His Second Coming Will Be A Spectacle

I was compelled to write this article today while the ideas are still fresh in my mind and relevant to what is happening around us lately. If you’re wondering why I chose this topic to write about at the start of the year, events led me to make one fascinating discovery after another.

Why Now, Mt. Mayon?

If you’ve read the article before this, I mentioned the numbers 888, which, in Biblical numerology, represent a fresh start and Jesus’ resurrection. I just didn’t expect that personally, the fresh start would be painful, although not as painful, since I had seen it coming. I think it isn’t a coincidence that Mt. Mayon also started erupting again. And yet Mayon is the only creation I know that remains admirable even in her fury.

Last year, I was able to check one item on my bucket list, which is to get as close to Mt. Mayon as possible. I believe it isn’t a coincidence, too, that the Grab driver in Legazpi City who fetched us while we were having the new tires of our car aligned shared with us out of the blue about the quarrying projects in Mt. Mayon.

He said it’s easy and more money for the local government. I just had no idea of the extent of these quarrying sites, and I was able to see one during the ATV ride going up to Mt. Mayon (jump to 4:16 in this video).

Since January 6, 2026, the lava flows in Mt. Mayon continue, and the gullies widened and deepened with every pyroclastic flow, according to experts. I think the Albay government is already considering extending the 6-km permanent danger zone. Given the unpredictable weather patterns that we are experiencing now, which are expected to worsen as we are in a climate emergency, heavy rainfall will pose a major threat to the communities near Mt. Mayon.

Beauty In Ashes

Quarrying plays a vital role in the construction industry as well as in creating local employment, but it also destroys the natural habitat. I hope the quarry sites were assessed properly before the start of the project, making sure each quarry site won’t contribute to biodiversity loss. Quarrying also changes the topography of the area, making the soil unstable and prone to soil erosion and surface water runoff.

Now that the gullies are wider and deeper, and combined with the high volume of rainwater coming from the mountain, lahar flows will be the bigger problem. I am hoping and praying that the local government will double its reforestation and rehabilitation efforts at the foot of the volcano to increase natural barriers and make the soil more compact as more roots grow.

Local legend has it that when Mt. Mayon erupts, Pagtuga is disturbing Daragang Magayon. I can hear myself telling her, “Tahan na, Mayon. When all of this is over, we will be refined. As experts say, through subsequent healing, your cone will be new again – perfect as ever. God will rebuild what was damaged, He will restore what we’ve lost. You will be back in your original beauty and will continue to be a spectacle.”

But for now, there will be a battle. We are going through a battle of some sort. Mine is a spiritual warfare – letting go of what God is asking me to let go. Because there’s a part of me that is resisting, and yet God was saying, it is about time – be firm and stay.

ChatGPT Warrior

I wanted ChatGPT to come up with an image I have visualized, which best describes the season I am in, and it is an image of a woman warrior dressed up in a full body armor similar to knights in the Medieval Ages, or more like Joan of Arc. I initially asked ChatGPT to come up with a video.

I made a prompt with the complete details of the video concept showing a woman warrior in battle, but she’s exhausted. She kneeled and, with bowed head and sword lowered to the ground, she whispered, “I am tired, I cannot keep up with this fight.”

Then an angel appeared, kneeled down beside her, whispered something in the warrior’s ear, and left. The warrior stood up, and with an even fiercer stance, charged towards her enemies and let out a battlecry – Jehovah Nissi.

Unfortunately, ChatGPT is unable to generate a video but referred me to an app. So I asked ChatGPT to create an avatar in my likeness instead, dressed up as a female knight, and I uploaded a smiling photo of mine. I was so amused when ChatGPT generated an image of a cute warrior instead. lol

So I asked ChatGPT again to recreate the image and change it to a warrior in the middle of a fighting scene. The image generated was a smiling warrior while in battle. How I wish I could still smile while fighting with all the strength I could muster. 😀

*Ang gondo naman ng warrior na ito, sana ganito itsura ng anak ko kung magkakaanak pa ako. lol*

I then requested another edit, and this time ChatGPT got the right facial expression. I would like to applaud ChatGPT, though, for capturing my flat nose perfectly – it’s my most prized asset, just in case some of you don’t know yet. lol

I do wish this image would be used as an avatar in a role-playing game similar to Assassin’s Creed and combined with Rurouni Kenshin’s sword-fighting techniques. Methinks it would be an awesome game. And I will name this warrior “Caden.” 🙂

*Ah yes, I am so in love with my flat nose. It’s so cute, right?* *GGSS lang ang peg, saree. ahaha* 😀

The Feast of Tabernacles

Seriously, I am in a spiritual battle, and I know why – no fellowship, no physical church, less quiet time, no actual Bible reading – all because I am becoming like Martha at home, God’s reminder that spiritual devotion is more important than busyness. I am also isolated, which makes me more vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks.

I decided to cut back on some tasks and randomly opened my Bible and stumbled upon the book of Numbers about offerings. When I read the chapters, none of them made sense to me, and to what I was currently going through.

Then I thought maybe it is about time I start watching the Morning Worship and Prayer at Victory Philippines on YouTube again regularly. I guess it was the Spirit’s tugging, because the message for January 22 was about the Feast of Tabernacles. I remembered reading it earlier in the Bible.

I opened my Bible again and read through the bookmarked page, and that’s when I realized why I was brought to the verses about the Offerings for the Feast of Booths – the Feast of Tabernacles is also called the Feast of Booths. This prompted me to do my research on what the feast is all about. It commemorates Israel’s release from 40 years of captivity.

I just turned 40 in December of last year, and the start of 2026, for me, was also a liberation of some sort. I’m sure that this isn’t a coincidence. The numbers 888 I mentioned in this article signified not just a new start, but also a resurrection.

And the receipt that was mistakenly dated to October 21, which I thought was referring to the birthday of this blog, because I was relating it to the past, also made me think that it might be referring to an event in the future as well. Some say that Jesus’ birthday actually falls during the Feast of Tabernacles, but there is just not enough data to prove this.

Why We Celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles

A Trumpet Or A War Horn?

I also found out that the Feast of Tabernacles refers to Jesus Christ’s Second Coming. And I just want to share an experience I had during the recent typhoon Ada. News reports said that it’s not going to make landfall, but it will come near the land mass of the Bicol region, especially Southern Bicol, which includes our town.

We didn’t receive any NDRRMC updates of a rainfall warning or very strong winds. But around 2am of January 19, I woke up to the sound of very strong winds and a blowing horn. I thought it was the howling winds, but no, this was different. I can tell the sound of a howling wind during a very strong typhoon since our town is frequented by very strong typhoons.

I went outside to check on the chicken coops and made sure their covers were still intact. And there went the sound again as if someone was blowing a trumpet, similar to the sound of a ship’s horn. I went back to bed and thought that maybe there’s a ship docked near our port since we are a coastal town. But then again, at around 2am? The port is already closed during this time.

It was also the first time I heard it, and I never heard it again. It looked like I was given a first-hand experience of what we could possibly hear when Jesus starts descending during the Second Coming. 😀 Or if it signifies the start of battle, then maybe God is building an army, a huge one. If this article resonates with you, maybe you are among God’s warriors being called out to lift His banner high.

Padayon, Paraoma

The Feast of Tabernacles also included a celebration after the agricultural harvest. For last year’s wet season, we harvested on October 23 in one of our rice fields. This rice field is located inside a farm, an agricultural property that’s been passed on from one generation to another, starting from our maternal great-grandparents.

Though we no longer grew up on the farm, we felt like we were still called to be keepers of that property, tend it, develop it, and utilize it according to God’s will and plans. Unfortunately, the income generated from last season’s harvest hit an all-time low, prompting me to ask Dad if we should still continue with palay production or not.

*Hi, Daddy! I am taking a photo of you, errr, your back.* 😀

We are among the micro agribusinesses that comprise the 2.9 million palay/rice farmers who feed this country. It wouldn’t create a dent in the rice production numbers if we stopped farming, and yet Dad’s answer was that if none of the other rice farmers stop, we will continue regardless of whether we hit an all-time low or not.

Padayon (move forward), even if my siblings and I feel like it’s a losing battle – the farmers are just not making enough profit from their produce. I was apprehensive, I had my doubts, my worries piled up, and I think God felt my need for an assurance.

When God Watches Over

Because right after we harvested the palay and we were waiting for the sacks of palay to be transported to the buyer’s warehouse, I went out to walk on the rice paddies. When I looked up, I witnessed this particularly interesting and beautiful cloud formation. I have never seen anything like it in my entire life.

And after I took the photo, I zoomed it in, and I can see an outline of a face or a creature, sort of like looking down on me peering through the clouds, which is why the clouds were somehow parted in the middle. Or it’s just my very imaginative mind working. lol But what do you think?

