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. 

                                                   

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. 

                                            

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"

                                           

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.

                                       

The Best of the Holiday Season

          As we come nearing to the end of this year 2013, may we all come back to where we started this year. Since January up to this point in time, bountiful blessings have arrived in our life.

          On the other hand, we look forward to each of the seasons all throughout the year and most significantly, we cherish this holiday period as we await for the coming of our Most Trusted Friend Jesus. Consequently, I believe that it is but fitting for us all to think of all significant people who have journeyed with us on this year. Each moment spent with them is beyond any price and condition. 

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          Yes indeed we can somehow celebrate this joyous season by remembering in our hearts and minds those people whom we have encountered during the course of this year. In one way or the other, they have left imprints in our hearts and these markings resulted us to be better persons.

          Thus we all come into prayer for all of these significant and the less significant people whom we have shared our life this year. May they always enkindle in their hearts the true spirit of Christmas- the sharing of joy and life to everyone regardless of whatsoever differences that we have.

                                      


                    


                                                     

The Pain of Losing A Loved One

            Just recently, I have received the news that my uncle, Lucio, passed away. No details yet whatsoever to his passing away however I could feel the pain of losing him. Uncle Lucio is the next younger brother after my father, Conrado. 

          Years back then, when I was still studying at the seminary in Davao City, I vividly remember those times wherein I stayed in their house in Mandaue, Cebu, Philippines. Uncle Lucio and his wife, Auntie Lucia, were very kind to me. Some years back, my parents separated for irreconcilable differences hence everytime we had our holidays at the seminary, I often stayed with them in Mandaue.

imagecredit: ID 17064948 © Almir1968 | Dreamstime.com

          Having no children of their own, I felt that both of them (Uncle and Auntie) were also excited and delighted to have me around and joined them for some days. We oftenly shared stories and food. My late father as well stayed with them when he went back to Cebu. These brothers were very close to each other.

          Indeed, I felt pain of knowing that Uncle Lucio is gone. However, I am also comforted by the words of our Divine Creator that whoever goes back to Him will be welcomed with His love and embrace. May you rest in peace Uncle Lucio. 

                                         

ALFONSO JUGAN AND FAMILY

          On today's post, we will know the family of Alfonso Jugan. Alfonso's family hails from Lambusan, San Remigio, Cebu Province. Actually, this is one family in our Jugan clan which is bigger in terms of members. The eldest in the family is Alfonso Jr. who is an ordained pastor of a congregation.

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          He is a widower and has 3 children. The whole family actually is composed of 14 members- really a big one. Out of this 14, there are 10 girls and 4 boys. The head of the family is Alfonso Jugan while his wife is Luisa Jumantoc Jugan. They're both deceased now. One of the siblings, Ester,  passed away due to cancer.

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          The youngest in the family is Loleth who is happily married to Steve Conklin of Michigan, USA. They have been together for 11 years and are presently residing in the USA.

SOME PHOTOS from ALFONSO JUGAN FAMILY:

Lolith Jugan Conklin

The siblings Espering, Ludia, Emma, Bebe and Linda

The whole Alfonso Jugan Sr. Family

the whole family including grandchildren

JERRY S. JUGAN AND FAMILY

          JUGAN members are all over the world. With the present means of communication that we have (facebook, twitter etc), it becomes easier and swifter for us to establish and to maintain the relationships among our family members.

          Every opportunity that allows all members to interact with one another is treasured. The latest one that was cherished by members most notably by those who were able to participate was the reunion held last May. 

          Indeed it was such a success that every participant's experience was well kept deep inside his/her heart. Moreover the family that our blog will feature at this time is the family of Jerry S. Jugan. 

          Jerry is married to Maria Gina T. Jugan. Their marriage is blessed with 12 children. The following comprise the whole family:

1. Jergin- eldest who graduated from her course last year and now is presently working;
2. Retchen with twin sister Reschen- both are married
3. Reschen
4. Michelle- who is on her first year college taking up BSBA
5. Janice- high school
6. Jerry Jr- high school
7. Jake- elementary
8. Redgie- elementary
9. Chrystel- elementary
10. Miles- elementary
12. Lycka

The 11th member passed away years ago and may his soul rest in peace. 

