Backtrack : Marso Abril Mayo

Muntik na naman ako tamadin magpost sa nag-iisa kong journal. Ilang buwan din ang kelangang balikan para ma-update to. Yan kasi eh masyado naging abala sa kung anu-ano, nakalimutan tuloy magpost sa blog. 

Patalasin muli ang memorya. Isaimortal at itala ang kasaysayan. Heto na. 

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Marso:

Isa sa mga highlight sa buwan na ito ay ang himalang (oo, himala) bakasyon na mahigit sa isang linggo. Mula nang magsimula akong maghanapbuhay ay ngayon ko lang naranasan ang ganito kahabang leave. Salamat sa mga natira ko pang leave credits last year, may magagamit ako ngayon para mag-enjoy. 

Unang gala: UAAP Women's Volleyball Finals. 

Dalawang taon na din mula ng huli akong makapanood nito. This time, kasama ko ang ilang sa mga kapatid ko sa SFC. Ako lang ata ang Green, lahat sila Blue :D. Never shall we fail: ayos na ang fellowship namin, panalo pa La Salle. See you next season na lang. 

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Nagsimula na kami ng leafletting para sa susunod na CLP ng SFC Napico 2 Chapter. Unang pagkakataon ko na magserve. Ipinapanalangin ko na madami kaming maanyayahang dumalo at makasama namin sa paglilingkod sa Kanya.

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Next stop: Date with Shin & Kay. ShinKayCoy Version _.0. 

Tawanan, hagalpakan, kantahan, lokohan. Eto ang palagi naming trip. At san pa ba kami pupunta? Eh di sa bago naman, sa Trinoma ulit XD . Pampawi ng pagod at pampapagod ng labi sa kakangiti pag kasama ko ang dalawa sa mga pinakamalapit kong kaibigan mula sa Uzzap. At marami pa kaming balak. Next time magrerecord uli kami ng video. Isip na kayo ng pwedeng kantahin. :DDD

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At dahil bakasyon ko at magsisimula na ang summer, kelangan munang magpalamig. Baguio for the first time. :D

24 anyos na ko, pero ni minsan di pa ako nakatuntong sa Baguio. Ayaw ko namang matawag na turista sa sariling bayan, kaya ginagawa ko ng layunin ang makapunta sa mga tourist spot sa bansa. Unti-unti lang muna, ngayon ko lang lubos na maeenjoy ang kalayaan ko. 

Ang balak ko talaga nung una ay magsosolo trip. Gusto ko ulit maranasan na maligaw sa malayong lugar. Adventure para sa akin iyon, at dahil kay Monkey D. Luffy, mas nananabik ako kapag may naaamoy akong pakikipagsapalaran. Last minute, sumabit si Jeff, isa sa mga pinakakapinagkakatiwalaan ko sa SFC community. Makakatipid din ako pag may kasama at may makakausap, kaya diretso na. Martes ng hapon, ikalawang linggo ng Marso nang magsimula ang byahe namin. Lumapag kami sa Baguio mga bandang 10 na ng gabi. Heto na ang lamig! Triple ang lamig dito kumpara sa hometown ko. Isang malalim na langhap sa hangin ng Baguio at dama ko na ang simula ng pakikipagsapalaran. 

Tumuloy na kami sa transient house na narentahan namin. Dahil gutom na, napagpasyahan namin kumain muna bago matulog. Di masyadong maganda ang lasa ng natapat na pagkain sa amin, pero pwede ng pagtyagaan. Balik sa kwarto, tulog, at gising sa sobrang lamig na umaga. 

Swerte talaga kami, dahil sa transient house na tinuluyan namin ay nakausap at naging kaibigan namin sina Ate Flor, Mara, at Clara este Roseann. Kasama nila si Baby Hershey at ang kanyang Mama (sorry po nakalimutan ko name nyo). May inoffer samin ang tagapamahala ng transient house na tour sa Baguio. Magbabayad lang kami ng tig-500 at malilibot na namin ang mga tourist spot na walang kapagod-pagod sapagkat may sariling sasakyan. Ayos na yun, medyo nabawasan ang adventure pero sulit na din. 

Kwentuhan, biruan at tawanan lang kami habang bumabyahe at iniikot ang Baguio. Napakabait ng mga bagong kaibigan namin. Salamat Lord God sapagkat itinaon mo na makasama namin sila kahit ilang araw lang. Bell Church, Strawberry Farm, Tam-awan Village, Lourdes Grotto, Lion's Head, PMA, Camp John Hay, Butterfly Sanctuary (sa labas lang, sarado kasi), Botanical Garden (sa labas din lang, nirerenovate), The Mansion, Mines View, at Burnham Park. Isang araw lang at solve na ang Baguio trip.

Naudlot ang three-day stay sana namin sa Baguio. Ayos lang, sapagkat naimibitahan naman kami nina Ate Flor na sumama sa kanila sa Pangasinan. Sulitin na ang bakasyon! Namili lang muna kami ng mga souvenir, at sibat na sa Alaminos. Mula sa talampas, diresto kami sa mga isla. Hundred Islands daytrip naman. Salamat sa masayang bakasyon. Kelangan na uli mag-ipon ng leave credits para sa sunod na gala. :D

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Marso din nang maitalaga ang bagong Santo Papa, si Pope Francis. Habemus Papam!

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Holy Week sa huling Linggo ng Marso. As usual, wala kaming holiday sa trabaho, kaya weekend na ng makauwi ako. Pagkakataon ko na maitreat ang pamilya ko. Tinapos namin ang Marso sa isang family outing sa El Madero. 

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Abril

Punong-puno ang schedule ko ngayong Abril. Chapter teaching and Fellowship, CLP, Sarah G. :), Sugarfree, first time meet-ups with long-time friends, foodtrip, at ilang beses na birthday celebrations. 

Ilang beses din ako nalate ng pasok sa trabaho dahil sa mga chapter teaching/fellowship. Mas malinaw na sakin ang mga priority ko, kaya sabi ko nga, di bale ng late sa work, masaya naman :))). Kaya ko pa din naman ibalance ang trabaho ko at ang pagiging myembro ng SFC. Habang nandito ako sa community, alam ko magpapatuloy ang magagandang nangyayari sa akin. Bagaman madami pa din akong haharapin na mga pagsubok, malalampasan ko ito sa tulong Niya at ng aking mga kapatid. 

