Nation Building - One of the Charites The Tale of Juliet Supports

Our brothers and sisters are in dire need of our help. See photos taken last November 2006. My husband Ted and I visited one of the GK Villages in the Philippines. It would break your heart to see how young people live in the cramped and unsanitary conditions surrounded by garbage dumps and abject poverty. It's hard to imagine that not too long ago I used to be one of them.

Five dollars ($5.00) from each copy of The Tale of Juliet soldin North America is donated to building houses for the poorest of the poor village in the Philippines. I am committed to building fifty homes by the end of 2007. This is a tall order of course and I do believe it is possible with the help of people who will open their hearts to help with this project. When we do our best, God will do the rest. I would love for you to be part of the Tale of Juliet village. When we give it comes back to us a thousand folds.

You too can donate your time and funds. Please the website http://www.gawadkalinga.org or http://www.ancop.ca

APO – head of the Village – Living Room overlooking a stream where they wash clothes, catch fish and buffalos bath tub.	This is how the villager transport their harvest
Sweet young girl carrying her share of “rice”. A kindhearted lady donated a sack of rice for the whole village to share. With that small gift it’s amazing to see smiling faces full of gratitude. It doesn’t take much to make them happy and grateful.	Me and a village teenager trying to catch small crabs and shrimpies. I used to do this as a child and young teenager in Pader, Lian, Batangas. That was not too long ago.
APO – head of the Village – Dining Room	Wet clothes inside the used sack of rice, dripping over this sweet teenager’s body. We have the luxuries of “washing machine and dryer” while some people don’t even have funds to buy basic needs.
This teenager just finished washing clothes and pot in the stream. Imagine, I used to be like her.	Wet clothes inside the used sack of rice, dripping over this sweet teenager’s body. We have the luxuries of “washing machine and dryer” while some people don’t even have funds to buy basic needs.

GK Village cont'd

The Villager prepared a short program for our visit. Oh how sweet they are.	Children in their everyday playground
The Villager prepared a short program for our visit. Oh how sweet they are.	The Villager prepared a short program for our visit. Oh how sweet they are.
Ted and the GK Village Leader and his family	With Ted (my husband) and APO the Village Head. APO is 103 years old and strong like a bull. This is my second visit in this particular village and he remembered me and our conversation. He normally eats rice, fresh vegetables, fruits and catch from the small stream.
With dedicated Volunteers – friend Dr. Cora Claudio, CFC Volunteer, Katy, Landscape Engineer Master Student from Texas who donates her time, funds and energy in helping GK Village in the Philippines.	Children in their everyday playground
A full view of one of the GK Village where The Tale Of Juliet donates

Visit to Puerto Princesa, Palawan – a beautiful eco-tourism place we will always remember.

This is the site that await us while having breakfast by the blue pristine ocean. Oh by the way the water is soooooooo warm.	A stroll in the vacant lot along the ocean. Those coconuts are not only gorgeous looking, the fruit is also delicious.
A brief photo shot with Mayor Hagedorn. Also in the photo is the Mayor’s sister Linda and her assistant Cherrie who made our short but sweet trip possible. Ted and I both fell in love with Puerto Princesa and we shall be back.	This is the site that await us while having breakfast by the blue pristine ocean. Oh by the way the water is soooooooo warm.
Ted and I just landed to Puerto Princesa, a very clean and organized place.	The Tale Of Juliet found home on the white sand of “Sabang” where the famous underground river is.
Entrance to underground river – 45km long!	12- This white bird found a good resting place on the back of the Carabao
This is the site that await us while having breakfast by the blue pristine ocean. Oh by the way the water is soooooooo warm

Welcome The New Year With A Big Bang!

As we grace the New Year it is best to give thanks for all the things, dreams, events, and people thatcome along paving your path, and for what you have accomplished this past year. Look back at what you have become in the process. Unquestionably, you are a different and enhanced person as a result of those defining moments and turning points of your life. For the negative things that happened, find a positive and look for the good that came out of it. Everything happens for a reason and for a purpose. You may not see it now but down the road the puzzle will fit itself in a big picture. You can then look back with gratefulness and at the same time have a sweet smile on your face. Even the darkest moments in our lives offer divine gifts to us. Everything will always work out the way it should be.

