Probinsyana in Manila

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noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:22:00 +0000

I Remember...

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:15:00 +0000

A poem written by Alvan for me on our 1st year anniversary...

I Remember...

Under the green-bottle light you sleep my dear
The little whispers in my ear
The joy, the laughter and also the tears

One year ago today
We laughed, we cried-- time flew away
A glimpse of heaven they say

God's grace has given us and space
Softly with me to every place
For we'll have all things by His grace
Romans 8:28

Many battles yet we'll fight
And many adventures grand
But I pray you'll always be my side
Till in eternity we land...

Alvanman
08 June 08

Anniversary Get-away

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 05:02:00 +0000

On our first year anniversary, we planned to have our second honeymoon out of town, but since we had an early vacation in Baguio and Sagada last April, we decided to search for resorts near Manila instead. After a week of searching and inquiring, I found a blog and saw the nice garden of Cristina Villas in Antipolo City. Luckily, our friend is holding her wedding in that same Hotel Resort, so she gave us a location map and directions.

We went there last June 12, left the house at around 10:30 in the morning and we arrived at exactly 12 noon in the hotel. We checked-in and rested for a while, ate the mushroom sandwiches that I made then watched Bee Movie. :)

In the afternoon, we explored the place, brought some food with us and spent the next two hours appreciating the overlooking view of Metro Manila while sitting on the their nice swing.

We were not disappointed with what we've seen in the blog, though of course the pix there are nicer than ours. :)

~~~

We went for a swim just before the dinner, enjoying the pool all by ourselves.

They have 2 big swimming pools and a kid's pool in separate locations. We had the chance to see the beautiful perfect orange sunset while we were on the pool, but were not able to capture it on camera.

The landscape is nice indeed, and my most favorite place was their Café Cristina.

I like the interior design and the open space and it was even more beautiful at night when we had our dinner.

At nine, we went to their cafe in the middle of the resort with matured landscape and trees surrounding it. Alvan ordered their recommended chili beef with banana and I ordered the specialty of the house pork binagoongan...hhmmm...yummy for those who love salty food :). The usual entrees range from P130-150, very affordable and generous in serving. After dinner, we had our stroll to see the garden at night with its lights on. Afterwards, we went back to our room to watch two more movies we saved on the laptop.

~~~

The following day, we went back to the cafe to have our complimentary breakfast. Of course the typical pinoy breakfast, silog!