Simula na din ng CLP namin. Kung dati isa ako sa mga umuupo upang makinig sa harapan, sa pagkakataong ito nasa likod naman ako at nag-aasikaso ng mga papel. Salamat at ipinakatiwala sa akin ang isa sa mga tungkuling makapaglingkod sa pagkakataong ito. Nawa'y maging matagumpay ang CLP namin at madami kaming mapagraduate. All these are for you, Lord God :)

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Hinding-hindi ko palalampasin ang ikatlo at huling (sana may part 4 :D) bahagi ng kwento nina Miggy at Laida. Tatlong beses ko din to napanood. Yung una kasama si Neng ko mula sa Uzzap; yung pangalawa kasama ang anak ko sa Uzzap sa unang beses naming pagkikita :); at pangatlo kasama naman ang Inay :).  Di ako ganun kaadik kay Sarah. (Trivia: Habang isinusulat ko ito, kasalukuyan kong idinodownload ang movie. Makakailang beses ko pa ito panonoorin :D) 

 It just takes a star to get up so high :)

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Parang kailan lang, 24 lang ako. Ngayon 25 na. Punong-puno ako ng galak sa dami ng mga bumati at sa makailang beses na selebrasyon ng aking pagtanda. Mula sa Ketchup Inscription at mini Kid's Party sa Mcdo kasama ang aking SFC Family, sa photo collage at cake mula sa aking mga teammates sa trabaho at iba pang kasamahan, hanggang sa pagdiriwang nito kasama ang aking pamilya: lahat nang ito lubos akong napasaya. Di ko ramdam na tumanda ako. It's been a while since I had this kind of celebration. Thank you Lord God :)

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Punuin ng musika ang paligid. Muli, kumpleto ang ShinKayCoy sa pagdiriwang ng musika ng Sugarfree, ang paborito naming banda. Ikalawang theatrical play na napanood ko at mananatili sa aking pandinig ang musika nila. Sa Wakas! Isang kwento ng pagwawakas ng isang pag-ibig at pagsisimula ng panibago. Bukod sa nakisabay ako sa mga awitin ng pinakaastig na banda, naka-relate din ako sa daloy ng kwento. Nakakaluha ang tagpo ng hiwalayan. May naalala ako na di na dapat alalahanin :-/. Sana, katulad ng kwentong iyon, matapos ang isang pagwawakas, makahanap naman ako ng bagong simula. 

Natagpuan ko na ang tunay kong ligaya. Lumabas ako ng Kwarto't naroon sya. 

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April is Uzzap friend's month meet-ups for me. Unang linggo, kasama ko si Neng na manood ng It Takes a Man and a Woman. Ikalawang linggo, ang Shinkaycoy sa Sa Wakas. Ikatlong linggo, ang aking anak-anakan, para sa It Takes 2.0 at foodtrip sa Mega. Habol din ang mga Adikkk at Baliwww na kaibigan mula unang room ko sa Uzzap, ang S11. Syempre, foodtrip din. Busog na busog ako sa tawa kasama sila. :D

Sunod!

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Mayo

Okay, nakahabol na ako ng 1 post per month. Dapat 3 post na 'to eh, para lang masabi na may naitatala ako dito kada buwan. Ayos na 'to. Maingay na ako masyado. Pero di bale, at least may babalikan ako pagtanda ko, mababasa at magpapaalala ng mga nangyari sa mga nagdaang panahon. 

May One. National Holiday. Para sa mga fans ng One Piece sa Pilipinas :D

Sa unang pagkakataon, ipinalabas sa pinilakang tabing ang One Piece. Matiyaga kong hinintay ang petsang ito at di nanood sa internet kahit pwede naman. Iba pa din syempre kapag sa big screen ito panonoodin di ba. At di ako nagkamali sa pag-aabang dito. Kasama ang isang matalik na kaibigan, sinugod namin ang Mega para maging mga pirata.

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Unang weekend ng Mayo. Unang gala kasama ang mga katrabaho papuntang Tagaytay. Mukhang mapaninindigan ko na ang pangakong every month may out-of-town trip. Halos biglaang lakad din to, originally Anawangin sana ang destination. Sulit na din, nakapagpalamig naman kami mula sa stressful na trabaho at nakakain at nakapagrefresh sa Tagaytay. Gusto ko sana magretreat, ayaw lang ng mga kasama ko. Babalikan ko na lang muli ang pinangakuan ko doon. At ipapakita ko sa kanila ang resulta ng soul-searching na sinimulan ko noong kabilang taon. 

Memorable ang kain sa Leslies. Bukod sa nakakain ako ng solid sa pagkakataong ito (unang beses nag milk shake lang ako, solo lang kasi), kinantahan pa kami ni Ate ng You Changed my Life. Nahulaan ata na Sarah fan ako kaya sakto, ayun lagas ang Manuel Roxas. :D Matapos kumain, kape naman sa Starbucks. Konting lakad, at diretso na sa Pink Sisters. Pagkakataon na manalangin :) First time ko din doon, at naenjoy ko naman ang paligid. Ang sarap pakinggan ng katahimikan, sabagay tahimik din naman akong tao (dito lang ako maingay :P). Ilang saglit pa at dumiretso na kami sa Picnic Grove at doon nagpaabot ng dilim. Sana lang pwedeng iuwi ang humahampas na hangin sa aming mga mukha. Nakakatanggal ng pagod ang hangin. Ang sarap sana matulog doon. Ginawa lang naming viewing deck ang isa sa mga cottages dun, at kinalaunan ay umuwi na din sa aming mga tahanan. Ayusin na ang susunod na gala, next time kainan naman. 

At speaking of kainan, napapadalas na ang pig-out ko kasama ang mga katrabaho. Sira ang pinaghirapan kong diet nito. Ubos na yung iniinom ko. Bahala na. Less rice na lang :D. 

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Ikalawang linggo ng Mayo. Ikalawang Lunes. Halalan na naman. 

Kelangan ata may sariling post para sa topic na 'to. Pero pipigilan ko muna ang aking sarili. Madami akong gustong ilabas na saloobin sa nagdaang halalan. Batikos, hiling, at kung anu-ano pa. Karapatan ko ito bilang isang mamamayan ng bansa. Sa ngayon, magmamasid na lang muna ako. Hindi muna ako maghuhusga, kahit sa isip at salita ko ay may ilan na akong napuna. Hihintayin ko na lang ang status report mula sa mga bagong halal na pulitiko. At tingnan na lang natin kung ano ang aking magiging susunod na aksyon. Hindi pa din ako nawawalan ng pag-asa para sa bayan na 'to. May maitutulong pa ako, kahit man lang sa pamamagitan ng aking panulat. Mabigyan pa sana ako ng pagkakataong makalahok sa pamamagitan ng iba pang gawaing sosyal. 

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Isang di magandang balita ang aking natanggap. Pumanaw na ang aming Kakang Eboy. Siya ang panganay sa mga kapatid na namayapa ko na ding Tatay. Isa sya sa mga palaging kumukumusta sa akin sa tuwing umuuwi ako sa Lipa. Mula bata pa ako, ilang beses na din nya akong natapalan upang magamot ang sari-sari kong karamdaman. Madami syang naitulong sa buong angkan, lalo't higit sa mga taong lumapit sa kanya upang magpagamot. Sa dami ng kanyang natulungan, alam kong mapayapa at masaya siyang tatanggapin sa kaharian ng Diyos sa langit. Sana po ay patuloy niyo pa din gabayan ang mga nagmamahal sa inyo lalo sa inyong pamilya. Salamat po sa lahat ng naitulong ninyo sa amin. Hanggang sa muli, Kakang Eboy. Alam namin na masaya na kayo ngayon at mapayapa kasama ang Tatay, Mamay at Nanay dyan sa piling ng Maylikha. 

Sa muling paglipad ng mga puting lobo, unti-unting papawiin nito ang mga bakas ng luha mula sa inyong mga naiwan. 

