Mamma Mia!

"A Mother

A Daughter

Three Possible Dads

And a trip down the aisle that you'll never forget!"

I've been wanting to see Mamma Mia!  musical ever since I've watched the movie starring Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard in 2008. It was considered the highest grossing movie of all time at the UK and Irish film box office and the highest grossing musical film worldwide. "The number speak for themselves, but it is the numbers in the show - the glorious, instantly memorable ABBA songs- and the way they are fused so effortlessly into the story, that makes it work again."  ABBA songs are timeless! I will never get tired of listening to them. Belle was only 2 years old then and she was singing "Dancing Queen" again and again. I can't resist including her funny "You can dance" video below.

It was such a wonderful experience and a dream come true when I was officially counted as one of more than 50 million people who have seen the world's smash hit Mamma Mia! now being staged live in Manila.  My sister Ruth invited me to join her in the Premiere Night last January 24 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP.)  She was invited by the PR of Concertus, Inc (one of the companies who also brought Cats in Manila last year.)

We're both ABBA fans! Thanks for sharing your extra VIP ticket with me :)

A-W-E-S-O-M-E show indeed!  From the very talented cast, simple yet true to life production set, gorgeous men (especially Sky), well-choreographed numbers, funny scenes (Rosie is the best!) to the greatest hit songs of ABBA. The cast deserved the standing ovation from the audience.  From our seats on the 3rd row, we can't help but sing and dance during the finale. They performed Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen and Waterloo. What a great great night to remember!!!

 

I am sharing official photos from the Press Kit given to my sister when she was invited to attend the press con at Dusit Thani where she met some of the cast of Mamma Mia. You can read her blog here. I have asked her permission to use them in my own blog.  No copyright infringement intended.  

 

"Honey, Honey" Sophie with BFF's Ali and Liza

Sophie with her 3 possible dads Sam, Harry and Bill

"Money, Money, Money"

"Super Trouper" - Tanya, Donna and Rosie

"Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!"

"Does Your Mother Know"

"Slipping through my fingers" - Donna and Sophie

The Wedding Scene - Sky and Sophie

"I Have a Dream" - Reprise

"Mamma Mia" - Finale

"Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me"

I've been able to watch a number of musicals in the past but I can say that Mamma Mia! is my most favorite of them all.

On my next post I will share how my "love affair" with musicals started :)

Top 10 Tips I

I am reading a Devotional Book for Mothers which contains many inspiring stories and insights on motherhood.  Every now and then, I will post Top 10 Tips, Wise Words and other things that might also be helpful to other moms like me.  So here's the first one ...

What the Bible Says You Can Know and Do Concerning Your Children

1. God breathed life into your child and knows the number of every hair on his or her head. 
2. God always sees your child.
3. God loves your child immeasurably more than you do.  
4. God considers your child His own. 
5. God wants the very best for your child -- and he knows what is the "very best." 
6. God urges you to pray for your child. 
7. God promises that when you pray, he is listening and takes your requests to heart. 
8. God has provided wisdom through the Holy Spirit. 
9. God reminds you that adversity builds strength and he's able to give your child help and peace in any circumstance. 
10. God urges you to let go of anxiety about your child. 

It's good to be reminded of these things. Our children are God's precious gifts to us. What a privilege that he has chosen us to raise, care, protect and love them!  We are the ones who will carry His plans for them but it should always be for His glory and not our own.

I always pray that I may live up to God's expectation as a mother. There's a saying that, "Children bring out the best in us and the worst in us."  I made lots of mistakes and sometimes I am not setting a good example to them so I ask for His forgiveness. Our God is gracious and loving, I know He will see me through all of these and guide me every step of the way.

Thank you Lord for these two precious gifts!

Peace be with you

I just meditated on these verses earlier.  We have so many challenges and trials these days and we need to stay focused on what God has commanded us. 

Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV)

 ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

These are commands from the Lord. They are meant to be taken to heart and strictly followed.

To "rejoice" is to feel joy; to experience gladness in a high degree; to have pleasurable satisfaction; to be delighted. Yes we rejoice whenever we receive blessings, when our prayers are answered and we have everything we need.  But God said, rejoice in every situation even in times of troubles.

