Thursday, December 24, 2009

Christmas Eve Thoughts

Noche Buena translated as good night and refers to the Christmas Eve dinner usually celebrated in Spain, Philippines and Cuba. For us Filipinos, its a celebration not only of Christ's birthday (we usually have this dinner after the Vigil Mass) but also the celebration of family.

It is really exciting that I get to spend Christmas twice every year. With family in the Philippines celebrating it 12 hours ahead, I get my Christmas greetings just before noon here in the US and on midnight I relieve that moment.

This year would be a little bit different though. Jen is hosting her first Christmas as a wife to Horacio and I have to plan my "trip" to her house since I live far, far away (like 6 blocks away). Mare and I decided to celebrate Christmas this year with each other's families as our last year of being "single". Next year, here comes the questions, "your family or mine?" With the options of celebrating it in Ohio, New York and the Philippines... we just might find ourselves in Switzerland.

Can't wait for the next Christmas!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

My Sister Gets Married

The Journey of Our Lives have been in hiatus for a long time. And for good reasons. Jen is getting married today!!

As another journey unfolds, her two other sisters and I wishes her the best and prays with confidence that God will watch over and bless her with a happy and long marriage.

We will always be here though...as she changes her last name to Hernandez, she'll still be the Jennifer we have always loved and will continue to love.

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

My God-daughter is a Published Artist!


From her mom:
"A few months ago, Ally asked me to send one of her princess drawings to her favorite Disney Princess Magazine, and so the "stage mom" willingly complied. Last Sunday, she saw a magazine rack in the Mercury Drugstore in Glorietta and quickly grabbed the November issue of the Magazine. As soon as we got our table at Friday's for dinner, she opened the magazine and was very delighted to see that her "Princess Aurora" drawing landed as runner-up in the Best Drawing category! "Mama, there's my drawing!".... of course, the stage mom (and dad) are soooo proud =)"

Proud of you Ally!

Friday, August 21, 2009

It's Been Awhile

As I walk into my doctors office two day ago (last visit at that particular office was in 2007), the medical assistant asks me, Has anything changed? My initial response was, Nothing. After a few minutes sitting down, I came back up to her fished out my new insurance card and wrote down my new address.

And of course with all medical appointments, you wait and wait. Me waiting, means thinking of various stuff. And one thing that lingered was, Whew, a lot have changed!

Just recently, I moved in to my new apartment. A quaint space enough for me (and my fiancée when she moves in next year [more to that later]). It is starting to come together and everyday I get more and more attached to the place. I have been living quite independently ever since college. However, this time the lease just has my name on it, even my mailbox. This living independently has increased responsibility (bills, bills, bills) but also a sense of accomplishment.

If moving apartments is a big thing for most people, think about getting engaged. After almost 2 years of dating, I proposed to Marianne on May 31, 2009. Now, wedding plans are rolling. Colors, church, reception hall, and all the works. But before that, 5 weddings are scheduled ahead of us, starting with her cousin, 11/7 in Ohio and my sister, 11/14 in New York. For us, see you in Charlotte, NC, July 10, 2010!

Work is also one thing that experienced a lot of changes. Moving to a new office. Closing of a department. Moving to a new department. New programs. New protocols. And as resilient as ever, we roll with the punches.

Im excited about these changes and all the new things ahead of me. Ill keep you posted.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

To Be Human

For the past few days, I have been very moody. I've always tried not to displace this crankiness (sorry Mom!) when this happens. And it is tough.

Sometimes we need to allow ourselves to be human (see page 160 of My Life with the Saints, James Martin, SJ). We get irritable and we have to learn how to deal with it and face the consequences when we don't control these feelings.

"I really pray for that kind of acceptance of myself. And also for the ability to be myself, not always putting on a brave face before everyone, particularly when I am depressed, worried, confused, etc. " - James Martin, SJ

Jonathan L. Ong
sent via mobile device

Friday, June 26, 2009

Fall In Love

"Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you will spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.

Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything."

- Pedro Arrupe, SJ

*Lifted from "My Life with the Saints" by James Martin, SJ
Jonathan L. Ong
sent via mobile device

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Gifts of the Holy Spirit




Going into confirmation as an adult brings deeper joy and understanding to the faith and the challenges that it brings especially as a Catholic young adult. I ask for prayers as I get confirmed tomorrow, 5/31/2008 at the 10:30AM Mass at St. Sebastian Church in Woodside.

Above plaque which highlights the gifts of the Holy Spirit was given to me by Mare as a confirmation gift. Thanks.
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