Life is my Dance floor

What I wore when they take me to the beach

Since I’m starting my fashion posts real soon I’ll start with this post. As I wrote in my previous blog, me and my D12 went to the beach and eventually have a photo shoot.

My peg is actually, bohemian but more leaning on the clean and pristine side of it. I chose to wear an ecru halter dress with crocheted detail. Its very simple but the crocheted detail made this dress speak for itself. I opted for colorful accessories instead, a multi-colored earrings, wooden bracelets and assorted bangles.

Photo taken by Dawn Cayetano (c)

As for the make up, I chose to wash my eyes with aquamarine that is very light in color and lined my eyes with liquid eyeliner, curl my lashes and top it with mascara to open up my eyes even more. I no longer placed eyeliner in the bottom lid of my eyes since my eyes are already big, this will just make my eyes too big. My hair is just set on its natural beachy waves, I attain it by simply placing my hair in a bun before the shoot and voila! Easy beachy waves in an instant! I placed some serum on it for more staying power.

 Photo taken by Zeus Martinez (c)

Take Me to the Beach

Its summer and I haven’t even set foot on the beach since I devoted most of my time in dancing both in the dance ministry and in workshops that it ate my time not to go on a vacation. So when I learned that my D12 (Discipleship Group) is planning to have a beach trip/bonding / photo shoot I was so ecstatic with the whole idea in my mind whew! FINALLY! 

We are headed way to the south, to the beautiful place called – Laiya in Batangas. We decided to take the daytrip package at a resort named La Luz priced at 750 pesos per head inclusive of use of facilities such as the cabanas and buffet lunch and snacks. While other services such as massage kayak, biking and hiking are priced separately. The place is quite far from Manila, that it took us so much time to get there but thank God to technology we got through it.

Say hello to the beach of Laiya Batangas ;) Photo Taken by: Dawn Cayetano (c)

As soon as we set foot on the beautiful beach we didn’t waste any time to get ready for the photo shoot c/o our good friend, professional photographer – Zeus Martinez. We’re ten ladies, with four different shots each; he is so amazing how he was able to pull all our shots creatively. Thanks Zeusy!

Here’s what goes on behind the scenes:

With Orench Huang :)

Styling Galore :) 

Aside from Kuya Zeus our D12 is also gifted with a number of Photographers such as Michelle, Elisha and Joy who are in this picture taken by dawn (c)

As I said we have a photo shoot, we are all in dresses and make up. Something that I truly enjoyed dressing up! This gave all of us a chance to help each other in styling, putting on make-up and even shooting each other! Truly, I can’t thank and Praise God enough for gifting me such amazing sisters in Christ who didn’t only loved me for who I really am but accepted and helped me grow a lot in faith and in life.

My Beloved D12 (Top L-R) Dawn, Angel, Joy, Elisha, Me and Kaira

Bottom (L-R) Dorothy, Francelle, Michelle and Orench (Not in the picture is Jow)

Francelle, Kaira, Dawn, Angel, Orench and Me.

As for the place, I can say its two thumbs up! Buffet lunch and snacks, great meal for its value. Aside from the food that they offered what truly impressed me with La Luz is how they were able to preserve the marine ecosystem that they have. I was astonished when we went snorkeling then saw schools of fishes, rich coral life and sea grasses. I even saw a great number of Angel fishes. The sand is pristine in color and they are not filled of garbage. Seeing all these makes me appreciate God’s creation even more the beautiful creation that we are.

The Teaser tha Kuya Zeus made. Zeus Martinez (c)

Photo taken by Michelle Robles (c)

THE AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHER! Zeus Martinez with Ate DJ. Michelle Robles (c)

My favorite among the shots that Kuya Zeus did :) Zeus Martinez (c)

Ate DJ and Kuya Pao :) Michelle Robles (c)

As the day closes, we are greeted with a beautiful sunset.

Photo Taken by Michelle Robles (c)

Ten lovely ladies, two great men, beautiful beach and one great and amazing God! Who could ever complain with all the trials that life is giving you if you have all these, especially God who is the giver of all these gifts?

A BIG thing called…Love <3

We live in a generation where everything is just a push of a button, internet on our fingertips, instant noodles and fast lanes. In this fast paced world, most of us don’t appreciate the idea of waiting; often times we get irritated when we wait in line or in train station. Humanly speaking, who wants to wait if we can get things done in a snap? As I came across this particular Thai movie, named crazy little thing called love it amazes me how it captured the idea of waiting and true love, unlike most movies nowadays where characters become impulsive and rush into love…ending in heartbreak. As I went on to reflect in this movie I can connect it with the love of God for us.

First of all, true love is very powerful, it compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14). This love transforms us into the person God wants us to be, brings out the best in us, moves and inspires us. We witnessed how P’Nam transformed from a ‘bug face’ M.1 student into a beautiful, talented and brave Nam. She became motivated to be better and in the end of the story we saw how little by little she was able to achieve her dreams.

True love is unconditional, we don’t have to do something just for us to be loved by someone especially God. W e love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Just like P’Chone, he didn’t love Nam just because she became beautiful or popular. He loved her even though she still looks like nerd; he cares for her not because of her abilities but out of his genuine love for her. The kind of love that Jesus demonstrated through the cross(Romans 5:8), we didn’t deserve it but He gave it to us so may live.

 P’ Chone showed us the character of someone who exhibits love as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. True love is patient, this is my favourite part! Though most people would think it is impossible to wait for someone that long I believe it’s possible because if God really made both of you for each other, He will make thing happen. The love story of Nam and P’Chone should inspire us to wait on Lord especially for our God’s best. Simply because God doesn’t want us to settle for less but His best for us, it’s amazing how God allowed Nam and P’Chone to be separated for 9 years. It those years God mold them to be the best for each other where their aspirations and dreams were met. Nam became well-known fashion designer while P’Chone became a football star turned pro-photographer. I admire P’ Chone for his patience, even though it’s really hard for him to keep his feelings for Nam he didn’t force a boy-girl relationship instead he cherished the friendship though he can, since he knew that Nam is going gaga over him. He waited for Nam, since they also have an age gap of about 3 to 4 years.  

Love is kind; remember when the basketball players cut the line. P’ Chone went in to give Nam and her friends the pepsi drink though it caused him to a fistfight. Not just that but in many times in the movie he showed kindness towards Nam.

Love doesn’t boast, though P’Chone is considered as a heartthrob in their school he didn’t boast about it. He didn’t play around the hearts of the girls especially with Nam, who is from the start likes him very much.

Love is not self-seeking, P’Chone didn’t just think of himself. He also takes into consideration His best friend P’Top. No matter how hard it is for him to see his friend confess his feelings to the girls he loves he didn’t interfere. Even after Nam, told P’Top to stop seeing her still he didn’t insist on Nam, instead he waited.

Another is his perseverance; just imagine growing a plant for the special girl, and making a special scrapbook with all the pictures. Amazing indeed!

Lastly, Love never fails. No matter how many circumstances it may be, nothing can separate you, If it’s God’s will, it will be. No matter how long or how far it can be.  Just like the love of God for us, there nothing that can separate us from Him.(Romans 8:38-39)

I know each of us can relate to this story; there will always be this person who is right there hidden in the bottom of our hearts. Don’t rushJ don’t make things happen.  Surrender that person to God. Just like my favourite author, Stormie Omartian said

“Even if the dreams in your heart are from God, you will still have to surrender them. That’s because God wants you to cling on Him not on your dreams. He doesn’t want you to make them happened. He wants you to trust Him and He’ll make them happened”

Amazing indeed, how God will write, my love story and your love story. It’s going to be unique and hilarious; God doesn’t run out of creativity. Now what we have to do is to focus on Him, serve Him with all that we are. Devote ourselves in prayer and brotherly love (Romans 15:7). You’ll never know He or she might just be there praying for you as well. Mangoes anyone with bagoong? :)

Trailer: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLLaLWehxJFc&h=91

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We’re young, WIRED and free.

So what if we get drunk, So what if we smoke weed. We’re just having fun we don’t care who sees. That’s what we’re supposed to be we are YOUNG AND WILD AND FREE.

These are the lines that most of the youth would utter. We’ll it’s true, we ooze with energy, creativity and enthusiasm. Honestly, who cares right as long we’re having FUN. But since we are such FUN searching creatures most of the time we channel our lives in the wrong things which leads to self destruction.

For me I just experienced a three days full of fun, energy and creativity but God’s way. Who says we can’t have fun in a clean way, yes there’s such thing :) Let me me tell you how I got WIRED with God - the only connection I need.

It’s a Three Day College Retreat, that took place last April 16-18, 2012 at CCT Tagaytay. I didn’t only enjoy it but God also allowed me to serve Him by leading a DGroup (It stands for Discipleship Group) with 6 lovely girls in it. 

Meet my Girls :)

FIERCE LOOK DAW! (L-R) Andrea, Alex, Nicca, Hannah, Me, Nicole and Kathleen

This time wacky naman! :P

They are such a blessing! Even though its our first time to meet during the camp, we had this un explainable bond already. Aside from the breakouts (time given to us where we can process the message much like sharing time), we LOVE the food! We even planned going to the dinning hall earlier than most of the campers so we get the first dibs of food. Also, we enjoyed the trampauline, despite the fact that we end up simply lying on it because we jumped until our legs hurt. Above all, we savored every moment that we are able to have intimate time with the Lord, singing Praises to Him. Especially, during the Special Night (since day 1 they keep asking what is the spacial night all about I simply say, “Basta Special”)

This night is when the campers, make their heartfelt commitment to God. We also get to jump and sing praises to Him.

Hands raised up all for the living God!

Aside from leading a group of girls I get to serve God also in one of the workshops with my D12 mate Dawn Cayetano. I helped her during the first half of the Make-Up and Styling Class (This one is by Fashion designer and Blogger Danika Navarro) 

Me and my D12 Mate Dawn Cayetano :) Make - Up Teachers wearing no make up at all.

Aside from spending time with my girls, I get to bond also with my D12 mates, during free time. Share kilig kwentos and anything under the sun.

Meet our D12! With “The Artista” - Nikko Yoro (L-R) Angel, Me, Orench, Joy, Nikko, Our Leader- Achie DJ, Elisha, Kaira, Francelle and Dawn. Michelle (not in photo)

Another picture of us with Wired Man! Taken during the Stop Over :) Now with Nina.

Truly this camp, is a blessing for most of us. Who says going to a retreat isn’t fun? well, well, well this retreat is different it will not only transform your life this is also where you will meet people who will become your good friends in the future.  The organizers of this retreat made a great job in putting these together. Good Place. Good Food. Good Company. God is Good. :) Till next camp!

The 450 Campers getting wired to God in this retreat! :)

Much love,

Mariane

For more information on how to join this camps: http://www.facebook.com/jesuszone

Photos By:

Vitt Salvador

Dawn Cayetano