August 23:
back in dubai... and it's ramadan :( :)
August 29:
went nostalgic when we had our first worship at the Villa last friday... it's good to be back 'home' ;)
September 1:
is still catching up with soooo much office load after 1 1/2 mos of vacation, so no ramadan timings for me....oh, the price you have to pay for enjoying to the max! haha!
September 23:
praise God for our new crib!!! let it be a home where the love and goodness of God dwells freely...
September 26:
thought for the day "if your heart is desperately against your job right now, pray for His will. but remember that His will can go either way... change of job or change of heart. be prepared to obey cheerfully" ;)
September 26:
praying for our kabayans who are stranded in manila flood that seemed to take everyone there by surprise! it was only signal no. 1, but the whole manila is almost drowning. even my family in cainta which is already considered a higher altitude... Lord, you're in control ...
September 30:
finally i was able to talk to my mom last night! tnx for your prayers! praise God they are ok and are already cleaning up ;) no more car and some house properties, but my family is complete and no illness! we have to remind ourselves on what really m...atters and thank God for it, or else it will halt us from moving on to the road of recovery... so my heart goes to those who lost their loved ones, be comforted in Him...
September 30:
Nanay (mom) who is already 63 years old said that she was amazed that she did not feel tired nor hungry in the process of lifting appliances up to higher place while flood was rising, until my other brother came to give them food early the next mor...ning. some call it adrenaline rush. i call it God's power rush! He provides ways beyond our imagination!
September 30:
flood overflowing in manila = prayers overflowing worldwide = love and care and help overflowing worldwide! such a small world after all!
October 1:
is wondering if typhoon Ondoy did not stop for 40 days...
October 7:
is finally clear from fever, sore throat, headache, body aches and dry cough! and yes, it's not H1N1. yehey! back to normal! ;) praise God!
October 10:
recent thoughts after flooding: 1. loved ones is 1 of our prized possessions; 2. lesser properties, faster to save self & others; 3. lesser properties damaged, easier for heart to move on; 4. more friends, faster recovery; 5. more people willing to hel...p if you let them. cultivate relationships w people, not with properties. don't wait for a calamity to teach us these valuable truths... maybe too costly and too late...
October 14:
is miraculaously a morning person now! even beating the sun before it shines!!!
October 24:
enjoyed beach time with the girls, while the guys rocked the desert!
.... and October 25
is blogging again after almost a yearlong hiatus.....
Showing posts with label Up Close and Personal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Up Close and Personal. Show all posts
10.25.2009
The Magical Three
wow, dec 2008 was my last entry??? have i been that lazy? not really. i should say, i've been that busy ;)
2009 has been some sort of a fairy tale for me... this is the year that God has finally answered my prayers of settling down with the man that i love...
january, david and i both went to the philippines for him to meet my mom, and my family
february, back in dubai... he proposed! and of course, i said "I won't................say NO!" ;)
march to july, wedding planning galore! by God's grace, we had a smooth flow planning, nothing of the drama that i have been warned of.
july 25, the big W day in the philippines! oh, everything was perfect! THANK YOU LORD!!!
august, went to US for our honeymoon!
sept, went back to work, preparing for Eid. in between, did home-hunt, and found the best one nestled at the heart of downtowb dubai..
october, still catching up with work, but peacefully settled with david in our new home. we did a house-warming treat for our friends ;)
and now, david and i celebrate our 3rd month together as husband and wife. there's just so much to celebrate and be thankful for. david is still the sweet miracle i once knew. each day with him is a wonderful discovery of treasures...
Lord, thank you for these three magical months. the cynics always say that 'yeah, honeymoon phase'... but i am optimistic that by God's grace, we will be able to continually enjoy this harmonious, loving and fun marriage...
2009 has been some sort of a fairy tale for me... this is the year that God has finally answered my prayers of settling down with the man that i love...
january, david and i both went to the philippines for him to meet my mom, and my family
february, back in dubai... he proposed! and of course, i said "I won't................say NO!" ;)
march to july, wedding planning galore! by God's grace, we had a smooth flow planning, nothing of the drama that i have been warned of.
july 25, the big W day in the philippines! oh, everything was perfect! THANK YOU LORD!!!
august, went to US for our honeymoon!
sept, went back to work, preparing for Eid. in between, did home-hunt, and found the best one nestled at the heart of downtowb dubai..
october, still catching up with work, but peacefully settled with david in our new home. we did a house-warming treat for our friends ;)
and now, david and i celebrate our 3rd month together as husband and wife. there's just so much to celebrate and be thankful for. david is still the sweet miracle i once knew. each day with him is a wonderful discovery of treasures...
Lord, thank you for these three magical months. the cynics always say that 'yeah, honeymoon phase'... but i am optimistic that by God's grace, we will be able to continually enjoy this harmonious, loving and fun marriage...
12.16.2008
Ecstatic! Excited! Frentic! Panic!
that's how i feel as i look at my planner for tomorrow until before i leave on the 26th...
tonight, we will have our bibles study at greens...
tomorrow, dec 17, dinner at chalet, one of david's fave rest along jumeirah...
thursday night, dec 18, 180 christmas party back-to-back with CnC shoebox stuffing night at kitty's...
friday, dec 19, morning at church, then labor camp distribution of shoebox, and then desert camping until sat morning!
saturday night, dec 20, room inspection of our boys and ladies' accommodation for the 'best room' awards!
sunday night, dec 21, bibles study with CnC, back-to-back with adventureland's annual staff party!
monday night, dec 22, special date night...
tuesday night, dec 23, christmas get-together with church mates...
wednesday night, dec 24, evening worship service...
thursday afternoon, dec 25, bonfire at jebel ali beach and send off david to the airport...
friday morning, dec 26, off to airport... YAHOO!!!
tonight, we will have our bibles study at greens...
tomorrow, dec 17, dinner at chalet, one of david's fave rest along jumeirah...
thursday night, dec 18, 180 christmas party back-to-back with CnC shoebox stuffing night at kitty's...
friday, dec 19, morning at church, then labor camp distribution of shoebox, and then desert camping until sat morning!
saturday night, dec 20, room inspection of our boys and ladies' accommodation for the 'best room' awards!
sunday night, dec 21, bibles study with CnC, back-to-back with adventureland's annual staff party!
monday night, dec 22, special date night...
tuesday night, dec 23, christmas get-together with church mates...
wednesday night, dec 24, evening worship service...
thursday afternoon, dec 25, bonfire at jebel ali beach and send off david to the airport...
friday morning, dec 26, off to airport... YAHOO!!!
