When you plant a coffee tree, it will take three years before it grows and bears fruits. Beginning from the seed, planting and taking care of a coffee tree is a serious task. A coffee farmer must wait for a few months before transplanting a coffee seedling into its permanent location. After the transplant, several processes are done to make sure that no insect (borer) will destroy the fruits. I must be describing it shortly here, but in real life, three years is a long wait.
If a farmer intends to plant coffee to make a living, he has to be sure that he also plants other short-term crops so that he will still have food on the table while waiting for his coffee to grow.
Waiting for a coffee tree to grow, while making all necessary (and not very easy) tasks to take care of a coffee tree, without the assurance that it will bear good fruits, requires a lot of PATIENCE.
In real life, patience, as they say it, is a virtue. It takes patience, as a child, to wait slowly as you grow and gain knowledge and experience. It takes patience to wait as you slowly work your way up to earning a college degree. It takes patience for one to wait for his/her dreams to come true. It takes patience in waiting for your prayers to be answered. It takes patience as God unfolds His will for you - day-to-day, and He only requires you to wait.
Patience.
Patience.
Patience.
See. Waiting is not easy. But the Prophet Isaiah clearly explains the essence of waiting in Isaiah 40:31:
"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."
These coffee trees are about one-year old. Two more years and a good harvest
of coffee is much-awaited. If only the coffee farmers would wait patiently.
Okay, so the Countdown to 22 ended already. But to be fair, I wanted to just update you on what really happened on my 22nd birthday. I told you it would be an "ORDINARY" day. But I realized now that it was full of extraordinary fun and laughter!
MAY 12, 2012- SATURDAY
I woke up rather late, because I slept early in the morning. My parents left home early for a retreat with the church members of the church that my dad is pastoring. I preferred to stay at home, because I promised the youth at church that I would teach them how to make chocolates that we would be giving away to the mothers for "Mother's Day" celebration the following day. My eldest sister also stayed at home with me.
My best friend, Rio, came in early while I was still busy cleaning the house and preparing for the chocolate-making day which was just really an ordinary task for me. Eben and Kim were both in the Province of Pangasinan for a meeting, so they weren't there.
My niece, Thea, the daughter of my cousin who passed away last February (which I talked about in the 10 Challenges of my life #8: death), came with her mom. They visited my cousin's grave, and every time they do that, they would pass by our home. They didn't know it was my birthday, but that surprise visit was remarkable. I got to spend a few hours with my one and only niece! They just stayed for a few hours and I gave them a ride to the nearest stop where they could get a ride home.
So, here is Jonna (Thea's mom), Thea, and me. Thea was playing with our cute little puppies here :)
Afterwards, I fetched my new friend, Kuya Brian, which I came to know only recently. He is a very gifted and talented musician, and it was a joy to have him visit me for a few hours on my birthday!
The young boys at church, whom my brother is discipling, also came to visit and help with the chocolate-making. One of them actually didn't know it was my birthday, and he was the one surprised! haha... So, silly and funny as they are, they made up a scripted "Surprise greeting!" for me! Here is a video of that silly moment, but I would always treasure these young boys who are turning out to be promising leaders. These are Archie, Mark, and Randy! :)
So the three boys were so energetic and funny the whole day, which made me laugh a thousand times! Later, more young people from church arrived. Ate Fely Ann, one of my trusted sisters and friends at church came to help with the chocolate-making. Soon, Jely, Glydel, Ian, and Kezia also came to help. The children at church (our Sunday School students) also dropped by for a while. We all shared some spaghetti that my mom cooked for the day. It was almost evening when one of the young pastors, Kuya Jun2x, who was also a good friend of mine, came to greet me and we had a lot of fun together. Making jokes, stories, and taking photos! Alongside making chocolates for the mothers.
Mark, Archie, Randy, me, Rio, and Kuya Brian (the serious-looking guy) LOL
After we wrapped the chocolates, they had to leave for church to practice for the Sunday Worship singing. I stayed at home to wash all the dishes that we used, and to clean the house.
That's me, Mark, and Archie.
