Paano maging paasa?

Sa panahon ngayon, maraming sukdulan ang galit sa ika nilang “paasa” at karamihan ay naniniwala na ang mga lalake ay tila mas paasa kesa sa mga kababaihan. Ngunit di nila napagtanto na ang mga marikit na babae ay maaari ding maging paasa.

Paminsan tayo ay nagiging paasa sa kadahilanang ang mga salitang nabibitawan natin ay nabibigyan ng ibang kahulugan. Katulad nalang ng pagsasabi na darating sa takdang oras ngunit di napanagutan. O di naman kaya’y nangakong bibigyan ng isang kagamitan inaasahang mayroong matatanggap sa espesyal na araw ngunit wala naman. Sa mga ganitong paraan pa lamang ay maaari na tayong maging paasa. Kadalasan nagbibitiw tayo ng salitang mahalaga sa isang tao at di natin napapanagutan. Ugaliin nating maging maingat sa ating mga sinasabi dahil maaaring di natin napapansin ay may kaukulang ibang kahulugan.

Sabi nila walang taong paasa kung walang taong assumera. Kung ako ang tatanungin, ito ay isang malaking katotohanan sa kadahilanang ang pag aasa ay nag dudulot ng pagkadismaya kapag ito’y hindi nagampanan o napatunayan. Kung kaya’t dapat tayo ay maging maingat sa ating salita at gawa kung ayaw nating makasakit ng kapwa.

Minsan, di naman nakakasamang maging paasa lalo na’t alam natin na ito ay para sa ating ikabubuti sa huli. Minsan kina kailangan nating iwan ang isang tao dahil alam natin sa ating mga sarili na di natin ito totoong gusto. Walang mali doon. Iniingatan lang natin ang ating mga sarili na hindi mapunta sa maling direksyon at iniingatan lang natin na walang mamamagitang aabot sa pag-iibigang laro lamang. Kung kaya’t dapat tayo ay maging maingat sa taong dumadating sa buhay natin dahil hindi natin alam kung ito ba ay panandalian o pang hanggang wakas na pagmamahalan.

Subalit may mga pagkakataon na ang tao ay nagiging makasarili. Minsan may mga panahong gustong makakuha ng atensyon at kapag naibigay ay isang malaking tagumpay. Ngunit di nagtagal ay pinagsawaan at basta na lamang iniwan. Ito ang uri ng paasa na kahit sino man ay ayaw maranasan. Tila isang duwag na walang paninindigan. Bakit kailangang pumasok sa buhay na walang planong pang habambuhay? At ang pinaka masakit ay ang pagsasabi ng walang hanggan ngunit nang iwan ng walang paalam. Paminsan, kinakailangan nating tanggapin na mayroon talagang mga taong darating sa buhay natin na daraan lamang ngunit hindi tinakdang manatili na pangmatagalan.

Hindi mali ang maging paasa kung ang intensyon ay tama. Ang paghahanap ng tunay na pag-ibig ay hindi madali. Kinakailangan ng pasensya, pag iintindi at pag aaruga. Ngunit ito ay kailangang mag umpisa sa sarili. Kinakailangan muna nating matutong mahalin ang sarili bago matutong magmahal ng kapwa. Dahil ang taong buo ay hindi kailangang maghanap ng ibang tao upong buohin ang kanyang pagkatao. Sa tamang panahon, mahahanap mo rin ang taong itinadhana na hindi nagpapaasa, ika’y dapat magtiwala.

How to maximize your singlehood?

We are now living in a generation where low EQ (Emotional Quotient) becomes evident. We are in a hurry to be in a relationship but always fall short probably because we lack two most important things: Discernment and Wisdom.

At some point during our singleness we ask ourselves: “am I not enough?”, “akala ko ganito, akala ko ganyan sya” or maybe the pressure of the familiar famous question “kelan ka mag-aasawa?” well then let me enumerate some of the many but I can say most important points why we fail in finding the right relationship.

Let’s admit it. We have high expectations but have low preparation. We have certain standards but we ourselves fall short about being the ideal person we wanted to be. Singleness is our ultimate time to grow in character, goodness and discipline. It is only then that when we grow better; we get to discover what is ideal and what isn’t, what is worthy and what a waste is. Learn to maximize singleness. Who you are in you singlehood will be magnified during the relationship period. Practice kindness, learn to save money instead of spending too much into material things, and learn the basics of marriage while being single. Preparation is the key.

Situation: someone beeps you. You check his profile, he’s good looking, seems like a good catch. Conversation went on for days, weeks, calls became frequent and you started dating and then you start to realize that you are falling, but then this guy, does the same to other three girls and you ended up being friendzoned or worst, being ghosted. Sounds familiar? Yes. I too have encountered this by myself. Lesson #2, stop being an open door. Wag maging marupok. Women, in particular get easily swayed with attention and usually, these women fall for emotionally immature men who are in thrill of chase. Remember that not all attention deserves a glance, not all attention deserves a response. Always ask yourself, is he worth your time? Is he worth your peace? This is where discernment should be of use. Always be reminded that discernment is not your enemy but infact your bestfriend since it will protect your heart from possible heartache. Male attention addiction is a waste of womanhood. Learn to say No, learn to ignore. No one’s expert in love and relationship but when we know and practice how to discern, we get to train our minds on the right decisions and we prevent ourselves from failed love.

At some point, especially when we are about to reach the age of 30, we feel like we need to hurry and chase love. Others however feel lonely that’s why they ended up getting what was served up on a plate. We hurry to be in a relationship because we crave too much on love and company. We focus only on the gains of being in it but not realizing the pros and cons of singleness and of being taken. One must be mature and ready to give up probably the freedom, sometimes even personal space and privacy when in a relationship whereas, if you’re single, you are in control of these things. Thus, we must have the right perspective. Lesson #3, enter when you’re ready and not when you’re needy. Always consider singleness as a blessing instead of a curse. Remember, the more single you are in Christ, the better you will be in marriage. Submit to Him and let Him be in control. Allow Him to write your love story.

I repeat, no one is expert in love and relationship but we can certainly seek for a piece of advice from people with successful marriage, from mature adults whether in a relationship or not and even by reading inspirational books on relationship. You can’t love what the mind doesn’t know and you can’t love better things if you don’t even know what it is. So seek wisdom.

Never be afraid to love and never be afraid to fail. As they say, experience is the best teacher. Yes you get your heartbroken but don’t be too consumed by it. Turn wounds into wisdom, turn mess into message, turn pain into purpose. You may encounter difficulty during the process but you just have to keep going and ask special grace from God and may He be pleased with your humility.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:9-13

Remember, MIND OVER HEART. GOD BLESS YOU.  

Lakbay Siargao on January

Oh how I adore Siargao very much that I chose the Island for our first #LaagLaon trip for the year.

The trip was just spontaneous. Planned a week before, accommodation booked two days before the arrival day, no specific itinerary and well, the trip was sponsored. Thank you sponsor 😂 I have to tell it to give credit to the kind person. Hi, hello. Ang bait mo po sama na sa sunod.😂🤗

But finally after repetitive trip to this beautiful island, I’ll finally share the land trip itinerary! ❤️

How to:

1. Bus ride from Davao to Surigao.

– We took the Bachelor Bus from Davao to Tacloban since we were not able to catch the last trip of Davao to Surigao trip which was only until 4pm. Fare: 835.00

– The trip would take you 12hours before you finally arrive in Surigao. From the terminal, take a tricycle going to the Surigao port. Fare: 140-150.00

-Take the ferry bound for Siargao. Schedules vary. We took the MV Nathan since it’s the ferry departing soon as we arrived and travel time is only 1hr and 30mins. Fare: 350.00 (economy)

Arrived at Dapa Port!

