Meeting Xen

I love meeting people especially those who are really strangers to me. But I'm not that tough not to feel nervous but in a way it excites me. Don't get me wrong when I am say "strangers" - they are the one who either I met through a common friend, colleagues, pal or whoever I've known personally or its either I have encountered in social sites but with same passion as mine. Honestly, it took me some years to learn how to trust with people whom I don't know personally - I mean "physically". Thanks to those people who really proved that friendship is possible even you don't meet yet in person and it goes deeper when of course you meet in flesh.

TRUST = NEW FRIENDS
I'm glad I met them all and up to now I am keeping and treasure them. I considered them as God's gift to me. I'm happy that as days, moths, and years passes by, the friendship I have with them gets deeper.

I am thankful for meeting people from different walks of life. Meeting people in unexpected way and with same passion as mine is great for me.

MEETING XENIA 
After the MAY Birthday Project 2012, I received an invitation from FB, at first I was hesitant to add her but when I saw that we have a common friend and aside her name is familiar already as I see her on Kcat's FB post, I added her. Few days after that, she send me message asking if I can keep in touch in one woman named Xenia. Since its for a good cause, I did until me and Xenia were connected through FB. Although there's something running in my mind "mataray ba sya, sosyal siguro..." when I first chatted with her magaan na ang loob ko sa kanya and I feel we've known each other for quite sometimes. The same feeling when I didn't meet yet Jessie, Kcat, Joanne, and Abhie - yung parang anything kaya nyong pagusapan although you don't know much personal things about each other. She even gave me some advices that I know will help me. After a week of chatting, we finally agreed to meet up and the location on their own house.
All the doubts in my mind were gone when I finally meet her on June 20, 2012 - its Wednesday and its my day!

For my whole 6 years here in Qatar, she's the only stranger na naglakas ng loob ako na i-meet and sa bahay ko pa nya talaga sya pinuntahan. Its for a good cause so maybe that's the reason malakas ang loob ko and aside I feel comfortable chatting with her so I assumed its the same in person. Well, its more than I expected :) she's very down to earth person, humble, and kind. In one word she is sensible. She made us feel that we are really welcome in their house, parang at home na at home naman talaga kami. I remember I had the same feeling when I met Joanne on their house, first meet up din namin and I feel so comfortable with her and with her family.
I know meeting Xen is just a start of another friendship. There will be another meal together not only dinner *_^  sarap nyang magluto!
While I'm writing this post bigla ko lang naisip that friendship is also like a painting. It started in a canvass put some color for its base until you add some color and other details on it until you created a work of art. Every friendship started in one simple hi or hello until followed by conversation or meeting up until it goes on and on and on and bloom into a deeper one.
 Thanks Xen! Looking forward for more kwentuhan and bonding moments. Thanks also for the artworks and for your compassion to help and reach out people who needs our love and concern.

Honesty & Trust

I had a very busy weekend last Friday, June 15, 2012. I had only 3 hours and 30 minutes sleep till Friday. And its all worth it. I ended my Friday talking with my friend for almost 8 hours on video call - well thanks Facebook, its actually my first time to try it. Thanks FB for making million miles seems few steps behind and for making 7 hours time difference like we're just in same time zone :))

That 8 hours of talking and chatting with him, moved me in a way especially those issues regarding life and relationships. I was really moved when he asked me about my past relationship, well that's the reason behind of this blog, I'm kinda affected? in a way as I examined and analyzed myself how all it was and how am I today. 

These are some of the issues that really made me think *_^

"Patingin ng pic ni ex boyfriend?"

Well I do have a hard copy but I am thinking where I put that. I don't have any soft copy anymore. It's been 6 years already and if there's one thing I have with my ex its the friendship that I will always treasure - nothing more! And aside the last time I talked to him is 2008 pa just to greet me on my birthday and to give me a piece of advice not to marry someone I don't really know. Another thing that will always be remind me of him is the most beautiful stolen picture that I have and I really do treasure.

I'm really thankful I had this picture :) This was taken May 2005 in one food chain in SM Batangas City, captured only by cellphone but since the person who captured this one is professional photographer, it turned out as good as this. Only after two years since the picture was taken,when I learned that I have this kind of pic. Buti na lang binigay nya pa rin at di pa nadelete *_^ Thanks Jerome!

"Bakit hindi ka ulit magtiwala, it doesn't mean naman na what happened before will happen again?"

That really stuck me. People usually misunderstood me na dahil I'm not in the relationship I am not yet move on or I'm still afraid to trust again, well its not that way.

Honestly, I'm enjoying my singlehood but it doesn't mean that my door is "closed" for anyone. Maybe I'm just taking some considerations but it doesn't mean that I don't want to be in a relationship already. 

Trust but verify. People usually misunderstood when we are trying to ask questions and sometimes interrogation to know something, they are telling "you don't trust me" - verification and not trusting is different.

Lets put in this way, when someone you know for quiet sometimes ask you to marry him, will you immediately say "yes" and plan ahead. Of course, you will try to reach possible people that can give you deeper and more information kung sino yung papakasalan mo - and the best is the family.  I admit when it comes to relationship practices (from courting to marrying siguro) I am still in old fashioned side.

Honesty and trust are must. They are two different thing but they should always go together. 

I love this picture I found last night ..

WARNING:

 For those who can't practice and live with HONESTY and TRUST please do not be in a relationship, you will just ruin one life.

Am I move on?

Yes I am. I am very thankful to the Lord that He healed all the wounds of the past and renew my heart.  Now, I am ready to take chances again, I know all things will not be in an ideal order but I already proved to myself that in growing up, heartaches and pains are part of it.

You don't need to be in a hurry in taking into a relationship - you need to be sure. When you commit to someone you must have a perspective that it will be a lifetime commitment, so if you are not sure about yourself better to be out as soonest, as you're both wasting the time for each other.
I am  "still few years" more from my "timeline" and for some its "only few years"  but whatever tomorrow may offer what I want is to be the best of what I can - whether single, in a relationship, married 'wag lang complicated =)

Thanks for a good chat!

6 Years and Still Counting

Happy SIX years!

Thank you Lord for another year of blessings staying here in Doha,  Qatar.
Thank you for all the people who walked and still walking with me on my journey.
Thank you Tita Sylvia for sharing your blessings to us,  for letting us be in this country as well - for your love, care and guidance and for keeping me like your own daughter.
Thank you Balita family, na kahit nagdaan yung times na siksikan na tayo sa bahay sa dami natin, oo masaya pero lets admit mahirap...you never let us feel uneasy. During those times that I'm still looking for work and encountered some problems in my visa, you let me feel how much you really care for me. You never give up to encourage me and be positive as always. An endless gratitude to all of you.
Thank you Doha family, for the love and care and because of you homesickness is lessen =D Thank you my Pinas family, cousins and titas and titos for even in simplest way of sending something here, you let me feel that we're always love and remembered.
Thank you Tito Manding and Tita Neneth, for being one the person I look up to. For your advices and encouragements.
Thank you Kuya Matt and Ate Liezel for being good to me and for sharing not only your house but your home. Thank you Aleeza for making Tita Jen laugh especially when I am tired and I need someone to cheer me up. You are my "ms.tickle". Thank you Darwin, not only for being a housemate but for being a friend.
For six years, I truly earned so many friends here in Qatar. They are one of the few gems I have in my life. I want to mention all of your names but I'd rather not baka kasi may makalimutan..hehehe. You know who you are. Thank you for being good to me  - for  the friendship, love, and care that you imparted to me. I always say "may mga nawala, may mga tumalikod, may mga andito lang naman pero parang wala pero mas maraming nadagdag" I'm thankful to the people I have in my life at this moment, you are really worthy to have and treasured.
Thank you to my BS Manoura Group for continuously molding me, for your love and care, for the fellowships - super thank you that my Thursday is really worth it kahit puyat =)
Thank you to my QICM (Qatar International Christian Ministries) Family for the spiritual growth you are continuously imparting to me, for molding me not only to be a good person but to be a tough Christian. "One day in the house of God is better than a thousand days in the world" talaga....so thankful and blessed I found you.
Thank you sa mga friends ko sa Philippines and other part of the world =). Even though we're miles away from each other ramdam na ramdam ko pa rin how warm your friendship, love, care and concern to me. Even though we have several hours difference from each other, it doesn't matter to you, isang text, isang tawag, isang email ko lang you responded immediately. Maraming maraming thank you sa inyong lahat.
Thank you to my family for being my inspiration especially in times that I want to give up. Thank you Lord for giving me a bonded family - a loving one. Thank you Mommy, Daddy, Bj & Len and even to JB and JJ. Thank you for even I am away you let me feel that we're only few steps away. You're my inspiration and reason why I am away. I  know in times we will be together again.
Thank you Doha for adopting me for 6 years and I know you will continuously shower and share me your blessings. Thank you for you've been good to me!
Thank you Lord, siksik, liglig at umaapaw na 6 na taon. Thank you very much for all the blessings. All the highest thanksgiving and praises is to you alone.
And as I walk to another year, continue to bless me O God and plant in my heart the desires that according to Your will alone.

*Before I finish this post, I had a chance to go out for lunch in the office - treat for myself =D

Thank you SUPERFRIENDS Louie, Kuya Ham, Nelson, Jane, Irene, Paulo, and Marvin.

I heart Wednesday 30.05.12

It's Wednesday!

It's a good day!

As I've always said there's always a good thing in every day. The day didn't welcome you in the way you wanted but believe me it still a good day in the end; there's always something to treasure, if you will open your heart to appreciates.

I almost welcome "my Wednesday" in the street, not literally in the street :) I mean inside the car. I left the office late and reach the house almost midnight.

And to be detailed I started my Wednesday ironing the clothes to wear the next day after few hours coz its already midnight. Checked my mail and received message from my cousin in Hawaii - Ate mae, and as this moment I was not able to get back on her message but I will....

I ended my Tuesday but its already Wednesday (confusing) in prayer. Let me share you a part of it...

"Lord thank you for blessing me today...ramdam na ramdam ko po how you really love me, salamat sa mga taong nasa paligid ko, for making everything go smoothly despite of my busy schedules. Thank you for keeping me safe as well as my family in the Philippines as well as my loved ones and friends. Super dami ko pong ipinagpapasalamat sa Inyo. It's Wednesday na po and I claimed it my surprise ka po ulit sa akin....continue to bless me and give strength, comforts me and give me JOY...."

I had my breakfast in the table alone. I 'm used to it as I needed to get it early. A cup of black coffee and two slices of loaf bread usually filled up my stomach every morning but today I had this one...

Thanks Ate Maribel :)

Having "siestas" (chicka with my mom as in anything under the sun lang) with my mom. Kung ano -ano lang, light usapan and kwentuhan. Sabi nga ng daddy ko one time "para lang kayong magkapitbahay kung magusap" Thanks to the new technology from cellphone to internet, all things are near, as I've always said "ang malayo malapit na rin". She told me that she and Daddy will go to SM. I miss going to the mall with them. Even I am a grown up, I'd still choose to be with them than to any other especially in shopping :)

I really really miss my family way back home but I need to fight and heal myself to homesickness. Thank you Lord for always comforting me.

I feel that the sun is smiling at me! The sunny day and the bright sky seems to tell how bless I am as I continue to watch the deserted part of the way heading to office. I feel so bless that I was able to have a green pasteur in the desert place of Doha, Qatar. This is not my ideal country to work to but I am super thankful I am here now.

LSS:  Walk by me; Walk by me across the lonely road of everyday.Take my arms and let your hand show me the way. Show the way to live inside your love.Lead me Lord. All my life...

Lead me Lord. Even though at times I'd rather go along my way. Help me take the right direction.Take your road. Lead me Lord and never leave my side. All my days, all my life.....You are my life. You're the lamb upon my feet. All the time, my Lord, I need you there. You are my life. I cannot live alone. Let me stay by your guiding love. All through my life. Lead me Lord

GOOD MORNING WEDNESDAY!

I heard those paper greets me as loud as those bold letters..hahaha

 

 *right and left view pa lang yan, my rear view pa :))

I always think if those papers /documents are not with me I will not be here....what for the company will hire me. My present company is my bread and butter for almost 6 years. I have my own sentiments on them but still I am grateful to them for so many reasons.

And because today is my favorite day, no room for stress *_^

"Umuulan ng pagpapala" as the song from Faith Music Manila goes....

Simple blessings no matter how little it is becomes huge when appreciated

 

Fresh lumpia from Kuya Jun D. - Thanks Kuya

First article I read today:

The aMAYzing Birthday Project 2012

Super amazing talaga! I read so many article about the project but still I am overwhelm with joy and tears, kinikilabutan pa rin ako na parang hindi makapaniwala that it will really go that far.... Thank you talaga Kcat and Yarza family for giving me and other Doha cheerful givers a chance to be a part of this gift giving. 

