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?

I'm Excited!

Everyday is a new challenge for me - from the time I opened my eyes, dressed up and go to work. I always put on my mind that I need to be better that I was yesterday, I need to accomplish something not for myself alone but even to the simplest thing I can do for others.

Today morning after I had my quiet times, I suddenly reminded that tomorrow will be the start of my birth month. Few days from now, the 3 will become 4 but honestly I'm not afraid to get old. I am always proud to tell people about my age whenever I'm asked, I don't mind the numbers honestly. 

I am a dreamer and planner ever since I was a child. I planned everything and trusted it all to God. I dreamed to be a lawyer - family lawyer to be exact. When a grade 6 teacher of mine asked the class who wants to be a lawyer when we grow up, only 3 of us raised hands. When one of my high school teacher asked me what course will I get in college, I told her that first I will enroll to a pre-law course, AB Political Science then I'll take Bachelor of Law after. At early age, I know what I want. But not all we wanted will be the best for us. 

I graduated college at the age of 19. Though I thought its an advantage for me to get a job easily I was wrong. I remember that I was turn down to certain job vacancy because of my age. I passed the exam and interviews but when they check my age and found out that I'm only 19, they told me that I may not handle the position as I will working with older staffs than me. Instead of wasting time and to get bored, I tried other opportunities while waiting. I became a family tutor for 4 children. I really enjoy being with children, you can learn a lot from them - even in the simple stories they will share to you. There were times that I get depressed too, minsan I asked myself "bakit yung iba nakakakuha kaagad sila ng magandang trabaho, bakit yung mga dati kong classmate or batchmate na bumabagsak-bagsak at nakakilang retake sa subject sila pa yung naha-hire, bakit ako na ang gand-ganda ng grade ko, why its hard for me to get a job" Sometimes I even cry hard and ask the Lord kung ano ba, should I pursue my law proper ba but He knows that I will not pursue it without any job kasi alam Nya na magla-law ako if I have my own money to spend in my schooling. I keep on waiting.

I love and like to be in public office even before I took up my course. I saw my parents how dedicated they were on their own field. They were both government employees in department of health. My mom being a midwife even put a small clinic in her house. There were times na magigising ka na lang sa hatinggabi sa tunog ng doorbell or lakas ng tawag sa gate kasi may manganganak, though hindi sya connected sa barangay nor sa city kung saan kami nakatira she will do the duty, the next day kahit puyat she will still go to office likewise with my father. I remember he told us during the earthquake in Baguio that in public service you need to sacrifice and sometimes let even you loved ones to sacrifice for the welfare of more people. Nung dumating sya from Baguio at kinwento nya how tragic it was and even at night he's shouting on his dream to rescue the other victims. Its clear for me that sometimes I really need to sacrifice and deny even my own time for myself to serve others.

While waiting to get a job, I enrolled instead in Law into Graduate School.  Almost all of my classmates are working - some are department heads of government agencies, some are politicians and some are scholars by their parents, and that's where I belong.

I learned so many things in my MPA but above all things I learned to communicate with people from different walks, I am molded to talk and be confident. Ang dami and I could say talagang may impact sa akin and additional are friends and best friends that I met and still have in me until now.

At the age of 22 I graduated from MPA, since I am a full time student mabilis akong natapos I even enrolled summer class kasi sabi ko sayang naman yung oras kesa mabored ako.

I'm very idealistic that anyone can have a government item position even without "padrinos", though my parents told me that it going to be hard. I tried several times and I failed but I keep on trying, I don't know whats on government agencies or offices na kung tutuusin naman nga mas malaki ang salary ng nasa private. I was hired as a contractual employee and detailed into DILG. I love working with people and reaching them to the best I can, it may sounds "showbiz" but yes there are still government agencies that really perform their duties I mean a genuine public service, well I don't know your opinion about that but I am blessed to work with DILG- Batangas City. Though I am a detailed employee on the department, I didn't feel that way, they assure me that I am a part of them. I learned so many things and I know I contributed in a way too. But since I am a city government employee there's no guarantee or should I say no way to be permanent in the position. My boss then offer to apply in DILG directly but I was not able to pursue cos my papers from my Aunt abroad already came out. My four years in public service ended but my hope that in God's perfect time I will come back never loose.

