myJOURNEY

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

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This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.

He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings

His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.

Do not dread the disease that strikes in the darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.

If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you.

For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you will not hurt your foot on a stone.

You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet.

TheLord says I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my Name. When they call on me I will answer them. I will be with them in their trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life! PSALM 91

Accept JESUS now into you heart and He will be your Savior and Lord. The promises and provisions of Psalm 91 will also be your portion.

“Jesus, I accept you now in my heart. Forgive me of my sins. Indeed you are my refuge and my safety both in this life and for eternity” Amen

When the world found itself in a new kind of war, a new breed of warriors emerged near and far.

They wear no heavy armors nor carry powerful guns. Instead they don face masks, gloves and hazmat gowns.

Yet the best weapon they carry around, is passion and sincere hearts for the stricken humankind.

The new breed of warriors are the doctors and nurses,

The healthcare providers and the first responders.

Daily they bravely march to unchartered territory.

Waging a serious war against the unseen enemy.

Some warriors were wounded and others had fallen.

In doing their duty their lives had been taken.

Hurray to the many heroes of our time.

You will be rewarded for the work so sublime.

We applaud all of you for your fortitude.

We take our hats off to show our gratitude.

We salute you for your bravery.

We sing your praises for the victory.

For your works are great and extraordinary!

Long live to the new breed of warrior!

May God bless you and give you His best favor!

There are millions of them, I know quite a few. Here’s a list of my heroes. Would you give me your heroes’ names too?

Samuel Robeniol-RN-US (He beat COVID! Got infected while working as a nurse in New York. Fully recovered!!!)

Edita Valenzuela RN-US

Gil Edison Valenzuela RN-US

Ardilyn Sumang Trinidad-RN-Norway

Gelmark Olivares RN-Ph

Angie Barmes RN-US

Shelly Robeniol Lo-MD-US

Rich Lo MD-US

Melissa-Pacis- MD-US

Yolanda Robeniol

Sheila Rose Robeniol NP-US

Cecilia Robeniol

Remy Nunez

Imelda Robeniol

Bethsy Lomahan Luquingan RN-US

Jennifer Ariado RN-US

Adrian Ariado

Claudia Piscador Gaspar RN-Phil

Eunice Briones Calub RN-US

Grace Briones Bataclan-RN-US

Jerome Briones MD-Ph

Lolit deLeon RN-US

Daisy Alvarez RN-US

Victoria Venuso-RB-US

Eric Briones-RN-US

Marissa Pacis Vilchis RN-US

Acel Tenorio Baltazar RN-US

Vania Marie Baltazar Alabata RN-US

Anastasia Rodriguez RN-US

Eva Geronimo’s RN-US

Rachel Sagulo Acupan RN-US

Joenil Jumbas RN-US

Nancy de Guzman RN-US

Leah de Guzman Simbulan RN-US

Merlyn Garcia RN-UK

Our COVID experience will leave us with lots of memories….good and bad. With these are words and phrases that are associated with this fateful historical event. The mere mention of these words will remind us of the unprecedented global pandemic popularly known as pandemic COVID19 which the whole world had experienced.

This list is not exhaustive. I invite you to add to it on the comment section.

Novel Corona Virus

quarantine

isolation

social distancing

pandemic

frontliners

first responders

lockdown

flattening the curve

travel ban

stay at home

PPE

testing kits

ventilators

economic stimulus

CDC

Know your enemy.

The best way to combat the enemy is to know what it is and how it works.

Corona virus like all viruses is not even a live entity. It is a fatty protein. Unlike bacteria, viruses cannot be treated by antibiotics. ’Bio” means life… Our enemy is lifeless. But how does is proliferate, multiply and spread? How does it make the human body seriously sick and even causes death? How do we kill or destroy it?

Viruses are tiny (microscopic): the largest of them are the smallest of bacteria. This enemy is therefore invisible. Viruses consist of a protein coat and a core of genetic material, either RNA or DNA.

Unlike bacteria viruses can’t survive without a host. They can only reproduce by attaching themselves to cells. In most cases they reprogram the cell to make new viruses until the cell burst and die. In other cases they turn normal cells into malignant or cancerous cells.

