The Truth about CANCER

Cancer is quite active on Abbey's family genes and aside getting hospitalisation and critical illness insurance, Abbey and I seek ways to avoid and prevent it. We liked a facebook page The Truth About Cancer and bit by bit we are learning. 

from The TRUTH about CANCER facebook page

Below are few things:

1. Cancer cells do not love oxygen. No wonder the stressed people are getting more likely to have a chance of getting a cancer. Why? When you are stressed, your body only gives you a short-breath! So inhale-exhale and kill those killer cells. Meditate! 

There are some oxygen therapy available that patients can consider other than chemo. 

2. Cancer cells are deeply inlove with sugar. Yeah this is not a new thing but more and more studies proves that sugar fuels cancer cells. So take away those high in glucose, specially the processed fruit juices. 

3. We need to heighten up our immune system. Take that vitamin C rich food! Drink a hot lemon juice, sprinkle some cayenne pepper and drop of honey. Lemon will give you a vitamin C plus it balances the pH level of our body. 

4. 80% of our immune system lies on our large intestine. If we love our immune system, we should worry if we feel bloated and we need to keep an eye on our bowels. Keep that good bacteria healthy living in our gut! 

5. Fast! Let your own body eat those bad cells to re-generate new one! It not only benefit you physically, mentally but also spiritually! Do you know that fasting have a religious affiliation too? Pray while you fast and ask what your heart desires. 

6. Move.. A Lot! I mean exercise! You perspire, it means toxins will be rushing out from your body. Not only that, when your heart starts pumping, it will increase your oxygen intake! Two birds in one stone! 

7. Sun! Get some sunlight! Do not prevent yourself from getting enough Vitamin D! 

8. Do not deprive yourself with sleep. Do not think that sleeping is a waste of time. It is the time when your body heals and brain take out toxins. 

9. Know your products. Do you know that lotions, hair coloring, facial masks and almost all of what we use are made of toxic products! Give yourself a break! Do not use it everyday! Talking about toxins! Do not smoke! 

10. Hydration. Water! 

11. Massages and reflexology will unclog the lymphatic system. 

Those are the few things we've learned and implementing on our daily lives! For better and healthier us. 

2014: On HIS Grace

Me: Why is your face like that?
Colleague: Because I am sad.
Me: Why are you sad?
Colleague: You know, sometimes you will wake up and feel unhappy.
Me: Why?
Colleague: Don't tell me it didn't happened to you before.
Me: It happens to me. But not a lot. And whenever it occurs, I asked my husband to sing. Oh! I'll call my husband, I will ask him to sing for you.

Then she smiled. And every time I see her she always tells me that she's happy and no need to call my hubby. Haha.

*******

This 2014 many hurdles were set on our way. We were tested financially, emotionally and our trust to ALMIGHTY.

Some were the events that can break me and my husband but we chose to cling more to each other and jumped together these hurdles.

--> This year my mother-in-law won her battle with cancer. No more pain, she's in the hands of the LORD.

You can see how wrecked he is inside. He still hopes for her to heal but all the medical facts shows the opposite. "Do you have any regrets that's why you can't let her go", I asked Abbey. He replied back "No". Then after that he woke up from reality that we need to accept the fact about Mama's case. Abbey flew back and forth to Manila to spend more time with Mama. We Skype-d, call and sms Mama everyday. We want her to feel how much we love her. We always asked her "Mama love mo kami? Hanggang saan? Proud ka ba sa amin?" She will answer back with a snobbish tone. Malamanng nakukulitan na yun sa amin. Haha! 

My mother-in-law proved how easy to deal with this infamous disease if you all give all your worries to HIM.

--> My father hit by a mild stroke and this made our family bond stronger. Every family member had done their part. My sister and Kuya Laleng gave their time to be with father while he is on ICU and Kuya Ric took care of the medical bill through the help of Philhealth. Me? I flew back home to clean my dad's 4-storey house. Haha! Mission accomplished.

