Category Archives: Occasion

Things You can Do at Home During the Lenten Season

The Lenten season is a time of reflection, self-discipline, and spiritual renewal for many Christians worldwide. While traveling to religious destinations during lent and participating in religious rites and traditions can be a meaningful way to observe the season, not everyone has the means or opportunity to do so. Fortunately, there are plenty of things to do at home to observe the Lenten season and deepen your faith. For those who are unable to attend religious rites and traditions outside their homes, observing the Lenten season at home is a great alternative.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Set up a prayer corner or altar. Dedicate a space in your home to pray, meditate, and reflect. You can set up an altar or table with religious icons, candles, and other items meaningful to you.

Read the Bible or other religious texts. Use this time to study the teachings of your faith and gain a deeper understanding of its history and traditions. You can pick a specific book or passage each day or follow a reading plan that covers the entire Bible or other religious texts throughout the Lenten season.

Attend virtual religious services. Many churches and religious organizations offer online or virtual services during the Lenten season, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Take advantage of these opportunities to participate in religious services and connect with other people in your community. 

Fast or give up something. Fasting is common practice during Lent and involves abstaining from food or activities for some time. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from fasting, you can choose to give up something else that is meaningful to you, such as social media, television, or other distractions.

Volunteer or donate to charity. Use this time to give back to your community and help those in need. You can volunteer at a local food bank, give to a charity that supports those in need, or find other ways to serve others.

Practice mindfulness and gratitude. Take time each day to reflect on your blessings and express gratitude for the good things in your life. You can also practice mindfulness meditation or other techniques that help you stay present and focused on the moment.

Connect with loved ones. Use this time to strengthen your relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while, schedule a virtual gathering or game night, or find other ways to connect and show your love and support.

In conclusion, the Lenten season is a time of spiritual reflection and renewal, and there are things you can do at home to observe the season and deepen your faith. Whether it’s setting up a prayer corner, reading religious texts, attending virtual services, fasting, volunteering, practicing mindfulness, or connecting with loved ones, there are many ways to make this season meaningful and impactful.

How to Look Your Best on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion that you want to look your best for. Whether you’re going out for a romantic dinner or staying in for a cozy night, you want to feel confident and beautiful. Here are some tips on how to look your best this Valentine’s Day.

  • Get Plenty of Sleep: A good night’s sleep is crucial to looking your best. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day to ensure you have a fresh and glowing complexion.
  • Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy and balanced diet is important for looking your best. Make sure to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet to give your skin a healthy glow.
  • Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is key to having healthy and glowing skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and to flush out toxins.
  • Exercise Regularly: Exercise is not only good for your health but also for your appearance. Regular exercise can help improve your skin, hair, and overall appearance, so make sure to incorporate exercise into your routine in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day.
  • Pamper Yourself: Take some time to pamper yourself leading up to Valentine’s Day. Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day, a manicure, or a hair treatment to make sure you look and feel your best.
  • Choose the Right Outfit: Choosing the right outfit is important for looking your best on Valentine’s Day. Choose an outfit that flatters your body shape and makes you feel confident and beautiful. Opt for a classic and timeless look, or choose a bold and daring outfit to make a statement.
  • Accessorize: Accessorizing is a great way to add some extra sparkle to your look on Valentine’s Day. Choose jewelry, shoes, and a bag that complement your outfit and help you stand out.
  • Wear Confidence: Confidence is key to looking your best on Valentine’s Day. Wear confidence like a second skin, and you’ll be sure to turn heads.

In conclusion, looking your best on Valentine’s Day is about feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin. Whether you choose a classic and timeless look or a bold and daring outfit, make sure you feel confident and beautiful on this special occasion. So, take care of yourself, choose the right outfit, and let your confidence shine through to ensure a memorable Valentine’s Day.

Celebrating Our Youngest’s College Graduation: A Month After

After overcoming the challenges brought by the pandemic and online classes, our child has successfully completed their degree in Multimedia Arts with flying colors. As proud parents, my husband and I are taking a moment of respite from the expenses and shifting our focus to other financial concerns.

School sash (sablay) and medal  

We are truly grateful for this milestone in our child’s life. #GratefulParents #BachelorOfMultimediaArts #GraphicDesign #CumLaude #CIITPhilippines”

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Five years ago, a cousin succumbed to breast cancer complications. I thought of sharing a brief story about her cancer journey in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

My cousin was newly married and starting to build a family when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy to remove the early stage of cancer from the affected breast.

Photo by Klaus Nielsen from Pexels

But two years later, her oncologist disclosed she had stage IV cancer. The cancer cells from her breast were not contained but had spread to her brain.

Despite the pains and rigors of cancer treatment, my cousin remains positive through her battle. Even up to her few remaining days, we know that she is holding on to her life. She loves her family so much that despite being sick, she still thinks of their welfare. I remember her saying, “Kailangan maging malakas ang loob ko para sa pamilya” (I need to be strong for my family).

Photo by Olya Kobruseva from Pexels

She may be terminally ill, but nothing prepared us for her passing.

My cousin died peacefully at the hospital four days before Christmas. She was only 46.

Our extended family welcomed 2016 with a heavy heart. She was laid to rest after a long, painful fight with cancer.

My cousin, Cecil

The observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the Philippines highlights the importance of regular self-breast examination and the early detection and treatment of breast cancer among Filipino women.

A breast self-examination (BSE) is a method to detect any noticeable changes in one’s breast. Early detection of any changes in the breast and seeking immediate consultation will increase one’s chances of successful treatment.

The 2020 Global Cancer Observatory showed that breast cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the Philippines.

The high global incidence of the disease paved the way for the popular movement called Pink October in the 1990s. Source: DOH

TWENTY-FIVE

Artwork by NVT

Twenty-five. Nothing much has changed except that we both have lots of grey hair now and look a little older, too. But those physical changes are inevitable. What is important is that we never get tired of loving and caring for each other no matter how many years (and marital conflicts) go by.

Happy Anniversary, Hon!

Artwork by NVT