As we welcome 2010

As the clock strikes 12, I wish you happiness and love this coming year. Happy New Year! :)

2010 is right around the corner. In about 3 hours, we will be welcoming another year.

2009 has had it's fair share of ups and downs. Most of them helped me grow a lot. And I guess my perspective in life has really expanded for the most part.

But there's so much to look forward to.

Another year to serve God.

Another year to help make the country better.

Another year to meet new people.

Another year to get inspired.

Another year to love.

Another year to hope for better things to come

Another year to learn.

Another year to be thankful for the graces I've received.

Another year to share my blessings.

Another year to forgive and learn from mistakes

Another year to experience new things.

Another year to travel (hopefully abroad na! 2009 was all about the Philippines... Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao)

Another year to mend brokenness.

Another year to build relationships.

Another year to grab opportunities.

Another year to let go.

Another year to be good.

Another year to make something meaningful out of my life.

Another year to bless and be blessed.

Another year to simply live the life we have all been called to live. :)

So to my family, relatives, and friends,
acquaintances, brothers and sisters in the community,
to the everyday heroes and to those who live to serve,

Have a blessed new year.
May God continue to shower graces upon you.
May you always be healthy and strong.


With love I send this note to YOU,

Carmel :)

Blogs from the Past Series #10

I HAVE A CONFESSION TO MAKE

Apr 2, '09 9:07 PM for everyone

Sabi ni Rhea, IN LOVE AKO.

SASABIHIN KO SA INYO NGAYON... IN LOVE AKO!

Actually, matagal ko na itong pinipigilan.

Matagal ko nang inililihim sa inyo.

Pero ngayon, narealize ko,

...BAKIT KO KAILANGANG ITAGO KUNG SOBRANG LUPIT NUNG NARARAMDAMAN KO?

...KUNG NAGBIBIGAY ITO SA AKIN NG WALANG HANGGANG KASIYAHAN?

...KUNG ALAM KO NA DAHIL SA KANYA, PATULOY AKONG NABUBUHAY AT NAIINSPIRE SA LAHAT NG GINAGAWA KO?

...KUNG ALAM KO NA SA BAWA'T KILOS KO, SYA ANG INIISIP KO?

...KUNG BAKIT LALONG TUMATAG ANG AKING PANANAMPALATAYA?

...KUNG SA PAGMULAT NG AKING MGA MATA SA UMAGA HANGGANG SA AKING PAGTULOG NG GABI, SIYA ANG LAMAN NG AKING PUSO'T DIWA.

...KUNG SYA ANG DAHILAN NA NARITO AKO.

...KUNG MINAHAL NIYA AKO KAHIT DI AKO PERPEKTONG TAO.

...KUNG BAKIT HINDI MAPAPANTAYAN NG MGA SALITANG MAKIKITA NYO SA BLOG ENTRY NA ITO KUNG GAANO SYA KAGALING AT KALUPIT.

... KUNG BAKIT NARARAMDAMAN KO ANG LANGIT DITO SA LUPA.

...KUNG BAKIT ALAM KONG PAGKATAPOS NG BUHAY NA ITO, ALAM KONG MAKAKASAMA KO PA RIN SYA.

I admit.

I HAVE BEEN SELFISH.

But you know what?

I SHOULDN'T BE.

Because

HIS LOVE HAS ALWAYS BEEN UNCONDITIONAL.
HE HAS ALWAYS REMAINED FAITHFUL EVEN IF WE WEREN'T.
HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN STILL.
HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE TO PROTECT AND STRENGTHEN US EACH DAY.
HE HAS TURNED OUR MOURNING, SORROWS AND PAIN TO EVERLASTING JOY.

So kung tatanungin nyo ako ngayon:
BAKIT?
..bakit ako nagseserve?
..bakit ako kinikilig?
..bakit kahit ang dami kong problemang personal na mabigat, di ako sumusuko?
..bakit ako nagiging optimistic?
..bakit ako nagwoworship?
..bakit nag-eenjoy ako sa buhay?
..bakit kahit maraming di mapapalad na pangyayari sa buhay ko, nagagawa ko pang ngumiti?
..bakit nagmamahal ako?

ito lang ang sasabihin ko sa inyo.

KASI MAHAL AKO NG DIYOS.
at MAHAL RIN NYA KAYO.

Nakakakilig 'noh?

Blogs from the Past Series #9

AN OPEN LETTER TO MY LOVE

 Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 8:54pm | 

Dear God,

Hi.

I'm guessing that you've been anticipating this letter for a while now. It's a bit overdue, in fact... 21 years and 2 months, to be exact. Well, I suppose that now is the perfect time to write you this because You've been nothing but great to me.

