Contagious Joy

How's your holidays guys? Hope you had a great one. 

I had a busy holidays from organizing the parties, meeting friends and spending holidays with family. Though I really feel that my body wants to give up, thanks be to God I was still able to go up and not spent the holidays on my bed. Never mind the after shocks cos while I'm writing this post I have with me a roll of tissue for my flu.

Just want to share with you my holidays with these photos. Photos will speak by themselves how happy I am being with my family, friends,colleagues and brethren.
Happy Birthday Jesus!
Christmas is one of the most festive occasion we celebrate not only as Filipinos but as Christians. Being an OFWs even we're away from our immediate families, we still really tend to enjoy Christmas season. More than any gifts you give and receive during this season, its the gift of LOVE must be on the top of your list.

Noche Buena
Its been our tradition to our family to welcome December 25 together; to set the table even we have only simple dishes on it, the important thing for us is we are together in welcoming the Christmas.

 Thank you Lord for all the blessings. Its Your birthday today but yet You are the one who still giving gifts to us.

 Christmas selfie taken after our prayer

 Me and my brother, Bjay

 Merry Christmas everyone! - from B2F12

Carrying with me our little elf - meet our baby Kiel (my cousin's son) its his first Christmas!

Christmas Day
Its been years since I used to spend Christmas day in the office. Though I really miss being home and spending the day with the whole family, eating together, "kwetuhan" and sometimes going out of town together but it doesn't mean I spoiled my Christmas.
We want to be happy and spread the joy of the season and we started it by wearing a happy color - Red! We asked one restaurant down our office if we can occupy their place at lunch time, and here we go...

 Meet my Filipino colleagues

 Smile is really contagious...

Don't ask me why Jane is in yellow ^_^

 Going back to office, see the happy faces...

 Until inside the elevator, notice the smiles...

Until going back our home after  work, we're all smiling and happy!

Christmas Dinner
After work we decided to have dinner outside. Since we are not familiar to the location it took us an hour I guess to reached the place.

It is not important where we celebrate the Christmas or whom we are with, what matter is we know the reason why we are celebrating the season.
The essence of Christmas is about love and joy, let these things be contagious everyday. Lets make our everyday like a Christmas day!

"Mamamaysan" Team

Hello August!

August is one of the memorable month for us as a family, its my Mom and Dad's month. They'll be celebrating their 34th years together this coming 23rd. But before we celebrate their union, another milestone will happen in our family, our cousin JEP (Joseph Emmanuel Perez) will be getting married on 20th to JHO (Josephine).

Even its not our first in Doha family na may ikasal dito, first was Sze and Shawn then Peach and Glen, iba pa rin talaga siguro yung sa Pinas. Of course here limited lang yung invited I mean we're from a big family pero since dito kung sino na lang ang nandito. Second, kapag dito sa Philippine embassy not in the church, the solemnizing officer will be the consul and not the priest/ pastor unlike in other country na kahit expatriates ka pwede, here in Qatar hindi pwede. Third, the preparation - siguro mas less pressure and stress lang dito ng konti kasi nga since the wedding will be simple, hindi naman nga ganong kadetalye, all you have to have is time to prepare and money to pay.

Last Friday, we agreed to meet up to discuss the details of the program and to know our "role" and responsibilities at the wedding reception...kapit bisig Doha Family! We didn't invite the couple to join us. We called the meeting as "Mamamaysan Meeting"

Meet the "Mamamaysan" Team

I am not sure if all of you knows the term "mamamaysan". Mamamaysan is a tagalog word for groom's family and friends who will do all the chores and preparations before the wedding day. Here's what I found from one article regarding the usual things that mamamaysan and its duties the night before the wedding day:

"At the break of dawn, the groom's family is abuzz, preparing the sundry of things that will be hauled to the bride's place. Vehicles are borrowed and hired –jeeps, jeepneys, tricycles–to haul the kith-kin-and-caboodle, literally. Kin, friends, neighbors, wedding attire, bridal gown, pots, pans, plates, utensils, are crammed inside and atop the vehicles. A single pig will fit in a tricycle. A few pigs, for the occasion of a grander wedding, will need an elf or jeepney. The side of the vehicles is decorated with fresh fronds of coconut leaves (see insert). The jeepney is loaded with passengers to the rooftop, and although illegal, the coconut fronds identify it as a wedding vehicle, and local police usually just turn their heads away.

