Monday, June 7, 2010

South Feast - June 6, 2010

I attended the 3pm South Feast at Festival Mall, Alabang, yesterday. It is one of the happiest place on earth. Bro. Arun Gogna is in a mission trip in Japan so Bro. Jon Escoto took over. The sharing of Sam, a 19 year old smart girl, who survived a lupus disease is so touching. She shared how her illness became a blessing instead of a burden. She miraculously was diagnosed last yr that she is negative of lupus after struggling for 4 years of the different complications of her illness and after all worldly materials was taken away from them to finance her medications. Now she's totally cured, which she says the greatest miracle in her life. She is now facing life with a great mission, that she's living more than herself.

I was so inspired to listen to such wonderful stories of life. And I also noted some great points of the talk - "NO SMALL LIVING" of the Series "A Life of No Regrets - The Joy of Intentional Living"

1. Everything that God made is a solution to a problem. - hmmm...i will reflect on this more. If I live this teaching, I'll be more appreciative of all God's creation.

2. When you divide joy, IT MULTIPLIES.

Next Sunday, it will be that last talk of the series. I pray that I could bring along any relative or friend with me.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Supermom adventure in Northern Mindanao - 2nd Part - Iligan City (Tinago Falls)


(This is the 2nd part of the travel adventure...you can read the 1st part here > http://supermomadventuremanila.blogspot.com/2010/05/supermom-travels-in-northern-mindanao.html )


From CDO, it takes around 1 1/2 hrs - 2 hrs going to Iligan City. Past 7 in the evening, we were fetched by Fram's friend Ann Maris and her husband Roy from the bus terminal. Ann was Fram's pen pal - way back 20+ years ago - we couldn't believe that it's their first time to see each other. A rare story, I thought it's only in the movies and novels, but theirs is true, up close and personal; established through letters and founded by trust ( I wish I'm a writer, I'll write a book about their friendship).

A sumptuous dinner has been prepared for us - a simple reflection of how hospitable this family is. We were gladly accepted in a beautiful home of an amazing family. The night was full of stories (most of them I couldn't relate to - hahaha!) but I had a wonderful time listening to them. The next morning, we attended the mass at the Redemptorist Chapel, a few blocks away from the Trinidad residence. Then we prepared ourselves for the trip to Tinago and Maria Cristina Falls. Roy was our driver, tour guide and camera man. 

After another long and winding rough road in Linamon, Lanao del Norte, we arrived at a "forest-like" place and trekked approximately 500 descending steps called the winding staircase. And there it is, another nature's beauty...wow - my jaw literally dropped upon the sight of the Tinago falls. My first time to see a real falls.
        Janet, Tita Miles, me, Fram and Ann --still looking fresh - just starting to go down
                                               and down...
                                              and there we are...
                         A marvelous scenery in the background...
Tinago falls is literally hidden in a deep ravine, the falls cascading beautifully into a basin-like pool (appears like a blue colored lagoon), clean, and icy cold. Under the falls is a small cave where people can enter and listen to the rumbling waters. Just being there seemed to calm my soul and to be thankful for such wonderful creation.

Ann found a friend there at the foot of the falls, and couldn't say no when we were invited for lunch. The food was great, we were all full and had fun eating with their baon. Janet, Tita Miles and I, swam or rather took a bath in the clear, cold and running waters, it was so much fun swimming with the current. Despite the limited time, we still were very fulfilled having experienced the waters of Tinago Falls.  

Going up was a true challenge, the air passage in my nose seemed to be narrower for all the oxygen and carbon dioxide to go through, thus I have to breath through my mouth, my heart seemed to pump the hardest. The first time ever to engage in such a super physical activity, I feared that I might faint or fall. We have to stop from time to time, I couldn't distinguish my wet clothes if it was still from the water or it was already my perspiration. With my best effort, I'm proud to say I made it to the top. Hahaha! Now I realize, I lacked exercise.

With a little rest, we proceeded to another falls - the Maria Cristina Falls. I have seen its pictures in my daughter's textbook, but it's more beautiful seeing it and just being there.
                            The beautiful Maria Cristina Falls...
                                         with the equally beautiful visitors...:)
Well-known for its natural beauty and grandeur, Maria Cristina Falls powers the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant which is the primary source of electric power for the city and 70% of Mindanao's electricity. A little picture taking, then we went home to clean up, take a snack and off we go the market to buy pasalubongs. Then I made a night trip to Cagayan de Oro, left the three at Iligan, to be with my Tita and her family. The next day was our trip back to Manila.

It was such a memorable weekend for me, I'll be back to all these places soon!

(Special credit for Ate Fram and Roy for the beautiful shots, thanks.)


Friday, May 28, 2010

Supermom adventure in Northern Mindanao - 1st Part - Monastery of Transfiguration Church in Malaybalay Bukidnon

Just got back last monday night from a 3-day trip to Cagayan de Oro, Malaybalay and Iligan. It was such a very short yet memorable vacation. I, together with Fram, Janet and Tita Miles(all from RIUD), attended Liza's wedding in Malaybalay. Mama joined us in the flight to and from Cagayan de Oro. She visited Auntie Flora (her sister) and her family who had stayed there since she was 16.

After arriving at the CDO airport, we rode a taxi to the Agora Terminal. Then a two-and-a- half hour bus (Rural Transit) ride to Malaybalay. The weather in Malaybalay is quite cold and quiet compared to Manila, we stayed at the Villa Alemania Inn just across the Gaisano Mall along the stretch of Fortrich St.

We woke up early the next day, Saturday, since Janet has to go to Pine Hills Hotel for her makeup as she is one of the secondary sponsors. We had a quick breakfast in Jollibee then we hired a multi-cab to take us to the Monastery of the Transfiguration Church. Apparently, Manong Driver, haven't been to that place. Or should I say didn't know the tourist spots as we keep on asking him where to go best in Malaybalay, he can't give any suggestions. 

After following a relatively narrow and winding road, we came upon a place that appears to calm you just by being. "Peace to all who enter." This sign greets you at the entrance to the Monastery of the Transfiguration run by Benedictine monks and designed by the National Artist Leandro Locsin. We were amazed with the breath taking view at the top of the hills and can't stop myself singing "the hills are alive..."
                      The Monastery of the Transfiguration Church - photo taken by Fram
Liza's wedding  is as serene as the place itself. The priest shared in his homily some of the highlights of the book of Robert Fulghum, "All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten" as somehow very essential to marriage. 
                     Posing with the newly-weds (looking at the other photographer, hahaha!)
After the ceremony, we came to our favorite part - the picture taking. While the bride and groom are busy posing with the guests, we are busy too, taking pictures of the different angles of the pyramid-shaped chapel. We can't resist making the trademark jumps, hahaha, Tita Miles jumped too. . 
                              A beautiful passage - nice to pose at too... :)



                                                My high  jump!!! hahaha!
After the picture taking, we went to the souvenir shop a few meters away from the chapel. We bought the famous Monk's Blend coffee and some sweets - piniato, pastillas, polvoron and left overs of hostia ( I didn't know that the left-overs can be eaten just like chips, I even asked the store assistant, "Is it ok to eat this?" hahaha).
               Dwarfed with this 'i-dunno-what-to-call' plant, maybe a giant pineapple
We were late at the reception at Loiza's Pavillion, the program already started when we arrived but luckily, we are the first in the buffet table. Just a  few seconds after we sat down, we are just beginning to 'retouch' when the emcee called our table number for the picture taking with the newly weds then instructed us to proceed to the buffet table. Around 1pm, we went back to our hotel to pack our things and get ready for the Iligan adventure...(thanks so much Ate Fram for bringing a beautiful camera and taking those pictures too!)
             Travel buddies - Me, Tita Miles and Fram (Janet is taking the picture)

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Mini-reunion with High School friends

