Can you really have it all?

Lines from The Buzz May 19, 2013

Grech: You really can’t have it all. I mean she has a good career, she’s got loving friends and children, parang… hindi talaga perpekto ang buhay.

Toni G.: Pero I feel that, you can have it all, when you have God, kasi you will satisfy your every needs, kasi tayong mga tao, we always try to find our happiness here in Earth like magiging masaya lang ako if I find a partner or magiging masaya lang ako pag natupad ko yung pangarap ko. Once you accept that God can satisfy all your needs parang ok na…

Vice: Hindi pwede maging perfect ka. Pag naging perfect ang lahat, baka kasi isipin mo wala ng Diyos, kasi wala kang kailangan eh, di mo na kakailanganin ang Diyos.

Makes sense!

We can’t hold o…

We can’t hold on to people forever…

A Night with A1 in Cebu ♥

This same day last year, we never thought one of our teenage dreams will come true. A1 was in Cebu for the first time. It was beyond my wildest dreams and expectations. I couldn’t contain my happiness and excitement. I couldn’t believe they have landed already the Philippine soil and in my very own hometown and have been here for a while… Days passed but I still have not seen them.

Til one day, I got the news that they will be playing at the Magellan’s Pub that night. That would be my first and probably the last time to see them. They will be leaving soon. I texted all my friends who happened to be A1 fanatics way back our highschool days to come with me, but sadly, they all declined. It was already evening. Time was running out. I haven’t found someone yet to go with me. I almost wanna give up thinking I will never be seeing them. I prayed so hard. “Lord, I don’t wanna miss this chance”. I’m going to regret it the rest of my life. Pls give me someone to go along with me. I must be very loved by God to hear my prayer in an instant! I texted my former officemates & boom! One replied, “I’m going with you!” It was Karen…

Karen: What time will we meet? Where?

Me: Let’s meet now! As in now! Jolibee-Hiway. I’m on my way!

(***agad-agad??? lol)

Karen: Why did you just tell me now?

Me: I didn’t know you were a fan! lol.

This still made me laugh whenever I look back to those times, crazy times!

And so we were there at the Magellan’s Pub. The place was filled with foreigners and no vacant seats! OH MYYYYYYY!!!

The guard told us to leave the place since they can no longer accommodate more customers. In my head, NOOOOOOOO WAYYYYYYYYY!!! I’m not leaving!!!!!!!!!! It’s NOW or NEVER.

Karen with her wit and charm talked to the guard, “Give us more time to look for empty tables.” Sure their will be other customers leaving the place moments from now”. After a few minutes, the guard told us that if we can convince that one girl in the corner to share a table with them (she was with a foreigner guy) he will not force us to go. I can still remember how we begged to the girl. So funny!

“I will ask my partner first if it’s ok with him.” She told us. “As for me, no problem.”

The guy whom she shares the table with at that time was in the restroom.

After a few minutes of waiting, the guy arrived. The girl whispered to him something. He took a glance of us and we were like glued to where we are standing, waiting for his approval. I knew that he can sense it in our minds how much we’re begging.

The girl faced us, smiled, and signaled OK!

We were the happiest!

We’re saved now. lol. We promised not to disturb them and just think as if we’re not existing! We told them, we’ve waited for this moment to see A1 in person. And thanked them for letting us share their table. It’s been 12 long years. The American guy was amazed. He couldn’t believed our obsession! haha.

After a few hours of waiting, A1 walked in… Shouts and screams filled the air. People taking pictures, (some are fans, some are just curious mind chatters) wanting to shake their hands and touch them.

A1 seated at the very corner of the pub. I manage to follow them. I really wanna see them up close & personal. But Manong guard takes the scene again. (panira ng moment!) He blocked my way.

“Maam, we prohibit going to that area, sorry…”

Me: huh?!? (Sigh*)

One Norwegian guy saw me wanting to come in and told the guard, “Oh, let her in!” (me smiling- nakahanap ng kakampi! LOL) And he let me in.

Following A1 upon their arrival to the pub. I was taking pictures of them, running after them to their seat. When Mark saw me with all my effort to get a picture of them, he turn to me and said…

Mark: Hi! How Are you?
Me: (starstrucked): Oh, Hi Paul! Can I take a picture of you? (he strikes a pose)
*seconds passed…
Mark: Let me see (holds my camera)
Me: Oh, blurry One more time pls!
(Mark was very kind to pose again)
Me: Thank you Paul!