Jerry originally hails from Batad, Bogo City and now, he resides together with the family in Sibonga, Cebu Province. Let us include Jerry and his family in our prayers.

NICOLAS BULIBULI JUGAN and FAMILY

          Our featured Jugan family at this post is the family of Nicolas Bulibuli Jugan. He came from the family of Agripino and Prima Jugan. Dodo, as he is fondly called, comes from Luyang, San Remegio, Cebu Province. With all the joys in life, he is married to to Ninfa and their relationship is blessed with five lovely children.

           The members of the family are: Gesele, Agripino, Jupiter, Genalin and Nesadura. Nesadura or Nessan is based in Cebu City while Genalin currently works abroad. Nessan will soon reach her goal since she will have her graduation within the year.

          We journey with the whole family in all their undertakings. And just like any big family, we entrust them to our prayers that may their dreams and goals in life will be attained.

ANGELO JUGAN and FAMILY

         Jugan family is everywhere. I know that you would agree with me when i say that it is our joy to know more the members of this family so as to be more acquainted with one another. Thus, what I would like to share with you today is the family of one of our members- Angelo Jugan.

          Angelo's family hails from Padada, Davao del Sur. His better half is Isabelita Llanto Casals. Their children are Alan, Edgar, Ma. Fe, Alice, Noel, Anabil, Angelita and Ruel. 

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          Their places of residences are: Alan in Padada, Davao del Sur, Edgar in the same place, Alice in Gen. Santos City, Noel in Zamboanga City, and the rest (Ma. Fe, Anabil, Angelita and Ruel) are in Panabo City, Davao del Norte.

          Alan, the eldest in the family, is married to Nisie and the following are their children: Joanel, Joyce Crystal, Josie Cristy, and Jade. While Edgar is married to Rose Marie and the following are their children: Maryjean, Nyxa, Edro, Daryl, and Roy.

          The next in the family is Ma. fe who is married to Noli and their children are Boyliemar, Erica Mae, and Lady May. Alice comes next with Joey as her husband. Their children are Jay Angelo, Joseph Alan and Jamaica. 

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          Next is the family of Angelita and Rey. Their children are Dexterfeb, John Leur and Chereyfe. Finally the youngest is Ruel and he is married to Runalisa. Their marriage is blessed with their children Angelo and Isabelita.

          Indeed, it is a pleasure and a source of joy to know the members of Angelo Jugan's family. Whatever accomplishments they will have in their endeavors will also be our source of happiness. 

Meet our FAMILY (Ma. Morena P. Villanueva and family)

          It is with great joy that I will feature in my blog today the family of Maricar Reyes. Her full name is Ma. Morena P. Villanueva while her husband is Leonides P. Villanueva. They have 2 girls named Kristen and Dean Irish. As the eldest between the two, Kristin is 23 yrs. old while Dean is 15. Maricar's mom is the daughter of Eulalia Alchombre Jugan.

           Both Maricar and Leonides feel their joy and success in being parents to the two girls most notably that Kristen has completed her studies in the field of  nursing. Moreover she finished it at Cebu Doctor's University last 2010. We are one with them in this success in their marriage. We will constantly remember that any member of our clan who attains any successes in whatever form will also serve as our own inspiration to strive further to become positive contributors to our clan and to our society.

          She now is one of our nurses in our clan. On the other hand, Dean is presently on her 3rd year in her high school studies in the prestigious De La Salle College in Toledo City.

          The whole family is residing in Kalubihan, Ilihan, Toledo City. Maricar was sharing that her two kids are her constant inspiration. We thank you Maricar and your whole family for sharing your story with us all here. And we will continue to extend mutual support to you and to all members of our clan so that we will jointly cherish the gift of our life.