My Father Eagle

She considered herself like an eagle

Always soaring up high albeit the storm

She knows when is the perfect timing to wiggle

Reminding herself to stay calm and relaxed in any form.

Just like an eagle so mighty,

She takes the risks and go forth her dreams

Circumstances may come along her way,

She never loses hope for her heart is set aflame.

But what would she do

If one day she finds out everything turned out blue?

Her hopes went down.

Her aspirations were crushed.

Her motivations vanished.

She broke her wings

And fell mercilessly in the ground.

She felt so hopeless

And all she could do is shed out her tears heavily.

It was the most painful thing that happened to her journey

The people who once gave her strength and inspiration 

Were also the ones who doubted her and turned her down.

Yet, her Father eagle stood by her side despite it all.

He was cheering her up reminding her the battle isn't over yet.

He picked her up and gave her enough strength to carry on

And now she is ever stronger and fearless to make it through.

Twenteen

“It doesn’t matter how long you’ve lived, what matters is how well you’ve lived your life to the fullest in the eyes of God” is a piece of advice I got from my Ate du

ring my birthday. My twenteenth birthday was celebrated in a simple yet a remarkable way with my family.

It’s Friday! As soon as my mother got off from bed, I noticed she kissed my forehead and said “Happy birthday dai” and that made me smile. I continued sleeping and when I woke up, father greeted me and gave me a big envelope. Wow! I screamed at the back of my mind. An envelope and greeting cards came in my mind. Indeed, I was right. When I was about to open and read the contents, I found myself teary eyed. I can’t help it because I know they have sacrificed way too much for me but still, they gave me something so special. When I first read it, the words didn’t mark in my mind and in my heart and so I set it aside and told myself I will reread it before I will sleep. 

I wasn’t that thrilled during the first part of the day. It’s as if it’s just an ordinary day after all not after my mother bought some ingredients for “bam-i” and some bones for “linat-ang bukog”. A little celebration for my very day!

Before eating our dinner, they sang a birthday song for me. At that instance, I felt grateful for everything. Something stirred my heart. I appreciated the simplicity of life and the gift of having such family by my side. I was alive again! After eating our dinner, we had ice cream. A birthday celebration atmosphere! Simple yet joyful. 

When I was about to sleep, I remember I have to read the letters again. After reading it, I head to bed but I found it hard to sleep that night. I asked for Mama’s phone and I texted my two elder sisters about my day and I also thanked them for remembering my special day. I then go back to sleep because we will go to the city the next day.

Tic-tok! Tic-tok! Tic-tok! It’s time to wake up and prepare myself for a family day and part two celebration of my birthday. Heeeeee! 

The itinerary would be first offer mass in Sto. Rosario Church then we’ll go to SM for lunch, movie and games and rides. We found out there was no 10AM mass so we went straight to SM and had our lunch at Cabalen. Extravagant restaurant once in a while according to Ate. :D After having a sumptuous meal, we continued the next plan and that is to watch a movie. We chose This Guy’s Inlove With You Mare for the reason that we want to have a good time laughing and just laughing. My hopes didn’t go down. It was indeed a very humorous movie! We just laughed and laughed to the pick-up lines of Vice Ganda and the comical scenes of the rest of the casts. The movie ran for almost two hours. We really had a great time watching. And now the last part of our original plan was to play games and have a ride. The exciting part! I will ride the bump cars this time and play my favorite game, the shooting or basketball game. Aweeeee. Bumping other cars was a lot of fun. Sometimes, I hit them or the opposite. Next stop is the shooting game! I reached stage three and my hands were already shaking and hurt. I also played other games including the piso machine and I gained lots of tickets. After playing, I then presented my tickets to the counter to redeem the points. Mama chose the Anchor milk worth 727 tickets and exchanged the rest for candies. Poof! It’s getting late. It’s now time to offer mass at Basilica del Sto. Nino. Sad to say, when we arrived there, the next mass is scheduled one and a half hour later. So we just prayed there and finally head home. I felt relaxed and complete. 