Arriving at the bride's house, welcoming starts with the "tasting of the kalamay." Each side tastes the others' kalamay' concoction, with the usual exchange of praise as to whose tastes better. Meanwhile, the bridal gown is taken to a designated room in the house; no fitting is allowed for fear that the wedding might not happen.

The kitchen has started to buzz alive. Preparations slow to start, pick up into full swing. On one end of the bilik, a pig is being slaughtered. The blood is collected for the preparation of the "dinuguan" dish which will be the traditional dinner entree. The rest of the pig will be divided and amounts allotted for the preparation of other foods for the traditional wedding feast: embotido (finely chopped meat), apritada (catsup based) and menudo (pineapple based). And if the pig meat supply will afford, the additional dishes of ginulayan (milk), pochero (banana) , sinantomas (bone-based) and rebosado (fried pigskin in batter)."

Nowadays, only few people practice that customs. There are a lot of wedding sites and coordinators that you can check and hire to lessen the pressures and stress in preparing for the big day.

We created our own version of "mamamaysan" since the groom is from our side.

 

That's one of the joy of having a family despite of being away from home, may susuporta even not financially ^_____^ and there are someone who can help you to do some errands on your day, less stress na rin yon di ba?  There are some changes on that list that we did during our meeting. Preparation for a big and important occasion is a bit stressful  here compare to Pinas in a sense na hindi ka basta makakapagfile ng leave of absence sa work mo, kaya you need to maximize all the time you have in arranging everything to your suppliers minus the bridal gown naman kasi since hindi naman church wedding mas simple lang. 

We also discuss the reception program in detailed. And since we're not in Philippines, very limited lang ang mga resources na pwedeng kuhanin namin to execute some of the customs in a Filipino wedding. Just to clear out guys I'm not into "pamahiin" or superstition, of course ang pagsasama ng dalawang tao is depende yan sa kanila, it should be triangle nga di ba - the husband, the wife and GOD. 

We Filipinos have a rich customs and traditions and even in wedding celebration there are some practices that's already part of culture. Hope we can have some of those at the reception program, but first we need to check where to find suman and kalamay ^_____^

I advise you if you are planning to get married, have at least one (1) year of planning ahead. Its better na mahaba yung time ng pagpla-plan kesa naman ngaragness ang beauty mo on your wedding day. 

Wedding is milestone kaya dapat lang pinagplaplanuhan at pinaghahandaan. Di ba mas maganda if you'll have a memorable wedding and a happy marriage? so ngayon pa lang if you have plan to get married next year, start to plan now.

My Father is a Christian

One word to describe my father, he is a Christian

I am truly grateful and so much thankful for his life. Daddy accepted Jesus Christ as His personal Lord and Savior and all the other descriptions or adjectives of a good father follows.

Happy Father's Day Daddy! I love you always. Thank you for living your life as our good example to follow.

 

My father is a Christian  He leads our household well;
With instruction from the Bible,
Right behavior he'll compel. Yet he steers us with compassion;
His gentle love is true;
He conforms to our Lord Jesus,
So we know just what to do. He teaches us with purpose,
Guides us in all Godly ways,
So we will take the right path,
And serve our Lord with praise. I'm glad you're a Christian, Dad;
You help me see things clearly.
I'll always look up to you,
And love you very dearly.    

Happy Father's Day to all fathers! 

The Lord continue to bless you and guide you in raising up your children.

December 2013 Sched

Hello December!

Hello happiness and welcome busyness :-)

Almost loaded every week not included side trips like buying gifts for loved ones and not to forget the Sugar and Spice engagements.

And how about the Christmas parties with friends? 

I guess this would really be a super busy holidays but a super fun too!

So let's start it today!

Happy 1st of December!

Have a great blessed month to all of us.

