The Not Too Small World of Mia Macam

A Woman Named Amor Infante

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 02:17:00 +0000

Last Friday night, I accompanied my brother-in-law to the ER of a nearby private hospital. While waiting, a woman called my attention asking if I could help her put down her bed as it was raised up. I then called a nurse. After the nurse left, the woman, whom I believed is in her late 50's or early 60's, would keep asking me for the time. I sensed that she'd like to talk so I went near her and I already knew that God is touching me to give her some help. This is her story, as I asked her and as she narrated in tears.

She kept asking for the time because according to her, the hospital would let her go as soon as her blood sugar level go down, that she was only accepted when the nuns allowed her. She is a diabetic. She showed me her left leg that is already amputated. She lives in Luneta, by herself. She begs. She was able to go the hospital because a taxi driver took pity on her and brought her there. She wasn't able to eat properly for days so she was on a dextrose. And she has a wound on her right leg that she was worried about. She kept asking the doctor if they could give her medicine for her wound. The doctor was saying that she has no medicine with her, that her medicines are in her house. But since the woman was insistent, she was given two small containers with cotton soaked in betadyne. She is from Samar. She came to Manila to work as household help until she got sick. She is single. She narrated how difficult it is to live alone in her condition, with nothing to buy her food and medicine. She wanted very much to go home to Samar as she has a brother there. In her desperation, she did ask the bus liner if they could let her ride for free. I asked how much is the fare going to Samar, she said it was 700 pesos. Before this, I already gave her money and told her to use it to buy food and medicine. My brother-in-law is already being discharged so I needed to go. I got her name and told her that I will be praying for her and if there'll be a chance, I may look for her in Luneta. I wanted to pray for her then but there was no more time, so in haste, I told her to pray and have faith in Jesus that He will help her. She said, "Sana nga...", meaning "I hope so".

That night, I told the story to Eve and we prayed together for her. I hope the woman realized that night, that I gave her more than enough so she can go home to Samar. And I am hoping she is now with her brother and family. My mother is also diabetic. However, she already know Jesus and she's not afraid to go anytime. But Amor doesn't know Jesus, yet. And perhaps, I will never know if she will ever get the chance to hear about Him. Nevertheless, I will continue to pray for her. There are people we get to meet just once in our life. Some of them, I believe, happen because of divine providence. To God be all the glory!

Anne's Breakthrough!

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:25:00 +0000

We are so happy! We are finally free from diaper expenditures. That's me according to my accounting (lol). For Anne, it's her major breakthrough - from diapers to the toilet bowl, bypassing the potty chair.

For about 4 months now, Anne had not been using diaper throughout the day and even throughout the night. We are really amazed that at her age (2 yrs & 5 mos), she can control her bladder and doesn't wet the bed. But she only pees and poos on a diaper. So when she says, "Poo poo", we let her wear a diaper then she would immediately squat and do her thing. So many times we tried to potty train her. Yes, she would sit down on the potty chair, but she just wouldn't pee or poo. She can and will control it until, in the end, I will be the one to give up because I know it's going to be unhealthy for her. This happened several times that I get frustrated each time and I felt she knows it.

Yesterday morning before she woke up, I hid her remaining diapers. Previous days, we've been conditioning her that there will be no more diapers and that she had to do her thing on the potty chair or on the toilet bowl. She had seen how her jie jie (elder sister) does it on the toilet bowl, she did try it before but to no avail. So when she was asking for a diaper yesterday, I said "No more diapers." She went looking for them and finally accepted there were none. She sat on her potty chair but she couldn't do it. I let her squat on the toilet bowl, still she couldn't. When I bathe her, I carried her and held her for quite a time for her to pee but still she couldn't. It's already becoming unacceptable and I am already tempted to give in. Around 130pm that afternoon, she again said "Poo poo.." so I let her squat on the toilet bowl, we waited for sometime, and then she went. We were both ecstatic. Anne was saying "See!" She kept on saying "Yeh Hey! Pee chair" while clapping her hands. I couldn't wait to tell the good news to her papa and jie jie. They too didn't believe it until they saw it themselves.

That was yesterday. Today she poo pooed. And while looking at her poo poo being flushed away, she says "Bye bye poo".

Anne's First Thanksgiving Prayer!

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 22:57:00 +0000

Remember I chronicled some of my sweet memories of Eve? Now as they happen, I want to post right away whatever little or big thing that that my two kids did that I would want to rave about.

And I am raving about Anne's first ever meal time prayer. It happened last night. We were all gathered at the table and we said "Pray!". With this cue, usually Anne will fold her hands, would seemingly closed her eyes and mumble some words and then somebody among us will lead the prayer, wherein she does not wait for the prayer to be finished but would start picking on some food on the table. But this night was different, the moment we said "Pray!", she started saying "Bless Papa, bless rice, bless carrots..." We all looked at each other, grinning with surprise at what we just heard. It was a family moment for us, specially for Eve as she was the one beaming about it.

