With Hearts Full of Gratitude

 Dear Family, Friends, and Community,

At a time when we called for help, prayers, and donations, you went all out.

Zoe's stay in the ICU of Biñan Doctors Hospital brought days of fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability. But it was also a time when we witnessed kindness, concern, and companionship. Through your prayers, generosity, messages, and acts of care, we were reminded that we never walk alone. Truly, God was with us.

Now that Zoe and our family have begun the journey to healing and recovery, we want to share something in return.

We have gathered FREE resources, stories, creative gifts, and Ignatian Prayer Reflections, a little collection of the things we love and create:

Music covers by Val

Storytelling sessions and read-alouds by Teacher Zarah

Bibliotherapy resources for teachers, parents, and caregivers

Reading for Care stories and reflections

Daily reflection prompts and worksheets inspired by Ikigai and Ignatian prayer

These are our gifts to everyone who walked with us through prayer, kindness, and generosity.

May you use them in your daily prayer, meditation, mindfulness sessions, or quiet moments of me-time. May you also pass them on to someone who needs a little kindness, a piece of hope, or a moment of quiet joy.

Our only request is that you kindly give proper attribution when sharing or using these resources by linking back to or mentioning the original source.

Kindness received is kindness shared.

May these little gifts carry forward the love that carried us.

May God bless us all!

With gratitude,

The Gagatigas

DAY 3 TO DAY 4: Trusting the Healing Journey

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for bringing us through another day of healing. We are grateful for Zoe’s renewed strength, the little things she can do, and the hope these moments bring.

As we welcome Day 4, help us remain vigilant without being consumed by fear, hopeful without rushing recovery, and patient with ourselves and one another.

Grant Zoe continued healing and strength. Give our family the grace of fortitude and forbearance as we accompany her through this journey.

We entrust tomorrow and all that it holds to Your loving care.

Through the intercession of St. Padre Pio and Our Lady of the Assumption, continue to guide and protect us.

St. Padre Pio, pray for us.

Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us.

Amen.

D2 Towards Healing and Recovery: Vigilant and Hopeful

As we take each day at a time, we carry this prayer with us.

Combining Ikigai and Ignatian Prayer, we are sharing reflection points and a worksheet/journal prompts. May these acts of faith, hope and quiet time bring us to places we desire and graces asked for.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for bringing Zoe home and for the healing we have witnessed. As she continues to recover, help us remain attentive to her needs, vigilant in her care, and hopeful in the journey ahead.

Grant us the wisdom to recognize what needs our attention, the courage to seek help when necessary, and the patience to allow healing to unfold in its own time.

When fear and anxiety arise, lead us back to Your peace. Help us discern what we can do today and surrender what is beyond our control.

May we find consolation in small signs of recovery, gratitude in the people who accompany us, and strength in Your loving presence.

Through the intercession of St. Padre Pio and Our Lady of the Assumption, continue to guide and protect Zoe and our family.

St. Padre Pio, pray for us.

Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us.

Amen.

When Friendship is God’s Grace

Kung paanong mahal Ako ng Aking Ama

Sa inyo'y Aking ipinadarama

Sa pag-ibig Ko, kayo sana ay manahan

At bilin Ko sa inyo ay magmahalan

For the past week, we have seen, witnessed, and lived in this friendship. Through the fear, weariness, uncertainty, and prayers for Zoe’s healing, we experienced God’s presence in the people who walked with us.

In their kindness, generosity, prayers, and acts of care, we were reminded that we were never alone.

And now, as Zoe prepares to come home and continues her journey of healing and recuperation, our hearts are filled with gratitude. We look forward to having her home, resting, regaining her strength, and taking each day of recovery one step at a time. There will be follow-up checkups and more days of healing, but we face them with renewed hope and the love that has carried us this far.

Thank you to everyone who held us in prayer, reached out, offered help, and stayed close through this difficult week. Your friendship has been a beautiful reminder of God’s love. May He bless you and hear the prayers you carry in your own hearts, too.

As we continue to pray for Zoe’s healing and for our family, may we also become a source of friendship, compassion, and hope for others.

We rest in the Lord, we are graced by His friendship, and we continue to pray.

Read Aloud of Masaya Ang Maging Ako by the Audacious @puralukavega

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Unpopular Opinion: Filipinos Do Not Read

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Bangtan Hermana Notes: Quail Eggs and Run BTS

At the onset of Zoe’s (ARMY Daughter) dengue infection, I asked friends and family for suggestions on supplemental and supportive food. Tawatawa, papaya leaves, and quail eggs were the top three recommendations, along with stern reminders to hydrate well and get ample rest.

As a child, Zoe loved quail eggs. So imagine my surprise when she suddenly disliked eating them! She was even frustrated at having to endure this nutrient-packed food. I had to explain it to her simply: quail eggs are rich in protein and provide nutrients that support the body. They won’t increase her platelet count or cure dengue, but they can help provide nourishment and support her strength as her body fights the infection.

I checked online and quail eggs provide:

Protein, which supports tissue maintenance and repair.

Vitamin B12, which contributes to normal blood cell formation.

Iron, which supports healthy red blood cell production.

Other micronutrients that contribute to general nutrition.

Of course, these nutrients support overall health; quail eggs are not a treatment for dengue or a way to increase platelet counts.

As Zoe watched me shell four quail eggs in her room in the ICU a few days back, she said, “Jin had to shell quail eggs as one of his missions in an episode of Run BTS.”

And there she was, watching me do the very same thing. Suddenly, the little eggs had a Bangtan connection. But seriously, there's something lovely about this little moment. In the middle of hospital routines, antibiotics, blood tests, and medical updates, a BTS memory gave Zoe and I something fun and familiar to smile about.

#BTS #RUNBTS #BTS_Jin #foodforhealth

From ICU to Regular Room

 

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My Calm and My Strength

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Poetry: Walang Pinipili Ang Pagluha

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Book Recommendation: I Am the Change in Climate Change

 

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Bangtan Hermana Notes: BTS Paved the Way: Heavy is the Crown

There is a difference between wearing a crown on one’s head and holding one. One speaks of recognition; the other makes me think of responsibility, legacy, and what we choose to do with the recognition we receive.

When we talk about BTS paving the way, I think we need to look beyond who came first or who influenced whom. We need to examine the pathways they opened and the cultural exchanges they made possible.

Their glocal impact matters: a Korean group whose music, language, and stories crossed borders, found meaning in different local contexts, and inspired conversations that extend beyond the music industry, including philosophy, cultural studies, language, and identity. Their legacy is not about erasing the artists who came before them. It is about recognizing what BTS uniquely contributed to the landscape.

And that is what these crowns remind me of: the crown is not the whole story. What matters is the work, the people who made it possible, and the doors that opened along the way. BTS did not build the road alone, but they helped take K-pop into places and conversations that were once harder to imagine.

Seven artists, one shared legacy. The crown may be a symbol, but the impact is something we can examine.

Apobangpo! Purple and true!

Coming Soon: Poetry, Clay and Stories

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