Sunrise Trail Hike at Masungi Georeserve: An Empowering and Meaningful Birthday Celebration

Since I was a child, as soon as June approaches, I feel thrilled because it's my birth month. I don't eagerly anticipate gifts, but rather the greetings from family and friends. It brings me joy. I am easily pleased. It doesn't take much to make me happy.

Whenever I am asked what I want for my birthday, my usual response is "nothing" or "I don't know; I can't think of anything I want or need." I am not materialistic. I am happy. I am healthy. I am blessed with family and true friends. Feeling ko nasa akin na ang lahat and I prefer inner peace. Fancy that! Haha. I find more joy in giving, whether to family, friends, or even strangers.

But this time, I said, "Lord, can I give myself a gift this time?" Since a retreat in Batulao is not possible yet, I scheduled a day for myself for a pampering session at the mall. I want to have a massage, facial, manicure/pedicure. I simply wish to unwind and disconnect from the online world for an entire day.

Then, someone sent a message in the CORA Volunteers group chat about the Sunrise Trail Hike and Environment Forum at the breathtaking Masungi Georeserve. Without reading everything, I immediately registered (despite my Ophidiophobia), and  quickly paid because slots were limited. Ewan ko kung ano ang pumasok sa isip ko that time basta na lang ako sumagot sa Google form😅. This is the joy of having your own money and not always relying on the head of the household or your parents. After paying and reading more, I informed my partner that this is what I want for my birthday. This will bring me pure bliss and make my birthday celebration unique. Wow! It's the first time I've expressed my desire! I want to tick off items on my bucket list before I get older and stop feeling young, hehe. ✌️ He quickly agreed. (He can't do anything because I've already paid, though. Lol). Besides Mommy, our Dada knows me well. He knows I find joy in nature. He knows I want to live in a simple house surrounded by trees (minus the snakes, okay?)

I have been looking for a group that cares for and loves the environment for quite some time. Yes, I may be fussy and playful, but my heart is happy when, in my own small way, I can show love and gratitude to our mother earth. That's when I found CORA (Communities Organized for Resources Allocation) , a nonprofit organization that fosters sustainable development through inclusive programs led by women, youth, local communities, and volunteers to help build a more just and resilient future for people and the planet. CORA was founded by Antoinette Taus, UN Environment Programme (@UNEP) Goodwill Ambassador, actress, and singer. 

I joined CORA Volunteers earlier this year. I remained quiet in the group because I couldn't attend past activities. My family and friends are also unaware that I had joined the group. ☺️ Now they know. 

After paying the joining fee and informing the family that I joined, the "nakatatandang" advice came to mind: "Don't go out of the house when your birthday is near because accidents might happen." I felt nervous. Scared. But I told myself, "Am I going to be scared again?" "Am I going to live in fear again?" If something happens, it will happen because it's meant to be. I fought against fear and prayed. But I hugged and kissed my children a lot, hehe. Morbid, noh? 😅. But there's nothing wrong with being prepared. And we should always make our loved ones feel loved.

Two days before the hike, I prepared everything to make sure I wouldn't forget anything. The day before, I prepared the food and things the kids needed for the next day. It's really difficult for mothers to just leave the house, everything should be prepared for the family. Oh ,well, sabi nga nila hindi lahat ng Nanay ganito. 🫢

As expected, I couldn't sleep. The kids massaged me. I took sleeping pills. Still couldn't sleep. According to my watch, I only slept for 48 minutes. The email said, "Get ample rest." Lol. Maybe I was just excited? Or maybe the fear of being far away for the first time and doing something alone without my family kept me awake.

I didn't force myself to sleep. I just ate again and waited for the time. I got ready and went to the meeting place.

We arrived at Masungi Georeserve while it was still dark. It felt joyful, especially sensing the scent of trees and the cool breeze. As the day slowly brightened, the fog thickened. It was delightful! 

Our group with our park ranger, Kuya KD

The trail began. I am grateful to Kuya KD, our park ranger, who explained things, took care of us, and reminded us of the do's and don'ts during the hike.  He was kind and always smiling. And most importantly, he was great at taking videos and pictures. 

