2011: A Look Back

Before this year ends, I would like to recall on ever significant thing that happened in my life. God's gift of life has been a roller coaster ride for me. From happiness down to sadness and now, to happiness again.

The following are the highlights of my 2011:

JANUARY

• Celebrated New Year with my family - I thank God for every new year that He is giving me and my family. Whenever this day comes, I feel like there will be another life, another beginning, another challenges and another things that will come to be thankful for (both trials and blessings). I am so glad that I always have the chance to celebrate it with my family. And so, THANKYOU, LORD!

FEBRUARY

• Bid goodbye to Razelle - This month has been a though month for me and my high school friends. We lose one good friend. We were all shocked but we have nothing to do but hand it all to God who knows everything. It was hard to let go yet we all just thought that we have to be happy because she's now with our Father in heaven.

MARCH

• Celebrated my first year in Broadcore - Last year has been good for me because I was hired at work as a Web Copywriter though I am still not holding my college degree. This year, I am so blessed that I have celebrated my first year in Broadcore (together with Lileth). I am not with Broadcore now but still, I am very grateful that I have worked with them for a year and a month.

APRIL

• Paolo's Graduation - My brother's achievement is mine's achievement too! This is why I am very proud when Paolo graduated in high school. As a bonus, I was invited to be their guest speaker. I am just so happy (though a bit nervous) to inspire all the graduates with the words that I've prepared for them. With that, I felt like I am also giving my brother pieces of advice that he can use in the next stages of his life.

 

• Left Broadcore - It was just March when I celebrated my first year in Broadcore but after a month, I bid goodbye because of some matters. But I didn't felt so bad because I know that each people that I've met will always be a part of my life. Thankyou, Broadcore!

MAY

• Bid goodbye to him - It has been so hard but I now know why all these things happened. I emotionally and physically said goodbye to someone who's been with me for quite sometime but I know that it was the right thing to do. I thought of it a million times and I thank God that He helped me with thatdecision. 
• Celebrated mother's day - Mom will always be the most important person in my life next to God. I love her so much that I can give up everything for her. Every Mother's Day, me and my brother are making sure that she will feel special. I've made a special AVP for her.

JUNE

• Met my loves at Calvento Files - I met them and worked with them for just a week but it felt like I've known them for so long. I feel so comfortable with them and they made me feel they were my true sisters. I love them so and that will never change. 

• Mom's 46th Birthday - Mom's another year is always another thing to be thankful for to God. May God bless her with more years so that I will also have the more chances to make her feel how much I love her. 

• Celebrated Father's Day - We may not be able to live with Papa but we always make sure to also make him feel special during Father's Day. Not living with Papa doesn't mean we love him less. Pao and I love him as much as how me love Mama.

• Got new job - After a month of vacation and after leaving DWIZ, I got another job at the City Government of Antipolo. I thank God for another job and for another family who treated and is treating me as their family. Thankyou, Lord for my new family!

JULY

• Being so busy with my new job, I didn't had the chance to blog anything during this month but this month is Papa's month because it's his month. He celebrated his birthday. I love him so much though we're miles away!

AUGUST

• My 21st Birthday - Binata na ko! Haha! I am so glad to celebrate it with my family and friends. I felt so blessed to have gone this far in my life. I've got material gifts but the best gift that I've received was having another life to live for. THANKYOU, LORD for all the blessings that you are giving me!

SEPTEMBER

• Mama Mary's Birthday - Nothing so important have happened to me on this month but our Mother celebrated her birthday. Happy Birthday to the greatest mother of all!

OCTOBER

• Bid Farewell to Itchan - If February has been a tough month for me and my high school friends, this month has been a tough month for me and my college friends. We lose a very dear friend. But like Razelle, I lift everything to God. I will miss Itchan but in my heart, he will remain alive.

NOVEMBER

• Felt free at last - After 6 months, I felt so free, totally . I've been having a hard time during the past months but this month has been so good that I want to thank God because He made me feel that I will end this month with a big smile on my face :)

DECEMBER

• Celebrated Christmas with the City Government of Antipolo - It was my first time to celebrate Christmas with my new family. I've had a lot of fun. Simple parties were done because we can't afford to have an extravagant celebration because of what happened in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. Happy to have them in my life :)

• Celebrated Christmas with Mom and Pao - It is always important for me to celebrate Christmas with my family. I always make sure that I will spend this day with them. 25th of December - we attended mass first then went to SM Masinag to have a simple celebration. We ate, shopped, and watched fireworks together. Oh I love to have simple celebration with them! Simple yet so meaningful. 

