Colorful

Wiiiiiiiiiii!

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Ayala Triangle Gardens. Symphony of Lights & Sounds. December 28 2011. J.C.L. Photography. Tito Jim. April. Apo ni GALS. Holyann. Chrissie. Paula. Nicole. Janna MOMO. Dong. Maro. Talitha. Teacher Michelle. Wee Nam Kee. Busog. Bangaw. Pictures. Happy. Colorful. Fun.

Thank you for being born Major!

Happy Birthday Major! I know you don't celebrate your birthday since you're a Buddhist. But I want to greet you anyway. Thank you that in the __ years of your existence (in this lifetime), we have crossed paths and you have helped us, a lot! Thank you for being born.

Thank you CLIS!

Just last week, I was looking for Twinings in Unimart, but it isn't available. Out-of-stock maybe, so I settle for another brand/s. Yes, I went 'tea shopping'.. And when I came home this afternoon, I saw this gift:

Sir Jean Henri Lhuillier and Sir Jonathan Batangan of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions!

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P.S. I loooove what's written in the card.. So Happiest Pinoy!

"This Christmas Season may love and charity be our guiding light as we let hope and happiness shine bright..."

Christmas. Love. Charity. Light. Hope. Happiness. Bright.

Greetings from ME!

This yuletide season, let us not forget that the Star of Christmas is Jesus Christ. It is not about the decors, the gifts, and delectable foods that are served on the table, but rather, it is the birth of the BRIGHTEST STAR who saved us all. For this reason, may we all be thankful and be merry. Happy Christmas to you and your family and may you have an awesome year ahead!

KCAT CAN: My brightest star

On December 25, we'll be celebrating the birth of our Brightest Star, our savior, Jesus Christ. Even though it's children's (picture) book, it inspired me to write this article.

My Brightest Star 
by Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza
December 19, 2011

Christmas is a time of celebration, a season of enjoying sumptuous meals and special treats with family and friends. But in the midst of merriment, let us not forget the star atop the Christmas tree, and the real reason why we celebrate Christmas: Jesus Christ. With Him as our star, we can definitely move forward and twinkle brightly.

This reflection was in my thoughts after reading the book “Brightest,’’ published by Isshin Dream Publishing. A picture book for children and adults as well, “Brightest’’ imparts a deep message that tugs at the heartstrings.

Help! Help! Help!

Here are some ways to help our kababayans who were donations for the flood victims of storm 'Sendong'.

I'm super happy to be APO NI GALS!

December 17. It's Papa (Lolo)'s Birthday today. Although he already passed away 11 years ago, we can still feel his presence whenever we have a (Lopez) family gathering. No, it's not that we can't get over his passing, but we are happy, we had him in our lives.

Apo ni GALS

Brightest (book)

Isshin Dream Publishing is inviting everyone to the Brightest's book launch on Dec 17, 2011 at SM CITY CALAMBA

Check-out Brightest on Facebook

Isshin @ SM City Calamba (Book Tour)

Isshin Dream Publishing would like to invite you to The Seven: The Key of Credence by Veronica Mist and Brightest by Johann de Venecia and Joanne Crisner book launch in cooperation with SM City Calamba and National Book Store Calamba branch.

The event will run from Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 2:00pm until Monday, December 19, 2011 at 10:00pm


There will be a short program on the 17th and a book signing. We'll be having a writing and art competition and we're encouraging everyone to enter. ^_^


We'll showcase the art on the books for the rest of the week as well as the works of the winners :)


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I got this from:
Isshin @ SM City Calamba

FB with Karen

Karen Bernal & I have been friends since after I featured her on my column. I already knew her before the article came out, and then we really got to know each other and became closer after after constant FB'ing, YM'ing & texting. I'm happy to be her inspiration & confidant. She visited me when I was in PGH last April, but my operation was still on-going that time.

FINALLY! We met last Friday!

FB as in French Baker ;P

KCAT CAN: One fine friendship

Friends through thick & thin; thick because Teresa is on the chubby side, and thin because my Madge is so skinny. Hahaha. Teresa is Madge's salbabida, while Madge is Teresa's panungkit. LOL. Anyway, just read my column.

