The 'Bonggang' Dance Number

Dancing makes me happy. Glad I finally have time to share with everyone our 'bonggang' dance number during my Ama's 80th birthday party. Watch the video and see what I mean. Please click the link below to watch. Enjoy! :)

The Official Dance Video

Never Wasted

Why God, Why?

Something worth sharing... :)

I woke up this morning mad. I had to get up at 6 am for workouts. I asked God, "Why do I have to get up so early? I just want to go back to sleep." No answer. Later that day, I got into an argument with one of my friends. I asked God, "Why did You allow us to get into such a bad fight?" No answer. Then I got a call and learned that a close family member of mine passed away. I asked God, "Why do You take the people I cherish the most out of my life?" No answer. As I was driving home that evening, I got a flat tire. Angry, I pulled off to the side of the road, and asked God, "Why do all of these bad things keep happening to me?" No answer.

When I got home, I sat down, mad as ever before, and pleaded out, "God, please, where are You when I need You? Why do bad things keep happening to me?" God then spoke to me. He said, "Even though you may not see me, I have been by your side this entire time. Having faith is not seeing, but believing in what you cannot see. I woke you up early this morning because I know the dreams you have. Sleep brings poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. You and your friend got into a fight because a man of many companions may come to ruin, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. He was going to betray you next week. Your grandfather who died? It was time for him to be free of pain, and I needed another angel to help watch over you. I made your tire flat because there was a drunk driver on the road, and I wanted to make sure the roads were safe." I didn't know what to say. God then said, "Say nothing, for I need no apology. Do not doubt me or second-guess my judgement, for everything I do has a reason. I am with you at all times; I will never fail or leave you. My love for you is unimaginable.

Teatro's Trip to Boracay

As I entered the room, the song started playing. The song which reminded me of someone... Someone who once meant so much to me. I paused for a while as my heart literally sank. I wanted to leave the room and run away, but I could not. I really could not. I was tasked to observe and be a part of Teatro Jubilano for this month's club meeting. And so, I knew the show must go on. I had to go on. Mrs. Canceran, the club moderator, greeted me with a big smile. Trying to be strong, I, together with my fellow clubmate Jewel, introduced ourselves to her. We didn't have the time to tell the members of the club why and what we were doing there since they've already started their agenda for that session. That being said, Mrs. Canceran told us to just observe and enjoy the two hours we would be spending with them. We then agreed and smiled at her. I got curious on what the task would be, but to my surprise... Each member already had their eyes closed! And this.. This is where it all began...

Mrs. Canceran asked her members to think of the four most important people in their lives and had their names written down - one in each paper. That moment I told myself it would really be one long day for me. (Excuse my exaggeration, please.) Because I felt like joining the activity, I thought of my four most imporant people and listed them down in my head. Though I must admit, I found it really hard to choose my top four. I bet, the members felt that way, too. The moderator then continued. She told everyone that there's a boat, a "barko" to be exact, in the middle. Everyone was to pretend that he's in that boat with his top four people. "Papunta kayo ng Boracay kasama ang mga pinakamahahalagang tao sa buhay ninyo. Habang papunta kayo, nagkwekwentuhan kayo, naglolokohan, at nagsasaya. Sa wakas, nakarating na rin kayo sa Boracay. I-imagine ninyo na napakasaya ninyo, na iyon ang pinakamasasayang araw sa buhay ninyo dahil kasama ninyo ang mga pinakaimportanteng tao sa buhay ninyo. Nagpapalitan kayo ng mga sikreto, nag-aasaran, at talagang nag-eenjoy lang ng oras na magkasama kayo,"she said. Then she added, "Pagkaraan ng ilang araw ng pagsasaya, dumating na ang oras na kailangan niyo nang umuwi dahil tapos na ang oras ng bakasyon. Sumakay na muli kayo sa barko. Nang makalipas ang ilang oras, isinabi ng kapitan na kailangan daw ng bawat isa sa inyo na magtapon o mag 'let go' ng isang tao mula sa inyong top four. Pumili kayo ng isa mula sa apat na inilista ninyo at itapon sa gitna," Mrs. Canceran said. The members didn't want to throw anyone. I told myself, "Do I really have to throw one? Do I really have to?" And suddenly, "Hindi pwedeng hindi magtapon. Kailangan niyong magtapon ng isa kundi lulubog ang barko. Kaya mamili na," replied the moderator. The members started bursting into tears and I myself could see how painful it was to let someone you love, go. Hard as it may seem, they had to. Even I had to. After throwing them away, Mrs. Canceran said, "Ngayon na naitapon niyo na sila, tinanong nila kayo, 'Bakit ako? Bakit ako pa ang napili mong tapunin? Sa lahat ng tao, bakit ako? Ako na laging nandiyan para sa'yo. Ako na laging handang makinig sa'yo. Ako na laging handang magsakripisyo para sa'yo. Anong nagawa ko sa'yo para matapon mo 'ko ng ganun-ganun na lamang? Pero kahit na ako ang tinapon mo, tandaan mo kailan man ay hindi kita iniwan. Kahit na ako ang tinapon mo, nandito pa rin ako handang tulungan ka. Hindi mo na ba talaga ako mahal kaya mo ko tinapon? Kahit ganoon pa man, mahal na mahal kita." And oh, by the way, the song I mentioned earlier was playing the whole time so yah, I was really affected, as well. I mean, how do you even pretend to be okay in a place where people don't know you and you know you've no right to burst into tears because they might end up wondering? That was not the end. As a matter of fact, that was just the start.

