What's with No. 11?

There's something about the number 11.

I used to not mind it at all, that of seeing "11" constantly.  Until it became more frequent.  Until not a single day passes by without me seeing it less than 4x.  It doesn't creep me out. I'm just trying to find the meaning behind it, if there is any.

My birthday is on February 11.  That's the only significant connection I have with the number.  It's been 2 years now since I've been pondering to write a post about this but it's only now that I have gotten around to doing it.

Even before my husband worked in Malaysia in 2011, I would be seeing this number many times in a day. Our flight to Malaysia was last Sept. 11, 2011.  Was it coincidence that my seat number was also no. 11?  Well, I don't believe in coincidences.

The time I decided to write about my mystery number "11" and make it blogpost-worthy came when I encountered it 7 times that day.  (I should have titled this post "7-11", no?)  That morning, the first time I checked my cellphone watch, I saw  6:11 am;, timed-in at the office (digital finger-scan) at 7:11 am;  first instance to look at my computer clock at 11:11 am; 2nd instance at 1:11 pm; 3rd instance when I was preparing to get home and looked at my computer clock at 5:11 pm;  got home and looked at my cellphone clock at 7:11 pm.  Those instances were the only times that I checked out my cellphone clock.  Weird.  When I related that to my husband and daughter, they also couldn't make up the meaning of it, parang nonsense eh.  Husband advised me, "Itaya mo kaya sa lotto, baka manalo pa tayo."  Nyeh, pano kaya yun gawin 6 numbers for the lotto? 

There was a time I joined a contest where there were 100+ entries. My entry was among the 15 finalists chosen and my entry no. was no. 11.  I was so sure to win that contest because I thought my entry no. was a sign from God that I would win.  But, somebody else won the grand prize. Mali pala ang akala ko.             

Curious, intrigued, fascinated. I googled the meaning of no. 11 and found this (taken from  http://www.greatdreams.com/eleven/num11.htm):

Number Eleven possesses the qualities of intuition, patience, honesty, sensitivity, and spirituality, and is idealistic. Others turn to people who are 'Eleven' for teaching and inspiration, and are usually uplifted by the experience.  In systems such as Astrology and basic Numerology, eleven is considered to be a Master Number. Eleven can also represent sin; transgression and peril. Ten being the perfect number, eleven represents the exceeding of both. It is interesting to note that eleven when broken down ( 1+1=2) comprises the Two of duality. Number eleven is a master vibration and as such should not be reduced to a single number. People with this number could be both idealistic and visionary, and they are attracted to the unknown. They can be both unusual, interesting and magnetic personalities.
Eleven bring the gift of spiritual inheritance, is gifted as the "Light-Bearer". It is the number of the Light within all. Strengthened by the love of Peace, gentleness, sensitivity and insight. Greatest facility is the awareness of Universal relationship. Is related to the energy of Oppositions and the Balancing needed in order to achieve synthesis. Eleven is The PeaceMaker... Colours : Gold, Salmon, Prune, White and Black.

I don't believe in astrology or numerology. But, I would like to believe that my contantly seeing "11" is God's way of reminding me to be wary of sin and instead be a light-bearer everywhere I go.

Good taste, great pairings with San Miguel Lifestyle Brews

 

My family's latest escapade was a trip up north --- to the enchanting Ilocos Region particularly Vigan. We left the house at 12 midnight with my husband driving.  He drove and drove and drove until we reached Vigan at around 8 a.m.  I kept him company the whole time he was driving which meant I didn't sleep, too.  

Anyway this entry is not about our Vigan tour but what I brought to Vigan which I and my husband enjoyed before retiring to bed for the night -- San Miguel Lifestyle Brews-- San Miguel Malt Beer, San Miguel Cerveza Negra and San Miguel Super Dry. 

I thought it best to pair them with the best of what Vigan has to offer - their Chichacorn or Cornick, and Paoay's soon-to-be famous chips - their sweet potato chips and banana chips.  And I must say, I love 'em pairings!  

