Heaven Is For Real

I was able to catch a glimpse of a special feature in the news today. It is about the experience of a boy, then about 4 years old and his trip to Heaven and back. This experience has been written in the book entitled "Heaven Is For Real."

Colton Burpo was rushed to the hospital for a emergency surgery due to a ruptured appendix. Months after his recovery, the little boy told his parents that he left his body during the surgery, watched as the doctor operated on him and saw his parents in the other room while he was undergoing the surgery. He said he saw Jesus, God the Father and witnessed the Holy Spirit. The book has been made into a movie which I will eagerly await. 

I know there are always people who do not believe in these kinds of things, but I do believe, based on the experiences I had when I was a child. When I was about 12 years old, my great aunt came down with fever. After her fever subsided, she looked up to the ceiling and said "What a beautiful place this is!" In a few hours, her skin color turned grayish and my father rushed her to the hospital. Within a few minutes, my great aunt passed away.

Another experience I had was with my paternal grandmother. She was in the hospital for a general check up. While she was sitting up in bed, she suddenly said "Why are there so many children here? So many beautiful children!" In a few days, my strong, lively, healthy grandmother died of a heart attack.

My grandfather was on his death bed when he asked where my father was. My dad was on his way to his father's house when my grandfather said "He better hurry up, I don't want to miss my trip." A few hours after my dad arrived, his father breathed his last.

I do not know if these "visions" were "hallucinations" because they were sick, but what puzzles me is that the visions were very similar to one another - a beautiful place, beautiful children, a trip.  I believe these are visions of heaven and angels. What else could they be? 

You may disagree with me, but deep in my heart, this is my belief. This is my faith. 

Heaven is about coming home to a place of peace and pure love. And yes, Heaven is for real. 

(This is NOT a sponsored post. The reason I wrote about this is because I was moved by the little boy's story and how it made me remember my loved ones who passed away to a happy place.)

Health Alert: The Benefits of Amygdalin

In our fast paced world where we live in, it is a common practice to favor fast food fare over natural, home cooked meals. Hunger pangs are easily appeased by a big juicy burger, fries and a tall glass of soda. We load up on empty calorie snacks and let days pass without exercise.

We would notice the rising incidence of chronic, usually fatal diseases that were virtually unheard of decades ago. I guess it would be safe to say that our diet has played a major role in the emergence of these diseases. High intake of sugary food, vitamin deficiency and a sedentary lifestyle has taken its toll on our health. 

One of the little known essential vitamins is amygdalin, or Vitamin B17. This is found naturally in apricot seeds and other fruit seeds like apples, peaches, nectarines, plums and pears. They are also found in wild berries and nuts, grasses and beans. Although it is impossible to feed on a lot of these foods everyday, we are now given a more convenient way to avail of pure amygdalin (Vitamin B17) in capsule form. 

What are the benefits of Vitamin B17? There has been extensive research done by Dr. Ernst Krebs on the relation of Vitamin B17 and cancer cells. The results of his study showed that Vitamin B17 is therapeutic in killing cancer cells and yet does not have any effect on normal cells and tissues. 

I have lost my father, two aunts, a great aunt and great uncle to cancer. My first cousin is now battling breast cancer. With these genetic markers, I am not taking any more chances. I will change my diet, go for healthier alternatives and take amygdalin/Vitamin B17 supplements.

Health is wealth and that's where I want to be.

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Pacquiao vs. Bradley II: Vindication and Elation

Photo credits: www.starmometer.com

It was another boxing match to remember. For the second time around, Manny Pacquiao met Timothy Bradley in the ring at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The first time these two boxers met, Pacquiao lost his title as the WBO Welterweight Champion. This second match was more of a way for both fighters to vindicate themselves. For Manny, to reclaim the title belt; and for Tim, to prove he deserved the win during their first match. To the delight of the Filipino nation, Manny Pacquiao emerged the winner and reclaimed his title.

In the Philippines, every time Manny Pacquiao has a match, unbelievable things happen. The people stay home, traffic eases up, the crime rate drops. It just seems that everyone HAS to watch the fight.

This is how quiet our street is during a Pacquiao boxing match

My family is no different from the rest. Its a fun time for everyone, especially when we see our mom's antics and hear her comments on the fighter's punches. We usually watch the fight on cable TV, however, there is always a delay in the telecast (unless we paid extra for a special real time feed). To get rid of the annoying "spoilers" on social media, we opted to do live video streaming to watch the fight. We set the laptop on a coffee table and watched the fight from there. Of course, my mom got the front seat. Haha.

My 75 year old sports loving mom had the front seat yesterday

When the National Anthems were being performed by Jessica Sanchez and Ashanti, my mom said, "Oh stop the singing! Let's get on with the fight!" We broke up in laughter. During the fight, my mom would scream, "Knock him out!" "Upper cut!" "Left hook!" "Get out of the corner!" She would be throwing punches in the air, mimicking the boxers moves and clapping loudly when Pacquiao scores a hit. My 75 year old sports loving mother. Amazing.

One good thing I discovered today is that Timothy Bradley is such a good sport. He's a toughie, yes, but after the fight was over, he just stood by Manny's side and kept on saying that Manny is such a good fighter and that he still has a lot to learn in the sport of boxing. Now that's sportmanship. Kudos to you, Timothy Bradley!

Sharing a video of the post fight interview to show how humble these two fighters are. No drama, just praise and recognition for each other. 

 Mabuhay ka, Manny Pacquiao! Mabuhay ka, Tim Bradley!

Get Your Child Ready for Nursery School With This Great App!

My neighbor friend Linda runs a small preschool center where she helps 3-4 year old kids prepare for regular school. She starts her teaching during the summer and she always has a handful of cute little boys and girls ready to learn their numbers and alphabet. 

I came across this great app in #iTunes called ABC Phonics and Tracing. Developed by Kids Academy, I knew this would be good. I downloaded it and showed it to my friend. We played with the app and found out that it is an interactive program that allows children to use 3 of their 5 senses (sight, hearing and touch) to learn their alphabet and numbers. 

The app allows children to learn to read and write by tracing the numbers or letters on the screen. The colors are bright and lively with a catchy background music. What I like most is the words of encouragement and praise at every attempt to complete the task. It will surely make the kids more confident of themselves and take pride in their accomplishment. 

We asked Linda's nephew, Gabriel to try the app. His eyes lit up and his smile was priceless! Linda downloaded the app too and she said she will include it in her lesson plan for her summer learners. It is going to be more fun to learn ABCs this year! 

A Daydreamer's Advice: How to Effectively Make the Best of Your Lottery Winnings

Photo credits: www.bestsayingsquotes.com

There are times when I start day dreaming of things I should have done but did not do; of goals that I can confidently say will never reach fruition; and of what ifs and why nots.

Last week, one lucky bettor won the Philippine Grand Lotto prize of 249 million pesos. My God! What would I do if I won that much money?!!

Obviously, I was NOT the one who won. However, if I did, this would be my game plan. 

Forecasted total expenditure: 100 Million

Balance Remaining: 149 Million in bank deposits.

Step # 1. I will try not to scream for joy or lose consciousness upon learning I won the lotto. I would never cease thanking the Lord God for the huge blessing. 

Step # 2. I will claim my prize after two weeks or so, after all the hype has died down.

Step # 3. I will be as discrete as possible and move out of the apartment we are living in right now. We'd choose a temporary lodging where no one knows who I am. This is to ensure my family's safety. I would be extremely paranoid of being a victim of the kidnap for ransom crime ring.

Step # 4. I would purchase a modest house (with a pool and garden) in a nice quiet subdivision. I don't want gigantic houses. That would take me forever to clean! 

Step # 5. I would give my mom a handsome amount of money so she won't have to worry about paying her doctor's bills and purchasing her meds. I want my mom to live a more comfortable life. I would probably hire a maid to clean and cook for Mama.

Step # 6. I would share my blessings with my siblings. I have always been the "poorest" and they have been my go-to guys when I fall short of cash. Its about time I return the favor. They don't have to pay me back. 

Step # 7. I will set aside a trust fund for each of my children. When the time comes that they start their own families, they can use the money as a capital for business or to purchase a house of their own.

Step # 8. I will invest. I dream of owning a row of apartments or a mid-rise condominium. This would ensure that I would have a steady amount of cash flowing in every month. 

Step # 9. I will go to places on my bucket list. Starting with Batanes, then Pagudpud, Sagada, Siargao, Cebu! Then I'd go to the US, Greece, Italy, London. Of course, my family will be with me all the time. I'd take my hubby to be with his daughter and granddaughter in the United States!

Step # 10. I will pay if forward. I would put the street children in school and provide for their needs. Education is a gift that cannot be pawned or stolen. One college graduate in a poor family will guarantee an escape from poverty. I will put up Medical-Dental Missions in the depressed areas. I will also sponsor Catechism outreach programs to bring God back in the lives of the desperate. 

TOOT-TOOT-TOOT!!!

My timer alarm goes off. Dinner is ready. I snap out of my day dream and get back to reality. I did NOT win the lotto. I am NOT a multi-millionaire. I am me, the ordinary BPO employee, housewife, mother of three.

I throw a short prayer of thanks to God for all I have right now. My little joys, my little victories, my oh-not-so-perfect life. A roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, food on the table, a job, a loving family. These are all I have and my source of happiness and strength.

I may still win the lotto. Who knows? For now, I will be content with my writing, earning a few dollars here and there, a few hundred pesos at a time. I can still pay it forward. Its time I look for another hungry child to feed.

Sending you blessings of peace and contentment in life. Have a good evening everyone.

I know a place

Where no one ever goes

There's peace and quiet

Beauty and repose

Its hidden in a valley

Beside a mountain stream

And everytime I think of it

I find that I can dream

Only of things

Of beauty to the eyes

Snow peaked mountains

Rising to the skies

Now I know 

That God has made this world

For me.

(Lyrics of a song we sang in grade school)

Choosing the Right Dress - My Once-Every-Decade Dilemma

My niece's 18th birthday is a little over a month from today and I haven't found anything nice to wear to her grand party.

I am not much of a "formal affair" person and wearing an evening dress makes me so uncomfortable. Good thing my sister made the event a semi-formal early evening party. I don't have to wear those tight fitting glittery stuff! I was overjoyed.

I came across this online shopping site, Lucky 21. I browsed around and liked what I saw! They even had a section for plus size women! The coolest thing is that I do not have to go to other sites to complete my attire. Lucky 21 has blouses, cardigans, dresses, shoes, accessories and more! I love it! I have chosen my entire outfit and I am ready to order!

I chose the Two to Tango Closed Toe Pumps in Nude for $24.99, the High Spirits Hinged Enamel Bracelet in Cream for $4.00, the Mod Mystique Sleeveless Techno Hour Glass Dress for $21.99 and if it gets a little chilly, I chose to throw in the Strand my Strand Open Front Mesh Cardigan in Ivory for $21.99. One more small item I have not decided on yet will qualify me for free shipping. (Oh yes, you get that for a total purchase of $75 and up).

Here are my choices:

Mod Mystique Sleeveless Techno Hour Glass Dress for $21.99

                      

Strand my Strand Open Front Mesh Cardigan in Ivory for $21.99

Two to Tango Closed Toe Pumps in Nude for $24.99

High Spirits Hinged Enamel Bracelet in Cream for $4.00

Want to know what is even greater? Lucky 21 is giving you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card on April 27th! Simply follow Lucky 21's Pinterest board and re-pin or pin the item you like! Don't forgot to use the hashtag #getlucky21.

To enter the contest, simply click this link or the widget below:

I would love to hear your opinion and would even be happier if one of you, my dear readers wins the prize. Happy Pinning!

10 Things I Learned From My Mandarin Experience

It is exactly ten years ago today when I boarded a Cathay Pacific plane going to Taiwan to work there for two years.

It was April 4, 2004, when I cried all the way from home to airport. I left my children in the care of my mom. I was not earning much as a government employee and the debts I incurred to finance their education was piling up. I had no other option but to suffer the pain of separation, the birthdays, Christmases and New Years alone in a strange, cold, country with only a handful of English speaking citizens. I had to be strong, I had to fight back the tears. It was to ensure my children would get the education they deserve.

Me (in the blue shirt) with my work mate Rosie

What did I gain from this experience? I learned 10 things.

1. I learned to be stronger. Living in place so far away from home, I learned that there is no one else I can depend on but myself. I had to teach myself to fight off the loneliness because it only made me lose focus on the reason I had to leave home.

2. I had to be content with speaking with my kids once a month.  Long distance charges are expensive. NT$300 for a 45 minute call. That would mean 600 pesos for a call. I had no access to a computer, so I had to make do with the monthly call and the weekly letter.

3. I learned a new language. In Taiwan, there are only a handful of people who understand and speak English. The younger generation take up English classes after school, however, the adults rarely speak it. Because of this language barrier, I had to learn how to speak their language - Mandarin. Wo ke yi jiang zhong wen!!!" 

4. I learned to live on authentic Taiwanese cuisine. I discovered vegetables that I never thought could be edible. I learned to live on less soda and more tea. I had to give up on the best beverage I have always enjoyed - coffee, for the sole reason that it was so expensive. I enjoyed going to their markets where I could buy fruits at a very low price.

5. I learned to really pray. There are very few Catholic Churches in Taiwan. Going to church every Sunday was not an easy option. I spent some quiet time every day to speak with God. My daily prayer was to ask for strength and to keep my children safe from sickness and danger.

6. I learned to watch their local shows (including the news) in Mandarin.  I almost lost contact with what was going on in the Philippines and in the world. I tried my best to understand what the newscaster was saying, given the handful of words I learned in Mandarin. 

7. I learned to cut my own hair. Getting a haircut is as expensive as NT$500. Since that would equate to a significant amount in pesos, me and my friends learned to give each other a decent haircut.

8. I learned about their customs, their beliefs and Chinese festivals. Chinese New Year their biggest celebration. Weeks before the Lunar New Year, all families do their spring cleaning. This is what most foreigners look forward to, because the Taiwanese throw out their old stuff and replace them with new ones. This is the time that I got a CD player, a shoe rack, and clothes from neighbors who did not want them anymore. Then they have the Mid Autumn Festival. This is a time for family gathering. Usually they set up the barbeque grill and stay up until very late basking in the beautiful glow of the full moon. The Ghost Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th Lunar Month. The Taiwanese honor their departed relatives and prepare meat and wine as an offering to them. It is believed that for a month, the spirits come back and roam around with the living. 

9. I learned that in order to survive being harassed, I only have to learn 5 Mandarin phrases by heart. These 5 phrases are "Bu!" (No!), "Wo bu yao" (I don't want), "Bu yong" (never mind/not necessary); "Bu ke yi" (not allowed) and "Zou kai!" (go away!)

10. I learned what "cold" really meant. Winters were cold. I had jeans over sweatpants over long johns. I had to put on a jacket over a sweater over a shirt over a tank top. To protect my face when going out, I had to wear a face mask to cover my cheeks, nose and mouth. I wobbled around like a snowman. I enjoyed it though. 

I came home on March 27, 2006, a day before my youngest son's grade school graduation. It was the best day of my life, to finally be with my children again. 

On my first night home, I woke up to see all three of my children watching me sleep. I asked them why weren't they in bed and they said they just missed me. 

The most heartwarming thing they said to me that night was "Mama, please do not leave us again."

I never did.

My First Born

Last Sunday, March 23, my daughter celebrated her 28th birthday. Yes, you read it right. I have a 28 year old daughter.

She was born on Easter Sunday in 1986. I named her Kristine Anne which means "graceful, merciful Christian." She weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces at birth, 20 inches in length. I had a hard time pushing her out, she was rather big for a first time mom. 

Being the first grandchild, Kristine was the darling in the family. My parents doted over her like she was their child, taking her with them everywhere they went. I was still in Medical School when I had her, so my parents were the ones who took care of her most of the time. 

"Tin-Tin" as she is fondly called, grew up to be a fine young lady. I worked hard to send her to exclusive Catholic schools for girls and sent her to the University of Santo Tomas, the oldest Catholic university in the Philippines where she graduated with a degree in Economics. 

My little baby is now gainfully employed and eyeing a managerial post in the banking institution she is working for. She has accomplished so much in life and all I wish is for her to spread her wings even more and reach her dreams and aspirations. She has been the best sister to her two younger brothers, never failing to give them valuable advice about setting life goals and staying focused on achieving it. I am confident that she will be a good wife and mom when the time comes. 

I still cannot believe she is now 28 years old. It seemed like it was only a few years ago that she was a baby. On her birthday, I made a little video with pictures of her as a baby, and as a grown woman. I am sharing it with you.

"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world.

It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things

and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path."

-Agatha Christie

F4 Once More!

I will be transported back in time tonight at 8pm.

Baffled? I hope not. I am just happy that ABS-CBN will be showing re-runs of the very first Taiwanese soap I fell in love with. Yes, they're showing #Meteor Garden again.

Meteor Garden is the Taiwanese version of the famous Japanese comic book series "Hana Yori Dango." The plot is very simple - spoiled rich boy meets courageous poor girl. Its a story about getting into a relationship, its joys and sorrows and the triumph of love over all odds. The twists of a snotty rich matriach disapproving the relationship, the secret feelings of love by the lead's best friend towards the girl, the bullying at school. Nothing out of the ordinary, however I guess the reason this soap got so popular is the introduction of new faces - and good looking ones at that.

The cast is made up the lead female, Barbie (Hsu Hsi-Yuan) and a boy band called #F4. They are Jerry (Yan Cheng Xu), Vic (Zhou Yu Min), Ken (Zhu Xiao Tian) and Vanness (Wu Jian Hao). 