I'm now walking on my 9th year in my present company in Doha, Qatar. Though every day is a struggle and challenge to walk here as I am away to my family. I am thankful to the Lord for the everyday strength and guidance His giving me; for the wisdom, understanding and knowledge to perform my duties and tasks in my work and even in some activities I am doing. Though I'm used to the lifestyle  here, I'm always looking forward, hoping and praying that soon I will be back home. 

For several attempt I plan to resign to my work but still it didn't prosper. God I know has His plan better than mine. 

Everyday, I'm longing to be with my family, to spend time with them and continue all the unfinished dreams ambitions that I once started. It's still sounds ideal to be back in public service after being away for almost 9 years but I trust the Lord that there's nothing impossible for Him - I have a big GOD may mas malakas pa bang padrino than Him? Though there were times lately na parang I want to drop na lang yung eagerness ko to apply in government office but every time na magaattempt ako, the Lord is giving me new hope that its still possible for me, na yung dream magiging reality, na yung ambition magiging possibilies.

Tomorrow will be my birth month and I'm excited to God's surprise gift for me. More than any material things God knows the desire of my heart and I trusts Him that will give me the best and not the "pwede na ito". I'm excited that next time you will read my blog, may continuation na and nareceive ko na ang birthday gift ko from Him. As I approach on my birthday, kindly  pray for me that the Lord will continue to give me wisdom especially in all the decisions that I'm going to make.

"Many are the plans of a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" - Proverbs 19:21

 

Don't Rush Things

I don't know if its just hormonal but lately I have so many things in my mind. I have so many things in my mind that I want to do, so many plans but I don't even know where, when and even how to start. All I am sure is GOD is in control of me. I'm talking to myself and assure that the Lord is always working, that despite of His silence He is listening to me, that even sometimes I feel He is not answering some of my prayers, He is there watching over me and moving on me.

Like anyone else I am just a human. I have emotions and heartaches. My body get tired and my mind blown away. Like anyone else, my life sometimes is also a roller coaster, full of ups and suddenly it drop down. I feel sadness too, sometimes I feel empty as well.  I become frustrated too when I didn't achieve something I really want. Like any other I am only human.

Sometimes I think of those people who because of depression and even due to frustration was become mentally ill.It sad to know that because someone doesn't love and care, their life seems to be wasted. 

Everyday is a second chance and those emotions are just only by passers. Don't let them win over you but instead be an over comer, show them how you that despite of the not so good thing that happened into your life, you still have million reasons to smile and be happy. Don't cling on your emotions they are not a part of you, remember when you were still a child, everything seems so red, no black nor blues. Happy moments are destined to be always in our mind and in our heart so whenever loneliness are passing by, those happy memories will become your sword.

God gave us free will to do things but don't be too confident and rely to yourself alone that you can do everything. You need GOD in your life. There will be times that you'll get tired. You'll need a comforter, you'll be needing a counselor, a provider, a healer, a Savior and so much more and you can only find that to JESUS.

 Have you ever say "thank you" from the time you open your eyes today? Have you ever say thank you for unexpected things and circumstances in your life, that you consider miracles?

I can't imagine my life without GOD. Maybe I am one of those people inside psychiatric hospital or maybe I have a wasted life or on the other hand enjoying a lonely luxurious life. No one knows.

My life isn't perfect and it isn't an ideal for some. But for me, I am happy and contented but it doesn't mean that I will stop to be better. From time to time I am reminding myself how blessed I am for having the life I have now. 

I don't need to rush for all of my plans to fulfill. I don't need to pressure myself over things that I want to accomplish. Anything worth having is anything worth waiting for.

For how many times God did a miracle in my life, for how many times He opened my eyes and made me realized that His plans are better than mine, that every "no" I received from people are another "yes" for a bigger and better plan He have for me. 

