Supertyphoon Yolanda:Haiyan

2 weeks ago, Nov 7, 2013, Supertyphoon Yolanda struck. The main path was my hometown, Roxas City and Capiz as a whole. Categorized as a CAT 5, strongest ever recorded in the world. 

It hit Roxas at 11am. In Iloilo it was around 1pm. It didn't stay long and moved on pretty fast, but what was left was so hard to see. 

I have no words. I am currently on bed rest now and its impossible for me to go back and see all this for myself. 

Thankful to the Almighty Father my family and all I know are safe. Material things can be replaced over time. In that I rest my hope.

Despite all this, God's hand is clear. Its in the hearts of all those who have come to help and serve so selflessly. Trying to do our best regardless of the circumstances.  There is always a way. After the storm comes the hope of a new day. 

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life—

    of whom shall I be afraid?

- Ps 27:1

In the face of fear, we need to hear Jesus ask, “Why are you fearful?” (v.26) and be reminded that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5-6). There is nothing that He can’t overcome and therefore nothing for Him to fear. So, next time you’re haunted by your fears, remember that you can rely on Jesus, our fearless Champion! - Our Daily Bread

Father, open my eyes to those struggling to have

enough food, enough love, enough hope; then open myheart to find ways to help them receive love, using myhands in service to them—and through them, to You.

By serving others, we serve God. 

- ODB

Giving

The act of giving reminds us that we live by the grace of God—like the birds and the flowers. Those creations don’t worry about their future; neither should we. Giving offers us a way to express our confidence that God will care for us just as He cares for the sparrow and lily (Matt. 6:25-34).

- Philip Yancey

Water & truth

Thirst was made for water; inquiry for truth. #CSLewis


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Be YOU

In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me? (Psalm 56:4 NIV)

You're going to have to take a chance on not being like everyone else. You must ask yourself, am I a people pleaser or a God pleaser? It's not worth it to try and please man, because God didn't make you to live for other people's approval.

God knew what He was doing when He made you. You are a unique individual, God created you the way you are! It's time that you dare to accept yourself as different and stop being insecure about who you are.


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Strength, hope, patience & faith

The Lord has been faithful through the generations. Times like these reminds us of our fragility as human beings but also our greatness as His children. Our bodies fail but it brings us all the more closer to Him. He embraces us so.
This time is not only for Lola, but for all of us. Now is the time to stand firm in our foundations. This family has weathered through more and we will not be moved.
The wait is excruciating and it wrenches my heart to see Lola in pain. But the mere mention of our Lord brings a peace and a gentle smile to her face.
So Lord, we rest at your feet. Grant us all the strength, patiemce, peace and love only you can provide. Ease Lola's pain in any way. Thank you for the means you have provided that we can focus on her.


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Power of words

You can choose life-generating thoughts by hearing, reading, thinking and talking about God and His Truth. What's inside you will find its way outside, so when you fill your mind with good, positive, powerful, life-giving things from God, positive, powerful, life-giving words will naturally follow.
- Joyce Meyer


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A lesson about truth in life

Whoever finds me finds life & receives favor from the LORD. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; -Proverbs 8:35


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a beautiful poem for parents

I MAY NOT ALWAYS HAVE TODAY

I may not always have today,
To hold you in my arms
To hear your laughter as you play,
Or catch the smiles you pass my way.
I may not always have today,
To linger for a while,
To paint, or read a book or two,
Or pass the time to be with you.
I may not always have today,
To take your little hands,
To teach you how to fly a kite,
Or point to stars on walks at night.

I may not always have today,
But while I have you still,
I’ll thank the Lord for all you are,
Enjoy each moment and each hour.
You are God’s gift from up above,
My privilege today, to love.
My privilege TODAY, to love..

God's Time and Plan

God gives us hopes and dreams for certain things to happen in our lives, but He doesn't always allow us to see the exact timing of His plan. Although frustrating, not knowing the exact timing is often what keeps us in the program. When we accept God's timing, we can learn to live in hope and enjoy our lives while God is working on our problems.
- Joyce Meyer


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Weight a minute!!!

When I was married, I was about 120lbs max!  I had a fit lifestyle and anything I ate didn't cause much damage.

Fast forward 2 years and post baby... I am at a surprising 130 lbs!  I'm heavier than when I just gave birth which was 125 lbs!  Its depressing, frustrating and it really plays with your mind!  

Plyometrics is irritating me to the highest level but I have to suck it in soon just so that I can at least do something.  The people here like playing badminton at 7pm up.  Not the best time for me with my baby and all.  2 months doing plyo in the gym and I barely changed at all!  What gives???

Venting out, obviously, because after a month's break, I have to drag myself back to the gym.  But I'm not excited.  

So depressed...  Its obvious I love food and cooking is my dream.  What to do what to do???

Liam's 7th month

On a bright and sunny Thursday morning at Wayfarer...




... A pudgy, adorable little boy was celebrating his 7th month.




Jersey Melendres and her family came over to join us.




Happy 7th month, Liam! Wish Dani were here... :-(

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Giving back to God

Read this in my devotional for today by Rick Warren:

The Bible says, "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce." (Proverbs 3:9 NLT) This is the principle of tithing. It's the principle that says every time I make $100 -- the first $10 goes back to God.

