LUCA

"Dance is the hidden language of the soul." - Martha Graham

Besides performing, I find delight in interacting and communicating with people.
I am more than willing to extend a helping hand when guests need it. I just find it hard to communicate sometimes when language barriers arise. But that doesn't hinder me from talking to the guests, most especially to kids. Though not until I experienced somebody being sarcastic to me and swearing.

It happened one late afternoon. I had to help out guests in taking their photos with the characters, assisting them where they want to go next and suggesting the things that you can't miss during your visit in the park. Skills, and I mean, "skills" are needed when cutting the line, when sets of characters get finished up. You should stick to the schedule and more often than not, a lot asks you to consider them for a last shot. So there was this family who went up to me and asked me if I could consider their son to see the characters together with a bunch of families asking for a last chance. And so, i was apologetic because I had cut the line already. plus together with them, more than 10 are asking the same "last chance".

Me: I'm sorry ma'am, but the line has been cut already.
Mom: Oh! Please, please, please, my son wanted to see them so bad.
Me: I'm truly sorry but you can see them in the hotel tonight. For now, the line here is closed.
Mom: Wow! It's very disappointing that you don't give a shit to a kid who've just had surgery.
Me: I can give this for him (sticker) .... reaching out.
Mom's hand on my face... : Oh I know that! A sticker wouldn't help and they just walked away.

She was very upset, no doubt... So, I told myself, what's the use of working in the happiest place if I can't make magic for the kid at all. So, I advised them to hold up where the characters would exit and both of the characters can walk with the kid as they go back. They were a bit hesitant still. Then I went to my leader, to let her know of the whole issue. My leader supported me. It turned out, the kid got to walk with the characters back with all of 7 greeters who were there behind them acting like bodyguards. And he had his moment to ask the characters if they can ride the park's taxi cab with him as they passed by it. They couldn't as they're passed they're last set schedule. But I still made the effort not to take the happiness away from the boy so I asked the cast member who runs the taxi cab if he can still run it but like us, he's done with the last trip. In general, the mom turned to me and apologized and thanked me for helping out their son, Luca. The thing is, he had his arm in a cast after a bad fall from playing on his tree house. After the surgery, when the mom couldn't help but comfort his son asking, "What can I do to take your pain away?", her son answered, "I want to see Mickey Mouse and hold his hand." And her heart melted. She knew she had to give it to him.

I am truly blessed with having opportunities like this - to literally make MAGIC for the kids. You can make your own magic too by being true to what you do, loving it and willfully making it. For sure you might find this very simple but to me, in seeing that kids happy face after hugging his favorite characters, and jumping up and down, is just but PRICELESS... and that's it for my DIY Monday.

Something to Ponder On.... EVEN ME

The 3 Signs Of Spiritual Maturity

One day, someone asked me a very disturbing question. He asked, “Bo, the Philippines is a very religious country. We’re supposed to be the only Christian nation in Asia. Yet why are we so corrupt and so poor? How come?”

Yes, Filipinos are religious. No doubt about it. But here’s the Key: 

There’s a giant difference between religious maturity and spiritual maturity. 

Religious maturity means you do your religious duties very well : you pray daily, you attend church, you read your Bible, etc. 

Spiritual maturity is totally different: It means you love like Jesus.

Spiritual mature people know that faith without action is dead (James 2:17). And they know that without love, all religiosity is nothing but noise (1 Corinthians 13:1).

Do you want to know if you’re spiritually mature?

Look for these three signs: 

1. Service. I love this passage below. I’ll tell you why in awhile. Read through again how Mary said Yes to God:

“I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary; “may it happen to me as you have said.” And the angel left her. Soon afterward Mary got ready and hurried off to a town in the hill country of Judea. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. (Luke 1:38-40, 56)

After Mary gave her YES to God, the Bible says she “hurried off” to the hill country of Judea.

Why the hurry?

Real spiritual people know that there’s this twilight zone between your decision and your action. Don’t stay in this area for too long. It’s dangerous. If you dillydally, if you loiter, if you meander in this twilight zone, before you know it, POOF! Your decision disappears forever.

Here’s my advice: Once you make a decision, act immediately. Run through this twilight zone between decision and action. Don’t sleep until you do something!

