5 Things To Prepare Before Getting Married

Planning to get married real soon? Wait up! Please ensure you are more than ready. Marriage is a lifelong commitment - a promise to stand by each other till forever ends, an unending roller-coaster ride, a pack of nails and cotton candy with your constant. But as they said, you are never really ready unless it's the only option. Allow me to take a bit of your time and share my not-so-full-of-sense insight. Here you go!

1.) Financially Stable.

Getting married is no joke especially when it comes to expenses. It's a very long and meticulous preparation. There's church, entourage, reception, photographer, videographer, accommodation and transportation. So before you decide to get married, consider your budget. Doesn't have to be grand as long as it's decent. So start planning and budgeting now with your partner. ☺

2.) Mentally Stable.

Not a common practice here in the Philippines but in some parts of the world, couples who are planning to get married take this test to assess how well they are and how they cope with circumstances in the long run. Stress and frustrations are few of the things you'll encounter. Well, not just in marriage but in every relationship. So when you feel like you are tested, don't be intimidated. Try seeking advices if not from family and friends then go to the experts. Don't forget to talk to JESUS through prayers. Make it a habit to pray together with your partner. 😊

3.) Emotionally Stable.

Many of us gets easily offended and even gets frustrated when the partner doesn't meet our expectations. Don't be sad. It's normal to feel that way. What's not is when you extremely feel the need to do something even when it's not the right thing to do. To avoid getting stuck in the middle and getting controlled by your feelings, talk to your partner. It has to be like that - ALWAYS. No other person than to your partner. Keep it exclusive and intimate. You have to be very open and close. Open to each other's feelings abd close to know every inch of you. So practice being OPEN and CLOSE now. 😁

4.) Physically Stable.

Of course when you plan to get married, you plan to have kids - to build your own family. Many couples want to have a baby but are having difficulties. Primary factor is the status of their health. Both should be physically ready, healthy and stress-free. Let go of your vices. Start having a healthy lifestyle. See a doctor to prepare getting pregnant. After all, it's one of your goals. Right? 😉

5.) Spiritually Stable.

None of the above will work unless you arr spiritually stable. Yes, it is not easy to follow Jesus' teachings but nothing's wrong in trying to be what He wants us to do. Before getting married, every couple has to attend Pre-Cana (" Pre-Cana is a course or consultation for couples preparing to be married in a Catholic church. The name is derived from John 2:1–12, the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee, where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine.") seminar. You will learn a lot from that seminar. And I hope it will be the start (if not now) of a more intimate relationship with Jesus. Everything will unfold at the right time. 😇

This is not a guide but I hope somehow you learned a bit from here. I pray you'll find the one for you and you'll enjoy marriage as much as I do. 😍

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Motherhood

What got me few years ago? Motherhood. A beautiful chaos.

Being a mother isn't as easy as what others think might be. Yes, not every girl is blessed and privileged to bear a child but that doesn't end there. Motherhood isn't measured by having a child on her own but the ability to nurture a child or person to that person's maximum potential.

I had my first born 2 years ago - a day before our first wedding anniversary. Had I known I will undergo CS I would have chosen the date of our wedding. Haha

Sure many were excited especially us - first time parents. There were also who condemned us but I didn't care at all. Not sure though if others have experienced it too but one thing's pretty sure, every woman who just gave birth experienced Postpartum Depression. Not an easy stage but with loved ones' support it will go swiftly.

So to all mothers out there especially first time mothers, you'll get through this! You just have to undergo the process to be able to learn. You got the whole world around you especially JESUS. ☺

You are wonderful and you are doing just right! Cheer up Mommas! You got this.

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Welcome Back

It took a while before I decided to post again.
Not to gain more audience
But to express my thoughts
Anything under the sun.


So let me just write,
Swing my imagination
Dance with my music
And cry with laughter.


Stay tuned. 😊

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To The Best Father in The World

"The greatest gift I ever had

Came from God; I call him Dad!"

Life hasn't been the same since you decided to leave us for work to provide us a much better future. We were never prepared but still I promised to be strong and to guide my siblings on your behalf. To be firm in the sea of challenges and winds of storm, to keep warm in the cold lonely nights, to cry your melancholy and sorrow, to shout your joy and express every sentiment you felt was not easy and consoling from afar.

Nonetheless, you kept your faith and still keeping it and desires to continue to become a great father, provider and a better person. You never failed to shower us with all the blessings God has endowed you. No wonder He never ceases to pour you fortune. You are a generous giver and a cheerful receiver.

