Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20)
Monday, 6 August 2012
Happy 3rd Anniversary!
It's been 3 years since we landed as immigrants in Canada and we have been blessed. God is faithful. Happy 3rd Anniversary in Canada. Thank you Lord.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20)
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20)
Sunday, 5 August 2012
Top 7 Travel Qs
I liked what Benz asked for Nawies to fill up as Sunday Dream Qs .I am writing my travel dreams turning to realities..God willing :)
Here goes:
7 Places you want to bring your kids to in the Philippines
1. Bohol - Danao
2. Norte - Vigan, Laoag City, Batanes
3. Yung Casas na pinuntahan Nina Clarice
4. Intramuros Luneta at Divisoria
5. Yung pinagshootingan ng movie ni KC at Sam Milby sa CDO ba yun?
6. Palawan - Coron at El Nido
7. Banawe / Sagada
7 Places you want to bring your kids to outside the Philippines
1. New Cars land in Disneyland California
2. Paris at Nice France, London at iba pang European cities...Europe na Lang kaya? Lol
3. Beijing - Great Wall of China
4. Disneyland in Tokyo Yung me underwater park
5. Disneyworld at iba pang parks sa Florida - Harry Potter ba yun?
6. Australia
7. Grand Canyon, Arizona
7 Places you have been dreaming of going without kids (but with Lito of course)
1. Sanrio Puroland -ako Lang hahaha
2. Amanpulo
3. Bali, Indonesia
4. Greece
5. Italy
6. Yung mga telenovela places sa Korea
7. Hawaii
Top 7 Places you've been to (both in and out of the Philippines)
1. Panglao, Bohol
2. Puerto Princesa City
3. Caramoan
4. Singapore
5. HK Disneyland
6. Texas
4. New York City
5. Washington, DC
6. Niagara Falls
7. Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City
7 Travel Tips you can share
1. Travel light - can you imagine we are 5 in the family but we only bring 2 small luggages for a 3 day/2N trip
2. Bring chargers, USB
3. Plan ahead, use itinerary and hour by hour schedule to maximize the trip but also be flexible
4. Research on the travel destination for places to visit, hours of operation, fees and souvenir shops
5. Buy postcards from the place, mail to your kids, indicate the place you stayed, dates and memorable moments...Benz suggested this before.
6. Bring maps
7. Bring lots of money and credit cards hahaha
7 Memorable Travel Kwentos
1. Our family's first trip was in Bohol. Loved it. Kyle's was diagnosed with Bronco- Pneumonia and the doctor gave us a go signal even if he is sick. The fresh air helped and he was completely healed when we returned to Manila.
2. Puerto Princesa trip - our first getaway trip without the kids, parang honeymoon hehehe. Enjoyed The underground River.
3. HK Disneyland Trip - first time to see the wonder in my kids eyes upon arrival. Sulit na Sulit ang trip na Ito.
4. Caramoan trip - my first all girls weekend getaway leaving a 5-month old baby Lex in the hands of Ces and the nanny...Sobrang guilty ako dito but I knew mothers have to have a timeout. when I came back, I was recharged and the post partum blues gone.
5. Manhattan, New York City Trip - happing happy ang family namin when we saw ourselves in one of the billboards in Times Square sa live camera. Haha ang babaw!
6. Washington DC - Smithsonian Museums, my kids enjoyed this pero ang pinaka memorable para sa kin Ay Nung sinabi nila na this is where Megatron sat - dun sa Abraham Lincoln Memorial.
7. Texas and Upstate New York - my second business trip (Singapore Yung first when I was still single) where I had the chance to train Americans on the ISO Systems and my system AIMS in ADEC. It was a career milestone for me. That was also where I found out that I was pregnant with my 3rd child and that meant giving up on my working visa in the US and wait for our Canadian Immigrant Visa Approval.
Here goes:
7 Places you want to bring your kids to in the Philippines
1. Bohol - Danao
2. Norte - Vigan, Laoag City, Batanes
3. Yung Casas na pinuntahan Nina Clarice
4. Intramuros Luneta at Divisoria
5. Yung pinagshootingan ng movie ni KC at Sam Milby sa CDO ba yun?
6. Palawan - Coron at El Nido
7. Banawe / Sagada
7 Places you want to bring your kids to outside the Philippines
1. New Cars land in Disneyland California
2. Paris at Nice France, London at iba pang European cities...Europe na Lang kaya? Lol
3. Beijing - Great Wall of China
4. Disneyland in Tokyo Yung me underwater park
5. Disneyworld at iba pang parks sa Florida - Harry Potter ba yun?
6. Australia
7. Grand Canyon, Arizona
7 Places you have been dreaming of going without kids (but with Lito of course)
1. Sanrio Puroland -ako Lang hahaha
2. Amanpulo
3. Bali, Indonesia
4. Greece
5. Italy
6. Yung mga telenovela places sa Korea
7. Hawaii
Top 7 Places you've been to (both in and out of the Philippines)
1. Panglao, Bohol
2. Puerto Princesa City
3. Caramoan
4. Singapore
5. HK Disneyland
6. Texas
4. New York City
5. Washington, DC
6. Niagara Falls
7. Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City
7 Travel Tips you can share
1. Travel light - can you imagine we are 5 in the family but we only bring 2 small luggages for a 3 day/2N trip
2. Bring chargers, USB
3. Plan ahead, use itinerary and hour by hour schedule to maximize the trip but also be flexible
4. Research on the travel destination for places to visit, hours of operation, fees and souvenir shops
5. Buy postcards from the place, mail to your kids, indicate the place you stayed, dates and memorable moments...Benz suggested this before.
6. Bring maps
7. Bring lots of money and credit cards hahaha
7 Memorable Travel Kwentos
1. Our family's first trip was in Bohol. Loved it. Kyle's was diagnosed with Bronco- Pneumonia and the doctor gave us a go signal even if he is sick. The fresh air helped and he was completely healed when we returned to Manila.
2. Puerto Princesa trip - our first getaway trip without the kids, parang honeymoon hehehe. Enjoyed The underground River.
3. HK Disneyland Trip - first time to see the wonder in my kids eyes upon arrival. Sulit na Sulit ang trip na Ito.
4. Caramoan trip - my first all girls weekend getaway leaving a 5-month old baby Lex in the hands of Ces and the nanny...Sobrang guilty ako dito but I knew mothers have to have a timeout. when I came back, I was recharged and the post partum blues gone.
5. Manhattan, New York City Trip - happing happy ang family namin when we saw ourselves in one of the billboards in Times Square sa live camera. Haha ang babaw!
6. Washington DC - Smithsonian Museums, my kids enjoyed this pero ang pinaka memorable para sa kin Ay Nung sinabi nila na this is where Megatron sat - dun sa Abraham Lincoln Memorial.
7. Texas and Upstate New York - my second business trip (Singapore Yung first when I was still single) where I had the chance to train Americans on the ISO Systems and my system AIMS in ADEC. It was a career milestone for me. That was also where I found out that I was pregnant with my 3rd child and that meant giving up on my working visa in the US and wait for our Canadian Immigrant Visa Approval.
Friday, 27 July 2012
10 ways not to be poor
I liked this article so much that upon reading this in the Toronto Sun newspaper today, I tore the page and brought it home for this blog. This is much more of a Filipino trait because we are really poor, but when you think of all the OFWs around the world and the money they send to their families, it's about time that they have moved on or progressed. Basta lahat ng Ito Ay para sa mga kababayan ko, please share to my fellow Filipinos working abroad and their families.
This is from Jerry Agar of the Toronto Sun:
The perpetually poor are not blameless. Anyone can find themselves in unplanned and unforeseen unfortunate circumstances. Most people by their own effort or with the help of others, overcome adversity. Some people, however, are perpetually poor. Why? Because they don't do the things required of them to move up and out. there are 2 parts to this , the first are the Seven Habits of highly UNSUCCESSFUL people:
1. Mismanaging the money they have. Some low-income people find a way to save for the future, but they do so by foregoing $300 Nike shoes or a 30k pesos cellphone.
