Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional festival in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and usually falls between January 21 and February 20, depending on the lunar calendar. The celebration lasts for 15 days, concluding with the Lantern Festival.

Key aspects of Chinese New Year include:

Symbolic Animal Zodiac:

Each Chinese New Year is associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, which operates on a 12-year cycle. These animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. 2022, for example, is the Year of the Tiger.

Family Reunions:

The festival is a time for family reunions, with people traveling long distances to be with their loved ones. The emphasis on family is so strong that it is often referred to as the largest annual human migration.

Traditional Foods:

Food plays a crucial role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Families gather for elaborate feasts, and certain foods are considered auspicious. Dumplings, fish, spring rolls, and various sweet treats are among the traditional dishes served during this time.

Red Decorations:

The color red is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. As a result, homes and streets are adorned with red lanterns, banners, and decorations. Red envelopes, called "hongbao" or "lai see," containing money are often given as gifts to symbolize good fortune.

Fireworks and Firecrackers:

The tradition of setting off fireworks and firecrackers is an integral part of Chinese New Year. The loud noises are believed to scare away evil spirits and ensure a smooth start to the new year.

Cleansing Rituals:

Before the New Year, families engage in thorough cleaning to sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune. Debts are settled, and people buy new clothes and make sure their homes are in perfect order.

Dragon and Lion Dances:

Festive parades featuring dragon and lion dances are common during Chinese New Year. These performances are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the community.

Temple Visits:

Many people visit temples during this period to pray for good luck and make offerings to deities. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and setting positive intentions for the coming year.

Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China but also in various other countries with significant Chinese communities. The customs and traditions may vary slightly among different regions and communities, but the underlying theme of ushering in prosperity, good fortune, and happiness remains consistent.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Wrapping up 2023 and welcoming the New Year 2024!

This year 2023 was full of challenges but by His grace we're able to make it through. Despite all those challenges, there's still lot of things to be grateful for...

I'm grateful that up to this day, I can still witness the goodness of God for me and my entire family...

I'm thankful to Him for everything He has done, for all those people He uses as instruments to bless us...

I'm thankful for the gift of life, the gift of family and the gift of friendship...

I'm thankful for the gift of job... For the capability of earning a living, for the wisdom and the skills that He equipped me with to fulfill my job, I'm equally thankful as well to my colleagues for accepting the best and worst in me... 

I'm grateful as well for my supportive family who never gets tired of showing their love and support, may God continue to bless them and protect them at all times wherever they go, whatever they do...

I'm grateful to my BHCCCI  church family whose compassion continue to inspire me to be of help in the ministry, I'm thankful for their love and support  as well to my whole family... I'm so grateful for the kind of friendship that were  built, a friendship that turns into a family. Indeed, Team Padayon, magmalig-on!

I'm thankful as well to my husband and children for allowing me to grow holistically as a wife, as a Mom, and as their friend.

I'm thankful that God slowly mold me into the kind of woman that He wants me to be. I may have lots of shortcomings but by His grace I was able to make it through...

Life may have full of mood swings but as long as we know our identity, we know whom to call to in times of need, we will be okay.

Here comes 2024, I claim for God's more blessings, spiritual maturity, financial breakthrough, prosperous life for my family, best of health, freedom from the things that weigh us down, and all the best for 2024!

Today, a church colleague passed away.

She's not just a colleague, she's a mentor, a friend, and my Godmother on my wedding.

I've known her for more than a decade already. Our first meeting was at the university where I worked as part-time instructor. A very soft-spoken woman, very accommodating and a friendly one.

She died due to severe pneumonia, a complication of being diabetic. She suffered from diabetes for quite a while now to the point that one of her legs was amputated.

She's a survivor, more than conqueror, I would say. For her family, the number of years that she lived since her diagnosis was already a bonus since she's a frequent hospital-goer due to her condition.

In spite of what she went through, she never stopped doing her ministry as if it was among her source of strengths.

Her last days were prolific. She was able to celebrate with us our Family Day, then our Church Christmas Party where she was able to sing- the last song of her life. 

Prior to that, she was complaining about persistent cough, faster heart beats, and even LBM. We thought she could make it like she used to but none of us knows that it was the last day of her existence- her sufferings are finally over.

Now she's home with the Lord. Her life has been made whole upon coming to her eternal rest- her eternal life with God.

So long, Maamy Wendy! Til' we meet again soon!

What we were experiencing these past few years were quite alarming, or should I say, a wake up call for us to set our priorities, our life. The global pandemic taught us that life is indeed very unpredictable. With those mortality rate we've been hearing around the globe, who would have thought that such precious lives were sentenced by a health threat. Yet, such threat was not completely gone but rather evolves into something else that makes people live in anxiety.

Then there are wars going on right now. The war between Russia and Ukraine seems not enough that Israel has to face the same ordeal. And again, many lives were at stake. Before people could even breath a sigh of relief from the global health threats, then there's terrorism, random bombings, killing of innocent lives and similar horrible scenario.

Then there were global news about forest wildfires, hurricane, volcanic eruptions, and series of earthquakes that brings horror to those who were directly affected.

Why are all these things happening?

For me, these are clearly a manifestation that the end is near. Many might not believe about end times, but what else could be the reasons behind all these phenomenon?

For us, believers, these are warning signs for us to do what is right. This is one way of reminding us that we do not know the future, we do not know until when our life would end,  but one thing I know is that I have an assurance of everlasting life when that time comes. I would be confident enough that I will be saved. Why? Because I have Jesus as my Lord and Personal Savior. Nothing will be taken away from us if we just believe, but much will be lost if we take all these signs for granted and continue to sin against God.

It's in His Words, It has been prophesied. All we need is just to simply believe and receive Him. 

In this chaotic world, let there be peace within us. And it is only possible through His presence.

Now is the time to do it. 

Comment if you want to learn more about it. 

Barely eight years ago, I invested in low-cost housing in our area. Back then, the equity is very low since it was on its pre-selling stage. So, what I did, I loaned the equity payment in the bank instead of having it in monthly amortization. But then pandemic came, there was a delay in the turnover. The promised three years goes on four then five and until now the said unit was not yet turned over to us. We were able to sign the supposedly contract between us and the Philippine government agency (PAGIBIG) that offers housing loan but until now, the turnover of the unit was keep on delaying due to some technical concerns.

A friend advised us to have our unit assumed by somebody else. But I was hesitant because I know that the equity by now would be doubled compared to what I have paid. If I have to calculate the take out amount of the unit, it would go as high as almost one million compared to that original price of Four Hundred Seventy Thousand Pesos. Indeed, investing in realty could be a good decision since the value of the house won't depreciate. Though the house wasn't turned over yet but I am patient enough to wait for it until the company could settle the things between them and the government agency  that offers housing loan. I was actually planning of leasing the place since the unit is too small for my growing family so I rather have it leased to couple or individual that would love minimal kind of lifestyle.

In other countries, investing in realty or being a realtor is among the best lucrative business that one could engage on. Personally, I know I still have much to learn about this business, but one thing is for sure, all of my friends who were into this kind of business are indeed prospering and gaining much financial freedom at their own convenient time. Processing papers for prospect clients won't be that easy but it's all worth it. It is also of great advantage that a realtor should be knowledgeable enough to know the basic Math in this kind of business like how to estimate mortgage loan (you can click the link to gain knowledge about it), how does loan repayment works and a whole lot more.

So, why do we need to invest in realty? Because in there, there's a real money!

  

 

When my hubby lost his job due to political reasons, I have to accept the fact that I'll be facing realities. Becoming a breadwinner mom is a journey that involves balancing your finances to mitigate the needs of your family without depriving yourself from your "personal needs". Empowered is how I consider it, but somehow would give you greater responsibility, not to mention, the pressure and , maybe, stress, that goes with it. Being the sole financial contributor to our household is something that is overwhelming and totally challenging!

Empowerment and Fulfillment

The ability to provide for one's family financially not only contributes to a sense of independence but also serves as a source of pride. The satisfaction derived from achieving professional success and ensuring the well-being of loved ones creates a powerful sense of purpose.

However, this empowerment is not without its complexities. The elation of career achievements is often tempered by the realization that the expectations and responsibilities have multiplied. The pressure to balance career aspirations with family obligations can be daunting, creating a delicate emotional equilibrium that requires constant attention and adaptation.

Challenges and Guilt

The challenges faced by breadwinner moms extend beyond the boardroom. Juggling the demands of a career with the responsibilities of motherhood can be emotionally taxing. Guilt often becomes an unwelcome companion, creeping into the corners of the mind during moments of professional focus and family absence. The fear of missing out on significant milestones in a child's life or not being present for crucial family moments can weigh heavily on the hearts of these women.

Societal perceptions add another layer of emotional complexity. The judgments and stereotypes that persist regarding the ideal roles of mothers can instigate feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The internal struggle to reconcile societal expectations with personal ambitions becomes a constant emotional backdrop.

Triumphs and Resilience

Yet, amidst the challenges and emotional complexities, breadwinner moms experience triumphs that are uniquely theirs. Overcoming obstacles, shattering glass ceilings, and excelling in both professional and familial spheres instills a profound sense of resilience. The ability to navigate a path less traveled, defy stereotypes, and emerge stronger on the other side becomes a testament to the inner strength of these women.

The feeling of triumph extends beyond individual accomplishments and permeates the broader societal narrative. As more breadwinner moms share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and redefine the conventional understanding of family roles, a collective triumph emerges—a triumph that contributes to the gradual dismantling of gender biases and the fostering of a more inclusive society.

The feeling of being a breadwinner mom is a nuanced and multifaceted emotional journey. It encompasses moments of empowerment, challenges that test the depths of resilience, guilt that tugs at the heartstrings, and triumphs that redefine societal norms. Through it all, these women navigate a complex emotional landscape, shaping not only their personal narratives but also contributing to the broader narrative of gender roles and societal expectations. The feeling of being a breadwinner mom is a tapestry of emotions—a rich, intricate, and evolving story that continues to unfold with each passing day.