I’ve yet to meet a successful person who doesn’t have a bias for action. Once a successful person makes a decision towards a goal, a flurry of activities takes place. The successful person acts immediately. 

My Books Have Varied Results

Let me give you an example. Yesterday, I was in Cebu. A man came up to me and greeted me with so much joy.

“I read your books and I love them,” he said. People say that to me all the time. But what blew me away was what he said next. He said, “Bo, I read your book, 8 Secrets of the Truly Rich. Because of that book, I was inspired to build 3 businesses, all giving me passive income. I still have a job, but I now own 6 taxi cabs, a store, and a water station.”

Wow. I began to think of the other people who read the same book, who also made a decision to do something, but didn’t do a thing. Why? They didn’t hurry in the twilight zone between decision and action. Because they didn’t have a bias for action; instead, they had a bias for analysis 

Don’t get me wrong. Analysis is very good. But some people like analyzing something to death before they act.

Another man came up to me yesterday. He said, “Bo, I’m still far from becoming a success. I suddenly realized why nothing has happened in my life. Because I’m afraid of failure.” I asked him, “Have you had a major failure in your life?” And he said, “None. Because I don’t even try.” “Then your problem isn’t your lack of success,” I told him. “Your problem is your lack of failure. Here’s what you do: Increase your rate of failure so you can increase your rate of success.”

(Want to see who made it to the top but had the silliest mistakes, errors and had huge failures to get there? Check this link:  http://kytedalino.blogspot.hk/2013/06/its-in-your-hands.html)

Let me go back to my topic.

If successful people have a bias for action, spiritual people have a bias for service. Why is this important? Loving God is easy. He’s perfect!

But haven’t you noticed? Loving another human being will be more difficult. By the way, it doesn’t have to be a big service…

2. Simple. Serve simply!

Mary served simply. She didn’t conquer armies, vanquish nations, run organizations, or preach to millions. Instead, she went to her cousin Elizabeth to cook meals, mop floors, wash clothes, dry dishes, clean toilets…

When we reach Heaven, I bet we’ll be surprised at how God will reward different people. For example, my staff—the tech guys setting up the audio system every time I preach—may have a bigger mansion than the Preacher. Our wonderful Caregivers serving the abandoned elderly in Anawim every single day, bathing them, feeding them, cutting their fingernails and toenails, may have a bigger mansion than the Founder of Anawim. Our telephone counselors in our Light of Jesus counseling ministry, or the vendors who sell my books in the booktables, or the cooks who prepare the meals in our orphanages—all of them may have a bigger mansion than my mansion. Shoot, it may be possible that altar boys and church janitors may have a bigger mansion than the Pope. (Sounds heretical, I know. But it’s the truth.) Why do I believe in that?

Mother Mary is our model of simple service. She never served in a high-profile manner. She never had a title. She just served. And that’s what God would want you to do. 
At the Feast in PICC, we have 200+ people who volunteer to make it happen. From the Ushers to the Kids ministry to the Youth team to the Choir… I remember a woman came up to me and said, “Bo, I really want to join the Ushers Ministry. But it’s difficult for me to wake up early and come here 30 minutes before the Feast starts…” So I reminded her, “Service is Sacrifice.” Which is the third sign of a spiritual person. 

3. Sacrifice. I go to Israel every other year. And every time, without fail, I take that looooong trip that Mary took to visit Elizabeth—from Nazareth to the Judean hill country. But unlike Mary, I take a nice tourist bus. A very well appointed, comfortable, air-conditioned tourist bus.Mary had no bus. Goodness, Mary didn’t even have a bike.

For 4 hot days, while already pregnant, this 14-year old girl trekked the Judean desert, under the scorching heat of the sun. Those hills were crawling with wild beasts and thieves. (Remember the story of the Good Samaritan? And how thieves beat up the guy? It was pretty common among travelers.) She took that trip because she wanted to serve an elderly cousin.

That was sacrifice.

Spiritual people are sacrificial people.

Mary had all the excuses in the world not to go. She could have said, “Lord, I’m pregnant myself. I have morning sickness. I don’t like the smell of garlic. How can I serve my cousin Elizabeth?” But she didn’t think of her own discomfort. Or her own pains. Her own issues. Her own needs.She went out and served someone else. This is real Christianity. Christianity isn’t about going to Heaven. Christianity is about bringing Heaven down to earth, especially for those who are going through Hell today.