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Patuloy pa din ang mga activities namin sa SFC. Masaya ako at madami pa din ang dumadalo sa lingguhan naming CLP. Magpatuloy pa sana ito hanggang sa Talk 12, at maging mga aktibong miyembro din sana sila sa community. Ang sarap ng pakiramdam na nakakapaglingkod sa Diyos at sa kapwa. Nawa'y patuloy na mag-alab ang aming mga puso sa paglilingkod sa Inyo. 

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Patapos na ang Mayo. Nakabawi na ako sa'yo, Baliwantunaan. Madami pa akong mararating. Madami pa akong maisusulat. 

Ihahanda ko na ang aking pluma at papel para sa susunod na kabanata. 

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"Do whatever He Tells you" : Our ICON Experience

We just had another one of those life-changing experiences as members of the Singles for Christ Community. This is something we'll surely remember for the rest of our lives. We're happy and thankful to say "I was there to witness!"

Our chapter took part on the recent 20th SFC international Conference (ICON). We were part of some 8000 disciples all over the world experiencing Christ gathered to celebrate our praise and worship for Him. The event took place at the World Trade Center, Pasay City on the weekend after Valentines, 15th-17th of February. Here are some notes on our date with God.
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Day 1, 15th Feb

Friday evening marks the start of the biggest ICON in Metro Manila. Our chapter prepared for this as early as 2pm, considering the travel time and assembly of all members. We arrived at the venue by around 6pm, just in time to catch the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. With thousands of delegates around, one will really feel the closeness of God to all of us. We are all there to Obey and Witness. As a first timer, I am really thankful for the heartfelt acceptance and fellowship I experienced even just on the first day of the conference. There's more to come, and I can't wait to share the lessons I will learn from them.

After the mass comes the Opening Ceremonies: a praisefest with some words to reflect on in between the praise and worship songs. It is just so contagious a feeling to see all those hands clapping and raising their hands to praise and worship the Lord our God. With closed eyes, tears, shouts and silent prayers all around, this really is the happiest place to be in.

The theme of this year's ICON is "Obey and Witness". So the first session started shortly after the opening ceremonies. Before we can witness, there should be an INVITATION : the topic of the first session. Bro. Jeremy was the talk giver, and he started with a mention of the 6 W's to summarize this entire ICON :

Wedding - Wedding at Cana, the first miracle performed by the Lord Jesus Christ
Water and Wine - The objects of miracle
Woman - Mama Mary, the source of the lines which served as the theme
Word became flesh - Jesus Christ, our Saviour
Worker - the followers, the Witnesses on how the water was turned into wine

We are all present in this celebration because we were first invited. We became members of SFC because we were first invited.

"Everyone's invited to join in a joyful celebration and be with Him."

"Heaven is our Ultimate Destination. Let us seek for an Eternal Union with God."

We should be in union with God for we are One Body and Many Parts. "For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts on one another (Romans 12:4-5)" This union was also mentioned back in the book of Genesis, the story of Creation of Man whom God created in his image and likeness, the same way on the union of Jesus and the Church.

Our response to the invitation is clear: YES, I DO!

I am one of those who want to thank SFC for bringing God to my life.

This caps off Day 1 of the ICON. We took a quick rest and prepared for Day 2.

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Day 2, 16th February

Our destination for today is the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila, wherein the daytime activities/workshop of the ICON was scheduled. We had a couple of opening worship songs to start the day it was followed by the first workshop conducted by Bishop Teodoro Bacani. The title of the workshop is OBEY. On the duration of the workshop, hand-outs containing the Nicene Creed were distributed to the delegates. Bishop Bacani started with the definition of creed as a symbol and a profession of faith. He stated three ways on how why we obey. First: through our senses; second, through reasoning; and third yet most important, through believing.

"Your word is greater than our senses."
"Your word is greater than our reasoning."
To obey is to have faith in our heads, hearts and hands. Faith, Trust, and Obedience

Bishop Bacani also stated that Philippines is one of the most religious countries in the world. Unfortunately, this also is one of the places with widespread corruption. Why the irony? According to him, the reason behind this is our religion was displayed through celebrations, instead of fulfilment.

We then had our activity: the Nicene Creed was divided into seven parts, and we are to write ways on how we will live each part on the papers given to us.

The first part is about the belief in the God Almighty. Nothing is impossible with God. Not even the scientific theories of how the world was created can explain everything.

The second part revolves on Jesus Christ, and how He came on earth. He is the "Word that became flesh, and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only son, full of grace and truth "(Jn 1:14).

The third part also discusses on how through the Holy Spirit, he became man. This happened with the Virgin Mary's acceptance to the invitation, and the Word became flesh.

The fourth part tells about the sacrifice Jesus made for our salvation: how He died and was raised again. Jesus has risen and He is still with us.

The fifth part is on the Holy Spirit. It makes us alive.

The sixth speaks of the Holy Catholic and apostolic church. We are the Church, and Christ is our head.

The last part of the creed: the forgiveness of our sins and the promise of resurrection and the world to come. "God is greater than our hearts. "

We had our lunch and a fun activity before the second workshop. This time, Mr. Edwin Lopez was the presenter. It was one of the liveliest workshops for Sir Edwin had his great share of icebreakers from time to time. His talk is entitled "WITNESS", the other half of the theme. He started by telling his love story.

"Even tragedy is grace."

"Panindigan mo ang buhay; Paninindigan ka ng Diyos."

These words struck me. I suddenly had to look back. I closed my eyes, and said a short prayer.

He proceeded with the elements of being a witness. Eight items used in a short narrative:
Rock, Key, Sheep, Alarm Clock, Dove, Buffet Table, Pillar, and Cross.
Rock - Peter, the First Pope
Key - Golden Key to Heaven ( Mt 16:19)
Sheep - How we should follow Him (Jn 21:5-17)
Alarm Clock - He will be with us always (Mt 28:20)
Dove - The Holy Spirit (Jn 14:16)
Buffet Table - the Disciples (Mt 28:18-20)
Pillar - The Foundation of Truth (1 Tim 3:15)
Cross - The sacrifice, how we should carry our cross (Lk 14:27)

Sir Edwin also talked about kindness. It should consist of an Act, Motive and Circumstance. All things should be positive, because if not, everything will be wrong.
Some points on Love:

"Love without pain is sentimentality."
Before we love, we should be ready to get hurt. Love even if it hurts.
"He who cannot sacrifice cannot love."
"Perfect love demands perfect sacrifice."
"The language of the Cross is the language of Love."
All these, Jesus Christ have willingly done for our salvation.
"Suffering is a positive element in life."
"Where the cross is, Christ is."
To be witnesses, we must deny ourselves, carry our cross, and follow Him (Lk 9:23)
Love is not just a feeling. We are not the chemicals in our bodies. We should not love or be an "Angus Cow", someone that is so soft and incapable of loving.

Here's to the workshops. We're back at the World Trade Center for two more sessions and the celebration of the Eucharist.
Bro. Rob Escano is the main speaker for Session Two: EMPTY. "We were not born empty" is the starting line of his talk. On the latter part of the session the following were provided:

Emptiness is not a punishment.
Emptiness is a longing for love.
Emptiness is a longing for God.
Emptiness is an opportunity to choose again.
To break out emptiness, the key is LOVE.
L - Longing for God consciously and consistently.
O - Obedience
V - Virtue of humility
E - Enlighten our hearts and minds

Three sharers from other SFC Chapters were also called to tell us their stories.

First is Sis Nat from Australia. Her sharing is all about the abundance of material things, yet she's missing something. Material things, riches, success and others are not bad. They are just not good enough. God completed the emptiness she felt back then.

Second is Bro. Brian from Cebu. His is a story of Service challenged with lust. He has been inactive in SFC for two years and experienced hindrances brought about by the worldly desires. Through prayers, he was able to defeat the temptation and returned to active service in the community.

Third is Sis Rhina of SFC Meralco. Her story was of a dark past but was cleared with the acceptance of her fellow SFC members.

God invited is with LOVE. Our response should be I LOVE YOU TOO.

Session Three immediately followed. This time, it is all about TRANSFORMATION. Bro. Melo is the presenter for this one. Again, the story of the Wedding at Cana was referenced. This is how Jesus transformed the water into wine. Mary told the workers to "Do whatever He tells you", and they filled the jars with water to the brim as instructed by Jesus. To transform our lives, we must accept Jesus and obey Him. He alone can fill our jars. The people around us help in this transformation.

Another batch of sharers was called. First was Bro. Joejerry, and his tale was probably one that could be told to the next generations. It was a story of total transformation, from a life filled with worries, darkness, and dangers to a life centered around God. Not too far from the same scenario was Bro. Ronnie's experience. Both of them have horrible pasts but overcame it and looked onward to a bright present and future by turning to Jesus Christ. It is about accepting Him and surrendering themselves to Him.

The crowd was silent and in a prayerful mood while listening to their stories. Everyone has to reflect, and ask ourselves the same questions they have experienced. We came up with the same answer. The answer is Him.

Wrapping up Day 2 was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. It was my first time to hear a mass celebrated by our Cardinal, and it is such a joy to listen to his homily. It was also one of the most insightful celebrations I have attended. He shared a reflection on the Wedding of Cana, his past experience other words of wisdom to the delegates.

Thank you Lord God for all the blessings!

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Day 3, 17th February

Another celebration of the Holy Eucharist started the final day of ICON. Breakfast and the opening worship followed to fire up our spirits for the last session. Bro. Shok Arriola was the facilitator of the final session : WITNESS.

Again, three things are required to be a Witness of God:

Invitation
Response
Effect

How did God invited you? What is your response? What is the effect of that response?

Bro. Rod had shared his story of being a witness. He was once challenged: in his family, service and lovelife. He fought back by being a witness, by saying YES to the invitation.

"Every YES is challenging, but the Lord will bless us a 100 times more."

The next sharer is Sis. Jen. She is a kasambahay who voluntarily joined the community. Her story proved that statuses does not matter in the SFC community. We are all equal in the eyes of God.

The third is Sis. Ivy. Her family lost her Dad and brother through different circumstances. Despite these, she is still fighting the good fight with the Lord.

Sis Candy is the last sharer for this ICON. She was once an accident victim. She experienced the misfortune while carrying out her service to the community. Not even that accident can prevent her from fulfilling her commitment to the community.

To end the session, Bro. Shok asked us to be a witness and to respond by saying : I AM!

Are you a WITNESS?

I AM!

I - In union with God.
A - Agent of Change
M - Make Mary's Choice.


We had another blast of praise and worship songs to conclude the ICON. Singing to our hearts content, raising our hands, asking for the Holy Spirit to come to us, praying in the silence of our hearts: This is Life with God.

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I wish to thank my fellow brothers and sisters from the SFC Napico 2 Chapter for this wonderful experience. It wouldn't have been such an experience if not for your company. Together, let us heed Mama Mary's call to "Do whatever He tells you."

For all these, May God be Praised.

See you on the next ICON at CDO. :)

Enero, Pebrero... Lubi - Lubi

February na pala. Ambilis lumipas ng unang buwan ng taon. Isa na namang pagbabalik tanaw ang aking naiisip sa tuwing darating ang buwan na ito. Dahil sentimental akong tao (half senti, half mental :P), hayaan nyong lumingon ako sa nakaraan.

Now Playing: Handog (Sarah G. Version)

Parang kailan lang ang mga pangarap ko'y kay hirap abutin...

February 2, 2009. Apat na taon na din pala ang nakalipas mula nang magsimula akong magtrabaho sa Kamaynilaan. Apat na taon na din pala akong nagsasarili, nagpupumilit tumayo sa sariling paa at nabubuhay na halos mag-isa. Andami na din palang nangyari. Nagsimula ako bilang isang promding napadpad sa Paranaque. Doon ko naranasan ang kumain ng dalawang beses lang sa isang araw. Palaging half pa yung serving ng gulay (oo, gulay, sapagkat kinailangan kong magtipid bago matikman ang unang sweldo), makisama sa mga roommate ko sa maliit na kwarto, maglaba ng sariling mga damit, at syempre, malayo sa pamilya nang matagal. Desisyon ko naman na dito maghanap ng ikabubuhay. Sabi ko nga, mas madami kasing opportunity sa kabihasnan. Mas madali akong kikita kumpara sa probinsya. Bagaman hindi na din naman masyadong nalalayo ang minimum wage sa amin dito sa Maynila, pinili ko pa din dito sapagkat mas mapapatibay ko pa ang sarili ko sa mga susunod na hamon ng buhay na mag-isa kong haharapin. Isa lamang ako sa milyong taga probinsyang lumuluwas dito para maghanapbuhay. Mas maliwanag kasi dito. Pero mas maingay, mas magulo, mas madaming tao. Sabayan na lang ika nga. Naiimagine ko pa noon ang sarili ko na parang isa sa mga tauhan ng "Mabangis na Lungsod". Sana naman hindi ganoon ang mangyari sakin pagtuntong ko sa maliwanag at maingay na lungsod.

Ilang beses din akong lumipat ng tirahan habang nagtatrabaho sa Paranaque. Mula sa 9th St., napadpad sa Marikina, at bumalik sa Paranaque malapit sa kumpanya, lumipat sa kapitbahay kung saan nabiktima ng Bagyong Ondoy ang aking sapatos at kalahati ng kwarto, hanggang mapadpad sa 5th St., ang huling silid ko doon. Mahigit dalawang taon din akong nagpalaboy laboy sa Paranaque. Nasanay na akong tumayo sa sariling paa. Ilang unos na din ang hinarap ko nang mag-isa. Hanggang sa dumating ang isang bagong oportunidad upang maging masaya at umunlad.


Pebrero 2010. Sumubok akong muling dugtungan ang naudlot kong pangarap. Nagtake ng entrance exam sa isang kilalang paaralan sa Maynila. Nalito, nagulumihanan, naglakas-loob, para lamang makahakbang ng kahit isang baitang patungo sa abogasya. Naging matagumpay naman ang unang hakbang ko, salamat sa mga kaibigang nagpahiram ng memory aides at sa memo plus na nagpatalas umano muli ng aking alaala. Di kalaunan, naging mabato ang tinahak kong landas. Siguro naging malabo lang ang aking paningin, at hindi na kinaya ng reading glasses ko ang ulop na nakapaligid sakin. Hanggang sa tumigil ang mga hakbang. Ikinahong muli ang mga babasahin at sulatin, at nangako sa sariling maglalakad na lang muli kapag kumpleto na ako sa kagamitan --- at lakas ng loob.


