Tag Archives: celebration

[Part 2] Daragang Magayon Version 2.0: A Love Story Forged In Fire

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Because May is being “Mayon-ified,” I thought about creating a movie poster or book cover design for my “Daragang Magayon Version 2.0: A Love Story Forged In Fire” adaptation of “The Legend of Mt. Mayon.”

I first introduced an AI-generated image of Panganoron in the article, “Celebrating MAY-on,” without using a reference photo. I thought I’d let AI come up with its own version of Panganoron, and I just edited some details for the revised image. So, this guy is nonexistent in our world, but maybe he exists in the parallel universe. 😀

Here’s my step-by-step guide on creating the images of Daragang Magayon and Panganoron, which I generated through ChatGPT.

Step 1: Create a character profile (image version) by coming up with specific details for your initial prompts.

Panganoron V. 2.0
Daragang Magayon V. 2.0

Step 2. Recreate Daragang Magayon’s photo and change it to an active combat stance with a gritty expression.

Step 3: Combine these three images to create the movie poster or book cover design template.

I requested ChatGPT to adjust the lighting for this photo.

Step 4: Add the movie or book title. You can indicate which words in the title you want to emphasize, i.e., capitalized, bigger font, font style, etc. Then include other design elements you want to see in your image. In this case, I added the “fire” element around the title.

Design Concept #1 (Dark Theme)
Design Concept #2: I added a headshot of Daragang Magayon since this new narrative is about her. This is a great design concept, but the outline of the Mayon volcano is hidden, and methinks there are just too many details. Is this a yay or a nay? What do you think? 🙂

These are some of the design concepts I came up with, and I am still considering creating more, so there are more options to choose from. But I think the design concept above better fits the new narrative.

Here’s the new image I generated of the heroine and her love interest, which can be used as sort of a “teaser” copy. Though I think it is perfect as a pre-nup photoshoot inspo. lol

Version 1 (Portrait Mode)

Question: Bakit kaya si Panganoron naka-sandals at si Daragang Magayon ay nakapaa?

Answer: Naisip yata ni ChatGPT, para daw kapag tumuga si Mt. Mayon, kakargahin ni Panganoron si Daragang Magayon ala “hokage moves” para hindi mapaso ang paa ni Daragang Magayon ng hot lava.

Ay ambot saimo, ChatGPT. lol

Version 2 (Landscape Mode)

Seryoso na ngani. O di ba, no need umakyat ng Ligñon Hill para sa pre-nup photos nyo. 😀

Once again, ChatGPT just never underdelivers as long as you make very detailed prompts. The results always exceeded my expectations, and I only had to do some minor edits to achieve the designs that I desired.

Aside from the combat stances, I also tried experimenting with other actions, such as “bathing in the river.” In the local legend, Daragang Magayon fell into the river and was saved by Panganoron. This was their first encounter.

Unfortunately, ChatGPT cannot generate exactly what I had in mind about a woman bathing in the river. Or maybe I need to tweak my prompts a bit more. But I am still satisfied with the results.

And I took the left photo above to yet another level to test how far AI can go by asking ChatGPT to incorporate it in fashion designing and styling. I just had to request some edits later on, so I’d get my desired results.

This includes replacing the accessories with a tribal or Boho-inspired necklace and earrings, adding a woven brown belt, and changing the background to a soft and mellow ambiance. My first prompt included the black, tight-fitting long-sleeved top with Sabrina neckline, the cream-colored wedge shoes, and the A-line, long skirt.

First Attempt
Final Version

I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of “artwear,” or art that you can wear, particularly with paintings. If you ask me if I will wear anything like what the model wears above, my answer is “yes.” Well, depending on the occasion, of course.

Do you think my chickens will love me more when they see me wearing this? I mean, they’re the only creatures outside of the house who see me often here since I don’t go out often. 😀

By the way, if you want to use some of these images, please don’t hesitate to send me a message or just comment down below. ❤ Including my face in the images is one of my strategies, so nobody would steal my photos. lol Oh, and yes, I am using the free version only of ChatGPT.

