Ramadan: Do's and Don'ts

Since I am living in a Muslim country and it is Ramadan season, I decided to write a short guidelines of the Do's and Don'ts for non-muslims during Ramadan.

No eating and drinking in public.
Muslims fast from dawn til dusk, meaning they are not allowed to eat nor drink on this time. And as a respect to them, do not eat or drink in public places for they might see you and it's kinda disrespectful.

Dress Modestly.
As much as possible, women must wear clothes that covers the shoulders and knees.

No PDA.
Yeah, we get it. You two are so in love, but please no PDAs during Ramadan please., you might get into trouble doing it.

Respect Prayer Time.
If you see someone praying, please do not disturb them or make noise near them, worst don't make fun of them.

Say YES to Iftar.
If a Muslim friend invites you to have Iftar (it is the meal that breaks the fast) it is impolite to say NO.

May the spirit of Ramadan be upon us, not just during the season but in our day to day life.

Ramadan Mubarak!! :-)

People of my Year 2015

The year 2015 went by in a blur. With all the things that had happened in the past year, it kinda hard to face a  new year and start somewhere coz I myself dont know where to start. Quarter life crisis had hit me, I believed. So instead of sulking myself in  I started it with a thinking that I am going to start something new and different this year. Wanted to move abroad and change job for career and self growth. I felt that I was not growing anymore as a person. I felt stuck for whatever reason. And so with my Dad's permission (finally) ,with the help of friends and family, and ofcourse with the guidance and will of the One up above..I booked that ticket, quit my job and moved to Dubai. Moving abroad is easy I can say that, but staying abroad, adjusting how to live abroad, outside of your comfort zone, outside of all the too familiar things you were used to.. its a big different / difficult for that matter. But it wouldnt be called a beautiful journey if there were no ups and downs on it. It was a hard past three months, but it was not all bad, many things had happened that made me who I am today. Met many people, in all walks of life, different color and nationalities, made new friends that makes life colorful. Even surprised that there are many people who will always be there for you, no matter what. 

So, as 2015 culminates, let me share to you the people who made my 2015 an awesome one no matter what.

AH-D Family

I've known this people for some time now, been part of my five year journey in our institution, many of them seen me grow not just physically, emotionally and most specially  spiritually. With them I've shared many ups and downs of my life. Colleagues at first but now I am proud to call friends. Friends who will always have a special place in my heart. I miss you, guys! We may be far from each other but please remember, I am still and will always be the same Ypai, no matter what the circumstances that had come our ways. Thank you for making me felt that I had been part of the AHD family for the past five years. I will always be grateful for all the experiences, may it be bad or good. God bless always, AH-D Family! :)

Baesaney, Ehdz and Phil

We've been friends for 7 years now, right? And there is a saying that if your friendship passed the 7th year mark, you will be friends for life. And I am excited for that, for our future adventures and get togethers, for talks about life in general and of all our dreams still. I was so jealous of the Camiguin escapade but I am here and you are there, hehe Anyway, thank you for the summer memories that we had this year, hoping to make more memories like that in the future. God bless always and stay happy and always enjoy being married to two of the most awesome men I know. 

Friends for Better or for Worst

Friends who are always on your side every step of the way. Friends who are always there.

Friends who knows they are needed though you hadn't said a       thing.

Friends who knows that you are sad though you are smiling.

Friends who checks on you from time to time just to make sure you are doing fine.

Friends who defies timezone just to answer your messages.

Friends who sends you money when you're broke. :)

Friends who argues and get angry with you for all the crap that you are doing in your life.

Friends who smiles and be in love with you when your in love.

Friends who support you in every desicion that you make.

Friends who encourages you when your down.

Friends who fix you when your broken.

I could go on and on.. 

And I am very thankful, grateful and blessed to have friends like you guys. Thousand miles apart but it didnt hinder our friendship. I am so lucky to have you as my friends. I might not see you in person that often but thanks to technology, we  still keep in touch. Once again, THANK YOU for making my journey bearable. Wishing you all a healthy, blessed, bountiful, sweet and full of love 2016!! :)

The Cutie Kiddos

They say that you will appreciate kids when you are old already. Ok, fine. I am getting older already, but how can you resist these such cutie kiddos? These kids made my 2015 more fun and enjoyable and I missed them terribly. I am the number one liker and stalker of their fb pics. They literally brighten my day whenever I saw a pic of them. Hope to see and play with these kids soon. To these cutie kiddos may you grow beautifully inside out. 

