BLESSINGS WILL COME WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT PART 2

Friday. 30 July. Assembly time 0400 am at Genesis bus terminal in Cubao. Btw, Genesis is the only bus company who offers trips from Manila to Baler. They have special tires which can endure the roads to Baler. The roads are quite rough but they are currently under construction already to provide accessibility to tourists.

The travel time from Cubao to Baler is 8 hours, with three stopovers. We got there at around 12 noon. A tricycle took us to Bahia de Baler, where we were booked by the secretary of the Senator. Then, after arranging our things in our rooms, we met our guide (not our tour guide), Atty. Gail, for lunch. She was the one who took care of us during our stay there. She works with the Senator.

After having our meal, Atty. Gail, with the driver, and Kuya Allan and Kuya Jun, the official photographer and videographer, led us to Dica (or Dicasalarin, as what I can remember of the place's name). I thought that when we arrive at Baler, we can already tour the city by ourselves but while we were on the bus before leaving Manila, Louie told us that we have an itinerary and Atty. Gail will be accompanying us. So, in other words, we were treated like VIPs. hahaha. I was wondering why are we going to Dica. Atty. said that the Senator wanted to see us. Alright. We were all nervous. --- 45 minutes of travel to Dica. All we can see on our way to the place were the mountains, the sea, and the sky. So beautiful. At the same time, I was afraid because the roads are not cemented, well, only some parts, and the rest are under construction, and with just one wrong turn, we might fall on the cliff. Good thing the driver knows the way very well. 

We arrived at the Senator's place. Speechless. Then, he already approached us. We were all starstrucked. hahaha. He introduced us to his staff, all of them were fresh graduates, from UPLB and Leyte. He let us taste their suman. It was really good. Unfortunately, we haven't bought some for pasalubong because there were no cooked suman in the store on our way home. Anyway, after eating, he let us tour the place. We were brought to the cove. It was really beautiful. It was really a time for relaxation and nature appreciation. God's creations are indeed amazing. Here are some of our photos. :)

 

We really had a tiring yet great time. When we came back, we did a little discussion with him about our paper and the culture and tourism of Baler. The Dumagats (whom we met while we were on the cove) arrived with fresh fishes they caught. One of the colorful fishes was called Mameng. Senator have them cooked and invited us for a dinner. It was like a dream for us. Hahaha

BLESSINGS WILL COME WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT PART 1

Saturday. 24 July. I worked on our Cultural Tourism paper with my Baler group mates. We stayed at Kat's dorm. Meeting place was at 8 in the morning at Dapitan. By 10 o'clock, I, with Louie and Earl went to school and interviewed a professor at the Main Bldg. After getting information about Baler, we decided to go back to Kat's dorm since the professor has to meet his class by twelve. We finished the draft of the paper and decided to go home and rest and just continue it during school days. 

Tuesday. 27 July. Our cultural tourism professor asked the class who wasn't able to do their fieldwork yet. Unfortunately, we were the only group who raised hands. We talked to her to inform her that instead of going to the field which is already impossible since we lack time already, we decided to just interview a reliable person and start on our paper before the submission of the first draft. Surprisingly, she gave us a weird and discouraging reaction. She was against our plans of involving politics in our paper. (The professor we interviewed  worked for the government before.) Actually, we weren't about to involve politics, we were just asking for information and fortunately our informant who has a contact in the government helped us. She also said that we must do the fieldwork or if not, we must give our best shot on the paper 'cause if not, she might just throw it away. Pressure. Hopeless. How can we go to Baler with such a limited time? The submission of the first draft which she will grade was on next week. And, I don't have money for the trip. I don't want to add mom's problems.

Wednesday. 28 July. We received a good news. The secretary of a  Senator informed us that they will be sponsoring our trip to Baler. Surprised with the news, we grabbed the great opportunity at once. Our decision to go to Baler was very instant. Truly, this was a blessing from God. I informed my mom at once about this good news that will be a relief for her since I will spend nothing for the tour. 

Thursday. 29 July. Consultation period for cultural tourism. We informed our professor that we will push through with our Baler trip. She also apologized for her reaction with our past decision of not going to Baler. Then, she gave us some guidelines on our paper. Thank You Lord everything went well. We decided to not attend our classes on Friday so we can go to Baler. 