I really enjoyed the love birds near our table and the occasional sound of the frog on top of the lotus leaf on a pond right in front our coffee table.

~~~

Sadly, we were not able to avail a room overlooking Metro Manila because there was a convention ongoing at that time. Ours is in the first floor, still elevated and you can see the trees and the sky (since the hotel building itself is on a hill), but not the full view as compared to the rooms on the 3rd and 4th floors.

So if you are planning to stay in their hotel, make sure to reserve a room with balcony for a more romantic experience.

The hotel is not that new, and it is not a 4 or 5 star accommodation.

We love the resort better, they have open cottages that you can rent for an overnight, ranging from 1000-1,800 for max of 15 pax according to them. The cottages have an attic where you can sleep.
There were areas that are still under renovation, but generally, we like the ambiance and the landscape. The pool is well maintained too.

It was a nice experience to just be away from the city and be alone with my hubby...

I am now starting to think where would we spend our next anniversary get-away :) God willing...

Hi "Frank"

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:04:00 +0000

Five o' clock in the morning last Sunday, June 22, we were awakened by the roaring sound of the wind. Alvan went downstairs to check our kitchen door that kept banging. The howling wind was so strong with a heavy rain. We clicked the light switch, but the the electricity was out. I texted my sister and asked her if there is a typhoon hitting Manila, and she said yes, the name of the typhoon is "Frank". Well, I never knew! all I know was, a day before Bicol was at storm signal intensity number 2 then 3, but got no idea that it was coming over to visit us.

The morning light started to rise so I was able to witness a storm for the first time in my entire life! Really guys, I have not experienced a typhoon in Davao, nor in Iligan, at least none during my stay there.We tried to be still and listen to the raging sound. I would suddenly get off our bed, look at the window, went to the other room, or downstairs, just to look at the storm from different angles :). I was astonished! A bit afraid of course. I saw that the the rain was not dropping downwards, but sideways, as in perfect horizontal direction. We searched the internet when the electricity resumed and found out that it was signal #3 in Manila and the surrounding provinces and "Fengshen" (its international code name) was going north, up to Baguio the following day.

We woke up at 12 noon, wow what a rest indeed! We were not able to attend church that day. The heavy rain lasted until 10 in the morning and the strong wind slowly subsided after that, though the rain was still consistent until the following day. In the afternoon, Alvan and I went to Trinoma Mall because I had left some items in the baggage counter a day before, there we found out that the rail way station was closed, it could have been very difficult for us to travel to Makati to attend church, good thing we decided to stay at home.

Well, I know to those who were in Manila and NCR for a long time, witnessing a typhoon is not a new experience, but for me, it was spectacular!

Click here to view some typhoon pictures.

Caving, Sagada Trip Part III

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:30:00 +0000

The most amazing experience we had was on the last day, the caving!!!

We woke at 6 am the following day, ate our breakfast at Igorot Inn, then prepared for the caving. We were instructed to wear preferably jogging pants or leggings, and slippers, and we did not have what they suggested except for the slippers :).

On our way, we are greeted by the landscape of Sagada.

The walk is only 20-30 minutes away from the poblacion of Sagada to the caves...

We passed by the the cave where there were "hanging coffins", the traditional way of the Igorots to bury their dead, they actually hang coffins that look exactly like logs and not like coffins.

See that?

Those are their ancient coffins.

The next stop was the Sumaging Cave, known for it's beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

The guides have their own petromax, to provide enough light for the tourists. Papa arranged for our guide (P100 per person is the standard rate, should be 1:4 ratio of tourist to guide).

While waiting for our our guide...

And so the caving begun...

Touching, and tasting, and feeling the pure clean ice-cold water

All we can say is "ohhs and ahhhs, and wows"

Mama Zen stepping on the stalagmite, amazed by the stalactite that looks like a banana cluster.

The Turtle

The Pregnant Woman

The Mocha Cake

There are areas of the cave that you can swim in..."

The Curtain

You ask if it's tiring? No, it's EXHAUSTING! But way worth it guys!!!

Two thumbs up! This is a "Must Try" experience. I mean, I've been to several caves already, Sumaging cave really stands out!

So now we know why Papa really wanted us to experience caving in Sagada, 'coz it's awesome!

~~~

We went home in the afternoon, just right after the caving. The last jeepney that travels from Sagada to Bontoc leaves at 1 PM, and it was already full when we arrived at the terminal. We had no choice but to climb up on top. We had to leave that day because we already had tickets for Manila and the Cable Tour Bus leaves at 3 pm from Bontoc. Well, we had the full view of the sky and pines, and the cliff, and the beautiful mountains!

~~~

See also Part I and Part II of our Sagada Adventure.

The Tour, Sagada Trip Part II

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:19:00 +0000

The following day, Papa took us to Bontoc, a neighboring municipality just 20 minutes down from Sagada.

That's me with Bea posing under the early morning sun.

Alvan and the Bontoc Tricycle, he likes to pose beside the tricycle of different places we visit.

This is the place where they used to stay when Alvan was still small...

This is the overlooking view of Bontoc poblacion. On the opposite side of the river is the neighboring town of Samoki.

On our way to the hot spring in the interior of Bontoc.

~~~

On our 4-day stay in Sagada, we kept on looking for the "Frenchman" who was known for his french bread that we tasted when we were in Baguio... but we failed to see him :(

but instead, we found what seems to be a secret garden...

~~~

The following day, Papa took us to Besao, a 15 minute bus ride from Sagada, the place where Papa grew up. This is St. Benedict's Church, where Lolo Alejandro, Papa's father ministered as an Anglican priest.

Remembering and appreciating the wonderful view.

The view from the balcony of Tauli Clan's vacation house in Besao

The vacation house...