And so, I just I want to let Anne know and put on record one of her firsts in her life, with her Lord. She is now 2 years and 5 months old.

When Anne Gets Sick

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:21:00 +0000

As of this writing, my Anne is still down because of pneumonia, but she is doing much better as compared to yesterday where her heart rate had increased alarmingly and talking was impossible for her, if not painful, due to her rapid and labored breathing. We rushed her early morning to the ER of the nearest hospital for immediate medical care. After 2 hours, we were allowed to go and continue her medication at home. Good thing, at her age, she's so cooperative in drinking her medicines and even likes to hold the nebulizer by herself. Late in the afternoon, her condition improved drastically that she was already being her playful and talkative self.

This brings to mind how Anne had been so sickly last year that she was hospitalized twice, which happened about two weeks apart from each other that even some of the hospital staff still recognize us. First time for pneumonia, second time for acute viral infection which initially was thought to be kawasaki disease because she exhibited some symptoms. This was a scare to us because this disease was rare. It complicates the heart if not treated right away. Moreover, the treatment is so expensive. God, by His grace, did not allow it to happen to Anne. She was discharged because her symptoms were not enough to be diagnosed as kawasaki.

Like any storm, sickness comes and goes. And to us believers, there is always a reason why God allows such things to happen. I believe, God deals with each of His children differently. It's just up to us whether we'll take them as punishment where we come out more bitter and miserable, or look at it as going through the furnace where we come out more refined and more equipped as ever to go through the next test. As for me, I always say to God that as long as He is with me, I will fear no evil. Psalm 23.

God, In His Mysterious Ways

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:45:00 +0000

Time and time again, our God would manifest Himself to His children when they need reassurance of some sort. As for me, He did this just very recently in such an unexpected way. Well, I had been going through something and I had been crying to my Lord about it. I received an email from a college friend whom I have never seen or talked for at least 11 years now. She was not a Christian then, but she is now. I was overwhelmed by her message which I want to post here, so I may go back to it every now and then.

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Hi Mia. How are you and your family. I dreamt of you last night. We were together and waiting for a bus or a ferry which I am not sure of. But we are about to go somewhere else. While waiting for our transport, we were talking how Alvin has taken cared of you. From what I can remember, you were telling me that you had an CF operation. Whatever that means. Then, we were called to go. There were a sack of gifts that will be distributed, looks like christmas wrappers but were colored red and green. Then we saw, Jenni-Lea, a former classmate of ours and she was crying. Then I woke up. =)As for me, I am now in Australia. For about 6 yrs now, I've been walking closely with the Lord. I still remember, you sent me a letter back in college about the Lord and where we wanted Him from our house. Thank you for that sis. More and more, am going back to my past and knowing the different people that comes to my life were a gift from Him to protect me and direct me.I've been reading a few of your blogs, did you know as well that I'm volunteering for World Vision here and is supporting a child in Cebu.I pray for your families protection always. May He bless you more and be an example of a christian family.

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I consider myself "little" in His eyes. Even then, this made me realize yet again, that He does indeed care and He thinks of me as well. It is just amazing! I am inclined to believe that this dream is prophetic. That is what I told my friend. And perhaps God is telling me to prepare for such eventuality. But until then, I will continue to trust in His unfailing love.

Anne's Dictionary

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:56:00 +0000

Anne is now 2 years and 4 months old. At this time, these are her milestones:

she can now count 1 to 20 in English and 1 to 10 in Mandarin
she can now sing the alphabet song and can identify some letters as well
she can identify some colors - blue, red, yellow, green
she can identify some shapes - circle, triangle
she can identify left and right hands, feet
she can remove her socks by herself
she can undress by herself
she keeps her toy sometimes (without being told to do so)
she can now clearly say some words and phrases in English and Mandarin, and her favorite phrase nowadays is "don't like!" or "bu yao!". Most times I regretted teaching her this, lol.

However, there are some words/phrases which she has difficulty pronouncing. Here are some of them and what she really means by them:

ki me - excuse me
tababat - take a bath
tebabak - put it back
lab ooh - love you
wah fu face - wash your face
praisen - praise him
seep - sleep
apow - apple
badidis - vitamins
epers - slippers
mek - milk
cololate - chocolate
i cream - ice cream
jabibee - jollibee

sweet, sweet Eve...

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:58:00 +0000

This is going to be one lengthy post. Every now and then, my 8-year old Eve and I engage in fights and arguments. But this post is not about those times. I will write about such, some other time. Now, I want to detail some of my fond memories of Eve, which I had been wanting to write down in a journal so I will never forget. Now that I can do so through blogging, I resolve, that from this day forward, I will write about Eve and Anne, so that someday, when they will ask me to tell stories about them, I will just say to them, "Just read it all in my blog." (lol, just kidding). Seriously though, kids will not be kids forever. And as they say, we only got one shot at parenting for each child. It's not like a project that if you messed it up, you can start all over again. So parents really need all the heavenly help they can get. Anyway, as I said, here are some stories about Eve....

How She Learned to Pray
I taught Eve how to pray as soon as she was able to talk and understand. The easiest prayer for us then is one which involved praying for members of the family whom she was already familiar with. So I taught her to copy me or follow me, word for word. For many nights, our prayer went like this, "Jesus, please bless papa, bless mama, bless tita, bless lolo, bless lola, bless mommy, bless daddy, and bless me." And now, this is how Anne prays.

Her First Prayer by Herself
It was dinner time. I, Alvin and Eve were gathered at the table. We asked Eve to pray. She obliged and went on to pray with no help from me, "Jesus, please bless papa, bless mama...(and so on)". It was just natural for her to pray like that. But we were happy about it, so we taught her a simple thanksgiving prayer.

Her Thanksgiving Prayer
Ever since we taught her how to pray at mealtimes, she will always pray like this: "Jesus, please bless our food. Thank you for the rice, thank you for the fish, thank you for the water...(and so on)" Good thing though, for a family of 3, we only have 1 or 2 viands on the table so her prayer doesn't take long. But whenever we go home to the province and she is asked to pray during mealtimes, she will go on thanking Jesus for every item she sees on the table, which is quite a lot. As simple as it is, it is also quite profound because it makes us realize that most often than not, we fail to appreciate God for most of the little things that He provides and do for us.

Her First Prayer in PreSchool
She was 4 years old when we let her attend a preschool. It is a Christian school. Every Monday is the general assembly for all preschoolers in all 3 levels, around 70 students, more or less. They would gather at the school grounds for the singing of the national anthem, prayer, announcements and so on. A teacher will usually ask for a volunteer to lead the students in prayer. One time, Eve raised her hand. I was glad and at the same nervous for her. I didn't know how and what she will pray about. Although she was using a microphone, her voice was soft, and I heard her start her prayer by saying "Jesus, please bless our food..." And then the teacher behind her, helped her out and whispered to her what to say next. I told this story to a parent-friend in the school, who arrived late that day and missed the whole thing. And she told me, that it's ok. And yeah, I realized that it was indeed alright. What matters most is that Eve was not scared to pray at all. Eventually, as Eve grew up, her prayers also grew with her.

Her First Memory Verse(s)
She was 3 years old then, and she was able to memorize the whole Psalm 23. Alvin was working then in Malaysia. Everynight, I let Eve memorize 1 verse. And everytime, Alvin calls, Eve recited the verses she already memorized. We did this until she was able to recite the whole chapter from memory. Over time, she had forgotten some verses, but I still let her recite it from time to time.

Her Most-Loved Bible Story
It's the story of Jesus when He healed a lame or paralytic man. This is in Mark 2 and Luke 5. For many nights, this is what she wanted me to read to her before going to sleep. I'm not really sure why Eve liked this particular story. Maybe because of the illustration of the man being brought down to Jesus by way of an opening on the roof. Maybe it was intriguing to her. That was when she was 3 years old. Now, whenever I mention it to her, she doesn't remember it anymore. Time flies really fast, and so does our memory.

One Time She was Sick
This is my all time favorite, so far. She was 5 years old then. They had just finished last quarter exams in school, and then she got sick. Her fever went on and off for several days, visited the doctor several times, although the doctor said, there's nothing serious about it. As a mother, it breaks me to see her sick, frail and helpless. She wasn't attending school then, although they were only practicing for recognition day. And we thought, that she won't get well in time for that day. Anyway, one afternoon, I was so sad and frustrated of her condition. She was lying down on my lap, I told her that we should pray again. So I closed my yes, I was praying aloud, crying to Jesus to make her well now and telling Him that we are not going back to the hospital again, and so on. When I finished praying and opened my eyes, she was looking at me and said "What did He say?" I was taken aback. I was not expecting her to ask me such question. But I smiled at her and said, "He said yes. Jesus will make you well."

One Time Her Sister is Sick
She was 7 years old. It was sometime November. She was having piano lessons every weekend, and we had plans to attend a birthday party one Saturday and attend the church's anniversary that Sunday. Anne, who was then 1 year and 6 months old, was sick. I was attending to Anne then I didn't know what I was thinking but I said something like, "Anne, give your fever to achi (elder sister)." Then Eve reacted right away by blurting out to me, "How can I go to my piano lessons, to the party, to the PICC?" (this is where the church will hold the anniversary celebration). Again, I was surprised, so I immediately took it back and said, "Ok, give it to Mama then." And then Eve reacted so strongly by saying, "Why to you? Give it to Jesus!". So I then simply said, "Please Jesus, take away Anne's sickness, amen." It was a very simple and innocent statement coming from her, but it greatly moved me because for us adults, it is already a declaration of faith in our Lord Jesus.

the Bible, the Bible, more precious than gold!