There, I started feeling the trembling in my thighs. I wasn't properly prepared, and it was my first time. We were going up 600 meters above sea level. But when I reached the top, I felt like crying not because of exhaustion or the pain in my arms and legs, but because of the breathtaking beauty around me. The Lord's creation was stunning. The view was breathtaking. All I could say was, "Thank you, Lord!"

I can't explain the happiness I felt when I was at the top. I refrained from crying because there were other people present. It would be embarrassing. I just savored every moment because I couldn't stay long as the next group was arriving soon. But of course, before going down, we needed to document, take pictures, and take selfies first. It's a must. Picture or it never happened.

My group mates! 🤍
(L-R Me, Mary Miranda, Nick Pataueg, April Maligayo, Aisha Kunting, and Sheila Lopez)

The pleasure with my group mates added to the experience. They were total strangers, seemingly half my age , I presume. But to me, they were like peers, or my children (?) lol. Obedient and friendly individuals. When it was announced that the next activity was a meditation walk, there was complete silence. The only sounds were the birds, insects, and other living creatures, and the sound of our footsteps during the 10-15 minute walk. It warmed my heart. While walking, I was talking to God, thanking Him for everything. I dunno, I'm just thankful the whole time. This is what I missed. In the city, it's all concrete, with few trees. The sound of cars is loud. It's polluted. But our house is next to a large lot filled with trees, so sometimes we hear chirping birds. But Masungi is different. I hope you can visit too.

Thanks to those who take care of Masungi Georeserve, I didn't see any trash.  They love and care for the place so much. I hope more people learn about and visit this place. Plus, their light refreshments were delicious. And the frozen towel... Ahhh, refreshing! Superb!

I urge you, to visit Masungi Georeserve as well, to truly appreciate the place. Words alone are not enough. The experience is unique, I can't put it into words. And let's help preserve the place. Many want to take advantage for their own benefit. Aside from illegal logging, there were other challenges faced by Masungi such as pag-uuling (charcoal making), and big-time land grabbers or professional squatters. Let us help #SaveMasungi.

I went home happy, my heart is full! All I could say to my partner and children was thank you! Thank you to them for allowing me to experience Masungi and be connected with nature.  I hope next time I can bring them along.

Grateful to Planet Cora and Rockwell Run Club for this #GenerationRestoration collaboration. 

Best birthday ever! Empowering, meaningful, and fulfilling. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of life. For giving me strength until now despite what happened back in 2013.

Where to next? What to tick off my bucket list next? Tree planting? Feeding program, maybe? Yes?! I'm looking forward to it because I heard CORA has another event. 🙏 

I am a planeteer. I will help as much as I can to #ProtectThePlanet for my children and the next generations. 🤍

Do not be afraid, just have faith

“Do not be afraid, just have faith. ”

Ito ang paulit-ulit na sinasabi ni Father sa mass. Magandang reminder sa lahat lalo sa mga kaguluhan na nangyayari sa paligid.

Towards the end of the mass nung nagdarasal na ako at pinagdarasal isa-isa ang pamilya, mga kaibigan, at mga kakilala na nangangailangan ng dasal bigla ko naisip ang Mommy at Daddy ko kasi kasama pa rin sila sa dasal ko. Naalala ko na wala na nga pala sila at kasama na ni Lord. Wala na nga pala akong magulang. Nakakalimutan ko kasi minsan or baka in denial pa rin ako? Masakit. Malungkot. Kasi bitin ang time ko sa kanila. Hindi pa ako nakakabawi, binawi na agad sila sa akin. Naiyak na ako lalo naiisip ko na napaka ikli lang talaga ng buhay pero sobrang thankful pa rin at sila ang mga magulang ko. Kung bibigyan ng pagkakataon na makapili ng magulang, sila pa rin ang pipiliin ko. Hindi perfect, pero para sa akin sila ang the best.

Naisip ko rin na darating ang panahon na ako naman ang maiisip ng mga anak ko kapag nagsisimba sila. Sana thankful din sila na ako ang naging Mama nila at sana palagi rin nila ako ipagdarasal...

