How I spent Holy Week: Easter Sunday

Woke up at 7am, and said my morning prayers with a joyfull and enthusiastic heart. Of course! It's the day that we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! I was also excited to watch the Easter Cantata at Word for the World, entitled "The Lord of Light". I always look forward to their Easter and Christmas cantata every year and I make sure that I get to see them even if I'm already attending in a different Church. So Bhing and I prepared ourselves to arrive on time for the 10:30am service.

When we entered the Church, we chose to sit on the middle part of the balcony to have a good view of the play. They've made a great background, lighting and stage setup, and I see it improve every year. Unfortunately, I didn't have a camera with me so I wasn't able to take a picture of it. As we were singing songs to the Lord, I could feel the joy and celebration in the hearts of the people in the congregation. After the Pastoral prayer, the cantata began.

The voice of the choir filled the sanctuary, and it gave me goosebumps because it was so heavenly. The props and the costumes of the actors and actresses were all fascinating. I like the scene of the Triumphal Entry where the women and children (they're sooo cute!) were dancing as they welcomed Jesus and wave palm branches.

When the man who played the role of Jesus entered the scene, I was really surprised! After many years of watching Easter Cantatas, it was the first time I saw someone who played the role of Jesus and really looked like Him (well, from how we thought He looked like). His face (really, really handsome!), his height, body built, the way he moved, the way he spoke and sang (ohh..such a great voice!)... it's as if I've seen and heard Jesus in person! Well, actually I thought he was Jim Caviezel! (hehehe...I wish!)

Everyone played their part so well, that I felt like I was taken back to Jesus' time. Another scene that struck me was the one in the Garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus was praying to the Father. The man who played Jesus uttered quite a long dialog, and I'm amazed at how he memorized it by heart because I saw that he really felt the emotion going through Jesus at that time.

After watching so many Easter cantatas, I still can't help myself from being moved to tears as I watch Jesus being beaten and kicked. This cantata most especially made it realistic, with the whipping and the blood all over Jesus' body. They even did tore off Jesus' clothes that left him half-naked thus revealing his wounds. And yes, they really hanged Jesus on a cross! (Of course, without using real nails...just ropes) I was actually afraid that the cross might collapse, but good enough it was secure.

Of all the scenes, my favorite is the resurrection. I like the effect they've done with the tomb stone. There was a great light shinning so brightly beyond the big boulder of stone, with smoke coming out. Then suddenly the stone began to shook, as it moves towards the side and left the tomb open. And as the people were looking everywhere for Jesus, He suddenly appeared in His white, shinning robe! (He looked so glorious and all the more handsome) Wow! I really felt like jumping out of my seat and shouting "hallelujah!".

All of us gave our best clap offering and standing ovation after the cantata. It was a great reminder of God's love for each one of us...of Jesus' sacrifice...of His death...of what He did to set us free...of His victory! Pastor Gerry was right, the cantata was held not just to entertain us. It has a much greater purpose. For me, I was once again overwhelmed as I realized God's unconditional love for us, even if we don't deserve it. It made me look at my sins and with a repentant heart ask forgiveness. It made me rejoice knowing that Jesus is victorious over death. And with Him in my heart and my life, I too will live just as He lived.

I was so thankful and felt so blessed as I left Church. My heart is truly filled with gladness and hope. I was asked to go to work, yes on an Easter Sunday. I walked going to the office since it's just a street away from the Church. But even if a lot of tasks awaits me in the office, I felt happy and peaceful. Indeed, God's love is more than enough to guide and strengthen me as I face life's challenges. I'm already victorious because Jesus has given me the victory!

How I spent Holy Week: Black Saturday

I woke up a little early, 11am (hehehe..) Just as Bhing left her bed, she opened the TV. They're showing "Barbie as Rapunzel". I missed watching cartoons so I finished it before finally getting up. Ok, I admit I'm child-like (or childish? hehehe..) sometimes, but seriously I find this movie wonderful. Yes, it's the typical "prince charming-rescues-beautiful princess" story but there were actually a lot of lessons to be learned. It speaks about honesty, truth, loyalty, courage, hope, believing in one's greatness, true friendship and most of all, love. It feels good to once again hear the line, "And they lived happily ever after..." =)

Bhing and I decided to watch a movie in the afternoon, just to take some time to relax after our busy days in the office. She also said that her boyfriend would be going with us and we'd meet him at Glorietta.

