11.11.11

SO WHAT!

Delays

I hate delays.  With my rigid and well-planned hectic schedule, I ought to have much patience to deal with them.  But recently, I've learned to accept delays as part of God's greater plan.

Here's how delays changed my life:

1.  I had to delay my enrollment for the business school for another term due to schedule conflicts. The program coordinator offered me two options: either I fix my work schedule so I can come to school in the evening or take a new program offering a weekend class.  Should I go with the first option, I only had two days to negotiate with my boss my workshift (omg, that is not possible!). So I chose option 2.  I had to condition myself to like and embrace whole-heatedly the new program offered to me.  But I can't be admitted this term because I only have two days to process my application that normally takes two months. Hence I decided to delay my enrollment until the next semester.  It took a great deal of effort to understand the situation, and much faith to  hold on to believing that God's hands is working behind all those delays.  Patience and my total surrender helped me accept that something better is up for me.  

Now I am so much grateful for that delay, as it paved the way for me to help a friend in need, and as a bonus, introduced me to a wide array of business opportunities.  Through the event I spearheaded, I met several hardworking people who share the same passion as mine, and eventually became my business partners.  Wow!  Truly, the Lord rewards us more than what we expect when we entrust our endeavours to His mighty hands.

2.  Our holiday trip to Ilocos was postponed because of a bad weather.  I felt so devastated when the trip that took us months to prepare had to be rescheduled the last minute because of a typhoon.  So we moved our trip to a date that coincides an event that I don't want to attend.  Isn't that fantastic?  I am now saved from creating alibis.

3.  I have been applying for the current post I am holding since 2007 and in fact, I have been rejected twice.  And early this year, without me applying for the post, I was offered by my manager the same job, but this time with a higher rate and rank than what I was applying for four years ago.  See how God works through delays as He prepares you for the best.

From these recent experiences I learned to embrace delays as part of life, sometimes inevitable though really annoying. When things go not according to our plans, our faith and optimism can save us from getting frustrated about life. In short, allowing changes with an open heart and mind, being optimistic and letting the hand of God take over are the keys to a life free from unnecessary worries.

May God bless you through delays. :)

Benefit Bazaar

I always wanted to mount a bazaar. But I never thought my first will be for a cause.

Call for pledges banner

It is so overwhelming to hear the positive responses from the people I tapped for this activity. Everyone's enthusiastic to take part in this sale, as well as looking forward to the improvement of Baby Yzrael's health. 

It is once again proven that during tough times people get together to care for a friend, a brother or sister in the community, or a relative, even if they are in the midst of their own concerns too.  I once got a test message that says, 

"Love won't run out.  In moments when you feel like you have given and given until there is no more of yourself to give, remember that love won't run out. God has an infinite amount of love for you and for you to pass on to others.  Even at times when the well seems dry, God can send a flood.  Let the flood of love wash over you and drench everyone around you."

Indeed, the Lord has flooded this world with so much love.

And may God bless you more.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...dadada...

It really is sooo here.  And I mean, Christmas!

In the office, we started playing Christmas songs and in one department, I already saw a tree up.  Wow! 

So excited for this year's Yule, contrary to how I thought before (never mind my post last year).  

As early as Sept1, God has already given me a new cuddly, cute baby nephew Andrew as a gift.

I also have a few out-of-town trips and activities lined up (since I got a term delay in school--a blessing in disguise, actually).  I plan to focus more on GK Sagip activities.  And I am excited to return to the music school this second semester so I can play Christmas tunes with my Ivy (violin) again.

Bits of Beads Holiday 2010 collection.  Watch out for the 2011 collection. :)

Aside from those, I am excited to launch my new line of clothing (still thinking of a name) and Bits of Beads holiday collection this last quarter of the year.  I think it's best to launch products every Christmas season because people tend to be more impulsive with all the bonuses and cash gifts (hence, tag-yaman season).

Early this week, I already made my gift list (I really am so excited). I want to plan ahead this year (1) to avoid the Christmas rush, (2) so I can choose better gifts, and (3) to catch the pre-Holiday sale.

Perhaps this planning ahead thing is just one manifestation of my maturity (read: being 30).  I am just glad that Christmas knows no age, and just smelling the Holidays makes me nostalgic and transports me back to my childhood. :P

Gotta Go!

Have a travel buddy, will go!

I just want to list down the places in the Philippines I'd like to see before I tie a knot (whenever that will be--what a vague timetable here!)

**in no particular order**

photo courtesy: http://www.siargao.com/

Siargao

They say it's a surfer's haven.  Well, I'm no surfer chick but I'd definitely give it a try once I reach the famed island. 

Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Several Survivor TV Show editions have been shot here, who wouldn't want to see the place in person.  When I reach the island, I'd definitely have a picture shot ala Survivor castaway.

photo courtesy: wikipedia

Camiguin

The White Island and the sunken cemetery is totally interesting to me.  I guess it would be better if I take a few diving lessons prior to the trip so I can see the cemetery up close.  I'd love to experience also the vast sandbar of the White Island.

