Author Archives: Christine Lailani

Not My Usual Holiday Celebration

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This year is a year of many “firsts” for me. Holiday plans changed because I had to go to the ER yesterday because of lower abdominal pain though this is the only symptom I have for now. Only to find out it’s another UTI, which is becoming a recurring infection lately.

I did mention in a previous article that we plan to travel to Bicol on the 26th to celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day with my family. Unfortunately, I was advised by Dr. Jacqueline last night to follow up with an Internal Medicine doctor a week from now after I’m done taking the antibiotics. So, plans are canceled.

She explained to me that a recurring infection means my body might not be responding to the prescribed antibiotics so they will need to conduct a culture test to see what is causing the infection and change the treatment plan.

So, while waiting for my lab test results, we decided to walk around BGC. I actually love taking a stroll in the area. The crowd here is a mix of people from all walks of life.

It’s an ideal place for couples and families to hang out because of the great ambiance with plenty of shops and dining options to choose from and comfy places to just sit and relax.

While seated on a bench, a young man approached me. I didn’t know why he didn’t approach the other people beside me. It’s either I look gullible or I look too kind. So that means I succeeded in deceiving him because I am neither of the two. lol I’m kidding. 😅

He started his sales pitch, and I wasn’t totally convinced but I bought one box of pastillas that costs Php250. I think it’s a bit expensive, but I admire his tenacity and boldness to approach strangers even though there’s a 99.9% probability he will be rejected. He is a true-blue entrepreneur, and I really want to imitate entrepreneurs like him.

I pray that the little amount I gave him will help him one way or the other. I didn’t want to pass up this chance, because what if that stranger was actually God testing my heart if I’d be Mrs. Scrooge this holiday season? 😉

I’m not used to spending the holidays away from our families. But I believe this is all part of God’s plans. I read in the FB profile of one of the doctors that I am following on social media to gift yourself an executive check-up on your birthday.

I was having second thoughts about doing this because my birthday happens to be just 2 days away from Christmas. If ever test results turned out bad, that would somehow ruin 2 special occasions – my birthday and Christmas. 😃

But here I am having myself checked and tested because God willed it. He taught me last night that it’s about how we take every bad news that matters. It’s up to us if we let it affect our mood and control our emotions or take it with a positive mindset and focus on what needs to be done and still choose to be joyful and grateful.

Now I understand why some of the breast cancer warriors shared their sentiments about the holidays that they don’t feel like celebrating because of their fight against cancer. Some of them were concerned about what they’re allowed to eat this holiday season, while some were worried about where to have their treatments done because clinics are closed during the holidays.

I somehow feel them in a way and I think God is teaching me that if I really desire to understand what every breast cancer warrior is going through, I have to go through the process myself. Only then can I truly understand their deepest needs and thus, offer them the emotional and spiritual support they need.

This, I believe, is connected to the desire that God planted in my heart to put up a hospice facility in His perfect time if it is really part of His plans. I’ll discuss this in my next article because I need to cut this short as we will be watching a Netflix movie in the comfort of the condo munching on our simple Noche Buena of pasta, pizza, and mojos. 😃

I would like to dedicate this article to those who don’t feel like celebrating the holidays because of grief and sadness – me included because this is our first Christmas without Mom. It is okay to feel these emotions, but still choose to be grateful and joyful. What matters to God most is the condition of our hearts because it displays the attitude of worship that we have for Him despite the gravity of unfavorable circumstances around us.

So, my beautiful sisters and brothers in Christ, I wish thee and your family a blessed Christmas whatever it is that we are all going through right now. God loves us, and He is with us always through Jesus Christ, our Savior – this is the Good News and what Christmas is all about. 🙏❤️😊

P.S. Hopefully health issues will be cleared before I go back to my hometown. But if not, then it’ll be a change of healing environment for me with the help of Bicolano medical practitioners. 🙂

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

What Is Self-Control In A Christian’s Life?

