Love Life: Are You Ready?

Everything has its time. It is perfect and beautiful if it occurs according to God’s time. Once, we were children, teenagers, young professionals and so on. These changes tell us that life is composed of phases. You cannot go to work if you are 4 years old. You see, a child at 4 is incapable of performing clerical stuff or formulating a marketing strategy. Can you imagine a toddler complaining how stressful it is at work? Or how terrible his boss is? Similarly, it is not logical for a person to spend his 25-year-old life watching Teletubbies do the ‘Big hugggg!’ At 20 years old, would you ask you mother to brush your teeth? We all understand this because this is superficial. An understatement. So, let us dig far beneath the surface.

Many young people do not really comprehend these phases. No, I was not talking about the aforementioned examples. Of course not.

There are events in our lives that should occur within a specific phase. So here is my story. I was one of those young people. I entered into a relationship when I was 18 years old. My parents did not initially approve because I was young. Just like any other normal parents, they wanted me to finish my studies first. But I was persistent. I thought I knew everything. I believed I knew ‘love.’ The relationship lasted for almost 6 years. If I had to describe it, I would say it was a really good one. But it would have been great and beautiful if I had chosen to obey my parents. I turned 24 years old this year. As I age, I discover and understand more and more why papa and mama said no. Our parents are not exaggerating. They know. Mine were right on so many levels and aspects. I was too young for love. Love at 18? Do not get me wrong. Yes, it was love. But it was not the time for love. As corny as it may sound, it was the time for books and school. The results of the premature relationship? Broken relationships. At a young age, I had to go through the repercussion of betrayal, friendship that turned sour, not knowing what it was like to be single, among others. I completely moved past the single life.

Another thing, I believe significant characters and behaviors are being developed during the single stage. These behaviors and characters are vital in a relationship that if we engage in a relationship too early without having them developed, eventually, we will have a hard time properly dealing with our partners. What will happen is this: while in the relationship, we are developing important characters that should have been fully-fledged at the time. It will just be trial and error to determine what will work. In the process, you will just hurt yourselves and your partners.

Let us not leave out an important topic. Lust. You know the devil is wily. Innocence added to prematurely developed characters = perfect recipe for falling into the traps of the enemy. Young people are very passionate. It is good but dangerous if not handled well. Young people, this is your nature. This passion may be a curse when not used in the proper situation. I have seen and experienced premature love/relationship. It is absolutely a beautiful and perfect gift if entered into in God’s perfect time. If you will notice, it is not absolute. It is conditional. Take note of the qualification ‘if entered into in God’s perfect time.’ I know I am being repetitive but I cannot stress it enough. We have to wait on God. Trust His perfect timing. I have been there and after almost 6 years, I have chosen to be single. I had to stop, go back where I left off. This is it. This is one of my defining moments because it is the ONLY ME & ONLY GOD phase of my life. How can it be wrong? Just like a timely relationship, being single is a beautiful and perfect gift. Do not trust your heart because it is deceitful. Trust God’s love for you. Do not be impetuous. This is not a joke that you can just drop when you are done. If you are going to do it, here’s the caveat: It is life-changing. Positive or negative? Well, only God knows.

DIY Love Necklace

Basically, I just followed the contents of this blog. The chains, however, were not part of the plan so I just looked for an old necklace that I could incorporate with this one. I suggest you wear gloves as shaping the wire may take its toll on your fingers' skin. Mine got blisters. Enjoy!

Mini Soiree

So the family and some friends decided to have this mini social gathering. Tito Vincent and Tita Jojie’s friends came over to just have a good time with us so it was sort of resolutely thrown to accommodate some catching-ups between old chums. Well, the purpose was well-served! They bonded by preparing and cooking all the food for the dinner. We did have a great time I say! All of us. The mini soiree was held at our kubo. My Lolo Oyong and Lola Cerila had it built many years ago. I think their purpose was to bring the family and friends together once in a while. Since then, this kubo has been a witness to many happy Christmases, new years, birthdays, get-togethers, and all. Here are some pictures taken that night:

Papa and Tito Vincent having their never-ending kwentuhan.

Capiz lights? Is that what we call these pretty things?

Are you lusting over the food yet? There’s more! :}

That’s my brother devouring his food.

Family and friends enjoying the food and the night!

Meet the yummy Palabok, salad with mango dressing, and Maruya.

Having trouble in choosing which to eat?

My sister.

Her boyfriend, Din.

Happy me.

Last stop. Desserts! Native all the way.

