Christmas 2016

Things to do and visit in the Province of La Union

When I was a kid, I never thought that La Union would be one of the most sought-after tourist destination of the north. Here are some of the things you can do and visit in the province:

1. Surfing and other water activities - The surfing capital of the north is located in the Municipality of San Juan, La Union. It's the next town after San Fernando City.  The surfing resorts are very accessible because they are located along the Highway and Bus routes.  Don't go here during the summer season because the ocean is very serene, making it impossible to surf.  Instead, go here during the months of October to February when waves, generated by the northeast monsoon, are very conducive for surfing beginners.

IN REVIEW: Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos in San Fernando City, La Union

It's our second travel to La Union this year and, this time, we were blessed to stay in the famous Thunderbird Resort located at Poro Point in San Fernando City. We spent two nights in their "fancy" two-bedroom villas. 

IN REVIEW: Noah's Ark Hotel and Resort, Ma Wan, Hong Kong

If you are in Hong Kong and would want to stay in a place away from the noise and busyness of the City Central, we recommend that you stay at Noah's Ark Hotel and Resort in the Island of Ma Wan. The place will change your common notion of Hong Kong that it is pure building and nothing natural to explore and behold.  

The place is beside Ma Wan Beach which makes it best for meditations or some soul-searching activities. The cool breeze and the serenity of the water are so relaxing and refreshing.

OBEY THE NATURAL ORDER

Never in the history of mankind that married couples have exactly the same attitude, thinking and inclinations. We were created by GOD differently, yet perfectly complementary to one another. Meaning, each one of us has a specific function to fulfill to make the marriage work, preserve the family and ensure continuity of the human race. Take, for example, a BOLT and a NUT. They are different, but very complement. To carry out its intended purpose, one cannot be missing, because "they are no longer TWO, but ONE." In other words, to avoid conflict, we must NEVER pass beyond our natural and God-given boundaries. Let men be men, and let women be women according to the heart of God.  Changing this natural order to suit our own convenience will only bring a lot of chaos, confusion, and worst, DESTRUCTION.

We are not here to resist, but to OBEY; because these natural order of things have already been set ahead us. Pray, that GOD may give us the grace to be obedient. 

Original Mami for the Mommy of my Future Babies!

Last Saturday, after work, we went to our "doctor" for our third session of fertility work up. We arrived at the clinic at around 1:30 PM, and it was jam-packed with people wanting to be cured and couples wanting to be parents. We initially thought that we would wait for several hours; but, THANK GOD, because we were called to the consultation cubicle 15 minutes after our arrival.  The whole session only lasted 45 minutes, and at 2:30 PM, we were done and free to go. 

While walking to go out of the clinic, wife told me that she's hungry, but could not think of any place to eat. She eventually thought of Chowking's Beef Mami to warm her rumbling stomach, and I almost agreed. Good thing, I recently saw a politician's post about Ma Mon Luk in Quezon Avenue which, according to the post and some stories I've heard in the past, is Home to the Original Mami. Incidentally, our doctor's clinic is just located at Panay Avenue near Fisher Mall and a few minutes away from Ma Mon Luk. 

The LIFE-GIVING journey of Infertility

Whenever we browse our Facebook news feed, and see beautiful babies of our friends, our hearts can't help but be glad; because a gift from God has miraculously arrived in their families. Miraculous, we say; because the creation of HUMAN LIFE will always be a miraculous work of God. In the words of the Psalmist, every Human Life is "fearfully and wonderfully made." 

BEYOND THE UBE JAM: The Good Shepherd Convent in Baguio City

The Good Shepherd Convent in Baguio City is famously known for its delicious UBE JAM and other "pasalubong" products. Every single day, the convent is swamp with people - both locals and tourists - who'd like to buy their products as either "pasalubong" or for reselling purposes. Good thing, the Nuns who are managing the store was able to implement a very systematic mechanism in order to hasten the purchasing pace of people. 

But, beyond these "pasalubong" items, the Good Shepherd Convent is an "OASIS" in the midst of a noisy and fast-paced city life. Not known to many, the Convent has a Chapel and a surrounding space conducive for contemplation and prayer. This area of the Convent, however, is restricted to visitors. You will need to coordinate with the security guards on duty to allow you inside. 

Once inside, do not rush.  Be silent and feel the presence of GOD through the sound of the chirping birds, sound of the waving trees and the aroma of the many flowers around. Look also into your heart and hear the voice of GOD, who has been there all the while and has long been waiting for you.  

Here are some of the photos during my visit and tour: