It is 2012 ! So what??

 Is it  really 2012 ?? What does this mean?? Some of you might say " so what?" it's another year.  Some might say 2012 - year of CHANGE? that's what they said about 2011.  Did you change? for the better? or did you get worse?


For my own interpretation, new year is a new beginning. My chance for a DO - OVER!

I told myself in 2011, I will read more and I did! ( read 4 books ) doesn't sound a lot but I did.

Enough is Enough ! - how much shoes do I need? How much purses do I buy? NO new purse but did buy shoes ( but always giveaway old pair to either Goodwill or send it our moms back home)

What do we do for 2012?
Oprah has this show Super Soul Sunday where we are given assignments rather than resolutions.

Check it out and perhaps it will help you be more fulfilled with love rather than STUFF.

Here are some of the Assignments :

1. Shift your thinking
2. Decide what you really  need in life
3. Let go
4. Learn the Power of One
5. Appreciate Nature

Friends, whatever you wish to accomplish, do in 2012 is all up to YOU! 

Thank you for following us in 2011 and we hope to see you more in years to come.

On behalf of the F.L.A.G Team, we wish you and your family peace, joy and love in 2012.

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Another chance to make it better

As 2011 draws to a close, like you I reflect on what has happened this past year.  One thing I know that I can't stop asking myself is " what is my real purpose in life". I celebrated my 40th birthday this year, it was wonderful! Now what????


Still trying to figure this out... What my husband and I know for sure is we will never stop helping others.  Our charity is very small ( for now ) but our hearts are big.  Just look at the girls' faces when they opened the presents from friends and family who unselfishly thought of others during the holiday season.

For all of our followers, donors, friends and family, we thank you for your continuing support.  We look forward to another chance to give hope, faith and love to the underprivileged girls of the Philippines. 

Thank you for stopping by,

 Hugs,

 The F.L.A.G team

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I was born today. 40 years ago

40 years ago, Monica Vera , oldest of 3 daughters born in Manila, Philippines.  Not sure why my dad named me "Monica".  I never had the chance to ask him before he died.  My mom can't remember either.

I want to reflect on the last 40 years of life ( i can't even  remember want happened yesterday.. sigh ) , It would be nice to start to document the next 40 years of my life.


Here's some of my highlights: ( i think)

1. I sang in a choir for Pope John Paul II.

2. I was part of the Sound of my Music play in school ( can't remember what grade )

3. I was 14 when I left my mom and dad with sister to go to Canada for a better life.

5. At 16, I was back home.

6. At 17, I was heart broken ( twice)

7. 19, met my husband, 20 we got married and had a baby.

8.  at 28, the big D ..  (yes..long story)

9. 30.. start over..

10.  40 now..kids are all grown up, devoted part of my life in service to others through F.L.A.G and again re-discovering what I will do next.  Maybe I should start writing the next 40 years of my life ? ( hmm..)

For those of you Club 40 members, how does it feel being 40??

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,

Hugs,

Monica

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Super Mom No. 2

I started a new topic  called " Super Moms" a month ago.  These are moms who came to us to ask for small loan to start their own business.  Our first mom was Adelyn ( posted November 15 ).   She bought her stove and  ingredients for her small store and now up and running.  Stay tuned for her progress.


The word got around and second mom approached us for the same idea and we are so happy to start this new business with her.  Like Adelyn, Che-che would also start a small business by becoming a banana vendor.  The initial start up cost is $50. ( ladies, that's not even a price for a good pair of shoes in North America).  The buzz in any charity or non-profit organization is starting a micro loan for women in developing countries.  It has been proven when women are given this opportunity, the business will not only grow it will flourish.  She will be able to feed, cloth and educate her family. 

We wish her good luck and pray for her success.

This is Che-che with her daughter , 15 years from now she will be walking with her when she graduates college.

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,

Hugs,

The F.L.A.G team

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Christmas in the Philippines

Just so you know, Christmas in the Philippines starts September 1st.  As soon as the month hits "BER"  ( brrr..) the sound of Christmas has began. For us probably way toooo early, for Filipinos they can't wait to start.

Here's a sneak peak of some of our Traditions that we still preserve today:

Christmas Lantern - the original Christmas lantern is made of Japanese paper and sticks of bamboo.  Fast forward, they are now made of shells, plastics, aluminum in different shades. Here's mine displayed on my front window.

  

Midnight Mass - one week before Christmas, all Catholic Churches are open for Midnight masses. 

   

Rice Cakes ( Bibingka ) - best to describe this delicious delicacy we always eat after Midnight Mass .  Made of rice, coconut, cheese and salted egg . 

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs,

From the F.L.A.G Team

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All I want for Christmas - Birthday is...

Yes, for the last 40 years, I probably been robbed of birthday presents since my birthday is so close to Christmas.. " what do you want for your Christmas - Birthday gift?"

For this milestone birthday, I don't really know what I want so I started making a list.  This list became pretty looooooooooooooong!  and expensive. Oh by the way.. hubby is planning a party... sshhh! I found out about it ( men are not good party planners!)

Not sure how old I was when  I got this doll, it was from my grandparents sent from Canada to the Philippines. I think I was about 4 years old in this picture. Back then, this is all I wanted nothing more nothing less.

Kidding aside, I had a wish this year to go to Europe with my husband for our 40th birthdays but did not happen. We had 3 trips this year ( Manila, Chicago, Dominican Republic), I think we are still pretty blessed to have done so many great things and visited so many different places.

So what do I really want for my birthday???. I really don't know. I have a few weeks to figure it out.

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,

Hugs,

Monica

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