San Miguel Lifestyle Brews enhance the simple taste of Ilocos' chicacorn, Paoay's sweet potato chips & banana chips

I'm just an occasional beer drinker.  And our family trip to Vigan was an occasion that we surely celebrated.  During our stay in Vigan, we capped our 2 nights with a drink of San Miguel Lifestyle Brews.

San Miguel Premium Malt Beer was just the drink to have after a stressful day and yes, very tiring day, especially for my husband. I like its taste. It tasted good with the BBQ-flavored chichacorn we bought and the sweet potato chips.

 

Cerveza Negra was a bit sweet. There was almost like a very mild caramel taste to it, which I also like. This, on the other hand, went well with the salty sweet potato chips.

 

Super Dry, with its slightly bitter and malty taste combined with a bit of sweetness, had no aftertaste at all.  I was happy with it especially when paired with the banana chips and the chichacorn cheese variant.

For somebody who rarely drinks and could only describe beer as bitter, this experience of trying out San Miguel Lifestyle Brews, was a real treat!  I realized that there are far more better words and ways to describe San Miguel Lifestyle Brews' taste than the word "bitter".   

Well, these pairings enchanted me to no end. Thanks to San Miguel Lifestyle Brews for making our Vigan nights more memorable.        

  

 Drinking experience that's above the ordinary

 

 http://sanmiguellifestylebrews.com/

My Style Statement inspired by The Ramp Crossings

I'm one office mom. I work from 8:30 a.m.until 5:30 p.m. everyday in one of the banks in Makati.  In my position as an executive assistant to the president, it's a requirement to look corporate at all times. However, the usual dark blazer and skirt or monotone colored blazer and pants look can get pretty boring.  Oh yes, I do get bored with my look at times. 

I love bright colors. I love yellows, tangerines and the likes. But I don't want to get overboard or look like a corporate clown when I put together a look in the office (I'll leave that look to those twenty-something yuppies who work for a fashion or advertising companies). I still want to look my age when I dress up. I want to look conservative but not "manang-ish".  I want a look that's a little bit flirty but respectable.  Well, I hope you get what I mean.  I want some contradictions in my style.

So, to achieve that style, I incorporate a bright color to a classic corporate look and combine different cloth textures like the one I did below.  I name this style, "Contradictions."

 

 

The shoes:

Hill- The allure of a stiletto heel can never be denied as this 3 ½ pumps prove. This pair will complement a balloon type dress or skirt.

The jacket and the inner top:
Crystal Lemon Jacket-  The bright yellow color looks preppy, young and vibrant which fits my personality. 
Inner top-  The black inner top complements the happy colored jacket.  The inner blouse is highlighted by the sexy cuts on the neck area.   

The skirt:

Gia V Skirt- Fleur-de-lis, Holiday 2012’s top trend gives the mini skirt a new spin. Made from lace and layered with tulle, this is a great piece that looks a bit conservative and classic yet sexy because of its texture and length.

"Contradictions" fits my personality so perfectly.

This is my style, put together by pieces from THE RAMP CROSSINGS.

 

http://www.therampcrossings.com/

I Can Be Body Beautiful at Any Age with Wacoal

I'm so thankful for winning Php15,000 worth of Wacoal products 3 months ago for joining a blogging contest.  I have always believed in the excellent quality of Wacoal intimate apparels.  I just love how they hug my body.      

As a mom who has 3 kids already, it's difficult to keep a firm and toned body.  I won't deny the fact that even at my age, I still desire to look great and lose all my "flabbiness". Wacoal undergarments have been helping me solve my body aging dilemma.

Wacoal's high-waist girdle helps me look like I just had a tummy tuck all of a sudden. Their shape pants and body suit helps sculpt my body.                  

Nothing beats the feeling I have when I’m wearing, not only perfect-fitting and high-quality, but nice and pretty undergarments. It makes me feel so good inside and that good feeling just comes out, thus making me more confident.  I can say that with Wacoal, it's never an excuse to be flabby just because I'm a mommy.     

http://www.wacoal.ph

Let’s Move & Let’s Love

 
Eversince I graduated from college and started to earn my own keep, I have this desire to do something about the plight of our street children and contribute something (tangible items and non-tangible items) to an orphanage. Orphans and abandoned kids have a special place in my heart maybe because I'm an orphan myself. 