--> ALMIGHTY's grace shone on us again when the lymphoma of my sister-in-law was detected in an early stage. HE again proved that HE owns the richness in this world. From first session up to the eighth, Ate Rizbeth's chemotherapy was finished. THE ALMIGHTY provided it with no hesitation.

Blessings poured to Ate Riz. From siblings, relatives, churchmates, friends, government organizations and even private companies helped financially. "Kahit kailan ang DIOS ko ay hindi nagkulang". 

Despite of her condition, Abbey and I got a good chance to spend with Ate Rizbeth and her family here in Singapore not only once but twice!!! :)

--> My grandmother passed away. I am happy. All sufferings were done and she left wonderful memories for me to reminisce.

The day that I went to visit her and she asked if she can have my earrings. When I handed the pair of gold to her she eyed for my ring. I refused to give it to her. Why? "Lola, wedding ring po namin ito ni Abbey." She looked to my husband and gave a hilarious laugh. Haha! Everytime I phoned Lola, she always say a simple "Salamat sa lahat. Buti ka pa di mo ako nalilimutan". (Shocks I wanna cry).

I do not regret anything as I know I have done and gave the best I could as her granddaughter. And I know she is proud of me and my husband.

Happiness is a choice as also your sadness. You can't totally avoid problems to come your way but you can choose the problem to be a blessing rather an obstacle.

Everything happens for a reason and I hope this post help you to see more light than darkness in every challenge we encountered.

Choose to be happy. 

Money Can't Buy

Yes money can buy happiness. Now money can buy almost everything. Oh, even falling in love can be influenced by money.

But after my insanely awesome mother-in-law died, I just realized that time is one of the things money can't buy.

Do you know the feeling that your back is against the wall. No space to move, no other options to take but to wait and pray? In Mama Vangie's last minute I am just wishing that I bought a ticket back to Philippines a day earlier. In that my husband can hug and kiss her until her last breath. That we have more time to spend with her.

I know she understands us why we work here in Singapore but our heart is still longing for her, that we wish we can spend more minutes with her.

And on that event, we decided to work hard and invest harder. We want to go back in Philippines earlier than our targeted year of retirement. We want to see all our loved ones, we want to maximize all the seconds with them. We are hoping this plan will prosper... In His time.

Gift of Death

Once I was astounded when the most sensible preacher I known told us while he is on the pulpit that death is a gift. All I know from my childhood it's a curse due to non-compliance of Adam and Eve. But Bro. Eli explains that its a gift from above, for the Almighty cut the suffering of the imperfect flesh. Flesh once perfect to be in Paradise forever.

Mama Sweet was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer last 2007 and doctor told them that maybe she can only live for a couple of years. Hey, she was given more time to spend with her family!

Last May 2013 the cancer attacked with a greater force. She was in California that time and received all the possible treatment she can get. After all the radiation and intravenous meds, again the doctor pronounced that maybe she can't make it going back to Bulacan.

She was picked up by an ambulance at Mommy's home. Thanks to PAL for accommodating out the request for my mom-in-law to travel on stretcher. Plane arrived at NAIA 2 and ambulance was there to transport her to Meycauayan.

Mama Sweet is back with glow of hope in her eyes. We spend days and nights looking after her. Taking care of her needs. We know its not that far, we must stretch all our time to be with her.

Feb 7, after 3 months of battle against the pain, she bid goodbye.

When Ate Rizbeth broke the news all I can do is sob. Even though I know it will come.. but there's still a pain that struck me. I pat my tears dry and Abbey hold my hand for a prayer.

As I told my husband, we need to let go of her. This is just the beginning of forever for her. There is no pain, no suffering, no cancer in the hands of Almighty.

Til we meet again, to the sweetest mama in law in the whole wide world.

My Insanely Awesome Mother-in-Law

Its very hard to please everbody... most specially mothers-in-law. If you will search the internet about MIL, you will see how many rants the daughters-in-law to their second mothers. And ang tanging bilin sa akin ng nanay ko ay ibuhos ko na sa kanya ang kamalditahan ko at wag sa magiging byenan ko.  My mom felt the pure love of her parents-in-law to her and vice-versa and of course I want to be like that on my byenan.

