No, I didn't join the latest and the most trending show in Chanel 2 today "My Your Face Sounds Familiar" (haha).  It was actually a pre-wedding hair and makeup test which I asked from my hired beautician to do before the final wedding.

I told him/her (actually she's a gay), to make me the most beautiful and gorgeous bride in the planet (hehe).

So here are the outputs of my newly-transformed self.


According to her she uses MAX factor make-up. (Hmmm e di wow) In fairness, it was apparent that my face looks glowing and the color just tones to my complexion. Sorry I didn't have a before-photo to compare.

Side View

Back View Showing the Hair Style

I was amazed of the make-up trick. I have originally a cute short nose but now it is a bit taller.

When I arrived home, I let my hair free, dressed up, and posed as attractively as  I could.




As much as I want to try different makeup styles, her first touch is just perfect for my needs.

Days to go before our wedding,  and I am extremely busy preparing for everything. One of the things that makes me/us busy (of course husband is included) is scouting for wedding shoes. Since I am a kind of kuripot (stingy), we try to look for cheaper shoes as possible to fit in our budget of 2,000.

So what comes to my mind is go to Abreeza Mall since I learned from a friend that they do have sales from time to time. Also, I used to buy shoes there for Chesska and I always got bigger discounts. However, when we got there in the shoes department, I never saw any wedge shoes (because I didn't know how to walk with high-heeled shoes hehe) with discounts so we made a round to some boutiques to take chances.  There were 1,000-below shoes, but I didn't like the style and I could tell they were old stocks so we went back again to shoes department.

I am picky when it comes to shoes and it really takes me too long to decide.  I know my husband hates waiting as much as other guys do out there (hehe). But good to know, I found right away Gibi shoes, and it suited my style.

It was dimmer when I took photos of it.

Yes it is just too simple but I will just attach little accents like glittery flowers or ribbons so it would appear much like wedding shoes. (hehe)

I know I am the type of woman who never keeps up with the Joneses, but for this special occasion, and also as a reward for myself since it's been a long time I last bought a new pair of  shoes, I grabbed the Gibi shoes for 1, 200.


Of course, let me share with you the shoes my husband bought, Russ brand for 1,500.



Of course, Chesska's shoes from Smartfit for P795.


All of our shoes cost  3,495, so I have to augment more amount because we fell short. Well, it's ok for as long as they serve the purpose.

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If you have an Alphabet chart stuck anywhere on your wall, there's a good chance that your child can easily catch on Alphabets. In fact, our room is filled with charts along with the Alphabet chart where I could review our child anytime about letters. But since it's now in a torn state, I decided to replace it and came up with a customized-Alphabet wall that is fun and at the same time interactive.

If you wish to create the same, here are what you need:

1. 26 adhesive hooks for 26 letters
2. 26 letters printed out in stickers
3. pictures for each letter (You may download them here)
4. 26 ID badge holders

I stuck the 26 hooks horizontally. I put them a bit higher (above the head) that they won't accidentally poke my child's eyes. I fully covered the hooks with the printed-out stickers.  Then I inserted picture to each ID badge holder and hung it in the hook.









As I mentioned before, we've been learning letter sounds and I thought it is a great way to review things or objects that start with the given letter. I sometimes took all the badges out from the hooks and had her hang each badge on the correct letter.  I replaced the old pictures with the new ones depending how fast she catches on the concept.






Chesska loves this activity because it requires her hands and body to move. Thus gross and motor skills have been involved. This can also help widen your child vocabulary.

As the queen of practicality, we try to keep our church wedding as simple as possible.  First thing first is to consider the wedding budget.

I was being upfront with my husband by telling him,  if you wish to have a lavish wedding, "better forget the wedding". Or if you will borrow money just to impress others, "better forget me (hehe)"

Starting a married life with debts is terrible, and I don't want that to happen. Though we have been together for 5 years under one roof, we try to keep our life debtless.