Pebrero 2011. Dalawang taon na ang nakalipas. Di ko napansin, angbilis talaga ng buhay. Saktong dalawang taon na mula nang una kong makita ang unang naging kahati sa ligaya, lungkot, lambing at luha. Mahigit isang taon ko din syang nakasama. Umabot naman kami sa Pebrero 2012 kung saan naranasan ko pa din ang tamis ng lumalamlam nang pag-ibig. Naging masaya ako bagaman nagwakas na ang yugtong iyon ng aking buhay. At ngayong Pebrero 2013, ngingitian ko na lang ang isang magandang alaala, walang pait o hinanakit, at aasang muling makakahanap ng panibagong magbibigay-buhay sakin.


Pebrero 2011 din ng magbukas ang isang pintuan sakin. Kasalukuyan pa din akong nasa loob ng tahanang sa kabila ng pintuang iyon. Halos dalawang taon na din ako dito. Nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord God sapagkat patuloy ang mga pagpapalang ipinagkakaloob niya sa akin sa tahanang ito, bagaman hindi ako karapat-dapat. Para sa lahat ng biyaya, salamat, Panginoon, Salamat.


Pebrero 2013. Nalalapit na ang isa sa mga kaganapang inaabangan ko. Ang lahat ng karanasan ko sa nagdaang apat na taon : tagumpay, kabiguan, pag-ibig, pagkasawi, pagbangong muli, panunumbalik- ngayo'y aking ipagdiriwang kasama ang bagong pamilyang nagpapasaya sa akin ngayon.


Sa uulitin. Hanggang sa susunod na Pebrero na maitatala ko.

A Celebration of Love: Jeff and Mimi

January 12, 2013 - This marks the start of a lifetime celebration of love; the day they've been waiting for since the first moment they found each other and felt a mutual connection. It has finally arrived - the best day of their lives since falling in love: the formal exchange of vows, and the promise of a lifetime commitment. 

They were highschool classmates. They haven't had a chat back in those years though. Their story had to wait a couple of years later, when they had another chance to fully know each other, and eventually seeing a spark in every conversation they had. 

Like every valiant warrior, he declared his love for her, fought through all the adversities, and emerged triumphant in the end. From this day onwards, he will be her stronghold and lifetime partner. 

She had found the person she's been dreaming of: "someone whom she can wholeheartedly accept; introduce to her family and peers, walk side by side not being ashamed of; whose laughter would be the music that plays in all their conversations; who will bathe in sunlight and heat in the rain with her; who can make her laugh without trying real hard; who even with her imperfections would love her; who wouldn't get tired of her; who can make her appreciate life; who will journey with her in understanding the enigma of this universe; and above anything else, someone who's just for her." All this, she found in him. 

Parted by seas, they had to endure not seeing one another for some time. Nothing can beat a love so strong; distance and time zones doesn't matter for them, for what they have is a God-given gift of love. 

This is just the start of another chapter in your story. Stay in love with each other. You both have great support groups in your families, friends and loved ones. And more than anything else, put God in the center of your relationship. 

Never give up on your love, even if the skies get rough. 
Put your arms around each other and you're home. 
Grow old in each other's company 
Where the skies are blue, you'll see each other again. 
Thank God you found each other. 

Congratulations and Best Wishes, Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Belo!

Balik-Tanaw sa Dos Mil Dose

Isang taon na naman ang muling lilipas. Madaming naganap; madaming kwento ang nagsimula at nagwakas. Kasabay ng pamamaalam sa isang taon ang pagsalubong sa isang bagong simula.

Naging laman ng mga balita sa nagdaang taon ang ilang kontrobersiyang nakalimbag na sa kasaysayan ng bansa. Sinong makakalimot sa kauna-unahang Impeachment Trial na natapos ng Kongreso? Napatalsik ang isa sa mga pinakamataas na opisyal ng pamahalaan matapos ang ilang buwan ng pagbubuno ng prosekusyon at depensa na nasubaybayan ng taumbayan. Naging interesante ang mga pangyayari at ang proseso partikular na sa mga nasa sangay ng pamahalaan: ehekutibo, lehislatibo at hudikatura .

Bago matapos ang taon, naisabatas ang isa sa mga pinakakontrobersyal na panukala, ang RH Bill. Nasubok ang paniniwala ng mga Pilipino, ang katayuan ng relihiyon, at ang tunggalian ng Simbahan at pamahalaan sa isang panukalang batas na tumatalakay sa buhay. Gumawa din ng ingay ang Sin Tax Bill at Anti-Cybercrime Law. Bagaman hindi pa naipatutupad, asahang hindi pa tapos ang proseso sa mga ito.

Ilang trahedya din ang naganap sa taon. Hinagupit ang katimugang bahagi ng bansa ng Bagyong Pablo. Sa kasamaang-palad, madaming buhay ang binawi sa panahong malapit na ang kapaskuhan. Matindi din ang naging hagupit ng habagat na tumama sa napakadaming lugar, partikular na sa Hilaga at Timog Katagalugan at Maynila. Isa na lang siguro sa mga dapat ipagpasalamat ay hindi naging kasing-tindi ng Bagyong Ondoy ang pinsala at mga biktima nito. Napaghandaan ang pagdating ng sama ng panahon, salamat sa mga aral ng nagdaang kalamidad. Namayani ang espirito ng bayanihan sa panahon ng kagipitan: isa sa mga magagandang ugaling dapat lamang na pagyabungin ng mga tao.

Nagluksa ang buong bayan sa pagpanaw ni Mang Dolphy. Isang haligi ng industriya at kulturang Pilipino ang namaalam. Walang hindi nakakakilala kay Pidol, sapagkat minsan ay naguhitan nya ng ngiti ang ating mga labi.

Isa din sa mga namaalam si Jesse Robredo, kalihim ng DILG. Isa sya sa ilang mabubuting pinunong natitira sa gobyerno. Nawa'y tularan ng mga kasalukuyang nasa pwesto at ng iba pang nag-aasam ng posisyon ang tulad ni Jesse.




Naging ganap na ikalawang Pilipinong Santo si Pedro Calungsod. Nagdiwang ang buong bansa nang dahil dito.


Dalawang beses na natalo ang pambansang kamao. Nagapi man, malugod nyang tinanggap ang nangyari. Sana'y maging ganto din ang ugali ng lahat pagdating sa mga kompetisyon at eleksyon. Bagaman may kabiguan, ipinagdiwang naman ng bansa ang patuloy na pag-angat ng Filipino Flash.
Nagchampion din ang National Basketball Team sa nagdaang Jones Cup, ang torneyong huli nating napanalunan noong panahon pa nina Johnny A at Alvin Patrimonio. Bukod sa kanila, may ilan pang mga Pilipino (o may dugong Pilipino) na nakilala sa buong mundo dahil sa husay sa iba't ibang larangan. Muntik na naming maiuwi ng bansa ang Miss Universe. Muntik na din manalo si Jessica Sanchez sa American Idol. Bigo mang makasungkit ng medalya sa nagdaang olimpyada, patuloy pa din ang pagpapakita ng mga Pilipino na kaya nating makipagsabayan sa mundo.
===
Hayaan nyo naming ibahagi ko ang ilan sa mga pangyayaring humugis sakin ngayon taon.

