 | The Probinsyana Church Planter | Oct 8, 2007 |
Welcome everyone! I am Malou, married to a handsome and loving man, Raymond- a great leader and my best friend. I am also a mom to a 8 year old son, adorable and huggable Daniel, a Star Wars fan. They are my heaven sent heroes that makes my life worth living! Hope you enjoy looking though our blessed provincial life. 
TOP 9 Things we love about our son Daniel
2. He is a young man of faith, he knows the power of prayer.
3. He is hard working and diligent that his excellent study habits show on his grades and extra curricular activities like KUMON, tennis, piano and art.
4. He loves to be with people that whenever guests come into our home, he is super hospitable!
5. He enjoys movies we like to watch like “Sound of Music”, “It’s a Wonderful Life” and his favorite movie now is “Gladiator”.
6. He cries in movies like “Facing the Giants’, not typical for a 9 year old boy.
7. He loves to give comments and suggestions in the Kids Church of our church, big help to his dad and the staff!
8. He is remarkably a responsible and loving “kuya” to Allison.
9. Daniel has a soft and mature heart for his age…he has shown his compassion for me when I was having my difficult pregnancy. A week before I gave birth, he said on a loving tone, “Mom, I can’t wait ‘til I see you standing up and the baby’s out.”
The first time he touched his sister Allison at the nursery of the hospital, he started to cry and I asked him why, he answered , “I am just so happy.” An unforgettable and special picture in our memory bank that we will treasure forever as parents to a fine little prince.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANIEL!
We love you very much.
 Top 9 things you need to know about Daniel
1. Superheroes and toys our little boy loved to play all these years.
Elmo.Spiderman.Superman.
Batman.The Incredibles. Cars.
GI Joes.Transformers.Star Wars...He loves Star Wars the most.
2. Entertained by his favorite cartoons characters: Sponge Bob and Jimmy Neutron. Big fan of Mr. Bean’s humor and antics.
He also enjoys watching Discovery Channel-especially, Man VS. Wild and Myth Busters
3. He loves to travel and to see the world! Early morning trips to the airport is one of his favorite things☺
He is even learning another language, basic French for his age.
4.Favorite fast food-MCDO, regular craving-McNuggets with rice and coke float, next is Baby Burger from Brothers Burger
5.Favorite fruits- Strawberry from Baguio and Pomelo from Davao
6.He eats 2 yogurts in a day and loves Vanilla Frapuccino from Starbucks
7.His favorite subject is math☺ and do so well in home school.
8. When he grows up, he wants to be a Pastor-Scientist.
9. He enjoys Kids Church !
  
My Little Prince Charming
(For his special day!)(My apologies for the delay of this post...just went back to Lipa and our internet system was down for almost a week. It was Daniels birthday last December 6---this blog is one of our surprises for him)
Our little boy Daniel Raymond is no longer just that huggable and adorable little boy with rosy apple like cheeks that people would love to pinch but now has grown up to be a strong, handsome, intelligent and a fun loving 9 year old little man.
From that time we held Daniel in our arms as a baby, we have always looked at him not to be ordinary but rather extra-ordinary. As loving parents, we know confidently that he is created with a great purpose and destiny.
Besides the excitement of getting hooked with toys and playing with video games, Daniel treasures the precious moments he spends with mom and dad. Whenever he wakes up in the morning still in bed, he looks forward to the words of destiny that mommy would whisper into his ears and the prayers laid on him by his devoted dad. Daily, we delight in seeing the sparkle on his eyes at any time before we go on with our day...we would look into his eyes and tell him most especially when he feels timid, incapable and insecure, that, he is our hero, our champ, destined to change the world. These acts of love would build him up, encouraging words that amazingly strengthen his inmost being despite his limitations as a growing boy. At night before he sleeps, when he was younger, we remember how he would untirelessly ask, "can you pray for me?" Child like faith worth imitating.
Yes, there are timeless times that discipline, correction are needed to mold his character...times that would often be uncomfortable as tears would roll from his almond eyes and end with him saying “sorry”, a prayer and a hug, reaffirming our love for him and restoring a loving relationship between parents and a child. With all gratitude, we thank God that we are co-raising him with our heavenly father. As he becomes bigger in size and changes occur in his inmost being, we depend even more in Gods wisdom to raise him up as a man who loves God, who loves others and who loves his country and the nations.
Daniel is our little Raymond, the exact clone of his dad. He loves hearing those words confirmed with a smile on his face. A special father and son bonding between them making them the happiest are moments of biking together around our peaceful village, action movie nights together, exciting video games packed with challenges and fun competition, running after each other as they play hide and seek or tag, tickles from daddy dear that echoes laughter all over our home. How much they adore each other is a wonderful blessing to behold.
The last few months have not been easy because of my delicate pregnancy...its not been easy to express my love for Daniel because I have been in bed rest for almost 4 months. I really miss our loving times together...this blog is dedicated to my Little Prince.
“Daniel, you mean more to me beyond these words...you would often wonder if my love for you would change now that your little sister is with us...not a bit...I will love you even more. May you enjoy reading every word of this birthday blog because you are my precious little prince and forever you will be." Love, Mommy
To Baby Allison Louise
September 12,2008
3:33 pm
Civic Place, Alabang
It's already 6 months since I have carried you in my womb. I'm here lying down in a comfortable bed waiting for your dad and brother. I've been wanting to write a letter dedicated just for you ever since the big day your excited family found out from a pregnancy test that life was blossoming in my womb. Your coming has long been awaited...almost 8 years in believing and in making. The timing of God is always perfect...He is making a beautiful creation in my womb at His most beautiful time.
I would say that my pregnancies have not been easy, unique and out of the ordinary. I had to rest in bed and quit my job for your brother in the first few months of carrying him in my womb...now with you, I had bleeding at so many times to my shock and I praise God that your dad has always been with me at those most unexpected, trying times.
Everytime it would happen, its like you are just holding on inside. Such a strong girl. We are just so proud of you. Just last Thursday, we found out from the ultrasound that I had Placenta Previa Totalis. A very rare and serious case among pregnant women-both risky for the child and mother. Sad it may sound, the great news is, God is giving us a girl...you. Another dream come true.
In response to doctors advice, I need to rest again and take medication. Everyday, like you, holding on in my womb, I am firmly holding on to the promise of God. He is a faithful God and a promise keeper. Everyday of waiting is a day of miracle, a day of supernatural grace, a day to move on in faith and not to shrink back in fear. Everyday on my bed, on this room is a day to expect for Gods goodness and for the best plans of God to come to pass. I thank Him for His word, and daily He did not fail to speak in my heart...enabling me to be strong and courageous. You are the miracle produced by love and commitment between your Dad and I and between our loving walk with Christ.
This journey of faith has made me realize that I am blessed. You are blessed. Only 1 out of 200 pregnancies experience this. Isn't a blessing that your grandaunt has a place where can stay and rest next to a hospital, that we don't need to be confined? Isn't it a blessing that there are three nurses and a midwife on call if ever we need help? Isn't it a blessing that both of us are surrounded with love and care from your lolo and lola, extra attention from our maids... and the most devoted support from your brother and dad. Kuya Daniel is such a dependable and responsible brother. Daddy is proving all the more his commitment to take care of me, even to wake up 3 times in the middle of the night just to help me be on my wheelchair and go to the bathroom. Amazing grace and love.
Our family is truly blessed.
We already have a Prince Charming in the family-your dad and as my loving King in heaven would reaffirm, I am a Princess...we also have a handsome Little Prince, your brother Daniel...and finally a beautiful Little Princess, you. We are just excited to see you, hold you in our arms and raise you to become a woman after the heart of God.
Our prayer- just come out at the right time at your most pinkest of health and with no abnormalities. Mommy and Daddy are doing our best to make sure that you'll grow in a blessed and most loving family maybe not in a castle but a home far much better...
