My Little Visitor

This little frog found a resting place in the money-maker plant outside my house.  I looked closely at my little visitor and was amazed with what I saw.  The little frog's eyes were closed and it was sleeping peacefully.  Not an inch of discomfort despite of the narrow leaves where it was resting.  My visitor was sleeping very still, devoid of fear that any time during the night a prey will come and end its life.  There was not a trace of worry  in my little visitor's face.  No bad dreams and nightmares.  No insomnia.  No midnight sweat.  

I realized big time that I was envious with my little visitor.  I wanted that kind of sleep and to have a complete rest during the night.  I wanted a peaceful sleep without thinking of what I have missed out during the day and without running through my mind the to do list for the following day.  I wanted to have that sense of comfort that no one can harm me while I sleep because someone will keep watch over me.

When I woke up the following day, I quickly went out to say good morning to my little visitor.  To my dismay, my little visitor already went out and started its day ahead of me.

Few Of My Favorite Food

One of the best things in life is food!  Food tells a lot about the culture of every land.  It also tells a lot about the personality of every individual.  For Filipinos, food is strongly related to celebration and all-time gatherings.    Here are few of the foods that left a distinct mark in my palate.  I would definitely want to taste more of these.  

Kaldereta from Rex's Kandingan in SRP.    

Pork with broccoli from Krua Thai.

Thai halo-halo with chocolate syrup.

Tutti Frutti yogurt.  You can choose from various flavors and  toppings.

Ma's Passion

 Gardening is my mother's passion.  She does not get tired of planting flowers and vegetables.  A small front yard did not even stop her from having a garden neither the lack of garden soil.  She used all her creativity and resourcefulness in maximizing the space, thus resorting to container gardening.  

I can see so much excitement in her for every bud that is about to bloom; for every seed that is about to sprout; and for every plant that is about to bear fruit.  Time gets unnoticed when she starts digging, weeding, and pruning her plants.  That is what passion is all about.

A Paradise Called Cuaming Island

A great picture shot by my brother when we went to Cuaming Island, which is part of Inabanga, Bohol.  It took us about an hour of boat ride from Bantayan, Cordova to reach this paradise.   

I feel so blessed every time I am with nature and when I see a speck of God's marvelous creation.  This picture was actually taken few meters away from the graveyard, which was separated by a strip of white sand from the islanders' homes.  This scenery reminds me of solitude and eternity.

Solitude.  

The state of being alone; the absence of all others.

Eternity. 

Time without beginning or end; infinite time.

Cracked, Broken, Wounded

 I would like to share one of my favorite videos from http://spiritclips.com/films/tcp entitled, "The Cracked Pot".  I find the message of the story very deep and meaningful.  At some point in our lives, we can relate to the feeling of being cracked, wounded, lost, and useless.  In the midst of all these unpleasant experiences in life, we fail to see our value and feel sorry for ourselves.  We lose sight of our purpose and wallow in self-pity.  This is a very difficult situation to be in.  However, life does not stop here.

This brings me to 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

"My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness."  I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.  Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecution, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong."

Feeling weak and insufficient is normal.  The challenge is on how to respond during these difficult seasons in our lives.  This is a defining moment for all of us.  Others choose to be bitter, angry, and believe that they cannot do something to change the future.  Others choose to be positive, persevere, and believe that they have the power within them to change the future.  Others choose to hold on to their faith, surrender themselves, and believe that God knows what is best for them in the future.

The Power of Touch

1. Healing Power

During the time of Jesus and the disciples, touch has always been associated with healing from serious diseases and sickness.  We can read it in the bible.

Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them. When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.” — Matthew 8:14-17

When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. — Luke 4:40

So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.” Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly. — Mark 8:23-25

Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction. — Mark 1:40-45

And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. — Acts 28:8-9

Even today, researches has been made showing close association between health and touch. In one study about the health of babies born too early, it was found out that if parents can hold their babies, they grow up much healthier.  Another study done on babies with HIV showed that those who were held and touched gained weight and cried less.  Children experiencing positive touch grow and learn better.

In another study about Alzheimer's disease patients, results showed that touching patients can have huge effects on getting them relax, make emotional connections with others, and reduce symptoms of depression.

Even with pregnant women, massage therapy reduces pain and alleviates depression for women and spouses.

2.   Boost Performance

Social psychologists from the University of California-Berkeley analyzed 90 hours of televised professional basketball play.  They found out that the team that touch the most wins because touch instills trust and spreads good will.  Touch like high five, hugs, pat on the back, and high flying shoulder bumps results to more encouragement.

Another research was conducted by educators and the French psychologist, Nicolas Gueguen, found out that when teachers pat students in a friendly way, these students are three times likely to speak up in class.  In another study, it was discovered that when librarians pat the hand of a student borrowing books, the student is more likely to come back.

3. Language of Compassion, Trust, and Generosity

Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor in University of California-Berkeley, claimed that touch is our primary language of compassion, and a primary means for spreading compassion.  Several studies suggest that touch is important in human communication, bonding, and health.  It signals safety, trust, and has a soothing effect leading to more cooperation with others.

DAVAO-Home of the Durian and the Philippine Eagle

I have always wanted to go on a trip with my family. Finally, I realized this dream and have booked my entire family for a three-day trip to Davao (thanks to Cebu Pacific promo fare).  Straight from the airport, we went to Samal Island and stayed in Blue Jaz for lunch and swimming the entire afternoon.  The second day started early for a trip to Eden Nature Park where we had our buffet lunch and a lot of sightseeing.  The place is so huge, so cool, and peaceful.  Next we went to The Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos then stopped by along the road to buy some native durian, pomelo, and some other fruits.  Next stop was the Japanese Tunnel where we saw a replica of the Buddha that was buried in that area.  The day ended at Jack's Ridge for a dinner at Taklobo's Restaurant.  

Nothing compares to the joy of seeing new places especially when that moment is shared with the family. Priceless. 

Arial view of Davao

Infinity pool in Blue Jaz, Samal Island

Butterfly Garden at Eden Nature Park & Resort

Let's go fishing!

Gorgeous!

So elegant headress. Love it.

Hungry bat eating papaya.

The Philippine Eagle.

This is how to open a durian fruit.

Replica of the Golden Buddha - 30% gold, 70% bronze.