P.S. I mentioned in some of my previous articles that Mom designed her dresses when she was in her early 20s and had them sewn by a seamstress here in our town. She got her inspo from fashion magazines and made her own fashion creations, too. Sadly, these dresses don’t fit me anymore since I already weigh 58 kgs. lol

You may read more here:

“How My Passion For Art and Fashion Came To Be”

“SEVEN WEEKENDS MNL: Bringing Out The Fashion Versatility In You”

“To The Only Mother I’ll Ever Have”

When They Say Glam Up

P.P.S. I am grateful that the provincial government of Albay made considerations for preemptive evacuations of communities near the Mayon volcano in preparation for the rainy season. In case there are emergency evacuations during heavy lahar flows, I hope the LGU will prioritize less crowded and more evacuation sites. The Philippines is currently on standby for the possibility of a Hantavirus and/or an Ebola outbreak in the country.

Air ambulances might also be necessary if there are a lot of routes that are impassable due to lahar flows. If Mayon continues its activity for the rest of the year, we can expect more buildup of PDCs and other debris on the slopes of the volcano. This will increase the likelihood of path changes in the gullies, possibly extending beyond the 6km permanent danger zone. Weather experts have already warned that we will experience above-normal rainfall volume this year due to El Niño, which will persist until 2027.

I am also praying that no mining operations will be allowed near Mt. Mayon, whether privately funded or not, Filipino-owned or owned by a foreign investor.

Pirmi lang kirita magpangadyi, maghanda, nyan magsunod sa abiso. 🙏

Celebrating MAY-on

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Earlier today, I just had an idea to create an abstract painting of Mt. Mayon using ChatGPT because I wanted to test the limitations of AI in art creation. Once again, I was completely stunned by the results.

But how we write our prompts really matters. And I’m going to show why. My first prompt went like this: “Create an abstract painting of Mt. Mayon with swirls.” I included swirls because I want it to be a Van Gogh-inspired painting using details from his famous artwork, “The Starry Night.” This was the image generated.

“Mt. Mayon And The Dreamy Sky“

It’s beautiful, right? But when I ran the image on Google Reverse Image Search, there was a painting very similar to this. I had to mention it here so I wouldn’t encounter any copyright infringement issues.

If you want the generated image to be unique, the prompt has to include very specific details. What I did, I created a new prompt by tapping the visual artist in me for the nitty-gritty details. It came just in time, too, because it’s been a while since I had any artwork done.

And this was the result:

“When Daragang Magayon Visits Mt. Mayon“

I was totally blown away by the result. I ran it on Google Reverse Image Search, and indeed, it’s a unique image with copyright belonging to yours truly, of course. Just ask for my permission if you want to use it, though. 😀

There are no other images online similar to it. I am not sure, though, if there are real paintings that closely resemble this one. Please do inform me if you know of any. I would truly appreciate it. You can contact me on my social media profiles in the About Me section of this website. 👍

At the start of the month, I also wrote an article entitled “Daragang Magayon Version 2.0: A Love Story Forged in Fire,” where I also used ChatGPT to create my images of Daragang Magayon.

Daragang Magayon Version 2.0: A Love Story Forged In Fire

So, I wondered, why is it that I feel like I am “Mayon-ified” this May? 😀 There must be a connection between May and the Mayon volcano. I typed into Google Search and voila, “Magayon Festival” is actually celebrated during this month. It started out as a month-long celebration in 1999, founded by former Albay governor Sir Al Francis Bichara.

Then I realized, my Daragang Magayon article is actually incomplete because it doesn’t even have a photo of Panganoron or him and Daragang Magayon when it’s supposed to be a love story. lol

Say “Hi” to Panganoron version 2.0.

This is not the first image generated because the first one looked more buffed with long hair. I requested ChatGPT to recreate a leaner version of the image with shorter hair because I think this character fits the new narrative better. 😀

But for the photo of the lovers, I thought the first ChatGPT version of Panganoron best fits the image composition because it resembles the original version of the local legend. I also made different variations since the first photo looked too simple, though it’s also appealing. So, I requested ChatGPT to add brighter colors and to increase the brightness and contrast of the first image.

First Attempt
I love this photo more, which is a painting version of the image above. This got me feeling so amused because my real hair is actually wavy, very much like the hair of Daragang Magayon here. ChatGPT, you tryin’ to mess with me?!?! lol I’m just kidding. Well, I don’t have a cleft chin. And of course, they have to have ‘matchy-matchy’ outfits. 😀

I also ran this image on Google, and it’s all original. Yaaay! 😀

Since I got inspired by Mt. Mayon’s AI abstract paintings above, I also requested ChatGPT to come up with an abstract version of the lovers’ painting. And the result is an entirely different but equally captivating work of art.