Today, on your special day, we would like to give you MILLION THANK YOU for everything. We wouldn't be who we are and where we are now if not for you and your prayers. We are so blessed to have a father like you. I know mom felt so blessed to have you in her life and I know she couldn't thank you enough for being a good father and for being with us until now.

Everyday, more and more are touched by your generous heart and your brilliant mind. May you continue to be a blessing and may you try to build a firmer wall as to where you should take your stand in choosing right from not-so-right.  I know you are a man of principle, I can attest to that because I acquired it. I've seen you imposed rules to correct crooked doings. You might not know it and now I tell you that I really admire you for that. You shouldn't wonder where I got my trait, stubborn (in a good way) and firm. 

We love you to the moon and back, dy! ! ♥♥♥

We always pray to God that you are safe and sound there abroad; that He will keep you away from harm and may God always remind you how much He loves you. Now, you shouldn't worry about us here because we are always in excellent condition. God has our back. Thank you so much for everything, dy. You are the best father in the whole wide world. We always look up to you. You should know that. Just continue to pray and stay in God’s side.

♥ Happy, happy birthday Dyyyy ♥ -ate, kuya, chin, bebz, chun

"The greatest gift I ever had

Came from God; I call him Dad!"

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My Nephew: My Little Love

Hi. Whoa! It's been a while. This is my first post since forever. Oh well, it's not the end of the year yet so yeah! I can do this.

This is something I want to share with you. Not my kind of story to tell but I am proud to share my little one. Not my twist but a twist in the life of my younger sister which at first was hard for me to agree to take. 2 years ago, she got pregnant at the age of 18. It's not that I don't want a baby, a new member of the family. Maybe I was just disappointed because for me it was something parents didn't wish to happen at such an age and has not even finished school, yet. Why I care so much about my parents? Because as much as possible I would never want to hurt them or even want to see a tear, a disappointment and a heartache. I knew how hard life was for my parents that all I ever want to do is delight them (even when my mother is not here with us anymore, she's in a better place with God) with all my might. However, my father kept his faith and told me to keep mine too. I have no choice but to hold on and just be there for my father and for my sister as well.

Few months later, the fruit has ripened and is ready to come out. Everybody was thrilled, busy preparing the gadgets to use to capture the first exposure of my nephew, my little love. Upon learning my sister’s safe delivery and seeing a new life has finally came out, a tear fell out of nowhere. I found myself ecstatic that I couldn't even contain it.

Now, my almost 2-year-old nephew is like an alarm clock for me. He daily knocks on my door and cries when I tend to ignore him. Sometimes he would even wait for me to come out. Poor little boy. Never misses chance to get inside the room whenever the door gets opened. Loses his temper when I don't carry him immediately. Gets up easily when I don't accompany him watching his all-time cartoon movies. Nah! This kiddo is tiring me but I don't mind. He probably loves me so much. *conceited tita* Haha

I bet you've been imagining how my nephew looks like. Ayt? Here are few photos of him.

Isn't he adorable? He's my stress reliever. His welfare is my priority while I don't have mine, yet. Life isn't the same without him. I thank the Lord for this enormous blessing, my nephew my little love.

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Why Green Tea?

a cup of Green Tea with slices of Lemon to taste

It's almost quarter to 2 am and yet I'm still wide awake even when my bed seems to drag me. Since I can't sleep yet, I grabbed a cup of green tea hoping I might get tired waiting for the hot water to cool down and finally get myself to bed. As I've nothing to do, I researched and wanted to share also what is Green Tea and its benefits.

Hmmm? Have you ever heard of Green Tea? I bet you did. Anyway, Green tea is made from the leaves from Camellia sinensis that have undergone minimal oxidation during processing. Green tea originates in China but it has become associated with many cultures throughout Asia. Green tea has recently become more widespread in the West, where black tea has been the traditionally consumed tea. Green tea has become the raw material for extracts which are used in various beverages, health foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetic items. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_tea

Green tea has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, originating in China but widely used throughout Asia this beverage has a multitude of uses from lowering blood pressure to preventing cancer. The reason that green tea has more health benefits attached to it than black tea is (apparently) due to the processing. Green tea retains maximum amount of antioxidants and poly-phenols the substances that give green tea its many benefits. Here's a list of some of its benefits.


11 Benefits of Green Tea

1. Weight Loss.

Green tea increases the metabolism. The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories.

2. Diabetes.

Green tea apparently helps regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage.

