God's message for me today
Dear Ryah,
You’re my beloved and it is my great happiness to bless you. I have anointed you to serve and bless the world.
Serve,
God
God
P.S. My river of blessings is flowing to you at every moment of your life, Ryah. Enjoy!
***
Yes, Lord God, I am enjoying your every blessing. Thank you so much!
If money were no object...
I will definitely buy these... ;)
Source for Items 1-3: Luxetasy
What: Truman Capote’s Breakfast At Tiffany’s, like you’ve never seen it - in stunning pink morocco binding, and black leather onlay silhouette of Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly with real diamond jewellery - faaabulous darling.
Who: Truman Capote, one of America’s pinkest writers. Published by Random House, New York, 1958 - First Edition
Where: Lok Man Rare Books. 6 Chancery Lane, Central, Hong Kong. T: +852 2868 1056. W: lokmanbooks.com
http://www.lokmanbooks.com/index.php
Why: Is there any other way to read Breakfast at Tiffany’s, except in pink morocco binding with diamonds.
How much: HK$35,000 (US$4,500).
Almost 210,000 Pesos!
What: Designer digital camera
Who: German camera meister Leica collaborates with Volkswagen Group’s chief designer (including Audi and Bugatti brands) Walter de’Silva for this special edition M9 Titanium
Where: Leica dealers worldwide
Why: Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 aspherical lens, LED-lit viewfinder frame, scratch-resistant titanium body, but really, a camera that looks as good as the photos it shoots. Plus, there’s only 500 of them
Why not: You could also buy a small Audi for the $29,000 price tagAlmost 1.5Million Pesos!
Almost 70,000 Pesos!
The Winning Entry
I still think, Gill's entry is much better, I am not being biased here. Well, the winner is a Filipina, so I guess, I should be happy for her. ;)
As a child, Austria sparked my imagination of Europe, with grandiose castles, churches, plazas and gardens through the film "The Sound of Music." But as I grew up to become a student of literature, I became more aware of Europe's role in the histories which constantly make, unmake and remake me as a woman, feminist, Filipino and even as a citizen of the world. Perhaps of all Europe, Spain and its capital Madrid would be the best way to understand my country's past and culture and possibly reflect on its futures. Finally as one who travels to find myself, I need to lose myself first and what better way to do it but to go to a place that is unfamiliar but captivating, emerging but old, quaint but definitely resilient, Prague!
My European Dream
Yesterday, Gillian called me up. I knew from the tone of her voice that she would deliver a great news! ;)
She told me that she received a text informing her that she's one of the finalists in the KLM contest "My European Dream." Last November 30, 2010, I received an email from KLM informing me about this contest. You need to choose 3 European cities that you would like to explore and narrate your reason for your choices. The next day, I forwarded the email with a simple note "worth a try" to Gillian, Eia, Lianne and Emma, my four travel buddies in my Europe trip in 2015. ;) That same day, I sent my entry, I got too excited, I didn't give myself some time to think about it. I chose Paris, Venice and Prague and gave very short reason for each. I didn't know that you have to post it in facebook(?) and facebook contacts have to "like" it (one of the criteria), Gillian told me about this when she sent her entry on 13 December. I didn't know that there's a mechanics! hehehe Well, I no longer have a facebook account that time so I guess, it's not really for me.
When Gillian told me that she already submitted her entry, I read it and I knew that her entry has a very big chance of winning. I know that Gillian is intelligent, she speaks well and is well-travelled, what I didn't know is she can also express her thoughts in writing so well.