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 03:04:00 +0000

Yesterday afternoon, we attended a children's party. The day before, we went out to buy a present for the celebrator who's turning 1 year old. We already know what to buy. It's just a matter of looking for the perfect one. Eve said to me, "Mama, how come whenever we attend a party we always give a bible for a birthday present?" So I go on explaining to her that every kid should have her own bible. It is the most important possession a person could have. Just like her, I told her, she received a bible as a present for her 1st birthday and how it have been so useful to her and to her sister, for some time. It doesn't matter that it's now a bit tattered. It's just a shame though that I cannot remember who gave it to her. The giver failed to write a dedication on it. I really appreciate him/her whoever that kind soul is. Now Eve and Anne have new bibles. I had my sister buy in Singapore which catered to their respective age group. Eve already has a regular bible which she uses every Sunday for KidZone Church where they are trained how to use and find verses in the bible. But for a kid her age, it's still quite a bore for her to sit down and just read from it, with no illustrations to engage her imagination and with hard-to-understand words, phrases and sentences. However, with her new bible, there are times when I had to stop her from reading so her eyes could rest. As for Anne, she likes the colorful illustrations in her bible. I like them too. For now, she's not interested in the stories yet. But that's ok. Eve became attentive to the stories when she was 3. Anne will have her time. What's important now is that, she is familiar with it, she asks for it every night at bedtime, and now she can say the word "Bible" very clearly. Bit by bit, she's getting to know Jesus.

Apple or Pear?

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:02:00 +0000

Lately, I have been exercising and painfully doing crunches in my attempt to shed off some excess fat in my tummy. Well, it looks disgusting already, at least for me. I'm a size XS or S, so my tummy and sides really show themselves so proudly under my shirts. Although, compared to other women, my problem isn't really that big yet. But I know, sooner or later, if I don't take control of it now, it will pose more risks to my health, now that I have discovered that I have an apple-shaped body. I've learned that though my BMI (body mass index) is within the Normal range, (calculate your bmi) the bmi isn't really a barometer of how healthy one person is or how much body fat does one have. In fact, this book (Big Fat Lies by Glenn Gaesser) I am currently reading on the web says that it's not the total body fat which you carry that is important rather, it's what area in your body are those body fats stored which will give you meaningful information about your health. Here are some things I've learned from my internet research:

Apple-shaped people means that they have more fat stored in their stomach, abdomen and chest whereas, Pear-shaped people have fat stored in their hips, thighs and bottoms. Studies show that being a pear is better than being an apple, that is, fewer health complications for the pears. It's in the kind of fat that is stored, whether it is good (subcutaneous fat) or bad (visceral fat or deep down fat). The pears have the good fat whereas the apples have the bad fat. Although the apples also have subcutaneous fat which is just beneath the skin, what pose health complications are those deep down fats that affect one's internal organs when they become coated with them, like the kidneys, liver, etc. Also, it is near the heart. That is why studies show that many apples are hypertensive, diabetic and afflicted with heart diseases. Good thing though, it is said that visceral fat is the easiest fat to burn, so consistent exercise is needed so your body won't lose the ability to burn fats.

So are you an apple or a pear? If you want to know, then take the waist-to-hip ratio test. Take your largest waist measurement divide it by your largest hip measurement. No cheating! Don't suck in that belly. If the ratio is 0.8 or below, then you are a pear. Otherwise, you are an apple. Well, I am an apple, so I really need a change of lifestyle.

The Big Fat Lies book is a good read. There are lots of information you can get there, so I do recommend it for the health conscious people like myself.

Anne's 1st Activity Paper

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:20:00 +0000

This was Anne's activity paper last Sunday in KidZone Church. I am posting this particular paper because it was the first one she colored all alone, by herself. With her previous works, I had to, of course, help her out, guide her little fingers, tell her what colors to use which in the end, it becomes more of my work than hers. But now, she chose the colors she liked to use. She didn't care for my suggestion of colors anymore. :=( But that's ok.

Eve had a lot of these activity papers before, which I had kept for a time and now have been recycled somewhere. I want to say sorry to my baby. I know, someday she'll be reading this blog. I want her to know that in the same way her mei-mei goes through this stage, that she had gone through this as well, and I had been with her, proud mama all the way.

Updates on RPP

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:21:00 +0000

RPP, my family's future yet temporary home, is finally in DMCI's website. Since we weren't able to visit the site for sometime, it was important for us to know more on the construction updates. Good thing, the website includes such. Our unit is in the Kata Building, and it's scheduled turn-over is on May 2009. So it says now that it is at least 10% completed. By the way, don't be mistaken, the buildings you can see behind the constructions is Rosewood Pointe, another completed project of DMCI.

If you want to know more about this project, just visit this link which directs you to the construction updates http://www.dmcihomes.com/project.php?id=735&v=4 . And you can also see and know more about the project with regards to Product Concept, Distinct Features, Location and Vicinity Map, Site Development Plan, Building Features, Unit Features, Amenities and Facilities and lots of photos.

What I've Been Eating (& Drinking) Nowadays...

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:40:00 +0000

With my age now, and with a history of diabetes in the family (I actually had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with my Anne which went away after giving birth), I am now becoming more conscious of what I eat.

In the morning when I get up, I drink a glass of water. I got this from my sister, Tett and Div. Apparently, drinking water on an empty stomach has its health benefits. Read from here http://www.knowledgebase-script.com/demo/article-113.html

After sometime, an hour or so, I prepare fresh calamansi juice. I've learned from a doctor in one tv show that calamansi is not really acidic, actually it is an alkaline fruit. And it helps in alkalizing our body. Ever since I started drinking calamansi juice, my craving for coffee in the morning also went away, though I know that coffee also is an antioxidant, my coffee blend is more fatty I guess because I put too much cream. You can read more about the calamansi fruit here in this blog http://www.gonatural.com.ph/blog/?p=148

I also started eating avocado again. I love avocado but I stopped eating it when somebody told me before that it is the most fattiest fruit. Anyway contrary to this belief, it does contain a lot of fat but it is monounsaturated fat which is good for the body. Anyway, read more about it in this blog http://www.gonatural.com.ph/blog/?p=80

If you want to eat a chocolate, be sure it's dark. We had this big Cadburry dark chocolate that had been sitting in our fridge for sometime already. I don't eat too much chocolates anymore because of my fear of diabetes :=D. Anyway, since nobody likes this particular chocolate, I chopped it to small bite size pieces which I nibble every day until it's no more. Now I buy the Dove brand. What can dark chocolate do for us. Just read here in this blog http://www.gonatural.com.ph/blog/?p=115

I also drink 2-3 cups of green tea or black tea during the day aside from water. Research shows that green and black tea has numerous health benefits for our body. You can find a lot of references here in the web.

Also, I am a strong believer of Virgin Coconut Oil, so much so that even our shampoo and conditioner are those which has VCO. Our baby oil, which my two kids use, is also VCO. For some time, I did take 2-4 tbps of VCO daily for about a month. It's hard to swallow, so I follow it up right away with banana fruit or just anything to remove the oily taste in my tongue. I experienced cleansing during the first few days because I poo-pooed several times a day. After that, I just had regular bowel movement. In cooking, I now use coconut oil also as replacement for canola oil. I've been using canola oil for the longest time as it is supposed to be healthy. But I now shifted to a healthier oil.

There are many dietary food supplements flooding the market nowadays. Others are even quite exorbitant in price. My mother is taking one such kind. I've been encouraging her to take VCO but she said she can't swallow it. As for me, my philosophy is that, I'd rather take something natural, rather than food supplements in the form of tablets, capsules or juice, which I am not sure if it really contains what it say it contains. Coconut oil is a good fat, contrary to popular opinion. Clinical evidences indicate that it protects agains heart disease, aside from rom being able to cure other illnesses. In the book I am reading, it describes coconut oil as "the drugstore in a bottle". I'll share more about VCO next time.

God's Got a Book!

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:31:00 +0000

Yes He does! And it's called the BOOK Of LIFE.

If you have known of the eternal security doctrine or more commonly known as the "Once Saved Always Saved" doctrine (OSAS), then knowledge and references to God's Book of Life is one way of countering this belief.

There are numerous argumentations you can find in the web regarding this, for it and against it. If you are a Christian, then you should seriously contemplate on this and decide on which to believe in. I for one, have just recently made up mind. During one of our pastor's preaching, he briefly touched on this subject and clearly pointed out using references in the bible, that even though your name is already written in the book of life which happened when you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, God can still erase or blot out your name.

Exodus 32:32 But now, please forgive their sin -- but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written. The Lord replied to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of the book."

Psalm 69:28 May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.

Revelation 3:5 He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.

Surely we know how extremely important it is for our names to be retained in God's book as the bible also says that only whose names are found in the book of life will enter heaven.

Daniel 12:1 But at that time your people -- everyone whose name is found written in the book -- will be delivered.

Revelation 20:15 If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Family Day at Water Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 02:28:00 +0000

For our last minute summer outing, before Eve goes back to school, we went to Water Camp, Kawit Cavite last Saturday. Previous days, I have been scouting at resorts where we can go. It should be very near Manila so that driving for Alvin won't be very stressful. Most resorts I've checked don't allow food to be brought inside. So come Friday, since Splash Island is the nearest place I've found, we have decided on it and so I've not prepared any food to bring along for barbecue or cookout, just some juice in tetra packs and chips to be eaten during the trip. Come Friday afternoon, Alvin told me that his officemate suggested Water Camp as they have been there already and said that the water at Splash Island is already dirty and greenish at this time. I looked it up on the net http://www.watercampresort.com/ and found out that they allow food to be taken inside. But, by this time, it's already too late for me to buy and prepare anything.

We were early next morning and already on the road by 630am. I believe we've reached Water Camp in less than 30min. We were one of the very first groups to enter the resort and got to choose our table. Because of you come in late, you have no choice on the tables or may not have any table anymore. The resort opens early. You can walk around and play while waiting, because the pools open at 8am. Eve and Anne brought their own pool floaters. There are no floaters you can rent there so you have to bring your own which you can inflate there.

