Live Life to the Fullest – Epilogue of Meaningful Life Adventure

“Take every chance you get in life because some things only happen once. Do now that makes you happy.”

The first time I saw this commercial that talked about the 100-year old man who made a visit to his newborn great grand daughter, the values and authenticity are so real. I will not lost a chance on commercials that astonished me which gave substance and meaning to the viewer. I did several posts about commercials or videos which is not only viral but give the meaning of life. I am not paid with this but basically I am endorsing it to convey the real meaning of the message within.

This gave me a goose bump nostalgic moments. We were a family that grandparents were very, very close to our heart that reminded my lolo (grandfather) who were died 10 years ago. I am still lucky I have with me my grandmother, my Mommy Lola which we fondly called. Her wisdom and being healthy gave the manifestation of zest for life. Her joys were still very heart warming to us.

For me, it is not more about the Coke commercial. It gave a move to a goal in life, finding what makes you happy, its secret. Time passes very quickly and before we knew it, another day has passed by. Take every chance you get in life because some things only happen once. Do now that makes you happy.

I also love to share this full of quotes about what Life can offer:

Life can seem ungrateful and not always kind
Life can pull at your heartstrings and play with your mind

Life can be blissful and happy and free
Life can put beauty in the things that you see

Life can place challenges right at your feet
Life can make good of the hardships that we meet

Life can overwhelm you and make your head spin
Life can reward those determined to win

Life can be hurtful and not always fair
Life can surround you with people who care

Life clearly does offer its ups and its downs
Life’s days can bring you both smiles and frowns

Life teaches us to take the good with the bad
Life is a mixture of happy and sad

So…..

Take the life that you have and give it your best
Think positive, be happy let God do the rest

Take the challenges that life has laid at your feet
Take pride and be thankful for each one you meet

To yourself give forgiveness if you stumble and fall
Take each day that is dealt you and give it your all

Take the love that you’re given and return it with care
Have faith that when needed it will always be there

Take time to find the beauty in the things that you see
Take life’s simple pleasures let them set your heart free

The idea here is simply to even the score
As you are met and faced with Life’s Tug Of War

~ Author Unknown

My name is Lolo Mario and in my 100 years of life,
I have been lucky, lucky to have been born like you
To have friends and family
To live a happy life to this day
You have been born in challenging times
The world is a big place
It’s so easy to get lost
To guide you, my advice is simple
Go find what makes you happy
Time flies by so fast
Don’t waste it on non-sense
And no matter where you end up
Don’t forget where you came from
Looking back on all my years
I am grateful for every moment spent
With my friends and family
Now I can see that 100 years
is not nearly enough time
To spend with them
Happiness is your birthright
Your friends and family will help you find it
For 100 years of happiness, thank you very much!

“Spend plenty of time together.  Get exciting yet spontaneous talk that will later bring both of you the spark of memories when you first fell in love.”

 

Me and hubby were quite sad when I was invited the partner launch of Enchanted Kingdom and Coca-Cola because we will be missing our kids with us who enjoyed more the attractions and took the most of the unlimited rides and attractions.

Anyway, both of us just enjoyed it as some sort of a date between us.  We love always the Wheel of Fortune where we can get at the top shooting the whole compound of Enchanted Kingdom and seen the greenery of the south.  Maybe even I will go round and round several times, we will still do it.

As we got the chance to talk to each other before new year’s eve, our resolution is still to have a time between the two of us without  literally the kids. People say that once both are married, it is done deal.  We spent time going around and enjoyed the parade for the whole afternoon.

Sounds really funny to date a hubby.  Anyway,  I would like to share with you simple tips, my insights why is it important.

Importance of Dating in a Marriage:

• One must realize that to keep the marriage always alive, the love rekindled by giving time to each other.  Thus, relationship with marriage become still fresh and interesting everyday.

• It is not necessary to be with one another always.  Spending quality time is enough.

• There were times when we were both alone, we clashed on certain ideas.  When kids were around, we avoided heated discussions just for them not to hear it.  When both talk personally and understand with each other, bitterness and resentments fade away, relationships rejuvenated and strengthen more the closeness.

Do this every week by routines and you will see the difference.  Make it a habit and give priority. It will become natural that you like the experience to be with one another.  Problems and issues will always exist but if you have control to every situation, your marriage will be able to face any storms.

I remembered my parents and grandparents always told us, only two of you started the family.  Children will leave you in the future.  You are all ended alone again.  True indeed!   Dating breaks the rut of daily life.  Spend plenty of time together.  Get exciting yet spontaneous talk that will later bring both of you the spark of memories when you first fell in love.

I’ve learned…. That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I’ve learned…. That when you’re in love, it shows.
I’ve learned…. That just one person saying to me, “You’ve made my day!” makes my day.
I’ve learned…. That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I’ve learned…. That being kind is more important than being right.
I’ve learned…. That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I’ve learned…. That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in some other way.
I’ve learned…. That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I’ve learned…. That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I’ve learned…. That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I’ve learned…. That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I’ve learned…. That we should be glad God doesn’t give us everything we ask for.
I’ve learned…. That money doesn’t buy class.
I’ve learned…. That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I’ve learned… That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I’ve learned…. That the Lord didn’t do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?
I’ve learned…. That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I’ve learned…. That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I’ve learned…. That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I’ve learned…. That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I’ve learned…. That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I’ve learned…. That there’s nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.
I’ve learned…. That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I’ve learned…. That life is tough, but I’m tougher.
I’ve learned…. That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I’ve learned…. That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I’ve learned…. That I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.
I’ve learned…. That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I’ve learned…. That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I’ve learned…. That I can’t choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.
I’ve learned…. That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you’re hooked for life.
I’ve learned…. That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.
I’ve learned … That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.
I’ve learned…. That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Written by: Andy Rooney

“Thank you Lord for the gift of life.   Always keep my loved ones to continue to grow in body, mind and spirit.  Let me remember you always by being strong, focus and disciplined.  Be with me Lord, bless me.”

Spending our family’s first day of the year by having a mass in Paranaque at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians which was also near to our next family reunion. I miss this church as I vividly remembered friends from Salesian Congregation and working way back to Don Bosco where we gathered for special occasions especially if nuns and priests will be ordained.

Visiting a church also is my way to do reflections – a personal gratitude to the Lord for all the blessings and offer my simple prayer.

“Thank you Lord for the gift of life.   Always keep my loved ones to continue to grow in body, mind and spirit.  Let me remember you always by being strong, focus and disciplined.  Be with me Lord, bless me.”

Four questions that lived me to value life more that I learned from Don Juan de Marco Movie:

• What is sacred?
• What is the spirit made?
• What is worth living for
• What worth dying for?

All answers are just the same – only Love.

And from from this day on and the rest of my life, Carpe Diem! This only means rejoice while you are alive, enjoy the day, take the most of what you have and  it is later than you think.

Amazing to know that simple quote like this has been around for thousands of years anecdotes by Horace of Ancient Roman poet 65 BC- 8 BC and still can take half a lifetime to really understand and now put to use.

So hurray in living life to the fullest!

“Christmas is about laughter, love, friends and family. Don’t get lost in the greed. Instead be thankful for all of the joy around you.” ~ Unknown

We spent our Christmas eve with our relatives – to my side and with hubby’s family.  We have to travel far but now it was different.  We made compromise that we will be meeting halfway just to be together.

Benefits of Family Reunions:

• Sharing food, gifts, stories, laughter but most especially ourselves rekindled family and personal relationships

• Families get together and got the opportunity to connect with one another

• Getting to know by encouraging everyone to exchange stories regardless  of age which promote enthusiasm especially if they have never heard it before.

I would like to share with you some of the unforgettable get-together and shared food pictures we had during our Christmas reunions.

Is it really part of our culture to come together during this Christmas holiday?

