1. Wake Up!! Decide to have a good day. “Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. “He who guards his lips guards his soul.” Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!… For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. “Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good…” Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up!!… To the Lord.
“I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.” Phillippians 4:13

 6. Reach Up!!… For something higher. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding.  In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!!…   Your Prayers.
“Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.”
Philippians 4:6

It’s been a quite busy week for me, aside from a workload at the office, I need to check the Barong Tagalog of my eldest son Johnboy for his graduation, if the tailor marks an impressive job. They are by the way oblige to wear a Pinya Jusi Barong Tagalog with a chinese collar cut, that’s the fashion now as I did my research last week, quite expensive! But very elegant; of course, I still have my role as a mom to my children, a wife to my husband not to mention the household chores. Though I have my household help but still I need to set up things properly in the house at least once a week, that is during weekends its a different thing if your household is run by yourself your family will really feel your presence and your motherly affection.

We usually stay in the house during weekends that’s the only time we have with each other, together, we watch good movies through dvd, we chat a lot, we eat a lot together during meals which I always prepared for them, my way of catching up to them because of my busy schedules.

After that intimate bonding, on Sundays we go to church together, we do our groceries together, there are 5 in the family so we have different likes, needs, favorite foods and so on and so forth we really are full of joy and happiness, very fulfilling! I must say.

I just wish that what we have now will last forever even if the kids will have their own lives to handle someday being with them is really amazing. I also wish that every family will do the same thing no matter how simple our lives are it is in the family that we get our strength and inspiration to keep us going.

I am thankful to God the Father for this gift because I can’t imagine existing in this world without anybody with me, without someone that you call your family no man is an island really as they say. We really need our family, so if we do have this gift let us together savor their presence because we’ll never know what’s in store for us. 

Since it’s Jesus’ birthday, it make sense that all of us would be thinking about and planning something special to give to Him — just like we often give gifts to our earthly loved ones, or do something special for them on their birthdays.

But it’s hard to know what to give to the King of the Universe our Great God and Creator, who seems to have everything. Following are some ideas of the kind of gifts that He would treasure the most.

1) THE GIFT OF PRAISE!

Why not give Him the gift of praise this Christmas? Praise Him for the blessings that brought a smile to your face or laughter to your lips, because they lifted your spirit. Praise Him for the trials that brought tears to your eyes and pain to your heart, because they caused you to look to Him and rise above. Praise Him for the tests and the challenges, because they strenghtened your character and fortified your resolve. Praise Him for the love that you received from those He brought across your path.

Praise Him for the children– yours, if you have them, and those of others– because of the purity and simplicity that they bring into the world. Praise Him for His creation, for the beauty that He has placed around you– both in nature and in the hearts of those who love you– because it refreshes your spirit and renews your physical being.

As you strive to praise Him this Christmas in ways both great and small, you’ll experience increased happiness and satisfaction each day of this season. There’ll be greater contentment within your heart, which will make it easier for you to show His love to others in your actions and words.

2) THE GIFT OF YOU!

The world is often such a cold and dark place, and while He is the light of the world, He needs someone to shine that light through. He needs someone to say the things He wants to be to others. If you try to take on more of His nature and be more open to letting Him work through you this christmas that will be one of the best gifts you could give Him.

You can change your part of the world for the better and improve the lives of those around you. You can be a sample of Him and of His care and love, and you can find tremendous fulfillment in this.

3) THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS!

A gift that is high on His “wish list” is the gift of forgiveness. In fact, it is in essence what Christmas is all about. He came because of His love and mercy, to show forgiveness and bring you back to the fold, to wipe the slate clean, and to make everything right again– not by self-effort but by love, and a choice to love despite all that has gone wrong.

You can start forgiving today, this minute, by looking at your world and those around you with kindness and treating them with forgiveness. Often the best way to show forgiveness and put it into action is to start with something small: like a smile instead of a grim look on your face, a kind word in place of embittered remarks; or an unexpected kiss when your mind ponders retaliation.

Forgive someone who has wronged you, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Whether the wound runs deep in your heart or it is smaller scratch. Making things right often starts with us taking the step to forgive someone, even if you feel that person is the one who should be seeking forgiveness. Has someone said or done something that has hurt you? Forgive him. Are you harboring bitterness in your heart toward someone? Forgive him.

4. THE GIFT OF COMMITMENT!

The gift of commitment means a lot to Him. Why? Because committing is giving not just something, but giving yourself to Him in a special way. When you promise Him something and then faithfully follow through with it, its more serious and lasting than a temporary pledge or gift. It isn’t a one-time gift, but something that you maintain or keep doing over and over. And everytime you do what you promised you remind Him and yourself of your love for Him and how you loved Him enough to commit yourself to something, and then to keep your commitment.

5) THE GIFT OF FAITH!

With so much going on in your lives, I’m sure that you’re hoping for Him to come through for you in many areas. Perhaps you need finances, or an increase in your business, or healing and protection from sickness, or safe keeping, or increased awareness and ability for your work, or added strength.

You have so many needs, and if you would like Him to fill them, then He’d like you to give Him the gift of your faith. Faith in Him!

Walk through this season with armloads of faith! When needs arise, press another coin of faith into His hand as you state your need to Him. When something throws your plan for a loop, again, hand Him another coin of faith.

Giving Him the gift of faith is really also a gift to yourself, because through it He is able to bless you in more and greater ways.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Make this Christmas count in the hearts and lives of others — it’s not just a special time, but a special opportunity!

It is so hard to look for gifts to give to male friends, especially if they already have enough neckties. So, I thought of making beautiful pictures they can proudly display in their offices. It uses ready-made canvas frames (available at bookstores) and paper embellishments that even the littlest child can pick and stick.

Pre-made embellishments like chipboard letters and flowers make scrapbooking really- easy even for busy working moms. You can pick items at leisure and then have them delivered to your doorsteps.

My sister-in-law who is based in Chicago, is eyeing for a place to put up the said business and is planning to arm it with a tattoo gallery as well. So while shoppers are looking for scrapbook supplies they could also enjoy looking at those charming tattoo designs.

Nowadays, a craft activity can take less than 15 minutes to make - and they look professionally done.

Few months ago my boys together with their dad visited their fave barber shop. Each has instructed their barbers a new hair style they wanted to have.

As I watched the 3 of them having their haircut, I noticed daddy’s hair getting thinner. Being in his 40s hairloss is no laughing matter, it makes the person sad or down that could give him low-self-esteem. So I told hubby that his appearance doesn’t look as good as he was before because of some hair loss. I jokingly called him Monsignor because his bald spot was increasing to the size of a Monsignor’s cap!

He didn’t bother with my joke but deep inside I knew what the truth was. Of course with less hair you look older. But I’d rather that he be seen as classic, not old. I suggested special shampoos but with no success. Of course, with wigs we saw a big difference, but everytime people would ask him, is it a wig? A transplant? I jokingly say, “No, it’s his real natural hair! It’s hair transplant in New York.

Think about it…

There was a one - hour interview of CNBC with Warren Buffet, the second richest man who has donated $31 billion to charity. Here are some very interesting aspects of his life:

He bought his first stock share at age 11 and he now regrets that he started too late!

He bought a small farm at age 14 with savings from delivering newspapers.

He still lives in the same small 3-bedroom house in mid-town Omaha, that he bought after he got married 50 years ago. He says that he has everything he needs in that house. His house does not have a wall or a fence.

He drives his own car everywhere and does not have a driver or security people around him.

He never travels by private jet, although he owns the world’s largest private jet company.

His company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns 63 companies. He writes only one letter each year to the CEOs of these companies, giving them goals for the year. He never holds meetings or calls them on a regular basis.

He has given his CEOs only two rules. Rule number 1: do not lose any of your shareholder’s money. Rule number 2: Do not forget rule number 1.

He does not socialize with the high society crowd. His past time, after he gets home, is to make himself some pop corn and watch television.

Bill Gates, the world’s richest man met him for the first time only 5 years ago. Bill Gates did not think he had anything in common with Warren Buffet. So he had scheduled his meeting only for half an hour. But when Gates met him, the meeting lasted for ten hours and Bill Gates became a devotee of Warren Buffet.

Warren Buffet does not carry a cell phone, nor has a computer on his desk.

His advice to young people: Stay away from credit cards and invest in yourself. Remember money doesn’t create man but it is the man who creates money. Live your life as simple as you are. Don’t do what other’s say, just listen to them, but do what you feel good. Don’t go on brand names, just wear those things in which you feel comfortable in.

Don’t waste your money on unnecessary things; just spend on what you really need.

I am an early riser no matter how exhausted I was the night before I see to it that I can play a mother role to Johnboy & Bea like preparing their breakfast, their baon, their things just to make sure everything is in their proper places. That’s how a hands-on mom like me would participate in the morning scenario everyday in her household. As much as possible I won’t entrust everything to the household help because I am sure things won’t turn out right, especially if the one you have is kinda stupid! tendency, someone’s left their ID’s, diaries, baon and so on and so forth, which I do not allow to happen it makes me feel so sad to learn that my little ones look so “kawawa.”

Last night was quite funny and a bit disgusting, my husband went home at 7:00pm table is ready for dinner and everyone has a good heart to wait patiently for the man in the house before we partake the food, little did I know that he was drunk some classmates from PMA invited him for a drink right after office hours just to unwind well, as a wife I understand their sentiments with the kind of job they have am sure they also need a break! but I was so shocked because last night was worst, he doesn’t know what the hell on earth was he doing! good thing he has driver who brought him home safe, one good and nice thing with hubby is that he is not the type who screamed, made unnecessary noise and even hurt his wife like anyone I knew, maybe because he is properly nurtured by his parents on how to behave on matters like this (thanks mom & dad) he just go home still, very composed at that and flush out the spirit brought up by the unholy wine. Quietly, I took some leafy “malunggay” at the back of our house and boiled it so that his stomach could take some hot stuff before he gets some shut eye.

Wives, moms can have really crazy lives, mine is a tough job I still have to worry about budgets and training the maids, tutoring the kids, attending GPTA meetings etc., (aside from being their driver) such a juggling act, whether you’ve got an office job, running a home biz or sideline, still, you are a full-time “CEO” of your home. I’m just very thankful that God makes the journey easier for me.

I tell you, nothing can be truer than what I had just gotten through. But you know what made me pull through? i’ts my faith in a Greater Power. God is good, indeed - all the time!

It is heart-wrenching for us davaoenos to know that our political leaders are fighting for some reasons on the spotlight, exchanging words and showing emotions which viewers on national television and even readers on the papers find it so unusual & improper considering that there are young ones who are watching them and can easily sympathize with their actions & eventually root for.

Congressman Boy Nograles & Mayor Rody Duterte both from Davao are supposed to be the examples, the models on how to show proper behavior and manners not only to davaoenos but for the citizenry. The fact that the people of davao believed in their capabilities, they should be focusing not only in politics but also on how to embrace our values. It seems that “traditional filipino values” have already been in showcase.

I feel so sad that instead of being partners to make davao be more progressive and be more attractive for investors, be more peaceful for tourists, they are fighting instead on issues which I think they are both accountable for. Personal matters & agenda should be set aside ‘coz there are more important issues that needs their attention. And it should be prioritize. Instead of pin pointing each other’s weaknesses let us join hands and work as a team for a more progressive Davao.

Well, davaoenos are hoping that Boy & Rody could still patch up their differences and get our credibility & integrity back, for davao to be one and whole again and continue to enjoy compliments worldwide for having good leaders and beautiful place turns paradise, Because there’s no place like home. . . DAVAO!

A friend and a co-pilot of my husband invited us to the advance screening of this movie “Beowulf” it is actually a classic movie, an epic (a long narrative poem in elevated style recounting the deeds of a historical hero) with the tandem of Anthony Hopkins & a very sexy & seductive Angelina Jolie, Vow!

Movie is not my passion but if I have time and a chance to go and watch , why not? Especially if it costs you nothing. I was just convinced by the group especially my husband because this was his book report way back his high school years so, out of curiousity the reason why I came & watched with them.

Let me tell you a bit background of the movie; “In the age of heroes comes the mightiest warrior of them all… After destroying the overpowering demon Grendel, he incurs the undying wrath of the beast’s ruthlessly seductive mother, who will use any means possible to ensure revenge. The ensuing epic battle resonates throughout the ages, immortalizing the name of “Beowulf.”

It’s a nice movie, simple yet informative you will get the chance to reminisce heroism of the ages, and it’s so happy to know that there are still very good & talented souls who could make such movies coupled with best actors & actresses. I started to love watching good movies it will not make you feel good it will also nurtured you lessons in life, well, aside from being with your loved ones.

I have had a very trying months, full of discovering different levels of deception, my mind & heart have been so consumed with these “things” that have happened, that I haven’t been able to think clearly or even have a moment of peace. Yes! I was a victim of “dishonesty” by someone special to me. I have been battling it out in my mind, whether I forgive this person, or simply move on and remain bitter towards what this person has done to me.

One of the painful things in this world is that when you learn that the one whom you have trusted more deceived you, “hurt” is the final word on the matter for me. No matter how near I am with God still, the whole world flushes out every pieces of me. But life has to go on. I couldn’t have gain peace if I continue to hold on to things that happened in the past. My reason to move on? To enhance my self-esteem & give myself a hope for me to survive.

Mother Theresa have once told us that “If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive.” I dunno how to do this but with the help of our Almighty, hopefully soon… I will be able to surpass the “heartaches.” I realized that if I won’t forgive this person, is like taking the poison continuing to suffer for what he did.

Let us just put it this way; Forgiveness is a gift I give to myself. I am not going to waste my energy further on this matter, ‘coz I still have a blessed possibility of a better future than living with this mess. I would challenge myself to give up those destructive thoughts about the situation. It builds confidence that I can survive the pain and grow from it. Holding on to the anger, resentment & a sense of betrayal can make your own life miserable.

There is nothing so bad that cannot be forgiven. NOTHING!!! as long as the person who did you wrong apologizes, wants you back, or changes his ways, whether they are serious in asking forgiveness or not consequences have it which they must live with. Just imagine that when you forgive you do it for yourself not for others. . . Someone says that if the person you have never forgiven owns you ‘coz you still live with gripes & resentment.

I’m on my way to forgiveness… to healing… I am not God who just embraced everything even if it causes Him so much sacrifices, one thing I am sure of with is He is God. Anyways, there’s no wrong if we follow His way of forgiving it will actually save me… save us. Why on my way to forgiveness? ‘Coz I want to experience on how to find “peace” inside and live life to the fullest. Finding peace inside can neither be compelled nor stopped by another.

“Forgive & Forget” is a myth… It’s really hard to forgive; how much more to forget! Oh! Come on! Let us be real and be honest that when someone breaks your heart that’s it! We may never forget but we can choose to forgive. As life goes on and I remember, then is the time to once again remember that I have already forgiven.

Try to bear this in mind; “The things that two people in love do to each other they remember. And if they stay together, it is not because they forget, it is because they forgive.”