12.10.2008
Airports I've Landed On
there are those who look at airports as just airports, just a passageway from one place to another... but i look at airport as a microcosm of community. gone are the days when airports are just "stopovers"... it now has a life of its own, bustling with many people from different countries passing by the airport for different purposes, and some can be really life-changing!
my first international flight was to HK in 1998, so we landed at hongkong international airport. it was so huge for a first timer, and i thought, airports can be sooooo intimidating. your first time will always be memorable ;)
Now, let me trace back all the airports i've been to:
- Changi airport, Singapore
- Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, going to singapore
- Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, going to Jakarta, Indonesia
- Dubai International Airport which felt like second home-airport to me, following our NAIA
- Carthage International Airport, Tunis, Tunisia
- Doha International Airport, Qatar
- Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca, Morocco
- Frankfurt Airport, Germany
- Amsterdam Airport Schipol, Netherlands
- Suvarnhabumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand
- JFK International Airport, New York, US
- Port Columbus International Airport, Ohio, US
- Detroit Internationa Airport, US
- O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, US
- Orlando International Airport, Florida, US
- Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport, US
- MSP International Airport, Minnesota, US
Not all landings have registed in my very capable memory, nor in my handy digicams. But there are some details that are etched in my mind, either because it is so nice, or so infamously terrible!
1. I was unpleasantly suprised at the JFK airport. very chaotic! Line was so loong at immigration, of course, I missed my flight to Cincinnati! And there was a typhoon that evening so all flights were cancelled for the next day! Good thing, I have Malou, Lex and Gabby (churchmates) in NY and they adopted me for that evening and even chauffered me to the airport the next day! ;)
2. I liked the 'econolighting' of the Frankfurt airport. LCD lights were beamed unto steel ceilings so the lights are effectively scattered even with just few lights on. talk about efficiency eh? Yes, I noticed that because I stayed there for 6 hours! what to do yani!
3. I liked the serenity and calmness of Cincinnati and Columbus Aiport. And here is where all the really 'white people' are in! Most of them sport simple running shoes and simple clothes.
4. I like the customer-friendly signs at HK, Dubai at Changi airports. And it's ok for me to have a stopover there for more than 3 hours coz there is just so much to do... and see... and buy! I am also amused by the fashion parade in these places.
5. I do not like the $3 per cart in most US airports... and we hated NAIA when they started charging?
6. I liked the view from the top when landing at Amsterdam Airport-- super picturesque! Plains draped with nicely lined and uniformly colored crops.
7. I liked the view from the top going to MSP because it is the first time i saw a place all covered with snow! ;)
8. Mohammed V really reminds me so much of NAIA! and hey, that was were i had been infamously left by the plane... uh huh! and that was because i do not speak arabic nor french, huhu!
9. Oh, I was so surprised i was intervied by a Filipino passport control officer at... Orlando Airport! Very welcoming!
10. I cannot forget how for all the entries and exits i did in US, i was always "the chosen" one ... SSS... that is, more disriminate screening. hmm, must be my passport?
11. I will not forget too how i kinda lost my composure at Detroit International Airport, when I realized I did not pass thru any immigration and I am already going out of US! I spoke with Immigration Officer asking for stamp, but he said not needed, and I spoke with KLM boarding officer, and I spoke with other people! Hmm, now i realized, when you go out of US, there is no immigration! Just give the white piece of paper to the airline guy when you are boarding the plane! plain and simple. saves manpower.
Did you know that when I was planning my recent trip to US, included in the factor were the stopovers ;) next time, i wanna have a stopover in London, France and Italy... hmmm
Despite all these landings into the differently-charaterized airports, the NAIA airport has its own enigma to me--- of course, that's where my home is! ;)
my first international flight was to HK in 1998, so we landed at hongkong international airport. it was so huge for a first timer, and i thought, airports can be sooooo intimidating. your first time will always be memorable ;)
Now, let me trace back all the airports i've been to:
- Changi airport, Singapore
- Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, going to singapore
- Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, going to Jakarta, Indonesia
- Dubai International Airport which felt like second home-airport to me, following our NAIA
- Carthage International Airport, Tunis, Tunisia
- Doha International Airport, Qatar
- Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca, Morocco
- Frankfurt Airport, Germany
- Amsterdam Airport Schipol, Netherlands
- Suvarnhabumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand
- JFK International Airport, New York, US
- Port Columbus International Airport, Ohio, US
- Detroit Internationa Airport, US
- O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, US
- Orlando International Airport, Florida, US
- Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport, US
- MSP International Airport, Minnesota, US
Not all landings have registed in my very capable memory, nor in my handy digicams. But there are some details that are etched in my mind, either because it is so nice, or so infamously terrible!
1. I was unpleasantly suprised at the JFK airport. very chaotic! Line was so loong at immigration, of course, I missed my flight to Cincinnati! And there was a typhoon that evening so all flights were cancelled for the next day! Good thing, I have Malou, Lex and Gabby (churchmates) in NY and they adopted me for that evening and even chauffered me to the airport the next day! ;)
2. I liked the 'econolighting' of the Frankfurt airport. LCD lights were beamed unto steel ceilings so the lights are effectively scattered even with just few lights on. talk about efficiency eh? Yes, I noticed that because I stayed there for 6 hours! what to do yani!
