What's up?

Dec. 17 - Finally, got our wedding video from Decisive. Very satisfied with our video. Happy!

- Went to my OB for my monthly check up. I finally heard my baby's heartbeat. Soooo Happy! Im glad that everything's ok and normal. :D

- Church's Christmas Celebration. It was so fun. Got home with lot's of goodies! :D

December

At long last, rest na uli. The first half of this month has been very tiring.. because of our company's Christmas Party. Those restless nights are over and now, I'll have enough time to for my Christmas shopping...and continue blogging! :D

Dec. 15 - Christmas Party! tired, but happy.Enjoyed what we prepared for the company.

Below are some of the pics! (theme: Movie Characters)

Dec. 14 - Still restless. Tired. sleepless. Is this good for preggies like me. Nope! :( but need to finish all the stuff for the party's decoration.

Dec. 13 - Restless. Tired. cramming for the party's decor stuffs. :(

Dec. 11 - Attended church. Our speaker today is Ptr. Butch and we had a good service. After lunch, we went to Discovery suites to buy some stuffs. It was raining but we enjoyed our "shopping"

Dec. 6 - Our 14th month pay! yipee!!!

Still here

It's been...what? two weeks since my last post....quite a hiatus. A lot of things happened na but I haven't updated yet my blog..hmmm... tinatamad nanaman?

Well, just want to tell you some of the things I've done and been doing....

I was busy conceptualizing for our Christmas Party presentation..as usual, I'm one of the committee members and I was assigned for that particular task...make a skit for little fun during the party... As of the moment I can't put all of the ideas together.... (*sigh). I digress.

Last week as i was browsing through my W@W emails, I found out that N@W will be having a baby shower party. Eager to find out what it was, I asked Ms. Benz if I can join...even if I haven't signed up yet to N@W. many thanks to Mama Benz for allowing me to come. It was last Saturday Nov. 19 at the Oasis Manila.

So excited...

though, I'm kinda reticent, since Im not a N@Wie yet, I went with my sister and I really had fun during that time. Alot of prizes were given out and I'm one of the lucky mom-to-be to get a price. Thanks to Wyeth.. I recieved 2 packs of Avent Feeding bottles!! yipeee!! Also, each of us received alot of gift packs and loot bags after the event.

the souvenir

the loots and my prize!

I also learned alot of things during that day. Lalo na on breast feeding. I was encourage from the talk of Abbie and Rissa (n@wies) and also on the mayawrap slings. I'm planning of purchasing one when my baby comes. I know It'll be helpsul. Also, I learned that you can teach your babies to talk to you pala even before they actually talk!... Rissa and Abbie also talked about baby signs....

Many many thanks to N@w for coming up with this kind of event. Super helpful and encouraging!

What a day.

I had my fill of that long vacation... really relaxing and refreshing.... I also had so much time bonding with my husband. hmm.... hope there will be another long vacation like that one. Mindoro naman. I digress.

I went to Divi with my sisters to buy Christmas decors. We were there noon time. As expected, a lot of people were all over the filthy...smelly...street... but then, we're still able to get what we went there for. We went to 168 Mall and bought few things. We also went to Tabora were I was able to buy my christmas tree and some other decorations. We were exhausted...and sweaty....plus few rain showers made the place really unsightly... added to that was my not so good experience. My bag was slashed.

Good thing was, the woman (whom I actually see behind my back--possibly the one who did it!) didn't get anything from me! (Praise GOD!) -- I didn't bring a huge amount of money naman....but what upsets me was...my BAG. I love it but now it had to undergo SERIOUS surgery (hehehe). Buti na lang, I bought a native bag at 168 mall so I just transferred all my things there.

The Lord is really protecting us wherever we go. I was happy pa rin and we went home really satisfied with our good buys.

When I arrived home, my husband and I busied our selves decorating the Chrsitmas Tree that I bought....

well...kulang pa ng ribbons and other decors yan...hehehe..

What's happening.

well....it's been a while...I've been hit with tamaditis syndrome ... I really got some short thoughts to blog but as I've said...felt soooooo lazy to write them..

by this time, I'm on my 7th week and I feel really awful during the night as morning sickness attacks.... ang hirap pala maglihi talaga. It's sad Jerry was back to Baler and now I'm alone. When I get home from office, I just asked family members to bring me some dinner since I don't want to cook... haay..hirap mag isa in situations such as this...

Last week I went on panic. I got very light brown discharge and Jerry was so panicky too. I immediately texted my OB pero she said not to worry naman. I'll just oberve if it will continue then I have to go to her clinic immediately. Good thing, the next day wala na..until now. Jerry seems to be hard on me lately also... makulit din daw kasi ako. Sometimes he doesn't want to give me my cravings lalo na kung bawal sakin. Nagtatampo na nga ko sometimes... Well anyway, I know naman that what he's doing is for my benefit...and the baby. I digress.


Last week, our company had our annual Business Planning and this time, it was held in Tagaytay. It was just an overnight stay but its good that we we're able to experienced fresh air.

OB visit

Saturday. It was my schedule for a first visit to my OB-Gyn and guess what.. I was like a child asking questions to my sisters. I felt really nervous...asking myself questions like what's gonna happen?.... What will she do to me?... Is is too early for a visit? Am I really pregnant??? whew! I am really a first timer huh!?!

My schedule was 4 pm. We were there 10 minutes earlier. I was with hubby and older sister. I was weighed, then the nurse checked on my BP, filled up a form then asked us to wait. We waited for the doctor. She came in 4:45pm.

Dra. Janine Tan was really a good OB-gyn. She's my sister's doc and she's so maalaga and mabait with her patients. She's also beautiful. :)

We were called to come in. Guess what she asked first??? my AGE!... she could not believe I was 27! hehehe. Then she asked if I did home preg test, (I said yes) when was the last day of my period(As far As I can recall...ooopps dapat accurate.. I said Sept. 5) , then she calculated and told us that I was on my 6th week and my due date would possibly fall either last week of May or 1st week of June (I used the i-net due date calculator to compute and my possible due is June 9th 2006). Then she asked me to lie-down and led my hand to where my uterus is and told me that the baby is still unnoticeable and just a size of a rice grain.

After that, she gave me prescription of vitamins and the food I need to eat and what not to eat, and some precautions. The first trimester is critical kasi. She also gave me the schedule of my next visits.

Well, it was great. I will have an ultra sound and urine testing before my next visit. Jerry promised to be with me every time I go to my doc.

Now, I started reading books ("What to Expect When You're Expecting), and browsing internet sites about pregnancy.

We are really thankful that God answered our prayers. He has entrusted in our hands a new life... I will need to be extra careful now.

His reaction.

Last night I told my husband about it. Well, not really "told" as in saying a word right to his face. I just gave him the test (gadget).... nagtampo kasi ako sa kanya. He went mad kasi masungit daw ako kakadating pa lang niya from Baler... not a nice salubong daw, hmp! So I walked out.. but before I left, I gave him the test. I went upstairs. Pag baba ko, He make lambing to me na.

You know what??? he was sooooooooo happy! (I knew he would be). He has forgotten all about his anger and my sungit moments! He immediately sent text messages to his friends, brothers and sisters, parents and our ninongs and ninangs...To everyone! If he can text the whole world, he will! (that's exagerating).

See how excited he was?? hehehe.

Two pink stripes.

I don't understand why everyone around me seem to be so excited to know if I already have little Mhay or little Jerry in my tummy. They're even more excited than me! Everyday when I go to the office canteen, the server would ask "meron na ba ma'am?". Yesterday, as I was getting my order, she asked again, "ma'am, iba aura nyo ngayon, cguro buntis na kayo noh? Ang ganda nyo ngayon eh." I thought, talaga nga ba? Bakit ngayon lang ako maganda? (hehehe). Then some of my friends would ask, "wala pa rin ba? ang tagal naman" Haaaaayyy...what's the matter with this people???

Well...honestly, I already had the feeling...since I'm 5 days delayed already. But...to be sure, I did my own investigation (ala JB 007 huh!)

I start observing my self. Of course...I did my research! I start looking for the early symptoms, di naman ako malakas kumain.. but some say I gained weight. I get so irritated easily and I feel like throwing up in the morning (but nothing comes out). There were times when I feel a little dizzy, I urinate frequently, I go to the restroom alot of times...I start craving for eggplant fritata (tortanf talong)! Pero di ko naman kinakain.

Last night, I asked my sister to buy me the kit.

Today...I think I can confirm... I saw two pink stripes!!

the evidence!.....

Hmmm... I want to surprise my husband. He will be coming tomorrow. Wag ko muna kaya sabihin??? Ssssssshhhhh......secret muna ha.

Photo tricks

I was in front of my computer...tinkering... netsurfing..and nothing else to do. Bland day. Suddenly I thought of trying to do something in photoshop... well.. I'm practicin' and I think I'm learning...

Here's what I did just this moment...

I removed the original background and play with my creativity...(Lolz).

From Ophra

I'm currently reading Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul-- very inspiring indeed. As I was reading, I chanced upon an article and thought of sharing it to you....

here it goes....

Be a queen. Dare to be different. Be a pioneer. Be a leader. Be the kind of woman who in the face of adversity will continue to embrace life and walk fearlessly toward the challenge. Take it on! Be a truth seeker and rule your domain, whatever ti is-- your home, your office, your family -- with loving heart.

Be a queen. Be tender. Continue to give birth to new ideas and rejoice in your womanhood... My prayer is that we will stop wastine time being mundane and mediocre... We re daughters of God-- here to teach the world how to love...

it doesn't matter what you've been through, where you come from, who your parents are -- nor your social or economic status. None of that matters. What matters is how you choose to love, how you choose to express that love through your work, through your family, through what you have to give to the world...

Be a queen. Own your power and your glory!

Ophra Winfrey

truly inspiring.

Funny but true.

Just want to share this with you...

HOW TO CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS

This would give you guides on how to control your emotions towards your better-half, friends, officemates and all the people around you, especially your "boss ". The rules of practicing "ugaling langit, ugaling kaaya-aya" :

#1 Ang naunang magalit ang may karapatang magalit. Pag naunahan ka na ng galit niya, tumahimik ka na lang muna.

