Sunday is the Lord's day!

How was your Sunday, guys? Mine as always as it is, by God's grace, was filled with the living Word of His. Every time I am to teach, my heart skips a beat. I do not know. Maybe because teaching is not an easy job. It takes a lot of hard work to get that pat on the back. But I am humbled that God entrusted me to be in this ministry. I am sure I will grow deeper with Him with this.

Last night, our loft was decorated with cute animal pictures and attractive artworks. A big clap to my ever devoted and imaginative co-teachers! You, guys, did a great job. I was not able to help a lot though, because I live very far.

Before my turn began, I was praying to God that just as He please, He would make my heart ready to be of service to Him not just today but everyday. I tend to be very shy and absent-minded so I was worried. And we know God, He never fails His children. I was so thankful for His Spirit guiding me all through out the day.

This is Hannah. She is so cute, isn't she? She once mentioned how she loved her dress one Sunday morning and was so happy when I agreed. 

Kids, when you give them attention even just a little, it means a lot to them. That's why parents should always be on the go supporting their children while growing up, they'll thank them a million times for that when they have all grown up!

This is Sophia or Gab. I love both of her names! She's their class valedictorian! I'm so proud! Way to go, God's little angels!

I was laughing so hard at the loft after our lesson because of her innocent sense of humor. And not only me but all the people in that same room!

We played Pinoy Henyo while waiting for the service to finish. Usually, when we are done with the lesson and activity, we go play. One of my students, Kenneth, suggested Pinoy Henyo! I was so happy they still appreciate games like that. You know, today's kids grow up so fast, you just find yourself fascinated one day how quick time flies.

Pardon my face, I am as horrible-looking as always. I just look so happy here that's why I considered including this in my post. Ha ha!

Thank you, God, for another lovely day with your kids! It saddens me to know that I won't be able to teach them next Sunday because I'll be flying back to Roxas. Yes, I will be on a 5-day vacation on my hometown. I wonder how exciting it will be!

By the way, the photos are not mine. Credits to Jam for these!

The First Ever Candy Style Awards

Yihee!!! Finally been to a Candy Event! I've always been a Candy girl since grade school. Candy has been my best-est friend when it comes to fashion, movies and getaway advices as a teen. I never had a chance before to join Candy fairs because I had to fly to Manila just to be there, and that would be expensive. So...at last! I no longer have any reasons why not to come now!

My sister and I went to the venue past 5 o'clock and it was drizzling and we were almost at the end of the line. We waited for almost two hours before the line eventually got moving! 

And while standing by, I met this fellow Candy girl! Her name's Sheila.

As we reached the registration lane, Elmo just arrived! Woohoo! What a perfect timing! So I let my being a fangirl out and ran to him, asking for a picture! Unfortunately, I look so terribly haggard in our picture together that I refuse to upload it here in my blog. Instead, here's a photo taken by my sister on his way to the red carpet.

Also, before we entered, we first struck a pose at this huge Candy Style Awards picture area!

I was surprised to know that the event was elite party-themed. There were spotlights, balloons, party fog, and cocktail drinks. We were also standing the whole time! Fashionable shoes, stylish outfits and pretty Candy girls were everywhere! Also, a lot of Candy Cuties I do not know! Ha ha ha. Whatever. 

The show started at 7 o'clock with a dance number from variety of Candy cuties and girls. Also, video clips filled the large screen. Endless camera flashes all over!

Without further ado, the receiving of awards began.

The cutest among the introducers, Arkin Magalona! Sorry, I just had to include this!

Here are those who made it to the Candy's Celebrity Style Stars list:

Junior Style Star: Clara Magalona

Most Stylish BBFs: Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes

Sadly, Julia was not able to be there because she's still shooting for her telenovela 'Walang Hanggan'.

Most Stylish Sisters: Megan and Lauren Young

Most Stylish Loveteam: Elmo Magalona and Julieanne San Jose (JuliElmo)

They then both sang Rihanna's hit single 'Love The Way You Lie'.

