“Looking back, moving forward”
Sun.Star Davao, Jan. 11, 2014
BALANCE. This was what I wished for in 2013 and thankfully, this was what I achieved.
Now that the kids are much older and becoming more independent, gone are the days
when I have to rush out from the office every lunch break to supervise my
7-year old. I have the luxury of spending quality time with family and friends
even on school days and nights because our youngest daughter has started to
adopt good study habits and can review lessons by herself, if needed.
I
am grateful that I am no longer too busy to indulge in a regular massage; have
continued to share my energy and talents volunteering for worthwhile causes;
and have time to grow spiritually with my family.
I
have learned the art of slowing down and not sweating the small stuff so I can
focus on the more essential things and people who matter.
This
2014, I look forward to enjoying meaningful and deeper relationships with
friends whom I got to know better last year.
As
a family, I wish for us to become more conscious of what we eat and practice a
healthier lifestyle through fitness. My husband Gary and I also want to continue
teaching our kids the value of living with less so we can live more; the
importance of creating and not only consuming; and to become blessings and of
service to others without counting the cost.
For
my first article this year, let us learn from different families as they share
their thoughts on the year that was and their plans to make 2014 count.
Happy
Happy New Year to my dearest “Mom-About-Town” readers! Let’s start and end the
year with good vibes.
Looking back, moving
forward….
DEXTER
AND TRINA WONG
WITH KIDS JULIANNE DENISE, 17; JEAN DOMINIQUE, 14;
AND JYAN
DERRYCK, 11
1. What are the three things you are most grateful for last year?
Firstly,
we are always grateful for God’s generosity to our family such as simple daily
blessings like food on our table; financial provisions; and good health.
Secondly,
last 2013, God continued to bless us by reuniting our family. When we transferred
to the U.S., our eldest daughter Julianne was left for a year in Davao to
finish high school. After her graduation last March 2013, she joined us here in
New York.
Thirdly,
we are thankful for our children's achievements in their education. Julianne
passed five college entrance exams. She is now preparing to start college this
spring semester and will be taking up a course to become a Physician Assistant.
On the other hand, Jeando started high school (9th grade) and is enrolled in a special
computer technology program in one of New York’s vocational and technical high
schools. We are so grateful that he was able to pass all placement exams for
the said program. Finally, Yan Yan, our youngest son, will soon graduate from
6th grade and will proceed to middle school this coming June 2014.
2. What lessons have you learned in 2013?
In
2013, we were able to appreciate our family as we gained strength from each
other in adjusting to a faster pace of life here in the U.S. We learned some
basic lessons such as the importance of making the home as a place we go for
comfort at the end of each day. We also became more expressive in showing our
appreciation to the family.
3. What are you looking forward to this 2014?
We
continue to pray for good health for all our loved ones here in the U.S. and the
Philippines. For our business, we are looking forward and hope that the Lord
will open doors for opportunities for nurses and other healthcare professionals
so that more can achieve their dreams here in the U.S.
4. What new habits would you like to cultivate for the family?
*To
strengthen our prayer life
*To support
each other by attending important activities such as graduations, basketball
games, and family gatherings
*To
inspire out children to grow up to be loving to each other and that they may be
willing to help one another with homework, household chores, etc.
*
Despite the crazy work schedules here in New York, as much as possible, we
would try to get more work-outs this 2014 to find time and give extra effort to
eat together for lunch or dinner.
DR. RICHARD AND ERIKA MATA
WITH KIDS PATRICIA
ANGELA, 12; AMANDA ANGELA, 8; AND RICHARD ANGELO, 4
1. What are the three things you are most
grateful for last year?
The kids all did great in their school and they are more loving to each
other more than ever.
Richard was given a chance to present his Zero Dengue Deaths advocacy in
front of the Davao City Council which resulted to an immediate formation of
resolution to support it.More information can be found in his website---www.solving-dengue-fever.com.
We always thank God for good health, protection and provisions.
2. What lessons have you learned in 2013?
We must live in God’s Grace or unmerited favor daily, so we can have the
faith to face life’s challenges with boldness.
We watch the Grace Preacher Pastor Joseph Prince from Singapore on
YouTube everyday for 5 to 10 minutes only and it helps a lot…really! We also learned that sharing this Grace
message is so powerful, so we do it daily on Facebook and even in small group
gatherings.
