I-tagalog Lesson #1

this series will be all about my happy experiences teaching Batman how to speak Tagalog and how to be a good Filipino conversationalist. I really appreciate the fact that he wanted to learn and he's a very good student haha :) I know that being accustomed to what I am accustomed to is his one way of telling me he cares about me and he accepts me for who I am.

so just for laughs Batman... not to make fun of you... but to tell the whole blogsphere world how cute you are :)

LESSON #1

"KAKAINIS" - I told him that whenever I had toyo... I always feel this to a certain perspn, thing or situation. It's something not equivalent to "mad" or "angry" but something lighter than that. It's like a "cute mad."

So last night I had a toyo... (just bummed out with the situation at work) and he was talking to me and asking me what's wrong. So I keep on saying "nothing" like I always do when I'm not ready to talk about that thing yet. And then Batman in his very very very very cute Tagalog tone asked me....

BATMAN: KAKAINIS MO SA KIN???? (naiinis ka ba sa kin?)

hahahahahahahhaha :P

Even if I was in toyo mode that time, after hearing it, I can't help but smile. And I took note to blog it the next day (which I am doing now) and it gave me the idea to compile all those funny memories I will have with him.

YOU ARE NOT JUST MY DARK KNIGHT... YOU'RE MY JOKER TOO...

you never fail to put smile on my face no matter how *toyo* i am :) thank you for wanting to make me happy.

*kilig post :)

...its the very first thing that greeted me in the morning :)

...its the very first greetings I got for my coming birthday

...just this... and my day is complete :) *kilig*kilig

(by the way, he said he was shy after reading it... hahaha :) THAT'S THE POINT!)

happy, sad, mad but still hopeful

Happy

Today is the last day of my fasting. God is good! It’s been a wonderful experience for me. I have realized a lot of things during this 21 days of my fast and most of all I found out that I can actually discipline myself when it comes to eating hahaha :) Although I will admit that there are times, I’m really tempted to break my fast. I remember last Sunday I was sooo sleepy I really wanted to buy a coffee from Starbucks. Good thing, Batman was there to remind me and rebuke me. Well, I never thought I can survive the 21 days of my life taking vegetables and fruits only. But God is faithful… He’s been my strength and He has sustained me. Now I feel healthier than before. I haven’t had any news regarding my job hunting in Bangkok but I will trust the Lord that He will provide for me. If He cares for the birds in the skies He cares more for His children whom He dearly loves. I am His child… He is my Father and He loves me.

Sad

My auntie just gave me the news that our dog – Nusa is very sick. Last night he threw up a lot and he doesn’t want to eat and play or even walk. Very very very very sad news. We love that dog so much. He added so much joy in our life since he was given to us. I really hope he’ll get better soon….

Please be well Nusa...

Mad

Why there are people who don’t fulfill whatever it is they said? Why there are people who like to take advantage of other people just because they knew they have control over them?

Man… working here sucks. I am just so mad I wanted to take it out of me… I really hope blogging it would help. SIGH!

Still Hopeful….

Tomorrow will still be beautiful. Tomorrow will still be wonderful. Tomorrow I will be amazed at how God will work in my life. Tomorrow I will be hopeful because even if people fail me, my God is faithful and He will fulfill His promises. Life sucks today but tomorrow will be a different story.

God is good!

I’ve been doing a lot of blog hopping these past few days and I’m enjoying it a lot. I really admire those people who can inspire other people through their works. Some are just sharing stories of their life but still… somebody’s experience can be somebody’s entertainment and inspiration. Thank you for these bloggydee blogs which made me happy. I left comments to those whom I was really blessed and blogs which I’ll be checking out from time to time :)

As for me, well, last week was a very hard week for me. Firstly, our salary was delayed L It was supposed to be given every 5th of the month, but since the 5th is Sunday, we’re supposed to get it on the 3rd which is Friday. But because of some financial crisis our company is experiencing right now, it was delayed on 8th of this month. But it doesn’t end there, on the 8th of October, the expected money did not reach us yet, which means, it will be delayed again. That was last Wednesday and man, that was the scariest Wednesday of my life since I moved here in Rayong. Why? Because the workers got so mad at the management when they found out they can’t have their salary on that day. So at about 3pm, all of them stopped working, they gather themselves together and they kept on clanging the metals and machines in the factory. The sound of those clanging metals really scares me. Feels like I can’t go out of the office alive. And the fact that I’m in the Finance Department makes it worse. Some of them looked at me as if I’m the one keeping the money from them. They didn’t understand I don’t have my salary too. So the managers went out to talk to them. Thank God everything went okay. The management promised to pay them on the 10th and they were gracious to agree. On the 10th, which was last Friday, they got their salary but not us :( Well, I think its better they got it first. I don’t wanna deal with scary workers again :(

Secondly, I got to talk to my brother last week and he told me that our mom is very sick. The moment I knew that, I called her and asked her to go to the doctor. My brother is suggesting it to her but she is refusing because she’s thinking of the cost of the check-up, the medicines, etc. So she and my brother went to the doctor’s clinic and found out she has pneumonia and high blood pressure. Another dilemma for me is that, she’s sick, they need money and I don’t have salary yet. Good thing I got to send them some money before the start of this week so they have a little money to use for my mom’s medicine and other expenses. But still, it won’t be enough to last for next week especially the medicine is so expensive. I talked to my mom and told her not to worry but deep in my heart, I’m the one who’s very worried for them. I told my brother to look after my mom.