I know my husband will completely agree with me because he himself is a king of frugality.  That is actually our common denominator.

So during our talk, we first decided to prepare a budget of 50k. But after breaking down all the details, we found out that we fell short. So we stretched the budget a bit to 70k including the contingency funds.

We only invited 32 guests and they were all families and the closest relatives from both sides because we just wanted the most intimate, simplest, and the most exclusive-experienced wedding.

We decided not to invite friends and co-workers. However, we told them beforehand so they would not be offended.

Let me share with you the detailed breakdown of our wedding budget.


As you can see, a large amount of our budget went to Virgin delos Remedios church for the process of our requirements alone. I was surprised that our payment would not include the choir and decor.  As I compared notes from Sto. Rosario Toril, they should have been included.

In my opinion, we should have paid much lesser amount because we are the ones following up and climbing up the mountain where St. Michael is situated. It appears to me that I double-pay for the church.

Well, I didn't complain. It all just left me hanging.

Also, if you notice,  we didn't allot budget for rings because we would just re-use our old rings used during civil ceremony. Nor we have budgets for invitations, giveaways, and cake. I told you it's not an old-fashioned and traditional wedding (hehe).

Lastly, since husband and I are not showy nor fans of corny things, we decided not to have wedding programs. We will just enjoy the remainder of the day for postnup and the guests will also enjoy nature-hopping, swimming, and eating in the eat-all-you-can buffet. I am pretty sure Eden garden will not disappoint them. hehe

That is all folks.

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A friend of mine once suggested that I would pick green as my wedding motif for it is the lucky color for the year.

It's not because my friend suggested the said color then I would also devotedly follow.  It's because green has something to do with my personality.

First, green symbolizes ecology which has connection of my being a nature-lover gal.

Green also represents peace and contentment. I am the type of person who has aversion to disagreements, quarrels, and conflicts. As much as possible, I want a stress-free life.

Those are a few things about me that have connection with green.

And speaking of wedding motif, green finally ended up as my top pick.

However, green has many relatives (hehe).

So I found myself searching online about wedding motif using green. So,  I saw mint green, lime green, dark green, emerald green and the like.

Here are my top picks.

1. Mint Green, with a Combination of Gold, and Peach



3.  Apple Green with a Combination of White


4.  Emerald Green with a combination of White, Ivory or Coral 


5.  Lime Green with a Combination of Fuchsia and Black


6.  Apple Green with a Combination of Purple and White



7. Green with a Combination of Yellow and White



Ahh. They are all pretty good but I am still undecided which color combo stands out the most.  I would love to play around with three color combinations, lime green as the main color since I have just rented dresses for my bridesmaids and flowers girls last Saturday.

Our venue will be at Eden Garden Toril, and obviously we are surrounded by nature. And I want colors that will complement with the earth tone.  I have only two weeks left to decide which color combo looks simple yet elegant and fab.

Help me choose.

Husband and I initially and mentally schedule our wedding sometime in May this year.  But we cancel the schedule off until we complete our requirements. But as soon as we iron out everything this month, we decided to make it earlier than the scheduled date. Hopefully April.

Even though we have been married in civil ceremony, a common practice by couples who are facing financial woes - we can't deny that - , but there's nothing more sacramental and more solemn like church. As Christians, we believe that Church is the right place to hold a meaningful and joyful celebration to be blessed by God and witnessed by families who shared the same faith with the groom and bride.

Since we desire to wed in the Church, of course, we have to obey the Catholic Church processes. Ours will be going to take place at St. Michael Chapel near Eden Garden, Toril.  During my inquiries, the stuff from Eden told me to coordinate with Virgin Delos Remedios church regarding the requirements since St. Michael Chapel is under the jurisdiction of the former.

Before I move on, let me share you St. Michael's chapel which was taken last Saturday .




Ok, let's go back to the wedding requirements:

1. Baptismal Certificate (groom and bride)

Request this certificate from the parish where you were baptized, and ask them to indicate that it is for marriage purposes.


