MMIR 2016 #2: Don't Me.

Photo Credit:  businessinsider.com

“So, it’s your worship leading assignment again on Sunday.”

“Yes.”

“Di ka ba napapagod?”

“Hindi naman. Oo, nakakapagod, kasama talaga yan. I'm a normal human being na napapagod din.  But I love what I’m doing. This is my calling.”

“What can you gain from that?”

“This is not about me, or what can I gain from this. This is about what I can do for God, I just want to please Him.”

“Do You think He is pleased with you?  With what you’re doing?  Hindi naman maganda boses mo.”

“So what?  I can sing, though di super duper galing.  Sakto lang...”

“See.  Sakto lang. Do you think that’s enough?”

“But… I’m still in progress. I’m still learning.……”

“You are no good. Di ka para diyan.  Mas ok pa dati na wala kang ministry eh. Wala kang obligasyon. Dagdag pagod lang yan sayo eh.  YOU ARE NOT WORTHY to be in that ministry.  Accept that.”

“Sandali nga. Who are you to tell me that?  I prayed hard for this calling.  I am created for this!  The Lord placed me here, and I believe in this with all of my heart.  I’m willing to be pierced, crushed, broken, to become a better person that God wants me to be.  You don’t have all the right to discredit me, to discredit God to me, because God and God alone knows me, and owns me!!!  You say I can’t do this? Yes! I really can’t!  But my God can!  He can enable me!  I submitted my all, my heart to Him, for Him to take full control.  He knows what’s the best for me.  And obviously, you don’t!  You think that thing will work on me, right?  WRONG.  Diyan ka magaling. Paulit ulit ka ng method.  Pero hanggang diyan lang ang kaya mong gawin.  ALAM KO NA YAN.  Don’t me.  I belong to Jesus.  I’ll hold on to His promises, and will never forget my commitment to Him.  GET OUT OF MY FACE!”

*silence*

The enemy will take all the opportunity to hurl insults at you.  He will be around to implant negative thoughts on your mind and heart.  He will grab any chance to give doubt on yourself, and sadly, to doubt every God’s promises that you are holding on to.

The enemy is working double, even triple time because his goal is for us to let go of God's promises for us. The enemy wants our focus to be removed from God's mighty works that is about to happen to us, to our church, and to our nation.

Let us not lose hope. Let us not lose our focus. This is the perfect time to hold on to the Author and the Finisher of our faith. Flee from the enemy. Resist the devil. Do not listen to what he is whispering to you. Cast him out. Trample him underneath you feet.

Hold on to God's word. Let us not forget His promises to us. Let us be reminded also of our promises to Him.

And lastly, brace yourselves.  The Lord is about to do wonderful, awesome things in your life.  More that you can ever imagine.

We can do this. Never let go. Our God is with us!

Psalm 73:25-26

Whom have I in heaven but you?

    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

    but God is the strength of my heart

    and my portion forever.

MMIR 2016 #1: Some Thoughts on Repentance

Sunset at Manila Bay. No filter. :)

Hello!  It’s been a year since my last official blog post here.  Today, I went through all my previous posts and after reading various comments from different readers, I felt that I missed engaging discussions through this blog, so I decided to be back.

Let me share to you what I’ve been meditating on this week.  These verses kept on speaking to me that I couldn’t afford not to share them to you guys.  

Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

One word came into my mind after reading these verses:  REPENTANCE.  The Lord reminded me that those with clean hands and a pure heart will see Him and will be with Him in eternity.  We all know that we have a sinful nature.  But by the grace of God, He gave us a chance to be pure in heart through the power of His blood.  But how can we be cleansed from our sins if we won’t admit our unrighteousness?   As Christians, repentance and admission of our sins plays a vital part on our road to Christ-likeness.  Let us ask God to search our hearts, recognize that we are weak and without God, we are nothing.  

There were words that God placed in my heart and I would also like to share them to you.  There’s no melody yet, but I believe in His appointed time He will reveal it either to me or to other people—let His will be done.  (Note:  Our church is praying for a season of revival, and the Lord revealed through the humble life of our pastor that new songs will spring out from the hearts of His people.  I claimed that He will use me as His vessel of birthing out new songs of worship unto Him.  Even before I said to myself that I’m not a songwriter; but then I realized that HE is the Songwriter, I am just a vessel.)  

