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5 Days Before Our 5 Years


Five days from now, my beloved husband and I will celebrate our 5th Wedding Anniversary. As a countdown to our celebration, I will be sharing with you some photos from 2006 and some thoughts about marriage  that I learned along the way.

For our prenuptial photo session, we went to Dole Kalsangi. Here are some of the captured moments:

“What if I never knew
What if I never found you
I’d never have this feeling in my heart”
“How did this come to be
I don’t know how you found me
But from the moment I saw you
Deep inside my heart I knew”“Baby you’re my destiny
You and I were meant to be
With all my heart and soul
I give my love to have and hold““And as far as I can see
You were always meant to be
My destiny”

*Lyrics from Jim Brickman’s “Destiny”

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General Santos City Youth Achiever’s Award 2011


The efforts of the young Generals were recognized and rewarded in the awarding ceremonies of this year’s General Santos City Youth Achievers Award (GSCYAA) held at Robinson’s Place Gensan. Now on its 11th year, the GSCYAA is dubbed as the premier venue for the selection of outstanding young individuals and youth groups.

In-School Category – High School Level

And the nominees are…

1. MELCHEN MAE N. MACHAN | SPED Integrated School

2. ROMEO A. DEQUITO, JR. | SPED Integrated School

3. THEA DANIELLE B. CARTOJANO | Shalom Crest Wizard Academy

4. PAULINE AUBREY S. PACHECO | Shalom Crest Wizard Academy

5. JOSELV E. ALBANO | Holy Trinity College High School Department

And the winners are…

 JOSELV E. ALBANO | Holy Trinity College High School Department

THEA DANIELLE B. CARTOJANO |Shalom Crest Wizard Academy

ROMEO A. DEQUITO, JR. | SPED Integrated School

In-School Category – College

The nominees are…

1.LURVIE JAMES N. FRUTO |Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges

2.KHRISTIAN IAN C. CASTILLON |Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges

3.JOHN REX B. GALDO |Mindanao State University

And the winner is…

LURVIE JAMES N. FRUTO | Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges

Young Professional, Workers and Entrepreneurs Category

The nominees are…

1.ALDRIN A. MATO |Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges

2.MEIKKO JAY D. FORONES |Mindanao Polytechnic College

3.HAIRONESAH M. DOMADO |Asia Foundation

And the winner is…

MEIKKO JAY D. FORONES | Mindanao Polytechnic College

Group Category

The nominees are…

1.JUNIOR ECOLOGIST MOVEMENT|Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges

2.TRI-YOUTH MOVEMENT|DXCP/KapayapaanKapatid Council

3.SOCIAL SCIENCE SOCIETY|Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges

Special Citation for the TRI-YOUTH MOVEMENT | DXCP/Kapayapaan Kapatid Council

Special Citation for the JUNIOR ECOLOGIST MOVEMENT | Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges

The GSCYAA Alumni seized the opportunity to publicly honor MR. ELMER CEQUIÑA, the GSCYAA Program Coordinator for his exemplary commitment in honing the youth of the city.

Thank you, Sir Elmer, for your selfless efforts and burning passion in advancing the welfare of the youth of Magandang Gensan!

Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio  lauded the young individuals who have made sterling distinction and the youth organizations that have made a difference in the community.

Thank you, Youth Affairs and Development Office staff, for the extra miles  you have extended. Thank you, Allan Loi Villanueva, for hosting the affair! Thank you, Roxell Dubal, Gladys Reyes and Teatro Ambahanon, for your special performances! Thank you, Mass Communication Students of RMMC (Michelle Pamonag, Sheena Amistoso, Loremae Romualdo and Cherish Lumang), Binoy Magtibay and my beloved husband Mosler Paul Lapore, for the valuable support you have given!

With my fellow adjudicators: Allan Remedios, Hon. Dimple Dulay, Jocelyn Kanda, Esmaida Andang and Jovar Pantao

Thank you, fellow adjudicators, for the enriching journey of growth and development!

Congratulations to all the winners and organizers!

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Happy 59th Wedding Monthsary!



November 30, 2011, a  non-working holiday in celebration of Bonifacio Day throughout the Philippines, is also my 59th Wedding Monthsary. My beloved husband gave me delightful midnight surprises. His joyful demeanor triggered giggles and laughter that our little Duday and I enjoyed to the hilt. We had some red wine and mini cakes to cap our simple celebration.