The next day, I called them again and surprisingly, I found out this time that my brother is sick too :( I was really worried and crying out to God, asking Him to look after them. During these times that I wish I have the supernatural power to fly or teleport myself in a blink of an eye and be there the moment they need me.

Well, God is good… last Saturday when I got home in Bangkok, God sent three angels to help me in my finances which means, my mom and brother can buy enough medicine. Thank God for those angels :) The other day I got to talk to my brother again and he’s feeling okay now and my mom is getting better, still a little sick but getting better. Really really really thank God!

Aside from that I have Batman to stay with me through all of this. He’s was there to understand my toyo-ness, he’s there willing to fly and save me from the angry factory workers and he’s there just to love me :D

I still haven’t got my salary till now (15th of October 2008) but I’m not worried anymore. My Father God can work in ways I can’t even grasp. He cares for me and He will be there to look after my mom and my brother too. And, He gave me Batman to stood by my side and hold my hand. Indeed, God is good… all the time!

my life is in YOUR hands.. my heart is in YOUR keeping...

3-days LSS

i think I've been listening to it a lot...

can't take it out of my mind already. its nice though.. cheesy but sweet... very heartwarming (kakakilig hehe:P)

TANGLED UP IN YOU

by Staind

You're my world
The shelter from the rain

You're the pills

That takes away my pain

You're the light

That helps me find my way

You're the word

When I have nothing to say

In this world where nothing else is true

Here I am still tangled up in you

I'm still tangled up in you

Still tangled up in you

You're the fire

That warms me when I'm cold

You're the hand

I have to hold as I grow old

You're the shore

When I am lost at sea

You're the only thing

That I like about me

How long has it been?

Since this storyline begins

And I hope it never ends

And goes like this forever

I'm still tangled up in you

Still tangled up in you

I think the person to whom this song was made for is loved a lot, very lucky girl (haba ng hair nya for sure). But try to think of it, he must be one heck of a lucky guy too... for him to experience that kind of love from that girl...

Well, glad to know that I'm still tangled up with someone who's not just my world, my pills, my light, my word, my fire, my shore, etc. but also my clown, my pillow, my chocolate, my rice and chicken, my chili spice, my chauffeur, my coffee-mate, my rockstar, my comic geek, my bestfriend...

so to you whom I'm still tangled up to: we might have "toyo" moments at times but you're still one of my favorite person ;) and I'll never ever want to be untangled from you.

"still tangled up in you"

Daniel's Fast

Man, one post per month… that sucks! And I call myself a blogger? I’m really starting to feel depressed on my blogging habits (hehe :P) Well… life’s been very busy and honestly, just too lazy to write haha :D

So now… for my 1st of October post… I want to share my very first FASTING adventure. I have been a Christian since 1994 (grew up in church since I was a kid but really understood it on that year) but I haven’t tried doing this thing. For no reason actually, it’s just that, I thought this thing is not for me. So then, just last month, I was re-reading the book “Heavenly Man”. The book is about the Chinese Man named Yun who suffered rejections, hardships and persecutions in China because of his faith. It really inspired me and I was really moved by the story and the events that this guy had experienced together with his family and co-believer in Christ. From that, I thought how blessed I was that all I have received in my life are just petty rejections and laughs from friends and neighbors when I am sharing Jesus to them. I never experienced to be beaten, to be imprisoned, to almost die because I believe in God and claim Jesus to be my Savior and Lord. A part of the book which really touched me was when he was in prison, consistently beaten and treated badly by the prison guards and his other cell mates, and then he’s still doing his FASTING. He’s not eating his food but instead, he gave to his other cell mates which made them realize that he really is a good man.

From that moment on, FASTING has been in my mind. I remembered about two years ago, when my cousin Kirby went here in Thailand to join the Jesus Revolution Mission Outreach. She shared to me that they did a Daniel Fasting so they will be prepared spiritually for the battle they’ll face here in Thailand. What she had told me was that in doing the Daniel Fasting, they should not eat any meat and sweets. From that, I decided to study that kind of Fast and here’s what I found out:

DANIEL FASTING was based on that time when Daniel decided not to eat the King’s food (Babylonian diet) but instead decided to eat vegetables and drink water only for ten days. As I study deeper on this subject, I have set my objectives for my fast, the length of time that I will be fasting and from what food I will be fasting.

WHY AM I FASTING?
1. I NEED A JOB (Located in Bangkok, stabled company, with working permit and visa, good paying job, where I can use my giftings, talent and education)
2. FINANCIAL BREAKTHROUGH (Freedom from debts, faithfulness in tithing and learning to save)
3. PHYSICAL HEALING (myself, my brother and my mom)
4. SPIRITUAL STRENGTH (being more prayerful, hungry for God’s Word and strength to face trials and temptations)

HOW LONG AM I FASTING?
I’ve decided to do the 21-day fast according to Daniel 10:2-3 so I will be fasting from 01 October 2008 to 21 October 2008.

FROM WHAT AM I FASTING?
1. Meat (Chicken, Pork, Beef)
2. Sweets (Ice Creams, Chocolates, Candies, Cakes)
3. White rice, white bread, pasta and noodles
4. Dairy Foods
5. Carbonated Drinks (sodas)
6. Caffeine
7. Fried Foods
8. Fish (if cooked with oil)

I know this is quite difficult, especially for someone like me who really loves to eat… and I mean, reaaallllyyy loves to eat. Actually they always told me I am a food person because they can really see me happy when I’m eating. But then, I guess, this is a big spiritual step I’m about to do. I believe that my faith in God will help me get through these 21 days of my life and not only that… I know that as I come to Him and seek Him, He will reveal Himself to me and answer my prayers according to His will.

