I'm a SuperWoman...SuperMommy!!!

What number are you in the family? Are you the eldest child? What are your roles in the family? Filipinos are known to be family-oriented. Each member of the family has different roles and responsibilities to be performed. In my own experience, I am the eldest in the family. I got married at an early age, when I was 20 years old. My uncle father who treats me as his own daughter provided all my school needs in order to graduate from the university. I got pregnant when I was in 3rd year college but my uncle father still supported me. Moreover, my mother helps me in taking care of my child until now. So, I was able to graduate from the university on time.

"With my younger brother, my son and my mother"

As the eldest child in the family, people are expecting too much from me. After getting pregnant, I heard a lot of negative comments such as I couldn't help my younger siblings, I would not help my uncle father, etc. However, I don't mind them. I believe that everything happens for a reason. God gave me adorable children. They are blessings and the best gifts in my life!

I really realize that looking for money is difficult. Life is so difficult! When I was still a child, I kept on asking money from my uncle father. I didn't think how my uncle father earned that money. I spent money on non-sense things. But now, I've learned from my experiences that earning money is so hard. I need to be thrifty. I have to save money for my baby's future especially that education is getting more expensive day by day. I have monthly salary but my salary lasts only for few days. I saw a photo on Facebook showing some types of salary. I posted it below.

"Types of Salary"
(c) to Google

Nevertheless, I am so thankful because I have a source of income. I could sustain the needs of my family. God is really good! I am amazed on how he makes some ways to answer my prayers. Thanks God for good health and strength. Right now, I am a student, an online English tutor, an elder sister, a mother and a wife. I have a lot of roles in the family but I could perform them all except being a perfect wife. I am not a wife material because I don't know how to cook foods but I love my husband so much! I'm so grateful because my husband is understanding.  As a student, I need to do my assignments and pass the exams in the university. Sometimes, it is hard for me to adjust my schedule because I need to work for eight to ten hours as an online English tutor everyday. During my break time from work, I have to play with my baby. I need to spend quality time with him. I feel regret with the case of my two daughters. Before, I worked so hard. I had only few time spent with them. If only I knew this would happen to my family, I spent every second of my life with them. Nonetheless, I couldn't bring back the time. Now, I want to maximize my time with my son. I want to give all his needs as much as possible. I want him to be happy. 

As an elder sister, I need to provide everything for my younger siblings especially they are still students. My younger sister will graduate from college next year 2016. I hope she will study hard in order to pass all her subjects. One more year to go! My younger brother is still in Grade 10. The K to 12 will be implemented. So, 6 years to go! Furthermore, it is very nice to the feeling to be able to help. My brother made me proud for this year. He finished Grade 9 with honor. He was top 2 with two special awards - a service award and an intrapersonal award. I hope he will keep it up until he will graduate from the university. 

I salute to all supermoms over there! As what the quotes stated, "Women have always been the strong ones of the world. The men are always seeking from women a little pillow to put their heads down on. They are always longing for the mother who held them as infants."  I am a supermom!  

Being in a Long Distance Relationship

Long distance relationship is sometimes difficult to deal with. My husband is a soldier and he is working in another place far from me. Being a wife of a soldier is not easy. There are a lot of things on my mind. I couldn't stop myself thinking about bad things especially that I could always hear the phrase, "Every place replaced!" I'm afraid that maybe my husband has another affair in other place. I don't know what to do if it will happen to me.  Of course, not all men do the same thing. However, I could observe that from my husband's colleagues but not all of them. Aside from that, working as a soldier is very risky. My husband's first priority is his work. He is very willing to risk his life just to accomplish his responsibilities. Sometimes, I get mad with him because he doesn't have enough time for me. 

"With My Husband, My Son and Myself"

Now, he is working in another place far from my family. At first, it was very difficult for me to adjust especially that I am so dependent with my husband but I have no choice. I need to accept the fact that this is my life. My husband will not always stay beside me. I need to stand by myself and take care of my child. Fortunately, my mother and my siblings are living together with me. My mother helps me in taking care of my child. I could concentrate with my work. Whenever I go outside, I am so confident that my son is in a good condition. Nevertheless, it is very hard to raise a child without a husband. He is still eight months old now. I am a little bit worried on how to discipline him. I need my husband to help me in disciplining my son. 

