Pope Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict XVI steps down today. It's so sad. But the Catholic Church will continue to function and a new pope will be elected. I pray for them and may God bless them both.
".....upon this rock, I will build my Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it."
We have faith, my Lord!

A Few of My Favorite Things

 A Few of My Favorite Things

I began practicing a new simplified piano piece recently. The music is from one of my favorite movies "The Sound of Music". In retrospect to the song and film, these are a few of my own favorite things :-)

 My piano

A hand-me-down basket weaved bag

 

A Tiboli necklace, a pair of heart-shaped earrings and a swatch watch

 A purple light sweater and a short blazer

My hand carry traveling bag

These are a few of my favorite things. Hehehe.......

Protect Us O Lord

Tonight, I open the bible to the book of psalms and appropriately before me is psalm 64 to call on my Lord.

Psalm 64

Hear, O God, my voice as I plead, protect my life from the enemy's threat. Hide me from the scheming of the wicked, from the corrupt designs of evil-plotters, who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim bitter words like arrows, shooting the innocent from cover, shooting suddenly without fear. They do not relinquish their evil plan, they conspire to lay snares, saying, "No one will see us." So they contrive a wicked scheme, and hide the plot they hatch. How cunning the human mind and heart!

But God will shoot his arrows at them; suddenly they will be struck down and brought to ruin by their own tongue; all who see them will shake their heads. Humankind will stand in awe; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder on his deeds. The upright will rejoice and take refuge in the Lord; the upright of heart will glory in him.

How fearful it is to live in Cotabato. Protect us O Lord. You are my refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust!

Happy Valentine!!!

I woke up late this morning and found this bouquet on my table!

 

                    

                        Happy Valentine!!!

2013 Year of the Water Snake Celebration

• We celebrated 2013 the year of the water snake Chinese new year's eve with the usual fun fare of honoring our forebears with food offerings and a family dinner. This year, Lucio, the eldest brother of my husband Lucas was around for the celebration, so I cooked the traditional Chinese fresh lumpia which was his favorite. The food served were mostly symbolic: noodles for long life, fish for prosperity, dumplings for good fortune etc. I also decorated the house with auspicious objects, put plants and flowers around for good feng sui. Here's greeting everybody "Gong Xi Fa Cai"! A prosperous happy new year to all!

Fish for prosperity and noodles for long life

Decorated the house with objects of good luck and prosperity

 

Invited guest Siolan Yap and her granddaughter

 

Beautiful flowers

Orange flowers

Flowers and good luck signs at the entrance way

Lucio inviting our guests to partake the lumpia.
Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!

Family Get Together at MH Resort

The Ledesma siblings were invited guests to the MH family resort. The Chua's family were our well meaning hosts. Thanks to the parents of my sister-in-law Diane, and her brothers and sisters, the two families jointly celebrated the get-together occasion. We enjoyed the three day affair to the max with pool and lanai parties, spa, a mini concert and a house blessing that capped the warmth and friendly happy family event.  

The MH Family Resort House

Lucas enjoying the pool view

 Evening atmosphere

 Went out for a short stop at Antonio's Breakfast for tea

 Mini concert at the MH living room after dusk.

 A pose with the concert performers. It was also a joint birthday celebration. 

Bernard ( the guy in orange ) was the birthday celebrant.

House blessing on Sunday February 3, 2013 with the priest in front.