The Dawn Earthquake

I was in deep sleep last night when I felt that my double-deck bed was shaking. I was on the top and my sister was asleep on the below part. I called my sister, thinking that she made the bed shaking (a view from the mind of a half-awake, half-asleep person). Anyway, I heard my parents voice. And my Mom told my Dad that there's an earthquake. So, I also called out my Mom to let her know that I was awake. I felt that it's getting stronger, so, I decided to get out of my bed and hurried off to ask for help to Jesus. Before I could get out from the bed, the earthquake stopped. And, before I knew it, I fell into deep sleep again.

This morning, I've learned that the earthquake has a 5.7 magnitude intensity. We are 130 km or 80 miles away from the epicenter, which is in General Santos City. The earthquake happened around 3:51 A.M.

We are living in life with inevitable occurrences from nature. The Philippines, being a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, has a common occurrences for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Occurrences that humans couldn't able to stop even with the existing of new, high-technology equipment. What scientists may only do is to alert the citizens in a certain area for the possible occurrence.

Thankfully, there has been no casualties or any major damage. I've also learned that there had been the same 5.7 magnitude intensity that hit Mexico last week.

This would be my conclusion: We may never stop this kind of phenomenon and we don't know what will happen next time. We would not be prepared at all. No one is guaranteed to be 100% prepared. But, if we prepared ourselves spiritually, have faith, and know our identity as children of God, we can put our complete trust in Him. Ad majorem Dei gloriam!

Lord I Lift Your Name On High (SONICFLOOd version)

This is one of the most beautiful praise songs that I've ever heard by the U.S. group from Tennessee, the SONICFLOOd. Praise and glory to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Beaches and Everything That's Just Water!

Since the Philippines is composed of over 7,107 islands, we are being surrounded by water. The famous Boracay is home of one of the best beaches in the world because of its powder white sand, warm and crystalline waters, and gorgeous sunsets. People from all over the world enjoy the atmosphere here. Here are some photo shoots of my family.

The rocks behind him are all natural.

They also offer parasailing for visitors here.

Boracay has many beach resorts owned by different businessmen. Here is one of the hotels here with its pool.

Next to Boracay, we will hop to my city, which is Davao City. Our famous beach spot here is the Samal Island, which is also the home of the famous Pearl Farm Beach Resort. But, like Boracay, Samal Island also houses different beach resorts. And one of them is Paradise Island.

They also offer jet ski ride, but, we just can't afford the price of P1,500. :(

Another beach resort is the Costa Marina. Here is the view during the low tide. And we waited by noon until the afternoon for the water to return.

Another tourist spot in the southern region of the Philippines is the Siargao Island, which is the home of the famous "Cloud Nine", the best known surfing break with a world reputation of being in the top Surfing Waves in the world. You can check this SITE to see how the waves really behave on their own. Here are some of the pics of Siargao Island.

My cousins trying to surf.

The view of the waves on the other part of the island. Unfortunately for us, we haven't captured the Cloud Nine waves.

Next stop is the waterfall which is located in Surigao del Sur. This is the first time I dip into a waterfall. But there are also numerous waterfalls in our country. Sorry I forgot the name of the waterfall. Since this waterfall is located inside the mountainous, jungle area of the province, this is not yet popular among other provinces. But the feeling when we got there was amazing and the ambiance is really breathtaking and it's a good place to unwind. Here it is. Enjoy.

Since the water is very cold, just like the water in California, my cousins and some of my friends opted to drink a beer while dipping into the water.

A man-made table and chair standing on the flow of the waterfall. People can actually eat in this area.

There's also a man-made fountain in the middle of the waterfall.

Last stop is the Hot Spring in Mainit National Park, Nabunturan, Davao del Norte. They have a place for steaming, which is like inside a tunnel, but I didn't take a shot there since I'm afraid my camera would get melted from the heat inside that place :). Outside the tunnel are these steam pool, which is a combination of cold water and hot water from the steam itself. These are the private pools.

As you can see, there's a legend that says "The Rock". Well, it's actually a rock for us to manipulate the warmt of our pool. We can block the flow of the hot steam by placing the rock on the flow of the hot steam and/or unblock its flow again to have our ideal temperature of the water. The hose, which the girl was holding, was actually the cold water.

An outside shot of the private pool. If you click on this photo, you would actually see a small-size waterfall which we used for bathing ourselves after the dip on the steam pool.

These are some just of the forms of water I've been able to visit. But, there are still other wonderful and superb beaches and waterfalls around the country that you can check out in the search engine. Have a wonderful day! =D

Thank You for the Roses!

When my Mom and I went to the wet market, we passed by in this flower shop, and I was shocked when Mom started to run toward this person in the shop whom I didn't know! It's happened that this person was my Mom's long distant relative, and also the owner of the shop! As I was looking around, I have found beautiful flowers -- from orchids to roses, and daisies to lilies -- they were all very wonderful and beautiful. I was surprised when the owner gave me a bundle of roses in different colors, for free! Awww, how sweet of her! The instant she handled it to me, I was smelling the roses non-stop. But, don't get me wrong. As a lady, I have been receiving roses too. But that day was memorable. I was like a child who was smelling roses for the first time! And, as a memorabilia, I took some shots of the roses.

And placed it next to Sto. Nino and Sacred Heart of Jesus...

Buko Salad and Buko Pandan

The other night, I was making the two of my most favorite desserts: Buko Salad and Buko Pandan. My Mama and Papa brought home a dozen of coconuts from our farm, so they asked me to make they favorite dessert, the Buko Salad. But, since I also love Buko Pandan, they didn't have the choice but to spare some of the coconuts to make it as Buko Pandan. (Hey, I'll be the one who will make the desserts, anyway!) Thankfully, they said both taste so good (in which, I am very flattered, of course). So, here it is. FOR YOUR EYES ONLY. (lol)

From this...

To this...

And, the best part is...TASTING TIME, by the cook herself!

Until next time! :D

Friday Shoot-out: Love is in the Air (because the color is red) (",)

This was displayed inside the mall during the love month.
("All I see is love...")

Kids @ Play

Last Saturday, in the celebration of my Mom's birthday, we went to the beach. With us are my nephew and nieces, and I took pictures of them while they were playing on the volleyball ground. I just love looking at children who are playing and having fun like it seems there are no burdens in their hearts. I am jealous of them! Wish to be a kid again. =D

Stolen shot of the kids playing in the volleyball ground (and pretending to have a ball, lol.)
Here playing are Isa and Justin.

Isa, PJ, and Justin.

Who Am I by Casting Crowns

Who am I?

That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.

Bridge:
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.

Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.

I am yours.
I am yours.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.

Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.


I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.

Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.

I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.

Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
I am yours..

I am yours..