It's really a shame we don't have any food to grill. All the other families around us are doing their own barbacues, just enjoying their cookouts. And we became so hungry with the smell of grilled meat all around us. We got to eat lunch at their canteen which offers delicious and very affordable meals. Anyway, Eve and Anne had fun, that's what is important. And Anne, who's just 2 y/o, kept on saying "bath! bath!". It was only then she learned of the word swim. :=)

Go Philippines!

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Sat, 24 May 2008 13:56:00 +0000

The above voting process is from the official website http://www.new7wonders.com
There are 4 nominees from our country which as to date of writing have the rank as follows:

Rank #6 Tubbataha Reef http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/TubbatahaReefReef/
Rank #8 Chocolate Hills http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/ChocolateHills/
Rank #10 Subterranean River http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/PuertoPrincesa/
Rank #20 Mayon Volcano http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/MayonVolcano/

In voting, your email address count for one registration but you need to vote for 7 nominees. Just don't forget to include all our 4 nominees. Based on the voting procedure, shortlist of 21 candidates will be announced on January of 2009. Voting will then continue throughout 2009 to 2010, afterwhich, the new 7 wonders of nature will be declared.

Death Conquered

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Wed, 07 May 2008 03:23:00 +0000

I found this interesting site on the web http://www.deathclock.com/. Apparently, it can tell the specific date of a person's death. You just need to indicate some personal details. So the information above is my personal day of death. Sounds freaky? Personally, no. This is every man's destiny. Ecclesiates 7:2 says "..., for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart." Yet I know, this isn't the exact date, God can take me anytime, anywhere, anyhow.

I heard news from my sister that her husband's 94-year old lola passed away. Even though we know that she is already with our Father in heaven, still, family members can't help but feel sad. It is human nature. It brought me and my husband again to our favorite discussion, as to what age we prefer to die. The lady has been bed-ridden for quite a long time already. Likewise, my husband's lolo is almost 90 years old. He has no illness, still able to walk around with help though not very strong anymore. Yet whenever we go visit him, he would say that he wants to die already. It must be really hard living each day, just waiting for your hour of death to come. This is something that my husband and I wouldn't want to go through. Well, it's just our wish. God is still in control.

However, WHEN is not really the most important question here. But WHERE? Yes, there is life after death. And it is an eternal life. Forever! Eternity in heaven or eternity in hell. There is no place in between, contrary to popular belief. There is a way to be certain, now in this lifetime. It is a personal decision though. No doubt, it is the most important decision one can make in his/her life. May no man tarry.

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

For the Love of the "Khmers"

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:02:00 +0000

You may be wondering what is this and why am I blogging about this. Well, this is the map of Cambodia, more aptly called The Kingdom of Cambodia. A citizen of Cambodia is usually identified as Cambodian or "Khmer". My elder sister is there right now with her husband along with two other companions. NO, they are not there as tourists for a vacation, but as missionaries of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Once a year for some years now, the couple would travel to Cambodia, specifically to the province of Battambang, for a month's worth of mission work. Each year they would lead a group of people from different churches in Palawan. In 2007, they brought with them their 3 little boys so they may be able to experience the life of having parents as missionaries. A year before that, my brother-in-law had finally heeded God's calling and decided to become a full-time missionary. Not because he has no better things to do in life. In fact, he resigned from his work abroad as a civil engineer and rejected several job offers. Now, he is based in Cambodia, and my elder sister would go once a year to help him out. My elder sister is also a professional, an educator. She has yet to quit her job. Maybe move their whole family in Cambodia. All in God's time, according to His plans and purposes.

You can view some of their photos and some information related to their ministry here http://ricbhong.multiply.com/

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Thank you, Lord!

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:58:00 +0000

I would like to share a video clip of a KidZone presentation in our church one February Sunday. Eve belongs to the older group of kids, called Big Leap and Elevate, who practiced the song some previous sundays already during their children's church. I bring Anne to First Step, kids who are below 7 years old, just so she gets the feel of being with other children. She likes coloring and most of all, she likes snack time. But since she's just 2 years old, she gets bored fast and so I bring her back to the sanctuary to be with her Apa (for papa). On this particular Sunday, all the children were in the same room, practicing and getting ready for their presentation. Anne was watching them, trying to imitate their actions, and before I knew it, she was already in front. So I let her be since I knew then that it was just a practice. But when all the children went down to the sanctuary, one of the coaches took her and placed her in front of the stage. Thus this video. I was only prepared to get a shot of Eve, but I get to have a shot of both of them. Yes, Anne is the baby in front wearing a light blue dress while Eve was behind her, in dark pink dress. Anne may not be aware of what she is doing that time, but she made her achi (elder sister), specially her papa and her mama beam with pride and joy. I know that her heavenly Father has accepted her song of praise and that is why my heart was just welling up with tears. It was unexplainable. I know, someday, our family will refer back to this video, will relive the moment and become a source of inspiration and encouragement to all of us.

