South Korea. I' m amazed and overwhelmed with all those colorful side dishes. Honestly, I was starving so I was so excited to taste them. Oh my then I met my beloved Samgyeopsal! That's the best! Being cook and cut in front of me was so cool! With the big onions and mushrooms, I fell in love with it. I loved to do the "ssambap" thing - lettuce, rice, samgyeopsal, kim chi and samjang together. :)"

Last March, I was tasked to write about  my Korean Food experience. ahh Korean Food. I miss them almost everyday!

Yesterday though, I had a glimpse again of what it's like to sit in from of  those wonderful dishes and side dishes and this time with my beloved former co-teachers. :)


We ate at Seoul Barbecue.   According to one of the comments in Zomato , Seoul Barbecue is one of the best Korean Restaurants in Quezon City. Hmm... let's see.. I mean, let's taste!

Co-worker's reunion! Taken at a bookstore before we attack SB.  

This is it!

I honestly admit that the ambiance was not that good when I entered because it's pretty hot! Well,  we went there at around 3PM so the air-conditioner was turned off .  I really thought "Oh my,  it's so hot in here!"  But then, it's all good when the air-conditioner was opened.  :)

The Menu Cover

We ordered Kalbi tang  ( a variety of guk, or Korean  soup, made primarily from beef short ribs along with stewing beef, onions, and other ingredients) because it's Ate Misha's favorite.  *Php300

 We also ordered Samgyeopsal ( popular Korean dish that is commonly served as an evening meal. It consists of thick, fatty slices of pork belly meat. The meat, usually neither marinated nor seasoned, is cooked on a grill at the diners’ table) because it's my favorite, hahaha! We ordered two since we want to experience grilling in front of us (yes, you have to order 2 to experience that)  *That's Php 600 for 2 orders

 and Ojingeo bokkeum  (one of the most popular spicy dishes in Korean cuisine. The squid is cut into bite-sized pieces and stir fried in a slightly sweet red chili sauce along with some vegetables.) just because! hahaha!   *Php 350


Kalbi tang tastes good.  They said that it's like "Nilagang Baka" for the Filipinos but it has noodles, or for us, "sotanghon".

It's was fun to cook Samgyeopsal and it's so easy too. The meat was so thin and tender. I wish they serve it with mushroom though but we only got garlic and onions.

 That's the difference between my Samgyeopsal experience in SSK (Seoul, South Korea)  and  the Samgyeopsal in SB (Seoul Barbecue). In SSK, they served it with mushrooms, garlic, salt and white onions. It's  thicker too!  While in SB, we got garlic and red onions and again  it's really thin. Maybe it really varies. :)

Ojingeo bokkeum  is my new favorite! I so so loved it! Not so spicy (because we're asked if we want the spicy one or the not-so-spicy one), it's a little sweet. I'm craving for it until now and I just can't stop talking about it with my students! :) 'til we meet again Ojingeo bokkeum! I hope I could cook that too!

Haha. Hindi na talaga namin na picturan ang pagkain since we're so thrilled and hungry . This is the aftermath!

We were so full and ended up craving for more Korean food! Wow I can't believe  that I  have a post now about a restaurant. I hope this won't be the last!


For the Seoul Barbecue's  phone number, location, menu, opening hours etc. Please click here.

New things Sprung up

New Thing 1: Gabby in VSJDM

Gabby (my sister in Christ since college) announced that  this year is her last year in Ubelt (because we think that God is calling her in Victory San Jose Del Monte). And that is the start that things are actually changing around me now. It's honestly hard for me. Well, not really hard but a little painful.

 I could still vividly remember  our early journey in the faith. We served in the same ministry together (Ushering) and as we serve, we experienced being in Ubelt for the 3PM, 5PM and 7 PM services on a Friday. I miss being with her at the back waiting for our time to walk and collect the tithes. Our little kwentuhan here and there while waiting. Attending services together, reserving seats for each other, attending Leaders' Convergence or Discipleship events, praying together in PUP etc. Though I know she will always be there. May mababago pa din at may nagbabago na.

Nonetheless, I'm so so happy and so so proud of her. It's amazing to witness a portion of how God is molding her. Her heart for the youth, her heart of praying for other people, her heart to just really Honor God and make disciples. Grabe. I just believe that her heart and faith will bring a great impact  in VSJDM.