 

 

Today is the 30th of December and tomorrow's New Year's Eve. I am so excited to welcome another year with my arms wide open. I will welcome everything that God will give me, whether blessing or trial.

For being a good girl, I've got the following:

some gifts that I've received :)

And as I am always saying, the best thing to end the year is by saying THANKYOU! 

THANKYOU FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS THAT HAPPENED INTO MY LIFE!

P.S.

2012, I will be looking forward to rub elbows with you. I know that you will be a good year for me :)

        xoxo

4 Hugs for this Season :)

Let me share you this simple yet meaningful thing that I've just learned a while ago as I attended the Christmas Eve mass. The priests told everyone to give our loved ones 4 HUGS. Those hugs mean the following:

1ST HUG - Thank you.

2ND HUG - I am sorry.

3RD HUG - I forgive you.

4TH HUG - I love you.

These words are those simple words that we often forgot to tell our friends and family.These Christmas, let us not forget to let them feel how much we love them by hugging them. 

Let us give 4 hugs to all those dear persons in our lives. Aren't those words are the true meaning of Christmas? Anyway, hug aren't hard to give, right?

Say thank you because we often forget that there are lots to be thankful for in our lives. Say sorry for all the sins and shortcomings that we have done. Give forgiveness to those who hurt us. Lastly, say I LOVE YOU because above all, this is the true meaning of Christmas, GIVING LOVE.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

May we all spread love as we understand that the true essence of Christmas is not having material things on our hands but filling our hearts with gratefulness and happiness. Also, never forget that God is the reason of this celebration so give thanks to Him.

Give hug. As they say, hug is worth a thousand words :)

Godbless us all! 

       xoxo

Starbucks' 14th year

It's Starbucks' 14th year and they have this special treat to all planner collector:

I got mine last December 13 with only 15 stickers. 

Sorry for posting it so late but you still have today. So... ENJOY!

P.S.

Another promo that I've read just today:

Do not miss these chances. Have a great holiday, everyone! :)

      xoxo

I am not the Captain

I attended mass yesterday and I want to share you this homily that I can't help but share. I just love how the priest delivered it and how he humorously relay the message to everyone. I can't share it word-for-word but this is how it goes:

"We are not the captain of this life. We all know that there is Someone who knows what is best for each of us. We may never understand why everything is happening but we must believe that He will lead us to the right path. He knows what's best because He knows where our life will go."

Believing that there is Someone who is guiding us in this life is a big reason to be stronger each day. There may be times that we will fall but surely, it happens because it is needed. Just like a ship which sometimes lands or stops without any notice. It doesn't land nor stop just because the captain wants to, but because there may be something to be fixed to sail or fly smoothly. In life, trials may come because there are things that are needed to happen for our life to be better. That is what we must stick to our minds.

I love how the priest ended the homily. He said,"Kung tayo nga, sumasakay ng eroplano kahit hindi natin kilala ang piloto. Sumasakay tayo para makapunta sa destinasyong gusto nating puntahan. Ni hindi natin alam ang pangalan ng piloto, ilang taon na siya o ilang taon na siyang nagpapatakbo ng eroplano pero hindi tayo nagdadalawang isip na sumakay at nagtitiwala tayo. Sa Diyos pa kaya na kilalang kilala natin?"

Father is just so right. We are not the captain of this life. We don't even own this life so who are we to contradict what our Father wants for us? Yes it is true that we have to also do something in order for our life to work well. There are choices that will be given to us to teach us how to gain strength. It is also true that our happiness depends on how we choose to live but we must always take note that those choices comes from God. Let us have faith that He will never lead us to the wrong road. He knows very well where we must go and will always take care of us. 

Let us trust Him more than how we trust any pilot or captain because above all, He is the One who knows what is right for us. Anyway, He definitely knows what the desires of our hearts are, right? Follow Him, let Him be our captain and we will live a happy and contented life.

Just sharing!

     xoxo

Goodbye but Super thanks, November! Hello, December!