And sacrifice starts in our families.

Sacrifice In Your Family

Last month, I went on a 3-day trip with Francis, my 6-year old boy. We went to Cebu, just the two of us. It was a father-and-son trip. No wife. No sibling. Just him and me, talking, laughing, playing, swimming, and eating together. I promised myself to bring out each of my sons for a trip like this at least once or twice a year.

(Note: This isn’t part of the talk, but let me tell you about the second child syndrome. Francis is my second child. It’s easy for the second child—or middle children—to feel inferior, especially if the elder sibling is an achiever. You need to spend time with each of your kids. But pay close attention to your second child and all your middle children — because sometimes, they need it more.) Why did I take a trip with little Francis?

I’ve realized that life is about creating memories. When Francis is older, his conscious mind will forget the details of that trip. But his subconscious mind will remember everything. Your subconscious mind is a perfect recording machine. It remembers every detail. Most of all, Francis will remember how much I loved him because I spent enormous time with him. I’m a busy guy. I run 9 non-profit organizations and 12 businesses. So how can I “waste” 3 days with my son? Simple. It’s called Sacrifice. When you love someone, you make sacrifices.

I know my roles. Before being a preacher, or author, or leader, or businessman, I’m first of all a father. Real Spiritual people sacrifice. Serving others is a privilege. The reward of service is the fact that you have been given the chance to serve someone.

Are you a spiritual person?

May your dreams come true,
Bo Sanchez

This was just something to share on a Sunday because I myself had appreciated what it says most especially with the last part. I've been apart from my family for a long time and due to an advanced way of communicating to people (smartphones, social network, skype), we neglect the idea of being "physically" there for the most important people in our lives. I humbly admit, this is much of an AWAKENING.

Spa in your own Home!

Hi everybody! It's DIY Monday again and to start off your week, let me help you in unleashing that potential you got that rests for way too long. But the most important thing to remember is to start realizing that you have it. So let's pamper "you" this time with these spa treatments that you didn't know can be made in you own home. 

1. Relaxing Bath - Rosewater* helps in keeping your skin moisturized. Coconut milk on the other hand, not only moisturizes, but it also boosts your skin's elasticity for its rich Vitamin C and Copper contents. These actually play a great role in decreasing wrinkle formation. Use them both and benefit from the calming effect of a relaxing bath to get you ready into going to bed. It's better to do this with luke warm water and candles to relieve you from stress. This is also suggested to insomniacs as a way to get a good sleep.

2. Skin Moisturizer - From all the hustles and bustles of the outdoors (early morning demands of work, sun, pollution, vices, make up, late night partying) combined with stress, bad habits and poor circulation, your skin needs to breath every now and then and you could rely on nobody else except yourself to achieve that. Honey has antibacterial and antifungal benefits while olive oil serves as an anti-aging agent. These products, when put together, even out your skin tone and instantly brightens your skin.

3. Facial/Body Scrub - The SKIN is the largest organ of the body. It needs to be nurtured, moisturized and cleansed. It can be helped to regenerate by doing facial/body scrub every once in a while, say 2-3 times a week. It is tempting to invest on fragrant scrubs that any beauty shop sells but you could be as organic as you choose to be in your own little way. Since honey has a moisturizing and nourishing effect as well (besides being an antibacterial), and brown sugar is the most cost-effective, natural and not too coarse of an exfoliant, putting this together could be the fastest, easiest and most affordable way in keeping your body silky smooth. Just be warned that exfoliating is not to be done over wounds and/or burns.

4. Lip Scrub - According to my beauty bible, Cosmopolitan Magazine, these are just a few of the reasons why we get chapped lips, hence needing of a lip scrub.

a. You probably have this habit that when you're stressed out: you either bite on your lip or are subconsciously peeling your lip with your teeth (either while reading, writing or doing something).

b. You might have used your facial scrub over your lips too and/or too much that it may have had broken the barrier that helps moisture locked for your pucker to be kept plump.

c. You might be using lipsticks that contain Cinnamates which is responsible for the good smell of your lipstick.

d. You might not be using the right lip balm for you. Choose the one that's petroleum-based since waxed-based formulas offer less protection.

