Nanay, Ina, Mommy, Mama, Inang...NINANG

FLASHBACK:
Hindi ba pagbata ka pa kadalasan ang tatawagin mo pag nasasaktan ka ay walang iba kundi ang iyong Mommy. Pag masakit ang ngipin mo iiyak ka at magsasabi ka sa mommy mo, si mommy mo naman lahat gagawin na mawala lang yung sakit ng ngipin na yan. Pag nilalagnat ka gusto mo kayakap mo ang mommy mo, si mommy naman kahit pagod nagkakandapuyat sa pagpupunas sa iyo. Pag nadapa ka at nagkasugat, kanino ka agad tumatakbo, mommy mommy nadapa po ako....si mommy naman pandalas sa pagkuha ng alcohol, at lalo ka naman iiyak sa hapdi. Sa mga bagay na ganyan, bihasa ang mommy. Ang alagaan tayong mga anak. Sa pag dadalaga mo naman, yung unang heartache mo kanino ka umiiyak, sure sa BFF mo pero iba pag ang mommy mo na ang sumalo ng mga iyak mo sa heartache na yan. Pero pano nga ba kung wala sila, kanino ka iiyak, kanino ka kukuha ng suporta, kanino ka hihingi ng advice....


HIGH LIGHTS FOR 2014... 
#1
WOW. Yan lang po ang masasabi ko. Finally, nagkasamasama kaming mag-iina, And Thank God magkakasundo naman silang 3. Meet my children....

My First Born Siegfreed Reign, My Bunso Sebastian Rafael & My Bunsai Gabrielle Naomi

walking at Nuvali Sta Rosa

Picture2 after chowtime

our wacky shot

I'm sure you OFW moms alam ang feeling ng ganito yung malayo kayo sa mga anak nyo. And thank God we were given a chance na makauwi to spend time with them... kahit bitin. Magkasundo si Bunso at Bunsai sa hotdog! Si Kuya Reign naman naiilang kase gusto ihug nya si naomi while watching. Hehehe... And i'm glad kase they call Resty as Papa not Tito or Uncle. Now, we are a one big happy family. 

#2

During our vacation in the Philippines, our youngest Naomi fell from the stairs( 9 steps). We brought her to the hospital and was discharged in less than 24 hours dahil OKAY naman pala daw si Naomi. So, all the while i thought she is fine. So when we came back to Kuwait only then nalaman namin na NO SHE IS NOT OKEY AND SHE NEEDS TO BE OPERATED SOON. Thank you sa mga kapatiran na laging naka alalay kay Naomi at pati na din sa akin. Talagang kahit ako napaniwala na xray lang ang punta namin yun pala operating theatre na. 

before going to the operating room

Ate Marilyn Santos salamat talaga sa lahat ng pag assist, sa pagkuha ng appointment, sa pag open ng file, sa pag eendorse kay Naomi pag di ka duty, sa surprise cupcakes for Naomi, sa pag asikaso sa amin while inside Al Razi. And of course, thank you din kay Lola Diane ni Naomi...my NINANG. You just don't know how it helped when you came to visit Naomi. Specially when you brought her a surprise! hehehehe... Ninang Diane, kahit hindi po tayo laging nagkaka bonding, i want you to know that i treat as my second Nanay. We will not pray for you na maging Ninang namin diba if you did not touched my life. Ikaw kaya ang una kong nakilalala ko sa FLCC. 

Remember this? Ito po yung inabot ni Ate Mailyn sa akin, galing
daw po sa inyo ni Ninong Ver.  It's still here with me.

Takot po ako sa hospital, nerbiyosa ako pagdating dyan pero kailangan maging matapang si Mama for Naomi. Kahit anong hirap, kahit anong sakit titiisin ng isang nanay. Ganyan ang nanay diba. Dati rati naalala ko ako ang naghahanap ng Mommy sa tabi ko ngayon ako na ang gumaganap non. Pero alam nyo ba kahit nanay na din ako, na miss ko yung katabi ko ang mommy ko or nanay ko sa pagkakataong ganito. Yung naka bantay din sila sa inyong mag ina, naka-alalay din ng kung ano ang kailangan. Kaya lang di naman lahat ng OFW kasama ang mga magulang nila sa abroad. Ninang Diane Monastrial when you came sa ward ni Naomi that time and even requested na baka pwedeng imove ng 30minutes yung fasting ni Naomi so she can eat yung Mcdonalds, sobrang i felt na hindi talaga nagkakamali ang Panginoon sa mga taong inilalagay nila sa buhay mo. 

the surprise from Lola Dianne

#3

After Naomi's operation and everything it's time naman for me...my case. Since i delivered Naomi, I've been a regular of the OPD Maternity Hospital. Tumataas po ang Prolactin ko ng sobrang taas max 511 pero inaabot po ako ng libo. Hindi lang libo kundi libo2. Prolactin? Ano yun? 

