Heaven Has Been Crying: "Siyam-Siyam Phenomenon"

I got to be honest, I learned a lot from Typhoon Ketsana famously known as typhoon Ondoy. The damage to our property wasn't as bad as the rest who really suffered, but the experience itself was traumatizing. We moved to a higher location after Ondoy but I still feel uneasy everytime it would rain hard. It's been raining for 9 days and 9 nights here in the Philippines, particularly over the capital itself and in major cities. They call it the "Siyam-Siyam Phenomenon". I heard that it is an unusual event the last time it happened was several years back that the experts couldn't even pin-point when.
The most dangerous part came night of August 6, 2012. We got home coming from SM Marikina where we had dinner, rain started to pour harder than usual without a single pause. Visibility was zero as I search for the buildings and antennas I used to see from my kitchen window. Nothing but roofs of nearby houses few feet away from our building. Other than that, it was cloudy, and super dark as if a thick "black" mist covered the whole metro. All these in just one night.

The heavy downpour continued the whole night and even got stronger the following day which reached its critical level. Dams and rivers overflowed, landslide reports came in, flood from waist- deep to impossible level was recorded. It was Ondoy all over again. It was slow but it made sure to hit the capital with full force.  At the same time, an earthquake struck yesterday (August 7, 2012), epicenter was in Mindoro, but we felt it here in Quezon City.

Saw this in a video circulating on Facebook yesterday.
 Scene: Riverbanks Marikina Ondoy part 2

Though now my family of 4 resides in the 4th floor of a brand new condominium, standing in one of the highest locations in Quezon City, I'm still restless thinking of the people in the low-lying areas. I have friends and relatives who live in villages that are prone to flooding. It's heart-breaking and crazy to see this place flooded again and all the places that are badly affected by this monstrous downpour.  It's just unbelievable how nature can destroy anything along it's path in an instant.

A verse from the Bible that's also been all over social networking sites hit me:

Genesis 8:20-22; 9:12-17

God's Covenant with Noah

God's Covenant with Noah
20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21 And when the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma, the Lord said in his heart, “I will never again curse[a] the ground because of man, for the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. 22 While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”
9 And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. 2 The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth and upon every bird of the heavens, upon everything that creeps on the ground and all the fish of the sea. Into your hand they are delivered. 3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. 4 But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. 5 And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man.
6 “Whoever sheds the blood of man,
by man shall his blood be shed,
for God made man in his own image.

7 And you,[b] be fruitful and multiply, increase greatly on the earth and multiply in it.”
8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. 11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”-source-

To be honest, I don't read the Bible, I just breeze through it when I'm asked to. But when I came across this passage from Genesis, it made me open myself even more. This phenomenon currently happening to us is just a reminder.

It's been raining for 9 days and 9 nights, now on it's 10th. I noticed that everything began on the eve of the railroading of the RH Bill in Congress. I mentioned the RH Bill because it is the only issue that divided the people of this country since the rebirth of it days ago.

It made me realize that... and as posted on my Facebook Wall: Heaven has been crying for 9 days and 9 nights going on it's 10th day, maybe it's about time we look into the things we've done "as keepers" of the life handed to each one of us. It was entrusted to us not to change it or do whatever we want with it, but it was given so we can take care of it and give essence to its very purpose by doing things right.

0o0o

Spreading hope and love to those in need.

My husband and I are looking for ways to help. As the rain continues up to this day, we are also stuck in our very own home. As initial help to those in need, through this blog I am sharing a video of a concerned individual who's making a big difference by monitoring the event and by providing information on how to provide help. Please continue to pass this video to our fellow Filipinos around the world. Donations from any part of the globe are welcome and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Decorative Glass Nail Files As Gifts

It was raining hard for the past 9 days. We're pretty much stuck indoors. One of the things that kept me busy were my toenails. I did a lot of experimenting when it comes to the polishes I have. Then it reminded of the glass nail filesI was planning to get for my friends this Christmas. It's perfect as a gift because of the elegant designs made with Swarovski crystals. Not only their chic but these glass nail files are made not only for manicure and pedicure purposes, but it can also remove callus and a separate glass file for pet manicure will also be nice for our little pooches. These decorative glass nail files can also be used as souvenirs and company giveaways during events and promotions. That would be the coolest thing, straying away from flyers, mugs, etc. 

