Ninoy Aquino's day

There is no better way to commemorate Ninoy’s death than to continue and live by his principles. His immortal exhortation, “The Filipino is worth dying for." Thank you for the courageous spirit and fervent desire to keep the path of democracy in our country. Let us also honor the sacrifice of each and every Filipino, who are heroes in their own right. For Sec Robredo, the epitome of a true and genuine public servant. We continue to pray that he is alive and well. It is our hope that the he managed to swim to safety or was brought by fishermen to a remote island, where communication happened to be poor.
#akoangsimula
#bangonPilipibas
#prayersforRobredo

Super Sunday

Its a super Sunday for me, pretty much eventful - brimming with fun time activities as if it were a delighted child let loose after her requisite afternoon siesta! #startedwitharuntochurch #feastdayofouraLadyofAssumption
#feelingfit #gymtime #iWorkout
#swimswimswim #thinkingtohaveabikesoon

Euro Trail 2012 Mission Accomplished

And where do I even start to tell you where I’ve been, what I’ve been through and how I’ve felt, where I am right now?

Last month (July), I had the privilege of joining the SFC -Backpackers Team/ Euro Trail Mission Trip. This one fine July day, everything just fell into place. Looking back, I believe it was no coincidence that I was able to attend the mission, not anytime sooner or later.

It was my first time to be in Europe. The one thing I knew for sure was that I was going to throw all of me a hundred percent for 3 weeks if God willed it. I was going to give it my all, however long the days ahead would prove to be, however hard it got.

I say that not to be dramatic, but simply because we never quite know what awaits on the other side.

It would be a grave injustice if I even attempt to compress in one article what the mission is all about. Backpackers/ Euro Trails Mission is something that is appreciated more when it is personally experienced. In the same breath, let me start to randomly enumerate its fruits.

*I have had many surprises in my life, most of which turned out to be blessings, even if they did not initially seem that way. I just went along with the flow, trusting in a faithful God blindly. Who am I to say things can only be this way or that? I know better now to say that life's journey is never just about gentle, graceful pathways. It is also a lot about seemingly scary alleys' scary if only because of the uncertainties.

*Through all the uncertainty, the highs and lows, the physical, emotional and mental exhaustion,
has taught me to pray the hardest but most beautiful prayer, one that can be said in five little words “Lord, Your will be done.” That was the only prayer that gave me a great measure of peace. When you want to do little else but pull your hair out and throw your hands up in the air, there was always Heaven to look up to, God to call on.

*I would like to say that I am battle-scarred enough to know that in the greater scheme of things there is really very little we can control. You do what you can, with all you’ve got, hope for the best, but true wisdom will dictate that you must leave all else at God’s feet to do as He pleases.

*It has not been an easy ride, but we are rolling with the punches. I say "we" because I am not alone in this. I am surrounded by wonderful people, an amazing team. My battles are their battles, too, and together as a team we have lifted it all up to God for Him to do as His pleases. The latter has been the easiest part. As a matter of fact, it is the very thing that has kept us going, the one act that gives us breathing space, a time to exhale. It has been the constant factor, the knot that has held 10 individuals - team together, from the very start and I dare say all the way to the end.

*When you join a mission, a race, anything of that sort, underlying that is always the hope of finishing it, whatever the odds are. Thus far, we have managed decently, we have survived. It can be lonely at times but never lonely enough to lose heart. There have been far too many angels, surprisingly a lot of them I have not meet in person (not exactly strangers as they are all in the community. I have to mention, thank you CFC Greece) who have stepped up and offered help. If there were two things our team can boast of, that would be hard work and the hand of God. We do what we can with what we have at any given moment and leave the rest up to Him.

As I may quote Kuya Shok (team head), 'The mission is being accomplished. We are far from making our vision of making every single man and woman all over the world experience Christ, but we are on track. Especially, with missionaries like you- ready to finish the race no matter what (sickness, family matters and detention in Greece). We were set, you were set. Praise God!

Run the race! Keep it up and stay focused.

Paul said,

“I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." I Corinthians 9:23-24”