"My Husband with Korean Soldiers"

We are far from each other. We could meet each other once in two or three months. It is so hard but I need to accustom myself in this kind of situation. We are new couple. We got married last June 2012. All I can do is to pray for his safety. Every now and then, they will face some difficult tasks that would put their lives at risk. Lord, please protect and guide my beloved husband all the time! 

Thus, in order to have a successful relationship especially long distance relationship like me and my husband. Here are my tips: 

1. Always pray to God. Praying to God is very important for us to enlighten our mind. God will always listen to our prayers. Sometimes, we question God's existence especially if we have a lot of problems. However, when we don't have big problems, we sometimes forget him. God is always there ready to guide us in a right way. 

2. Trust and respect each other. In a relationship, trust and respect are essential. If we love a person, we need to trust and respect him/her in everything he/she does. Nevertheless, we sometimes can't avoid thinking not so good things about our partner. We think that maybe he/she is with somebody else right now. Maybe, it's natural because we are afraid of getting hurt. As what I've read on the internet, "A relationship without trust is like having a phone with no service. And what do you do with a phone with no service? You play games. Love becomes the weakest when there is more doubt than trust but love becomes the strongest when you learn to trust even with all the doubts." 

3. Always keep in touch with each other. Having constant communication with our partner will make our relationship stronger.. Sending messages such as I love you, I miss you, take care, etc., will show our concern and love to our partner. Communication is the life line of any relationship. Without it, the relationship will starve itself to death. 

What is Hyposmia?

Are you aware of the disease Hyposmia? What is the main reason of this? What are the effects of this disease to our body? Is there any chance to cure it? I did a research about Hyposmia on the internet and these are some of the information what I've got.

Hyposmia is the partial loss of the ability to perceive smells. This impairment can result from head trauma, allergies, flu, infections, nasal polyps, or other causes. Hyposmia is the most common of olfactory impairments and sometimes is self-repairing, but much of the time remains permanent. It is of particular relevance to those working in the sensory field as affected individuals have a higher threshold for odor and flavor perception, and may have a poor ability to identify odors or discriminate intensity levels. [Hyposmia]

Hyposmia is often mild, and even more severe hyposmia can be temporary. It can be a serious impediment. It limits your ability to recognize danger signals, such as the smell of smoke. Because the senses of smell and taste are closely related, hyposmia can affect your sense of taste, leading to hypogeusia, or a reduction in the ability to taste flavors. You may want to use herbs and spices to make your food more flavorful. Meals that offer a range of textures and colors are generally more appealing, even when your sense of taste is dulled. Hyposmia can inhibit your ability to recognize smells that signal danger, such as the smell of smoke or the smell of rotten food. If you have hyposmia, you may want to install smoke alarms and be cautious about using natural gas in your home, since you may not be able to smell leaking gas. Be careful with food, since you may not be able to tell if it is still safe to eat.

Hyposmia can contribute to other illnesses. Because the senses of taste and smell are so closely interlinked, hyposmia can contribute to hypogeusia, or a reduction in the ability to taste. This can lead to unhealthy eating habits, since reduced ability to taste can cause you to eat too many sugary and salty foods. These foods have a strong flavor and are easy for the taste impaired to taste, but eating too many of them increases your risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart attack. Hyposmia is often the result of another illness. Nasal congestion, nasal polyps, or more serious conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's can contribute to hyposmia.

You might need to see an otolaryngologist, a doctor who specializes in conditions of the ear, nose, and throat, to diagnose hyposmia. Those with hyposmia often mistakenly believe that their sense of taste is diminished, because taste and smell are so closely interlinked. If you tell your otolaryngologist that you have suffered a decreased ability to recognize tastes, he may test your sense of smell as well. A scratch-and-sniff test can help your doctor evaluate the extent of the damage to your sense of smell. The doctor may use an olfactometer to release concentrations of scent into your nose.

In order to diagnose your hyposmia, your doctor or otolaryngologist will need to know about your past medical history, especially any head injuries you may have recently sustained or any upper respiratory infections you may have recently had. If you have been exposed to toxic, airborne chemicals recently, tell your doctor. Your doctor will also need to know about head injuries, respiratory infections, sinus disorders, or exposure to toxic chemicals that occurred in the past, even if they happened a long time ago. Tell your doctor about any allergies you may suffer and any prescription drugs you may be taking. [Hyposmia]

Actually, I have hyposmia right now. The cause of this is head trauma. During the super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), my head bumped on the cement. I lost my sense of smell for one month. It comes back after one month but I can't distinguish the different smell. My sense of taste is also affected. The taste of the food is really bad. It was difficult for me at first. I couldn't eat well. Whenever I eat something, I need to cover the right hole of my nose to taste the food. I don't change my perfume because I'm afraid the smell is not good. I have been experiencing hyposmia for 1 year and 6 months now. I hope everything will be okay as soon as possible! I want to enjoy eating different kinds of foods and to smell different things such as perfume, flowers, and to smell my husband (lol!) 

