Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain – Henry David Thoreau
And my aster has a visitor, Tiny creature easily attracts to the open range of the flower petals, and it can help in the process of pollination.
A little creature that makes a big difference. 
I went to Lipa City, Batangas yesterday for my follow-up medical check-up. But when I got to the hospital, my doctor had an emergency so I have to wait for some time to reschedule my consultation. Hospital is far too away from my house so I decided to think place where I can go while waiting for my doctor.
At first I went to the mall, but because I feel so bad I quickly got tired, suddenly I thought to go to Mt. Carmel also known as Our Lady Mt. Carmel Church (Our Lady of Mary Mediatrix of All Grace) It was my first time to visit the place and I don’t know the exact spot all I knew it was located near the Lipa Cathedral; I reached the place by inquiring and asking to people passing by.
I heard Mt. Carmel with my former colleagues (It is a Church and a monastery) They said that it is a miraculous and one of religious well known place in Lipa City Batangas because of the held apparition of Blessed Virgin Mary to a nun, Sister Teresa Castillo in 1948 and followed by the rose petals with Jesus Christ, Mama Mary and other religious images that fell in the sky decades after the famous apparition. It was also featured in some television shows, so I said to myself that if I have opportunity and free time I’m going to this place.
I was amazed as I entered the place because of its simple modern design and architecture with a beautiful landscape. The main highlight of the area is the monastery garden where the apparition was held. It was so clean, quiet and solemn, a great site to reflect and pray. For sure I will be back here together with my family.
How to get to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
Carmel Monastery is at the left side of the road in-front of Miraculous Village.
Address: P.Torres St. Poblacion Lipa City Batangas
Telephone Nos: (043) – 756- 2232
Mass Schedule: Monday to Friday – 6:00 am / Saturday – 6:00 am and 8:00 am / Sunday – 6:00 am, 7:30 am, 9:00 am and 11:00 am / 1st Saturday of the month – 5:00 am procession from Lipa Cathedral to Mt. Carmel, Mass starts at 6:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am and 4:00 pm / Every 12th day of the Month – 3:00 pm procession from Lipa Cathedral to Mt. Carmel, Mass starts at 4:00 pm
Website: http://marymediatrixofallgrace.com
“Let your Hope keep you joyful, be Patient in your troubles and Pray all times – Romans 12:12”
All of us women are dreaming and longing to have our own baby someday so that we can be called “MOM”…
Some women are so lucky that they are easily get pregnant, others like me need to go through a lot of test and patience just to conceive and few were not granted.
Today I am sharing my Quest, hopefully it can inspire to others….
I remember, 13 years ago (way back 2003 during my college years) when my menstruation started to be irregular; 1 month, 2 months, 3 months without monthly period but at first I just ignored it, I knew that I was going to have it, I’m confident that I’m not pregnant during that time so it’s ok… maybe it’s only just delayed. I had no worry then since I’m young but it reached to the point that 5 to 6 months had passed that I’m delayed and I knew to myself that there is something wrong inside my body, and that’s the triggering time that I decided to consult an Ob-Gynecologist.
I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS for short) in which women’s ovaries grows many small cysts (those cysts which are not harmful) that lead to hormonal imbalance. As per doctor said, those are the reasons why I had irregular periods and can be a big factor to fertility problem and trouble getting pregnant.
“God has a reason for allowing things to happen. We may never understand His wisdom, but we simply have to trust His will. – Psalm 37:5”
A lot of questions and what ifs came into my mind during that time… What if I can’t be pregnant anymore? What if my future husband didn’t accept my health situation? How can I build my own family? What if I just grow old alone? What will happen to me in the future? ….
My Obgyne prescribed me an oral medication to normalize and regulate my monthly period and it became effective to me until my cycle continuously doing well without taking medicines.
Before me and my husband got married I already told to him about my health condition (Having PCOS and lower chances of getting pregnant). I know that it is the best thing to do – to be open and honest, to let him know early and also to prepare him to be less expected if he will still embrace me and I’m glad that he accepted me wholeheartedly knowing my situation, but of course we still not losing hope to have our Li’l One in God’s time.
“Be Patient. God isn’t finished with you yet. – Philippians 1:6”
Almost 3 years after we got married (way back 2009) but still we didn’t granted to have a baby in a natural way. We know that it’s because of my PCOS situation but we still tried it in a natural way. My menstruation started again to be irregular, but this time I also suffered heart palpitations. So we decided again to consult to Obgyne (referred and highly recommended by our officemate) and at the same time to Endocrinologist.
I’ve gone through several test and ultrasounds after consultation and as findings as before, still I have PCOS with retroverted uterus. (Retroverted uterus means that the uterus is tilted backward inside the pelvis) and Hypothyroidism. (Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone and slow metabolism). I feel lost during that time; I thought the whole world turned upside down, of all the people why me? All I wanted is to have a baby to complete us as a family.
I also began to envy my sister-in-laws every time they made a pregnancy announcement; I feel down that it wasn’t me knowing we are the first to get married. Adaption also came in my mind, but my husband disagrees and said that it is not the answer to our hopes and wishes.
“Therefore I tell you whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you received it, and it will be yours – Mark 11:24”
I started to lose hope but Thanks to God that I have my supportive husband during the time of my turning point, He said that we should not be despair, just focus and keep praying. We also went through intense devotion and novena to St. Clare and Black Nazarene to grant our petition to have baby.
I continue the prescribed medications and treatment given by my Obgyne and Endo – oral medications for ovulation and hormonal balancing, ultrasounds and almost weekly consultations.
“The pain that you’ve been feeling, can’t compare to the joy that’s coming – Romans 8:18”
And yesssssss, exactly seven months have passed under continuous treatment, our much awaited wish was granted! Finally I’m pregnant and soon to be Mom. We are so blessed, God has not forsaken us!
Miracles do really come true! I conceived and gave birth to a healthy baby boy in December 2010. Nevertheless, it wasn’t an easy journey but we made it!
I’d like to come back here and repeat Zyke’s Funny Post… We had been here years ago, as I remember we celebrated here our anniversary; how time flies: Today’s moments can be tomorrow’s memory! And we didn’t realize that we are making memories, all we just know is we were enjoying and having Fun!!
This is a place that you shouldn’t be missed when you go to Laguna. Delicious food, good service and a relaxing ambiance awaits you here at Isdaan Resto-Fun Park!
Isdaan is a Floating Restaurant serving Filipino dishes and it is located along National Highway Calauan, Laguna. This restaurant is famous their huge size displays, and its beautiful architecture that you will feel that you are in another country because of its Thailand Theme.
Aside from their delicious food, there are also other activities that you can while inside Isdaan such as: Free Boat ride (just give 20Php Tip to the bangkero,) Buy Souvenirs, Face Painting for Kids, watch performance of acrobats, Play Tacsiyapo (Shame on You in English) to release negativity and burdens, all have to do is to smash and break the plate on the wordings found on the wall…
Soon we’ll be back here 🙂
How to go to Isdaan Floating Resto – Fun Park:
Have Fun and Enjoy!
Just this Morning , this cute pink flower started to bloom right after the rain, now I really believed why it’s called Rain Lily…
Before it’s like only grass on the pot but I’m delighted on the found pop-up surprise, it such as lovely flower indeed.
My son takes a while to warm up with his mood, covers his ears when hearing too loud sounds and prefers to stay back in the crowd, but time slowly changes everything…but now, “He is now a shy kid no more” and He’s starting to boost with his confidence.
“Do Not Push”
Before my child’s exposure was limited, his environment was focused only inside our home together with his yaya since we are both working parents. There were times that I started to be frustrated by insisting and pushing my son to socialized with other kids right away but then I realized that I need to understand, every child have different ways of expressing their selves, every child has its own personality, some are so witty and too “Bibo” but others are introvert and shy type and I just need to wait for the right time for my son begin to be sociable in a natural way, but of course, little by little we also need to help and encourage him.
Generally, people views and opinion on shyness is a behavioural or attitude problem, that something is wrong with the person but being shy is not a problem and we need to try to see things from their perspective or in other ways.
“Taking to the outdoor”
Slowly I exposed my child to outdoor activities, I take him along wherever I go so that he can expose on many people around him, taking to playgrounds and introduced him to other playing kids. And as early as 3 years old we decided to send him to school.
“Prepare a head of time”
When we go somewhere such school, events or any occasions, I let him know in ahead of time. Telling not to be afraid, showing him that there is nothing to be scared of, have fun, participate and enjoy. As much as possible no on the spot activities and no surprises, aside from preparing ahead of time, arriving early helps also to warm up with his environment and with fewer people around before others arrive.
Being shy is not an easy thing what we can do is to help them with our guidance and persistent effort, Try also to accept and see the values of shyness, and as long as our child grows happy, hug it as a blessing.
Today marks as our 6th year wedding anniversary! Hoooorayyyy for our road to forever <3…
I smiled when I look back how we met 8 years ago, from being colleagues then we became friends until we became couple… 🙂
I can say that our relationship becomes stronger than we started and it’s getting better and better with each passing days. We had our ups and downs just like any other couples yet we survived because that’s what marriage is all about. And as others says Marriage doesn’t not to be perfect coz “No relationship is all sunshine, but two people can share one umbrella and survived the storm together”.
“I Love You!” these are the words that we didn’t miss to say in each day since from the beginning of our relationship until now and I really, really appreciate it!
Thank you for loving me the way that you do, for being my lifetime best friend and for showing me an amazing life. I am grateful to have found someone to spend the rest of my life with. I love you ❤ ❤ ❤
Happy 6th to us, Cheers!
Numbers…Numbers…Numbers…
What goes in your mind, when you heard numbers? Do you love or hate numbers?