Nothing Comes from Nothing

●★●Tears just fall from my eyes in a steady stream as I am reminded of my late dearest Lolo Cleto while watching the tributes for Dolphy. The love going around is almost palpable, even on TV, and there isn’t a soul watching that does not feel the family's pain, and peace — both together, not a breath apart. ●★●Tears are so beautiful —  they are beautiful if they’re happy tears. I was in happy tears yesterday when everything went smoothly during the visa interview. Yes, we are all set for the Euro Trail (I will tell you more about it next time! Tears are beautiful also even when they are borne of pain. Pain when brought about by love, makes crying okay, in a way that is not even twisted. ●★●Nothing comes from nothing, and the way Dolphy has touched lives as we all allowed him into our homes and brought so happiness in his sterling career as an actor. For this, he deserves our fervent prayers.” It is such a blessing still that he is around to feel the outpouring of love. ●★●The good in a person is always extolled and magnified when he is gone, but almost never enough while he is still around to hear and appreciate it. On that note, let me share with you the eulogy I made for my Lolo (I meant to do it last Father's day but the sting became too much to bear again. How bittersweet! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Anacleto Mendez Andes, Sr. (July 7, 1929 - March 12, 2012)--------------------------- ●★●Let me share with you my most tender memories of my Lolo Cleto shaped from meals shared on the large wooden table where he enjoyed his meals. He always sat at one end of that table, on the same chair, in the same place. ●★●Tall, distinguished and very handsome, his was a kind face with pointed nose.  ●★●He was a self-made man, the best teacher awardee at Bicol University College of Agriculture; understanding son to Mamay Ising and Papo Ninoy; supportive brother to Lolo Bunjo, Lolo Rower, Lola Tita, Lolo Erning and Lolo Jun. He is a very loving husband to Lola Aurora. A very hard-working father who valued education for his children - Auntie Jocelyn (Nurse), Auntie Nelly+ (Teacher), Auntie Genie (Nurse), Auntie Judy+ (Teacher), Ariel (dad - Business Management), Auntie Toms (Engineer), Uncle Jun (Seaman) and Auntie Annie (Physical Therapist). He's very sweet and playful to his many grandchildren, Ate Anne, me, Rey, Jayson, Nica, Yvette, Czarina, Haley and Ashley. Our good grades were always rewarded. He would always have a welcoming smile for the little ones - his great grandchildren, Bo and Reign (he was so excited too for Ate Anne's pregnancy!). ●★●I remember Lolo Cleto in his neatly pressed pleated pants and I would always be in awe of him. He was an honest man who always espoused living within one’s means, often saying that one should not develop nor sustain a "champagne taste with a beer income". ●★●Lolo was a stickler for good manners and at a very young age, I remember how he was loved by many for the effortless ease he had dealing with people from all walks of life. Rich or poor, he regarded them the same way.  ●★●Lolo was never one to herald what he did in private, especially in terms of helping the needy. He generously lent his farm hands money – his was a series of random acts of kindness, maybe not really grandiose in nature but enough to impact his direct circle of the world. Those who knew him were all one in saying that and I have seen not just a few who still get a far-away, misty-eyed look in their eyes at the mention of his name.  ●★●Now, I am not saying he was a saint because he had his own flaws and could be fierce when he had to, especially when it came to protecting and defending the people he loved. He was always looking out for our welfare. ●★●His death opened my eyes even more to the kindness and bigness of the heart of the man who not only lived his life with dignity and grace, but with much love. Thank you for the life that you shared warmly and brightly with those you met along life’s way. Know that your legacy will continue to inspire your family beyond the borders of time.  ●★●We Love You!!!●★●

Never Say Never

Clichéd though it may sound, please never say never. I know that sounds like a Justin Bieber' s song but it’s true; it really is. There were three things I said over and over again that I would never do. Number one, to work overseas. Number two, be active again in SFC activities. Number three, join a beauty contest. I guess you pretty much have an idea how I fared with the first two — thank God it is way too late for the last one to ever happen for me.Haha! If you asked me after I graduated college how I pictured my life to be 5 years down the road I would not have described anything remotely close to what it is as I know it, now. Well, what can I say? Life truly is what happens while we are busy making plans.

Let’s backtrack a little here. I’m sure I have mentioned enough times in my past blogs how involved I am in the community I grew up with, Kids/ Youth/ Single's for Christ to the extent of going for Full time/ Missionary work after graduation. It was a long tough journey. When I decided to leave PI, I thought of leaving my service in SFC as well. So. Here I am. This is where I am now. I am a Nurse. Mother Teresa once said “We do not always have to do great things, but we can always choose to do small things with great love.” I think of that often, actually, especially in my line of work. My job can get overwhelming — there is no room for mistake, we work under the pressure of dealing with life and death. Given the nature of work in the hospital, it meant practically moving your mental clock for the erstwhile untouchable holidays and for all intents and purposes.

The life of a nurse is more of a vocation. It’s a life of hard work and sacrifice. Every single day, there is a sea of people that we deal with. We try to get the patient’s trust and present a semblance of efficiency that will help turn the panic into confidence. We try to control the number of people who accompany the sick and knowing how to deal with tempers that flare up are additional skills required. My oh my! We give so much of ourselves, our energies and and our time, all in the name of making the world a better place. I must not forget to say, after weeks when I came here in Dubai, it was not a conscious effort to look for household. Well. What do you know. Nothing is ever truly certain in this world. Structures are there to guide us, but we cannot put blinders on, be stubborn, and insist on following a rigid path towards how we would want life to play out. The world may give us different labels, but happiness comes in taking on every challenge, surrendering to every opportunity to make a difference, one day at a time. We are but channels of God’s mercy and goodness. It is never about us, it is always about Him. Service gives meaning and purpose to life. Imagine if you live for yourself and yourself alone. Your world will be so small. You will be miserable. But step out of yourself and life becomes instantly beautiful. Instantly. Can you believe that? And that is essentially why we all are here. As children of God we know in our heart of hearts that we all must do our work in His garden.