Temple of Leah: A Wonderful Place to Visit!

Do you like going to a tourist spot? It's time to visit the "Temple of Leah." It is the newest tourist attraction in Cebu City. It is situated in Roosevelt St., Barangay Busay, Cebu City, Philippines. Temple of Leah is made because of true love. 

Teodorico Adarna, who is the grandfather of the actress Ellen Adarna and the owner of Queensland motels, made it possible to construct this superb structure for his wife "Leah Villa Albino-Adarna". According to Mr. Adarna, "This temple was constructed in the year 2012 A.D. as a symbol of my undying love for her and my ceaseless devoting to Leah Villa Albino-Adarna, my wife. May this temple serve as a symbol of a great love of a husband to his very loving my wife." Wow! What an inspiring message! I'm sure Mrs. Adarna was very happy in the heaven right now. She was very lucky to be his wife. She died last January 4, 2010.

People are very much welcome to visit this place. It is open 24/7 with no entrance fee as of now. The temple is not yet finished. It looks like an Ancient Temple because of its structure. We are like in an Ancient Rome. There are two gigantic gold lions in each side of the stairs. It really made me amazed the statue of Mrs. Adarna. She looks very beautiful. She was chosen as Matron Queen in her Alma Mater, University of the Southern Philippines. The nine-foot bronze statue portrays her composure and regal bearing when she was crowned.  

The place is really perfect. You can see the whole beauty of Cebu City because it is located at the top of the mountain. I have an unforgettable experience going there. I felt so nervous because the road going there is very sloped. The car must be in a good condition. You need to check the break of your car before going to this place. I prayed to have a safe trip. Thanks God! We went home safe and sound. 

"With My Beautiful Friends"

After visiting the temple, we went to Lantaw Native Restaurant for our snacks. It is just near in the Temple of Leah. Maybe, it is just 300 to 500 meters away. I don't really know the exact distance. There foods are delicious. The restaurant has a good ambiance. I ordered two halo-halo and banana turon with ice cream while my friends ordered fried chicken, plain rice and a pitcher of juice. 

"In Lantaw Native Restaurant"

It is one of the great places I have visited. When this structure will be finished, it will be a very breathtaking temple. It is a good place to refresh yourself. You can breathe fresh air and feel the nature. Temple of Leah: What a marvelous place!

Baby Earl Turns Eight Months Old Today

Time flies so fast! Today, my son turns eight months old. Every month, we celebrate the day he was born. I gave birth to him last August 4, 2014. I really considered him as the greatest thing happened to my life after what happened to my two daughters. He gives me strength to face everything. Because of him, I feel happy again. I have the motivation to work hard and reach my dream to become a teacher. 

Every 4th of the month, it is an important day for me. I really allocate some amount of money from my salary for his birth month to buy a cake and some foods. As he grows older, I could see my younger daughter to him. He looks like Ate Gnacy May. Maybe, he is the male version. If he were a girl, it's like God gave back to us our second daughter. 

"My Eight Months Old Baby Love Earl"

In celebration with the 8th months of my baby love Earl, my husband cooked delicious spaghetti and a dish called menudo. I bought a cake for my langga,too. I have to celebrate every important day of my baby Earl. I've learned from what happened to my two daughters. When my two daughters were still alive, I didn't have the chance to celebrate their birth months and I felt so guilty and sad. We don't know what will happen in the future. So, we need to celebrate every moment we spend with our kids. Now, I want to do it with my son. 

"They are very busy preparing the foods."

My baby is growing bigger and bigger. I can't carry him for a longer time because he is heavier now compared before. His weight is around 11 kgs. Thank you so much Lord for keeping him healthy. Now that he is eight months old, he is very active. He starts to crawl. He loves music. He enjoys watching some TV advertisements such as Ariel 7.50 (Finally), Palmolive Naturals by Janella, Liza, and Julia, and TV plus by Sarah.G. Just like my two daughters, he likes to watch Hi-5. 

