2015 BEST PHOTOS

Every year, I see to it that I post a share of my yearly favourite photos. Be it because of art, experience or milestone. Last year, I had dedicated the entire line up to motherhood. Such milestone is a tick in my bucket list and I thought the delight would stop there.

This year, I had pondered on the greatest influence that happened to my life. When you have a budding family, you become protective and ambitious. And for 2015, I embraced financial freedom. 

Halfway thru the year of 2015, we had studied, researched, gotten involved in an advocacy that had built up beyond expectation. Because of my family, who is my life and my BIGGEST WHY, I got driven and I felt empowered in serving others like never before.

With that being said, I had a paradigm shift in understanding TIME. So many people had just let it pass not knowing that it is the most essential commodity known to work "for" mankind if you discover the skill of handling it well. Time is a huge factor in just about anything, and I mean ANYTHING! Relationships, investments, growth. We always think that we don't have enough of it but actually, we are given that much time that we need and we don't have to be burdened with what has to be finished up. We just need to be at the moment. We just need to live it. And that gives way to these wondrous array of "moments".

JANUARY

"DEVELOPMENT"

This was taken during Brave's first time

to hold her milk bottle. It was before I left for work.

Any form of reward doesn't come as more importantly

as compared to seeing your child's development.

The time that I get to spend with my family, most especially,

my daughter, is more precious above any precious stone,

expensive travel package or an entertainment showcase.

Seeing how she grows up and develops is surprisingly amusing.
And knowing that you are the reason behind it all?
My hands are up, it makes my heart fat.

I actually had a hard time before,
keeping up with my friends who talk about babies nonstop.

Now that I am a mom, I kind of understand why.

It's just surreal that something that came from you, that you had

created is moving, talking, bouncing and giggling!

It's addicting.

I thank God for the time I get to see her grow.

FEBRUARY

"SELFIE"

This is yet again, another moment that cracks me up every time I come across it.

My baby had been fond of seeing herself in the camera since the beginning.

And by 6 months, she expresses herself like no other.

MARCH

"VACATION"

Whenever time permits, take a vacation to replenish your soul.

Another plus to this is when your family is with you along with a good bunch of friends.

Last year, it was a first time for my little one to experience traveling with us.

Destination: MACAU

It doesn't matter where but knowing that they are with me

experiencing a memorable time is something that I'd go back to in a heartbeat if I could.

It was one of the best experiences because I

expected that it would be hard having a 6 month old baby on board.

But she was so cool and from that moment on,

my husband and I knew that she is the same with us

as far as being outgoing is concerned.

APRIL

"CELEBRATION"

This is my husband's birth month. When I asked him of what he wants

for his birthday, he had pointed to our daughter and said, "I got it already."

There was no fancy celebration but we dined out to celebrate my husband

and my daughter's christening over a dim sum breakfast.

With a Catholic name, "Gabrielle", Brave was baptised and was welcomed to the Christian world.

Besides the fact that I am fulfilling God's purpose of having our baby blessed,

as parents, we treasure this time of being able to celebrate with our good and long time friends.

Surprisingly, Brave didn't give us a hard time preparing as early as 7am

and didn't cry as she got startled upon the pouring of the holy water because it was cold.

As the priest had agreed to a last minute scheduling, some godparents weren't able to come.

We needed them to be there for the baptism to happen.

Also, it was a requirement that they are Catholics as well with a purpose

of having enough knowledge to impart if time would ever need them to.

Strict requirements were imposed, it almost didn't happen.

But it was good to be reminded to submit to God's will

and He will make it happen for you. With Him knowing the purest desires of your heart,

He will defy all odds that inhibit you from coming to Him.

As promised, He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

April last year, God paved the way for Brave,
in God's perfect timing.

MAY

"BACK TO THE FUTURE"

It was a challenge for me to go back to my original size pre-Brave since I gained

50lbs then (ideal is 25-35 lbs. Yes! Condemn me.)

But I was able to at least, fit in the jungle costume by 9 months.

This photo above was taken on May 12, 2015.

(Proof is on FB in case you doubt my calculations.)

The times that I worked out had paid off.

Automatically, a sudden boost of self esteem and that sense of achievement

showered upon me. I am thankful for those efficient times in the gym.

It also made sense to me that as a woman, and as a mom,

if it took you 9 months to gain that much in taking care of a human

being inside of you, it usually takes 9 months to recover too.

So to those who are dealing with stressful weight gain because of pregnancy,

allow your body some time to get used to it and I promise you, once you've attained your goal,

your physical body will cry for that lifestyle of exercise and good diet.

It won't be a bitch anymore 'til then.
Just breath and keep moving forward.
Use your time well.

JUNE

"PARADIGM SHIFT"

This is the picture that started it all.
Together with the founder of COL Financial, Mr. Edward Lee,
we were blessed to have a portal to reaching to those who are in need.

