on the Verge of

I couldn't sleep so I decided to write this post this instead. The past few days have been really tough. There's the physical struggle where pain is inevitable. Then the mental part is a deeper struggle only few could understand. There's also the emotional part where suppressed frustrations and anger are beginning to manifest. But I'd like to take this opportunity to be grateful instead. So thank you to my family for being my rock in my everyday life. Without whom, I might not find the courage to stand again. I love you all so much. And a special thank you to my man, who was with me almost every single night I was in the hospital, who took a leave on the day of my operation just to hold my hand before I was taken away, who listened to my deepest thoughts, doubts, and fears, who had to sacrifice with me because my health was a priority. Your presence always gives me a leap of joy. Thank you for putting me to bed before you leave. And thank you for bringing me out, ...

It has been two weeks since my left knee got swollen. I haven't been able to walk properly since. It's been two weeks since I have been to the office or simply just outside the house aside from the hospital. For someone like me who loves to walk around and finds joy in roaming around the city, it has indeed been two long weeks. But tonight as I contemplate on the unfortunate things in my life, I was able to identify the good things I have in my life as well. And truly, I am grateful to God that I have my loved ones who have supported me all throughout my journey. Despite the fact that I've become so dependent on the many of the basic routinary procedures I have in life, I have so much to be grateful for. And in that gratitude and love, I take my inspiration to do my best in my recovery. So my Encouragement Photo for this month of October is about strength. No matter what happens to us in life, we have to draw strength from the people we love so that we are inspired to m...

Last week has been one, if not the most, challenging week of my life. Monday, I woke up with a swollen knee. I thought it was just one of those moments when my knee cap dislocated while I was asleep. I've been having similar incidents previously since I had a biking inicident two years ago. However, I could easily return it to its proper place by twisting my knee on a certain angle. But that morning, it was really swollen and painful. I had an 8am meeting that morning so I had to bear with it. I even went to the clinic before my conference call to ask for a pain med and hot compress. The meeting lasted until 3pm. By then, the swelling did not subside. The nurse advised me to go the doctor. I left the office right away and went to the Davao Adventist ER, which was not too far from home, since there would be no more doctors in the clinics by that time. I was on my own when I had to undergo all the blood tests, urinalysis and xrays. Good thing there was an aide who was kind enou...

It has been a long while since my last Encouragement Photo Challenge. Life and work has kept me busy. I've also done some freelance writing which probably took most of my free time for my blog. But with the recent challenges I'm facing in life right now, I felt the urge to go back to writing my Encouragement Photo Challenge. Not only does it aim to encourage others, but it personally encourages and motivates me as well. As you can see in my blog title, I removed the 'weekly' and placed a month instead. That's because I think it would be more feasible for me to do this on a monthly basis. My Encouragement Photo Challenge for this month of September is about tough times. This quote was sent to me by a colleague and a good friend of mine Shiela. She knew what I was going through and the message had an impact in me. I know that tough times are ahead of me. But one thing's for sure, I have the support of the people who believe in me. I know this is an oppo...

Yesterday I had a good discussion with a friend about what we've been through so far in life -  the life-changing moments we've had, the risks we've taken, and the heartaches we've been through. It left a lasting nostalgia in me until this morning. I recalled my mistakes from previous years which invoked so much emotion in me. I remembered the time I was depressed and full of hopelessness. I remembered how lost I was and felt like I was going nowhere in life. Then I remembered the first Feast Conference I attended in Cebu back in 2015. The theme was 'Coming Home'. Being far away from home and from God that time, the conference truly moved me in ways I didn't imagine. I was praying and crying alone in my chair, praising God after a long time of being away from him. My faith was reaffirmed.  I knew that from that time on I just needed to trust God and His plans for me. A few months after, I found the strength to finally quit my beloved but toxic job and ...

Since Confex & Co. Bakehouse opened its first humble bakeshop in Madrazo Compound, C. Bangoy St., I have always wanted to go and check them out. They have drawn a lot of attention because of their unique freakshakes - a milkshake topped with a slice of cake, revel bar or brownie and lots of sprinkles everywhere. I knew friends who lined up for this and told me that it was worth the wait. Unfortunately for me at that time, my work was far from their bakeshop. By the time I got there, they were already closed for the day. Confex & Co. have finally moved to a new place, a more spacious one where they can accommodate more customers. They are now located at The Site Compound, E. Jacinto St. That's where Keen and I headed for dessert last night after some kebab dinner. I was excited to try out their revel bars. It was the highly recommended revel bar in town. Sadly at 8pm, all revel bars have been sold out. Keen wasn't up for any dessert but he wanted a milkshake. I wante...

I have a friend or two who've been asking me about places to go to Cebu for a weekend trip. Since I made a blog on our recent ' Davao City Tour: A Weekend Itinerary ', I thought why not do a 'Cebu City Tour: A Weekend Itinerary' post as well? Here are my proposed destinations for two days: Day 1 1. 10,000 Roses - This new cafe featuring a  vast field of 10,000 white roses is a sight to behold. This unique cafe in Cordova, Cebu has quickly become a favorite tourist destination because of it beautiful ambiance. 2. Temple of Leah -  Temple of Leah, a relatively new tourist spot in Cebu, was built out of love by Tedorico Adarna to his loving wife Leah Adarna. The temple is Greek-inspired complete with a museum, art gallery, library, and a balcony with an overlooking view. 3.  Mactan Shrine - Mactan Shrine hold a historical importance in Cebu since it is where Lapu-Lapu defeated Magellan. Take a picture with the bronze statue of the country's firs...