Start the New Year (2012) with Full Armor!

2011. Laughters. Cries. Heartaches. Breakthroughs.

Myriads of words are popping out of my mind as I look back to the 365 days that passed. Beyond the thousands of changing emotions that filled my year, one thing has been constant: I am never alone.  I have been walking in this journey of life with 2 pairs of footprints. My hand is being held by that gentle Hand that has been guiding me all along. Sometimes there’s a tendency for me to turn into a wrong path, but I am immediately rescued before I even step my foot on the ground. He never lets me go. He embraces me even if I pull back. He loves me the same—no matter what I do or how much I hurt Him.

I couldn’t believe that tons of great things actually came my way this 2011. Honestly, those great things have been overpowered by the complaints that came out of my mouth. I have this guilt in my heart now for not being contented with what I have. Throughout the year I would hear myself praying for more projects (mainly because of financial needs), wondering why my last big project was still way back 2010. I even asked God if I have done that many a sin for Him to not bless me with projects. But I misinterpreted Him. I have been blessed more than I could imagine! I just didn’t look at the bigger picture. There were the few commercials to be thankful for. And if I’d look back to my expenses for the whole year, it would be beyond my comprehension as to how my family and I survived. God provided all our needs, often times even our wants. There never came a point when we’d feel so poor and penniless. God always provided a way. And I am almost in tears now for I know I made Him sad by focusing on what I’ve lacked instead of the blessings that He has poured on me and my family.

My New Year’s Resolution would be more of a spiritual aspect. I want to focus on my relationship with God and my responsibility to share His gift to all the unbelievers. I want to invest on the unseen, eternal things rather than on temporary, material ones. I want to work on motivating myself to please only Him and not other people. I want to always choose not the ways of the world but His ways. I know it’s easier said than done but “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. -Philippians 2:13.” I cannot do the change I want by myself. I need His help. And I am excited to witness how He will maneuver my life.

I thank God for all the hardships that I came across this year. I thank Him that His plans are greater than mine. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  -Isaiah 55:9. I thank Him that I wasn’t able to buy the shoes, bags and gadgets that I’ve been wanting to buy. I know He doesn’t want be to be materialistic and He’s teaching me to be patient. I thank Him for the problems that my family and I faced. I know we’ve become stronger and I learned how to love more despite of the situation.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” James 1:2-7

I am excited for more of God’s love this 2012! And yes, I am excited for a new set of challenge! I have high hopes for breakthroughs. And my hopes are even higher for my family and friends who are yet to enter into a royal relationship with my Creator.

I will keep on asking God, I will keep on believing for the seemingly impossible to happen and I will keep on dreaming. I have big dreams for my family. I know one day I would be able to bring them to places they have never been before, make them experience the things they haven’t come across, just like what I wanted this New Year’s Eve: to spend the night in a hotel and together we’ll watch fireworks and firecrackers as they paint the sky. But I know it can wait; I just have to be patient.

As we welcome another year of the Lord--2012,  let’s wear our shields and swords in this BATTLEFIELD. There will be no victory if there’s no winning in a battle. And with every victory, there has to be a battle. If you’re wondering what weapons to use, here are they:

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." -Ephesians 6:14-18

AND

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. – 2 Corinthians 10: 4

Let’s get it on! Be on full armor! Happy New Year!

Countering Lies with the Truth (from the book Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss) Part 1

The Lie
1. GOD IS NOT REALLY GOOD

The Truth

• God is good, and everything He does is good. Psalm 31:19; 34:8; 100:5; 106:1; 119:68; 136:1; Ephesians 1:3-14
• God never makes mistakes. Isaiah 46:10; Romans 8:28-39

The Lie

2. GOD DOESN'T LOVE ME

The Truth

• God's love for me is infinite and unconditional. John 15:13; Romans 5:8; 8:32, 38-39; Ephesians 3:14-19; 1 John 4:7-10
• I don't have to perform to earn God's love or favor. Ephesians 1:4-6
• God always has my best interests at heart. Psalm 21

The Lie

3. GOD IS JUST LIKE MY FATHER

The Truth

• God is exactly what He has revealed Himself to be in His Word. John 1:1; Hebrews 1:3
• God is infinitely more wise and loving than any earthly father could ever be. Hebrews 12:9-10

The Lie

4. GOD IS NOT REALLY ENOUGH

The Truth

• God is enough. If I have Him, I have all I need. Psalm 23:1; 73:23-26; Colossians 2:9-10

The Lie

5. GOD'S WAYS ARE TOO RESTRICTIVE

The Truth

• God's ways are best. Deuteronomy 6:24-25; Joshua 1:8
• God's restrictions are always for my good. James 1:19-27
• Resisting or rebelling against God's ways brings conflict and heartache. Psalm 68:6; Proverbs 15:32-33

The Lie

6. GOD SHOULD FIX MY PROBLEMS

The Truth

• Life is hard. Romans 8:21-22
• God is more concerned about glorifying Himself and changing me than about solving my problems. 2 Corinthians 4:17
• God has an eternal purpose He is fulfilling in the midst of my problems. Romans 5:3-4; James 1:2-4
• God wants to use my problems as part of His sanctifying process in my life. Job 23:10
• No matter what problem I am facing, God's grace in sufficient for me. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

The Lie

7. I'M NOT WORTH ANYTHING

The Truth

• My value is not determined by what others think of me or what I think of myself. My value is determined by how God views me. Psalm 139:1-18; Ephesians 1:3-8; 1 Peter 2:4
• To God, my soul is worth more than the peace of the whole world. John 3:16; Romans 5:6-8
• If I am a child of God, I am God's cherished possession and treasure. Romans 8:1-2, 13, 15-17; 1 Peter 2:9

The Lie

8. I NEED TO LEARN TO LOVE MYSELF

The Truth

• By faith, I need to receive God's love for me. Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 11
• I already love myself. I need to deny myself and let God love others through me. Matthew 16:24-26; John 15:12; Ephesians 5:29

The Lie

9. I CAN'T HELP THE WAY I AM

The Truth

• If I am a child of God, I can choose to obey God. Romans 6:1-14; 8:1-2
• I am responsible for my own choices. Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15
• I can be changed through the power of God's Spirit. Galatians 5:16; Philippians 2:13

The Lie

10. I HAVE MY RIGHTS

The Truth

• Claiming rights will put me in bondage. Job 4:1, 4, 9; Psalm 37:1-11; Luke 6:46
• Yielding rights will set me free. John 6:38; Hebrews 10:7

The Lie

11. PHYSICAL BEAUTY MATTERS MORE THAN INNER BEAUTY

The Truth

• At best, physical beauty is temporal and fleeting. Proverbs 31:30
• The beauty that matters most to God is that of my inner spirit and character. 1 Samuel 16:17; 1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:3-5

The Lie

12. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO LIVE WITH UNFULFILLED LONGINGS

The Truth

• I will always have unfulfilled longings this side of heaven. Romans 8:23, 25; Ephesians 3:11; Hebrews 11:13-16
• The deepest longings of my heart cannot be filled by any created person or thing. Psalm 16:11; 73:25
• If I will accept them, unfulfilled longings will increase my longing for God and for heaven. Deuteronomy 8:3; Psalm 34:8-10; Philippians 3:20- 4:1

_____

    I am deeply awakened by these truths about God and myself. I didn't even notice that some of the these have already been distorted by the Enemy until I came across the book Lies Women Believe.

   Sometimes it won't really be obvious that Satan is already planting seeds of doubts and lies in our hearts and souls. When that happens, we just have to focus on who God is and what our purpose in Him is. We can use God's promises and truths as weapon to fight against the Enemy. I hope you'll be blessed by the truths written above and I sincerely encourage you to read Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. 

Gift Unwrapped!

         I’ve been feeling down lately because of the fact that I still haven’t done Christmas shopping and it’s just 6 days before Christmas day. I remember I would be wrapping gifts by now and the tape holder would be running out of supplies of scotch tapes in the previous years. I feel disappointed that Christmas season seems to be just like a normal day. Then I remember what (or rather who) it’s really all about.

         It’s not about me wanting to be like Santa Claus handing out gifts to everyone I know, not about whatever emotions I’m having in the midst of Christmas season and more importantly not about fulfilling a Christmas wishlist that is sparkling with material things. It’s about a Savior who stooped down, left His throne and was born on a bed of hay during a cool night to be able to reach for you and me.

Baby Jesus. That’s what would pop in my mind when I think of Christmas. But it’s more than that. Baby Jesus didn’t remain just a baby; He grew up, humbled Himself and obeyed His Father. He was rejected, hit and took as many lashes as you could count. And then He shed blood for you and me. I can imagine His pure and innocent blood flowing out like a still river and emptying out like drainage. And yes it was for you and me.

Christmas is about celebrating what He has done for us, His children. It’s a festivity!  We can rejoice even though there are not enough gifts to give and not enough money to spend on lavish food.

I feel guilty for having been said that “I don’t feel as much blessed as I had the previous years.” I’ve been praying for big projects but God keeps on telling me to “Wait and be patient.” I came to a point that I compared myself with others who appear to be over-blessed in life but God immediately assured me with His promises! And I quickly stopped the enemy for planting doubts and deception in my mind.

I may not buy the expensive gifts that I want to give my family and friends, I may not even get the baking equipment that I have been praying for ages now but there has been an enormous Gift wrapped in pearls of gold that will neither rust nor destroyed presented for every human being in the corners of the earth. Sometimes I forget that the fact that I’ve had that Gift for a long time now makes me more blessed than I could think of. Some may have already accepted the Gift but many others are still blinded by other gifts overpowering that Genuine Gift. How about you? Perhaps you’re ignoring that Gift presented to you. You don’t have to spend or do something for it; you just have to willingly receive. And it’s been there in front of you waiting to be opened. Maybe it’s time to unwrap it!

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

—Romans 6:23

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

—Ephesians 2:8-9

Overwhelmed :)

Forgive me for being as overwhelmed as I am now… I am just so happy that the article I contributed to Philippine Daily Inquirer is published! And I wanna share it with you!  click here to view it online!

With all my information-loaded and perfomance-filled classes today, the text I received from a relative that she just read an article written by me in the said local paper made my day! I had no idea it was gonna be published because the article was supposed to be just a blog post when I took my spare time to write during typhoon Falcon's attack to Philippine islands. It was a random and an unplanned decision to actually submit it to youngblood.

But hey! God never fails to surprise me!

Writing means a lot to me..:’) Praise You Lord!

♥, C

Of Dreams, Realizations and Treasures

 I always find myself lost into the world of daydreams: I wonder what my first job would be when I graduate from college. I picture myself entering the corporate world, the busy schedule of the people who write and organize events of big companies, things like that. I dream big, so big that from time to time I talk to God asking for assurance that there’s nothing wrong with that.

When I look at my life right now, I can’t stop but dream. I dream of having a big room with walk-in closet, shoes piled up and organized, clothes hanged beautifully around. There’s another room inside my big room and I want to call it my “reading room”. An enormous shelf is conspicuous with its numerous books arranged in different genres. I’ve been at friends’ rooms that are almost similar to what I picture and all I mutter upon leaving those rooms is the word “someday” with an expectant smile.

I dream of driving my own car around the city, stopping over at a fancy restaurant and being able to buy the food I want to bring to my family as “pasalubong”. I want to buy my nephews and nieces the toys they want. I want to give mom the imported chocolates that are too expensive at the moment. I don’t know if that’s being selfish but I just find myself having these desires for things I haven’t experienced in my life that others my age have: not having to do all chores that a helper ought to do, not worrying about the things that parents should be the one worrying about, not restricting the self  to spend on cravings just because I have to save for my tuition fee next semester. I don’t want to compare my life to others’ because I know full well that God has unique great plans for each one of us but from time to time I just wonder what if I have both my parents to support me— financially and emotionally--, what would my life be like?

I know there are millions of others in this world whose life's stories are far worse than mine. There are those who cannot even eat 3 meals a day, those who walk miles just to get to and fro school, those who shove plastic bottles and recyclable wastes in the garbage bags that rest on every corner of streets and those who have to grow up without the presence of a mother and a father. I appreciate all I have when I think of them and it gets me into this longing to be able to extend a hand to them especially when I already have a stable job and the means to provide.

As a matter of fact, all I have experienced and all I have now contribute to how strong I am and to what perspective I have. If I have not gone through the many complexities of life, would I have this deep and intense desire to establish this image of my “dream” family someday? Yes, as early as now I think of my future husband and kids.  I want to be a great wife to my husband, becoming all I’m intended to be with God’s guidance and not letting separation come our way. I want to be the greatest mom in the world, providing my kids a life enveloped with the genuine love and affection of a family as a whole.

Don’t think I’m bitter for whatever I have now. No. Way no. I love my family despite of the questions I once asked God. They are my treasures. I’m rather thankful for everything I have because if it weren’t for the obstacles I faced, I wouldn’t be where I am now. Nothing can detach me from the principle that “everything has a purpose and happens for a reason”. Hence, I want to pursue excellence and chase success. With that thought planted in my mind, I am motivated to work hard and not settle for mediocrity.

Now as I write, I’ve come to this realization how a blessing it is  to grow without a helper—I can wash clothes and dishes and cook (still learning and long way to go though) , to be given responsibilities earlier than usual—lots of friends come to me when it comes to decision-making and the like, to not getting the things I want easily—I’m tested with patience and I’m taught with prioritizing needs over wants. I really thank God for these life’s lessons!

When the time comes that I’m on the brink of prosperity and success, I want to always remind myself not to invest on temporary things but rather on treasures in heaven--where moth and rust do not destroy. I also do not want to forget how riding on jeepneys and walking when needed taught me to be patient and to always level myself equally with every human being, how the absence of a father ignited that spark of hope and assurance that my kids would grow up with a father’s presence and with the overflowing love of their mother and how all my dreams coming true traces its roots back to God who has been faithful in my life and who has looked at me with worth both when I am lacking and when I am achieving.

When the world has become too dangerous…

The world around me is turning into a monstrous place. Scary.  Dark. Perilous.

When I watch the news at night, my heart breaks with all that’s happening nowadays.  Violence is everywhere. Death lies on every corner of streets. Hold-ups, rapes, gunshots and other forms of atrocities are becoming too familiar that I am not as shocked anymore as I used to be. Talk about immunity. But when the day has ended and I’m about to drift off to sleep, I am bothered. Thoughts come flashing my mind, questions arise and when I am in sleep I am taunted in my dreams.

I myself have been deeply saddened and disturbed upon hearing the tragic news about the death of my co-student during my freshman year in UPLB, Given Grace Cebanico. I don’t know her personally but I’m sure to have seen her or passed by her a few times last year. The situation she had to face made me weep. Images began forming my imagination and I couldn’t sleep the night I heard the news. I thought of the people close to her, especially her family. All I can do is pray. I asked God the whys and I realized I have no right to question. I may not understand all that’s happening in the world but He does. And none of us can fathom His purposes for all that’s happened and will happen in the future.

I remember when I was in UPLB, I would always pray for safety whenever I’d go out.  And when I transferred to Diliman, I thanked God that nothing happened to me during my 1-year stay in a dorm inside the campus of UPLB the previous year. Now I appreciate God’s guidance more but, to be honest, sometimes I still thought it unfair that while I’m safe, others aren’t. But then again, only God has the answers.

I’ve been paranoid this week that when I’d go out of the house and ride on a jeepney, I’d sense fear. I’d think that people around me are dangerous. I’ve become so bothered that something might happen to me any minute. I’d think of my friends who are at different places.  I’d worry about my family and friends.

I asked God why the world is turning into a darker hue. Then I realized that this sinful world is not yet our home and so evil spirits wander around. Even though God has power over the enemies, unpleasant things still happen because the earth is not the place where pain and suffering do not exist. This is not our home. The place we can can call home is this:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.

“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls containing the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come with me! I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”

 So he took me in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious stone—like jasper as clear as crystal. The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates.There were three gates on each side—east, north, south, and west. The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The angel who talked to me held in his hand a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. When he measured it, he found it was a square, as wide as it was long. In fact, its length and width and height were each 1,400 miles. Then he measured the walls and found them to be 216 feet thick (according to the human standard used by the angel).

The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones: the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.

The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass.

 I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.- Revelation 21

I admit that many times I fear death. I would say to God, “Lord please don’t fetch me yet, I still want to see my kids and grandchildren live.” But to elude the fear of death that forms in me, I’d imagine this place God has been preparing and I’m in awe. I know it’s meant for His children and we’ll all be with Him forever there.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

Last night when I had my devotion and prayed hard, God provided me with Psalm 55:2 (NLT), “Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” I wept and laid down all my anxieties at His feet. I found His comfort and again I was reminded of who He is.

“For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed. He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing.” Deuteronomy 10:17-18

God is a God of love and justice. His promises are true. When He said in Deut. 31:6 that He will not abandon us, it is true. When He said in Jeremiah 29:11 that He has great plans for us, no doubt about that.  Sometimes the situations right before our eyes seem to not align the promises He made but we just have to focus on who our God is and seek Him. We don’t need to always get answers and make sense of things, standing firm on our faith is what matters.

I encourage you all (and I’m saying this to myself as well) to seek comfort in God and be strong in faith no matter what situation you’re in. All of us have different worries, fears and problems but what we have in common is a Great Father and Comforter. When the world has become too dangerous for us, know that God is in control. When the world has turned into a monster, know that our God doesn’t and He remains after the day has gone and things on earth have passed!

I wanna share the song that just made me cry....

One thing I know that I have found
Through all the troubles that surround
You are the Rock that never fails, You never fail
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/n/new_life_worship/everlasting_god.html ]
One thing I know that I believe
Through every blessing I receive
You are the only One that stays, You always stay

Chorus
You never change, You're still the same
You are the Everlasting God
You will remain after the day is gone and the things of earth have passed
Everlasting God

Hope this inspires you!

♥, C

3rd Golden Prism Awards Culmination Night

Yay! Our photo entry won the Golden Award! Congratulations to my photographer partner Roj! And to all models and photographers, you did a good job! Thanks to all who helped us with the votes---we won the People's Choice Award! Thanks to all the people behind this. And of course, thank you Lord for this blessing!

with my very supportive Babe!

I really can't believe we'd win! When the Top 3 were called and we're included, I was already in joy. Then the 3rd place was announced and when two of us were left, I felt my heart thudding! When the 2nd place was the model beside me, I think my heart did leap! haha I've been thanking God since! I only asked Him to let us be part of the top 3 and He gave me the best!

I want to share the prizes we got and here are they:

1. Analog Soul GCs worth 2500php and CASH :D

For winning People's Choice Award!

2. 10,000 worth of GC from John Robert Powers!

3. Goodies from Let's Face It

4. Canon DSLR 1000D for the photographer!

Yahooo!

♥, C

Women’s Make-Up 400 Years Ago! (Elizabethan/Shakespearean Era)

             Since I’ve been enjoying our group’s reports in theatre class about Elizabethan Theatre for the whole semester now, I am very much inspired with so many things I’ve learned that I cannot resist but write. Upon learning one piece of history just recently, my jaw literally dropped as though a deepest, darkest secret of a Hollywood star has just been exposed. And what’s just been placed in the spotlight is…..*drumroll*…..Make-Up!

           400 years ago, trademarks of the ideal Elizabethan beauty were extremely pale skin contrasted by rosy cheeks, red lips and bright eyes. What’s shocking is that the ingredients they used as make-up on their faces were extremely poisonous to the skin!

             To achieve a pure, pale white face, they used what was called ceruse. It was a mixture of white lead and vinegar. It was applied in a heavy layer and you can imagine how toxic it was! Flawless skin was a rarity since skin problems and pox increased. To make matters worse, sunscreens were unheard of and skin creams and ointments could only be of access to those who were well-off. Fyi, societal status was a big deal in Elizabethan Times. And oh, pale skin was a sign of nobility, wealth and delicacy that is why women would be willing die just to have the look!

             To attain rosy cheeks and red lips, they used a certain kind of make-up that was made of mercuric sulfide (vermilion). It was also an ingredient in their facial treatments. We know that Mercury is just another toxic substance you can name!

                I read in a beauty site that:

                 ‘The first record of skin-whitener was found in 1519 in Horman's "Vulgaria puerorum", and by     the time of Elizabeth's reign was well-established as an essential item for the fashionable woman. Naturally, spreading lead upon one's skin caused a variety of skin problems; some authors of the time warned against it, describing how it made the skin "grey and shrivelled", and   suggesting other popular mixtures such a paste of alum and tin ash, sulpher, and a variety of foundations made using boiled egg white, talc, and other white materials as a base. Egg white, uncooked, could also be used to "glaze" the complexion, creating a smooth shell and helping to hide wrinkles.’

              For the sparkling eyes they wanted to create, they outlined their eyes with black kohl and used drops of belladonna (deadly nightshade) to dilate their pupils. They did this for the very reason that a small, rosy mouth, a straight and narrow nose and wide-set bright eyes were the standard of beauty.

                It cannot be denied that even hundreds of years ago, women already had the passion for beauty and perfection. Imagine how they were willing to pay the price of being poisoned just to look beautiful! Some theatre actors at the time even died of lead poisoning.

             I think it’s a great advantage for women in contemporary age that today’s make-up is really improved compared to that of Elizabethan era. We can achieve the look we want to create using safe modern cosmetics. Still, we must limit the use of these make-ups. I’ve just realized that a woman can be as beautiful without make-up on!

               

Fita Behind-the-Scenes

Hey guys! I found the behind-the-scenes photos of our shoot for Fita but there are just few.. Anyhow, I'd like to share 'em..:)

shooting frame 2! 12 more frames to go!

playing with the rope :D

waiting for the cue :)

Fita team chatting :)

Action!

picture!

someone's stalking me! lol

There you go, hope you enjoyed..:D

♥, C

Our Fita "Tug-of-War" Commercial

Yay! Atlast it's aired on tv! We've been waiting for almost a month.haha I was surprised when I saw it the first time, I didn't know it would be that fast since our shoot lasted for 15 hours! So the whole day we were just eating Fita biscuits but it was worth it for it tastes real good!


Here it is!

I was about to publish the behind-the-scenes photos but unfortunately it seems that I misplaced the files :( I'd post it immediately as soon as I find it!

 ♥, C

The Plans I Have Yet to See

I’ve been having niggling thoughts these past few days. I would find my mind drifting to somewhere else in casual moments such as when I am having lunch with a friend or when I am patiently waiting for the train behind the yellow line of the MRT. That “somewhere else” is like an abyss that scares me with its depth.

When I shifted to UP Diliman from UP Los Baños, I decided to apply for two courses which are B.A. Broadcast Communication and B.A. Speech Communication. I’ve been sure all along that I wanted to pursue communication and enter the artistic world. Broad Comm was my first choice and I was honest enough to say it so when it was asked of me in my Speech Comm interview what I would choose had I passed both courses. I wanted to be in the media and be a broadcaster someday. Well, my dream of being a writer as well has never been detached from me. But when I called the College of Mass Communication 3 months ago and learned that my name wasn’t included in the list of the passers, I felt my dreams hanging on a branch of a weakening tree. I had to call one more time and confirm that what I heard was true, expecting that the lady on the other line merely made a mistake.

That same day, a faculty from Speech Comm called me that I passed and asked if I would still take the slot so they could give it to other applicant if I planned to put it off. I didn’t think twice and said that I would love to take my slot. What was important for me at the time was to really transfer and study in Manila which is my home place. Don’t get me wrong, I did not enter Speech Comm just because I had no choice. It had been one of the top choices I made from the start after all. When the realization that my prayer to continue pursuing communication in Diliman was answered with a “yes” and had finally sunk in, I kept on thanking God and rejoicing.

  Now I feel a pang of guilt for somehow questioning lately why I wasn’t able to pass Broad Comm since I was confident that my interview went smoothly and I did well on the exam. I’ve just been wondering how my college life would be like had I passed the course. I mean, lately I feel that I’m wasting the days for just focusing on the academics and not even being a part of an organization. A close friend of mine who’s also from LB is now part of a very known and prestige org in Mass Comm (she passed Broad Comm btw J). I see how happy she is and how productive her college life is in terms of many activities that she’s now part of. And just to inform you, Mass Comm is very much active in events, workshops and many more curricular activities. Well perhaps I still have to see for myself that my college is as that enthusiastic since I’ve just been here for 3 months and there’s more to experience. I remember being part of so many school activities back in high school. And now I feel quite sad that I cannot even be part of a single event. I mean, I want to perform in theatres, dance the way I used to and facilitate in school events. But I still have to wait ‘till next semester to start off. BTW, organizations are very much a big of a deal in UP and it’s like you’re avant-garde when you’re not part of one.

Yes I once doubted my abilities and skills during my first few months here upon grasping that I’ve been thrown into a sea of intelligent and logical people. And sometimes I wonder if I really did graduate valedictorian in high school since now it’s very seldom that I top an exam (Oh except for Spanish.haha) and sometimes I find myself lost in discussions of genius students. But it’s actually becoming more of a challenge for me to strive harder and push higher. And I am more than glad to not be that genius. I mean, I know God has shared with me knowledge and wisdom and that’s just what I need. I also learn not to compare myself to others for there will always be better than I am. Therefore, I focus now on what I can do with the help of God and how I can shine on my own, without the bondage of comparisons and self-disappointments.

I’ve been seeking what God has been telling me all along. I know He wants me to learn something and yes, it’s slowly unfolding now. I’ve come to realize how I’ve got to love what He has offered me. I know He has purpose why I am in my course and college where I now belong. Perhaps He is also humbling me for there was a time when I thought I deserved to be part of Broad Comm people (since my friends are there and many say that there are more opportunities there). But no, I won’t listen to the deception. Where I am right now is where I should really be and there’s no other place better. Isaiah 55:8 strikes my heart: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” I may think that the other course is a better path for me but God’s thoughts are far better than mine. I may not understand now for it’s beyond human comprehension but someday He will open the gates of heaven and I will see before my eyes what He has planned for me all along. Jeremiah 29:11 seems to be pointing directly at me now:

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Why am I alarmed when people say that my course is not in demand? Why am I even jealous that I am not in the college where successful news anchors, directors and celebrities come from? My future is in the hands of a Great God whose promises are always true and whose ways are amazing!

 I have this inner joy and peace now for surrendering all my worries and bothersome thoughts at Jesus’ feet. I am down on my knees, laying it all on Him. What I am gripping as a sword now is this: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” -Proverbs 3:5. I am trusting, holding on, surrendering—with all my heart. Thank you Lord that You have great plans for my life!

             

♥, C

Flipping the Pages of My Modelling Career Backwards

         I was arranging the files of contracts I've kept since I started modelling when I bumped into these old print ads. Talk about nostalgia! I enjoyed bringing the memories back and laughing at myself for looking so different here (in a way that's cute.haha!). I'm proud that I see myself taking delight in each of these output photos.:') Enjoy!

KRAFT

         

    My first print ad ever! I was 11 years old here and I remember my Grandma Pilang accompanying me before and on the day of the shoot.. Btw, she was the one who pushed me into entering the industry and I'll forever be grateful to her!

    Oh, I want to share a memorable story about this. On the day of our shoot, I was playing with other "kiddie" models and I fell down the stairs and broke my lower lip! The staff was so worried because of the spill of blood but eventually I was fine and they just covered the big red mark with a lipstick.haha what a clumsy little girl! 

Yuuuuum!

GLOBE

     My 2nd print ad! I was Grade 6 then and I cannot forget the joy I felt when my mom went to my school and had to pull me out because of the sudden call of the agency about my getting the project and the call time immediately that afternoon!

surpriiise! (published on Father's Day of 2004)

VASELINE

     This was my first big break! I wasn't expecting to be the lead in this commercial because they only contacted me to be a fallback (in the case there would be an unexpected circumstance and  the already approved lead girl wouldn't make it). It turned out that they switched their minds and placed me in the lead role instead. I felt so blessed!

     We did the commercial and music video for 4 days. If you remember, the music video was sang by Nikki Gil and entitled "Glowing Inside". It was a tribute to all mothers and the graduates of 2006. I myself cried after watching it for the first time on tv!

Thank you Mom! :D

SMART

     This was actually a tv commercial packaged with print on newspapers. The project was entitled "Smart Mamiso" and what I was endorsing was their MMS costing only 1php! I remember it was a romantic story and a family-oriented one as well. I was the girl who had a crush on this particular guy in school and I sent him a photo of me when I was with my family watching the game of my "special" brother. My crush also sent me a picture of bouquet and I was giggling to the bones! hahaha

*blush blush*

COKE

     A small advertisement for Coca-cola on Christmas Day. It was only published on newspapers. What made me post this picture is the exaggerated smile on my face, remembering that the photographer wanted me to laugh in reality while he was taking shots! My jaw ached afterwards! That was the day I realized that I should be ready for more jaw-torturing-smiles and I guess I have always been prepared for those.haha

AYALA MALLS

     This was actually just about 2 years ago but I guess I wasn't able to share this in my old blog or even in facebook. It was a big poster situated around Ayala Malls on the week of their madness Christmas sale. There were also flyers and I'm happy to have kept one.:)

shop shop shop!

ABE

     This was my first school commercial and again I didn't get the chance to share it here. I was with Mara Schnittka (Now known as Julia Montes). If I'm not mistaken, she was already in the ABSCBN talent center here but still undergoing workshops and all. There was also the girl in Immortal who looked like Maricar Reyes named Marlann. I didn't know these two would be stars soon after and I was glad to have worked with them.:)

I was supposed to be in Canada. My get-up told you so, didn't it?:p

We're going around the world!:)

     

      I feel sad that there were projects in which I didn't get copies so I had no files of those.huhu But I'm sure gonna post for more (been praying for more projects!). I'm glad that I can share these blessings with you guys.

♥, C