Arlene Manocot's Blog, page 7

Home Away From Home in FL

Winter Break in TX, Christmas Vacation in PH!
Two-Week Winter Break calls for a trip or gala as we all call it in the Philippines. It's time for the gala we planned more than a month ago.
Universal Studios

We planned to go to Disney World, but fate led us to Universal Studios. The ticket was pricey for us but we ceased the opportunity and pikit-mata (eyes closed) we bought the ticket on their website.
The theme park exceeded our expectations. The experience was great! These are the rides we got to visit. 
The Bourne Legacy StuntacularThe Krusty LandMen In Black Alien AttackThe Wizarding World of Harry PotterTransformers: The Ride 3DRevenge of the MummyRace Through New York Starring Jimmy FallonDespicable Me Minion Mayhem
The blockbuster ride is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter because of the long cue. There were a lot of people waiting in line for the Harry Potter ride. Many love Harry! But the scariest one is Revenge of the Mummy. 
We missed some rides because we went to the theme park at noon so I suggest you go early. They have three (3) parks, my estimate is one day per park if you plan to visit them all. We just visited one park, budget and time wise.
Daytona Beach & Ormond Beach


My uncle's friend said that you've never been to Florida if you haven't visited some of their famous beaches. 
It was raining when we left the house. I thought it was wrong timing to do beach hopping in such cold and rainy weather. 
There were not many people at Daytona Beach. The waves were a bit strong even though there were two or three people surfing. I was in awe. There were also people who fished with their fishing rods. It seems like the cold never bother them anymore.
Ormond beach is more family and old people friendly. It has free and aesthetic tables and benches to sit on for some donuts and hot coffee. 
My friend, since she'd been to, said that the beaches in FL with all the modern accommodations seem similar to our famous Boracay, back home. 
Teddy Morse's Harley-Davidson 

My friend's uncle and aunt are fans of big bikes and they love anything that has something to do with it. They brought us to the second largest Harley-Davidson shop. We saw brand new and vintage bikes, some were even historical. There were lots of merchandise in the store like hats, t-shirts, mugs, wine glasses and many more. 
There are still a lot of places to visit in FL. It offers surprises that can or cannot exceed your expectations, depends on your perspective.
If you have the chance, grab it and cease it. Be grateful and show your gratitude the best way you can! Our Christmas this year 2023 felt like home away from home. Thank you LORD!

OK na Ok in OKC

Thanksgiving week! It's my first Thanksgiving day. I was looking forward to it. One week break for our Thanksgiving day here in our place. A break we all deserve!

It took us 6 to 7 hours to reach Oklahama City. It was long yet fun and exciting drive. We visited a lot of beautiful, historic, and artsy places around the city. 


A two-day trip from Texas to Oklahama was something we can afford from the one week Thanksgiving break. We weren't able to visit places with entrance fee. We tried to limit our expenses on this trip. 
Oklahama is the second state I got to visit among the fifty in the United States of America. It's still feel surreal sometimes that I am already here. It wasn't an easy journey and I am grateful to God for sustaining me every single day, every hour, every minute, and every second of every moment. 
Okay na okay sa Oklahama City!

We Are Heavenly Bodies, Are We?

What if the governing entities of this NASA are heavenly bodies who want to return home? And they have been doing it since humans barely learned how to get out there, in outer space. They have been trying to put themselves back in the heavenly realms yet until now they haven't fully discovered the most efficient and effective way to return where they originally come from.
Or maybe, we as humans always have that intense desire to return home, to the heavenly realms. We, ourselves, are heavenly bodies and we're just trying to make it back home in our own way, in our own time, in our own effort.
These were just a few of the many thoughts I had when we visited NASA Space Center in Houston, Texas. 
I was excited and so looking forward when there was a plan to go there, well, except for the unexpected expenses that might go beyond my budget but I had no choice but to take risk or else I wouldn't be able to visit it on my own because I had no car and the more the merrier. 
All I could see were pictures and realia and souvenirs, and I was not enjoying it. I was looking for something that could make me experience what it was like to be in outer space. My expectations were too high.
We continued to roam around the Space Center and finally something caught my attention. I saw people sitting comfortably on a makeshift chair for astronauts. The two persons were looking on their own monitor as they felt how it was like to be seated on a skyrocket that was about to take off. The vibration added to the experience of the take off. There was a short line waiting to experience the same and we also did wait for our turn. I liked it. I enjoyed it. 
We got to tour the facilities while riding a tram of the actual working area where they practice the astronauts and develop equipment and machines that would help the human race to further have access to outer space. A life size skyrocket ship amazed by how huge it was. 
So what if humans really are heavenly bodies? What if we're originally from outerspace and we so desire to go back where we belong, to return back home? Just think about it, we might be the aliens of this world and the native dwellers are the animals we rule over with. What are odds!

