Thursday, May 07, 2009

Nasidman Island

These past few days I have been really busy and I didn't have the luxury of time to update my blog. Now is my chance, so I'll share with you where we had our summer getaway.

This is Punta Pasil Beach Resort in Nasidman Island, Ajuy, Iloilo. A place blessed by a white sand beach, clear waters, lush surroundings and approachable people. It is a two-hour bus ride from the city to Barangay Barrido, Ajuy and a 10-minute boat ride to Nasidman Island.



We enjoyed boat rides to and from the island, taking pictures of the beautiful surroundings, eating our sumptuous lunch and some chichiryas, swimming in the cool waters and spotting some striped-colored fishes.

We had so much fun and wish we could go back to that wonderful place soon.

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Lights switched off


March 28, 2009. 8:30 pm. I voted for EARTH!

We switched off our lights and enjoyed an hour of family bonding :)
my little brother was desperate to watch his favorite cartoons but my mom said we should not turn on the tv either. So we gathered outside our house, had fun dancing with our neighbor's music, storytelling and just talked about anything that pops up to mind. My brother's high school classmate passed by our house and told us that we are the only one who turn off our lights to join the earth hour. Quite sad because others don't seem to care or maybe they are not aware, but it also makes me happy that we have been a part of this global event and helped vote for earth against climate change.

"This is a vote made by the Philippines for the earth because we showed our unity for the world to take action in Copenhagen in 2009 where they will draft a post-Kyoto policy where they will set new targets for developed and developing nations to reduce carbon emission," said WWF communications officer Gregg Yan.

VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community – a call to stand up and take control of the future of our planet.
Visit http://www.earthhour.org

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Love is..

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

New Year '09

Welcoming year 2009 was still exciting but not really that enjoyable like the previous years. Though we enjoyed lots of food on the table, we can't spend much time outside to light our fire crackers because of the rain. From the afternoon of December 31 until January 1, 2009, rain kept pouring on the Philippine archipelago. People in our town took advantage of the time whenever the rain stops to light up their "kwitis" and other fireworks.

We decided to have our New Year family devotion at around 9pm so we won't be disturb by the noise. Unfortunately rain stopped during this time so our neighbors went out of their houses and started to set off their firecrackers. Yet we have a great time during our devotional ;)

I waited for midnight and was excited to eat and watch our pinwheels, fountains and roman candles display different colors. It was still drizzling but we were too exciting to mind it. We slept at around 1:30 am, exhausted from the celebration and our stomachs full.

☺☻☻☺☻☻☺☻☻☺☻☻☺☻☻☺☻☻☺☻☻☺☻☻☺





This picture was during the food festival in Barotac Viejo, there was a Christmas lantern contest and this one, for me, was the best of them all. It was neatly-done and has attractive lights.





The following pictures were taken during Pie's birthday at Racsos last January 3, 2009.


Wednesday, December 10, 2008

A Paradise..wonderland in Guimaras

Villa Igang, a resort 4 kilometers away from Poblacion, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.

It is a paradise on its own, with crystal clear waters, white sand beach, amazing rock formations and more of nature's wonders.

It was a gloomy morning but me and my friends decided to pursue our trip to Guimaras Island. I was ecstatic even the day before because it's only my second time to the island and my first time to visit its beaches. I woke up at about 5:30 a.m. to prepare our lunch for the day. Mylyn and I grilled some pork and fish and cooked adobo. It was past 8 a.m. when we left Mylyn's boardinghouse and we were thankful that somehow the sun decided to take a peek on us.

A 15 minute boat ride to Guimaras Island plus a 45 minute ride on a tricycle, we reached Villa Igang with curiosity and excitement. We've heard so much about this place and it's our turn to discover it's beauty. We wandered a while looking for someone whom we can inquire about the accommodations. We were lucky that the place was not packed with visitors that day. The first photo above was taken just outside our room, it's a magnificent view and seeing it, I seem to be in a foreign place. But that's not just it, there were more amazing things to see on this resort.

We fixed our things and changed our clothes, armed with our cameras we headed to the beach to explore. We shot some pictures outside our room, then we headed to the cave. It was small, but wide, water from the other side filled the cave up to our knees. Smiles and utters of amazement filled the cave, we were never tired of taking pictures and admiring the place.