Father God,

You will be my strength in my weakness.

Your grace is sufficient and your love is everlasting.

You are my Father… and you will provide for me.

You care about me and You love me… I will rest on those truths.

My heart will be in peace knowing You will always be with me.

I love you and thank You for loving me first :)

Your daughter,
Eloisa

to you :)

just more than two decades ago, this very same day, someone was born.

to some people he's just a someone...

for me... he's the one...

... good hearted

... talented

... loving

... witty

... crazy

... my dark knight :P

thank God for your life... happy birthday!

yeah... its always better when we're together :)

again?!!!

Hmm…

Its been a while since I last blogged… againL well sometimes, when you get used of not doing something, its really hard to get back on it. Just like blogging. Hehe JBut anyways, just an update from me on what happened for that two quiet months of my life. JUNE was a pretty boring month just doing the same stuffs over and over again. Work for weekdays then church and family and love one at weekends.

JULY was jampacked. Good and bad… happy and sad… laughter and tears… The most important thing is, lessons were learned and been very thankful to God for bringing wonderful people in my life – family and friends - to love, to care, to understand, to listen, to correct and to be joyful with me. And to that someone who has been with me through all of this, you’re my precious gift from God. Couldn’t have done it without you holding my hand and telling me it’s gonna be okay.

Start of August was blast! 01st to 3rd of August was spent in the Youth Camp at Suan Nong Nooch Resort at Prachiburri.

VENUE - The place was heavenly…. very, very nice. The camp site is so big it won’t be advisable to walk if you want to tour in the place. There were lots of facilities and amenities to enjoy. There’s the flying fox, a small lake where you can do paddle boats and canoe, a rope bridge, a big soccer field behind the big rocks, a cactus garden, a small pool, a mini-zoo where you can see deer and big ostriches, a cage where you can see chickens and rabbits together, grass maze, a rusty tunnel, a hanging rope bridge, a climbing thingy, a mess hall, a Thai house, nice rooms, bikes, and wonderful people to serve you.

PEOPLE – Ps. Chad, Ate Renz, Navie, Auntie Su, Jove, Ivy, Pong, Angel, Vianne, Eddie, Oti, Gift, Praise, Joy, Jadze, Joshua, Hye Min, Sae Hee, Min Ha, Winnie, Gabi, Jerrica, Hannah, Reuben, Chao, Taihei, Bruyole, Jonathan, Acts, Joanna and ME! Three Groups – Justice League of P, X-Men and Incredibles. Super Counselors – Jove, Ivy and Me. Super Mommy – Ate Renz. Super Auntie – Pi Su. Everybody’s Clown – Navviiieee. Super Duper Pastor – PMC. Funny, amazing and wonderful people. One word – BLESSINGS. Knowing them, being with them, taking a part of their life and mine and putting it together, knowing God together, worshipping together and making memories with these people is just simply awesome. Thank you God for this kind of blessing you’ve given me.

WORD – Simple but true. Basic but important. Sitting there, looking at them, and remembering the times when I was the one in their place. The preaching was very powerful… reminding me of the simple but important things… rekindling the joy of my salvation… going back to my first love… becoming a true worshipper of God… going extreme for Jesus…. Being a radical Christian…. Being a Jesus freak….

elevate...wohhoooo....

Dear Lord,

At times, it felt like since I’ve known you for a long time, I already knew all of you. But I was very wrong. Thank you for bringing me back to your heart and for reminding me of your love which is the most important thing of all…

For the past weeks, I’ve seen how you’ve answered my prayers and how you’ve answered it in a way that I don’t exactly like but just perfect… for me to learn… for me to appreciate the people whom you’ve blessed me with and for me to realize that YOU are sovereign and in control.

I love you Lord …

Thank you for the opportunity to grow in life… but even if; I’ll still be Your little girl.

eloizagerl - blessed beyond what i can imagine :P

wasted...

meet my studs last VBS (May 01-04, 2008)...

______________________________

feeling not-so-good today...

*** empty

*** hollowed

*** tired

***wasted

eloizagerl

- iyakin

- toyo

"i don't wanna be adored... i wanna be loved.."

- from the movie If only

ayos na!

So happy…

Got to talk to Ronron last night… *yey* he’s okay now… it was a short conversation but so heart-relieving (on my side I think)

Ring… ring….

Eloi: hello! hello!

Unknown Girl: Hello

Eloi: Eto po ba yung number ni Ronron? (is this Ron’s number)

Unknown Girl: oo… sino to? (yeah.. who’s this?)

Eloi: Si Eloisa po…

Unknown Girl: Uy ate, si lady to.. (now the unknown girl has a name)

Eloi: Uy Layds, musta na si Ronron? (Lady, how’s Ronron?)

Lady: ok na siya te… wag ka ng mag-alala… (he’s okay now… don’t worry anymore)

Eloi: Pwede na ba siyang makausap? (Can I talk to him?)

Lady: oo… sandali ah (hands over the phone to Ron)

Ron: hello… Eloi…

Eloi: Ronnnnnrrrooonnnnnnnnnn (shouting) Musta ka na tukmol ka? (How are you now?)