Laids, me and Em
Last night, I met with Lady May (Laids) and Melissa Mae (Em), my high school buddies. It was short yet a worthwhile moment, packed with a sumptuous meal (treat by Laids), abundant laughter and unending stories. Em is now a Pediatrician in PGH, while Laids is a newly pledged Attorney and me, a self-proclaimed supermom, hahaha!...wow-wow-wow! I am blessed with wonderful friends. Looking forward to see all of my high school friends.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Practical Health Tips - my new blog

I've compiled some of the best emails forwarded from friends in my new blog entitled "Practical Health Tips". These are some practical notes on how to keep fit for simple people. Read and learn, as they say, prevention is better than cure... :)

Friday, April 16, 2010

My little businesses

Last night I met with my godsister Rosie, she's my ninang's daughter, to attend the Business Opportunity Meeting at King Dnarmsa International, Inc.  Honestly, I had some reservations about Multi-level Network Marketing since I have read and heard of some companies that do not succeed. And I'm afraid of the risks to enter such kind of business. However, she has been constantly requesting me to give her a chance to show me the business plans of the company and so I gave in. I met her at Robinson's Ortigas and proceeded to Burgundy Empire Tower.

Just like the other multi-level network marketing companies I have heard off, I also have attended the presentations of Herbalife, AIM and some others, truly some people have earned a lot with this system. My sis is telling me to 'wake up' and try. But honestly, as I write this post, I haven't been convinced to do this kind of business. I got some thinking to do. I am not so sure that I could still manage a business like this one because I also have my other sidelines. Besides, I need quite some capital to start this one. But as promised I'll look into it too...

Here are some of my little/part-time businesses which I've been doing for some years now. I enjoy doing these as if it's been part of my life, even if I am just earning a little with each one.

1. AVON (www.avon.com.ph) - I've been selling Avon products for 7 years now, perhaps because many people still are faithfully patronizing our products. And because I'm the only dealer in our office.

2. NATASHA (www.natasha.ph)- I transferred the full management of this one to Joy, my cousin, to give her additional income aside from taking care of my kids. However, I'm still the registered dealer.

3. e-Loading (Smart, Globe, Sun)


4. Human Heart Nature(www.humanheartnature.com) - I love their organic products, aside from helping the environment, I believe I am helping the livelihood of those Gawad Kalinga awardees too.

5. I sell some fashion accessories occasionally too, but I have little production now since I am quite busy with other things...I'll try to do more in the next days...

6. I have subscribed to some paid-to-click (PTC) and paid-to-read (PTR) programs too. My earnings are not so high yet, but at least I know some of them are paying. I have some dollars in my paypal account now.

7. I am trying to learn the secrets of online business (internet marketing and others). So this will add in the list, but hopefully this one will not be in my little businesses but a big one.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

After 2 years...

After two years, I missed writing here, or should I say, I realized I should have written more...As I have mentioned before, I wasn't born a writer...but I'm comfortable sharing what's happening in my life with anyone I know, or even for those who may just accidentally saw this blog somewhere.

yeah, after 2 years of starting this blog, so many things have happened:

1. My daughter Angela is turning 7 this May and she'll be in Grade two next school year. She's a fourth honor in her Grade 1 class.

2. My son, Asher has just turned 5 last February and he'll be in kinder this June. He got an academic distinction and ranked 1st in his nursery class. Thank God for my kids.

3. I have read quite a number of books and articles on "How to be rich" and even attended one of Bro. Bo Sanchez seminar on "How to be truly rich". And it is become one of my goal, one of my greatest dream, TO BECOME RICH!

4. I have been a member in the trulyrichclub, hosted and facilitated by Bro. Bo, for a few months now where I got motivated and inspired to look for ways to have a financial freedom. (Actually in one of his recommendation, I became a member of Jomar Hilario's Online Internet Marketing Club, that's what makes me busy these days, learning new things online.) I promised to write about these in the next days to come... :)

5. Some things haven't changed, I'm still in the same office for 6 years now, still a contractual employee...hoping to find a permanent position somewhere here... :) but of course, I gained a lot of knowledge and trainings in the past few years...

6. I am quite interested in the stock market, I'll read more about this and promise to buy my first shares this year.

So til next post, got to do more research for now...