A Prayer for Healing

No, I don't have cancer. But I do have certain things in my life right now that are beginning to get out of control. It feels so awful sometimes that it feels almost as if I'm physically sick.

I'd previously deal with it under the sheets. Literally. I'd blame the world for my many misfortunes and cry and cry until my tears run dry. It was very cowardly and did not really solve the problems. But hey it made me feel better even just for a while.

One Sunday several months ago someone was handing out leaflets to mall-goers, Mama and myself included. I accepted one but I never really read it. Not until Mama told me much later that she was praying the prayer printed on the leaflet every night and it always made her feel at peace.

So I did the same, recite the Prayer for Healing each and every night, from the heart, especially during times like these. It's deceptively brave, it makes me feel much better, and yes, it does solve problems (in myriad ways).

Prayer for Healing

Dear God,

You said, Come to Me all of you who are tired and heavily burdened and I will give you rest.

I come to you today... right now. Please touch every pore, every fiber, every cell of my body. Touch my mind, my heart and my spirit. Fill me with hope. Teach me to believe that with God, nothing is impossible. Help me to believe that nothing happens by chance and everything that happens has a reason.

I trust that no matter what, You will fight for me. I only need to be still. I need not fear anymore. Help me, heal me, hug me, be here in my pain. Blessed pain, holy pain. Blessed pain, holy pain.

I accept Your will, but touch every part of me that needs healing. Heal my body, heal my heart, heal my mind, heal my spirit, heal my pocket, heal my memories. I have come to You with my burdens. You will give me peace, You will give me rest, You will give me healing. And this I believe -

I believe that I am healed.

I believe that I am whole.

I believe that I can now live life to the full.

Mother Mary, Regina Rosarii, intercede for me to Jesus, your Son. I ask this in the Name of Jesus - the Great Healer, the Great Provider. AMEN.

The original prayer only refers to first person (the person actually praying) but Mama prays a second version after praying for herself. She replaces the ”I” with “his/her”,” they”, and so on; so in effect she's praying for her family, friends, even for strangers. It's short and easy so one could always pray this whatever the situation may be. It’s powerful, inspiring, and invokes all who read it to have a renewed sense of faith in God and belief in the Blessed Virgin’s intercession.

May you be inspired too,

Hitting the Bird's Eye

Tired of the usual fried and grilled chicken Sunday lunches, Noy and I ventured last weekend on eating at the newly opened Peri-Peri at the SM Megamall. It's still chicken, but it's Portuguese, something we haven't tried before. The name peri-peri (correctly spelled piri piri) is a Portuguese term to describe the African bird's-eye chili, which is featured in the restaurant's signature hot sauce.

And boy, does the sauce deliver. There are two bottles of different types on the table. I like the oil-based one because it's lighter and more pungent. The more textured one tastes like Tabasco, only more raw, and quite harsh it almost burns.

But the big big hit here is the chicken. Whether hot and spicy, mild spicy or lemon and garlic-basted, it's succulent and tender. The flavor of herbs and spices where it was marinated in for a long time bursts in the mouth with every bite. And because, it's spit-fire grilled, it's less fatty and wonderfully cooked through to the bones - no bloody insides here. I thoroughly enjoyed my chicken.

While the sidings are a tad ordinary, they are equally flavorful and enjoyable. What's especially notable about Peri-Peri is the fact that their portions are huge, but it wasn't mentioned anywhere in their extensive menu that they do. If you're a big-portion person who's looking for an amazing value for your money, this is the place to go.

So much so that I had to come back to taste the pasta platter. For this set meal, one has to choose between Alfredo or Bolognese; both are just as yummy and plenty as the chicken and sidings.

For both visits, we availed of their promo - add Php 49 to your chicken meal of choice and get unlimited servings of drinks and soups - all equally superb. This is an awesome deal I probably won't get tired of. Oh, and try their Cafe Latte - surprisingly heartwarming.

Are you still reading? I thought you're already checking out their website, where you'll find they have a lot more to offer, like rappas, quesadillas, and intriguing entrees. I myself can't wait to come back and say Ola! to wonderfully filling good food again.

Mama's Flowers

I can't help writing about Mama and her beautiful garden every time I come back from a vacation back home. Her flowers are just breathtaking.

This time, I was lucky to have my brother in law, Saturn, around for a fresh photographic take of Mama's flowers.

Sometimes, I still couldn't figure out she has managed to grow a garden full of pretty little delights. Before every trip home I look forward to what changed during the time I was out - what orchid varieties are in bloom now, what replaced the gumamelas that lined the walkways, what was growing around the grotto, if the fruit trees have produced sprouts yet, and so on. There's just always something new, something pleasurable, sometimes surprising. Like this lemon shrub that's managed to bear fruit. I can't wait to harvest and have a taste of this home-grown treat.

Click here for more photos by Saturn Labanda.

AI 2011 Begins!

It's inevitable, American Idol fans and non-fans will compare the previous judges with Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. As an AI fan, I honestly think that the new judges are credible and worthy of the job because they themselves are icons of the world music scene, the details of which are unnecessary here because we all know who they are.

As I devoted two precious hours of my time last night to watch the premier, I found myself wanting for more. The contestants are always the same highly diversified group - from the deathly boring to the insanely uncontrollable crazy - with really good singers in between. The very Pinoy story-telling of miseries and difficulties of a number of contestants is still there, and yes they do get to Hollywood! I particularly liked the story AND singing of Melinda Ademi, whose family moved to the US from Kosovo as war refugees. It was heartbreaking but not too cheesy.

Also a personal favorite is Devyn Rush, a New York singing waitress. She's got an awesome, soothingly powerful voice. I like the fact that she's cool and down to earth and takes the praises AND criticisms of the judges calmly, unlike the others who go overboard on screaming. I'd definitely see how far she goes into the competition.

Going back to the judges, I think they were great. Steven Tyler is the man of the hour. He is a pro at saying NO creatively and shows great appreciation for the truly talented. He sings with the contestants and gives out animal-like sounds when he's not liking them. It's funny and gives the show a fresh vibe despite the routine format.

I was never a J Lo fan. Sure, I watched her movies, but I never really liked her songs and dancing, and sometimes her outfit. But tonight slowly made me come full circle. I love her! She looks amazing, she speaks from the heart, and she knows what she's doing. Although she has difficulty rejecting semi-talented contestants for now, it's expected that she will learn how to deal with them as the show progresses. Here comes the comparison part: her compassion is so much like Paula Abdul's, but she doesn't talk like her blood reeks of sedatives. J Lo's comments are clearer and more direct to the point.

It was weird to see Randy in Simon Cowell's place in the panel, but currently it's the best arrangement possible, I'm sure you'll all agree. He's the same truthful, sometimes painfully constructive guy, and the way he'll handle the entire judging panel is yet another exciting thing to look forward to this season.

American Idol is on Star World Thursdays and Fridays live at 6 pm with a primetime episode at 8pm.