They do things differently here. You know, before the elections back in Philippines, we get gifts from the candidates. Here, they call it bribery, but we just like to know our candidate will take care of us. Mostly I miss how in the US they don’t have a song for the candidates. In my home, every candidate has a good song, and if you are a fan you would sing it a lot. A good song is important in any election. The closest thing to a song they have here is for Obama, the Yes We Can song.

I think American politics would be a lot more fun if they would all sing along more. America could learn a few things from Philippines.

My presidential candidate is Barack Obama. Well, I am glad that he still won without my vote but I think my prayer was counted too. It was really a joy to know that this election was over and Obama was declared to be the next US President. One thing about Obama that makes me to like him because he was so firm with his words and promises since he started campaigning for presidency. He is very articulate and he didn’t make things so complicated for people to understand what he wants to do or the changes he wants to make to the US.

He really strikes me with the kind of personality he has. He talks like a real president but his heart speaks to ordinary people like me. He carried himself with humility and he is smart. America is a place with so many different people from many places and with different beliefs. He always speaks about uniting the country, and for me it seems he can do it better than McCain. It is good that he will avoid wars, because we should try to build friends instead of enemies.

We all heard what his promises to the US. I know that things are not yet over. Everything is still starting yet for Barack Obama to lead the US with the support of his Vice-President Joe Biden and all of the Congress. I hope he will be able to deliver with integrity and commitment to make US a better country.

I hope he could come here in Washington coz I love to have a picture taking with him. I will not forget Obama. What an exciting time to be here in the US!

Watching concert for me is enjoyable esp. if you are into it. I am glad to have a husband who shares the same interest as what I do.

I’ve heard these voices before when I was in Philippines but I don’t have any idea to see these groups /performers “someday” performing live in Concert. I am very fortunate to be in a church community “Overlake Christian Church” that is open and can hold this kind of event.

Their songs inspire many people and I am one of those. Hearing there songs on CD’s is great but seeing them in person and be a part of their concert is absolutely blissful. I know that there are lots more to come and watch.

October 6, 2007 = Casting Crown “The Altar and the Door Tour” with a special guest Leeland and John Waller. 

December 15, 2007 = Michael W. Smith “Christmas Concert” joined with 65 -piece orchestra and the group Katinas.

February 16, 2008 = Jeremy Camp and Toby Mac “Boomin Beyond Measure Tour” with special guest Matthew West.

Wow Philippines: Biyahe Tayo! (Let’s go travel!)

This song describes the Philippines sights and culture on a quick tour through the islands. Starting from Luzon, through the Visayas, and ending in Mindanao. With over 7,000 islands, Philippines is a very beautiful place. The artists that created this video are some of the Philippines most recognized singers.

I really like the song. It makes me proud to be a Filipino. How I wish there was an English version of the song. One thing I miss about Philippines is how comfortable we are to sing – Americans seem to be shy about their singing voices. To me, if I am happy I like to sing.

I encourage people who love to travel to go and visit Philippines. The country has so much to offer. There is stunning scenery, with beaches, water, mountains, and lush tropical forests. Many tourists come to enjoy the marine life, for instance scuba diving or watching dolphins.

When there is a gathering, we love to eat and share our food. It is guaranteed to have lots of variety and the flavors are delicious. There are so many fresh tropical fruits too, such as papaya, mango, many types of bananas, and the aromatic Durian fruit from Davao…

But most of all, the famous hospitality of Filipinos makes you feel so welcome. I look forward to my next trip to visit my family and friends, and hopefully to see more of my beautiful home land.

BiyaheTayo!

When we think of America, SNOW is always part of it. I’ve grown up in Philippines; where there is no snow at all. That is why I can’t wait for my first snowfall experience. I can still recall how God made it so special for me to remember. Dec. 1, 2007. We didn’t expect that it would snow that day.

My hubby and I were so busy preparing foods for our early Christmas Party at church but unexpectedly we received a call and then it was being cancelled because of a coming storm.  The sky starting to change color. It became darker and wind blew and it started to rain. I was downstairs when my husband calls me that it was raining snow. When I first saw it at the window, I didn’t appreciate it. Rapidly, the snow changed everything outside. The trees, roads and even roof of the houses were being coated of its white pureness color. WOW, it was amazingly beautiful. We went outside, it was a little uncomfortable for me because it was too cold yet I can’t control the feeling of excitement within me. I can feel the Spirit of Christmas.

When you hear the word “Christmas”, what is the first thing that you think of?, the christmas carols, the gifts, the fun that the season brings or something else?

For me, contemplating the truth will give more meaning and reason why we need to celebrate Christmas. No matter where you are.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  ”Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)

 Spending my time with my in-laws for more or less half of the month was one of the best things that I will always cherish. ( Mama Margz and Papa Dels. 12-25-07).

Greg and I got the chance to visit Arizona- Sonora Desert Museum a world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden, all in one place. The place was so beautiful and interesting.  Another thing that I have witnessed during my stay in Tucson, AZ, was the Pow-Wow, celebration of American Indian Culture. Dazzling and full of character costumes.

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…We went to Nogales, Mexico. It was a fun visit and it reminds me of Philippines. It was a little disappointing because we haven’t visited some of their tourist destinations. Our time was too limited but on the other hand it was a good glimpse experience. So if you are interested to go and visit Mexico, check this out Sonora Turismo. 

 

 

When we drove back home to Seattle, WA. Greg and I decided to stay and spent our 7 months anniversary in San Francisco, CA. As I can remember, the weather didn’t cooperate too well that day but it didn’t hinder us from enjoying our time together. You will be thrilled with their famous Cable Cars, which most people especially tourists enjoy. My husband and I only have seen some part of San Francisco city. You can even enjoy the city by just walking around but of course, you can’t leave San Francisco without stopping at their famous tourist attraction the Golden Gate Bridge.  I didn’t really see the real splendor of this bridge because of the weather yet I have a fun and exciting visit in San Fran, not only seeing these beautiful attractions the city has but also to see some of may “kababayan” ( fellow Filipinos) in the area that made me feel at “home”. 

                                                 

Another astounding “vista” that we saw was Mt. Shasta.. WOW, I was tongue-tied when I saw it. It was tremendously stunning. A snap photo of the mountain and it was photographed by yours truly. Moreover, we have seen a good restaurant named Lily”s, It was not a fancy restaurant but it can give you a very satisfying dining and you can also see outside the window part of Mountain. Actually it was my husband who picked because it has a sound of my name.

 Photograph by: Lilibeth B. Lins (01-2008)

I’ve seen a lot of scenery along the way. The scenery is something that you can reflect upon, and think about how God created things so beautifully and uniquely. Every time I see these things, it reminds me of His greatness.It was a long drive for Greg and I yet very fulfilling. Mostly it was long for Greg – he drove for about 6 days and I only drove for about 2 hours.  He thought it would be funny if I drove through LA, and I learned that I could be an excellent racing driver someday with only a little more practice.

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From Wikipedia.com:

In the United States, Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Day is an annual one-day holiday to give thanks, traditionally to God,[1][2][3] for the things one has at the end of the harvest season. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November (i.e. the Thursday falling between November 22 and November 28). The period from Thanksgiving Day to New Year’s Day is often collectively referred to as the “holiday season,” and the holiday itself is often nicknamed Turkey Day.