I'm Thirty-Three years old

I just celebrated my birthday last Saturday. I was sick. But I was happy for my birthday, so many people greeteed me even those whom I haven't seen in ages. They remembered. It was just a simple celebration. The simplest I had in years but it was very special for me. I spent it with the most important person the world. My beautiful, lovely and pregnant wife.

We first attended the first birthday party of our friend's daughter. We were not there during the birth nor during the baptism so we knew we had to attend. Anyway, one thing for sure. We are all on our way to "getting old" already. Wow!! This is our crowd already. Married friends with kid/s. A different world has come and we even have to let go for a while of some memories because we are busy making new ones. : ). The place was too cold though and I think it aggrevated my fever.

We stayed for awhile with my sister in law and then we went to Sanctuario to attend what became: my birrthday mass, anticipated Sunday mass and Josephine's birthday mass. My wife prepared something for me. Just the thought, the she prepared something for my birthday made me love her more. I really felt special. I wasn't really in the mood to be with other people so I was very happy to have dinner with her and even though we just had enough money for the evening, praise God we still have money. : ).

So, Josephine bought tickets and we watched a play about relationship. It was funny and I think has good message. I laughed not so much because of the play but the thought that my wife was laughing whenever the characters sing their lines. I sometimes do that. hahahahahaha. Unfortunately, I can't stand it anymore and I requested that we go home.

We did. It was my father in law's birthday too and my thoughtfull Josephine bought a cake. There we were, celebrating a simple birthday. I am happy. Yesterday was Josephine's birthday. I wasn't able to join her to celebrate it with our relatives (actually, it was for all the July's celebrants). I stayed and home and rested. But it wasn't enough because I am still sick.


Thirty three years old. Some say that Jesus started His ministry when He turned 33. Late bloomer but He did it excellently. Right? The bible is the most printed book and I guess Jesus' life is the most read story of all time too. Jesus was ready at 33 and how He did it changed our lives forever.

Hmmmmm.... What about me? Well, I received one of the greatest gifts in my life at 33. I will be a daddy just maybe 6 or 5 months from now. May I be able to the daddy and husband that I am ought to be. : ) Sometimes I am worried but it's always Jesus who assures me that it will be ok. He will still be there for us.

......................got to go. : )

Remebering Joshua

Dear Child,

I've been thinking about you lately and everytime I do so, I feel like bursting to tears. Not because you are not here. I've already accepted that a year ago but because of the reason why you came. You came silently into our lives and when you left we were filled with love.

I was so happy when I found out that you were here but I wasn't prepared mentally, emotionally and spiritually on the days that followed. Everything happened so fast. We never knew what was happening nor how to handle such situation. A roller coaster ride was how I described it. We felt extreme joy then all of the sudden our feelings plummented to desperation to sorrow and to grief. But it didn't end here. Love came.

In spite of this, we remain faithful to God to the very end. I chose to be comforted by Him than to be angry at Him or be depressed by myself. No one can comfort us at that time but through God's loving arms, we rested our tired and weeping heart.

I never asked God why He has to take you right away. Two months. I even saw you already. But that was it, we were given a chance to see just a glimpse of an angel in our midst. You looked so peaceful and innocent. But when Father called you, we knew you have to go home.

Thank you. The fruit of your coming is love. Nothing else. We were surrounded by our family and friends all through out. They let us know that they were just there. Love cast all fears away. Love gave us wisdom not to fully understand but to accept.

You cleansed the womb of you mom. In the process, made her well. You prepared her and now we are ready to bring into this world the gift that Jesus has given us.

Thank you my dear child and forever you will be in my heart. I will always remember you my dear angel.

Love,

Daddy and Mommy

The First Gift

First week of July

I am not that too surprised (but I am elated!!)that God gave His gift this early because maybe it is not the last one : ). I'm sure. I'm sure. If it is, I praise and thank God for His faithfulness to us.

It was several weeks back when God revealed to us that He is going to give/do something to us. Amidst the daily struggles and ups and downs, I smiled inside knowing and believing that at the end God will reign victorious. I never doubted. I even realized why I had to go through the struggles that even now are still present. One. He is teaching me to focus on Him more. Two. I shouldn't think twice of helping others even if it means giving up so much because He can outdo our generosity. But true generosity must come from a sincere heart. I'm still learning the ropes. Three. He is healing me from my past. See my previous post? My past like my present and future is all about Jesus. Four. Many more!

So where are we in gift giving? First gift of Jesus. My wife is pregnant!! We just found out yesterday after the pregnancy test. She woke me up and told me the good news! Right there and then, I immediately felt God's presence. I remembered Him. Praise God indeed.

July is both our birthday month. God has just started giving us gifts and we felt loved from the people around us. Both from families and friends.

God isn't finished yet. Maybe He will give us His permission to migrate to US and give me a stable job. Oh well, I like surprises so I will let the Giver decide what's best for us.

God is good.

The Child in Me

I looked back and there was nothing. Just the wind sweeping dusty ground. Dead leaves flying. Other than that, it was silent and eerie. Nothing. Dark clouds loom in the horizon, a heavy downpour is about to wash away all that remain here. What's going on? It couldn't be like this! Deprived of nourishment for years. Taken for granted that there was a precious life waiting to scream out of this place. In spite of this, faith and hope persevered and made it live.................

If I look back at my life, to the earliest memory I can recall. I can see a happy child with his grandmother and cousins. Pampered. Playful. Contented. Then I remember my parents coming to the picture and everything went blank.

I do not have any (not even one until now) good memories being with either of them when I was still a child. Especially one on one moments.

Last Sunday, I saw a boy being carried by his father. He must be around five or six years old. Sometimes his mother would fix his hair and kiss him on his cheeks and the boy would just rest his head on his father's shoulder.

What must his feeling be? What was he thinking right there and then? Does he know the significance of his parents gesture? I'm sure that he doesn't think so much about it. Though emotionally he is getting his moemnt of nourishment. I smiled knowing that this young boy will grow up to be a good person. That's what I prayed for in the moment.

Me, I have no idea. Believe me or not, the real embrace that I received when I felt whole and not awkward was when my wife gave me a brotherly embrace when were still in college. I wasn't envious of that boy. I was just forced back to my childhood years and I felt.....

Sad.

Simple as that. I had no anger towards my parents because I have forgiven them a few years ago. I wasn't asking any "Whys" anymore because I know it wouldn't change a thing. I'm just sad that I don't have any memory of them in my past except the harsh words I got from them especially from my mom. The feeling of being unwanted. Hearing unconstructive criticism that I refused to accept. I said that to myself when I was in highschool. My peers respected me and I hear good compliments from these people. So again, I refused to believe what my mom has said of who she think I was. This started my rebellious years which lasted for more than a decade.

I didn't believe them and the more I got hurt the more I didn't accept their words. I did my best to protect myself from harm. I wasn't that successful of course since my hatred lasted so many years and it really separated me from my family.

One day (through my wife) God instructed me to go back to my family. What?? Prior to that I prayed for their conversion, and this was how God answered me? It was so hard to swallow my pride. Why me? I followed and really I thank God for His grace that made me followed Him.

Anyway, I was still feeling sad because I can no longer go back and create new memories of my past so I was stuck with "nothing" and painful memories which I have surrendered already.

Imagine, I felt like that and it was an opportunity for God to tell me how much He loves me. It was during the prayer meeting when He assured me of His love. The message for me was " So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come" 2 Corinthians 5:17.

The prayer even prayed for God to heal our painful past and that all these things be replaced by His image. Whoa!!!. Remember what I said in my previous about Jesus being my light in a dark cave? That I remember Jesus in my past. I may not have memories of my parents in my past but I do have so many memories of Jesus in my past. When I first attended a school wide day of prayer when I elementary, when my grandmother taught us how to recite a rosary, when I was assigned to lead the rosary (Highschool) and my classmates laughed because I didn't know how but my teacher intervened and was proud of me for being brave.

Jesus was with me when I felt really hurt that I could not even understand why so I left the house one afternoon when I had no one to talk to and felt so lonely. I got my bike and went to a secluded place where it was just me and the trees and clouds surrounded me. Jesus was there alright, comforting me.

When I went to a hill all by myself. Didn't bring any friends or anyone. The hill was all mine. I remember being happy. I wasn't exactly alone. Jesus was there.

All through out my college days. I struggled in schools because of my whirlwind emotion. Looking for something to make it calm. Jesus calmed me. I was really about to lose myself because of all the forces in all direction that seemed to be against me. God protected me.

Until now, I see Jesus working in me. He isn't finished yet. I am amazed on how faithful He is to me. He is the most faithful I have encountered in my life given that He doesn't back out even if I become stray away. He wants to do something and He will do it. He is my Father who takes care of me.

Right now, He has promised me something. It's a surprise so I am not sure what it is but He says that it will be revealed by July or August. Very soon. God really is cool. :)

Once I receive this special gift, I will share it hear.

God bless to us all!

Jesus,my light

Last summer, we were in Palawan and had an awesome experience when we went to St Paul Mountain. Here lies the longest underground river of 'tem ol! At first, it meant nothing to me because I don't like to be inside a cave. I felt trapped and helpless and then my mind started creating its own worst scenarios. Presence of crocodiles, snakes, our little boat might sink and the current will pull us beneath the river (around 70meters deep), or an earthquake and we would be buried..aaaargh..

