Angels Among Us (Part 2)

My 8 days vacation with friends was a realization of a much needed dream to finally leave work (temporarily) and just focus on smelling the flowers around me! For the past 3 years I know I've been working so hard.....that vacation truly rejuvenated me physically, emotionally and of course..spiritually. Thanks to Fr. Rikki, Iris, Ronan and Frat Gilbert who willingly shared those beautiful days with me. Our shared experiences was a refreshing change in my world.

Now that I am back home, I cannot help but really appreciate the special angels who made our trip an exceptional experience. These people provided us with quick service, support, attention to details, warm hospitality and great comfort!! WE had such a relaxing time at the Holy Name University SVD House with the SVD Fathers. Special mention goes to Fr. Ted (the ever articulate and smart rector of the community), Fr Andy (his charm and friendship is unquestionable!Thank you Father for the inspiring experience!Your gentle presence and friendship was a gift we will keep in our hearts for a lifetime!), FR, Kito (whose warmth and hospitality made our stay extra special! Thank you for the Bee Farm Experience!), Fr. Milo (and his scary stories!) and Fr. Boboy (with his serious but unexpectedly funny persona!). It is not often that you meet and make friends instantly--we did when we stayed at HNU. Their personal touches, all the little extras, advices and suggestions made our stay extraordinarily beautiful. All of them became our special angels! Our stay with them will become part of the unforgettable memories of beauty, friendship, tranquility, kindness and hospitality beyond expectations! Thank you for opening your home and hearts for us!

Our Cebu vacation of course will never be complete without the support and friendship of the San Carlos University Community. Fr. Jingjong (the vice provincial) became an amazing host and surely, we will never forget our extra pasta experience (with balls!) and the amazingly beautiful "busay". HIs willingness to make special arrangements were admirable. Thank you so much Fr, Jungjong!

Thank you to all of you! We had fantastic time with you all! We look forward to hosting you in Legazpi soon! WE shall never forget your hospitality and will sincerely treausure your friendship!

Angels Among us

I always believe that among us are angels--sending hope and inspiration during beautiful and trying times..

The word angel has always been associated with supernatural beings clothed in white and suddenly appearing from nowhere to rescue people from impending danger----the old conservative idea of angels exists. But--lets open our eyes and see beyond what our consciousness tells us...

You? how about Me? the taxi driver you just met this morning? or the gentle baker when you regularly buy "pandesal" after a morning jog? or the student in your class with the sweetest look? or how about the mechanic who help you out when you suddenly had an unexpected flat tire? Are they angels too?

MY recent experiences of meeting "angels" among us--in human forms--penetrated my consciousness lately. I bet they were God-sent for me! They came to me in different forms, faces and sizes...all of them in one instant--placed a genuine grin on my face and made me appreciate the warmth of God's love.

Few days ago, while enjoying the rainy morning (while driving), I suddenly heared a strong bang! I knew immediately knew it was a flat tire. With heavy heart, I went out of the car and got even frustrated when I saw the damage. While staring at the totally flat-lined tire--two men came out of the passing jeepney and offered help. Scared, fearful and doubtful, I tried telling them that I am okay and that I would just call my mechanic---but these two young men chose to stay and see how they could help. Eventually I gave in and allowed them to do wonder on my car... after an hour---they told me that the car is ready to bring me home! With so much happiness, I tried giving them some little amount but they refused..they told me that knowing that I will be home safely is already a reward for them. They boarded another jeepney--and soon--they were out of my sight--in that instant!

While driving back home, countless memories came of the same incidents as if reminding me of the numerous people who became angels in my life. People who came to comfort, to inspire, to teach me, to lift me up, to save me and much more.

Look around you---count the angels in your midst..I bet God sent you one today!

24 Things to Remember

Your presence is a present to the world.
You are unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be.
Take the days just one at a time.

Count your blessings, not your troubles.
You will make it through whatever comes along.
Within you are so many answers.
Understand, have courage, be strong.

Do not put limits on yourself.
So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Reach for your peak, your goal and you prize.

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
The longer one carries a problem the heavier it gets.
Do not take things too seriously.
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot … goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment.
Life’s treasure are people together.