~~~

Sagada is a place for slowing down and contemplating as you commune with the beauty of its nature...

Sagada Escapade, Part I

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:17:00 +0000

We're bound for Sagada!
After staying for 2 days in Baguio city, we were ready for our vacation trip!

Alvan's parents invited us to join them on their trip to Mountain Province, the place of origin of the Tauli. Of course, it was really a nice treat from Papa and Mama!

The fare is almost P300 from Baguio, no special trips and no aircon buses.

The scenic view on the way to Sagada...
Rice terraces everywhere, the only way the Igorots could plant rice in this mountainous area.

It was a six-hour trip from Baguio City. But never a boring one, the view is so nice and the air is so cool...

Abundant produce.

Finally, we arrived in Sagada at 2 PM .
After resting for a while, Papa showed us around the town.

This is where we stayed... Alibama Inn.
If you are planning to visit the town, make sure you are ready for freezing bathing water :) Though there are a lot of guest houses and inns with hot shower you where you can stay.

The rooms here are simple but decent and affordable. Do not ask for an air-conditioned room, ok, or else you'll get frozen.

They have a mini-bar and cafe here in Alibama. But I suggest you try different places to eat.

A must-include in your to do list is "food tripping"!

This is the first bistro we visited. Just few steps away from our inn.

The food tastes good and affordable as well, around P135.00 per serving.

I love the ambiance here, the well blended interior decors of native- ethnic inspired, yet with the touch of modernism. Despite the limited space, they we're able to maximize it.

You should not miss trying their homemade yoghurt for P85.00.

Just look at Bea and Mama, aren't they convincing? ;)

The next stop is Masferré Café, just beside the
Masferré souvenir shop.

I could say, we like it here. Papa's favorite pick also after visiting almost all of the recommended dining places. The food is really good!

The service though is not that fast, so if your mindset is metropolitan, Sagada is not for you.

This is our fave spot, table near the window, where we can see the lush green surroundings and the cool foggy climate.

You see, the interior arrangement is very simple, look at that geena earth curtain at the back ;). But the floors, walls, tables and chairs are pine woods, very nice.

Mama always played the piano when we dined here. In this picture, papa was actually singing with Mama.
Maybe it's one thing we like about the place, we were at home.

They also have a small gallery of framed old pictures taken by Masferré himself. He is a well known photographer of his time because of his artistic and original photos of the natives of the mountain province.

This is Bana's Resto. We had one dinner in this place, as recommended by Uncle Matt, Papa's brother.

Well, the food is just fine. Though we regret we have not tried their coffee since their name is "18 days Coffee"
Anyway, good for variations, right?

Most of these cafés are just in the middle of town. Do not worry, you won't be lost in Sagada.

This Lemon Pie House is a bit far from the town proper, but you can pass by here if you are on your way to their amazing caves. Well, the caving details I will show you later.

Anyway, what made this simple snack house special is their uniquely delicious "Lemon Pie."
I have tasted different kinds of pie, but this one is really nice, soft and foamy like an egg pie but with enough sweetness and a tinge of lemon flavor!
You must eat this with their native coffee or their mountain tea, really good! The tea is soothing to the throat, taste like a lemon grass actually.

We were suppose to bring two boxes of the pie as pasalubong, but our order were sold out to another customer the following day :(

Well, this is just the first part of my trip to Sagada...

Door Closed

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:21:00 +0000

"What made you apply here?" that was the most common question asked in my three interviews. My answer was "I believe in what you do, reaching out for the young souls in obedience to the Great Commission."

"Are you not afraid that you would be able to neglect your time with your husband?" was a common question from my friends. My answer, "Of course I am," but both me and my husband are convinced that we will not say NO if the the Lord would call me to the work.

Yes, I did apply for the job despite my apprehension that they wouldn't prefer my background and the fear of rejection because I could not reach the standard set (I did read the job description).

I used to work as the head of one of a church-based program in Iligan. I was a fresh graduate of AB Sociology then, who responded to the invitation of the church to work full time. I was excited despite the hesitation that my parents were expecting me to be back in Davao after graduation to work in a government office. Well, the Lord closed that door by freezing all the job openings due to an upcoming election. I told my parents that it would be just short term, three years maximum.

