Yesterday I woke up at 6AM.  No, it does not come automatically.  I actually have to set my alarm and try so hard not to snooze it.  Why did I wake up?  No, it wasn't so I could get over jet lag, but so I could jog.  I have been trying to jog the past few months.  It wasn't something I originally enjoyed doing, but over the last couple of months I have learned to enjoy it more and more.  I realize that yes, exercise does produce  endorphins that help me during the day -- happy hormones as I'd often refer to them.  I do a better job at the office when I have been exercising, I am able to produce more.  I don't feel sluggish.  I don't get cranky easily -- except when I wake  up at 5AM and in my foolishness stay up until 2AM.  Yes, exercise does me good, but I could still be foolish at times. :)

So why else do I jog?  No, it is not to keep trim or lose weight.  I jog because I feel better when I do.  And, when I do it in the morning, I get to see other friends and co-workers jogging at the same time, and I get to see the sun rise, then it reminds me of a lot of things that are beautiful in this life.  It reminds me of the beauty that God has in store for me every day.  i hope you have your own "jogging" moments too.

Here are some pictures of the first time I went jogging while here in Hawaii.

I was in Boracay last weekend with some of my dear friends, Iya, Janelle, and Varsha.  Besides the awesome blueness of the water, the fun-filled sailing, and the beautiful sunset, we got to experience the excitement of riding an ATV and actually driving it on a rough road.

I had the time of my life riding the ATV.  It wasn't easy but it sure was an experience I won't mind repeating.  And as I was zooming through the national road on our way back to the ATV rental place,  I had a picture in my mind of going through life akin to an ATV ride.

I realized a lot of times, the things that happen in life are like the rough road we had to go through.  It could be very bumpy and unpredictable.  So many times, we do not know what's around the bend.  There is a process God takes us through and all we want is for it to end.  That He will get done with what He needs to do, then, we can go on.  We get so impatient to see the result of the process, we often forget the process itself is like an adventure that can be totally enjoyed.

Yes, my ATV ride was a great adventure.  I totally loved the experience of standing while driving through the bumpy and seemingly dangerous rough road to Mt. Luho.  It was difficult, but seeing the spectacular view on top of the mountain made  it all worthwhile.  And, I got a bonus when I least expected it.  On our way back, driving through the highway, adventurously standing, I got to see a beautiful sun about to set. 

Yes, I do love the seasons of life, and the process God takes me through.  I hope and pray that I may always view it as a great adventure.

I have been in the last few months reading blogs about the male and female brain.  Mae got me taking the brain gender test a couple of moths ago, and my friend Lynn recently blogged about having a female brain.

I have always been more of a logical than an emotional person.  It was very evident growing up, and still is in the way I handle my job and sometimes, relationships.  Thus, it came as no surprise that indeed I have more of a male brain.  (But, what I have apparently is a healthy mix, something like 60-40 or 55-45 – not an ultra male brain.)

However, recently, I have seen more evidence of my female brain.  And, my friends seem to have too – and are actually having a ball because of it.  I say they are having fun at my expense, but they say they are having fun with me.  Whatever it may be we are having fun.

Yesterday, a flower arrangement was delivered to my office.  It is always nice to be remembered, especially by those who mean most to you.  And this morning, looking at the beautiful roses, I realized that I am very much female in this aspect.  I love flowers brightening my space.  I think roses are always great, and bring out the beautiful things in one’s life.  And they are most special when sent simply because you were remembered.

Yes, the female part of my brain is there after all.   

Yesterday was a busy day for me at work.  It was so busy I got stressed and eventually had a headache.  Since I have never been good with pain, and that headache was pretty bad, my friend Macy who was visiting at that time, left my office and told 6-year old Elijah Fabregas that Tita Pinky has a headache.

Elijah then came to my office and asked me about my headache.  I told him that it hurts bad and asked if he could please pray for me so God would heal my headache.

Without any fanfare he prayed.   He said, "Lord I pray for Tita Pinky.  Please heal her headache.  Please make her healthy.  Make her wisdom and strength.  In Jesus' name, Amen."

After that, my headache literally was gone.  I was so happy I had to search for Elijah to have our picture taken.  Besides my headache being healed, I was so happy Elijah reminded me -- God indeed looks at the heart, not at our eloquence.

Thanks, Elijah!

The Every Nation Philippines and Victory Christian Fellowship national office is in need of additional staff.  There is job opportunity for accountants and writers/editors.  You could go to the  Victory site for more details.

Following is an excerpt  from a letter a friend gave me last Christmas.  I should have posted it weeks ago to serve as a reminder of what the season's all about.  Then again, it is always good to be reminded of what matters in life, whatever season we're in.

I see beyond the lavish embellishments of this season more clearly now, as I have found joy in walking with God.  I didn't expect it to be this interesting, or more fascinating even, in comparison to the works of the most learned, skilled authors I have read and reread through the years.  Now I understand how a relationship with Christ renews the mind and transforms the heart DAILY into something almost unfamiliar and alien to thy self; that this newness eventually settles in a space within that has been unknowingly present all this time.

Everything is rendered simple isn't it, when you are in awe of God's love?  Whether in occasional situations of ordinary strife and extraordinary upliftment of the spirit, I recognize an ability to be still; to be grounded in hope, and allow God's love to hold me in place.

Reading these words written by one who loves God dearly reminds me of the things that are good in this life -- and of the God who makes it all possible.  I hope we all learn to enjoy the seasons we go through in this life, and to always view them through the lens of God's love.

i just came from an out-of-town trip with one of my best friends.  these beach trips are always a highlight for me.  the sound of the water, with the sun shining bright, relaxes me like no other.  this trip was no different.

i bought our tickets even at a time when i knew the weather could not be beach-friendly.  it is after all the rainy season in the philippines.  however, i knew i badly needed a break from the hustle and bustle of life in manila.  so, with my eyes closed and a silent prayer, i bought our tickets and booked the resort.

then, a week after and a week before our scheduled trip, the rains started to pour and the winds blew -- a typhoon was coming.  not one, but two in a span of two weeks.   i almost saw my ideal vacation flying out the window.

that's when i remembered the silent prayer i said right when i bought the tickets.  i prayed again and reminded god that i needed a vacation.  and i wanted it bad.  so, i asked for the sun.

last weekend i did go to bohol with my best friend iya.  and, it was one of the best trips i've had.  must have been the most relaxing one.  then, i realized -- god is a loving god.  he always loves me.  with him, i never have to play the  "he loves me, he loves me not" game i used to play when i was a kid.  because with god, it is always "he loves me" and it is never dependent on a flower or a petal -- or the weather for that matter.

discipleship is relationship.  pastor joey bonifacio has been giving that message.  he blogs about it and talks about it.  i agree, discipleship is relationship.  then the other day i read pastor steve murrell's blog, and he says discipleship is friendship.  when i read that blog, it really got me thinking.  about discipleship, about church, about the relationships i have in church, and about the dear friends god has given me through the years.

yes, discipleship is relationship, but this relationship is also friendship.  and once we put discipleship in the context of friendship, then we realize so many other things it is -- and that discipleship is fun.

when i used to hear the phrase discipleship is relationship, i'd always think, yes it is.  but, until now i never realized i always thought of that phrase in terms of  one  teaching others, one learning from others, and all of you following jesus and making disciples.  and always, relationships in a more formal setting. 

now i know -- discipleship is also friendship.  it's learning to follow jesus in a way that's fun.  it's being with people who make it fun and worthwhile.  it's enjoying the relationships god has given you.  it's following god through years of fun and friendship.  some may be in a more formal setting, others in a purely casual relationship.  but just the same, it's all of us learning from one another and following god together.

and now i know what that means.  god has given me friends. friends i have known and lived life with the last fifteen to eighteen years.   and the list keeps growing.  friends from my favorite church, victory.  friends who help me be all god wants me to be.  friends who make discipleship such a fun thing. 

the other day i had to pick up my car from the shop. it wasn't that far from where i was coming from. in fact, it was just a few minutes away. so instead of a cab, i rode the jeepney. it has been years since i last rode a jeepney. and in that 15-minute ride, so many thoughts went through my head. so here are my jeepney ride musings....

-- one of my first lessons on god's provision came from a jeepney. i was a new christian and a freshman in university. i didn't have my own car then. i either had to ride with my brother to school or otherwise, take the jeepney. one particular day, i had a different schedule from my brother and i had to go to school right when the morning rush hour hit. i was in the middle of what seemed to be thousands of people waiting for one jeepney. i silently prayed and asked god for what seemed an impossible matter -- a ride to school without being late. and i was really close to being late. in a matter of minutes, a jeepney stopped right in front of me with exactly one seat as if reserved just for me. i got on the jeep and sensed god telling me, "i will always come through for you, be it as simple as a jeepney ride or anything big you ask me for."