By the way, God gave me a vision a long time ago before I got pregnant with you- Daniel was playing the piano. Your dad and I were sitting on a sofa. There was a young lady singing. It was a beautiful scene on a cozy, dainty home next to a lake. He reminded me of that vision again while waiting for His comfort and peace in bed, making me realize that it will come to pass...you were that young lady with an angelic voice. I will hold on to that vision.. Someday that vision will come into a reality.
Again, its just a matter of time, Gods most beautiful time.
I love you my daughter...
Finally, our most awaited little princess has arrived.
Born on the 19th of November, 2008 at 10:13 pm, 5.1 lbs at 34 weeks, C-section. She is truly a lovely and a miraculous gift from heaven."By faith Abraham, even though he was past age — and Sarah herself was barren — was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise."
Hebrews 11:11
Hi! I'm posting the word I shared last Leaders Group meeting for women (Lipa, 31st of July, 2008) for those who were not able to make it. In my most available time...I'll try to post more on this site.
The First Three Months of LIFE in My Womb
After almost 10 years of being wonderfully married and giving birth to our 1st child, now 8 years old, our prayers for a second child had been miraculously answered. But on my third month of easy pregnancy was the shock of every expectant mother…I had bleeding in the middle of the night. I thought that I already lost my answered prayer. Again, another miracle…my baby was still holding on in my womb. Because of this, my doctor advised me to take medication and to be in bed rest for almost a month.
Faced with another unexpected challenge, how could I have responded?
Self-pity…self-righteousness, disturbing feelings that could have turned my heart to feel hurt towards God.
I thank my God that He did not allow me to respond in that manner. Rather by His spirit, He kept a tight rein in my emotions. Made me cry at times then laugh and smile again.
Truly, God is never a boring God. He is the most exciting, dramatic God of all. In life, there are facts or things that can't be changed, that has to be accepted, that has to be endured daily under Gods care. In order for His purposes to come to pass, pressure and difficulty are a major part of His plan. Just look at men and women in Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith. These men and women have never failed to amaze me, the outcome of their lives have kept me going.
A given fact of my life---I was made to have delicate pregnancies.
I remember how the young men in church back in Los Banos who would carry me up to the 5th floor of our church while sitting on a chair and now, come to church while in a wheel chair. What a humorous God we serve. Today, I understand better that there is a purpose for every season that I have to lie in bed and not be in circulation. Everything can hold still for the sake of what matters the most. After 8 years of activity, God wanted me to rest. I will stop for the sake of my children and family. A matter of priority. Fighting for our childrens’ destiny can begin in the womb. Time and time again, He wants us to refocus on what matters the most no matter how good, contented or fulfilling the state we might be in.
What is one given fact in your life that is difficult to change yet you have to accept? Just like Paul, what can be a thorn on your flesh? Could it be an alcoholic father? Parents who are separated? A broken home? A difficult marriage? A troubled home? A difficult boss? A difficult course? Sickness or disease maintained by medication? Working to pay off your debt? Waiting for Gods time in the matters of the heart?.... being in a place or situation that you want to change but you can’t.
Just like the apostle Paul who went through the most difficult time of persecution, humiliation for the sake of His Christ, He said…
Rejoice in the Lord always and again rejoice.
Even the prophet Habbakuk says in a time of immense difficulty,
17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
9 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of the deer
he enables me to go on the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19
There are more than a thousand and one reasons to rejoice, I want to share my personal three----
We are closest to Gods heart in discomfort. We can hear Him clearly if we do not allow the sound of our problems to distort us. We just have to say "'Lord, let me hear your voice while I'm groping in the dark". Help me to see your light, your light of hope.
At a time of uncomfortable waiting, my knowledge of Him is not just by name, rather by His presence, voice and strength. He is my promise keeper, the one who loves me greatly even beyond the love of my husband.
No one wants discomfort, but God is more concerned about our character than our comfort. His character in us as we go through the ups and down of life with Him. I thank Him for the faith every time I would go to the bathroom and check that there will be no blood or stain in my napkin.
I can't help but be so relieved whenever His still small voice would say, everything will be just fine. That still small voice motivates me not to look in what my eyes can see, rather use my eyes of faith.
And He wants to tell you, “My child, everything will just be fine.”
Adversity is a time to receive rather than to give. As women, we give much. But when we face our personal struggles, it's Gods appointed time to receive. And for the past 8 yrs., I had a call to give, to think of others. For a change or I would say, it was time to receive to those who wanted to give. There is a time in a life of every child of God to be in need, and I would say, it was the most difficult time after my parents passed away. I thank the Lord that my loving and patient husband gave, my thoughtful son gave, our committed workers gave and the kindest people in church extended their love through prayers, text messages, gifts, yummy food and their presence. Thank you for giving. I really have learned to appreciate my titas and sisters in my spiritual family. Yes, the de Guzman family can be strong but that was a time, we were in need the most.
God does not want us to be in isolation at our most trying times. When we are in need, we can feel helpless and it is the best time to be vulnerable and to ask people for prayers and encouragement.
I really felt all the more that I was important in Gods eyes, that was more than enough to make me secure in Him. It was a time to receive from God, so that I can give again.
The time to be still is a time for greater growth.
If this could have not happened, I could have not grown as a woman. Increasing level in my walk with God closer to my destiny. There are pauses in life where God is the only one in action in order for His purposes to come to pass. Life pauses where we need to be still and know that He is God. In your life, could you have become a better person if it were not for the lessons, the character builders that made you still before God?
Back in college while I was so young in my walk with God, I had a favorite song ,“Whom I have in heaven?” It was my song before and while in bed, I was made to remember and sing it from memory. As the Psalmist David would say, “My heart and my flesh so many times they fail, but there is one truth that will always prevail...God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” The same lyrics I still treasure in my heart and the feeling have not changed, its just that my walk with God have grown deeper, wiser, making it more meaningful because I have gotten an inch closer to my God. I know this is what He wants.
Again, how do we respond? Rejoice!
And just like Paul, he said, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. In Christ we will overcome, in Christ we will receive the victory!
Today, I'm going to my 6th month of pregnancy...there are still times where I would have spotting...days where my faith is stretched and my joy put into test...I just keep on believing, trusting and tapping on the strong God who is faithful 'til the end. Yes, 'til the end, He remains strong...steadfast...unchanging. After all, in just a few more months, a beautiful gift from heaven is coming. Can't wait to see our baby.
And yes, there's something coming in your very own life, maybe here or after and once you receive it, you can't help but say, "It's all worth it."
My Prayer for you as you read this.
Lord Jesus, when you came into came into our lives, you did not find strength, rather you saw lives that needed your strength. Lord, we ask that you would renew our strength everyday, that we would understand your ways. We ask that You will not find vessels of self pity, of self righteousness or men & women who complain and grumble, but men & women of joyful and expectant faith amidst the most trying and enduring times. You said faith pleases you, renew our faith today and everyday. Bring us deeper in knowing you until we see you face to face. Amen.
Just last September 3, I had bleeding again. This time I found out that I have Placenta Previa Totalis, a very rare and risky case for pregnant women. I might need to be in bed rest until I give birth. The great news is, the ultrasound shows that we are having a girl...baby Allison Louise. Please pray for my safety and her safety as well.
 A SPECIAL BLOG FOR MY HUNEY
Everyone has his or her own love story. I would say mine is something that I don’t need to brag about but it’s something special that I can pass on to my children and my children’s children because it’s a love story made in heaven.
I have always fell in love in the idea of love not until I became a Christian and discovered that there is beauty in falling in love when it’s Gods timing, Gods ways and Gods plan. My emotions would say other wise, struggling with the thought why I can’t have it my way but other wise proven wrong by the loving God who saved me and became the Lord and Master of my heart.I was a new Christian who planned to have a boyfriend when I turn 18. It was an exciting thought. Not until, Christ came into my life back in August 1991 in the University of the Philippines at Los Banos. Captured by His love and consumed by His dreams, I had a conviction to wait ‘til I was done in college. That was also the time I met Raymond through common friends. My first impression of him, “suplado…mayabang…tahimik” and yes like what the other girls would say, “gwapo.” The crazy thing is, we became part of the same spiritual family. And I discovered, how different he was from the rest.