2. Confirmation (groom and bride)

Sad to say, I haven't been confirmed. My mom confirmed that I haven't really been confirmed. Nah! Since Virgin Delos Remedios doesn't schedule confirmation regularly, they told me to have it in San Pedro Church since they do it every last Sunday of the month.

I  got the confirmation certificate two weeks after the confirmation.

3. Church Interview (groom and bride)

We first signed up the form provided by the Virgin Delos Remedios , followed by an interview from the catechist. We were asked individually the reasons of getting married.  How long have we been as sweethearts, etc.? Are we sure of our intentions? Her pry was based from our answers in the form. Our supposition was that it would take her longer examining but when she knew we were already married in civil, it was somewhat shortened.


4. BANNS (groom and bride)

I was clueless what Banns really means until I learn today - since I Google it - that it is a public announcement (written or oral ) in Church of proposed marriage. BANNS will be released by Virgin Delos Remedios parish one week after the church interview.  We submitted the BANNS along with 2x2 picture to San Lorenzo Church, the parish we are actively and directly involved in. BANNS is also required if you wish your marriage to take place in another parish like we do.


5.  Identification Data Sheet (IDS)

You obtain the IDS from the chapel where you belong.  In our chapel, we were obliged to pay monthly dues and membership fee before the IDS will be signed by the leaders of the chapel. For some, they may require you to join the "kasaulugon" for weeks.


6. Pre-Cana Seminar (groom and bride)

Virgin Delos Remedios allowed couples to attend Pre-Cana seminar from the other parish.  Since San Lorenzo parish is nearer from our house, we decided to attend the two-day seminar there. Pre-Cana is a course of consultation a couple must undergo before they get married in the church. It tackles different aspects of married life.

The certificate of attendance will be released one week after the seminar.


7. Marriage License  

Since we have been married in civil for years, we will only submit the marriage certificate. Just bring original and photocopy.


8. Wedding Fee

If all the requirements are ready-to-go, you have to pay 4, 200 pesos for Virgin Delos Remedios Parish and another 12, 900 for St. Michael Chapel if your wedding goes under the Eden Wedding Package. The Eden wedding organizer will take care of everything including the chapel rental, booking of wedding date, church decorations, and flowers arrangement.

As for us, we didn't avail the Eden package because the cost was outrageously high. So we personally went to St. Michael GKK and coordinated with the chapel in-charge named "Mimi" to have us booked for the chapel. Here are the fees:

Chapel Rent - 2, 000
Choir - 2000
Stipend for the Priest- (any amount or donation will be accepted; not required)

Last but not the least, we decided to decorate the church ourselves to save extra money.


Friendly advice: Secure first the requirements before you secure the wedding date and reception to avoid unnecessary problems in the future  After all, it is not the reception, nor the date that matters, it's the ceremony. 


That's all folks. I hope you find this post helpful.

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The days are gone where I could rely solely on breastfeeding in order to trim down my weight. When I got pregnant, I weighed roughly 53 kilograms, and it went down to 50 kilograms after giving birth which is still beyond my normal weight.

According to the dietician where I got a free consultation at the mall sponsored by NESTLE  7 years ago, my ideal weight should be 47 kilograms based on my age and height. Beyond that number, I am already overweight.

It is one of the woes (overweight) I endured for the past three years.  Even I had been breastfeeding Chesska for three years, I still got stuck in 50 kilograms. The culprit, I surmised, was I munched heavily on rice and carb-rich foods. It's also hard to diet especially if you are breastfeeding. I feel hungry from time to time.

I know I am not alone on this woe because there are a lot of moms I know whose worries are the same as mine: overweight, bulging bellies, etc. But in fairness to my belly, I don't appear yet as 4-month-old pregnant as others. That's what I am constantly watching for. (hehe)

However, early this morning, while Chesska and I were throwing and catching the ball to each other, I spotted a weighing scale under my mom's bed. I pulled it over and have Chesska weigh first. She weighed 13 kilograms, which was as exact as her weight during her recent check-up.

