Getting Rougher

Things have gone a little rough for me these days.

Series of events led to my emotional downfall, though I've pondered on these things,
some I have managed to cope, however few left unprocessed.

I have been keen in keeping up with my schedules, things and space, in short I love neat and order. But there are things in which my power could no longer have impact on. Am I so powerless over these things.

People surrounding me and life's condition had dominated me instead of me leading them to what they're supposed to be.

Setting up expectations on things and people had brought so much frustrations on me. Then I tried not to expect, I tried to live by faith, yet I grew weary.

At times I've been wondering why my works have no significance or equal to other people, good deeds result to nothing. My works were ignored, disregarded, worst rejected.

I've been trying to gather some realization on these things, ponder on to ideas that could give me some specific answer. But I failed. Nothing have I gained.

In thoughts, am I the only one having these imaginings and realities? Or am I just too emotional not to cope up with these?

Have I been dependent on men and on to what they do? Or have I been ignoring my God in ways that I have not realized?

No matter how you perceived it, guilt is eating me up.

I'm pretty well aware that I'm not perfect nor anybody else, yet I have always been aiming to be better. Not with anybody else but a better me everyday - which I believed is way more important than comparing yourself to others.


May the Good GOD Bless us all.

For Reason, Season and Lifetime

As I have been trying to re-evaluate my purpose, I have came across an essay from an unknown author, and it did not only stirred me to write my thoughts but more it shook me up inside.

A R E A S O N A S E A S O N O R A L I F E T I M E

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on. When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Author Unknown

As what the saying goes, "no man is an island" and so had been our pursuit of making lots of friends and how to influence people.

Several suggestions were posted on every corner of the net to teach us how to fish friends, and some on how to find a true friend. As for me, true friend goes with a long term relationship and experiences shared, including bad times.

I have a number of friends, but few have I chosen to be special. By that, you probably know what type of person I am. Indeed I'm Skeptical, in which I believe we all need to be.

In this world that is full of criticism and condemning, we have to aide our hearts and kept them from prejudices of people, unfortunately at times these unfavorable opinions came from people we believe are our friends.

And when we realized it, then we turned our backs from people we know are friends and made them enemies.

However, through recollection, in order for you to win your enemies you have to know them closely.

"Keep your friends close, your enemies closer!"

Does this mean that I have to deny my feelings and continue spurring as to what I, have perceived as friendship?

Thus I've taken a glimpsed on Matthew 5 : 43 - 48 :

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.


I've been anxious about these things lately, and in so much struggle in keeping my friends and those who I thought are special. Or maybe the reason is still not clear enough as to what their purpose in my life would be.

What if reaching out to those whom I feel special does not work? Will I just walk away and forget about the friendship built?

What if the people I believe for lifetime, yet later signs are telling me they're just for a reason?

Things are blurred and there's no turning back. Happy moments were gone, yet eager to be remembered. Mistakes were done and time spent will never be returned.

How will you escape and brake through all these anxiety that people had brought me?

And the funny thing is, I don't have any answers to my questions. Would this be the part when I just have to put my questions on the sand and leave them swept by the waves? Or better cling on to my GOD whom is way too big for my petty problems and let time answer it all?

I admit I am troubled by these. And yet I am told to continue to be friendly - and upon thinking, and by doing so, what will I lose if in time I'll regain what was lost.

Though I may not answer all the questions for now, I'm glad to know that I have faith that puts me on a passing grade - no matter what.

Still all for the Glory of God!

Born to be Reborn

April 20, 2010.

Days have gone old and so do I. Yet as I looked back all these years I saw nothing but few spots of good deeds that I have done. There are more blank spaces in which I interpreted as my unwanted ways.

And so while I'm reflecting on the years gone by, I realized that I'm almost half way to setting.

What did I do with my life? What have I done with my dreams? Where's my youth? How did I not focus?

I've had lots and lots of regrets with all the things and opportunities that I had not took chances, I grieved on what I have done wrong and on what good have I not done.

As I try to scan the pages of my years, with remorse I sigh a lot. Humbled I cried.

I felt hopeless for I know nothing I could do to change my past. Regrets, regrets and full of it.

Through the years I have tried to cover up my regrets with things that would cheer me up. Not realizing that there's always two sides in everything, I chose the wrong side of the coin.

Now my past has a foothold on me. And the torn is not something easy to bear. It eats up my endurance to hold on to life. My present is totally impaired. I've been feeling it - I am dying.

And my faith is slowly wearying out too. It frightens me a lot. Though I know GOD hears my cries, yet most of the time I let anxiety blurred my vision of HIM.

So I turned to people. Family and friends whom I can trust. But even in their presence, I felt hopeless. I felt fear. So I urged them to encourage me and to lift even a single part of me for hope, and it helped. It helped to the point that I gained my strength, to the point that I feel living again, yet it only remains for a very short while, then it's gone. And so I asked and asked - to the point of their exhaustion. And when they're all exhausted I felt pity for them, much more I pity myself.

So then I turned to church. I tried to explore few ministries that I could keep myself busy with. I let myself be part of activities that I know I enjoy. I tried exploring the remainder of my talents and gifts. And I have given it all. It made me glad that I tried not to get away with it. But it too remains for a very short while, then it's gone.

Now I'm damaged and emptied out of joy. In my everyday dealing with people I tried to hide the feeling. I hid the pain. I pretended I'm alright but am I not. And then I cried, a lot.

I have been searching for GOD yet I always fell into something ungodly. Things that add to my regrets.

I know I'm still holding on to my childhood dreams, yet doing what I'm doing at the present, my dreams are way out of my sight.

In hopelessness I turned to listen to our pastor's teachings on ways how to know GOD in a practical way.

So then it came.

Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Like a shepherd, Jesus is there all along waiting for me to call for Him. I was lifted up.

As I continue listening to the teachings of Jesus, I was humbled in faith. And I cried. I cried a lot.

I know I am damaged and hollow, yet God's words had given me hope. Words that are full of compassion to sinful people - I myself included.

I know once in my life I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, yet I kept on forgetting it. Though I was holding to God, I too was clinched to my old worldly ways and ideas. I confessed I forgot I have Jesus at times.

And so I realized that my life had turned out this way because I, myself let it be and not let God be in it at all times. I've took control of my life, more I welcomed sin in it. In my comprehension, it's clear that without God in me, sin, suffering, pain and hopelessness took over.

And upon hearing His words again, I hungered for more words from Jesus. I hungered for salvation. I hungered for life.

Through my Zen Creative mp3, as our church's pastor was delivering a message of healing and salvation, I was moved by it. And I cried. I cried a lot.

The date was April 20, 2010 that I finally realized, comprehended and understood that it's Jesus I need, as my God and my Savior in my life. That I rebuked all sins and evil ways.


No one else but only Jesus completes, heals and saves.

I took note of the date for it's now a very important date of my life, the date when I was reborn through Jesus Christ.

And now living as a responsible Christian, with all my heart I have to proclaim and shout it. That beyond all miseries, heartaches, diseases and pains, I have my God, my Jesus that heals, protects, hears, comforts, cares, loves and saves me from eternal death. That when I am with Jesus I know I can do anything, for I believed that He is the God of the impossibles.

Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Jesus is a living God who reigns!

And though I know that my physical body may wear out and die, my soul will be lifted up through Jesus Christ.

All these years I've realized that living a life in this world is not simple, nor easy. There will be a so much pain, agony, discomfort, criticisms, condemning, hatred, jealousy, worldly pleasures, lusts, heartaches, rejections and all sorts of fears.
But living in simplicity through Jesus will you then say that life isn't just about pain, for there's healing in Jesus, not all about agony for there's serenity, not all about discomfort for in Jesus we are comforted, not all about criticisms and faultfinding for Jesus sees all the good in us, not about condemning but acceptance, not all about hatred because Jesus has first loved us, not about jealousy for Jesus has provided what is enough for all, nor it's about worldly pleasures for we are sons and daughters of God, citizens and heirs of heaven, not all about lusts for in Jesus there will be fulfillment of real and true happiness, not all about heartaches for in Jesus we all are emotionally secured, neither rejections for Jesus considers you as a member of the family and there will be no more fears for there's salvation in Jesus.

All you have to do is believe.

And when you finally do, then you'd say that life in this world, no matter how tough and hard it may be, only through Jesus then it's definitely worth living.

As my days are coming to an end, knowing Jesus Christ led me to eradicate all my regrets and live my present to the fullest. We've been given once shot in life and life is too short for us not to enjoy God's creation. And even if we believed that we have wasted much time, use the remainder of your life to praise and glorify God here on earth. So practice now, for we will continue praising and worshiping God for eternity in heaven.

Our pastor has shared a simple equation on how to live life to the fullest. In everyday life, we've been given choices, it's an opportunity to do good or a chance to do bad. You always have to choose, and in choosing, forget not to pray, and always remember to consider :

none for satan

less of Me

ALL for GOD!

It was the 11th of March.

Last night's dream wasn't as vivid as I have had once but it was somehow clear.

I arrived at an island, with a tiny old house that seemed isolated. The house, as I recall it, appeared as a single story building, with Capiz-tiled windows. It seemed almost like a typical Spanish-era house. Definitely made of wood.

I then realized that I was with a group of people. Seemed like a tour.

We moved around the house, when I recognized that the walls are full of paintings, different masterpieces all inside this small house.

Masterpieces that ranged from portraits, landscapes to panoramas.

The feeling was odd as these masterpieces were I hardly ever seen. Pictures of faces yet unknown to me. Landscapes taken ashore, some on top of a hill, forests and few with rivers and streams. Being a lover of art, I confessed, I was totally amazed by what I saw.

Though the amazement has filled me up, yet there was an awkward feeling of uneasiness. When the level of anxiety increased, I decided to get out of the house and breathed some air.

I walked to the back of the house, trying to familiarize myself as to whom it belongs, yet I could hardly recognized any of my relatives had ever lived in such a lonely place.

Few meters from the house ran the shoreline. Raging waves came crushing the shore and on boulders. Winds hushed roughly as if a storm is about to hit the island.

An old house will not stand a heavy storm I guessed, then I tried looking for some options where I would consider a safer place to be.

A stall stands not far from the back of house. Then I found myself walking towards it.

As I looked back, an open window of the old shanty made me see pictures hanging on the walls. I decided to ignore it.

Walking near to the stall I've seen few men, wearing hard hats and orange overalls, eating "lugaw".

This served as their dining area after a hard days in construction. Though I hardly seen any buildings being built around the area.

I asked for direction from a lady serving "lugaw" to these men.

And she pointed eastward.

As I walked towards the direction, I realized that this stall, which I have seen at a distance, was as fine dining resto, resting at the edge of the island.

The weather has changed. Then I recognized ferries sailing at the back of this resto, just like the ferry boats of Pasig river.

Once what I known to be an island settling at no where, was now an island right at the center of Pasig River.

Across the river were factories that are familiar to me. The infrastructures that I've been seeing everyday when I go to work are the same buildings that I've found in my dreams.

I felt peace when I saw familiar places.

As I walked toward the direction that I have been directed. I found myself standing at the middle of a crowded sidewalk just right below a light railway train station.

A small "sari-sari" store was on my right. As I was looking at the local phone machine, I was offered something to eat.

Then I woke up.

My dreams are getting clearer nowadays, and until now I'm in awe as to what could be the heavens trying to tell me.

Things that has happened may have lingered in my thoughts and unconsciously, these experiences could have affected my rest. But what about those unfamiliar places, things, faces and events? Could they be telling me something.

One thing's for sure, I may not know what lies ahead, but my GOD knows. Therefore I could and would and should not hold on to my dreams for things to come, but to GOD who knows me, my past, present and future.

Hold on to GOD my friends, and put your faith, no matter how small it could be, to HIM and HIM alone!

Be blessed!

A Vivid Dream

The feeling was awful when I woke up this morning. My throat seemed to hurt a bit and my body's too weak to face the day. I felt helpless that I decided not to go to work and simply stayed at home...and rest.

As I was trying to reminisce the reasons behind my indisposition, I remember a dream, so vivid that it made me look for it's meaning, reason and purpose.

Let me share to you, as far as I can remember it, my dream. I've posted some pictures that serves as a resemblance to what I've perceived.


I was in a room with my office colleagues (Lyle and Sela - the images I only remember), which I have interpreted as a sleeping quarter. There in the middle I saw a bed, with a striped cotton yellow and white bedspread. Blurry but I remember a double deck too. The room was a bit dim, as colored curtains covering two perpendicular windows, blocked the light from the outside. The room resembled mostly like my boarding room when I was in High School. There were no talking inside the room. "Clicks" and "Cellphone Rings" were the only sound I heard.

Then I went out of the room, leaving both my cellphones on the corner table, right beside the bed. I was wearing a t-shirt (the color I could not remember or hardly could I recognized), a khaki cargo shorts a pair of green sandals. Just as I walked out the door, I realized I was on a second-story building.

But it wasn't just a building, it was the main building of Don Bosco Technical Institute, the place where I studied in high school. And as I could remember it, and by the looks of it, the place was somehow converted as an evacuation center. The place wasn't tidy as it used to. Dirt and dusts were all over the hallway. I walked downstairs and found myself walking on a highway.


I was wandering the length of Baywalk in Pasay City.

I wasn't surprised in my dream, as it came to me nearly real. It seemed very realistic. I even looked back and saw the roof of the building I was in.

All my emotions are there, except for a hint of my sense of smell.

I passed by people, faces that I've never known, yet I believed had existed and had I probably seen at one point in my life. It was a typical day in Baywalk. I've seen summer skies with fluffy clouds meeting horizon, and the palm tress shading my path made my spirit glad.

Ships and small boats sailing peacefully at the Manila Bay has never been but a perfect view to me.

As I shifted my eyes on my right, I saw towering buildings which have been there as always. Then at a distance, which I assumed somewhere around Manila Capitol, my eyes caught a group of towering buildings which are new to me. They were about four to five of them, with different heights and designs, but all made up of glass. They didn't seem to protrude any special in them, except for few noticeable smokes projecting from below.

Then I was stunned with what I saw.

The rear most building started to collapse, then by the order of distance, the others followed with a quake. A distinctively humongous gray smoke fumed up whenever a building collapsed. Explosions were heard there after.

Then I heard screams and shouts. People on different locations ran, opposing the scene. Cars screeched as drivers trying to avoid to hit a thing.

Chaos was all over.

As I was standing still, buildings wobbled and one by one they too fall. In front of me were few buildings, considerably skyscrapers, left standing. Based on the manner of events I knew somehow they too will go down.

Then I was shaken, to the point that I've lost my balance. The ground excessively trembled. It was then I only knew that I was standing above an active fault line, so do the rest of the buildings in front of me. I step backwards slowly, and with a thought I remember my calling my family and friends, only to realize that I don't have my cellphones with me. Too late, I reckon. Cracked lined and ran Roxas Boulevard, grounds shoot few feet upwards and debris were pouring all over the place. I have no idea but I had a feeling that it was coming for me.

Frightened, I ran as fast as I could. Then I was relieved when I reached the fountain of Malate.

The place seemed untouched, and no ones in panic, yet I could still see the turmoil from where I've been at a distance - and is still coming. I knew I ran fast, but I didn't know how I managed to run in a dash...surely the energy was there.

PUVs were taking U-Turns in this area when they saw what was coming. There I took a tricycle driven by a young lady.

As the face wasn't familiar at all, I never had a chance to know her name. The driving was slow and while she does, tears flowed down her cheeks. She has a pretty small face with a tan complexion and a heavy black straight hair, a typical Filipina. She was wearing a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. We talked a little, in which I learned that her boyfriend dumped her. But I've forgotten the rest of her story.

As we drove, I've noticed that the bay's activities had changed. Towering waves is fast approaching our way. And it hit the land. Chaos has taken over the place, this time it was caused by water.

Terrified, I took the wheels and zoomed our way out of Roxas Boulevard. I drove it straight, until we reached a small fishing village.

There I saw unfamiliar faces, a lot of them. Faces ranged from children to grannies. Yet even though they were only part of my dream, their faces remained in my mind as I am writing this - as though they were part of me. It seems like they were real. The area was new to me. It was like a typical slum around a port metro, surrounded by water. The water here was a little less calm than where we came from. Winds blew hard and here I felt peace.

But my mind wasn't at peace. I thought of my family, I thought of mama. I have to go back. But how? I made several attempts to get some answers from the villagers but all they did is stare at me. Without a single word.

The lady driver was still sobbing and I felt pity for her.

I've left with no choice but to find my way out - alone. To find my family and friends. To warn them as to what is happening and what might happen. And so I drove off believing that I'll be headed back to where I came from - and so I was.

Floods are rising in the area of Malate. Unmanned cruising ships crashing the buildings. I gazed on the unimaginable frozen. And then I saw a dry porch of a convenient store in the area. Bay's at front and I saw dozens of shipwrecked. I have witnessed how some of the fishing vessels were pushed by the water towards the land clashing with the buildings. And I have no idea why there's a dry place despite of a rising water, but I stood there for a while waiting and hoping that somebody will come to offer assistance.

Standing for a certain time that seemed endless, I saw a ferry boat. This one is almost as big as a regular passenger's bus (resembled like a ferry boat used to cross-island in some parts of US and Europe), full of people (probably passengers) sailed towards me.

But as I realized, it wasn't sailing as people inside are all screaming and shouting. The waves took control of the boat and it was moving slowly towards my direction. I knew somehow it will hit the store, the porch and me. So I kept prepared and ready to face it. As the boat drifted sideways to my direction, I dash out of a small exit before it crushed me. With few inches left, the boat almost collided with the building - but was left with no scratch at all.

Not a sound was heard from the people inside the boat. They all came out unharmed and in silence they're all gone.

Left inside the boat was my mother holding a little girl.

The girl's face wasn't familiar at all, no name was even mentioned, but it seems like she was part of the family - co'z I felt like it.

My mama was amazed to see her son escape a death defying act. And so I recall her saying "Ang galing ah!". I've never seen my mama in two years and I miss her much. The dream had brought us together, though it wasn't a happy ending. I told her what was happening, and what we need to do. However the unthinkable happened. She went back to the boat, still holding the girl in her right and said that she has to do the right thing.

And then the boat left.

Sun's setting and the place's back to normal again.


So I woke up tired and sick.

Dreams do tell something. As for me, I've checked the meaning of this vivid dream of mine and I'm still trying to digest how my unconsciousness affected the outcome of my dreams. The meaning revealed in the internet and I wasn't pleased.

So from now on, I will leave everything that is about to happen to GOD. For HE knows everything that has happened, is happening and is about to happen. And nothing's more safer than that of HIS hands.

As for you my dear brothers and sisters, be safe in the hands of GOD.

GOD SPEED!

A Day to Remember

We celebrate the day of our birth annually - and we can never deny it. We are getting a year older every year. Though the thought of being an old man one day frightens me when I was just a kid. And it still frightens me to know that I'm halfway there.

At the age of 10, grown ups who's 25 years old and above I considered old people. When I reached the age of 18, I considered grownups to be around 35 years old and above.

And now that I have reached my 29th birthday, I considered people around 50 and above to be old people.

But I realized that one day I too will be 35, 40 and hopefully 50 years old, in which will be considered old. But who then will I considered old when the average lifespan of a human being is just around 60 - 80 years old.

When I was a kid, I did ask a whole lot of questions to people around me and most of the time to myself. Some were answered vaguely, some were clear but most of the time I got no answer.

Inquiries started to pile up in my mind as to why we really have to grow old, when we can enjoy the fruits while young. The idea of getting old, wrinkled face and slow motion activity, really frightens me as a kid.

However as time passed by, I realized that wisdom and knowledge has to be earned. And through life's experiences will you only understand things in a much more clearer perspective. You have to grow old to experience these things.

In the Book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon expressed his ideas about living life here on earth. For him it was "utterly meaningless".

Utterly meaningless?! - So then why do we have to grow old? And growing old in wisdom and in truth?

Then through wisdom, a realization materialized.

For the same reason that GOD wants us to experience and enjoy life here on earth as gift from heaven. GOD loves us so much that HE provided us with our needs. GOD wants us to grow in spirit, wisdom and in truth so we'll be able to sing our praises to HIM. Only then we will understand.

Instead of complaining for additional wrinkles and soggy arms, be grateful. Every birthday is a gift from GOD.

For I am grateful that GOD has extended my life here on earth to enjoy the fruits of my labor. I am grateful that GOD had provided me incomparable blessings, for me and my household. I am grateful that GOD is still the same GOD yesterday, today and tomorrow.

A GOD justice yet full of compassion, full or mercy, full of love. I really might not be able to express who really GOD is in each of our lives, for the reason that understanding and searching GOD is a personal approach that each must take.

I am still on my journey in understanding GOD in my life. And so on this day, September 11, 2009 - my 29th Birthday, despite all the sickness, heartaches, pains, sorrows and struggles, I humbled down myself to the Lord, acknowledging, praising, worshiping and thanking HIM for everything that happened to me.

These all for the glory of GOD. Amen.

Blog Offered to a Woman

It was on the 5th of August, last year, when Malacanang declared it as a non working special holiday in order to give respect to funeral and burial rights of President Cory Aquino.


Private sectors however were exempted, therefore I have to work, and only get an extra bonus for the effort exerted. August 5 was just one of the normal days before, not until the burial of our president.

As I ran through my old pictures, I've realized that on this occasion, our group in the office had been united in one color - yellow. The color of liberty which was exemplified by President Cory Aquino.

Unity comes handy when and only when people expressed the same feelings. Filipinos in general tend to comfort those who are mourning, sympathy to loss. And when we lost someone who we believed have contributed to us, as individuals and to the country, we patronized it.

While most in the country were on the streets, mourning and waiting for the convoy our president's burial, some might be at home simply watching the news, we (together with my office mates and I) were at office, wearing yellow shirts to show our gratitude, for an exceptional service to the country.

The burial of the president was one of the historic events in the Philippines with an anticipated hundreds of thousands of Filipinos, rich and poor, young and old to participate.

Though I might not know her totally, the stories from my folks and grand folks made it clear to me that she has indeed gained the trust of the Filipino people - through democracy and freedom.

Camp's Last Fun Day

On the 3rd day of the our camp, we spent the rest of the day exploring places in Tagaytay.

Our first stop, People's Park in the Sky.

The design was a blend of natural and man-made attraction. This tourist spot perching at the highest point of Tagaytay was our first destination for our tour. Overlooking Taal Lake, Laguna de Bai and Tagaytay Highlands.

There, we've taken thousands of pictures. Photos that after a year, has reminded me how wonderful and glorious GOD had been, creating all the beauty that surrounds us. Making Philippines one of the nicest place to visit and explore. I agree 100%.

I used to think that Philippines has really nothing much to offer to the world. Talking about the economy's stability and government's morality (corruption and killings). However I then came to realize that the more I dig into the negativity of it, the more I drawn myself into it - the more I struggle to survive, the more I blame the government for the increase number of poor people, the lesser the hope for our country to prove itself to the world that it will improve, then I wasn't proud.

But I was wrong! There's always hope for eveything...for there is GOD.

Poised at the very top of the building, looking down over the wonder that GOD had created, I believe that our country has still so much to offer. I believed that change must neither be imposed nor demanded from the government, for it must start from each citizen's attitude towards life. If only and if only we (all - including government officials), as citizens of the Philippines, believe that we can make a difference and a change, be united and act on that belief, then the change will eventually materialize. Making the Philippines a brighter country to live in.

After we enjoyed a couple of hours orbiting the place. We then moved to our next stop, the Picnic Grove.

The place has improved since the last time I went to visit it. There were additional rides and lots of souvenir items were in store. As I remember it, though it has been more than three years since the last time I enjoyed the place, the overall feeling of looking over the majestic Taal Volcano was enough. But when I recently saw it, the potential for it to be a busiest touriest spot is still sprouting.

Just like the People Palace in the Sky, this spot is located on a lower hill, but still overlooking the beautifully crafted Taal Volcano, surrounded by the lake.

Picnic Grove offers several aminities, such as horseback riding, unique kites for rentals, roller blades, and new attractions like Zipline and Cable Car.

We definitely took several pictures of the place, but I'm afraid I haven't found any pictures of my Bro and Sis doing the Zipline thing. Though I remember Sis Jan and Sis Janice enjoyed the ride. Tight as my budget was, I preferred not to.

The place and the company of friends are definitely more than to be enjoyed. And I hold on to it as it's what's more important.

At the end of the day, everyone was exhausted and tired, yet eager to climb and to drift.

Upon the last moment of our camp, there were a whole of reminiscing and realization. And the sense of actualization on what lies ahead.

We were about to be snapped back to reality - we were going home. The three day camp was exceptional. And as I said it was different.

Maybe I haven't mentioned or posted a topic about praising and worshiping within the main hall of the camp, yet the entire trip itself was a praise and worship offered to GOD.


Looking back upon these memories, I thank GOD for all the goodness and greatness, triumphs and victories, mercy and compassion that HE had made possible for us.