 
Davao City

Who wouldn't want to experience a city with a beach nearby.  A trip to Davao City would be a bliss with its malls and white sand beaches. I'd love to stay at the Pearl Farm and stroll along the shores of Samal Island.

Palawan

There has been a campaign to raise awareness and put the Underground River in the new Seven Wonders of the World.  President PNoy himself checked this and I'd love to experience it as well.  Also, I don't like to miss the famous El Nido, the beach I've been dreaming of since I was 12.

Antique, Dumaguete, Guimaras

These up and coming tourist spots have gained a lot of positive reviews and features lately, with people now discovering the gems in these islands:  immaculate beaches, natural falls and springs.

Bantayan

Far off Cebu City is the pristine beach of Bantayan Island.  Before I head to this paradise, I'd better ready myself for butt cramps, having to endure 2 hours of bus travel and another 2 hours of ferry ride.  But friends who've been there said it's worth the love travel. So gotta bring a lot of patience with me in this trip.

Basilan

This farthest town in the country is truly blessed with beautiful beaches.  Too bad, civil war has driven tourists and foreigners away.  When I'm ready, I might give this island a shot.

Siquijor

Contrary to nasty rumors about this place, the island's actually serene. With it's beautiful stretch of white sand beach, comparable to that of Boracay's, I don't mind the old stories at all.

Cagayan de Oro

When I finally have the guts, I'd definitely try the adrenaline-pumping white water rafting adventure and bungee jumping.  But first, I need to get over my fear of heights.

my Cebu City trip collage

Cebu City

I went here two years ago and fell in love with the charming city right away.  It's like the antique beauty of Intramuros, the hustle and bustle of Manila and Quezon City, and the relaxing breeze of Antipolo City all in one place, plus a nearby beach. Too many sights to see in Cebu, not to mention the people are really warm and the food is really tasty.  The next time I go back, I'd like to try the sky walk, hoard loads of danggit (dried fish) and dried mangoes, and visit the Plantation Bay.

Turtle Islands,Tawi-tawi

I'm totally fascinated with turtles.  I'm fact, I'd love to have one for a pet. After seeing the GMA News and Public Affairs feature on Turtle Island, a virgin beach where mother green sea turtles lay their eggs, I really got intrigued and wanted to see it live in action.

Banawe Rice Terraces

Who wouldn't want to explore the Eighth Wonder of the World?  The structure really amazes me; the ingenuity of the Ifugaos who made it about 2000 years ago is totally superb.

Truly the country's blessed with so much natural resources.  As a Filipino, I'd like also to do my share in keeping the beauty of the country in my own little way.  Of course, I'd like grandchildren to experience these too.

some plans and some random muni-muni again

Like I always tell my younger friends, it's never too late to change the course of your life.  Before I reached 30, I faced what seemed to be the hardest challenge of my life.  But then, here I am still standing and ready to take the next challenge life has for me.

Since I was a child, I've been lured by the glitz and glamour of showbiz.  I felt like I was born to be on the spotlight, to perform and entertain people.  For me, theater and showbiz is more than passion, it's a vocation. 

I always believed life revolves around this passion on pleasing everyone and making people happy. And that made me pursue a communication arts degree and got myself involved in a theater guild.  Armed with the experiences and learnings from the school and the organization, I landed my job in the TV network and the rest is history.

I am not yet a big shot where I am now, there's still a lot to learn and a lot of people (clients and bigwigs) to deal with.  Though I haven't exhausted everything yet in this job, and with 3 years more before I reach my 10th year of service, I know I need to plan ahead.  What else can I do to make my existence here on earth remarkable (to my standards, at least).

Perhaps due to docu-drama overload here in the office, my eyes were opened to crises underprivileged families in the far-flung areas face.  And with that, I feel the need to make a step to at least help them ease their burdens.  The big question now is HOW?  I don't even know where to start, and what to contribute.

There has been a resonant voice inside me saying I need to make a bit of sacrifice, that is, to leave my comfort zone and reach out to the less-fortunate.  But I am not ready for that yet.  There are still dreams i want to reach, places I want to go to, and things I want to acquire for myself and my family.

After a decade of working in the TV network that exposed me to these social problems, will I be able to face that challenge of leaving the comfortable city life to serve in the outskirts? 

Oh well, 3 years is long enough to prepare and save up for that.  Unless some wicked guy steals my heart, I might not go and serve elsewhere. :p

something new

September marks a new chapter in my life.

I'm so excited for the new baby in the family.  Another bundle of joy is expected  and I just can't wait! Last weekend, we shopped for baby things, so cute and everything in sky blue. 

Also this September, I'll be stepping in a new university as a student.  Enrolling for this course has been a long-time dream that finally materialized.  After two years in the music school, I guess it's now time for formal schooling.

One setback though is missing the Sagip kids every Saturday.  And no out-of-town trips for the meantime, but I think it will be worth the sacrifice.


With all the blessings I receive, the more I feel grateful that I know i should serve Him more.  Which, by the way, reminds me that September is also the start of SFC-Claret's Christian Life Program and 14th anniversary.

So happy that there are so many things to look forward to the last quarter of 2011.  I should say, 2011 is the Alta year.  This is our year. :)