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When it comes to self-control, there’s only one person that comes to my mind who makes me wish that every guy in this world is like him – my Dad. If only his soul can be cloned and injected in every male fetus now, the whole world will be a better place to live in. 😃

And no, when Dad was young, he used to have all the vices that a few men weren’t able to escape from – gambling, chain smoking, and excessive drinking. But by the grace of God and because of love, he changed.

Our Dad In Our Eyes

When my brother graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 2005, his article about Dad entitled “The Unsung Hero,” was one of the articles recited and featured during the graduation ceremony. We all broke down to tears after hearing it. Oh, brother dear, must you also have the flair for the dramatic like me. lol My blog, on the one hand, intends to make our Dad “The Celebrated Hero.” 😃

My Dad is not perfect. He juggled farming on weekends and office work during weekdays and yet still finds the time to pick coconuts so my siblings and I can enjoy fresh coconut meat and coconut juice during summer. He still does that now with our other fruits in the garden at the age of 83, but now complains of sore muscles afterward. And he would still do it again even if we tell him that he doesn’t have to. 😅

I can list down a whole lot more of other childhood experiences with Dad that are now precious memories that I can happily recall every time nostalgia hits. That’s why I wish to celebrate all the Dads out there who are like my Dad though it is not Father’s Day.

Praise God For Godly Men And Fathers

I hope after reading this, it will bring joy to your hearts knowing that your children will remember you not for the material gifts you have given them, but the memories and sacrifices you have made with and for them. Fly kites with your kids, watch the stars together, go fishing and camping, hike the mountains together, ride that bike around the neighborhood – these are the joys of a kid that stay with them until they are old. Sadly, I do not have the opportunity to do these things.

That’s why for those who do, don’t let the chance pass by because you can never get it back once your children grows old or when you grow old. This is the kind of love that our Great Father has for us, His children, that’s why a sacrifice has been made through His one and only Son on our behalf. And this is also the reason why we are celebrating the holiday season.

Love You, Dad

Yes, my Dad isn’t perfect, but he tried his very best to be the perfect Dad to us and a perfect husband to my Mom – even when Mom was at her worst, and we were at our naughtiest. And I mean, naughtiest. He gets angry, but it’s always controlled anger – that kind of anger that disciplines, but teaches children about honor and respect. He is a man of few words, thus, showed his love through his actions and his (oftentimes corny 😅✌️) sense of humor.

I love my Dad so much, and I wish this blog can do more than just memorialize his life so his memory lives on and on even when he is gone. Because I believe his kind is getting rarer as each generation passes by. This is a sad reality, but it is the truth.

What Is Self-Control

Self-control in a Christian’s life is very important. For me, it is an all-encompassing word wherein all other moral values (fruits of the Holy Spirit) such as patience, peace, discipline, gentleness, kindness, humility, love, faithfulness, and goodness will fall under.

Self-control is the only thing that will help a born-again Christian to not fall into temptation and go back to who he/she was before being saved. This is why the Bible is intentional when it comes to fasting. Fasting teaches believers to take control of the mind, body, and emotions and not the other way around.

Fasting And Self-Control

This is why I prefer to have my own pre-holiday/birthday fasting so I can control my mind, body, and emotions and not be tempted during this holiday season by excessive drinking, overeating, careless partying, splurging on gifts, irritability due to the holiday rush, etc. Without self control, we are prone to making mistakes, to being tempted, and eventually to sinning.

The lack of self-control destroys boundaries, dishonors people you love, and breaks trust that takes years to build. And no, an apology from an unchanged heart is only made of empty words that do not have meaning and only speak of broken promises and chances that are wasted again and again and again.

Until the time comes that God says, “ENOUGH.” If promises get broken, then plans can change, too.

A Lesson That Is Hard To Forget

I thank God for giving me the courage to do what He is asking me to do – let go of things that I have been trying to hold onto because I am afraid of a lot of things. Because I used to have this limited perception of my purpose in this world.

But God showed me that in order for me to pursue a higher calling, I have to let go of some things, especially if they will hinder the tasks that He will ask me to do. God has bigger plans, and all I need is to trust Him that He is leading me towards them. That will be my next article because I now have lots of time to write though I still have articles to do at work.