Spearhead mission was given birth right at this very moment.

Spearhead mission aims to lead people into financial freedom out of an advocacy to serve.

This picture was taken when I took a free seminar tackling about investing on stocks.

at the Philippine consulate.

Before that, I had attended the Rich Dad, Poor Dad talk

which was the backbone of my pursuit to making investments.

This was the moment I decided that I want the BEST for my family

in terms of a good life.
Good life meaning, not depending on other people or any form of loan

for whatever emergencies may arise. I heeded becoming financially free.

JULY

"JOLLIBEE"

It was my dream when I was young to own a franchise of Jollibee.

But I've discovered a more affordable way to start owning it.

By being a stockholder, I take advantage of time to earn money from it.

July last year, I started with a little share.

Hopefully, it'd grow fast and strong.

AUGUST

"BRAVE AT 1"

By this time around, Brave is 11KG, can walk independently on her own,

can chew most of the solid foods I know (except peanuts),

loves to sing and was giving out preferences.

I can perceive her mood swings, excitement and longing as she turned one.

It truly was so fast that by this time, I vaguely remember

how I survived sleeping with the "fragile" Brave.

The next time after I was complaining about how demanding it was for my back as I carry her,

as I teach her how to walk up to lifting her up from every bath,

I am upfront a baby saying "no" all of a sudden,

a baby demanding a biscuit in the morning and a singer in the making.

She had grown so fast that she suddenly became not so baby anymore.

That time had passed and I'm blessed with its memories, experience and great stories

to black mail her with. Hahaha!!!!

SEPTEMBER

"CASHFLOW"

There's some letters of appreciation and acknowledgement from establishments
that I wrote about and it was beyond rewarding.
Free movie tickets came in too as an invitation as a critic.
All because of my writing, which had grown from a hobby way back 2006.
But this was the best that came in the mailbox because beyond the fact
that it's unexpected, I didn't know I could work for or even get linked to Google this way.
This saying, "What you do most of your time while procrastinating
should be the exact thing you should be actually doing."
makes sense after all.
I entitled this as "cashflow" to remind people out there
who thought there's no money behind doing your favourite thing.
Well, there is. Just be creative and use your time wisely.

OCTOBER
"BLESSED"

Now that I am rearing my baby, seeing illustrations like this make me cringe.
I am constantly thankful that we eat three times a day but I constantly ask God too.
How come there are people who are in this kind of lifestyle if we are all children of God?
I am not sure what is the exact answer to that. I don't believe in luck.
But being born out of the countries who are involved constantly in war,
or being born from parents who would never make me hold a gun,
or being born in a free country can already be considered lucky.
It is unfair to say I'm blessed and they're not.

This picture is actually one of the main reasons why I am sticking to our advocacy.
It is imperial to learning about financial freedom that we are taught of the ways
on how to fend for ourselves. This is one way to empower a person to be creative
with the tools God had given us. For us to be resourceful because nothing in this
world will be handed to you in a silver spoon.
We need to know how to THRIVE. And that's LIFE.
So if you can extend a helping hand during your free time, why not?

NOVEMBER

I have a tie for this month as God had blessed me in abundance during my birthmonth of November.

"GOOD TIMES"

My beautiful mom surprised me a week before my birthday that she'd be
flying over from America and it was truly an exciting time for me
because it will be her first time to meet my family.
FaceTime had always been there but meeting person to person is a different story.

My husband had gifted me leisure time by booking us Venetian Hotel
so that we ladies, can splurge on its exquisiteness and luxury for a weekend.
I maybe exaggerating because we were just blessed with good timing
since they have the best last minute deals.
(Otherwise, a fortune may have been spent)
but to stress out importance of time, I got to talk and spend time with my mom,
say I love you to her in person, because of the distance between us,
more than I have for the past years (3 to be exact).
She was my birthday package this year.
We had a great time.

"TWICE IN A ROW"

Now this second photo is a privilege that I consider.
It's time with loved ones and friends.
Time that you were able to spend your birthday with people twice in a row.

Year after year.

Life is too short not to appreciate the company you have,
the job you got that others would kill for,
and most especially, the time and ability for you to celebrate it all.
Time, we all know, talks about your presence and all.
But ability usually is taken for granted.
It doesn't require only time for you to give ultimate happiness to your family.
Realistically, you needed money to buy even a simple cake.
Don't get me wrong, I am happy having my mom over,
having my husband and daughter to celebrate with me.
And on top of that, are friends that care and support you, what more can I ask?
You might be whispering to yourself now, that is not enough for her yet?
Well, hear me out.
With that being said, I am thankful that I am able to provide
for what may add up to that sense of being together in terms of
a simple intimate dinner and gathering in the house.
Hence, this photo needed to be included because Angela,
who got me my cake that night, got me when I said giving out a message to all who came,
"Thank you for all for being able to celebrate with me,
twice in a row."