Room 218

My flatmates and new found friends here. Thank you for accepting me, though you always bully me, but I can take that heheThank you also for making me part of the family already, I don't know what or where I'm gonna be next year but very much  appreciated all the encouraging remarks and efforts helping me find a job. And I and Edong will find a job soon. (Actually, its a note to self to us). P.S. Thank you for all the gifts and chocolates last christmas!! SHUHADA :)

UpYoung and Family

Cousin/Guardian/Sponsor/Family here in Dubai. Thank you for making my dream to be here a reality and also for adopting me here. I promise to be a good girl and will always be in great debt for what you've done. Thank you very much! God bless always and have a bountiful and blessed new year! :)

Family

No matter what happens, family is family. We may be thousand miles apart but please know that you are always in my heart and thoughts. We may not talk that often but I am with you always. Thank you for supporting me in every decesions that I made. Thank you also for always praying on me. Take care always and hope to see you all soon. 

Sonsona-Sharjah Family

Thank you for adopting me, whenever I am in Sharjah.

And also thank you for always reminding me to always pray and just trust in the Plans of God.

Thank you for reminding to go to church always.

And that in Gods time, everything will fall into place.

Happy new year and God bless always! :)

To whoever that makes me smile

Thank you for making me smile always.

Thank you for pushing me to my limits.

Thank you for the encouragement.

Thank you for the peace of mind.

Thank you for all the efforts and sacrifices.

Thank you for the time.

Thank you for just being there and being you.

Thank you, thank you for the LOVE. 

Jesus Christ

I know You have a beautiful picture painted for me. I may not see it clearly now but I know I can see it soon. Thank you for all the things that happened in my life this 2015. It is a beautiful life. Thank you, thank you for your LOVE.

Now is the Time.

After a year of being a "lazy-cat", a year of no exercise done, junk-food-all-you-can, not a week without drinking soda (coke float in that matter) and all little things that is not good for the body... I came to realized that I was living a not so good lifestyle! Thanks goodness, as we get older we tend to be aware and gives important to the simple/basic thing yet a very vital part of our life.. our HEALTH! We are now willing to listen and hear every reminder our parents told us years ago, to the books we like to read but not really applying it and also thanks to social media that constantly motivating and inspiring us to have an active and healthy lifestyle. Maybe it is really about getting old that you get to see things in different perspective, in a mature way kind of perspective anyway.

Actually, a YouTube documentary in titled "Going the Distance" which is written and directed by one of the people I looked up to in social media and in the modelling industry, Isabelle Daza that made me see this things. Stumbled upon her docabout being a triathlete, a short inspiring documentary that made me realized that an active and healthy lifestyle is one way of reducing stress and will help you become the better you for when you are healthy, you see thinks in a positive way and thinks rationally and clearly.
Here is the docu video of Belle...

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SgDBMW-UGJ0


So.. are you inspired already?
Are you feeling bad of yourself with all the junks you gave your body?
Are you now ready to start living a healthier lifestyle for a better you?
If so, start living it now!
Easier said than done but if with enough courage and will power, WE CAN DO IT!
As what Belle had said in the docu... "Training (it may be in exercise or a balanced diet) is about how long you're willing to endure the pain.
Why I wrote a blog about this?
Because I wanna be one with Ms. Belle's advocacy to help motivate people especially the younger generation to live an active lifestyle.



 

Typhoid Fever : We've Meet Again

Typhidot Test positive. Crappy Typhoid fever for being in my system again! And am back to being a patient after two years..but all things happen for a reason..I really need to rest too.. so it's just a timely reminder for me to take things slow and not to worry to much of all my responsibilities in life...I think it's time for me to chillax a bit and give myself a break for a while there...and sometimes being sick makes you feel so loved by the people around you..lol..not that I wanna be sick just to get others attention but it's a great feeling when your sick and people visit you and show that they care for you..it's a wonderful feeling and I am very thankful to the people that took their time to visit me in my hospital room and even cooked food for me! Thanks a million guys!! Your efforts are much appreciated by me!! Here are some pics of the foods and other stuff that I documented while being admitted.. 

My fuel in life 

Fruits from Sugar Donguila

Durian and Chocolates from Ces Aranas

Buko juice from Ate Jelly Austero

Corned Beef cooked by Sean "BIG" Dignadice himself!

Breakfast from Ate Yen Sonsona

My usual hospital food (so sad)

it's a good day!

Snacks from my ever supportive housemates  Aini  & Carlo Olbes

Thank you to everyone who visited and prayed for me while I was sick..!! I'll try not to be sick again and will do my very best to strictly comply this...

Especially made by the Supervisor for me...Thanks Madam Aidz!





                                            Always Thankful,
                                                     Ypai M.

People Of My Year 2013

In tradition of Times Magazine and of Bianca Gonzalez' "People Of  The Year" annual blog post. I am making my own lists of the people that made my 2013 an awesome year.
Here it is...

My Davao Adventist Hospital Nursing Service Department Family.

For four years now I've been part of DAH family and am so thankful and blessed for meeting these people, shared some of my most ups and down experiences in the past years.. they helped me become who I am right now.. Thank you very much guys from the bottom of my heart! Will forever be grateful to have known you all...!

My Northern Friendship Friends.