Meet My Mom

We have so many women in our lives - sister, aunties, friends, colleagues, teachers but there's always on the top, our mother. If you are reading here in my site, you might read already the story of the people who've been a part of my journey, people who influenced me and guided me in a way. 

And now there's one person that I want you to meet, a woman who've been a reason for who am I today, a woman who is selfless in giving his life for me and to our family, a woman who love me unconditionally, a woman who never get tired of guiding me, a woman who hurt first when I was hurt, a woman who rejoices and proud of my achievements, a woman who never turns her back to me when I made mistake instead correct me, a woman who loves me for not only for what I am but for who I am - no other than my Mother.

Meet MOMMY

still pretty at 65

Like any children, I am a proud daughter who loves Mommy so much, let me share you stories and who are Mommy is.

I got this from my Lola's ancestral house when  I was still in high school and I kept it. Sabi ng Nanay (my mom's mother) is mommy daw fashionista na talaga, she loves her long black hair at mahilig sya sa mga hair accessories, laging nakaterno at laging nasa uso ang mga outfits. 

No wonder on the picture, I asked Mommy when this picture was taken. According kay Mommy she's wearing her Lyceum of Batangas High school uniform (there was a high school then in LyBat.). Tanong ko sa kanya e bakit parang ang ikli naman, e parang pag nahulog ang ballpen mo at yumuko ka e masisilipan ka na. Ang sagot nya mahaba daw talaga yung uniform ang ipinatahi lang nya ay maikli. O di ba, pasaway na estudyante pala, ang school uniform ginawang uniform ng cheerer :)

She got married at 33...

I happened to know that she got married at 33 when I told in front of her and one of my Tita, that maybe I will get married to second boyfriend that I'll have and settle down at 33. Then she told me that she got married at that age. God's will on me :) only few months to go, hahaha

Ang kwento ni Daddy, marami daw suitors si Mommy - halos lahat tituladong tao at mga professionals, meron pa daw abogado pero iba ang charm ni Daddy kahit working student as janitor sya that time napaibig nya at nakuha nya ang matamis na "oo" ni Mommy. Their love story inspires me so much. Parang langit - lupa lang ang kwento.

Mommy is such a hardworking woman. I heard so many stories how hardworking she is from the time she got married, they separated house to their parents. There was a time na nagtinda sila ng bbq sa tapat ng bahay na inuupahan nila para maidagdag sa pang-gatas ko. Lagi kong naririnig sa Daddy ko noon na manang mana daw ako magtrabaho sa Mommy ko, na kapag gusto at napamahal na sa work parang ayaw ng lumipat ng ibang company at kahit sa bahay minsan may dalang paper works.

 notice all the pictures on the wall how proud she is on me and my achievement,

pati day care diploma nakalaminate :)

She worked as a government employee in Provincial Health Office but she was assigned far from our place. She traveled for almost one hour to reached to her office. She's working as a midwife - angbibigay ng mga vaccinations, kumukuha ng blood pressure, at nagpapaanak sa mga pregnant women. She has a clinic then in our house too. Namulat ako through that government employee must be a public servant. Anytime yan si Mommy kahit pagod sa work kapag may nagdoor bell na pasyente sa bahay, at kahit walang bayad ok lang. I remembered those nights na sa kalagitnaan nang tulog ko may magdodoor bell pagbukas ng daddy ko nagmamakaawang lalake na kung pwede daw sumama ang mommy kasi manganganak ang asawa nya. My both parents are working in a government parehong sa health office kaya siguro its easy for my Dad na maintindihan ang ginagawa ng Mommy, kahit puyat pumapasok pa sya sa office. I learned from her the meaning of "dedication" Siguro kaya until now gusto ko pa rin na maging government employee. 

At the age of 60 she retired from office...