Who would have thought that standing in that strong conviction would not be that easy? Thank God for passionate men and women who was as radical or I would say more radical than I was. They lovingly spoke into my life especially at that time that Ray became a distraction in my undivided devotion. Thank God that he made me see that Ray was not ready at that time…extremely emotional and needed to grow more as a man and in his walk with God. I was not ready myself to get into anything serious in the matters of the heart. Priority revolves around giving my best to God, to His Kingdom, to my studies and to loving my parents.
After much thought and prayers, God opened the door for me to leave for the States to be with my sister and brother. It was the time that I decided to leave behind the challenging yet fulfilling life in Los Banos but still bring with me the conviction and character that it deposited in my life.
Life in America was tough yet it had an effect on me that tried and tested my convictions even more. All I had there was God and He made me even stronger in the area of waiting. It was after college that I opened my options for relationships and almost got into something so serious when I got engaged. After 3 and half years, a familiar voice called me when I was about to sleep. It was Raymond. Surprisingly, he began to tell me his intentions. After all these years, he was still considering me to be the one who would be with him to help him fulfill his call. How did I feel? Shocked and thought where he was all these years.
Making it more difficult was the thought that he wanted to visit California and see me as well. And like what I told him, we can just be friends…I was already engaged with someone that I love.
And the miracle of our love story was just brewing up. I had to go back to the Philippines before I get married to spend time with my parents. Who would have thought that God wanted me to see a larger and more noble vision than what I had? I knew then I was called to be a blessing in my mother land. With that in mind, I decided to cut off my relationship with my fiancé because I knew he was not called here rather in America. I didn’t want someone that I would lead rather someone who would lead me. A godly couple advised me that you just don’t marry someone you love but you also consider the calling. God was clearly defining what I really wanted. He said, to delight in Him and I did, He faithfully gave me His desires in exchange of my desires.
Raymond stood with what we agreed on, to be friends. But when he heard about the news that I was finally decided to stay in the Philippines and that I broke off with my engagement, he knew it was the best time to pursue me again. It was the right time to see answers to his impossible prayers. After a time of courtship, Raymond proposed marriage with a love song he’s been practicing for one year. He played the piano and sang his well prepared musical piece infront of a crowd in a romantic restaurant in Tagaytay and asked my hand in marriage. I was fearful to get into another relationship and this man of faith said that “perfect love drives away all fear.” It was a perfect love indeed that made me say “yes”. And after 10 months of engagement, God blessed our union with an unforgettable, romantic wedding in Intramuros. He even sang "Forevermore" while I was walking in the aisle, it made my cry because it was the perfect song for a perfect day.
As they say, everything else is history. My prince charming swept me off my feet.
This January 10, 2009, Raymond and I will be celebrating our beautiful ten years of marriage. We have been blessed with a handsome, intelligent son, Daniel who looks exactly like his dad and now expecting another blessing, the second product of love in my womb.
There has not been a day that I regret that I chose to marry Raymond. He is the expression of Gods love for me. I can’t help but be in cloud 9 when I know that I am Rays first and last girlfriend, he waited for me all those years. I can’t help but be so proud whenever I hear Him speak the word of God with great conviction, authority, wisdom and anointing. I can’t help but admire him even more for his passion to see lost people come to know Christ and His unswerving desire to obey God no matter what the cost. I can’t help but feel so more in love with God whenever I hear him sing worship songs and playing the piano for his King. I can’t help but be so joyful whenever he lovingly and playfully shows his friendship and love to our son, Daniel. I can’t help but be so thankful that he is a hero of faith that values my dreams and pushes me to dream big for God. I can’t help to feel so loved when he makes me feel that I am his princess. I can’t imagine my life apart from Raymond, my prince charming.
Only God knows where this love story is headed, but every moment spent with Raymond becomes more beautiful, worth a while, worth living. Spending my life here on earth with my prince charming is one of the major reasons that I would hug God when I see Him face to face in heaven Next to salvation, marrying Raymond is the best thing that has ever happened to my lifetime.
