date with bunso

Went to the third sesh of the Feast this afternoon. Had late bfast/lunch at Megamall. Strolled. Had coffee to cap the day.

Ulitin natin to Kath. :) It was super fun. Alabyu. Hugs.

a strong sunshine is coming out

I would like to share today's reflection on Didache (A Catholic Reflection Guide published by Shepherds Voice Publication). It was written by George Gabriel, who also happened to be part of the singles ministry I am with now. It somehow described how I am feeling, especially now that I just finished a battery of tests for my (hopefully) last semester in law school. The following text is be the complete reflection (highlight in purple mine):

NATURE

 

… if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. – Romans 8:17

 

I like what my friend Dinah once told me. “I woke up to the rain but then when I saw that it stopped and it became really foggy, I knew we’d have good weather,” she said. “Usually when it gets really foggy in the morning, to the point of zero visibility, strong sunshine comes after that. Don’t know if there is a scientific explanation but it’s always been like that here.” She’s based in New Zealand.

She knew, for sure, that good weather would follow. Why? It’s nature. I love how God communicates His love for us through it — through the natural occurrences of life. There was a time when I was so heartbroken and depressed. My darkness had blocked out God’s light and I couldn’t see His purpose for allowing me to experience that situation. I didn’t want to wake up the next morning to the same pain. I didn’t see the point of living another day. But after that point of zero visibility, the sun came out. I made it through. The Lord healed me and raised me up from my suffering to experience His glory once again.

Scientific explanation?

God is faithful.

And we can depend on it… because it’s His nature. George Gabriel

 

REFLECTION:

Just because the sun isn’t shining doesn’t mean it’s not there.

 

In the midst of the storm, I will be still and know You are God.

How comforting and assuring that after the rain, when all around you becomes foggy, the sun will surely be peeking out. After last night's examination in Civil Law Review 2, I knew the rain stopped, but a huge area of fog enveloped me. A tinge of doubt seeped into my heart. Would God allow me to graduate? 

Amid the voices that I hear inside my head, my soul rested on the truth that God is faithful and He makes all things work for those who love Him. My heart knows that God never fails His children. For whatever His answer will be, I know that it'll be for the best. All I need to do now is rest in His love and cast all my cares on Him. 

stressed?

something every woman should know

I prefer to regard a dessert as I would imagine the perfect woman: subtle, a little bittersweet, not blowsy and extrovert. Delicately made up, not highly rouged. Holding back, not exposing everything and, of course, with a flavor that lasts. ~Graham Kerr

***Saw this quote in the menu/photobook of Cocktales. Surprisingly, it was Nikko (Kath's friend and that guy who made my Student General poster back in UST) was the one who made the designs/logo/over-all appearance of the kiosk and paraphernalia. Good job! :)

One big THANK YOU.

I just turned twenty-something last Saturday, and up to now I am very much grateful. I knew that day how much the Lord loves me through the people who made it extra special.

I appreciate all those you greeted me through SMS and FB wall. People whom I haven't heard from in months remembered and I really, really appreciated that. Although, I had class in the morning (to which I arrived late because prayers are already being said), I was happy to spend half of my day with Fr. Jocis and the rest of the AMOE volunteers. My classmates gave me little presents, some brought in food for us to share. I love the cake! :) Am happy they loved the food I brought also.

After class, I immediately went straight to Megatent in Ortigas for SE6 Reunion. Funny thing though, the theme the class chose was children's birthday party. We had the works--balloons, party hats, children's songs, loads of games and children's party food! I remembered as I child I always wished for balloons during parties. I was happy spending the other half of the day to my Single's family. They gave me a huge birthday card and lots of blessings. I just have to leave early because Zeny was demanding I'd meet her. So, off I went.

Zeny told me we'll see a movie and eat dinner. Ok, I said, still quite clueless of who will be joining us. At around, almost 8 in the evening, she picked me from home. (with Kathleen). She drove to her condo. Still puzzled why we have to go there because, I thought if we will see a movie, we might miss even the last full show. Nevertheless, I kept quiet and stopped fretting in my head. I felt that having two of my "sisters" around is much more fun than movie or whatever. As Kathleen was telling her stories and I was intently listening while we are entering Zen' unit, I was really surprised to see Roan, Sheldon, Mik, and Gen as the lights were turned on. They prepared a little feast for us to share! As if to top the ice cream with cherry, I received the a gift I secretly asked God days before: A bouquet of flowers! I was utterly speechless and I even caught my self jumping! We had simple food and I had to blow another candle on a cake. It's another cranium night. Fr. Deng called and made the surprise more fun. I had to go home at 4am.