I ended up enjoying my whole eight-year stay in that ministry. My parents were also supportive though they used to tease me, "You have a really good job, but not a really good compensation." By God's help, I was able to finished my Masters Degree in Sociology while working there. I know that those special people around me knew how much I enjoyed watching the children grow, but the most fulfilling part was to see that the chosen few who became part of the family of God are now growing and serving the Lord as well.

So, why did I apply for another position within that same organization?

Well, I never expected that the Lord would pull me out of Iligan and relocate me in the busy metropolis of Manila. A month after we were married, we moved to Quezon City. My husband accepted an invitation to join a Youth Ministry Organization. When some of the staff knew that we were moving and that we are staying in the city, they earnestly encouraged me to apply, but I simply said that we needed to pray about it first. After three months of informal follow-up, I did submit my application with my husband's permission. Eventually, I was interviewed.

After the three successful interviews, I was selected for community immersion last December. We stayed in the community of the sponsored child, toured around the three projects and observed our team leader. It was really fun to meet new people, especially when you talk the same language! I easily mingled with the family and I hope they will not forget my tinola recipe ;). The things that we were asked to do was nothing new to me for I also have my own share of observing poverty in the rural area where I came from. Some differences: The poor in Manila lack space allocated per person, as part of the problem of this overcrowded city, while the poor in the province enjoys a quite spacious barong-barong and wide open fields. The poor in Manila despite the physical condition of their houses own more than four appliances while the poor in the province consider having a TV a prized possession.

During our evening processing, my colleagues were really amazed at how poor the family of the kids were. There was Nonoy, who shared how he was able to join them in the talipapa to sell their tilapia. My concentration on the other hand was really more on how our team leader conducted her facilitation, and as she did it, we were asked to observed. I also recalled the five other facilitators I have worked with and noted the similarities and differences with our team leader. Much of the work was a facilitation that empowers the church leadership instead of making them dependent to you. It was overwhelming for me just to imagine handling at least eight projects of different leadership structures and styles.

The immersion lasted for six days (we knew it was short compared to the first batch), but it served its purpose. We survived without cellphones and without communication with our husbands. We were supposed to go back to the project after our culmination that Saturday. I asked permission from our team leader if I could go to our training (in GYMN, the organization my husband is involved with) after the culmination, but it ended up that all of us were not able to go back to the projects where we were assigned because the culmination ended at 3 pm. We invited our host families to join which also gave smiles to their faces.

We were told to wait for their call or email by January 2008 for the result, accepted or not.

So I waited...

No call...

No text...

No email...

My batchmate, who became my friend, texted me on the third week of January asking me if I received any notice from the office, because she was asked to report for orientation the following week. I told her I did not receive any. She said "You just wait, maybe they will contact you later this week." At that point I was nearing the conclusion that they did not accept me. But i still waited, besides, they needed five more new staff.

I waited again...

I decided to wait for the first week of February before I emailed them, at least that was what they told us, by January 2008.

Still there was none.

My friend at this point was now on training.

So I got the message, I was not selected.

But why? Are my credentials lacking? Is my eight years experience in the project not good enough? Are they afraid that the I would be too subjective? Those are the questions that flashed through my mind.

Still no information coming from the office.

February 5, I emailed the HR, and the following day, February 6 they emailed me back (amazing huh?). I was not accepted because the selection panel recommended another candidate whose background and qualifications more closely matched the requirements. It's where I got the conclusion that I did not passed their expectations or their qualifications.

At last, they were able to give me closure with the the issue, it was all I wanted.

So how did I feel after that? I thought I was quite disappointed, but I realized that I was really hurt. The Lord allowed me to experience the pain of rejection, of the slammed door right in front of you, the door of your heart's desire.

At that point, I asked the the Lord to enable me to see the result in HIS eyes and not on my own understanding. To see not just the rationale of the situation, but the sovereignty of HIS purpose. It was hard for me.

It became a time of meditation for me.

I asked the Lord to enable me to fell better each day, to never harbor any bitterness and regret.

He is indeed an answering God. Each day that passed was a healing process.

Little by little the spark of light became a beam of light to show me where HE is leading me. I had indeed limited God's way of using me on other areas of ministry. Just because I liked the ministry from where I came from, I thought He would want to use me there. But I was wrong. For He has something in mind, far more than what I have expected.

I am not closing the possibilities that He would still want to use me in a similar ministry, for you simply cannot box God in. But as of this time, my heart is so filled with joy for the entire experience. He allowed me to savor HIM deeply, to experience the realness of HIS guidance in leading me and my husband to the door of HIS best place for where He wanted us to be.

Right now, I work part-time in GYMN Asia and as full-time wife to my husband. We both find joy traveling together all through out the country, meeting lots of ministers and workers who are passionate for the Lord and for the youth!

After three months, I was able to write this part of my life without regret. As I look back on the experience, there is real gladness.

A Night to Remember

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:26:00 +0000

Regalia Tower Suites in Cubao is where we went to last March 7-8 '08. Remember, we won the grand prize during the Post-Valentine dinner. We stayed at room 11 on the 17th floor of the tower facing Araneta Center with its gleaming lights at night and a sweet sunrise in the morning. Ohhh lala, it was a real treat.

The room is not so big, but the space was maximized and looked spacious. Furnished with Cable TV, DVD player, a ref, kitchen corner, a beautiful bathroom with tub, shower, elegant lavatory, and of course complete toiletries. With the price of P2, 995 a night for a studio suite, it was sulit for two. If you have 2 kids below 18, it's free.

Basta, you should bring enough food. We brought with us fruits, chichiria, drinks, swimming attires, and 4 VCD's. We checked-in at 4:30 pm. We stayed longer in the warm water of the nice bath tub than in the cold water of the pool, ;). We took a nap and woke up at 8 pm to find a place to eat in Araneta for dinner. Then we went back to the place and slept late after watching Transformers and Evan Almighty, amazing huh?

We planned to wake up at 5 am for a swim but woke up at 7:30 instead (normal!). We had our delicious complimentary breakfast on the 15th floor, a table near the window. The food tasted nice and the presentation as well. After that, we had a swim in the pool for few minutes and babad ulit sa bath tub to warm our bodies from the cold water of the pool. We checked out at 11:30 in the morning and went malling afterwards.

Despite the not-so-satisfying treatment of their receptionist, the stay was really nice. I booked twice through the phone before we went there only to end up not finding my reservation in their list when we arrived. But the stay was not spoiled, thank God. It was a real treat -- for one, it was a gift, secondly, it was a special day our 9th wedding monthsary. A night to remember indeed!

Do I wanna go back there? Most probably. But we want to to see other condotels also.

The Gift of Giving

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:16:00 +0000

Alvan and I were suppose to get some stuff for my birthday, but eventually decided to give it away to a family who needed it most. So, we said, there will be no birthday dinner in the office and church. Only to find out the following day that the GYMN staff prepared a special breakfast and serenade me! See how the Lord brings surprises.

Really, guys, I was surprised at the same time blessed that you made the effort to prepare a yummy breakfast with my favorite red ribbon mango cake courtesy of all the people here in the staff house!!! Thank you so much guys. Rey was there, knowing how busy he is, yet spent another night just to be with us on my birthday... thank you bay!

In the evening, while Alvan and I were preparing to go to the mall for strolling and for dessert, our friend Rina was here with another red ribbon pastry, a mocha roll!

We still had our evening stroll in the mall before it closed and bought two pairs of bedroom slippers! Just walking and stargazing, and talking, and laughing, ohhh, what a day! I told Alvan, I am so happy how my day turned out, truly, the Lord is amazing!

It feels so good to experience the realness of the words of Jesus, that by giving we are blessed, not by the returns of gifts alone but by act of giving itself.

Leaving 29

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:36:00 +0000

I can't help but think of my last 29 years spent here on earth...

