To End The Year with a Bang

          Just as we are about to end the year, let us all not be on edge as we wait for the new year. Numerous events have happened in our life for this year and be generous in expressing your gratitude to the giver of life who allowed us to wake up each day and continued with all our routines starting from January this year up to this very moment. 

imagecredit: Den Morales- Australia

          We have suffered difficulties in our life yet we chose to rise from them for we very much valued on the first place. All bets are off that everything will be great for us in the coming year. That will come true by His grace and by our determination to improve our quality of life. Extend all our positive energy to lift each one's spirit that no matter how challenging this journey could be, still it would become an enjoyable one for all of us.

          Learn to forget the pains of yesterday and embrace the positive energy of the present moment. Cherish every moment with our loved ones and no matter how busy or hectic our days are, let us constantly make it sure that we give quality time to each other. 

                                  

Meet and Greet: Elmira Jaranilla Jugan and Family

          For our meet and greet on this post, let us have the chance to meet our brothers and sisters in the family of Elmira Jaranilla Jugan. 

          Their parents are Lourdes Jaranilla and Roque Jugan. The former, Roque Jugan, is the son of Dalmacio Jugan Sr. who hails from Luyang, Maravilla, Cebu Province. The siblings are Elmira Jaranilla Jugan, Delia Jugan, Rodolfo Jugan, Monica Jugan, Conchita Jugan, Vicente Jugan, and Reynaldo Jugan. 

         Monica Jugan is married to a certain Butalid and their children are Falcomery Jugan Butalid, Michelle Jugan Butalid, Vicmon Lloyd Butalid and Maywanie Butalid. Presently, their address is in Bago Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte. 

          Meanwhile, Rodolfo is married as well and has the following children: Marilyn, Rodolfo Jr., Michael, Gino and Jinny Jugan. And he has two grandchildren. 

         Next in the family is Delia Jugan and her children are Kevin Geme, Edgyp Grace, Hanna Marie, Ramonito and John Mark. Delia is based in Tophill, Lahug City.

         The next one is Conchita Jugan with her children Eunice, Ethyl Abegail, Franklin, Mizraim, and Noemi. She is based in Pinian, Zamboanga del Norte. 

         Next comes Vicente Jugan with his children Rechel, Raquelyn, Roldan, Robina, Russel, and Vicente Jr.. 

          Then the youngest in the family is Reynaldo Jugan who has no children. 

                                            

The Perfect Time

          Is there such a perfect time for everything? A time for praying......a time for  playing...a time for eating....a time for bonding..working......but is there such a time  called a perfect one? 

imagecredit: Francesca Righetti

          As I tried to reflect on this, I tried to identify the various life stages such as infancy, toddler, adolescence, young adult, mature adult, etc, I therefore see that progression in life. However, it is sad to note that there are people who resort to regression- meaning they fail to encounter development in the various stages of life. 

imagecredit: Francesca Righetti

          Life is such a precious gift and there is that responsibility for each individual to take care of it. Yes, I would believe that there is  no perfect time for us, human beings, but for Him Above, there is His called perfect time. Let us therefore continue to nurture life and live it to the fullest. We may never be perfect in our time yet when our end time comes and we face Him, our Creator, one of the consolations we can present to Him would be the good deeds that we have planted on earth.

          Let us therefore nourish our life....cultivate it with positive memories and water it with wonderful acts that hopefully can also influence others to grow towards His perfect time. 

                                             

Being a Proud Father

          Just recently, me and my wife received the result of the 1st Grading Test of our only child, Kurt Kristoff, and we were both delighted on his achievement at that early stage. Kurt now is 3 yrs. old and 6 months and he is enjoying his time in school. Comparing to my early days when I was at his age, I could not even remember what I did at that age.

          But Kurt, seemingly enjoying the presence of the other kids in school, continues to be attentive on his time in school. At first, when his Lola Miguela shared with us that during their exams day, Kurt was the first one who submitted his test paper, I soundlessly told myself that maybe, he didn't have any more answers to the test.

          Me and my wife were both amused by this but, when we heard the news from his proud Lola again yesterday about his performance, then I again silently told myself that Kurt is such a talented and intelligent kid. How I feel so proud of him and I know it goes the same with his mom, Yanyan. I think one of those treasured moments of being a dad and a parent is when our kids perform well in whatever endeavour they are in. 