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him." Psalm 127:3

Manila Zoo and Singapore Zoo

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:43:00 +0000

Today, we brought Eve and Anne to Manila Zoo. Eve was only 3 years old when we first brought her there. And now, she is with 2-year old Anne. There were lots of improvements since then. Now, there are horse-back riding and boat-riding areas. There are small playgrounds with slides and swings. However, it was utterly disappointing to find out that there are very few animals. There is also a calesa ride which took us around the zoo. We've learned from the driver that some animals died during the Milenyo typhoon as back then, their cages had no roofs. These are the elephants and giraffe. They had them preserved and now they are standing in the middle of the zoo. Some animals were also brought to Malabon Zoo when there was a plan to have the zoo converted into a mall. They can't take back those animals anymore. Though he also said, that animals will be brought in from Africa this coming June. Hopefully, by then, a trip to Manila Zoo won't be this disappointing anymore.

Our kids had seen the Singapore Zoo last summer of 2007. If it had taken us just barely an hour to cover Manila Zoo, it will take you at least a day to fully enjoy Singapore Zoo. The 2 are really incomparable. But since the kids, especially my eldest, had been there, she can't help but compare. It saddens me and it's such a shame that our own zoo which carries our country's capital city hasn't really that much to offer to locals and to tourists.

Zee-sus (for Jesus)

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:02:00 +0000

At this point, I am going to introduce in my blog my two kids. I will be referring to them using their second names being, Eve and Anne. Eve is now 7 years old and will be turning 8 this June. Anne just turned 2 this April, and so they are 6 years apart.

This is how Eve's bible looks like at present day. This was given to her by one of her godparents during her dedication day. So it's 7 years old also. Eve and I introduced this bible to her sister Anne as soon as she becomes attentive to stuff, that was when she was 14 months old or even earlier. We just kept on telling her that the man on the cover is Jesus. Then some nights at bedtime, Eve and I take turns in reading to her. As time goes by, she learned to say Zee-sus. Now, during bedtime, she would take my hand, bring me to the room and say Zee-sus. Her way of saying, "Mama, let's read the bible." She likes flipping the colorful pages while pretending to read.

When I was new in the faith, it was hard for me to understand this verse"...anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it... Luke 18:17". Now I understand it full well. I am so amazed at how a little child would just accept and believe everything that I say about God. In Eve's case, there were many whys and hows, but never a doubt. Every now and then, I will be posting stories manifesting her child-like faith.

Sponsoring A Child

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:43:00 +0000

We have received a letter from our sponsored child. He is from Cebu. He is turning 8 this year. 1 year older than our eldest daughter. We chose to sponsor a boy because we have two girls and we thought, it would be just like having a boy already in the family. He has 5 more siblings. He's the 4th child in their family. He said that they live in the mountains, far from school and church. And that he likes playing basketball.

World Vision is a christian organization. I made a research on this when I was given a flyer about this in a mall in Ortigas. I mentioned it then to my husband and said that I want to sponsor a boy. Then for some reason, we've forgotten all about it. Come January this year, we were in another mall in Mandaluyong. I was looking for my husband and I saw him talking to a world vision volunteer. So right there and then, we decided to sponsor a child. It was our eldest daughter who chose her "kuya", because there were several picture folders from which you can choose from. And she was also the one who wrote a letter for him that day.

Sponsoring is easy. There are several payment options to choose from. In our case, we made an annual payment of P5,400.00 through credit card. This is so we will avoid failing to give our contribution. But you can do this monthly P450 and also quarterly P1,350. Your choice. To learn more about this, just check their website http://www.worldvision.org.ph/

Shopping Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:49:00 +0000

I mean, shopping for a house or a for a condominium unit. I just want to share what my husband and I have learned throughout the course of our shopping.

1. Set your criteria. As for us, our considerations are the following: It should be within our budget, location is near Makati CBD, has a community, good amenities and it should be a house and lot. Well, that was at first. We really wanted a house and lot as we are already living in a high rise condominium. Although we did find a house that almost fits our criteria, we were not really convinced. Other house and lots already range from 8M up.

2. View the site and model units. You really need to take the time to view the sites. You cannot rely on flyers and internet-based advertisements. We visited sites almost every weekend for several months. We even went as far as Laguna, although out of the way already, just to see said developer's work. Site visiting is the only way you can compare the projects of different developers. Like for instance, there's this well known developer with a project that offers sooo many outdoor amenities, but when it comes to the finishing of the units, hmmm... it wasn't that good as compared to DMCI's work.

3. Time your purchase. What I mean by this is that, if you can get a unit during pre-selling stage, the better. If you pay in cash, additional discount is given on top of the 10% discount. On the other hand, if you're going to pay only the downpayment say 20% of the total contract price, you can stretch your monthly payment until the date of RFO (ready for occupancy) or when the unit is scheduled to be turned over. In our case, we reserved our unit 15 months before RFO. So we have 15 months to pay the downpayment plus additional discount was given because it was still pre-selling.

4. Ask for other fees. Be sure to ask your broker about all other fees that you will need to prepare for. Because aside from the total contract price of the unit, there is a titling fee which includes all charges to process the title of your unit. Aside from that, if you plan to go through bank financing after payment of equity or downpayment, there is also a processing fee for the bank to process your loan application. And there will also be mortgage and fire insurance fees that you will cover during the duration of the loan. All of this you need to discuss with your broker and your bank.

5. Build up your financial portfolio. Now, if you're like us who can not pay in cash, and you know that you will have to seek a bank's assistance, you will need to build up your financial portfolio. Before a bank will grant your loan, they will be needing certain requirements like your banks' statements for a year, or your mutual funds and stocks investments certificates. So while you are still shopping around, just continue beefing up your portfolio so when the time comes, you are ready.

6. Save, save, save. It would have been great if we can pay in cash. But, as we are only middle-wage earners, it is unfortunate that we can't. But we were able to save up so that we are able to pay almost half of the total contract price. All the while we thought we won't be able to get a parking area. But because of the savings we got from the discounts, we were able to get the parking area in cash. So if you are seriously considering to get your own property in the future, save for it.

7. and most important of all - PRAY. You wouldn't want to make a decision you may regret in the end. In all of this, more than anything, we give glory to our God! We thank Him for His guidance and provisions. Although, we know that our stay here in this world is only temporary, we are grateful for this home and we are looking forward to our eternal home.

Amenities? Check! Check! Check!

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:17:00 +0000

If amenities is a major factor in your house or condo hunting, then you should definitely check out Royal Palm Residences. The photo above is the perspective drawing. Double click for bigger and clearer view. Numbered in circles are the areas for the following:

Passive Leisure Amenities

1. Arrival Court
2. Entry Pavilion
3. Koi Pond
4. Palm Court
5. Open-air Function Hall
6. Bridgeway Lounge Area
7. Recreation Room
8. Business Center
9. Sauna
10. Conference Rooms
11. Entertainment Room
12. Main Function Hall with Bar & Kitchen
13. Lotus Pond
14. Pool Deck
15. Tai-chi Grounds
16. Orchard Shade
17. Gazebos
18. Aromatic Garden
19. Flower Garden
20. Leisure Pool
21. Picnic Huts
22. Picnic Grove
23. Barbecue Area

Active Play Amenities

24. Basketball Court

25. Sand Pit

26. Children's Playground

27. Fitness Gym

28. Dance Studio

29. Lap Pool

30. Kiddie Pool

31. Interactive Water Play

32. Open Playfield

33. Skating Rink

34. Exercise Station

35. Jogging / Biking Path

I Will Be Still... Know You Are God

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 01:11:00 +0000

It's Sunday. Due to some circumstance, we are home. We won't make it to Church today.

I woke up thinking about my sister and brother-in-law in Singapore. They were in the hospital since Friday. Several tests had been made. They are awaiting for the doctor's diagnosis. Waiting makes us anxious, makes us worry specially when things are uncertain.

I also thought of my best friend who is right now hurting because of marital problem. I never imagined it would happen to her. I thought she does not deserve it.

I said a prayer for them. I wish I could be by my sister's side. I wish I could hug my best friend. But they are far from me. But no matter. God's grace is more than sufficient. He is with them - enabling them, comforting them, strengthening them.

We are Christians. But that doesn't mean that we are immune from problems, pains and sicknesses. What's wonderful about it is that, we don't have to go through these trials alone, by ourselves. We accept them as they come. Most of the time, it is hard from the start. But as we learn to trust God and slowly see His wisdom behind each trial, we endure, we persevere. Because we know, at the end, we will overcome.

Hunting for House or Condominium

noreply@blogger.com (Mia) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:22:00 +0000

Finally!

After several months of searching for the house that fits our criteria, yes, we believe God had given us the perfect place. Our criteria includes: preferably a house and lot, near Makati City, within specified budget, lots of amenities. For weeks, we visited several projects of different developers. So we were able to compare as well the quality in terms of finishing. DMCI's completed projects are so far superior in quality. Check out their website in my LINKS. But their house and lot projects are way beyond our budget already, at least 9M. We liked their Rosewood Pointe project in Taguig, because of its resort-living type ambience and also because it comprised of mid-rise buildings ,only 5 floors each. However, almost all units are already sold out. They were very few units left but we wouldn't want to get one half-heartedly. So we thought, since DMCI still has future developments in the same area, that we should wait.

And true enough, come February, our agent informed us that DMCI's gonna be launching Royal Palm Residences. A bigger development than Rosewood Pointe. If offers more passive leisure and active play amenities. We wasted no time and placed our reservation. During that time, only 2 out of 8 buildings were pre-selling. We got 3-bedroom unit from one of them. The 2 buildings will be turned over May of 2009. As of this writing only 9 units are available. Now they are pre-selling the 3rd building, to be turned over July 2009.

I have posted some pictures here in my blog, perspective drawings and actual photos of the model units. Check them out. I will be listing the amenities on my next post, the types of finishes and as well as some information on their house and lot projects.