34th...

It's my 34th birthday today, I woke up with a heart filled with joy because another year was added to my life. Age, as they say, is just a number but as I ponder on this, age also reminds me of the length of time God had been showing Himself faithful and good. Thinking about the people, lessons, blessings and remembering the high and low points where God has revealed Himself made me realized that I am indeed valuable. Lord, who am I that you are mindful of me? I am unworthy but you still choose to bless me. I am a sinner but you continue to love and forgive me. I am good-for-nothing but you even died on the cross for me. I am amazed by Your great love.  I am humbled and forever grateful. Thank you for my 34 years of existence in this world. My life is not my own, it is Yours. Not my will but Yours be done.

A Race for the Next Generation

I love running and one way for me to challenge myself as a runner is to join running events. More than competing with the other runners, beating my previous track record gives me a certain goal and a sense of accomplishment in every race. Hmm, yeah, I try to have a higher goal other than reaching the finished line.haha Another reason why I join running events is that it 's actually a worthwhile activity. Not only it invites people to be fit and healthy but also it serves as a medium to raise awareness and support for various kinds of charity and causes. The one running event that I look forward to join every year is Race for Life. This yearly event made possible by Real Life Foundation is really close to my heart because I'm a firm believer that education is essential to helping the poor get out of poverty and that the next generation is the hope of our nation.  Race for life is an opportunity for me to rally my personal advocacy on education and youth empowerment. For the past 3 years, I was able to support their vision to help students who has the drive and motivation to study and finish school but lacks in financial means.

Photos from previous Race for Life

This year was no different. With a theme change a life, change the nation, race for life was held last November 30, 2015, at SM Mall of Asia grounds. I was happy to be part of the 11000 runners, who woke up before sunrise to run respective 3K, 5K, 10K distances as a support to 260 real life scholars from all over the Philippines.

It was indeed a meaningful day not just for the scholars but also for me because I got to ran with these pretty ladies who also have the heart to support the next generation. Good job ladies! :)

Together, we finished the race all for God's glory!

Simple but not Easy

Last summer during the holy week, I had the chance to visit my mother's hometown in Pangasinan. It was my first time to explore the place and to visit my relatives.  I would say that my vacation was quite memorable not just because of the travel and adventure but also due to the discovery and revelation that came with it. One thing I've found surprising was the townspeople somewhat primitive way of living. I was surprised because despite of advancement in technology and modernizarion they still opted for a basic and old fashioned lifestyle.
In the few days that I stayed there, I was able to observed and to experienced firsthand the way they get water from a deep well and cook food through wood fire. It was such a fascinating experience to pull a bucket full of water from a very deep well and make fire out of wood in order to supply us with water and cooked food for the day.

This made me realized that life in the province is simple but not easy. Getting water from a well and cooking food over wood fire can be simply done even without any technological complexities but it takes a lot of effort and time to do so. So much like discipleship. The call of God for discipleship is simple but not easy. To disciple people, one has to become a disciple first. To be a disciple, one has to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:19).  Simple principle but not at all easy. I think most of you would agree that to be like Jesus is a very tough act to follow if not impossible. However, God is in the business of calling and changing people to be Christlike. I believe that the more we grow in our relationship with God, the more we can hear His voice calling us. I know deep in my heart that I have a specific calling from Him - that is to honor God and make disciple. I do believe that He has a calling for you too! Thus, as we respond, we need to understand that every calling such as discipleship is a simple process yet takes time and effort. It even has a cost as the bible says (Luke 14:26-27). We need to remind ourselves that when things become difficult God's grace is sufficient for us. When things may seem impossible, the God of impossibility will come through for us. Lord, I pray that as we respond to Your call, may You increase our faith and depend on you all the more in order for us to fulfill the purpose that You have for us. All for Your glory and honor, in Jesus mighty name, Amen!

All things work together for good

There were days when things are going well. We feel great about life because everything is coming up roses. But there were also days when things go bad, we tend to lose hope or worse, our faith in the Lord. It's difficult to stay positive and hopeful during these moments. It's as if we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are left in the dark without any slightest sign of hope. How should we respond? Should we give up? or should we keep on believing?