A glass nalin file also known as crystal nail file – is an ideal nail care tool for your natural or artificial nails, yet is not so common, as other nail care tools. Professionals in beauty salons use glass nail files for manicure and pedicure procedures as well as individuals use glass nail files for their needs in everyday life.

Czech glass nail files are not only a nail care tool, but also very practical and original gift for yourself and others. Offering more than 400 types of decoration, including unique decoration with Swarovski crystals, we can satisfy even picky clients who look for luxury crystal nail files.

Crystal Nail File

Since I clean and polish my own nails, I truly rely on the best equipments that I know will make my nails gorgeous enough to look as if an expert did the job. One of my discoveries just recently are crystal nail files. It seems like czech-glass-nail-files.com offers the best deal when it comes to crystal nail files. They have products both for manicure and pedicure purposes. Crystal nail files do not damage nails. One of the reasons why stopped getting regular manicure and pedicure from our local salons is because of the high risk of damaging my nails for mostly still uses the old technology in nail filing. I experienced getting wounded with the use of poor nail equipments or tools.

Crystal nail files are easy to maintain and easy to clean. It  is considered as a pro for personal hygiene. Crystal nail file is water-resistant, it doesn't absorb moisture. It can be easily sterilized to prevent infections or fungus spreading. With that, it makes me feel secure as I personally manage the cleaning of my own finger and toe nails. Another nice asset of crystal nail files is the lifelong guarantee on the filling surface that never wears off.

Czech crystal nail files are guaranteed to have these high- quality features mentioned above. Czech glass speciality and technology are used in making the filing surface.

A glass nail file, also known as crystal nail file – is an ideal nail care tool for your natural or artificial nails, yet is not so common, as other nail care tools. Professionals in beauty salons use glass nail files for manicure and pedicure procedures as well as individuals use glass nail files for their needs in everyday life.

Czech glass nail files are not only a nail care tool, but also very practical and original gift for yourself and others. Offering more than 400 types of decoration, including unique decoration with Swarovski crystals, we can satisfy even picky clients who look for luxury crystal nail files.

So what do you think girls? it's a perfect gift for your gal pals, your mom, your aunts, cousins whoever is into nail care. It comes in different designs and that makes it cooler.

Falling Into Right Places

The ball will officially start rolling... what does it mean if you're to ask. Well, for sometime now, my husband and I have been preparing for one of the biggest investments we'll ever make for our family. It all starts by moving to a new place. In our 8 years of being married, we have moved 3 times. I got to say, it has become our thing and yes, we're getting tired of it. So a couple of years back, we decided to cut on a lot of things to be able to save. All I can say right now is that, yes, we're headed for that direction and so far, all of our prayers have been getting answers as if everything was planned perfectly for us and now we're executing the plan.

It did take a lot of sacrifices on our part as parents and as a person. I for one, gave up on the things that I like. Things that a woman would want, stuff that every girl will enjoy. As a couple, one of things we passed on are several travel opportunities. At first it was a bit hard, but now it's different. We are very grateful for the strength given to us so we can endure these sacrifices. The feeling is unexplainable, we're just happy and excited because we're going to finally achieve our dream as a family. 

Anyway, it might take a while for me to get back on my blogs because I'm going to be busy preparing for our new home. Not only that, my 2  boys has been keeping me occupied. I mean just last month, Mikee sat by himself and Franky is already in grade school, and with Mikee again, just yesterday, he tried to stand by himself. All these milestones of our family are my building blocks as a mother and food for my soul as a person. I'm in a state of ecstacy. I am just happy and grateful for the life given to me...

Here are some entries to be shared once I get back:

Extraordinary Life of an Xtraordinarymom:

• Father's Day 2012
• Some 12 years ago How I Met The Man of " My Dreams"
• Mikee's Milestones at 6 Months
• Another Home, New Beginning, A Better Life
• Mom of A Grade Schooler

From My Kitchen and Beyond:

• Fresh Herbs Straight from Our Backyard
• Holy Guacamole! Homemade Dip
• Young Broccoli Leaves and Shitake in Sweet Garlic Sauce
• Cancer Fighter: Dragon Fruit
• Classic French Macarons from Our Kitchen

Mom Is A Gamer:

• Game Review iPad App DUNGEON HUNTER 

• DIABLO 3
• More Gaming Apps for iPad

Thanks for Visiting!

Words of Comfort From The Woman Who Inspires Me The Most...