Surely, my birthday was fabulous! It was filled with much love from the people very dear to me. I remember asking myself, what good must I have done to have deserved such shower of love. Then, I was sure it was grace--something freely given; something not worked for. Perhaps, I am now ready to receive undeserved love. I do not refuse nor resist. I just opened my arms and accepted what was given to me for I knew immediately that it was Jesus who was showing me how much He loves me, through this people whom I share my love for Him.

To my friends, thank you for allowing yourselves to be God's conduit of sweetest blessings. More than the gifts and the surprises (which I appreciate a lot), you are my presents wrapped neatly in different shapes and sizes. :) Pray with me that we'll share more of God's goodness as I walk through another chapter of my life.

a letter from daddy

As if our tribute for our dear President Cory is not enough, I would like to share this letter which Ninoy wrote for Ballsy--the eldest of the Aquino siblings. Among all the five siblings, Ballsy was the one who certainly captured my admiration during the telecasts of the wake and burial of the last President. I remember telling my sister that she resembles Cory very much, from her demeanor even to the way she dresses. The following letter was sent to me through email by a friend and it certain filled my eyes with tears.

August 18, 1973
Fort Bonifacio
Makati, Rizal

Ms. Maria Elena C. Aquino
25 Times St. Quezon City

My dearest Ballsy,

I write you this letter with tears in my eyes and as if steel fingers are crushing my heart because I wanted so much to be with you as you celebrate your legal emancipation. Now that you have come of age, my love, a voice tells me that I am no longer young and suddenly, I feel old.

An old poet gave this advice very long ago “when you are sad, remember the roses will bloom in December.” I want to send you bouquet of roses, big red roses from my dreamland garden. Unfortunately for the present, my roses are not in bloom, in fact they have dropped all their petals and only the thorns are left to keep me company. I do think it is fitting to send you a thicket of thorns on this memorable day!

I am very proud of you because you have inherited all the best traits of your mother. You are sensible, responsible, even-tempered and sincere with the least pretenses and affection which vehemently detest in a woman. I am sure like your mother, you will possess that rare brand of silent courage and that combination of fidelity and fortitude that will be the life vest of your man in the tragic moments of his life.

During my lonely hours of solitary confinement in Fort Magsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija last March and April with nothing else to do but pray and daydream, with only my fond memories to keep me company, I planned a weekend barrio fiesta for you in Tarlac for your 18th birthday. I fooled myself into believing that my ordeal would end with the fiscal year. I planned to invite all your classmates and friends and their families for the weekends.

The schedule called for an early departure by bus from Manila and the first stop will be Concepcion, where lunch will be served by the pool. And after lunch, you were to visit the Santa Rita Elementary School to distribute cookies and ice cream to the children of that public school where you were first enrolled.

I guess sheer nostalgia prompted me to include Santa Rita. We were only three then: Mommie, you and I. Those were the days of happy memories little responsibilities, tremendous freedom, a great future ahead and capped by a fulfillment of love. You are the first fruit of our union, the first proof of our love and the first seal of our affections

From Concepcion we were to proceed to Luisita for the barrio fiesta. I intended to invite a friend who could roast an entire cow succulently. Swimming, pelota, dancing and eating would have been the order of the day.

Sunday morning was reserved for a trip around the Hacienda and the mill and maybe golf for some of the parents and later a picnic-lunch on Uncle Tony’s Island. Return to Manila after lunch. I am afraid this will have to remain as one of the many dreams I had in Laur.

Our future has suddenly become uncertain and our fate unknown. I am even now beginning to doubt whether I’ll ever be able to return to you and the family. Hence, I would like to ask you these special favors. Love your mother, whose love for you, you will never be able to match. She is not the greatest mother in the world, she is your sincerest friend.

Take care of your younger sisters and brother and lavish them with the love and care I would like to continue giving them but am unable to do so. Help Noy-noy along and pray hard that he will grow to be a real, responsible man who in later years will protect you all. You are the model for your three younger sisters. Your responsibility is therefore great. Please endeavor to live up to our highest expectations. Be more tolerant to Pinky, more accessible to Viel, our little genius-princess, and more charitable to Krissy, our baby doll, and make up for my neglect.

Finally, forgive me, my love, for not having been an ideal, good and thoughtful father to you all as I pursued public office. I had hopes and high resolve of making up, but I am afraid my destiny will not oblige.

