RJ & Tina: To their beginning

It's been a while, since my last article about love and relationship. Well, maybe because of my mood into writing or what subject I must add into it.

It was in January of this year 2021 that I got a message from a friend. This friend of mine has a friend getting married, and she needs a photographer for candid shots. To cut it short, I was selected and thankful to witness the simple and solemn mass wedding ceremony. We all know due to pandemic, we follow strict protocols from our local government in handling this kind of mass gatherings.

Before I put into this writing, I asked the newly-wed Mr. and Mrs. Abalos if they can be my guests for my next article about love and relationship. With a smile plastered on their faces, I got another chance to write and be inspired about their love story.

Here are my questions for them to answer.
Q: How did you meet?

A: We met sa christening ng pamangkin ni RJ nung December 30,2019. Kaming dalawa lang ang nakaattend na god parents. (We met at the christening of RJ's nephew/niece on December 30, 2019. We were the only two god parents who attended.)

Q: How long been into relationship?

A: We got engaged after 11 months of dating, got married within 1 month. You know when you know (hehe).

Q: How do you describe your relationship and how it is unique amongst other relationships?
A: In one word, we'd say, destined. It may sound cheesy but looking back how we'd met, we can't help to think that it was all meant to be.

I have this romantic excitement as I keep on reading their messages and answers from my questions. I whisper to my myself “SANA ALL” (Hopefully ALL). That's the famous expression amongst Filipinos.

Let me also add Dr. RJ and Tina's excerpt post from their social media account. “In these trying times, wedding-planning is truly overwhelming. But the experience has its own kind of inexplicable feeling. Euphoric. Very intimate. We enjoyed being very hands-on. Sometimes it’s bewildering but nevertheless it’s fulfilling. We wanted to make every step special and personalized—from conceptualizing the overall design and direction, to making of the invitations, to even providing run sheets, to directing the music and lighting, and down to the smallest detail. But we didn’t really aim for a perfect wedding. We just wanted a memorable one! And we sure did!”

Photo credit: Badong Photography, Philippines

What is commitment? A committed relationship is an interpersonal relationship based upon agreed-upon commitment to one another involving love, trust, honesty, openness, or some other behavior. Forms of committed relationships include close friendship, long-term relationships, engagement, marriage, and civil unions. (source: wikipedia)

I want to add and share 10 sure-fire signs that you're destined to be together.
This was shared by Lisa Petsinis. She is a certified coach and a certified Myers-Briggs® type indicator practitioner.  (source-https://themindsjournal.com/ways-to-make-your-love-last/)

1. You have an unexplainable, deep connection.
2. You laugh at the same things.
3. You have undeniable chemistry (including sexual attraction!).
4. You feel at home.
5. You can disagree respectfully.
6. You share a common purpose. 
7. You lift each other up.
8. You “get” each other
9. You’re there for each other when it counts.
10. You’re willing to do what it takes.                                                                                     

Photo credit: Badong Photography, Philippines

Let the scriptures talk for my final statement and simple sharing.
    Proverbs 3:3-4: “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
    1 John 4:12: “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

    1 Peter 3:7: “In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.”

    1 John 4:16: “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

     Ephesians 4:2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Join effort with Badong Photography

Those who are still single like “me” well, it is not yet the end of the world. There are couples married at their young age, middle age and also married for the second time around.

As long as we are happy in our lives, we don't hurt people just to feel satisfaction and powerful, we still feel blessed and loved by people who really care for us.

Thanks for reading loving readers and viewers. Stay safe and be happy.

Relationship in Harmony

Falling in love with the right person in God's perfect  timing. Never thought a single man and a single woman are destined to be together.

The couple grew up in the same place and attended same school. However,  during their childhood days, they were unacquainted.

The mysterious way of their love story unfold when I asked, "How did you meet?"

Nowadays, social media including online dating website is the most influential medium in terms of finding a lifetime partner, searching for your better-half, or just merely expanding your circle of friends.

 Indeed,  Adam and Faye are members of the famous online dating website. I will give you a hint. If there is music,  there is harmony.  Who knows you will find it there too, the man or woman you've been waiting for so long.

In fact, I am a member also on this dating website. But I was not that active or serious in searching because I thought, it is only a scam. 

I backed out, when a certain amount appeared on the screen to subscribe and have all the benefits as a member.

First, I feel embarrassed when I join. In the sense that, I don't know which photo shall I upload to catch attention (Hahaha).  I am not confident enough to post photos of myself  in the eyes  of other people whom I don't know. I feel  intimidated looking at others  photo who are like models in Television, Billboards and Magazines.  

But  with the inspirational message from the newlywed   Adam and Faye, time can only tell where and when am I going to meet my future better-half.

To those who are still single and long waiting for their partner, patiently wait and seek guidance to the Lord.

Below is the message from the couple to all members of dating website:

"Give it a go, you have nothing to lose, don't be embarrassed as the one is out there. Online dating increases the chances of you finding them!

We did it and couldn't be happier.  If  we hadn't we wouldn't have found our soulmate!"