DECEMBER
"PASKONG PINOY"
(Philippine Christmas)

For the first time in so many years, Hong Kong Disneyland
had gifted Filipino workers (with their plus ones) who continuously are
spreading their light, sharing their talents and touching lives with their passion,
with a night of amusement, surprises and Filipino food!!!!
It was an early Christmas celebration.
For most of us who are away from home just to earn a living,
this one night of making us feel at home is much much appreciated.
Filipino entertainers came over, the tables were decorated with
the traditional Christmas lanterns (parol) and Filipino games highlighted the night.

10 years of bringing magic to guests, I am glad that in my own little way
and for the time that I am strong and able, I have been a part of it
More power to you Hong Kong Disneyland!

Related posts:

1. PARADIGM SHIFT - How my concept of time had changed.

2. JOLLIBEE - the fastest growing food chain in the Philippines, can be experienced in Hong Kong!

3. GET INVESTED IN STOCKS FOR A RICHER LIFE - here's why you should invest in stocks.

CHEEKY MONKEY

If you happen to be around the area today Sunday October 25, don't hesitate to walk in and check this event out. Cheeky Monkey will help you capture "togetherness" to remain forever in your hearts.

TEST YOUR FINANCIAL FITNESS

Hi everybody!!!!

I hope this simple test (care of the book, "Making Your Money")
that I had modified to be handy online
would encourage you to take action
whichever level you land in with your financial status.

Related posts:

1. CASHFLOW - a game that would open up your mind into balancing your income with expenses.
2. 15 CELEBRITIES WHO ARE SMART WITH THEIR MONEY, THIS IS WHAT THEY DID - they may be rich and famous but they are not stupid to just waste their hard earned money just like that!
3. RICH DAD POOR DAD - one of the many books that you may read as you get yourself educated financially.

Do you believe in GOD?

Professor: You are a Christian, aren't you son?

Student: Yes, sir.

Professor: So, you believe in GOD?

Student: Absolutely, sir.

Professor: Is GOD good?

Student: Sure.

Professor: Is GOD all powerful?

Student: Yes.

Professor: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to GOD to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But GOD didn't. How is this GOD good then? Hmm?

(Student was silent.)

Professor: You can't answer, can you? Let's start again, young fella. Is GOD good?

Student: Yes.

Professor: Is satan good?

Student: No.

Professor: Where does satan come from?

Student: From ... GOD ...

Professor: That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?

Student: Yes.

Professor: Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And GOD did make everything. Correct?

Student: Yes.

Professor: So who created evil?

(Student did not answer.)

Professor: Is there sickness? Immortality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don't they?

Student: Yes, sir.

Professor: So, who created them?

(Student had no answer.)

Professor: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son, have you ever seen GOD?

Student: No, sir.

Professor: Have you ever felt your GOD, tasted your GOD, smelt your GOD? Have you ever had any sensory perception of GOD for that matter?

Student: No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.

Professor: Yet you still believe in Him?

Student: Yes.

Professor: According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?

Student: Nothing, I only have my faith.

Professor: Yes, faith. And that is the problem Science has.

Student: Professor, is there such a thing as cold?

Professor: Yes.

Student: No sir, there isn't.

(The lecture theatre became very quiet with this turn of events.)

Student: Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don't have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.

(There was pin-drop silence in the lecture theatre.)

Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?

Professor: Yes. What is night if there isn't darkness?

Student: You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light. But if you have no lights constantly, you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? In reality, darkness isn't. If it is, well you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?

Professor: So what is the point you are making, young man?

Student: Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.

Professor: Flawed? Can you explain how?

Student: Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good GOD and a bad GOD. You are viewing the concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, Science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist in a substantive thing.

Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?

Professor: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes of course, I do.

Student: Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?

(The professor shook his head with a smile, beginning to realise where the argument was going.)

Student: Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavour, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?

(The class was in uproar.0

Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor's brain?

(The class broke out into laughter.)

Student: Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?

(The room was silent. The Professor stared at the student, his face unfathomable.)

Professor: I guess you'll have to take them on faith, son.

Student: That is it sir ... Exactly! The link between man and GOD is FAITH. That is all that keeps things alive and moving.



P.S.

That student was EINSTEIN.

Related posts:
1. THE LAST TIME - a poem by a parent describing how an infant's growth is cherished.

2. LOOK UP - a reminder not to be too much into our gadgets.

3. AUTISM - a 15-minute awakening to understanding this condition.


*This blog entry is a repost.