●★● My Top 11 Things To Do for 2011!●★●

A quick, random update. I still don’t sleep early, I missed all the writing classes this year, I still watch (again) classic love stories I have already seen and I still am one of those who can enjoy coffee at night and not have trouble sleeping at all so my indulging in cups of good coffee or tea need not have any of-the-moment limits.

The good news is I do not eat as much red meat anymore, I have truly managed one year away from my comfort zone (Okay, okay — i still have my crying moments when things get tough but thats the way it is!), and I continue to hope for, believe in, and expect happy endings (Cheers to my good friends to tie the knot this 2011 - Nad & Ivy - to top the list. Let me mention as well those who are planning - Myrla & Ronald, Ryan & Faith, Homer & Tin, Luis & Irene. wohoo!).

I am reassessing the list of things I said I would do in 2010, and as lists go I have accomplished some, failed miserably at a few, and totally forgotten about the others.

Bravely and transparently, I want to share with you my new list for 2011, obviously and in no unnecessary terms an appendage to the ones from last year that I have either only half-completed or not at all. So help me God (I do not say that lightly, by the way). And like I always say, happiness is also the journey, not just the destination. On that note I say go ahead, make your own new list joyfully, truthfully and unapologetically, and take childlike pleasure in seeing your dreams and wishes, both big and small, come true!

1. Put a vanilla bean pod in the jar of white sugar I keep in the kitchen. That way, simple everyday cup of coffee and sugar will feel, and taste, like an extra special treat.
2. Go to bed earlier, and be deep in sleep between the 11 p.m. to 3 p.m. window that experts say is the optimum time when our organs regenerate. Heaven help me, I do not remember the last time I was in bed before 11 p.m.!
3. Be more curious about the way things are made and done. A little more knowledge is always a good thing.
4. Update all the lists I love to make and highlight those that already came true! The time to be grateful starts now!
5. Visit Koh Samui in Bangkok then fly to New York or California.
6. Staple all the little scraps of paper I scribble notes onto inside a blank book. That way, no idea I have gets lost and I will have a diary of sorts.
7. Find time to work with my hands, give life to all the little craft projects running around in circles in my mind.
8. Eat ice cream with milk always. Have you tried it this way? You pour about half a cup of fresh milk in a serving of ice cream. Yum.
9. Continue doing yoga. I truly feel it is something I could do for a long time to come. I love the feeling after and the fact that the one-hour session seems only like 20 minutes is something I take as a very good sign.
10. Write much and more often. Watch more movies. Read more books.
11. Love more. Stretch my heart to love even the most unlovable.

Grown Up and Yes Pregnant at 24!

Thirteen days from now, I will officially turn another year older. I will be 24 years old, and bursting with dreams. And yes, I am pregnant with lovely ideas, haha got you etchuserang froglets (rumormongers). Boyfriend nga wala pa akong balak, baby pa kaya (Um, let’s leave that untranslatable *winks*). I have these goals, these opportunities all within reach. Why am I telling you this? Because I just realized that I am all grown up.

There was a time when I really itched to own all that I wanted to have. I salivate over the breathtaking Christian Loboutin shoes, the beautiful Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg, Calvin Klein dresses and gowns. And don’t get me started on the bags. Oh, the bags! If money grew on trees, I’d probably buy, among all the things I saw and loved, those that still run through my mind when I try to go to sleep at night.

But in the same way that I can happily window-shop, I can do the same online. I can look but not necessarily click and buy. Sure, I’ll splurge once in a while, but there are many things I can live without. Yes, I am all grown up because I really do not have to have every material thing my heart desires. Sometimes, dreaming about them is happiness enough. Looking at beautiful things can already be a joy in itself.

It’s nothing profound, but this insight has spawned the list I am sharing with you today. At 24, I know I am all grown up because:

1. I do not have to have everything I want.
2. I take saving for the future (seriously).
3. I actually ask God to help me honestly forgive those who hurt me (on my own, that can be hard to do).
4. My hair is still a mess but I can be unapologetic about my choices.
5. I truly welcome reunions because you want to touch base with people.
6. I make wish lists but they are just that: wish lists. They do not direct my life.
7. I don’t take life and myself too seriously.
8. I know that love is not a light word.
9. I can and will go out of my way to brighten a lonely person’s day.
10. It is a peaceful thought to know that not everything is about you.
11. I appreciate rituals and traditions enough to do what I can to make them live on.
12. I care about what happens to our country.
13. I have learned to budget.
14. I also know that “no budget” does not necessarily mean “no money.”
15. Spending hard-earned money pinches.
16. I start remembering and applying all that Mom and Dad have taught me.
17. I have learned to really linger over a cup of coffee.
18. I savor experiences, moments, people.
19. I live the present moment as fully as I can.
20. There is this urge to stretch beyond your comfort zone.
21. The fear of failure does not stop you from trying out new things.
22. I can find it in myself to gracefully acknowledge all the lessons buried beneath every pain.
23. I choose my battles.
24. It’s easy for me to choose to rise above petty people, petty situations.