Fil-Am Christmas Party 2008

The Filipino American Association of Brownsville, Texas
had their Christmas Party last December 21, 2008 at The
Event Center.

Filipino food like lechon (roasted pig), palabok, pancit,
cassava cake and a lot more was at every buffet table and
everyone shared the recipe that we all missed back home.
A variety of dance numbers was given by the kids and young
adults.As the live band played people were dancing and everyone
was having fun in spite of the freezing cold outside.

Induction of the newly elected officers of The Filipino
American Association of Brownsville, Texas was one of the
highlights.

Real Tree for Christmas

I was amazed when I saw a real Christmas tree in the store.
It comes in different sizes and different prices. It was my
first time to see a real one. Most people prefer to use the
artificial tree because it saves money and they can always
reuse it for next year. But then again nothing compares to a
real one.

Today is December 1st no wonder why Christmas trees are all
over the place, 24 days more to go!

On Being Remembered

Don’t you feel happy when someone remembers you? Remembering
someone can be done in many ways. Sending letters, emails,
making a phone call or by texting. While others remember you
by sending a gift, some do it in silence. Praying for the
people we remember is the best way because it comes from the
heart and it is free.

My husband and I were happy to know that someone always
remembers the both of us especially whenever there is an
occasion. On our Wedding Anniversary my family in the
Philippines sent us greeting card. When my father in law
and his wife went to Las Vegas for vacation they brought
a t-shirt for me and my husband and this past Thanksgiving
we received two invitations, one is from my father in law
and the other is from the Filipino Community. Isn’t it great?
When you are being remembered, you are loved.

Thanksgiving 2008

Thank You is a very kind word. It is very simple but the
echo is lasting. Although the word Thank You is very easy
to say oftentimes we forgot to say it. Behind the many
reasons of saying Thank You, there’s a lot of ways to say
it too. God is the best reason for celebrating Thanksgiving
Day. This is the day when family and friends gathered and
dine together.


My first Thanksgiving Day in U.S.A. was very meaningful not
only because it’s my first but simply because I celebrated
it with family and friends whose common denominator is GOD.
I am forever thankful to Him for He truly made all things
beautiful in His time. Let the praises ring!

Preparing for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving day is one of the biggest holidays here in U.S.A.
Most American homes celebrate the event with their family
and friends. Roast turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin and pecan pie
and some other recipes will be prepared.

At this time when the date for Thanksgiving is getting closer,
the line is long in almost every counter in every supermarket.
Almost all the shopping cart has turkey on it and pies ( pumpkin
and pecan ).This year is going to be the first Thanksgiving day
that my husband and I will celebrate here together. Not to miss
the tradition, we had our shopping done before the rush hour.

I always believe that no matter how tough life is, there's always
something that we have to be thankful of. Giving thanks doesn’t
have to be always having party. The best simple way of giving
thanks is through prayer. Let’s make everyday a Thanksgiving day.

Feast of Sharing

Yesterday was the date set for the Feast of Sharing in
Brownsville, Texas. The Feast of Sharing is an annual free
dinner for all sponsored by H-E-B (here everything is better)
supermarkets. H-E-B is one of the biggest chains of supermarkets
across Texas and some parts of Mexico. This event first started
in 1988.

Many people went to Jacob Brown Auditorium for the event. The
line going in was very long yet the organizer managed it very
well. It was very smooth, no pushing and everyone enjoyed the
event. A lot of food and drinks were served and a live band to
entertain the people. Volunteers, mostly students were there
to render service in serving food such us turkey, mashed potato,
pumpkin pie, vegetables, bread, butter, cranberry sauce, sodas,
milk, chocolate drink, water and popcorn. People were dancing as
the live band played the music.

I personally felt very happy to see that a company like H-E-B has
a program like the Feast of Sharing for all the people in this
season of sharing. The gesture that the company has for all is
evident that Christ is alive. Christmas is indeed the season of
sharing.

Wednesday Special

Buffalo wings recipe is very common here when you go to a bar
and grill place. Some would want it serve with cold beer or soda,
but bar and grill is not the only place that knows how to make
Buffalo wings, we do too.



