|Reminiscing the past|Sendong|ChristmasVacation|

December 17, 2011: I may still remember the said day when an undetermined number of families were left homeless (including my family)after Tropical Storm “Sendong” brought heavy rains and flooding in Dumaguete City and other parts of Negros Oriental. 

It was the most unforgettable moment in my life. :( It was a very challenging experience to me. Early in the morning, when I woke up, the rain is so heavy, the minute after I started to clean the house, the water from the river started to flood in our place. 

I and my family started to panic but still trying to save the things we may get. After an hour, one of our family friend send a text message to me telling that everybody are going to evacuate in our church and trying to convince us to stay there too. Without any doubt, we plan to stay in the church till the rain and flood stop.

Sendong really brought a big disaster in my place. I think it has an advantages and disadvantages for me. I want to start with the Disadvantages: First, major thoroughfares and interior roads were submerged in water. Second, 36 people including children were reported dead. Third, several houses along the Banica River were carried downstream by flash floods that also damaged the new Banica Bridge. Lastly, furniture, livestock, and homes made of light material were also washed away by flood waters in other parts of the city. The advantages are: First,people became more responsible and attentive every time there is a calamity. Second, it remind us that we're not in charge of nature. Third, We learn how to better respond to future problems. Lastly, we get blessings through the help of our loved ones (family friends, church friends and relatives).

I would like you to meet my co-refugees in the church: Montemayor Family, Fabillar Family and Tolentino Family. Here's some of our pics--->>

my sendong family.

Gamboa Family

The Boys! Jared, Romney, Kyle and Marc

me, jake,kath, rye and jared

Mama, Raya,Megan,Ate Marissa,Rachel

Chelsi! (guitarist)

Flood in the House

Montemayor couple, Fabillar couple and Tolentino couple

 We had our Christmas Celebration in the church, even though we suffered so much pain and loss we still have the time to thank God for all of this! I know that after every trial we encounter in our lives it brings blessings. Heavenly Father just want to test us if we are obedient to his commandments! He will never ever  leave us! Let's all be thankful and grateful <3 

|LDS|TheChurchofJesusChristofLatter-DaySaints|

Missionary friends

Most of my friends are now in the mission field. They were inspired by the Prophet Thomas S. Monson’s announcement last general conference, which the young woman aging 19 years old and young men aging 18 years old can now apply to go on a mission. I am also inspired by then. I am still confused of my decisions. Some say to finish my studies first and some say that follow your desire. It’s hard for me to decide whether to study or to mission. I am hoping for more encouragement and advices from you guys! J

Well, I don’t really want to talk about myself. I want to share things about my institute friends who are missionaries now! Of course I am a proud friend. Here’s some update of my missionary friends!

Toni Rose Maagad is now serving in Philippines Quezon City Mission. She thought that I am her trainee in the field. But then again, I am not, Haha. She is amazing and never fails to inspire me; I always looked up to those women who served their mission. 

Sister Maagad with her companion in Manila Temple.

Priscila Lee Enriquez is now serving in Philippines Ilo-ilo Mission. Our photographer in institute and our nurse in the institute. She's so talented.

Sister Enriquez's photo during his Brother's birthday.

Marcelo Maagad is now serving in Philippines Cauayan Mission. He’s the brother of Sister Maagad. He’s our band bass guitarist and vocalist in institute. He and Toni pass their mission papers at the same time.

Elder Maagad with his companion on his first baptism.

JakeMontemayor will serve in New Jersey Morristown Mission but his papers is still in process he's temporarily serving at Manila Mission. He's my friend since they come here in Dumaguete last 2010. 

Elder Montemayor with Elder De Ocampo

Ariel Joseph Acabal, Von Rigor Calingacion, Tom Lado is now serving in Philippines Butuan Mission. Ariel and Von passed their paper at the same time and in surprise they were assigned in the same mission field. Tom is now an office missionary. John Acuesta will serve in the same mission. 

Elder Calingacion. Elder Lado and Elder Acabal

Kenneth Hoyo-a and Benjamin Remolano Jr. is now serving in Philippines Quezon city North Mission. Kenneth is my brother from another mother, haha.  My adopted brother who always help me in everything. Jr is my co-organizer in every institute activity.

Elder Remolano, Elder Hoyo-a and Elder Posadas

Romil Anasario is now serving in Philippines Angeles Mission. The RN. The Artist and the geek (sorry for the word) coz he's so intelligent. 

Elder Anasario @ Philippines MTC

I miss them a lot! I  also love them. I know how blessed they are if they do what is right. They will receive their promised blessing. I hope I can go to mission and pursue my goals. Some of my friends now are preparing for their mission. They are: Rosemae Maagad, Princess Remolano, Kenneth Lou Culis, Maricar Flores and Jea Reva Azores. And I'm next in line. :)

|LDS Missionaries|TheChurchofJesusChristofLatter-DaySaint|