Fiesta at Town and Country Executive Village

The Philippines boasts an abundance of culture which were passed on to us by many influences (East and West colonization). It also encompasses a wide range of topics like food, language, values, fashion, and festival, to name a few.

Last month, our community had a weeklong fiesta celebration. Fiesta is defined by Merriam-Webster as: festival, a saint's day celebrated in Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines with processions and dances. The Pahiyas Festival I witnessed years ago in Lucban, Quezon is altogether a unique manner of the townsfolks' gratitude to their patron saint for a bountiful harvest (you can view the story from here and here).

I am not a Catholic. Neither did I join in the procession . However, as a member of the TCEV PWD group, I had to be present for the picture taking (at least). This is quite necessary, as explained by our Chairman, to show that we exist, especially after being recognized by our local government last December 2024. 

The procession 

The festival was well attended. I was happy to witness the labor of those individuals who brainstormed, organized, and exerted so much effort to make the event successful. There were kind and generous souls too who donated food. These were served for breakfast after the early procession. 

The palaro or traditional games is one the most awaited event. These were played and enjoyed many decades ago, when life was simpler, minus the presence of gadgets. I enjoyed watching the video, "Huliin ang Biik ni Tonio" the most. The mechanics is simple - to catch the piglet. It seems like an easy game but tedious for the participants who were blindfolded. I'm sure the piglet was stressed too from the manipulative hands who wanted to win. 

There were many other traditional games too like the Pabitin. Here, the contestant, while blindfolded tries to hit the pot with a wooden long stick. Inside the pot are coins and candies. Akyat, Tonyo, Akyat is a bamboo pole where one attempts to  climb to the top. Limbo rock aims the player to pass through a stick without falling. I'm sure the kids of this generation, even the kids-at-heart were delighted to witness such games again.

Video of Huliin ang Biik ni Tonio

Fun Run

More than the fun, excitement, and camaraderie it brought to the entire community, I realized that being involved is vital. It promotes belongingness and togetherness. It also fosters open lines of communication. If these values are applied not only when an occasion happens,  serious problems the community poses (like the unpaid dues and utilities) can be resolved if the majority cooperates and participates. The newly elected board of directors play a significant role in the execution of many projects to maintain order (and fun) within our village.

Videos and photos from the FB Page of TCEV PWD Association

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Rizal: My Top 3 Destinations

Rizal boasts of beautiful places far different from the concrete buildings, traffic, and noise of a city. You need not travel up north to experience the cool breeze nor to a faraway place to distress. I've been to several sites in the past and my top favorites are the following:

1. Little Baguio of Antipolo

The road - very charming with tall and lush pine trees lined up on both sides of the two-kilometer (or so) stretch. My eyes were delighted to witness a view I don't get to see on a daily basis. My ears were happy at the sound of cicadas as if they were welcoming us once I lowered the vehicle's side window. The air, cool, although the sky abounded with feathery clouds.

We learned that the the Araneta's own the property. It's an added attraction to those who prefer to discover and reconnect with nature (rather than the usual trip to the mall) and was only open to the public this pandemic.

2. Martessem Resort

The picturesque view of the Sierra Madre is best viewed here. Guests can dine in their restaurant, book a room for a staycation, and enjoy activities like swimming, horseback riding, and fish feeding. Martessem Ressort FB Page

3. Tanay Highlands

This is the perfect place to admire the magnificence of Pililia windmills, Laguna de Bay and part of Sierra Madre. Admittedly, I am not only in awe but in love. It is arguably the best restaurant with a scenic view!

We heard that it opened on November 2021. A group of college graduates own the place and is still in the process of improving the dining area as well as their menu. Parking will never be a problem; an ample and secure space is provided. Tanay Highlands FB Page

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Five

"How long have you been teaching? Your Lesson Satisfaction Score (LSS) is very high," was my student's remark during a short conversation, right after completing the lesson. 

Alright.

True enough, after checking the metrics, I saw the five star rating for the month of January 2023.  

Little does he know that behind the perfect score is the many years of experience I have had as an English for Second Language (ESL) tutor. I have patiently reviewed and studied the details on how to teach every learning material, how to properly begin a class, how to transition from an exercise to the next, how to correct a grammar mistake or mispronounced word, and to appropriately give an encouraging feedback. 

