12.28.2008

Breakfast in Bed

Rio woke up to a beautiful sunrise at the Nambus' attic, the morning after a sumptuous dinner and a night of fun, laughter, and warm friendship with this family. I said to whisper her prayers before coming down for breakfast. She came back to me with a throw pillow in hand, pointing at the Christmas wreath printed over it.

"Mama, this is my devotion today" and she explained away.


The big bow represents the Father (ribbon), Son (bells), and the Holy Spirit (tassels).
The green leaves around are symbols for nature and the whole creation of God.
The apples represent the fruits in the Garden where Adam and Eve were. The ones on the right they were allowed to eat. This on the upper left corner was forbidden but they ate it anyway so they sinned.
The ribbon circling all around is God's love embracing us even though we are sinners.
The red berries are symbols for the blood of Christ who died for our sins.
The lemons mean we are "cleaned" by God from our sins.
(This came as an afterthought, one day later.)
In and around the long ribbon are dots -- those within the ribbon are persons who now belong to Jesus, those outside are people who still do not know Him.
The pine cones mean "Kahit na mahirap o maliit ang katayuan mo o dinadanas mo sa buhay at maraming problema, dapat hindi mo paniwalaang ganoon din ang relasyong ninyo ng Diyos. Mas malaki Siya kaysa sa iyong kinatatayuan ngayon."
Blue background means heaven.


My smile is now brighter than the sunlight flooding the room. No doubt, this is the best Christmas breakfast I ever had.

Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.
Psalm 8:2


12.22.2008

The Gift of Grace

Those who find me find life, and the Lord will be pleased with them. Proverbs 8:35

Grace is created by God and given to man....On the basis of this point alone, Christianity, is set apart from any other religion in the world....Every other approach to God is a bartering system; if I do this, God will do that. I'm either saved by works (what I do), emotions (what I experience), or knowledge (what I know).

By contrast, Christianity has no whiff of negotiation at all. Man is not the negotiator; indeed, man has no grounds from which to negotiate.

In the Grip of Grace
Max Lucado
(as quoted in "Grace for the Moment")

10.31.2008

Unpacking to the Nth power

It has been 2 months since we moved, and we still have boxes to unpack. It's okay. We need time to breathe anyway.


This sembreak, to Rio's delight, it was time to open one box.












It happened to contain her "babies", or what's left of her favorite dolls after giving away most of her toys and books and small clothes.












(Sorry, we just have no space in the new house, and besides you have always enjoyed sharing your stuff, now you're doing it bigtime! She heartily agreed.)













So, introducing to the cyber world, Rio's babies...(oops forgot to use flash on that camera, sowee!)












Within 20 minutes, Mommy Rio is already faced with an issue, so off she went to Dr. Jing.












"Bakit yung mga ibang anak ko sinasabihan nila si Tigger na mukha siyang unan? Hindi ko na lang sinasabi sa kanya kasi baka masaktan siya.



Oh. Ah. Mahirap nga yan, anak (kase, una sa lahat, unan talaga sya, panubayun)...


Siguro kausapin mo sila at sabihin, lahat tayo ay unique!



May bagay talagang kakaiba sa ating lahat, hindi nga lang halata minsan. Pero marami din tayong pagkakapare-pareho. At ang mga ito ay dapat igalang at i-celebrate.

Hindi masama at hindi pagkakamali na iba ang shape niya sa ibang bata. Ganun kasi ang pagkaka-design sa kanya.



(Whoo! Sana po later ma-digest nya ang psycho-spiritual implication ng lahat ng ito. Meanwhile, I hope I contributed to stuffed-toy-world peace.)

10.21.2008

Bacon-Mushroom Pasta

My attempt at the pasta dish which Rommel immediately loved (thanks, Ate Frances for the recipe!)



Cook bacon, set aside.
Saute finely chopped onions, garlic, and sliced button mushrooms in bacon oil. Add cream and evaporated milk, low fire. Mix with cooked pasta, crushed bacon, cheese, salt and pepper. Top with remaining bacon & cheese.
Serve with garlic bread.

10.20.2008

Bata-batuta, ang saya-saya!

The latest addition to the Sinay family... BUBOY (Papa JR - Mama Pilita)!

Welcome, ading! Mula sa mga kyut na kyut mong mga ate:
Ate Shye-Shye (Tito Edison-Tita Myra)

Ate Ayesha (Tita Bhynes - Tito Marvin)

Ate Rio (Tita Jing - Tito Rommel)

Hintay natin isa pang ading mula kay Tita Margs - Tito PJ ha ...

10.17.2008

West Side Story


Thanks to a friend, we got to see the West Side Story for free!

Full packed ang Meralco Theater, even more people than the High School Musical (on Stage).

Starring Christian Bautista and Joanna Ampil (alternate Karylle).

Still showing at the Meralco Theater, the whole of October.

Niweys, if you've seen Joanna on SOP last weekend, you'll agree that her voice is heavenly. Catch the show while you can, or wait another 10 years! (I heard the last time this was staged sa Pinas kabataan pa nina Audie Gemora).

10.15.2008

Two Serenades

Hi friends! Heto na po ang excerpts from Ervin's recital. Isa lang ang puwedeng mangyari pagkatapos niyong "mapanood" ito. You will promise not to miss his graduation recital sometime in March 2009! See you then!



Elaine & I finally caught up with the star of the night, at the after-show cocktails...

...organized by DCBC and led by the wonderful Ilongga Powerpuff Gurls!

(P.S. Photos in AVP courtesy of Anelle. Thanks, meni!)

Nakindatan ka na ba ng pusa?!?!?


Ito si Kapitan.

Siya ang dahilan kaya ako ngayon ay nagpapakain ng pitong pusa. Samantalang noong bagong lipat kami dito, araw-araw ibang strategy ang sinubukan para lamang huwag makapasok sa kusina ang mga pusa(kal) na ito. Tuwing umaga kasi kinakalkal nila ang aming basura(!).

Hanggang isang araw, kami ay nagwagi. Sa wakas. O yun ang akala ko. Nang hindi na sila makapasok, nakikisilip na lang sila sa aming bintana. Kaya minsang nakatitig siya, aba nakititig din ako. At sa hindi inaasahan, ako ay kanyang --- tama ka --- kinindatan! Sa buong buhay ko ngayon ko lang nalaman na marunong palang kumindat ang pusa.

Niweys, fast forward ... dahil sa isang kindat na yon, isinuko ko ang batalan. Sige na nga, friends na tayo. Ha?!? O siya pati mga friends mo friends ko na rin (demanding ka ha).

At doon nga nagsimula ang isang panibagong relasyon.

Hmp. Pero bawal ka pa rin sa bahay ko ha. Pinag-iisipan ko pa. Kaya mula ngayon, sa bubong tayo magtatagpo. Doon kayo kakain, intiende?

At yun na. Bow. (Err.. Meow.)

10.13.2008

We have moved!

From the former Student Center of the Diliman Campus Bible Church (where we served as houseparents for almost 4 years) in Project 6, we now rent a small apartment at San Francisco, Del Monte, in Quezon City.

Bagong bahay ... bagong parol!












... bagong tambayan!












... at bagong friends!












...welcome to our new neighborhood!:)

8.01.2008

Graduation Newsletter

Dear friend,

God’s grace and faithfulness are truly amazing! I am happy to let you know that I successfully finished the Master in Development Management Program from the Asian Institute of Management on July 11, 2008.
My family would like to thank you for all your prayer and support for the past 11 months.
My Sabbath Year ends this month, and I am so glad that I acted on the Lord’s prompting to take the year off for rest, retooling, and redirection. It was a time of exposure to development activities within the Asian region, intensive multicultural experience, and a truly remarkable encounter with the Father who supplied our needs according to His riches.
What’s next? To be honest, I have no definite answer except to say that I am waiting on the Lord. What I shall do for the longer term remains a matter of continuous discernment for the family. So, if you could please continue to pray with us, the following are the apparent options for me (in random order):
a) Full-time consultancy;
b) Employment with an INGO;
c) Resume ministry with Compassion International.

Meanwhile, I do consultancy with four nonprofit organizations, helping out with community-based project management and training.

We are blessed to have you part of our network of supporters. Once again, thank you for coming alongside us in this journey, and do let us know how we can pray for you, too!

Much love from our family to yours,
Jing

7.15.2008

MRR Acknowledgment

A major requirement to finish Masters in Development Management was the writing of an MRR (Management Research Report). Mine was a "Strategy for Compassion International - Philippine's Expansion to Indigenous People Groups". I wish to share the acknowledgment page to honor all of you who supported, inspired, and encouraged me through my MRR in particular and my studies at AIM in general:

The following were instrumental in the completion of this MRR, the fulfillment of my other MDM requirements, and the realization of a Sabbatical Year that was better than I have hoped for:

My advisers Prof. Sol Hernando, Prof. Tony Perez, and Prof. Nieves Confesor, for the words of guidance, challenge, and affirmation, and for allowing me time when I most needed it;

Our professors from all three modules, who facilitated my learning of tools, skills, and perspectives on management and leadership;