Which painting do you like best? 🙂

The “Magayon Festival” this year was cancelled, though, due to the energy crisis and the heightened activity of Mt. Mayon. Hopefully, it will resume next year. And maybe the PTCAO of Albay will include Digital Art as a sub category under Contemporary Art in a Mt. Mayon art contest if they ever have one.

I think it is a good way to entice the younger generations to have a deeper appreciation of local culture and explore digital art more, especially since they are more digitally adept. I believe all of us have an artist in us. We just have to find the right medium where we can express our art better. 🙂

And, of course, the greatest artist is none other than Him:

“How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.” – Psalm 104:24

P.S.

The Flower Festival or “Flores de Mayo” is also celebrated during May. The photos below show the flowers in bloom now in the garden. Mom had more vibrant flowers because she devoted so much of her time tending and taking care of our garden when she was still alive.

We celebrated Mother’s Day this year by placing some of her orchids that are prolific bloomers and some Birds of Paradise flowers. I bet Mom’s enjoying even more beautiful flowers in the heavenly paradise with our Creator. 🥰

Happy Mother’s Day in heaven, Mommy! We miss you. ❤

Fragrant Rosal flowers for you from ze garden. ❤

I planted these Bougies in 2022, and they’ve been transplanted several times already. lol They’re going to be transplanted again once the construction of the Chicken House starts. It is actually one of my dreams to revive a dying forest and turn it into a Garden of Eden, God willing. 🙏

P.P.S.

If you’re wondering why I am into creating images through graphic design, I have been working in the digital marketing industry since 2013 as a brand journalist and a copywriter. In my line of work, I pitch ideas to the graphic design team during brainstorming sessions for every ad copy that I write. Some of my former clients also requested images included in the write-up upon submission. I am currently on a career break, as circumstances are not in favor of balancing online work and obligations at home. But I can’t wait to be back in the workforce, once everything’s sorted out, if God wills it.

If you’re into fashion designing and styling, you might want to check out this article: “F” for Food & Fashion Fusion.

Read more: “Art Exhibit: Donation for a Good Cause.”

Here’s another article on creating art for a good cause: “Tabang Tambayan: Pin-Tayo’s Color Bursting at Sip and Gogh.”

Officially A Teen: Happy 13th Birthday, The Journeyman’s Moments!

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This blog turned 13 last October 21 – it’s officially a “teen.” 😄 To celebrate this milestone, I thought about writing a letter instead because I need to write this quick.

We have had no internet connection for 2 weeks now, despite following up with Converge. I’m currently using my cellular network’s data just so I could post this – thank you, Globe. Still, God is good all the time. 🙏😊

To my dearly beloved The Journeyman’s Moments,

You were born in 2012 out of a need to clear my name from a painful past. I never thought that you would become an online journal for my spiritual journey.

I also wasn’t expecting that I’d be able to post here regularly. And yet, the weekly posts turned to monthly posts, and eventually, to posting every year.

You bear witness to my every rise and fall, to my every tear and laughter – a testament of God’s saving grace day in and day out, year in and year out.

As my experiences grew, you grew with it. When I became wiser, your words became better. I changed, you changed, too.

You are more than an online journal for me. Because you are my constant reminder of a life lived in full despite the changing seasons.

When I need a good laugh, I come back to the old memories here. When I need encouragement, your words give me renewed hope and comfort.

But I guess the most important reason as to why you’re one of God’s greatest gifts is that because of you, a deeper sense of accountability was instilled in me over every single word I post here.

You are my testimony on how living by faith does not happen by mere words alone, but by living it out and letting it be known through you for the whole world to see.

My dear, we still have so many stories to tell – I have more than a hundred drafts. lol You know what that means, we have a lot of work to do for as long as God is still working in us. 🥰

You are me, and I am you. Thanks be to WordPress – our memories will be preserved for future generations to laugh with, to cry with, and to be inspired by.

So, with internet or not, we will find a way to make our stories seen and heard – God will make a way. 😁

Always your creator made by another Creator,

Christine ❤️

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10

NYE 123123 Countdown @ 5th Avenue BGC 🎆

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New Year’s Eve 123123 was by far the most “chill” celebration I’ve had. No stressful planning, no hassle, and everything just went smoothly. Though we terribly miss being with our families during the holidays.