Soul Searching Events

NEW YEAR'S 2015

Two days ago, my friend, Ruth, wrote about an acquaintance who passed away at a very young age. It struck her to be deeply thankful of life than she had ever been since then. To quote:

"2014 is the year when I fully understood the phrase "Life's too short." It can be too short for some of us.", she said and I couldn't agree more.

Dying is inevitable. And I'll say it again as she emphasised further, "I can die anytime this year or the next. I can die anytime. It's not that I want to. It's just that it can happen unexpectedly, without warning." I'm not sure how but I'm sure that it's going to happen within the 21st century. In fact, 99.9% of us all may die within this century. Needless to say, dying doesn't exempt anybody.

Round round with Brave

Our friend, Round Round, from Taiwan had visited us to spend Christmas this year to be able to meet my daughter. Sending him off in the airport had brought tears to my eyes with these thoughts in my mind.  I was touched by his gesture of flying miles away from home just to spend time with us. Because in this life, "time" is the best gift anybody could offer. "Our" time is something that each of us own that is so precious as it would never come back again. So, as you give it away, it's giving away something that you can never have back. And he chose to spend it with us.

You see, I was thinking that I'm not sure when I would be able to see him again. I've seen people come and go but this year, being a mom had humbled me in so many ways that simple goodbyes become crystal clear. That there's no guarantee when could the last one be. I've always hated goodbyes but saying so is much better than a farewell not bid to the rightful. Like Ruth, I've also known of life taken away so abruptly, both from young and old, that there were goodbyes that were never said. As the movie, "Life of Pi" focused on showing, "it is the most painful goodbye of all".

Pushing aside all the need to fulfill resolutions and bucket lists, I would want to say, I am beyond thankful that I had grasped the real meaning behind the phrase, "Life's too short" myself. So, I would give time to my daughter more than anything else. I would always encourage people to see the world as how Ruth would be advising her younger cousins, nephews and nieces to travel whenever an opportunity allows them. I loved how she had a shout out on not wasting a minute, not even a second, on people who pretend to be her friends because there's no better way I could've said that. That's exactly what I wanted and needed to do. And the real ones who had been there no matter what would be shown and shared the best of me.

In addition, I would never be sorry for being who I am and loving what I do. I am a performer, a mother and still working. And I am to honour my marriage, my life and my family each time.

Related posts:

1. THE GREATEST CEO OF HIS TIME - how I admire Steve Jobs being able to serve his purpose.

2. YOU LIVE IN YOUR CHILDREN - how our words affect our kids

3. WE ALL DON'T WANT TO BE JUDGED - a video that reminds us to reconsider what we say and do, and most importantly, joke about.

THE LAST TIME

I wanted to repost this very beautiful touching poem that speaks of how time would be constantly changing from embracinghomemaking.net. In addition, I would like to encourage everybody to be at the moment of where you're supposed to be, what you're supposed to be doing and how it should be done. It's good to multi-task. It's actually a strength from within of those willing to do so. But somehow, the android phones are taking so much time away from your loved ones when you are in an actual get together for example. It is such a bad habit that we wanted to always get involved with everybody's lives over these social networks by liking or commenting on their posts yet, the actual chance of talking to the person right in front of you is taken for granted. It's ironic to think that we want to be near thru it but so far from the people who's beside us because we're too busy with our phones.

Sunday, family day, today. Try logging out for an hour or two and talk to your loved one beside you. Unselfishly, undividedly. You don't know if it would be the last time anyway.

Related posts:
1. 9 OF THE MOST CREATIVE ADVERTISEMENTS - Small compilation of my favourite advertisements that actually hits you to the core.
2. LOOK UP - an actual video that encourages you to look up once in a while from looking at your cellphones. It's a humanitarian campaign that aims make people aware of how androids have taken over their lives.
3. 10 THINGS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW ABOUT THE WHOLE SHENANIGAN - My own personal experience in giving birth and taking about a newborn that you may not find in textbook.

God's LOVE knows no limits...

Today, the Lord had blessed me and my 40week old baby in my tummy with the words that relieved me of my anxiety and healed me of my impatience. Sharing it to you may have a different impact. I hope it would benefit you one way or another. There were a couple of important reminders for us all this Sunday.

GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

God's love knows no boundaries, no limits and no preferences. Whichever race you're from, whichever gender you prefer and whatever religion you belong to, God sees us all equally and considers all of us His own children. In line with this, God's form of justice is way beyond ours. We, people tend to see other people in our own perspective, dimensions and definitions. As a very limited human being, we ought to judge our neighbours inconsolably. The gospel this Sunday suggests to quit the habit of being judgemental towards others.

