Staying in Love Forever

Months ago, DS popped the question whether I would like to join this year's couples retreat.  I was surprised at his initiative but nonchalantly said that it's up to him.  I felt hesitant because it will be another additional expense for the family and also my mind was preoccupied with the kids.  Where will I leave them?Who will take care of them? etc, etc.

Until only a week before the retreat did I started planning.  Praise God for faithful house helpers who willingly sacrificed their day-offs for that weekend.  I praise God also for my parents, brother and in-laws living in close proximity within our area who also willingly took time to watch over our sons.    

My initial apprehension turned into excited anticipation as the days grew near.  Honestly, we've never had any formal dates for the past ....  Trips to Wilcon builder sourcing for materials (just me and my spouse) and then a quick Moonleaf afterwards would make me feel so happy already.  Mabababaw lang naman kaligayahan ko.  =)  I just enjoy the time with DS, talking while in the car.  Just us - without the kids.  This is what we lack and miss nowadays.

We arrived at the Bayleaf Hotel by 3pm.  It was a very lovely boutique hotel right smack in the historical area of Intramuros.  This is a great place to recommend for foreign or local tourists who wish to explore and experience Manila.  

Our Orange Premier Bedroom! =)

squeaky clean white bathroom

Desk and sitting area 

our luggage surprisingly went with the theme! 

View from our room.  

LCD tv

My handsome husband  =)

In a world where sexual immorality is becoming more and more "accepted", it is truly by the Holy Spirit and both spouses' commitment to each other that will make marriage last forever.  Not just "enduring" each other for the sake of the kids... but STAYING IN LOVE FOREVER.  That is JEC Homebuilder's C.L.A.B.'s theme for this years couples Encounter.   This year marks their 4th year since they started this project and we had never missed one retreat.  Knowing that Rev. Eugene Hao would be the speaker, I was all the more eager to listen and learn because I know this seminar would not be a boring one.  And as  fourth-timers,  I believe in what Rev. Hao said:  that information about marriage or staying in love with your spouse is already all around us.  We know so much about what to do and what not to do.  We've already heard and read it several times.  What we need now is the LIFE-CHANGING POWER only the Holy Spirit can give.

That afternoon, our first session was entitled "A Lasting Marriage". Ephesians 5: 21-33
To summarize:
1.  Be Wise  -  because the days ARE evil.  Our true enemy is the devil, not our spouses! The devil is always on the lookout trying to destroy marriages since the time of Adam and Eve.  So we simply must not allow what God has established - marriage and family.  That is why we need God's wisdom in order for us to stay in love forever.  And it IS possible.

2. Submit to One Another  - self explanatory =D

3. Love Your Spouse Sacrificially and Unconditionally  -  Yes it is not easy for two people coming from 2 different backgrounds and all... but you are COMMITTED to love one another till death do you part.  (Do not ever think of putting poison in your spouse's food)  =)

Divorce or annulment is so rampant because love has been trivialised... people put conditions to why they love a person.  The "I love you IF" , should be replaced with "I love you EVEN IF";  because God hates divorce.

4.  Physical Intimacy or Sex - is very beautiful if done within the boundaries of marriage.  God created it for married couples to enjoy.  Enjoy each others' bodies.  This also requires a good relationship with one another, how you treat each other.

5.  Prayer - 1 Corinthians 7:1-5   This is what I appreciate most in this seminar.  Praying for my spouse is one thing I take for granted before, but now I realized how important and powerful it can be. The most important thing a christian possess is the privilege to communicate with God.  ( MORE ABOUT THIS ON MY NEXT POST)

6. Forgiveness - Without this virtue, it is impossible to last long.  Most of the times, spouses quarrel over petty things that just blows out of proportion.  If you find it hard to forgive, go back to point #3. =)    


That evening we were in for a romantic surprise.  We were told to dress up in a semi-formal attire.  Everyone was in a happy, romantic mood when we entered the Muralla hall.  Our tables were decorated with rose petals, tea light candles and a gift box filled with - ??? Questions for us to talk about while having our date night" on our tables.  I think that was a great idea as some couples might not be used to talking anymore or share their hearts and minds while dating.

 I was expecting a round table for two but they just used our seminar table and transformed it into a dinner table, so we just have to eat side by side.  =)

I really didn't plan our orange luggage, my orange dress and getting an orange room! =D

My date.

the food was delicious!

desserts! 

We were surprised as our names were called;  sweet dance pala.  

If I am not mistaken, we renew our vows every year since we got married.  

That evening was full of romance and laughter.  We were serenaded by a violinist who passed by one table after another playing every couple's requested song.  He was so good!  The songs reminded us all of our wedding day, courtship period... Ahhh bliss.  And of course, we all want that same love to continue, kahit "maputi na ang buhok" namin.   =D

The following morning, we had breakfast at 9 Spoons. The buffet breakfast was good.

We were able to sit beside an overlooking glass window.

It was a cloudy, wet morning

That day was also the scheduled Million People March at Quirino Grandstand to abolish Pork Barrel.  So that explains my husband wearing white. Lol.

Picture Picture

The "Grand Cannon"

I should bring my sons to Intramuros some day.  My AS would love to see this.

The clean interiors of Bayleaf Lobby

We continued to learn from messages two and three for that day.  It was truly a breather for me and DS to have this opportunity to learn and spend time with each other away from our hurried (and harried) everyday lives.  Note to us:  date at least once a week!  =)

Bottom line is:  Include God in your marriages; in your families.  He IS the Author. 

Why Babywearing Is Beautiful

When I was still pregnant with my second son, SB, I didn't buy much baby stuff since I still kept AS' old things; crib, stroller, walker, clothes, toys.  But of course there are some new stuff I had to buy as some are already way too worn, ragged or broken.  One of these is the baby carrier.

Five years ago, when AS was still a baby, we bought a baby carrier at a department store. It was the structured carrier / "backpack type" with all these straps and buckles.  We were able to use it for quite some time until it slowly tear up under the weight of AS.  It was so bulky and albeit AS might have felt uncomfortable in it.

AS at 5 months

During my 8th month of pregnancy with SB, I was fortunate to have discovered the initial launching of Babypalooza Bazaar held at Ateneo.  I saw that My Baby Dragon, who sells Baby K'tan online, was one of the vendors.  I immediately set my mind to buy a K'tan carrier.

At the bazaar, I met the owner of MBD, Tiffany.  She was so friendly and accommodating that I felt like I'm talking to a long time friend.  I can say that the K'tan was the best purchase I made that day.

Today, SB is 3 months old and suffice to say I am very happy with my K'tan.  SB jerks a lot during his sleep because of the sudden sounds around him.  But whenever he is in the K'tan, he can sleep soundly even in a noisy environment.  I love that it is snug-fitting and eases back tension.  It is also a great way to bond emotionally with my baby.  Babywearing is just like being pregnant still, it's just that the baby is now outside the womb and very visible.  For me, wearing my baby in the K'tan is the best fashion accessory.  =D

There is an ongoing giveaway courtesy of MBD through mommy blogger Bebengisms.  Get a chance to win a k'tan of your choice and experience babywearing at its finest. =D  I hope to win another one size bigger K'tan for my husband to also babywear our BIG SB.  =D

Snow White and Prince Charming

This was my book when I was still a little girl.  My mom found it several months ago stashed away in her storage room.

I was wondering how do little boys learn about classic "girly" princesses stories when we as parents do not intentionally buy girly story books to them since of course, they are boys, unless you have a son and a daughter.

Anyway, I began to introduce this book to AS.  I read it to him last night.

We came across this part of the book that read:

Snow White looked into the well and murmured, "I wish that my prince would come."
No sooner had she spoken these words than a handsome young Prince appeared at her side. 
"Princess, you are even more beautiful than in my dreams.  Will you be mine?" (Agad-agad?? Di pwedeng ligaw muna??)
"Oh yes!" replied Snow White.  "I was waiting for you."  (hello?? sagot agad?! ngayon lang kayo nagkakilala... PBB teens?)


So I began to explain to AS what these mean.

Mom :  "Do you know why Snow White was wishing and waiting for Prince Charming?"

AS : "No.."

Mom : "Because it is every girl's, well most girl's dream to find the right husband for her, to become a mom to her own babies, to raise a family.
But there is a right time to get married.  Right now, you are still small.  You need to grow up first. You need to study well to gain knowledge so that when you are already an adult, you can work and earn money for yourself.  That is the right time for you to marry so you can provide food and money for your family."

AS was just listening.


The Prince came to see her everyday at the same hour.
There beside the well they made plans.  "I shall ask the King your father, if we can get married," said prince Charming. 

I paused to explain again.  "Now what the Prince did was good.  He asked permission from Snow White's parents first.  You know, before Daddy married Mom he also asked permission from Gwakong and Gwama first.  That is showing respect.  That is being a gentleman.  When you are old enough to marry, you should also ask permission from the parents.  And also, you need to pray to God to give you the right girl for you to marry."

AS :  "I don't want to pray for the right girl!  I only want to be with you...."

Awww.. =)

Although it feels good as I am savoring this season in his life where I'm the only girl in his life, but at the same time, I'm bracing myself for the inevitable.  The turbulent teenage years... where peer pressure, dating, promiscuity, and a lot more, begin.


No matter how much I try to protect him from the negative influences of the world, I cannot.  I sincerely believe that it is through parental involvement in our kids' lives, values formation early on and intentionally praying for our kids daily can we find peace and protection in God's hands. We as parents can only do so much in teaching, guiding and training them, the rest we leave it all to God.  I pray that AS will grow in the fear of the Lord.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. -Proverbs 9:10 "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." -Proverbs 22:6

Tagaytay Birthday Getaway (Part 3)

We woke up early the following day hoping to make the most of our remaining time.  Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating as it was foggy and drizzling.  Nevertheless, we were still optimistic that the sun will shine later.

We head on to avail of our complimentary buffet breakfast at Cafe on the Ridge. I didn't find the buffet selection extraordinary, it was more of just the usual buffet offering, maybe because it was a Monday and they were expecting very few people. Maybe.  I wasn't really disappointed with the taste but nothing praise-worthy either.  But still, a buffet is a buffet, so we helped ourselves until we were stuffed.  Hah!

Early birds. We were the first guests in the restaurant.

Omelette counter

bread selection ( I wasn't able to take photos of the rest of the food offered)

I'm so happy that my son already knows how to eat by himself!

The restaurant is situated overlooking Taal volcano, but since it was drizzling and foggy, we couldn't see anything.... so long souvenir picture!

 After the hearty breakfast, we were forced to stay inside our room as we patiently waited for the weather to change.  We had scheduled swimming as an activity for that morning.  After a few hours, the rain finally stopped but it was still chilly outside.  I was sure the water would be icy-cold.

Nothing would stop this water baby!

Two brave souls swimming

Still foggy view of Taal volcano from the lobby

He was shivering after swimming.  Thank God for complimentary welcome drinks.  Warm milk please!

We enjoyed our stay at Taal Vista, short but sweet.  Next stop on our itinerary was lunch at Sonya's Garden.

Sonya's is located at Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, about 20-30 minutes away from Taal Vista Hotel.  It was drizzling again when we arrived there, so we weren't able to look around nor take pictures of the beautiful outdoor garden. 

 

Inside the dining hall

Greenhouse beside the dining area

I was excited to try out Sonya's as I've read and heard a lot of good reviews about it.  And true enough, it didn't disappoint.   I love that their salad greens are freshly harvested straight from their garden.  

Lettuce and arugula greens with Organic Rose Petals!
Toppings (create your own salad): Mango, Broad Beans, Eggs, Cucumber, Jackfruit, Pineapple, Papaya.

Choice of Dressing: Sonya's Super Secret Salad Dressing, Balsamic Vinegar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and other spices

Freshly baked whole wheat sesame bread with choices of dips and toppings: Basil pesto, White Cheese, Anchovies, Bruschetta tomato, Mushroom pate

Pasta with two kinds of sauces: Fresh tomatoes and Chicken Cream with Mango.
Toppings: Ratatouille, Salmon Belly, Shitake Mushrooms, Black Olives, Capers and Parmesan Cheese.

Desserts:  Glazed Sweet Potato, Banana Rolls with Sesame and Jackfruit, and Chocolate Cake

Bottomless Freshly-squeezed Dalandan Juice!

Bottomless Tarragon Tea!

This Eat-all-you-can set meal costs P683.00 per person.  I really enjoyed the food and the experience was well worth the price. Visit http://www.sonyasgarden.com for more details. 

I am blessed to have post-celebrated my birthday in Tagaytay with my family.  The entire trip was a blessing -  The sumptuous meals, the free hotel accommodation, the cool weather, the beautiful scenery (in spite of the fog), bonding time with my husband and son, refreshing respite from the daily routine of city life... everything is a reflection of God's beauty and goodness.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  - James 1;17 NIV