Hubby and I never had any plans on how to celebrate New Year’s Eve except that we will watch the fireworks display in BGC. Our day yesterday started with good news because the result of my repeated urinalysis looked like nothing was off the charts this time.

The doctors are on a holiday break though so I will schedule my consultation with an Internal Medicine doctor possibly on the second week of January.

Lovely piano music courtesy of a patient @ St. Luke’s BGC. 🥰

Then after lunch, hubby and I decided to attend the 5PM service at Victory Fort. I was surprised (but so happy) that I was able to book a Grab ride right away, so we arrived a couple of minutes early.

Victory Fort 5PM Service

Then after the service, we decided to walk just a couple of blocks from Victory Fort to an Indian restaurant called “New Bombay.”

Cozy and very colorful interiors. 👍
I love their huge plates. 😍

When we got to the restaurant, we were the only customers there so it’s like an exclusive dining experience for me and hubby at first. But a couple of minutes later, other guests started arriving.

The menu is about 5 pages long. This means more options and, thus, more reasons to come back to try them all. 😁

I will give this restaurant 5 stars for its great-tasting food, affordability, store accessibility, and excellent customer service. If you’re looking for authentic Indian cuisine in BGC, this is the place to be.

We love Indian food!

They also offer generous servings, and the strawberry yogurt is the perfect drink to pair with the meals. My husband and I tried Mutton Biryani, and I highly recommend this dish. The mutton is so tender, and I like how the spices aren’t too overpowering.

Chola Chat – Samosa
Mutton Biryani (good for 2 pax)

They have a lot of dishes to choose from, and there are also options for vegetarians. We ordered dishes that were somewhat heavy on carbs, so we were just too full to finish everything. lol

Chola Pesawari
Seafood Soup

Then we headed to the concert venue and when we got there, the place was literally jampacked. Hubby and I decided to go to the designated Family Zone instead to avoid the crowd because I’m actually claustrophobic.

On our way to the Family Zone, we ordered Starbucks drinks and oh boy, it took my hubby about an hour to get our order. Long lines were everywhere inside the Family Zone. All the tables were occupied, too, and I was fortunate enough to find a spot on a ledge under the tree. But I think it’s the perfect spot because I got to observe a lot of people. 😃

❤️❤️❤️

Then at around 11:30PM, we started walking towards the Fireworks Viewing Area just a couple of blocks away from the concert grounds.

This BGC cat casually sat down beside me while waiting for the fireworks display. 😃

There were fewer people here, but it’s the perfect spot to watch the fireworks display, which lasted for 10 minutes.

After the concert ended at around 12:50AM, hubby and I chose to stay a little longer while waiting to book a Grab ride going home. We were unsuccessful, so we thought we’ll just walk a couple more blocks and check out what other transportation options we had.

By the way, I prefer walking around because I get to familiarize myself with the neighborhood and observe a lot of scenarios for my next stories. If we brought a car, I also don’t want my husband driving during times like this when heavy traffic’s unpredictable because it’ll get on his nerves and ruin his mood, and he’ll be too tired. I think all guys can relate. 😃

All the beautiful colors and textures are in one frame.

We also passed by a high-end club in BGC and a couple was having an argument. Then another guy looked like he’s already drunk and was about to jump off the second-floor balcony. I was like, “Oh please no, Lord. I don’t want to start my 2024 witnessing a horrible incident.” His friends grabbed him though, so yes, always bring your friends with you if you plan to really get drunk at a party.

Then when we got to the main thoroughfare, my husband was able to hail a cab and by 3AM, we’re already home. My sister’s condo in Pasig is near BGC, so going home isn’t a problem because you’ll have lots of options to choose from.

It was a calm ending for 2023 – simple and yet at peace. I felt God’s assurance reminding me that when He is in control, we have nothing to worry in 2024. I am forever grateful for everything God has blessed me and my family with last year. I pray you are, too. A blessed 2024, everyone! 🥰 🎆❤️🙏

Thank You so much, Lord, for guiding me and my husband always despite our flaws and imperfections. 🙏

“Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” – Isaiah 43:19

Summer Came In Early During The Holidays

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A beach escapade during the months of December and January in our hometown won’t exactly fit your idea of a perfect getaway. Because it is during these months when super typhoons frequented our town, thus, you can expect rainy days for the most part of your vacation. In other words, it’s a bad idea to plan your beach trips in our place during these months.

We live in a coastal area. So every time we visit our hometown, nostalgic childhood memories of fun moments at the beach always make us want to relive those scenes. We then made it a habit to spend our family get-together during the holidays by nature tripping, which includes visits to the beaches and hot springs in our area. This is regardless if we have a rainy or a sunny weather.

Simple But Meaningful Holiday Celebrations

Last December, God gave us a sunny day despite the two super typhoons that left extensive damages on some properties in our town. Thank God, too, the electricity was restored before Christmas day, and most of the damaged houses were repaired by the 2nd week of December.

It was all made possible by the combined efforts of private organizations and good Samaritans who helped us recover from the onslaught of the typhoons. Since the entire town prepared for the worst case scenario, there were a few to no Christmas decors displayed in most of the homes. Personally though, I still wanted to put up our Christmas tree and other decorations just so we won’t break the yearly family tradition.

Mom disapproves the idea, however, and advised me there’s no need to go through all the hassle since we’re technically mourning my grandma’s death. It would be inappropriate that we’re all joyfully celebrating. Besides, we only have about 10 days left and the holidays will be over.

So we decided to celebrate the holidays quite simply instead. And yet the grace of God made it possible for us to cherish every moment spent with every member of the family. Indeed, we don’t need lavish decorations and extravagant feasts to enjoy bonding moments with the family.

Why Christ Was Born

Just enjoying the presence of one another is more than enough. God must have instructed us to plan the summer outing earlier this year. Because He knows we won’t have the opportunity during the COVID-19 outbreak.

December 2019 was a very special month of bittersweet experiences. And yet, it was also the month when I really felt the presence of God and became much closer to Him than before.

In fact, I was once again reminded of the reason why He sent Jesus Christ to be born in this world. This made me think. What could be God’s purpose why I was also born 3 days ahead of Jesus? Let’s find out together in my next article. 😀

Receiving God’s grace in every moment,

 

Eventful February Part 3: Family Bonding And Memories To Cherish

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The end of 2019 and the start of 2020 were a series of tragic events. I’m very grateful to God that my husband and I have been given the opportunity to spend some quality time with my family before this COVID-19 pandemic broke out.

Since the virus is highly contagious, it limits our physical interaction with our loved ones, especially if we have aging parents. They are at a higher risk of acquiring the virus. My parents who are 80 and 74 years old aren’t here with us, but we are fervently praying that this deadly virus won’t get them.

I just want to share a couple of photos during our recent family get-together, which was also the birthday celebration of my nephew and eldest sister. Ah yes, these are the memories that are now more precious than gold and silver and no insurmountable amount of money could ever buy. ❤️

February Celebrants 2020

These photos were taken during our sleepover at my eldest sister’s place. We were almost complete except that we’re missing our parents and my 3rd sister who are in the province.

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The Ginete siblings with the spouses and kiddos. 🙂

It was an awesome, fun-filled family bonding albeit short with lots of games, food, and laughter. Praise God for all these wonderful memories that are worth reminiscing here and beyond. ❤ 🙂

Praying for more family bonding and moments, 

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Hooray To 7 Years With WordPress! ❤

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I’ll graze my blog very quick because I still have work to finish. I just need to share this today. 😊

Thank you, WordPress, for giving me the opportunity to share my life experiences (for free, for now) through your awesome platform. I also got to meet a whole lot of other awesome writers in this community, and their experiences are all worth reading. ❤

Indeed, cheers to more years flying with yah! 🥂

Last but not least, thank You to my “Editorial Manager” up there who gives me the wisdom and instructions on what to write here. All glory to You, my Father. 🙏

 

Forever your regular Christian WordPress writer,

P.S. I really don’t know how to interpret those stats. A spike in those bars means this blog is somehow doing okay, right? 😀 I still don’t have plans on monetizing this though, BUT if God instructs otherwise, I’ll go for it. 👍

Transitioning From 2018 To 2019

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So the WordPress holiday hibernation for me is finally over and what kept me tied from sharing here is none other than this – family. 🙂

@CYMA: Pre-Christmas get-together with our eldest sister and her family because they can’t visit our hometown. 🙂

This year though has ended with not-so-good moments in some areas of our lives and yet what is important is being grateful for what we have and not counting what we have lost.