Most importantly, speaking slowly, using easy to understand vocabularies, knowing the subject, and focusing during the lessons are crucial.

The downside - I miss my regular and repeating students. The perks - no financial gain but my open lesson slots will be instantly booked. On hindsight, it is truly rewarding when my efforts are appreciated. Also, 1 Corinthians 10:31 is a great reminder for us to do our best all the time.

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Trust The Process

"He hath made every thing beautiful in His time" is a verse from Ecclesiastes 3:11 I resonate with.

My 26 years as a paraplegic due to spinal cord injury is a perplexity I will continue to marvel at over and over again. The myriad challenges attached to my acquired disability may be discouraging, life-threatening to some extent, and literally paralyzing. However, God's sustaining grace and faithfulness will suffice to compel me to go through.

May we all continue to run the race with patience, joy and courage this 2023 (Hebrews 12:1-2).

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Vantage Point Of A Responsible Dog Owner

It was decades ago when my grandmother's dog died, a pekinese, that looked like a living carpet! It's fur was really soft and long. It was overweight yet everybody thought it was cute! Back then, I remembered how gentle and friendly it was. I played regularly with it but never knew how to properly care for it.

Last month, Savy, the pet dog of my nephew O and niece N died. It was brought to the veterinary quite late.  Unfortunately, I saw its health regressing. Probably for three months, he had difficulty peeing. Small amounts of urine came out very slowly for a long period of time. It also didn't have appetite and eventually stopped eating days before it was brought to the vet. It had kidney stones blocking in the urethra! His laboratory results were very critical too. When the catheter was inserted, the kidney stones went to its bladder and it was not able to withstand the trauma. It was painful to witness such event.

Being a responsible pet owner entails so much more than just feeding, playing and grooming the animal. I learned the following:

1. Like humans, it needs a good diet to avoid getting all sort of illnesses especially when it becomes a senior.

2. One has to be very keen with its emotions to understand how they feel. It gets excited, sad, loved or angry like you.

3. Physical activity is a must. When it becomes older, the play time can be shorter to avoid tiring the dog.

4. Yearly visit to the veterinarian is important to monitor its health and to understand what foods are harmful.

There are many more helpful tips from Google. With the necessary knowledge, our beloved pets can extend its life and continue to bring joy and comfort to our families. We'll miss you, Savy!

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Love In The Moonlight

Is a historical Korean drama series that depicts the tangled lives of Prince Lee Yeong ang Hong Ra On (also known as Eunoch Hong Sam Nom). 

 

Hong Ra On is the daughter of Joeson's rebel, Hong Gyeong-nae, causing so much anxiety to the King. She grows up disguising as a boy, as instructed by her mother for fear of being abducted.  She eventually parts with her at eight years old in the market when they try to flee from the soldiers and learns to fend for herself under someone else's care. Similarly, she has no information about the significance of her father's identity.

In between, she performs in various places & writes love letters to earn a living until the company they owe money from sells her to the palace as a eunuch.  As Hong Sam Nom (Ra On), she disguises as the prince's personal eunoch. In the process, they fall in love with each other.

Prince Lee Yeong, an interim ruler after his father becomes ill is haughty and playful. Yet he dearly adores his mother from whom he learns the many principles of life as well as the characteristics of a great leader. He is an idealist who wishes to remove the gap between the people and his rulership, someone who will bring hope to his nation and where equality is observed. On the other hand, he is serious with his princely tasks by making his country better. He is also a man of honor. His unconditional love for Ra On despite the myriad challenges they face together is remarkable.

Moonlight Drawn by Clouds OST Source: YouTube

Love In The Moonlight admittedly captured my heart; I was smitten! The reasons, I'd like to share with you:

1. I was hooked with the characters and how believable their portrayal were. It was exciting to watch how Lee Yeong unearthed each and every unscrupulous event headed by Minister Kim Heon and his accomplices to destabilize the King's family. The friendship he had with Byeung-yeon was outstanding. He was one of the few persons he trusted. The unthinkable sacrifices Byeung-yeon  had for Lee Yeong, even to the point of losing his own life was something. There's also Yoon-sung who was the prince's good friend when they were young. Despite their families constant feud for power, he remained loyal throughout the drama to the prince. I also admired his sincere one-sided feelings for Ra On; it was disheartening.

