Do you know where you're going to? Do you like the things that life is showing you?

This is my third blog draft and if I don't get to publish this, I am heading home right this instant. Haha! I wrote a totally sad blog which I didn't finish but to tell you briefly about it, I was planning on writing a short story. (Would you be interested to read it? Let me know!) Sometimes, it's time for you to really pursue what you're passionate to do. Most of the time, when the knowledge disappears, it's passion that's whats keeping us going.

Lately, I have been having dilemmas about my life and I won't share it here because if you really want to know you'll message me to find out. :P

Have you ever felt lost and you're in that moment of your life that you feel like it's not the perfect time to be lost because the clock is ticking and you yourself are aging?

Well, well, well....

I am writing this to inspire someone today. I may not have a lot of blog readers but if you are one and you would like to continue to be one, thank you. <3 Just like what my little cousin would often say, "You make my heart super happy." Hihi.

Writing is something that I wanted to take up subjects in when I was still in Uni (but never got to). I may not be the best but I believe that in the heart and sincerity of what you write, people would learn more about the inner you and as you write, you will be surprised on how deep your inner self can get. Another thing that you might not know is that I was awarded Best in Computer at some point in my high school life. Haha! It was a time when we were developing websites and doing marquees and all that. It took one teacher that I really look up to, to believe in me. Since then, I also had this drive to study I.T. but people kept telling me that it's complicated and it's not what I'm good at you already know what those nega trolls are saying. Haha! :P

You might think that I couldn't make up my mind and that's the reason why I'm quite lost right now. If you're going to ask me, that's not personally true to me. Yes, as girls we can be fickle as to what we really want but if you let your heart do the talking, you would already know the answer.

In this challenge that I have now, I am so overwhelmed of how God is still hanging on to me. I was in the verge of letting go and giving it all up when God reminded me today (at a seminar, I know, I was supposed to be listening. haha! Don't worry, I was but my attention span lasts for only 15mins. The breaks were helpful. :P), anyway, God reminded me that I was not alone. He literally had to put that on a Powerpoint presentation just so I'd remember. Haha!

God knows what my thoughts are on a day to day basis and though my face on Facebook and Instagram looks happy, there are a lot of mixed emotions going on inside of me that I cannot confide to anyone else but Him. I had to take this time off after the seminar and head on to the library because I needed the time to think and clear my head and just take in His goodness. 

So, can I encourage you today before I end this, wherever you are in this stage of your life, to:

• Begin with a prayer of praise.
• Present your dilemma.
• Cry if you need to.
• and then let it go.

Through it all, Believe. Believe that while you're waiting to learn something new or while you're waiting for something, someone or whatever it is that you are waiting on, you are going through a process of being good and better on the outside because there is something supernatural that's working within you that is unexplainable. You don't need to justify God to other people. Let your life and experience speak. If you fear that you'll end up disappointed or people would look down on you if you do, then you don't yet fully realise the capacity of what God can do to your life in a span of even a split second. "Have faith" is a cliche statement but mind you, if you do, you'll do great things. <3

Alright, I need to go now or else I'll freeze in the cold. :P Bye! 

xoxo, Gennin

3 things that you should never compromise when finding a partner

My friend inspired me to write this post tonight (aside from me being wide awake) since a few days ago she asked me to pray for her since she has a dilemma about love. Yes, I know that it's hilarious that she's asking me of all people about this but oh well. Haha!! Deal with it guys. Haha. :P

I don't know about you but I feel like it's important to find the right person rather than settling for who's available. The society that we are in right now are pressuring us to engage in something that is going to greatly affect our future and I don't think we should just give in just because the society said so. I'm  glad that I am currently staying in a country that doesn't view age as as strong influence when it comes to love and relationships but for those who live in my home country, that is something serious when you reach the age of 25.

Does age really matter? Yes? No? Insert Poll. Haha. I have thought about these 3 things and personally this is something that I think you should never compromise just because you feel kilig and you feel like it's time for you to get a partner or you're in an age that it might be hard for you to find that person anymore. I know some might disagree (Hopefully, y'all will agree but.. haha!) but I hope that this is going to be fun and interactive so comment below if if you have something to add! 

1.  Your Values.

The dating stage is the best time to know the person's values. You should never compromise it because in the beginning of the relationship it might feel okay and you might be able to still endure the difference but if you're going to commit to that person for the rest of your life, raising your kids and the decisions that you will be making will still be rooted on the values that you both have as individuals. #sodeep Did you get that? HAHAHA.

2. Your personality.

It's our human tendency (wow) to adjust to the people that we spend time with and share our energy with. There are times when we do not notice but when we start to fall in love and when we start to want to please that person, sometimes we lose ourselves in the process. The way you are with your friends is sometimes different with the way you are with that person you're dating. I feel like transparency is important and the way I view it is that it's either you love me for who I am, flaws and all or go away. Haha! 

3. Your BELIEF.

I didn't say religion because that's not something that I believe in. I know it's hard when you're beginning to like someone and you couldn't agree on that area. My advice? Distance yourself from the beginning. Talk about it from the start. Ask and make it an intention to get an answer from that person you're dating. I can hear my friends yelling at me in my head while typing this. Haha! 

Yes, it's hard especially when you're attracted and that person is consistent (Because consistency is key to... prosperity? haha joke :P) but always remember, when getting into a relationship you're also thinking about a future with that person. If you believe in a God who loves you and a holy spirit that guides you and he or she believes in something else.. would it not affect the foundation of your relationship? I strongly believe that if Jesus is the center of your relationship, whatever it is that you're going to encounter in the future, whatever disagreements you may have, if you go back to that one thing that you both believe in, you will see restoration and will always end up in reconciliation. Amen? Amen. :)

It's 1am now and my brain stopped working 5 mins ago so I better end this or tomorrow I'd be a walking dead person again. Haha! If you have something to add or do not agree in anything that I've said, keep it to yourself!! Blog ko to e. Haha! Kidding! Feel free to disagree with me and comment below! :) Love you guys!

xoxo, Gennin

***This hasn't been proof read and I'm sleepy now so excuse the grammar. :P

11 things most people living abroad can relate to (11 because why not)

Wala lang. I am in the mood to write today so why not put my thoughts into a blogpost.  Haha! It's been more than 2 years and to be honest, these past few years have taught me a lot about life and myself and I reckon it made me a better version my myself. Kung si Sarah Geronimo pa, Lyda Magdalas version 2.0. Haha! 

Anyway, while I was contemplating on whether or not I will do the laundry today since it's going to rain tomorrow, I've managed to come up with 11 things that I feel like most overseas workers's can relate to. Share this if you like it and you're working abroad! Cheers!

1. When you feel like laundry, cooking and cleaning all happens at the same time and even if you're tired you still have to do it or else, eww dirty undies. #superwoman/man

2. Weather report is life but knowing what to wear or end up dying in the cold is life-er. #yahooweather 

3. Your laptop is your best friend after a long as day. Netflix or that one site you go to that shows HD copies of the newest movies. Haha!

4. When it's your first few days in that new country and you start converting everything and you feel like you're a walking calculator but in the end you've decided to stop because sometimes you feel like you'd rather go hungry and starve to death than eat that bread which costs $5 which is sometimes 2-3 times the price in your home country! #overpriced haha! #loveyourself

5. When you juggle two to three jobs just because there are people relying on you and you're relying on yourself too.

6. That feeling of excitement having to FaceTime/Skype your family and having to speak your own language again. Ahhh. #nosebleed

7.  Buying that one thing you've been saving up for or travelling to a new place you've never been to before but sometimes feeling guilty since even if you have finally achieved what you've been wanting but your family is not there to share the happiness with you. #familyfirst

8. When people back home thinks everything is okay since they see you smiling on photos but after that moment of joy you still end up alone in your room without anyone to talk to. #depressionisreal

9. When you try to learn Hi or hello or how are you in different languages, just because. #nihaoma 

10. When you spend your birthday alone, Christmas alone, etc etc but feeling okay with it as the time goes by because #sanayanlangyan in English, #you'llgetusedtoit #nosebleedtake2

11. When you realise that in everything, God performs miracles to and through you wherever you are in the world. :)


Comment below if you have something to add! :)

xoxo, Gennin

5 things I'm praying for in 2018

Can you believe it? I'm turning a year old again! Haha! 2017 was one heck of a year! The challenges just kept on coming and my faith was tested so may times last year and I'm so happy to have a new start this 2018!! I really feel like this year is going to be one of the best years yet. Okay, fine. I don't feel it but I'm claiming it to be!! Not just for me of course but also for you who is reading this!

I'll give you one good reason why this year is going to be the best year, yet. The color of the year is Purple and it's my favourite color and I don't really know how that relates to each other but still!!! Haha! :)

Anyway, for my claims to become a reality, it would require a lot of faith and prayer and let me start with the first thing I'm praying for this year:

A DEEPER relationship with God.

     I don't know what it is that I'm still looking for but I feel a lack that is unexplainable when it comes to my relationship with Jesus. I know I have a relationship with Him but I felt like before the start of this year God was trying to speak to me by telling me to read His word and get to know Him deeper. I began a few months back but never really got into reading the whole Bible (because I get easily distracted. haha!) but I'm going to intentionally make it my priority this year! 

My Visa renewal.

    My visa won't expire until next year but I plan on renewing it this year so that I can go home in December to spend Christmas and New Years with my family and I'm really going to pray hard on this one! Pray with me? :)

More travels, hikes and roadtrips.

     You know people think that if you travel you have lots of money and you have to earn a lot in order to do so. One thing I've learned from the Kiwi's is that travelling need not be expensive. Kiwis are very practical people and their joy comes in the simplest of things. The good thing about this country is that they do not charge anything - as in zero - when you go to their awesome beaches and parks. It's also best to pack your food since you'll never know if there's going to be a dairy nearby and it saves you money too! In 2017, I got the opportunity to travel with friends and I will always thank God for spontaneous trips! <3 

To go to Hillsong Church.

       This is a bit impossible for me at the moment since the trip to Aussie would cost me more than $2k but still claiming it. Haha! :P

My future partner.

      To everyone who has been telling me to open up my heart and get to know people and to trust again, and not push people away, I hope you're happy that I've included this on my list this year. Haha! Also, I hope you'll all stop bugging me about this because this is not something that you force to happen but it's something that comes in God's perfect timing!!

      To be honest, the pressure was so strong when I was back home but here in New Zealand it's different e. (O.A. Haha!)  I have this mentality that I feel like Beyonce when she said all the women who are independent throw your hands up at me. Haha! Yeah, it would be nice to have someone but nah if it's the wrong one. So again, chill lang kayo friends. Haha! :P

Alright so that wraps up my list! There are others that I didn't include cuz it's going to be a long as blog if I'm going to do so. Haha! If there's something that you would like me to pray with you about just send me a text or an e-mail and hopefully I'd get to read it and not forget to reply because I have a habit of reading messages and forgetting to reply to them! Haha! Kidding! Seriously tho, text me. :)

xoxo, Gennin

I wish we had more time

If you were to say that to someone now, who would you say it to? 

Will you say that to the person who walked you home? 

Will you say that to the person you went to the movies with?

Will you say that to that one person who made you feel like it's okay to feel happy again but then had to leave?

Or.. 

Will you say it to someone random like that cute person you met in the bus stop today?

Have you ever had that moment in your life wherein you wish you had more time with someone just.. because? 

Have you ever felt like if only God gave you more time to spend together then things could've been different?

If I were to answer the questions then I would be upfront and honest to say, yes, I have had those moments in my life wherein one minute could've made a difference. One minute would've been enough for me to say "Thank you for being there." It could've been more than enough for me to smile and hug them to let them know how important they are to me.

Have the courage to say what your heart feels. Tell your grandma you love her, tell you parents and your brothers that you love them. Whisper to that special person's ear that you are thankful for having them and for being able to share a moment with them because sometimes you get caught up in the happy moments that you forget that it would've been happier if words have been said and hearts have spoken.

I don't really know how to end this blog. Haha! but it's almost 1am here and I need to go to sleep now since I'm planning to go run 7k at the gym tomorrow morning (if I wake up) and after that I have service hosting duty at church so tomorrow's going to be exciting since Maricris will be joining me again at church! Thank God for friends. I am back to my happy self now. Goodnight guys! This blogpost has been... so EMO and I feel like its another side of me writing. Haha! 
Proverbs 4:23
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

xoxo, Gennin

What happens when a 5 foot 7 lady jumps off a plane 15,000ft from the ground- Aileen goes Skydiving 2017

If you are in the loop of my recent social media posts (Wow, artistahin. Hahaha!), You might have already been aware that 5 days ago, something spectacular has happened. I. jumped. off. a. plane. Haha!! But let me introduce you to the person who forced *cough cough* encouraged me to do it. Aileen G***** T***. I have to blur out her name for security purposes. Haha! Kidding! 

AILEEN GRACE TAN

There you go. That's much better. All in capital letters so that everyone who gets the chance to read this would know and remember what you did. Haha! Aileen is one of my bestest friends in Uni back in the Philippines or college as we all know it there. We are a part of a group called"Boks" and if you wanna know why we're named that way, comment below. Haha!

One year ago, Ai hit me up on Facebook and told me that she plans to come and visit me!! I was so stoked on the idea that I can finally see one of my friends again and even more stoked on the fact that I can speak "Hiligaynon" (Our 'native' dialect) during the whole time that she's going to be here!! Fast forward to the 9th of June 2017. Aileen has arrived to the land of the long white cloud, Aotearoa!!!

And the first thing on her list, Skydiving. Can you believe it? She is one of the few people I know who gets excited in jumping off a cliff, riding roller coasters and getting flipped in the air or do whatever extreme it is that you can think of! And me on the other hand, is the exact opposite. Those butterflies in your stomach thing, that's so real to me. Haha!

On her 3rd day at Queenstown, which is her Skydiving activity day, Mr. New Zealand weather didn't cooperate. The rain was pouring, the roads were slippery, the snow was falling and winter was beginning to unfold. It (forgive my language dun dun dun) sucks when you're all so excited about something and then you don't actually get to do it and you have all these high expectations and voila! Nothing.

Look at her happy face? Why weather why?

Whoops not that... Tada!!!

Imagine her devastation (to be more dramatic) when she did't get the chance to jump after getting all geared up and writing #yolo plus smiley on her hand! (Wait, more smilies on the other hand!) 

*cue in dramatic music*

Aileen with Kiwi accent: "Gin, call thim and and ask if thiy can rischedule the dive to this afternoon. I rilly wanna do it."

***Me typing the number on my phone. (Talked talked talked) Turned around and faced Aileen and said: They might be able to do it at 2pm but it all depends on the weather. (Upside down smiley face)

Hours passed, we tried but the weather wasn't in our odds that day. So instead of jumping off a plane, that lady right there decided that she was going to go bungy jumping and so she did!!! 

#YOLO!!!! WOOT WOOT!

And you think she's going to give up what she actually came for? Nah-uh. This time she learned her lesson babeh! (Ew, so.. )

We were at Wellington airport waiting for our turn to board. There she was scrolling through her phone, checking Yahoo weather and Google maps. A few minutes later, she found out that Saturday is going to be sunny and when the sun is up... well, it's up. Haha!!

We revised our random but not so random itinerary and at 6:30am our friend Maricris was driving early in the morning beating the speed limits just so we can make it on time for Taupo!!! Aileen had to choose from 12,000ft or 15,000ft. and can you guess what she chose? You got it. 15,000ft babeh!! (Haha. This is so annoying).

So, what happens when a 5 foot 7 lady jumps off a plane 15,000ft from the ground?

Hands go up in the air! Face becomes distorted! and.. Pout happens? Haha! :D

Also...#Smile #Yolo #Bananashapebodaaay

(Skydiving 101: Legs behind you and pretend you're a banana! Not kidding.)

Man: Stay steady I need to take your photo!!!

Aileen: (Doesn't care) Shouts* Wohoooo!!!

Man: Yeaaa, that's better! Lemme do a selfie!!! Hahaha!!

I feel so giddy while typing this now. This just happened a few days ago and looking back at it now it was a really precious moment for me to see one of my best friends tick one thing off her bucket list!(and I'm gonna go all out and dramatic in the next few lines so prepare yourself)

You see, in certain phases of your life, you really need that one friend to push you, encourage you and make you feel like once in your life, just jump off that freakin' plane and live for a moment! Aileen was indeed right. I was going to thank her after she made me jump off that plane. So let me take this opportunity to say... 

"Yeah yeah yeah. Thank you girl!! Hahaha!"

I never felt home since she got here. Aileen is the type of person who is a real life princess but never made you feel like your a pauper when you're with her. She would eat kwekwek, isaw, lomi, batchoy, and any other street food with you. She is your not so typical princess, I tell you. You're one lucky guy if you're going to win this lady's heart! Please note that before you even dare, you must be able to do the following.

1. Wrap both of your legs with a towel, wear a harness and jump off a bridge!

2. Go inside a small plane and jump 15,000ft from the ground!

If you're able to do all that then comment below with your name and number and I'll let Aileen know! Hahaha!!!

Cheers to a really good adventure Ai!! You did it! Until next time!!

"Proverbs 27:17 An iron sharpens an iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."

xoxo, Gennin

Skydiving at Taupo

It's been 2 days since I jumped off a plane 12,000 feet above the ground and it still feels so unreal to me! I'm not the type of person who does death defying stunts that often since first of all I am terrified of heights but since I lived in New Zealand, nothing became impossible anymore!! (Thank you Jesus. :)

On the 13th of June 2017, two of my friends were supposed to go Skydiving at Queenstown. I wanted to do it too but the whole package was so expensive that I decided not to give it a go. My friends went to Queenstown two days before I did and when I finally caught up with them, the weather was terrible. It was raining in the airport and the roads were wet and slippery. So, I immediately texted them to find out whether or not they're able to go Skydiving. I was praying that the weather would get better and it did but the company didn't want to risk it and decided not to go through with their Skydiving activity for that day! I felt bad since my friend went all the way from the Philippines to do just that! We ended up taking photos and binge eating and called it a night when we went to Onsen pools. (I will do a separate blog post about that).

On that same night, little did I know that my friend already booked another Skydiving activity and this time, in Taupo, and for 3 people!!!!!! 

My friend Aileen was telling me that she booked for 3 people and even showed me the proof of her booking. I didn't believe her since I was certain that I was only going to be a spectator that day. We woke up early and Maricris (who didn't sleep much the night before haha!) drove for 2-3 hours to Taupo and when we got there, this man handed me an iPad and asked me to put my details on there. I was like "No, thank you. I'm not going to jump today". Aileen was like, "No, I booked for 3 and you're going to jump. Trust me you're going to thank me after this." 

Few minutes later, there I was watching the safety procedures and selecting the songs for my video! Haha!! At first I didn't feel anything at all. All I know is at that time my mom is still fast asleep (It was about 10:30am when we got to the place) and when she wakes up it'll be all over so Why not? Hahaha!! (Peace Ma :D )

After two trips to the toilet, we proceeded to the changing area, put our gears on, met with our Skydive tandem person and did some interviews since it was part of the package. Then we went on a bus to the place where all the plane was and off we go!! I felt a hint of fear when the small plane was taking off. My fear increased when I learned that I was going to be the first one to jump off!!! My Skydive partner whispered, "I'll look after you" and then opened the door and I can feel the strong wind blowing my feet and I didn't even had the chance to count from one to three and the next minute I was in the air!!

It was an amazing feeling and my fear went away that quick! Trust me when I say this, the moment we jumped off that plane, my fear disappeared! Then I remembered what they told us from the beginning, DO NOT LOOK DOWN, JUST LOOK STRAIGHT, and that's exactly what I did! 

I saw the clouds up close and I've never been so happy! Hahaha!! I have this thing for clouds, moon and stars and being that close to one of them just brought so much joy in my heart. I also saw two lovely mountains with snowcaps on them and if only my eyes can take videos I'd be sharing that with you guys now but nothing beats what the eyes can see!!! 

The houses looked really tiny from the top just like how you would see it when you're inside a plane but it's different when you're gliding in the air! When they said that "Aotearoa" is the land of the long white cloud, they are definitely correct!!!

I tried pulling off a heart sign but the wind was so strong that the only sign that I can do at that time was the thumbs up sign! Haha!

Before I end this post, let me just go through the things that you should remember when you're on your way to go Skydiving:

1. When the guide taps your hand, open wide and let go!!! 

2. Put your legs up high and make your body shape like a banana!

3. Then you're all set and good to go! Don't forget to open your eyes and enjoy the view!!

P.S. That other guy is our videographer/photographer!

P.S. When I woke up that morning, the title of my devotional was "Yes, You can do it!" and had the verse "I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand". - Isaiah 4`:10

God's approval of my spontaneous Skydiving experience! Hahaha!!!

Now that I've ticked another one off my 2017 Bucketlist which you can view by clicking on this link --> Bucketlist 2017 I now plan on ticking another one off by joining a marathon! I was supposed to do one last year but it rained on that day and I felt ill, thus I wasn't able to do it. I gained so much weight after that past 8 days of going on a holiday and training for a marathon will help me lose it and reach my bucket list as well so that will be next on my list, so help me God! :)

If you like this post, please don't forget to share! :)

For information about the place and the prices:

Skydive Taupo

Website:http://www.skydivetaupo.co.nz

My Skydive Partner's name is: Ryan