✿ERIKAleidoscope World✿

I am Loving the Love Month!

2013-02-06T19:50:00.000+08:00

On the first day of this month, before I went to bed, I had a feeling that this month will be extra special, but I can't seem to figure out the reasons why I said that. Not until today. On my way home, I had a chance to recall all the blessings that I have received since the 1st of February.

I won't go into details anymore but I must admit that one of my many blessings are these kids. ❤

I certainly do!!! ^______^

I am not a morning person but thanks to these angels, waking up at 5 in the morning has never been so fun. I am just so excited to be with them every day.

Lord, I am excited still, on how will you design the remaining days of this sweet love month! I love you and I thank you for everything! =)

happiness for you,
Erika

I can't think of a title for this post! (How lame! haha)

2012-12-14T18:37:00.000+08:00

As I was in front of the computer this afternoon, I thought of visiting my-long-forgotten-blog. Then suddenly I decided to change the layout. I want my blog to be "eye friendly" and simple (I hope I achieved that), of course still with my favorite colors in it. Haha

As I was doing the editing I told myself, "Sana maganda ang sunset mamaya para makapag photo blog ako." (Hoping to have a lovely sunset later so I can photo blog it)

Trigger happy much? :P

Lovely colors, yes? =)

I climbed the highest yet unfinished part of our house just so I can capture this. =)

Among all the photos that I took, this has to be my favorite! ^______^

Look for the heart, if you can! =)

Thank you Lord for granting my request. May I always appreciate the beauty of Your creations.

happiness for you,
–eRika–

Make Your Own Havaianas 2012

2012-04-25T15:01:00.000+08:00

I'm going to...

Thanks Havaianas Philippines! ^______^

happiness for you,
–eRika–

Lenten Recollection

2012-03-08T23:42:00.000+08:00

When I woke up this morning, I've decided not to attend tonight's cluster teaching because of the school requirements that I need to accomplish. Le sigh! But I don't want Satan to be happy so I attended our Lenten Recollection. I jotted down some notes for my personal use however when I went home and read my notes, I was surprised to what I've written (actually typed on my mobile phone haha). And I thought of posting it here so I can share what I learned tonight.

The speaker who happened to be our cluster leader, started his talk by asking us if we know what ALCOPEO means? A reverberating NO was the crowd's answer. It's actually the Catholic Liturgical Calendar.

A - Advent

C - Christmas

O - Ordinary time

L - Lent

P - Paschal Triduum

E - Easter (highest celebration of the Catholic Faith)

O - Ordinary time (ending - Christ the King)

The Liturgical Calendar follows a three year cycle, each year being represented by the letters, A, B and C. The year A cycle, the Gospel of Matthew is the primary Gospel that is used for the readings. In year B, Mark is the primary Gospel. In year C Luke is the primary Gospel. The Gospel of John is proclaimed on particular Sundays in each of the years.

After discussing about the Liturgical Calendar, kuya Dyops shared today's Gospel. It's about the rich man who committed the sin of omission. (for today's reading click here)

Fast and abstain twice a year, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

We were asked...How did you spend Lent, last year? Will you have a more spirit-filled Lent this year?

Lent means Spring. Quaresma in Spanish or 40 days.

The speaker also mentioned about the Temptation of Jesus in the desert ( Matt. 4:1-4)

3 Very Important Things in Overcoming Temptation:

1. He was led by the Holy Spirit

Pray everyday for God's Spirit:

for a better resolution, click the photo

2. He was guided by God's Word

Be faithful to your Prayer time.
Read Catholic Christian book.
Attend your Household meeting regularly and other SFC meetings.
Intensify your thirst for God's word.

3. He fasted for 40 days...

When we fast, the intention is always spiritual and it is about food. It declares that God is above even to our basic needs.
When we fast, instead of eating, we should pray, read the Scripture, go before the Blessed Sacrament, and meditate.

