Yoki's Farm

Classes were suspended because of inclement weather due to the enhanced southwest monsoon and Typhoon Ineng but it didn't stop us from visiting Yoki's Farm in Mendez, Cavite.

It was the first time to see the place for most of us. It rained hard while we were touring the greenhouses where lettuce, vegetables, herbs, and spices are hydroponically grown. The next stop was the mini aviary and the museum which houses a big collection of Chinese artifacts mostly made of brass. My nieces had a great time with their selfies.

Puzzle Mansion

Life is a puzzle. It's up to us to discover how each of the pieces fits together to form a whole.

The owner of Puzzle Mansion was a globetrotter and she was able to collect, solve and put up a world record-breaking collection of jigsaw puzzles of various sizes, formats (2D, 3D, and 4D), and themes (religious, arts, nature, people, animals, destinations, and a lot more).

From a simple hobby, it turned out to be an interesting tourist destination. Getting to the museum from the main road is quite a challenge itself because of the steep service road from the entrance gate but it's worth the trip.

A Mother's Heart

Today we celebrate Mother's Day and I can't help but remember my Nanay and the other moms who have significantly influenced me as a mother. Indeed, I'm blessed to be a mother of two God-fearing individuals. I'm not a perfect mom but I have a great God who is the source of my strength and wisdom. He has given me a supportive lifetime partner who keeps me grounded. Thank you, Lord.

Let me share the message of the choir's song this morning:

Before the light of dawn she will awaken,

And quietly begin her day in prayer.

And with these precious moments that she’s taken,

She intercedes for loved ones in her care.

With all her heart she longs to see her children

Walking in the Spirit of the Lord.

With gentleness and patience she will guide them,

Teaching them to trust His holy Word.

Her love extends beyond all time and measure,

Yet what we see is only just a part.

For children there can be no greater treasure

Than the tender love of a mother’s heart.

Clothed in strength and dignity,

She walks in righteousness.

She gives herself unselfishly,

Her children call her blessed.

Her love extends beyond all time and measure,

Yet what we see is only just a part.

For children there can be no greater treasure,

Than the tender love of a mother’s heart,

Than the tender love of a mother’s heart.

Happy Mother's Day!

Reunited with AIT Folks

It took me a long while to confirm my attendance at the grand reunion of the AIT Alumni Association Philippine Chapter on November 21 at De La Salle University-Manila. I was hesitant because I would be going alone and I didn't know who would be there except for a few friends and
batchmates.

Good decision. It was my first time to get inside the campus and the moment I entered the venue and registered, I felt welcome. I belong and it was heartwarming to see old friends and acquaintances who I didn't see after my graduation in 1991.

I didn't win any prize during the game and raffle but I got to bring home fond memories of the meeting and a book that documents the history of my alma mater and the batches of Filipinos who proudly earned their graduate degrees there.

An Encounter

The word encounter is defined as a verb "to have or experience (problems, difficulties, etc.): to meet (someone) without expecting or intending to." My attendance on the Encounter Weekend in Bailen last week was not an accident. The Lord led me, my husband, and my son, together with six other churchmates to this experience for a purpose.

Truly it was a retreat from the usual busyness and demands of work and other tasks. No cellphone, no internet, no computer, no other tasks except to praise, worship, and be blessed by the experience. I expected to encounter Jesus and I received His revelations. One, I was set free from things, feelings, and memories that kept on hurting me and hindering me from experiencing His great love and blessings. Two, I should go out of my comfort zone. It's not enough that I'm saved. I should keep the flame burning in my heart to reach out to others. Three, I was drawn closer to the Cross and His death for my sins.

The Encounter challenged me to focus on Jesus, learn more from Him through my personal devotion, use my talents, time, and treasure to serve Him, and never get tired of giving my best for His glory.

Freedom. Fire. Focus.