Best of 2017

Here are the list of the best things about my 2017:

January - I decided to get organized to the benefits of my family as well as myself. I started

• Planning - By using a simplified planner i personally made
• Managing Finances - By tracking/monitoring our bill dues, income,savings and expenses
• Prioritizing - Doing first what is important.
• Setting Goals
• Purchased our first ever 120sqm. land property (fruit of labor by my husband)

April 20 - Arrival of my husband after 3 years from working overseas(Japan) as welder.

May - Spend some time with my family (and my brothers' family). 

• We went to Enchanted kingdom in Sta. Rosa Laguna so that kids may enjoy playing.
• My family had our first out of town summer get away in Puerto Galera (beach escapade) 

 July - 

• It was 25th of July when i learned i am pregnant with our 2nd child ( what a blessing!)
• My husband's 1st customer in photography, 7th pre and bday shoot (He decided to pursue photography business as another option just incase he won't be able to work abroad again.
• First pre-wedding photoshoot in Batangas by my husband
• First wedding coverage in Cavite City by my husband

October - 

• I was invited to be a bridesmaid on my friend's wedding then had a maternity photo shoot with my husband.
• 2 pre-birthday photo shoot by my husband
• 1 pre-wedding photo shoot by my husband

November - 

• 3 7th birthday coverage by my husband
• 1 wedding coverage by my husband
• Baby gender reveal: It's a GIRL! 

December - 

• Work abroad called up for my husband's application.
• Simple gathering with my family in Christmas day

Sure there are some worse part of this year but i don't really considered it as worse instead i consider it as a challenge. There are moments when my son, myself and my mother got hospitalized and broke my wallet. But this made me realized that health is wealth so i have to consider health this coming year so that we can avoid getting sick. Includes healthy meals and exercise for the family. 

Over all, we thank the Lord for blessing us throughout the year. We manage to cope up the challenges and learned from the people we encountered everyday in good times and bad times. 

Thank you 2017 and welcome 2018, Please be kind to us we are looking for a better year with hopes and prayers...

4 THINGS 2017 HAS TAUGHT ME (a year end reflection)

I was in college when i first realized the importance of reflection. I studied in a Catholic scholarship program school which helped by the government in educating the under privilege ladies and guided  by Opus Dei in Religion/spiritual being. I have learned the reflection in day to day basis, contemplating on the things you've done today, taking down notes on achievements, failures and sins committed (could be big or small), so that when confession day comes, you will be able to ask for forgiveness about what you've done and of course to correct what you've done wrong or improve yourself.

As a Filipino,we have this New year's resolution thing in the beginning of the year. I guess it's not just a tradition or what ever but i guess having it in your life will help you become a whole rounded person specially if you do it right and base it in reality. " The examined life is worth living" I believe. So, as this year ends, i would like to look back on my 2017 life events and look forward to what 2018 can bring me...

My 2017 has TAUGHT me to :

1. ORGANIZED 

Being organized is tough for me ever since because I'm a distracted person. I do whatever i feel like doing. But since I wanted to make use of my internet well, I've tried reading from different Christian and homemakers blog, This encouraged me to follow their tips and advises in becoming a better home maker, recognizing the important role of a woman for the benefit of your family and God's glory. From there i was able to make one step at a time in organizing.

• Planner - i started using a planner which includes 

1. Bill tracker (income,savings,expenses,bill dues)
2. Grocery list
3. Menu Planning (daily/weekly)
4. Cleaning lists
5. Things to do

2. SET GOALS/PRIORITIES

Just like organizing, goal setting is another challenge for me. I cant recognized what i really want in life. I want every little bit of everything and my plans keeps on changing. Staying focused is one of my weakness. Glad that it was my husband's strength. In this aspect,  his additional guidance has helped me.

