overthemoonandunderthesun

[overthemoonandunderthesun]

Looking in, in times of Quarantine

I thought most of us had a bad 2019, but 2020 proved it can do better.. errr, badder. lolol. I’ve been working remotely for almost 8 years, and if not for the Covid-19 pandemic, i wouldn’t know that they call my set-up a QUARANTINE. While most of you probably are working from home, i am here in my same routine, same set-up at home - but literally without work to do. All my clients from the F&B and Hospitality are the major industries affected with the lockdown. While most of the employers and government officials are announcing how the employees will be paid and covered during this lockdown, Freelancers and most people in the creative industry are left unsupported just like the rest with no-work no-pay workers. Tough times i know, but as they say, you wouldn’t know what you’re made of if you haven’t been pressed. 

So that being said, let me share with you some of my takeaways from the first week of under being on lockdown, and may i have many more takeaways to come after this:

1. God’s sovereignty and power cannot be refuted. 

Sovereign means He is in full-control, all-authority to the whole world and whatever happens in it ( which includes calamities, sickness, death, etc). No matter how invincible we think we are, God can change it in a snap of his fingers. He is THAT powerful. First world countries suffer just like the third-world countries, no one is greater than Him. I know this virus is man-made, or we can say caused by the evil in this world, but it is still God who allows it for His greater purpose. And just as powerful as He is, He is also the same God who is merciful, loving and patient to His people.  

2. Having a work/job is a blessing, not a burden.

Most of us are so tired from jobs that we feel it is a burden to carry day in and day out. I completely understand that some of us have so much load to carry and that they are just working to have ends meet, and it has been the cycle of their lives. Let me share you that when the Covid-19 was just starting and the local news has began saying it’s been spreading from one place to another, i got anxious too and couldn’t help but worry that my clients would soon need to freeze my services. True enough, they didn’t have a choice but to close and freeze my contracts. During these times that i constantly remind myself who God is - a father who provides, the God who owns everything, the God who is a promise-keeper. I praise God for giving me a job that i love, i learned to constantly pray for my clients for them to easily recover, and as i expectantly wait for His answer to my prayers, everyday i choose to put my confidence in Him that i shall lack nothing. So for those of you who feel so burdened working from home and can’t go out, maybe it’s time to look at the less greener side to appreciate where you’re at. :)

3. It’s okay to slow down. Take care of your well-being.

I’ve been working hard since the day after i graduated from college (17 years?!) and this is the loooongest time i ever stayed at home without doing anything work-related. Even if i’m on vacation, i still have my laptop with me doing some work, so it’s pretty uncomfortable for me to watch each day pass without the thought of checking and sending emails. God is telling us that it is okay to slow-down and take a rest. A much needed rest. Taking care of our body and health is also a form of worship to God. Do not abuse it, do not consume anything that can eventually cause sickness. We cannot accomplish God’s mission if our body is not working. Use this time to recuperate for bigger things ahead, to sit still, reflect and communicate with Him. We have no excuses now that we have all the time to pray and seek Him.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

4. Save, Save, Save!

Who would know that this could ever happen to the whole world in just a couple of months? I praise God for the past months of provisions and opportunities that i was able to save up, without even thinking of some deadly virus would soon creep in. I just thought of saving because i know i cannot depend on anyone but myself and God during hard times. I was also taught by my mom to always save a portion of my income, no matter how small or big it is. So now that i literally don’t have work, i don’t need to sell some designer bags just to keep up. Who would see it if you’re locked down inside the house anyway? What i’m trying to say is that, learn to prioritize and be a good steward of God’s blessings.

Proverbs 13:7 One pretends to be rich,[a] yet has nothing;   another pretends to be poor,[b] yet has great wealth.