Yes, thank God indeed for this talent that He has bestowed upon me so I can share my testimony of His saving grace in every season and help others who might be going through the same thing. 🙏🙂

P.S. By the way, it is my lack of self control that got me into this messiest mess I’m in right now because of the poor choices I made when I was young. I am living the repercussions and consequences now. And yet I am wholeheartedly accepting God’s discipline and I promised Him that I will show Him my loyalty and faithfulness by obeying even if it means enduring this season of painful discipline my entire life. I will endure and even if I ask God to take this suffering away now, like what Jesus said, “not my will but let God’s will be done.” 🙏

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

The Beauty Of Final Endings

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Something happened today that made me realize God is really closing a chapter in my life, a confirmation of something that I have been in denial for the longest time. Maybe now is the right time for it to take place.

Now I understand why the signs have been too many to not notice for the past months, and were getting clearer and clearer for the past days, especially the repeating numbers.

It’s as if God was telling me that I really have no control over how things will play out, especially if He’s the one controlling them. He brought me here in Manila for two reasons – closure and peace.

I may be talking in riddles, but one thing I am sure of is that He is taking me away from what is no longer serving His purpose for me. I am being called to pursue a new path even if it means pursuing this path alone (but with God).

Indeed, this will be my most painful year yet – this hasn’t changed. But I still chose to be grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to end chapters the right way, so I can move on in peace.

2024 is a new beginning, a fresh start. This is God’s promise to me, and I am claiming it now. I am ending 2023 by tying loose ends and setting boundaries, so I have no regrets and I can say that I did give it my all.

If this is how God intends it to be, then I have no fear of the future. I will obey, and I stand my ground. 🙏

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

38th: Panibagong Lakas Para Sa Panibagong Bukas

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Kaarawan.

Isang taon naman ang lumipas. Narito na naman ako at nagtatanong sa Panginoon, “Lord, ito na ba ang huli kong kaarawan?”

Minsan pabiro. Minsan seryoso. Pero bakit ko nga ba tinatanong? Marahil marami pa akong nais gawin, nais sabihin.

Pagkakataon.

Hindi ko mawari ilan pang pagkakataon ang lilipas. Masasayang kaya ang mga ito? Minsan lang kasi itong dumarating.

Sa bawat pagkakataon, hatid nito ay bagong istorya, bagong eksena, bagong artista. Ano kaya ang silbi nila? Marahil dahil may alaalang naiiwan na sadyang kay hirap kalimutan.

Pasasalamat.

Hindi ko man madalas sambitin, ngunit buong puso kong pinapanalangin. Nawa’y maramdaman ng mga taong naging bahagi ng buhay ko ang kagalakan ko sa lahat ng tulong na naibigay nila madalas man ito o minsan.

Ito lang ang tangi kong maibibigay dahil buo ang tiwala ko sa Maykapal na Syang nakakakita ng lahat at Sya rin ang magsusukli sa bawat mabuting gawa ayon sa Kanyang takdang panahon. Sapat din ba ang naitulong ko sa iba? Marahil ay kulang pa.

12222023.

Kaya sa aking kaarawan, gagamitin ko ang pagkakataon na ito para pasalamatan ang mga taong nagmamahal at nagbibigay ng lakas para ako’y magpatuloy sa bagong bukas. Kasama ka dyan, kapatid. At higit sa lahat, sa Dios na Syang maybigay ng buhay na ito. ❤️

Nagmamahal,

Tin (a. k. a. the young Charo Santos 😅✌️)

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” – 2 Corinthians 13:14

Manila As Seen By A QC Baby

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I accompanied my husband today for his biometrics appointment and MMR vaccination at S.M. Lazo Medical Center on Taft Avenue. We were also there last week for his medical exam.

The streets of Manila are surprisingly clean.

While searching on Google Maps for a fastfood restaurant nearby, I told my husband I would like to see UP Manila and the National Library. I was already able to visit other UP campuses in Luzon except for UP Manila. I’ve never been to this part of Manila being a Quezon City “baby” for half of my life.

