Travel Cafe Philippines

"A cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent."-Anonymous

Last Wednesday, October 20 I went to meet an old friend for coffee. A bit tired of the same old coffee taste from Starbucks, Coffee Bean, Figaro and Seattle's Best (not that I don't like them, I do have my favorites in each coffee shop) I remembered a suggestion from my friend that serves Filipino coffee - Travel Cafe Philippines. It is located at 2nd level of Greenbelt 5. She mentioned that it is not that pricey too. So for a change, we went there and I ordered Cordillera Mountain Coffee which only cost Php115. It was served in connoisseur's coffee press with pastry on the side. Not bad isn't it? We tried their pasta too, Saranggani Smoked Fish Linguini which is good for sharing and cost Php290.

My friend and I really enjoyed a cozy relaxing stay in this coffee shop. I personally love Philippine origins coffee. It's so close to the heart.

Running as an Athlete and as a Christian

When I was still young, my friends used to tell me that I was really sporty. But it never in fact appealed to me that way. For me joining any sport or outdoor activity was just pure fun. Hence, it never truly occurred to me that when I grow up I'll invest time over a certain sport. Not until my eldest sister influenced me in joining a running race. From then on, I joined a running group to educate myself further in the field of running. I started meeting wonderful people and even gained good friends. I was also running daily that it became part of my weekly routine. I targeted races every month and got good personal records (PRs as what we call it in running)in different kilometers. I even ran my first half marathon (21km) before 2009 ended and finished my first full marathon (42km) this September 2010. However, as I continued to run I often ask myself this question "WHAT IS THE ESSENCE OF RUNNING?" Well aside from the obvious reasons that I have expanded my networks of friends, lots of memorable moments, the discipline I learned during my trainings and in achieving my targets, I still seek a deeper meaning of this sport. I strongly believe that there is more into it.

True enough, when you seek you will find. During our service in church this morning, our senior pastor Joey Bonifacio shared this Bible verse in 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." At that moment, the Lord revealed to me the answer to my lingering question. It was so awesome to understand how God associates the sport of running to being a christian in faith and living your life for God. I have discovered through God's grace that He led me to this sport and supported me all the way so I may fully understand at the right time that I can also apply the discipline I've learned from running to my christian faith. If I have endured the trainings, running long distances and finishing strong in every race, I can do the same with my christian life. Moreover, I don't have to pay for my registration fee like in participating a race but instead I already got a FREE registration from God through Jesus Christ. Based on John 19:30 "..Jesus said 'it is finished'." He paid the debts of my sin so I can join the exciting race of life, finish it strong and gain the award that awaits me (2 Timothy 4:8 "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.")

Faith Upgrade

For months, God has amazingly upgrading my faith. This week that has just ended was an experience of breakthrough with regards to my faith over God's financial provision. It's so easy to say that you believe that God can do things or make miracles, but when you already need to apply it there is this battle of doubt. To worsen it, I even tried making a back-up plan if ever God will not provide. Talk about believing right? So I get to talk and seek counsel from a christian friend. I told her how I'm struggling with really wanting to believe that the Lord will supply my needs and that there's this inkling doubt at the same time. She shared to me this verse that she holds on whenever she's in the same scenario, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24. This was a revelation for me. Yep I have read this on my Bible chapter reading but didn't really appeal to me until I needed to hear it.

One Weekend with Penoy

This weekend, I got to see and spend time with my niece, Penoy. She is often brought by her parents in our house at Makati so that she can also spend time with her "ngongo" (lolo) and "ngonga" (lola). For this visit, she had an overnight stay with us.

On her first day, she played almost the whole time with her new toys. Her ninang Achie (my eldest sister) gave her a push tray with plates, saucers and cups as a gift for her 2nd birthday. I, on the other hand finally passed on to her my favorite toy when I was a kid - small stove given by my dad. Talk about perfect timing. It goes well with her new toy. All the more she was so excited to play. That she was so kind to give every visitor of hers a toy of cup of tea =). Moreover, she showed us her own version of ballet. That made us all laughed in a good way. She's really amazing.

