Notes to self

It's been an amazing 2013! I thank God for the new opportunities and experiences. As 2014 ushers in, I would like to share some lessons to live by. Let's look forward to celebrating 2014 with a bang! More blessings, discoveries, breakthroughs, and fireworks. 

• Think differently
• Learn to question the things around you
• Don’t dwell on things you don’t need
• Free yourself from any traps
• Never be afraid to explore and experiment
• Make. Create. Innovate.
• Have faith in love
• Embrace change
• Simplify things. Focus on the essentials.
• Celebrate your uniqueness
• Dare to dream
• Conquer your fears
• Be spontaneous
• Believe in miracles
• Declutter
• Accept criticisms with optimism
• Be brave to speak up. Say things with love.

A Rainbow Legacy

"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." - Nelson Mandela

Thank you for the rainbow legacy you have left behind. Thank you for showing the whole world what extraordinary love, humility, and compassion mean. Thank you making this world a better place to live in. You will forever be in our hearts!

#feelinglost

I like the way we connect. It is something I never expected.

I enjoy reading your stories. I like the way we exchange ideas. I am happy to chat with you about anything under the sun.

I have always looked the other way. It is only now that I see you in a different light.

It feels strange that sometimes you are invisible. All I want is to know you more deeply. I yearn to hear from you every single day. It makes me wonder if your feelings for me have waned.

Though we are miles away, I am willing to take this rollercoaster ride. But I do not know if we are on the same page. I have doubts and I am scared to be hurt. I know we share something special but I can not understand what it is…

I hate feeling frustrated. I hate figuring things out. I hate being the lady in the waiting. I hate being a lovelorn. I hate feeling so lost in my emotions.

"The Filipino spirit is waterproof"

Devastation. Despair. Confusion. Chaos. Pain. Loss.

Amidst all these challenges, the Filipinos have shown unimaginable strength and resilience. In the darkest hours, Filipinos have found reasons....

to smile...

to laugh...

and to hope for a new life.

Beauty with a Heart

I have enjoyed watching beauty pageants since I was a little girl. My heart would leap each time Ms. Philippines would be on stage --- hoping our candidate would clinch the crown. It’s been a bittersweet experience. Like in any competition, there are losses and victories. Recently, our very own Megan Young won the Miss World title for the first time. Now we join the ranks of Brazil and Venezuela who made it to the big four international beauty pageants. Winning in beauty pageants gives pride and joy to any country. It was a shining moment for Filipinos worldwide.

The Beauty with a Purpose ethos gives meaning to these competitions. I believe it’s about influencing and transforming people’s lives in a positive way. Indeed, being a beauty queen is both a privilege and a responsibility. I have high hopes that Megan will succeed in showcasing the essence of a Filipina beauty queen.

If I only knew

When you have found love, don’t let it go…

I was too blinded by my selfishness and immaturity. I had to learn the hard way and realize that LOVE is not a game…it is a decision. Now, I only have memories to cherish…

If  I only knew...I would have called you more often
If  I only knew...I would have emailed you everyday
If  I only knew...I would have texted you more frequently
If  I only knew...I would have posted sweet nothings on your facebook wall
If  I only knew...I would have visited you and spent time with you
If  I only knew...I would have asked you out for a fancy dinner
If  I only knew...I would have hugged you tight
If  I only knew...I would have said "I'm Sorry"
If  I only knew...I would have asked "Could we start over?"
If  I only knew...I would have looked into your eyes and told you how much you mean to me

If I only knew...I wouldn't have made you wait

If I only knew...I wouldn't let you slip away

It has been an almost but not quite relationship. We both liked each other but things did not turn out as expected. Sometimes in life there are no second chances, so savor each moment. Lessons learned: Don't give up too easily and don't look too far because REAL LOVE might be in front of you!

Hello! It's Pope Francis here.

Pope Francis has made waves across the globe as a pontiff who’s sociable, humble, and techy. Barely six months in his new role, he has brought back life into the Christian world with his unconventional ways. 

When I heard mass at St Mary’s Church, the priest told the story about Pope Francis calling an unmarried pregnant woman and assuring her that she made the right decision to keep the baby. The Pope even volunteered to baptize the baby. I was really awed! Is this for real? A Pope who is on twitter. A Pope who gamely poses for selfie photos. A Pope who holds a press conference on the plane. A Pope who makes personal calls. He has touched people’s lives in amazing ways. 

I feel so blessed to have a Pope who is not on a pedestal. Pope Francis is definitely in tune with modern life and in touch with the people. Who knows you might get a call or retweet from him?