Well, I just found myself wearing a helmet and a lifevest. There were about 8 of us in a small boat.I hid my fears with my jokes which also made the others comfortable as we entered the cave. The opening of a cave is nothing to marvel at nor the stalactites/stalagmites that greeted. I've been to a cave before. But as we grow deeper my impression of this great cave changed. I was covered with awe. Look at this place! Bigger and wider that the Manila Cathedral. We've been sailing for almost an hour and yet we can't see the end of this river. Then we had to turn back. We were not allowed anymore to go beyond a certain pointunless we a have permit to do so.

Anyway, what can I say.

There was a time when we turned off the light for a while. Just to see how it was like. It was total darkness. No matter how hard my eyes tried to adjust to the darkness, I didn't see anything. It was pure black. Then the light was on again.

Hmmm... imagine, all the images I kept in me about this cave were from the light we were holding. I mean from the entrance until the end, if not for the light I would not be able to comment on anything. It would just be blank and maybe my imagination will create one for me.
-----------------------
God had been my light for many years. I think I surrendered myself when I was in second year college. If I look back (even beyond this), I can now see God's hand at work. I give God all the credits that I got. I can not say now that I was able to overcome the difficult challenges I experienced so far if not for Him. I met Josephine and married her because of Jesus. My realationship with my family changed for the better because of Him, I graduated from college because Him again, I am in BLD, here in SMART because of Jesus. And so many many many more. Jesus healed my memories and He is not done yet.

He was and is my light until now. I am sometimes (though I find myself worrying too much already) bothered by our future. Jesus never fails to assure me. I can't see what's ahead of us. All I know is that will lead us to a the future where we ought to be. A place of love and peace. He is there, I just have to follow the light He brings to me. One day, I will be there.

Just some things

Fill in the blanks. Choose the correct letter that correspond to what you are feeling today.

1. I am _____ today. Though, the day started just fine, it has dawn on me the magnitude of what I am suppose to do. Here at work and personal matters. I look forward to overcome all obstacles whether physical, mental or spiritual in nature.


2. In a few months, time I will change the landscape. I will rock my self out of complaceny which I do not wish to blame against me or anyone in particular. It is just happening and I must do something to stir the calm water which if look closely is somewhat murky. It can not easily be seen because it is dark here and sometimes when the sun is up, the unlikely color appears. Not yet though, but it is time to flush it out. I would (a). actively pursue an international job. (b). I will suck in all I have now and find a way to be more organized. (c). Request to be unloaded. Too much thing to do is really paralazying me. (d) All of the above. I don't have the answer but God does. I'm bent with my knees and pray to God for the much needed direction.

3. In my mind, I can do it but I can't see any result. I am starting to be heavy. I will try to ________ more and more. I don't want to grow old and grow big literally. I see myself healthy as I add days and years. __________ is the number key to achieve this. I know because I usually give in whenever an __________ presented itself. I gulped an entire forest to satisfy my appetite. It has ended a month ago and I am more ______________ about it.

4. I acknowledge that where I am right now is the fruit of God's patience all throughout and right at this very moment He remains faithful to me. Making sure, that I am ok. There are times, actually many times I allow myself to drift and float aimlessly and there is Jesus. Casting a rope, where I can hold and pulling me closer to Him. How could I repay such persistence? Evedyday I spend more than 10 hours working but _______________. Go go go go!! No time to be in a _____________________ mood. Just put on your shoes and run.


5. (a) Don't I have a role model, a mentor to guide me? (b) Who is this person in my life?
Is it ____________ or _________ or __________? (c) Do I need one? Yes, I do. I long to have a mentor. While I am adult and has knowledge how to decide on life matters, I see the need for someone who can pinpoint to me what I am doing right and what I could improve on. In sear\of a mentor. Any candidates? First and foremost he should be a Man of God. Living a balanced life.

6. Financial savings, wedding photo album, loans and credit cards, financial assistance to family and friends, plans for the future, commmunity life, personal programs.....etc., arrrrrgh!!!! Given all these, I feel _____________________. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh! What if God is allowing these things to happen all at the same time because He ______________? Maybe? Look at fruits at the end and then adjust accordingly. I am aware and everyday and night I see myself being cut thinly of the responsibilities controling my life right now. Ah? that's the point. Should I control or leave it alone and let it control me? The answer is pretty ____________.

When Death Surrounds Me

Another old fella died. Just last week a friend's dad passed away unexpectedly. I think almost every month I hear of someone (who is directly or indirectly) connected to us dies. Paranoia would sometimes sips in to me. Deaths every where. I get nervous whenever I think of my family and friends. But should I be so affected by people leaving this world? This is all but normal. Everyday people die. But for every death comes birth. Just look at the figures of the world's population.

I'm just a little bit uncomfortable of the fact that I know these people who died recently. So be it. I guess I'm old and every year new friends come into my life and the possibility that someone I know dies will proportionally increase as well. That's it. That's the explanation a logical one, that I can offer.

When a person dies, I think the most we can do is to pray for his/her soul that God will welcome Him in the gates of Heaven. We should comfort more the ones who were left behind and allow them to grief. Because it is really a great loss. Imagine, after so many years of being with the person then one day he/she is gone forever. Whoa.. I myself wouldn't now how to handle my emotion. I know that I dont handle goodbyes easily. It stings me to say good bye to someone what more it if it is forever.

I thank God that I have a God. He replaces the empty places in my heart. I know this, when my youngest sister migrated to US. I was overwhelmed by emotions and made me cry for several nights. I offered to God what I was feeling and just allowed Him to fill my heart. The longingness/loneliness I have, I let Him fill it. Thank God thank God really. I wouldn't know what I would have done if He wasn't present in my life.

I know that when we reach the end of the rope then it is time to depart this world. It is not us who decide nor someone else. It just happen. Mystery of the world that those who are left behind will not be able to comprehend and piece together this puzzle. By the time maybe that we've formed the puzzle coincides with the time when we need to go.

There is God. He is here and beyond this world.

My life (inaasam asam)

My Schedule (not yet happening but this is what I long for..:) ).

5:30am : Wake up/ Morning Prayer

5:45am : Exercise

6:15 am : Take a bath

6:45 am : Breakfast

7:15 am : Of to work

7:45 am : Prepare to work/personal matters

8:30 am : Start of work
Review of things to do for the day (for the week if Monday)
Review revenue (if Monday)
Start with priority countries

10:30am: Coffee break/Personal matters

10:45 am: Continuation of priority countries

12:00 noon: Lunch time

1:15 pm : Priority country/Other projects

2:30 pm : Other projects
Coffee
4:00 pm : Reply to emails

5:30 pm : Detail things to do for tomorrow

6:00 pm : Extra work/personal matters

7:00pm : Leave work
Monday : Prayer mtg
Tuesday: Badminton
Wednesday: Go home
Thursday/Friday Free time

This is me. : )

My life with Jesus
My Family
My Work
My friends
My Community
Others

These are the positive words that I hope would define me or what I am surrounded with. Not all maybe but some of these I hope.

Organize.Orderly.Clean.Happy.Healthy.Priority.Discipline.Prayerful.Honest.Relax.Achiever.
Passionate.Open environment.Simple.Comfort.On time.Service.Updated.Responsible.Caring.
Sweet.Smiling.Serious.Successful.Responsible.White.Blue.Green.Roots.Clear.Understanding.
Friend.Amen.Empower.Eager.Laughter.Peace.Love.Time.Plans.Present.Persistent.Positive.
Optimistic.Leader.Influence.Mentor.Faithful.Generous.Wisdom.Casual.Formal.Funny.

A Beautiful World

I want you to feel free to express yourself
Who you are and who you want to be
My love will not limit you in any ways or manner
Throughout our married lives that's how I wish it to be
I am just here to be your constant companion
One day, I hope that you can say to yourself
Whenever you look back that you've done
The things you've always wanted












I want you to be always happy.
That's my promise...to keep you happy
If you are sad, I will give you my funniest face
If you are worried, I will wrap you in my arms
If you smile, my heart smiles back at you
If you are laughing, I know that I am fullfilling my mission
















I am committed to love you
In this lifetime or in another life
It is still you whom I will marry
Time will not matter to a love that will forever
Be in love with you
My heart will not change my dear beloved
It belongs to you
You and no other


















I wish to give you a life of comfort
Even if we have children I hope you wouldn't feel burden
I will strive to provide for your needs, for our family
To toil and not to seek for rest....
I pray to God that He will give me enough strength
and be of service to my family



















Wherever I am in this part of the world
I wish that you are with me
I love being with you.
I love being with you.
I love being with you.

I like holding hands with you while we explore a new world
I dont mind being lost in a crowded city as long as we are together
I love talking to you while we walk along strange streets
Unmindful of people whom we wouldn't see again
They dont even understand us

I like sharing stories with you even if we've seen the same thing
Let's discover the world together!!!

















My beautiful, smart, sexy, kind hearted, wacky, funny, generous, prayerful,
sleepy, makulit, sweet, understanding, considerate, alaskador, good leader,
thoughtful etc etc etc wife Josephine...........

I love you with all my heart!
Keep it inside your heart too as I know
that you also love me as much as I love you

PLBPPPPPPPPPT!!!!! op, op, op, op, op, op.....

My God

Worshipping God is the greatest experience in my life. When I shout and sing praises oblivious of the people I am with or where I am. For me, it is just God. Although, I am touched so much by the power of having to worship together with the community. It does break me into tears.

I often ask God to just let the moment be forever. I dont want it to end. (By the way, I feel like this whenever I attend a prayer meeting where we worship God.) I cry in tears knowing that God is just so close to me. He is with me.

That certain high can not be compared whenever I am having fun with my friends, if I accomplished something at work, spending time with my family, having money or material things. I know now how it feels to be with God. But I am aware that it just but a glimpse of how it is to be with God. Someday, by faith I claim that I will be with God.

How I wish that I could bring that feeling where ever I am. That leads me back to my mission in life which I have tried to define many long years ago when I was still in college. To acknowledge God's presence whereever I am, whatever circumstances I am in that I may live to honor God.

Difficult indeed.

There are so many instances in my life that I tend to handle it all. Pushing myself to find ways and means to the problems I need to face. By doing so, I feel the burden, the heaviness on my shoulder and as if Iam all by myself.

Then something magical happens. God will lead me back to Him. As soon as I realize that God is bigger than the all these burdens, my worries fade into the background. Yeah, I still have to face the challenges but I know that someone is looking after me. My life isn't defined by my activities, what people tell me, what I achieve or fail to do. My life is more than that.

God has time for me afterall. I do appreciate it, Father.

God's assurance is soothing like the morning breeze. Calming like the sound of the sea rushing to the shore. I keep it into my heart that I have a Father in heaven. It's not after I live this place but it can happen while I am still here.

My Freedom

I am free.
The other day God told me so.
What does it mean?
I know I am.
Yes, Marvin you do.

You are free.
The other day God told me so.
What does it mean?
Why did you say that to me again?
So that you may believe.

Am I Free?
The other day Gold told me so.
What does it mean?
I am confuse.
Then open your eyes so you may see

I am not Free.
That other day God told me so.
What does it mean?
I am living a life struggling to be free
Now you understand

Be free
The other day God told me so
I now know what it means
I have allowed the light to pass through me
Never surrender your freedom again

What I do not know

I do not know each specific step that I should follow in the projects that I'm handling

I do not know how to handle our finances

I do not know when to start facing our plan to go to US

I do not know what to do with our responsibilites as head of our ministry

I do not know if I will be promoted this year

I do not know if how long we will be with our parents

I do not know if we go to US, are we be with my parents forever

I do not know if I really want US vs New Zealand

I do not know if I stil want to stay here in SMART after being here for five (5) years

I do not know how to lose weight

I do not know my plans for my meetings in Bangkok

I do not know when we will have children

I do not know how to organize my different projects

I do not know how to manage my staff effectively

I do not know what our President and those rallyists are thinking

I do not know if I still following my mission in life

I do not know if I want to buy shoes

I do not know if I want to reply ro the newspapers' editorial section

I do not know if the Lakers will make it to the play off

I do not know if Kris and James will really end up together

I do not know if I still want to watch American Idol

I do not know if I still want to share my burdens to others

I do not know whether to continue playing badminton

I do not know what else I should be doing

I do not know how to handle my tons of work

I do not know if my staff can still follow where we want to go this year

I do not know how to end this..........................

Jesus, You are Holy

I'm flooded with work. I am choking and the hardest part of it is that what I am doing is outside my universe. Somehow, I moved out from my orbit and here I am in a different galaxy. I carry upon my shoulder to do so many different things and yes I am affected. I am tensed and stressed lately. Sometimes, I say to myself to just go back and be normal again. Traverse territories that are familiar to me. There I can even drive comfortably even with out looking.

I know I can just go back if I want to but the "me" in me doesn't want to give in to this temptation. So here I am. What should I do? Where will I get instruction when it seems that guidance is no longer part of the package for going to this direction? Where will I find an angel who will be willing to guide me willingly? While I am thinking about this, work is flowing like a wild river. Control it or it will never stop even to the point of destroying the path.

Sometimes being without trouble is trouble already. It creates a space for complacency and slows us down. Then when troubles come I rattle and run in circles like a wild man. My heart palpitates because of the pressure. My mind start to think but not clearly and the result is not what is supposed to be. Physically, I get sick. Then "Boom!!" it becomes heavy and as I try to lift everything by myself, I just sink deeper. Until there is nothing I can do. But wait....

Jesus is just here. How stupid I am to forget! For so many years I've been with Him I always find comfort and answers from Him. He is the Lord of Heaven and Earth! Of all creation. He is my True Leader. God of wonder beyond Galaxy. Whew! Whenever I think of Him, I feel at peace knowing that God is ruler of all and that He is victorious! He is bigger than the universe which He Himself created! In spite of His greatness, He loves me and will not allow anything to happen to me. With Him, I am free and I can move.

