Tag Archives: love

Loving LOCAL LOVE Philippines

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Tin Ginete

(cup with stirrer and saucer made from anahaw wood and coconut hull from Sorsogon City)

 

Well, it is all about love. Not the typical kind of love. But an extraordinary love. That kind of love you have for your country and your countrymen – patronizing local products.

My heart is just close to anything native. Why? Because I grew up in a small town from the province of Sorsogon called Bulan. I am just glad and proud of my local roots and folk culture. Because that is my identity, that is who I am and that is who I will be. 🙂

Do check out the article to find out what the Philippine products have to offer. And have that Filipino pride as well, Filipino or not. 😉

“Local Love Philippines: Go Loco with True Filipino Pride”

How It Is To Live w/ Bipolar Disorder

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Tin Ginete

HOPE

Yes. I think I have it.

Although I wasn’t diagnosed, I believe I have a Bipolar Disorder II with Hypomania. It is mild but it still is a medical condition. Here is a link re bipolar disorder to help you understand better: http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic449381.files/Adobe_Acrobat_Format/WLecture_10_-_Bipolar_Disorder.pdf.

The news re Robin Williams’ death saddened me and reminded me of what I went through battling depression. The reason I took Special Education now is for me to understand myself more. Because the moment you realized you are different than others, you will seek for ways to help yourself and you want to help others too who may be going through the same thing.

Most of you think I am naturally gifted with those “talents.” The truth is that they are skills I acquired to help me combat depression without the medications. Doing art, playing the guitar, photography, dancing, writing and all my other hobbies all helped me take my mind off those depressive thoughts – they sidetrack all feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and fear.

I attempted to commit suicide twice. The one suicide incident wherein I was almost successful doing it was in 2012 after a very stressful and violent breakup.

BUT it was also on that same year when I got SAVED. I was introduced to the faith on January 2012 and made my altar call during the Singles’ Getaway last September 2012. I created this blog on October 2012, which now became my “megaphone” for my faith and my spiritual journey.

If I have been vocal about my faith in all social networking sites, it is not because I seek for attention nor for popularity but because I intend to share the FAITH that saved me from committing the greatest sin that one could ever do while alive. And I also hope to encourage those who are on the verge of losing hope as well to not give up.

Cry your heart out. Belt it out. Drop down on your knees, repent, pray aloud, cry His Name aloud, seek for His Grace BUT NEVER GIVE UP.

Because God did not give up on you and me. He sent His son Jesus Christ into this world to suffer the pain for us, to save us from our sins – to give us HOPE.

NO ONE and NOTHING else can save you from what you are going through EXCEPT our GOD. The moment you surrender your life to Him, you will feel His presence in your every breathing moment. You will feel the Holy Spirit in you. God will give you opportunities to create a new life and a chance to redeem yourself.

God used the skills I acquired and my circumstances to make me better and stronger so I can serve Him, serve others, and spread the Good News. God surrounded me with people who helped in bringing me closer to Him, and who will remind me of Him every now and then. Because of God, I don’t look back to my past with pain and regret. I see my past as God opening the doors to a new life – spiritually restored and healed.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. There is no cure. But there are ways to manage it if you don’t want to take any medications. Although this has to be decided upon the assessment of a medical professional. Seek help if it is too much to bear. I sought help from my spiritual family, and I always have this Bible verse to remind me every time I have those depressive episodes. This Bible verse is what gives my life purpose and meaning:

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” – John 15:4

If it wasn’t for my faith, I’ve long been gone. This testimony will speak how it really means to be BORN AGAIN through the Cross and through God’s love. ❤️🙏

“For it is by Grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8

FIREPROOF: How To Make Any Relationship Last

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This is an all-time favorite of mine. I have seen this movie for countless of times already and I’ve been crying over it for countless of times as well. 😀

It is not your typical romantic, fairy tale kind of movie. In fact, the movie is just too realistic to dismiss that you’ll find yourself relating to every single part of it.

But in general, this is a movie on relationships and how God makes all the difference when He is at the center of it.

More tissue rolls, please. 😉

 

Lordship: The Life After

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Tin Ginete

The Road

Imagine yourself on a highway which has a blind curve and you don’t see what’s behind it or if there is an incoming vehicle. You just don’t have any idea.

That was the feeling I always used to have. I was just cruising down this lane which we call “life” based on how this world defines it – complicated, troubled, dirty, rough, broken, pain, and suffering. They are but just some of the words that I could use to describe what life meant for me before. For I never knew who God and Jesus Christ really were back then.