Red Wine and Mini Cakes on our 59th Monthsary

On December 30, 2011, a non-working holiday in celebration of Rizal Day in the country, my beloved husband and I will celebrate our 60th month of being married. It will be 5 years of growing and learning, fighting and forgiving, living and exploring, loving and healing! Marriage is truly a beautiful gift from the Lord!

My prayer:

Father, thank you for my beloved husband, Mosler Paul Lapore. Thank you for the gift of marriage. I am so grateful to have a mate who is my companion through life. Let me never forget that my husband is a treasure and a reward from you. Enable me to love and respect him all the days of my life. Amen. 

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I am Joining the Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0!


November 26, 2011 is going to be a remarkable day since I am joining the largest and funnest gathering of bloggers, online media and social networking enthusiasts in Southern Philippines. I am raring to  receive valuable information and insights from internet stalwarts and blogging celebrities from all over the Philippines.

My excitement is mounting up since my beloved husband, Mosler Paul Lapore, and some of my Mass Communication students from Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges are also joining. We will savor this enriching experience together as we  learn as much as we can.

Yebah! I am joining Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 as a registered participant and as one of the hosts!  Thank you, Sir Avel Manansala and organizers, for the opportunity! Thank you, generous sponsors, for supporting this event!

I will catch some sleep so I can have a preview of the program in my dreams tonight. I will make sure that I wake up early so I can be at the venue way ahead of call time. I will because I must. Whoaaaah!

 See you, fellow Bloggers!

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Thanksgiving – Today and Everyday!


Families and friends in the United States gather on the fourth Thursday of November to commemorate an old tradition which traces back to the early European settlers. History tells us that in 1863, the pilgrims and Native Americans came together for a happy feast to celebrate the harvest, forge new friendships, and anticipate new victories. A few hundred years later, this event became a legislated holiday called Thanksgiving Day.

To my friends in America (and anywhere else in the world), here is one song that we can sing in gratitude to God. Everyday can be a thanksgiving day as we recognize His presence in our lives. He is the Ultimate Source of blessings and He deserves all our praises. With Him, we can truly have a blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Artist: Don Moen

I come before you today
And there’s just one thing that I want to say
Thank you, Lord
Thank you, Lord
For all You’ve given to me
For all the blessings that I cannot see
Thank You, Lord
Thank You, Lord

With a grateful heart
With a song of praise
With an outstretched arm
I will bless Your name
Thank You, Lord

I just want to thank You, Lord
Thank you, Lord
I just want to thank You, Lord
Thank You, Lord

For all you’ve done in my life
You took my darkness and gave me your light
Thank you, Lord
Thank you, Lord
You took my sin and my shame
You took my sickness and healed all my pain
Thank you, Lord
Thank you, Lord

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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Before I Go to Sleep


Rosal Beach Sunset (c) Mosler Paul Lapore

Pleasant surprises are coming my way.

I will sleep with a heart overflowing with gratitude

and a soul oozing with hope.

Thank You, Lord!

I am amazed by You!

“Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful! 
      God, I’ll never comprehend them! 
   I couldn’t even begin to count them— 
      any more than I could count the sand of the sea. 
   Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!”

Psalm 139: 17-18 (Message Translation)

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Lake Sebu’s Monte Cielo Resort


After organizing and hosting several big events, I am crying out for rest. I want to go on a retreat. I long to go back to Lake Sebu’s Monte Cielo Resort where my body can be reinvigorated, my mind can be renewed, my heart will be refreshed and my soul can be revitalized.

Monte Cielo is not a lake side resort but it offers a spectacular view.

Photo Credits: Edna Omega Garces)

I long to relax in this cool and quiet mountain haven.

Enjoy their overnight accommodations at reasonable rates.

I long to rejuvenate with delectable food fresh from the source.

Monte Cielo Resort's Organic Breakfast

I long to don the T’nalak outfit and revisit the heritage of the T’boli tribe.

I long to feast in the beauty of nature and appreciate the simple things in life.

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A retreat is not possible right now but I hope to go back to Monte Cielo Resort before the year is over.

We are looking forward to another retreat in Monte Cielo Resort!

Location: Purok Pag-asa, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

|For inquiries and reservations please contact Mayette 09179230957|

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Centerpoint Band, You Rock!


Centerpoint Band: oozing with talent and passion!

Genre: Alternative Pop Rock (Modern Synthesizer)

Members:

  • DEANE FELIX GARCES – (Lead Vocal)
  • JULIUS PALER – (Rhythm/Lead Guitars, Back-up Vocal)
  • KEITH MARK FERIA – (Bass, Back-up Vocal)
  • AVERY JIREH DOCENA – (Drums)
  • DANIEL DENNIS “DENSHO” BIALA– (Rhythm/Lead Guitars, Keyboard, Back-up Vocal)

Hometown and Current Location: General Santos City, Philippines

Avery, Julius, Densho, Keith, Deane

I have worked with the Centerpoint Band a lot of times. They willingly shared their talents as a support to our ministry and the community.

Centerpoint Band performed their original composition "Liwanag" in celebration of the 7th People's Congress of the FRAME Program

I have discovered their quirks and twists yet they remain adorable.

Centerpoint Band with Richard Alex , their sound technician.These guys know how to have fun!

They weave beautiful music that touches the heart and soul.

Centerpoint Band performed during Manny Pacquiao's Birthday in 2009

I consider it a privilege to know these wonderful men up-close and personal. Their zest for life is contagious. Their passion for God is inspiring.

Centerpoint Band Rocks Malaysia!

I salute them because they are excellent and passionate in everything they do. I am glad that they are like my brothers.

Centerpoint Band performed for Miss Universe 3rd Runner-up Shamcey Supsup during her Grand Homecoming in Magandang Gensan

They have their own share of battles and victories but they remain steadfast in their faith. I am certain that greater things are yet to come to this band as they continue to advance in the days of God’s presence.

Centerpoint Band, you rock!

Like them on Facebook: Centerpoint

View their videos on their You Tube channel: Centerpoint TV

|For Gigs,Tours,Promotions and Bookings please call or email, Mobile:+639158185218 Email: karlgaret@yahoo.com CC: karlmelegrito@gmail.com|

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Happy 49th Anniversary, DBC!


Dadiangas Baptist Church is a Christlike Church
with passionate worship
that touches the heart of God,
intimate and strong family relationship
that promotes development,
creative and dynamic leadership
that provides an equipping system
for integrated ministries,
and improved individual and corporate
financial management that maximizes resources,
which will bring about the transformation of the community.

Please click photos for larger view.

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A Glorious Evening in Magandang Gensan


A glorious evening was experienced  in Magandang Gensan as thousands of prayer lanterns were released in celebration of the 8th People’s Congress of FRAME Program on November 16, 2011.

8 Lanterns on stage for the 8 years of FRAME Program in Gensan

My voice is almost gone due to hosting the spectacular event but my energy and passion is burning deep within. I know I have to get some rest but before I go to sleep, I would like to share with you some some photographs from the event as captured through the lens of my good friend Binoy Magtibay.

Here goes…

Let there be light and there were thousands of them!

We had goosebumps all over as we personally witnessed such a spectacular moment.

We offered our prayers as thousands of lanterns were released by the FRAME members and partners.. I will go to sleep grateful to God for the amazing things He is bringing forth in this beautiful city! I am so blessed to be a general!

 

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Re-imagine. Re-invent. Respond.


Designed by Egai Cadiente

The 8th Annual Celebration of People’s Congress of the FRAME Program is happening today, November 16, 2011, at the Oval Plaza, GSC Carlos P. Garcia Park.   The parade will be at 4:00 pm-6:00 pm and the program will be at 6:30-8:30  pm. Tonight, the entire General Santos City community will witness how the FRAME members re-imagine, re-invent and respond to the challenges of the 21st century with dignity.

Leading the celebration are the men and women from the  City Social Welfare and Development Office (under the leadership of Mrs. Rebecca Magante), the Office of the City Mayor  (under the leadership of Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio) and the Local Government Unit of General Santos City, with  Dadiangas Baptist Church and Bread of Life Ministry as partners.

Last year, thousand of torches were lighted. This year, thousands of prayer lanterns will be released.

The People’s Congress is an annual celebration that gathers all the members of the FRAME Program to celebrate and fellowship. It is basically a general assembly of all program participants which has been a major yearly event that showcases the strength and impact of the program in many facets.

Family Resource Allocation Management and Enhancement (FRAME) Program is a community and value-based capability building program aimed at empowering  communities and constituents to socio-economic engagements and self-help livelihood opportunities. It is a special program of the Local Government of General Santos as an anti-poverty strategy.

Generally, FRAME Program is a mass-based savings system where people and community own a project which operates on trust, love, cooperation and mutual help. Likewise, it promotes family values, spirituality, moral recovery and strengthening positive virtues rather than promoting the dole-out and poverty mentality of Filipinos.

FRAME Program has been existing for more than eight years since its inception in year 2003. It evolved from a pilot savings program at the Field Operations Division of the City Social Welfare and Development Office to a mass-based savings system now existing in 26 barangays that mobilized more than forty thousand members to date.

THE THEME

The theme for the 8th People’s Congress is  a statement of conviction commanding the human being to re-imagine possibilities, re-invent approaches and strategies, and respond to the changing time’s challenges.

In today’s unpredictable times and fast-paced evolution, all that the individual can do is prepare for a volatile future. Man is after all born and equipped with innovativeness, ingenuity, virtues and values basic in him. To respond to the demands of contemporary times, man has to harness his basic faculties. Individuals, communities, and families have to adapt to economic, cultural, political, environmental, and sociological landscapes that change its face by the tick of the clock.

There is so much that man can do if he unleashes the human potential he is endowed with. There are no boundaries to what the human spirit can achieve. There is no framing of his capabilities which are God-given.

The theme basically sends a message that empowering one’s self starts from rediscovering his basic human strengths – the goodness and spirit that lies within every soul. These and all, are what this year’s congress aims for the FRAME members to imbibe.

Through time, FRAME is already beyond a social program. It has become a dynamic platform where positive transformation unfolds.

(Source: Event Design crafted by Egai Cadiente of the City Mayor’s Office)

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10,000 Sky Lanterns for 8th People’s Congress


Gensan's Sky will be a glorious sight like this on 11-1611! Photo Credits: Jet Siang

It is confirmed: 10,000 sky lanterns will be released on November 16, 2011 at the Oval Plaza, General Santos City in line with the celebration of the 8th People’s Congress.

Thousands of torches during the 7th People's Congress

Last year, thousands of torches were lighted. It was like watching thousands of fireflies converging at the Oval Plaza. It was like a sea of flame engulfing the darkness. It was like blinking Christmas lights spread all over the area! What an enriching experience!

Magandang Gensan will behold an amazing sight like this on 11-16-11! Photo Credits: Jet Siang

This year, we will be releasing thousands of lanterns which will be referred to as prayer lanterns (coined by Rev. Andres Docena, Jr. of Project Management Group) during the big event which will be participated in by 35,000 members of the Family Resource Allocation & Management Enhancement (FRAME). FRAME,  a poverty alleviation program of the city, started with only 23 members in 2003 and have grown by leaps and bounds through the years.

Safety First: a proactive test of lantern release in the presence of officials from Bureau of Fire Protection

The organizers and representatives from the City Mayor’s Office , Project Management Group, City Social Welfare and Development Office, and partner agencies gathered at the venue tonight to test the lanterns and check the safety concerns. Part of being proactive, officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police were there to witness the proceedings. We are hopeful that we will have good weather and clear skies on Wednesday so that the lantern release will be a success.

Jet Siang, my dear Aya, your fellow Generals will get to savor your Thailand experience right in Magandang Gensan on 11-16-11! Whoaaaa!

I am excited to host the event which will be directed by my dearest friend, Egai Cadiente. The big event will be a collaboration of thousands of Generals who are eager to re-imagine, reinvent and respond. My beloved husband has prepared his gears so he can take  photos of the actual event. I will certainly share with you stories about this spectacular event that thousands of FRAME members and Generals will soon experience in Magandang Gensan!

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I Need You to Survive


I came across a song that aptly captures the essence of fellowship. This David Frasier composition entitled “I Need You to Survive” is an expression of our commitment to the people around us. This Sunday, we are singing it in church as we strengthen our relationship with another. I am also singing it for you, my readers.

I Need You To Survive

I need you, you need me.
We’re all a part of God’s body.
Stand with me, agree with me.
We’re all a part of God’s body.

It is his will, that every need be supplied.
You are important to me, I need you to survive.
You are important to me, I need you to survive.

I pray for you, You pray for me.
I love you, I need you to survive.
I won’t harm you with words from my mouth.
I love you, I need you to survive.

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1st Blogoversary!


It’s 11-11-11 and it has been a year since I started this personal blog.

In celebration,

  • I LOOK BACK and remember how blessed I am to be surrounded with influencers who challenged and inspired me to get into blogging. They  enthused me to share my journey through a different platform. They impregnated me with ideas to explore the possibilities  and infused me with courage to hit the publish button. Thank you, Sir Avel Manasala and SOX Bloggers   for igniting the fire and fanning the flame! 
  • I LOOK AROUND and reaffirm that we live in a global village. In this beautiful planet, there are a lot of people I can encourage, a lot of people I can learn from, and a lot of people I can journey with. Thank you, global readers, for going through my posts and giving your comments!  You keep me fired up!
  • I LOOK FORWARD and realize that the possibilities are enormous! Considering immensity of  the astounding things that are yet to happen,  I am all the more stimulated to give my best in everything that I do.  Thank you, Mosler Paul Lapore, my beloved husband, for holding my hand as we anticipate bigger adventures and greater blessings. 
  • I LOOK UP and recognize that far beyond the power of great men and women is the  sovereignty of the Almighty God and Father,  the ultimate source of wisdom and creativity. I consecrate myself  once more to God as I boldly declare that amazing things are going to happen in and through this blog as I keep advancing in His presence. Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to live, love and blog!

Friends (and critics), thank you for dropping by! Love hugs are coming your way! Your comments and suggestions would surely make this day extra special! Go ahead, and give this baby-blogger an extra boost that would charge her in her journey towards her 2nd Blogoversary on 11-11-12!

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Attitude of Gratitude


 

In times of plenty or in times of need, we lift our hands in gratitude to God who is worthy to be praised!

I am cultivating my attitude of gratitude by thanking our gracious God for everything that happens everyday and praising Him for everyone who comes my way. In every season, I choose to be grateful.

Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior. ~Habakkuk 3:17-18

With a heightened awareness that blessings come in various forms, I now recognize that even inconveniences can be delightful, even trials can be pleasant. Even in the midst of challenges, I can sing with gratitude. 

This is my prayer in the desert

When all that’s within me feels dry

This is my prayer in my hunger and need

My God is the God who provides

All of my life

In every season

You are still God

I have a reason to sing

I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest

When favor and providence flow

I know I’m filled to be emptied again

The seed I’ve received I will sow

(lines from Hillsong United’s Desert Song)

I pray that we will be cheerful no matter what, that we will be conduits of hope and not messengers of gloom. I pray that we will  be thankful to God regardless of the circumstances we go through.

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SOCCSKSARGEN Blogfest 2.0



I am gearing up for three big events this November.  First is the 8th People’s Congress on November 16, second is the 49th Anniversary of Dadiangas Baptist Church on November 20, and third is the Soccsksargen Blogfest 2.0 on November 26, 2011. I registered as early as October so I can ensure a slot to this largest and funnest gathering of bloggers, online media and social networking enthusiasts in Southern Philippines. Continue reading →

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Dealing With Hurts and Pains



We all go through moments of extreme hurts and excruciating pains. The wounds vary but they all leave marks that may either turn as scars of regrets or marks of grace. It is no longer a question of whether we have been wounded or not, or how many times we have been betrayed. It is a question of how do we deal with hurts and pains. Continue reading →

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Gensan Hosts 4th National ICT Summit


The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Councils from all the major cities and provinces gather together at the KCC Events and Convention Center in General Santos City for the 4th National ICT Summit on November 4 to 6, 2011. This annual event organized by the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), through the leadership of Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, is hosted by the ICT Solutions Association of Region 12- General Santos City, headed by Mr. Ronald Velasquez. Continue reading →

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Desperate Dependence


Whether I am confounded with opportunities and responsibilities or overwhelmed by surprises and victories, I declare my desperate dependence on the Lord. I fix my eyes on Him as I recognize that apart from Him I am nothing. With Him, all things are possible.

Continue reading →