I am praying and mourning with my fellow “kababayans” who lost so much during the tropical depression Usman. Even my family and I weren’t exempted from its wrath. Just 2 days before New Year’s Eve celebration, we experienced nonstop heavy rains. The bad part here was that it coincided with one of the highest points of the high tide.

There were only 4 of us left at home – Dad, Mom, my 3rd sister, and me. I would’ve chosen to go back to Manila for New Year’s Day celebration but something compelled me to stay. And I thought this must be it – my parents needed the extra pair of strong hands when Usman hits home.

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Can you guess what our “lady hands” were able to carry? 6 sacks (not less than 50 kgs each) of rice from the first floor to the second floor through a spiral staircase! How’s that for instant Super Women? Yes, adrenaline rush made it possible. 😃

And of course, my life verse:

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

Our town was placed under a state of calamity and there were 2 reported casualties due to a landslide. It was a sad way to start a new year and yet in a time like this, Job’s story always gives me the strength and the hope to keep on praising God amidst all the trials.

Are we all like Job? Can we still praise God when we lose everything? Or we begin to be overpowered by grief, despair, and hopelessness?

I may have gone through several storms (literally and figuratively) for the last quarter of 2018. And yet I am not letting them become the reason why I should never move on and do the things that I have control over – the things that God has given me control over. For the things that I can’t change, I am leaving them all to God.

For the happy memories of 2018, I count the family as one of God’s most wonderful blessings. Though imperfect, it is the best support system anyone can have. I am beyond grateful for the times spent with them albeit short because they also reminded me about the brevity of life. So all the more we should cherish moments like these that are priceless and before we know it, will soon be gone.

Home, sweet home with the beloved parents. ❤

Christmas cooking can be very challenging but Philippians 4:13 always. And when it is done with love, nothing can ever be too tiring. 😉

Christmas loot and sweets. Thanks, beloved siblings and relatives! 😉

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2018

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December 25 @ our mother Protestant church where my great grandpa was among the first pastors. I am praying for more of God’s leading and provisions to be upon this church and be able to make more disciples.

All in all, I thank God for both the good and the bad moments of 2018. If God allows bad things to happen, that is not because He is cruel, but because that is how the world we live in, the enemy’s turf, works.

The incidents could’ve gotten worse but God may have already intervened and what we experienced are only the ripples of what was supposed to be a catastrophic event orchestrated by the enemy.

Whatever kind of moments we may experience this year, may we all hold on to these verses and keep in mind that still, God is good and He always will be:

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

“They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” – Acts 14:22

So I say, cheers to 2019 and whatever it may bring! ☺

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Saying “goodbye” to what was and saying “hello” to what will be,

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How An Introvert Celebrates Christmas | Is This You?

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I am partly an introvert and partly an extrovert. But for the percentage, I am more of the former than the latter. I enjoy being alone but I don’t feel lonely. And yet, I also crave being around with people.

This article will be based on my own preferences according to my introverted self and I can’t speak for all the introverts in general.

I did mention in my previous article how to beat the holiday rush. So what is the perspective of an introvert when it comes to the holiday rush?

Introverts Be Like This Christmas

1. Introverts don’t like being in a hurry.

So even if it’s just the middle of the year, they are already planning ahead how the Christmas season will be like. While everyone is rushing, I choose to remain placid.

2. They have a “love-and-hate” relationship with crowds.

I love to shop around (if the budget will allow it) for Christmas presents and decors just to make the home presentable for the family get-together. But huge crowds can be too overwhelming. So I plan early, I shop early, too.

3. We crave for “alone time.”

I love parties but most definitely I’ll only attend one if it’s a series of parties. We just need more time to regain that lost energy entertaining and talking with lots of people.

4. The simpler, the better.

There is something about our brains that can’t stand too much chaos, too much noise, too much movement, and too many lights. I believe this is the reason why most introverts are writers. They write well in the comforts of their solitude. My motto is this: more simple, less clutter.

5. Just being cozy on a sofa beside a Christmas tree is perfect.

Reading a book or writing something is my ideal Christmas celebration. Writing about what, you might ask. Writing how introverts celebrate the Christmas, for one. 😀 Seriously though, I’d definitely be writing about faith when not having the regular chit chats with the fambam over the holidays.

So I was able to attend one Christmas party and if there will be more, I’d definitely say “no” unless it’s mandatory. But this was not the usual Christmas party and I’m glad I attended it. This was my new Bible study group’s Christmas party held at the house of one of our brothers in Christ (Thanks, John!). It was an awesome night of laughter, games, singing, guitar sessions, great food, and fellowship that began and ended with a prayer.

This was the first Christmas party I attended with my new Bible study group and I am looking forward to more milestones in my spiritual journey as I enter yet again a new season.

Thus, I pray:

“Dear Father,

Thank You for making me a part of this new spiritual family of single, engaged, and married brothers and sisters in Christ. May our fellowship bring us more wisdom from our varied experiences and display how our seasons can be a testimony in advancing Your Kingdom.

For the married couples, may we stay true to the commitment we made with You and our spouses and honor it until death does us part. For the engaged couples, may they learn from us and our experiences how it is to love like how You instructed us to love. And for the singles, may they always pursue and serve You while waiting for the season of married life.

In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.”

For now, I’d really love to go home to my province, be with my parents and siblings, and stay there for a while. Nothing is cozier than the familiar scent of old Christmas decors and Christmas songs played through old vinyl records. 😉

Happy Holidays, everyone! ❤

Never an introvert when it comes to God,

P.S. Thank you to our VG leaders, Ate Misha and Kuya PJ, for organizing this partey! ❤

5 Tips How To Beat The Holiday Rush

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This article was inspired by the 3-hour waiting time at the mall because we can’t book a Grab car. 😀

A woman beside me vented out her frustrations and while listening to her rants, I can’t help but just smile, nod, and agree to everything she said. Not that I complain a lot too but because she’s right. And yet I never commented anything. Why? Saying a lot of things will fuel her anger even more and when we look at things from a wider perspective, Christmas isn’t supposed to be like this.

Of people complaining about the heavy traffic, the long queues everywhere, lack of options for public transportation if commuting, being late in your Christmas parties, and a whole lot more of inconveniences. But I wonder, why complain? Man made the celebration of Christmas complicated enough so why complain about something that is of our own doing? 🙂

The First Christmas

Originally, the celebration of Christmas was never grand nor lavish. It was the birth of a baby in a not-so-good-looking manger without the nice hotels, Christmas trees, the colorful lights, the grand feasts, the beautiful costumes, and the surplus of gifts.

But today, Christmas is celebrated with too much grandeur and all the hassle to achieve that grandiosity. I guess we are missing out the true Spirit of Christmas when people are complaining, bickering, etc. because of the holiday rush and the holiday preparations. The truth is, the Christmas spirit isn’t seen on the lavish display of ornaments, of parties, nor playful, colored lights. It is meant to be felt deep down in the heart and soul.

Would you also complain and be irritated when someone took the cab that’s supposed to be yours after waiting for 3 hours? Will you not be affected when a sales clerk handed you a broken item which was supposed to be a Christmas gift to someone only to realize it when you already got home? How do you display the true essence and spirit of Christmas during the holiday rush?

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Be Set Apart During The Holiday Rush

1. Lower your expectations.

A lot of things go wrong when everything around you is in chaos. Expect that a lot of imperfect moments will come up.

2. Be calm.

Take time to breathe. Even when everyone around you is irritated, just breathe. And keep calm. Hum a song to release the negative vibe around you.

3. Plan ahead.

Nothing beats being prepared holistically and plans B, C, D, and so on and so forth come really handy during this season. Because let’s all admit it, a lot of plans fail and get drowned by all the holiday rush.

4. Prioritize.

Is this item you plan to buy for a Christmas gift worth all the hassle of being stuck in the traffic or stranded at the mall? Should I skip this Christmas party over the other?

5. Create a list.

These are the to-do lists and to-buy lists. Because being forgetful in this season is unforgivable. 😀 Aside from the lists of items and tasks, arrange them in a way that you won’t be going back and forth or going up and down because the items you plan to buy are located in different parts of the mall. Make one smooth sweep from down to up or vice versa when shopping.

My prayer for this season is that we won’t be carried away by the holiday rush and forget what exactly should we be displaying over the holidays. It can be patience, it can be gentleness, it can be forgiveness, it can be understanding or any of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. But more importantly, the celebration must be about love.

What is love? You will know when you have the Father in you. 🙂

“But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” – 1 John 4:8

Celebrating Christmas not in a rush,