Realize that it is never too late.
Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
Have hearth and hope and happiness.
Take the time to wish upon a start.

AND DO NOT EVER FORGET ….
FOR EVEN A DAY
HOW VERY SPECIAL YOU ARE !

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Loving Natalie Grant

I'm so hooked with Natalie Grant's music! A friend of mine sent me 3 albums of Natalie Grant a week ago--I played them on my cd player--and alas--I loved it from the start to her last song! Her music is all about the things of the spirit and a perfect example of a gospel music mainstreamed in a secular world. The special factor that makes her music so different from other gospel music is the "depth" of its message (faith, values, families, etc.), the style and its melody (usually with so much live instrumentation!). Unlike other disposable pop singles---Natalie's music is always captivating. With her powerhouse vocals, heart gripping melody and her charisma when she sings---Natalie Grant is no doubt a household name in gospel music. Her "awaken" cd has so much emotion in it! When I listen to each of her songs, I can't help but really journey within--to feel everything in her song and feel what's deep inside. True to her single--I'm captured!


I can't help but play her songs over and over again--especially when I need a lift from the Lord.





Try listening (free streaming) these songs:

1. Held (so beautiful! my favorite so far!)

2. Captured (i'm truly captured by this song!)

3. You Move me

4. At Your Feet (so humbling!)

5. Breath on Me

6. When God Made you

7. In better hands (I started looking forward to death when I heared this song!)

8. Something Beautiful

9. Wonderful Life

10. In Christ Alone

One-Way Love

"What will you do if you are in a one-way love? A relationship that only one person can relate with--not the other one...in other words its unrequited love." This is the question asked to me by a young high school student I saw for counseling today. Such a million dollar question to be answered by a single (& loveless?)-counselor! Anyway, she expects me to put my thoughts in this blog--so as promised--i'm burning my eyebrow (its 11:45 PM) in writing this post. I believe I already published a related article about this problem but still, allow me to share some of the excerpts in that issue which I believe will help not only Beebs (name changed) but others who are in the same situation.

If your love is one-way, how about reflecting on these thoughts?

1. Honesty and Open-mindedness are big deal! Be willing to be honest with yourself. Opening yourself to the idea that the person you love is probably better off without you is painful but that's the reality. Truly, reality bites and when it does--it really sucks!If your beloved needed or wanted you he would probably have some desire to be with you and that desire would have already shown you enough reciprocation to stop you from trying to get over the love.

2. Don't be selfish. If being with this person would make you happy, but in reality, your presence makes your beloved unhappy, then you should prefer them to be with someone else. Love is about wanting what's best for the person you love, not what's best for you. This may seem a brutal advice--but girl, life is not only about gaining but it is also about losing! What matters most is how you cope with that loss!

3. Love can not be controlled and they can't force themselves to love you. You can't force anyone to love you either. What we should then prioritize is to MAKE OURSELVES MORE LOVABLE--not for the one who rejected you--but for yourself and for others who might take interests in you.

4. If you refuse to be with anyone else, then be alone. It's not so bad, contrary to what the movies and magazines will say. After a while you learn to deal with loneliness. Do not underestimate your ability to cope.

Finally---LOOK AT ALL THE WONDERFUL OPTIONS LIFE CAN OFFER! go out and open yourself to new people and new experiences. Dont die of desperation--It's expected that you feel hurt and depressed, but don't become a pathetic putz! Just LET GO and EXPLORE ways to cope. Instant gratification is great, but in this case you're just gonna have to let time do the healing.

I dont know if I made sense in this entry--but i hope the litle reflections above will be a tiny light for those who are in the same situation!

Just remember--HUWAG MATATAKOT MAGMAHAL! Never Stop Loving!

Mayaman at Mahirap

A friend of mine sent me this article via email. True--it made me smile but--this piece of article also made me reflect...ganito na nga ba ang difference ng mayaman at mahirap? reality truly strikes and when they do--it sucks!

Kung mayaman ka, meron kang "allergy" Kung mahirap ka, ang tawag dyan ay "galis" o "bakokang"

Sa mayaman, "nervous breakdown" dahil sa "tension and stress" Sa mahirap, "sira ang ulo"

Kung mayaman ka, "pneumonia" daw ang sakit mo Kung mahirap, "TB" yon

Sa mayaman, "hyperacidity" Kapag mahirap, "ulcer" dahil walang laman ang tiyan

Sa mayamang "malikot ang kamay", ang tawag ay "kleptomaniac" Sa mahirap, ang tawag ay "magnanakaw" o "kawatan"

Pag mayaman ka, you're "eccentric" Kung mahirap ka, "may toyo ka sa ulo" o "may topak" o "may sayad"

Kung mayaman ka at sumakit ang ulo mo, ikaw ay may "migraine" Kung mahirap ka naman at sumakit ang ulo mo, ikaw ay "nalipasan ng gutom"

Kung mayaman ka, you are referred to as someone who is "scoliotic" Pero kung mahirap ka, ikaw ay "kuba"

Kung ang señorita mo ay maitim, ang tawag ay "morena" o "sun tanned" Pero kung isa kang domestic na maitim, ikaw ay "ita" o "negrita" o "baluga"

Kung nasa high society ka at ikaw ay maliit, ang tawag sa iyo ay "petite" Kung mahirap ka lang, ikaw ay "pandak" o "bansot" o minsan "tiyanak"

Kung socialite ka, ikaw ay "pleasingly plump" Kapag mahirap ka, ika'y "tabatsoy" o "lumba-lumba" ...pagminamalas ka, "baboy"

Kapag mayaman, "fasting" ang hindi kumain Kung mahirap, "nagtitiis"

Kung well-off ka at date ka rito, date ka roon, ang tawag sa iyo ay "socialite" Kung mahirap ka, ikaw ay "pakawala" o "pok-pok"

Kung mayamang alembong ka, ang tawag sa iyo ay "liberated" Pero kung isa kang dukha, ang tawag sa iyo "malandi"

Kapag mayaman, "misguided" o "spoiled" ka Kung mahirap ka, "addict" o "durugista"

Kung may pera ka, ang tawag sa iyo "single parent" Pero kung wala kang trabaho, ang tawag sa iyo "disgrasyada"

Kapag mayaman at sexy, "fashionable" daw Kung mahirap, sigurado "GRO" o "japayuki" ka

Ang tawag sa mayayamang puro gulay ang kinakain, "vegetarian" Habang kakaawa ang mahirap na " kumakain ng damo."

Sa exclusive school, "assertive" ang mga batang sumasagot sa mga guro Pero pag ang mga mahihirap na bata ang sumasagot sa mga guro, ang tawag sa kanila ay "bastos!"

Ang mayamang tumatanda, "are graduating gracefully into senior citizenhood" Ang mga mahihirap ay "gumugurang"

Ang anak ng mayaman ay "slow learner" Ang anak ng mahirap ay "bobo" o "gung-gong"

Kung mayaman ka at marami kang kumain, you flatter your host who says, "masarap kang kumain and I like you, you do justice to my cooking" Kung ghastly peasant ka eating the same amount in the same house, your host will say to himself na ikaw ay "patay-gutom"

Kung graduate ka ng exclusive school at sa ibang bansa ka nagtatrabaho, ang tawag sa iyo "expat" Kung mahirap ka lang, ikaw ay "contract worker"

Kung boss ka at binabasa mo ito sa office mo, "okay lang" Pero kung ikaw ay hamak na empleyado lamang, ikaw ay" nagbubulakbol" ...

Just to make you smile and reflect also! Can we do something about it?

My Touch Addiction!

I'm super excited for my scheduled (regular) massage tomorrow! With the busy life I lead, massage have always provided me with benefits I cannot quantify! (thanks to ate Marlyn--my ever reliable therapist!). Many young professionals are turning to therapeutic massage treatment to provide relaxation, relieve tension associated with the daily stresses of their busy lives, or simply to help maintain good health and achieve a balanced lifestyle. Pesonally, I cannot get off from this addiction (which I refer to as touch addiction!) because of the tactile pleasure it gives and how great it feels to be treated by a professional massage therapist ( I love the swedish and indigebous "hilot" types!). I remember my friends would tease me a lot when we travel because the first thing I would do is to look for a spa where I can try diverse versions of swedish or thai massages! (Fr. Nes even freaked out when I had 4 days consecutive massage therapy in Bohol and Davao!). The basic goal of massage therapy is to help the body heal itself and to increase health and well-being. For the past years, I have proven what the sientific researhes says that massage therapy increases immune function, decreases stress levels and reduces recovery time in many medical conditions. Looking back---with God's grace and my regular massage in tow--I cannot remember the last time I was hospitalized! Touch is the core ingredient of massage therapy and also combines science and art. Touch, as a human need when used in massage, gives incredible benefits. There is so much care, so much touch, so much goodness conveyed through massage.

An increasing number of research studies show that massage reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion, and increases endorphins (enhancing medical treatment). Massage improves circulation, which increases blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen to body tissues. Although therapeutic massage does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak, inactive muscles and, thus, partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from illness or injury. It also can hasten and lead to a more complete recovery from exercise or injury.

Allow me to share with you the research based benefits of massage therapy:

• Medical school students at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School who were massaged before an exam showed a significant decrease in anxiety and respiratory rates, as well as a significant increase in white blood cells and natural killer cell activity, suggesting a benefit to the immune system.



• Preliminary results suggested cancer patients had less pain and anxiety after receiving therapeutic massage at the James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio.


• Women who had experienced the recent death of a child were less depressed after receiving therapeutic massage, according to preliminary results of a study at the University of South Carolina.

For busy career people like us research has verified that:

• Office workers massaged regularly were more alert, performed better and were less stressed than those who weren't massaged.

I am a firm believer that massage therapy is absolutely a key in the healing process and rejuvenating any time and anywhere for all people.

Massage anyone? TRy and see for yourself.

Heaven is Never Too Far (Part 2)

Losing a family member, a friend and love ones to death is never easy and at times beyond bearable. Recently--I've been a witness to many losses. Writing about death is hard but it is only by understanding the purpose of death that I also understand the purpose of life. As if God was reminding me of my own mortality, their death came into my life like a thief in the night. It is heartbreaking to imagine that people you once shared your life with --- previously so active and full of life--can just one day disappear. Truly, losing someone special to you can bring incomprehensible grief and sadness.

A year ago, my family lost our grandmother whom we fondly call Lola Nanay. Losing Lola Nanay is like losing the strongest force in the family. She was our family’s chieftain, adviser and nurturer rolled into one. Lola Nanay was not only a grandmother to us and a mother to my mother but she was the respectable head of the clan. Her passing made everything in our lives different.

A little over Lola Nanay’s death, a friend of mine died of an accident overseas. April’s death was over long distance, but it did not make the pain any less real. April's death caught me off-guard. So young and so fresh for death! For 4 years, April became a little sister to me. We shared not only the magnificent experiences of friendship but also the extraordinary affections of real and genuine friendship (Ape was my housemate for 4 years in Manila!). Few weeks before she died, we were planning then to have a reunion in Hong Kong and really have the time of our lives! these plans were now on air...Few months after the crossing over of April, our family lost Lola A.

Lola A spent most of her lifetime with my family. She was my mother’s nanny when she (my mother) was only 11 years old. She remained such until my mother (an only child) got married, gave birth to 6 children and until all her wards graduated college. Lola A was not your ordinary and typical nanny—her love for my grandmother (Lola A vowed to take care of the family until the end), for my mother and us was something extraordinary, magical and unconditional. She was more than a nanny—she was like a mother—a doting mother actually. The loyalty and faithfulness she showed to my family was something one cannot fathom easily.

As months and years passed by, I personally discovered that I’ve been grieving each of the important deaths in my life until now. My mind still wanders around their burial memories, their memorial services and other closure rituals. My heart and my mind confirms the emotional fact that I miss them terribly! However, from time to time, I am comforted by my spiritual belief that in the end of our respective timelines, my family will have reunion in heaven. Because each of them had played unique role in my life, losing each of them left a tender void in my entire being—casting a shadow in my present life and most probably in my future. Now I can say that I’m bouncing back beautifully after these deaths but still, denying the fact that my grieving is not yet over will be a lie to my being. I am making ways to cope with grief and the thought that I was loved by these people comforts me so much in ways I cannot comprehend.

In my prayers, I always tell them that as they now start their journey in heaven---may our love bring them home and show them the way to eternal happiness. The love and care they showed to us through the years will be enough to sustain us through our lifetime. They have taught me so much but I know there is still so much to learn about life, love and death. I am doubly comforted by my belief that with their love, heaven is never too far.

The Hidden Paradise in CamSur!

I'm proud to be a CamSur resident! Little has been known about the little secret paradise in my province. My priest-brother first introduced me to this beautiful island. It was love at first sight for me! From the first time I laid my eyes on this tropical island--I knew I was hooked! Last year I was given the chance again to visit this secret paradise in my province. Some friends invited me to give a parent training int his island. Very little is known about Caramoan except when survivor russia and france came! Isolated from the rest of Camarines Sur, it is no surprise why Philippine's Secret Paradise remains unexploited from commercial tourism. This island is perfect for couple (honeymooning), friends (bonding) and for solo traveller as well (personal retreat and relaxation). Get captivated by the rugged coastline, trod the powdery white sand beach surrounded by crystal clear blue/green water. Nobody can resist falling in love with this hidden treasure. I cant wait to visit this island again and maybe share this paradise with friends. I hope this island will stay as it is today--unexploited and a true virgin for people to enjoy! Discover this island for yourself!

Her Gentle Presence

If there would be one person who can anticipate all my needs, read my deep-seated emotions and interpret my experiences meaningfully, it would be my mother. Call it mental telepathy--but my mom is a true mind and heart reader! Her concern for me and my siblings is something so wonderful and pressingly lasting. My gratitude for my mom, for her gentle presence is something I will not let loose. In moments of despair and loneliness, mama lyd's smile always calm us, always reassuring us that everything will fall into places. Mama Lyd spells out all the qualities a loving and nurturing mother could be. Today she reassured us that despite of the impending danger (typhoon), we will all be okay. Her virtues and capacity to love unconditionally are her investments. How blessed I am to have been born to such a wonderful mother. Her strength and wisdom guides me, her zest for life inspires me, her kindness and grace warms me. I can only wish to have the light that she gives for my siblings and the people she served-for she touches all around her with a kindred grace. I cant help but be truly grateful to God for giving me this wonderful woman--our gentle shield, comfort and friend.

Grace to See the Beauty

When I opened my email today I was shocked to find 137 new emails. The biggest number so far--- breaking my daily record of emails received. The emails were mostly from friends and relatives abroad who, like any other Filipinos overseas-- were extremely concerned with the effect of Typhoon Ondoy and now--the coming of the second typhoon, Pepeng. Many of my friends and relatives even more panicked when they heared of the tsunami and earthquake in Indonesia, knowing the proximity of Indonesia to the Philippines. For the past days I cant help but be affected emotionally by this disaster. Memories of my personal experience of typhoon reming (2006) and the Hubo landslide (2008) kept coming in. I tried making myself extra busy at work and in my center but I would be a hypocrite if I will not admit that the news, the pictures, the videos kept on reminding me of the past. As the massive devastation of the record downpour from Typhoon "Ondoy" unraveled few days ago, I cannot help but feel a little depressed...Bicolanos can swear how hard the road to recovery was and personally, I do not want other Filipinos to go through that again! The stories of tragedy, separation, displacement of families, etc.. it pains me so much. It shakes me to my very core. With the coming of typhoon pepeng, its double victimization for the people. Four days after the nce-in-a-lifetime flood that submerged most of Manila and neighboring areas, claiming nearly 250 lives, now---Typhoon Pepeng is lurking in the eastern part of the country making people more afraid as its course signals more storms, more destruction, more tragic stories and maybe more deaths. I can't help but imagine the scene after typhoon reming--people crammed into hundreds of schools, gymnasiums and other makeshift evacuation shelters---together with the discomfort, the emotional victimization is even more devastating.

I hope the Philippines will beautifully emerge as survivor after these large scale disasters. Now I am determined to be more prayerful and take responsibility not only to myself but my fellowmen and my country. I know how resilient the Filipinos are--and I am praying that God will even bless us with courage and the grace to see beauty in the midst of chaos.