The Happiest Christmas to Celebrate

There are still great reasons to celebrate Christmas this year...

The blaze that struck our humble homes...

We experienced TWO traumatic incidents in a row - all in the same year - 2009.

First, the fire incident last May 7, 2009 - that took everything away from us, we had zero at hand. All that we have are each other's hands, our Faith in HIM and the LOVE to and for everyone. Everything that we have worked hard for, turned into ashes. Nothing left except the good memories we spent each day and the lessons we learned from those experiences and talks we once had. We are thankful, indeed, that we have friends and relatives who extended their help and made us feel so important, loved and blessed. This truly gave us strength and the determination to start and rise from these catastrophes and WE DID IT...

Next, the typhoon Ondoy last September 26, 2009 - that left a large portion of the country into a horrible disaster. For the second time, all our things were taken away from us, very few were left, some were wet, most were gone, damaged and destroyed... Thanks to Ketsana (Ondoy).

We were one of those families who were forced to evacuate due to the very sudden increase of flood water - the highest level so far (almost in our ceilings).

No one expected this to happen. Everyone got affected - many families lost their houses and belongings, and so we were. Many individuals died... My father was one of them. And the saddest part, I could not do anything to save him... But then again, I am consoled knowing that he is in Good Hands now... Free from any worries and heartaches. I DID IT...

Now, Christmas is fast-approaching. Is there any reason for us to celebrate and still be grateful?

Yes, there are still plenty of reasons to celebrate and be merry:

* We learned to appreciate each blessing we receive from God.
* We learned that we have friends and relatives who love us dearly.
* We learned the virtue of giving and extending a hand to those who are need.
* We learned to become more optimistic and always stay hopeful and fulfilled.
* We learned to become more faithful to a living God who is always true to His promises.
* I learned that waking up every morning, seeing my wife and son is just enough reason to be thankful and to celebrate the happiest Christmas.



These trials can never put us down... We are thankful for these experiences for they made us stronger. God giveth, God taketh... Blessed be the Name of the Lord!

May all those who read this post be inspired and feel that this Christmas is still worth celebrating. Let us all be thankful to HIM.



- Rainier

Live a “Hakuna Matata” Life

Hakuna Matata is a Swahili phrase that is literally translated as "There are no worries". It is sometimes translated as "no worries", although is more commonly used similarly to the English phrase "no problem".

In 1994, the Walt Disney Animation Studios animated movie "The Lion King" brought the phrase into international recognition, featuring it prominently in the plot and devoting a song to it.

"Hakuna Matata" is a song from Disney's 32nd animated feature The Lion King. It is characterized by its simple 4/4 time, upbeat message and catchy lyrics.

As our dearest Little Eieo would always love to listen to it and watch the video a million times, Hubby and I hope that he puts the message in mind - praying that he learns to live a "Hakuna Matata" life.

I love these lines as it helps us realize a lot of things...

Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase.

Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passing craze.

It means no worries for the rest of your days.

It's our problem-free philosophy.

Hakuna Matata!

Hakuna Matata?

Yeah. It's our motto!

What's a motto?

Nothing. What's a-motto with you?

Those two words will solve all your problems.

Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase!

Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passing craze.

It means no worries for the rest of your days.

It's our problem-free philosophy.

Hakuna Matata!
Hakuna Matata! Hakuna matata!
Hakuna Matata! Hakuna matata!
Hakuna Matata! Hakuna matata!
Hakuna Matata! Hakuna--

It means no worries for the rest of your days.

It's our problem-free philosophy.

Hakuna Matata!

I say "Hakuna"

I say "Matata"

Here's the video... Enjoy!

Manny Pacquiao Makes a History

Pacquiao vs. Cotto

I would like to share with you the following words of appreciation and recognition to our country’s pride, Pacman – as posted by different writers and bloggers around the world.

On November 14, 2009, Pacquiao defeated former WBO welterweight champion, Miguel Cotto by TKO in the 12th round, at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, to earn his seventh world title in as many weight classes.

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, the "People's Champ" and fighting pride of the Philippines, makes boxing history with his knock out win over Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto. Pacquiao won the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title by stopping Cotto at 55 seconds in the 12th round. Pacquiao became the first fighter to win seven world titles in seven weight classes. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

World’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao beat defending champion Miguel Cotto in their “Firepower” showdown by TKO during the 12th round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas November 14, 2009 (Nov. 15, Sunday, Manila).

Manny Pacquiao won and grab the title in WBO welterweight champion against Cotto and became the only fighter ever capture seven world titles in seven weight divisions. He made Filipinos again very proud.

Again, just like what I posted in my previous post, I’d like to quote…

"If in each of my fights, the FILIPINO people are united, then I will fight everyday." - Manny Pacquiao

Congrats, Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao!
Congrats, Pacman!

Congratulations, Filipinos!

To GOD be the glory.

Vote for the OUR Pride... Kuya Efren

I just did one great thing for one of my fellowmen, Efren "Kuya Ef" Peñaflorida. I voted for him several times not mainly because He is also a Filipino but certainly because I personally admire his visions, desires and noble works. (Not all of us have the passion and the courage to do that, right?)

Kuya Ef is a teacher and social worker in the Philippines. He has been recognized as one of the "2009 CNN Heroes" for his outstanding advocacy to educate Filipino out-of-school youth through "pushcart classes."