Ron: Buhay pa ko Loi… bumalik ako…. (I’m still alive.. I came back)

Eloi: (laughing) buhay ka pa ha…. (You’re still alive huh?)

Ron: oo Loi… tagal mo Loi… ba’t di ka pa dumadalaw? (why are you so long? When are you coming to visit me?)

Eloi: (knowing that he’s kidding… I answered back) di bale, mamaya dadating na ko… dadalawin na kita… (Later.. I’ll come to visit you later…)

Ron: tagal mo Loi eh… tagal na kitang inaantay (you’re so long…. I’ve been waiting for a long time…)

Eloi: musta na pakiramdam mo? (how do you feel now?)

Screech… screech… line breaking up…

Ron: naku mawawalan pa ng battery…. (my battery’s gonna die…)

Then… silence…

It was just I think less than three minutes but it was so worth it… so glad to hear his voice… so glad to actually think that I am talking to him… so glad he’s out of danger now…

After that I still tried to call him but his phone’s off already… so I just sent a message. I told him my heart is relieved to know that he’s okay. And I told him he should take extra careful of himself. No more hanging out during midnights in Laguna… wala ng tambay sa tapsilugan… just stay at home… Well I don’t know if that would help… I don’t know if that would keep them safe and away from danger… I just don’t want to receive another bad news like what happened…

It’s so amazing sometimes how God made you love those people in your lives to the point that you just want to keep them all in your sight and if it’s possible, you’ll just keep them inside your arms so they won’t go away and you won’t see them get hurt. God made me love them so much… me being far away didn’t change that fact. And I know they know that… Friends are precious gifts from God… a gift that is irreplaceable… a gift that is never changing… a gift that should be taken care of, loved, and valued so much…

My friends.. safe in my heart…

loonnng weekend :)

weekend recap...

SATURDAY 17/05/08 6:00AM

We had a ceremony in the office which requires us to be there by 6am. They invited monks to pray for our office and factory... well, being the only Christian here, sometimes, its so hard to draw a line between respecting your co-workers and compromising your belief. Attending those kind of ceremonies made me feel guilty. It feels like a sin... like I'm doing something bad and I'm compromising my faith. On the other hand, its not like I'm really attending, cause everytime we had those kind of activities here in our office, I just show up myself and then stay in the Accounts room while the ceremony is ongoing. Well that made me feel guilty too... in a sense that I'm not a good team member. While all the girls were preparing the food and the drinks for the monks and for all of us too, I was just there - NOT HELPING. Some of them understands, some, maybe they're mad at me... and they're thinking that just because I'm a foreigner, then I have the right to be a prima donna too... But there's nothing I can do... there's nothing I can do but PRAY... in the middle of the chanting that can be heard from the room where I was, I am praying so hard. Praying and interceeding for them... I only had the chance to share Jesus to my close friends here. During those times that they're asking about God, I am praying in my heart as well, that eventhough they don't understand me clearly (because of the language differences), God will speak to their hearts and make a way for them.

The thing finished at around 9am and then everyone is dismissed at 10am. wohoo... I can come back to Bangkok early. But to my dismay, my boss asked me to stay back for a little bit to finish some reports. I finished by 12nn. By 12:30pm, I am already in the bus on my way back. I reached Bangkok around 3:30pm, picked-up by Micah from the bus station then went to attend Joshua's party in President's park. Joshua Lingham is one of the kids who attends in ICA.. he used to be one of my student as well. After the party, me and my aunt went with the Lee Family cause sadly, my cousins decided to sleep over in their friends house and my uncle had a Badminton game. Reached Tai Ping around 7pm. Nothing to do... but Daniel has to finish his homeworks so we cannot go out. We just decided to buy ice cream... mmm... yummy! Then we watched the movie Lord of the Rings (Fellowship of the Ring) while our aunties are having fun in the massage place. They came back around 12:30 mn then Micah sends us home. The last time I saw before I finally close my eyes... 1:35am.

SUNDAY 18/05/2008 8:45am

Sunday is church day... its just different this time cause the kids are not there. No need to hurry I think cause nobody will be there to go next after me to use the bathroom. So, after the alarm rang at 8:45am, I shut it down again and told myself... "5 mins. more..." The five minutes became ten, then fifteen, then twenty... When I looked in my phone, it was already 9:05. I was 10 mins. late. I reached church at 9:40am. Good thing Teacher Ivy is there already to look out for the kids.

Regular Sunday... Children's Church... then Sunday School... then Worship Service. I was really blessed with the message from Ps. Chad - knowing God's personal will for our lives. He focussed more in the aspect that God sometimes God reveals His will for us through other people. And with that, I became more appreciative to all those people which God chose to be in my life. Those people who keeps on caring for me, and making theirselves willing and available to help me... I thank you God for those lives - they are a living proof of your grace and love for me.

After church, we went to Tai Ping to have lunch. Then we stayed back at Micah's place again, cause Auntie Aida, Ate Pinky and Ivy has to meet for their thesis. This time we saw the part 2 of the Lord of the Rings movie (The Twin Towers). After that, we went to Maneeya to celebrate with Joy and Jonathan as they are going to have their first baby. wohoooo!!!!!

My day went fine... until around past 12 midnight when i got a text message from my brother saying that my friend Ronron got shot accidentally. I cried myself to sleep that night, thinking and imagining things. "What if he'll not make it... what if he dies... what's gonna happen next... " With those things in my mind I remembered the pain I felt when two years ago I got a call from my brother saying that my father passed away. It brings back the pain of knowing that your love ones are suffering and you can't do anything cause you're a million miles away from them. I was crying and praying so hard in my heart and hoping that things will still be okay back there in the Philippines. Thank God though for someone who's been there to comfort me and stay with me while I was worrying and crying...

MONDAY 19/05/2008 07:00am

its holiday... so i stayed back with the Babia's. We went to Ayutthaya and see all the ruins. It was a fun day... though in my heart, I'm still thinking of what happened to Ronron. Still praying and hoping that everything will be fine. Gonna make a separate post for this event with all the pics and stuff. Just wanna say this day went good though it was really tiring and the weather is not helpful as well. At nighttime, me and kuya Nad hanged out with Micah. Walked around Central World then went to Thonglor and had a dessert. I wanted to stay longer but the headache I had since afternoon when we're walking in Ayutthaya was getting worse and made me feel like throwing up. So after we finished the dessert, Micah sends us back home.

Long weekends are fun... longer time I had to spend with people I love... thank you God for the days that passed... thank you God for family and friends... thank you God for good laughs and for long cries at night as well... thank you God.... looking forward for tomorrow and the days to come...

... still hoping Ronron is okay now...

missing them... so much... so much.... talaga promise!

In His Love

have been comforted with this old song from Sandi Patti...

truly it is...

in His love, that's the best place to be...

Last night, I started reading the book "In the presence of my enemies" by Gracia Burnham.That book has been with me for a long time but it was just only last night that I really started reading it. The book is about the story of the American Missionaries Gracia and Martin Burnhams who was kidnapped by the Abu Sayaff. During the actual time, (between 2001 and 2002) they have been all over the news around the globe. I can even remember a time that our church prayed for their safety.

While I was reading it, I look back in my life and remember the times I felt the same way as they did. Nervous... sad... alone... deserted... depressed... well, I haven't been kidnapped nd hopefully will not experience that. They are totally different situations, but the point is, the feelings are the same. And all of us go through that... whether its a relationship that just ended, or a frustration on something we can't have, or a death of someone we love, or just simply being lost in an unfamiliar place. There's always that time in our life that we feel like we were kidnapped... trapped... helpless... I remembered those times and honestly, it still looks real... it still gives back those feelings.

In the midst of that, I remembered this song... In His love, there's a place where you can always hide away... During those times that we know we're in that condition, that's when we should know that we can hide under God's love. I know this book is not about to encourage people to get angry at God because He lets things like this happen in our lives. It's about how God's love can shine through the darkness we are in... how His love can be amazingly perfect to make us feel okay... and how God's love can be there to embrace us and heal our hurts.

Sometimes, we are so caught up in our lives and all the things we want to have and things we want to achieve, we tend to forget the simple things that really matters. Last night... I just got reminded on one of it. God's love is my hiding place... I am safe there...

slave or steward?

It’s Saturday again… just a few hours more I’ll find myself sitting in a moving vehicle going back Bangkok (whether be it a bus or one of the manager’s car who happens to go be going back too, and lovingly give me a free ride back).

My week’s been pretty much normal… normal in a sense that there’s no unexpected holiday that came up that made me go back in the middle of the week. Work is still the same. Unending Debit-Credit moments, paper works and unnerving phone calls from suppliers who’s demanding for payment. Got used to it… hehe :) The truth is, its not fun doing the same things over and over again and apart from that, receiving calls from angry people you don’t clearly understand (cause they speak Thai and I’m still working out on that area) and trying to be nice to them. But work is work.

I remembered the first time I attended the Young Pro Fellowship at ICA (had the chance to attend because of the holiday), Ps. Chad discussed about what God says about Work, how He sees it and how we should see it too in our lives. That was a very helpful moment, especially in my stage right now that I’m really struggling about it. Well, I’ve been struggling for a long time already since September last year when I had to leave Bangkok and move here to Rayong (btw, Rayong is one of the provinces here in Thailand and its three hours away from the city).And that struggle is getting heavier and more unbearable as time passes by. Well I’m still in that phase, but now realizations came and it is easier to accept things. Work is work. It demands commitment and patience. On the other hand, work is just work. At the end of the day, once you step out of the office, you’re free again. You can watch your favorite TV Show or see a movie or eat in your favorite restaurant or get a good massage and spend time with people you love. We’re not a slave of it. God did not intend us to be slave of what we’re doing, He wants us to be good stewards of that thing He entrusted us and bless other people with the fruit of our labor. Thank God for that.

I will never forget two conversations I had with Kuya Manny – he’s one of the best kuya I had here in BKK. When I was so depressed with the fact that I have to move to here and leave the life I used to have in Bangkok, I quickly thought of quitting my job. But then he told me:

Kuya Manny: Mahalin mo yung trabaho mo… Mahirap nang makakita ng trabaho ngayon dito na magbibigay sa yo ng Visa… (love your work… etc… etc…)

I kept that words in my heart and everytime I feel cranky and wanting to go home again, I always remember that I should be thankful of what I have right now. Then a few months later, I had a phone conversation with him again:

Eloisa: Sorry, gusto kong pumunta kaya lang madaming trabaho e. Kelangan pang magtrabaho bukas… (I wanted to be there but I can’t… I still have work tomorrow.)
Kuya Manny: Bakit ka pa magtatrabaho bukas e holiday? (why are you working its holiday?)
Eloisa: E di ba sabi mo mahalin ko yung trabaho ko (you told me I should love my job)
Kuya Manny: oo nga.. pero di ko sinabing magpaalipin ka sa trabaho mo… (yeah but I didn’t told you to become a slave)

Our carreer is one aspect in our lives that we need to be very careful of. There's a thin line between loving our work and making our work the love of our life. There's a thin line between learning to relax and being a procrastinator. There's a thin line between working hard and giving other people a chance to abuse us. Are we a slave or a steward?

