A Stormy Vacation Spree with Ondoy and Pepeng :)

September 26, 2009

All packed first week of September, not too excited about my long weekend vaction. I made sure I had everything done at work, had my vacation itinerary written on my planner: 1 year anniversary,reunion with Bahrain friends, meeting Pioneer friends, SFC friends.. I was set to go...Manila here I come!

But Ondoy wanted to come along that weekend. All I could do was pray. Surigao to Cebu flight went smoothly inspite of the pouring rain and heavy winds. Our bank manager in Cebu picked me up, good timing for lunch at Krua Thai Restuarant.

Cebu to Surigao flight was at 6:30pm with Cebu Pacific Airlines, so had to hangout at the bank. it was only when I opened my Facebook I got aware of what was really happening in Manila. Videos of the flooded areas, then the news...I just couldn't believe it was really happening. I had doubts my flight would be cancelled but I just prayed silently "I will be still, know You are God".

4:30pm I was dropped at the airport. Flights to and from different places were delayed and some cancelled. checked in and sat way behind everyone else. I couldn't help but ask "Are they praying hard enough?"

Came from the toilet the second time when someone caled my name. Friends from college were also on their way to Manila but on a different flight schedule. Janice, Menilyn and Ligaya. It was a sigh of relief. I hate travelling alone, and moments like that, I needed someone to talk to.

After the long hours of chitchats and a bite of sandwhiches, announcemnet came. My flight was merged with the flight that was before mine. Yes, indeed good news. Boarding time came, had to say bye to my friends for the time being. We agreed to meet up in Manila to stay over at Emer's place for a while since they couldn't reach the person they will be staying with.

Arrived exactly 11pm at the NAIA Terminal 3. It was like a refugee center. People were lying on the floor.No place to sit.

Emer was suppose ot be 5 minutes away from the airport unfortunately, due to heavy (as in HEAVY) traffic it came down to 2 hours. Haha, yes...I was standing for almost 2 hours, with high hills on. LOL. Networks were almost down. My saliva almost dried up. All I could do was wait.


Emer finally came. I was hungry. The roads on our way out were empty. Fastfood chains were closed in some areas. A McDonald was insight..yay
After a quick order, we went home. Eda was waiting for me... hugged her tight but I was too tired to talk longer. ZZzzzzzz


"Sorry Ondoy, malakas ako kay Bro!"


September 27, 2009

Woke up with aching legs that day but excited to be up to go with Emer for grocery mode at Waltermart North Edsa

Eda and I had a chance to talk and all...updates with what's happening around and watching the news broke my heart. It was my first time to witness such calamity. Is this God's rage? Or it's Mother Nature's way of reminding us something?

But in the midst of the calamity, I saw the pride of every Filipino heart- bayanihan. It somehow lightened the burden in my heart seeing everyone helping out, rich and poor alike.

In the evening, Emer went to check on best friend Mark at Pasig. Eda and I continued our little heart to heart chat. Good thing my heart was in good shape that week...negative stuff coming in...*sighs...


September 28, 2009

No stopping US now!!! Happy ONE YEAR!

Is it really? One year...woooohooo! How time flies...

Emer and I started our anniversary day with a good breakfast and planned our itinerary for the day before our dinner date. I decided to meet up with friends from Pioneer Life, Inc., the insurance company serving our bank. It was my firs to meet them in person. It was an exciting and most fortunate meeting, at Greenbelt 5 Makati ...thank you Sir Woodie for the lunch at Chili's (I missed the taste and ambiance, last time I ate at Chili's was like way back in Bahrain..haha). With Sir Woodie was Mam Trish, Sir Raymund and Mam Sunshine (whom I met last year in Cebu during the orientation). I had the privilege to see the Pioneer House and some of the staff of Pioneer Life Inc.

After the meeting, Emer and I went to Greenhills Shopping Center to buy my shoes that I was to wear for our dinner date. We had a good nap before attending Holy Mass. The homily was very affirming. I just couldn't help but thank God for me and Emer.

Dinner at Shangri-La Makati was...a dinner date almost turned disaster.Hahaha..

It was a funny funny experience...memorable? MORE THAN! and I'm talking about the place, I'm talking about what happened to me. Emer would be laughing while reading this. LOL

So embrassing but charged to experience...I'm not going to go into detail but to make the long story short, I almost fell on my face when I was going down from the car...bad shoes!LOL...But good thing I still had a sense of balance...nyahahaha!

But dinner went great...I still couln't help but laugh at myself while eating. Thank God for confidence. LOL.

After dinner, we decided to have a movie marathon at home. It was a simple celebration but Emer and I were able to really get to evaluate our relationship. As long as there's prayer, a God who would hear our prayers, communication and more airline promos, I think this would go a long way..right Myn? Hehe..




September 29, 2009

DFA day....

I was suppose to have my passport renewed but when Emer and I got there, I got a bit discouraged. I'd rather not comment much here, haha..so I decided that my passport be processed in Butuan City instead.

Emer and I decided to drop by at my cousin's place to get the vinegar I sent for Emer like a month ago and he was not able to get it earlier. LOL. Along with the vinegar was our favorite dried danggit. After taking the package, we decided to go home and rest for a while. We continued our movie marathon that afternoon and later went around SM North Edsa. :)

September 30, 2009

Family Reunion time!!!

I was so excited that day. I was going to meet my aunty Madel (cousin of mom) for the first time along with my other cousins (bot from mom and dad's side) whom I've not seen in quite a long time. We decided to first meet up at Trinoma, since it was accessible for all of us. We had lunch at the foodcourt with KFC (miss this again)...after e few catching up we all decided to visit aunty Madel's home in Marilao, Bulacan. I was amazed how we all got along after so many years of not seeing each other. Aunty Madel was really fun to be with...cool aunt!

The ride home was a bit rough due to heavy traffic. Emer and I decided to drop by at mark's place before going home. We

October 1, 2009

It was coding day, so we just spent time at home, and besides that, it was raining again. Late in the afternoon, Emer and I decided to go around SM North Edsa (again), since it was just across the village. As usual just went around, window shopping...didn't get myself tempted with the word SALE..haha..I'm actually improving.LOL

October 2, 2009

Here comes Pepeng...our Reunion at The Fort, Taguig was postponed due to bad weather and bad news just came rushing in.

Alot of surprises also came in too that day. For the first time I spoke with Emer's dad on the phone. We were at Teryaki Boy during that time, late lunch. Something came up that lead me decide to extend my stay in Manila. It was a sudden decision but I just had to. Somewhat, my decision to extend was affirmed in the following days...

Got e-mail from Anna that one of our friends way back highschool, JP Gozum, died during the flood caused by Ondoy at his home. Paz and I made every possible way to inform everyone who knew JP. I honestly forgot how he looked like way back then.


October 3, 2009

After a good brunch, we went to SM again...I was running out of clothes to wear..LOL. Just bought a pair of shorts and a simple top. Paz called up and informed me where JP's wake was. We decided to give a visit to JP's mom at the funerary later that night.It was first time I saw Paz again; it's been years.

We met JP's girlfriend. When I saw JP's old pictures, a vague memory of him came rushing back in. We weren't close but he was one of those guys who hanged around the school bushes near the soccer field. I last communicated with him on FB chat and YM. I still couldn't believe we lost a friend.

After dropping off Paz, Emer and I went to Mark's place to meet up with Emer's friends, EJ and Gienil, along with Mark's sister Sam and boyfriend Louie. We planned a relief-giving mission that night for the the victims of the flood who were accomodated in schools. The mission was oranized by Gie. We got funds from Qatar and additional from Bahrain friends who were laready here in the Philippines.

I was moved by seeing in person what was happening around us at the school where we gave out the relief goods. We all wished we had more.

October 4, 2009

Suppose to leave for Surigao but had my flight cancelled. Haha.. All for love.....LOL

I was up, awake and enthusiastic by 6 a.m.despite of coming home late last night. We were going to attend Holy Mass at Valle Verde Country Club where Bo Sanchez and the Kerygma Family holds Sunday Mass. So, imagine my excitement??? Hahaha..

I was actually at THE KERYGMA FEAST.. I enjoyed the lively mass, the songs, the ambiance, haaaayz.. best Mass I've attended...finally shook hands with my favorite author, Brother Bo! I'll make sure to attend everytime I go to Manila.

We later went to do some groceries for the week..haha..Just the usual stuff to eat.. In the evening we decided to watch a movie at Waltermart...hehe...Emer was really hesitant to watch it but I just couldn't resist...nyehehe.. We watched "In My Life" ... wished Mark was with us..hahaahaha.


October 5, 2009

BATANG BAHRAIN REUNION...dream come true!

Finally, we were able to have the reunion, though we didn't meet up at The Fort anymore. We decided to meet up at Burger King Timog and later went to Eastwood City to meet up with the rest. We ate at Something Fishy Resto... I was surprised how our lower schoolmates have all grown up to be beautiful and handsome individuals.

Though not all my batchmates, I was was just so happy to be with the people I longed to see for many years. :) Looking forward to the next upcoming reunions..s

October 6, 2009

We tried spending the day slow..my last day to go around Manila. I decied to meet up with the remaining people I wasn't able to meet that week and do some last minute shopping. I felt the loneliness coming in again but just had to fight it.

October 7, 2009

FLY BYE DAY!

I ddin't want to wake up...haha..I wanted to stay...huhu..but I had work to attend to in Surigao and my little boy's waiting for me.

While Emer drove me to the airport, we said a short prayer of thanks for the wonderful long week that He gave us as our anniversary gift. :)

I should be used to the feeling of being away from Emer but I guess it's really normal to feel this way. Back to missing him everyday.... :)

LONG DISTANCE it is!

After the 'SEASON OF WaITING-OVER!', haven't given much updates lately... So, how are we coping? So far (YES! very far away), so good.

It's been 4 months since we were together.

Emer and I met up in Cebu last February 20-22, 2009. He joined me to attend the SFC Icon Conference at Sm Cebu City. Some of us stayed in the classrooms of a school, some at hotels; we stayed at The Sugbutel. The 3-day conference brought much revelations to me and much adjustments on him. But we had fun and so blessed.

After the conference, I went to Manila with Em. It was one of my happiest, memorable trips. I was able to meet up with his friends, some of my old friends (namely bret, Men2x and Jojo) and my cousins (Ate Alma and Te Vilma). I was able to visit Fr. Bogey, an MSC priest, my boss (and friend) during the MSC Centennial Celebration last December 2008 in Surigao City.


It was my first time to actually 'comfortably' go around Manila. I never liked staying long, I hated the traffic, the pollution, the rat-race. But it isn't so bad after all (esp. when you're in a Fortuner and a handsome boyfriend for a driver..hehe).

One of the places I liked and miss, was at Fish and Co.; we had dinner with Tan, Emer's younger brother and girlfriend Eda. The food? I love fish! Hehe.. It was great!


Next on our itinerary that week, was to visit some churches nearby.
Then we went to visit Fr. Bogey Cabrera, MSC at the MSC House in New Manila. The place looked small from the outside but on the inside, it was great. They had a mini-museum on the upper floor. One of their collection was the chair that Pope John Paul II sat on during his visit in the Philippines. :) We then drove to Santolan, Cubao, Quezon City. Fr. Bogz treated us for lunch to Kopi Tiam, an Asian Cafe restaurant. I'm not going to say much, just my usual compliment, the food was great! Hehe... Hey, I love to eat, it's me, Chau (chao for some). :)


On Ash Wednesday (and my last day in Manila, huhu) we went to attend Mass at Communications Foundation for Asia (CFA). Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Bogey. Later, he toured us around CFA. I was amazed at the red-bricked buildings and grounds. I was fortunate to meet again Fr. Stephen Cuyos, MSC, the one who wrote the script for the MSC Centennial Celebration Cultural Show I was very blessed to direct and managed with my fellow SFCs. I met some o f the staff there and one was from Surigao. Small world. I wanted to stay longer but Emer and I had to do some last minute shopping then, so we said our farewells to Fr. Bogey and we went our separate ways. We decided to do go to SM North Edsa. We had lunch at Jatu Jak, a Thai restaurant. I miss Thai food, one of my favorites(fine, fine, I love them all! LOL) Last time I ate Thai food was when I was in Bahrain. (Hey, what can I do, I now live in Surigao and sadly no Thai restos available here.=( My feet were hurting, so after our last minute shopping we went home. It was my last day...huhu.


February 26, 2009 early as 7am we went to the airport. No Fortuner that morning, the car was on coding, so we took the taxi. The feeling was....wanna guess? Duh...awful...I was already missing him then. Well, it's been months (but feels like ages) but I'm happy to say, I survived, better yet, we survived! We're on our 9th today (YAY!) and still counting. Right now, as I write this blog, he's with my parents on their way to Bulacan to visit my cousin. They'll be attending wedding this Tuesday, I'm excited for the pics!

What can I say? It's crazy, but I know I have already the best. Happy 9 Months Myn!

Over Coffee to Remember

Yes! It’s in me again, the blogging thing. So many things I should have blogged about in the past months but just couldn’t find time. So does it mean that I have the time now? Well, partly yes, and partly because it’s really my kind of thing that I should not leave out.

I’ve shared about our Ozon reunion right? Well, guess what? The reunion not only got me to know my father’s side of the family but it got my senses knocked to the core. Why? That’s what I am about to tell you now.

Right after the reunion last May 31, 2009, our family left for Cebu City. Actually, I was planning to extend my one day leave (we have work on Saturdays, so I was on leave May 30, extension June 1-2) and go along with Mom and Dad for their annual check-up at Cebu Doctors Hospital. My little brother Gaszer came along to take his trip for Cagayn de Oro City from Cebu. My son Onil had the opportunity to go shopping for his school uniforms, supplies and other things to add into his wardrobe.

Fortunately, something came up with work; had to check on one of our banks in Cebu for some concerns, so I got my leave extension free even though it turned out to be an official trip but that didn’t matter. It was a blessing that I could come along with my parents without having to deduct from my vacation leave credits. Haha!

Anyway, the trip gave me some headaches but it was pacified by meeting up with our relatives, Aunty Gloria Ozon Hilado with her husband Uncle Tony Hilado. They were in Cebu with their son Jan. I didn’t get to bond with Jan that much during the reunion since we were busy mingling around. We were about to have our dinner when aunty and uncle came over to where we were staying (Kamuning House, Cor. J.Llorente-M.Zosa Streets, Cebu City) , supposedly to invite us out for dinner. They brought up the topic on some internet marketing that Jan had attended in Manila before and now they are organizing it in Cebu. Actually, I got an e-mail from Jan before the reunion but I wasn’t too interested back then. They decided to invite me for a chat that night. At first I got hesitant cause I had some bring-home materials I needed to check for the bank but I got reminded by my other side, the “chillax” side.

After dinner, Uncle Tony picked me up on his motorcycle, we went to one of the Gloria Jeans Coffee Shops, at the Boulevard branch where their daughter Lovely Hilado used to work, now she’s in Bahrain working for Gloria Jeans-Bahrain. Oh, by the way, my beautiful cousin has her own LOVELY ONLINE SHOP, for those interested fashionistas out there.

It was my first time with Gloria Jeans; Jan ordered Macademia for us and it was my first time to bond with the Hilado family. Uncle Tony was a man full of wisdom and I must say, Lovely and Jan is blessed to have him as their dad. And with Aunty Glo for a mom? One word, COOL!

It was the night I got knocked into my senses and an affirmation at that! Been studying and working hard for two years and that night I was like “Dang, why didn’t I think of that?” You must be wondering what am I jabbering about? That would be on my next post. Hehe…For now, just 6 words, “I want to be truly rich!”

OZON Clan Reunion in Maasin City, Southern Leyte

I don’t know where or how to start this. It’s been ages...if you’ve noticed my blogs are old. I just got too preoccupied with work, hands-on mother with my little Onil, the activities in the community, and keeping up with a long distance relationship. It seems easy for some but believe me, I’m feeling the stress.

I decided to take a break, a vacation from the usual stuff. That’s why when Dad and Mom said that there was going to be a reunion with Dad’s clan, I went barmy! I’ve been waiting for this reunion for almost all my life. Why? Well, our family haven’t met my dad’s side ever since we were born. The only people we met are those in the immediate family. And the funny thing is our ‘USON’ surname is originally ‘OZON’. Actually, the surname underwent many transitions in the past, so I heard. What happened with ours was that when dad and his siblings were young, their eldest sister changed the Ozon to Uson. We really don’t know what Aunty Remie (may her soul rest in peace) was thinking then. I know the story but don’t want to take much of your time.

Anyway, the USONs of Surigao City are just a small family. That’s why there’s no need of reunions for us, we just see each other from time to time. I knew we had relatives in Maasin, Southern Leyte but we never got to join their mini-reunions. Actually, our Aunty Didi, dad’s younger sister, have attended many mini-reunions in the past. We just really couldn’t attend then. We were abroad for like half our lives. And when we do come home for vacation, the immediate families just come over and voila, a reunion it is! We usually attended reunions with Mom’s clan, Ocon and Canda. So, you see, how I really, really wanted this reunion to come?

The reunion was last May 30-31, 2009 in Maasin City, Southern Leyte. I just couldn’t contain myself, I was overwhelmed. It was so affirming, we were a clan of handsome and beautiful, intelligent and talented men and women (say AMEN!) coming from Cebu, Leyte, Surigao and Butuan. The reunion was a blast; a showcase of a few hidden talents here and there, beautiful smiles everywhere.

Check out our reunion pictures : The Ozon Clan Reunion

Till the next reunion mga Gawz/Insans/Cuz…I miss you all!

BLESSED @ 25

(blog forwarded, March 2009)