3. Heart Disease.

Scientists think, green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them stay relaxed and better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against the formation of clots, which are the primary cause of heart attacks.

4. Esophageal Cancer.

It can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, but it is also widely thought to kill cancer cells in general without damaging the healthy tissue around them.

5. Cholesterol.

Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.

6. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

It is said to delay the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies carried out on mice showed that green tea protected brain cells from dying and restored damaged brain cells.

7. Tooth Decay.

Studies suggests that the chemical antioxidant “catechin” in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, dental caries and other dental conditions.

8. Blood Pressure.

Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

9. Depression.

Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and be a great benefit to tea drinkers.

10. Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial.

Tea catechins are strong antibacterial and antiviral agents which make them effective for treating everything from influenza to cancer. In some studies green tea has been shown to inhibit the spread of many diseases.

11. Skincare.

Green tea can apparently also help with wrinkles and the signs of aging, This is because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage.

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-of-green-tea-that-you-didnt-know-about.html


I am trying to make it a habit to drink Green Tea 3 times a day. Maybe not just to consume all of them 'cause I have like 200+ teabags of them. Haha
You can also add some fruits in it like grapefruits or strawberry or whichever you like to add flavor.
I put slices of lemon (picture shown above).

100 teabags per box :)

Green Tea: Maybe my another motivation of getting "that" body and also the health benefits. I hope you might find this helpful as I found this one a "thing".  Start living right. Grab a cup of Green Tea now!

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Antique: It's where I left my heart

Hi there! Yes, you! The one's reading this post and will probably continue reading till I hit my last word for this post. Oh, thank you!

This is my first post for this year. It entails one of the most historical and unforgettable getaway I had. This happened last year. I can say it was one-of-a-kind experience which I waited for nearly 9 years? Yeah! 9 long years in which I didn't even thought it would happen. Why it seemed so magical for me? Why it's so important? Here it goes.

First off, a month before I landed to this very amazing place a bunch of important people came over and asked me to guide them explore and experience Mindanao particularly, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon and Iligan City. These guests are from San Jose, Antique Philippines. Isn't this place familiar to you? Well, this is among the 4 provinces (Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan and Antique) of Panay Island in the West Visayas Region. Too informative huh? LOL. Kidding aside, these people invited me to come and visit their place for the second time around for not so many different reasons I guess. At the back of my mind, it is a great opportunity for me to roam around 'cause I wasn't able to roam that much when I first visited the place, be part of one of the most important events in their lives, be with the youngest to celebrate her birthday and lastly....I'll just keep it to myself! Fair enough? I think so. It's for me to know, for you to find out! Hehe

God and the universe conspire for this much-awaited event. I am just so blessed God never fails me. He knows my heart's desire. November **, 2012 when the eagle has landed in Iloilo International Airport, my 2nd time around. Wooot! ♥ Few hours after, me and my dear seisei went to Aklan to sleepover my dear's friend. It was heartwarming, overwhelming and my everything. It was a good pause to prepare for my moment, to be in Antique again.

No more than 24 hours of stay in Aklan, we head back to Iloilo to fetch a friend and then finally go to Antique. As I was in the van, my heart couldn't stop from beating as it goes faster and faster then suddenly it stops. All I can hear is silence. My tummy's rumbling as if there are a lot inside of it. I couldn't understand or even decide where to place my head to sleep better or just stay awake till we get there. And then after a 2-hour-travel, we arrived at our destination. This is it! Oh no! Oh yes? Haha

I thought I'm gonna experience the moment I've been wanting to happen that same day or should I say that night as we arrived past 6pm. God is so good! He works in ways we never know. He knew I wasn't ready and prepared for that thing. So, the day after is the start of my most unforgettable days ever! Hahaha

Early morning, as I grabbed my phone and looked what time is it for I heard voices from outside and at the same time I panicked for I was still lying there in bed. Wattashame, ayt? So I stood up and fixed the bed. I couldn't believe he's just few meters away and even when I could barely hear his voice, I can still recognize his voice though it's been ages since the last time I heard it. I knew it! This is the day am gonna meet him finally, for the first time. I didn't prepare that much for I wasn't there to meet him in the first place, it ain't righteous also.

Table was set, breakfast is ready and coffee's awaiting to be served and sipped. It's gonna be a hard and tough day huh? Oh well, to be honest I was trying to conceal what I really feel. I didn't know it will gonna go smoothly but it was fine though. All I remember is that I was just being myself. When I sat on the chair and get some food he arrived and suddenly sat on the chair, too. It was very A-W-K-W-A-R-D! Really.