In the afternoon, we went to the Senate to get the money we will be using for our trip. Aah. All  expenses paid except for our pasalubong. :) Indeed, this is a blessing to the five of us. :)

ART APPRECIATION

17 July 2010. Saturday. We scheduled this day for a visit at the Ayala Museum. I really didn't want to check it out 'cause I heard from my blockmate that the entrance costs Php300 but the fact that I can get extra 20 points in cultural tourism just for visiting the museum, we decided to push through with our plan.

We took a jeepney ride to Rosario, Pasig, then took an FX all the way to Ayala. We almost got lost but we still managed to reach the exact place of the museum which is just near Greenbelt. We're not familiar with Makati, especially with the museum that's why when we got to the building, we hesitated to enter the museum. We entered Powerbooks first and bought a material (notebook/scrapbook) which we can use for my project scrapbook in marriage and family. Then, we decided to check out the museum already.

Bags checked. Elevator, 2nd floor. We were surprised when we checked the ticket that it only costs Php75 for students, and Php150 for regular visitors. Blessing, huh? Instead of paying Php600 as what I've prepared, we only paid Php225. Haha. Then, off we went to check out the gallery.

The 2nd floor gallery exhibited dioramas, showing the history of the Philippines. Knowing that I didn't like history that much, I just controlled myself from getting bored over the exhibit. What we did was talk about how those smart people made the dioramas, from which material they were made, and the like. We thought the museum was exhibiting just dioramas but as we reached the exit, the guard told us that there are two more floors and we should have taken those floors first. Oh well, it's just the same. So, we took the elevator and headed to the 4th floor, which exhibits ceramics and clothing from the old times. While walking around, the guard called us to let us watch a video in the theater area. I was surprised to see UST Architecture freshmen seated on the couch. We watched the video. At first, I was bored. But, when I tried to focus, I finally enjoyed it 'cause it talked about golds and how it influenced the way of lives of the early Filipinos. Btw, the video was entitled, Gold of Ancestors Crossroads of Civilizations. Thousands of golds are exhibited in the museum and I appreciate all of it. 

Our last stop was the 3rd floor, which excited us because it is a collection of paintings. I love looking at paintings. And I love abstracts. The gallery exhibits Pioneers of Philippine Art: Fernando Zobel. Until now, I am amazed at the beauty of those paintings I've seen, especially the portrait which used the crosshatching technique, as explained by my partner. How I wished I can also have the opportunity to bring out my skills in painting.

I enjoyed this day that I happened to appreciate art. I am always excited in our Humanities class 'cause I will learn art appreciation, too, but we haven't discussed much yet because of some class suspensions, and we were sometimes scared of our grade-conscious professor, who was a professor back then at UP, as told by our cultural tourism professor/anthropologist, who was also from UP.

Anyway, after visiting Ayala Museum, we took our lunch, walked around Glorietta and grateful to have bought Richard Paul Evans books for Php99 only (buy 1 take 1) and one Nicholas Sparks book, and hurried home to start my project scrapbook. :)

WAS IT A SNAKE?

So, I was checking on my blog and facebook when my sister Maureen called me to see the little thing she saw. I heard Ate Kaycee said "Yuck", then I asked, "what is it?", they said, "worm". I immediately told Maureen to kill it, wondering why a worm got into our room. She couldn't kill the worm so she just swept it out to the door, then we took a look at it, and they said it was a snake. A snake? That small?

I really don't know what was it. I just kept on making weird body movements showing that I was afraid and gonna throw up.

Finally, Ate Kaycee managed to kill the worm slash snake or whatever it is that would make me leave this house if it grows.

CONSCIENCE (PROFESSIONAL DEONTOLOGY PAPER)

Among the readings that I’ve read and studied, that of St. Augustine captured my mind. Aside from the fact that I was able to comprehend his thoughts easily, unlike the others which gave me a difficult time processing the words and understanding their real meaning, I also believe his teachings are quite true. Being a Non-Catholic person has a possibility of not believing some of the Catholic Church’s teachings but despite such thought, St. Augustine was able to capture my attention and made me agree on his teachings. The part of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which I agree upon is:

 “The education of the conscience is a lifelong task. From the earliest years, it awakens the child to the knowledge and practice of the interior law recognized by conscience. Prudent education teaches virtue; it prevents or cures fear, selfishness and pride, resentment arising from guilt, and feelings of complacency, born of human weakness and faults. The education of the conscience guarantees freedom and engenders peace of heart.

