December 31, 2012

Thankyou and Goodbye, 2012! ♥

This will be a quick post since I am currently preparing for our Media Noche. I just want to thank God for giving me and my family another year. 

New year's resolution can be read all over the websites and other online posts but I thought of now having one. Each year, I just tell myself to be better than the year that past and to love more than I could. Oh well, if that will be called a resolution, then so be it. haha!

This year was full of twist and turns but all I know is that I am grateful and very much blessed for what God has given me. I may not have all that I want but I know that what I have is enough for me. I am also thankful for all the people surrounding me who became part of my 2012. 'Til next year, guys! :)

I just wish everyone a Happy New Year and let us be thankful for everything that we have and will soon be having. Let this another year be a symbol of more love, happiness, hope and courage for another year that God will bless us.

Again, 

P.S.
I will be posting my yearly look back maybe tomorrow. I just have to help mom prepare other stuffs for later's celebration :)

xoxo


December 29, 2012

Introducing La Vita E Bella ♥

New year's coming! And as part of this another year, I am introducing another blog that you will surely love.

Introducing La Vita E Bella (Life is Beautiful)


This blog will feature places that you will surely love. And yes, it will be an account of two persons who both love to travel, eat, and try new and not-so-new things. As part of its launching, a contest/giveaway is now ongoing.

Check it here http://mnmloveslife.blogspot.com. I hope you'll also love it!

xoxo



December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas, Everyone! ♥

I've been very busy for the past weeks because of my little business that's why I haven't updated this blog. Anyway, since the day that we are all waiting for is very near, let this be our outlet to give you our warm greetings.

Merry Christmas, everyone! Let us not forget that this day isn't just about the material gifts that we will receive. Instead, it is about the love and happiness that we will share with everyone. Most of all, it is all about the celebration of our Father in Heaven's birth. Remember, He is the reason why we have this season. 

And just what I have posted on my previous post, Christmas isn't Christmas without SHARING. 

Merry Christmas from us! 

May we all know the true meaning of this season and celebrate it with much love.
Let us thank God for all the blessings that we have received.
Thankyou, Lord! SO MUCH! ♥

  xoxo

November 26, 2012

Christmas=Sharing ♥

Yesterday was exactly 30 days before Christmas. Just like most of us, I, too, am excited for this joyful day. As much as being excited, I also can't wait to do sharing which is the true essence of this season (but it should be any moment we can). 

It was mom's last rest day of the year yesterday since December will be a "No-Restday Month" for them. To celebrate it, we attended mass then ate merienda at SM Masinag. While having a merienda, I told them not to eat much since I will be preparing our dinner. After eating, we part ways because I will be buying ingredients for our dinner.

Upon going to the supermarket, we saw this cute Christmas tree filled with stuffed toys.


Boyfriend asked if I want one. I almost hesitate until I saw this:


YES! Those bears that are hanging on the Christmas tree are from people who loves sharing. For only P100, we are given a chance to share. Upon paying, you will be given 2 stuffed toys, one for you and one will be donated. As what the lady who are in charge told us, "May stuffed toy ka na, Nakatulong ka pa!" which is true.

Instantly, I said yes to this cute stuffed toy and named it YURI.


See? The recipient, though will not know you personally, will at least know your name :)

You can personally put the toy on the tree and find the right place for it

Very true :)

 S.H.A.R.I.N.G.

BEARS OF JOY. I guess, every SM Malls has this tree. Go and share now!
Your P100 will surely go a long way :)

I always believe that you don't have to have so much for you to be able to extend help to others. In fact, those who are needy really don't need much. Whatever we share, if it is from our hearts, it is more than enough. Anyway, material things aren't just the way to share, it is sharing LOVE and HAPPINESS that is more important ♥

It's 29 days before Christmas. Before anyone else does, let me now greet you a MERRY CHRISTMAS! :)

xoxo



November 13, 2012

It's a Boy: A Baby Shower for Johann Edrick

They say, "Pregnant women brings luck." This was proven when Ate Jessica (the lucky charm) made it possible to bring us, EI Friends, together through her baby's welcoming party.

Now, let the pictures tell the story:
The Lucky Charm :)

My first time to meet Ate Ruby and Baby "Bibo" Bella

See the smiles in our face? I hope those absent will come next time :)

WACKY! That's our wacky, the standard way :)

Ate Jessica and Kuya Johnson, thanks for this gathering. I am praying for more of God's blessing to your family. Have a safe delivery, Ate Jess! 'Til next time :)


Dear Baby Johann Edrick, 
We can't wait to see you. We are all praying for your mom's safe delivery and for you also to have a good health. I know God is with your family, helping you mom and dad, in giving you all the best in this world. Of course, we are their support system. We love to have you as part of our family.