When I was still single, I would join my brother and his family to a Noche Buena food-giving project to street children or to those just living in "karitons". Soon after, I organized a similar project right before Noche Buena. But this time, I enjoined my yuppie friends who helped in preparing and distributing the food to street children. To be honest, it was tiring but more than that, there's always this feeling of blessedness when I'm involved in doing some acts of charity and kindness. There’s joy in my heart when I give a part of myself to others and I guess this holds true to everyone who’s been part of a similar undertaking.   

    

This Christmas I would like to take action once again to bring joy and happiness to an orphanage that I've been wanting to revisit since the first time I went there. What I' ve been planning to do is not at all grand but a simple gesture of "giving". I would like to actually organize/put up a garage sale before Christmas from which all proceeds would be used to buy pajamas, clothing items, maybe some blankets, for the kids in the orphanage. I would like this "Giving Event" to be part of our family holiday activities starting this year.  We don’t have much to begin with, but we have been blessed far more than what we deserve. It’s about time to share part of our blessings to others.                    

Together with my husband and three daughters ages 12, 6 & 3, I would spend one whole afternoon at an orphanage this Christmas, feeding the kids, playing and mingling with them. I would like to give them my love and warm embrace even for a short time. I believe doing this would make our Christmas more meaningful and fulfilling. This is also one very effective way to teach our children the true meaning of Christmas. 

   

And maybe this single step would be a start of fulfilling one of my dreams... that of putting up a children's orphanage. I guess, if we all start doing something for others (sort of a pay it forward thing) and start thinking of other people more and think of ourselves less, then I believe, this world would be a far more better place.

This is my official entry to Nuffnang's & Benetton's "Let's Move & Let's Love" Blog Contest.  

http://perfumes.benetton.com/

Be Derek's New Anna!

To be honest, last night was my first time to hear the Anna Banana song. It was also my first time to see the following videos due to the fact that my TV viewing time is close to nil. 

The Rejection

   

The Admission of Admiration

The "Pity"tion

And here's my reaction to Anna's rejection of Derek's admission of admiration to Anna

Well, I don't have a video for this but I find Anna conceited and nasty.  With her off-putting attitude, for sure, she'll end up having no friends and being tagged as one of those MEAN girls. If I were Derek's mom, I would make him see that she is not the right girl for him... I just don't know how.

I like how Derek's family is sensitive to his feelings. They didn't over-react just as what other parents have the tendency to do, most especially if their "binatilyo" is a mama's boy. 

Derek deserves a nice girl.  He doesn't deserve someone like Anna Banana, even for a friend.  He deserves someone who is sweet and kind-hearted like my daughter, Nina. I'm not saying that Derek' new Anna should be my daughter.  All I'm saying is that Derek should look for someone who has the same qualities as my Nina. 

 

The Invitation 

So, to all my girl readers, I invite you to Be Derek’s Next Anna or maybe help him find his next Anna by going to http://www.dereksnewanna.com/. 

All that must be done is for the Anna wanna-be to submit a video entry on why she should be Derek’s new Anna! If she wins, she'll be part of the next PLDT myDSL commercial and also take home a Samsung Ultrabook. 

Energizer and Nuffnang Power My Life

Energizer and Nuffnang power my life through their innovative and exciting products and events which enable me to be one indefatigable mother-blogger!    

In terms of having a frenetic schedule (one that is frantic and hectic), nothing can beat that of a working mom's. I belong to this world. My schedule revolves around juggling a career, children, a spouse, family and friends. A tough job, that is. But I am glad that I have learned to perfectly balance work and family.

Having three active kids helps a lot in keeping me on the go. I play with them every moment I get. I love to teach them every chance I have. They are active children and their love for learning and music is enhanced through the toys they play with.  Oh how they love to sing mimicking "Taylor Swift" and "Katy Perry" using their battery-operated microphones. They love to play with their "almost real" kitchen gadgets.  Thanks to Energizer for powering up the things they love. Whenever they ask me to buy batteries for their toys, I always rely on the long-lasting Energizer.  In fact, I keep a stock of Energizer batteries at home, not only for their toys but for a lot of our home gadgets like my husband's ultimate favorite piece of gadget - the remote control.  