In the formation of conscience the Word of God is the light for our path, we must assimilate it in faith and prayer and put it into practice. We must also examine our conscience before the Lord's Cross. We are assisted by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, aided by the witness or advice of others and guided by the authoritative teaching of the Church.”

 Indeed these words are true for me. Forming a person’s conscience begins the moment a child is born as it is stated by St. Augustine that education of the conscience is a lifelong process. Therefore, it happens the very first moment of life of a person and later on continues as he or she grows. People surrounding a child play an important role in the formation of his or her conscience. Parents are usually the ones who bring up children, the people involved in the education of the conscience of a child. I believe that it depends on the family on how they teach and train up a child, and in here conscience develops and matures. As the child grows up, he or she starts recognizing and understanding different images and thoughts, then with these the child starts distinguishing right from wrong, and good from bad, and moral from immoral.

 It says in the paragraph I’ve chosen that prudent or careful education results to virtue and prevents us from any other negativity. Wise formation of the conscience eventually results to having the goods in life. If one’s conscience was formed carefully since childhood, he or she may make good and right decisions for life’s situations, choosing the highest end, based on the dictates of his or her own conscience that is, willed by the Father. Then, being able to make good decisions will eventually prevent man from fear and guilt, those which result from having made wrong decisions and choosing the lower end.

 Another way of forming the conscience stated in St. Augustine’s teaching is having the Word of God as a light to our life’s journey. It’s like God serves as our lighthouse in the dark ocean (life), where we often face storms (problems). If one chooses to follow and believe in God and accepts Him in his or her life, there’s no reason to feel scared or worried about making decisions, because God is always in control of everything.

 In our lives, we may have made decisions which were not willed by God, or which we forgot to lift up to Him, which resulted to some guilty feelings. Despite these situations, we always deserve second chances with God. That is why we are given the opportunity, a time to talk to God and commune with Him. In those times, we search for God and He enlightens our conscience and our understanding about everyday situations, in making decisions, and in living our lives with love and happiness for the very reason of having formed a good conscience guided by God.

New eyeglasses. Hopefully I can have the time to change my contact lenses as well 'cause it's irritating my eyes already. It's got some deposits in it, and it's not good. 

 

FIRST SEMESTER HEADACHES

I didn't know that senior year means a lot of reading and paperworks. We were more focused on our practicum and we didn't expect that our last academic semester would be like this. We are expected by our professors to read and be prepared about the topics to be discussed. Of course, from the very start every student is expected to do this. It is already our choice whether we buy the books used for the course (thank God it's not required), have the readings photocopied, or google it. However, it seems that we're finding a hard time coping up with all the tasks and lessons.

Aside from the tourism research with the defense required from every senior, we also have the Cultural Tourism paper with the theme "400 Years of Cultural Heritage", relating culture with tourism, which must be published. We have to find a co-author (CTHM professors; thank God we found one, and she is one of the only 3 professors who have published works) that will help us in doing the paper. The winning group will be given the opportunity to talk about their paper in the conference, to be hosted by UST, and UNFORTUNATELY, I was chosen one of the organizers in our block. There's a pressure with this activity because this is a requirement from the office, in line with the accreditation of our college for the upcoming years. So, one of the criteria is our college must have conducted a conference and have published works and so on. Yes, we will be the ones who will suffer but I just think of it as an advantage for my part because I can include in my resume that I have a published work and have organized a conference, lol.

Some other projects include monthly papers from our Professional Deontology course, marketing sales blitz and marketing plan in Marketing, marriage and family scrapbook, and a documentary film in our Rizal Course.

Despite the many things to do this semester, I still enjoy it when we are told to read about Aristotle, Plato, Aquinas, Kant, and the rest of the gang, or brainstorm about our final topic for our thesis, or simply study the whole unit 1 in humanities. I love studying and I accept the reality that with all of these, procrastination is my best friend. BUT, BUT, BUT, I want to end this now. I promise to use my time wisely. I guess the solution here is simply TIME MANAGEMENT. 

So, here, awhile ago, I planned to start my June paper and my Rizal paper tonight, but, I just ended up sharing my thoughts, and now, I'm sleepy. *sigh.

Tomorrow is a holiday. Come on, move Ms. Cortes.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY BUT THIS TIME, IT'S A NO

Yesterday, our Marketing professor was checking our attendance when our last semester's Galileo professor butted in. She announced the requirements needed for the Singapore practicum. Singapore practicum? Not again. The last time I've heard of it and DISCUSSED it with my parents and blockmates was last February, I guess. Our section is scheduled for practicum second semester this year BUT for those who would like to experience the out-of-the-country practicum, they may either take it first semester and become an irregular when they came back (just like what four of my blockmates did) or take it second semester but will not be able to attend the graduation ceremony on March 2011. Actually, just taking the practicum in Singapore would mean not being able to graduate on time or not being able to march during graduation because it would last about six to twelve months, depending on the hotel.


Hotel? Yes. For us tourism majors, airlines and travel agencies and offices would be the perfect place for OJT but in there, hotels are waiting for us, and what's the job? Either we'd be assigned in food and beverage or front desk. I've had my experience in food and beverage last semester when accreditors came to our college. So, the CTHM office encouraged, and even required us students to memorize our college's mission,vision, goals, and objectives because those accreditors might ask anyone from the CTHM students. I was one of the servers that time, so I was very, very nervous because I wasn't able to memorize it. I hated it, aside from thinking of our events management class, I'd still have to know those mission vision stuff, while preparing and serving them their meals. BUT, I loved the food. There were leftovers so we ate all of it, while chatting with Chef Sam who looks like Hitler, lol. 


Anyway, enough of the accreditation experience. I and my friends decided not to pursue our practicum in Singapore simply because of the following reasons:

• We want to finish college on time..Btw, we're the Quadricentennial Batch, there's a news that our names would be engraved in the time capsule (but not the one that's buried, lol)
• We want to march on our graduation, lol, because we believe of it to be a special day NOT ONLY for us, but especially for our parents.. especially to my mother.. I want to see her reactions when I come up the stage..
• We would definitely miss the moment IF we graduate with honors.
• The job in Singapore is not easy at all. It's a training, but in the hotel industry. And, they're work there is very exhausting, as what we're heard from others. Some cry during their first night. 

Lastly, we value having our practicum in airlines and other travel offices (most are located in Makati) for us to be familiar and engaged in the airline industry which is our target instead of working in the FandB (although it's also a job opportunity for tourism majors). I've discussed this to my mother many times already and she agreed with me that it's better that I graduate on time and work at once instead of flying out of the country. Now, I'm just hoping and praying that I would be assigned in a good airline and hopefully, they would like me and have me work with them. :)

BRINGS BACK CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

Just got home from Antonella's birthday splash (pool party). Although I didn't get to swim because of my period (almost over), I enjoyed watching the pretty, healthy, and jolly birthday girl who kept on saying, "Ate Maw-rin, Ate At-chi (that's me), Ate Jenny, come na, LET'S SWIMMING na!" I kept on repeating what she said in my mind, let's swimming. :) Uh-oh. Cute.

While we we're still on the resort, I was asking my sister what time does she want to go home. We were tired already because of the rehearsal. I wanted to sleep, too. And, we were excited to use the internet again, even though our mother gets mad at us for using it until 12 midnight. I am too addicted to blogging in Tumblr and Blogger now and of course, who could forget, Facebook. My sisters consumes most of their time just uploading photos and giving people comments, either they're laughing on someone funny in a photo or just talking about anything, which they can do over the telephone. I don't get to use Facebook often. I just open it and see if there are updates. I use tumblr most of the time. Anyway, back to me and my sister. We played rock-paper-scissors and whoever wins will be the first to use the internet. So, I won! haha. She's just outside listening to the 90s music in the radio. 

And, let's now go to the real topic for this post. We were at the church having our rehearsal, and my friend Jenny saw Kuya Bong's bicycle.  I was shocked when she said that she don't know how to ride the bike. We (Maureen) laughed and told her that we don't know how to use it, too. I suggested that there must be a bicycle lesson FOR US, lol. Biking 101. Jenny kept on trying and practicing how to do it until the dry-run ended. My father, Kuya Bong and Pastor Papa also taught her and told her to look not on the grounds, rather look straight to where you're heading. They even told us that if you get a bruise, then you'll learn it or you've already learned. 

Those were the same old lines people have said to me before when I was learning to ride the bike. Until now, I don't know how. The tres marias (I and my two sisters) grew up without learning some Pinoy games. I even got jealous over my classmates who knows how to play Chinese garter, tumbang preso, etc. I also don't know how to play volleyball 'cause my arms got irritated the first time I played. I remember when I was in grade school, I just watch my classmates play 10-20. Then when I arrive from school, I would ask for a garter from my grandmother, ask my sisters to play with me but it seems that they're not interested at all, so, I would just tie the garter on a chair, and play 10-20 all by myself! LOL! During sportsfest in our school, I ignore the sports volleyball, table tennis, and badminton (this one I love) and our team would have me to compete on mind games rather, like Scrabble, Word Factory, etc. Our parents also would just make us stay inside the house and play with our dolls and toys and read books rather than let us play outside with those dirty and naughty kids, lol. Well, at least I'm good at playing jumping rope. :)

So, this is the result, we still don't know how to ride the bike. BUT, it's never too late to learn it, right?

RANDOM THOUGHTS

I'm craving for a carioca. I miss the time when our church used to have two worship services and during the break, I buy the carioca from Sis. Mayet.  :) (*yum) Too bad the kakanin vendor didn't come.
The rain scares me. I think I had a trauma over that Ondoy incident. However, I love the cool breeze and I like the feeling of having no sweat on my forehead and my back every time I go out. Still, thanks to God for bringing in the rain, especially after experiencing almost 40 degrees of pure heat. Whoo! 
 
I don't know how to cook and now we don't have something to eat for snack. I always tell my sister Kaycee to cook food for us since she's an "hrm" student but I guess she still doesn't know how to do it, or was it just because we don't have enough cooking stuff in here? Well, aside from the usual ingredients needed for a recipe, we really don't have enough cooking materials, lol. I myself kept on trying to cook but it seems that I'm not born to do it. I know the process of cooking some simple meals but I DON'T do it or I've never tried it. Oh, I remember I used to cook before just because it's required for school, but I have someone to teach and guide me. I just do the chopping and cutting and the like. haha. I think I'm more comfortable with eating. Haha :) But, uhm, I'm really starving, so is my sister Maureen (now everyone calls her Mau, but I'm still used to calling her Maureen, but I pronounce it mo-rin, lol). I guess it's really time to cook. Pancakes! *yum. Or noodles because it's cold? Pancakes? Noodles? 


Uhhh. Pancakes! As requested by Mo-rin! :)

DEAR JOHN

Is Dear John a good movie? I want to watch it before the school starts. Urgh, hello thesis and marketing. Be nice to me. Let's be friends. :)

I LOVE M-U-S-I-C

I was a sophomore in college when my blockmate Sylvia introduced Silverchair to me. I enjoyed listening to their songs. Then my bestfriend DM also introduced Lifehouse and Switchfoot to me. I remember listening to their songs in my iPod. Unfortunately, I sold my iPod to my churchmate way back then we were suffering from financial crisis. Just for three thousand, I sold our precious iPod which was a graduation gift from my parents. Just because I and my sisters were willing to help my parents, we sold the iPod. And now, I miss my iPod! :( I miss listening to the songs in it. And I miss my favorite songs from Lifehouse. Now, I only have the radio and I kept on praying that my favorite songs would be played. :)

HAPPY EARTH DAY

Happy Earth Day everyone!!! :D

NIHONGO HOMEWORK PRESENTED TO SENSEI LORETE

I miss my Nihongo/Tour Guiding Professor, Asst. Prof. Cynthia Lorete.

This was an individual activity. We presented our families to the class by making a short a simple paragraph in English and translated to Nihongo.

Remember: Use short and simple sentences. So, take a look at my sentences. haha.

WATASI NO CHICHI
Watasi no chichi wa Ricky-san desu. Kare wa yonju-sai desu. Kare wa sei-ga-takai to binanshi desu. Kare wa atama ga ii de Mathematics desu. Kare wa jitsugo otogo desu. Chichi wa yoi desu. Chichi wa omoshiro-mi aru desu. Watasi no chichi wa ai shimasu watasi ni to watasi no ane to imooto desu.

My father is Ricky. He is 45 years old. He is tall and handsome. He is intelligent in Mathematics. He is a businessman. Father is nice. Father is fun to be with. My father loves me and my elder sister and younger sister.

WATASI NO HAHA
Watasi no haha wa Myrna-san desu. Kanojo wa yonjunana-sai desu. Kanojo wa kirei desu. Kanojo wa jitsugo joshi desu. Watasi no haha wa kokoru-aru desu. Itsumo kanojo wa nozomu watasi ni saiwai na to anzen na desu. Watasi no haha wa hijo ni katai shigoto desu. Watasi wa watasi no haha ai shimasu.

My mother is Myrna. She is 47 years old. She is beautiful. She is a businesswoman. My mother is thoughtful. She wants me to be happy and safe always. My mother is very hardworking. I love my mother.

WATASI NO ANE
Watasi no ane wa Katrina/Kaycee-san desu. Kanojo wa kawai to atama ga ii desu. Kanojo wa niju-sai desu. Kanojo wa odoru, utau, to mi-mamoru eiga o nomimasu. Kanojo wa katai shigoto to itsumo watasi no oya o tasukerimasu.

My elder sister is Katrina/Kaycee. She is lovely and intelligent. She is 20 years old. She loves to sing, dance, and watch movies. She is hardworking and always helps my parents.

WATASI NO IMOOTO
Watasi no imooto wa Maureen-san. Kanojo wa kawai to atama ga ii desu. Kanojo wa juroku-sai desu. Kanojo wa odoru o nomimasu. Itsumo Maureen-san wa shizuka na tadashi kanojo wa honto ni omoshiro-mi mono desu. Kanojo wa watasi no kazoku yorokobi o sodaterimasu.

My younger sister is Maureen. She is lovely and intelligent. She is 16 years old. She loves to dance. Maureen is always quiet but she is really a funny person. She brings joy to my family.

WATASI WA ICEE
Watasi wa chu kodomo desu. Watasi wa juhassai desu. Watasi wa kantan na to sei-ga-takai desu. Watasi wa odoru, zuga to hiku gakki o nomimasu. Watasi wa watasi no kazoku ai shimasu.
I am the middle child. I am 18 years old. I am simple and tall. I love to dance, draw and play musical instrument. I love my family.

SPANISH VIRTUAL TOUR

Bienvenido a Saint Jerome Church.

Esta iglesia ha es construido por ellos Chinos artesanos en 1615 con piedra y morteros.

Su obra ha distinto con Chino-Barroco Arquitectura de la iglesia con doble Chinos leones escultura en la entrada servir para el piso muralla y el octagonal campana torre de la iglesia.

La postilla marcas en el pared y circundante de la iglesia ha causarado por bala agujeros indicaciones el combates en medio de Katipuneros y las Guardia Civils durante la rebellion de Filipinos contra el Espanol en el posterior de 19th siglo.

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Ahora vamos a Avilon Zoo.

Avilon Zoo es un zoologico y botanico parque aqui en Barangay San Isidro Rodriguez.

Esto tiene un coleccion de cercano tres mil animals con muchos especies. El parque tiene tres-doblez orden del dia: conservacion, educacion, y acogida.

Asi amigos, vosotros podeis explorais el lugar. Justo tiene cuidado. Disfrute de zoologico.

Gracias para vicitante el zoologico. Vosotros podeis regresais aqui cualquier tiempo. Tiene un viaje seguro en casa. Adios.