It’s been a long time since I last wrote my blog. All I can say is, I’ve been happy for the past months and never been happier.
My 25th birthday was my most simple yet memorable birthday. My time was surprisingly divided well. Early morning of March 26, 2009, I woke up with a kiss from my little boy Onil, with greetings of “Happy Birthday Mommy” and a full inbox of birthday text messages from friends. Got up to say my thanks to my Big Daddy Father for another year added to my life. Mom sang her birthday greetings for me. I couldn’t help but be thankful for the many things He has revealed to me, the many trials, the many joys… I realized I had so much, and here’s more to come.
After breakfast, got ready for work. My officemates made my day. I got greetings in all forms-texts, calls, personal greetings, Friendster greetings, Facebook …I am loved…^_^.
Emer sent his birthday gift a week earlier but I only got to open it on my day na…a cute bedside lamp…and 3 greeting cards…1st card was his late 5th monthsary card, 2nd was for our 6th monthsary and 3rd, of course, for my birthday.
I got busy with work, had to finish a presentation that day. Mom prepared a “palabok” menu to share at the Corporate Office. After work, I had to attend to a meeting with the GK Facilitators and SFC Communications. It was a functional long day. At 9:00pm, I got a text from Mom that Dad would treat us all for a pizza at Greenwich for my birthday. Kuya Eman and I excused ourselves from the production meeting to join the family. I had fun, we were complete.
At 11:00pm, I got a call from Emer. We had a slight tampuhan but eventually nagka-ok na before the night ended. Super love niya ako eh…hehe…

On March 28, 2009 (6 months na kami..hehe), after SFC Lord’s Day at the CFC Center, some SFC friends came over to my place to have a little honoring for me and my friend and sis, Yen Malaque (who celebrated her birthday last March 27, 2009). I couldn’t help but praise God for the many wonderful things my bros and sis said about me. There was so much to be proud about myself but everything that I’ve done, and have accomplished, it’s Big Daddy God who deserves all the honor.

"To all my friends, with all my heart, thank you for being part of my
life…Life is beautiful because of people like you…to my family, thanks for the
unconditional love, to my baby Onil, thanks for the inspiration, to my future,
thank you Myn for being there, for reminding me to enjoy life, to live and love
each day and to my Big Daddy God, thank you for last year’s trials and joys, I’m
excited for what You will reveal to me this year. In all that I do, may Your
name be glorified!"

SEASON OF WAITING-OVER!

(blog forwarded, October 2008)

“My Season of Waiting has come to an end, my heart’s finally home…with YOU!” =)

A lot of people have been asking me “Why so soon? Why? You sure?” Heck, I don’t know…What I know is I’ve been praying my heart out for the past years, searching, trying to find where home really is.

“When God knows you’re ready for the responsibility of commitment, He’ll reveal the right person under the right circumstances. Wait patiently. Don’t waste your time searching and wishing. Grow and be ready and you’ll see, God will give you a love story far better that you could ever dream of.”
This text became so much of an affirmation for me. So, this is how our love story have been written so far:
I was on my first mission trip to start YFC on December 28-29, 2000 in Doha, Qatar. With the YFC Bahrain Service Team and CFC Qatar, we held the first YFC Youth Camp at Philippine School Doha grounds. The camp was an unforgettable experience for me, other than meeting new faces, I was able to build relationships with youths from there. A few to mention: Mark Peralta (I met him first in Italy during the 2000 World Youth Day), there was his barkada: Edmond Jason Carillo (EJ), Elvin, Earl, Kriz, Tan2x and Emer Santos, to name a few girls: Sam Peralta (Mark’s sister), Gienel, Joy, Charisse and the rest I really, am so sorry kasi I’m not really so good with names. PEACE!

Mark, Sam and EJ managed to keep in touch with me after the camp. Emer was unforgettable cause he gave me a rose during the camp but we never got to talk.
My second visit to Qatar was April 2001. Emer wasn’t around then since he had to leave for the Philippines for college. I came home June 2001, got pregnant and gave birth to a bouncing baby boy on 2002…It didn’t work out for me and my son’s father…he has a family of his own now. I’m happy for him, we remain friends….the rest is history. I got in touch with EJ, Mark and Sam on 2004 but it wasn’t always the KEEP IN TOUCH, it eventually ended up with NOT SO MUCH IN TOUCH, you know, change numbers and all. But thanks to FRIENDSTER we managed to be IN TOUCH this time around.

I got into 3-year relationship…I thought I found happiness but eventually it didn’t work out for us. Our God is a very jealous God…what causes you to sin, God will take away…So, you could imagine, I went from one relationship to another (as I mentioned earlier on my blog “Season of Waiting”)

July 2007. I was single again. I got myself busy with work and service in the community, SFC, GK…got regular 5 months after, 2 months later got promoted to head one of our company’s department. TITHES are blessings in disguise. I was indeed in the Season of Waiting…suitors, admirers, friends, family, service, I was having the time of my life! Oh yeah!