Before I finish this post, I received an email from Kcat:

Dear Cheerful Givers of DOHA, Qatar,

Thank you so so so much for sharing your love with us. I really really really appreciate it. 'Til next yearsss, right? Take care & God bless!

♥Kcat Yarza

Today, my plan to go out the office earlier than usual is already settled - harangan man ng sibat I will go out the office at 6:00 p.m. its because of this:

 

An invitation from SUPERFRIEND MARVIN - pre birthday celebration!

Another treasured moments na hindi kailangan palampasin *_^

Happy happy Birthday MARVIN!

God bless you more and more "siksik, liglig, at umaapaw"

Be thankful everyday in everything you have - whether its a good or not so good things/people/or circumstances you are facing. ALL OF THOSE ARE BLESSINGS. Appreciates what you have and even those that you haven't. Isipin mo na lang hindi ikaw ang sarili mo ngayon kung wala or meron man ng mga bagay na 'yon.

Happy Wednesday

God bless

 

Musings on Wednesday - 23.05.12

I am really excited since yesterday and I don't really know the exact reason why - all I know its Wednesday after Tuesday :), its Wednesday today!

Here's my random thoughts, encounters, and realizations on the half of my Wednesday.

* early morning May 23 read one post of Simplicity Truth, the gist: Stay simple even you already achieve what you want in life. Be humble

* "Not all who are wandering are lost" 

Oo naman baka namamasyal lang ..hehehe

* breakfast with Aleeza

Aleeza: Tita, what's that? (pointing on my cup)

Me: Coffee

A: That's bad for you

M: Nope, according to the latest article that I read, COFFEE is GOOD for our body but we must only consume up to maximum of 5 cups a day.

A: Really? so you must do (drinking) it fast so after one cup then another

Since I was not sure to the number of cup of coffee to take I read it again, and says:

"Still health experts don't recommend overdoing your coffee intake. The US-based Mayo Clinic suggests no more than two to four cups a day, since more than that can cause insomnia, upset stomach, and anxiety."

Hahaha...well, I'm wrong saying that 5 cups is fine, hmmm...just trying to justify myself in taking more than 4 cups a day (sometimes)

To read the whole article: Coffee lovers may live longer. And it reminds me of my cousins in the Philippines when I just recently saw their picture in Starbucks. From 3 years old to 30 is a coffee lover or should I say SB addicts *_^...well coffee time is a bonding with benefits

* "Cause I close my eyes thinking of ways to realize, how it is for me to see you go"

* "ang ganda mo" - hazel / me: "mas maganda ka"
receiving and giving compliments sincerely can make your morning bright :)

* Life is a matter of choices. Choosing happiness over anger is one of them - Inspiration - for-singles.com

* "pag dami ng working experiences, mas mataas ang mga salary offers" - Mommy
True, naisip ko tuloy parang antique items lang mas luma mas mataas ang presyo ^_^

*  Sandstorm strikes Doha again, while enjoying the music of Hillsong while traveling going to office, I saw a flying white plastic and the first thing enters into my mind parang tao din lang....may mga tao din na kung saan na lang liparin ng kung anong meron sila doon na lang pumupunta. LIFE is a CHOICE. Each of us are given the FREE WILL to live in whatever way we want that's why we cannot blame others if we fail from the choice we choose.

* I'm craving for CHEESE STICKS!

For the meantime I will enjoy first my lunch - "palabok"

My Wednesday is not yet over and I know there's something MORE!

Happy Wednesday!
Enjoy and be blessed *_^

MAY Birthday PROJECT 2012: SUCCESS!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Kudos to all CHEERFUL GIVERS & VOLUNTEERS who been a part of the SUCCESS of MAY Birthday Project 2012.  Thank you Kcat and Yarza Family for giving us a chance to share, give, and reach out others even we are physically miles away to them.

Happy as is SUPER HAPPY! yan ang feeling ko after I've watched the pictures of MAY Birthday Project 2012. Unexplainable, if only I can show to you the exact emotions that my heart feel for you to understand the JOY I feel up to now, may after shock pa rin :) I'm just thinking how much more those people who are there in the event and they can interact personally to the recipients of all gifts that we shared.

It's my second year on MAY Birthday PROJECT and I feel the difference, although I'm not yet physically present in the event. This year I can say that I was moved more, more effort, more time, more dedication and I was molded to give "more" love. I'm glad also to be with more friends in being a part of the event. Encouraging people to be on the same compassion as yours in extending help is not that easy; not all of your friends can have the same involvement even they are passionate as well in reaching out people. Compassion and passion has really big difference. 

PRAYER is a big part of me in being a part of MAY Birthday PROJECT. God really answers prayer! He touched people to share and give their blessings in whatever way they can. Truly if everything will be lifted unto Him all things are possible.

taken on PGH Gymnasium May 12, 2012 before the MAY Birthday Project gift giving

Despite of my busy schedule at work, God arrange everything - from composing emails and making posters for the fund raising, collecting books for the book  sale, sending emails and posting in on the site, getting in touch to some people who are willing to give their pledges. Until now I am asking "paano ko nga ba nagawa yon mag-isa?" well I maybe physically alone in doing those things but I am thankful I have friends and family who are in a way inspires me and pushing me to go on. To Kcat Yarza, you never fail to inspire me and to Tita Madge, isa kang SUPER WOMAN talaga! 

I didn't make it physically in the event, if may 24/7 siguro ang MBP nagsubscribe na ako :). Before the event pa lang super excited na ako...I'm thinking nga siguro kung kasama talaga ako sa event physically baka hindi na ako makatulog sa sobrang excitement :-) But even I was not there, they made it possible for me to be in a way part , "semi-physical" as I called it. SUPER THANK YOU!

Special thanks to angel Kathreen Ann Banico for being my "body" bigla akong naging sexy :))

Until now I'm still overwhelm and from time to time I'm trying to look the pictures that Kcat has posted. Last night while browsing the pictures hindi ko napigilan to shed tears and sabi nga ni Kcat, TEARS OF JOY. I feel so happy that in a little way that I've done together with the CHEERFUL GIVERS of Doha maraming bata and even old ones na napasaya at nabigyan ng bagong pag-asa, nabago ang mga pananaw sa buhay at naipadama na may nagmamahal sa kanila.

For more pictures, click the following links:

MAY Birthday PROJECT 2012 pictures (YARZA CAM)

MAY Birthday PROJECT 2012 pictures (official photos by JCL) 

All things are worth it! Ang pagod at hirap were all paid seeing those smiles in face of the patients, and on my case hearing the stories shared by Kcat and Tita Madge; reading those comments on the FB ramdam na ramdam ko how happy those people who joined in extending their love and sharing out their blessings. I'm super happy to see that "virus of good deeds" are spreading. 

Thank you Lord, for the lives of these people. Thank you for planting the gift of sharing and giving to their hearts and for letting them move to extend the love we received from You to others. Bless them continuously and abundantly so they may continue to share their blessings. Continue to spread the "virus" of good deeds and we claimed it Lord that double of these people will be on MAY  Birthday PROJECT 2013. In Jesus name, AMEN

Till next year!

God bless us all.

THANK YOU May Project 2012 CHEERFUL GIVERS

Exactly one month today when I started to get busy in MAY PROJECT 2012. For me May Project 2012 is more than gift giving, its more than material gifts - its about compassion, effort, time, dedication and love. And because of those we raised this amount here in Doha, Qatar

Thank you very much CHEERFUL GIVERS of Doha! without you guys it will not be possible to have this amount.  To all who donated books and to those who bought on the BOOK SALE 2012 as a fund raising, thank you so much! And to all cheerful givers who took money out of their pocket, thank you so much too! As I've always said "Its not how much you give but the love you put into giving". It was proven once again that its the heart and not the pocket alone that matters in sharing, giving, helping and reaching others.

As I have said to Ma.Katrina Yarza a.k.a KCAT  who is the head organizer of the May Project "malayo man kami, malapit pa rin" Distance is not a hindrance to help nor the busyness of personal schedules. As I have mentioned on my MAGNIFICENT MONDAY blog, in helping and reaching people it must be COMPASSION with ACTION.

This is my second year at MAY PROJECT but still I can't be with them physically but even though I'm glad in a way I was used as a channel to help and reach out the children of Philippine General Hospital. 

And since I can't attend the event,I want to share it with you and if you can make it.....

Join and bring smiles not only in the face but moreover to the heart  of the children.

The same day after I sent the money to Kcat, I received a message telling that she will give her pledge this coming Friday, so if you also want to help and reach out those PGH children, kindly let me know, so I can send the money one time. 

BOOK SALE is still on going....

Last day for donations / pledges (monetary) is until May 8, 2012 only.

Once again THANK YOU SO MUCH!

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE IT!

God bless us all