Sunday, March 31, 2013

A Gentle Reminder


Here's my sweet reminder of who Jesus is in all of us. Listen. Sing with 'em. 


Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours

I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Holy Week Reflections: The Cross

Why do we celebrate the passover? The lent? The cross? 

I am not very good at theology. But one thing I know with certainty: Christ paid the ultimate price for our sins by dying on the cross. Thus, declaring us not guilty.

The cross is a symbol of God's unfathomable love for mankind that He sacrificed His son. That Jesus chose to be human to feel our suffering, our pain and carry the weight of our sins. And yet by that cross, with the blood and body of Jesus Christ, our sins were paid for by God Himself. When the ultimate penalty of sin is death, Christ chose to die for us so that we live an eternal life with Him when judgment comes. 


You can say that our sin is genetic. Even before we were born, we already have sinned. So, I think it's a misnomer to call someone innocent. Technically, nobody is. Adam and Eve had made it happen. 


Year after year we celebrate the fact that we are forgiven. That's one glorious acknowledgment. For over 2000 years we've done the ritual -- the reenactment, the remembrance, the message. In recent years it has taken several forms. 

There were those fanatics who volunteer to be nailed on the cross. I don't know what's inside their heart. I just hope that it's not to show the world that they can play Jesus and be a redeemer. 

There also are the devotees who observe the holy week with solemnity, sacrifice (usually of abstaining meat), visiting churches and participating in the station of the cross. Those 14 fateful steps that led to Jesus' death. 

But what is so amazing about God's love is the fact that He died for us even in the face of betrayal by one of His friends and our total unworthiness. Yet by His grace and love, He suffered and died to erase the sins of the world -- past, present and future. 


And the most amazing thing is He rose from the dead on the third day to fulfill His promise. God does not break His promises. 

Over time however the message got lost, jumbled and complicated. The simplicity and depth of this one saving act got lost in the drama, religious or otherwise. 

In this fast food generation, a movement has been created -- the one simple church. I don't know much about it but it's been three years now that I've actively seen them around this time. They've pioneered The Walkway. It's a modern station of the cross sort of thing that aims to simplify the message of the celebration and help anyone in meditating and reflecting of its meaning. 

It assists people in walking back to those final 14 stations of Jesus' walk to Calvary. There are tarps with messages that help crystallize the messages. And an invitation.
 
"For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and not by yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV). 

The greatest gift God wants us to receive is the gift of eternal life. And that is His invitation. Right at this very moment, we can all pray to receive Jesus Christ, as our Lord and savior. And His death by the cross will never be in vain. For His love endures forever.

Have you received Him yet? Rejoice! God has risen!

XX

Sheng 

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Apartment 1B

It's one of those nondescript neighborhood restaurants tucked in the little corners of a village... in Makati. Apartment 1B looks very low key yet it has this quiet vibe of being hip yet cozy. 

I've walked by this restaurant hundreds of times since I live in the village for so many years. Yet, I felt intimidated going in by myself. And the occasion never seem to rise. But lately, my friends and I are dining at places that are not nestled inside the mall. In other words, not so mainstream. It has nothing to do with being snotty; just trying to find a new place we can build memories with. 
 
Hungry bellies: Dawn, Me-an, Me, Kat and Mara
I wish Tyrone, the hubby was with us. But he was still at work. And it was a ladies night kind of event. :-)


Reservation was at 7pm. As always, we had to brisk walk from the office so we don't lose it. Kat got us a table with a couch. Sweet. Table for 5 for Kat Diaz? "This way, please." It feels so grown up. 

The restaurant is very cozy, soft lighting and all. The best part is it's really a place for intimate conversations. And the menu is delightful. We had a hard time choosing. Everything it offers screams gourmet comfort food. 
Beef Burger (P380)
Meat Loaf (P480)
Grilled Pork Chops (P510)
Those who are on a Cohen diet would be happy to know that the restaurant serves food for them. Here's a sample from the menu which Kat swears as very filling and yum. 
Pan seared tuna (P340)
We paired our scrumptious food with a bottle of Red Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet Sauvignon (P785/bottle)
I know that it's a Wednesday night but there's a long weekend coming so we celebrated. And it is Dawn's official first pay as an associate. Yay. Plus, it's early payday and bonus day rolled into one. (On a side note, my bonus is blah. But it's better than nothing. And am just grateful that I received a portion. There's mid-year to look forward to -- forward looking!)

So, if you're looking for a quiet place with good food, Apartment 1B is a nice place. 


Apartment 1B
One Lafayette Square
G/F One Lafayette Square, 132 Sedeno Street
Salcedo Village, Makati
02 843 4075


XX

Sheng

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Retail Therapy with Cath Kidston

Cath Kidston is heart. It's everything dainty and bespoke at the same time. If London (and Sterling Pounds) aren't such heavies (on the pocket), I'd go grab some of these. 
Love this overnight bag.

And this is just perfect for summer.
Or this for the coming rainy season. 
If you're pining for those childhood memories, these may come in handy.
 
 While at it, why don't you add these?


 
This is what down time does to me. I do internet window shopping. Online retail therapy at your finger tips. Now, if only I can have the lunch box set?

XX

Sheng

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

A Night at the Ayala Museum

Over the weekend, I injected some culture into my system. I finally had the chance to visit The Ayala Museum. Thanks to the generous offer of my good friend Mara ! She shared her windfall -- complimentary tickets for two!


Being a girl from the barrio, I only know of museums from the books and even magazines. Then, I moved to the big city over five years ago. Visiting a museum was in my bucket list. My friend Zarah and I have been planning for ages but it never seemed to happen. Life took over. 

Mara's offer is heaven sent. Doubly so when our visit coincided with the exhibit of Botong Francisco: A Nation Imagined. How lucky that we get to see the works of one National Artist. A few years back, I saw some of the works of Fernando Amorosolo -- they were very beautiful. 



One of his works. Lifted from The Ayala Museum site. (No photo-taking allowed inside)

Going back to Botong Francisco, I was excited to get acquainted with this dark-skinned painter from Angono, Rizal. We started with the 15-minute film on his life and works directed by Peque Gallaga. I surmised that his works depict historical references of everyday folks and even re-created through his artist's eye the historical events that shaped our country.
His thoughts resonated with me when it was narrated on the film that he chose his medium because it allows him to interpret events, people and places through his perspective. And that it allows him to record them so the next generation can see, appreciate and interpret his interpretation. 

Sigh. Everyone must see art, not just for its beauty but also for its cultural enrichment.

With a few more minutes to spare before the museum closes we breezed through the gold collection on the fourth level and the diorama on the third. I was sidetracked looking for a historical figure (hero or not) that has the same vertical endowment as me. Ha! Me and Carlos Romulo. He he he. 
The Ayala Museum is but one of the few privately-run museums in the country that shows terrific exhibits and is very accessible to the public. So, come, visit and soak in the culture. 

Museum visits should be a one-day affair. We're definitely going back to see, linger and appreciate the art and timeline on display. Soon. 

The Ayala Museum
Greenbelt 4, Makati Avenue corner Dela Rosa Street,
Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Museum Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9:00am - 6:00pm
                       Saturday to Sunday, 10:00am - 7:00pm
                       Monday (Closed)
Museum Fee:  Adult (P225 - Resident; P425 - Non-resident)
                     Child (P75 - Resident; P250 - Non-resident)
 
XX

Sheng  

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Obsessing over gorgeous home stuff

Nesting. Cocooning. Call it whatever you want. These days, am obsessed with these pretty home stuff. Sadly, I don't have space in our tiny studio. 


Tea cups. I can't get enough of them.


And cake stands. 




Plus other beautiful home stuff, I'd like to have in our future kitchen. 

And this jar is just perfect for those small sample bottles from hotels. I do travel quite regularly, so I've amassed a lot of hotel toiletries. I bring those home so house guests can have something to use. Lately, they're just everywhere in my cupboard.
Found this at Crossing's Dept Store at an incredible price of P399.75. It's not Dimensione quality but...

 And I'd die in terrarium heaven, if I can have these in our place and even in my office. 



One day, I'd be able to curate a pretty home. And truly be living a homemaker's life. 

XX, 

Sheng

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Rachel getting married

Well, this post has nothing to do with the movie. Although, its theme is about married life. 

I had a WhatsApp conversation with my former boss earlier this afternoon. He asked, "how's married life?"  

I quipped that am slow on the learning curve. Of course, I had to clarify. I told him that I realized that married life is more than just taking someone's last name. I mean, I know that in theory it's a whole lot more. But in practice it can be a little tricky. 

It's not how it was playing house when you were a kid. And it's not just about compromises, commitment and deep abiding love.  

I think being married is about two people building a life together without losing one's identity. And it's about growing into the relationship. What's it all about, am still discovering. 

One thing I've come to realize is that when the wind is rough, there is no vow beautiful enough to make you want to sail it through. Only God can calm a howling wind. 
Source: Pinterest
And when you're married regardless of how long you've been together, there will always be something new that irritates and annoys you. There will be moments when without even trying hard to -- one of you gets under each other's skin. 

And that maturing in the relationship isn't all about age. Perspective and wisdom are cultivated and woven into the fabric of the relationship. And that your relationship dynamics determine your response or reaction. 

I've also come to realize that it's healthy to have irritants so you both get to examine your willingness to change and to make your partner understand -- you as an individual and as the other half. 

At the end of the day, even when your mad at each other, you pray for your partner's safety and God's providence. 

Every moment of you together is a work in progress. 
Source: Pinterest

XX

Sheng

Monday, March 18, 2013

Lost in Translation

My friend J and I met up last Friday. She and another friend K are going to run while I run to the shops. He he he. My credible excuse is that my old and trusty running shoes died on me the night of my last jog. 

We went on our separate ways in High Street and just agreed to meet for dinner after our own activities. On our way to Slice in High Street Central, retail haven Mango beckons us. Off we enter despite our grumbling bellies. 

Inside a member of J's team was there; let's call her M. So, instead of looking around she had a small chat with her. Here's an excerpt of their conversation. 

 M: Ma'am nag-dinner na ba kayo? Halika treat ko. (I'll treat you to dinner, Ma'am.)
J: 'Di pa pero huwag mo na kaming abalahin. (Never mind. Don't bother us.) 

M left a little baffled. J on one hand came to me and ask, "I told her huwag na akong abalahin. I think it didn't come across right. I wanted to tell her something else that sounds the same but what I said came out differently. 

I burst out laughing. I couldn't help it. I think what my friend wanted to say was "huwag ka nang mag-abala" (don't bother/trouble yourself).

And so she's like yeah that's what I wanted to say. We ended up laughing our heads off. And J has to send her (M) a text message to apologize and explain that she got lost in translation. 

P.S. J and I aren't native speakers of the Filipino (the national language) so you can imagine how we grapple at times with certain words and nuances of the language. In my dialect, a langgam (bird) flies but in Manila, a langgam (ant) crawls.


XX

Sheng

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Kate Spade Cross-body with iPad Case

Great idea to complete your weekend outfit. Ditch the bulky bags and just bring the essentials. 
Grove Court Jordan (USD 258)
What is so nice about this cross-body is that it has a separate compartment for the iPad. No scratches! Or any accidents like spilled cologne, smeared lipstick, etc.

The other compartment is for your money, cards, keys, lipstick, sanitizer, and hanky. Then, voila! you're ready to strut in the mall.
 

What do you think? To view, click it here. You can also check it out at the Kate Spade boutiques in Rustan's, Greenbelt 3 and Rockwell Power Plant Mall.

XX

Sheng

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Hope and disappointment

Sometimes the universe holds back on you. And nothing conspires to make your day. Today, I have one of those days. I saw it coming but it still made me sad. And then, I get reminded of this. 

Source: Pinterest
The challenges that overwhelm us today are not meant to put us down but to give us reason to rise from the difficulty. Whatever circumstance we are in, there is that glimmer of light that shows us to hope for the breaking of dawn... of a new day. 

To anyone who might be a little blue, sad, broke and unwell, the universe is just taking a wee bit of time to change your status quo. 

Cheer up! And may the force be with you. 

XX, 

Sheng

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Tax increase & Furla

I was back reading today my twitter feed when I came upon a tweet about the Bureau of Internal Revenue's (BIR) plan to increase the tax percentage collected from compensation income taxpayers. In short, all of us corporate slaves will be taxed some more. 

I couldn't help but put it out there that the BIR should focus its attention on efficient tax collection from corporations rather than exerting more efforts on taxing people. It's so disheartening given the fact that 30% of an employee's pay automatically gets deducted for the government. 

But what does the government do for us? I say, nothing. We pay for every government-related transactions. Efficiency? Zilch. We don't even get to enjoy a decent subsidized hospitalization in a government-run hospital. Private sector employees would rather go to private hospitals. And besides we have HMO for that. 

What about the roads? Aside from the killer traffic in urban Manila and even in major cities, we need to pay for the use of the road, too. How annoying?!

Abe Lincoln said there are two things that are inescapable in this world, death and taxes. But at least in America, its citizens get to enjoy where their taxes go -- health, sanitation, infrastructure. 

Sadly in our country, tax collection is not just taxing... it's murderous! This leads me to a sad, sad reality check. The tax collected from me month-on-month could already feed two average-sized family. Yet, the growing divide between rich and poor in this country stretches more and more... to infinity. 

Whilst the Forbes Richest Men lists more and more Filipinos that accounts for the 76% of the economic growth last year, the rest of the Filipinos are struggling to make it day by day. How ironic, eh?

Now, I was just ogling at these three nice bags the past few months. I've been wondering if I should buy one. However given this looming cross that I (a working man er woman) must bear, the possibility is shrinking by the minute. 




I know it's shallow. Maybe the rest of humanity has more important concerns in their lives. But we all work hard because we have needs and wants to satisfy. Right now, mine just happens to be a bag craving... 

XX

Sheng