If you've been following my tweets then you may be weird-ed by the fact that I tweet a lot about how proud I am of Central A3's Show Choir. So in case you do not know, in YFC we do not only pray we also have this thing called Creative Competitions and we take this seriously. For the past year or two, our cluster didn't join the A Capella/ Show Choir competitions, why? I do not know, well maybe there was the lack of members among other things but this year this group was re-incarnated.
So it all started when after the Covenant Orientation, the girls decided to just 'jam' and sing. Kryzha was convincing Trish and I to form the show choir and all we said was, go basta ikaw head niyan. And she took the responsibility seriously. Stressed over the line-up and practices. After days worth of practice they competed in Central A's Sector Conference.
This was my first time to hear them sing and man, was I impressed. They were soooo good and the concept was really cute and they were eventually chosen to represent our sector for the Metro Manila Conference. So with added pressure, they changed songs and some of the members couldn't go to the MetroCon so we have to 'out source' just to have a complete line-up. And as I expected they were as good. Last minute changes happened, stressful morning but it was still all good.
Sadly we didn't win during the MetroCon to represent Metro Manila for the ILC, but then it really isn't about winning, and as how Paolo Panagsagan put it, its all about HIM. Giving back all the praise to God.
So I hope you enjoyed watching and can now relate why I'm just so proud of them, my babies. :)
xoxo, MCV. :)
Monday, October 24, 2011
MetroCon Challenge: Accepted!
Last weekend I attended the 10th YFC MetroManila Conference. This was my 9th MetroCon, goes to show how long I've been in this community. Personally there's a lot of pressure that I feel inside. I've attended all the past MetroCons and truth be told some of them, I only went to because I had to. On my 3rd MetroCon I was asked to be a part of the production team and a few MetroCon's after I've been a staple face in the stage. After sometime, I guess something inside of me died and I turned my back on prod dance. (well this is another story all together) and MetroCon was just an annual thing for me, I had nothing to look forward to anyway, once again I will be a member listening to the talks and taking care of my members.
Lets backtrack to mid-September. Its when I started to feel that I'm on my lowest. Self-Doubt. Self-confidence down the drain, frustrations, disappointments and a lot of things just seem to not happen my way. I mean, can't life just give me some slack. For some reason I felt so lost that I don't know who I was or what was I suppose to do. I'm so confused that even I couldn't really share it to other people without having to explain so much and that was the things I didn't want to explain it 'cause it hurts even more. In short, I wasn't happy.
Fast forward to the third week of October. I was asked by a friend how I was and as much as I wanted to cover up what I was exactly feeling-- I flat out said that I was sad most of the time. I am happy when I'm around people but when I'm alone I just seem as lost and confused as how the day started. It feels weird though. Then I was really looking forward to the MetroCon there was just something about this conference that made me really want to be there, it seemed like I knew from the very start that I needed this and that God wanted me to be there; strange thing was I was really frustrated and disappointed that a couple of the YFC's that I wanted to be there but wouldn't be able to go. I wanted them to be there because I knew they needed it plus the fact that it would be extra enjoyable given that they are the people that I spend most of my time in YFC with. I swear I just wanted to like cry and put sense to people but in the end its their decision and maybe it really was part of God's plan.
Lets go back to real time. As I said earlier, this MetroCon was like it was meant for me to listen to. It was as if that God really dragged me to that field, and made me listen to every single word the speakers, worship leaders said. I was asked by the same friend how MetroCon was and how was I feeling and I told him that this conference was for me. It was that personal and to prove to him my point I really quoted him 2 of the strongest lines of the night for me..
"We lose sight of God's victory when we experience disappointments from failed expectations"
"We often get disappointed when we don't receive the same amount of love we give"
... and he really did agree. I could tell you the jist of the talks and the whole conference but I wouldn't. I just wanted to share what God made me realize just this weekend. Sometimes we will feel pain along the journey but we must not be burdened, we may fight our battles alone along the way but we do not need to worry, because these are nothing compared to the victory that we will receive beyond the horizon; that through every battle HE IS THERE. All He is asking of us is to trust and totally surrender in His name and He will be there for us. The pains and suffering, that we are put to are just means of making us stronger.
This years theme was Be. Live. Love. Like Jesus and the only way for us to be Like Jesus is if we totally surrender to God's plans. If we are TRUST and HONEST in our faith, we bring PASSION and CONVICTION to the things we do and we show DISCIPLINE and OBEDIENCE in our life. Easier said than done yes, but then we have God so why do we even worry right? This conference challenged us to Be Like Jesus, no we don't have to die on the cross, just by our little ways we can be like Him, we just have to share to everyone our Jesus experience everyday.
Having been at the conference sure made me feel better and made me feel that I can be better. The challenge was to be like Jesus, and I accepted that challenge. His victory is at hand, we will all be victorious FOR and BECAUSE of him. Its an amazing feeling to be re-assured by God in all things. I surrender everything to the Lord and will work myself on becoming Like Jesus. It would take time, one step at a time, but it will happen.
And since I am at the topic of the MetroCon, let me share my pictures with my crazy cluster and the reasons why I always have a blast when I am with them. God will not let me fight on my own and these people are those that I will be victorious with. :)
Until next year! For now, lets all strive to Lead, Serve, Pray, Speak, Live and Love like Jesus.
xoxo, MCV. :)
Lets backtrack to mid-September. Its when I started to feel that I'm on my lowest. Self-Doubt. Self-confidence down the drain, frustrations, disappointments and a lot of things just seem to not happen my way. I mean, can't life just give me some slack. For some reason I felt so lost that I don't know who I was or what was I suppose to do. I'm so confused that even I couldn't really share it to other people without having to explain so much and that was the things I didn't want to explain it 'cause it hurts even more. In short, I wasn't happy.
Fast forward to the third week of October. I was asked by a friend how I was and as much as I wanted to cover up what I was exactly feeling-- I flat out said that I was sad most of the time. I am happy when I'm around people but when I'm alone I just seem as lost and confused as how the day started. It feels weird though. Then I was really looking forward to the MetroCon there was just something about this conference that made me really want to be there, it seemed like I knew from the very start that I needed this and that God wanted me to be there; strange thing was I was really frustrated and disappointed that a couple of the YFC's that I wanted to be there but wouldn't be able to go. I wanted them to be there because I knew they needed it plus the fact that it would be extra enjoyable given that they are the people that I spend most of my time in YFC with. I swear I just wanted to like cry and put sense to people but in the end its their decision and maybe it really was part of God's plan.
Lets go back to real time. As I said earlier, this MetroCon was like it was meant for me to listen to. It was as if that God really dragged me to that field, and made me listen to every single word the speakers, worship leaders said. I was asked by the same friend how MetroCon was and how was I feeling and I told him that this conference was for me. It was that personal and to prove to him my point I really quoted him 2 of the strongest lines of the night for me..
"We lose sight of God's victory when we experience disappointments from failed expectations"
"We often get disappointed when we don't receive the same amount of love we give"
... and he really did agree. I could tell you the jist of the talks and the whole conference but I wouldn't. I just wanted to share what God made me realize just this weekend. Sometimes we will feel pain along the journey but we must not be burdened, we may fight our battles alone along the way but we do not need to worry, because these are nothing compared to the victory that we will receive beyond the horizon; that through every battle HE IS THERE. All He is asking of us is to trust and totally surrender in His name and He will be there for us. The pains and suffering, that we are put to are just means of making us stronger.
This years theme was Be. Live. Love. Like Jesus and the only way for us to be Like Jesus is if we totally surrender to God's plans. If we are TRUST and HONEST in our faith, we bring PASSION and CONVICTION to the things we do and we show DISCIPLINE and OBEDIENCE in our life. Easier said than done yes, but then we have God so why do we even worry right? This conference challenged us to Be Like Jesus, no we don't have to die on the cross, just by our little ways we can be like Him, we just have to share to everyone our Jesus experience everyday.
Having been at the conference sure made me feel better and made me feel that I can be better. The challenge was to be like Jesus, and I accepted that challenge. His victory is at hand, we will all be victorious FOR and BECAUSE of him. Its an amazing feeling to be re-assured by God in all things. I surrender everything to the Lord and will work myself on becoming Like Jesus. It would take time, one step at a time, but it will happen.
And since I am at the topic of the MetroCon, let me share my pictures with my crazy cluster and the reasons why I always have a blast when I am with them. God will not let me fight on my own and these people are those that I will be victorious with. :)
Until next year! For now, lets all strive to Lead, Serve, Pray, Speak, Live and Love like Jesus.
xoxo, MCV. :)
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
From Me to You. :)
I've been thinking, reading and observing a lot of people lately. Let me start this in saying that, I am 20 years old and a college graduate. With my studies past behind me, I can't stop myself from asking 'Why are the young ones excited to grow up'. If I had it my way, I would prefer to still be in school; well, I studied early, didn't have grade 7 thus I graduated when I was 19 (a month and a few weeks short of turning 20); but then I just have to live my life like how life wants me to. And this leads me to my point in case for this particular topic -- Why do kids want to grow up so fast?
I'd like to believe that I have one of the best childhood experiences that I know of. I would spend countless of hours under the sun playing just about everything getting all sweaty and bruised up and it was fun! Now most of the things I played before doesn't even exist. Gone are the days of the magical chinese garter, jack stones and sungka in with the cellphones, iPod Touch/ iPad, Play Station and Xbox. It saddens me that childhood isn't the same anymore, it will never be the same.
I am sad to see kids, living off technology. I am disheartened that they don't get to experience the fun under the sun, the way you talk to your playmates and living in pretend life with your dolls and toy soldiers. They do get that in school I suppose but when at home, they miss the chance to connect to their siblings, to their parents. Lets all admit as much as there is good that technology gave us it also lessened our face-to-face conversations, it lessened our chance to explore the world. I pity those kids who spend all of their waking hours nerd-ing in front of the computer.
Another thing I wanna point-out, why do teenagers drink until they drop. Don't get me wrong, I know the fun you could have in drinking and getting drunk, but aren't you just too young to waste your organs for a "problem." Personally, I've also had those days wherein I think, 'can I just drink this off?' I'm tempted to text a friend for me to have a drink with, but for some reason I don't pursue, first because drinking off my problems and issues won't solve it and second I think I can actually talk to a friend WITHOUT drinking. Alcohol is so intoxicating that it makes you do and say stuff that you don't normally say or do and its gives you such high and happiness that you wish it was forever a party and you'll be drinking all day. For those who could not resist drinking here's my take on it, drink to have fun and not to make papansin and be 'cool', your friends will love you even if you don't drink with them, especially if you don't want to. While you are at it, know your limits, stop when you know you can't stand straight anymore or even think straight! As fun as it is to laugh at a friend while she's doing crazy stuff it is as hard looking after them afterwards.
Here's another, can someone please explain to me why is there a fascination with having a boyfriend/ girlfriend at such a young age. I know its your life and its your heart that will be broken anyway so why do I even bother, but still, do you really think that it is fun to have a boyfriend/ girlfriend at your age when you can't even pass your tests? Boys and girls, I am 20 and I haven't had a boyfriend and yes I am not ashamed of it. I get it, the inspiration the boy or the girl gives you helps you to accomplish things and all of that but what if you suddenly have a rough patch or hit a relationship ending roadblock have you ever asked yourself if you are emotionally ready for it? I just think that you're emotionally raw and young to deal with life's real problems when the only thing that you should be worried about it getting a high grade in your test and how to finish your homework.
Lastly, I did not learn to drive because I thought it was cool to own a car and drive myself everywhere like my friends did, but I HAD to learn how to drive. It was a need and not a want and besides I only learned how to drive after graduating from college. I've always believed that having your personal car meant added responsibilities. Cherish the times that your parents make you 'hatid-sundo' don't be ever ashamed that your parents still drive for you :) It just shows how much they love you and making them drop you off or pick-you up from a party or something is also a way of opening up to them, making them see your version of the world, unless your doing something to be ashamed of, then I suggest you just sleepover at a friends' house. I think that in order for you and your parents to have at least a good-working relationship, you have to make them understand your life as much as you have to make the effort to understand their decisions for you. Try letting your friends meet them and you'll see, your parents would trust you even more to go out with them.
You may say that I may be feeling the so-called generation gap right now, but no, I just think that I had so much fun during my childhood and living as a teen that I am able to say all of this. All the things that you do are of your choice and I respect that its just that you only have one life to live, so live it to the full. Live your life to the fullest of you. Explore your possibilities, besides you will never be as young as how you are at this very second, so make it count.
You are a teen, or maybe not, but embrace it; embrace your youth and all of the fun that goes with it. You can do numerous things in your life now that you may never have the chance to once you get older so make the most out of your life and stop trying to grow up. Once you are my age or your mothers' age I bet you'd wish that you are young again and once you make that wish, don't you dare say that you haven't been warned.
xoxo
MCV. :)
I'd like to believe that I have one of the best childhood experiences that I know of. I would spend countless of hours under the sun playing just about everything getting all sweaty and bruised up and it was fun! Now most of the things I played before doesn't even exist. Gone are the days of the magical chinese garter, jack stones and sungka in with the cellphones, iPod Touch/ iPad, Play Station and Xbox. It saddens me that childhood isn't the same anymore, it will never be the same.
I am sad to see kids, living off technology. I am disheartened that they don't get to experience the fun under the sun, the way you talk to your playmates and living in pretend life with your dolls and toy soldiers. They do get that in school I suppose but when at home, they miss the chance to connect to their siblings, to their parents. Lets all admit as much as there is good that technology gave us it also lessened our face-to-face conversations, it lessened our chance to explore the world. I pity those kids who spend all of their waking hours nerd-ing in front of the computer.
Another thing I wanna point-out, why do teenagers drink until they drop. Don't get me wrong, I know the fun you could have in drinking and getting drunk, but aren't you just too young to waste your organs for a "problem." Personally, I've also had those days wherein I think, 'can I just drink this off?' I'm tempted to text a friend for me to have a drink with, but for some reason I don't pursue, first because drinking off my problems and issues won't solve it and second I think I can actually talk to a friend WITHOUT drinking. Alcohol is so intoxicating that it makes you do and say stuff that you don't normally say or do and its gives you such high and happiness that you wish it was forever a party and you'll be drinking all day. For those who could not resist drinking here's my take on it, drink to have fun and not to make papansin and be 'cool', your friends will love you even if you don't drink with them, especially if you don't want to. While you are at it, know your limits, stop when you know you can't stand straight anymore or even think straight! As fun as it is to laugh at a friend while she's doing crazy stuff it is as hard looking after them afterwards.
Here's another, can someone please explain to me why is there a fascination with having a boyfriend/ girlfriend at such a young age. I know its your life and its your heart that will be broken anyway so why do I even bother, but still, do you really think that it is fun to have a boyfriend/ girlfriend at your age when you can't even pass your tests? Boys and girls, I am 20 and I haven't had a boyfriend and yes I am not ashamed of it. I get it, the inspiration the boy or the girl gives you helps you to accomplish things and all of that but what if you suddenly have a rough patch or hit a relationship ending roadblock have you ever asked yourself if you are emotionally ready for it? I just think that you're emotionally raw and young to deal with life's real problems when the only thing that you should be worried about it getting a high grade in your test and how to finish your homework.
Lastly, I did not learn to drive because I thought it was cool to own a car and drive myself everywhere like my friends did, but I HAD to learn how to drive. It was a need and not a want and besides I only learned how to drive after graduating from college. I've always believed that having your personal car meant added responsibilities. Cherish the times that your parents make you 'hatid-sundo' don't be ever ashamed that your parents still drive for you :) It just shows how much they love you and making them drop you off or pick-you up from a party or something is also a way of opening up to them, making them see your version of the world, unless your doing something to be ashamed of, then I suggest you just sleepover at a friends' house. I think that in order for you and your parents to have at least a good-working relationship, you have to make them understand your life as much as you have to make the effort to understand their decisions for you. Try letting your friends meet them and you'll see, your parents would trust you even more to go out with them.
You may say that I may be feeling the so-called generation gap right now, but no, I just think that I had so much fun during my childhood and living as a teen that I am able to say all of this. All the things that you do are of your choice and I respect that its just that you only have one life to live, so live it to the full. Live your life to the fullest of you. Explore your possibilities, besides you will never be as young as how you are at this very second, so make it count.
You are a teen, or maybe not, but embrace it; embrace your youth and all of the fun that goes with it. You can do numerous things in your life now that you may never have the chance to once you get older so make the most out of your life and stop trying to grow up. Once you are my age or your mothers' age I bet you'd wish that you are young again and once you make that wish, don't you dare say that you haven't been warned.
xoxo
MCV. :)
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
[EDITED] Happiness...
Its been awhile since I last attended a household.
And so I went to Jollibee yesterday to meet up with the girls. It was fun seeing them again and being in a hh again! Last night, I was asked 3 questions during the HH, am I happy, healthy and holy. It seemed like it was an easy question, but looking closely, what does happiness really mean?
I wondered how my life have changed since I graduated college. How my perspective on things changed. Now that my life is on a standstill, what still made me happy?
On the course of the sharings, one of them said, 'Sana po masaya ako' I asked her why and she said: "hindi ko po alam pero sana po alam ko"
This conversation struck me, do we really just pretend to be happy or we look for reasons to at least be happy or are we really happy? How do we even know if we are happy? I couldn't answer for myself. I do not know how I feel about how I live my life. Yes, I could be happy in some aspects but I'm more frustrated that I can't seem to get my life on track. Am I really happy living my life in the shadows of the past and of fear. Am I merely looking for reasons to distract myself from the reality of how my life is currently? So am I really happy or at least pretending to? Its been weeks since I've had this feeling-- unsure of how I feel about my life. Unsure about many other things. What is happiness? Do we make it up in our head and tell people what they want to hear or are we truly happy that even the littlest things that we see in our lives makes us so?
We could always pretend that we are happy, we could always tell people that we are but then who are we fooling but ourselves, right? Since I've been feeling a lot of different emotions nowadays, I've realized that in order to be happy we have to recognize that we are not.
Happiness doesn't come with a formula. Theres no scale to even measure it up. We all have to go through the journey. Figure things out, eliminate all possible causes of pain and sorrow; cherish those that brings smile to our hearts. It may take a long time getting there, but once we have it, we will know. And it will be worth it.
And so I went to Jollibee yesterday to meet up with the girls. It was fun seeing them again and being in a hh again! Last night, I was asked 3 questions during the HH, am I happy, healthy and holy. It seemed like it was an easy question, but looking closely, what does happiness really mean?
I wondered how my life have changed since I graduated college. How my perspective on things changed. Now that my life is on a standstill, what still made me happy?
On the course of the sharings, one of them said, 'Sana po masaya ako' I asked her why and she said: "hindi ko po alam pero sana po alam ko"
This conversation struck me, do we really just pretend to be happy or we look for reasons to at least be happy or are we really happy? How do we even know if we are happy? I couldn't answer for myself. I do not know how I feel about how I live my life. Yes, I could be happy in some aspects but I'm more frustrated that I can't seem to get my life on track. Am I really happy living my life in the shadows of the past and of fear. Am I merely looking for reasons to distract myself from the reality of how my life is currently? So am I really happy or at least pretending to? Its been weeks since I've had this feeling-- unsure of how I feel about my life. Unsure about many other things. What is happiness? Do we make it up in our head and tell people what they want to hear or are we truly happy that even the littlest things that we see in our lives makes us so?
We could always pretend that we are happy, we could always tell people that we are but then who are we fooling but ourselves, right? Since I've been feeling a lot of different emotions nowadays, I've realized that in order to be happy we have to recognize that we are not.
Happiness doesn't come with a formula. Theres no scale to even measure it up. We all have to go through the journey. Figure things out, eliminate all possible causes of pain and sorrow; cherish those that brings smile to our hearts. It may take a long time getting there, but once we have it, we will know. And it will be worth it.
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