Kaya sinabihan ko ang Dada na yayain ang parents n'ya na mag dinner (biglaan 'to) kasi hindi natin alam ang mga susunod na mangyayari. Mabuti at umayon ang mga pangyayari. Masaya ako na sa kanila ibuhos ang time,  effort,  money na dapat sana sa mga magulang ko dahil hindi naman  nila ako tinrato na iba.  

"Be sure to spend more time with your parents while you can, because one day when you look up from your busy life, they won't be there anymore "

Love your parents while they are still alive, you will realize after they are gone how much they did and sacrificed for you. Make time for them while you still can.

* 12 AM eme.  Kailangan ko ilabas kasi hindi ako makakatulog kaiiyak, kaya dito lang 'to.  Namiss ko lang ang Mommy at Daddy. 

Love your parents!  Hug them palagi.  Tell them how much you love them.  Para sa inyo rin yan,  believe me. 

Gospel :  Mark 5: 21-43 (walang kinalaman sa kwento ko pero sa palaging sinasabi ni Father na do not be afraid,  just have faith) 🙏 Magtiwala lang.  Kapit pa 🙏

An open letter to the woman I look up to, I love you Mom!

Sa iyo pala ako nagmana 😍 pak! Awra!

Paano ba to? Happy 18th birthday Mommy!!! Haha. Lagi na lang 18. Pwede naman ulit ulitin ang message ko syo simula noon di ba? Alamko naman na hindi ka magsasawa na basahin at iiyak ka na naman. Walang iyakan mommy. Happy lang tayo ha? 

Hindi ako magsasawa na magpasalamat syo ng paulit ulit dahil sa masayang buhay na binigay nyo sa amin ni Daddy. Simula bata ako at nagkamalay nandyan ka palagi nakaalalay habang si Daddy nasa barko nagt -trabaho. Bago pa ako mag aral nun kapag aalis kayo ni Daddy magta- travel nang kayo lang dalawa lagi ako nagkakasakit kasi ayoko ng malayo sa iyo. Hindi ako sanay na hindi ka nakikita at katabi matulog. Bunso eh (noon. Until dumating ang bunsong lalake 😅)  Noong nagumpisa na ako mag aral todo suporta ka, kapag lalaban kami ng sayaw (Prep) lagi ikaw lang gusto ko mag make-up sa akin kasi takot ako mag mukhang bekle at clown sa kapal ng make up. Gusto ko yung pagme- make up mo lang sa akin sakto lang. Pink and blue sa mata, konting lipstick at blush on at gandang-ganda na ako sa sarili ko nun kasi magaling ang make up artist ko. Tsaka yung lagi mo binibili sa akin sa canteen sa NFWC, hotdog sandwich at sago't gulaman. Shorop!

Nagalit ka sa teacher ko nung Grade 1 ako sa Malate Catholic School, kse nung nagde-demo sya, ngalay na kilikili ko katataas ng kamay hindi ako tinatawag, nag walk out ka! Haha. Tsaka ako tinawag nung umalis ka. Loko ng teacher ko na yun no? Kaya nagpalipat ako ng school. Noon pa man ayoko ng may favoritism! Nung Grade 3, ang tiyaga mo ako turuan pati sa projects, naalala mo nag rerecord pa tayo sa maliit natin na cassette? Red yun. Ang galing galing mo nun,  mga ninuno yata ang topic tsaka yung may bumabagyo pa kunwari may sound effects pa tayo na matindi kaya nag Top 1 ako sa grading period na yun. Teacher yata ang mommy ko! Grade 4, sorry takot na takot ka kasi na kidnap ako na hindi ko alam na kidnap na pala ako nun. Engot lang. Dinala na sa malayo wala pa ring alam. Hindi kayo nagkulang ni Daddy sa paalala sa aming magkakapatid nun na huwag sasama sa strangers e na-tangeks ako... hihi. Sorry mommy. ✌ Thank you lagi ka naka- suporta kapag nalaban ako inter school ng kung anu-ano , kasama ka lagi. At bibo ka sa school kse GPTA officer ka ng BESCentral. Hehe. 

