Blessed to be a Blessing: The Winners Reveal

It is my joy to reveal to you today the blessed recipients of my very first blog give-away. Let me first thank all of you who visited my site and read my posts and joined. I could never thank you enough. From my heart, THANK YOU!

So here they are. Congratulations to:

Sheila Santos - Post Script Designs Notecard 

Sally Yu - Marks & Spencer Hands Treat

Kimberely Reyes - Pre school Homeschool Workshop (free seat) 

For Mommies Sheila and Sally, please let me know how I may contact you or send you your gifts. You may leave your email address in the comment box.

For Mommy Kimberely, you may just go to the workshop on July 12th at the Medela House. For details, kindly click this link: The Learning Basket.

Again, my sincerest gratitude to all of you. I'm looking forward to writing about mommy hood, practical tips on raising my daughter and running a household and helpful insights for all of you. Of course, I'm also excited to hear from all of you. :)

An Unexpected Blessing: How I Celebrated My Birthday "Unexpectedly"

I just noticed that since the time I told myself to be grateful even for simple things, I have also started feeling blessed. Last June 9th, I celebrated my 39th birthday (yes, I am not ashamed of my age, haha). And although I (and my sister) sponsored a birthday giveaway, I didn't have or buy something for myself, and that's totally fine with me. On that day, my husband and I didn't prepare a special menu or the usual "handa", no plans whatsoever. I was simply glad and grateful to wake up to another day given to me by God, that in itself, for me was already noteworthy. That day was also made one-of-a-kind by the hugs, kisses and untiring "Happy birthday, Mommy!" greetings of my daughter, my husband's bear hug and sweet kisses (of course), sincere greetings from my family and the 100+ greetings and wishes on my Facebook wall from friends. How could I ask for more? :)

Then on that same day, three minutes before two in the afternoon, an unexpected text message came. It was unexpected because this person, I know, is a very busy one. I didn't expect she'd greet me on that day, that she'd remember.She was my head pastor in Laguna. She was a mentor and friend. :)

Unexpected text message :)

So, after our exchange of text messages, we came up with a decision to meet that night for she and her husband were already in the metro (Ortigas, to be exact). We met and dine at Tong Yang in Megamall. To tell you honestly, that was the first time (again) my husband and I have been to Tong Yang. The last time was when our baby was not yet here. It was our daughter's very first time and she enjoyed the food, the company and the experience. We all did, actually. It was truly a blessing, an unexpected one.

With Rev. Virgie Hernandez and her husband Bro. Bong

After hours of eating (haha!), I was greeted by the waiters and staff of Tong Yang, which by the way came also as a surprise. I know a lot of restaurants are doing this but at that moment, I was oblivious to that fact, heehee. For some reason it didn't enter my mind that such thing was going to happen. Surprise! Surprise! :)

Yours truly

With my loves

I'm blessed beyond words for all the good things that God has done and continues to do in my life. My life may not have been a luxurious one, still I find myself blessed. I guess it's in the simple things that one can really find bliss. So blessed, so grateful. Grateful to God. For everything. For His wonderful servants, Ptra. Virgie and Bro. Bong Hernandez. For my husband and daughter. For my family and friends. I am not a saint but the Lord has blessed me with undeserved favor (that is, grace) and unexpected blessings.

Special Palabok and Pritong Lumpia: Lopez Canteen's "Birthday Treat"

I celebrated my birthday last June 9th. It was a simple day, really. My husband and I didn't cook for the usual "handa". But before that day ended, something unexpected happened. I will be writing another post about it. :)

This one is also an unexpected blessing. My blessed and blissful day was not yet nearly over when a Facebook (fb) message suddenly popped up on my phone (It was around 10pm, if I'm not mistaken). It was from JLo. She was looking for someone to do a food review for Lopez Canteen's Special Palabok and Pritong Lumpia. And because it was my birthday, I was chosen. Yay! Isn't that a treat? :)

So, after a number of fb message exchanges, Jlo and I came up to a decision to deliver it on the 12th. Then I realized it was a holiday. I was hoping to share this blessing with my husband's office mates. But since it was not possible, I shared it with other people who I believe also deserved to taste this delicious treat.

Lopez Canteen's Pritong Lumpia and Special Palabok

Lopez Canteen's Special Palabok

Palabok and lumpia to share

Our apartment's day guard and one of the tenants' saleslady

Our "Lola Belen"

Of course, I tried these scrumptious "birthday treats" from Lopez Canteen. I called them "birthday treats" since they were given for my birthday without me even asking for them. I really felt so blessed!

