Our October Highlights

Mommy Nyles' Month 

Bacolod Trip

After the fast and testimony meeting weekend, we got a text from Ate Ruzel. She is Nanay's niece. She informed us that Nanay Suting's sister, Lola Magdalena died. We knew we had to go to Bacolod. Our original plan was I would go with Nanay but we decided to fly to Bacolod as a family. It was the right decision. Nanay Suting is very special to me. She took good care of me while my mother worked when I was a baby, and now she is watching over Zephrine, my daughter when I am at work. I wrote her life story at  The Story of Soterania Salgado. This trip was very humbling. I realized that when we travel, we go to places with a purpose. I learned from Dra. Jocelyn that La Carlota is known for their great skill in playing the drums. We were so grateful for her hospitality. She toured us around. We were there from October 6 - 11, 2017. Here's our itinerary:

Day 1 (Friday) - Manila to Bacolod. We had to work in the morning and I got very worried because of the traffic. Our flight was at 4:00 pm. But we were guided by the Lord. We arrived 20 minutes before our flight!! Sister Marty picked us up from Silay Airport and drove us to La Carlota. We met Lolo Ramon and Ate Ruzel there then we rode a tryke to La Granha. It was a long travel but it was full of fun. We ran out of gasoline in the midst of Sugar cane plantation at past 8:00 in the evening.
We arrived at Lola Magda's wake at around 9:00 pm. I felt the Lord's patience for me and love for Nanay. Zephrine enjoyed the wind!!! She raised her hands up in the air! We slept at Tita Irma's house. She's Lola Ramon's (Nanay's only living sibling now) daughter. We slept at a wooden bed (papag). It was a great experience for us especially to little Zephrine. My dream for her is to be able to relate to people from all walks of life.

Day 2 (Saturday) - This was the funeral of Lola Magda. She worked in Iloilo for many years like Nanay as a househelp. Her bosses became her family and they were all there. They fixed all the needs  for her burial. They are so amazing and loving. I sitted next to Nanay in the hearse. She started crying while the music plays. I started crying too but I didn't show her. I learned that God is truly merciful. Nanay was away from her famil for so long but He gave this time so she can still spend time with them. Maybe there's a purpose why now. But I know He loves Nanay.

We went to the town after and bought groceries for the family. Then we stayed one more night at Nagasi. I thought I saw a "Kapre" that night when we bought mobile loads. We passed by a guy with a long hair, half naked and he just appeared in front of us.

Day 3 (Sunday) - We fellowshipped Nanay's family. We were there till lunch then we traveled to Bacolod City after lunch by Ceres Bus. I was amazed how Zephrine enjoyed commuting. She was very curious of the world around her. We were picked-up by Sister Gay from the terminal and took us to Dra. Marty's house where we stayed till our flight back to Manila. Zephrine enjoyed playing with her dog. It was fun watching them play together.

Day 4 (Monday) - We went to the famous "The Ruins", Negros Museum and SM Bacolod. Then we had a family home evening. Michael gave the lesson.

Day 5 (Tuesday) - Dra toured us at San Salvador!!! Oh that place was so amazing. They have their own chocolate hills, Ma. Christina Falls and Rice Terraces. Then we came back to Dra's house and prepared our things. We left at 12 midnight.

Day 6  (Wednesday) - Arrival at Naia. Ate Iroal picked us up from the airport to the temple. Our car was parked there through Kuya Dennis, my brother in law.

This trip opened my mind to a whole new world. Life in Bacolod is beautiful. They have a simple, rich life there. I want to go back.

October 14, 2017 - Stake Young Men First Aid Training

October 18, 2017 - It was our factory audit and Summer's first day at work. She is my new accountant and it feels like she's a birthday gift from the company. She's hardworking, loyal and honest. I enjoy working with her.

October 21, 2017 - Young Women Stake Leaders "Brooch Making" in Bulaon. This was part of our preparations for the upcoming Stake Young Women Anniversary. Daddy Mike brought us Jollibee meals for Lunch. I love my counselors and secretary. It's my first time to be stake leader as a president for the Young Women Organization. My creativity and ka-kikayan is coming back. 

October 22, 2017 - Michael's stake visit at San Fernando Wards while Nanay, Zephrine and I attended Angeles 2nd Ward because I taught our Relief Society Class today. 

October 23, 2017 - Happy Birthday to me! How I celebrated was recorded at Realizations at 29th. 

October 25, 2017 - Birthday Lunch at the Office. We had lechon (pig), chopseuy and desserts!

October 27, 2017 - Quickstrike's Halloween Party & Youth Standards' Night. 

We were bats for this year's Halloween! We had a little party at the office. I made treats baskets for the employees. We still had the costume competition and modelling. But this year, instead of individual table decor competition, we did it as a group. Then each group had to dance a zombie dance! It was fun. Then they watched horror movies after wards.  

Okay this next photo above was the youth standards' night. We were speakers and I shared my thoughts on how I gained my self confidence. Read it at this-is-how-i-gained-my-self-confidence. 

October 28, 2017 - Relief Society Christmas Decor Making & Angeles Ward 2 Trunk or Treat

We made Christmas decors out of tissue paper rolls. They also gave a birthday cake for all the birthday celebrants. Aw! they are so sweet!!! After that, we attended Zephrine's 2nd Trunk or Treat. She was a baby bat. I made this costume for her. I needed to dye her white shirt with black. It was fun seeing her lining up with the kids. We didn't get a lot candies since Zephrine doesn't like sweets. 

October 29, 2017 - Angeles Ward 2 Primary Presentation 

Zephrine didn't participate yet. But she got this cutee bow clip. Isn't she very cute? 

October 30, 2017 - General House Cleaning! 

Ending this blog with this beautiful quote.  29 years on this earth taught me a lot about endurance. I'm pretty impressed how I was able to endure more this year through God's enabling power. 

Thank you October!