The moderator went on. She repeated everything, that the boat was still sinking and little by little, we had to let go of one more person, and another. The song continued and she constantly acted as those that were thrown away asking us why of all people, we threw this person and that. It went on and on and on... Until there was only one person left among our top four. She then said, "Sabi muli ng kapitan na kailangan niyo uli magtapon. This time, either isasakripisyo niyo ang sarili ninyo o itatapon niyo ang natitirang taong kasama ninyo. Kailangang magtapon ng isa kaya mamili at itapon na." That time, I really couldn't stand it anymore. It was really really really hard. Tears started falling and Jewel was like, "Ui, umiiyak ka ba?" As much as I wanted to joke around and tell her, "Ay hindi. Hindi. Tumatawa lang." I could not because I felt really... I don't know. I can't find the right words to explain how I felt. After a few seconds, Mrs. Canceran added, "Kung sarili niyo ang itinapon ninyo, step backward. Kung ang natitirang tao, step forward." Many stepped backward and sacrificed themselves. "Kung ang taong iniligtas ninyo ang nasa kalagayan niyo, isasakripisyo din ba nila ang kanilang sarili para sa'yo? Gagawin din ba nila ang lahat para lang sa'yo? O ikaw lang talaga ang wagas magmahal na mas pipiliin niyo pang mailigtas sila kaysa sa inyong sarili?Kung di ba nila kayo pinili, sila pa rin ang pipiliin niyo? Ganoon niyo ba talaga sila kamahal?" the moderator suddenly said. That was so WAAAAH!!! Like literally KABOOM, MY HEART. Oh the feels!

Soon, it finally ended. The moderator made us watch a video about God's unfailing love for each and every one of us, that no matter how tough life gets, God never gives up on us. God remains the same despite the constant change in life. She told us to hold on to God always and assured to us that everything would be okay in the end. Whew, I felt so relieved after that video and encouragement! Mrs. Canceran then said she only chose that task to make her members cry, to know who could cry and be the perfect actors for their upcoming play. Wow, it was really thoughtful of her! I mean, yes it gives you that really heavy feeling in the chest, but there is joy in learning to value and knowing the worth of the people in your life. :)

Then, they had another activity. Mrs. Canceran asked each member to act a dramatic scene. They can cry or do anything they want as long as it falls under drama. I was amazed to see how dedicated the members were! 'Twas just an impromptu, but it looked as if they rehearsed for it. Later on, they were able to choose the actors for the play. A few more minutes passed and it was already time to dismiss us. I and Jewel personally thanked Mrs. Canceran for the opportunity to watch and get involved in Jubilee's Teatro Jubilano. To think that I've only been there for an hour or two, this club has become one of my faves, already! Kudos to Mrs. Canceran and to all the members for a job well done! 

Here are some photos we took during the visit:

Members of Teatro Jubilano

The "Barko"

Yellow papers - the people they threw/let go

Some members of Teatro crying their hearts out

P.S. Thanks to Ms. Gaza for sending me to Teatro Jubilano! If it wasn't so, I wouldn't have many new learnings today. And I have got to say, I'm glad I got to apply lessons like direct quotations from you last year. HAHAHA. I just had to say it. You really taught me well! :D

Oh My Faves!

During my God-and-Me time, I always listen to these songs. They're actually... Oh my faves! You should go listen to them too. Be a blessing and share God's love with your friends. :)

1. One Thing Remains
2. Unfailing Love
3. 10,000 Reasons
4. Faithful
5. Blessings

Then and Now

As I was browsing through my photos taken years ago, a thought suddenly dawned on me. For the past few years, I've been that pessimistic and happy-go-lucky kiddo. It's kind of silly, actually. I like funny things. I have a lot of energy and I tend not to care about anything else in the world, but myself. Oh, I meant... teasing and making fun of my little sissy.

Yup, that's right! Up until now, I still tease her a lot and I've no idea why, but I just love doing it. As you can see, the picture above says it all. *insert evil laugh* 

Though the world keeps turning and moving so fast, and even when you feel like you can't hold on to anything and nothing seems to last, it's so good to know that love still remains - my love for my little sissy, in particular. I mean, ain't you glad that some things never change? But that doesn't mean your perspective of it can't. Because now, at this very moment, I already have the courage to say I know who I am. That is, of course, STILL the cute little girl everyone knows, but I am now one optimistic kiddo! :D