Hello, Manila Campuses

It’s hard to capture a decent photo inside a moving vehicle. 😩

It looked like God granted my wish because today, our Grab car passed by UP Manila on our way home. 😅 I felt nostalgic when I saw the campus grounds. And I thought, why would I ever feel nostalgic when I haven’t even been there ever? lol Today’s my first time actually. Maybe in the parallel universe I was a student in this campus, a faculty, or an employee? 🤔

There’s this sense of familiarity and attachment to the place that I can’t explain as if I’m an old soul. I just brushed it off thinking the old architecture in the area might be responsible for evoking this nostalgic feeling in me. But yes, I consider myself an old soul. More about this in my upcoming articles.

And finally, I saw the other universities in this area that I only see on television. I also got a glimpse of the UP-Philippine General Hospital. Yep, I know. You’re probably wondering how can I be a Manileña and yet still have not been to a lot of places in Manila. Sorry, I’m an introvert, so I hope that explains it. 😅

Philippine Women’s University

The National Library is the only place in Manila that I still have to visit. I love libraries, especially the old ones. The Main Library in the UP Diliman campus was my favorite place during class breaks. It has a lot of rooms where you can hide away to read and get lost in the book that you’re reading.

Back in college, when I get bored in our apartment in Cubao, I just go to the campus and head to the library to read. Unfortunately, the Arts and Letters section was transferred to our college’s small library. And there were days when it got too crowded so I just borrowed the books and read them somewhere in the building that’s quiet. This is why I love empty classrooms, and other “entities” must have enjoyed my company, too. 👻

Ah yes, I really am manifesting a visit to the National Library next year when I come back to Manila after the holiday vacay in Bicol is over, and before sending hubby off to the airport. I’m not asking too much, Lord, am I? 🙏❤️😃

P.S. I hope to get better photos next time, too, and hopefully, not during errands.

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24

Overcomer And Always Will Be

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Swollen lymph nodes and rashes are totally gone today, and it’s the first time that this happened to me without any medications. A miracle? YES. 🙏😍

And it’s also the first time in my 37 years of existence that we watched a different movie other than the one we’re supposed to watch because the ticket attendant was…I don’t know, going through some tough times in life, too? And my husband and I were kind of surviving the holiday hustle and bustle so we didn’t notice she gave us the wrong movie tickets. 😭😂

Epic Fail, Not Really

Yep, a major “UH-OH.” Now, you see, if this happened to me in my early 20s, this incident would’ve activated my Kraken Version 2.0 to the highest level. But hey, we’re grownups now, right? So, we act like how every grownup would – exhale all the negativity and….rant. 🤣🤣🤣

Nah, of course, be the better man always. Again, my white hairs told me I act accordingly. I consulted with them first actually. And their advice is that things like this happen. Besides, whose fault was it? Was it us who didn’t check if we got the right movie tickets? Or the ticket attendant whose mind’s wandering in Timbuktu or wherever in the universe just far from Earth? 😁✌️

But no, we decided not to have the tickets changed anymore because the ticket attendant might be having such a really rough day that’s why she made the mistake.

Going Cray-Cray But Keeping It Calm

And yes, I was really close to going cray-cray. Just imagine, we went inside the movie house quite early because we were looking forward to watching “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.”

Then, REGAL FILMS flashed on the screen. And I was like, “Oh, they’re still showing trailers of upcoming movies when the movie’s supposed to be starting.” Until I realized I was no longer watching a movie trailer, but the first scenes of a movie.

Then we saw in the caption, “Manila, 1991.” I said to my husband, “Hon, I didn’t know the setting of the “The Hunger Games” movie this year is in the Philippines.” Well, that was what I originally thought until I was proven wrong when we saw the movie title come out – “Shake, Rattle, and Roll Extreme.” 😭😭😭

Truly, truly shaken, rattled, and rolled.

Oh dear me, I was truly shaken, rattled, and rolled up in dismay. 😂😂😂 But, it’s already too late to have our movie tickets changed. So yeah, we just went on and watched the wrong movie.