Now that I have reached the line of twenties, I should formally bid goodbye to my teenage days, my childish ways and everything unbecoming for a lady. I thank God the Almighty for letting me reach this age, for all the blessings He bestowed unto me and my family and for the upcoming blessings too. I praise God that because of my depression, I discovered more about myself. I am grateful for having an imperfect family yet a family that will never ever abandon me. I am indebted to those friends of mine who didn’t judge me right away. At the present, I am still working things out in my own way. I am building again myself and my personality. Step by step, I know I can make it for there is no wrong time to do the right thing. 

To God be the glory! 

When Love Overtakes Friendship

We were once so close

Just like we were being glued.

Always there for each other,

When one needs a sister.

You always consult me with your problems,

And I always say something to your matters.

You do your best to be a good companion

While I also show my sweetest appreciation.

Yes, we were once that kind,

A friendship that is so hard to find

And time may keep us apart,

No one can take away the memories in our hearts.

My dear friend, I have loved you for so long

Our friendship makes me strong.

When I am down and weary,

I know I got somebody,

When people throw me like a trash,

I got you with just a flash.

When I have a new buddy,

You always remind me that you are somebody.

Oh how time passes us by so quickl

yWe were once young and crazy!

But now, we are certified ladies!

Dear friend, am I truly deserving of your treatment?

Since then, I was thinking endlessly how to cure this ailment.

I forgot that I was also broken hearted

Just to mend your heart and keep you comforted.

I sacrificed my time for you,

Just to keep you out of the blue.

If you didn't need my presence in the first place,

I should haven't engaged myself in such race.

But let me remind you one thing,

In this course of life,

I have learned one thing:

"At the end of your life, you are a victim of the choices you've made."

I didn't let our friendship go to waste,

But you just threw it in haste.

I didn't want to see you crying,

But you made me feel like I am dying.

I tried to call your attention,

But you didn't bother my intentions.

All I want is to be there for you,

Just like what a true friend should do.

But if you don't love me anymore,

Then I'd rather not care forevermore!

Love and friendship

What is really the best choice?

Friend, before you met your lover,

You said friends forever!

I didn't let you choose between love and friendship

It's like who you should save when you're in a sinking ship,

Because in the first place, it's sad and true

YOU'LL CHOOSE HIM WITHOUT ANY FURTHER ADO!

The Myrtle Experience

It is truly a tough endeavour once you have invested your trust to a dear friend, a family member or to a special someone and then, it gets broken. Trust is just like a glass, it is delicate and fragile. You have to handle it with care because the moment it has been given to you, you now own certain responsibilities. Trust, a five letter word is a serious case.

May 22, 2012--I was pissed with our smartbro broadband because I cannot access to the internet and as I was preparing to sleep, I checked the time and found out that PBB Teens 4 is still on air. I went to the sala and tuned in and luckily, my hopes didn't go down. I saw the father of Yvez in the confession room talking about Yvez and with the way he handled his matters with girls. I also heard his Dad giving a fatherly advice not just for his son but for the rest of the teenagers out there. With the kind of conversation he and Kuya had, I predicted that there must be something wrong with what Yvez is doing in the house. Certain episodes were presented, there I saw Yvez and Myrtle, and they were in the sofa. Yvez was asking her if saying I love you is wrong and she strongly said, yes because one cannot simply tell if it is already love.

 

Later on, Kuya talked to Yvez and asked him what the day today is and if there is something special happening in his life. There you go, he said it is their monthsary and he wants to sing their song (When I'm With You) as a monthsary gift. After recalling the song, he made a face palm just because he remembered that he actually let Myrtle sing that song for him. He then grabbed his guitar and asked Ryan to cover him. They went to the sala and asked Myrtle and Mariz to go to the bedroom first so that they can concentrate. While playing the song, the boys didn't have a clue that the two girls can actually hear them. Mariz kept on teasing Myrtle about the song, that Yvez must have prepared a surprise for him and that it is so kilig. Myrtle was carried away and so they went to the sala and Myrtle hurriedly went near to Yvez. Yvez then said to her that they must go back to the room because they had just broken his presentation for his bestfriend. The look of Myrtle's face, one can really feel how disgusted she is, how disappointed she is. You see, with just a flash, she discovered how such a guy made her a fool.