However, a lip scrub saves you from dry, cracked and peeling lips.

Achieve this after a lip scrub.

A lip scrub is a grainy cream or paste that you rub on your lips to help the dry skin slough off faster, thus, letting your lips uncover its true suppleness. You probably might be thinking that you're applying your lip balm or lip gloss faithfully to moisturize your lips continuously but often times, we are unaware that our lips may not be active in absorbing the moisture it needs because of the extra layer of dry skin. Remember that your lips are sensitive and are full of nerve endings that it may also irritate easily so before you get attracted to buying the perfectly tubed lip scrub, think again as you probably can prepare it at home and would not worry if it's edible or not. Check out the formula above.

5. Anti-redness Facial

Sometimes, you are clueless about blotches on your face. And whether it's red or of darker tone than your natural skin color, it simply tells you one thing: it needs "immediate" attention. Some of us have sensitive skin and if you're not allergic to eggs, its yolk could be of a remedy. Egg yolks contain retinoids that regulate excessive oil production on the face leaving it moisturized and smooth. Combining it with the lemon juice, it helps your skin fight acne formation. Lemon juice is beneficial to the skin in terms of its Vitamin C content which helps in the formation of collagen making our skin (which is made of collagen) firm and young. It also has a bleaching effect that helps lighten dark spots. Unless contraindicated by your dermatologist, applying this regularly can hasten the disappearance of redness or dark spots.

Caution: Use lemon juice externally on the body only at night. It makes your skin photosensitive (sensitive to light). Exposure to sun would be extremely harmful so use sunscreen diligently after using lemon on your skin. *

It was important for me to get you empowered when it comes to taking care of your face because like how me and my friends consider it, it is an INVESTMENT!!! Hahaha! Take care of it and never hesitate to treat yourself to these "organic" formulas. Be as natural as you could be when choosing what to apply to your face because the perfectly packaged and tubed creams are mixed with harmful chemicals that for all we know may be the exact reason why we have acne, rashes and skin infection. If you have a suggestion, please don't hesitate to write your comments below. I am welcome for any additional tips that I may have missed to include and don't hesitate to introduce your own DIY formulas by leaving a link on the comment box.

To read more about the following, check out the link beside it:
1. Rosewater - Read about the benefits of Rose Water for Health and Beauty
2. What lemon juice can do to you, click here.
3. Products I love - Here are products that I use in cleansing and taking care of my face.

STEROIDS, are they good or bad?

Cory Monteith in the Kids Choice

Awards, 2010 - who would have known

that he's just left with 3 1/2 years

more to live?

So many lives had been taken from this world because of overuse of drugs or drug overdose. Two days ago, facebook had been bombarded with "RIP" wishes for Cory Monteith death because of an alarming reason: DRUG OD (Overdose)*. It is unexplainable how people resort to drugs in making them feel great; when as a matter of fact, the simplicity behind the logic that goes taking or ingesting anything beyond what you should (and this goes for just about anything - not just drugs) can be harmful and even fatal.

In the news, about sports today, there were athletes who had been tested positive for usage of illegal drugs, namely, Asafa Powell, Tyson Gay and Sherone Simpson. But they have denied such allegations of using it for personal gain since all they did was take the vitamin supplements that were advised to them by their personal trainors. As I researched, I didn't hesitate to share what I've read until a friend of mine had recommended to watch this video below to truly understand the serious conflict whether steroids (ANABOLIC STEROIDS* SPECIFICALLY) are beneficial and/or harmful. Since this had been known to affect athletes' performance, there's an underlying question if it should be accepted or considered illegal completely. Some competitions have banned certain steroids and once their athletes are tested positive of it, they would be instantly disqualified.

My personal opinion goes like this... What is the essence of having these competitions if you'd rely on enhancers? It makes the ultimate reason of awarding who is the best in terms of SPORTS (considering the basic elements behind it such as strength, stamina and most of all holistic health), goes absent. So, it is just but right to have these athletes tested. Otherwise, there's no point in it at all.

Be the judge and share your opinion with me by leaving a comment below. Oh! And this video is around 1 hour and 40 minutes. i will just share the first three and just search for it in http://www.youtube.com if you want to continue watching. It's worth knowing about these things.

