Tag Archives: dance

Praise The Lord!

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It’s that time of year again when everybody will be busy – I am always busy, though. 😀 But because I feel the “tugging” to update this blog, I am writing this article even though I am physically exhausted. When I am too tired, it’s just hard for me to tap into the creative part of my brain.

Before we all get caught up with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I thought I’d share with you a song that I feel should be the “anthem” for this month. I first heard it last year, sang during the youth service of a church beside my apartment. The song is entitled “Praise” by Elevation Worship.

PRAISE (feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore) | Elevation Worship

Let’s clap, one, two, hey
Oh, yeah

Let everything
That has breath
Praise the Lord (you got it)
Praise the Lord
Let everything (let everything)
(Hey) that has breath
(Hey) praise the Lord
(Hey) praise the Lord

I’ll praise in the valley
Praise on the mountain (yeah)
I’ll praise when I’m sure
And praise when I’m doubting (yes, sir)

I’ll praise when outnumbered
Praise when surrounded
‘Cause praise is the water
My enemies drown in

As long as I’m breathing
I’ve got a reason to

Praise the Lord
Oh, my soul (c’mon)
Praise the Lord
Oh, my soul (hey)

I’ll praise when I feel it
And I’ll praise when I don’t
I’ll praise ’cause I know
You’re still in control

Because my praise is a weapon
It’s more than a sound (more than a sound)
Oh, my praise is the shout
That brings Jericho down (oh)

As long as I’m breathing
I’ve got a reason to

Praise the Lord (c’mon)
Oh, my soul
(So I’m gonna) praise the Lord
Oh, my soul (oh)

I won’t be quiet, my God is alive
So how could I keep it inside?
Praise the Lord
Oh, my soul
(Praise the Lord)

Come on, let me see that dance
Put a dance on it tonight
If you’re grateful
Come on, aye, aye (eh)

I’ll praise ’cause You’re sovereign
Praise ’cause You reign
Praise ’cause You rose and defeated the grave
I’ll praise ’cause You’re faithful
Praise ’cause You’re true
Praise ’cause there’s nobody greater than You, I’ll praise

I’ll praise ’cause You’re sovereign
(You reign) praise ’cause You reign
Praise ’cause You rose and defeated the grave

I’ll praise ’cause You’re faithful
Praise ’cause You’re true
Praise ’cause there’s nobody greater than You

Praise the Lord
Oh, my soul (come on, come on, come on, come on)
I gotta praise the Lord
Oh, my soul

Praise the Lord
Oh, my soul (yes, my Lord)
Praise the Lord
Oh, my soul

I won’t be quiet, my God is alive
How could I keep it inside?
(Oh, I won’t be quiet)

I won’t be quiet (my God)
My God is alive (how could I?)
How could I keep it inside?
(Oh, I won’t be quiet)

I won’t be quiet, my God is alive
How could I keep it inside?

praise the Lord
Oh, my soul

Let everything
That has breath
Hey, hey (praise the Lord)
Hey, hey (praise the Lord)

Let everything (let everything)
Come on, come on (that has breath)
Come on, come on (praise the Lord)
Come on, come on (praise the Lord)

Let everything (let everything)
If you got breath in your body (that has breath)
If you got breath in your body (praise the Lord)
Praise the Lord, come on (praise the Lord)

Let everything (let everything)
That has breath (that has breath)
Praise the Lord (praise the Lord)
What? (Praise the Lord)

A busking rendition of it also appeared on my Facebook news feed as performed by Ms. Kate Torres, who’s also an Autism advocate. Please do check out and follow her page through this link: https://www.facebook.com/katetorrestv/about. I am praying she’ll include Bicol in her future live performances. I’ll definitely be in all of them, even as far as Catanduanes. 😀

I love busking so much (playing the guitar is also my favorite hobby) because it is raw and simple music, highlighting only the artist’s voice and the musical instrument. I find this type of music very calming, uplifting, and soulful.

It is also my prayer that worship busking will become a regular, not just inside the malls, but also in parks, offices, hospitals, and just literally EVERYWHERE. Here are some of her Facebook videos and reels performing live in my favorite hangout place in Manila – BGC. Because BGC is near our condo, and there are a lot of music artists busking there. 😀

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/177L8eQ8gs/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1D8Vv6oRaB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1KKQCbB5wA/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Tama ang sa Bible verse na, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” – Matthew 18:20

I also encourage you to make this your dance number at your Christmas parties. 😉 You can check out the dance videos below for inspiration.

The energy in this first video reminds me of my spiritual journey in Victory GT Toyota and Victory Katipunan – churches near the Ateneo de Manila University and my alma mater, the University of the Philippines (Diliman) – from 2013 to 2018. I was a young professional back then, and being in a congregation of jumping worshippers composed mostly of students (youth service) during praise and worship is contagious. I am not that expressive when singing worship songs, but with an ecstatic crowd, you can’t help but join in the fun. 😀

I am not promoting any church, by the way, because I actually came from a family with diverse religions. For me, as long as the center of the church is Christ and you are spiritually growing, be in that church.

This second dance video has more complicated footwork and hand movements, but still not too difficult to execute.

And this third video is for “Zumba Titas,” me included. 😀

I would have to skip videos #1 and #2 because all the jumping is so “makulog” sa aking likod. 😆😆😆

In case you didn’t notice, I used 3 languages here – English, Bicol, and Filipino respectively.

If I have a kid, he’d most likely go, Moooooom, you’re speaking “chop suey” language again?!?!?!

Well, sweetheart, that’s the advantage of having a Mom who’s a Bicolana, a Filipina, and an English Studies major. How about you? Can you try the “pinakbet” language, too? Kay yaadi ka sa Bulan, mag-Bikol ka. 😆

Seriously, though, I don’t encourage using this kind of language. When I was a student in UP Diliman, there was a particular department notorious for using this “conyo” language (it’s from the College of Science 😁). I observed that culturally it represents the language of the elite, though I can’t really pinpoint how. I guess it’s similar to how branded clothes, muscle cars, or pets with specific breeds become a form of status symbol. I support the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” advocacy, by the way. It just so happens that my husband gave me a ginger Exotic British Shorthair as a surprise gift.

Society’s norms dictate that if you have these things, then you are now culturally accepted as “can afford” or “maykaya,” especially when you live in the province. Some of our English professors describe the “conyo” language as a total abuse of both the English and the Filipino languages because it awkwardly breaks your sentences into fragments, making it difficult for your listeners to process and understand. So in our department, this language sort of became an object of sarcasm and was made into a joke.

But now, when I hear people talk or write using this language, I have to remind myself that “to each his own.” And that, as a born-again Christian, these prejudices should no longer dominate my relationships with other people. This means I will no longer make fun of the “conyo” language, but you won’t hear me using this language either. Unless…um…never mind. 😁

To end this article, AI can create music, poems, and visual art. But AI can’t replicate the collective experience that you’d get when artists and creatives come together. It’s just plain mesmerizing and at the same time overwhelming when you are physically rejoicing and celebrating with the body of Christ. Ramdam na ramdam mo ang presensya ni Lord. I guess that is the power of fellowship as expressed through praise and worship.

I believe this song is just right for the season – let’s praise the Lord because we survived 2025, and here we are still hoping AND giving hope moving forward. ❤

“Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wondrous works!” – Psalm 105:2

P.S. I am posting several versions of this song because I want it to be your last song syndrome for a month. lol Because God indeed deserves all our praise for sending His son, Jesus Christ, so man can be saved – this should be the only reason for celebrating the season. 🙏

Here’s another version featuring Tiffany Hudson. ❤

Need A Laugh, Anyone?

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Valentine’s Day is a sad day for some people, and Facebook has been showing me these funny memes lately (some were written in Filipino though). So I thought, why not share them here to lift the mood just a little bit? I know my neighbor now thinks I really lost it laughing out loud all by myself. The lesson? Roll on the floor laughing silently or ROTFLS.

I support the anti-commercialism of V-Day actually, so I’m exempted (sort of) from all the hype. But, we still had a simple celebration at home and I appreciated ze husband still giving me a beautiful and lovely Ecuadorian rose (though it’s another premature death in the plant kingdom).

I’ll try my best to keep it alive hopefully for a couple more days using a concoction of plant food I found on the internet. 🌹

So, I told him that if he wanted to join the hype, he should buy me a live flowering plant instead that is in a pot with soil, roots, and all. 😉 I’ll plant it in our garden in Bicol, and I’ll put a tag with a date on it.