On my end, my digicam, which is a gift from hubby and my most used gadget, uses rechargeable Energizer batteries, too. I bring it with me everyday, everywhere I go. It is a prized-possession because it is through my digicam that I can capture memories and moments with my family.  Energizer batteries never disappoint and are very reliable. Because of this, I get to share these photos of just anything under the sun or freeze these memories through my blog.  Nuffnang powers up my blog.  It makes my blog much more alive.  Being a mother-blogger is much more exciting with Nuffnang. I love to attend Nuffnang events and join contests sponsored by Nuffnang.  

So, what's the similarity between Energizer and Nuffnang?  I say, it's the adventurous spirit of those involved in these two brands. They are innovative and exciting.  Oh yeah, they keep us going, going, going ......     

Makers of the World’s Longest Lasting Batteries

 

Be Body Beautiful with Wacoal

Read on so you'll know why I posted this picture first ...... 

“Mom, why are your boobs sad?” That was what my 5-year old daughter, Noelle, asked me one night after seeing me stepped out of the shower.  At first, I laughed so hard at her curiosity.  Then, I stopped laughing and wondered what she meant by “sad”.  Did I hear it right?  Sad or Sag?  Oh well, it didn't matter, really. I guess, they mean the same thing anyway when referring to breasts.  I was just in denial.

Groping for an answer, I just explained to her that my breasts used to store milk for her and her two sisters when they were still babies. Yes, I used to pump breast milk for the three of them and she remembered seeing me express my milk for her little sister, Nala.

Days passed and I had forgotten about that funny conversation I had with my daughter until one night while we (me and my 3 daughters) were watching a Titanic DVD, the painting scene between Jack and Rose brought it all back ----  

Noelle (5yo): (shocked and in amazement) Mom, why is the girl naked???!! The boy can see her boobs!!!  Eeeeewwww.

Nisi (12yo):  Yeah.... and the boy is painting her??? 

Nala (2yo):  Eeeewww...Eeeewwww…Eeeeewwww.

I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it or put malice into it so, I just explained to them casually that the boy, Jack, is a fine artist who has a knack for painting and drawing naked women because of the curves of the body. 

Well, I should have stopped there.  But I didn’t.

Me: Look, the girl is just like mommy. We have the same beautiful body.

Then, immediately I heard words of protest from my girls.  My 2-year old even looked at me, bewildered, as if telling me, “Mama, it’s baaad to lie, right?”

Noelle:  Mom! The girl there is sexy and her boobs are big! Yours are small….and sad.  (Uh-oh, I heard that adjective again.)  

Nisi:  And your tummy and thighs are wavy, just like an ocean.  Look (taps my tummy). See how it moves…it’s like a wave.  (Giggles) 

Nala:  Mama, I’m shekshy....you’re taba.    

My daughters are my worst critics! I wanted to shout “ENOUGH ALREADY!” But, we all ended up laughing. Oh what a night. It was the night when my 5-year old daughter’s observation regarding my body and boobs was validated.    

So there, that’s my shocking body aging story…straight from the mouth of my babies.

A week after my daughters lambasted my body, I went on a 7-day cleansing diet.  While I lost some pounds and a few inches on my tummy and hip area, the loose skin on my tummy is still evident. I’m still flabby. I still have lots of cellulites. I have to accept the fact that my body is, indeed, aging. My body is definitely losing its elasticity and my skin is starting to drop which reminds me of what my daughters said about my boobs – “sad” (huhuhu) and yes, my hubby’s constant comment on my body, “Nanay ka na nga.”  Whatever that means.

  

I still want to look great and fit into those sexy cocktail dresses (I know my husband will love me more). But at my age (I’m 43) and with all my “flabbiness”, I know it’s not gonna be easy. But, I also know that certain undergarments can help solve my body aging dilemma. I know Wacoal can.   

Wacoal was introduced to me by my sister (who used to obsess over the brand) during the time that I first wore a bra.  I think my first bra was a hand-me-down Wacoal from my sister. I used to buy Wacoal bras when I was still single. But, things changed when I got married and had kids. I've been putting off buying things for myself since then. I know a lot of mommies can relate.    

Just last week, I accompanied my 12-year old daughter to her first “bra-shopping”.  As I was choosing some undergarments for her, I couldn’t help but admire the underwear pieces from Wacoal.  I wanted to buy for myself, especially their high-waist girdle that can help me look like I just had a tummy tuck all of a sudden and can sculpt my body. I wanted to buy their shape pants, body suit, and their very pretty and lacy intimate apparels.  There were so many I like!                  

I love the feeling when I’m wearing, not only perfect-fitting and high-quality, but nice and pretty undergarments. It makes me feel so good inside and that good feeling just comes out, thus making me more confident. Well, it has been a while since I felt that way.   

I know I’m not getting any younger but I know that what I wear inside and outside matters a lot in making me feel young. I took notice of Wacoal's Campaign, which, by the way, is very empowering -- "Be Body Beautiful at Any Age".  It's great to know that Wacoal has intimate apparels which can address any body problem depending on your age.  With Wacoal it’s never an excuse to be flabby and have a “wavy” body with a bulging tummy just because I’m a mommy.               

I have three wonderful girls and I want them to be proud of me. I am conscious of the fact that they look up to me and on my part, I hope I can inspire them to be the best that they can be, in every aspect of their lives. I want them to be confident and positive all the time. And when they see those qualities in me, it is likely that my daughters will have these same qualities.

And, yes, before I even forget...I wanna have "happy" boobs, again :-)     

Above photo taken 2 years ago. I wasn't pregnant here, okay.  

 Above photo taken an hour before I got married. I was 30 years old here. I think I had an OK body then.

What a difference 10 years can make!

To know more about Wacoal's Be Body Beautiful at Any Age Campaign, visit  http://www.wacoal.ph/mvc/

My Sexy Revolution Starts NOW

A copy of my 7-Day Weight Loss Diet Program

As I write this post, I'm already on Day 2 of this 7-Day Weight Loss Diet Program.  I have been following this diet plan twice a year for the past 6 years.  It has been effective in cleansing my body of toxins and impurities.  

 

I remember the first time I tried this diet, I wanted to kill somebody on Day 1.  I was irritable and grumpy.  I was craving for real food!  To think that I love fruits.  Towards the night, I felt so weak and my vision was going dim.  But I managed to sleep it off.  

Day 2 was no different.  My cravings even grew stronger but since I was determined to lose some belly fats and stop my sweet-cravings for a while, I persevered.  On Day 3, my cravings were slowly fading. My grumpy mood was also no more.  Days 4-7, likewise, weren't smooth-sailing but nevertheless, I completed the 7-day ritual at first try!  

And just like all endeavors, the first time was always the hardest. Not only was it my first time to undergo a detox diet, it was also the first time ever that I subjected my body to a diet program and a strict one at that.  Kudos to me!

I agreed to it, thinking that I won't really "sweat it out" since I love fruits and vegetables and I have no problem with drinking lots of water, anyway.  But still, I underestimated the diet in terms of difficulty.  But hey, I completed it and I liked the result.  I lost 10 pounds and some inches on my tummy and hips.  But more importantly, I felt so light. Since then, I had decided to do it twice every year.

I have been asked about this diet several times and happily recommended and emailed it to officemates, friends, family and countrymen. I still have the original print-out or copy of this diet, but unfortunately, I cannot remember anymore who gave me the print-out or where I got this diet from. I guess, aside from other issues, Alzheimers is one thing that this diet cannot address.

And speaking of issues, I admit, that this diet is not perfect and I’m not sure if it’s a healthy diet.  Remember, I starved myself for 7 days. Yes, it was effective to me but I don’t know if it’s a healthy way to lose weight. In fact, your weight can easily revert back to your weight prior to dieting if you don’t watch  what you eat and your cravings start again.  I even think that the weight loss is just probably water loss.