Associate Dean Mayo Lopez and the CDM staff who inspired me to learn, live, and laugh; Ms. Chinks, saludo ako sa ‘yo, as in! Also, AIM security, maintenance, and support staff whose friendliness and efficiency assured me from day one that I came to the right institution;

MDM Class of 2008, sige, sige! I am nine countries richer because of your friendship. Kapwa Pinoys Pipo, Kat, Father Kim, Father Dex, Bambi and Lei – sa damayan chuvaness; KISS’D Learning Team (CL, Mercy, Huyen, Murty, Al, Akbar, Dil) – it was one amazing roller-coaster ride! I would do it all over again with you guys, no doubt about that; Shanaz, you became my MRR “buddy” whether you realized it or not; Twin, you are worth all the green teas in the world;

Compassion International family for your blessings, prayer, and encouragement: CMT, NACS, LDP students and alumni who kept sending encouraging SMS, all staff, SINGLES, WIVES, my guarantors Wonz and Vy for sticking your necks out, Kuya Toyditz and Ate Manet Cosico for the consistent advisory support from beginning to end of my study;

NAVpeeps: Ram, Jean, Charm, Grace, Trins, Roovin, Maela, Faith, Aleks, Shebs, KJaims – our Wednesday night meetings have kept my sanity; Gracey, thanks ading for going over my work despite your busy-ness; also,all the menises who kept in touch - thankee!;

Friends and loved ones here and overseas who supported me with resources and prayers at various times during the past 11 months, especially Ate Care, Ricci, Mai, Marlon & Elaine, DCBC family & council, young couples fellowship, Student Center family: Kuya Caloy at mga anakis Mark, Jan, Junjun, Joy, Malyn, D-na, Jojee; Kuya Rico & Ate Menchit Wong, pareng Dan, Kuya Ed & Ate Page Cvelich, my dearest Faye;

Ading ko ra: Margs, Bhynes, Edison, Tet, JR and their families, Nanay & my in-laws, for the generous support and understanding; Tita Tet, for the loving assistance to Rio while I was away, and for helping me de-stress;

Dad, thank you for believing in me and for the timely financial support; Mom, you have taught by example that relationship matters as much as results – I had to draw from that wisdom many times in my stay at AIM;

My husband Rommel and daughter Rio Gabrielle – because of your love I have nothing to prove.

You are all an affirmation that God has been with me in this journey. His Name be praised!

5.30.2008

celebrating a beautiful disaster

Yesterday Rommel and I turned 9. What started as a beautiful disaster (read: hilarious wedding, which I plan to write about after MRR defense week!) is still going strong. Still disastrous, still beautiful, marriage.

We celebrated by dining out (courtesy of a friend's gift) at Kamay Kainan in Trinoma (QC), an eat-all-you can chain featuring all Pinoy food. We were planning on Banana Leaf, but found they had no branch here, and we didn't feel like walking to the other mall. Rio was happy with the news, because KK is her favoritEST place.

As we were savoring our third trip to the buffet table (by this time we were onto the seafoods: Guinataang Kuhol, Tahong Soup, Inihaw na Tilapia, Mangga't Bagoong, Tempura, Sinigang na Hipon, Pritong Alimasag) we played a game of You-can-ask-what-you-want-from-mama-&-papa, obviously with a single player. Rio's queries revolved mostly on dating stuff. This one was a winner: Since you are now married 9 years, what are 9 things you love about each other?

Knowing Rio, each one of course had to be backed up by example, but am not writing that here for fear of turning the place mushy. With burps and chews in between:

Mama'a answer
Papa is...
1. Guwapo
2. Thoughtful
3. Funny
4. Hardworking
5. Matulungin sa kapwa
6. Masarap magluto
7. Willing to sacrifice
8. Wise decision-maker
9. Loving

Papa's answer:
Mama is...
1. Maganda
[Cheh! gaya-gaya hehe ...]
2. Matapang
3. Thoughtful
4. Patient
5. Smart
6. Malambing
7. Understanding
8. Hindi madamot sa kapwa
9. Loving

We are too caught up with the routines in life, it takes a little child to help us remember these things sometimes.

Thank you, Rio. You gave us the best Anniversary reflection, in addition to the awesome hand-made album you made especially for this day. We love you, baby.

5.02.2008

how i finished Prince Caspian

How could this happen?!?

I brought it with me, to read on the way to and from the dentist. Was halfway reading through it, & very much nostalgic about re-visiting this wonderful story (now a most-awaited movie too!). I'll surely finish it when I get home!

But wait ... Huwaaaa.. I left it in the tricycle ... NoOOOoh!!!
...
Mamang tryke, san ka nahhh po...huhuhu!

Went back to the terminal, but he was not there. Co-drivers were very helpful (at least I thought they felt sorry for me --- or maybe just found me silly, coming back for a mere pocketbook?!?!? Namasahe pa trenta y pesos, sayang.) Couldn't tell. Didn't bother. I just wanted my book back :( Panu na? Waaaa...

Sigh. So sad. I got that copy for half the price! (My friendly classmate Akbar bought it from India on his last trip this March.)

Besides, that was Rio's. Tough. Another thing to owe my lil girl now.

But but but ... whoa ... its bound to be a happy ending after all! Found a free e-copy online!!! Thank you, thank you intexblogger.com! Aieeeh!!! Mwah!

I ended up downloading other e-books as well. Splendid! :)

And now for my favorite part of the book:

"Welcome, child," he said.
"Aslan," said Lucy, "you're bigger."
"That is because you are older, little one," answered he.
"Not because you are?"
"I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger."


All things work together for good.

4.26.2008

Rice Crisis



"Batang Pinoy: Tumutulong sa Pagsulong"

What can a seven-year-old possibly do?

Finish her plate -- in light of the rice crisis!


http://www.panibagongparaan.com/content.asp?ID=22

4.04.2008

"Crossing Me Out"

Rio joined the first Next Generation Camp (organized by the DCBC Youth) on March 30-31 @ Falcon Crest Resort, Norzagaray, Bulacan.

During the testimony time she shared her most important lesson: the assurance of salvation in Jesus Christ.


"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23

3.15.2008

Takin' a break :D

Havana Family KTV here we come! Err..came, and went. We did visit a couple of days back, and found out that the hourly rate is non-consumable -- which is very reasonable, actually. But I was out for a good bargain, so no thanks this time :(

Driving off, moving on...Try Encore! Encore? Sure! Off to SM North ... huwaaat? No more Encore! The space was being re-constructed for a fastfood chain. Tongkantangtong para Chowking. Ok :(





But wait! There's more! How bout the KTV at the foodcourt? Aha! The video-game-arcade has come up with a fantabulous idea --- videoke rooms! Except it's limited to 10 songs at a time :) Good enough! Plus, you are right smack where the food is, baby.




Cheap thrill? Priceless fun! And oh, Rio had a blast 'coz she's literally a step away from the arcade games. (won some, too!)


Now that's a real good time!!! That's all folks :)

2.27.2008

xin nein kuai le!

First time to wear a Chinese dress, sing a chinese song, with real Chinese chums! BUT this was not New Year for the Chinese only, as our Vietnamese friends gently reminded us. We celebrate the Lunar New Year! So, Chuc Mung Nam Moi as well!

(Unfortunately I couldn't upload the video, and I couldn't figure out why. So here are some photos instead:)


(Jing, Huang Shan, Hwang Shu)


(with MDM pals)


(a smile is a smile is a smile ... Pinoy, Vietnamese, Chinese, Indonesian!)

1.31.2008

Nothing More, Nothing Less

At Compassion Philippines' Christmas party last month, Kuya Toyditz shared this beautiful prayer by Elizabeth Elliot (see photo below) in her book "Keep A Quiet Heart" (which I sooo loved since I got my copy 10 years ago. But that is another story!):

Lord, we give You thanks
For all that You in Your mercy
Have given us
To be and to do and to have.
Deliver us, Lord, from all greed to be
And to do and to have anything
Not in accord with Your Holy purposes.
Teach us to rest quietly
In Your promise to supply
Recognizing that if we don’t have it
We don’t need it.
Teach us to desire Your will –
Nothing more, nothing less and nothing else.
For Jesus’ sake. Amen.


Truly, there has to be more to life than the pursuit of happiness, or possessions, or achievement, or friendship, deeper relationship, or wisdom, or experience for that matter.

I find that the search for meaning fades where the search for God begins. Its a fine line I find myself crossing time and again, like I do now. I am comfortable with that, because it signifies a continuing dialogue between my Maker and I.

I believe this is the essence of this Sabbatical Year exercise for me: to be drawn, reaffirmed, redirected to my ultimate anchor. By His grace may I come out pursuing only His WILL -- nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.

1.20.2008

"Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only one seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

John 12:24

1.18.2008

the devil wears prada

Lately, Rio's bedtime reading has been "Mangga Messiah", a gift she received from Tito Ram last year. It is the New Testament in amazingly cool Japanese anime.

On Tuesday she got to the story of the healing of the demon-possessed man from Gadarene and saw something that really upset her.