She then went back to the room and realized that the song Yvez just sung was the same song he asked her to sing weeks ago. Wow, that was fantastic. How could a guy asked a girl he liked inside the house sing the song which is the theme song of him and his girlfriend? Way too insensitive, right? Yvez was again asked by Kuya what is the true status between him and Kim. First, he said they were just bestfriends. Second, he said, they were in a relationship before because they fell for each other and lastly, when Kuya said Kim confirmed that Yvez is her boyfriend, Yvez then said that they are really in a relationship. Bravo, very well said Yvez!

The pieces make sense now. Myrtle then went outside and talked to the girls. She was crying and blaming herself. She accused herself being the third party, the man stealer which is so untrue. She recalled on how guys treated her before that at the end of day, still nothing happens. She even said that is the very reason why she doesn't like to entertain Yvez in the first place but because he explained to her that he didn't have any affair outside the house, she trusted him. Of course, I do understand how she feels. We can't deny it, Yvez is good looking and charming.

While Yvez was inside the men's bedroom, a voice prompt was played. Viola! Kim greeted Yvez a happy monthsary. Poor Yvez, he was trying to apologize Myrtle but then again, another unexpected thing happened. But well, every action there is a corresponding reaction.

You see guys? Why is it very easy for you to make fun of us, especially our feelings? Just because you are the ones whose going to chase us doesn't mean you now have the permission of making us believe in your lies, in your made up stories. Just because you are guys, and that society dictates that having lots of girls make you masculine doesn't mean you have to adhere into it. Just because you have the license of confessing to the girl you like about your feelings doesn't mean you have to express them drastically without even making it sure it they are real. Just because you are good looking, talented, you got that sizzling sex appeal doesn't mean you have to collect all the girls you like and those girls whom you can victimized too.

I am not only talking to all the guys out there. For us girls, the experience of Myrtle serves us a big lesson too. We don't have to undergo what she has undertaken, just reflect upon her experience and you'll see how hard it is when you are not thinking practically. She was even blaming herself, and I can really feel her because I have undergone being deceived too. The sad part is, we were the ones being fooled but then, we ended up feeling guilty. This is the reality; people will come and hurt us. But it doesn’t end there. They may have broken our trust. They may have tested our patience. They may left us in the end. But heads up, smile! The bright side is, they may have played, hurt, tested and fooled us, but at the end of the day, they injected lifelong lessons in our hearts and we will become stronger than ever. J

God Wanted Me to Serve

God Wanted Me to Serve

-Frances Carmille Alpuerto-

A once active girl in the ministry lost the burning light of serving the Lord when she was discouraged by their Parish Priest but regained the burning passion to serve because of Kergyma Conference 2010.

Serving in any religious community has been a common thing for me. I grew up seeing my parents very active in different Church related activities. At a young age, I was exposed to Catechesis, Kids Ministry and Chiro Youth Movement. Way back then, I thought being a part of an organization is enough. I was contented by just being a plain member but when the elder leaders left, I have felt the call to serve and lead the Youth Ministry in our town.

I began serving and shepherding the young ones and eventually found happiness in what I am doing. It was almost perfect not until our parish priest was reassigned to another town. I cried every night and I could not buy the idea that he will leave us. He was very supportive to our needs, very active in engaging our activities and very youthful. My hopes crashed and my passion to serve went down to the lowest level.  I just can’t go on without the ever supportive priest we once had. I could not accept the change that is about to come. And so, I did what the quitters most do, I gave up in serving the Lord.