A few more hours, I’ll be on my way back home…. This pays up all the six days I spent working. Always the best part of the week… looking forward to it :)

weekend fever :p

Spoon and Fork or Chopsticks?

Have seen two movies back to back last weekend… Iron Man and Forbidden Kingdom.

Last Saturday, while I’m in the bus on my way back, Ivy gave me the news that they’re gonna wait for me and we’re gonna see the Iron Man. Cool…
I reached Emporium around quarter to 9pm and went to see them in Swensens. Since one of us saw it already (and that’s Micah), we’ve received an “unsolicited review” on how good this movie was so we’re all excited and thrilled to see it.

I can say it’s really nice. I enjoyed every bit of it. But somehow, we just cannot stop ourselves from comparing it to the previous superhero movies we saw. It’s like a combination of Spiderman, X-men and Batman (just very high-tech one). On the other hand, I liked the role that Gwyneth played in the movie. See… its true, there’s a woman behind every man’s success. Haha J The robot helper is the cutest… that’s just the part of it that makes it so light and so cute. It was really good. (Clap! Clap!) When it ended, we stayed till the showing of the credits was over (thanks to Benjie). Actually, that’s the reason why Micah paid again, he missed that very last part :P and that part…. Samuel Jackson, man… we’ll see what’s next then.

They walked me home since our house was just across the Emporium. It was past midnight already… we’re all tired… but we had fun… I took the elevator still singing the theme song… dan.. dan.. dandandan… dananandanandandandandan…

Sunday – last day of the VBS. It was a usual Sunday at first because even if we don’t have VBS, we have to do our regular Children’s Church. The number of kids increased compared to the first three days because of the regular Sunday kids. The kids had a good time - singing, playing, making crafts, learning Bible Stories and the most fun of all, receiving prizes. Can’t believe it’s over already. Just three weeks ago, me, Ivy and Ps. Jaimee were just walking around China Town buying materials for this event and now it’s finished. So after the thing, what should come after? Of course… CLEAN-UP TIME! Had to take out all the decorations and bring up all the materials we used. Past lunch time already… everyone is starving and nearly fainting… thanks to Col. Sanders – he saved our intestine’s life :)

From KFC, we went up to check the show time of Forbidden Kingdom. Actually, we’ve wanted to see this movie for like three weeks ago. But that time, it’s not showing yet and on the next weeks, we’ve been very busy. So this time is the perfect time for us. We’re all tired and we needed to relax. We need a good laugh and a good movie to entertain us.

Jackie Chan and Jet Li… YEAH MAN! Kung Fu Masters. Some people say it’s too cliché already… but I don’t care. Its Jackie Chan and Jet Li, man and they are together in a movie. It’s so fun seeing them both, making you thrilled, making you feel like you know Kung Fu… and making you laugh so loud (specially in that “peeing” part) Oh man, that was the most unforgettable scene in the movie, maybe cause it was so unexpected. Hahaha :D

After that, me, Kuya Ronald and Micah walked from Ekkamai to Thonglor and took BTS from Thonglor to Emporium. Maybe I was really tired that time cause I know I’m getting “toyo” already. Went home… ate Pancit Canton and do what I was destined to do in my life – Mango Float.

Monday’s holiday but I got work so have to wake up early again and prepare to go back to Rayong. It was a good weekend. It has fun and not-so-fun part. The rest of what happened… I’ll just have it off record...

** movie-addicts... (mga tambay sa sinehan) :P

back...(and hopefully won't be gone again)

wow...

my last post was last 2006. and its 2008 now.... its been more than a year...

been very busy...

but im back now :)

and like what i wrote in the title... hopefully i won't abandon this blog again after some time.

im a superhero

Your Superhero Profile

Your Superhero Name is The Karate Bulk Your Superpower is Supernatural Your Weakness is Love Your Weapon is Your Flaming Club Your Mode of Transportation is Unicycle

What's" your Superhero Name?

"the story of the jealous brother"

02 June 2006, Friday, 7:30 pm at Ps. Danny's house
CROSSBEARERS: DIVING INTO THE PARABLES OF JESUS

The first parable is the well-known story of "THE LOST SON." Personally, I have heard and read this story for so many times (considering all the revisions and modernization applied to the story). And it really amaze me on how this "most-used" parable of JESUS has created such an impact on me and keep my mind thinking and pondering about that thing that God wanted to teach me.

Obviously, even without hearing the whole story, just stating the title "THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SON," we already have something in mind. "Oh, that's all about forgiveness, that story tells us of how much God is willing to accept us even if we turn our back on HIM... etc...etc..." Well, those things are right. This story really shows us how immeasurably great is the love of God for man. God's unconditional love is manifested when the Father ran to his child and welcome his son with open arms. WONDERFUL!