"Our Simple Celebration"

We had a simple celebration with my family. Thank you so much Lord for the gift of life. HAPPY EIGHT MONTHS OLD BABY LOVE EARL!!! Eight months and counting...

God is So Good All the Time!

Do you believe in God? Does God really exist? In my own perspective, (Yes!) he exists. I couldn't see him and touch him but I could feel his presence. This week, we celebrate "Holy Week" from March 29, 2015 to April 4, 2015.  What is Holy Week? According to the internet, Holy Week is the week preceding Easter and the final week of Lent. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday and ends with Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. Holy Week includes Holy Thursday (also known as Maundy Thursday) and Good Friday, which, together with Holy Saturday, are known as the Triduum. During Holy Week, Christians commemorate the Passion of Christ, who died on Good Friday in reparation for the sins of mankind, and rose on Easter Sunday to give new life to all who believe. Thus, while Holy Week is solemn and sorrowful, it also anticipates the joy of Easter through the recognition of God's goodness in sending His Son to die for our salvation.

Isn't it amazing how God saved us from our sins? He sacrificed everything and endured all the pains. Nonetheless, there are some people who don't believe in God. They are called atheists. On the other hand, there are some people who believe that it is impossible to know whether or not God exists and they are known as agnostic. Every person has his own philosophy in life. And I respect them! 

Based on my personal experiences, I could really say "God is so good!" There are also times that I questioned God. I know I don't have the right to question him but I couldn't really stop myself by asking him, "Why? Why did he take my daughters away from us?" I provided all the needs of my daughters. I worked harder for them. I even compared my situation to another people. There are some parents who just left their kids somewhere. On the other hand, those children, who are being taken cared of, took from their loved ones. Where is the justice? Isn't it unfair? The time I lost my two daughters, my life became so miserable. At that time, I almost lost my trust to God. Why did He let it happen to my family? I even thought of ending my life. 

"With my Daughters"

However, God never let me down. We were able to buy all our needs from through the help extended to us. After one month, I received a good news. I got pregnant. From that time until now, I become a stronger mother. A mother who will do everything for her baby. God doesn't neglect me. He listens to my prayers up to now. I realized, I have to think the positive things happened in my life. A lot of blessings come to my life until now. I gave birth to my baby safely even if I underwent two cesareans already. I had my first CS last February 2011 and the 2nd one last July 2012. Last August 4, 2014, I had another cesarean operation again. I didn't experience any complications. My previous OB told me not to have a baby immediately because of my condition but God is so good. He guided me throughout my journey. I gave birth to a 3.8 kgs. baby boy. I named him "Earl Ignacio" from my name Pearl and the name of my husband Ignacio. He is eight months old now. My womb was just smaller but the baby inside was very healthy. Thanks God! I easily recovered from the operation. After one week, I was able to stand and sit down by myself. I didn't feel any pain. I worked again after three weeks. My husband was also awarded an apartment where we live right now. It is  big help for us because we don't have to rent a house which is quite expensive. We could stay here until my husband retires from his job. My work goes well. I have kind students though sometimes, I encounter some rude students.

"This picture was taken few hours after I gave birth to him."

"My 8 months old baby love."

Moreover, I have the chance to study again in the university. I am dreaming of becoming a teacher and God gives me another opportunity to study again. It is really difficult in my part to do a lot of things at the same time but I have to do this and I know I can to be able to achieve my goals. I know, God will always be there to guide me in the right way. Thank you so much Lord God for all the blessings and the blessings that will come into my life! You are so amazing! So, to those people who feel so down, please pray to God. I know he will listen to you. Trust Him! We can't avoid questioning him especially in the time we have nothing. But don't worry if we have some problems, it is a challenge for us. It will test our trust on Him. Just remember, God will not give us problems which we can't surpass. God is so good all the time!

Kind and Generous People Still Exist

Every night, we could watch on TV news about bad deeds of different people such as murder,kidnapping, stealing, etc. Because of these bad news, I am afraid to go outside especially at night. I am hesitant to bring my baby somewhere because of those bad people. I don't want to lose my child again. Why are bad people exist? Why are not they afraid of killing others? Are they not afraid of God? Are they not frightened of going to the hell? These are the questions that only God can answer. 

"With the beautiful actress Ms. Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla"

Despite of this current situation in our society, there are still many kind and generous people and I can attest that! Based on my experience, I met people who are kind. After the super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), all of our things were lost. The only thing I saved was the clothes I wore that day. It was really painful to think that I worked hard for many years in order to buy all those things but in just a couple of hours, everything just vanished. Nevertheless, I could still own those things after many years of working again. The only thing I couldn't bring back was the lives of my two daughters. If I could only kill Haiyan, I did that already. Until now, I still couldn't understand what's the reason for that natural disaster. Many kind people and innocent children died with that catastrophe. WHY?

After the typhoon, I didn't know how to stand all over again. We started from the scratch again. We needed to buy everything. Nonetheless, I am so thankful to those people who kindheartedly helped my family to start a new life again. Without them, it would be difficult for us to provide all our needs. I didn't expect that many people would be there to help us and listen attentively to our story. I didn't even know them. Some of them sent some messages on my Facebook account and wholeheartedly offered their help to us without expecting any returns. Even if they were staying in the foreign country, they called me on my phone to talk to me. Wow! It was really amazing! I don't know how to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you. All I can say, "Thank you very much for giving my family "HOPE" to start a new life again! Thank you so much for helping us financially and emotionally. Even if they didn't know us personally, they were not hesitant to extend their HELP! THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL OF YOU! Indeed, KIND AND GENEROUS PEOPLE STILL EXIST! 

Happy April Fools' Day!

April 1st is known to be April Fools' Day. What is April Fools' Day? According to Wikipedia, April Fools' Day (sometimes called April Fool's Day or All Fools' Day) is celebrated every year on the first day of April as a day when people play practical jokes and hoaxes on each other. The jokes and their victims are known as "April fools". Hoax stories may be reported by the press and other media on this day and explained on subsequent days.

Today, I tried to post a hoax on my Facebook account. I posted a photo of my pregnancy test. It showed that I am pregnant. Many of my friends congratulated me. Some of them sent me some messages asking if is it really true. I haven't replied to their messages yet. Though it is April Fool's Day today, I feel guilty of fooling them. (Seriously!) Am I bad? Actually, I really want to get pregnant. I'm really hoping to have a baby girl because I really miss my two daughters. Some of my classmates in Cebu Technological University are really thinking that I am pregnant because I keep on eating whenever I am at school. The reason for that is my Depo-Provera Injection. This is my contraceptive not to get pregnant because I easily get pregnant.  I have to avoid getting pregnant because of my situation. I had three cesarean operations already and my OB told me that it is very dangerous if I get pregnant immediately. It must take at least 3 years if I want to have another baby again. I have to wait for that time. If only I underwent a normal delivery for my babies, I would surely get pregnant now. 

"My Facebook Post"

I sincerely apologize for what I posted. (bow) Nevertheless, I feel so happy for the comments! Thank you so much! Please include me to your prayers that God will give me a baby girl. Thank you so much again! HAPPY APRIL FOOLS' DAY! 

My Life as a Mother!

Almost all people think that if a woman becomes pregnant, her dreams will be ruined. But, it's a big No-No! A baby is a blessing. Based on my experience, I got pregnant when I was 19 years old. I was still a 3rd year university student at that time. The time I knew I was pregnant, I cried a lot. I thought I couldn't graduate from the university. At first, my boyfriend and I thought of aborting our baby but as time went by, I realized that aborting a baby was not the good way. I did it so I needed to accept the consequence. My womb became bigger and bigger. I told my close friends about my situation and they were so supportive. They didn't judge me. Thanks to my close friends Hannah, Eden, Veda, Shierly, Marjune, JM, Andrea, Ate Ruby, and Ate Anabel for understanding my situation. 

"I was 7 months pregnant...  taken last December 2010"

I gave birth to my elder daughter last February 20, 2012 through emergency cesarean operation. I gave her name: "Gnacy Pearl." Gnacy Pearl is the combination of my name and my husband's name. Gnacy came from the name Ignacio. I deleted letters I and i,o. The remaining letters were Gnac and I added letter y from my name May. It became Gnacy and I combined with my nickname Pearl. So, the result is Gnacy Pearl. 

After giving birth to my baby around 2:08 AM, February 20, 2012, it took three days before I was able to see her. The time I saw my baby, my world changed. I couldn't explain my feelings. I was very happy because I was able to deliver my baby safely. I underwent labor for 18 hours. 

