Things Every Marriage Needs

Beliefnet.. Inspiration. Spirituality. Faith.

Here's an insight of Belief Net's featured content about marriage and my thoughts too..

10 Things Every Marriage Needs from Belief Net:

1. Open Communication.

◄ Belief Net: Marriage is sometimes difficult - don't compound it by keeping secrets. Tell each other everything and your relationship will show the results.
◄ Personal Note: I completely agree to this. Open communication is very vital in every relationship. It feels good to be a speaker and a listener to your partner and vice versa. The fact that you could tell each other anything under the sun regardless if it's something important or sense less only means you're comfortable. Others may keep secrets on you but not you to each other. It is the key to be sensitive and be aware towards each other's point of views, stories and in sights. 

2. Team Work

◄ Belief Net: Working together is a part of any successful marriage. However you need to, carry the load equally.

◄ Personal Note: As they say it takes two to tango.. Any relationship won't be successful if there's only one working for it. It is a joined commitment. Together you fall, together you rise. 

3. Focus on Spirituality 

◄ Belief Net: Stay focused on what matters by praying, studying, and learning together.

◄ Personal Note: Let us not forget the BIG G above in every little thing we do. Marriage is a big leap. A very challenging stage. Engaging your relationship with HIM will make your outlook more positive that no matter how hard the storms you'll get through, HE's there to help and guide you.

4. The Same Goals 

◄ Belief Net: While you may have different interests, you need the same goals. Kids? Where you want to live? How much you want to travel? This is where you need to be on the same page.
◄ Personal Note: Precisely!  You have to be on the same page when it comes to plans and major decisions. Let us not forget, you're no longer one but BONDED AS ONE. Certainly, you need to hear each other's opinion but at the end of the day you need to come up with one mutual verdict. 

5. A Clean Home

◄ Belief Net: It is undeniable that having a nice place to spend your time will increase happiness and keep your relationship strong. Work together to keep your place nice and it will ease your stress!
◄ Personal Note: I believe that the ambiance of a house reflects who the couple is. If  your home is dis-organized, chances are you two fits the same trait. More of a come what may. But being clean and well coordinated goes along your relationship and perspective. Anyhow it's not a hard task. Do it together with fun and joy, surely you'll find it as a hobby and an asset.

6. Budgeting

◄ Belief Net: One of the biggest mistakes couples can make is not keeping up with their money. Budget together and keep the power out of just one person's hands, and money won't stress you out!

◄ Personal Note: It is connected to no. 1. If you have a smooth and open communication, there's no doubt monetary stuff will be an issue. You both can be the accountant and auditor. Feel free to let each other be mindful about your expenses, payable and daily income. Remember, both of you are part of the decision making and have the say about any matter in between.

7. Time Alone

◄ Belief Net: While it's always fun together, taking a little time alone can make your time together that much sweeter.
◄ Personal Note: There will still be few differences to consider so allow each other to have some time on their own. Respect and accept.

8. Sex

◄ Belief Net: Yeah, I wrote it. Physical intimacy is an important part of any marital relationship. Be on the same page about it, but always keep the passion alive.
◄ Personal Note: It may be true to some, but so long as you care at each other and the sweetness remains that's what truly matters. A simple kiss and hug is enough. It maybe not as intimate as it is, but it means so much that not a word is needed. It is suffice to be felt.

9. Others

◄ Belief Net: Having good friendships and good relationships with family is essential for a good marriage. They can give you fun times, good advice, and a lot to think about.
◄ Personal Note: Your love ones will always have a special portion in your heart. It is overwhelming that you could share your journey with them specially your family and you will be guided by their own stories and episodes of what had happen or may happen. They are your foundation. 

10.Love

◄ Belief Net: The most important ingredient in any marriage is simple - love. If you love each other selflessly everything else will fall into place.
◄ Personal Note: Save the best for last. Indeed, all of these won't be possible if there's no love. You don't wanna just say yes to a person just with the thought of getting married. Absolutely, the person you hold on to, the one who catches you, your security blanket, the one you could cry and laugh with, the one who untiringly tolerates you on your tantrums and just simply accepts you in anyway is what true love is all about.