His growing concern for the unschooled children in his hometown led Peñaflorida to establish Dynamic Teen Company (DTC). At that time, he was only sixteen. He envisioned this organization as a tool to reach the underserved Filipino youth by providing free tutorials. He asked three fellow high school students to devote some of their time to teach children in the slum areas every Saturday. After ten years, DTC has gained around 10,000 memberships and conducted tutorials for approximately 1,500 children.

Today, DTC's "pushcart classroom" also teaches basic reading and writing to street children. Responsible, systematic and principled, Kuya Ef has actively made a difference in the lives of children in depressed areas, has dreamed of addressing the growing issue of juvenile delinquents - inculcating the values of education of today's youth.

Kindly cast your vote now. Make Kuya Ef a CNN Hero today; he is truly a modern hero who deserves to be known globally so as to inspire others. Please help me spread the word and make yourselves in.

Voting continues until Thursday, November 19, 2009 (6 a.m. ET). There is no limit on the number of times you may vote for the Hero of the Year. Have some clicks today and make Filipinos proud.

Lucky to Marry My Best Friend...

I am thankful that GOD let me get married, experience to have a family of my own, and celebrate both womanhood and parenthood.

I am grateful that He made me fall in love with the same man over and over.

I am blessed I married my best friend.

I am glad I did, I do and I always will.

I am thankful, grateful, happy and blessed to have Rainier as my hubby.

May GOD bless us as we celebrate, enjoy and spend our marriage together as we oath to have this as our lifetime commitment.

We pledge and we pray.

In HIM, we trust.

By the way, please take time to listen to this duet by Colbie Marie Caillat and Jason Mraz - LUCKY.

I really enjoy listening to it – love this music so much. Hope you'll like it, too.
Lucky Ft. Colbie Caillat – Jason Mraz Music Code
My fave part... (so inspiring and nakakakilig)
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again.

Lucky we're in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday.

Reflection... Who I Am Inside. ..

Look at me,
I will never pass for a perfect bride,
or a perfect daughter.
Can it be, I'm not meant to play this part.
Now I see,
That if I were truly to be myself, I would break my family's heart

Who is that girl I see
Staring straight, back at me
Why is my reflection someone I don't know
Somehow I cannot hide, who I am
though I've tried.
When will my reflection show who I am inside.
When will my reflection show who I am inside.

Enjoy the video. Take a peek and sing along.



Ms. Lea Salonga indeed gives justice to the song. What a wonderful version! Loving my own. So proud of HER and her Music. Proud to be a Filipino.

Minimalism at Home…

Before the traumatic fire and flood incidents happened and took away the material things and resources that we have, hubby and I used to really buy things from different shopping centers - malls, bazaars, online shopping stores and the likes. We would certainly have these material things and resources in our shopping carts, whether we necessarily needed such or not.

But certainly not now, after those tests of faith, we have decided to practice minimalism: to only buy things that we basically need, life’s basics. Today, we only settle for the best, most reliable and quality appliances, furniture, utensils, house wares, and many more. However, we only settle for one of all kinds – one set of and for everything. We now put everything in place – exactly where they are expected to be seen – spacious, light, refreshing, relaxing, unique, innovative, creative, appropriate and beautiful... yet truly affordable.

Now, we’ve only got the right and best things that our home sweet home can only accommodate.

I love it more. I love each piece exactly where and how it is placed and designed to make our little bungalow a mansion, our dream house. Laughs and chills!

Minimalism is our style, our choice and our decision. Now, you can make yours. Enjoy!

What We Have at Home

Our Secrets of a Happy Home...

These are the things we live with, we live for, and we live by...

Eieo. Family. Marriage.

Love. TLC. Faith. Hope.
Happiness. Trust. Respect. Understanding.
Patience. Sacrifice. Compassion.
Fidelity. Wisdom. Intelligence.

Above all, we have HIM - our GOD, our Creator.

All these things, I guess, the reasons why we live a happy home. Cheers!

- The Love of a Family is Life's Greatest Blessing! -

This Ends The Semester

I love my students... in the University.

They are my happiness, my inspiration and my motivation to always come to class on time, with a smile and a bunch of creative, innovative and enjoyable teaching strategies and activities - fun, enjoyable, never boring yet so effective methods.

Without saying a word or taking any efforts, they encourage me to continue my deeds and still push through with my aspirations, dreams and missions. You have always helped me in many great ways - just like Eieo, you are my bundles of joy.

Thanks for keeping me inspired, motivated and fulfilled. See you around, my dear students. Good luck and GOD Bless us all.

Teaching is my passion; it is my cup of tea... a very soothing, calming and detoxifying tea, my ultimate beverage.

Gifts and Blessings Filipinos Have

Modern Bayanihan.

We thank God for these gifts...

The Gift of Laughter.

The Gift of Music.

The Gift of Faith.

Indeed, we, Filipinos are happy people, music lovers and faithful followers of Christ. We live with and by these, God's blessings and graces.

We've proven ourselves that we love one another - we care, we understand and we are all willing to help - lending a helping hand towards happiness, success and unity. Nothing can stop us from living and being there for one another - not even you, Ondoy (Ketsana).

In God, We Trust.