Prior to this, I made an entry with regards to certain individuals that were very rude mocking on another's work online. I removed the post as advised by my mom.

All she told me was... "Let go, continue what inspire you the most, these people are to be ignored. Because once you give-in or make a reaction to the rudeness of these people, you will only level yourself to the poor life they're undergoing. Their frustrations and their own ambitions blinding them with envy and grief.

For a moment there, I realized that yes, when I made that post as a form of defense I was eaten up  by one reality of life. "We can never get rid of certain people that has no other intention in the world but to look for mistakes". Thus, in order to live on with dignity and uplifting prowess, one should just play around these individuals who badly needs help in finding inner peace for themselves.

I am really thankful to have that short but fruitful conversation with my mom... Now, I'm more inspired than ever.

Thank you Mom...

My Say To BAYO's What's Your Mix? Controversy

Yahoo! Philippines SHE asks Pinays: "What do you think about the ad series?"

Racism is a very strong word. If it ought to be used, then the problem is big enough to create a wave of madness online. So I checked it out.

It's been all over the internet. It was even a headline for quite sometime. I'm affected because I shop in BAYO. My last retail therapy was from BAYO. I love their clothes. With the recent fiasco, I saw some strong and weak points that's why I made this post. 

Here's what I have on BAYO's What's Your Mix? controversy.

1. On my first look, I didn't find anything offensive. I saw the ad's goal and inner perspective. I know where the theme is coming from. The presentation was good like it's making me go to the nearest BAYO boutique to check their new items.

BUT... there's one thing which I found unnecessary.

2. The digits were ridiculous. Although we all know that the general population of Filipinos are mixed, it doesn't mean that the very same whole population doesn't mind if these type of ad campaigns are brought up. Still, there will be individuals who will take it as pure racism thinking that its only catering to the people of mixed racial ancestry and even associate it with them being rich and all. I know that the whole concept shows that anything mixed with "Filipino" or having "Filipino touch" in any form, is BEAUTIFUL, which is true. But BEAUTY must not be gauged whether you have a mixed blood line, if you're pure blooded, and even gauge it through ones financial capacity in life. We're all beautiful. 

It's more acceptable if the digits were not included. The focal point will go around the transition of BAYO as a Philippine brand getting known worldwide It's an extraordinary way of going global without hiring somebody famous internationally to wear your clothes.

Being 100% Filipino: We don't have to take things literally, like being pure by blood. We know that most of us are not. Being 100% Pinoy is growing up in the Philippines, embracing our culture, beliefs and traditions.

3. In my point of view, it would have been better and "safer" to have a Filipino model known to inspire Filipinos who can definitely stand for this local brand. After everything was presented, from being half Australian, African, Indian, Chinese...where's the true Filipina? What happened to KC Concepcion? Another good spokesperson is BAYO's former endorser Ms. Lea Salonga. For me, the whole ad campaign would have gotten support if they included a pure Filipina model as the highlight among the mixture presented.

What's important now is that BAYO's doing something to correct this, this, this mix and match thing. Maybe they can produce a better ad campaign  that will also reunite everyone's thoughts and feelings again.

BAYO Apologizes

Let me just clear something brought by this controversy. As I was going through some shout outs, I came across a comment from a blogger emphasizing or sighting (with conviction hehehe!) that Benetton is a hard example of racism. Benetton is not racism. "UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON" it brought all races together. It's exactly the opposite of racism that's how Benetton became successful in the first place.

Welcome To The Christian World Mikee!

Here are the bits and pieces of a well celebrated occasion. It was an intimate gathering with our close friends and family. 

Welcome To The Christian World Mikee!

The name Mikee was derived from his first name Michael. There are 3 reasons why Michael.

1. I am a St. Michael the Archangel devotee, I truly believe in the power of his prayer.
2. My eldest son Franky was born on the feast of  St. Michael the Archangel.

3. In memory of my husband's younger brother named Michael who passed away a few days after he was born.

Our close friends graced us with their presence. Being able to celebrate with them is such a blessing. Most of them are the Godparents of Mikee.

The Baptismal Mass was short but it was filled with moments contemplating on the purpose of the Baptism, how sacred it is and the importance of our obligations to the Catholic Church and as parents. As always, my husband and I always make our celebrations simple yet worth remembering just like our wedding. Being in the presence of the people close to us and the people we love makes everything special. Lunch followed in a nearby Max's Restaurant.