Monday, November 7, 2022

Am I Not Here Who Am Your Mother?

Sometimes, there are days when many things are not going your way. Depression sets in. People may turn to family, to friends or even to vices, if all else fails. But what I have realized is that when this happens, it's a sign that you need to look beyond earthly realities and refocus on the eternal. 

Let the words of Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego inspire you to move forward and trust in Our Lord.

"Hear and let it penetrate into your heart, my dear little son. Let nothing discourage you. Do not fear any illness or vexation. Am I not here who am your mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Are you not in the folds of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? If there anything else that you need?"

Her words are enough to soothe you and make you feel whole and a like a child again with no worries in this life. Just trust.  

Amen. 


 

Friday, October 2, 2020

The World We Live In Today

This current global pandemic has made me think about how much we have to be in the present. Was inspired to take a peep at this blog again after soooo long. 

But since I'm still very busy now - let me just leave a short note:

I hope you and your families are all safe from COVID-19! Let's fight this together.  

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Congratulations Zoe

Times flies. :-)

                                       Grade 1                                             Grade 6


                                       

Message to the Graduates

I was asked to deliver a message to my daughter's graduating class and thought it's good to publish it here so Zoe will remember my thoughts on this very special day.



Grade 6 Batch 2018 Graduation – MESSAGE TO THE GRADUATES                                   

To the Management Committee, Board of Trustees, dear teachers, proud parents, honored guests, friends and family and, above all, graduates, good morning.

It is my honor to be in front of you as I speak on behalf of the parents present here today. Allow me please to begin with this quote – “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” The person who said this was a man who grew up in a tiny village and was the first member of his family to attend school. His father died when he was young but he was later on adopted by a regent so he was able to continue his education.

He spent 27 years in prison for trying to overthrow the pro-apartheid government. After he left prison, he worked to achieve human rights and a better future for everyone in his country.  He was a defiance symbol of how one man can change the world and make a difference. He moved the world when he became the first Black president in a part of the world engulfed by division. He was awarded the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize for his work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa. Now, there’s a global holiday in his honor. Every year on July 18 (his birthday), the world celebrates his legacy and promotes his example for community service. His name was Nelson Mandela.

“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.”

Now why am I bringing up education and changing the world today? Because today, dear graduates, as we all celebrate your success and achievement, moving up to the next level, Grade 6 Class of 2018, you must realize that you have in your hands, through your education, the power to pursue your dreams and make the place within your family, your neighborhood, your nation, the world, a better place to live at. It may not be evident now that you just seem to be another teenage girl who is just trying to figure herself out and trying to fit in. Simple and lowly as you may seem to see yourself, with what you are learn at home, in school and in the environment you move around with, you can be a present-day Nelson Mandela. When you show that kind service for others, that responsibility, honesty, that true friendship with your classmates, that integrity that is brought to life by your upright decisions: you make an impact to the world. It doesn’t have to be big. It can be in small things, just like waking up on the dot every single day or finishing your lunch as a courtesy to the one who prepared it. Those acts can still be big depending on how much love you put into it. 

In your own teenage language, you may be thinking – “OMG”, “IDK”, or “this is so boring” (for those who don’t know what IDK means, it means “I don’t know”. Yes, you may be right. Like many parents, we struggle in understanding you. But we know that between you and your smartphones or tablets, in-between your endless chats, PMs, DMs with your friends, K-pop convos, or as we dare peek into your tweets or IG posts or in the endless near hieroglyphic scroll of emojis you use on a daily basis, we know, your Mommies and Daddies know, that you can discern this. Amidst all the social media and technology surrounding you and in a language that you guys only understand, yes, bit by bit, you can change the world for the better! And you will learn with time and experience.

My dear girls, are all growing up to be fine young adults and your graduation today is a testimony of the many wondrous things you can achieve. The credit to be given is not just for your parents or your teachers but it is truly and mostly yours. Your achievement today is because you trusted your parents, your teachers and your school to guide you as you gave your personal best effort. You have prayed and asked for the grace and the strength from God to tackle each challenge day in and day out and you conquered it. The results may differ from one person to another, for example, grades may differ from student to student, someone may get higher scores than the other, someone may get the first place or award and not the other, but you know that you tried your best in your studies and that is enough.  That is enough because this is not a competition between you and the one sitting beside you. This is a competition between you and own self. Let every new day bring out a better version of yourself. Besides, success is not measured by how many mistakes you’ve avoided but by how you used your mistakes, many as they are, to be a better person. We have nothing to lose by avoiding failures or risking rejection. You either achieve your goals or get smarter.

To my co-parents, keep being that lifelong voice of conscience that will speak to your child’s heart and memory. Later on, when these girls have grown up, for the most part, what they will remember are not the material things we provided them (not in the laptops or cellphones who have given to them) or what we have verbally preached to them but what we have shown to them, how we made them feel and in the end what we have considered as important in this world and beyond: our values and beliefs. So we keep trying. Meantime, we need to understand and accept them as they are. Let’s encourage them along the interest and path of their choosing, (i.e. K-Pop, dramas, bands) J (as long as it’s within moral boundaries) even when you’re not quite into it, don’t understand it or don’t quite agree with it. Because this is love. And this is how we make our relationship with them stronger.