Back row: The kids, Jely, Rio, and Ate Fely Ann
Here we are showing off the Red Chocolates that we made for the mothers.
Ian, Kuya Jun2x, ate Fely Ann, and Me!
Front: Randy, Archie
Back: Ian, Glydel, Kuya Jun, Mark, Ate Fely Ann, Me, Jely, and Kezia
The Red-rose looking chocolates that we made for the entire day! :)
Later, my brother Eben called to greet me a happy birthday. My best friend Kim also talked to me. I was supposed to be with them on that trip to Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, but it didn't happen, so these two naughty boys were teasing me and trying to make me envy them for their adventure.
Later in the evening, the church musicians - Emman, Romnick, and Toto passed by our house to greet me. It was very touching!
Aside from the personal greetings and phone calls, I also received more than a hundred greetings on Facebook! I was touched not by the number of people who greeted me, but for the heart-warming messages that I received from some of them.
The highlight of the FB greetings were the twovideos created by the Peacebuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI) staff that I happened to work with during my last few months with PBCI. It was very touching and moving. There is something about them and the video they created, that made me cry. Yeah, I badly miss them and the work that we used to do together. But like Angie said, they know that I am happy right now. Knowing that I have them in my heart and that they have me in their hearts, is enough to make my 22nd birthday happy.
So, right! My 22nd birthday was just an ordinary day. It was busy and tiring, and we didn't have much food, but this day I was reminded that I am very rich. My treasures are these people who have become a part of my 22 years of existence on earth. The people who greeted me and gave me touching messages... they are my treasures! Probably you, you who are constantly reading my blog posts. You are my treasure! :)
"Ordinary day. No party, no special treat. No special someone to visit me. No adventure, no special activity. It is, like the rest of the year, an ordinary day. Later, I would be left home alone. I will be busy with things I would normally do. But today, is the day I was born 22 years ago. And for 22 years, my life has been filled with overflowing blessings. Today is an ordinary day, just like the past 8030 days of my life...B L E S S E D."
The countdown series was my effort to release a part of me. It was my way of letting go of so many things, of wrapping up all my experiences and challenges so far, of recognizing people who have been important to my life, and valuing things that I love doing the most. It was my way of simply letting you know me better, as much as I make an effort to know my inner self more and more. The countdown to 22 ends now. But, as the days pass, and as the will of the Father unfolds before me, I will keep you updated!
There is nothing really special being a 22-year old, but this is a period in my life when I finally start to embrace what I am called to do. This is the time I finally tell myself that my childhood days are over, teenage years are but a memory, and adulthood begins. I am not in a hurry to get old. In fact, I struggled a lot for the past years of how I have always been given responsibilities that I thought were bigger than my age. I badly wanted to stay young, to do things I used to do when I was young, and be with people I have always been with since I was young.
Today is the day I accept and embrace my calling. I am slowly embracing the responsibilities that I forcefully accepted before. I am embracing the responsibilities that are being given to me, understanding better why I was the one doing it and for Whom. I am accepting the challenges that life still has to offer. I welcome my 23rd year with a smile, having no regrets with my past decisions, and with inner peace and joy.
I am now 22. I am ready to face the new challenges set before me. I am ready to shed more tears, share more smiles, burst a thousand more laughters, and touch more hearts and lives of people. I am ready to make new friends, fall in love, and exhaust myself with more fun and adventure!
I am now 22. And like the past years, I offer this day to the only reason why my heart is beating. I offer this day and my years to my Creator, my Father, my Protector, Provider, Healer, Comforter, and Friend - to my Savior, Jesus Christ!
Welcome to my Radical Journey as a 22-year old!
I open my arms and my heart to the promise of the Lord in Jeremiah 29:11:
"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."
1 more day and it's THE DAY! I will have no party, no special treat, no place to go, to special someone to meet. It is an ordinary day like the rest of the year. But tomorrow, I'm turning 22. And tomorrow, I am embracing something big! So now, I want to share you one of the many answered prayers in my life. And I want to encourage you to pray and let God lead the way, because He really answers prayers!
1 Published
Yes. One of my childhood dreams was to get published even at a local newspaper. And then, growing up, I prayed that I would be able to write about the History of the Mennonites in the Philippines. I had no idea how to do it and when that would be. I just had that desire in my heart.
With my first job, I was assigned to become the National Coordinator of the Mennonite Church in the Philippines. I eagerly accepted the responsibility and committed to God and to the church that I will serve with all my heart. I am doing it for the Lord, expecting nothing in return.
As the National Coordinator, I was asked to write the Philippine chapter for the Mennonite World Conference (MWC)- Global Anabaptist History Book Series. I was surprised and delighted to accept the task even if I was given only a short period to finish it. After two months of prayer and hard work, I finally sent the chapter to the editors. I received positive feedbacks from the editors and only waited for the day that the book will be published. On November 2011, the Asia Volume of the Global Mennonite History Series was launched. And...
...
Chapter 6 is about the Mennonites in the Philippines authored by "yours truly"...
So this it! I am published at age 21! It is only a short chapter, but it IS an answered prayer!
Today, I still dream of becoming a published writer. I should have included this in my article yesterday,haha... but I dream of writing books, essays, and inspirational thoughts for children, young people, women, and everyone! I dream of using this gift that God has entrusted me, so that I could be able to share my story of salvation to people around the world!
More to go! :)
Tomorrow, I'm turning 22....
There will be more stories I will write about in the future... :)And more prayers to be answered!
Me and the book... :) The FIRST published work of mine...
I have been religiously posting bits and pieces of information about myself, people related to me, food, experiences, and everything else I have done and wanted to do. Only two more days to go and it's my 22nd birthday!
Today, I want to tell you about two of my greatest dreams. Two of my greatest. Yes, I have so many dreams, and all of them are great (why not?). But here are two greatest dreams that I want to share you because I guess, among all my dreams, these are the nearest to reality and coming true.
1 To be a world traveler
Traveling is my passion. It is something I just naturally love. I have written so many articles about traveling and about the places I visited. In fact, I have written about my Top 9 Favorite Places in this countdown to 22 series. I have been to three countries outside the Philippines, and I feel like my radical journey is just about to begin soon. My dream is to travel the world. My dream is to travel the world and not just take pictures or eat at some famous restaurants.
My dream is to travel the world and leave a mark in those countries I visit.
I dream of visiting the 7 continents and go to as much country as I could, and do something there. Inspire someone, share a story to one person, or make friends with another. Anything simple.
I dream of traveling the world to generously offer a sweet smile that can change the mood of one person for an entire day.
I dream of traveling the world to inspire even a few children to grow up dreaming big.
I dream of traveling the world to pray for someone sick, someone with a broken heart, someone without a family, or someone who has lost hopes in life.
I dream of traveling the world to touch people's lives. I dream of traveling the world and share my own simple story - of being a sinner, saved and blessed by the grace of the Creator.
I dream of traveling the world - to see the awesome creation of the Creator.
I dream of traveling the world - to hear the thousands of languages of different tribes and people.
I dream of traveling the world - to see the colors of our skin; that are so uniquely created according to our race.
I dream of traveling the world to share the beat of my heart; from one heart to another. If I could transfer my energies to every person I would meet, I would.
I dream of traveling the world. The world in which everything that is in it, belongs to my Father in Heaven. I dream of traveling the world. I dream to travel it - to fulfill my purpose.
2 To have a simple family
Most women dream of becoming a good wife and a mother. Mine is to only be a simple one. With my dream of traveling the world and becoming a good leader someday, I do not know how I could also become only a simple wife and a simple mother, to a very simple family that is dedicated to the Creator.
I dream of being that perfect wife for that perfect husband; to be a perfect partner in all of life's struggles and challenges, to be the best friend and best companion in every situation - good or bad.
I dream of becoming a perfect mother to the best children in the world. I dream of becoming a simple, loving, caring, smart mother to the future great leaders of the next generation. I dream of having a simple family that is always complete and loving.
I dream of raising children that will continue to lead the change that my generation is starting today. I dream of raising godly children. I dream of one simple, happy family!
