Pope Francis Thank you sa Malasakit

We were all very blessed because Pope Francis visited the Philippines.  In that 5 day journey everyone waited patiently to have a glimpse of the Holy Father.  We all attended mass and listened attentively in his homily.  We were all fixed in our TV sets feeling the holiness of Pope Francis.

After that visit, what's next for all of us?

I didn't have the chance to see Pope Francis personally but I patiently waited and watched TV and listened to the radio to know the latest update about Pope Francis.  Even if I know he can't see me, I waved my hand when he arrived and went out of his plane, I waved when he was in his pope mobile, I prayed in his mass and clapped with joy with his homily -- again -- after that what's next?

In the 5 day visit of Pope Francis, I learned a lot! But let me share with you the top learnings that I got!

1. Family is our foundation - no matter what we do, family will always play a big part in our growth as a person and as Christians.

2. Simplicity - we don't need to be glamorous and seek attention from other people.  We have to stray away from material things that eventually eats our personality.  We have to be simple.

3. Ask for help - when Pope Francis said that we need to learn how to beg, the first thing that came to my mind was that we need to learn to ask for help.  We are not perfect and we cannot do everything on our own and thus asking for help is the way to go.   This might be easy to say but it is very difficult to do simply because many of us thinks that we can do everything on our own.  Remember: asking for help is not a weakness but a realization that we are not perfect.  Even Pope asked all of us that we continue to pray for him, he knows that asking is a form of strength!

4. Share your blessings - If we have extra money then giving something to our brothers and sisters is a good thing, but we don't need to be rich to be able to share.  We can give our time by visiting the orphanage and making them feel that they are loved.  We can give our wisdom by patiently listening to our lolos and lolas at the home for the aged.  We can share our knowledge by teaching the out of school youth for free and helping them achieve their dreams. Most especially sharing ourselves without asking anything in return.

5. Feeling in Silence - when Pope Francis talked to the people who were stricken by typhoon Yolanda, who've lost their loved ones, source of living, houses and more, Pope Francis said that no words can make the situation any lighter because what's lost is lost.  What he did was to be silent and feel the same feeling as these people.  Sometimes, it's more appreciated if all feel in silence.

I will never forget this visit! Not because I saw Pope Francis in person but because of the learnings that was given to me.  The inspiration to be the greatest person that I can be.  The challenge to share the love of God to everyone!

I hope that this visit will last forever, not in physical appearance but in our lives!

Xoxo

2014 Hernandez Christmas Party

It's a yearly thing! Every Christmas, it is a must that we all get together for a reunion and a whole lot of fun! That's how HERNANDEZ celebrate the season of loving and giving!

It has been two years in a row that we celebrated our get together at Maria Paz Resort in San Pablo City.  

This is where both children and adult can enjoy because aside from the swimming activities for the kids, adults can have time to just relax under the sun by their cottages and grass.

For this event, we rented three gazeebos.

Of course foodies will not be missed.
What we do is that each family will bring a dish (voluntary) and we all did!  Buti lahat ay naki cooperate. :p

Picture taking can never be avoided.

Before we start the program, we have to fill our stomachs first..

Then on to the games..
Mama and I will always be the game masters because we really love games!!

Kids were tentatively and excitedly listening to the mechanics.
They are all my nieces and nephews and inaanak! Oh my, I feel so old!

My first game is "Bring down the Cans".
With the help of a ball -- all they have to do is to throw the ball and bring down all the cans! That easy!

The kids enjoyed and so I want to make sure that the not so young peeps will also enjoy! and they did! Go Ate Kay!

The second game is "Dig the coin"
A container has several gold coins and there were all covered with flour.
They just need to dig and get the coins without using their hands!
They were all very competitive!  Go Erika!

The third game is care of Mama Inday!
All they need to do is to stack the paper cups until they reach the starting point!
Go Go Rachel and Gillian!

Now the fourth game is all about me and Sweet!
We were busy discussing (with smiles) on how we will implement this game with the help of my trusty pink luggage (from Malaysia)!

The balloons have prizes inside it.
There were cash prizes and cellphone loads!

All they need to do is to pop the balloon with the use of dart pins (Thanks Papa Gary for buying them!).

We started the game with the kids!
Careful with my luggage kids!
More energy Chobe!!

Let's see if Aaron will get it!!
Nice shot there!!!
KL: Tabi kayo jan kids at baka kayo matamaan!!!

Ofcourse hindi magpapa talo ang mga matatanda!
Buena Mano si Tita Ninang Lynley!
Look at how they were all lined up!

At more players!

At the end some won cash and some won cellphone loads.

The most anticipated part of the party is the exchange gift and gift giving.  The kids, even the adults were very happy with what they received!

It will always be fun hosting our yearly Christmas Party because I see a lot of joy in it!  The next Christmas party will still be held in Maria Paz and I am sure that it will be a hit!

Xoxo

January 4: Araw ng magaganda! ^_^

No matter how busy we are, I always make sure that every year we will celebrate our birthdays!  I am excited every start of the year because Louise and I celebrates our birthday first! 

Yes -- for those of you who are not aware yet -- Louise and I have the same birth dates, January 4 and we were both normal delivery (so no interventions done).

With that, I am very lucky to always celebrate with my Twin! Yes twin kase Hindi naman kami nagkakalayo ng edad! Mga isang dekada lang! Hahaha! 

On to the simple celebration.
This year, we decided to celebrate at Arabela.  It was my first time there (taga Laguna Ako pero first time) and we celebrated with our immediate family! 