I even then followed them at the entrance while they were being interviewed by their mother network regarding the event. I got the chance to be just an inch away from my crush!!! Kilig-kilig!

Most Stylish Cover Boy: Mario Maurer! 

Obviously, he wasn't there. How I wish! But he had a video, saying thanks to his fans and Candy! He was sooo cute! 

And the highlight of the event...Tatatatantatan!!! 

The 8 Candy Style Stars! Today's style inspirations of Candy girls.

Let me enumerate them: Jasmine Curtis (who was not able to come due to some schedule conflicts also) Patricia Prieto (the prettiest!), Laureen uy, Tricia Gosingtian (I love you!!!), Kryz Uy, Jaz Reyes, Camille Co (my favorite!!!), Sarah Labhati (the goddess!!!).

Somedaydream's performance of 'Hey Daydreamer' was ideal to end the night! 

The whole audience was also serenaded by him with his other singles which topped Myx Hitchart, 'Do-do With You' and I forgot the title of the other one. Ha ha!

Now, for the fangirling moments! Here are some of my pictures with the V.I.P.'s!

Megan Young.

She was extra pretty in person! Extra nice as well.

Lauren Young

Camille Co

My most awaited chance! She hugged meeeeee! She was so sweet and pretty! I did not expect her to be so tall and slender.

Tricia Gosingtian

The very first fashion blogger I've been a fan to. 

Patricia Prieto

Her voice sounds like Miley Cyrus and she's as sexy as Miley as well! Only prettier! :)

Ivan Dorschner

The man whose nose never goes flat whatever he's doing!

And this girl, doesn't she look familiar? She's one of PONDS commercial models! Ha ha ha. She's very pretty in person, especially when she smiles with teeth out.

Whew! That was a tiring experience which I'm sure will leave me starstruck for days. Last, spotted at the Powerplant Mall!

Albie Casino

I heard he got beaten before dawn at a nightclub just today. I am not so sure where exactly. Poor kid. He's too young to be experiencing such pressures and all because of show business. Well, when you're in the spotlight, you do not know what you'll gonna get.

Sister also has pictures taken with the stars, especially with her favorite fashion blogger, Laureen Uy. But she prefers it to be private so, sige. 

Thank you, Ate, for your patience and time just to come with me at the Candy Style Awards! I love youuu! Enthusiastically taking pictures, running after the stars, hailing for cabs and being my ultimate fangirl teammate last night! Muwah!

Had so much fun! Home sweet home. Thank you, Candy!

Morning+Summer

Good morning, guys! Woke up so late again. Just read a blog and drank coffee to jumpstart my day. Pardon my messy hair, just cut it yesterday. My hair stylist was awkwardly funny. I actually wanted to get bangs but he said I should never try wearing bangs! Never, even in my dreams because my forehead's atypically short. :(

Going back, I browsed Lies Young Women Believe website for a new blog entry to read. I found 'Christian College Wasn't For Me. Or So I Thought.' It was a good read.

The idea of going to college both scared me and excited me. As I entered this phase of my life, I was exposed to frustrations, disappointments, persecutions.. but please do not look at it as horrifying as it looks like. 2 Corinthians 12:10 was with me all along. It gives me comfort to know that I can rely to God's undying love and unending grace. Who can be against me if God is on my side?

As I journeyed my summer last 2010, finding the right school for me, it did not turn out as I expected. Instead of being in a biology-oriented course, I am now a BS Pharmacy student! Instead of being enrolled in my dream university, I study in a college I've not heard before! Even though, I am pretty contented to where God led me. As long as His glory is seen in my life, I am taking the right pace. After I graduate, I am planning to join the Holy Land Bible Tour, pass the board examination with flying colors and go abroad. When I get to save enough money, I will live here in the Philippines and work in a Manufacturing company. I will bless my community church and my family with all the blessings raining down from my Heavenly Father. But I should hold loose of these dreams coz God has plans for me as well. I do not know them yet, but I know who holds my future. When God is on the driver seat of my life, I can only expect the best.

