Blooming

Today morning when we are heading to office, usapang blooming naman kami. Blooming as in not the temporary blooming ka lang today or yesterday but yung blooming meaning "peak"

May mga times na maririnig natin "ang ganda nya nung bata sya" or "mas gumanda sya nung lumaki" meron naman "mas gumaganda sya habang nagkakaedad sya" Every person has its own beauty, hindi dahil hindi sila ka pansin pansin sa mata mo ay hindi na sya maganda. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder nga di ba. But do you know that there is Someone na maganda tayo sa paningin Nya? Yes ang tingin Nya sa lahat ay maganda. Maputi, kayumanggi or maitim ka man, maganda ka sa paningin Nya; matangkad, kulang ka man sa height, payat or chubby ka man, singkit or pango ka man, maganda ka pa rin sa mata Nya. Ganyan si Lord sa atin, masterpiece Nya ang bawat isa sa atin at we are perfectly and wonderfully created.

There are times na kahit tayo sa sarili natin we tend to compare ang ating mga sarili sa ibang tao, may iba naman naman wala ka ng maririnig kundi "sana all". Ang iba naman lahat na yata ay gagawin at bibilhin maging maganda lang sya sa tingin ng ibang tao.

Uulitin ko ha:You are already beautiful ❤️Maniwala ka man or hindi pero yun ang totoo maganda ka!

Ang bawat isa sa atin ay may angking kagandahan pero hindi lahat ay nakakaappreciate ng ganda na meron sya. Maaring hindi pa lang fully bloom ang ganda mo pero you have beauty. Maaring bukas or sa mga susunod na araw mag fully bloom ka na. While waiting for that time enjoy the beauty that you have, be joyful everyday and that joy in your heart will surely radiates on your face.

Imagine yang mga flowers🌸 na yan uulan, aaraw, magwiwinter at magsusummer pero those flowers will bloom sa itinakdang season ni Lord para mamulaklak sila. Ganon din tayo 😊

Wait for your season, wag mong pangunahan si Lord sa itinakda nyang season para magbloom ka.

Uulitin ko ha, maganda ka❤️ repeat after me: I am beautiful. I am wonderfully and fearfully made by my Creator, Lord Jesus Christ.

God bless you❤️

Program Family - Team Building & Training 2016

People usually don't believe me everytime I tell them na mahiyain ako noon. Yup, I am super mahiyain, nagsasalita naman ako at nakikipagusap sa tao but not as approachable as I am today. I remember nga na kapag nagpa-followup ako sa mga companies na inapplyan ko, I asked my tita pa to do the follow up for me. I don't know if its the confidence that's lacking on me or there's a fear within me. 

When I started to work abroad I really prayed to the Lord to give me courage to speak and tell people what's on my mind. My mom and other people who know me well was shocked when they saw on "friendster" my photo holding a microphone in the midst of people, me as an MC. From then on, little by little my self-confidence started to boost. Then one time there was an announcement in the church looking for an MC/ presider for Friday service. It took me few weeks before I decide to register for a training. Praise God from then until now by the grace of the Lord I'm still standing.

I am a part of Program Department in the church which concerned mainly on the orderliness of church events and activities.

Last August 26, 2016 we had our first team building as well training for all the members of the Program Team - MC, ushers, documentary team, and service team.

I'm so thankful and happy seeing new faces of brethren who really want to be used for the glory of the Lord. It took me almost a week to prepare for everything - from topics, ice breakers and games.

In everything that we do, we should know the reason behind why we are doing those things and we should be reminded often so we can strive and give our best more.
For us, to BLESS THE LORD, HONOR HIM and BRING HIM AN OFFERING THAT BEFITS HIM. 

As a team and family its important to know each other not only by name but a deeper side of one another - not to gossip or judge but to accept and to love.

People first instinct when you are in Program is that you have no stage freight or fear to approach and talk to others but its not, we all have fears that we need to deal and flaws that we need to polish. That's why we need a continuous learning and training for us to give the best talent that God gave us, so we can serve Him with excellence.

Communication is one of the key that really matters in Program team, and we can't deny the fact that even we know each other we're still lacking for communication. We believe its not only the language barrier that hinders us but the fear of being rejected or ignored, that's why even in few hours we tried to be at ease on how to approach others and introduce ourselves for what we have - our personal testimonies.

 

After the team building -training, I am happy to see their happy faces and hearing their words of affirmation that they will stand and serve with the Lord with all their heart and strength. Ang lagi kong paalala sa kanila na lagi kong paalala sa sarili ko rin may naginvest ng time and effort sa akin para matuto ako, para makatayo ako and I want also na gawin din nila yon, - to share what they've learn and to teach others so they can be equip as well in serving the Lord.

To God be the glory for the success of that day!

To all new members, welcome to the Program family!

Program Family - Friday (others are not in the photo)

DIY Christmas Trinkets

Christmas tree Oh my Christmas tree...

If you are a Filipino, you know how happy the ambiance your house will be if you have Christmas decorations when "ber" month come along the way. Different sizes of Christmas tree - some are white and mostly are green, colorful lights and trees accessories to give life.

Though Christmas is one of the most important occasion that we are celebrating yearly, we don't need to spend too much just to make everything inside the house look stunning and extravagant. We can re-use the old Christmas decors that we used last year or recycled it to give a new look. Christmas season is your chance to be more artistic and creative, its time for another DIY-ing!
I love photos! Every time I see photos along with it are stories - good happy old days. So since Christmas tree decorations like balls and trinkets are very seldom and expensive here in Doha, I decided to do my version of Pinterest inspired trinkets.
I used photos of Doha Family from our previous Christmas - Year End gatherings. So here's another DIY to enjoy.

What you need:
Photos, Paper string, and Scissor

Choose photos of your choice and cut it depends on the sizes that you preferred.
Punch a small hole on the photo
Cut paper string according to the length that you want.
Insert the paper string on the whole and tie it.

After those easy steps....
Here is our Christmas Trinkets...

If you want an affordable, unique and full of happy memories Christmas trinkets, try this DIY.
Have a merry and colorful Christmas tree!

Let's Take A Bike Ride

After our C.R.E.W (youth ministry) service last Friday, we hit Aspire park. Its actually Guia's request before her flight that night going back to Philippines for her college schooling. The weather is still quite good and the heat of the sun is still tolerable.

                

 

Yay is that mean riding in the bicycle? Honestly I don't know how to ride in the bicycle on my own. I tried naman na matuto nung bata pa ako, Daddy even asked someone to teach me pero hindi talaga, as I've told you hindi nga ako sporty pang board games lang ako, hehehe. I asked these youngsters that I can be their photographer but since ang available na bike lang is for four seaters I joined them na rin, rider lang ako hahaha.

rate: 35QR per hour

 

They have single bike also but its not available last Friday. According to "ate" nire-repair daw yung mga single or solo bike nila.

Let's start the ride!

 

 Balancing is one of the most important thing you should learn in biking. If you don't know how to balance there's a tendency for you fall down especially if you'll pass by in humps and rough roads and yes bruises and scratches is part of the training. But as long as you really want to learn and you are dedicated I guess it will be easy for you. Well, I don't know on me why I reached at my age and doesn't learn how to.

Its just like life itself. There are times that you will get confuse on which to do first, sometimes you need to drop what's on  your other hand so you can go on smoothly. Along your way you will bump and encounter problems and challenges but you never stop there cos you want to reach on the finish line.

Keep on moving. Keep on going!

 If you feel tired, don't worry you have friends to help you. Sometimes they are just quiet, they just want for you to try but never they will let you fall nor down.
"A friend loves at all times" - Proverbs 17:17

 

 Some says life is a race, you need to rush in order to win. But for me, life is a gift to enjoy; you don't need to rush, all you need to do is go through it and walk on it smoothly. Just fight the good fight.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2Timothy 4:7

Always bear in mind that in every game there are rules to follow and observe, so be sure that you are on the right track.

"An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules"- 2 Timothy 2:5

If you get tired, its fine for a pause and take rest but never attempt to quit the game.

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:14

Its all worth it! 

We enjoyed and had fun, nakakapagod man at nakakauhaw its another memorable experience naman. 

And guys you don't need to bring water with you; they are giving away water for free, unlimited pa. So if you are looking for summer activity under the sun, why not try biking?