One fine friendship
by Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza 
December 5, 2011

Whenever Madge introduces me to her old friend from her grade school or high school days, her first line would always be, “She was my best friend in…” I would often tease her that each one of her classmates had become her best friend and we would both laugh.

But there was one person who is best among the rest; she’s Teresa Rivera whom she is friends with since grade school, up until now that they have grandchildren.

CDO Bloggers:Project Cadayunan Primary School

the Cagayan De Oro Bloggers will hold an outreach program in the newly opened public primary school in Besigan. Cadayunan Primary School is 52 kilometers away from the city proper and most of the people in the area are farmers with no regular transportation except dump trucks provided by the city government to help the people transport their farm products. Before it the school was operational, the cildren used to walk 12 kilometers to and fro everyday to reach the nearest school. This resulted to in-attendance; most of them was skipping school and eventually stopped going to school.

Share the Christmas spirit with our distressed "kababayans" on the desert

I got this from Jen Arellano - an angel on the desert ♥

Christmas is just around the corner...Some of us have almost finished on our Christmas list…Some cargo boxes are already sealed and ready to be shipped to loved ones anytime…Some of us had already plan for “the event” – Christmas parties, family reunions, and others already booked for vacation

But Christmas is more than those –

Firming the FAITH of the youth - NYD2011 (Nov17)

Last November 17, 2011, I was invited to be one of the Plenary Speakers on National Youth Day at DBTC Festival Site. When I received the email invite last month, my first reaction was "Wow!" It's really an honor. This is one of God's purpose for me and I would LOVE to be His instruments and share the workssssss He has done on me. ♥

"I shared my story not because I wanted popularity but because I wanted to share myself, my ordeals, my struggles, and the very words and principles that I live by that have given me the inner strength to carry on and to live on and still be with my family, loved ones, and friends."

Anlene Gift-pack for my mom

Last month, I won an Anlene Gift-pack worth P1K from a blog contest by Animetric's World, and I finally claimed it. Thanks to our pet, MOMO, I mean, my cousin Janna.

Janna MOMO Kay Lopez!

KCAT CAN: Baking happy thoughts

I'm always thrilled whenever I get to taste Timmy's oven latest offering, not only because I love eating, but because I'm so amazed with Cathy's perseverance & hard work. Galing!

In 2009, Cathy and I were chatting on the internet about online games (PetSoc days!) and some other random stuffs when she told me that she was bored of bumming around the house when she has no classes to attend to, and wondered about how she could earn money. ....and then...

Baking happy thoughts
by Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza 
Nov 21, 2011

There was a time in my life when I used to bake and sell Christmas brownies to earn extra money to buy gifts for my friends and family. I would look around the metro for cheap yet good quality ingredients for baking, bake and put the brownies in boxes which are sold and personally delivered to customers.

Not only did I earn enough money for my Christmas shopping, I was also able to put a smile on the face of those who taste my baked goodies. I believe that the secret ingredient to baking yummy goodies is the kind of emotion that goes into baking activity. The happiness inside my heart made my brownies taste luscious.

One person who bakes with happy thoughts and happy feelings is Cathy Cansino.

1 movie to go. 1 year of waiting na naman. Naman!

Our own version:

OCD mode. Obsessive Cullen Disorder.

Read. Enjoy. Love. Help.

The Seven: The Key to Credence by Veronica Mist

Just Like Harry Potter, Twilight, and such, The Seven is targeted for Young Adult readers, as well as the kids at heart. Though it doesn't really matter how old you are, if you love fantasy stories, you'll definitely love this book.

Toys for Joy 2011 by Touch of Ellehcar

Touch of Ellehcar Outreach Program started in 2009 by the owner Rachelle Gregorio and some of her close friends. It's their way of giving back all the blessings they have received.

"I do believe that we were all created for a reason. We may have different views of our purpose in life, but in the end, we all agree that we are meant for something or someone in our life.. 
It has been my greatest deeds to share my blessings to other people. Mostly to people whom I don't know or people I haven't heard of. Early in life, I've learned that life is tough so I have to be tough. I experienced hardship along the way, countless trials and excruciating pains. I endured all of this with the help of people who cheered me up, guided me and lead me to the right direction to where I am right now. If not for them, my life should have ended on different path.
I knew that I have moral obligations to share the blessings that I have. Same what other people have done to me when I was in need through those difficult times in my life.
Now I am living on this principle of sharing my blessings. I may have not much monetary fund to share, but my knowledge and expertise can also be shared to others. It is only up to us how we are going to give back all the things that we have today for the benefit of those people that needed it most. This is my way of being happy through giving happiness to other people."

