I think that with all that has been said this week from the tragic hostage taking and Ms. Universe pageant's "MAJOR, MAJOR"; with all the mockery and jokes, I believe that everything heard should be taken in a constructive way. When we are criticized let's think of it in a positive note. Should we not think that its an opportunity for CHANGE? Didn't we choose a new leader because we wanted change? So with all these trials we are facing today, let's all take it as an opportunity for us to change. We should take every comment not in a sense that were making fun of Filipinos. We should be less sensitive and allow ourselves to look at every chance to improve. RISE UP! Were not here to look back but move forward. Criticism will always be there, comments will always exist and that is part of our freedom of speech. So let it be. What has been said, let it be. If it hurts, then so be it. When corrected, maybe its our nature to respond with annoyance but let us remember that correction makes us wiser. IT IS CHANGE THAT I DESIRE TO SEE. All these will bring change and it will start with you and me... C'mon Filipinos!
With the existence of social media, every joke, every criticism, every mockery, it flies faster that news from television. Yes, we did heard it all. We got hurt, we got affected, and everything else to the point that even others lost their faith in their own country. But can we not use this weakness as an opportunity to change? Believe once more? and help one another to do things better? Our country may be rooted with a very critical cancer. Some believe it cannot be healed but others have witnessed miracles. Can we not believe in miracles? Doesn't God exist in every situation? So why not, try prayer. It worked for our little wishes, it will surely work for our nation as well. Let's not underestimate its power neither forget to used one super power given to us - OUR POWER TO EASILY CALL ON GOD.
Bottom line: We are all entitled of our own opinion. Like the question to Venus Raj, probably we can think today, these are just like the common mistakes we do everyday. We may wrongly judge others and we may regret things today for what we've said or done, BUT we always have the opportunity to make things RIGHT. Take hold of this chance. To all our opinions, we can take note of it, spread the word for change and help our nation. We can continue to criticize but never complain.
Lastly, I mourn for the loss of others. I want to share their grieves because we failed to bring them the necessary help needed at that time. May God's peace be with them and their families.
P.S. I'm not good at these things but maybe someone will hear me and when you do, you're open to say whatever you think or feel... I may be wrong, I may be right. But I'm just thinking out loud, just sharing my opinion =) *wink
This goes in my wish list box today. I was browsing through chuvaness.com, a blog that was said in preview magazine last December, and it featured this new bag by Michael Kors. So, much to my dislike to walk in the mall and consume energy these days of fasting, I managed to go and check out the bag.
As I enter, I asked the sales lady, “I want to see the bag ‘Michael Kors ♥ Manila and she said, “Its sold out ma’am, just last Tuesday” and there goes my face… sad.
I wonder if another set of those bags would be back soon but according to them, there’s no advice yet. I was hoping to carry this tote in Boracay in February. But then, as my boyfriend said, “Its not meant for me…”
This is my 8th year to join Every Nation’s Prayer and Fasting. The other day, I was browsing through old prayer booklets in the last few years and checked some answered prayers I had. Some were answered in two years, some were answered instantly, some are still waiting for answers. But the great news is, GOD ANSWERS OUR PRAYERS… and if it doesn’t turn out exactly what we prayed for, he often provides a better one.
I am excited every time I fast and pray. Moreover, I feel that I am doing something that will change my heart for God. I am very grateful for his presence in my life… the way he comforts me when things doesn’t go my way and the way he rejoice with me when prayers are answered. God and I are a team - we are together in everything. Whether it is good or it is suffering. I am blessed to part of a spiritual family that reminds me how good God is in my life and keeps me aligned to his purpose in my life.
I am excited for the great year ahead. We’re going to rock 2010. I am excited that Andre and I will be together this year and I am excited for the blessings I am going to receive. This is my year, the year that God has planned for me. Success and blessings are on its way. This fast is just preparing me for what I am about to receive.
I would often come home seeing my niece talking to her classmate on the phone. During school days, I remember our phone would be ringing and she would ran to the phone and talk to her classmates like I was in high school. Its amazing how much she is growing in the family. We've watched her from her first steps to this time. And now, she's incoming Grade 2 in Assumption Antipolo.
Recently, I was surprised when I heard from my mom that she overheard Arielle inviting her classmate to Victory Greenhills. My mom heard Arielle telling Kiana, "its near the escalator in Greenhills, its a different Greenhills. Its a church... and so on. She cannot seem to recall the word, "Promenade". My mom seem to understand the conversation and said, "Promenade". And Arielle responded, "ayun, Promenade. Dun ka pumunta."