Have a FUN FUN FUN SUMMER!

The Winning Pic

I was so busy this past few days, actually I have a lot of things and activities to share with you guys but for now let me share how happy I am for what I've received from my favorite hotel here in Doha! Yes I am very vocal how I love to dine with them, my friends and colleagues know that, that I love Oryx Rotana Hotel. Among the hotels I visited, I feel so comfortable and at home with them. I don't know pero may feeling talaga akong ganon, aside from the food they have hospitable staffs that will let you feel that you belong to the place and nothing to feel uncomfortable especially if its your first time to experience hotel dine in.

Remember my last post about QIFF 2015? If you are my friend in FB or follower in my IG account, you probably know what this post all about.

Just to have a souvenir photo and just for fun I posed and took picture on Oryx Instaframe and followed what it said on the instruction. I don't take it seriously, on the first place I know how competitive social media contests are but I jokingly said it my friends that night "namimiss ko na nga ang Choices malay nyo manalo ako" - words are powerful!

I already forgot that said contest, after I uploaded the picture that's it until on Monday when I reached home I opened my IG account and found out that Oryx Rotana posted a comment on my photo. I didn't read it immediately I close my IG again until I was reminded about the instaframe contest, I opened again and found out that I won!

the winning photo!

At first I am hesitant if its the real account of Oryx, I asked my friend who worked in Oryx Rotana to check the authenticity of the comment and the account used. He told me that yes it is Oryx account and to be sure the next day he asked their marketing executive.

I just want to share what happened a week before I win. Almost everyday I'm passing Old Airport Road where you can see a bit of Oryx. I told to myself "kelan ko kaya maiikain si Bjay dito" Bjay is my one and only sibling. Nung nasa Pinas pa sya everytime may mga pinupuntahan ako hotel, pasyalan or even some restaurants, naiisip ko sana I can the same with my family and I remember nung papunta na dito si Bjay I prayed na sana I can able to let him experience din na kumain sa mga fine dining or hotel. But since mejo tght ang budget, nagkasunod-sunod ang mga gastos I forgot it all. God always reminds me to prioritize things that need to be prioritize - in short its the "needs" first before the "wants". Last week is a National Siblings Day, though we don't really celebrate it, sabi ko talaga "Lord sana matreat ko yung kapatid ko jan sa Oryx kahit bago sya magbakasyon" but my mind will speak to me "Paano, may pera ka nga pero may mas mahalaga ka pang paggagamitan" 

To continue, I received email from Marketing Department of Oryx on Monday. And yes its confirm, I really won!

The confirmation!

God really do knows our heart's desire kahit gaano mang kasimple or kaliit ito. Minsan naiisip natin why do I need na ipag-pray pa, alam naman ni Lord na gusto ko, bakit kailangan pa na ipagpray ko e alam naman ni Lord na need ko ito? May mga ganong moment tayo na naiisip minsan di ba. God wants us to draw closer to Him, kung lahat ipagkakaloob Nya baka hindi mo na Sya kausapin, baka hindi mo na maalala na tumawag sa Kanya or baka nga even His name di mo na makilala.

Yesterday, I passed by at Oryx Rotana. I felt the same feeling every time I visited them, yung kapag pasok mo pa lang nakasmile na mga staffs at igri-greet ka. I'm not saying this cos I won to their contest as I've said you can ask my friends how I am vocal how I love to be with Oryx Rotana. While I'm waiting for Ms. Gab, their Marketing and Communications Executive I met Ms. Valerie, parang sa mga hotel booking yata sya in charge, she's very approaching. I guess one of the secret for a hospitality business like hotels to succeed is for them to hired approachable and accommodating staffs. From the word "hospitality" staffs must be "hospitable". I had been to few hotels here in Doha but not of them have hospitable staffs.

Glory to God for this answered prayer! 

Thank you so much Oryx Rotana Doha! And guys, if you didn't try yet Oryx Rotana Doha I really recommend them, visit them and try their food and services. I assure you, you will enjoy and make every visit memorable. You can check them here Oryx Rotana Doha. 

Expect a follow up post as my brother and I visit together my favorite CHOICES RESTAURANT and yes it a sumptuous buffet.

See you then!

Trust His Heart

Since I got back from my vacation last October 2014 I am praying to God to give me provision on what step should I make next. I'm not getting any younger and I really want a stable career. For almost 9 years I am working in an international construction firm; people from construction project based will understand me that the stability from such kind of business is not for lifetime, I mean all depends on the projects that the company will get.

The Lord answered my prayer, He gave me provisions and use people as an instrument to take my first step in applying to the position that I really wanted. Even before I worked here in abroad I really want a job wherein I can directly help people. I even trade a regular bank position over a contractual government staff. I remember how people asked me why I chose to be in a public service over a job that is stable and earn high, at first I asked myself too "bakit nga ba?", I enjoy being with people, helping them even in the simplest way I can. Hindi ako mayaman and sometimes iniisip ko sana nga mayaman na lang ako so I can help more but in the end I'd still wanted to have a simple life, I'm afraid that I might be boastful when I become rich and famous, ok na ako sa kung anong meron ako though I'm striving to have more pa rin naman.

Last February, my friend asked me if I want to apply in a government position, to give it a try again. My friend knows how I really love to. I had a not so formal interview with the labor attache here. I really miss being in the public service, and as he brief me on the scope of job if ever I will be hired, sobrang naexcite ako since hindi na bago sa akin yong mga ganong trabaho and the most exciting part of it is I can have interaction to those distressed OFW under the agency's custody. After a week, another friends sent me a message confirming if I can go back as early as March 3to assume the position in a government agency where they are working too. To make the story short I wasn't able as I need at least a month to notify my present company but they told me that they will be giving me another chance and notify me again if there will be another vacant position.
Two weeks ago I received the confirmation from Philippines regarding my application for the vacant position here, yes even dito ka magaassume ng position since its a Philippine government agency need na sa Pilipinas pa rin iproprocess lahat ng application. I submitted an incomplete requirements such as medical test, I need health card pa kasi dapat government hospital dito ang magcertify, I waited for 3 weeks and I'm getting a hard time to have it. Today morning the agency confirmed to me that the deadline is over.
Honestly, after so many years ngayon ko lang ulit na-feel yung parang nadisappoint pero wala ka namang magawa kasi its beyond your control, yung ang dami mong tanong pero wala namang mahanap na sagot, yung okay ka pero bakit naiiyak ka.  
While checking my FB I saw that one familiar name commented on the photo I posted. Oh its my former boss and mentor to my previous government agency I worked with, parang kasi ngayon lang sya nagFB kaya for so many years I don't have any means of communication with her. All the memories I had with them flashback, bigla ko tuloy naisip what if magapply kaya ulit ako don this time as a permanent na.
The only words that comes into mind is God's promise in His word in Romans 8:28

From the time I started my application, ipinagpray ko na and I always include it on my prayer. I entrusted it to the Lord, that His will be done kaya siguro kahit may konting panghihinayang mas madali ko syang na-let go. And at the same time God sent me an angle this morning, I found one of "ate" in church whom I look up to, I consider her as my mentor in the church. I am thankful for all the comforting words and sharing me word of God for me to see more clearly and hold on tighter to God's promises. I am really blessed and grateful that the Lord is always  besides  me - to catch me and comfort me; He is always ready before I utter that I need Him.

Ate gave me a line from the song Trust His Heart and it really soothes my heart. Thanks Ate Agnes!

 

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His Heart

I trust His plans for me, I know and always He has better than what I have for myself. 

Lord, You know my heart, my desires and my needs..continue to guide me and lead me, give discernment and wisdom in whatever decision I will make. Continue to teach me and mold me to trust You always and completely. Your will thy be done on me, in all aspects and areas of my life Lord I entrust to You.

 

Please pray for me also. I know that prayer is the best powerful tool we can have to be heard by the Lord.

God bless us all

34 at 34

To end and to welcome another year, here are 34 personal random thoughts that I learned and did from my 33 and looking forward to continue and create new ones at my 34.

1. Cooking is love . You exert effort and sometimes requires patience.

2. I survive without coffee. From my "old" lifestyle I can't stand the day without sipping at least 2 cups of coffee in a day but almost 6 months now, hooray for me I survive the coffee no more challenge! I am now a tea lover

3. Its fine to come in office in jeans.

4. Even men especially fathers can be in Kid's Ministry at church. I was so blessed to see that in other churches most of their teacher in their Kids Ministry are men.

5. Dieting is a mind matter, its more on controlling your mind than controlling your mouth.

6. Sometimes even the person you trusted most is the same person who will hurt you most too.

7. And there are some who keep in silent and watch you and you'll get surprise they are the person who will catch you.

8. You can still be friends with someone from your past, and sometimes become best friends.

9. Acceptance is the first step in moving on followed by forgiveness.

10. Live according to what you have and what you can. 

11. If you prayed for something and it seems that you have it but suddenly slips away due to uncontrollable reasons, then its not yet the answer. God's timing is always perfect.

12. Skyflakes cracker has only 120 calories! and 6 pieces of Kisses chocolates have 200 cal.

13. Blue and yellow are good combination while gold can be a substitute to black.

14. I fell in love with flats!

15. Its fine not to have SB planner, cheaper brand can sometimes offer better.

16. People no matter how good you are to them, they still have negative to say about you.

17. Rubber shoes are not really for me, but I can still be sporty.

18. Not all bottled water are healthy, check and choose the one with less sodium.

19. I love to stay in home section area longer than in apparel's area.

20. Not all wants and cravings need to be satisfied, sometimes you need to deny and sacrifice for something better.

21. Babies are naturally born to be a cheerful giver by merely smiling.

22. I'm still not used being away with my family. I still cry every time I  leave PH and back to Qatar.

23. Arranging parties and surprises is fulfilling.

24. You can enjoy the day by merely spending it with yourself - Me Time!

25. Root canal is not "bloody"

26. Having latest model mobile and having high end brands bags and shoes is not a basis for ones status in life.

27. Be humble and kind to anyone. Anyone means even the unlovable person.

28. There are still chances and hope to loose weight not by skipping meal but by eating the right food and right amount.

29. You can find another family in church.

30. Birthday is not about cakes and food, sometimes its only about being grateful and welcoming another year.

31. We have so many plans in life but its still the purpose of the Lord that prevails. Plan with Him.

32. Singleness is a blessing to enjoy. And there's no due date or age limit in marrying.

33. I loved and enjoyed my life at 33 and there's always another year to look forward. Happy new year to me!

34. I am loved. I am blessed. And I am grateful and thankful to the Lord.

How about you any thoughts you want to share?

2015 Spring Festival

The winter is not yet over but the summer is nearly approaching here in Qatar. And while the weather is still good and people can still enjoy to stay outside, Spring Festival was given way.

Its my second time to witness the Spring Festival. Last  year I visited SF also but evening with friends, actually we didn't know that Souq Waqif is holding SF that time. And since I was informed this year, I asked my cousins to spent our weekend pasyal in witnessing the 2015 Spring Festival.

SF starts at 3:30 p.m. so if you want to witness the parade I suggest to you to go early. Though they have several sets of parade in the evening, it would be better especially for kids to see them in light. 

They painted the Waqif in different colors! Colors really boosts happiness kahit nga nanonood lang ako yung feeling na natutuwa ka and you even want to follow them for no reason or just to have a picture with them.

 

Everyone are enjoying the colorful costumes and the joyful faces of the performer kaya naman bata man o matanda sinusundan sila.

They are also giving away freebies like kite. You can just go to the information center and ask for it. Unfortunately, we're not able to get but according to the staff everyday they are giving 100 pieces. 

Since SF inside Souq Waqif, hindi kayo maiinip. They have several coffee shops and restaurants kung nagugutom, pwedeng pwede ang food trip, I suggest try their "isaw". If you have budget, Souq Waqif is the best place to shop for souvenir items from key chains to ref magnets, accessories and shawls, house decors and more.And since its festival, you can see also food carts around and some vendors of balloons and other stuffs for kids.

 

The parade continues in the evening until 10:00 pm if I'm not mistaken.

They have also some rides that will test your heights power, wala akong lakas ng loob subukan kaya we just remained in the ground and enjoy what they have.

So if you don't have any plan yet this weekend, visit Souq Waqif and enjoy the Spring Festival. Spring Festival will be until February 6, 2015.