The key to a RESTFUL TRAVEL is seeking GOD

All of us, working professionals, are always looking forward for some vacation time, at least, once in a year. Some would like to have it spent with their families; some with their friends, and some would opt to be alone. But, no matter where you are or who you are with, don’t forget that the goal of every vacation is to REST.

REST, as I define it, is a moment or period of physical and mental peace in which a person can regain his or her holistic stamina. Even in the sacred scripture, God encourages His disciples to stop and have some moment of rest. For what purpose? To regain their zealousness after the exhausting demands of evangelization.  But, aside from the “regains,”our period of rest should also be an opportunity for us to give, that is, giving ourselves to GOD, the Source of all-good. In other words, rest, to be worthwhile, must reconnect us to GOD.

While on vacation, make sure to leave all the “baggages” behind that can possibly create the noise which can hinder our connection to the Divine.  Let us focus on the positive such as the beautiful sceneries around. A silent place, coupled with a silent heart, can amplify more the Voice of God. And, when we hear His voice, we must listen and decide to heed; because only by our total surrender to His HOLY WILL can we experience “rest for our weary souls.”

A HUSBAND'S PRAYER

Father in heaven, I praise you for giving me a wife as wonderful and Godly as she. Give me a patient heart to faithfully love her; the way Your Son patiently and faithfully loved the church. Give me a humble spirit to be of tireless service to her; the way Your Son humbly and tirelessly served the church.  Give me the strength to be always ready to die for her; the way Your Son willingly accepted death for the sake of the church. Give me the courage and might to protect her against all dangers; the way Your Son courageously and mightily protected the church against the malice and deception of the evil one.

And Finally, Father, please grant me the grace to be a Holy Husband. Remind me always that my fidelity to her is my fidelity to You. Keep me in Your sight and teach me to be a better husband in each passing day. May Your Spirit be upon me always so that I may lead her, and our (future) children, to be in Your loving and grace-filled presence. This I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.  

Written by: R.L.F.

SABANG X ZIPLINE: Where everything is BLUE and GREEN

Aside from the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour, we also tried the ZIPLINE adventure in Sabang. Going there will require some calory-burning walk, because of the 30-minute trek up a hill where the starting point is located. The adventure costs around Php. 500 to 550 (forgot the exact amount). They offered two zipline positions, namely: sitting and "superman." We tried the sitting position because it is much cheaper compared to the other one. After all, one can still have a 360° view of the BLUE and GREEN environment regardless of the position.  BLUE for the ocean and sky; and GREEN for the island vegetation. 

 

Sabang Mangroves Paddle Boat Tour in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Our paddle boat tour in the protected area of sabang mangroves is really unexpected. This only came up as a suggestion from our tour guide so as not to waste our time waiting in the long queue of tourists going to the world-famous underground river (FYI: the sabang area serves as the "gateway" to the underground river). We grabbed this opportunity of exploring the area, since according to the guide, a very rich biodiversity is thriving there. The tour costs around Php. 300 to 400 per person (forgot the exact amount) and inclusive of a boatman and an exclusive local guide. It is interesting to note that the paddle boat operation there is part of a community-based forest management efforts of the local government in collaboration with some non-governmental organizations. The locals there earn, while protecting the environment. They also earn, while educating the tourists about biodiversity and conservation. 

God’s "special" agents

Note: This is another out-of-topic post which I find worthy of sharing, so we can look at life in a different perspective and realize how blessed we are.

RLF: Children are God’s blessing. They are the source of countless joys not just in every family, but also in the respective communities where they belong. 

My youngest sister and my nephew are both Children, BUT with special needs. My sister is diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay and Seizure Disorder; while, my nephew is diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay, Seizure Disorder and Cerebral Palsy. Imagine, two members of my family are suffering from these neurological disorders whose permanent cures are not yet known to this date. While there are many people who are sympathetic and empathic with the kind of situation we are in, there are also some who are insensitive and judgmental.  

SHUT NOT HER WOMB: How Infertility can affect me, my family and my country

 Note: This may be out-of-topic, but I find this article (written by my husband) to be worthy of sharing. After all, dealing with infertility is currently part of our married life's JOURNEY and TRAVEL. 

The purpose of marriage is to create a family – complete with a child or children.  I am married to my wife for more than four years now, but the blessing of having a child seems far-to-be realized. My wife was diagnosed with uterine myoma and a total obstruction or blockage on her left fallopian tube. With these reproductive conditions, our doctor told us that my wife’s chances of conceiving is at 50%. Adding to our painful agony is the reality that my wife is also increasing her age. It is common knowledge that as a female ages, fertiliy drops. And so, my human mind tells me that our time is running out.  This article hopes to initiate social consciousness about the alarming rate of infertility in the  Philippines; including its impact to the life of infertile couples and the nation as a whole.