Farewell to you, Poppy

Dear Pops,

Bidding you goodbye is one of those bittersweet farewells in my life. However, it was a relief for you- at least. I have to be happy as well. We all felt a pang of torment when we witnessed you taking your very last deep breath. I adore you in a way, you held on for a long time and you were so strong all the time. I don't think I can do the same when my time comes. 

Oh, by the way, your lovely Italian roommate- Maria, was looking for you this morning. I told her you just moved to a different place with a different ambiance- somewhere more comfortable, bright and beautiful.She was always worried about you. I guess she will miss you bigtime.

I am an unfamiliar face to you. Your eyes were always closed all the time I went to look after you. But you, I know your face so much. I am pretty sure you were so pretty when you were younger. The lines that years has put on your small face was not able to conceal your angelic look. By the way, I saw you sweetly smiled once while you were sleeping so soundly. Were you having a lovely dream? Well, I guess so. 

You are now in God's hands and I am glad. No more pain for you. 

You will be missed, Pops. Until we meet again. 

Love, 

Erly

That Amazing "Isang Araw" (The Singapore Premiere)

(It's been days and I still keep watching the last weekend's event in my brain on a replay for a thousand times now. Up to this writing,  am overly happy/ excited/ amazed/thilled/ delighted/ amused/ starstrucked/ ecstatic/ elated/ gleeful/ gratified/ joyed/ thankful/ pleased.  whew! That Sunday was a blast. On that same day, I have been eyeing to cover  a very nice show and I  happen to like it so much because it only its a prestigious event, and interesting and unique, and it only happens every other year. I ignored it for something more prestigious, interesting, unique and far more worthwhile AND can only happen once. Loud and proud, I am telling the whole wide world that I just watched the most touching and enlightening movie ever last Sunday.  Whew!   Thanks be to God!)

For others, 16 February 2014 was just another dull sunny Sunday. Well, that was for them. That Sunday afternoon was more than special to us who live on this part of the world.  With immense pleasure, voluble eagerness and glowing pride, we invited close friend, friends of friends, relatives, workmates etc etc to join us in witnessing the much  anticipated Isang Araw Singapore Premiere:)  Who wouldn't be thrilled, anyway? It was not just all about watching the movie but, Mr Public Service himself, Kuya Daniel Razon was coming to grace the event.  I cannot express much in words how everybody was overwhelmed by his presence but I guess pictures can speak loud for us:) 

At the event proper 

These two happy people were just one of those lucky  ones who, unknowingly, managed to secure strategic seats  that enabled them have a closer and clearer sight of Kuya Daniel. Well, this doesn't happen all the time and not all gets the chance like this so they just enjoyed and grabbed the moment while it was there. (And, uuhhmm, yes I  got jealous when I saw them from afar while they took these photos :) )

Well, posing for photos is a default to all of us. Every time Kuya pays us a visit, I know he is ready to show off his sweetest smile because he knows that nobody will leave without striking a killer pose with him. I bet everybody shouted CHEESE! 

From different parts of South East Asia to the Fine City, they traveled all the way to join us witness the much anticipated pemiere night. Aside from of course getting the chance to meet us again and be able to watch the movie, it was Kuya's presence that they wanted to witness and experience. 

Nevertheless,  I had my own precious moment to treasure, too. I was tasked to interview Jeffrey Santos and of course, our beloved Kuya Daniel Razon. This doesn't happen everyday and not all is given the chance. The idea put a thousand butterflies in my stomach BUT I convinced myself to do it because the chance to talk to him face to face might not come again. It came to me as a very pleasant surprise. I hope I get surprises like this all the time. On that day, I just silently wait for instructions and I just wanted to do PA things but I got more than that and I am so happy and proud.  For those who photographed us, thank you so much and send me pictures please :)

At Local for the Spanish consultation and Good Morning, Kuya broadcast

Straight from last Saturday's Thanksgiving, Kuya went straight to the airport for his flight bound here. Then after landing on Singapore soil, they had a quick lunch and the whole crew went straight to Concorde Hotel for the movie premiere. Without any rest at all, Kuya was still able to go with Bro Eli to hold a Spanish Consultation for the brethren in South America. And he didn't stopped there. After the 4hrs-consultation, he was still able to appear in his morning show with the aid of modern technology. He worked more than 24hrs straight! Thanks be to God for the strength and power he gives him to be of service to us and to the rest of mankind.