How time really flies! We are now on our last month of the year, the month that everybody's waiting for, the month which reminds us of the true meaning of giving, the month of December. 

I am always looking forward for the start of each month. I'm always hoping that another month will mean another start and another door that will open for good things to come. 

November has been so good to me. Everything feels better and lighter. The past months have been tough and it was just this November when I realized that slowly, things are going in their right places. 

It is true that when a not-so-good thing happens, forgiveness must be the first thing to do. Surely, everything will follow. I started everything with forgiveness and last month was the start of reaping what I sow. It was last month when I totally gained the strength of writing from my heart. Goodbye but SUPER THANKS, NOVEMBER! Thankyou for the wonderful memories and strength!

Today is the 3rd day of December and yes, this post is a bit late to welcome this month (sorry naman, busy lang last few days.haha!). Better late than never, right? Haha! 

This day, I am welcoming another month of happiness. Christmas is fast approaching and let this post be our reminder of the true meaning of Christmas -- LOVE. 

Let us welcome each day of this last month of the year with gratefulness in our hearts. HELLO, DECEMBER! I know that you'll be very kind to me. 

I thank you Lord for letting me see how true it is that there's a right time for everything. 

     xoxo

It's over.

How hard or easy it is to say it's over? Is it like saying I LOVE YOU in which you have to be careful or you can just say it anytime you want? 

Saying "It's over" requires a lot of courage. It is not easy to say these words to the one you love or have loved because admit it or not, it will break your heart the moment you see them hurting. There's no easy way to say this. There's no even right word or timing for this. But why do we really have to say "IT'S OVER?"

I can't say that I know everything about this thing. I admit, I still have to learn more. All I have now are the lessons I've learned from my past relationships. 

There are different reasons why these words are being said. There are lots of reasons around, really. Some are true, some are not. But one thing is for sure, once you say those words, you've been hurt and you must face all the consequences of your decision. 

First stage will always be the hardest stage of all. It is easy to smile and laugh but being happy is another side of the story. You will have to fake smile and laughters just to hide the pain but at the end of the day, you know you're not okay. 

It is not easy to think that the person whom you are with for months or years will not be the same person whom you are used to be with but you have to accept everything. It will be hard but all you have to do is think that everything happens for a reason. Just be thankful that once in your life, you've met a person like him/her who will help you become a better person.

I am always saying, it is okay to cry when you're hurt. It is not a sin to cry nor be sad because we are just human. Crying means that we're still  alive. We have to let all the sadness in our heart come out to ease the pain and it is natural to all human being. It is part of the process. What's wrong is to nourish that sadness for a long time. You will lose the chance to see more beautiful things around you. You can be sad, you can cry, but learn when to stop and accept everything.

Acceptance is the key word. Whether breaking-up is your decision or not, always remember that you must accept it. You don't have to rush if you can't do it that fast but slowly, you have to. There are things that will change but if you accept even if you don't understand, everyhting will be easier. 

IT'S OVER. It doesn't mean that it is the end of everything. It just means that there are better things and people to come. He/she may be God's way to help you appreciate life more. As they say, you will not learn how to appreciate more if you didn't experienced how to lose something. God allowed you to lose him/her so that you will be more prepared and strong when the right one comes. 

IT'S OVER. It doesn't mean you cannot be friends but if it is better not to be each other's friend, accept it. Just don't forget to be thankful for all the lessons that you've learned from each other. Though you have to separate ways, be thankful that you once become happy with him/her. You may not be for each other but thank those times that you have known someone like him/her who once made you feel special and important.

IT'S OVER. It doesn't mean that you will stop loving. In fact, it must be your guide to know how to love more the next time. You deserve to be happy. You deserve all the love that the world can offer. Always be thankful to God for letting you know how to give and receive love. It is His gift to all of us.

And if you are in a relationship right now, cherish each day with your love. Trust and respect each other. Above all, pray to God to guide your relationship and let Him be the center of your relationship.

        xoxo

True Love doesn't Give Up

2 nights ago, I watched Bandila in Channel 2 and saw this touching story of Lola Aurelia and Lolo Luis Matias. I felt happy when I knew that Lola Aurelia found Lolo Matias through the help of social media. According to the news, a guy named Reddie Js posted the photo below:

I saw this old woman sitting by herself yesterday at the corner of buendia and roxas blvd yesterday. Surprised to see a bond paper pinned in front and back of her dress with a picture of a missing old man, i asked her about it and she said it is her husband who has been missing for two weeks now. I was touched by her integrity and pained to see her looking for him in that manner so i decided to help her too. I asked permission to post her picture here in fb to be shared by others as help for finding Mr. Luis Matias.

Lolo Matias is 78 years old, he displays childish behaviour so do coax him if found and restrain him from leaving ur sight. Call any of these numbers immediately 09497763122/ 09326095491 / 09474196145, he lives in #164 Dolores St. Pasay City Brgy 66 Zone 08

Do share this around please at sana mahanap agad si Lolo Luis Matias!

The photo was reposted and tweeted a lot of times because it got the heart of every Filipinos who saw this in the internet. Days after it was posted, Lola Aurelia found Lolo Matias. 

Social media once again has proven its power, so as LOVE. Last night, I was watching the news and saw the two old couples hugging each other. My heart melted as I heard Lola Aurelia saying something like, "Masayang masaya talaga ako na kasama ko na ang pinakamamahal ko." Indeed, TRUE LOVE DOESN'T GIVE UP. Who would have thought that an old aged woman will do what Lola Aurelia did. She waited because she believed and God saw it. God never fails anyone who has pure heart and He proved that through Lola Aurelia and Lolo Matias. THIS IS HOW POWERFUL LOVE IS.

Today is Thanksgiving Day. It is time to give thanks to all the blessings that we have in our life. Above all the blessings that we have, let us be thankful that there is Love. Let us give thanks for the LOVE that keeps everyday worthy to live for. God is love so let's thank God above all. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! :)

     xoxo

It's been 6 months

It's been months since I've posted something 'from me.' I know, this blog site has been my outlet for the past year, this is where I share my sadness and happiness, and this is where I open who the real 'ME' is. 

Flashback October 2010 when I started to write it all again. I promised myself not to stop writing and blogging because it is where I feel so free. I can write whatever I want and do any blog posts that I can because I own the blog site. I can shout all my sadness and happiness just by writing what's inside my heart. Yes, 'WHAT'S INSIDE MY HEART.' 

Fast forward to second week of May 2011 when my heart was really down. This blog became my outlet. I put all the pain into words to help me (at least). And yes, it did... for a while.

A bit jump to last week of May 2011 when another painful (most painful of all as of the moment) thing happened in my life. I don't know what to do. During that time, I don't know how to put all the pain in words. I promised myself that I will not stop writing because it is an effective way to lessen the pain (next to talking with those people who can understand you) but during that time, I can't. I really don't know where and how to start. I really don't know how. Even talking to anyone became none of my choices. And yes, I faced it all ALONE.

Facing things alone is not so me. It is not me who doesn't share my thoughts. It is not me who wants to cry alone. It is not me who wants to hide my true feelings from my loved ones. Yes, I do hide some things at times when I know I can manage. But during that time, I know I can't bear it all but I HAVE TO.

I have to hide all the pain from everyone because I have a decision to make. It is always good to ask for others opinion but in that case, I don't want to ask anything from anyone. I want the answer to my questions be answered by me, without any judge but myself I don't want any person to support nor rebutt my decision. I want to reflect and this time, make my own decision. It was one of the hardest point in my life and I HAVE TO BE STRONG.

I have to be strong not for myself but for the people around me. I must admit, I don't want to be anybody's burden so I told myself that I can make it. Anyway, I have God who is always with me so I am still not alone. 

What's making all things harder is that I am jobless during that phase of my life. Meaning, I have all the time to cry and feel bad. And I guess it wasn't good so I then planned to find a job. I have to be busy for me not to think of sad thoughts. I know it will be hard to work while on that stage but I have to because I don't want to cry the whole day. Luckily, I found one and that helped me.

Slowly, I felt that the wounds are being healed. Slowly, I have answered those questions in my mind. Slowly, I have made my decision which cannot be broken by anyone. Slowly, i opened up with my friends and loved ones. Slowly, I feel free again.

Fast forward today. I am writing and doing this blog because I think I am (though not totally) ready to share what's in 'me' now. I cannot tell all in a detailed manner because there are some things that are already healed and must not be opened again, but this may be a good start. 

It's been 6 months and I guess I have made the right decision. As what I am always saying, HAPPINESS IS OUR CHOICE. What happened was not my choice but it's my choice on how am I going to face it. It is always up to us on how we will react when hard times happen.

For me, I decided to close the door, reflect, and forgive first before making any decision. People may not understand me for choosing to be with myself during those times but real friends will not ask any question and will just support me (and they did). I choose to cry not to be drowned in sadness but to let the pain out and I succeed. Now, I can feel the freedom that I want. 

It's been 6 months, almost, I guess, and now I am ready to choose happiness over sadness. Now I am ready to share 'myself' again. 

To my friends, family, and to the people who never judged me and my decision, 

A BIG THANK YOU! 

Life, thank you for all the lessons. Keep it coming for me to learn more. 

Lord, thank You because You let me understand how right it is to hold on to You more during the hard times.

Love, I will continue to share you with others and will never get tired of doing it.

      xoxo

Hello, November! :)

It's almost a month to go before Christmas! This may be a great way to start this month:

It's been two years in a row. Let this be my motivation to start a beautiful month. 

HELLO, NOVEMBER!

Advance Merry Christmas everyone!

      xoxo

Goodbye, Itchan! We will miss you!

here's our tribute for you, itchan. 

you're life was a great one because it is full of happiness.

thankyou for touching our lives.

we will all miss you.

we love you from the deepest part of our hearts.

REST IN PEACE MY DEAR FRIEND

     


      xoxo

P.S.

And when I die, let my coffin be white or light blue. Let me wear a light blue dress and simple make-up. I want to have my photos in a gallery and an AVP of my memories that is continuously playing next to my coffin. I also want a continuous playing of songs and some singing sessions from my friends and loved ones on my wake. I want everyone to treat me as if I am just sleeping. I don't want to be cremated..And as you send me on my tomb, I want everyone to wear blue also. I want a simple program where people who wants to say goodbye to me express their feelings through words and for those who want to keep their message between the two of us, let there be blue balloons with brief notes from them fly in the sky to send their message for me. I know I can't stop you from crying but I want everyone to be happy for me for I will be with our Father where I will live eternally, happily and peacefully. :)

Whoever has the chance to read this, please take note of this and let my family know about this if I'll die. Of course, I don't want it to be soon but if it's God's will, I must obey. 

Itchan, you did a great job! :)

Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung paano ko ilalabas ang lahat ng lungkot sa puso ko kaya naisip kong maaaring sa pagsulat dito ay kahit paano'y mababawasan ang bigat na dinadala ko. 

"Life is so good. Enjoy every second of it! :)" posted October 2 at 3:58pm. 

--Ito ang huling status mo sa facebook at ito ang pakatatandaan naming lahat na nagmamahal sa'yo. Sabi mo nga, maganda ang buhay at pinatunayan mo 'yan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapasaya ng mga araw na kasama ka namin. 

ANG BIGAT. Minabuti ko na isulat ito sa wikang Filipino para mailabas ko ang lahat ng bigat na dinadala ko. Hindi ko alam na sa isang iglap, yung taong masiyahin at masigla ay biglang babawiin sa amin. Mahirap isipin pero kailangan tanggapin. Kailangan naming bumangon kahit hindi namin alam kung kakayanin namin.

Lahat kami ay nalulungkot. Alam naming ayaw mo na magkaganito kami kaya pipilitin naming maging matatag. Lagi mo ngang sinasabi, "Ang buhay ay hiram lamang." Ipinahiram ka samin ni Lord para iparamdam sa aming lahat kung paano maging masaya at kung paano maging matatag sa oras ng paghihirap.Higit dito, ipinahiram ka sa amin upang matuto kami na pahalagahan ang bawat segundong ibinigay sa amin upang mabuhay.

Alam naming naging mahirap para sa'yo na ngumiti sa kabila ng lahat ng sakit na pinagdaanan mo pero mas pinili mo pa ring gawin yun para hanggang sa huli, masasayang alaala ang maiiwan mo sa amin. Sa lahat ng ito, maraming maraming salamat. Ang mga ngiti at halakhak mo ay mananatiling nakatanim sa aming mga puso. Ito at ang katotohanang masaya ka na kasama ang Ama natin sa langit ang gagawin naming tuntungan para unti-unti ay makabangon kami.