I was hesitant to believe because I used to think this scale was defective because every time I stepped on it, the hand was always pointing to 50 or 51 kilograms, sometimes 52 kilograms (somewhere in that number and the truth there's a sort of self-denial). To make sure, I called my husband to come over and weigh himself, and he assured the result was correct, and so did my mom.

Convinced, I  stepped on the scale over and over and got the same results, 45 kilograms. Out of gladness, I paused awhile, thought as deep as swimming pool, and exclaimed: "My Strategies Did Really Work, YES!".

If you want to know my natural ways, no-trick secrets to losing weight, here they are: 

1. While at the mall, I utilize stairs instead of elevator and escalator.
2. I only eat one cup of rice and prepare healthy foods every meal.
3. I don't munch junk foods of any kind  (I have practiced this for 7 years already). According to studies, if you constantly munch junk foods, you add 54, 750 calories to your diet per year.
4. I stop sipping soft drink anymore since Jan. 1, 2015 (one of my 2015 goals).
5. I only walk when errands cover only short distances. I make sure to bring an umbrella with me and don my sunblock.
6. I eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
7. I drink 7-8 glasses of water daily.
8. I keep my body moving. I do the household chores as I can before the clock hits 9:30. My online job starts at 9:30.
9. I make sure to sleep at least 8 hours daily.
10. I no longer eat pork since Jan. 1, 2015 (one of my 2015 goals).
11. I take a few minutes walk with my loved ones daily around our subdivision.
12. I only nibble healthy snacks (fruits, nuts, corn).
13. I drink 28-pc, fresh, squeezed kalamansi with empty stomach 2 times a week.

As you can see, most strategies I listed down are not actually strategies, those are part of my daily routines which are effortless and costless. Though this would entail self-discipline and it takes time to get used to them.  I take those healthy habits nonchalantly, after all, it's I who can profit from it. My last secret is I haven't been sick for the past 7 years. Thank GOD!

via: http://www.sparkpeople.com/

P.S. Next goal is how to flatten my belly. (both of my fingers crossed!)

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Yesterday, I stumbled upon some notes of mine in Facebook. I am no FB heavy user but then I found myself aimlessly browsing my profile. As I scrolled down, I discovered some notes found somewhere at the left bottom and written sometime four years ago. It is titled "AMAZING". Upon reading it, I was amazed literally.

Bemused, I was debating in my mind whether I was the author of this piece.  I paused awhile and scanned through the note. I could vouch that it is truly my piece based on the scenarios. One is, I used to attend masses in San Pedro Church way back single life.

Let me share with you this story: original, without minor nor major edits, however with grammar flaws (hehe).  Well, since I started blogging, I've never claimed that I am an outstanding writer.  I know, if you desire to be so, it takes an enormous amount of energy and time studying the grammar rules and polishing your writing style. Yes, I may have been miles away from other excellent writers, but I never cease learning to be one of them someday.  All I can say for now is that my progress bar is gradually increasing.

AMAZING!

At 1:35pm, Sunday afternoon, I attended mass at San Pedro Church. Most often, I had been attending mass on this schedule for the reason that the mass is in Visaya dialect. I usually came in the church very early so I could find a seat, otherwise I will be standing the whole period of the mass. I was sitting at the 5th row from the front. 

While waiting, I observed things around me and a gospel written in a big rectangular cloth captivated my attention. The gospel goes this way“ Ang Mahigugmaong Sakripisyo ni Hesus” I tried to translate this in English and it is “ The sacrificial love of Jesus Christ”.  

As I turned back, I saw the priest who was scheduled to preside the mass along with the other children who were tasked to read the gospels. But I was surprised, because the priest was not a Filipino, instead he is a Black American. At first glance, he could really catch everybody’s attention because of his skin complexion. He was so dark. And then, a question came to my mind, how could he conduct a mass in Visaya?  

