greetings!!

Wanna greet each one a very "HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR". May this year be a year of plentiful harvest from hard work in the previous year......

God help us.....

awesome!!

Our church service today was just awesome!! Such spirit-filled one. God moved in His very mighty way.. Remember my last entry about those people who were devastated from the recent typhoon?. Some of them attended our service today. Were blessed and encourage. Masaya sila noong binigay namin ang konting tulong sa kanila, clothings and etc.... So thankful that we could be a help to them even in a humble way. Siyempre yong makakaya lang namin....We had water baptism afterwards. One of those who were baptized is the wife of one of our faithful member. They have been married for a long time but he could never get her to be baptized. God`s time finally came for last night she just decided to get baptized. She was crying and raising her hands worshipping God in the baptistry.... such a wonderful sight!


We just had a long week behind us. We were with our church youth department in a three day camp in Antipolo. Dave had organized this one for the young people in our section but extended the invitation to other churches in different sections especially in Manila and Quezon City. Success po mga kapatid.... it was well attended and you could never see such move of the Holy Ghost anywhere else. It was there in that 3-day camp..The theme is E3...... to empower, equip and evangelize...... and it surely live up to its title. I could see, i assure you! We have 3 youths added through water baptism and four received the Holy Ghost in HCJC. But the camp in general 13 got water baptized and 9 rec`vd the H.G. Praise God!

Napaka-notorious po ang traffic ngayon. Seems that everyone is victim of the so-called holiday shopping rush and compulsive buying. Sa Divisoria ngayon parang imposible ang mamili. Sa mga kalsada pa lang hindi ka na makakilos at patagilid na lang ang lakad sa dami ng tao.... Paano pa kaya kung papasok ka pa sa mga tindahan!! Who could say na naghihirap ang mga pinoy? Last week nga, nagpasama si Verniel sa akin kasi bibili daw siya ng maong na pantalon... Umuwi po kaming walang dala. Hindi dahil walang mabili. Nagkalat nga sa dami pero sumakit ang ulo namin sa dami ng tao that we decided to just go home empty handed. Saka na lang kami babalik pagkatapos ng holidays... grabe talaga!! Paano sasabihin na ang pilipino ay naghihirap? Totoo na ang hirap ay nasa isip lang... Gusto ng tao na maabot lahat ng mga "gusto" at hindi lang ang mga pangangailangan.. (lalim ah..)

Thanks for all your greetings guys... For the holidays. I send you mine too. I know you all have your own way of making yours memorable and full of happiness.

This is just an update. Only trying to connect. To let you know I am just here and God`s been good and faithful. Today is the 24th of December. Please remember us when you gather tonight for your christmas eve feast, hehehe!! And how about when you give out the gifts? Will i be there with you even in spirit?
Things will just be normal for the cutar family tonight... if you know what i mean? (walang noche buena). The children are talking they`ll go the star city, will take this brother visitor, Silas,from Malaysia and take all those rides. Save all the cooking and other preparations next week. I`d like to welcome the coming year with glee and thanksgiving because God has brought us this far, healthy, happy and rejoicing. Oh, how could I tell you how good God has been to us this year. This has been a fruitful year. The ministry, life in particular...

So here`s a big grin for everyone....... :)

luv u all......

ate virgie

missing the point.....

Today is wednesday. I woke up to a very ideal climate. Sunny but cool, windless morning and our yard is clean from leaves that`s usually scattered around the house making everything in a mess. Sana laging ganito. Just the other day, was another stormy day while we drove dave to clark air base to catch his flight to Singapore. I prayed he would have a safe trip. Once more, i plead the blood of Jesus over my son. We were in a signal number 2, i didn`t bother to know the name of the typhoon anymore........Yong nakaraan ay grabe ang pinsala na iniwan sa Bicol province. Sunod sunod na silang dumadating and it just drive me nuts knowing that everytime they come, many lives, houses, and even barrios and some barangays are erased from where they usually are situated. As of this writings, people from devastated places are suffering in evacuation centers, without food, clothes, cold and sick. I can`t fully comprehend why these things had to happen to some people? Why pain and sufferings to some......... at kadalasan sa mga mahihirap pa? Bakit hindi doon sa mga mayayabang na mayayaman na walang ibang ginawa kundi manloko ng kapwa at mangurakot?

I really have mixed emotions concerning this. Why let the poor suffer? Bakit palaging sila? Samantalang ang mga tao na nasa kanila na lahat ay patuloy na namamayagpag sa buhay. They have all the material things in this world and still remained unharmed? I can`t believe i have all this questions welling up inside me. Am i just missing the whole point of what life and the will of God is all about?

This kind of thinking didn`t leave me as I go through our family`s wardrobe and sorting out things, anything that could be of help to our brethren in Bicol. Sa ngayon mga kapatid, wala po tayong UPC churches na nakatayo sa Bicol, na-wash out lahat......mabuti na lang nailigtas nila ang mga buhay nila but minus mga ari-arian. We have one member in our church that has all of his family live at the foot of mayon volcano. Two of his brothers were victim sa flash mud flood na galing sa bulkan. Ang isa namatay dahil nalibing ng buhay, at ang isa ay naanod sa baha. Marami pa siyang mga kamag-anak na missing hanggang ngayon. But i doubt if they`re still alive below the ground hanggang ngayon? Ang iba, fled with their lives, nothing but themselves and dala-dala nila. Ang munting barrio nila ay totally erased from the map.... napalitan ng ilog at tubig at lahar.. I often ask myself, what future awaits them? Lord, please comfort them.........

I want to help. But how? Words of encouragement seems not suitable at this moment. I want to give them some warm. The point is, i hope people feels the same way that I do and extend a helping hand....`wag magkibit balikat at parang walang pakialam sa mga nangyayari sa paligid nila. Here`s an opportunity to serve....... please don`t just exist!!

Speaking of missing the point na naman..... Just now, our neighbor`s helpers knock at our gate saying their "amo" is asking for our phone number. Magrereklamo na naman ito tungkol sa ingay natin every church service. The last time na nagreklamo siya, we explain that we would not tone down our voices in worship because we believe in shouting and making loud noise when we worship God. I don`t know if she understands........some people only consider things if it concern them, their culture and nothing more. I again wonder, what would be her end if she`ll continue to persecute God`s people?

I often like to read halfway through a book and then take a quick peek at the last chapter to find out how the story i am reading would end. I can`t wait to know whether or not the book ends happily. To us who reads and know the contents of the Bible...... we know that its not always happily ended to everyone. Some gain the blessedness of the holy city, others into eternal damnation. Others receive the gift, others receive the curse....... It`s only our belief in Jesus Christ that would make the difference.

About that neighbor, I want to tell her this is an issue about life and God and she`s missing the whole point...

ok, i`m going further and further. I still have sorting outs to do. And I again have this nasty allergy. Hinihika na naman ako!! Namumula at masakit na ang ilong ko sa kapupunas!! But now is the time to let go of my favorite clothes that`s been in its hiding place for so long.... At least, they now have its purpose......

Lord, me too, help me live my life with a purpose. Please don`t ever make me miss the point why you have created me, and why I am here.... pls. pls. Lord!!

so, that`s exactly the point guys!!!

ate gie

paramdam lang....

at last, i have this computer for myself..... at least for now, lols. The boys are out today to take their friend ( from Malaysia) to lunch at siguro mamayang gabi na sila uuwi, dalhin daw nila sa filipino restaurant itong kaibigan na `to at ipapasyal din. It`s his first time in pinas and want to see what we have here. Of course ang pinaka-una niyang nakita ay ang pagiging hospitable nating mga pinoy. We just want to intertain, give and share our time and all just so he will be comfortable with us. I realized its not even an effort to do so because we love these people from Malaysia.
Dave and charis just came back from that place (malaysia) about 3 days ago. With them are inspiring reports about what God has done in their youth retreat there. It was such a success spiritually...Praise God. Kahit wala silang boses pareho, sama-sama na - pagod, kulang sa tulog and all, but everything is worth it, mission accomplished!!

dave is going back in two weeks time to singapore to attend another conference, charis, on the other hand have a lot of catching up to do in his lessons and exams in bible school...

This week as you know, another typhoon hit pinas. we were waiting for it to hit Manila yesterday morning......classes and work in the city were all suspended as the weather bureau said it is stronger than the melenyo. Said the eye of the typhoon is sure coming straight the path to Manila. Naghanda kami..... namili ng stock na pagkain at maraming kandila....at least nakahanda na pagdating ng bagyo!! But during the night, amazingly it changed direction, lumihis, at hindi na dumaan ng Manila. We thanked the Lord but sadly other areas like the bicol region especially albay were totally devastated... maraming bahay ang nailibing kasama ang mga taong nakatira sa flash mud flood na galing sa bulkan..... talagang nakakaawa. Ang dami na namang namatay... Sunod sunod na yata ang mga catastrophe na nangyayari sa bansang ito?

Maliban sa nagdaang bagyo, life here is normal. Only when you walk out the streets one could not deny that christmas is in the air. Could feel it everywhere. Kapag nagpadala ka pa, malulungkot ka lalo na kapag naiisip mo na wala ka na namang kapera-pera.. Nagkalat ang mga pwedeng bibilhin. Kung impulsive buyer ka, aandar yan sa ganitong klaseng panahon, hehehe!!. In my part, i`m not getting any younger or richer either. Kung hindi lang dahil sa Panginoon and the church, i could say that life is just so achingly boring....

see you guys around... *******GRIN****** paramdam lang po. hihihihi!!!

ate gie

letdown feeling...

Can`t think of a suitable title for this one. I`m just not into doing anything today. Nasa festive mood pa ang pinas until today. I`m speaking about how Pacquio won his fight last Sunday. Everywhere people are still talking about it. One great big celebration for filipinos around the world. Makikita mo talaga ang pagkakaisa ng mga kababayan natin.... Pinas is very much on the globe now, you think so?

The boys are off to Malaysia today. We drive them early this morning to Manhattan ( name of an apartment in Quezon City), its there that they would join their other companions, i think about 5 of them so that makes them 7 all in all. A van will take them to the airport in Angeles City sa Pampanga. Ewan ko, bakit doon sila nakakuha ng flight? Money wise siguro, baka mas practical at mura. So they go for it. who don`t want to save kahit kaunti?

Originally, our whole family planned to tag along, as we want to be there as support to dave but as time progressed our plans just did not materialized. Ang daming dapat i-consider na mapuntahan ng pera. Yong ipapamasahe, eh pambayad na lang ng mga bills at yong iba pangbaon na lang ng dalawa. I assured them, dad and me may not be with them physically but our prayers will be with them all the way. We made another plan however to go on vacation next year, but now will start saving just for that purpose. I want to be able to have fun without feeling guilty and to enjoy some "time-out" as much as I enjoy self-sacrifice..

For over a week, we gonna miss them again... The house is so quiet when we got back this morning. I feel mildly depressed. I`m not talking of severe depression but rather the slightly-letdown feeling na parang walang enthusiasm and lack of energy. Wala namang particular reason.... Ok guys, just permit me to feel this way ha? Anyway naman, in our society women are permitted if not expected to feel "blue" or "blah". No, i`m not building this up..... just my moody "me" in the way again..

Well, well guys, so many celebrations coming up. You were just through with your thanksgiving day i supposed? There`s Christmas, New Year, our church anniversary in January and then reunion and jubilee month. wow.... we need great deal of strenght to go through all these!! I guess this holiday times are particularly likely to produce in me such feelings of low-level tensions. Its advertisements are everywhere. You can`t open a newspaper or magazine without seeing recipes for holiday foods. Wherever I turned there are reminders of the season. In every stores, malls, radio, TV, decorations in the streets, lights, beautiful lights sa lahat ng dako, christmas songs, and even in my mails. Such frantic encouragements to festivity. Truthfully, the more out of it i`m feeling. Can`t really work up my usual enthusiasm for the season. Cant help thinking about the shopping, the long line in the grocery store, the entertaining, the cooking, let alone the house cleaning. To think i`m doing all the organizing. I hate to realize that maybe this is what causes me to feel down or also feeling resentful that these burdens are upon me. Yea, the main responsibility falls on me, hello mothers! It always has, and this year`s not different from the rest. Moms, be ready..... you`re going to have a lot of extra work and a lot of organizing too.

But believe me I always feel guilty for feeling this way and not having the right spirit concerning this. I certainly would not want to spoil everything because my human side tells me to feel this way sometimes. My family looks up to me, i can`t and will not let them down.

This is my ministry. I want to fulfill God`s purpose in my life. As a mother, i want to serve, not just existing. I know God wants me to learn to love and serve others unselfishly. Being in the ministry I have discovered the meaning of my life and why i am here. It`s here that i meant to be...

Lord, just give me the strenght to survive the coming days. Joy and peace in the Holy ghost. It`s all that matters. Please continue working through me...... even in my weaknesses. When I am weak, thou art strong...

lastly, The rain has not come this week. Masarap gumala. Just now, hubby says we are going out. To see some people. I would ask him if we could pass by the Baywalk area on our way home. The air is so fresh this time of the day. It`s almost sunset. Perhaps we will sit on one of the benches by the sea just talking and feeling the air on our faces. Guys, ang sarap pa rin dito sa pilipinas. Hindi ko maiwasang maging romantic, hehehe!!!

My diet was broken. I would like to start the south beach again this coming week. Presently, i am in my after six o`clock diet. Effective din. I`ve lost some pounds. I really look forward for this to continue. I cannot have my outfit (dress for papa`s tribute service) made until i reach my ideal weight. Still lots of fats to be burned. I`m doing this slowly but surely...

i have to go. Ang tahimik ng pattslandia. See you guys around.

ate virgie

mountain moving faith...

a friend sent this in my mail and thought of sharing this to you:

MOUNTAIN MOVING FAITH
Author unknown

O, to have such faith!

Faith to move mountains......

A small congregation in the foothills of the great smokies built a new sanctuary on a piece of land willed to them by a church member. ten days before the new church was to open, the local building inspector informed the pastor that the parking lot was inadequate for the size of the building.

Until the church doubled the size of the parking lot, they would not be able to use the new sanctuary. Unfortunately, the church with its undersized parking lot had used every inch of their land except for the mountain against which it had been built. In order to build more parking spaces, they would have to move the mountain out of the back yard.

Undaunted, the pastor announced the next Sunday morning that he would meet that evening with all members who had "mountain moving faith". They would hold a prayer session asking God to remove the mountain from the back yard and to somehow provide enough money to have it paved and painted before the scheduled opening dedication service the following week.

at the appointed time, 24 of the congregation`s 300 members assembled for prayer. they prayed for nearly three hours. at ten o`clock the pastor said the final "amen". "We`ll open next sunday as scheduled", he assured everyone. "God has never let us down before, and I believe He will be faithful this time too".

the next morning as he was working in his study there came a loud knock at his door. when he called "come in", a rough looking construction foreman appeared, removing his hard hat as he entered.

"Escuse me , Reverend, I`m from Acme Construction company over in the next county. We`re building a huge new shopping mall over there and we need some fill dirt. Would you be willing to sell us a chunk of that mountain behind the church? We`ll pay you for the dirt we remove and pave all the exposed area free of charge, if we can have it right away. we can`t do anything else until we get the dirt in and allow it to settle properly."

the little church was dedicated the next sunday as originally planned and there were far more members with "mountain moving faith" on opening sunday that there had been the previous week!

PRAYER:
"Lord, may I be one with you in all that I say and do. Draw me close that I may glorify you and bear fruit for your kingdom. Inflame my heart with your love and remove from it anything that would make me ineffective or unfruitful in loving and serving you as My All".

bubblings...

our weather has change here now when november stepped in. The wind is cool to my skin and i like it. Festive months are here again...... christmas spirit is in the air once more. There`s something about this time of the year that makes you feel happy, excited and.........and... sad at the same time....... maybe because another year na naman ang nadagdag sa buhay ko. ( one more year away from my youth, lols).

well, this has been another week of struggle with work finding ways and means to make ends met. You know those bills are very much capable of keeping us on our feet whether we feel like it or not. Hubby spent some days out of manila for 2 days to speak in a health seminar there and plan to go back to Pangasinan and Baguio for another one this week. I could see that our labors is paying off, thank God, for the strenght He has continually given us in all aspect. Our God cannot fail.

Finally, Dave and charis has got their tickets for malaysia and will be leaving 2 weeks from now without Verniel. He decided to just deposit his money in the bank instead of buying a ticket... mabuti rin kasi wala kaming organist na maiiwan dito sa HCJC. Sa palagay ko, hindi puwede na silang tatlo ang aalis sabay-sabay. Ewan ko, very outdated na kasi ang style ko in playing the organ and i think iba ang beat ko sa nakasanayan na. Let`s say, those were the days for me...... pero kung wala na talagang iba, pedeng-pede pa naman! Some young people from other churches are accompanying dave in this trip. I am praying for them to be a blessing to those youths in Malaysia. I`m sure they will..

ayy, i would like to announce pala.... Dave has just been elected as our new district youth President for NCR. promotion that I know comes from the Lord. he`s most able, my son is. I would like that his talents be given all for the glory of God...

I have not much to report right now. Today i am changing and taking down my curtains to be washed. On Saturday, our house will be use as venue for a debut celebration of one of our youth here. Hindi ko alam kung paano nila aayusin itong magulong bahay ko, bahala na ang mga young people. Magagaling naman sila..... expert sila dyan, hehehe!

Our youth department is really on the go nowadays. ang daming youth ang na-baptized lately. We have a plan to take out our sunday morning worship service to a presentable place...... in a hotel most likely..... for evangelism purposes. Please pray that God will supply the financial means. Ang church kasi dito sa Malacanang really needs renovation. It`s not very presentable. tumutulo kapag umuulan at iba pa.... We have a project to renovate if the money comes.

well, somebody is waiting for me to vacate the sit in front of this computer..... *grin*.... gagamit daw. Hindi na ako makapag-isip pa... this is just my usual bubbling...

see you in a day or two...

ate gie

part 2 genealogy patts assignment

(Here`s my continuation...)


FAMILY PERSONALITIES:

Magkakabukingan na talaga ito...hehehe!! But don`t worry i have only nice words to say about my siblings. generally, patts is a wonderful family. although may kanya-kanyang maliliit na katangian. Pero isa lang ang stand-out: sumpungin!! (moody), at ang mga babae, mga iyakin...

Me - what can I say? kayo ang magsabi nyan, hindi ako, lols.

glo - Siya ang talagang barkada ko sa aming lahat. You see, magkasabay kaming lumaki niyan. Nauna lang ako ng isang taon sa kanya. Side-kick ko siya, hehehe! Confidante, best friend, kaya siguro may "soft spot" sa puso ko para sa kanya. Mabait, sa aming lahat siya talaga ang mahilig magluto noon, yaya sa halos lahat ng kapatid ko at ang isang katangian niya na wala sa akin, very friendly, laging nakabungisngis, very approachable. Eto pa, she has her unique way of choosing her wardrobe.... noon, nauuna siya lagi sa uso ng mga damit. Kaya naman, minsan sinusuot namin ni remie ang mga damit niya kapag wala siya. Siyempre hindi siya papayag kung magpapaalam kami. Very fashionable, magagnda ang mga damit niya at sobrang hilig sa sandals.

Remie - sobrang babaw ang kaligayahan. Mahilig mangarap. kaya sa aming lahat siya ang very first na nagkaroon ng sariling bahay at lupa.... at matipid!! Noon, akala namin kuripot, hehehe!! Matakutin kaya lagi siyang binu-bully noong maliit pa siya....... at beauty concious din. Naalala ko noon, galit siya kapag laging tuyo ang ulam at walang prutas... kumukuha siya lagi ng dahon ng papaya at kinikiskis niya sa balat niya para kuminis, hehehe. Inggit ako kung paano niya nami-maintain ang kapayatan niya. Yes, siya ang runner ng pamilya lalo na tungkol sa mga legal matters. Maaasahan.

Naneth - she was born twin. but sadly, isang taon lang nabuhay yong isa. Maliit na babae, pero sobrang tough. Bihira ko siyang nakikitang umiiyak sa mga problema niya sa buhay.... Sa aming magkakapatid na babae, siya lang ang hindi umiiyak kapag pinapalo ni mama. Baligtad, si mama ang umiiyak sa inis, hehehe!! Like glo, very friendly din siya. happy-go-lucky.

Bobong - siya ang dreamer sa pamilya. Eventually, naabot niya ang mga gusto niyang abutin sa buhay.....( sa nakikita ko). Magaling makisama, big hearted din yan and generous. Always extend a helping hand hindi lang sa pamilya kundi sa mga friends niya!!. Pinanindigan niya ang pagiging "panganay" sa mga patts boys. (Ung panganay kasi, si willie, ay kinuha na ng panginoon at a very young age).

Danny - pinakamabait. tahimik at very low profile siya. Very patts ang ugali. Kuntento nang nasa background. Responsible din siya and very loving. Pero ang gusto ko sa lahat, meron siyang sense of humor, very funny na hindi niya sinasadya...

Jean - Beauty siya. siyempre beauty kaming lahat pero iba siya kasi mestisa ang dating niya noon. Unlike all of us, maputi siya at brown ang kulay ng buhok. parang batang american. Talented, maganda ang boses kapag umaawit. Masayahin pero mahiyain. Sobrang mahiyain noon na minsan nakakainis na.... pero ngayon nalampasan niya lahat yan. Hindi na siya ang dating shy girl... Dala-dala din niya ang mga katangian ng patts: sobrang maawain, mapagbigay and eager to please... big hearted.

Lorie - sobrang bait din ang batang ito. Sunod lang ng sunod kapag inuutusan. Walang reklamo. Naging babysitter siya ng younger brothers niya at ibang mga pamangkins. Maganda ang boses, tagahanga niya ako, at talented din. we love you lors, and i miss you!!

Darrell - very lovable siya noong maliit pa at kahit ngayon. Malinis ang personality. Very eager to please din. Very prayerful na bata. Matalino din. Stand out ang pagiging patts.

Jay - very likeable ang personality nitong si jay. Magaling makisama kaya ang dami niyang kaibigan. Tahimik nga lang siya pero ang lagi kong matandaan sa kanya ay lagi siyang nakangiti. He has a way of melting your heart....... low profile na tao but very dependable.

Jeffrey - like the others, mabait si jeff. marunong makisama, pero dahil bunso at single pa, medyo spoiled... alam ko, dala-dala din niya ang mga katangian ng patts.

FAMILY RECIPES:

What was your everyday usual menu? Kung may pera, mahilig magluto si mama ng nilagang baka. pero kung wala, mangungutang sa tindahan ng corned beef. Humba na langka, at aplay na papaya. Noong nasa makati na kami, usual menu ay law-oy, daing, tuyo at alamang na ginisa sa itlog.

What was your family`s favorite menu?
Noong maliit pa ako, i remember, hindi kami nawawalan ng pritong tuna. Sinabaw na tuna na may malunggay. Minsan suso na may gata. Gustong gusto namin yan noon. bigyan kami ni mama ng perdible para tusukin palabas ung laman ng suso...or kaya sisipsipin na lang. Ang sarap!!

Does everyone knows how to cook?

Noong mga dalaga at binata pa kami i think hindi namin hilig magluto, except glo. Ngayon na lang kami natuto at nahilig lahat ng nag-asawa na!!

Do you have cook outs or picnic?

Hindi yan uso noon sa amin. Wala akong recollection na nagpiknik kami as a family. Kaya siguro ngayong may sarili na kaming mga pamilya, mahilig kaming lumabas at magpikinik.

DATING

How does your parents respond to dating?

Si papa okey lang. Minsan pinakikilala ko sa kanya ang mga manliligaw ko. Si mama ang medyo strict. Pinapakita niya sa tao kung ayaw niya by pagdadabog or minsan kung gabi na umuwi hinuhulugan niya ng banig...

TALENTS

What side of your parents you get your god-given talents?

siguro nakuha ko sa patts ang hilig ko sa pagkanta at hilig mag-teach.

IMMIGRATION

I will leave this out. I haven`t been migrated to any countries. Maybe someday. Not long from now. lol

WORK

What did your parents do for a living when you were growing up? did you ever help them out?

My father teach for a living. Professor siya sa isang school sa Gensan. Then nag-founder siya ng isang bible School noong Trinitarian pa kami. Si mother stay at home mom. I started helping out financially when I was 16 years old.

Was your family financially comfortable?

When we were young, we were always groping and struggling financially. Si papa lang ang nagta-trabaho at marami kaming magkakapatid. Pero magtataka ka, ang dami pa naming pinapakain na ibang tao. Adopted ng pamilya.. hindi kami nauubusan. Kahit simple lang, laging parang fiesta..

What was your first job/ How were you at that time? How did you get your job?

My first job was candy wrapper in a candy factory. 12 years old ako noon. Isinama ako ng mga pinsan ko sa pag-aaply nila. During weekends lang iyon. Pangbaon ko sa school.

What different jobs have you had during your lifetime?

Candy wrapper, naging clerk sa isang gasoline station (for 2 weeks only) when i was 14 yrs. old., I was able to teach in our UPC Bible School in Samar for a year. Secretary in our UPC headquarters office until i got married at 23. Bible School librarian and secretary to papa`s international correspondence school. Branch manager sa Asian pacific Realty company and at the present an emerald manager with my husband in a food supplement company.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERESTICS:

What physical characteristics do people in your family share?

Maliliit lang kami... Hindi mo naman matatawag na pangit kasi matatangos ang mga ilong namin. Our parents said we are a mixture of spanish and chinese blood. Pero mukhang bombay ang karamihan sa amin.. ( matatalino ang mga patts - kaya tawag sa kanila ay small but terrible!!)

Do they all have the same hair color or eye color?

yes, karamihan black hair. i think we all have eyes of dark brown.

whom in the family do you resemble?

When i was younger, very evident ang pagiging patts. father side. But now that i`m older, i already resemble my mother. Buscano naman..

PREVIOUS GENERATIONS:

Did you know your grandparents or great grandparents?

yes. Naabutan ko pa ang father ni papa at ang stepmother niya. Si tatay asiong at Nanay pinang. Si tatay asiong namatay noong 9 yrs. old ako pero si nanay pinang may-asawa na ako noong namatay siya. nakatira pa siya sa bahay namin noon sa Makati. Sa side naman ni mama, hanggang ngayon still living pa ang grandfather ko, pero ang grandmother ko, matagal nang namatay. I never met any of my great grandparents.

What were their names?

Tatay asiong and nanay pinang - papa`s side
Tatay Elias and auntie puring - mama`s side. Tatay elias married again when my lola died. He married my papa`s sister, auntie puring.

Where did they live?

Tatay Elias and Auntie Puring is in Mindanao. My father`s side grandparents are all gone.

what stories can you tell about them and their lives?

Wala masyado akong masasabi tungkol kina tatay asiong. They live in Bohol while we live in Mindanao that time. Pero nagbakasyon kami noon sa bohol, I was 5 years old, nakaalala ako ng konti, si tatay asiong ay very loving sa akin. lagi niya akong kinakarga at kinukuha niya yong mga "tungaw" ( maliliit na kulay pulang insecto) na pumapasok sa pusod, sobrang kati. At madalas pinapakain niya ako ng lugaw at pinapatulog.

Si tatay elias naman ay malapit nang mag-ninety years old pero malakas pa at hindi pa ulyanin up to this day. Pastor na talaga siya noon sa assemblies of God at mahilig mag-fasting ng 40 days and forty nights. meron siyang gift of healing noon, maraming mga engkanto na na-cast out niya. Sobrang powerful ang ministry niya na kahit si papa noon, nakagat ng makamandag na ahas ay gumaling noong pinag-pray niya. Sa kanya ko nakuha yong mag-devotion ng alas kuatro ng madaling araw kasi binabato niya kami ng unan kapag hindi kami babangon para mag-pray, hehehe!!

Alam mo, kung titingnan talaga....kung baga sa bible days noon, sa mga Israelites, our family belongs to the Levites generation. halos nasa ministry ang angkan ng patts at Buscano. Yan ang heritage namin......na gusto kong maipasa din namin sa next generation... to our children and to our childrens children....

wow.... this is long. jean may continuation pa ba to? nakakapagod nang basahin. So long..

ate gie

another patts assignment =:)

Childhood: ( In taglish po ito, so that i could well express myself)

1) Where did you live and go to school?

Ang pamilya namin ay taga General Santos City (Dadiangas noon), ciudad sa south Cotabato. Doon ako lumaki, nag-aral ng elementary hanggang second year high school. I remember, i live a normal but happy childhood. Our parents did not deprived us children of the things or experiences that a normal growing child should have. Kompleto ang mga laro, disiplina ( kung may mali, hindi yan pinapalampas ni mother), at mga bittersweet memories ng kabataan. Na-enjoy ko ang pag-aaral ko. Dahil masyado akong matakutin sa teachers kaya ko pinaghusay ang pag-aaral ko noon. Consistent ang pagiging first honor ko, sa grade six lang siguro ako naging second honor kasi may dumating na isang 16 yrs old na teen-ager na naging kaklase ko at siya ang umagaw ng korona ko sa first place, hehehe!! Iniyakan ko talaga yun. Siyempre na-dethroned ka nga naman.... binibiro ako ng mga kaklase ko. (may pride din ako noh!) Ang buhay naming magkakapatid ay bahay, school at church. Masasaya ang memories ko sa church life. Tuwing bakasyon, Daily vacation bible school na hanggang ngayon ma-feel ko pa rin ang excitement. Halos lahat ng masasayang alaala ko ay church activities. Lalong-lalo na kapag pasko. may mga drama kami, songfest at iba pa. Masasayang mga araw yon. I was in my second year in high school nang tinawag ang family namin sa Angeles City para mag-start si papa ng Bible school sa United pent. Church. Alsa balutan kami..... at doon nagsimula ang buhay sa ministry ng pamilya namin. 5 years kaming nagpalipat-lipat all over the Philippines para mag-start ng Bible school si papa. Sa Davao, tumira kami ng isang taon, sa samar then back to Manila. Ang ibang kapatid ko pinanganak sa mga lugar na napuntahan namin. Hanggang sa nag-settle na kami sa manila. Noon tuwing nagbibiyahe kami, dala-dala ang mga gamit, (mga damit lang kadalasan nabibitbit, parang yun lang ang kayamanan namin that time) ay enjoy kaming magkakapatid. Sakay palagi ng barko. Parang nagpipiknik lang kami, or nagto-tour ang pakiramdam ko. Pero ngayon kapag naisip ko, ang hirap hirap pala noon para sa side ni mama. Bitbit ang mag-anak, maraming mga anak, walang kasiguraduhan kung kailan at saan kami magsi-settle. May sarili kaming bahay at lupa sa Dadiangas, maganda ang trabaho ni papa as professor sa isang kilalang escuelahan dun sa lugar namin (that time na konti pa lang ang professional, well respected ang mga teachers sa lugar namin, lalo na si papa, kaya noong iniwan ni papa lahat yon, maraming nag-akala na binigyan kami ng malaking pera ng UPC para sumunod kung saan kami dalhin.)

2) What do you remember best about your parents?
Talagang best lang ang maalala ko tungkol kay papa. Siya ang una kong teacher. 4 yrs. old pa lang ako, ang bilis ko nang magbasa. Siya ang sumasama sa aming magkakapatid tuwing nag-eenroll kami sa school, umaattend ng PTA meeting, nagsasabit ng academic medals. Naghatid sa akin sa altar noong ikinasal ako, at noong una akong lumayo sa pamilya dahil sumama ako sa husband ko doon sa mindanao na talagang nagkasakit ako dahil sa pagka-homesick, dinalaw niya ako doon. Noong growing years ko, pag nagising ako sa hatinggabi, nakikita ko si papa na nakaluhod at nananalangin. Hindi ko alam kong anong pinag-pipray niya noon, siguro kaming mga anak niya na sana manatili kami sa panginoon, kasi nangyari yan. Halos kaming lahat nasa ministry. Siya ang tiga-encourage sa amin, tuwing pinapalo or pinapagalitan kami ni mama, siya ang tiga-comfort afterward. kaya noon, minsan may mga time na medyo napapalaot kami at nakikigaya sa iba of being "worldly", kapag naisip ko si papa, at kung anong kahihiyan ang pwede kong maidulot sa kanya, ay bigla akong tumitino.... That`s how i love and respect my father, na talagang deserve naman niya!

si mama, siya ang disciplinarian. Hindi niya pinapalampas ang mga kasalanan namin. Ang dami kong memories sa mga pagdisiplina niya sa amin. Siya ang nagturo sa akin na dapat malinis palagi ang bahay, makintab ang sahig, hindi nagtatambak ng labahan at iba pa. Lumaki kami na nasa bahay lang siya. nakita namin kung paano niya sinisilbihan si papa na parang hari. At kaming mga anak niya. kaya siguro namana namin yan ngayon. Pero hindi siya yong tipo na martir. Sa kanya kami takot kasi talagang pinapalo niya kami kung may mali kami. But she is a very sweet lady, friendly and loving. Naalala ko noon, hindi kami pwedeng matulog na hindi naghugas ng katawan at nagbihis. She sees to it na malilinis ang mga kumot at mga unan namin. Housewife and mother talaga si mama. Lagi kaming kumakain on time and three times a day. malaking bagay sa kanya ang pagluluto kahit bata pa siya na naging nanay at nag-experiment palagi sa pagluluto. Basta may pagkain sa mesa pagdating namin galing sa school. Hindi isyu sa kanya kung siya ang nagsisilbi sa aming lahat. Palabigay din siya...... at masyadong hospitable. grabe, kung pwede lang lahat ng taong gustong tumira sa bahay namin ay patirahin niya!! Hindi ko nga alam, mahirap lang kami pero pinuputakti ng tao ang bahay namin palagi.. ipinagluluto niya at kung anong meron siya sini-share niya...Ganyan si mother.

3) What did you and your siblings do in your spare time?

I read a book maghapon. Or nasa church kami palagi. Doon kami nagha-hang-out noon.

4) Were you an obedient child or a mischievous child?

Siyempre, obedient, hehehe! Naging mischievous lang noong na-inlove. Minsan hindi ko siya sinusunod. (mama). Ang alam ko, palasagot ako. kaya lagi akong kinukurot ni mama at napapagalitan.

5) What type of clothing did children wear then?

hay naku, sabi ng marami all-style daw kaming magkapatid. Ang damit ang bagay na talagang in abundance kami kahit noon. whether ito ay binili ni mama, pero karamihan binigay lang sa amin. Lagi kaming may bagong damit, with matching raffles and ribbons pa sa ulo.

FAMILY TRADITIONS:

1)Did your family have any special traditions, such as things that they did on holidays or borthdays?

New Year celebration ang nangunguna. Kailangan magkasama kaming magkakapatid kahit na ngayon may mga pamilya na kami. Meron kaming thanksgiving service before midnight, giving testimonies, prayer and then fellowship. Isa ito sa kaligayahan ni mama. Subukan mong huwag pumunta at bukas hindi ka niya kikibuin, lol. Our family treasures family celebrations and gatherings. Mga birthdays ni papa or kanino pa man sa amin.....kung pwede lang kailangan may konting pagsasama-sama at salo-salo.

2) What about family heirloom? is there anything that`s been handed down from generation to generation?

Material things, wala. But our family`s heritage. We children handed it to our children. And i know they would do the same to their children. Mama was fond of telling us stories before we go to bed noong maliliit pa kami. Isa na dito ang storya ng "O nanay, "o nanay". I don`t know if she made that story herself, pero kapag kinukuwento niya sa amin noon, umiiyak kami kahit ilang beses pang ulitin. Kinuwento ko din yan sa mga anak ko.... ang mga kapatid ko, sa mga anak nila...

Growing up:

1)When did you leave home?

When i was 24 years old. I married when i was 23 but did not leave home until 24.

2) Why did you leave home and where did you go, how did your life change? Did you feel grown up? Were you a little scared?

I left home to be with my husband. After i was married i stayed with parents for one year yet, at pagkatapos nagsarili na. My life change for the better. I just became responsible, i think so.... and feel a real grown-up when i had my first child. Suddenly, i am like mama. Kung ano ang nakikita kong ginagawa niya ginaya ko rin. Yes, I was a little scared. But if you have a responsible and loving husband like mine nawala lahat ng pangamba ko..

HOMETOWN

1)What was the name of the place where you grow up?

My childhood years until i was l4 years old was spent in General Santos City, in Mindanao.

2) Was it a big city or a small town?

Those days, it was just a town. Pero ngayon a big and growing city na daw. I haven`t been there more than 30 years ago na.

3) Were there any special activities or festival at different times during the year?

I love how we celebrate our christmasses. As a child, nagka-carolling kami.. those were special moments. Bago mag-alas dose, pinapatulog kami ni mama kasi kapag hindi kami matutulog hindi darating si Santa klaus para magdala ng regalo. So tulog naman kami. Paggising namin, may laman ng mga laruan ang mga lalagyan namin. Then sama-sama kaming kumain.. Lahat ng special activities na gustong-gusto ko noon ay mga church activities. Noon Assemblies of God kami..... ang daming good memories. Ang mga paliligo sa ulan, kasama ang mga pinsan namin, pamimitas ng camachili akyat sa puno ng bayabas at aratiles. Hinding hindi ko malilimutan ang lahat ng yun...

whew.....this is long. Please forgive me. I really have a long list of memories concerning my childhood years.... Pagtiyagaan nyo na lang.

thanks, jean for this assignment!!

ate gie

something about the rain

Paeng. that`s our typhoon name this week. Kaya pala, been raining all week. Grey clouds, nothing but grey clouds. I`ve heard nag-iwan na naman siya ng matinding pinsala up North. Marami na namang naanod ang mga bahay sa baha... my heart goes out to them !!!

Two days ago, while sitting in the car beside hubby awaiting the traffic light to change, I happened to glimpse a white wedding car threading through crawling traffic and trying maybe to make its way to one of the churches, i can`t help but think about its occupants, the bride and groom, who i am sure did not plan to have such a bad rainy day on their wedding day. But still the planned special day must not be postponed...... walang ano pa mang bagay ang makakapigil sa isang kasalan na magaganap dito sa pilipinas..... ika nga, rain or shine, patuloy ang saya!!

There`s something about the rain that makes me blue. As i was watching the children playing in the rain, i suddenly remembered my childhood years and how i enjoyed bathing in the rain. Don`t you sometimes wish that you could go back to the days as a child when life was more fun and less complicated? I think it`s rather amusing that children wanted to grow up faster while we grown-ups are wishing to be young again? But this is one fact of life......that we should grow old and only memories of childhood remains. Yes, this is why the "blue" feeling everytime it rains....

hehehe....emote na naman ako. Nothing much to do around here. I am on my second day diet, medyo nahirapan ng konti. pero kayang-kaya. My body is so used to much carb and sugar intake so perhaps i get this headaches and cramps in my legs kasi hindi na sila nakatikim ng 2 days, hehehe. Pero walang hindi makakaya. I need to lose 20 pounds to get back to my normal weight....... and these bulges in my tummy has got to disappear....... sa gusto ninyo`t, sa hindi, lols.. But gladly though, i already lost 2 pounds in 2 days. not much i think..... but surely. Jean, i skip the snacks para madali. Anyway, i don`t get hungry on snack time.

as i`ve said, nothing much to do and say at the moment. Katatapos lang naming magbayad ng mga bills, i`m kind of feeling relieved right now. Salamat tapos na rin akong mamalantsa ng sangkatutak kahapon.. Hubby said, we would take a drive to Makati today, to our headquarters office para mag-report, kasama nang dinner date for two, hehehehe!! It`s the end of another month na naman today and we`re getting closer and closer to our jubilee month on February. To think that will be a big event pero wala pa gaanong advertisements ang nakikita ko about that upcoming big week for our organization. Parang tahimik pa ang kinauukulan...... huh? Sana mapuno natin ang Luneta park on the last day. It would be a Sunday. well, well, I hope and pray everything will work out fine all for the Glory of God. ......... then pattsclan reunion.. Such times that I really look forward to with much excitement.

ok dudes......Walang kwenta mga pinagsasabi ko dito.... just like to connect. but i really have to go. bye. Luv you.

ate gie

frustrations

I hate to say, i woke up this morning not feeling so good. i`m stressed out. Been raining na naman and the one who`ll do the laundry can`t come to take care of our fast piling up dirty clothes. We got to beat some deadlines, we`ll be out the house, i`m sure most of this day. I am not used to working under pressure, but hubby does, ( his expertise, lol), kaya nga without my knowing it napaka-bad witch ang dating ko sa kanya this day.

I was furious when i went out the gate. Hindi kami makaalis, may nakaharang na sasakyan sa mismong driveway namin. This has happened a lot of times. Hubby always tried his best to be cool over these situations pero ngayon, i just won`t let it pass. Lagi na lang nila ginagawa ito. Anong tingin nila sa amin? Bakit sila lang ba ang may sasakyan? Ginawa na nga nilang parking lot ang harapan ng bahay namin, pati ba naman sa driveway? Hindi ko na kaya `to....grrrrr!! Eh di nakakita sila ng tigreng babae... Nagwala lang naman ako ng "konti", hindi ko na alam kung sino-sinong mga tao yong napagalitan ko.....lahat ng gate ng kapitbahay kinatok ko ng malakas at hayun......what will they expect, na naka-smile ako?? Sorry dad, sorry ting..... i know you were both frustrated sa ginawa ko.....just had to let it out. I could say, the rest of the day went wrong. Naulit na naman sa ibang pinuntahan namin. Bad day talaga....or was it just me? I guess it`s just in the way i handle things today lalo na people are so inconsiderate at times....... or always!! This is one of those days na medyo maikli ang pasensiya natin... if you know what i mean?

speaking of frustration, bakit ang tao walang utang na loob? Ginawa mo na lahat para sa kanila, sinirbisyuhan, pinautang and all, pero sa huli masama ka pa rin!! Hindi nila nakikita na inaapakan ka na nila basta lang maka-angat sila?? why? Crab mentality? it hurts to say but that`s the "word" here in my dearest country. ( i`m speaking about the people in our network - sa business...) medyo this week nag-slow down kami ng konti. Hindi naman discourage....... nagpapalamig lang... antayin hanggang mawala itong mga heartaches, lol.

another frustration. i really wanted to go with the others on this trip to Malaysia. I was so excited about it. But you know, you can`t have all things that you want to come your way. Can`t have everything you desire. I guess the boys will all go minus me and hubby... For some reasons..

........and our dream car. I thought we could have it at the end of this year, on january, or on the early part of February. Just so we could use it for our family reunion on that month........ wala rin, hindi talaga mahahabol. Bakit kailangan pang sa April or later than that?

......hindi ko din maumpi-umpisahan itong plan diet ko.... I`m scared looking myself in the mirror every morning. kailangan umpisahan ko na `to. Matinding disiplina ang kailangan!! Natutunaw akong tingnan ang kanin......i kept on telling myself, "i`ll start tomorrow", pero ilang tomorrow na ang nakalipas??

......ito pang isa. Hindi ko maiwasang hindi alalahanin. One week nang hindi umuuwi ang isang kasama ko dito sa bahay... No calls for me to tell me where he is para naman hindi ako mag-alala... lagi niyang sinasabi tuwing tinatanong ko kung saan siya pupunta na sa tabi-tabi lang daw siya!!! hayy naku buhay, ang daming frustrations!!

This week has been mean.... full of frustrations. i won`t tell it to you one by one. I know it won`t do me any good to look at them the negative way. With God, there`s always a way out. I hate to admit, kinulang ako sa "prayer" this week. Yong pagiging busy ang dapat bawasan. I will try handling these things positively and in God`s way and I know i will feel better. I will, i promise.

Sabi ni glo, napakahirap sa pera ngayong panahon na `to. yea, that`s true. Pero kailangan kayong mag-ipon para makauwi lahat sa February... To plan nice things, maraming pera is good, pero minsan we can`t have things best of both worlds, di ba? But God knows our needs. We`ll just let Him lead and supply us.....

Best wishes. Malapit na ang pasko at New Year. Nagsisimula na ang festive mood atmosphere ng mundo. Don`t let it tempt you to spend, huh??

please pray for me. Just my usual rantings here. I luv you all guys.

ate gie

feeling celebrity??

I stumbled across this cool question and answer thing while surfing the net... It really amused me....answering this interview like a "celebrity". :-)

So friends, here`s one so-called assignment for all of you!

1) What is your most annoying traits: Being moody, i think so. And a worrier. Very time conscious. (maganda sana, kaya lang kadalasan pinu-push ko yong mga kasama ko hanggang sa mairita sila sa akin, lol).

2) What is it about you that not many people know?

I am very friendly. But it`s not showing on my face. People think i am a snub. So kung hindi ako ang mauuna mag-approach sa kanila, wala akong kaibigan. I often wonder how to really look approachable. I think i need to enroll in a personal development course, hehehe!!

3) What makes your family unique?

We are tight closely. Kahit malalayo sa isa`t isa, we make it a point to communicate. (kung magtatanong ka pa: puro kami magaganda at matatangos ang ilong....ngekkkk!!)

4) If you could choose, would you rather be the eldest or the youngest?

Siyempre, eldest. Even in the Bible, there`s always something special about being the eldest. Double portion, remember?

5) The one thing you always buy in a mall?

ahh, blouse and underwear. Things for hubby and kids.

6) Save it or spend it?

no choice but to spend it. Kulang pa para itago. If I have to save it today, tomorrow it would have to go din...

7) The one thing you wish you knew how to do?

swim and playing the piano. Ang sarap maligo sa dagat or sa pool, kaya lang hayun....hindi marunong lumangoy. I often wish i could play the piano like my kids does.

8) Where else in the world would you love to live?

I think there`s no better place to live and grow old in like my country, philippines. But i`really wish to visit U>S>A> and Canada where most of my siblings are now residing. I hope it should be sooner or i`ll enjoy it no more.....matanda na po ako!!

9) What scares you?

not cockroaches, nor mouse. takot ako sa lasing........at aso ng kapitbahay!!

10) What is the one modern convenience you can`t live without?

Refrigerator and washing machine.

11) What books or magazines are you currently reading?

Wizard of Oz, Scarlet letter....... As much as possible i get a monthly issue of Good housekeeping magazine.......... And a book by Helen Reed..."the rapture".

12) When you`re at home, what is the one food item you can prepare at the drop of a hat?

egg menu....hehehe!!

13) Your biggest adventure so far?

Pagpunta sa Hongkong.....you see, that was my first time to fly at lumabas ng pilipinas...

14) What`s your idea of unwinding?

Reading a book, quality time with hubby and my children. Eating out.

15) Your favorite hang-out?

nowhere in particular. I don`t hang-out.

16) What do you love most about your room?

In the Philippines where it`s hot, terribly hot, i like my room`s cool airconditioning comfort.

17) How often do you update your wardrobe?

Hindi regular. In fact, i still keep my favorite dresses until now after so many years. Wala lang, kahit hindi sinusuot basta andidyan lang sila. Pinamigay ko na po ang karamihan. I believe that I can`t have replacements until I let go of the old ones.

18) What`s your usual get-up?

In the house, nothing more comfortable than my dusters. But when going out, i like blouse and skirt, don`t forget the blazer..... i always wear them to hide my bulges.

l9) If you could be best of friends or chummy to anyone, what type of person will he/she be?

Someone like Mrs. Haney and Dionna Sanhez. I love how they put their thoughts into writing. I admire talented women in general. They`re very inspirational.

20) How much do you spend on pre-paid cards every week?

Pinakamataas ay P 115 lang. Minsan umaabot ng 2 weeks. Matipid ako eh, lol

21) What, for you, is the world`s greatest job or profession?
The ministry. But I think it`s not a job or a profession. It`s a calling. We are Levites. Giving our lives serving God in the ministry. I know nothing of other professions or jobs. Can`t think life other than the ministry....

22) How do you see yourself when you`re retired and all children are married?

Perhaps a very happy and contented grandmother. My boys married and all three are successful in their field.... I wish in the ministry. yun lang!!

23) The most outrageous thing you`ve done to get your husband`s attention?

nothing in particular. I always have his attention. I thank God for a loving husband...

So that`s it. Answer this interview guys!!!


ate gie

which one are you??

Your Sleep Position Reveals your Personality:

The position in which you sleep at night - whether it`s all curled up in a fetal position or sprawled out across the bed - reveals your personality.

Here are the six common sleep positions and the personalities of the people who sleep that way.

Sleep position no. 1....... Crouched in the fetal position: Shy and sensitive.

Sleep position no. 2......... Soldier position flat on the back with arms at the sides: Quiet and reserved.

Sleep position no. 3...........On the side with legs outstretched and arms down: Social and easy-going.

Sleep position no. 4............On the side with legs outstretched and arms outstretched: Suspicious.

Sleep position no. 5............ Flat on the tummy with hands at the sides of the head: Brash and gregarious.. ( meaning: one who always seeks and enjoy the company of others, one who avoid solitude..... being tactless, hasty, impetuous, energetic or highly spirited).

Sleep position no. 6...........On the back with outstretched arms and legs: Unassuming and a good listener.

well, which one are you? I think "ako" falls on category no. 1....

melenyo.....pasaway!!

feels good to sit in front of this computer once more....... Noong nakaraang linggo, binagyo po kami!! Jean said she missed our phil. typhoons...well, that was a strong one compared to others na dumaan. Nagliparan ang mga bubong, dingding ng karamihang bahay. Nagtumbahan ang mga poste, malalaking puno. Kasama na ang mga lines ng communications. For three days, nakulong kami, shut off from the world kasi walang kuryente at kapag walang kuryente, that means walang news, ( tv, wala ung nagtitinda ng newspaper, no cellfones dahil hindi makapag-charge, no internet), worst of all, walang tubig. Pagkatapos ng bagyo nagmistulang kagubatan ang paligid, puro nabuwal na mga puno, ang mga dahon ay parang ginunting-gunting. Binaha sa loob ng bahay namin. Nakapasok pa rin ang ulan sa mga bintana kahit na nakasarado. Dala ng napakalakas na hangin. Nangyari na naman ang tungkol doon sa bahay natin sa makati, kasi nagliparan din ang bubong at mga dingding ng bahay natin doon. Gusto ng mga nangupahan na ipaayos pero hindi muna sila magbayad ng upa.....ewan ko, anong comment ni jeff.. Nakakairita ang sobrang init. Mainit na nga marami pang lamok, so almost impossible ang pagtulog sa gabi. Nangalumata na kami. Naubos ang mga kandila na pabili sa mga tindahan..... kaya, noong nagkailaw na, parang nawalan ng bait ang mga anak ko dahil sa pagsigaw at paglundag sa tuwa ( wala kami ni hubby noong umilaw, nasa madilim na kawalan sa batangas. Ikukuwento ko mamaya). Saturday at 1 o`clock am daw noong nagkailaw.. Nakatulog sila ng mahimbing ng ilang oras bago gigising on a Sunday morning para sa preaching engagement ng bawat isa. Si dave sa pampanga naimbitahan, kami ni pastor sa batangas kaya si charis at verniel ang incharge dito sa malacanang church. Isa ang area namin na masuwerte na naayos kaagad ang meralco lines kasi kalahati pa ng maynila ang walang ilaw up to this moment. Baka aabot hanggang next week bago maayos ang mga poste at mabalik sa normal ang lahat. Hay, pasaway na bagyo!!

Gusto kong ikuwento yong pagpunta namin ni hubby sa Batangas. He is invited to be the guest preacher sa anniversary service ng Caloocan church to be held in one of the resorts in Batangas. It is to be an early morning service before the sun will rise. Kaya naka-schedule na 4`oclock in the morning gaganapin sa tabi ng dagat. Umalis lahat ng pupunta Sabado pa lang ng hapon, pero hindi kami nakasabay ni hubby dahil magsasalita pa siya sa isang affair ng Edmark ( awards night). Nangako kami na susunod na lang kami pagpunta at eight ng gabi. Natapos ang event sa edmark mga seven o`clock na, umuwi kami hoping na may ilaw na sana kasi maghahanda pa ako at magpapahinga muna si hubby (matulog ng ilang minuto) before that long drive para Batangas. Sad to say, wala pang ilaw sa bahay, kaya kinapa ko na lang ang paghahanda. So hindi rin nakatulog si hubby, ni hindi man lang namin na-check ang kotse bago kami umalis. Malungkot pa ako dahil iniwan namin ang bahay na walang ilaw at pinapawisan yong mga anak namin. Mga 10`oclock na noong nakaalis kami. Sabi ko kay hubby dahan-dahan lang kami kasi napansin namin na sobrang mahina ang ilaw namin, nakapagttaka kasi bago naman ang baterya nya. Napansin naming wla masyadong nagbibiyahe noong gabing yun. Lahat ng dinaanan namin ay nasa kadiliman. Siguro wala pa ring ilaw ang aguinaldo highway. Hanggang tagaytay, Diyos ko, ang dilim.. Mabuti na lang wala fogs pag-akyat namin sa Tagaytay, siguro kung meron hindi kami makakaakyat kasi bukod sa wala kaming fog light sobrang hina pa ng ilaw namin....ugh!! Hanggaang sa dumating kami sa canyon ( ibabaw ng bundok na paikot-ikot ang kalsada, makitid pa, parang bituka ng manok). Pagkalampas lang namin dun, nasa ibabaw pa rin ng bundok, biglang namatay ang ilaw namin.....total darkness! kilangang tumabi kami at titingnan ni hubby kung ano ang nangyari. Napakadilim, walang kabahay-bahay, walang ilaw ang mga poste, at ang gilid namin ay bangin, Nagkataon din na wala talagang moon and stars sa kalangitan. Kinapa ko ung pen light ni hubby, salamat andyan lang at bumaba siya para tingnan kung anong nangyari. titingnan pa lang....take note, hindi siya mekaniko!! Bigla akong kinabahan.....nangangatog, sa sobrang kaba. Naisip ko lahat ng mga masasamang pwedeng mangyari sa amin. Hindi ako takot sa mgaa kuwentong aswang, although ang sabi ng karamihan ay pugad daw ang batangas sa witchcraft......doon ako natatakot baka may dadaan na mga hold-uppers o masasamang tao at gawan kami ni hubby ng masama. Sa pilipinas eto talaga ang kadalasang nangyayari, diba? Eh kahit na nga nasa gitna ka ng siyudad at araw na araw, may mga hold-uppers pa nga doon pa kaya sa ibabaw ng bundok, madilim, dalawa lang kami ni hubby at naka-kotse. Kung mamalasin ka pa, minsan pinapatay pa nila yong iba.. Lord, `wag naman sana!! umiral na naman ang pagka-nerbiyosa ko. Nainis na si hubby sa akin kasi pinagmamadali ko siya!! Kaya tumahimik na lang ako, at habang naghihintay ako sa loob ng kotse.......parang ang tagal-tagal na, almost 30 minutes na pala, i turned to God. nakakahiya, pero ngayon ko lang naisip mag-pray. I recited Psalms 23 ( memorized ko siya since I was young) at ngayon ko lang talaga inintindi ang bawat word ng chapter na yan........i continued on......." though i walk in the valley of the shadows of death, i will fear no evil for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me..." Yes, He has promised to be with us even in the shadows of death........Lord, how can i be so fearful? All these years, you have protected us....pls. cover us with your precious blood!!. Finally, hubby did find out about the light. pinagdugtong niya yong wires na matagal niya muna nahanap and what a relief nakapagpatuloy na kami sa pagbibiyahe. Hindi na bale kahit na naligaw kami ng tatlong beses kasi talagang sasadyain yong resort na pupuntahan namin.....dumaan pa sa taniman ng mais, pero nakarating din kami mga bandang 3:30 am na. Almost magsisimula na ang sunrise service so hindi na kami nakatulog pa. Uminom na lang kami ng ginseng coffee para dilat na dilat pati isip. Ilang sandali pa, nagbihis na ako, si hubby nagpunas- punas na lang at sinuot niya yong amerikana suit niya - no choice kasi yun lang ang dala naming susuotin niya. Kahit hindi nakapaligo, parang ang pogi pa rin niya tingnan at fresh na fresh.... parang kagigising lang, hehehe!

Kahit na 5:00 oclock pa ng umaga ay maliwanag na sa tabing dagat. Ang sarap ng hangin. Napaiyak ako sa ganda ng paligid, damang dama ko kung gaano kadakila ang Panginoon. I could feel His presence all over the place. Hubby delivered the Word with such fervor and annointing. 13 people came running to the front when he gave the invitation for repentance, and then all of them submitted to be baptized in water in Jesus Name, praise God..

So that`s how my previous week goes. I thought of just telling you about melenyo pero napadami tuloy ito. well, pag-uwi namin ni hubby galing sa Batangas, natulog kami boung hapon.... makapagbayad man lang sa maraming utang sa tulog.......dapat lang bayaran!! bahala na ang ibang bagay, basta matulog muna.......

Pagkagising sa gabi.......kumain kaming KFC. Di ba ang ganda ng buhay? Tapos na ang bagyo. It`s just good to be home...

The news said, another one is coming. Nene ang pangalan. Hope hindi kasing destructive ni Melenyo. Pinahirap niya ang pilipinas ng isang linggo........

til next time guys....

ate gie

just an update

it`s been a while. last week had been so hectic, every night i slept like a log. you know, habulan ng deadlines. Sa mga pagpasok ng benta, paniningil (ang kukunat naman magbayad ng mga tao), top ups, and the worst of all..... bayarin ng bills. Here i am this day, walang kapera-pera but somewhat feeling relieved until the next deadlines naman, lols.

our edmark business is fine. Thank God, it really contribute a big deal sa mga responsibilities as far as money is concerned. I love the products very much. I feel stronger and i think my blood sugar level is down to normal. So with hubby`s blood pressure. Am really glad kasi dahil dito hindi na rin masyado mainit ang ulo niya..... I know this man is really capable of being "sweet and loving", hehe!! The passion has to be there or we won`t be able to find fulfillment in what we are doing. it`s not just earning an extra money, it`s also about loving and enjoying what we do. i know this is God`s answer for us.....

So much about edmark. Today is my rest day and i want to enjoy pahinga at daydreaming. Ang dami pa rin problema, i know it`s part of life. We are not promised bed of roses, nor days without rain but surely God assures us a heart full of singing, di ba? So why worry? Yan ang dapat kabisaduhin ng isang "worrier" na katulad ko... Life is short. Better live it to the fullest with God`s promises na makamtam natin lahat ng hinihiling natin....... through His will.

Just had a talk with Remie on the phone this morning. Of course usapan namin ay ang upcoming reunion. I`m really excited but a little bit worried baka hindi ako makaipon ng konting amount to be able to contribute... Please pray makuha na namin yong bagong sasakyan, so that we won`t need to rent a bus (sabi kasi ni remie, mag-aarkila daw ng bus) to take some family members to Tagaytay. Siguro dalawang vans na lang...... may alam si dave, na hindi ganun ka - expensive. Five months to go is not a long way......malapit na yun!!

So how is everyone? Here in pinas, we are struggling still. That`s how life is in this country. Walang pagbabago. Sobrang trabaho but not satisfactory results. As of this writing sana naikabit na ang kuryente doon sa bahay natin sa Makati. Jean thanks for your help. God sees your heart of love.... lalo na sa mga mahal sa buhay. Almost a month na sila ni naneth dito sa bahay....yan lang maitutulong ko sa kanila...

well, there`s Malaysia to look forward to. We want to support Dave in his preaching engagement there.

Ang init naman ngayon. Sobra!!! Painit ng painit every year. Maninibago kayo kung pupunta kayo dito if its summer time. Nagtataka nga ako bakit dumadami pa rin ang tao dito sa pinas kahit marami-rami na rin ang umaalis, lols!!

lastly, i thank God for good health, sound mind and inner peace only God can give. And.... I thank God i belong to this family called Pattsclan.

til next time. Wala akong masabi. Bago ko pa man sabihin.....alam na ninyo ang mga kalagayan namin dito, lols. Greet papa for us.....on his birthday blast on Sunday, will you?

this is just an update, so bear with me.

cutar awards..

last Saturday (aug. 26, 2006) we were awarded another promotion in our edmark business. In three months of being in this company we were fast climbing the ladder to be at the top. Yeheyy, "emerald" manager na kami, one more promotion at "diamond" manager and then our brand new vehicle will be within our reach!! Anyway, ang highest position dito ay crown manager and if we will really try and work the best we can, we will be there before this year will end. A crown qulifies for a house and lot. Huh? too good to be true, pero malay n`yo, by the help of God this dream to own a house will come true. Dalawang promotion na lang, promise!!

please pray for us guys....

anyway, the pictures i posted above is not as clear as i thought it is. Somebody took the pics for us pero ewan bakit napakalabo, hehehe. Segi lang, basta nakita niyong nakangiti kami, di ba? In this particular awards night, verniel was also awarded a "manager" position. Someone who is able to post a sales in his network amounting to 240,000 pesos and more. Charis will have his first promotion next month, and dave also his second... i`m quite amazed how my children are making it in sales, siguro they got that from their dad. Oh, but please don`t misunderstand, their first love and priority is still the ministry..

oh well, that`s it for today. Hope you guys would like our products. Food supplements for healthy living and nothing more. Sana magkaroon na dyan sa U.S.A> and Canada but for now wala pa. I`m sure in the near future...

i don`t intend to sound businesslike. am just thankful for all His blessings. Lalo na sa good health at ang products ng edmark. Their supplements are really helpful to us. Wala na ang high blood pressure and to feel healthy and strong is truly a gift from the Lord..

kahit kulang sa "pera" at maraming problema sa pera, basta malusog at magaan ang nararamdaman, di ba masarap mabuhay? i`m sure you agree with that...

wala lang....

mga kahapon..

Kagagaling ko lang sa blog ni jean at natawa ako sa entry niya tungkol sa pandesal na may palamang itlog....... siguro panahon ngayon ng pag-alaala sa mga "memories" ng kabataan. Parang sinadya kasi nandito kanina si remie dito sa bahay at maghapon kaming nagkuwentuhan tungkol sa nalalapit na patts reunion hanggang sa napunta ang kuwentuhan noong mga bata pa kami. Ang sabi ko kasi sa kanya, " anong meron sa pansit, siopao at halo-halo na kapag nakikita ko ang mga ito na naka-display sa mga restaurant, kahit busog ako ay talagang inoorder ko sila at kinakain. Minsan lalabas kaming mag-anak at kakain sa labas, sa dinami-daming pagkain na pagpipilian ay laging nauuwi sa pag-oorder ko ng pansit, siopao at halo-halo.

Naalala ko noong maliliit pa kami, siguro mga 6 years old ako. Tuwing dinadala ako ni mama sa pamamalengke, iyon na siguro ang pinakamasayang araw ko. Lagi ako ang sinasama niya noon. Si glo ang nag-aalaga ng mga kapatid namin. Gusto niyang sumama, umiiyak siya tuwing umaalis na kami pero wala siyang magawa. Doon sa palengke, dala-dala ko ang basket habang namimili si mama ng gulay, pagkatapos punta kami sa isdaan, then doon sa mga "bulad" ( hindi yan nawawala sa menu namin noon), ang saya-saya ko kasi alam ko na bago kami umuwi ay dadaan muna kami doon sa tindahan ng may mga snacks......uupo kami dun ni mama at sasabihin niya kaagad, "segi omorder ka na ng gusto mo". Order kaagad ako ng halo-halo, pansit at siopao. Hay naku, langit sa akin yan noon kasi nakakakain lang ako ng mga yan kapag sinasama ako ni mama sa palengke. Tapos sabihin niya kaagad, `wag mong sabihin sa mga kapatid mo na kumain tayo kasi magseselos sila, habang bumibili kami ng maraming "poprice" para ipapasalubong doon sa mga naiwan sa bahay. Then nalaman ko din na lahat pala kami ay tini-treat niya kapag kami ang sinasama niya sa palengke..

Noon masaya ako kapag wala kaming pera (daw) kasi utusan kaagad kami ni mama na mangutang ng corned beef na "target" sa tindahan ni Nang lalang. Pinaka-paborito kong ulam ang corned beef noon kasi sabi nila pagkain daw ng mayaman yan. At kahit tig-iisang kutsara lang ang bawat isa sa amin dahil sa dami namin ay talagang napakasayang hapunan na iyon para sa amin. Kaya siguro ngayon, gustong gusto kong makakita ng mga de latang corned beef. Ang ganda nilang tingnan habang naka-display sa ibabaw ng refrigerator, lols.

