There are a lot of devotees to the [...]]]> The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is the oldest church in the Philippines.  The famous and miraculous Sto. Nino de Cebu is housed in this beautiful church.  The Sto. Nino is the representation of baby Jesus which was brought by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.

There are a lot of devotees to the Sto. Nino.  Many people whose prayers have been answered would come back year after year to pay homage and thanks to the baby Jesus.

The facade of the church is a blending of Muslim, Romanesque, and Neo-Classical features. It follows the classical pattern and is divided into two levels. Shallow pilasters divide each story into three segments decorated with stone bas-reliefs representing Augustinian saints. The bell tower serves as counterbalance to the opposite end. A triangular pediment crowns the solid, but not massive, facade.

Focus of attention is on the center section. The trefoil arched main entrance is balanced by the side rectangular statued niches. The vertical composition is echoed by the small design on the second level above the cornice, the trefoil arch, the pediment and the side scroll-like ornament, a facade within a facade. A double-edged triangular pediment crowns the facade.

–Text taken from the Santo Niño Church and Monastery: An Augustinian Legacy to the Filipino People

Read more:  The Heritage of Cebu

Inside the church you will see the main altar of various Augustinian Saints.

These people are lining up to see to pay homage to the Sto. Nino.  Want to see the original image of the Sto. Nino de Cebu?  Click here!

A garden soothes the spirit of the churchgoers as they light candles and pray.  Make sure you take the time to visit Cebu’s oldest church, the Basilica del Sto. Nino.

PHOTOS TAKEN BY:  Fisca Plyder

Official Website of Basilica Del Sto Nino (schedule of masses are listed)

YEARS ago, I dreamed of kerygma. That’s the Greek word for proclamation of the Gospel. I was just 12 going on 13, and kerygma was such a big word, a big task for me. But it was a dream — a beautiful, good dream, and for me, beautiful, good dreams just have [...]]]> Message from Bo Sanchez:

YEARS ago, I dreamed of kerygma. That’s the Greek word for proclamation of the Gospel. I was just 12 going on 13, and kerygma was such a big word, a big task for me. But it was a dream — a beautiful, good dream, and for me, beautiful, good dreams just have to be fulfilled. So I just went on to fulfill the dream.

First, I spoke to just about 30 people, most of them my relatives! (Talk about home court advantage.) Obviously, my mother loved my talk. But soon, others joined in. And once they heard the Gospel, these wonderful people spread out to echo God’s Word, establishing half-a-dozen prayer groups, which multiplied to a dozen, and a dozen dozens. This became what is today the Light of Jesus Family.

But we also wanted to use mass communication to reach more people. So we put out Kerygma, an inspirational magazine where we published practical ways to live the Gospel. I wanted to meet the Kerygma readers so we held Kerygma rallies throughout the Philippines. Then, three years ago, in 2006, we all gathered in one big assembly we called Kerygma Live! To my surprise, not a few — if not everyone — wanted another assembly. And so we mounted Kerygma Conference 2007, which attracted not only Kerygma readers, but also friends and relatives of Kerygma readers as well as relatives and friends of the relatives and friends of the Kerygma readers, plus not a few walk-ins. And not a few — if not everyone — who attended Kerygma Conference 2007 wanted Kerygma Conference 2008. And so we mounted Kerygma Conference 2008, which was such a huge success, and we are now mounting Kerygma Conference 2009.

My big Kerygma dream when I was 12 has become the Kerygma Conference, now known as the biggest Catholic learning event from the Philippines. I say from, not in, because through the wonders of electronic media, Kerygma Conference has been beamed from the Philippines to the rest of the world! It will also be held simulcast in Cebu at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

And now Kerygma Conference 2009 is the biggest dream that has gotten bigger. In a gist, Kerygma Conference 2009 presents in detail our dream experience. So our theme for this year’s conference is Dream Big, Win Big. And to make our point, we are mounting the conference in the Big Dome, the Araneta Coliseum, where on November 28-29, we shall sing, dance, jump, shout in the liveliest ever worship sessions, hear Mass, listen to God’s Word, heal the sick, comfort the downtrodden…

I am excited. I am excited to see, to experience what God will reveal in this conference. I know, I am sure, coming from our Big God, it could not be anything but BIG.