Abruptly, I answered my own question, perhaps he will just speak in English. As the mass started, and when it was the priest’s time to speak, he amazingly spoke visaya articulately. And he uttered not just a simple visaya but a very deep visaya that even I, could hardly speak. 

Though the only silly thing there was, he spoke visaya better but his pronunciation was still associated by Americans pronunciation “something like slang” as we called here in the Philippines. The priest spoke straight Visaya all the way and I never heard him spoke English. Everybody was so astonished not only the way he spoke our dialect incredibly but the way he delivered the message to us. At the end of the mass, I came into two realizations; 

First, when God’s spirit works to each of us, nothing is impossible. Such as the priest who successfully learned our Visaya language because of his passion to preach the good news of God to people. 

Second; when you are tasked to work, do it for the Glory of God. Learning language is not an easy thing to do, it really takes a long time to learn it but if we put God first in everything to please and glorify Him, even the impossible thing can happen.

Can you spot the difference between my writings from the past and the present? Or you see no difference at all? I would love to hear what you think.

via: http://www.joeseeber.com/never-stop-learning-2/

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A couple of days ago, I burst into anger due to a very small reason.  My 3-year-old girl was busy playing her tablet while I was extremely busy catching up the household chores before the clock hit at 9:30 am.  My online job starts at 9:30, by the way. You see how my life goes almost everyday? Doing household chores, taking care my little one, and working at 9:30. I was like a wonder woman!

Anyway..

All of a sudden, I heard a big scream from my little girl (actually an annoying scream), murmuring that her tablet got lowbat. I said "I will get the tablet charged", and you could play again in 3-4 hours later until it will be fully charged. To keep her busy and not also to distract me with what I was currently doing, I temporarily handed her my phone.

Minutes later, she again screamed.  I approached to see what made her complain and then I found out the "YouTube" she was supposed to watch was buffering all the time. I explained in a gentle tone that the internet was very slow (though I knew she didn't understand what internet meant).  But again, she persistently complained and accidentally dropped my phone on the floor.

Out of  anger, I yelled at the top of my lungs.  I yelled not only because of the undesirable behavior she demonstrated, it's also because my phone dropped on the floor.  I have been fuming with exasperation, wanting to spank her.  My nerves were shaking all over. My tongue got sharp and so unkind, even I , couldn't believe I uttered those hurtful words which I won't mention anymore. She cried out loud and I got annoyed even more, so I pulled her hand going to her father who was currently working that time.

A few minutes later, my husband brought back my child to me but I said "please stay her away from me until I calm down". I went to our room to get some sleep trying to forget everything but it didn't help at all. I instead went to take a bath to cool me down, at least.  After that, I was a bit mesmerized. A remorse was suddenly felt deep inside me. I realized "OH MY,  WHAT HAVE I DONE TO MY LITTLE CHILD?" SHAME ON ME.

An evening later of the same day, I prayed and asked forgiveness from God. I confessed that I have sinned. I got angry easily. I lose my temper quickly. I asked for guidance, enlightenment, and most of all a longer patience. That's what I lack for now - PATIENCE, PATIENCE. I came to realize that yelling out of anger is not healthy especially yelling in front at the very young eyes of our child.  It's my fault, it's I who commits the sin, not my child. After all, she's just a toddler who needs quality time and extra understanding which I failed to give on that day.

via: http://jessconnell.com/stress-yelling-and-sin/

I would be forever grateful if you help my blog grow by liking my facebook page here. Your single click means a lot to me. Thank you so much.

