What's up Bea? It's been months, and I only update now, and the year is about to end

Hello everyone, how have you all been? In my last post, I mentioned that my daughter started schooling and there would be changes in my work environment. Then I never posted an update, apologies for that.

Eventful. That is how I would describe the previous months since my last update. I mean this most positively and negatively.

Quick summary of the past months:

• There is visible progress in my daughter's education, but there are still tantrums and frustrating days.
• My daughter has a better understanding of my work and my schedule. (This made me teary-eyed; I feel she is growing up fast.)
• I can bring my daughter to work once in a while.
• There are additions to my tasks in terms of the workload.
• Four helpers were employed and eventually were let go due to different reasons by my employer. My temperament was truly tested by the last helper that left.
• I chopped my long hair, and I plan to donate it. (More about this in the future.)
• Volunteer time was reduced, but I still make time when needed.

How am I so far?

I am content and satisfied with where I am right now. This is a far cry from the anxiety and uncertainty I was feeling in the previous two years. I am still learning and figuring out the intricacies of working as a caregiver. But, I have confidence and certainty in what I am doing.

In April 2020, I decided to return to blogging and attempt to save my sanity. It took two years, but I am proud to say I have made progress. Of course, there are still struggles along the way, but I feel more capable of handling them.

What does the future hold?

Uncertainty. Change is definitely around the corner, and I pray I am prepared to handle it.

In about twenty-four days, 2022 will end, but my gut feeling tells me more surprises are yet to come in the next 24 days.

What were my goals at the start of this year?

At the start of this year, I wrote only three goals. As the year progressed, I added more goals. The three goals I wrote are:

• be employed
• paying off my credit card debt (remnants of the height of the pandemic)
• lose weight

And here is the update

• be employed 
• I started work on the 21 of June. 

• paying off my credit card debt (remnants of the height of the pandemic)
• I am not yet halfway through paying my credit card, but it has more "buying power" now.

• lose weight
• I actually gained more weight this year because of stress. 😂😂😂 this one is a struggle for me as I LOVE FOOD. We will see where this will take me next year. 😏😏😏

Not bad, right? Other goals I accomplished this year that I am proud of:

• There is now progress in my daughter's schooling.
• I became a Certified First Aider under the guidance of the Philippine Red Cross Quezon City Chapter.

These two stood out the most because these two added goals gave me peace of mind and a sense of accomplishment. I cannot describe how the two added goals were great pivot points in my life.

Overall, 2022 was a great year of progress. It is not my golden year, but it was definitely one for the books.

 Hope everyone has a blessed, content, and fulfilling holiday season.

Happy holidays everyone! 🎊🎄🌠🎆

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays everyone! 🌟

A little trivia about the photo.

This is actually the first time we were all together in one photo since... 5 years ago?

I am the eldest and the shortest between my siblings and me. Yes, the tallest is our youngest - and only brother.

This Christmas was different from our previous holidays. I won't delve into many details but definitely, this is one for the books - both the joy and the pain behind it.

Remember, a photo will not always say the whole picture. 📷

New Year 2021

Manigong Bagong Taon!
Happy New Year!

Narang-ay A Baro A Tawen!

Feliz Año Nuevo!

Hopefully, this year, we can rise from the adversities from last year.

May we still have the strength and continue to reach for our goals despite the struggles.

To see the silver lining in every storm that comes our way, and be victorious in this game we call life.

Kampai! 🍹🍹🍹

Busy June

June has always been a busy month for me.

At the first week of the month, we prepare for the nine-day novena to St. Anthony of Padua, he has been our family patron saint for the past 100 years. For nine days, we pray the rosary and the novena. For the previous three years, my father and I prepare a simple meal for those who attend the prayers, and on the ninth day, there would be an extravagant feast to celebrate the feast day of St Anthony. This year was different because I was not able to help in the preparation as I could not go to the province due to the pandemic. The novena was more solemn for me this year as I prayed with my mother.

Now, it also happened that my dear daughter was born on the very feast of St Anthony, so this in turn becomes a double celebration for my family. Despite the limitations due to the pandemic, we were still able to celebrate my daughter’s birthday with our family. My nieces were here to celebrate with their cousin. Preparations were a little nitty gritty - diy decorations, food and balloons - but I manages to pull it off and my daughter was ecstatic about it. 😊😊😊

At the end of the month, it my niece’s birthday. She is a year older than my daughter. Again, due to the pandemic, celebration was limited to just my niece, her sister and my daughter. I helped my sister prepare for my niece’s birthday - food and decorations.