"My 3 days old baby (Gnacy Pearl)"

After having my baby, everything is changed. I was so determined to graduate from the university. I studied very hard to pass all the examinations.  I was able to pass all my subjects for 2nd semester in 3rd year college. It was very difficult for me to join in different field activities because of my condition. Nonetheless, with the help of my supportive classmates and considerate professors, I passed all my subjects. When I was in 4th year college, I even had four part time jobs to sustain the needs of my baby and for my needs in the university. Though my boyfriend had a stable job, his salary was not enough. I worked as a student assistant in the university, a private tutor of a Grade 1 pupil, a part time online English tutor in RareJob, and a tutor in an tutorial center. Wow! I was a superwoman.

After 7 months from the time I gave birth to my elder daughter, I got pregnant with my 2nd daughter. We were so worried with my condition because I underwent cesarean operation. I went to my OB. She told me that it was just okay because my wound was horizontal. I made my thesis and experienced sleepless nights to accomplish all the projects and researches. And yeah! I could proudly say, I did it even if I was pregnant! So, getting pregnant doesn't ruin one's life or dream, instead it would help a person to achieve her goals. I graduated from the university on April 30, 2012 with a diploma and two trophies. 

I gave birth to my 2nd daughter on July 20, 2012 through cesarean operation again. I didn't experience any labor pain. I saw my daughter immediately after the operation. It made my life complete. 

"My one-day-old 2nd Daughter, Gnacy May"

As I saw my two daughters grew, it made me so happy. They really changed my life. When I was still single, I didn't know how to save money and to prioritize things. After having them, I prioritized the most important things especially their daily needs such as milk, diapers, vitamins, etc. And wow, it was very good to the feeling to provide all their needs. I didn't have any problems with their daily needs. Thank you Lord God for giving me healthy body to be able to work every day for 10 to 12 hours. One more good thing of being a mother is the moment my daughters called me "Mommy!" I was very happy seeing them closer with each other. Ate Gnacy Pearl was very loving and caring to her younger sister, Gnacy May. She was not selfish. 

"My Two Daughters Smiling with Each Other"

I wish I could hug them again. I was the happiest person the time I had them. I did a lot of things. I was so productive. I took another course in the other university as my 2nd course. I sent my sister to the university so I paid all her needs. I provided all the needs of my daughters. And yeah! I did it! The time we spend with each other was so short. I didn't expect that this would happen to me. My daughters were my source of inspiration, motivation, and strength. However, all of my dreams for them vanished. 

As a mother, losing them was the most painful thing happened to my life. I carried them for 9 months inside my womb. I raised them but they just disappeared. Sometimes, I told myself it was better to die from that super typhoon so that I couldn't feel this pain. I love my daughters so much. They are my life and my everything! My elder daughter was so kind. I didn't have any problems with her. She listened immediately whenever I explained something to her. My younger daughter was very loving to me. She was so beautiful. Her eyes was astonishing. I even asked God, "Why?" I know, I don't have the right to ask God but I couldn't really understand why did it happen to my family. 

"My Family"

Nevertheless, as a mother, I have to be strong for my family. The time I was very stressed, I kept on thinking about my family and my child inside my womb. It is really difficult to be a mother. I am not a wife material to my husband but I am a good mother to my kids. As much as possible, I provide all their needs. I will do my very best for the future of my children. As a mother, I become a great pretender! I am pretending to be okay for my family! I keep on smiling but deep inside, there is a pain until now and I don't know until when I will feel this. Maybe, I'll bring until my last breath in this world. At my early age, I experienced this kind of challenge. Maybe, this is my life! But for now, I need to be strong for my son - my new inspiration, strength and my life! 

"My Everything!"

For all mothers there, let us think of our kids. If we feel down, we have our kids who will make us becoming a stronger woman. I salute to all mothers who love and provide the needs of their kids! 

The Power of Listening

Yesterday, March 29, 2015, I attended a seminar with a theme: "The Power of Listening." The speaker was Luzlin P. Elcullada, R.G.C. The seminar was held in Cebu Technological University. It was an interesting seminar. 

"The Guest Speaker"

I was able to learn the importance of listening. Listening is the ability to  precisely receive and interpret messages in the communication process. It is key to effective communication and to avoid miscommunication with each other. Most of the successful people are good listeners.  Listening to someone who has problems is a great way to ease the pain of the person feels. 