3. I liked the serenity and calmness of Cincinnati and Columbus Aiport. And here is where all the really 'white people' are in! Most of them sport simple running shoes and simple clothes.
4. I like the customer-friendly signs at HK, Dubai at Changi airports. And it's ok for me to have a stopover there for more than 3 hours coz there is just so much to do... and see... and buy! I am also amused by the fashion parade in these places.
5. I do not like the $3 per cart in most US airports... and we hated NAIA when they started charging?
6. I liked the view from the top when landing at Amsterdam Airport-- super picturesque! Plains draped with nicely lined and uniformly colored crops.
7. I liked the view from the top going to MSP because it is the first time i saw a place all covered with snow! ;)
8. Mohammed V really reminds me so much of NAIA! and hey, that was were i had been infamously left by the plane... uh huh! and that was because i do not speak arabic nor french, huhu!
9. Oh, I was so surprised i was intervied by a Filipino passport control officer at... Orlando Airport! Very welcoming!
10. I cannot forget how for all the entries and exits i did in US, i was always "the chosen" one ... SSS... that is, more disriminate screening. hmm, must be my passport?
11. I will not forget too how i kinda lost my composure at Detroit International Airport, when I realized I did not pass thru any immigration and I am already going out of US! I spoke with Immigration Officer asking for stamp, but he said not needed, and I spoke with KLM boarding officer, and I spoke with other people! Hmm, now i realized, when you go out of US, there is no immigration! Just give the white piece of paper to the airline guy when you are boarding the plane! plain and simple. saves manpower.
Did you know that when I was planning my recent trip to US, included in the factor were the stopovers ;) next time, i wanna have a stopover in London, France and Italy... hmmm
Despite all these landings into the differently-charaterized airports, the NAIA airport has its own enigma to me--- of course, that's where my home is! ;)
Wishful Thinking
if i have it my way, here is how i want to spend my week...
i will only have 4 working days for my main career, that is monday to thursday. and then on friday, that is when i will do my fling careers such as being a receptionist, a fastfood attendant, a tour guide, a researcher, or any other that is not inline with my main line of work. this will keep me from boredom, burnt out, and will make me a well-rounded person. this will also give me the opportunity to live up my long-forgotten wishlist of things to do...
and then on saturdays, that will be my off day... meeting up with friends, lazy afternoons, doing charity works, etc.
and then sundays, that would be worship day...
now, i have to find a company that will allow me to work for only 4x a week... otherwise, this will just really be --> wishful thinking ;)
i will only have 4 working days for my main career, that is monday to thursday. and then on friday, that is when i will do my fling careers such as being a receptionist, a fastfood attendant, a tour guide, a researcher, or any other that is not inline with my main line of work. this will keep me from boredom, burnt out, and will make me a well-rounded person. this will also give me the opportunity to live up my long-forgotten wishlist of things to do...
and then on saturdays, that will be my off day... meeting up with friends, lazy afternoons, doing charity works, etc.
and then sundays, that would be worship day...
now, i have to find a company that will allow me to work for only 4x a week... otherwise, this will just really be --> wishful thinking ;)
12.09.2008
The Best Thing
i know he'll be embarrased... he is a very private person... but just once, i want the whole world to know who he is to me... ;)
he is the best thing that happend to me last 2007. for many years, i have been praying for someone i would like to share my thoughts with, my moments with, my passion with... and when i was not looking for it, bam! he fell into this niche in my world! thank you Lord for this wonderful gift!
david is first a crush, then a friend and now, the love of my life ;) at first i was hesitant to claim
something so serious as this, but after months, i know deep in my heart that he is someone so special to me.
he caught my eye the first time he attended the church. he was speaking at the podium, when mano nudged me and whispered "what if he is God's will for you?" i laughed silently... him? no way! he's way too up there.
then, we had our initial encounter in a youth activity. he was better looking up close... but the thing that most endeared me was his gentlemanly ways with everybody. i loved his voice, his calm persona and who can resist that cute smile?
i evaded activities wherein he would be there. why? firstly, i get tongue-tied, that's so not me! secondly, i do not like to have wrong motives, and i know God sees my heart. and thirdly, i do not like to take charge anymore of this aspect of my life. i've messed up a lot already when i manipulated things, and so i lift it up to Him fully! if it is His will, He will open the way...
and in His mysterious and lovely scheme of things, our paths crossed again. and this time, it was sweet, in His own time and mutual.
and so months after, here we are, enjoying each other's company, getting to know each other better and looking forward to more memories in the future...
months after, i am amazed that he is still the same sweet and loving guy that i met. he is still the same responsible, humble, Christ-centered servant... and he is still the same witty and funny guy that knows how to make me laugh!
i love the way he opens the car door for me. i love the way he says things so gently and kindly. i
love the way he listens and remembers things. i love the loving way he says his disagreements to my ideas. i love the way he 
really tries to learn tagalog. i love his very simple ways. i love his forgiving heart. i love it when he tickles me out of the blue. i love the way he holds my hand. i love the flowers he gives me. i love his spontaneous spirit.... i love how he loves me. i love how he loves his family. i love how he loves his youth group. i love it when we are in deep spiritual discussions. i love how he prays passionately.... and i loved the way he made me see tennis in a different light, haha!.... oh, these are just some of
the things i love about him... i always think i do not deserve him, so i'm just so grateful to God for every moment we are given to share together.
and i do not know what lies in the future. but one thing i know... if it is His will that it will be with david, i am sure that His blessing and love beckons... and it is just so wonderful to love someone you are in love with, and know that Christ is in the center of it all! priceless!