Below is her entry:
"I believe that every traveler has Europe at the top of his/her "must-see" places. Certainly, it is in mine. I had the opportunity of setting foot in this dreamland September of this year, wherein I roamed in Rome (no pun intended), explored the rustic and medieval towns of Tuscany, and basked in the picturesque Provencal region in France. Reading these places in travel books, magazines, and blogs surely do not give justice to actually being there in the flesh. One must have a real experience to capture and appreciate its beauty and splendor. Many women my age would prefer to splurge on designer shoes or bags or jewelry. Travel is my only luxury and I definitely wouldn't mind spending my money's worth on a trip to Europe. Why not? It's THE place to indulge. It's a feast for the senses , the mind and the soul. So if by God's grace, KLM takes me there a second time to have a whole new gamut of European experience (wink, wink), I would have these 3 places in my itinerary: 1) Athens to explore the ancient ruins and satiate my appetite for Mediterranean cuisine; 2) Istanbul to see the majestic Hagia Sofia and go on side trips to Ephesus & Cappadocia; and 3) Vienna to visit the Hofburg Palace and relive my love for classical music and everything Mozart. An experience in Europe is definitely not a "been there, done that" moment. It is worth re-dreaming, re-exploring and re-discovering."
Yesterday, after she called me up, I visited the site and looked again for her entry. I found her entry on the 84th page, per page there are 6 entries. I also looked for my entry, found it on the 154th page, so I am certain that there were more than a thousand entry, so being a finalist is really something!
The finalists will gather on 3 March for a special lunch in Makati. I am very happy for Gill, I prayed that she would win free trip to Europe via KLM.;)
I hope I can grasp everything...
that will be taught to us tomorrow...
God's message for me today
Dear Ryah,
Don’t just talk about your problems; talk about your purpose. Because problems weigh you down. But purpose lifts you up. And if you pursue your purpose, many of your problems get solved along the way.
Father,
God
God
P.S. Your purpose will change you, Ryah.
***
Yes Lord, I will.
***
Yes Lord, I will.
Wanting to help or wanting to have??
My answer is both. ;)
I remembered last Monday about this JoinRed website so I visited it again. I learned about this site last year, when I bought my red mini-ipod nano as post-birthday gift (I also had pre-birthday gift and on-the-day birthday gift - just kidding! well, can't remember hehe). Proceeds of this limited edition red ipod will go to Global Fund to support programs to fight AIDS in Africa.
Hallmark Cards
Starbucks Ceramic To-Go Cup
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The Lady with the Little Dog by Anton Chekhov
Unfortunately, these items are not available locally so I have to "bother" a friend (in the US) and a cousin (in UK) to find all these for me. ;)
P.S. Auntie, if you are reading this, pls tell your beloved unica hija, my favorite beautiful cousin Jel, to buy these books for me online please. Thank you. ;)
I have no idea where I am going...
***
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going,
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
And I know that if I do this You will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
I will not fear, for You are ever with me,
and You will never leave me to face my perils alone.
To Buy or Not To Buy..
Claire has emailed Leslie and me about this Michael Kors loves Manila "ecobag." If there are two girl friends (in Manila) whom I can talk to about bags and would actually understand and be so supportive and passionate about it, they are Claire and Leslie. ;)
Well, I am tempted to get this bag for two reasons, first, the word Manila (I am being patriotic:)) and second, the red heart and red detail on the bag handle. Though I want to see the inside of the bag (I prefer bags with pockets) before I make my decision. Good thing, I have outgrown my "obsession" with ecobags so that's a relief. ;)
By the way, the Michael Kors loves Manila bags were out last year and were sold like pancakes(well, not really). I guess, that's the reason for the come back. You have to call first and make a reservation to get this bag.
The Joy Luck Club
Last Saturday, I watched a play, with Gillian and Eia, entitled The Joy Luck Club. Eia has read the book and Gillian has watched the movie. Gillian told us about this stage play and we agreed to watch on a Saturday. I couldn't remember when was the last time I watched a stage play so it was good thing to do something different and spend a weekend with friends and appreciate (performing) art such as this.
We had dinner at Marcianos before we watched the play. Sorry for the poor quality of photos, we couldn't quite figure out what setting to use in an ambiance like this. I badly need a photography workshop! ;)
I used Intelligent Auto for this one ;)
On Calligraphy..
In my previous blogsite, I had a post where I mentioned that I wanted to learn calligraphy. I am always fascinated with beautiful handwriting, especially cursive script. Last year, I have read a feature story about a colleague in ADB who is a calligraphy artist. Her story was so inspiring, a portion of her earnings from "calligraphy projects" helps worthy causes.
Last week, I was able to read Daphne Oseña-Paez' blog about LV Spring/Summer 2011 event held on 11 February. She attended it, the theme of the event was love and valentine's. She mentioned that there was a calligraphy artist present in the event, when I saw the picture, I recognized her, she's my colleague from ADB!
In her feature story last year, it was mentioned that some of her projects were with very exclusive clients like Cartier (Hongkong), Louis Vuitton and Citibank, Rustan's (for some brands), the British Embassy, Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Beacon International School, McDonald's and some "high society" weddings.
I didn't know what got into me but I sent my colleague an email last week, she doesn't know me and I only know her by name (and face - from the photos). She responded right away, the response was long and very encouraging, she mentioned that last year, they had a calligraphy session during lunch break, there were only 4 colleagues/students who attended, she could only accommodate a small group for a personalized approach... And she would let me know if she could schedule some calligraphy lessons this year! I was so happy that I took the courage to drop a note to her. My dream of learning calligraphy has a great chance of becoming a reality! ;)
Thomasians in ADB will celebrate..
I find this reminder so cute!
Looking forward to meeting my fellow Thomasians. ;)
Travel Light
Received this from Gill via email.. very useful and timely. Thanks Gill!
***
"He who would travel happily must travel light."- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Are you tired of lugging heavy suitcases with you every time you travel abroad? Does the idea of schlepping around overcrowded airports and train stations send shivers down your spine?
Then travelling light may be the solution to all of your problems! I know... I know... But what about an evening outfit with matching shoes that you might need for a special occasion? And what will you do if the weather gets much cooler or it starts to rain during your one-week vacation? And why should you spend money buying a new sunscreen when you already have a half used bottle at home?
But the truth is that there is a 98.9% possibility that the weather will be nice and sunny during your whole stay, that your evening outfit will remain hidden in the deepest recesses of your luggage the whole time and that your bottle of sunscreen will eventually leak and smear half of your clothes.
If travelling with just one carry-on suitcase is a radical concept for you, here are a few convincing reasons why you might want to adopt a minimalist travelling approach:
The less stuff you take...
1. The less strain you put on your back and your muscles. Have you ever had to drag two 50 pound suitcases down the hotel stairs? I have and I can tell you it does not feel good!
2. The more travel options you have. It may sound strange, but taking less actually gives you greater mobility: you can hop on and off trains, buses and coaches whenever you feel like it and you can easily make adjustments in your itinerary, when travelling from one city to another. If you want to stay somewhere longer - you can. If you want to leave - no problem.
3. The less you worry. It is true. Your worry and stress during a vacation is inversely proportional to the number of suitcases that you have. First, as you wait at the luggage carousel, you worry about your luggage getting thrown onto the wrong plane. Then you are preoccupied that your belongings might get stolen, misplaced or left behind. And as if this is not enough, you constantly have to ...
4. The less time you waste. Half an hour of waiting for your luggage after landing in an airport, five minutes of loading it into a cab and then taking the airport cart back, a one hour trip or pick up your luggage from the storage room, before departing for another city - all this extra time adds up to hours of your vacation that you could have spent on sightseeing, souvenir shopping, or relaxing on the beach.
5. The more money you save. Minimalist travelling is a great way to save money. No longer you will be charged check in baggage fees by the airlines, no longer will you have to tip porters
for carrying your suitcases for you, no longer will you feel compelled to take the first hotel room you are offered, because you are so exhausted, and you cannot think about looking for a different hotel.
6. The more room you will free up for all the wonderful souvenirs that will remind you and your beloved ones of your vacation.
Tips on travelling the minimalist way:
1. Plan ahead! Do not be one of those people, who just mindlessly shovel half of their closet into their suitcases the night before a trip. Start making a list of all the things that you need to take with you at least 2-3 days in advance and pack your suitcase little by little. It is not as overwhelming and stressful.
2. Get your research done! Check beforehand if the hotel you are staying in supplies such items as hairdryer, iron, beach towels and toiletries. Look at the weather forecast at your
destination to know what kind of clothes to take with you. Check if there are any events that you would like to visit and adjust your wardrobe accordingly.
3. Pick a smaller suitcase! You will not be as tempted to fill it up with unnecessary stuff.
4. Wear your heaviest and bulkiest clothes on the plane. Jeans, heavy shoes, fluffy fleeces are great examples of clothing that take too much space when packed, yet comfortable
enough to be worn on a plane.
5. Downsize your toiletry. Take only travel size bottles and sample packages of creams, make-up and perfumes.
6. When in doubt, leave it out! Lay out everything that you plan on taking with you. Pick up the first item and ask yourself, "Will I really wear/use this enough to feel good about carrying it with me during my whole vacation?" If there is a tiny doubt in your heart that you might not need to take it with you, leave it home!
7. Pack for the purpose, not for the worst case scenario. The main idea behind minimalist travelling is to identify a few essentials and drop the rest. Approach packing your suitcases with a minimalist set of mind. Do not pack something that 'MIGHT' be handy or what you 'COULD wear IF'! Because if something extraordinary does happen, you can always find everything you need in the country where you are travelling.
8. Think versatility! It is tempting to take your favorite pieces of clothing on vacation with you, although, it is not always practical. Travel experts suggest picking clothing items that can be mixed and matched with at least two more pieces of clothing (both color and style wise). For example, a black shirt can be worn during the day with jeans and for special occasions with
elegant bottoms.
9. Consider accessories as an alternative to extra clothing pieces. Adding little touches like a bright scarf, a nice-looking belt, or jewelry is a great way to dress up your outfit, without over packing your suitcases.
10. Leave out books! Think of all the books that you usually pack with you, hoping to read them all. At the end of your trip you are lucky if you even finish one of them! So what is the point of carrying all this extra weight in your suitcase, just to feel guilty afterwards? Solution? Bring one book, and when you are done, find a book-exchange and trade it for a new one. And instead of taking guidebooks with you, photocopy the relevant sections or save all the travelling information that you might need on your laptop (given that you bring one with you).
11. Test yourself! Pack your suitcase and carry it around with you in the city for an hour or so. If it still feels heavy - open it up and have a good hard look at everything you packed. Is there something that you could have left at home? Yes? Then be ruthless and leave it out!
God's message for me today
Dear Ryah,
When you face a problem, instead of calling them problems, call them presents. And don’t call them burdens, call them blessings!
Abundance on the way,
God
God
P.S. One more thing, Ryah. Don’t call them trials, call them treasures.
***
Thank you Lord God for my presents. ;)
Daddy's 56th Birthday
Daddy turned 56 yesterday. I made a booking in Yakimix 2 weeks before his birthday. I initially wanted to try Yakimix in Greenbelt but I was told that it was fully booked already, good thing, I was able to make a reservation in Mall of Asia branch.
Daddy and momsy picked me up in the office at 4:45pm, I was told that we have to be there at 6:15pm or else our reservation would be given away. We arrived at around 6pm and without sweat, we were directed to our reserved table. My sister had a tutorial commitment so she just followed, she arrived at around 7:30pm.
I was not feeling well when I woke up, I had fever due to sorethroat. So I expected that I would not be able to enjoy the buffet, true enough, I didn't eat a lot, I just enjoyed the soup, pork sinigang. I wanted to eat but my tummy was "full"... The important thing was my family enjoyed the food and we celebrated Daddy's birthday. ;)
Here are some photos:
I requested the staff to sing for Daddy ;) They gave him a slice of cake with a candle.
To My Dear Daddy...
Today is your special day..
I want to thank you for everything
For loving us, for supporting us
and for working too hard to give us the best education.
I am happy & grateful that though my sister & I grew up without you on our side, we are still given a chance to catch up..
You & momsy are the most important persons in my life..
You are the source of my strength, you are the reason that I chose to continue, to live my life the best I can..
All I wish is for God to bless you & momsy a long, healthy, happy life with us. :)
See you later Daddy! We will celebrate!
Anything but Ordinary...