Although we know how she loved to serve people through her profession, we asked her to retire form office. Some people says Mom is still young to retire but we want to enjoy life away from work stress and pressures and enjoy her life more.

  with her colleagues from Sta. Teresita RHU

 According to her family as they mentioned during her 65th Birthday celebration, si Mommy talaga is tahimik na tao, simple pero fashionista, matulungin, etc. Inay Lala (eldest sibling) said na si Mommy ang naging katulong nya sa pagaalaga ng mga anak nya nung namatay yung husband nya. Mommy lived with Inay Lala to help her in taking of her children, she was still studying that time. According to her she also have her part time job for additional support to her schooling but ate Bebeth, my late cousin na alaga ng Mommy ko is laging dumadaan sa store na pinagpapart time ni Mommy ang ending halos wala na syang sinesweldo kasi naicredit na ang mga binili ni ate.  

She's a dear sister to her siblings and to her parents.

 She's a God's child and servant...

I owe her a lot and thank her so much to those times that she will wake me up at 5:00 a.m to get up for family devotions kahit puyat, she told me na after na lang daw ng devotion ulit ako matulog...sympre that time naiinis pa ako. She's molded us according to what God has taught us. Her life is a living testimony for me on God's works and continually working in one's life. 

Let me share you some verses from the bible that describes her best:

"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many woman do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive , and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate" Proverbs 31:26-31

Mommy taught me empathy by modelling God's love with her own gentle, giving spirit. You may not see her on the day of the event of the charity works I've been but behind those successful gift giving I organized is her. She is the who are busy packing all the stuffs, sharing with me the sleepless nights in order to finish everything. Natutunan ko sa kanya kung magbibigay ka isipin mo na ikaw ang bibigyan,para laging the best ang maibibigay mo sa iba.

If it will be about Moms hindi ako mauubusan ng story to share. I have a lots in my memory and in my heart. I am so much thankful God gave Mommy to me - to us. She shines and gives light in our family. Words are not enough to be thankful and to honor her for all the that she have done. 

THANK YOU SO MUCH MOMMY!

God's will in His perfect time, I will be having a family of my own and my prayer is that I could pass all the lessons in life I learned from my mother. 

I'm looking forward to share and spend more time with you Mommy. 

 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

MOMMY!

I Love You so much

God bless you...

An Open Letter for Mr & Mrs. Gutierez

Wedding is one of the most memorable occasion in one's life and I personally get inspired and feel so happy when I'm attending wedding, I love to witnessed persons exchanging their vows and promised to be with each other till the end.

One of my best friend will be getting married few days from now and of course I'm one of  those people who is very happy for her - for them.

Meet Cecile and Joey 

Cecile is a friend of mine. I met her when I was still working in Batangas City Government. She's one of my proof that not all first impression lasts. I don't know how to describe how we started to be friends, all we know it is really not a good start. She's working as the executive secretary of the city administrator then and since I was assigned in the national agency then, I don't know her that much as like other employees did. Every time I go to their office, she's stared at me so bad, as in from head to foot...mala Belia Flores ang peg ng lola mo. We're really meant to be friends after all the "taray look" we ended up having each other. Every time it rains I can't help to think her and how we passed all things that we've been through -  the crayola moments. Until we're awaken from the realization na sayang ang eyeshadow, mascarra, at eyeliner every time na umiiyak kami..hahaha, ang mahal din noon ha kung masasayang lang sa pag-iyak,hehehehe. We love rain and every drops of it reminds us of each other, kung dati-rati nalulungkot kami well now we're rejoicing, ask Cez why..hahaha. We're now both working outside the country, Cez works in Dubai and me in Qatar. If I'm not mistaken only once pa lang kami nagkasabay ng bakasyon sa Pilipinas. She visited me here in Doha way back years and I do the same last 2011. Aside from being my friend she's my gift giving partner as well for the charity works that almost annually naming ginagawa sa Linggap Pangarap (LPPCI). Our friendship may not as ideal as others, who spent so much talking and lot of bonding moments but what matters to us is the quality time we spend together when we talk and see each other. Yung alam mo na hindi man kayo magusap ngayon ok lang pero if you need someone to talk with there someone who will give you her time in a rush.

 the day before Cez left to Dubai. 2005 (I guess)