I am a Leper too!

After our overnight expedition, my wife and I went directly to Sun Valley and attended the Sunday mass. I was really tired but tried my best to listen to the Priest. Then I heard the Gospel and the only words that I could remember were "Leper" and "touched by Jesus".

That was like my energy drink for it kept me awake and listen more intently to the Homily.

Yes, I am also a leper just like the man in the Gospel. I could imagine how the people then would do their best to conceal their sickness. Why not? When the community finds out then out you go! Damned for ever. Rejected no matter who you are. Then Jesus did something out of the ordinary. If I were there, I am sure I will also have the same reaction. I wouldn't find it amusing or be angry even. Because I also wouldnt understand.

But in the mass, I realized that I am no different with the Leper. I, too am living in secrecy. Leprosy one day will physically show itself but mine is spiritual leprosy and no one will ever see it. I lived a life pretending that since no one can see my sickness and it doesn't affect anyone then it was ok. Who am I kidding? Jesus just touched me yesterday. I was surprised that I was being Healed when I thought that nothing was wrong to me. When I searched my heart deeper, I said to myself and admitted that I too am a leper that need healing.

Jesus touched me. How I love being with Jesus. When nothing seem to be more important than to be in His presence. That's how the Leper must have felt when he was cured. He didn't care because he knew he was well again.

I realized what God has instructed me so many years agao. That in everything I do, I must find God there. Jesus loves meand His love is constant. Never changing. While I don't encounter any troubles right now, Jesus reminds me that there are something in me that still need to be healed. I shouldn't stop and ignore it.


I love Jesus and it comforts me to know that He loves more than I coulld ever imagine.

I can only imagine (Praise Song)

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk by Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine (2x)

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You

I can only imagine

Like a ship gently sailing towards the horizon
Steady and calm guided by the great eagles of the sky
He sets sail to a place of lasting happiness where morning comes often
And evening is created for dancing

In just a glimpse he is gone forver
But left us so many treasures beyond compare
Who could buy integrity?
Who could buy generosity?
Who could buy sense of humor?
Who could by love?

No one could replace you
For God has given you to us
A special and unique gift to everyone
In our hearts there will only be you

You've given importance to each person you know
No one feels alone whenever you are around
You greet everybody with your smile
You open your doors to all

Thank you for showing us
How ones life should be lived
That family should come first
To remain simple and true to oneself

The list is unending
And defining you in words would be limiting you
To a great Man of God
Welcome home as you are now one with the Father.

Silly Annoying questions and how to face them

EDUCATION
When in Highschool
"What course will you take in college?" Irritation level: 2.5 noisy cats
I guess being in highschool and being young allow us to welcome this question and to answer it with passion. It will even help you create a "mature" image to the adult's eyes. If the person asking you is someone who is not that important to your life then just come out of something to get rid of that question and if the one who asked isn't satisfied then leave the battle. Who cares about what the person says.

When in College
What's your goal five years from now? Irritation level: 2 silly cats

Again, being asked about your plans and being able to answer it creates a positive image about you as a growing up individual. So, shoot. Tell them how you see yourself in the future and get them bored to make sure they won't ask that anymore next time you see each other.

Love life
1. Being a single

"Do you have a girlfriend? Irritation level: Irritation level 3.5 singing cats to 4.5 cats having sex (depends how long you stay in this stage)

Unless, poeple will see you being with someone constantly, this question will be part of your daily life. I guess this question can ruin your days especially if there are some issues in your life and if you always find yourself dreaming having a partner beside you. Then someone will just pop that bubble and make you feel helpless with this question. C'mmon... give the single people a break. If the partner is not yet there then it is not there. Having a lifetime partner is not something that you can just buy in your favorite grocery store. AGAIN..IT IS NOT EASY AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG IN BEING SINGLE... so bump off. shoo shoo.. get away! How to handle this? First, I think you must be secured in being single and at the same time enjoying it and the rest of the technique will follow. You may also observe who frequently ask you this one and prepare a witty question/reply to him/her.

If yes, you have a partner the question will be
"When are you going to get married?" Irritation level: 4 chasing cats

What da?!!@$#*&. Another one, I personally endured this for so many years. As if getting married is so simple. If you are not yet married then you will know this once you are there. Iactually experienced the two phases of this stage

One.
If you are less than 25 yrs old people will to give their best to justify why you shouldn't get married yet. Scary world, Im telling you. Sometimes I wonder if they are happy in their married life. I mean don't kid me, some of them got married at a young age and from their stories I can sense some frustrations, missed opportunities. But, but but is getting married really sucks? Im sure is not. People are just overly concerned. If youare still studying then it is not the best time to get married but I guess having a job is already a passport.