I know that our story has not been the most perfect. I was innocently following You as a child. We used to talk a lot whenever I prayed at night in front of the grotto of our home. But then, I thought that those prayers were to be answered immediately, not thinking that they were to be answered in YOUR PERFECT TIME. As I grew up, I chose to stray from You because I thought You didn't care for me whenever those prayers seemed unheeded. And though you sent me people to hear Your word, I turned a deaf ear. Instead of listening to You, I went with non-believers -- those who turned me against You. And though I thought I owned and had control over my life then, I didn't realize how lost I was without You by my side. I chose to banish You because I thought that I can do things on my own, even at the point of challenging you to turn things around when I thought that everything in my life simply went wrong. And after challenging you, I first thought that you simply defeated me. But no, I realized that You simply won me over again and that you brought me back to the light... something that I am truly grateful for.

Since then, you've made me realize how much I was loved by you through the people I've lived my life with. With them, You've made me realize that You were always here by my side and that sometimes, I just had to feel hurt and struggle, because You wanted to me to be your strong soldier. During the times you gave me a push, You made me hold on to You all the more. And you know what? It was way better than doing things on my own, because I know that everything I did was Your work.

When I was looking for the perfect job, You've searched it for me. At first, you made me experience what I thought I wanted for my life. But though I was happy with that, I felt that you wanted me to do something more, and that I had to risk. And even if my family isn't exactly well-off or stable, You gave me a mission. Even if I haven't always received monetary compensation (well, even now) on time, I don't resent you for it. I know that You're doing this because when I receive it, You have plans for me. Once I get it, I know that You will teach me how to spend it wisely. You will tell me to invest it in You and Your plans for me, my family, my friends and the people whose lives I'll touch, which does not entail any risk because it is a product of Your love.

You've been calling me to serve You. Over the past year and a half, You've brought me to places I've never thought of going for reasons other than sheer recreation or immersion. And the best part of those trips were because I dedicated them to You. You've brought me to the less fortunate, especially to GK Villages to show me that I'm still blessed amidst my own financial crisis -- to tell me that You will provide for me. You've brought me to camps to know You more and to make me realize that You've given me so much to share to others such as my talents and skills. You've brought me to sports fests and competitions so that I could adjust my outlook in contests and to teach me to have FUN doing YOUR way. You've brought me to far-flung places to worship you and to be a witness of Your unconditional love. You've brought me to training activities to help me realize that You indeed have plans for me, and that all I had to do is be humble and listen, to follow You, even when the road I'll take will be a challenge and a struggle. Even when people doubt the sincerity of my actions, God, You stuck by me, and You've kept me still, and for that I'm eternally thankful. Most importantly, You've brought me back to the HEART OF WORSHIP and say that IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU. You've welcomed me back with open arms. You've made me feel the awesome warmth of Your undying love. You've showed me heaven on earth, the most amazing feeling I can imagine.

And though I am still waiting for your gift to me, I am contented with THIS relationship. OURS. I know that You're still planning on the space of THIS TRIANGLE that he will occupy. Right now, it's You and Me. The best part? It will NEVER be AGAINST THE WORLD, because YOU LOVE ME as much as YOU LOVE THEM ALL. And you know what, that gift can wait. You've already given me the GREATEST GIFT OF ALL -- Your son, Jesus Christ, who came to proclaim Your Kingdom, to be a brother to all of us, to die in atonement of our sins and those of the whole wide world and to be the MOST PERFECT MANIFESTATION OF YOUR LOVE.

Now that I'm taking another step up in serving You, I leave everything up to You -- all Your plans for me, all the pains that I will encounter, all the sorrows because I have learned to depend on You. I know that I should allow you to be tough for me. The enemy will linger around, but with You there, I know that everything will be okay, just as it was always meant to be. Keep me safe. Protect the people I truly love and care for, Lord God. Be with them too. And when they turn their back on you, show them the beautiful light that you've shown me.

I Love You, God. I REALLY DO.

Always,
Carmel

Blogs from the Past Series #8

Amidst the tide of yellow and black (tribute to Cory)

 Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 7:36pm

Amidst the tide of yellow and black, we celebrate the life and legacy of a person who gave herself to the Philippines as a sacrifice to free its people from the bondage of dictatorship and injustice.

Amidst the tide of yellow and black, we mourn for the person who mothered our land during the most trying moments of its history.

Amidst the tide of yellow and black, we commemorate the person who served as our model of faith and unyielding love.

Amidst the tide of yellow and black, we express our utmost gratitude to the icon who served as the nation's ceaseless hope.

Amidst the tide of yellow and black, we carry on the fire and passion of a woman who despite several adversities stood still and led this nation.

Amidst the tide of yellow and black, we stand strong as a nation, knowing that this is now a battle we must fight.

A battle which Corazon C. Aquino started twenty six years ago. a battle for true freedom, a battle to rebuild this nation.

We now dream of an ideal nation, one which Corazon Aquino wished to see.

And now that she has left us here to carry on, we must not cease.

Let us not spit on her sacrifice.

Let us be brave.

Let us stand strong.

Let us be Filipinos.

Filipinos who are worth LIVING FOR.