The movie

It was in 2009 when Kuya Daniel launched his first movie Isang Araw Lang (One Day Only). And now, after four years the part two entitled Isang Araw (One Day) is finally released. As anticipated, this second installment is bigger and much more star-studded. It definitely exceeded viewers' expectations In terms of cast performance and use of advance technology in movie making. But all good effects and acting aside, the best and the selling part of the movie is actually about learning to be obedient to God at all cost (in its true essence). On the first installment, Kuya Daniel had so much to endure just to stand for what he knows is just and righteous. In part two, his suffering and hardship went up a level higher and he even almost crossed the thin line between evil and good. And my story ends here :) As much as I wanted to tell more, I can't. So, for those who have not seen the movie yet, sit down and relax and your turn will come.

All throughout the movie, the crowd reacted on the the scene as how the maker wanted them to react. They laughed on funny scenes, they cried when the thing turns dramatic, and they got carried away when it becomes action-packed scene. I believe Kuya was overwhelmed when the audience clap in between scenes. At the end of the movie, there was a standing ovation and a great round of applause which proves that everybody was stunned and moved. Two thumbs up! This film is highly recommended.

The News

Eager and proud, I am sharing to you all the news that was aired in UNTV's Hataw Balita and Ito ang Balita day after the premiere showing. I am moved by the reaction of the Singaporean and some fellow Filipinos who gave remarks about the movie. I am touched to hear people appreciate the message of the film. 

As Kuya mentioned, they are now in the process of creating the script for the next installment. Thrilled and all that,  I hope to see you all again in the next premiere :)

To God be the glory!

On Debate Between Bro Eli Soriano & Bro Eusebio Catarinen

As part of Ang Dating Daan’s (Church of God International) concerted efforts of spreading the true teachings of God from the bible, a once a month Worldwide Bible Exposition is being held. But on 07 February 2014, instead of having the normal question and answer set-up, Bro. Eliseo F. Soriano hosted a live debate about who the true founder and owner of the Church is. 

On the much awaited debate, Bro. Eli took the negative side while Bro. Eusebio Catarinen stood for the positive. With the aid of satellite services, distance did not serve as problem.Unknown number of internet viewers excluded , around 50,000 spectators witnessed the encounter via ADD's 1,281 satellite worldwide.

Compared to Bro Eli's previous opponents, Bro Eusebio seemed to be the most difficult to withstand (for me). Difficult not because he was too good, but  because I know in my heart that Bro Eli can finish the discussion faster than I can imagine if he wanted to. Sorry but honestly, that was what I really felt. He kept going around the bush and the debate lasted for 4 hours without him realizing anything. 

On the other hand, Bro Eli's reaction was different and I felt a deep pang of guilt for feeling what i felt. He was so calm, composed and focused on explaining each and every detail about the side he was defending. According to him, the over 50,000 listeners must learn and be enlightened. It was not about winning but about sharing the wisdom. He even ignored all the misbehaving Bro Eusebio Catarinen showed all throughout the debate. Instead, Bro Eli gave all the credit to God saying, “Even when we haven’t yet begun, God has already triumphed. Don’t insist on what is wrong…. The intent of this debate is not to show that one has lost and the other triumphed, because glory belongs to God.”

And before he bid everybody goodnight, Bro Eli even asked for an apology to his opponent. He said, “Whatever word I have said that may offended anybody, forgive me. We are all prone to sins. Good night."

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The Double-edged Sword

Surprise for a Blogger-Wannabe :)

Who wouldn't be happy with this surprise? I was granted with a task that I was not expecting at all. A surprise that came in early but I discover two months later. Blame the the flood of notifications on my Facebook. 

I am so thankful, I really am. And I am excited and ecstatic and I still can’t believe! I don’t think I am suited and able. I don’t possess a good knack in writing and I know in my heart that I don’t have much (or shall I say, I have very little) aptitude to put my thoughts into words and these words touch readers’ imagination. Without this things in my blood stream, do you think I can be a be a good blogger? I know you'll say NO with conviction. But with His help, I know, I will keep going and moving on doing the task. 