I admire Manny Pacquioa's attitude when he faced defeat from his recently concluded boxing bout with Mayweather. In his loss, he remain faithful to God and continues to glorify God in his life. He's still grateful even if things didn't turn out the way he wanted it to be . He accepted that it's all part of God's plan for his life. He stays hopeful and keeps holding on to God's word.

The bible says in Roman 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." This verse is a good reminder for all of us who may be in a dead end or hopeless situation right now. This verse is a promise from the Lord that everything will be okay because we love Him and we are called for His purpose. Isn't that a sign of hope for us? Our God is a promise keeping God. What He said in His word, He is faithful to fulfill in our lives. So when He said that all things will work together for good, He will work it out for us.

Whatever we may be facing right now, may it be a setback, rejection, failure or loss, I hope that we can be like Manny P. Let us keep the faith that the Lord is moving in our behalf and know that He has planned out a great future for all of us. :)

10 things I'll remember about Thailand

This is actually a long overdue post on my trip to Thailand almost 2 years ago with my family. I've been wanting to blog about this but lack of time and writer's block kept me from doing so. Kung maka-writer's block naman, akala mo writer talaga. Feeling!hahaha Anyway, I'm glad that finally I can share with you now the ten things I'll remember about Thailand.

1.) Suvarnabhumi Airport

For me, travel officially starts the moment I've arrived at the airport. I just love the atmosphere, the energy, the sense of transition and adventure that this place generates. I love it even more when it has modern structures, state of the art facilities and good services just like in Suvarnabhumi.

Suvarnabhumi

2.) Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-Tuk is a ubiquitous transportation in Thailand that's very popular for the tourist due to its novelty value. My travel buddies and I, often took the Tuk Tuk to go around because it was cheap, fast and accessible. Of course,  this was just based on our experience but you can choose to ride the taxi or a train system called BTS as options.

Different types of tuk-tuk

Our tuk-tuk experience was generally good except for one not-so-good incident with a tuk-tuk driver. Most of them were really nice, warm and tourist-friendly. Some were able to communicate in English and able to give us tips on what places to visit and how to navigate around the city. Driver na, Tour guide pa!

Long lost twins?hehe My cousin with the tuk-tuk driver (guy in blue)

3.) Street Food

In my opinion, my travel is not complete without experiencing the cuisine of the place that I'm exploring. That's why we really made sure to include a "food trip" in our itinerary. In Thailand, the best way to experience its cuisine is through the street food. Street food carts/stalls were not difficult to locate in Bangkok because they were practically everywhere! It's like there's an infinite supply of street food. However, due to lack of time we only got to try the street food stalls in Khao San Road, Victoria Monument and Jomtien beach in Pattaya.

If you plan to visit Thailand soon, I highly recommend that you try these wide varieties of authentic, affordable and flavorful Thai dishes that you'll come across in the streets.

Yummy Thai dishes like Phad Thai , Khao Ka Mu and Bakmi

4.) Weekend Market in Bangkok

I heard stories of some tourists who frequently travels to Bangkok just to shop at the popular weekend market called  "Chatuchak" or "Jatujak". When I set foot there, I've found that it was in fact a shopping haven. The market is so huge and sell different kinds of goods.

Another good thing about Chatuchak, the goods are sold at low prices and some were on SALE! Just come prepared for the non-stop walking though.

5.) Boat ride in Chao Phraya river

Aside from the BTS, a good choice of transport mode to avoid the traffic jam is the Chao Phraya express boat. It operates in the Chao Phraya river, the principal river in Thailand. I'm glad that we discovered this because we had a chance to see Bangkok in a different perspective.

A boat in Chao Phraya River

 View of Bangkok from Chao Phraya River

6.) Sunset in Pattaya

Pattaya is a city in Thailand,  a seaside resort 2 hours away from Bangkok. Since Phuket wasn't part of our itinerary, we opted to visit a nearby beach instead. The beach was not as grand as Phuket's but it was a sandy beach good enough for rest and relaxation. There were ample of water activities, leisure and entertainment in this area too.

