Monday, April 27, 2026

Letters from Mari | Por Delante

Por la noche creo que mucho.

¿Que pasa mañana o futuro?

Porque nada parece ir bien.

Pero creo que siempre hay esperanza.































Nada es permanente, siempre cambiamos.

Similares con clima que cambia.

Un corazón que no renuncia.

Pero cambiar para mejor.


Un abrazo,

Mari


Sunday, January 11, 2026

Iloilo 2023 | Islas de Gigantes

Gigantes Islands, here we come! 🥳

This trip to explore the beautiful Islas de Gigantes in Iloilo is part of my never ending list of “must see” places in the Philippines.

As soon as we left the Iloilo airport, we went to the bus station to find a bus going to Carles.

Once in Carles, we checked into the hotel resort and the next day, we went to explore Islas de Gigantes.



Always in awe how beautiful the beaches are, in the Philippines, in general. 😍


After a few days in Carles, we went back to Iloilo City and visited the Molo Church, Molo Mansion, and Casa Mariquit.



Of course, we did not forget dropping by at another branch of the oldest coffeeshop in Iloilo - Madge Cafe. Several years ago, I first tried Madge Cafe when we went to La Paz Public Market



After our trip, Iloilo was recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and I am not surprised. They are famous for Batchoy and you will find a lot of restaurants or food stalls selling Batchoy everywhere.


We had Batchoy at Popoy’s Batchoy, molo soup near the Molo Mansion, bibingka in front of Molo church, and had dinner at Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood Restaurant.


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Batchoy of Popoy’s Batchoy

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Molo soup

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Bibingka

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Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood Restaurant

   


All in all, we had fun 🥳


💕,

Mari

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Prospero Año Nuevo 2026!

Prospero año nuevo! 

May this year be more fruitful and meaningful than the last 🙏









For time never waits.












💕,

Mari

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Closing 2025!

Este año, la vida me enseño mucho.

A veces me siento feliz o triste, pero esta bien al final porque siempre estoy muy agradecido por las oportunidades.
















Muchas gracias, 2025!

It’s another challenging year of work-life balance 😊


Un abrazo,

Mari 

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Galilee 2023 | Tabgha and Mount of Beatitudes

In a day, we went to Tabgha and Mount of Beatitudes.

Tabgha

Tabgha, sometimes spelled Tabga or Tabhga, derived from the Greek “Heptapegon” (seven springs), reflects the area’s natural springs that sustained life in biblical times.


The place of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes and the fourth resurrection appearance of Jesus after his Crucifixion.



Mount of Beatitudes


The exact site of the Sermon on the Mount is unknown. However, the location of the Church is the spot where Jesus is believed to have delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Overlooking the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, the mount offers enchanting views of the northern part of the lake and of the Golan Heights.




Hope to visit again in the future! 🙏


💕,

Mari





Sunday, April 27, 2025

Letters from Mari | Unpredictable


One moment, you're fire,

In a second, you're calm.

Changes like the weather,

All for being better.


A being of valor,

With a dash of flair.

A determined spirit,

And tons of grit.


Sway in any direction,

Flow in unforseen situations.

Stability is always at stake,

Weaving life with faith.


♡,

Mari

Friday, March 28, 2025

Israel 2023 | The Dead Sea

We left Jerusalem very early and arrived at the location before sunrise. Almost 2 hour drive and I'm surprised I was awake 😄
Probably because of the nonstop conversations and the amazing sceneries along the way. 

As soon as we arrived, we chose our spot and set-up our things. My initial impression was it would be crowded but luck was on our side since we were one of the few groups who arrived early. 

I went around for a bit and read the precautions too. So the water temperature is high and I should not let the water touch my eyes due to its salt content. The most important thing is to float only on your back and do not attempt to swim to avoid accidents.

The Dead Sea has extremely high salt concentration making the water dense and therefore exerts a strong upward buoyant force. It is easy for people to float.

What to bring:
2. Hat
3. Lots of water
4. Refreshing snacks



After sunrise, we decided to go back since its too hot already and we wanted to avoid too much crowd.


♡,
Mari

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Hola, 2025!

Feliz año nuevo!

Welcoming the new year with hope 🍀



Looking forward to more opportunities for growth, wealth, and prosperity! 

♡,
Mari

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Adios, 2024!

Thankful for all the blessings and grateful for what I have 🙏

Patiently waiting for all unanswered prayers to unfold as we welcome another year of hope and chances.



Thanks, 2024! 
It was a challenging year but glad we made it 🥂

♡,
Mari

Friday, December 27, 2024

Jerusalem | Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Church of St. Peter, and Mount of Olives

Jerusalem, capital of Israel, is one of the oldest cities in the world.

Visited Jerusalem and explored religious or holy places.

Also known as the "Wailing Wall" or "Kotel", is the most religious site in the world for the Jewish people.

It is the last remaining outer wall of the ancient Jewish temple, and an incredibly important site of modern Israeli history

Traditionally, prayers are either spoken or written down and placed in the cracks of the wall. The wall splits into two sections, one area for males and the other for females.



The site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is identified as the place of both the crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth. The church has long been a major pilgrimage center for Christians worldwide.


Saint-Peter in Gallicantu (from Latin “galli cantu”, meaning “where the rooster has crowed”) is built on the Eastern slopes of the Mount Zion. This spot is believed to be the location of Caiaphas’ palace.

This place commemorates:


Also known as a place of prophesies, prayer, hope, redemption, and victory. 

It has an observation point that offers panoramic view of Jerusalem's old city, Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Other places:

♡,
Mari

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Galilee | Church of Transfiguration and Church of the Annunciation

Galilee is known for the Sea of Galilee (Jesus walked on water) and where Jesus grew up. It was also said that it was where Jesus started his ministry. 


Mount Tabor

This mountain was said to be a site of settlement and battles between Canaanites and Israelites. Later, it was believed that the transfiguration of Jesus took place in this mountain. 

At present, you will find the Church of Transfiguration, under the Franciscan order, in Mount Tabor. 


Kafr Kanna

Our itinerary was set to visit Nazareth, and eat knafeh along the way. 

But I suggest visiting the place where Jesus performed his first miracle - He transformed water into wine at a wedding feast. 


The Church of the Annunciation 

Commemorates the place where angel Gabriel visited Mary and announced that she will conceive/bear the son of God - Jesus. 


That's all for today!

♡,

Mari

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Letters from Mari | For time never waits




I am well aware that time waits for no one.

Life unfolds without waiting for anyone. 


♡,

Mari


2024

Sunday, April 21, 2024

Tiberias | Capharnaum, Kinneret, and Yardenit

Thankful for my family since they've already made plans on where we should go. 

Our first stop was at Rabbi Meir and then Capharnaum

Capharnaum was a fishing village and was later on known to be where Jesus performed many of his miracles


It was said that Jesus called it his "own city" and then at some point, cursed the place due to the people's lack of faith. 



Currently, Capharnaum is often visited by pilgrims and tourists.

Remnants of the ancient synagogue exists here too. 


Capharnaum is next to Kinneret (Sea of Galilee)

Kinneret is a freshwater lake and was said to be the second lowest lake in the world.


The next day, we went to visit Yardenit.

Yardenit is a site visited by pilgrims and tourists who wanted to experience the waters in which Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Entrance is free but participating in baptism ceremony is available for a fee. 


I felt spiritual connection after few days of visiting religious sites. A blessed first week in the country. 


♡,

Mari

Israel 2023 | Day 1

Been praying for a long time to have the opportunity to visit Israel and it happened. 

Glory to God! 🙏

All smiles when the plane landed at the Tel Aviv airport, early in the morning.



Thanks to my mom's friends who welcomed me with flowers and warmth 😊

Later, we went to Tiberias.



Met my ninang and ninong, finally. 
Nice meeting Bonnie too 🐶

Btw - Dinner was fantastic!

Can't wait to visit other places!


♡,
Mari