"Gentleness" is not only to be mild or soft, amiable or tender.  It means having patience in all situation by trusting God no matter what. (I must admit that I am really struggling to be gentle!) Gentleness means knowing how to wait patiently upon God's perfect timing and then we will be closer to Him.

So we should pray with thanksgiving all the time, focus on things that are pleasing to His sight and peace that solely comes from Him will be with us.

Below are some inspiring thoughts and biblical principles from Matthew J. Slick of Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry.

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Peace of mind is something that we all want.  We all want to be able to rest, to not have to worry, to feel free to enjoy life, family, friends, work, church, hobbies, entertainment, etc.  We want to be able to enjoy ourselves and not be burdened down with worries that rob us of vigor, life, and purpose.

Sometimes when we can't find peace of mind, we get depressed.  We often get angry and lash out at God or someone else near to you.

What do you do to get peace?  I mean real peace in your life.  Where do you start? What do you do?

Well, the best place to start is with God.

In  Philippians 4:6-9,

1. God wants you to have true peace by having you not worry - about anything (act of thinking)
   1. Worry is sin.  It means you are not trusting in God.
   2. God says in verse 6, "Do not be anxious about anything."  That means don't worry.  The word for "anxious" in the Greek here means to be troubled with cares
   3. He hasn't given you that command without you being able to carry it out.
      1. He said to the man with the withered hand, "Stretch forth your hand" (Mark 3:5)
         1. But the man could not -- yet He obeyed and did it!
      2. Because the Holy Spirit is in you, you are able to live by faith, and not worry... no matter what happens.  Because the Spirit empowers you to be faithful, to trust, to yield to the Lord's will.
      3. With the Spirit you are able to trust God beyond your ability to know what will happen in your life.
   4. Matthew 6:25,27,31-34 ~ 25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?  27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  31 So do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?'  32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.
   5. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety (same word) on him because he cares for you. (NIV)
   6. John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me. (NIV)
   7. God doesn't want you to worry because worry means you do not trust God, that you are not taking Him fully at His word. 
2. God wants you to have true peace by praying - about everything (act of doing)
   1. v. 6 "But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
   2. All things in your life are of concern to God
      1. The big and the small: where to move, who to marry, what job to get, even your hobbies, and leisure times.
   3. The peace that God gives you will guard your minds.
   4. The peace that God gives you will strengthen you.
   5. Because of the cross you have access to the throne of God.
      1. which is why it says "with thanksgiving," because of the cross, the proof of God's faithfulness.
      2. In the presence of God there is peace.
      3. Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
      4. Psalm 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
      5. Practice the presence of God - pray!
         1. In prayer you are transformed
         2. By praying you will intern want to think about holy things. That is why... (next point)
3. God wants you to have true peace by meditating on what is holy (act of thinking)
   1. Your minds have been set free from slavery to sin.
      1. Romans 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; (NIV)
   2. God wants you to fill your heart with what is good.
      1. Phil. 4:8, "whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent worthy of praise.  Let your mind dwell on these things." (NASB)
   3. God wants you to think, to meditate on truth, purity, and excellence.
      1. Psalm 119:78 "...I will meditate on your precepts."
      2. The precepts of God, the Word of God, is truth, purity, and excellence.
      3. Meditate on the Word of God so that you might be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
4. God wants you to have true peace by putting into practice what you have learned. (act of doing)
   1. He wants you to...
      1. trust Him for everything
         1. Philippians 4:6a "Don't be anxious for anything."
      2. pray to Him for anything
         1. Philippians 4:6b "but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (NIV)
      3. meditate on what is holy
         1. Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. (NIV)

Conclusion

These things are written to you so that the God of peace will be with you.  Not simply peace... but the God of peace will be with you.  Ultimately this is about God dwelling with you.  He wants you to be holy, pure, right.  Will you trust Him and not worry?  Will you pray about everything in your life? Will you meditate on the Word of God?  And finally, will you practice, will you do, what God calls you to do?

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Life-long dream!