Hopefully, family gatherings will not only stop during Christmas celebration. Make an effort plan by setting the date and time, invite them, food to share or activities to do.  Successful family reunions give always a chance to be together to preserve those fond memories that will last and pass to generations thru generations those important values, tight bonds and  sense of belonging.

I would like to end my post with this quote:

“Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what” ~ Unknown

 

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other” – Burton Hills

Christmas tree will always be a highlight to each others home during this Yuletide season.  It was a gathering and a tradition for us in a family where each of us placed those ornaments one by one together with the gifts around wrapped with joy and enthusiasm.

The same also with the mall.  Christmas tree is always the highlight. Since I was already here for the  Grand Festival of Lights, I got to witnessed also a new holiday attraction at the San Miguel by the bay at SM Mall of Asia -  a 75-foot Christmas Tree was lightened up.

Whow, the Christmas Tree was illuminated with more than 100,000 Firefly LED bulbs making the whole bay so bright and colorful.  To make it more lively, there were street party, fireworks, carnival festivities and whimsical celebrations of performers on stage.

My worry?  This is a power-consuming celebration considering the implications on the environment.

But not with Firefly Electric and Lighting Corporation (FELCO) LED earth yet eco-friendly bulbs. Firefly’s LED Christmas tree uses the latest lighting technology which is five times more energy efficient compared to the regular incandescent bulb.  The bulbs also contained no mercury components and is proven to withstand impact, vibrations and disruptions.

I cannot wait to bring my family here to see the Firefly Christmas Tree.  I know they will surely love the vibrant and sparking lights.

Anyway for children, the size of the tree doesn’t really matter.   Big or small, we can celebrate the gift of  life as a present to each others heart.

Again, thanks FELCO for providing a venue where Filipinos can bond and enjoy family time in this season of love but moreso attractions that is environment friendly. 

For more information about FELCO, visit their website http://www.fireflyelectric.com/

“Marriage is not having a control of your life. To work it right, each person must be willing to share a life with you no matter what happens.“

Our 20th Wedding Anniversary was last November 16.  Since we did not have the luxury of time to go on a a long weekend vacation, what we did was to celebrate it by:

• going to mass

• out-of-town get-away at the lake

• eat-out

We definitely love to reminiscence everything and mostly be a memorable affair to the family.

That is how we commend the blissful years of marriage afterall!

But did you come to your mind what a marriage really is?  Is it really through thick and thin as the wedding ceremony complied us to a contract?  Is it a major life decision where one must have a way of knowing when the time is right to get married and who to marry?

I would like to share with you realizations that I learn about what a marriage is and how would you know if you are marrying the right person:

• Not being negative nor selfish with one another – helping each other with your own growth that will prepare not only intellectually but emotionally.  This can be done by being supportive and always encourage to stand on each own feet.  Expressing this kind of gesture promotes lot of respect and feeling good about each other.

• Be in love everyday not just saying “I Love You” in words but expressing it thru actions – kissing like hello and goodbye, hugging, constant communication by talking/listening, remembering/celebrating special occasions and missing one another by wanting to spend time

• Do not ignore problematic issues even it is a simple thing or aren’t that important.  Face it even those issues would hurt your feelings.  The way you handle conflicts would made your relationship more stronger as you face them together.

Yes, it does really take more than love to have a successful marriage.

One cannot be sooo perfect.  We have to remember that life is always a constant change afterall as well as marriage issues.  At least, for a relationship to work, one has kind enough to care and respect with one another differences and difficulties.

Other think that being married is not having a control on your life.  To work it right, each person must be willing to share a life with you no matter what happens.

To those who are married, never never lose those passionate feeling.  As much as possible, make it extra-ordinary everyday.  Continue to rekindle those vows but most especially love with each another.  Being in love is a happy feeling after all.

Like to end this post by sharing with you our simple gifts to one another – a heart cake for hubby and I got a gift from him – my favorite flower ever since,  pink dozen roses.

“One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats.”

Semester break is now really on as the family is taking the breeze of unwinding after a half school year’s hard work of activities both academic and non-academic.

My children which I still fondly called my kids spent always their trick or treat in a hotel, mall or any place in celebration with the Halloween.   Since Raf/Jeng were already in their teenage years and Jam was already big with her age, wearing a costume is a bit awkward.  But that will not stopped them to enjoy the event. They bought the famous “Angry Bird” and wear it when we decided to go to a mall.

We planned for an out-of-town gig but because me and hubby were bound to work related stuff, what we did was to share to the kids a luxury mall here in the metro called Resorts World Manila.

After walking and looking around, what more fun is to dropped by what kids love  to eat ever since – a burger and a fries from Stackers Burger Cafe located at the 4th floor level which is near New Port Cinema.

The kids love to try varieties of burger and compare the taste among the fast-food burger chain they were acquainted with. For them, the Australian beef patty of Stackers burger is worth a try!  Yes, it is succulent in taste and what more, price is very affordable.

The Stacker Classic burger they ordered contains lettuce, tomatoes, onions.  Their varieties of burger got these additional for fries and drink for P 65.00.

Kids requested me to order again more fries.  They love it!  Why?  They got this big cut of fries in a basket which is very crispy.  Price is only P 45.00.

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Located at:

Stackers Burger Café, Newport Mall
4/F Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila
Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 659-8271

To compliment the whole meal was to grabbed a dessert.  We headed down to try another food stall – Crepes & Cream.

Have always seen the store in the metro but this is my first time to tried this trendy new concept of dessert – putting lot of filling in a crepe.  After reading their menu, I thought this a dessert store.  It can be also a quick meal.

Our first crepe dessert order is Chocolate Temptation.  To make it really chocolatey, the rolled crepe ingredients are choco ice cream, choco chips, whipped cream and choco sauce.  Price is P 95.00.

Another one is Mango Mania.  I thought this would only be a mango ice cream and a whipped cream.  The huge mango crepe includes fresh mango cubes topped with almond chips.  It was also mixed with mango sauce.  Price is P 105.00.

I have already seen how it was prepared once somebody is ordering. It is like like preparing a hot cake – a mixed batter heated in a griddle spread in circular manner and ingredients added one by one as it was folded.
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Crepes & Creme Location:
3rd Flr., Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila

I know hamburgers, fries and sweets are not a healthy options for kids and we parents tend to be strict with them even they love to eat it.  Still:

• Let them eat what they like to eat.  Avoid depriving them but continue to remind them what is healthy and not.

• Have time to gathered by sharing ourselves.  One can never guaranteed if there would be tomorrow always.  Enjoy life while it last.

I just realize kids are sooo simple.  Happiness encompasses a small treat and for them this is really a big deal for them – giving them importance and at the same time just being together.

Resort World is a luxury mall that encompasses the style of living. Not as kids’ friendly because of the casino around. But the joy of eating, munching, watching movies and theater play attracted them which made their break a relief after the busy school activities.

For more pictures, visit my Flicker Account.

For more info about Resort World Manila, visit their website – http://www.rwmanila.com/

“Life is always a competition. One has to always accept, assess and never stop to improve all challenging endeavor that goes along the way. From there, learn what is lacking and never repeat the same mistakes again.”

Last Saturday, Oct. 30, family were very busy busy waking up early in the morning as the kids were so excited with their anticipated cheer competition.

Actually, there were last minute adjustments on the kids’ activity schedule that prevented me to attend a food event in the South which I will be the judge.   Definitely, I choose them more than anything else even there were regretful feeling.

With the preparation, they were more than stress than me. I let them do all as I watched them – from their costume, their hair style and most especially their moves.

This is my eldest daughter, Regina Jane or Jeng for short.  She is a beauty and love to pose a lot. Their warrior theme complimented the costume.  She is always a stand-out ever since when it comes to dancing.

My youngest daughter is Jane Roxanne which we fondly called her Jam. We noticed she got taller.  Haay, no matter what they say, she will always be my cute little baby.  She amazed us also with those dance moves that a lady can performed.

My children did not won in the cheering competition.  I have felt their failure when they started to complain and compare what had happened to the extent of being so expressive to voice out to us the unfair judgement  on the winning results. They felt they were cheated.  I know they were drained and understand they were tired to complained.

What we did was to treat them to dinner and while eating, these are some of our advices to them as we share our insights:

• One must be willing to let go.  There is still more life still waiting for tomorrow.

• There are always chances to improve and one has not to stop to achieve because everyday is an opportunity.

• Life is always a competition.  One has to always accept, assess and never stop to improve all challenging endeavor that goes along the way.  From there, learn what is lacking and never repeat the same mistakes again.

One of my key indicators which made me living life to its fullest is seeing my children happy to where they are now.  Me and hubby are satisfied to the joys they were giving to us – good scholastic grades in the academe, achievers with their extra-curricular activities, doing household chores but most of all being respectful to us.   Sometimes they become also independent and took actions if they think it is the right thing to do.

But despite of their free will to decide as they grow, we parents stand on their side no matter what – ready to assist and advise them.   Later on, they will become more stronger on what they are capable of.

Really my children gone a long, long way…I am just proud of their achievement.  They got a medal as they won on the sports they have join during the sportsfest competition.  For me, this is enough!

Even they did not won in the cheering competition, they will always be a winner.   Their effort eating their heart out performing and compete will always be a big deal if they survive the test of life.

What more I can say, I just love you guys and keep up the best shot, ever!

“Life’s own treasure are amazing simple moments yet precious pleasures to rekindle great relationships with the family”

Long ago, me and hubby love to watch new movies at the theater. There were times we have to limit going out because of the high ticket theater price and at the same time, eating in a fancy restaurant after watching the movie.  We have to think ways to save also and  what more, to be practical nowadays.

One way to do it was to watch movies at home at your own television, a DVD player and maybe hooked up in our  sound system  to make it more sound theatrical.  We also love to listen to music together and appreciate different genre.

But how can you rekindle relationships with these simple activities like watching or simply listening to the music together:

• Even you will be staring on the screen for two hours or just simply listening, you can have a topics to discuss and to open to
• Preparing all together your snacks like popcorn and pizza before watching is one way to keep in touch with the family members
• Strongest connection only happens if you alone with the family as you tight your bond with them, boosting also their confidence because kids know you will always be there for them

There were tons of titles to choose from.  One reliable retailer store with excellent quality our family can recommended and trusted where we buy original movie titles/audio CD is Astrovision.

Astrovision got this cool, latest, up-beat and hard-to-find collection titles varying from movies, music and to add it more, gadgets that would suit each lifestyle.

I just found this one at Astrovision – the Beatles collection all in one set and what more the ABBA music.

I am in 80′s generation.  Definitely I will go back to purchase Rick Astley/Toto and add this to our family collection of music. LOL! I still vividly remembered I have these in my cassette tapes.

For almost 20 years,  hubby made it a point to buy one movie title to add up to family collections. We got this library of original VHS and cassette tapes for almost a thousands.  We ended up selling all those titles in a lower price as the the hype of CD/VCD/DVD come along and when we decided to transferred our home.  It was a bit saddened but that is all about.

Until now, Astrovision live up to our expectations and has been our video store to run every time we love to purchase one.   Good thing, they have 54 branches nationwide and visible to every mall in the metro. Here is the facebook fan page link – http://www.facebook.com/Astroplus1.

I know originals are quite costly but these are some of our tips how to value your money more when getting movie titles and audio cd:

• Purchase movie titles that were blockbusters and timeless where you will not be tired to watch it over and over again.  Buy those in series like Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Happy Potter, James Bond, etc.

• Be aware with the quarterly sale of the store where prices dropped off almost 70% on the original price

Again, take every moment of your time to schedule  quality time with the family.  Family bonding is essential in building trust, harmony and strong family ties.  You maybe surprise to know that every second keeping in touch and the moment you spent your precious moments  is a  life’s treasure. Living life to the fullest.