We're down to three! Today, I want to talk about three people who, I believe I influenced, and in so many ways influenced me too. We grew up together at church and we had to be together because we had no choice. We were bound to be together. It was fate. It was destiny. Remember one of the challenges I talked about in the 10 Challenges of my life? #5: Church leadership. It was a period at our church when everyone who were before us suddenly seemed scattered and left us behind. The four of us! So, I was young then and they were younger than me. They were at the same grade level, and I was two years ahead of them. I was the older sister "ate" among us. I was challenged to lead them, to encourage them, to share visions together, and to simply be friends with them. It wasn't easy. But now, 11 years after our friendship started, we began to realize that we are best friends. Not because we chose to, but because we were tried and tested by life's struggles and challenges. Get to know the people I grew up with, and the people I envision growing old together with. :)
The four of us recently...
me, Kim, Rio, and Eben ;)
1 Rio
The musician.
When we were younger...She was that little girl I used to scold. She dislikes a lot of things, but easily likes simple things -very simple things. I found her exaggerated and emotional. She didn't have confidence and I had to push her for that. She wasn't confident about her talent and I had to show her that she has. She is a creative writer, but I am a technical writer, so sometimes I don't read her hearty and emotional novels! (haha)
Today...She is a very dear sister. She has bloomed into becoming one beautiful woman of God who uses her gifts to worship the Creator. A gifted musician. Beautiful voice. Most importantly, she has a gorgeous heart! She is one young woman who dreams of having her efforts appreciated - even in the smallest way possible. She cries over simple things, but dreams about big things! Her joy is to eat her heart out. Her happiness is to laugh with friends!
One petite woman with a giant passion for music. One small person with one great purpose!
Pretty ladies :)
There is so much reserved stories behind those beautiful smiles.
2 Kim
The versatile artist.
When we were younger...He was this taller-than-me-boy who was always sweet and friendly to everybody. He was branded "the backslider". He goes to church at summer and Christmas break, then doesn't show his face at all during the rest of the year. He is a brilliant actor, singer, and dancer! He became my accountability partner. His presence creates a difference wherever he is.
Today...He is still taller than me. He is still the same talented person. A versatile actor that can also sing and dance. His tears flowed when he heard his calling..but unlike before, he has grown into a dedicated man. He was my successor as the youth leader. A tall man with big dreams, and big efforts to reach those dreams. He is a very promising leader, with a very promising future as a man of God. He sings through the storms of life and dances through the challenges of leadership.
One bright person with a truly bright future. One dynamic guy with one clear vision: to serve the Lord.
A "friend" one will always be proud of...
3 Eben
The director.
When we were younger...he was the bullied boy. One who was always laughed at because of his new and fairly intriguing ideas. As my brother, he was sometimes annoying for me. Annoying because I had to look after him, and he was a very notorious debater, so I struggle with my leadership with him. He was a gifted artist, director, painter, and singer.
Today...I was surprised how time swiftly passed by. He is now the leader at church. With his leadership, I am reminded that my leadership was successful. With his new and promising plans for the future, I remember the days when those ideas were laughed at. His passion reminds me of my own. His dedication reflects my own dedication.
He is one artistic person that has artistic and radical vision. One great leader with a hope of mentoring more great leaders to rise.
Best friend and brother...
So, all of them are artists! All of them are talented! I am not an artist, not a musician, not a singer, nor a dancer. I can act a bit, but not much. Among the four of us, I am the least artistically inclined person, but I will always be proud of how great these three younger friends have been. Every time I see them and their achievements, my heart leap for joy. Every time I see them cry and get hurt, my heart bleeds for them. Every time they dream big dreams for the future, I jump and cheer for them! I may not be as talented as they are, but I guess, my purpose was to simply let them know... how great people they are! And for me, that purpose... is more than enough!
1 Dried fish (Tuyo)
My all-time favorite, unique Filipino dish that I really love and am proud of! My lovely "tuyo!"haha... I don't know what's with this stuff that I love the most, but I definitely just can't resist eating it!haha... When I eat tuyo, I eat the most cups of rice ever! It's salty, meaty taste is what I love the most! Not that it is healthy, but you can actually cook it in various ways! Cook it with soupy vegetables, saute with vegetables or noodles, and whatever else you want to try it with! It is the best protein substitute when you go on a survival area, and it is also a best partner of a Filipino favorite - champorado!
Tuyo is best served with fried rice and tomatoes...hmmmm!!!
2 Coffee
Best for breakfast, snacks, lunch, and even after dinner. I grew up learning to love the smell of coffee and enjoying drinking it almost any time of the day! It was a special privilege when I had the chance to have a coffee research study in a coffee farm. I even wrote a comic book for coffee farmers about the basics of coffee from seed to cup. It was then that I realized that coffee takes a tedious process before it gets into my cup. Coffee is a precious drink. It was precious to me before, but now I treat coffee as gold. I have learned a lot working with Coffee for Peace, Inc. in Davao City, and since then, Arabica coffee has been my favorite! I enjoy Arabica brewed and black, but I also love the variety when it is served to me in different ways at coffee shops :)
I love coffee for what it is...
and I love all the coffee farmers behind one precious cup of coffee...
3 Egg (Scrambled, Sunny side-up, boiled, or whatever)
"An egg a day is OK" says a slogan in one of the restaurants near my university when I was in college. I loved it! Every time I pass by that restaurant, I smile! The reason behind me liking the slogan is that, in fact, I love egg! I like it boiled, scrambled, sunny side-up. I eat it with rice, bread, or porridge. I love egg when it is cooked into "leche flan" or egg pie. I love that most pastries are made with dozens of eggs. And I love that my favorite recipe, cream puffs, also require dozens of eggs! So, I love the egg for what it is and whatever you can make of it. I even like it raw, mixed with my favorite soda! (haha..try it too!) Also, I love that eggs are produced and handled in a very delicate way before it gets into my refrigerator. So, egg is definitely ok!!!
Sunny side-up! :) is okay!
4 Buko Salad
I have a special taste bud for sweets. I just love them! But I don't know what is there with buko salad (coconut salad), but it is my favorite! I love that you can mix it with anything and enjoy it's awesome taste! I love that you can eat it frozen or just cold. I love that you can put it in a small plate, cup, or even in a plastic bag! I love the coconut in it...plus the cheese... the milky taste,.. the other ingredients you mix with it... Bottomline is, I love coconut! And whatever else you mix with it to make it into a salad! :)
Five days to go! And I have been talking a lot about my past experiences and everything I have tried already. So today, I want to share you top 5 Countries that I dream of visiting. I want to get to these countries, even just for a day, a week, a month, or a year! Here goes the list:
1 Canada
Since I was a child, I have always heard of Canada. I thought it was just someplace away from home. It was in grade school I realized that Canada is a country halfway around the world. I have relatives in Canada, and now I have gained friends and networks in that country. So, Canada will always be number one in my dream country list. I wish it will be too soon that I have to go there! :)
2 Israel
Since my Sunday School days, Israel has been one of the countries I have heard from the Bible. I thought it was an imaginary place just like any other place in novels, but I soon also realized that Israel, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is a real country. I dream of visiting this precious country so that I will be able to walk on the streets that Jesus walked in to. I want to experience the Bible times in the smallest way possible. :)
3 Egypt
Like Israel, Egypt is another country I have always heard of. Actually, what I dream visiting in Egypt are the Great Pyramids. I really wish someday I will be able to get a glimpse of these precious ancient heritage from our Egyptian forefathers. Also, I am a secret fan of Egyptian attire. :) For me, they're really unique!
4 Japan
Japan has been a country listed in our history. My first impression of Japan is negative, because of two main reasons: 1) Japan terrorized the Philippines and abused thousands of comfort women in our history; and 2) Modern Filipino women now go to Japan to work as entertainers or prostitutes. So, when I was a child, I NEVER wanted to go to Japan. Lately, however, I have gained Japanese friends and realized, history would always be a ghost that haunts us, but what matters most is the present. I want to see this modern country, and of course, visit friends!
