God works in mysterious way

On my last blog, I mentioned that the doctor’s  prognosis for my father’s health problem is Parkinson.  Today is the day!  My parents will go back for the result of the MRI.  I did not come with them.

Today is Friday.  My weekly ritual of going to Quiapo church.  I started this since June when our LOB came up with a new APSP.  Ever since, I never missed to come and say a little prayer every Friday in the church most popularly known as “QUIAPO church”.   Quiapo church is officially known as Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. It is home to the 17th century life-sized image of the Black Nazarene.    People on all walks of life come here to pray to the Black Nazarene.  Many experienced the miraculous healings and answered prayers of the Lord of the Black Nazarene.  I am one of them.

After having our breakfast, my husband and I went to Quiapo.  Unlike any devotee, I do not say the novena, pray the rosary or even hear mass.  I say my own little prayer.  Simple and short.  Sometimes my husband will question why I need to go too far away churches where travel time is longer than my prayer time.  He just can’t understand.

The moment I arrived in the church, I say my little prayer.  I always begin my prayer with a thank you for all His blessings, followed by asking for forgiveness for any wrong doings (which I know I always have). Last is asking for my petition.

I know what I want today, I badly needed it.  My God never failed me.  NEVER!  Asking for something you dearly want is not easy.  You need to surrender something or promised Him something. 

For my father’s health,  I will give anything.  I asked God, “Lord, you never failed me when I needed you most.  Today, I offer you something.  I will give up something that is very hard for me to give up. In return, please make my papa’s MRI result not as worse as the doctor says it will.  Not Parkinson, not Alzheimer, not even cancer or even disease that will take his sanity.”

I know since yesterday, my whole family is already praying for the health of my father.  I do not know if God granted my prayer or my mom’s or my other family members.  One thing I know, God works in mysterious ways.  My father is now free from Parkinson or Alzheimer.  Doctor says that MRI showed nothing that serious but my father will be under observation. 
I thanked God!  He made me realized how important my father is to me.  I will never take my father for granted.

My 10 pesos worth of FUN!!!

Yesterday, was a bonding moment for me and my princess who is 5yo. I managed to escaped her from her school after paying her monthly tuition fee. So she's 1 hr earlier out of school. Every Friday, as much as I can, I bring her with me every time I go to church in Quiapo during Fridays. One park caught her attention. It has colorful figures of big pre-historic animal creatures. We often passed at this park everytime we are on the way home. I promised to bring her one of these days and that day was yesterday!

After having an adventurous time in Quiapo, we hailed a PVP bus. Bound to go to the now called "Rizal Park" also known as "Luneta" or formerly called "Bagumbayan". Quiapo is very near to this well known park. Within 10 minutes, we are there. Since we haven't taken our lunch yet, I decided to have our lunch at Jollibee. After a sumptuous affordable meal. Off we go to find the entrance of this so called "Children's Playground".

The entrance is exactly located in Gen Luna St. (beside the Dept of Tourism) near Taft Ave. cor TM Kalaw, . The park has been renovated and restored by the Department of Tourism through the help and cooperation of National Parks Development Committee and the City of Manila. There is an entrance fee for anybody 2yo and above who wishes to enter the vicinity. For Php 10.00 one can enter the park and stay there for as long as you want. I think charging people to use the place helps the administration of the park maintain it not to mention this also eliminates unwanted visitors.

It's been ages since I last visited this park. I remember my parents used to bring us in this place when we were little. Visiting this place again brings back memories. The big red shoe is still there welcoming you.

The place is a child's haven. Your child can slide, run, play, play in the monkey bars, see-saw and swing all they want. There are also some kiosk or food store inside the park but most families who visits the place have prepared their own food. There are also mono-blocks tables and chairs inside with colorful parasol that you can use for FREE. You can also have your own blankets and have picnic on the grass.

Some of the things that you and your family can enjoy in this cheap but wonderful place is a Victorian fountain that welcomes you to the place. On the left side is a series of slides for bigger kids to enjoy. On the right side, you can find monkey bars and also some miniature slides. Straight ahead you can find a big Hippo, volcano and some dinosaurs. The place is a total haven for "cam whores."   No, not an individual who performs sexual services on the Internet with webcam in exchange for money.  I learned this from my  office mate, Kimmy, who calls people who loves posing whenever they see camera a "cam whore."

Over all, my daughter and I have wonderful pictures for my FB.  Maybe next time, we will try the other parts of Rizal Park!!!