3. SAVE AND MANAGE FINANCES

I can't say i am now successful in this aspect but i can say i have improved in a way. Actually, i am the spender and my husband is the keeper type of person. That is the best thing about marrying the opposite person as you are. I have learned saving some income in a bank, put up a little business that could help us earn extra income, and purchased only what is necessary. My husband's philosophy here is first things first. You have to recognized the difference between needs and wants and uses the this formula : Income - Savings = Expenses. I found it effective anyways.

4. FORGIVE.FORGET.MOVE ON.

I don't want to approach the coming year with a burden heart. Time to release the unnecessary emotional baggage of the past year. yeah, forgive and forget the people that may caused me irritations, harms and pains. My bitterness, career wise and try to focus on the blessings that me and my family received. Time to refresh my heart and leave everything to our fair and prudent judge God.

I am excited about the opportunities that a fresh New year would bring. The challenges and projects that needs to accomplish /complete, declutter physical, mental and spiritual aspects in life. Time is tickling and a few more hours to go before 2018 starts. 

Things I've Done as i kick off the new year with a fresh start:

• Paid Bills - House rental, Electricity, water, internet bills
• House keeping
• Declutter digital life: phone,photos,files,PC
• Give tokens/gifts to people i care about
• Cook food as we celebrate the first day 2018

Alright! 2018 Let's get it on!!! Happy New Year People :)

My 29th Weeks Baby Bump Updates

"Psalm 127:3 Behold,children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward."

I haven't post much about during my 1st and 2nd trimester. The symptoms of being pregnant, my experiences along the way and how i cope up difficulties and emotional roller coaster i have had. Now I'm on my first week of the last trimester. And this is what I'm feeling now.

Pros:

- No more morning sickness
- Gained more appetite in food
- Emotions are manageable now
- Enjoying every movements in my tummy.

Cons:

- Back pains
- Leg cramps
- Getting out of bed/ getting up is now a heroic act
- Penguin like movements

I'm just being grateful that this present pregnancy is not as delicate as my previous one. I can move better and work well without having pains and spotting. It is such a blessing that i have a wonderful period of time carrying a God given gift of life. So today I am starting to plan and prepare the essential things for my little one when the big day arrives. From the milk down to the things that the baby will need in the future.

Here's the update on our simple photo shoot during my 29th weeks pregnancy...

See you soon honey :)

Together with Daddy and my first born Brent...

Oh how i love them :) 

Daddy feeling the baby

i love the innocent looks of my boy here :)

By the way, these photos are taken by my husband which is called low key shoots. Baby reveal soon...

An Addition To The Family

There's nothing more exciting than knowing that i am pregnant... AGAIN! It's such a blessing for someone like me who has a delicate womb with a history on previous operation such as myomectomy and chromotubation. I had a miscarriage on my first pregnancy and a delicate 2nd. It was july 25 when i first knew i was pregnant... What a joy for both my husband and I... Thank God.

So, to enjoy my pregnancy my husband took a maternity shoot in my 24 weeks baby bump

So for now, i will nurture my baby in my tummy and wait for the big day... Updates will follow soon :)

Bridal Couture 2017 Paco Park Manila

Since photography became the passion of my husband, I supported him. Every time we find time and chances for photography i go with him. So there's this invitation in Nikon Pilipinas an FB page for photography hobbyist and enthusiast for the 2017th bridal couture organized by Gilbert Manawat. We hardly know anyone there but out of curiosity and also to practice shooting, there we go...

Event: Bridal Couture 5
Organizer: Gilbert Manawat
Gown: Marvin Garcia
Hair and Make Up : Donna Porras

So here's a glimpse of the pictures taken by an amateur photographer.

All about the bride

With the Groom:

I just feel so proud about my husband's shots...He's a first timer, no diploma for photography just passion. This pictures may not be the best but for the eye of his wife, it is :)

8 Ways To Show Your Love For Your Husband

No relationship will be successful if you don't work it out. Just like the flowers, it needs water and sunlight. I have been married to my husband for 5 years but we've been together for 10 years and over the years i have observed things that would pleased him. So in order to make him happy and show him how much I love and care for him, i should keep on doing the things that compliments him.Here are some of things i do for him...

