From the corners of the universe

From the corners of the universe, my voice trails away..

This has been one of the best years of my life. As usual, there were ups and downs but we've made it through it all because of His grace. 

At the start of the year, I've been trying to read as many books about spirituality and marriage. This is to anticipate the upcoming marriage with Jasmin at the end of the year. These are the books that I've read:

- Mere Christianity

- Ok lang Magstruggle At Mabigo

- Life is Short 

- Handa Ka Na Ba - For Better or For Worse?

- Marriage Rules The Hilarious Handbook for Surviving Marriage

- How to Keep Your Hubby Happy 

- The Story of Marriage

- Life Is ____

- How's Your Soul

After finishing the Naruto series last year, I took a break from watching any content and focused on my Instagram accounts called @myartdump.psd and @versenchorus. This year, the list of the anime that I've watched grew. Here are the animes and anime movies that I've watched:

Black Clover

Demon Slayer

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

Attack On Titan

Inuyasha

Jujutsu Kaisen

A Place Further Than the Universe

The Promised Neverland

Violet Evergarden

Your Lie In April

Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Erased

Terror in Resonance

Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

Classroom of the Elite

My Hero Academia

Death Note

Rent-a-Girlfriend

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai

Kuroko's Basketball

Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!

Tamako Market

Your Name

The Girl Who Leap Through Time

Garden of Words

Ride Your Wave

When Marnie Was There

Hotorobi No Mori

Hello World

Hal

A Whisker Away

I Want To Eat Your Pancreas

Howl's Moving Castle

The Anthem of the Heart

Penguin Highway

Her Blue Sky

A Silent Voice

Weathering With You

5 Centimeters Per Second

Garden of Words

Children Who Chase Lost Voices

My Neighbor Totoro

Princess Mononoke

Wolf Children

Summer Wars

Spirited Away

Voices of a Distant Star

Colorful

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train

Manga:

Rent-a-girlfriend

Boruto

Domestic Girlfriend

Demon Slayer

Attack On Titan

Other series and movies:

iCarly

Loki

WandaVision

What If

Black Widow

Shang-Chi: The Legend of the Ten Rings

This year, I started listening to podcasts as well. 

Wil Dasovich's SuperHuman

Toni Talks

Matteo Guidicelli's MattRuns

It's fun listening to conversations from people with different perspectives. 

Pamamanhikan

The first major event this year is the Pamamanhikan, Jassiee prepared a presentation for the details of the wedding while my uncles and aunties visited us here. It was a fun and fruitful conversation. 

After a year of Pandemic. The vaccine has been made available. I got my first and second does last June and July. 

We then went to Batangas, Cavite, Novaliches, and around Muntinlupa one weekend. We talked to our relatives and our principal sponsors to propose to be a part of our wedding. Glady only one declined, it was here in Muntinlupa. 

Preparation, Prenup and Wedding 

- Went to Manila to order our Wedding Bands

- Went to Mandaluyong for my suit. 

- Meeting with catering with Food tasting

- Seminar on Pre-Marriage, Family Planning, and Counseling conducted by the local government.

- Before I Do seminar held by Victory Alabang

- Meeting with the Photographer for our Prenup

- We do the paperwork for the marriage license 

- Went to Tagaytay to visit the venue with the Host.

- Invitations

- Went to Batangas to give out invitations

- Bid our final goodbyes to Tatay, Jasmin's grandad. 

- Jassie did her fitting for her gown.

- Meeting with Host

- Met online with Pastor Jun where he discussed the wedding setup for us and interviewed us regarding our relationship. He also asked us theological questions, it is soo pastor Jun. 

Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party

Our lovely friends from KKB slash TFs shash TROPA, surprised us with this amazing party. They had food contributions and a program, with games and all. It was a really fun day to have this celebrated. I never really thought that this love that we have exceeds beyond our family, even our friends are happy for us and this relationship. Sana masarap ulam niyo lagi. Mahal na mahal namin kayo ni Jasmin. Syempre highlights yung games and cakes. Hahaha! 

We are satisfied and they exceeded our expectations when it comes to our Prenup photos, they took photos everywhere and at every angle and they made sure that we have the perfect shot. EDPS Studio is highly professional, they knew exactly how to satisfy the clients by their cheerful smiles and actions. It's easy to identify that they're enjoying their jobs. Here are some of my favorite shots from the Prenup:

When I proposed to Jasmin last 2020 and set our wedding date in December, I knew at the time that 2021 will only be a passing year. I don't know the exact term for it but what I meant is that 2021 will be a year of preparation for the wedding and it is. Most of our 2021 events were all about our wedding. We were busy preparing ( 98% of the time, Jassiee. Yup, she did all the work. I just nod and agree.) I initially want to be married in the first or second quarter of 2021. But she has a different plan, and I'm not familiar with weddings, so there's nothing else to do but to nod. So, here are some of the photos from the wedding:

Both Jasmin and I were in nerve as this day got nearer and nearer. I got worried that the crowd might not have fun and relate to what's happening. I'm worried about the whole program and suppliers, I'm worried about Jasmin. I told her that if anything goes wrong we just need to accept it and have fun at our wedding. Our priority is to get married. 

Just a few days before the wedding God granted us peace. All the worries went away. It seems like God is telling us that He got this. He got us covered. Which is amazingly true. God took over and flow like a river in the whole ceremony. More on this is my dedicated blog for our wedding soon. 

Extended Wedding at Batangas

Our relatives in Batangas have this really crazy idea to have an extended wedding celebration in Batangas. We were really surprised by what they did. It was all fun and food. We truly appreciate their efforts in cooking the food and preparing everything. They showed us love way beyond than we imagined. 

After the celebration, we eat some Lomi. Of course. 

Went swimming as well in this really good spot. 

This year, we also have a situation in our family. Mom, Egypt, Israel got really sick. Mom experienced a weakening blood sugar high. Her body got really weak that she can't walk straight on her own, we had her examined a few times. Egypt and Israel got headaches and colds. We all had our COVID test and only Israel got the positive. 

Good thing that it all went by. We are all well and healthy. We, then, all completed our vaccine shots. 

Our December is just full of stuff. After the wedding, we attended different parties and all.

Our first Christmas party as a combined family of Casauay and Aquino

Ate Kat visited us on Christmas day. We are so glad to see her! 

Another party from Jasmin's college friends, the CStars. This is the first time that I met them as well. 

TROPA Christmas party. It was fun and so full of food. It was nice and full of laughter. 

Lastly, our home is being fixed. We bought this home last quarter and we just started to fix it. This is truly God's miracle. God answers prayers. 

♠ Became a fan of JRock band called The Peggies.

♦ Became anime fan and read manga from time to time.

♣ Bought some new games: Fall Guys and Shinobi Stricker 

♥ Finally married!!! 

2022 will be a whole different year.

//sebajisoka

Remember December

This has to be the best month of the year. Well, not because of non-stop events and food. It's because it's our wedding month. 

#theBESforJAS - This is our hashtag. It was predestined ever since #TheWanForAnne trended. Jasmin and I got married last December 1 at Leanel's Garden in Tagaytay. It was one of the best feelings in the world and we are just thankful that we celebrated it with our loved ones. 

After the wedding, we stayed in Tagaytay to spend the night. Our friends were also in the neighborhood that's why the party continues up to the next day and here we are, enjoying each other's company. 

We also meet up with Lors, we were overwhelmed by her generosity and love, and support towards us. As a simple gift of appreciation (Let's set aside that I'm really craving for some grilled meat). We invited her over Samgyup. 

This month is getting crazier. For how many years, I had a chance to finally meet her group of friends in college. I've only heard of them through her stories. Now, they became alive. I had so much fun meeting them and they are some good and cool people. 

I'm staying at the Casauay's in the meantime. Our newly bought house is being renovated before we set our foot in this new home. In the first few days, Jasmin and I stayed there and spend the night, I even worked at the time. A picture of my setup is uploaded below:

This is Jasmin, we went back to Tagaytay to submit the requirements for our marriage license. We stopped by for some street food. We missed eating kwek-kwek. This has been our first getaway as a married couple. Yes, back in Tagaytay with some boiled egg. 

As a preparation for our new home and the upcoming party with our friends. We bought some home items like Stove but most of all, my favorite purchase is Bean Bags. I've been longing for how many years, it stated at TaskUs about 6 years ago and here we are. Dreams do come true. 

Also, we had our extended wedding celebration in Batangas. My mom has a really big family and we are not able to invite most of them. So, this plan has been settled. They set up some curtains and balloons. I melted by their love towards us. I'm forever grateful for their lives. I mean, just look at these pictures, we danced with them, eat some crazy food and have fun in general. 