5 France
Europe is my dream continent! I always wanted to explore Europe and experience its awesome architecture, food, and hear the sweet languages they have. But if I have to choose only one country, I would love to choose France. It has a romantic impression on me, and I want to experience just that. :) But maybe, this will have to wait until I have someone to go along with me!haha
This is my happy family. This photo was taken at our church in 2009. I chose this because I was still slim here.haha!!!! L-R: Rachel, Len, Dad, Eli, Mom, Me, and Eben.
1 Dad
My father. An advocate of good quality education. A good provider. A good adviser. He's a very cheerful dad. At times he is a friend, a companion, a playmate. He just simply exemplifies a true good father. I cannot ask for more.
2 Mom
My mother. The disciplinarian. The woman who taught me everything I had to know as a woman. The woman who exemplified how a mother should be when I become one. She's an over-all.
3 Ate Len
The eldest sister. Playmate. Teacher. The lady who taught me how to become a lady when I was still a child. The good role model that I always look up to.
4 Kuya Eli
My only kuya. The best brother ever. My protector. He who always looks after my well-being, but doesn't expect anything in return. He's the man!
5 Ate Rachel
The sweetest sister. She was a best friend, too! Food was our common interest. Cooking and baking are our common hobbies! :) I just love her around!
6 Eben
The youngest. We grew up together closest. In school, at church. He always reminds me that I had to be a good example. With his leadership I am reminded that I succeeded with my own leadership. :)
SEVEN days to go! And seven is my favorite number! So today, I am sharing you seven exciting adventures that I loved doing the most, and would love to do again and again! Well, I'm a fan of amusement rides already, and I love going to amusement parks! So for me, the rides are no longer a part of the adventurous challenges that I am going to write about. So, here it goes...
1 White water rafting
It was my first time, but I would love to do it again! At first, I was a bit nervous. But as we moved along, the nervousness was replaced with excitement and overflowing joy as we rode through the rough waters, and as the raft would almost overturn. It was an amazing adventure! I do not know how to swim, and I'm afraid that when I fall, my head would bump into the rocks. But you only have to look farther and see the beauty of nature around you. That was the time I was calmed. Witnessing the beauty of the forest, spotting wonderful creatures, and listening to the rushing waters. It was a sight to behold! An experience to be envied of!
There's me standing and enjoying the fun!
The waters may seem tough, but you only have to paddle your way forward...
2 Tree-topping
It looked easy. It looked like a lot of fun, so I tried it. The first few steps were just relaxing, but when we had to go through the harder parts, that was the time my knees trembled. I never thought it would make me sweat hard. I had to continue because I had no other choice. With all the courage and bravery I could get, I braced myself for the adventure. Alas! After a few moments, I realized I did it! It felt like it was so easy and I would love to do it again! After all, it wasn't that easy. But I was right when I thought it was a lot of fun, because it really was!
This one was easy...
...but this one's a little bit harder :) My knees actually trembled!
3 Zip line
I've always wanted to try it, but this time was the first. The first, and I did it at the longest dual zipline in Asia! I did it alone because I had no partner to do it with. I braced myself for the adventure, and when I was released, I can only scream "Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!" It was breath-taking! I felt like I was flying while enjoying the view of nature!
It's "FOREST PARK"...That's me flying!!! woooh!!!
This was me before flying!haha...
4 Uphill biking
Yeah, I love biking! But I didn't know that uphill biking would be an extraordinary adventure! I was so excited to try it with my friends. When we were on our way up the hill, it was then I realized that uphill biking was hard. Really, really hard. My knees and legs ached. I felt my muscles contracted. Oh! It was so painful afterwards! But it was one fun adventure I would love to do again!
5 Barefoot hiking
My shoes were slippery. The trail was muddy. Red mud. I hiked up with a pair of boots lent to me by one of the locals. On our way down, I decided to just wear my slippers and remove them later on. I was decided to hike barefoot! The locals were doing it! They hike barefoot for six hours! So I thought, maybe I could also do it! They say, "If you're in Rome, do what the Romans do." So when I was up in the mountain, I hiked like they do. So there, I felt more comfortable hiking barefoot compared to wearing slippery shoes. We hiked in deep mud! Knee-deep! I loved the uniqueness of the experience! Afterwards, I had a reward... my feet were so smooth... I had a free mud pack! Nature really has its way of rewarding us when we get one with them! So, at muddy trails, I would love to hike barefoot again!