Failed relationships.

They defined most of my past. It was always the search for that right love with the right person. It came to a point that I begged for it, and I sacrificed a lot to have it including my career, my studies, my family’s respect – all because of that enigma which we call “love.”

Love is all-encompassing. I can use all the words in the dictionary but not a single one will define it alone. Its definition varies. And yet it exists.

Yes, it does.

And the greatest example of this was through the son of our God, Jesus Christ – THE CROSS.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

I got to know this kind of love when I got saved. It was that moment of surrendering everything to Him, simply because everything was too much to bear and I was lost. Not even my family nor my friends could help me from the dark abyss that I was in. I was helpless, depressed, hopeless, and desperate. Shame, guilt, and anger were creeping within me fast that I decided to reach out and ask for help before it was too late. And so I did ask for help – from Him.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33

It was my brother who introduced me to the faith. I was apprehensive to say “yes” when he invited me to go to church at Victory Fort. But after attending the first service, revelations after revelations happened. Miracles and signs began appearing that not even my brother have the words to explain them.

It was then that I believed that indeed, we have a God. And He listens and sees everything.

But it wasn’t as easy as that. There were times when I was called back to who I was, and I was not consistent in going to church because it’s far from our place. I also had a hard time having fellowship with other believers. I still felt incomplete. The faith was there, but not really there.

Until finally, an incident wherein my life itself was put at stake made me do a 180-degree turn. It was then that I have decided to search for a Victory church in QC and found one at GT Toyota Asian Center (Victory QC) inside my alma mater in UP Diliman. After attending a couple of church services, I finally had the courage to approach the concierge and inquire about a Victory Group. A few days later, I was assigned to one group led by Sheryl San Diego, who became both my friend and my spiritual mentor. She offered if I’d like to undergo a One-to-One Discipleship with her to which I said, “Yes.”

That was how my spiritual journey begun. It was a slow but sure process of a series of transformations – an old self being peeled off inch by inch, layer by layer until came the Victory Weekend. Victory Weekend was the most unforgettable moment that highlighted my newfound love for Christ and God – the beginning of my spiritual journey and the day I committed to have a personal relationship with the Lord. This was indeed Lordship and the life after.

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Victory Weekend 3/3/13 (Photo credit: Charls de los Reyes)

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Water baptism with Sheryl San Diego and Maj Yu (Photo credit: Joyce Tan)

I was nothing more but GRATEFUL, RENEWED, and READY to face the future. Even as I type this article down, I could not help but shed tears. It is not because of the past, but because I could not imagine living my life right now if it wasn’t for the GRACE – the gift of SALVATION.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

It’s been two years since I got saved. My salvation and walk with God did not promise a storm-free life, but it promised a storm-proof life through the “Armor of God.”

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” – Ephesians 6:11

Because now, I can confidently stand and say that by the love, grace and mercy of God, every heartbreak and headache will be just that. For your every loss, God will replace each of them with what you really need. You will be given new opportunities and relationships that will help you grow and nourish your faith. A new life so to speak.

And though I may fall sometimes, I know who to turn to and I know who to plead for help. Because I have a God who HEALS, a God who PROVIDES, a God who PROTECTS and a God who SAVES.

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

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

I have nothing to fear. Not even death. For I know now that everything I have is not mine. I have learned to let go and let God take control of my life. I have learned to trust Him with my whole life.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

I may leave this world anytime soon and yet until eternity I carry with me this verse that I hold dear in my heart:

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” – 1 Timothy 6:12

And I will praise His Name forever and ever come what may. GLORY BE TO GOD!

Tin Ginete

Victory Weekend 3/3/13 (Photo credit: Charls de los Reyes)

http://victory.org.ph/

#radicalsince1984 #myVictoryStory #JESUSperiod

Instrument

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When I was saved, the next thing I prayed to God was  for Him to use me as an instrument to reach out to the people who are “lost” and let them know about Jesus Christ. Little did I know and neither did I really understand what being an “instrument” meant back then. Until came that time when I was given the actualities on what it really feels and what is it really like to be used as an instrument.

I have learned two things when God used me: sacrifices and humility. Exactly how God sent Jesus Christ as the way for us to be saved. To follow Christ is to accept Him first as your Savior and be Christlike. It meant going through sacrifices and having humility. I didn’t understand at that time why I had to go through the same things I went through before when I am already a Christian now, pure and devoted. Trials after trials came. Setback after setback. I got corrupted again but I held on to my faith. I noticed that the more I become bolder with my faith and in my devotion, the enemy strikes even harder and more painful this time.