Pinoy Movies Upgraded

Well, to be fair with “Shake, Rattle, & Roll Extreme,” it was an awesome production. I never watch Filipino movies on the big screen because I have somehow generalized them as being of low quality. But, I was proven wrong today.

The Filipino movie industry has made quite a huge improvement when it comes to the casting of actors, delivery of action scenes, and cinematography. Hubby and I did agree that “Shake, Rattle, and Roll Extreme” was worth watching. 👍👍

When the movie ended, my husband asked me, “So Hon, what can you say about “The Hunger Games?” I answered, “Oh, it was such a BLAST. It made me so hungry. I’m just going to eat my anger out.” lol 😆😆😆

If God tested both me and my husband today on how we would respond to such an unforgettable mishap, I must say that we did overcome it victoriously. I guess attending church at Victory Fort earlier today somehow set us up to have the right mindset that God can turn bad things into good ones if you let Him.

Victory Fort 11AM Church Service

So to end today’s post, I felt like Mandisa’s “Overcomer” is the perfect song to sum up this weekend and to help us start right this upcoming week. I hope you had a shaken, I mean, blessed Sunday as well. 🙏❤️😉

P.S. I really would like to share this video in the Breast Cancer Support Groups on Facebook where I am currently a member, but unfortunately, we’re not allowed to post any links. This is one great song that can help them cope with the challenges they’re going through now battling breast cancer. I pray for each one of them every day. If only I can do more for them. I know God will give me instructions on what to do when the time is right. 🙏

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” – Romans 8:28

Clinics And Little Boy

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Oh Manila, must you be so hostile to me? I never said I hated you. I only said we’re not compatible. lol Must you punish me for telling the truth? 😅

I’ve been here in Manila for only a week and here I am paying a visit to the clinic because of my skin rashes that do not subside and swollen lymph nodes. This is actually my body’s way of telling me that it’s fighting some sort of infection.

Doctors Are Out, The Boy Is In

Unfortunately, Gen med doctors aren’t available, booking a Grab to get to the nearest clinic is taking so long, and it’s already 2 PM, so I decided to go home. While contemplating on whether to commute via Grab, taxi, or public transportation, I decided to sit on a bench. Then a little boy sat beside me. I noticed from my peripheral vision that he can’t sit still so I thought he might have mild ADHD.

But then I also observed that it looked like he wanted to talk to me but was hesitating maybe because his parents warned him to never talk to strangers. lol So I looked at him and he smiled his sweetest smile at me and said “Hi.” I smiled my sweetest back at him too and I couldn’t help but laugh silently.

This handsome boy is quite a natural charmer. lol And he’s only about 6 or 7 years old. 😄 From my experience as a former grade school SpEd teacher, children don’t normally approach strangers and say “Hi” to them. So maybe I reminded him of his Mom.

Then his grandmother called him, and I also decided to go home via public transportation and took a jeepney. Because the traffic is worse going to my sister’s condo, I just decided to get off halfway through the trip and walked the remaining 1.9 km.

Physical Activity For A Better Body

It’s a good thing I did that because my body seemed to be craving for it. I felt a lot better and the symptoms subsided and I couldn’t explain how it happened (what the what? 😀). I love walking, by the way. Maybe because I was used to doing it back in UP Diliman when I was a college student. I remember walking more than 2 kilometers just to get to my next class when jeepneys were taking too long to arrive.

Back in my hometown, I am always going around doing something. Roaming around the farm is also similar to doing a 1-day hike. And at home, I do a lot of household chores because our house help is currently unable to work due to health concerns. I pray she’ll be able to come back next year because a big house is really hard to maintain. I just don’t know how Mom managed everything perfectly at home. (Oh, Mom. I missed you terribly.)

Anyway, it was a good thing I was wearing comfy gym clothes, so I was able to enjoy brisk walking going to the condo. And I can’t help but smile again. God surely knows how to cheer me up because though I wasn’t able to accomplish what I needed to do for the day, a handsome little boy put a smile back on my face.