Before

After :)

So, what's my take on Lopez Canteen's Special Palabok and Pritong Lumpia?

The palabok tastes so good. I was not the only one who said it. Every one who got to eat it said the same thing. There was even someone who was not really fond of palabok until that day and his comment was like, "Wow! This is really good!"

It was her son who said, "Wow! This is really good!"

One of the things I'm being intentionally aware of in foods is of course the ingredients. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that food to be tasteful should have extravagant ingredients. On the contrary, I like simple food, which means, food that will not trigger my daughter's skin asthma. I have been breastfeeding her for 2 years and 9 months now. Everything (that is edible, heehee) I put inside my mouth will definitely affect her. That is why I give extra effort to look at my food first before I take a bite. I was so feeling blessed that day because I found out that Lopez Canteen's Special Palabok doesn't have the usual ingredients like squid and shrimp. Yay! Instead it only has pork, eggs and a very crunchy chicharon which even after several hours had passed, still remained crunchy.

How about the Lopez Canteen's Pritong Lumpia? Can I just say this in Filipino? It's "panalo"! Haha! It's big so you won't feel "lugi". It's so "yummy", that's according to my daughter (we know that children don't lie, di ba?). And it really is! Again it's not just me and my daughter, the others said it too, they didn't use the word "yummy" though. ;)

My daughter, making funny faces but too excited to eat the lumpia

The lumpia comes with a dip (sawsawan) which is a concoction of soy sauce and vinegar. It really is "swak" to "panlasang Pinoy". May I also say that as good as the dip was, the lumpia could stand on its own. Even without the "sawsawan", it's still very tasty.

A dozen of "yummy"

If you noticed, I was able to share the palabok with lots of people, 8 actually and there's still some left for me and my husband. Since the lumpia was a dozen pieces, I gave one to each one including my daughter. My husband had 2 and he still felt "bitin". Haha! That's how good the lumpia was!

Sad to say, my husband was not able to taste the palabok although I saved some for him. Because I was not really familiar with how to take care of some food like palabok, I left it on the table thinking that I would still eat it for dinner. After dinner time, I transferred the palabok to another container then put it inside the fridge. Apparently, this kind of food spoils easily so if you would order palabok, please make sure that you keep it inside the fridge after everyone has eaten within hours or so, that is, if there will still be some left. :)

If you want to know and experience what I'm talking about here (heehee), please feel free to contact Lopez Canteen. They would be more than willing to accommodate you and give you too a delectable experience.

Oh by the way, don't just take my word for it... just do it! ;)

Blessed to be a Blessing: The Gifts Reveal

Hello, dear readers! Thank you so much for dropping by and taking time to read my posts. As I have said in my previous post, In celebration of my birthday I would like to share some gifts to you; my own way of thanking you for joining me here in my blog journey. I am sorry if it took quite sometime before I reveal the gifts. A lot of pondering moments happened as I looked for meaningful gifts I would like to give you. These are just simple ones but as I have mentioned, they are meaningful, at least for me. :) So here they are.

One blessed reader will receive a Hand Treats from Marks & Spencer. I love Marks & Spencer products! Every time I enter the store, I feel like I want to get everything since they have all that I want and need; from lingerie and underwear, fashionable clothes for men and women to colognes, perfumes, lotions, soaps and talcum powder. My daughter loves the biscuits and cookies because they  are dairy-free (some of them) and therefore good for her.

These hand treats are perfect for any woman's tired hands. Whoever gets this, I hope you enjoy it. :)

Marks & Spencer's Hand Treats

Another reader will receive a simple yet elegant notepad from PostScript Design. This is perfect for a mom or a woman who loves to write thank-you notes to friends and loved ones.

Notepad with Envelope

The third and last chosen reader will have a chance to attend The Learning Basket's upcoming seminar/workshop Planning Your Literature-Based Preschool Homeschool on July 12th for free. This will be very helpful for mom/dad who wishes to homeschool their young children.

There you have it, my simple thank-you gifts. This blog give away is open for all readers who reside in the Philippines. It started on June 5th and will end on July 5th. If you would like to join, please go here. Winners will be announced here and on my Instagram account on July 6th.

Again, thank you so much for visiting and joining my very first blog give away. Hope you are blessed. I would love to hear from you.