References:

If you want to read more about these, just click on the corresponding links or, if it doesn't work, search on it by just copying and pasting this/these complete address/es on your browser:

1. Cory Monteith's death - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2362914/Cory-Monteith-dead-Glee-star-partying-friends-dying-Vancouver-hotel-room.html

2. Anabolic Steroids - http://www.talktofrank.com/drug/anabolic-steroids

2013 Summer Activities

SUMMER had always been a fun time of the year that letting it go without a bang is just not advisable.
Here are simple yet fun suggestions in spending your summer here in Hong Kong:

1. Stay young at heart.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort offers immersive, unique Disney experiences for all families, generations and ages to enjoy. Hong Kong is one of only five locations in the world that is home to a Disney themed park and many Disney characters that are beloved to the world over, such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Stitch and Buzz Lightyear. Since the Grand Opening in September 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland has received more than 38 million guests from around the globe. Through the unique product offering and the world-class service provided by the 5,000 strong Cast at the theme park and the two hotels, the Resort had received outstanding Guest satisfaction ratings and a range of awards from the hospitality and entertainment sectors.

Hong Kong Disneyland is dedicated to serving Hong Kong people through a wide spectrum of community services programs from helping those families in need, to inspiring creativity among children and youth, to encouraging the protection of the environment in the region.

Personal suggestions would be to hit up Hong Kong Disneyland's
newest attraction this summer which is the Monster University. Sulley and Mike have a lot to tell you about their days in the university before they became part of the Monsters Inc. As a preparation for the movie Monsters University, HK Disney had something in store for you to give you a feel of where and how these two had become best friends. After getting enrolled and having your ID made, enjoy while getting soaked as you watch this season's Mickey's Waterworks Parade. Let's all have fun until the end of August for you surely will have a great time with your family and friends. See the princesses dance as they spritz you with perfume and play with Mickey and his friends while he splashes you with water. Yes, you have to be ready to get wet all over. Better yet, you should bring an extra shirt. Lastly, Mystic Point, the first of its class, a miniland which you can only find here in Hong Kong, that allows you to get a taste of what the world has to offer thru the eyes of Lord Henry alongside his nephews. He is an explorer ready to share what he had seen if you visit the Mystic Manor. What's more, he had invited the ambassadors of some of the places he had seen to share some of their culture thru a simple dance presentation.

If you want to know more about them, and you'd like to enjoy a unique magical experience, visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com for more information.

2. Collect and Select

I've come across a lot of fashion bloggers that had recommended a lot of versatile materials that could last not just this Summer but the entire year. Most of us hate the idea of having limits but with these patterns, designs and fabric, you'll get more than your money's worth and rest assured that you'd be in style.

dress: Retail Frenzy;

bracelet: H&M

belt: Kingswood marketplace, Tin Shui Wai

sandals: Kingswood ginza, Tin Shui Wai

a. STRIPES

The most popular style that a striped pattern is known of during Summer is the sailor get up. This fad can be mostly seen during boat trips and amongst the people who got the moola (money) since they'd wear this in letting their yachts sail. But now that Cotton On and H&M, even UNIQLO had popularized it, making it available on a bargain, people are driven to try with other styles.

Now, you see, one of my most favorite thing to do is to support and help entrepreneur friends. One of them is Ria who had recently put up her online shop called Reetail Frenzy*. She had rewarded me a maxi dress for blogging about this fab street-chic yet glam stylized goods.

Like all writers would account fashion, it is a mere expression of how you want to be perceived and fashion says a lot about you; your personality, how laid back you are or how uptight you could be. It tells your story, it talks about your personality and most of all, it says about what kind of persona you are. So, however you style up with this classic pattern, don't forget that you shouldn't overdo it.


b. SARONGS/LAVA LAVA/MALONG/BIG SCARVES

There's a sacred word behind every tourist's mind when they go on a vacation - RELAXATION! And it's important that you wear something comfortable, functional and fabulous even when it's just about staying in a villa out in Bali, Santorini or Tahiti. Now it's important to choose a pattern that could go with your personality and the material that would hug your body just as how you want it to. When traveling, you expect that you'd always be on the go. So from using it as an extra cover up if you're cold during the flight, to using it as something to lay on to get that tan while on the beach, make sure that you enjoy that great holiday time by flaunting with confidence those curves and legs that you've invested on months before.