My dearest seisei introduced me to him, of course to be formal and because she just wanna let him meet her friends whom she invited me to come over. In response, I lift my head, looked at him and smiled. The moment I saw him face to face was so awesome, yeah! That was the first time ever. And we continued to eat silently. Breakfast's over, transferred to the living room and had casual and very awkward conversations (Oh! no, not just the two of us). Glad we handled it well. It was the start of something I wanted. One of the reasons I went there is to end things up (on my side) and move over, seriously.

Days have passed, talks and moments accumulate and gestures have different interpretations in which we didn't give a damn (for it is the right thing to do or maybe I'm just the only one who thinks too much), made me to move over/end things on my side harder. I was enjoying every moment there. It was very awesome, the best of the best but decision's final though.

Up to this moment, I am trying to instill in my heart and in my mind that things should end and move over. I missed us or maybe it's just the memories I missed, those moments and dreams we shared and not the person anymore. It ain't easy. Am trying my best to start a new life again knowing I will be whole again (I think) for I am recovering now and picking my heart where I left. It's so hard to give something or share when you know you don't have enough. I hope, with God's help I can have my whole heart again and get it from the place where I left my heart, totally.

Thank you so much for reading my post. I hope to post more, soon.


*these people are private and I would like to keep it that way.

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Pista sa Iligan 2012

September is a much-awaited month for us, Iliganons. Yes! We do celebrate the festival for a month. From September 1 to September 30 each day has its share of making Iliganons and tourists feel welcome and experience the beauty and bounty the city can offer.

I guess this month-long celebration started during Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz term. And I was so overwhelmed with the fiesta activities that laid ahead. Clearly it amuses each and every one in the city. Many would come and drop by the city to witness various activities.

To tell you honestly, though I am a pure Iliganon I have never really witnessed Kasadya Streetdancing Competition every 27th of September. Oh! Poor me. It is because I have to stay at home and help my family prepare for our barangay's fiesta. Yes, every September 27 Scions Subd. homeowners prepare and invite you to join as we celebrate Sr. San Miguel's feast. This is probably people won't be caught in the middle as to celebrate fiesta in Scions or at the city proper (most people who celebrate the City Fiesta are those living in the city proper).

Here are some of the food we prepared during the Sept27-fiesta. yummy! =p~

Oh well! So much for this topic. It was a blast, really. Relatives both from my parents' side came over. It's been ages! Lol. Not to mention we all live in just one city, a small city. Life gets busy. 

I can say, we had our share of giving back glory to God and San Miguel for the blessings for the past years and especially this year. We had so much to thank for. Thank you, Lord!

Let's go back to the main event, Diyandi Festival. "The word Diyandi is not new to folks in Iligan. It was used to refer to the celebration of the patron saint, Saint Michael the Archangel. Diyandi simply means celebrate.Mag-diyandi means, to celebrate. Thus, the word Diyandi gives the perfect trademark to Iligan's extended celebration of traditions and culture. And, the Diyandi Festival was born!"

It is my first time this year since the last time I joined the procession. That was years ago then. I remember my father would carry me on his shoulders with my mom and my younger brother as we joined the crowd during the procession which happens every afternoon of September 29. But this time, the church decided to do it every after the first morning mass, 7am. This is also for the people's safety because pretty sure many will get drunk and would rage which will defeat the purpose of a peaceful procession.

It was goosebumps. After seeing the patron saint was being held outside. It was an extraordinary feeling for me, as a believer. Tears came running and I could not fight my tears from falling. It was the same when Sr. San Miguel was held down or commonly known as "Pagkanaog Ni San Miguel" which happens every September 20, 9 days before the City Fiesta and an indication of Novena for San Miguel which happened to be my mother's death anniversary also.

Facade of Iligan Cathedral

Now, it gives me a strong conviction I have to attend Pagkanaog ni San Miguel every year as I also pray for my mother's peaceful and eternal life as she lives in heaven now with San Miguel together with all the saints and angels in heaven. I will definitely do this for as long as I am here in Iligan.

Really, this is one amazing experience you should also experience.
Come and visit Iligan!

Feel the warmth of the Iliganons, see it in your eyes the majestic Ma. Cristina Falls, green scenery that devours you upon entering the vicinity of Tinago Falls and other brilliant and amazing stories only in Iligan and taste the mouth-watering dishes we offer. They say Iligan's lechon is among the best lechon in the country. Feel free to visit Iligan, not just on City Fiesta. Everyday we welcome you!

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