In my mind and in my heart, I will hold on to His words:

" Many are the plans of a man's heart, but its the Lord's purpose that prevails" - Proverbs 19:21

"For I know the plans I have in you", declared the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future" - Jeremiah 29:11

I will on 2014

New plans, new life and new hopes - that's what every new year bring to us. New year is another chance for everyone to do and improve every unfinished business we have for last year. 

2014 is another chance to live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment of it. But the chance will remain chances if we will not move our feet forward. 

Do you want changes or improvement? lets start it within.
I will...

And how about this one, do you think I can make this into reality? ^______^
I will or will I?

Every day is new to us so I guess our "resolutions" are always new every day as well. All we need to do  instead of keeping new year's resolution is to strive to be better in each day.

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.

Isang Gabi sa Likod ng Camera :-)

Last Sunday I was informed that I am included to the teaser for the thanksgiving in our church, so I thought its like a teaser without audio or dialogue but after receiving an email and found out the script....OH M GEEE! 

Okay lang sana if it will be delivered in my native language, tagalog so I can deliver it well and I can portray the role natural but its not. 

Yesterday after a tiring day from work this is it na, no preparation I mean not even any make up, kung ang artista super effort sa paglalagay ng make up and concealer para maganda sila kapag natamaan ng ilaw, ako naman walang kaeffort effort, bare with me I'm really tired yesterday and even lack few hours of sleep.  Kaya pag roll ng camera go na, wala ng retouch retouch, loose powder lang solve na.

I love to be in school play when I was in my younger days especially when I was in high school but I don't like much to take the stage, mas gusto ko lagi ang script writer ako or director na sympre walang camera or kapag carry pa ng powers ko props coordinator din ako or sometimes stylist pa ng mga artista. Of course ibang iba ang stage play sa mga movies na ginagamitan ng camera and different kinds of lights and effects.Mahirap  pala talaga bago ka makaalis sa isang scene ilang take ang aabutin, yung bigla mo nalilimutan in the middle of the conversation ang dialogue mo plus ang kaba and consciousness mo kasi nga alam mo na may camera. Akala namin nung matapos na namin ang buong script ok na yon, ayayay...hindi pa rin pala, may closed up scene pa pala and we need to deliver our dialogue again and sympre with facial expressions...kakaloka nga pala ang maging artista! hahaha.

I know hindi satisfy si direk Janix sa acting namin, pero dahil pare-pareho na kaming pagod at may work the next day, nag-pack up na kami :-)

Thank you Janix and Ron for your patience and for the experience na maging artista sa likod ng camera...hehehe.

 

Two photos from the left was from the actual scene, hmmm...at bakit daw ganon ang expression ko sa bottom picture, "Isn't it always???" hahaha

Sa lahat po ng makakapanood ng teaser (if will be approved) bare with us po as you know hindi naman kami mga artista or baka masabi nyo naman "mag-emcee na nga lang kayo"  ^_____^

There's no harm on trying especially in the field that we're not used to, how can we know our gifts kung hindi natin susubukan :-) 

Marami mang takes and bloopers, nakakapagod man at puyat worth trying as we did it for the Lord :-) And if ever there will be next time, one thing is for sure I'll definitely put on make up  ^____^

Thanks to Magadia Family - Ate Mylene and Kuya Roy for the warm welcome sa inyong home sweet home and to PL for driving for us and sa paghawak ng microphone :-) and most especially to the couple - Janix and Ron.

Kahit nakaka-kaba I know like me nag-enjoy din si sis Glo :-)

What Keeps Me Busy

For almost two weeks na nawala ako sa blogsphere, I will try my very best to be back and share what happened to me and suddenly I was disappeared in blog world, I know that you know what I meant.

I only have one reason for not blogging for almost two weeks - BUSYNESS. Yup I don't have much time lately to update you on what's happening to me, I tried but in the end I just delete what I wrote cos I couldn't finish. Hope I will finish this post.

What keeps me busy?

