TODAY’S INSPIRATION: Meet Zach Sobiech

“I want everyone to know, you don’t have to find that you’re dying, to start living” - Zach Sobiech

***

This is such a wonderful reminder for us to value the things we often neglect in our lives. Things that we thought so trivial and have less of value, are really the things that matter the most. This is also a great reminder for us  that you don’t need everything in this world, to feel alive. That you only need to be better everyday for yourself and ultimately for other people you love and even for the strangers that you come across on the street. I’ve been holding onto my tears throughout the video! Please folks, make time for this! It will change your life. ♡

Zach, 

Thank You for your life, for showing me (and to everyone) that it’s all about perspective. That life is simple and beautiful, if only we choose to look at it that way. Thank you for showing me that the key to real happiness is to always find beauty in everything amidst its flaws. Thank you for reminding me to care more, love more and live more everyday.  I seriously want to watch your story every day of my life!! Starting today, I’ll work on to live my life just like the way you did on yours. And this is also my prayers for everyone. I hope we could all muster the courage to just live and be happy. Life is indeed beautiful. Live it. Love it. Thank you,  Zach!  Rest In Paradise. Embrace God for me! 

Marah ♡

Basketball and Life Lessons Two fridays ago, I watched my brother’s first basketball game for the season. My only reason for watching was because  I made a promised to myself that I would try to be the best Ate that I can be everyday, and this includes supporting my brother’s love for basketball. I have nothing against that, since I’m a basketball fanatic since 6th grade. Surprise? Haha Oh yes I am!  But little did I know, God brought me to the NNC gym not only to support my brother, but also to witness how God works on our lives.  The game was intense. Me and my sister were both screaming our lungs out cheering for the NNC (my brother’s team) and at the same we’re both praying for God to bring the Holy spirit to them. I was totally fan girling over NNC the whole time, not because they got the “Ravena appeal”, but because I was moved by attitude they showed that night. Bias aside, the opponent team played a little bit dirty that night. The referee kept giving bad calls to NNC, to the point that even the crowd started BOO-ING the ref, then next thing we learned, she is the head coach of the opponent team. I think that explains everything. I was just saddened to see people do something isn’t so noble just to win.  I really wanted my brother to win because prior to the game I remember him saying that “losing on their home court would be really painful for him” and  of course, being his Ate, I don’t want to see him sad. I must admit, their team had a lot of flaws that night. They lack on defense on the first two quarters, but, friends, NNC fought until the very last second. They fought without taking revenge on the opposing team who was being unfair to them almost the entire game. They fought and didn’t lose heart. Never for a single second I saw the whole team gave up. Never. Not for a single second.  In fact, the score gap even reached by almost 20 points (or so), but they strived to have it a tie, and they almost did—62-65.  They played with heart and  with positive attitude. They didn’t win in the court, but they surely win the hearts of the crowd! They didn’t quit. Through them, God showed me the essence of passion and not giving up. On that night, I was reminded to stay humble, work hard and play right all the time. ALL THE TIME. I was really inspired by the humility and courage of these young folks.  And last friday, they’ve faced another intense game. It was so intense that you could you really not tell who would win. Again, there were flaws, but they have improved from their last game. I have so much faith on this team! But my faith on them was tested last friday, but even before doubt defeated me…I gave the results up to God’s hands. Me and my sister just prayed and claimed that my brother’s team will win that night. We didn’t know how, but we claimed that they will. AND THEY DID. I am so amazed on how God worked on NNC and on me.  Again, that night, I was reminded that faith is the greatest thing anyone can hold on to. That faith works once you believe. That even things aren’t looking good, trust that God’s working behind the scenes. You know most people watch basketball just for the sake of the sport, missing out its whole point. And basketball players play basketball for the sake of winning and fame, never realizing the purpose of it in their lives.  I must admit when I was in 6th grade,  I only watched basketball because I had a huge crush on Ginebra’s Jayjay Helterbrand, but now after watching Ravena, Durant and my brother play on the court, my reason for watching basketball changed. Now I watch basketball to get new perspective and be inspired by the players ability to keep moving, keep improving and keep fighting until the very last second of the game.  When I watch basketball, I don’t usually notice the amazing lay-ups, the three points and other exhibitions most players do; rather I notice heart, passion, perseverance, discipline and faith. Basketball isn’t all about winning or being a part of the most popular team; sometimes it’s about giving your best and playing for something greater than yourself.   That’s why I believe basketball game is a perfect metaphor of our lives. It’s exciting, dirty, unfair and alive. Every human being is  just like every basketball player—some of us will do everything (even the ugliest thing) just to be on  the top; some of us will win even though they do not deserve to win; some will be unfair; some will fight to win; some will just give up; but the greatest basketball-player-attitude we could apply to ourselves is to never never ever give up. That even in the amidst of struggles, you would still choose to not lose heart, to not let your faith be shaken and trust that God works on your behalf. 