I still urge each and everyone to strive to live life to the fullest. No matter what age, gender, or race.

As our time is short here on earth -
Time is short for us not to enjoy the beauty of our nation.
Time is short for us not to use our talents.
Time is short for us not to thank our family, relative and friends for the company, comfort and fun.
Time is short for us not to reminisce the happy times.
Time is short for us not to surpass the trials and overcome fear.
Time is short for us not to forgive and forget.
Time is short for us not to love.
Time is short us not to pray.
And time is so short for us not to praise and worship GOD here in earth.

Therefore, let us make that short time worthwhile - and be overwhelmed for a greater glory in heaven...where short time is no longer present - simply be prepared to embrace eternity.


I offer this blog to GOD, to my family, to Y.A.M.A.N and to all my friends who have walked with me through my journey called life.

Until then...

Faith and Fun Continues...

The fun at camp has not ended yet, in fact it has just started, and is getting even exciting.

Then here comes the game part of the camp. The campers were then again divided into different groups. There were new people in group, young ones and not so young ones - these are campers who's age maybe a year younger than mine and some probably years older.

The good thing about being part of Y.A.M.A.N. is that - age doesn't matter. This ministry believes that as long as you live in Christ, you will always have a heart of a child. Therefore, live young, beautiful and rich (in all aspects of life - but most importantly invest in spirituality).

In every game I considered it as a battle. And in every battle, the strongest emerged as a winner. Since my childhood, I always hate to lose. "Retreat and live than fight and die" had always been may childhood ideals, and it was until I came to know 2 Timothy 4:7.
2 Timothy 4:7 - "I fought the good fight, I finished the race, I kept the faith.

Keeping the faith in all you do is what's important. It was my faith that brought me believing that something good is about to happen in this camp. Indeed - My faith has not failed me.

And Never Fear when you have Faith in your heart - this I realized.

The game organizer had given us a series of instructions for the game. There were different puzzles in the game, and each are to be played by a certain number of players. The puzzles require team effort, team work and team Trust - this is the main function of the gain - to practice Faith.

However Faith without action is nothing. Therefore we believed and we acted on that belief. That each member will surely be able to surpass the trials given, and each one of us believed that we will succeed. To think and strive to win sounds like a gamble - for me it's an act of Faith.

And Faith has not failed us. We have overcome the trials, completed the puzzles, and we've made it first. Turned we were victorious!

The rest of the team did good as well. All were able to finish, time is the only difference.

This game however, unlike any other games where winners were proudly announced, had been different - it acknowledged everyone as victorious. All are winners!

If GOD is in our lives, then consider we are all winners. Romans 8:31 "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?".

Each of us have our own obstacles, trials and problems in life. If we come across Faith, believed in GOD and act on that belief, then we will emerge victorious over problems and heartaches.

Just like the game, we might be victorious over life's puzzles, though there might still be more. then we simply just have patience in dealing with GOD in every puzzles. Because every triumph has it's time, reason and purpose - all for the glory of the Lord our GOD!

The realization that Faith has indeed bound Y.A.M.A.N. (Young Adults) together for the glory of GOD.

And as part of GOD's fellowship, friendship has been given as a gift. We all had another fun moments after the game - another gift given by heavens.

As what Ralph Waldo Emerson (essayist) had noted : "The only way to have a friend is to be one.", and since "no man is an island", people need friends to company each other. And I realized that I won't have many if I'm not a friend myself. And most of us would agree that real and loyal friends are treasures you can never find once lost - therefore gaining and keeping loyal and trusted friends is more than winning.

Do you consider yourself as a winner?

Romans 8:31 "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?".

The Camp Continues...

So as the first day had passed, then comes the second day - mind nurturing around early in the morning, then comes a whole lot of fun and enthusiasm for the rest of the day.

The learning obtained from our pastors has to be simplified in our own personal life. We were then divided into smaller groups for sharing and testimonies.

Lives of every individuals have been so different, yet linked. Problems that concerns young adults about love and life have been discussed. When you are in a group learning and discovering something, you will always find a certain topic that will open another topic to a deeper realization of life.

And every lessons discussed, I can certainly relate myself into. It was another learning piled up as an added weapon and armor upon life's journey. I have learned and will still continue to learn.


Then the fun comes.

I was a bit dismay for I have not saved a whole lot of pictures during the camp. But was optimistic to realize that there's a multiply.com. I then gathered a whole lot of pictures from Bro Harold, Bro Jonard and Sis Thess collections in their album, and was starstruck with what I saw.

Another picture perfect scenes were collected and will be forever reminisced.

After we've listened to our pastors, ate together, known each other (some are still on getting-to-know each other until now), teach each other, shared tears and comforted one another - I think, as sons and daughters of GOD, we truly deserved happiness - in fact that GOD wants us to be happy and enjoy life.

This picture was taken just right outside the hall. Can't make any comment on those, the pictures simply tell a whole lot of stories that you'll find very interesting.

Le'mme give you some trick, each picture has a story to tell. They're not on the right order and who knows if they'll ever be. But you can make one if you like.

And when you're done, there's only one thing for sure upon thinking closely on these pictures - I have just made your imaginations work for you. Isn't it cool?! And I just got another one.

This picture was taken shortly after the first one. I bet you want to make stories out of these pictures? Can't help you with that, but please help yourself.

And when you're done on your imaginations, please don't it again. Hahaha!

Campers had so much fun...it shows!

The camp has not only mold us to be better persons, but has created a unique individual that promotes friendship and unity. The friendship that enticed each one to become better, not just a person but a Christian through the journey called life.

Fear Factor vs. Faith Factor

Whew!

It has been a year since the last time I peeked on my blog. Some of you might have been wondering where have I gone.

Well the answer seems pretty obvious, I've been around looking for picture perfect moments for this post. Hmmmm...have I just given you an acceptable alibi? Okay, it will probably take another year to explain where and what I have gone through, but to make it short...I've been "busy". Believe me, it's harder for me to explain than understanding it.

So for the sake of this blog, I'll refresh you with memories that had happened during our Y.A.M.A.N. camp. As I have been stressing on the pre-blogs, it was remarkably different.

Fear Factor vs. Faith Factor

I could not remember the exact date but it was one of May's Friday night. I remember bringing my stuffs (backpack) at work, had a busy day and feel relieved to know that I'll then again be traveling to another place where I haven't been to.