ANG TANGING NAIS KO

NARITO O DIYOS ANG BUHAY KO

BUONG PUSONG INAALAY SA’YO

SIYASATIN MO, LINISIN MO

GAWING KARAPAT DAPAT SA KALUWALHATIAN MO

ANG TANGING NAIS KO, IKAW AY SAMBAHIN

BUONG PUSO’T KALULUWA, NAWA AY IYONG DINGGIN

MAGHARI KA O DIYOS, SA BUHAY KONG ITO

PANGINOONG HESUS, ITO ANG TANGING NAIS KO

I promised God that I’ll never let go of His promises and purpose for me.  There are several times that I’ve become unfaithful to Him.  Today, it’s my deepest desire to make it up to Him.  Lord, here I am again.  Make me the person You want me to be.  I am willing. I surrender to Your will.

PROMO ALERT: Haier is Chillin’ Summer until June 30!

Click on the Image to Enlarge

Mild drizzles and overcast skies have frequently been making appearances lately, signalling that summer is winding down; but don’t put away your sunscreen and beach hats just yet because the sun keeps shining over at Haier, with its Chillin’ Summer Promo. Make the rest of your summer count by making Haier a part of it, and let the summer fun continue!

Choose to buy a Haier or Sanyo appliance from specially selected items and score a cool freebie to take home for free! Each purchase has a corresponding freebie that you and your family can enjoy and even take on your pahabol summer vacations.  So head on to the leading appliance stores near you and start enjoying some hot home appliances, and the free gifts that come with them.

For every 32-inch or any bigger size LED TV you get the chance to choose between a 5400 MAH power bank that’s surely useful for long drives to the beach, and a wall bracket for that new screen of yours.

Wanna chill? Then get a Haier or Sanyo refrigerator! Whether it’s a single door or a two-door you’re eyeing, the choice is yours between a free Rubbermaid Food Keeper + 3 Sports Bottle or a Rubbermaid Food Keeper + 1 Chug Bottle + Slotted Spoon. If you’d rather get a 1/3 gallon Coleman Cooler Water Jug or a Sanyo pressure cooker, then buy a 2-door no-frost refrigerator instead.

A window type air conditioner (AC) can get you free AC brackets while a split type will come with a 1/3 gallon Cooler Water Jug from Coleman or a P3,000 Installation Subsidy.

Get a 500g Surf Blossom Fresh w/ Fabcon Detergent when you buy a single tub washing machine. Make it a twin tub and score a Rubbermaid Food Keeper + 3 Sports Bottle or Rubbermaid Food Keeper + 1 Chug Bottle + Slotted Spoon.

Beat the heat with a free air cooler when you purchase a front load washing machine, and a Sanyo pressure cooker when you buy a Fully Automatic Washing Machine or a washing machine dryer. What could be a cooler deal than that!

To avail of your freebies, just present a proof of purchase from the same store where you bought your items (except for the P3,000 subsidy for the wall-mounted air conditioning system, for which you will be referred to call the Haier hotline), within 60 days of your purchase.

Find out more about this promo and other cool products, visit and like Haier Philippines’s Facebook page or call the Haier hotline at 1-800-8-9999999 for Globe subscribers, 1-800-10-9999999 for PLDT subscribers, or get in touch with the customer care center at (02) 883-9999.

About Haier 

Haier is a leading first-class brand of innovative home appliance products and services that creates value for consumers beyond their expectations.  Haier is about inspiring Filipino homes to live life in a higher standard with more energy-efficient, user-friendly and environment-friendly home appliances – ‘Smarter Life, Better Planet’.

Media Contacts

For inquiries about Haier Philippines Inc. (HPI) – PR+ | PR Partner of HPI
Tess Dublin
Executive Director
695-3399

Haier Electrical Appliances Philippines Inc.
6/F, Reliance IT Building, C5
Pasig City Loise Chavez
Director, Client Services
loise.chavez@thecollective.ph
0917-653-4151

PR+ Office
2/F, EDGE Corporate Building
2257 Don Chino Roces Extension,
Makati City

Clinique Bonus Time Kit Unboxing + Thoughts

It’s been a looooonnngggg time since my last post.  And I’m back.  Hopefully I’ll have the time to post here from time to time.

Raffle draws are not my thing.  I can only remember about less than 5 instances that I won in a raffle draw.  I even got my heart broken a few years ago during our company’s Christmas raffle draw.  I’ve been dreaming of winning an iPad air, to the point of praying for it every day, every night.  During our Christmas party, I really hoped I’d win.  But I didn’t.  I was so disappointed that I told myself I’ll never expect to win next time. 

Until last June, Sample Room hosted a Clinique giveaway, where you’ll have a chance to score a very special giveaway from them—a Clinique bonus time kit, and a full sized  Clinique Even Better Essence Lotion.

Upon seeing the promo details, once again, the spirit of great expectancy became alive in me, LOL!  I really wished I’ll become the winner.  But in the end, I just said, I’ll join and won’t expect that much.  I don’t want to have my heart broken once again. Haha! :P

After a few weeks, I was tagged by Sample Room through Instagram, informing me that I won the raffle.  My heart almost jumped out of my being. LOL! I was really thrilled and overjoyed.  I even read comments from fellow raffle “joiners” that they almost died of envy because I won. Hahaha.  Sorry for that :|

Karen's Beauty Post # 12: Saladbox May 2014 Runway Ready Box: The End (I Guess)

Hi! It’s been a busy week for me.  Series of meetings, two days of ocular inspection for our upcoming shoot, tons of photos to edit—I think I need a break.  But the question is: WHEN? :P

Anyway, I almost forgot that I my last Saladbox is for delivery anytime last month.  After the Skin Food Box and Regatta Box, I was in high hopes that the May box will be as good, if not better, than these two boxes.  As I’ve commented on my Regatta Box post, this box will determine if I’ll continue my Saladbox subscription or not. 

I got the May box last week and I crossed my fingers before opening the box—hoping I’ll not be disappointed.  And guess what?  I was!!!

Karen’s Beauty Post # 11: Unboxing Saladbox April 2014 Regatta Box

I was able to receive two boxes from Saladbox as part of my three month promo subscription (3 for 1000 promo).  The first box is the Skin Food Box, then the other is the Regatta Box—this is their April 2014 special edition box.

Many thoughts came into my mind as I opened the Regatta Box.  All I know is that Regatta is a casual clothing store.  I did not know that they have other product lines aside from clothes.

The box is closely associated with summer.  Very timely.  As stated in the box’s curation card, this special box contains the essential stuff that we should have with us as we enjoy the summer heat.

Karen’s Beauty Post # 10: Unboxing My First Saladbox – March 2014 Skin Food Box

I never thought I’ll try subscribing to Saladbox.  When I became aware of beauty box subscriptions, Saladbox came on top of the Google list.  I tried to check out some reviews first.  Sadly, all I saw are all rants and no raves on the products included in their boxes.  Honestly, as a subscriber, it’s not worth all the money.  And so I settled with Glamourbox and made advance subscriptions to BDJ Box.  I also started to enjoy my Sample Room VIP Membership.

But a Facebook post from Saladbox somehow changed everything.  They offered an exclusive box of Skin Food products for March 2014.  Being aware that Skin Food products are pricey, I thought this is a catch.  So I was like this:

Typed Saladbox.com.ph.

Clicked “The Box”.

Clicked “Join”.

Clicked “Subscribe” under Women’s Box.

Clicked “Subscribe” under Starter Plus.

I was about to click “Checkout”.  But I was scared.

I closed the window.

Testing @theperkyshop’s Perfect Selfie Package: Solve your #SelfieProblems!

People, especially Pinoys, love to take photos, selfies in particular.  Maybe to flaunt his outfit for today, to share what makeup/skincare products she used on her face for the day, to let his network know where he’s spending his vacation, or just to share a relevant quotable quote. LOL!  Whatever our purpose is, I believe we were able to take even just a single snapshot of ourselves for others to see.

During my school days, I’m a self professed selfie addict. I admit it!  It was crazy to think that I really got fond of myself taking pictures upon waking up, before going to sleep, or if I’m having a great time outdoors. But now, I take selfies with caution.  I must have a CONCRETE PURPOSE why I posted selfie shots.  I am aware that some people doesn’t want their social network feeds clogged with pictures of my face in different angles.. hehehe! That’s why, just wanted to remind you—hinay hinay lang when taking and posting selfies ok?

Anyway, let me share to you some problems (well they’re not really problems, maybe disadvantages or inconveniences) that you can encounter in taking selfies:

Hot Star Large Chicken: Yes, It's Large!