Note: This is not a sponsored post. All the prizes are paid by yours truly and my sister. ;)

Blessed to be a Blessing

June is my birthday month. As a child, I didn't like my birthday. It was either raining or some unfortunate event would happen on the day itself. I had always thought that it's not a "lucky" day and I was not a "lucky" person. My siblings would always have a more-than-simple-although-not-too grand celebrations because their birthdates fall on or a day before payday. Such fortunate ones, haha!

Well, that was before. Things have changed as I realize what really matters most. Of course, I would love to have balloons (at my age, haha!), cake, ice cream and gifts on my special day. However, deep inside me, I really know what I want. There's a gnawing desire in my heart to make a difference in other people's lives; to be a blessing, if you will. I know I am blessed and have always been blessed by the Lord. I no longer look at myself as some "poor, unfortunate soul", but rather a "beloved and blessed" by Him. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a millionaire, I'm not even rich. I simply want to be a blessing. I believe that blessings come in different packages; some are big, others are small, nevertheless they are all blessings. 

So, in celebration of my birthday, I would like to be a blessing to you, my dear readers. I am giving away three special gifts to three blessed readers of my blog. It's my simple way to thank you for being with me in this blog journey. As for those who will not be chosen, please don't lose heart, you will be receiving a special note from me. :) I have just one simple wish though, that is for you to write your comment/s below. You also have to let me know three things:

1. How did you "find" me?
2. What is that topic that touched/blessed you in one way or another?
3. What topics would you like me to include in my blog in the not-so-distant future?

Pretty simple, isn't it? I would really love to hear from you. Please stay tuned for my next post for the gifts reveal. :)

Words You Ought to Hear (and the World to Know): An Open Letter to My Sister

Dearest Ate,

Today is your blessed day. Let me start this letter by greeting you, "Happy Birthday". Wow! I can't believe you turn 40 today. It seemed like it was just yesterday when we were playing (together with our younger brothers) inside our 40-sqm rented apartment in Laguna. That place was our haven, our secret place where we had fun and dreamed together. Honestly, I miss those days. If there was one thing that I really cherish in my childhood days was that the four of us were so close. Mamu really did a good job in raising us, her children.

Alright, back to you... There are so many things I would like to do (not to mention, buy) for you so you would feel happy today. And so many words in my heart that I wish to say to warm your heart. I know I won't be able to tell you these without tears streaming down my cheeks... from my heart to yours. I believe you need to hear these:

You are beautiful inside and out.
When we were still in shorts and shirts, I always looked up to you. What Ate wore, I would like to wear. How Ate looked like, I wanted to look like it too. When people asked, "Who is more beautiful, you or Ate?" My answer was always the same, "Ate po." Because that's true. As we grew up, people may have had different views about how we looked (some said we looked like twins, others said you're prettier while still others found me a tad beautiful than you are, heehee), but in my heart, you're still my beautiful Ate. The reason for this is because I know you are fearfully and wonderfully made by the Lord (Psalm 139:14). You are "you-nique". You are you. There is no other "Jinky" in this whole wide world (or even in the world wide web) with the same DNA strand like yours. Your beauty is beyond skin deep. It's that kind of beauty that enthralls the hearts of many because it comes from within. I pray that you won't let that loveliness be ruined by people whose judgment depends merely on what is seen by the naked eye.

You are smart.
Remember that time during our school days when I was always topping my class while you were, let's say, an average student? You asked me at that time, "Why can't I be like you? Why am I not as intelligent as you are?" I recall to mind that my reply to you was, "Ate, you're smart too. We are smart in different ways." At that time, I didn't know about the Multiple Intelligence Theory yet. Had I known I would have lambasted those people who were comparing us two.

You are body-smart.  I could still see you dancing oh so gracefully, captivating the attention of the audience. Someone could just show you the dance steps and you would move like those steps were yours, effortlessly. I could never, ever dance the way you do. Honestly, I envy you. How about those Declamation and Oratorical Contests? You always won. You brought home medals. I never did (just academic medals, heehee).

You are picture-smart. You are an artist. You could draw, color and do those Home Economics projects with ease. You never struggled completing them, I did. It was so easy for you to fulfill all the requirements. The truth is, your only struggle at that time was you were not inspired (or should I say, lazy?) to do it.

You are music-smart. You have a beautiful voice. Given the proper training, I know you will be able to do singing gigs someday, somewhere. So, enhance it. :)

You are a nice and very kind person.
So kind that people take advantage of you. You are known for it. I have never met a person that knows you who has said otherwise. It was always, "Ah si Jinky (Jing), sobrang bait na tao nyan." But you have to know that kindness doesn't mean you don't have to speak up when it is called for. Being nice doesn't always mean you just have to bear the pain, insults and hurts that some people are inflicting or causing you. It's never wrong to stand up and let them know how you feel. It's your right to express what you feel and not be scared of letting them know they cause you pain. Yes, you are a kind person, show them that, but you're not dumb.