My girls, I also just want to emphasize today that your graduation journey would not have been possible without the support of so many people. I would like to thank all your dedicated teachers, especially to your Class Adviser, your mentors, Level Coordinator, Coordinator for Personnel Formation, the school administration and staff who stood by your side and made Rosehill a happy home away from home. I would like to particularly thank Ms. GR for her 17 years of service and dedication to the RH family. Thank you for all the encouragement you have given our daughters. Your constant smile and words of affirmation have made a big difference and has helped them make it through this journey. We wish you all the best in your new assignment and all hope for your good health and success. We also welcome Ms. TM, incoming Executive Director. On behalf of the family of today’s graduating class, we offer our support to you especially for our future endeavors in the school. 

To end, I would like to again say to the girls that on behalf of your parents and whole family, congratulations! Another #achievementunlocked. We are all so proud of you and we look forward to seeing what else you achieve as you move to the next level. Continue to concentrate on your studies, transforming into a better version of yourselves and changing the world in your own little way, one day at a time.

Thank you.



4-V-2018

*masked all names to maintain their privacy

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Welcome back !

Hi. Soooo my last active post was roughly 2 years ago. Apparently, Zoe is writing this.

Hello!!!! I'm Zoe! I'm using my mom's blog because she doesn't  use this blog anymore unfortunately.
My brother and I have grown a lot! I'm now grade 6 while Jose is  in grade 3. Joaquin is now 3 years old!!Time really flies fast!! We got our MTAR or Midterm Academic Report. I'm kinda disappointed because I got ALMOST  straight A's. But in art , I got a PROFICIENT grade.


Im bigger
Im 4'11''

Ok I'll say more soon

xoxo Zoe
P. S. Expect the authors to be me and mom.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Filipino Week

My 2 older kids both study now at PAREF. Luigi is now in Grade 1 while Zoe is in Grade 4. How time flies! Both schools also recently celebrated Filipino Week where they had to wear traditional costumes. Since this is a special event, I don't like missing blogging about it.

I will post some pictures once I figure out how to post using my iPad.

Zoe's class danced Leron Leron Sinta while during Luigi's program, they were the intermission number where they danced to Salamat by The Dawn. Luigi's performance brought back memories to me when way back in highschool, I would attend one of The Dawn's concert at Lourdes and they would sing Enveloped Ideas. I didn't think they had been using a wooden monitor stand during those days but I am pretty sure they do now.

Going back. My kids try so hard to impress us during their performance. And as parents, we are of course, are easy to impress. Just seeing them on stage trying their best is wealth enough for us. There may be more talented kids in the school than them but it doesn't matter because during each performance, whatis seen by the parents are each one's kids. Each one zeroes in their child. And with that, there is no competition. 

Blogger Amnesia

If there is such a thing as blogger amnesia then I would think that I contracted it for months.

Last active post was March 2015. Where did my life go? Hahaha! So many undocumented milestones in my children's life, especially for Joaquin who came when I had started to show signs of 'tamaditis', if you know what I mean.

Anyway, for the love of "blogging para sa ekonomiya"' I am sort of back again. No promises on how long I can keep it up. Will always just try to remember the attractive reasons for putting in those words in this page.

Will come back for more.

xox,
Vinanini

Monday, March 30, 2015

Jose's Preschool Graduation


My little one Jose graduated from Preschool last March 26. It was a wonderful and touching ceremony. He got the 'Most Friendly" award and got to do the Closing Prayer at the end.
 
His Dad wasn't able to attend (because he had Chicken Pox) so it was just Lolo Benjie, Ate Cat, Zoe and myself who were there to witness Jose's moving up into Grade 1.
 
Sharing some pictures.
 



Sleeping St. Joseph



The Inaugural Mass of the Pontificate for Pope Francis took place on March 19, Saint Joseph's Day. Joseph is one of Pope Francis' most beloved saints. He explained why during his trip to the Philippines in January.

POPE FRANCIS
January 16, 2015 (Philippines)
"I have great love for Saint Joseph, because he is a man of silence and strength. On my table I have an image of Saint Joseph sleeping. Even when he is asleep, he is taking care of the Church!”
Pope Francis advised people to leave a "note" under the image of the saint for help whenever they have a problem.

"Joseph’s rest revealed God’s will to him. In this moment of rest in the Lord, as we pause from our many daily obligations and activities, God is also speaking to us.”
St. Joseph is described in the Gospel as a discreet but determined man, virtues that Pope Francis values.

"But like Saint Joseph, once we have heard God’s voice, we must rise from our slumber; we must get up and act.”

Pope Francis said on that occasion that faith does not distance us from the world. On the contrary, it brings us closer. For that reason, St. Joseph is a model father for the Christian family. He overcame the difficulties of life because he rested with God.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Papal Visit to Manila January 2015

His Holiness Pope Francis visited Manila last January 15 to 19, 2015. He sent out his blessing to all Filipinos and took advantage of every minute to spread the message of Jesus of mercy and compassion.

Unlike the last pope's visit (JPII) last 1995, I wasn't able to physically participate in the celebrations and gatherings with Pope Francis. I was out on business trip to Bangkok from January 13 to 17 and practicaly missed more than half of the celebrations. But I did try to be glued to the TV as much as possible when I returned. I certainly hoped to still feel united to the him during his visit.

I actually felt that the mass in Quirino Grandstand was so solemn and beautiful. I was teary-eyed for most of the mass. I would have loved to be part of the fantastic choir. (I was part of the WYD choir during JPII's visit to Manila). The music was so moving. They may have used some a nifty pioneer ddj-sx2 controller to control the sounds of the instruments that accompany the different voices. The Pope's message in the homily and in bishops' response after the mass was was also very moving. I cried buckets! Hahaha!

I really wish that when the time comes, we will be able to bring the whole family to Rome to "see Peter". That's my dream for my family especially my kids.

Be back soon, Pope Francis!

Monday, December 29, 2014

Joaquin's 1st Birthday Party

We had a blast during Joaquin's 1st birthday celebration.

Has it been one year already, Sweetheart? Time flies so fast!

Happy Birthday, Baby Joaquin! We love you so much!

Joaquin's 1st Birthday Party
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Shakey's Loyola
1:00 pm



Monday, November 24, 2014

Busy Busy Busy

Busy, busy, busy! Traffic, traffic, traffic!

That's just how you can sum up the past few days. There are currently so many things to do and so much traffic that hinders me from maximizing the time that can be spent doing those many things.

I know it's bad to complain but sometimes we just need to let it out so that we can release the stress. How I wish that we get to finish all the tasks I have in the office and at home. So many small things that I need to tend to. So much paperwork to complete and so little space for all the stuff that needs to be kept and filed (which reminds me to order heavy duty drawer slides - ovisonline.com for my cabinet).

Anyway, on the positive side of things, December is nearing and that means the Christmas bonus is nearing too! Thank God for my job and my bonus! Happy, happy, happy! Rich, rich, rich!

Currently Reading...

I am currently reading up on the life of Don Alvaro del Portillo via the book entitled, "Saxum".

Lifting from the online synopsis of the book:

Saxum—the Latin word means rock—is the nickname that St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei, bestowed on Alvaro del Portillo. Don Alvaro, as he came to be known, was for many years the founder’s closest associate as well as his successor and first Prelate of Opus Dei after it became a personal prelature—a foundational rock for this dynamic international Catholic group devoted to promoting sanctity in ordinary life.

Written in anticipation of Bishop del Portillo’s September 2014 beatification—his official recognition by the Church as “blessed” and a stage on the way to his possible canonization as a saint—the book is a fact-filled biography set against the background of historic events like the Spanish Civil War and Vatican Council II. It depicts a person of powerful integrity and conviction who set aside a promising engineering career to follow the vision embodied in Opus Dei. Don Alvaro emerges in these pages as a tower of strength, reliability, and good humor in the face of a host of threats and challenges that might well have defeated a lesser man.
John Coverdale, an attorney and historian, is the author of two other books detailing the early days of Opus Dei—Uncommon Faith, about St. Josemaria and his companions during and shortly after the civil war in Spain, and Putting Down Roots, about Father Joseph Muzquiz, along with Alvaro del Portillo one of Opus Dei’s first priests, who played a key role in introducing it in the United States.

I hope you can grab a copy of this book as well.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

In My Christmas Wish List

I've recently been thinking about Christmas and how it is a season of giving.

Ahem! So I thought of my 2014 Christmas wish list in case you would like to make it come true. :-)

Here is what I've been "wanting" (note: just want, not need).

1) An external hard drive with terrabyte space
2) New Nike Rosheruns for women
3) A new laptop (Macbook air?)
4) New wardrobe or cash to buy new wardrobe
5) Have the whole house repainted in time for the holidays
6) Mobile speakers from muscians friend
7) Airconditioner for the two other rooms in the house
8) A bike
9) Annual gym membership
10) A new bag

 Hi there, Santa! Are you reading this? I really hope so!

Advance Merry Christmas to everyone! Ho! Ho! Ho!

When Life Gives You Lemons - A Compilation

Being so toxic these days, I went back to old adage of "When Life Gives You Lemonds, Make Lemonade" and then found myself amused at how this saying has evolved depending on how's your attitude in life.
 
The Original Version:
 
 

The Other Versions: :-)

For the Segurista Person:


For the Free Loader:


For the Narcissistic:

For the Weak of Heart:


For the Carefree:


For the Happy Eater:


For the Strong-willed:


How about you? What will you do when life gives you lemon?

 
Header by vinanini.com