2011 was a good year for me!  I have accomplished my life long dream of being a *junior* baker. I just realized that I would have wanted to be a Pastry Chef if I was given the opportunity before. But I have no regrets, I am happy and content with what I have become. I had a fruitful career in IT for 10 years and now a full-time housewife and mommy. God designed the path where I'm going and I will stick to his wonderful plans for me. Now I am just utilizing whatever talents the Lord has endowed me with.

I had more free time at home when both of my kids started to stay longer in school. It began my yearning for my first love, cooking but more on baking. I started collecting recipe books and magazines. Although I have no formal baking or cooking lessons, I just follow recipes that interest me.

Matt and I share the same habit of browsing recipes again and again. During our free time, we (including Belle) bond in the kitchen by baking simple stuffs like cookies, muffins and easy-to-do cakes. More and more I became interested in decorating cakes.

The best opportunity came along when I learned about Wilton Cake Decorating courses held regularly in Gourdo's World Market at Alabang Town Center. I was able to attend all three courses with Chef Peachy Juban, a Certified Wilton Method Instructor.  She is currently a chef-instructor at De La Salle - College of St. Benilde (Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management)  and also the owner of Shortcrust Cake Shop at BF, Paranaque.  I am a big fan of her decorated cakes! They're awesome and serve as my inspiration to create my own.

Course 1 Wilton's Cake Decorating Basics (August 13 &14, 2011.)  It was the perfect place to start.  We were taught the right way to decorate step by step. I've learned the techniques of making flowers and other designs using butter cream icing.

Course 2 Flower and Cake Design (September 13 & 14, 2011)  In this course, I was able to create beautiful flowers using Royal Icing.  Gum Paste was also introduced.

Course 3 Gum Paste and Fondant  (September 13 & 14, 2011)  This is what I really love best!  I've always been fascinated with fondant cakes.  Making them is just so exciting and very satisfying! I now have the confidence to create cakes that I can share with my family and friends when I have the time. That is when there is no conflict in my schedule in my first job of being the primary caregiver, driver, teacher, etc.. of my kids. :)

Pictures taken by my hubby behind the glass door

My Flower Pot (100% edible)

According to Chef Peachy,  she's happy that I was in her class and I'm very attentive :) Yes I really absorbed what I have learned during the courses. I've baked and decorated a number of cakes, cupcakes and cookies for the past months. I know I need more practice and I still have a long long way to go. Here are some of my creations:

This year is very exciting! Belle is already choosing what cake she wants for her 6th birthday this May. I hope I can live up to her expectation. I plan to make more decorated cakes like these soon!

I will try to take formal lessons in baking in the near future. I would love to do other cakes like Tiramisu, Strawberry Shortcake, Sans Rival, Chocolate Mousse, and pies, tarts, pastries and the list goes on and on....

Maybe *just maybe* someday, I can put up my own bakeshop too! Libre lang naman ang mangarap diba? :)

Remembering this special day....

"We always know that someday
the people we love will pass.
But nothing prepares us for it
or makes it any easier.
And on special days like birthdays
or when we see little things that remind us,
we find ourselves hurting
& missing them the most.
And while nothing seems to soothe that pain,
in time we eventually come to realize
that it's all of our memories
of those little things and special days
which seem to matter most.
They allow us the special privilege
of having known that person
& keeping their memory alive
in our hearts and minds.

So today as we remember your birthday,

we find comfort in all of those little moments."

It's my Tatay Romy's 72nd birthday today!  I would have baked him a nice birthday cake! Sadly, he's no longer with us now, he passed away 12 years ago.  

Hardworking, generous, caring and loving ... that's my Tatay!  He would do anything for us huwag lang daw kaming mahirapan. 

He died (of sudden heart attack) 6 months after I gave birth to Matt.  I'm so thankful he was able to be with his 5th grandson even for a short time.

 

Taken Jan 11, 2000. Matt was only 3 wks old

You would have been so happy if you were able to meet your two adorable grand daughters. If you're still here, I'm sure you will take these girls around our little town to show-off to your friends.

Our two "bunso"

Your seven grandchildren would have loved to hear your jokes. 

Christmas 2011 (James was not able to join in this picture)

It would have been a perfect New Year celebration if you were still with us.

New Year's Eve 2011

Happy birthday Tay! We miss you especially during our family get together. Until we meet again in heaven :) We love you!