Arlene Manocot's Blog

Book Read: God Will Carry You Through by Max Lucado

God Will Carry You Through is one of the few books I have read by Max Lucado. Ever since I got to read my first book from him, 365-Day / Everyday Devotional, he has been one of the Christian authors I'm keen on, too. 

What is the book about?
When life is falling apart, God will carry you through.
It has been said that everyone is either entering, in the midst of, or just exiting a trial. Popular author and pastor Max Lucado has discovered that at any given point, almost everyone is dealing with something. Whether the loss of a loved one, marriage issues, illness, job loss, or the stress of everyday life, people everywhere need the assurance that God will carry them through.
Through decades of betrayal, abandonment, and false accusations, Joseph never gave up on God or His purpose. And Joseph continually trusted the sovereignty of God as Master-weaver of his life. In God Will Carry You Through, Max invites readers to do the same—to let God’s message through Joseph guide His children through tough times today. Laced throughout Joseph’s story are personal testimonies by everyday people who discovered for themselves that “God had carried them through” as well as quotes and Scripture passages for meditation. This book is rich in hope for finding peace and reassurance through whatever challenge you face.

I like that the book shares personal experiences of different people, which left mark of authenticity through the stories of Christians. Every page is a reminder of God's faithfulness in this life. The world can be cruel, and it can be lonely sometimes. It is reassuring that we are not alone in the struggle, that there are Christians out there who experience the same, and we can learn from them.
It was brave of those people to share their vulnerability and honesty through this book. I was glad I got to have a copy of God Will Carry You Through as I experience personal challenges too in my life right now. It is reassuring to know that God is working through these people and that in suffering He always there with us. 

Who is Max Lucado?
Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and best-selling author who, in his own words, “writes books for people who don’t read books.” He serves the people of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and his message is for the hurting, the guilty, the lonely, and the discouraged: God loves you; let him.
As a writer, Max is known for combining poetic storytelling and homespun humor with the heart of a pastor. All of his trade books began as sermon series at Oak Hills Church, and his sermons all begin with Max asking himself this question: “What can I say on Sunday that will still matter on Monday?” He’s been dubbed “America’s Pastor” by Christianity Today, and “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest.
Max’s books have sold more than 150 million copies in over 50 languages worldwide. He published On the Anvil, his first trade book, in 1985. His 46th trade book, What Happens Next, was released in August 2024. Max’s books regularly appear on bestseller lists, including The New York Times. His writing has also been featured in Bible studies, Bible commentaries, songs, greeting cards, and even plush toys. He is the recipient of many book awards and received the 2021 ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding contribution to the publishing industry.
Max’s love for everyday people began during his childhood in the small town of Andrews, Texas. His father was an oilfield mechanic, his mother was a nurse, and Max spent a lot of his time either running from or running after his brother, Dee. Max grew rebellious in his teenage years, and after one specific drunken night, he began to wonder if there was more to life than parties and chasing girls. He now believes that if Jesus hadn’t found him and changed his heart, alcoholism would have been in his future.
After high school, Max attended Abilene Christian University and left with two degrees and a heart for following Jesus and helping others learn about him, too. He moved to Miami, Florida, and took a position as an associate pastor at a small church. This is where Max started writing about Jesus for the first time in the church’s monthly newsletter, and it’s where he developed his passion for people and ministry.
Florida was also where Max met his wife, Denalyn. Together, they lived first in Miami and then spent several years in Rio de Janeiro, helping plant churches. The newsletters Max wrote to family and friends while in Rio, along with the newsletters he wrote at his church in Miami, eventually formed the manuscript of his first book, On the Anvil.
Max and Denalyn now live in San Antonio, Texas. They have three grown daughters, three sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

This was a good read for me as I face my own struggles. I lose hope sometimes because everything isn't going right, and I feel like everything is failing before my eyes. I was losing hope, motivation in life bit by bit, and I could only hold onto God and believe that in the midst of suffering, God promises that He will carry me through. 
I hope you get a chance to read this book, and if you have read this, how was it? Did it help you, too?

