I grew up being the center of attention. My parents are both the eldest in their family. I have a total of more than a dozen of loving aunts and uncles. Now, you know the logic. I am everyone’s barbie and baby. Literally, their eyes are all mine. I couldn’t recall any moment in my childhood that I’ve felt that I’m not loved.

Most people think that I am a spoiled brat, but I’m not. Really. That misconception pains me at times but not that hard. Actually, it even made me think that I’m damn lucky to be well-loved.

I nearly get everything I want, because there’s a lot of Santa granting my wishes. Even those I’ve never requested are there. I grew up through positive reinforcement, which up to now, I consider one of the cornerstone of my personality. I am trained to always be the best version of myself. You know, when you do good, you’re given a reward. And when not, you got nothing. That’s not bribery, as others would think it is. I believe it’s the best kind of reinforcement. It suits me. Up to now, I still do that. Alone. I reward myself if I know I did something great and I deprive myself of things I love to do when I think I did the opposite. That’s how I discipline myself, and that’s my way of making me a better me. It feels really good having accomplished things and rewarding yourself for a job well done. It boosts your morale and makes you feel like doing the same or even more to be able to feel the same fulfillment next time, right? That feeling is heaven!

My childhood is one of the things I’ll never ever trade for anything else. With great, generous, and loving people surrounding me, I could never ask for more. I’m not saying I’m perfect, but I feel like I grew up humane and directed on the right path.

The person I’ve become and I’ll be, I owe it all to them. Yes, I’m not yet old but I’m no longer a kid. And I believe, it’s already time that I pay something forward.

I love kids—as much as I love being a kid.

And I want the kids out there to have a glimpse and experience, at least even for a while, what I’ve experienced. Back in high school, I remember talking with my best friend about my plan of building an orphanage for kids. That’s how young I was when I knew God’s call. And that’s when I started doing stuff for the marginalized sector of our community. I’m keeping that dream alive and I want it accomplished as early as I could. If only I have all the resources, I should’ve make numbers of kiddos feel how it’s like to have a family and be at home.

For now, I’m fine with my foster family, who I haven’t met yet. I can’t imagine I’ve been sponsoring them for 6 years now. I don’t know how I survived the monthly expenses, but see, God provides. I never missed even a single month. That’s how God works to those who have a heart for others. There have been times when I can hardly see a centavo on my wallet, times when I couldn’t hang out with friends because I got nothing else but a hundred bucks, et al but God makes a way when it’s already time to give, He pours blessings. Yes, blessings.

Volunteering for Hands-On Manila also made me more excited about this passion. Sadly, I wasn’t able to attend to activities as much as I want to. I wish I could do more this coming year.

Just this year, I celebrated my birthday with the DSWD kids together with my friends and I promised myself that I’ll do it every year. Aside from that, I also made a pledge to an orphanage I’ve personally choose to give the kids a party every December. Yay to 2010! Why is it only now that I did those?

And lastly, I believe I do best in organizing my own outreach activities. I do it very randomly and in no specific dates. It’s like my happy pill for my heart. Just to say, I was diagnosed years ago that I have a heart problem. And doing stuff like that makes my heart feel very fine. The feeling it gives heals more than medications could ever cure.

And sometimes, you know, that ailment gives me the pressure of fulfilling that dream before it knocks me down. Sounds crazy, but it makes sense.

Just now, I realized, I already have a deadline. I look forward to doing more stuff for the kids this 2011.

***

Last December 27, I joined a friend who ought to share some love to the kids at Roxas Blvd. every Christmas season. It’s my second time there and I can’t wait for my third! :) Here are the some of the photo:

December 24 

I woke up early because Mom and Dad want to go to SM for additional grocery items. And since I’m still not done with my Christmas shopping, I agreed to join them.

At around 9am, I unintentionally opened my Gmail. To my surprise, I saw a mail with a subject, “Congratulations!” It was from Rasheeda, Managing Principal of Butler Search Group. I really can’t explain what I felt that moment.

God is great! He knew what my heart wants. I’ve been really praying hard for that, and I am more than grateful that He gave that gift to me in the moment I least expect it.

I read the email twice or thrice before I told Mom and Dad about it. I wanted to be sure that it’s true and I’m not dreaming. Haha. Mom’s very happy upon hearing the news. She even said that she was also praying for that.

We managed to complete the Misa de Gallo. Two realizations hit me when I heard the good news. That is, how powerful prayer is and how faith can move everything.

I don’t know if completing the Misa de Gallo has really something to do with this, but there’s a belief that if you wish for something and you were able to complete the Simbang Gabi, your wish will be granted. As for me and the fam, it worked and it always works. This is not the only time that my wish was granted, it happens every year.

That calls for a celebration, right? I treated the fam for lunch at Flavours of China! The food was superb. We all got so full.

Mom and Tita Lola went to the supermarket while Dad, Pia, and I went to PC outlets to canvass for laptop. Now, Dad and I are both confused of getting a Mac or the HP i7 or a Sony Vaio. Shortly after, Pia and I went to department store to complete our list of presents.

We attended the Mass at 830 and had a sumptuous Noche Buena.

December 25 

I almost forgot to take pictures because I was busy multitasking—runner, cook, and driver. Yes, on a Christmas day. We got bulk of visitors who I personally don’t know. Then, other relatives. Our house was jam packed!

I was also asked to fetch up some relatives. And there’s traffic. Yes, on a Christmas day!

At around 4pm, I drove all the way to Laguna to spend Christmas with the Rufino’s. I tag Moochy along. It’s his first time there and he’s extra lambing that night. He would not want me to get out of his sight.

December 26

I drove back to Cavite and rest. I spent most of the day sleeping. It was our street’s Christmas Party but I opted not to join because I know how dizzy I could get after joining the drinking spree.

It’s funny how our neighbors would go to our house and tell Mom how strong my sis is in drinking alcoholic beverages. She’s only 15 and she was able to knock down almost everyone including notorious men drinkers. They finished their session at around 6am and I couldn’t see any sign that she’s intoxicated. Mom would say to them, buti nga sa kanya hanggang umaga lang. Kung kay Mica kayo makipag-inom hanggang bukas pa kayo. They just don’t know, kaya ayoko na uminom dahil wala nang bisa ang agimat ko.

Good thing, I have cool parents. But of course, we know our limitations. They’re cool, but they perfectly know how to discipline us.

December 27 

I’ll make a separate post about what happened this day, because this day is worth a space, really worth blogging.

I hope you guys all had a blast! 3 more days, and we’re off to another fun-filled long weekend! Hurray!

To my ever dearest Brother, Father, and God,

Happy Birthday! I love you. For the nth time, you’ve shown me how great, generous, loving, and forgiving you are. It’s your birthday, yet it’s still you who gave me presents. It’s not only today, but mostly everyday of the year. I could never ever thank you enough for all the blessings you bestowed upon me and my family for the past years and most especially this year.

2010 has really been a great year for me! And I would not be ashamed to say that you are the very reason why 2010 became a blast. Sure, there were tough times but you never made me feel that I am alone. You were there when I needed someone. You listen even in the most stupidest and selfish rants I share. You embraced me during the ugliest and darkest days.

Thank you for being my strength. Thank you for always making me feel that I have someone to run to when the whole world turns its back on me. Thank you for making me feel loved despite all my flaws and imperfections.

I love you and I will never get tired of telling you and other people about this. I hope I could be your instrument towards touching other people’s lives. You perfectly know the sentiments I have here deep within, but you never gave up on showering me with all positivity. Our conversations are the most heart-warming and touching. And even most of the time, I end up crying when conversing with you, it feels great, really! Because during those times, I feel genuinely loved and cared, I feel preciously treasured. The warmth of your hug never fails to enlighten me. I can’t explain how your acts transform into words, it’s a mystery how you make me feel that everything’s perfectly great!

Every moment with you is magical. And I hope people would find the light that would lead them to you.

Happy birthday, again! I love you.

With so much love and adoration, Mica

I’m guilty of being a last-minute shopper! Hey, it’s my first! And probably, my last!

I know, I’m such a loser for not being able to prepare early. You know, work shits and other stuff. My supposed weekend shopping was ruined because i needed to report to work because POS registers are acting up. Peak season, large crowd, et al. Live support, store operations. I love ‘em, actually. And i can’t resist the call. Downside, my plan was compromised.

For the past years, as early as November, i already have gifts wrapped up but this years’ a 360-degree turn— exact opposite.

I’m starting to feel the pressure (no, not of work) of my dozen (literally) godsons and daughters, my family, and my well-loved friends. My brain’s already drained, and i’m running out of gift ideas.

I don’t wanna end up giving cold cash to the kiddos. But if things don’t work out well, I’m considering that as my last option.

Good thing though, I already got presents for the family and Pangs. The misfortune that recently happened to us, did something useful though, it gave me an idea of what to give to Mom. Since almost all her jewelries were taken away, I opted to buy her a new gold watch which she kindheartedly liked. I was with her when i bought it so she knew what i had for her. That’s how excited she was to use it, hindi na nahintay magpasko, kinuha na agad. Lol. My sister, on the other hand, is very vocal of what she wants for Christmas. It’s so easy to find— wish granted. Later tonight, I’ll meet up with Pangs to buy presents for Dad. I’m still undecided but I’ll stick to Outland leather sandals/Levis maong pants. He’s used to these stuff and his taste for things is unpredictable so might as well choose between the two just to be safe. Anyway, I already gave him a bottle of fundador. And he’s already happy with that. I don’t know if he’s serious or what, but he said he wants a case of beer for Christmas. But whatever, I’ll buy that too because the boys are gonna spend Christmas with us.

Last night, I picked up the gift I ordered for Pangs. I won’t tell what it is, because I know she’ll get to read this. Haha. Clue, it’s something hard to buy and wrap. I’m not exaggerating, but it really took me forever to wrap it and drained all my energy to buy and bring it.

It’s hard to think of what to give when you have 13 tito and tita so I decided to have the same gifts for them, para pantay-pantay.

For my friends, you have me and my service 24/7. You don’t need gifts right? Lol! Kidding aside, i haven’t gone shopping for you guys. Bear with me. New Year’s gift na lang ang ibibigay ko sa inyo. Maiba naman.

I love all of ‘em. And I don’t mind spending bucks to make them feel special this season.

***

To the sole reason why Christmas exists and to the very essence of this season, YOU GOT ME!
I love you more than anybody else! You are the epitome of my life.

Thank you for making me feel super blessed. Thank you for surrounding me with great and kind-hearted people. Thank you for making life worth living. Thank you for everything.

No words could ever justify my love for you. No praises could ever equate to how much I adore you. No scale could ever measure how high I look up to you.

Merry CHRISTmas, My Father.

***

Happy Holidays everyone! Have a blessed one.