I'll just really miss her but I know she's just a text  or fb messenger away.



New Thing 2: Doing One to One again

I can't remember the last time maybe it's been a year and a half that I'm not doing it. Finally, this faith goal has been answered! And this time, it's unlike the ones that I did before. She's older than me, she's not from PUP, she's not a student ...etc. I can really feel and see the new season in the area of discipleship and I declare more. More. Not just more women to lead but more of molding in my part since whoa. Hindi biro ang bawat soul, bawat prinsesa na ibibigay at binibigay ng Panginoon. We can't  take this lightly. Grace is gonna pour out. His Holy Spirit will just really use me to minister.



New Thing 3: Victory Group for VG Leaders (part-time Coach? haha)

Really scarry. But I'll say it again, "Hindi biro ang bawat soul, bawat prinsesa na ibibigay at binibigay ng Panginoon. We can't  take this lightly. Grace is gonna pour out. His Holy Spirit will just really use me to minister. " New Spiritual daughters, new struggles, new encouragements, new love that I'm gonna give away. I was really nervous but God just encouraged me through the life of Gideon that He will defeat our Midianites too! Amen! I'm lovin' preparing now now for our VG. I think I'll really grow as I minister. Help Daddy!!!!


New Thing 3: Daughter's Fruitfulness


It's my dream to become a Mom and also to become a Grand-mom. It's lovely though that it's somehow happening now. Every time na may ipapakilala ang mga Daughters ko na mga ni ri-reach out nila or wina wan two wan. I really feel kilig. What-a-privilege indeed and I'm the happiest when my Daughters get to fulfill what God wants thejm to do. It's not out of obligation but out of overflowing love for the lost. Ito siguro and favorite new thing ko.


New Thing 4:  High School Friends in Victory

Emat, R-jay, Jenny, Rosette and Me. Who would've that we'll be in one church now and that we'll be prayer partners? Amazing God of Wonders (#princessinawe) I declare na hindi lang kaming lima ang ma eencounter ni God sa section namin nung High School but EVERYONE. Oh may He use us mightily.



New Thing 5: Singles Camp

Hehehehehehe. No Comment (na mahaba)  muna. Sa August pa ito but this is really something NEW to me. First Time it is. Feeling nasa Singles Ministry na talaga ako. I'm standing firm in His promise that I will be able for camp safely and there will be showers of blessings. :)


That's it folks. I feel so overwhelmed sometimes being in the midst of the changes and new challenges but I know He's holding me and He's the anchor for my Soul. Every time I would think of His Name, feeling ko kakayanin ko talaga. In Jesus' Name. Amen.


'til next season! 

FRUITFULNESS

I need to write this.

These days, God's impressing to me about the coming of a new season so I think I'm in  a brink of transition. New season I guess is specifically in my ministry of discipleship.

I received a message last night about a girl who wants to join my Victory group. This girl is already established so I'm feelin' kinda pressured.  Like what if I can't equip her enough? What if she'll not enjoy in our VG since we're few in numbers now? What if it'll just be the last time (wherein things didn't work out)?

Worries yeah. But today, God just commanded me to be strong and very courageous. Been encountering what He said to Joshua

(Joshua 1:6-9 New International Version (NIV)

6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips;meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”). 
Also, I'm being reminded also to forget the former things of the past because He's doing a new thing and it springs up!



Isaiah 43:18-20 New International Version (NIV)


18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.

I declare that a season or fruitfulness and preaching His Word is coming. I declare wisdom, excellence and heart in engaging, establishing, equipping and empowering the women that God will entrust to me. I will be the Victory Group Leader that He wants me to be.After all, I'm unstoPUPble right? I will live out my purpose which is to Honor Him and Make Disciples. I know  I can only do this by His GRACE ALONE.  In Jesus' name. Amen! 

Now, I 'm really lifting up  and crying out a Victory group growth in the Campus and to start one in the singles ministry. 

The Giver (There is more)

One of my roommates love to tell stories. And I just find myself listening. She's very enthusiastic and you just can't help but want to watch whatever she watched since,well,  you got the  excitement. 

     One of the stories that she told me was about the movie called "The Giver". The plot is really cool (not to mention Taylor Swift is there) and it made me so curious. I downloaded it the next day. 

     Last night, I met The Giver. After watching it, I came to think a lot of things.. there were revelations and I love it! 

     Can't help but write. I need to write them. I'm not a film critic. This is not a review. I just know when I'm inspired or not..if a movie is good or not..

It's when it made me write, I know I was charmed. 

Appreciation

Suddenly there's an appreciation of colors... of our world, pains and heartaches...music, joy, book.. true emotions... home...love..

The little things, the sunshine... komorebi (Japanese term for the sunlight that filters in the leaves)  perhaps.. friendships..hugs.. (I hugged my friend after watching the film) etc..

When I'm inspired it also means I somehow connect things with the Gospel, with what Jesus did for us, His love for this world.. and all .. I don't know how but yeah you can just connect things and call them,

 Revelations: 



The joy. You just can't contain it. 

When Jonas received different memories like the music, dancing and singing.. He just can't help but adore  and to express it to his little siblings. It just shows. Great experiences are to be shared. 

I pray that just like him, I could also dance, sing and show His love. I pray not to contain the joy. :)


The boldness of sharing Love

When Jonas learned about love, he was so fascinated by it's idea. I think that's the greatest thing that he could ever discover.. love. I love his boldness of sharing it..of saying it...even if.. he will hear "precision of language" afterwards, even if..it's against the rules.. even if it will make you different... 

Love. God's love. Such a wonderful Love to fight for, to go against all the rules for, to accept whatever's gonna happen, to not be afraid of rejection anymore. Just proclaim it. Proclaim.

The Giver 

 How could there be a Receiver without the Giver? He passed them on..He knows that  those wonderful things are meant to be shared. 

“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”
― Lois Lowry, The Giver

How could you do great things without someone there who went before you? A guide. A mentor is very important. 

Friends. Brothers. Sisters. You just can't do it alone. ('nuff said) 

You can't run the race of faith alone. There must be people who will believe in you. 

Next generation ! :) 

Do the right things today not just for the here and now but for the next generations as well. 

There is more! More ! MORE!


My favorite part of the film is when Jonas is trying to convince Fiona that there is MORE. THERE IS MORE. More than what they are experiencing now.. more than what you think is right and good and perfect. THERE IS MORE. 

I want to shout that to the world. THERE IS MORE. More than music, more than stories, more than dance, more than romantic love, more than an inspirational movie ... more than having great memories.. THERE IS MORE. 

Of LOVE. OF GOD's LOVE. OF His Grace. Of what He did.. of what HE is doing..If only they could have the REALITY of a WONDERFUL LIFE with HIM, the REALITY OF HIS LOVE. 

I feel like everything that I'm writing is an understatement. Always. I pray to bring justice to His love but it's just honestly too great. 

Friends, there is more to life.. JESUS is. THE GIVER of HIS LIFE. 

Once a Beginner

I read this quote  on Pinterest and I feel inspired right away: Once a beginner. It encouraged me that though I am no near an expert on something, I can still begin and continue.


I was first  interested in sketching and drawing beaches, trees and flowers. I can't explain the feeling while creating something. There's really joy and I just want to get better. I hope I could learn more. :) See here my first:

Beginner kung beginner 1

Originally a balloon, it became a girl. Look harder. I call this one "In every season". :)

Now, I'm also into Calligraphy. It's delectable to create beautiful letters and words and messages! :)

Tried this on my notebook this morning:

beginner kung beginner 2

Beginner kung beginner 3

I tried this one on Paint. Yes, on paint. Eh wala eh, wala pa tayong brush for calligraphy and so does the books and  paper para sa training. I saw two on National Bookstore yesterday though, so one day..one day.. Gotta have 795!



I really want to do  alot of things! Read more and more books, write more poems, do DIY projects, draw more, do calligraphy more! Let's fight for this! One day I'll be an expert too. HAHAHA! Here's to a better us! :)

Assumera Thoughts

Nakakamangha talaga kung gaano ka assumera ang puso. As in konting tabi lang, konting stare lang, konting pag iingat lang at pagsabay..ang thoughts na kaagad ay.."Yes, finally! He's the one!" (when I say konti as in "konti" lang yun ah) HAHAHA! Nakakatawa na lang na nakakainis minsan ang puso. So deceitful.