On April 4-6, 2008, I attended the YFC International Leaders Conference in Tagaytay. It was a chance to meet up with EJ, Mark and Sam again so I decided to extend my stay and of course leave from work. I communicated with EJ before hand and decided to meet up with them on April 8, 2008.
It was a funny day for me, I got to meet up with one of my suitors that time. Along with my two YFC friends, Ramz and Alvin, we were picked up by Mark and the rest later on for Island Cove, Cavite. I didn’t expect Earl and Emer would come along (buit I’m so grateful to this very moment they did ^_^). The Island Cove gimik went great though I wasn’t able to join the guys for a swim but I was able to chat with Jessa (EJ’s sis), Iris (Mark’s GF) and Sam. But my eyes kept glimpsing at Emer (I honestly didn’t know why!)…I later realized, I didn’t know how I would get home to Fairview since Sheryl (one who invited me over to the resort), Ramz and Alvin had to leave earlier to meet up with their relatives. I asked mark, umayaw ba naman, pinasa ako kay Emer. To make the story short I rode with Emer in his Fortuner (I fell in love with the car before the owner..hehehehe)… It was a great ride. Fairview to Cavite, was enough to do a little catching up. He’s been single for 7 years, unintentionally.I found myself praying while I talked with Emer. What was I feeling? I really couldn’t define it that time. Emer eventually got me home safe sa bahay ng cousin ko…and offered (I think forced? Hehehe) to take me and San2x to the airport the next day for our flight back to Surigao.
After the breakfast in Jollibee, pics here and there, then hatid sa Centennial Terminal…we said our byes and thought that was the end of it…. I didn’t expect much. I thought it would be the usual SO CLOSE NOW, NO COMMUNICATIONS AFTER. But Emer and I managed to keep in touch from time to time, continued to share about each other’s day to day activities, about feelings towards other persons, friends, family and what could possibly happen. We eventually clicked…..I believe it had to do with this Middle East bond. We were both open-minded people and both grew up abroad so we didn’t have a hard time getting along. I missed him. He made me very special. We exchanged texts and calls once in a while (April-May), a little chat sometimes but we were busy in our own little ways, me with work, my community and Emer with his studies and friends. It came to a point though that we lost communication…well, not totally lost; we both became silent for a while. I got busy, I chose to be busy to keep my mind off him, he got busy. My mind shifted on someone else, his mind was on someone else too. We had our own lives to live. That went like a month (June-July). July I received a text from Emer “Musta?” I opened up to him. I found myself hurt and not feeling well inside. I felt unloved and ugly for some reason. But during my saddest moments, Emer was there. He shared to me these songs through YM:

One Word (Elliott Yamin)
To share a few lines…

"I’m so into what you giving and it feel so good to me
You’re beautiful and critical it’s hard to live without you, baby
When I wake up in the morning all I want to see is you
Heaven’s blessing that he sent me unconditional and true
Girl you mean the world to me and I hope you understand
I will give you anything and I’ll do the best I can to make you see what I see

One word
Is all I need to say exactly how I feel
One word
A single word that’s from the heart and keep sit real
One word
And baby I know this one fits you to a tee
One word
All I can say is amazing "

It was heart-warming. Hindi ko napigilan sarili ko mapa-iyak….after the long silence, here he is dedicating songs. Another song he dedicated was:

Wait For You (Elliott Yamin)
a few lines from the song….

" I never felt nothing in the world like this before
Now I’m missing you & I’m wishing that you would come back through my door
Why did you have to go? You could have let me know
So now I’m all alone,
Girl you could have stayedbut you wouldnt give me a chance
With you not around it’s a little bit more then i can stand
And all my tears they keep running down my face
Why did you turn away?
So why does your pride make you run and hide?
Are you that afraid of me?
But I know it’s a lie what you keep inside
This is not how you wanted to be
So baby I will wait for you
Cause I don”t know what else i can do
Don’t tell me I ran out of timeIf it takes the rest of my life
Baby I will wait for you
If you think I’m fine it just aint true
I really need you in my life
No matter what i have to do I’ll wait for you"

All his songs suited what was happening between us. I was overwhelmed. But I was happy about what he said that night, he wouldn’t pursue me until he graduates. I was willing to wait. That time I was still not ready to change “SEASONS”….I was happy being single. But I was amazed! I’ve been praying so hard for the past months after I came from Manila, and here it is, all revealed before me.

July 25. San and I had a date at Greenwich. So many things have been affirmed that day. I was so happy and just so blessed. God didn’t want my heart to be hurt again. It was Emer I asked for from the start, so why waste time waiting for someone else who couldn’t give the same love in return.

Communication was regained. Emer and I continued to be friends, share and share. But then again, August 10, after our chat, we gave me THE SILENT TREATEMENT for some reason.

Aug.11-13, no chat, no text. I was deeply troubled what was going on. I decided to just leave him alone for a while. Received a text from him Aug.14, “Musta?”
We decided to talk on YM. I asked what went wrong, why the silent mode. Later along the conversation, he went blabbering about him wanting me to go to Manila. Heck?? Why did he want me to go to Manila? He answered me that it was what he wanted. I was like, ummmm….I have a freaking busy schedule, why don’t you come here?” The conversation had to eventually end since it was late na and I had work the next day.

Aug.15, 2008, 11:45pm. The day Emer finally said what he wanted to say. Emer and I chatted again and along the conversation his mom called. I busied myself with updating my profiles and uploading pics. Then he buzzed, asking me if he could call me sa cell phone. It was the most memorable call I’ve ever received. “I love you Cha”…I couldn’t believe what he was saying…..I was silent. His reason for giving me the silent mode for the past 3 days was that he wanted to make sure about his feelings, we were not high school anymore to just jump into a relationship and I honored him for it. I told him I wouldn’t say much until we get to talk in person. The AFTER GRADUATION DEAL was over. He decided to pursue.

To make the story short, Emer and I agreed he would come and visit Surigao which eventually he did. He arrived on September 28, 2008 11:45am. Mom and I picked him up along with my son. My little Onil and Emer clicked. We returned to the 16th CFC Anniversary Celebration venue wherein I was director of the event, so I somehow got busy. Emer and Onil had time to bond together.

After the event, we went for dinner with Mom and Dad and Onil. Everything was just so amazing. Dad, Mom and Emer got along well. I received a text from my SFC friends who served for the production team of the anniversary, they were waiting at Mabua Beach to celebrate after the success of the event. Emer and I got dropped off.

September 28, 2008, 7:45pm, Mabua Beach, Surigao City. Emer and I talked for a while and I guess you could guess what happened next. Officially, he’s mine and I’m his.
We made the most of the next day. Dad allowed Emer to drive our Crosswind, we dropped Onil to school. We then went up Capitol Site, a little tour. We went up to our Lady of Lourdes Chapel. We had our funny and sweet moments. We shared initial plans which we will be praying more on. We decided to set goals. It’s really great being with him. I don’t have to be someone else. When I’m with Emer, I can talk anything under the sun (maybe because we are friends from the start), and I can look and be just who I am. Mom and Dad found him funny and a good conversationalist. I love him!

Emer got introduced to a few of my kin, and before he left the next day he got introduced to my co-workers in the bank. We were able to borrow Dad’s car again, have a short Church-visit at San Nicolas Church, bought a few pasalubongs, drove around the city and just be with each other for the remaining few hours we could be together. Emer left Surigao 5pm that day (due to delays of his flight originally 11:45am).

I know it’s still too early to tell. But sabi nga we need to set goals and a matter of CLAIMING things! Hehehe…
I’m happy. I know it’s not always going to be all HAPPY HAPPY moments but I believe in HIS words “When you’re faithful to My works, I will bless you abundantly…..”
I believe this is just the introduction of the love story God has written for me and Emer, the content has yet to come…..
12.28. 2000- First Meeting
04.08.2008- Reunited
08.15.2008- Love Expressed
09.28.2008-Officially MYN
04.28.2010- in DUE TIME!
TRUE LOVE WAITS!!!!

One Day Vacation with God

Last Aug. 9, 2008, the St. Paul University Surigao had the first Graduate School Recollection held at the SPUS High School site. The recollection day was a blessing for me that weekend. I was supposed to conduct an orientation for our new employees that day but thanks to God it was rescheduled.

Days before the recollection I was feeling all so tired, crying my heart out…so many schedules ahead of me, so many surprised responsibilities, both work and community... I wanted to fly out of Surigao….I really needed a break. Indeed, I was given a break, though I wasn’t able to fly out of Surigao but God allowed me to have time with Him that Saturday. I was able to listen to talks given by the Sisters, spent Holy Hour, had a good confession and attended Mass. A great vacation indeed!

Here’s a share of my one day vacation with God… “Building One’s Prayer Life”

On Prayer

Our very goal why we pray is that we want to get closer to God, to pray unceasingly, every moment of our lives.
Prayer is not a matter of intelligence.

Do experience feelings of emptiness, frustrations or loss of direction in life?

Do you hunger for a greater sense of the Lord’s presence in your life?

Do you desire to know God in a deeper way?
-How much do we love God?
-Is God first in our priorities?
-Will you compromise? “If one Sunday, you were on your way to Church…then suddenly a man comes up to you and tells you “I will give you here 1 million pesos, just don’t go to mass today.”

Do you want to serve Him better and more completely but don’t feel you have time, energy, and opportunity?

Do you need more time with Him in prayer?


Preparation for a degree (taking up masters, doctorate, etc.) is plain vain empty without God in it. We must always consult God’s will for us.

God wants you to long for His presence. Let us not settle for what’s temporary.

He wants you to find fulfillment in Him and nothing else. What for you is the source of fulfillment in life?
-We must distinguish want and need.
-So many wants and “created needs” will never satisfy us anything.