Come, WIN with us!

Sincerely,

Founder, Light of Jesus

http://kerygmaconference.com/

—————————————————————————————-

ISN’T THIS EXCITING?!

WE’RE HELPING BRO. BO SANCHEZ WITH HIS DREAM BIG WIN BIG KERYGMA CONFERENCE  HERE IN CEBU ON NOVEMBER 28-29′09 at the Cebu International Convention Center -CICC

Ms. Daisy Ba-ad will be directing the event with Michelle Simtoco assisting the production highlighting life changing talks of Bro. Bo Sanchez and Kerygma preachers Arun Gogna, Eng Sy, Alvin Barcelona and Pio Espanol with LIVE SATELLITE BROADCASTS between Manila ( Araneta Coliseum) and Cebu.

Fr. Joey Faller, the healing priest will also celebrate mass and conduct healing sessions on Sunday. Call Light of Jesus Community Cebu at  4128142 and get tickets for the conference now.  Php 250 only.

“Our hearts go out to the people affected by the typhoon and resulting floods that occurred recently. We are thankful there are so many compassionate people and charities helping to give these people a [...]]]> This message / plea for help for our animals or pets come from CARA Welfare Phils – “Compassion And Responsibility for Animals”

“Our hearts go out to the people affected by the typhoon and resulting floods that occurred recently. We are thankful there are so many compassionate people and charities helping to give these people a second chance at life. A second chance is often something a lost animal may never get. They sadly tend to get ignored during times of crisis. Imagine in one moment having a loving home and then finding your master and home are gone. You wander the streets looking for food but no food is found. We at CARA are here to help!

We don’t have a shelter but the compassion of CARA members who foster stray animals can give these animals a second chance at life. We understand not everyone has the space, money, or time to foster an animal but you can still help. Any donation of cash, pet foods or supplies will go directly to the animals saved in the coming weeks. Please find it in your hearts to give these animals a second chance at life.

Material items can be dropped off at CARA Clinic (between MMDA blue bldgs off EDSA) Carson Bldg, Basement Orense Street, Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati (02 8825323 or 09107297026). If you would like to make a cash donation, please contact us at infocaraphil@yahoo.com.”

CARA Welfare Phils Official Website

RELATED ARTICLES:

Typhoon Ondoy Floods the World with the Power of Love and Compassion

Donation Centers in Cebu for Typhoon Ondoy Victims

Help Ondoy Victims: Donate to the Philippine National Red Cross

Run for Ondoy Victims

Monetary Donations

1.  CASH or CHECK Please send cash or check donations to the PNRC National Headquarters in Manila. Checks should be made payable to The [...]]]> If you want to help typhoon Ondoy victims, you can also donate to the Philippine National Red Cross.   Here is a detailed list of how we can help Ondoy victims.

Monetary Donations

1.  CASH or CHECK
Please send cash or check donations to the PNRC National Headquarters in Manila. Checks should be made payable to The Philippine National Red Cross.  We can also arrange for donation pick-up.