Pattaya Beach

However, it was the sunset in Pattaya that struck me the most. It was my first "sunset captured moment" abroad, which makes it really special.

" When I admire the wonder of the sunset, my soul expands iniworship of  the creator" - Mahatma Gandhi

7.) Scenic spots in Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is an ancient city in Thailand, where ancient ruins, historical sites and palaces can be seen. Our travel to Ayutthaya was such a breeze because it was only 1.5 hours ride from Bangkok. The moment we arrived, different package tours were offered to us. As much as we want the DIY kind of travel, we opted to go with the package tour since we only had limited time in our hands. There were many different kinds of tour packages to choose from but we picked the one, which best suited our type (adventure/travel), time and budget. One tip I can share in choosing the right tour package is to ask the locals for the best places and activities in Ayutthaya. They were more than willing to share their advice. The following were some of the scenic spots included in the package tour:

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The head of the Sandstone buddha in tree roots

Reclining Buddha

Wat Mahathat

Wat Chai Wattanaram

Ayutthaya is such an interesting city to explore because of its rich history and culture. It was such an experience to witness the beauty of this very fine city.

8.) Culture

Travel for me is not just to explore the scenic spots but also to immerse oneself in the culture of the place. In the few days I stayed in Thailand, I learned some of their beliefs and cultures, which the Thais still preserve and practice up to the present times. One of the things  I learned was the Thai's traditional greeting called the "Wai".

Most of Thailand's tourist attractions are of cultural significance and highly respected by the locals as well as the tourists due to their religious values. In fact, when we visited the Grand Palace, there are certain customs and etiquette that we had to respect such as wearing "polite dress" and taking shoes off before entering the buildings and palaces.

Shoes not allowed

9.) Thai people

I traveled to other countries but what made Thailand stand out is its people. Thai people, most of them, are hospitable and warm to the tourists. They were accommodating, friendly, and helpful. When we approached them on the streets, they talked to us and guided us with the directions. Even other travelers, at least those who we got to talk to then, agreed that Thais are generally nice people. They reminded me so much of the people in my home country, which made Thailand one of my favorite nations.

10.) Thai Baht and the Coconut Ice Cream

In every travel, it's not just the adventure that's worth remembering but also the misadventure. I had one unfortunate incident in Thailand that I'll never forget. It's a long story but to make it short, I bought a cup of coconut ice cream for 1000 baht when it was supposed to cost only for 10 baht! 

I failed to double check the baht I handed over to the vendor, when I realized my mistake it was already too late! I know, it was really a boo boo moment. Oh well, I just had to charged it to experience and to learned from it. As they say, don't cry over spilled milk, in this case, over over-priced ice cream!hahaha

These are just  ten things but there's actually more to this place left to be explored and discovered. Khob khun ka Thailand for the wonderful experience. I hope in the future I'll be able to go back to this beautiful and culturally fascinating place.

My thoughts on waiting

If there's one thing that I may consider a pet peeve, it is waiting. I'm easily annoyed / irritated when waiting especially in situations like I'm running late or really starving and the queue to ride a cab / train / jeepney or to buy food is really looooooong. Longer than my patience!hahaha Waiting can be a challenge because most of the time I want things to happen in my own way and time - now, not later. But it's not always the case because people will get ahead of me in line and things don't happen accordingly with my set time. Boom Asar!hahaha Reality comes in that I have to wait for my turn and for things to happen in its perfect time. It can be frustrasting and disappointing but having the right view on waiting can drastically change my attitude and response during this process.

How should we view waiting?

Waiting isn't actually a bad thing if only accompanied with positive thoughts. The time spent in waiting is a time well spent because we can actually learn valuable life lessons, build our characters and test our faith during this season. The longer we wait for something or someone, the more we appreciate and value it when it finally arrives. As we wait, patience, endurance, steadfastness and perseverance were developed, which brings growth in our characters. Also, it is during waiting that we can show our faithfulness in the Lord. God allows us to experience delays so that He can form our characters & prepare us for the things that we've been praying and waiting for.

How should we respond during waiting?

