...it's our turn!

When I first stumbled upon a saying which says, "It's better to give than to receive", my first reaction when I was 7 years old was, "What the heck? How can you give something and don't expect anything in return? That is unfair! 

I think it's just normal for a kid to react that way. For all our life we were given by our parents things that we needed and for free. 

From the moment we were knit in our mother's womb, we were given our first present - the gift of unconditional love. They didn't hesitate to make us feel loved and appreciated even if we were still a strangers to them. They waited patiently for the right time of our arrival without even complaining about the hardships and responsibilities given to them. Instead they value our presence and consider us as God's gift to them.

When we first laid eyes on the world, they provided us the security that no one will ever try to harm us. They made sure that we are taken care, treated fairly and that we are the most beautiful creation in the world. 

Growing up, we were offered with proper clothes, nutrition and descent education for us to be fully equipped when we conquer the world. They never get tired to teach us lessons of life for us to be stronger and wiser individuals. 

When we are ready to be out in the world, they never fail to encourage us. They never stop to cheer in our success and drop a tear every time we fall. They carried us during our weakest time until we are again ready to stand with out head up high. When we are lost, they would hold our hand and will not let it go until they are sure that we are on the right path.

And most importantly they were never scared to let us blossomed from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly ready to soar really high up in the sky.

Chasing for our dreams is always the most exciting, wonderful and yet challenging part of our journey. But don't dare to forget the two most amazing people behind you. After all, who and what you are depends on how your parents raised you. For in the middle of our walk, there will always be a sign on the road saying:

REMEMBER IT'S NOW YOUR TIME TO GIVE BACK!

Giving back may not always mean capital M-O-N-E-Y. For money can't always give us or them real and genuine happiness. What matters most are the simple things like;

saying thank you for all the hardships and sacrifices that they went through in order to give us comfortable life.

appreciating them and making them feel really special. After all, they deserved also to be loved unconditionally just like how they loved us all our life.

spending time with them enjoying picnics, lunches or travelling places just like the way they enjoyed watching every school program and events in our life.

providing them with proper nutrition, appropriate clothes and medication to lengthen their life. For they should be honored and respected for all the amazing things they did for us to survive this crazy world.

reminding them of their worth as a person and offering them the security that no matter what we will always be on their side. For they should never be left alone just like the times when they would stay with us during our nightmares at night.

never fail to hold their hands during our walk to make them feel protected and guided.

kiss and hug them every chance we got. And don't be ashamed to say how much we love them. For you'll never know what tomorrow brings.

It may seems mushy, but it's true. For sometimes the most simple things bring great impact on our life.

For sweet captured moments and memories will always be etched in our hearts.

xoxo

...the deleted scene

Life always have it's up and down. They say it's not always a smooth ride. There will be days that it could get crazier or worst. But it's up to us to make the ride fun, memorable and worthwhile.

Some days will bring us laughter and fun that all we wanted is for it to never end. We pray and hope that the coming days or even weeks will always be like that. No problem. No challenges. No regrets. 

If life is like that then we stop to learn. For life is never made to be easy. There will always be problems, challenges and obstacles that would mold us to be a better person. 

In our mistakes, we learn to be better. 

In our failures, we learn to stand up and be strong. 

In every challenges, we tend to be smarter than we used to.

In every dillema, we learn to hope.

And when life gets worst, just remember to move on. Never get stuck. Just continue to walk. For we sometimes can pretend that all those hard things, bad memories, and failures never happen.

For once in our life we just can forget that problems never existed. 

We can do that! Just like in the movie industry, it's always called the 

deleted scene!

xoxo

...locked in a small box

I am a person who really loves to be out in the world. I just hate the idea of being stuck in one place all day. All I want is to try new things, discover new places and experience life's wonders and adventures. My friends would agree with me if I say that I am a person who likes the outdoors so much. I just love to hang out, talk and laugh with them every chance I got and go on trips out of town if our schedules allow us.  

Like a bird, I just want to fly really high and do all things that I want. 

But my freedom was taken away from me, locked in a small box hidden somewhere. I know I made a choice. And I truly accept it with all my heart. Now I realized that I am more fortunate to be born and raised in a country where we are free to express ourselves. 


I am now like a bird in a cage, patiently waiting to be free again.


xoxo

...let this be my not long hidden bucket list!

Make a list. This statement popped into my head while lying on my bed one cold November night. I got a pen and paper and tried to list down things that I want to have, places I like to visit and and adventures that I want to try.

