Go Philippines!

The above voting process is from the official website http://www.new7wonders.com
There are 4 nominees from our country which as to date of writing have the rank as follows:

Rank #6 Tubbataha Reef http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/TubbatahaReefReef/
Rank #8 Chocolate Hills http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/ChocolateHills/
Rank #10 Subterranean River http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/PuertoPrincesa/
Rank #20 Mayon Volcano http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/MayonVolcano/

In voting, your email address count for one registration but you need to vote for 7 nominees. Just don't forget to include all our 4 nominees. Based on the voting procedure, shortlist of 21 candidates will be announced on January of 2009. Voting will then continue throughout 2009 to 2010, afterwhich, the new 7 wonders of nature will be declared.

Death Conquered

I found this interesting site on the web http://www.deathclock.com/. Apparently, it can tell the specific date of a person's death. You just need to indicate some personal details. So the information above is my personal day of death. Sounds freaky? Personally, no. This is every man's destiny. Ecclesiates 7:2 says "..., for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart." Yet I know, this isn't the exact date, God can take me anytime, anywhere, anyhow.

I heard news from my sister that her husband's 94-year old lola passed away. Even though we know that she is already with our Father in heaven, still, family members can't help but feel sad. It is human nature. It brought me and my husband again to our favorite discussion, as to what age we prefer to die. The lady has been bed-ridden for quite a long time already. Likewise, my husband's lolo is almost 90 years old. He has no illness, still able to walk around with help though not very strong anymore. Yet whenever we go visit him, he would say that he wants to die already. It must be really hard living each day, just waiting for your hour of death to come. This is something that my husband and I wouldn't want to go through. Well, it's just our wish. God is still in control.

However, WHEN is not really the most important question here. But WHERE? Yes, there is life after death. And it is an eternal life. Forever! Eternity in heaven or eternity in hell. There is no place in between, contrary to popular belief. There is a way to be certain, now in this lifetime. It is a personal decision though. No doubt, it is the most important decision one can make in his/her life. May no man tarry.

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

For the Love of the "Khmers"

You may be wondering what is this and why am I blogging about this. Well, this is the map of Cambodia, more aptly called The Kingdom of Cambodia. A citizen of Cambodia is usually identified as Cambodian or "Khmer". My elder sister is there right now with her husband along with two other companions. NO, they are not there as tourists for a vacation, but as missionaries of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Once a year for some years now, the couple would travel to Cambodia, specifically to the province of Battambang, for a month's worth of mission work. Each year they would lead a group of people from different churches in Palawan. In 2007, they brought with them their 3 little boys so they may be able to experience the life of having parents as missionaries. A year before that, my brother-in-law had finally heeded God's calling and decided to become a full-time missionary. Not because he has no better things to do in life. In fact, he resigned from his work abroad as a civil engineer and rejected several job offers. Now, he is based in Cambodia, and my elder sister would go once a year to help him out. My elder sister is also a professional, an educator. She has yet to quit her job. Maybe move their whole family in Cambodia. All in God's time, according to His plans and purposes.

You can view some of their photos and some information related to their ministry here http://ricbhong.multiply.com/

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Thank you, Lord!

I would like to share a video clip of a KidZone presentation in our church one February Sunday. Eve belongs to the older group of kids, called Big Leap and Elevate, who practiced the song some previous sundays already during their children's church. I bring Anne to First Step, kids who are below 7 years old, just so she gets the feel of being with other children. She likes coloring and most of all, she likes snack time. But since she's just 2 years old, she gets bored fast and so I bring her back to the sanctuary to be with her Apa (for papa). On this particular Sunday, all the children were in the same room, practicing and getting ready for their presentation. Anne was watching them, trying to imitate their actions, and before I knew it, she was already in front. So I let her be since I knew then that it was just a practice. But when all the children went down to the sanctuary, one of the coaches took her and placed her in front of the stage. Thus this video. I was only prepared to get a shot of Eve, but I get to have a shot of both of them. Yes, Anne is the baby in front wearing a light blue dress while Eve was behind her, in dark pink dress. Anne may not be aware of what she is doing that time, but she made her achi (elder sister), specially her papa and her mama beam with pride and joy. I know that her heavenly Father has accepted her song of praise and that is why my heart was just welling up with tears. It was unexplainable. I know, someday, our family will refer back to this video, will relive the moment and become a source of inspiration and encouragement to all of us.

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him." Psalm 127:3

Manila Zoo and Singapore Zoo

Today, we brought Eve and Anne to Manila Zoo. Eve was only 3 years old when we first brought her there. And now, she is with 2-year old Anne. There were lots of improvements since then. Now, there are horse-back riding and boat-riding areas. There are small playgrounds with slides and swings. However, it was utterly disappointing to find out that there are very few animals. There is also a calesa ride which took us around the zoo. We've learned from the driver that some animals died during the Milenyo typhoon as back then, their cages had no roofs. These are the elephants and giraffe. They had them preserved and now they are standing in the middle of the zoo. Some animals were also brought to Malabon Zoo when there was a plan to have the zoo converted into a mall. They can't take back those animals anymore. Though he also said, that animals will be brought in from Africa this coming June. Hopefully, by then, a trip to Manila Zoo won't be this disappointing anymore.

Our kids had seen the Singapore Zoo last summer of 2007. If it had taken us just barely an hour to cover Manila Zoo, it will take you at least a day to fully enjoy Singapore Zoo. The 2 are really incomparable. But since the kids, especially my eldest, had been there, she can't help but compare. It saddens me and it's such a shame that our own zoo which carries our country's capital city hasn't really that much to offer to locals and to tourists.

Zee-sus (for Jesus)

At this point, I am going to introduce in my blog my two kids. I will be referring to them using their second names being, Eve and Anne. Eve is now 7 years old and will be turning 8 this June. Anne just turned 2 this April, and so they are 6 years apart.

This is how Eve's bible looks like at present day. This was given to her by one of her godparents during her dedication day. So it's 7 years old also. Eve and I introduced this bible to her sister Anne as soon as she becomes attentive to stuff, that was when she was 14 months old or even earlier. We just kept on telling her that the man on the cover is Jesus. Then some nights at bedtime, Eve and I take turns in reading to her. As time goes by, she learned to say Zee-sus. Now, during bedtime, she would take my hand, bring me to the room and say Zee-sus. Her way of saying, "Mama, let's read the bible." She likes flipping the colorful pages while pretending to read.

When I was new in the faith, it was hard for me to understand this verse"...anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it... Luke 18:17". Now I understand it full well. I am so amazed at how a little child would just accept and believe everything that I say about God. In Eve's case, there were many whys and hows, but never a doubt. Every now and then, I will be posting stories manifesting her child-like faith.

Sponsoring A Child

We have received a letter from our sponsored child. He is from Cebu. He is turning 8 this year. 1 year older than our eldest daughter. We chose to sponsor a boy because we have two girls and we thought, it would be just like having a boy already in the family. He has 5 more siblings. He's the 4th child in their family. He said that they live in the mountains, far from school and church. And that he likes playing basketball.

World Vision is a christian organization. I made a research on this when I was given a flyer about this in a mall in Ortigas. I mentioned it then to my husband and said that I want to sponsor a boy. Then for some reason, we've forgotten all about it. Come January this year, we were in another mall in Mandaluyong. I was looking for my husband and I saw him talking to a world vision volunteer. So right there and then, we decided to sponsor a child. It was our eldest daughter who chose her "kuya", because there were several picture folders from which you can choose from. And she was also the one who wrote a letter for him that day.

Sponsoring is easy. There are several payment options to choose from. In our case, we made an annual payment of P5,400.00 through credit card. This is so we will avoid failing to give our contribution. But you can do this monthly P450 and also quarterly P1,350. Your choice. To learn more about this, just check their website http://www.worldvision.org.ph/

Shopping Tips

I mean, shopping for a house or a for a condominium unit. I just want to share what my husband and I have learned throughout the course of our shopping.

1. Set your criteria. As for us, our considerations are the following: It should be within our budget, location is near Makati CBD, has a community, good amenities and it should be a house and lot. Well, that was at first. We really wanted a house and lot as we are already living in a high rise condominium. Although we did find a house that almost fits our criteria, we were not really convinced. Other house and lots already range from 8M up.

2. View the site and model units. You really need to take the time to view the sites. You cannot rely on flyers and internet-based advertisements. We visited sites almost every weekend for several months. We even went as far as Laguna, although out of the way already, just to see said developer's work. Site visiting is the only way you can compare the projects of different developers. Like for instance, there's this well known developer with a project that offers sooo many outdoor amenities, but when it comes to the finishing of the units, hmmm... it wasn't that good as compared to DMCI's work.

3. Time your purchase. What I mean by this is that, if you can get a unit during pre-selling stage, the better. If you pay in cash, additional discount is given on top of the 10% discount. On the other hand, if you're going to pay only the downpayment say 20% of the total contract price, you can stretch your monthly payment until the date of RFO (ready for occupancy) or when the unit is scheduled to be turned over. In our case, we reserved our unit 15 months before RFO. So we have 15 months to pay the downpayment plus additional discount was given because it was still pre-selling.

4. Ask for other fees. Be sure to ask your broker about all other fees that you will need to prepare for. Because aside from the total contract price of the unit, there is a titling fee which includes all charges to process the title of your unit. Aside from that, if you plan to go through bank financing after payment of equity or downpayment, there is also a processing fee for the bank to process your loan application. And there will also be mortgage and fire insurance fees that you will cover during the duration of the loan. All of this you need to discuss with your broker and your bank.

5. Build up your financial portfolio. Now, if you're like us who can not pay in cash, and you know that you will have to seek a bank's assistance, you will need to build up your financial portfolio. Before a bank will grant your loan, they will be needing certain requirements like your banks' statements for a year, or your mutual funds and stocks investments certificates. So while you are still shopping around, just continue beefing up your portfolio so when the time comes, you are ready.

