From Fisherman to Presidential Portrait Artist

From Fisherman to Presidential Portrait Artist

I grew up familiarizing myself with the types of fish I had seen in the ocean of Jolo, Sulu. At a young age, I would join the “hulbot hulbot” (fishing boat) with the adults to fish in the sea for weeks. I was raised near the shores of Sangali, Zamboanga City. My late...
Tao Rin Ang Anino

Tao Rin Ang Anino

“…at darating ang araw na s’ya rin ay mamumukadkad, sisilay sa nakakubling liwanag– titingala-maipipinta ang saya…magniningning at masasaksihan ng mundo ang sarili n’yang  ganda.” Kapirasong linya mula sa sulating pinaglipasan na ng panahon. Sa higit na 300...
My Mom and My Wounds: A Story of Redemption

My Mom and My Wounds: A Story of Redemption

A Difficult Childhood I grew up in a household where my mom did not allow me and my siblings to play outside the house. Because of this, we would sneak out to play. Whenever my mom caught us, she would beat us black and blue. Bruises, sores, and wounds covered our...
Trusting God Beyond My Comfort Zone (PART 2)

Trusting God Beyond My Comfort Zone (PART 2)

Trying to Make Ends Meet I was unemployed in the Philippines for six months while waiting for my job in Qatar to become a reality. I asked a friend who owned a company to give me work as I waited. I thank God for this because the monthly pay I earned from this short...
Trusting God Beyond My Comfort Zone – PART 1

Trusting God Beyond My Comfort Zone – PART 1

A Difficult Beginning It has been four years since I followed God to our place of obedience. It was not easy building my spiritual muscles to become strong in the Lord. There were a lot of people asking and even forcing me to tell them why I left Singapore even though...
A Job, Please—But Not on Sundays, Lord! (PART 2)

A Job, Please—But Not on Sundays, Lord! (PART 2)

The Story of Isabel Villegas As told to Janina Marie Rivera The next day, I took care to dress well, fix my hair, and apply make-up on my face. I went to my job interview. My potential employer looked so simple. She had no make-up on and no jewelry. She bluntly asked,...