Is anyone among you still dateless this Valentine?
Feeling no one cares and minds?
Fret Not
Because there's someone up there
Whom you can talk anytime, anywhere
Not only during Valentine's day
But in every single day
I assure you He won't break your heart
And will never make His promises apart
Just invite Him into your life
and He will make your heart full of delight.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! - by JCL

via: http://www.crosscards.com/cards/holidays/valentines-day-2-4/gods-favorite.html

I would be forever grateful if you help my blog grow by liking my facebook page here. Your single click means a lot to me. Thank you so much.

via: http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/i-can-t-keep-calm-because-i-m-turning-33-today/

When I first heard from our neighbor's yaya who is older than me (intuition), calling me "Ate", both of my ears rang. I began to question myself in silence, "Do I look old that made her say that? I am not used to be called "Ate",  unless if someone calling me is obviously younger.  So I asked the yaya about her age and I found out then that she's only a few months younger than me. At least, I was clarified (hehe). One day, another yaya called me "Ate", but this time, I can tell that she's younger than me. Ok, acceptable.

Those two ladies remind me that I am not getting any younger anymore. I accept the fact wholeheartedly,  though there were several occasions that I still feel like I am in 20's (hehe).  If I could only turn back time, I would have done the things I failed to do way back then. No, I don't have any regrets, I was just astonished at how time flies away.

Anyway...

Last week, Feb. 9, I celebrated my 33rd birthday.  I promise myself not to prepare anything because it would really take a lot of time and energy cooking and I just plan to bring my family somewhere in a decent restaurant for a dinner. Just for us. However, the plan was totally changed when we learned there were some neighbors pala, forgotten to be invited by us during Chesska's 3rd birthday last month. So I cancel the plan and finally decided to cook for them, asking the help of my mother.

Along with our neighbors, we merrily celebrated my 33rd birthday with the simple foods served on the table including my best-seller daw maja and buko pandan. Of course, there's nothing more joyful than sharing to one another our daily life-stories and "chikahan" that are sometimes off the topic.

As for my personal wishes, I know they were all granted by our loving God, except for one thing.

via: http://president.gov.ph/special/give-peace-in-mindanao-a-chance/

We all know what the families of fallen 44  had gone through up to this time. If I were in their shoes, I couldn't imagine what would I do. I earnestly pray that justice will be served in the soonest possible time without hampering the peace process in Mindanao.  I am from Mindanao too, and I feel the dread if the war arises.

Some people calling for an all-out-war did not realize how many innocent lives will be lost. After the war, what will happen then? Do you think, we'll attain everlasting peace?

Remember, only a small fraction of the Mindanao's population is the perpetrator of the crime. The authorities should only focus capturing them but by not using war as the solution.  I hope our leaders and other citizens as well will not be overpowered by their emotions that will only aggravate the situation in Mindanao.

Once again,  my wish is to push through the peace process and don't make war as a last resort to resolve the current problem.

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In my attempt to wean my toddler off from the breast prior that age, the heart of being a mother has always won me over.  So I kept postponing weaning which rooted from several reasons.

First, the concept of weaning is the thought that I didn't pay much attention mainly.  Because my job as a work-at-home mom has given me an opportunity to look after my daughter 24/7 so I see no reason to refuse to breastfeed. Second, I couldn't afford to see my child from crying and begging for my breast. (Again, I am just a mother.)  Lastly, we cannot deny the fact how beneficial is breastfeeding for mother and child.

1. The supply of breast milk is no longer sufficient to satisfy my child.

Gone are the days where the supply of my milk is like a dripping faucet. Yes, I had an abundant supply of milk for the first semester of breastfeeding, but as my child grows, her demand grows, too. As a result, my supply of milk can no longer sustain her needs up to the satisfaction level.

Want to escape from a "hustle and bustle of city life" for a while? If yes, Paradise Beach Resort is a perfect destination for outing and family gathering.  It was actually the fourth time that my family and I went to Paradise Island,  simply, for its very relaxing atmosphere - clear blue water, fine white sand, and cool breeze.  But if you want adventure, Paradise has exciting sports activities too such as snorkelling, diving, kayaking, island hopping, and many other activities to enjoy. The resort is also safe. They have lifeguards watching over you and your children while swimming on the beach. When you swim beyond the restricted area, the lifeguard will not hesitate to whistle and remind you not to go far beyond that danger zone. The resort has also a lot of staff, designated in a different area to attend to you if ever you need anything.