c. ANYTHING THAT HAS COLORFUL PRINTS AND LOUD PATTERNS:

Summer is all about having fun. So playing with different designs and colors is a good way to extract those creative juices you got. Check this dress out on the right. One, it is very comfortable, two, it is unique, and three, yes, it may be too loud for some but the designer had put a plain black shades with no accessories at all to highlight this wonderful piece. I love how the waist line had been given emphasis. A black obi belt could also do it with this get up.

Swimsuits also could be in a loud shout out that spells F-I-E-R-C-E! I'll include the animal prints here to maximize the "patterns" that I'm talking about and the following images are some of the designs that made me look twice. Hopefully, you'll make your crush look twice too. Invest on one and regret nothing that will make your summer worth remembering.

“The only way that we can live, is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself.”

― C. JoyBell C.

I came across this passage and I do totally agree. But knowing myself, I have to add up, "Throw yourself with style!" And, no matter how simple you would want to be, or loud because you are more than eager to be noticed, be honest with yourself and never be afraid to show who you really are. Never attempt to be like somebody else. Accept the true you, I always emphasize this in my posts.

“You can be the most beautiful person in the world and everybody sees light and rainbows when they look at you, but if you yourself don't know it, all of that doesn't even matter. Every second that you spend on doubting your worth, every moment that you use to criticize yourself; is a second of your life wasted, is a moment of your life thrown away. It's not like you have forever, so don't waste any of your seconds, don't throw even one of your moments away.”

― C. JoyBell C.

d. BEACH PANTS:


Now, when you go on vacation or on a holiday trip, it is advisable to pack light yet pack the most necessary in doing the activities lined up for you. One of the most advised pieces are beach pants.

Beach pants are functional pieces that are good for photo ops, on your rented bicycle, planned shopping spree and a little bit of hiking giving you that trendy touch up. It usually comes in white or see thru but the printed ones make you feel light, good and energized. As you strut down the beach, you'll be a good sight to everybody with the colorful trail you'll be leaving behind. From all the swimming, tanning and laying under the sun, dry up a little and just put this on with your flip flops if you're ready to hit the villa for a pina colada to cool off. It's a good cover up and a fabulous way to put the beach mood up a notch. Time is essential to go back to your hotel and change just for this so, beach pants are light to carry wherever, whenever.

e. COVER-UPS

Now, there are an array of cover-ups besides beach pants that you can choose from. The most fabulous ones usually can be bought from the vacation sites themselves and the secret is to buy the perfect fabric that flows thru the body comfortably. I love the following designs and I hope you could get some ideas of what to purchase the next time you hit D'Mall of Boracay or the stalls Phuket offers.

 

It is important to keep yourself presented decently.

At all times, you need to be appropriate.

And most of all, comfortable.

3. Do some projects that may help you earn a buck.

There's no other perfect chance to use your free time during Summer, than using it to earn extra money. It is a rewarding time to engage in DIY projects that can be shared to your younger siblings, cousins or your own children. First step is to figure out what you love doing, what are you passionate about and/or what are your hobbies. Maybe from there, you could figure it out. 

My good friend, Dazha had first started out by making her own accessories and now, she is actually collaborating with her other entrepreneur friends earning bucks from what she loved doing and what she does best. The Ever_After* bands have indeed made a statement that H&M have somehow adapted it later. Being worn by the 2013 champions in Dragon Boat, Team Mushu, the bands had been famous and popularized in an instant.

 

Team Mushu ladies with their team captain after winning

the all Women's Championships 2013

Head accessories: Ever_After

Bikini tops: Ever_After

Team Captain's paddle necklace: Boracay All-Stars

everything else (trophy/shorts/team captain's top/abs): TEAM MUSHU

Ms. Celina Bilbao, on the other hand, takes advantage of Summer season by creating her head bands using a more personalized style that are good for weddings, formal gatherings and lovely occasions. She designs and creates them according to the client's color preference and where it's going to be used. I've ordered one to use at my wedding and I'm truly excited in using it. Don't hesitate to leave a comment if you're interest in ordering from her.