-From Dapa port, take a tricycle going to General Luna, the main town of Siargao. Trip would take you 30-40mins. Fare: 200.00

Accommodation: Gab-Gab Residency

We got ourselves a nice room for only 1200pesos for 3pax. We were provided with an extra mattress with no extra charge. It’s cheap but cozy and convenient. There is also a kitchen, fridge and water dispenser free of use! And a big plus, the owner is really kind and accommodating.

Oh and the location is near the restaurants so you can just walk around if you wanted to.

Visit their fb page to book. ❤️

https://www.facebook.com/gabgabresidency/

I also requested a motorbike rent before hand thru Ma’am Jennifer, the owner of our accommodation. If you wanna feel the island vibe, I suggest to really rent one. It’s a lot cheaper rather than getting a tricycle or renting a car. (350.00/day rent plus 100peso worth of gas which is enough for two days depending on how far you wanted to go)

From checkin in to our accommodation we immediately went out to start or quick land tour.

First stop, the iconic Siargao billboard 😂

On the way to Magpupungko, don’t miss out to have a photo op at the:

Coconut Farm View Deck

Next stop:

Magpupungko Tidal Rock Pools

Trip would take you an hour depending on your speed going to Magpupungko. Sadly it was already hightide when we arrived.

Tip: you have to know the tides before going as it is best to be there to enjoy the place during lowtides as it is not safe on hightides. But of course we sort of had a quick dip because it was still allowed when we arrived even if its about to go on hightide. (Entrance:50.00/head; open until 5:00PM only)

You can also have your lunch here because there are available restaurants that are cheap and they offer seafood meals plus, don’t forget to have your fresh buko 🥰

Since it will be too late to head to other destinations, we head back to GL and go directly to Cloud 9.

Cloud 9

It was already sunset when we arrived and it was too windy.

Talk about coming to the island on a rainy season 😅

This is the main attraction of the Island and the surfing spot. Great season for surfing though. Just look at those waves🌊

Dinner:

Kermit Surf Resort and Restaurant

https://www.facebook.com/kermitsiargao/

Never will I ever miss eating in this favorite place of mine. They serve the best pizza and pasta!! A must try as well their filipino cuisines.

Tip: come as early as 5pm as this restaurant is always full. We arrived here around 7pm and waited for about 30-40mins to get a table. But of course you can reserve and while waiting, you can order drinks at their bar or have your pizza!

Party:

Harana Surf Resort

https://www.facebook.com/haranasurf/

What I love about Siargao is that night parties are scheduled. Saturday night is Harana night!

The tourists would actually come into one place to dance and sing along to the music while making friends or just have fun with friends.

And of course, drink drink drink!

And yes, to cap off the night, we never miss out having a hot soup which is actually famous in Davao,

Bulaloan sa Bangkerohan

Bulalo plus unli rice equals good night, Day 1 Siargao. 😌

Day 2:

Okay, we were supposed to have our tri island hopping. But since it was raining so hard, we chose to just enjoy what GL has.

Breakfast:

Patrick’s on the Beach

http://patrickonthebeach.com/

Who wouldn’t want to have a breakfast with such a nice view of the sea right?

A bit pricey for a breakfast somehow but it was totally worth it. The food was good plus, we get to enjoy the beach!

This resort is actually just across our accommodation.

I’ve been here as well during my solo trip in this island.

We head back to our accommodation to just chill since it was raining so hard that we cannot even see the road when riding the motorcycle.

When you’re with your friends, you will never get bored 😂

We just actually play cards and had a tala dance cover under the rain. 😂

It was around 3pm when the rain stopped and we had a joyride.

Never miss out Siargao’s Pan de coco!

On our way, we were trying to look for seafoods but didn’t have any. So then we saw this ramen resto and tried it out.

Beach Ramen

https://www.facebook.com/BeachRamenSiargao/

Just a few minutes away from Cloud 9, they serve Japanese cuisines and of course their specialty, Ramen.

Perfect for a rainy afternoon right?

