The "I AM Meant 2 Do Gr8 Things" Movement

This blog is dedicated to God for wonderfully creating these people and unleashing their potential in ways us humans can never know how. This is the "i am meant to do great things" movement. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Anne is a Journalism graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila. She has been inseparable from a pen and paper ever since she was 5 years old (now with a laptop--yesss....asenso) . She originally wanted to have a career exactly like Korina Sanchez but ended up having a career way better. She lives in Paranaque City, Philippines and teaches the English language as a profession. She desires to spread the gospel to encourage and disciple people wherever she goes to show how she believes in God strongly and loves Him deeply. Aside from writing, she does dance choreography, photography, editorial cartooning, talking to different people, exploring silence, deep thinking with books, planning her trip around the world, dropping off and picking up laundry, eating a ton of ketchup and interior designing---- her own bedroom. She is married to the most handsome man in the planet.

[imannethismorning]

Dear Campus Leader... Pakiusap ko...

A few more weeks and classes will be starting and I know you probably have tangled emotions about it. May nervousness na may halong stress na may halong excitement..... :))

I know the feeling...  You see, I was once a student like you.... 

-- A second year college student in a university in Manila excited to experience new things. 

BUT------ deep inside, I was just struggling. Amidst all the dreams, goals and new journey---I was struggling. 

I just got off high school. For four years, my goal was to always be on top of the class---to retain my yearly scholarship. It was always about grades and medals for me. Due to this, I carried the stigma of being a miss “know-it-all. Parang “Come to me all who did not review and I will give you answers” kind of life...  I avoided all kinds of distractions--so I didn’t have much fun in High school. 

You see, I got tired. I was so, so tired from studying that I vowed when I got to college, I will make a new life for myself---far from being a high achiever! Gusto ko magexplore. Magexperience ng mga bagay-bagay. Ako naman this time ang masusunod. Little did I know, sisirain ako ng prinsipyo kong ito. 

I had problems at home that time, problems with my finances, and with inner peace. I struggled with my identity. I was in a relationship yes, with a guy older than me--who gave me everything I wanted. Hatid-sundo. Todo-effort. Puro gala. ---and I really felt loved. Problem was, I was in it just because of ‘that feeling of being loved’. It took a bit more months for me to realize that I wasn’t really in love with the person, but with the comfort and material things that came with the relationship. I was fooling myself and I was hurting him.  I devoted all my extra time to dancing as an outlet where I released all my anger from not being able to understand a lot of things happening at home back then. I will be happy during dance practices and trainings, but resented the fact that I had to go home afterwards. As more days passed by, the more my inner troubles succeeded overpowering me. The more I got angry and confused. I felt SO alone. I almost committed suicide and there were days, I was fooled to hurt myself and shed blood--again and again. I thought there was no hope. 

That was way back 2007. 

Today, 2019--I have found God--or should I say, God found me. In the midst of my weakness and hopelessness, there was Jesus. He lifted me out of a miry clay--that I thought was inescapable. Jesus changed my life. His love and mercy came and touched and healed every part of me that I didn’t know was healable. His power made me overcome a lot of faults, weaknesses and troubles. I was able to graduate last 2011 by His grace alone. My family came to know Christ and is more bonded than ever and I know it’s because God listened to our family’s prayers. My identity was restored. I received a new purpose and the emptiness withered away day after day I chose to surrender my life to Him. May malakas na agos ng peace sa puso ko araw-araw na gumigising ako. There were still a lot of storms and problems that went my way and I publicly declare and acknowledge I am still a work in progress for as long as I live. But in the years that went by after I decided to follow Jesus Christ last 2007, I answered His calling in my life. Nagpatrain at nagpa-disciple ako. Now, I am being used by God for other people. Thank God, ginagamit Niya ako for others. Thank God, He gave me a servant heart. I want nothing more than to see more people come to Christ and ayun ang trabaho nating lahat, hindi po ba? 