This afternoon her friend told her that she has been attending 3pm service at Promenade but didn't saw Arielle. It was because Arielle forgot about it and we've been attending 5pm during this time since the weather is really hot. Arielle called Kiana this afternoon and said that she has been attending kids church for 3 days already (the kids meant 3x already or 3 Sundays). So, this afternoon, Arielle attended 3pm, Kid's Church. We attended the 5pm service. And Kiana was there.
I don't know what was told to them at Kid's Church but I am proud of my niece. She gets to share the word even if she is just 7. And she even get to win kids her age to go to church. How amazing! God is good. I learned something from her.
Knowing that we have a calling from the Lord is one thing, but living it out is another. Esther reached a point in her life when fulfilling God’s plan became risky and dangerous. The Lord had placed her in a position of influence, but using that power could cost the young woman her life.
Few are called to be kings or queens, but we have all been given places of influence to one degree or another. The Lord has placed you in your family, community, and church to fulfill His purposes for your life in this generation. As long as you are breathing, He is still working out His will for you.
How will you respond to His calling? There are only two options: cooperate by submitting to His plan, or resist Him. Trying to avoid or ignore the opportunities He presents is a form of resistance. Maybe the cost of obedience seems too high, but what about the cost of disobedience?
Eventually, every Christian is going to encounter a situation that tests his or her willingness to obey God. When that time comes, remember the lesson from Esther. If you refuse, the Lord will use someone else, and you will lose the opportunity to fulfill His calling. Maybe you have been placed in a difficult situation “for such a time as this”—to be an influence for Christ in our dark world.
Living in God’s calling isn’t always easy, but it is always worth the risk. Each step will reveal the faithfulness of our Lord, encouraging us to trust Him in the next opportunity He provides. As our faith grows, His perfect timing will become evident, and we’ll look with joy and expectation for what awaits us.
Well, its not just Riza that I've encountered blogging about if she should cut her hair or not but for women, when they get bored of an old style, they just keep going back to the salon. Well, that is why a lot of salons are everywhere and they're doing good business. You can be like Madonna and BFF, Gwyneth Paltrow who's willing to pay a $800 hairstyle to Orlando Pita or in Manila, you probably get it from Pin Antonio. But wherever it is, whoever does your hair, the big question is, does it suit you best? Do you get compliments? Is the color right for you? Is it too short? or too long for your age?
If you watch America's Next Top Model, in the 2nd or 3rd episodes, models get their hair done and a major make-over. Its quite annoying to see other models crying over their hair being cut shorter where I think their stylist did them a great job and made them look like a model material.
If you don't know what style suits you best, I believe it is best to answer these questions;
What's your style? Lifestyle?
What is the work that you do?
What's your face shape?
What personality do you have?
Are you willing to have a major make-over?
If you answer the last question with a YES, you're in for a treat!
What's your style like? your lifestyle? If you are always on the move and you're job requires powerful career women. Hairstyle is like clothing. They say, "dress the part" or "dress to succeed". I would suggest sleeker hairstyle, a clean bob or a side swept bangs, and a darker shade of color for your hair. If you want to keep your hair long, make sure, you can maintain the shiny look of it, tie your hair up at work but NEVER use a hair scrounge. Use black elastics that are hardly visible on your hair. If you're a creative person who loves the vintage clothes, bohemian, punk type of person and still has a flare for style, go for something edgy. Color your hair sexy. Highlights of purple, red and blonde with an edgy twist of cut would bring out much of your exotic personality. Bench Fix, Toni n' Guy, and Toni n' Jackey would give justice to what you want.
Hair shape is important. If you're round face and you want a Victoria Beckham look, think again. This can actually make you cry. Consider looking at your cheek bones, your forehead, the length of your face and your nose. If you have a big nose, you can pull it off with bangs. If you have a large forehead, you can style is up with side swept bangs. If you have a small face, go for short hairstyle. There's tons of websites that can actually help you on this part. Google it. I do.