Today, August the 6th, my prince charming, my best friend and my Pastor, Raymond is celebrating his 36th birthday . This blog is my simple way to express my love and to honor him for all that he is to me.
How about you? How has Raymond touched your life?
 
A simple remembrance for our dear Dodge
We’ve always wanted a dog. Ray and I promised Daniel that we’ll get him one when his 8 years old. And soon enough, it was time for us to fulfill our promise. I was apprehensive at first. I knew it was an added responsibility, my house will get messy and how about the smell, the poop, the hair that would stick on my Pledge coated floor. But, I said anything for Ray and Daniel. Anything to make them happy. In just one call, we were scheduled to pick up our dog. We saw his picture and I never thought that it was possible to get him on the same day. Then I met him for the very first time. . .my heart felt so close to this special looking pup. A yellow, one month old Labrador. On our way to Lipa from Manila, we agreed to name him Dodge. He was the new member of our family.
Just like a new born baby, we all made him feel so loved and accepted. Gave him the best milk, the best dog food, the best doctor for his shots, immunizations and he had the privilege to stay with us in our room at night. Ray would clean his mess and take care of him like a loving dad. Daniel would play and cuddle him like a brother. And I would wake up in the wee hours of the morning just to make sure that he was okay. I would also give him a refreshing bath with powder and cologne after. Oh, how he loved the water. Everyone else in our home adored Dodge, from Mila who said she didn’t like dogs because of her asthma but she knew Dodge was one-of-a- kind, became so dear to her, to Maribel who protected him from eating anything aside from his dog food and Nilo who treated him so well. Nilo was Dodge devoted yayo.
We were just so proud to show Dodge to everyone…sent his pictures to our family both here and abroad. Whenever we had guests at home, we would lovingly introduce him.
We told Daniel that Dodge would be with us for the next 14 years and will be his faithful companion, his protector. Overheard through a phone conversation, Ray mentioned to his friend that God really created dogs for man’s enjoyment, truly “dogs are man’s best friend”. My love for dogs, which I knew I had ever since I was 10 years old, replaced by fear of being bitten was finally back. I have learned to love Dodge like my own.
But it was not a perfect world for our dear Dodge, two unexpected freak accidents happened. First, the morning after our church anniversary, our neighbor’s dog attacked poor Dodge while he was sleeping at our porch and bit his neck. The sound of his cry was so devastating, and to see him gasping for air was a horrible scene to behold that Ray and I rushed him to nearest vet. Thank God, he was spared. The suspect dog, caged for observation died after a few days because of isolation, but our dear Dodge lived strong and was his usual self, giving joy to everyone. I also found out a day after that I was pregnant.
Last Sunday, before we headed for church and it was Rays first day away from home for Korean missions, we found out that Dodge was not able to sleep that previous night. He was crying the whole night because of a skin rash below his lower right lip. We decided to bring him to a vet but unfortunately, there was no vet available that day. We just observed and prayed for Dodge. He was not sleeping, restless. Late in the afternoon, he no longer had appetite and was not drinking water. That night, I couldn’t sleep and I had to wake up at 3 am in the morning because I heard him cry. It was a sad cry, like a cry for help.
The following day, on May 26 before 9 am, Dodge was acting weird, jerking. It was a sad and pitiful sight. He was rushed to the vet, given medication and dextrose because he had a high fever at 42.5 degrees and was dehydrated. I asked people to pray and they did. Unfortunately, late that afternoon, the vet texted and called that Dodge turned blue and needed resuscitation. I was shocked to hear the news that there was no longer any heart beat. The vet’s prognosis, toad poisoning. Dodge, his playful self curiously stepped on a toad that Saturday afternoon.
Dodge died without us hugging him and seeing his happy eyes for the last time. It was like my heart was broken. Everyone’s heart was broken.
