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

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

Letters from Mari | Shalom, 2024

Here comes another year,

A heart still with worry and fear,

A silent wish, 

Oh universe, please hear!

A sincere prayer, dear God, make your answer clear!

♡,

Mari

Letters from Mari | Paalam, 2023

A year of understanding and discovery,

Of acceptance and road to recovery.

Step by step, waiting patiently,

Hope for an opportunity.

This year is about letting go,

Take time to let things flow,

Sometimes, weakness may show,

And know that its fine to say no. 

♡,

Mari

Letters from Mari | I Wish I Knew

Lost track of time, 

Life seemed out of rhyme,

Different situations,

Case to case perception.

Some days, I couldn't sleep,

Mind full of conclusions,

Why think so deep.

Yes, how do I avoid confusion.

Unknown future,

Decisions unsure,

Nothing is secure,

Oh please, what is the cure.

♡,

Mari

Metro Manila 2023 | Intramuros, Las Casas and University of Santo Tomas

Two days in Metro Manila with my childhood friends.

Day 1 Intramuros

We first went to Manila Cathedral and then walked to Fort Santiago.

Our light dinner was at Mercato, at that time was within Fort Santiago area too. 

Day 2 Las Casas in Quezon City and University of Santo Tomas in Manila City

Las Casas

The place is actually a mini version of Las Casas in Bataan. They advocate preserving and restoring Spanish-Filipino houses built in 18th century era.

We went here for lunch and the highlight would be the pricey halo-halo 😅 

Overall, food tastes ok. 

The ambiance felt like you're back in the past. There is also a church where you can attend a mass. 

Anyway, we came here for the old houses 😁 

University of Santo Tomas

UST, the pontifical, royal and catholic university, holds the distinction of being Asia's oldest existing university. 

We went here for a quick visit to the church and to see the "Main Building" that most of us mistook as the church. We also passed by the Arch of the Centuries. Both were declared National Cultural Treasures by the National Museum in 2010.  

Trivia: UST was originally located within Intramuros. 

That's all for now!

♡,

Mari