#2 Walang taong nag-aaway mag-isa. Pag hindi kayo sumagot o pumatol, titigil din daw ang taong nakikipag- away sa inyo.

#3 Ang taong galit, 'bingi.' If someone is angry, wala raw pinakikinggan, so, don't try to explain and fight back. Hindi ka niya iintindihin dahil wala siyang naririnig kundi ang sarili nya.

#4 Ang taong galit, 'abnoy.' Ayon sa pastor, Biblical daw ito? because the Lord said when He was crucified, "Father, patawarin mo sila dahil hindi nila alam ang kanilang ginagawa." Modern term for these kinds of people are abnoys, so you better not get angry para huwag kang matawag na abnoy.

You should also know and realize that the persons who make your day bad are jewel, because you need them for you to mature. Hangga't andyan daw sila at kinaiinisan mo, ibig sabihin, immature ka pa. God will not take away those people; it's for you to take away your bad feelings towards them. You'll know na mature ka na pag dumating 'yung time na hindi ka na naiinis sa mga taong ito because you have learned to accept them and to have patience with them.

#5 Finally, the best part of this is to tell yourself na, because of this

person, "I will grow mature," and that DAHIL SA CONTRIBUTION NIYA SA

MATURITY MO, KUKUNIN DIN SYA NI LORD (hopefully... SOON!). "

Funny. Yes? Yet something to think about...

Forgive

In the well-known passage of the Gospel called the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us to love our enemies - in fact, to "bless" those who persecute us. But it wasn't just a sermon. As his unmistakably compassionate plea from the cross shows - "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" - he practiced what he preached. So did Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who prayed much the same thing as he was being stoned to death: "Father, do not hold this against them."

Many people dismiss such an attitude as self-destructive foolishness. How and why should we embrace someone intent on harming or killing us? Why not fight back in self-defense?

For me, the act of forgiveness carries a lot of power. It is an assertion of one's dignity to have the means and ability to forgive...It may be difficult to understand, because it turns conventional logic on its head, but idealistically speaking, I think that if there is to be peace, there has to be forgiveness...

Probably no admonition of Jesus has been more difficult to follow than the command to love our enemies. Some people have sincerely felt that its actual practice is not possible. It is easy, they say, to love those who love you, but how can one love those who openly and insidiously seek to defeat you...?

Far from being the pious injunction of a Utopian dreamer, the command to love one's enemy is an absolute necessity for our survival. Love even for our enemies is the key to the solution of the problems of our world. Jesus is not an impractical idealist; he is the practical realist...

Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction...

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. We never get rid of an enemy by meeting hate with hate; we get rid of an enemy by getting rid of enmity. By its very nature, hate destroys and tears down; by its very nature, love creates and builds up. Love transforms with redemptive power.

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. Whoever is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. It is impossible even to begin the act of loving one's enemies without the prior acceptance of the necessity, over and over again, of forgiving those who inflict evil and injury upon us.

It is also necessary to realize that the forgiving act must always be initiated by the person who has been wronged, the victim of some great hurt, the recipient of some tortuous injustice, the absorber of some terrible act of oppression. The wrongdoer may request forgiveness. They may come to themselves, and like the prodigal son, move up some dusty road, their heart palpitating with the desire for forgiveness. But only the injured neighbor, the loving father back home, can really pour out the warm waters of forgiveness.

Forgiveness does not mean ignoring what has been done or putting a false label on an evil act. It means, rather, that the evil act no longer remains as a barrier to the relationship. Forgiveness is a catalyst creating the atmosphere necessary for a fresh start and a new beginning...

To our most bitter opponents we say: We shall match your capacity to inflict suffering by our capacity to endure suffering. We shall meet your physical force with soul force. Do to us what you will, and we shall continue to love you.

We cannot in all good conscience obey your unjust laws, because no cooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good. Throw us in jail, and we shall still love you. Send your hooded perpetrators of violence into our community at the midnight hour and beat us and leave us half dead, and we shall still love you. But be ye assured that we will wear you down by our capacity to suffer.

One day we shall win our freedom, but not only for ourselves. We shall so appeal to your heart and conscience that we shall win you in the process and our victory will be a double victory.

When people hate, its power engulfs them and they are totally consumed by it...Keep struggling against hatred and resentment. At times you will have the upper hand; at times you will feel beaten down. Although it is extremely difficult, never let hatred completely overtake you...

Never stop trying to live the commandment of love and forgiveness. Do not dilute the strength of Jesus’ message; do not shun it; do not dismiss it as unreal and impractical. Do not cut it to your size, trying to make it more applicable to real life in the world. Do not change it so that it will suit you. Keep it as it is, aspire to it, desire it, and work for its achievement.

Far from leaving us weak and vulnerable, forgiveness is empowering, both to the person who grants it and the one who receives it. In bringing true closure to the most difficult situations, it allows us to lay aside the riddles of retribution and human fairness, and to experience true peace of heart. Finally, it sets into motion a positive chain reaction that passes on the fruits of our forgiveness to others.

An Article by Johann Christoph Arnold

Kiddie Birthday

last Sunday was my niece's first birthday celebration... and it was a blast! hehehe. As I've said on my previous post, I semi-coordinated it. I enjoyed that day so much as the kids did!

Alyssa's my favorite niece because she's the youngest.. Nakakatuwa. I pray that God will give us also a daughter as intelligent, smart and as beautiful as her.

Anyways....here's some of the pics taken during her party...

.::. with mommy .::.


.::.birthday cake -- Disney Princess Theme .::.



.::. Games! Games! .::.


.::. Alyssa's Banner.::.

Mindoro

I thoughtI already lost the pictures of our Mindoro trip, Jerry's home town. Buti na lang I found it. We went there after our honeymoon.

Here are some of them...as you can see, kasama namin ang parents ko. hehehe (bantayan daw ba ako??). Their balaes asked them to come. Another feast will be prepared for us there so its better if my parents are present din.

we had a wonderful time at Mindoro. Next time sa Baler naman...

Sisters

My Sister

My sister is my heart.
She opens doors to rooms
I never knew were there,
Breaks through walls
I don't recall building.
She lights my darkest corners
With the sparkle in her eyes.

My sister is my soul.
She inspires my wearied spirit
To fly on wings of angels
But while I hold her hand
My feet never leave the ground.
She stills my deepest fears
With the wisdom of her song.

My sister is my past.
She writes my history
In her eyes I recognize myself,
Memories only we can share.
She remembers, she forgives
She accepts me as I am
With tender understanding.

My sister is my future.
She lives within my dreams
She sees my undiscovered secrets,
Believes in me as I stumble
She walks in step beside me,
Her love lighting my way.

My sister is my strength
She hears the whispered prayers
That I cannot speak
She helps me find my smile,
Freely giving hers away
She catches my tears
In her gentle hands.

My sister is like no one else
She's my most treasured friend
Filling up the empty spaces
Healing broken places
She is my rock, my inspiration.
Though impossible to define,
In a word, she is...my sister.

Poem by Lisa Lorden

It is good to have sisters. Someone whom you can really share ideas with, tell your secrets, shop with, and many more!... I have 4 sisters. Two of them, older than me, are already married, like me!. Two still had no boyfriends...but good for them. I think they're still young. But I love my sisters and I'm so proud to have them.

Truth. We're not perfect. We fight, lalo na when we're still young. Of course, what do you expect with five girls?? we wrestle with each other at times..... we even hurt each other's feelings ..but we never forget the fact that we're sisters. And whatever happens we've got each other..ALWAYS.

I'm glad that though we had different lives now that we've grown, we still have time to spent with each other. So I treasure each moment.

Random

Jerry is sick. (sigh..) I don't know what but he is not feeling realy well since Friday. I keep on telling him to go and see a doctor but he refuses. Maybe its migrane.. In times like this, I just want him to see that I really care. I digress.

I'm thinking, is it really okay to work in Dubai? Some of my officemates are already there and others are following. My husband is now gathering his documents for a possible employment in Dubai. His friend who is also a registered nurse is already leaving for Jedah on the 3oth. He's the one who told Jerry to submit his requirements to the agency for Dubai based position.

I know Jerry really wants to work abroad. If it's God's will, I know there won't be any problem. But the thought of us being miles away really saddens me. Again, I digress.

My one week time with hubby will be over. He will be going back to Baler tomorrow. But still, I'm thankful that he was able to spend a weekend with me. We had a wonderful weekend although he's a little sick. We're able to spend wonderful time together. We watched movie, ate together (at last, I didn't eat alone for a week!), we washed dishes together... talked about something or even little things. Basta we're together...surely, I'll miss him again.

Baler is just an 8 hr drive from Manila...not so far....but what more if he's in Dubai? hmmm...I digress a little more.

(ate ana and my niece, Alyssa- she's just six months here)
It's my niece's birthday party on Sunday...


I will be a grand first birthday party and I'm coordinating it.

Jerry will not be able to attend nanaman... he's torn between the party and the Marriage Encounter Seminar which he coordinated in Baler. Sayang... he wants me to come with him pa naman to attend the seminar.
Hope I can schedule my visit to Baler this month. hmmm... I'll take a one day leave for that.

Tagged

I was again tagged by Heidi... well, here's my answers to that 7 things...

Seven Things That Scare Me
1.) Losing a loved-one
2.) Travelling by boat
3.) Crawling insects (specially cockroaches!)
4.) Meeting an accident or being robbed
5.) Dark rooms
6.) Fire
7.) Not having a baby

Seven Things I Like The Most
1.) Shopping
2.) Spending time with my loved-ones
3.) Cooking
4.) Potato chips and french fries
5.) Music and Singing
6.) Watching my favorite TV programs
7.) Going on vacation

Seven Random Facts About Me
1.) I'm the 3rd a mong 6 siblings and third bride as well
2.) I love drawings and crafts
3.) I'm a member of our church's worship team
4.) I'm a thinker and a reader
5.) I'm married to a registered nurse cum pastor.
6.) I don't drink coffee
7.) I'm very much time conscious. ( I hate waiting. Lalo na if I'll be meeting with someone, I don't want my time to be wasted)

Seven Important Things In Our Bedroom
1.) Bed
2.) My four pillows
3.) Electric Fan/AC
4.) Bible
5.) Devotional Book
6.) Night cream
7.) cellphone

Seven Things I Plan To Do Before I Die
1.) Be well established
2.) Buy a house
3.) Go out of the country..or tour around the world(to share the gospel!)
4.) Have children
5.) Put up our own business
7.) Be multi lingual

Seven Things I Can Do
1.) I can sing...ehem..ehem!
2.) I can cook..hehehe (visit my multiply account for recipes--naks)
3.) I can make my own accessories (earings, bracelets...made of beads)
4.) I can plan a big event (like my wedding!)
5.) I can do basic photoshopping
6.) I can spend hours and hours on the computer
7.) I can live a day without TV

Seven Things I Can't Do
1.) I can't drive...but I'm learning
2.) I can't work without music
3.) I can't dance in front of a crowd
4.) I can't eat squash
5.) I can't speak french but I have plans on taking lessons
6.) I can't swim...(though I had swimming class back in college and got a high rating on midterm and finals .. Gosh! I forgot everything I've learned...or am I simply SCARED to try?)
7.) I can't eat exotic food

Seven Things That Attract Me To The Opposite Sex
1.) Love for God
2.) Great sense of humor
3.) Sense of responsibility
4.) Smart and creative
5.) Ability to express himself (whether in words or in deed)
6.) Self-confidence (just the right amount)
7.) His way of grooming and hygiene

Seven Things I Say The Most
1.) Why?
2.) Hi!
3.) Goodness!
4.) Sure
5.) Ows?
6.) Shocks!
7.) Please

Seven Celeb Crushes (Whether Local or Foreign)
1.) Gary V.
2.) Pierce Brosnan
3.) Ben Afleck
4.) Viggo Mortesen (if he's Aragorn of LOT)
5.) Keanu Reeves
6.) Ridchard Gere
7.) siempre....Jerry ko.

Seven People You Want To See Take This Quiz
1.) Toni
2.) Mai
3.) Dionne
4.) Inch
5.) Meng
6.) Aggie
7.) Grace

W@W Grand EB

The most memorable and super sayang W@W Grand EB! I finally met the persons behind the mails.

The W@W community


this photo is courtesy of mecsexy :)

from left: bryan, inch, meng, me, mec (standing), joy and john

Let's cook

Being married means having to learn new things including cooking. I really love cooking! one of my fave spot in the house is the kitchen (san pa ba??). And speaking of cooking, I'm not really a very good cook, more on imbento kasi ako eh :D. I do love preparing pasta dishes. My family loves my pasta every Christmas (different kinds of it every year). Di ko pa lang nata-try mag-bake (hmm...next mission ko yun---baking lesson!). But I'm proud to say that my husband loves everything I cooked for him whenever he's home. Let me share to you one of my favorite, and easy to prepare recipe. (kahit nakapikit pwedeng gawin! hehehe!)

Buttered Chicken Adobo

(adobo is not my favorite but I've learned few things on how to make it a little special)

Ingredients:

1/2 kilo chicken (cut into serving size)
1 cup dark soysauce
1/2 cup vinegar
1 tsp. pepper (crushed)
1 tsp. bay leaf
1 glove garlic (minced) -- pero mas marami, mas yummy!
1 tsp. butter
oil for frying

Here's how I do it:

After cleaning the chicken, mix all ingredients except for the cooking oil. make sure that all ingredients are mixed well. Then, marinate the chicken into the mixture for 3-4 hours (or even overnight if you want). Once ready, heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken. But don't over fry. When brown, pour in marinade and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve with love.

I've tried this recipe plenty of times na and it's always a hit. Try nyo din :)

First Monthsarry and A love Story

Time really flew fast. The glitter and stardust of our wedding was over but the love and the bond between Jerry and I remain. We're not even aware that a month has already past. Geeez!

Three years and 3 months ago, we just passed each other by, not knowing that the Lord has something to do with us.

taken 3 years ago...

Let me start with our story....

My love life was a mess when Jerry came into my life. I was spiritually low, but pretending to be strong and okay. I was involved in an unhealthy relationship for 6 years with a man. I was blinded. Later did I realize I have wasted six years of my life committing to a man unworthy of the love I can give. I know that God does not want me to be complacent of my situation that time. He has a high standard when it comes to his child's would-be-partner in life. So I believe that somehow, I can be free and regained my self worth. Somewhere, sometime, I could find the right man for me who will truly value and love me.

It was 2002 when Jerry came. He was introduced to us by our senior pastor. I barely know him. All I know is that he's from Zamboanga and he will be our youth pastor. We then became friends. Unknowingly, he has started liking me and giving me special attention every time we meet at the church. He knew all about my notorious relationship with my boyfriend. He constantly gives me advice as a pastor. He was the one, who opened my eyes and showed me that I still have choices, that I should never settle for less when God intends me to get His highest plan for me. He taught me to make radical decisions.

I started admiring him for that. And I started making steps to what I deem is necessary. I broke up with my boy friend (not because I already love someone else but because I know that was the right thing to do). He wouldn't let me but I was adamant. He started threatening me and spreaded lies about me even to people close to us. Because of that I was hated.