5. At the end, it is still family that matters most. 

With all the news and Covid-19 cases coming in daily, it is a big reminder how life is short, and that nobody is invincible. Today we are forcefully pushed to stay inside, spend time with family and look after one another. Maybe this is the perfect time to check on your aging parents, notice their lines and wrinkles and realize they are happy you are finally home. Same goes for busy parents, take time to talk, laugh and share stories with your kids without being in a hurry. Make good memories out of the bad times.

6. Take care of Mother Earth, please!

Now is a time where mother earth speaks for herself, no need for the rallies and demonstrations. Her voice is much louder than ours! Goosebumps every time i see posts showing nature taking back its place now that humans are inside their houses. It’s like looking at a zoo, but switching places. What a joy to see bluer skies and big fluffy clouds every time i look out the window. Maybe that’s one of the silverlinings that God gives us a better view outside even if we’re locked in. Imagine if we have no choice but to see a smog-filled skyline.  I hope that when this pandemic ends, we’ll learn to take care of mother earth more and be conscious in our little ways. Even spitting, throwing that candy wrappers, or even buying plastics. May this be a huge lesson for all of us. 

7. Count your blessings!

I admit, there’s a constant fear that creeps in my heart everytime i watch news, listen to the latest updates and realize this isn’t going good anytime soon. But that’s why we need to CONSTANTLY battle in prayers too. Everytime i get anxious, i need to remind myself and pray that God is good, and that He is unchanging. Truly, if you look just for yourself, your rights, your needs - you will be depressed and anxious, no doubt about that. But if we learn to look at others who are less fortunate, those who still need to go to work even if they will be at risk because they have no choice but to feed their families, and those frontliners who continuously battle for those who are sick, we will see how blessed we are inspite of our circumstances. My heart truly breaks for these people. This is also a chance to shine during the darkest times for our brothers and sisters in need, whatever and however way we can help, do it so as if we’re doing it for God as a sign of our thanksgiving to Him.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

First week and i got a handful of lessons already, how about you? Share your reflections and blessings below! God bless everyone, sending my virtual hugs and stay safe. We’ll get through this!

[overthemoonandunderthesun]

A Piece of Peace, please?

Lately i’ve been going through depression and frustrations caused by personal problems i’d rather not disclose. They say tears are also prayers to God when you can’t find the words to express it, and i guess with the buckets i collected, it already reached the heaven’s door. God indeed is truly quick to answer prayers. A very timely message i received last Sunday during our church service and it reminded me why i might be feeling crap lately.

It was about the 7th beatitude. Matthew 5:9, Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS, FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED THE SONS OF GOD. 

Suddenly the blanks in my head were filled. Whenever my boyfriend asks me what’s wrong, i cannot even explain it. There’s this ironic feeling of emptiness yet you feel like exploding with anger and so much emotions bottled in, and what’s worse, i couldn’t express it because i might hurt other people. 

And then came the word PEACE. 

PEACE is never the absence of turmoil outside. Peace is within. 

You can be in a very tranquil place, and still feel anxious and empty inside. All of us are looking for that peace. But why is it so elusive? In Isaiah 57:20, it says that “There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked.” Wicked doesn’t only speak about people who do murders or horrendous crimes. Wicked people in the bible is defined as people who do not have God, who feel they don’t need God in their life). 

YOU CANNOT HAVE PEACE UNLESS YOU HAVE PEACE WITH GOD. You need to be right with God first, before you experience the REAL peace that only comes from Him. After hearing this, i realized maybe i am not spending enough time with Him as much as i did before, not reading His words and talking to Him directly - that’s why anxious thoughts and sadness keeps on creeping in. Remember, when you feed yourself with junk food, you’ll be unhealthy and sick later on. Same with the spiritual aspect. So i guess i haven’t been feeding myself with good stuff lately.

God wants us to be peacemakers. How do you know if you are one (and not a troublemaker)?

Here are four characteristics:

Peacemakers takes INITIATIVE.

Matthew 5:23 - Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. FIRST GO AND BE RECONCILED TO THEM, then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 18:15-16 - If your brother sins, go and show him his fault IN PRIVATE; if he listens to you, you have won your brother..