Why Angelina Jolie looks hot in long, brunette hairstyle while Victoria Beckham sizzles in short, edgy, blonde or brunette hairstyle? Its the personality the differs. Angelina Jolie may be the quoted as the hottest women alive, Victoria Beckham remains to be posh, sleek, and high fashioned. Angelina is a humanitarian, a person with a goddess look, and a beauty that men drools over at the red carpet. Long hair suits her. She can tie it up, curl it, and put it down. She's a mother of six and the woman of Brad. She's a beauty in a brunette long
hair. But it has to be well kept. Shiny, well brushed, polished and you provide treatment. A dry long hair is not hot. It's a mess. While Victoria Beckham could get away with not washing her hair and you not knowing it. Even if the paparazzi caught her is bed head with her short hair, no one would probably notice as long as she is in her Lacroix or Jimmy Choo. She's the wife of Beckham, a sporty guy, both world known, she's a fashion icon and she's a model. Short hair cut suits her best. People follow her trend. Her small face emphasizes her features like her cheek bones and small lips. It gives her more poised and strong personality by carrying a short cut.
My hair suggestions.
Be bold. Find a salon that you can really get along with the hairstylist. Your stylist should turn to be a friend in the end and not someone who would just want tips and make you spend thousands in one sitting. Someone who's not afraid to style you. Remember, going for hair treatment is okay but you can actually do this at home and save yourself a thousand bucks. Be creative but don't go funky style unless you sing in a band. And if you're looking at magazines, picture yourself in the hairstyle that you want not the picture you see. Remember, they're not you, so you won't look like them. Be realistic but know that you can be better than how they sport such hairstyle.
Ask your stylist if the hair would suit you and ask yourself.
If I am to cut my hair, I'd probably take this style into consideration. I want red hues since I've been sporting blonde colors for a long time. It's time to go for red brown or darker hues like how Ashlee Simpson did it or Fergie. Something edgy that would not emphasize my cheeks. A little bob but not too bob at the back. I'm keeping my bangs too. But again, not anytime soon.
My stylist:
Crissy from Toni n' Guy in 6750.
Other Salons I suggest?
Frank Provost in Rockwell
Basement Salon in Shangri-la
Lucy Brittanico in Greenhills or Hair Shaft in Podium
Bench Fix in Glorietta 4
This is the recent style Crissy did to me although I'm sure Taylor Momsen styles it better. But a full bangs, a little layers and shoulder length. I'm going to keep it first before I really decide on cutting it but then again, not anytime soon.
So, I can go for a grunge look when I'm in the mall and swept my bangs on the side when I'm at work. And tie it up when at home blogging. A thousand ways to style it.
I've seen this video before in one of the church services and this is the second time I saw it while browsing in youtube.
I just wanna share a thought...
This is how Jesus is in my life and yours...
That life doesn't always turn out the way we want to and sometimes in the middle of the race we fall down, injure ourself, make mistakes but just Derek's father, he will come down the race track with you and finish the race with you.
Inspiring. His love for us will help us persevere and have faith that we can do it.
The Easter story is a message of hope. Yet many people celebrate this holiday with only chocolate bunnies and egg hunts because they do not know its real purpose. The gospel is precious information that Jesus asked His followers to spread widely (Matt. 28:19). He expects that each of us will be prepared to answer those who are curious about the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15).
Christianity is unique. Other religions and belief systems have a “doer” philosophy. In other words, to achieve eternal life, a follower must follow leaders’ instructions, adhere to rules, and/or give as much as he is told. The Christian life also includes good works, obeying commandments, and tithing. However, these activities are the result of serving Christ rather than a supposed method for reaching heaven. Instead of placing our hope in human ambition and diligence, we recognize Jesus as the only path to God.
Jesus Christ’s primary purpose in coming to earth was to die for mankind’s transgressions. Had He stayed in His tomb, everyone would be responsible for his or her own sin-debt. But Jesus conquered the grave, which means that His followers can too. Those who believe in Him are released from their death penalty and invited to spend eternity with God.
What are you doing with the amazing message of God’s love? The commission to “go and make disciples” is meant to be an integral part of every believer’s life. We should share about Jesus while at home, at work, among friends, or pursuing hobbies. In other words, we are to celebrate Easter every day.
Holy week is the time we remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. When I was a kid, I know holy week as when there's nothing to watch on t.v but different stories of Jesus. From the beginning, to Moses, to the life of Jesus which I actually look forward to. Then, I remember growing up in Antipolo, my lola's family would join the procession. My lola is a devout Catholic. And I would be fond looking at the different "po-on" or images of the people that lived during Jesus time. I wasn't really a fan of the black Nazarene. I was afraid why Jesus has a black face. I would always like to see the smiling Jesus. But I adore the beauty of the other saints like Mary Magdalene, Salome, Mother Mary. They were exceptionally carved and their hairs were like the hair of my classmate Tiffany in grade school. They were really beautiful. Curly hair and fair skin. As a child, I look up to those statues and picturing the moments from the t.v. show about Jesus. Actually most of them have the same faces, I would only recognize Mary Magdalene because she was carrying an oil or perfume in her hand and Salome has the cloth with Jesus face. Peter has a rooster in hand. And those were the only few I remember. Then, we'd walk from Antipolo church to the entire town. My lola would pray her rosary. As I look back to memory lane, I feel like I am reading F. Sionil-Jose's Philippine literature. But true indeed I grew up watching this. I have seen as well the morning of Good Friday when I would watch people cover their faces like thieves and whip themselves and bleed. I was afraid looking at it. I was just probably 6 or 7 years old back then. I never understood why they would do that until it was explained in school.