After the Eid Holidays, my full packed schedule continued. No wonder I have a lot of pending stories to tell you and so many photos to share, my apology to you guys.  So back to what keeps me busy...

I just transferred new flat last Friday. It took me two Fridays to shift my stuffs not included those I sent for cargo and old bed and dresser I have. Knowing how its difficult to boxed all the stuffs then take it out again and put to their proper places - cabinets or either racks. I had a good sleep on my first night in my new bed, after seven years I and my princess bed separated our ways, and this time for good. And what to expect the next day, I can't move my hands and my back is really aching, so ang ending SL ang beauty ko, but its not totally rest I need to arrange my stuffs.

These are only some of my personal stuffs that I arranged, I still have few box to open - my bags need to be hanged in bags' stand and books needs to be placed in the shelves. Oh my good luck to me kung kelan ako sipagin :-)

Another thing that keeps me busy in our new small business but its a corporation...hahaha meron bang corporation na maliit? hehehe.  Just two weeks ago we started an online page I'll definitely post separately for that, we started a small food business, mini catering as well.  Here's a info-photo of the bits of biz that I'm saying.

In just few days someone dear to me will be here in Doha! Yup and I've been busy arranging all the documents and necessary papers, sending emails for him and yes until he is not here with me I know I'll be busy and a bit nervous, praying that the Lord will touch the heart of all the people he will encounter in going here especially those who are in the Philippines immigration.
Those things look so simple that you might think that's not a valid reasons to escape from blogging but it is because aside from being busy to those things and stuffs I still have work and other activities that I need to attend. I do miss being on this world where I can express what I feel and tell what I want, feeling ko talaga ang talaga ang dami kong namiss na mga news, craze and happenings in blogsphere, but don't worry guys I just need few time and a bit of push to be in circulation again. I hope you'll continue to visit me here and join me in my journey through my stories.

"Umpukan" Session

We usually hear the word "umpukan" in the Philippines, its a Filipino tradition wherein as long as 3 persons or more are gathered exchanging stories, opinions and views. Pero minsan sa ang simpleng umpukan ang nagigigng daan para magchismisan hehehe

Nakakatuwa to experience again an "umpukan" yung "umpukan" pero it will not lead you to "chismisan", something na matatapos ang usapan ng nakangiti ka at hindi high blood na kunot ang noo mo kasi napikon ka sa mga kaumpukan mo.

One of the activity in the seminar is to have an "umpukan" after every topic. On the first and second night may mga questions na hindi kami masyadong makapagshare kasi we're not yet parents like what did you do or your reaction nung malaman mo na pregnant ko or sa lalake kung magiging tatay ka na. So while we are on our "umpukan" we gave chances to those who experienced already because they are parents already. The second set of "umpukan" question naman is if you will dedicate your child what concept you want to have. I answered na if God will give me a chance to be a mother, during my child's dedication gusto ko I and his dad will give message as in yung nakavideo so when he/she grow up sya mismo yung makakapanood and makakarinig na ever since he/she is already loved by us. When it comes choosing to ninong and ninang naman, other shared na don't look at the status of the godmother or godfather, instead look for someone who is really close to the family, someone na makikita ng bata from the time na maliit pa sya at makakalakihan nya.

On the second night one of the question was anong way ang gagawin mo just to let your child know that he/she is on the early adulthood stage already. I was really surprise na kelangan pa pala yon, and happy to heard what Rev. Nat shared with us on how in some churches in the Philippines welcome the child in the early adulthood and say goodbye to the childhood. During the seminar, I honestly thinking and praying that Lord if You will allow me to be a steward of a child, give me the desire to apply all what I've heard and learned. One of our brethren who is a father already shared what did he do when they welcome their daughter into early adulthood, he give his daughter a ring and both of them make a  covenant that the daughter will let his father know if there will be a man in her life.

Third night is our night as its the night for the mid-lifers :-)

Question:  Do you have any unfilled dreams, blessings beyond your dreams, and new dreams that you want to fulfill?