3. What are you looking forward to this
2014?
We have partnered with our doctor friends in building a new hospital in
Sto. Tomas and we aim to make it fully functional this year. It’s called Metropolitan Polymedic Community
Hospital. We are all excited! We are also praying for a good family
vacation bonding this year.
4. What new habits would you like to
cultivate for the family?
This year we want to have more of outdoor bonding or just walk around
the village than going to the malls.
DRS. ARSENIO AND JENNIFER CHRISTINE LIM
WITH KIDS SHANNEN MEEKA,
12; SHAWN RICHMOND, 11;
AND SHEEYON MATTHEW, 6
1.
What are the three things you are most grateful for last year?
We are grateful that we were able to achieve our
target goals (e.g. house renovation, etc.) for last year. Moreover, we are
relieved that we were able to surpass the personal trials like sickness in the
family. We are thankful that we were able to see the good things in hard times.
Lastly, we are pleased to have met new friends that greatly influenced us
spiritually. They are the ones who constantly remind us that God is always with
us.
2.
What lessons have you learned in 2013?
Last year, calamities have taken its toll from worse
to worst in our country. This year, we should be well prepared in all aspects
and be careful and vigilant on whatever may come our way. In addition to that,
in any good or bad situation, family must always come first and no material
things can equate to the family’s love and support.
3. What are you looking forward to this 2014?
This year, we are looking forward to work harder and
give our full commitment to our valued clients. We want to look forward and be
thankful for the many blessings given to us. We truly appreciate the blessings and
hope to share it to others as well.
4. What new habits would you like to cultivate for the family?
It is actually nothing new. We constantly remind the
family about the good habits we must value.
First, to instill in our family the right mind and
positive attitude; second, to have contentment in whatever is provided, to be
humble and stay grounded always; and lastly, to always pray and ask for guidance
and protection in our family.
ANDREW JAMES AND MABEL YUZON
WITH DAUGHTER ALYSSA YSABELLE, 4
1. What are the three things you are most grateful for last
year?
Learning that we
were expecting our 2nd child.And it’s a boy this time!
Most of all, we
are very grateful for my family's good health and prosperity for the
businesses.
2. What lessons have you learned in 2013?
Tropical storm
Yolanda has generally brought out the best in every Filipino as a nation.
No matter how big
or small, almost everyone shared their resources, or lent a helping hand.
3. What are you looking forward to this 2014?
The arrival of
our son, Alessandro in a couple of weeks! Our daughter Aly, is very much
excited to be officially an “Ate”. We also wish that our country will have a
more resilient economy in the Year of the Horse.
4. What new habits would you like to cultivate for the
family?
A healthier lifestyle, and more travel
adventures especially we are now complete as a family.
ARCHITECTS FRANCIS AND CECILE HIDALGO
WITH DAUGHTER NOELLE
DOMINIQUE, 16
1. What are the three things you are most
grateful for last year?
We are
grateful that our family was spared from the wrath of two typhoons and several
earthquakes. Second, we were blessed with projects which have sustained our
line of business and thirdly, we had the chance to be with friends and family
to celebrate the holidays and be thankful for the blessings we have received.
2. What lessons have you learned in 2013?
Everyday
life will always be a classroom for me and my family. We learned to be flexible
with whatever opportunities, problems, challenges, everyday life bring us. Looking
at things in different perspectives provided us a greater view of this. Various
solutions also come with God's grace.
3. What are you looking forward this 2014?
For the
greater part of Davao, I’m looking forward to a continued growth in the economy
throughout the whole spectrum of the market. This benefits everyone. The more
money that goes around the city, the better for everyone. For my family and
business this would equate to a much more secure status that would probably
translate to more family time and bonding.
4. What new habits would you like to
cultivate for the family?
Filipinos are inherently flexible.
You can throw anything at them and they will be ready to take the punches. Just
look at what happened in Northern Davao and the Visayas. They lost everything
yet they smiled and counted their blessings. That’s what I want my family to
like, now that were opening a new business. That is what I want my family to be
ready for whatever adjustments and sacrifices to be able to succeed as we just
opened up a Dance Studio "I-SAYAW" and moved our architectural office
away from home.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit
www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