My first year in college came and I felt restless. “Something is lacking in me,” an inner voice inside is telling me. I don’t know where and when to search for the missing puzzle in my life. I had many friends, I got good grades, I was mentored by good people and yet, the happiness I feel won’t last. Sad to say, I settled for a happiness that is just temporary. And so, I told myself, “This time, I won’t dare to give up in my quest for a happiness that is ever lasting.” God eventually heard my longing, upon going home, I saw a poster in our bulletin board and it talks about the Kerygma Conference 2010. Without any further ado, I saved the contact numbers and reserved my ticket. I have felt God’s presence at that time and was really thankful for tapping my shoulder.

Because of Kerygma Conference 2010, I was able to hug my favorite preacher, Bro. Bo Sanchez.

Because of Kerygma Conference 2010, I was restored by Jesus.

Because of Kerygma Conference 2010, I was able to live a new and happy life.

Because of Kerygma Conference 2010, I was able to recognize the presence of God in my life.

Because of Kerygma Conference 2010, I am now attending Feast Cebu.

Because of Kerygma Conference 2010, I found the joy of serving God again.

Truly, God has indeed ways of rekindling our hearts to serve and be with Him again. Now, I am in a journey of preserving the burning fire, the passion to serve, the everlasting happiness and a stronger faith in God. To God be the glory! J

Niabot Ka Sa Panahon Nga AKo Wala Nagpa-abot

Niabot Ka sa Panahon nga AKo Wala Nagpa-abot

-Balak ni Frances Carmille Alpuerto-

Kinsa man ang nagdahum

Nga ikaw akong ika-kita

Nga ikaw akong mahigala

Nga ikaw akong mahigugma

Tinuod ba gayud diay ang ilang gina-ingon

Nga ang kalibutan pirte rang gamaya?

Buot ko nga ikaw masayod,

Dako ako ug pasalamat sa Labaw sa Tanan

Nga sa kadaghang tawo niining kalibutan,

Ikaw ug ako nagkahimamat,

Ikaw ug ako nagkahigugmaay.

Karun, kung ako mag-inusara

Dili ko gayud malikayan

Nga mo-dalikyat ug pahiyom ug

Napamatud-an ko na gayud

Nga ang kalibutan pirte rajung gamaya.

Ang Dalan sa Kahayag

Ang Dalan sa Kahayag

-Balak ni Frances Carmille Alpuerto-

Sa paglakaw nato niining panaw sa kinabuhi,

Daghan tang mga dalan na maagian.

Mga nagka lain-laing tawo aton ika-saksi,

Mga nagka lain-laing panghitabo atong masulayan.

Usahay sa atong paglakaw,

Kita mahidagma.

Usahay sa atong paglahutay,

Kita mawad-an sa paglaum.

Usahay sa atong pagpanginabuhi,

Kita mo dili sa mga pagsulay sa kinabuhi.

Huna-hunaa O, higala ko

Sa atong dagan sa kinabuhi,

Lumalabay ra kitang tanan.

Busa buhata ang tanang maayo

Para ikaw dili magmahay sa uwahi

Ug subay sa kanunay sa dalan sa kahayag,

Ang dalan na magtudlo natu sa kalampusan.

Ikaw Gayud

Ikaw Gayud

-Balak ni Frances Carmille Alpuerto-

Sa panahon ako nahidagma,

Wala gayud nimu ako pasagdi.

Sa panahon nga ako nag-inusara,

Wala gayud nimu ako biyae.

Sa panahon nga ako nagkinahanglan sa imong presensya,

Wala gayud nimu ako pakyasa.

Sa panahon nga ako nahikalimot kanimo, 

Wala gayud nimu ako kalimti. 

O, Ginoo ko!

Nganung na ingon ani man ako?

Ikaw ra gayud unta ang bugtong mahalon,

Ikaw ra gayud unta ang hilabihan sa tanan nakung panahon,

Ikaw ang labing pasalamatan,

O, Ginoo ko!

Ikaw lamang gayud.

Thanksgiving Prayer

Thanksgiving Prayer

-Frances Carmille Alpuerto-

Lord, on this day, grant us the humility to recognize all the gifts you have given to us and to acknowledge all the reasons we have to be grateful in our lives. It is so easy to let daily trials and tribulations convince us that we have little for which to give thanks but nothing could be farther than the truth. 2011 was indeed a year of a perfect combination of trials, test of faith, unending blessings and miracles.

Almighty God, thank you for the gift of life. Often, we take our existence for granted and don’t see it for the miracle it is. As millions of Filipinos face poverty and our nation seems to be more selfish, thank you for those who care in our lives and for the generosity of strangers towards those in need. 

Oh Comforter, we know it is difficult to be thankful with tragedy and economic storms battering our country, but we refuse to give in, to become callous and to lose faith. With the knowledge, we know that we can make this a more bountiful land again. Also Loving Father, we thank you for the presence of one another. May 2012 be a year for us of more blessings, new relationships and stronger faith in You. All of these we ask and give thanks in Jesus name. AMEN.

Obeying God Despite the Odds

Obeying God Despite the Odds

Frances Carmille Alpuerto

One of the most important ideas found in St. Matthew’s gospel is that God expects us, His people to obey Him. In these pressing times of confusion, clash between what is right and wrong and people being led to the wrong way, we must continue to seek God so that we will have the time to discern what God really wants us to do for in Matthew 3:15, “We must do all that God wants us to do.” God’s message for us is very clear and that He only wants us to just obey Him because we are a part of a Church bounded with the love of Jesus the Christ.

 To obey God is really a tough thing. It sounds so effortless yet when we are put in the actual situation; we have the tendency to back out or decide that our own desire will be followed instead of His will. We sometimes have the attitude of insisting our wants and at times, we neglect God’s better plans for us because we think that our desires will make us blissful and complete. Because we are all human beings, we must be constantly reminded of what is truly important and what will make sense in our existence. Life is the most precious gift we have received from God but it doesn’t mean that we have all the freedom to run our lives the way we want it. The source of everything is still the boss, the boss who only desires what is the best for us.

How can we truly follow God if the world you are living right now is filled with darkness and if we are just thinking of ourselves? Here are my three simple tips that might help you in this struggle.

1.      Be discerning.

Always reflect the daily happenings in your life and ask yourself, “Have I done something good today that will glorify God’s name?” or “Did I obey what are God’s plans for me today?”

For Catholics, in my spiritual family The Light of Jesus, we have the Didache which is a day by day reflection of God’s Gospel. If you want to be more discerning, then this book will surely help you and in return, it will also enrich your knowledge about God and on how you can face the challenges in your everyday life.

Matthew 7:13 “But the gate to life is very narrow. The road that leads there is so hard to follow that only a few people find it.”  (CEV)

2.      Be humble.

You cannot follow what God wants you to do if you cannot humble yourself. Remember that God’s plans for you are always greater than your own.

Though humbling yourself is a tough job, you must always put in mind that those who humble themselves will be exalted and those who exalt themselves will be humbled. The only way to reach the top and have your dreams?  It all starts by being humble. By being humble, you acknowledge that your efforts will pave through someday because there is that big God above who will lift you up.

Matthew 5:3 “God blesses those people who depend only on Him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven.”  (CEV)

3.      Be trustful.

Trust in God that He only wants what is the best for you and always wait for His time because His time is and will always be the best time.

How can you dream big and follow His will if you are filled with unfounded fears in your heart? It is our lack of trust in God that hinders in doing what is right. Know that by always following the path of light, there is God will back you up no matter what happens.

Matthew 6:34 “Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.” (CEV)

Indeed, you can never be called His follower if you cannot obey Him! Life is all about journeying with God in accordance to His will. Enjoy and celebrate life with God! J