Needed comfort at that time. My sister from San Francisco called just to say that it was time for me to think about myself and the baby in my womb. Ray affirmed that Dodge was a little angel sent from heaven and it was just time for him to go. I believe Dodge came at the right time. He did not only come as a pet but he was a way to prepare our family for a blessing--- another angel on his/her way. This angel was meant to stay with us for the longest time, our much awaited and prayed for baby.
Thanks Dodge for being a gift…thanks for the two months that you gave us so much joy and love. Thanks for being an angel disguised in a body of a puppy. It may be hard for others to understand how I feel for you, only God does. Forever, we’ll remember you. Forever, you”ll be part of our heart and home. ‘Love you Dodgie Budgie☺
Daniels comment: Dodge thinks the world is like a big ball from where he is right now. (Dodge like all Labradors love to play with a ball).
|  | Fall in love with the city of history, culture and beautiful architecture |
| | So provincial and so happy to stay in a pretty French cottage. |
| | A happy & memorable reunion with the Romeas and Ongs |
| | Everyones excited! An expected blessing for the whole family last July 2006. |
The Simple Joys of the Past (Part 1)
Remembering my teenage years in Manila then my early twenty something years in California brings some of the fondest memories of my colorful life. But, I would say that the annual summer vacations in Batangas from elementary to high school and the two and a half year stay in the University of the Philippines at Los Banos are the seasons that are most unforgettable.
Summer was always special because the sun seemed smiling throughout those fun filled months free from the stress of city life. I enjoyed every inch of the summer treats aside from the beach like the delicious tasting watermelons, juicy singkamas and freshly picked Indian Mangoes. I loved drinking the fresh coconut juice with its white meat straight from the backyard. And who can resist Halo-halo from a neighbor’s sari-sari store? I also remember the times my loving mom would prepare sinigang na sugpo (tamarind soup with tiger prawns), steamed crabs and grilled fish, pork-chops, chicken dipped in mouthwatering combination of soysauce and calamansi or garlic in vinegar. It felt like fiesta day everyday.…yum…yum…I miss those days☹
College days in Los Banos on the other hand was marked with campus fun filled days where we just ate monay and pancit canton. All we can eat when our allowance was on its lowest at the end of the week. The student meals were more than enough to satisfy our young budget and taste. Mind you, there were no fast foods available during my time. They just started coming in when I left the country for my great adventure.
More than my favorite food galore, life in Batangas and in the college campus were unforgettable because of the friendships and strong bonds of relationships that helped me appreciate who I am and what makes me the happiest. And of course, I have realized even as I have traveled across the seas and exposed to other cultures, that I have great liking for the simplicity of living in the province…mountains, trees, fields, clear skies….the greens and the blues that enables me to breath and feel the freedom that Christ has lavishly given me.
Our simple life today (Part 2)
It’s been six years, since Ray and I planted a church in Lipa, a beautiful and progressive city south of Manila. I would say, it has been one of the best decisions we have made as husband and wife. After a full day of work and putting our passion to advance Gods Kingdom into action, we enter into the priceless moments of enjoying the gifts of nature.
Here are our top ten reasons why we love the provincial life:
1. Waking up in the morning and seeing all the green, luscious fruit bearing trees, plants and bushes around our house
2. Having a glimpse of the pretty flowers that comes in different sizes, shapes and colors. They are so breath taking….(thanks to Nilo-expert in the garden & in climbing coconut trees!)
3. Seeing the butterflies of different varieties that flutter around these flowers from 9 in the morning until 10:30 am.
4. Hearing the sweet songs from maya birds and spotting a rare variety of birds in blue-yellow or black once in a while
5. Everything’s fresh ---from fresh flowers, to fresh air, to sweet tasting and colorful looking fruits freshly picked from the fruit bearing trees, whatever was on season (rambutan, banana, jack fruit, santol, star apple, papaya, tamarind, chico, guyabano)….
6. Of course, the fresh seafood (newly harvested fish like Tanigue, Tilapia, Tambakol, Galunggong, Blue Marlin and Tulingan) and vegetables from the palengke (local market) that makes our daily diet healthier.