The saddest part to realise is that, all of us believe in God and with that very sense, we use it as an excuse or a license to size up others with what they believe in. There are numerous assaults and maltreatments going in some parts of the middle east just because people don't conform to the religion of the majority. Brutally, they impose punishments that involve (and are not limited to) beheading, torture and mass killings. There are also many gay achievers that get denied of civil rights in terms of being in position politically, academically or in sports, military and even in adopting kids. Why? Because they don't meet the standards and norms of how the bible had set it. Yet blindly, the society accepts battery of women by husbands in India, teenage prostitution, human trafficking and death of innocent people because of ongoing wars in between countries (Flight MH17 where innocent passengers on board all died because of the Ukraine-Russia dispute is a very good example).

But the only important thing for Him is how strong your faith remains despite all of these tribulations. Let's take your own dilemmas into account. Most mature thinking adults would let a challenge go with that much hope as there's another "tomorrow" to look forward to. If their prayers don't get answered today, they wait for the bigger picture. But mostly others would consider God deaf to their prayers, not understanding that they're getting moulded into somebody better while waiting. God delays in giving and granting your desired gifts and supplication. But trust in the promise that no windows will be be closed. This paves the way to the second lesson.

TRUST IN GOD'S PERFECT TIMING

Be faithful to God as God stays faithful of you. In the bible, it talked about a "Canaanite Woman's Faith" and it said:

Mt 15:21-28

21Jesus... withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” 23But he did not say a word in answer to her. His disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” 24He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”25But the woman came and did him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” 27She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” 28Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.

As it was explained in Church today, Jesus had given the pagan woman a test of faith. He rejected her at first, even labelling her as a "dog" to test how strong her belief in Him as a healer is. Matching Jesus' wit, she professed her faith humbly and admits that she maybe a dog but even dogs wait for scraps from the master's table. How profound is her faith! She loves her daughter so much that even though she is a pagan, her commitment to the Lord's promise is kept intact in her heart. Initially, I was thinking to myself, if that was me, and I get rejected for the first time, I might already be walking away.

So much so, another inspiring story of a woman of great faith is St. Monica, St. Augustine's mother who prayed for her son, St. Augustine to be touched by the Lord. She didn't pray for 3 minutes, 3 hours, 3 days, 3 years but 30 years for this. Her faith did not fail her when St. Augustine got transformed from living viciously and wastefully into following God's teachings and becoming the patron of brewers. He's called so because he had helped a lot of people to cut lose of their damaging vices and habits. 

This makes me feel ashamed for feeling so impatient with my pregnancy. I have waited for 9 months for my baby to come and now that the final weeks are here and that all I needed to do was wait for few more days for nature to take its course, I become cranky about it. Almost complaining why I had passed my due date and nothing's happening. 

Like how I started, hearing these 2 messages today had relieved me of my anxiety. Sometimes, that many people whose main concern is your welfare, asking about the baby could also be pressuring and stressful to deal with explaining why it had gone overdue. When I, myself don't know why. So, I'll hold on to another week before we see the doctor once again and stay hopeful and prayerful for a smooth and safe delivery.

I am hoping that you'd also be destressed of what bugs you now and that your mind will be full of clarity upon reading this. 

God bless you today.

Related posts:

1. The Parable of the Weeds - how God's faith in us is strong and is beyond a human mind's comprehension.

2. Purpose Driven Life - How Temptation Works

3. Where Passion Takes You - God had made these people tools of showing how abundant His grace is.

THE PARABLE OF THE WEEDS

24 Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat. And went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

27 "The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?"

28 "An enemy did this,", he replied. The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'

29 "'No', he answered. 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time, I will tell the harvesters: First, collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn."

MATTHEW 13:24-29

I just took a test online that asks: 

HOW GOOD/EVIL ARE YOU?

And this was the exact question today at church right before the priest started his sermon. Considering the scripture I shared to you above, the priest explained to the attendees that God planted in us the seed of goodness based on God's image and likeness to distinguish man whom He created different above all else that has life. In addition, he coated that seed with free will only available to man to signify His passion for us all. This gave birth to the virtue of PATIENCE that the gospel of today would like to emphasise on.

True to that fact, the questions that composed the test were all about how much patience you have at a given situation . Everything was about testing your limit and how far your OK meter would go.  And my result was:
You are 71% Good and 29% Evil. That makes you a

"Pretty Darn Good Person."

No one is an angel. (Well, except the people who scored above 85%, but they were probably lying anyway.) The important thing is that you seem determined to leave the world a better place than you found it. That sure does mean a lot to the rest of us!

And that's why the householder stopped the servants from pulling out the weeds. Like the field, you and I can never be perfect. We should know what are the bad traits to be weeded out on our own while the Lord is patient in waiting for us to realise this. The weeds are there to help us grow into our best.

Different kind of stimuli will be present in our lives. These may make or break us. But God is patient enough in keeping the faith that you'd nourish the seed of goodness He had planted in us. He is waiting for you to acknowledge Him in your life. He awaits for you to choose to follow the right path. 

"PATIENCE ain't the ability to wait.

But it is about having a good attitude while waiting."

Related posts:

1. SOMETHING TO PONDER ON EVEN ME - 3 Signs of Spiritual Maturity by Bo Sanchez

2. BE FREE - what I firmly believe in.

3. PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE - read how temptation works.

MOTHER'S DAY TRIBUTE

We all have a unique subjective perception of pain. I know this very well when I was studying Nursing in College. Yet it didn't sound as threatening as I expect my own child. Based on instinct itself, I can't help but watch videos to prepare myself of what should I do. Nightmares haunt me because of worrying too much not of the pain but because of hoping too much for the delivery of "my" baby to be safely and smoothly done. I understand that my baby will experience physical trauma as per vaginal birth and my prayers continue up to how the doctor would be facilitating the head twist for the rest of the shoulders and the body to be delivered. I worry that her gloves might be too slippery that she might drop the baby (which she did in my dream the other night - I woke up loudly crying and I remember so much the hurt I feel inside - oh yeah! Did I mention that was just a dream?). I worry about so many things with just that 15-minute drill for medical professionals of delivering the baby. (I know that's just how long it would take since I assisted when I was completing my hours to be a registered nurse in the Maternity and Obstetrics taking over more than 15 cases). And it made me realise one thing, that's how a mother is.

my mom's graduation picture

I always got crazy seeing my mom worry about so many things when I was young. I never grasped the idea of how she perceives the bigger picture of everything that she does (bringing alcamfor while on vacation, making me check if the gates are closed 3 times in one night before going to sleep, nagging about not wearing the seat belts when she drives us to school). I swear, I found it so annoying. Then now, I see myself becoming one. And as my younger sister and I talk about how she feels about having a baby too, she only stated this, "Jesse (her newly born son), just made my perception in life different already. The kind that makes me say to myself, "THIS IS NO JOKE ANYMORE!" Hahahaha!!!! And I totally agree with her.

Remember that time when your mom used to say, "Papunta ka pa lang, pabalik na ako!" (English translation: "You're still on your way, but I'm on my way back already!") ? This is a Filipino proverb that simply says, "BEEN THERE, DONE THAT!" I didn't understand that at first but whenever my mom sees me outsmarting her by saying, "Ma, I know what I 'm doing.", she'll always answer me this way. But like my dad, my mom TRUSTS me and I know that to my gut. She had seen me work hard on my own when it comes to earning money, getting things done and in choosing the right path. She has a say every now and then with my style in clothes (She is a fashionista alright and she loves shopping, which we never get along with.) but in general, she respects my uniqueness and knows that at the end of the day, it will never be a failure.

I'd like to share one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. It is about how God gave me my mom to me twice in my own lifetime. The first time was when I was conceived, He had assured me of an angel that would bring me to live here on earth. And the second time was on my 18th birthday.

an elf truck

My mom is a very hard working woman. We owned a realty corporation and she and my dad owned the sole entrepreneurship of the said business. We owned an elf truck, the one that's big enough to transport sand, G.I. sheets or plywood to and from my mom's project houses - "lumber" stuff. So she was driving this one day to order materials. She was working on a demolition project that time for my upcoming debut (18th birthdays of daughters are always a big deal to Filipino moms). After the truck got loaded up, she was on her way back to the elf. She was crossing the road but Mayon Street (located in Manila) is high sloped and was a very busy street. There she had an unfortunate accident. She tried to avoid an approaching jeepney not knowing that there was an overtaking motorcycle on the blind side and she got hit. The impact threw her at the side of the street and she had hit the temporal side of her head right on the edge of the gutter. She was raced to the hospital that morning and as I got home noon that time from school, our helper had told me of what happened. I ran to the Chinese General Hospital Emergency Room and I saw my mom laid down unconscious, not bleeding, with a lot of bruises on the face (a very bad sign of head trauma). She had to stay in the hospital for observation and her condition progressed from just feeling dizzy the first time she woke up, up to not knowing who we were in just 1 day and a half. She had a hematoma that prevents oxygen from going to the brain hence, the confusion and brain dysfunction. We were blessed that a neurosurgeon checked on my mom and upon ordering MRI scans, he had discovered that my mom only got 3 days if she wouldn't have the brain surgery to take the hematoma out. My dad was so confused that time and he had gone to other hospitals, a lot of doctors, for a second opinion, worried and helpless. Everybody else advised him the same thing. He was worried about how invasive the procedure is as explained since it would involve drilling into my mom's skull to extract the "clot" out. My family was in so much pain, most especially me, thinking that she was doing extra work for my birthday. My dad tried to explain to my mom who was nearly unconscious and was actually delirious already. He was hurt with the idea that he wants her to be better, he wants her to fight but him, having to sign in behalf of my mom because my mom's brain wasn't 100% efficient to make sound decisions was too much of a risk to take. It was a very scary time for us.

Why am I sharing this?

I want to emphasise how strong my mom is. She survived the operation. She fashioned a bald head during my birthday which we just had at home and I thought that was cool. My dad was able to buy the smallest "Lechon de Leche" and a serving of Palabok (good for 20 people) but thinking of the money we had spent on the operation, it was more than a blessing for me. I was surprised we were able to afford that in the first place. I believe there were more than 50 people who came to celebrate but I was in shock that we didn't run out of food. It was like the parable of the loaves and fishes where Jesus made a miracle of not running out of food for the people he preached to in the mountains. From my mom, staying alive, not having remarkable motor nor sensory skill affectation was a MIRACLE alone, plus how the little food we had during my birthday became enough for the people who came. Up until now, I cannot explain how that happened. I am just grateful for God giving my mom her second life as a present for me for my 18th birthday. No party could ever top that.

And now that I am a trimester away from being a mom, I would be on top of the world, if I would even be half of how strong my mom is. From carrying the 3 of us (my sisters and I) for 9 months each, giving birth to all, sustaining that care for us up until now even though we are miles apart, and all the sacrifices in between, I would like to honour my mom today that it's her day. Mothers and Fathers deserve more than a day I think. And yet, they are just given one each when they are more than willing to give the whole of their lives just to be with us.

2012 - Mother's Day
at Disneyland California
I will see you next year Ma!

To my sisters, Kaith and Khrista

and to all of you moms out there

who are the REAL superheroes of this universe,

may you be bestowed upon today

the unconditional LOVE that you give to your children;

may your day be bright and full of hope

as your pure hearts are the best sources of this;

and most of all, may you earn pride as breeders of the future generation

because if not for you, the world will never be a better place.

Related posts:

1. FATHER'S DAY TRIBUTE - a post about my Dad
2. AMY AND DEREK'S CONTEMPORARY - a touching dance by a lady who has a prosthetic leg
3. IT'S IN YOUR HANDS - sharing what I learned upon reaching my 30th year.

What's up?

Hey folks!!! Sunday is a day to kick back and relax with your family at home, prepare a home cooked meal or just chill. But it could also be a time to keep abreast of what's new and what's happening. After all, this is the only free day that you'd never feel guilty of indulging on shopping therapy, admiring art or spending selfishly.

Vintage dresses never go out of style. There's something sweet and darling about them. Today from 10am to 10pm, my entrepreneur friend is collaborating with Yoga Bambam for its opening party today. The event is open for everybody interested and it is up with the following offers for its grand opening event:

Free Trial sessions

Workshops 

Performances 

Yogi Market

Bring your own mat 

Bring your own BYOB we wont be serving alcohol

Bring some CASH for the Yogi Market

Cash Only to buy Yoga BamBam Classes

Come already dressed in your Yoga clothes

Come with your best smile.

Please don't miss an exciting event as this is a one time chance to mingle, learn and rediscover yourself thru YOGA. Here are some of the reminders from the event invite I got.

"If you want to join in a free trial class please book early as we are a boutique studio with just a few students per Teacher. 

PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR MORE THAN 2 CLASSES ON THE OPENING PARTY. 

Let other people also have a chance to enjoy a trial class.

PLEASE sign up on the Yoga BamBam MindBody online booking site before you arrive. The demand for classes has been huge, save time & create your own user login. You can also Sign in & login in with your smart phone.

We will have a receptionist at the Party who will be able to take your advanced booking for the weekly classes. A weekly class booking is ONLY guaranteed after you have paid with Cash.

To reserve a weekly class you can pay the receptionist at the Opening Party or pay the teacher directly before your class. 

Once again please sign up on MindBody before you arrive. 

If you sign up for a class then decide not to come please cancel and leave the space to another person. 

You have 2 'no shows' (signing up then not canceling if you don't come), please do let us know before we start to wonder if you belong in our caring studio.

We have the best Independent teacher who all have been chosen for their talent but also for their loving personality.

Here are the prices 

A drop in class is 250$

4 classes is 900$ during a 5 week period

8 classes is 1600$ during a 10 week period

Students may book a course with one teacher. 

You choose which course/ Teacher you want & reserve your course with for either 4 classes or 8 classes. 

Students may 'Drop -in' to all the the different teachers' classes if their is space.

However we advise students to book a block of classes to reserve their mat space as we only have 10 - 11 students per each Teacher. The courses at Yoga BamBam are semi private. 

We are a Home made studio and the Teacher runs their own classes & therefore has a personal investment in each students progress & well being.

Hope to see you soon."

My yogi friend Kristy had to go indoors though for the weather wasn't quite favourable to the outdoor stall so she moved on pound lane but is still offering these dresses for sale. Check it out! Yoga Bambam is located at 28 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. 