I also once tried Alay Lakad. I walked from Shangri-la in Mandaluyong to Antipolo church. I slept at my grandfather's house and woke up by noon. My tatang was waking me up when I felt the pain on my legs and feet. I tried stepping on the floor and the pain was worst. My tatang was laughing at me and said not to do it again. I never did really. I never even knew the essence of it back then. I just thought it would be fun to walk. I was just hungry the whole time. I stop at every place I'd see a cold coke or a boiled egg. I thought it was fun to eat those.
But as I grew older and knew Jesus in a deeper way. Holy week had a bigger revelation to me besides what was taught in Catholic school. I found a deeper way to connect to Jesus but not just because it is Holy week. Everyday is a holy day. I believe that each day is created by God and therefore it is holy. I learned and believe that Jesus died for you and me so we can cross that bridge that separated man from God. Jesus saved us from sin. He actually became sin for us. The meaning of the cross is far deeper than this week can comprehend. But this is not just the moment to make sacrifices or to obey and not eat meat or beat ourselves up for the sins that we have done. Jesus did it for us already. What we need to do is to submit ourselves to His Will and obey his commands. Through Jesus we find the meaning and the purpose of our lives.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
To all my friends who are now facebook members of Helping Hands Organization (HHO), Big hug and Big thanks for supporting our cause. Since the birth of the organization way back in 2006, recently, eight (8) scholars have graduated through the help of people behind HHO and those who have supported our cause through donations and supporting our events in the last few years.
As this year opened, we have added 1 more scholar from Claremont Binangonan through their support on our film showing activity in SM Taytay. HHO would like to thank APT Entertainment, Regal Films, and Ms. Malou Crisologo for lending us the film, Urduja (Ang Alamat ng Pag-Ibig), a Filipino animation that was shown to 500 children from Claremont Binangonan. HHO would also like to thank SM Taytay, Archi Dela Cruz (Cinema Manager) and Hon. Cecilio Ynares for extending support and financial aid to making this event possible.
In this coming school year, 5 more schools from the province of Binangonan wants to support our cause in exchange of providing scholars for children who wants to be enrolled in private schools and to help children with autism. Doors are also opening to schools in Taytay Rizal and Antipolo City. But for all these schools to gain scholarship, HHO projects and events will contribute to a great help in fulfilling our vision to send every child to school.
With this in mind, our second project this year is a T-SHIRT project that states, "I sent a child to school because of this shirt". With my most creative and supportive core team, Nathan Cabigao, Marga Espino, Tim Medrano, Krystel Ragotero and Gel Rivera, we have finally come up with something that would promote our cause and let others become a part of it.
Your shirt today will send 1 child to school. Your shirt will help children with autism and promote the value of education among Filipino Kids.
I have attached the photo of our shirt design and I'd be happy to receive comments and suggestion to make this project a successful one.
Instructions: 1. Open this website 2. Take the Personality Quiz (it's VERY short and easy, really) 3. Copy Paste the result to Facebook. 4. Tag your friends including me =)
Your view on yourself:
You are intelligent, honest and sweet. You are friendly to everybody and don't like conflict. Because you're so cheerful and fun people are naturally attracted to you and like to talk to you.
The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:
You are not looking merely for a girl/boyfriend - you are looking for your life partner. Perhaps you should be more open-minded about who you spend time with. The person you are looking for might hide their charm under their exterior.
Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.
The seriousness of your love:
Your have very sensible tactics when approaching the opposite sex. In many ways people find your straightforwardness attractive, so you will find yourself with plenty of dates.
Your views on education
Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.
The right job for you:
You have plenty of dream jobs but have little chance of doing any of them if you don't focus on something in particular. You need to choose something and go for it to be happy and achieve success.
How do you view success:
You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career and nothing will stop you from trying.
What are you most afraid of:
You are afraid of things that you cannot control. Sometimes you show your anger to cover up how you feel.
Who is your true self:
You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.
