Happy 21st!

 It's our holy supper at church today. It usually is a tiring day after a week of devotional prayer and weeks of choir practices. But as always, everything is all worth the preparations. God is full of love as He always gives us an opportunity to start anew and get things straight again. 

Had the chance to invite my dad to visit our home and see his grandchildren again. he stayed overnight until lunch time the following day.

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Happy 21st anniversary, 03.03.03 stories!

My Baby Is Now An Adult

I'm not talking about my kids but this blog just turned 20 years old today. Looking back, there are a lot of memories to look back at for the past two decades. The beauty of this platform is you get to remember things that you may have forgotten had they not been written or documented through a diary, in this case, an online diary. Blogs have evolved from initially being a personal hobby or outlet where you can write what transpired in your life for the day, to being commercialized (monetized) to make it as a way to earn. Then when handy phones became more advanced and video cameras and editing apps became more accessible, most blogs were converted to vlogs (video blogs). This reminds me of Coy who could have been one of the pioneer vloggers who may have been instrumental in its existence if only he's still with us today. He's the one who introduced to me what a vlog is, as early as year 2007. That same year, he's already been encouraging fellow bloggers to try out vlogging. I've stated my thoughts about it more than 15 years back: Pinoy Vlogging In A Personal Blogger's Perspective.

Today I am pondering if I want to revive updating more often. Being aware that this is a public space and unlike 20 years ago, network of people can easily "stalk" you thru many means today, I am having double thoughts of preserving my private life. Since this used to be known only to my closest friends (online and real world), it is a different story today. Like those FB friends you just add as friends but are not actually close to you, most people now can easily access your writings online. Because it is what people has become--- well-versed online. So let's see what is in store next for this blog of mine.

Among the many posts I make here, the year-enders have always been my favorite as it summarizes a year of my life in one long post. And come to think of it, this blog reached two decades already but I only managed to write one "decade-ender" post. It was actually a feat doing it and now I want to give myself a pat on the back for doing it.

My first-ever year-ender blog post, written and posted from Canada.

I miss blogging. I miss my blogger friends--- who were usually my loyal readers, and whose respective blogs I also read in return. Today, some of them I get the chance to communicate with just through social media, either Facebook or Instagram. I miss the old times. If I could bring back a moment captured in my blog, it would be this day: sibling bonding.

2020: Thankful No Matter What

For me, the end of every year is marked by our church Year-End Thanksgiving (YETG) worship services. It is the last occasion I ever look forward to annually.  Some other occasions that usually follow this is mom's birthday and of course, New Year's eve.  But yeah, the YETG is the exclamation point to my whole year.

Today is one of the most blessed days of my year 2020. I officiated the household thanksgiving worship of my relatives at the old folks' house. This scene I have not imagined happening but it did! I was moved by simply the sight of my in-laws gathered together to worship and thank the Almighty God for His great love. And there I instantly thanked the LORD for giving me the chance to lead this special occasion. Also amazingly, the four kids behaved all throughout the service. Special mention to my youngest. 💕

#ThankfulNoMatterWhat

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought so many changes in this world but the hymn we sang in the thanksgiving worship service gave us all the more the conviction to carry on and continue putting our trust in God. Indeed, the love we feel for God will never change! #ThankfulNoMatterWhat

This year has been a "realization" year for most. As I've noted in one of my emails to our Management Committee at work: "Thank you and let us all end this year by being grateful for all the things that we may have taken for granted for the past many years, but began to appreciate and love even more when we were forced to be locked down almost the entire 2020." - this was said as a reminder for some of the members to submit their part in the year-ender corporate video which our team conceptualized to be played in the corporate thanksgiving (virtual) party. Grateful by Nimo was a first time music to my ears and I thought it is a good song as its title suggests. The output was awesome! Thanks to the editing skills of sir Raymund.

Over-all, FAMILY IS LOVE. It is the reason for waking up each day. Above all, it is GOD who keeps us going. 

"Sadness will end, for this, too, shall not last--- hardship and pain will forever be past; thus, He has given this vital command: PUT ALL YOUR HOPE IN THE GRACE THAT WILL BE YOURS!" #ThankfulNoMatterWhat

Old e-mails

Working from home gives me a lot of time to sort out old files in my computer, and revisit my active email accounts. I used to have 2 excite mail addresses. I remember my very first though, it was an Edsamail account. One of my oldest email addresses is that Yahoo account which I recently reactivated (read: declutter spam folder).  Upon browsing it, I chanced upon the email of dad to me and my sister. He was explaining how hard he was feeling to continue holding on to his relationship with mom. While email does not give emotions when read, I felt the sadness that goes with the whole message. It was a preparation for having a broken family after my anticipated wedding 6 months after the email was sent. I was always the innocent one in the family when it comes to marital issues between mom and dad. And that very day when the email was sent, everything was confirmed. No more hope for a happy, complete family. But at least they tried. It just didn't work out anymore. I'm thankful for my email. It is preserving memories, the good ones, and the not-so-good ones.

Happy Birthday, My Favorite Sibling!

It's my Ate B's birthday today... hooorayyy!!! Almost April 25 here in Manila but to my ate's place, it is still an hour to noon time, April 24th! So there!

I decided to make my first ever chicken macaroni salad recipe. Why? Because I was craving for it for the past few days already. :( I only have a few knowledge of how to do it so I needed to consult my friend, Google, and look for an easy recipe to follow. Found one!  So I headed to the supermarket earlier to get some ingredients and after finishing my day job (from home), my little "assistant" assisted me in making this masterpiece after dinner! Look!

Chick-mac salad made with love <3 nbsp="" td="">

Those raisins give the extra taste! The pineapple bits didn't really contributed to the overall look but it gave the taste and extra point! I really love pineapples (even on my pizza!)  Kulang daw ng carrots sabi ni wifey :(  Next time, meron pa namang susunod na pagkakataon. We'll make sure it's perfect by then! ;)

Will eat some tomorrow, best when chilled. Can't wait!

Taking A Leap On A Leap Year

God has been good to our newfound business. Slowly, we are gaining good customers through the patience of wifey in promoting our "goods." You may check what's new through this Facebook page, The Bonenica Shop.  But trials decided to stay a bit around us this month, as we lost my father-in-law, Papa Johnny (afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 23rd). Wifey was the only witness when he breathed his last in his room, and all I can do at that moment was to recall how good he was to me since day 1 that I knew him. Sad days for the family but yeah, we needed to be strong and move on altogether.  Day before that, an unfortunate event had to happen. Our car was bumped and the back compartment hood was heavily damaged.  The driver said he lost brakes but we suspect otherwise: that he either fell asleep or that he was texting while driving.  We were on a constant 30 to 40kph speed and nearing to turn right when a sudden bump moved our car further forward.  We insisted to have it on police record so we will be sure that the damage will be repaired at no cost at all on our part, but yeah, the hassle. 

misfortune

Star struck moment this month: Cainta Mayor Kit Nieto was seen dining in a restaurant with his family where we also went. So, as popular as he is even among his non-constituents, we immediately excused ourselves to his family and have a photo taken with him. 

photo with the head of ONE Cainta, Mayor Kit Nieto

Papa Johnny's grandchildren during his burial

Shout out to my cousin, Angelica T. Dela Cruz, and to all leap year babies who are celebrating their real birthday today, February 29th.  Let us all take a big leap these coming days for our dreams to be fulfilled!

A Month-full of Sorrows And Hope

Last day of January for the new decade, or is this supposed to be the end of a decade? Too many deaths this month, two of them, people close to my heart. First, my uncle Red, who I was first introduced to when we lived our early years in Cainta more than two decades ago.  I think it was the first and the last time I ever saw him alive, and this month witness him laying in his "final bed," with colleagues validating how good a person he was during his eulogy.  I was able to find time to talk to my 2nd cousin, uncle's eldest, and re-introduce myself. I felt like a stranger when I arrived in the room (while the eulogy was on-going) and having my dad there gave me that relief of no-obligation to tell me who I am. At that moment, I felt how lucky I am to be in our clan. People seem to look up so much on members of our family and I never felt so proud about it. Another person who passed away this month is a good friend and fellow church choir member, Liam.  I've know Liam for over a decade now but it was only in December 2015 that we became close due to our church performances. I usually fetch him during Thursday morning performances and give him a ride home after late night choir practices.  He succumbed to pneumonia complications after being sick for quite some time in 2019. He got well for a few months so all the while I thought we will have more time to perform our duties again together as he became assistant choir director and was assigned to our area. Too bad, everything has to be short-lived.

family dinner out with mamsi

Mom left for Canada after almost two months of stay here with us. This has been her longest vacation in Manila since she migrated to CA.  And we felt she enjoyed more her stay this time compared to last year, so she was telling us she'd stay longer next time.  Things have not been the same again after she left, as she helped us a lot in the household chores.  I also will have no more "church buddy" during Thursday mornings and nobody will complain anymore about how bumpy our ride is using our e-bike. Oh well, see you again soon, mamsi!

