JUST TO UPDATE MY BLOG, I COPIED THIS ONE FROM MY FACEBOOK ACCOUNT: Sunday, October 4, 2009 at 1:17am
Finally, it’s been a week after typhoon Ondoy hit Manila. But many of my fellow Filipinos are still suffering from what had happened. It was a very traumatic experience for everybody, I believe.
The picture above was our front gate after the heavy downpour from typhoon Ondoy. The flood outside had a very strong current due to the creek nearby. Good thing the front part of our house is elevated, but unfortunately, not the back part. I was told that two inches more and the back part of our house will be flooded already.Whew! I’m pretty sure my family was hoping at that time for the heavy rain to stop pouring.
Even Peegee, my niece, started crying when she felt that everybody’s getting worried and started doing their own thing — like putting important things in high places; disassembling the computer and other stuff in Kuya’s mini recording studio; etc and etc…
And while all these things were happening — guess where am I and what am I doing??!
I’m inside my room — sleeping like a baby… hehehe Zzzzzzzzzzz 
Nobody wanted to wake me up because they all knew I needed some sleep. However, that gave Mama the idea to remind Peegee, who’s crying then, about the story where Jesus calms a storm.
“And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but Jesus was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And he said to them, ‘ Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then he arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?’”
Matthew 8:23-27 ESV
Mama then told her –”Look at Tita (that’s me), she’s sleeping while a storm is going on. Because she believes Jesus will take care of us.” That’s when Peegee stopped crying…
Eventually, I did wake up because of the strong winds and the heavy downpour of rain. But I already missed the action. But I was so saddened by the news I’ve heard from the radio and on TV. It was really devastating! So, before I went to bed — I prayed, “God, please calm the storm. But if You will not calm it for some reasons — please calm Your child and all my fellow Filipinos. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”
Indeed, peace is not the absence of problems and pains in life. It is something that only Jesus can give us even in the midst of storms in life. Sometimes He calms the storm. But many times He calms His child instead. And that is peace….
May all Filipinos find peace in Jesus today.
This is my prayer.
JUST TO UPDATE MY BLOG, I COPIED THIS ONE FROM MY FACEBOOK ACCOUNT: Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 2:16am
Right now, it’s already past 2 am. That means my birthday is over. But it’s ok ‘cuz the memories will always be there for me to remember. Thanks to my family and friends who made it special for me. But most of all I thank God for making them a part of my life and for making my day a memorable one.
At first, I really had no plans for my birthday. I just wanted to be with my family the whole evening at home. But that simple plan has been changed when some friends went to visit me on Sunday afternoon.
In other words, we end up eating and chatting together at home. Then we’ve decided –out of the blue– to watch a movie later that evening at SM The Block. We watched “The Time Traveller’s Wife” which is a nice movie I should say. Then after the movie we went to eat at Mr. Kabab in West Avenue. After eating and chatting, we decided to part ways ‘cuz it’s already past 1am — August 31st — my birthday!
We had our pictures taken in front of the resto and then said our “goodbyes”.
Whew… Indeed, God has His special ways of making my birthday a special one! Moreover, God remains faithful to me throughout the years! And I believe it will never change… Each birthday I celebrate annually is just a proof of HIS faithfulness to me! That’s why I really praise God for my birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME !!!
my birthday 08/31/09
JUST TO UPDATE MY BLOG, I COPIED THIS ONE FROM MY FACEBOOK ACCOUNT: Monday, July 20, 2009 at 3:02am
I first heard this song from Kuya Iggy, I think it was 2 or 3 years ago –or was it 4? hehehe He sang it after his message at CBC Worship. It was originally sung by Steve Green. And the title is “I Will Go”.
When I heard it I was greatly touched by its message. I said to myself then–”This is what I wanted to do during my lifetime here on earth…” And then I prayed to God and told Him that the song will be my personal prayer as I continue on with my journey in life with Him.
Let me share with you the song — my prayer. And may it be your prayer too… God Bless!!!
TO LISTEN TO THE SONG JUST CLICK HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMmTBIeNv-s
“I WILL GO”
Give me ears to hear Your Spirit
Give me feet to follow through
Give me hands to touch the hurting
And the faith to follow You
Give me grace to be a servant
Give me mercy for the lost
Give me passion for Your glory
Give me passion for the cross
And I will go where there are no easy roads
Leave the comforts that I know
I will go and let this journey be my home
I will go
I will go
I’ll let go of my ambition
Cut the roots that run too deep
I will learn to give away
What I cannot really keep
What I cannot really keep
Help me see with eyes of faith
Give me strength to run this race
I will go Lord where Your glory is unknown
I will live for You alone
I will go because my life is not my own
I will go
I will go
I will go
Written by Steve Green and Douglas McKelvey
©2002 Birdwing Music (admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) / Steve
Green Music (admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) / ASCAP / BMI
JUST TO UPDATE MY BLOG, I COPIED THIS ONE FROM MY FACEBOOK ACCOUNT: Monday, July 6, 2009 at 3:06am
However, if there is something constant in this world — it’s CHANGE! Yup, things are different now. Kuya & family is now active in a church in Don Enrique Hgts, where Kuya is one of the pastors. Dada goes with them but sometimes he prefers to attend a church somewhere in Manila. I also go to a different church now, and the only one left attending in our “home church” is Mama. Well, that means we have our own separate ways now every Sunday.
So I have all the reasons to capture such moment to reminisce when we all attended Kuya’s church earlier at CCBC as a family. It’s really fun when you’re with a family. You feel belong, secure and loved. Well, it’s not the first time we did this together though. We do this once in a while like when it’s the 5th Sunday of the month –we attended together at CCBC.
Anyway, nothing in this world is forever. Next Sunday we will be back to our own churches again. But at least these are the moments that I can always remember that will surely put a smile on my face. And I really praise God for moments like these!
Hmmmmm, looking forward to more coming “moments”, God willing…
JUST TO UPDATE MY BLOG, I COPIED THIS ONE FROM MY FACEBOOK ACCOUNT: (Monday, June 22, 2009 at 1:38am)
Of course it will be unfair if I will not write something about my Dad when it’s his day today… Well, here it goes….:)
I’m fond of calling him names when I was a child because I’m a “Daddy’s girl”. One name I can remember was “Popeye” because I always see him as my hero. It seems like he’s always there to save me. And for me he’s the jack of all trades because he can fix just about anything with his magical hands. Ulo lang namin ni Kuya ang hindi niya nagawa! haha
But one name stick to him until now. Even close family friends call him by that name already. haha It’s “DADA”…..
Dada is the greatest dad in the whole world. He may not be perfect, still he is the greatest dad for me! Kami yung lagi dating nag-aaway dahil magka-ugali! hahaha We had our “dramas” in life before — parang telenovela! But whenever we remember those moments — haaay, natatawa na lang kami…hehe Masyadong heavy ang dialogue at drama! Pwede na sa Maalala Mo Kaya…:)
He’s a DISCIPLINARIAN. In other words, lumaki kami ni Kuya sa palo. And yeah, you guess it right — ako ang madalas napapalo (mabait kasi… ashushu!)…hehehe But he’s also a COMEDIAN! Ironic huh?! hahaha But it’s really true… He can be soooo funny –at malakas mang-asar! ‘Di kaya ng powers ko…hehe Kaya kung naaasar ko man kayo — sorry na lang…, mana-mana lang yan…hahaha
He’s a LEADER. He’s the head of the family. Never did I remember a day na naramdaman ko na nawalan ako ng tatay. He knows how to comfort or assure us lalo na ‘pag may mga emergencies around. Kaya naman when he’s not around, like for instance he had a trip to Surigao, I felt very insecure then… Parang feeling ko may mangyayaring masama sa amin ‘pag wala siya sa bahay… But eventually, he taught Kuya & I to stand on our own dahil hindi laging andyan siya…:) Buti na lang…hehe
He’s a WARRIOR. Hindi siya basta nagpapatalo kung alam niyang tama siya. He will fight for what is right. He will continue teaching a choir kahit na may mag-walk out dahil hindi siya aral sa music (gifted lang talaga!). He will not let “degrading situations” stop him for doing what he loves to do… He will move on!
He’s a MUSICIAN. He may not be a music major graduate —but he’s musically talented. It’s a gift he inherited from his parents (my Lolo & Lola) —which Kuya & I also inherited from him –thank God! Dada had his own song arrangements. He conducted a choir; taught different singing groups and yeah, he sings. He’s a tenor like my Kuya. Well, it’s a gift that God has given us to bring glory to His name!
He’s a MENTOR. His “life” points me to God. Dada reminds me of God’s grace which is always sufficient. Indeed, apart from God we can do nothing — we are nothing!
Hmmmmmmm, I can go on and on and share with you about Dada. But words are not enough to say what’s in my heart. Anyway, to put it in a nutshell, “DADA is GOD-GIVEN”!!! That’s why I love him so much!!! Happy Dada’s Day!!!
Dada with Ethan and I
Dada with Peegee and I
PS: “Happy Tatay’s Day” to Kuya as well…
Kuya Iggy
…with baby girl and baby boy
….with Family
Mama & I in Baguio 2008
Of course, hindi ko pinalagpas ang “Mother’s Day kanina without greeting my very own and very dear Mom — si “Mama / Lola Gin” ng bayan! hahaha Actually, I started greeting her with a kiss and hug na Friday pa lang.. And I even planned to send her a bouquet of flowers sana, ‘cuz I thought I will be in Baguio this weekend (kaso ginulo ni “Emong the bagyo” and schedule ko)… Syempre, gusto ko din sana mag eat out kami ni Mama, which is our favorite gimik, but she will be going to CBC aside sa bangag siya kanina ‘cuz 2am ng Sunday nagk-kwentuhan pa kami while I’m eating instant bulalo.hehe So I end up buying her a bouquet of flowers at Holland Tulips instead, at yun ang uwi ko sa kanya kanina.
Well, what’s great about Mama is her SIMPLICITY. Sa lahat ng nakakakilala sa kanya –you definitely know what I mean. hahaha Mababaw si Mama. You can easily make her happy just by giving her anything -kahit chocnut! (but take note friends, BAWAL yun sa kanya ha!) Kahit ano ata ang ibigay at gawin ko sa kanya, she’s very appreciative –syempre anak ako eh! haha
Also, she wears just about anything. Hindi nga yan bumibili ng damit niya eh. Ok na sa kanya basta na-su-suot. hahaha It’s like she’s so satisfied with what she has kahit simple lang. Moreover, she’s very frank. She can tell you her thoughts and feelings with gentleness and love, maging negative man yun. At ang dialogue niya lagi ‘pag nagk-kwento –” Pwede na’ko mamatay ‘cuz God is so good to me. I’m so much satisfied with my life!” hehe
Obviously, I inherit some of my MUSICALITY sa kanya (aside from Dada). She’s a pianist. Kaya ako nahilig sa piano eh dahil sa kanya. Kuya and I grew up na nakapaligid sa amin ang “music” –literally! hahaha Kaya I was not surprised at all at pareho kaming Music Major. Kaloka! hehehe
Likewise, I was not surprised as well when Kuya and I studied at FEBIAS — it’s because of Mama’s SPIRITUALITY. Mama taught us to memorize a lot of Bible verses and Bible stories when we were kids. May kasamang handicrafts at games din dun syempre. Parang meron kaming sariling Vacation Bible School sa bahay ‘pag summer..haha I began reading my first Bible because of her encouragements when I was a kid. And I thank God for those moments dahil kung hindi doon eh pariwara na’ko ’til now! Believe me! hahaha And yes, whenever I think of the word “prayer” hindi ko maaalis na idikit si Mama. I’ve learned the importance of prayer from her. Kuya and I are very aware that she’s been praying for us always. If not for her constant prayers –specially for me –pariwara nga talaga ako up to now! Sa mga nakakakilala sa akin — you know what I mean…hehehe Sorry naman at normal lang ako. Tao lang. haha Nagloko din sa buhay noon. (Eh ngayon kaya?!? hahaha)
You know, I can go over and over and write about my Mom. But I guess baka mapuno ko ang spot na’to bago ko matapos. You see I have lots of “moments” with her. Almost everyday may bonding moments kami! We can talk about anything under the sun. She’s my dearest friend, my listener, my counselor, my manager (’pag walang pera haha), my coffeemate / tea-mate, my commentator, my inspiration, and a lot more… In other words, “SHE’S A GREAT BLESSING FROM GOD!!! AND I LOVE HER SO MUCH!!!” Kaya for me everyday is Mother’s Day. I never let a day go by without giving her a hug and a kiss. At alam niya yun kung bakit…, so if it’s time for her to go HOME na — I have lots of special memories with her to remember! And I can say to myself, “Nikki, you don’t have to be very sad. You did everything to let her know you love her so much.”
...with my mom during Ethan's Dedication CCBC
...with my favorite pianist and piano teacher
...with my proud Mom after Kuya
...with Mama at FEBIAS Choral Fest (sing kami ng alto part)
...with Peegee (center)
...At Mall of Asia
airsoft day
Just two Saturdays ago I cried. When i arrived home I knew there’s something missing. After closing the gate sadness swept me away. I was greeted by Dada and Mama as I went inside the house. Then they told me ” Yahoo’s gone..” I only answered ” I know” and then all of a sudden tears began to flow from my eyes. Then I said, while crying and laughing at the same time, ” Kahit inaaway ako ni baby dog, mahal ko pa din yun!” hahaha funny but it’s true…..
Well, life goes on kaya buhay naman ang pagusapan natin. What’s new? Hmmmmm…. ah yes, I joined Erika’s upcoming conducting recital kaya busy ang weekends sa rehearsals. And before pa nangyari yun, nag-help ako sa pag-conduct ng choir rehearsals ng CBC choir while Erika’s away para sa kanilang Coro Cantabile Tour. Isa lang naman ako sa tumulong ‘cuz Kuya Iggy and Yda also had their share of teaching them. Enjoy ako ‘cuz na-miss ko magturo at na-miss ko ang CBC choir of course. At syempre, because of that nakapag-chikahan kami ni Misha — ang bagay na sobrang na-miss ko! hahaha
Also, I’m now attending GCF Northwest. God willing, ito na nga ang church that I’ve been praying for –for almost 1 year na. Kaya for those who will be reading this recent blog — Please do pray with me on this one. Thank you so much!
So far, yan ang mga natatandaan ko ngayong isulat dito. hehehe Kaya yan na lang muna…. hehehe ulit
You may be wondering and asking by now…, “buhay pa kaya si nikki, di na nag-b-blog yun ha?!” hahaha buhay na buhay! huminto lang po mag-blog. At bakit? Silent lang muna ako… I don’t want to even talk about what’s in my mind… Parang di ako no? Well, I gotta admit masarap manahimik, magmunimuni, tapos manahimik lang ulit ng walang iniisip. But the truth is, whenever I’m alone I always find myself just talking to God —anything under the sun. In other words, meron pa rin pala akong iniisip hahaha. But talking to God is very relaxing. It energizes and refreshes me in ways I can’t explain. I guess, it’s what we call “being still”…
You know what’s more funny now? I stop reading books for awhile — I mean christian theological books that I used to devour everytime I had a break or during vacations. Para talagang di ako no? I know tataas ang kilay ng mga nakakakilala sa akin in a deeper level. Well, I stop reading those books for awhile not because I don’t like reading it at all. Nakatabi lang muna sila sa personal library ko at naghihintay na basahin muli pag handa na ako. hehehe Hmmmmm, wanna know why? Wala lang, I just want to read and learn the Bible myself. Medyo napagod akong ngatain at aralin ang mga nangata at naaral na ng mga very good and known authors ng mga librong ito. It’s about time to learn and discover new things about God and about life myself. Nakakasawa din pala yung lagi ka na lang may quotations from other people sa lahat ng mga lessons mo sa buhay at kay God. Masarap din pala na masakit din kapag you’re learning it yourself through God’s help and grace of course. Kasi very personal ang mga lessons. Mahirap ipaliwanag pero very precious pala ito. Kaya siguro nahinto din ako sa pag b-blog dahil hindi ko masulat ang lahat ng mga precious thoughts, lessons, realizations, painful truths, etc….., sa buhay ko. Sorry, if you find me strange right now…hehehe
Anyway, I’m speaking my mind right now again, don’t you think? I guess, I may be ready to speak again, or maybe not… But one thing i know, it’s not just my mind —’cuz this time I’m beginning to speak what’s in my heart as well……….
I guess marami ng nag-iisip kung ano na ang nangyayari sa beauty ko… Don’t worry, buhay na buhay pa ako! hahaha
So, what’s new? Well, I’m wearing braces na and also, gaining weight din –which I both don’t like. With regard to my new job in Emerson –God willing, regular na this coming May19. With regard to my family naman –watak watak na kami. Just kidding! And as for my ministry, I’m now outside of my comfort zone –which is medyo nakakatakot yet exciting. Indeed, there are lot of new things, new realizations, new lessons, new friends, new experiences and new paths to take…
However, despite all these "NEW CHUVANESES" in life —one thing is constant "God has been faithful to me". ‘Yan lang ang hindi bago at hindi magbabago. My journey last year had been so rough, edgy and painful (haller! I’m not talking about love life dito ha!). Ayoko ng balikan pa… NOW is the time to put the past behind, to let go and to strain toward to what’s ahead — by God’s grace alone. Nevertheless, to be honest, marami din akong na-mi-miss sa mga dati. Pero hindi na mababalik ang dati kailanman. I just need to learn to let go of all these "dati"… But of course, meron pa ding mga dati ang andito pa din — like my ever dear friends who never fail to keep in touch! (Like si friend ikakasal na! Weeeeeeeeee!)
Hmmmmmmmm…… ‘yun lang ang na-iisip ko ngayon. hehehe Please do pray for me continually. Pray for wisdom and discernment for God’s leading in my life. If there’s one thing I don’t want to happen in my life again —it’s ‘to be far away from God ulit!’
"I waited patiently for the Lord;
He turned to me and heard my cry…." Psalm 40:1
God seems so silent at times. But I’m very much sure that He is at work for my good and for His glory. I just need to trust Him completely and learn to entrust everything in His hands. And surely He will proved Himself over and over that He is Sovereign! And again and again I will say to myself "Indeed, God is worth the wait!"
Just like what happened these past few days. Indeed, it really pays to wait! hehehe
October 30: Ethan Mishael was finally born! We we’re all so excited when Dada and I brought Ate Weng to the hospital. Then Kuya Iggy arrived later from the youth camp at Cavite. Nag-bonding kami ni Kuya sa isang room habang nag l-labor na si Ate Weng with Doc Conie inside the labor room. We’ve been waiting for this moment to come! Finally it did arrived. Thank you, God! Ngayon may bagong laruan na naman sa bahay nila Kuya.:)
November 7: Sykes Asia called at past 11 am to inform me that I’ve been accepted. Hah! Finally, I’m accepted! I’ve been waiting for this for a month now. God knows how much I have struggled while waiting upon Him — for this job. But I’ve learned so much during my waiting period. I won’t trade it for anything. Indeed, "every perfect gift comes from above — from the Father of Light…" After that call, I can’t help but praise God for this answered prayer! Hindi na’ko nakatulog kahit 3 hours pa lang akong nakakatulog nun..hehehe
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow…" Thank you so much for everyone who have prayed with me. Let us give back all the glory to Him!!! Hallelujah!