Getting to Paradise Island Beach Resort

Going to Paradise is easy and hustle-free since it is only a few minutes away from Davao City. From the airport, it is more convenient to take a taxi going to the pier where you can take a boat to paradise. Most taxi drivers know where the location is.  The taxi fare may range from 100-150 depending on the traffic.

On the other hand, if you are based from the downtown area of Davao City, let's say Gaisano or  Abreeza Mall, you may ride a Jeepney and take Sasa Route for 10.00-12.00. From the highway (right), you will see this signage, get off, turn right,  and take a walk for 5-10 minutes. Don't worry they have tourist guides telling you the directions.


Driving directions from G-Mall to Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort


View Larger Map


Driving directions from Bangoy, International Airport to Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort(via Barge at Sasa Wharf)


View Larger Map

For car owners, the resort has a wide parking space within the docking area. It has also security guards to secure your cars 24 hours, so you are worry-free.



When everyone is on board, the crews will remind you to wear your life vest. Paradise services are absolutely great because they also implement safety measures.  The boat fare is 15 pesos - very affordable!Take note. The boat operates at 5:00 am up to 5 pm only.  If you intend for a day tour only, you must go back before 5 pm.



Entrance Fee:

Entrance fee is very affordable. The day tour is P200 per person and P300 per person for an overnight stay. If you wish to get a cottage or room, the prices may range from 3000-4000 pesos.


Foods:

Foods are delicious and affordable. They served both Filipino and international cuisines. They also offer a different kind of beverages like buko juice, shakes, and other cool favourites, perfect for quenching your thirst. You could also bring your own foods and drinks but they have corkage for beverages.


Wifi-Zone:

The area is also wifi-zone for internet surfers.


Live Shows:


If you are a music lover likes gigs, your ears will be entertained by their live band playing POP and R & B music. But if you want to laugh out loud until your belly hurts, then the resort has Carnival shows.




Water Sports Rental Rates




Other Recreations:

You will not get bored while on Paradise, they have other recreations like children's park and other sports activities.


Souvenir Shop



Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort
Samal Island, Davao
TEL # (63) (82) 233 – 0251, 234 – 1229, 300 – 2343
Mobile # (63) 0920 – 954 - 6780

We are supposed to throw a themeless 3rd birthday for Chesska as I mentioned in my previous post. But apologies, we lied. Well, that happens sometimes (hehe).  The decision was quickly changed after Chesska has become a fanatic of Frozen stuff.

So the story goes this way.

Last Christmas, she was gifted a frozen doll and a dress by her ninong and ninang. She absolutely loved them!  And a week later, I thought of letting her watch a frozen movie so she could appreciate the gifts even more.

You're right! Her love of Frozen stuff has become more intense after knowing the characters, especially Elsa, Ana, and the cute snowman Olaf. As a matter of fact, she had watched the movie multiple times. OMG...

Because of that, we finally decided to have a Frozen-themed party but ensured to retain the simpleness based on our limited budget.  So we went to buy birthday cards, balloons, buntings, loot bags,  all designed in Frozen at Balloon World located at Uyanguren. Mind you, it's the only store I know that sells all birthday supplies at a very affordable price. Everything is cheap especially if you buy in bulk.

So here's the outcome of our one-week preparation just for tots.

Believe it or not, the cake is only worth 360 pesos, bought at bread factory NCCC.

The Family

Chesska

Auntie Arlyn serving foods to the kids.

The Kids

The 150-watt smile. hehe

One of the parlor games: Paper Dance

One of the parlor games: Trip to The Jerusalem

One of the parlor games: Pass the Balloon

Giving away of candies.

Giving away of loot bags.

Dinner with the neighbors.

So this is how we celebrate Chesska's 3rd birthday. It's all worth it despite the tiredness and preparation that we've been through. That's all folks. I hope you enjoy reading. Till then....