2.  BANK DEPOSIT
Account Name:  The Phil. Nat’l. Red Cross

PNRC PESO ACCOUNT

ALLIED BANK
Intramuros Branch
PESO ACCOUNT :    1941-01347-1
Type of Account :     CURRENT
SWIFT CODE  : ABC MPH MM

BANCO DE ORO
Port Area Branch
PESO ACCOUNT :    453-0018647
Type of Account : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE  :    BNOR PH MM

BANK OF PHILIPPINE ISLAND
Port Area Branch
PESO ACCOUNT :   4991-0010-99
Type of Account :   CURRENT
SWIFT CODE  : BOPI PH MM

METRO BANK
Anda Circle Port Area Branch
PESO ACCOUNT : 151-3-04163122-8
Type of Account : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE  : MBTC PH MM

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK
Sta. Cruz Branch
PESO ACCOUNT : 3623-3680-0011
Type of Account : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE  : PNB MPH MM

PNRC DOLLAR ACCOUNT
BANCO DE ORO
Port Area Branch
DOLLAR ACCOUNT :    453-0039482
Type of Account  : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE   :    BNOR PH MM

BANK OF PHILIPPINE ISLAND
United Nation Branch
DOLLAR ACCOUNT :   8114-0030-94
Type of Account  :   SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE   : BOPI PH MM

METRO BANK
Anda Circle Port Area Branch
DOLLAR ACCOUNT : 151-2-151002182
Type of Account  : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE   : MBTC PH MM

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK
Sta. Cruz Branch
DOLLAR ACCOUNT : 375-283500026
Type of Account  : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE   : PNB MPH MM

UNION BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES
Sta. Cruz Branch
DOLLAR ACCOUNT : 132-070001012
Type of Account  : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE   : UBPH PH MM

PNRC OTHER ACCOUNT

METRO BANK
Binondo Branch
EURO ACCOUNT  :    016-201650005-9
Type of Account  : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE   :    MBTC PH MM

METRO BANK
Anda Circle Port Area Branch
YEN ACCOUNT  :    151-2-15130001-9
Type of Account  : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE   :    MBTC PH MM
For your donations to be properly acknowledged, please fax the bank transaction slip at nos. +63.2.527.0575 or +63.2.404.0979 with your name, address and contact number.

Credit Card

Please fax the following info to +632.404.09.79 and +632.527.0575:

Name of card member, billing address, contact nos. (phone & mobile), credit card no., expiration date, CCV2/ CVC2 (last three digits at the back of the credit card), billing address, amount to be donated.

Click here for ONLINE DONATION

In-Kind Donations

LOCAL
Please send in-kind local donations to The Philippine National Red Cross – National Headquarters in Manila.  We could also arrange for donation pick-up.

INTERNATIONAL

1. Send a letter of intent to donate to the PNRC
2. A letter of acceptance from PNRC shall be sent back to the donor
3. Immediately after shipping the goods, please send the (a) original Deed of Donation, (b) copy of packing list and (c) original Airway Bill for air shipments or Bill of Lading for sea shipments to The Philippine National Red Cross–National Headquarters c/o Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang, Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila 2803, Philippines.

The PNRC does not accept rotten, damaged, expired or decayed goods.  Though we appreciate your generosity, the PNRC also discourages donations of old clothes as we have more than enough to go around.

SMS and G-CASH (Globe)

SMS
text RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)

G-CASH
text DONATE<space>AMOUNT<space>4-digit M-PIN<space>REDCROSS to 2882

Most urgent needs

Food items: Rice, noodles, canned goods, sugar, iodized salt, cooking oil, monggo beans and portable water

Medicines: Paracetamol, antibiotics, analgesic, oral rehydration salts, multivitamins and medications to treat diarrheal diseases

Non-food items: Bath soaps, face towels, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, plastic mats, blankets, mosquito nets, jerry cans, water containers, water purification tablets, plastic sheetings, and Laundry soap

Rehabilitation Programs: Shelter materials for house repair

Call Hotline 143 or (+63-2) 527.0000

THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RED CROSS
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
Bonifacio Drive, Port Area,
Manila 2803, Philippines

Philippine National Red Cross Official Website

RELATED ARTICLES:

Typhoon Ondoy Floods the World with the Power of Love and Compassion

Run for Ondoy Victims

Donation Centers in Cebu for Typhoon Ondoy Victims

Help Ondoy Victims:  Help our Pets and Other Animals Too

DETAILS:

October 18, 2009  6am along the traffic free course around Cebu Doctors’ University (P. Larrazabal Ave, Mandaue North Reclamation).