You are a sister and friend.
There are sisters and there are friends. You are both. I am just so blessed to be called your younger sister. You have been a very, very good one to me. I still remember that time when all the toys that you had ever wanted were given to you by Lola and I had none; how you always made sure that whatever you had, I had too. Be it toys, dresses, slippers/shoes even jewelries. Wow! Who could ever ask for more? Another instance I recall was when I was in college and you bought this chic and expensive Guess shirt for yourself. You had not worn it and yet you lent it to me and said, "Suot mo muna para okay naman ang itsura mo (Wear it so you'll look good)." Hahaha! You were (and until now) so concerned about the way I look. You want me to be the best in everything. You were my number one fan! Hahaha! And now my number one sponsor, hahaha! You are my sister and my friend rolled into one.

You are here for a purpose.
You were brought forth into this world not by accident. Forty years ago, when Daddy and Mamu fell in love with each other, you were born. However, even before time began, you were already part of God's idea. He knows you. He knows you by name. He has you in His mind as He created the world. In His manifold wisdom He determined the country to place you in (Acts 17:26) and also the family to which you should belong. What's more, He foresees the plans He has for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). You were born with a purpose. So, know that purpose and live it for only you can fulfill it.

There are other "up-worthy" stuff to tell the world about you but I believe what I have enumerated above are enough to make you feel your worth. You are precious to me, to those people who love you and most specially to the Lord who has created you. Your worth is not defined by what negative people are telling about you. Your worth is determined by God who loves you and your family and loved ones who are always here for you.

A blessed and blissful birthday to you, Ate Ganda. This is my little surprise. I may not be able to buy you the most expensive gift on planet Earth but I tell you this post is worth buckets of tears and was written with my heart brimming with love. You are one of God's greatest gifts to me. I could never ask for another Ate than you. I love you and I want the world to know.

Grateful for Lola Belen

Ate Belen has been with us for almost 6 years (even before our baby was born) now. She is helping us in some household chores like cleaning the house, dusting the furnitures, doing our laundry and ironing our clothes. A year after our wedding, we didn't have our baby then, and both my husband and I were working full time. We were both busy and passionate with what we're doing so everytime we come home, we always found ourselves super tired and would just want to eat and then hit the sack. Realizing there's a need for help, we approached and talked to Ate Belen (she also helps in maintaining the cleanliness of the office where I used to work and my husband is currently working). She didn't think twice. She offered her service without even asking how much we're going to give her. And since she has other commitments, we asked her to work with us on a part-time basis. Then 3 years after, I got pregnant and gave birth to the most beautiful baby in the world (hehehe, pagbigyan nyo na po ako, I know every mom can relate, heehee).

Our li'l fashionista with Lola Belen at McDonalds

My mom is in the States while my mother-in-law lives in Montalban (which is quite far from us) so it was really hard for me as a new mom to take care of the baby while making the house spic and span. I would often find myself frustrated because I felt like I was not a "good enough" mother and homemaker. But Ate Belen was there to encourage me and tell me that I needed to take good care of myself first before I would be able to give my baby the love and care that I would like to bestow her. I remember the time when I was not able to wash the dishes and I felt so bad because I couldn't stand seeing the clutter in the sink, she said, "Hayaan mo na yan dyan. Ako na bahala. Kumain ka at sabayan mo ng tulog ang anak mo para may lakas ka 'pag nagising na sya. " And everytime I would thank her at that time, she was quick to say, "Eto naman, wala yun. Para na din kitang anak." Ate Belen has become a mother to me and my husband and a Lola to Wynona. Ate Belen has become a friend to us.

Lola Belen with baby at home

Last January 17th, Ate Belen celebrated her 60th birthday. As much as I would like to throw her a surprise party, for some reason I wasn't able to do it. I am hoping that one of these days we can take her out for a special lunch or dinner although I know she deserves more (we gave her a gift that hopefully she'll be happy to use :)).

Though I know she won't be able to read this, I am writing it nevertheless just because she deserves a spot here. Ate Belen is one of God's wonderful blessings to us and we are so grateful for her. I don't think we can thank her enough for the love and service she has rendered us all these years.

To Ate Belen, happy 60th birthday! May the Lord add more years to your life and may you live abundantly! :)