Gratitude for the Year 2018

          As 2018 is about to end, I think that it is but fitting to express our gratitude for all the bountiful blessings that we received this year. Firstly for the gift of life that God has shared to each one of us that in spite of all the challenges and obstacles that we encountered this year, His love and comfort allowed us to be strong thus overcoming all those crosses in our life.

          All throughout this year, we also have encountered people who, in one way or the other, have taught us to be resilient with life. People who have encouraged us to stay grounded on our conviction that life is indeed a wonderful gift to be shared.

Photo by Chris Barbalis on Unsplash

And as we look back to our activities this year, we therefore acknowledged that we have journeyed on those days, weeks and months with a positive attitude and this enabled us to share our smile with others.

         Consequently, we have failed and we have misjudged certain events and opportunities yet we still discovered something positive on them and this realisation helped us to decide to hang on to life and proceeded with our life journey for we know that we are walking along the path of life hand in hand with our loved ones. 

                                                   

Being Selfless for Others

" Being selfless for others".....these are the wonderful words of Jake Bocado, member of our clan whom I will feature through this blog post. At his stage today, he has been to various challenges in life. Indeed, he is so grateful to all the examples of his parents, Rosanna Jugan Bocado and Ruel Bocado, for they raised him up as a loving and determined son. The following are his thoughts on my sharing with him:

a. In your stage now, what has been the greatest challenge that has come into your life?

Jake: In this stage of my life, being the breadwinner of the family has been my greatest challenge. Before, I thought that as I graduated in university, life would be easier. In reality, it is not. You have to consider a lot of things and you have to spend the money wisely. I become more selfless for my family.

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b. How did you face the challenge?

Jake: I lessen my time for myself. I mean, I have to give up some of the things that I love to do. I have become more focus on my job as an ESL teacher and even have rendered more working hours to have enough income. 

c. Who motivates you in your life?

Jake: The reason of all these things is my family. I am more motivated to see them happy. I am more motivated to see my sister who always does her best in order to finish her apprenticeship and earn a degree in college. Everything has become better when I see them like that. 

Those were his thoughts and aside from that, here are some of his achievements:

- Licensed Professional Teacher

- Trainer at QQ English Philippines

- consistent class valedictorian

- Cebu Technological University (CTU) Cum Laude

- 2014 National PACSA Poster Making Champion

- 2016 Outstanding Teacher QQ English

          Hence, all his relatives are so proud of all his deeds and aside from that, his examples are worth imitating most notably to the younger members of our family. 

                                        

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! 

   
                             


                                      

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


                                         

The Treasures in Our Life ( Kris Zyra and Marlon Uy Family)

          Knowing our loved ones is such a treasure that at times goes beyond any material possession that one can own. Thus it is our privilege on this post to know further the treasures in life of our dear family member Kris Zyra Jugan- Uy. 

imagecredit: Kris Zyra jugan-Uy

          Kris is the sole princess of Edgar and Alma Jugan. Her siblings are Ed Nino, Ed Mark and the youngest, Ed Fernand Rey. Unfortunately for her and the family, their beloved "tatay" has joined our Divine Creator two years ago due to heart attack. That incident was considered as the most devastating thing that happened as well as the worst time for the whole family. They all  miss him terribly. Especially for her being a tatay's girl, she terribly missed him. 

          One of her treasured events in life is her marriage to a Filipino-Chinese guy named Marlon Tiu Uy. Kris believed that fate brought both of them together since Marlon, who hails from Butuan City, decided to open up his hardware business in Liloan. Moreover, it is on this similar location that her parents started their water refilling business. The two establishments are just a few meters away from each other and believing on the saying "Love thy neighbours" thus they started their love story and rest is history. 

          The marriage is blessed with 2 beautiful daughters, Zophia Miel Jugan-Uy who is turning 4 on November 16, and Zia Mizael Jugan-Uy who is going to be turning 1 this coming November 23. Both girls resemble their dad’s features and no trace of being a Jugan on them. But her eldest Zophia is always proud of her family name and would never forget to mention “Jugan” when ask what is her name.

          Gigs or Ai-ai to her family and Zyra to her friends, she graduated BS in Nursing at University of the Visayas and fortunately passed the licensure examinations afterwards. Her husband is a graduate of BS in HRM in University of San Jose Recoletos in the hope of going to work in a cruise ship, but as she believed that fate brought them together, he instead ended up managing their family business in Liloan. 

         Kris loves the way her husband becomes her equal opposite since she is also a believer of Isaac Newton who conceptualised the "The law of Attraction”. Thus, she thinks that this accorded balance in their relationship. She describes herself as a bit ill-tempered while he is annoyingly too calm. Consequently this causes her to be too impatient while patience becomes her husband's virtue. On the other hand, just like any typical lady, she loves shopping but Marlon is a little bit stingy. One other contrast between them is that she tends to be on the artistic side and can be very sociable while he prefers to keep his silence.


 

imagecredit:Kris Zyra Jugan-Uy

          Among their favourite past times are playing badminton and go mountain biking. For her, quality time with each other as couple is very essential thus she makes it sure that they spend time together during weekends since they both go to work from Monday to Saturday. For their two treasures in life, they constantly make it sure that they bring them to malls also on weekend as their means of strengthening the family bonding. 

imagecredit: Kris Zyra Jugan-Uy

         As her future goals, somehow in a period of 5 or 10 years, she would like to see herself and her family migrating to Canada. That has been her dream ever since though there are lots of hindrances to it. For this loving wife and mom, her ultimate goal is providing all the best for her girls, being able to bring them up the right way, and mould them so as to become better individuals that any moms could hope for.

Guest contributor: Kris Zyra Jugan-Uy

" thanks my niece for sharing your story"

                                           

The Challenge of the Modern World of Today

         Have you contemplated on how the world of today differ from the kind of world that we had before? I'm not that sure if our traditional practices and games have been preserved and have been introduced to the children of today. Mostly what I notice nowadays is that our present day children are very much engrossed and exposed to the modern world of technologies. From what I could think of, I remember when we were still children and we used to gather in unison to play basic and simple games making use of our local gadgets such as bamboo, paper, rubber bands, cans etc..

imagecredit: Erwin Doriman

          Nowadays, children are introduced at an early stage to the electronic technologies. I'm not saying that this is bad or good but somehow, the challenge now is on all of us on how we, adults, accompany our children during this modern era. On the other hand, I am thankful for the latest technology since it personally helps me and my wife to communicate with our kid who is miles and miles away from us. 

          Anyway what is important in our world today is that we make use of all these modern technologies to our advancement and never to our failures. Thus we must make it sure that they would not hinder us to personally communicate with our loved ones. One among the many essential things in life is creating, building, maintaining, and developing harmonious relationships with our families, with others, with the world around us and with our Creator. 

                                         

Maintaining Harmonious Relationship Within the Family

          Just recently, I read a write up about the ways on improving one's relationship within the family. We all know that one of our main sources of strength is the family. From the very first moment that we were born on this earth up to our present stage, everything that we acquired and inherited then were all partly due to our family's influence. 

  

          From the fundamental values and traits that we hold on, these are mostly things that we acquired from our role models in the family most notably the parents. In relation to this, I would like to share with you areas that could help us develop positively our relationships within the family. To name them:

- making relationships a priority

- communicating effectively

- working together as a family

- providing support for each other 

(Source: http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/families/about-families/family-relationships/building-blocks-healthy-family-relationships)

          Hence with the interplay of all these four plus some other factors related to them, the relationship among the members of the family will prosper. To share some thoughts on these four, indeed it is very essential that every member of the family will cling and look up to it as the main source of inspiration to wake up each day and continue one's journey.

imagecredit: Jozh Tuballa

          Although it could not be avoided that conflicts among the members will arise but with the aid of effective communication, whatsoever source of the tension will be unearthed and be resolved. Hopefully the initiative will start from within the elders and pass on to the rest of the members. The timing also in giving the communication should also be noted. No conflict, whatsoever, should be left unresolved till the following morning. As early as the family can, it is beneficial for all members if peace within will emerge again after every conflict.

          On the other hand, there is also that sense of joy when everyone contributes to whatever endeavour the family is involved with. As it is said, strength emerges when all participate in whatever activity. When something happens to any member of the family, whether it is good or bad, all other members are directly or indirectly affected by it. Hence, no one can just be  a mere audience when something occur to anybody within the family. 

          Consequently, it is constantly beneficial when each member endows support to others in whatever field of interest that one get involve with, or in any project. Lastly it is always good to know that somebody cares for every member of the household. 

                                            

For All The Moms Out There: We Love You MOM

          As we celebrate Mother's Day, we also remember all our mothers who have been there every single second, minute, hour and day of our lives to take care of us. There's no greater love than that being showered to us by our moms. When we were born in this world, you took care of us....even at the middle of the night or at times at dawn, you readily sacrificed your time to feed us when we cried since we were hungry. When we grew up, you showed us the true meaning of life--that it is something that we need to cherish and share with others for it is such a very treasured gift from God above.

imagecredit:
http://www.freeimageslive.com/galleries/backdrops/natural/pics/carnartionhlafmacro.jpg

          And when we started to talk and walk, again you manifested your love and care by patiently waited for any progress in our growth. You also felt the pain whenever we suffered pain---you feel the psychological hurt while we endure the physical pain most specifically during times when we are sick.  

          When we reached school age, you excitedly brought us to school and joined other moms who similarly felt the excitement of us being in a new and challenging environment that is our school. When we reached our adolescent stage, you watched us behave as such and then you reminded us that courting a girl and being courted (for daughters) is  not a game--that it involves seriourness for it is in that stage that we begin to understand and appreciate the gift of the opposite sex.

          When we opted to settle down with the person whom we would devote the rest of our life being a husband/wife, you showed us the real meaning of commitment ---that marriage is a lifetime commitment and not just a game that some people play temporarily. Then children came to our family and blessed our togetherness. You were among those first persons who came to greet us of the good news and shared with us the genuine joy of receiving new gifts to our families. 

          And if somehow this post would not be enough to express our gratitude for everything that you, MOM, have shown to us, allow us to say to you, THANK YOU for everything and wherever you are now, may you always be showered with LOVE, GOOD HEALTH and PEACE of MIND by our Loving God.

                    W E    L O V E    Y O U    M O M.

                                       

A poem: For My Special Someone

I met a man six years ago

Who struck my heart with bow and arrow

A man with a strict ego

He, who dreams of a big tomorrow

After 2 years of being a happy single

My heart starts to wiggle

And it stops beating for awhile

And my face has no ending smile

Then he asked me to be his wife

And to be with him for the rest of his life

From that day on, two hearts become one

Nothing compares happiness to anyone

A whole shared life where we have to be

Has a bit of misery as what I see

For things, we have,are not that easy

Because the life we live is so chasey

We have been through bad and tough times together

But those things will never last forever

There will be rainbows a head of us

We need to reach it and it is a must

The warmth of safety of knowing you're there

Gives my body and soul a smile, they always wear

Saying goodbye is my greatest fear

That would be the last thing I wanna hear

All the wonderful memories we shared

Day by day will always be remembered

Maybe my actions and feelings are not that showy

But remember always, I love you my bb Louie.

Writer: April Marie Versario Jugan-Tayong

(Thanks my niece for sharing your inspiration)