I find it more romantic every time a plant blooms, and I’m reminded of the unique story behind that plant. I also get to care for it and propagate it. And if I have inquisitive kids, the garden is one great avenue for storytelling and to motivate their love for nature. But, the best thing about receiving live plants as gifts is that I get to plant more and make this planet more habitable by reducing single-use plastic waste.

He thinks it’s an excellent idea. Ah yes, never underestimate the power of persuasion delivered in all subtlety. Do tell me though if you’re the one who’s not convinced. lol

Meanwhile, I hope the memes below will make you smile, and enjoy ROTFLS! ❤️ Captions are all mine, by the way. 👍

‘Yung mga tatawa naman daw, mga Bittergourd.
Can you feel the love tonight, Rafiki? I think he didn’t feel the love tonight, so he hid.
Kuya Grab, amphibian po kasi dapat dinadala nyong sasakyan.
Awww, you cutie patootie. Btw, whoever put this pooch there should also be in one of those branches just to make sure the dog is really enjoying this.
Try to guess how much it costs.
Yep, and you’re heading to your Final Destination, too.
Dodge it, just Dodge it.
Pinapaalis ka na Kuya customer kasi naubos mo na daw isang pitsel ng gravy kaka-refill.
“Off with their heads!” – from the movie Alice in Wonderland
Uhh, can I go home first? I think I left my brain cells there.
Uhm, the plane will be on the North side? Because that’s the only direction that’s not mentioned. And I don’t follow instructions.
Yes, even laughing silently can get you so tired. Keeping all that laughing gas inside you is no joke. Come on now, release it.
Let’s all be real now. I hope this is still a joke 5 years from now.

Aside from laughing, there’s also another way to increase your happy hormones (dopamine) – dancing. This can also be a great opportunity to learn a new skill, shed off some pounds, and have a cardio workout (best for heartbreaks). Never mind if your feet don’t want to cooperate at first. We all started there. If after a couple of years, you still can’t keep up with the dance steps, just chop off your feet. I’m kidding. Try another genre like Salsa, which has slower dance movements. 🙂

P.S. I wish there will be Zumba classes offered here in our condo’s clubhouse because I’m a wrecking ball when I dance inside the condo. But I’ll be going to Bicol by April, anyway, so I’ll just learn Belly Dancing instead through YouTube tutorials for now. I can’t wait to use this belly dancing hip scarf. Or is it used on the tummy to cover the fat belly? 🤔

Who is this person in the coin? Or is it a horse?

Gaano Ba Kahirap Magkaroon Ng Isang Malubhang Karamdaman?

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Hindi ko talaga ito masasagot pa sa ngayon. So, bakit ka pa nagsulat, Tin? lol Sa totoo lang, wala na dapat talaga tayong paguusapan dito kaya mas maigi sigurong tapusin na natin ito. Ito ‘yung article na hindi pa nagsisimula e natapos na. 😂

Pero ‘yun talaga ang totoo. ‘Di ko ito masasagot hanggang sa ako mismo ang makaranas ng isang malubhang karamdaman. Minsan nga iniisip ko na kapag nagpacheckup ako ay sana ganito lang maging usapan namin ng doktor ko:

Me: Dok, may parang kakaiba po kasi akong nararamdaman sa banda rito at banda roon. Ano kaya ito?

Dok: Ah, actually pinipitik lang ‘yan. Parang ganito. Gamit syempre ‘yung middle finger kasi mas malakas. Tapos kung ‘di nawala, pitikin mo ulit gamit naman ang forefinger. Tas ‘pag ‘di pa rin talaga nawala, ‘yung ring finger naman. Ganun lang sya.

Sa mga pasyente na makakabasa nito, ‘wag na ‘wag po kayo maniwala sa doktor nyo kapag ganyan ang sagot nya. Malamang at sa malamang ay doktor sya ng mga kababalaghan. 😆✌️

Dahil wala pa talaga ako gaano maise-share sa topic na ito, ititigil ko na ito at saka na lang ulit kapag matino na ako mag-isip. Alam ko napaluha ko kayo sa article na ito. Pero at least masaya ang inyong mga luha kahit kayo mismo ay hindi. 👍👍

Ang gusto ko lang talaga sabihin na sana ay manatili tayong matatag sa gitna ng mga mabibigat na pinagdaraanan natin sa buhay at huwag mawawala ang pananampalataya natin sa Panginoon. 🙏

P.S. Dahil hindi ako makagalaw masyado dito sa condo at maliit ang space (kaya siguro kung anu-ano iniisip ko), hanggang nood na lang muna ng mga dance workouts. The video below is a high-intensity cardio workout kaya mas magandang may warm-up and cool down sessions before and after the dance routine.