Lahat ng ito nagsimula sa campus... sa isang estudyanteng nagsstruggle---- at sa isang leader/mentor na ginamit ng Diyos upang ilapit ako at palaguin sa Kanya. 

That is why my dear Campus Leader, I urge you......  Pakiusap ko...... FIND ME. FIND THE ANNE who was struggling in 2007. Marami pa kami dyan sa school or university mo. Marami pang mga confused, lost and hopeless kagaya ko dati. Wag kang magpaloko sa panglabas naming ipinapakita... na kami ay ayos lang... okay lang.... pero pagdating sa bahay malungkot, galit at takot. Kaming mga nakaupo sa klase, sa kanteen, katabi mo sa laboratory, sa AVR... yung class president mo... or kasama mo sa student council... yung bestfriend mo... yung kasama mo sa org... kami yun. AKO YUN--dati. 

Kung walang isang matapang na leader punong-puno ng compassion na nag-akay sakin na sumunod kay Lord, wala din ako dito ngayon. 

May gagamitin at gagamitin talaga Siya para sa ibang tao. I know this for a fact. Isa ako sa mga naka-witness ng phenomenon ng salvation. 

PLEASE. PAGAMIT KA. 

Kung na-reject ka namin isang beses, dalawa, tatlo... wag mo kaming sukuan... nakukuha kami sa panalangin at consolidating... Nakukuha din kami sa radical na relationship... Maging kaibigan ka lang... 

Dalhin mo kami sa lifegroups, sa mentoring, sa church or sa event kung saan pwede kami maevangelize at unti-unting matanim... Dalhin mo kami sa discipleship at trainings.... Make us value our new found purpose. Lead us in really following Jesus Christ. 

Magpapasalamat kami sa’yo. Salamat ginawa mo ang part mo. 

Dearest Campus leader, 

In the words of Professor X to Wolverine in the movie “Xmen Days of the Future Past”...  “I didn't have my powers in 1973. Logan, you're going to have to do for me what I once did for you. Lead me, guide me. I was a very different man then. You'll have to be patient with me.”

GO! FIND ME. THE CAMPUS VERSION OF ME...

OR BETTER YET... 

FIND YOU. 

[imannethismorning]

#StephenIsMeant2DoGr8Things

No one would have ever guessed who this guy is with his real name on the title of this blog entry. I would not have guessed either. He is, ladies and gents, the man behind the music that gets people exclaiming “woah!” every spin he does, and exclaiming  a “what?” when they introduce his name on the microphone. This entry is a birthday gift to him in celebration of the intense fun he’s bound to have further in his life just because he’s blessed. Let’s discover the talent soon to come out from the down low. DJ CUPCAKES is in the house!

1. How old are you and where and what do you study? Turning 20! I study at CSB and I’m taking up multimedia arts. 2. How did you start to learn producing? (I) was pretty young when I started learning music--guitar and piano, specifically. I used to be into a lot of alternative stuff back in the day, and then I began exploring other genres like electronic and indie music. Right now, I’m trying to blend a bit of every genre with the music I’m making today.

3. Favorite genre of music? Either indie pop and future bass.. that or Indian metal. 4. Best song spun yet? Ignition remix will always be the answer to that question.

5. Musical geniuses you like to call your influences? For alternative music, i’d say Chvrches. (For) electronic stuff, probably Skrillex and Porter Robinson. 5. What else is Stephen up to right now? Video games and eating.Oh--and making more music, for sure! 6. Name two reasons why you are grateful for your family -They’re a happy bunch! best squad ever. -They’re cool with all my hobbies (my dad used to spin too!) 7. Write your very own success equation. good vibes throughout everything + hard work = success! 

8. 3 main goals in life? - to get better at algebra - to get better at cooking - to get better at life! 9. What's the story about your stage alias, cupcakes? and if you will ever change into another alias, what would it be? It’s just something I chose randomly! I guess it’s also my way of trying to say “i don’t really take things seriously! (I would change my alias to) hmm.. pancakes maybe?