But as we look to the other side of the story, there's this one character that strikes me most - the older brother. He was furious when he heard that his father welcome his younger brother back - and worst, his father even throw a big party for him. So he ran over to his father and he poured out all his grudges towards the unfairness he felt. "You gave him the best party ever inspite of what he has done, but me, I have been serving you all the days of my life and you didn't bother to give me even a small gathering for my friends," this was the older brother's sentiments. And it made me think... "Yah, that's really unfair, why does the father doesn't give him a party?" I feel sad for the older brother, "he's been working so hard serving the father. He's trying his best to be a good son cause he knows that his younger brother broke his father's heart. Yah, things must have been really unfair for him..."

Then it strikes me, "Hey! Eloisa... why are you feeling like that? Why do you sympathize so much with that character..." And it dawned on me... I am defending the older brother because I see myself in him. There are times, I keep on reaching out to God, but I cannot find HIM. I keep on desiring things, but it seems that God cannot hear me... And during those times, I can't help but to see what's lacking in me and what other people has got... and then, it will just be so unfair... just like what the older brother feels.

With that in my mind, GOD HAS ANSWERED BACK TO ME.... Just like what the father has said to his older son "YOU HAVE BEEN WITH ME ALL THE TIME. WHATEVER I HAVE, YOU ALSO HAVE..." BOOM! Its like a meteor from the sky had fallen to my head. I just cant breathe upon this realization. It’s like someone is holding my heart and squeezing it so hard. ITS LIKE GOD IS SAYING “Hey! If you feel unfair, you should at least somehow consider how I feel. It’s like all of you people serve Me just because you wanted something from Me. AM I NOT ENOUGH?”

After that piece of thought, Ps. Danny asked us “What is more important, the gifts of God or the presence of God?”

God is slapping the truth in my face. Intense thoughts come to my mind. Putting myself into God’s shoes, I began to understand. Yah, if my family and friends would just love me because they’re benefiting something from me, I would also feel sad about it. Or maybe angry, specially if that time comes that they will accuse me of being unfair just because I can’t give them anymore those things that I used to give before. Woooohh! That might give me the Oscars Best Actress Award using the dialogue “Can’t you just love me for what I am?”

After this realization, I have made my own version of that confrontation scene. Well, I’m not twisting what’s in the Bible. I just wanted to share what God is teaching me through this story….

OLDER BROTHER: You gave him the best party ever inspite of what he has done. But me, I have been serving you all the days of my life and you didn’t bother to give me even a small gathering for my friends?
FATHER: Hey! Is that the reason why you stayed with me all these years? Because you want a party? Well, you should have said so… so I can save you from all the pretensions you have made by playing as a good son of mine. All your life you had been with me. I have took care of you all these years. You have been generously enjoying everything that I own. And now, you’re angry just because I throw your brother a party. I tell you, If I am not enough to you… all this things that I have won’t also be enough.

Huh! Thank God He is God and He doesn’t think like us humans. That eventhough we have no right to complain, He doesn’t react the same as the father in my own version of story. He’s still there to understand….Haiiiii…. THANK GOD!

Well, now I know, I may not receive “big parties” from GOD – but knowing that I have always been under God’s care – and I have been enjoying the privilege of having a FATHER with me all the time – THAT’S ENOUGH.

RIVERMAYA ROCKS!

“Am I real? Do the words I speak before you make you feel? That the love I lay for you will see no ending. Well if you look into my eyes then you should know. That there is nothing here to doubt, nothing to fear. And you can lay your questions down cause if you’ll hold me. We can fade into the night and you’ll know…”



These were the lines we’ve heard from the Rivermaya main man – RICO BLANCO. A pause – then screams (mostly comes from girls) then slowly, you’ll hear the crowd singing the chorus “the world could die and everything may lie still you shain’t cry. Cause time may pass but longer that it’ll last I’ll be by your side… forever by your side…” All hands were up and swinging from left to right as if someone was there guiding us.

07 May 2006 at RCA Bangkok, Thailand. A Rock Concert was held featuring the RIVERMAYA as the main band. The show started at 6pm with some other front acts from Thailand and Malaysia. It was good though, specially the one from Malaysia. A band called “Love Me Butch.” I’ve described them as “clean rockers.” Yeah, they really look tidy though they’re sweating so much while they’re doing those rock moves. It was fun watching them and listening to their music. Though it just seems like noise to other people, I did appreciate it. I mean, you’ll just have to see the music the way those rockers see them, right? Then you will feel, its not noise at all, it makes sense, actually.

Anyway, back to Rivermaya, they were scheduled at 9pm. Most of the Filipinos, like us, went there as early as 5pm. But most of them just roam around while some other bands were playing. As for me, I decided to watch all the bands that performed. Then as night is gradually approaching, little by little, you can see those Filipinos coming from every direction and started to occupy the space allotted for the viewers. It’s a dance floor. No chairs. Just a free space where the people can jump and dance as they please. Good thing was that I am already in the front row with my friends so we got the best view of the band.

Exactly 9pm, Mark, Rico and the other two new band members of Rivermaya walked up the stage. As Rico strums his guitar, you can hear the crowd go wild. We were shouting “Rivermaya! Rivermaya!” Rico just smiled, then he started to sing. And he started to rock on. Everybody is jumping to the beat and head banging. As I look at the back, I saw a lot of people. Filipinos, Thais and Westerners. Everybody is having fun. Then, a chanting begins “TAGALOG! TAGALOG!” Without further ado, Rico together with his bandmates started the intro of ELESI “Pag automatic na ang luha, tuwing maghahatinggabi…” The crowd grew wilder. All the girls, including me of course, were screaming and shouting and singing the song with them.