1. My complete attention - Men's brain evolve to one thing ( book:Key to a man's heart) while we women tend to multi task. Often times i am the one who's more destructed by work, friends, mobile phone, children. But attending to them while talking to him makes him think that he is less important. So , keep an eye contact and limit interruptions as much as possible. Make him feel that he is the priority.

2. Serve his favorite meal - " the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach" i guess that is the best description everyone knows. Serving healthy foods makes him feel you wanted him to stay fit and healthy too.

3.Taking care of yourself - My husband is health conscious, he exercise often and i don't. So He keeps on encouraging me before to take care of my health specially now that we have a child. Pampering my self, exercising, eating healthy food indicates that " i want to have a long and wonderful life with you" 

4.Complimenting him - Genuine compliments on his looks and strength  confirm that you admire him which equates to love.

5. Encouraging him to take time for himself - This is what i keep on telling him, as long as your doing your obligations, fulfilling your duties and taking care of us, it doesn't matter to me if you have fun once in a while. I would love to see you having fun and enjoying life. Just don't indulges to vices, drunkenness, or adultery. That's a different thing. Encouraging him to take time for himself means showing support and allowing him to have the freedom to do what he wants, what he needs to be his best self. This will also indicates that you trust him.

Photography is my husband's hobby

6.Asking his advice - Asking for an advice shows that you rely on him and there's a place for him in your life. " when a man can fix something, he feels competent and useful".

7.Thanking him for the little things - Giving thanks will improve his attitude and infuse your relationship with a feel good energy. I still recall the time he asked me why i never said thank you to him, i told him i don't understand why he wanted to hear it because for me i never asked him to thanked me every time i did something for him.It's understood that we are grateful for each other. Well, again it's a feel good energy so instead of getting upset for his demand, ill do it for him. Anyways, it is an etiquette we can share with our kids too. To show and express gratefulness.

8.Intimacy - While woman connect verbally men connect more through touch. A big hug, a loving touch and sex. The chemical they release during sex stimulates the mental pleasure and reward center of a man says Dr. Dow.


9. Letting him vent - It shows you care. Just listen to his worries or problems without even trying to fix it. When my husband worked as an OFW for 3 years he often vent at me at night. Instead of having sex, we're having a conversation. I just feel his trust for venting on me. And at the same time i can feel how hard his life is when he was away from us. At least he was able to unload his burdens for quite a long time. I know it helps him.

I hope i will learn more ways other than these. You can share some tips on the comment box too...

4 Roles Of A Biblical Wife

When i was still single, i used to say that when i get married, i don't want to quit my job and be a plain housewife and stay at home mom. The idea of it makes me feel like losing my own self, my identity. I don't ever want to think not having my own money and buy what i want or even help my family. I don't like the idea of being controlled...

Not until i realized how significant our ROLE is as a woman and as a wife. Now that I'm a family person, I think God has imposed my soul to thirst for truth about how i should be or what is my divine purpose. Although my mom is there to mentor me, It is not enough (although her love is perfect despite her imperfections). Having a community and a church will help you shape and nourish your soul and your being. It is important that younger woman should be mentored by older biblical woman so that at an early age they will developed the ideas and plans of God given role specially this modern days where feminism already exist and creates confusion or false beliefs on modern girls. It is best to have a deeper foundation so that you won't get easily swayed by different events and opinions. And as a mom, my goal is to develop my children to be a better and Godly human beings.

 4 Biblical Role Of A Wife

Source: Family Life

1. Be a helper to you husband - Genesis tells us that God realized it wasn't good for a man to be alone, and that He decided to make a "helper suitable for him" Genesis 2:18

God designed the husband as the head of the home (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:23) The bible describes this leadership as loving-not dictatorial, condescending, or patronizing of his wife or children. A husband's leadership is compared to Jesus' love for the church. This love is one of mercy, forgiveness, compassion and selflessness.