When I met Mrs. Lapuz, I felt how she loves Abbey. She always asked back then if I really love her son. She frankly told me that my looks were deceiving, and she don't like me because I look so snob. 

First meeting, she cried in front of me and I listened to tales. In one meeting, Tita Sweet got my attention, my care and my heart. I told to myself, this is the mother-in-law I want to be with for the rest of my life. 

Well, I call her "Sweet", why? Should I further explain it to you? For almost 5 years of relationship with Abbey I never saw her shout in anger, she always hugs me when I go to their home as if I was gone for years, she kisses me a lot, she treats me as her own daughter, she buys me stuffs... Hey! I even have my own set of clothes in their home in Bulacan. Mama Sweet is always there for me if I need somebody to be with sa aming pampering sessions, she always explains why Abbey acted weird sometimes. And the unforgettable, when I got sick in their home, she took care of me, she even massages me and gave a breakfast in bed. 

Yeah, yeah, jealous I got this kind of mother-in-law? She is really an awesome person. A total package, a mother and a girl friend in one. 

Thanks Mama for everyting lalo na sa pagpapalaki at pag-aalaga mo ng maayos kay Abbey hanggat 'di pa ako dumarating sa buhay nya. I love you so much Mama Sweet. You are one in a million. Mama ako pa rin ang number 1 mo na manugang ha? Haha! 

We miss you Ma! Hope to see you sa 1st birthday ni DomDom. Let's go for some manicure and pedicure ;) 

Paulo Lapuz Design

Do you need logo for your blog, company, wedding or birthday?Do you need people who will design your articles in magazines or newspapers?

Well many of our readers astounded when we decided to create a facebook page for our blogs, they are not shocked by the idea of creating a fb page but the logo I posted as a display photo.

As they were really happy to see the new logo as Abbey and I called it, inquiries also poured in. Maybe they are thinking that me or hubby designed it, haha. Well they are all wrong, we both do not have an imaginative mind to think about that and also we do not have an artistic hand to portray it.

It was designed by Paulo of Paulo Lapuz Design. He is one of Abbey's cousin based in Long Beach, CA. Some people asked how much we pay him, well he crafted this logo for us free.

Please do send this kind guy an email at paulo@paulolapuzdesign.com. Hmm, maybe he can give also free service. Haha!

Let's Count the Blessings!

I am 30 and I know it. I am old, yeah I admit it and I am happy. Since January 2013, I keep on thinking what achievements that I had done with the past 3 decades. So here are some to summarize..

Family: My parents, nobody can replace them in my heart. They're the best parents for me; they know how to spoil and how to teach me a lesson. They know what makes me happy and what makes me really mad. My father taught me the importance of inner scorecard, to choose friends wisely and how to be frugal in money. My mom is always there for me. I know I got her style in dressing and the thinking that wife must not be totally dependent to their husbands on finances. She also taught us how important to own your own house and lot.

            My siblings are the best! Even they want to choke me to death because of brat attitude, they are always there to be my guide and be my models. We grew up in different generations and believe in different religions but in relation to our different manners, we understand each other.

            In-Laws: Abbey came from a well-intact and very sweet family. I am so thankful to be part of their growing family. So thankful to have a very kind and very sweet new set of parents and siblings.

            Friends: They proved to all of the people that are around us that they are not after my money. Ha! Hey!, they are richer than me. :) Truly, my set of friends is a gem to cherish. It seems that we knew each other since birth. Love you all! 

Education: I am an ordinary student constantly in Section 1, until I came to the point to see what subject I will excel, and that is Physics... The subject that almost everyone hates. For the first time, I joined a quiz bee and won the first price. I garnered the Best in Science Award & Mercury Drug Awardee. In college, I took up the Bachelor of Science in Customs Administrations for 3 1/2 years. With tears, I passed the board exam with an average of 81%.

Career: At the age of 26, I became the supervisor of a certain company, went to Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia for procuring. Be known in the Bureau of Customs. The latest is that here in Singapore, after sending my particulars at 3PM, 5PM on the same day the Ministry approved my application. Now I am working happily with in my current company for more than a year, with great boss, great colleagues and very cooperative clients.

