The Sweetest Thing

This week, I was not feeling well due to my period and colds. I am planning to visit my dear friend, Shervel, this weekend but due to my sickness, I would probably postpone it, again...

I saw her last 5 February when I attended the baptism of her firstborn Enzo, I was one of the godmothers. We did not have a chance to talk because I left the church right after the ceremony, I did not proceed to the reception anymore.

Here are some of our photos at the church:
Shervel is one of my dearest friends, we were schoolmates in college but we became friends 9 years after we graduated. The friendship started in January 2009, I was newly married (3months), she was newly married too, (nearly a month). The story of our friendship started there, my bh and I were there for her when her marriage was tested at a very early stage... They were able to survive that very tough trial and now they are happy and blessed with a very cute baby, my inaanak, Enzo Matteo.

This photo was taken in 2009 when we watched Breakfast at Tiffany's at Rockwell Powerplant.
Shervel knew my situation just last month (but not yet the details), weeks after I attended the baptism, I didn't tell her about it because she was pregrant (gave birth on 13 December) and didn't want her to feel sad about it. I know she's very eager to see me, I feel the same, since she learned about my situation, she emails me from time to time and she's asking when can we meet. I texted her and told her that I might not be able to visit them this weekend due to my colds, I don't want baby Enzo to get sick too because of my virus.

Shervel's response was the sweetest thing, she told me to just let her know if I could make it, she would cook "sinigang" and would prepare calamansi juice for me. I feel so loved, God has blessed me with wonderful family and friends, I feel so pampered, even those who do not know my situation, they treat me so well, I could not think of any other reason for this but only because of God's love, He loves me and makes me realize that life is worth-living and truly beautiful, the people around me, my angels-on-earth, they are my greatest blessings, if you are reading this, you are certainly one of them, you are heaven-sent.

Thank you... you know who you are...  

On Happy Colors

I have some favorite blogsites which I visit once in awhile. Just today, I checked this site and found these colorful photos (I love the colors and the photography), I read the post, it was about Kate Spade's new bag line. I checked the Kate Spade's website and I have to admit, there are items that I really liked, haayyy..  I will have to stop right now.. ;)
Soon, you will see more of these happy colors here (I hope, surprise, surprise!) ;)

How do I usually spend my weekend?

On weekends, if I don't have a particular plan to go out, I usually take advantage of it by doing what I love to do, I read books and some printed materials that I bring home, I watch movies on my laptop, I blog, I write my thought in my "diary," I listen to my favorite songs using my ipod while cleaning and/or organizing my room. Well, I also have to do things that I don't particularly like doing, for example, folding and ironing my clothes. ;) But in the coming weekends, I should seriously and religiously set aside time to practice driving. I really want to learn how to drive, I need to practice a lot to gain confidence. This should be on top of my priorities for the year. Good luck to me! ;)

God's message for me today

Dear Ryah,

I must warn you: The life I call you to live includes suffering. But not suffering for suffering’s sake. But suffering for the sake of love!  And when it is done for love, suffering is sweet and beautiful.

Love,
God

P.S. Ryah, love isn’t love without suffering for the beloved.
***
I will remember this Lord God. Thank you.

Just when I need it...

I don't know if it's hormonal (I'm having my period) or it's because of something else, that's causing my "unusual but familiar feeling."

Sometimes, I get tempted to ask God to literally take out the pain in my heart, to remove the bad memories in my mind and to heal my brokenness right away, but I control myself since I believe in God's perfect timing, timing which is very different from ours. I also believe in God's miracle and I know nothing is impossible with Him.

Of course, it's hard to wait (especially when you don't know what you are waiting for), sometimes it's too tiring to struggle, but as always, God sends circumstances and people to give me peace, love, understanding and support that I need, the reassurance that God has a beautiful plan for me, for us, and everything is happening and will happen according to HIS plan and that alone gives comfort to my weary heart.

Just today, I received this email, God's way of speaking to me...
 
     "If we really want God to redeem the bad situations in our lives, we  have to accept that the way to get there is through the cross. We have to be willing to endure the difficulties, and in enduring them, learn patience, and in learning patience, develop unconditional love for troublemakers, and in developing unconditional love, become more fully united with God who IS love."

***
Thank you Lord for the strength to endure that you provide everyday..

God's message for me today

Dear Ryah,


Haven’t you noticed? Everything you need goes to you.

Yours,
God


P.S. You’re a blessing magnet, Ryah. Spread the love.
***
I have noticed it Lord, thank you!

HB to my bh!

To my bh (betterhalf),

I did not forget your birthday, it’s just that I decided not to greet you. You probably know why.

Though many things have happened and many things have changed, God knows that I still and will always hope and pray that He will continue to bless you and prosper you with all the beautiful things He has planned for your life.

Have a wonderful 32nd!

May your life be filled with peace and true happiness.
Be blessed always.

Still your bh in Christ,
Ryah

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

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 tag
Almost 1.5Million Pesos!
Luxe Travel Guides in a limited edition box
Almost 70,000 Pesos! 
I wanted these Daphne Chairs since last year, it is only this week that I had the chance to inquire how much it is, I was told that it's P15,000 each!! Good luck to me! ;)

The Winning Entry

Here's the winning entry for the KLM My European Dream contest.
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.;)

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new year, new hope, new life, new me

Books on Queue

1. By the River Piedra, I Sat Down and Wept- Dec. 2010 - 28Jan. 2011
2. Love the One You are With- 30Jan. - 5Feb. 2011
3. The Power of Prayer to Change your Marriage
4. The Notebook
5. How to Wear High Heels- 6Mar. -
6. The Broker
7. One Fifth Avenue
8. One Day- 6Feb. - 5Mar. 2011
9. Dalai Lama's Little Book on Wisdom
10. Dalai Lama's Little Book of Inner Peace
11. Eleven Minutes
12. Green is the New Black
13. Tipping Point
14. Blink
15. Not Buying It
16. The Devil and Ms. Prym

Things I Love...

Travel:

1. Cebu and Bohol - Mar. 2007
2. Boracay - Oct. 2008
3. Vigan and Laoag - May 2009
4. Laiya, Batangas (Acuatico) - May 2009
5. Malaysia and Singapore - Apr. 2010
6. Bagac, Bataan (Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar) - May 2010
7. Davao - Jan. 2011

Movies:

1. The Tourist - 9 Jan. 2011
2. Love and Other Drugs - 4 Feb. 2011
3. The Mechanic - 14 Feb. 2011
4. Unknown - 20 Feb. 2011
5. Just go with it - 25 Feb. 2011

Starbucks Adventure

1. Cebu Ayala
2. Camp John Hay
3. Lipa
4. Solenad
5. Boracay
6. Corinthian Hills - 29 Jan. 2011
7. Katipunan
8. Intramuros
9. SM Sky Garden
10. Bacolod
11. Jupiter
12. Tagaytay
13. 32nd and 7th

More Lists...

Places to Explore:

Batanes
Bellarocca, Marinduque
Bacolod
Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Camiguin
Palawan
Seoul, South Korea
Paris, France
Rome and Venice, Italy
Barcelona and Madrid, Spain
Geneva, Switzerland
Prague, Czech Republic
United Kingdom
United States

Movies to watch:

Date Night
Inception
Twilight
New Moon
Eclipse
The Switch
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Valentine's Day
The Book of Eli
Alice in Wonderland
When in Rome
Back-up Plan
Shrek 3
Shrek 4
Toy Story 3
Taken
I am love
Titanic: How It Really Sank
The Kids Are All Right
The King's Speech
Black Swan