She keeps telling me to exercise. This little girl talaga.

Well the most I could do was post it up on my table.

And because some people have nothing to do except to bring their own country down by posting negativity, I hope this helps flood that. Clouding, anyone?

New sports – It’s more fun in the Philippines. Football fans may be new at this, but we embrace it like we’ve been at it for a long time

Concerts – It’s more fun in the Philippines. Because we’re one heckuva concert crowd. Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman asked the crowd to light up the dome by taking photos all at the same time. Musicians and artists just love coming to Manila.

I know, this one is too serious. But it’s the truth, learning the history of this country is fun.

At The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (Baclayon, Bohol), on of the oldest heritage churches in the Philippines and the oldest in Bohol. A great place to visit for religion, culture, and photo shoots

I can see myself in her, honestly. I’m not very surprised I’m getting letters like these and I can feel these won’t be the last ones. (Do I hear an uh-oh?)

Mia and I got these wonderful books for Christmas from Ate Ida (who works at OMF Lit, a wonderful bookstore) and Khay. Yey!

We actually haven’t gotten around to doing the recipes in the cookbook, but that’s on our list for when non-working holidays roll around, along with bringing the new bike to the park.

Finally, we bought a pink bike with training wheels, thanks to generous ninangs/ninongs, titos/titas, and lolos/lolas. Another yey!

We welcomed the new year on the beach with family as always. So many things to be thankful for. So little time. So I will let this song say it all for me for now.

“I remember how You found me, in the very same place. All my failings surely would have drowned me. Still You made a way. You are my freedom. Jesus You are the reason I’m kneeling again at Your throne. Where would I be without You, here in my life?“

It’s easy to be reminded how flawed I am. Easy to forget the testimony that I bear for the world to see —and sometimes judge. It’s much easier to curl up in a corner and let the world pass by. After all, less words spoken, less mistakes right?

It’s an injustice. I was made to proclaim the glory that lasts, the One that sustains, an unconditional Love. When you are stained by the past and the current things that you do, frankly you would rather leave “being a Christian” to others. Maybe they’d do a better job than I would ever. Maybe.

Well, flawed that I am, I keep forgetting —there’s grace. I was bought with a price, paid for in full by the ultimate selfless act of all time.

We are sinners full of grace, instead of sinners full of pride. -RelevantMag

It’s not a safe house to hide in just in case God’s justice comes pouring down. It’s a security that tells me that hey, no matter what you do, nothing can separate you from Him. Sure, He disciplines those He loves, but God is the best prodigal son’s Father.

I accepted that privilege; it’s high time I took advantage of it.

In our lives there’s that contrast of light and dark, night and day, good and bad always. God, though, has a more enduring promise.

I like surprises and so does Mia. When she got this crafts kit from Liee, all glitter broke loose. Thank you, Liee!

--photo by Mariel

For a little something different this year, I had these scary-adorable amigurumi monstuuurs made by Liee. I now want to learn how to crochet. And scuba dive, ride a bike, and play the drums.

Mia's drawing, 'Shon'

I was supposed to have this drawing (by Mia) printed on t-shirts but I ran out of cramming time. It turns out Transfer It doesn’t do sticker printing. Oh well.

Jumo-johnny Walker --photo by Mariel

It sure is nice to spend some (in)sane time with friends. Ones who do this to kids. Tsk, tsk.

At least we all get a little something --photo by Mariel

Our annual white elephant game which we started about 8+ years ago I think, has taken to so many variations. Basta bottom line, every man for himself! Haha. Until next year, people. I will make sure I don’t end up with a lotion bottle and a spoon-fork-knife set. :p

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More photos over at Mariel’s