I am guilty of this, i admit. We all do, i guess. I can last for days and weeks not talking to the person who offended me. Pride? I guess. And maybe the trust issues that comes with it, that i don’t want to get hurt by that person again, so i’d rather distance myself. But God doesn’t want that.  Another thing, instead of talking directly to the person involved, we tend to “vent out” to other people who is not involved and don’t have anything to do with the problem. There’s nothing wrong with sharing problems or talking to a friend about it, but if our goal is to resolve it, why not talk directly to the person who offended you? Instead of resolving the issues, it gets bigger and complicated because of other people’s additional opinion. We tend to cause others to stumble also by taking sides. Others even post on social media to rant instead of resolving it privately. Don’t wash your dirty linen in public, guys. Problems will soon be resolved, but the image and impression of other people who read it will remain.

God doesnt want factions and divisions among his children. Resolve it privately, not just to show maturity, but to show love for the person involve and to God. 

2. SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LA-LA-LOVE.

We are all imperfect people, bound to hurt each other, but it is better for an open rebuke than love that is concealed (Proverbs 27:5) You wouldn’t want to surround yourself with people who will always agree with you even if you are wrong. That’s not love.

If you love the person, you will correct him GENTLY. Proverbs 15:1 says A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a HARSH WORD stirs up anger.

3. A PEACEMAKER ASKS FOR FORGIVENESS AND FORGIVE OTHERS. 

Colossians 3:12-13: So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; BEARING WITH ONE ANOTHER, AND FORGIVING EACH OTHER, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 

You cannot forgive others deep in your heart, unless you experience being forgiven. Mark 11:25 Whenever you stand praying, FORGIVE, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.

TRUST and FORGIVENESS is different. It takes time to earn Trust when you forgive, but we are commanded to forgive immediately.

I just love this quote of William T. Mcelroy. If you find yourself growing angry at someone, pray for him - Anger cannot live in an atmosphere of prayer. 

When you are angry, do not focus on the mistake of the other person. Remember the 95-5 rule. Given that you are the one who’s angry, the 5% is your fault, and the 95% is from the offender. You take care of the 5% and forgive, let God take care of the 95%. 

4. A PEACEMAKER RECONCILE PEOPLE TO GOD AND TO ONE ANOTHER. 

Once we are reconciled with God, let us all be ambassadors of Christ, representing Him to everyone we meet and leading them to be reconciled with Him too. And when we say represent, it means we die of our own self and live a life that is Christ-like. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20. 

At the end of the sunday service, this attribute of God became very real to me. God is the true peacemaker. Even if i falter most of the times, being self-sufficient, ungrateful and stubborn, i know i am still His daughter because He keeps on pursuing and calling me back to Him, wanting us to be reconciled again and again, and again. And now i know, He will never ask me to do anything that He cannot do himself. The almighty, powerful God who created me wants me to be reconciled with Him, then who am i to say no? 

[overthemoonandunderthesun]

I’M A CHILDLESS MOTHER. A tribute to ALL moms.

Wait, what? 

How can someone be a mother without having a child? What does it really take to be called one?  

A CHILDLESS MOTHER vs. A MOTHERLESS CHILD 

If we try to think about it, both are ridiculous because we normally don’t call someone a mother without a child, and and it is even impossible to be born without a mom. But for some (whether having an absentee mother, losing their child or mom because of death or maybe having difficulties of conceiving), these are realities. This is where we’ll see the difference. A childless mom/woman, though may feel incomplete CAN and may choose to adopt or love another child if she wishes to. She has that innate OUTWARD flow of love that can’t be contained but to share whether it is her own child or not. A motherless child who is on the receiving end, usually feels abandoned, incomplete or may still feel a void or longing in his life whether there’s a substitute mother-figure who’s taking care of him. There’s a feeling like “it’s never the same with your own mom”. (Well, that’s a personal observation and opinion). I guess there goes the real connection between a mother and child upon conception to giving birth. 

I praise God that i never get to experience being motherless early in life. As i grow older, i realized the fact that MOTHERS ARE TRULY A GIFT FROM GOD, just as children are gifts to parents, thus we should always celebrate them while they are with us and never take them for granted. I thank God for giving me different kinds of “mother” in my life whom i look up to and learn bits and pieces from each of their situations.

There’s my MOM, who may not be very vocal and expressive, but serves us selflessly and who always love us unconditionally (whoever we love, she loves ‘em too!) She’s worked almost all her life to help my father raise us all 4 children and provide the best for us. She used to work as a meat vendor - going to the market usually at 2 in the morning till 1pm, leaving us to our helper and relatives during the day. When she gets home, she’s dead tired and will sleep until she needs to get up and go to work again. That’s basically her routine during my childhood days until mid highschool, it was only then she decided to rest. 

My pretty mom. I got my looks and style from her :) (that’s my brother not me lol)

Now that I’m grown up, I always treat them to a girls night out. With my mom and my elder sister

I barely knew her as a woman, as an individual other than being a mom because - who cares back then? All that matters was she’s there, i see her, we’re able to go to school, i have my barbies, we’re happy, that’s it. But i never get to think about what makes her happy, what makes her sad, is she crying? is she tired? can she afford that toy that i am begging her to buy? I can’t remember a time that i asked these questions. All i care was for her to be with us all the time just BECAUSE WE NEED HER. I didn’t understand back then until i grew older - like 30ish older. It was only now that i learned first hand that life is really, really hard when you are an adult, but she and my father made it so easy and comfortable for us, giving us a very good life. So good that my memories from childhood days only includes being dolled up with pretty dresses and hairpins that sometimes i don’t even like, lots and lots of dolls and theme park visits, surprise gifts and drawing stuffs to support my hobby. I even hated how she used to teach me to be practical when my father wants to buy me branded stuff and she keeps on whispering on the side “kapag sa palengke ka bumili nyan, sampu ang mabibili mo katumbas ang isang pirasong branded”. Now i am earning my own, i finally understood and learned how to value hard earned money. But there were also a LOT of spanking and discipline that i’ll never forget, to feeling being neglected because she’s busy with work. I never asked the whys and she didn’t explain it well either. Like the typical old school parents - YOU JUST OBEY. 

This was the day the doctor confirmed she has cancer. Though scared, she still managed to smile. Christ is bigger than any big C! 

Trying to be strong even when you feel like breaking down is one of the greatest achievement i had last year. :) Back in the clinic for treatment! :)

Now that she’s old, and stricken with cancer, she still manage to take care of us and make sure EACH ONE of her family members are okay, fed, and sheltered. Sometimes i feel like it is too much especially now that we’re all grown up, but i guess being a mother never ends. As i look at her sometimes and see how she’s changed physically, it hits me hard that life has passed by and we wasted so much time not living and loving enough. I am thankful that she’s still with us, that God is allowing us to make it up to her. 

Naynay Arlene, who’s been with us since i was in gradeschool.

I also have my Naynay. She’s been with us since my gradeschool days up to the present. Take note: she is single, no kids, no family of her own. She literally grew old with us. She’s the kind where i can tell my secrets and my heartaches not for any reason but because it is more comfortable, just like how we are with our friends. She’s like our second mom, but of course with pay. haha! She is the “naynay” of all generations, from us to my siblings’ children up to their children.  I’ve seen her sacrifices as well, of not marrying and having her own family just to be with us, of being disrespected sometimes, of not having rest days and many more. She’s experienced all these even if she’s not really OUR mom. Sometimes i’m wondering what life will be having my own children without a “naynay”. How lucky my older siblings are to have someone you can entrust your children while you are away. 

The women who always got my back! Naynay on the left and my mama on the right. 

My elder sister, who’s the epitome of a submissive wife. She’s the “yes-or-ill keep quiet-kind of wife” that i think i’ll never be. The simplest person i know that sometimes i feel she’s neglecting herself because, family first. As i quietly observe her sometimes, it makes me think really hard if i’ll ever be ready for a married life. It teaches me what i want and don’t want to be as a wife and a mother. I praise God for her and her little family because they shares me the joy of having Georgina and Dane as my “daughters” without losing much sleep and me-time, haha. I am their forever fifth wheel.

My mother’s day gift for them last year - GIRL’S DAY OUT! Shopping and dinner, all on me! (when will i ever experience this too? Palagi nalang bang ako? haha!)

There are my aunts, who are my #mommygoals. They inspire me as to how i want to be as a mom someday. Malambing, expressive and cool. They are all simple in their own ways, but still super cool and fun to be with. They are like barkadas with their children. They never fail to support and remind me that i am beautiful and worth loving. Women-support-women is part of our mantra.

My grandmothers from both sides, who raised a big bunch of children but were able to keep a close-knit family. Both grew old staying loyal and faithful to their one and only husband, till death do they part. That is rare these days. That is a #GOAL.

My friends and cousins - from single moms to happily married moms, from married without children or those who lost their babies to adoptive mothers and step moms, all of them have different stories of struggles and challenges but i always see them striving, laughing and living life as if having whatever kind of family they have is the best thing that ever happened to them. It reminds me that we can never have it all, but we don’t need to have it all anyways. 

All of these women, encompasses what being a mother is all about. They are all different, but bottomline is - they LOVE SELFLESSLY, FEARLESSLY. As for me who’s getting all the pressure to get married “because clock is ticking”, i learned there’s more to being a mom than just having a child because of these women. The sacrifice and heartache that comes along with it is not for someone who just want to see what her mini-me would look like. I’m not saying i don’t want to, but maybe God is still preparing me to be a good and godly mother by letting me take a sneak peak through these women’s lives.

Throwback. How time flies, now they’ve both grown into young ladies. :(

yearly valentine letters from my niece when she was still young. These things are more than enough for me.

Some of the kids i handled and taught bible lessons when i was in Back Street Kids Ministry. So much joy when i was with them.

kids kids kids from Back Street Kids Ministry! I miss them!

I’ve always been maternal, though i know i’m far from being in the same level of the women i mentioned. I love my nephews and nieces like my own. i feel the same excitement like a parent as they learn new things, achieve something, and i worry whenever they are sick. I easily get attached to kids i meet- whether in saturday bible class, or child of a friend or colleague.. but at the end of the day - THEY ARE NOT MINE. I DON’T GET TO BE CALLED “MOMMY”. I AM NOT THEIR MOTHER. I just love them like my own, giving whatever i have, spending time with them like a normal mother would do, without conditions, without celebrations and recognitions. And for me, that’s a good enough reason to be called one.

To all those “mothers’ out there, cheers to all of us. Happy Mother’s Day! 

xoxo 

[overthemoonandunderthesun]

WORKCATION in PARADISE. My Pearl Farm Experience

Doing something you love is one of the best feeling for me. There’s a sense of fulfillment in creating something great because you are happy with what you do. It feels like a win-win set-up that you get to enjoy what you are doing, showcasing your God-given talents and yet you are being paid. Add a working environment that is so relaxing and luxurious you forget you’re there for work. Sounds ideal right? Well, not to brag, but i have been blessed over the years with both great clients and the skills that they need. God has been so good and faithful that He connect me with the right people at the right time.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort is the newest addition to the growing list of Beachhouse Creatives clientele. I’ve worked with them ages ago but it was when I was still a full time employee. Now I am on my own, I am glad that they still remember me and the quality of my work. To be able to work and collaborate with this luxurious property is such a blessing and just so perfect with Beachhouse’s brand.

 I’ve been to Pearl Farm almost a decade ago, and now that it is under a new management, boy i tell you - A LOT HAS CHANGED! Mostly on the facilities and structures of the resort, improved services and now that it is accredited by the Department of Tourism as a five-star resort, luxurious vacation truly awaits all guests. 

First day at Pearl Farm Marina. It’s nice to be back!

Day 1

Ms. Melanie and I were welcomed by the resort’s airport representative, assisted us to the service going to Pearl Farm Marina. It is where the port is, where guests can chill and have some snacks at Café Marina while waiting for their boat going to Samal Island. As for us working, we stayed there for a night to meet the young and joyful people of Sales and Marketing team of Davao. On the first day alone i felt like i am part of a happy team that i’ve known years ago! We had meetings, worked on some beachhouse projects, and went to Anflocor office after. We went to Abreeza Mall and had lunch at Penong’s. It is like the counterpart of Mang Inasal in Manila, BUT BETTER! They have tasty and juicy grilled chicken, pork belly, seafood and other dishes. Unlimited rice perfect for those who are in a budget but have big appetite. There’s also a food hall where you can find super affordable meals. 

Meeting with the Sales and Marketing team of Davao at Café Marina

Lamiii kaayo! Masarap talaga! Yummy!!!

You can find P10.00 goodness available at the food hall! My favorite! Feels like I’m in Bangkok.

After lunch, we went to the Reservations office of Pearl Farm, just a few steps away from Penong’s. It is usually for walk-in clients and online bookings as well in Davao. You can sense the luxury resort feel as soon as you step inside the small but cozy office. 

Day 2.

We opted for the 8:30am boat schedule going to Samal Island. 45min boat ride going to the resort, just enough time to relax and enjoy the fresh air and amazing blue water. As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed with the traditional music of Kulintang, refreshing watermelon juice and cold towels. I was stunned when i saw the NEW PAROLA and boardwalk. They were renovated and it look so instagram-worthy you would want to snap right away! The blue green water and white sand accentuates the dark brown boardwalk and okir details all over the resort. Okir is the intricate leaf/vine pattern that can usually be found in Maranao, Maguindanao and other muslim-influenced artwork. It is a symbol of power and prestige for Maranaos. You will see the details beautifully applied to the walls and ceilings all over the resort! I was introduced to the staff, from Front Office to the F&B people, and saw familiar faces i’ve seen years ago. Such a warm feeling indeed. We stayed in Balay room, which is also known as Hilltop Room. A spacious room good enough for a group of 4. 

Samal Houses and Mandaya House can bee seen from afar.

Samal Suites from Parola view.

Pearl Farm’s iconic Parola. It used to be a lighthouse where ancient mariners would keep watch over their coastline. Now it is a place where they welcome guests to relax and have an incredible view of the ocean.

No filter needed. 

During the day, i had a meeting with the General Manager Mr. Mikel Villaverde, whom I’ve also worked with before. We catched up, and talked about his visions and directions for the resort. I must say i learned something that i will never forget. To put it in my own words, “when you know what you are capable of delivering, don’t be afraid to position yourself with a high value. You may lose some people or clients but it is not your market if that’s the case. That’s how you filter and set yourself apart from the rest. With hard work and consistency, all else will follow”. A really valuable lesson for a freelancer like me who’s always anxious in setting up a good price for my work. And so, he ended the meeting by upgrading me to Samal House on my last night, so i’ll be able to experience first hand what Pearl Farm brand is all about. What a way to welcome me! 

Day 3

It’s a free-day for me to go around and experience the resort as a guest. I was with Angel the whole time, the very young hard-working Marketing officer of Davao office. She accompanied me all throughout my stay for ocular and photoshoot all over the island haha! There are a lot of new facilities and renovations that i need to be familiar with again. To name a few, there’s a new gym, gorgeous spa and lounge area, infinity pool and Maranao Restaurant that were both renovated, and there’ll be new other facilities under construction, opening this year.