The group met up at Folk Arts Theater. The "Bulwagan ng Panginoon", the same place where Day By Day Community praise and worship.

When I arrived, the group was already there. All things were packed and ready. The anticipation even grew when I've seen new faces joining the camp. The thought of new people, going to a new place to praise and worship GOD had boosted up my energy to participate in this camp even more. Y.A.M.A.N. will be accommodating a bigger family after this event. And after a year of reminiscing, yes I was right, it did.

Many people had physically left Y.A.M.A.N., (ok so I myself included), but not the hearts. And this camp had brought people together - again. And the best thing about this camp?! - it has brought us to another level of relationship - a much more deeper friendship, closer to GOD.

From Folk Arts Theater, riding in a van, we travelled for almost more than two hours to reach Tagaytay (camping area). As I remember it, 2 vans (including ours), even got lost finding the place. We've gone far enough to know that we were in another province (Batangas). Funny as it was but the thrill of adventure has just started.

The pictures will tell it all.

Because we have lost our way, we arrived late in the camping site. The area was really not a scout-campsite, as I always thought it was.

That thinking of scout-camping was introduced to me when I attended one of the YFC (Bacolod Area) Camping Event held at the lower part of Mt. Kanlaon. Scout-camping was a total adventure, exciting and fun, though I wasn't really prepared for such an event - indeed, I wasn't scoutboy that time. Since then I think that camping was always like that, thus I make myself ready all the time - I have been a boyscout since.

In this camp, we didn't have to build tents or make fire to cook food. We stayed in a building (our camping site).

The building is sort of a 2 story coliseum, just a smaller one. A large door meets you at the entrance. Blocked by a huge bulletin board, a large meeting hall occupies the center for all events. Corridors and rooms occupy both the left and right upper and lower wing of the building. It was a very good venue for another spiritual camp. A totally different one, indeed.

The entire picture of the building, from the outside, looks like a church. Aside from it's architectural design, it's on pure white.

Shortly after we arrived, house rules were given. then we were gathered in groups (depending on our assigned room), and have been provided instructions on what to do next. I just can't remember really what the instructions were, except that I have fallen into a deep sleep - that I'm sure.

Then breakfast came.

We didn't have to cook - the best part of the camp. The cafeteria is located on the left side of the main building.

There were eight long tables to be shared by the campers. We ate on the same time together, but on our table we ate by groups. Male on the right and ladies on the left row of tables.

Foods were great, pinoy-style cooked meals were served - making you feel at home. Servings were simple, yet it was a sumptous feast. To make it even more at home, Bro Val preferred a hot cup of taho instead, though I remembered I grabbed a cup of tahoo too. Perfect breakfast.

Several pastors have joined us in our camp. They've shared their wisdom on topics concerning fear and faith, young and old, life and death. Indeed, through them, GOD had manifested in our camp. It was a remarkably different one - and I was grateful to be part of it.

Pastor Ed shared more on Life - Fear and having Faith. The choices that each one of us will make and the faith that holds us to GOD to make the appropriate choices in life.

Pastor Gammy testified GOD's works in his life's journey as a pastor and a father. How he struggled through difficult times and situations. How GOD manifested His compassion in his life. How GOD comforted him amidst the pain and prejudices. How wonderful GOD at all times - and I believe GOD is good all the time!

Just like most of us, I too have felt the same pain, and as a person who have heard the same cry - I definitely undertand. I have to mention that I was one who's tears flowed upon hearing Pastor Gammy's testimony. There was a warm feeling after that, comforting in a way that I could never understand. For me it was GOD manifesting His presence among us - even closer.

This was only the first day, yet we have two more fun days that I'll share...until then...

Faith Factor

It was totally a different one. The feeling has just not faded yet, and I hope it will stay for good.

The anticipated moment drew nearer. And though the entire scenario as to where to go, who are going with, and what are to be expected weren't clear, there's something in this activity that excites me most. I'm sure it another journey to a place that I've never been to.

The excitement of discovering new areas, for me, in this planet. Places where some people might have been before, few have seen at times or none has ever experienced at all. All of these I want to see and feel, in which I'm sure GOD would like me to experience.

And when all seemed so perfect, a thought bumped my mind as to what am I going to do in this camp? I haven't been involved with Y.A.M.A.N. for quite sometime - therefore I wouldn't enjoy it that much. I might waste my time, effort and my friend's money (Thanks Bro Bren for being a channel of GOD's plan for me). The thought had gotten worst when Bren had plans of not coming due to his aching tooth. Woah! It could mean one thing, the trip might no longer possible for me too.

The anticipation had suddenly changed to anti-participation. Series of questions ran through my head. What are my options? Where will I be if I won't go? When will I feel peace? Why do I have doubts? Am I having lots of Fears?

And just when I was about to quit. I remembered my notebook's cover with a phrase : "Walk with Faith!" , and so faith came.

Those questions which I have asked earlier had remarkably turned upside down. Still I got lots and lots of questions, but all of them now flows with optimism, with full conviction. What do I have to lose? My GOD stays at my side anyway. Where is the highest peak that I could go to? I got GOD's wings to help me soar high. When will be the soonest time to burst out, sing praises and shout for joy? Why would I let doubt interfere when in fact I hold GOD's trust in me?

Never Fear when you have Faith in your heart.

Several definitions of Faith runs across www.dictionary.com. As for me, Faith is something I believe in, seen or unseen, the trust in GOD and in His promises as made through Jesus Christ.

Only then that I knew, all along, it was faith that brought me believing that something good is about to happen in this camp. Indeed - My faith has not failed me.

I'll fill you up with picture perfect moments. And as I always say, let the pictures tell the entire story of my Journey to Mission Camp.

Hope you will enjoy, co'z despite my sneezing and running nose, I did 100%.

Fear Factor

It was totally a different one. The feeling has just not faded yet, and I hope it will stay for good.

That's what pops out of my mind whenever I think of the camp that I've recently joined in. Out of the stressful work and busy life in Manila, I was so grateful that I was able to make an escape and be revitalized again.

It wasn't so sudden, but the days had made it quick. About a month or two ago, my close friend and brother in church, Bren, informed me that there's an upcoming Y.A.M.A.N Camp sometime in May. I wasn't so sure about it yet, as I have already made my plans to visit my cousin in Cebu around May 14 - 25, to celebrate her 28th birthday. In short, Bren's message had slowly faded.

My excitement grows as days passed by. Seeing my cousin and again be able to step in the Queen Island of the South had been my inspiration in waking up each day, full of energy, knowing that there's something ahead waiting for me.

However, things have changed. On the last week of April, my cousin advised me that she has enrolled in an IT Course in which she has to give her full time and attention. Ouch! I thought, my plans are ruined. But then, it was my cousin's choice and I always respect her decisions in life, therefore I thought I could still go to Cebu and just be there myself. Lonesome as I think of it so I have to think of other plans. I have plans visiting my online-game friends in Bacolod, but it wasn't what my heart dictated. A thought of visiting my grandmother and relatives on the northern part of Negros even came across my mind, but my heart did not find peace on that thought.

I was then full of dismay, thinking that the first week of May had passed by, and nothing have I done and accomplished but all stress from work. I cried a lot. Life seemed full of fear, so meaningless now. Without me knowing it...my God heard all my cries.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30

Suddenly, HIS message, in a form of text, made it clearer. I was then again introduced to join the camp.

Could this be possible? I asked. In times when you think you have "good things" under control, GOD simply takes it away and replaced it with "best things" you can never imagine. Indeed, in GOD, nothing is impossible - I agree 100%!

Just Remembered

February 14, 2009

Heart's day as they call it, but it's more than heart's day for me. It was a day full of love and unity, bond and trust unite.


I woke up early and was excited to celebrate the day with my family and closest friends. Since I am single and is still "looking", I tried to spend the day fruitful, in thoughts and in my heart.


I decided to spend it with my close friend and buddy in Church, as I believed it would be a nice day to talk about things in life, lessons that my workplace had never provided.


It was a long talk with movie watch in between. The movie didn't seem to have so much impact on me, but what made that day meaningful and fun was when I took the ferry ride back home.



Just as my friend dropped me off the port, so has the ferry arrived. I departed alone with other people. I realized I was the only person who rode the ferry without any companion. Most are teenage couples, holding hands, smiling at each other. Some are old couples, still holding hands, and talking with so much endearment. The rest are middle age couples with kids clinging on their arms happily boarding the ferry. Am I alone?

Lonesome as it may seemed, but I kept my eyes wide open and be busied on sceneries alongside the river. As the ferry drifted along, I was caught by the video that has been viewed for a couple of minutes just right after all passengers have boarded.


And to my surprise, it was my favorite band playing "Air Supply".


My priorities shifted, from the outside scenes to the big screen in front of me.


Air Supply's live band performance on a recorded video disc, playing right in front of me. I never got to see to one, but I always hear them sing every Sunday morning when my uncle turns his "component" on.


It was somewhere in the middle of their performance when I realized that I started to sing along with the band. And to my surprise, it wasn't only me who was singing, but the lady beside me as well, while her boyfriend, I assumed, leaning on her shoulders. Gosh! Sweet isn't it?.


The song was "All Out of Love". I guess you heard it, and most probably have sung the song many times as I did.


The song echoed inside the boat, and as I looked around, I saw almost everybody's now singing the same song that I'm singing.


I got this feeling that I could hardly imagine. It was almost like heaven. So it is indeed possible that even during crisis times, trouble hours and hardships, for just a couple of seconds to a single minute, people in all genres could be united in a song, people could become one in spirit.

Do you ever think what will happen if all these people could be one in Christ? I think the feeling would be more than a song...it could be a rhythm that never ends.


I could still feel that thrill of excitement every time I remembered all the details on that trip that I made. It was one of best days of this year. Loveless as you may described me that time, but I was never Out of Love of Christ.


Till then...

So Here It Goes...

Another fun-filled trip had I experienced. This time it's somewhere down the South, got no idea of it's exact location but the beauty of the place was hidden behind hills and mountains of Tagaytay. Do you now picture out what I am talking about. It's the Banio Kreek.

Another year had passed that I almost forgot all about this. Fortunately, I always tend to think of things and places where I've been through to revitalize my mind from a stressful day, only to find out these old memories yet to be shared.

It was around cool September when the same group, with few people added, decided to re-pack our things for another adventure. To be exact I have to check my emails for the preparation threads we've made. And this I've noted, happened last 26 and 27 of September.

Sooth by the coolness of 'ber' season, the group didn't mind brainstorming all ideas as to how to make this event possible.

Hah! Just like the old times, the pictures will tell exactly what I'm talking about.


Okay, so I have to include the office preparation.

Is it proper for me to say that thinking or planning how to spend a tight budget was probably the worst responsibility to be given to you? Ha ha ha. Proudly we got one of our colleague, Khaye, to manage all that.

I bet you already know what she looks like when all the planning and budgeting have to be sorted out in a short time.


Luckily I wasn't around that time to partake such load. You should have seen me and my disgruntled face if I'll be the one doing it. Boy! I hate budgeting, all I know is how to spend. Trust me, I'm good at that. Ha ha ha.

Well, to be fair, I was present during the spending time. I got no photos of me doing the picking of goods though, but honestly I've proud to be 'at least' and 'somehow' part of the preparation.


Alright, so what comes next was the excitement on seeing another beauty of wonder that my eyes is yet to discover.

For all who knew me, or perhaps understood me, I love travel. And every time an opportunity to travel comes along I rarely refuse. It's not about the destination that I'm after, but the feeling of peace when you're inside a comfortable vehicle traveling miles and miles, never really knowing where to go.

Maybe it's because of people you travel with that makes you comfortable with things. Converting travel stress into a time of happiness and laughters.

Most had just gotten out of work, yet the work's anxiety had faded the moment we were inside the van.

Just like with the previous story I've shared, never there was a dull moment if you are with your friends - every single second seems like forever and every single distance traveled seems like eternity.

After two hour ride we've reached Tagaytay...ops! It wasn't the exact destination yet. We made several turns and swerves and stops just to get to our spot.

Night time when we arrived and since we could hardly see the entire place, we dwelt on indulging ourselves with the microphone.

It's videoke time!

Oh my gosh! almost everybody got talents to share. I honestly believed that Filipinos are born music lovers. Some turned singers, composers and musicians.

Only few that I know hate music, that's when music turned it's back on them too.

If I had exposed the beauty of Montemar on my previous story, here I have to share the gifts given to us. And we got lots of those.

The photos will definitely tell you the talents most of us got. Alright, so I have to be specific they say. Off course we got singers, chiefs, clappers, laughing agents and do I have to forget, drinkers.

Ha ha ha. My point is that everybody was comfortable with the level of joy that they felt on that trip.

Morning came at last. Though the music never really ended. It has made me discover things I could hardly imagine.

Trust me, the beauty was indeed hidden behind the hills and mountains of Tagaytay. A small creek was supposed to be the main attraction of the place, but the man-made garden encompassed it. The renovation had just perfectly blended with the natural wonder.

...Being there was living in a fantasy world...where fairies, elves and dwarfs live.

I could imagine me an elf sitting on that bronze chair wondering what magic to perform next. But off course, the wand of magic had been swished already, and the result was brilliant.

Another picture perfect for you to see.

Well, it wasn't just about the natural beauty in Tagaytay that this post is about. But it's about exposing the beauty that came with the trip. I bet you know what I'm talking about.

And that's the reason why it has to be on the center of this post. Really I could hardly see freshly posed ladies in the office everyday, to be general in most offices. Often that's seen before the day started, and what I've captured was just absolutely perfect.



Oh well, just like any other trip, there's always a 'bye bye' part.

Then again, we left nothing but footprints and brought nothing but memories. Yeah yeah, I got some pebbles, I forgot where I put those stuff. Ha ha ha. Just kidding!




This trip had then brought another lesson for me to ponder. It wasn't about drinking, but the bond that tightened the beauty of friendship. It wasn't about the clapping, but the beauty of appreciating the talent. It wasn't about cooking, but the beauty of each helping hand that satisfied hungry stomachs. And it was everything that GOD had made that made everything beautiful for us to see.

Let us not stop discovering the gifts that GOD had bestowed upon us. It could be you singing or you looking over a peaceful valley from the top of a hill.

T'was Quite a While

Hi Friends,

I had been away for quite sometime and never really had a chance to scribble down my thoughts. It's hard to explain where I've been and how I got there, to friends who knew me all along, but it's even harder for me to explain to myself the same questions.

The path that I have been walking through this journey had gone blurry. Smoke and fog, I had came across, these made me fall.

I descended deep into burrows which I hardly survived. My mind is eager to escape, but my body was weakened. I stayed there for a long time.

The burrow had tried giving me relaxation at some point. The mud stuck in my flesh is eager to revitalize me, but I was not. They say mud is a good source of anti-oxidant, releasing all stresses and pains I have, but it has not. The coolness it brings gave me chill, but not for long.

The more I got stuck, the more I realized I wasn't home. The burrow never was a home.

I am always afraid being alone. But alone in the dark for a long time has given me strength. It made me endure frightfulness.

I prayed long for heavens to give me light. To give me more strength and courage to strife.

And it came. Heavens that reached out for me, I knew it.

My prayers were not directly given, heavens made me realized that the burrow was my opportunity to gain courage, to strife and to live.

When I finally came into my senses, I found the path I was once walking...though it wasn't near as I thought.

It's visibility gave me hope that life must go on no matter what. It has always been GOD's will to follow, and only by walking down the same path that GOD had made, will you feel home.


I haven't seen Evan's Almighty yet, but I heard this quote and just loved it :

Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?

I have kept a number of photos for you to see on another vacation spot that I've been. This, off course was another memorable place for me. It was the Banio Kreek.


I'll walk you through my journey on that place on our next meeting. See you next time.

But for now, I'm glad that I'm back. Hope you are too.

Always a friend,
=)
Pinoy Diwa

Memoirs of Montemar

I totally have no idea what to write on this one. As far as I can remember, the rest of our stay in Montemar had been memorable to me.

It was not just about the sand, the beach, nor the view that wrapped us with relaxation, but it's more of a deeper thought of friendship for everyone who had been a part of that trip. That fellowship that I had with my officemates, I would say a GOD given time for us.


The smile made us comfortable to share and the extraordinary laughters showed how eager we were to become like child again.

A Child free of worries and of hesitations to know and experiment what's the real world is like. A Child that I longed to embrace until the last day of my stay in this world.

The pictures showed the activity of the second day of our stay in Montemar.


Funny as it was, but it was the time when everyone got to have their share in bringing out the kid in them.

We were supposed to take a good picture of everyone taking a leap off the sand, the usual scenario being done by a group like us whenever there's a good chance of having a memory to keep. However, after several attempts of doing so, we were not kinda satisfied...not until we finally saw the outcome of every picture...wasn't that bad at all..in fact it's another picture perfect shot.

Indeed Montemar had been our gateway to experience life beyond our daily tasks. It was quite an amazing experience that even before we left, the group had decided to plan another stressful-life-get-away-trip. I for sure will then be part of it.

As we left Montemar, we took nothing but pictures and left nothing but footprints...hoping that when time comes for us to trace our track...those footprints will lead us to where once we had been...a peaceful mind, relaxed heart and an uplifted spirit to live life to the fullest.

Don't be deprived of such things, GOD had made these for man to enjoy, in accordance to HIS will!

Until then...

More Than a Beach

Whew! It's been quite a while, since I've spoken about my funny trip experience all the way to our vacation spot, yet the entire story had never been told. Well, hope I could fill you in with more pictures this time. =)

After we left Jollibee Pampanga, the team decided that we headed for a tour on a beautiful Corrigidor Island, and it took about another hour before we came to a stop to check our plans feasibility, only to find out that hiring a private boat was quite expensive. Ouch! But it wasn't so much pain for us, and to compensate it, we filled the area with jokes and laughters instead. No bitterness, no pressure, no worries. I then caught myself realizing that the feeling was exactly the same as when I was a kid - Hakuna Matata. A heavenly feeling that I know God would like everybody to experience.

The trip from the supposed port to Corrigidor to Montemar was a bit exciting as well. The zigzag roads, had given us idea that we're in roller coaster ride. Seating at the rear side of the van gave us a thrill on that ride. And it took about another hour until we finally reached our destination - The Montemar Beach Resort.

Trust me, I've seen the eyes of the group, just like me, we were engulfed by an awesome place. We could hardly wait on what to do, so we decided to take a li'l tour inside. The pictures tell it all.


And with an empty stomach, our supervisors had been so kind enough to feed us in the resort's restaurant. I realized that most of us who had been there aren't really starving for food, instead we craved for a relaxing time to realize things and to regain oneself from a hard days of work. I have then told myself that I will never be deprived of such things in life. God wants everyone to be happy and light - a promise that never fails.