he is the best thing that happend to me last 2007. for many years, i have been praying for someone i would like to share my thoughts with, my moments with, my passion with... and when i was not looking for it, bam! he fell into this niche in my world! thank you Lord for this wonderful gift!
david is first a crush, then a friend and now, the love of my life ;) at first i was hesitant to claim
something so serious as this, but after months, i know deep in my heart that he is someone so special to me.he caught my eye the first time he attended the church. he was speaking at the podium, when mano nudged me and whispered "what if he is God's will for you?" i laughed silently... him? no way! he's way too up there.
then, we had our initial encounter in a youth activity. he was better looking up close... but the thing that most endeared me was his gentlemanly ways with everybody. i loved his voice, his calm persona and who can resist that cute smile?
i evaded activities wherein he would be there. why? firstly, i get tongue-tied, that's so not me! secondly, i do not like to have wrong motives, and i know God sees my heart. and thirdly, i do not like to take charge anymore of this aspect of my life. i've messed up a lot already when i manipulated things, and so i lift it up to Him fully! if it is His will, He will open the way...
and in His mysterious and lovely scheme of things, our paths crossed again. and this time, it was sweet, in His own time and mutual.and so months after, here we are, enjoying each other's company, getting to know each other better and looking forward to more memories in the future...
months after, i am amazed that he is still the same sweet and loving guy that i met. he is still the same responsible, humble, Christ-centered servant... and he is still the same witty and funny guy that knows how to make me laugh!
i love the way he opens the car door for me. i love the way he says things so gently and kindly. i
love the way he listens and remembers things. i love the loving way he says his disagreements to my ideas. i love the way he 
really tries to learn tagalog. i love his very simple ways. i love his forgiving heart. i love it when he tickles me out of the blue. i love the way he holds my hand. i love the flowers he gives me. i love his spontaneous spirit.... i love how he loves me. i love how he loves his family. i love how he loves his youth group. i love it when we are in deep spiritual discussions. i love how he prays passionately.... and i loved the way he made me see tennis in a different light, haha!.... oh, these are just some of
the things i love about him... i always think i do not deserve him, so i'm just so grateful to God for every moment we are given to share together.and i do not know what lies in the future. but one thing i know... if it is His will that it will be with david, i am sure that His blessing and love beckons... and it is just so wonderful to love someone you are in love with, and know that Christ is in the center of it all! priceless!
Christmas is around the corner...
we had a dubai-style thanksgiving last nov 23-24... it kicked-off the christmas season i guess...
then we had shoebox ministry to the labor camps last friday afternoon, and friday night, we were serenaced by the EBCI angels via the Christmas Cantata. it was so nice, and i almost got teary-eyed when they started to sing the familiar tunes that excites my heart...
and today, although it is the eid of the muslim, it felt like christmas too... with people so happy and enjoying family times... holiday for one week!
next few weeks, i will be seeing more of the holiday get-togethers with friends and brethren... we may be more low key this time, considering the global economic slowdown... however it is, i know that we will find ways to celebrate the season... why? because for me, Christmas is not just a season-- it is a special time of remembering our Saviour, whom God gave so freely for the redemption of our souls...
i just love it when christmas is just around the corner.... ;) thank you Lord!
then we had shoebox ministry to the labor camps last friday afternoon, and friday night, we were serenaced by the EBCI angels via the Christmas Cantata. it was so nice, and i almost got teary-eyed when they started to sing the familiar tunes that excites my heart...
then a couple from our church had this pre-christmas gathering at their lovely home in marina...
and then, yesterday, i had been gift wrapping for friends and officemates...
and today, although it is the eid of the muslim, it felt like christmas too... with people so happy and enjoying family times... holiday for one week!
next few weeks, i will be seeing more of the holiday get-togethers with friends and brethren... we may be more low key this time, considering the global economic slowdown... however it is, i know that we will find ways to celebrate the season... why? because for me, Christmas is not just a season-- it is a special time of remembering our Saviour, whom God gave so freely for the redemption of our souls...
i just love it when christmas is just around the corner.... ;) thank you Lord!
9.14.2008
Sisses
isn't it amazing how God provides for us in so many little miraculous ways? i will tell you a prayer request of mine, which to others might seem a small request, but for me, it is a big deal.
each time i see them, i can't help but be amazed at how He takes care of my needs. truly nothing is impossible with Him. He may not give everything that we want, but i am pretty sure that He will give everything that we need. just keep your eyes open for all of it....
when i stepped into UAE years ago, i've prayed for a sister who'll keep me companied coz i know how difficult it is to be home away from home. i only asked for just even one. and true to His promise, God has wonderfully interwoven the times when my sisses will come in and out of my life...
first
was SHEY who used to be my flatmate. we shared almost 3 years together, and God opened up her eyes to His salvation. and then she got married, and she has to start her own life with jude... and then while shey was slipping away from my life (i mean, just physically), He gave me RIZA, who became my housemate too. she's the younger sis of my friend malou from our church in manila, and she has been a wonderful officemate and friend to me. we've shared christian struggles together and both of us have indeed grown in Him more... then, before she decided 
to move to another company and out of our villa, MANO came into the picture (see A Sister, A Confidante, A Friend). she was a collegemate back in the philippines, and God also opened her heart to His teachings... after almost 2 years, she has to 
move out of UAE, and then out of seemingly impossible providences, God gave me MONIQUE, who is a very good sister of mine wayback in the philippines...
first
was SHEY who used to be my flatmate. we shared almost 3 years together, and God opened up her eyes to His salvation. and then she got married, and she has to start her own life with jude... and then while shey was slipping away from my life (i mean, just physically), He gave me RIZA, who became my housemate too. she's the younger sis of my friend malou from our church in manila, and she has been a wonderful officemate and friend to me. we've shared christian struggles together and both of us have indeed grown in Him more... then, before she decided 
to move to another company and out of our villa, MANO came into the picture (see A Sister, A Confidante, A Friend). she was a collegemate back in the philippines, and God also opened her heart to His teachings... after almost 2 years, she has to 
move out of UAE, and then out of seemingly impossible providences, God gave me MONIQUE, who is a very good sister of mine wayback in the philippines... but this is the most exciting of all--> in addition to monique, He gave me so many more such as kate, constance, icel, valerie, mommy sally, everlyn, kitty, narmi, nine, lea, mitch, melody, mona, beth, rhoda, alecks, and so many other sisters that i think i am spoilt for choice now! ;) and i'm really lovin' it!
each time i see them, i can't help but be amazed at how He takes care of my needs. truly nothing is impossible with Him. He may not give everything that we want, but i am pretty sure that He will give everything that we need. just keep your eyes open for all of it....Serenity of Ramadan
wow, it has been two months since my last entry? i can't believe it! just when i said that i'd write more frequently, it's then that i started to lag behind. slacker. haha!
but then, it happened for a valid reason ;) i've been out and about for the past 2 months with so many things happening to me in a blur!
first off, it was the peak season of our business here in Adventureland last july. this is the time when so many guests come in and out of our center, almost everyday! next, was my bday last month. need i say more about that? when it is your bday-- you must be busy ;) and lastly, was my trip to US for 3 weeks! will tell you more about that in a separate blog/s...
and now, coming back here to dubai during ramadan is such a nice transition point from a very eventful vacation time. no hitting the ground running. during ramadan, we have fewer working hours, our center is closed during the day so we at the office experience our once-a-year treat of serenity....no roller coaster noise, no shrieking of kids, no jamming of the log jam, no nothing, except peace and quiet. but then again, it may be peaceful too in the office, because, everyone is working on their............... 2009 Budget, hehe. and more than that, we do our annual thorough preventive maintenance of our rides. and i saw other centers doing that too.
i love this period when the world seems to stop for a while. living in the big city, i think we need this pause... for my mental sanity, it is like my preventive maintenance.
but then, it happened for a valid reason ;) i've been out and about for the past 2 months with so many things happening to me in a blur!
first off, it was the peak season of our business here in Adventureland last july. this is the time when so many guests come in and out of our center, almost everyday! next, was my bday last month. need i say more about that? when it is your bday-- you must be busy ;) and lastly, was my trip to US for 3 weeks! will tell you more about that in a separate blog/s...
and now, coming back here to dubai during ramadan is such a nice transition point from a very eventful vacation time. no hitting the ground running. during ramadan, we have fewer working hours, our center is closed during the day so we at the office experience our once-a-year treat of serenity....no roller coaster noise, no shrieking of kids, no jamming of the log jam, no nothing, except peace and quiet. but then again, it may be peaceful too in the office, because, everyone is working on their............... 2009 Budget, hehe. and more than that, we do our annual thorough preventive maintenance of our rides. and i saw other centers doing that too.
i love this period when the world seems to stop for a while. living in the big city, i think we need this pause... for my mental sanity, it is like my preventive maintenance.
7.16.2008
Forgive and Forget, yes.... but Help???
last week we've finished our exhaustive bible study on the life of joseph in CnC (college n careers) which we started wayback in february 2008. there were a hundred and one lessons which we can digest on, but one thing that really struck me is the lesson of forgiving, forgetting, AND helping and loving back. reading his story is like a very nice story to be told and to listen to... but to apply it in real life?... hmm, really takes much grace from God!
for many, forgiving is hard enough... and then add forgetting.......... and now, even help this very person who hurt you, who betrayed you, who caused so much pain to you?
there are only a few people who can hurt me so deeply, that is, my family and so-called close friends. because my principle is, i choose the people who will affect me, and if you do, it means i consider you close to me.
so the past years in my stay in dubai, i have been hurt so badly maybe just a handful of times. others are mere egotistical offenses, which, fortunately, i forget so easily.
he is one of those who has really let me down. i've forgiven him (even if he has not asked for it) and even forgot the offenses... but now, he is there knocking on my door for help, desperate and seeking...
should i shrug him off? should i lick old wounds? should i help him?
remembring again EB's words at CnC, "let us always think how Christ would act if He was in our shoes at this particular moment." i think i know what i have to do........
for many, forgiving is hard enough... and then add forgetting.......... and now, even help this very person who hurt you, who betrayed you, who caused so much pain to you?
there are only a few people who can hurt me so deeply, that is, my family and so-called close friends. because my principle is, i choose the people who will affect me, and if you do, it means i consider you close to me.
so the past years in my stay in dubai, i have been hurt so badly maybe just a handful of times. others are mere egotistical offenses, which, fortunately, i forget so easily.
he is one of those who has really let me down. i've forgiven him (even if he has not asked for it) and even forgot the offenses... but now, he is there knocking on my door for help, desperate and seeking...
should i shrug him off? should i lick old wounds? should i help him?
remembring again EB's words at CnC, "let us always think how Christ would act if He was in our shoes at this particular moment." i think i know what i have to do........
7.08.2008
When It Rains It Pours
truly, when it rains, it pours...so many of my prayers have been answered. i'm so thankful for i do not deserve any of these... i just pray that all these blessings be used for His glory! sometimes, we only ask for a day, and He gives us months. and at times, we only ask for one thing, and He gives us more. not because we are good, but because our Father is good and He knows what we need and when we need them...
and truly, God moves the heart of the leaders as well. months (or even years) ago, we've been pushing for a number of people programs to our top management. and this day, i saw a silver lining...just a little paper pushing and in a few days, maybe we will see these programs coming to life! ;) sometimes answers can take a while, but when it comes... it's such a sweet gift from above!
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
and truly, God moves the heart of the leaders as well. months (or even years) ago, we've been pushing for a number of people programs to our top management. and this day, i saw a silver lining...just a little paper pushing and in a few days, maybe we will see these programs coming to life! ;) sometimes answers can take a while, but when it comes... it's such a sweet gift from above!