 That night was beautiful. Laughters hovering. Smiles plastered on the face. Stories overflowing. It was, indeed, a beautiful night. No doubt. There were times when I wish I could stop the clock from ticking, the time from moving. That night was one. But I couldn’t. And no one could do it on my behalf. We only had the choice to cap the night off with something nice. What’s a good way to end an already wonderful night then? A MASSAGE. Ate Hannah, Din and I went to Nuat Thai right after the dinner. ☺

Boracay Getaway

White sand, waves, sea water, shakes, bikinis, and the night life — some few words that automatically pop up when we mention Boracay. It’s been a long time coming!! Finally, I am now licensed to personally testify on the impeccable beauty of Boracay Island. We had been planning this trip for years but things always had their way to meddle, causing us to turn down the inviting island. My cousins from LA even got to see Boracay before us. It was just a bit sad that my tita Crissy and cousin Codi were not able to tag along since they had to fly back to Florida ASAP.
We left Bulacan by 5:00 AM to catch our 9:30 AM flight. Well, it turned out we were 4 hours too early. Good thing Kris Aquino was really entertaining on her morning show. Kris TV showed Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Perhaps, it could be the family’s next destination. I especially loved the food they featured — Pinakbet, Pakbet na pizza, Longganisa, Empanada, etc.
Patio Pacific Boracay welcomed us with necklaces made with shells and soothing glasses of green juice. Patio Pacific Boracay’s rate was P4,500 per night, which was rather expensive because we found out that there were hotels that offered almost the same services for less. But I’d give Patio an 8.5/10. The rooms were pretty, clean, and inviting. The pool’s water was warm. They had a gym and a wall for, of course, wall climbing. They claimed that it’s the highest in all of Boracay Island.
First day was somewhat wasted since we were all drained by the all-day travel. We landed on Kalibo soil at 1:30 PM. Took the bus and boat and reached the appointed destination at around 4:30 PM already.

Second day was much better. Commenced the day with a heavy breakfast with the family. Din, my sister’s boyfriend, took the picture. Hence, his absence. Tita Jojie and Tito Vincent stayed in a different hotel. Would have been so much better if we all had stayed at Patio Pacific.

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I was hoping to say good morning to crispy bacons but they did not serve them that morning. It’s all good, still.

Pancakes, French toasts, butter and jelly, fresh fruit juice, Tawilis, scrambled egg and rice for me. And oh! Add a couple of tasty sausages!

My mother and father being all too sweet. HHWWPSSP. HAHAHA!

 

I felt so blessed to have seen this so early in the morning! Thank You, Lord. I could stay here all day just reading the Shopaholic series!

 

Din and Elisha.

 

 

Elisha.

 

Din and Ate Hannah.

 

Lunch at the hotel.

 

The yummy lunch prepared by Patio Pacific staff.

 

 

Boracay at night.

 

Picturesque.

 

Dinner at CYMA. Thanks for the treat, Din!

 

Lambs. Lambs. Yummy LAMBS! Something Greek for dinner.

 

 

The couples.

 

 The happy happy girl!

The past few days were heavy for the family. The 3-day rest at Boracay was very much needed. I thank God that despite the loss, we were happy. He showed us that there is beauty left in small and big things; it is something to be thankful for no matter what happens.

 

New Glasses

10/25/2012

Five months ago, I went to Executive Optical to purchase my lenses. After getting my eye grade and all, the eye doctor informed me they did not have the transparent ones. So, the circumstance pushed me to consider getting a colored pair since I already so needed them. I relayed my problem to the eye doctor and advised her that if I wanted colored lenses, Brown would do. She said, “Ma’am, meron kaming brown pero Doll eyes lang po.”

Initially, I did not want the Doll-eyes effect as I deemed it to be too much for me. Day by day, however, I started liking them. Then, loving them. What I love the most about the Doll Eyes Lenses is that they may make my eyes look bigger. I realized that they’re not really “too much” if you purchased a pair in earth tones like Brown and Hazelnut.

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Doll Eyes Effect

It Shall Pass

October 10, 2012

I understand that it hurts now.

But one day, you will open your eyes & see that the wound has dried up.

The scar will remind you of so many things in between.

But the first and the last thing it should remind you of?

This: YOU ARE A SURVIVOR.

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My fresh wound says, “Hi!” I got this in the course of saving the lamp from falling. But I have no idea what exactly scraped my palm. And yes, it hurts as badly as it looks. But I know it shall pass so I’m taking it in stride. So don’t you worry, my friend. I know you are tired, wounded and bruised. You have survived so many heartbreaking events in your life. And this one? This one you shall surpass too. You are a survivor, remember? ☺

Here's Joss Stone's live performance of Bruised But Not Broken to go with this blog. The chorus says:

And I'll be alright
And I'll love again
And the wounds will mend
I'm bruised but not broken
And the pain will fade
I'll get back on my feet
It's not the end of me
My heart is still open
I'm bruised but not broken
 

He Is Mighty To Save

Finals week is just around the corner. It shall start on the 16^th of October. This week is what we call the “the calm before the storm.” Most of my classes ended last week. However, I still have LIP on Friday and Sales and Lease on Saturday. Finals week means do or die, at least for me. Sometimes, I look at the circumstances which appear impossible. But… (I love saying BUT especially if it precedes the best part!) Again. But… the Bible says, “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right. But it shall not approach you.” Jesus Christ is the Rock on which I stand and all other ground is sinking sand. And I am not ashamed of sharing this, although it may sound “too religious” to others. Well, I have a God and I am proud of WHO my God is. 

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Studying Sales & Lease

Article 1459 of the Civil Code

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My God is mighty to save. ☺

Best Friends

Been spending a lot of time with my best friends lately. A second spent with them is worth the while. And a life being shared with people who are special and important is priceless. Good times or bad times, I know we know could lean on this friendship. 

I mentioned in one of my blogs that no event in this life takes place without the Big Guy's permission. Well, yeah. He permitted special people to walk out of my life. Still, I declare that He is good and that His plans are perfect. Why? Because He's beyond wise to let those people go so that I could accommodate Ron, Liezl and Maqui in my life. 

We have seen each other cry, laugh, smile, get sad, get mad, lose temper, lose sanity (HAHA!), crash, recover from the crash, decide to surrender, push through, etc. But what I really am extra grateful for is that we did not only witness each other do these things BUT we also did these things together. No one gets left behind. No matter what. If one plummets, the rest shall work together to carry her/him up. We have different views and have different words to say but we all learn from our differences. We accept that we are flawed and imperfect but we do not tolerate errors and mistakes. If one thinks something is wrong, s/he talks it out. And from this, again, we learn.

I know you do not know any of them but I just can't contain it. I must let the world know who they are and how much they matter to me. ♡

When I missed the Yakimix dinner. They're so nice 'no? No sign of cropping and editing and all. :P

Life is crazy enough but with them it is crazier. But I'm not complaining. ☺

We ❤ eating. No. We ❤ overeating. HAHAHA!

College was so fun, exciting and meaningful because of them.

Present: Just like collegeeeeeee!! ♡

There comes a point in your life when you realize who really matters, who never did, and who always will. 

-- Unknown

And this is Liezl doing her thing:
 

Please Don't

Hey Love,

 

 

 

Love,

 Pat

This is Bliss

Meet the newest member of the family. She's so tiny and cute. She's so innocent and pure. She's Xarriah Bliss. ☺

You're a stress reliever, baby Bliss.

A Thousand Miles

Thank God for long weekends! After 3 long months, I finally had the chance to go home, spend time with family, devour home-cooked meals, and go out with my hometown friends. Technically, I have to count my going home last month because of my mom's hospitalization. But ideally... Well, I refuse to consider it as an official time-off since I was not really able to spend time with my family and friends properly. 

Right now, I should be sitting on one of the seats in the classroom while Commissioner Sarmiento examines his folder to look for the one to recite. But I have decided to skip class today because, just yet, I have not agreed with reality on the fact that the long weekend officially ended yesterday.

But how could I ever easily bid good-bye to a place where I always want to be? I guess it will never be easy. Accept it, Pat. 

His Eyes Fixed On Mine

"Suddenly I feel in need of a little reassurance. I turn round and quickly scan the rows of guests, looking for Luke's face. For a few moments I can't spot him, and although I keep wearing my confident smile, I feel a ridiculous panic rising inside me, like a child realizing she's been left behind; that everyone else has been collected but her.

Until suddenly I see him. Standing behind a pillar toward the back, tall and dark and solid, his eyes fixed on mine. Looking at me and no one else. And as I gaze back at him, I feel restored. I've been collected too; it's OK."

Note: This is an excerpt from Shopaholic Ties the Know by Sophie Kinsella.

What Life Points Out

After gazillion years, I finally successfully caught a free day to spend blogging (and reading)! I did present a caveat before classes officially started. Law school has been manhandling us. Never gentle on giving out assignments and cases to read. But I have grown to love it and to get used to it. So this is the point where I stop throwing the tirades and complaints.

Justice For Life.

San Beda is being attacked on all sides. Kaliwa't kanan ang suntok at tadyak ng maraming entities sa paaralan ko na para bang ito naman ang umeexpereince ng hazing. Gayun pa man, hindi ko ito isinusulat at balak ilathala sa internet para ipagtanggol ang San Beda.

All For Love

All for LOVE my Father gave. For only love could make a way.

1 Corinthians 13:8

My 23rd Birthday

Yesterday marked the 8395th day of my existence. The day prior to my birthday, three of my friends surprised me by coming over. All the way from Pasig, Alabang and Marikina. Cheers to a great friendship! Momer brought in my most favorite food in the world, PIZZA. Say hello to a happy tummy. ☺

Spreading love on my birthday❣

Got Fringe?

Because someone has been requesting for its comeback, please say Ola to my bangs. Thank God for giving me the courage to muster all my guts to cut it. It was not the first time, yeah. But I EXCEEDINGLY did not want to mess it up. Thinking of doing the same? Here's the video that helped me most.

To The Men Who Make Us Better

  You belong to the "I can't live without." 

Something Blue

“Love and friendship. They are what make us who we are, and what can change us, if we let them.” 

― Emily Giffin, Something Blue

Candy Nails

Hey ladies! Well, I can almost hear school saying 'Ola!' In my case, classes are to start on the 13th of June. My brain will start to involve RAs, articles, cases and the never-ending issue on the QPI in my blogs in the coming weeks. But for now here is something you can personally do as it is easy, interesting and fun. You can do this in less than 1.5 hours if you are used to applying polish on your nails. If not, you might have to perform some redos here and there. Or you can do this as a group, say, with your friends. You can ask your girl friend to apply the polish for you and if she needs your help, return the favor. Let's make your nails look yummy!!!

What you will need: