GOD'S PRECIOUS GIFT

Dear Mama Ating,

Hi. Its been 5 months since we saw each other and now I am excited to go home next next week to be with you again. Actually, these past few nights, I am crying because I want to see , hug, and kiss you and I miss having good times and bonding with you even just getting your dandruff every afternoon before you're going back to work. I can't do that to other people even to ate and kuya.

Thank you for carrying me for nine months. I know I am an unexpected baby and you're on the peak of your career as a businesswoman, still you find time to be with me. By the way I am sorry if I cried if I see you next to me when I wake up, because I admit that at first thought yaya is my mother. That's how close we are, but thank you because as I grow up you made me realized that its you and yaya explained to me everything.

Well, I want to say sorry for disappointing you most of the times especially on my academic sides.You know how hard my course is because you also experienced it. Its my personal choice and I want to make your dream come true, and that's to become a Certified Public Accountant. I am working for that, but the road is not easy and I failed so many times, but I know in the end, I will get it, we will get it! But despite of my failures, thank you for being my source of strength, for being there for me whatever happen and for making me smile and cheer me up and always says "That's Life. Ikaw ang pildi kung di ka mulaban (You' re a loser if you will not fight)."

Thank you for being supportive. For being not only my mother, but also my sister, shopping and travel buddy, and my best friend. I miss how I share to you what happens to me on that day and how you tease me with my friends of opposite sex. I love how open I am to you in my different aspects of my life and your funny advises on my heart issues. Don't worry ma, as of now I don't have a boyfriend and I prioritize important things first.  By the way, thank you for criticizing my works especially when I cook dishes and always tell me if I am going to cook, just cook for myself.

I know I can't pay all the sacrifices you did for me. Your love is unconditional and you're like a Mama Mary's image here on earth. You're a strong woman. You may cry while we're talking over the phone because of random reasons, I still find you strong. I think I inherit to you the attitude of being optimistic in life. Don't let problem overcome you, instead go to church and pray. And ma, thank you for the biggest influence you did to me is to be a God fearing and to be a woman of God. You're the first person who introduced God in my life by attending mass every Sunday.

I know you're not getting younger. I am afraid if one day you will not be there anymore for me physically. I pray everyday that God will give you good health. In time, you will be attending my graduation as I am wearing my red toga and you will be prouder when I see my name on my list of new CPAs. Soon mama. Our dreams will come true. Stay healthy and remember that I, together with ate and kuya's will be there for you no matter what. I love you.


Love,
Tintin

Throwback of Eighteen

One week from now, another year will be added on my age. Time flies fast that it was just like yesterday where I celebrated my 18th birthday. A year full of ups and downs, met new friends, have fun, experienced life to the fullest, and thankful every day on how God moves mysteriously in my life. Now, I want to go back and remember what happens to me from May 2012- May 2013...

My 18th Birthday Celebration with HS, College, 

and YFC friends @ Shakey's Manila.

Eusebio with Pring and Rinrin. 

Attended Renia's 18th birthday celebration

Campus Assembly with YFC-San Beda

Sector Conference @ Amoranto Theatre

First Regional Youth Conference @ Borongan, Eastern Samar

With YFC Northern Samar @ EV-RYC

Caving after RYC

San Antonio with Autoots

First morning walk with mama

Celebrated All Saints and Souls Day @ Loon Cemetery

Visited and met relatives @ Loon, Bohol

December gathering with Autoots

Sinulog 2013 with ate and mama

Completed Skywalk @ Crown Regency, Cebu City

Reunion with 1AAC friends

Valentine's Date with Nikki

Gabi ng Parangal with YFC- San Beda

Tour Bohol with YFC-Bohol friends

Island Hopping @ Panglao, Bohol

International Leaders Conference @ Manila w/ YFC-San Beda

Tumblr Meet Up @ ILC Manila

And I met new friends ...

Goldie (Davao) and Kuya Allen (Metro Manila)

Kuya Timothy (Laguna)

Kirbie (Cotabato)

Kuya Lex (Metro Manila/ Cebu)

Vonce (Iloilo) - First published picture together

Ate Carmel (Bohol) - I treat her as a sister from another mother

Ate Charisse (Metro Manila)

Ate Gecon (Bohol)

Bill (Davao) - Pinans!

Ate Fel (Cotabato)- Love adviser :)

With Elah and Austine (YFC Tumblr Meet up Event Heads, both from Bicol)

Eselle (Cebu)

Nino (Bohol)- Ninky Winky!

Ryan and Mitzi (Bohol)

Sotomayor Family 

Eselle and Amy (Cebu)

Eastern Visayas sisters 

Manuel (Bataan)

Gia (Cebu) - Kabit!

Ate Deanne and Ate Jallaine (Bohol)

Luji and Gary (Bohol)

Janin my Baninin! (Leyte)

Langga Trisha (Cagayan de Oro)

YFC Tarlac Sisters

KC (Tarlac)

Kuya Gerone (Tarlac/ USA)

Tina (Tarlac)

Lord, thank You for allowing those things to happen to me and met these wonderful people. You never failed to amazed and surprised me every year. And now, as I grow older, I know my life will not be easy, but I know You are there, will accompany me whatever happen. I also know You will add people in my life this year but I am praying you will not remove the people I met on my 18th year. Papa God, I trust Your plan and as now, I am already saying Thank You for giving me another year to live in Your world. Such an honor that You will give me another life. This year I will still proclaim Your greatness. 

I LOVE MY MOM BECAUSE...

Here is a compilation of answers on their reasons why they love their mother:

"I love my mom kay bisan ug garaon, hambugero, sugsugan o unsa pako. Kahibaw siya ra ang taw nga di mubiya bisan tanan mutalikod na nako tungod sa akong batasan. (Mahal ko ang nanay ko dahil kahit na makulit, mayabang, mahilig manukso, at ano pa ako, alam ko na siya lang ang tao na di ako iiwan kahit na lahat ay tumalikod sa akin dahil sa ugali ko.)" -- Ryan Dexter Lomosbog

"I love her because no other human being can do multi-tasking as overrated as hers." -- Janin Baninin Pades

"I love my mom because she never failed to understand my flaws, mistakes and imperfections." -- Lily Alaiza Alo

"I love my mom because she's all I have." -- Christine Joy Roferos

"Why I love my mom? She's divine, strong, humble and brave woman. She's superb <3" --Goldie Siglos

"I love my mom because she's the one that's understands me whenever she knows and feels that I have a problem." -- Manuel Genaro De Luna

"Because she's the one who has been there for me, supporting me especially on my downfalls and failures. She never gave up on me. Para ko na rin siyang bestfriend, madalas kaming nagpapakwela, and most especially , siya ang pinaka-ultimate prayer partner ko." -- Maria Charisse Furiscal

"I love my mom kasi she never gives up so easily, and despite of her being so sensitive at times, she still shows great courage, strength, and patience na very inspiring for me as her daughter. Superwoman of my life." -- Kristine De Leon

"Her patience and forgiveness never fails." -- Tina Manalang

"Simple she's my mommy. Mommy knows best. Walang maka-compare sa gugma sa usa ka mama (Walang makahahantulad sa pagmamahal ng isang ina.)" -- Gia Troyo

Saying YES

Four years ago, I stand up and say yes to a calling to be a missionary. It was February of 2009 when I joined the CFC-YFC Youthcamp of UEPLHS High School-based. I don't have any idea what's the service team had prepared for us. I just go with the flow, since its alright with me because I am with my closest friends and classmates. As long as they are there, there is no worry. 

Now, as I look back on how that 3 days activities transformed me into a person who I am today, a smile on my face can be drawn. I am just one of the chosen who are called to say yes to serve Him. Many in our batch were now inactive in the community because of some personal reason, but still they don't forget the community and Him. I was just amazed how this community influenced and mold us to become a future leader and teach so many things in life.

There is no "end" in serving Him. As long as God gives me the opportunity to live every day, I will serve Him, not only through Youth For Christ, but in every way that I can. You don't have to think twice when He asked you to serve Him, since it is our way of paying back on God's graciousness to our life. Say yes on His calling because its the yes that you will never regret in your life.

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER

Thirteen years ago, God allowed me to met five girls in school. We went to Catarman SPED Center for our primary education and saw each other again as we enter high school in University of Eastern Philippines Laboratory High School. Unexpected friendship bloomed, as we travel together going home after class,  went to church every Sunday and food trips every Saturday,exchange gifts during Christmas season, and many more. If I will say "I will not tell anyone about your secret," well, they will be not included to that "anyone". They are the people next to my family, who knows every detail about me and I am confident about that. If I have problem, just one call to them and they will be there and comfort you. I considered them as the five brightest stars in my life.

Here is a throwback of our friendship. Sorry I don't have any pictures of our elementary years since digital camera is not that famous that time.

HIGH SCHOOL DAYS 

When we entered college three years ago, we separated. Three of us are studying in University of the Philippines- Tacloban, one chose to stay in University of Eastern Philippines in our province, one is in University of Sto. Tomas, and I go to San Beda College. Despite of the distance, we never failed to communicate and update each other. They are updated about what is happening because there must be no left behind on our friendship. Every semestral break, Christmas vacation, and summer, we try to go home to see each other and have bonding. We either cook our favorite dishes like pasta , cakes, and sweets.

Here are some photos of our bonding in college:

We may not be connected by blood, but our friendship binds us together. Cheers for the thirteen years and counting of amazing friendship. You're a blessing!