Jerry came to rescue me. He was there for me all throughout that stage of my life. But I was so stubborn. There was a time that I felt I'm missing my ex. Though we already broke up, I have constant communication with him because he wanted me to come back and I gave in. I know how I've hurt Jerry's feelings so much. So I stood up and decided I'm not going to commit the same mistake again. I'll let go of him and move on with my new life. And I'm glad he still accepted me.

I know I have made the right decision for I never felt so loved the way Jerry love me. He's one of the greatest gifts God had given me. I then knew that he has dreamt of me even before we meet. He said God told him in his dream that I'm the one He has destined for him. Sounds corny? Yeah... well, God also confirmed to me that he's the one for me. Well, I'm glad that we found each other in the right place at the right time. Now, we're in love and we're happily married.

Yes, our relationship is not perfect. We had our own flaws and imperfections. But we believe that as we put God in the center of our relationship our bond will last. No love can survive through the years without some scratches and dents. There will be those inevitable conflicts that will cause our relationship to shake, rattle, and roll. But we believe that we can work effectively to steady the ship that we're in, our love will go stronger, more vibrant and mature. The quality and the depth of our love make all the difference in the world. True, we are not the same today as we were three years ago, and neither is our love relationship. We constantly evolve as we mature and our circumstances change. But our love is deepening and we trust God for a wonderful lifetime together.

We're married for a month now and we're counting. We're committed to be married for a lifetime.....For better or for worse, 'till death do us part. AMEN!

Our Wedding

Originally our wedding date is June 25. I want to be a June bride din kasi. But later on, Jerry suggested na July na lang after my birthday. ("Loko din yung asawa ko. Mukhang magtitipid sa gift! Siyempre naman isahang gift na lang siya for our anniversary and my birthday...ang daya!!!) Pero the idea is ok with me so we moved it to July 23.

It was in September 2004 when Jerry proposed. Medyo nabigla din ako nun dahil I didn't expect na seryoso siya sa sinabi niya. Before kasi pag sinasabi niya "Let's get married..." may kasunod na "basta...next year." Pero seryoso nga siya talaga dahil he already set the date. October, I started my preps. I joined W@W thru Toni then I set up our blog and wedsite na... at first, wala pa kong masyadong mailagay sa blog and other info sa website dahil parang ang aga ng preparation ko, wala pang masyadong nagyayari. Search-search stage pa lang ako nun and when I got ideas, I take note of it and file it on my clearbook. January, namanhikan sila Jerry. After that, nag start na ko bumili ng mga materials for the souvenirs and entourage's dresses.


The preparation was tiring but exciting...Then came the BIG DAY.

July 23, 2005 - 6:00 a.m.

It was a wonderful and beautiful day. The sun was up. I don't know if it's because of excitement or what. Ang aga ko nagising as in! kahit puyat last night. Before ako bumaba I prayed first. I thanked God for the wonderful weather and I asked Him to be with us on our special day.

Everybody was up at 6:30 am. My mother prepared breakfast but I didn't manage to eat a lot. Everyone is relaxed while having chit-chats at the breakfast table.

At 8 am, Ms. Lory was already at the venue to assist with the set up. Around 8:30 am., our service car came to pick us up and bring us to Villa Ronar. My coordinator also texted me that Michelle, my MUA was already there. Grabe ang aga nila! During this time, wala pa akong maramdaman. Parang it was just another normal day...

We arrived at Villa Ronar at 9 am. Balak ko pa nga umalis pagkahatid sa female entourage ko dahil wala pi-pick up ng butterflies sa Acclaim. Buti na lng my brother in law volunteered to pick up our flowers tapos diretso sila sa mega to pick up the butterflies. I just assisted Ms. Lory for other things and gave her some instructions and reminders.

Akyat na ko sa bridal room. Si Michelle naman nag start na sa entou ko. After she finished doing my 3 sister's make up, sinunod na niya ko. I reminded Ms. Lory about the food which we asked a friend to prepare for the early comers. It should be delivered before 11 am. pero 12nn na wala pa, kaya yun gutom na talaga kaming lahat. Dumating yung food kasabay ng team ng Decisive so siempre wala na ko time kumain dahil pagdating nila they started shooting na. Grabe ang gulo na ng room ko. I was surprised din kasi when Mr. Mel Cortez and I talked he told me that he will give me 1 professional photojournalist and 1 trainee pero 4 photographers ang dumating and the videographer. Sobra talaga akong natuwa sa dami ng photographers, hindi ko alam kung san ako titingin. Nangawit ang panga ko kaka-ngiti at kaka-project. Now I know, ang hirap pala talaga maging artista!!