Going down to Sai Kung leads to a friend's jewellery (SWAROVSKI) stall named after himself, CIRCLES by Jonathan Joni Valdez. Mother's Day is just a week away so you might be interested to drop by to find something for those superheroes called "MOMS". May it be your sister, friend, or your own, a wide selection offers just the right style for just about any femme fatale's taste. Sai Kung Sunday Markets cater to your needs at the right time. This May 11th however, DBAY will be featuring Circles by Jonathan in one of the stalls put up in the plaza. So don't let this opportunity pass.

Learn more by visiting their website: www.circlesbyjonathan.com

Not up for shopping but up for some adrenaline pumping event? Ride the ferry for an adventure and check out Lamma Island as it holds its annual Dragon Boat Races today to witness all strong teams as they meet up and battle to win the cup and beat Team Mushu from being last year's Champions! Afterwards, have a taste of the good seafood dinner at the island, I tell you, it's worth it.

Now, the following may not fall on a Sunday but on a weekend. Learn about it and plan ahead.

Another cool, fun and unique activity coming this May 23 is the EDMfreaks' event called, "Glow Hard or Go Home". Event details as per invite go:

EDMfreaks is super proud and excited to bring you THE MOST ANTICIPATED, UNFORGETTABLE EVENT OF THE YEAR! - GLOW HARD OR GO HOME EDM RAVE

EXPECT THE FOLLOWING ON THE NIGHT:
►Unlimited supply of glow in the dark paint
►French rising EDM star Morgan Kent 
►Free EDMfreaks special edition GlowHardorGoHome White Tee
►Rainbow Beer Pong
►Hundreds of beautiful ladies and gents
►Electrifying EDM beats all night


Date:::: 23rd May 2014
Venue:::: (To be revealed a week before)
Time:::: 11pm 'til late


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TICKETS
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On Door: $250
Early Bird: $200
*Ticket come with 1 drink and 1 complimentary EDMfreaks white shirt.

Reserve your tickets online now: http://EDMfreaksGlowPaint.eventbrite.hk/

or go to our EDMfreaks Reps/PRs around you!

Tickets are limited so get yours quick and avoid the regret of missing out!

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ABOUT THE DJ: MORGAN KENT
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French young 18 years old Morgan Kent specialises in Electro house, Dirty Dutch and Progressive house music. From the age of 12 he was attracted and was led directly to turntables (pas sur pour platens). In 2010, he took part in a French national competition by "Fun Radio” and finished 43rd best DJ of France when he was only 14 years old at the time.In 2013 Morgan’s submission to Avicii’s world’s largest music collaboration ‘X You' was 1 of the 12951 that stood out and caught Avicii’s eyes, later became the melody bass of the track. Morgan Kent plays according to his motto "Music is noise that thinks”, being so ambitious and determined he is ready for new challenges; he has only one main goal: Always pushing his limits on stage!


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JOIN EDMFREAKS
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Have you been to our parties? Want to join this electric family? Find one of us on the event night or email your interest to info@edm-freaks.com!


Get ready to glow hard and live out your most inappropriate childhood finger painting dreams!

www.edm-freaks.com・www.facebook.com/EDMfreaks・www.twitter.com/EDMfreaks・www.instragram.com/EDMfreakshk

And last but not the least, a more daring week and month ender for artists by heart. Norm Yip invites everyone to see and appreciate Asian Men in his eyes as a fund raising exhibition showcases Asian Men at its boldest and finest.

The event invite goes:

This event is to raise funds for The Asian Male - 3.AM publication. Selected photographs from the book will be exhibited and shown for the first time ever. All photographs will be signed limited edition prints or artist proofs, making them a valuable addition to collectors of The Asian Male artwork. 

A sample copy of the book will be available for preview at the exhibition. You will also be able to purchase presale copies of the book.

GOLD PATRON
- purchase of $20,000 or more of artwork

SILVER PATRON
- purchase of $10,000 or more of artwork

BRONZE PATRON
- purchase of $5,000 or more of artwork

SUPPORTERS
- purchase of presale copy of the book The Asian Male - 3.AM

All Patrons will be acknowledged in the book.

Please rsvp at nwy@normyip.com or on the facebook event.

Exhibition continues until 28 June by appointment only.

Information: nwy@normyip.com
T: +852 25406267 or +852 68388948

NOTE: Online fundraising will be held through the Indiegogo.com platform. More details forthcoming.

Mr. NORM YIP

Norm Yip is a known photographer and teacher of the said art. Once, he needed a model for his Photography (specifically, LIGHTING) students to capture hair movement. Alejandro, one of his assistants asked if I could do it to help out and in return would be given a copy of whatever his students could come up with. I did and here's one of those shots:

2010