The first attempt was blurry.

The second attempt was close to perfection! yeah, ha!

Waahhhh… Wen I get back to my seat, it was then I realized it was Mark I was talking to! Can I disappear now? lol. I was so starstruckeeeed that I forgot his name! (What the?!?)

But to tell you the truth guys, Mark was very friendly and very nice to the fans! I took a pic of him twice. It was so nice of him to oblige to my request of taking a pic of him the second time around!

A few hours later, A1 finally stepped in the stage. “This is it”, I said. You can just hear the loud screams and shouts (kilig much over the cuteness of these 3 guys). They’re already in their 30′s but it seems like they’ve never grown old. And we never outgrow loving them and getting chills, and having butterflies in our stomachs whenever we see them. It was just like yesterday when they occupy our teenage fantasies! lol. And they still do up to now.

They sing their hit songs, “Everytime” “Heaven by Your Side” “Take on Me” “Caught in the Middle and of course the most requested and crowd’s favorite “Like a Rose.” And they never fail to capture our hearts with their lovely and angelic voices!

Christian and Sara (Ben’s gf) having a duet here…

It was indeed a night I will never forget!

They we’re just a fantasy I had 12 years ago. I have only seen them on TV. I have only sing along with their songs when I’m all alone in my room. I have only scream and shout over the cuteness of Ben Adams ♥ in my dreams when he was only 19 years old while I was 13 back then. In short, they only exist in my dreams for more than a decade. And tonight, this very night I never expect I would be seeing them in the flesh! Touch them, talk to them, shake their hands, and sing along with them, no longer in my dreams this time but for REAL! And it’s all because I served an amazing GOD with whom all things are possible! It’s still worth 12 years of waiting… One of those nights I sure will never forget! ♥

(P.S. Thank you to these two people who were God’s instrument so we can see A1 (the girl with her American boyfriend? maybe). We don’t know where they are now, but thanks a million!

They even paid the bills for the food that we eat that cost a thousand bucks! lol.) How lucky is that?

(P.S.S. Other admins (Mark and Katrina) were also there during that night at the Magellans Pub, shouting and screaming with us (most probably) but we didn’t know them yet. We were not yet friends back then.

I even captured a pic of Admin Kat (LawRa Read) here… and Mark as well (see second pic above, the one wearing the blue stipe polo shirt).

Hmmm… destiny? haha.

Admin Kat (@LawRa Read) caught on cam! hehe

while Me & Karen here…

And of course, I’d like to thank one very special girl whom I believe was the main reason why our dreams find its way to reality after 12 years. Many thanks Miss Sara Skjoldnes! Thank you for bringing A1 to Cebu! You have no idea how many dreams have come true because of you!

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

After few months, A1 went back to Cebu to do a benefit concert for the Younglife Foundation. Here we are now, with our beloved A1!

We’re living the dream! ♥

(Dreams do come true! You just have to wait, and trust and PRAY! There is a time for everything!)

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Love,

Ericka ♥

AFTER THE PAIN…

(Writing this real life love story for a friend who’s getting married soon. Best wishes on your wedding day!)

I’ve been to so many relationships in the past~ failed relationships I must say before I finally meet the man who would change the course of my life forever…

Before I meet him, I was in a total heartbreak, my heart was badly broken that I thought I would never love again and get married. But this one man changed my whole life’s perspective. He let me feel that he was there, willing to pick up the broken pieces of my heart to make it whole again, like it was never been broken. Indeed, destiny has its way of surprising you with people and exciting events that you thought would never ever happen to you.

So now, let me tell you our real life love story…  and this is how it all began…

Back in those days when I felt like the whole world was on my shoulder… I was down, lonely, depressed and extremely heartbroken beyond words. You see, my boyfriend has just passed away leaving me nothing but sweet memories of love that didn’t last to his promise of forever… My dream of becoming his wife and having a family with him will never ever come true. Not in this lifetime… Those were the hardest times of my life. I was in grief… desperate…and the recovery I’m getting seems taking so slow.

Then came along this man who would prove to me that there is joy after all the pain and heartaches… I had my first encounter with him through Facebook. His name was Angelo. We were online friends but I didn’t really know him personally. He was from Leyte and I was from Cebu. I haven’t really met this guy before and wasn’t really interested in the first place.

He started liking my posts on Facebook and commenting on my statuses. And then suddenly, just so suddenly, he caught my attention.

He knew that I was in grief that time. All my posts were referring to my boyfriend who just passed away. He knew that I was mourning. He knew that I was undergoing a process of recovery. He knew that I was so depressed and heartbroken. And he was there, like, willing to listen to my sad stories and non-sense cries… The sleepless nights and all the tears I’ve cried, he endured listening to it all. He offered me the best gift anyone could ever give me at that time~ a listening ear and a heart that’s willing to understand the pain I’m going through…

I never thought those simple acts of friendship and care would lead to a deeper and more serious relationship we will both someday share. Since then, he never left my mind. The next thing I know, he crossed the other side of the island bound to Cebu for business matters but other that that, to see me. He asked me if I could go and meet him at the terminal. But I was very hesitant to show up. I don’t feel like going there. It was I thought, was such a wrong place at a wrong time. There were a lot of barriers also and it ended up not meeting him that day. And I thought to myself, maybe it was not meant to be… 

He went back to his province a little disappointed for not seeing me. But more than the feeling of disappointment, he was impressed by the gesture.

We continued chatting on Facebook and talking via Skype. Our relationship grows. That was all the communication we’ve got at the moment, somehow relieved, but I it can never really replace the feeling of being in each other’s arms.

So he find a way. This time he was sure. This time he was more persistent. And this time he was determined to do whatever it takes to see me. He had to close his office in Leyte for a week just to go to Cebu and meet me.

And finally, destiny allowed our paths to crossed and yes, for the first time!

He made the most of that one week to spend time with me, get to know my circle of friends, my family. Love truly knows no boundaries…

Our relationship grows stronger and deeper each day despite the distance till such time I had the courage to introduce him to my late boyfriend’s family as my new boyfriend. It was not easy… I don’t want them to think I have replaced their son in my life in just a very short span of time after his death. It’s not like that. Noel, my late boyfriend will always hold a very special place in my heart. It’s just that, I have to find my own happiness as well. I’m sure that’s what they want for me too. And I’m glad they accepted him with open arms. I can’t bring their son back to life anymore; I can only uphold the memories.

I was very impressed to see him go to my boyfriend’s grave to ask for permission about our relationship. I was very very relieved. No more holding back about anything. No more fears. There was joy in my heart beyond compare. It was almost perfect. I felt like I was touched by an angel knowing I have been given the blessings of both very important people in my life~my late boyfriend and his family.

Then one day, came the biggest surprise of my life.

Angelo has the habit of holding my hand, touching my fingers and pressing it gently. Nothing special. He used to do that to me many times… But it was beyond my knowledge and expectation that those simple gestures would bring out the biggest surprise of my life. One day, he was holding my hands, pressing my fingers like he used to, and placed a ring on my finger asking me the most magical question every girl longs to hear, “will you marry me?” It was the best moment of our lives. How could I ever say No?

Everything went so well since then. This man, my boyfriend, who is soon to be my husband, meant everything to me now. Forget the past and all the heartaches. It’s great to wake up each day with him by my side and face tomorrows knowing there is someone to walk with you in this journey. I knew he was the angel God has sent me all this time…

I know it all went by too fast… I didn’t expect it either… But love truly is magic itself. You don’t know when it will pass you by and when it will take your heart captive forever…

This is my story. Thank you to all the angels in my life~ my family and friends and God for showering me with so much love. I will stay forever in love with this man whom I now call husband!

Thank you for sharing this very special day with us! 

With Lots of Love,
Ann and Angelo

Grandma,

“I miss your smile and I still shed a tear every once in a while… And if tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane, I would walk all the way to heaven to bring you home again…♥

excerpt

Life’s Uncertainty Vs. God’s Goodness

As I sat down on that usual and familiar study table one evening, my thoughts about a lot of things began to unfold… anxiety for the most part.

And as silence started to break free inside the house, I come to reflect on life’s uncertainty…

So many questions boggling my mind.

Mixed emotions arise— fear, doubt, uneasiness.

Fear to live, fear to die, fear of tomorrow—fear to look at the horizon for I might not see  a clear and bright future ahead of me.