In another happy thought, we celebrated DJ's 3rd birthday in our hometown in Minalin, with our relatives from dad's side.  Although the cousins are incomplete, the visit to our hometown was worth it. Mom and dad were able to talk about some things, our fresh 3-year old enjoyed every moment with his 2nd cousins, and I was able to see some cousins again, including our balikbayan aunt (and ninang), tita Rina.

This month also marked a milestone in my spiritual life as my bible student guest passed her probationary period and was finally baptized! Of course I bring back all glory to God our Almighty Father! Special thanks to bro. Fernie who enlisted her under my care and I believe I've become a part of the instruments of her calling.  This is one thing that I will be forever thankful for and it is a good thing that it happened at the start of this year.

Finally... CONGRATS!

Ending my January anecdote, I would like to extend (again) my congratulations and best wishes to my best cousin-buddy, Bernie, who FINALLY tied the knot with Isang.  Good to see old faces in their wedding day, and a reunion with relatives from the mother side.  Too bad not all cousins were present but everything was good. It also was nice to set foot again in my first locale, Cubao, where lots of memories during my younger years can be recalled.

January seems to have overstayed, and it's start was... not so good:  US-Iran conflict, wildfire spread in Australia, Taal volcano eruption, among the headlines that made it this passing month.  Also, there is a new virus that poses threat globally, which originated in... guess where? China. One thing to look forward to in the next few months is a blessing which I haven't thought of happening in reality--- we've invested in the garments business! shout out to my courageous and determined wifey for making this happen, and I would like to extend my gratitude to all the people who believed in us and helped us get this going.  Imploring the aid of our loving God to make this venture a success. 💕

So, here's to hoping that we will have more pleasant days come 2nd month of 2020. Hurrah, for surviving January!

The Uncle Bernard Story

Today, uncle Bernard was laid to rest.  The story of his last two days I found really amazing, that even his children, my cousins Marie & Bernie, were in great awe upon realizing the developments before he breathed his last.  I'll recall, to the best of my memory, the story told by my cousins to the relatives present, before uncle was buried...

For years, uncle Bernard has been a vocal critic of our faith, the Iglesia Ni Cristo.  He engages into loud debates with family, and sometimes with our auntie Joy (his sister-in-law.)  I should know since we all live in one house when we were kids.  It was a usual scenario at home and we have all grown to tolerate that set-up.  Interestingly, the Children's Worship Service (Pagsamba Ng Kabataan) is held in our house--- an ancestral home inherited by the family of Lolo Felising & Lola Naty.  During pagsamba day, uncle Bernard prepares the things to be used, ahead of the officers.  Then he cleans the house after it has been used.  That's his weekly routine.  For many years he has been Catholic, then he eventually joined another faith--- Ang Dating Daan, which is equally a vocal critic of the INC.  Uncle Bernard's health deteriorated as he suffered from kidney problems.  For a while he will feel all right but most of the time he endures pain.  Then two days before his passing, a thing we can consider a miracle just flashed before his family's eyes.  His family talked to him about joining the INC while he still was able.  He got mad and said something against the INC, much more to the Church Administration.  So the family did not force the issue again.  That same day, as his diaper was being changed, my cousin noticed that uncle Bernard wasn't moving already.  They thought he passed out and he was in a state of coma.  Before they were able to take him to the hospital, their church minister knocked on the door and was looking for my other cousin.  Right then and there, they asked for a prayer for uncle Bernard, bearing the faith of the family.  Incredibly even before the prayer ended, my cousin Marie felt a hand suddenly held her foot.  After the prayer, they found out that uncle Bernard gained consciousness and was able to mobilize his hands.  Then he asked them if he is already willing to embrace the INC faith... he surprisingly answered "yes."  The minister repeated the question to make sure my uncle was already fully conscious, and asked if he is willing to undergo the Bible study and finish listening to the basic doctrines--- a prerequisite for baptism inside the church.  To their disbelief, he again said "yes."  So the minister arranged for his Bible study.  My nephew, who is a church worker, conducted his continuous lessons so they can finish right away.  At the end of each lesson, he asks, "Papa, anong likas na kalagayan ng ating Panginoong JesuCristo?" Uncle Bernard will immediately reply "tao." "Siya ba ay Diyos," my nephew will ask, then uncle will respond "hindi sya Diyos." Papa, bakit gusto mong mag-Iglesia Ni Cristo?" Uncle Bernard would reply, "dahil gusto kong maligtas."  In one instance, my nephew told his lolo, "Papa, mananalangin na tayo ha?" Uncle candidly replied "Paano yan, di ko kayang tumayo?"  Then cousin Marie told him that he just needed to close his eyes and answer during the prayer.  Right then and there, he shut his eyes and got ready for the prayer.  Uncle, for some occasions, even reminded his wife, Auntie Tet that they are attending pagsamba, and that they dress up early.  The family wrote to the Church Administration requesting to facilitate baptism for uncle Bernard, citing his condition.  A day after, my cousin Marie was called by the district minister to inform her that their letter was already recieved by the Church Administration.  Uncle Bernard passed away before he was to receive baptism, but his faith amazingly took a 180-degrees turn before he breathed his last.  That testimony awed us all this afternoon as it was related to us.

