Day 73: My Last Hurrah as a Thirtysomething

Just looking at the pictures highlighting the past year of my life made me realize how time truly flies so fast. It seemed only yesterday when I celebrated my 38th birthday and now here comes another natal day, making me one year older. This is going to be my last year in the thirties and it seems that everything else in my life seem to be at the end of a chapter or ending (more on that in later posts, don't worry).

I've had a tremendous outpouring of blessings all throughout this year and the biggest one of them all was finally realizing what being a Christian truly means and having a personal relationship with the Lord God. He has opened the floodgates of my mind and heart to His word and promise of eternal life. And it is now that I realize how difficult it is to live life once you get closer to Him. He will test and challenge you all the time to know whether you're His true disciple or not. It might be weird to understand how this can be considered as my greatest blessing this year but it truly is...As I continue to be tested, rocked and shaken, I get molded and reshaped in the process.  I am now a work in progress...having a lot of downs than ups but still trying to get up each time I fall.

Lately, I've allowed myself to be troubled and afraid of these things that signal the end of certain parts of my life. God knows I've wallowed in so much fear, anxiety, grief and self-pity already. Known to be a natural pessimist, I can't seem to get my thoughts to be positive about what's in store in the future. While things seem to be going on south, I have the tendency to think that it's all downhill from here...

Now that I'm facing the big 40 just around the corner there, my biggest wish and fervent prayer is that God helps create in me a more positive outlook, one that is bold enough to look at the future and say "I'm ready, bring it on!!!".  I hope that He continues to allay all my fears and allows me to believe that indeed when He closes a door, He opens a window.

The greatest sign that He is just around, ready to take me under His care was already manifested early today, when my Facebook wall and mobile phone filled up with a barrage of greetings and well wishes. Knowing that I am loved by family, relatives, friends and loved ones boosts my confidence to face another year of my life. Your overwhelming show of love, support and care will keep me going. My heartfelt gratitude to all of you for remembering and keeping me in your hearts and minds.


Finally, to know how deeply I am loved by those closest to my heart makes everything worthwhile and meaningful. With them by my side, I know I can overcome anything...


This is hubby's birthday gift to me...I was in tears from start to finish...such a precious gift of love...

This time from my two girls...what a great birthday gift!

Day 181: Dismayed and yet...hopeful...

(photo courtesy of REUTERS)

Today marked an important day in the country's history...President-elect Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, nicknamed Noynoy/P-Noy was sworn in as the Republic of the Philippines'  15th president. 

During the recently concluded national and local elections, I was quite vocal about my personal choice for the country's top post and P-Noy it definitely was NOT. I didn't think he had the qualities I was looking for as the country's leader nor did he have the necessary qualifications and experience to run a troubled nation such as ours. I still stand by these beliefs but I also have to acknowledge and accept that the greater majority of Filipinos have spoken and made their choice.

As I was watching the live coverage of the Inaugural Ceremonies, I cringed at how a dignified event turned out to be more of a Wowowee episode. Even the President's Inaugural Address left much to be desired. Sure, it was done in Filipino but a close scrutiny of the content would reveal that it was nothing but a well-dressed can of empty promises, nothing concrete nor measurable. 

More focus was given on non-essential things like "wang-wang"...as President, P-Noy should know that there are certain security protocols that cannot be compromised, the highest position in the land need to be protected (for all citizens sake). C'mon! There are more important and pressing problems that need attention...focus!!!

I watched and as I continued to do so I got more and more dismayed and frustrated...with what I've seen and heard, I'm expecting the new Aquino government to fail but I have to remain hopeful and prayerful that it doesn't...for all our sakes.

Day 138: Waiting for Daylight

In life, there are many surprises - some will sweep us off our feet and others may shock or even disappoint us. I'm the type of person who abhors getting rocked or being jolted out of my comfort zone. I absolutely hate it and it takes me a while before I can fully adapt and accept changes in my life. Suffice to say, I'm for those types of surprises that excite and bring happiness (hey, I'm only human...with human frailties).

As I look upon the horizon, I can see part-darkness and part-light...with yesterday's sorrows and failures behind me, I can only see today's uncertainty...and yet, there is a radiance that peeks in to tell me that tomorrow is another day and that I should embrace it with newfound hope and joy.

Day 134: Dawn of a New Day

Waking up to find this breathtaking scene before me gives hope for tomorrow and the future. There's so much to look forward to and a whole lot more to be thankful for.

May the beauty of God's creations continue to inspire us to become better Filipinos, better human beings and better Christians.

Day 128: A Song of Hope

The very first time I heard this song, it moved me to tears. Listening to it awakened the dying embers of my love for country. More than anything, it gave me hope...it gave me reason to believe I can dream again - not for myself but for my children and theirs. 

Before viewing the video, look at the lyrics below first, scan one time. Then play the video while looking at the lyrics. *** I purposely blocked out the lyrics containing names so as you can appreciate the song for its message and not as campaign material.

Regardless of who you're choosing to lead this country, may you find strength, inspiration and hope in this song as I have.

BAGUMBAYAN

Jose Villanueva III

Gumising ka na, buksan ang iyong mata

Sabayan ang pagsikat ng bagong umaga

Bumangon ka na, wag kang mag-alala

Sa biyahe ng buhay kasama kita

Sa hamon ng bukas, sa bawat pagsubok

Abutin ang tagumpay hindi tayo susuko

Ikaw ang pinaka–hihintay mo

Ikaw ang pagbabago, tayo ang pagbabago

CHORUS:

Bagong bayan, bagong puso,

Bagong pag-asa, bagong kamalayan

Pilipinas tulong-tulong, hindi uurong

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…) Repeat 4X

Gising, bangon, tumayo na

Harapin mo ang bagong umaga

Sumabay ka na tatagan ang iyong puso

Manalig, mangarap hindi ka mabibigo

Tayo ang makabagong bayanihan

Tayo ang bayani ng bayan

Ipagmalaki mo ang iyong kulay

Ngayon natin ipakita ang ating husay

Pumiglas sa gapos ng kahapon

Wasakin ang pader ng iyong utak ngayon

Sa pag-asa na bukas taas noo

Matayog ang lipad ng pangarap mo

Sa bawat laban lahat tayo ay bida

Sugpuin ang kalaban, ang tuso, ang siga

Panahon na para buhayin ang pangarap

Tayong lahat magsisilbing liwanag.

CHORUS (REPEAT 2X)

Bagong bayan, bagong puso,

Bagong pag-asa, bagong kamalayan

Pilipinas tulong tulong, hindi uurong.

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…)

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…)

GORDON AT BAYANI (woooh… wooooh… )

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…)

GORDON AT BAYANI(woooh… wooooh… )

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…)

GORDON AT BAYANI(woooh… wooooh… )

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…)

GORDON AT BAYANI(woooh… wooooh… )

Tayo ang pagbabago

Ngayon na ang pagbabago, Bagong Bayan

Gordon at Bayani. Tayo ang pagbabago

Ngayon na ang pagbabago, Bagong Bayan

Gordon at Bayani.