 Buti na lang I heard a teaching  about clarity . When I say "I heard", hindi ko pa masasabing I learned it but I'm trying. It defining the relationship in your heart right away.

When we say "Clarity", sabi sa dictionary,  it's "Free from obscurity and easy to understand; the comprehensibility of clear expression"  Ano daw? Ah basta, paglilinaw yan. Sino ba ng maglilinaw kung ano bang meron sa inyong dalawa? Si Man ba? kailangan mo ba syang i confront agad agad? ay grabe...or baka naman...  ikaw?


Ikaw na yun girl. :)


Make it CLEAR in your heart and mind. We are brothers and sisters. We are friends. So NORMAL lang yun na mabait sya sa yo noh! Wag isipin na defrauding dahil ..well, magkapatid kayo in faith  at pag may Jesus naman talaga sa heart eh mga magiging gentlemen talaga sila di ba? Ang problema lang talaga ang puso.

Ask yourself, puso na longing for attention and love pa rin ba ang meron ka? Insecure pa rin teh? Wala nang purity sa intention? Naku we have a problem if mukhang Yes ang sagot. Because supposedly kay Jesus pa lang overflowing ka na! Pakikandado ang puso  o! Paki surrender kay Lord!


Everytime I would be tempted to assume tapos most of the time I would fight the assumera thougths  with something destructive like  " ay MALABO  paano naman mag magkaka gusto sa akin yan..blah blah blah eh  I'm like this and  like that.. so wala ito wala ito", nakakadown promise. Di ba????

Hala bakit ganito pa din yung heart ko? Hindi ko pa din ba na oovercome ito? In the midst of assumera and nega scary thoughts.. I would be reminded of one name though...


Jesus.


I would smile and feel kilig all over. Yep yep. Sya talaga ngayon ang panglaban ko kapag lumiliko ng landas ang puso ko. Sobrang at peace lang and I love it. Paano ba naman kasi yung love Nya hindi mo na kailangan I assume lang because it's so so so so so  REAL. Instead of nega thoughts ng identity ang ipanglaban, I would be reminded of how he restored me, of how enthralled He is with my beauty (naks). Ginawa ka na nga ni Lord, He died for you pa. So girl, you're beautiful twice over! Yun, then magiging secured na ulit. My cup overflows. Blush on! Toinks, you just  really need to be reminded. One more time!


Jesus.


High five girl. Kaya mo yan! Guard lang ng guard ng puso. One day, your  MOG will tell you clearly his intention. Pero habang walang sinasabe eh..WALA LANG YAN FRIEND. Move on move on na hah? Oh isa pa..



Jesus.


Yun. Feeling Prinsesa na ulit ang lola mo. :)

PUP Alumni Summer Getaway 2015

Last weekend (April 25-26, 2015) I went to Matuod Beach, Lian Batangas. I was with my then LIFEbox (now ENCampus)  PUP Alumni Family! Days before this event, I really prayed for us to enjoy so much that we'll really look forward to the next year. Amazing how our Dad answered it! 

I can say that this is the best summer outing so far. :) 

Jeepney Selfie! Trying #VSCOCam for the first time!

His thoughts of me is as countless as the sand in the seashore! Wow! Wrote this during my quiet time by the beach. 

Wow!!! Ang galing ng Creator!!!

I miss these peeps and everyone there. Huhu! Clingy much!

It feels like a first time since I was only seven or eight when I last saw an Ocean. Finally, after 15 years!!!! It was breathtaking! 

I always had a vision of walking by the beach with Jesus. Hand-in-hand..together..now I could finally do it in real life!! So in awe!!!

This is my last goodbye minutes before we head back to Manila. Still so amazed! I declare to come back with my Family again! 