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via: http://nafconusa.org/2015/01/nafcon-hopeful-to-work-with-pope-francis/

Warning: Long Read.

If I were living in Manila, I might have been part of the crowd, cheering and welcoming Pope Francis's during his 5-day pastoral visit here in the Philippines. But unfortunately, that was not the case. However, I was able to observe several events on TV which involved the Pope. The social media and other news had also kept me updated.

Though I noticed some hurtful criticisms and comments thrown against him (which are expected naman). One of them is calling him anti-Christ and false prophet. Some of the comments are against the concept of apostolic succession, and the like.

Nevertheless, I didn't bother reacting on the negative comments. I rather chose to see the positive sides instead of judging and striking the haters back. After all, only God has the power to judge us at the end of the day regardless of our beliefs.

What matters most is how the Pope has gathered all the Filipino people as one family in Christ. As a matter of fact, he urged all Christians not to pray to him (Pope) but to Jesus Christ Himself.  The Pope truly radiates humility, simplicity, and godliness that each of us must emulate.

Anyways... Long Story Short..

Since I didn't watch everything on TV of what was happening then, I ensured not to miss out the most important part of the liturgy, the homily. He said a mouthful and the messages he delivered have impacted many lives including myself.

I was completely touched and enlightened of what he relayed to us, Filipinos, though I could barely grasp some of his messages. Glad to know there were Filipino priests and newscasters who expounded what the Pope meant in a separate panel discussion on TV.

So here are some of the calls and challenges by Pope Francis which are addressed to every Christian. And I just wanted to point out the important messages that hit me as a person.  I would like to share with you my feelings, thoughts, reflections, and the things I need to do as a Christian.


1. Always take time out to pray every day. 

To be upfront with you, it hits me like a ton of bricks. As a home-based and hands-on mom, I was so caught up with responsibilities that I tend to forget praying to God. I can rarely slow down to reflect and re-examine of what has been transpired throughout the day. After what Pope said, I came to realize that with God in silence, we can pour out our problems and frustrations. It is also the great opportunity that we can be grateful of  all the blessings he has bestowed upon us.

2. Just focus on what really matters. 

I recently listed down my goals for this year to focus on. Goals that are attainable and doable which can contribute to our over-all health: mental, social, spiritual, financial, and physical. Unlike last year, my mind was diverted into many attentions (actually less important stuff) , which drained me physically and mentally. Now I learned to entrust all my plans and dreams to God, and allow His grace to work.


3. If we don't learn how to cry, we cannot be good Christians. "Our response should be silence or a word that is borne out of our tears. 

Seeing the girl cry while sharing her tragic experiences with Pope during the "Youth Encounter" at UST, caused my tears to drip. Though, I tried to hide my emotion secretly because I was ashamed to do so in the presence of my mother and husband who were also watching closely on TV (hehe).

True enough. When we acknowledge our weaknesses to God by shedding tears, we immediately feel His comfort.  We are relieved instantly. We feel that we are not alone. That means we always need Him during the lowest moment of our life.

4. Protect the Family. 

I am fortunate for having a complete family. Husband and I are working home-based where we can keep our eyes to our daughter. What I can do more is to strengthen our relationship by giving quality time to each other. That's why I seldom see myself in social media (**ex. facebook, online games**) as we know how these culprits can steal much of our time, thus can be a source of dispute.

With all our might, let us care and protect our family for it is the foundation of our society.

5. Love the poor. 

As a product of a poor family myself before, I couldn't help but pity those people whom I happened to pass by in the street warmless and foodless. This is a big challenge to all of us of what we can do to help these people. However, we don't need to go far. We may have neighbors, too, who suffer the same where we can lend our helping hand.

6. You know how to give but you have not yet learned how to receive. Become a beggar. 


Let me know your thoughts about Pope's visit and homily.  Always feel free to ask questions or you may leave your comments below. I am always up for chit chat.

I would be forever grateful if you help my blog grow by liking my facebook page here. Your single click means a lot to me. Thank you so much.