I also hate the loose skin on my tummy after completing the detox diet. And yes, my cellulites are still there all over my thighs and hips. They’re very unsightly especially when I wear a bikini.  I can’t even explain the look on my hubby and kids’ face when I wear a two-piece.  Oh yes, I can explain – the look on their face tells me, ”Babe/Mom, please stop embarrassing us.”

You see, my kids are my toughest critics when it comes to my body and form. Yes, they can be very unforgiving. They describe my tummy and thighs as “wavy” (like the waves), in Tagalog “ma-alon”, when I insist that I’m one sexy mom.  I’m that delusional, you see.

Everybody wants a toned body or firm skin. Even a petite working mom like me dreams of having a to-die-for body like that of Georgina Wilson's. I can dream, can't I?  At 43, everything is sagging already.  But I cannot imagine myself going under the knife in order to "un-sag my body".  For one, I’m afraid of knives. Second, I’m afraid of being operated on.  Third and most importantly, I don’t have a budget for that. That's why I’m glad that now, I have the chance to win Sexy Solutions treatments such as:

• 1 session Lipo Cavitation
• 3 sessions Multi Firm  (this one I truly need!)
• 3 sessions Body Sculpt
• Consultation from Belo Medical Group’s In-Store Consultant and Fitness Expert Edward Mendez.
• Lipo Diet and Maintenance Diet Plans and a Training System

from Belo Sexy Solutions, which  I believe will address all my body and fear issues (www.sexysolutions.com.ph).

And oh yes, it’s also nice to have a brand new set of wardrobe from Zara (one of my favorite shops) if I win. A brand new wardrobe for a brand new “sexy” body --- well, that calls for a big celebration!  

Sexy Solutions is a non-invasive fat reduction clinic that has machines that can (1) melt fat in stubborn places, (2) tighten loose skin and (3) tone muscle.  I like that it’s non-invasive, meaning, they don’t have to cut me.  Yehey! 

I also like the fact that Sexy Solutions has in-house consultants that can help me with my nutrition and fitness regimen.  They can surely guide me on how to stay fit and sexy for the rest of my life without starving myself.  They can help me bid goodbye to my flabby tummy....weeee!! So happy!  And yes, have a body like the one of Hot Momma's (see FHM cover below).  Hahaha!

Don't be fooled!  This picture was photoshopped, of course.  I had our company artist do some magical tricks on my tummy, hips, thighs, arms, and cheeks.  I wouldn't dare post on this blog of mine the untouched version. This was taken 5 years ago. I had only two daughters then...now I have 3 :-)              

  How I wish I can have that body and do that pose (see poster above).  Well, who knows? Maybe after my Sexy Solutions (Wink, wink).

Summer is definitely more fun with NIVEA SUN! My top summer wonder is Pagudpud beach.

The first time I've been to this place, I couldn't help but be awed by God's creation. I told myself that only God could make something as beautiful and mesmerizing as the island of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte. Its pristine beaches are simple yet spectacular. The place is truly a paradise.

What I love most about Pagudpud beach is the fact that here, you get to really see, experience and appreciate the beauty of nature. I remember a moment during our stay in a resort in Pagudpud, I was sitting on a bench and I felt the serenity of the place. It was as if my soul was one with nature. I loved that feeling! This is what I wrote in my mini notebook about that particular experience where I was lounging on a cozy bench underneath some short coconut trees ---

"I have the most beautiful view of the endless sea -- SPECTACULAR! The sound of waves lapping on the shore combined with chirping of the birds...they are indeed music to my ears. This is life! I'm in a very relaxed and perfect mood just like the sea -- calm and perfect.

Everything here is simple. This is just a reminder that life isn't at all complicated. Thank You, God, for this feeling of serenity and peace. Thank You, God, for this vacation."

Never have I seen such crystal clear blue waters like Pagudpud's. It was stunning.

Never have I seen such breath-taking sunset as when I viewed it along the shores of Pagudpud beach. It was glorious.

The trip to Pagudpud may be long but take my word for it, it is like an oasis at the end of a very, very long ride. The journey to this oasis is already an experience on its own because you get to bond with your family during your exciting road trip while enjoying the many beautiful sights along the way. It’s a long drive but well worth it.