Our usual response during waiting is either we make shortcuts or become passive. Shortcuts is a quick fix we do just to cut the waiting time short while passivity  is when we do nothing at all. I'm guilty having done one of these in the past. :p Both are easy response but not always the best response during waiting.

Rushing things will only make things fall apart but if we're waiting patiently upon the Lord, things will fall into place. However, it doesn't mean that waiting is spent sitting around and passively waiting for things to happen. It helps to wait actively by doing something positive like improving ourselves, learning a new skill, finding a new hobby, building meaningful relationships with family and friends, serving others or doing worthwhile things while waiting. Most of the time, we're hesitant to wait because we're afraid we might end up waiting in vain. Waaah, I can hear that reggae song playing in my head.hahaha But trusting God as we wait even if we don't know His ways and time is waiting with simple faith.  Our act of waiting must be done patiently, actively, and eagerly with faith.

Just like a mother anticipating the birth of her child, we should wait with great expectation and with heart full of hope that something great lies ahead of us.

If you happens to be in a waiting period like I do, maybe you're a single person waiting for "the one", a married couple waiting for a child, an employee waiting for a promotion, a business person waiting for financial breakthrough, a sick person waiting for healing or a person just waiting in queue, let's not give up and keep on waiting until our time has come. Yes, waiting takes time but it's never a waste of time. As the new year approaches, let's all stay hopeful and expectant that greater things will come and God will break through for us.

Habakuk 2:3

Wide and Deep

Bagasbas Beach in Camarines Norte

God's love is like the ocean. It is wide and long and high and deep (ephesians 3:18). I don't know what you're going through today. Some of you may have relationship trouble, emotional battle, sickness or disease, financial difficulty or even work related problem but I want to encourage you that God's love is bigger than any of these trials and tribulations. He can and He will deliver you from it because He loves us so. God can turn things around for you just put your trust in Him. Nothing is too hard for Christ. Keep on! Don't give up! For the love of God is unfailing just like a vast and endless ocean.

Uncertainty

Uncertainty according to Merriam Webster is the quality or state of being uncertain. Something that is doubtful or unknown. To say that something is uncertain there must be doubt, reservation, skepticism, and riskiness.

I guess you'll agree with me that as much as we want to be sure of things, uncertainties of life are inevitable. It is and will always be present in life. To be honest, I don't like uncertainties. Really. Maybe because it makes me uncomfortable and it pushes me to risk at some point. Risks that most of us wants to avoid.  I haven't met a person who is ecstatic to face uncertainties in life or who will take risk in a heart beat. Sure, some people are risk takers than others. But if we all have a choice, we'll definitely go for something that has certainty, guaranty and security. I guess, it's in our nature to live life in the most certain, secure and safe way.

However, life is not always as easy as we want it to be. Sometimes, in order to achieve something greater or something amazing, life will requires us to face uncertainties and risks first.

If we think about it, going through life is comparable to climbing mountains. Uncertainties of life are just like the uncertain trails along the way, challenges as the roadblocks and in the same way that going to the rockies is risky, life will also have those risky moments as well. But the uncertainties & risks will all be worth it, if what awaits us is the amazing view from the top or  what we gain out of life are experiences and lessons of greater value. 

Of Doughnuts & Relationships

Have you watched the movie where in the man professed his feelings for a woman by telling her "You complete me"? I think most of us did. That's one of the most romantic movies of all time or so I thought. But is it really true in reality? The mind-set that another person can actually completes us - that is. Honestly, I used to believe that maybe someone out there could make me complete and vice-versa.

Kilig part of Jerry Maguire Movie

Back then, I thought that having someone special in my life could fill up the empty void in me. Void??? What void??? This is the feeling of emptiness that I cannot seem to fathom. Eto yung feeling na "parang may kulang sa buhay ko" na hindi ko mawari kung ano. I wanted so much to quest for the "missing part" that's why it led me to enter (dating) relationships. I thought that being in a (dating)  relationship could be the one I've been searching for, but I was mistaken. When the magic / spark has gone and the kilig and sweetness overload moments were over, the empty void would still be there. The worst part was that "the void" had become even bigger after the relationship ended.

