Where am I now?

Let me tell you a story.

To new beginnings

So...I got my heart broken almost four months ago. The break up, as I'd like to see it, was not a messy one. No public dramas, no screams, no tears. Hindi naman yung fact na hiniwalayan ako ang nag break ng puso ko. It was more painful to ask - what now? How do I even start over again? I remember how everyone was concerned about me and how I feel. Now that I think about it, I felt numb. It happened so sudden, I just decided not to feel anything. I have forgiven that person. I also decided to acknowledge my emotions. And yes, it is painful. Hurts like hell. However, it is amazing how I managed to look for love in the past few months. Point of clarification: I'm neither seeing nor entertaining anyone new. I am thankful for my family, my friends, the YFC community, and basically just everyone who stood by me. Despite what he said, this break up is not easy for me. Yet, I continue to trust that the Lord is simply writing the best love story for me.

As I try to pick up the pieces of my heart, I feel like I am in the dark. Fresh out of college, no concrete plans yet. Fresh from a break-up. Discerning whether to transition out of the sector or to stay, yet again, for another year. All these thoughts, slowly consuming me mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Finding peace again, fear is lost in all You are

By God's grace, I found myself in Palawan for the International Conference (ICON) of YFC. And I don't regret booking my plane ticket at the last minute. The ICON served as an escape for me - from all the worries and burdens I feel back home. My prayer was simply: Lord, kayo na ang bahala. Pagod na ako.

So I let go and let God. Little did I know, this is what He wanted me to do all along. To let Him hold my hand, leading me to greater heights. He speaks when we listen, when we listen with our hearts. A few weeks after Palawan, our couple coordinators entrusted me the whole sector. To step up and be an ate to whole YFC North B. Overwhelming, yes. Initially, it felt like a huge conspiracy. On the other hand, I was simply reminded of the discernment I had about two years ago. It took time before everything sunk in. I realized, that this is simply an affirmation of the mission He is continuously calling me to. I also get to stay in High School Based, as part of the Think Tank.

I wrote this almost a year ago. Upon graduation, the only thing I had in mind was applying for graduate school at the Ateneo and for the scholarship under the IPC. Lo and behold, I'm writing this blog entry from the graduate section of the Rizal Library. My body is still adjusting to demands of being a graduate student (i.e. biglang kasipagan, spending time to really read, etc.). So far, I am loving the academic culture in this University - though I am still adjusting to some culture of Ateneans. Especially with the undergraduates (like wearing super short shorts, spaghetti strapped tops, etc). I am grateful to be part of the 2nd batch of the IPC-DSA scholarship. Sure, it can be stressful at times. But I simply remind myself why I wanted to pursue further studies in the first place. Para sa lipunan. Though I am in Ateneo, a place familiar to me, I enjoy learning new things as well as meeting new people. Very refreshing.

Where will You take me?

In the months that passed by, I am amazed by things that happened. Admittedly, I have accomplished more in that period of time compared to the pass year. Why? I really don't know. I'm simply looking forward to where else will He take me in the next few months and years. Let go. Journey with the Lord.

January 7: Birthdays!

I know a lot of people who celebrates their birthday during the month of January. And last January 7, I went to two different celebrations. It was a crazy day, because I had to make sure that I'd manage my time correctly and be able to make it to the second celebration without compromising the first one.

First Stop: Buffet 101 with the family for Sam's 13th Birthday. My baby brother is officially a teenager. Aww. Did I mention that he's actually taller than me? Our family loves buffets, I actually grew up eating at different buffets, so we tried this one at the SM Mall of Asia. It was my older sister who suggested the place to my mom. At first, I thought it was a bad idea since we live in Quezon City and MOA's in Pasay; plus the fact that the buffet rate is a bit high. However, the universe loves proving me wrong. It's sulit! Definitely the best buffet I've eaten at. Buffet101 actually serves international cuisine, and from the looks of it, their chefs are Cantonese (based on their physical appearance and language). You could even ask them to cook for a certain dish, free of charge! And yes, overflowing drinks! While eating lunch, I actually had two watermelon shakes and a cup of tea. I loved the ambiance of the restaurant, too. The whole place seems like a dining area taken from a posh hotel.

Before digging in. Awkward smile is awkward.

The infamous mirror shot. I was supposed to take a picture with my brother when they came out of the restroom and saw us. Do I even look like my siblings (or mama)?

BEST BUFFET EVER. I would definitely go there again if given the chance.

Rode the MOA Eye with siblings and Lorraine. Guess who cried.

Pretty lights

After a mini-road trip, we finally got home around 6PM and I rested for a while before preparing for the evening. Good thing, my sister offered me a ride to Tomas Morato for the party. 

Second stop: Thaipan for Cath's 18th Birthday party. I had no clue where the restaurant was, so I had to google it before leaving. Fortunately, it happens to be at the exact street as Starbucks Morato. Thaipan has this homey feeling, plus the fact that Thai food is one of my favorites, makes me want to visit that place again. Cath's birthday was also a mini-gathering for our class. I really missed my high school friends! I rarely see them, or even talk to them. It was great catching up with them. 

A panda themed debut!

With Janine, Bianca and Susa!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CATH :*

Some of Avellana's pretty ladies :) 

SUPERSTARS <3

I love celebrating birthdays simply because it shows how blessed a person is. When we celebrate our birthdays, we are usually surrounded by family and friends. They're the ones who'll stick to you no matter what, who'll stand by your side at all times. Birthdays show how you are loved by these people. And above all, a birthday is a celebration of the hope that life brings.

Buffet 101
Bldg K, Seaside Blvd, San Miguel by the Bay, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
Contact No: 556-2888, 556-3888.
Buffet Rate:
Mon-Sat Lunch P699
Mon-Fri Dinner P950
Sun Lunch,Sat-Sun Dinner P1050.
Eat/Drink All U Can!

Thaipan
120 Scout Dr. Lazcano, Tomas Morato, Quezon City
Contact No: 352-4926, 0917-808-0718
Price Range: P110-P360

Y U NOT 18?

My friend, Susa, celebrated her 19th birthday a day before Christmas at their home. I almost forgot how to go there, glad to reach their place in one piece. HAHA. I'm looking forward for more celebrations and reunions this 2012 with my dear friends. Good friends and good fun makes for a great day!

Friends from high school and the celebrant

I missed them! And Berna, too! That girl's growing fast!

Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other gold.

Happy 19th birthday, Jesusa Pauline Marasigan! Thank you for inviting me! I owe you a gift!