A Trip To The Vet Clinic

It’s as if God was reminding me to never be anxious about everything. Just a couple of weeks ago, I got extremely worried when Peekah, our orange cat, couldn’t close her mouth, and she was drooling nonstop.

I thought she was going through some sort of paralysis. So I urged my sister that we bring her to the vet ASAP. Peekah seemed to have sensed my anxiety, she hid under my bed and only came out when I offered her cat treats.

When we reached the vet clinic, Doc JM checked her mouth and almost laughingly told us that it was only because of a loose tooth, and it was about to come off. lol Oh, you tooth. I almost had a heart attack because of you. 😅 I was so worried that I might also lose Peekah this year.

I was like, Lord, not now, please. I already lost so much. And yet not my will but Your will be done even if it is too painful. Doc JM told me that he can ease Peekah’s discomfort by extracting her tooth but she has to be sedated. The thing is, she’s already a senior cat – I got her in 2013. So he advised that we monitor her condition first and if the problem persisted, we bring her to the clinic again. Thankfully, Peekah was back to her normal self the next day as if nothing happened. And I don’t know how she got her tooth out. 😅

Peekah, btw, is an adopted stray cat from the streets of Cubao when we were still renting an apartment there in 2013. She was a tiny kitten back then when I adopted her and her sister. Unfortunately, her sister died unexpectedly a year later. I was glad though I brought them to my hometown because they got to explore the outdoors more often.

To wrap this up, everything ends well when we trust God to move on our behalf. As for that handsome little prince charming, I hope to see him again one day. Because I wanted to tell him this, “You melted my heart with your cute smile and sweet “Hi” and turned my bad day into a happy one – I’ll never forget you and that day.” ❤️

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

Those Cracks And Crevices Made You Beautiful, Just Like Mt. Mayon

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There is something about Mt. Mayon that captivates me. I’m instantly drawn to her beauty just like a magnet. I guess it’s not just the perfect cone that got me hooked, but also the tragic story behind it – of love and death. More about the legend here: “Star-Crossed Lovers: The Story of Magayon and Pangaronon.”

I haven’t seen Mt. Mayon up close in person, and it’s actually one of the items on my bucket list. I don’t want to climb it though, I just want to be close enough to observe all its crevices and cracks and marvel at its beauty.

Ctto

These crevices and cracks are proof of centuries of outrage and yet they all made this volcano even more beautiful. It has always been a mystery to me how this perfect cone remained as it is even during the most destructive phases of Mt. Mayon.

And just like us, what was meant for destruction and to be torn apart, God can turn it into a beautiful masterpiece that will showcase His profound greatness. ❤️

P.S. On a practical note, methinks my going near Mayon is a bad idea given my severe allergic rhinitis and the amount of SO2 that the volcano releases every day. I also have eczema, and I’m actually taking Coaltria daily as prescribed by my ENT doctor to prevent any allergy flare-ups. When I stop taking my meds, hives appear on my face, and just recently, a couple of itchy rashes on my arms. When God created the immune system, I think He forgot the right anatomy in mine. lol Ah yes, always the sickly kid in the family – nothing’s new. 😀

P.P.S. But I really, really want to be near Mt. Mayon – as close as I can get. It’s dangerous for me, but I think it will all be worth it. 😍 I don’t know why but I just want to stare at her beauty and touch the grounds surrounding her. Every time we pass by Mayon, we always see the best of her – nothing’s hidden, everything’s bare and raw. And it is what makes her more captivating. ❤️

Circa 2010 – From Bulan en route to Manila.

It looks like God also answered my prayer because the LGU of Albay Province (all thanks to Rep. Zaldy Co) is planning on offering to the public a Hot Air Balloon Ride overlooking Mt. Mayon and the Pacific Ocean starting next year. Oh, my heart. I think it fell out. lol I’m just plain excited! 😍

I am praying it will be a yearly event so my husband and I can experience this together. But unfortunately, not in the next 2 years because he won’t be coming home. So, delayed gratification it is. Ah yes, when God teaches patience, you really have no choice but to learn it. 🙏

By the way, to the guys (Bicolano or not) who plan on proposing to their girlfriends, nothing can get more romantic than a hot air balloon marriage proposal. Now is your perfect chance – just make sure she’s not scared of heights. 😀👍

The LORD says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you.” – Joel 2:25

Missing The Scratching Fluffballs

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I’m back in Manila with ze husband to help him prepare the documents needed for his work abroad. Of course, mi amor was just too excited and happy to see me.