Chicken wing is the main ingredient, vegetable oil, flour, hot
sauce and butter is also needed. My husband and I will like it
with fresh carrots, celery and ranch for dips. The recipe will
taste even better if it’s being prepared cheerfully. Try it, you
will love it!

Learning to Drive

Driving a car is new to me and is something I am interested
to do and learn.

I was accompanied by my husband to the Department of Public
Safety where I took the exam for me to have a permit to learn
to drive. The result was good, had a 100% rating. Since then
I started to learn to drive and my husband has to be with me
since it is required that someone with a driver’s license has
to sit next to the student driver.

I admit that learning to drive is not easy for someone like me
that never drove any type of vehicle not even bicycle. In the
Philippines where I came from I can always get a ride from a
jeep, bus and taxi (our local means of transportation) without
learning how to drive. But since I am now in U.S.A. driving is
a thing that I must learn to do. One of the things I appreciate
here in U.S.A. are the roads, very wide and a center lane is
there for those making a turn and almost every driver if not all
uses their directional in changing lanes and in making turns.
Traffic lights are working and everyone pays attention to it.

Learning to drive in U.S.A. is something that I enjoy doing though
I still have to conquer my fear. I always believe that if others
can why can’t I.

Because of Pancit

Pancit is a food very common to all Filipinos and personally
it is one of my favorites. Whenever we meet someone here that
has visited the Philippines they always say that they like pancit.

In my prior post I mentioned a place named Harleys that my husband
and I go to almost every Sunday that serves free barbecue buffet.
If you want to bring a special dish for all the people to enjoy
they appreciate that. One day my husband and I agreed to bring
pancit. When we reached Harleys, I handed the dish I had prepared
to the bar tender and gladly he said, “Thank You.” As we listen
to the music of the band, the bar tender approached us and asked
if the food that we brought was pancit. I said yes and I asked him
how he knew about pancit. With smile in his eyes he said that his
mom is from the Philippines and used to cook the said food for the
family.

What a small world. Because of pancit my husband and I made
someone smile. Isn’t it great? Before we left the place he said
that he missed having it and that he truly appreciated the dish.

I miss you... Mango!

Mango is one of my favorite fruits. It is also one
of the most delicious and nutritious foods and it's
a good source of vitamin A.


Yellow mango especially when sweet tastes good.
Eating it plain, or maybe make a dessert like mango
float, mango glaze or mango shake will for sure make
your day. I missed it back home. Although we can
still buy mango here the green mango is just hard to
find. I like it with bagoog (fermented shrimp paste)
or a shake out of it.

Harleys on Sundays

My husband and I will make effort to go to this place every Sunday.
The place is not fancy but we like it. No air conditioning or
fancy seating but it is the people that make the party.The place
is situated in Bay View, Texas. It gets crowded every Sunday when
the winter Texans arrive to get away from the cold climate where
they come from. You can see cars, motorcycles and even horses in
the parking area. People love to go there to hang out and if you
liketo dance you sure will enjoy this place. If you have a song
in mind and would like the band to play while you sing, they can
make it happen.


They serve beer, juice, soda and water but you can also get
something to go with your drink like chips. Aside from that they
serve a free barbecue buffet every Sunday. A donation for the cook
is appreciated. You can also contribute to the buffet by bringing
something like pasta, salad, cake or any food that you wish to bring.


The place is for family and friends to hang-out, listen to the band
as you feel the cold breeze of the wind while you move and groove on
the dance floor.

Congee for rainy day

Back in the Philippines, I always like to have soup during
rainy days especially when it’s served hot.



Last Tuesday when the rain poured heavily the whole day, I
decided to cook something that will at least give a balance
to the cold atmosphere. Congee is the recipe. Rice, chicken,
ginger, black pepper and green onions are the main ingredients
that I used. I had kalamansi (a small citrus fruit)and patis
(fish sauce)for flavor enhancement while my husband had soy
sauce.

We both enjoyed the food as we watch the rain fall by the window
pane.

It's your Birthday Today!

14 years ago today when my eldest sister gave birth to
a healthy baby boy, we named him Pet Angelo. He grew
up as a nice kid, a good student and a friend. I remember
on his kindergarten graduation day his teacher chose him
to be the emcee of the program. That was cute seeing him
on his graduation gown as he managed the sequence of the
program. That was a remarkable moment and we are very
proud of him.

Today as he celebrates his birthday, we wish him all the
best in life.

Roar by the Shore

October 9-12,2008 was set for Bike Week at South Padre
Island,Texas.


All different brands of motorcycle are welcome to bike week.
From where we live we can hear the roar of the motorcycles
riding on the highway. Not to miss the fun, my husband and
I went for a ride to the beautiful South Padre Island of
Texas.As we enjoyed the ride, we were also amazed of the
other bikers that we met along the way.


It was my first time to see a motorcycle rally and the feeling
was a real WOW! Different sizes, types, design, color and
brand of motorcycles roaring on the road to the shore was a
fun experience and it felt different knowing that we were one
of the bikers that is on the road having fun and making other
people smile as they watch the street full of motorcycles.
One can tell that all the bars, restaurants, hotels and inns
were full by just looking at the parking lot where it is full
of motorcycles coming from different cities of different
states here in U.S.A.



Riding on our Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle with my
husband is one of the things that we both enjoy together.

Rainbow

It was gloomy one Sunday morning when we left for Mass.
When we arrive home thirty minutes after the rain starts
to fall heavily as the wind blows. When the rain stops
pouring, a beautiful rainbow appeared up in the sky,
and not only one but two and was beautiful.Truly it
says that after a rain a rainbow will shine.

In life no matter how difficult the situation is, let
us all believe and hold on to the promise of God in
Jeremiah 11:29 'For I know the plans I have for you,
" declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'

It was my first time to see two rainbows side by side,
amazingly attractive. When we have God in our life
nothing is impossible.


The image of two rainbows captured from a distance.

Chocolates my favorite!

Some of my favorite chocolates.




If one will ask me to choose between free movie ticket and
chocolate, I will choose the latter. I just can’t say no
when it comes to chocolate.

I remember when my husband asked me what I want him to bring
for me to the Philippines, I said C.H.O.C.O.L.A.T.E.S. and
yes he brought me a lot of chocolates of different brand.

Yummy is always the first word I utter after having a bite
and with chocolates I will always be like a kid, hmmm.

Car Show 2008

My husband and I had a great time one Sunday afternoon
when we went to a Car Show in Brownsville, Texas.


Seeing different colors, models, and makes of vehicles
was very interesting especially when one can see the
owners' pride put into maintaining the condition of the
engine and body of the vehicle. Learning that if the
owner keeps the vehicle in original condition adds to
the value of the vehicle is one good point each vehicle
owner must realize.


The way that some of the owners modified their vehicles
was interesting. Some of the vehicles came with sound
systems that were truly awesome. Some of them were
equipped with televisions and game systems. Some of the
cars were modified with hydraulic systems that could
raise or lower the car. There were some that came with
modified pick-up trucks. It is amazing the amount of
time and money that were put into the vehicles on display.

An Adventure with Hurricane Dolly

It was Tuesday July 22 when my husband and kids arrived from
New York at 1:20 pm; thank God they made it just before the
Hurricane Dolly hit South Texas.

The place that I work is usually open 24 hours but that day
the management decided to close by 9 pm and all the employees had
to leave 11 pm. and declared that Wednesday will be “no work”.
My husband together with my step children picked me up from work
with the rain pouring and the wind blowing but we made it home.
With lots of surprises they brought me from New York and the
initial getting-to-know, we all went to sleep because we were tired.
The next morning when we woke up heavy rains were pouring and the
wind is blowing hard with no electric at all as early as 4 in the
morning, we can’t even cook breakfast, no television,no computer,
no games for the children and for a while no water. We decided to
go out to get something to eat and only Whataburger is open but
drive thru and the line was so long that we end up going back
home and making breakfast on our gas grill inside the house
because we just can’t make it outside with the wind and the rain.
The water came back but not the electric and good thing my
father in law called my husband and invited us over their house
since they have electric. Just before five in the afternoon we
ventured our way to my father in law with Dolly. We saw trees
on the streets and Highway 100 was flooded. My husband and I was
so scared, good thing that my husband purchased 3 months ago a
brand new SUV where it is high up compared to our old car. Some
traffic lights were destroyed, construction signs were floating
on water, and the wind continues to blow heavily and that roof
shingles were flying. Luckily we made it to my father in law’s
house. As the night went on the water continued to get higher.
The lake on the golf course behind my father in laws house was
overflowing and reached his fence. Three days after the storm
the electric came back so we decided to go back home. We threw
lots of food into the garbage. Most of the items were meat,
vegetables, dairy products such as milk and cheese, mayo and
fruits.It is not safe to keep those food, we just can’t
sacrifice our health. Now everything is back to normal while
some other parts of the valley are still coping up for the
damages that Dolly has done.

Together with my husband, I thank the Lord for being so good
to us. It is hard to imagine life without Him, we just cannot
do it. Praise be to God!

St. Mary's Church

The St. Mary’s Catholic Church is one of the beautiful Churches
around Brownsville, Texas. This is where my husband and I goes
every Sunday for a Holy Mass. The schedule of Masses comes in
English, Spanish and Bilingual but we go for English of course.

A solemn celebration is being observed and a band accompanies
the choir that makes it lively when the assembly praises God
through singing. Every time a reading and Gospel is being said
a slide on an OHP (over head projector)is displayed with a picture
on it. During the communion the people don’t just receive the
host but the wine too which I didn’t experience from the different
catholic churches in the Philippines that I’ve been to. During
the communion people don’t push or cut in line instead they fall
inline silently when it’s their turn which I truly appreciate.
The cleanliness of the surrounding and the central air condition
makes the place very comfortable for prayer and worship. The
warm atmosphere of the parishioners for everyone especially
for visitors and new parishioners like me and my husband made us
feel that we belong to the family.

The said church is the place where we’ve met Filipinos now working
and living in the Rio Grande Valley.

A year older in U.S.A.

I celebrated my birthday here in U.S.A. for the first time. It is something new because my mom and my sisters are not around but my husband made it a day for me to remember.

I started my day going to St. Mary's Church for a morning mass with my husband and I felt special because the Priest prayed over me after the Holy Mass. We then went to Shoneys for an American Breakfast, right after I went online and received mail from my family back in the Philippines, and offline messages from my friends and former officemates. I also received telephone calls. My husband and his parents gave me a presents. My husband took me out for a dinner date at Texas Road House Restaurant. As I turned a year older, I wish and pray for peace and prosperity around the world.






My Happy Birthday

Memorial Day 2008

Memorial Day is one of the holidays in the United States of America. This is the day that people give tribute to the fallen soldiers who gave their lives for their country.

In Brownsville,Texas a Silent March which is then followed by a ceremony with a twenty one gun salute at the Veterans Park highlighted the event. In South Padre Island there is a fireworks display for Memorial Day.








The Silent March.






The people joining the Silent March.












The flag raising.












The 21 Gun Salute.





Me and my Husband at South Padre Island during the Memorial Day fireworks display.

License Teacher

Last April 30,2008 the Professional Regulation Commission announced the result of the successful elementary and secondary teachers. I am very happy to know that out of the 14,767 examinees for secondary teachers I am one of the 3,705 who successfully made it, (source: http://www.prcboardexamresults.com/let-exam-results-for-april-2008-secondary-level) now I am a license teacher. I thank my husband, mom and sisters for the support and encouragement, above all I thank the Lord for making my dream to come true.

To all my fellow new teachers my congratulations.

International Flight

I had my first international flight week ago. It was night time
when I left the Philippines on board a Continental Airlines bound
for USA.