Baby, your gifts are waiting for you! You'll surely love them :)

xoxo

November 6, 2012

COMELEC Antipolo releases Voter's ID

The long wait is over. It was yesterday, November 5, 2012, when the Commission on Elections Antipolo started to release National COMELEC Identification Card (Voter's ID).

For the past months, my friends are always asking me if they can already get their Voter's ID since they have registered few years ago. Being in the City Government of Antipolo, it is one of our duties to inform the public about information like this but since there was no announcement for the last months (and I still don't have my own), the only thing I can tell is for them to check or call COMELEC. One thing more, COMELEC is a national office so the local government cannot answer for them. 

Those who registered from January to June of years 2003 TO 2011 can now get their Voter's ID

To my fellow Antipoleños who want to know if they already have their ID or have other querries, especially those who are far from the COMELEC, you can call 689-4568. To those who want to come, COMELEC Antipolo is just beside the City Government of Antipolo near Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Church (Antipolo Cathedral).

If confirmed, you should bring your registration slip or a valid ID. Authorization letter and Special Power of Attorney is needed if you can't come personally.

Voting is our right, let us use it wisely! :)


   xoxo


November 1, 2012

Hello, Sweet November! ♥

My friends from facebook and followers in twitter know how I am wanting time to run fast for this month to come. Okay, November isn't my birth month, it's my brother's yet it isn't also the reason behind my rants about it -- it's just that I am expecting something good and yes, SWEET this month. 

It is All Saint's Day today and also the start of long weekend for most employees like me. I am glad that after being very busy for the past weeks, I now have the time to rest and be lazy. haha! Today, I just stayed at home with mom. My relatives who passed away are far from where we are living now so we just lighted candles and prayed for them. Mom also requested for a special mass for them.

Going back, cold wind is also here to remind us that Christmas Season is coming near. 55 days to go before the happiest day of the year! I am so excited! I hope days will run fast. I am really expecting a lot of good things this month :)

I wasn't able to post anything last month because of lots of work loads. Anyway, I'll try to write more this month.

As always, I am welcoming this month with all of my heart. 

Dear November, I know you'll be good but I am expecting you to be awesome ♥


   xoxo

September 10, 2012

The Circle of Joy

Today is a another Monday. It is another week of work for most of us which means another opportunity to do something good. As I start my day, I tried to look on something worth sharing that can motivate us on this another busy week.

While searching on the internet, I remembered that I haven't visited Paulo Coelho's blog and as perfect as I thought, I found this story that made me want to do more goodness to others. It was entitled 1 MIN READING: The Circle of Joy.

A farmer knocked heavily at a convent’s door. When the brother doorkeeper opened the door, the farmer stretched out a magnificent bunch of grapes to him.

“Dear brother doorkeeper, these are the most beautiful grapes produced in my vineyard. And I come here to give them to you as a gift,” said the farmer.

“Thank you. I will take them immediately to the Abbot, who will be happy about your offer,” said the doorkeeper happily.

“No. I brought them for you,” said the farmer.

“For me?” The doorkeeper turned red because he thought he didn’t deserve such beautiful gift of nature.

“Yes!” the farmer insisted, “Because whenever I knock at this door, you open it. Whenever I needed your help because of the harvest being destroyed by drought, you gave me a piece of bread and a cup of wine. I want this bunch of grapes to bring you a little of the sun’s love, of the rain’s beauty and of God’s miracle, as He made it grow so beautifully.”

The doorkeeper placed the bunch of grapes in front of him and spent the morning admiring it. As the bunch of grapes was really gorgeous, he decided to give it to the Abbot as a gift, who had always stimulated him with words of wisdom.

The Abbot was very happy about the grapes, but remembered that there was a brother who was sick at the convent, and thought, “I will give him the grape bunch. Who knows, it might bring some joy to his life.”

And so he did. However, the grapes didn’t stay very long with the sick brother, because he thought, “Brother cook has been taking care of me for so long, nourishing me with the best there is. I am sure he will appreciate it.”

When brother cook brought his meal at the lunch time, he gave him the grapes.

“They are yours,” said the sick brother, “as you are always in contact with the produce that nature offers; you will know what to do with this work of God.”

Brother cook was fascinated by the beauty of the bunch. So perfect, he thought, that there is no one better to prize them as brother sacristan; as he was responsible for the guard of the Blessed Sacrament and many at the monastery saw him as a holy man; he would be able to value the marvel of nature.

The brother, on his turn, gave the grapes as a gift to the youngest novice, so that he could understand that God’s work is found in the smallest details of creation.

When the novice received it, his heart filled with the glory of the Lord, because he had never seen such a beautiful bunch of grapes. At the same moment, he remembered the first time he came to the monastery and the person who opened the door to him; it was this gesture that allowed him to be in that community of people who knew how to value miracles today.

Before the nightfall, he took the grape bunch to brother doorkeeper.