Last week’s work week left me heartbroken. Thanks to our very own MRT who caused me so much stress. It’s indeed true as I’ve said on my Facebook status that riding it during rush hours can really test your character.  Well, modesty aside, I think I passed…… I passed that I almost failed (and cried). :P

I commend my fellow commuters who managed to endure the shoving and pushing just to fit in the jampacked train coaches. 

Anyhoo, after almost two hours of brisk walking, riding the train, and riding a jeep; I safely arrived at Blue Bay in Pasay (our favorite dating place hehe).   I was profusely sweating, my legs are aching, I have a huge shoulder bag and laptop bag with me, and my hunger is haunting me.  My husband was waiting for me and immediately we searched for a place to eat.  I wanted that moment to find a spot wherein I can forget my “repeating MRT stress syndrome”. 

Karen’s Beauty Post # 9: Unboxing the Glamourbox April 2014 - Perfectly Pristine Box!

I got my eyes glued on the clock last April 11.. waiting for its hands to strike 12 noon.  Upon the time I was waiting for, I immediately subscribed to Glamourbox Perfectly Pristine Box.  I was thinking that I would get products that are refreshing, ones that will help me beat the summer heat.

Image taken from Glamourbox FB Page

What made me even happier about this box is that my older sister paid the subby fee for me.  This is her birthday gift for me.  Thank you so much Ate Karis Santiago-Yumang and Kuya Romel Yumang! :D

Yesterday, our office guard handed me a heavy Glamourbox.  Looking at it, it seems like the box is "overloaded" with stuff! I became even more excited and immediately opened the package.

My Bag of Beans Experience (and some Tagaytay moment sidenotes)

My husband and I spent one of our vacant Saturdays at Tagaytay.  We went there not to stroll along and enjoy the scenery (though we wanted to do that on the side), but to catch up with our backlogs.  We have to update our photography folio and upload our latest works, then sort out and do some editing and album layouting.  The past months for us were a little bit hectic and crazy, so we grabbed this chance to catch up.

My Look--Sumkinda Ngiwi Look. LOL!  Primer:  Body Shop Matte It Primer, Foundation:  Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow, Brows:  Cover Girl Brown Liner/Snoe What's Up Brow Corrector, Mascara:  Maybelline Magnum Volum Express Waterproof Mascara, Lips:  Colour Collection Ultimate Wear Lipstick - Bellissima

We went to Starbucks, hoping that we can work in a cozy environment.  But the long queue of customers, boisterous laughter from a big group seated on a nearby table, and the warm air from the coffee shop’s aircon unit (or maybe it’s really hot that time), failed us to do so.  But nevertheless, we still proceeded to work.  Tagaytay during weekends most likely mean that we have to endure long traffic jam, and it is unlikely that we can find a quiet spot to work because people are all over the place.  Looks like the cool weather that we are looking for does not want to hang out with us.  Oh well.

I Want To Be Part of Sample Room's Bloggers Circle!

From Sample Room's FB Page

I fell in love with my Sample Room subscription since the day they gave me 100 points to be used for sampling selected beauty, health and lifestyle products.  Sample Room opened the "sleeping heart" of beauty blogging within me.  At first I thought I'm destined to write inspirational, travel and food blogs and other serious stuff.  Even in my wildest dreams, blogging about beauty products never struck my mind.  When I was single, I don't put powder on my face.  I never used lotion, baby cologne is more than enough for me.  I never even bothered to groom my brows. And I love basketball.  The last statement is just random. :P

Way back then I never find myself beautiful.  I tried joining Miss Intramurals during my sophomore year in high school, and I heard people that I'm only good in joining quiz bees, and after that I promised myself not to join such contests again.  I don't have flawless skin, I'm too skinny (but I have wider hips), and I don't have good posture.  And to top them all off, my self esteem is way, way down the drain.  I'm not beautiful.  Then I focused on my studies to excel.  At least I have one aspect that I am confident of.

Karen's Beauty Post # 8: Sample Room VIP Experience - Part 3

This post has been long overdue.  Supposedly I should've posted this last week but I was busy doing things (church, shoots, post processing pictures, and a TON of backlogs!).  Ok, so much for my explanation :) let me share to you my 4th and 5th wave of my Sample Room VIP Membership experience.