But, what the enemy didn’t know that for every hardest blow I take, I come out unscathed. For every failure, I come back up twice as high as I fell. I have wounds, but I am made whole again. For I have a God who heals, who restores and redeems. 🙂

“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” – Psalm 55:22

Sacrifices played a crucial role being an instrument in spreading the Word of God. It meant persecution, corruption at one point and eventually reaffirmation of faith. To sacrifice is to bleed, to lay open your wounds, to submit every part of your being for the good of one or many.

To be able to endure sacrifices is humility at its best. You are subdued to the lowest point of your weaknesses leaving them raw and open and yet this is what gives you the opportunity to trust God and have faith in Him wholly, with no reservations and with utmost sincerity.

Indeed, when you reach out to the “lost,” how would you help them when you don’t know what they really are going through? How can you sympathize with them when you don’t know the pain they feel, the sorrow they go through, and the struggles they face in every aspect of their lives? I had to experience them too. And when I went through all that, I already know how to deal with them, I know what to do when I make this mistake, I already know who and where to turn to. And that is what they needed to hear, that is what they needed to learn and that is why God gave me the task.

Testimonies are always the best examples of salvation and ultimately, of God’s love through the Cross. They are the best motivators for a changed life, so to speak. I was subverted back to who I was because God is assured that I can never be led astray this time. Though I have to make the sacrifices, He knows I will be going back to Him, seeking and reaching Him out all the more. Then, share the Word and the meaning of the Cross.

Yes, being an instrument is a two-way learning process. I, too, was learning. I, too, feel the pain. I, too, feel the struggle – with them who are “lost.” But the only difference, I had a steadfast faith and I know the meaning of the Cross. I always go back to God, I always think about the Grace. I “report” what I did, I repent if I made mistakes along the way, I submit to His will and then I accept what needs to be done  next through prayers for continued guidance from our Father.

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” – Galatians 5:6

At the end of it all, I ask myself: “Why do that, Tin? Why ask God to give you the task of being an instrument in letting people know about Him? Why let yourself go through all the pain and the sacrifices?”

At first, I don’t know the answer. But God gave the answer: it was LOVE. He loves us so much that is why He sent His son Jesus Christ to save us from our sins. I love my God and Jesus Christ so much for this GRACE, I love the people around me too much I want them to be saved too. It was all for LOVE that I will endure the sacrifices, that I will accept humility. For I know too that this LOVE that saved me will be the LOVE that will save them all too.

This was the love that I used to sarcastically joke about. The love that I used to amusingly take for granted. The love that I have no regard at all. And yet, it was because of this LOVE that I survived in this world.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Not only so, but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his LOVE into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

– Romans 5: 1-5

Before I end this article, I would like to share this verse as a reminder so as to not fall into the trap that the enemy has set out for us in order to cut in on our RACE towards GRACE:

“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

– Galatians 5: 19-21

Forgive yourself, no one is condemning you. But continue to do what is good, what is right and what is pleasing in the eyes of the Lord. So my dear brothers and sisters, I pray that may we all work together towards having this through Jesus Christ our Savior – LIFE IN ETERNITY and continue the good fight of faith, no matter what it takes. 🙂

 

My First Photo Shoot and Pizzeria Fun @ Leona’s

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Tin Ginete

3 Cheese Pizza

Yes, it was actually pizzeria fun before the photo shoot. 😀

I am into photography since 2010 but it was only now that I took the idea of capturing photos of people as subjects quite seriously. It was very challenging as it is entirely a different domain in photography that I am not quite familiar with. I was feeling lucky though that I didn’t have a hard time getting my desired shots. Of course, the model will be none other than the guy I spend most of my time with, the face I look at often and the image which preoccupies my mind most. (Really?) But it is God whom I love the MOST. Sorry about that, Hon. *wink* 😉

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First Model, Mi Amor

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Right angle, his best facial contours.

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But he prefers this shot. 🙂

It was around 3 or 4 pm when we had the photo shoot and I chose the UP Diliman Lagoon as our venue since my college buddies and I spent most of our free time taking photos there during our college days and the greenery is just the perfect contrast for pictorials. It was really fun being the photographer this time. 😀

Now, going back to our pizzeria fun, Brian and I had a blast with Leona’s pizzas. They are soooooo DELISH! I am not sure if I am being bias at this point being a pizza and pasta lover, but oh boy, no other thin crust pizza have I tasted as good as theirs. Even Brian agreed that Leona’s pizza is the BEST pizza.

