Happy New Year and I have some exciting news to share with you for the start of my 2017. So for Christmas and my mom's 1st death anniversary, I flew to the Philippines to surprise my dad. Well, he was surprised alright. So much so that I woke up with him staring down at me and saying (in Tagalog, of course) "I thought I was dreaming, I can't believe you're here." My aunt said that my dad cried at the sight of me but I didn't dare stare at or notice him because my dad is a very strong, old school man plus, he'd never admit to crying. LOL!!!! I love him - that's my daddy! I was happy to surprise him and most of all, to be there for him for his 1st Christmas without mommy and also to be there to celebrate my mommy's 1st year death anniversary. Everything was a whirlwind and time flew.
While I was in the Philippines, my cousins and I made 3 stops in a 2-day/1-night stay in Batangas and Laguna regions. First stop, we checked in our hotel at Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club in Lipa, Batangas which is approximately 10.1 miles to our next stop, Villa Escudero Resort and Plantation. The weather was worst than this bay area storm. Keep in mind that it was a hurricane I found myself in. The way the hurricane/typhoon scale works in the Philippines is by Signals 1-5, with Signal 1 being the lowest rating and 5 being the severe weather warning. At any rate, we were driving through this storm from Bulacan, which was confirmed as a Signal 2 region and that the area of Laguna and Batangas where we were driving to and through was a Signal 3! I tell you - I thought I was going to die via hurricane in Batangas or Laguna. Coconuts were dropping from the 40 mph winds and trees were falling like they were chopped down. I didn't make known I was scared but good thing I was in great company who made me laugh despite of the terrible weather.
After checking in at the hotel, we then arrived at Villa Escudero and it seemed like we, plus 4 or 5 other families were present for the plantation tour. We checked into our tour at Villa Escudero. The first part of the tour includes the Villa Escudero museum which includes the Escudero family's entire collection of items from Mr. Escudero's hunting days, his excavation (he was also an anthropologist) and countless treasures from around the world acquired through gifts to Mr. Escudero and the Escudero Family or purchases made by the Family and/or estate. We weren't allowed to take pictures of the inside of the museum, which was stored in a church/cathedral-like structure. I was fascinated by this collection and we must have been in there for a good 2-3 hours, before we ate our lunch buffet inside the villa's recreation center. Traditionally, lunch was served and eaten at the waterfall area, but it was closed down due to the severe weather. After getting our bellies full and walked around a few more times around the plantation - we attended the cultural show. It was a fantastic show, showcasing the pride of the Pilipino people and the influences of the world on the Philippines seen through traditional dances, customs and costumes. The finale of this tour included a caribou ride around the plantation while being serenaded with the traditional Pilipino folk music.
My last piece of good news (and it's only January), I was invited by Ms. Jacquie Bamba Zamora to write a piece to include a collection of stories by women in a Philippine publication. I am so excited!!!! I will keep you updated for more surprises - so stay tuned!
Finally...the moment you have been waiting for - this week's 3-card general reading was brought to you by Doreen Virtue's Saints & Angels Oracle Cards and Archangel Michael Oracle Cards.
Card 1 represents the "past." The past is represented by "Learning Experience - Guardian Angel." You are constantly evolving and learning on a minute-to-minute, hour-to-hour and day-to-day basis. Let your mistakes strengthen you, do not allow it to weaken you by beating up yourself for making the mistake. You have made the mistake, it is ok - you will live, you have survived much worst for the mistakes you made in the past because you learned from them. Hence you didn't repeat them. You are that much wiser for taking that experience, learning from it and moving on. The next time you are faced with a similar adversity, you more than well-equipped to face the adversity and conquer it. Stop beating yourself up for it and move forward, shine that light of yours and know that God does hear your prayers and will guide you to the right people, places and things to accomplish your goals and conquer your fears. Be the fearless leader that you are and move onward with your head held high. |
Card 2 represents the "present." The present is represented by "Pray - Guardian Angel." Please keep in mind that your thoughts are prayers too. Your thoughts are seeds cast upon the wind of thoughts and carried through the universe. As hard as it seems, it is not impossible and can be accomplished - please continue to keep your thoughts positive so that the you are riding in the highest frequency to manifest abundance and making your dreams into reality. Visualize and feel that you are already in in that new job position or new career you seek or even in that romantic relationship you've always wanted and knowingly deserve. Do not worry about the details of getting to your favorable outcome. But please pay close attention to our repetitive messages via signs and thoughts that only you would recognize. Act without delay and watch your thoughts come to life. Also, remember that at your angriest, saddest and even happiest moments is when your true power of manifestations come alive. So your task is to channel such energy into only what you want, find the balance betwen the heart and soul and push that fire out to create the infinte supply of abundance in your life. You deserve the best - you are loved, see yourself as the beautiful soul you truly are. |
Card 3 represents the "future." The future is represented by a message and prayer "From Archangel Michael: Honor and Trust Your Feelings." Your prayer: "Thank you, Archangel Michael, for supporting, guiding, and protecting me as I listen to and act upon my feelings. Help me understand and express my emotions with love." Trust your instincts - again, search for that balance in between the place of your heart and soul, there is where you will find your answer. There is where you will know whether or not to trust the person, place or thing. Never compromise your true self. Stay true to yourself, that is the ultimate unconditional love for yourself. If you aren't sure, please recite the above prayer as needed. This prayer is for you to exercise your trust within yourself and honoring your feelings. You are loved and guided. You didn't lose your way, you just got a little distracted and those reasons are normal for the human being. Also, having doubts is normal for a gifted one like yourself - it is proof you are growing more powerful. You are special and you know that - you were chosen to help others gifted individuals, even when they think they don't need your help or God. Face these people with an open mind, heart and soul and express the compassion you know you deserve to others. You are powerful - please don't let anyone tell you otherwise. |
Till next time, I bid you love, light and compassion.
~Maria