On Living and Loving....

Even charity has many faces. That of one who gives because it "feels good"; of another who gives because it "looks good"; and yet of another who is simply obliged; or of one who gives to take control of the recipient's life. 
But the best is of one who gives out of love.

Every once in a while, God leaves us to get lost in a maze only because He wants us to learn the art of finding our way out.

There are only a few things I cannot overdo; and one of them is praying. It is when a misfortune comes along that I realize how little time I have spent in  prayer.

It is a waste of time to argue with someone who can't respect my individuality or opinion. He/She is"always right" anyway.

  

I knew I have truly loved when his imperfections became known to me yet I chose to stay and love him more.

I love how simple options can be so momentarily liberating. As with a bad leak on the roof; if you can't afford a new house or a good fix, there's always the pail!

The fastest way to lose a husband is to tell him how, when and where to get his haircut. Remember he was able to decide for himself when he asked you to marry him.      

Sometimes, it is enough for us to believe that what is happening is what is best, even when we don't understand why. This is the kind of faith that moves the Father's Heart.

Forgive always. Then forget - the offense or the offender - whichever leaves you with the least emotional baggage so you can move on.

To each his own star. As soon as  you reach for someone else's, you will lose sight of yours.

Live passionately; love completely; serve wholeheartedly; pray unceasingly...

In most workplaces, bitterness and envy will break your peace. This is when leaving is not an option for evil will persist anywhere, just in another form and face... But while the enemy seeks for every opportunity to pounce on you, seek to be better at what you do. Soon, one of you will have wasted precious time and it won't be you....

(All pictures on this post entitled "On living and loving..." are shared/borrowed from the net and blogger wishes to thank the owners)

Our wonder woman at Home

                Two months ago, my mom fractured her right hipbone while trying to restrain our burly, boisterous house dog. She was in pain for the next few days and was totally bedridden for over a month. It was heartbreaking to see her, someone so mobile and active  suddenly go docile and quiet. When it happened, we just had to tell her we told her so.

                At 83 years old (this coming November 7), she still thinks she is wonder woman sans the costume and she simply hates it when we try to slow her down.  I guess it was God’s way of slowing her down and reminding her she was no longer 30 or 50 or 60; that she is 83!  That was one of the very few times she ever took a leave from her well-loved household chores.

                I am sorry to have to say this… but my mom is extremely headstrong. Before the accident, she insisted on going to the market – everyday, for fresh food supplies; even when we argued that carrying the bags was already too much for her and that she might slip and sprain an ankle going around the wet area.  Many times in the past few years, she’d find herself way, way past our house while taking public transportation on her way home.  She’d laugh it off and reasoned that she was either falling asleep; too engrossed in a thought or that it was simply an honest to goodness human mistake anyone can make. The verdict: There was absolutely no reason for us to worry even if she had to come home late from visits to relatives or from church-related activities.  And not too long ago too, she still took 12 hours overnight bus trips – ALONE! Now every time she isn’t home when she should be, we know she has again outsmarted us by secretly slipping to my father’s hometown, about 100 kms away. A call from a relative always confirms our guess. Well at least, she’s only about 4 hours away by bus and will surely be home by night. 

                Over the years, she has developed pneumonia which, sometimes had her confined in a hospital. Her doctor had seriously advised her against using strong-smelling cleansing agents such as chlorine or Clorox that triggers the recurrence of her respiratory illness.  But my “wonder woman” mom, until now, considers it a myth. Somewhere in our big, old, rundown house she always keeps a bottle. Sometimes, we chance upon it, throw it down the drain; many times we’d come home to find the house spic and span, reeking with the smell of it.  And when she does end up, again, in the hospital, come hell or high waters, she will never agree that chlorine was the culprit! She simply fell sick, period! She has such an obsession to cleaning up both the house and herself. The last time she was confined, Doc gently cautioned her against her obsessive behavior.  She was quietly up before sunrise the next day, in the hospital, and bathed in cold tap water before anyone could stop her.  Boy, were we furious! 

                But I wouldn't have have any other way. My wonder woman mom loves unconditionally. No occasion deserves a less than special treat. She took those long 12-hour trips even if no one can make it with her just to be with her grandchildren on their birthdays and be their cook for a day. Her best-kept recipes are spiced up with a lot of love and a generous amount of service. She stirs and whips with untiring passion and she takes great pains to set the table beautifully even when she knows that in less than a minute, the table will be a mess when everyone, her rowdy grandsons especially, dive for her delicious dishes. Whenever we go to visit her, send-offs are like nowhere else in this planet. She cooks like there is no tomorrow; gives until the kitchen is left empty and refuses to settle with just the send-off bags - she sees us off until the bus is out of sight. 

