Counting Blessings

God has truly blessed me this year even if at times I feel less of myself but I know He just loves me and cradles me in His arms. Since today is a thank you day, I’d like to say, THANK YOU LORD.

I finally saw my nephew and niece – John Roy and Rose Beth. They are two incredible little beings having quirks of their own and they make me smile always, ok, maybe annoyed sometimes. But what was I expecting from kids. They’ve been living with us for two months now.

This month, their baby brother was born to the family. Baby Francis was named after his Lolo. He is so adorable and so small. I never really thought babies could be that small. Sometimes I carry him but my arms get tired easily. Maybe I’m not yet cut out for the ‘mom’ role.

Then Papa, finally came home after two years of working abroad. He’s here for over a month and will be back pretty soon. My brother is also getting married. It’s a lovely family gathering that I am excited about.

I have been assessing myself lately. You know, figuring out how I want my life to be lived and the things that I love most in life. It just all boils down to having a healthy relationship with my family and hoping that one day I will have a family like the one I have today. They are the most important persons in my life and I’m just very luck to have loving parents, loving siblings and in laws, loving nephews and niece.

I can’t help becoming thankful everyday.

 

Okay, I break my promises too

When I decided to move back in August, I said to myself that I won’t visit Manila for the rest of the year. I think that should give me time to adjust to the my new environment. Though living in a more simple place has many benefits, urban life also has some quirks. I miss many things and many people. I will be in MM next month. Looking forward to isaw in UP.

UP has always been my home

LDR is not easy to handle especially when you’ve been with someone you see everyday. The boyfriend just visited this month and in October I’ll go and see him. Prolly the next time we’ll see each other will be in December.

I also miss my friends. I’m just glad that they don’t go out that much otherwise, I’ll be jealous seeing their photos on Facebook. I’ll be looking forward to coffee and crazy talks.

Manila City hall in Lomo

Plus, the food and KK I’ve been craving. And perhaps maybe, MM will feel different this time.

 

If I could just cruise easily

Let me just share a few quotes that I have always loved to read to be inspired.

“We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”

– Victor Frankl

I think I first heard about Victor Frankl in a holocaust story and that specific chapter in the book of Dale Carnegie.  I’m amazed that in spite of what he went through– naked, hungry and thin as hell, tortured in the concentration camps; he always saw the bright side of things and remained positive. Sometimes I despair over petty things and I’m ashamed to feel that way knowing what this person went through. He carved out the word HOPE for me and has changed my perspective in every situation in life.

“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” — Carl Jung

There are things and circumstances that confuse us. Self examination is important to come up with harmony between the heart and mind.

“My not being fit for business or for professional study does not prove at all that I am not fit to be a painter. On the contrary, if I had been able to be a clergyman or an art dealer, then perhaps I should not have been fit for drawing and painting, and I should neither have resigned nor accepted my dismissal as such.

I cannot stop drawing because I really have a draughtsman’s fist, and I ask you, have I ever doubted or hesitated or wavered since the day I began to draw? I think you know quite well that I pushed on, and of course I gradually grew stronger in the battle.”

– Van Gogh

I always enjoy reading this excerpt from van Gogh’s letter to Theo, his brother.

Do what you love.

Follow your dreams.

Live passionately.

 

Photohunt: Ripple

This photo is one of my favorites. I took this last year when I chanced upon kids playing at the beach.

Play photohunt here

 

First Studio Shoot

Theme: Pregnancy shoot

Model: Nicole, 9 months pregnant with baby Amara & Pipo, the soon to be dad!

Directors: Arman and Jowe, make up artists at the same time

Photographers: Gabbo and Ivy, totally noob in studio lights

Studio and Lights: The Luminarium, Katipunan Avenue, near City Savings Bank, in front of Miriam College.

Despite the fact that it was our first time and that we lack the experience in this aspect, the shoot went well and we had a lot of fun. And I couldn’t be more thankful for Nicole and Pipo for being patient with us. Thanks also to Arman and Jowe for directing.

Technically speaking, we suck at this shoot. LOL. First because we know nothing about studio lighting techniques and second, we didn’t know how to make our model pose. But since it was a totally fun shoot with friends, we took our time to learn the ropes and figure out stuff as we went along. With Jowe and Arman directing; and Pipo and Nicole being so game and confident on the shoot, it went a lot better. It was a handicap on our end. Nonetheless, there were plenty of things to learn.

Congrats to the new Mom and Dad!

 

Finally Settled

I’m now in my hometown. I arrived last August 3, with 52 kilos of excess baggage and mixed feelings. I was heart broken. I will miss the people I love and as weird as it may sound, it feels like I betrayed them for leaving. But I am happy, too that I will be with my family. I never thought I’d live with my parents again, reclaim my space in our house. But home is where the heart is, and I would like to spend as much time with them as possible. Maybe, I’ll move out again soon, but it will be somewhere nearer, closer to home.

In the past two weeks, I was adjusting in the new lifestyle. It’s definitely better not to deal with any traffic at all. I don’t need to worry about food nor laundry. Things really are easier. I’m also spending more time with my mom and siblings. I’m back at my old church. Life is slower.

I go to the gym now, three times a week. I eat healthier food, more fruits because they’re way cheap here. I watch cable. Yes! Goodbye tv tuner! I take afternoon walks. I went to the beach twice already. I have gone darker but loving it. Life is wonderful.

But of course, there are many things I miss. Like, every time I pass by Mcdonalds, I miss my girls. Everytime I see Ryan on his swish ad, I miss them even more. I keep thinking about gabs, how he is, what is he doing at every instant. My cellphone bill has escalated, but who cares. It’s more important to be in touch with the people we love.

There are things to worry too. Like my mom not feeling well most times, my siblings and their school, papa and his work and health, my weight and the desperation to shed some unwanted fats. I also think about my future career here. I still have no clear plans as of the moment.

I feel like my life has gained a balance. I am emotionally healthy now as compared to the emo girl that I was. I no longer complain. I laugh more. I give more. I even like kids now, fending my niece and nephew. I am thankful for many reasons. I’m definitely not regretting this decision I made.

 

We are Five!

 

Photohunt: Utensils

Antique set at the Gaston House.

Play photohunt here

 

Photohunt: Rock

Palawan is one of the most awesome place to visit mainly because it’s verdant and well preserved. The island has a lot to offer it’s guests. This photo was taken near the famous Palawan Subterranean Underground River. That place is lovely!

 

Trinoma brings Ice Age 3 in Digital 3D

Ok, I really looked forward to Ice Age 3 as I’ve become a fan of the last  two movies. I love animated films and that’s the only kind of film I watch in cinemas lately, save for Transformers of course. Cinemas in Metro Manila have been drastically improved in the last few years, though it’s sad to say that we now pay a higher price to watch on the big screen. Nonetheless, our viewing experiences gets better!

Trinoma is not one to be left behind when it comes to cinemas. In fact, it’s Cinema 4 was upgraded for 3D viewing and celebrities, media and bloggers happen to experience it first at the Ice Age 3 screening. For a movie like this, it was definitely better and more fun to watch in digital 3D. Hmmm, I wonder if 4D cinemas are coming soon. That would be really fantastic!

For ticket reservations visit www.sureseats.com