Basketball and Life Lessons

Two fridays ago, I watched my brother’s first basketball game for the season. My only reason for watching was because  I made a promised to myself that I would try to be the best Ate that I can be everyday, and this includes supporting my brother’s love for basketball. I have nothing against that, since I’m a basketball fanatic since 6th grade. Surprise? Haha Oh yes I am!  But little did I know, God brought me to the NNC gym not only to support my brother, but also to witness how God works on our lives. 

The game was intense. Me and my sister were both screaming our lungs out cheering for the NNC (my brother’s team) and at the same we’re both praying for God to bring the Holy spirit to them. I was totally fan girling over NNC the whole time, not because they got the “Ravena appeal”, but because I was moved by attitude they showed that night. Bias aside, the opponent team played a little bit dirty that night. The referee kept giving bad calls to NNC, to the point that even the crowd started BOO-ING the ref, then next thing we learned, she is the head coach of the opponent team. I think that explains everything. I was just saddened to see people do something isn’t so noble just to win. 

I really wanted my brother to win because prior to the game I remember him saying that “losing on their home court would be really painful for him” and  of course, being his Ate, I don’t want to see him sad. I must admit, their team had a lot of flaws that night. They lack on defense on the first two quarters, but, friends, NNC fought until the very last second. They fought without taking revenge on the opposing team who was being unfair to them almost the entire game. They fought and didn’t lose heart. Never for a single second I saw the whole team gave up. Never. Not for a single second.  In fact, the score gap even reached by almost 20 points (or so), but they strived to have it a tie, and they almost did—62-65. 

They played with heart and  with positive attitude. They didn’t win in the court, but they surely win the hearts of the crowd! They didn’t quit. Through them, God showed me the essence of passion and not giving up. On that night, I was reminded to stay humble, work hard and play right all the time. ALL THE TIME. I was really inspired by the humility and courage of these young folks.  And last friday, they’ve faced another intense game. It was so intense that you could you really not tell who would win. Again, there were flaws, but they have improved from their last game. I have so much faith on this team! But my faith on them was tested last friday, but even before doubt defeated me…I gave the results up to God’s hands. Me and my sister just prayed and claimed that my brother’s team will win that night. We didn’t know how, but we claimed that they will. AND THEY DID. I am so amazed on how God worked on NNC and on me.  Again, that night, I was reminded that faith is the greatest thing anyone can hold on to. That faith works once you believe. That even things aren’t looking good, trust that God’s working behind the scenes.

You know most people watch basketball just for the sake of the sport, missing out its whole point. And basketball players play basketball for the sake of winning and fame, never realizing the purpose of it in their lives. 

I must admit when I was in 6th grade,  I only watched basketball because I had a huge crush on Ginebra’s Jayjay Helterbrand, but now after watching Ravena, Durant and my brother play on the court, my reason for watching basketball changed. Now I watch basketball to get new perspective and be inspired by the players ability to keep moving, keep improving and keep fighting until the very last second of the game. 

When I watch basketball, I don’t usually notice the amazing lay-ups, the three points and other exhibitions most players do; rather I notice heart, passion, perseverance, discipline and faith. Basketball isn’t all about winning or being a part of the most popular team; sometimes it’s about giving your best and playing for something greater than yourself.  

That’s why I believe basketball game is a perfect metaphor of our lives. It’s exciting, dirty, unfair and alive. Every human being is  just like every basketball player—some of us will do everything (even the ugliest thing) just to be on  the top; some of us will win even though they do not deserve to win; some will be unfair; some will fight to win; some will just give up; but the greatest basketball-player-attitude we could apply to ourselves is to never never ever give up. That even in the amidst of struggles, you would still choose to not lose heart, to not let your faith be shaken and trust that God works on your behalf. 

He would always always be special

He would always always be special

These are the thoughts that run in circle in my head today after I had a chance of talking to him  again after years and years of being estranged from each other. 

He, my  first love, would always be special, because after all, he is still the first guy who made me realize that I am capable of loving someone unconditionally. That I can go beyond my comfort zone. That I can love even the most unlovable traits. He is the guy who gave me the opportunity to appreciate how strong I am. That I have the courage to  get hurt and endure the pain. And ultimately, he is still that guy who made me see that love is beautiful, regardless of its flaws. 

Thus, despite all the heart aches and pain, despite of how he left my heart jaded,  despite of the fact that my love was never requited…

He would always always be special. Always.