Arabela is located at Liliw Laguna and is 2 hour drive from Angono Rizal -- road trip muna bago ang kainan.  The restaurant opens at 11:15am and when we arrived there was already a long queue and we need to wait for our turn. Instead if just waiting in line, we decided to roam around the shoe stores! For those of you who are not aware, Liliw is the shoe capital of Laguna!! We waited for at least 45 minutes I think! 

When we were seated it was very easy to choose from the menu, simply because all were best sellers!  I can now attest that they are great food! 

They have pasta, pizza, rice dishes, fish, steak, salad, pastries, shakes and coffee! 

Their famous Puding!

Kesong Puti Pizza

It is always great to eat with family in a great restaurant!!

We will sure go back to Liliw!! 

Xoxo

Happy Friday: Kasusuweldo palang Ubos na!

Most of the time (or every time), one way or the other, we say this statement.  I am also guilty about this one and I am confident that this year will be different.

I am not a financial advisor, I don't read much of those financial books but I know how to save.  The problem is just execution! I know that you will all agree! 

This is the first book ever that I read about planning my finances -- although I have read a lot online -- this book still gave me some fun facts and tips on how to save money!  

Let me share with you some simple tips that I have learned with all of my readings and experience! 

1. Do not spend more than what you earn - meaning
 "kung sweldo mo ay enough lang para bumili ng Nokia myPhone Reo (5k din yun ha -- at meron Si Louise non), wag ipilit bumili ng iPhone".
 " Kung ang sweldo mo ay enough lang para bumili ng Secosana, wag ng bumili ng Louise Vuitton" -- don't get me wrong, I have 2-3 Secosana bags of my own and I love them!

2. Learn to use alternatives - don't always go for the brand! Everyday, I drink coffee but I don't choose to drink Starbucks everyday and so Nescafe 3-1 solve na Ako!  If 168 clothes can give the same glamour and comfortability compared with branded clothes then go for it.  There are a lot of alternatives and the only question is if we are willing to take them.

3. Know how to prioritize - like in studying, we know which subject is more difficult for us and thus we a lot more time in it. Same as with spending our money -- if we know that paying the utilities on time is important then we will a lot our money to that first before buying luxary items like new clothes or bag.  

4. Make savings on top of mind -- most of the time (or almost all of the time) savings comes up last to our priorities.  Some books says that "we should at least save 20% from our salaries" -- I say that this is the ideal! If we cannot afford the 20% then reduce the percentage.  Ang mahalaga meron paring savings!! 

5. Reward yourself - sabi nila sobrang tipid ko!! Even my Malaysian friends would agree but I know how to reward myself.  If I want to congratulate my self and Sweets, I would tell him "Starbucks Tayo!".  I would give myself a great pair of glasses kase alam ko ginagamit ko siya everyday (Thanks Kay Sweets sa pag share sa expense na yan!).  See -- savings does not mean that we should deprive ourselves to the things that we are capable of buying -- its just a matter of spending our money wisely.

The list can go on and on and on but I'd rather skip the itsy bitsy ways of saving and focus on the realistic ones!! How about you? What are your tips???

I challenge you all -- starting this month let's all make sure that we will not say " Kakasweldo palang ubos na!"

Xoxo!! 

2015: My Birthday Thanks!

I am celebrating my birthday year on year and this is the first time that I will document my "Birthday Thanks"! 

First, I would like to thank Him for a very...

Healthy
Pretty
Gorgeous
Lovable 
Adorable

Me!! 

Ahem! It's my day so I can say whatever I want to say (like how my family tolerates my very drastic and out of tune singing voice!).

Second, I would like to thank my FAMILY! 
No one can take them away from me that's why I always make sure that I take care of you! I hope I am doing a good job in this area because I am really doing my best to make you all happy and even laugh about my hideous and sometimes (or most of the time) corny jokes! 

Third, the family that I choose, MY CLOSE FRIENDS!
I may not see all of you all the time but all of you are always close to my heart! You are considered as my close friend if you see how sophiticated, err, clumsy I am and that I am not afraid that you'll see!  That even if we are miles and miles apart it will always feel like yesterday when we meet! 

Fourth, to a successful CAREER!
Successful means - very good and supportive boss and mentors, great team and a career that I truly love doing!! 

Fifth, again to Lord Almighty!
I will not reach this age if I did not receive the guidance and blessing from HIM. HE, who made all things possible!!

Here are my top five "Birthday Thanks".  The list will just go on and on and I am and will always be thankful for the blessings!! 

Happy birthday to me and to Louise!! 
I bet she is also very thankful for her Birthday! 

Xoxo

How about your Last Year's Resolution?

Another year, another list of resolutions...
How does it all start and end?

Let me share with you one of my last year's resolution list and the outcome.. I'm proud that I was able to cross out some items and I'm challenged to do more this year and improve myself! 

Before creating your New Year Resolution this year, make sure to look back at what you have listed last year and cross out what you have accomplished. 

Good luck to us! 

Xoxo

2015: Is New Year's Resolution still in?

Green and Red are the lucky colors of the year but do we just believe in luck? My answer is YES and NO because it all DEPENDS!

I look at luck as a inspiration that something good is really coming but I stick to my own belief!  Sabi nga nila "Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa", therefore, success is not just luck - it is a combination of hard work, opportunity, readiness and timing!  It will not happen overnight but will happen through time. 

Our New Year's Resolution is all about success! Family, friends, career, money and a lot more -- we all want these aspects to be successful and the key to success is US! We need to do something to make sure we achieve the success that we want and we can always kick off our New Year with a bang!! "Pang pa energize kung baga!"

Now, if you have a wide list of resolutions (even if it's not New Year) then the best way to start is with Ourselves! 

I started by spring cleaning our room? How about you? What's your plan?

Xoxo