10. What would you like to achieve through your music? For people to enjoy! simple as that.

---

Fill in the blanks: 

1. I can cook nothing. 

2. My highest grade would be in arts. 

3. I get angry easily when people try to make me eat wasabi. 

4. I would never eat wasabi. 

5. Barbie is too creepy for me. 

6. I would like to thank God for puppies. 

7. I can't live without breakfast food. 

8. I will stop spinning if I can’t play any R Kelly songs . 

9. I would go crazy if I can get to perform with hasht5. 

10. Nobody is as fabulous as me.

Check out DJ Cupcakes’ official Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/cupcakesandchill/?fref=ts

And his latest track by clicking this link right here:

https://www.facebook.com/cupcakesandchill/videos/311170005886667/

[imannethismorning]

#MichIsmeant2DoGr8Things!

Filipinos are extremely and naturally talented. That is the main reason why you would find a lot of Filipinos working around the world and enjoying success in any field they choose, whether it be singing, theater arts, sports or fashion. I am starting this blog post in an international platform for I believe deep down in my guts that this girl I am featuring now will be one of those who will someday be recognized worldwide for her God-given talent. She’s classy, easy-to-talk to and mysterious at the same time. We met at my friend’s wedding when she accidentally became our make-up artist after a hefty and undesirable series of tangled events. The rest is a fascinating history. Let’s get to know Mich Tamula. Mich is meant to do great things.

1. When did you start liking make-up? 

I started liking makeup when I was in college. My titas from the States gave me a lot of make-up sets, but I didn’t know how to use them at first, so I decided to study personal make-up at Make-up Designory Manila. I enjoyed the class so much that I ended up enrolling in the professional class that same day.

2. How did it become a profession?

It became a profession when my family and friends started asking me to do their makeup for (their) special events. Little by little, I got more clients from referrals, so I decided to do it whenever I have free time or during weekends when I’m not teaching. 

 3. What are your other hobbies aside from make-up? 

I’m a preschool teacher by profession and when I’m not doing make-up, I teach and tutor. During school breaks or long weekends, I travel with my boyfriend or just literally sleep all day! (laughs)

4. Who are your major influences in the industry? 

My major influences are my teachers in makeup school, Ms. Myr Lim and Kris Bacani. They have taught me so much about makeup, the Dos and Don’ts and the fulfillment of making someone happy and beautiful on a special event in their lives.

5. What do you think are the pros and cons of doing peoples’ make up?

The pros of (doing) makeup (for me) is that you get to express creativity on your cilents’ look. You get to see your clients’ happy and confident faces after and making them very beautiful. Lastly, you get to meet new people with different life stories and it’s a very fulfilling career. The disadvantage is that you have a lot of competition in the makeup industry so you really have to be assertive, creative and unique to get noticed. You have to keep up with the trend and not be stagnant with a specific look/makeup style. Another disadvantage for me is that i have to balance my makeup career and my teaching career. I really have to fix my schedule and stick to it so my clients will be satisfied.

 6. How would you describe the make up look that you want for your wedding?

My wedding make-up will just be simple and fresh. I want it to be just a natural look just to define my beauty on my big day.

 7. If you would be given the chance to do any famous person's make up, who would it be? 

If given a chance to do someones makeup, it would be the president of the Philippines, Rody Duterte. Whenever I do makeup, I always talk to my clients and get to know them. It will be a chance for me to get to know the president, talk to him and know what his plans for our country are and (get to know) his life background that other people don’t know. He seems to be a funny guy! 

9. At what age do you think a teenager should be allowed to put on some makeup? 

Teenagers should put makeup as needed only like (on) special occasions/ events. As a makeup artist, I really suggest teenagers to take care of their skin and moisturize everyday! 

10. Define beauty. 

Beauty is a unique aspect of each person. Beauty goes way beyond our physical appearance. It is a genuine expression of who who we are inside and out.

Choose one: 

1. Superman or Batman? Superman

 2.Breakfast or Lunch? Lunch

 3.Birthday or Christmas? Christmas

 4.Heels or Flats? Flats

 5. Skydiving or Scuba diving? Sky Diving

 6. White or Black?  Black

 7. Lipstick or Mascara? Lipstick

 8. Make up: Commercial or Organic?  Commercial

 9. Fame or Fortune? Fortune

10. New York or Paris? New York

[imannethismorning]

#ElsaIsMeant2DoGr8Things

It is always a shock for you (and for them) when you meet your former basic education teachers wherever. Suddenly, memories and feelings from your childhood come rushing in your head--whether good or bad--and you have to choose within ten seconds between running far away as fast as you can or pretend you have been in an unfortunate accident just yesterday and it erased all memories of you with them so you won’t have to say an excruciating “hi.”

In my case though, it was a lot more grave than this scenario. God had a plan to shake my insides with the comeback of this woman in my life. Dr. Elsa Borja was my Grade 2 teacher in a nearby school in our neighborhood in Paranaque. I was able to recognize her at first glance, while she took her time in remembering who I was sans the curly hair and dark complexion I sported when I was much young-er. Now, she is the principal of the school where I work and it is a blessing to have her on our team, as a mentor and a semi-mother. Here is a glimpse of who this rather finesse and kalog woman of education and woman of God is. This is the #ElsaIsMeant2DoGr8Things

1.       When did you learn you wanted to become a teacher?

During my internship and off campus experiences. I didn’t want to be a teacher before. All I wanted was to attend CEU, whatever course. But I was also grateful to have been admitted to PNS--now PNU and study education. I didn’t want to teach then but later on, I found it an exciting and fulfilling thing to teach and to share knowledge to the students.

2.       Tell us your most memorable experience as a teacher.

It was the year end party of the Grade one students I handled, it felt very fulfilling that all of my students were already able to read. Masarap pag lahat sila pag-alis sa’yo, nakakabasa na. Also, the Grade 2 class I handled cried at the end of classes because they didn’t want to be separated from me.

3.       What do you think is your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?

My greatest strength would be sharing to others—what I know and what I have. My weakness is a positive weakness, (which is) sharing to others until I have nothing left. Sinasabihan nga ako ng mga anak ko, na ako daw yung tipong “Hindi nadadala.”

4.       If you were to be the chairman of the Department of Education (DepEd) for a month, what would you implement?

Professional ethics for teachers, because ethics would teach all of us teachers to be accountable for all we do.

5.       If you were not a principal, or a teacher today, what do you think you would be instead?

A dancer. (laughs) I used to admire Juliet Krauss, as a professional and very good choreographer, or I can become a singer. I used to join singing contests. When I was in grade school, I was in a band singing rock and roll music by Elvis Presley. Unfortunately for me, I lost my voice when I gave birth to my first child.

6.       What was your greatest realization when you became a teacher and a mother at the same time?

Mas masarap palang dalaga ka (laughs) iba kase yung excitement sa magboyfriend, iba yung may anak na, may responsibility eh… but I was able to perform my responsibility as a mother because of my experiences as a teacher. It was a big help.

7.       What will be your advice for a young, new aspiring teacher?

Be committed in what you do and keep on praying for the different challenges that you will meet along the way.

8.       A principal is usually thought as a strict and disciplined authority figure, but what would be the sweet side of Dr. Elsa?

I am thoughtful and loving.

9.       Why did you choose to be a principal in Christian Faith Academy this school year 2016-2017?

It’s not a choice, I was driven to the school and this is my second chance to be in a Christian school as well.

10.   How do you think this new school year will be different and special?

We will be having a new set of teachers from the new generation and with a different set of students

11.   Why will you advice parents to go for a Christian school?

There is an effort to nurture an increasing faith in God and children will more directed and guided. Also, naka-base lahat ng ginagawa at itinuturo ng school sa biblical scriptures, but of course, we are still a non-sectarian school. We cater to all children brought up with different religions and from different backgrounds.

12.   What do you want for your birthday?

A house and lot in Tagaytay! (laughs) Good health and a long life.