7. Making our life extra special are the fresh harvest of nutritious greens from our small vegetable garden (just last week, a harvest of peanuts…was so tasteful!)
8. Our garden where priceless memories are created with my son as we play hide and seek, soccer and during the summer months wherein we teasingly wet him with water from the hose and sprinkler. His laughter and giggles are incomparable!
9. The tranquility and stillness where you can just hear the crickets and the joy of staring at a star filled sky during the night.
10. The inspiring daily encounters with my Father that gives me all the reason to say, “Thank you Lord…I am blessed …”
We prayed for a home with all these qualities and He met our faith even beyond what we expected and imagined.
Our passion remains---to plant churches anytime and anywhere He calls us, but we just have a simple desire that will never change. That simple desire is for Him to bring us in a place close to nature--- the greens and the blues…it’s like a foretaste of heaven on earth.
 | Guestbook | |
 | -= I supppperrrrr miss you Ateh Malou!!! I know you're sooo busy now...and really enjoying your new Princess in the family!!! Miss you miss you miss you!!! hugs poh!!!! See you poh sa Anniv!!! ~^_^~ =- |
 | congrats ate malou...so sorry for my late greeting...being online here in sg requires me some sleepless nights er mornings...wink**! well... many more babies to come...your tribe SHOULD really increase, you know..haha...you're right...you and your family, your whole household has been blessed...it's not that difficult to see why...
baby allison louise...the world became a better place with you in it...God bless!
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 | Tita! I heard the great news! Ngayon lang po talaga ako nakapag-drop by to say Hi and Congratulations. I havent seen you since my debut, I miss you so much! I cant wait to see Baby Al already!!!!! :-) Take good care of yourself. You're always in my prayers.
God Bless.
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 | i miss you! i wanna see you and ofcourse the pretty girl na. :) |
 | ate malou!!!!!! muzta ang new babay nyo ni pst. ray. ang prayer namin is with you always. i know that GOD will take care of the baby in your womb.
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 | happy birthday tita!! :) i miss and love you! :) |
 | ate malou, happy birthday! thank you for being always there for me. your one of the people i treasure the most. i love you! We're always here for you.. im excited for the little princess that will come....:) Pray for more strenghts to go through this times and for more wisdom, joy and blessings to be upon you and your family. Loveyou ate malou! mwuah! |
 | happy b-day sweet malou! really miss you..waaahhhhhhhh its bin a long time.
you and your family is a blessing to all of us.
congratulations again for a blessed baaby girllll!
love you,
timmie |
| hi ate!
Just want to greet u an advance happy bday! God bless u and baby Allison Louise, also Pastor Ray and Daniel!
love,
gem and karl |
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peachebron wrote on Aug 10, '08, edited on Aug 16, '08 -= See you on the 30th~! Take care always!!! Loves u Ateh Malou! =- |
| c'mon ate malou! sa wakas! nakikita na kita mag multipl. =) i have something for you next sunday. its just a simple nothing. =) |
| Congrats ate malou! So blessed to know your prayer for a baby was answered...Happy Mama's Day! God bless...tnx also for making karl's bday surprise sa LG sa Day's..he was really shocked..nakarecover naman.haha! |
 | Hi Ate Malou,
Happy Mother's day! Nice kwento... =) |
| -= Wow!!! Ate Malou you have na a multiply!! yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm soo happy! (I wanna cry! ang babaw!) Actually, the truth is..namiss lang kita...sooooooooo much! *sniff sniff* Lab yah poh!!! =- |
 | wow...this blog inspired me so much...this is what i'm also having here in Dapitan City...waking up every morning to a different coolness of air and the smell of the morning leaves, plus the tranquility of the streets...i'm falling in love with this city already...
thanks for this blog...i appreciated my new home more... :-) |
 | hehe... probinsyanang jetsetter... :) puro europe pics eh... |
| Hi ate malou! I enjoyed viewing your site! Miss yah! God bless! |
 | Hello Sophia! You look so grown up and super pretty. Miss you very much. Post more pictures, okay:) mwah....to you, Jojo and Jayden.... |
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