High School,  hindi ko makakalimutan sabi mo naiyak ka nung nag concert kami sa school "Alay kay Maria- concert for a cause " sa St. Paul, kse proud na proud ka at masaya ka na mapanood ako sa stage. Pero napatawag kayo ni Daddy nun , nung nag ala lalaki ako na umakyat ako ng bakod ( OBER DA BAKOD) kasama ng mga friends ko kse lumabas kami ng school.  Haha. Isang beses lang naman kayo napatawag nun ng Madre. 😂

College, kasa-kasama pa kita nung nag take ako entrance exam sa PNU, pati nung interview na takot na takot ako ( I hate interviews talaga) sabi mo kalma ka lang, be confident and smile 😁, pati medical kasama kita pati enrollment nag bubulungan pa tayo, kahit di mo maintindihan ang kwento ko , nakikisakay ka lang. Kse ang kwento ko nun yung lalake sa loob ng room kung nasaan tayo crush ko nung elementary, pero from different school siya at matalino siya kse lagi nalaban sa school namin nun. LOL. Hay mommy, galing mo talaga sakyan lahat sa akin kaya lahat ng nangyayari sa akin ikaw una nakakaalam eh. Ikaw talaga ang bestfriend ko! Pero nung first year mo lang ako sinamahan kse yung mga  sumunod ako na. Ang laki ng tiwala mo sa akin eh. 😍 Thank you, ni minsan hindi kita kinupitan sa tuition kasi bago pa ako umalis ng bahay, nagsasabi na ako "keep the change ha?" Haha

Kaya lang sorry kasi a year after I graduated from College e nagka baby na ako. Sobrang sama ng loob mo nun ako din. Sobrang nagsisi ako nun kse nasaktan kita 😭 yun ang ayaw ko yung nasasaktan ka alam mo yan. Sorry. Pero natuwa ka naman paglabas ng apo mo hehe. Naka suporta ka pa rin sa amin.  Nagkanda loko loko ang relasyon ko, hinayaan mo lang ako wala akong narinig na panunumbat syo,  kasi sabi ko sayo kaya ko. Kaya kong panindigan ang mga desisyon ko sa buhay basta ikaw relax ka lang. I got this! Yun nga hinayaan mo lang ako, nakaraos din naman at nalagpasan. Pero nandyan ka pa rin lagi ko kausap, lagi ko nasusumbungan at hingahan. Sorry ulit kasi hindi ko naman ginusto magkasakit. Ang dami ko pa pangarap sa iyo, sa mga bata, sa atin. Pero unti-unti alamko nakikita mo na nagpupursige ako. Walang sakit sakit sa akin basta para sa inyo. Kakayanin ko basta para sa inyo. Maging happy and proud lang kayo. 

Thank you kasi nung na-confine ako ng halos 1 month ikaw at si MITD ang halinhinan sa pagbabantay sa akin. Bilib ako sa inyo nun. Araw-araw byahe, salitan. Salitan din ng salo ng mga kapraningan ko pero hindi nyo ako sinukuan. Inuwi mo ako sa province para lalo makapag palakas. Lumakas naman ako may alagang nanay eh. Gigising ako kakain na lang, matutulog, kakanta, kakain, matutulog, pupunta sa tabing- dagat para tumawag sa mga bata,  kakain at tutulog na ulit. Yun lang gawa ko nun sa probinsya. Ayaw mo ako paglabahin kahit underwear ko! Hehe. Thank you Mommy. You are and will always be the BESTEST MOM in the world! Syempre nanay kita eh.

Plantation Bay and Resort, Cebu, 2014

Sige ikaw na mataas tumalon, inggit ako.
Man-made forest, Bohol, 2014

Bulalohan sa Dencio's, Tagaytay, November 2017

Kaya naman ngayon, ako naman ang magbabalik syo hanggat kaya ko. Ibibigay ko ang kaya ko mapasaya ka lang. Walang oras na di ako nagdadasal (basta tahimik mga bata) ang lagi ko lang dasal sa Diyos lumakas ka mommy at lumaban pa. Alamko malakas ka, mana ka sa akin eh. At sana mabawasan ang hingal mo para kahit walking ay magawa mo. So, yun lang... mahal na mahal na mahal na mahal kita mommy! Mugto na ang mata ko. Argh! Sabi ko walang iiyak eh! Enjoy your day. See you later. Mahigpit na yakap. Hilutin kita mamaya ha? Whole body. Free lang. Smile lang ang bayad.