The role we have as wives is that of encouraging and helping our husbands. If husband is the HEAD of the home, the wives are the NECK that supports the head and helps the head to fulfill its duties.

2.Respect your husband - In Ephesians 5:33, Paul says, " the wife must respect her husband." When you respect your husband you reverence him, notice him, regard him, honor him, prefer him, and esteem him. It means valuing his opinion, admiring his wisdom and character, appreciating his commitment to you and considering his needs and values.

Every time my husband helps me in household chores, i would tease him, i wink on him and smile and says," It's really awesome to have a husband and to have you here, great job hon,thanks for helping me," and i can see how he smiles back at me so sweetly. Those little acts could help him brighten his day. And during tough times like having arguments, i always think about this, Let LOVE lead the way... If you choose to love him you wouldn't want to hurt him. Loving your husband in the most unlovable time could be so hard, its like swallowing your pride. But i chose to swallow it rather than to feed the the conflicts/arguments. Id rather win the heart than win in fights. You can love your husband in difficult times by avoiding harsh words and loud voice, but instead speak your mind in the most loving and kindest way he can understand. It's not easy but its worth it.

3.Love your husband - Titus 2:4 calls for wives to "love their husbands." A good description of the kind of love your husband needs is " unconditional acceptance." In other words, accept your husband just as he is - an imperfect person. Love also means being committed to mutually fulfilling sexual relationship. I realize there is a whole lot more to love than sex, but we are looking at how to fulfill God's command to love our husbands. Therefore, we must look at love from their perspective, not just our own. 

Be our husband's best friend 

4. Submit to the leadership of your husband - Ephesians 5:22-24 " wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which he is the savior. now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husband in everything".

Just mention the word "submission," and many women immediately become angry and even hostile. This controversial concept has been highly debated and misunderstood. 

Some husbands and wives actually believe submission indicates that women are inferior to men in some way. I have known women who think that if they submit they will loose their identity and become non-persons. Others fear( some with good reason) that submission leads to being used or abused. Another misconception is that submission means blind obedience on the part of the woman. She can give no input to her husband, question nothing, and only stay obediently barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen.

A Special Note: Some of you may live with abused or in excessively unhealthy and destructive conditions in your marriage. At times, it may be in appropriate or even life-threatening for you to apply unquestioningly the principles of submission. for example, if you are being physically or verbally abused, you need to take steps to protect yourself and your children. If you are in that situation, seek help from someone wise who has been trained to help with your specific issue. Loving, forgiving, and submitting do not mean that you become a doormat or indefinitely tolerate significantly destructive behavior.

3 Roles of a Biblical Husband

my better half  :)

Not every husbands knows exactly what their roles are. Some even failed in performing their duties as a father and as husbands which creates conflicts in the family. These days we see news about men beating wives or abusing them. I can see some men over power their wives, they lead their family with authority creating fear. Some men prioritize their vices instead of their family. 

I feel lucky that my husband has the qualities of a real man.But he's not perfect. I'm not either. And both of us came from a wrecked home. With our imperfections, as a wife i desired to help feed myself with the right knowledge in order to be a good home maker, my husband's helper, and a mother. 

I'd like to understand how it is to be a man, understand their role and their purpose so that i can extend whatever help i can give in times of necessities in our day to day life as a family and as a parent.This drives me to look for some tools like books, and i want it to be biblical so i am guided in the right way.

Experiences can teach us too. And when time comes, i hope i can teach my son how to be a man, a Man that glorifies the Lord. 

Here are the 3 Main Role of Husband the biblical way:
source: http://www.allaboutgod.com/role-of-husband-in-the-bible.htm

• Role of the Husband in the bible - LEADER

Mr. & Mrs. 