Math thing comes next everytime I heard numbers…
Way back grade school days I really hate Math! Every time math class started, I feel nervous and scared. I often seen math as a difficult subject that I can go through rather to be enjoyed. I always think that I will get low grades or even worse – failed!
But things always changed; it was on my fifth grade when I realized I need to understand and study hard on Math and if my classmates excel on it, I can do it also…I started doing Math Games and it challenged me to answer the questions until I got correct solution….
At first I want to gave up, it seems it’s too complicated but It always bare on my mind the advice given by our school principal in elementary who was also our former math teacher on sixth grade, she says: “In able to purse your dreams you should learn to analyze and solve the problems just like math and one day when we see each other again you will say thank you because of the piece of advice I share with you”
In highschool I began to love Math 🙂 . I consistently got awards during those days: Best in Algebra, Best in Math, and Best in Physics (Science also has numbers) … and I made up my mind to take up Engineering Course. (Few memorization than other courses, all you need is to bring you scientific calculator and do the problem 😉 )
Math is just not only numbers…Math is fun and I love it! Once you understand it, it is very easy. People think you are smart or genius if you’re good at it. (In some part it makes me feel cool!) Numbers and math can be use in anything and it can contribute and be guide to all aspects of life.
Now that I’m a parent I starting motivating and encouraging my son to also love math in simple ways 😉
A week ago when I turned 33, another year older and another year more grateful and wiser 🙂 I celebrated it with my family and colleagues….
I woke up with a surprised present from my hubby and a birthday song from my son. ❤ ❤ ❤ How lovely it was, my day became more extra special and I’m grateful to feel that love coming from them.
When I came to office, there was unexpected fan sign, warm greetings coming from my bosses and colleagues and messages from my friends and I’m so thankful that they remembered my special day.
Life goes by so quickly, it has full of surprises, and I’m so lucky and blessed especially for another year of existence. There are lots of things I learned and I’m grateful for my 33 years so far in my life, and I’m sharing with you those 33 grateful things 🙂
Age is just a number. We are the ones who make our path in life, so just live each day to the fullest. I’m excited to see what my year as 33 will bring. Lots of new memories and more… All I can do is enjoy each day. 🙂
We don’t remember days; we remember moments – Cesare Paves
Time really flies so fast, who had thought that it, was already 2 decades since we graduated from grade school and it seems like all this happened few days back….
Elementary days… Those were the days that we only knew fun playing, a bit of raillery and learning; those times when our lives were free from all worries, fears and responsibilities and those were the times that many first things happened; first school, first teacher, first best friend and first crush…
Many years had come, where are they now? Do they recognize and remember each one of us? Do they see how far they’ve come, or they look back and think “what happened?” or there is someone wonder what happened to their one that got away?
I still have contacts with my elementary BFFs, we hang-out once in a while, but there are instances that we also missed our other classmates and batch mates… Until one time, one of us got an idea to create an FB group and group chat for our entire batch (SSMS batch ’96), to organize a reunion party with them. I’m irrationally excited to add their names on the group chat. (Even though some of them are my FB friends I haven’t had a chance to communicate with them).
And there you go, our batch FB group and group chat was already established, names were added continuously (we only had 2 sections that time and approximately around 55 students combining the 2 sections)
How Exciting! Remembering the past is a fun-filled adventure. Everybody respond very fast, almost all of us were actively participating. At first, just asking Hi, Hello, how are you… Until somebody opened a topic like sharing life experiences, their success stories and of course reminiscing our elementary days, playing “Piko”, “Sipa”, “Sekyu”, “Patintero”, Chinese garter and hide and seek; remembering the teachers, their stick and flying eraser during class and of course their mood swings; our “Baons” during snack and lunch time, techie and unique school supplies like pencils cases with so many “Paandar”, we also remembered our school services with their coded names such as “batman” and “rugged wheeler” and most of all everybody remembered their childhood love, love teams and their crushes. Our school days’ memories, even today, are extremely vivid in our mind. Those were the days of our lives that so incomparable.
It was unexpectedly shocking and unbelievable that we received almost 2000 messages daily in that chat room (Everybody is very cooperative and active). There are times that when you read (and sometimes back read) the messages you received you feel like crazy, smiling and laughing alone in a way that you feel that it’s from within. That is a genuine kind of laughter and happiness, and it makes me feel so fresh.
But even though we had already chatting to each other, I can’t really wait to see their faces, I can’t wait to hear their voices, to hug, to really see my classmates for the first time in so long laughing out loud to each other looking back those times.
20 years had passed, how does time change itself and everybody also change, we went to our own paths and careers some already migrated to United States, New Zealand others work in Dubai, and Saudi Arabia, some become doctors, engineers, chefs, flight attendants, nurse, priest, businessmen and managers ; others still remain single and others have already build their own family. We already achieved what we want and it is a great feeling to think that we already come this far. I’m so proud of being a part of this batch.
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