-- a few years later i did ask god for my own car, and again, right when i couldn't have done anything on my own, he came through. i didn't even have money for a bike, and a car came. again, god reminded me, he will always come through if i ask in faith.

-- it has been years since i'd have to wait with numerous people to get a jeepney ride or even a cab. and needless to say, it has been comfortable. the other day when i had to ride a jeep, i remembered so many things, many good memories. and, i actually enjoyed my jeepney ride. more than anything, it reminded me of god's faithfulness and provision. it reminded me to always have a grateful heart.

i guess i will take that jeepney ride every now and then. it keeps my feet on the ground.

I’ve always wondered how it felt to have my picture taken as I cast my vote. Politicians and celebrities are usually photographed when they do so, then it comes out in the next day’s front pages. Well, since I’ve long since turned my back on my dreams of entering the political arena, I decided that I might as well fulfill my hopes at least of being photographed as I vote – and, I’ll just post it on my site and blog about it. Yeah, I know, it’s one of those days….

Election day is a national holiday in the Philippines – no work, no school, party time after voting. So I went to a birthday get-together after casting my vote. Posted pics of Anna Moran and Mel Rada's joint birthday celebration in my photo album.

I’ve been reading a number of blogs about mothers and mother’s day celebrations. It got me thinking about my own family and my own mother. I’ve got a strong Mother. Strong in every sense of the word – with strength of character that’s enveloped with both compassion and conviction, and a strong determination that helps her overcome any physical ailment or emotional turmoil. Strengths I didn’t always appreciate growing up. Character traits I now know endear her to so many people – especially her own family.

I don’t always say it and sadly, some days I fail to show it – but I have a great Mother. And thinking about my own weaknesses and failings, I know I have the best. God has given me one who remains strong when I exhibit weakness (especially when Papa died) and who stays loving and patient even when I seem ungrateful. To this day, hers is the best example of grace I know – an example that has helped me understand God’s grace especially as a young Christian.

When I was a teenager, shortly before becoming a Christian, I broke one of the major rules at home. I lost track of time while hanging out with friends and stayed out the whole night, without calling home. At the time my Dad was away, and so my Mom was left alone to deal with me. And she did so in a way I'll never forget. She sat me down and talked to me like a grown-up, no violent reaction, no anger, no frustration in her voice – just calmly talked to me about the situation. In my rebellious state, I remember going to bed that night and wishing she talked to me out of anger – then I would still have reason to stay the way I was. But instead, she showed me grace and mercy when I didn’t deserve it. That incident helped me understand God’s grace, as I became a Christian a couple of months after.

Today, I’m all grown – no longer a teenager who has a curfew with rules and regulations. Some days I still act like one, and I’m not proud of it. But my Mother has remained the same – and I love her so.

Happy Mother’s Day, Ma!

i'm back -- from a youth camp, to work, and to my multiply site and blogging. it has been awhile, three months and a week to be exact. here are some camp photos, a book review, and some schedule updates. expect to hear from me regularly from now on.

since the holidays we've had a number of relatives visiting from the us. it has been busy for us, but truly memorable, since we have not seen some of them in a while.

one of the visiting relatives we had is my octogenarian uncle who i fondly refer to as tito pech (his real name is precioso). tito pech and my aunt stayed at our home the last couple of weeks. and almost every night the past couple of weeks i either had dinner with him or a midnight snack (he would drink his hot chocolate while i had my tea).

the talks i've had with him are some of the most memorable moments for me. my uncle remembers my face but somehow, always forgets my name. there are a lot of things he easily forgets. however, the thing that struck me the most is that regularly, he would talk to me about jesus -- that he is god, he is the christ, and that he died for our sins. then, he would talk about the different miracles of jesus, quoting bible verses in the process. he'd talk about how when he was 60 years old, he read the bible, and then, had a revelation of jesus as god and savior. he then asked jesus to heal him, and that jesus did. he has believed in jesus ever since, talking to him every night, thanking him for the gift of salvation.

now i find that really amazing. that someone in his 80's, who has forgotten a lot of things in life, would still remember every thing about jesus, and still profess his love for his god and savior. that's how i want to be -- loving god and never forgetting how much he loves me, every day of my life, even when i'm old and gray.

the other week i watched the world pyro olympics in manila -- and was truly amazed at how beautiful these fireworks could be. its beauty made the hassle and traffic of going to the esplanade in pasay city worth its while.

i sat that friday night mesmerized at the fireworks display of denmark and canada. they were awesome, truly beautiful. it gave me a greater appreciation for all that's good and beautiful in this life. made me want to visit some theme parks once again - if only for the fireworks display. (yep, i am not big on theme park rides, at least not anymore, and not without kids.)

however, as i thought about all that and sat amazed at some fireworks display made by men, i was reminded that god's infinite design is so much better than what we can come up with. that from the very beginning he has had a plan for each one of us -- and nothing we can conjure in our minds can beat what god has designed for us.

after watching the pyro olympics, i made a decision that i will regularly and intentionally take a moment to look at the beautiful things in life -- and then, remind myself that god's plan is still so much more beautiful.

(these pictures were of the fireworks display presented by australia, and taken by some friends from abs-cbn.)

it's 1:30 am and we (robert, danny, janelle, mae, lynn, junjun, jay, and i) are at the every nation office. we came before midnight for the countdown to the launch of the en'07 online registration. an hour and thirty minutes after the launch, we have over a thousand delegates registered from all over the world. the games have indeed begun.

if you have not registered yet, please do it soon. we have less than 15,000 seats left and the philippine churches will start registration during the services next weekend. in metro manila alone we have more than 20,000 church members. we clearly won't be able to accommodate everyone, so first to register, sure to have seats.

check out the en07 staff multiply site for further news, update, conference trivia, and behind the scenes. see you at the araneta coliseum in july!

last night we had a birthday celebration for two of our dear friends, claire sia (january 5th) and iya ricafort (january 14th). we had a great time talking and just catching up. as i look at the picture, it reminds me that relationships are always for the long haul. these are friends i've had for many years now. there's janelle antonio who i first met when she was 9; claire (salva then) who i met when she was an engineering student in u.p., varsha daswani as a freshman in st. paul pasig, macy mumar (mendoza then) as a high school student from poveda, iya when she was finishing her 8-ball thesis, and kitty ricafort (espiritu then) and who even then was a fashionista already. we've seen one another through high school issues, teenage "rebellion," thesis nights, grad. school days, dating questions, courtship highs, engagement, weddings, and now pregnancy.

last night was a celebration, not just of our friends' birthday, but it was a celebration of friendship and god's faithfulness in our lives. we truly have come a long way and god has been faithful all these years -- from the days when some of us used to meet as a small group at the old mc donald's in shangri-la and all we could afford were burgers and fries. god has truly been good to all of us. he has been to me. he gave these people to me -- some of the world's best and most loyal friends.

got a new yahoo i.d. -- pinkykatipunan. that can't be so difficult to remember now. those i usually communicate with through ym, please send me a line so i could just easily add you to my list.

have a great day and a wonderful year ahead!

yesterday i got an email saying my yahoo password has been changed. i wasn't the one who changed it, so naturally, i do not have the new one. i tried to sign in, answered all sorts of questions, but to no avail. must have been hacked, i don't know.

so to my ym contacts i will have to create a new account and rebuild it again. to those who email me through my yahoo account, please stop sending anything to that address until i have notified you of the new one.

i am now in san jose, resting and chilling it out after a hectic five-week stay in los angeles. and, i am thinking about all that transpired the last few weeks, and, the last few years of my life.

yep, this is one of the few times, the very few times in fact, the emotional chip in me works. my friends say i have no sentimental chip, but i do have an emotional chip in me. and it's been working the last few minutes. so i thought i better write something before it runs out....

anyways, i just came from the every nation conference in anaheim and it must have been one of the best i've ever attended outside manila. it got me thinking about my job, my church, and the friends god has given me.... and i am truly thankful.

the last twelve years have been some of the best of my life. not always easy, but always the best. why is that? because at the end of the day, there is nothing quite like knowing you have done what god exactly wanted you to do. and i know, i am exactly where He wants me to be at this point in time.

thanks to steve and deborah murrell -- they have been a great inspiration and blessing to so many, especially to filipinos who have come to know jesus because of their faith and obedience. but most especially, i want to thank them for showing me the last twleve years what it means to walk the talk. they have been a faithful example of true christianity. i have seen them live it -- and having them as my boss is the best bonus that comes with this job!