Rachelle Gregorio

KCAT CAN: There's truth in fantasy

There's truth in fantasy
by Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza 
November 7, 2011

Credence is to believe and to trust the truth about something. It is that on which our faith lies.

I am not really an avid reader of fantasy books, but once I start reading one, I always feel like I am being transported into a world of make-believe, mesmerized, and never letting go of the book until I finish reading it down to the last page.

It was fun reading “The Seven: The Key of Credence,’’ a book that made me feel like a teenager again. I can definitely relate to the youthful curiosity and love of adventure of the main character Ryan Trish and her friends.

The Seven on November 7

First of five books. The Key of Credence tells us about Ryan and her friends and how their simple curiosity brought forth a multitude of problems to them. This book lets the readers experience an entirely new and different world—one that involves the Heavens and the Helles, and most of all—it shows how the humans themselves and how the innate goodness of their souls can create a huge difference on just about everything. (Facebook Fan Page)

The author, Veronica Mist  reached my heart not only with a beautiful story that she wrote but with her helping hands as well. Read it on my column, KCAT CAN - Monday (November 7) on Manila Bulletin (Students & Campuses section).


Support & Like these pages on Facebook:
The Seven - The Key to Credence
Veronica Mist
The Key to Credence on goodreads.com

KCAT CAN: Silent Angels

October is Rett Syndrome Awareness Month, Let us be aware, be informed & be inspired with ate Pam & Julia's heartwarming story.

Silent Angels
by Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza 
October 24, 2011

Girls like Julia are called ‘silent angels’ because they cannot speak. These angels need us.

Julia Roman was born on December 21, 2000, and like all newborns, she was a perfectly healthy and beautiful baby. But on her seventh month, things started to change.

KCAT CAN: Brave little people

Brave little people
by Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza 
October 10, 2011

Someone once complained, “Why do people say that a sick child is fighting for survival when that child is so innocent and has no idea of what is happening?”

I believe the answer is found in the same question.

Even though these children are sick, they have no idea of what is going on. All they feel is pain which they desperately to get rid of. But one of the mysterious and amazing things is that adults, especially doctors, attest to these children’s will and determination to survive. That’s bravery right there.

Be a hero for Hannah Marie

This is Hannah Marie Honor. She has Biliary Atresia and she needs our help. Attached is her mother's letter. Read on:

My name is Marie Angela De Luna Honor, mother of Hannah Marie D. Honor. She was born on born Feb. 26, 2009 is now 2 years old. On her 2nd month, she was diagnosed with "Biliary atresia", a liver disease characterized by the absence or closure of the bile ducts.  On her 3rd month "Kasai" procedure was done on Hannah at the Philippines Children’s Medical Center [PCMC]; an operation that removes the damaged biliary ducts outside the liver. According to her doctor, this operation is not a cure but rather a temporary solution to give us some more time to find resources for the necessary funding of Hannah's liver transplant operation.

Charity Blogging For Cancer Awareness

Cancer begins in the cells,which we have learned are the building blocks of the body. Under normal conditions, our bodies produce new cells as we grow and as we need them. They replace the old cells that die. However, under abnormal conditions, some new cells grow in the body when they are not needed, and the old cells do not die when they should. These kinds of cells eventually form a mass called tumor.


In spite of the numerous tumors that I have in my brain, I am truly blessed that they are benign, not malignant. Nevertheless, a tumor is a tumor — it can still be harmful. My Neurofibromatosis (NF2) disease is not a form of cancer, although many people mistakenly take it as one of The Big C. I am never offended by it. I explain to them patiently what NF2 really is.

-that was taken from my column:
The other 'Big C' to fight the 'Big C'
(December 2010)

I have met a lot of people who are/were suffering from cancer. Some amazingly survived it, others are still battling with it and sadly there were those who lost the battle and passed :( but at least they fought until the very end.

I was glad when I saw Mommy Rubz' blog about

I hope & wish & pray..