A friend sent the lyrics and mp3 of this song via email.. I just thought that this can be my theme song..What you think?I told him that I will be extraordinary, just watch! ;)
***
Sometimes I get so weird
I even freak myself out
I laugh myself to sleep
It's my lullaby
Sometimes I drive so fast
Just to feel the danger
I wanna scream
It makes me feel alive
Is it enough to love?
Is it enough to breathe?
Somebody rip my heart out
And leave me here to bleed
Is it enough to die?
Somebody save my life
I'd rather be anything but ordinary please
To walk within the lines
Would make my life so boring
I want to know that I
Have been to the extreme
So knock me off my feet
Come on now give it to me
Anything to make me feel alive
Is it enough to love?
Is it enough to breathe?
Somebody rip my heart out
And leave me here to bleed
Is it enough to die?
Somebody save my life
I'd rather be anything but ordinary please.
I'd rather be anything but ordinary please.
Let down your defences
Use no common sense
If you look you will see
that this world is a beautiful
accident, turbulent, succulent
opulent permanent, no way
I wanna taste it
Don't wanna waste it away
Sometimes I get so weird
I even freak myself out
I laugh myself to sleep
It's my lullaby
Is it enough?
Is it enough?
Is it enough to breathe?
Somebody rip my heart out
And leave me here to bleed
Is it enough to die?
Somebody save my life
I'd rather be anything but ordinary please
Is it enough?
Is it enough to die?
Somebody save my life
I'd rather be anything but ordinary please
oh I'd rather be anything but ordinary please
I have a dream...
I have a dream list, I read it everyday. One of my dreams is to be able to support atleast 10 children thru World Vision and UNICEF. Two days ago, I received this certificate and hoped even more that one day, some day, my dream will become a reality. I don't know, but lately, I am personally experiencing the power of dreams, the power of words. So keep on dreaming and speak about it more often, in no time, it will come true! ;)
God's message for me today
Dear Ryah,
Life is a giant restaurant. And you’re the customer. And the universe is the waiter. All of my creation is waiting for your order. What do you want? Most of what you’re experiencing in your life is a result of what you have ordered.Restaurant Owner,
God
God
P.S. Ryah, you order through your thoughts, your words, and your deeds.
Order wisely.
Order wisely.
***
Yes Lord God, I will order wisely. ;)
I wish you enough...
A day after Valentines, I checked on Paulo Coehlo's blog, which I read once in awhile. Below is his post for Valentines which I find very timely and relevant for all of us. In this time and age, I believe that "having enough" of the basics is what we really need to achieve happiness.
You may read the full text here...
***
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good- bye.
God's message for me today
Dear Ryah,
The inner world will always control the outer world. Don’t be afraid of storms around you. It’s the storms inside you that can destroy you. The stress. The tension. The worry.
Peace-Giver,
God
God
P.S. Surrender all that to me, Ryah.
***
Yes, Lord God, I surrender everything to you.
***
Yes, Lord God, I surrender everything to you.
How I celebrated my Valentines 2011
I initially thought of celebrating this day with the Lord. ;)
I was invited by Hazel to attend a bible study last 7 February, that night I attended. The bible study is every Monday night. So for 14 February, I planned to attend and it would be my way of celebrating this day with HIM. But while I was having breakfast, my momsy told me that she would be my "date." She wanted to watch a movie in the evening so I dropped my plan to attend the bible study, I'm sure the Lord would understand. ;)
I woke up that day with a happy feeling, I was very thankful because I thought that I would feel sad... I greeted my colleagues and it was a sincere greeting. Of course, I miss the man of my life, this is probably one of the very few times that we weren't together to celebrate this occasion but I was glad that I didn't have a sad feeling about it. Thank you Lord!
I looked forward to the lunch date with my friends/officemates. The day went well. After work, I left the office right away to have dinner and watch movie with my family. I enjoyed that very precious time of bonding with them... I feel so blessed that my family is complete and we are all in a healthy state. After dinner, we watched "The Mechanic." I liked the movie and I didn't fall asleep, surprisingly! You should watch it if you are into action movies. ;)
That's how I celebrated Valentines 2011, grateful, loved & blessed ;)
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