If you are in your mid-life, just try to answer that question while you're reading this post.

Since all of us in the umpukan is on our mid-life, all of us shared. Most of us has its own unfulfilled dreams but "unfulfilled" doesn't mean you have regrets inside, sometimes its a dream baka naman ilusyon na lang yon.
Almost all of us didn't plan to work abroad, its blessings beyond our dreams, lagi kong sinasabi dati na mag-aabroad lang ako to travel and not to work but God has His own plan talaga, more than anyone else Sya ang ang may perfect plan. New dreams na gusto kong ibigay ni Lord sa akin...a family of my own siguro I mean I have my family but sympre iba pa rin yung sarili mong family na makakasama mo pagtanda mo.

single, the father and the couple :-)

the wife and the singles :-)

bros ang sabi mag-umpukan kelangan talaga may selfie pic :-)

The last question on the "umpukan" for the late adulthood stage naman. Here's the question: Have you ever find joy in your life? have you been the reasons of joy for others?

Try to answer it by yourself as well, at your age hindi ka man nasa late adulthood kung itatanong sa'yo yang question na yan, may maii-share ka ba?

For the three nights of "umpukan" natutunan ko na as we grow old, magkakaroon tayo ng maraming experiences - there will be pain and heartaches hindi naman puro joy and happiness, all we need to do is harapin lang natin yon, di natin matatakasan yon, kung maoovercome natin yon hindi natin namamalayan habang tumatawid tayo sa isang stage ng buhay dumarami yung experiences natin, dumarami yung mga naiishare mo at nakwekwento, kasi puno tayo ng memories from our past. Ang saya siguro tumanda ng ganon. Habang pwede pa tayong magipon ng magipon ng mga memories, gawin natin para dumating man tayo ng late adulthood we have so many stories to share to the young generation. And remember kelangan tumanda tayong masaya.

By the way meet our guest speaker - pastor-preacher on the "Yugto at Pagtawid" seminar - Rev. Nathaniel "Nat" Ramos, he is the director of 700 Club Global, Philippines.

Like me, I know all of the participants of the seminar and all of us who had our "umpukan" were blessed and Rev.Nat is a blessing to us talaga, sharing all those stories and personal experiences on how to deal in each stage of life.

I'll try to share you guys what I remember and grasp from the seminar, kahit konti lang mashare ko din sa inyo yung blessings na nakuha ko for the teachings.

Now whenever I will hear the word "umpukan" hindi chismisan or mga walang kabuluhang kwentuhan ang maaalala ko instead the seminar of "Yugto at Pagtawid", a worthy sharing of experiences and stories about life.

Hindi lang natapos sa worship hall ang "umpukan", sa late dinner namin may "umpukan" pa rin :-)

my QICM brethren at Jollibee, Mansoura Doha

IKEA: A Home within Home

I love furniture as I love bags and shoes ^_^ but I just noticed as I get aged I loving home decors over some petty girly thingy . If there will be a bazaar or sale between a clothing apparels boutique and home depot or stores I will choose the home depot. Well, I guess one of my aunt is correct, hmmm maybe its a sign of "old aged" and I corrected her as I say "its a sign of "growing up" :-)

Remember when I featured here the SALE on Home Centre? well if not yet, just read it HERE. Two weeks I ago without any plan to join my girl friends from the church napadpad ako sa IKEA instead na sa City Center lang.

IKEA is a Swedish company that designs and sells ready - to -assemble furniture like beds, cabinets, desks, etc. It was founded since 1943. They are known for its modern architectural designs associated with eco friendly simplicity. Simple, elegant, and really useable as I personally described their stuffs.

I read so many blogs about IKEA, and the last time I visited Dubai di ko talaga sya pinalampas puntahan although I was not able na nakapamili kasi ubos oras talaga then ang daming tao as in, so its good thing we have IKEA na rin dito sa Doha. It was opened last March and from that month September ko na sya napuntahan..hehehe, mejo malayo rin naman kasi sa kabihasnan..hehehe. And if you don't have car theb good luck to you how much taxi fare you'll be pay and good luck for the second time if there are taxi who will pick up to you after you shop.