What is prolactin?

Prolactin is a hormone named originally after its function to promote milk production (lactation) in mammals in response to the suckling of young after birth.  It has since been shown to have more than 300 functions in the body.  These can be divided into a number of areas: reproductive, metabolic, regulation of fluids (osmoregulation), regulation of the immune system (immunoregulation) and behavioural functions.

In humans, prolactin is produced both in the front portion of the pituitary gland (anterior pituitary gland) and in a range of sites elsewhere in the body.  Lactotroph cells in the pituitary gland produce prolactin, where it is stored in small containers called vesicles.  Prolactin is released into the bloodstream by a process called exocytosis.  Human prolactin is also produced in the uterus, immune cells, brain, breasts, prostate, skin and adipose tissue.

What happens if I have too much prolactin?

The condition of having too much prolactin circulating in the blood is called hyperprolactinaemia.  The most common causes of hyperprolactinaemia include pregnancy, medications that reduce dopamine action in the body, thyroid underactivity and benign pituitary tumours (known as prolactinomas).  Symptoms can include the unwanted production of milk, disturbances to the menstrual cycle and symptoms due to oestrogen deficiency (in women) or testosterone deficiency (in men).  The vast majority of patients with a prolactinoma can be treated successfully using drugs which mimic the action of dopamine.  The most commonly used is cabergoline.

So ayan po yan sa Maternity Hospital my case ay hypoprolactinoma until such time na nag decide na sila na i go for MRI to see whats causing the problem. To cut it short i went for MRI got the result and i was to have Pituitary Microademona. Pituitary Microadenoma? Ano yun? 

What is a pituitary microadenoma?

A pituitary microadenoma is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland with a diameter less than 10 mm (those with a diameter greater than 10 mm are called macroadenomas).

What are the symptoms and signs of microadenomas?

Pituitary microadenomas can cause Cushing’s disease, acromegaly, hyperthyroidism, and rarely, symptoms related to decreased secretion from the pituitary gland.

Symptoms of a pituitary microadenoma may include the following:

• tiredness
• headaches
• vomiting
• dizziness
• vision problems
• nausea
• menstrual or breast changes
• unexplained hair growth or loss

How are pituitary microadenomas diagnosed?

Your doctor may suspect you have a microadenoma if you have the symptoms listed above. Possible tests to confirm this diagnosis include the following:

• blood tests
• urine tests
• visual field tests
• computed tomography (CT)
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS)

How common are pituitary microadenomas?

Microadenomas can occur in either sex. As many as 10% of the population may have a microadenoma, but most do not cause symptoms. Prolactinomas, a subset of microadenomas, are diagnosed more frequently in women, possibly because of the more striking presenting features such as amenorrhea, galactorrhea, or both.

In men, the diagnosis of inactive adenomas is often delayed until they have become macroadenomas and cause symptoms by compressing nearby structures. Microadenomas can occur at any age, but prevalence appears to increase with age.

What kinds of treatments are available for pituitary microadenomas?

Medication

For prolactin-secreting microadenomas, surgical removal is followed by recurrence in about 30% of patients. Therefore, medical therapy that blocks the hormonal effects of the tumor and prevents or shrinks its growth is preferred.

Surgery

Surgery is the best form of treatment and the only way to achieve a cure. Your surgeon will gain access to your pituitary gland using the transsphenoidal approach—so named because the route your surgeon takes crosses, or transects, your sphenoid bone. This bone is located behind your nose mostly within your skull.

Using precise surgical instruments, your surgeon will make an incision through your nasal cavity to create an opening in your sphenoid bone. Once your surgeon gains access to your sphenoid sinus (the fluid-filled area behind the sphenoid bone), further incisions will be made until a hole is created in the sella turcica—the bone that cradles and protects your pituitary gland.

After your tumor appears in the operative field, removal of the tumor can proceed. Your surgeon will use high magnification to readily distinguish normal pituitary tissue from the microadenoma.

Once the tumor has been removed, your surgeon will clean the tumor cavity and seal it. At Barrow, our surgeons specialize in two types of surgery for pituitary microadenomas: microsurgery and endoscopic surgery.

Microsurgery uses a powerful operating microscope to help your surgeon distinguish between tiny structures in and around your pituitary gland.

Endoscopic surgery uses small tubes and a tiny camera to help your surgeon remove your tumor in small pieces.

Both surgeries aim to minimize trauma to the tissue surrounding your pituitary gland while facilitating a speedy recovery with as little pain or discomfort as is possible. Each technique has its own inherent advantages and disadvantages, and your surgeons will work with you to help determine which is the best fit for you.

Most patients are able to return home the day after their surgery for removing a pituitary microadenoma, and nasal packing is seldom required.

O, na educate ba tayo? actually kahit ako hindi ko yan alam noon... hehehehe.. So from Maternity Hospital i was referred to IBNSINA for Neurosurgeon and my OB prescribed again for me to take dostinex for 8 weeks. 1 tablet per week. So nung dumating ako sa IBNSINA with the help of Nanay Zeny, My NINANG naipaschedule po ako sa suggested Doctor ni Sis. Dana Tumamao isang kapatiran na isa ring nurse. He advised me to continue the meds given by the Maternity and see what will happen. So after our vacation and after Naomi's operation nga ito na po ang aming binalikan. This is it!!! Hospital again lugar kung san ako ay takot. Number 1 ako sa pila, and eto na nga po..for surgery for Pituitary Microadenoma. Sunday Dec. 14 i was already admitted sa IBNSINA hospital, and operation was done ng Dec 15 Tuesday. Well, praise God my operation was successful. My Doctor is one of the best dito sa Kuwait, Dr. Abbas Ramadan! To all those who came to visit me, Tere Bajar (my regular visitor), Ate Marion & Anson Dionisio, Edison, Ate Wheng, Ate Aj, Engr. Rene, Ate Marilyn & JM,Tita Rose, Pipay, Seth, Ruth, Damaris, Ninong Jopet,Shella and ETEAM thank you po so much. Dito na po papasok na naman ang kwento patungkol sa isang ina. Dito po kase sa Kuwait pag ikaw ay naospital mag isa ka lng po talaga. Mga dakilang Expat Nurses lang po tlaga ang makakasama mo. Pwede ka lang mabisita but no one will be allowed to stay with the patient. Simula po ng dumating ako ng IBNSINA before 7am ng Dec 14, 2014 isang Nanay na ang kasakasama ko, and sya ay walang iba kundi si Nanay Zeny Sotto-Alim. Nung kukuhanan ako ng mga blood exams hala nandyan na sila ni Ate Marion punta dito punta doon tawag dito tawag doon lapit dito lapit doon tanong dito tanong doon na kung paanong hindi na ako kailangang magbayad. Kahit napaka busy sa lab nakadagdag sa pagiging busy nila ang pagaasikaso sa akin ni Nanay. Noong araw na ipasok ako sa Operating Room, i wanted to be strong in front ng mag ama ko. Naomi cried nung hindi na sila pinayagang makapasok. i can hear her crying hanggang sa loob. Doon na naman ako naghanap ng Nanay. I hope my nanay is with me or my mom. Kaya lang wala eh, nandito ako at nasa malayo sila. After the operation nagising na lang ako nasa ICU na ako, pumasok sa isip ko sana pumunta si Nanay Zeny. Nagulat na lang ako pagtingin ko sa may nurse nandun na si Nanay Zeny naka blue labgown. Kinumusta nya ako tpos timing dumating yung assistant Doctor ni Dr. Abbas, kung ano ano ang tinanong nya na parang Nanay. The next day she came again with Edison, checking on me. Dinalhan pa nya ako ng Vaseline and strepsils. Nung binalik na ako sa Ward, sinabi ko kay Resty ng natulo ang luha ko na sbi ko, "alam mo Pa hinahanap ko si Nanay Zeny sa isip tapos nagulat na lang ako She was alreadly there." Lagi syang nandyan. Bigla pa syang dumating na may kasamang social worker para wala na akong maging bill kung meron kase nag CTSCAN pa ako after i was discharged sa ICU. Before her work darating sya, sa mga middle ng work nya bigla na nman silang nandyan after work darating din sya. Nagegets nyo ba yun? Tumayo talaga syang nanay ko during those time na kailangan ko ng isang nanay sa tabi ko. To Dana, thank you for educating me before my admission... kahit scary medyo na ready ko naman ang sarili ko hehehehe.... and thumbs up talaga ako sa IBNSINA nurses ng Ward 6. Grabe! Sobrang grabe! 

Sino nga ba kase yung mga Ninang ko na yan?! Well, its time for you to meet them. This photo was taken on Jan 27, 2010 at the Philippine Embassy Kuwait during our Civil Wedding. Galing pa po yan sila sa work sinundo namin sila papunta sa Embassy. Pareho po silang mga Medical Technicians dito sa Kuwait. Ninang Loudianne Monastrial po from the right Med Tech from Al-Razi Hospital. And sa kabilang side naman po si Ninang Zenaida Alim, Med Tech from IbnSina Hospital. Sila po ang mga bigay sa amin ni God na maging pangalawang INA namin dito sa Kuwait. 

To Nanay Zeny & Ninang Dianne from the bottom of my heart maraming salamat po. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We love you! 

And para sa Hari ng mga Hari, Panginoon ng mga Panginoon, salamat po for 2014. Salamat for not leaving us. Thank you for all your promises. And i want to end with this verse....

Jer. 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

Claraflor

FLASHBACK: 
Several months ago, going to church, while riding the Fruitbearers Van I've mention to a churchmate that i will be featuring Genesis sa aking blog. As i was sharing to her some of the details, bigla na lang pumasok sa isip ko si Lala. Sabi ko sa isip ko, after Genesis, sya nman ang next na magiging starring sa aking blog. And, this is it... after almost a year na yata of not being able to post eh..eto na po sya. The eligible bachelorette of Simbulan Family, 
Miss Claraflor Simbulan Serafico commonly known as Lala. 

When and where did i met her?

Saan nga ba? Not really sure where exactly pero i guess sa Regai year 2007. Nakilala ko sya sa isang gawain sa simbahan kung saan kami ay magkasama.

Why feature her? That is the question...
Bakit nga ba? Ang tema ngayon ng aking topic ay ang pagiging single ng isang dalaga on her early 30's. Bakit nga ba? Ano bang prublema kung single ka pa din. Singleness is a gift. Hindi mo kailan man kailangang magmadali pag pagibig ang paguusapan. Darating din ang tamang oras at tao ayon sa kalooban ng Panginoon. Tanong, Bakit ko nga ba napili si Lala? At ang kasagutan ko ay, dahil nakita ko sa kanya na OKEY lang. Maaring napipigil ang sarili nyang kaligayahan or desisyon sa larangan ng pagibig pero... ang maganda sa kanya ay bukas ang kanyang isip at puso sa pakikinig sa mga paalala ng ibang tao, ng mga nakakatanda. At hindi sya nagpapa pressure sa mga tuksuhan, biruan, etc.

Ano ba ang pagkakakilala ko kay Lala?
Si Lala masasabi ko ay simpleng tao...halata mo naman ang pagiging isang simple ng tao simula sa kanyang kilos hanggang sa kanyang pananamit, pananalita.. masasabi mo na simple lang sya. And yan ang gusto ko sa kanya. Hindi sya magiging mahirap para sa isang tao na pakisamahan siya dahil wala syang ERE sa katawan. Si Lala ay nakasama ko na sa napakaraming pag-aaral. Kasabay ko syang natapos ang NLD, kasabay ko syang natapos ang Growing Strong, kasabay ko syang naging staff ng Life Agape, kasabay ko syang humayo, kasabay ko syang magturo, kasabay ko syang magplano sa mga events... abah... close pala tayo Lala?! Hehehehe Minsan ako ay may nakausap sabi nya kawawa naman si Lala, kase ilang taon na sya wala pa syang boyfriend. hmmm... Lala hindi ko na sasabihin kung sino nagsabi ha! Hahahaha Anyway, ngayon ko lang pinagmumunimuni - na oo, maaring at her age wala pa syang steady boyfriend pero hindi sya kawawa. Mas kawawa yung mga taong masyadong apektado sa pagiging single nila. Isang artista ang naalala ko, si Agot Isidro, buryong buryo ako noon sa kanya sa kakasabi nya noon sa mga interviews na..."at 31 i'm still single."  Sa aking palagay noon, pinamamalita nya na single pa sya para malaman ng mga bachelors, ganon ba yun? Mabait, simple, masunurin, malakas ang loob, maaasahan, may kusang palo, may takot sa Diyos, tapat kung magmahal... yan ang pagkakakilala ko kay Lala.

Kayo ba, gusto nyo ding makilala si Lala? Ilang mga katanungan din ang aking inihanda para mas makilala natin si Lala, or para masabi ko na makilala siya ng ibang tao...specially ng Singles Ministry. 

1. Lala, taga saan ka ba sa Pilipinas?

Nabua, Camarines Sur. Bikol Region.. 

2. Ano ba ang masasabi mo tungkol sa home town mo? ( time to brag about the Philippines)

It's more fun in the Philippines and yet it's much more fun in my hometown.  Masayang mag stay sa amin kasi aside from fresh ang air saka green ang paligid, malapit din kami sa beaches and madaming man-made resorts nearby. We are also near the Majestic Mayon and just a few hours' drive to the paradise of Caramoan Island.  Pagdating sa tourist attraction, napaka accessible nang mga tourist spot sa'amin. We're only few hours' drive also to another blissful place known as the Misibis Bay.

Napaka madaming magagandang tanawin sa'min plus take note that Bikol region serves many of the best delicacies of Filipino cuisines.
Kaya CamSouth, Cam Sur… I trust anyone shall enjoy staying in our hometown!!!  

3. Saan ka ba nag graduate at anong kurso ang kinuha mo? Bakit?

I graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Food Service and Institutional Management. Dream ko kasi noon na mag trabaho sa Hotel or sa eroplano kaya I pursued the course. I'm an Isabelina, nag graduate ako sa  Universidad de Sta Isabel in Naga City, 45 mins drive from my hometown.  

4. What made you decide to work abroad? Was it an easy decision for you? Are there other options/offers other than Kuwait?

Thinking to work abroad was not a struggle, in fact excited pa nga ako because of my wrong connotation that time, kala ko kasi pag OFW madami at madali ang pera. To earn more was my main reason why I came here but eventually I realized na hindi pala yun ganun. Of option, I did not had any opportunity to work to other countries. Kuwait lang talaga.  Nonetheless, I'm enjoying my years here in Kuwait and I'm not looking forward to go to other countries to work. 

5. Have you ever worked in the Philippines? If yes, what was it like compared to working here abroad. Please elaborate.

Yes, I was working in Honda Prestige Inc. – Iriga Branch before I came here. Nag resigned ako noong papunta na ko dito. Masaya mag work sa Pinas pero  okey rin naman dito. I don't want to compare kasi parehas nman may disadvantage and advantages in both ends. Well, practically when we will talk about compensation, I guess much well-paid dito rather than sa Pinas. But you'll have much freedom working in your own country.   

6. Mag flash back tayo, natatandaan mo pa ba noong una kang umalis? Sino nag hatid sayo? Umiyak ka ba?

Si Pay Badong, Si Digoy, yung mga bata na malalaki na ngayon, pero sa bus terminal lang nila ko hinatid, to the airport till here ang kasama ko ay si Ate Mabel, town mate namin and she's working in MOH.  Hindi ako umiyak, all I can re-call is medyo worried ako kung ano yung dadatnan ko dito. I came here through visit visa, so may pressure na dapat maka hanap ako nang work and ma-transfer to working visa before my visit visa expires.

7. Funny part naman tayo, first time mo ba sa eroplano? Anong feeling mo? Kwento ka naman.

OO, first time kong maka pasok sa eroplano. Ansaya lang nang feeling na dati natatanaw mo lang lagi yung eroplano tapos sinasabi mo pa sa sarili mo na balang araw sasakay din ako dyan and finally yun.., nakasakay ka din, parang dream come true. Overwhelming yung feeling. Wala naman akong nagawang "funny things" kahit first time kasi Ate Mabel was with me. She's guiding me what to do. Pero cguro if mag isa lang ako na nag travel, probably I could do embarrassing or stupid things even

8. Anong pinangako mo sa mga magulang mo, kapatid, noong umalis ka? Natupad mo ba?

I promise to provide for my Lola a monthly allowance; so far natupad nman, continous pa din till now though there are times na suma-sablay ako sa pag papadala.. Another thing, nag promise din ako na bibilhan ko yung bahay nang malaking gas range.., at yun and di ko pa natutupad!!! pero hindi ko naman nakakalimutan yun- hopefully in the coming years matupad ko din and besides hindi naman yun urgent.  

9. May time frame ka ba na nakaset para sa pagtatrabaho mo sa abroad?

"OO naman, ayoko na dito tumanda.  I'm planning to stay here for 5 years more -  maximum.

10. At age ____ what are your accomplishments? Any, properties... the likes...

At age of 30, with the Grace of God, in few months tapos ko na mahulugan yung Lot ko sa Carmeltown, Canlubang. And I'm able also to take part/ venture in a newly established Corporation. We are looking forward to open a coffee shop sa Pinas this year plus God willing maka pag franchise din kami sa isang growing fastfood chain sa pinas.  

11. Aside from your work what makes Lala busy?

 Yung totoo? Facebook and Viber.

12. Would you advice single ladies to go out, step out and work abroad?

Not at all, for me if they are Single and having good work sa Pinas, there's no need to step out. But if they feel or they have the dream to work abroad, it will be fine, they could pursue that dream. They just have to be mentally and emotionally prepared once they decided to work abroad. 

13. Share some good experiences sa work mo? Madali lang ba sayo ang makatrabaho ang ibang lahi?

In 7 years of working here, I've learn that It's not the nationality of the person that makes them difficult to deal with, but yung character mismo nung tao… Merong Locals or other immigrants here na madaling pakisamahan and meron din naman na super simply annoying lang talaga!! But as you go along with them natutunan din nating mag adjust sa kanila. To stay here long dapat talaga you know by heart that "Patience is a Virtue."
Currently, I'm thankful sa present work ko…. Okey nman ang mga colleagues ko and most of the times they are cooperative. 

14. Naranasan mo na bang laitin, maliitin ng ibang lahi? If yes pano mo ito hinarap?


Hindi ako sure kung pang mamaliit nang matatawag yun, somehow I feel lang na parang walang tiwala sakin yung new boss ko noon, for me it means he's underestimating my ability.  I was then  working in a hotel for about 5 years. While on a vacation,  the top management of the hotel terminated our GM, who happened to be my direct boss and replaced him with a local. Pag balik ko bago na yung boss ko, most of what I am doing mali parati sa kanya (sa new GM) and it really frustrates me. Paano ko yun hinarap, After a month of dealing w/ him nag file ako nang Resignation ko!!! It could be na, it's not the right decision that time, alam ko na hindi din ako naka pag isip nang maayos noon, but thank God he carry me through and nakahanap agad ako nang nalipatan.   

15. Ilang taon ka na ba dito sa Kuwait? Masaya ka ba dito? Anong masasabi mo tungkol sa Kuwait? Sa kultura, sa klima...

Almost 7 and half years. Okey lang ang Kuwait. Unpredictable and klima, hindi ko masyadong like yung sandstorm pag nag cha-change yung climate.  Pero maganda din ang kultura nila especially that Kuwaitis are family oriented, yun ang gustung gusto ko sa kanila… frustrating lang yung belief nang marami sa kanila.   

16. Lala given a chance na makapag sponsor ka ng mahal sa buhay, sino ang gusto mong dalhin dito at bakit? At saan mo sya unang ipapasyal?

Yung Tito ko na Papa nung mga pinsan ko. Lima yung anak nya na nag ta trabaho dito, it would be good for him to visit them here. Sa Kuwait Tower cguro, kasi pati ako hndi pa nakapasok doon so, sabay na kaming papasyal doon.

with cousins during our churchmate's wedding reception

17. Love life naman tayo. Lala, dati mo ng nasabi noon na dati kang may boyfriend sa Pilipinas. Kumusta na kayo ngayon? May communication pa ba kayo kahit papano?

We've been apart for about 2 1/2 years now, few months after our break-up nawalan na kami nang communication. Mahirap mag maintain nang communication with someone na dati special yung treatment  mo sa kanya,  na dati kasama siya sa mga pangarap mo then in a sudden u'll realize na magka iba na kayo nang path na tinatahak, Casual Conversation will not work I believe for those na may malalim na pinagsamahan. Mahihirapan lang ako mag move on kung may communication pa din ako sa kanya, if I'll be talking to him parati, possible na aasa lang ako na maayos ulit yung relasyon namin. kaya, when I decided to let him go… I totally let him.   

18. Masasabi mo bang naka pag move on ka na? Ano ang mga ginawa mong hakbang para makapag move on?

"!!! (Thanks God) napaka-hirap nung process of moving on, I really endure the pain. pero move-on-move-on lang din pag may time. Ano nga ba yung mga ginawa ko,. Let me remember..,
First, I sincerely prayed and cried out to the Lord. I was honest sa Panginoon sa nararamdaman ko . I asked for His help to go through it, na sana alisin nya yung pain and sana INSTANTLY sana pag gising ko wala na yung sakit. God answers my prayers hndi nga lang instant but gradually as I keep on praying unti-unti nawala din yung pain. As I keep on praying, natututunan kong tanggapin yung season ko of being broken-hearted and as I draw near to Him, I was being assured of more satisfying love.
Secondly, naka tulong sakin yung message na narining ko one Friday night sa Fruibearers Church, God spoke through her servant, kumurot talaga sa puso ko yung "Sometimes God breaks our heart in order to break the things that break His heart."  - It's been a year pero hirap pa din akong mag move on noon, after hearing the message, I marvel on God was probably or surely broke my heart because I was breaking His heart,  for sure nasasaktan ko na ang Panginoon because my relationship with the man was no longer pleasing Him.., after all we are of not the same faith and clear ang Lord sa command nya. Do not yoke yourself with an unbeliever. So, I accepted and embraced that season. I've teached myself to  hold on sa pangako nang Panginoon.
And I continue to hold on to Him, I trust and hold on God's promise that He will not withhold any good thing to those who earnestly seek Him… Seeking and Serving Him become a part of my life even after I realized na naka move-on na ko. Throughout, I believe yung pag move-on ko, it was a personal and corporate effort of acceptance and company of Beings who truly loves me. The people who really cares for where there, there were times na kahit nag e-emo and alam ko na nakakainis na ko but they allow me to grieve. Kaya, thankful ako sa lahat nang tao na tinulungan ako sa pag mo-move on ko.

19. At your age, hindi ka ba naapektuhan pag may mga mag boboyfriend girlfriend ka na nakikitang namamasyal? Naisip mo ba na sana may ka holding hands ka din. 

I've said earlier, that I'm 30 and I'm proud I am… 

Bakit naman ako maapektuhan?, of course there's a desire of me to be in relationship and to be married soon even, but why should I be affected of the relationship of others? In fact kinikilig nga ako lalo na't kilala ko yung magkasintahan, I have faith that there's a HEART somewhere out there that God is saving for me (nakss) at kung naiisip ko ba na sana may ka holding-hands din ako – Honestly, hindi ko na masyado naiisip yun ngayon, guess as you age, nag iiba din yung pananaw natin sa relationship. I've realized lately that whether I walked hand in hand with a lover today or just laughed with my single friends while sipping our coffee or I just stay at home, at the end of the day I can count thousands of reason to sleep happy.  One more thing, there's a time for everything, a time to love.. a time to have a relationship, a time to kiss and time to hold someone's hand… Kasama yun. My Time will come.

20. Ano ba ang hinahanap mo SANA sa isang lalaki? Meron na bang nagpapahiwatig sayo?

Meron din naman yet still praying. 

Yung unang una sa checklist ko is of course:

1. He should be a believer and follower of Christ, (in that context) magkaiba kasi ang believer and follower, a lot of guys believe in Jesus but they don't want to follow Him. I'm praying to marry someone na makakasama ko in serving Him.
2. And other extra qualities na hinahanap ko is sana gentle na may sense of humor, passive kasi ako saka medyo boring kaya I want to be with someone na magaan kasama, yung madami kang mapupulot na aral pag kausap mo siya, may sense tapos masaya pa, pero it's a minor characteristic, of course above the list is yung Follower of Christ talaga.

21. KUNG may manliligaw sayo, ano ba ang gusto mong present na matanggap at bakit?

"Something edible (hahaha) - mapapakinabangan ko yun pati nung mga taong nasa paligid ko… But of course much more of any material present, I love to receive the gift of time, for me yung effort to see me and just to be with me is plus plus plus pogi points!!!

22. Para sa iyo Lala, ano ba yung idea mo ng sweet na pagbibigay ng regalo?

Siguro, yung na so sorpresa ka na lang bigla, ay may gift ka.., it could be sweet. But for me when the gift is given with a sincere heart is always the sweetest.

23. Kung makakatanggap ka ng bulaklak sa isang manliligaw, anong kulay ang gusto mo?

I've received na color red and white even pink and yellow and the feeling actually varies depends on the giver and not on the color of the flower. But of course we always equate flowers with sincerity; kaya kahit anong kulay at kahit sino may kilig pa din!  pero this time parang gusto ko nang GREEN or pwede ding blue kasi favorite color ko yun.

24. Uso dito ang tuksuhan, minsan ka na ding natukso sa isang binata. Ano ba ang pakiramdam ng tinuktukso? Bakit hindi ka nagpadala sa tuksuhan na yun?

Thank God that nowadays hindi na yan uso sa church compare before na (ufff) part na yatah nang fellowhip ang tuksuhan at hndi lang yun minsan.., madami ding beses. Akward kaya yung feeling, nakaka ilang and I really don't like, or honesty I hate na tinu tukso ako. Perhaps because I don't like the feeling kaya cguro hndi din ako nadala.  Beside sabi din mismo ni Pastor Jun Nones na one of the pitfalls in marriage is yung nagpakasal lang dahil nadala sa tuksuhan.

25. Kung ikaw ang masusunod Lala, ilang taon mo ba gusto sanang lumagay sa tahimik. Makapag asawa, magka anak?

"My ideal age of marrying is at 28 and to raise children by 30 and obviously I pass it through already. So anytime pwede na!!" 

26. Kung ikaw ay makapag-asawa at hilingin sayo ng iyong mister na tumigil ka na lang sa bahay at hwag ng magtrabaho, papayag ka ba? Bakit?

That could be a tough decision. Pero kung ako yung masusunod I don't want to stop working. Gusto ko na nagta trabaho and kumikita din. I'm aware that woman as wives they've been created to be "help-meet" while the husband is the "head." I admire yung mga housewife na nasa bahay lang and faithfully doing the household chores daily, but for me helpmeet doesn’t mean you have to be in the house only doing the housekeeping and be the primary responsible of raising children. In fact, I believe responsibility yun nang tatay, as Protection and Provision is his task. Anyway, sakali man, (God willing) maka pag asawa na ako and have to face this tough decision, I wish to talk the matter through with my husband, I'll listen to his reason and hope he'll consider my insights too but in the end I'll respect my husband decision. He's the "HEAD" diba so the authority/ decision should come from him pa din.    

27. Mahirap bang maging single at this age of yours. I mean, may takot ka bang nararamdaman na baka, mahuli ka sa byahe etc... 

I don’t feel I'm missing out or nahuhuli na ko sa biyahe, in fact I'm enjoying the season still. I remember what Pastor Clem told us "singles" during a seminar, he said that "Singlehood is good and it's normal. – There’s nothing to be ashamed, embarrassed or to be afraid. Singleness is not a curse, it's a blessings. 
Hence it's a blessing therefore I shouldn't be afraid.  I know that I am where I am now because that’s where God wants me to be, I keep on reminding myself of what CS Lewis said “I am sure God keeps no one waiting unless He sees that it is good for him to wait”   perhaps I am still single because God is still happy to see me single. I know my God well and I trust Him.   
Isa pa getting married or being in a relationship is not the ultimate thing, it's not my ultimate purpose., it's not the only source of happiness, it’s just one facet of my life. Sabi one time sa akin ni Ate Zeny, 

with Ate Zeny Alim

sa heaven daw wala nang mag asawa doon.. lahat na tayo magkakapatid, napapaisip tuloy ako.., If I won’t be able to take my marriage to heaven naman pala, why I should be bothered much of not getting married at this age. In heaven lahat tayo bride nang Panginoon and I believe that's the ultimate thing.  

28. Lala, gusto ko lang malaman. Masaya ka ba na sinunod mo ang advise ng iba at iniwas mo ang iyong sarili sa isang tao na sa tingin nila ay hindi bagay para sa iyo.

Noong una hindi. Parang pakiramdam ko noon lahat sila kontrabida sa lovelife ko, feeling ko noon ayaw nila ko na maging Masaya…  hahaha  

Pero ngayon I think I'll just be forever GRATEFUL sa kanila na nagbigay nang kanilang unsolicited advice during those time na litong-lito o at sobrang confused ako sa feelings ko. 

with Fruitbearers Family

After sometimse nauntog din naman  ako and I realized why and why ganun yung reactions nila. MAHAL lang talaga nila ko kaya they don't give up of me kahit na tigas-tigas ulo ko noon. Kaya ngayon, pwedeng pang-shout,  "Masayang Masaya ako." 

29. Pwede ka bang mag iwan ng inspiring message para sa mga kadalagahan na waiting pa rin...

Let me quote what a pretty friend said one time while posting our picture sa facebook and describing Singlehood, her caption reads:

Being single used to mean that nobody wanted you. Now it means you’re pretty sexy and you’re taking your time deciding how you want your life to be and who you want to spend it with!

To single ladies, don't believe on the lie that you're not pretty because no one pursues you. You are Pretty, You're Sexy. Take your time; enjoy the season of singlehood, ponder on how you really want to spend your life and with whom you really want to spend it. Listen to the Father's command, don't yoke yourself with unbeliever. Don't be in hurry. Don't settle for second-best. WAIT. You are worth the wait. Don't be in a relationship because you just want your facebook status to be updated, to trend and get 100 likes. Don't feel your missing out. There's a heart God is saving for you. Be patient. And even if God blesses you with Singleness for lifetime, there will be nothing wrong with that.  Our Call is this:  "To worship and praise God" and it's the best thing to do while waiting for our God-knows-who, His Gift.  While waiting, remember His promise in Jeremiah 29:11 – He has a plan for you. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Our God loves us too much; He will not withhold anything that's good for us. TRUST Him. His Love alone satisfies.

Matapos nating mabasa ang mga naging kasagutan ni Lala sa aking mga tanong, tulad ko din ba kay na, mas lalo humanga sa kanya? Kahit ako, madaming natutunan sa kanyang mga ibinahagi sa atin. 
Sa touching side.. ummmm like na like ko yung #17 & #18, sa part na ito mararamdaman mo ang lakas na nakuha ni Lala sa pagtitiwala nya sa Panginoon. Nakakatuwang balik balikan ang mga isinagot nya dito. Maganda din yung sagot nya sa #26 

In fact, I believe responsibility yun nang tatay, as Protection and Provision is his task. Anyway, sakali man, (God willing) maka pag asawa na ako and have to face this tough decision, I wish to talk the matter through with my husband, I'll listen to his reason and hope he'll consider my insights too but in the end I'll respect my husband decision. He's the "HEAD" diba so the authority/ decision should come from him pa din.    

Lala, Ikaw na talaga! 

And syempre, hindi naman magiging makulay ang net-life natin kung walang sense of ka-kenkoyan. Ang daming part dito na napatawa ako... yung, something edible, yung GREEN flowers Hahahahaha Kaloka! Hahahaha pahirapan ba ang manliligaw, hingi ka na lang ng dahon, ayun green talaga yun. Joke. Hayyy, Lala, thank you. Thank you for your time. Thank you pumayag ka na maging bida ko for this month. Thank you because you are such a blessing to the team. 

Originally, ang title ng entry ko na ito ay DONT RUSH but in as i was about to end...decided to dedicate this to you and dahil ikaw naman ang bida dito. Lubus lubusin na natin....

My March 16, 2014 blog entry is entitled Claraflor.

Isang verse po ang nais kong iwan sa inyong mga dalaga at binata...

1 Corinthians 7:32-35

New International Version (NIV)

³² I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. ³³ But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— ³⁴ and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. ³⁵ I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

Hindi ko po ito ibinahagi para sabihin sa inyong tanggapin na ang pagiging Single nyo. I mean, isa din po itong gift. Mahirap naman kase na para lang masabing nagkaasawa na tayo eh, kahit sino na lang sinagot na natin or nilagawan na natin. Pinag darasal ito. Mahirap namang magsisisi sa huli. Mamaya sa pagmamadali mo eh may iba palang nakalaan sayo ang Panginoon. Diba? Wait. Madali lang mag asawa. Ang mahirap yung mag-aasawa ka ng di ka pa handa, financially, mentally & spiritually.