Born in the morning of April 1, 30 years back in the city of General Santos. Grew up in Digos City, southern part of Davao with my loving parents and four other siblings. I went to Iligan with my sister Lala when I was 17 to study. I stayed there for the next 12 years of my life. I worked for 8 years in a Church-based NGO while finishing my post-graduate studies. I got married last year at the age of 29 with my one and only ex-BF for 4 years. We got involved in a youth organization that is why we are here in Quezon City.

Almost 30 years of existence. 912.5 months. 10, 950 days.

As I look back, I do not think any of these events happened by chance. I firmly believe that God Himself has woven all these events to work according to His divine purposes, and for that I am greatly blessed to be a part.

I am leaving 29, for today I have turned 30.

Post-Valentine

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 11:14:00 +0000

It was a romantic dinner, with floating candles and red petals, love songs echoing through the place, and a red rose from my dear. The post-valentine is a yearly event of our church in Makati for couples to celebrate. This year it was held at the Makati Sports Club last February 24, 2008. It was our first time to join.

The night was highlighted with a deep and entertaining message from the singing couple, Pastor Don Espina and his lovely wife. We ended up renewing our vows along with the other couples who were there. I was really moved with the message of Pastor Don, somebody who was so honest of his own mistakes in the 30 years of marriage with his wife. He was able to convey that keeping your commitment to your spouse is your lifelong commitment to your God. He also stated "The relationship of a husband and a wife is the closest picture of God's intimacy with HIS people in eternity," I found that very astonishing!

The event was spearheaded by Jovince and Lia who planned to give some tokens and gifts to the couples, and prepared a grand prize for the winner. We won! An overnight in a condotel! Wow, it was really a real treat.

Well, we're gonna watch out for the next post-Valentine for it's gonna be very exciting, an overnight in a hotel right after the romantic dinner! Of course, as the Lord permits, pastor Don and wife will still be our speakers and coaches! ;)

Cool Bob

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 05:03:00 +0000

Hey guys, check my article about our unexpected meeting with Bob Sjogren, the author of Cat and Dog Theology last February 20, 2008.

I had to write the article in the blog site of Global Youth Ministry Network.

The Doulos Escapade

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 06:53:00 +0000

pic by Kien

The MV Doulos is the world's oldest active ocean-faring passenger ship... she is manned by a volunteer crew and visits sea ports world-wide. The MV Doulos currently holds the biggest floating library in the world.

~from the wikipedia

Wow! I really thought M/V Doulos was such a huge vessel, only to find out that it was not at all! Why am I excited to get on board? It was because my parents told me that they got some of our books and a huge picture Bible from M/V Doulos when it docked in the sea port of General Santos City (my birth place) in the late 1970s. I heard from my parents, that this vessel sailed all over the world, bringing Christian literature to different continents and countries. My Dad often told us that he is so amazed of how God has protected this small ship as it cruises across different oceans.

Finally, I got the once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit M/V Doulos last December when she docked in Manila. We searched the net on how to get to her and planned our trip the following day. I also found out that we are of the same birth year (I was born in 1978, she first sailed in 1978). We took the Quiapo-Kalaw FX, then walked our way through Roxas Boulevard to pier 15, the entrance going to pier 13 . After a 30-minute walk (thanks to a rally!) we found our way to where Doulos was docked. At last, my long awaited dream was about to be fulfilled.

In the entrance booth, we paid P10.00 each and were greeted by an American and a Filipino. When we went upstairs, there were even more of the crew and of different nationalities! In their display area we found lots of books, not only Christian literatures but nonreligious books as well for all ages! Well, we were able to buy a Roald Dahl collection, a very thick book and very new for only P150.00. They also had some kids comics, hardbound, in full color being sold for P50.00 only (we did not buy them). But I am not gonna tell you how much was their Manga Messiah (a very cool anime illustration of the story of Jesus) ;)! We already have copies and bought it a lot cheaper (we are also selling copies for the benefit of GYMN).

I was so glad to have that experience before she stopped sailing, since that was the last trip of M/V Doulos to the Philippines as they are going to retire her soon... so long M/V Doulos, farewell!!!

Yet, I Will Rejoice...

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 08:46:00 +0000

Thanks clbean for the pix.

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
Though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
Though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

This Bible passage is one of our favorites with my hubby, a wedding vow, our prayer that whatever happens, we will rejoice in the Lord our God.

My husband is an electrical engineer but works full time as a youth minister. He loves to work with the youth and anything related to youth ministry. I support him in his ministry. For the last eight months most of the time I busy myself with house chores and taking care of him, full time as what we planned beforehand. I'm so happy and fulfilled in our new life together. We've been married for eight months now, it means, were here in Quezon City for eight months already.

But tough times are always part of life. Times when we are tested of our faith, experiencing the reality of Jesus' prayer "give us this day our daily bread". The humbling experience of just trusting HIM in all our needs, especially me who is not used to doing nothing for living. I tried applying for a job last year but I was not accepted. I was quite disappointed, probably because I really wanted to work, and liked the job as well. It was difficult for me at that time to say "...yet I will rejoice in the LORD.."

It took me weeks to really savor God and see His hand at work in my pride, in my heart. God in HIS sovereign way reminded me once again that He is the One IN-CHARGE, not me. I still have the desire to work of course, but not for me to know where or when, I'm excited to be where the Lord will lead me.

As what I told my friend, it is God's gift and grace to see HIS glory revealed in our pain and in our disappointment, and for that I am truly grateful. In His grace and strength, I say "yet, I will rejoice in You!"

Mayang Bahay

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:45:00 +0000

Thanks to Genista for the Pic.

Your eye is on the sparrow
And Your hand, it comforts me
From the ends of the Earth to the depth of my heart
Let Your mercy and strength be seen

You call me to Your purpose
As angels understand
For Your glory, may You draw all men
As Your love and grace demand

And I will run to You
To Your words of truth
Not by might, not by power
But by the spirit of God
Yes I will run the race
'Til I see Your face
Oh let me live in the glory of Your grace

Herman Dionson shared to us his passion for birds when he arrived from Cebu last week. He lent me his binocular one afternoon so I could clearly see the sparrows on the electrical wires and the one on the roof of the beautiful house in front of the GYMN staff house. I was amazed at the beauty of the sparrow as I watched it closely. I realized nobody seemed to notice these very common creatures. Ptr. Herman said that it is the significance of the song of Darlene Zschech "His Eye is On the Sparrow."

The sparrows or what we call Mayang Bahay are as as common as sand on the seashore, YET, the heavenly Father takes care of them and feeds them. How much more His children whom He loves?... He will not deny His provision.

So why will I worry?

Welcome Back to Palawan

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:34:00 +0000

If there is something that I am really thankful of to Ptr.Roni of PCEC-NYC, it was the opportunity to visit Palawan again. This was because of his invitation to attend an event there -- the Convergence hosted by Life Renewal Church.

The people who came were accommodated by host homes, ours was special in that we were assigned to the Magbanua family. We had a room of our own and the house was located on a hill, around 50 steps from the highway. Alvan and I enjoyed it! But we enjoyed most the hospitality of Ate Nits, Kuya Jun, and Kate who became my textmate and a prayer partner.

The Convergence itself was something new for me, mainly because of the huge crowd of believers coming from different denominations and from different provinces! The speakers were national and international leaders of different evangelical denominations. My favorite? None other than Ptr. Pabs Dionisio who always entertained his audience with novelty songs of his very own making. What I learned from him? The basic principle: "An ampalaya (the Word) a day makes you healthy and well!"

After the conference, we went to the rest house of our friend Windy, 30 km north of Puerto, along with the PCEC-NYC group. The dynamic of the group at first was kind of awkward, probably because it was the first time to most of us to get together with the wives, yet it ended the way God intended it to be.

Alvan and I stayed for another night in the native rest house with Windy, we were able to enjoy the very clear sky with sparkling diamond stars and the beautiful sunrise the following day. I just love the place, the house, the mountains, the beach, and the food of course, not to mention the generous treat of the Arboleda family that made our stay in Palawan very memorable. At that time, they were constructing another rest house, 3 kilometers away from that mountain view rest house we stayed in. This one rested above a bukana.

I'm really looking forward to next visit!

The Rat Race

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:28:00 +0000

photo courtesy of jeggs

July 23, 2007 was our first meeting with PCEC youth workers in Starbucks. It wasn't really that remarkable if not for the unforgettable MRT ride on a Monday morning-- the typical morning rush hour where we were trapped in the middle of the crowded North station, I could hardly breath. Welcome to Manila promdi! At last, we made it. Our first get together with other youth ministers and area coordinators in different cities in Manila, Wow! Lots of people doing the same ministry, I felt like a small fish in a big pond :).

Our First Sunday in CBCM

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:37:00 +0000

July 15, 2007 -- We went to this church on our third Sunday in Manila because of Ate Ruthie (an old friend of mine and a kababayan from Digos) who wanted to see me. The people in the church welcomed us so warmly that they invited us to come back on the following Sunday. Thursday of that week, Ptr. Rene, the pastor of that church invited us for lunch and so we started to get to know each other especially on the area of ministry. The following Sunday, the Young Married Couples (YMC) invited us to their afternoon fellowship and gave us welcome give-aways, we were pleased with their kindness and hospitality. Ptr. Rene, Ate Gene, Ate Venus and Ate Tipen are the people that truly made our souls at home in this church. We've been attending this church since then, not just because they are generous :) but because we've seen that the Lord led us here. This is not a perfect church but I've seen real people who truly love the Lord and a community where love and acceptance is evident.

H2O

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 09:19:00 +0000

Thank you drownedglass for this shot

July 5, 2007 was the day we transfered to our apartment with only two big boxes from Mindanao. We shopped for other needed things and invited the staff for dinner that night for a prayer time. Thanks to Jek who helped us, and the GYMN staff that provided us with other stuff we needed in the house. Some days later we bought a water purifier to be attached directly to our faucet, only to end up cracking the pipe. It was a disaster, we were so thirsty after Alvan's struggle with the faucet that we went to a convenience store at midnight to buy a drinking water! Thankfully, the purifier was attached by our landlord the following day. Oh boy, it was like in my childhood playhouse, but this time I've got a real hubby, hehehe! At the end of the day we were contented and happy for the wonderful experience.

Anywhere, 'wag lang Manila!

noreply@blogger.com (star Etz) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 02:47:00 +0000

picture courtesy of storm crypt

June 28, 2007 at 9:30 AM, our air plane landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. I texted my family and friends in Davao and Iligan informing them that we had arrived safely and were now in Metro Manila. I told myself, "This it, no turning back." With two big boxes and six hand carries we proceeded to Quezon City with Jek, as our sundo.

This is my fourth time to step onto this metropolis but never in my dreams did I wish to settle in a big city. I have always told myself, "Anywhere 'wag lang Manila". I have always imagined this city as polluted, noisy, flooded, filled with traffic, and with lots of working people always on a rat race. Believe me, I cried when my husband went to work and I was left alone in the house. So the week after that, I went with him to his workplace. It made my adjustment a lot easier and I started to see the beauty of my new life in this new place.

Our cute little white house is part of a seven-door apartment in Veteran's Village in project 7. It has a single bedroom, CR, cooking, laundry, a dining area, and a sala that is convertible into a guest room :). I like it! Thanks to the GYMN staff who scouted that place.
We are near Alvan's office and walking distance from SM North, Trinoma, MRT North Station, and Muñoz public market, so we don't spend much on our transportation. The neighborhood is friendly and peaceful also, just like in the province.

The amazing thing is, it's here in this city that I have experienced rest. It is a moment in my life when I do not have to worry so much on the things around me--coping with deadlines and schedules. This point of my life is a gift from the Lord, a time of stillness, quietude and peace leading me to HIS presence day after day... and I am thankful for it. I do not know what's ahead, but I would continue to enjoy my today with my Lord and with my hubby.

And so, here I am in a place I never have thought of living in, but God in His sovereign plan placed me and my husband here for a purpose, and it's so exciting to be part of HIS great work. It's been six months since we arrived, and counting.