LOVE!

"" We love because he first loved us." -

LIVE!

““Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you believe that you too can become great.”.” -

EXPLORE!..

“One measure of friendship consists not in the number of things friends can discuss, but in the number of things they need no longer mention.”

CELEBRATE!

“I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."

MY MISSION, MY PASSION !!

"We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God." -

Miyerkules, Disyembre 24, 2025

It's the Most Wonderful Time

 2025!! What?! Yes, today it's Christmas 2025.

I have been seeing Christmas posts on the Facebook lately regarding how simple back it was in the days. I wanted to share my pang MMK, SIMPLE Christmas experiences too, (yes experiences, kasi madami! haha) but I decided to just revive this decade year old blog.

Am I ready to share without cutting onions? Haha

CHRISTMAS CARD

Okay, so first, I was around 10 years old. It was the 24th and Mom and I were in a rush to buy something for Christmas feast. By that time, I think the 500 peso trending challenge of today is more than enough for Noche Buena. Haha! Kidding aside, I am sure that Mom's money was less than that. Anyway, I told my mom to just leave me in Goodluck Department Store as I am tired of walking. So she then went ahead. I went straight inside the store and bought that Christmas Card that I was eyeing for 2 weeks. Got all the coins from my pocket and gave it to the cashier. I hid it at my back and waited for mom to come back. 

Come 25th, me and my sister gave the Christmas Card to our mom. I cant remember her reaction. All I can remember is our little success to atleast gave her her first Christmas card and the struggle to save the 25 peso. Back in the days, our baon was food and juice or no baon at all! When I saw the card, I really wanted to give it to her, but how can I even buy it. I dont know how my sister saved the 5 peso but the rest, I gathered from asking my classmates and friends to pay me and I will do something for them in return. I made their homeworks, I wrote lesson notes in their notebooks, I switched to be a cleaner, I sold yema. I was able to gather 18 pesos and can't remember upto now where the 2 peso came from. The feeling when I gave the coins to the cashier and the excitement when we finally have something for mom still lingers to me till now. I guess this was the start why I love surprises and giving gifts. 

And yes, that was our Christmas! 


NOCHE BUENA

On the 24th of December, at almost 7pm, we were just boiling water for coffee. After couple of minutes, mom asked me to cook rice and fry tuyo. We ate together ON the small table of our sari-sari store just beside the road. Every time someone would pass by, mom will greet Merry Christmas and "Kaon!". And that's it, that's our Christmas, no gifts, no spaghetti, no Ham. As a child who's always excited for Christmas, this became my saddest Christmas experience. I wanted to promise to myself to not let this happen again, but how ? We couldn't even afford to pay the 20 peso contribution for our Christmas party. 

During the midnight mass, my 11 year-old self was crying while praying. I cant remember what I was praying for (for sure to be rich hahaha)  and as I was praying, I was looking on the big white circle in the altar. From then on, every time I go for mass in that same chapel, I would always look on the circle and would wish and pray. It became like wishing well (well circle, lol) and a symbol of my Christmas.

There's also another noche buena story a year after or 2 years after that. 24th of December, again, no plans for noche buena. Luckily, our neighbor's sister was looking for someone to clean their entire house for Christmas.  Without hesitation, we jumped in (me and my friend) and cleaned the house. We started cleaning at around 12 or 1 pm and finished around 5:30 pm. They gave us 350 pesos each and ladies and gentlemen, I was once again so excited to give the money to my mom who was already waiting for me outside the grocery store. 

Again, I attended the midnight mass and cried. Thanking God for His providence, for His miracle, for His Great Love for us. That same circle in the altar saw my tears, the happiness in my heart, for atlast --- noche buena! 


CHRISTMAS GIFT

Mom used to buy us gifts every Christmas. She's once of the moms pretending to be Santa. She would hide gifts somewhere (usually in the hospital across our sari sari store) so that we wont see it until Christmas. But life gave us lemons and we didnt know how make lemonades. Haha! She suddenly couldnt afford to buy us anything anymore. 

There was this one Christmas that I really wanted to have a pair of shoes or a t-shirt atleast. My shoes were worn out and I was borrowing shoes from my aunt and cousin every school time. I didnt have any decent shirt to wear whenever we would have school activities. There was a school competition one time that was held on a weekend, I didnt show up because I dont have anything to wear. 

So imagine my eagerness, but I know obviously we cant afford. 

I was around 12 yo during this time, and this was the awkward phase for a teenager to ask gifts from ninangs/ninongs. So I went to mom's garden and chose the best plant with a nice pot, cleaned the pot and the leaves, tied some of the stems with colorful ribbons and wrapped the whole thing with a clear plastic cover. Ready for delivery! Guess to whom? And why? Hahaha.

I gave the plant to my ninang who never skipped in giving me gifts for Christmas. I know no more gifts for me that time, but I just gave it a shot. I know she is the only person who can afford to give me money so I can buy shoes or shirt. And yes, she gave me 100 pesos!!!! I was sooooooo happy (and upto this now thankful to her)!! I went home with excitement and told my mom while screaming. "Mom at last I can buy something!"

26th, when all stores opened, I bought my first ever brand new brown "Bunny Brand" tshirt. I used this shirt I think till my high school days and some time on my early working days as pambahay na.


------------



I may not want to be on those same situations again, but I miss those Christmas.  I miss the feeling, the simplicity, the vibe, the simple wishes and thanksgiving that I cried over while praying. I missed how we were before, the passers by that we greeted, our little family eating together, me and my sister going to midnight mass, me with my cousins waiting for the sun to rise to brag to other kids that we didnt sleep on Christmas eve. I miss Christmas at home.


 

 


 




Martes, Setyembre 28, 2021

2018 - what happened?

 2018 - what happened? 

Yesterday, I watched the vlog of Roxanne Barcelo regarding her 12 updates of her life. And I was like, yeah, what happened with my 2019? no, my 2018? So sige, simulan ko sa 2018.

December 18,2018 - I got married. He's the same man na naiblog ko na dito. My best friend, the first man I truly love. May mga naiblog na din ako dito that I thought na love ko, crush lang pala, like they are just image of men I liked.

"Dear" – sya yun. Siya yung blog ko last November 2012. Same month that I told the Lord that I’m in love with the person na friend lang ang tingin saken. Sobrang nalilito ako during those times, I was falling hard, and I didn’t know what to do. I prayed, nagnovena ako, nagbigay ako ng mga conditions kay Lord. Kung hindi sya, sana ilayo nya ako sa kanya or sya saken, sana magka girlfriend sya, or mabaling ang atensyon ko sa iba.   I was so scared kasi lagi ko na sya hinahanap, every morning nasanay na ako na makakausap ko sya. And it felt so different sa mga inakala kong mahal ko. Everytime magkikita kami, I was just so excited, I didn’t feel nervous, hindi ako na aawkwardan, masaya ako pagnagkikita kami at masaya ako pagnakakasama ko sya. I can just be me to him and we became so close at kahit anong topic pag usapan namen, it was always never ending. Also the first time na umamin ako kay Lord and sa mga closest friend ko na may iba na akong nararamdaman! Haha

Sa sobrang takot ko, nagtry ako iwasan mga text and calls niya. Hahaha! Hindi ko kaya but I was so proud that from January – February 2013, bilang lang mga exchanges of messages namen noon. I felt so relieved kasi akala ko, keri ko na, kelangan lang pala ang iwasan. But I was wrong again! Hahaha! Lagi kong binabantayan ang phone ko, mga nakadrafts na messages, kung isesend ko ba or hindi. Tapos pag tinataong niya ako kung sobrang busy ko daw ba bat di ako nagrereply, feeling ko nun, he was falling for me na din. Kapal. Hahaha! Kasi feeling ko he misses me na! Anyway, nung birthday ko nung March, nagmessage sya ng happy birthday, sa sobrang rupok ko, ininvite ko sya sa celebration namen. And sa sobrang arte at pabebe ko na din, nagpahatid ako sa bahay ng lasing. Haha! Nung nahimasmasan ako kinaumagahan, di na ulit ako nagparamdam. From that time till end of May, solid na hindi na kami masyado nag-uusap. I felt good pero sobrang namimiss ko talaga. I asked the Lord then, eto na ba yun Lord, yung sagot mo na hindi pa sya yung right man?

During those iwas time ko, I searched-in. Pumunta ako sa isang seminary. I discerned and asked guidance kung ano ba talaga ang plano ni Lord for me. Once in a while, we exchanged messages pero sobrang dalang ko na talaga magreply, I was so serious na sabi ko, kelangan may answer na for me. I don’t want to waste time, kasi di na ako bata.  

Right before my second seminary visit, he called and asked me kung pwede ba daw kami magdinner? Tutuparin niya lang daw promise niya saken dati na he will treat me dinner pag first salary niya sa new job niya. I was like, Lord what is this? Marupok pa din ako and I really need guidance. So sabi ko, sige fine. Sasama ako to try kung ano ang mararamdaman ko ulit pagnagmeet kami. Well, guess what? Bumalik kami sa dati, we became so close again, we talked about life, plans and the influence of SFC to our lives. Mas nakilala ko sya ng malalim.

After our MMC recon, nagkaron pa kami ng issue with our brothers and sisters kasi sa Tita niya kami natulog. But during those time, mas lalong naggrow yung feelings ko for him, I don’t know why, pero I knew na he likes me na rin (kapal! Haha!) So ayun, after the recon, I told him I love him. Hindi lang yung gusto, kundi mahal. Sobrang strong na ng pakiramdam ko na kelangan ko na sya iconfess no matter what, positive or hindi man ang sagot. So I did it. And the reply? Tadaaaaaaaa…

Friend… He likes me as a friend and masaya daw sya na kasama ako. I told the Lord, enough na. If friendship, fine, friends. Hindi na ako umiwas, pero nabunutan ako ng tinik. Hindi na din ako umasa, but we remained friends, nag oopen up padin sya saken, and give advices kung kelangan. But I controlled myself and moved on little by little. Not so good ang feeling pero nagtry na akong iopen ang chances ko to look on to others. Naks! Hahaha! I started texting some random people from the past, mga nirereto and all. But nothing compares! Char! But! I. remained. Strong!

So ayun na nga, sabi nila mapagbiro ang tadhana. November, I got sick, naadmit ako sa hospital and di ko sinabi sa mga friends ko, pero sympre, nakarating pa din sa kanya ang balita. He went there drunk, iniwan daw niya ang tito at pinsan niya na nag-iinuman when he our friend told him na nasa hospital ako. Di ko alam kung matutuwa ako, or maiinis. But he was there. He stayed 5 days sa hospital.

The rest is history. He went to Sorsogon December 26,2013, and officially, in front ni Mamadear, December 30, mag GG na kami.

Obviously, the Lord wanted us to be together. We got married and we were both happy that we made our promise to the Lord. December 18, we sealed it.

<More on 2013 pala ang update ko. Haha! Medyo shy pa ako noon iblog ang totoong feelings ko for him kasi nga may iwas factor pa, but yeah, 2013 is actually about us>





 2019 --- to be continued pag sinipag. 

Martes, Pebrero 14, 2017

Bucharest

02.14.2017

Bucharest, Romania

Yes, im here. This is my first time going outside Ph. Very nice experience, sooo many firsts, so many memorable moments, sooo many nice people.

I dont have to say that much, my pictures will say a whole lot!










Martes, Disyembre 3, 2013

life at 2013

Yey!! 29 days more and we're all saying goodbye to the most dramatic year. Despite of so many things that happened to me and to our world, I am still here, standing strong with love and with God. Here are some places that made my 2013 a good one to remember:






Holyweek - Bicol
(March 2013)
legaspi, albay-- as promised to my dear friend Paolo -- I introduced him to our dear Mayon na magayon.
* After a tiring 12-hour ride, we witnessed that majestic volcano. :)
*Sunday was the best. We rejoiced on His glory. Salubong on a Sunday morning and paguriran beach after. 







Puerto Galera
(April 2013)

The much awaited office friends get-away. Kaya lang, only three of us made it. But it was fun, my first banana experience. The resort is cool. A good place away from stress in Manila. Foods were great lalo na yung sinigang na isda. So fresh, relaxing and renewed!










 
Heller Baler!
(May 2013)

How can I forget this. My dearest ping's birthday celebration. A not so wallet friendly type of celeb. But good thing, we became cool surfers in an instant. After two attempts, we made it! so proud! :) Aha! Yung birthday song kinanta sa surfer's lane! haha!
We also experienced the super lamig falls situated at the tagong tagong part ng baler.. :) I dont know the exact place. Lol!











MMC - Subic

(July 2013)
It's Lord's time! Despite problems and challenges, I still managed to enjoy and trust this weekend retreat with the Lord. Together with my brothers and sisters in SFC, we made the conference successful! Experiences of different sharers were all amazing. I learned so many things! Who else would love us but the one and only true Lover of all times. ♥




First Pilgrimage(September 2013)

It was my very first pilgrimage. An event held by Jesus of Nazareth - EDSA Shrine Parish. Together with my partners in lakwatsas, we visited four churches in the province of Quezon. First stop was at Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban. Noah's Arc, Garden of Eden, Station of the Cross Images and other biblical figures. Relaxing indeed! The healing mass was also soul relieving.  The next church was at Tayabas - St. Michael the Archangel Parish. One of the oldest church we visited during that time. We found there the wishing chair, our personal archangels and others. Third church we visited was St. Francis of Assisi Church in Sariaya.. and ..The last stop was at St. John in Tiaong, the church known as the pink one.  :)




So definitely, those are the highlights of my travels this year. hopefully I can visit some other interesting places in years to come!

To God be the Glory! ♥












Huwebes, Hunyo 6, 2013

throwback thursday

Hindi ko alam kung bakit sa loob ng isang araw dalawang beses kang naging subject sa mga pag uusap namen ng mga kaibigan ko. Bakit nga ba? May kailangan ba akong ayusin at balikan?


Halos apat na taon na ang nakaraan ng nagdesisyon akong tapusin ang kung ano man ang meron tayo. Nagdesisyon akong mag isa. hindi ko na kaya, at pakiramdam ko wala namang magandang maidudulot satin ang kung anu man ang meron tayo. Ayaw mo, gusto ko, wala kang nagawa. 

naalala ko lang to.. :)
Minahal kita sa paraang alam ko. Hindi ko alam kung anong pagmamahal ang gusto mo pero yun ako at yun ang alam kong paraan ng pagpapakitang mahal kita. Alam kong marami akong pagkukulang at maaring naabuso ko ang kabaitan mo sakin. Alam ko kasing hindi mo ako matitis at aantayin mo ako ano man ang gawin ko.   

Masaya ako sa maikling oras na nakasama kita. At mas higit na masaya ako sa maraming taong naghintay ka. Pero siguro nga may mga bagay na hindi talaga para satin. 

Nasaktan ako nung nakita kong masaya kana din sa iba. Unfair talaga ako kasi nagsimula na naman akong magparamdam sayo. Hindi ko lang talaga kayang tanggapin sa mga panahong yon na hindi na ako ang priority mo. Na pwede ka palang ngumiti na hindi na ako ang rason.
salamat sa kantang to..

Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari sayo. Kung isa man ako sa naging rason kung bakit ka ganyan, sana magkaron tayo ng oras na magkausap ulit. Kung bakit pa kasi ngayon ko lang din napag isipan ang mga bagay na ito. Baka nga may kailangan pa tayong ayusin at tuluyang tapusin.

Mahal kita bilang isang kaibigan, at hindi mawawala yun kasi dun tayo nagsimula.



Salamat sa pagmamahal mo sakin araw araw. Ramdam ko yun, hanggang ngayon.





Lunes, Disyembre 31, 2012

2011-2012

coron - 09.2012
vigan - 05.2012

magallanes - 04.2012

sorsogon baywalk - 04.2012
bohol - 02.2012
cebu - 02.2012
boracay - 02.2012

corregidor - 01.2012
baguio - 10.2011



PMA - 10.2011
EK - 06.2011

Miyerkules, Disyembre 19, 2012

2012 Life's Travel

life's version this year is another celebration of love and hope.. a celebration of how life is given to us freely..decisions are all base on our own..we are the writer of our own story.. and God made the final edit..

my 2012 is a lot of ups and downs, love and pain, laughter and tears, blessings and challenges..

January-as a year opener,  opened my heart and soul for searching of what my heart wanted. Island of Corregidor witnessed how I leaped for joy seeing the entire place.. The island of my dreams. The island that my heart longed, long ago.. Truly God is an amazing God.. Truly, dreams do come true..

The month of hearts was a double header.. A food for my eyes and a food for my soul.. Boracay has been one of the most talked about places in the country, and with the help of angels around, I was there week before heart's celebration..A great experience with great friends.

SFC International Conference came on its way week after that sexy beach adventure.. It was my 3rd time in Cebu and 2nd time in Bohol yet the fun was a brand new one.. Dealing with our Creator's best teaching will always be a great experience.. The conference was a soul purifier, a magnificent experience of God..