*The Challenge: Fast on Holy Week (Yes, Fast for Seven Days)*

7 steps to do Fasting:
1. Write your intentions (include the success of the CLPs)

2. Choose your kind of fasting

Water fast (water only)
Juice fast (juice only, e.g. carrot juice)
Bread and water fast (hamburger is not included, walang palaman okay?! hehe)
One-meal-a-day fast
Small-meals fast

3. Prepare for your Holy Week fast by slowly getting your body accustomed to your kind of fasting.

4. Begin your fast and do it "privately." (don't look like you're fasting, don't tell it to anyone) Expect that the first 2-3 days would be very difficult and it may have some physical side effects. (like bad breath, because your body is detoxifying)

5. Grow closer to God, without this, the fast may become meaningless.

6. Break your fast to adjust to real food just as you did before you started the fast. no oil, dairy products and meat during the adjustment period.

7. Adopt the best stuff into a permanent lifestyle that may be too good to limit only to serve days a year. Bless your body and bless your soul.

"The season of LENT reminds us that the life we have and the material possessions we hold are simply LENT to us. We are but pilgrims here on earth who will pass by only once. We bring nothing when we die. But we can leave behind the love we've shared, the hope we have given and the goodness we have done."

May we all have a meaningful Lent!

happiness for you,
–eRika–

February 2012 Movies

2012-03-04T14:34:00.000+08:00

My favorite clip from the movie Blue Valentine. ^___^

"Here, I'll play you something you can dance. I can't really sing. I have to sing goofy, in order to sing, like I have to sing stupid. Okay?"

My Top 3 Movies:
1. Letters to Juliet
2. If Only
3. 50 First Dates

happiness for you,
–eRika–

TEDJ goes to Ilocos

2012-02-27T20:01:00.000+08:00

Vice Ganda Super Bass Dance Craze Ilocos Edition =)

happiness for you,
–eRika–

I survived the PLUNGE baby! =)

2012-02-21T16:23:00.000+08:00

It's my second time in Bohol. Did the city tour the first time I was here so my goal for this trip is to take the PLUNGE in Danao. Since there are 16 of us travelling, we rented a van that will bring us to Danao. We arrived in Tagbilaran around 10 in the morning and since most of us were already hungry we decided to have an early lunch before heading to E.A.T Danao. We asked manong driver to drive us to a nearby restaurant.

Chicken Ati-atihan

then after a 2 hour drive from Tagbilaran...

To know more about the activities that you might want to try...click here
happiness for you,
–eRika–

♥

2012-02-13T21:47:00.001+08:00

I really wish you were here... ♥

happiness for you,
–eRika–

Circle of FUN

2012-02-06T15:14:00.000+08:00

We woke up very early and went to Quezon City Circle to jog because we're trying to lose weight! =) But I'm too lazy to write what happened yesterday so just look at the photos below! ha ha

TEDJ ♥

We heart self-timer! =)

1, 2, 3 S-M-I-L-E!

We just love to laugh! And sometimes we laugh with no reason! ha ha #fact

The branches fascinate me.

photo before we buy something to eat

before going to Tropical Hut

nom nom nom nom

Why do I look constipated here? haha

Wawa Tine walang footlong

Divine - Julidane - Tine and Moi

After the jogging, aerobics and picnic, we went to our house to have our first household.
Household topic: Be Thankful Even in Tough Times
>Don't worry about anything.
>Pray about everything.
>Think about the right things.
>Thank God in all things.

I will forever cherish 02.05.2012! ^____^

happiness for you,
–eRika–

Haircut

2012-02-02T17:53:00.000+08:00

Finally, after 5 or so months I was able to drag my lazy butt to a salon a while back. But I'm not ready to cut my long black tresses 'as in super short yet' so I just told the becky at the salon to cut off just 2 inches and I want side bangs. ha ha ha

Lemme show you my first photo after the scene at the salon. LOL

My aDORKable duck face! =)

happiness for you,
–eRika–

Spotless Mind

2012-02-01T23:21:00.004+08:00

"How happy is the blameless vestal's lot! / The world forgetting, by the world forgot / Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! / Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd." -Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Piattos, Tanduay Ice and Cheesestick dynamite (cooked it myself)

happiness for you,
–eRika–

January 2012 Movies

2012-01-31T19:25:00.000+08:00

It's already the 5th of January when it came to my senses that I've been watching movies every single day since January 2nd so I came up with "The 365 Movie Project." Yeah! *I'm a smart girl!* hahaha

These are the movies that I've watched this Month.