After having lunch, Bhing gave me a St. Ives Hot Oil Moisturizing Treatment pack. She probably noticed that my dry hair needs it badly. I applied it after taking a shower and wow! I felt like I'm a model of a shampoo commercial afterwards. Thanks cuz, for the free hotoil!

We left the house at 1:30pm then headed to Landmark because Bhing needs to buy some clothes. We brought tickets for Ms. Congeniality 2 (Armed and Fabulous) scheduled at 5:30 pm. Her boyfriend came at around 5pm. So there, I was the official chaperone! (hehehe.. kidding!)

I was just thankful to be able to watch a movie in a theater again. I can't even remember the last movie a saw..hmm..Was it Titanic? (hehehehe! kidding!) If I remember it right, it's "The Incredibles". But still, that was already months ago.

I like Ms. Congeniality part 1 and I think I've watched it 3 times before. It's so funny and it teaches a lot of lessons, too. In the same way, I was really entertained watching Ms. Congeniality 2. Sandra Bullock did a good job once again. I can't help myself from laughing especially everytime she snorts! (hehehe..) But aside from all the fun and laughter, it leaves a lesson as well. Apart from humor (which I think is really important), it has also taught about believing in one's self, courage, trust, honesty and most of all friendship - being there for your friend in times of need, doing the best you can to help him/her, even if it would cost you your own life.

I just realized, this is what exactly Jesus did for us. He gave us His life. As John 15:13 puts it, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."



I continued reading John chapter 20 before I went to bed. I like this chapter because it speaks of Jesus' resurrection. Prayed and went to sleep early. I was just excited to wake up on an Easter morning.

Oh by the way, I forgot one important message I got from Ms. Congeniality... "World Peace!" =)

How I spent Holy Week: Good Friday

I can't believe it! I spent almost 15 hours of sleep! Yup, I woke up at 12nn, Good Friday. (I really missed sleep, didn't I?) Bhing was already awake and was preparing our lunch. After fixing myself, I helped her do the chores.

After lunch, we just watched TV. Not much choice of channels, only 2 and 7, but we still enjoyed the movies they played. While watching TV, I started doing the Patient Tracking System (PTS) that Kuya Danny (my cousin who is a doctor) asked me to develop for his clinic. It's quite a simple program so it's fairly easy to code.

I decided to take a rest at 3pm. Then Bhing started the conversation. Beforehand, I know she's having some problems in her relationship with her boyfriend. But I didn't know that she's crying so badly the other night (since I slept early and I was so sound asleep, I didn't even hear her sobs). I just allowed her to pour out her feelings and I listened to everything she said. I also felt sad for her, and I wish I could do something to ease her pain.

I just realized that pain is really a part of loving and living. Even God's only Son was not spared from pain. He even had to give His own life for the one He loves, even if these people are the very same reason of His pain. As I ponder on this truth, I was once again reminded that love means giving without really expecting anything in return, but loving nonetheless.

Bhing and I still talked as we had our dinner. After fixing the dishes, I continued doing the PTS. At 11pm, I decided to prepare for bed. Before I finally went to bed, I read again the book of John, this time Chapter 19. After saying my prayers, I had some more chats with Bhing. It was already 1am when we both finally felt sleepy.

How I spent Holy Week: Maundy Thursday

I was awake for almost 24 hours last Wednesday until Thursday...yes, because of work. I finished creating my last SPR at 5 in the morning. Seriously, I wasn't even sure what I was writing about because my eyes were getting heavier and I was already having a double vision. Well, it could be because I forgot to wear my contact lenses (again). But no, I was just really, really, really, really sleepy! Mommy Weng and Tabel left before 6AM. As I was waiting for Angie to finish the status report to be sent to Joy, I fell asleep on my desk. It was almost 7AM when I woke up, and I was all alone in our area. Angie left already. (huhuhu...)