In this age of electronic mails and messaging, she remains a faithful patron of hallmark cards and  handwritten love letters, given the fact that she can no longer write legibly since years back because of hand tremors. Yet, she will never miss an occasion without sending out a card. 

I guess, if she can have her way, she would have loved to raise everyone of her 18 grandchildren, with as much love and dedication she gave us growing up.

                Now I want the world to know how blessed I am to have her for my mother. For the times I fought with her, broke her heart, let her down, made her feel less loved, unimportant, unappreciated; I wish I could take back every one of them and I am so sorry. But I know she has forgiven me lovingly every time. I hope she knows that I love her constantly and I will always thank God for her in my life. I hope she knows that life is more colorful, more dramatic (ha ha), so much more wonderful because she is my mom.

I have added her picture taken last Jan.1, 2014 during the family new year celebration. She was on her toes before she celebrated her 83rd birthday. Wonder woman is back! 

              
        

My Santa for all Seasons

         Our mom sends practically everything in the house when we leave after a visit. When the house is full, so is our luggage. Bananas, lemons, tomatoes, onions and whatever there is, apart from her cooked goodies. And no!, we don't have a vegetable garden, those are from her kitchen which she gets from the market. 

        On my way home after my most recent visit, my sister came to the bus terminal minutes before departure time and handed me a brown paper bag. Inside were a matchbox and a candle (in case the bus blacks out, I guess); a foil-pack of paracetamol (in case I get sick on board); an oreo and half the contents of a biscuit can she got from a relative who came to visit her. I wanted to cry. Having been confined to her sickbed, those were all she had but she couldn't let me leave without a send-off bag.

Brave at 50

     At 49 going on 50 in a month, I finally decided I am coming out of my shell and doing the things I never had the courage to do. In fact, blogging started this midlife revolt. I wrote my first blog article several months back but it was only last March when it found its way to the net. I had to tell myself that my article may be interesting to some but not to all but it is okay. That there might be a few or a lot of grammatical errors but it's okay. That it is all right to be criticized. I guess by now you know what has stopped my life from going full blast - I fear criticisms. I fear mistakes. I fear getting hurt. 

      But it's never too late. Life begins at 50 for me. Blogging turned out to be fun and the sky didn't fall on me so I'm ready to have more fun. Here's my INITIAL to-do list.

     1) Blog. DONE. There, finally, I am a blogger! 
     
     2) Write at least one Crafts Book. I have started by writing about my crafts in one of    my blogs here, under blog title RECYCL-ARTS I plan to compile every one of my projects soon and find someone who will be interested to publish it.

     3) Ride a bike. And when I have learned to handle the two-wheeled vehicle, I'll move on to driving a car, hopefully mine. 

     4) Audition for a TV commercial. It amazes me how mature people ever have the courage to face the panel of judges to try out for an act.  Doesn't matter whether I get the part or not for now.

     5) Go for a gym class in full gym attire. Never mind that I have my bulges where there should be curves. 

     6) Sell my crafts on an online shop. I'm working on it right now. And over that, sell to friends and acquaintances up-front. 

There'll be more things I know I'd like to do but I'll start with these. Good luck to me and I'll keep you posted so follow me. :)

April 24, 2014

Can you believe it? I was so afraid I might not be good enough to write a blog but here I am, now a  contributing Editor to the first Philippine online magazine on design and construction (www.philippineconstructionanddesign.com). My maiden article is entitled "From pyramids to tall buildings and its challenges and opportunities". Please take time to read (its on page 28 of the magazine) and tell me what you think. I have more articles coming.

Here's another development: I was ready for the dreaded audition except that I didn't make it to the cut. I went for the "who wants to be a millionaire" audition. The first round which  they called the "fastest finger first", was to best out other competitors (50 of us) by having as many correct answers as you can with the fastest time possible simply by pushing a button. I didn't get past that which would have qualified me for the next round - sing, dance, act or do anything to impress the judges! I rehearsed for one whole day, a song by David gates! Boy, I was so ready for challenge no. 4 on my above list. I guess I'll find another venue to do it.
 

Catholic Churches in Bangkok

            Spending holy week alone in Bangkok, I decided to go for the customary “Visita Iglesia” to two of the oldest Catholic Churches which I read in a Bangkok tour guide book. On my way to the first Church aboard a bus along Ladphrao road, I   saw the signage “Catholic Church” pointing to a street right where our bus was stuck in heavy traffic. So I quickly got off the bus and decided to add another Church to my itinerary. Being new to Bangkok, I would always write down info such as, how to get where, other places nearby and I'd take snapshots. 

                When I thought of blogging my holy week experience in Bangkok, it turned out to be really relevant and helpful since one of my earliest predicament while in this city was finding a catholic church for the Sunday mass while enjoying a weekend day-out. I have therefore included such information as commuters' guide and mass schedules. 

             And now, instead of a holy week experience, I decided to make this even more useful by visiting as many catholic churches as I can and include it here.  I hope that this will somehow help those who are in search of  a Catholic church  for the Sunday mass or to simply visit or  pay homage to while in Bangkok.

 1. Maria Rosa Mystica Church

    Soi 124,  Lat Phrao Road

       Lat Phrao , Bangkok  

    

Maria Rosa Mystica Church is conveniently located about 200 m. from main road Latphrao; close enough for a relaxed walk but keeps a certain distance as a buffer zone from the busy street. Thus, the church is able to maintain a good level of peace and quiet. 

From the exterior, the church  appears higher than it actually is and this is due to the fact that it's first level is half-sunken from ground level which is indiscernible upfront from a few meters away. The sub-level is mainly an open area, which is used for social and other church activities.  The pastoral office is also at the sub-level.

The interior is very well ventilated with natural air and light by large glass windows which line both sides of the church’s length. Design is simple, subdued and almost oriental with its symmetry and clean lines. except for the red carpet that covers the main aisle and the altar floor, even the use of color is subdued.  Such simplicity and subdue gives one a feeling of peace and tranquility. 


Unfortunately, all services are in Thai even on Sundays. 

Some ways to get there via public transportation:  

1. By bus (Nos. 2, 8, 92, 126, 545)
2. Take MRT to Ladphrao then take bus (any of the nos. above) to Ladphrao 124
3. Take KlongTei boat to the Mall Bangkapi,  then take bus (any of the nos. above) to Ladphrao 124

2. The Holy Rosary Church

    Soi Wanit 2, Thanon Charoen Krung

       Sampanthawong , Bangkok  

          Said to be built by by the Portugese on a land gifted to them by King Rama 1 for having defended Ayutthaya from Burma, the original Holy Rosary Church was first built in 1786, thus making it one of the oldest churches in Bangkok. The present structure was built in 1891-1898, and typical of the designs of old churches and cathedral of the 16th -18th century, was influenced by the Gothic revival era. 

From its site along the banks of Chao Phraya (which maybe translated as "River of Kings"), the Holy Rosary Church is truly a sight to behold. It offers a humble and calming respite from the otherwise busy commercial establishments  that surround it. But closer to and on the site itself, the fuss and buzz of commerce and trade takes over the solemnity of the place. Food stalls and vendors surround the area not to mention malls and other commercial establishments. 

3. Chapel of the Annunciation

      Assumption College Campus

           Ramkhamhaeng 24, Huamark

           Bangkapi, Bangkok

     The Assumption Church along Ramkhamhaeng is within the Assumption College compound. It is located on the third floor of the Graduate Studies building. For first-time visits, it is best to ask directions from inside the campus.

The entrance to the chapel is on the third floor, right across a flight of stairs leading to different offices of the graduate studies department. Surprisingly, it is the most solemn church/chapel I have been to in Bangkok.

  While the chapel is very contemporary, the interior abounds with stained glass mosaics depicting religious personalities and events. Besides the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Louis de Monfort appears to be a favored figure in the chapel.

The chapel of the Annunciation is one of the few that has regular English masses which is held daily at 5 in the afternoon. During Sundays, an English celebration is scheduled at 10 in the morning. Special Catholic holidays are also often celebrated in English as Assumption College takes pride as a leading college for International studies that requires the use of the English Language at all times within the campus.





Some ways to get there: 

  1. Take a bus plying Ramkhamhaeng (Nos. 115, 113, 207, 40, 48, ). Get off at   
    Ramkhamhaeng Big C Supermarket. Walk to songthiew terminal along ABAC road  
        across 
        7-eleven. Take songthiew (public jeep/mini truck) ride to ABAC Assumption College 
        (7 Baht). 

   2. Or take Bus 137 which will pass right in front of ABAC Assumption College
       Ramkhamhaeng. 

4. The Holy Redeemer Church

  123/19 Ruam Rudi Lane 5, 

    Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok  

   The Holy Redeemer church grounds exudes a vibrant, friendly and welcoming atmosphere because of several reasons.  First, it has a wide, big gate I have never ever seen closed during the day, which is quite rare for Churches in Thailand. It has a spacious open area around the structure which serves as parking but which allows for informal small group gatherings and chitchats. And Holy Redeemers has a large and busy but nevertheless friendly parish pastoral center in the left rear adjacent structure, complemented by a flower shop, a mini cafe and  well kept toilets.

   

Outside, the church building itself is unmistakably Thai-inspired. The high-pitched, three-level, multi-coloured ceramic tile roof and the ornate roofing accents can be mistaken for a "wat" or temple from afar if not for the cross. Doorways from all sides are adorned with gold spire-shaped architrave.

Inside, the huge free-standing statue of Jesus with hands raised up in utter supplication is commanding and resplendent against the plain white wall sans the usual altar mouldings and trimmings. Ornaments, furniture, side altar niches, and almost everything else are Thai inspired.           The Holy Redeemer Church is the most frequented Catholic Church by most Foreigners. During Sundays, There are four masses celebrated in English:  8:30 , 9:45 and 11:00 in the morning and 5:30 in the afternoon. English masses are also said everyday at 5:30pm including the anticipated mass on Saturdays. Some ways to get there:    1. Take a bus plying Sukhumvit road - Ploenchit (Nos. 40, 44, 48, 2, 25). Get off at Ploenchit         BTS station. 2. Take BTS to Ploenchit station. For 1 and 2: Walk to Ruamrudi lane. Ruamrudi lane is left of Novotel Bldg.in front of Ploenchit BTS station. Walk (about 1.4 km.) or take motorbike (10 baht/person) to Holy Redeemer church 3. Take MRT to Lumpini Station. At Witthayu road, take bus 17 in the direction of Victory Monument. 4. Take bus plying Petchaburi road (113, 60, 93, etc.) and get off at Me Tro Store. Take bus 62 or 76. For 3 and 4: Get off at Ruam rudi road (beside “SMOOTHE” bldg.and across Kian Gwan House) and Walk to Holy Redeemer’s Church (about 400m.)

The Poignant Side of Positivity

The "Positive Thinking" craze has taken quite a leap in the past few decades. Books like “The Secret”, “Think and Grow Rich”, "The Greatest Salesman in the World",  "The One-minute millionaire", etc. continue to sell like hotcakes. These materials promise to help you “think” your way through to becoming whoever you want to be – a millionaire, the President or a business partner to Bill Gates. No big feat! All it will take is for you to read along and follow through whatever which book you choose tells you.

With everyone reading and raring to change their lives for the better, we could have hoped for a happier world. But sadly, our enthusiasm to apply positive thinking in our lives has become so overrated and grossly misconstrued. Too many taboos were born along with it. The “yes man” is the “in” thing. If you’re in a party, dance! If you can’t, learn to and love it. Just get into the groove whether you like it or not; or else, you run the risk of being labeled “kill joy” or a naysayer. Whatever happened to the old adage that “not everybody can dance”, which in this case, is literal? Now you get hushed for using the words can’t, won’t, no, hard or difficult. And worst, fanatics even stay away from people and places where they think “negative vibes” prevail.

The truth is positivity or positive thinking or optimism (call it what you like, as long as you know what I mean!) is a singular, personal experience. By all intent, it should make you a better, happier person; not by seeking a different world but by looking at the bright side from where you stand. It is who you are and loving it. If you feel it is stupid and senseless to bungee jump 200 meters deep, then don’t! Leave it to someone who will be happy to do it. If it will make you happier to stay home with your boring husband than party with friends, then go ahead, get bored! If you can’t dance and you feel silly doing it, give it up because it’s not for you! Well, unless you don’t mind looking like a sissy and you feel happy anyways. Somebody’s idea of fun is not necessarily yours so say no because you choose not to. It is really nobody’s choice but yours! Party + dance is not always = happy. 

And positivity is not meant to replace the admirable trait of empathizing