 

2. I felt various emotions throughout the series. I was tickled, glad, furious, relieved, disappointed and hopeful. The writers made sure to create an exciting ending in every episode, craving the viewers to look forward to the next.

 

The finale episode was the perfect culmination, as Lee Yeong realizes the country he envisioned. He was like the moon shining brightly because of the few trusted people who stood with him in the course of time.

 

Unlike some drama series with tragic ending, Love In The Moonlight was totally different. Sure, the writers  had to kill several vital characters. The many hurdles the main roles had to face were surreal and I have to remind myself constantly that it is fictional.

I've watched Park Bo Gum in other dramas but his role as Lee Yeong was outstanding. Did you also experience any fangirl moment? 

Park Bo Gum (Source: Pinterest)

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Shopee: The Best Online Shopping Platform Around

With the continuous development of technology, our lives have become easier. Home appliances have evolved through the years. Manufacturers have incorporated the inverter and the "smart" technology. These features have significantly lowered our electric consumption and saved us much money in the process. There's Skype, Zoom, FB messenger applications (among the many others available) that are used for faster communication. All you need is a stable Internet connection and you can have a video call or chat with a co-worker, a family member or attend a virtual church service which is timely due to the pandemic. 

Shopping has also become a breeze these days. We need not go out to purchase an item which one can conveniently do at the comfort of our homes. Everything we need is actually sold online! And Shopee has become my go-to for the following reasons:

Photo from seeklogo.com

1. Find Similar - allows one to search for the exact product with the lowest price possible since the difference is truly huge! You  can view this under "My Likes" (after you ticked the heart icon). Most of the time, you'll see a variety of the same item too that ranges from the cheapest material to the sturdiest. 

2. Return Refund - enables you to return the product or make a refund if the item  delivered is wrong. Once, my father requested me to buy a tubeless tire for his scooter. The description says the same and it was shipped overseas. When the package arrived, the tire had a tube! Shopee will process your refund as long as you provide the necessary evidence that the item you received was wrong. 

3. Payment Options - aside from cash on delivery (COD), credit/debit card, you can also link your savings account with Shopee and is guaranteed safe. COD was not accepted when I tried to send several packs of face masks and alcohol bottles to a teacher in the Bicol region. This is a convenient way to order for others or if you intend to give a present without going out of your home.

There's Lazada which I used to adore in the past. There's Zalora (and a couple more online shopping sites) but I have not explored its platform. Admittedly, with the rise of patients affected with the virus, shopping online will be the safest way to get your needs and everything in-between. I might have a missed other features. Care to share?

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Honesty: An Important Trait

Loyalty, humility and kindness are some of the characteristics I find attractive in a person. Aside from these, honesty is an uncommon quality possessed by very few people especially in these trying times.

Last February, we sought for an electrician who can fix the lingering problem of our light fixtures: a flickering pin light even after the bulb was replaced, the diagnosis of two other pin lights, two chandeliers and the replacement of two receptacle holders outdoor. It was quite a job!

Before these were done, I asked around for their professional fees. One charged P500 per light while the other, a hefty P700 per unit. Whoa!

The guy who did all these only charged us P1,000. On top of that he is an experienced electrician and has a certificate course on the subject.  More so, he was honest enough to tell us the problem, what needs replacement and those that can be remedied by tinkering.

Yesterday, I threw a working steam iron which we barely used. My mother and I were victims of the scheme "as seen on TV." The item, as demonstrated, seemed friendly-user. However, it wasn't and we regretted buying it! My father saw it and thought of having it repaired. He shared the news today that he managed to have the steam iron fixed when it wasn't broken at all. 

"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." Luke 16:10

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Covid-19 Pandemic: Introspection and Lessons

 Lost lives, joblessness,  poverty,  mental health disorder  and  uncertainty of tomorrow are the obvious results of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

To this day the hype about it continues along with the increasing number of people inflicted with it. Throughout these nine long months of community quarantine, I learned these things:

✓ The importance of saving is paramount than acquiring a luxurious lifestyle. Many were financially unprepared. Companies have to close down because they were at the verge of bankruptcy. Some requested their employees to be on a skeletal workforce. Consequently, people are hungry and the economy continues to look bleak.

✓ There were a lot of generous individuals who shared their blessings to the frontliners and to the  families that were greatly affected. Getting support solely from the government was unthinkable because of their poor fiscal management.

✓ Staying at home even for a long period of time is indeed possible. You  just need to look around. The chores are endless. You can also try a new activity to add meaning and joy to your life. 

✓ The government may enforce rules and restrictions  related to the pandemic. However, let us not forget the importance of assemblying everytime the church is open for services. While practicing the proper health protocols, it is vital to obey God's mandate. His protection will surely be upon us and He will be very pleased.

✓ Staying physically healthy is one of my priorities now. It's not just losing weight but being stronger, sweating more, trying hard to eat in moderation (despite the tempting food during this season) and hoping to maintain this lifestyle. It is educating myself and making healthier choices until my body craves no more for junk food.

The year is about to end. Typhoons, earthquake, deaths and this pandemic have shattered countless lives. Nonetheless let us continue to put our hope in Christ and to run the race with patience and gladness.

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Excellent Customer Service

There are countless retail businesses and industries these days who cater to the various needs of their customers. A few have withstood the economic uncertainties throughout the decades and have remained unfazed by all these. 

Jollibee for instance, acquired many of its competitions and has continued to expand locally and internationally.  I remembered treading  the closest branch at Araneta Center (back when I can still walk and when delivery wasn't as popular) for my all-time favorite Jolly Hotdog. The consistency of the taste remains to this day. Throughout the years, they have added many more food choices to their menu. Even the foreigners adore some of their bestsellers as I watch the vlogs they have posted online.

I love the the SM malls too. They pioneered in making their establishments accessible and wheelchair friendly to persons with disabilities (PWDs). They provide ample parking spaces designated for the physically challenged as well as the seniors. One will feel valued when entering their store although their prices are much higher compared to the other establishments I've been to.


As a consumer, I am compelled to those business organizations who prioritize my needs. They give high regard to an outstanding customer service and skill that will make you want to visit again. However, with the constant price increase of a haircut for example from my favorite salon, Bangs, I hesitate. Php800 is pricey, right?! Yet, I go out happy and content. On the contrary, I regret going to a place with a lower service fee due to incompetence or the lack of know-how and wished I went to the former. Have you had a similar experience?

As an adult, I continue to be in awe at how festive the holidays can be at the SM malls. The stellar decorations are truly breathtaking. May we all remember the true meaning of Christmas and not be overpowered by materialism and commercialism. This season, may you find true joy in Christ - our rock, strength and fortress. Enjoy the merry season! 

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Random Acts Of Kindness

Source: Kindness Book for Kids

Early this week, my mother and I went to the grocery. While I was looking through a wide selection of merchandise in an aisle, I noticed an elderly woman smiling warmly at me. I smiled back.

"Ang bait nyo, ma'am" (You are very kind ma'am) was the response I received from the technician of my internet service provider (ISP) when I offered him a glass of cold water on his way out of our house after remedying an issue. 

A Japanese student of mine, excused herself for a moment while we were having a video lesson. She collected the various omamori (good luck charm) displayed in their guest room so I could see the actual object which was our topic of discussion. 

In the like manner, my mother who is not so expressive with her feelings shows that she loves us tremendously by cooking (and meddling with our lives). She is passionate about this. She continues to watch cooking shows, reads new recipes online, plans and prepares for it and surprises us with a new dish!

Ephesians 4:32 states, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." How did you experience kindness recently?

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Gourmet and Crafts Fair in Antipolo City

I continue to be astonished with the world-class talents of the Filipino people. Many have even been recognized internationally and have accumulated accolades because of their selflessness, fortitude and bravery. Many more for their skills in singing, painting and boxing, to name a few.

When my nephews and niece were growing, they were not only provided with the nourishment needed for their physical development. Nurturance, guidance and our Godly examples were the utmost requisite to prod them to be the best version of themselves. To this very minute, I continue to pray that they will heed to our advises and do well in all their undertakings.

Last Friday, my parents and I were amazed to witness the Rizalenos' excellence in cooking and handiwork that were featured in the week-long event at Robinson's Antipolo. The "Gourmet and Crafts Fair" was a great avenue to boost the recognition of the small scale businesses and their unique products. Below were some of the booths we visited:

Aggabao Furniture

Momilio Mio

Tarjeta Karta Metal Business Cards

BDO Herbosido Herbal Products

My mommy was mum about her right frozen shoulder until she willingly volunteered for the hot compress to be tried on her, coupled with acupressure and the application of the Herbosido Oil the lady was selling. She was relieved instantly and bought the item!

