think rainbows

I just turned 24 last June 25! I can't believe it, it's only 1 year less than what I thought then would be the marrying age for me. Now I don't think about the "marrying age" factor anymore. Will find a boyfriend muna. :))

The reason for the title is, I just finished watching two episodes of Running Man earlier today. Yep, I'm back to my daily routine of watching Running Man. Daebak! Anyway, that's not the main point of this blog entry...I haven't been blogging much again! *sigh* I will try to make up for it; and since the UAAP is almost here, looks like I'll be updating this more often again...yay!

But before that, I'd like to share with you guys something that I've just thought about over the past few days. Today is June 22nd, and in three days I'll be turning 24. I seriously don't feel like I'm 24. Well that's a good thing right? I mean I know I've matured in many aspects and all that but I just don't feel my age. Age is just a number, ain't that what they say?

So once again, just like I always do, I'm pretty much anticipating the day of my birthday. June has always been like one of my favorite months of the year aside from the holidays probably because my birthday falls on June. The excitement level for this month is higher than other months (except the holidays of course), especially when the 20th arrives. I'm just always excited for my birthday. But sometimes I get too excited that I start thinking about the things that are going to happen, or more like I start hoping about the things that are going to happen. I start thinking about who's going to greet me, how they're going to greet me, if I'd ever be receiving gifts, etc. Yes, I think too much, I admit it.

I love surprises, I love giving them, and I'd love to receive one. I always think of ways to surprise friends for their birthday or other events, then I sometimes get the feeling that no one's willing to do it for me. Emo! LOL. Anyway...it's just always been one of my dreams, to be surprised on my birthday, but not to the point that I'm pleading and desperate for one. So I always hope for it whenever June comes, but I just always disappoint myself because it never actually happens. Haha! I almost always tell my friends that I'd love to be surprised. Maybe they just don't get the underlying message it brings: "Surprise me please!!!" But I'm fine with it anyway, whenever my birthday comes and all hopes are not met, at the end of the day I'm still happy, and just look forward to another year of hopeful thoughts and wishes. Still thankful that I get to celebrate another birthday with my family, with my friends, everyone greeting me and remembering me even if it's just for that day. At least I know they're still there.

So now I just wait for my birthday once again, and see what happens. There's not much anticipation this year compared to last year, but I'm still excited for the food. =)) Better not to expect much so as not to disappoint yourself, right?

P.S.
I would also love to receive a bouquet for my birthday and that locket that I still would love to have. =))

When I resigned from work, we decided to visit Mindoro and our relatives there once again after almost 5 years of not being able to. It was in exchange of not going to Panagbenga this year which we have been doing since 2010, and since it would also coincide with the town fiesta. Unfortunately Kuya couldn't come because of work, so it was just me and my mom. It was a fun trip, but it wasn't how I expected it would be. I didn't even get the chance to swim although we went to different beaches. All in all I was happy that we were able to push through with the trip, but I wasn't satisfied.

I wanted to go back as soon as possible, and while summer isn't over yet. I wanted a different experience, and since we don't know when we'll be able to visit again after this trip, I really wanted to do it. After much thought and much debating, luckily we were able to go again, but still without Kuya. I was determined to make it a different experience this time, and I think I achieved it. From the moment we got there, it was all family, and just pure vacation. I was at the beach almost everyday. Although there were times that I missed some things(from past visits there) and wanted more, I settled myself with what was there and I was okay. It was fun, definitely much better than the first one.

It wasn't just fun which I got from our stay in Mindoro this time. Aside from that, being the observer and over-thinker that I am, and through conversations with some relatives, I had a lot of thoughts and realizations. It was also something that I really wanted to do while I was away from Manila. Not just about what I am going through right now but life in general as well. I really didn't get the chance to have a one on one with nature because I feel like they didn't want me going by myself anywhere. But I still got my fair share of muni muni since I had a lot of free time while everyone else were either doing something or asleep.

I haven't really been able to blog yet about one of the biggest decisions I've made earlier this year. Maybe in my previous posts I've hinted about it, but this time, it has really happened. I've resigned from work. My last day was March 16. I've been thinking about doing it since last year, and so once I decided, there was no turning back. I have been with the company for almost three years, and I'm thankful in a way for the experiences and especially for the people I've met.

Why did I do it? Because I wanted change, as simple as that. I was starting to look for something different. I'm still trying to figure out what it is, but I still haven't found it. I am happy though that now I have the time to create a different chapter in my life story. I don't know where I'll be headed next, but I'm hoping for the better. I've learned a lot of things that I know I would be able to use in my succeeding endeavors.