Two.
Then if you are above 25 and has a partner
When are you going to get married? 10x a day! Irritation level: 10,000,000 cats having a conference at 2am and just beside your bedroom.

If you are the man, you will be super nervous about the idea of getting marrried. Not because you are not sure of the person you are tying the knot with but because of all the major responsibilities packaged in the marriage contract. Also, because of the preparation and the financial aspect of Will she accept the proposal? Am I ready? Do I have enough money to shoulder the wedding? and so on and so forth. Just imagine what's going on inside one's mind and be asked about marriage every single day!!! Whew!! I survived that and even if I already know the answer I deprived everybody of this important information at first until I proposed to my wife. She should be the first to know, right? My standard answer whenever asked varies from "It will come soon", "As soon as I see you walking the aisle, I will follow soon", I'm still saving.. etc etc

For the woman, I think they feel worse than we do. Why? Usually (or does it ever happen?), they are not the first one who makes the move? They are just there in waiting game. As time passes by, it will sometimes makes her wonder if she will ever walk the aisle. People, let's be careful in asking women about this sensitive issue. It hurts sometimes. How to avoid these people? Stay with your good friends who will defend you!

Children

As soon as you exchange I dos.
Is your wife pregant already? Any baby coming? blah blah blah... Iritation level: 10,000,000 cats scratching a blackboard.

No problem for the first few weeks but if it comes like pebbles in the air.Whoa, it will surely test your patience and kindness to humanity. I mean I would understand perfectly if it comes from close friends and most especially from parents and grandparents. But from all walks of life? From time to time, it is still normal but when it becomes the topic of all encounters then it surely becomes an epidemic of sort. Please wait. We will not hide it from anyone. We can't even hide, kids! But people do not realize how it impact us. We get pressured, paranoid etc., I don't think these are the fruits that we should be receiving. Forgive them Father for they don't just when not to ask.


I will stop here and wait until I exprience having a baby. Im sure the next question will be..."when are you planning to have another one..again. blah blah blah'''

Weight

When you are below your ideal weight.
People will always and always let you know (as if you do know) that you are getting thin.

When you are a little bit above your ideal weight.
Sometimes, it is better to be obviously fat because people won't mention that you are getting fat. BUT, if you just gain some pounds and boardering to being fat, I am telling you people will relentlessly remind you every single day that you are getting fat. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH.... it is so damn irritating and cruel. But once you lose those pounds, you will no hear a single word. What's wrong here people?? What are we trying to do to each other? blah blah blah the concern.. it is unsolicited. For example, if a woman has a bad hair day, im pretty sure she is aware of it but to hear a million times will drive her nuts. Hair is minor because you can fix it but being slightly overweight will take sometimes then to hear every damn day is so crazy.


I'M SURE PEOPLE/FRIENDS ASK THESE NOT TO IRRITATE ANYONE OR INTEND TO DISRUPT THE NATURAL SEQUENCE OF LIFE. WE ALL JUST WANT TO SHOW OUR CONCERN AND INTEREST TO ANYONE. THOUGH, THROUGH THIS I BECAME MORESENSITIVE TO OTHERS SO I DON'T JUST ASK THEM UNLESS THE OTHER PERSON IS READY TO BE ASKED. HOW? JUST LISTEN AND TIMING IS EVERYTHING. IF THE PERSON IS GETTING FAT, HE/SHE KNOWS IT SO USE THE RIGHT WORD AND SAY IT CONSIDERING THE PERSON'S FEELING.

Is Jesus your one true "Boss"?

(For me) The greatest challenge in working is how to motivate my self to strive for excellence....every working day! There are ways to follow this road but sometimes (especially now), I realized that there are so many distractions in the work place. So many (like this one..hahahaha,), internet, emails, phone calls, sudden meetings, people, other activities, etc etc.,

But here's a formula that I guess will work.
A. Goal Setting
B. Focus
C. Execution
D. Monitor progress and persevere
E. If everything falls into place, celebrate

I will just continue this once I have enough time....... :)

Looking good

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND (MACHO)!!!
Santa Baby
Mickey the Mouse
Our friend Donald
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It's January 9, 2006! I'm more excited this year than I was last year. Maybe I'm readier and I've settled already. BUT, I had a great 2005. Spending it with Josephine for the first time, living in a condo with all its packages, being able to travel locally and outside the country, being able to see Santa Claus, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, the beautiful cities of Singapore, Hongkong and Macau, attended so many weddings, established many friendships etc etc.,

And of course our angel, Joshua... who is in heaven now..we will never forget you my dear child. You will still be our best present this year, for your short presence made us realized how God loves us. With you, it removed all our doubts about Him. One day we will be re-united and I would give you one big hug. Please pray for us that we may have another child who will join us here on earth.