"The best thing to hold on to in life is each other"- Audrey Hepburn

Relationship stands the test of time

Love is a choice. Relationship is a mutual agreement that needs two people who are willing to weather it out in all the storms to come. Your partner should be your best friend, your lover and your partner for life.

I am back to face my laptop and tap the keyboard again. As I continue my journey in Langkawi, I met Mr. David and Ms. Berta whom I am going to feature on this article.

Happily married for three years and counting.  Both individuals have their own career with hectic schedules but still manage the time to spend holiday together.

The sparkle in their eyes when I popped the question, "How many years you've been together?"

I went through  reading and searching articles related on how to maintain  good relationship in a  long-term basis. I want to share the article of  The Love Queen which she pointed out the keys to make the relationship alive.

1.  Be happy with who you are. 
2.  Never brush of your partner
3. Respect your partner
4. Trust
5. Make time for intimacy
6. Surprise each other
7. Never forget to be sweet
8. Do not try to change your partner

11 years of long term relationship

Started dating since High School

Been married for 3 years

Long term relationship will only be successful if both work together with love and full trust. A good relationship is about navigating the numerous differences between you. 

Building a home

Your family is most certainly a priority in your life, and learning to better provide for them is very important.



We meet various situations every day, and some of them may not contribute to happiness. However, we can choose to keep thinking about the unhappy events, and we can choose to refuse to think about them, and instead, think about and relish the happy moments.

All of us go through various situations and circumstances, but we do not have to let them influence our reactions and feelings.

If we let outer events influence our moods, we become their slaves. We lose our freedom. We let our happiness be determined by outer forces. On the other hand, we can free ourselves from outer influences. We can choose to be happy, and we can do a lot to add happiness to our lives.

Life has ups and downs. 



There are frustrations, embarrassment, grievances, and grudges. On the contrary, when positive vibes envelope us, there is satisfaction, joy, contentment  and peace of mind.

Smile in your heart

Relationship builds friendship for two hearts and souls with one goal.

A sharing with couple from Japan spending their holiday trip in Langkawi. It was a bright sunny day when I met Ms. Yoko and Mr. Takahiro. We had a short talk  that last for half an hour. The meeting of two different nationalities (I'm Filipino) considered to be a lifetime friendship.

Mingling with other people  with mutual trust, understanding and acceptance no matter who you are, what races or nationalities he/she may be is a genuine interaction.

Friendship is intangible gift. It is a two-way process of giving and receiving. As Ms. Yoko and Mr. Takahiro continue to their journey, I wish them both success, lifetime happiness and love being together.

You're Still the One

Nowadays few couples have lived a married life successful. The happily ever after story is no longer exists with today's generation. As the percentage of Divorce  and Annulment cases are increasing.

But I will consider the couple I met in Bali, who married at a very young age. They were blessed with two lovely grown-up daughters.

Despite of being married for 31 years,  the love, trust, sweetness and affection still present in their relationship.  

You're still the one, after 31 years

Here are the tips to fall in love with your spouse/partner all over again:

(source: http://iheartintelligence.com/ author by: Milen Raychev)

1. Realize what made you love them in the first place.
2. Communicate with your partner how do you feel about the relationship
3. Pay attention to your partner.
4. Think about how often you actually share a physical contact.
5. The longer you keep yourself away from other people, the harder it will be to get back to them.
6. Never allow a negative thought.
7. You have to stop looking for perfection.
8. To make them love you again. Increase mutual understanding by working together to meet each other's needs.
9. Focus on all the positives of the relationship.
10. Travel together into new places.
11. Admired them as you admire them in the past.
12. Approach your relationship with complete trust.

Above all put God as the center of your relationship. And everything will be all right.

Pres. Duterte vs. Yellow Ties

As year 2016 comes to an end, we will face another challenges or embrace greater opportunities as new year comes.

davaoeagle.com

Filipinos united for better future and great changes under the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.  Those who are anti-Duterte in the Philippines and around the globe, these are the people who hate changes and who do not accept  defeat.

Let us make an example of  the cronies of the previous administration, the oligarchs who poisoned the mind of the innocent people.  These oligarchs control the media, allowing themselves to be powerful,  hide their being incompetence,  suppress what is really the threat in our country, and worst change our history.

flickr.com

gmanetwork.com

These  people (officials and allied)  under the circle of "Yellow Tags",  are planning or I may say working  secretly  to destroy and destabilize the present administration. Instead of being cooperative and helpful to the oppressed society ,  they are rather  threat to our security.

We are afraid of  changes.  If we only open our mind, think of the future,  and have concern to the society, then let the changes begin in ourselves.

The government is  leading us for a better tomorrow. The government  tries to  eradicate graft and corruption. The administration wants to correct  the damage done by the previous  administration by implementing new  rules, regulations and laws to discipline the society.

The war against drugs and corruption, the debate regarding death penalty, and  the issue about extrajudicial killings.  The  social media again has something to do with current situation. The bias correspondents and media research team  working on these. They were  fabricating the story from their own perception  and diverting the issue from  what is real. 

cloudmind.info

Why at this present administration, the foreign and local press corps only highlighted the war against drugs, corruption, the violence and massive killings?