A Time To Be Lonely

Her eyes were filled with water from the heavy rain drops of life's joy and pain. Overwhelmed, she tried to hold up the tears in the corners of her eyes. Wishing time would stop and save her from the rush of emotions that was about to trample her defenses. But instead of fighting back the tears, she surrendered and let the rain fall down on her cheeks, on her face.

As the tears poured out, shame and guilt were nowhere to be found. Instead, she was freed, she was at peace, she had joy. 

Tears persistently trailed down on her cheeks as she stood up in front of her class. Shocked, her students asked, "Are you okay, miss? Why miss?" Concern was evident on their faces. She was too stunned to even give them a response.

"Please, give me a minute." She pleaded and turned her back from them.

Inside the room safe from the eyes of the young ones, she wept and wept as she completely surrendered to the raging time of loneliness. As if that loneliness demanded to be felt, to be released. She thought to herself now was not the right time, "Damn it!" 

Yet, it was the perfect time, not according to her, but according to the One greater than anyone. "Probably, now is the time to be lonely," she thought to herself again.  

A few moments passed, she returned to where the young ones were. 

"Are you okay, miss?" They asked again, once she made it to where they were. 

She replied, "Yes. I'm okay, maybe I just missed home."

"Aww, miss..." Some gently interjected, as they group and side hugged her. 

"You okay, miss?" Some asked again.

"Yes. I just missed home." Sincerely with a smile on her face, she replied.

Little Woman in a Little Forest with a Little Dream

It was the long weekend I so looked forward to. I did not plan to be grand. Staying at home was the first thing I had in mind when I learned that there would be a long weekend in our district this October. Giddy and excited, the meaningful and purposeful days passed by in almost three weeks. I listed down in my journal the things I needed to accomplish. I started my to-do list and was successful with some of them.
Watching movies and series is one of the hobbies I get to enjoy ever since I was a child, yet that joy seems nowhere to be found now. I have been wandering and looking for a movie or series that can bring back the spark and joy in watching cinematic art. 
My wandering in the land of streaming and binging brought me to Tubi, an on demand video streaming app. The shows on Tubi appeal to my interest. 
The South Korean movie 'Little Forest' caught my attention and awakened the dormant joy I had whenever I watch a movie. 
The female lead was a familiar sight. Cute was the first word I would describe her. Her whole demeanor was a breath of fresh air.
The changing season in a small rural area in South Korea is like bringing colors to the black and white scenery of life. 
The cold winter comes with sadness whereas a blooming spring brings hues of hope to the loneliness of the little woman. The summer heat pricks the skin of ignorance from the fickle-minded little woman. The falling autumn journeys with the wind as it goes along to the course of life and suffering. 
Time makes the seasons change. Time makes little dreams come true. How time works is simple, yet the most difficult to understand with just our feeble human minds, without wisdom it is impossible.
The Little Forest is me, or maybe you. 

Live With A Grateful Heart

I have nothing to write. I only have been posting once a month for the past three months and it also has been busy months. I have not finish reading a book. I have no motivation to post my thoughts at all. It feels like a repetitive cycle for me. Perhaps, I have lost interest in my own thoughts. Probably, nothing compels me to share anything on this blog. 
I am nothing but grateful to the Lord for all that I am. Yet there is that one thing that has been bugging me even though I surrendered it all to Him. I gave up already even on the idea of having it or experiencing it. But it keeps coming back, the desire to have it, the desire to experience it. I avoid to be greedy just to have it, to possess, and experience it to the fullest. 
Or maybe I need to be greedy?

I always ask God and he never answers me with a 'no', it has always been wait, wait, and wait. I do not want to sound impatient, but when is it my Lord, until when am I going to wait. 
Shameless as I can be, there are times I feel like I really do not need it, I really do not like it yet there are also few times I yearn for it that I even talk to God and question Him of His time, will, and ways. How shameless I am!