Registration is pegged at P300.00 or more from your heart since all proceeds of this charity event will [...]]]> Run for Sight Foundation in cooperation with LARRAZABAL EYE will sponsor a charity run ” Run for Ondoy Victims.”

DETAILS:

October 18, 2009  6am along the traffic free course around Cebu Doctors’ University (P. Larrazabal Ave, Mandaue North Reclamation).

Registration is pegged at P300.00 or more from your heart since all proceeds of this charity event will be given to the flood victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

Top 10 male and female 10k runners will be awarded with prizes and medals. Registration will begin October 5, 2009 at Centre for Sight , Cebu Doctors University Hospital. Contact 256 2020 or 2555555 loc 356 look for Lalyn.

UPDATE ON THE “Run for Ondoy”

Run for Ondoy generates P100 Thousand
By Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (The Freeman) Updated October 19, 2009 12:00 AM

CEBU, Philippines – Noted singer/actress-turned running buff Donna Cruz-Larrazabal, one of the forces behind the successful “Run For Ondoy Victims”, bannered the winners’ list of the run-for-a-cause yesterday at the Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU)-Mandaue campus.

The Freeman learned that the fund-raising event generated P100,000 and the organizing Run For Sight Foundation led by Dr. Yong Larrazabal immediately handed it over to the Sagip Kapamilya Foundation of ABC-CBN to help in the relief efforts for the victims of tropical storm Ondoy that ravaged Metro Manila and outlying Luzon provinces three weeks ago.

Half of the amount came from the registration fee, while the remaining half was donated by Cebu Doctors’ Group of Hospital and University led by its president Dr. Potenciano Larrazabal, Jr.

Showing a different kind of enthusiasm, Cruz-Larrazabal ruled the women’s 10K race in 52 minutes and 19.54 seconds.

Rosan Trani placed second with a 56:35.04 clocking, while Bettina Veloso, sister-in-law of Donna, made her presence felt by finishing third with the time of 57:52.85.

In the men’s division, Paul James Zafico bagged the top honors in the Sports and Fitness Enthusiasts (SAFE)-handled tilt with the time of 37:15.78.

Dandy Maturan wound up second in 40:43.27 followed by Dennis Salentes in 41:51.41 and James Noval in 45:17.33.

Dr. Yong Larrazabal, the man behind the noble undertaking, ended up fifth with a 45:23.51 clocking.Melinda Ponce, on the other hand, clinched women’s 5K title with the time of 26:25.58. Catherine Cabahug came in second followed by Mary Christine Tio. – THE FREEMAN

RELATED ARTICLES:

Typhoon Ondoy Floods the World with the Power of Love and Compassion

Donation Centers in Cebu for Typhoon Ondoy Victims

Help Ondoy Victims: Donate to the Philippine National Red Cross

Help Ondoy Victims:  Help our Pets and Other Animals Too

1. Cebu musicians & Outpost Restobar will help Ondoy victims! We’ll need you to bring your goods, clothing food etc. Joseph [...]]]> Are you looking for donation centers in Cebu for the typhoon Ondoy Victims?  Check this list please and look for the place nearest you.  Let us join hands to help as much as we can.

1. Cebu musicians & Outpost Restobar will help Ondoy victims! We’ll need you to bring your goods, clothing food etc. Joseph Castillo, hubby of musician Lia Luisa A. Castillo will send a 20ft Container to MLA 4 esp Cainta & Marikina. Details to follow. Drop in some love while you listen to some music. Get in touch with him through 09082368999 or 09322117111.