My flowers arrived on time din as well as the butterflies, all of them are alive pa naman. The flowers were all beautiful. Mang Boy ang Mang Jon really did a wonderful job. After shooting my preparation, baba naman sila sa room ni Jerry. That was the time na nakakain na ko. Ang bilis ko kumain kasi after a while I know babalik nanaman sila sa room ko to shoot more pictures of me and my entourage. During that time, it rained! As in ang lakas talaga ng ulan with matching lightning and thunder. I was like..."O, my! Bakit umulan???" I could see everyone's faces, talagang nagpe-pray sila. Naisip ko din, baka sa lakas ng ulan hindi na dumating yung ibang guests. But I didn't worry. I thought titigil din yan before the start of the ceremony...buti na lang covered yung venue ko. Past 3 pm. Umuulan pa rin. I was so worried na dahil iniisip ko pati paano kami mag-mmarch if its raining? The program should start by 4.. 4:00 di pa rin siya humihinto. Finally, I decided na mag start na kami. My coordinator told me na sa loob na lang kami mag march dahil nga umaambon pa rin. I didn't like the idea pero wala ako magagawa. Ayoko naman mabasa ang mga sponsors ko. Baka ma-wash out make ups nila... at 4:30 Ms. Lory arranged the entourage for the processional na. While she and my other friends were lining them up I saw na nag-clear na yung sky and konting ambon na lang so I told Ms. Lory na sa labas kami mag ma-march. Thank God tolerable naman yung ambon although medyo pinayungan ako para hini mabasa. Kainis nga eh, nakapayong ako sa ibang pics! But then, I was so relieved that after all, hindi pa rin na ruin ng rain ang wedding ko.

I then proceed to the entrance gate for my march. While I was there, I could hear na hindi nagawa yung nire-hearse namin for the processional. I don't know what happened kasi yung song na supposed to be sang during the processional hindi na nakanta ng male singer ko. He was able to sing some part na lang. And I was so inis talaga. Pero I just let go. When it was my turn to walk, I waited for my sister. Kasi siya yung kakanta ng bridal march ko and I did'’t start walking until I heard her start singing the first line of the song "Panunumpa". Iba pala talaga ang feeling ng naglalakad sa aisle. I can't describe it. Tense na excited and parang wala na kong nakikita, basta I looked straight (though medyo uneasy ako sa paglalakad dahil pala hawak pa ng isang assistant ang train ko while I was walking). In the middle of the aisle sinalubong ako ng parents ko. Nakita ko nangingilid na ang tears ng father ko. When we reach the altar and it was for my father's turn to answer the question "Who will give this woman in marriage?"... hindi na nakapag salita ng diretso ang father ko. Naiiyak na talaga siya. Pati yung message niya for Jerry while giving me to him, hindi na rin niya nasabi ng diretso. Ang tatay ko talaga...

The ceremony went well naman. Our officiating minister said that "Marriage is not just a contract..." kaya hindi daw dapat tawagin na Marriage Contract kundi Marriage Certificate. Kasi contract only binds two parties for 1, 2 or couple of years but Marriage is a lifetime commitment that only death can separate... Ayan, lifetime na kong committed sa asawa ko. At wala nang solian!

When the pastor announced us as husband and wife, everyone clapped their hands and my MOH released the live butterflies. (it should be released during my march pero nakalimutan na nila so ginawan na lang ng paraan kung saan pwede.) Ok pa rin naman ang effect nila. Parang nag grand entrance ang mga butterflies ko. Sobrang happy ng feeling namin that time. Finally, we're married!!!

After the ceremony, the plan is we will be driving outside to have a photo shoot sa park. Pero dahil nga umulan basa ang lupa so maputik sa park. We had no choice but to stay sa venue and had our photo shoot na lang somewhere. Buti na lang Villa Ronar had a lot of pretty good spots. While we are doing the photo shoot, our emcee started the reception program na. Una syempre parade of the entourage. After that, our grand entrance. Medyo pumalpak din ang song sa grand entrance namin. "Love you more today than Yesterday" kasi yun and my cue is the intro of the song, which is very lively pero nag play yung cd sa 1st part na. Buti naman hindi halata at ok pa rin. During the reception, I saw that everyone enjoyed the food but me. Hindi talaga ako nakakain. I don't know kung busog ako or walang gana. Ganun pala talaga yun. Pero pagkita ko sa asawa ko, grabe kain talaga siya! Jerry managed to finish everything that was served to us. Buti na lang natikman ko ang food during the food tasting. (After nga ng wedding saka ko lang naramdaman ang gutom ko.)

Ang saya ng reception cause my emcee managed it very well. The cake cutting and wine tosting was romantically and perfectly done. The bouquet toss was so fun, nagagawan talga ang mga singles ladies sa roses... During our first dance naman, nagkaroon ng time na makapag sayaw din both our parents and other couple. Ang saya talaga. Marj was able to make them dance. After that, she announced the "Pasabit" tradition and everyone participated. Ang galing talaga ng emcee ko. Hindi ko alam na magagawa namin maincorporate sa program ang money dance or the "pasabit" kasi nahihiya talaga kami. But Marj insisted that we do that and it was a blast!

Another highlight of our program is our duet. After the message of our parents and 2 of our dearest friends, Marj announced that we'll be having a duet. Well, gusto lang talaga namin kumanta para may variety ng konti. The song is very special and memorable to us kasi it was the first song that we sang as a couple (BF and GF). We first sang it during my sister's wedding and 1 month pa lang kaming on nun. Buti na lang madami pang guest and naka-witnessed though last part na siya ng program ginawa (it was suposedly part of our grand entrance) and inantay talaga nila yung part na yun.