          On the other hand, I constantly told myself and my wife that we will refrain from making any demands on our kid, Kurt, so that he will not be stressed from it. I reckon it is  but fitting for them to grow in an independent way and really chooses things which are of their standards. 

By the way, he has 3 subjects for this grading and for the 2 (Math and Science), he received a perfect score while the remaining one, Language, he got 96. Congrats Kurt.....job well done! 

   
                             


                                      

Investing In One's Life

          Life is such a wonderful journey. And everything that we do everyday connects with each other thus it is much better to realise how much we need to be in control of our own life. Controlling it doesn't mean somehow to dictate all of its activities but it is rather obeying then and participating in all its owner's plans for us.

photo credit: Ice Climbers on Frozen Waterfall - Johnston Canyon via photopin (license)

          Life is such a personal investment....you make every kind of investment. You invest in your time and effort in trying to cultivate your relationship with others. Not only then that you make your own financial planning but somehow, it is more of giving a constant positive directions to your life. 

          Go out then and make progress to your life....make each day an avenue to grow in all aspects of your life. Moreover, be an instrument for others to grow positively so that the radiance of goodness will continue to flow from one person to the other. 

                               

Up Where We Belong: An Inspirational Song

          To give us inspiration for the day, allow me to share with you one of my favourite songs entitled Up Where We Belong. The two famous artists for this song are Joe Cocker and the beautiful Jennifer Warnes. This has been a source of inspiration for me not only because of the mastery of these two artists but the lyrics of the song itself. Personally, they were so moving and to let you feel also how these lyrics could impact our lives, I am sharing some of them here with my own reflection:

" The road is long. There are mountains in our way. But we climb a step every day. "

No matter how challenging, what is of great consequence to us is that we are always willing to step forward regardless whether the road is rough and tough or the other way around. Learning to appreciate our daily events will allow us to grow more in a positive way.


" Love lift us up where we belong. Where the eagles cry on the mountains high." 

If we know how to love and allow ourselves to be loved by others then we are putting and adding colours to our life. There are mountains, yes, they are in place everywhere but when we are able to climb them up then we can also see a much bigger picture of what is around us.


"Some hang on to used to be. Live their lives looking behind. All we have is here and now. All our life, out there to find."

Some may find their past so painful and struggle so much to forget them but in order for them to survive on this earth, they need to learn to embrace everything, both gain and pain, as part of life. Though I know that it is easy said than done but there is no other way to grow except to accept all chapters of our life.

To view the whole song, here is the link to that excellent song:



                        video credit: (You Tube ) georgeallen35m

          Hence, it is also my wish that you can find inspiration on this great love and inspirational song. Every in our life, we always need something to lighten up our load and share its blessings.




                                           

Salute to All Mothers

             As the world celebrates and honours all mothers today, let us also remember our very own experiences with our own moms and reflect on how great this love for us. We may never have perfect moms but the very first time we came here on this earth, we already began to receive that unconditional love from them. 

          Thus allow me to share with you some quotes and experiences that our fellow brothers and sisters cherished with their moms. 

1.  " The best place to cry is on a mother's arms."- Jodi Picoult

A mother's love is everlasting. No matter what other people will tell you or say unto you but 
your mother will always shower you with the most positive things in life. 

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2. "A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she clings to us, and endeavour by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."- Washington Irving

           A mother's love for her child goes beyond any place, condition, weather, anything. She is the only person who can understand a child's tantrums, swinging moods, irrational bursts, and all other negative reactions. 

3. "All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."- Abraham Lincoln

Whatever one achieves presently is greatly influenced also by the presence and energy any mother can give.

4. " When your mother asks, " Do you want a piece of advice?' It's a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway." - Erma Bombck

          A mother could and would always makes herself available for the sake and welfare of a child. Never it happen that a child is left unattended and unloved if the mother is still present. And no matter what will be the reply of child to her affection, either positive or negative, yet she will go on and on to provide protection and education on the child. 

           Thus, let us all express our gratitude to our mothers for being there when everything seems to be out of control and goes beyond our imagination.  