The same goes for me though I still hate him a little bit. lol I have only been here for 3 days and I already want to go back to my hometown. 😭

Manila will always be Manila – traffic is everywhere, pollution is getting worse, people are always hurrying, and the list will go on and on. It’s a good thing we’re only staying here until the 26th.

Bicol Long Drive 🙏

We’re spending New Year with my family in Bicol. I told my hubby that since we’re traveling by car, we grab the opportunity to do a little bit of sightseeing. That will be his post-birthday gift to me – I demand. Because I still hate him. lol 😅

It’s nothing fancy, anyway. Because I plan to have 2 stopovers since my husband will be driving and I don’t want him to get too tired. This is not his first time driving to Bicol though, but I just want him to be fully rested before he resumes driving. Driving for 12 hours straight is no joke.

I am targeting the first stopover in Quezon, we will stay there overnight. The last stopover will be in Albay, and we will spend the night there too, and be back on the road the next day. I’m looking forward to seeing Mt. Mayon up close. All the more since it’s now on Alert Level 2 from Alert Level 3. Yay! Thank You, Lord. I’m manifesting driving around Mayon with an ATV while we’re there. 😍🙏

Anyway, why am I talking about our holiday plans when this article is supposed to be about fluffballs? 😅 So, without any further ado, here are some compiled photos and videos of our scratching fluffballs’ cuteness overload. Enjoy! ❤️

Captured Moments

Polly (White Cat): “You found anything interesting to read?“

Peekah (Orange Cat): “Nope, these are all Science books and journals.”

Polly: “No romance novels?”

Peekah: “Nope, nothing here to make you cry your heart out like Pride and Prejudice.”

Polly: “Mum, please don’t forget to include me in your Go Bag essentials.”
Tippy: “This armchair spindle accent is such a perfect pillow for me. I hope I won’t get a stiff neck though.”
Hello there, pretty boy Fishy!
I’m teaching these two fluffballs to coexist peacefully because they are both trying to dominate my bed. They get to sleep beside me, but only on this side of the bed where there’s a towel laid out for them to sleep on. The training has paid off. This is actually me showing them who’s the real boss. 😄
Peekah: “Because sleep is life.“
Tippy: “Am I dead yet?”
Peek-a-boo with Meowmy.
Polly: “I know I’m not supposed to sleep here. But it’s too cold, Mum.”
That’s our QA Specialist cat guarding her grocery stash. I had to take the photo from afar lest she jump up on me thinking I was attempting to steal her goodies. 😅
And she’s now ready to give them away. 😁 Thank You, Lord, for the lives of our farm workers. 🙏

Spider Man vs Cat Women

Before you think that the cats won, it’s actually the spider. Yep, he played dead and when the cats were gone, he went scrambling off. A cunning little creature, he is. 😃

Lemme Out, Mum

Polly: “Meowmy, can you please open the door for me? See, I’m very well-behaved.”

Me: “No, sweetheart. Because I don’t want you bringing me gifts from the wild i.e. snakes, lizards, mice, and whatever is crawling out there.”

You Can’t Beat My Cuteness

This fluffball is such an expert in hooking people with her cuteness. But don’t be deceived by it. Because she is the feistiest of them all. Her claws are deadly, you‘ll be needing stitches after playing with her. 😄

That Sorcery Called “Playtime”

Peekah: “Polly, do you know what kind of sorcery is this? It’s so addicting.”

Polly: “I heard Mom said it’s called Playtime. This sorcery sure is fun, even if we get to do it during full moon only.”

Witches be like…😂😂😂

Meowmy, Heeeeeelllllpppppp!!!