Viruses cause disease, and they’re quite specific about the cells they attack. For example, certain viruses attack cells in the liver, respiratory system, or blood.

The person affected by corona virus or any infections for that matter, tries to fight through its immune system. Body’s responses like coughing, sneezing, fever are some of the immune system’s way to get rid of the virus. That’s why our immune system must be at its best. This is the reason why people who are elderly or have pre-existing conditions and whose immune systems are compromised are the usual casualties of the disease.

Your war strategy

From this knowledge we can formulate our plan/strategy to win the war. Because of it’s invisible characteristic, we now know that we must protect/defend ourselves rather than attack it.

Defense therefore is the best strategy!

This is why the authorities (government and health professionals) have imposed rules. If you analyze these rules, they are mostly defensive or protective. Let’s enumerate some of these:

Isolation and Lockdown: Schools, restaurants, churches, theaters, none essential businesses etc are temporarily closed. Many offices work remotely at homes.

Social distancing. The virus is easily transmitted. When a carrier sneezes or coughs, the virus lands on surfaces and even stays airborne for sometime. Social distancing is an effective way to control the viruses spread and transmission.

Travel bans

Stay at home

Proper frequent hand washing

Don’t touch your face

Use mask

Keeping at least 6 ft distance when in grocery, pharmacy

To be continued. If you have something to add or share. Please leave it on the comment section. I will include and acknowledge them in the next blog posts.

Be safe everyone. Remember… the strategy is to be defensive!!!!!!

If

Indeed everything happens for a reason, What’s this pandemic cause for intrusion?

Listen!

I will tell you, for your serious contemplation.

I must submit to you the probable reason. Might it be that God is getting our attention?

For

Humanity has turned its back from the God of creation.

We‘ve chosen to worship idols of material things especially the mammon.

And

We’ve abandoned God’s truth and made up our own.

So

God was sorely grieved!

And

For a moment He turned away his face.

Then

The Devil took a chance and quickly spread a menace.

Now

We’re all confused and don’t know what to do! People’s lives are taken. The next might it be you?

It’s good if you are ready for Heaven is for you.

At first God is calling us so kindly and so sweet.

But

We ignored the call and not moved a bit.

So God starts to yell so loud and so shrill.

Shall we listen now or will reject Him still!

God is calling us to repent from our wicked ways.

To be on our knees and seek His holy face.

That the plague may end through His

Mercy

Love

and

Grace

“If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

CoVid 19 has so touched the whole world. It’s intrusion has put our lives on hold.

So swiftly it travelled the earth’s land and sea and covered the world’s vast geography.

It knows no geographical boundary, be it the busy urban or the quiet country.

This global pandemic is not a respecter of person. It does not distinguish any racial or ethnic association.

It had stricken the prince living in the fortified palace but also the pauper in his crumbling shack.

It has harmed the skilled doctor and health practitioner as well as the unskilled laborer.

The invisible enemy has visited and frightened the powerful politician and the same it did to the helpless homeless man.

It said ”hello” to the rich and famous, to the poor and even the unscrupulous.

The enemy wreaked havoc on the economy-the big money affairs of rich and the small pay check of the irregular employee.

The corona virus had put the world to a screeching halt, leaving them dismayed and shocked -wondering when normal life will be back.

One thing the corona virus is telling us: It doesn’t matter who we are, rich or poor, prominent or unknown, male or female, young or old, the prince and the pauper.

A great equalizer, that’s what corona virus proved to be. Rich or poor, young or old. It doesn’t really care who are we.

The war on CoVid19 calls for unity. Everyone’s cooperation is of necessity. For a great many of us, to stay home is our duty!

Yet, on this war, we have the frontliners, the doctors and nurses and the first responders. They risk their very lives to face the enemy. Won’t we intervene with our fervent prayers of intercessory.

As leaders and experts map out the strategy, the populace must respond in solidarity. Practice what they say- it’s for our own safety.

So in unison, humanity is working to destroy the stronghold. It’s plain and simple: DO as you are told.

We are wise.

We are resilient.

We are strong.

We are united, we are together and in this fight we belong.

We will win.

We will conquer the enemy.

