A Few Days with La Sallian Brothers in Rome

Br. Armin Luistro, FSC yesterday was elected to be the first Filipino superior general of the Brothers of Christian Schools. This was really happy news for me. I'm sure he'll be able to contribute a lot to the La Sallian community worldwide because of his vast experience. I was also happy to see photos and videos of the occasion and it reminded me of the time I was able to spend with the La Sallian brothers in Rome a few years ago. 

My lazy blog post in 2020 didn't fully capture the amazing experience I had when I spent time with them. The time I spent at the La Salle headquarters in Rome (Casa generaliza istituto Fratelli Scuole Cristiane) is a cherished memory. I had been mourning the death of Br. Gene Tiangco, FSC. He took me under his wing when I was a student and he passed away a few months before I went to Rome. Spending time with the La Sallian brothers healed me. I felt the same love and care Br. Gene showed me and I knew in time I would find someone like him again. 

There was nothing but joy when I arrived in Rome. The name of the La Sallian brother who picked us up at the airport escapes me. It was a jolly ride from the airport and I learned a lot about the history of the Generalata from him. First order of the day was eating at the cafeteria. Then we had a short tour of the place. We thought we were going to stay at Casa La Salle (a hotel), but they made us stay in their quarters. Sweetie came with me, but we slept in separate beds haha. We also whispered to each other when we talked because we didn't want to disturb the brothers. We later on found out that they usually watch Netflix in the evenings LOL. 

The three most memorable experiences for me were:

(1) Realizing that the "ball" in the church that the Brother was hand gesturing to me was actually St. La Salle's head. [photo on this post]

(2) Seeing the relics of the saints. I was only familiar with them because the buildings in our campus was named after them. 

(3) Br. Bob Schneider, FSC (the most recent superior general) showing us the hallway which held the paintings of all previous superior generals. From St. La Salle they were able to build over a thousand schools across 77 countries in the past 300 years (source). It really does take just one spark to get a fire going.

I was also with Br. Ricky when I first saw St. Peter's Square. We walked from the Generalata to the train station and then walked again to the restaurant. I fell behind so Br. Ricky stayed with me (I had just started my treatment for pulmonary embolism when I went to Rome). 

The brothers did not want me to come home haha. I wish I had taken up the offer to stay there and teach them tech. I also wish I had taken up the offer to stay longer with them and see Rome with them. I turned down the offer because it didn't seem appropriate at that time and maybe I would have allowed them to adopt me if I hung out longer hahaha. 

Happy, grateful memories that I would always cherish. Maybe someday I'll get to visit them again. I pray all of them are well <3

#BeKind #StaySafe

Rome Sweet Rome

One of my dream destinations is Rome. I was really ecstatic when I had the opportunity to visit back in 2018. It was a very short, but fulfilling trip.

What made the trip really special for me was having the opportunity to stay at the La Salle headquarters in Rome (Casa generaliza istituto Fratelli Scuole Cristiane) with Sweetie. Nestled inside the property is the Chiesa e Santuario di San Giovanni Battista de La Salle (church). One of the brothers told me that we should visit the church. He said, "You'll see making a huge round gesture."

The church was beautiful. The sun rays shifted colors as we walked down the aisle to explore the church. It was surreal for me to be closer to the saints that were the names of our university buildings. The biggest surprise was seeing St. La Salle's relics. I thought it would just be small pieces of bone like the other saints in the church. I was surprised to see his head and many other bones.

A miracle happened that day. Just before going to Rome I was diagnosed with PE (pulmonary embolism). My doctor allowed me to travel and Sweetie accompanied me. I prayed hard to St. La Salle that day to heal me. A few days after when I got home all the bad clots in my lungs just came out and then I felt so much better.

Oh St. La Salle, thank you so much for healing me.

Forever with Mama Mary

My Mom is a devotee of Mama Mary and she developed our love for Mama Mary too. I was so proud when I was invited to contribute to the book "Mama Mary and Her Children" (book 6). I took a leave and flew home to Manila to attend the launch. Fr. James Reuter, S.J. was the one who started the book. I was really so grateful I was invited to contribute by my friend, Rowie Matti, because Fr. Reuter was my Dad's mentor and basketball coach. And the book being a tribute for Mama Mary made my Mom so happy. (We also got my Kuya to contribute in the same book).

I always run to Mama Mary whenever I have problems and whenever I have a request. When I was growing up my Mom would tell me the prayers she's been granted. One story she's told over and over again was her prayer for Ate to pass the chemical engineering board exam. She passed and was the topnotcher (#1!). I would also always see Mom with her rosary at hand -- usually by her bedside. She has one favorite rosary that I gnawed on when I was a toddler. She still has it and the odd colored bead is still there.

When I think of Mama Mary, I naturally think about my Mom because of her devotion to her. When I finally got to visit Rome, I cried when I saw the Pieta. It's my Mom's favorite image and it's always been her wish to see it. I was hoping we could bring Mom to Rome (and the Holy Land), hopefully after the pandemic. I brought home an image of the Pieta for her from Rome. She was so happy she handcarried it back home form Singapore (it was quite heavy!).

I must admit, I have been amiss with my spiritual wellbeing in the last few months. I was crushed when we couldn't go hear mass. It's what makes me feel complete every week. What has helped me the last few months is reading Didache every night before I sleep. It's a good guide for praying, reflecting and it provides reminders on what is more important. Tonight I shall say a prayer of thanks to Mama Mary and ask for her guidance on something I have been thinking about for almost a year already.
Happy birthday Mama Mary! Love you forever!

CB//154 #StuckAtHomeDay/184  #StayHome #BeKind   

Surviving 2018

I started 2018 with a blog post about being grateful and counting your blessings everyday. I ended the year with a grateful heart, happy to have survived a life-threatening health issue caused by too much traveling. It was discovered only by chance because I insisted on having a second opinion. I am grateful that the new doctor did everything he could to find out what was wrong with me. It was a nerve-wracking experience and has been a bumpy few months getting treatment. It's not over yet, but at least I'd like to think I'm out of the woods for now. I'm only here today because of the care from my family and friends and patient colleagues who had to deal with the bad days. There are still bad days, but I'm happy that I'm up and about and can do my regular activities again (like cooking!).

We also lost the sweetest mother-in-law on earth last January. Mom is now our angel in heaven watching over us. I will certainly miss her laughter, the special food she would set aside for me because of my allergies. I would also miss the advise and practical perspective she would give us whenever we needed it. I really wanted to have another baby a few years ago, but she explained to me that sometimes there are things that are not meant to be. I am forever thankful that she accepted me in the family and loved me for being me. We miss you Mom every day.

I was grounded for most of the year from traveling, but I was still able to squeeze in trips to Manila, Penang, Taipei, New York, Japan, Bali, Sydney and Rome! And that's the bare minimum I've gone in the last 12 years (and is the reason why I got sick hehe). Rome was an amazing experience. I haven't been able to write about it yet because I had to focus on resolving my health issues when I got back from my trip. I was supposed to write more in the last ten days, but ummm I've been busy with my Mom hehe.

I would probably remember 2018 as a test year. What I went through was not easy. It almost broke me. I realized though that there are things you cannot bear on your own and help will always be available. I also think I should have put in some general goals in the beginning of 2018. I let the year just pass by without any specific plans (except for my quilting), I could've done better in my personal life (my boss said I did an excellent job work-wise).

I'm going to make sure 2019 will be a spectacular year. Sweetie and I are celebrating our 10th year anniversary, Mom is turning 85 and Miguel will finally finish school this year and will hopefully join the workforce by second half of the year (hello animation studios!). My general themes this year would be: self-care, stronger faith and happy family. Work will take care of itself, I realized that growing up in Catholic schools would always compel you to do your best (I still delivered a great job despite being very sick!). 2019, I'm ready for you. Let's get this rocking!

Happy new year everyone!

It's My Second Clotiversary

"If untreated, acute PE is associated with a significant mortality rate (as high as 30%), whereas the death rate of diagnosed and treated PE is 8%. Up to 10% of acute PE patients die suddenly. Two of three patients succumbing to PE die within 2 h after presentation." (Source) 

I am posting my clot story to drive more awareness about the risks of having this disease. My doctors never thought this would happen to me.

Two years ago after multiple tests my doctor told me what was ailing me. I had a huge blood clot in my lungs. No one suspected it because my open heart surgery was successful and I had resumed regular activities with heavy traveling.

Enroute to the hospital for a test.

I suspected something was terribly wrong. There were nights I could barely breathe and I would sleep sitting up. I thought it was just really bad asthma. I would even put the air filter right beside my bed. I suffered through it for more than a year. I was already seeing another doctor for over a year when I felt the medications he was giving me wasn't help. I was also in and out of the ER every other month.

I honestly had to fight for myself. Because I wasn't getting well I went to a clinic to request for a referral to see a respiratory doctor. The doctor in the clinic told me that I'd probably get the same diagnosis -- acid reflux that was causing asthma. I knew something was wrong so I insisted. At that time it would take me 15 minutes to walk, take an elevator to the next floor and reach another meeting room at the office. It would usually just take 2-3 minutes to do that if you can breathe properly.

It took a few weeks before I got an appointment with my new doctor. When I saw him he ordered for tests to see if I had COPD. I had a flurry of blood tests, allergy test, xray and a CT pulmonary angiogram. The CT clearly showed I had a huge blood clot in my lungs. After that my doctor had me do another series of tests to determine what caused the blood clot. It was undertermined and I didn't have a DVT. It was only ten months later when the cause was determined (May Thurner Syndrome, read about it here).

I'm grateful I was able to visit Rome, but I should have probably taken a break to recover first. 

My doctor was meticulous and knew exactly how to get me better. He even allowed me to go to Rome three weeks after diagnosis. It was a bad idea, but I survived and after that my doctor because stricter with grounding me when needed. It was my urologist who told me I am very blessed to have lived through it.

2nd anniv check up.

Recovering from pulmonary embolism does not have a set timeline. The clot is gone, but recovery is very slow. I rarely go out because I don't have the same energy as normal people. I read that pulmonary embolism affects both your lungs and heart, so it really takes time to recover. I joined a group where patients share their experiences and no one patient is the same.

To be honest, heart surgery was the most painful thing I've been through, but I was much better in about six months. My lifestyle changed a lot, but I still got to do a lot of things. PE and May Thurner Syndrome is a different monster. It's been two years and the effect has been more severe than undergoing heart surgery. To my family and friends who have been supporting me the last few years, thank you. The love, care and understanding means a lot to me.

CB//163 #StuckAtHomeDay/193 #WFH111 #StayHome #BeKind 

Bird Encounters Across the Globe

I think all birds are majestic. I'm happy I get to see from our balcony flocks of birds flying everyday. There was a time last month we saw a nice variety of migratory birds. The came in different sizes and colors and some really looked unique. When I get the chance I hope I can visit the Jurong Bird Park again (I hope they extend the one year free entrance benefit we got last year).

I take photos of birds whenever I get a chance. It's hard though since they never stay still. I have friends who are bird watchers and I'm always in awe of their bird photography skills. Here are some cute bird photos I took while traveling -

Hornbill, Bali, Indonesia (2006)

Ostriches, Davao, Philippines (2009)

Swan, Zurich, Swtizerland (2012)

Raven, Tokyo, Japan (2015)

Seagull, San Francisco, USA (2017)

Caspian gull, Rome, Italy (2018)

Peacock, Singapore (2018)

Ibis, Sydney, Australia (2019)

Goose, Nami Island, Korea (2019)

Birds are beautiful creatures. I'm so fascinated with them I watch vloggers who have pet birds! I'm just curious how they take care of the birds, but I have no plans on getting one as a pet since it looks like a lot of work. Take care of Mother Nature and we will continue to see these majestic creatures. 

CB//177 #StuckAtHomeDay/207 #WFH121 #StayHome #BeKind 

Inspiration

When I got sick in July I almost went to the dark side. Being unable to breathe does that to you. The pneumonia wasn't as bad as the first time I had it, I was probably paralyzed more by fear. At that time I didn't feel I was getting any better despite seeing my doctor every other day. He gave me meds after meds after meds. There was this medicine that affected me long after I stopped taking it. It was either I take more of it or I just wait it out until it was completely out of my system. It took almost two months before the effects from it went away.

I was angry at first, then sad, then depressed. I was spiraling down an unknown path for me. I almost gave up. My family was very supportive and understanding. What broke the free fall was getting inspired. I became a couch potato and I stayed connected with the world by reading posts on social media for almost 3 weeks. Through all the grayness I was thinking about how I could get myself out of the rut I was in. I snapped out of it when I saw the posts of teacher friends who were helping other teachers learn how to use technology in the classroom.

I remembered why I do what I do and why I keep fighting to be alive. I was able to hang on because of my family, it was getting inspired that pulled me out of the rut I was in. I felt like an old car sputtering back to life after being jump started (on second gear, pushed down the road with you turning the key and stepping on the gas). After a few days I went back to work even though I wasn't feeling 100% yet. It was the adrenaline rush from being inspired that kept me going and even made me well enough to travel to Rome.

So I thought that I'd start the year by firming up my gratefulness muscle by finding things that inspire me every day. This will help me build my well of strength since I know I still have a lot to go through in order to be 100% well.

What about you, what inspires you?

The Logic of Peace

Before going to sleep last night, I came across a tweet by Pope Francis. He said, 

That led me to read about Cain and Abel to understand better what he meant. I know Pope Francis tweeted it in the context of what is happening in Ukraine. The tweet spoke to me. I realized there's a lot to learn from his message. 

I cried buckets when I saw Pope Francis in Rome! I felt the same love surround me when I saw Pope John Paul II on World Youth Day 1995.

They say hurt people, hurt people. That is true and that's what we all do whenever we are hurt. I see this a lot everyday on social media. It's election time and it's gotten easy for people to throw mud to each other. I have been trying my best not to react anymore since it's not going to help anyway. It also brings a lot of stress and I've seen many friends quit social media because it's affected their mental health. 

Pope Francis made me realize that the source of my stress is from thinking like Cain. You cannot douse fire with more fire. The way to kill a fire is with water, thus you must deal with it by acting in peace. And if you continue to do war or lead with that mindset, then you can end up like Cain wandering in the desert waiting to be killed. 

I'm grateful for this tweet by Pope Francis because it helped me understand an issue that's been plaguing me for decades now. I realized that there are things you can never get back. The best way is to let it go and let it remain a memory. 

Let go. Let love. Be at peace. 

P.S. I'm feeling much better now after experiencing the effects of the booster shot. I still need to regain my strength and stamina. Hope to be back to normal in a few days.

#BeKind #StaySafe #VoteWisely

Lakwatsera Fridays: Tried Out Da Gianni Cucina Italia

Ended up at Da Gianni Cucina Italia one hot afternoon in June. We were at Westgate Center for Miggy's fitting. We originally planned to have lunch elsewhere, but it was so hot. Right before we exited the mall I saw that Da Gianni was open*. I then suggested to the boys to try it out. 

Save for a group of titas celebrating a birthday we were the only other customer. The place was cozy and it allowed us to escape from the hot afternoon sun. We settled in and an array of food. We normally try to get a variety of food to gauge if it's something we'd like. Here's what we ordered -

Lasagna bolognese

Fish fillet

Meatball spaghetti

Margherita pizza

The serving size was just enough to fill our tummies. We brought home some of the pizza since our individual orders made us full already. I liked the meatball spaghetti I ordered since it felt less acidic compared to other restos. It reminded me of the pasta I had when I had the chance to visit Rome. The pizza was also prepared much like how they do it in Italy too. The boys said they also liked the lasagna and fish fillet. I wish though they would expand their beverage menu. 

We enjoyed our dine-in experience at Da Gianni Cucina Italia. I noticed they also have a private room. It will be useful for a small dinner party. Do call them before going since I'm not sure if they're open everyday (their FB page isn't updated). Maybe we'll dine in again if we chance upon it being open. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Rest in Peace Pope Francis

I was just scrolling through socmed when I saw a post that Pope Francis just passed away. I wanted to make sure it was true, so I sought out news sites to confirm. We watched the urbi et orbi and his ride around the Vatican last night and I even told Sweetie, he looks like he recovered already. So, seeing the news was a huge shock for me.

In 2018, we had the opportunity to be at Pope Francis' daily blessing at the Vatican. I felt so much love at that time and called up my Mom because I wanted to share the moment with her. I told her then that I wanted to bring her next time we went to Rome. 

I'm so sad, but happy for Pope Francis that he's been called back home. He really showed that we must live life with love and deep faith. Rest in peace Papa Pope. Please send my love to my family and friends up there, especially to your katukayo my Papa Lolo Francisco. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Wellness Wednesdays: How to Deal with Chronic Illnesses

The first thing you'll feel when you are determined to have a chronic illness is frustration. This is what new members of our patient group usually post about. I remember the frustration as well after I had heart surgery, my first PE and my second PE. My energy diminished through the years. 

The biggest mistake I did was think I had the same energy. I did not slow down and even increased my pace. My doctor was so shocked when I climbed the Borobudur Temple almost four months after OHS. I felt I had to prove myself. I even told a colleague I planned to run a marathon. It has remained a dream. 

As much as malling is my cardio and my favorite thing to do pre-pandemic,
it's just been very challenging for me. 

I had fun for five years after mitral valve repair, then I strangely had a huge blood clot in my lungs. It was left unnoticed by doctors for a year. It was only found by a doctor I insisted to see for a second opinion. He was trained in Cleveland Clinic that's why I got lucky. If I waited any longer I probably wouldn't have made it. 

Despite being found sick, I still flew to Rome to complete a commitment. I almost missed my flight because I had tests done before heading to the airport. Ended up bleeding when I got home. I don't regret going. My doctor grounded me after that and I missed a lot of trips. When I felt better, I was at it again. 

The lesson here is to know when to stop and accept your new reality at the right time. I kept pushing myself and this eventually led to frustration, then depression. It took me years to accept that I'm not the same and I have to embrace what I am already. Honestly, it was only this year that I finally accepted that I have to carve a new path. 

Instead of calling myself "retired" I think I'd rather call myself a hobbyist. My hobbies include: sleeping, wellness, a bit of exercise, and ah quilting, gardening and cooking when I have energy. My bottomline is to create more happy memories with my boys. :) 

*PE - pulmonary embolism

OHS - open heart surgery

Stop the Rush

The nausea is finally gone. I'm not sure what happened, but I suspect the new medication may have interacted with my maintenance. I listened to my body and just rested all day. I'm glad I'm stable since I have to do a scan today and tomorrow to determine treatment. 

Cars rushing around in Rome. This was the first time I saw St. Peter's Basilica.

It took me 18 days to finish my quilt project. It's a cover for my food processor. I took my time to finish the project because I injured my finger a few weeks ago while making a bag. I really take my time when I make my quilt projects. 

I realized my life now is so different from a few months ago. I was always rushing back then to finish many things. I was a master multi-tasker. I enjoyed being productive and accomplishing things that could help. Eventually it was too much for me and my doctors ordered me to slow down, stay offline and rest. 

I took months for me to accept my new pace. I pressured myself to get back up immediately. It didn't happen. When I finally accepted that this is my new normal I learned to stop rushing. When I quilt I relish every stitch that goes into my project. I spend time admiring the trees outside our home. I watch planes pass by through the clouds. I am grateful for every breath I take. 

Honestly I cannot imagine going back to the life I had before I got sick. I am where God wants me to be. And today I ask you, my friend, "Are you too busy? Do you still have time to smell the flowers?" Stop the rush. Relax and enjoy everything God provides for us. 

CB///Yr2/12  #StuckAtHomeDay/Yr2/39 #StayHome #BeKind  

How I Forgave Myself from Slowing-Down

Conquered Borobudur Temple
3 months after OHS.

I'm used to being busy. I take pride in being very productive everyday. It made me very happy when I'm able to tick off a lot of my daily tasks. I'd be deliriously happy when I'm also able to work on my hobbies after work. I was an Energizer bunny on steroids. 

My health though forced me to slow down. It brought me a lot of anxiety. It was the guilt from being unproductive. I'm lucky I have a friend who kept reminding me that it wasn't my fault I was sick. He said I should focus on getting well and I shouldn't feel guilty about it. 

I felt I was letting everyone down. That's what ate me up day in, day out. I used to be able to work before even when I was sick. I even flew to Rome after being diagnosed with a huge blood clot in my lungs. I was bleeding like crazy, but I pushed on. My will was very strong. Looking back though, I shouldn't have done that. 

It took me five months before I realized why I had to slow down. It was God's way of re-directing me. He's been trying to do it for a couple of years already, but I've been stubborn. I finally accepted that this is a time for me to heal and do nothing else. When my heart and mind opened to the re-direction my breathing and stamina started to improve. 

Sometimes we get so stubborn and try to stick to what we're used to. We forget that we're here for a higher purpose. Just sit back, relax and let Him navigate your path. All will be alright. 

CB///*Yr2/46  #StuckAtHomeDay/Yr2/73 #StayHome #BeKind

*OHS - open heart surgery

Be Thankful!

I've been feeling homesick the past week and haven't been feeling well because of a viral infection. I decided to hear mass in the morning today and was surprised that the mass was celebrated by an archbishop from the Holy See! What a rare treat I thought since the last time I heard mass celebrated by someone from Rome was when I attended World Youth Day (Pope John Paul).

It was a great way to start Advent, a reminder to start preparing myself for Christmas. The first I usually take is to be thankful of all the blessings and challenges that I received in the past year. I mention challenges also because it helps build character and a firmer faith.

Many years ago I fell into a rut. This was the time things felt like everything was falling apart in my life. I knew the only way I could get out of the hole was to get myself out of it. The best advise I got back then was when I read a book by Bo Sanchez (I don't remember which one coz I think I've read most of it). He said that when you're stuck in a rut one of the best things to do is count your blessings.

At first I had a hard time listing down one blessing. I soon realized that blessings do not come only in huge packages, but could be simple things. From one a day my blessings list soon multiplied to three, five, ten, twenty etc. and I was soon back to my normal perky, cheerful self.

So now that I'm feeling a bit blue this is what I'm going to do. Today's blessing though came as a huge package for me. The GDG Philippines community who did a Sanitation Hackathon the whole weekend in Manila, Baguio, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao and Zamboanga. Their initiative together with GBG Philippines would surely help many people :)

Be thankful!

25 Years After World Youth Day 1995

Oh wow! It's been 25 years since World Youth Day 1995. I realized this when Ate Neysa pinged me a few weeks ago. She said that her choir was going to come out with a new version of the theme song, "Tell the World of His Love". Trina Belamide, the composer of the song, is part of the choir and was looking for WYD 1995 photos to use for the video. Of course, my photo collection got volunteered. It's a good thing that I had scanned my WYD 1995 photos because they got destroyed during Typhoon Ondoy. So the set of photos are really precious to me.

I'm always happy to share my WYD 1995 experience. I had previously shared it on a news segment (tiny version is here). My Ate said that my photos are also displayed in the National Shrine of Saint John Paul II in Washington. I hope whoever sees the photos would feel the love and happiness I was feeling during that time.

Ate Neysa is one of the singers in the new version of Tell the World of His Love.

Yesterday wasn't a good day for me. I felt so drained because of some uncontrollable situations. I normally read Didache before I sleep and the title of yesterday's reflection was, "Be a Prophet". I wanted to write about the new version of "Tell the World of His Love" yesterday, but I was just really tired. Reading the Word yesterday reminded me that I have to have faith. I am where I am because I have a mission to fulfill.

And that's why I easily agreed to share my old photos for the video of "Tell the World of His Love". I felt so much joy on that day especially when Pope John Paul II passed in front of us. It was the same feeling when we visited Kamay ni Hesus for healing in 2009. And most recently when we were blessed by Pope Francis in Rome two years ago.

I have been struggling health-wise the last few years. There are good days and there are bad days, but I always pull through mainly because of my faith and the love of my family. That's all that matters and I just leave where I should be to Him.

Where you at World Youth Day 1995? What was your experience?

*Congratulations Mass Appeal Choir and Trina for the new version of "Tell the World of His Love" and thank you Pablo for the amazing video!


#CB//88 #WFH66 #StuckAtHomeDay/118 #StayHome #BeKind 

Missing the Papal Visit

I'm going to miss the Papal visit :(

Half my lifetime ago I managed to be part of World Youth Day in 1995. Just like the many other students and participants I stayed in Luneta, slept on Roxas Boulevard so I could hear mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II. I didn't really expect to see him, but I did since he went around in his Pope mobile. When I saw him I felt really loved and there was just unexplicable joy from within. I remember smiling and crying at the same time. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.

Much as I would love to see Pope Francis during his visit in Manila my body now isn't what it used to be. Five minutes under the sun I would melt like Olaf and would suffer heatstroke. I had to also go back to work (in Singapore), so at best I've just been praying for the success of the Pope's visit and for his safety and the safety of everyone going.

Welcome to the Philippines dear Pope Francis! I hope someday I would have the chance to get a tiny glimpse of you, maybe in Rome if I manage to save up for it (and hopefully bring my Mom who wants to go there).

The Saint Who Brought Me My Forever

My Mom brought me up to get to know the saints. They also taught it in school. I love the fact that I'm remembering this part of me and I could ask for their intercession for my prayers and intentions. Something missing? Pray to St. Anthony. Pandemic? Pray to St. Roch. Need a miracle? Pray to Padre Pio* and ask your guardian angel to whisper to his ear. Anxiety? Pray to St. Dymphna. Teaching? Of course, St. La Salle is the one. 

At the La Salle Generalate, Rome.

I'm happy I bounced back quickly from last week's procedure. It was a blessing in disguise it was rescheduled because I can get feedback from my doctor before I get vaxxed this week. I've been praying a lot and I realized that's what was lacking in me the past few years. I think after OHS** I got too brazen and thought I was invincible. I was doing my mission and took it for granted that all systems would just run smoothly. 

I prayed every night, but my head would always be buzzing with other things. A couple of weeks ago I thought I could improve with how I did my prayers. I always hear people say that you have to be specific about your requests. I downloaded two prayer apps and started to pray novenas (now I know why my Mom always uses her prayer books). It was then I remembered the saint who led me to Sweetie. 

St. Jude, the patron saint of impossible causes. At some point in my life I gave up on love. I was badly heartbroken and kept meeting the wrong kind of guys. I felt it was impossible to find true love. I heard about St. Jude, so thought I'd pray to him. I did and eventually met Sweetie. I think I never thanked St. Jude for helping write my love story. I thank him every night now and I'm requesting for a couple of impossible things. Have anything that you think is impossible? Pray to St. Jude. He gave me my forever (#sanaol). 

CB///*Yr2/155 #StuckAtHomeDay/Yr2/178 #NewG292 #Home50 #Xmas103 #StayHome #BeKind 

*Padre Pio novena starts tomorrow

**OHS - open heart surgery

Interesting F&B Encounters

I like going to the supermarket especially when I travel. If there's none nearby, a 7-Eleven will do. I like discovering what things they have in other countries that I've never seen before.

Here's one I saw today at Cold Storage in Singapore - Exotic Mango flavored Coca-Cola. Did I try it? Nope. I was too weirded out and I'm sure my tummy will protest. I like my mangoes in it's original form and preferably from the Philippines.

Coca-cola Peach and Coca Cola Lemon and Vitamin. Has anyone tried this?

Coca-Cola Frozen. I found this in 7-Eleven together with the ice cream. It was interesting but I didn't try it since I avoid drinking soda. I did try the clear Coca-Cola. It had a strange aftertaste and I never tried it again. 

Before I went back to Singapore Miggy and I went to SM Supermart in Aura. We lined up to buy turon to bring home for our merienda. Alas! We discovered tikoy turon. We ended up getting it instead of the regular turon. Ate it when we got home and loved it. (Which reminds me I should cook the tikoy I got from Manila too).

Milk tea cake from Starbucks in Singapore. Of course I had to try it. Let's just say I prefer milk tea in it's beverage form and will stick to my favorite Starbucks classic chocolate cake.

Lipton strawberry & cream milk tea. My only reaction - why?

Litson Kawali chips. Sweetie bought this for me in Marikina and we were quite excited to try it. My friends who are on keto diet love it. Unfortunately I found it a tad bit too oily.

Horseradish spread. It was my boss who introduced this to me when we were in Rome. I liked it and realize now I should have bought some while I was there.

What interesting food and beverage encounters have you had?