How to really help disaster victims

Last night as I came home from work, the news was on TV. My three-year old daughter approached me with a sad and questioning look in her eyes. "Mommy, wawa ung small bata, wala na bahay". I told her, "be thankful to God we have a home and we are safe." It's so hard to explain to a toddler why tragedy strikes, but I guess it is easier to explain why we need to help.

As I write this post, the death toll over the recent super typhoon "Yolanda" (international name "Haiyan") is nearing 1,800. Also, social media has already been flooded with posts whether it be sympathy for victims, gratitude for being spared, guilt for not being in the scene to help out, or showing ways to actually help out. This entry may be just an addition to the barrage of posts/tweets I have mentioned. But if this contributes in some little way to alleviate the sufferings of my countrymen, it's worth a shot.

In my own humble opinion, here are just some ways on how to truly help:

1. Pray as a family. No amount of relief effort or nobody could give better comfort to someone who has lost almost everything than God Himself. Let's pray for healing and comfort for these people affected by the recent disasters.
2. Don't let the guilt of not being able to directly help affect you. Instead be a productive member of society (whether you are a student, a mom, or part of the corporate work force) by offering our work and sacrifices for the victims. Patty Laurel puts it better in this post.
3. For donations in kind, give those that will really be put to good use. We all mean well, but take a step back and think before piling up boxes of old shoes, clothes, basically your old stuff. Will they be able to use those stilettos, gowns, costumes, etc.? Also with regard to formula or powdered milk, just think, they have no access yet to clean water and sanitation in their area, it might just do more harm than good. For breastmilk, they should be passed through the proper channels. Let the volunteers help the women lactate for their babies. For more information, please see related posts here: http://www.chroniclesofanursingmom.com/2013/08/compilation-of-emergency-posts-again-no.html and here: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/foreigners/2013/11/how_to_help_typhoon_haiyan_survivors_in_the_philippines_the_only_donation.html  
4. For monetary donations, just make sure they go to reputable agencies which will directly channel them to relief operations. Please check http://www.wheninmanila.com/verified-legit-ways-to-help-super-typhoon-haiyan-yolanda-victims-how-to-donate-or-volunteer-with-legitimate-organizations/, which has quite a comprehensive list.
5. Cut down on your Christmas shopping/party funds and instead use these to help, like this nice petition at change.org http://www.change.org/ph/mga-petisyon/all-filipinos-and-those-who-love-filipinos-scale-down-shopping-this-christmas-give-each-other-hand-made-gifts-and-gifts-of-deeds-let-s-channel-our-gifts-to-victims-of-typhoon-yolanda-and-the-recent-earthquake
6. Avoid doing any of these apathetic moves: http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/15926503-after-haiyan-10-things-filipinos-shouldnt-do-on-social-networks

Lastly, lighten up and be grateful for the roof over your heads, the dry clothes on you and the warm embrace of your family. If you feel heavily burdened right now, just put yourselves in the shoes of our countrymen who have lost almost everything, and you'll realize just how truly lucky you are.

Birthday realizations

This shows I really had a busy birthday. I was supposed to publish this draft in October but never had the time.

Basically, I just want to write an inspirational and thanksgiving post. It's been another year, another blessing, another opportunity to make the most of this life that God gave me. Like I always say, I will strive to exude positivity in this blog despite the hardships and heartaches that come my way. Also, these are things I'd probably say to my seven year old, thirteen year old, and 18 year old, self.

So as my age officially leaves the calendar, here are my realizations:

1) I can bear pain – When I was young, I used to cry/cringe at injections or minor scratches/wounds. I'd also bawl out of impatience or when I can't do a task/project perfectly (may pagka OC kasi ko nung bata ako, well sometimes up to now). As I grew old and matured, my threshhold for pain pala increased (whether physical or emotional). I never imagined I would be able to endure the pain of childbirth, death of a loved one, as well as heartbreaks and heartaches. I really just had to go through it to get through it.