I was  also happy to get the '"Quiet Book," an educational material made of fabric for the Sunday schoolers. The activities are varied - from counting, matching colors, identifying the parts of a face, learning to zip, biggest to smallest, the parts of the Philippine flag and stacking of hamburger ingredients. These can be detached with a velcro. I was amused to try each!

Playco Toyco Educational Therapy Toys

We have been experiencing concurrent typhoons this week, yet this did not stop us from going to this event. How was your weekend like?

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Lessons Learned Through The Years

In life, we all have to go through trying moments and sometimes instances that will hurt or even break us apart. Many times, I resist going through this journey. However, these painful experiences will definitely make and mold me into a better version of myself. Seemingly, I still dislike getting out of my comfort zone but the happiness I feel once a problem is resolved is incomparable! Pure bliss! Let me share with you some pointers I have learned through the decades.

Photo from Pinterest

1. Time irons out the differences and marred relationships especially when both parties agree to make it work. There are rare occasions though when I let go of some people especially those who have treated me unkindly despite the help I have extended.

2. Nothing weighs against exercise as well as food intake in moderation. The diet fads may work momentarily. They can cost an arm and a leg too but will never last. Also, the fulfillment of being able to wear my old clothes again only makes me want to stick to this time and tested equation. Similarly, having a realistic goal is essential. And no matter how slow the progress is, keep on keeping on!

3. Worrying can be fatal. It takes a lot of courage to trust in the Lord completely because He knows our every need.  In so doing, when you do things in accordance to what is pleasing to Him, He will surely give your heart's desires. 

4. Our health is truly our wealth. Our hard earned money will go to waste once a medical treatment is done to save our lives. I have witnessed this phenomenon in some of our friends lives. Thus, be dedicated to eat simple food, live an active life and maintain a work-life balance.


5. Have a teachable heart. To grow old gracefully in wisdom, this is vital. Be open to new learnings. Be humble enough to change and to reform especially when our actions are wayward. This will not only mold our characters but will open better opportunities in life.

I'm sure you've realized one or two important lessons throughout your life. Care to share?

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The Best Things Take Time

Photo from Drake's Paint

... never hurriedly.

A house requires many hours of planning, numerous months of constructing, even trial and error in decorating until you finally say, "this is what I have envisioned."  While living therein, you add or replace a furniture and later on renovate it in the process.

An experienced mother can multi-task with ease while in a calm demeanor even though a pile of work awaits her. The good things as well as the challenges in the past were both a stepping stone to equip her to go through life's ups and downs.

Similarly, when one contemplates to build a career, time is a necessity. You don't go up the ladder of success overnight. Most start from the bottom and continue to cultivate an optimistic mind irrespective of the infrequent road blocks or hindrances along the way.

Almost three weeks ago, we decided to have our front yard  landscaped. We opted for a low maintenance grass and planted two fruit bearing seedlings. It required to be watered three times a day for the first 14 days. Undeniably, my mother and I were eager to see the grass fuller. The inclement weather last week helped for it to be in a happy state too. As the days progressed, we saw the changes!

Day 1

After 20 days

Time is a friend to many. The priceless of qualities, milestones in life, even stronger relationships take time. Consequently, as we wait, we must savor and enjoy the present every day, learning from our past errors to avoid being trapped in a cycle.


Have you personally experienced something wonderful after waiting for the right time?

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Turning Over A New Leaf

All my life, I have lived with an extended family. Well, almost. My parents were given their own apartment unit when they were starting their married life until I was in my primary school. Then my grandmother invited us to live with her when I was in secondary school until last year. Similarly, my uncle together with his kids lived there too. There were nine of us in total in a house with five bedrooms.

When a consensus to sell my grandmother's property happened, I had second thoughts and a fair bit of anxiety. The location was very ideal - it was situated in a central business district. We lived very close to banks, wet markets, groceries, offices, malls, schools, churches. I've seen the development in this area, know the people very well in our neighborhood and transportation is excellent.

Having lived in an extended family was not always a bed of roses. But the relationships are better these days. I just miss the laughter between shared meals and the fun conversations. But from time to time, we meet up and enjoy these things again.

We have settled in our new home, my haven which is definitely far better than the older house though smaller (because it is ours now and we have the liberty to do everything). My mom and I have personally chosen every furniture and detail, exemplifying a no-clutter home so I can freely maneuver my wheelchair.

The lanai is one of my favorite places at home where we hang out and chat while sipping a cup of coffee. The breeze in this place is always good. I can doze off at an instant as I hear the birds chirping and the gentle swaying of leaves in my environment.

Our house is modern and minimalist. We opted to go for all white to give the illusion of a bigger space. The colors of the furniture for the living and dining room were starkly the same. It gives a unified look and harmony. The house was old when we first saw it. More so, the kitchen was almost dilapidated; the reason why we replaced it with modular. Over all, we loved the bungalow house. The bathroom was perfect for me though we needed to make ramps for better accessibility. The materials are sturdy and of stellar quality. A fresh coat of paint was all it needed to make it look brand new. The theme in our lanai is traditional. Furniture items like the antique console table, the batibot table and chairs, an atiquated grandfather clock and a narrow drawer (both not shown in this photo) make up this space.

We love how the house has transformed. My parents muse that they prefer just staying indoors, enjoying the peace and quiet of the surroundings as we start to create wonderful and lasting  memories. I intend to have an organic garden soon by planting tomatoes and bitter melon.


How about you, what is your favorite place in your house?


Are you planning to update your furniture soon? Check this link for helpful tips.

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The Role of Resources and Work in Growing Your Assets

Photo from Wealth Institute

Since time immemorial, we have been richly blessed with abundant and innumerable resources. This is prevalent even in the Old Testament days. The faithful and the just have a long-standing history of wealth in the form of silver, gold, livestock, servants, a good harvest and many more.

In this age and time, resources can be translated with the tangible things you have acquired from working hard, the wise investments you have painstakingly thought about. It is also the skills, knowledge and talents we possess, the group of people we manage and endear so dearly or the time in our hands.

Similarly, work, according to Meriam Webster means to have a job. And if I may add, it is done for the purpose of obtaining resources. To many, it is something that we must love doing to sustain it for years, even decades. As prudent Christians, choosing the right job is necessary so we can concurrently follow our Lord’s commandments especially on Sundays for reverence.

Resources and work go hand in hand. Resources are obtained by working and work is done to get resources. They are interdependent from each other like our need for the Word of God to learn, to grow and to survive in this temporal world. Once our basic needs are met, we are able save. We save by scrimping on unimportant and unnecessary things we can live without. It is simply saying no even if the urge to purchase something is so strong. The moment our savings increase, we invest and eventually diversify the investment. It is also vital to put aside the 10% of our earnings for our tithes and offerings which is rightfully His.

The growth of our asset depends on how early we start saving for a rainy day, for retirement, for education we securely put in banks or organizations. Both couples today work to alleviate the growing needs of their families. Some couples even engage in businesses they can do on the side like sell products payable in installments, offer their skill to earn extra cash or buy a popular franchise to earn more. Consequentially, an aspiring writer will continue to hone his skill to be excellent which will eventually be his bread and butter. Simply put, our assets gro if we continuously work and regularly put aside a part of our resources.

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The Beauty of the Philippine Islands

With 7,107 islands all over the Philippines, it is no surprise that our country boasts of abundant resources we consider our gem and wealth. In Palawan alone, two sites were recognized by the UNESCO under the natural world heritage category: The Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park or Underground River and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

The video  by the Portuguese travel blogger João Cajuda showcases some of the islands situated in Luzon and Visayas regions: Palawan, Bohol, Antique and Cebu - all with stunning beauty. Of course there are so many places that were not captured like the breathtaking Batanes, Ilocos, Siargao, Davao, Bicol, to name a few.

Video from João Cajuda posted on January 7, 2017

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Little Things Matter

The third quarter of this year was akin to an adventure - I traversed to a wanderland with a mixture of hope, enthusiasm and confidence. The end result was satisfactory. I was glad though that I gave it a try for the experience and never thought of reaching that far.

Photo from RareJob


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Klatch [klach] 

noun: a casual gathering of people, especially for refreshments and informal conversation

Definition from Dictionary.com

I attended another tutor gathering entitled, "Coffee Klatch With The CEO"  at a cafe in Quezon City. Comprised of a smaller group, we were served an aromatic and seemingly satiating brewed coffee. It came with a platter of tuna pasta, ciabatta bread with cucumber and cheesecake. The highlight of the event was the recognition of the Good Tutor Awards to the 25 attendees. We also enjoyed a game to kick off the occasion and the more intimate conversations while I got acquainted to the staff and to the other tutors. I admit, the time was exceedingly short. And I am looking forward to the next one!

Photo from motivatequotes.com

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Why is coffee so tempting? I salivate at the thought of it; more so when my senses are about to enjoy the real thing!

GIF photo from Ann Street Studio

I'm not a coffee addict. Drinking a cup a day will suffice ever since I befriended the stimulant, caffeine. After the visit to my nephrologist for my  kidney's healthcare, I was ecstatic to learn firsthand that coffee will never be ruled out from the list of my favorite beverages. According to the clinician, a severe kidney problem will never happen especially if hypertension and diabetes are not part of my medical history. Nonetheless, I still need to undergo a series of laboratory tests to determine its condition.

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I had the chance to meet my friends from college over lunch at Lilac Street, Marikina, together with their families. These little things in my life truly matter. Gone were the days when I would stress myself over things that weren't so meaningful. In retrospect, I am happier as I continue to be grateful all the time.

What matters most in your life?

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Thoughts On Working From Home

Photo from Beacont

Believe me. I never thought of simply staying at home and doing my job without physically interacting with my supervisors and colleagues when I was younger. For more than 31 months now, I am altogether grateful and blessed that I am working from home! 

I decided to make this great leap after my exposure to the call center industry that gave me a wider perspective of life. It enabled me to meet and interact with a hodgepodge of personalities and experienced varying scenarios.  Prior to this I worked in the academe from home where I had myriad jobs. And now I'm back to working from home as an ESL (English as a second language) tutor.

Below are my realizations as a home worker:

1. Working from home is a personal choice. I heard my cousin say, "I'd like to get dressed, put on make-up and look pretty everyday." You can do that too while working from home! Because I do video lessons with my students, I make myself presentable by wearing a decent top and applying a light tint of lip gloss. Most importantly  I smile and sound friendly to make them feel comfortable while building rapport with the new students.

I am also thankful to the advancement of technology. Working from home becomes a breeze especially for people with disability. You just have to scout around for the right job and even have two or three jobs you can do in your convenient time at your home. 

2. You no longer need to commute and experience the horrible traffic. Similarly you save on gas or on transportation fares. When I was in college (and was still capable of walking) I had to trod a couple of kilometers from my campus to the main thoroughfare in rain water until my knee! And you could just imagine the bacteria or virus floating in it. I had no choice but to get through it fast. 

3. Your social life can be as fun. I value my weekends and plan ahead of time for activities I truly enjoy. I constantly increase my social circle by joining Tutor Gatherings where I can meet other tutors who are jovial and meet up with old friends from time to time. 

It is liberating to work from home. It requires a little amount of dedication, compassion, motivation and time management skill to survive.

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My Sources Of Happiness

I am generally a happy person. The simplest of things can make me smile like someone genuinely thanking me, my mom cooking my favorite meal or even a soothing downpour. Through the years, these things that made me happy evolved - often from tangible to the intangible. And because life is short, I have learned the art of appreciating and being grateful at all times. Below are my sources of happiness.

Photo from Finding Happiness One Quote At A Time

1. Loyal and repeating students

It has always been a joy to teach students who enjoy learning English with me. I admit, the task can be overwhelming and tiring at times because of their varying English levels but I just love my students; and I am glad they love me too. Through the years, the number of my loyal and repeating students has dramatically increased. And I am valuing this job I can do comfortably at home.

2. Weekends

Because I work hard on weekdays; I look forward to weekends akin to a child opening a present. I lazily bask in bed for longer hours, spend time with my family to explore a new place while enjoying an unplanned road trip, trying out a new restaurant or organizing. Weekends give me a break from the mundaneness and the ordinary. And it is fun to be adventurous or to simply just be.

3. My happy pill

 ... is something you may have experienced at some point in your life. Admittedly, it was a surprise (er more of a welcome surprise) and the constancy of it is magical and bliss because it chooses me everyday. It is also accepting, encouraging and inspiring. It is God's precious gift to me.

Coffee (or even its aroma), the company of my nephews and niece and knowing I have touched someone's life continue to be in the list of my sources of happiness. Life is certainly short. So find your happiness and let it stay in your life for as long as you can!

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