6. Save, save, save. It would have been great if we can pay in cash. But, as we are only middle-wage earners, it is unfortunate that we can't. But we were able to save up so that we are able to pay almost half of the total contract price. All the while we thought we won't be able to get a parking area. But because of the savings we got from the discounts, we were able to get the parking area in cash. So if you are seriously considering to get your own property in the future, save for it.

7. and most important of all - PRAY. You wouldn't want to make a decision you may regret in the end. In all of this, more than anything, we give glory to our God! We thank Him for His guidance and provisions. Although, we know that our stay here in this world is only temporary, we are grateful for this home and we are looking forward to our eternal home.

Amenities? Check! Check! Check!

If amenities is a major factor in your house or condo hunting, then you should definitely check out Royal Palm Residences. The photo above is the perspective drawing. Double click for bigger and clearer view. Numbered in circles are the areas for the following:

Passive Leisure Amenities

1. Arrival Court
2. Entry Pavilion
3. Koi Pond
4. Palm Court
5. Open-air Function Hall
6. Bridgeway Lounge Area
7. Recreation Room
8. Business Center
9. Sauna
10. Conference Rooms
11. Entertainment Room
12. Main Function Hall with Bar & Kitchen
13. Lotus Pond
14. Pool Deck
15. Tai-chi Grounds
16. Orchard Shade
17. Gazebos
18. Aromatic Garden
19. Flower Garden
20. Leisure Pool
21. Picnic Huts
22. Picnic Grove
23. Barbecue Area

Active Play Amenities

24. Basketball Court

25. Sand Pit

26. Children's Playground

27. Fitness Gym

28. Dance Studio

29. Lap Pool

30. Kiddie Pool

31. Interactive Water Play

32. Open Playfield

33. Skating Rink

34. Exercise Station

35. Jogging / Biking Path

I Will Be Still... Know You Are God

It's Sunday. Due to some circumstance, we are home. We won't make it to Church today.

I woke up thinking about my sister and brother-in-law in Singapore. They were in the hospital since Friday. Several tests had been made. They are awaiting for the doctor's diagnosis. Waiting makes us anxious, makes us worry specially when things are uncertain.

I also thought of my best friend who is right now hurting because of marital problem. I never imagined it would happen to her. I thought she does not deserve it.

I said a prayer for them. I wish I could be by my sister's side. I wish I could hug my best friend. But they are far from me. But no matter. God's grace is more than sufficient. He is with them - enabling them, comforting them, strengthening them.

We are Christians. But that doesn't mean that we are immune from problems, pains and sicknesses. What's wonderful about it is that, we don't have to go through these trials alone, by ourselves. We accept them as they come. Most of the time, it is hard from the start. But as we learn to trust God and slowly see His wisdom behind each trial, we endure, we persevere. Because we know, at the end, we will overcome.

Hunting for House or Condominium

Finally!

After several months of searching for the house that fits our criteria, yes, we believe God had given us the perfect place. Our criteria includes: preferably a house and lot, near Makati City, within specified budget, lots of amenities. For weeks, we visited several projects of different developers. So we were able to compare as well the quality in terms of finishing. DMCI's completed projects are so far superior in quality. Check out their website in my LINKS. But their house and lot projects are way beyond our budget already, at least 9M. We liked their Rosewood Pointe project in Taguig, because of its resort-living type ambience and also because it comprised of mid-rise buildings ,only 5 floors each. However, almost all units are already sold out. They were very few units left but we wouldn't want to get one half-heartedly. So we thought, since DMCI still has future developments in the same area, that we should wait.

And true enough, come February, our agent informed us that DMCI's gonna be launching Royal Palm Residences. A bigger development than Rosewood Pointe. If offers more passive leisure and active play amenities. We wasted no time and placed our reservation. During that time, only 2 out of 8 buildings were pre-selling. We got 3-bedroom unit from one of them. The 2 buildings will be turned over May of 2009. As of this writing only 9 units are available. Now they are pre-selling the 3rd building, to be turned over July 2009.

I have posted some pictures here in my blog, perspective drawings and actual photos of the model units. Check them out. I will be listing the amenities on my next post, the types of finishes and as well as some information on their house and lot projects.

In The Beginning . . .

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

The Bible says, God created the heavens and the earth, day and night, water, ground and sky, sun, moon and stars, plants and animals, and yes, man and woman... and it was ALL GOOD!

Well, I started this blog and I hope that something good will come out of it. My aim is to have a venue where I can store my thoughts, share them to anyone who may take interest in them.

Yes, everything was good from the beginning. We could only imagine. God talked and walked with Adam and Eve. They were in His very presence. Everything was provided for them. There was no need for hard labor. I know, most of us wish for that beginning to have remained up to this day. But the fall of man changed everything. Yet, all is not lost for humankind. There is hope.