2. Caltex Banilad is officially a drop-off point for the Joseph Castillo container van.

3. Caltex Servitec Cabancalan is officially a drop-off point for the Joseph Castillo container van.

4. Caltex Panagdait is officially a drop-off point for the Joseph Castillo container van.

5. FORMO RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE at Banilad Town Center is also a drop off center for the container van of Jospeh Castillo from Monday until Thursday, 5pm onwards. This is inline with the ONDOY LIVE AID. For more details: Facebook.com/FORMO.lounge

6. Toys@Work-BTC is also a drop off center for the container van of Jospeh Castillo from Monday until Thursday, 5pm onwards. This is inline with the ONDOY LIVE AID. For more details: Facebook.com/FORMO.lounge

7. Vudu is also a drop off center for the container van of Jospeh Castillo from Monday until Thursday, 5pm onwards. This is inline with the ONDOY LIVE AID. For more details: Facebook.com/FORMO.lounge.

8. Donations drop off at Banilad Church of Christ (bldg in front of Bright Academy near Sto. Nino Village), Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

9. SUNBURST FRIED CHICKEN-TABUNOK BRANCH accepting donations from 10am to 9:30pm. Tabang Para sa mga Biktima ni Ondoy…Istorya.net asks you to donate to the victims of Storm Ondoy. Our brothers and sisters in Luzon need our help.

10. Aunt Genie’s Breadhouse: 1279 Talamban, Cebu City (In front of the Talamban Sports Complex). call at 416-0495 if you need directions to the drop-off area. (Accepting: Canned Goods, Old Clothes, Blankets, Diapers for babies, Noodles, Rice, Medicine, Soap, Toothpaste, Water Container, Iodized Salt)

11. Bizroute Solutions (Mon – Sat 11PM to 4PM) Unit 302 Keppel Bldg. Ayala. call at 416-0495 if you need directions to the drop-off area. (Accepting: Canned Goods, Old Clothes, Blankets, Diapers for babies, Noodles, Rice, Medicine, Soap, Toothpaste, Water Container, Iodized Salt)

12. Bizroute Solutions Lahug Office (Mon – Sat 11PM to 2PM) Unit 201 MIT Bldg. Gorordo Ave., Lahug (near JY Square). call at 416-0495 if you need directions to the drop-off area. (Accepting: Canned Goods, Old Clothes, Blankets, Diapers for babies, Noodles, Rice, Medicine, Soap, Toothpaste, Water Container, Iodized Salt)

13. Cue Cafe Crossroads accepting donations in cash or kind as part of JCI Zugbuana relief ops. Accepting clothes,blankets,towels,underwear,footwear,food and water for our suffering brothers and sisters in manila.

14. Citigym accepting donations in cash or kind as part of JCI Zugbuana relief ops. Accepting clothes,blankets,towels,underwear,footwear,food and water for our suffering brothers and sisters in manila.

15. Y101 station accepting donations in cash or kind as part of JCI Zugbuana relief ops. Accepting clothes,blankets,towels,underwear,footwear,food and water for our suffering brothers and sisters in manila.

16. CEBU WORLD VISION SPONSORS and VOLUNTEERS can help. Proceed to WV CEBU OFFICE at Room 203 CKU Bldg. J Llorente St. Capitol Site, Cebu City (behind Rajah Hotel) for all cash donations or directly deposit on WV accounts BPI: 4251-0024-15 or BDO: 2700-4341-1. I will be there to help facilitate donations. Text/call me at 0917-6242584 for donation pick ups.

17. Holiday Gym & Spa Banilad Cebu set up a relief operations Drop-Off center beginning today 1:00 PM, Sunday, September 27. Please bring blankets, clothes and canned goods to the front desk/ reception area.

18. ABS-CBN CEBU is now accepting relief goods… adto lang mo sa ABS mga cebuanos…

19. Very Mary (shop of designer Mary Melody Ty) is accepting goods. 2nd Floor, Myra’s Pensoionne, Escario Street. Beside Golden Peak Hotel.