He wants us to walk closely with Him.

He wants you to increase in faith and acknowledge His word.

He wants you to put all your hopes and dreams in His hands and look to Him all your needs.

When you do, He will open the storehouse of blessings upon your life.

Pray- “pecori” Latin
“to entreat or ask”
it simply means “please”

The true essence of prayer is focusing on God with a pure and repentant heart. We need to touch God with our hearts by becoming so preoccupied with Him and nothing else.

Prayer is an art which only the Holy Spirit can teach us. Pray for prayer. Pray until you can really pray. Prayer is a gift. “A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.”

Prayer may not change things for you, but it sure changes your perspective towards things.
Conversion is a matter of grace.
You cannot change any one. Not necessarily anything will change, instead you will be graced to understand and you will be given a deeper understanding that will allow you to change your perspective.

Reflect on the event, what have you done to have contributed to that event, why it happened in the first place?
It is very destructive or harmful when you know not how to forgive.

Why do we pray?
Prayer is a holy occupation.
The job of every Christian is to pray:
duty and privilege
right and responsibility
leads us to onesness with God
not a routine exercise
pray always: in good time and in bad times
pray about anything and everything

What are our motives in praying?
to get blessings and favors
pass on my problems to God
last resort in times of trouble
to get God do things my way or to get me do things His way
- God answers: NO, YES or WAIT
- NO: When it will not be good for our salvation. Let’s not dictate God because there’s so much wisdom in God’s decisions.
Conversion and transformation
Love of God (the noblest prayer concern)- praying without conditions
Build intimacy with God

Prayer is a relationship between God and you. We cannot build relationship with someone we do not like.
Prayer is an act of faith.
Talking to God and listening to Him when He speaks.

HOW TO PRAY
No hard and fast rules of prayer
No technical procedure to follow
Focus on your gaze and attention on God loving you
Handle distractions properly
Feel the air as if it is the touch of God and breathe the air of God.
Put yourself in the Holy presence of God

2 MISTAKES WE OFTEN MAKE
* Not pray at all for whatever reasons
* To merely repeat the words if a prayer without thought or feeling, so it’s essentially the same mistake of not praying at all.

Pray following the leading of the Holy Spirit from your innermost heart. The Holy Spirit will intercede on our behalf. (Romans 8:26-27)
We will feel spontaneous lightness, fire within (strong desire)

ATTITUDES AND DISPOSITION IN PRAYER
- openness
- reverence
- patience
- humility
- surrender

Have faith and trust that you’ll eventually be able to discern that whisper from God.

It is not religion that will determine if we go to heaven…..it is our faith.

Midyear Refelctions 2008

(blog forwarded, June 30, 2008)

I was so in a hurry to grow up back then…now there’s no turning back.

Ø I never always get what I wanted but I made sure I get what I want which sometimes resulted to my frustrations.

Ø It doesn’t matter how good you look together as a couple or how handsome/pretty your partner is, physical features have nothing to do with how well you'll get along if your values and discipline don’t match.

Ø On moments of decision>>Everything’s a choice….God will eventually just bless the choices you’ve made.

Ø It’s not healthy to have ‘self-pity’ sessions…..It’ll suck out half of your confidence.

Ø Our health is our wealth. It’s our stepping stone to fulfill our plans. So eat right, sleep right and exercise right.

Ø Beauty comes from within. It’s not what type of soap you use on your face or what things you apply on that will make you beautiful…it’s deeper than that. “Beauty only gets attention, but personality captures the heart.”

Ø Feelings can be deceiving….so jumping to conclusions can be very harmful to the heart.

Ø Don’t limit yourself to someone or something when you know you still can’t handle it.

Ø I shouldn’t try to impress someone just for them to like me, because when I do, I will have to keep that image for the rest of my life and it’s hard to pretend to be somebody else.

Ø I may not be that close to perfection like other people do, but who cares? It’s not them whom I live for anyway.

Ø It’s important that I know and love myself and I know how I look like inside and out and that I’m worth it in God’s eyes…This is me.. “If you can’t handle my worst, then you don’t deserve my best.”

Ø It’s nice that sometimes we think of things in other perspective…it gives us a chance to check on things….at least it only shows our weakness and makes us realize the human being inside us. It touches our humility and vulnerability.

Ø No one can make you change; only you alone can. It’s a CHOICE paired with CONVICTION.

Ø Sometimes we get judged by our friends – it will hurt – but then we judge too. It’s a difference of situation sometimes, opinions or experience even. What matters is in the end you’ll still be there for each other.

Ø One day I'll quit my job, get fired or whatever.... I just know it will be ok in the end because I have my God.