This was the muddy trail I had to hike for six hours. Repeat. 6 HOURS!
My feet and the verse I remembered while I was hiking....
6 Motorbike riding
Yeah, I love traveling. But traveling is a lot more fun and adventurous when you go places with a motorbike! You get to feel the breeze, you control where you go and where you stop, and you get to enjoy what you're doing! Most people ride motorbikes, yes. But only few people go further with it. I tried riding a motorbike going to another province... 4 hours..5 hours... it was fun! I would love to do it over and over again!
7 Eating exotic food!
"Eeww!" The first reactions I get when I tell people what I really enjoy eating! Frogs, python, deer, goat (and one recipe with goat's poop), bird, turtle, horse, the list goes on. I would love to try every exotic food. It's not that I hate animals. Of course, I would only eat if it was legally slaughtered. I just love the adventure of eating unusual dishes. I love eating alone. But I get more excited and challenged with exotic dishes! Really! Try me! :)
We're down to EIGHT!!! Today, I am talking about 8 people who influenced/has influence in my life today... There are in fact many people who have done extraordinary things to mold me and shape me into becoming the person I am now... But these people I am talking about, they just did simple things that made a great impact! So, get to know the "influencers!"
1 Daniel Pantoja
My former boss. A good friend, and a good "kuya". He walked with me, talked with me, laughed with me, cried with me, and ate with me along my journey. He is my mentor. He mentored me about life, leadership, spirituality, love, and family! One of the best mentors I have ever met!
I think this is our only photo together, because every time
we go on our trips, it is either I was the photographer, or him!
2 Richard Rancap
My pastor. Aside from my dad, he was one of the people I grew up with, who mentored me about spirituality. His patience and quietness taught me how to speak. His meekness taught me courage, and his leadership taught me independence. He is one person who has a big influence in my life!
This photo was taken in Lake Toba, North Sumatra, Indonesia!
He, plus another pastor, are the first two people I went with outside the country!
It was such an honor!
3 Ambrocio Porcincula
My bishop. He challenged my spiritual life, and his life taught me resilience. He would always say, "Matalo ka na sa tao, huwag lang sa Diyos." (You may fail people's standards, but never fail God's). His strength taught me to be strong, his ideals gave me wisdom. He is my "lolo," my friend, and mentor.
My lolo is naturally sweet and youthful!
He rejoices and jumps with us young people every Sunday at church!
4 Silvina Porcincula
Bishop's wife. My "Nanay (mother)".... Her presence reminds me that there are really nice people in the world. Her generosity taught me to be selfless, her wit inspired me to be intellectual, and her humble spirit encourages me to be the same. She is one best nanay, even though she doesn't have her own child. For all of the youth members at church, she is one great mother!
I can't find a photo of us together, but I definitely took this one!
This was taken at our bishop's office.
5 Kriz Cruzado
My "Ate" (big sister). Her life story simply reminds me that we have our own journeys. Her journey was an inspiration for me. She reminds me that great people had ordinary journeys, but made extraordinary effort to get through them. She is one big sister that I can always tell on. She is one great leader, but she still has to discover it yet. I love this person truly!
It was an honor for me to have worked with this lovely, talented lady!
6 Mei Solocasa
My intestinal and urinary bladder twin. :) My eating buddy. My friend. My "ate". Her passion taught me to be passionate. Her leadership and courage inspires me to be bold. Her life story inspires me to love my family, and her love story teaches me how to fight for love. She is one talented person, and I anticipate growing old sharing stories with her. :)
Here, I would like to put:
Peace building is our passion, eating is our hobby! :)
7 Hamie Bansan
My friend and ate. Her beauty teaches me humility. Her heart inspires me to be kind and gentle. Her leadership teaches me perseverance. Her life story exemplifies a life in Christ. Beauty, brains, and heart. One of the people I anticipate growing old sharing stories with. :)
A woman of beauty and heart :) Or should I say, women... both of us are! haha
8 Natalie Fernandez
My co-worker in Christ. My friend. She reminds me a great lesson in life. A lesson I would always carry with me. Her spirituality inspires mine. Her leadership taught me to be brave. Her life taught me to be aware. She is one person I always look forward to having endless conversations with. :)
We still have a lot to talk about... a lot to share about in our journey...