While waiting for my checking inn time to appear on the
departure monitor at the Ninoy Aquino international Airport , Manila
I met a Filipina named Jennifer Bravo. We had a nice conversation
until the time of my checking inn came. My flight from Manila to
Guam was great for I had a great time talking to a Filipino who
is now an American Citizen working in Hawaii. The duration of the
flight was 3 hours and 15 minutes and it was early morning in Guam
when the plane landed at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport.
Had to go through Immigration and Passport Checking and waited for
one hour before the boarding of my flight going to Honolulu came.
I was sitting in a row with a Filipino-American Citizen who is
residing in Honolulu, Hawaii. It felt good because I had someone
to talk to about anything that popped up in my mind that had to do
about the USA. The flight was 6 hours and 35 minutes from Guam
until we reached beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii. I had to go through
U.S. Customs just like the rest of the passengers and waited for one
hour in the termininal until the connecting flight left for Houston,
Texas. On board the plane I was sick due to motion sickness because
the plane was so bumpy due to weather. I was sitting with a Filipina
nurse from Iloilo, Philippines who is now a Citizen of USA and works
in Houston.

After the long flight that was a total of 25 hours, I saw my
husband at the Airport in Brownsville, Texas. The feeling of being
tired disappeared when I saw him there. The experience of the flight
was something I will forever be thankful to God because He made me
felt at home and safe.

Summer Adventure in the Philippines

The first summer that me and my husband spent
together was in the Philipines.Aside from visitng
beaches and having good time swimming on the pool
we also went to Cagayan de Oro's pride The White
Water Rafting Adventure and The Macahambus Adventure
Park where we experienced walking on the sky bridge
and zip lining.

Walking on the sky bridge was an experience
that can make one not to continue the walk
especially when you look down where you can
see branches of trees, grasses, wild flowers
and some water and if you have fear of heights
you surely will not do it, unless you have the
guts and determination to do so.

120 meters Zip lining was another thing that made our
adventure a fun-some one. It's actually a heart-pounding
activity when you do it. It is safe to do when you
have the complete gear for safety and when you follow
instructions from the experts, the guides.

Water rafting is indeed a wet experience for surely you
will become wet after exploring the 14 rapids of Cagayan
de Oro river.You will be exposed to sun so it is better
to have some protection like apply an amount of sunblock
on some parts of your body or wear something that protects
your arms and legs from too much exposure of sunlight.
Everyone on the raft has to say "High Five" after surpassing
each of the rapids.

To experience an adventure like the above mentioned is
something you will never forget because aside from the
thrill and excitement, you sure will have fun!








Me and my husband.









It's me trying to conquer my fear
as I walk on the sky bridge.









My husband doing the zip line.












A pose after the water rafting fun.

On being Happy

There are many ways for a person to be happy.
And being happy does not only concerns you as an
individual but the people that surrounds as well.

In order for us to be happy we must know our needs
and wants and then try to think some ways on how we
could make such lists be materialized. When we want
to be happy then we dream of becoming happy and dreaming
is not merely sitting down and wait, it needs preparation
coupled with prayers and then let's work for it.

Sometimes we feel happy not because we pamper ourselves
with the things we want but when we see others happiness
through the blessings we share to them it brings so much
joy to our hearts. Therefore if we are happy let us try to
extend our happiness to others especially to those who needs
us the most and let's wear a smile too :)

Counting the days

Time moves fast and the day is getting closer.
I know I dreamed of this to happen and now that
it is soon to happen I am on a mixed emotions.

Mix emotions because I am happy and excited that
soon I'm going to experience my first international
flight and be with my husband.I just wish I can be in
two places at the same time because for sure I'm
going to miss my family and friends here especially my
ever supportive and loving Mama.

I am just so thankful because Internet makes the world
smaller, wherein it bridges the distance that separates
people from all over the world. Moreover I thank the
Lord for continuously reminding me that with Him in my
life everything will be fine.

The Heat is on

SUMMER is always been a time for everyone to enjoy and have
fun under the heat of the sun doing some outdoor activities.

People usually love to spend their summer vacation doing
something recreational, something new, something great.

Going to beaches is one of the common summer escapades done
by most of the people. Swimming on the pool can be an option
while others prefer to do some outdoor activities like island
hopping,water rafting,snorkeling,hiking,camping,zip lining,
rappelling, scuba diving and a lot more activities that can
make one sweat out, feel healthy and keep going.

