Holiday rush is a common problem as Christmas approaches. Filipinos always love last minute preparations. Lahat ay punung-abala, aligaga, at natataranta because we belong to a nation who considers celebrating Christmas a big deal. Why is it always like this? Because bonuses or 13th month pay are usually given a few weeks before Christmas. One more thing, most Filipinos are not used to planning ahead of time at umaasa sa bonus sa Disyembre bago magsimulang magplano and they will end up spending too much until finally, wala ng natitira.

If you are going to ask me, these scenarios can be avoided. It's plain and simple. First and foremost, before making and preparing your Christmas menu, gifts and shopping list, the questions are, "How much is your budget?", "How much time can you spend preparing?", "Who will do the preparations?" If you answer these questions, make sure that they are SMART- Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Reasonable, and Time-bound. Don't just focus on the idea na "May darating namang bonus. Minsan lang naman ang pasko sa loob ng isang taon kaya itodo na ito!"

Well, that's the other side of the coin. Let's just say that you are capable of spending too much for the holidays. It is a family tradition that you always prepare of annually. If you want to spend your hard earned money to make memories, it's fine and it's your choice as long as you still have spare money to spend after the holidays. 

For those living on a budget and for those who have much to spend, one thing's for sure. Everyone wants to save, get huge discounts, get the best deals, and still get the best choices. If you have already planned for your working budget, prepared your gift list, made your shopping list for gifts, food, decors, and anything that you are going to use for Christmas celebration, here are some tips that work well based on experience.

1. Why wait for December when you can prepare your gift and shopping list as early as January? 

Yes, it is advisable to plan ahead so that you can refrain yourself from spending too much due to impulsive buying.

2. When you have planned ahead and prepared your list already, you can shop all-year round during mall, supermarket, or warehouse sale events. There you can score amazing deals, huge discounts, and unique finds that you can store as gift items during emergency occasions and of course, for Christmas. Always make it a habit to buy extra gift items just in case that you've missed someone on your list. Bulk food items that can be stored for months like canned fruits, sauces, snacks, chocolates, coffee, creamer, and other non-perishables if you plan to prepare Christmas baskets as gifts to each family of your relatives, they are best bought in the middle of the year as the "Ber Month" approaches, Most of the sale events happen during "Sweldo Day". What you can do is to spare a few amounts for your shopping intended for the holidays. By doing this little by little you're going to be surprised that in December, you are already prepared for the holidays. You will no longer need to spend your bonus to shop. You may invest it instead.

3. You can start wrapping your gifts as soon as you have bought them. You can do this on your spare time during weekends or if you want to do something to unwind after a busy day. Gift wrapping is therapeutic too and doing it without rushing can give you more time to be creative in making your gifts personalized. If you are not an artsy type, you can purchase pretty boxes, crates, bags, or jars to house your gifts. You can also save the environment in doing so because they can be reused too. 

4. After purchasing the things and gifts that you need for the holidays, do you have a room, cabinet, or storage area where you can place them neatly and orderly? Doing a quarterly general cleaning is a must to keep your house neat and orderly. It will save you from cramming as the holiday season approaches. If you have a lot of items not being used for six months and up, it is time for you to sell them through a garage sale. The money that you can earn can be used as part of your budget for Christmas, can be donated to charity, or save as emergency fund. If you don't want to sell those items, you may donate them to charity or give them to someone that you think can use them. If you don't have time to do a quarterly general cleaning, make it a habit to declutter or organize on a daily basis so that your home is ready for unexpected guests or relatives who will spend a day or two with you during the holidays. This will lessen your worries during the holidays.

5. As early as October, if you expect relatives to celebrate Christmas with your family, check the inventory of your China, glassware, flat ware, utensils, kitchen towels, table cloth, table napkins, biodegradable trash liners, and other kitchen aids. If the dinner or lunch is informal and if you don't want to have trouble in washing the dishes for a huge number of guests, there are biodegradable disposable plates, utensils, and napkins that are decorated intended for Christmas which you can use to beautify your table setting too while keeping your kitchen, dining table, and guests clean and neat.