Why the press corps had forgotten the issues  from the past administrations  especially of former President Noynoy Aquino  that up to now were unsolved?

People are sometimes judgmental.  We don't see our own mistakes, but rather we easily jump into conclusion about  the negative deeds of our fellowmen.

memebuster.net

My Points of View: Strengthening Couple Relationship

My Points of View: Strengthening Couple Relationship: I am back to write an article about love and relationship. From Bali with love, I am ready to face my computer and tap the keyboard agai...

Strengthening Couple Relationship

I am back to write an article about love and relationship.

From Bali with love, I am ready to face my computer and tap the keyboard again.

Thank you to all my followers and readers  who are following my blog. I wholeheartedly extend my thanks  to my special guests who gave me permission to feature their love message and photos on this article.

When you are with the "One", you feel happy, contented, secured,  and loved. How do you strengthen your relationship whether in a long distance or even you are together?

"my happiness is to stay beside of you"

The couple is like a sculptor in the construction and shaping of their marriage. 

The sculptor may create several approximations before creating one that will "work."

The couple can likewise recreate, re-frame, or renew a relationship, but it is a difficult venture. The sculpting is compounded in marriage because there are two persons with two different perceptions of the relationship.




There are two sets of needs to be considered and two sets of expectations which are involved. It is possible for two people of good will to discuss their future possibilities together, and to reconcile differences that arise. It is also possible for a couple to realize a greater amount of their marriage potential.

Marriage ought to foster the growth of authentic love between man and woman. This love should evolve as a mixture of greater humanness between the partners (also called friendship) and a meaningful sexual relationship, based on respect, trust and compassion. This deep and meaningful love is devoted to the welfare of each other. (source: http://strongermarriage.org/htm/married/strengthening-the-couple-relationship/)

Components of satisfying marriage.
1. TRUST- built on mutual respect and acceptance of differences.

2. COMMITMENT- you commit yourself and take responsibility

3. SKILLS- both partners be skillful at understanding others, expressing needs, listening to each other, wise decision making, negotiating and managing conflicts and having meaningful communication. Both partners should also know their responsibility like in household chores and parenting.

4. CARING- being supportive of each individual's growth and personal interest. Caring for 

relationship.

"we feel blessed beyond measure. Thanks Jesus"

5. RECIPROCITY- helping each other to fulfill individual roles. Exchanging positive rewards.

6. EFFORT- in any relationship, effort is part of it. Taking time to work on your marriage. 

7. EXPECTATIONS- try to be realistic. Don't try to change your partner just to meet your expectation. 

" all the best in their future of married life"

"amore che dura per tutta la vita"

"when you find true love, cherish and nurture your love for each other
And it will keep you happy."
                                 

"Let  there be spaces in your togetherness, and let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together, yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, and the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow."- Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

Challenge of a Long Distance Relationship

More and more young couples are struggling with launching two separate careers at the same time that they are launching a relationship. Frequently, couples in this situation quote “absence makes the heart grow fonder” as a way of reassuring themselves and each other that their love will sustain them over the difficulties of distance and time.

Couples in a long distance relationship face: Communication problems, Psychological and Relationship problems.

1. Communication Problems- communication is the important ingredient in all relationships.

  - When couple lives in different country and time zone.

 - Discrepancy over mode of communication

 - Difference in "primary love languages

 -Dependence on technology

2. Relationship Problems

 - Possibility of growing apart

 -  The challenge of dependence

 -Lack of physical interaction

 -Absence of tangible support

 -Issues blown out of proportion

3. Psychological Problem

  -Loneliness

 -Depression

 -Anxiety

 -Insecurity

 -Uncertainty

What can a couple do to preserve their love and relationship over the miles?

1.Both members of the couple are committed to the commitment.

2.Both members keep their partners visible to the people around them, as well as to themselves.

3.The arrangement meets the needs of both people.

4. The arrangement is within each partner's physical "intimacy zone".

5. Both people are focused on their careers when they are working and on each other when they are together. 

6. They consider carefully whether they have what it takes to add a "third career" (child-rearing) to the mix.

Prayer is a strong weapon to a weakening relationship. Put God as a center of your relationship plus patience, trust, endurance, a strong sense of commitment, and healthy communication between couple is key to tackle the problems and challenges of a long distance relationship.

Photos taken in Maldives

sources from Authors: Dr. Marie Hartwell-Walker and Sejal Parikh

Touch Life

As I walk through this path, I ask myself if I am going to approach them and would ask "what keeps you looking forward in life?"  But then, I just shut my mouth and silently observe them.

As I went back home, I search again my favorite inspirational article from "TinyBuddha.com"

I would like to share on my personal blog the said article.

Why we should look forward to more of each day? "Looking forward to even the smallest parts of your day can't only make the day more enjoyable, but can also improve your outlook on life, help you appreciate the things you have, keep you from getting stressed out, and help you have better relationships."