2) I am beautiful – I don't want this to sound like an Olay or Ponds commercial, but when I was a kid I had inferiority complex because of my dark complexion. I'd cry from teases I get from classmates, friends, (even my own brother!) like "anak ni Ben Tisoy, aeta, and negrita". Eventually I learned to love my color (inggit kaya satin ang mga fahreners), appreciate it's benefits (you're less likely to get skin cancer) and believe that beauty is truly skin deep. Borrowing a quote from my beloved sis in law, "maputi nga kili-kili, masama naman ugali" and "ang derma kaya paputiin ang maitim, pero ang masamang ugali, mahirap gamutin". Hehe!

L-R: Me during my pre-school "awkward and negneg" years, high school, college, a blushing bride four years ago, a mom at present

3) I can manage and be independent – Before, well up until now to a certain extent nalang, I am very dependent on my parents for anything (little miss helpless). Never did I imagine I would be able to manage a family/household, a full time career, and hopefully a blogging career all at the same time. Just check out my everyday sched here. I guess when you become a wife and mom, lumalabas nalang ang multi-tasking skills. But I admit, I can only do this with some help and delegation, also accepting I'm no super woman.

4) I can soar, see the world - Yes there's a whole new world out there we have to explore. Don't let poverty hinder your dreams, instead allow it to be a motivation. As I've written here, envision those dreams, pray and work hard.

5) I am smart – I've learned that excelling in academics will get you a few steps ahead initially but it’s really EQ (how you handle emotions and getting along with people from all walks of life), street smarts and hardwork that makes you soar. Use your head wisely in making big decisions since that creates the path to your future.

6) I am capable of loving and being loved - I have friends who withstood the test of time and accepted me for who I am. I have a wonderful family who will always be there to support me no matter what. I have a loving and super patient husband who puts up with me every single day. I have two adorable kids. Up to now I don't know what I did to deserve these people in my life. I must have done something right after all. Through them I learned about loving unselfishly and unconditionally. I also learned that to be capable of loving, one must love oneself first.

Lastly, I have a beautiful life. I hope this post doesn't come out as bragging. It's just that I'm not ashamed to be thankful of this life that God has given me. I have learned to appreciate its ups and downs. I also expect as much trials as there are, more blessings will come my way. God is indeed good.

Image from here

Fully loaded Monday

Yesterday, was a full day. Full of work, full of rains, and full of hope for brighter things to come.

Despite the busy day at work, I felt so accomplished. Natapos ko ung mga to dos ko for the day just in time before leaving for Tito D's (my father's older brother) 65th surprise birthday party. Plus I felt the excitement of having to start a new project at work this week (May sapi lang? Dagdag load pero masaya?) I guess I really love what I do, I just have to admit it to myself. It helps talaga pag may to-do list ka lang everyday para hindi ka ma-overwhelm. Ang saya kasi makakita ng check.

Anyway, back to the full day. After work, I rushed home (harurot levels ako sa kotse) so we could avoid the traffic going to Tito's birthday. Ayun pag sinuswerte nga naman ang lakas ng buhos ng ulan = traffic jam. Buti nalang si bro C na ang nagdridrive. Nasurprise na si Tito wala pa kami. We finally reached the party before 7pm, they were finished eating na. But it was so nice to see our relatives from my father's side, specially my cousin C and her son who came from the States.

Everyone noticed how JD looks so much like Papa. Sabi nga nung isa kong pinsan "nagpalit lang ng katawan si Tito, luma na daw kasi ung dati niyang katawan" hehe. We enjoyed the sumptious buffet at the intimate venue in Royal Palm's clubhouse. It was so nice to see Tito D looking well and still full of stories. You see, right after Papa's passing, he was also diagnosed with lymphoma. I was crushed again, because he is also like a father to us and is one of Papa's closest brother. I was glad to hear that he was able to attend Fr. Suarez' healing mass and is undergoing natural healing through Graviola. I truly pray for more fruitful years for him. Hope he gets to win the battle for our family.

Here we are with more chitchat after dinner. R and her cousins enjoyed dancing to Talking Angela's (Ipad app) music video. Thanks ate C for the pasalubongs!


Happy birthday Tito D! We love you and God bless!

Back to work and lessons from Working Girl

As I've said in my previous post, I just got back to work last week from my two and a half months long maternity leave. Nakakapanibago talaga, if only I could be with my family 24/7. But the ardent drive to work is still there, that's why I still don't have the guts to be a full-time housewife and mom, well apart from the fact that it would be difficult for us to sustain a single income source household.

Coming from my long hiatus, I needed some quick pick-me-ups just to get me to the working girl vibe. And what a coincidence, the 1988 romantic comedy "Working Girl" was on cable last weekend.

From Wikipedia: It tells the inspiring story of a Staten Island-raised secretary, Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith), working in the mergers and acquisitions department of a Wall Street investment bank. When her boss, Katharine Parker (Sigourney Weaver), breaks her leg skiing, Tess uses Parker's absence and connections, including her errant beau Jack Trainer (Harrison Ford), to put forward her own idea for a merger deal.

Consider that inspiration talaga since the main character and the plot closely relates to my field. Although the movie is already 25 years old, some lessons are still quite timely and apt in this day and age. Hopefully, I could apply these myself =)

Here are my favorite inspirational quotes from the film:

1) "You know, you don't get anywhere in this world by waiting for what you want to come to you.  You make it happen." The corporate world has no place for Juan Tamad (who waits for the fruit to fall off the tree) nor those who are shy and timid. Grab hold of your career. Kapalan na ang mukha. Tell them what you want to achieve and be in the future, and ask how you can get there. No one else will make your dreams come true but you, through hardwork, prayers and lots and lots of guts. Applicable din to sa love, so go out there and get the man of your dreams.

2) "I read a lot of things. I mean, you never know where the big ideas could come from." I loved that Tess got the idea of the Trask-Metro merger just by reading the New York Post society pages aside from Forbes. It's amazing how big deals just simply come from nowhere. So may sense din pala ang pagbabasa ko ng lifestyle section, society magazines and Cosmo hehe.

3) "I'm not gonna spend the rest of my life working my ass off and getting nowhere just because I followed rules that I had nothing to do with setting up, OK?" We are bound by rules no matter what. But I just love Tess' go-getting attitude, and how she tried to pull-off being an associate for a mergers and acquisition company. Sometimes just by being confident, people really can't tell if you're just pretending to be an expert or the real deal. Pero syempre don't forget lang that in the end trust is the most important thing in any relationship, whether it be love or business.

4) "You can bend the rules plenty once you get to the top, but not while you're trying to get there. And if you're someone like me, you can't get there without bending the rules." Nakakaloka rin when Tess and Jack gate-crashed the wedding of the daughter of the owner of Trask Industries just to get to talk to him. Ewan ko lang kung merong sneaky and gutsy enough to do this since it's unethical and impolite. But most of the time you just got to think outside of the box when trying to score a big deal.

5) "People's impression of me starts with you.  You're tough when it's warranted, accommodating when you can be, you're accurate, you're punctual, and you never make a promise you can't keep." This was Katharine's line to Tess regarding her requirements as an executive assistant. Just like any employee, you need to give a great impression because you represent your boss and your firm.

6) "Dress shabbily, they notice the dress.  Dress impeccably, they notice the woman."  - Coco Chanel. Again this was Katharine quoting Coco Chanel, and it's true, nadadaan talaga sa porma. This is one of the things that I like about working, wearing stylish and elegant clothes that make me look smart hehe. I'll probably write a post on dressing for success so watch out for it ok.

So there you have it working girls and working moms, aim high and stand proud on those stilettos.

O Holy Night

Last night, we were awe-inspired with the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Diocese of Cubao. Our family was so blessed to attend this glorious occasion because Papa was to be posthumously awarded one of the Supra Montem awards for service.

The event started with a high mass presided by the Most Reverend Bishop Honesto Ongtioco at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao. I was teary-eyed (correction: tears were flowing) during the procession palang. It's been a long time kasi since I last cried from Papa's passing in April. And everything there reminded me of him, from seeing all our parish priests, the Cathedral, the Diocese he so loved and served.

(Photos courtesy of Tito Chappy of PLDM)

Bishop Honesto Ongtioco

 

Bishop Soc Villegas followed by Cardinal Tagle

 

  Our beloved parish priests

 

 

The mass was so solemn, except for one incident that tested me and my mom's patience and understanding. Not to dwell on it further, all I could say is we truly are a product of my father - Bro. Rudy. We would never be disrespectful nor pick a fight specially in church. We said peace to her (a daughter of one of the awardees) during the mass despite how she disrespected my mom. She came naman to her senses by apologizing to us and we gladly accepted it. Just as Bishop Ness reiterated, the award is not to place you on a pedestal or for you to be too proud. It should instead humble you in the spirit of true servitude.

Here are some pictures of the mass:

His Eminence Cardinal Tagle

All the priests

After the mass, we were greeted by members of our parish PLDM and our Parish priest Rev. Fr. Steve Zabala. Again naluha nanaman ako with all their congratulations. These are the people, who together with Papa, served the Lord and the community.

At the reception and awarding ceremony naman:

Here's Bishop Ness giving the opening remarks:

Since I was breastfeeding JD then, Mama and bro C went up to accept the award. I also couldn't even take a picture since my hands were full.

To top the night's events, we enjoyed the company of Fr. Steve, Tito Chappy, Tito Fil and Tita Sylvia at our dining table. It was full of nonstop laughter and banter. I could tell that my daughter R also enjoyed the night too. And who wouldn't, with the beautiful music care of the choir as well as the priests. Masaya pala talaga kasama ang mga pari. Hindi lang sila puro sermon hehe. They're actually cool to hangout with.

It was really so fortunate for our family to have experienced a night like that. Thanks so much to Papa and to those who nominated him. Sayang lang it would have been happier if buong pamilya kaming nandun.

If he were alive though, I'm sure he would be too humble to say that others deserved it more. He would say he is not perfect. But with his almost 20 years of service to the church and the community, and with what we have experienced, he truly deserved it. Let me tell you now that in all those years he served the parish, hindi kami halos nakakapag out-of-town trip during long weekends and holidays (nakakatampo na nga minsan). He would only think of his service and mass duties. He would always tell us, let's celebrate the holiday as a family, in church. Kaya hayun, kahit bagong taon at nagpuputukan, sama kami kung san man siya magserve.

If only we could continue his service. But admittedly as of the moment I'm not yet ready, and I don't think I could match up to him. I used to serve as a lector in PLDM when I was still single, but being a full time mom to 2 little kids has kept me tied up. It's unfortunate that my children will grow without seeing their grandpa Rudy. But he nor his kind and humble heart will never be forgotten. I will try to impart to them the values that my father has taught and instilled in us.

I miss you Papa, bigtime! Pero I know you're smiling down upon us.

I carry you in my heart

God gave us a miracle that night of April 21, 2013, at 10:33pm, a glorious Sunday. The Lord affirmed that we are a complete family, always and forever. We were all at Papa's bedside as he breathed his last. We each promised that we will always be together in our hearts, and that the memories and milestones will never stop. I thanked Papa and told him I was proud to be his daughter. And even if I know these things would happen over and over again, I would still choose him to be my father.

Thank you to all that prayed with us and fought with us in this short albeit meaningful battle. Papa is now free from cancer and resting in our Savior's arms. Yes we still got our miracle, we have defeated cancer. It can no longer harm him and most specially it did not take away his soul.
 
His wake and funeral was a breeze and a blur. With the multitude of people who paid their final respects, all I could think of was a man who truly made a difference in this world. And the Lord did repay him for his goodness, He welcomed him immediately into His kingdom and loving arms. Nothing could be more awe-inspiring than seeing his body, facing the Lord of Divine Mercy, embracing him.

 
To those who paid their final respects, extended their prayers and support, I thank you on behalf of our family for the outpouring love we felt during this difficult time. Thank you again family, friends and co-workers and all those whom we don't even personally know, whose lives were touched by Papa in one way or another. God bless you all.

As for our family, we are still in the process of grieving and acceptance. For me I know it will never be the same again. I ask Papa everyday for a sign, a dream or to feel his presence, but so far none. It may as well be an indication that He is already at peace with the Lord. Papa, this poem is for you. I love you with all my heart. It's enough for me to know you are there.

I carry you in my heart (inspired by E.E. Cummings' poem "I carry your heart with me")

I carry you in my heart 

I am never without you

Anywhere I go you are with me

Whatever I do, whatever I say, you will always be there to support me

I fear no fate for you are already there

I want no other world (for beautiful is the world our Lord has prepared for us)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant (a beacon through my darkest times)

and whatever a sun will always sing is you (a ray of cheer through my triumphs)


Here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
I am your daughter, I came from your heart

and always and forever, I carry you in my heart.