In line with this, one of my most trusted brands for my kitchen is Sanicare, a local brand that is also famous for its tissues and other hygiene products such as cotton, wipes, underpants, and toilet seat cover. Whenever I purchase kitchen towels, my first choice is always Sanicare. Sanicare Kitchen Towels are composed of moisture locking technology that makes them super absorbent, perfect in absorbing excess oil, water, and other liquids. They are also durable and stays intact while being used. I've been using them for years and I highly recommend them. To add class to the table setting, I recommend Sanicare Mood Dinner Napkins that are known to be luxuriously strong but very soft, making meals extraordinarily special. It comes in two colors, white and black, but I prefer the former than the latter.

Sanicare Mood Dinner Napkins in White is my favorite! So neat and clean!

Since it's Christmas preparation that I am talking about, what makes me excited is that Sanicare has launched again its very festive Kitchen Towel Christmas Edition as it usually does annually.

Nothing beats the absorbing power of Sanicare Kitchen Towels due to their moisture locking technology.

This year, Sanicare  Kitchen Towel Christmas Edition also goes hand in hand with the launch of a specially designed holiday facial tissue boxes called Liwanag Christmas Edition Boxes. This year, the boxes were designed by the very talented artist, Alex Eduque, founder of MovEd.

Sanicare Liwanag Christmas Edition Facial Tissues in white, red, blue, and green boxes

As you can see, Liwanag Christmas Edition Boxes are inspired by a world-class Filipino talent, promoting hope and happiness amidst all odds. Alex has chosen parols (lanterns) and stars as the center of her amazing designs. She believes that parols or lanterns are symbolic representation that expresses unification and a nation of promise while stars remind us that every person in the world share the same sky and despite our differences, conditions, and circumstances, each of us has a star shining brightly from within. The overall design speaks of equality among social classes that symbolically lights up all Filipino homes.

Those parols (lanters) and stars printed in every Sanicare Liwanag Christmas Edition Facial Tisue Boxes literally shine brightly! I love the way they are printed in gold foil.

Like our family this Christmas season, Sanicare would also like you to try its Christmas Edition Kitchen Towels and Facial Tissue Liwanag Series Boxes. By doing so, you don't just make your home and festivities to have "Christmas feels" but you can also have a chance to win awesome prizes by joining Starry Bright Christmas Promo.

To join this promo, here are the simple mechanics.

1. Interested participants need to post a creative photo on their Facebook account featuring the Sanicare Facial Tissue Liwanag Series Box.

2. The creative photo must include a caption that starts with a phrase, "My Christmas is extra bright this year because _______________!" and must tag three (3) other friends. Entries also should include the mandatory hashtags #SanicareLiwanagSeries #Sanicare #SCPA.

3. Once the photo was posted, the participant must go back to the Sanicare PH Facebook promo post and click the link provided in order to submit the entry.

They are so easy, aren't they?

The promo will run from November 22, 2017 to January 1, 2018. Deadline of submission is on  January 1 at 6:00 PM. Winners will be announced on January 15, 2018 on Sanicare PH Facebook Page. 

Luck winners will get the following prizes:

The grand prize winner will be given four (4) all day passes to Dream Play and Lunch Buffet for four (4) at The Cafe at the Hyatt City of Dreams Manila.

10 consolation prize winners will also be chosen and each will receive a Php2,000 Sodexo Gift Certificate from Sanicare.

For more details and updates about the promo, you may visit and like Sanicare PH Facebook Page. Starry Bright Christmas Promo is under DTI Permit No. 18311 Series of 2017. You may also follow @sanicare_ph on Instagram as well.

Join Sanicare Starry Bright Christmas Promo and get the chance to win awesome prizes!

Have a stress-free Christmas! I hope that you can join and win the promo too! 