I fear to look forward to another tomorrow for it might spell a sweet goodbye from a friend or a loved one.

I fear to look forward for next year, for it might be painful to say farewell to my college friends whom I spent so many precious memories for 4 wonderful years.

I fear to look forward to another day for it might bring a tragedy- like a lost of a family or a friend and it might take the rest of my life to heal and recover.

I fear that tomorrow might be the end for me, and that I might not be able to fulfill my life’s purpose and walk through till the end of my life’s journey…

I fear to look forward to another tomorrow for I would be old enough then and that I would have to live life on my own.

I fear to look forward to another tomorrow for it might be too harsh to deal with and that I might not be able to endure the pain and accept some harsh realities…

And when times like these came knocking down, how do you step up and take a leap of faith?

Those times of uncertainties brought me into a realization that I don’t serve a God curved and crafted by human hands who’s so insensitive of my needs and prayers, of my fears and worries…

“For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.” (Matt. 6:31-33)

Those times of uncertainty brought me into a realization that GOD, maker of heaven and earth, the one who holds the universe, only wants what’s best for me.

“I will never stop doing good for you.” ( Jeremiah 32:40)

Those times of uncertainty brought me into a realization that tomorrow may look uncertain, but God’s plan for my future is to give me prosperity in virtually every area of my life.

“My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Those times if uncertainty brought me into a realization that I served a God whose love for me is so great- that is far beyond my human comprehension.

“I am your father and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.” (John 17:23)

Those times of uncertainty brought me into a realization that I’ve got a God who is close beside me when my heart gets broken and needed some company.

“When you are heart-broken, I am close to you.” (Psalm 34:18).

Those times of uncertainty brought me into a realization that the God whom I served does care and shares with my sufferings.

“One day, I will wipe away every tear from your eyes and will take away all the pain you have suffered on this Earth.”  (Revelation 21:3-4)

Our worries, fears and doubts are no match to His infinite grace and unconditional love.

Let’s all come to the Father when trials seem to push us to the point of giving up. He does have rest for our souls. And when life’s worries begin to strike you, be still, a God so loving and so powerful could never be out of control.

♥

Someday….

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

I’m gonna find my own JACK DAWSON ♥

 

Photo credits to: Titanic in 3D (Official Fan Page)

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/TitanicIn3D

Titanic in 3D: Falling inlove with the movie, again and again… ♥♥♥

Photo credits to: Titanic in 3D (Official Fan Page)

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/TitanicIn3D

10 years ago, I told myself if I become rich, I would rent the entire cinema so I could watch this movie in theatre-style. Back in 1997, I was only 10 when this film was first shown and never had the chance to watch it in the big screen. Now, I never thought I don’t have to spend a thousand bucks just to fulfill that childhood dream! Yes, I have watched TITANIC in theatre today! And it’s in 3D! With the best of special effects, you say! Haha

And it never fails, the film still got me teary eyed even though I have watched it a hundred times already! LOL

The difference is that, the movie house’s is dominated by silence- no shouting, no screaming, no surprises! People have already anticipated what is to happen next. I’m sure it was not like this when it was first shown in cinemas back in the 90’s… I was so excited to watch the film that I don’t care if I had to watch it alone! LOL Bet I was the only one who came there to watch by myself! Some went to see it with their friends. And I saw, mostly couples. But what amazes me the most is there were two old couples, hand in hand together who came to watch the film! Sweeeeeeeeett! ♥ -guess they were huge Titanic fans!

15 times in 15 years and still counting! Will I still watch it again? That’s for sure! Haha!

I will forever be in love with this movie! ♥

Photo credits to: Titanic in 3D (Official Fan Page)

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/TitanicIn3D

See more Titanic story here:  Enjoy!

http://yourfragileheart.wordpress.com/2011/09/25/titanic-and-the-depth-of-my-story/#comment-24

Heart of worship

I’m not a singer.

I’ve never been gifted with a good singing voice. But it’s always good to know that our Father looks at more of the heart than what the mouth can only utter.

…it’s been a while since we do this.. it always feels great to sing with you again after many years…  ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫

Church fam ♥

I may not be so “show off” about how I feel and I may act as if I don’t care, but deep down inside, I wish I could let you know just how happy I am when I’m with you!

“We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun! ♥ ♥ ♥