After that we went to the other side of the resort where the diving spot is located. The rock structures were truly amazing. The waters in this area is clear turquoise and green. We climbed the rocks on the right side to see a clearer view of the sea. It was breathtaking, with blue skies and crystal clear waters..it's just paradise. Cameras nearly run out of batteries because you can never stop clicking to take a memorabilia of this place.

After a sumptuous lunch, we rested for a while before heading to the waters. We rented a small boat where we had the chance to paddle in our own novice way. Rain started to fall but it never discouraged us to continue our explorations. As we are amazed by the beauty of the sea bed, I spotted something familiar..2 fishes swimming, they keep swimming, keep swimming, keep swimming..yes I saw two clown fishes swimming above an anemone..We found Nemo!!

Sad to say but the sun is almost hidden in the dark clouds and its time for us to head back to our room and get ready to go home. I might forget to mention, the staff here are really nice and if you don't have food with you, they can cook for you for a very affordable price.
It was an unforgettable day..a great experience..a priceless moment..

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

For the First Time

I will not be talking about the movie here but my first time to solve the Rubik's cube.


Last Sunday, my godson, KM, went with us after the church service and he brought with him his rubik's cube. I am always interested in knowing how to solve this "magic cube" but I can't seem to understand instructions and videos from the internet hehe. I once asked a friend to teach me how but she was only successful in teaching me how to solve one face.

My sister knows how to solve the cube so I asked her to teach me how. At first I really can't figure out what she's talking about hehe but since I have a little knowledge on how to solve one face, I did it on my own way first. Then she taught me how to solve the layers one by one, it's a good thing she was patient with me.

But she doesn't have all the time to teach me because she'll be doing her thesis, so I stored all her instruction on my mind and left her alone doing her thesis. Sometime in the middle of twists and turns, I get lost, so I have to disturb her and ask for the patterns. It took me about 4 hours to learn and master the puzzle.

It was a nice feeling solving this crazy cube. Do you know that there are exactly 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 possibilities to solve this cube??!!??!!?? I am so blessed I know 1 way of how to solve the rubik's cube wehehehe☻☺

For video tutorials of how to solve the cube, click here

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Headlines

"5800-Chinese-babies-remain-ill-on-tainted-milk"
Thank you Lord that I still get to eat and drink good food.

"Torture: A pervasive reality in the country"
Thank you Lord that I am safe and surrounded by great friends.

"3 hurt in 7-vehicle smashup at Skyway"
Thank you Lord that I still get to travel safely.

"Iraq: Cholera cases near 500"
Thank you Lord that I'm healthy.

"Poverty, hunger prevent Filipino kids from getting basic education"
Thank you Lord that we never run out of food in our table. Thank you Lord that my siblings, cousins and relatives are still able to go to school.

"Beheading brings more fear to kin of OFWs on Saudi death row"
Thank you Lord that my family abroad are safe and healthy.

"23 Are Charged With Illegal Sports Betting at Borgata Casino"
Thank you Lord that I still see families enjoying a day at the park. Thank you that we don't have to spend so much money in exchange of fun and laughter. Thank you Lord that we are contented with what we have.

Death Toll in South Asia Floods Crosses 1,100 Mark
Thank you Lord that you have kept us safe whenever natural calamities happen. Thank you Lord that through these events, we realized our mistakes and draw closer to you.

"Hope North To Benefit From Celebrity Clothes Auction"
Thank you Lord for people who knows how to extend help to the needy.

"Group Suicide Becomes Frightening Trend in Japan"
Thank you Lord that you have taught me to value life and that there is always hope because I have a loving and gracious God.


When we turn on our television sets and listen to the news, it seems that there aren't any good news anymore. If it's not about the economic crisis, it's about war. If it's not about natural disasters, it's about death. If it's not about corruption, it's about other people's lives..

We hear complaints, we see tears, we feel anger.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When we turn on our television sets and listen to the news, it seems that there are a lot of opportunities where God can work. If it's not on giving us the best job we have been waiting for, it's on allowing us to love others more. If it's not on making us survive disasters and testify His goodness, it's on rejoicing that we are soon going to be with Him in paradise with no more tears. If it's not on blessing our leaders to help and guide the people better, it's on blessing the simplest person and bringing joy and comfort to the lost.

We hear thanksgiving, we see smiles, we feel love.

thank you Lord Ü ☻ ♥
◘◘◘◘○○○○••••♦♦♦♦☺☺☺☺♪♪♪♪☼☼☼☼

Thursday, September 04, 2008

My "things to do"

My friend, Amy, asked me to read her recent blog post "59 things" and persuaded me to write my own. Last night I watched the movie Bucket List to get some inspiration before I make my own list. The movie was very nice and I got what I was looking for. So now I'm making my own "things to do," things I hope I could make/fulfill while I'm alive and healthy. I don't have cancer, like the characters in the movie, and I'm definitely not dying -- at least I know not now hehe :)
Some are quite impossible, but let's see.

here goes my list.. (this is not in any order, I just write these things as it pops into my head)
I will try to update this list once in a while and cross out the things that I've already done ;)

1. Design a house, preferably my own
2. help build our church building
3. volunteer in any community service
4. make friends with a "special child"
5. kiss in the rain haha
6. go scuba diving
7. go on a cruise
8. visit Italy and France (this is actually to see the wonderful things Sir Ed Defensor showed us in our Humanities Class back in College)
9. Visit the places where Jesus has been to
10. Learn how to drive
11. ride a hot air balloon
12. watch a synchronized swimming contest live!
13. donate blood
14. go mountain climbing
15. try wall climbing and horseback riding
16. get a job abroad hehe (but i don't want to live in other countries)
17. have my own business
18. work in a bank (please Lord, please, I want to cross this out as soon as possible)
19. be a detective even once
20. learn any martial arts from a Chinese guru
21. learn and practice acupuncture and reflexology hehe
22. meditate on the mountains
23. ride a train
24. visit all tourists spots and popular beaches in Panay
25. Enter a castle
26. Visit all waterfalls in Barotac Viejo (there are 3 waterfalls open to visitors)
27. Initiate a long term project for our church
28. buy devotional bibles for bboy and me :D
29. Give flowers to my mom and lola
30. loose 10 lbs haha
31. buy a digital camera
33. help a child from the streets
34. learn to bake a cake and make ice cream
35. Plant a tree in our yard
36. Try target shooting
37. Visit Palawan, Bohol and Ifugao

..(to be continued)

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Train of Woes

This post is based from my devotional book entitled coffee break devotions. I have read this book every night and it always gave me new insights about life as well as encouragements during difficult times. I have copied some of the words but have changed some to my own ideas.

Why is it that the bad things in life seems to gang up on us? It can be small annoyances like the alarm doesn't go off, the jeepney is too slow and you're late for work, your boss is not satisfied with your work. It can be major ones like dealing with serious diseases, financial problems or death. When a train of negative events arrives in our station, we often take it personally and we ask God, "why me?"

Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

God allows these things to come our way and He assured us that when we are faced with difficult circumstances we can always come to Him. God may not get rid of our burdens immediately but I'm sure He will help us carry our load so we can finish the race. We don't need to waste our time and energy blaming others, blaming ourselves or blaming God. What we can do is to turn to Him and ask for peace of mind and strength to rise above.

"When the train of woes pulls into your station, climb aboard -- just be sure to talk to the Conductor."

Sunday, July 27, 2008

happy thougths

It was quite a gloomy morning in our town today because of the dark clouds covering the sky. I dragged myself out of my bed and took a bath. I know I will be late for work but my mind doesn't seem to care. It was already 7am when I had my breakfast and my work is at 8am. It would be an hour and 30 min ride to my workplace. I waited for the van and thank God no rain has fallen on my head yet. I sat near the window to avoid the air condition to blow on my face. Passengers beside and behind me are busy chatting and doing their own business, while I look past the rice fields and houses on the roadside. Rain started to fall but little sunshine still made its way to my window. I tightened my jacket since it was getting colder inside the van, as rain pours outside.

My thoughts were on the time and my work, when I saw something outside the window. At first I thought it's just a reflection of that little sunshine, but when trees cleared my view, there it was above the fields and over the mountains. I saw the rainbow. It was a perfect bow.

My gloomy day turned gay. Happy thoughts started to fill my cluttered mind. I thought of the pot of gold, I even thought of a leprechaun! I thought of playing in the field with that colorful bow above my head. I though of dancing in the rain with my little sunshine and the rainbow watching over me. It's like magic, what can a sight of a rainbow do to my imagination. A smile started to paint on my face, but deep inside I know that joy radiates to my soul. It gave me peace. It gave me hope.

Now it's 11am. Laziness and boredom are eating my veins. I have to tell myself, think of that rainbow. I have to force myself, think of happy thoughts.