Food Adventure: Andrews

My family’s been into food tripping  the last few weeks. This is all new to us, because whenever we eat outside, it will always be either McDonalds or McDonalds haha. We love Mccas take-aways then we’ll have it by the bay. Honestly, there was a time, when my family traveled for two hours just to eat at McDonalds. We could’ve ate at the nearest Mccas from our place, but we didn’t. I know, our family’s cray. But of course, it’s not the burgers that matter, it’s always been the journey. There’s nothing greater than traveling with your family!  Sharing random stories and good laugh with them while yall on the road, then falling in love with life because of them…ayayayay priceless!

Oh wait, I think I’m going off-topic.

Anyway, we had a family dinner at the Andrews last Monday to celebrate my Kuya’s 22nd for the third time. Yes the third time, kuya had a three-day-long-birthday-celebration this year, which he really deserves. Andrews is a Chinese Restaurant and Bar at the Hutt. 

image

Trivia: I don’t know how to eat with chopsticks. And I doubt If I’d ever learn to use them. 

image

Taking family photos while waiting for the food to be served. No. we’re not vain. Don’t judge. 

image

Our very own Kathniel. HAHAHA ♡

image

Well the only thing about Andrews is that you have to wait patiently for the food to arrive. Hence, our another vanity photo (Ooops I take that back, hindi nga pala kami vain haha). But Pop says, it’s better  to wait because it only testifies that food we ordered our all fresh-cooked. How did we know? They have a semi-open kitchen, so we’re able to see them cooking. Pretty cool aye? I wish I could’ve taken a photo of that so you can see it too. 

Oh well, maybe next time?

image

And after 10 thousand years of waiting, finally, our food arrived!! Waiting for our order in Andrews can be compared to waiting for the one true love you’ve been longing to  arrive in your life. Nakakainip, pero once it has  arrived you’ll say sulit!!! Worth the wait!!! ♡♡ Hala, ano daw nasabi ko? 

Oh well, hope yall will have the chance to eat in Andrews! They really offer great service, have friendly crews and got UHMAZING FOOD. Sorry I just had to emphasize that hehe. Pero sana next time, may parking lot na sila :p

— Marah ♡

I DARE YOU TO DREAM

Hi, I’m Marah, 19, writer.

Hi folks!

Wow, it has been awhile! My mind and heart have been longing to write (more like express) the gazillion thoughts in my head.  I miss blogging, like seriously. I miss those times where I’d write about the  new perspectives I see in the little-est of things. I miss writing about love and life. I miss those days, where I’d  courageously blog the most personal stories I have, just to inspire people. And ultimately, I miss glorifying the MAN ABOVE through this little platform. 

Maybe I become too pre-occupied with college. I guess that’s a good reason, right? Well, it’s true, I’ve been really busy with school and at the same time, I’ve also been pretty busy enjoying life. Yea, I guess my blog hiatus happens for a  purpose. Because, I am happy to inform yall (wow feeling my readers haha!) that I’ve finally chosen to live happy (even to this moment where I’m struggling with fever, dry cough and colds). I’ve been smiling a lot these past few months. I’ve also been meeting a lot of people, embracing more people in my life, learning a lot of things, appreciating life more and of course, strengthening my faith even more. Well I guess, there’s a good that comes out of my absence.  But I really miss blogging. I miss documenting my life. I miss sharing my life with yall! Naks (feel na feel ko talaga may readers ako haha!). Gosh, I’ve also been itching to work on my book, I’m way way too behind!!! School works are getting in the way, but oh well, I’m nearly finished with first semester, praying I won’t fail any paper ( PSSSHHH!! I WON’T FAIL, I’M CLAIMING IT!). 

Anyways, the last couple of weeks I’ve been coming across to these images. And I actually stumbled upon them again, prior to writing this. It seems like the universe is telling me: “hey, you little dork, it’s okay to go back to your comfort zone every once in awhile, please go back to tumblr and pour your heart out.” O.A lang? haha

image

image

image

To Natasha, You are a star for making these! xoxo Marah (hehe!)

Aren’t these words such wonderful reminders? Maybe it’s about time for me to go back to my comfort and fulfill my life goal, which is to inspire people.

So let’s start all over again, shall we?

Hi, I’m Marah, 19, writer. And I hope this platform will be a source of inspiration and love for you. I’d be happy to hear your stories too!

God bless you!

Much Love,

Marah ♡

To my friends, thank you for sharing with me your photos with your mums last night. And to others, sorry if I used your photos without any consent hehe. :p

To the world’s most loving mothers, happy happy mother’s day! Thank you for being our light in darkness, our hope in trials and our stronghold when all things are falling apart. I always see a vivid picture of God’s love every time I witness how much a mother can love their children. Nothing can beats motherly love! Today, let’s celebrate the goodness of God for showering us His greatest gift— our mums. 

So to all the most caring, loving and the most beautiful women on earth, thank you♥