My theme song today

Today I was so jaded and frustrated, with all the things I wanted to do and to be, and then suddenly, this song just came out of my mouth. Inspirational songs really come in handy.

Now I also remember what I've read before, we can have all that we want, but not all at once. Right. We have to learn how to do it - one step at a time.

My first post in 2013 on this special day

As this is a very special day to me, I wouldn't let it go without marking it on my blog.

 

I just thank God that He continue to bless me with my life for a quarter of a century now, continue to guide me and help me get through my troubles, and best, continue to be by my side. And so, I'll share one of my personal favorite verses:

Why I like this verse:

This is really a wake up call whenever I feel so weak or afraid about the circumstances in my life. Let me tell you what I think about this verse:

 Like the lion, the king of the jungle that fears nothing, God is commanding us to be strong and courageous.

In this verse, two of the main weaknesses of human beings were also mentioned: being afraid and being discouraged. When we become afraid, we become paralyzed, we can't think straight, and often, we cower in the face of adversity. When we become discouraged, our hope dies and when it dies, we lose the will to continue.

Feeling these two negative emotions are normal, but we don't need to get stuck on that, because thankfully, God has a promise for us.

The question is not "how" can we be strong and courageous and how can we stop the fear and discouragement, buy "why"?

Why can we do it? It's because He said: "... the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

The point is we are not going alone! God promises to be there with us. There is no need to feel afraid or discouraged, because we know that we have something with us far more powerful than our fears and dismays- it's God.  

For us to be able to overcome the obstacles and challenges in our lives and succeed, we have to have faith in Him, and like soldiers obeying their commander's command, we have to be strong and courageous. 

Credits:
Photo from here.
Second photo from here.

Ayala Triangle Gardens Lights and Sounds Show 2012

Before the year is over, I'm glad I was able to witness this beautiful display of lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens.  I don't know why, but even though I live in Makati, I still don't get a chance to go there. This is an annual event sponsored by Makati City, free to all! Cool right? I think it starts in December from 6 to 9pm, with 30 minutes interval.  It has a Tagalog and English version. 

All I can say is I love the Lights and Sounds!

Here's the video for the Filipino Christmas songs. 

Rise of the Guardians

As a fan of Jude Law, I made it a point to watch this movie, especially to hear his voice over on the character Pitch.

The plot of this movie is good. Watching it was an enjoyable experience. It's quite unique to see all of the legendary characters unite. Who could have thought they knew each other?

I even wanted to buy the figure characters in Mc Donalds, but due to the public demand, it got out of stock easily. :'(

As for Jack Frost, I really didn't know much. And so, after watching the movie, I looked up his information, and found out that in some folklore, he has been illustrated as an old man. I'm glad that they made him a teenager in this movie. I think Santa is already enough for a mature character.

One of the important things I learned in this movie has something to do with Jack's situation. He doesn't even know what's his purpose is. And so when the time came to make him a guardian, he refused.

I learned that, if we were chosen for something, even if we don't understand the reason, we just have to believe, that we were chosen because we have what it takes. We have the quality that they are looking for.

In the end, all the conflicts have been solved. Well, this story is about Jack, but there are still four more characters so I'm hoping for a sequel. :)

Book 16th: The Selection

This book is about the journey of America Singer, who, though unwillingly, happened to be included in the most prestigious thing in her country-The Selection. This event is a competition of 35 girls, to win the crown, and the prince's heart.

What can I say?
I figured the book is really for teenagers, with the colorful front, big fonts and a teenage protagonist. I think the story is romantic in its own way though I have some problems with it.

 Prince Maxon for one- a prince who doesn't know how to act in front of women. The heck, he is a prince, he is supposed to be prepared for this. I think the author made his character too much of a gentleman, to the point of not knowing what to do.

The country- a country with caste system, poverty, wars with other countries, and then a Selection?! I think those things are not a very good combination. I don't think if I would be giddy with America's (the main character) love life or if I would be concerned with their country and caste system.

Somehow the setting of the story reminds me of Hunger Games, come on, authors can surely think of a better setting right?

Still, after all my rants here, it is a good read. With enough twist and humanity to keep you reading from start to end. The love triangle between the three characters is something to look forward to, plus the big question, of who will be the lucky girl to remain. I'm actually looking forward to the second book.

Wedding cake

I'm back! After a month of being a zombie working for two jobs, I'm finally done with my part time.
I must say, I feel a little bit sad that I have abandoned my blog for a month. But, now I'm here, I'm dusting it off and hopefully I'm putting in some new posts before the year ends.

To start with, I'll have this  chibi drawing I made for my brother's wedding. Yeah, this is so out of date, as their wedding was already two weeks ago. But anyway, methinks it's still a cute thing to look at.

 Medium: Paint tool Sai/ Tool: Wacom Bamboo fun

My 8-week countdown

I should've known I couldn't get away easily. Despitewhat my bosses told me that they would let me out soon, (for health reasons), I'm still here, alive and kicking, doing the part time job.

So here I am, from the original end of contract in October 31st, I have been obliged to extend until the end of December this year, much to their pleading, and then to my wavering resolve.

Just to keep me sane, and optimistic about the turn of events, I'm naming it as my 8-week countdown. It feels better to count weeks with one digit, than to count days and come up with two digits.

During the following weeks, I would expect less sleeping hours and more eyebags, in the name of addinal income. Not bad right? Well, I liked this, so I might as well pull myself together and do it until completion.

If truth be told 
If truth be told, I'm starting to enjoy it too. With the additional income and amiable students, I think this account is good.

Plus, you know, when you travel early in the morning, you get a glimpse of life, that is not there in the busy hours. As for me, I enjoy seeing the moon, the Christmas lights along Ayala Avenue, and the empty street on my way to the office.

Perks of an early bird 
This month, the full moon was so magnificent. It looked so near, so big and so bright. As I was crossing the footbridge in Guadalupe I saw it in full view, directly on top of the building. It gives that 3d atmosphere where the building is illuminated against the dark sky. Really that was one of the most beautiful things this month. (Just a pity, I wasn't able to capture it. I couldn't risk my safety taking picture in that place.)

The Christmas lights in Ayala avenue are always a delight every year. If I remember correctly, last year, they looked like icicles dangling in the trees. This year, they made some leafleas bushes and trees out of some twigs and branches, colored it white and filled it with Christmas lights. They also dress the palm trees with round body of white lights, the result: magnificent.

Of course, the near-empty street (although this could be a disadvantage too, but I focus on the positive). Why do I like it? Well, I can skip, hop, run, sing, and walk whatever way I want without a care as to what another person might be thinking of me.

So, what's the problem?
I guess the major downside is really just the time. Still, I believe than a complete 6 to 8-hour sleep is better. Our body needs to recover from the daily grind, and it just asks a basic thing-sleep.

And with my schedule of arriving home at 11:30 and being able to finally sleep at 12, and waking up at 3:20 (repeat the process every morning) I know it is definitely not a healthy lifestyle.

So, I'm looking forward to this countdown. I hope I would be able to enjoy life as I count. ^^