The cast of Meteor Garden. (L-R) Jerry, Vanness, Barbie, Ken and Vic

I was drawn by the simplicity of the story, the sad moments when the lead characters had to fight for their love, the insecurities, and of course, the light hearted and funny scenes  in the show. Meteor Garden got so popular in the Philippines that the group F4 held several concerts here. Me and my daughter watched every single one of them! Jerry and Vic even became product endorsers of a clothing line (Bench Philippines) and they were the company's poster boys for a loooooong time.

In 2004, I had the opportunity to work in Taiwan for two years. With a weird twist of fate, I found out that I was working 3 blocks away from the apartment building where Vic (Zhou Yu Min) lives. There was one time I saw him on his big Yamaha motorcycle speeding away. Major freak out! (faints). 

In my own opinion, this soap taught people some realities - that money isn't the be-all and end-all of things; that being steadfast in your beliefs can take you to your dreams; and that love conquers all. 

Oh my, I can go on and on talking about Meteor Garden, F4 and the Mandarin experience. At 8:00 pm tonight, I will have a repeat of a happy time in my life.

愉快的星期一! 

"When I Grow Up, I want to be..."

It is graduation time once more. Schools are all abuzz preparing for this annual event. In the Philippines, a child has to go through four graduation ceremonies before he/she is finally done with school. There is graduation from pre-school, then elementary graduation, high school graduation and then college. If they go ahead and pursue a post graduate course, then that would be five graduation ceremonies all in all. 

I turned my attention to young children. The youth and their dreams. The voices of the future. I asked some neighborhood kids about their dreams and if they would go abroad after graduation.  I was surprised with their honest, innocent responses.

Gab, 4 years old
Nursery

Gab lives next door to me. He's a little tyke with a huge personality.

When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he quickly responds:

"I want to make buildings and houses. I want to be like my godfather - an architect."

Angelo, 7 years old

2nd Grade

Angelo and his friends play a lot outside when school is over. 

He dreams of becoming a doctor someday. 

When I asked him if he would want to work abroad, he said, "No, I want to stay here."

JL, 11 years old

5th grade

Like Angelo, he also dreams of becoming a doctor. 

I asked him, "A doctor here or abroad?" 

His response: "I'm not sure yet."

Judan, 7 years old

2nd grade

Judan was ready with his smile even before I had the camera on. What does Judan want to be when he grows up?

"A police officer in America!" was his quick response.

Tana, 6 years old

1st grade

Tana was quiet and shy but agreed to have her picture taken.

I asked about her dreams and she said she wants to be a nurse.

And she whispers "No going abroad. Just a nurse here."

Masakasu, 10 years old

4th grade

Masakasu is a Filipino-Japanese boy who dreams of becoming a Civil Engineer.

He was confident to declare he will definitely be working abroad when he is done with school.

Ayesha, 6 years old

1st grade

Ayesha is so tiny I thought she was still in pre-school. In her soft, shy voice she said, "I want to be a nurse and work in Saudi Arabia."

Erika, 7 years old

1st grade

Erika is lives in the next door apartment. She loves to sing and dreams of becoming an architect someday. When asked about her thoughts about working abroad, she said she does not want to go abroad to work.

It is alarming that some of these young children have their mind set on working abroad. One of them said that his father is in Saudi Arabia and is earning more than he was when he was here. Young as they are, these kids have the awareness of how difficult life is in the Philippines. They are aware of the fact that their chances to get a good job is not very promising. Their thoughts of a better life is not here but in some other country. 

When will our country escape the vicious cycle of the brain drain? Instilling patriotism in the minds of our youth is not good enough to make them stay. How can you opt to stay in the country when you can hardly make ends meet? An offer of a high paying job abroad would be very hard to refuse even if it means that you would be overqualified and underemployed.

These little kids with big dreams hold the future of our country in their hands. I wish our government would make laws to provide funding for their education, similar to the student loan programs being offered in other countries. Young minds who wish to serve, to be productive members of society must be given an a chance to be doctors, engineers, nurses, teachers or architects. A guarantee of local employment after graduation would provide motivation for our youth to strive hard to attain their dreams. 

I do not believe that our country does not have ample resources to fund a student loan program. We have the resources, it is only misappropriated and sadly, it ends up in the hands of the corrupt few. 

Our children do not have to work abroad as maids, laborers, or janitors to earn a decent income.  

If we want to have real economic improvement, all we need is to invest in the future.

Ask a child. Feel their dreams. Listen to their voice. 

The voice of the future.