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
6.21.2008
Lazy or Busy?
whoa! it's been months since i last updated my blogsite... so not me huh! either i'm lazy or just plain busy. hehe. well anyways, i'm back on my normal sched after a month and a half of hiatus, so expect new articles to come... i still owe you my maldivian adventures, and now i have my philippines tales to tell you, my bangkok trip and other tales of my grey matter... watch this space.... ;)
5.17.2008
Sweet Miracles
Many times in our lives we pray for miracles. sometimes we know how impossible our requests are, and we know how undeserving we are, yet day and night we wet our pillows with deep cries and petition for it. The uncertainty of attaining it challenges our faith. The long waiting period challenges our source of peace. And the first sign of a negative response challenges our perseverance.
And just when we thought that things are very remote from being a possibility, God sends forth His sweet miracles. And more often than not, even if we are expecting it and praying for it, we get utterly surprised when we get it! Talking about lack of faith huh? ;)
And when the dust has finally settled, we will then fully appreciate the sweetness of this miracle, and how He has worked out His wonderful scheme of things beyond our wildest imagination. It will just give you that smile on your face and twinkle in your eyes! Truly, His ways are higher than ours, more creative than ours, and much more wonderful than ours, if we just let Him do His perfect will in our lives! And to many impatient souls like me, sweet miracles are a testament of God’s perfect timing—never too late, nor too early! He knows best when we need it, when our wants should be met, and when we are most prepared to receive and take care of it.
And this sweet miracle begets great joy to our hearts, a thankful spirit and a worship to Him! May the sweetness of this miracle when it was first revealed to us, never fade in time…but the more that we appreciate it as time goes by… as things go good or bad… as more miracles unravel…
And just when we thought that things are very remote from being a possibility, God sends forth His sweet miracles. And more often than not, even if we are expecting it and praying for it, we get utterly surprised when we get it! Talking about lack of faith huh? ;)
And when the dust has finally settled, we will then fully appreciate the sweetness of this miracle, and how He has worked out His wonderful scheme of things beyond our wildest imagination. It will just give you that smile on your face and twinkle in your eyes! Truly, His ways are higher than ours, more creative than ours, and much more wonderful than ours, if we just let Him do His perfect will in our lives! And to many impatient souls like me, sweet miracles are a testament of God’s perfect timing—never too late, nor too early! He knows best when we need it, when our wants should be met, and when we are most prepared to receive and take care of it.
And this sweet miracle begets great joy to our hearts, a thankful spirit and a worship to Him! May the sweetness of this miracle when it was first revealed to us, never fade in time…but the more that we appreciate it as time goes by… as things go good or bad… as more miracles unravel…
4.12.2008
Up Close and Personal
i think i got this inquisitive bone from my dad... i do not normally pass up opportunties to meet with people, either old friends or new alike. i consider every encounter a big opportunity and a privilege. i am always curious to know how God has dealt wonderfully with them, either in good or bad times. i get excited with people the way some get excited with fashion, with cars, with gadgets, with sports, with investments. i ask a lot. i learn a lot. i see precious souls within. sometimes i confuse them a lot too, or they confuse me back. then, at the end of each meeting, it's like i'm living ten new lives...
lately, i've been going to different small get togethers. each one is unique in its own. i've met so many wonderful people who has touched my life in one way or another. some i did not have a good start with, but we ended up well anyways. some were hard nuts to crack. dubai, being a melting pot of cultures, will open your eyes to different point of views and i celebrate the diversity of it all! they have different stories to tell about their lives here, about struggles, about victories, about life-changing moments and the ever-present roadblocks! i am even surprised to know that those who seemed to appear having a problem-free life, are actually a testimony of "peace in the midst of storm"!
and what struck me also are the stories of seemingly "random acts of kindess" which we often hold back because of past pains and mere laziness. it's really true that God works thru us in answering prayers of others. so do not hold back that thought of sending sms to comfort someone, or stopping and entertaining a directionally-challenged person, or simply popping up "hey how are you?" to a friend, or thinking of giving food to someone, or even saying the long-delayed "pls forgive me" to a hurt person...
i realized it's really equally blessing to go out of your comfort zones and try to start a conversation, which in the end may turn to something up close and personal...
lately, i've been going to different small get togethers. each one is unique in its own. i've met so many wonderful people who has touched my life in one way or another. some i did not have a good start with, but we ended up well anyways. some were hard nuts to crack. dubai, being a melting pot of cultures, will open your eyes to different point of views and i celebrate the diversity of it all! they have different stories to tell about their lives here, about struggles, about victories, about life-changing moments and the ever-present roadblocks! i am even surprised to know that those who seemed to appear having a problem-free life, are actually a testimony of "peace in the midst of storm"!
and what struck me also are the stories of seemingly "random acts of kindess" which we often hold back because of past pains and mere laziness. it's really true that God works thru us in answering prayers of others. so do not hold back that thought of sending sms to comfort someone, or stopping and entertaining a directionally-challenged person, or simply popping up "hey how are you?" to a friend, or thinking of giving food to someone, or even saying the long-delayed "pls forgive me" to a hurt person...
i realized it's really equally blessing to go out of your comfort zones and try to start a conversation, which in the end may turn to something up close and personal...
4.10.2008
Eureka!
It is most famously attributed to the ancient Greek scholar Archimedes; he reportedly proclaimed, "Eureka!" when he stepped into a bath and noticed that the water level rose – he suddenly understood that the volume of water displaced must be equal to the volume of the part of his body he had submerged. This meant that the volume of irregular objects could be calculated with precision, a previously intractable problem. He is said to have been so eager to share his realisation that he leapt out of his bathtub and ran through the streets of Syracuse naked.