“Meowmy, look! An alien is trying to invade our house! Quick, call the Men in Black. Now!!!!”

P.S. Not related to vacation plans, fluffballs, and all but I thought I should just share this. It’s about signs. I’ve seen this sign since October – different variations of it every day. I tried to dismiss it, but it speaks to my soul. So loud and yet so unclear. I felt like I was going bonkers seeing it everywhere, anywhere, and at any time. I saw it in a passing truck, I saw it in a building, I saw it on Facebook posts, and I’m like it is too much of a coincidence to see something often that is not even common. I’m really close to confronting God what He means by it or if it did come from Him or the enemy. Is it an instruction and a premonition or a temptation and a distraction? The sign, by the way, is a name – not a common name. Or maybe I asked God for this sign in my subconscious? 🤔

“Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” – Isaiah 7:11

The Black Knight: A New Love

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So, Chick-Chick’s love story has an unexpected twist – she already found a new love. Yay! And I really thought she’s going to be single for a looooong time. lol For the backstory of her love life, you may read it here.

The Black Knight

Who’s the new flame, then? I call him “Black Knight” because his legs are all black, and he’s a fierce-looking rooster. He’s also way younger than Chick, but very assertive and has an air of authority.

He’s also very protective, but at the same time gives Chick the freedom to roam around all by herself. He may not be the typical dashing prince, but he sure has the aura of a knight in shining armor. Just perfect for Chick who’s a damsel in distress. 😉

Boosting Egg Production

This means only one thing for us – egg production will continue. So far, Chick laid 10 eggs already (all thanks to Black Knight). We left 1 egg in her nest so she will lay eggs in 1 location only thinking her nest wasn’t disrupted. Though 1 egg was eaten by a rat in her previous nest.

Will cook some of these tomorrow to assess egg quality i.e. color of yolk, hardness of shell, etc. 👍👍

I am currently playing the role of an animal behaviorist to learn more about chickens. lol My findings are quite interesting actually. For one, hens have this maternal instinct to protect their eggs, so finding a good spot to lay their eggs on is crucial.

Finding The Right Location

She tried 3 locations and the 3rd one was the most difficult to find. Maybe she realized that after 2 failed attempts at protecting her nest, she had to find a spot that was completely hidden.

So, how did we find the 3rd nest? My sister followed her around, and she saw Chick go under a sakolin, which we use to cover the water pumps. Voila, in between the water pumps, we found the eggs.

Why Poultry Farming

I did ask God why He placed a desire on my husband’s heart to pursue poultry farming in 2021. This is actually the reason why we came here to my hometown last year to explore opportunities in poultry production.

When my husband told me his plan, I suggested to him that we ask my parents if it’s okay to utilize a portion of our farm for poultry production. When we got here and did a site inspection, my husband and I decided that it will need a lot of work in order to get it started.

This was actually one of his reasons for deciding to work abroad. He wants to be in charge of financing the poultry project, and he wants me to oversee and manage it. I believe this is what God has planned all along. I’ve already been doing my research on poultry farming, which started last year since my husband doesn’t have the time to do it.

I was able to find a lot of online resources already on poultry farming including choosing the chicken breed, making the poultry house, preparing the chicken feed, increasing egg production, and marketing live chickens, dressed chickens, and eggs.

All I did last year was conduct research, and this year, we started preparing a portion of the project site. Then the surprise came later this year – a rogue hen grazed our garden. It’s as if God was telling me that it is about time I apply what I learned. No escaping God’s will, eh? 😉

And indeed, here I am taking care of this rogue hen, and God also provided a rooster. Although I might buy the rooster from my nephew because he’s the original owner. 😊

I never planned any of this to happen, but God made them happen. I just did what the Spirit asked me to do and kind of just went along with how things played out.

All I am praying for now is for my nephew to keep the Black Knight so he would stay with Chick forever. lol Indeed, God (love) moves in mysterious ways. Oftentimes, it will just come when you least expect it. ❤️

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” – Genesis 2:18

Found this bookmark inside a Bible that belonged to my late grandma – such a beautiful reminder. 🙂❤️🙏