I’m starting to think I might have a future in diy decors. Hehehe just kidding. 😝😝😝

June always seems to fly by so fast as I am constantly preparing for something.

This has got to be my most productive month for this year. 🤣🤣🤣

That’s all for now~

honoring mothers

first of all, i would like to honor the mothers in my life.

Antonia A. Carino

My grandmother from the side of my father. Thank you for taking care of me and my family. Though I was only two years old when you passed away, I felt that you have always been watching over us for a long time.

Concepcion T. Fontanilla
My grandmother from the side of my mother. We are thankful for the clothes that you made for us when we were younger and during our school years. Unfortunately we had a lot more arguments and differences as we eventually grew up. Though I still honor you as a mother for you tried your best to provide for your children despite the difficulties you have experienced.

Bernardita B. Isolana
Bjoy's mother, my mother-in-law. I was never able to meet her face to face as she already passed away when Bjoy and I met but I have heard great stories from Bjoy about her. The mere fact that she gave birth to nine boys and a girl is already a wonder to behold. I can just imagine the difficulty of raising a dominantly male household - all those testosterone. She was a great role model for her children. I can say that as I see the good values and discipline she has instilled in my husband Bjoy and his siblings.

Maria Lourdes F. Carino
My mother. Carried me inside her for nine months and risking her life to bring me to this world. I remember she would help me with my art homeworks and there was also a time when she juggled finishing college and being a mom to two girls. She does her best to provide for us but sometimes it backfires because of different reasons. There are days that we are fine together but there are days that we just want to keep our mouths quiet as to avoid saying anything bad against each other. Despite our differences I am still thankful for my mom in more ways than one.

Maria Socorro Catalina Antonia C. Contreras
My sister. I honor her because despite her age, she has overcome a great number of struggles as a young mother. I know that she is a strong person, but in the past year, she has proven to me that she has more spunk to give and I will be expecting more of that in the next few years.

Remember, being a mother is not just biological. There are "mothers" who do not fit our conventional definition of a mother, sometimes mothers are the strangers in our lives.

A great shout out to all the mothers in the world!

birthday greetings

the most epic greeting form my parents!

and the most special greeting, from my husband Bjoy Isolana. (^_^)

my Beloved Mom

Praying everyday and believing our faith is strong. Encourage others to join, to have a stronger faith in Him. They look up to us and pride creeps in the veins. Eventually humility is shaken aside.

One song, changes it all.

Realization.

I fall at his throne, throwing myself down. Weeping at the foot of His cross and desperately asking for forgiveness. Beating my breast, attacking and blaming myself. Senses betray me and I shiver in fear, loneliness and sorrow.

Warmth envelops my shaking body.

A calming voice. A lullaby.

"Peace! My dear, take rest. Hold not any grudge or trouble against yourself, for my heart weeps with yours. Behold! Your brother smiles down on you for you have returned."

I look up and witness the Virgin Mother, full of grace, compassion and love.

Surrendering in her embrace I weep and yearn to feel her tight embrace.

"My child, your pains are my pains. No matter how sinful and how far you have drifted away. I will always be here to welcome you with open arms and a warm embrace. For you are my child and I love you."

A feeling of serenity in her soothing voice and I lose myself in consciousness.

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This is the story of your servant. It is never over and it is a continuing journey. Every servant of yours goes through a journey of a lifetime that will forever change their lives.Struggles are inevitable and prayers will always be out weapon against oppression. Our "crosses" are not meant to punish us. They are there to serve as our bridges, to help us be closer to Jesus, our brother. Every battle is an experience to find ourselves towards our path, our journey that will bring us to the loving embrace of God the Father and Jesus, His Beloved Son. And in this journey, there is always the loving Mother who intercedes, guides, pleads and prays for us.

I am a sinner, I am no exception even if I am a part of the community. I fall and lose hope. Though that is not a reason to give up and forget my faith. Because of who I am, these gives me more reasons to return to the Mother's loving embrace.

To see the face of God is our hearts desire. We long for Him, to be in His kingdom.

To see the face of the Virgin Mary is a grace. She is the one who reaches out to us. Who runs to our aid in times of need. She cares too much for us that she even pleads in our behalf just for us to feel at peace. She is meek and endures the pain of her children. She is hope and peace.