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Christian Faith Academy is a non-sectarian school focused on giving children an excellent and above standard academic learning and biblical-based values education, enriching lives to be prepared in being good citizens of the twenty-first century. 

Enrollment is still on-going. Call 822-2366 or visit the school site at 147 Peru St. Annex 35 Better Living Subdivision, Paranaque City, at the back of East West Bank Dona Soledad and in front of PureGold. 

[imannethismorning]

#MaitreLeoIsMeantToDoGr8Things

How can I not ask this man to be in this blog? He exudes with confidence and male finesse whenever I see him, he can give Bruce Lee a run for his money ( he taught me self-defense tricks Im’ma try on some people very soon harharhar) and he greets me with “ Chère Mademoiselle Anne”. **I get nosebleed and feetsweep at the same time.***   So let me return the favor by ending this intro with: “leo est destiné à faire de grandes choses”. (insert many, many, many jitters)

1. Tell us about your life.

I have been teaching French here at SISC from 2001. I am a Physics major from Philippine Normal University. I finished masters in International Hospitality Management from Lyceum University of the Philippines - Batangas. I am currently finishing BS Tourism here at our school. Sometimes I get to teach Physics like summer classes or tutorials. I am also a free lance painter and a blackbelt in karate.

2. How did you decide to learn a new language?

Back in PNU, some of my classmates motivated me to take French. I have always wanted to learn a foreign language. Growing up, I have seen my grandfather talk to his friends in Chinatown in Fukien.

3. Where did you learn it?

There was a MoA between the French Embassy and PNU back in the late 90s. The main goal was to have more French teachers in the Philippines. There are still similar programs funded by the French government at Science high schools in the metro.

4. What do you think is the greatest advantage of knowing another      language?

Knowing English is an edge but learning a foreign language is a better edge. There are more opportunities for people with foreign language background. In the BPO and in the tourism industry, an employee with a 3rd language can earn more than those who know English only.

5. How does learning a new language help a new student in her social and personal life outside school?

You can add to your circle of friends French natives and francophone. Knowing French, you can also understand the origins or the evolution of the English language. A new students can use these as necessary tools to communicate better.  

6. Tell us the beauty behind the language you offer to teach.

French is truly a beautiful language. It is more logical than some languages. Fairly easy to pronounce once you get to practice and the grammatical structures are similar to Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.There are also many cognates to English.  

7. How many hours of classes a week does a student need to take to learn this language?

Like in any language, more exposure yields to better results. I had 6 hours a week for three years when I started learning the language. The current European standard under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) requires about is about 60 to 100 hours.

For more information on how to enroll in Southville International School and Colleges please visit: http://www.southville.edu.ph or check out their blog at  http://southville.edu.ph/blog

The school currently offers French and Chinese as Foreign Language subjects as a part of their Basic Education curriculum.

Location:  1281 Tropical Avenue Corner Luxembourg Street B F Homes International, Las Pinas Contact number: [phone]

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[imannethismorning]

#TrixiaIsMeantToDoGr8Things

This girl. I don’t even know how to start an intro about her. Last time we saw each other was in a small, fourth graders’ classroom in a “prestigious” school near our place in Parañaque City. I remember her as shy, quiet and meek (I was the complete opposite by the way) and err...yes, super skinny. Through the wonders of technology--to be more specific, the undying apotheosis to Facebook, we have stumbled upon each other once again and I am completely thrilled she said yes when I asked her to join in on this site’s cause. A major plus, I now have a fitness trainer all the way from Canada. Yay!!! Thanks Trix. :) Can’t believe her physique is super amazing now. How did she do it? Read on. 

Ten Questions for Trixia Maren:

1.    Describe yourself as a little girl.

Trixia: I was a handful. I needed to be outside. I craved activities and the freedom of the streets; the running, the yelling, the movements of the bones, the swaying of the hips. I was always a curious girl, my mom told me she couldn’t keep me in one place. I had my friends, and they had their friends; I guess what I am trying to say here is, my childhood was aggressively freeing because social media has not existed yet.