Yesterday, I talked about the 10 Most Unforgettable Challenges in my life! Today, I will be talking about the 9 Favorite Places I have been to so far! So, here goes:
1 Laguna Province
My home province! The province of the National Hero! The most livable place in the Philippines! And the home of the most beautiful people!haha... So much for bragging!
Anyway, the Province of Laguna is closest to my heart, because this is where I was born, where I grew up, and where I got the best education in the University of the Philippines (Los Banos, Laguna). So, no wonder, ok? I love this province! And I will always brag about it being the best province in the Philippines! Here you will see the best falls, best mountains, and taste the best food... and feel the best kind of love! :)
This is one dream shot with the Oblation in UP Los Banos
2 Davao City
The home of the peacebuilders! The home of the most peaceful coffee :) The home of friends. Davao City is one of the most peaceful and safest places I have ever been to! The city is surrounded by mountains and beaches that are most beautiful. It is in fact the home of the highest peak in the country! It has a number of malls you can go to if you love shopping, and there are a variety of restaurants and coffee shops that can serve you the best dishes ever!
This awesome beach resort can be found in the Island of Samal in Davao City...
Davao is also known for its "People's Park" where huge sculptures
made by Kublai Milan are scattered
3 Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon
It is paradise for me! The whole province, in fact! Bukidnon is the home of the country's best fruits and vegetables! It is also now home (or will be) of the country's best Arabica coffee...I believe :) Here I experienced the simplicity of farm life, and the complexity of elite lifestyle. Here, I had fun, and I learned about coffee farming. I owe my coffee farming experiences and knowledge to this province!
In this province, I also experienced my first zip line adventure; and it is the longest one in Asia! Also, my first tree-topping experience! What a fantastic place to be!
This aerial view of Bukidnon captivates me... I took this photo personally and it is really amazing to see how beautifully designed this province was!
Awesome view! This has been my home for three months!
4 Cagayan de Oro City
Here I had an extraordinary experience of listening to people who have inspiring stories. Here I made friends, and here I fell in love with nature as I experienced white water rafting. It is a city of warmth and coolness :) A city of never-ending adventure!
I will always remember Cagayan de Oro for my white water rafting experience.
The experience that taught me how to be one with nature!
5 Vigan City
The historical city. Roam around in a kalesa, eat the best longganisa, and visit the historical sites all scattered around the city! Vigan is a romantic, and exotic place! A place for friendship, romance, and date with your books! It is a modern city lying within historical foundation! One of the best!
History is the foundation of this marvelous city!
6 Corregidor
An island of preserved history. Here you get a tour of a significant place in history, and you can do it all in a day! Bring your friends or your family, and everything you want to know about this island, you can know in a day! I am especially amazed by it's sparkling beach sands and the cool tour guides. :) I would definitely love to go back there!
The ruins of a church... Corregidor island is filled with these...
7 Nueva Ecija
A province of promises... The home of the country's finest rice produce :) Like Laguna, it is also a home to me. It is my second home... :)
One awesome mountain shot in Dupinga, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija
8 Peace Life Valley, South Korea
The name itself implies...it is the most peaceful place I have been to. It is within the Peace Zone...near the border of North Korea and South Korea. Here, I was one with nature. I saw the beauty of creation that not everyone can see. I saw the irony of peace and war. I saw the sadness of war, and the reward of peace. It a place for serenity and love.
I am standing 2 kilometers away from the border of North Korea
and South Korea :)
9 Borobudur Temple, Indonesia
It is a place where religion and history combines. A place for journeyists like me... a place for meditation. One of the best places I have been to!
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