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Leona’s Menu

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Leona Art Restaurant

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They are open from 10am-10pm from Mondays to Saturdays.

The crust was evenly baked. The danger with thin crust pizzas is that they could easily get overcooked ending up with a burnt crust but theirs is just right. Even perfect because the crispiness of the pizza lasted longer than we have expected (this gives you an idea that we stayed pretty long at the resto). 😀

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The pizza that is like a chip. 🙂

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Forks and knives on the spotlight.

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Brian’s shot, Chili Flakes.

My particular favorite is their Garlic and Mushroom pizza. Actually it is Brian and I’s favorite among the three pizzas that we have tried: 3 Cheese, Pepperoni pizza and Garlic and Mushroom. The latter just had the best fusion of spices, cream and cheese. Well, aside from the fact that it is also vegetarian, you won’t realize that it has zero meat on it because of its rich taste which makes eating for us more enjoyable since we are on a diet. 😉

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Garlic and Mushroom Pizza

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Beef Taco

We also tried their Beef Taco which has a distinct “peanuty” flavor and very rich in other spices too, just the way Brian likes it. It was a perfect choice for a restaurant in terms of satisfying our taste buds.

And of course, since it is an art restaurant, our eyes were serenaded by art works here and there as well as trinkets and other collectible items that they are actually selling. A magnificent sight for me being an artist and an art lover. 🙂

 

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The art corner.

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Art and more art.

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Collectible items for sale.

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Porcelain bric-a-bracs.

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Hmmm, I was wondering whose fingers are they?

Being a fashionista, my eyes gravitated towards the accessory section. I was adoring the workmanship of every bracelet when Brian chose this particular bracelet and bought it for me. *yihee* It has my birthstone too. Thank you so much, Honey. *tight hug* 🙂

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The model for a while.

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Trinket corner.

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More trinkets.

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Love gift from him, glass-beaded trinket with my birthstone – turquoise. ❤ 🙂

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Trinket love, girly stuff, fashionista mode.

And to cap off the day, we had “isaw baboy/grilled pork intestines” and “isaw manok/grilled chicken intestines” at our favorite “isawan” in my alma mater at UP Diliman which is Mang Larry’s Isawan. We ate them ala picnic style at the Sunken Garden. Nature tripping for a date is always the best for me and Brian. Loving the simple pleasures, so to speak. 😉

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He loved this most – his signature pose at the Sunken Garden. Go, Honey! 😀

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The photographer and the model after the tiring day. 😉

P.S.

It is not the place that makes an experience worthwhile, but the person you are sharing that experience with. 😀

Summer Splashin’ at Anawangin Cove

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Tin Ginete

The hilltop view of the ocean.

The choice of our summer destination came just out of the blue. It was a random decision to have our summer getaway at Anawangin when I came across one advertisement over Facebook about tour packages.

We chose Anawangin Cove in Zambales for two reasons: 1) it is near the metro we wouldn’t be traveling for long hours and 2) the camping in the pine trees idea seemed interesting and exciting enough. So off we went planning and organizing the getaway.

Came the day of our summer escapade and we were absolutely thrilled the moment we set foot on the first island during our island hopping. It was Capones Island. A secluded, tiny island host to an old lighthouse. The island was littered with white, big stones smooth enough for you to walk on barefoot but I don’t recommend it at all as the stones tend to get really hot during the day until mid afternoon.

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Beach of Capones Island

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Me and Ja at the old lighthouse of Capones Island.

After Capones Island, we went to Camara Island, an island smaller than Capones with beautiful rock and cliff formations. After taking photos for a couple of minutes, we then headed to our final destination, the Anawangin Cove.

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Rock and cliff formations.

When we got to the venue, the first thing that my gaze searched for were the pine trees. You wouldn’t see them right off the beach but only after crossing the lake that’s between the beach and the camping site. Our package included the camping tents that we will use, our meals for our overnight stay, 5 gallons of water, entrance fee, boat fee as well as fees for our tour guide.

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The Anawangin Cove

We have no problems with the dressing and comfort rooms as there are about 14 of them and there’s enough water supply for all the campers. The toilets are clean although all of them do not have proper locks so I suggest you have a companion waiting for you outside when dressing up or using the comfort room.

The camping site is clean and all the staff are very generous in helping us with our needs and in providing assistance. Better prepare yourself with a good flashlight as there is no electricity and inform your family beforehand that there is no signal in the island for all communication networks.

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The camping site.

The seaside is very clean and the pristine, shallow waters a few meters from the shore made it suitable for non-swimmers like me to enjoy swimming big time.

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Our boat.

But what I wasn’t prepared at all was the trekking to the hilltop overlooking the Anawangin Cove. We were all not prepared for the treacherous hike with its very steep slope, rocky and slippery trail which resulted to shaking knees and extreme exhaustion. But tolerable enough to make your way up and down the hill. So, don’t worry. 🙂

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The hill.

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Onset of the trekking.

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Halfway the climb, almost there.

But cheer up for all your efforts are just completely worth it when you reach the top and be amazed by the beautiful, picturesque scenery that’s in front of your eyes. Ahh the beauty of wonders that forever remain a wonder. 😀

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Finally made it to the top!

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The Anawangin Cove

After the trekking, my friends and I decided to take a dip to cool down our exhausted and tired bodies and then prepared for our departure from the island.

It was a wonderful experience that made me say I am VERY MUCH FULFILLED indeed. I am definitely looking forward to going back and appreciate the beauty of the Anawangin Cove once again. It’s beauty is endless, it is just plain captivating. Captivating enough to make your memories of it worthy reminiscing. Praise be to God for these awesome wonders! 🙂

Burger Project & Sbarro: Let the Hunger Games End!

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Tin Ginete

My burger project.

Okay, now that title might have given you so much of what I intend this article to be – PIGGING OUT. 😀

But just to set things clear and straight, Brian and I seldom pig out as we are on a diet. YES. We are both a fitness buff and we take working out pretty much seriously. That also includes eating in moderation. Discipline, with everything.

It was because we wanted to try this burger restaurant that we have decided to somehow have our “cheat” day. Unfortunately, it was Brian who cheated. lol Because I gave half of my share to him since I insisted on sticking with my diet. (Good job, Hon, for finishing them all for me!) 😀

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The queue.

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The lost nurse. 😉

If you are to read my previous food review posts, I am currently hooked on the concept of “projects.” And if you are to ask me why, that’s because I love trying out new ideas. I love to learn and experiment so to speak. Thus, the trip to Burger Project. 

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Their other branches.

In other words, Burger Project is all about making your own burger. It has the same concept with Project Pie that my siblings and I tried a couple months back (refer to this article: https://thejourneymansmoments.wordpress.com/2014/02/20/my-very-own-pizza-project-pie/). Both are very different though when it comes to choices of toppings (for the pizza) and fillings (for the burger).

To start on your project, you need to ask for an order form where you get to tick your choice from buns, burger patties, to vegetable fillings and a whole lot more of other ingredients and spices. Submit it to the cashier and pay your orders. Wait for a couple of minutes while they prepare your burger and voila, your special burger is now served. 🙂

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Order forms.

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His burger project.

The fact that I am oh so forgetful, I could not just remember the choice of ingredients I have for my burger. And it is because of this Brian and I almost switched burgers. ahaha Saved by the Jalapeno sticking out from his burger. 😀

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Animal Fries

We also tried one of their specialties, the Animal Fries, made of fried potato strings with grilled onions, minced garlic, special burger sauce, cheese sauce and cheddar cheese. If we are to rate it from 1 to 5, 5 being the highest, we will rate it with a 4. Yes, because Brian keep on telling me (in between munches) that the burgers are SOOO GOOD we’re gonna come back. He is just a total burger person. 😉

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Brian and I

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Me and Brian

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Checkin’ in at Burger Project, Maginhawa St., Quezon City

We were just so full after the burger experience so we decided to walk around Maginhawa Street and ended up at Moonleaf Tea Shop for a wintermelon milk tea. There is a long chain of great restaurants along Maginhawa Street you just have to keep coming back to try them all. 🙂

Next stop was Sbarro. An all time fave of mine. I had baked ziti, Brian had lasagna and we both had vegetarian pizza (spinach and mushroom). Yes, always include greens in your meals even if you pig out to maintain that healthy diet.

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Baked Ziti

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Lasagna

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Spinach and Mushroom Pizza

After the food mania, we decided to just chill around by letting Brian take his first experimental shots in photography with a few tips from me, a not-so-pro photographer. Here are some of them. I must admit, he does have the eye for the aesthetics. Multi-talented boyfriend I have here. 😀 Lucky me and I thank God for that. 😉

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Chipped Fingernail on the Spot

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The Watch

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The Baller

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Yours Truly by Him.