For this, all I can say is 

thank you & help me, my LORD...

#Notetoself

"Walang dahilan para manlamig sa paggawa dahil: 

> May tungkuling nagbibigay kabuluhan sa buhay,

> May mga kapatid na laging umaagapay,

> May mga manggagawang handang umalalay,

> May mga Mangangaral na nagmamalasakit,

> May Espiritung laging nagpapaalala, ~> May Kristong nagmamahal ng tunay,

> At may Dios na nakikinig sa ating mga pakiusap."

~BroEliSoriano:) Happy Pasalamat:)

Reminiscing Asia-Oceania Conventions

2012, Tokyo Japan

August 2013, Melbourne, Australia

Hi, Australia!

Around Victoria, Australia

From Top (L to R) to bottom: (1) Loving the rural atmosphere at Churchill Island that I felt like i do not want to go back to Singapore anymore; (2)Having some posing with the choppers on the background at Great Ocean Road (12 Apostles); (3) Somewhere in Warnambool: The place where I was able to have a very close encounter with jumping kangaroos in the wild. I was star strucked that I was not able to take pictures. Sigh.

From Top (L to R) to bottom: (1) At 12 Apostles. This scenic place is really breathtaking. 4-5hours drive going there was completely worth it. (2) Next is at Mornington Peninsula. we enjoyed walking around because there were no other visitors. Just the two of us :) ; (3) Outside the Melbourne Gaol. It used to be a prison house for the most notorious Australian criminals during 1940's. 

From Top (L to R) to bottom: (1) I hate to state the obvious, but eer, we were at Melbourne Visitor Center in front of the Federation Square; (2) This is my favorite photo of ours: at Cape Schank Lighhouse, Mornington Peninsula; (3) That green train is the ever famous Puffing Billy train, one of the well-preserved steam train in the whole of Australia.

From Top (L to R) to bottom: (1) Visited my childhood friend, Angelo in their Truganina home; (2) Roaming around on a very late night at Melbourne CBD with rio and Vik. This was after the ASOP-AO Midyear Division Eliminations; (3) Visiting Bro Joel Saba in his Melbourne abode; (4) With Rio, Vik and my Beybi at Flinders Station. Late night strolling here was a lot of fun :)

Exploring New South Wales

From Top (L to R) to bottom: (1) @Feathedale Wildlife. Awesome place and highly recommended to future visitors; (2) @The Entrance. 1.5hrs away from Sydney. A very serene place and there are lots to do but I was only after the free afternoon attraction which is the pelican feeding; (3) @ the Scenic Blue Mountains. Nature tripping at its finest. It was damn cold and windy that day and I cant bear it haha!

From Top (L to R) to bottom: No need to say more top pics were taken in Sydney. On the background is the Sydney Opera House and the equally famous Harbour Bridge; below was in Darling Harbour and the place is really a darling. I dont mind going back and have some nice strolling again :D

Oh, Australia. I want to see more of you :)

Proverbs 22:6

Proverbs 22:6

King James Version (KJV)

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

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On Special Olympics, Special Kids & Kuya Daniel's Help

Special Olympics International is a global institution that focuses  on helping intellectually challenged individuals in developing  their self-esteem and self-worth to make them productive and respected part of the society. They help build their confidence through sports by demonstrating what they can do. Athletes are grouped based on ability and levels and all of them are encouraged to join so everybody will be recognized for his/her ability and capability. 

This year, Special Olympics group from Philippines and Malaysia visited Special Olympics Singapore to hold competition. The 5day-event was indeed successful. As the participants showed off what they can do, the hard work and patience of those taking care of them manifested in their performances. They showed persistence and enthusiasm on the games they are on. Taking care and teaching these bunch of special people entails a lot of patience and commitment. Kudos to all trainers, parents and volunteers! 

