February 17, 2012

Every woman dreams of having a fairytale-like wedding. A gorgeous wedding gown, the prince charming waiting at the end of the aisle, the guests, the sumptuous feast, the vows, etc. etc.

And on the 17th of February 2012, one dream came true.

Let me congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Galaraga for a very beautiful garden wedding.

I am so happy for you. Here are some of the pictures taken on the day:

The venue: Thunderbird Resort.

The gentlemen with the groom, Mr. Joshua Galaraga.

The lovely bride, Mrs. Ivy Padilla-Galaraga.

We could not help but to be just in the moment. The married couples who were present? I am pretty sure, in their minds, they were back in the memory lane, each pair retrieving the memories that came about until the special day -- their very own special. The singles? Well, I believe, if not all, most of us pictured ourselves in the groom or bride's shoes, boys and girls (including me, of course) thinking that one day we will be the ones thanking everyone who celebrated with us.

During the reception, I helped charm with the registration. Thanks Mr. Alfred Cabiling for taking these pictures of us.

The very charming Charm and I.

If the beautiful lady on my right looks familiar, then yes, you've seen her in Candy Magazines and on TV. So it's Abby, the beauty queen, I and Charm.

So here's me rendering my best smile because I successfully glued the false lashes. Yey!

Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." -- Mark 10:9

AI 2012

I can't get enough of American Idol season 11. A sea of talent.

Here are two of my favorites:

Group week:

Vegas week:

Why Religion Can't Save you: The Spoken Word

This is the controversial video roaming around the net.

As the bible puts it, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus

What if I told you Jesus came to abolish religion
What if I told you voting Republican really wasn't His mission?
What if I told you republican doesn't automatically mean Christian
And just because you call some people blind doesn't automatically give you vision

I mean if religion is so great, why has it started so many wars
Why does it build huge churches, but fails to feed the poor
Tells single moms God doesn't love them if they've ever had a divorce
But in the Old Testament, God actually calls religious people whores

Tend to ridicule God's people, they did it to John The Baptist
They can't fix their problems, and so they just mask it
Not realizing religion's like spraying perfume on a casket
See the problem with religion, is it never gets to the core
It's just behavior modification, like a long list of chores
Like lets dress up the outside make look nice and neat
But it's funny that's what they use to do to mummies while the corpse rots underneath

Now I ain't judging, I'm just saying quit putting on a fake look
Cause there's a problem if people only know you're a Christian by your Facebook
I mean in every other aspect of life, you know that logic's unworthy
It's like saying you play for the Lakers just because you bought a jersey

But now that I know Jesus, I boast in my weakness

Because if grace is water, then the church should be an ocean
It's not a museum for good people, it's a hospital for the broken
Which means I don't have to hide my failure, I don't have to hide my sin
Because it doesn't depend on me it depends on him
See because when I was God's enemy and certainly not a fan
He looked down and said I want, that, man
Which is why Jesus hated religion, and for it he called them fools
Don't you see so much better than just following some rules
Now let me clarify, I love the church, I love the bible, and yes I believe in sin
But if Jesus came to your church would they actually let him in
See remember he was called a glutton, and a drunkard by religious men
But the son of God never supports self righteousness not now, not then

See because religion says do, Jesus says done
Religion says slave, Jesus says son
Religion puts you in bondage, while Jesus sets you free
Religion makes you blind, but Jesus makes you see
And that's why religion and Jesus are two different clans

Not based on my merits but Jesus's obedience alone
Because he took the crown of thorns, and the blood dripped down his face
He took what we all deserved, I guess that's why you call it grace
And while being murdered he yelled
"Father forgive them they know not what they do."
Because when he was dangling on that cross, he was thinking of you
And he absorbed all of your sin, and buried it in the tomb
Which is why I'm kneeling at the cross, saying come on there's room
So for religion, no I hate it, in fact I literally resent it

Because when Jesus said it is finished, I believe He meant it.

Million Dollar Bill

Used to put this song on repeat. Why too soon, Whitney?

In memory of Whitney Houston

Love.

Love is not blind. We just close our eyes and ignore the truth.

Real love? Well, real love sees through the lens of truth. ♥

Coco Chanel

What makes women happy?

Women should be two things: CLASSY and FABULOUS. -- Coco Chanel

Photos: Tumblr

Beautiful People. Beautiful Things.

Ooohh-la-la!

Last Saturday, some awesome ladies and I threw a bridal shower for Ate Ivy, my Victory Group Leader since 2010. I still cannot discuss much about it since I have not gathered pictures taken during the night. I will have to make a future blog specifically dedicated to it. Getting invited to a bridal shower and doing stuff for the latter make me realize how much I have grown. How time flies, my friends! Next thing you know, you're up. :}

I was clad in a chiffon top accentuated by animal prints + black leggings. There's one of my favorite pairs of shoes to match the top.

Went home to Bulacan last January 21. Finally, fresh air! Teehee!

I was wearing this maxi brown maxi skirt and white tank top.

Bought rings from a friend. These rings validated my addiction with the word ℒℴѵℯ and with ♥.

Credits to Ms. Charisse Ann F. Aquino for the following photos:

Go check here on-line shop by clicking the link: Batik.

You'll discover great finds.

The last picture shows the blessings I have received during the past weeks. I really am more than blessed for having wonderful people in my life. I have a great family. I have awesome friends. And to top them all, I have a BIG GOD who placed these people in my life. :}

Thank you Papa for the Starbucks treat, Mama for being really good at cooking, Momer for filling the the Starbucks card with stickers to get me the planner, The Barrister for the Tryst planner, Ate Kathleen for the pack of yummy instant coffee, Kuya Jonah and Ate Susan for the Christmas gift, Tita Sally for the Baron chocolate, Caela for the bag tag(?), markin for the tikoys wrapped in wrappers (:P), and Kevin for the Lengua De Gato. Bless you all! :}

Hey, this is a lovely photo, huh? :}

Ciao!

The ℒℴѵℯ Month

It is the first day of the love month. Everyone is as hyped as s/he can be. I personally think that it's a wonderful thing. However, as inappropriate as it can get, on this first day of February, I am choosing not to talk on love. Rather, let me relay God's lovely message this morning. But ultimately, I hope and pray that upon reading, you will feel loved. ♥

"This is MY doing" -- 1 Kings 12:24

Reflection:

We have to understand that nothing takes place in this world without the Big Guy's permission. The mere fact that He tolerates these things should make us understand that they are permitted to set in for a very significant reason. A reason, at this present moment, we barely comprehend.

In all the situations that we were in, God was present mainly because they were HIS doings. Sometimes, He even lets the STRONG grow WEAK, the INTELLIGENT appear FOOLISH, and the BEST considered WORST.

But amidst all these things happening around and in us, we have to trace God's hands and tell ourselves that "the pain will leave as we learn to see HIM in ALL things."

To appease your troubled mind and restless heart, let me share this beautiful letter of God to us:

My child,

I have a message for you today. Let me whisper it in your ear so any storm clouds that may arise will shine with glory, and the rough places you may have to walk be made smooth. it is only four words, but let them sink into your inner being, and use them as a pillow to rest your weary head: "This is my doing"

Today I place a cup of holy oil in your hands. Use it freely, My child. Anoint with it every new circumstance, every word that hurts you, every interruption that makes you impatient, and every weakness you have.

The One that loves you most,

God.

(Credits to: tumblr)