My first three batches of samples were more than enough reasons to look for more goodies at Sample Room for sampling.  

1st: http://mymindinrandom.blogspot.com/2014/03/karens-beauty-post-6-all-firsts-sample.html
2nd and 3rd: http://mymindinrandom.blogspot.com/2014/04/karens-beauty-post-7-sample-room-vip.html

Congratulations to the Winner of my Belo SunExpert Summer Giveaway! :)

724 entries!  Awesome!  Hope you guys enjoyed joining my third blog giveaway (and my first beauty and lifestyle giveaway)!  

The actual products!  Must haves for your summer getaway!

The winner for this raffle was chosen via Rafflecopter so it's guaranteed that choosing the winner was beyond my control, LOL!  

My Mind In Random’s Birthday/Summer Giveaway: Belo SunExpert Products Up For Grabs!

Hello there!  Summer is here!  What are your plans for the coming summer months?  Be it at the beach or just strolling around, we should not forget to take care of our skin from the sun’s harmful rays.  You see, too much exposure from the sun can cause skin aging, wrinkles and even skin cancer (that’s what I knew).  I used to use sunblock only during my beach getaways, but now I realized that even if I’ll just go outside to go to, let’s say, work,  it’s important for us to wear sunblock for the face and body parts that are exposed to the sun as we go out.

I discovered Belo SunExpert Products, first, at Glamourbox.  Then as a VIP member at Sample Room (they are currently offering the same products for sampling), I decided to subscribe in order to get these items.  So currently I have two sets of these.  I am keeping the one set, and I’m giving away the other! (This is my birthday giveaway too!)

Karen's Beauty Post # 7: Sample Room VIP Experience - Part 2

INTRO:  Ok, so I have to defer my Glamourbox first online shopping experience post because my schedule has all been jammed up!  I need to allot some time to customize my palette and I have to show you guys how I used my Makeup Brush Cleaner.  So watch out for it.

OFF TOPIC CURTAIN RAISER:  I would like to thank the four people who joined my #PASSIONMANILA2014 Instagram contest. LOL.  You guys are awesome.  And because of that, I sent you Php 300 worth of prepaid credits.  Enjoy!

Mariztell Cabanieng (@mawwiizz)

Neil Pacheco (@neilpacheco)

Jeffersey Brig (@jefferzee)

Julius Salamanque (@juliusalamanque)

Thanks guys for joining! :)

Snap, Upload and Win! #PASSIONMANILA2014 INSTAGRAM Giveaway!

For the love of Passion Manila 2014, which will be held tomorrow and on Friday (March 27-28) at the Araneta Coliseum, I will be giving away special prizes for you, my dear Passion followers!

My Mind In Random FREE PASSION MANILA 2014 Concert Tickets Winner!

Hello guys!  I would like to thank all the participants who joined and shared their thoughts on the things that they are most passionate about :) I'm going to share all of the entries on my Facebook page.

So here is the winner of the THREE UPPER BOX A TICKETS for the Passion Manila 2014 - March 28 event at the Araneta Coliseum, 7PM (drawn via electronic raffle):

My Mind In Random Promo Giveaway: PASSION MANILA 2014 TICKETS UP FOR GRABS!

Due to my extreme excitement, I was able to have my ticket for Passion Manila 2014 months before its event date (initially it’s March 28 but another date has been added, March 27, to accommodate those who were not able to book their tickets for the 28^th). 

But I have to give up this concert in order to give way to our church’s Encounter God Retreat (EGR) and Music Workshop.

On that note, I decided to give away THREE UPPER BOX-A Passion Manila 2014 Passes, with total worth of Php 1,500 (Php 500 each ticket).

Karen’s Beauty Post # 6: All Firsts: Sample Room VIP Experience – Part 1

Hello!  It’s been quite a long time since my last post (Yes, 8 days is quite long for me!).  Been crazily busy over the past weeks due to accounting workloads, photoshoots and church activities.  And I’m loving it!  

It was said that you should love your work and your work will love you back… I guess it’s true.  Though tired and exhausted at times, I thank God because He kept me busy and productive.  And what adds more to the happiness is that I did these things with my husband.  It's indeed true that you'll love doing things the more if you're doing it with the one that you love the most. (insert "awwwwwww" here)

Anyway, let me share to you my first experience as a Sample Room VIP member and also my Glamourbox first online shopping story.