There are things in life that can be a two edged sword in the human perspective. What meant to be good for you can hurt you sometimes and what you thought is good for you may cause you pain that lasts longer than it is meant to stay.
Dwelling on such thing that needs to undergo season of waiting until it is fully riped can definitely bring anxious and ungrateful thoughts. And those kind of thoughts are the last thing I want in my life right now. 
The act of gratitude can save us from a lot of pain. Just being grateful even for the little things in life can help us overcome anxious thoughts. This may not come in an instant. It takes time, practice, and change of lifestyle, but we will surely get there if we have faith. 

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭94:19‬ ‭CEV‬‬And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.
Oh Lord, guard my heart and mind. Protect me from my own devices. Give me a grateful heart every single day of my life. Amen.

Work Matters and So Are You

Work matters so are you. Life is work. The work itself is work. I am not just talking about the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. work time or whatever required duration of time your company or employer wants to see on the log. It is more than an employee-employer contract work kind of thing. 
Work is a gift from God. It is a blessing. When I was a student, I used to look at work as a resource which is really the entirety of its value in the human economy. Once I have work I can buy, I can do what I want.
Then, I graduated from a state university with a degree, they say it is a ticket to a better job and good life. I got hired and the salary was getting us by. I was grateful I had that job but I kept on searching for a stable job where I could get a better paycheck. 
Three years after graduating from college, I did get a stable job with a decent paycheck. I was happy for myself and my family. I dream of the best life for my parents and sister. I want the best for them, and for myself, life has to offer. 
During my first few years in my stable job with a decent paycheck, the dream job started to be a burden. At some point, I felt ungrateful. The work became a cross I had to carry like it was some sort of punishment, and I did not like what I felt about my work. The joy of doing it got lost along the way. The passion and dreams I once had for my work were nowhere to be found during the first five years in my job.
The purpose of the job was a source of money so we could buy our basic needs. A resource to get us by in our everyday needs. I was able to get what I wanted, oh yes I did. After getting my wants, I was happy, but it was only temporary. It never lasted and my wants were never satisfied. 
We were just surviving and we were barely living.   
I wanted to find the joy and spark in my work. I did not want to go on doing what I did feeling it was a burden I completely wanted to put off my shoulder. I wanted to carry the burden with joy and hope that even though things got hard everything would be alright at the end of the day. I sought that joy and spark in my work. 
There was something lacking in my work, that was why I was not satisfied or seeing the value of my work. Do you have any guesses as to where I found it? 
I found it in God. Cliche as it sounds or superficial as it is, I cannot deny that reality in my life. He made my life brand new. He refreshes my soul as I get to know Him more and more. I have found not only the joy and spark but also the purpose of my life, and why I do what I do.
Ahead is not an easy road. Unpredictable things may happen along the way, and work might feel like a burden big time. I can only pray and hope for you and me that get to see the worth and value of our work through God's perspective. That our work is part of His good plan in our lives. 
Work can get hard and annoying sometimes, and this book I just read entitled, Work Matters, serves as one of the many reminders, I get from God that I even brought it here in my new workplace. I would also like to remind you that more than work God cares for your first, your well-being. He wants to be purposeful, joyful, and hopeful with the work He assigns to us. 
Our God-given work matters and so you are, first and foremost. Whenever you feel tired and drained from your job, come to Him and you will find rest.  

Through You Nothing is Impossible: Show Me Your Glory

As far as I can remember, July 21, 2023 was the date of the very first concert I went to, and I was glad it was Planetshakers 2023 Concert in Manila.
It was never planned. I was sad and feeling down and just stayed at home for three (3) or four (4) days straight. I was like hibernating and contemplating at the same time about the future when my sister in Christ, Mitch, sent me a message thru Messenger. She had extra ticket for the concert, since her companion was not available due to emergency situation so she needed someone to take her place, and I immediately said yes. It was timely and purposive. God's timing is purposeful.

