One of the many things that excites me is when my relatives from the States come home to visit.

Just a little snippet from my life, my childhood consists of many memories with my cousins— spending the weekends and holidays together. As an only child, they truly have been like my own siblings. As we grew up though, most of them have been one by one migrating to the States. From almost 18 down to 8 of us here left in the Philippines. It broke my heart and I have to admit that there are still times when I get emotional every time nostalgia hits.

Just a week ago, my cousin came home along with her husband and daughter. We then decided to spend time together at Laguna for the weekend :)

Our not so healthy lunch. You can never go wrong with nachos!

Everyone…. But me #photographerproblems

Shoutout to Nica De Leos— our third Barbie Girl. We miss you. 

The balikbayans! My cousin, Ate Jessie with Kuya Kel and their cutest daughter, Khloe!

With Kuya Kenneth :)

I can’t be any more blessed to be a part of this family. And most of all, I can’t be more grateful for what God has truly been doing in and among our family! :”)

Jan 22, 1967 - Jan 18, 2013

“I can see Him.” These were the last words of my Aunt before she was tranced into the interim of between the temporary and forever. I watched her breathe knowing that the seemingly inexhaustible breaths are now down to finiteness. Each exhale was for every heartbreak, every pain, every sacrifice and every sorrow the world threw upon her— yet for every inhale was for every strength, hope and a renewed spirit. It was just a matter of time.

Looking back at my memories with my Aunt, it was never about how much money she made, how many pairs of shoes she had or how much makeup she put on. All I remember are those priceless laughs, encouragement and stories we shared together but most of all, the shared faith that we have in Jesus. I write this not with grief but with joy that she has finally received the promise of eternal life with Him— something that trumps just about anything and everything in this world. I’m reminded, rather humbly and deeply reminded that the best and greatest gift anyone can ever have is salvation. It is that hope that after this ephemarality is the real thing— the real gift. This is the personal relationship with Him anyone can have that is without measure the genuine article.

I look back at her life and ponder on my own, am I living or merely surviving? My Aunt Nina wanted to live and not merely survive against cancer. She didn’t find this among her expensive medications that may have bought her a few more years but she found it in a person, in a Savior. In her last years, despite her circumstance, her heart was overflowing with worship and gratitude. She knew that she has already won over her sickness but most of all, death. Jesus has opened her heart to a new hope of tomorrow.

And finally, she breathe her last exhale. And I knew at that moment, there is no more pain, no more sorrow and no more tears for He has wiped them all away. She has finally gone home where no one and nothing can ever hurt her again. The old is gone and the new has come.

I’ll miss you, Tita Nina but most of all, I rejoice in your victory. You have fought a good fight!

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Thank You God that you truly bring comfort to those who mourn. We never run out of reasons to worship You!

Surprisingly woke up early today :) Something I haven’t done for this whole break. I stepped out of the veranda and was greeted by this beautiful cozy summer breeze— just enough to feel romanced very first thing in the morning :) It was the best time to have quiet time!

This is probably the first time I went on a vacation with my family, ever. And by family I mean just my parents and Angel alone :)

This was our way of celebrating Dad’s healing— truly an answered prayer and more :)

Angel accidentally lost balance and fell over but despite the seemingly painful fall, she quickly got up and said “I’m fine! I’m not die!” :)  I admire this kid’s brave heart!

One of the MUST TRYs in Subic— Meat Plus! Best grilled chicken ever :’)

Celebrated the New Year’s Eve at Resort’s World and waited for countdown!

Around 2am, Dad didn’t feel like going home yet so we headed to Paranaque to surprise my cousins from my Mom’s side! 

Wouldn’t want to celebrate any other way :”>