In the midst of the noise, a thought came to me, that all of the Filipinos there, no matter what profession were in, we are all sick. HOME SICK. And during that time, it felt like were healed. WE ARE HOME. We have a Filipino band performing in front of us and it really feels good. They even played the “Lupang Hinirang” but in tune with their songs, of course. And somehow you will feel, Filipinos are not really hopeless at all. Inspite of all those things that’s happening back in our country, we still have a lot of things to be proud of.

The concert went ok. They sang the medley of 214 and Balisong. Then, they’ve got some of their new stuffs with them. Hard rock, man! After that, they waved their first goodbye but no one in the crowd allowed them to go. Everybody shouted “MORE! MORE!” So they gladly obliged and sang the Spirits Theme Song “YOU’LL BE SAFE HERE,” When Rico was singing the last line of the song, no small noise or sound can be heard.“…put your heart in my hand, you’ll be safe here…” aaaaahhhhh! Same thing happened with their second goodbye. Just this time, they sang the patriotic “Awit ng Kabataan.” Rico even said we should explain it to the foreigners in there. “Kung gusto nyo kaming sabayan, bakit hindi nyo subukan… ang awit ng kabataan… ang awit ng panahon…” Wooohhh! Everyone is jumping spontaneously. That was my first time to be in a secular rock concert but I never felt scared that time. Maybe because I felt that everyone there is just longing for a clean fun – a “Filipino-thing” – and since their giving it to us, no one ever thinks of doing violent things. During their third goodbye, they said their thank you to all of us there. Specially for the support given to them because they won in the MTV Asia. After the speech, they rendered us one of their first songs which made them popular in the Philippines. “Isigaw mo sa hangin… tumindig at magsilbing… LIWANAG SA DILIM”

The fourth goodbye was the real one. Maybe the crowd realized that the band had already been very generous that’s why they didn’t request for more. After the show, I went to Starbucks near the concert place to get my things which I kept there. Unexpectedly, Rivermaya also went there. Without my knowledge, as I am as excited as ever, I talked to one of the crew and asked for water. She pointed the corner and said that I should ask the man who’s also drinking there. So I went there and said, “Pwede pong makiinom?” (I spoke Tagalog knowing that most of us there is Filipino) Then, the man in pink shirt turned and said “Pwedeng pwede po. Basta ikaw.” NYAY! It was Rico Blanco. Haaay! I was shocked. And he even served me a glass of water. Quite a nice guy. When I finally came back to my sense, I shake hands with him and said “Good job man! Galeng galeng… we really enjoyed it!” He replied, “Talaga? Nag-enjoy kayo? Thank you ha… ang saya nga dito eh..” What comes next is the natural thing to expect – PICTURE TAKING! Nayahahah :D

ang bespren ko doon...

This entry is all about my best friend - Alfred. Just last 08 May 2006, he graduated from College. Wow! He took up Criminology so right now; he's a certified policeman - by education. He still needs to undergo a six-months training and have to take a board exam before he will be recognized as a real "Public Law Enforcer."

He's been through a lot with regards to his studies. Actually, this is his third course. The first one is Management at UE, next is Custom at PMI and this is the last one. He didn't pursue the first two due to some problems - financial and some more. And maybe because, he really didn't fit into those stuffs. Maybe he's really meant to become a Policeman.

I have been a witness on how determined he is to finish his studies. Though financial problems keep on haunting him during the duration of his college life, it didn't bother him a bit. God has been a faithful provider to his education. I remember some incidents wherein they were really broke and the next day would be the examination day and he has to pay for it, but then, during the exact day that he needs the money, financial blessings will just come. God is really awesome! And He has His own way of doing things.

My role in his four-year education is that I have been his "Educational Counselor" (naks!) or in layman's term, I'm the great "free-tutor." We've got lots of happy and funny moments doing his assignments and research and reviewing for his exams. There was an incident, we made business out of doing a group project (nyahahah :D) yah, he volunteered to be the group leader and said that he'll take care of everything and then, the group just have to pay the expenses (plus the kickbacks, of course). And it happened several times so we've got good money which we spent eating at KFC. Well, its part of college life. Things like this really happened (nyahahaha :D defensive!)

The sad part about this graduation-thing is that I was not there to see it-huhuhu :( As much as I wanted to see him marching and going up the stage to accept his diploma, I cannot. Anyway, I know that he knows that I am sharing with his joys and I am rejoicing with him though I am here in Bangkok. And my heart is filled with happiness because I know that this graduation means a lot to him and his father. Well, it has been his utmost desire to offer his diploma to his dad - to be the first in the family to receive a college degree. As what he said, "it's like giving glory to the family."

Bespren, I'm so proud of you... Yabang naman! Les-pu ka na... pwede na pala akong manampal sa kalye pag bumalik ako diyan. Nyahahaha :D

an update...

yuhooo!
my cousin's already here in Thailand. they had a mission trip in Chiang Mai and on the 23rd of May, she will be coming here in Bangkok. i'm going to see her.... yehhheeeyyy!
i'm very excited to see my "bebi." she's not just my cousin, also one of my "alaga" and my connivance to all the "lakwatsa." haaayy! looks like sleepless nights and endless talks are approaching very soon....

"i-ready na ang mga bagong dandruff bebi"