Lider, yan ang tawag mo sa akin. Ikaw ang lagi kong katabi at kagrupo kapag ang basehan ay apelyido. Erestain-Estupin. Natatawa ako twing naaalala ko kung paano mo sabihing, "Saan tayo, lider?" at "Sunod tayo kay lider." Kahit sinasabihan mo akong hindi nagpapakopya, sobrang nalulungkot ako dahil wala nang magsasabi ulit nun sakin. Salamat sa pagiging mabuting classmate, groupmate, seatmate, kapatid at kaibigan. Mamimiss kita sampu ng iba mo pang mga kaibigan. Mahal ka namin. 

Mula kay lider, 

ITCHAN, YOU DID A GREAT JOB!

Uno ang grado mo sa buhay na ito.

See you later, but not too soon, okay? 

We will miss you and we truly love you!

         xoxo

Hello October! Happy World Teachers' Day! :)

Teachers are big part of my life. They are the reasons behind the success of my every step in life. Since the beginning, they stand as my parents, friends and of course, my mentors not just inside the four-walled classrooms but also in my life. 

This October, we will all be celebrating World Teachers' Day. To give tribute to all the teachers who are inspiring us and play a big role in my blessed life, let me share this favorite stories of mine about them:

Her name was Mrs. Thompson. As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play well with the other children. His clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers. 

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise. 

Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners...He is a joy to be around." 

His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home is a struggle." 

His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death had been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken." 

Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class." 

By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag. Mrs.Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. 

Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one quarter-full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist. 

Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mother used to." 

After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, and writing, and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. 

Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her "teacher's pets." 

A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. 

Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had in his whole life. 

Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer the letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD. 

The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he'd met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the place at the wedding that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom. 

Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together. 

They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs.Thompson's ear, "Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference." 

Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you."

It is true, teachers play a big part in our lives. As the school becomes our second home, they also becomes our second parents. To give respect to them is the best thing that we, as their students and second daughters and sons, can give to them.

Again, to all teachers, HAPPY

     xoxo

Happy Birthday to the Greatest Mother of All!

SEPTEMBER 8 -- Today is the birthday of our Mother, the greatest of all the mothers. 

With her, I find strength knowing what she suffered as she saw how her Son in pain. Each time I feel weak, I always think that the pain that I am going through is nothing compared to what she went through.

I thank You, Mother, for the guidance and love. As a human, I know that I am not worthy to call her mother because of my imperfections and failures but whenever I pray to her, I feel the comfort that a mother always gives.

To the greatest mother of all,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAMA MARY! :)

    xoxo

Hello, September!

It's the first day of September and I can't help but just feel happy. I can feel the happiness of the season. Everybody is looking forward for it because it is the time of giving and receiving as well. haha!

Kidding aside, since it is another season, it is another chance to renew what do something new and better. As I start this 1st day of BER months, I"ve read this very inspiring article from a Paulo Coelho's blog. By sharing this to you, I am hoping that we can apply at least half of what is written here for us to help not just the world, but ourselves as well. 

This one is entitled Top 10 Fundamentals for Changing the World

1. Change

“You must be the change you want to see in the world.”

“As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world – that is the myth of the atomic age – as in being able to remake ourselves.”

2. Control

“Nobody can hurt me without my permission.”

3. Forgiveness

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

“An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”

4. Action

“An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching.”

5. The present moment

“I do not want to foresee the future. I am concerned with taking care of the present. God has given me no control over the moment following.”

6. Everyone is human

“I claim to be a simple individual liable to err like any other fellow mortal. I own, however, that I have humility enough to confess my errors and to retrace my steps.”

“It is unwise to be too sure of one’s own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.”

7. Persist

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

8. Goodness

“I look only to the good qualities of men. Not being faultless myself, I won’t presume to probe into the faults of others.”

“I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.”

9. Truth

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

“Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well.”

10. Development

“Constant development is the law of life, and a man who always tries to maintain his dogmas in order to appear consistent drives himself into a false position.” 

I am hoping that these at least will help a lot for us to start the season right.

Happy September 1!

Advance

      xoxo