Well, i am no archimedes, but i had the same "enlightenment" when i was doing just a very ordinary thing -- writing a response letter to a friend. you see, months before this, i had in mind tons of questions that has been nagging me, and somehow putting me in that hanging scenario. i kept all these questions at bay, thinking i'd deal with it when i have the time. so while writing a letter to a friend... composing answer to his question... i just realized that i had been answering my life questions already! in an instant, a light bulb lighted up, and i pushed back my laptop, thought for a while and the big picture just snapped right into my face! it's like the whole thing fell into the right place! i immediately called mano and recalled to her my 'eureka' moment! oh, it's very liberating indeed!
there will be times in your life when answers to pressing major questions do not come in big packages. you maybe just doing the most mundane things, when God flashes the answer! just make sure you are not tooooo busy nor toooo blinded to read His words ;)
3.31.2008
Out of College
you're reading it right-- out of college. that exactly how i feel right now! as i venture into the unknown tomorrow, i am anxious but excited in equal measure at the prospects ahead. 2007 has been quite a whirlwind of major events in my life, which culmated in january 2008 when dad passed away. and then i knew, major changes will happen, and i have to do that leap of faith in Him and accept with open arms the new life that He will send my way...
if you know me, you'll understand my trepidation. i've always been a planner, a "segurista". and whatever iota of uncertainty the future shows, it rattles me. i am not talking about small plans, coz i can be very flexible with that, nor small adventures coz believe me, i love adventures. but i am talking about life plans. life plans that may kick me out of my comfort zones.
at the same time, i am thrilled at the thought of new beginnings. i never realized life is full of so many choices! wayback when i was really out of college, my only category of choice was -- which company should i apply for? my feet and hands then were itching for real work. and now that i've passed thru work life for 13 yrs now, i realized there is more to life than work, work, work. it's not too late to start anew i guess. i have a second chance at being out of college coz anyways, they say i am still 25 ;)
so whatever the future holds, i am at peace now knowing that God is there.
and if in case i choose the wrong path, He will be compassionate enough to bring me back to the right tract. i am His child and i believe He wants the best for me.
if you know me, you'll understand my trepidation. i've always been a planner, a "segurista". and whatever iota of uncertainty the future shows, it rattles me. i am not talking about small plans, coz i can be very flexible with that, nor small adventures coz believe me, i love adventures. but i am talking about life plans. life plans that may kick me out of my comfort zones.
at the same time, i am thrilled at the thought of new beginnings. i never realized life is full of so many choices! wayback when i was really out of college, my only category of choice was -- which company should i apply for? my feet and hands then were itching for real work. and now that i've passed thru work life for 13 yrs now, i realized there is more to life than work, work, work. it's not too late to start anew i guess. i have a second chance at being out of college coz anyways, they say i am still 25 ;)
so whatever the future holds, i am at peace now knowing that God is there.
and if in case i choose the wrong path, He will be compassionate enough to bring me back to the right tract. i am His child and i believe He wants the best for me.
God will Make A Way
i love humming this simple song each time i am confused or worried.... and i am reminded of His sovereignty in my life. and i am at peace.
*********************************
God will make a way
When there seems to be no way
He works thru ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
God will make a way
God will make a way...
*********************************
*********************************
God will make a way
When there seems to be no way
He works thru ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
God will make a way
God will make a way...
*********************************
3.30.2008
Getting Hi-Techie
i do not like hi-tech gadgets.... given a choice between a notebook planner and palm, i'd choose planner where i can fold the page, write on it, dirty it, highlight it, cross the words, etc. for some reason i like the feeling of paper. friends have enticed me to try one. i did. i bought one, and after a few days, re-sold it.
i hate blackberries and complicated mobiles..... as long as i can call, send sms, have an alarm, have my reminders and have a calendar, i am fine. people have prodded me to upgade my mobile to no avail.
hmmm.... will get hold of you in a few days. i'm excited to travel again... no wonder they are going gaga over this.... now i'm living up to my name as i get hi-tetchie! ;)
i hate blackberries and complicated mobiles..... as long as i can call, send sms, have an alarm, have my reminders and have a calendar, i am fine. people have prodded me to upgade my mobile to no avail.
even my digicam is outdated. for me, as long as it can capture the moment, and has self-timer, i am happy.
my car is even outmoded. who's still using casette tapes nowaday? i raise my hand! ;)
you see here in dubai you're spoilt for choice when it comes to these gadgets. friends have showed me mp3, mp4s, multi-media players, but they did not interest me at all.
but........... a few days ago, i started looking at a multimedia player in a different light. it started to appeal to me, especially in one of my out of town trips where i've travelled for hours and reading 
hmmm.... will get hold of you in a few days. i'm excited to travel again... no wonder they are going gaga over this.... now i'm living up to my name as i get hi-tetchie! ;)
2.20.2008
Flashback
it happened while i was driving to work this morning. scenes of my last year plans flashed back in my mind. normally that excites me. but now, it rubbed more strongly and painfully that many of those plans are now useless--- with the absence of my Tatay (dad). in between tears, i continued driving while my mind was busy rewinding...
last year, i planned on having a vacation in Boracay in April 08 with Nanay and Tatay, so that Tatay would be able to see the beauty of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. i'm sure he'd hesitate coz he'll think of the cost, but he'll give in to my charms. but now i am thinking of foregoing it for now...
last year, i bough a land in his home province in Quezon sold for a very cheap price, which really thrilled him! he has been talking to a lawyer for the documentation, even until 2 days before he passed away. he would have loved going to Quezon every now and then, making use of the land for coconut plantation or whatever he wished to do with it. but now i am thinking of just re-selling it...
last year, i planned on building a mini-studio for his paintings atop our garage where he could freely enjoy looking at his works of art. and yes, friends too when they pay us a visit. but now, i am thinking of revising that plan...
and the one very thing that brought me to sobbing was this:
last year, more than once did he ask Nanay when i'd finally have a BF... maybe he would already like to meet and know that someone he'd send off his daughter to; that someone who'd take care of me, instead of him....
and if the Lord wills, Tatay wouldn't be able to meet him anymore... and sadly, he will not be able to walk his only girl down the aisle... deep inside i know he's been waiting for that...
it took me a few more minutes after i parked to compose myself. by God's grace, things will be ok. i walked again to our office to face another day, trusting in Him that soon He will wipe my tears away...