SPANISH CONVERSATION 2

PLANE RESERVATION

A (Earl): iHola! Gracias para llamar Cathay Pacific.
B (Icee): iHola! Hay un vuelo para Beijing siguiente semana?
A: Si, en Jueves y Viernes.
B: Vale. Podria darme un billete sencillo?
A: Si, Senorita. A que hora te gusta salir?
B: Por la manana.
A: Si, tu vuelo es a las nueve de la manana.
B: Vale.
A: Ventana o pasillo?
B: Pasillo.
A: Vale.
B: Cuanto es vuelo?
A: Cuatroscientos dolares, Senorita.
B: Vale.
A: Hay un alguna preguntas, Senorita?
B: Nada.
A: Vale. Gracias Senorita. Pode tener un viaje salvo.
B: Muchos gracias. Dios te bendiga.

SPANISH CONVERSATION 1

We made this dialogue during our Spanish days. 

HOTEL RESERVATION

A (Earl):  iHola! Buenos dias Senorita. Yo soy Earl.

B (Icee):  Buenos dias Senorita Earl. Como puedo servir le?

A:  Quisiera reservar un cuarto para mi vacacion en Casa Verde Hotel.

B:  Vale. Que te gusta tipo del cuarto Senorita? Hay un economia, de lujo y sequito.

A:  Cuanto cuesta es sequito?

B:  Esta es doscientos y cincuenta dolares.

A:  Vale. Yo voy a tomar el sequito cuarto.

B:  Cuando vas a llegar en nuestro hotel?

A:  Siguiente semana

B:  Vale. Yo voy a reservar el sequito cuarto para tu.

A:  Gracias.

B:  De nada Senorita.

 

THANKFUL ME

Finally, I was able to attend the Prayer Meeting again after several months of keeping myself busy in school. Thanks to the planned sleepover in our house with some of the PST members that's why we were all obliged to attend the prayer meeting. Honestly, I was doubtful whether to join them or not but it was my conscience who pushed me to attend. We were also joking minutes before leaving the house. They were saying "Satan, lumayas ka!", because most of us were getting lazy to attend. But still, we managed to come to church even though we were already late.

The testimony part of the prayer meeting made me a little bit emotional as I gathered my thoughts on what to say. I prepared lots of things to say that moment but because I was nervous since it was my first time again to speak, I forgot to share everything. So, I guess I can share some of them in here.


I was able to share that night how thankful I was that I got the chance to attend the prayer meeting again. Hmm. And who would forget mentioning the camp that night. Of course, almost everyone of us talked about it. Everyone was blessed that they've been a part of the camp. Even though some "not-so-good" incidents happened days before the camp, it was still God who was in control that time. Until now I am glad that not only I was the one who enjoyed that 3-day camp, but also some NEW members got to experience the feeling I want them to feel, too. Everyone was so blessed during the camp and I am looking forward for more bonding moment with the new members of the church. I'm happy they enjoy our company. 


I was also thankful to God because our grades was released online and I still got good grades. I was expecting that I'll have low grades this time because I've spent most of my time in our Events Class last semester that I almost forgot to focus on my academic courses. But still, God is great. He gave me more than what I've expected. I got good grades and I am still a part of the Dean's List. (I almost lost my spot in there because of my 1.7 grade this time.Whoa!) Although I can't make it on the top (btw, our Top 1 usually gets a 1.01 grade!!!,lol), I am still thankful and BLESSED to be a part of it. Thank YOU Lord. :) I'm already happy and contented with what I've received.

I remember when I was in elementary and a consistent honor student, I promised to myself that I will still be an achiever until college. During my high school days I didn't make it with the top students but now that I'm in college, I never thought that I'd still make it. I was surprised to be in the Dean's List, and I kept on promising to my parents that I'll make it to the top until the end.


I may have made decisions that was actually not part of my plans before (having a boyfriend), but I made a promise to them that I'll be very responsible and I'll finish my goals in time. Actually, I have a good list of plans with me and most of these are for my family. :D


Is this what you call speechless? Lol. I'm just so happy that even though I've been a not-so-good girl because I lost my focus, (gave more time in my studies and other things rather than in my ministry and other goals), STILL, God never fails to show HIS great love for me. I remember the bible verse, "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper  you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This implies to me that even though I failed HIM several times and I choose to make decisions by myself, HE still blesses me and tells me that HIS PLANS for me are much greater and all for my own benefit. And I praise and thank God for that. 


Whoa! Imagine if I shared all of these thoughts that night, the prayer meeting might have been extended,lol.