Due to my Aunt's request, I'd stay at my cousin's house during the Holy Week since all of them would be in the province and Bhing (my cousin) would be left alone. So there, I arrived at their house at 7:30AM. Bhing was still sleeping, good thing I had a key. I just changed my clothes and literally dropped in bed. I almost fell asleep when I remembered I have to meet Ate Lala by 10AM! I promised to help her with her Powerpoint presentation. I know I can't make it by that time so I just texted her if we could just meet at 1pm. She said ok. I set my cell phone's alarm at 11AM and immediately went to sleep. I was still feeling sleepy when my cell phone's alarm rang and I was so lazy to get up. It was almost 12nn when I got out of bed. After eating lunch, I took a bath and dress up.

I met Ate Lala and Gerent at Jollibee Pedro Gil. We started doing her Powerpoint presentation at 2:30pm. It was fun doing the presentation, though we sometimes felt sleepy because all of us lack sleep. We're finally done by 6pm. Ate Lala had to borrow my flash disk because her Powerpoint file is more than 21,000KB in size! (lots'a pictures! hehehe)

When they left, I was all alone in the house since Bhing went to work (hmmm... another martyr?) I just cooked a simple dinner while watching TV. Well, there's not much for me to watch since they have no cable and the reception in their area was bad. I can only get to see about 4 clear channels. So after cooking, I had dinner and I just turned off the TV. After washing the dishes, I sat in the sala and picked up the Bible. I decided to read John 13. It was a quiet and solemn time for me to just meditate on God's Word. I opened the computer to play some mp3's. I selected mostly Worship music by Hillsongs, but I included "Above All" by Michael W. Smith, because it's one of my favorites.

As I was listening to the song "Above All", I found myself being moved to tears...

Above all powers
Above all things
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began

Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what You're worth

Crucified
Laid behind the stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose trampled on the ground
You took the fal
lAnd thought of me
Above all

That line, "Like a rose trampled on the ground..You took the fall and thought of me..Above all" always touches my heart. It speaks of how Jesus sacrificed everything because He loves us so much. Yes, He thought of me and you as He walked His way to calvary.

Bhing finally arrived at 8pm. We just chatted a little and at 9pm, I said goodnight. I really need sleep badly.

Good bye, class

Today is the last day of our Bible Class for this school year but in my case, it would be the last day of class, ever, with my Grade 6 students. It's sad because I wouldn't be able to see them again next school year.

When I entered the class room this morning, I gave them my sweetest smile just like what I used to do every meeting. But this time, I had this feeling of sadness within me. I was given by their adviser only a few minutes to give my final message. She said it's because they are busy completing the requirements before graduation comes.

As I was standing in front, I found it a little difficult to speak. I was really doing my best to hold back my tears. I forced myself to be happy and lively as I give them my parting words. I saw in my students' eyes that they, too, were sad. Some can't even look at me directly, maybe they're holding back their tears, too.

I've prepared for them a special souvenir with my message on it. "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth... Always Shine for Jesus!" That was really what I want to tell each of them apart from all the lessons we discussed each week and hopefully they would still remember those words even if we don't see each other anymore. As each of them received the souvenir, I saw the big smiles in their faces! Their smiles were more than enough for a reward.

Before we finally parted, I prayed for the whole class. We just thanked God for the times we've been together (even for just a few months when I took over to handle their class). I also prayed that God would always be with them and guide them as they move into a new chapter in their lives. I asked God to give them His protection, knowledge, wisdom and strength to be able to do their best and excell in their studies for His glory.

God knows how much I love these kids and if I can, I would want to still be with them for as long as I can. But just what Ecclesiastes 3 says, "There is a TIME for everything". We had so much happy times together. And now, the time has come for us to go our separate ways. I will surely miss them. But I know, God will keep them in His loving care. That's enough assurance for me.

I just believe that in God's time, I shall see them again.

I miss the simple things in life...

It seems that I've been so busy these past months. It's been fun, worthwhile, challenging and exciting... but I kinda miss the simple things I used to do before on a weekend.