She is our loving mother, Mama Mary.

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Inspired by the talks from ICON 2014: Journey Beyond and the music Song of the Beloved by Tito Arnel Santos

i serve for God

thank you Lord for all the opportunities that you have given me to share my talent in dancing and to serve you!

i know that statement/declaration is not enough to say how blessed and thankful i am for the talent, opportunity and graces that God has give me.

the first off the list was during our cluster sportsfest.

i was able to dance once again with my idols, mimi and che.

though short, i really appreciate this opportunity because they have been quite busy recently so i was really thankful for that moment!

second, i was given an opportunity to be part of the production team during the CFC West B Cana weekend.

in addition to that, i was the assigned photographer for the event!

but that blessing and opportunity did not end there,

i also had the chance to perform a jazz number during the event.

i was truly blessed and i am thankful for the opportunity that was given to me.

i would like to take this opportunity to thank ate Gracelyn Romero for giving me this opportunity.

thank you for the friendship that has started and the bonds that have strengthened because of these events and opportunities that i have been part of.

my service to God will definitely not end here.

the service continues and i shall do my best to accept the services that i am called to be part of.

to share my time, my talent and my treasure,

all for God and his people!

amen!

birthday celebration

i would like to take this opportunity to thank those who were able to attend my celebration. i really hope you guys enjoyed the night. (^_^)

pictures

one of the may performances that night


and lastly, pizza making video!

pictures

hello everyone!

how are you? please forgive me for the lack in posts.

last weekend, we attended the first west b2b reunion! we had this performance ala "high school" musical. yours truly was sharpay. here is a link to somepicture from my phone and some that i grabbed from my friends. (^_^)

drawing. one of my many passions. of course its not everyday that i really have time for it. so sometimes, i doodle. and here is one of the results of my random doodling. (~_^)

life at the office is becoming to boring. so how does my friend rizell and i fight the boredom, we eat! we used to put aside our cravings and as much as possible just eat the free food at the pantry. but recently, we have been going out for lunch just to have that walk and change in environment. first off, the pasta at sbarro. kind of expensive but i think its a little worth it. second, the "atherosclerosis" meal. seriously, this dangerous food for those who are high blood and has history of heart disease. but does that stop us from eating it? no! (>_<) lastly, a choco pudding given by my superior. (^_^) its chocolate, its pudding, its cold, its delicious. thats all that i have to say.

that last part made me hungry. got to go. chiao~

sfc icon 2013: witness

hi everyone! (^_^) how are you? the last time i posted an entry, i mentioned something about dance practice.  well, the dance practice was for the opening night for the annual SFC ICON. (^_^) the theme for this year is "witness". this is in relation to the CFC theme this year, "obey and witness." anyways, it was mentioned in one of the talks that one cannot truly witness, if one does not obey.

to make it more concrete, in my case as one of the many performers, i had to obey the choreographer to be able to witness and be part of the performance. i saw the differences in people and those who really have the talent. i met people who were humble and they are willing to reach out to those who have difficulty getting the steps, at the same time, i met people who were too proud and were nagging and "selfish." despite this, we all had to obey to be part of the whole performance.

to be able to be a witness to the greatness of God, i have to learn to obey to his will and plans for me. this is easier said than done. as humans who are given the free will, we have plans for the future that we plan to accomplish. obeying God's plans may be difficult but it may mean going against hat we plan for ourselves. obeying means accepting, accepting what God has planned for us even if this is very challenging and difficult to achieve. obeying needs trust, strength and courage. we don't know what the future has for us, we are left to trust to whatever the God decides to plan for us. we need strength and courage to live out the plans of God, we have to admit, it's a battlefield in this world. we experience challenges and oppression that are just too painful to bear, but in the end we still rise up and face this journey we call life. (^_^) obeying means surrender. we surrender everything to God, whatever our plans are, whatever we face, whatever we do, we all surrender it to God. the smiles, the tears, the ups, the downs, the success, the failures, everything, we surrender it all to God. what do we get in all of this?

we become a witness.

we become a witness to how God can greatly influence our lives. we become living witnesses that despite the cruelties of this world, we can live day by day with hope and positive disposition. we know that at the end of the day, however shitty the day is, we still look forward to the gift of life we receive upon waking up the next day. (^_^) is that all that is to being a witness?

of course not!