2.  Four important lessons you learned in life (so far).

Trixia: a. Happiness is a choice: I think I speak for everyone when I say we all have our bad days and good days, but other times it feels like the good times have sailed and what’s left is misery waiting to keep us company. Nonetheless, I have gone through numbers of these experiences to realize that I did not need to feel that way unless I allow it. Hence, Happiness is a choice.

b. Hard work pays off: I think everyone knows about this. As simple as this sounds. It really does.

c. Learn to filter: I used to say how it is and think out loud without caring if I was being offensive. I have learned to say what’s on my mind but only if it needed to be heard and if solicited. I know my words come with a price and repercussions if I am not careful.

 d. Health is Wealth: Very true indeed, I used to be 90 lbs. and I hated it! I used to look in myself in the mirror and felt disgusted with what I saw. I looked anorexic without even trying. Don’t get me wrong I ate a LOT! A lot of junk foods that is. And that is when it hit me! I needed a change. Hence, here I am eating 6 meals a day hitting the gym and finding other ways

3. Tell us about a major change in your life recently.

Trixia: I had an extremely comfortable steady work life. I became plateaued. So I skipped, went back to school and now I love my job. I work for Gyne-Oncology | Obstetrics and Gynecology. It is extremely amazing, I Love the people I worked with. I am even bestfriends with a few them. Life changing. 

4. Three people you really look up to.

Trixia: I would call them inspirations. My Mom, Cora, and Someone else i am not going to name. 

5. Define beauty.

Trixia: Beauty is when you feel wonderful about yourself. You need to feel good to be beautiful. I love being beautiful, meaning I have accepted myself and what came with me. Baggage and all, I accept them all. Plus I have the love of my life telling me this everyday. Haha!

6. How do you think other people see you?

Trixia: I don’t really put importance to this. I think how I see myself and the people I care about matters. No influenco here. All good vibes!

7. What’s your workout secret?

Trixia: I don’t have one, there is no secret. I workout and I have days that I regret it. Trust me its no joke. But I am happy with where I am now and took me a lot to get here. Usually I don’t really have life. I work M-F 7-3. I eat, hour break. Workout- 6-8. Home: to eat, sleep and get ready for the same thing the next day.

8. Can you do a quick comparison and contrast between Canada and the Philippines?

Trixia: No Comparison. I love the Philippines, but at the same time I have learned to love (this country I’m in just) the same. 

9. Most rewarding side of your job.

Trixia: The fact that i help people’s lives.

10. If there’s one thing you are proud about yourself, it is ________. 

Trixia: My Achievements. Whatever I have now I worked hard for. 

Give us three things you love and three things you hate:

 I love….

1.My Cat

2.Chocolates

3.Gym

I hate…

1. goodbyes

2.cat hair

3.pimples

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[imannethismorning]

#LeidzIsMeantToDoGr8Things

Being 1,486 miles away from Manila is not an excuse to grow apart from each other. Another motto proven overtime. Friendship definitely extends beyond the borders of my country crossing over Singapore’s. I let out an ever-pressing Hallelujah this morning when I just chanced on entering the correct password for this blog (hopefully, the same will happen for my wordpress site.. please, Lord..). So first thing I did is to post the most pending interview I’ve ever had with my bestfriend. This is--ladies and gents--Ms. Leidz Ramirez’s 10 questions. Glory to God, ate. Glory to God. :)

1.What are you most proud of in all the success you have achieved?

Leidz: A lot of things happened in my life, and I'd say that what I am most proud of or happy about is that I've surpassed who I used to be as a child and a young lady - that weak, meek, afraid, insecure, vulnerable kind.  As God has led my life, He turned me into the woman I am today.  I am happy that I've grown to know myself more, materialized the potential God has put into my life from the beginning.  There, for me that is the most significant achievement I've got.

2.What was the hardest part of achieving this success?

Leidz: Well, the hardest part is to let go of what I was used to see myself in.  At some point I was comfortable being there, being that.  I thought it was a good excuse to just be neutral and plain.  I had some sort of fear, that if I would "step out", I might not be able to sustain it, or that people around me might see me or treat me differently than before.  

3.Who inspires you the most?

Leidz: My Mom. She's the most loving, sincere, hard-working, beautiful person that I know.  She inspires me to be better.  She believes in what I can do, and has been by my side even when I'm at my worst.  She's been with me like no one has.  Seeing her smile brightens the day, and makes me want to see her smile more. Yes, I want to see my Mama happy all the time.

4.What are your top ‘must-have’ attributes as a professional?

Leidz: I've learned this from one of my most-looked-up-to mentors: TIP - Trust, Interaction, Performance.  I always remember this: (1) Trust.  Trust is essential.  I need to earn the trust of my colleagues; that I am reliable, dependable, consistent.  Alongside, I shall learn to trust them also.  (2) Interaction.  Nobody can work alone.  Nobody can ever perform alone and optimize resources, ideas, talents.  We need one another to achieve goals and targets.  Thus, developing meaningful and frutiful relationships are a must.  (3) Performance.  Perform.  Strive to achieve.  Work on it.  Focus.  Put your mind and heart on what you want to achieve.  Plan and execute.  Do what is expected and exceed it.  In the tasks that I do, i keep these three in mind and heart.

5.Why Singapore?

Leidz: It was never my plan to come to Singapore to work.  For leisure, yes.  But to work, nah.  It is an opportunity that came at the most perfect time.  And when it is a gift from above, there are no troubles to it.  So I'll be here for some time.

6.Where do you see yourself a year from now?

Leidz: A year from now.. Whew, i dunno.. Haha! Ever since this Singapore thing came, I stopped planning already! I have a few things in mind though.. Yes, I hope to be still in Singapore, working but then hopefully doing something more challenging than what I am tasked today.  I hope to see myself more accomplished in my career.  I should have made a significant contribution to my company now, and more to the ministry entrusted to me.

7.If you could write a book, what would it be about?

Leidz: If ever I'd write a book, it would be about "Do-or-Die's".  My life has been much about this, but the book will feature others' also.  It will be an inspiring piece on how trusting and obeying God can turn things in one's life.  All for God's greater glory.

8.Define failure.

Leidz: Failure is an eye-opener.  People should at least see it as an eye-opener, and not some event for frustration to climb its way through.  Personally, failures showed me that the things i didn't do when i'm supposed to do it, and that the things that i did when it is not yet time have consequences.  But, that they are never final.  After some time, I will be faced with the same dilemma, and then I shall know better; and by then gather positive outcomes.

9.How do you fight stress?

Leidz: I fight stress by not allowing it to get into me.  At least I try not to let it in.  I plan, delegate, talk to the people concerned.  When I see the signs, I start to guard myself the best I can.But in times that the guarding system turns out to be not strong enough, I try to keep myself calm, praying to seek the Lord for strength and wisdom, and then I'll receive peace from Him.  A little shopping, chocolates, and McDonald's Oreo McFlurry sometimes helps, too :)

10.Tell-tale advice?

Leidz: "If it is meant for you, even if you don't do anything about it at all, it will come to you." - if you believe this, you'll get but crap. 

**Fill in the blanks: 

a. Elegance comes effortlessly with _____________?

Leidz: simplicity and grace.

b. Silver or gold? 

Leidz: Gold.

c.Instant picker-upper?  

Leidz: "I am chosen and made for this"

d.Favorite brand of apparel? 

Leidz: No particular brand..

e.Something we don’t know about you?  

Leidz: I'm not a millionaire yet ;)  ...but soon

f.Fill in the blanks: God’s love is like ___________?

Leidz: the air I breathe.  It is what keeps me alive and going.

g. Describe a day in your life in Singapore?  

Leidz: Regular days in Singapore are close to almost-always predictable, except when an old uncle pokes your eyeglasses to let you know you acccidentally hit him with your backpack.. Yes, even when i didn't see nor felt him at all.  Hello?! He was rushing to clean my table and i was just getting up from my seat?!! Aiyooooo!

h. Fill in the blanks:  I am a proud Filipina because __________.