Celebrate - blow your own horn. Pat yourself in the back. Why not! Imagine! You have learned and grown so much. In my case (those who have met and known me will know I of course do not mean I’ve grown in height), in wisdom.

Let Go. Let God.

For any unfinished business, anger, qualms, worries, frustrations, fears, disappointments, losses, regrets, and shortcomings; pack them up in a huge box, or trash can and let the garbage truck, (2-10 trips will do too if you used to be like me), the air, river and the ocean take them away. You can even write them all and burn them down in a bon fire or fire place. If someone has wronged you, now is the time to forgive. No room for grudges, bitterness and resentment. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Let it be. Let go. It may not be too easy. This is of course easier said than done. But letting go and forgiving is the only way to move on and let the positive energy flow into your life and creativeness. Learn how to say “I HAVE FORGIVEN YOU”. It doesn’t have to be done face to face, or even personally. Ask for forgiveness in the air, saying it quietly to yourself will do, as long as you really meant it deep within. There has to be a closure. An ending. A conclusion.

Say good bye to old ones. Open the flood gate and welcome the greatest gifts, wonder and miracles that year 2007 has to offer. Decide. Believe that the Best is yet to come for you and it will, GUARANTEED MY FRIEND!!!

Believe from the core of your being that you are enough. You are ready as you ever will be well equipped for the challenges and adventures waiting in the New Year. You can do anything you set your mind to! You too, whatever and wherever of your life you are now, You can create happiness, financial freedom and success! Tune in and Let the magic begins!

To your freedom and success!

Believe In Miracles

Michelle, Jhet, Ted, Catherine and our adopted Korean son, Tom

On Christmas Eve, after a scrumptious meal (turkey with all the trimmings and variety of foods, drinks and deesserrts) at a friend’s home, our family attended the midnight mass. When we arrived, half an hour before the celebration of the Holy Mass, the Church was almost full and yet it was providential that a lady usher greeted me with a warm hug. (her name is Bernice. Few months back she heard me speak and she bought a dozen of The Tale of Juliet to give to her friends) She escorted our family right to the front pew of the church. It was as if the space had been reserved for us. Those simple moments when you least expect them bring joy to my heart. Jesus reserved a front seat for us to hear the Christmas carols and celebrate His birthday. You see, miracles happen when you least expect them.

Our family decided we would only have a simple gift to exchange for Christmas. Before, normally it will take us hours opening gazillions of gifts on Christmas morning. There is beauty and sincerity found in simplifying life and gift giving. I love to share with you what my husband gave me. It is well wrapped, a heavy rectangular box. Unable to figure out at first what’s inside, I thought “Another book? Which author? I sure have plenty supplies of The Tale of Juliet and Ang Kuwento ni Juliet?” I was stunned as I excitedly opened the package and it revealed a wall decor inscribed “BELIEVE IN MIRACLES”. There is also a Celtic cross above the letters.

I was so fortunate that my husband was able to join me at the Far Eastern University, Manila, Philippines, during the successful book launch of the Filipino version of The Tale of Juliet. He witnessed the number of books I have signed, often times with “Believe in Miracles”. Miracles Happen When You Believe, Big Dreams to Come True When You Believe. Thank God my husband is on the same page as I am. He supports my vision and mission in planting seeds of inspiration. It was indeed an honor to see and hear him share his thoughts to hundreds of audience members during the book launch. To quote him, “All of us are given a gift to make the best of what we have. You have your own talent. Use it to make your big dreams into reality.” He claims he is not a public speaker. Getting out of his comfort zone, stepping up the podium to support me sure touched the core of my being. One of the best ever gifts.

Let Miracles Happen

We are all capable of letting small and big miracles happen in our lives. Some may prefer to use or hear “wonders” or “marvels” instead. All we need to do is to develop awareness, be in tune to it, anticipate, plant it into our subconscious mind, expect miracles, and they will flow into your everyday life.

As Norman Vincent Peal says, “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”