2015 League of the Extraordinary

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.

-Unknown

 

A lot of encounters in 2015 but here is the list of the extraordinary people who inspired me the most. May you also be blessed by their lives as they continue to inspire more people, all for His greater glory.   

 

1. Fr. Lando Jaluag and the COY Nova / SPP PYM Leaders Alumni

Fr. Lando is the former Diocesan Youth Director of Novaliches. A former Jesuit turned Diocesan priest who has a preferential love for the Out-of-School Youth. He is the author of the recently published book, Mga Sikreto ni Father Gwapo. Fr. Lando instilled in our hearts that we should always draw strength from God and that real service is going to the peripheries and extending our love to them by creating sustainable programs. Recently, he introduced to us the devotion to Mary, Untier of Knots and since then, many knots in our lives has been removed. Fr. Lando was also the priest who officiated our wedding. He is a friend and a mentor who knows every detail of our lives. 

Liza, Marlyn, Kuya John, Migs, Alloy, Joel, Janine, Pam, Haze, Mae, Roy, Apple, Enan, Rolf, etc. We were once all together serving God through COY Nova. Now, we are serving through different ways. These guys thought me the value of "saluhan", "pagtutulungan" at "pagmamahal". May we always be empowered by God's love to be more for others. 

2. Zbejtuh, my HS Barkada and my College Barkada

Zbejtuh: Nina, Tin, J-ann and Ria 

College Friends: Cess, Carol, Mabel and Mahal

Real friendship is not measured in how many times we see each other but in knowing in our hearts that once in our life, we went through the same chapter and that we are always there for each other, no matter what. 

  

3. My IBM STS Workmates

Everyday I go to work, I look forward working in a happy workplace even amidst a culture driven by deadlines and last minute requests. Thank you to my current and former work mates Bubbles, Darlene, Iza, Che, Kym who make life in IBM extra happy with our "Happiness Galore".  

4. FOG

How can I forget my Spiritual Families? FOG is the community where I get nourished spiritually. I attend the Blessing Night every Wednesday and I feel revived every time I go home. Encountering Jesus need not be extravagant. It can be felt in simple ways because He is surely pleased by our simplicity in coming to Him. I may have not attended regularly this year because of proximity but my heart still belongs to this community.

5. Purificacion-Camba Family

For always welcoming me with a warm smile, for extending your big love for Nikko to me, and for showing me the importance of family, thank you very much po. :)

6. Juanson-Signey Family

My loud but super happy mom's side of the family. 2015 - Lola and Tito Jap went home for our wedding. We also celebrated Lolo and Lola's 50th with a Golden Wedding. We had lots of mini family reunions too this year during Ella's 18th and Christmas in Umingan. Oh, what a blast! Looking forward to more family moments in 2016! 

7. Cortes Family

Lolo Papang and Tito Mike went home for our wedding. Papa left and visited them in US. Our bond as a family is not the typical one. We may very seldom see each other (about once or twice in a decade especially now that our grandparents are getting old) but we are 100% there for each other. To Lolo, lola, Tito Mike, Tita Milet, Tita Maris, Tito Rick and Tito Alex and Families, thank you for loving us from the other side of the world and thank you for loving our dad so much. 

8. Papa, Mama, Nene, Itchen and Isabel Cortes Family

My ever loving 24/7 support system - my awesome family. Pops, see you in Denver this 2016! Mom and my sisters, hope to have more bonding sessions with all of you. Our travel escapades has begun (. Off to many more adventures! We all had a great 2015!

9. Nikko Camba

In 2012, we became together. In 2013, you immersed in my world and I became part of yours too. In 2014, you gave me the sweetest surprise by proposing marriage to me. In 2015, our union was solidified with the seal of the Church and law. How can you not be part of my 2016? No way. I cannot imagine my life without you. :)