2. Believing in the quick fix. The lottery is not the ticket to the future and it would be helpful if the government didn't advertise as much. sabihin pa para sa Philippine Charity.
3. Believing life itself is a lottery. Life isn't fair, but the accident of our birth, regardless of circumstances, is no guaranteed predictor of success or failure. Successful people weather the storms, while unsuccessful people see themselves as victims with no options.
4. Inability to manage emotions. Totoong totoo Ito sa Pilipino, masyadong EMO, di tuloy naka move up. Unsuccessful people get stuck in feelings of hopelessness, frustration and anger, letting those emotions rule them.
5. Picking the role model. Pinoy na Pinoy din Ito...grabe- sa artista sa politico, sa mga maraming asawa at mga mandaraya. Kung Sino Yung mga popular pero questionable ang character, yun ang idol nila, di ba tama? They let the unsuccessful people school them on the ways of life, rather than seeking out people who have overcome the same challenges they face.
6. Setting low goals. The problem is that once a low goal is achieved, the person feels that is all he or she can do. Pwede na ang pwede. setting unrealistic goals is also harmful, but goals should always be a bit higher than what has already been accomplished.
7. Believing in wishing and hoping. Pop culture self help programs encourage people to wish hard for success and claim it will simply happen. That is dangerous because it is appealing, something for nothing. It's like praying for success while forgetting God helps those who help themselves.
Everyone has a moral responsibility to provide for themselves as much as possible. The bible says- 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 "We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat."
Here are the remaining pointers to avoiding poverty: Mga kababayan ko, Kung Hindi na natin kayang Gawin ang mga Ito, para na Lang sa mga anak natin.
8. Stay in school to at least to obtain a high school graduation.
9. Do not have children until you are able to financially care for them. To do otherwise is a form of child abuse. Anyone can fall on hard times, but if properly prepared before having children a person will recover for their own and their children's benefit.
10. Stay off illegal drugs and alcohol. It will not solve your problems, but are causing them.
Poverty is no excuse for crime, but violent crime tends to emanate from impoverished neighborhoods.
This is from Jerry Agar of the Toronto Sun:
The perpetually poor are not blameless. Anyone can find themselves in unplanned and unforeseen unfortunate circumstances. Most people by their own effort or with the help of others, overcome adversity. Some people, however, are perpetually poor. Why? Because they don't do the things required of them to move up and out. there are 2 parts to this , the first are the Seven Habits of highly UNSUCCESSFUL people:
1. Mismanaging the money they have. Some low-income people find a way to save for the future, but they do so by foregoing $300 Nike shoes or a 30k pesos cellphone.
2. Believing in the quick fix. The lottery is not the ticket to the future and it would be helpful if the government didn't advertise as much. sabihin pa para sa Philippine Charity.
3. Believing life itself is a lottery. Life isn't fair, but the accident of our birth, regardless of circumstances, is no guaranteed predictor of success or failure. Successful people weather the storms, while unsuccessful people see themselves as victims with no options.
4. Inability to manage emotions. Totoong totoo Ito sa Pilipino, masyadong EMO, di tuloy naka move up. Unsuccessful people get stuck in feelings of hopelessness, frustration and anger, letting those emotions rule them.
5. Picking the role model. Pinoy na Pinoy din Ito...grabe- sa artista sa politico, sa mga maraming asawa at mga mandaraya. Kung Sino Yung mga popular pero questionable ang character, yun ang idol nila, di ba tama? They let the unsuccessful people school them on the ways of life, rather than seeking out people who have overcome the same challenges they face.
6. Setting low goals. The problem is that once a low goal is achieved, the person feels that is all he or she can do. Pwede na ang pwede. setting unrealistic goals is also harmful, but goals should always be a bit higher than what has already been accomplished.