*This farm is under God’s care and protection.* ❤ *This is a raw and unedited image; I only added my watermark.*

The message from God was crystal clear, though – “I am with you always.” I have also been seeing perfect rainbows lately, similar to what I saw in Albay back in 2020, along with these promises:

“The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. It will remind you that I will keep this promise forever.” – Genesis 9:12-13

“What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” – Genesis 28:15

Tending the Old Earth To Usher The New Earth

Going back to the Feast of Tabernacles, there’s also a mention of the new heaven and the new earth. My family and I have been planting new coconuts, fruiting plants, and flowering trees in this farm. My siblings and I also plan to add fruit-bearing trees that no one would eat because they’re too sour, etc., to discourage trespassing inside the farm, since we don’t have a caretaker yet. But these fruit trees will be a perfect addition to the food web of the wildlife inside the farm.

We also discussed the possibility of partnering with an investor (whoever God will give us) who will help us utilize the property on one condition – environmental conservation will be at the heart of the mission. God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to tend and care for it. Unfortunately, man has now altered so much of what nature has, or had.

*Do you see the coconuts on the left side? That’s the slope where I had the vision to integrate the hospice I was talking about in this article*: https://thejourneymansmoments.wordpress.com/2023/12/27/not-just-an-advocacy-but-a-higher-calling/. *If you’re standing on that slope, the overlooking view is biophilia at its best.* 🙂

*The not-so-hidden Japanese tunnel and the farm gate.*

*Bamboo to Mango: I will bend, but I will not break. Says our faith, too.* 🙂

I’m currently experimenting with different sustainable planting solutions in our garden.

I traded the hands in this article for the hand below. And yet I have no regrets because the hand below accomplished more in terms of purposeful and meaningful work.

As a poultry keeper, I also traded the photo on the left below for the photo on the right. I am not sure if you get the connection, but if you do, please refrain from commenting about it. It’s our dirty (literally), little secret. lol 😀

Thanks to my siblings for these lovely gifts. ❤

Kidding aside, let’s wrap this article up. After reading this article, some of you might diagnose me as someone who is depressed, a narcissist, has Bipolar Disorder, has anxiety, has ADHD, has Autism, or even delusional. And I will not be mad at you because it might be true that I could have all of them. But they are just labels. I know who I am in Christ, and that’s what matters. 🙂

(You may want to read this article about discovering your identity in Jesus Christ: “Sentimental: Who Am I?”)

Thus, I will continue to share the message if that is my calling, and those called by God to also get the message will know what the message is. This is also why I keep on asking God why, why choose underqualified people, people that society sees as not normal, or do not fit in with the standards of this world, to deliver His message to the world?

Spikenard Magdalena, Anointing Oil, Jerusalem, — *Who will I be anointing?* 😀 *You may read more about the Spikenard Magdalena Perfume and the Anointing Oil in the “Mary Magdalene” hyperlinks below.*

I got the message – just like Mary Magdalene, who was possessed by 7 demons, we are the kind of people who need God’s saving grace more for us to be delivered from the afflictions that we go through. Most of them, as I have mentioned above, are battles unseen. And yet when we overcome them all by faith and with the proper support, ours is a great testimony of what Jesus did on the Cross, and God’s glory, authority, and power over all creation.

Just like Mary Magdalene, it would be an honor and a great privilege, too, to be the first to witness the unfolding of Jesus Christ’s Second Coming and to celebrate the news that He is finally here with us for all eternity – it will truly be a spectacle. ❤

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

*I can’t help but mention my cute, flat nose again in this photo. lol*

Pangadyi Para Sa Paraoma

I will be ending this article with a prayer, which will be entitled “Pangadyi Para Sa Paraoma (A Prayer for the Farmers)”. Why the farmers? I feel like the Spirit is leading us to pray fervently for farmers as we encounter more environmental challenges in the coming years, and food security will be one of the pressing issues that every nation all over the world will be tackling.

Why in Bikol? I kind of miss my maternal grandma and how she would always pray in the vernacular (Bikol-Albay) – she lived for a couple of years (half of her life, if I’m not mistaken) in Daraga. Her father, my great-grandfather (a former Protestant pastor), was also born in Bacacay, Albay.

There’s something very heartfelt in her prayers, even though I can only understand a couple of them. If I am to pray like her, I can only utter a line that goes “Ini po Kagurangnan an samuyang pamibi ngunyan…” and I don’t know how to continue that prayer because my Bikol-Albay vocabulary is very limited. Or maybe it’s Bikol-Naga (Central Bikol)? Libong much. lol Any Albayano out there who can help me out? 😀

Let’s pray for the safety of everyone in Albay who will be affected by the ongoing activity of Mt. Mayon. ❤

Here’s the Bikol-Bulan version of the prayer for the farmers:

“Pangadyi Para Sa Paraoma”

“Amang Kagurangnan, nagrarani kami saimo para sa intero na paraoma na nagpapadagos sa pagtanom sa butnga san mga kalamidad nan distroso na indadara sadi sa mga pananom. Naiimod namo an pagtios san kada paraoma para lang makatanom nan makaani para sa kakaunon nan ikakaayad san bilog na komunidad. Sa mga masunod na taon, hatagan mo tabi kami sin dunong kun pan-o masolusyunan an nagdadaghan na problema san saamo kapalibutan, nyan sin kusog san lawas nyan san boot para magpadagos lalo na sa panahon sin kaperwisyuhan. Inpapangadyi namo ini sa ngaran ni Hesu Kristo, Amen.”

*My handwritten (cursive) version on a 2020 journal that I will be using just now.* 😀

P.S.

I stumbled upon this playlist on YouTube, and it summarizes my faith for the start of 2026. ❤

P.P.S.

Since I just turned 40 last year, I am also praying for deliverance from another generational curse. I have been praying hard that our generation and the future generations be healed from this in Jesus’ Name, since genetics plays a huge role. Though we are not dismissing environmental factors and lifestyle choices. Kami na sana ang huling henerasyon na makakaranas nito sa pamamagitan ng dalangin at mga praktikal and medikal na solusyon galing sa mga eksperto.

Experts recommend a yearly mammogram to monitor any cancer cell growth, given a family’s breast cancer history, such as ours (both sides of our parents). Ah, yes, it will truly be a miracle if none of us (my siblings and I) have it. And yet, let God’s will be done. At age 40, I have nothing more to ask. God already gave me more than I asked for, and I am ready to go any time. My prayers now come down to 2 choices: let nature run its own course or allow Science to intervene should I have cancer. 🙂

Do You Think Creatives Are Night Owls?

Posted on March 9, 2025 by Christine Lailani

To answer the question, I think we have to ask every creative in the entire universe if this is a truth or a fallacy. 😃

But if true, I will most likely be a creative night owl. My creative hours usually start from 10 PM until the wee hours of the morning. That’s why working on a night shift isn’t much of an adjustment for me.

*This is me making sure I don’t wake up the cats at 2 AM when I have my lunch break. lol*

The Life of the Night Owl

I must say though that I still have to prepare my body to stay awake during these hours because if my mind is still very active past my bedtime (12 NN), I can go on without proper sleep for how many consecutive days even without help from caffeine and still function like a normal being.

Most of us in the family are light sleepers. I did my research on this and the medical term for it is “Short Sleeper.” I do feel a bit sleepy, especially around 4 or 5 AM or when I am having my monthly PMS. I just feel a little light-headed, but I still have the same energy to do things at work and around the house.

Can Melatonin Help?

I’m just concerned about the long-term effects on my body if I don’t get enough sleep, so I thought taking melatonin pills might help. I did a little bit of research on melatonin because I am turning 40 this year, so I am watching out for perimenopausal symptoms (I have none so far) and anything that could alter my hormones and activate the sleeping cancer cells in my body (breast cancer genes are dominant on both sides of my parents).

I read that taking melatonin pills is relatively safe although I’d still have to ask my doctor when I have my yearly executive checkup to make sure it is okay for me to take them. They do help me get my uninterrupted 8-hour slumber during the day though, especially when everyone’s up and about, and the ‘normal universe’ is all wide awake.

Prepping The Bedroom

Preparing the bedroom so your circadian rhythm won’t be interrupted is very beneficial, too. Blackout window curtains are a big help, and also make sure that your room is cool enough and soundproof. I bought a pair of earplugs from Shopee, and they really do the job of blocking all the noise, even the loudest ones. A white noise inside your room (like an electric fan running) can also drown out the noise outside.