Night time

We were searching for halo halo at 26 degrees weather that night and found one in Hab Hab.

https://www.facebook.com/habhabsiargaocafe/

Waffles+HaloHalo=Happy Tummy Tayo!

I must say what they served was really good. They have a lot in their menu and it is all a must try!

Party Night

Lumad Hostel

That night it was Bravo’s turn for the party. However party starts at 10pm so we had a chill at Lumad Hostel. We were curious about the acoustic songs we heard beside Bravo and thought to stay there for awhile. We didn’t actually regret our decision. The place was just small but it’s the best place to connect with people. The singer was also really good and his song choices were really great. You can actually feel the island vibe.

Of course, we had a few drinks. 🍸

And yes, never fail to make new friends of different nationality! Siargao is the best place to make friends with locals and tourists!

Bravo Beach Resort

Front beach party, drinks and friends, totally a great way to celebrate the night in this beautiful island.

Failed to have some photos during this time because I think I already had a lot of drinks 🤦🏻‍♀️

But attached is the link of this beautiful resort.

https://www.facebook.com/bravosiargao/

We didn’t stay that long because of the crowd so we went back to our accommodation with our new found friends to have a few more drinks and play cards, again 😂

Selfies!! 😎

And of course, don’t forget to have matchy shirts with your friends! Bought ours for 250.00 each.

We weren’t able to have nice photos though since the rain was really still bad 😅

Rain or shine, this Island will never let you leave unsatisfied. See you again soon, my favorite Siargao. 🌴🌊

Lesson: Never drink too much night before your departure if you don’t wanna suffer the consequences of your drinking actions 😂🤦🏻‍♀️

Ray of Hope

Earthquake after earthquake. No one can prepare for it for its is unpredictable. No one can control it for it is uncontrollable.



Temporary shelter, not enough water and food, uncomfortable place to sleep, not enough light at night, people starting to get sick, the fear of another earthquake that may come again, the fear that a heavy rain may happen and their shelter is not enough to keep them.

People have to wait in lines to receive their relief packs; enough to feed their families for a day or two.

Flu, skin diseases, hypertension, stomach upsets; people are getting sick.

Have we heard any complaints? No. Have we heard anyone asking for more? No. Have we seen loads of cars and trucks filled with relief packs? Yes. Have we seen people getting burnt under the sun just to personally give their help to each families? Yes. Have we seen kind doctors coming in to check on these sick victims? Yes. Have we heard them say thank you after? ALWAYS.

I guess that’s what made this situation still beautiful. Despite the tragedy, the suffering of the victims, kind hearted people came to offer help. “See situation with a silver lining” just as what we heard from Catriona Gray, that’s what we Filipinos did.

I firmly believe God has its purpose and God sent out His angels to provide help for those in need.

Now, these kids, still brought joy. They find joy in little things. A huge smile on their faces when they see cameras. A more glow on them whenever you give them treats. Their joy is simple. They brought hope. No matter how big or how small the problem is, we can trust in the Lord that we can still be happy. This is what these children taught the people.

I hope you never stop sharing and helping. Because no matter how big or small that help is, you never know what kind of happiness you have made them feel and you will feel after. God bless you! 🙏🏻

Kudos, team. ❤️

The Art of Letting Go

We all know how it feels to be madly deeply in love with someone. When everything feels right and everything feels light, our heart is filled with too much happiness. We smile often, we laugh hard and we always wish it to never end. But at some certain point some things will not go the way we expect it to be. We get hurt, we cry and we ask ourselves, why? We even sometimes blame ourselves for having that feeling that we are not enough, we have not done enough when all we thought we were. We felt pain, we felt down, but I guess that’s love. We fall, we love, we break but we heal.

I guess that’s the beauty of it all. When we go through the process of it all, in the end we will be okay. We undergo the stages of grief and as we experience each stage, we learn to cope. Some experience all the stages but sometimes we can skip some. The important thing is that we reach the end point which is acceptance. We learn to cope and that’s what we need to do.

