Do What Makes You Happy

“Do what makes you happy” ~ A phrase I always hear in movies, at work, in public places and sometimes from people who are dear to me. But how easy is it to put this phrase into action?

When I was young doing things in a heartbeat was so easy. Often times I forget to carefully examine what will be the consequences of my actions. Everything was fine as long as it makes me happy.

As I grow older, especially when I became a mother, I become more cautious of my decisions and actions. I learned to prioritise the feelings of those people around me, most especially my loved ones. Over the years, the phrase “do what makes you happy” has changed to “choose what is right”.

Doing the right thing most of the time contradicts to what will make me happy. But at the end of the day, choosing what is right gives me peace of mind and in turn leads to infinite happiness. 

A Christening Prayer

 A good friend asked me to be her daughter’s godmother or “Ninang”  at her christening. Of course, I gladly accepted it. My friend also asked me to lead the opening prayer. I still said yes even though the thought of speaking in front of a crowd frightens me.

I admit that I was lost while thinking over what to say or how to begin the prayer. I am not a writer like my HS best friend or my daughter who has lots of ideas in her mind. Also, I want to write something special as this will be my first to write something for someone, and then say it in-front of many people.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for this beautiful day as we gather here to celebrate [name of the child]’s Christening. 

We thank you for bringing us together to witness the beginning of his/her journey to Christian life. We pray that you continue to bless and guide his/her parents {and siblings} in helping him/her become a God fearing and God loving person. We ask that you give them strength and patience in their journey as a family. 

We also pray for [name of the child]’s  Ninangs, Ninongs and everyone present here today that they may help his/her parents in bringing him/her up to be a good Christian and be a loving inspiration to others.

We thank you Lord for [names of parents] for sharing their joy and blessings to us through their son/daughter, [name of the child]. 

Lastly, we ask you Lord to bless the food that we are about to share. Bless the people who took time to prepare it and to serve it. May the meal and our celebration nourish our bodies and strengthen the bonds that unite us in love and faithful service. Amen.

To Trust Again

TRUST is one of the most important thing in every relationship, and this is also something that I do not freely give to others. In order for me to trust another person, he/she must earned it.

Once I gave my trust to a person, he/she must take good care of it. Because once broken, it is so hard to trust again. Honestly, I'm not sure if there will be another chance for me to trust that person again.

In His Time

I had the privilege today to witness a new spiritual journey of a friend. Her struggles and how she overcome it were so inspiring.  But the most beautiful part of her life story is how she found God amidst all the hardships she had been through.

True, life isn’t always jolly and bright. Sometimes if I will sum up the good and bad things I have experienced, the latter always outweighs the former. This is very sad to say but it is the truth. However, if we will open our heart and mind to God and lift up to Him all our worries, the yoke becomes light and easy to carry.

In God’s time He makes all things beautiful ❤️.

Practice the Pause

Do you sometimes wonder if what is happening in your life really meant to happen or merely a coincidence? I do...especially when my mind is clouded or if what I have to face is so unexpected.

In times when I do not understand things going on in my life I often resort to prayers and reflection. Most of the time it works but there are also times that I still feel so confused.

A friend once told me that if something is really meant for you it will happen even if you think it is impossible. But if it is not for you, no matter how easy you think you can achieve it, there will always be lots of obstacles. In times when you feel discourage or uneasy, this is the perfect time to practice the pause.

“When in doubt, pause. When angry, pause. When tired, pause. When stressed, pause. When disheartened, pause. And when you pause, pray.”

My AlDub - Then and Now

July 2015 when I joined Twitter and this was all because of my favorite Love Team - AlDub. “AL” stands for Alden Richards; “DUB” for Yaya Dub, a character from Eat Bulaga Kalyeserye portrayed by no other than Maine Mendoza.

It all started with that unscripted smile from Yaya Dub when she saw Alden on the screen. The smile that gave hope to those hopelessly romantic individuals; happiness to those overseas Filipino workers longing to be with their loved ones; kilig to those elderly ones who never thought that they could be young at heart 💓 again. Thus, Alden and Maine truly are deserving to be called The Phenomenal Love Team.

AlDub most awaited movie, Imagine You and Me, brought a different level of hope to many of their supporters, including myself. Many fans imagined that Alden and Maine will end up together. That their love team from reel will be real. Then came their first tv series, Destined to be Yours, a title that perfectly describe their tandem. When they are together you can feel the magic, you want to believe that destiny is real and that they are destined to be together forever.

But as the saying goes every thing has its end. A dreamer has to wake up from his/her dream and starts to face the reality, and same goes with AlDub.

As their fan I must learn to accept the fact that not all stories have happy ending. Alden and Maine deserve to be happy. They should enjoy the freedom to practice their free will. I must respect their decision if they choose to be with someone else who will complete them.

Alden and Maine have done and still are doing their best to give happiness to people on- cam. In return, I need to give them the privacy that they truly deserve off-cam. I still wish, hope and pray that in the end they will end up together. But for now, together or individually my love and support for them will never waver.

When It Is Better To Say Nothing At All

We often hear people saying "It is better to keep your mouth shut if you have nothing nice to say". This is also one of the million advices most parents tell their kids. And I do agree to what this phrase conveys.

First time in 43 years of existence that I was immensely hurt by a friend's comment. I do not see her often and when one time I saw her, the first thing she said to me was "Tumaba ka" (in English you became fat).

I admit that I am fat, I have gained a lot of weight, but it is not my choice that I became fat. I have been sick lately and one of the medicines I am taking contains steroids. My doctor has explained to me the side-effects of the medicine, whether I like it or not I will really gain weight. I would not really mind the comment if I became fat because I am not cautious of what I eat, but this is not the case 😔.

After that short and unforgettable encounter with my friend, I realized that I should be more careful of what I will say to others. Sometimes, a simple 'Hi', 'Hello', or 'How are you?' is more than enough to brighten another person's day 💖.