My Top 5 movies
1. The Kite Runner
2. 50/50
3. Extraordinary Measures
4. Seven Pounds
5. Charlie St. Cloud

I won't say a thing why I like those movies. Go find out why. ^___^

happiness for you,
–eRika–

A blessed and a happy Sunday Indeed! ^^,

2012-01-29T23:12:00.009+08:00

I started my day by attending the mass at the PICC Plenary Hall with my Household. The priest said we shouldn't allow hatred to rent space in our hearts or else satan will live there too. hahaha Right after the mass Bro. Bo Sanchez started with his talk. (btw the title of this month's series is Overhaul) According to Bro. Bo, if we want to change we should have: 1. Patterns of Success 2. Patterns of Happiness 3. Patterns of Health and 4. Patterns of Love. And we can have patterns by starting with few habits. Three habits will do but if it's too hard for you, Bro. Bo said you can start with 1 habit. =) He ended his talk by reading a verse from the Bible, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." (Luke 16:10)

the Feast ^__^

From PICC we went straight to Cafe Dominic to have lunch and to continue with our household. Cafe Dominic is just a few steps away from Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City.

eyes twinkling *__*

the menu

inside Cafe Dominic

Pesto with Tuna, P190 (Ate Baby's)

Picadillo, P190 (Ate Karen's)

Menudo, P190 (Ate Peejay's)

Penne with Sausage in Lemon Cream, P190 (Dada's)

Lasagna, P190 (my lunch *3 stars*)

Chocolate Caramel Cake (my 1st slice)

(I wasn't able to take a photo of the second cake that I had, oh wait..I remember I posted it on instagram hahaha)

Mars Total Decadent Fudge Cake (3rd slice) soooo delicious!!! =)

Prices start from P630

with my beautiful sisters in Christ (R-L Hench, ate Peej, ate Karen, Dada, ate Allels, ate Baby and moi)

menu #2

nice! =)

I came up with the title because of this tweet I made earlier.

I'm reminded once again of how beautiful life is. I may not have everything I want in life now but I know I have enough and all I have to do is make the most out of the things God has blessed me with. My life has no room for a hateful heart. =)

happiness for you,

–eRika– ^^,

Manila Bay Cruise

2012-01-29T00:23:00.005+08:00

Few months ago I purchased a deal in Pakyaw. Actually I almost forgot about it, good thing my sister asked me, when are we going to Manila bay for the dine and cruise deal. That afternoon I phoned Sun Cruises and booked a cruise a week before the deal expires. Lucky me! There's still ONE available day and ONE available sailing time for moi. hahaha The lucky sailing date and time was, January 26, 2012; 4:15pm. My sister can't come with me because she has a class that day. *sad* So I asked my friend Dane if she can come with me and her answer was a resounding yes! haha Dane and I went to Sun Cruises' dock station in Pasay last Thursday afternoon but we are 30 minutes late! Sweeeeeet! hahaha The ladies there told us to wait until 6pm so they can check if it's possible for us to join the 6:15pm cruise. To kill time we explore the place and took some photos.

look at the time, we're so late! haha

oh, Hi there! ^.^

Dane and her duck face! haha

My favorite photo. =)

I'm so happy with this photo because of the little bird. #simplejoys

I'm happy and I know it! ^__________^

Dane with her famous pose! hahaha

fooling around (^^,)

Mr. Sun, please come out now!!! ha ha

Amazing! Only if ate wasn't there! LOL

I just died of happiness!

Lovely!

(again) Lovely!

It's already 6pm! Guess what?

With God's grace, they were able to include us in the 6:15pm cruise. Thank you Lord! =)

Okay, just thought of taking a photo of this. :|

The cruise comes with a set dinner. I like everything here except the pork 'something' because it's not tender. ='(

For more info about Sun Cruises' Manila Bay Cruise click here

happiness for you,
–eRika–

Maxima Resort in the Island of Samal

2011-05-07T20:36:00.001+08:00

It's my first day in Davao! Hurray!!! Our original plan was to have a day tour at Davao Pearl Farm but we didn't do our research beforehand (Loser us!) we found out that the first boat going to the Pearl Farm Resort leaves at 8 in the morning and our expected arrival at Davao International airport is 8:15, GOOD JOB! hahaha So we changed our plan for that day and ate Teetel suggested to spend our day in the island of Samal. *insert excited face here*

GrouPic before we leave the house. =)

This was taken at Luz Kinilaw (Kinilaw is raw seafood mixed with vinegar and some spices).

Us, enjoying the ride to Samal island.

Welcome to Maxima Aqua fun Resort!!!!!!!!! :P

Great view of the Davao Gulf!

The resort is famous for this Giant water slide that drops you in an open sea (100ft deep, not sure though :P).

You can't get in the water without a vest.

I repeat! You can't get in the water without a vest! hahaha

Lifeguards are somewhere out there. LOL

Trampoline!!! ^___^

My (sexy) silhouette! hahaha

Ate Baby & ate Acel (that's a 40-meter water slide)

Time to go down to watch the sunset.

He's not a fisherman. He's selling cultured pearl accessories. Got myself a pair of earrings.

We rode a tricycle from Maxima Resort to the port.

then a bus going to Davao city

Our day ended with a scrumptious dinner at Garden Fresca (I highly recommend this resto)

18February2010

happiness for you,

–eRika–

Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage

2011-05-06T19:05:00.000+08:00

Every merry month of May, the legendary town of Antipolo becomes a beehive of acitivity and vibrancy as thousands, from all walks of life, flock to this lovely place amongst the hills. To the lilting tune of native songs, people come to this town, primarily to pay homage to the miraculous Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. more info here

Main reason why we attended the mass here earlier today because our family prayed (and continuously praying) for my sister's safe trip next week. huhuhu She's leaving for U.S. hopefully for greener pasture. =) Oh God please take care of her. =)

Before leaving the church, you can drop by the...

we bought..

happiness for you,
–eRika–

Uniquely Singapore

2011-05-05T18:45:00.000+08:00

Merlion

I ♥ Singapore! I really had a uniquely Singapore experience! hahaha I still laugh everytime I remember 'that' stupidity that I did in Singapore. Are you excited to know what was it?

But before that let me tell you my first on board experience with the yellow, white and green aircraft (go figure). When I stepped in this aircraft I felt something's wrong or should I say I smelled something bad. Why is this aircraft reeks like a poultry? Okay, milder than a poultry, an aircraft read: should never smell that way!!! Yes?

zoooooooooooooom!

Fast forward. Touchdown Changi airport! Hooray I'm already in Singapore. Yeah, dizzizit! However my happiness is not yet on its full potential LOL because I might experience something in the immigration.

Boom!

True enough, aberya nga! the immigration officer asked me where am I going to stay, I replied "in Ang Mo Kio" he said "that's a big place, you have to be specific inday" Seriously I didn't understand him even if he speaks in English. Then he even asked me how much money do I have and he wants to see it. After that he called another immigration officer and this big man brought me in a room, with one side made of clear glass wall. Before we reach the couch the officer (who looks like a bad guy from a movie) and I had a convo,

Officer: "What are you going to do in Singapore?"
Me: "I'm going to visit my friends and celebrate my birthday here."
Officer: *verbatim* "Celebrate your birthday in the Philippines its much cheaper there."
Me: *in my head* (much na cheaper pa?)