Finances: As my usual when I am working back in Philippines, 50% is directly going to my other account as my savings. Now it is not 50%, now I can save for 80% of my earnings, (achievement indeed). Now you know why I want all to be free, haha!  Me and my husband have some investments also, getting ready and wishing for an early retirement.

Love Life: When I am counting my blessings, I count Abbey twice. Actually, I do not need to explicate why. Every person me and my husband knew always told me that I am lucky to have Abbey. Always replying them, "I am not lucky, I am BLESSED."

In past 30 years, I had gone many trials; some told me that it is a failure but for me that is only a lesson to ponder and to get ready for another challenge for me to succeed. 

Prayers is my only armor for the future and I am hoping that we can use all the lessons of the past to jump over the hurdle of trials.

Miles Away

Isn't nice to see all your siblings, hug them, sing along with them, play jokes, laugh and reminisce together and I am really glad to see the big smiles and grins from my husband's face when he saw his sisters, brother and parents. He really did missed them a lot.

Sis Abi is staying at Chicago, Sis Beth at Bulacan and RJ works at Abu Dhabi, now Mama and Papa's Visa for America is out and now getting ready for their flight. Abbey's happiness faded and the sky of Singapore cries with him from early morning until night of 19th of January '13.

I can say that messengers and photos helps cure homesickness but cannot deeply suffice the space in our hearts.

Now, I appreciate more that my parents and siblings are just only 3 hours plane ride, that anytime I can or they can visit us here in Dover.

All the best Ate Abigail, Kuya Victor, RJ, and Jhen. We'll see you soon Ate Beth, Kuya Bong and DomDom. Everything will be okay Mama Sweet and Papa RS. We are looking to be with all of you, in HIS perfect time.

3 Days of Blindness

What a wonderful world!, isn't? But how will someone say this phrase if they are blind. Black all around. I was moved by this article of Helen Keller  first published last ---. Helen made a list a of the things she wants to do if she'll be given a sense of sight in three days. Reading that, I am quite shocked, there are so many things that I am taking for granted. Actually almost everything around me was not appreciated.

I know, these eyes is a vital part of human being but If Almighty will take out my eyes, what will I do in three days. Just thinking, my gosh, all negative thoughts rushing down in me. But I need to look on a brighter side.

Okay, on the first day, I will wake up 7am and stay at my room, I will embrace the full hour of silence. Then I will ask my husband to come near me and I will try to memorize his face features, I will try to communicate with him and ask him all questions I can ask and memorize the ups and downs of his voice. I will try to determine if he is happy, sad, sincere through the words and voice that will left his mouth, that will last until noon and my whole afternoon, I will ask my niece and nephews to gather around at my parents place and all I want to do is hear all their voices. All the shouts of joy of the kids and laughter's of reminiscing. We will take dinner and savor all the aroma of the foods. I will eat all the food I can take and slowly chew every bit of it. In evening I will ask my husband to play some Mozart music and ask him to teach me how to find my boxes of teas and how to prepare it for myself.

Second day, I will ask my friends to bring me to a beach, I will sunbathe. I want to feel the morning rays of the sun and  hear the sounds of gushing waves. After lunch I nap just outside a cottage. Why outside? I want to feel the summer breeze. Around dawn I want me and my friends help me to stroll along the shore, I want to feel the hotness of every grains of the sand on my feet. On dinner I will ask them to build a bonfire and have a dinner and sip some red wine. I will spend all my time to listen to their stories and I will just move mouth to speak once they ask me. Haha.

On my 3rd day, I want to be one with nature, I want to go to a park and want to conquer my fear to lizards. Eeeeeee! I want to inhale fresh oxygen from the plants. My afternoon to my last hour of darkness, I want to be with my husbands arm. I want to listen to the Words from Bible.

As I made a thought for that idea, who says darkness is sadness? Now, I will start to appreciate more on the things around me before the unseen comes. Why? everything I can see here in earth is temporal and the unseen is yet to come and eternal.

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:18