And in the end of it all we will gain the victory!!!

For greater is He who is in me, than he who is in the world!

Marriage is like planting a tree. It starts with a seed. The seed of love. Marriage union happens when the seed is united with the ground. It starts to germinate and grow.

For the young plant to establish and thrive it needs a lot of tender loving care. It must be nurtured with complete nutrients and water. It must be protected from pests, diseases and harmful elements.

The tender trunk must be supported with stake and twine.

It’s succulent bark must be protected from stray animals.

Before long the tree starts to shape. It’s green luscious leaves prepare the tree for thick blooms.

This blooming mango tree did not just happen. A lot of precious time, resources, knowledge and skills were poured into it.

But the efforts are all worth it because the reward is a bountiful harvest!

We are fortunate and indeed blessed to have been surrounded with a strong support systems.

This marriage is fostered by our families, God and His Church , friends and the community.

These support systems provide the nutrients, water, protection from pests, diseases and harmful elements so that the tree can grow, thrive and produce plentiful harvest.

Here are 37+ lessons learned from our marriage of 37 years. The list is not comprehensive and I encourage my readers to add to it.

Encourage and allow your spouse to grow.

Choose your fights.

Forgive and forget.

Be generous with praise.

Appreciate not only the big but also the small things.

Don’t take life too seriously. Have fun, lots if it! Laugh, make jokes, be silly.

Cry together.

Don’t embarrass your spouse in front of others. What a shame when someone does that!

Be thoughtful.

Be eager to meet each other’s physical needs.

Defend your spouse.

Don’t fight with your spouse-fight for her/him.

Intimacy is not just physical. It is more so emotional and spiritual.

Know you spouse’s love language and speak it.

Surprise your spouse every now and then.

Housekeeping is not just for the wife.

Love those whom your spouse love e.g. his or her side of the family.

Support your spouse’s cause.

Make it your goal to be an example of a good marriage.

Pray for each other.

Encourage each other.

Honor and respect are due to each other.

Worship together.

Don’t stop dating and courting each other.

Decide who handles the finances. Agree on how money is spent, invested.

Harsh words hurt. Kind words heal.

Feed each other not just with physical food.

No one else knows your spouse better that you do. Explore your spouse and know more about him/her. You’ll be surprised.

Be transparent, honest, open.

Don’t cheat. Cheating is not just physical it could also be emotional.

Play the game: ”Remember when….., ”

Be your spouse’s #1 fan.

Always be there for your spouse.

Speak the truth in love.

Be each other’s cheer leader.

There are times each one need his/her own space and time. ”Me time”

Learn to listen.

Excellent communication is a MUST.

Communication is not always verbal. Learn to decipher his/her facial and body language.

Plan together.

Be a teamwork.

Travel and explore the world.

Celebrate events only two of you know about. e.g. first date.

Create synergy. Harness your strength together.

Create beautiful memories.

Choose ONE WORD for 2020

This year choose ONE WORD

that will set you in motion.

A word that will stir you to a right direction;

A word that will dare you to take action.

This year choose ONE WORD

that will give you a strong conviction.

A word that will save you from frustration;

A word that will bring a great passion.

This year choose ONE WORD

that will usher you to the light;

A word that will sustain you for the fight;

A word that will provide you with might.

Just ONE WORD this year,

for there’s power in a Word

Power to change, enrich, encourage, guide, inspire, build, overcome, persevere

Meditate on it

Pray about it.

Say it everyday

Act on it

What is your ONE WORD?

(The words in the art work above are just suggestions. Look into your heart to see and feel what ONE WORD you would like to work on to improve, change, challenge, accomplish, bless your life in the year 2020.)

Minutes after I posted on FB my picture with a shaven head, my Sister Babbeth who’s on the other side of the globe-(Philippines) immediately called me via messenger. I could tell from her voice that she was distraught. “Why did you lose your hair? How did you become bald? Are you hiding something from us? She asked in a panic.

I knew what was in her mind.

She was thinking that my baldness maybe an effect of chemo or radiation, and that I was keeping things from them. She and my other siblings had been monitoring my health since my cancer scare eight years ago.

Instead of answering her questions, I quipped: “Oh you saw my picture! Do you like it? I look good with a bald head, don’t I? I said jokingly followed by a hearty laugh.

“It’s not even funny, Gil please answer me!!! My big sister demanded, her voice stern but almost crying.

Well, I continued laughing for a moment, then I gave her my explanation for being bald

First, I had to assure her that I’m okay and there’s really nothing to worry about.

I am not sick.

I don’t have cancer.

I’m cancer free!

I’m very healthy.

So why are you bald?

Well, it’s a choice that I made.

Hair greying early runs in my family. I’ve been dyeing (coloring) my locks since I was in my 30s. I thought that silver hair made me look much older, so I had to conceal it, especially when I turned 50 when I turned 90% grey. Even knowing that hair dyeing is not healthy, the practice had been a regular part of my grooming routine.

I’ve read some reports that hair dyes contain chemicals that are link to cancer but that did not deter me. That’s me being stubborn and skeptical at times.

I must admit hair dyeing is a hard work. It is tedious, messy, time consuming, and costly.

It takes a good two hours to dye my hair. The mixing and application is the messy part. I had to wear gloves, cover my ears so they won’t get stained then carefully apply the mixture making sure that I don’t miss a spot. Then comes the drying and waiting phase. This can’t be rushed, I have wait patiently for half an hour or so, otherwise the color won’t stay. Finally, the washing and shampooing stage where I mess the bath tub. I have to thoroughly clean the tub or I’ll be in trouble with my wife.

Hair dyeing is not only time consuming and labor intensive. It is expensive. There are cheaper brands but they don’t last. So I buy the branded ones. To cut the cost, I had to do it myself rather than having it done by a hair professional.

But even after I colored my hair, there is a spot on top of my head (crown) where hair thinning was very prominent. I had to hide this spot to complete my hair styling. I use a special dark powder and a hair spray to create a hair build up. And this stuff is even more expensive.

I finally got tired of this tiresome and expensive routine.

Enough of this hiding and coverup.

No more denial!

It’s time to get real and be natural!

That’s when I decided to go bald.

It so liberating to have been freed from the chronic, mundane task of minding my hair.

Bottom line: Life is more simple and convenient with a shaven head. I call my new look “wash n’ go”.

A discovery

All these years I thought that a bald head would not look good on me because I had a funny head shape-that my head is flat and lacking of roundness. But now I discovered after shaving that my skull has the right shape to proudly sport a bald head. My wife looks at me and now calls me “Mr. Clean” I like that. I’m happy with my decision to go bald. I think Mr. Clean look is the new handsome!

A recap of the first part of this story:

If I lose in this court trial, I would be paying an amount close $20K to my landlord-money I don’t have. That was his counter claim after I sued him for $3,150 to retrieve part of my security deposit.

You can only imagine the pressure I had as I stood before the court!

Facing the Judge

Just to stand before a judge was nerve-wracking enough, and having to speak with clarity and convincingly to defend myself compounded the anxiety.

But in my prayers for help, the Holy Spirit reminded me of His instructions and promises.

Promises claimed

“Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Prayers uttered

Then I presented my requests to God The Father in prayers:

I asked God that while I’m standing and speaking at the court He will:

stand with me, give me strength and courage, remove any feeling of animosity or anger toward my landlord. I prayed that I can treat him with respect and dignity as a human being and that I can forgive him for his mistreatment of me. I asked that the Lord will give me the spirit of humility, that even my facial expressions will not show hint of anger and pride- that I can speak the truth in love- that my voice will convey truthfulness and sincerity. And while I listen to my landlord’s arguments, allegations and claims, I will have the ability to react with grace and calmness.

Doing my assignment

The night before the trial, I reviewed the points I will say as a rebuttal to my landlord’s arguments. I paid attention to details such as dates, scope of work etc. I evaluated in my heart and mind what really were my responsibilities in each of the claim and accept them with peace. At the end, I made a list of what items I must concede. Here’s the list of the things I accept responsibility and ready to settle with my landlord: unpaid rent, half of the amount of cleanup and some fines for late payment of rent.