Mother's Day Movie, Podium, April 26,2016

Summer outing, Cavite, May 27,2016

Kikidnapin sana kita mamaya  para ipasyal kaya lang ayaw mo na lumabas ng bahay kasi napapagod ka agad. Kaya ako na lang pupunta syo. 

Century Tuna Superbods Ageless, Shangrila, Feb 7, 2018

Marriott Hotel,  March 14, 2017

SM Makati,  After natin sa Hospital diretso event, March 7, 2018

Ang ganda ganda natin sa lahat ng pictures natin. Ilan lang yan sa dami ng pictures natin together kasi mahilig tayo mag-kodakan. Kapag ilalagay ko lahat hindi na tayo makikita, ga-langgam na lang tayo.  Yan ang mga pinaka memorable nating pictures.  Nung nag travel tayo para tayong mga bata na nakawala sa hawla haha. Tawa ng tawa, kain ng kain at kodakan ng kodakan. Wala kang pagod kuhaan ako. 😘

Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Tagaytay. Dagdagan pa sana natin kaya lang hinihingal ka na kamo kapag lalabas. 

Yung mga events na naisama kita iilan lang yan kasi lagi ayaw mo sumama nahihiya ka pinipilit lang kita kasi kapag alam ko na pwede naman magsama at alam ng PR,  pero nung nag txt tayo last time, naiyak ako kasi sabi mo mamimiss mo na ang pagsama sa akin sa mga events. Palakas ka na kasi mommy, para makasama ka sa akin. Alam mo naman na gustong-gusto ko mag bihis ng kakaiba kasi para syo. Uma-awra ako para syo. 😍 kasi minsan ikaw na magsasabi... "bagay sa yo iyan, 'ya (Rhia)" alam na alam mo ang bagay sa akin at magugustuhan ko kaya minsan ikaw na nabili ng damit ko.  Para akong manika mo gusto mo bihisan ng iba-iba. Thank you.

I love you so much mommy, to infinity and beyond!!! 😘😘😘 Be well soonest, please?! 

Load of love , (naks! kay daddy yan pahiram lang po. hihi)
Ang pinakamaganda mong anak 😉
Ako yun! Haha. Walang magagawa mga kapatid ko, blog ko ito. 😅

One of the greatest things in life is having someone who knows all your mistakes and differences and still thinks you are absolutely amazing. 

My kinda "ME" time

There's a tremendous amount of stress and pressure put on me lately, being a parent, a daughter, mother, partner. All of these roles combined leave me not taking adequate care of myself -- which is what sustains me and gives me the energy to take care of all these other responsibilities that I have.

Though I know that I must take care of myself to be a better person, I always seem to get sidetracked. There’s always something else to do and someone else’s needs to fulfill. What I need to realize is that self-care is a necessity, and giving myself “Me Time” will allow me to be a more present individual.

I believe every mom/woman needs an occasional break for sanity's sake. This means taking time each day to do something for yourself. That's why Im lucky to have my "me-time" yesterday.

While some refer "me time " as a visit to a salon or spa, time with bffs/ girlfriends, staycation, alone time at the grocery/ mall , mine was different. I opted to go to the church all by myself. I went to St. Padre Pio Church in Libis.