Korean Food and Buchon Hanok Village Experience

 I can still vividly remember the night we took out our boots, sat on the floor and gazed at those appetizing food in front of us. It' s our first dinner in the nation of South Korea. I' m amazed and overwhelmed with all those colorful side dishes. Honestly, I was starving so I was  so excited to taste them. Oh my then I met my beloved Samgyeopsal! That's the best! Being cook and cut in front of me was so cool! With the big onions and mushrooms, I fell in love with it. I loved to do the "ssambap" thing - lettuce, rice, samgyeopsal, kim chi  and samjang together. :)
       For our first Korean lunch , I had Deokguuk. I'm pretty familiar with this one since I always talk about it with my students (especially on New Years Day) ! I'm a year older now, since they say that when you eat it, a year will add to your age. :) It's good and a little sweet. :)

      Here comes our 2nd dinner, I was in awe because they prepared a lot! We ate Bossam, Jokbal, and all those Banchan. Here, I discovered that Jokbal is rich in Collagen (which means it's good for the skin). Ms. Han explained to us what's an "anju" and how to make one. :) She also taught us about Koreans' drinking culture. :)

     The next day, we tried Heottteok in Namdaemun market, it's hot and sweet. Honestly, it's not that appealing to me since it has cinnanom (I don't like cinnanom, sorry. :() . I'm still still very grateful to taste it! For lunch, I ate Jjampong (the not so spicy one!) !!! I was so surprised with the serving size since the bowl was so big. We even told Ms. Han and Sir JJ that  in the Philippines, one bowl is enough for the whole family. :) Amazingly though, I finished it! Really, that was so delicious! I've 'been craving for it since then. :) We're so full at that time thus, I think we didn't eat dinner anymore. :)

     For our last and 4th day in Korea, we had a brunch on a Coffee Shop called "A twosome place" and then we ate Korean street food like Omuk and Teokbbokki in Myeongdong. I really really loved Omuk! It's really good to eat hot and a little spicy food in a -11 temperature. :)  Then we had a Koren Buffet for dinner. I was so sad already for I know it's our last meal together. :(  I tried to make my own Bibimbap here and for dessert, I tried "Sesame Ice cream". I'm not even sure if it's the actual name for it but it really has an unusual yet good taste. :)

    Eating Korean food was definitely like an adventure. There' s something magical about experiencing them for the first time. You also don' t know what' s the next taste in store for you!

      Now, let's talk about the beautiful Buchon Hanok Village!
     The Korean Traditional Houses  are really wonderful. I loved our stay there since I felt  like being on a set of a Korean Period drama. I'm amazed also that there are still people living there! And oh, I also saw a coffee shop on a roof top! One day, I also want to see what's inside a Korean home. :)
      I'll be forever grateful for this experience. Thanks for reading! Annyeong!

Women's Meeting 2015

Notes while listening to the Women's meeting podcast:

1. Clarity


Clarify it in your heart!


Define the relationship in your heart.
Friends lang kami until may sabihin sya.
Wala ito. Period.
Don't read too much.
Wag masyadong kikiligin.


2. Honor


We now have the freedom to honor each other kasi walang malisya.
Culture of Honor.
Every person is worthy of honor.
Honor with your thoughts -

 Don't think  "ok to, pang future to." "ayoko nito..hindi magaling mag english"


Honor with your words.


We are leaders but we are also ladies. Let them be a better man.


Honor with your clothes.


Dress modestly.
You want them to focus on Jesus not on your legs or chest.


Be beautiful. So that the men will notice you.
Ang mga bubuyog lumalapit sa makukulay na bulaklak.



3. Wisdom


Listen to advice.
Distansya pag na fa-fall na.
Guard yourself.


Love languages:

words
gift
service
touch


The best gift that you can give to your future husband: A whole, undivided and complete heart.


Wisdom comes by experience.


Listen to people who've gone ahead of you.

Aica in Korea

Boarding Pass. :) 

Airplane selfie. Ang taba ko dito no?:)

and we're Flying!!!

Samgyeopsal!!! Our First dinner!

Starbucks in Korea. :) First Breakfast. :)

Chocolate from Ms. Jenny. :) 

Selfie with Ms. Hann. :) 

YBM Main Office :) 

Let it snow..let it snow.let it snow.. not fashionable at all. hehe

with Clara #anakngboss

Gyeongbuk Goong!!!!Lamiggg!!!

Evergreen!!! Just like our God na hindi nagbabago kahit ano pang season!

seafood Jjampong for Lunch! 

The morning of the Wedding. hahaha

Uyyy Hi there Woo Bin!!! -11 and temp nyan ah!

Oppa! hahaha!

The locks at Namsan Tower!

Clara trying to copy the airplane. This was at Incheon airport. Really sad moment. 

I'm going home..awwwwww...

Answered prayer! Window seat!!! Annyeong Korea. 'til we meet again! :)