So let's go inside, busugin natin ang mga mata at even our tummies ^_^.

Meet my IKEA Buddies

They are brethren from QICM and the only handsome with us is one of our Pastor, which we call "tatay". Without him hindi kami makakarating sa IKEA at wala kayong mababasang post ko ngayon, hehehe kasi sya nag nagdrive for us. Thank you po Pastor Frank! 

 

I love how they arranged every stuffs they have. I was able to get some ideas and tips from them too. Kaya if you're planning to redesign or redecorate your house, visit them. You'll learned a lot of ideas from a limited space to a spacious area to fill up.

Shelves and Frames

I love ready to install shelves, every time Home Center is on sale I grabbed at least one set of the ready to install shelves, aside from its stylish look it seems na matibay talaga yung pagka-wood nya. Here's the IKEA's version, mas mahaba sya but ang ayaw ko lang is yung metal na nakasupport sa kanya. I'd rather choose yung nakascrew lang para malinis tingnan but for rooms and family rooms or if you have mini library or office space sa bahay nyo, putting these shelves will be a great help to store books, VCD tapes or keepsake collections.

 

IKEA has so many picture frames design but mostly are plastic made, although you'll not notice it when you only see it but when you touch doon mo malalaman na plastic pala. Plastic frames are good especially if you have kids at home, iwas multiply hehehe. I'm eyeing to buy this film frame, not bad for 25QR or around 250.00 PHP pero iniisip ko kung paano sya magkakasya sa cargo box ko para maipadala ko sa Pinas.

Chairs, Ottoman, Bean Bags

I hold my breath when I saw these chairs honestly super I love to have at least one of this on my room in Philippines. I even checked some online furniture stores but  oh-m-gee naman sa prices. IKEA's is cheaper kaya super na-amazed naman ako...how I wish I can shoot it to the box, pero pwedeng gawan ng paraan...isip isip Jen pwede pa naman syang balikan :-)

 

 Color Coordinated

I love coordinating colors not only for my dress, shoes and bag but even on house decor and most especially my room. Aside from a coordinated theme of your house, isn't it nice and pleasing to eyes if its color coordinated?

Color it Pink for your young ladies.

Meet Madz, nag babaeng walang kahilighilig sa pink, hindi nya favorite kaya pink bag, pink phone case, etc.

 Hindi ko naman favorite ang green, super favorite ko :-)
Dining and Kitchens

You can find ideas on how to arrange your dining or coffee table out of small spaces.

Let's check their kitchens...

Si Mommy at Daddy ko kaagad ang una kong naisip when I saw their kitchen showroom. My parents love to decorate and arrange home furniture too. Di bale I'll just get catalogue na lang for you para you.

 Combination of wood, steel, and glass

 Ewan ko na lang kapag di ka pa naging organized sa kitchen mo sa daming drawers and cabinets. Nice right, everything pwedeng itago para pleasing sa mata, ang linis!

 I love the idea of this cabinet, instead to pull you just need to take it up :-) But this kind of cabinet is usually ideal only para don sa di masyadong marami ang mga kitchen wares.

This glass-wooden cabinet is 25 years warranty. So paano kung sa Pinas ko iuuwi? paano ang warranty? hehehe.

I'm thinking to change our kitchen into white, ours is currently dark mahogany.

 O guys be sure na kung ganyan ang ref nyo is may laman or else sayang lang ang ibabayad mo sa kuryente :-) One thing I noticed on all the kitchen room display, laging may laptop na kasama, well isa lang ang ibig sabihin nyan wifi na talaga ang uso at habang nagluluto or nagbabake ka sa kusina may time ka pa rin magbrowse or magblog...hmmm baka yan na ang unang tanong ni Inday kapag nagapply "mam - sir may wifi po ba kayo?" hehehe.

And dahil sosyal na si Inday, hindi lang kitchen ang dapat maganda, dapat may laundry and ironing room din.