"Eeeee! Mama! Bakit lalaki si Satanas dito sa drowing?!?! Mali ito!"

[What do you mean, anak...]

Lalaki kasi siya dito, e di ba babae si Satanas?

[Anudaw? Aaaa...bat mo naman nasabing babae siya?]

E di ba nga siya ang PINAKAMAGANDA sa lahat ng angels? E di babae siya!

[May powent ka, anak. Hmmm...e ganyan talaga madalas idrowing ng mga tao ang devil, palaging lalaki...Pero sa pagkakaalam ko hindi siya babae o lalaki kasi hindi naman siya tao...]

Ah...e kung nagkatawang tao Siya? Lalake ba siya o babae?

[Hindi ko din po alam e, kasi wala pa akong nabalitaang nagkatawang tao siya.]

Aha! Siguro nga lalaki siya kung sakali, kasi si Jesus lalaki nung nagkatawang tao.

[pwede ba mag call-a-friend?]

1.09.2008

Body and Soul

Classes have resumed. As if to signal my re-entry into AIM, I have been experiencing terrible bouts of migrane since day one. I passed out Monday night, while on my way to hail a cab. If not for Aleem (bless you!) who took me back to AIM dorm to rest, the sweet ladies from MDM (Mercy, Mia, Huan Shan) and MBA (Rosie) who became my instant nurses and dalaws, and of course Murty who made sure got home after recuperating, I don't know how I would have ended.

The next two days I missed a couple of classes, due to the recurring attacks. Even when I was feeling better, classmates were telling me I looked sick (veins were "poping out" my forehead) and must really follow the doctor's advise to go through a complete bloodwork. Honestly, the gestures of concern were better medicines than any pain reliever.

Learning of my condition, a friend who was in the Philippines for just two weeks vehemently insisted (and arranged) that I go for a Thai massage, saying it may be due to stress (it partly was, to be sure). So anyway, this treat at a wellness center in Tomas-Morato was another welcome "cure".

To cap it all, Tata (Rommel) came home two days ahead of schedule, to make sure I was ok.

Receiving care from a loving community does not exempt me from the need to go through medical procedures. But it surely does make the recovery as holistic as it can get.

Jehovah Rapah (God the Healer) has an army of medical practitioners and caregivers, I realize. Most of them are within arm's reach -- faster than any ambulance, better than any state-of-the art care.

1.03.2008

Aligando (Galikin!)

Masantos tan mablin oras
So inter na Diyos lawas
Umbangon tayon misalamat
Umbangon tayon misalamat
Ta inianac lay Dios Anac
Ta inianac lay Dios Anac

Galikin, galikin kapastoresan
Gali kayon, gali kayon manangigalang
Ed Ari ray, ed Ari ra'y catauaenan
Diad Belen so nianacan
Diad Belen so nianacan!

Last night a group of old folks (seven of them, between 50 to 70 in age) came by to sing this traditional Pangasinan Christmas carol (normally sung between January 2 to 6). It is something similar to the Pasyon chanted during lent, except that instead of telling about Jesus' life and suffering, it narrates in many stanzas the events surrounding and leading to Jesus' birth.

The chorus bids everyone to "come...to give respect...the King of Kings...born in a manger."

Regretfully I only know one verse and the famous chorus. I hope to teach Rio once I found the lyrics (wait...found it online, great!). She enjoyed listening to it (although she tugged my elbow after every line for translation)-- she even went to the next house to listen again!

The Art of Being Misunderstood


Four months in grad school (may have) provided my most valuable lesson for the year --- the art of being misunderstood.

Coming to AIM on such short finances earned me differing reviews: crazy, brave, faithful, careless, courageous, carefree, unwise, obedient, stubborn. Suffice it to say that to date all these labels are still hanging around waiting to pounce on me once an "i-told-you-so" moment presents itself.
----
Well, baby, the situation in the classroom and around it is not entirely different.
----
Be a female, be misunderstood. Be young, be misunderstood. Be Filipino, be misunderstood. Be a foreigner, be misunderstood. Talk much, be misunderstood. Talk little, be misunderstood. Be nice, be misunderstood. Be naughty, be misunderstood.

And so on and so on and so on.
----
Perhaps this is what we pay so much for, in institutes of higher learning such as AIM. To learn this delicate art. Making a difference at the risk (and certainty) of being misunderstood.
----
Be Rizal. Be misunderstood.

Be Mother Theresa. Be misunderstood.

Be Gandhi. Be misunderstood.

Be Princess Di. Be misunderstood.

Be Benazir. Be misunderstood.

Be Jesus. Be misunderstood.
-----
Go ahead and make a difference, anyway.
-----
Understood?