Don't you just love doughnuts?!

The void in me was like a big doughnut hole that no munchkins (smaller doughnuts) could ever fill up. Sorry for the illustration, I was craving for doughnuts while writing this post.haha Seriously though, I am the big doughnut and the munchkins represents other people.
These munchkins regardless of its flavor just couldn't make the doughnut with a hole whole. It just wouldn't exactly fit. I think the same goes with relationships, even if I'd chose to be with the handsomest, the smartest or even the richest guy still he won't be able to complete me. I didn't realize that what I'm seeking for is something that I couldn't get from other people, until that moment came when I've encountered the love of God.

One of my faves! Bavarian!!!

I was looking all over for that missing piece when all I ever needed was God's love to complete me. He is the only one who can provide me with the love, joy, peace, security, confidence, validation,  acceptance and everything else that I'm longing for. He was the one who placed that void in me and He was the only one who could fill it up. The love of God has made me whole - turned me,  a doughnut with a hole into a Bavarian.



Does it mean that I don't have the desire for a committed relationship? No, of course not! Just like you, it's in my core to create relationship with others. I think, we are design to be relational in nature. We need a suitable partner just as it says in God's word. I'd still want to have someone who I could spend my lifetime with. It's just that now my reasons for entering a (dating) relationship have become deeper and mature. As much as I want to share these reasons with you now, I think this blog post is already long enough. Maybe on my future post. ;)


What's more, the relationship I am focusing right now is not like any other relationship. I'm certain that this is the best and the most important relationship that I can have in my lifetime - the one I have with God. The kind of relationship that's worth pursuing and developing. A relationship that continually gives me a vibrant, exciting, victorious and complete life. A complete life that I can share with others as well.

Financial Breakthrough 2014

New Year has always been something that I look forward to maybe because it gives me a new hope for greater things to come and a new chance to become better. For some people, it became a tradition to have new year's resolution. I think there's nothing wrong in making resolutions, themes or lists every new year. It can serve as our guide as we journey through the year. So as I welcome 2014, I also made a list of  the things that I'm believing for this new year.

 

I am believing God for so many breakthroughs this year, one of which is in financial aspect.  Yes,  I am in faith that God will bless the work of my hands and will increase my sources of income this year. But I've realized that I have to do my part too. It says in the bible "When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required". This means that we are held responsible / accountable for the abundance that God will provide. I believe that as I'm claiming my financial breakthrough this year, I should seek wisdom & knowledge on how to properly manage my finances. I must admit that I have to break wrong mindset & habit in terms of handling finances and make self-control, practicality & discipline a lifestyle. So this year, it's just not enough to be expectant of God's blessings and provisions, I must also be committed to live below my means, to take control of my finances, to have a financial plan, to save and invest more & to offer it generously back to God.

I'd like to quote financial expert/blogger Marvin Germo "It is my greatest desire that each one of us would start and end this year strong. This year is unlike any other. Our country is growing and moving forward, its time for all of us to also take our place and move forward. The Grace and Favor of God is with us and for us. We can do all things because He is our strength! With that, its time to dream dreams and turn those dreams into a reality!".

I indeed want to start and finish strong financially this year. I hope you do too. May 2014 bring financial breakthroughs to all of us! 

A Message of faith, hope & love.

Courtesy of Google images

Last November 8, 2013, the Philippines was struck by a super typhoon Yolanda (international name:Haiyan). It has a maximum 315km winds per hour. Visayas region was badly hit including the provinces of Leyte, Samar, Cebu, Roxas, Iloilo, and Bacolod.. The fatalities were at least 3,631 people. More than 500,000 were left homeless. As I'm writing this post, it's still counting! Buildings and Infrastructures were massively wiped out by the Storm surge. An estimated of 4 million  people were affected. Victims were in need of safety water, food, shelter, medicines, clothes etc. Scattered cadavers still awaiting for proper burial. While the affected areas will require a massive reconstruction and rehabilitation.