(Thanks for everything, Honey! I love you so much!) 

It All Started at Sonya’s Secret Garden

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Brian and I @ Sonya's Secret Garden

Brian and I @ Sonya’s Secret Garden

 

The romance that started in a secret garden. Do read ahead to find out how our love story started. 😀

Coffee table book.

Coffee table book.

 

I met him when I was selected to be one of the study patients of a research at the Asian Eye Institute. It was an answered prayer – for my eyesight to be healed. I have God to be extremely grateful for with this blessing. And yet, the “package” did not stop there. Little did I know that I am soon to be partnered with my nurse in this thing which we call “love.” Ah yes, the Lord our God is indeed the great matchmaker and composer of everything.

Okay, now this is the part where it gets cheesy and cheesier. You might as well grate me or just allow yourself to be melted away. 😀

I waited for 2 years before God orchestrated I meet him. But the wait never really mattered because I was passionately driven in pursuing a personal relationship with God and in serving Him in those two years that I was not in a relationship with anyone.

I am in love with what I am doing so to speak. That should be what comes first – serve God, find your mission, and then find your mate. I got saved, I started sharing my faith in my blog, then I met my bf.

But did you know that I turned Brian down the first time he asked me out on a date? 😀 Yes, I didn’t feel it right at that moment. Because hubby dear just got out of a relationship and I don’t want to be a part of it because I made it clear to him that if he intends to pursue me, then he should do so with a clean slate. 🙂

So I told him that no, I can’t entertain him romantically at that point because he should make peace with his past first. I went home to my province and I stayed there for more than a month. At that time we constantly communicated but I was firm that we can only be friends. And I challenged him that if he is not patient enough to wait for me, then it is all fine with me if he pursues someone else.

I was also straightforward in telling him that I do not wish to be in a relationship with him if his intention was to forget his old flame. He assured me that it is because he loves me. In fact, he professed his love for me right after our first date. Unbelievable, right? lol 😀 But my brother told me that you can never really tell when you will fall in love. It doesn’t have a time period, nor an exact moment, and it can just hit you out of the blue.

Well, that is love in its emotional state. But love is a decision. And I am after the latter that is why I never rushed my feelings for him. I have restrained myself to wait even though the attraction was already there the first time we met back in AEI.

Besides, I wanted to ask God first and make sure the relationship I am going to enter is the one that He wants for me. I wanted to do exactly that during the Prayer and Fasting in our church come the first week of January. I was still in my hometown during this time so I got to ask God clearly what are His answers and without distractions.

Would you believe that one of the signs that God sent me was through a friend and sister in Christ who texted me out of the blue during the Prayer and Fasting that she dreamt about me wearing a white gown? 😀

We were both confused about what it meant at that time and then I just had the realization later on. And nope, none of my friends knew Brian yet at this point because we’re not yet dating. But I knew the sign was not enough in making a decision, so I continued praying.

My failed relationships in the past, which was the reason for my salvation and being born again, taught me to never seek for love at the wrong places and with the wrong people by waiting for God’s perfect best. 🙂

Brian though is never perfect. He has his own weaknesses and personal struggles same as me. We are all a work in progress when it comes to being the persons that God wants us to be. But we both rejoice in what is good, in what we have learned, in learning and where we are happy the most – pure and genuine happiness because we know it makes our God happy too.

We both share some interests and I know that if I am to list down all the qualities, it will be endless. But just to name a few that really stood out when we were just getting to know each other, I’ll give a brief rundown:

  • We both love the color blue.
  • We love viands that are not sweet.
  • We prefer communing with nature than spend long hours at the mall.
  • We love the simple things.
  • And lastly, we enjoy each other’s company.

Now, that last part is the one thing that I love the most. Why? Because it only means I could get to be who I am when I am with him. We don’t care if we look silly at times or if we crack the silliest jokes mindless of other people who would think we are being overly “corny” or hilarious. No pretensions so to speak. He accepts my eccentricities (mildly put, not exactly the medical term) and vice versa. The same as our relationship with God. We have to be as sincere and as open to Him as possible, connecting every single moment of our lives with Him from the moment we wake up until the time we lay our heads down the pillow. A personal, loving, and lasting relationship – that is how we got to know Him more.

And that is how I got to know Brian more – a personal moment at a secret garden (that is not so secret at all because it is well-known among the locals and tourists alike). 🙂

 

Lovely blooms.

Lovely blooms.

The entrance to Sonya's restaurant.

The entrance to Sonya’s restaurant.

One of the lodges.

One of the lodges.

Morning Glory garden. The other two are The Conservatory and Sunflower.

Morning Glory garden. The other two are The Conservatory and Sunflower.

 

The place is very memorable to me. I have always been in love with gardens. They are my places of solace and comfort. I feel calm, at ease and more at peace with myself when I am surrounded by the best that nature could offer – simplicity.

 

Flower in bloom.

Flower in bloom.

Feeling like a princess. *wink*

Feeling like a princess. *wink*

The photographer taken by the photographer too.

The photographer was taken by another photographer too.

 

Though I dressed up too “colorful” for the date making me look like one of the flowers in the garden and making me wish I’d never worn something as vibrant as that, I pretty much enjoyed the ambiance of the place. It is very RELAXING. I didn’t skip the opportunity to take more photos of literally anything I could lay my eyes on.

 

Sonya's chair.

Sonya’s chair.

Coffee table book.

Coffee table book.

Birds of paradise.

Birds of paradise.

Superb drapery for their banquet hall.

Superb drapery for their banquet hall.

 

And yes, though they offer their menu in buffet style, you won’t feel too full afterward nor feel guilty for having eaten too much. They serve vegetarian dishes. Most of their dishes are very light and their pastas are not heavy on herbs and spices. Just a little bit of them to tease your palate. You have an option if you will have white or red sauce. Of course, how could I forget how Brian and I made fun of the chamomile hand wash/sanitizer because I thought it is just for decor of some sort or I will wash my veggie food there and I had to ask the waiter what is it used for (oh if embarrassment could kill, I’d be dead already. 😀 ). But it smells SOOO GOOOD!

 

The Menu.

The Menu.

Buffet corner.

Buffet corner.

Lettuce and arugula.

Lettuce and arugula.

Garnish your salad with a selection of fruits in season like mango and pineapple.

Garnish your salad with a selection of fruits in season like mango and pineapple.

There he is with his jicama/singkamas.

There he is with his jicama/singkamas.

Fresh flowers in a vase centerpiece.

Fresh flowers in a vase centerpiece.

Relaxing ambiance.

Relaxing ambiance.

 

I also love how they kept our bread warm. They rolled it in a piece of cloth (linen, I presume) and served it in a basket along with the spread and other spices. I love their salad dressings and spread, too! They offer quite A LOT of greens in their dishes which I absolutely relished. I am a veggie lover so I enjoyed making that munch and that crunch in my every bite of their salads. And to end it all, a nice serving of chocolate cake and tarragon tea.

 

Whole wheat sesame bread.

Whole wheat sesame bread.

Sonya’s Secret Salad Dressing, Balsamic vinegar/extra virgin olive oil, Parmesan cheese.

Sonya’s Secret Salad Dressing, Balsamic vinegar/extra virgin olive oil, Parmesan cheese.

Basil pesto, white cheese, anchovies, tomato salsa, mushroom pate, black olive tapenade, and fresh green peppercorn in olive oil.

Basil pesto, white cheese, anchovies, tomato salsa, mushroom pate, black olive tapenade, and fresh green peppercorn in olive oil.

Homemade choco cake.

Homemade choco cake.

Tarragon Tea

Tarragon Tea

 

Overall comment? It was a very happy and relaxing experience indeed. I adored every nook in Sonya’s garden. Aside from the restaurant, they also have the Panaderia and a store where you could buy goodies, memorabilia, and pasalubong for your friends and family. It is also a very suitable place for wedding receptions as they have a separate private venue for that near the restaurant.

 

The way to the comfort rooms.

The way to the comfort rooms.

Chandelier.

Chandelier.

Native finds.

Native finds.

Capiz hanging decor.

Capiz hanging decor.

Organic scents, trinkets and other good finds.

Organic scents, trinkets and other good finds.

For Wedding Receptions

For Wedding Receptions

The Walkway

The Walkway

The Panaderia

The Panaderia

Me trying the hat.

Me trying the hat which I have practically no use for. lol

 

I wished for my own home someday to be surrounded by lots of greenery too just like what we also have in our home in Bicol. I believe it is what makes every home a home – it looks natural, no too much synthetic ornaments.