---

Over the past few days, I was watching several tributes being aired on tv. I was truly inspired by the way Cory Aquino defied the odds and rewrote books. Tomorrow, I hope to be part of her historical funeral. But my one true hope is that when she is laid to rest, her legacy will live on in each Filipino, for we wouldn't have been free if it weren't for people like her who sacrificed herself for the good of all.

Truly, God gave Cory Aquino as a gift to this nation. And just like every special gift, we must put value in whatever she has done for the country and to the world. Her unwavering faith and courage must always be remembered and enlivened by each person who calls him or herself a Filipino.

Blogs from the Past Series #7

At 26: A Tribute to Ninoy

 Friday, August 21, 2009 at 2:43pm 

I was born to witness freedom and democracy in this country. I have not endured a major political upheaval against a tyrant who seized power for two decades and hoarded wealth in the government. I have not seen people being arrested in the middle of the night because they broke curfew. I have not heard of gunshots being randomly fired in the streets by forces of the military.

Whatever happened 26 years ago, to my young mind, is a momentous event that forever changed the history of the Philippines. I would never be able to comprehend the emotions running through the veins of each Filipino who had to suffer through the dictatorship of Ferdinand V. Marcos. I was never there to see how some Filipinos would go out on the streets with nothing but their rosaries, their hopes and dreams for their country, and a heart filled with courage to fight for this nation's freedom. No, I would never fully understand how hard life was during the time when the most basic of rights were being violated.

When I was a kid, I did not know what the importance of this man whose name is printed on the 500-peso bills issued by the Central Bank was. I did not think how great a sacrifice his life was for the Filipino. But whatever the impetus for my sheer passion to serve and sacrifice for this country is now, I would probably attribute a major part of it to what happened in the tarmac of what was then known as the Manila International Airport. From that point on, I believe that Filipinos have learned to value their nationality. Ninoy Aquino definitely made that event his last major personal statement to the Filipino people -- that we are truly worth dying for.

I do believe that no one would dare die the way Ninoy did for the country. Despite the implications that certain people in government (and even particular citizens) spit on the sacrifice that Ninoy Aquino has made for this country. While we have a constitution that allows us democratic rights that have been robbed of my elders back in the day, we do not maximize them so that we could make this nation better. We let the government officials run this country their way-- tolerating graft and corrupt practices, rallying without contributing to the solution for the problems we face, relying on people to step up before we do small things that could make big differences. We fail to realize the importance of our being Filipino, which is in itself, a blessing from God. We only take pride in the victories, and fall to shame when we are faced with adversities as a people. We choose to be apathetic because we think that these matters do not concern us. We choose to sit on the sidelines and wait to hero-worship someone without realizing that we could be our own heroes.

While we have the option to sit comfortably in our couch at home and care less about the plight of our country, we should remember that we owe it to people such as Ninoy and Cory who have dedicated their lives so that we could enjoy the freedom that they and the millions who lined up along Edsa have fought for.

In commemorating Ninoy Aquino's 26th death anniversary, let us continue fighting for freedom and praying for the change of heart of our leaders -- that they serve with pure hearts. And we, as citizens of this country, should do small things that could affect change: those that could pull our country out of its plight. While it is an act of martyrdom to die for this country, it would only serve our country's best interest if we live lives worthy of being Filipinos. We say: Ipagpapatuloy natin ang laban. But I hope that we don't wait too long because the hero lives in us. This country could boast of so many heroes from the hispanic times up until the contemporary era, and I believe that the same blood runs in this generation of Filipinos. Let's step up for this country and make it great again!

Blogs from the Past Series #6

God's victories

 Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 8:27am | 

Early morning inspiration :)


We always tend to ask for something. There's nothing wrong with that. It's our way of satisfying our human needs. For most of the time, we do it for self-actualization. But sometimes, somehow, when we pray for something, we fail to realize how important it is to rely on God's timing. We want the answers at once. And when He does answer, we are not satisfied. For the many favors I've asked from God, I have realized how amazing His will is.

For all the amazing victories and favors I've received I've always felt how the timing was great. But I've also realized that whenever I try to do things my way, I fail. An even more amazing thing that happens is that when someone tries to make me feel that I could not gain a favor from Him after I've genuinely prayed for it, He gives me more than I ask for.

However, I've also observed that for the many times that I've prayed for something and tried my way because of my impatience, the favor or victory does not come into fruition. If for those many instances that I've attempted to force my will and not His, I end up in bitter disappointment. It's as if God reminds me 'in My time, not yours'. And for the many times that I do not pray for His victories and favors, He taps my back and says 'forget Me not.'

I believe that if there's a way through anything, it's because God has paved the way for it, and we could only expect good things to happen if we pray for Him to guide us through it. Like a pathway that is invisible in the dark, the road can only be seen if we ignite the fire on the lamp to walk the right way. We could never do away with God for our victories is not for our glory, but His. :)