A Milestone Birthday and a Life Lesson

My little girl just turned 10! I'm so proud of the amazing young woman she's becoming.

In the month leading up to her birthday, she was bursting with excitement and had all sorts of ideas for a celebration. At first, she envisioned a pyjama party with her friends. Then, she shifted her focus to a cake-baking party where everyone would dress up as chefs and create their own delicious treats. It was clear that she had big plans for her special day.

To ensure a smooth celebration, we made a little deal: if she could complete her assignments for three weeks leading up to her birthday, she could have the party of her dreams. She eagerly agreed, and the plan was set.

Two weeks later, just one week before her birthday, she seemed downcast. I found a note she'd left on my desk.

Papa,

Are we going to celebrate my birthday?

Please check:

Yes or No

Kayla      

It was clear she was struggling to keep her end of the bargain. Her mother explained that she'd forgotten some school materials, resulting in a failed assignment. As a father, I felt torn. On one hand, I wanted to be understanding and compassionate. On the other, I knew the importance of honouring commitments. I didn't want to set a precedent where agreements could be broken without consequence. It was a delicate balance between maintaining our relationship and teaching her the value of responsibility.

I decided to take a more cautious approach and celebrate her birthday in a simpler way. While it wasn't the extravagant party she had envisioned, we still made it special. We gathered with close family for a dinner featuring traditional Filipino dishes like morcon, afritada, and pansit. We were also fortunate to have Robert and Len, SFC mission volunteers, join us for the celebration.

Kayla was the centre of attention, and she seemed to enjoy the festivities. Despite the scaled-down celebration, she had a wonderful time surrounded by loved ones.

We love you, Kayla!

Wilson & Sheena's Wedding

September was kind to us, painting the sky with soft hues and blessing us with a perfect day for Sheena and Wilson's wedding. Sheena, a natural beauty, absolutely shone in front of the camera. Her infectious smile and effortless grace made capturing her a dream. Wilson, with his quiet charm and unwavering love for Sheena, was the perfect complement.

The post-wedding shoot was a blast! The picturesque location, combined with the couple's relaxed and playful nature, made for some truly magical moments. I barely had to direct them – their chemistry was so evident, and the camera just captured their love story effortlessly.

The reception was a whirlwind of fun and emotion. The bride and groom, along with their entourage, danced the night away, their infectious energy filling the room. It was one of the most lively and memorable weddings I've ever had the pleasure of photographing.

To Sheena and Wilson, thank you for letting me be a part of your special day. I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness!

Celebrating Five Years of Love and Laughter with Keiron

Last Saturday, October 6th, marked a special day for our little clown, Keiron. It's hard to believe he's already 5 years old! Time seems to fly, and it feels like just yesterday his mother brought him into this world.

I remember the anticipation as I waited in the hospital, eager to meet my son. The caesarean section was a bit of a struggle, as Keiron was content in his mother's womb. When I finally held him in my arms, his tiny, purple and warm body, and sweet smile filled me with overwhelming love.

One of my favourite memories is watching Kayla, his older sister, gave him a kiss for the first time. I hope that moment forged a bond between them that will last a lifetime.

I'll never forget the tears of joy in his mother's eyes as she held him for the first time. She embraced him, kissed him, and nourished him with love.

There have been countless nights when Keiron has fallen asleep on my chest. The weight of his little body and the overwhelming love I feel for him often bring me to tears.

Over the past five years, Keiron has filled our lives with joy, laughter, and countless precious memories. He is a beloved member of our family, and we can't imagine our lives without him.

I love this boy so much with all my heart. My life will never be the same without this snuggling little personality in it.

Happy birthday, Keiron! May you continue to grow and thrive.

Life is a Cup of Coffee

While exploring the internet for inspiring tales, I stumbled upon this remarkable story by an unknown author. Its profound message resonated deeply with me, prompting me to share it during our monthly general assembly. For those who missed it, I hope this blog post will inspire you as much as it did me.

Life is Like a Cup of Coffee

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups have been taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live.

Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee. Savour the coffee, not the cups! The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

As I reflect on my life, I’m grateful for the blessings I’ve been given: a loving family, a good job, and a life well-lived. Yet, a strange contradiction often arises. Despite my contentment, I sometimes find myself envying others’ successes or possessions. Questions like, “Why don’t I have that?” or “What more could I be doing?” creep into my thoughts, leading to feelings of doubt and dissatisfaction. It’s as if there’s an insatiable desire for something more, something better, something that will bring ultimate happiness and fulfilment to my life.

Many people are still navigating life's uncertainties. Some may be single and searching for a partner, others may be torn between career paths, and many more are simply seeking a better future. It's common to yearn for a life that's easier, happier, and more fulfilling, often leading to the pursuit of bigger and better opportunities.

Reading this story has given me a valuable insight: true happiness doesn't come from material possessions or constant striving. It's about finding joy in the present moment and appreciating what we already have. While it's important to set goals and work towards our dreams, excessive focus on the future can often lead to stress and dissatisfaction. Let's not forget to cherish our relationships, savour life's simple pleasures, and live each day to the fullest.

I'm grateful for this reminder to prioritize what truly matters. Thank you, Lord, for opening my eyes to the beauty of simplicity. I'm committed to living a life filled with love, gratitude, and contentment. May I always find joy in the little things, from sharing moments with loved ones to enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. Thank you for this renewed perspective, Lord. I believe my life will be infinitely better for it.

Matthew 6:19-21

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.