7. Believing in wishing and hoping. Pop culture self help programs encourage people to wish hard for success and claim it will simply happen. That is dangerous because it is appealing, something for nothing. It's like praying for success while forgetting God helps those who help themselves.
Everyone has a moral responsibility to provide for themselves as much as possible. The bible says- 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 "We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat."
Here are the remaining pointers to avoiding poverty: Mga kababayan ko, Kung Hindi na natin kayang Gawin ang mga Ito, para na Lang sa mga anak natin.
8. Stay in school to at least to obtain a high school graduation.
9. Do not have children until you are able to financially care for them. To do otherwise is a form of child abuse. Anyone can fall on hard times, but if properly prepared before having children a person will recover for their own and their children's benefit.
10. Stay off illegal drugs and alcohol. It will not solve your problems, but are causing them.
Poverty is no excuse for crime, but violent crime tends to emanate from impoverished neighborhoods.
Friday, 20 July 2012
Siblings without rivalry
The complete title of this book is Siblings without Rivalry - How to help your children live together so you can live too., I've reading this book by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish and as I'm about to finish, I want to keep and remember the important points I learned. The skills parents need to maintain harmony, peace and love among their children. When a family establishes this kind of relationship among the children, it will have a domino effect on others and eventually in the world we live in. I hope every parent who read the book applies what he learns and contribute to the world peace we need.
Bulliyng - Bullies and victims of bullying are created from home so we should be cognizant of how our children act with their siblings.
For the bully
1. Instead of the parent treating the child as a bully, He can help him see that he is capable of being evil.
2. when the other siblings treat him as a bully, the parents can give the siblings a new view of their brother.
3. When the child sees himself as a bully, the parent can help him see his capacity for kindness.
For the victim
1. Instead of the parent treating the child as a victim (kakampihan), the parent can show her how to stand up for herself.
2. When the other siblings treat her as a victim, the parents can give the siblings a new view of herself.
3. When the child sees herself as a victim, the parent can help her see her potential strength.
When children fight - here are the steps how to intervene helpfully:
1. Start by acknowledging the children's anger towards each other. That alone should help calm them.
2. Listen to each child's side with respect.
3. Describe the problem with respect.
4. Express faith in their ability to work out a mutually agreeable solution.
5. Leave the room.
When the fighting is heading towards hurting:
1. Describe what's happening. Example I see one boy on a chair about to throw a truck.
2. Establish limits. Example This is a dangerous situation.
3. Separate them.
Children should have the freedom to resolve their own differences. Children are also entitled to adult intervention when necessary. If one child is being abused by the other, either physically or verbally, we've Got to step in. If there's a problem that keeps coming up tha hasn't yield to their solution, we've got to step in.
Helping children resolve a difficult conflict:
1. Call a meeting
2. Explain the ground rules for everyone.
3. Write down each child's feelings and concerns.
4. Allow each child time for rebuttal.
5. Invite everyone to suggest as many solutions as possible. Write down all ideas without evaluating. Let the kids go first.
6. Decide upon the solutions you can all live with.
7. Follow up.
More ways to encourage good feelings between siblings:
1. Make sure that each child gets some time alone with you several times a week.
2. When spending time with one child, don't talk about the other.
3. Don't withhold your affection or attention from your favorite child to make it up to a less favored child.
4. Don't lock the children into their position in the family order - oldest, middle, youngest. Allow each child the opportunity to experience some of the privileges and responsibilities of the other.
5. Let each child know what it is about him that his siblings like or admire
6. Schedule family meetings.
Bulliyng - Bullies and victims of bullying are created from home so we should be cognizant of how our children act with their siblings.
For the bully
1. Instead of the parent treating the child as a bully, He can help him see that he is capable of being evil.
2. when the other siblings treat him as a bully, the parents can give the siblings a new view of their brother.
3. When the child sees himself as a bully, the parent can help him see his capacity for kindness.
For the victim
1. Instead of the parent treating the child as a victim (kakampihan), the parent can show her how to stand up for herself.