Service is a service, with side trips literally on my side, my service for the Lord is still in my heart. God already knew those things.. Right? :))

Love grower month- MAY 2012- love for the children of God and teaching them everyday of that month was simply amazing. And I got one free inspiration from that. Shhhhh.. :)) And I got again a travel experience with the very first person i shed tears this year..Alam na! :)) But then, love grows!!

Middle this year was the busiest one, in work, in service, in family, in friends, in relationships, in love and in God..It was my first day of work, my lipat bahay moment, God's first concrete answer to my prayers, my great acting experience of pretending and trying to feel normal of everything that was happening, my first ever confession of what I felt, and my first ever record breaking heartache.. Nice share of midyear..

Good thing God is always present in everything. Bad times never seemed so bad at all because of Him. Following months all lead to heart exercise.. Love push overs, tumbling relationships.. It was a hard time, and God is always there.. Tears all over and sleepless nights were all uninvited yet always present..Good thing God is always present in everything, really.. :))

BER months, are now gifts.. From fresh Coron travel, relationships started to bloom, new beginnings are great, love's celebrations are so cool, forgiveness is refreshing!! The year is approaching its last day yet God still gives pahabol happiness that no one can explain.. Sobrang saya!!!

Life indeed is a circus, sometimes we cry, we shout, we hate..But later on, we start to smile, to laugh, to love, to forgive, to heal.. 2012 is soon to be a closed chapter in my life, but people will remain and will again play another role in my 2013.. :))

Miyerkules, Nobyembre 16, 2011

Your Story Can Change The World by Bo Sanchez

One evening, I was driving my family in a city with the most circuitous road network in the world.
And I was completely lost.

My passengers were scared. It was late at night, and some roads had no street lamps. One of my passengers was my aging aunt, and she was a pessimistic person. She said, “Isn’t this the place were they salvage people and throw the dead bodies in the cogon grass?”

But everytime I asked for directions, people were very helpful. I think so many people have gotten lost in their streets already, some have made it a hobby to guide the lost.

The first person I asked said, “Keep going straight, and when you see a carabao on your right, turn left, and then…”

I interrupted, “Excuse me, but what if the carabao walks to another spot?”
“The carabao can’t walk. It’s a statue,” she said.
“Oh, I see.” (Malay ko ba?)

She went on, “Keep going straight, until you reach a Sari-Sari store selling Siopao, that’s when you turn left again…”
True enough, I found the carabao.
But the problem was finding the Sari-Saristore. Because there was a Sari-Sari store in every street corner. So I had to stop in every single one of them, asking if they sold Siopao.

But the second person I asked for directions was very different.
I stopped beside a guy sitting on an owner jeep. I opened my window, greeted him, and told him where I wanted to go.
He shook his head, “That’s a very difficult place. A lot of people get lost going there…”
“Reaaaaaaly?”

He then did the unthinkable. He switched on the engine of his jeep and said, “Follow me. I’ll take you there.”
So there I was, following him through so many twists and turns, I stopped counting when I took the 26th turn. My aunt said, “That guy will kidnap us! And then he’ll kill us, steal our car, and throw our bodies in the cogon grass.”

But fifteen minutes later, he stopped the jeep and pointed to a house. It was exactly where I wanted to go. He then waved at us and sped off.

“You see, Auntie?” I told my passenger at the back, “Your kidnapper turned out to be an Angel. He didn’t kidnap us, kill us, and throw our bodies in the cogon grass.”
She said, “Hmph. Perhaps it’s his day off.”

That little incident made me realized there are two types of guides. The first one is a pointer. The second one is a bringer.

Many People Need A Guide

Friend, many people around you are lost.
They’re seeking for happiness but they don’t know how to go there. They’ve got huge problems but they don’t know how to solve them. And they want to grow closer to God but they don’t know what to do.
God calls you to be their guide. But you can do it in two ways. You can be a pointer or you can be a bringer.
Sometimes, because of limited time, you can only point. There are people you can’t communicate often.
But for the people who you see regularly, don’t just become a pointer. Be a bringer. Walk with them. Build a relationship with them. Share your life to them. And guide them towards God.
God is asking you today: Will you be their guide?

We Love Stories
        
Your story can change the world.
How can you bring a friend closer to God?
Answer: By your life story.
I believe your life story can change the world.
Stories are very powerful.
How powerful?
Around 2500 years ago, Plato said, “Those who tell stories rule society.”
Why?

Because we love stories so much, our hearts open up to the storyteller.

To this day, I read bedtime stories to my kids at night. Almost every night, my 5-year old Francis tells me, “Daddy, read me 3 books tonight!” Little kids love stories. And we never outgrow that love for stories.
You want proof? We paid $4.5 Billion to James Cameron so we could watch Avatar and Titanic—the two top grossing movies in the history of the world. But what are movies? They’re stories set in sights and sounds.
The best songs in the world are stories set in music.

The bestselling book (second to the bible) isChicken Soup for the Soul. They’ve sold 112 million copies. But what is Chicken Soup for the Soul? A collection of stories.
I reflect on my preaching ministry. The best talks I’ve given in the past 31 years were powerful stories too.
Even Jesus preached by telling stories about a hidden treasure, a great pearl, a mustard seed, a good Samaritan, and a prodigal son.

Why do stories have power over us?

3 Reasons Why Stories Are Powerful

1. Stories mesmerize. They grab our attention. When you hear a good story, all of a sudden, you’re ushered into a different world. You enter a different universe. Why does this happen? Because stories don’t just teach the mind but touch the emotions.

2. Stories materialize. A message can be a nice theory floating in the air with no legs on the ground. But a story will make you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell your message.

3. Stories magnetize. A personal, touching story will bring the hearts of both the storyteller and the story-listener together like no other thing in the world! They say the shortest path between two hearts is a story.
I repeat: Your story can change the world.
       
Do you have a friend or loved one you’d like to bring closer to God? Here are three steps to take…

3 Steps In Guiding People
Closer To God

Step #1: Know Their Story
Step #2: Share Your Story
 Step #3: Merge Your Stories


Step #1: Know Their Story
     

When you’re trying to guide someone closer to God, you have to hear their story before you share your story.
Why? Because you need to know the person’s felt need.

Perhaps he needs healing. Or perhaps a family problem is the thorn in her flesh. Or perhaps she’s broken hearted. Or perhaps he’s angry with God for taking away his baby.
I remember sitting beside a man on the plane. After introducing ourselves to each other, I asked him, “How is life treating you?”

Instantly, tears welled up in his eyes and he told me that a fire burned down his house. In the fire, he lost his wife and two daughters. I didn’t say much. Because I didn’t know what to say. But I told him, “Can I pray for you?” I put my hand over his shoulder and asked God to comfort and strengthen him. It was a Divine appointment. God wanted me to meet that man.

But what if I didn’t listen first? What if I told him, “Let me tell you my story. When I was a child, my parents and I—including my 5 sisters—were always together. We were one close family. We always did everything together…” Wouldn’t that be rubbing salt on his wound?
It’s always important to know their story.

Step #2: Share Your Story
     

Share what God has done in your life.

It could be a before-and-after story.
Or it could be an event where you saw the hand of God in your life.
My important suggestion: Expose your weaknesses.
Don’t give the false impression that because of God in your life, your entire life is all sweet and perfect. Share your current struggles. Share your warts.
Everytime I do this, not only do I feel better, I feel that people actually appreciate my authenticity. They believe me more.

Step #3: Merge Your Stories
     

After sharing your story, invite him to journey together.
Invite him to regular coffee time with you, so you can continue to build the friendship.
You can also invite him to your prayer gathering like the Feast.
Or a small group or caring group.
Or a spiritual retreat or a Kergma conference.
You can give him an inspirational book. Or forward him an article that will help him grow closer to God.

Let me end with the true story of Ryan. This is a perfect example of how life stories are powerful and can bring many people closer to God.

I’m Ryan and I’m 29 years old.I was such a mess a long time ago. I didn’t take school seriously, I lived a very promiscuous lifestyle, I abused substances, had a hateful relationship with my father who at that time was battling depression. I didn’t go to Mass. And when I prayed, I prayed hate prayers to Christ, questioning what it was he was doing to make life better for me.And then my dad died. Life was much more complicated, I continued to live a life of Godlessness, my relationships were poisonous, and at one point, I entertained thoughts of ending my own life, to end my so-called misery.

And then a friend invited me to a small youth prayer meeting. I was at that moment when I completely turned my life around. I got to know Jesus more, and how He was working double time to soften my hardened heart and receive his blessings.

11 years after today, I am a completely changed man. I wake up each day picking up a bible and reading God’s word, I hear Mass every Sunday, I have a loving relationship with my family and my girlfriend. I have a job that doesn’t feel like a job because I’m in love with it, and this coming June, I will send my first of many scholars to school – a dream I’ve had in my heart ever since.
I am work in progress. But I believe I’m blessed now with a better life because a Jesus invited me in His love, and I let Him enter my heart, my life.