As for her 2nd day with us, we brought her in church. I accompanied her to stay in Kid's Church where she's also with the same age as hers. Got her registered and when we were in the room we we're supposed to remove our shoes because we'll be sitting on the mat. But one should have socks and she doesn' have one. So, I brought her 2 pairs of red socks only for P10. Cheap huh! And surprisingly, Penoy liked the color!

For starter, the teacher in charge prayed. While praying, a little girl approached us by which I was surprised because everyone should be sitting down. I don't know why she got loosed by her yaya or guardian. And worst, she approached us to get the toy Penoy was holding. Of course, you will expect the defense. Penoy screamed at the top of her lungs and wouldn't want to let go of the toy. And yes, in the middle of the prayer, hehe. But when I started whispering to her that it's okay to share and that there were alot of toys around her that she can play with, she finally stopped. Well, the grabbing of toys still happened several times during our stay. But good thing about my niece, when you tell her to share, she stops and let go. It was really a bonding moment for us, tita "awesome" (as how she calls me because she can't mention my nickname the right way, hehe) and Penoy. I felt so special whenever she calls my attention and looks for me whenever I was away. Indeed I was so blessed to have this kind of moment with my niece this weekend. Penoy cuddling her favorite toy in the room Penoy goofing around with a small hoop on her face Penoy reading Almost lost with a lot of pillows

Coffee Break with Ngongo & Ngonga

This friday night I decided to run at my usual route in one of the parks in Legaspi Village Makati. But I learned that my parents are going to attend the "Meet & Greet" in our church at Fort so I decided to tag myself along. I thought it was perfect to run my 10km while waiting for them then go to Starbucks afterwards so to use daddy's HSBC's free coffee. But unexpectedly, they weren't able to attend because there were no more parking slots and they got to park far from the church. It ate so much of my parent's time that they decided not to attend anymore. With this, my dad called me. But unfortunately, I didn't feel my phone vibrating and I just decided to looked at it when I approached my 5.5km. I got 5 missed calls and 2 messages from my dad. I really got so "bitin" and a bit frustrated that I didn't get my goal. To think that I was really focused to get it that night. Oh well, I said things happen for a reason. At least I was able to reached 5.5km. And so we went to have coffee. We chose Starbucks at The Column since it's near our house. We all got a little chaotic while parking because again there were almost no parking slots. But as we settled in the coffee shop, I got a little sentimental. This is a rare moment for us that we "chill" and talk while having coffee at Starbucks. I only do this often with friends, not with my parents. That's why I secretly took a shot of my dad during our coffee moment. Again, another day to be thankful of. =)

My Woshrip Night Experience

The Victory Christian Fellowship, Fort held it's 3rd Worship Night yesterday. The church started having once a month worship night just last May. As for this month's worship, it was a bit different because they made this to break the 3 day prayer and fasting of the church in preparation for the EN2010 conference and the inaguration of our new elected president.
I joined the church in praying and fasting. I gave up one meal (breakfast) and watching television for 3 days. Instead of doing these things I used my time to get to know more of God. It was an awesome experience. Also, it was timely that I was reading this book entitled "The Mystery of the Empty Stomach" by Joey Bonifacio. I had fresh realizations about fasting and got clearly what God wants me to do. So as to end the fasting, it was perfect to attend the worship night.

Aftermath of My Mt.Batulao Climb

Lately, I tend to question my interests. Why do I love running? Why do I want to improve my swimming skills? Why do I set goals for my next aquathlon? Why do I love outdoor activities? Why do I climb? Hmmm....

Yesterday, I climbed Mt.Batulao. I was greatly challenged by the climb. Mixed with stabilizing my different emotions and conquering my fear, I got this big question in me "what is this that I'm getting myself into?". Is it even worth it? Just one silly step and I may end up rolling down the hills and having flashbacks before me as I face death.

Now, thinking about what to answer to my own challenging questions. I somehow realized that these interests of mine got me into a different level of maturity. I learned how to discipline myself more, set right priorities, got emotionally, mentally and spiritually wiser, and push myself more than my usual. =)