To say that it's a devastating moment is an understatement. It was just heartbreaking to know that the victims have been experiencing loss, grief, hunger, thirst, pain, trauma and more. Maybe you too have asked why this has happened? Some people say this was caused by climate change. Others have a conspiracy theory that it was actually man-made. It may or may not be true. I guess  no one could really give a definite answer. No one really knows but God.

Amidst this catastrophe, God is still in control. We may not understand why, but God is a good God! He will deliver us from any storms or calamities that may come our way. All we need to do is to believe and to trust in Him. In these trying times, instead of being fearful, let's all act and respond in faith! Lets pray for the typhoon victims and help them in any way so that we can extend to them God's message of faith, hope and love.


With that, here are the links of some Yolanda relief operations you can volunteer or donate to.

In the Philippines:

Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org.ph/
Gawad Kalinga: http://gk1world.com/typhoon-yolanda
Abs-cbn/sagip kapamilya: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/tulongph 
Victory: http://victory.org.ph/article/yolanda-relief/
Unicef: http://www.unicef.org/philippines/

Overseas:
                                                                                                     

www.help.ph.com

For mobile phone subscribers overseas

Sorsogon : A Place Like No Other

I've been blessed to travel different places locally and abroad but there's this one place that I would definitely go back to again and again. A place that I've been traveling to since I was a kid. A place full of my childhood memories. Located in the southeastern part of Bicol region, it takes 12 hours drive from Manila to get to this hidden paradise called Sorsogon. It's a long drive but thankfully, flights are available nowadays for shorter travel time. I'm used to travel by land though, it can be tiring but the scenery and stopover make the journey worthwhile.

Being at the tip of Bicol peninsula, Sorsogon is completely surrounded by water. Beaches are practically everywhere! In fact, my grandparents house was just across the beach coastline. Ah, I can caught a glimpse of the beach from the veranda of our house anytime. What a sight! Thus, the beaches in Sorsogon are what they called "virgin beaches" still raw and untouched.

Aside from the beach, there are also rivers and waterfalls. I remember there used to be a "non-stop shower" at the backside of our house, which flows through a "kawayan" (bamboo) connected to the falls situated in the mountains. Locals and even tourists frequently come by to make use of the water for taking baths or doing laundry for free. Ang saya libreng tubig! Also, the vast rice fields / farmlands, lush trees and beautiful mountain sprawls makes this place very idyllic. Very picturesque!

Another thing I  love about this place is the food. Masiramon!!! That means delicious in the local dialect. For those of you who don't know, Bicol is known for its spicy and gata or coconut milk based delicacies. I'm going to take this chance to brag that my family's recipes of Bicol express and Laing are the best in this side of Bicol. FTW!hehe Moreover, the staple food is anything seafoods! I'm in a food coma everytime I get to visit this place. Sarap kumain!!!

There's a lot to love about this place. The views. The food. The people. Climbing trees and mountains, swimming and frolicking in the beach, hanging out at the seawall, non-stop eating, and building relationships with loved ones were some of the good 'ol memories I have of this place. A place that is very close to my heart. A place like no other.

A Life Of Service

Service, we all have experienced that in life either we are giving or receiving them. At work, we give our service to the company because we are paid to do so. In restaurants, service crews will served us food because that's what we're paying them for and what their job requires them to do. I guess that's just how the world works. We give service because we get something out of it. But what if we are asked to serve for free? I don't know with you but I'll definitely say NO to that! Whuuuut??? Serving without pay??? Are you kidding me??? Hey, my time is precious y'know, I should be getting something in return! Those were the  thoughts that ran through my head when the church  I'm attending at had a series break about volunteering. I didn't sign up right away. Why would I? No way! It was not compulsory anyway so I'm free to do what I want.hehehe

Well, I must admit that the message of the series has a good intention so to speak. We all should live a life of service. A life for others. Wow! Good for those who can live up with that. That person must have a servant's heart! As for me? Na-ah!!! I'm cool with helping in my own little way but volunteering was just too much for me. I was really close minded about it. But then again, God has His own plans for me. He was patiently working in me, orchestrating circumstances and even people to help me see my selfishness and self-centeredness. Until finally it dawned on me that my life here on earth is not for my own satisfaction but it is actually loaned to me by my creator to serve it's purpose. That is to live a life of service to others.