20. Victory Cebu is also accepting donations for typhoon victims: 3/f dacay bldg. escario st. (across bpi escario) near capitol. #(032)254-7023

21. Julie’s Bakeshops used as drop-off centers for PLAN ONDOY, mobilized by Rotary Clubs in Cebu. (For further verification. If you have more information on this, pls message me or leave a comment.)

22. Andorra Tiles Office used as drop-off centers for PLAN ONDOY, mobilized by Rotary Clubs in Cebu. (For further verification. If you have more information on this, pls message me or leave a comment.)

23. WADE SM located at the 2nd floor of the Northwing will serve as a drop off point until Wednesday 5pm. Goods will be forwarded to Outpost afterwards.

24. Orange Brutus P. Del (across USC Main) will accept donations starting Monday from 2pm-8pm. Tuesday to Thursday 10am-8pm.

25. Orange Brutus – Cebu Doctor’s Hospital will accept donations starting Monday from 2pm-8pm. Tuesday to Thursday 10am-8pm.

26. Orange Brutus – Centro Mandaue (near Mandaue City Hall) will accept donations starting Monday from 2pm-8pm. Tuesday to Thursday 10am-8pm.

27. Orange Brutus – Maguikay Mandaue (near Mandaue Flyover) will accept donations starting Monday from 2pm-8pm. Tuesday to Thursday 10am-8pm.

28. Orange Brutus Mactan, Marina Mall Mepz1 will accept donations starting Monday from 2pm-8pm. Tuesday to Thursday 10am-8pm.

29. Orange Brutus Southagte Plaza Mepz 2 will accept donations starting Monday from 2pm-8pm. Tuesday to Thursday 10am-8pm.

30. Orange Brutus Ayala will accept donations starting Monday from 2pm-8pm. Tuesday to Thursday 10am-8pm.

31. Orange Brutus SM will accept donations starting Monday from 2pm-8pm. Tuesday to Thursday 10am-8pm.

32. Orange Brutus Colon (near University of Visayas) will accept donations starting Monday from 2pm-8pm. Tuesday to Thursday 10am-8pm.

33. Orange Brutus Fuente branch will be accepting donations 24 hours from Monday to Thursday.

34. All Sun Star branches now accepting donations (cash or in kind). Pls call 2546100 local 201 and look for Jed or Sheena for more info.

35. UP Cebu is accepting donations. Head to the Malacañang tambayan, beside the guard house. It’s a small campus, it’s not hard to find. (Can someone from UP pls confirm exact drop off point? Thank you!)

36. Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry is encouraging its member companies to donate! Donations in cash or in kind are accepted in the CCCI Center in North Reclamation Area. Yeah, it’s far, but it’s for a cause, right?

37. Aboitiz 2GO Cebu main office and branches accepting donations as well – heard on the radio this morning, announced by Aboitiz representatives.

38. Mooon Cafe Guadalupe is now accepting donations as part of Ondoy Live Aid. Look for TJ.

39. Green Booth @ BTC is now accepting donations a for relief donations for Joseph Castillo Container Van

40. Kaona grill at A.S. Fortuna is now accepting donations as part of Ondoy Live Aid. Look for Ryan.

41. Kumon Center and RCTV at Ginza Compound is now accepting donations as part of Ondoy Live Aid. Look for Gerry.

42. Drop-off and sorting operations at Briones residence at 1310 Horseshoe Drive, Banawa. Contact 09228880387 for more information. Accepting goods only.

EVENTS

Ondoy-Live-Aid at the Outpost, 7pm on Wednesday September 30. Bring your donations. Let’s fill up Joseph Castillo’s container!

The Giving continues as the “Ondok Live Aid” goes to VUDU this Thursday 9pm feat: Twinkle Dudu, Rescue a Hero, the Line Divides, Eve’s Garden , Cuarenta, and Pandora. PLease bring your donations for JOseph …Castillo’s Container Vans bound for Manila!… Peace Love and being a True Filipino!