We started the day with a good breakfast. I am (WAS) doing intermittent fasting (before i arrived in Davao) but who can resist the wide array of breakfast choices at the Maranao Restaurant every single day? I gave in. For 4 days. (sorry not sorry!) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - i was in heaven and have no regrets. 

Maranao Restaurant. The intricate beauty of Okir glows up at night. So elegant yet so native. Believe it or not, all bamboo materials are natural and don’t have varnish.

One of the restaurant’s specialty, Paella.

Afterwards, we chilled at the Parola area where we fed some fish. They have a very rich marine life that you can see when you go on snorkeling. Snorkeling gears and kayaks can be rented at the Aqua Sports area. 

View from the Parola Bar

The hardworking and dedicated Marketing officer of Pearl Farm, Davao - Angel. So grateful for the assistance and warm welcome!

Selfie, coz why not?

Then we went to Malipano Island, where the big Villas are situated. It is a very private area where you can enjoy white sand beach almost all to yourself. I am not in my swimming attire but i can’t resist the clear blue water so i had to dip my legs just to be refreshed! We stayed at the Malipano Villa 5 for a few hours, and i felt like royalty! The villa costs around P42,500 per night, good for 6 people - and i was able to experience it even for a few hours in exchange of doing something i love. Yea yea, what a life. :P

10min boat ride and you’ll arrive at Malipano Island!

Malipano villas are sooooooo gorgeous!!! Perfect for photoshoots!

Happy kid!

Powdery white sand, but it reminds me of Polvoron haha!

Lush greeneries and gorgeous coconut trees! Feels like I’m in Hawaii!

Okir details all over the place! After Hawaii, now i’m in Bali! 

View from the Malipano Villa 5

That resident peacock posed perfectly at the entrance of the villa. Such a showoff! haha!

View from our Samal House room. Thank you, GM! :)

It was Saturday, i got to witness the Mindanaoan Night for the first time. It’s a cultural dance performance where you get to enjoy while having sumptuous dinner. A very Filipino experience but yet the luxury feel is still there.

Such a rich cultural experience! i’m proud to be a Filipino!

Salad section is my favorite!

Day 4

It’s my last day so i made sure I get to relax before heading back to Manila. We woke up at 530am and watched the sunrise, right infront of our room. Angel and I went to the beach and the water’s sooo amazing! Not too cold but still very refreshing. We had a hearty breakfast and my last chance to stretch, breathe fresh air and say goodbye to the hospitable staff of the resort. 

Infinity Pool

Before heading back, reunion photo-op with the F&B Manager Sir Marcel and Manila Assistant Sales Manager Ms. Melanie Villar. (Saying hi to all our ex-colleagues! )

Now i am back in Manila, the real work is on my shoulders. But this time - I am refreshed, relaxed and inspired to deliver and contribute to the growth of the resort. As the saying goes, “If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play!” 

I gained new friends, few pounds and new inspirations that’ll help me create better artworks. I couldn’t thank God enough and the people behind this for letting me experience paradise while working. 

Until my next visit! 

Check their website for room rates and reservations. 

Follow them on social media @pearlfarmofficial for promos and updates

[overthemoonandunderthesun]

Intro to my mini-blog

Drumroll please… Since Instagram has a very limited character space for a wannabe blogger-slash-madaming alam” like me, I’m now conquering my fears of writing a real blog and being trolled by the grammar police. I was reminded that the message is more important than the messenger, so carry on. I often write and share thoughts during Sundays after our church service, and it’s a struggle for me to squeeze the one hour and a half message into 2,200 characters, hence the need for Tumblr.

Over the Moon and Under the Sun. Over the moon referring to my faith and journey with the one Above, and everything under the sun is what this blog will be all about. I’m not good with the play of words and even my grammar, just to give you a heads up, but i am pretty sure you’ll get the message. I just want to be a proliferator of love, good vibes and the good news!