Stage 1-Denial

Initially we ask, maybe it’s not true. Maybe it’s just temporary. We will get back tonight, tomorrow or in a few days. But minutes, hours, days and weeks became ordinary. There was no more you and him. But still you couldn’t take it.

But what I learned is that feelings can change and feelings are temporary. It will all just go away, I promise.

We might not always understand why hard things happen but we can rest in the knowledge that God is working out His purposes for a greater good. In every circumstance we can trust in the wisdom of our faithful and loving God.

Stage 2-Anger

When it starts to sink in, we start to feel mad. Mad at him, mad at the situation and even mad at ourselves for not doing enough. Allow yourself to feel it but never let it consume you. Revenge is never a good option unless you revenge in silence. Revenge in silence by doing nothing but to pray for a forgiving and peaceful heart. 

God offers indescribable heart guarding peace when we present our difficulties to Him in prayer. 

Stage 3-Bargaining

You wish. You wish to get back. You wish him back. Sometimes you even beg. When all your prayers would include “Lord please sana bumalik sya, kami nalang ulit” pero walang ganon. It’s okay to feel this way and sometimes when it doesn’t happen, we feel alone.

” Never will I leave you, never will I foresake you” Hebrews 13:5

Remember God is with us always. We are never alone.

Stage 4-Depression

This is the time when you start to realize that there can no longer be you and him. But the good thing is that you already realize what is happening at present and you recognize the reality of it all. Yes, depression and sadness may take awhile but it is a part of healing.

“Weeping may stay for the night but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

Cry tonight and the next day, wake up and shine the brightest. Always believe that there is hope for love and happiness.

Stage 5- Acceptance

Finally then we begin to live with the fact that what’s gone is gone and what’s done is done. Our past doesn’t determine our future. We make mistake, we learn and we accept. We need not to force what God has destined to take from us because His plan is greater.

Brokeness can lead to wholeness. We need to experience pain to know healing. we need to feel how it is to be broken to be whole again. But never ever lose faith in love. Instead,  let us dedicate our love to God and let Him write our own love story. His “Love always protects, always trusts, always  hopes and always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:7-8 Trust in Him, trust the process and the right time and the right love will come just exactly how He has planned.

Let Go and Let God.

Healing may take time but it will happen. Love will come, just wait. And if that day comes, finally we can say, WAGI. ❤

Brokeness can lead to wholeness

When God inhabits the imperfect and broken pieces in our lives, the healing hope of His power is often more visible to others. Yes, His repair work in our hearts often leaves the scars of cracks. But perhaps those lines from our learning are the etchings in our beings that make His character more visible to others. [Elisa Morgan]

[2 Corinthians 4:7-18] “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed,but not in despair; persecuted,but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.”Since we have that same spirit of faith,we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.“

Dear God, when I’m lost and hurt, you know how to comfort me through Scriptures. You are amazing 😪❤️

So to you who is feeling down in the dumps, I feel you. But remember that feelings are temporary. When everything is gone, when all you feel is hurt and pain. When you feel betrayed or cheated on, never lose your sanity. Keep that faith within you and trust the process. Have faith that everything will be okay. Have faith that the pain will soon go away and the scars of the pain will be there but it will be healed and in time, you’ll get better.

Cheer up. You might be broken today but you will be whole again. There’s a rainbow after the rain. 🌈

Siargao Alone

The world works on a very simple principle: I worked for it; I earned it; I deserve it.

A well deserved break, it is! So finally I got back to this beautiful island and well, for the first time, I went here alone. Yes, ALONE. It was just a spontaneous plan wherein I just booked my flight a week before the planned trip. When I just felt like I just needed to get away and be free from all the toxicity I’ve been through for the past months, I finally had the chance to give time for myself. Also, a birthmonth end trip I always wanted to experience ❤️

So why alone? I guess there is a certain point in a life of an adult wherein we just wanted to explore things and places on our own. When we don’t need to be with someone to make the trip fun. My goal is to just have a soul searching (yes I know its cliche but it literally is) and an opportunity for me to meet new friends as well. Of course my parents didn’t like the idea (alone travel) but I just assured them that I’ll be fine. After all, it’s my third time being in the island and I know I am safe.