Just like our relationship with God – you are more at ease with Him when it is genuine. 🙂

Every love story is created differently. But the one thing that they should all have in common is this – God at the center.

I believe I have to end this “date” on this note, for now, to save some memories for Brian and me to cherish. And this too, a poem which I made especially for him.

And this ends our cheesiness. 😀

 

A Blanket of Love by Tin Ginete

A Blanket of Love by Tin Ginete

P.S.

We ended the date by watching Ronin 47. Yes, how could I ever forget the last lines. Just the perfect cheesy but romantic lines to end this cheesy but romantic article. 😀

Kai (Keanu Reeves): I will search for you through 1000 worlds and 10000 lifetimes!

Mika (Ko Shibasaki): I will wait for you in all of them.

(Thank you so much for the wonderful time, for the lunch treat and movie date, Hon! I love you so much!)

“B” for Burping at The Buffet on a Blessed Bountiful Birthday

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Another late post. 😀 The part 2 of my previous post: A Birthday Like No Other. 🙂

I can boast of nothing else except of God’s greatness. I never asked for anything prior to my birthday. And yet, He surprised me with gifts that are irreplaceable by any material gift – to bless others and to spend my birthday with family and friends.

I would like to thank my family, first and foremost, for spending my special day with me. Though my parents are not here as they are in the province, I know they celebrated it with me in spirit. And we have a new member (Hi, Heather! Welcome to the family!). 😉

Thank you, Ate Ayn, for giving me this birthday gift/treat! 🙂

Family love!

Family love!

Where's the missing boy? Oh there you are!

Where’s the missing boy? Oh there you are!

 

Thanks as well to my VG mates and soul sisters for these lovely birthday cakes (you know who you are ladies)! 🙂

 

Thank you my dear Victory group mates! I love you!

Thank you my dear Victory group mates! I love you!

Thank you my dear soul sisters! I love you!

Thank you my dear soul sisters! I love you!

 

And of course, to all who wished me a happy birthday on Facebook, over the phone, and anywhere here on social networking sites. Oh, how I love God and how I love everything that God has given me. I could not ask for more indeed. I will continue praising God for His LOVE, GRACE, and MERCY – I am extremely GRATEFUL.

I was given the privilege to choose where I will spend my birthday and we just found ourselves seated at the comfort of the superb interiors and great food of The Buffet International Cuisine.

 

The "sea of food."

The “sea of food.”

 

The Buffet International Cuisine serves in buffet style not 1 but 5 kinds of international cuisine: Filipino, Western, Japanese, Chinese and Korean. Now, that is a whole lot of options to choose from. Gaaaah, gastronomic!!!! 😀

 

Fishes, fishes, fishes. That is, fish decors. ;)

Fishes, fishes, fishes. That is, fish decors. 😉

Asian cuisine corner.

Asian cuisine corner.

 

They also offer a wide range of desserts from cakes, ice cream to pastries. I just could not try all of them as they are far too many. 😦 But that is reason enough for me to go back to The Buffet, right? 😀

 

Dessert corner.

Dessert corner.

Colored drinks (lime and red tea).

Colored drinks (lime and red tea).

 

I also would like to thank the management of The Buffet for my free share (wink), for the live birthday song performance by their ever talented group of singers as well as for this cute birthday cake. Awesome!!!! I, indeed, am all smiles! 😀

 

Birthday Cake!

Birthday Cake!

Birthday Singers

Birthday Singers

 

I particularly love the place with its high ceilings and spacious dining areas. It is a buffet restaurant so expect a lot of traffic from people going here and there to get food. But that wasn’t a problem at all as the food was carefully arranged and set in places that allow eaters to move around without bumping anyone.

 

Food counter.

Food counter.

 

Their lights were also superb! Chandeliers are everywhere giving you that mellow, romantic and really classy feel. They have a grand staircase leading to the function hall for special events.

 

The grand staircase going to the function room.

The grand staircase going to the function room.

More chandeliers downstairs.

More chandeliers downstairs.

Sparkly chandeliers.

Sparkly chandeliers.

 

Oh and yes, their comfort room is sooooo clean and they have free valet parking too. We are indeed having one of the great treats in our lives. I thank God for that! 😀

 

Ladies' comfort room.

Ladies’ comfort room.

Free valet parking.

Free valet parking.

 

If I am to rate it from 1 to 5, 5 being the highest, I’ll give it a 5. It was a blessed, bountiful birthday, indeed! 🙂

 

At the staircase.

At the staircase.