Traveling to Pagudpud gives life to the famous quote that says, “It’s the journey, not the destination that counts.”

We surely enjoyed the destination as much our journey to that destination. The road may be too long but in the end... the journey is the destination.

Join the on-going Nivea Philippines 7 Summer Wonders contest on FB and get a chance to win NIVEA Sun gift packs, Charina Sarte swimwear, SONY products or a trip for 2 to the Ultimate Summer Wonder! Just click http://www.facebook.com/NIVEAPhilippines/app_180716052039522 to join and vote now!”

Greatness Starts @Home

I have always believed in its power. I have always been awed by its results when uttered sincerely. I have always believed that it is our greatest weapon…bar none. Yes, it can move mountains! I’m talking about PRAYER.

Our daughters (ages 12, 5, 2) know how to pray. In their own simple words, they will not hesitate to pray when asked. In our home, prayer is what fuels our faith and deep relationship with God. It is our oil of greatness in fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives.

I remember the very first prayer each of our daughters said. They were neither made of impressive words nor taught and memorized from school, but a simple bedtime conversation with God.


I remember my eldest told me about how she received compliments from their religion teacher because of the prayer she said during one of their classes. And from that moment on, she would oftentimes be asked to lead the prayer. I was elated!

I remember an instance when our 5-year old led the prayer before meal time. While her hands were clasped in prayer and eyes closed, she asked God to bless our food which she enumerated one-by-one – “Bless our rice, liempo and vegetables.” She then continued to thank God and went on...and on...and on...with her prayer until our eyes turned white because we were already so hungry, hahaha! Nevertheless, I was impressed!

I remember when our 2-year old joined us in prayer one Sunday morning. Hand-in-hand we took turns praying and when it was her turn, she excitedly opened her mouth and whispered oh so softly, “Jishus… bess papa, bess mama, bess ate Ishi, bess ate Wowel, we wuv you. Disisis shhis name, amen.” I was amazed!

By teaching them to pray, I know I am preparing them for greatness because no less than the power of God is unleashed when we pray. It is like giving them a firm foundation to stand on when the world tries to knock them down. Prayer certainly makes our spirit indomitable.

For a mom like me, our child’s achievements and milestones no matter how trivial they may be, are worth celebrating. Who wouldn’t be a proud parent if their child is an Einstein in the making (okay make that Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs?), or can rival the art of Leonardo da Vinci, or someone who can solve a rubix cube puzzle in less than a minute (wow!), or a bemedalled athlete at a very young age, or is being groomed to be the next greatest performer the world has ever known? I know, I would.

But more than achieving these great feats, my heart’s desire is for our daughters to become what God wants them to be – that to me is true greatness. This is the very reason hubby and I want them to be in touch with God daily through prayer even at a very young age. We want prayer to become very much part of their lives, as much as it has been to me and hubby.

I firmly believe that it is only in humility, when we admit to ourselves and realize that we need God and that apart from Him we are nothing, that we are in our greatest element. Only then can we achieve moments of greatness. We don’t have to make a big splash in order to be regarded as great. We can be great in little things – being a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear to a troubled friend, making a person smile, opening a door for someone – the list can go on and on. These are the little things which accumulate into true greatness.

“One kernel is felt in a hogshead; one drop of water helps to swell the ocean; a spark of fire helps to give light to the world. None are too small, too feeble, too poor to be of service. Think of this and act.” Hannah More

Greatness comes from within. It starts and is very much nurtured at home. There’s a great truth in the saying - “Give me the child until he is 7, and I will show you the man." Everything we teach our children, every value we instill in their young minds will form the person they will become. These are the same values they will take with them through life. I cannot overemphasize the importance of having a happy nurturing and above all, God-centered home, for our children to grow into greatness.

We know our daughters can achieve great things but I believe that with prayer, they can achieve the impossible. Just like what the last 4 lines of the poem says –

For the pathway before me
My heavenly Father knows,
And I'll trust him to unfold it
Just as He unfolds the rose.

And He will unfold the rose.

This is my official entry to Globe's Greatness Starts @Home Blogging Contest. To find out more, click this link http://tattoo.globe.com.ph