Though nag-exceed kami sa time, everything went well. Our AE sa Villa Ronar told us after na ang ganda ng wedding namin. After the wedding nga yung ibang expenses na na-incur namin, binigyan niya kami ng discount. Super talaga ang service ng VR sa amin and the way Queenie, our AE, dealt with us all throughout, wala akong masabi...thumbs up kami! Though there were glitches, indeed our wedding was one of the most memorable parts of our relationship.

In the end, we didn't have any regrets at all. Cause we managed to have a wonderful wedding at less cost. Truly God revealed Himself as our comforter during the times na nagaaway na kami sa preps, those times na magkalayo kami sa isa't-isa, and the provider of our every need for the wedding.

Now, we're married. Bagong role nanaman ang gagampanan ko as his wife. There will be some adjustments. Still there will be good times and bad times, but I'm now confident cause I'm sharing it with my one true love. Though we have unusual set up because of his work, I know that there will come a time na palagi na kaming magkakasama. I know that the Lord will be with us.... MIZPAH

A Review

Synopsis:
From director John Dahl comes the stirring true story of one of the most spectacular rescue missions ever to take place in American history: "the great raid on Cabanatuan," the daring exploit that would liberate more than 500 U.S. Prisoners of War in the face of overwhelming odds. A gripping depiction of human resilience, the film vividly brings to life the personal courage and audacious heroism that allowed a small but stoic band of World War II soldiers to attempt the impossible in the hopes of freeing their captured brothers.

Once a tale shared across the United States, the long-lost story of THE GREAT RAID has been recreated with meticulous authenticity to pay testimony to the many different people, from U.S. commanders to Filipino soldiers to women aid workers to the POWs themselves, who played a part in turning this time of intense hardship and unrelenting danger into a moment of inspiration.

I'm not of a movie person but i've been hearing so much about this film so my sisters and I decided to watch it last night. I find the film really touching. Not because of Cesar Montano's presence. Of course it did help a little (One thing we can be proud of is that a filipno artist has been given a big part in an international movie) but I felt that the nationalistic side of me was awakened and stirred up... Filipinos played a major role so that American soldiers can achieved their goal in rescuing the POWs. That's something we Filipinos can be proud of.

Well, I just realized that we, who are living in the present world, are really blessed. We're blessed to have not suffered the pains and hardhips brought by wars. We're blessed that we're now living simply in our freedom. We're the ones who's taking advantage of what our heroes fought for. Freedom that our heroes, known and unsang, have paid for by their sweat and blood. We're blessed that now, we're not experiencing the harsh treatment of Japanese soldiers. We're lucky to have lived in a land of Freedom.

The sad thing is, nowadays Filipinos seem to forget these things. We have already forgotten what are forefathers did for our country. We don't really care for our county. We don't love it as well.. What we have are selfish desires and intentions. Haaay.... Our country is becoming pathetic... Prizes of basic needs are mounting, doctors wants to be nurses, everything seem to rise but not our dignity as Filipinos. We even want to migrate and leave this poor country of ours...

Let's include our country on our daily prayers. No one can love our nation but us.

Tagged by Toni

just passing a tag from Toni to fellow w@wies and n@wies...

1. what are the things you enjoy doing when there's no one around you?

well, I meditate..read God's word and meditate on it. I feel refreshed and comforted. I also read magazines and inspiring book and also I write my thoughts and things to do's so as not to forget something.

2. what lowers your stress/blood pressure/anxiety level?

Sleeping and just sitting thinking of something with potato chips besides me!!

3. tag five friends and get it posted on their blogs.


Grace and Olie
Nette ni Mike
Velvet ni Gleoh
Jenny ni Tabs
Cynch ni Dexter

Suddenly lonely

Last night ang drama ko... pano ba naman, I received a text from my sister telling me na miss na daw niya ako. My father misses me too and nagka-cry-cry daw ang father ko???!! He wants me to come back. Ngekk..tama ba naman yun??? 10 days pa lang akong hindi na umuuwi na bahay namin.. and pagkabasa ko, nag-feel senti na rin ako.. Oo nga, na mi-miss ko na rin sila. GUSTO KO NA UMUWI.

Nakaka-miss talaga. Na mi-miss kong katabi yung sister ko sa bed. Nami-miss ko yung awayan naming mgakakapatid, yung pagaasikaso ng mother ko every morning pagpapasok ako sa office... Yung pag saturday, rest day ko at kasama ko ang family ko habang nanonood ng TV. Haaay...

Well part of marriage is leaving your home to live with your spouse and start your own home... and I have to accept that fact.

Pero masaya ako. I'm happy with my new life.

Umuuwi naman ako sa dati naming bahay every weekend. And pag umuuwi ako, special treatment naman ko sa mother ko... hehehe. One of the benefits ba yun??

Wedding Pictures

Posting here some of the pics I love. Hope you'll love them too. enjoy!

with my parents

my hubby and I

the bride

Silhouette

long shot

one of my favorite shot!

with my sisters and mother

a posed with my entourage and with my mother