Leidz: Filipinas are naturally beautiful inside and out, full of courage but kind, compassionate and loving 

[imannethismorning]

#DianIsMeantToDoGr8Things!

“Hi, ate! Ang ganda mo today!” (“Hi, sister! You look so pretty today.”), are the words that I hear whenever I step into a room where Mr. Adrian De Guia is. His warm and jolly attitude to everyone he knows would usually puzzle many of whom he knew 10 years ago. Following an amazing encounter with God, Dian is now transformed into a new, creative, photography-ing creation. It took me months before I can get a blog entry published again, I am syked tho that my prime feature would be this man-- my talented and humble brother.

10 questions for Mr. Adrian De Guia

1. Why do you love photography?

Adrian: I love photography because I love and appreciate all the great things that are around me. I never do think there is such thing as ugly. Everything is a work of art and it very much stirs me up whenever I see something different. I have lots of reason why I love photography but I am going to give one reason for now. Photography for me is about building relationship. Not with just your camera lol but with all the things around you. Having a relationship is like connecting or interacting with something or someone to give or to have something that has life. Photography requires a lot of life and a lot of details and by having relationship it would make a lot of difference. When you love what you do you invest time, you relate with it and connect. Through photography it is the best way to express my relationship, my love to the world. My idea on why I love photography is kinda weird but this is how I see things and this is how I feel when I take pictures.

2. Where do you get your inspiration?

Adrian: I get my inspiration from God. There are a lot of great things that God has created men, women, nature, animals and etc. Everything has its own colours, definitions, texture, and characteristics. I see to it that I love every creation God had made. Everything is made different, unique, and good. And when you take pictures of these things, you just can’t stop imagining what more there can be on different places.

3. What would be your weirdest photo?

Adrian: My weirdest photo would be is a person getting married on space. If I would have a chance to shoot something like that, I would guess that I’d that first one to do it.  JJJ Or whatever weird thing that would pop in my head I would do it. A human brain thinks a lot of weird things and if I get a chance to do something different and unique, I wouldn’t miss the chance to do it.

4. Have you always known you’ll be into photography?

Adrian: No, not really! I was a person who chooses to be always at gang wars, had no heart for art or on other things. But when I encountered God there I saw the beauty and the image of life and from there on I was on to photography

5. Can u give us 3 important elements to capture a good photo?

Adrian: I’m not going to give answers that are usually seen in the internet and heard from different artists. This is how I shoot and how I work.

Love and passion - Put a genuine love on what you do and do what you love with full of passion. Passion is seen in your work and Love gives the color and saturation.

Challenge and visualize – Explore everything that you do and visualize what it may look. Turn your failures into challenges and learn from it. Don’t give up but challenge yourself

Faith and Prayer – Believe that you can do great things. But before you do anything, start your work with a prayer so that you will have the provision and the guidance of God

6. If you weren’t a photographer, what do you think you would be doing?

Adrian: I would be a psychiatrist. I would be talking to people who are lost and share the love of Jesus Christ for them. A photographer or not I still do this. Sharing the word of God is a big part of my life.

7. How do you measure success?

Adrian: Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I measure my success based on the promises of God in the Bible. 

8. What place would you want to do your dream photo walk?

Adrian: My dream photo walk would be in the fields of Germany and New Zealand, the beautiful beaches of Brazil, Puerto Rico and Palawan, Philippines.

9. Random: Complete this sentence: I am a person who _________.

Adrian: Loves God and all of his creation and also loves the people who is with him and around him

10. Message for young aspiring photographers and interested clients.

Adrian: My message to all the aspiring photographers and clients is this Psalm 37:4-5, "Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give the desires of your heart." Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And he shall bring it to pass.

[imannethismorning]

#ErikaAndEsiAreMeant2DoGr8Things!

2 student leaders we have at our church who continued to fight for their education following a time of desperate need. They now post their joy as they took time to encourage other students going through the same challenge.