Today, I am enrolled in a liberal college which is sad because as I see it before, it will be as scarce as hen's teeth that I will be able to find friends that are on the same faith as me. Two years ago, before the school started, I was invited by my sister's ministry to join their fellowship. There, they prayed for me that may I be surrounded with a good crowd and find Christian friends in my college. God answered our prayer right away on my second day as a frosh! I was blessed with two Christian friends that I am glad to be with. I have other friends in our circle besides them two, though. They are really kind and accommodating as well. They are also close with their families and that is so like me.

Today, when I look back, all I can utter is thank you to God. I would never be able to connect all the dots then but now! Though, God will often redirect my steps for His better plans than mine, I just hope and pray for His presence to never leave my side.

Weekend Fellowship

Since last week, Ate Ann, Sister and I were planning to have a little fellowship at home. It was postponed several times already due to our busy schedules, school and church activities. So happy was I when it finally happened!

Late this afternoon, we, at last, got to have this friendship togetherness, catching up with our spiritual walk as Christians.

It was a blessing in disguise.

Being too shy, I did not had the chance to share most of my thoughts. Also, because I was really caught listening to my sister and Ate Ann converse. Ate Ann shared about their living witnesses at their church. One story that did my heart good, is that one missionary who aspired to join the Holy Land Bible Study Tour. It is a great opportunity to travel around the places you just got to read in the Bible for so many years! One pastor told him that 'Nothing is impossible with God'. That alone, made my heart melt. More and more funds were deposited in his bank account, and before mid summer, he was able to reach the P150,000 he just needed to join the tour. At first, it was still so surreal to him. He couldn't believe that what he thought was P5000 was actually P50,000 added to his account! We can dream big, right?

Our prime agenda for the fellowship was for Ate Ann to share God's resources from the children ministry in their church. Ours, being a community church, does not have enough budget to finance the weekly Sunday school lesson and facilities to make the learning of the kids better and more effective. I was really grateful to God to have sent Ate Ann. I was actually getting discouraged by all the pressures and traumas I had as a newbie in Children Ministry. I am still getting this thing down pat. And I pray and pray that God would fill my heart with wisdom and courage, and prepare me for His wonderful plan in my journey as a Sunday school teacher.

I was so enchanted receiving the materials and lessons. It got me excited to share those with my co-teachers and my students. Laughter also did not leave us as Ate Ann shared stories about her experiences in the children ministry.

There was this one kid, whose mother got hospitalized. She told Ate Ann, 'Mom was so sick that I was praying so hard.'

Another, who got deeply depressed after watching 'The Passion of Christ', avoided attending Sunday school because hearing Jesus Christ's name feared her (That's so sad to hear, the child needed to undergo a therapy). One of her classmates told Ate Ann, 'Why is she afraid? God is with us!'

Last, a kid telling Ate Ann about her mom said 'Mom is so hard to me, but God is powerful!' He firmly believes God can change his mom's heart.

Imagine hearing these from children whose ages range from 4 to 6! Their child-like faith are exceptional in every way and serves as a motivation to me to do my job well. These kids even bring their own Bibles to Sunday school. They had Bible study sessions at home. They are indeed blessed to be raised in a Christian home. How many more kids are out there, less fortunate of this? How many more of them need our care and love? How many more of them haven't heard about Jesus?

Then you thought, you're just a teacher. But after you become one, you'll realize you're not just a teacher. You're also a life shaper; God's instrument in His saving work. It's up to you if how you want to impact these kids. It's up to you how long you want to be remembered in their lives. Most importantly, this ministry teaches me not to strive to make the kids appreciate me, but primarily, to pursue it to make God appreciate me.

How amazing it is that God placed me here. I am not good with kids and was not fond of them before. But God re-located my heart that it would fit right where I am now.