Tithing is an act of worship. We're giving to God. We're saying, "All of it came from you anyway." God says, "Put me first in your life and watch what I do." You may think you can't afford to tithe, but the reality is, you can't afford not to.

Pray for the Philippines

Dear Lord, please spare us from more rain. We need you. We cant handle it on our own.
(some photos grabbed from pther sources)

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A thought from a book

Just read this. Im paraphrasing a bit:
Growing old is to be set free. It is a slow and long-simmering process that extracts from you what you are really made of. But it requires acceptance. You cannot put a flailing chicken in a boiling pot. You must accept the heat and the pain with serenity so that the full flavors of your life may be released. - Before Ever After by Samantha Sotto


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Goodbye, Cosme

America had its beginning with Charlie Chaplin, 3 stoogies, Bill Cosby... We had Dolphy. The one, the only.

He wasn't much a slapstick comedian but was the artist that could make you laugh with a twitch of an eyebrow, a one liner or a song. Such witt and depth of humor! He is one of the main pillars of Philippine entertainment. No other king of comedy than Dolphy.

My childhood is blended with his old black and white movies, John & Marsha and Home Along Da Riles.

Its one thing to make people cry in movies, but its mych harder to make them laugh --- so they say. But for Dolphy, it was a gift he lived out all the years of his life. What a gift!

At 83, he passed away at 8:40 pm. The country mourns now. Emptier with the loss.

He should have been awarded as a national artist. Pathetic how low politics has gotten in the way.

Reality bites

That's the problem of being young, you tend to think you're untouchable, invincible... Like you are going to live forever.

Then you move into your 30s. Your feet seem to be moving out if your reach. Bones cracking like the crackling you used to devour on occassion. A few rounds around the mall and you feel your feet going numb. Sensible shoes are becoming ridiculous. Naps are a luxury. Calories are the enemy and ever soeck of sugar digested seems to quickly find its way to your thighs.

Ah, the joys of growing old and trying to stay healthy. Its a reality slap and its never pretty.

Time to make hard choices. The road is beginning to thin and theres nowhere else left to turn. Its about time to think about myself with a depreciation cost. Gotta take care of myself and the people I love.

Health is such an issue with our family. So we should know better. We have children now. Its only right that we try not to lead them down the road that we ourselves took with our own parents.

Dear God, this is a mountain. Grant us the will, courage and endurance.



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Kang Byeon

You know the food is good when you have most of the people fr that culture actually eating there. Other than that, just walk away.

As always, every time we walk into Kang Byeon its like a burst if Arirang spirit. The owner greets you upon entering and tables are already occupied by Koreans. You know its authentic!

Favorites in Kang byeon, their beef soup. Melts in your mouth, boiling hot and clean flavors.

Seafood vegetable pizza/Korean Pizza which is technically in a form of a frittata. Their version, obviously. Perfect with the dipping sauce!

We love the bamboo pork! The soy beans paste and the crunch from the lettuce and cabbage, lovely!

And now our new fave is the octopus! Fresh, crunchy and the sauce... Another cup of rice please! For P500 its worth it! Good for sharing! More fun in a feeding frenzy!

Its located at Times Square Building right in front of San Agustin. The building has a parking area below so no worries.

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Japanese 101

Japanese food has definitely integrated itself in the Filipino palete. To see sushi in a fast food setting is a big step forward for the main market.

From the same owners of Crave Burgers comes Mr. Misono. From the blogs it got pretty decent reviews. From personal experience, its not that bad. Can probably make it out to be an introductory step into the more deep and complex world that Japanese food embodies.

Typically, Filipino flairs introduced. More on the sweet side for most parts. But maybe its just because of our food choices. We ordered a mixed misino bento, sukiyaki and Chicken wakadori. Everything decent and tasty. I do wish I had something sour afterwards to break the sweet spell.

Prices are reasonable and location accessible. I like this new concept. Good job to the people behind it.

365 days old!

Pitter patter if little feet indeed! Steps like a hurricane, yells like a banshee. You are feisty, adorable and the love of my life. Every morning you are my reason for getting up.

Dani girl is a big girl now. With all your antics, you are a handful.

Love you with every breathe.

Happy 1st birthday, my langga!





My prince and princess..

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Phuket for a day

Phuket was always a travel must on my list.  The chance to be there for a day just sold me on the idea (and I can be stubborn) that I am definitely going back!  Phuket has not seen the last of me.

The elephants were beautiful and majestic.  It just pained me to see them and the way they are trained.  There should be a better way to spread awareness without hurting them so.  Though I did fall into such a touristy trap, elephants are not exactly a common thing in my part of the world.  Being on them just makes you realize there are bigger and better things in the world.  Its just takes a different level to experience such.

Aside from the generic tourist traps we easily fell into, Thailand has always been known for its food.  Pad thai is probably my favorite of all as cliche as it may be.  So happy I was actually able to try the real street deal.  Authentic, cooked by the road side with no tables or chairs, surrounded by other locals and vendors with different fares.  Thats the kind of adventure I want and I am going back for more!  Redundant much?

If I go into the gritty details, this is blog is going to sound like a tour itinerary.  So will leave the pictures to talk for themselves.