Before he left the room he told me that, "using of cellphone is prohibited." I nodded and sat on the red couch. I want to sleep right then and there because I came from work, I'm dead tired and I haven't slept yet for crying out loud!!!

Three minutes had passed, then five minutes, seven minutes waaaaaaaaaa! I'm very loquacious, I can't last a minute (this is an exaggeration of course! LOL) not talking to anyone! Then silly things started to rent space in my head. Like being deported, molested...hahaha. I'm really bored and hopeless but in times like these, God is my only strength!

I began to talk to my Father up there. Then I prayed the rosary, I was able to finish the 5 Joyful mysteries. I prayed that if they won't allow me to explore Singapore, please just send me home although I know it will be embarrassing in my part, since most of my friends know that trip. (bakit ko pa kasi sinabi? hahaha)

At last a woman came in the room and told me to follow her. We went to another room, the woman asked me to stand by the wall, she took a photo of me. After a minute or two I've been telling my self that it was not a mugshot, hello I'm not a criminal! Then she showed me some photos and after every photo she asked me the same question, "Is this you?" "Is this you?" "Is this you?" errrrrrr! Then she told me to stepped out of the room (in a nice way)

Then the big scary officer started talking to me again but this time he seems to be in a good mood. He asked me slum book questions. Darn, what happened to him? Since my passport is not yet with me I entertain his questions. He even asked me to have lunch with him but I declined the offer and told him that my friend is waiting for me outside, then he let me go. Wait! Before I left the counter I made him laugh, really!

Whew! What a long story? Just so you know all of these things happened in less than an hour. I told it in full details for you to somewhat feel what I felt 2 years ago! hahaha

I'm not abashed and not proud of it either but one thing is for sure I learned a lot from this 'immigration scene experience'. Now I know what to do on my next International trip but before that let me show you some of my photos taken where else!?! =) Brace yourself! LOL

Esplanade & Merlion Park

mumu =)

Wild Wild Wet

Sentosa and Vivo City

Chinatown and Clark Quay

MRT/Bus & JB Malaysia

more pictures here

I believe that there are no MISFORTUNES only BLESSINGS! Thanks to the intercession of Mama Mary I was able to explore Singapore!!!

Tip: #1. Make sure you have all the necessary papers you need for your trip, like invitation letter, COMPLETE address & contact number (of your friend)

#2. SMILE at all times! ^______^

19-22September2009

happiness for you,
–eRika–

2009 was my travel year! Ü

2011-05-04T23:09:00.000+08:00

Two years ago I've decided to have an out-of-town trip every month, unfortunately I failed to do it for the month of June but luckily I was able to leave the country for my birthday! My happiness is indeed bottomless! =)

January - team bonding in Laguna with my teammates

February - exploring Cebu city with my bro and sis in SFC

March - Enchated Kingdom with Kitin, went here to celebrate our friendship

April - spent Holy Week-end in Pampanga with my family

May - experiencing Pahiyas (for the first time) with Ate Baby and Ate Kay

June - get together with my blockmates in college

July - went up to Baguio City for the CFC-SFC Metro Manila Conference

August - kneeboarding at CWC (not wakeboarding yet, 'coz it's my first time), I’ll definitely go back to Legazpi, Albay just to see the perfect cone of Mt. Mayon, it was very cloudy then so Mayon didn’t show up =(

September - flew all the way to Singapore to celebrate my birthday (Sept.19-22). Then it came to my senses that I was in two different countries on my very special day *cool* (went back here in Manila on my birthday which is the 22nd of Sept.)

October - ♪My dream is to fly over the rainbow so high♪ I tried zipline for the first time with Kitin =)

November - Bahay Alitaptap Gawad Kalinga Build in Tarlac (2nd time to volunteer)

December - chillax at Island Cove in Cavite then before dusk we went to Tagaytay brrrrrrrrrr it was very cold! *swear*

happiness for you,
–eRika–