Seeing all the participants wearing their sweetest smiles during the event was such a heart-warming scenario- true and genuine happiness! And we, the UNTV-Singapore News Team is so honored to be given the opportunity to witness and cover this event. We were so astonished to see our delegates from the Philippines winning! There were 6 events in the olympics and our team joined 3 categories: bowling, bocce, and swimming. Below is partial and unofficial list of medals won by our kids:

Bowling:  

Doubles: Anton Silos and Robin Clarino, Gold
      Mark Inductivo and Bryan Robles, Silver

Singles:   Anton Silos - Gold
                 Mark Inductivo - Gold
                 Bryan Robles - Gold
                 Robin Clarino - Bronze
                 Joy Bautista - Bronze
Team: Mark Inductivo, Bryan Robles, Robin Clarino, Joy Bautista- Gold

Swimming:
Raymond Macasaet - 2 Golds
Christopher Gutang - 2 Golds, 1 Silver

Bocce: 
Singles: Robin Conanan - Gold
               Kevin Patrick Ong - Gold
               Andrew Lim- Gold
               Carmella Motte -Gold
               Paul Jonah Bianzon- Silver
               Edward James Cabarles - 5th Place

Doubles:Kevin Patrick Ong and Carmela Morfe - Gold
                Mylene Garcia and Bernadette Lim- Gold
                Andrew Lim and Paul Jonah Bianzon - Silver
                Andrew Conanan and Edward James Cabarles- Bronze

On overall account, bagging 6 golds, 2 silvers and 1 bronze medals after the tournament is not really bad at all for the whole Philippine delegation. 

Among all the games, BOCCE is the only game that is never heard to me. But then again, I consulted Mr. Google and according to him, it is an Italian game similar to lawn bowling. How is it played? Click here. Philippines' Bocce players showed a tremendous performance all throughout the game. The Bocce Head Coach, Mr. Christian Dorion and the SO-Philippines Head Mr. Rodolfo Ungson were so thankful to Kuya Daniel Razon for sponsoring the whole Bocce Team's uniforms and air ticket. Without his support, their participation was not possible. 

 

John 9:2-3 - And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”  Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.

Being able to mingle with these special people was a very heartwarming experience. They converse like normals do. What I love most was hearing them tell their achievements, their disappointments, their aspirations and dreams and their appreciation of life. This experience made me more grateful and thankful to God for what I am and what I have. 

Singapore Locale Choir joins IMS 2013

For two years in a row, Singapore Locale Choir joined the MCGI-Music Ministry's annual International Music Summit held at Apalit, Pampanga. Each local choir division presented their entries with props and choreography.  And yes, all were awesome :)

With each presentation, we have learned some pointers and technique. But on top of this all, we enjoyed the day with singing, dancing, brainstorming and eating on the side. Thanks be to God for this wonderful day!

Below is a short video of what what we did yesterday. Not complete but at least you'll have an idea how fun it was :)                                                              

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Soundtripping. Again. :D

Need You Now

By: Lady Antebellum

Bleeding Love

By: Leona Lewis

Stick With You

By: Pussycat Dolls

Sound Tripping :)

It Must Have Been Love 

by: Roxette

November Rain 

by: Guns & Roses

To Be With You 

by: Mr. Big

Just Take My Heart 

by: Mr Big

Sleepy Happy Heads

As most were resting and snooring already, we were still busy.

We ended 25 of April and started 26 of April with hardcore practice and rehearsal for the upcoming 2013 ASOP AsiaOceania D3 Eliminations.  We were indeed very tired but who would believe? See, we still managed to strike poses and flash sweet smiles for photoshots at 2:44am :))

Thanks be to God for this wonderful opportunity.

1. 

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Thea!

A wacky pose with Thea!

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Today was Fun :)

Met two sweet girls this afternoon, Pari and Suri.  Lovely British girls who are not shy talking to strangers and they are very much camera-ready!

After a day of work, had something to eat at Ikea. Sweet little treat for me and my sweet and lovable hubby :)

Then after, went to locale for the ASOP practice (with some goofing in between :) )

We also had some posing :)

And we sure had lots of fun :)

One last rehearsal on Thursday and the long wait will be over . We are etting more more excited for the ASOP AsiaOceania District Eliminations 2013. To God be the Glory!