2. When the other siblings treat her as a victim, the parents can give the siblings a new view of herself.
3. When the child sees herself as a victim, the parent can help her see her potential strength.
When children fight - here are the steps how to intervene helpfully:
1. Start by acknowledging the children's anger towards each other. That alone should help calm them.
2. Listen to each child's side with respect.
3. Describe the problem with respect.
4. Express faith in their ability to work out a mutually agreeable solution.
5. Leave the room.
When the fighting is heading towards hurting:
1. Describe what's happening. Example I see one boy on a chair about to throw a truck.
2. Establish limits. Example This is a dangerous situation.
3. Separate them.
Children should have the freedom to resolve their own differences. Children are also entitled to adult intervention when necessary. If one child is being abused by the other, either physically or verbally, we've Got to step in. If there's a problem that keeps coming up tha hasn't yield to their solution, we've got to step in.
Helping children resolve a difficult conflict:
1. Call a meeting
2. Explain the ground rules for everyone.
3. Write down each child's feelings and concerns.
4. Allow each child time for rebuttal.
5. Invite everyone to suggest as many solutions as possible. Write down all ideas without evaluating. Let the kids go first.
6. Decide upon the solutions you can all live with.
7. Follow up.
More ways to encourage good feelings between siblings:
1. Make sure that each child gets some time alone with you several times a week.
2. When spending time with one child, don't talk about the other.
3. Don't withhold your affection or attention from your favorite child to make it up to a less favored child.
4. Don't lock the children into their position in the family order - oldest, middle, youngest. Allow each child the opportunity to experience some of the privileges and responsibilities of the other.
5. Let each child know what it is about him that his siblings like or admire
6. Schedule family meetings.
Sunday, 17 June 2012
Facing the Giants
If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder
Just guessed it but when I look it up on Yahoo, it was confirmed. I've been listening to a Christian radio station KLVV Praise based in Oklahoma City and I heard they were praying for their home team Oklahoma City Thunder. Kevin Durant, the star player of Thunders is indeed a Christian, praying and reading his bible before a game. I remembered the movie Facing the Giants where a never heard High school football team went into the finals and faced a more popular and strong team Giants because of the faith of the coach. God made miracles in the movie and This can happen again, in real life. The Miami Heat is a star studded team but like what the verse is saying, who can beat the Lord? I'm not forecasting here or saying that Thunders will win, the Lord has great plans for everything. Winning the championship is not really everything but the limelight focused on a Christian athlete is something that God will use for His glory. Many will know that behind this great athlete is a man of God.
Read more here...
PACMAN
Manny Pacquiao may have lost the last game with Bradley but he has not lost the real battle. He has continued to remain in His faith and still acknowledged God in the interview after his defeat. In a country were there are many religions some even are cult, a boxing champion and a popular personality becomes an instrument to declare what God wanted the Filipinos to know and accept as Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ.
More on Pacquiao' s faith and transformation.../
Nik Wallenda
Would you believe that Nik Wallenda, the man who just recently walked across the mouth of Niagara Falls from the US side to Canada side is also a believer in Christ? I knew it when I found out he knelt down after completing the stunt, giving reverence to God. I felt so proud for him and the athletes mentioned above, being bold in their faith and continue to spread about the good news through the lives. God will bless them and use them for His glory.
Nik Wallenda's faith here
Tony Dungy
Although not all have continued to win their games, they were able to fight the real battle and God helped them. Sometimes, a defeat or loss is what you need to come to your senses and accept that you cannot do it on your own. You need Christ, not just know but believe and live a life with Him in the center of it.
Tony Dungy -a NFL football coach has his story to share.
All it takes is to putting your trust in Jesus Christ and making Him the First and then you will be able to face your 'giants'.
Like what Durant, Pacquaio, Wallenda, Dungy are saying --To God be the glory. Be counted in the ever increasing multitude of Christians.
Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder
Just guessed it but when I look it up on Yahoo, it was confirmed. I've been listening to a Christian radio station KLVV Praise based in Oklahoma City and I heard they were praying for their home team Oklahoma City Thunder. Kevin Durant, the star player of Thunders is indeed a Christian, praying and reading his bible before a game. I remembered the movie Facing the Giants where a never heard High school football team went into the finals and faced a more popular and strong team Giants because of the faith of the coach. God made miracles in the movie and This can happen again, in real life. The Miami Heat is a star studded team but like what the verse is saying, who can beat the Lord? I'm not forecasting here or saying that Thunders will win, the Lord has great plans for everything. Winning the championship is not really everything but the limelight focused on a Christian athlete is something that God will use for His glory. Many will know that behind this great athlete is a man of God.
Read more here...
PACMAN
Manny Pacquiao may have lost the last game with Bradley but he has not lost the real battle. He has continued to remain in His faith and still acknowledged God in the interview after his defeat. In a country were there are many religions some even are cult, a boxing champion and a popular personality becomes an instrument to declare what God wanted the Filipinos to know and accept as Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ.
More on Pacquiao' s faith and transformation.../
Nik Wallenda
Would you believe that Nik Wallenda, the man who just recently walked across the mouth of Niagara Falls from the US side to Canada side is also a believer in Christ? I knew it when I found out he knelt down after completing the stunt, giving reverence to God. I felt so proud for him and the athletes mentioned above, being bold in their faith and continue to spread about the good news through the lives. God will bless them and use them for His glory.
Nik Wallenda's faith here
Tony Dungy
Although not all have continued to win their games, they were able to fight the real battle and God helped them. Sometimes, a defeat or loss is what you need to come to your senses and accept that you cannot do it on your own. You need Christ, not just know but believe and live a life with Him in the center of it.
Tony Dungy -a NFL football coach has his story to share.
All it takes is to putting your trust in Jesus Christ and making Him the First and then you will be able to face your 'giants'.
Like what Durant, Pacquaio, Wallenda, Dungy are saying --To God be the glory. Be counted in the ever increasing multitude of Christians.
Monday, 11 June 2012
God tube videos
I just discovered this and I can`t help but share. You will find music videos from Christian artists and sermon videos too. Here is my latest favorite from Building 429 -Where I belong. I also embedded the you tube version to see the lyrics. Enjoy!
Building 429 - Where I Belong (Official Music Video) from building-429 on GodTube.
Sunday, 10 June 2012
A Kid's must-watch series
If you like to talk to tomatoes,
If a squash can makes you smile,
If you like to waltz with potatoes
Up and down the produce aisle -
Have we got a show for you!
Veggie Tales, Veggie Tales, Veggie Tales, Veggie Tales
Veggie Tales, Veggie Tales, Veggie Tales, Veg-gie Tales
Broccoli, Celery, Gotta be, Veggie Tales!
My kids received their very first veggie tales DVD two years ago and eversince it became their favorite children's movie series to watch. They watched it during our long trips to the US and every time we go to the kids church at Queensway. I highly recommend this to parents with young children. Not only will the kids be familiar with the vegetables that they are supposed to eat, but also the stories are about God --biblical stories that are kid-friendly. The plot are always simple and the words are encouraging and inspiring to a child's point of view.
Example of titles:
Babysitter in De-Nile
The search for Samson's hairbrush
Sheerluck Holmes and the Golden Ruler -a lesson in friendship
Big river rescue-a story about kindness
Would you believe that I found the queen Esther story here very interesting that prompted me to read the bible version? Like my kids, i fell in love with the veggie tales characters. They remind us about the virtues that everyone should learn and practice, not only for the kids ha. Bible verses are always emphasized so that kids will remember them. They also teach the children to pray because they also ask the kids to pray with them. The biblical truth is taught to our children at an early stage and what a great confidence for a parent like me to be assured that they are not exposed to superficial stories like what the mainstream stories and songs suggest. The songs, sometimes called The Silly Songs are funny but with substance.
I hope all the parents out there will get a Veggie tales movie soon so they can relate to what i'm saying and their children be blessed. You can learn more at http://www.veggietales.com
Like what they always say, "With God's help, we will all be victorious." Victorious in bringing our children to God.
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