Just Like That

Just like that and it's already April! 

I'm 42 just like that

But the in between of the "just like that" taught me so many lessons.

Yes, I have time today to be with you -- time that I want to enjoy just listening to my silent world.

Just like that and I realized...

Just like that, I was too busy for so many errands -- that mostly not for me but for others.

Just like that, I was occupied by many things that I love but causes me to get tired.

Just like that, I suddenly want to slow down 

Just like that, I felt that I want to distant myself to the crowd and enjoy the presence of myself alone

Just like that, I missed the company of myself, laughing in front of  tv and crying over life story of someone and I'm happy I did it again.

Just like that, I want to travel alone to some place that no one knows me. A place that I can experience to live like romans even few days.

Just like that, I want to be connected with old souls in my life -- those people who I know a simple "hi" and "hello" and everything will be the same again.

Just like that, I enjoyed the hibernation in weekend -- to rest, eat, watch, laugh and repeat.

Just like that, I decided to cut my hair by myself -- a fringe bangs and I didn't regret it.

Just like that and I'm still looking forward to rain today, yeah literally rain.

Just like that and I'm thankful for everything  whether its a past, present, or plans and even the in between of my "just like that"

Just like that - random thoughts and emotions

Hello 2023, Welcome back to me!

So happy to be back here again! After 2 years or more at last I'm back. Thank you to Sofia for helping me  in fixing my account here. I thought I will never use this blogsite again, I'm almost giving up that I will never fix this site again and will become a storage of memories na lang but thanks God talaga. Well if it's your first time to be here, I'm honestly telling you - I am not a writer and I consider informal writing like this as a therapy wherein I can freely say what is in my mind and heart, so its up to you if you will back read some of the articles I wrote or if you will still continue to read. Yeah, that is a disclaimer.

HELLO 2023

My heart is overflowing with thanksgiving to the Lord for the past year. Ang daming itinuro ng Lord sa akin, ang dami Nyang ginawa sa buhay ko, ang dami Nyang ipinaranas. And to summed it all, He is good all the time - His goodness, His faithfulness and His love never ceases.

If only I have this site fixed last year ang dami ko sigurong entry baka magsawa na kayo sa kababasa or makulitan na kayo sa kwento ko 😁😂. And since its new year - let's start with a new slate. I know and claimed that this year will be another great and blessed year. Year lang ang nagbabago pero ang Lord who is the Giver of everything never change. His faithfulness and goodness remains kahit nga hindi natin deserve, ganyan kabuti ang Panginoon. 

Few days before 2023, ako lang ba yung maraming realizations and plans? I guess almost all of us may kanya-kanyang plans and goals for 2023. Its good to have plans and goals so we know the direction that we should take. But I hope the plans and goals that you jotted down didn't cause you to be anxious or brought you stress and fear. Instead of worrying, pray that the Lord will guide you this 2023, if will ng Lord yung mga plans and goals natin then sure yun whatever it takes it will be fulfilled. Sometimes we are impatient - ang gusto kasi natin timeline natin ang masusunod and even me guilty din ako minsan sa pagiging impatient. Sometimes dahil ang akala natin naipagpray na natin at may mga ginawa tayo na steps to fulfill it ay ok na yun. Minsan because we are in ahurry and we are impatient hindi natin naririnig kung ano nga ba ang sinasabi ng Lord at ano nga ba ang gusto Nya sa mga plans or goals natin. Sometimes kasi concrete na yung plans natin tapos dadalhin at paaapprove na lang natin kay Lord, nakalimutan natin na before ng any plans natin dapat nagtanong muna tayo sa Kanya, nagconsult muna tayo. The Lord is gracious that even sometimes nga may katigasan tayo ng ulo bakit pumapabor pa din sa atin - hindi dahil magaling ka it's because sa grace ng Panginoon.

As we start this year, may learn to surrender our plans and goals to the Lord. May our heart be submissive to Him - mangyari man or hindi ng lahat ng plans at goals natin, always remember na mabuti lagi ang plans Nya for us. Sometimes we are blinded to see na mas maganda ang plans ng Lord for us kasi we are over focused sa kung anong gusto nating makita which is yun ay ang plans natin. Always remember walang gusto ang Panginoon kundi ang mga bagay na the best for us. May mga times na akala natin pinapahirapan tayo ni Lord pero ang nakakalimutan nating panghawakan ay ang kabutihan at kataparan Nya. May times na ba sa buhay mo na pinabayaan ka Nya or pinahamak ka Nya? wala di ba, at end of the rope yung akala mo walang wala na andon pa rin pala Sya. So this 2023 mas magtiwala tayo kay Lord - faithing pa rin this 2023, lumalaban ng mga pananampalataya. Don't be discouraged if ever na di mangyari ang mga plans mo according to your timeline kasi for sure mas maganda ang lahat kung mangyayari sa timeline ni Lord.

God bless us all ^_^

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❤️

The Mighty Warriors of God

One circle of strength, founded on faith, joined in love, and keep by God together.

Meet my QICM Small Group Family - The Mighty Warriors of God. 

I am indeed blessed to have all of them. I consider them as my family within the QICM family. They are my comforter when I need shoulders to cry on; they are the one who rejoices with me when victory is at my hand and someone who never get tired of praying with me. 

I am away from my family - my Dad, Mom and siblings but being with this group I found a family away from home, I found love and belongingness.

Happy 2nd Anniversary SGBM - The Mighty Warriors of God! 

More souls this year! More and more of Jesus this 2016. 

God Bless us all

To GOD be the Glory!

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

 

Thank You 2014, Hello 2015

At last after almost 9 years working in the Middle East in one company, we were granted a holiday starting December 31, usually the office is only closed on January 1. This year since January 2 is Friday (weekend in the Middle East), I took 3 days off from work. And since I'm the only one who don't have work on December 31 I need to be in charged in cleaning our house and doing some household chores. Thanks to Trish, my cousin's cousin who spent her New Year with us and helped me in preparing some dishes for our New Year's Eve.

To feel that it only few hours and we will bid good bye to 2014, we decided to put this banner morning pa lang of December 31. It's just a DIY, cut and stapled it to ribbon and voila! 

When 6:00 p.m. stepped up, everyone of us became busy. Cooking and preparing for each others' menu. Its been a tradition to our family even way back home in the Philippines to have plenty of food in our table during New Year's Eve not because of any superstitious beliefs but its one way of declaring the goodness of the Lord for the whole year, how He bless us bountifully and how He can bless us more for the New Year.

 Just waiting 12:00 a.m.

Its been my personal devotion before welcoming the new year to have a quiet time with the Lord as He gives me provisions through His word.

And He gave me these verses.

After my quiet time, I headed to the living room where my cousins and a family of my friend which is also my siblings in Christ is waiting.

New Year's Eve

At exactly 12:00 midnight, we had our family prayer. We thanked God for all that He done for us. 2014 has been a very great and blessed years for us though we had tough times as well still He never leave us. The Lord continue to embrace us and assure us that all will be fine.

Far apart from the celebration in the Philippines, welcoming New Year here in Doha is very silent - no "torotot" or fire crackers so just to feel have a "lusis-like" we lighted the fountain candle that we bought for our cake. 

Welcome 2015!

Happy New Year! - from B2F12

Though we are all away from our immediate families, we are blessed to have each other. I'm blessed though I don't have my parents here and my sister in law and nephews, I have my brother with me and my cousins.

New Year selfie with my brother, and another one...

Though most of us are living in one flat, the B2F12 hindi pa rin matapostapos ang kwentuhan, kantahan and kodakan.

The last part of our New Year's Eve party is giving gifts.

Usually I opened all the gifts I received on New Year's Eve but due to excitement I opened one of the gift on Christmas Eve, though it was not posted in any of my social media accounts it really means a lot for me not only the gift itself and even the effort of wrapping but the friendship and love from the person who gave it. Like these gifts from the people who are really close to my heart.

 Hello 2015

And since all of them in the house has work on the first day of the year, only me and Trish were left at home and of course it includes cleaning again all the things we used for the NYE.

I want to start my year right and I started on a date with my Maker.

I attended church service. Its my first time at Anglican Church complex - we have two church services in a week, Thursday night (English service) at Anglican Church complex and every Friday morning (Tagalog service) at our church villa. I regularly attends in Tagalog service but since there will no service on January 2 I really tried my best though I have colds, cough and flu to attend on Anglican.

 I was happy to be seated with my BS Mansoura family (my previous small group) and with my siblings from SG Bin Mahmoud (my present small group). I never expected that I will see them together in church as well.

I am so happy and blessed to end and start the year in God's presence.
As we welcome 2015, we set new goals and plans on how we will spend our 365 days but before anything else  have we ever lift those goals and plans to our Maker?  Proverbs 19:21
Let the Lord lead us in every plans and in every goals that we're going to fulfill this 2015. May the Lord continue to bless us abundantly and may our heart's desire to be a channel of blessing as well to others.

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!

Holidays + People

Its not the presents under the Christmas tree but the people around us that matters.
Just want to share some photos captured in different Christmas - Thanksgiving I've attended, other details and photos to be posted in different posts :)

SG Family
December 11, 2014 our red-green Christmas - Thanksgiving Party

 Super Friends + Friendly Friends
December 12, 2014 The Super Friends joined by Friendly friends - the more the merrier!

 

The Doha Family, The Hausemates 

December 19, 2014 Black / Yellow or Gold Themed Party with the Doha Family.

How about you guys, who are with you during holidays?