    

I am so blessed this year for I was able to travel not just here in Mindanao but also in the Northern part of Luzon.. and so came the name Northern Friendship.. these guys made my birthday celebration such a blast.. learned a thing or two from these people.. it's a multi-cultured friendship that despite of our differences, we blended well enough to made such a fantabulous travel experience!

My Mt. Apo Team.  

         

These people helped me conquered and survived Mt. Apo as if it's just a stroll in the park.. they made it so easy for me to reach the peak.. I never thought I can crossed out that bucketlist of mine with not enough training..! but these guys were so amazing and understandable... A million thanks to you guys! Cheers!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Donguila.

I think I can say that I witnessed the SugaRye love story blossomed from courting to their not so secret "secret wedding" (hehehe pardon the word) and being part of the team that kinda prepared the wedding this year.. Later part of the year though my friendship to them got really close not just socially but also spiritually and that's the best part of our it.. they made me closer to God.. And also thank you for always letting me eat in your house! hahaha What a 2013 for us! Hoping for more free meals in 2014!!! hahaha


Mr. & Mrs. Carlo Olbes.

        

           



My new housemates and it is so fun living with them! The ever-so-passive-give-and-take kind of relationship this couple has made me realized that friendship is a big factor in a successful marriage...Thank you for entrusting me to be your housemate..!! 

Ms. Bianca Gonzalez.

The reason why I am into blogging, the reason why I pursued my passion in travelling and the reason why I am trying to see things in a positive way...so inspired by Bianca about her passion in traveling and in doing a lot of things but still manages to give time to be with her family...I wish I can be atleast half of what she has achieve not necessary in the career part but in how she looks at life in a positive way and not be discouraged by the failures that life brings..but instead look at it as a lesson that will mold us... to make us stronger.. Thank you for inspiring me to had a FEARLESS 2013! Still thinking on what my theme this year though... :)


Ms. Tin Gamboa.

The girl who loves basketball, shorts, t-shirts, jerseys, hoodies, caps and Jordans! Me na Me!!!! This girl really can rock the basketball world... she knows basketball...!!


My Family.

Ofcourse.. My Family. They will always be in my list... my inspiration, my strength, my everything... I am who I am right now because of them and I am very blessed to have a family that supports and loves me for who I am.. for accepting my failures, imperfections and shortcomings.. Thank you for being there always! Love you so much Papa, Epoy and Kang!


To-whoever-that-makes-me-smile.

Ahmm...Yeah... You're part of my list... Thank you!! :)


My God Almighty.

These and many more sums Him up...

Thank you for giving me an awesome 2013, Lord.

                                               Xoxo, Ypai

#WeDoCare

Sixteen days after super typhoon Yolanda hit my coutry Philippines...
An overwhelming responsed by the whole world. Help is everywhere.
Billions worth of cash, pledges, manpower were given to the Philippines and we Filipinos are so grateful and thankful to all people, organizations, and countries who donated and helped those who are affected by the typhoon.
On behalf of the victims, a sincere thank you to all of you. Really appreciated all your help. And this also shows that in times of crisis, there are still people who got our back..

“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.”  ― Albert Pike

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better."  ~Dr. Seuss

As what have Barbara de Angelis has said..
Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.
God will surely bless you all, GIVERS.



                                                                                             Xx, Ypai

Thank you, World!!

From the Philippines and the Filipino people...
Thank you, World!

                                                                                   Xx, Ypai M.



"Tulong na, Tabang na, Tayo na!" (Come on, let's help!)

November 8, 2013. A Super Typhoon Yolanda ( Haiyan) hit my country Philippines. Many people were killed, many families were left homeless, a devastating scene that I only saw on movies but now is happening in reality.. It is so heartbreaking to watch the news.. seeing horrific videos of people trying to save their dear lives and seeing the aftermaths of the storm makes me weep..  and I can't just seat here and not do anything.. I may not be able to help physically but I do believe that my prayers will be a big help for those who are affected by the typhoon...I am out of words now.. let the pics show it all...

And for those people who want to help the victims of the typhoon, here are some organizations that accepts donations, whether it is in kind or cash...

 

We can also help thru text.. a Philippine National Red Cross initiative in partnership with Globe Telecommunications and Smart Communications.. 

So, take your pick and let us help the typhoon victims and share some of our blessings to the needy ones... May we feel God's hand touching our hearts.. no matter how small/big or whatever we will be donating.. it is still a help.. as the famous saying goes.. "it's the thought that counts" .. 
And just like our National Flag, Pinoys will rise and keep on shining with the help of our creator because God gives his hardest battles to His strongest people.. in no time Pinoys will just shake off the dirt, rebuild what has been lost and continue living and just SMILE and say WE SURVIVED.

Standing Still

 A rainbow after the rain... a hope amid difficulties and unfairness of life.

                                                         Praying Always....                                  

                                               Xx, Ypai M.