If all these are true to your eyes and what your heart desires, you know in your heart the real essence of marriage. If all else fails, your partner will always be the first and the last person you could think you have save to still  believe that life is perfect at least one aspect of it.

Make You Feel My Love

The past few days had been challenging and quite emotional. Decisions that were hardly finalize. There were down times, all the stress and mind bothering thoughts, and scenes that you can't get rid but to long for the one you love. These were the moments you hold on to the Lord God and to the people close to your heart that you knew wont turn their back on you, ready to listen, will tap your back and hug you the tightest they could to let you feel you're not alone, you're with them through your happiest up to the lowest point of your life. If only I could gather all of them and thank them one by one and let my warmest embrace be felt, I would want to. My family will always be my family, I love them so much that looking back on my childhood up to the present until my grandest times, they will be my forever foundation of love, of learning , my reason of gaining treasured moments and an affection not defined by physical essence but through actions and state of love in tender, protection and a different level of support and happiness. 

But this person , my best friend, my critic, my joke-cracker, my partner (I considered my husband), my source of strength and happiness who untiringly lift me and just love me unconditionally. Thank God for giving us another chance.. Our love is exceptional. It is not measured by the number of days, months nor years that were together, it is how we survive all the difficulties, how we accept each others shortcomings and learn from our differences a-midst the miles apart. I love him so much and I would always want to let him feel how much I really do.

It was very timely that I was hooked to this link of Leah Michele's episode from Glee as a tribute to her boy friend Cory Monteith who just recently passed away. I was moved with every word she sang. I felt how she missed Cory so much and it really made me teary eyes. It was painful but beautifully dedicated to the love of her life. And that should be a lesson to all of us. Let us show our love ones how much they mean to us. Let's not waste time. Let's not count how much we receive rather just do everything for them. For we were given just one opportunity to live. As every second being with them is a blessing, a gift and a forever wealth and reverence. 

When the rain

Is blowing in your face

And the whole world

Is on your case

I could offer you

A warm embrace

To make you feel my love

When the evening shadows

And the stars appear

And there is no one there

To dry your tears

I could hold you

For a million years

To make you feel my love

I know you

Haven't made

Your mind up yet

But I would never

Do you wrong

I've known it

From the moment

That we met

No doubt in my mind

Where you belong

I'd go hungry

I'd go black and blue and

I'd go crawling

Down the avenue

You Know there's nothing

That I wouldn't do

To make you feel my love

The storms are raging

On the rolling sea

And on the highway of regret

The winds of change

Are blowing wild and free

You ain't seen nothing

Like me yet

I could make you happy

Make your dreams come true

Nothing that I wouldn't do

Go to the ends

Of the Earth for you

To make you feel my love, To make you feel my love..

BE AWARE AND CONSCIOUS!

It was a week ago since my last post here and still there's one unpublished draft on my dash board that I find time consuming because of the photo editing and my pending part 2 of the 88 Days in India(the exact content) that I really want to share. Now, I got to checked my account at Bloglovin and there's a new follower Miss Whitesmith and I had the chance to catch up on some unread posts and part of it was Rica Peralejo's version of Lost and Found (there's a link at the bottom directing to her website that I constantly read). I felt she was saddened about the lost of her Ipad because it's important to her but still she let it go and rather focused on her active involvement with their organization participated in sessions with God. 

I had the same feeling with what happened early this year. It was not my first loosing a valuable, it had happened a lot of times but the recent encounter was the most traumatic. Take note, two consecutive incidents. 

First incident.
I really thought that working closer to our home is way better but with my case it was a nightmare. More than the reputation of the company, the salary breakdown and a lot more benefits, it was really an advantage that my parents need not to bring me to work as the company premise is just a jeepney ride away from our home. Unfortunately, all these convenience were no longer favorable because of a dreadful episode I had.
It seemed like an ordinary day. Exhausted after work. And like the usual we waited 2 hours after our shift(from 3 to 5 am) for our own safety which is part of the so called isolated world of the call center industry working on a graveyard and rotating shifts. I had a bad habit of keeping all my stuff just inside my bag and at that time all my valuables were literally just inside my bag. So timely I withdrew ten-thousand pesos from my account and more than two thousand pesos in my wallet, roughly a total of 12-13 k. I need to do that because I don't have time to go to the bank. I just want to have enough sleep after work. And so my wallet, together with all bank cards, my shoes, company id, cellphone were all gone in just a blink of an eye. We were walking and it was still dark(nearly 5 am). We were four, but when we crossed the street we walked by two's and I was at the back right side closer to the cars passing by. I saw it coming..
A very fast approached motorcycle(yes, a riding in tandem). I was stunned. I didn't even know that the other guy was hardly grabbing may bag with the thought at the back of my mind, "What are you doing?This is mine!" ..Until I felt my right arm was in pain already and so I had to let go. I was in shocked. I was so intimidated that I couldn't forget how he sharply looked at me. If only they want my bag I'll give it. But at that very moment, it was too quick. It was all gone. All my hard-work until the pay day will only be spent by others whom I don't know and the most painful part was the trauma. I was shaking and crying the whole time. My colleague lend me money so I could go home. I couldn't even pressed the house' buzzer until my uncle saw me crying and then I told them my bag was snatched and they saw my right arm all in red. Of course they were shocked too and very anxious about what happened. I couldn't afford to narrate all the story yet. Papa and mama told me not to think of what I loss but to be thankful that I'm still safe. I sobbed in the room the whole time and I couldn't believe I was the victim. I called babe, our company, the bank and smart telco to blocked my no.
Because of that terrible experience, I resigned and moved to a different company. It took me a while to recover. I'm just thankful that I have my family,babe and love ones  to protect me and lift me up. I knew I couldn't bring my valuables back. But along with it, I let go of that encounter and not to dwell on it. I need to learn and be stronger. As they say, what goes around comes around. Since then, I don't bring my valuables with me. Just my allowance and a cheap phone. I'm more observant and alert. Also I'm "tamang hinala" ..I'd rather be that way than being so complacent and with God's grace I had moved on..

my bag, phone, id and all the items in it :(

Second Incident..
Yes, not later that the first incident. It was not just me but my family got involved on another "nakawan".
I was about to go to work. That was 6 in the morning and as his usual routine papa went out to buy something for breakfast and I was inside the wash room, and my stuff was on top of the bed (papa's room at our shop) and laptop was left on top of the table. I thought all along, nothing entered the shop that papa wasn't around yet so I didn't bother not until he came. Then he asked mama if she took the laptop with her. So they checked upstairs and it wasn't there. And when I entered his room.. wtf! my phone and my bag was missing too! so I told them, and figured out the thief stole my stuff(again!) , laptop(take note including the charger) and portable dvd player. Wow! so unfortunate! we're all pissed but I thank God the person didn't hurt me nor entered the washroom where i was and never had bumped face to face with him that surely I might freaked out.
What a good Samaritan, the sweeper was! When papa asked her if she saw someone she detailed her encounter with a guy who took a garbage bag and was unease and his actions disturbed the sweeper that caught her attention. She described the person and papa quickly took the car together with my brother. They slowly roam around and saw someone who fits the adjectives given by the sweeper. He asked my brother to kept an eye contact to the person and parked the car nearby. And so, they were right! He smashed the guy's face and he ran. The garbage bag was left and they checked it. My bag, our laptop and dvd player were inside. We redeemed our stuff except for my watch and money..
It may not be that necessary but again, it was just so recent when I felt the same fear. After what happened, we always make sure to locked(double-locked) our shop.Thank God we survived and we were all secured.

I shared this experiences so we can be aware of such unpredictable instance that may come our way. Letting go of things is a lot easy.. Be it.. Rather than putting yourself to risks. Also we may not forget to seek guidance to the Lord God. He will be our armor and our forever security blanket..