While some parts of the world are still having snow, others
are beginning to feel the spring time. In the Philippines
summer has just begun where one can feel that the heat is on.











Tents at the beaches









Getting ready for some water adventure.









People having fun at the beach.









The cottages at the beach and its' sand.

We Made It!

In less than a year, my husband and I made it!

Looking back when we start filling up the application,
paying the bills and a number of forms need to be filled up,
signed and submitted to USCIS and NVC. The waiting seem to
be like eternity but not anymore for we made it.

Before my appointment for medical exam arrive I used to
only drink water, milk and buko ( coconut ) juice and learned
how to flushed out negative things that might affect the medical
and physical result. Last month was the schedule for my medical
exam at St. Luke's Medical Center.Right after I got the result
I headed my way to the US Embassy making sure I know where to
go on my interview date and good thing the security guards told
me on what to do and where to go.

Week after my medical exam is the date for my Immigrant Visa
Interview. I went there early and went through the step-by-step
procedure. I had a great time during my interview. I was confident
in giving answers because I was able to say it the way I want it.
Paid the visa delivery fee and happily left the US Embassy. Four
days after, I received my Visa.

My husband and I would like to extend our sincere thanks to our
families in the Philippines and in USA who is very supportive and
who truly showed their unconditional love to both of us.

To the nice people we met during the process, especially to the
WOF community who in one way or another has contributed a lot.

Above all to the Almighty Father for the many blessings He has
given and for making beautiful things to happen in His time.
To God be all the Glory!

Holy Week

Holy Week is an observance done by most of the Christians
every year. It is in this special occasion when we remember the
Paschal Mystery of Christ.

Paschal Mystery is the passion, death and resurrection of Christ.
God suffered in so much pain during this time many years ago and
what makes it Holy is the Love that Jesus has in every pains and
sufferings He underwent.

This week as we observe its' Holiness may we reflect God's words in
our daily lives and may we all grow as Christians with strong faith,
more courage and determination to do what is right and to be more
dedicated in our work, much more in our relationship with our
families and with God.

Alleluia!

A march on March

The time of reaping has come.

This is the day when parents are going to see their
sons and daughters marching on the stage on their graduation
day with pride. Giving diplomas is always been a gesture of every
school in letting their students know and feel that a milestone is
happening.

Honors and awards are given to students who exerted more effort
in reaching the top.Every effort they gave to every activities,
projects,assignments and examinations were greatly appreciated
by not only their teachers but more of their parents who sent them
to school and who makes everything possible for them to give the
best for their children. It's time to celebrate!

To all the graduates of 2008, my congratulations.
Let all the glory be for God!

On the Wings of God

My first time on the plane was a nice experience though
the flight was delayed for almost two
hours. I was a little bit nervous and was
hungry so I have to feed myself though
the prices of food and beverages inside
the airport was high. When the ground
steward called the attention of the
passengers bound for the flight where
I belong and told us that the plane is
ready for boarding I then fall in line.

On my way to the plane I made the sign of the cross and
silently prayed" Lord, don't let anything to happen that
you and I together cannot handle, please make our flight
safe and guide the hands of the Pilots ".

I was sitting on the window sit, when the plane starts to fly
I can feel it and I can't deny that I was nervous. Prayer and
my faith made me realized that everything will be fine. As the
plane fly high I don't want to miss seeing the things down while
I'm up high, that's why even if I'm a little bit scared I glance on
the window so I can see the houses below in its' tiny image. The
rivers, oceans and mountains though tiny are still visible.

Looking at the moving clouds made me realized that God is really
great. His creations are all amazing and that includes me. The whole
flight was an experience being treasured and will forever be, not only
because it was my first but because I fly with God as my wings.

Sinulog a Festival to Remember

While on our way to the Queen City of the South ( Cebu City, Philippines )on board a Super Ferry,my husband and I noticed that most of the passengers are going to Cebu for the Festival. When we reached the place oh my! the traffic was unbelievable and we had a hard time getting a ride going to the hotel that was booked for us by a friend.

Ayala Center was our first destination for party. We had dinner with my college friend who is now a teacher in one of the Universities in Cebu. It was my first time to have a grilled lamb, hmmm yummy! As we all savor the delicious foods and drinks being served, we can't help it but to sing with the live band playing that night.

The next day we woke up early in order for us to witness the Fluvial Parade. As we passed through the Mactan Bridge the people was in every place that you can hardly see the float of the Sto. Nino. We then headed our way to the Sto. Nino Museum where we saw different memorabilia and images of Sto. Nino and other religious stuff. After we tour the place, we then went to Sto. Nino Basilica for the reenactment of the First Mass where we saw a number of photographers both Filipinos and Foreigners bringing with them some high tech gadgets for film and photography. When the mass was over we left and find a place where we can dine for lunch and the only way for us to do it was to walk and walk and walk until we reached a place where the street was open for all vehicles to pass by. After we ate we went to another hotel closer to the City and booked it for the next day.

In the night we went for dinner at Gerry's Grille in Ayala and we had party at Ratsky where music, laughters and dances filled the night and we got the chance to talk to Jimmy Marquez, a singer from Cebu who is one of the performers that night.

Early morning the next day we transfered to the other hotel and it was just a walking distance to the route of the Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel. The parade was amazing. Seeing those colorful costumes of all the contingents for the Street Dancing can make you really dance as they began to create a sounds using their drums, trumpets, xylophones and more. Two steps forward and one step backward are the steps one should know when it comes to Sinulog Street Dancing. Wonderful Fireworks display colored the night as everyone gazed to it and shouted the famous line for the Festival... Viva Pit Senior!

Quite Time

I used to hear from my teachers way back when I was still a student

saying " keep quite or silence please" and I understand why such a line is being uttered not only by teachers but by most of us when we realize that people around us are noisy or if we want to be heard and be understood.

"In Silence God will Speak", a phrase that caught my attention once when I attended a class recollection. It made me think and asked myself how could it be? Later after college I move to another place where I got a job and an office mate of mine invited me to join a group that handles seminars and lectures on how to make Life colorful and worth living in a Christian way. One of the things I learned from the group of which until now I have it with me is to have a Quite Time with the Lord.

Quite Time is when you talk to God.I'm not saying I don't pray before nor read the scripture, I do but having a quality quite time with Him makes a difference from what I used to do before. It gives me the chance to develop my listening skills and to discover myself more.

In praying let us try not to just ask and ask instead give thanks to Him and give God the chance to talk to us so we can find answers for anything that bothers us. And let us try to do our quite time during the best time of the day because God deserves only the best from us.

The Lifestyle of today

Television is one of the things that almost all family have. It bridges the distance from one place to the other because through it we can see and hear some news and events, different programs from different places in a different time. Each day we wait for our favorite television shows making sure we won't miss any episode. If we are not home yet to watch we will ask others about it just so we wont get lost and be updated. There are instances that even if the time of the show is late at night, we will wait for it before we go to bed. Television somehow influence our day-to-day living.

Today where most people are busy in their life, the kind of lifestyle they have and the work they do they make sure they are not left behind by others especially when it comes to news and current events. They always have something with them where they can at least read or hear what's going on around the world mobile phones, computers, iPhone and some other electronic gadgets. While in the car they listen to music or perhaps watch movies when someone is driving for them. Life is really different now. Everything seems to move fast that even internet users demand for a fast and good connection.

As we all face the challenge of today, may we all be reminded how precious we are and how blessed we are to be given such a wonderful gift, our Life. Let us all take good care of it and make each day of our life a safe and healthy one.

The Day the Lord has Made

I've been reading blogs of different people and I find it interesting. I said to myself why not create my own? but then at that time I'm not ready yet No idea, No theme.

This is it! The Day the Lord has Made.

God's Gift came in realization when I was thinking one afternoon on how could I give glory to God for the many favors He has done for the people, for my family and for me.

It's just fair to do this online for God because I believe without Him we are nothing and we cannot have the kind of technology we are enjoying right now like the internet, the web and blogs and the many good things online that has contributed a lot in our growth and prosperity. For all that was and for all that will be, let the Glory be for God!