Mabuti nga sila ni jean sa panahon nila ay may baon kahit konti, kami noon wala talaga. Ang sabi ni mama kapag recess ay umuwi daw kami sa bahay (kasi malapit lang) at kumain na lang ng "bahaw". Ako naman meron akong kaklase noong grade 4 ako na galing siyang manila. Ang ganda ng mga damit niya, may petticot pa, yong papel niya ay isang pad talaga (kami kasi bibilhan lang ng tig-sisingko sentimos, 5 piraso lang yon) tapos lapis lang ang gamit ko, siya may pencil case na punong-puno ng ibat-ibang klase ng ballpen at malalaking lapis. Lagi siyang may ribbon sa ulo, basta para sa akin ang ganda-ganda niya talaga, at habang nakaupo siya doon sa upuan niya, na dala ng tatay niya (noon kasi kanya-kanyang dala ng upuan), may mga curvings at ang kintab-kintab, ay para siya princesa na nakaupo sa trono). Wish ko sana ako na lang siya...hehehe!! Kaya kapag komokopya siya sa akin kung may exam (yun lang, kasi may pagkabobo siya eh) ay willing talaga ako magpakopya sa kanya, kaso nahuli kami ng teacher at pinagalitan ako na narinig ng boung klase. Isang araw akong umiyak dahil sa hiya...

hayy, ang dami kong maikuwento tungkol sa kabataan ko. Mga pangarap, mga bagay na gustong maangkin........ang dami-dami. At ngayon ko lang nakita na lahat yun ay simpleng mga bagay lang pala, pero sa isang batang mahirap na katulad ko ay parang ang hirap abutin. Kaya siguro hanggang ngayon kahit na matanda na ako ay paborito ko pa rin ang pansit, siopao at halo-halo. Merong something na talagang nagdo-draw sa akin na kainin sila kapag nakikita ko silang naka-display.

Kung ano ang kabataan ko noon......ay sarap balik-balikan.......sa likod ng kahirapan ay punong puno ng saya at kung ano mang mga bagay na meron ngayon, yan ay dahil sa kabutihan ng Panginoon, answered prayers ng mga magulang ko na may takot sa Kanya.... I think, i`m quite successful in letting my children see that I had a most happy childhood ever!!!

ohh well, i have countless stories about my childhood to share.... pero sa sunod na lang ulit siguro. Some of you guys may want to share it also. gosh, it`s 3 in the morning and am still awake. Napilitan lang na magkuwento ng konti ngayon dahil nga dun sa entry ni jean...hehehe!! Sabi ko kay remie na sa reunion magpa-cater na lang tayo para wala tayong ibang gawin kundi magkuwentuhan maghapon, magdamag, di ba?

On Monday, punta kami ni remie sa tutuban. We`ll see if we could find magagandang gowns na okey ang material, yung hindi naman halata na divisoria lang pala. And if we do, we`ll let you know para hindi na lang tayo magpatahi, kasi talagang expensive kung magpapatahi pa..

gud nyt.......aww gud morning pala!!

ate virgie

wer`s everybody??

everyone`s invisible, why?? just not into updating. I am quite unpredictable these couple of days, like our weather here. You wake up into a bright sunny morning but after a while it would start to dim and rain `til evening. Million times i`ve said it`s real gloomy.......but what can I do, its really how i feel. I love rain once in a while but not like this, halos araw-araw na!!

Well, at least "buhay" pa ang mga tagboard natin, hehehe!! What happened to everybody?.....medyo busy yata lahat. Our church service this morning was awesome. Despite the rain, God`s people came. I cooked for everyone during lunch. Veggies (w/ chicken fillet and atay) and tuna longanisa lang naman, lols. What a fellowship. This time during the week that i always look forward to. Dave was preaching in one of UPC church in Bulacan, and charis was also invited to speak in Paranaque. We had board games in the afternoon, i mean, the youths...... i think everyone always had a wonderful time during Sunday afternoon..

I`m not really thinking of writing something today...just paramdam lang and to say hello to my clan. This week i already have a list to do like going to the department of foreign affairs and have my passport renewed. I have to or else I can`t push through with my plans for Malaysia on November. I would also want to see this lady who I plan to consult regarding our filipiniana attire during the reunion...... to think, i have a handful important things to do this week!! and before i forget, we have scheduled seminars to attend to........ also at the end of this week, pastor dave will be preaching in our Holy Ghost explo.... am excited. Being busy is a lot more interesting than have nothing to do at all, you think so?

most importantly, i miss all of you guys. That makes me anxious to see all of you next year. That will be six months from now....

Ladies, we will just let you know `pag nakausap na namin ni remie ang magtatahi ng attire natin, okey? Para mapadala na ninyo sa amin ang mga style ninyo and measurements...

Nothing of much importance and nothing interesting in our side of the globe right now - except maybe yong mga proble-problema nating pang-araw-araw, i bet you won`t have any of those for you also have your own......alam ng Panginoon yan, sa Kanya na lang natin sabihin, hehehe!!

Hanggang sa muli....

ate virgie

courage

It has several names: bravery, valor, fearlessness, heroism, nerve............ and a few nicknames: guts, backbone, pluck. But whatever the name, it`s more than a match for "fear".

It`s just another word for inner strenght, presence of mind against odds, determination to hang in there, to venture, persevere and witstand hardships. It`s got keeping power. ii`s what kept the pioneers rolling forward in those covered wagons in spite of the elements and mountains and flaming arrows. It`s what forces every married couples, having marriage on shaky grounds to never say "let`s terminate". it`s what upholds parents with kids in spite of life`s struggles, difficulties and crisis. It`s what keeps a nation free in spite of attacks.

David had it when he grabbed his sling in the valley of Elah. Daniel demonstrated it when he refused to bow before Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. Elijah evidenced it when he faced the prophets of Baal on Carmel. Job showed it when he was covered with boils surrounded by misunderstanding. Moses used it when he stand against Pharaoh in the court of Egypt, refusing to be intimidated. The fact is, it`s impossible to live victoriously for Christ without courage. Thus, Joshua l: 6, 7, 9.
Be strong and of good courage....."
Only be thou strong and very courageous......."
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage: be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord Thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest".

Are you? honestly now - are you? Or are you quick to quit..........ready to run when heat rises.....when the shadow of this giant (fear) looms across the horizon? The real tests of courage are much broader, much deeper....much quieter. They are the inner tests, like remaining faithful when nobody`s looking......like enduring pain when nobody`s in an empty room with you, like standing alone when you`re misunderstood.

You may never be asked to share your room with a snake or a rattler, but everyday, in some way, your courage will be tested. Your test may be as simple as saying "no", as uneventlful as facing a pile of dirty laundry, or as unknown and unheralded as an inner struggle between right and wrong. God`s medal of honor winners are made in secret because most of their courageous acts occurs deep down inside............away from all the acclaim of public opinion......alone by yourself......aLONE WITH A GIANT CALLED "FEAR".

***fighting giants***

culture....

seems everybody are busy fighting battles.... life`s struggles that we have to overcome everyday of our lives. I don`t know about you, but we do, these past days. Laging naghahabol at laging hinahabol...lols.

The leadership camp in caliraya have come to pass. Just sad that we weren`t able to get some souvenir pictures of the place. I wish that we could go back some other time just by ourselves and enjoy as a family. Kasi noong pagpunta namin, (2) hours lang ang itinagal namin, umuwi kaagad kami. Funny but it`s true. We drove for 5 hours, tiniis ang matinding traffic just to get there pagkatapos uwi agad? The only reason, we just can`t relate to their so-called "culture". We got culture shocked doon sa mga sayawan at indakan nila - enjoyment ng mga taga-sanlibutan. My boys said: mom, i will only dance and clap for the Lord and if i will shout for somebody and anything else except for God then this place is not for us..... so hayun, mas mabuti pang umuwi kaysa ma-grieve and Holy Ghost di ba? WE never felt so relieved in our lives. It was such an enjoyable trip home kahit sobrang traffic pa....just eager to be home and attend our overnight prayer meeting.

well, that was over a week ago.. Still on their products. Thumbs up kami sa lahat ng mga supplements nila. Testimony namin kasi mula ng gumamit kami gumaling na talaga ang high blood pressure namin at huminto na kami sa pag-inom ng maintenance na gamot para sa hypertension. Thank God for this company`s products... we love all of them but not the "culture", hehehehe!!

Dave came home also from his missionary journey ( lols) in Singapore and Malaysia bringing home good inspiring reports. Were able to preach in the church in Kuala Lumpur and was invited again to preach there during their youth camp in November. We plan to support him in this trip...especially with our presence. We want to be with him in this trip and be there when he preaches. So Malaysia, here we come!!

Nothing much to tell right now. We`re operating our usual functions. Still raining everyday, making me "tamad" to do my everyday routine around the house. Also as of this moment, i got this nasty allergies na naman.... nangangati ang ilong ko, tulo ng tulo ang sipon ( tubig) at sobrang kati ang mga mata ko. I know this is not colds or flu, only my allergies!!

Lastly, I'm getting this excitement to see you all on February next year. That will be a couple of months from now... Promise me, please come home to pinas, all of you!! Huwag n`yo isnabin ang family reunion ha? ........and don`t ever forget.....my pasalubong (joke, joke..)

`ala na talaga akong masabi. I titled this entry " culture" but i don`t know how to connect it to what i`m really trying to say right now......bahala na kayo!

well, at least patts clan are all in good health these days. Ours is God`s divine health, praise God!!
I`m using charis computer right now and my time is up....so i have to go.

ate virgie

bagyo na naman!!

nakakairita ang init.........ngayon naman ay bagyo!! Dalawang malalakas na bagyo ang dumaan, ulan na may kasamang hangin. Last week ay si bagyong "florita" and this week is "glenda". Kasabay ng "sona" ni president Arroyo noong Linggo ay sumabay din ang bagyo na nagngangalang "gloria". Pinalitan na lang ng glenda kasi parang sinadya, di ba?

Gaya ng dapat asahan, bahang-baha na naman ang Maynila. May mga lugar na natabunan talaga ang mga bahay ng baha nagmistulang mga ilog.... One week walang tigil ang ulan so this is what we got. Sa Northern part talaga ng Luzon ang mata ng bagyo pero kami dito sa manila ay nahirapan din. Isang linggo nang walang tigil ang ulan pero medyo nasiyahan naman ang mga "tatay at nanay" na walang klase sa escuelahan, ibig sabihin walang gastos sa pambaon..
Maraming dike ang bumigay - kaya grabe ang baha sa ibang lugar.. Sana umaraw na. Makapagpatuyo man lang ng mga nilabhan!!

We`re fine despite the rainy days... free from colds and flu. Only Verniel is complaining this morning he got sore throat - naulanan siya kahapon. I told him to take his vitamin C, drink lots of water, and of course our miracle drink (chlorophyll). Pahinga lang, when he wakes up - he would be fine, i assure you!!