Things like,

oversleeping on Saturdays,

jogging around the village on an early morning with my dad and our dog,

eating "taho" and "kakanin" for breakfast,

finishing a whole bunch of Videoke CD's with my dad and sister (my mom always complains everytime she sees the three of us doing this... Nakakahiya daw sa mga kapit-bahay!),

having more than enough time to clean my room,

playing with our dogs and giving them a bath (which always ends up with me sort of like taking a bath also),

watching afternoon variety shows and singing contests,

taking a nap in the afternoon (like a baby =)),

just reading a good book while munching some chips,

going to the mall with my family and playing in the arcade (my parents act like kids sometimes, especially when they see a lot of tickets coming out from the ticket slots! heheh...),

or just simply looking from our window and gazing at the people passing by our house or the kids playing in our street...

hmmm... I love to remember those times and I'm hoping I could do all of them again soon.

But as of now, I have to face this reality that I've got to finish my tasks here in the office as I work overtime on a Sunday. =(

Every move I make, I make in You

When I was still in highschool, I love to see people my age who are so good at dancing. Every summer, the youth in the church where we used to attend would always stage a concert to raise funds for summer camp. Unfortunately, I wasn't involved in that youth group. So I would just be contented to watch them as they perform for the Lord and for the congregation. Everytime I'd see them dance, I would always imagine myself as one of them...making the same moves, enjoying the rhythm and the music, but most of all praising God through dancing. But then I said to myself, that dream would just always remain a dream.

I was wrong. It was never too late for that dream of mine to be realized. Of course, I'm not that old to dance! (hehehe..) Last December, we celebrated our Church's anniversary and Christmas party at the same time. The young people in our church (that includes me!), were assigned to give a special number. We had so many different ideas about what presentation to make. At the end of the day, we decided to present a modern dance. Woaah! I was both excited and doubtful at the same time. Deep inside me, I really wanted to dance but I was not that confident about myself.

Friday night, my friend from church texted me and said that I should meet the choreographer the next day because he's gonna be teaching me the dance steps. Then, I would be the one to teach the steps to the rest of the group. "What?!", I asked her, "Why me?" She said that I don't have a choice because the others had set prior activities and would conflict with the schedule set by the choreographer. He would only be available for a day. Well, in that case I thought I really didn't have much choice.

The next day, I had to muster so much courage as I go and meet the choreographer. Good enough, my other friend showed up! At least, I won't be blamed alone if I forget some of the dance steps. (hehehe..) Then the practice started. I was nervous and excited at the same time. But as we go along, I found myself enjoying every step being taught to us. It wasn't that hard after all! Thank God, we were able to learn all the dance steps before the day ended. To cut the long story short, we were able to teach the dance steps successfully to the rest of the group. And after so much practice, we finally perfected it!

Then came the most awaited day. With our costumes on, we looked like a real dance group! (yeah, right!) While waiting at the back stage, even if we were all so nervous, we held hands as a group and just asked God to help us do our best because we just wanted to give Him our best! We felt better after that. Just in time, the emcee signaled our cue to enter. "This is it!", we all told ourselves.

The music (Gary V.'s - Sa Yahweh ang sayaw!) started... The lights that we rented started rolling and flickering... Nice effect! Then we gave our all as we dance! The people started clapping and shouting in support of us... I saw my Sunday School students all in front and shouting "Ang galing ni teacher!". Wow! I can't explain how I felt at that time. I know we all did our best. Yes, we might have missed some steps (thanks to the flickering lights, they weren't so obvious!) but the most important thing is that we gladly made every move for our One True Audience - God.


Sa Yahweh ang Sayaw!

We were all catching our breath after that fast-paced, breathtaking dance number. But it was so touching to hear almost everybody appreciated our presentation. There were also a lot of our churchmates who approached me and they all said the same thing, "I never thought you could dance that well!". I was blushing the whole time and I just responded, "Thank you, God gets the glory!"

I still couldn't believe I have this talent. I realized that God has placed this desire in my heart to dance, and indeed, He's also the One who made a way for me to achieve it. There's really no greater glory and honor than to offer this talent for my Creator and King! What a great privilege!

I know that is only the beginning. More dancing to come! Hopefully, I'd be the one to choreograph next time. Good test to see if I really learned something from my dance lessons. (hehehe...) Just 3 more sessions to go! =)