BORACAY

I should’ve blogged about my Boracay semestral break vacation with my college clique days after our trip was over. I really don’t remember why it took me so long to post this entry. Nonetheless, I still want to share how ecstatic and comforting my experience was.

It wasn't the first time that our group left for Boracay. Two years ago, if I’m not mistaken, the same people booked for a vacation to visit the beautiful island. I wasn't able to come since a storm was about to hit the place and for that reason, my Dad didn't permit me to join.

This year, when my friends suggested staying in Boracay once again, I didn't miss the chance anymore. I immediately told my parents about it so I had enough time to prepare and save-up. I was totally excited and out-of-control since it’ll be my first time to see one of the world’s most treasured beaches.

Last October 12, 2012, we left Manila right after our third shifting examinations last semester. Everyone was so pumped-up (most especially Cheska, Arielle and I who were legitimate first timers). This was the first incident that we were almost complete as a group. Hitting the plane, I was reminded that it was another first timer experience for me to ride the air transportation on my own without any parent by my side. I felt so independent and no longer a teen during that moment. Our flight bounded to Kalibo seemed like the fastest air trip of my life. It only took us 15 minutes to get there.

Since our flight was scheduled late in the afternoon, we arrived at Kalibo pitch dark so we can no longer take a boat ride to cross to Caticlan. Thinking of our safety, we decided to stay overnight in a little inn at Kalibo after having a yummy, cheap La Paz Batchoy meal in the nearest mall.

We woke up first thing in the morning the following day to travel to Caticlan port so we can ride the boat and step into the territory of Boracay. Travelling by land was quite long. Good thing the tour driver was very accommodating. He had a lot of stories to share and for that I didn't have much of a boring period to kill.

As we set foot at Caticlan port, I can feel the wind and the waves rushing through my skin. This is it! A few boat bumps and we’re finally reaching the place every Filipino desires to visit.

Seeing Boracay at first was an awe-filled moment for me. As a beach lover, I cannot hide my joy of how much I appreciated God’s creation. The entire province was a living miracle of how the Lord can perfectly orchestrate everything.

In Boracay, I enjoyed every single day spent. I woke up gladly every morning knowing that I’ll be served with a variety of delicious food, will be engaging in activities I’ve never done before and will be carving memories of love, laughter and sisterhood with people whom I value so much.

If there were five things I wouldn't forget about this wonderful experience at Boracay, they would be:

• The beach that gave me a complete sense of serenity and fulfillment of just embracing the Lord’s creation in full appreciation. That for days, I was able to connect with the waves of the water and let me be who I want to be. I felt like my inner mermaid wish came true in a snap;
• The delectable array of food and treats being served at the table every meal. The days I've took time to exert on weight loss before Boracay were all wasted with no regrets. Above all, the baked cheesy and garlic scallops captured my stomach;
• The refreshing collection of drinks and shakes at Jonah’s that was always available to block-off the throat-drying thirst that the sun gave us;
• The ATV ride that made me feel like a pro-motor driver who strikes both low and high grounds of the province;
• And the company of my sisters from another mother who took time to share their life and joy with me.

Three days of an unforgettable getaway with friends closest to my heart… What can I even say? I’m so thankful that God blessed me with the chance to have this vacation. It made me realize how grateful I should be for God’s provision of creation whether animate or inanimate. It helped me understand that more than a human being, I’m a steward delegated to love and take care of these riches.

Sealing this with love,
Diane

STACY'S (A Review)

"Never have I seen a place that accommodated my feminine side plus the cravings of my hungry stomach!" -Diane

This is what I can only say to this restaurant called Stacy's that Emery Eugenio (@emeryeugenio) and I visited last November 19, 2012. Prior to our trip, I've already been eye-spying and researching on this very interesting place I've first encountered through random google-ing. I was attracted on how it looked like from the photos I've seen online. And, of course, the good review on their food and services.

It took us a long time to be there due to a rainy traffic afternoon plus the fact that we got "somewhat" lost (hihi) Nonetheless, the time that was wasted was incredibly worthy!

Welcome to Stacy's Resto! 

Look at the dainty set-up and the fresh ambiance. I'm sure every girl would love this!

They serve delicious dishes from breakfast, brunch, lunch, snacks and desserts.

They even give free treats for appetizer while waiting. 

Look at their menu for desserts written down on a blackboard using colored chalks. 

Their desserts are a must-try! They sell homemade ice creams for a competitive price. And, take note: Don't underestimate the tastiness of their ice creams!!!

Emery and I really had an awesome stay at Stacy's Resto. All the time taken up and the money spent were worth it. I believe this dining place is a big option for those cliques who would want to chat over a variety of sumptuous meals, families who prefer a quiet and fresh place to hold their get-togethers, groups of girls who would want their feminine side to be satisfied and for those who are looking for a special place to celebrate marker events in their lives! For Emery and I, we saw this place as something we could visit over and over. Its comfort and serenity were perfect for us to hold our 121 in there. I also suggest this place for those conducting small group meetings and fellowship.  

At Stacy's Resto, it feels like home!

Stacy's Resto is located at: Capitol Greenstreet (Capitol Golf,QC) near Ayala Heights, IBC-13, RPN-9 and Celebrity Sports

To know more about Stacy's Resto

Call:  952-6843

Like: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Stacys/195711510453811

Follow: @StacysResto

Email: abynachura@gmail.com

Sealed with love,

Diane

THE HOLY SPIRIT

My Mom always, if time permits, tags me along to her activities whether it be a lunch date with her college friends or a get-together with her spiritual group. 

Last October 27, 2012 was one of those dates that I'm thankful I've came to interfere. My gate crash moment was definitely something to be treasured.

My Mom together with other intercessors gathered as one and invited over a missionary couple who was there to facilitate that day's spiritual meeting. Like any other spiritual event, it was filled with worship, prayer and God's word. But what struck me were the lesson and experience I had on that day. 

I've never felt the Holy Spirit that powerful that it made me cry like a child. My tears were all out of joy and gratitude for all that God had done in my life. It was the best feeling during that time.

Truly, God works in many ways unfathomable by human comprehension that the only responses you end up with are shouts of praise, hands raised up and a heart full of passion to glorify the Lord more.

It is a privilege to be given the chance to be embraced by the Holy Spirit. I encourage everyone not to neglect, underestimate and fear the Holy Spirit but rather have more willingness to call for its wings to surround us. The Holy Spirit is in us and sways us away from the road of sin and lead us to the path of righteousness. The more that we should invite its presence to cloth us so that our daily decisions will be wise and Christ-like. 

The Holy Spirit is not an entity, not an element, but a living, active proof of Jesus' power to share His love, guidance, compassion and protection for mankind. 

As we open our hearts to become sensitive to the Holy Spirit, we allow God to shine in and through us. 

The Holy Spirit fills the hole...

"But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come on you: and you shall be witnesses to me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the Earth. " -Acts 1:8

"And I will pray to the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever." -John 14:16

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." -Romans 8:26

So that empty hearts become whole.

Sealing this with love,

Diane

THROUGH THE RAIN

I've been wanting to write about this famous quote which says, "God did not promise us a storm-free life but he promised us a storm-proof life." But I was filtering my thoughts on how to share it differently; how to share it in a simple way without being over-the-top or otherwise. 

After what had happened last October 25, 2012, I finally understood how God wants me to use my little experience in elaborating His Word to all of us.

So here's my story:

It was a typical Thursday when I woke up. But I knew a night before that I have a long list of things to accomplish. That day was a rainy one. It was windy and cold. It's what most of us call "bed weather." Honestly, I wanted to stay asleep longer but I had to ride with my Stepmother so I can safely go to the bank and at the same time save money. We left a little late so I had enough time to freshen-up and weave my senses together to ready myself for a day full of errands. Well, leaving late on a rainy morning is like welcoming traffic with a warm hug. Yes, we were trapped for almost thirty minutes around the corners of Ortigas before I was dropped off in the bank to process my tuition fee payment.

When I entered the bank, a huge crowd of people stood infront of my eyes. So I immediately saved a number for myself to squeeze into this long line only to find out I'm the 119th customer to be attended to. I was at first disappointed because I was trying to catch time so I can go to work at once. Grateful enough, that God blessed me with patience that long lines were never an issue to me. So I waited patiently for my turn. Until, I saw these two old women, whom I believe are employees in one of the city's gigantic companies, let a co-worker interfere into the middle of the line. It made my heart burst with sadness for all those people waiting patiently and morally. I didn't want to tap these women because I respect their age and I didn't want to make a scene so I just prayed for them. The long line and the unruly incident tested my patience, respect and values.

After I finished my task, I went straight to Libis to go to work and fulfill my Human Resources duties. I was wearing a complete exercise gear because I plan to hit the gym after completing my day at work. I went up to the equipment room to run on the treadmill for twenty minutes, but on the 6th minute, I felt something weird in my right foot and heard a shallow scream from the club manager. The spring in my rubber shoes collapsed and was thrown out of the treadmill. It was supposed to be a humiliating experience since most people saw it but I ended up surprised, disappointed that my routine will be cut short and lastly humorous. 

The first half of my day didn't run well but it didn't really get through me. I was still on my normal pace and was excited to eat late lunch with a high school friend whom I haven't seen in months. To add up, my tummy was grumbling because I haven't eaten anything yet. But all this excitement was forfeited when I saw how strong the rain was. So my friend and I decided to reschedule the date and just travel our way home so that we wouldn't get stuck in our workplaces. I left the office to eat at Bon Chon Libis because I can no longer tolerate my angry stomach. I braved the rain and the strong winds with my broken umbrella (Yes, a broken umbrella) so that I can eat. After eating, I decided to travel to Banawe to be with my Mom. It wasn't the best time to commute but I had to. Traveling from Libis to Banawe was no joke with the weather and the traffic. Add my semi-corporate attire (worn after my cut-short gym time) and broken umbrella to that. 

It was a habit for me to pray without cease while on road. So while commuting, I was just talking to God about that day. I alighted in Banawe-E. Rodriguez and went to Mini Stop to buy pasalubong for my mother.  I had to cross to Banawe-Quezon Avenue to be at Samat street where I would be staying. From E. Rodriguez, I can take a tricycle to cross to the other side of Banawe but I didn't see any free tricycle and I just want to be home so I started to walk. I was walking and walking in the dark street where all males were creepily looking and whistling. But I didn't  care at all because I just want to be home. So while walking, I was just praying for God to protect me and safely bring me to the place where I should be going (even though I wasn't sure of the directions) I kept on walking plainly with my senses half-shut but my heart and mind dwelling on prayers. Until I reached the gate, that's where I realized that I've walked from Banawe at E. Rodriguez to Banawe at Quezon Avenue and to Samat street almost six blocks away from the main road. I didn't feel exhausted nor I was precise of what transpired during that walk. All I knew was that I'm home and I'm okay.

During that day, I learned how God lets us go through the rain to experience more of Him. He is putting us in these discomforts for us to learn, persevere and mature. It may not be the line we want to wait at; may not be the career that we want to pursue; may not be the shoe that perfectly fits us; may not be the meal we are craving for; may not be the road we want to cross. But it will be the destination all of us want to reach. And that is where God's kingdom is. 

We may have been through tough times and asked why God had let these things happen. He wants us to know that these things are present to reveal His purpose in each of us. And, that is to acknowledge His sovereignty above and beyond all things on earth even to our problems and circumstances. He wants us to stop worrying and trust His promises that we are not alone in this walk-that He will carry us out from doom. Our God is bigger than our problems. Let us not underestimate His power to take over. 

God has brought us in it and He will bring us through it. Storm is just a phase that we should gladly welcome, prepared with God as our solid foundation. It is the season where we open ourselves to what God is teaching us. It is the time to develop our faith, grow more in Christ, be immersed in His Word and accept His discipline. It is the period to endure, persevere and hope for bigger things. Storm will not be present forever. Storm even in its height is tolerable. Umbrellas, raincoats, jackets, plastic boots, our homes were even invented to protect us. What more if it was the Lord's protection enveloping us? God did not promise us a storm-free life but He promised us a storm-proof life with HIM.

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matthew 8:23-27

“Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid of them. Don’t be terrified because of them. The Lord your God will go with you. He will never leave you. He’ll never desert you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed." Psalms 107:29

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:46-49

  

Trust in the Lord! :)

Sealing this with love,

Diane

BLOG GIVEAWAY #1 (CLOSED)

My blog has been active in the web for quite some time already and I feel that this season is the perfect chance to thank those people who are religiously reading my posts.

I thank you for being in one with me in passionately bringing the Good News to another level.

I pray that everyone will be inspired, moved and encouraged to be deeply rooted in Christ and to utilize their God-given talents wisely. 

As a gratitude, I'm holding my first blog giveaway.

(I'm a newbie so spare me! Haha.)

October is one of those months I'm always excited for. I feel so because it reminds me of my childhood. I remember how I tirelessly plan for my costume weeks before the Trick or Treat day. I like Halloween, not for its general concept which focuses on paganism (to which I'm not a patriot of) and death, but for the fact that I can play dress-up for a day or disguise as a flower, a fairy, a mermaid and most especially a princess. Also, I get to enjoy eating my favorite candies and chocolates which I share with the rest of my family. 

Okay, enough about Halloween.

My Gold's Gym family gave me 8 complimentary tickets to BigFish's Cream Halloween Party at the Word Trade Center on the 27th of October 2012 to which I cannot use even a single pass since I have something else to attend to on Saturday. I just gave away 4 tickets to our HR interns days ago and I still have 4 left.

I'm giving away 4 tickets to one winner. 

"A portion of your spending during Bigfish events will go to support our Bigheart Foundation." -BigFish

Here's how to join:

1. Like Gold's Gym Philippines in Facebook.

2. Share this blog via Twitter.

3. Email your name and contact number to diilotho@yahoo.com

The first person to submit his/her entry wins. 

Sealing this with love,

Diane