Dave is still in Singapore. I think the BOTT will start tomorrow. Some of our UPC pastors left yesterday to also attend this conference. Nauna si dave noong last Saturday pa. Pumunta siya ng Malaysia at nag-preach sa dalawang churches doon noong Linggo. He said he was invited to come back and preach during their youth camp. Sabi ko nga sa kanya, pang-international evangelist ang dating niya......***grin***

At the end of this week - Thursday, Friday and Saturday - we are looking forward for this nice place in Caliraya ( i think in laguna) for a 3-day leadership team building seminar that our company is having. Most people that have been there have only nice words to describe the place.......maganda daw, kaya mas excited akong makita ang lugar kaysa sa seminar. Our company have given our family a privilege of having free charges in our hotel accomodations, food and others. Kaya sayang naman kung hindi namin i-avail. I will share my experiences there with you in my next entry. Sabi nila sa isang island daw ito....sasakay daw ng bangka para makapunta doon. So.........let`s see about that.

Thanks for your prayers guys. My back is a lot better now. Masakit pa ng konti, pero hindi na kagaya ng dati, so that means i won`t have to go and see a doctor. I did have two full days to stay home, rest, relax and sure enough it did helped. Siguro nga talagang over tagtag lang, lols.

Generally, we are fine. kicking pa rin kahit walang kini-kick, hehehe!! Nagtataka lang ako kasi tahimik ngayon ang pattsland. Nasa bakasyonan yata lahat. Invisible lahat sa YM, bakit???

Magkaiba kami ni jean. She loves rainiy days. Ako naman ayaw ko ng rainy days. Kung ako lang ang masusunod, gusto ko walang ulan pero malamig...... para masarap matulog..ZZzzzzzzzz!!

i gotta run or else i will run out of words. gudluck guys! Wish to hear from all of you...

ate virgie

fears...

Honestly, i don`t know how to begin. I`ve so much on my mind that i wanted to tell you guys.....in different directions.
Hubby as usual is out. I`m supposed to tag along, like i`ve been doing these past month but this afternoon he is attending a pastor`s meeting and i decided to just stay home for a much needed bed rest. Few days ago, an excruciating pain started in my back.......like in the lower part of my spinal column. It takes a while to stand fully on my feet, kasi talagang masakit. nakakaiyak!! I`d like to think this is just "rheumatoid athritis" and nothng more. Hubby insisted that we see a doctor right away but my being not-so-friendly with a doctor  tells me i should wait until next week if the pain won`t go away.

Also, although we always praise the Lord for His provision of food, clothings and other things, these days were not easy as we often had to pay our house rent by installments, though we always managed to pay the full amount before the following month`s rent is due. I am grateful for the owner of this place we are renting who is godly ( in her own right). She understand our situation and treats us with high respect. Said we could stay here as long as we want even if it takes forever. lol. But hubby and me have finally come to a point to really consider owning a house of our own and thats`s what we are working on now. We know God wanted us to trust Him and Him alone. We know He is fully aware of our needs - in fact He knew them better than we do because He knew everything ahead of time, He makes sure we should be happy and content with each outcome. That`s how He works. We have proven by experience that He is faithful to grant every desire that we have.

Today is dark, lonesome day. Seems a heavy rain is threatening to fall, darkening the sky, hiding the sun away. Lonely and quiet, alone in this huge structure of a house.....all i hear is my heart beating. I remember the book i`ve been reading this week entitled "fighting giants". Somehow i feel that unyielding creature called "fear" is also sharing the house with me right at this instance. Creeping into my heart by a dozen different doors. suddenly it gripped me.......i mean fears. Fear of the future, of failure, of rejection, of disease, of losing a loveone, of incurable sickness...of death. Fear of poverty, fear of moving away, of war, of the dark, of being alone. That book gets into me..... and its real fear i felt in my heart right now.. I groped for God`s assuring words......and sure enough its there ready to cheer me up. Psalms chapter 27.

Lord, forgive me for being so fearful. please remind me always that you have your eyes on those sparrows, how much more you`re mindful of us. Gives me joy to know that you hold our tomorrows and our future as well. I will not fear for my life belongs to you, and the lives of those I love dearly are all in your hands!.

Well, i could be gloomy sometimes. Especially now that the rain have finally come. Its so heavy like its just in a hurry to stop and pour it all out. When it does, it will be a brighter day once more, fears gone like i wasn`t ever afraid all my life. Praise God He is our strenght when we are weak.

guys, generally i`m a happy person....being gloomy is just a small portion of me. Minsan nag-eemote din tayo di ba? So that`s my story for today.... alone in this house for only a day gives me the creeps. I`m glad i could always look forward for my loveones coming home each end of every day. They are the reasons why i always asked God to keep and let me stay alive.......until that blessed hope.
guys, what`s your story? its your turn now..... regards

love,
ate virgie

bits & pieces

another long day today. I have somebody from church to come and take care of our laundry for us. Lightens my load a `lil bit as far as household chores is concern. Well, i still do a lot of cleaning (nadagdagan pa ngaun kasi si charis nasa hongkong).. i needed to help in church - paglilinis - during worship days, our manpower is so so limited. As I told you, everybody is busy. Medyo nakakahiya pang humingi ng tulong!! Sa pamamalengke naman ay bihirang-bihira ngaun........ugh, walang panahon magluto. AT kung magluluto naman ako, eh walang kumakain. Hindi ko alam kung saan napupunta ang mga "gana" ng mga tao dito sa bahay....Hubby and I are out most of the time. Kapag umuuwi, gabi na po!!.

Some updates:
June 21 - Visited bong at dusit hotel where he stayed before going to Baguio city for Tugon. Greeted each other na para bang andyan lang siya sa Baclaran nakatira. Was glad seeing him again..... pero medyo may nabago sa akin... hindi na ako yung tipong iyakin gaya noon. Siguro nag-matured na, hehehe! ( i am not the cry-baby anymore). Thanks to the internet. Makes me feel so close to everybody. I could reach out to you.........YM, webcam, blog atbp..

June 22 - In Baguio city. We had free hotel accomodation. Thanks for the generosity of Bongpatts. We enjoyed the morning lectures and evangelistic service at Pastor Banez church at night. God`s spirit was so refreshing. Diretso kami sa hotel ni bong sa Camp John Hay after the service at dun nagbaha ang pizza. Inuwi pa namin ang iba sa Manila kinabukasan. What a night of fellowship with those people I love.... kuwentuhan, tawanan.... at tinawagan kami ng kapit kuarto at sinabing "maingay" daw kami. The Escolanos were with us. I will add here that Jeannie and Nelia have finally decided to come back home to the fold of UPC. Their real home. Hope this time, for good....

June 23 - Headed for Manila as we have a former appointment to conduct a health seminar in Taguig church. We were successful with our purpose... quite contented and happy with how they accepted and accomodated us, so kahit medyo pagod at may konting stress our day ended productive i should say.

Ang mga sumunod na araw ay medyo hectic ulit. I know it does not concern you and it will just bore you to death kung isa-isahin ko pa.... I just want to say that God is good and faithful. Everyday God`s goodness and approval is just so evident. I thank Him for answering all of our prayers!!

As of this writing, i miss my boys terribly. Dave is still in Hongkong and charis also left yesterday. I really wish i am there for Tugon tomorrow. Pero hindi pinahintulot ng Panginoon kasi nga hindi ako nakasama. With that I am content.

Guys, got to go. Hubby is in a hurry again. I have so much to say sana, pero stop na lang. Paalis na talaga kami. Our company said they will give us an achievement award tonight for working hard the past month ( dapat lang) so pupunta na kami. Next time na lang ulit.

Please bear with my bits and pieces today. I`m also so much at a loss for words. Ayaw gumana utak ko, hehehe.

I hope all is well with you guys. I love you all.

teacher kai`s assignment #2

10 lists of my life`s simplest pleasure:

l) Supermarket - i love going to the supermarket. I like checking out new products, comparing prices and going through rows and rows of breakfast cereals, canned goods, dressed chicken, fresh veggies, fruits section and what-have-you. I could spend hours just roaming and wandering its aisles delighting in its smells and colors. There are days when there are product sampling too, masarap tumikim-tikim, hehhehe!! Of course i only get what are written in my list... yea, being in a supermarket makes my day...

2) Long drives - but only leisure ones. No hurry, no errand and no business deals na hinahabol. just sitting beside hubby enjoying beautiful sceneries and nature while we go along. Not keeping track of time, basta malayo sa pressures of everyday life. Usually i like it when driving to places outside Manila.

3) Eating out - I really enjoy eating out especially when our boys are with us. I most ly like it when we as a family have something to celebrate........or lalong-lalo na kapag madaling araw at isa kami sa mga taong gising pa at nasa isang restaurant habang ang mundo ay himbing na himbing sa pagkakatulog, hehehe!! weird??

4) My cellfone - gives me company. Kahit mag-isa lang ako minsan sa bahay, kapag tumunog siya, i know there`s someone i could talked to or kahit text lang... keeps me updated with everybody.

5) computer - this one keeps me connected to my loveones even if we`re separated by millions of miles. I find blogging really enjoyable. Here, i could express myself , taking out what`s inside and putting it into writing.
One of these days, I would like to give myself a real nice gift - a laptop. oh di ba? hindi masamang mangarap!!

6) Sweets - you know what i mean. Counted na dyan ang cakes, ice cream, chocolates and desserts. Alam ba ninyo, kaya nahirapan akong mag-diet kasi lagi akong nananaginip sa mga "sweets" na itoh? I don`t know but i just love them.. This world will not be a happy place to live in without them. I think i`m created loving and craving for them.....

7) foot spa and manicure (cleaning lang) - I have my fingernails manicured two times a month. Ang sarap ng pakiramdam ng may malinis na mga kuko...... at walang ingrown.

8)My children - they`re grown-ups now and not kids anymore. But for me, they`re still my "little boys". I will always be grateful to God for giving them to us. Hubby and me always looks forward to their hug and kiss everytime they come home from their days toil.. It`s so lonely not having them around physically. I know time will come they would leave home to have their own families......i refused to think of it...but for now, while they`re still with us we will enjoy them while it last.

9) Hubby - We are not a perfect couple. We`re so differently made....hehehe!! We differ in so many things, views, opinions and others. Maybe that`s what attracts us to each other. Would you believe na kahit 28 years na kaming kasal ay sometimes nag-aadjust pa rin kami? I tend to hurt him oftentimes with my words but I know i can`t and will never live without him in my life.....(ka-cornihan na naman!!). My prayer always is that i may be a good wife and companion for him... I will always thank God for giving me a husband that always keeps up with my moods..... in return, i`m trying to be sweet and nice. God knows i`m doing my best....

10) Music - it`s what i`m made of. My softest part is music. Kaya siguro I can best worship God when I am singing . Every word of each song I sing seemed to speak directly to my heart and soul. Thank you Lord for giving me a song in my life.....

Kai, ayan na ha....`til my next assignment. Pinag-isip mo ako dyan ha.. Forgive my wrong grammars. I am in a hurry!!

ate gie