Last Friday morning, I was able to talk to a pretty mom, a co-parent in Bunso's school, which I forgot to ask the name. We had a brief conversation about our kids. She asked me when and how Bunso learned to talk. I told her that Bunso could only say Mama and Papa when he started his therapy sessions three years ago. After three months of regular OT sessions, he knew how to talk in simple phrases. Amazing, isn't it?

Swimming is Bunso's way to exercise his body while reading is his habit to exercise his mind.

Aside from the help of his therapist and his education under the supervision of the Sped team, the advantage of Bunso's non-exposure to television because he doesn't like watching TV shows and limiting his gadget time have helped in the process too. Paps and I exposed him to books at an early age instead.

These  books were few of the many books that we got last summer from our visit to Scholastic Warehouse Sale. Bunso and his Kuya shares the passion for the love for reading through the years. Why do you see multiple copies of most of the books? They are nice gifts for all occasions. The gift of learning is priceless and timeless.

Believe it or not, two years ago I used to read aloud 45 books, 3 to 7 times a day to Bunso while pointing the words and showing him the illustrations. He memorized them all until our reading materials became more than 45 books. Every January, I would change his reading materials so that he could have a new learning experience. Until finally, he began reading the words on his own without memorizing the story. I would also ask him questions about the story to check his comprehension.

In line with this, Scholastic Warehouse Sale is our cheapest source of reading materials since 2014. I encourage you to visit its ongoing sale. I guarantee na sulit ang pagod ninyo sa pagpunta. You will find all the details below my Scholastic Warehouse Sale experiences and the ongoing Christmas sale. 

Hello, Mars at Pards! The year is about to end again. If you notice, this Mama is at her peak of being very busy. Honestly, burnout sets in at this point and still, I am doing something about it by diverting my attention to something else that breaks my usual routines. I am currently and seriously doing my "installment general cleaning". For me it's an activity that I love but don't have the luxury of time doing often. That's why when long vacations arrive, I take the opportunity to do it with gusto! As I always do, I set my priorities and make things happen. However, it pays to be more flexible to avoid the dangers of becoming too engrossed with routines and finally, feeling down due to denial of experiencing burnout. Loving myself should be prioritized among anything else because I can't give what I don't have. Happiness should radiate from within and it should extend to the persons I hold dear.

To set that happy emotional state on my being and loving myself more, the first step that I did was to have my website refurbished. It so happened that a good blogger friend of mine and an amazing software engineer Celerhina Aubrey had an enticing proposal and I grabbed that rare opportunity.

A few years ago, I was the one who made my own website despite having no knowledge in programming. Thanks to Google! I survived! I was able to fix the look that I really wanted for my website after three long months. The old look of my website served me well since 2013. However, due to the advent of android phones and tablets, I wanted my website to be responsive which I didn't know how to fix myself. 

Furthermore, four years of having the same layout was long overdue. I was hesitant to ask some web developers even Celerhina Aubrey because of the knowledge that it was quite expensive. That endeavor wasn't also my priority. Not until she announced on her Facebook account that she was selling her current website design. I immediately took the chance to ask her because I admired her website layout as much as I love her writing style. Her website design had all the criteria that I was looking for. It was classy, chic, clean, comprehensive, functional, and most of all responsive. Bonus na bonus din na she was selling it for a cheaper price. Without batting an eyelash, I told her,"Go na ako!"

Celerhina Aubrey is one of the bloggers that I trust and admire. Siya kasi very honest. What you see is what you get. Walang paliguy-ligoy. Magaan agad ang loob ko sa kanya the first time we met and had brunch together na umabot hanggang hapon. She is straightforward, brutally frank but kind, generous, and easy to deal with. She fixed my website in no time. While doing so, she was so patient in answering my queries. A non-techie like me could really rely on her.

This gorgeous and talented lady designed my website. (Photo credit: Celerhina Aubrey)

My friends and loved ones like the new look of my website. Some of my blogger friends knew who did it while others kept on asking who did it. Some of my blogger friends started to inquire about her services. Then I learned that they were so affordable. Gaganda at magiging responsive ang website ninyo without breaking a bank. 

If you are using Blogger and you're planning to change the design of your website, you may communicate with Celerhina Aubrey through her website, Facebook page, or email address. She also does quality logo, Favicon, and badge design at a very reasonable price. 

Seeing the new look of my website started to take my blues away. Now I feel more inspired to improve my content para bagay naman sa website design. LOL! I still need to edit and update texts and photos of some of my blog entries. To cut the story short, my website is always a work in progress and I am so glad that someone has helped me make it visually enticing and user friendly. I am happy with my new website look. Thanks to Celerhina Aubrey for making me tick one entry on my bucket list.

How do you find my website's new look? Feel free to leave your comment. 

I am a lip balm fanatic. It's a beauty staple that I am very dependent with. I can live without lipstick but not without lip balm. I am born with very dry lips despite of hydrating myself often. I've tried and tested various lip balm brands and only a few suit me well.

Moreover, lip balms that pass my standards have the following criteria:

1. Effectiveness

A lip balm's primary function is to make the lips free from dryness, chapping, and cracking, making them smooth, plump, and soft in no time. Smooth and soft lips look younger, fresher, and healthier. A lip balm also aids in making any lipstick especially the one with matte formula glide on smoothly, leaving lips moisturized and not dry at all.

2. Safety

Whenever I shop for lip balms, I check their ingredients. Are they made from natural and safe ingredients? Are they free from harmful or carcinogenic components? If yes, I go for them. I am now in a state that I am more conscious with what I apply on my face and body.

3. Great Taste

I always opt for a fruity lip balm with a hint of mint and vanilla or a just a plain minty one can do.

4. Light Consistency

I don't want my lips to look like I've just eaten greasy food. I want a lip balm that leaves a thin layer of gloss on my lips, not too shiny or greasy. 

5. Affordability

I am a frugal person. I believe that it doesn't necessarily mean that if a product is expensive, it's safe and effective already. Why spend more on a good product if you can purchase a better and cheaper alternative?

6. Availability

I am a loyal product user if it satisfies me and serves its purpose well. It breaks my heart when I ran out of a certain lip balm brand that I love and I can't readily purchase it in a nearby mall, drugstore,  or online. Online shopping may be an option. Additional shipping fee adds on the expenses but for me it's okay as long as the product is really worth purchasing. I admit that I am "kuripot" and I am not ashamed of being one. I don't mind adding an additional fee for shipping because it saves time, a thing that is always lacking due to mom duties, it's hassle-free, and convenient. I don't need to go out anymore because the product shall be delivered right on my doorstep.

7. Reliable and Convenient Packaging

For hygiene purposes, I prefer a tube type lip balm packaging than the tub type. I don't want to apply lip balm using my fingers because it's messy, unhygienic, and inconvenient. I love a lip balm packaging that is very light and not bulky so that I can slip it easily in my pocket, clutch, or small makeup case. I don't want something that takes so much space and weight of my bag. I also find a lip balm packaging reliable where I can read the detailed product information including claims, ingredients, manufacturer, distributor, batch number, manufacturing date, expiration date, and other important details that consumers need to know.

8. Amazing Staying Power

I am a type of girl who doesn't like retouching makeup often especially lipstick or lip balm because I find it inconvenient due to my not-so-conscious and on-the-go personality. The staying power of my lip balm matters to me. The longer that it stays on my lips to keep them smoother and softer, the better.

In line with this, I have discovered another lip balm brand that I've added to my top choices, and that is GEMZ LIP BALM. 

Gemz Lip Balm naturally moisturizes and smoothens my lips. It's enriched with Shea Butter, Vitamin E, and Jojoba Oil, three of my most favorite beauty product ingredients. It is infused with antioxidants and SPF 15, keeping my lips protected from harmful UV rays and other harsh environmental elements.

Gemz Lip Balm is hypoallergenic, 95% natural, 100% safe for kids and adults, and FDA approved. It has the following ingredients: Beeswax, Candelilla Cera, Copernica Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Squalene, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Benzophenone-3, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Fruit Oil/Extract (depending on the lip balm variant), Flavor, and Ci 77492. It's paraben-free, petrolatum-free, and gluten-free.

Gemz Lip Balm is so easy to use. All you have to do is twist off, smooch, apply, and smile! It's convenient to store. It's not bulky, not messy, and very handy. Just store in a cool, dry place between 20 C to 25 C. Remember to keep away from direct sunlight.

Just recently, I tried and tested the following variants: Citrine Lemon, Ruby Strawberry, and Peach Moonstone which I really, really like especially Ruby Strawberry. Their tastes are not too sweet or overwhelming, and very, very light. It has three more variants: Emerald Pineapple, Blue Amethyst, and Mint Zircon. I wonder how they taste? Hmmm... I will surely try them soon.

Gemz Lip Balm is exceptionally shaped to provide just the right amount of lip balm in every application, making my lips sweet, soft, and smooth longer without applying often.

This imported lip balm brand is made in China for London-based company, Dexe Group Ltd. It's exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Bellus Life Solutions, Inc., found in Unit 222 Cityland, 7648 Dela Rosa Street, Barangay Pio del Pilar, Makati City.

Every Gemz Lip Balm is safe to use for three years from the date of manufacturing. I encourage you to try and experience Gemz Lip Balm to see that it really works, making your lips fresh, shinier, softer, and younger-looking! 

Furthermore, Christmas time is fast approaching. Gemz Lip Balms as gifts for the holidays can be a great idea!  They are definitely affordable, practical, and useful gifts for your friends and loved ones. You can turn one into something more special by adding personalized "Christmas feels" on it just like making a nose of a reindeer in a DIY card? Isn't it nice?

How to avail these fabulous lip balms? They are available online at Php100 per piece only. Free shipping applies for five-piece and above orders. Php90 per piece for orders six pieces and above, while additional discounts apply for orders per box or twelve pieces.

You may send private messages at @gemzlipbalm on Instagram or Gemz Lip Balm on Facebook. You may also reach it at mobile number 09258250225 or email address gemzphofficial@yahoo.com with the information seen on the photo below.

Gemz Lip Balm is looking for resellers. If you are interested to start up your own Gemz Lip Balm Business, you may contact it through the above-mentioned contact details.

Paps and I are the ones preparing and cooking meals for our family. We seldom eat-out or order food for delivery because our kids prefer what we cook for them.

The advantages of cooking and eating home-cooked meals are tremendous since we meticulously do the shopping, hand-picking, and preparing our own food. We know that what we serve to our loved ones is clean, safe, healthy, and most of all, delicious.

Preparing delicious meals doesn't necessary mean that we have to make it grand in amount or appearance. Anthony Bourdain, one of the most influential chefs, authors, and television personalities in the world, said, "Good food is very often, even most often, simple food."  Indeed, we agree because our food is always simple but its flavors that tickle our palates and the benefits that it contributes to our well-being are amazingly satisfying.

Aside from handling our food with so much love and care, I am going to reveal our family's secret to our delectable meals and that is no less than, MAGGI. We may be using various brands of herbs, spices, and sauces but Maggi products are always in our pantry.

Why is Maggi part of our meal preparations for years? 

Whenever we choose products especially for ingestion, we always check if they are from reputable brands. Maggi has been in the market for decades. It's among the most trusted food brands in the world. Most of all, it's a product of Nestle, one of the world's leader in health and nutrition. Nestle products including Maggi is research-based and proven to be safe and healthy to use.

Maggi is not just safe and healthy. Napapasasarap naman nito talaga ang mga pagkaing aming inihahanda para sa aming pamilya kahit hindi na lalagyan ng salt o iba pang pampaalat. Maggi balances and enhances the flavor of every meal without making it too salty.

