We finally gave in and rented a violin for Emma. Yes. Rented.  Turns out, even if your child is starting violin, if you’re going full investment, you can’t buy her starter violin from Guitar Center or online. Any violin online. Emma’s teacher, since day one has been tolerating the horrendous sound of her $100 violin. And so after a year, we went to a reputable seller around the area and rented a $700 violin. The amount we pay for goes toward the credit of owning it one day so that we’ll be able to keep it or upgrade to the next size. Emma started with a 1/8 violin, so you know that if you’re going to enroll your child in that instrument, prepare to shell out $$$ for the duration of her music education.  This year, she’s now playing a 1/4 size violin….and so forth. That’s one child alone. Imagine if you have two daughters who need a great violin and lessons! (After imagining that, try imagining three daughters learning violin.) Thank the Lord, I’ll be the one teaching them the piano. So for the parents who are considering the violin for their child: 1) invest in a GOOD violin […]

I’m really blessed to be a part of two groups who are helping out in the relief of Haiyan’s aftermath. They are both raising money for different groups directly involved with the efforts in the devestated areas. SJBCI: They’re collecting weekly. http://sjbci.org/news-announcements/2013/11/14/typhoon-haiyan-relief-fundraiser/ Songs & Music of Hope: Dec.14 (My friends from college days are working together to bring a night of hope into fruition). https://www.facebook.com/events/434592973332987/438678812924403/?notif_t=like

When you hear something discouraging said about you, what do you do? Now, when you hear something discouraging said about you, within the body of Christ, what do you do? I’m Filipino, so naturally, there are two things that take involuntary effect: 1) is to go into pride mode (defensive):  This means, I’m typically right and party B, C, and/or D are wrong. Subsequently, statements thus are made:      a) “Who are they to judge?” Quote verse on judging. Proceed to point out their faults and inumerate.      b) “So and so told me that they’re guilty of so and so.” Start forming alliances and make sure to name drop to gain credibility. 2) go into beast mode (offensive):       a) “They’re going to hear it from me.”  Then start compiling bullet points verbally to make sure you have a bulletproof case against set party.      b) “Fine, I’m not even going to go near them. I’ll leave.  See if they like it.” Start inumerating your merits and how much you’ve done for them/the cause.  Then the voluntary effect: 1) go into passive/aggressive mode: We end up not communicating, instead hold an enormous grudge and silent […]