Now it is 2006. This year it holds a lot of promises. So many indeed but one thing should be established that God should be and still be the center of everything.Nothing makes sense without Him on our side.

I can see that there will be more travelling this year. But yes, there are corresponding reponsibilities attached to it. Challenges. I will take it.

It is interesting that for the first time in my job as an International Roaming Coordinator, we will be having our own revenue target (previously, it was solely just with our marketing dept). PHP300 million for me! Again, I accept it.

Something in March. Yup. But I will not dwell on it. All I can say is that I am ready.

Then there's living with my in laws. I am starting to love it even if there are days that I swear I wanted out of that place (God said that I remain faithful to His words. Thank God). But the positive experiences outweigh the negative ones so we are just doing fine.

I hope we will be able to apply for my visa, finish our wedding album, buy a new bed, lessen our liabilities, be more involved in BLD and meet new friends.

Today, I felt sick and actually I am concerned with my health. I don't want to be a regular visitor of the clinic. I hope I won't need them this year!!! The whole I was drowsy, sneezing and with colds. I forgot that these are allergic reactions and it was too late..... too late for my work.. hahahaha.. I really can't concentrate for almost the whole day until I had claritin.

I hope to be more productive tomorrow and for the rest of the week.

My busy Barong

What a week it was. Josephine and I attended three (3) beautiful weddings, I attended a two day seminar, we took care of our laundry and attended a family affair all in one week. Whew!!!

EVENT 1: December 4, 2005 (Sunday) - Manuel and Wendy's wedding in Tagaytay

Though a day before that, my wife and I celebrated our one year anniversary there in the beautifil city of Tagaytay. It was like a retreat of sort. Away from everybody. We had lunch at Antonio's (care of of my colleague who took care of the reservation and paid for our lunch. it was their wedding gift. What a lovely treat!) After lunch we headed toward Sonya's garden. Where we spent one wonderful night.

Ok back to the wedding. We arrived on time so we were able to choose where we could park and where to sit. The benefit of being early. Not only in the church but also in going to the reception.

Two thumbs up! Seeing people getting married and happily is a breathtaking experience. I mean, there are so many reasons why not to get married officially. So to see people spending time and money for an event that would last just for a day is something else. Though, it is not the wedding ceremony that is important but the marriage. Looks like Manuel and Wendy are perfect for each other.

Driving at first was not that easy since I was not that familiar with the road but the traffic going home was light.

EVENT 2. December 6, 2005 (Ronald and Gayle's Wedding)

Alright, for the second time we arrived at the Shrine of Jesus earlier than most of the guests. We had to because Josephine was the lector. It wouldn't be nice to the couple if she was late. Anyway, she was there and had enough time to review the missalet.

Gayle sang a song for Ronald. (Manuel sang his marriage vow to Wendy). Well, I didn't have guts to do it during our wedding last year. :). The food was great of course and Diamond hotel was cleaner compared to another friend's wedding early this year.

EVENT 3 and 4: Attended Leadership Training (Based on John Maxwell's principles).

The training was something I didn't expect. Since I was really tired I thought I will just fall asleep. You know, boring sessions, participants and facilitator would really be a deadly combination. But the training was far from being boring. Not that the topics were something knew but the facilitators did a great job in making sure that we absorb the topics, noone will doze off and everyone will participate. The participants too were not just spectators but all of us did our share.

Another thing that was great about it was that our group won. I was their leader and they trusted me. I felt like a first honor student also. :)

Event 5. Arland and Tina's nuptials

This was a very stressful event for me because of the traffic and all hoopla that surrounded this wedding. Of course, I am very very happy to see our long time friends getting married. After ten years of ups and downs they finally settled down and hopefully toward a single direction. Together. They originally planned their wedding last year but because of the moon, it was moved this year. Anyway, I prepared a speech for the couple but Jopay gave a powerful and touching wish for Arland and Tina I decided not to say anything more. I was forced also to be a cost which I regretted after the wedding. I felt so embrassed because I mispronounced a word that made everybody laugh at me. Whoa. What an experience really. There was nothing I could do then but pretend that I was ok though deep inside I felt so small. It was a nightmare came true. I hate it. Filipinos can be so cruel when someone commits a mistake especially in grammar. I've learned my lesson. I will conscisously not forget it for me to respect those who speak in front.

By the way, I used my barong three (3) times because I couldn't do anything. Job well done. Now, it is time for my barong to get a relaxing day at a laundry shop.