Lord You know better than I

It's been a while since I've written a post. How can I when I'm in the middle of a family crisis? With my dad's health poorly deteriorating, how can I even do what I love, which is writing. But this online journal has already been a log of my adversities and triumphs, and I feel so much better when I look back at the trials that I overcame and made me stronger.

Seeing Papa yesterday in the ICU with all those tubes inserted in his frail body, brought me back again to the time I gave birth to R and almost lost her. She stayed in the neonatal ICU for 5 days, and another 5 days in the Level 2 nursery before we were able to take her home. Like my father, she had to be intubated under respirator since she contacted neonatal pneumonia. Antibiotics and IV feed were passed through tubes to her navel.

Whenever people would come visit my dad and say that's inhumane treatment (passing tubes to his body), I just look back at the days when R was also fighting for her life. Nothing could be more painful than seeing your newborn daughter in such poor state and couldn't even let out a cry because of those tubes in her mouth. But God is merciful. When you feel like almost all hope is gone, and you have nothing to hold on to but faith, that's when miracles truly happen. Look at my healthy and active daughter now.

I don't know what will happen to Papa in the coming hours or days, but just like before with R, all I know is that God is already there. Just as my husband has reiterated many times "what our eyes can't see, our faith will". Even with the tiny sliver of hope remaining, I'm just putting all my trust in Him. He knows better than I.

This song just sums up all the emotions I'm feeling right now. I can't help but cry whenever I listen to this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=L-DhISwiIVU&feature=endscreen

You Know Better Than I (from the movie Joseph King of Dreams)

I thought I did what's right
I thought I had the answers
I thought I chose the surest road
But that road brought me here
So I put up a fight
And told you how to help me
Now just when I have given up
The truth is coming clear

 You know better than I
You know the way
I've let go the need to know why
For You know better than I
If this has been a test
I cannot see the reason
But maybe knowing
I don't know is part of getting through
I tried to do what's best
But faith has made it easy
To see the best thing i can do
Is to put my trust in You.
  

 For, You know better than I
You know the way
I've let go the need to know why
For You know better than I

 I saw one cloud and thought it was a sky
I saw a bird and thought that I could follow
But it was You who taught that bird to fly
If i let You reach me
Will You teach me.

 For, You know better than I
You know the way
I've let go the need to know why
I'll take what answers you supply
You know better than I

My Patron St. Therese of the Child Jesus

 "I feel that my mission is about to begin, my mission to make God loved as I love Him, to teach souls my little way. It is a way of spiritual childhood, the way of trust and absolute surrender." - St. Therese of the Child Jesus

One of my biggest dreams to finally see the relic of my favorite saint has come true. And it came at a time I really need it the most.

From the hospital, last Thursday, sumaglit kami ni Daddy A sa Sta. Maria de la Strada Parish to see the relic of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. We learned about the 3rd visit of the relics of St. Therese to the Philippines via Daddy A's bestfriend and R's ninong T. We met him there in the afternoon.

I was teary-eyed and awed as I approached her relic.

Like I said in my previous posts, andami kong answered prayers through her intercession. I came to know about this miraculous saint and wonder worker when I was in elementary. My grade school teacher shared to us everything about her and how you'll come to know that your prayers are answered. The sign is a rose. You'll just see a rose or roses in any form, in any place. One story that she had is she even saw a single rose placed on top of a shelf of books in National Bookstore.

I myself experienced her signs too, and talagang kikilabutan ka when you see them. You'll just know right then and there that your prayer was answered by God. Just a few examples of my biggest answered prayers:

1. Pass the board exams
2. Si Daddy A - opo pinag novena ko siya hihi
3. Papa's healing in 2009
4. R's survival when I gave birth to her in 2010 (I'll write how her life was in danger in my delivery day post)

When I read her life story through the book "A Story of a Soul", what I immediately liked most about her is that you don't have to be some hero or perform some big task to be a saint. This is what her "little way" calls us to do. Just do God's work out of your love for Him and offer our daily tasks/chores. In God's eyes, even our "nothingness" means a lot to Him as long as we give Him our best every day.