Still a lot of people got curious about my “alone” in Siargao trip. Even my seatmate during the flight told “Yawaa sa trip nimo uy”. I know right? But I am confident it’ll be fun. And so it did. I made friends. I may have not been able to visit more tourist destinations than I did before, but finally then I was able to do surfing, which is actually my goal as well. Best thing about being in this kind of trip is being able to connect with different personalities of the different people I have met in this trip. I’ll be sharing the result of my soulsearching and #making friends.

The beautiful island gives you peace and contentment. I have met Clyde in the resort where I stayed and his 9months of stay in this island have taught him what peaceful life really is. Just imagine being away from traffic, pollution and noise. The island gives you a daily dose of beautiful sunrise and sunset, a calm sea in the resort, and the crazy waves at cloud 9. Laidback life is enough for people who can find happiness in simple things. When you decide to be in the island, drop all your worries away and I tell you, you’ll come back as a new person who care less about what awaits you back in the city. A fresh and more relaxed you. No wonder why more and more people from cities began to move in this island for good. Wanna know why? Try to experience it yourself.

There are certain people who are truly happy and doesn’t know how to worry and I wish one day I will be like them. Ben, whom I have met again in the island told me this. He has this certain aura that you could feel he is truly contented and happy with his life and whenever he encounters problems it seems like he can face it with ease and without worries. I am reminded that being human we are bound to encounter difficulties and struggles in our life. It just depends on us on how we face them. And I think Ben is doing such a good job. That shows how he still looks like he is just 20 even though his real age is 40.

When we feel overcome by the troubles of life, we can rest in the knowledge that God, our Lifeguard, sees our struggle and because of His delight in us, watches over and protects us. (Kirsten Holmberg)

And I guess this is what we should always think about. That there is someone up there who will guide and protect us thus we should be still, to continue to be happy and not to worry.

During this trip as well I have met these young adults who became my closest friends. Zeal, Kyra and Benni were in the same table in the bar when we met. I had an instant barkada and they were kind enough to accompany me during the land tour. I reminisce the days when I was their age and all I remember was I am at home who doesn’t go out frequently due to curfew. While here they are, having the time of their lives enjoying the sunshine in the day and the party at night. I envy them. But hell ye, pwede pa naman akong makijoin so why not? 😅 I have been truly blessed to get to know them. They are young, carefree and happy and with them, I felt the same. I have listened to some of their personal stories and shared mine too. When you are an adult and you are with younger people, you get to share wisdom. People of different age have different life experiences and its a blessing to get to know them. I have been able to appreciate the trip more because of them. Instant friends who became my constant friends.

Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

If there’s anything I noticed about the three of them is the love they have for each other. Their friendship is tested due to distance, and sometimes misunderstanding but at the end of the day, they love each other and they remain to be friends. Love is a trait of a good friend and a good friend will love you at all times and in any situation, good or bad.

Truly, my short stay in the island have been memorable. I wish I could’ve stayed longer but as they say, I can always come back.

Thank you Siargao, Thank you July. You have been truly wonderful. ❤️

Note to my 28year old self

Hi,

You are aging gracefully dearest. Know that you are loved and you deserve all the love in the world. You do not need to worry about the future because that’s for tomorrow, you have to live and enjoy life today and that’s how it should be everyday.

You may feel tired at times and it’s okay. You just need to rest. You’ve been hurt and broken a couple of times but hey, that’s okay. Because God is making you strong and saving you from the wrong. Keep your hopes up and always believe that true love still exists. He is just preparing you to be the best for the one who is the best for you too.

Pressured? Don’t be. Our lives run differently. You just have to live yours. You do not need to be rich and famous, all you need is to be happy. Do not be pressured for not having enough savings compared to others, have not been to a lot places like others, have not been invested in material things like others. We all have our own time. Take it easy, just work hard and you’ll be where you want to be and what you really want to be.

Have faith. Keep that faith in you and the good heart and good soul. People will test you, people will hurt you and people will break you but because your faith and love is strong, you will still be the kindest and loving person that you are.

May you continue to be the person with bottomless patience and perseverance. You can go far for having that qualities. You just need to learn to make your own decisions, decide on your own and do not let others influence what you think and feel is right and what you heart desires.

Continue to be that person with a heart that loves and a heart that cares. When you do more, you live more. Continue to be an inspiration to all those who look up to you and adores you. Keep them because they will treasure you forever. Continue to spread that smile around. It brightens up your day, and theirs too.

Lastly, don’t settle for the instants in life when God is leading you to the blessings that will last. Wait patiently and you’ll have your time. Be thankful everyday. ❤️🙏🏻

Kelan ka mag-aasawa?

I know right? Sa title palang. But isn’t it fitting to first ask, kelan ka magkaka jowa? LOL

One toxic Filipino Culture every men and women aging 25-30 are facing is being asked by their relatives with the very familiar question: “Kelan ka Mag-aasawa?”. Yes, I know right? Same feels. Worst is if you’re a woman and they believed your reproductive system has its expiration date. They have this common belief that women should get married before 30 to be able to conceive and have children enough to create a whole basketball team including those at the bench. (Okay, that was a joke. But ye, why not. LOL)

I’ve been repeatedly asked by this question lately since I’ll be turning 28 this year and somehow, I felt the pressure. Most of my friends are married and some, their kids are already in school. Three of my friends just got engaged and will be married this year. My friend who married her best friend 3 years ago is now trying to conceive for them to have their first baby. And as for me, I’m here lying and writing this blog about them. In fact,  I am still single as of the moment. I felt like I have to hurry or else, mapag iiwanan ako ng panahon as what they say. But, is this what I should feel? Do I really need to get married before 30?

Years ago, I was able to have a great conversation with my sisters in our organization who are already in their 50s. Most of them got married at 20-24 years old and during those times, they consider those age as the “marrying age”. During those years then, getting married was not that expensive and extravagant. Having a child was not hard after all and mothers are more expected to stay at home and take care of the needs of their children while the father will earn for a living. They would tell me it was not easy for them but they were able to overcome it. They sacrificed and they succeeded in life and love. But in today’s generation, do we still need to consider this?

In today’s time where the demands, needs and wants of the people have greatly increased. We began to thrive in a world of competition. Our careers became our ultimate focus to earn as much as we could to sustain not just our personal needs but our miscellaneous wants. We even sacrifice friendships and relationships for our work and that sometimes leaves us into marrying our careers. I guess that’s the first reason why some adults of my age doesn’t have anymore time for love or at least to take an effort to find it. Some people believed that life satisfaction is about getting the highest position in the office to earn enough. But then is that what we really want? Truth be told, we cannot dictate the lives of others. They have their own goals, dreams and aspirations and if for them career comes first than having a family, then who are we to question? That is still love for them. If marrying their careers could satisfy their lives, could ultimately make them happy, then, why not?

But then I suddenly read this bible verse:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Living a life alone is okay, but living a life with someone is way better. Imagine being with someone who could give you warm hugs anytime of the day, a kiss on the forehead when you wake up, someone who would prepare you breakfast when you just back from night shift work, or just someone who could make your worst day into best day. Sounds perfect right? We all still need someone to be by our side and I think, this would complete our lives.

So ang tanong na nga uli, kelan?

Well, I really don’t know too. It may take awhile, or maybe soon, but only time can tell. While I’m trying to be the best version of me, God is preparing someone for me who is also trying to be the best version of himself. Para perfect na daw kaming dalawa. 😂 We don’t need to rush things.

“Perfect time, perfect place, perfect moment, perfect person.” They say nobody’s perfect, but God is and He can make things and people perfect for us. Just trust. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” ~ 1 Corinthians 13:13

Have faith that love will come, hope that He will give him the one and love whoever he is and what he will become ❤️

So, Hi, pressured one. Take your time, you only live once. Live your life to the fullest. Explore, love your work, love yourself and love will come when you least expect it but God gave it because He believes “it’s time”. If there’s one thing I learned from my previous relationships is that : Never, ever settle. Just be patient and don’t rush things, anything worth having is worth waiting for.

Am I really okay?

Yesterday, I was sending my acting videos in my friends’ group chat. It was my day off and I was enjoying the “nothing-to-do”, “it’s okay to be unproductive” 24 hours of mine and I was in a happy mood. On my surprise, a friend sent a touching video. What struck me was when he said: “Lagi nating kinakamusta ang iba, eh ikaw kamusta ka?” And then my heart felt something that not even a cardiologist could explain.

The beginning of 2019 was indeed an unexpected painful days, weeks for me. I mean, who would want to be broken hearted on the first week of the year? I felt alone and helpless. I kept to myself what I’ve been going through for a week. I cried silently a lot at night, and wake up and pretend like nothing happened just to make sure I’ll be still at my best at work and not to make my parents worry. I would wake up, wear my scrubs and attend the needs of my patients. Thank God for my busy duties I had no time to think of the pain I’m feeling. But keeping it all by myself was hard to bear. Thus a week after, I started to open up and received comfort from friends. Even if I haven’t told them exactly, they knew that I’ve been going through something and then I didn’t have to explain, all I got was heartwarming messages and comfort. Slowly, I’ve began to accept the realness of the situation and that people come and go. People could love us and break us. People will comfort us and then leave us. But what I’ve learned is that the best people will stay, the best people will make you laugh despite of the pain and the best people will make you realize your worth even if you felt like you are nothing.

January 16 reading was entitled the Valley of blessing. ” Becoming ill, losing a job, or enduring a heartbreak are examples of what some call “being in the valley,” where dread overshadows everything else. However the bible tells us that if calamity comes, we will cry out to you in distress and you will hear us. God responded “Go out to face (your enemies) tomorrow and the Lord will be with you”. God walks with us through the lowest points in our lives. He can make it possible to discover blessings in the valleys. Finally the reading said: God is the master of turning burdens into blessings. 

After reading this, tears rolled down my cheeks because I have felt God’s presence. It was like I was going through something, He is watching and He communicated to me through the reading. I have appreciated the fact that yes, I am going through something right now, yes, I am hurt but God tells me to surrender everything to Him, He will be with me throughout this sad days and believe that better days are coming. I was too blessed then that when I was reading, I was at the same time having a conversation with a good friend whom I shared my pains. A friend I trusted well because of his maturity emotionally and spiritually. And what he shared to me coming from the bible was totally inspiring: “I might not know what the future holds for me because my eyesight is limited, my hearing has boundaries, my mind has limits, but God is up to something we sometimes don’t understand but will eventually might be good for us.”

What happened to me at the start of the year was the least I expected. I felt like my life turned upside down since the day I was left alone and broken. But I know I have family, I have friends and I have God. Sabi nga nila, lalake lang yan. LOL

Well, it’s exactly 60 days since my “breakup story” happened and then I asked myself, Am I really okay?

Truthly and now I can proudly say, YES I AM. I am proud of what I’ve become since the day I learned my life lessons. I now began to smile na parang puputok yung pisnge ko. The cheerful me is back coming to work and suddenly singing and dancing. I started to explore further my talents and abilities which I somehow forgotten to build up since I was too busy building up someone. I have began to make myself much more productive and spend less time in social media than I did before. I had more time for family and friends. And what makes me more proud is the fact that I have never imposed hatred to someone who hurt me. Forgiveness was asked and it was given. Relationship ended but friendship remains. I guess that’s how you live life. Experience the pain, gain from it and start again. Love yourself and people will love you even more. “The more grateful you are, the more joyful you can be.”

Thank you, God.

Thank you, Fam&Friends.

Thank you, Next.