P.S. I am currently a volunteer teacher at Kids ministry. It's a Sunday school for children. I'll blog more about it next time. :)

I've Found My Niche in Running!

I'm not really the sporty type but I considered myself a fitness enthusiast. I've tried various physical activities before like Badminton, Table Tennis, Arnis, Dancing, Belly Dancing, Weight lifting and Yoga. But none of these things kept me interested . Honestly, it's easy for me to start a physical activity but it is a challenge to keep and sustain it over a period of time. My interest easily fades if the activity turns out to be high maintenance or becomes boring. Things changed though when I started to run. I'd never thought that running could be something that I would enjoy. In fact, I had reservations then when my colleagues invited me to join fun runs. I thought it was boring. But I was wrong. Running was fun, sustainable, low maintenance, liberating and beneficial. Running is indeed a fun physical activity that can be done individually or with groups, where you only need a pair of shoes, comfortable running clothes and running area to get started. Thus, running is a whole body exercise that has many positive effects on our body, mind and spirit. Some of these benefits are as follows:

• Physical benefits. Running helps to burn calories, lose weight, strengthen muscles and bones, improves cardio and immune systems among others.
• Mental benefits. Running can reduce stress and anxiety. It can boost brain function and uplift the mood of people.
• Social Benefits. Running has inspired organization to gather people to support a certain cause. Fun runs and Marathons usually are organized to raise funds for a worthy cause. Aside from helping, people who join running events also connects with other people who share the same love for running.

Snippets of all the running events that I had joined so far.

I really wanted to be fit not only because I wanted to look good but also to live a healthy and longer life. To be able to do that it is important to have a particular exercise that really works for me. An exercise that will keep me interested and motivated. An activity that I enjoy so much, it will become a habit or lifestyle for me. And I can say that everything I'm looking for in a work out, I've found in running. I'm just so fortunate that I've found  my niche in running.

IKEA - A Creative Haven

I really love anything creative. It's just now in my adult years that I've discovered my creative side. My interest in creative stuff grew in me over time. As of the moment, I'm loving interior designing stuff. So, it was really a treat  to visit a creative place such as  IKEA.

Ikea store in Tampines, Singapore

Ikea is an international home product  designs company which is founded in Sweden in 1943 by then a 17 year old Ingvar Kamprad.  According to wikipedia, Ikea is actually the acronym of the founder's name, the farm and the hometown he came from.  The company came about from the founder's innovative idea to designed and manufactured functional home furnishing products at low prices. Ikea has wide-range of products that caters to the consumers need for every part of the home and even office space.

THE HOME SPACE 



I like the simplicity of the furniture in this Living room. All white and clean. The cabinet has lots of compartments. Very functional!

The Living room showroom
  
The Kitchen area was tastefully designed! Look at those chairs so artfully made!

 

 You can make a a small kitchen look spacious with these modern style furniture. I love the idea of putting those over head lights!

I believe that it is important to have a cozy Bedroom so you can have a good night sleep. Below are photos of different bedroom styles.

This one is a minimalist type. I want those wall lights!


Living room by day and bedroom by night. Thanks to the magic of Sofa bed.

Bedrooms for Kids!

 The kids also have a place to explore in Ikea. They provide child friendly furniture, which are very useful and creatively designed.

I heart the heart-designed wallpaper and the see-through bed canopy! Sooo cute!


Don't you just love the artwork on the wall?


Kids would love the idea of sleeping on camping tent every night. Great idea for a double-deck bed.


THE OFFICE SPACE AREA

Aside from Home Furnishing, Ikea also has product lines for office space. From desks to chairs down to papers and pens!

Office space showroom

Various office space furnitures

      

 Sample of a floor plan for small spaces.

 

 This is a room which can also be converted to a closet area. Wow, I want to have this space in my home someday!

Lots of creative stuff around can't help but take photos.

There are wall paintings too! Sooo nice!

I admire Audrey Hepburn.

After  scouting the entire store, going from one department to another, I was famished! Good thing Ikea also has its own food court. The cinnamon bun was delicious. A must try!