“Eat it and enjoy it,” he said. “Because you spend most of your time here alone and these grapes will make you very happy.”

The doorkeeper understood that the gift had really been destined to be with him, so he savoured each grape of that bunch and slept happily.

The circle was closed — the circle of happiness and joy, which always stretches out around the generous people.

***********
Reading this gave me a lot of motivation to share the joy and blessings that I have right now. What I have now may not be as big or high as some may have but by sharing it, I know that it will grow more than I can imagine. Life is a cycle so are all the love and happiness we share to others. As an old saying goes, "Happiness multiplies when it's divided." 

Share love, goodness, and happiness and without asking for it, it will surely come back to you.

 
     xoxo

September 2, 2012

Goodbye, August. Hello, September!

BER months are already here. It's one day late but hey, it's not too late to welcome another season that is being awaited by almost everyone. Ber months means Christmas is drawing near and like me, I bet, we are all excited of it. But before I say hello to months that are just about to come, let me have the privilege to thank the month before it, which, I always consider the first month of the happiest season on earth, the month of August.

I am very much open that August is my favorite month since it is my birth month. My month has been a busy one and I must admit, I didn't had the chance to blog any of the happenings that I've been into during that month. Anyway, since this blog has been my witness on how thankful I am every year that God is giving me, I don't want to miss (even this late) chance to express how thankful I am for this another year (and of course, everyday). 

22. As of now, I really feel more matured. I guess, it's because I've already passed that stage when everyone thinks that they are not a kid anymore, the 21st year. This year, I am learning how to look on things differently, that I have to be a bit serious on some matters in my life, especially on my communication with our Father in heaven. 

THANKFUL. This is the only word that describes what my heart feels right now. If you'll ask me why, I guess, I cannot answer anymore. I don't know why. I just think that for someone to be able to say this word, one must really feel it inside him/her. Just like love, you can say that you love someone but if asked why, there's no right word to explain it. 

As always, I am grateful that God gave me another year in my life. My life is God's everyday gift to me, to us. This is the reason why I will forever be thankful that I am waking up everyday, receiving and giving love, expecting nothing and leaving everything to God. 

THANKFUL. I am very thankful that I know, from the deepest part of my heart, that I have a lot to be thankful for. From family, friends, down to all those who love me, you're all part of where I am today and why I am feeling this way. Above all, thankyou, Lord for the gift of life, THANKYOU, LORD! :)


I'm Monica. 22. Thankful.

xoxo

August 17, 2012

Hello, August!

Okay. I know it's a bit late to say hello since August is nearly ending but because it is my favorite month, I will still greet it as if it is the 1st day of it. 

Anyway, as I mentioned above, this month is my favorite month (okay, redundant. haha!) not just because it is my birth month but also because I am looking forward to the long weekend that most of the employees will be enjoying. For those who  don't know, here's the reason behind the long weekend which I guess, is starting to trend in different social media:

  • August 18 - Saturday
  • August 19 - Sunday
  • August 20 - Eid'l Ftr (end of Ramadan)
  • August 21 - Ninoy Aquino Day

Knowing all about these holidays made my heart jump with joy because I can at least rest or celebrate another God's blessing to me. One more thing, PAG-ASA reported that there will be no rain for the next 5 days unless another tropical depression will come inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Having these facts, this weekend will surely be enjoyed by me and most of us. In fact, I just started it since I filed my birthday leave today. hihi.

I am really looking forward for good things to happen this month. Great things, I mean :)

August is almost over but hey, it's offering a lot! This made me feel like saying...


xoxo

July 18, 2012

One Blessed Girl :)

June 13, 2012 -- Friday. And yes, Friday the 13th which was, according to some, brings bad luck. 

I was rushed to the hospital because of the pain I felt on the lower right side of my stomach thinking it was appendicitis. It was painful but I was more nervous about the diagnosis. I don't want to hear the doctors say that I have to undergo an operation.

Good thing, the doctors said that I have to undergo series of tests first for them to know what's behind the pain that I was feeling. They  told me that it may take a while for us to know the real reason because I am a female and it may also be on my reproductive side and I believe them. Anyway, they know better than me.

Medications. Injections. Expectations. For three days, that became my routine during my stay in the hospital. The pain slowly subside and I am really praying hard that I don't have to undergo an operation. Doctors are checking me regularly and explaining what was happening. Appendicitis was still their diagnosis but some things must be cleared out.

Monday morning, my OB-Gyne doctor told me that everything is clear on their side. I have no problem with the tests I have undergone regarding my reproductive system. On the other side, I have to wait for the surgery part of my tests. 

Afternoon came the Surgeon and told me that I really have an Appendicitis but luckily, no surgery is needed. Urinary Track Infection (UTI) caused my appendicitis that's why it is swelling. Fortunately, medicine can still cure it and I can go home and rest.