Living Room, Family room and Receiving Area

This is one of the busiest part of the house, we usually called it "sala". Some houses already have their entertainment case on their sala, some do have music room or family room. Aside from living room and family room some still have their receiving area, this is usually located as extension of their terrace or located before the main door going to the living room.

Family room serves as a mini library as well of the house where you can store your books and magazines. Its the place where kids gather to do their homework as well. I love the cabinets ...another idea for our family room ^_^

 

 Receiving area has a casual look compare to the main living room. You can just put any types of furniture and accessorize it with fresh plants.

 

Living room where most of the people - family or visitors gathered. I personally suggest to look for a furniture that is classic. It will be easy for you as well to match the curtains or accessories or decors that you want to put if your furniture has a neutral color like brown, white or beige, black, anyways it is easy nowadays to just buy ready to use seat covers for your living room set.

Porch and Terrace

 Wood, rattan, and metal made of furniture fitted best on your porch or terrace. You can also put plants as ornament.

Offices and Study Areas

 

Bedrooms

Color coordinated rooms are really pleasing.

Brass bed and victorian look is always in style

 Sofa bed for teens. One of tip I got from IKEA, if you want to match your frame with your bed sheets or even in some home decors, look for near designs or color of cloth, cut it and put it into frame then hang - as easy and DIY talaga :-)

I love putting couch on my room. A piece is enough especially if your space is not that big.

Aside from their show rooms, IKEA offers some home staples for affordable price. Here are some of my personal choice, konti lang kasi naglowbat na lahat ng cam...kaya eto na lang ^_^

 Mirror, storage boxes, hangers, lamps....

 wall decors and net for your young girls' room

Mirror mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all :-) I love the white dresser, but when  I checked it, its only plastic, just wondering maybe it will be yellowish after a year, ganda pa naman sana kasi you can buy the mirror separate.

 They have so many canvass and frames too but a bit expensive. The one in the photo is more than 10k (QR).

This is one of my best pick! Perfect for my shoes, but how many pieces should I buy...hahaha, if I'm not mistaken its more or less 30QR, ok lang sana kung 5 pairs of shoes ang meron ako.

Next visit talaga I'll make it sure to charge my camera and phone so I can share more to you guys. Actually second floor pa lang yan, where their show rooms are located. On the 1st floor naman yung mga kitchen wares, frames, lamps, pillows, blankets, vases and so many home decors plus their sale items. 

One more thing that I love with IKEA, after na mapagod ang paa mo sa kakalibot at kakashopping at if ever na magutom ka, they have restaurant inside na super affordable talaga ang price as in sulit na sulit. No picture nga kasi lowbat na, but I enjoyed their salmon and mashed potato for only 30QR, other ladies got their roasted chicken with rice and veggies for less than 30QR and if you will take a cake and coffee..coffee is unlimited! They are self service and according to the note I've read to continue such cheap price you need to clean the table and put the plates that you used on their used section, then you might say the connection? e kasi less manpower nga naman kapag ganon so instead na sa manpower mapunta ibaba na lang nila ang price ng food. 

While waiting for our turn to get food at IKEA food court - selfie selfie muna ^_^

It took us 3 hours or more yata inside IKEA, and dahil sabi ni Pastor yung kasya lang daw sa sasakyan kaya eto lang...taraaannnn!!!

The HAPPY Shoppers

 

Don't miss their vanilla ice cream cone after you pay to the cashier. In front of cashiers you will see their mini-food stalls and the ice cream cone cost only for 1.00 QR and its taste good as in mapapacompare ka kasi mas masarap sya sa ibang ice cream cone ^_^
So guys if you have time don't miss to visit IKEA!

IKEA DOHA (Doha Festival City)

Address: Plot 450, Zone No. 70, 253 Al Shamal Rd, Umm Salal Muhammed 

Phone:4406 2555

Like us for sure you ladies out there sabihin nyo naman mas gusto nyo nang magshopping ng mga house decors kesa magshopping ng clothes, parang kami lang  :-)