OUR FIRSTS... ♥♥♥ (PLACES, FOOD TRiPPIN', EVENTS/meet&greet )

It was so unanticipated, unforeseen how we crossed each other's path. Definitely a long story to tell.. Anyhow, here I am quite astonished how time flies so fast. Next month we'll be celebrating our 36th, allow me to look back and share all our firsts in the last 3 years ☺ ..

I was 19 back then when destiny find its way for me and babe(naks!hahaha) at Philam Plans Makati(the rest is history :D) and we started going out..

♥♥♥ PLACES... ♥♥♥

Our first ever date!

◄I will never forget our first ever date! We're suppose to go to Tagaytay but it was raining so he decided to brought me at Brittany Bay (my first). It was for me a romantic place tho I have not enjoyed the nice view from there because it was too dark. 

◄We had our dinner at Dencios and coffee at Figaro afterwards. We were a bit aloof at each other but that's given. It went well. I honestly don't want to go home yet but he wanna make sure I'll be home early and safe, so there.. hahahaha

..A lot of things happened in between. Drama. No dating.. No talking.. None at all.

Then..

Years after. An answered prayer. Papa God not just grant my prayers, He gave me who I really want. ☺

Yes. It was a very challenging and heart breaking 2 years of not seeing each other. But God is good. We know it was according to His plans and what matters is our present and future.

Another first after 2 years..

◄A smile that misses.. A cuddle and kiss that welcomed and comforts.. A cute and sweet rose.. Long drive to Tagaytay. Red light where traffic jam was first appreciated for some reason.. Car window opened. Enjoyed the breeze of fresh air. 

◄Road trip. Mushroom burger. Happy hearts.. One of the most memorable time together..

With that being said, stolen times were filled with countless memories..

Our first out of  town!

◄Come what may! All unplanned. Discovered new place. Road trip. Mixed emotions.. Excitement. Anxiety. 

◄Welcomed Batanggas City! ("San po ang malapit na simbahan?") 

Cool wind.. Marked our first journey in Lipa. ☺

Our first Sunday at San Sebastian Cathedral in Lipa City

◄Opportunity for a Sunday Mass. San Sebastian Cathedral(our favorite church). 

◄Met our Father Boy.. Blessed couple.. Just getting started.

Our  first at Redemptorist Church

◄Range over.. Visited a chapel. Exploring Lipa City. Guardhouse/balay ☺ 

Our first at Anfa Royale Hotel and first ever over night!

◄3 days vacation(first time)! Yes! our first over night! Mid-night stroll then ate goto(my first).. Goto na may calamansi o Calamansi na may goto?hahaha..  

◄2nd day.. Church visit. Lunch at Uncle C.(superb!) then travel all the way to Tagaytay?(or should I say,road tripping back to Manila then Tagaytay?).. Heart pounding ride! Driver texting while driving?! (Kapit na kapit mode!wtf!) hahaha.. Meet and greet. San Mig. Sleepless night..

◄3rd day.. Attended an early wedding. All rushed. Rainy day. Newly weds. Haggard moments. (Si Mark kase eh..) 

Blast!

Our first at Manila Post Cards Bed and Breakfast

◄Overnight stay. Stroll. Parade. Tobacco. Sinangag Meals/Tipid meals? hahaha..

◄Card games. Foreigner/Model? hahaha..

Our first at Mt. Carmel, Batanggas City

◄Church Hunt. Visited Mt. Carmel.. The explorers.. 

Our first at Christmas Factory

◄Projection? hahaha.. bought Christmas souvenirs.. Savoring the spirit of Christmas! hahahaha

First time Casino!

◄Casino at Manila Grand Opera Hotel. Slot Machine. Won a 100..break-even! hahaha

◄Gamble.. Enough..hahaha

Our first visit in Tanauan City ☺

◄Batanggas give us some lovin! ..New town. 2nd to the checklist.

◄Dairy Moor Cafe.. Kapeng Barako. Church Visit. Stroll..Indulgence. Mimi Pan. 

Another first in Mataas na Kahoy

◄And more! Traversed..3rd town, Checked! Day dreaming ("Patayo tayo ng bahay sa tabi ng factory?? huh? hahaha) ("Babe wala pang botika dito masyado,sarap magpatayo ng botika")

◄Solar panel.. stroll.. happiness!

First vacation at Valentino Resort and Spa! ♥♥♥

◄Our first weekday getaway,an advantage! late vacation full of joy and pleasure! memorable.. hang over.. 

◄Lomi cravin' ..Burp! Sleepy husband! (Inaantok ako) oink!hahaha  

#no typhoon could hinder us hahaha

♥♥♥ FOOD trippin'... ♥♥♥

Our first night market in Lipa

◄Joined the night market experience. My first to some tusok,ihaw.. 

Supportive husband?.. (o maipilit lang?haha) (Kaya mo yan..Go! Oh eh di nalunok mo na..) hahaha 

◄CHICKEN FEET? (yuck hahaha) ISAW, DUGO MAITIM (hahaha), PROBEN? (tama ba?)

#all for the sake of love hahaha ☺

Our first dine-in with Uncle!

◄ Ads. Rode the tric. Very accommodating. Relishing Uncle Cheffy Lipa,Batanggas..

The dishes we tried..

◄GRILLED OYSTERS(appetizer) in ginger green mango relish 

..Our favorite! (Simot! up to the last juice! hahaha)

◄MOLINO (salad) root vegetables and fruit salad in spicy cream dressing topped with fish fillet 

..Not our favorite! hahaha We almost puke literally.. hahaha We just liked the fish fillet not the salad,iwwwwww..... hahaha (Hindi na mauulit :D)

◄BRICK-OVEN PANIZZA(seafood lovers) with toppings of salmon, shrimp, clams, squid, herbs, onion and 3 cheese

..We liked it! Yummy! The old-school pizza.

◄BROWN RICE PILAF and ASIAN FRIED RICE

..It's really delicious.Very tasty and rich. (Kanin palang ulam na hahaha)

◄NEW ENGLAND POT ROAST BEEF(main course) with root vegetables and carrots 

..We loved it! The flavors were great!

◄CHOCOLATE ROULADE with stuffed mango yogurt (dessert)

◄CHEFFY CHEESECAKE (dessert)

..I liked the roulade instead. We can't wait to try the other dishes!

Our first at Penpen introduce by TOYCE

The dishes we tried..

◄Bicol Express with Laing

◄Chicken and Pork Adobo

◄Chicken Molo

◄Smoked Tapang Usa & Duck Egg Silog 

◄Bottomless Pandan Iced Tea (I super liked it)

Next stop..Another first with TOYCE at MANG LARRY'S ISAWAN (UP)

◄ We wont forget our first "gala" in UP Diliman with TOYCE. Long walk indeed! Not so good dine-in with one of their eatery and got loss just to look for Mang Larry and tried his isawan.  It was all worth the wait.. hahaha

Our first at Ingen's Cafe introduce by TOYCE again!

◄ Yes basta pagkain.. TOYCE? present! hahaha Very delicious and affordable! Loved every bits. From creamy pasta, the crinkle fries so yummy! crispy on the outside but so soft inside, the oh-so cute mickey mouse sandwich maker and its flavor (Loved the pepperoni and hungarian), down to dessert! (blue berry cheese cake craze!) (I'm literally craving while typing this hahahaha) Let's go back fab 4! ☺

The dishes/dessert we tried..

◄ Creamy Carbonara

◄ Seafood Pasta

◄ Mac n cheese with bacon 

◄ Pepperoni, Farmers Ham and Hungarian sausage sandwiches

◄ blue berry cheese cake

PRESENTING LOMI KING..Our first.

◄ Since we've been visiting Lipa countless times, we discovered a mouth-watering and superb Lomi in Batanggas that was actually featured in Saksi. Bowl full of lomi with seafood and veggie ingredients so appetizing, served hot, clean and relaxing place, very neat wash room and budget friendly. We keep on coming back here. ☺

The dishes/drinks/dessert we tried..

◄ Special Seafood Lomi

◄Garlic Bread

◄ Sinangag/Silog meals

◄ Fries

◄ Sandwiches 

◄ Frappe

◄ Mango yogurt

Unplanned dine-in at Cifu Asian Cooking..first time ☺

Long day.. Malling.. Unexpected dinner but we're really satisfied to tried it the first time. We liked it. Very palatable and appetizing. 

The dishes/drinks/dessert we tried..

◄ Hot Milk Tea

◄ Chicken feet

◄ Shrimp and Pork Siomai

◄ CIFU Cabbage Dumpling Noodle Soup

◄ Sweet and Sour Pork

◄ Cookies and Cream Shake

♥♥♥ EVENTS/meet&greet... ♥♥♥

Palaspas..

◄ Our first celebration of Palm Sunday together in Lipa City, San Sebastian Cathedral.

Click the links below to view our videos..

◄https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=361063243932465&l=4193957465411457806

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https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=361062373932552&l=6391584743193936517

GO USTE!

◄ UST Growling Tigers (babe's alma matter) vs. Ateneo Blue Eagles' Finals 2012.. Almost but not quite.. All support for babe.. First live basketball match together.. Our first in Moa Arena.. ("Iinom natin yan".. "Babe, wag ka ma-down" hahahaha)

Simbang Gabi

◄ Stroll.. Overnight.. House far away from home.. First Simbang Gabi ☺ .. Fun and very unforgettable.. Had night market.. We're sleepy but we made it! ☺ Cold.. rode tric. Able to finished the mass.. breakfast pancakes and coffee at mcdo.. back to our house.. slept.. a lot more. we're missing it....

M&I' Wedding

◄ Our first to attend a wedding (Mark and Irish.. "Si Mark kasi eh"hehehe) at Calaruega, Tagaytay City then Ibarra.. Overnight at Chateau Royale.. Slept around 2 a.m..woke up 5 a.m.  

◄ Meet and greet with babe's friends.. 

Dwayne meets Kuya Alex ☺

◄ First Bisita Iglesia.. Visited mommy and daddy.. First meet-up of babe and Dwayne ("Kuya Alex!!" ..ran.. half way there, turned.. then run back to me.. hahaha).

"Meet Toy" .. "Meet Alex"..

◄ After our visit in Lipa..Had dinner.. My husband's first to meet my sister and her partner.. My first to meet Toy.. and my sister's first to meet my love..  ☺ FUN & LOVE☺

cousins.. ☺

◄ my husband's first meet-up with my cousin Sheng on the left side, summer of 2012 and cousin Gwyneth on the right side, summer of 2013..Cafe Ingen, KFC, UP, Mang Larry, Egoys.. Lots of merriment and good memories..

mommy and daddy ☺

◄ timidness! hahaha ..My first meet-up with mommy Susan and daddy Dong.. babe's parents.. I was so shy! hahaha .. Had lunch at North Park.. my first to visit their house.. had egg pie meryenda.. long conversation.. laughter.. heart-pounding MAI hahaha.. My first in their pharmacy.. Out with babe.. road trip.. A long worthwhile day...

Finally! ☺

◄Astonished!  After years.. it's all worth the wait.. Finally, babe met Papa Duds!(for the first time..with papa and tito not the rest of my immediate family)

 FEARFUL MAI hahaha ..My 25th birthday.. dinner at Flavors of China then bonding at home.. My best birthday bash ever! ☺

We missed each other so much that every second to our relationship counts. We make sure that every opportunity that we can be together will be maximize.

It's proven that there's a rainbow after the rain. The times we missed will forever haunt us but it was replenished with bunch of milestones and treasured moments and surely there's more along the way. Can't wait 'til our 36th and our forever journey my love... I'm a happy wife.. ♥♥♥