I seal this letter with a drop of tear and a prayer in my heart, that somehow, somewhere we shall meet again and I will finally be able to make up for all my lapses, in the kingdom where justice reigns supreme and love is eternal.

I love you,
Dad

God's lovely maid

This morning, the morning news show which we frequently watch featured a segment speaking about the song dedicated for President Cory. Apparently, it was a poem which Ninoy wrote for her during the time he was incarcerated for opposing the Marcos government. Jose Mari Chan was requested by one of the supporters of the August Twenty One Movement (ATOM) put melody on the exultation.

I was intrigued by the title: "I Have Fallen In Love (with the same woman three times)" How romantic can it be! How noble for a man to fall in love more than once to the same woman. How praiseworthy it is for him to express it to his beloved. I was deeply drawn and moved by the lyrics as I listened to it. I felt the overflowing love of Ninoy for Cory. I also felt how much he must really felt blessed by God for picking Cory as his partner in a very meaningful life. He adored his wife. He saw that gentle courage in her--seeing her as the source of strength during the times of despair. With that, I had a glimpse of how much heart and grace Cory must have to have moved a very intellectual man. Ninoy unselfishly honors his wife saying:

I have fallen in love
with the same woman three times;
In a day spanning 19 years
of tearful joys..and joyful tears.

I loved her first when she was young,
enchanting and vibrant, eternally new..
she was brilliant, fragrant,
and cool as the morning dew.

I fell in love with her the second time;
when first she bore her child and mine
always by my side, the source of my strength,
helping to turn the tide..

But there were candles to burn
the world was my concern;
while our home was her domain..
and the people were mine
while the children were hers to maintain;

So it was in those eighteen years and a day..
’till I was detained; forced in prison to stay.

Suddenly she’s our sole support;
source of comfort,
our wellspring of Hope..
on her shoulders felt the burden of Life..

I fell in love again,
with the same woman the third time.
Looming from the battle,
her courage will never fade

Amidst the hardships she has remained,
undaunted and unafraid..
she is calm and composed,
she is God’s lovely maid..

I was reminded of the Proverbs wife (Proverbs 31: 10-31). It says:

¹⁰ The truly capable woman -- who can find her? She is far beyond the price of pearls.

¹¹ Her husband's heart has confidence in her, from her he will derive no little profit.

¹² Advantage and not hurt she brings him all the days of her life.

¹³ She selects wool and flax, she does her work with eager hands.

¹⁴ She is like those merchant vessels, bringing her food from far away.

¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark giving her household their food, giving orders to her serving girls.

¹⁶ She sets her mind on a field, then she buys it; with what her hands have earned she plants a vineyard.

¹⁷ She puts her back into her work and shows how strong her arms can be.

¹⁸ She knows that her affairs are going well; her lamp does not go out at night.

¹⁹ She sets her hands to the distaff, her fingers grasp the spindle.

²⁰ She holds out her hands to the poor, she opens her arms to the needy.

²¹ Snow may come, she has no fears for her household, with all her servants warmly clothed.

²² She makes her own quilts, she is dressed in fine linen and purple.

²³ Her husband is respected at the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land.

²⁴ She weaves materials and sells them, she supplies the merchant with sashes.

²⁵ She is clothed in strength and dignity, she can laugh at the day to come.

²⁶ When she opens her mouth, she does so wisely; on her tongue is kindly instruction.

²⁷ She keeps good watch on the conduct of her household, no bread of idleness for her.

²⁸ Her children stand up and proclaim her blessed, her husband, too, sings her praises:

²⁹ 'Many women have done admirable things, but you surpass them all!'

³⁰ Charm is deceitful, and beauty empty; the woman who fears Yahweh is the one to praise.

³¹ Give her a share in what her hands have worked for, and let her works tell her praises at the city gates.

I have seen through Cory, that a woman is indeed God's delicate handicraft--ordained with a special task to carry not only her children in her womb, but also her husband in her heart. If God then finds favor in one woman, he will certainly let her carry others in her heart as well. President Aquino is truly inspiring me--in her faith, as a Filipino, a leader, a friend, a wife and mother (if I will be) and ultimately as a woman abiding by God's design on how to live her life. I pray that by God's loving grace I will also be transformed to that woman He always desired me to be. May every woman discover her true identity and live it up. Together with that, I pray that every man will also celebrate the presence of every woman--the mother, sister, wife, friend, etc-- in their lives and how each influenced and shaped them.

Here is the song by Jose Mari Chan:

i have fallen in love (full song)

Be inspired. :)