A girl can still wish even at 24. So right now, here's what's inside my bucket list. 

1. The places I wanted to visit ever since I was a little girl.

DISNEYLAND. My obsession with this place started during my elementary days when I was first introduced to several Disney movies like Cinderella and Snow White. I never thought that this place really exists not until I read from an article on a magazine which features the history of the theme park. Right at that very moment I started to dream of visiting the place not long enough. But when I learned that it was located on the other side of the planet, my hopes crushed into bits. Since I was just a kid and I have no money of my own, obviously I can't afford to get myself a visit. But I never stop dreaming. I told myself that whatever it takes, I'll be there soon! I still continue to dream that someday I'll get a chance to walk through it's streets, enjoy the rides, and experience the magic that only Disneyland can offer - the experience of being a kid once more in the happiest place on earth! 

PARIS. The Eiffel Tower is the main reason why I wanted to visit. I just want to experienced the joy of seeing it glows under a starry night. I heard from some people that when it lights you just can't look away because of how amusing and beautiful it is. Plus, European tour rocks!

SOUTH KOREA. Specifically Seoul. I am addicted to some of Korean movies and Korean teleserye. I had to shed a lot of tears just watching it's simple yet heartwarming movies about love and life. If given a chance, I'll visit the place during those moments where cherry blossoms are in abundance. It's so relaxing and so girly seeing those pink flowers bloom at their finest.

VATICAN. I will feel really complete if be given a chance to step on the grounds of our Pope's official residence. I remember during my high school days when Pope John Paul II was still alive, I have always been telling my friends that there are two places that I am dreaming of visiting and Vatican was one of it. I just really wanted to see the Pope in person. I have this thought that if I see the Pope, i'll be the luckiest and blessed person in the whole wide world. 

2. The things that I wanted the most.

HOUSE. I've always dream of building my own house someday. Simple and beautiful where my family and I could spend time together. A house out of my hardwork and love for my parents. A place where we are safe and we can call home.

DSLR. I like to take pictures during out of town trip with me friends and family. I just like the idea of capturing every shared moments together. Cause sometimes by just a mere captured moment in a picture, a whole story can be told. 

APPLE LAPTOP. I am not really a gadget person but I always had a thing with laptops with a fruit as it's logo. I am amazed of how brilliant it's inventors are. Some people say, it makes life easier. That adds to my curiosity and makes me more eager to have it to be able to experience how amazing it is. How iWish I'll have it soon! 

3. Adventures that could blow my mind away.

ROLLER COASTER RIDE. To feel the rush of emotions brought by a roller coaster ride is such a liberating experience for me. I like to challenge myself on how strong and tough I am during those moments when you feel that you are about to fall on the ground. And for once to scream our heart out and enjoy the fun and crazy ride just like life.

UP UP AWAY IN A HOT AIR BALLOON. I like the idea of being on top of the world overseeing God's creation and realizing how blessed and lucky we are to be chosen to live in a wonderful world. 

It will took a lot of hard work, a long patience and continued believing that someday I get to have and do these listed things. With God's grace and guidance, I know I'll be able to accomplish all of it, just be positive on all times and you will be surprised.

Right now, I'll just put this list back inside my bucket and just hide it for a little while. But not for a little while for I know and I believe, not long enough the list will be: 

picked on, crossed out, and done with pride and joy.

...my book's next chapter - a start of a beautiful friendship

They say, that life is like a book, full of wonders, amazing events, and characters that would be a great part of one's story. But unlike a book, life has more to offer - it's crazy and fun happenings, it's complexities that makes us a better and stronger persons, it's great lessons to mold us as to what God planned us to be, and it's unending chapters to write and read for us to see that we are who we supposed to be. Everyday is a great opportunity for us to unfold yet another beautiful and meaningful chapter of our lives. As they always say, if one continue to breath and feel alive, there is always a new story to share and tell.

Let me tell and share with you the next chapter on my book. 

It all started on September 11, 2011 at around 1:30 PM when I first laid eyes to two beautiful persons who welcomed me with an open heart and hand. Whatever reason there was, whether it could be fate or just a mere coincidence, on that one ordinary day, Rachel Gallardo and Rachel Lopez Ramos was chosen to be written and be a part of my history.

That day, being on a strange land a million miles away from home, both of them became my friend, my instant sister my extended family. A thank you is not enough for all the things that you have done for me for almost 2 months of being together. I can't show you right now how grateful I am for the both of you. But let me write these things to show you how I appreciate and value the moments that we shared. 

In times when I am in doubt of my own capabilities, thank you for making me see that I have more to offer. You both encourages me to do my best and cheer whenever I accomplished something. You are always there to calm me down whenever I am confused and started to panic. 

During our gala moment, you became my tourist guide and my shopping companion. You don't get tired on showing me around and introducing me to places that would serve as my home for the coming months and years. I never told both of you this, but everytime you take and hold my hand during our walks, I feel secure and safe that I have a sister in you.  

When I was pressured to learn their language. Both of you did not hesitate to offer your helping hands and on that very day, you became my teacher. You always have a smile on your faces everytime I ask about something I don't understand. You always remind me that all these hardwork and sacrifices would pave way to something more bigger. And I am truly overwhelmed for both of you are God's sent.

During the times when we just simply talk over things and share life's experiences, I was amazed on how beautiful and amazing persons you both are. You do these things not just for yourself but for your family as well. You made me realize that we could be happy when we done something for ourselves but we could be the happiest when we knew that we had helped someone else's too.

With the laughter that we shared, you make me view life differently. That it is alright to be crazy and be a kid again. You make me enjoy life despite the pressure and responsibilities that was put on my shoulder. You remind me to just smile. For things will be fine in God's time.

Yesterday, seeing you go, I hold back the tears from falling my eyes. I was wishing for the last couple of weeks for the clock to tick slow for us to spend more time with each other. It hurts me to see you go, but I have to. For in every hello there is always a time to say goodbye. That's part of life anyway and I know God has a beautiful plan for both of you. 

Always remember that you are already a part of me. That somewhere along the pages of my book a RACHEL GALLARDO and a RACHEL LOPEZ RAMOS have been a part of my story. Bookmarked and highlighted. Consider by the author as one of the most memorable part of her journey. And all those moments that we shared will be forever etched in my memory.

See you soon then!

xoxo

...just be thankful

We wake up each morning thinking of our busy schedules, unfinished tasks, due papers or assignments, and our planned activities for the day or the coming weeks. 


We walk. We run. We act. And at the end of the day, we are all exhausted and tired and all we want is to dive on our own bed and close our eyes to prepare ourselves for the coming days. Everyday is a routine. Like we are made to do things over and over again. We feel happy and proud everytime we accomplish something and sad everytime we fail. But it's part of life anyways. Sometimes your up and sometimes your down. 


With all the things we get through, did we ever say thank you for the times we succeed and for the times we fail? Did we ever acknowledge the Man above for all the things He has given us whether how big or small it is?

That question hit me one moment while I was sitting on a car just trying to figure out my 24 years of life. 


I was raised in a household like that of other middle class family. We are not rich but I can say my parents tried to gave us comfortable and easy life. And by this I am more blessed than the others who are alone and had to struggle in order to survive.


Opening my eyes each morning and seeing the beauty of the world, I am more privileged from those who were born unable to see.


Being more healthy than ill, I am fortunate than those who couldn't survive the day.


Having a job, food in the table, clothes to keep me warm, and a place to sleep I can say I am more lucky than those who have to ask for food and money and don't have a descent place to stay. 


Being free to roam around without the fear of torture and harassment, I am ahead of those who suffers and victims of injustices and unlawful society.


Having a complete family who supports me and reminding me that I have a home to go back to, I am envied by those who are abandoned and alone.


And if I can hold my head up high and smile, I am unique than those who are in doubt and despair.


Saying thank you does not take a lot of our time. It's just a two words but when it is said, you'll feel light and happy. Our hearts will be filled with joy knowing that we acknowledge and appreciate what God has given us. 


He is the only great provider that knows the desires of our hearts.


And after all, saying thank you is not the hardest thing to say.




xoxo

...the rain

I remember when I was a little child, I used to sing the song, "Rain rain go away, come again another day. Little Princess wants to play" everytime I am copped up in the house because the pouring rain was stopping me from playing with my friends. I would just stare at the window hoping that the sun will soon shine so that I could run, jump and feel the warmth of mister sun in my skin again. 

Growing up, I also happened to like the rain especially when I am not in the mood to play outside since my childhood friends and I had some arguments. I'll just stay at home in order to avoid them and would enjoy the cold wind that touched my face. 


But during my teenage years, where in some point, all I want to do is hang out with my closest friends, I begin to hate the rainy season especially if we already had plans for the day. I hated the idea of walking with my wet feet especially if walking is the only option because public transportation like "tricycles" are not available. It pisses me off everytime I am on my best dress and I ended up with wet, unfashionable and cold clothes. 


When I left my home country, which is by the way a tropical country where we only have two seasons all through out the year, I had a feeling that I will not miss the rainy season after all. I'll be able to walk around the place not worrying of my feet being wet or my clothes being ruined by the pouring rain. 


But I was wrong. 


In my two months of being here in the Middle East, where rain seldom happens, I would just stare outside hoping that the sky turns black and the heaven above opens and give way to my most wanted thing on earth right now, even just a few drops will make me really happy again. I'll just want to be silly again under the rain dancing, running and jumping just like a 5 year-old girl. 


And that will make me see and realize that like others I am still in the same planet and I am not lost after all. And I just miss using my umbrella again!


And to top it all, at this moment I am singing in my head, 


"Rain rain please do come today. 
Make Princess happy and crazy even for a day."

xoxo

...picture quotes

It's been a habit of mine this past few months to simply browse the internet searching for pictures quotes to brighten my day. Whenever I feel weak, sad, stressed, angry, depressed, alone or just simply happy, I just stare at those pictures and read what it said and I'll just feel better.

I found these few pictures quotes yesterday and I wanted to share this to all of you. Hope it will inspire you as much as it inspires me.


Enjoy reading!

xoxo

...one step at a time!

Life has always been a wonderful journey for most of us. We all have our share of ups and downs. We all have a glimpse of hurtful and painful events. And most importantly we all have a taste of the wonderful and amazing opportunities that all of us have never imagine happening.

Some things could also left us a little bit scared and shocked. We complain. We think a lot and end up believing that we are not capable of doing all these things. 

It is now that I realize it's because:

We always RUSH in everything. 

We are in a hurry to grow up to be able to prove ourselves. We rush things to be able to meet our deadline. We act before we plan. And we decide aggressively without even thinking of it's outcome.

When this things happen, we tend to over-think of all possible solutions to make things right and for us to get out of the mess that we ourselves started in the first place.

But who's to blame? 

I think we all know the answer.

In my case, the answer is capital M-E. ME!

These past few days, I always been in a hurry to learn Arabic. Not only because I want to but because I really have to. I felt the pressure of learning the language every time I go to work and come face to face with Arabian people. 

I started my quest in learning the language by trying to know and memorize their alphabet. With the help of a friend, she first explained to me the letters using a computer's keyboard with corresponding Arabic letters. And it was not easy! Without enough understanding of the use of Ayin, Alif, Mim, Gym, Yah, Dull and the other letters, I decided to try to spell names. I don't even get why Mohammed is spelled in Arabic using only 4 letters - the Mim, followed by Ha, and Mim again, and ending with a Dull. She explained everything to me all over again but I still don't get the point. 

The day after I started learning Arabic letters, I then think of trying to read names written in Arabic. I faced the computer and found myself staring at the monitor for a few minutes trying to figure out what the word was. Unfortunately I wasn't able to read it. 

And then the writing issue came in the picture the next day. Of course how can I do it if I even don't know how to use the letters and read them?

Sitting in one corner of the clinic, I thought I'll really have to learn the language soon. I have to understand, speak, read, and even write it. 

I have to know it by heart. 

And then it hit me. To be able to know the language, I don't have to skip steps. I don't need to rush. And start with the basics.

First, I have to memorize the letters. Know it's use and it's corresponding symbols. Then try to read names first followed by a word and eventually sentences after. And next is writing. I know it will be easier to write if I already know how to spell and read. 

Learning this will take some time. And I am prepared for that. I know and believe that I can. 

But right now, I'll just do it,

ONE STEP AT A TIME!

xoxo

...saying a little prayer

Everyday is not always a sunny one. There would be days where we feel that we are not worthy or deserving enough to handle tasks that was given to us. Our mind was fixed on the idea that we can't make it better that anyone else. We get confused and we look at the road ahead as dark and twisted as ever. And then we started to panic.

 I am feeling a little weird lately because I am not prepared to handle the tasks that was assigned to me. I felt that I am not the right person to do this and that I can't do it ever. But I have no choice, it's part of the job anyway (is it?). 

Staring around the four corners of the room, I started to think if I can survive this. Will I'll be ready to face the challenge?

and 

CAN I REALLY DO THIS?

I started to look at the big picture. Maybe God has reasons for giving me this "blessing". Instead of complaining I closed my eyes and say a little prayer.

Dear Papa God,


I come to you today with a humbled heart, praising and glorifying you mighty name. Thank you for all the blessing that You have given me all my life. Thank you for the love and for the guidance that You continuously bestowed upon me. 


I ask for forgiveness for all the sins that I have committed and for all the wrong thing that I have done.


Papa God, I know that You have chosen me among your other children to handle this tasks. My heart is filled with worries and fears right now. I pray that You take them all away and fill my heart with gratitude and appreciation that through You I can do all these things with ease and comfort.


Father God, show me the way and enlighten my heart and mind. Open my eyes and make me realized that I am given a challenge because I can do it. Touch my heart Papa God and make me feel my worth. Make me see that I am no different than anybody else. 


Make me believe in myself that I can manage this well because I am certainly your daughter. Uplift my confidence that I may be able to survive this because I know that you are always here for me because You are my Father.


Walk with me everyday Father God and I'll know that I will be on the right path and that I'll be ok.


And most especially, thank You for making me feel blessed, special and loved everyday!




Your Child,


Vibelyn May

...its a little thing called love

Love – they say is actually all around us. Well I can agree to that. While I was patiently waiting for my flight to Manila that day, my attention was caught by this little girl kissing her Mom. I smiled with what I saw and I thought if you just stand at one corner of an airport all day, you will see all kinds of love. 

A LOVE simply shown by:

a father & a mother to their children…

          a brother to his sisters…

                    a friend to an old friend… 

                                a boyfriend to his girlfriend…

                                            a husband to his wife…

                                                        a granddaughter to her grandfather…

                                                                    and above all, God’s love for all of us…

God created us out of His love for all us. From the very beginning, He already knew where on earth we will be when we were born. He destined us to be a part of a family whom He chose for us as we grow up. As His children, He made sure we are surrounded with people who will be responsible for teaching us the idea of expressing love and to make us feel how good or amazing it is to be loved. He provided us with things that we need each day without expecting something in return. When we stumble and fall, He carried us without complaining until the day that we are ready again to stand, to fight and to face the world without fear. With every decision that we make, He is always there. When we are lost and confused in the dark, He gives us light and direction for us to find our way back home. We may not see God with our naked eyes – but with the blue sky, the vast ocean, the shining stars at night, the rainbow after the rain, the bright new moon, the rising sun and the warmth of the air; His big and unconditional love for us is just around.

Our parents showed their love for us from the day that we were conceived to the day that we were born. From the first moment we opened our eyes, they made sure that we will only had a glimpse of the painful things that they had undergone to deliver us into this world. Instead they provided us with a lot of love, care and happiness for us to view the world differently. When we started to take our journey into the world, they are always at our side, ready to catch us when we fall. They sacrificed a lot for our sake that they sometimes tend to forget their own. They had done everything in their power just to send us to a good school, provide us with necessary nutrition and to clothe us with proper and comfortable clothes. As we take on the real world, they are our big encourager. They are not tired to clap their hands and cheer every time we did a good job. In their eyes, no one is more beautiful and smart than we are. We also see them smile when we are happy and drop a tear when we are sad, because in our times of happiness and grief they are the ones that are most affected with. Our parents made sure that we grow up full of love, strength, faith in God and into someone they believe that will change the world someday. They protected and loved us whole our lives. And it is difficult for them to simply let us go cause for them we will remain as their little princes and princesses always. With that kind of love that they have shown – all we could do is to salute and bow to them.

Having a brother and a sister is having a friend at the same time. They are your very first playmate and protector. Despite your differences, a strong bond still links you that make you accept and understand each others weaknesses. When all people turned their backs on you when the rain comes, rest assured that your siblings will run to your sides and share his/her umbrella with you. You are each others defendant and partners in crime. Fights and misunderstandings will make its way to make you hate each other but as they say blood is still thicker than water – cause at the end of the day family still comes first. In these simple ways – the magic of love still reigns.

You’re pretty lucky and blessed to find someone whom you can depend on. A true friend that will stand by you through the good times and bad times too. As they say, many will come into your lives, but only few will touch, love, stay and walk with you on your journey. You are with a true friend if he/she accepts and laughs at you despite your craziness and clumsiness.

As they say, having a boyfriend/girlfriend is really magical. You share a special love with someone that your parents or your siblings cannot offer. Being with this someone special, you learn the value of trust and the true meaning of falling in love. You may saw the world differently and you may appreciate everything including each other.

Being loved and having an opportunity to love is indeed amazing!

xoxo