 2011 when I visited Dubai

The first time I heard the story about Joey from Cez, I feel something different, I know there is something but I don't want to jump into conclusion as I know Cez is just a sweet and thoughtful friend. I teased Cez everytime she makes kwento about him, she will always answered "friends lang kami sis" ...patwitums ka pa jan,hahaha. And then one day we agreed why not we pray Joey for her. I honestly did. I prayed Joey for Cez and it was an answered prayer and if I'm not mistaken, official date for being bf-gf is on my birthday. After a year of being in a relationship I asked Cez if they are planning to get married and she told me that maybe its still early followed by another year and another until she asked me a prayer again, and its another answered prayer. Joey is God's answer to Cez and I know Cez to Joey as well.

the first meeting with Joey - ano daw masasabi ko tanong ni Cez..hmmm ano nga bang sagot ko sa'yo sis? hehehe

Dear Sis and Joey,

How I love and wish to be there on your special day, to witness your promises and vows for each other, to be a part of the start of your till the end...how I wish but as I've said to you sis, I may not be a part of your wedding but I will always walk with both of you on your marriage. I know there will be many adjustments to both you - your lifestyles, your priorities and your goals but holding each other and with the help of the people who loves both of you dearly, you can fulfill it all.

Sis, you know how happy I am the first time I heard straight from you that you're getting married, and how I really love to be on your wedding but time didn't permit me to. So this is it, the answered prayer, the awaited lifetime commitment. I'm so happy talaga for you. I know you are ready na to face the married life, and I know kahit marami kang mga adjustments na haharapin kaya mo yan. God already molded you and experiences taught you lot of lessons that you can use as you enter into the new chapter of your journey. I don't have so much to advise you when it comes to married life (as if kasal na ako..hahaha) just enjoy it and nourish it. Joey is not your boyfriend anymore he is now a piece of you - the father to be of your children. But one thing I want to remind you and I will always remind you, don't ever forget to take care of yourself, stay beautiful pa rin ha , ayaw kong makita kang "losyang" hehehe. I know you'll be a good mother to your future children, if you can provide for others like to the less fortunate children of Linggap (LPPCI) sa sarili mo pa bang anak hindi? if you can love others na hindi mo personally kilala mas lalo pa sa magiging mga anak mo.
Joey, I will not ask you to love my dear friend Cez because I know and we witnessed that you really do love her, just continue and love her more. You are an answered prayer to her life - I know that coz I'm one who prayed for it. I heard a lot of stories about you from Cez kaya alam ko na you will be a responsible father to your future children.
To both of you,here's my personal (although I'm not yet married) advise and wish for you:
1. Relationship as they say is a triangle. Try to imagine - wife, God, husband. God must be the center of any relationship; He must always be in the center, if you'll no God in the center you will not be connected to each other. Pray together, have a couple devotions wherein you'll be praying together will make you closer to God.
2. Communication matters. No relationship is perfect as no individual do, you will live in one house, sleep in one bed for lifetime and as you go along you'll discover each other flaws and weaknesses. But you must be each other strengths and to do that, you must communicate as often as you can. Don't let the sun go down not talking to each other especially if you have misunderstandings.
3. Time is the best gift you can give to each other. As I've read in Purpose Driven Life, time is the most precious gift you can give to a person, its the best expression of love. I know how busy the phase of life in abroad especially here in middle east - and even the lifestyle we have. But having time with each other and to your future children is a must. Celebrate even there's no occasion to celebrate, and make even the ordinary and simple occasion special - kung nung magboyfriend -girlfriend kayo, you make each monthsary special ganon din dapat kahit married na kayo.
4. Give and take. You are now part of each others' life. Pride and ego is not a part of any healthy relationship. Accept if its your fault and make apology if you hurt your husband / wife. Go back to number 2.
5. Be the best friends of each other. You'll be old and might lost all the friends you have but if you have each other as best friends life is happy everyday. Love may fade but the friendship will always remain. Sa best friend di ba nasasabi mo lahat, if you're best friend of each other it would be easier for you to talk what your plans, and even what you don't like to each other.
6. Stay in love. Respect each other - whether you think he or she is being opinionated. Trust each other and always be honest even in the smallest thing; no "white lies".
See para na rin kayong nakaattend ng marriage counseling ....hahaha, but that is only from me, my personal point of view not based on my personal experience (single pa nga...) hehehe.
Congratulations and best wishes!
Again, even I'm not able to make it on your wedding I am one of those people who will be walking in the aisle of your marriage - to usher, to light, to bind and to continuously pray for both of you and future kids.
I love you both...hope to see you soon
God bless 

Happy Birthday Lola

I had a great weekend - spending with time with my Doha family is always something to look forward for. Being with them in a simple gathering or celebration because a huge party - HAPPINESS! 

The plan was to have a picnic party to welcome the summer as well but unfortunately the weather didn't permit us to do so - its a rainy summer ang peg ng weather, ang ending its a PIZZA PASTA PARTY for Lola.

April 26, 2013 

Location:  Papa Johns at Al Muntazah (newly open)

THE PLACE

Papa Johns here in Doha are known to have a colorful wall interior, one of the reason its cozy and usually their lights are not that bright, one thing that I really love. Their walls served us our back drop.

 

the bear is not PJ's property :) - endorser lang ang peg ni Mhaya

 

near the stairways

 So next time, if you want an instant back drop for your party, consider those restaurants or food chains with nice wall interiors.

FOODS

Its a PIZZA PASTA Party so what to expect - there are pizzas and pasta! Having a pizza pasta party doesn't limit yourself to stick on the pizza and pasta alone, you can add salads, chicken, or sweets. There are some restaurants that allow you to bring extra food that is not on their list.

my new favorite pizza flavor- Special Chicken Ranch and all time favorite Cheese sticks

 i love this red velvet cake baked by my cousin Jep, till next party :)

 

   to balance, have some veggies on the plate...

So where's the pasta??? nakalimutan lang pong picturan ng solo..hehehe

THE BIRTHDAY GIRL
Let me introduce you the birthday girl whom we called "LOLA"
Meet Tita Sylvia, she's the second to the last sibling of Mommy, the youngest female sibling. I owe a lot to her, because of her I'm here in Doha, actually "all of us" - Doha Family. Ever since I lived and worked here in Doha, Tita stands as my second mom, my guardian and a friend to all of us, her nieces and nephews. Compare to the "traditional" aunties of here age, here some of the traits that made Tita one in a million:
- she loves chandelier, dangling and big earrings
- she doesn't mind to wear minis and backless dress (pero inside the house lang naman or else CID ang peg nya)
- she carries her red crowning glory in style, no one can as she did
- she is loud and bold when it comes to her outfits, tinalo si vice-ganda sa mga striking top and pants nya.
- she is really kikay and bubbly
- she can still swing and sing, "gangnam" style is the last dance craze she did, how about "gwayomi" kaya

 HAPPY HAPPY BLESSED BIRTHDAY LOLA!

May all your heart's desires be granted and your plans be fulfilled according to the God's will. Continue to be a blessing to others and don't be tired of serving the Lord. Tita you've been an inspiration to me on whatever ministry I have in God's house right now, and I want to say thank you so much for inspiring me and I know a lot of people. The Lord give you more birthdays to come and healthy body so you can still continue to serve Him and enjoy life with your family and loved ones.

But hey what is this???

Lola its a NO for you....

But since its your birthday sige na pwede na ...

THE VISITORS

We're almost complete!

Since we moved separately from Lolo't Lola's house halos di na kami nakukumpleto sa mga occasion parang Christmas na lang yata, kaya naman its like a reunion for us if may mga family gatherings, kahit gaano kasimple pa man, enjoy talaga kami.

We are family - BIG HAPPY BLESSED!

Thank you Lord for giving me my Doha Family.

 Balita's Family - my Tita Sylvia's family

 with the girls....but why Mhaya is included?

may nakikigulo na naman sa picture gusto rin yata maging kapamilya,hahaha

Family is always the BEST!

No matter how simple the celebration as long you celebrate it with them ay wagas na wagas talaga - sa kainan, tawanan, kulitan, kwentuhan, at sa saya!

Till next time kapamilya!

God bless us all