Project by: Celina Bilbao

Model: Carmelle Ros

Celina Bilbao trying on her own masterpieces.

Other than these, of course you can come up with different money making businesses such as baking cupcakes, writing blogs, offering styling services, pimping up old t-shirts, flats and many more. Every Monday, I aim to post up useful DIY information* that are handy and cheap to do to boost that confidence in you.

You can sell one cupcake for HK$10/piece

4. Have a day out.

Now one thing good about Hong Kong is that their weather observatory is as precise as it should be. There could be mistakes every now and then but most of the time, it is reliable. If you heard that weather in Hong Kong can get crazy, you heard it right. So use the internet wisely as you plan out your day. Check the predictions because during Summer here, days could go beautiful but it could also be steaming hot outside as compared to how you saw it out the window from your air-conditioned room. Better be ready to bring a wide-rimmed hat, bottle of water and a spare t-shirt if you plan to spend an afternoon out. If you will go on a picnic, make sure that you bring a mosquito repellant for the bugs come out during this time of the year. Protect yourself from the harmful sun too so it is advisable to choose around 4:30 pm in laying down the picnic blanket. At the same time, it is Hong Kong's rainy season so it's good to be ready to have a plan B.

In pinterest, tons and tons of activities that caught my attention that is truly fun to do for the whole family to enjoy is the Glow Sticks Bowling. This is not only for the kids but also, adults would find this cool and fun. If you don't own a garden to pull this game, let me share to you this particular list and just pick out what you find suitable for your home. Copy the list or save the photo and it's ready to be printed out.

5. Get fit.

Joane Laygo - at her best, 2013

Choreographer, Stage Manager

Last but not the least, you ought to flaunt that bod that you've worked hard for and it's time to show it with a nice bathing suit.

Here is one of my icons for living a healthy life, owning a beautiful family of 2 kids and her man and still having that unbeatable confidence and girl power that I admire so much. Ms. Joane Laygo, who had been an assistant to Johnny Manahan of ABS CBN Philippines, is continuously an inspiration. She has one message to share to everybody and that is to continuously live. It seems so easy to put it that way but when you actually do it, you meet obstacles. But the fabulous lady in the image had been a master of it all. She would undeniably share about her ups and downs in the magazines that had featured her but that's what makes her special. She always manages to be a good example despite of it all.

So this Summer, you have the time to do soul searching, to get inspired via the book, "EAT, PRAY, LOVE" and find the rejuvenation you're looking for. To start off, channel that energy into doing some exercise. EXERCISING strengthens the body, relaxes the mind and toughens the spirit. What's so exciting about doing it this season is that the outdoor awaits you. Here's something that you can ponder on as you decide to make it happen.

 

Remember!

When you decide to do something for yourself,

 do it to create a better version of you.

There's no other competition except your will

and believe me, it's the hardest opponent you'll ever have.

Here are links where you could read more about the following:

*Reetail Frenzy and Ever_After - http://kytedalino.blogspot.hk/2013/04/making-their-dreams-reality.html

*DIY posts - http://kytedalino.blogspot.hk/2013/06/for-d-i-y-monday-and-laid-back-tuesday.html

To my Favorite What If

Phoenix Raven,

I have waited for you for God knows how long.

I have uttered a prayer, hummed you a song.

The joy that you gave was short but sweet.

It almost made us crazy asking, why did you quit?

People encouraged us, gave us hope.

Your dad and I are finding ways to cope.

The depth of pain we feel afterwards,

just made us walk for yards and yards.

Your mom had done everything.

While your dad prayed and kept hoping

that someday we will get to hold you,

that someday there'd be three instead of two.

We dreamed for a baby,

to complete our family.

We were given an angel instead,

that made our love grow and not dead.

And you were more than a blessing,

"the little one" for some,

you'll always be my superhero

keeping me away from harm.

Now your purpose is done.

God has a reason, God has a plan.

For awhile we were mad,

for awhile we were blue.

But we will stay strong and hopeful,

all because of you.

I love you my child and so does your father.

So much that we, wish you to endlessly flutter

your wings as you play up there in the heavens.

We are glad that you, will never have worldly burdens.

Love,

-Mom-