Skip to main content

When God Shows Up: My Real-Life Moments of Grace

  In one of Fr. Jerry M. Orbos, SVD’s books — Just a Moment — he asks a powerful question: “Was there a moment in your life when you experienced God in a very real and personal way?” My answer is a wholehearted yes — not just once, but many times.   I didn’t grow up religious. I wasn’t taught to rely on God’s grace. As a child, life felt messy, hopeless, and out of control. I wanted to grow up fast so I could fix the things I hated most — especially the way we were living. Back then I didn’t know it, but God was already working behind the scenes.   The first time I truly felt His presence was in 2008, when I passed the bar exam. That year, the passing rate was unexpectedly adjusted — something I saw as God’s perfect timing. Honestly, if that didn’t happen, I don’t know how I would have survived it. It was a turning point that made me believe God sees us, hears our whispered prayers, and knows how much we struggle. From that day, I promised myself to live ri...

MMFF 2024: "The Kingdom" and "Espantaho" - A Double Feature Review

Our family ventured into the cinematic world of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024, watching "The Kingdom" and "Espantaho." Here's our take:


"The Kingdom" (3/5 stars) Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual's alternate history film explores a Philippines untouched by colonization. Sotto shines in an unconventional role, while Pascual delivers his signature excellence. Sue Ramirez outperforms Kristine Reyes, and Sid Lucero's brief appearance impresses.
The movie's potential is hindered by a concise script, limiting the actors' showcase. Overall, "The Kingdom" sparks intriguing discussions, but its brevity falls short.



"Espantaho" (4/5 stars)

Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino, Chanda Romero, Donna, and Eugene Domingo dazzle in this chilling thriller. Our younger viewers were genuinely frightened, while adults may find the plot somewhat predictable – until the jaw-dropping finale.
The cast's superb performances elevate "Espantaho" to a thrilling experience, despite minor shortcomings.


That's a wrap! 'The Kingdom' and 'Espantaho' delivered memorable experiences. Looking forward to next year's MMFF!

#MMFF2024
#filmreview
#moviereview
#TheKingdom
#Espantaho
#personalmoviereview

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Porest View: Scenic Bites with a Side of Honest Thoughts

                                                      Our recent food trip to Porest View in Davilan, Carmona, Cavite, was something we had been looking forward to for quite some time. We’d always pass by this spot on our way to Tagaytay, and thanks to Facebook Reels and TikTok, our curiosity was piqued. With stunning views of the city, Laguna Lake, and Mt. Makiling, it seemed like the perfect place to enjoy a meal with a view. Nestled along the newly opened Davilan Road—a convenient shortcut from Carmona to Tagaytay—Porest View offers a simple yet inviting  karinderya-style  setup with an overlooking dining experience. We arrived around 9 AM, fresh from Sunday mass and with empty stomachs that were eagerly anticipating a hearty breakfast. I suggested we finally give this place a try, hoping for a delicious meal to st...

Our Weekend Staycation & Dinner Experience in Tagaytay

After a week of prepping for our kids' quarterly exams ( nothing too hardcore—just enough to keep them ready! ), my husband and I decided it was time for a well-deserved break. So, we packed up and headed to Y&L’s Crib, Tagaytay for a relaxing weekend staycation. Pre-Staycation Errands & Quick Stopovers Before heading to Tagaytay, we had an early morning dental appointment for our annual check-up and cleaning. By the time we were done (around 11:45 AM), we were already starving —so of course, the kids had one place in mind: Jollibee! 🍗🍟 After a quick lunch, we finally hit the road to Tagaytay. Aside from some much-needed downtime, I also had a business  meeting . Plus, I got to catch up with our friends/ neighbors, Shirley and Mike.   Dinner at Paragos, Tagaytay – First-Time Visit For dinner, we decided to try Paragos , a restaurant located in Brgy. Maitim 2nd East, Tagaytay City, just five minutes away from our condo. We’ve seen a lot of great reels and revi...

Preselling Property: Is It Worth the Investment? Our Experience & Insights

The real estate market in the Philippines is booming, with countless preselling properties available for aspiring homeowners and investors. But for many, the idea of purchasing a home before it's even built can be overwhelming—whether due to financial constraints or a lack of understanding of the pros and cons. I get it. When my husband and I first bought our first house in Cavite , we weren’t even married yet. At that time, our salaries barely covered our daily needs. But with marriage in mind, we took the risk and made our first real estate investment . Not everyone supported our decision—his family was skeptical because, at that point, there was no guarantee we’d end up together. Fast forward almost 15 years later , we’re happily married with two kids and three real estate investments —our first house in Cavite, a condo unit in Tagaytay , and a bigger house and lot also in Cavite. Looking back, buying a preselling unit was one of the best financial decisions we ever made. But...