Song of Blessings

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching(s) of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

This song of Blessings by Laura Story touched my heart so much. I never knew this song. It was introduced by a dear relative who posted this at my sister's Facebook Wall.

My sister was diagnosed with a breast cancer just right after my father's almost two months of hospitalization. It was really a storm blow to us. However, God lifted us with His promise of love -- that He will never leave nor forsake us.

It is truly a trying times for us right now -- and this song reminds me that this is not our home and that our home is with the Lord and that the storms of life are God's mercies in disguise... and that in His arms our family will find rest and comfort... that in God's time we will be victorious and will pass this storm with HIS abundant blessings.

I love Sunset and everything I look at its beauty -- I see God's wonderful creation and a promise of a beautiful tomorrow.

Cocktail with the US Embassy Big Boss

A few opportunities that we got to be invited for a Reception Cocktail at US Embassy Ambassador's residence in Forbes Park, Makati.

Ambassador Thomas arranged a Welcome Reception for his new Executive Assistant and honoring all the Administrative Professionals of the Embassy -- an opportunity for us all outside the embassy to meet and have get-together with the people we only communicate through telephone and emails.
Of course, I will not have the night past without a photo with the Host, Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr.

me with my AmCham friends and colleagues (Chet and Div) together with the US Embassy Professional Staff

Germany -- here I come :-)

I should have written this experience of mine long ago -- but due to so many stuff to do -- this story has long been delayed -- and I feel sorry about.... but even then this story of my life is something I will never forget -- it will always remain in heart -- the faithfulness of God to me by giving me this wonderful experience that I only thought will only happened in dreams and then it happened to me -- all because of God's grace, blessing and faithfulness. Let me begin from the very start...... When I was young I dreamt of traveling/ seeing Europe -- to Germany first as I have auntie there who used to send us pictures of castle and books that shows those Gothic, Renaissance buildings which interest me the most. I enrolled in German class in 2005 -- and in 2004 -- two German students were in the University where I used to work with as Exchange Students Coordinator-- and then 2006 -- two new German exchange students came -- everything starts from there -- both become so close to me -- close to my heart -- both are my best friends -- of course in a different category ;-) And everything starts from there -- I told my friend I am planning and going to Germany to visit and see the family, the country, and to observe and experience other cultures. Auntie Ilona (my friend Christoph's mom) send me an invitation letter as for me to be able to go to Germany for the Holiday Season. After fervent prayers, I approached my boss for permission to go for a vacation for a month (at the time, I was only in the company for 9 months) -- answered prayer -- he allowed me and gave me the papers I need (endorsement, etc.). Completing the documents -- I was given an interviewed schedule -- scariest part -- the interview. My interviewer was very strict and doubtful that I was on his window for almost an hour. I received my passport after two weeks -- my visa application was denied. The results made me cry so much. However, my boss didn't want me to give up -- to quit. He encouraged me to make an appeal -- and with some help and endorsement -- I re-applied and appealed expressing my intent and honest interest -- and after 8 days -- my visa was granted. I knew it will be granted because God's favor was with me. Second problem: my fare -- i dont have ticket as i was supposed to be picked up for cheaper airfare -- but my uncle got tied up and that would meant I couldn't be picked up -- but God used somebody's heart for me to be able to go -- my godfather. One day before my flight (December 2) -- i got my visa -- and thus I canceled the original date -- i flew to Germany December 6.

December 7 -- I arrived in Germany -- long flight but a very good experience :-)

GERMANY

Germany is a federal parliamentary republic of sixteen states (Länder). The capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany is a member of the United Nations, NATO, G8 and the OECD. It is a major economic power with the world's fourth largest economy by nominal GDP and the fifth largest in purchasing power parity. It is the largest exporter and second largest importer of goods. In absolute terms, Germany allocates the second biggest annual budget of development aid in the world, while its military expenditure ranked sixth. The country has developed a high standard of living and established a comprehensive system of social security. It holds a key position in European affairs and maintains a multitude of close partnerships on a global level. Germany is recognized as a scientific and technological leader in several fields.

My First Step. I was greeted by the cold freezing wind. Actually, my first stepped in the land of Germany I wear no coat -- as I saw one of the passengers in sleeveless -- so I concluded it will not as freezing as I thought it will be -- I went down on the plane wearing just my shirt -- saying -- hmmmm.... it isnt cold then -- and smiling at myself. However, when I crossed the space between the plane and the bus that will transport us to the airport -- the wind blow on my body freezingly and when I got into the bus -- I was chillin. Immediately, I grabbed my jacket to cover myself as I could feel my hands were becoming numb. I was so excited getting out from the bus then ran on the lobby of the airport -- they the German at the immigration greeted me warmly with a smile welcome to Germany and saying enjoying my vacation. I walked slowly enjoying the modernity of the place then went to the baggage counter to get my stuff. I was excitedly expectant to see my Uncle and Auntie. I guess I was all smile and felt like in the cloud that I havent heard my Auntie calling me at the entrance. I was so ecstatic and praising God for this wonderful opportunity --as this is not a dream anymore -- I was really in Germany.