final destination

cousins with Auntie Joy (extreme right)

Relatives present at the burial

Other than the sad event this day, it was a delight to see once again my relatives.  We normally reunite once a year during Auntie Joy's birthday which is ideally on the 30th of December--- a good time to wrap up the year as well.  But during these times, I always realize that I am thankful for having great relatives, both mother & father side.  Our families are close-knit, and I am just grateful for that.  Our grandparents have played a great role in upbringing all of us, treating each other as one big happy family all together.

Meanwhile, I have posted earlier in my Facebook timeline, my memory of Uncle Bernard:

Mamsi's Here!!!

First stop, JOLLIBEE!

she ordered palabok fiesta. obviously,
it's longer to prepare than my chicken-spag!

After settling her things at home, she just had to visit the nail salon.  Right away, two persons are doing her manicure & pedicure... tutyal! :P

pampering time... coz it's always more affordable
in the Philippines!

Mom is staying here for a month.  I'm not sure where we can take her when my little girl has school, and I am in charge of an upcoming activity at work for the Chinese new year, which will require numerous coordination and perhaps, meetings.  Well let's see.  Welcome home, Sheena Ching! ;)

Thank you, 2017!

I'm just glad and thankful that before this year ends, better things started pouring in.  Frankly, I can say that I had a not-so-good 2017 start and until the 3rd quarter of this year, some things were still difficult to understand.  But my hope kept its fire burning--- that good things will come to those who patiently wait.  And indeed! God never fails to amaze me with His bountiful blessings in His right timing!  All glory and praises to HIS Name!

One of the best things that happened this year is the birth of our second child, a bouncing baby boy!  This cheerful baby resembles her mom a lot.  Always smiling, always happy.  He's truly a blessing to my family!  And I couldn't thank God more for this gift!

DJ's offering day, Feb. 25, 2017.  Photo with Bro. Benefrido Santiago
& Taytay resident minister, Bro. Jericko De Jesus

I had the chance to go back up to Baguio again this year, through the company of my best church buddies.  We really are supposed to stay in Pangasinan and Baguio was just a side trip.  One of the most memorable times of my 2017--- vacation with good friends!

Baguio boys: MJ, Khel, Mayor Carford, Xian, Narvin
(not in photo: Czyrus & Czarwin)

Mountain of houses has never pleased my sight :(

had a good faith matter discussion with MJ's tito, with Razel

bed sharing

early morning view from your place

...and the smell of the green rice field

never forget the worship services wherever you go!

batis na malinis... there is still hope to preserve nature's beauty!

career-wise, i get to visit Iloilo again for a very touching CSR project / experience.  A community we nurture, together with Gawad Kalinga, gave me a different perspective about "less fortunate" families--- families who live in a community where there is no electricity, and school travel for kids becomes a reason for their frequent class absences.  i, together with two good men, were assigned to document this "reality" but was instructed to avoid producing a pitiful story angle.  seems difficult but that "reality" made our assignment naturally easy to accomplish.  Kids greet you with smiles on their faces whenever they come across you, elders do likewise and acknowledge your presence cheerfully.  NO TRACES OF POVERTY, even if they have lesser than the standard households here in Metro Manila.  Children knows their responsibilities at their young age--- domestic responsibilities even.  Children are eager for education, and the community as a whole has been supportive of this.  Youth organizations established weekly tutorials for the younger ones, and "bayanihan" community services are regular on weekends.  Time well spent each day.  This is how they live without television, computers, laptops, and other gadgets--- simple but fruitful life.  More social interaction and community awareness.  One could wish to live in the community and forget all the complexity that modern living has to offer.

documenting their story w/ Joaquin, Raymond & Issa

Early morning pose with the neighborhood

community service FTW!

the regular Zumba session on weekends led by the Youth organiztion

Another blessing before this year ends, I finally got my long-awaited "movement." It has been three years and many thoughts of giving-up when this has been finally realized. although, the official paper confirming this "movement" hasn't been distributed yet.

For the many, many times I've traveled by plane, this is the first time I got really upset over a local flight.  Yes, i've had numerous and countless delayed flights before but this one topped them all!  I was scheduled for the earliest flight last October 16 to discuss an upcoming company activity in our offices in Iloilo.  I got the earliest possible flight so I can start my rounds early and have ample time to stay there in case needed, before the scheduled flight back to Manila.  Then this happened:  arrived in NAIA Terminal 3 at around 3am.  My boarding time reads 0350.  I checked in and waited for the boarding time.  It was a little past 4am when people began inquiring at the Cebu Pacific desk which at that time was manned by a couple of the airline staff. We were supposed to depart at 0420 and no advisory was yet to be announced.  A few minutes after numerous desk inquiries, announcement said that the flight will be delayed (as we expected) and that we should wait for  the next flight announcement at 7:00AM! Like, huh??? 7:00AM and WAIT for further announcement??  So do we have much choice?  After waiting for another three hours, we approached the airline desk to inquire.  We were told that an announcement will be made in a few minutes.. then the much-awaited information was announced: "...please be informed that your flight will further be delayed.  Please wait for the next flight announcement at 10:00AM"  Another 3 hours???  I've called my boss already to inform this unacceptable situation, but told her i'd be waiting until the next (and hopefully the last) flight status announcement.  I began inquiring on the updates about the situation at Iloilo International Airport, since I began hearing comments  from other passengers that the flight will be cancelled and that they are opting to reroute to Roxas then travel by land to Iloilo instead.  A few days earlier, a Cebu Pacific aircraft overshoot the runway of Iloilo International Airport and was stranded there for days.  Perhaps it would be possible to clear the situation from there rather than waiting for the delayed announcement from the airline?  And besides, I've checked PAL website earlier and they already announced cancelled flights to all of their scheduled Iloilo-bound trips.  Why not do the same, Cebu Pacific?? Whyyy??? So even before 9AM, the airline desk was already being swarmed up by irate passengers.  I've decided to wait and wait until they finally announced, minutes before 10AM, that the flight will be cancelled already.  7 hours of waiting in vain is just... WOW.

no sun has risen yet, i was already waiting near the boarding gate

Cebu Pacific desk getting busy attending to irate passengers
and at the same time inquiring about the flight

1-pc chicken joy-rice, and a bottle of water to ease our disappointment
plus one-way trip voucher to any local flight of destination

my boarding pass stamped with "claimed meals" isa lang naman yung meal na ibinigay :P

I've struggled to find a perfect business to 'supplement' my monthly income.  Things have been uneasy, financially speaking, this year and the blessing that came toward the end of this year should change my financial storyline--- for the better.  But I still need to plan for a long-term (savings) goal.  The numerous buy and sell products have somewhat helped me go through the year.. some of them are the following:

ladies shorts... managed to sell a few pieces  with a very
generous supplier willing to settle on a consignment basis

had one buyer but i had to recall since product wasn't original

good products, but not really the business product i was hoping for.
we still use these at home. really very good products.

the most successful among the products i sold. pagkain pa rin
talaga ang love ng mga Pinoy customers!

in one of the most 'sensationalized' crime stories that happened this year, one story (un)fortunately happened in one of our projects.  so when media reporters have to come and cover the story, I needed to be there.  Other than the bad story that the news covered, it was a pleasant reunion with one former colleague, Chino Gaston, and meeting a new face from the other network, Jasmin Romero.  The latter had the juicier detail of the drama though as it was their network who had the first exclusive coverage of the developing story.

friends by profession: ABS CBN's Jasmin Romero (leftmost)
and GMA's Chino Gaston (middle)

Health-wise, I haven't been a hundred percent healthy this year.  Found out that my triglyceride, uric acid, and bad fats have sky-rocketed after I submitted myself to a doctor's check-up when I felt once that my blood pressure also shoot up.  I was given numerous medicine prescriptions which I had to consume for a month.  Then I have to undergo a series of blood chemistry to monitor its improvement.  In the end (or after three blood chem results) I decided to just restrict myself to a strict diet (and veer away from the daily meds) as the doctor advised anyway:  LESS rice, NO softdrinks, LESS coffee... and some other things i love, i have to give-up--- or at least LIMIT, LIMIT, LIMIT:  peanuts, sweets, PORK (bye, sinigang), BEEF (or any red meat for that matter).  Then FORCE myself to physical activities.  Since I am not a very sporty guy, I decided to take the stairs always when going down, and walk the stretch of Shaw Boulevard after work--- from our office (Puregold Shaw area) to Kalentong, or sometimes up to Starmall.  Yep, it's traffic anyway. I also got a second-hand bicycle courtesy of my ever-reliable dad, and got used to take the stairs of the LRT station going up. Yes, going up!  I also forced myself to drink a lot of water not caring if I go to the restroom more often, and take my daily dosage of buco juice.  After a few weeks of keeping this routine, results are quite pleasant--- I even lost my frequent heartburn!  Now all I have to do is to maintain this discipline unto the coming year.

February 3, 2017

December 19, 2017. pwede na ulet lumamon!

In a few hours, it's going to be a new year.  A couple of things to look forward to for the 1st month of the year:  DJ's 1st birthday; mom's homecoming.  Then, let's take it one at a time.  God is good always, all the time!  As for me and my family, we will serve Him faithfully.

A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Passing Eight Years of 08.08.08

9 years of blessed union

Today, I am being thankful for reaching this milestone in my life as a family man.  11 years ago I met my future wife, two years after we got married.  Today, we have surpassed the eighth year of our marriage.  I'm still treasuring the fact that most people around us see us and regard us as a "perfect couple."  But yeah, nothing, no one even, is perfect in this world.  We do have petty quarrels, word fights, and even misunderstandings--- not a few, but yeah, not too much either.  One thing that keep us stronger each day is the fact that we are both God-fearing, we adhere to the Christian teachings and instructions on how to live a family life.  We love our two kids so much since we consider them as additional blessings to our married life.  Life isn't easy, but we are taking things one day at a time.  Then we realize that by God's grace, we are able to survive all trials that are coming our way.  Many wouldn't think that we are financially struggling as expenses increase and yet my source of income has become stagnant for the past three years.  But it's just awesome to note that we never become empty. We may have less, and lesser, but never empty.  NEVER. God is good all the time that is why I always encourage my family to be steadfast in fulfilling our obligations to the Lord.  There may be trials, yes, but our loving Father will always be there to embrace us.  He is the center of our lives--- our family life.  My kids will grow up faithfully serving Him as well.  Aside from the basic things that we provide them--- food, clothing, shelter, health & education, one of the most important things we will never forget teaching them is to love God above all.  Our faith will be their faith, our values will be their values, and it is the legacy we want them to inherit when time comes that they will need to live independently.  Meanwhile, as we still have this strength and life, I pray to God for a stronger union and a more blessed life with my wife and kids.  Next to God, I love my family more than myself.

Happy 9th anniversary, wifey! I love you kahit para sa yo... "I'm nothing." hahaha! :P

Counting my blessings

started this blog entry at 5:31 PM, last day of the year 2016.  a song says "count your blessings instead of sheep." as much as we want to have all the blessings in the world every year, we can not just have the best of everything.  for this year-ender post, i decided to mention a few not-so-good things but on top of it, count my blessings--- the major ones i consider among the many blessings that God has bestowed upon me this passing year.

after her 2 thanksgiving performances, December 2016

first, i am just too glad to see my little girl perform her duty as a children choir member.  this has been her dream since she was 5 years old.  two years after, she is now a full-fledged chorister.  i just love sundays especially when i see her perform her divine duty.  performing duties in PNK has never been more delightful when you are with your little girl.  there was this time that i felt really guilty for her not being able to perform.  i had to fetch her to church and it was raining very hard, so it was very difficult for me to drive with the car aircon malfunctioning.  just imagine the moist that i had to wipe every few minutes.  when we reached the church, the officers were already holding the devotional prayer and my little girl was already giving me that sad stare.  told her to dress up as we were already late, and that she will just have to attend the worship service.  she cried for not being able to perform for the first time.  it really broke my heart and i felt really, really sorry for it.  i just have to thank God for giving her that conviction, at her young age, to perform her duty as a choir member. with that, proud daddy here!

this year, my team at work was downsized to 4 from an abundant manpower of 9 plus one department head, our team now has become small-scale.  this is one thing i didn't like about my 2016 and i just can't figure out what to do "next" with our current set-up.  looking forward to a "brighter" 2017 and clearer "directions" in terms of my career.

one delightful thing that happened this year is my sister and her family's homecoming in June.  this has been anticipated since last year and i volunteered to arrange a family trip to one local destination.  my choice--- Iloilo!  not only this place is beautiful but i have come to be familiarized with the place because of the numerous business trips i've done.  besides, the dad and the sister wanted to set foot on Guimaras Island.  the city tour went good... i took them to the best batchoy in la Paz market, Netong's, then afterwards took a stop at the nearby Madge Cafe.  unfortunately, we were not able to get an impromptu booking to Guimaras Island but blessing in disguise, we were able to go to a new destination that even i haven't gone to yet until that time--- Islas de Gigantes!  sight was awesome!  just beware since some parts of the water have a good number of jelly fishes.  but overall, the island is paradise!

swimming inside mountain walls

family photo at Islas de Gigantes, June 2016

my nephews and niece missed Jollibee big time! we've frequented the fast food store and they never get tired of it.  it feels so good having our little girl mingle with her ate and kuyas... no language barrier there, haha!!  they get along well with each other and our little girl's being bunso in the family was all the more justified. too bad, things have to come to an end and so the short Philippine visit was all worthwhile!

Lolo Daddy with his three apos.
Missing in photo: Ria who has yet to fly to Manila by this time

cousins bonding at the hotel pool, shaking off the summer heat!

Jolli-baby! First stop of Ria
after I fetched her from the airport

still... Jollibee!

bye bye time, ate dear :)

late this year, i was able to reunite with two good friends from college:  Arman & Rheidell.  the latter who happens to be the dad of my little girl's bestfriend in school and in church.  friendship lives on!  i've been regularly visiting Arman with my two girls in his store assignment nearby our place but it's even delightful to visit him again with one of our good buddies, Rheidell.  too bad PJ can not make it for, yeah, different and numerous reasons... as usual. haha!

one thing i am very thankful for this passing year is God's continuous blessing to me and my family.  very early this year, i felt God's embrace when He gave me back the duties i felt i "lost" when i transferred locale last December 2015.  first, He willed that i be assigned to monitor the dako ng Kapilya in PNK which is not an easy task.  i instantly felt that PNK has become my home in the new locale i went to in the latter part of 2015.  the PNK family in Taytay locale is simply great!  then a few weeks after, i was assigned to monitor a new choir group in the choir department.  not a choir leader, yes, but very much close to it.  and i am thankful for this divine duties entrusted to me in the new locale.  for the coming year, i'm praying that He continuously bless me in upholding my divine duties in the church, and bless my family as well that we may not falter with our obligations to Him. 

#TeamJuniors during the church's 102nd anniversary

#TeamJuniors after the last choir practice of 2016

my Taytay-Kapilya PNK family - "Mahal Ko Magulang Ko"

PNK-Kapilya family after special worship service in EGM locale

more church victories for God's glory in the coming years!

before i end this post, there's one thing i am really, really thankful for other than the spiritual blessings that God has given me and my family.  it's the "little" surprise we all got this year but as this year's end draws near, the "little" surprise is not so little anymore!  wifey will be due next month!  and we are praying for her safe delivery of this upcoming bouncing, healthy, baby.... boy!

double lines!

baby DJ in the house! (bahay-bata)

Thank You, God... for all the blessings You have given us this passing year.  to You we entrust our lives in the coming year and onward.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!  Let's keep blogging.... again! ;)