What more is in store for me, in your wonderful plans in my life, Oh God? I can't wait to see your hands moving, directing me exactly where you want me to be. No one can fight your will. And that's a relief.

A Saturday with Mom and Sister

We went to SM Makati today to buy some new stuff to decorate our home. We made sure we make it before March 1 since we have an expected delivery that day. 

Our first stop, SM Department Store. Before roaming around and mall hopping, we bought several furnitures that were classic but affordable. 

This bedroom display was really cute and comfy to look at. It was cheap, as well! But I doubt its quality, because it is so rare to see a bedroom set with a very low price! Well, looks can be deceiving.

After hours of shopping, mom and sister left me at Brownies to wait for them until they finish transacting regarding mom's MetroBank card. Sister knows me well because she was the one who suggested mom to let me wait there because I'll never get bored eating! Ha ha ha.

I just ordered a drink because I know sweets will only make me thirsty and there are a lot of places that are yet to go to at such an early time. I did not go wrong choosing a coffee shake. 

It was not long until mom and ate came back. They waited for me until I finish my coffee shake. So while doing so, let the camwhoring begin!

Sister took excessive photos of mine while I was trying so fast to get done drinking my coffee shake. My hair's usually messy and I tend to sweat easily, therefore, it surprised me how I look so orderly here.

In exchange, I took lots of pictures of hers as well.

I love how cute mom is in this pic. Her bangs are awesome! It actually makes me want to sport bangs, too! What do you think?

Next stop, Greenbelt! I realized, it was a bad idea wearing a blazer. I did not presume that it would be uncomfortably warm on our way there because the last time I have been to Greenbelt, it was fairly cool. Perhaps, we were just on a different way in.

As we reached the main entrance, we were welcomed by this colorful fountain that added to the sophistication of the evening.

On our way going to the array of restaurants to dine in, we happened to pass by Bubba Gump Shrimp Company! It is a seafood resto chain inspired by 1994 film, Forrest Gump. Bubba Gump is named after the two characters in the film Benjamin Bufford 'Bubba' Blue and Forrest Gump. I'd be very happy to try eating here. Run, Forrest, run! I love Forrest Gump!

My sister found this funny art trick outside the resto. It reminds me of Forrest Gump, indeed! Aww..The bench, plus the attache case, brings me back to the moment when I was teary-eyed watching Forrest telling his life story from a person to a person waiting at the bus stop.

As the clock struck 7, our stomachs were growling of hunger already. Ha ha!

Sister suggested that we have dinner at Banana leaf. Being a probinsyana or province girl (LOL), I am not so oriented to places like this so mom and I are very lucky to have sister around. Since mom, as well, is not that of a wanderlust like sister!

While waiting for our order to be served, we had another personal photo shoot again.

Mom and I acting out one of the best-loved Asian poses. Mom's game for anything! That's why we love her!

Not so long and it's dinner time! Supposedly, we just planned to have some snack before going home. But since it was pass seven already and we still wanted to roam around after, we ended up ordering for dinner. 

Nasi Goreng Nenas.

Charcoal grilled sliced pork steak Thai style.

Deep fried squid flavored in homemade garlic.

Filipinos are rice people. So, it's a must-have in every resto chain in our country to include rice in its menu. Ha ha!

The coffee shake actually rocked my tummy just like any other coffee I drink later after breakfast. Hence, I was not able to savor dinner last night! But if I were to review the service and food of Banana Leaf, it would be two thumbs up. 

Giving our guts time to digest, we roved around Greenbelt 3. It is where most renowned and most expensive fashion houses are located! My eyes were roasted with all the tempting luxurious brands of shoes, watches, jewelries, bags, sunglasses and books that which prices are more than enough to feed one or more charities! Whew! Well, we were just window shopping. Ha ha!

Also, we spotted a celebrity inside LV house. It was Heart Evangelista! Taking pictures is not allowed inside though.

It was fun spending my weekend with mom and sister.

Shall return.