The trial

The trial was tensed and animated at times, especially when my landlord spoke. Many times the Judge interjected because he said things that were not relevant to the discussion. When he insinuated how bad a tenant I was, the judge had to put him on track. At one point, the judge decided to give a 5-minute recess because he could not find supporting documents from the pile of papers he brought to court.

Meanwhile, I presented my points as clearly as I could and gave reasons why I MUST NOT be held responsible for many of the items the landlord were putting on me. I accepted my responsibilities and expressed that I was ready to pay my part: unpaid rent, cleanup and some late fees. I said what I was suppose to say and answered questions from the judge and the landlord the best I could. The judge interjected once or twice when I tended to drift which I graciously acknowledge. Then I rested my case.

The judgement

He was convinced that I did not abandon my lease. The fines for the Village code violations could not be pinpointed as my fault because there were other tenants that could have perpetrated the violation. The landlord could not justify that I was responsible for the damages he listed and therefore I cannot be held responsible for the cost of repairs. As for the late fee fines, only three months were verifiable as late therefore only $300 dollars will be taken from me. Also, as I indicated to be my contribution for cleanup and dumpster rental, $350 will also be taken from me. I owed $8500 for unpaid rent.

The final verdict

“Judgement in favor of the plaintiff in the amount of $2,850 plus $246 court cost.”

I got what I wanted!

My prayers were answered!

Total amount to be reimbursed to me:$3,096. This was $54 short of my original claim of $3,150.

It was a sweet victory!

The judicial system works!

All glory to God who was with me throughout the process. My heart is full of gratitude to Him who helped me.

Overall, my court experience although full of tension was rather fascinating-

an interesting life episode added to my histrionic life!

Thank you for reading my friends!

When I sold Mabuhay Restaurant in October 2018, I was expecting to get my security deposit reimbursed to me. But the landlord said, “You should not expect any dime back because you owe me more than the amount of the security deposit.” That’s when I decided to take the matter to the court. The process took a little more than a year. Here’s what happened.

The complaint was taken to the Small Claims Court. The goal: To retrieve at least $3,150 out of the $12,000 security deposit. I initiated the process which made me the “Plaintiff” and my land lord the “Defendant”. During the filing of the claims, the court clerk asked me how I wanted the summon served; certified mail- which is cheaper, or the more expensive way via the Sheriff. I chose the cheaper option.

I appeared at the court on the designated date but the Judge told me that the summon was not served. The case is to be continued. Apparently, the Defendant ignored the Post Office notices that a certified mail needs to be picked up from the post office. Somehow, he evaded the mail being delivered to him at home. Unlike regular mail, a certified mail requires a signature for it to be delivered and no one was home to receive and sign the delivery. I doubted that the Defendant would initiate going to the post office to get the mail knowing what it was- a court summon. Therefore, I had to resort to the other option- the Sheriff serving the court documents.

The summon was served with a new court date set. Finally, after 9 months of waiting, the Defendant and I appeared before the Judge. The Judge asked both of us if we could settle the issue between us. I said I was willing but my landlord refused. He said he would file a counter suit. The Judge then set a trial date which is today November 19, three months after our first hearing.

Before the trial date, theJudge ordered us to produce our evidences and those documents must be mailed to each of us by November 5.

I received the counter suit documents in early November. I was shocked to see his long list of complaints and claims. He argued that I abandoned my lease and therefore I nullified my security deposit. If that is really the case my $12,000 is gone! He then proceeded to mention other claims with receipts as proof. He’s now petitioning the court to make me pay. Hers the list of his claims:

Grease trap cleaning-$1,500

Replacement of a broken door-$1,500

Fines from the village office for code violations 2 incidents $500 each or a total of $1,000

Repair of faulty electrical connections $1,850

Repair of circuit box and receptacles- $685

Fines for late rental payment alleging that I was late most of the time $100/ month. Total $2,500

Removal of Mabuhay Restaurant Signage $350

Unpaid rent $8,500

Cleanup and Dumpster rental- $1,350

All of the above totals $19,185

If I fail to sufficiently answer all these allegations I will end up paying the landlord thousands of dollar, an amount of money I don’t have!

“Dear Lord, please help me!” I prayed.

To be continued on “myDay in Court Pt2”