VOLUNTEER

Packing for the container vans, come and join us sort out the relief goods for Luzon on Thursday and Friday . Please look for Siloh International, H. Abellana St., Canduman, Mandaue. The containers will be there!! Message Meg Eteve if interest on facebook or email at meg.eteve@gmail.com.

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

1.ABS-CBN through Banco de Oro account number 56300-20111 account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Incorporation

2. Red Cross Load Donations: Right now the easiest way to make donations from the seat of your chair is via mobile phone load. The Red Cross Rescue and Relief Operations. Text: REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)

3. TXTPower now accepts donations via SmartMoney 5577514418667103, GCash 09179751092 and Paypal http://is.gd/3GvuN

4. Worldvision Foundation is also accepting donations/volunteers to pack relief goods in QC. For $-donations, BPI:USDacct #4254-0050-08

PEOPLE TRACKER

For those of you in Cebu who have loved ones in Manila, try the people tracker:

People Tracker (using your phones, get your friends and family to turn on their finderservice for you)

* FINDERSERVICE. For Smart, text “wis ” to 386.
* FINDERSERVICE. For Globe, text “find to 7000.

Thanks to Emily Dy for this compilation. If you want a center to be added to this list.   Do place write it on the comment box so it can be added. Many thanks.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Typhoon Ondoy Floods the World with the Power of Love and Compassion

Run for Ondoy Victims

Help Ondoy Victims:  Donate to the Philippine National Red Cross

Help Ondoy Victims:  Help our Pets and Other Animals Too

And as much as I would love to wake up every morning to be  a witness to the glorious awakening of the earth, sometimes I still find myself buried under the pillows with the blanket covering me.  It’s warmth whispering hypnotically, “Sleep! Sleep some more…sleeeeep!”  I try to [...]]]> I love mornings!  I love mornings in Cebu!

And as much as I would love to wake up every morning to be  a witness to the glorious awakening of the earth, sometimes I still find myself buried under the pillows with the blanket covering me.  It’s warmth whispering hypnotically, “Sleep! Sleep some more…sleeeeep!”  I try to open my eyes and it would not cooperate.  Groan.

But there are days when the longing to connect with mother nature is so great that I ignore these whisperings and fling the blankets out of the way so I could jump out of the bed.   And lo and behold, my heart sings with delight.

This was the view from our balcony one Tuesday morning.  This was the view of the Cebu sky!   I spent the next fifteen minutes or so in silence as I watched in awe.  Awed as night slowly turned into day.  The transformation left me breathless.  There was no rush.

Time stood still.  My eyes feasted on the array of oranges that signaled the dawn of a brand new day.  I stared intently into the great unknown until I could make out the round sun coming out from the mountains.  I smiled with delight. It seemed to be saying, “Good morning world! Good morning Cebu! Are you ready for a brand new day?’

I laughed aloud at my silliness!  I surveyed my surroundings but everyone was still asleep.  A neighboring dog barked.  The chickens responded by crowing.  A tiny brown bird swooped in front of me chirping all the while.  Well, I was not the only one awake after all! Hahahaha

Mornings remind me that there is a beginning to all things.  The birth of a child. The first steps.  The first kiss.  The planting of a seed.  Growing up.  Getting married.  The leap of faith.  Discovery.  Connecting with the Divine.  Loving yourself.  Caring for others.  Mornings remind me that each goal starts with one simple first step.  Mornings remind me of hope  that today I can start anew.  I have a clean slate and I will paint the most beautiful of colors to fill my day.  This was my morning in Cebu.

I am deeply grateful to be alive so I can have the chance to view the birth of a new morning.  I should do this as many times in a week, huh?

God, I would whisper softly, “Thank you for a brand new day!

Good morning to you my friend.  Good morning Cebu, Philippines!

What do you see outside your window?  Or balcony?

This curious kitty wants to know…meow!

Michelle Simtoco