I feel like there's always not enough vacation, and so we just have to be content with what we're given. It is a blessing to have the time to relax, to be away from stress, and just let things be. So as I figure out my next step, as I'm nearing the end of this temporary bum life, the feeling of wanting to go on but needing to stop arises. And so as not be saddened, I have to be content, accept the things that have to happen, and just enjoy everything that life has in store.

There is fear in me, because of not knowing where I should be going. That I might not be able to do what I want to do, or it's not something that I'd love. Right now I'm trying to conquer the fear and replace it with excitement; clear my mind so as to be able to see the horizon. I always think that things happen for a reason even though the reason may be unknown. I turn to Him for help because I know He knows what's best for me. In all the decisions that I make, I seek for His help and guidance. Because at the end of the day, it'll still be Him to whom I turn to.

I started this bum life with a vacation at our province in Mindoro, and now I am ending it there as well. All I wish is that we enjoy this trip once again. Even better than the first one. And that it would make me ready for whatever I'll be facing once we get back in Manila.

There's been a couple of times already that I feel I get too easily attached to certain people. Certain people who might have shown "too much attention" to me. I start to always seek for their attention, for their companionship, for their conversations, and simply just to seek for them. Not that I always want to be the center of attention of everybody, but once in a while, you get to like the attention given to you, especially if it's particularly just for you, even if it's just for a while. This happens, and then expectations happen; you look forward to things. I know, expectations are pretty much a no-no, but I just can't avoid it sometimes. Don't worry, I won't get mad at you for thinking that I'm selfish, because I feel that I really am sometimes.

There are times I really try not to get too close or too comfortable, but I do want to spend time with them. So how do you do it? Because I don't know how to. It takes time before I start not to expect, but usually I get hurt or pissed first before I eventually learn. "Experience is the best teacher.", ain't it?

I get frustrated, because when it happens, I know that it's not the first time that it's happened, and I can't seem to get it out of my system. I get frustrated and sometimes think that am I being too good? Am I too easily fooled? (I certainly hope not!) Am I just really selfish? (partly yes?) I continuously try to come out of this and change this attitude because I know I will come upon these kinds of people more, and I can't let this happen over and over again. One day, it will come, I will just realize that "Hey, I've changed!", for the better. :)

I'm not sure if it's super big news right now in the whole entertainment industry but Lucy Hale, who is more popularly known as the one who portrays Aria in the series Pretty Little Liars, is coming to Manila this week. She tweeted before that she was coming here by March, but I guess plans changed. She's here because she's the newest endorser for Bench clothing.

I didn't really know Lucy Hale that much before Pretty Little Liars, but when I started watching PLL, you just can't simply ignore her. Not just because of her unique style in Pretty Little Liars and that black hair with streaks of pink in it, but because you'll notice her as the girl who hush-es in the opening credits of the show. Anyway, to make the long story short, she may not be my favorite but I really like her and I would love to see her in person if I ever get the chance while she's here. (I'm particularly interested in her lips by the way. It always attracts my attention.)

I started following Bench on twitter today since I found out that they were doing a contest to give away passes for Lucy's event on Saturday at the SMX Convention Center. You'd just have to tweet an exact phrase to be given by @benchtm, then if you're one of the first 10 to get it correctly, you win a pass to the event. When the time came for the contest, I tweeted, and then I left the office. As I got home, I totally forgot about the contest already. It was only when I checked my twitter again that I remembered it. Good job dindin! You are one of the first 10 to tweet correctly! But your time's up!

...

Seriously, I was like WTF?! My heart went funny. It was a once in a lifetime experience to see Lucy Hale in person but I missed it. I had it, but I lost it. I didn't make the deadline; I had to email my details until 8pm, I arrived home at around 7:30-8, and I checked my twitter at around 8:30-9. It sucks big time and I really feel so bad. But it's over now. Just like what Aslan said, "Things never happen the same way twice dear one." (This is what I'm talking about. Check the P.S. section.)

Sigh, Lucy Hale, I missed my chance big time. I guess it wasn't for me. But I really want to see you in person. As well as Troian(especially!), Ashley, and Shay. I wish you'd come back here for Pretty Little Liars and bring them all with you as well as the Rosewood guys. I guess I'd just have to torture myself for now with updates about your Manila visit. Have a good one! As bad as I may feel right now, it's still more fun in the Philippines anyway.

Hugging away for comfort

Yoboseyo! Annyeong haseyo!

This is what happens when you immerse yourself too much into Korean stuff. But it's fun, and at least I get to learn a new language. =D

How have you guys been?? Happy New Year by the way!! =D Now that we're in 2012, I know it's time for resolutions again, and new goals, reinventions, and the like. It's pretty exciting whenever a new year ushers in, but scary too in the sense that we don't know what to expect. But instead of having fear in our hearts, it's better to have hopes that this year will be better than the last.

I for one can proudly say that my 2011 has been heaps better than my 2010. I am very thankful for everything awesome that has happened during the last year. I have to put those in another post so as to remind myself of the things that have transposed in the year that was. But now it's time to say goodbye to 2011, and welcome 2012 with a big hug.

For starters, I have been telling myself that I want change in this year. There's one huge change I've been thinking about that I want to be able to accomplish within the first quarter of this year. If things work out the way I think they will, then I will be successful with it. One step at a time. Then, little by little, we'll work our way towards other changes.

I haven't really thought of the concrete goals that I want to accomplish this year, except for that change. I'm thinking though about stuff like I need to watch more movies, I need to learn how to put make-up on, or finally get driving lessons, or continue learning how to play the piano. Probably that's for another post as well. I also need to get hold of a planner yet. I realized I need one because of all the stuff that's going through my mind. I'm thinking if I'm still buying since the planner that I wanted is already sold out, or I'll just figure out a DIY planner, as suggested by a friend. It'll save me some bucks and put my creative juices to a test. We'll see about that.

Well, the first two weeks of the year has been kind of weird for me. There were problems, I got injured (ankle sprain), but there was still lots of fun of course. We got to spend time with Papa too which is really awesome. Sometimes even though how much you want a new start, some problems just carry on to the next year and you just have to face them again. Maybe just consider it like a new problem although in reality, it isn't. Nevertheless, I want to stay as positive as I could for this year. I need it for all the things that I'm thinking of doing for this year. I just need time to reflect and ponder on those things and I'm pretty sure I'm off to a rockin' year. I will also try to blog more often, and will try to finish those two other posts I've mentioned here within the week. Ciao! =D

P.S.
I want a retreat or a recollection of some sort. Caleruega, again, perhaps? :))

Schedule has been crazy ever since December started; just like how it has always been in the past years. This year's extra special since my Dad is here for the holidays after so many years. He arrived last December 7, and now it's only about 9 days before he leaves again. Yes, time flies. And ever since he arrived, we've always had somewhere to go during the weekends. So we really haven't had a free weekend that much. 

We enjoyed every bit of our stay while were at Bohol, but our third day has got to be one for the books. Sea tour!

We made our reservations for the sea tour through the guy whom we made arrangements with for our day tour. The sea tour starts at 5:30am, and once again, our guide/boatman, Kuya Dodong, was on time! We didn't know how we were going to get out of the hotel, since the front door was locked, and there was no one at reception. Good thing there was this bell thing, and someone opened the door for us.

Read on!

Day 2 was reserved for our Countryside tour. One of our officemates, who was also there during the same weekend, gave us someone whom we could contact for the tour. We heard their tour was good, and for a very affordable price (we paid 2,000, not including the entrance fees, lunch at the river), so we made our reservation.

We were picked up at the hotel at 8am. The one taking us to the tour was very prompt! He was already there while Casey and I were still eating our breakfast. We hired a car, but the guide/driver said that all the cars were already out, so they let us use an Innova instead. Good thing there was no additional fee. =D


Read on! :)

I have always thought of when will the time come that I'll be able to have my first plane ride. Or that I'll be able to travel to other parts/provinces in the country that I've never been to. I honestly didn't think it would come this year.

Cebu Pacific has always had promos here and there, and my friend and I were lucky enough that we were able to book flights during their Zero fare sale last June. I braved the very challenging task of checking for available dates for different destinations, until finally, we decided on one.

Destination: Bohol
Dates: November 13-15

This was my first plane ride. This was my first time at an airport. This was the first time that I'll be having a personal out of town trip without my family. This was both our first trip to Bohol. This was really exciting! One post wouldn't be enough, so I'm doing one for each of the days we spent there. :)

Read on!

I may not always tell you this
But now I will try and do so
To give appreciation to what you do
And let the whole world know too.

To you who befriended me,
To you who shared stories with me,
To you who let me know you,
To you, thank you.

To you who accompanied me,
To you who easily say yes,
To you who make yourself available to me,
I appreciate you, thank you.

To you who kept me out of boredom,
To you who laughed with me,
To you who patiently listened to me,
For everything, thank you.

To you who I sometimes take for granted,
To you who I may have ignored before,
To you who I may have hurt directly or indirectly,
Forgive me, I'm sorry.

To you who may be surprised with what's to come in the next lines,
To you who made me smile with or without knowing it,
To you who's made a lover out of me again,
I shyly admit to you, I admire you.

There goes my message to you as honest as it can be
Forgive me if you were surprised, you're not the only one, believe me
I hope you appreciate what I've done and that between us, friends always it will be.
Once again, to you, thank you. (A simple you're welcome would do.)

:)

Found myself
in a not-so-unfamiliar place.
Been here before
but with a different face.

Will embark on a new journey
to an undefined territory.
Armed with nothing but myself
and the experiences from the memory shelf.

A bit doubtful actually
still isn't 100% clear.
The mind wonders if it's real,
but the heart says "aren't you feeling surreal?"

Wanted to be sure
so I had to ask for a bit of help;
some felt like they were signs
But all were pointing to one clear direction: go for it.

So here I am, braving the storm
unsure of what's ahead.
I could be hurt, but for all I care.
We've only got one life to live.
So just go with the flow, and let the rest follow.

If this is really for me, then I'll take it openly,
whatever the reason may be.
I'll be forever thankful for success, and won't give up with defeat
for I know in every journey, He is with me.

It's funny how we become friends with some people.

Some you meet during the first day of school. You'd think at first you wouldn't get along well, but in the end it turns out they become one of your closest friends.

Some you meet along the way, from different places, different groups. They become acquaintances, people whom you greet along the corridors, and then you become close to some, but lose the others as well, and you start to hang out.

Some you meet through a common friend. You click with some, but not that much with others. You might even become closer than your friendship with the common friend.

Some you meet through technology. Either you both have interest in it, or it was thru the use of technology that you two were able to meet. And surprisingly, some stay as your friend, while the others remain a stranger.

Others you'll meet at that one place, won't be friends at first, then you meet again at another place, and then get to know each other more, or talk with each other more, and you realize that you get along well with each other. They now become one of your close friends.

Sometimes it really doesn't matter how long you've known a person for you to become the closest of friends. It's also about how you treat each other, how long you're willing to stay as friends and who's going to be there when the going gets tough. :)

You may start losing some but as you go on meeting different kinds of people and going to different places, time and time again, you can make new friends and create a different story with each one.

And who knows, among one of those friends, someone becomes more than just a friend. :)

I actually didn't think that I'd let myself get drenched in the rain just to be able to watch a football match.

Well, the Azkals changed all that. =D

As I was on my way to work this morning, I was thinking about how much I miss school. College, to be exact.

A girl in her UST-Engineering uniform passed by, then I saw her bag tag and I thought, I want one of those. =)) It had a tiger and "rawr" on it.

Then the guy sitting next to me in the bus was from UST-Architecture. I saw his baller, and I thought I want one of those. It was a UST 400 baller.

The movie Who's That Girl starring Anne Curtis and Luis Manzano was being shown on the bus. Anne and Luis were college students from UST there. I saw the scenes they shot inside the campus. Oh how I miss my school.

This morning is a black gold black white morning. =))

I wonder when I'd be able to go back. Soon I hope. Maglalakad lakad lang ulit ako sa loob. Just like what I usually do. =))

I really miss school. The schedule, the people, the places, events, everything about it. It was like a haven, a place I knew I always had. Where I could be happy, sad, just be myself, and still be free.

Outside, it's different. Yes, I still could be happy, sad, be myself, and be free. But it's more complicated. At mas marami. Wider place, bigger audience. Exciting, yes, but scary at the same time.

Random thoughts on this nakakatamad na Monday morning.

TC!

Happy Birthday Dei! =D

P.S.
Please don't change UST's logo anymore? :s

Finally it's here! And it's almost over. DAMN.

I imagined a different June 25.

I'm not saying that I'm not happy though. :) I AM. =D I always am whenever it's my birthday, haha.

I just thought it would be different. Happier, maybe.

It only comes once a year, I could only celebrate it once a year, and I always wanted it to be super. But I always don't get it, hahaha! So much for planning things. :)) I need more moolah.

Went to church at 6am. It was raining hard, mom and I got wet, we made it to the church though, but it was already the offertory. At least we made it. I was still able to thank Him.

I slept after, replied to text messages from people greeting me, then woke up at quarter to 10 to get ready for lunch.

Went out with kuya to buy my cake and ice cream. Then lunch with my family which was really fun. :) Super kain and tawanan. =)) *Hahaba pa buhay ko, I got spaghetti, carbonara, and pancit! =))*

Did nothing the whole afternoon,just waited for my high school friends to show up. :)) Jam and Hazel arrived thankfully, and we still had fun. =D Lupit talaga ng girlfriends ko. :))

Unfortunately not everything went as planned. Other invited friends weren't able to come. Other planned activities were cancelled. I wanted to go out, but I had nobody to go out with. =)) It's okay though, can't blame them if they can't make it, but can't blame me either if may konting tampo, right? =)) *Sorry =)) But yeah, this will have to do. =D*

I'm super touched with all the birthday greetings though. Through text, plurk, twitter, facebook, and even personal. I love birthdays. Haha. I got tired with typing "thank you!" to everyone who greeted me over Facebook, but it was super fun. Sana bukas ulit!

Still, I'm happy and thankful for my birthday. It was just a simple day, but still there's something special and different with it. And after this, everything's back to normal. Good luck naman. =))

Thank you Lord for all the blessings. Thank you to everyone in my family, and to all my friends, and to everyone who greeted me. Thank you super! Thanks for remembering!

'Til next year! =))

P.S.
I was expecting someone to greet me, that person hasn't yet, we'll see if that person will remember, or will actually do greet me. =))

P.P.S.
And I got two cakes! =))

*this was supposed to be for yesterday, I'm so great that I forgot. =))*

June 15, 2011

15...14...13...12...11...10...

Halfway mark of the halfway month of the year. Kuha mo? =))

It's June! As if it wasn't that obvious. Gusto ko lang i-emphasize. =D

It's one of my favorite months, although it is usually a very rainy month, and I only like rain as long as I'm not commuting. This month's always been special to me, probably because of it being my birthday month. Yes, in 10 days time, i'll be turning a year older. As they say, age is just a number, and I don't feel like I'm.....at all! (Do your own math!)

Other people my age have achieved a lot already, some even have their own families. As for me, I believe I'm just at the beginning. I'm still in the path to self-discovery, and no I did not quote that from some movie or some person. It's a general thought, really. And it's true.

I'm not saying that I haven't achieved anything yet, but I believe I can do so much more, and I want to. They're just waiting to be discovered. It's just a matter of right timing and having the resources to do these things. Whatever they may be, I will be ready. And as my age increments, I kind of start having a different kind of life. Not the Pepito Manaloto different kind of life, but you know, I start doing things I wasn't able to do before, I start making bigger decisions, I start meeting different kinds of people, and I start knowing myself more. I'm still young, and as what adults always tell you, you've got your whole life ahead of you. Marami ka pang kakaining bigas. Marami ka pang madidiscover. Marami ka pang pwedeng gawin.

But still, even though I'm having life changing moments, I'm still me, or that's what I generally think. But there are times too that I don't even know who I am anymore, or I don't know what I want to do anymore. I guess it's all part of the changes. It's all for the better. Confusing lang at times. Makes you think about life in a lot of different perspectives.

And now, about my very special day. I always want to celebrate my birthday and I'm always excited for it. It just happens once a year and it's the only day that people would text you and greet you because it's YOUR day. It's fun! So I just don't get it about people who don't like celebrating their birthdays, or keep their birthdays a secret or whatever. Oh well, people are different.

For this year, I don't know what I'll be doing on that day. If we're going out, or if I'm inviting friends over at our house, or if I'm treating people outside, or it'll be just family, or family and friends. I'm not sure yet, but if possible, I'd love to celebrate it on the day itself with family and friends. Pero kahit iba-ibang araw okay na rin, basta I get to celebrate my birthday with them. If it's possible to squeeze them all in that one day, I would, but I think that's pretty hard, and I wouldn't get to spend much time with each one of them. Sayang kung ganun. So, I just hope that I'd get to celebrate my birthday with them in any way possible and that we'd all have as much fun as possible. (Wait lang guys ha mag-ch-check pa ko ng budget. LOL.)

I'm actually not thinking of a birthday wish list right now. Naks! =)) So mag-u-update na lang ako kapag meron na.

Ay, I know what I like. I'd love a surprise. =D

Ciao for now!

"I got chills, they're multiplyin', and I'm losing control. 'Cause the power you're supplying, it's electrifying!"

It all started with Google and the keywords "dance studio"/"dance school". Next thing I knew I was debating with myself whether to call, to email, or to just send a text message to this dance studio I've never heard of before.

Late last year I've started dancing again. I found this studio in Quezon City which offers hiphop classes for a low price. It was too far from my place so I really didn't get to go there frequently, but just the same, I enjoyed the two dance classes I was able to go to. When 2011 entered, I included in my new year's resolutions to dance again. And last February, I was able to get a head start for it.

I started searching for a dance studio that's either near the office or near our house. I was able to find one near the office, although they offered ballroom classes. I was hoping for some hiphop classes, but since I'm not new to ballroom anyway, I thought it was okay. I thought about it for days, weeks, if I was going to continue and enroll in this dance studio. (The discount played a huge role in the decision-making process.=P) I searched for everything I could find about the dance studio before deciding to make a call. That was a Thursday, then Tuesday the following week, classes had begun.

I was nervous at first because I didn't know what to expect. The only thing I thought about was that I might be the youngest in the class, I mean since it's ballroom and not a lot of teens are into that unlike if it's hiphop, right? It might be hard to make new friends. I was right, and I was wrong. I was right that I might be the youngest among the students, until there was this two guys who I think were only in high school or college. But they didn't last, so I was still the youngest, although the scholars of the studio were younger. The scholars though weren't students like us, so I think that doesn't really count. =D

It was really fun. Even if our class wasn't that close to each other, even if I knew nobody in the class, I was having fun. The fact that I always have fun whenever I get to dance could be one of the reasons, but still, you wouldn't have as much fun if what you're actually doing and the people you're with isn't fun. I started looking forward to every class that we're going to have, and I didn't want it to end. So when they opened some new classes, and after checking the schedule, I enrolled once again, and I found myself at the studio every night from Mondays to Thursdays. It was only 1 hour per class so it wasn't really that tiring, it was just right. :) I also got to make new friends; my classmates were really nice. :)

The teachers then started talking about a recital in May; an inter-studio recital. It got me really interested and thought I would really love to be involved with the recital. There were some what ifs, and is it possible, and some other issues here and there, but still, it happened. If there's a will, there's a way, right? :)

*I just have to share this, it really struck me. I hope you get something from it too. :)*


One day, there was a small barrio of farmers who were praying for rain to come.
Every Sunday at church, they’d gather and pray for rain.

But one Sunday, the priest announced, “How can God give you rain if you don’t have faith?”

The farmers asked, “How do you know we have no faith?”

The priest said, “Every Sunday, you pray for rain. But how many of you are bringing an umbrella?”
No one in that church brought an umbrella.

The priest continued, “No one among you is prepared to receive the blessings you’re praying for.”
Next Sunday, people began to bring an umbrella.

And soon, the rain came.

Friend, are you prepared for your blessings?

Noah built the Ark before the rain came, not during or after.

You need to build your Ark today.

Do you really expect the answer to your prayer?

I’ve been praying for 1000 Feasts (our weekly gathering) spread all over the world.
In God’s own time, I expect it to happen.

But even today, we’re preparing for that blessing. We’re bringing our umbrella. We’re building our ark. How? We’re raising up 1000 Feast Builders through our School of Leadership.

Today, what’s your umbrella? Identify your umbrella and bring it with you.

Right now, there are some of you who are ready to give up on the dream God has placed in your heart.
Don’t give up. Because God isn’t giving up on you.

Oh yes, you may have to give up on your particular version on God’s dream for your life.

I remember Bishop Soc Villegas was telling me that he wanted to be a monk—alone in his hut, tending to a little garden. That was how he wanted to serve God. But God wanted Him to serve as a very busy priest and Bishop.

I love telling the story of how I was fixated on a 500 square meter property for our Community Center. It was a foreclosed property that the bank was selling. I wanted it so much, I’d visit it many times—and when no one was looking—raise my hand towards it and “claim” it to be ours. (If I saw someone walking on the street, I’d pretend I was just checking the fence.)

I was tenacious. I told the tiny Light of Jesus community then to fast. I even scheduled a 3-night vigil to pray for the place. We also went into massive fundraising. We went Christmas Caroling in August.

But one day, we received the news: Someone else bought the property from the bank. We were devastated.

I remember our prayer meeting the week we found out. It was as if I was attending a funeral. Some people were even crying.

But ten years later, God answered our prayer. We finally acquired a property. This taught us that God’s timing isn’t our timing.