Pwede pala talagang maging santo ang kahit kanino sa atin. Even if you're a simple househelp, a driver, an engineer, a CPA, at kahit ano ka pa man, just by doing your duties out of sheer love for our God and offering your sufferings for the sake of others, you can be a saint.

So let me share to you the prayers to St. Therese so you yourselves can experience what I did.

Novena Rose Prayer

24 Glory Be Novena, in thanksgiving for the 24 years of her earthly life

 

 And if you could also squeeze in a petition for the complete healing of my father, it would be very much appreciated.

Cancer is limited

Oh how I've been holding off this post for a long time. I said to myself this blog will be filled with light stories,  feel good posts and lots and lots of positivity. But how can you radiate positivity when you yourself are in the midst of adversity, when it seems all hope is gone and you are desperately in need of a miracle? Then again, how can I also be true to myself, if I don't share this post to you. How can Lei truly love life if she doesn't accept even the hardships that come its way?

So now I bravely post this entry. Let me tell you about my family's journey with cancer and how it has affected our lives.

I've always been aware of our family's history of cancer from my father's side. My paternal grandfather died of cancer of the lungs in 1995. Then my dad's eldest brother died of stage 4 liver cancer after 4 months from initial diagnosis in 2005. After just two years, my dear aunt (next to my dad in birth order) was diagnosed with liver cancer as well and after just 8 months from diagnosis, succumbed to it. Another aunt (older sister of my dad), has cancer of the thyroid and is fortunately thriving and battling this disease. Just last November, another uncle (third to the eldest) was diagnosed with a tumor in his lungs and died. And lately, another uncle (second to the eldest) was diagnosed with tumors surrounding his neck.

It was heart crushing seeing them go one by one, most specially for my dad who took care of our relatives 'til their dying days. He himself said once, that he has accepted his family's fate and that he too one day may not be spared from that dreaded disease.

The first diagnosis

And so that day came. In February of 2009, Papa showed us a huge lump at the side of his neck. He thought it might be because of his aching tooth. The dentist prescribed antibiotics but still the swelling did not subside. He also complained of severe sinusitis and clogged nose. We all decided that he be checked by an E.N.T. Tests were conducted and exactly on his 57th birthday, we got the results. He has Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. My mom cried. I tried to be strong and assured her that we would get through this. I didn't know why but back then I had such a strong spirit and conviction that Papa will survive this. I was already engaged then and set to be married in December. All I hoped for was for Papa to walk me down the aisle.

Road to healing

Again, like in my previous posts, I've always tried to look for the good in the bad, be grateful inspite of trials, be accepting instead of questioning, and loving instead of hating. So I did all I could in my power to help my family through this. Further, this pulled the whole family together, we all matured, we all did everything we could, we stood together as one.

I researched in general about cancer and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, the various treatments and cure (naturopathy, Western medicine). We changed our family's diet. I did the groceries and bought more organic and alkaline rich foods. We followed the doctor's orders to the dot. We went for the very latest and expensive targeted treatment combined with the regular chemotherapy even if it meant being buried in debt and selling some of our possessions. I even used my wedding funds and just made do with whatever Daddy A and I had left for our wedding back then.

Most important of all we stormed heaven for prayers. Every chemotherapy session, we would start a prayer brigade. We also prayed everyday as a whole family (this is what really brought us closer together). At night we would pray:
Fr. Fernando Suarez's healing video
The Holy Rosary
The Prayer of St. Peregrine
The Divine Mercy prayer or the chaplet
Prayer to St. Therese of the Child Jesus

We were also lucky that Fr. Fernando Suarez visited a church in our village to conduct a healing mass. Papa felt healing from God right after Fr. Fernando touched him. He was able to walk easily back home. And after  just one chemotherapy session, tests showed that the nodules/tumors in his neck and nose disappeared.

I made Papa a vision board as well. I wrote down there milestones for him to witness and achieve. And just like my own vision board, a lot of them were accomplished.

Witness my wedding in December 2009

His first apo R

His 60th birthday

Various holidays (this was taken just last New Year)

Various trips/outings (this was taken last December in Ilocos)

Papa's cancer has now metastasized just after barely 4 years. It has now affected his brain and it's heartbreaking to see his weary body deteriorating everyday. More than ever, we still believe in miracles. Whether it be healing or acceptance, we trust in God's great love and mercy.

And the list of milestones and memories goes on. It will never stop. Because:

Cancer is limited ...

It cannot cripple love,

It cannot shatter hope,

It cannot corrode faith,

It cannot eat away peace,

It cannot destroy confidence,

It cannot shut out memories

It cannot silence courage,

It cannot invade the soul,

It cannot reduce eternal life,

It cannot quench the spirit,

It cannot lessen the power

of the Resurrection.

(Poem taken from the web)

Kilig much!

I'm sure most of you guys are familiar with this expression na pinauso ni Vice Ganda: "Kilig much" as viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIvZHGVyBx0

Well that's exactly what I'm feeling right now.

It's like:

1. Having your crush smile at you
2. Getting to have a photo with your favorite artist
3. Being given flowers/sweets by your loved one

 All because of these:

These women are celebrities and yet they still have the time to respond because I wrote this post. In all honesty, ako po ang honored and touched.

Thanks much! Kaya nga idol ko kayo eh!

Our annual Stations of the Cross and reflections

Yesterday, Maundy Thursday, our family visited 7 churches (technically 8, I'll tell you later) for our annual Stations of the Cross. This year Daddy A decided that we visit the churches that we used to visit during our BF/GF days (eto ung sinasabi kong nagvivisita Iglesia kami for our Saturdates here).

We started off the first two stations at the Sto. Domingo church (or the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary) in Quezon Ave. We even got to tour their museum (it was free of charge).

Interiors and facade

 Inside the museum. L-R: Priestly vestments, Christ contemplates His impending passion and death; The La Naval

1st Station: The Last Supper
Personal reflection: Lord forgive us for the times we have failed to appreciate your gift of self to us. You remain with us, but we rarely acknowledge that and only turn to you when we are desperate and in need.

2nd Station: The Agony in the Garden
Personal reflection: You were alone O Lord in the garden of Gethsemani, agonizing your impending death. Yet you never fail to comfort us in times of sorrow and despair.

For the next two stations, we visited Sta. Teresita parish in Mayon, Q.C. This church is very special to me, as my patron saint is St. Therese of the Child Jesus. A lot of times during our college days, Daddy A and I would hear mass here. St. Therese has powerfully interceded for me countless times in my life. As gratitude, I named R after her. I shall write more about St. Therese in another post.

 Inside Sta. Teresita Parish

Me & R outside with St. Therese of the Child Jesus

3rd Station: Jesus Before the Sanhedrin

Personal reflection: Sorry for the times we were quick to judge others and how easily we fall prey to gossiping.

4th Station: The Scourging and Crowning with Thorns

Personal reflection: You endured unimaginable sufferings and never did complain. Samantalang kami, konting kibot lang sa katawan, a little hardship at work and some minor trials in life, feeling pinabayaan na.

For the next stations, we proceeded to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Retiro, Q.C.

5th Station: Jesus Receives the Cross
Personal reflection: You without sin accepted to carry the cross for our own. Yet when we are given our own crosses to bear, we even question You at times. Sorry Lord.

6th Station:  Jesus Falls under the weight of the Cross
Personal reflection: When we stumble and fall, forgive us Lord. And when our brothers and sisters seem unable to carry the burden of their trials, we pray we won't let them down as well.

We then reached UST chapel, another dear church to Daddy A and I. A lot of memories took place here, and of course, this was where we got married. Andami rin tao dito yesterday.

7th Station: Simon of Cyrene carries the Cross of Jesus
Personal reflection: Make us like Simon Lord, who without question, carried the cross for others.

8th Station: Jesus meets the pious women of Jerusalem
Personal reflection: Lord, these women were sincere in their sorrow for you. We pray likewise to be sensitive and empathize enough to help others who are suffering: the poor, the sick, the hopeless.

The next churches we visited were the twin churches in Bustillos: Our Lady of Loreto and St. Anthony of  Padua parish. Even Daddy A still doesn't know upto this day why these two churches stand so close together. We were only able to finish two stations here because there were so many people.

Our Lady of Loreto on the left and St. Anthony of Padua on the right

9th Station:  Jesus is nailed to the Cross

Personal reflection: Lord grant us the grace to do our duties out of love, even if it should entail pain/suffering that resembles the crucifixion.

10th Station: The Repentant Thief

Personal reflection: Lord we pray for true contrition, like the repentant thief. Hindi ung tuwing Semana Santa lang kami magpapakabait. Also grant us the grace to be forgiving when others have done us wrong.

Our next stop was our beloved Parish of the Lord of Divine Mercy. It was surprising to see the pictures of my parents in the bulletin board. They are currently head of the family & life ministry. I really pray Papa gets well soon so he could go back to serving the Lord.

11th Station: Mary and John at the foot of the Cross

Personal reflection: How deep was Mama Mary's agony seeing You suffering. Lord I pray that You continue to bless and protect my children. I could never bear to witness my children in such a painful and heart-breaking state.

12th Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross

Personal reflection: Father into Your hands we also commend our spirits. May we be faithful to You, all the days of our lives.

We finished the last two stations at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Claret. We even saw our couple friends R and O with their eldest son. Si R naman, eto knock-out sa pagod:

13th Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb

Personal reflection: You are like a precious treasure placed in a chest, as we wait for Your coming.

14th Station: Jesus Rises from the Death

Personal reflection: Your resurrection Lord is a challenge to all of us, to rise from the death of sin to a life of grace.

Thank you Lord for saving us all over again.

Blogs which I love and inspire me

Why did I get into blogging in the first place? Like I said in my very first post, I loved keeping a private journal. But upon googling stuff, I stumbled upon these fascinating blogs that really inspired me to share my own experiences to the world. Because maybe, just like them, I may be able to bring joy and insights to someone else.

So here are the top blogs I follow:

Mommy Fleur - I can relate to Mrs. Fleur Sombrero so much as a working mom and wife. We have a lot of similarities. We both got married in 2009. We both have wonderful two year old daughters. Most of her experiences, I have gone through as well. I just love her writing style, simpleng kwento lang, no fuss, no pretenses, so real and true. She inspired me to blog my everyday happenings. Despite winning blog awards, she still maintains a warm and down-to-earth disposition. She even gives tips and advices to aspiring bloggers like me. Check out her site: http://mommyfleur.blogspot.com/

Oh My Buhay - Mrs. Annie Tan-Yee is a self-made woman. Siya ang peg ko 15-20 years from now. She's a caring wife and has brought up level-headed and well-mannered children (girl and boy din like mine). Despite being rich, beautiful and elegant, you can feel how down-to-earth she is that's why she captures all kinds of readers. She writes anything from the mundane to serious issues and current events and also provides comic relief in her blog. See more about that here: http://www.ohmybuhay.com/

Patty Laurel - Well who doesn't know Mrs. Patty Laurel-Filart? I still recall during my college days how I've been girl-crushing on her on screen as a UAAP courtside reporter. She's my travel, beauty and fashion peg. You could also see in her blog, a lady who was brought up well, spiritual, and humble despite being blessed with beauty and brains. Aside from her travel stories, I love her posts on wedding planning and now her newlywed stories. I'm sure most of you know her site: http://www.pattylaurel.com/

Daphne - Again, who also doesn't know Mrs. Daphne Osena-Paez. Her blog is just a collage of all beautiful things about home design/decor, furniture, jewelry and fashion. I've been a fan since her Urban Zone days, which my mom and I would stay up to watch (my mom's an interior designer kasi). I also love her stories on her children wherein you could see how she encourages them to make a difference in this world. Visit her well-known site at: http://daphne.ph/

The Busy Budgeting Mama - Natalie's blog just caught my eye for the love of beautiful DIYs. She's an amazing homemaker who handles three kids (I can't imagine myself now with two, and with househelp at that!). I love the toys and other cute stuff she creates for her kids. She styles any party for any occasion with a practical budget yet they turnout sooo beautiful. Besides all of that, she's very spiritual and you could see how she brings up her family very well. Check out her beautiful blog here: http://www.thebusybudgetingmama.com/

There you have it, the blogs that have inspired me share to you all how Lei Loves Life. =)