Posted in kdrama, life, love

My Roommate is a Gumiho – current fave

Every night my hubby and I enjoy our mini date watching Kdramas. And no this is not a paid ad (I wish hehe), you can stream Kdramas in Netflix, iQ, Viki, etc.

We just finished – My Roommate is a Gumiho and it was perfect! ❤ ❤ ❤

Because I’m a sucker for poetry, romantic, almost cheesy, & sentimental lines so I’m sharing the letter of Sir Gumiho. You won’t be needing to playback the last episode to jot down its beautiful words,,, ur wc 🙂

Spoiler warning!

I don’t think I can say this to you in person, so I’m writing a letter hoping it won’t be delivered.

Over the years, I’ve been through so much. Because I’ve lived long, I’ve always been tired. Sometimes mornings are tedious. Until I met you, it was always like that.

You were my only joy. You were the only the reason I waited for the morning. Perhaps I knew it from the beginning that you would change my destiny.

– 오리신

We really enjoyed this drama and at the back of my mind I saw myself in Dam’s, having my husband who’s years older than me and had a lonely past. While I was a college student like Dam kind, honest, caring and cheerful.

❤ ❤️

Posted in kdrama

The light in your eyes

There’s one Kdrama that is hands down the ultimate tearjerker. No episode that I didn’t tear up, but this is not to discourage you from watching it.

I got the idea of adding this Kdrama to my playlist by Seungkwan of Seventeen. What a perfect timing that I’m into Psychology and currently studying online. The light in your eyes in my opinion depicts areas in psychology such as anxiety, trauma, dementia (alzheimer) and was beautifully portrayed in the story of it’s main characters. Not here to leave a review but I’ll be sharing the ending quotation which is really motivating and uplifting.

My life is blighted by misfortunes at times,

but there are also happy times.

They say that life is nothing but a dream,

but I’m still grateful for my life.

Even if you’re struggling right now,

everyone has the right to live his everyday.

Don’t waste the present regretting the past,

worrying about the future.

life is worth living…

– Kim Hejya

Posted in faith, motivational

Must read bible verses when you’re faced with criticisms

I’ve faced criticisms my entire life. Prior to taking Psychology, I’m already curious about dealing with people – particularly “difficult” people.

But beyond and above scientific knowledge and strategies is the grace and word of God.

Let me share this with you, this has helped me a lot…

Caring for what others think of you stops us from doing God’s will. You’ll be distracted, occupied and worst be frozen in fear.

I want to also remind you that there are mean people in this world. (a.k.a. haters) Don’t allow people to hurt you with negative words toward you. Their words are irrelevant. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. God thinks good thoughts about you so think good thoughts about yourself as well.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 NIV

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

Do not judge or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2 NIV

It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe. Proverbs 29:25

The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7
Posted in family, love, Wedding

A filipino fairytale

Happy tears, lots of it!

God was indeed so generous and gracious, His will triumphs over anything.

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The wedding was so beautiful and memorable, worth all the pains, wait and hurdles. We met numerous challenges, family emergencies/illness, problems, people and hindrances. There was a time when we thought we’d lose my in-law due to a critical condition and wedding date was compromised, but God intervened. It was His timing, so perfect.

I cannot thank God enough for this dream-came-true.

Seeking a good coordinator was the first step. So, I prayed for one and God gave me the best in town @events by miss p. The rest of the suppliers were equally amazing. Working with them were a bliss 🙂

We opted a very simple & uncomplicated wedding. Skipping many traditional and fancy components like not having bridesmaids and groomsmen, no lengthy or scripted photo shoot, etc. The venue itself was a Spanish antique house turned into a restaurant in Malacañan. Making the wedding more intimate. 

It was in Malacañan since we invited President Duterte and Madam Honeylet. And we are so honoured to have our principal sponsors during our wedding. 

 

with principal sponsors
Sec. Sal Panelo in behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte , Vice Mayor Jenny Sandoval in behalf of Madam Honeylet Avanceña, Mayor Joseph Estrada, Cong Jonathan dela Cruz in behalf of Senator Bongbong Marcos, Senator Tito Sotto, Gov. Imee Marcos, Cong. Rogelio Espina, Dra. Cecil Espina, Marose Borromeo Soberano, tatay Dondong Limchua, & Mrs. Diana Limchua

A Cebuano – Jun Escario made my beautiful wedding gown. Made up of separate pieces for I know exactly the trouble on pee-break while wearing a gown 🙂 It’s crafted with intricate french lace & imported fabric. Overall look is a fusion of Spanish-Filipiniana with accents of gold and of course my favorite – ecuadorian roses. 

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They say that grief can strike anytime, and so there I was, emotional and missing my father who passed away recently. You can read it my first post My wedding without daddy 

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yes, happy tears… as if there’s nothing else to do but cry. My uncle brought me together with my mom. 

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Fortunate to have our family and friends with us on this wondrous occasion. A celebration of love that stands against all odds.

 

The historic Basilica Menor de San Sebastian is the perfect church for our wedding. Though I felt we were on time constraint, had a quick photo session after the ceremony, still it justified the moment’s theme. Constructed in 1621 & completed in 1891, it is the only all-steel church in the Philippines and designated a National Historical Landmark since 1973. First time we visited this church, I was in awe for its beauty and grandeur. We are also blessed that this year, the parish is preparing for the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first image of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Being a devotee myself, I felt so blessed by Mama Mary who has been a witness and a constant help in our journey.

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My sister Monica, sang us to tears. Moved by every word and notes. The officiating priest is worth mentioning, he is a Cebuano and has been in our compound during his younger days. His sermon was very timely and important. Using the abbreviation C.A.L.L. – c for communication, a for affection, love and loyalty, reminding us of these values every marriage requires. Being together for more than a decade, time has proven that staying in love is effortless if it is true. The foundation is Jesús, and that makes it a solid one. 

 

 

Pausing in prayer and remembrance, paying tribute to our late loved ones, especially my dad & brother who died a year ago. They are forever in our hearts…

much love,
mitch.e

 

special thanks;

events: Events by Miss P
photo/video: Thee Creation Media
florist/stylist: Amelia Blossoms
preps: Holiday Inn & Suites Makati
church: Basilica Menor de San Sebastián
reception: Casa Roces
bridal car: Don Robert
gown: Jun Escario

Posted in family, love, motivational

My wedding without daddy

Still in cloud-9 days after my church wedding. Another dream came true all to God’s glory… It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, sky was clear, weather was fair. Even the notorious Manila traffic seemed to be cooperating and so we arrived in Basilica Menór de San Sebastián 40 minutes early. Long enough to finish praying the rosary, simultaneously I talked to the chauffeur and coordinator assistants. I convinced myself not to cry, “yep this is nothing” anyway Dadi is smiling down from heaven and I’m sure he is very happy for me. Finally this day came, after twelve years of anticipation…

I wrapped the rosary around my wrist like armor to strengthen me. 

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I thought I was equipped not to cry,

I thought wrong.

The antique steel door slowly unclosed. I was instructed to count 5 seconds before making the first step. The door flung open, and there my poor heart started beating rapidly. So fast that it felt like my heart leaped off my chest. My hands were shaking. The coordinators kept on reminding to walk slowly, I heard them faintly for my heart was much stronger ~ it desired the man standing in the altar waiting for me. 

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“love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust.

Love still stands when all else has fallen”

1 Corinthians 13:7-8

I looked way pass him, still trying to stop the welling of my eyes. Yet, it made me more emotional. To see the image of the blessed Mother Mary (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel) was the best reminder of this dream that was about to unfold. All attempts failed and I wept, using up the tissue prepared in my hidden pocket. At that moment, everything else was blurry in my sight, I didn’t mind looking terrible and drenched in tears.

Happy tears. 

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Then, I looked at the right of the altar and saw a familiar cross with the sacred image of Jesus. A similar crucifix as that of Lourdes, France. The church is such a perfect setting, everything seemed so surprisingly wonderful and surreal. 

Little trivia: The church is the only all-steel church in the Philippines, made by a French engineer – Gustave Eiffel who also made the famous landmark Eiffel Tower in Paris. 

And it hurts because a year ago my father died suddenly and unexpectedly, missing him in the most significant day in my life… I would have wanted him to be there even in wheelchair. But, the turn of events were tough, became even more difficult when my father-in law was again hospitalized and placed in ICU and my mom-in law needing to stay with him. And so both my in-laws and my Dadi were missing, it was painfully sweet and special.

Fatherless wedding. 

The wedding was almost perfect, maybe perfect, because everything was God’s gift to me and Erik. 

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I opted for a simple one and specifically asked the photo/videographer to capture raw, candid, real emotions. I skipped many traditional scenes and the reason for this is that my life has too much melancholy and sadness already. No need to be fancy and dramatic. Masking the blues with laughters, giggles and smiles. At the back of my mind, I’d wished for Dadi to be there, handsome in his Barong Tagalog. Maybe, a chance for us to bond and to be a little vocal of how we actually feel. I missed the opportunity to tell him I love him, a goodbye never said, a guilt that affects me and regret that changed my life then on. 

This post is to honor the memory of my dad, for my late brother as well. Taking opportunity to remember with love those who are no longer with us, they are in our hearts forever.

Happily ever after continues on next post…

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Thank you to these awesome people/team ♥️
P/V: Thee Creation Media http://www.theecreationsmedia.com
Wedding Coordinator: Events by Miss P https://www.facebook.com/eventsbymissp/
Preps: Holiday Inn, Makati
Ceremony: Basilica Menor de San Sebastián
Reception: Casa Roces Malacañan
BridalCar: Don Robert
Florist/Stylist: Amelia Blossoms
Gown: Jun Escario http://www.junescario.com
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Posted in beauty and wellness, makeup

How to look lovely when you’re always in a hurry

I’m following this beauty guru in YouTube for years now – Wayne Goss. This expert knows what he’s talking about. He makes videos and known for his brief, effective and practical beauty hacks and makeup lessons. Goss makes everything simple, a basic eyeshadow trick for even the laziest girls. Much of what I’ve learned are from him and from a few other famous personalities in the web.

Yes there’s hope,

💕

I’m sharing some useful tips for us Pinays who are always nagmamadali or always on the go.

💕

Tip #1 – Choose products wisely

Select products that will help you achieve that wow look in no time, like BB creams or tinted moisturizers. Skipping a few steps in our daily struggle is crucial. After skincare, apply a fair amount of BB cream/tinted moisturizer. You’ll be surprised, they’re so easy to apply and blend compared to liquid or cream foundations as your base.




Tip #2 – Kilay is Life (eyebrow is life)

Haha, but yes it is. Eyebrow is huge nowadays. I can’t imagine myself going out with no eyebrows or my brows in halves, shameless! Don’t fret my loves, there’s a ton of brow products in the market right now for as low as P100. Make sure to pick the one that’s long wearing and with spooly/brush.


Tip #3 – Eye makeup in a flash

I actually skip this step most of the time since I’m wearing my glasses. But, when certain occasions demand a quick eye makeup, I’ve got an arsenal of products that’s highly recommended. Stick eyeshadow is heaven sent and will give you the fastest eye makeup imaginable. Yes, in less than a minute for me 😉 Just swipe and blend with your fingers, easy peasy! Apply liner or mascara as desired and voila pretty eyes.




Tip #4 – Crush blush

Flaunt your cheeks baby. Yes, rosy and plump cheeks is a sign of youth and vitality. And like what I’ve learned from Goss, you can use the same blush to subtly contour your face by applying it in the high points of your face. For that youthful and lovely sun kissed glow.


Tip #4 – Lipstick finale

This is no doubt a no-brainer trick, when it comes to appearing put up in an instant, lipstick is the key. One swipe and you’re good to go. Choose moisturizing lipsticks over drying matte ones if you like to avoid putting on lip balm.

Hope these help, till next post.

❤️ Mitch

Shop for Products, link here 💗

Posted in faith, prayer

Prayer before sleep

Today is one of the most exhausting days of my life. All I do, I offer them to God. He gives me strength to fulfill my duties, my obligations.

I’m sharing this beautiful prayer before sleep.
Prayer before sleep.

Dear God, as I lay me down to sleep, relax the tension of my body. 

Calm the restlessness of my mind; still the thoughts which worry and perplex me. 

Help me to rest myself and all my problems in your strong & loving arms.

Let your Spirit speak to my mind and heart while I’m asleep, so that when I wake in the morning, I may find that I have received in the nighttime, light for my way, strength for my tasks, peace for my worries, forgiveness for my sins. 

Grant me sleep tonight and tomorrow power to live. 

Amen 🙏🏼

Posted in Disney, movie, princess

Beauty & the Beast

Hi there, yes it’s been awhile. Took a break for healing and some contemplation. I never thought I’d make it this far… But let us not be mushy for I’m in my happy mood right now. We just watched Beauty and the Beast – yay! 🙂 my favorite princess of all time…

It was everything I expected, magical, romantic & even funny. And for a softee like me who cries even on the slightest melancholy, e.g when Beast died, yes so me… Okay, so the signature of any Disney fairytale is a happy ending. The grand ballroom scene was especially spectacular. They danced in celebration and I think Emma Watson (as Belle) was graceful. As the movie came to its finale, I asked my hubby wittily, “So do you see ‘us’ in the movie? Me, breaking the spell & lifting the curse…” and we had a great laugh 😀

So for everyone who have yet to see this movie, it’s really a must. My family enjoyed it a lot! Sharing my playlist of its OST (click on the link below).Plus, an artwork I created, hope you guys like it 🙂

I invite you to relax, let us pull up a chair and be my guest 😉

rose beauty n the beast  

Beauty & the Beast OST Playlist

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my drawing of Belle in the library scene

Posted in birthday, letter, life

A letter to my daughter on her birthday

Dearest Baby girl,

Today is a very special day not just for you but also for me. On this day, I was blessed with a very beautiful baby. You may sometimes tease me when I get sappy, but what I’m feeling as your mom is best expressed with tears in my eyes for it is the finest feeling in the world. I’m so proud of you, maybe you already know that. And I want to be with you and see you in every milestone, every step, every dream you want to achieve. I will be here no matter what, I will be here as your confidant, as your art-buddy, as your adviser, as your mentor or math tutor, most especially I will be here as your mom – always and forever… I will give you all the love in the world, all the love I can give simply because you deserve it. You are such a wonderful being, a little timid, sensitive, compassionate, smart and an artist by heart. I would do everything I could so you can have a better life, better that what I had. The material is of least importance as we pass unto you the values and tradition we have received from our parents. These will guide you as go through life particularly on tough times. Always remember that God gives favor to those who love Him, believe and ask with your heart, God can hear you… just like when God heard me and gave me you…

happy birthday.

I love you,

forever, mom.

Posted in faith, hope

anyway

 

People are often unreasonable and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat on you.
Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

  • Mother Teresa

In our lifetime, we all experience pain, sufferings and sorrow. It used to give me a bitter outlook of the world that’s filled with heartaches. Both my partner and I encountered perfidious relationships from the past so when we met it was quite challenging. It was more hurtful for him because it involved his family. You will not know the exact meaning of pain until you’re cheated by someone you loved. And I believe it is the greatest tragedy of mankind.

People doubt, deceive, forget and are unkind…

There will always be a few, who would disagree and dislike. I don’t need to recount the myriad times I was judged and criticized, maybe all these are part of my “purification” I guess.

Having gone through a lot, lest we didn’t know God was there. He is always there… Until present day that I realized, all I need to do, all these time, I just need to talk to Him. to surrender,

“Lord… I do not trust my weakness, I can’t bear this pain, I can’t do this alone, I need You and I trust You… Your love for me is greater than anything else so I lift all these up to You…”

and it is only Him, who can judge, who can deliver, and can help us.

I’m glad I didn’t end up being bitter after all, there’s always a hint of hope inside of me. Perhaps, that is God’s grace over me…

When I lost my only brother this year, it was an awakening and it hurt so much because of a few regrets, I felt I could have done something before he died. The guilt being the eldest  and most able, forgiveness was not easy. As I thought I will not be able to recover, but I did. One of the countless blessings God has given me… I was healed, forgiven, heard and loved…

anyway.