Travel Expenses: Taiwan Trip 2025 (3 Nights & 2 Days)

All along, I thought I had only spent more or less P10,000.00 for my July 21 to 24 Taiwan trip. Behold, let's reveal the accurate computation cost on this blog episode. 
Use my Trip.com code: 5DG4H9
I tried my best to remember some of my expenses during this trip and I just estimated some of the amount or prices. Below is the list of my expenses:

Day 0Plane Ticket (RT) - P6,077.50 ($110.50)
Hostel (2 nights & 1 day) - P1325.50 ($24.10)
Bus Fare (to NAIA) - P300.00
Fruitas Smoothie - P200.00
Travel tax - P1,600.00

Day 1Taiwan Fun Pass - P3,994.00Bus fare - P 300.00Food - P200.00 Food - P1000.00 
Day 2Food souvenirs - P1300.00
Food - P400
Day 3-4Food souvenirs - P200.00Express train - P210.00
Burger King meal - P378.00
Bus fare (to my hometown) - P300.00

Total is P17,785.00

I also used Google Sheets to present my expenses hoping it would present clarity. 

I think I went over my budget on this trip. Hopefully, next time I'll be able to spend less on my next trip.
Use my Klook code: 4FUKBM
Please use my Trip.com and Klook code if need to purchase anything on these travel apps. I hope this information is helpful if you are planning a trip to Taiwan. 
Do you think I spent a reasonable for this trip or not? 
Let me know what you think. 

Taiwan Blog Episode 6: Bye Taiwan, For Now, Hello Philippines Again!

Last day in Taiwan, what a generous and kind experience! These were my last minute activities in Taiwan. 
Ximending Night Market
Last night of my trip in Taiwan, and I got to witness the night market of Ximending. There were street performers who captivated both locals and foreign tourists. I stayed for a while watching the performers from the beginning of their performance, but I wasn't able to finish recording it since the camera had lost its power. I also couldn't stay late, and I had to sleep early for my return flight the next day. I think I also bought some food souvenirs that night. 

Bye Taiwan, For Now
Going to Taoyuan Airport was short, but it was I who was tired from all the touristy activities I did for the 3 days that made me feel so tired. I hopped onto an express train to the airport, I think, it cost me 105 Taiwanese dollars or 210 Philippine pesos. 
I decided to have my breakfast at the airport, and the Burger King food stall caught my attention because of their Naruto meal specialty. Unfortunately, I did't get the Naruto meal, because it was a little pricey for one meal for me, it was 300 plus Taiwanese dollars, so it would cost me 600 plus Philippine pesos. Instead, I got their regular meal, probably it was 189 Taiwanese dollars or 378 Philippine pesos. 
My tummy was happy and moved on to the boarding and waited for my flight. 

Hello Philippines again
With less than two hours, I got back to the Philippines and it was still raining. I left raining and returned raining, just like Philippines, I guess. 

It was a tiring Taiwan trip, but it was all worth it. Just like I said before, I would love to visit Taiwan again if I get the chance, hopefully for a trip and not just for a layover. 

My expenses:

Food souvenirs P200.00
Express train P210.00
Burger King meal P378.00
Bus fare (to my hometown) P300.00

Total is P1088.00

I got to rest and renew my strength. It was fun sharing with you all my Taiwan trip experience. 
Until next, where to? Tara!

Travel Expenses: Taiwan Trip 2025 (3 Nights & 2 Days)

Taiwan Blog Episode 5: Finding Yehliu Geopark and Jiufen Old Street in Taiwan

It's my Day 2 in Taiwan, y'all!
I made sure I rested well last night because Day 2 in Taiwan would take a lot of travel time. Since the Ximen station was close to the hostel, it was accessible and much easier to get on the train.
From Ximen, it was a two-hour ride to Tamsui, and that was a long travel time, but the good thing the view from the train car was something I enjoyed. Along with my unexpected travel buddies, Jewel and Sheila, we got to take some pictures inside the train.
We hadn't had our breakfast, so upon reaching Tamsui, the first thing we did was to check out some food stalls and convenience stores near the train station.
After the train ride, we needed to ride a bus for an hour, I think, to reach Yehli, where we could find the geopark.
The coastal view from the bus ride was superb. The sea was looking blue and divine. That long bus ride was worth it in exchange for all the sights I got to see. It was like having a bus tour of the provincial area of Taiwan.  

Yehliu Geopark
There's no denying the wonders I witness at Yehliu Geopark. All the sweat, confusion, and doubt vanished when we saw the magnificent rock formations that looked like mushrooms and the vast blue sea. 
We tried our best to explore the place and get the best out of the little time we had there. Photo opportunities were something that was never missed among Filipinos. 
There was an area of the geopark that had souvenir stores. I got dried seafood and a ref magnet. Some of the store owners spoke Tagalog words and accepted Philippine currency either cash or via GCash.

Jiufen Old Street 
It was another adventure finding our next stop, Jiufen Old Street. We were not sure what bus number we were supposed to hop on; it was all instinct and confidence in our understanding of the Tiktok travel video, which was always referenced by my travel buddies.
The Jiufen Old Street was literally a maze old street turned into a market. There were a lot of interesting stores. Food, souvenirs, a tea house, and restaurants were just a few of the shops I remember. The place had that Studio Ghibli vibe, and I liked it as a fan of their animated movies. 

I made sure I got the free Taro balls as one of the complimentary items of the Fun Pass I bought via Klook app. 
Use my code: 4FUKBM
Unfortunately, we didn't make it to Sheifen Falls and the Lantern festival. The travel time consumed most of our time. I had this thought, I should go back to Taiwan since I missed a lot of attractions I wanted to visit. I don't know when I would get to explore Taiwan, but I hope to visit it again.

Taiwan Blog Episode 4: A Wild First Day in Taipei

Touchdown Taiwan!
The plane landed in Taipei at 1:30AM on July 22, 2025. As usual, I was so sleepy, but it was not an excuse for me to enjoy my second time in Taiwan. My first time was when I had a layover coming from the US. 
It was dawn and Taoyuan International Airport was practically closed. Only the passengers and a few employees were present when I got inside the airport. My struggle was that there were few options of people to ask for queries. Sometimes, I tend to ask a lot of questions.
The wall decor at the airport was entertaining enough to preoccupy me as I trudged on the long pathwalk. There were paintings in frames and murals. It was nice to see them the second time. There were a lot of Filipinos going to Taiwan. I was amazed but not surprised. The Philippines' proximity to Taiwan made it easier for us, Filipinos, to travel to Taiwan without the hassle of a long and rigorous visa processing. 
Filipino travelers can enter Taiwan visa-free until July 2026 and can stay up to fourteen (14) days. Just make sure you complete an online immigration arrival card at https://twac.immigration.gov.tw on the website of the National Immigration Agency within three days before arriving in Taiwan.

More info: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China(Taiwan)-Visa-Exempt Entry

My first agenda upon arriving at Taoyuan airport was to wash my face and brush my teeth, so I needed to find a bathroom. I felt uncomfortable not washing my face and brushing my teeth. I must say the bathroom at the airport was clean and fresh. It was commendable. 
I was a little confused about where to exit since there were not a lot of airport staff to ask, but there was one who saw me and directed me to the right exit. That was nice of her!
Enjoying an almost empty of people airport was something I got to experience at Taoyuan International Airport. No noise, no people. It was just silence and bright lights and nice structures. 
Before my flight, I purchased a Taiwan Fun Pass (Unlimited 3-Day Pass) via Klook app. It cost me P3,994.00. The fun pass card was available at the airport, and the pick-up time was four (4) or five (5) in the morning. I wasn't able to use the pass to the fullest because of the places I missed visiting, but I think I got its worth in all the train rides I had. 
Use my code: 4FUKBM
From the airport, I had to take a bus to the Ximen Wow Hostel in Ximending City. I think the bus fare was 150 Taiwanese dollars or 300 Philippine pesos. The bus travel time was about an hour. It was like a tour around the city. I saw a lot of signs written in Taiwanese.
I met two (2) Filipinos during the bus ride. They helped me with the directions to my hostel since I didn't have mobile data. Thank you, Kabayans!
Upon arriving at the hostel, I also met two (2) Filipinas this time, and they became my travel buddies during my Taiwan trip. Since any of us didn't have breakfast, we decided to try the famous milk tea of Taiwan and dumplings, which was not a wise choice for me. But the boba milk tea was really, really good because I threw up a lot when I got back to the hostel. I wasn't feeling really well. 

Jewel, Sheila, and I went to our first destination via train. We had to study the route of the trains to be able to use them efficiently. The signs were mostly in Taiwanese, which was why it was difficult to understand.Riding Maokong Gondola was like me suspended in the air. It was a scary yet fun experience. 
Taipei Zoo was a child-friendly attraction. I got to see a panda, but only from its back. It might be a resting period for them. I liked that the zoo had water sprinklers to beat the heat.
Taipei 101 was once the tallest building in the world. It was so high, and I think my ears suffered a little from the air pressure while riding the elevator. The view from the building was breathtaking.

All the attractions I visited were included in my Fun Pass, and I was sad I wasn't able to visit Chiang Kai-shek Temple. I hope next I will. Before going back to the hostel, we had an early dinner at a Taiwanese restaurant, and the food was okay. 

My expenses:
Taiwan Fun Pass P3,994.00Bus fare                P 300.00Food                     P200.00 Food                     P1000.00 

Total is P5,494.00

It was my first day in Taiwan and I had no sleep. It was unfortunate. I should learn from this experience, hopefully.  But it was a good day one (1) in Taiwan.

I want to diesappear

I don't see hope anymore. I am still alive, but barely breathing, just like the lyrics of that popular song, which I couldn't even remember the title of. I have a failed career and a long-distance relationship.
Life hasn't been working out for me the past few months, and being in a long-distance relationship can drive me crazy sometimes. There were times he called me obsessed because of how affectionate I am towards him. Is it wrong to show love to my boyfriend: in words, in action, or in any way I can?
I just miss him so much. I want to be with him. I want us to be together. 
I miss my man, and I am acting crazy sometimes or all the time.
Saying I love you and miss you is a sentence that I look forward to in his messages, but sometimes I still wonder if he really loves me. 
Why didn't he marry me?
Why did he let me go back to the Philippines?
Why did he let me go?
I have my answers in my mind, and those answers hurt me. They are painful.
Just today, I was expecting him to call me back because I held back from calling him consecutively early in the evening. He said he wants to relax on a Friday night. I let him. Was it too difficult to call me back and say good night just to check in or pray together? Was it too hard?
I tried to call him, but he didn't answer. I am having anxiety whenever he doesn't answer my calls, especially on a Friday night. Was he with someone? That's why he's not answering the call. I communicated this to him and am still waiting for a response, if ever he will still contact me. He's thinking I have gone crazy already. I called him maybe fifty times or more on Messenger, posted an SOS message on his Facebook account, and called him on his phone number, but still no response or call back. Does he really love me? Does he still love me? He seems so comfortable not answering my call nowadays, so unlike him when we just started dating. 
A guy tends to work harder during the dating stage. They tend to be more tolerant of the woman they are dating. They are extra in the wooing stage. 
But once they are in the relationship, they start to get mean when the woman is already so into him, like when she is already head over heels for him. 
Is this still love? Is this the relationship I was waiting for? I have my boyfriend at the age of 34. I have waited so long and reserved myself for him. I have always believed in dating to marry, but I guess that's not where I am heading. I am already 35 and I desire to have my own family. I was hopeful it would happen four months ago, and guess what, it didn't happen the way I wanted it. He's not ready when I am so ready. 
Sometimes, it hurts to see other people have their families at this age. I want to be happy for them, I truly am. I don't want to feel bad seeing them happy with their family, but sometimes, or most of the time at this age, I can't help but feel jealous or envious. I always ask God for forgiveness for feeling that way. 
I want to be content with what I have and where I am right now. I want to be grateful, thankful for what He has given me, what He has blessed me. Truly and genuinely, I want to be just grateful and joyful, but today and some other days, it is hard to do that. 
I thought love and relationships weren't going to be this hard. Sometimes I just want to die so I don't feel the pain and hurt, all the rejections, shame, and the feeling of not being good enough.
I want my tears to dry up. I want this pain to end. I want to disappear. Diesappear in this world. 

Out of My Comfort Zone at MIBF 2025

Yey! I did it again this year. I participated in MIBF 2025 as a writer and a reader.




For those who are unfamiliar with MIBF, it stands for Manila International Book Fair and is an annual event that many Filipino readers and writers eagerly anticipate. As a reader and writer, I have always been excited to participate in this event, especially if I have the budget (haha).

And this year has been, so far, my best experience of MIBF. And good news for those who know me: I stepped out of my comfort zone, or at least I tried, even if only for an hour, and I want to praise God for that!



With the help of PaperKat Books and Ms. Kath, I was able to book an hour of meet-the-writer and a book signing event during the MIBF 2025.

Initially, I only planned to consign my latest book, The Restless Mind, and hope for the best of its sales. I am scared to be on the frontline of the meet-the-writer and a book-signing event. But then, there was this desire to try the book signing activity. I took the risk. I thought I had nothing to lose, and it was not like I was going to do something bad or illegal.

"I am just gonna put myself out there, and be a little vulnerable in the eyes of spectators." I thought to myself.

So, yes, I did! I had the book signing and meet-the-writer activity with PaperKat Books. I am really grateful for the opportunity and the experience, and I am so glad I got to experience MIBF 2025 as a writer and a reader.



Special shout-out to the readers who took a chance on my book, The Restless Mind, during my book signing: Ram, Grace, Zu, LJ, and Thine!💙 If you bought my book at MIBF 2025, and I was not able to sign it for you, I hope I get to see you at other events. SLMT 💙

I am looking forward to experiencing more of this event.

I am joyful that I did this. It was beyond my comfort zone, but God did it again! He helped me get through 🙏🙌

Out of My Comfort Zone at MIBF 2025

Yey! I did it again this year. I participated in MIBF 2025 as a writer and a reader.


For those who are unfamiliar with MIBF, it stands for Manila International Book Fair and is an annual event that many Filipino readers and writers eagerly anticipate. As a reader and writer, I have always been excited to participate in this event, especially if I have the budget (haha).   
And this year has been, so far, my best experience of MIBF. And good news for those who know me: I stepped out of my comfort zone, or at least I tried, even if only for an hour, and I want to praise God for that!

With the help of PaperKat Books and Ms. Kath, I was able to book an hour of meet-the-writer and a book signing event during the MIBF 2025. 
Initially, I only planned to consign my latest book, The Restless Mind, and hope for the best of its sales. I am scared to be on the frontline of the meet-the-writer and a book signing event. But then, there was this desire to try the book signing activity. I took the risk. I thought I had nothing to lose, and it was not like I was going to do something bad or illegal.
"I am just gonna put myself out there, and be a little vulnerable in the eyes of spectators." I thought to myself. 
So, yes, I did! I had the book signing and meet-the-writer activity with PaperKat Books. I am really grateful for the opportunity and the experience, and I am so glad I got to experience MIBF 2025 as a writer and a reader. 

Special shout-out to the readers who took a chance on my book, The Restless Mind, during my book signing: Ram, Grace, Zu, LJ, and Thine!💙 If you bought my book at MIBF 2025, and I was not able to sign it for you, I hope I get to see you at other events. SLMT 💙
I am looking forward to experiencing more of this event.
I am joyful that I did this. It was beyond my comfort zone, but God did it again! He helped me get through 🙏🙌

I'm Gonna Be At MIBF 2025 Again

I have good news for you all. I will be participating Manila International Book Fair this year, 2025. I am excited to be doing this again after quite a while. I hope you are excited too. 
The Restless Mind, my latest book, is participating this year. The book event will run from September 10-14, 2025, from Wednesday to Sunday. 
Ms. Kath Eustaquio-Derla and PaperKat Books helped me to make this opportunity possible. 


I also have a Meet the author schedule at Booth #2-122, 2nd Floor Function Hall, SMX Convention Center Manila. So if you want to meet me or get your copies signed, please feel free to drop by. Other freebies are waiting for you. I hope I get to see you guys and gals! 

To Kill or Not To Kill A Mockingbird, What Would It Be?

The latest book that I read is To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I think it is the first time I have read a classic intentionally. I thought reading a classic would be boring, but I was totally wrong. To Kill A Mockingbird proved me wrong.
It is also my first time having a reading buddy with the same book. It was a fun journey as we shared our thoughts and feelings through a group chat.  
This book brought hope to me, and I am sure to other readers. Though the resolution of the main conflict in the story is not favorable, I can say that the book teaches hope. That injustice does not have to be a dead end. The story setting is in 1930, more than a century ago, and the book screams RACISM as the main topic. It recounts a somber aspect of American history.
 
In the present, everything is better; not perfect, but better. The human race still has some improvement to make, and I hope that we are getting closer to it, rather than moving further away. 
The book has a slow pace of telling, and that is what I like about it. I enjoyed how the writer built up the story by mentioning the neighbors, the town, and the point of view of the narrator in the form of a child. There is always hope; change might take a while, but it will definitely happen as long as we strive for good and the better. 
So if you are looking for a book that will give you a glimpse of hope in humanity, then this book can be a good choice.