Watching a concert of Planetshakers has been on my list of things to do since 2018, I think. Yay that it finally materialized this year.  
More than the fun and excitement throughout the concert, it was a blessing. For Christians, it might be a cliché to say that I felt blessed during and after experiencing the worship concert. My unexpected attendance in the concert was like a push or a pat on my back I badly needed at that time. Thank God I had extra budget.  I was feeling uncertain of the big decision I just made in my life, that decision was a leap of faith. Until now, I am still waiting for the result of that decision and there are times I am worried and anxious even though I already have surrendered the result to the Lord, still I cannot help but be anxious sometimes. 
Do I lack in faith when I worry? 
I pray that God will give me faith that I need to overcome this season of my life. I pray to completely surrender everything to Him. I pray to holistically entrust to Him every aspect of my life. I pray and I pray. Sometimes, it does not make sense. I feel stuck and cannot move on. Still, I hold on to His promises, the deliverance and that this too shall pass because through Him nothing is impossible. His glory will prevail and be shown for all the earth to see. Nothing is impossible.

Speech, Adlibs, and Glory to God

hehe

K to 12 Graduates: Moldedthrough a Resilient Educational Foundation

(Gradweyt ng K to 12:Hinubog ng matatag na Edukasyon)

A pleasant and blessed afternoon to all.

I want to take this opportunity to honor each one ofyou who have gathered for this special event, to our:

School Division Office Representatives,

Principal,

Teachers,

Canteen/Utility/Security Guard Personnel,

Parents and guardians, and

Students, the Completers of this Moving Up Ceremony.

This memorable day is possible because of the smalland big contributions of everyone, and I am so glad to be part of thisunforgettable event in the lives of our children--your children.

Just to give you a bit of an addition to my introduction andwhy I am here.

I am Arlene Cahanap Manocot, an alumna of AppliedAcademics for Excellence Annex I Aplaya National High School. I am a secondchild. My father is a welder, "vulcanizer", and tricycle driver. My mother is avendor and was a street sweeper. I come from a humble background.

I was a shy and timid student back when I was in highschool. My shyness was worse during my first and second years, I was a novice inrecitation and reporting in front of the class. It was a huge dilemma for meback then, but I guess even now.

I can still remember some of the things I did becauseof this ‘shyness’.

·        Pretendedto sleep because I did not want to participate in the recitation and to reportin front of the class – 1st yr.

·        Monologueincident – 2nd yr.

I must say that high school life is one of theunforgettable times of our lives, and I know that most people here wouldagree, right?

I was in 3rd and 4th year when Imade the decision that I need to improve, I must overcome my fear of recitationand reporting. I was barely coping back then, but now that I realized it I ampretty satisfied with the progress I had made during those last two years in myhigh school days. I was able to stand in front and report to the class while myhands were shaking and feeling numb at the same time, my voice also cracked. Iclearly remember embarrassing and small victories in my life as a high schoolstudent, such nostalgia. Indeed, high school life is a thrilling rollercoasterride.

And after 17 years… who would have thought?

That the timid and shy student back then would be a teacher, writer, and business owner.

This Moving Up Ceremony with the theme K to12 Graduates: Molded through a Resilient Educational Foundation (Gradweyt ng Kto 12: Hinubog ng Matatag na Edukasyon) signifies the hardships andsuccess of all the people gathered around here. This is victory!

Resilient, Education, and Foundation are the keywords that wecan identify in the theme of this year’s Moving Up Ceremony.

 

Parents/Guardians. You arethe Foundation.

Family is the basic unit of the society. It is whereit all began. Learning starts at home. It is the core foundation of everyperson. The collective atmosphere of a community is directly related to thecondition at home. Parents play an essential role in molding the future of ourstudents.

One of the hardest jobs on earth is being a parent, ajob that does not even pay you. It is the most demanding job a human being couldever sign up for. It is not monetary compensated, but you do it any and everyway you can.

And you remain to be a strong ‘foundation’ for yourchildren, the future of the next generation. I could only hope and pray thatyou as parents and guardians train up your children in the way they should go;even when they are old they will not depart from it.

 

School. You deliver free andaffordable quality Education.

Education is a great equalizer, no doubt about that.For a person like me, who come from a not well-off family, I am grateful to theDepartment of Education and PUP Santa Rosa Campus and Santa Mesa Campus fordelivering free and affordable quality education, and to my parents for sendingme to school even though I did not want to. 

But the school has to be reminded that the learningprocess is not limited to the four corners of a classroom. These studentscan also learn from others not only from their teachers. There is a vast of unlimitedknowledge, skills, and abilities to learn out there. Be more open to possibilitiesthat they have to engage in an independent and collaborative learning processwhere they can be themselves, free from unnecessary restrictions unless it isfor their safety.

I could only hope and pray that in the near future, thePhilippine educational system will cater to the ultimate essential learningneeds of our Filipino students.

 

Students. You be Resilient.

Resilient, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, isthe ability to recover from or adjust easilyto misfortune or change. But most of the time it is not easy. It is hard,difficult, and sometimes even impossible.

In real life, pain is inevitable. Failure is waitingfor you. Rejection is just there waiting beside Failure smiling at you. That ispart of life and we have to learn to accept that.

So, students, our dear completers, do not be afraidto:

Make friends, surround yourself with wise and goodpeople.

Make mistakes but make sure to own up to yourmistakes.

Take risks but be ready for the consequences.

Dream big but handle rejections well.

Forgive or forget, then move on.

Embrace the process. Be patient. Enjoy the season ofwaiting.

Celebrate little and grand victories.

Heal from your past and traumas.

Keep moving forward.

Be humble. Honor your father and mother.

Life is not easy, again. But I welcome you to the nextchapter of your life.

Congratulations to all the completers! May you nevergive up on your dreams!

Live life with a purpose!

For He Knows That I Have Come To Know

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
Psalm 139:13 ESV

For He knows

God already wrote His plans and purpose in our hearts and souls. In our mother's womb, He already knew us. He imprinted a blue print of His plans and purpose in our lives. He meticulously engraved every detail in our DNA. Long before we even realize it, we abide in Him as He abides in us, and it is such a liberating moment to finally carry the burdens willingly or on most occassions surrender them all to the Lord and let His amazing awesomeness be magnified and glorified. 
Sometimes His plans and purpose in our lives are difficult to accept or even to comprehend. It is humane not to submit since we want control over things that relate to us. We freak out if things get out of control, and again it is humane. Surrendering is connotated as a weak word and most of us do not want to be seen as weak as if it is a taboo. We prefer to portray a strong, brave, and iridescent character. Who does not want a strong, brave, and iridescent character?
I believe that the true esscense of strength, courage, and iridescence comes from Him. The wisdom we get whenever we pray, read, and meditate His words gives us the access to genuine and gentlest form of strength, courage, and iridescence. Therefore, it is a must that we seek wisdom from Him.
Look what I found on the website of Acronym Finder, HOLY BIBLE stands for He Only Left You Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, which really makes sense since a lot of self-help books that contain instructions on how to deal with life occupy spaces of physical and online bookstore. There is high demand on self-help books as if everyone is so clueless on how to go on with life and I cannot deny the truth in the idea that we are really, most of the time clueless if we do seek true wisdom.

That I have come to know

Along with this journey called life, sometimes or most of the time we all get to have our own dreams and plans crafted from or motivated by the fallen world we all live in. We own them like we were the source of the creation. We own them disregarding the real Creator. But the Lord always has the final say. If they are aligned to His plan and purpose there is a big chance, a miracle even, that He will redirect and repurpose our "own" plans. He has his ways, greater than ours. 
I have dreams. Or should I say I had dreams? Some of them, the lesser ones I was able to realize and some of the big ones I decided to forget and not to pursue.
Perhaps for the big dreams that I considered, I did not have the courage to pursue them. Yet. Perhaps, the time was not right. Yet. I was afraid of failure. I did not want to accept that I lacked in many things: finances, talent and skills. Like it was not really for me, yet I forced it instead of actually pursuing it. 
The decision to stop pursuing dreams was a bruise on my pride, and it was never an immediate acceptance. It was a long process of struggle whether I stop or put them on hold. And I did stop and put them on hold. I was hurt, pained, and humiliated by my own doings. I felt victimized of my own self-assault. I was hard on myself, unforgiving. Like if I did not get to have or be it, then there was no sense of living. I was on track of proving my worth to the world. The same world that would continue to exist without me in it. 

Right now, I am just amazed by how God is putting me back on track of pursuing the old dreams and plans I have, and that I have come to know that my plans and dreams abide to His purpose. Every good thing takes time. I could only pray and seek His wisdom. Everything has its season and when it is time to let go and move on to the next season, I could only pray that I have yet give up because there are countless times that I wanted to give up. It is all thanks to God that I am here.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 ESV