Arlene Manocot's Blog, page 10

Why Jesus, And Why Not?!!

I believe in God, that truth that He sent Jesus His only son to save us from death and eternal damnation. But that knowledge alone didn't help me fully understand the gravity of this massive demonstration of love (John 3:16). I couldn't fully appreciate the role of Jesus in this war against the evil forces in the spiritual realm. This might sound superficial and crazy but this battle could not be any more real than it is. I was at bay and didn't want to be considered by others as a fanatic and too proud to approach a God I never got to know up close and personal. I was doing fine and sourcing my strength and power to continue living from the negative emotions and feelings I harbored as I grew up. 
I thought the path I headed was "okay" since everyone seemed to be going in that direction. They just go with the flow of the rotten system. It doesn't matter if something is wrong, it doesn't matter if they talk about people behind their back, it doesn't matter if they say hurtful and insulting words as long they have the fun and pleasure of it, it doesn't matter if they step on others just to enhance their own image and a lot more things that I thought and was foolishly convinced that doesn't really matter.
My resistance didn't take long and eventually went with the flow. I thought it would be easier if I do what others do, but it only gave me a hard time. I kept on rejecting the system no matter how much I tried to embrace it. I had a hard time and was left conflicted, lost to who I am and how should I really deal with the world. 
Lost, I was in need of direction, like a compass that would tell me where to go or what to do. All my plans for my career, dreams, family, my life as a whole were for naught. Everything was in vain as I recognized the dirt inside me that almost ate me up alive, swallow me whole and spit me in the deepest and darkest pit of hell. I was drowning. I was alive but barely breathing. I was in dire need of salvation from my sin and worst from myself. I was like a ticking bomb ready and wanting to explode in a split second. Self-destruction was just around the corner. Everything didn't make sense. I wanted to see the end of my worthless, shameful, and sinful life. 
So here comes the question: why Jesus? Does he have anything to do with my life or with your life? Just who really is He? What's the big deal about Him? Maybe, these are just some of the questions you have in mind. Or if you already received the answers, praise God if that is the case. But if you are still searching and seeking the answers to these questions, then these are just some answers you might need right now. The book Why Jesus? tells us the need to have Jesus in our lives. The author Nicky Gumbel enumerates three reasons why Him, why Jesus:He satisfies our hunger for meaning and purpose in lifeHe satisfies our hunger for life beyond deathHe satisfies our hunger for forgiveness
So again why Jesus for me, and for you too...
BECAUSE He gave me an opportunity to make a restart (2 Corinthians 5:17). He died on the cross and took all the guilt and shame (Romans 5:8). He defeated death so we can have eternity with and through Him (2 Timothy 1:10). And more wisdom and encounter to bless you and me as we journey and develop that personal and intimate relationship with Him... <3
And why not really? What better reasons do you have for you not to put your faith in Him? Nada.

Of Myths and Men by Catherine Dellosa

What if myths were real? A small-town gamer girl discovers friendly mythological creatures among humans and embarks on a quest to save the world.