Ito na ang kuwento, kaya Tagalog na. May popcorn ka na ba? Mahaba - haba ito😊 

My SaturDATE - my mom

Yesterday morning, maaga pa kami lumabas ni mommy para magpa laboratory siya. Since maaga kami, nakauwi din kami ng maaga. Nagsabi na ako  na magsisimba ako (anticipated mass) . Kinahapunan, I asked my mom kung sasama siya, napapagod pa daw siya. So, I left them (MITD, Mommy and the kids) at home. Okay naman ako. Wala akong dalang phone! Yes. Nasasanay na ako na walang telepono basta alam ko na nasa bahay lang lahat ng mahal ko sa buhay. Ayoko din ng destructions. I only got my coin purse, fan, shawl and ID with me. Importante ang ID kahit saan ako pumunta hindi pwedeng wala akong dalang ID!
Sa totoo lang, takot ako lumabas mag-isa lalo sa mall. Hindi ko pa yata na try na maglakad-lakad sa mall ng matagal na mag isa. Iba yung sa mall ako nag work dati. Lalabas lang ako para magpupunta sa  restroom, kakain at kapag uuwi na. Pero mag gagala mag isa... AYOKO! 😂 Pero kapag mag sisimba magisa, ay, ayan, kayang-kaya kong gawin yan. Minsan talaga mas gusto ko pa magisa kapag magsisimba. But since tinuturuan at minumulat namin ang mga bagets, dapat magkakasama kami magsimba.

Natatandaan ko nung High School at College ako, maaga akong pumapasok para makadaan sa chapel sa school. Walang palya yan. Akala ko nga magiging madre ako hehe. Hindi pala yun ang calling ko. 😜 Siguro dahil bata pa lang ako kasama na ako lagi ng mommy at daddy ko sa simbahan lalo kapag Wednesday sa Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran. Nung tumanda na ako, nakakapunta lang ako sa church magisa kapag masama ang loob , nagagalit at gusto kong umiyak pero wala akong makausap. Magbbyahe ako from Quezon City to Baclaran at the wee hours para lang magpunta sa church, sarado na kasi ang church na malapit dito sa amin kapag gabi na. Hindi ako natatakot sa mga masasamang loob (bad guys)  kahit alanganing oras kasi nga galit ako at masama (din) ang loob 😡.

Am I mad or masama ang loob kahapon kaya ako nagpunta sa church magisa? NO. Marami akong dala-dalang isipin, takot, at pag- aalala dahil sa mga nangyayari nitong mga nakaraan. Kaya medyo nawawala ako sa sirkulasyon. Natatakot ako na baka hindi ko kayanin. Wala naman akong ibang maasahan talaga kundi si Lord. Kaya, the Gospel and homily were very timely.

The Gospel is from the book of Matthew 10:26-33 Jesus said to the twelve : 26 “So have no fear of them, ifor nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on jthe housetops. 28 And kdo not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him lwho can destroy both soul and body in hell.8 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?9 And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But meven the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; nyou are of more value than many sparrows. 32 oSo everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but pwhoever denies me before men, qI also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
---
In short, HAVE NO FEAR!

During the homily, sabi ni Father para makuha ang goal o mamuhay ng tahimik at masaya, dapat may 3 Rs :

1. Refuse/ reject all worries, fears, all the negative feelings as they are the works of Satan. Do not entertain such feelings. And focus on the important matters/ people.
2. Repent
3. Rely on God alone. Trust in Him.

Ito pa isa kong nagustuhan sa sinabi niya, kaya naisip ko tama lang pala ang ginagawa ko. Iwasan na ang "I's " na nakaka cause ng kasalanan ... iPad, iPhone lol (pun intended). Iyong mga taong malimit mag post ng mga kinakainan na mamahalin, nagbakasyon sa mga mararangyang lugar. Nakaka cause daw ng pagka inggit sa iba na walang kakayanan. Naka focus lang ang mga tao sa "I" o sa sarili. Pati si father, natatakam daw sa mga nakikita niya. Lol. Ang Facebook daw ay nakakasira ng relationships - all kinds of relationship. True for some. Pero ako nagf-facebook na lang for campaigns and events. I rarely post personal stuff. Pati nga trip around the world namin ng family hindi ko na pinost. (Sa panaginip lang kase. Hahaha) Kaya dito na ako nagpost ng personal story ko.
Gising na gising lahat ng tao noong homily yesterday, somehow nakakarelate. Nagtatawanan. Okay sa alright si father! Kaya medyo gumaan gaan ang dinadala ko. Ang masaya pa nung kakantahin na ang Ama Namin, iba talaga ang dating sa akin ng old version. Mas ramdam ko at mas feel. And then, the best part is the pray over and anointing of the oil. Ang dami nila maglagay ng oil. Kaya ako ay umuwi na nagmamantika. Kaya hindi na rin ako nakadaan ng Go Salads kse gusto ko umabot ang oil sa bahay. ☺️Wala akong pakialam kung tumitingin mga passengers sa jeep dahil na dami ng mantika sa noo at leeg ko. Ang hindi nila alam, may oil pa ako sa kamay. Talagang iningatan ko para maipahid ko sa mga mahal ko na uuwian sa bahay. Nakatulog ako ng masarap kagabi. Magaan talaga sa pakiramdam kapag lumalapit ka sa Diyos at ipagkakatiwala mo na lang ang lahat sa kanya. Kaya walang tatalo sa " me " time ko kahapon...