being a witness also involves the people you interact with. the people you make memories with, the people who influence you, the little girl you teach in catechism, the kids who wait for you in the classroom for you to teach them, the stranger who smiled at you as you two were passing by each other, the cashier who gave you your change when you bought food, the guard who greeted you as you entered the building, the demanding boss, the strict mentor, everyone! every person that becomes a part of your life has involvement in you being a witness. how you talk to them, how you treat them, how you think of them, these are manifestations on how far you have witnessed as God's servant and how you share being a witness a living witness to God's love.

in my case, despite the clash in ideas and personalities during the dance practice for the SFC ICON, the choreographers were patient, strict and professional. they had every good intention even if they can be very harsh in their criticisms. as performers with different levels, experience  in dancing, from different chapters and clusters, we shared our knowledge and experience. we learn from each other and we form new connections and friendship. we learn how to deal with different people, we learn to spread and share the love of God that is within us.

lastly, prayers. there is nothing impossible in prayers. say prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of sorrow, prayers of happiness, prayers of doubt, prayers for family and friends, prayers for the sick, prayers for the dearly departed. you will never go wrong with prayers. prayer time is the time for reflection, your alone time with God, you one-on-one date with God.

in this SFC ICON 2013, i obeyed, i witnessed and i became an involved witness to God's greatness. (^_^)
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ps. here are the pictures from the conference. majority of the pictures are from my household head, jen ocbena. others are from my friends. (^_^)

update!

finally! a time to blog!

hello eveyone! how are you?

i'm sorry for the lack of post and delays in the entries.

been busy and tired from work and dance practice.

ypu, you heard it right,

dance practice.

there is a big event this weekend and i am so excited for it for i am able to be part of it. (^_^)

please wait for my post about it hopefully by monday (^_~)

for now, what i can tell you is that the photos are finally organized!

please check my photobucket page! (^_^)

parties

hi everyone! it's past 1am and here i am trying to keep myself awake.

when the christmas season comes, with this are christmas parties!

i believe, as of today, i have attended 4 christmas parties.

danced/performed in 2 of them,

wore a costume for 2 parties (on the same night),

sang at 3 parties,

had a few alcoholic drinks in one of the parties.

all of them i really enjoyed! (^_^)

i believe i have one more planned christmas party to attend to.

just for the record, the family christmas dinner is totally different from the christmas parties,

the christmas parties i was referring to are the ones with my friends and officemates. (^_^)

i believe thats all for tonight. (^_^)

pictures? still have to upload them on my free time. (^_^)

update

hi everyone! been a very loooooonng time since i last updated. though, mind you, a lot of events has happened that i can be sure of. (^_^) the pictures are all stacking up in my laptop. unfortunately, i do not have the internet connection to upload them all. maybe i'll pust a post and a link for all my pics since i last updated. (^_^) anyways, right now i am using the desktop of my dad. let me remember what i have been doing since my last update... hmmm.

/looks at facebook, twitter and her mobile phone.

well... it's been a year since i offcially became a member of Singles for Christ. (^_^) me and my batchmates sponsored the food for our Christian Life program. it was our way of giving forward or giving back, however way you look at it. i would say a lot has changed since last year and i hope the change still continues for the better. (^_^)

i have attended a wedding for a cute couple who are also our fellow SFC members. we were the ones who sang for the wedding. i would admit that it was a bit of a disaster but we were all just very happy for them. (^_^) we will be singing in another wedding this monday for another couple from SFC. i hope our singing is better this time around. (^_~)

a bunch of us also performed at the Saterdotal anniversary of our parish priest. aiza and i were the ones who chose the music. bjoy and i did the choreography and i also did the editing for the songs. it was fun but there were a few misunderstandings and bad blood bad the way. thankfully, we were able to overcome this and we were all in good terms after the performance. (^_^)

oh! i went to hong kong last weekend with my officemates. it was an all-expense paid trip by our boss. we went to disneyland and had dinner at the Peak. it was my first time to go to hong kong so i was very excited. i had fun but i wish i had more time to walk around though. (^_^) as i said earlier, pictures will be uploaded as soon as i have enough time and the right internet connection. sorry! m(_ _)m

oh by the way, the first few things i looked for when i was in hk? FANTA! hahahaha! and yes, i did find it. unfortunately, i could not bring it here in the philippines because it was not allowed on the plane. (^_^)

christmas is just around the corner. (^_^) been taking pictures of "christmassy" thingies these past weeks. i hope i get the chance to post them in the near future. and i mean NEAR! (^_^)

i'm very sure i'm missing other details of what i have been doing recently but i really hope i could share them here. (^_^)

chiao~

rei's 19th birthday

rei celebrated her 19th birthday last october.

for the family celebration,

we had dinner at burgoo.

we ordered dessert,

lo and behold!

the bloody strawberry cheesecake!

seriously! this was very disturbing!

i guess they were into the halloween season? (-_-;)

another super update

hi everyone! it's been really hard for me to update my blog recently due to work and limited internet access. there have been a lot that has been happening lately, and to tell you all the truth, i can't even remember some of them. i do have pictures so... i'll just tell you all about these pictures are. (^_^) we will start with the albums.

1st SFC Big West Conference

we are all proud to say that we are the pioneer members who attended the conference. (^_^) the venue as at my alma mater, Miriam College. There were 3 talks, praise fest, mass and dances. i also bought shirts, but no pictures yet of the shirts. you will all see them in my future pictures. (^_~)

next, the birthday celebration of Rex, our manager, and also the quarter celebration of our company since we reached our quota for this quarter. yosh! it was all a treat from our boss, James. thank you! (^_^) the pictures will tell it all.

next, pictures i have "edited"

there has been an on going campaign to lessen the garbage and plastic usage around the world. it's now advised to bring your own bag for groceries and stuff, or they use paper bags. one particular establishment took it a notch higher. the design of their paper bag is a copy of a painting by a filipino painter. really awesome! i couldn't throw the paper bag because it was eye-candy for me. i kept it for myself. (^_~)

second picture? it involves cold treats! korean ice cream, because my friend at office wanted to try it for the first time. the second treat? earl grey ice cream! no kidding (^_^) best only when served cold though. if it melts, it's not that enjoyable anymore. then again, that's just me. it was the first time a tested this flavor in an ice cream. i mean, i drink earl grey tea, but ice cream? i just had to try. (^_^)

you have all heard of the sandwich shop Subway right? well... i only at there recently and i realized ho much i as missing! hehehe! the sandwich as just great. i would definitely buy there at least once a week. (^_^) i am so behind with a lot of stuff so don't be surprised hen you see "first time" in my entries. (^_^)

rarely do i go to Starbucks because i have this notion that drinks and food are overpriced there. but i do admit that there is that rare moment that you think you just really deserve it after busy days and stressful tasks. (^_^) choco-glazed donut and strawberry and cream frappe. (^_^)

our team leader treated us to frozen margarita and snacks is celebration of those e have hired for the client company, kampai! (^_^) yes, another first time for me. (^_^)

and lastly, friday was a holiday here. but i went to work for half day. i jut had to take a picture of myself. i don't know why, i just had a feeling i had to. (^_~)

there are so many things i missed telling in this entry, but as i said earlier, i can't remember the other events anymore. please forgive me. m (_ _) m

chao~

recruitment training

this weekend has been very busy, enjoying and informing. (^_^)

we had our recruitment training and it definitely was a balance of fun and knowledge.

the training was specific, short and straight-forward.

it was very helpful and creative.

big thanks to our trainer of course,

shane sibraa.

the venue was great and so was the food.

well except the fact that at was served late and cold,

the food was still tasty.

rooms and facilities were relaxing.

the weather was cool.

and it was definitely worth it. (^_^)

mmc 2012

the metro manila conference is the first conference that i have attended as an sfc member.

despite the troubles that i experienced weeks before the conference,

i am very thankful that i was able to go.

it was a great experience and i am very thankful for those who helped me make this experience a great success.

and of course, thank you God for all of this. (^_^)

ryo's family day

a few weekends ago was the school family day of ryo.

ryo had a performance with his classmates and he also had a performance with us, his sisters. (^_^)

for our performance, ryo did all the planning.

we simply polished it. (^_^)

nice job young man!

friday

last friday, mama and i watched Per Sorensen and Tears for Fears concert.

this is sort of my gift for her because it's the month of her birthday.

plus, i really wanted to watch and listen to Per Sorensen. (^_^)

it was an awesome night indeed!

special mention: i love the smile of Per Sorensen. (^_~)

after the concert, we fetched rei and ryo.

we then went to mercato to have late dinner.

luckily, mercato was near papa's workplace so papa was able to join us. (^_^)

late night family bonding moment. (^_^)