I’m blessed with a better life now because a friend invited me to a small youth prayer meeting, where I was reintroduced to Jesus, my best friend.

       What’s your story?
       What’s your experience of God?
       Use it to share God to others.
       May your dreams come true,
-bo sanchez-

Lunes, Nobyembre 7, 2011

a letter to God: WALK WITH ME

I have been rejecting you for these past few days…I have been thinking bad..i have been lost…I know you’re hurt..i know ur trying to convince me..ur trying to console my heart, yet I obviously say no..i know you’ve been trying to reach me all day long..you are just by my side..i know that…I know u wanted to help me, I know you wanted to embrace me with ur love..i know you wanted to tell me something…
But please, let me feel it first…I know u don’t want me to be alone..but I want to be alone..i want it by myself…I might be selfish, but I want it on my own…and that’s exactly what im feeling right now, im so alone, I wanted to be alone..i want it by myself…I don’t need you ..i don’t need anybody..i don’t need anyone to help me…no one could help me..it is my own battle..no one would like to help me…

Im so tired..im so full of these craps..i have been drowning myself with these…I don’t want it..i don’t want to ask help from you…I have been asking so many things for others…I have been praying every night for others…and im tired of asking my personal worries to you…im tired of praying for them, yet I don’t know what to do…

Lord, I know I hurt you with these words…but please understand me…im feeling desperate…im feeling to deep…im carrying it too heavy…I wanted to talk to you without saying anything… I want to hear you speaking to me.. I want to pray without thinking anything..i wanted it solemnly…with you…I want to talk to you…I don’t know how this happens, but im tired…im so tired..im just trying to find some outlets not to let my emotions flow…I don’t want somebody suffer my words..i don’t want anybody to be hurt..yet im hurting you and im sorry..
Please understand me..i know you will…I know it is very painful, but please do it for me…I just wanted to release everything to you…you’re the only one I have..you know everything about me..i cant find any other else to catch my sentiments..you are my only one..please do understand..im sorry..i cant promise anything but im sorry..im so sorry…this is so bad…
I should be praising you, worshiping you,glorifying you…im sorry that im blaming you..im sorry..i am blinded and hurt..im having an emotional war between my soul and my earthly being..i cant understand myself..i am lost..i don’t know what to do..im breaking…im lost…
Please don’t let myself handle this Lord..please do it for me..please take this pain away..i cant handle it alone..i need you..please don’t mind my other end…please, don’t give up on me..i still want your embrace…I still want you by my side..i want your love…please do me a favor…please don’t leave me, whatever wrong words,acts or anything bad I will be doing..please don’t mind..please..please correct me…strengthen your power within me..i need it..both of us know that I badly need it..i don’t want to walk alone..i want you..i want both of us walking…walk with me Lord..please..

 entry: OCTOBER 16, 2011; 1:58pm

Linggo, Setyembre 4, 2011

walang wala: ..

saturday , aug 6

past 9 am when i arrived at san francisco elementary school. CORNERSTONE orientation--- meaning, commitment at its fullest. for 24 saturdays, me and ate abbie committed ourselves to be tutor volunteers for 3 children..it is a huge responsibility for us, but as we have acknowledged God in our lives and appreciate all goods things that he had given, it's just a small piece of return..






afternoon delight--- me and alex went through our appointment---to apply for credit card..processed..

and here comes cinemalaya's best talked about movie: ANG BABAE SA SEPTIC TANK...a movie full of eye openers for everything...from country's worst problem to bringing back its essence to the title itself.. a very idiomatic movie..

we went home, puzzled by the movie again..

picture from http://jerkysans.blogspot.com/




and we slept, but had secret prayer before closing my eyes...

sunday- august 7

at around 5am, taf waked me up for another appointment with GOD----to evangelize future country warriors...





i was excited even though that would be my 3rd time.. i simply thanked God for the fact that rose ,froi and taf were at full force to serve..

and my prayer was answered..and it was just not a simple answer at all, i had great time during our service. and even had more great time after..





truly, God answers our prayers in ways that are best for us..He takes care our hearts and knows how to make it smile. :)

I have no intentions or any other agenda beyond that prayer.. I just want an inspiration to serve You more..i know i am being unfair, but i just wanted to be inspired..

All glory , Honor is yours Oh God! :)