The best "ME" time ever!!! 

It is not selfish to have a me time, lalo at si Lord naman kasama mo. 

I Offer My Life

All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before You, oh Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaims
The joy and the pain, I'm making them Yours

Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through, use it for Your glory
Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You as a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life

Things in the past, things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my hopes, all of my plans
My heart and my hands are lifted to You

Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through, use it for Your glory
Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You as a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life

What can we give that You have not given?
And what do we have that is not already Yours?
All we possess are these lives we're living
That's what we give to You, Lord

Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through, use it for Your glory
Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You as a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life

Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through, use it for Your glory
Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You as a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life
Lord I offer You my life

Princess Y's #MovingUp2017

JGH from Princess Y's Moving Up. As usual, this momma cried a river. Mababaw ang luha. Sa nakakakilala sa amin, alam kung bakit sobrang grateful ako na makita ang mga ganitong milestones ng mga anak ko. Walang nakakaalam ng mangyayari sa mga susunod na araw si Lord lang kaya sobrang blessed and thankful ako.

Yesterday, before their Adviser hand over the invites to us parents after their final practice, sabi ni teacher, since last year daw as per DepEd from pre-school to Grade 3, wala na daw mga Top 10 or Honor students. Performance and Character Traits Awards na lang daw. Okay.

So, natawa ako sa mga parents na masyadong nag expect na may honor ang anak nila. Dismayed, they left the school na hindi na nag help mag decorate ng venue. Kami, we left kasi may appointment pa ako sa Nail-a-holics hehe.

Doxology

National Anthem

Follow the Leader daw.  Watch the video.hehe

Actually, hindi kami nag e-expect ng kahit ano ni MITD kay Princess Y. Unang-una, hindi siya pumasok ng 1 month last year because I need to go to the province to be with my mommy kasi ooperahan siya. Nag sacrifice kami ng mga bata para sa mommy ko. Which is sobrang okay lang atleast nakaraos ng maayos. Ipinagpaalam ko naman sila sa teachers nila. Sobrang grateful ako sa mga considerate nilang teachers :-)

Mai-share ko na rin...

1. alam mo ba na nakaraos kami ng isang school year na 2 lang ang blouse at isa ang skirt ni Unica? Totoo. Meron pa nag offer dati na bibigyan nya daw ng isa pang pair ng uniform. But I said NO! Sadya namin yun kse una baka bigla umayaw sa school ang bata hindi namin masasabi alangan naman pilitin namin. (Or ako ang hindi makatagal) Ang sa amin kse ng Dada namin, kung ano ang gusto nya at saan siya masaya, doon kami. Naka suporta lang kami :-) Thankfully, lagi nya gusto pumasok even on weekends kahit may mga bullies sa room nila :( Sabi nga ng mga nanay na laging nag stay sa school, pati daw anak ko na tahimik , hindi nakaligtas sa mga batang nangaaway. :(

2. Na sa sobrang wa pakels ang anak ko at gusto lang nya pumasok, okay lang sa kanya ang bag na bigay ng local government officials. Hehe. Nakakatuwa kase wala siyang kaarte arte sa katawan kahit pa nakikita niya ang mga classmates nya na nagpapa bonggahan ng mga gamit lalo bag. Masaya na sya kung ano meron siya.

3. Since day 1, wala siyang #sepanx. Uupo lang sa upuan nya kahit ilang beses siyang nilipat dahil nga sa mga kaklase na laging nang aaway. No permanent seat sya, dun na kme nag salita ni MITD. malilito na ang bata, para siyang pingpong kung saan-saan pinapaupo para paghiwalayin mga nag aaway. Hayst! After ilang lipat, nagkaroon din sya ng permanent seat.

4. Blessing din siguro na hindi siya pumasok ng one month last year kase medyo hindi na maganda ang pakiramdam ko sa isang nanay na lagi kumakausap sa anak ko. Ang daming tinatanong na informations namin. Tapos sasabihan pa ang anak ko na BFFs daw sila! Ano ka hilo?! Na kidnap na ako nung elementary ako, halos mabaliw mommy ko sa takot. Hindi ko alam gagawin ko kapag ang anak ko ang makidnap. Tapos kapag ako nakikita sa school nung nanay na yun kung simangutan ako. FYI. Mukha siyang addict. Hindi ako judgmental. Meron akong photos sya kung gusto mo makita para sabihin na ganun siya.

The stage father award goes to ...OUR DADA!
Hon,bawal ang parent sabi dyan may program pa.
Lol. I love taking their photos lalo hindi nila alam. SWEETNESS OVERLOAD!

5. Simula Day 1 ako ang nagaasikaso sa Unica, pagpapaligo, pakain, hatid at sundo sa school kase pagod na ang Dada sa work lalo minsan gabi na ang uwi nya. Pero nung latter part, ako na lang taga ligo at pakain ang Dada na ang taga hatid at sundo kse medyo hindi ko na kinakaya. Feelingera kase ako na malakas na malakas na ako :p Kaya, salamat Dada. Congrats din syo! Yo da best stage father.lol

Nakakatuwa na nairaos na ang "Unang Hakbang" nya sa pag-aaral. Ang lagi ko lang naman dasal na sana hanggang sa College makita ko pa. God willing :-) Kinder pa lang, umiyak na ako. Paano pa kapag College? :-)

Bakit ka umiiyak,anak? Nahawa tuloy si Mama.
Weh?! Iyakin talaga ang Mama :-)

Ayoko nga sana umiyak kaya lang nauna pa umiyak ang Unica pag abot nya sa akin ng rose. Pag sabi nya ng Thank you...Kung bakit siya umiyak...nai -video ng Dada kse dumaan kami sa 7-11 para mag slurpee. Hihi. (Will update this kapag nakuha ko na video)

Thank you, baby! Huwag na tayo umiyak. Ipapatahi na lang natin damit ni Mama.
IYAKIN AWARD Goes to Queen R and Princess Y. lol

Imma proud mum!

Dear Baby doll, (tawag ko sa kanya kasi sabi ko pinag pray ko nun kay Jesus baby girl para may doll ako)

Congratulations, Anak. Happy si Mama at Dada kasi nakita namin gaano ka ka- independent , friendly at mabait. Thank you kasi araw -araw mo pinapatawa si mama sa mga kwento mo sa nangyari at ginawa nyo sa school. Napaka inosente mo sa mga kwento mo kaya nakakaaliw. Sana huwag ka magbago at lumaki ka na maayos na tao. Lagi mo tatandaan, hindi nasusukat ang pagkatao ng isang tao sa dami ng medals at awards nya. Kung paano ka makipag kapwa tao, maging magalang , mapagpakumbaba, makisama sa iba na walang kang tinatapakan at inaagrabyado at may takot sa Diyos ang importante sa amin ni Dada. Mahal na mahal  ka namin Ysa aka Yesha! Haha.

Awards :

* Determined Kid Award
* Great Giver Award

Ehem... alam na kanino nagmana... way to go baby! :-)

With Teacher Janice

*** Yesha kse basa ng teacher nya sa name nya kaya yan na din tawag namin. Napipikon sya minsan, hindi daw sya si Yesha! :-)

Criytel Khylle and Yesha

Rhowen Shen and Yesha

Yesha, Justine,Elizah, Rhowen having Gardenia Pocket Sandwich before the program starts. Mahirap na magutom sa kalagitnaan ng program. :-)

*** This post is for my Unica Y, para kapag malaki na sya may makikita pa rin sya. Mawala man ang FB at IG. Ako kse wala na photos nung Pre-school Grad ko. Ang natatandaan ko na lang Gold Medalist ako kse Outstanding Pupil daw ako. Hihi.