Source: Julia Glum  @superjulia  j.glum@ibtimes.com


                                         

COming Together To Share Life and Love

          Just a few days ago, a finalisation meeting was held by the officers of the JUGAN clan to discuss matters pertinent to the coming Jugan clan reunion on May 24, 2015 (Sunday). This very important assembly was presided by the overall spokesperson, Dodong Feliculo Jugan Lecciones. 

representatives/officers of JUGAN clan reunion 2015

          Some of the things discussed and shared during this gathering: activities of the reunion day, sharing of resources, on food and accommodation and many more. 

Here is the initial list of activities to be held on the reunion day:

7:00   am- 10:00 am- registration

10:00 am- 11:00 am- mass

12:00 noon---------- lunch

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - presentation of all members of the clan

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm - raffles, games, singing contest with live band

fun, more fun and more fun.....

MCs of the event- Bubbles, Jessah and Hejil

          Words of gratitude to Ate Fe Jugan for sharing this information and we wish all members of Jugan clan good luck to this year's reunion. 

                                     

A Reflection: Be Happy and Contented in LIFe

          Each day, whopping opportunities come and go. And when the ball is in your court, grab it for it may never come again. Can you count on your fingers how many wasted chances you have in a single day? Can you remember a time when you lay hold of an opportunity at a grab of a hat? You should be constantly mindful of your own journey and that of others most notably those who are dearest to you.

          Meanwhile, be happy and contented with your life for it is with happiness that can assist you to radiate positive vibes to others. When you take a closer look at this world, you will see that this world that you live in has been so wounded by people's insecurities, greediness, unsatisfied needs as well as wants, and others. You can be its positive contributor if you realise that much  things can be done by you.

imagecredit:

          Avoid barking on the wrong tree for it will never do you any good. If appropriate, accept defeat and be sorry for any wrongdoing since it takes courage to humble oneself. On the other hand, when the situation provides you of the best of both worlds then rejoice for it will add to your blessings. Learn to cross any bridge when you come to it. Don't worry too much on things which are still in the future. Focus your energy on what is in store for you at this very moment.

         At the end of the day, learn to count your day's blessings and express gratitude for all people who have been part of such chapters of your day and always remember too to express gratitude to Him above being the source of everything.

                                               

JUGAN Clan Reunion 2015: Come and Join this Great TIME

          One of those momentous events that each one could always look up to is the chance to gather together for a reunion- coming together and embrace each other's well being. Thus, in relation to this, as early as now, I am already filled with excitement as we journey together to May 2015 for the annual JUGAN clan/family reunion. 

          Though me and my whole family would not be physically participating on this significant event yet our support and prayers will go together with the rest of our group. And as early as now, it is good to acknowledge the efforts of everybody especially those who are involved in the preparation stage such as the host family of this year- Rufino Jugan and family. 

           May we all give our support to them in whatsoever ways that we can do after all, this event will be successful through all our group efforts. Aside from those mentioned above, this opportunity also will  become a vehicle for all of us living in Visayas, Mindanao, Luzon and abroad  to know more one another. Our family is growing bigger and bigger as the years go by and it is appropriate as well as helpful if we can find a way to know all members most notably the young members.

A WONDERFUL GIFT: LIFE

          Good luck to all of us primarily to the host family and may this reunion allow us to strengthen the bond of family that runs in our blood. 




                                           

A Time To Remember

          One of those memorable activities that we can have in a lifetime as a family and as a clan is the opportunity to conduct reunion or get-together. Such event is an instrument for all of us to have updates on all our loved ones.  Much awaited activities that would be shared by everyone are the updates on everyone, the food, games, presentations etc. Yet the most important feature of a clan reunion is where all can step away from their busy lives and just relax and reconnect. Furthermore, it is a way of breaking the geographical gap that members of the clan have from one another since other members are living far from  the others. 

           What is ideal is for clan members to unceasingly support one another no matter how far the distance could be. There could be no other excuses so as not to initiate communication for one another. Support for each member may come in any form such as verbal and non-verbal ways. Nevertheless, this also is an important opportunity to promote family values. 

          Anyway whatever the reasons one could give in attending a family or a clan reunion, still all of these then boil down to the central one---to be reconnected with others.