After the non-stop surgeries, therapies and medications, my battle with NF2 continues and I won't stop raising money to sustain my medical needs.

This October, I need to have my regular cranial CT scan to monitor my tumors. And also, I'll be having my MRI of the spine to check if there are tumors on my spinal column that's causing my immobility.

Both tests would cost us more or less P35,000. (The MRI of the spine costs P24K) We are not really short of money since I still have my savings, but still we can't let that savings be drained because we'll never know when I'll be needing it. Besides, that is where we get the money for my maintenance medicines like anti-seizure, antibiotic for my eyes, etc.

Good things come in two's

An amazing thing happened yesterday and then today:

The tumor on my right leg shrunk last year and it shrunk again! Wiiii!

Welcome back!!!

A few days ago, I was so sad because my right eye's vision became so blurred again.. As in almost blind! It really bothered me because my vision already improve and then it worsen again. Tsk.

I was praying and praying and praying and the next day, I wasn't that sad anymore. As always, I told myself, "What's the use of continuing to be sad. Keri na yung 1 day akong nagmumukmok." Haha. Though I'm still bothered and irritated. Eh naman kasi nakakainis! My mom and I would always say, "madumi lang ya.." Besides, I'm not using autologus serum or antibiotic for my eyes lately.. Madumi lang 'to.. Madumi lang 'to.. So my mom cleans it everyday w/ the eye gel.. It slightly improved. As in konti lang.. The last time I checked my vision was this afternoon while I was taking a bath.. I still don't recognized the shape of the 'tabo' but I can define its color..

KCAT CAN: Wanted: Pen, paper, musical instruments

Wanted: Pens, Papers, Musical Instruments
by Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza 
September 26, 2011

Getting an education prepares us physically, emotionally, mentally and socially to survive challenges in the real, big world out there while trying to accomplish our dreams. Even President Obama said, “Through education, we learn how to learn.”

I am forever grateful to my parents for giving me a good quality education. I might not have excelled in academics but the values that I learned in school really come in handy in my life’s journey.

A letter from Meldy Baldovino (who is battling w/ breast cancer)

I recently underwent surgery on my left breast last August 2, 2011. The initial findings revealed that I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Stage II-A, which will require me to undergo 20 chemotherapy sessions. Each session will cost me P52,782. I have already begun the first session on September 1, 2011 and the succeeding sessions will be 21 days after each cycles.

KCAT CAN: Bayanihan and Baby Liam

Sorry for the late post..

"...Pinoy bayanihan lives on. It is a deeply-rooted Filipino practice that cannot be forgotten. There is bayanihan in holding the arm of an elderly who is crossing the street, or in helping someone carry belongings.
In this modern age when even our grandparents are on Facebook, and when a Dear Diary is now called a blog, and when “following’’ is the new word for “stalking,’’. Bayanihan is still very much alive through the share button, re-tweet, re-post, and message forwarding.
Yes, things can now be done a lot easily but it is the bayanihan spirit that matters. Through social media, missing persons are found; sick persons are given chances to live a healthy life. I say, that is the modern bayanihan movement...."

Bayanihan and Baby Liam
by Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza 
September 12, 2011

 I was in primary school when I learned about the beautiful concept of bayanihan. Back then, bayanihan was defined as “village people helping one another to move a house from one place to another by carrying it together.’’

KCAT CAN: This journey called life

Like going on an road trip, we'll never really enjoy it unless we and look out the window to observe the terrains as it goes by..

After writing this article, I kept on thinking what picture should I attach? I told myself, "wala na nga lang".. And then..

The journey called life
by Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza 
August 29, 2011

Traffic jams are everywhere these days, no matter what route we take, we cannot avoid them.

5 Stages of Grief

I snagged this from one of my old blogs, I might as well post it here, baka sakaling may nangangailangan.. ;P

5 Stages of Grief :

1. Denial – The "No, not me" stage.

In the denial stage we refuse to believe what has happened. We try in our mind to tell ourselves that life is as it was before our loss. We can even make believe to an extent by re enacting rituals that we used to go through with our loved one. Making an extra cup of tea for our loved one who is no longer there, rushing back to tell someone that you have met an old friend. Flashing back to times and conversations in the past as though they are here with us now. Introducing someone accidentally by your loved ones name to someone else. They can all be part of this stage.