P.P.S. At na-LSS din ako kaso ibang lyrics nakakanta ko sa part ng “tu me qemas me qemas me qemas” kasi nagiging “kume-kyeme a kyeme a kyeme.” 🎵 At siguraduhin lang din na may at least 2 meters na social distancing habang sumasayaw kasi kung ang katabi mo ay nasa energy level 100 humataw, baka ma-knockout ka nya. Hataw, mga bes, and stay healthy! 🥰💃

BAILANDO (By Enrique Iglesias) Dance Workout

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I wanted to break in a pair of high-heeled shoes last weekend and also to burn some calories because I gain weight fast every time I’m here in Manila. I searched YouTube and found Enrique Iglesias’ “Bailando” as the perfect dance song for Zumba and Salsa routines.

I can’t do the dance with a partner though because my husband loves teasing me and dances like a super energetic wriggling worm with too much flailing arms and so out of beat. lol Like seriously, I cannot focus because I am literally rolling (not dancing) on the floor laughing.

So yes, I’m going to give my husband a straitjacket (I had to correct the spelling, sorry lol 😃) next time we dance so he can learn to dance with grace, poise, and finesse.✌️

Seriously though, everything can be learned. What matters is that you’re enjoying what you’re doing. Check out the videos below for the different choreographies. Happy Friday, loves! ❤️💃

Always my favorite Latino singer. 😍
Simple Bailando couple dance.

Perfect for ladies who love twirling around. 😉
Bailando Zumba Dance Workout

P.S. Don’t forget to search for the translation of the lyrics if the song is written in a foreign language. I think you know what I mean. 👇

Dance The Bachata While Waiting

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Ater 1 week of hibernating, I can no longer dismiss the “tugging” to come back on WordPress. This will break my yearly tradition of hibernating here for my birthday prayer and fasting, but I believe God has planned this all along.

I also stumbled upon this Youtube video today, and I also felt the “tugging” to share it here. I have a hunch a lot of single people out there need to watch this, especially since December (and February) is usually the month where a lot of single people feel depressed for not having a special someone to spend the holidays with aside from their families.

I hope this video will remind you to appreciate this season of waiting for the right love to come along – God’s best for you. Because if I can give a message to my younger self, it would be this: “don’t be young and reckless.”

This video is about an hour long, you might want to set aside time for this so you can watch it without any distractions. 🙂

While waiting for your special someone, you might want to learn a new dance routine – Bachata. What is Bachata?

“Bachata is a genre of popular song and dance of the Dominican Republic performed with guitars and percussion.” – Merriam Webster

Who knows, you might dance this in the future with your God-given special someone on your wedding day or honeymoon. 😉 I chose “Bailando Bachata” because the beat and melody can also be a perfect addition to your Zumba sessions at home.

Bachata – Couple

You can dance the Bachata as a pair or as a group. I am currently practicing a few Bachata steps though I am no longer new to dancing because I’ve been dancing since grade school. You may read more of my dancing experience here: “When Grace And Aura Captivate You.”

Bachata – Group

The poet in me also loves the English translation of the lyrics of “Bailando Bachata,” but methinks it’s too sensual for my blog. Though I find it similar to “The Song of Solomon” in the Bible. ❤️

Enjoy dancing (while waiting and praying), my loves! 💃🎶🕺

“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away.” – Song of Solomon 8:6

My Spotify Playlist: Christian Feel-Good Beats

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If you’ve noticed, I’ve been embedding Christian music videos in most of my articles. So I thought, why not create a playlist on Spotify so we can listen to it together?

My Spotify Playlist

SPOTIFY LINK: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5xYVJZPEbDWiGR81qrABwD?si=ExX5tzMCR6afiFTWCRBS-Q

My music selection is mostly upbeat, just the perfect tunes to dance the weekend away. A blessed weekend, everyone! 🙏❤️

Here are some sample music videos from my playlist:

P.S. Stay tuned for my next article. It’s about the “beasts” in agriculture. 💪

My last “pink” entry before October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) ends. 💗 Before our freshness fades, too. lol And no, I’m not trying Photo Lab. This was taken before the heat and sweat got the best of me. Being a farm girl really is no joke. But I’m embracing every moment of it. 🙏