Here's another new book about myths by a Filipino author we can all look forward to. It is published under Penguin Random House and here's a little teaser for you all before its official release. 
Of Myths And MenBy: Catherine DellosaGenre: YA fantasyTropes/Keywords: Vampires, Mythological Creatures, Gamer Geek, Save The World
Blurb:Eighteen-year-old Ava has saved the world 152 times—ever since she got her hands on her first console. It's all fun and games, but after a mysterious encounter with not-a-vampire Brad, she discovers that the mythological creatures she’s only ever seen in video games are actually totally real. Brad reveals they’re alien refugees living among humans—bonus points because Ava finds the guy really, really cute.
As she's suddenly thrust into a quest with a surfer wendigo, a friendly manananggal, a telepathic nine-tailed fox, a Sudoku-loving centaur, and a huggable Bigfoot, Ava embarks on an actual mission to fend off an alien invasion—and she soon realizes that this time, she just might need to save the world for real. 
Where's a save point when you need one?
Release dates:SINGAPORE - FEBRUARY 8, 2022Penguin Random House SEA - https://penguin.sg/book/of-myths-and-... Singapore - https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/bw/9... MALAYSIA - FEBRUARY 20, 2022PHILIPPINES - MARCH 15, 2022AUSTRALIA - JUNE 15, 2022Penguin Random House Australia - https://www.penguin.com.au/books/of-m... Australia - https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/98149542... - https://www.booktopia.com.au/of-myths... Australia - https://australia.kinokuniya.com/bw/9... Abbey's - https://www.abbeys.com.au/book/of-myt... Angus & Robertson - https://www.angusrobertson.com.au/boo... Fishpond Australia - https://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Of-... ZEALAND - JUNE 15, 2022Penguin Random House New Zealand - https://www.penguin.co.nz/books/of-my... Ape - https://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/o... New Zealand - https://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Of-M... US, UK, CANADA - PRE-ORDER LINKS COMING SOON
Author bio:Catherine Dellosa Lo plays video games for a living, reads comics for inspiration, and writes fiction because she’s in love with words. She lives in Manila, Philippines with her husband, whose ideas fuel the fire in her writing. She has penned The Bookshop Back Home and Raya and Grayson’s Guide to Saving the World as part of #romanceclass, a community of Filipino authors who’re equally in love with words too. 
While she’s never had to befriend Bigfoot in real life, she swears that Jimmy is based on an actual person. She one day hopes to soar the skies as a superhero, but for now, she strongly believes in saving lives through her works in fiction. Check out her books at bit.ly/catherinedellosabooks, or follow her on FB/IG/Twitter at @thenoobwife.
Contact info (available for interviews, video chats, readings, features, what-have-yous):Name: Catherine DellosaEmail: catherinedellosabooks@gmail.comWebsite: bit.ly/catherinedellosabooksAmazon: amazon.com/author/thenoobwife.catheri... https://twitter.com/thenoobwifeInstag... https://instagram.com/thenoobwifeFace... https://www.facebook.com/TheNoobWife/... https://www.goodreads.com/TheNoobWife
#ofmythsandmen #teambrad #teamconnor

TSIAS: A Young Adult Book For A Not-So-Young Adult

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.Proverbs 16:9

Everything happens for a reason. There's no doubt there is, always. No single event in this universe exists wholly for itself, everything is related and interconnected. You and I, she and he, they and them, we all are, just like Daniel Bae and Natasha Kingsley. It may sound superficial, but it is the truth. You know it is, and you don't have to deny it.
My first book in 2022, tanan, The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon, is a young adult book for a not-so-young adult like me. haha
Yoon's book is dreamy, yet ironically realistic. The drama and comedy of life are vivid in this short-lived love story between Daniel and Natasha. Fate brought them together and soon enough they got separated in a one-day time.  A fast-paced love rendezvous from morning 'til nighttime of two youngsters who have opposing beliefs about love.
The alternate point of view of the male and female leads in the book brings equilibrium to the whole concept of the story. It balances the opposing ideas incorporated in the story. Life is a comedy and a tragedy. Love is superficial and scientific. Human existence can be good and bad. But it is the whole experience of living the life where we can get the most of it. That despite the pain, there can still be joy. 
We only have a dainty span here on earth and the best we can do is to live it with a purpose. Have you found your purpose in this confusing world? I pray that you already did, if not yet, let's continue to pray about it. Let's go!

The pacing is divine. The timing is perfect. The book is superb. A good book to start the year right!

3Fs in Nueva Ecija: Food, Flowers, and Family

For still the vision awaits its appointed time;    it hastens to the end—it will not lie.If it seems slow, wait for it;    it will surely come; it will not delay.Habakkuk 2:3

After many years, we finally had a visit to our relatives in Nueva Ecija. As far as I remembered, ever since I started working as a teacher we never visited the place as a family. It might have been 11 years since my last visit. It appeared that we had an extra budget this year so visiting the province was made possible. Praise God! <3 It would be nice to do this every year, I thought. 
We stayed at our relatives' house for 3 days and 2 nights. We were provided with delicious and native food during our stay. Adobong manok, ginataang manok, tinumis and binagoongang karne were my favorites. The meat was all fresh from the pen, we ate native chickens! There was quite a difference in the taste compared to the 45-day chicken we usually bought at the market in a city. Native chicken meat absorbs flavors better and richer. 
I also missed the espasol my sister and I used to eat whenever we went to Nueva Ecija during school vacation when we were just kids. I was delighted when my father bought a tub of espasol and kalamay. Espasol is the best, not too sweet, just perfect, and the texture is chewy not too soft or hard, just perfect as well. Perfect score for the superb espasol!
We also had a chance to drop by at Farm Villaronte at San Antonio, Nueva Ecija. The place reminded me of the Sirao Flower Garden of Cebu. There was an entrance fee of 50 pesos per person. We were supposed to visit the ancestral houses at Gapan City, the newest and latest attraction in town, but that did not happen because we were always sleepy early at night and I preferred to sleep. haha We will and should visit it next time.


There were different kinds of flowers but Zinnia got me the most. They were everywhere even our relatives had those flowers in their backyard. I wanted to ask my father to bring at least one plant of daisies, but we were pretty cramped up in the vehicle so I decided not to push through with my wants. Maybe next time. I must say that Farm Villaonte is a nice venue for a prenup, hehe, a good recommendation for those who plan to get married and have something like a prenup photoshoot.







Beauty and wit are noticeable concepts at Farm Villaronte, perfect for people who are fond of posting Instagrammable pictures. We felt like we traveled to some famous places in the world, and encountered replicas of a few iconic and historical items. There were also some funny memes in the area, haha, one is a swing for the singles which I didn't even attempt to sit on. haha




Lovely Zinnias <3 I am in love with God's creation, bless your eyes with these picturesque photos of flower power! haha To be honest, I thought they were Daisies and I was wrong. They are actually Zinnias, thanks to Bixby Vision I double-checked the name of the flower before publishing this blog entry. haha


Paying a visit to our relatives in the province was a bit nerve-wracking on our part except for my father. The last time we went there was a misunderstanding among adults. Time healed everyone and God's timing made it all possible. My father so wanted to come and see his brothers and sisters and cousins and friends. He was excited and couldn't hide it, just how the song said it. He missed them and the home he used to live in. It was just sad that a cousin of ours passed away during this festive season that urged us to push through going to Nueva Ecija. All went well for good by God's grace, and we ate the best ulam during our short stay.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:Ecclesiastes 3:1

Mahal Mo Siya. Mahal Ka Ba? 'Di Bale Na Because His Love Endureth Forever

Mahal ka ba?
I don't even understand the question. Please translate it. haha
Kidding aside, this is my second book from the king of hugot, Marcelo Santos III, and my last read this year 2021.
The content of the book felt irrelevant to me as I read it. I wonder why I felt detached from the ideas written on some of the pages. I thought I might be bitter and not so in love like the ones who could definitely relate to the content of the book. That must be one of the many reasons I can't relate at the moment.  

Manhid na ba ako? I asked myself, maybe that's another reason I couldn't empathize or even sympathize with the author's point of view. I am afraid my heart is becoming calloused when it comes to romantic love which I haven't formally and officially experienced. Kay God na lang ako kinikilig, I thought sometimes.
I don't want to demean the purpose of this book, some readers can and will definitely feel the message of this book just how it is supposed to be. It's just that right now I can't feel anything from it as if there's no spark or connection between me and the book. 
Nevertheless, I certainly learned a thing or two. One thing that struck me the most is that God must and should be the center of a relationship and I must add that it should be applied to any kind of relationship, be it romantically or whatnot. He should be! And that's irrevocable! 
I would also like to mention that the layout and the quality of the physical book are superb. Glossy paper all throughout with some colorful pages of calligraphy! It is aesthetically pleasing.  
Another thing is I love the part where the author asked his friends and acquaintances about the meaning of forever. One of them is KZ Tandingan, a singer here in the Philippines, who answered "His love endures forever". Her answer reminded me of the extent of forever, which is not and never based on human standards. Eternity is God's, His mercy and love endure forever.

Psalm 1361 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.His love endures forever.2 Give thanks to the God of gods.His love endures forever.3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders,His love endures forever.5 who by his understanding made the heavens,His love endures forever.6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,His love endures forever.7 who made the great lights—His love endures forever.8 the sun to govern the day,His love endures forever.9 the moon and stars to govern the night;His love endures forever.
10 to him who struck down the firstborn of EgyptHis love endures forever.11 and brought Israel out from among themHis love endures forever.12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;His love endures forever.
13 to him who divided the Red Sea asunderHis love endures forever.14 and brought Israel through the midst of it,His love endures forever.15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;His love endures forever.
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness;His love endures forever.
17 to him who struck down great kings,His love endures forever.18 and killed mighty kings—His love endures forever.19 Sihon king of the AmoritesHis love endures forever.20 and Og king of Bashan—His love endures forever.21 and gave their land as an inheritance,His love endures forever.22 an inheritance to his servant Israel.His love endures forever.
23 He remembered us in our low estateHis love endures forever.24 and freed us from our enemies.His love endures forever.25 He gives food to every creature.His love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.His love endures forever.

Purposeful Trip Somewhere in Tagaytay

December is the Christmas Party season and I recently attended one. The truth is I was really nervous. It was a face-to-face gathering and most of the attendees were people I first met via Zoom. 
Kale, Mitch, and I tagged along on a ride with Kuya Jan and Ate Cha. Instead of taking the busy main road to Tagaytay, Casile Road is a shortcut and a good alternative to reach the venue in minutes. I don't know the name of the place but I remember it has a few golden yellow Bahay-Kubo. 
The food was good and my favorites are Bulalo and Pork Sisig. When lunch was over the exchange gift and games liven up the mood more than it already was. The people I encountered beamed with energy, they are positive energy. As for me, I am on the calmer side of the planet or I have an intermittent connection with the world, or maybe, it is the 'tita' in me that is gradually emerging. Seems like tita moments are here to stay. haha
I realize I do not have the energy I used to have in my early 20s. Now, I allot my time and energy to things that really matter. 



The Coffee Project at Crosswinds was supposed to be our next stop for another round of fellowship and games, but there was no more space for parking. There were a lot of Pine trees which I don't have any pictures of. The place gives off Baguio vibes. Around the area of Crosswinds, Windmill Lausanne is a new restaurant that attracts tourists for a Tagaytay experience, so we went there instead. 
Matcha Latte at Windmill Lausanne is pricey at P240 for 12 oz. The restaurant offers Italian cuisine based on its menu, or probably Swiss (visit the place, you judge). The place looks expensive so as the price of the food. I doubt if I ever return and order anything from there, the prices just do not fit in my budget honestly. But for those who can afford and love to visit places like Windmill Lausanne, please do visit, the place is nice and you'll love it definitely. Just be careful not to disturb the residents of the subdivision where the restaurant is located, some are really private persons.

Photo Credit to Mitch E.The ride back home was a fun and purposeful conversation. Life or more like spiritual lessons blessed my heart and mind. "Feeling blessed like I should" was a lyric of a song that bugged me after that Christmas party. I really should.