I was greeted with warm kisses and hugs from my Uncle and Auntie. My auntie wrapped me right away with a winter jacket and as she was worried about the cold asking if I was okay. Funny, I was perfectly okay and not even feeling a bit of tiredness. Since, I have all the energy -- from the Airport -- we just picked up our dinner at KFC (no rice nor gravy here) and went straight to "Weihnachsmarkt" (Christmas Market).

The experience was superb. I was so ecstatic then -- my eyes were so big and amazed watching those beautiful ladies in their winter clothes and the men looking great on their coat especially then two policemen. But it was the smell of Christmas that struck me the most. I began to realize that truly there is a smell of Christmas -- the breeze of the wind -- brought the fragrances of candies, food, nuts, etc. It was unexplainable. I was loving all the things I saw there at the Christmas market -- and wishing I could throw some of it to the Philippines.

My first night was awesome -- I loved the smell of Christmas -- and I became a child again. Enjoying the candies, the santas, the fruits, etc, etc. -- I grabbed the Gluehwein -- a hot wine -- and it smells so good to me in the cold winter night.

Afterwards we headed home and I slept peacefully and happy.... looking forward for the next days to come.

It's been awhile

Whew -- it's been awhile since I last wrote in this blogger -- I guess I missed this site. The last time I tried to write in this site -- my inet just stopped working and thus I decided not to write anymore -- hmmmm.... how's my life have been???? Lots of things happened -- but so far I am enjoying life despite the ups and downs --- well, maybe it was because in all the downs God carried me in His shoulder -- truly tough times never lasts but tough people do.

Oh, I finished reading a book -- after twenty years in the making (hahahaha). It's "Becoming the Real You" by Joel Osteen. The Book is all about................

And I finished one Level of one Language Short Course -- but still need to take the exam. I will be missing the exam again this month... hayyy sad -- but I have to -- anyway, I will surely take it early next year and I promise myself to enroll the course again for the second level. Sometimes, people ask what am I goin to do learning the language -- I guess I started to love it and somehow I know in the future I can make use of it. Hmmm.... so for a start I should start putting something in my piggy bank as to be able to enroll :-D Well, I am still very poor on the language so need to work hard on it and my tongue had to be straighten as well -- my tongue twists much when I speak the laguage (hehehe). Prayin I will be good on it someday (wink)

About my job, I am enjoying it. I guess events management is thing I enjoy doing though I am still seeing the possibility in working in International Relations involving in Policy Making. I dont know why I have this kind feelings -- maybe it's because I am working mostly with the Western and somehow doing an the work in International Relations --- hmmm... but I dont know much about economy (kinda shameful truth). Overall, I enjoy the job as I meet people at the top -- personalities who are on the top position in big companies. Being able to mingle and interact with them is something... similarly, having conversation with them gives me a good learning and wisdom to learn.

Orville and Pearl's Wedding

March 16, 2008 -- My cousin Orville and his 5-year girlfriend said "I Do"

The Entourage with the newly wed

Me with Marian and her fiance (Francis) and her Bro Mark

With my Father, Pam and Mother -- we missed my sis' family on this day

Jerome and Jem's Wedding

January 20, 2008 -- Jerome and Jem gets wed -- It rained so no garden wedding for the couple -- but it was a day full of joy and love

The Entourage

My family with the Newly Wed

My Sis' Family

The Group Shot at the Garden after the celebration

Riza's wedding

December 1 -- My Friend Riza and her 8 long years Boyfriend finally said "I Do"


Ryan and Riza
Classmates and Friends
Wendell, Lala, Che, Hazel, Myself, Renneth, Lalen and JP

New Room of Opportunity

Just an update about myself -- I now resigned at the University -- after four years and 8 months of service there; God opened a new door of opportunity.

I'm now connected to a non-profit organization of the Uncle Same people (wink...wink). Somehow, the adjustment I am doing is very minimal as the people in my new work practice teamwork -- meaning they are friendly and accommodating and helpful -- introducing me to the culture of the organization -- and they are warm and welcome you with open arms -- they will leave you do your thing as long as you present a good output. I could say -- I am enjoying my environment and the new family I am in now --- and I can't wait for the time that my hands will be loaded with much stuff -- and do that with efficientness and competently as to glorify my true Employer -- our Almighty God.

As it is written in the Bible "In everything -- do it for the glory of our God."

I know this is just the beginning of God's plan for me -- and I will never stop believing that in His time God will show me His perfect plan for me -- the reality of my dreams =)