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. 

                                  

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! 

   
                             


                                      

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


                                         

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.

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          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.

                                               

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"

                                           

Be Positive!

          As we continue our journey in this world, we come across so many kinds of situations and meet different personalities of people. At times, we are challenged by certain situations that put our might into test, our self direction into crossroads. As days go by, we move on with our own search for self development. By the course of those both expected and and surprised events, we then realise that after all, life is such a very tricky journey and it needs us to be constantly firm and determined so as to reach the end of the journey. 

          Through the unfolding of each new day, we gradually come in contact with life's reality- that it is consistently comprised of the good and the bad, yin and yang, up and down, light and dark, ..that two opposite directions are constantly in tug of war with each other. Thus, in all those times, what we need are resources that can enable us to pursue our goals in spite of all those odds. One of those essential key elements that we need to have is the attitude of being positive. Here then is a video that imparts to us a couple of positive quotes----quotes that would enlighten our day and hopefully give us motivations to proceed with our travels.   

                        

                                          video source: life for embracing

Some key elements of this video:

1. Loving oneself- the fundamental principle that will allow us to stay positive day by day. How then could we learn to love others if on the first place, we cannot accept and love the SELF that we have?  Thus learn to accept the whole of you---including all your talents and weaknesses for it is by loving yourself that can make you strong in the midst of life's adversities;

2. "To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe." Anatole France  ---- Dreams are so significant for us that only those who dream dreams can really see each day's light and promises. By being dreamers, we give much weight on our everyday endeavour to prepare for tomorrow's offerings. 

3. "Let your light shine, Only you can carry it"- Alison Stormwolf---our believe in ourselves will allow us to move ahead excitedly and enthusiastically, notwithstanding whatever storms that lie ahead of us. The courage to go on and the will to grow will become our weapons to succeed in each day's events.

          Hence, it is my hope that we learn positive things from this video--lights that will open our way to reach our end life. Your comment to this post is very much appreciated.

                                         

Share Your Blessings

          Blessings in our life just come and go...some stay for just a second, others may stay for a while ......and then there are those which leave imprints in our hearts. To recount significant blessings in our life, we can think of the talents, skills, capabilities, resources or whatever we may term them that we treasure in our life. 

          Moreover, they have come to us and enable us to move higher in our standing in life. We have attained dreams goals in life by utilizing these blessings. However, let us also bear in mind that we are constantly challenged to be generous to others. 

imagecredit:
http://www.freeimageslive.com/galleries/buildings/abstract/pics/buildings01844.jpg

          If we are sensitive to what's going on around us, we will obviously notice that many of our brothers and sisters are left hanging in the dark. Many among us are confronted with the sad reality in life that they have nowhere to go except to hide those dark spots in their life deep inside themselves.

          Thus, let us also think about these people and by our blessings, let us open our hearts and minds to them and in whatever simple yet creative ways we can think of, let us allow ourselves to become beacons of life and hope for others.

                                  

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)

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. 

                                         

Want some words of Inspirations?

           Life seems to be that complicated for some.Yet for others, it is such a wonderful gift being given by somebody whose love for mankind is so great. On the other hand, there could be stances in your life that you will feel as if the world is so unfair to you- that nobody seems to take care for you. Consequently, you lose your sense of direction.

           On those moments, you need sombody to guide you the way. You need words of inspiration to lighten up your load. Below are some inspirational words that may be of help to you in those crossroads.

videocredit: 

          From this shared video, you can discover inspirational words of wisdom. One among them which can benefit you and brighten up your day is:

"If you can imagine it, you can create it, if you dream it, you can become it.- William Arthur Ward"

          Yes, it's so true that you have dreams in your life. And just like anybody else, reaching them lies on what direction you choose to trek in life. As those challenging circumstances come into your way,  you need not to lose the balance of your life. Just think and go back to your dreams then re- affirm them all in your life- embrace them, positively hold them into your hands and heart.   

          With such gesture, you will most likely change the events of your life. And in spite of all those foreseen and unforeseen trial  moments, with this fresh affirmation of yourself and your dreams, life's journey will turn to be an interesting one for you. Be positive and believe in your dreams.

                                              

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.

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.

TRACING BACK THE ROOTS

            It is always a source of joy for me to receive updates whatsoever regarding members of our clan, the Jugan family. Every event in any member's life  leaves a significant imprint even the ordinary ones. It is just like I'm also personally proud of whatever the members achieve in their life. 

from:www.stockfreeimages.com

           Related to this one, tracing back our family's roots to their very source which involve those events in history plays a major impact on us since they allow us to strengthen the bond of ties among us all. Knowing altogether the sacrifices done by our elders on our behalf will give us meaning and strength to persevere also in our present journey. Mirroring from our elders is a very effective way of teaching and passing the positive side of things to the younger generations.

from:www.stockfreeimages.com

          Our loved ones most importantly our grandparents are the very source of our becoming who we are now. With all their contributions to the life history of the clan, they emerge as the immediate stock of influence in our life. Moreover, others such as friends and officemates merely serve as secondary contributors to our development and process as persons. Thus it is but always fitting to look back and remember those  special memories we treasured with our elders.