Coming Real Soon: #jumpballtoforever

So the DIY chronicle continues. Today I present the BTS of the wedding signages.

Bride in action

Why I’m voting this May 13 elections

Photo by Sashi24 (Googled image)

Frankly, I have so many reasons not to. I can start with a list of excuses-- my wedding which will take place the week after the election itself, among others. I am not naïve. I know how easily we label and categorize the candidates just because. There’s the TraPo or the traditional politicians and there’s BIMPO or Batang Isinubo ng Magulang sa Politika. Being that this is going to be my first to air my stand on the Philippine politics in this blog in any medium ever, please do not be surprised if you find it amateur. I am no activist, journalist, nor an enthusiast of this issue. I am just some random citizen who loves my country so much.

I was practically dragged by my mom to register in the municipality’s COMELEC office 5 years ago like she couldn't take another day away from my 18^th birthday that I’m not a registered voter. Dude, I was in fever and colds when she woke me up to register way before sunrise. What kind of mother does that? Lol. (Love you, Ma.) That may sound cruel but I thank her for that today.

I might just be promoted to a whole new level of weird for saying this but I just love LOOOOVE practicing my right to vote. This isn't a mindset  that my parents instilled in me but the idea of finally being able to do something for the country makes me feel so responsible and mature. It makes me feel like I’m a part of something, like each time I vote, I am able to change something about this nation. You know, I have never experienced joining any rally. Even in college, I never joined any of those "walk-out sa klase" just to deliver a particular message to the higher authority. Don't get me wrong, the only reason I didn't participate is because I believe I'm in school to study. Not to mention I didn't want to waste the money my parents worked hard for just to send me to a premium university.

Just like there are so many reasons not to vote, I have also heard of different reasons why people vote. Sabi nga nila, you have no right to complain if you did not choose who to put in the government. This is logical to me and partly, this is the reason why I make sure to cast my vote every election (national and local). However, this is not the sole and main reason I'm choosing my senators and mayor and councilors.

1. It's my every citizen's responsibility.

Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.

I take Deuteronomy 1:13 as a clear command from the Lord along with other commands like love your neighbor, honor your parents, etc. Through Moses He spoke it to the Israelites at the time He needed rulers "to carry the burden and disputes" of the people. Although it's very clear that whoever is in position is God-appointed (Romans 13), He did not deny us of our responsibility to elect who we think is wise, understanding, and respected. Yes, before voting becomes our right, it was first a responsibility assigned to us by the Maker himself.

2. It's for my everyone's future sons and daughters.
Voting today makes me accountable for the kind of future the next generation will have. When I was a decade or so younger, I used to think "Who cares about the next generation? I'll be out of this planet then." But now that I'm getting married in a couple of weeks, I have learned to become so mindful of the things that might affect my future children's world a few years from now. I don't know about you but I would do everything for my kids to have a better life than mine. And a big part of it will rely on the kind of environment and country they'll live in. What's worse than watching selfish people rule your nation, right? Almost synonymous to letting evil conquer heaven and earth (although obviously this couldn't happen).

3. It's a very rare and underrated privilege that's worth grabbing.
How many times are we asked to participate in this country's decision making? I say only once -- and it's during election. Do I have a say if taxes soar high and my salary deductions are almost half of my monthly earning? No. Do I have a say if bills like the RH and sin tax are discussed in the Senate or Congress for passing? No. Do I have a say which country the president should visit next for a half a million worth of meetings and dinners? No. Hence, voting for people whom I think possess the qualities in #1 is my only way of making sure that the interest of the Filipino people (and not their pork barrel) will be the first priority in making these decisions.

I'm sure the skeptical in you might be saying "why vote kung madadaya rin naman?" or "whoever you vote, pare-pareho lang naman silang corrupt". Honestly, I myself can be so frustrated of how dirty the Philippine politics has become. I'm not saying that the system of the past generation is any better because we weren't there to know that. However, if we think of how bad the situation is and if we let this situation hinder us from doing our responsibility as a Filipino, then that's the point we become the problem. Which is better: a nation with corrupt rulers and responsible citizens? or one with corrupt rulers and indifferent citizens? Personally, the latter is a more disgusting reality. Folks, we can't control the system. I have long since gave that up to the more powerful that is God. All I can do now is play my part and leave everything to Him. By faith I claim that God is changing this nation and I sure would want to be a part of this most awaited change.

Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.

Let's practice our right. Let's be responsible. Do it for your country. Do it for God.

Signature

Boredom bullied me again today. Whenever it strikes, I either go online and look for some good articles to read -- mostly travel and food blogs or I go to Photoshop and explore it while enhancing my skills in the process.

Today, I got the idea of creating a signature for my every blog entry. This idea actually came from Nathalie (although don't tell her 'cos she doesn't know). It was in her blog that I first saw posts concluded by a signature (though apparently not all). And I'm concluding this with mine.

Happy weekend! (Off to Iron Man 3 in 30 mins. Seeing it with the love of my life. Can't wait!)

"Amalayer" girl has made the 180-degree turn

This video reminded me of how amazing God's grace and mercy is. I mean, yes I know it in my heart and my mind that God can do amazing things in our life. But it's really different seeing it happen even on other people's life. Like its realness increase immensely as we hear more testimonies like this.

I was once living a sinful life, too. I might not have had drugs or killed someone in the past, but I'm no angel either. I lied, I judged people, I cursed, I committed debauchery, and a lot more sins I'd rather not enumerate here (haha baka maloka kayo). My point is, my past is no different than hers. The only difference is that someone made a remembrance of that big snap moment of her in the LRT. She got caught. I didn't. But in the eyes of the Lord, we're no different. No wonder I myself broke down and cried like a lost child in the mall during my very own altar call back in 2006.

This is such a great love story to ponder. Congratulations to Paula for finally accepting Christ as the Lord and Savior of her life. Every time I look back on the time I made the same decision almost 7 years ago, I can't help but smile. Indeed, it was the best decision I made ever.

Happy weekend, folks! God bless us all. :)

Mini Summer Get-away and Grill Sesh at the East

One of the downsides of having a summer wedding is that the prep restricts you from joining the usual almost-every-weekend getaways for the whole of April and May. I remember I used to hit the beach/pool for at least 4 times during summer and I believe even that number is considered below average for most people who really go crazy during this season.

This year, my first of summer was spent in a pool easily hidden in the beautiful paradise of Sun Valley Estates in Antipolo. This was during the April 9 holiday which I spent with friends. Remember how our day started at Molave Tapsi? This was the continuation:

We spent the late afternoon at Sun Valley which was a good 30-minute ride from Duchess's place (she was our host for the day). We initially planned to just take a swim in the village clubhouse but decided against it because it turned out to be brimming with people that day. Apparently, we're not the only ones who thought of spending the holiday in the pool.

(photo © SiNikita) If this is Plan B, not bad for us Filinvest Antipolo kick-outs right?

The pool was only open til 5pm though we were allowed to stay til a little shy of 6pm. By the time it's dusk, we're back at Duchess's house. Then started the grilling sesh, which by the way ate almost 2hrs of our evening.

We thought we'll be eating hotdogs alone, ended up with liempo, ribs, and buttered shrimps.

Obviously a meaty dinner. 

Oh, and the DIY chronicle continues behind the scene. Fine motor skills were stretched once more.

Dinner was served at a little past 8 if I'm not mistaken.

All in all, it was a yet another mad "spring-breaker" session with the girls. I'm so glad I got these people to agree to having just a mini get-away nearby instead of a relatively costly road trip in Bataan or Tagaytay. They were really rooting for those from the start. Great friends are, well, great!

I hope you're having a fantastic summer so far. ♥

P.S. Yes, I wear swim cap every single swim time. Don't ask.