Sinimulan ko ang 2012 ng may ngiti. Nagdiwang ako ng New Year at Valentines na may nakakausap ng malapit sa puso bukod sa pamilya at mga kaibigan. Nagcelebrate ng anniversary at iba pang munting tagumpay at alaala kasama ang tinawag kong mahal. Bagaman magkahalong saya at at lungkot ang nanaig samin sa unang apat na buwan ng taon, mas nangibabaw sakin ang kagalakan sapagkat may isang taong tumumbas sa pagpapahalagang ipinakita ko.

At tulad ng ibang kwento, nagwakas din ang samin. Siguro nga hindi talaga 'to para sa akin ngayon. Ang ilang sumunod na linggo ay naging mahirap. Nasanay muli ako sa pag-iisa at katahimikan. Madami akong natutunan sa mahigit isang taong pagsasama namin. Higit akong natuto sa pagwawakas nito.

Sa gitna ng kalungkutan, may dalawang bagay na muling bumuhay sakin. Una, ang isang bituing nagdulot ng liwanag. Bagaman sa kaunting panahon lang, muling nagliwanag ang paningin ko. Taglay nya ang lahat ng mga katangian na pinapangarap ko. Galing nga siguro sya sa isang panaginip. Simula ng masilayan ko sya, mas sumigla ako sa trabaho. Nagmistulan akong tagahanga at estudyante sa mahusay kong guro. Isa sya sa mga dapat kong ipagpasalamat ngayong taon.

Nanumbalik ang interes ko sa pagsusulat. Muling lumikha ng mga tula at kung ano-ano pang kaewanan. Nabuhay din ang blog kong nakaligtaan ko sa mahabang panahon. Salamat sa isang bituin.

At ang ikalawa at patuloy na nagpapasaya sakin, ang panunumbalik sa pananampalataya. Hindi naman sa itinakwil ko ito minsan, bagkus, isinaisantabi. Malugod Niya akong tinanggap muli noong tinatawag ko sya. Sa mga panahong natahimik ako matapos ang isang magandang awitin, muli akong nakarinig ng magandang tinig. Sumunod ako sa tinig, at ito na ako ngayon. Nagpapasalamat ako ng lubos sapagkat nandito ako. Nagsimula akong muli, nanalig, at nangako na magsisilbi sa Kanya. Nahanap ko at nakilala ang isang komunidad na tila ba matagal ko nang hinahanap: ang Singles for Christ. Tatlong buwan ang aking ginugol sa pakikinig, pamamahagi at pakikisalamuha sa mga bago kong kapatid. Napuno muli ng musika ang buhay ko. At simula ng makasali ako dito, pawang magagandang pangyayari na ang sumunod. Patuloy akong pinagpapala sa trabaho; muling tumitibay ang samahan ng pamilya ko; mas napalapit ako sa ilang kaibigan at mga katrabaho; malugod akong tinanggap ng community na makakasama ko pa sa mga susunod na buwan at taon; madami akong nakilalang handang maglingkod sa Kanya. Natagpuan ko ang aking bagong tahanan at kapayapaan. Lahat ng ito, dahil sa pagmamahal ng Panginoon.

Magwawakas man, nagpapasalamat ako sa isang taon na puno ng aral. Madami akong mga bagong karanasan na maibabahagi. May mga nakilala at namaalam; nagalak, lumuha, lumungkot, ngumiti, sumigaw, naguluhan, napayapa, nagmahal at minahal. Babaunin ko ang mga aral at alaala na humubog sakin sa susunod na taon.

Salamat. Paalam, Dos Mil Dose.

For all these, May God be Praised.

Blessed by a Great God: SFC Lord's Day and Christmas Party

There's no better way of ending something so good but by celebrating it for not just one, but two days. Finally, the day we were waiting for has arrived. My three month journey is about to end, but my service is just about to stride anew.

It was Talk 12 of the Christian Life Program, the Lord's Day, the penultimate event of the CLP for the participants like me. This program started exactly three months ago. Time flies so fast. The past 90 days has been filled with fun, faith, praise, worship, prayers, greetings, learning, and so on. I am very blessed for being introduced to the SFC Napico 2 chapter. Since I joined the CLP, I have received countless blessings: in my work, family, social relationships, and many more. I am truly grateful for all of these, and I will keep on dedicating myself to service, the same way the Lord God has continued loving me despite my shortcomings.

Saturday, December 1

This day will be the last talk for the CLP Participants. We will be celebrating the day with the rest of the SFC East A Sector community. We arrived at the venue by around 5 in the afternoon, registered for the event, took our seats and watched and listened to the sector Music Min as they rehearse for the songs to be played later. Most of them were songs we have already sang within the duration of the program. Let me remember some of those here:
===
I am blessed by your love
And I'll never be the same
Blessed by your love oh Lord
I am blessed by your love
And forever I'll be yours
Blessed by your love oh Lord
===
You are the lord let my heart sing praise
Oh, oh let my heart sing praise to you
Halle, Hallelujah,
Halle, Hallelujah..
===
God is enough for me
Nothing else will ever be
And I am satisfied
For I have found my peace
===
You are praiseworthy
You are praiseworthy
You are praiseworthy oh my Lord.
===
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You're my God

You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
== =
I will lift your name on high
And I'll forever worship you
And I will serve you with all of my heart
Coz you are my God
I'll forever be grateful
===
I am ablaze for You Lord
I wanna go out and spread Your love
Ablaze for You Lord
Together we're setting the world on fire
===
We sang a couple more songs but I can't exactly recall all of those. Nonetheless, those are songs that will resound in my head for a long time.

I love the atmosphere at the venue. It reminds me of my Press Con days back at Elementary and High School and the school-wide events in college. Being in the company of this community makes me feel younger. I can absorb the energy of the youth everywhere around me. I really feel blessed by that time. Each chapter was introduced in a roll call.

Moments later, the Lord's Day proper has started. Bro. John and Sis. Lea from the Couples for Christ, our presenters of Talks 5 and 6, were also the facilitators of the Lord's Day. It is my first time to witness and take part in this kind of event, though I heard about this before. The event was characterized by the blessing of the candle, wine and bread, along with the leader and the response of the community, and with the praise and worship songs in between the festivities. The experience is really great. I look forward to more of these experiences, now as a new member of the community.

Next is the Talk 12 proper. Bro. Rob Escano conducted the talk. He delivered the talk in such a lively manner, that I can't help but laugh and smile all the time, and be seriously listening and absorbing his shared stories and the talk proper itself. Transformation in the Holy Spirit/Christian Life is the theme of the talk. His first question was how many times we have felt that we're down. He followed this up with questions on standing up and what have we done to do so. I am sure that the participants will have the same reflection as I did. Two things I can remember exactly from the talk: First, we joined the CLP to transform, to change for the good. Second, a description of the way we pray- as we joined our hands in a prayer, each finger symbolizes the following : Thumb - our closest loved ones; Point - friends, community; Middle - Leaders ; Ring - weak ones; and Pinky - ourselves. This also brings us back to the Theme of Napico 2's CLP : iPlant God. The seeds have already been planted in everyone. It's just a matter of how we will accept Jesus, so that the seeds will grow into a fully-bloomed tree.

After the talk, we signified our covenant with the community. In my all effort, I will abide by this covenant and hope to serve God by staying and taking an active part in this community. We are now official members of the Singles for Christ. We were overwhelmed for being welcomed to the family in such a joyous manner. I really have found my peace here.

Next comes the Dinner, something that showed the sharing of blessings within all the chapters. Shortly after having ourselves stuffed, we prepared for the presentations. This time, I'll be Dolphy, and my co- participants will be playing the roles of people who took part in the wonderful life of the late comedian. Thank God that our presentation has been a good one.

Capping off the Lord's Day/ Talk 12 is the praise fest. We were all singing to our heart's content. It is but proper to give the Lord God all the praises and worships, for this is just one of our ways of showing Him the Love he first gave us.

It is now time for another celebration. It will be the Chapter's Christmas Party shortly. We immediately went to Alpadi Resort in Antipolo to hold our party.
===

Sunday, December 2

We went to Antipolo with Bro. Denden leading the way for the participants, and took the ride with Sis. CJ, a young professional who went out her way to celebrate our graduation. We initially planned of partying after the Lord's Day, that is, by 12 midnight onwards. But due to the fatigue and drowsiness, we cancelled and reserved it for the next day.

Our call time was 7 in the morning on Sunday. The schedule has been set for the activities all day long. I slept by around 1 am, woke up by 6 and had my morning routine. By around 8, we had a short exercise and our first activity: morning worship with Bro. Jhat and Sis. Gemma, our chapter heads, leading the way. Bro. Elmar read the daily Gospel, and we had a group sharing/reflection after. "Are you prepared to face Jesus?" "Can you see Him every day?" "In what ways can you prepare for this meeting?" We all had our share of stories, and I really enjoyed listening to the bigger group. Breakfast comes next, and we prepared for the next activity. Dressed as Gods and Goddesses, we started our second activity for the day; the awarding/ conferring of SFC Kits for us, the graduates/new members, and the awarding of the Service Team as well. Overall, it was a fun session. We had a couple of pictures, and a dozen of laughs as we enjoyed the creative awards Bro. Jhat and Sis. Gemma came up for the ST. It is worth noting that it rained while the awarding is in progress. It seems that the skies are celebrating with us . We started the CLP back in those rainy days. It is nice to end this with the downpour as well. This marks the start of something great for all of us.

We had our lunch shortly after, and proceeded with the exchange gift. To end the fun with a blast, we had the swimming "sessions". I really enjoyed the whole day with the community.

Time to look forward. Time to serve God. I will continue nurturing the seed planted within me. I know that all of us think the same. Let us grow together in Christ. And with this, May God be Praised.

===

Let me end this by thanking all the people who have been a part of this wonderful experience. The CLP is something I will always look back to. A life-turning point, indeed. I am really blessed by a Great God.

To Sis. Melai, the first person from the community whom I had a conversation with. Thank you for all the text messages, and for handing me the bookmark/invitation that started it all.

To Bro. Elmar, our Team Leader for this CLP and also one of the first from the group who welcomed me.

To Bro. Denden (Pogi :D). For the continuous support, reminders, messages, and for being such a good facilitator to me. Thanks for listening willingly to all my stories and for following up each time with your own views, advice, and throughts. I look up to you as a "Kuya".

To Bro. Jhat, our Chapter Head, who welcomed us with a short pep talk and the instructions on the weekly songs.

To Bro. Vic, our assistant facilitator, for the same messages and stories he shared to us.

To Sis. Kathy, for picking up my paper plane that could not fly, yet heard my first sharing in the community :)

To Bro. Ross, for the coin and bottle magic trick, which I can't still figure out how it happened. Also, for thanks for the warm greeting.

To Sis. Eden, for the nice chat we had about joining the community and our careers.

To Bro. Icep, for the silent but warm welcome gestures.

To Bro. Brian, for the advice on how to learn playing a guitar.

To Sis. Shai, the first sister/co-participant who I had a chat with. Thanks for the free-flowing conversation we had back then. :)

To Brothers Rix, Arjay, and Jervie (the Pogi Group). I really enjoyed the sharing we had. I learned something from all of you, aside from the Pogi Clap and the Likes. Thank you.

To Bro. Mark, for the first greetings and short stories you shared with me.

To fellow participant Brothers Bent, Crist, Aries, Tien, John and Lawrence. Thanks for the company and the short talks we had, and for looking at me as a Kuya. We have a long way to go, brothers.

To Sis. Angie, for being just bubbly and always wearing a smile in her face. Now I understand why she deserve the Crush ng Bayan award :D

To Bro. Jeff, for the instructions during our presentation practices, and for the understanding. And of course, for the gift I received in our party.

To Sisters Angela and Princess. Looking forward to more jolly chats with you two :)

To Sister Jen, for sharing her stories about career and also a good conversation.

And to all who can't be mentioned by names, for offering the friendly handshakes and smiles before/during/after our Saturday talks. I am truly grateful for accepting me as a part of the community.


Forever I'll be grateful.
For I have found my peace.
I am Truly Home.

ShinKayCoy sa E.K.

Ehemmmm. Testing.

Okay, pwede pa pala akong gumawa ng write-up sa sarili kong wika. Mahirap na , baka makalimot. Isa pa, mas madaling magpahayag kapag tagalog lang, may ibang terms kasi na mahihirapan akong itranslate sa English lalo pa at ginamit ko ito kasama ang dalawa sa pinakakwela at pinakamalapit kong mga kaibigan. 

Dahil nakarequest ang little girl na gumawa uli ako ng note sa mga escapade namin, eto na. Medyo delayed dahil yung unang meetup pa lang ang nagawan ko. Babawi ako ngayon, yung latest naman. Haha!

Welcome to Enchanted Kingdom, ShinKayCoy.

---

25 November 2012

Sa wakas! Natuloy din ang matagal nang pinaplanong makadayo sa lugar ng mga pangarap. Matapos ang ilang buwang hindi pagkikita dahil sa kabusy-han sa trabaho, nakapagtakda din ng isang petsa para dito. Nakareserve na ang budget, nacancel na ang kung anumang lakad para sa parehong araw, at nakapaghanda na din ng mga gagamitin  (meron ba?) sa pagpunta sa EK. Tayo na!

Na-late ako ng dating sa meeting place namin. Malabo na kasi ang mata ko, maling jeep ang nasakyan ko. Imbes na MRT eh Rob Galleria lang pala yun. Napilitan tuloy akong maglakad mula Galleria hanggang Starmall. Isang magandang ehersisyo ang paglalakad, looking at the brighter side :D Naghihintay na ang dalawang little girls sa big boy :p . Halos 10:00 am na ako dumating, diretso na sa van at ilang minute lang ay nakaalis na din. Sinimulan namin ang araw sa usual na kwentuhan, biruan, at stolen pics. Mahaba pa ang araw, madami-dami pa kaming mapapag-usapan.

EK. Pang apat ko nang balik dito, kasama ngayon. Last year pa pala yung huling punta ko dito, nalimutan ko na ang date. Naaalala ko pa naman yung huling punta ko dito, pati yung kasama ko. Nagsimula nang manukso yung dalawa, baka daw may namimiss ako. Magkaiba naman yung naaalala sa sa namimiss, di ba? Syempre, hindi naman madaling burahin ang mga alaala, lalo pa kung masaya. Dito nagsimula ang minsan kong kabaliwan. Nabalot ng mahika sa loob ng mahigit isang taon. Naging masaya naman ako noon, kaya normal lang na bawat makita ko sa lugar na ‘yon ay nakakapag-paalala sakin sa minsang nakasama ko. Tapos na ang kwentong ‘yon, masaya na ako ngayon (pati siya), at hindi ko ugaling dugtungan ang isang kwentong tinuldukan ko na. Sapat na ang alaala, nakatingin na lang ako sa ngayon. Mahika ng pag-ibig ang una kong naranasan dito, ngayon, mahika ng pagkakaibigan at kabaliwan naman.

Kain sa Mcdo, sakay ng tricycle, at andito na kami! Nabitin ang picture taking dahil sa sobrang init. Babalikan ka namin, Eldar the Wizard. Nagmahal na pala ang entrance kumpara last year. Antagal ko na talagang di nakapunta dito. Halos isang oras din kaming nag-ikot ikot, yung dalawa ayaw pang sumakay. Kelangan pa ata ng pampalakas ng loob, haha! Dahil sobrang init, unang stop-over namin sa Rialto na agad. Pampalamig din yun, covered nga daw sabi nila. Matapos makakuha ng ilang pictures sa may No Entry na sign at St. James Bank (na supposedly ay para sa iba pa naming kaibigan mula sa Uzzap world), diretso na kami sa pila sa Rialto. Now Showing: Polar Express. Nadampian din ng lamig ang nasusunog na naming mga balat. Yung isang bata, lumupagi na habang nakapila, nakahawak sa binti ng nanay nya (Peace Kwek ;p) . (ilagay ko na din ba dito yung pics? Haha!) Ayos naman yung mini movie, nakakaexcite na magspace shuttle dahil sa riles na nagmukhang roller coaster. Isinunod na namin ang iba pang rides.

Next: Flying Fiesta. Nagkasya na kami sa tig-iisang upuan. Ang hirap palang kumuha ng pic pag nakasakay na dito. Panay pa ang pose nina Mardz at Kwek, nakaharang naman yung mga chain ng upuan(anong tawag dun?) Medyo nahilo ako ng konte this time, nagtatry pa kasi kumuha ng pics. Konting pahinga, inalok ko sila na mag roller skater na para light lang uli. Eh mukhang natipuhan na nila yung Anchor’s Away. Eh di go (with an evil smirk ^_^). Sabi ko, maghanda na sila. At doon na nagsimula ang pagkahilo ko at pagsakit ng ulo… sa katatawa :DD Peace Mardz at Kwek! :DD Buti na lang hindi masyadong mahaba ang pila. Ilang minuto lang nakasalang na kami. Dun kami nakapwesto sa bandang gitna, sayang. Mas enjoy sana kung sa dulo. Nagsimula nang gumalaw na parang pendulum yung barko. Nagsigawan na karamihan sa mga kasabay namin, lalo na yung katabi ko (di ba Shin? :D) At dahil ilang beses na din ako nakasakay dito, parang di na ganun katindi ang tama sakin ng barkong ‘to. Siguro dahil isa na akong pirate. Haha! Ehemmm. At ‘yung isang bata, bagaman hindi sumisigaw, nangangatog na pala ang tuhod. Nakakatakot ba talaga dun Mardz? :o Para lang akong si Luffy sa One Piece na mas nageenjoy kapag nasa panganib. Mauutas ako sa kakatawa :DD Enjoy! Huminto din ang barko, mukhang back to normal naman sina Shin at Kay. Umupo muna kami sa may Bump ‘n Splash, nagparecover. Back to normal naman nga sila, medyo lumamlam nga lang ang mga kulay. Sabi ko nga maglipstick sila para hindi halata :P .

Matapos ang isang crazy ride, nagpagala-gala lang muna ulit kami. Sumubok ako dun sa shootout. Malaking ring, malapit, maliit na bola. Ang 100 ko, ½ lang nashoot ko. Good for one small prize. Hindi na talaga ako marunong magbasketball. Haha! Halos naikot na namin ang buong EK. At ayun, nakaramdam din ng gutom. Nagkasya na sa isang regular size na pizza at carbonara. Solve. Dagdag pampagana pa ang performance ng Zion Show (yung mag-asawang sirkero na nasa Hall of Fame ng Talentadong Pinoy).  Ayos. Round 2 na.  Pinagsunod-sunod namin ang roller skater, dodgem at jungle log jam. Halos isang oras na pila para sa tig-isa hanggang dalawang minuto ng kasiyahan. Sulit na din, madami naman kaming extra curriculars. Enjoy kaya panoorin yung mga sumisigaw habang nababasa sa log jam, pati yung bungguan sa dodgem, pati yung reaksyon ng mga beki sa EKstreme. Palakpakan talaga yung ibang nanood pagbaba nila mula sa tuktok. Nakipagkulitan na din dun sa nagma-mime. Ubos na hininga ko sa kakatawa.

Ambilis ng oras. Malapit na pala dumilim. Bagaman nakailang rides pa lang kami, sulit na din. Madami na din naman kaming mga pics. Madami ng itetakehome. At kapag nasa EK, hindi dapat pwedeng mamiss ang Wheel of Fate at Space Shuttle. Nakabukas na ang mga ilaw sa ferris wheel. Mas lalong gumanda ang view. Pila ulit, at nakasakay din sa Gondola # 34. Anlamig sa taas. Mahangin pa. Pictorial ulit, nililipad-lipad pa ng hangin. Hindi pa tapos ang araw. Pang-finale na ride ang Space Shuttle. Low batt na si Mardz, kaya kami na lang ni Kwek ang pumila at sumakay. After 45 minutes, nakasakay din. Nakakakaba pa din pag paangat pa lang, pero pag umaandar na, ayos na. Nakakatawa ulit! Sarap sa pakiramdam na ambilis ng galaw tas tumitiwarik, umiikot at bumabaligtad ka. Salamat sa One Piece, naeenjoy ko na talaga ang mga extreme na ride :D . Naubos na ata ang boses ni Kwek kakasigaw :D.

First time ko inabot ng ganto kagabi sa EK. Nakapamili na ng souvenir si Mardz. Halos 8:30 na at sa wakas, naabutan ko din ang fireworks dito. Huling hirit, nag-ikot ulit kami, nag DQ, and it’s time to go home.

November 25 on the books. Nasulit ko na ang isang araw kasama ang dalawa sa pinakamalapit at pinakapinagkakatiwalaan kong mga kaibigan. Madami pa kaming pagsasamahan. Sana matuloy ang Cebu at Bohol adventure. Cross Fingers :D