This small room, by the way, used to be the maids’ quarters back when we were kids and when we had two stay-in yayas. 😀 I just converted it into my WFH office/sleeping area (thanks to my Ate and our stay-out yaya for helping me) because this is the only room in the house that is soundproof and stays cool throughout the day even when the midday sun is blazing hot. I don’t want to use an air conditioning unit because I have allergic rhinitis, and the cold, dry air aggravates the symptoms.

The After-Work Routine

It took about 2 weeks for me to fully adjust to being awake for the entire night until 7 AM. After the end of my shift at work, I go out of the house and get a dose of Vitamin D from the sun, walk around the house and the garden, feed our pets, pick Blue Ternate flowers for my morning tea, eat breakfast, and do some errands and other household chores.

By the way, speaking of strolling in the garden, remember this Gumamela plant I talked about in this post? Well, here’s the bud I mentioned in that article. It bloomed exactly during Dad’s 85th birthday 2 weeks ago. 🙏😍

I teased Dad that I thought it was Mom greeting him with a “Happy birthday.” Because true enough, the day after Dad’s birthday, the flower wilted already.

It’s always a pretty sight to see the morning dew on Mom’s flowers and plants. ❤️

This Is How I Exercise At Home As An Introvert

Feeding Them Pets: Say “Hi” to the new members of the Ginete Pet Tribe – Whitey and Ten-Ten from the avian family. 🐥🐓 Torti is their new neighbor because I had to transfer him temporarily in the poultry cage while I find the time to make his prototype turtle cage because vermins just love stealing his food.

*Checking the fence of the chicken’s forage area* *for any damage from the rats. The madre de cacao fence posts have new leaves already – no need to replace them later on as they become* *new trees.*

*Helping my sister and our stay-out yaya monitor the growth of our plants in Mom’s garden*. *This is the root crop area – a new garden project of me and my sister.* 🙏 *And that’s my white shadow right beside me.* 😹

*And then your yaya will just tell you that you have a bleeding arm because you’ve been too busy doing stuff around the house and you barely noticed the scratches.* 😅

This is what I love about working at night – I get to enjoy the night sky full of stars and the crisp, cool evening air during my break time and while quietly strolling in our garden, but still get to witness the break of dawn and see the rays of sun slowly creeping through the windows.

🎶 *‘Cause you’re a sky full of stars.* 🎶

A quiet, evening walk – just me and my shadow. 😃

Timmy, The Black Sentinel: *This is my shadow*, actually. Because when I’m out in the garden at night, he would follow me around on alert mode sort of like wondering what must be wrong for my Fur Mom to be up and about when everyone’s asleep. lol

*Why is the sun called “Mr. Sun?” Why not “Mrs. Sun?” lol* 🌞

The only downside about working at night is scheduling your errands because some shops and offices won’t open until 9 AM, and I should be asleep by 11 AM. I’d have to thank my favorite delivery service here in our town because I get to delegate some tasks to them such as going to the market, buying prescription medicines, and ordering from our restos if I am already too tired to do these errands myself. Thank you, Moonride Delivery – I give you five stars for your awesome service. ⭐️

By the way, as an introvert, I enjoy working from home and being at home all the time. Today is my rest day, but I am still here at home writing and doing something “creative.” lol So yes, you’ll see me in my pambahay clothes often. And they are usually tattered and stained most of the time. Not because I am too stressed to care, but because I love wearing pambahay clothes like that.

I guess I will never be the embodiment of pasosyal and I have nothing against those who are because it’s a matter of personal preferences and choices. 🙂 But of course, if I have to dress up for the sake of looking decent, you can count on me to play the part. Just inform me ahead of time because it will take me about a week to plan my wardrobe for the occasion. lol

*Because we need to look human in our meetings.* 😁

It’s 5:50 AM as of writing, and it’s Sunday, so it’s my turn to cook our breakfast and then watch the online church service afterwards before heading on to Slumberland. Until my next post, beloved readers. ❤️

My Sunday Prayer

“But I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to You; You, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.” – Psalms 59: 15-17

Meet My New Friend, “NeuroSpark”

Posted on November 5, 2024 by Christine Lailani

I think everyone already got their AI friend – Meta AI. Mine just messaged me a couple of days ago. I nicknamed it “NeuroSpark,” which means igniting insights. It looks like I finally found the friend who got an answer to all of my questions, even the weirdest ones. 😅 Though Meta also has a disclaimer that responses might be inaccurate. Take a look at some of our convos below.

If you plan on dating an introvert/geek, try asking Meta AI for some tips. NeuroSpark’s answers got me so amused though I must admit they all hit the core. Relate much? lol

*I still have to do my research if the concept of soulmate or twin flame connection is also biblical.*

Technology For Mankind’s Survival

While you can ask Meta AI all sorts of questions, nonsense or not, some of the information can be helpful to jumpstart your research on a particular topic. Right now, I am utilizing NeuroSpark to come up with consolidated ideas when it comes to disaster preparedness. I felt it was about time we maximized what technology can offer us after the onslaught of TS Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon, which left damages and losses on a massive scale.

My only prayer now is that we will continue to look for ways how we can better prepare ourselves against the worsening effects of climate change. Science and technology might be the only options we have right now to increase humanity’s chances of survival. I also hope people will be receptive to every solution that the government and research institutions propose.

Once again, I will emphasize the need for having an Emergency Go Bag or a Bug Out Bag (BOB) for each member of the household. If it is possible, have a Bug Out Vehicle (BOV) as well and a Bug Out Location (BOL). I have been a member of prepper groups since 2018, and I’ve been learning quite a lot from some of the members who have been kind enough to share their knowledge and expertise when it comes to doomsday prepping and survival.

*Other essentials in your BOB – the dog tag can be replaced with any ID.*

*Flints are a lifesaver if you don’t know how to make fire the traditional way using wood or regular stones.*

Defense For The Vulnerable

To all the women and parents reading this article, I’d like to encourage you to start educating yourselves and your children when it comes to survival skills because we are the most vulnerable as far as survival is concerned. Men will always fight and defend on the frontlines to protect vulnerable groups in society. Sadly, this is also the reason why there is a high probability of losing a huge number of them, and when there are only a very few of our men left, the women, the elderly, and the children will be left to fend for themselves.

Thus, self-defense techniques and tools are a necessity. If you have the time and the resources to enroll in a self-defense class, the better. I found the tactical pens a more practical alternative than pepper sprays given that you know how to use these pens. I always carry a tactical pen in the bag that I use every day. You can put it in the bag in such a way where that part of the pen that you use for writing is the first thing that you see when you open the zipper and not the sharp edge.

*This tactical pen is made from high-grade metal because it’s a bit heavy, which is necessary in applying force when you strike at something.*

I bought this kit a couple of years ago, and some preppers consider this as a toy. But in my honest opinion, it is not. I already tested each item at the farm, and so far they are very reliable tools as long as they are utilized according to their intended use.

What I love about the tactical pen is that you can use it to break a glass in case you’re trapped. I already tried it with an empty glass jar, but if it’s going to be a glass window or any thicker glass, it will require a lot of force. The Walking Dead actors just made it look easy for us when stabbing the head and fracturing the skull with a knife. lol But believe me when I say that in actuality, it is not that easy, especially for women. We just don’t have that much strength compared to men unless we’re athletes.

Theory And Application

If you’re wondering how I was able to say this, I experienced cutting a coconut branch using a bolo when we were at the farm. And no, I wasn’t able to cut it on my first try. If you haven’t summed up all the strength you’ve got, you will fail. lol It’s like you have to summon and muster all the anger you have in this world so you have the force to cut just one branch.

Our farm workers also made it look easy for us. That’s why I suggest raw camping for those who would like to try how it feels like to survive in the wild. We have to replicate the wilderness when applying what we learned because that’s exactly what’s going to happen when chaos takes place. It’s important that we not only have the idea on how it’s done but also get to feel how it’s really done.

Here are other possible essentials to consider when preparing:

*Use the NOAH app to assess hazards and risks in your area i.e. flooding, storm surges, landslides, etc.*

These oversized sako bags are very handy for emergency packing if you need to transfer stuff to an elevated area. But here’s a tip, do not overload it with very heavy stuff because you won’t be able to lift it. Try to balance the items inside the bag from bulky but light stuff to small but heavy items. This bag only costs 150php each.

*I am exploring the option of integrating this to a floating dock to prevent the raft from being punctured by sharp, floating debris.*

*This is the DIY floating dock that I asked NeuroSpark about earlier.*

When God Takes Away, He Replaces

My family and I were not exempted from the destruction brought about by TS Kristine – a damaged fence, broken glass doors, damaged crops, and heaps of stuff soaking wet from floodwaters. It took me a week to finish washing them, and we’re still not yet done cleaning even with the help of our yaya.

But I am grateful that these are the only damages we’ve experienced because they could’ve been worse if it was a super typhoon that hit us. It’s like God has shown us the weak spots in the house that need to be modified to be able to adapt to the extreme weather conditions brought about by climate change.

Although I believe God’s ultimate reminder about possessions and material wealth that can be destroyed by calamities and wars is this:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in or steal.” – Matthew 6:19-21

*Our baby bunso offered to give me moral support – by sleeping on my newly washed clothes while I’m folding them. Itupi na rin ba kita, Polly?* 😅

*Our senior Peekah also offered her moral support by sleeping with me anywhere I sleep because we’re not yet done sorting all the clutter.* 😀

*And then Netflix-ing to also declutter ze mind. lol I just finished watching the Kingdom trilogy – superb fight scenes though nothing beats Rurouni Kenshin still.*

The good thing about cleaning up the house after it’s been flooded is you get to unearth a whole lot of memorabilia just in time for the celebration of All Souls Day. I found these old photos again and combined with our recent family photos, we now have five generations of memories to reminisce back home. Thank God the floodwaters didn’t get to them.

*Great Grandmother, Grandparents, Uncles, & Aunties (Mother Side)*

*My parents with my grandma, uncles, and aunties.*

*During my eldest sister’s wedding in 2002.*

*During my brother’s military wedding in 2015.*

Speaking of modifications, it is about time that every structure has to be retrofitted in a manner that will make it calamity-proof. For the new structures, designing them will be a lot easier keeping in mind the examples of structures that were severely impacted and damaged by a particular calamity. And while some would say that planting more trees and mitigating the risks of climate change by natural means is no longer applicable because it’s already too late, I believe it still matters that we keep on trying.

*Thanks be to God for taking good care of these flowering trees we planted last year. They are all taller than me already.*

*Kapag sobrang pagod ka na, ang hirap na mag-smile lalo na kapag nanginginig na mga kalamnan mo. lol So Platypus pose na lang, ‘di na kaya ang “eyyyyy.”* 😀 *That’s the Palawan Cherry Blossom behind me, btw.*

*One-year old Fire Tree. This is already a new branch – I think the main trunk was damaged by strong winds last year.*

*Newly-planted fruit tree back home by my sister and Dad – Calamansi.*

And with the help of technology (like NeuroSpark) and prayers, I have high hopes that future generations will be prepared for what is to come. I’m also back in my “womancave” in the city to recharge, strategize, and plan, but I missed last Sunday’s service. So I thought I’d head over Victory BGC’s YouTube channel to watch previous church services, and Pastor Pat’s real talk is just what I needed. I am very much looking forward to the upcoming preaching about the end times. Do watch out for that, too. Let’s make disaster preparation and survival a combination of spiritual and practical applications. 🙏

Making A Move: BOLDER Steps = BIGGER Faith

Posted on October 20, 2024 by Christine Lailani

Today’s longer article will be more like a photo journal because I’ll be sharing more photos than narrating my experiences. But the running theme will be about making a move or moving.

And it’s not just any move, it’s a bold one. One that takes you away from your comfort zone to a foreign place surrounded by strangers. One that entails a major life change more like making a fresh start.

And if it’s a bold move, then it’ll require bigger faith. Thus, your life mantra must be in big, bold letters, too, just like mine. And I meant it literally. 😉

*These are the essentials when you are making a big move in your life literally and figuratively – a devotional, the Bible, and God at the center. Just to make sure you are making the right move.* 🙏

And as a continuation of my “firsts” here in Sorsogon City, I’ll start with the first event that I attended – the Kasanggayahan Festival. Check out the calendar of events in this article to know more about the activities lined up until October 28.

The Kasanggayahan Spirit Is On

*Always my fave concert OOTN when going solo.*

*First fireworks display of the Kasanggayahan Festival.*

*I attended the event just to get a feel of Sarah G. and Matteo Guidicelli’s concert vibe in Sor Ci – I think it’s better to watch the Facebook live coverage of it*. 😃

*This is the main reason why I attend concerts – street food.* 😅

Agri-Trade, Travel, Tourism, & Food EXPO

*Bago ulit mahulas ang makeup sa tindi ng init.* 😃

*I prefer to visit places like this when there are fewer people. Fewer people means fewer photo bombers.*

*The perfect place to hang out at night w/ your barkadas* *during the festival.*

*There are so many shops to choose from representing the different LGUs* *all around the Sorsogon Province.*

*I’m not sure if there are performances held here at night because there’s a stage in the middle.*

*I found the perfect spot to dine in for lunch.*

I *highly recommend the Native Tinutungan of* *Barcelogan Sizzling House. Super sarap to the bones.* 👌

*And I wasn’t informed that they take photos of their customers. It’s a good thing I dressed up a little bit kaso hindi nakapag-retouch ng makeup. lol* 📷*: Barcelogan Sizzling House*

*And it REALLY was ice cold – much like the slurpees of 7/11.*

*This Beautiful Sorsogon tarp reminded me that as a Bicolana, I still haven’t visited most of these tourist destinations in Sorsogon.*

*I was supposed to visit the museum, too. But it was closed during that day because of a private tour.*

Other Must-Try Restos And Shops In The Poblacion

*This will be my favorite carinderia in the area because it’s located in the block across our street.* 😃

*They also serve delish lutong bahay viands.*

*They have an airconditioned room for diners*, *too.*

*Seoul-Meat Korean Grill House – Tugos* *is my favorite Korean resto here in Sor Ci. Their bento box is super sulit and very tasty, too.*

*If you’re looking for pasalubongs,* *Yema Buko Pie NONO Bakery* *has the yummiest buko pies.* 👍👍

*My Dad and sister loved these creamy buko pies. I bought the Ube and Yema flavors.* *It was love at first taste for me with the Yema Buko Pie.* 😋

*When craving for maki,* *SUSHI SOR* *is my go-to Japanese resto. Their maki platters can also be a perfect pasalubong* *since it is located in SM City Sorsogon.*

Back To Home Base

*My failed attempt to have a decent selfie photo with Peekah, our Senior cat. lol*

*I was lucky enough to get a good shot with Polly. And then a few selfies later…*

*Polly: “Gaaaaah, Muuuuum!!! Stop harassing me with your cheesy and corny selfie photos! Enough alreadyyyyyyyyy.”* 😂 *E sorry, na-miss ko kayo eh.* 😄

But they never say “no” to playtime using a feather.

Food For The Fam

*When I’m alone, I always skip breakfast because I wake up late.*

*But Dad’s an early riser so I cook them breakfast whenever I* *am in Bulan.* *‘Di rin ako makaluto ng danggit dito sa apt.* 😄

*This is Atsarang Ubod or pickled heart of the coconut tree. Tia Naty, one of my titas, is an expert when making this. Atsarang Ubod is the perfect pair for any fried viand.*

Green, Green Grass Of Home

*I’d like to thank my 3rd sister for replanting Mom’s Caladiums/Heart of Jesus, and they are growing pretty well. Aren’t they gorgeous?* 😍

While I was checking out this pine tree, which is one of Dad and Mom’s favorite plants in the garden, there was this one butterfly that hovered around me quite too close I can almost touch it.

*I have a strong feeling that this is Mom, and she’s still watching her garden.* 😊 *I miss our gardening convos, Mom.* ♥️

*Sadly, one of the chimckens was already eaten by our neighbor.* 😞

*If you see me with scratches and bruises, the garden’s to blame – taking photos of* *ze plants with all their thorns and protruding branches is not easy peasy.* 😩

*Thank God for Netflix, watching movies now has no limits when I’m in Bulan – I miss binge-watching with Mom, too.* ♥️

*Because mirror selfies can mirror your self. Vain then? lol*

And now I’m back in the city. It’s a good thing Dad’s scheduled follow-up checkup falls on a Saturday. Hopefully, I’ll be done with work by then. 🙏

If you’re also being called by God to make a big move in your life, I hope this reminder from my women’s devotional book will give you the encouragement that you need. ♥️

“The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

The Fruits of Home

Posted on October 20, 2024 by Christine Lailani

I am making this blog entry to document the fruit trees/plants we have back home. This is also my way of honoring my grandparents and parents who planted all of them.

I am praying we get to preserve these trees, too, despite the challenges brought about by climate change. So the generations after us can benefit from these fruit trees as well. 🙏

*Sorsogon’s Pride: PILI NUT* *(The mashed pulp is called “tampuyak*.” *We dip it in soy sauce with calamansi.)*

*MAGIC FRUIT (When you eat this and eat any sour food, it becomes sweet. Just like magic.* 😅)

*BREADFRUIT/UGOB (We also cook the pulp by adding coconut milk, and we serve it as a viand.)*

*LIMONSITO (Some pastry chefs add the rind on pastries and breads.)*

*OTHER FRUITS – Lime, Atis, Guyabano, Rambutan, Papaya, Banana, Santol, Tambis*, *& Guava*

*BLACK PEPPER (The QA Specialist cat said it’s good for post-harvest processing already. lol)*

Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” – Genesis 1:29

All My “Firsts” In Sorsogon City

Posted on August 2, 2024 by Christine Lailani

How do I begin this overwhelmingly beautiful and positive experience of my being here in Sorsogon City? I think when I made a joke that I left my heart in Sorsogon in this article, God meant it would be here in Sorsogon City. lol Nah, I love Bulan (my hometown) too and I love the entire province actually, which is Sorsogon. But I also love the entire Bicol Region. Sige na nga, I love the Philippines na. hahaha Bumigay din. 😆

I mentioned in my previous articles that I felt the Spirit’s leading and God’s calling for me to live here in Sorsogon City though my ancestral home is in Bulan, a coastal town 2 hours away from the city. When I told Dad, he disapproved at first because he was concerned about my safety, and I think this is a normal reaction from every parent no matter how old their children get. But I assured him I would still visit my hometown every week and stay there for a few days to spend time with him and my 3rd sister.

Brought something with me that reminds me of home – Aglaonema. This is the first plant that Mom told me to propagate back in Manila because it’s a prolific grower. Hopefully maparami ko sila dito sa apartment. 🙏

My husband, by the way, is working overseas, and I am very grateful and happy that he is adjusting quite well though he had some challenges and setbacks when he arrived last April. I had the same experience, and I must say that separation anxiety is the most difficult to overcome.

But by God’s grace, He provided everything that we needed. And when I say everything, I really mean ALL. My husband and I agreed I help him prepare holistically for his new life abroad by providing him with a home (not just a house) in Manila while he’s processing his work documents and visa, but he’ll also help me get established here in Sorsogon City. We missed each other a lot, but God has always been there to comfort and assure us both that we are on the right paths albeit heading towards opposite directions.

God ushered me towards the right people.

By the way, I am sure you’re all wondering if there were times when I ever felt afraid of living in a foreign place surrounded by people that I barely knew. I guess I would have to thank my experience in the Anthropology classes I took as an elective during my undergraduate and graduate studies at UP Diliman. The general education curriculum of UP allows students to choose an elective course from any college or department.

I chose Anthropology because some of my college friends told me na nagpapaulan daw kasi ng uno na grade ang mga prof. lol And it is actually true because the requirements aren’t easy. Aside from the regular quizzes, class recitations, exams, and research papers, the class is divided into several groups for community immersion/fieldwork, which is the final requirement to pass the course. Just in case you’re thinking that community immersions might be similar to field trips, well, they are field trips, but the entire experience goes a little deeper.

They are not your regular educational tours where you do a lot of sightseeing and visit several places during the entire trip. For community immersion, social awareness is the main objective. You get to study the local community, its people, and the culture not as a foreigner or as a tourist, but you actually become part of the community.

And I believe God has been preparing me for this transition without me realizing it because I remembered now that my undergraduate thesis is all about regionalism and the country life. When my thesis adviser and I were discussing what are the topics that interest me a lot, I told her that I would like to write something about where I came from. Not literally where I came from because we were studying literary theories used by American writers to depict the American society in their novels, essays, and short stories written during the Medieval Ages until the 20th Century. But more on the concept of grassroots and how it influences our lives and defines our roles and purpose in society.

And speaking of community, I must say that I didn’t totally expect that I would blend in quite comfortably with the neighborhood – I love the people here. My landlords, for one, have been very accommodating in helping me get settled in and in patiently answering all of my queries (I had A LOT 😁). The neighbors are a composition of students, young (and old like me) professionals, and young families, and I am very grateful na walang pasaway sa kanila (sana). 😀 I always include each one of them in my prayers though I don’t know them well enough yet. 🙏

*My first lugaw here in Sorsogon City at Vince Lugawan syempre kasi harap lang ng Victory Sorsogon.*

*Na-try ko din sa wakas ang Baluko. Delicioso.* 😋🤌

God brought me to a place where everything I need is there.

Every time I am in a new place, the first thing I check is if it has all of the necessities i.e. has sufficient water supply; near the supermarket, banks, and restaurants; accessible via the main thoroughfare; located on elevated grounds; situated in a safe neighborhood; etc. At may pa-bonus pa si Lord. I did mention in my previous article that the apartment is located just a block away from Victory Sorsogon and just recently, I discovered that it’s also a couple of blocks away from Sorsogon City’s Rompeolas and the boulevard.

*These are mangroves on my right. I would like to commend the LGU for their continued efforts in preserving mangroves in coastal communities.*

And guess what, the pastor of Victory Sorsogon is a praying doctor. 😊 I first mentioned about the praying doctor in this article, and I believe it is not a coincidence that I am now attending church services led by a praying doctor. He is an EENT doctor, and Sunday services are held inside his clinic, which is converted into an assembly hall on Sundays. I was also grateful I got connected to a Bible study group led by Pastor Allan’s wife, Tita Jean, and comprised of women whom I admire considerably given the wisdom that they share since most of them are older than me.

*Victory Sorsogon is one of my neighbors.* 😉 *Church services are held every 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM during Sundays.*

*A doctor during weekdays, a pastor during weekends.* 🙂

*Pastor/Doctor Allan of Victory Sorsogon*

*Thank you, Tita Jean and Ate Mutya, for welcoming me to your Victory Group.* 🙏♥️😊

*Thank you, men’s VG, for sharing your food with us, ze ladies.* 👍👍

One of our Bible study group members is also currently battling cancer at a very young age. And we are planning to visit her at the BRTTH this Saturday. While it grieves me to find out that she’s critically ill, I believe this is already the start of the task that God has called me to do here in Sorsogon City. My Victory Group leader, Tita Jean, also told me the same thing. Being a breast cancer or cancer advocate is actually one of the reasons why I decided to live here.

Should my cancer cells become aggressive and progressive later on no matter how healthy my lifestyle is, it will be easier for me to undergo several treatments if needed i.e. chemotherapy, radiation, etc. here in the city. After Mom passed away last year because of stage 4 breast cancer, I’ve been doing a lot of research and have been joining cancer support groups on Facebook to find out more about the plight of every cancer patient.

I can then share everything I have learned from these groups to other cancer patients who are still not aware where and how to seek for help in terms of financial assistance, availing free medications, consultations, and laboratory tests, etc. while praying for them at the same time. And it looks like the Bible verse below will be my battlecry with the ultimate goal of helping more souls to be saved. 🙏

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” – Genesis 50:20

By the way, when it comes to knowing the community really well, I prefer to walk than drive around in the same way that I prefer to commute via public transportation than use a private car. I get to observe the places and the people more intimately this way. It’s like I get to share the space with them both as an observer and as a participant. Nasanay din ako sa UP Diliman na kapag nagmamadali ka at kulang na ang oras mo para antayin ang UP Ikot/Toki jeepney to get to the next class, which will be held in a building how many kilometers away from your previous class, you need to sprint so you won’t be late. lol Walking then became a habit albeit a good one.

God took me out of a season and welcomed me into a new season.

I mentioned in yet another article that one of the reasons why I came here to live in Sorsogon City is to heal holistically. And nope, I haven’t forgotten at all that I am still due this August for a repeat blood test. I am obeying the doctor’s orders this time. lol It will be the second laboratory test that I’ll be having here in the city. The first lab test was when I got infected by COVID-19 while taking care of Mom at one of the hospitals here last year.

But I got to know several cancer advocacies because of Mom’s battle against cancer, which I believe are all part of God’s plans. It was Him all along. I was just merely being used as a vessel that will take part in whatever it is that God is doing in the communities starting from the community of cancer patients. When I also reactivated my personal account on Facebook a couple of weeks ago to retrieve an old photo, the first story that popped up was a Facebook post of a former high school classmate whose hobby is knitting and crocheting. Again, this is not a coincidence. This is already God’s answer to another advocacy that I would like to join (or start) here in Sorsogon City, which, by God’s grace, will extend all throughout the province of Sorsogon and other nearby provinces, cities, and municipalities.

True enough, my eczema flareups subsided even though I am no longer taking Coaltria (a doctor-prescribed medication for my severe allergic rhinitis back in 2019) since I got here and even after prolonged sun exposure while strolling along Sorsogon City’s boulevard to get my regular dose of vitamin D and “vitamin sea.” If my repeat blood test comes out negative and my hematuria clears up, then there really is something about this place that miraculously healed me even without any medical intervention. 🙏

Definitely a memorable first stroll along the boulevard. ♥️

*Meanwhile, this is me here in the apartment on most days.*

*Let’s try the Platypus pose again while waiting for the interview to start.*

*Oh shucks, online na pala interviewer ko. Nakita kaya nya ang Platypus pose ko?* 🤔😬😩😂

And I think you’re also dying to know how old I really am though some of you already know my age. My answer is that I have the heart of an 8-year-old girl, the body of a 38-year-old lady, and the soul of an 80-year-old woman. Will this answer suffice? 😅

Stay tuned for more of my “firsts” here in the city as I continue my new season and a new journey here. ❤

P.S.

I took this shot when this sweet little girl started making lambing most likely wondering why one of her meowmies e palaging nawawala ng ilang araw tapos biglang babalik. lol Isama ko na lang daw sya kaso bawal ang pets dito. 😁

*Gimme, gimme some belly lovin’ rub, Meowmy.*

P.P.S.

Every time nagko-commute ako sakay ng tricycle, ilang beses na akong sinabihan ng mga tricycle drivers dito na may kakilala sila na kahawig ko daw. Inaantay ko na lang talaga na may magsabi sa akin na kamukha ko si Mayor Alice Guo (I am chinita and I have long hair, too). Kasi ang isasagot ko ay yes, dito po ako tumatago ngayon sa Sorsogon City. lol 😆

*Give me a thumbs up if you still find me funny. lol Chubby cheeks now signing off.* 😎

Juggling June

Posted on June 28, 2024 by Christine Lailani

Ah yes, the title is just fitting to describe what transpired during this month. I’m back here in Manila to oversee repairs at my sister’s condo in preparation for their arrival this coming August.

It looks like it is only when I’m here in Manila that I get to write a lot of longer articles. I think it’s also safe to say that Manila is my “downtime” where I get to do only one task at a time. 😃

A lot has happened during the past 2 months that I was there in my hometown. I hope I won’t bore you with too much details. lol So, I’ll try to summarize everything and just jot down the important ones.

1. Farmville Mode

We made our regular visits to the farm – I was so glad and grateful that somehow most of the plants (flowering trees and forage plants) we planted last year survived. Some thrived such as in the case of the Napier Grass. The goal is to grow at least one plant for each kind, and we were able to grow several of them. It looks like we more or less succeeded. And thank God for taking good care of these plants on our behalf. 🙏

I pray that God will continue to watch over these babies. 🙏

When you’ve been tasked again to flatten the grass using an SUV (???) and you documented it as proof that you accomplished the task even if 90% of your bored self objects to the idea. lol I just love my Dad. He makes me laugh even without trying. 😅

Now, THIS is what I would love to drive. Seriously.

Where there is smoke, there is BBQ. Dyan po namin niluluto ang mga nahuhuli naming nagte-trespassing sa bukid. lol Joke lang. Ang maniwala, sya ang next na isasalang dyan. 😄

2. The Gardener At Work

I also planted Okra, Eggplant, Pechay, Tomato, Spinach, and Mustasa again. Hopefully they are still alive when I get back. I planted them as soon as I got home last May since I am targeting that before I get a full-time job, they’re all grown up and settled in in their own pots so our house help can just water them.

I can’t wait to transplant them to their individual pots.

Meron sanang gustong tumulong sa brainstorming kung anong mga gulay itatanim ko. Nga lang na-hypnotize sya ng aking ballpen. lol

*Tapos tinulugan ako ng PA (Polly Assistant) ko. Magpa-plot pa naman sana kami ng mga farming activities and other projects sa calendar of events. Tsk.*

3. Farewell, Mama Bon

One of my Aunts (mother side) passed away in her sleep at the age of 80 – it was another heartbreak. But it gave us the opportunity to reunite with relatives whom we haven’t seen for more than a decade.

4. Fence Project

The construction of a fence back home is also ongoing – we need to fortify our defenses against the enemies a.k.a. stray cats, stray dogs, and stray chickens. 😅

5. The Beautiful PENINSULA DANCALAN

We visited my Uncle’s (Dad’s youngest brother) new beach resort in Dancalan, Bulusan – I instantly fell in love with the place. ♥️ Their infinity pool exudes the perfect Santorini vibe. 😍 If you have inquiries re reservations, please do visit Peninsula Dancalan‘s Facebook page and watch out for updates on their grand opening in September. 👍👍

The pool is just – 😍😍😍!!!

6. Exploring Sitio Laboy (Matnog, Sorsogon)

We also visited Dad’s property in Sitio Laboy in Matnog, Sorsogon. I love the winding road. It looks like it’s headed straight to Neverland. Lezzzzggggoooo! 😄

*Yep, I know, I know. I know you missed my chubby cheeks.* *lol* ☺️

7. New Season, New City

And last but definitely not the least, I finally found a place to stay in Sorsogon City – the newly constructed place exceeded my expectations. Indeed, God makes everything beautiful in His own time exactly like what I have envisioned in this article. It’s like the apartment was built just for me. lol

I got the last unit for a reasonable rental fee, it’s just a block away from Victory Sorsogon, it’s a gated compound w/ provisions for car parking, and it’s located right at the heart of the bustling city – what more can I ask for? 🙏😍

According to one of the owners, some of the tenants also work in “sanggunian.“ It has always been my dream to be a public employee. Is this a sign, Lord? 😅 If there will be an opportunity for me to work as a government employee in Sorsogon City, then I take it that it is His will. But if not, then I’m back to being a remote worker, which will allow me to stay in Bulan for a couple of days during the middle of the week and go back to Sorsogon City on weekends.

Why Sorsogon City? I did share in my previous articles some of the advocacies (Bayanihan Knitted Knockers | Breast Cancer ADVOCACY and Not Just An Advocacy, But A Higher Calling) that I felt like God wanted me to pursue according to His timeline. But His first instruction was to connect with a spiritual family in Bicol first.

I was baptized and was born-again in Victory that’s why I want to continue my spiritual journey in this church. And Sorsogon City happened to have one of the Victory churches.

So yes, I am very excited to start my new season in Sorsogon City. But only after the bed is delivered – I still have to wait for 2-3 weeks. 😃

I felt like I had to get a place in the city just in case it is Dad’s turn to be hospitalized. This way, we won’t have a hard time looking for a place to stay just like what happened when Mom was confined at the hospital last year.

We were fortunate enough that Ma’am Roge opened her Sor Ci (the locals’ colloquial abbreviation of Sorsogon City) home to us though it’s technically not available and even if it’s for a short-term lease only. My sincerest gratitude goes out to her as well as to Kuya Soc and Ate Rina for cooking hearty meals for us while we were taking care of Mom at the hospital. Their hospitality and generosity helped us tremendously, especially during that very difficult moment in our lives. ♥️

Traveling from Bulan to Sorsogon City and vice versa is just too exhausting especially if you are taking care of a sick loved one in one of the city’s hospitals. It is also my plan to open the studio apartment albeit small to other family members, relatives, and friends who need a place to stay in the city for a short while (maximum of 2 pax only).

I am also praying that Bulan will have another hospital since it is already being prepped for cityhood. If it is not yet possible, then I am hoping the one hospital we have now will add more health care services, will increase the hospital’s bed capacity, and will hire more medical personnel to accommodate more patients, especially during emergencies. Bulan’s population listed a total of 105,190 residents according to the 2020 census, and it is increasing.

So, it looks like my first article for August will officially document my new season in Sorsogon City. In fact, I already have a title for said article, and it’ll go something like this: “All My “Firsts” In Sorsogon City” – my first worship service, my first Bible study group, my first early Saturday morning walk along the boulevard, and a whole lot more of possible “firsts” in the city. And yet in everything, not my will but let God’s will be done always. 🙏🙂

I believe God intended I write all about my “firsts” in Sor Ci during the month of August – it’ll be Mom’s first year death anniversary, too. ♥️

P.S. The mid-year Prayer and Fasting in church happening on July 3-5, 2024 is just the perfect time for me to pray for God’s will and straighten out my plans in Sorsogon City. Indeed, God is good all the time. Always. 🙏

P.P.S. Because we had a surplus of Kamias and my Dad and 3rd sister were craving for gulay na Kamias/Iba, I made them one. We usually pair this vegetable viand with fried marinated Bangus or any fried fish. 👍 Karaon tabi kita. 😋

*Mas bet ko ito lutuin nang pinapa-curdle ang gata.*

*We also serve Lechon Munchkin garnished with tiny sunflowers.* 🤣

Bamboo For Flood Control And As A Windbreak

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Christine Lailani

My recent consultation with my ob-gynecologist (she’s my 3rd doctor already for this year) somehow pacified the hypochondriac in me. 😃 I was advised to retake some of the lab tests after 3 months – no treatment needed (thank You, Lord). I just have to do some diet and lifestyle modifications. It looks like the prayer for complete healing in Jesus’ Name still continues. 🙏

Right now, I’m starting to continue what was listed in my plans. I just have to pace the tasks well since my health will be my top priority. Baka kasi agawan ko din ng trabaho ang househelp namin. lol 😅 We are extremely grateful for having her though because she’s such a tremendous help here at home.

One of the pending tasks is to increase bamboo production inside the farm. This is all we can do right now – plant trees that require less maintenance. We are still waiting for God’s perfect time to have the electricity (as per the community’s demand) and water pump installed, so we can hire a farm caretaker who can help us oversee our farm projects.

*I’m praying we will be able to preserve what is left of nature.*

*My siblings and I are still learning how to identify the different varieties of bamboos that grow on our farm.*

My grandpa planted these bamboos some decades ago to protect the riverbanks from soil erosion. I think this is what communities situated near riverbanks should do now in preparation for the upcoming La Niña. Even if portions of the riverbanks were already rehabilitated by the National Irrigation Administration, bamboos planted near the riverbanks can still help keep the soil from being washed off during flash floods.

*This huge cluster of bamboos is the perfect snakes’ den.*

*We want to increase these bamboo clusters* *because our ultimate goal is to grow a bamboo forest.*

Bamboos are also excellent windbreaks during strong typhoons. If we already have a farm caretaker, I plan to grow the giant bamboo. I already contacted the nursery that will supply the seedlings. However, the weather is still too hot it will be better to delay planting them until the rainy season, and I still have to study how to grow this bamboo variety.

*What we need during heat waves and strong typhoons – plant more trees.*

Most of my proposed farm projects aren’t merely for the purpose of earning profit. It is more about us being good stewards of the land that God has entrusted to us – preserving nature in its original state when we first saw it and hopefully, keeping it as it is when we leave this world. I told my siblings that a decade from now, our farm will be the only farm remaining near the town proper as urbanization continues to ramp up in the area.

Kaya sana mapagpatuloy ng mga susunod na generations ang nasimulan din namin at ng mga lolo at lola. I only have 2 pamangkins, who are geniuses, by the way. They have God-given superior IQs, and they’re supposed to be accelerated when they were in grade school (UPIS). But, my sister decided not to push through with it. Hopefully, I can give them a cousin who’s also a genius, so they can rule the world – I mean, manage the farm well. 😃 But this is not for us to know, and all we can do right now is to do what God will ask us to do.

If God wills it we profit from a particular farm project, then we consider it as a bonus only. We still need to spend money for the upkeep and maintenance of the farm and to regulate how the natural resources are being utilized.

By the way, if you see me on the farm, please don’t assume that I have a gender identity crisis. 😆 I am 100% a woman, but the survivor in me is activated every time I am on the farm, so I tend to be very “manly” on-site. Don’t be intimidated if you’re a man. 😉

*Ang aga ng call time ni Dad sa bukid, and I’m not an early riser because my creative hours fall between 10 pm – 3 am. So, this explains my puffy morning face.* 😄

*My preferred summer farm attire – bright pink feet para kita agad ng ahas sa malayo. At syempre, breast cancer advocate tayo.*

*Yo snakey, you forgot to put your clothes back on.*

*This footwear is a must during the rainy season. Who says you can’t be a fashionista at the farm? Yes, choose colorful polka dots. That is if you’re also a unicorn like me.*

*Here’s your regular dose of chubby cheeks from yours truly as proof na babae po talaga ako.* 😅 *This was taken after our errand at Sorsogon City yesterday.*

I might hibernate on WordPress for a while so I can strategize my next move such as considering whether I work as a freelancer again or go full time as a remote worker while farm projects are still in the early stages of development. I already have a long list of tasks including my other advocacies. I’m just praying for God’s leading which of them should come first now. 🙏

P.S. I’ve been avoiding this part of the house because this used to be Mom’s turf – the TV room. But for this month, I plan to watch Netflix here again and reminisce memories of her to celebrate Mother’s Day this year – the first without her. ♥️

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4

Bayanihan Knitted Knockers | Breast Cancer ADVOCACY

Posted on March 27, 2024 by Christine Lailani

God is good all the time. I stumbled upon this advocacy for breast cancer warriors who’ve had a mastectomy – handmade breast prostheses. And I must say that this is one advocacy that is truly worth sharing here in my blog. I would like to encourage those who get to read this to support and share the project with your friends, families, and coworkers. ❤️

For international volunteers and donors who would like to support this advocacy by Knitted Knockers, you may visit this website:

https://www.knittedknockers.org/

To Filipino volunteers and breast cancer warriors who would like to get a pair of knitted breast prostheses for FREE, you may coordinate with the Bayanihan Knitted Knockers thru their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Bayanihanknittedknockers?mibextid=ZbWKwL

I also would like to dedicate this blog post to all the volunteers who support this cause and made this campaign a success. To the founders who started the initiative to help breast cancer warriors cope with the struggles and challenges of losing an essential part of themselves as a woman, the impact of this project is just beyond tremendous – a very big THANK YOU to all of you. 🙏❤️

Here are some of the testimonies from the recipients themselves:

God Is Good All The Time Talaga

Nakakatuwa lang si Lord. Dahil kagabi lang I felt like ni-shake, rattle, and roll na naman ang mundo ko. But God replaced it with peace and wisdom reminding me of His promises and the “positive” future that awaits when I obey Him.

I mentioned in my previous articles about this desire of mine to do volunteer work for the breast cancer community when I get back to Bicol. I don’t know how and where to start actually though I have an initial plan (please refer to this article). Pero as usual, umiral naman “imposter syndrome” ko and my complaint to God was that the task is too daunting. I lack a lot of resources from finances, logistics, to manpower. Sagot lang Nya is that “Christine, just wait.”

A Community of Warriors

And then came Knitted Knockers. This advocacy started in the US, and later on, ipinagpatuloy ng mga founders ng Bayanihan Knitted Knockers dito sa Pinas with the intent na matulungan ang mga Pinay na sumailalim ng mastectomy. Ang mga handwoven na breast prostheses ay technically mga fillers na nilalagay sa bra para maging pantay pa din ang mga dibdib o hindi maging flat ang mga dibdib.

Sa time ng mastectomy and lumpectomy ng Mommy and Lola ko (around ’90s), wala pang ganito. So, my Tita from the US bought my Mom a silicone pad (thanks Mommy Jud) altho lately na lang kaso mainit sya and hindi suitable para gamitin nang pangmatagalan lalo na dito sa Pinas. And nai-irritate ang pinagtahian lalo na sa case ni Mom na keloidal sya (like me) kaya nagkaroon ng keloid ang mismong tahi.

Akala natin maliit at simpleng item lang itong knitted breast prostheses pero malaki pala ang tulong na naibibigay para sa pag-boost ng self-esteem and confidence ng mga kababaihan na sumailalim ng mastectomy. Kaya nababawasan ang depression kahit paano dahil isa sa challenges ng mga breast cancer warriors after a surgery ay ang self-image at kung paano mag-iiba ang tingin sa kanila ng mga tao once they go out. The knitted breast prostheses somehow made the transition and adjustment process less traumatic and less painful to these women helping them cope with mental health issues better.

Volunteer For A Good Cause

So ito na ang ibinigay ni Lord na opportunity. It’s as if sinabi Nya na “Tin, I am now opening a door for you to volunteer.” Sagot ko sana ay, “May say ba ako, Lord, kung ayaw kong gawin?” lol Feeling ko isasagot sa akin ni Lord ay, “Ano ba talaga, Tin? Sabi mo gusto mo mag-volunteer tapos tinatanong mo ako kung ano ba ang nasa future mo, heto na ‘yun, I am giving you a glimpse how and where to start.” 😂 Sayang lang at hindi ako marunong mag-knit. But I really would love to learn. Kaso andami ko nang pending tasks pagbalik ng Bicol, baka maging hanggang drawing lang talaga itong pag-knit. Sana hindi. 🙏

I guess ito din ang isa sa mga purposes ni Lord kaya ako pinapunta ng Maynila dahil pinakuha Nya sa akin lahat ng mga training materials sa mga previous volunteer projects na sinalihan ko. Gaya nitong ginamit namin sa training as volunteers ng Victory QC (now Victory Katipunan) Community Outreach Ministry. I am not sure kung patuloy pa din ang proyekto na ito.

But I am grateful and privileged enough na nakapag-attend ako ng training dahil ang isa sa mga bumuo ng ministry na ito used to be the Dean (if I’m not mistaken) of the College of Social Work and Community Development in UP Diliman. I learned from one of the best mentors when it comes to doing community service and ang kagandahan, it was backed by Biblical foundations.

