Will take a Break

Feeling stressed? Then the best thing that you can do is to take a break. Stepping away from work in small chunks of time will help in releasing physical and mental pressures. It allows a healing mental break and serves as reward for better feeling of oneself.

On this coming week, from Thursday up to Sunday would be my great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. BFF Aieen invited me to go with them in Aringay, La Union to visit her family and relatives. Swimming at the beach and  traveling up to Baguio City are listed on our itinerary. I'm so enthralled to go walking along the seashore and swimming at the beach. I can't remember when was the last time I went to a beach for swimming that's why I'm so thrilled to feel once again the saltiness of seawater and air. It would be nice also to experience lying in a hammock near the sea while sipping a favorite drink.

After a day or two, we'll be driving up to Baguio City which is only 1 hour drive from my friend's place in La Union. I'm not really excited to visit the place because I've been there twice. Baguio City is beautiful but not as beautiful as before. I couldn't see anymore the abundant pine trees that triumphantly parading on the highways and on top of the mountains. I just feel sad because the natural beauty of the place and the cool weather of the city seems to fade. There are thousands of houses built in the mountainside and it looks like dove houses when you had seen it in a farther view.

But still, there's a lot of wonderful things to be enjoyed at Baguio City. I'll gonna have a chance to visit once again the Baguio Botanical Garden, The Burnham Park, The Mines View Park and a lot more. It's nice to capture  magnificent view and wonderful moments with my friend's family on a place like this. It's also a perfect moment for me to enliven my spirit, rejuvenate and recharge my stressed body and mind. It will also the best time to connect and embrace myself with Mother Earth's exquisite beauty.

For now, I'm so excited and ready for our upcoming travel.

Mama Mary's Birthday

Today, September 8, the world is celebrating the birthday of our dearest and greatest Mother of all, Mama Mary. I feel the joy and peace in my heart as I confidently know that you will always there to guide us as we embark on the journey of life. I thank you for all the intercessions and answered prayers you've given me and to the rest of my family and circle of friends. May we always look upon you as our model of having a big heart in all ways. 

As we celebrate Mother Mary's birthday today, may we always be reminded that our life is the rare and best gift God has given to us. May our love for Mama Mary bring us all to the realization  that there is a God who cares and loves us in such a way that is unimaginable and imponderable. In spite of our own flaws and unworthiness, we are truly sure of His undying love for us.

Happy Birthday, Mama Mary!!! We love you so much!

"Ber" Months are Here: Countdown Begins

As the month of September kicks off, the Christmas countdown for us Filipinos begin. We can hear Christmas songs played on some radio stations, in the mall or even at home. Others start to buy Christmas decors and decorating it at home. Malls and other commercial establishments start in preparing and selling some products intended for Christmas season. But still Christmas here in Philippines traditionally begins on December 16, the start of simbang gabi or dawn masses.

I just don't know why I feel a bit of loneliness whenever I hear Christmas song. Perhaps, it's normal to feel this day especially when you're far from your family. Another thing for sure is I don't have special someone this time to spend with on that special day. But still I have to look forward on it and keep the true spirit of Christmas alive in my heart.

Michelle's Despedida Party

her sweetest smile

 She's Michelle, a staff nurse here in the hospital. We became friends and have been close since November 2007 when my father underwent a prostate operation. That's how our friendship started and the rest is history.

I was a bit surprised and sad when I knew that she filed a resignation. But the feeling of happiness topped it all because her dream of working abroad turned into a reality. She will be leaving tomorrow bound for New Zealand. But before she bids goodbye, she threw a despedida party last evening of August 19 held at Barrackz Bar & Restaurant at Tomas Morato corner Timog.

on our way to party

a perfect appetizer for beer or wine

a cute pose with her

It was a great despedida party. It turned out into unforgettable evening and a memorable one. It was a fun time and we left the bar after midnight. We hugged her and it was the tightest hug we'd for her. We wish her all the Best. It's not goodbye, just "until we meet again."

What Type of Writer should you be?

You Should Be a Poet

You craft words well, in creative and unexpected ways.

And you have a great talent for evoking beautiful imagery...

Or describing the most intense heartbreak ever.

You're already naturally a poet, even if you've never written a poem.

      
          I found this quiz quite interesting that's why I decided to try it out and was glad with the result. Perhaps, it's truly says on what type of writer I should be. I still remember vividly during my college days at URS Antipolo City when I had joined the on-the-spot creative writing for interested students who want to be a member of the editorial staff of our school publication. Unexpectedly, I was chosen to be the feature and literary editor. But due to time constraint of being a working student, I backed out.

Happy Birthday, Roni!

Blue is the favorite color of my dear friend Roni. She is celebrating her birthday today. She's having a vast celebration now with her beloved better half at Tagaytay. It is the best time for them to enjoy and capture the magnificent beauty and amazing view of Taal Volcano. And of course, it is the best relaxing treat for their disturbed body and mind.  They will feel refreshed extraordinarily when they feel the cooler climate and fresher environment of the place.

Roni is one of the great friends I've ever known. Nothing can compare to her awesome personality particularly to the boundless friendship we had planted in our heart that blossoms day by day. There is a blessing that's rare and a precious gift that gold cannot buy. That's the gift of a wonderful person coming into my life. And that is, no other than, my dear friend Roni.

A mosaic of borrowed bouquet of red roses and images is exclusively for you. Red Roses symbolize sincere love, respect, courage and passion. That's how I express my friendship for you. May life's brightest joys illuminate your path, and may each day's journey bring you closer to your dreams! Happy Birthday!

The Narrow Gate

The "narrow gate" is a challenge to choose what is right in preference to what is pleasant or convenient. It is the courage to do God's will rather than ours. Let us all be reminded that we are part of the wonderful plan conceived by God's immense love for all. The difficulties and sufferings we have to endure in life are ways through which God disciplines us as His children, for our greater good.  Let us ask for God's merciful help whenever we encounter difficulties as we try to pass through the narrow gate of a genuine Christian life.

This is the Eucharistic message in today's mass held at my workplace's chapel. I was really touched by the message brought by Fr. Jaycee and thankfully I felt renewed. It was actually the first time I attended mass lead by him and I could only say he's so great in delivering homily and I was inspired by his touching and encouraging words.

Thanks to you, Oh God, for giving Fr. Jaycee as your instrument in sending us Your Powerful Words!