Our vegetable dishes are incomplete without a dash of Maggi Savor Classic Liquid Seasoning. This variant in particular is also best as dip for dumplings, fried dishes, roasted meats, and steamed or boiled veggies. 

We put salt and pepper to our oil-less pan fried chicken. When we discovered Maggi Magic Sarap All-In-One Seasoning Granules and Maggi Magic Chicken Meaty Seasoning Granules, we use them interchangeably and don't use salt anymore. Furthermore, our fried rice is incomplete without Maggi Magic Sarap.

Seared Pork Chops are my mom's favorite. The pork taste is enhanced when Maggi Magic Pork Meaty Seasoning Granules are added to the milk marinade.

Then we tried using it in our Ginisang Monggo because we lessened the pork. Mas lalo pang naging meaty ang flavor at lalong sumarap at naging malinamnam ito!

Why is it that our barbecue dishes taste great? Maggi Oyster Sauce ang sikreto riyan! My best friend, Grace Yanzon, served her Pork Barbecue with Maggi Oyster Sauce when she invited me for lunch in her home. Sa sobrang sarap ng barbecue niya, I never forget to stock up Maggi Oyster Sauce at home. It also makes stir-fry dishes flavorful.

Another milestone was unlocked, Our search for affordable, tasty, and not too salty soy sauce was over because of the launch of Maggi Soy Sauce in the market a couple of months ago. Our Adobo, Menudo or Igado tastes even better with it.

To sum it up, Maggi makes simple dishes taste magical! Parang laging may handaan sa aming tahanan dahil sa Maggi. Sa simpleng Sinigang, pritong ulam, o inihaw, #AllWeNeedIsMagic!

Maggi Watermelon Surprise Soup Base Mix and Maggi Magic Isda All-In-One Seasoning Granules for Fish ang susunod kong susubukan. Ikaw, ano ang kwentong Maggi mo?

Last August 26, it was such a blessing on my part to be given a chance to talk about Miss Meanne Mabesa Mijares's new book, Heartbreakthrough 8 Steps to Rise Above Heartbreak- The Lord’s Way. If you remember, she was author of the award-winning book, Emma Kali-kaliwete! Emma U-utal-utal!, her first book that I reviewed a couple of months ago.

"Heartbreakthrough 8 Steps To Rise Above Heartbreak- The Lord's Way by Meanne Mabesa Mijares" is the best book to read if you are currently in pain due to failed relationship, separation, or cycle of abuse. This book will bring you to your breakthrough because it will lead you to the right journey that is guided by the Lord. . It was such a wonderful feeling to be invited by the author herself and give a short talk about it during its launch last Saturday. That endeavor became the start of my vow to make this book reach those people who need the right answers and heal their broken hearts without going astray. . I will share my thoughts wishes for the book, where to purchase it, and Meanne's next book signing event on my blog. I will keep you posted. 💕 . #meannemabesamijares #heartbreakthroughbook #bookstagram #bookworm #book #inspirational #mommybloggersph #momblogger #readingadvocate #claretianpublications #claret #booklaunch #booksigning

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Aug 27, 2017 at 8:07pm PDT

Meanne and I became in touch online and her book launch was the first time that I met her in person. That made me more excited and elated. Imagine, an award-winning author would ask a simple blogger like me to talk about her book? She even sent me the manuscript and that was the proof to my claim that I was one of the very first persons to read the book. To be trusted my her to own the manuscript really meant so much.

The event was more than a book launch. It was an intimate, meaningful, fruitful, and very special moment for me because I met Meanne and her family in person, gained new friends like Anna Santana and the love of her life, and had an insightful conversation about life with the guests and other Claretians who graced the event. I would never forget this experience as long as I live.

Before further ado, let me share with you the brief content that I have spoken of during the talk that somehow can give you a backgrounder of what's in store for you.

I feel so elated and blessed to be one of the first persons to read this book. "Heartbreakthrough: 8 STEPS to Rise Above Heartbreak- The Lord's Way by Meanne Mabesa Mijares" talks about steps in recovering from being heart broken and starting anew by immersing yourself to the way that God wants it to be. . While reading this book, I remember my friends who are hurt right now due to failed marriages and relationships. This is the best book to read to ease their pain and find answers to their unresolved questions. . Thanks for being a blessing, Miss Meanne! God bless you in all your endeavors. I am so excited to witness your upcoming book launch! ❤❤❤ . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmmustread #aapmfavorites #book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #meannemabesamijares

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Aug 19, 2017 at 12:32am PDT

I have contemplated for some time on how I can give justice to the book, Heartbreakthrough 8 Steps to Rise Above Heartbreak- The Lord’s Way by Ms. Meanne Mabesa Mijares as I share my insights on its contents without actually revealing too much that would spoil the surprises and intricacies that were presented in this book. However, having been tasked to share my insights and feelings on its content has created a dilemma on my part. If I may encapsulate my impression of the book, Barbara Streissand as Rose Morgan in the movie “The Mirror Has Two Faces” said in one of her lines, “True love has spiritual dimensions”.

In essence, it is what I believe is one of the many core points of the book. It will take you to a spiritual journey that will enable you to heal. This may sound unreal since break ups and heart brokenness create moments of weakness, vulnerability, and despair in us. However, the insights provided in the book present a different and more meaningful perspective, one that is anchored towards healing ourselves and putting ourselves under the loving presence of God. It is very enlightening to know that our moments of misery are indeed avenues to learn more about the love of God for us and a moment to learn and deepen our awareness of both ourselves and our spirituality.

Furthermore, one of the revealing insights that struck me in the book came from a Bible passage in one of the chapters which was from Psalm 37:4: “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart”. The question that came to me was “How can I be delighted if I am hurting inside?” The book provides a plan of action that teaches us self-internalization through prayer. Not only that, it can also lead us to the realization that when we commune and come to terms with our spirit and the events that lead us to our present circumstances, we are actually communicating with God.  As I continued my reading, I truly was amazed on the wisdom that was imparted within its pages.

It was a great privilege to speak in front of the audience about how helpful Heartbreakthrough 8 Steps to Rise Above Heartbreak- The Lord’s Way by Ms. Meanne Mabesa Mijares is to those individuals looking for answers on how to heal their broken heart the right way. (Photo credit: Meanne Mabesa Mijares)

Many of the principles that were incorporated in its pages explained and rationalized the things that a heartbroken person were going through and how she or he would respond to his or her brokenness. Such as…

- Love comes with a risk---heartbreak. It makes you recover from a heartbreak with a stronger head , and a more advanced approach and disposed spirit, that is to love again.

- Don’t keep the pain inside. Don’t deny your grief and pain. Crying cleanses us.

- Learn from loses and mistakes. If we don’t learn from them, we are doomed to repeat them.

- Eat healthy. Do what makes you happy. Treat yourself. Exercise.

- Stop looking for happiness in the place you lost it.

- A breakthrough can’t happen if a broken heart is closed, arrogant, and adamant. When we acknowledge and need help in humility reaching out to our Lord, then things fall into  place, doors are opened, chains are broken, and we can move on.

- Remember, no person has the right to condemn you how you repair your broken heart or how you choose to grieve because no one knows how must you are hurting deep inside. Recovering takes time and everyone heals at their own pace. Happy is the person who learns to wait as he prays and never loses his patience for God’s time in his best time.

- The Lord leads you to where he wants you to lead.

- To win your personal battles against your personal demons to resolve your issues, you need to pray. Make good decisions that are strengthened by your faith.

-  Accepting the fact that the past cannot change is breathtaking launching pad for forgiveness.

- Choose to accept the past for what it was and look ahead to what is.

- Be wise in choosing who you invest your time in because wasted time is much worse than wasted money. If the Lord wants you to be with someone, He will make it happen at the right time with the right person.

- God is everywhere and in everything. The closer you get to God, you will start to look at life through your spiritual eyes more clearly. He will bless us by showing his hand and at others He will make us learn how to trust Him and His unlimited power.

- God will give us what we need not what we wanted. God surely lives up to His promise to always give back more than what we lose. All it takes is faith, hope, and trust.

The capacity of humans to love and feel attracted to another individual has birthed countless wisdom and realizations which has enriched our experience of love.

One of the most compelling point that struck me during my reading was the question “How do we get to enjoy the ultimate promise of God?”. It showed details on how we could turn our moment of misery to an enlightening moment that would enable us to see the goodness in such situation. It truly was a “WOW” moment for me. At my age I had my own moments of misery borne from loss, separation and wrong decisions, and in those instances, I had at some point felt the overwhelming feeling of anger, frustration and despair. Looking back I was thinking if I had access to such wisdom back in the day, probably I could have avoided doing so many senseless acts that made me loose so much. If I may use a little bit of what was presented in its pages, Miss Mijares stressed that the misery that we could feel during our moment of brokenness could be something that we must acknowledge and through that act, we could take time to:

Such acts can eventually lead to blessings, opportunities, probable new career, and new love. And lastly (I have to end it here because I might take away the excitement and mystery of the book), broken people always have the dilemma of finding the inspiration or spark that propels them to move forward. This aspect of healing poses a great threat since it has the tendency to deepen the pain and hurt to the extent of damaging the very perception of any one on the concept of love. In answer to this, the act or fact that a person choose to move forward and continue to take each step and breathe in spite of the pain means that the person has surrendered to the Lord’s will and is indeed looking forward to receiving God’s promise.  

In mathematical language the equation that is love can lead to different products and percentages of ecstasy and insanity. Today we are witness to a work done with utmost passion that centers on the very experience of the other side of love which is heart break. Exuding love, sharing one’s self and dedicating one’s life in pursuit of the happiness of another is one of the highlights of our lives. There is so much that we have learned from our experiences with our relationships many of us think that we have already moved forward... Have we? This masterpiece is am must read for it provides a perspective that put us closer to God and raise our awareness on our humanity.

Let me share with you the poem that speaks so much of letting go and letting God, the essence of finding the heartbreakthrough. This poem is found on pages 123-124.

Let God choose for you, it will be the right decision.

Let God guide you, it will be the right decision.

Let God plan for you, it will be in the right timing.

Let God measure for you, it will be the right portion.

Let God help you, it will be the right care.

Let God instruct you, it will be the right teaching.

Let God prepare you, it will be the right training.

Let God counsel you, it will be the right perspective.

Let God fight for you, it will be the right outcome.

Let God work in you, it will be the right result.

Let God work, don't block your blessings by moving to fast.

When God is working on your behalf, be patient. Good things take time.

Don't get weary and don't get in the way. 

(Source: https://elranchodelrey.org?p=820)

For me, Heartbreakthrough 8 Steps to Rise Above Heartbreak- The Lord’s Way, is the best book and companion that you should have when you are heart broken. It will never mislead you. It will lead you to the right path in finding your peace in times of pain and suffering. You may purchase this for a very affordable price of Php199.00 in any religious store catering books printed by Claretian Publications. You may also buy it online.

Php199.00 is unbelievably affordable for a very informative book.                                           (Photo credit: Meanne Mabesa Mijares)

If you will visit the upcoming Manila International Book Fair, Meanne will have her book signing on September 16 from 2:00 to 4:00 Pm at the Claretian Publications booth numbers 240 to 244 in SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Never miss this chance of meeting her and having your copy signed by her. Meanne is a very nice, approachable, and humble person.

Grab your copy now. Even if you are not heartbroken you will learn so much from the book.                                                                       (Photo credit: Meanne Mabesa Mijares)