2. Anger/Resentment – The "Why me?" stage.

Che Che Lazaro Presents: Binubuong Pangarap - Kcat Yarza (videos)

Aired last April 17, 2011 on Abs-Cbn

Gift for Anya's heart

I got this from my "angel" friend, Jen Arellano who is currently Doha. She, Abhie & many other OFWs are examples that distance won't hinder them from helping our kababayans..

Let's help Pia smile again

Let's 'Like' &spread the word about 'Please help Pia Smile again' page in Facebook.. It can reach to someone of high position who could help Pia with her heart operation & make her smile again..

According to her page, Paula Ysabelle or PIA is 4 years old and she needs an operation of the heart when she turns 6.

KCAT CAN: The power to dream

It's free to dream and there's no limit to it. Pangarap nga eh. So, what are you dreaming of?

Once we dream, we start to create a goal, and that dream would help us move forward with patience and determination until we finally reach that goal.

The Power to dream
by Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza 
August 15, 2011

Every night, I shut my eyes, say my night prayer and try to get sleep. But I have difficulty in sleeping immediately. It usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, or sometimes even longer, for me to finally doze off.

So as I lay on my bed, I daydream until I fall off to sleep. I imagine about things that I would want to happen, places that I would want to go to, food that I would love to eat, and dreams that I wish to fulfill.

There are times when I get overly excited with what I am consciously dreaming of, wishing for the sun to rise up quickly so I could wake up from bed and start making it happen. But I would end up going back to sleep.

On one sleepless night, I wondered what other people’s dreams were?

KCAT CAN: Happy Thoughts

This was my column last August 1, 2011.. Sorry for the late post. I have no computer for sometime. Anyway, here it is:

Happy thoughts
by Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza 
August 1, 2011

When I was younger, my most favorite color was yellow. I like it because of its bright and happy hue. Growing up, I learned that yellow symbolizes optimism and so I liked it even more.

I tried living according to the color’s given meaning, that is, living life with a positive attitude and an optimistic outlook. There have been times when I became overly positive, but as I tell friends, I am a realistic optimist, I make sure that I remain grounded in the realities of life.

Right now, my most favorite color is purple or violet, although I still love yellow. Those two colors complement each other. I live by the saying that “Everything has a reason”, the color purple, being the color of purpose, suits the principle that I live by. Combining the two colors results to a beautiful meaning – “My purpose in life is to share my optimism.”

+POSITIVE+

HATE has 4 letters, but so does LOVE..

ENEMIES ha 7 letters, but so does FRIENDS.

LYING has 5 letters, but so does TRUTH.

HURT has 4 letters, but so does HEAL.

We can transform every negative energy into an aura of positivuty. It's our perception that makes a difference in the way we feel.

I got this from my friend via sms & I feel like sharing it. ;)

Kcat on CHINK POSITIVE (Watch & Listen)

Alice, my Pc, is malfunctioning again and won't open.. Huhuhu! I'm sad. But at least i could still go online, update my facebook, check my email(s), boost my karma in plurk, play gamesssss, harvest my crops in farville (haha), etc etc. Though I can't watch in viki & dramacazy, it's alright coz there's a youtube app anyway.. Thanks to my IPAD!

I just can't upload the pics from yesterday.. Sabi ko na, I should buy a dock/cable for my cam.. ;P anyway, i was invited yesterday by Dra. Veloso to deliver a motivational/inspirational talk to Physical Therapy students of Manila Central University in celebration of National Disability Prevention & Rehabilitation Week. Special thanks to doc-driver Tito Rino & p.a.-camerawoman Tita Angie for coming w/ us..

Haaay kainis! I still can't upload the pics.. Pero on the brighter side, I am able to blog saka madami pa.. ^__^

Anyway, I'll be guesting on CHINK POSITIVE at 92.3 News FM, on Sunday (july24) 6-8am - simulcast via Interaksyon Tv on UHf (free tv) ch.41. (formerly UNTV)

Hosted by: Chinkee Tan

Global Destiny Cable - ch.9
Sky Cable - ch.59

Davao & Cebu (free tv) - ch.29

Online Radio Streaming - www.interAKSYON.com