SUNSET AT WINDMILL LAUSANNE Part 1

Sunset at Windmill Lausanne

The Windmill Lausanne, Tagaytay
Photo Credit to Mitch E.
Sunset signals the end of the day. It is breathtaking scenery when the sun bids goodbye to the naked eye of every human being. The sun seems to never get tired of showing up in the morning and bidding goodbye in the afternoon. Is it contented with what it does every single day? Does it ever get bored with its routine? 
The sun only rises and sets. 
Some people may have wanted to say goodbye permanently, unlike the sun who keeps on showing up to everyone every morning. These people want to permanently stop showing up to people who may have cared for them or not. 
No one, not even a single human being, asks the sun to rise and set. It is just simply doing its purpose that is embedded in the deepest part of its core. It knows its purpose and it does what needs to be done. 
The sun does not care about the complaints of human beings when it is too hot or too bright as long as it does its job. It focuses on its work and emits the light that is delivered to planet earth for the living things. It is doing exactly what it is made to do. 
There might be less drama if humans work their purpose the way the sun does. Rise. Set. But it is fact that a human being is a very complex kind of creature. The human race is a complicated being.  
It cannot be denied that they are made in the perfect image of the Creator, the masterpiece of His powerful and wonderful hands. He spoke life and the first human was created. He saw the sadness in the human so He gave him a partner. The first human, Adam, is in charge of everything that was created on earth before him. The Creator may have also witnessed tiredness on his face that is why He created a co-steward for all His creations. The second human, Eve, is a partner to co-manage all of the things entrusted to them.  
The complexity inflated when the monumental and wretched encounter occurred in the garden of Eden. A great separation complicates the situation, specifically the relationship, connection, and fellowship humans have with the Creator. The purpose got blurry and confusion was engraved in every human heart. Human's will versus God's will has been going on since immemorial time. The birth of sinful human nature brought destruction to the alignment of will between the Creator and creation.
The existence of a relationship in the face of the earth began between the first human and God. Though the relationship is currently severed which is a big problem for everyone, He extended His grace and gave everyone the only solution, the only One: the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Patch up things with God only through Jesus! Find the purpose in Him.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.John 15:5

Part 2 soon...

Violet Evergarden will warm up anyone's heart, big time!

All right. Violet Evergarden made me cry, again. This time in its movie version. She made me cry the first time from the series I watched on an online streaming platform. I bet she can also make you cry. Violet is a soldier during the war. She was considered a weapon at such a young age, in her teens maybe. Eventually, she lost her arms at the height of the battle and Gilbert was with her who was equally injured as her. When the war ended, she became an Auto Memory Doll, a job that writes letters for their clients. Using a typewriter which she can carry anywhere she goes, her words brought life to the deepest longing and emotions of human beings a.k.a her clients. 
Around her, peace seems to be existing at the very least, she seems emotionless after the war but it is the total opposite within her. There are raging emotions inside that are difficult for her to understand ever since the supposed death of Major Gilbert Bougainvillea.
Relief flooded all the heartaches I felt because of Violet's predicament when it was presented to my knowledge the fact that he was alive and kicking, though without an eye and an arm. The longing she had for him was intense. I felt it. I wanted to tell her, "I feel you," like I could totally empathize with her, with a character that wasn't even existent in the real world.

I literally sobbed as the confrontation between Violet and Gilbert happened before my eyes. I cried and cried while thinking what the heck Violet! Gilbert!  I shouldn't be weeping like this! It is just an anime movie, no big deal, but as I mentioned I just couldn't help but open the gate of my tear glands and release the tears that were about to burst like a dam filled with water from the surge of rain. 
The elements of the plot hit all the right spots to make me all teary-eyed. They can unlock the gates of your tear glands. So be ready and prepare your heart and mind, and also something to wipe out the tears on your face!
Expect to be teary-eyed and smiling genuinely as Violet warms your heart!  
A season or another movie should be looked forward to. I hope there will be a more vivid telling of what happened between Violet Evergarden and Gilbert Bougainvillea after their heartwarming and long-awaited reunion. But if there isn't, I can say that the plot's resolution of the story is perfect already. I love how the movie ended.   Witness and experience the complexity of human emotions with Violet Evergarden!

Singleness is not a curse

The Iwas Sawi Project is a collaboration of Marcelo Santos III and Rhadson Mendoza. It is my first book from Santos and probably the second book from Mendoza. Written in Taglish, the book caters to the interest of young people, adolescents, or teenagers, and maybe also to everyone who loved and was loved.  
It contains tips and account of their personal experiences about heartbreaks, specifically in the area of romantic relationship. Some of the contents reminded me of the encounter I had with a guy online. It was an unpleasant experience in general. I thought it was all bliss but I was heading in the wrong direction. I was led and willingly complied with whatever happened in the conversation between us. I even wrote poems about him. I am regretting it a little as days pass by after that encounter. I thought I would definitely have pleasant memories about him or the experience, but no, it wasn't.
I was blinded by my selfish desire and almost trudged on the path of no return. Almost. Just almost. I was happy, but whenever I look back on the memories all I can sense is a dark cloud that covered me from the light. Like I got almost separated from the light of the lamp which serves as the navigator of my life. I almost got lost again. 
But I will always be grateful for the light, to the only true light.
The lies and deception of a person even in a virtual setup do not minimize the gravity of its negative impact on the person being lied to or even to the liar himself. It will have its consequences one way or another. It will come after you and no one can stop it. Forgiveness is the only way to move forward while trusting the process.
I learn to forgive myself and others from the One who forgave and redeemed me from everything that dragged me down.  
And now, I am still single at the age of 31 and I am loving it. I am more joyful about the fact that I am single and that can never be rooted alone in my own effort, rather there is great satisfaction coming from the One who can only fill the void inside me. I never thought I could ever be this joyful in this season of my life even if everything isn't perfect or the way I wanted it before because in the first place nothing is ever perfect in this world we live in. 
Despite the imperfection, I am blessed.
Singleness or being single is not a curse, it is never a curse. It is a blessing we all experienced in a season of our lives and for some in the entirety of their lives. A blessing! 
So if you are the type who is not in a relationship right now, has never been in a relationship, or just do not have the intention to be in a relationship romantically, it is totally fine. No judgment! Do your thing, whatever is within your control.
I remember Paul's story and his take on singleness, which I just read a few days ago in the book of 1 Corinthians 7:25-40. I believe it was a reminder from God that singleness is also a blessing because He knows exactly what I was going through the past months and it felt reassuring like there is peace in my heart and mind. 
There is a purpose in our singleness and that alone can bring trust and faith from the One who made us wonderfully. The frustration is fading away and I am enjoying the process more so I am trusting the process because I know that there is someone greater than me who is in control of everything. Forever grateful to Him!
I hope and pray that you get to see your purpose in times of uncertainty because there is also someone who is always certain and will never ever change. He loves and did everything to take you back to Him, and be assured that He still working on you just like what He is doing on me. Focus on Him, you'll never be lost. You will always be found, always. 

Sword of Destiny breathe life into the Warriors of the Ancient China

Sword of Destiny is the only book I finished for November and this is just my second blog post for this month. Things happened and I lost the momentum and now I am trying to get back on track before the year ends. It is only one month to go until the year 2022. Time flies fast, so, so fast. 
Well, I bought this book from the NBS 99 Sale just this year. The book cover got me, the lady with the sword impressed upon me that there was a high possibility to encounter a strong female character in the book and I was never wrong. I did meet not just one, but a few of them matter-of-factly, and I am satisfied.
The story revolves around the hidden Green Destiny Sword of China. This magnificent sword possesses power and strength that would be unbearable to handle even by the strongest warrior ever since the death of its original keeper. It is untamed and has been passed down from generation to generation of warriors. It could be a gift or a curse to anyone who desires to take a hold of it.  
Becoming a warrior entails honor, power, and strength. Through the life of the Iron Way, one can begin the journey of becoming a warrior. It is a difficult path to take, but few prefer to trudge on that road. Men are the ones to walk on this path of becoming a warrior and it is seldom that women choose the Iron Way but even if they do, they are forbidden or judged by their loved ones, the people around them, or just by the mere bystanders, which is something that we can expect by the setting of the story. 
It felt like I was watching a martial arts movie as I read the book. Regret is nowhere to be found after enjoying this book that I picked randomly because of a book sale. Again, satisfied!
You can definitely breathe into the world of ancient China where warriors exist for honor and justice alone. Sword of Destiny is a book for all the martial arts fanatics out there. It is a vivid telling of an adventure only for the brave ones. Meet the warriors that will blow your mind and touch your heart with their gentle strength and prowess. 

The book is written by Justin Hill which he based on the writings of Wang Dulu. You can check out the film adaptation on Netflix, I tried to watch it but I stop when I realized that there was a huge difference at the beginning of the movie and the book. I'm a bit disappointed with the film. Maybe, I'll try to watch it again some other time, see if it isn't bad as I thought, and let the movie justify itself once more.