I faced a big challenge in my life. Losing a child is the most painful thing I've experienced and I think, almost all people feel the same way, too. I was so stressed and almost had a depression. I didn't experience going to a guidance counselor. Nevertheless, I'm so thankful to those people who listened to my story. Most of them gave me some advices. The speaker in this seminar said that in a guidance counseling context, giving advices  isn't not applicable. All you have to do is to listen. 

"The Attendees Listen to the Speaker Carefully"

In "listening", there are don'ts and do's to be considered. In verbal response, the don'ts include major topic jumps and discounting or subtractive response. It is important to have a parallel talk. In non-verbal response, the don'ts are sharp body shift, yawning and looking at the watch. The person must be attentive and show that s/he is interested to the individual. On the other hand, in verbal response, the do's include listening for accuracy (clarification), listening for understanding (paraphrasing and reflecting) and listening for themes (summarization). In non-verbal response, the do's are (SOFTEN):

• S - smile
• O - open posture
• F - forward lean
• T - touch (when needed)
• E - eye contact
• N - nodding of head appropriately

For me, the part which I like the most was the closing part. The speaker showed a video. It showed the importance of listening. Two ears can form a heart. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the video on Youtube. I'll just show pictures of what I've seen in the video.

"EARTH"

"HEART"

"TEAR"

"EARS"

These different illustrations are interrelated. People are living in the earth. If we form different word from the word "EARTH", we could make a word "HEART". Heart symbolizes LOVE. Meaning, we fall in love with someone else or we love our family and the people surround us. From the word HEART, we could get a word TEAR. Talking about LOVE, we can't avoid having arguments or misunderstandings with people whom we love so much. Because of that thing, we tend to cry. Nonetheless, we could ease our pain if someone would listen to us. That's why, two EARS can form a HEART. 

As a wife, a mother, a sister, a friend and as an ordinary person, I must listen to someone attentively to help him/her ease the pain s/he experiences. Thank you so much to Ma'am Melgo for letting us attend this seminar. 

Are Dreams True?

Should I believe on my dreams? Is it true? What does my dream want to imply to myself? These are the questions I want to have answers. Dreams are defined as successions of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep. 

I lost my two daughters because of the super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). After the typhoon, I didn't have any chances to search for the dead bodies of my daughters. I went to Cebu with my husband on the next day due to my wounds. I didn't know what happened to my elder daughter. The last time I saw her was the time we were in the roof. She was holding the Holy Rosary.

"My Elder Daughter (Gnacy Pearl)"

After few weeks that super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) happened, I kept on dreaming about my elder daughter. In my dreams, she is alive. Someone told me that she survived and alived. I always dream of her but I had only one dream about my younger daughter. It was very short, maybe, just around 20 seconds only. I saw her smiling at me. I wanted to hug her. I ran towards to her and then, she suddenly vanished. I opened my eyes. I thought it was true! I tried to sleep again to continue my dream but there's no continuation of my dream. That was the last dream of mine with my younger daughter!

In the case of my elder daughter, I keep on dreamingof her. I shared it to my friends and they told me that maybe, the reason why I am always dreaming of her is that I always keep on thinking of her. Yeah! At some point, it's true. However, there are times that even if I don't think of her, I have a dream about her. She was with someone whom I don't know. Some settings of my dream are in the sea, in my hometown and in my university.

"My Younger Daughter (Gnacy May)"

I had a dream of her last night (March 28,2015). We were in my hometown (Mercedes, Silago). I called her name and she ran towards me. She hugged me tightly and I carried her. I was very happy to see her face. Nevertheless, my dream wasn't continued because my alarm clock rang.

I am happy at the same time nervous and worried. If my elder daughter, Gnacy Pearl, is alive, where is she right now? Is she in a good condition? Are those people adopt her kind? Lord God, please protect my kids. If she is still alive, please make a way that we will gonna meet each other again. I want to hug and to kiss her.

"This picture was taken few weeks before the typhoon"

 

"My Daughter and I"

I want to be happy with my kids. Whenever I achieve something, I'm not really totally happy. There's something missing. Lord God, I trust on you! I believe on you and I believe, "Everything happens for a reason and you have a better plan for my family!"

If Ate Gnacy Pearl is still alive, I hope the family whom she is right now is kind, loving and caring. That they will love and treat her as their own daughter. Lord God, please hear my prayers! I hope one day, someone will keep in touch with me to give some information about my daughter if ever she is still alive. You can reach me on my facebook account..  https://www.facebook.com/gnacymay.gnacypearl 

"Memorable Moment with my Daughters"