The role of the husband in the bible starts with leadership. Scripture makes it clear that a husband must be a leader of his home and have a healthy control of his life. (1 Timothy 3)

" But i want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ" - 1 Cor 11:3 

And to us wives, we should acknowledge it as stated in Ephesians 5:21-24 

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CHRISTIAN HOUSEHOLD

21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Leadership simply means influence. Therefore, a biblically-based husband should influence his family. Husbands are not dictators, they should not demand, they should not rule over their wives. Instead, husband should influence their wives and families in accordance with biblical teaching. They should exemplify with their voice and their actions, attributes that bring glory to God and value their spouse and family. THE FRUIT OF A GOOD BIBLICALLY-BASED HUSBAND IS A STRONG, CONFIDENT, SPIRITUALLY MATURE WIFE AND FAMILY. 

• Role of the Husband in the bible - PROVIDER and PROTECTOR

Family Summer Get Away in Puerto Galera provided by my hubby

with my brother and his whole family in Enchanted Kingdom courtesy of my husband

The role of the husband starts with leadership, but encompasses provision and protection. A husband will never influence his wife if he does not care for her. He can demand and she may follow as a result, but he will never truly have her heart unless he provides for her needs, cares for her well-being, and protects her both physically and spiritually. For as scripture says:

" Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than unbeliever" 1 Timothy 5:8

" Husbands, love you wives and do not be harsh with them" Colossians 3:19

" Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers" 1 Peter 3:7

Physical nature and strength of a man is to be manage with grace and gentleness. God did not create men to lord over women nor did he create women to simply wait on men. He made them to complement each other through healthy companionship.

• Role of the Husband in the bible - COMPANION

My best friend, my husband

The role of the husband in the bible is fulfilled through the heart of companionship. Scriptures says:

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all,no one ever hated his own body.' For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and two will become one flesh.' This is a profound mystery - but i am talking about the Christ and the Church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect he husband." Ephesians 5:25-33

The relationship between husband and a wife is meant to be one of LOVE,RESPECT, and SUPPORT. They are to help each other. This idea is introduced at the beginning of the bible in the story of the creation of Eve. Adam needed a companion, a suitable helper, yet one could not be found until God created Eve. 

" But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, He took one of the man's ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and He brought her to the man. The man said, 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called "woman", for she was taken out of man.' That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."

Genesis 2:20-24

This also leads to another understanding of companionship. God created men and women with natural, physical, and emotional differences. Usually where one is weak, the other is strong. Therefore, a husband and wife can help each other by meeting the other person's needs through physical and emotional intimacy. 

"But since sexual immorality is occurring,each man should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The does not have authority over her own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self control." 1 Corinthians 7:2-5

When the needs of our spouse are properly met through healthy companionship, the two can help each other and can live a successful life together.

Lastly, through their companionship between a man and a woman is directed by the influence of the husband through his provision and protection and is covered by his caring, gentle, and graceful love for his wife and family. Without the biblical roles of husband being fulfilled by a strong man of God, the family unit risks the difficulties brought on by sin and spiritual distortion. Satan desires the destruction of the family, but through Christ and proper understanding of biblical roles, the family is a strong and safe place to grow in God.

Spot The Difference: Aninuan,Talipanan,White Beach

"Take Vacations, Go as many palaces as you can, You can always make Money, But you cant always make memories"

If you want a more peaceful and relaxing vacation with a loved one or with the whole family, this place my bet...

Famous Spot in Talipanan

 If you want to spend some time alone, Then this place is the Best...

Aninuan Beach less visitor more locals 

Aninuan Sand The Finest of them all

Aninuan 

Abandoned Establishment between Talipanan and aninuan 

Another space that is left behind 

sandy and rocky part of talipanan

these foreigners are going to cross the rock boulders to watch sunset in aninuan 

As i noticed, Talipanan is a combination of sand and pebbled beach while Aninuan has finer sands. i can say its Aninuan has the best sands in Puerto Galera but less accommodations. While White Beach is more famous and more crowded part.

locals getting food to eat usually small crabs and shells

But if your looking for party life, more options, then this place is better.

A livelier White Beach with more choices of activities

Other wise it is you who make your vacation more memorable and fun...