@@@@@@@@@@
Prov 19:21 "Many plans are in a man's heart,But the counsel of the LORD will stand.
2 Cor 1:3-5 " Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."
last year, i planned on having a vacation in Boracay in April 08 with Nanay and Tatay, so that Tatay would be able to see the beauty of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. i'm sure he'd hesitate coz he'll think of the cost, but he'll give in to my charms. but now i am thinking of foregoing it for now...
last year, i bough a land in his home province in Quezon sold for a very cheap price, which really thrilled him! he has been talking to a lawyer for the documentation, even until 2 days before he passed away. he would have loved going to Quezon every now and then, making use of the land for coconut plantation or whatever he wished to do with it. but now i am thinking of just re-selling it...
last year, i planned on building a mini-studio for his paintings atop our garage where he could freely enjoy looking at his works of art. and yes, friends too when they pay us a visit. but now, i am thinking of revising that plan...
and the one very thing that brought me to sobbing was this:
last year, more than once did he ask Nanay when i'd finally have a BF... maybe he would already like to meet and know that someone he'd send off his daughter to; that someone who'd take care of me, instead of him....
and if the Lord wills, Tatay wouldn't be able to meet him anymore... and sadly, he will not be able to walk his only girl down the aisle... deep inside i know he's been waiting for that...
it took me a few more minutes after i parked to compose myself. by God's grace, things will be ok. i walked again to our office to face another day, trusting in Him that soon He will wipe my tears away...
@@@@@@@@@@
Prov 19:21 "Many plans are in a man's heart,But the counsel of the LORD will stand.
2 Cor 1:3-5 " Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."
2.19.2008
A Sister, A Friend, A Confidante
i don't know why i am writing this now. but anyways, i do not need special reasons to, coz she herself is special enough... (naks!). i'm talking about Manoleth. to those who has been reading my blogs, maybe you are wondering who this 'mano' i refer to always.
we were dormates in college, in Yakal (UP Diliman) wayback in early 90's. but really, we were not close then. she has her own world. we only get together whenever our wing would have gimiks. we call ourselves WestWingOneGirls (WW1). we'd have a lot of group activities from sports fest, to movie nights, to dorm open house, etc. but the fact also that i am a bit (only a bit) older than her, made my circle of friend different from hers.
but things changed after college, when WW1 would always have reunions. we're a group of girls who branched out into different careers, living different kinds of interesting lives, had a bunch of love lives, some got married and some have wonderful have kids now...
last early 2005, when we had an opening in our sharjah office, i immediately thought of her since Nong, her fiance at that time (now they're happily married), was working in Oman. she said yes after a couple of thinking, and finally landed in UAE Nov 2005.and since then, we've been inseparable. she's like the sister i've never had. she's the answer to my prayers-- i was praying at that time for another friend when Shey got married...
and for the two bonding years, she's been many personas to me:
she's a true friend-- definitely! always there, rain or shine, happy or sad, with dinero or nada dinero. also, will not tell you the things you want to hear, but the things you need to hear.
she's a confidante -- tucks in a lot of my secrets! and of couse, discourses with me when i cannot seem to make up my mind, specially about matters of the heart. she's got great sense between those ears, and has good humor when you needed one. she's not oh-too-serious, not too emotional, but does not take things very lightly as well. she's balanced, i should say.
she's my roommie -- sometimes we'd stay up late just talking and talking about anything under the sun! we'd talk about ourselves, our families, our plans, our works, etc. we do not seem to run out of topics to discuss especially now that we are involved together in many things!she's my memory bank -- when my memory fails me (which usually happens), she's there to laugh about it first (what a friend! haha!) before she fills in the details.
she's a planner and a dreamer -- oh, we love to plan! but the good thing about her is that she's as fluid as water, as flexible as rubber -- so no hurt feelings if plans don't push thru. she just loves to write, plan, and write, and plan... we both love exploring life plans, and dream about many things...
she's a book reader --she's the person responsible for my current rave about reading. thanks mate! but the funny thing is, i'd end up finishing the books she buys, because she does not finish them at all. she said she'd like to read slowly coz she panics when she has no more book to read! wow! weird...
she's my pen-provider -- she's a pen stealer! haha! be careful with your pens, she has a weird fettish for that. good thing she has not taken any of mine, hahha! (or i just didn't notice? hmmm..)
she's my mind-reader -- finishes my sentence, and knows when i am bluffing. ugh, sometimes i hate that when she verbalizes what i am really thinking even if i've hidden it in my most non-chalant expression.
she's my travel-mate -- even if she really is lazy doing activities (believe me, sleep is equally interesting for her compared with leisure activities), she's been a great companion in qatar, germany and amsterdam... and soon, maldives!
she's my coffee-talk-mate -- oh yeah, she loves coffee!!! and the talks that comes with it. whether at hotel lobbies, at starbucks, or nescafe at home...
she's my movie-mate -- whether at the cinemas, or at home, we love watching movies. we go for the same genre such as romcoms, suspense and at some times, thinking movies. and she also introduced me to the world of TV series such as Friends, Prison Break, 24 and now Alias.
and best of all,
she's my sister -- not by human blood, but by blood of Christ! i praise God for this.
Thanks for being who you are in my life! Thanks for spicing up my stay in UAE! May God bless us with more years of friendship!
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