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ASOP Asia-Oceania District 3 Eliminations Preparations

Exactly 5 more short goodnight sleeps for us to go before the big day and we are all very busy polishing our parts. But then again, we are happy that we are doing these things for HIS glory. Most probably than not, my source of joy for this one whole week is ASOP. I must not miss a beat. I must not miss the fun. I must be able to also sing along for His glory.

For those who cared reading this entry, please watch A Song Of Praise-AsiaOceania Division District 3 Eliminations on 28 May 2013, 7pm at MCGI-Singapore,  211 Henderson Road.

For more updates, follow asopasiaoceaniad3 on Twitter and  Instagram. You may also visit ASOP Asia-Oceania District 3 website.

See you in 5 days Godwilling!

Thanks be to God!

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My Everyday

Everyday, a lot are stressing us out. Work matters, family things, etc etc. So starting today I decided to post all the most beautiful part of my day. Something that made my heart beat past because of overwhelming happiness,  or something that made laugh so hard, or anything that made me show my best smile- anything that made the best part of my day brighter. I need to constantly remind myself that life is beautiful and I am suppose to fill each day with good memories and that I should'nt let anyone ruin any of my "everyday".

Now, let me start the ball rolling so I will have a blessed and happy "everyday".

:))

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Anniversary the 13th

Who says #13 is an unlucky number? It is not in reality. It has no scientific basis and completely unbiblical. Since I was small, 13 is known to me as freaky number. I can still remember how me and my silly friends scare each other with creepy stories associated with number 13. Funny right? But I noticed that it is normal for common people that, when they cannot explain things anymore, they weave funny stories in their heads to satisfy their silly queries. But hey, come on! Today marks our 13th year together. And it cant be a creepy, freaky anniversary for us. Not for anything blah blah but we don't believe in superstitions because we are Christians and we are definitely logical thinkers. You want to know definite answers about superstitions: Itanong mo kay Soriano.

 

 

Proverbs 19:14  Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent husband is from the Lord.
   

How can something so wonderful be a year of disaster and misfortune? My marriage is a gift and a very precious one. Anything from God is definitely a good thing. Today, I couldn't say much but thanks be to God for giving me the best person that suits my unpredictable and hard-to-handle personality. A person who can endure my unending whining, and can even smile when I am completely sure I maxed out his temper already. I love this guy so much. I am sure because I can take it if his mood swing is worse than mine, even if until now I can't say if he is frugal or big-spender, or fun-loving or boring at times, and that up to this stage I still cannot determine (in some circumstances) if he is joking or he is getting serious already.  Believe it or not, if you are in my shoes and you have no enough love for this guy, you'll surely go nuts and pack your things and get back to your Mum's nest. On the other hand, I am pretty sure he is feeling exactly the same way as I do hahaha!

 

Just like other couples around, we fight like siblings, we talk like bestfriends, mostly, we argue like normal husband and wife,  but the best thing that we do together is walk under HIS rules with all efforts and diligence. 

 

Now, how do we make today an enjoyable celebration? We decided to stay home after work, have fun reminiscing the 13 years that was over a bowl of chicken pork adobo, a platter of rice and a tall glass of avocado shake. After that, we will watch romantic flick to end the day. We dont feel like going out for a fancy dinner and exchanging expensive gifts. This has been our way eversince and being simple is really cool.  

Happy 13^th year anniversary to us!

Hey, USA!

On July 2012, this reluctant traveler (It is ME!!) had her first ever long-haul journey off to the land of the free, United States of America! She was all by herself when she flew that day. She indeed enjoyed it though. Movie marathon, good music, pigging out, nice flight attendants, watching the bed of clouds, writing an entry for her blogsite and sound naps in between was what made her busy for more or less 18 hours. Relaxed indeed. That's the prize you'll have by flying Singapore Airlines. Anyway, the love of her life was just 6 hours behind so she had nothing to worry about.

There are too much stories to share but she cant find ways to express it though (lazy?). After almost half a year, she is still under the US spell.

In memories of her favorite holiday, this lady is sharing photos she had. 

'Til next post ;)

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

BAKERSFIELD

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

GRAND CANYON (ARIZONA)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA