Our First Family Bonding Game: Wrap the Leper Game

This is the first of the family bonding games that we decided to do for our family. I am sharing this through this blog site to have a record of our family experiences for my children to see in the future. Hopefully, it can serve as a resource wherein you can apply also for your family. I know that this tradition of holding regular family bonding games will strengthen the relationship of our family.

How my Wife Changed her Mindset about Financial Abundance

My wife was very excited to talk about what she learned from the successful Think Rich Quick 2.0 Seminar by my real estate mentor Trace Trajano last October 23-24 at AIM in Makati City, Philippines. My wife really had a great time learning and meeting new friends in the seminar. Imagine, we talked from 10pm up to 2am. That was 4 hours, non-stop chatting thru Skype.

Few days before the seminar, she had hesitations to go because she has no idea about real estate. She told me that she will not appreciate the concepts because it might be too complicated for her. Basically, I know that she does not want to go out of her comfort zone. To persuade her to go, we invited her friend Hazel to come with her so that she will have someone to talk to during the seminar.

Misyong Pilipino Healing Series Day 2: Live a Happy Old Age (Part 2)

On the first part of this Live a Happy Old Age article, we have discussed how to take good care of our health and our family. We have talked about how to treat our children in a Christian way. As promised, this is the 2nd part of the article. =)

d. Bring our children closer to God. It is said that fear to God shows self discipline. If we make it to a point to allocate time for our family to go to church every week or once in a year retreat like the Misyong Pilipino, you will see the changes in your family. Fr. Arlo shared a story of a 4 year old child who grew up in the teachings of the church. The love for God manifested when the child was playing with his friend inside the church, when an accident happened and his friend got a wound on the knee. What the child did was prayed over the wound and asked God to heal it. His friend, thinking that the wound was healed responded that God really cured his wound. Imagine that tiny 4 year old child has a faith as big as a mountain. Bring our family closer to God.

Misyong Pilipino Healing Series Day 2: Live a Happy Old Age (Part 1)

"Live a Happy Old Age". 
One sentence that depicts the healing lecture tonight. 

Imagine yourself with your husband or wife standing on a beach waiting for the sunset and holding each other's hand in your 80s? I repeat in your 80s... (just like the photo on the left)  Picture yourself seeing your children helping and raising each other up to achieve their dreams in life.  Imagine what it would be like if you see yourself enjoying the fruits of your labour?  Buying whatever you like under the sun.  Travel to places you have not gone when you were still working.  Taking your grandchildren out for a bite without thinking about how much money you have in your wallet.

Best Birthday Ever

Best Birthday Celebration

Best Birthday Gift

Last 20th July was my 31st birthday.  It was my first time to celebrate it away from my family.  During my regular work at the office, my wife kept telling me that we need to chat as soon as I arrive home.  I did what she insisted and when I saw them in the webcam on the other side of the world, I saw nothing but the party invitation that my wife made.  As she removed the invitation on the screen, I was really flabbergasted that they prepared a party for me.  (You can see the birthday banner above especially made by wife and kids.)  I saw her and my two kids together with their friends wearing party hats.  They even have a Sponge Bob party whistle blowing.  It is like a children's party with all the kids gathered around the table.  I was not aware that they will do something like that.  They have waited for ten o'clock in the evening just to see me celebrate with them.  Tears of joy started to roll over my face as I hear them singing Happy Birthday.  My youngest son, Jaizen was the one who blew the candle.  

The surprises did not end there.  As they were eating, my wife instructed me to open the package that she sent.  When I opened it, I saw the best gift I received in my whole life.  (You can see the photo of the customized t-shirt with my family on it.)  It is a gift that cannot be replaced by anything in this world.  Not even the newest model of Black Berry, Storm 2 can substitute on it.  It is not the t-shirt that is irreplaceable, but the mere presence of my family on it made me feel that I am with them whenever I wear it. It made me feel as if my family is wrapped around me, hugging me whenever I use it.  It is their way of saying "Daddy, we will always be with you wherever you go."

That day was the happiest day I have since I am away from them. It was the birthday party of all birthday parties.  And it was the best gift that I have received.

Being away from my family to work overseas is really a sacrifice.  I am unable to hug my family whenever I want to.  I am incapable of playing with my kids whenever they want me to play with them.  I am unable to guide my kids as they grow and see the world.  But in spite of all of these, constant communication keep us strong.  Our investment to our relationship keep as intact.

Thank you Mom for all the love.  Thank you Kuya Jade for looking after Mommy and Jaizen.  Thank you Jaizen for being our playful mascot.  And most especially I thank God for giving me such a wonderful family.

Reflection:  How much did you invest in your relationship with your family?