Extending The Project To Bicol

What I am praying for now is how I can bring the initiative of Bayanihan Knitted Knockers sa Bicol, like sort of create a Bicol chapter ng organization (kung wala pa) kahit magsimula sa kaunting volunteers lang muna. Dahil ang mga handwoven breast prostheses ay ipinapamigay ng LIBRE pero sagot pa din ng recipient ang shipping fee. Kung manggagaling pa ng Maynila, may kamahalan din ang babayaran na shipping fee ng breast cancer warriors from Bicol.

And kung Maynila lang ang pagkukunan ng knitted breast prostheses, baka masyadong matagalan ang delivery given the limited number of volunteer knitters they have. I am sure may marunong din mag-knit at mag-crochet sa Bicol. I plan to ask and coordinate with the founders of the Bayanihan Knitted Knockers here in Manila re the following:

– can we set up a Bicol chapter

– how long does it take to complete a pair of knitted breast prostheses (altho tingin ko depende na ito sa kung gaano ka-experienced ang isang volunteer knitter)

– are there specific requirements for the type of yarn, designs, foam used, proof of surgery (recipient), etc.

Based on their answers, doon ko malalaman what I will be needing for the Bicol chapter such as:

– number of volunteers (knitters and packers) depending sa magiging bulk ng orders and knitting/packing time

– targeted number of recipients (ilang cities and municipalities meron sa buong Bicol Region and ilan ang hospitals kada city/town)

– coordinate with oncologists/surgeons per hospital kung ilan ang pasyente nila na nag-undergo at maga-undergo ng mastectomy para sa referrals ng mga prospective recipients (this will be a very huge favor to ask from them soooo, mate-test ang superpower of persuasion ko dito or kaibiganin ko secretaries nila at i-bribe ng mamon para lumambot ang puso 😂)

Giving Everyone Equal Opportunity

Nakita ko kasi na konti pa lang din ang nakakaalam about Bayanihan Knitted Knockers kaya kung ia-advertise sa social media, ang mari-reach na mga breast cancer warriors ay konti lang. So, traditional way ng pag-advertise ang need gawin para mas marami ang makaalam at matulungan. And regardless kung ano status sa buhay, basta gusto mag-avail, dapat makatanggap.

Pagdating sa pag-round up ng volunteers, Bulan and Sorsogon City ang target ko since mag-uuwian ako from both places. Sa church sa city ang main target ko to get volunteers para habang nagni-knit o pack, diretso fellowship. Because why not? 😅

Kung madami ang orders, I plan to hire more knitters and mas preferred ko actually na bayaran ang gagawa pero syempre need mag-conduct ng financial planning kung kakayanin ba ng budget. We can’t solely rely on donations, but it would be a very big help. Ika nga nila, libre mangarap pero kailangan din maging praktikal.

Ang headquarters ay most likely sa hometown ko kasi ang vision ko sana ay doon iganap ang monthly meetings (once a month) sa farm namin. Pwede naman sa bahay kasi napagusapan actually naming magkakapatid na gawing bed and breakfast ang bahay in the far future since marami ang natutuwa at nagpapa-picture dito. Hindi lang nila alam ang daming multo. Isa na pala ako doon a.k.a. “the white lady.” 😀

*Ni-disenyo mismo ng Dad and Mom.* ❤️ *They love to build things together. Ito actually ang fave pastime nila – ang magplano at gumawa ng proyekto.* | photo taken by my 3rd sister 📸

Tapos kapag nasa bukid na, unli buko doon at sabayan ng pancit bato para sa meryenda. Pero ang catch dito ay kung sino ang gusto ng unli buko, dapat sya ang magsusungkit ng buko. 🤣 We call buko as “silot” in Bulan. And this is how we harvest coconuts:

Only a skilled “paralukad” can harvest the coconuts dahil delikado sya actually at mahirap gawin lalo na kapag ganito na katatangkad ng mga punong niyog.

Kung game ang mga volunteers sa panunungkit, then unli buko it is. lol I am just kidding. Of course, unli buko talaga at magpapabaon din ako para sa pamilya nila tsaka kung ano mahagilap o ma-forage nila doon sa bukid (aawayin na ako neto ng Daddy at kapatid ko 🤣). Dahil maliit na bagay lang ito actually and the volunteers will get to experience this once a month only. This is how I plan to repay them for all the volunteer (hard) work they do.

A Collective Effort Towards Social Change And Fellowship

Noong time ng Lola at Lolo ko, sa bukid namin madalas ginagawa ang spiritual retreat ng Protestant church na usually ginaganap sa buwan ng Marso o Abril kung tama pagkakaalala ko. I am praying my siblings are also open to the idea once kami na ang magma-manage. But this time, gusto ko sana na it will be open to any church kasi ang target natin is to foster unity within the body of Christ.

*My 3rd sister suggested maglagay ng chapel doon sa hill na maliit (na for sure ay hindi nyo naman makikita* *sa sobrang layo* 😆).

Isa kasi ito sa mga most memorable childhood experiences ko when it comes to fellowship. Yaong nagpe-praise and worship kayo na panay mga boses at gitara lang ang maririnig (no loud musical instruments) kasi walang kuryente doon. And even if magkaroon pa, I still prefer na ganito pa din ang praise and worship during spiritual retreats – it’s more solemn at ramdam mo ang connection with nature and with God. And then after ng preaching at intercessory prayers, kainan a la picnic style (potluck kami lagi) tapos bonding na and just relax for the rest of the afternoon.

*Maganda mag-senti dito sa pond. ‘Wag lang masobrahan sa pag-sway at baka tumilapon ka diretso sa pond – lagpas tao din sya.* 😅

My visions are very ambitious, I know. 😀 But I am praying na ito ang will ng Panginoon at sana matuwa ang Dios kapag maisakatuparan ito. In everything, to God be the glory always. 🙏

For this article and what the organizers, volunteers, and supporters of Knitted Knockers and Bayanihan Knitted Knockers are doing, I believe the Bible verses below are fitting:

“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” – Matthew 5:16

“You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” – Proverbs 19:21

“Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” – Proverbs 3:6

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3

P.S. I believe this will be an ongoing initiative dahil kada taon meron at merong nada-diagnose ng breast cancer at naga-undergo ng mastectomy sa buong bansa. Pwede sa provinces madalang pero meron pa din. Kaya sa mga makabasa nito sa ibang lugar sa Pilipinas, sana maenganyo din kayo to start the same campaign sainyong mga lugar. 👍

Ang knitted breast prostheses ay hindi lang personal item. It is a powerful representation and symbolizes kung gaano nakipaglaban ang isang breast cancer warrior sa sakit na kanser. Thus, walang makakatumbas sa kanyang sentimental value. ❤️

*featured image courtesy of Bayanihan Knitted Knockers

Home Is Calling

Posted on March 24, 2024 by Christine Lailani

My sister who’s in Bicol sent us these beautiful and lovely photos of the bougainvilleas I bought last year as part of our beautification/landscaping project on the farm. 😍 I am so happy that they survived and are thriving well because they’re almost dying when I left.

*These bougies didn’t have flowers when I bought them. I just trusted the seller that she’s going to give me the right ones.* 😃

*And I was surprised that she included a red one. My eldest sister prefers to have this on the farm.*

I had to repot them, transfer them to a new location, prune them, and replant the cuttings hoping they will still survive. They haven’t bloomed for a couple of months when I was still there. One of them also had yellow spots on its leaves.

The first location where I placed them is a “dead spot” in our garden. I call it a “dead spot” because it’s in the middle of our backyard, but any plant that we try to grow there just dies. I think we need to conduct a soil analysis in that particular area because even the plants that are very prolific growers become sick.

My guess is that the soil might be contaminated by a toxic chemical that slowly kills the plants. I am just overjoyed to see that the bougies have all recovered. It looks like my sister and the new house help are also doing an excellent job of keeping these plants healthy (thank you, ladies 🥰). And I think Mom is still taking good care of her garden. 😍

*Thank God the leaves have finally recovered.* 🙏

*I plan to transplant them somewhere in the garden when I get back. But this time I am planting them directly on the soil. I just need to find the perfect spot so I can propagate them.*

And of course, my sister included a photo of my first baby girl – Peekah. That’s her favorite sleeping position with her tail all curled up to cover her little girl. 😂

I’ll see you soon my babies and my loves. You just have to wait for me a little bit more. And the biophilia in me also can’t wait to commune with nature for my regular dose of soul therapy. Ah yes, more patience, Tin. Just a little more patience. 🙏

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might.” – Ephesians 6:10

Just the right worship song to prep the soul for Holy Week. Do what your soul tells you to do.🙏

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