I am really blessed that I have surpassed another trial in my life. I am more blessed that I don't have to deal with it alone. During the time that I was in the hospital, I felt how loved I am by everyone. From my family, friends, officemates and other acquaintances, I know that I have people whom I can count on to; people who prayed for me and wished for my healing. 

June 13, 2012 -- Friday. Friday the 13th which was, a day of blessing for me; the day that made me realize how blessed I am to have people around whom I can count on through thick and thin. 

One blessed girl here:

July 10, 2012

RIP, King of Comedy

You loved a lot. Your family and friends know that.
You suffered a lot. We all know that. 
You lived worthwhile. God knows that.

83 years of living for the laughter of others.
83 years of living for Filipinos.
83 years of living for others.


Now that You are in God's hands, we all know that you will no longer suffer.
Now is our time to give it all back to you through prayers.
Now is our time to thank and salute you.


John Puruntong.
Kevin Cosme.
Marcova.
Pidol.
Father Jejemon.
King of Comedy.

Rodolfo "Dolphy" Vera Quizon, Sr., 
Thank you for decades of laughter.
May you Rest in Peace.

      xoxo

July 9, 2012

How to Truly Forgive our Enemies

I read this post from Paulo Coelho's blog and thought that it's worth sharing:


FORGIVING YOUR ENEMIES
by Paulo Coelho


The abbot asked his favorite pupil how his spiritual progress was coming along. The pupil answered that he was managing to dedicate to God each and every moment of the day.

“Then all that’s left now is to forgive your enemies.”

The young man was shocked:

“But I’m not angry at my enemies!”

“Do you think God is angry at you?”

“Of course not!”

“And even so you ask Him to forgive you, don’t you? Do the same with your enemies, even though you don’t feel hatred for them."

Those who practice forgiveness wash and perfume their own hearts.”

Need I say more? I guess not.


           xoxo


July 2, 2012

Meet Yani :)

Okay. I am writing this despite the busy-ness that I am into right now. Haha!

I just want you to meet Yani, a child I met last week who is worth knowing and made me appreciate life more (the reason why I want to share her story to you).


She is Loureanna Marie R. Sadiwa but she wants me to call her YANI. She is a 4-year old girl that I met last Wednesday when she came in our office with her mother to request for financial assistance.

Seeing her wearing mask gave me the idea that she's sick and I am right. She is suffering from Acute Lymphoblastic Anemia or simply Anemia. The good thing is, it is an early stage of Anemia that's why continuous Chemotherapy can still sure it (hopefully).

Another good thing: Yani doesn't looks like she is suffering from an illness. She is very cheerful and brave. Though she doesn't know the serious part of what she is undergoing right now, she feels positive obout her situation.

OUR CONVERSATION
NOTE: Yani seriously speaks english (nosebleed talaga ako ng bongga. haha!)

ME: What's your name (ayan kasi, sinimulan ko. haha!)
YANI: Yani. But I'll write my fullname. (she then wrote her name as I gave her pen and paper) .
This is what she wrote

ME: You're really good and don't look sick. Are you really sick?
YANI: Yes, the doctor puts needle on my hand and everytime the doctor do that, I'll cry. But last       time, the doctor put another needle on my hand and I didn't cried, I just said "Ouch." 
ME: Wow, you're so brave. I wanna be like you. I'm afraid of needle and doctors. You're braver than I am.
YANI:Yes, I am brave and I will not cry because I want to go back to school.
ME: I know that you can come back to school soon because you're so brave. Do not cry anymore, okay? I know that Yani will be braver and braver as she grows up.
YANI: Yes, I will not cry anymore. I will only say 'ouch' to the doctor.
ME: Okay. Visit me again when you're not sick, okay? I'll wait for you.
YANI: Okay. 

Yani is truly an inspiration to anyone. While talking to her and looking at her face, I told myself that I am truly blessed that I don't have to fight for life as much as Yani does. More than that, she made me realize that I really don't have any little right complain about my life.

According to her mother, Yani is really brave. From all those children who undergo chemotherapy, doctors said that she is the bravest and strongest of all. Her hairs fall at times but she never became bald. In fact, her hair is as strong as she is. Maybe, it is God's reward to her for being brave.

I know that Yani is still young to think about complaining or regretting the life she has right now. Nevertheless, I am still inspired by her because of the thought that in her young age, she knows the essence of bravery and still manages to smile inspite of her condition.

Dear Yani,
I may not be able to see you again. You may also not be able to remember my name but what you taught me will forever be my guide in dealing with hardships and trials in my life. I know that you will survive and you will completely be healed by our Father in heaven. Thankyou for proving that HAPPINESS IS OUR CHOICE. Thankyou, little sweetie! :)



       From your ate who learned a lot from you,