The next day, we went eating a lomi somewhere in Batangas and had quick swimming. This is probably the first time since the Pandemic. 

Christmas will never be the same again. Aquino and Casauay family joined together to celebrate Christmas together. We tell our bible verses and exchange gifts. It was fun and really productive. 

Later that day, we met one of our favorite ninangs, Ate Kat. She surprised us on Christmas day while we look like trash for cleaning the house. It's always fun to have her around. For those who did not know, if anyone reads this. Ate Kat is the one who taught me to be part of the Projectionist team back in our old church. I've also worked with her during the preparation for Jasmin's 18th birthday. Look at us. Hahahha!

The next day, we signed up for the on-site Sunday Service. This is the first time in almost 2 years. It's great to be back and this is so much better than online service. It felt different, way different. We are so blessed to attend during the last service of the year.

We have new members. Our tropahan added new members. Cathy and Daryl. Cathy just received that Caution board and what a day to be alive. This is one of the most fun from our yearly party. Look at Joy's face, I'm proud to say that that's my gift. 

Other notable highlights:

- Watched Shang-Chi: The Legends of Ten Rings

- Bought Stove, canvass for other home items

- We also visited my parents at home in Bayanan to pick up some personal stuff and had a really quick catch-up with my family. 

- At the end of the month, I got attacked by Gout. Miraculously, some herbal and sprays it went out not lasting for more 2 days. 

//RememberDecember

November Rain

Last month of being single and I decided to take a break from watching anime or any other series and movies. I just read some manga, this is to prepare for the wedding, including the messages and the vows. I'll resume probably next month after the wedding hype has settled down. 

Here are the highlights of November. 

Send out invitations 

We started sending our invitations to our Family and friends. Of course, for the principal sponsors, we send out official hard copy invitations and for the rest of our friends, they got received the virtual invitation. We also created a Facebook event for the other updates. 

Meeting with Pastor Jun

We finally had our meeting with our on-the-day coordinator and with Pastor Jun. Pastor Jun guided us with the ceremony proper and some additional elements for the ceremony, like the groom's bible reading and Pastor Jun's proclamation. 

Meeting with Host 

We also had our final meeting with the host at Leanel's Garden. It was a nice and smooth day to finalize things. The photo above is from the Photo/Video team from the wedding on-site at the time. 

Food Tasting

We finalized the food, we ordered some choices so we can pick our favorites. 

Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party

Initially planned as Bridal Shower by Jasmin's bridesmaid, ended up having a Bachelorette party as well. Jasmin does not really expect of having one but to her surprise, her girls showed her love.

The event took place in Pacita, a really nice events place. There's a pool, a house with 1 large room and an outside area that can be used for parties. It was a really really nice day, we were so happy and our friends bought food and drinks. Prepare some surprise materials, like the balloons and other stuff. 

We appreciate the effort, I am surprised as well seeing the boys around. I really thought that this is just for Jas. They extended the party to me as well. 

The games are fun and exciting. There were video greetings from important people in our lives, mostly from those abroad. I really hope that they could join us at our wedding but it's okay, we felt their love and happiness for us. I never really thought that many people love us. We really appreciate their effort and all. 

I really enjoy answering questions from them. They had this different cards that they can reference in asking us questions. Some were funny, interesting, and serious. Of course, I answered many of them in a silly way. That's how I roll. But there was this one question that I'm surprised that got claps. I don't remember the exact question but it was a God-glorifying answer.

God moves in a mysterious way, it's not a cliche or a really nice quote. But it's a real thing, He is a real deal. Jassiee and I prayed for many months, even years. We asked for signs, prayed specific prayers and we do our fasting. 

I believe that many people use to forget how God answered the prayers. We get blinded by our future in wanting more. We prayed to God for a specific job and a good-paying salary. We never realized that it's getting answered as the day goes by and everything leads to our wedding. 

I personally, talked to Jas about having a home before getting married since I'm against having a grand wedding while having nowhere to lay our heads. We are lost along the way on how to set the budget and all until she convinced me to set aside the home and prepare for the wedding first. 

We initially plan on staying in one of my parents' apartments. Then, on the week that we are about to fix the house, God surprised us with a home of our own. It's nice, it's big and we know that God will provide. 

I also shared how God worked with the budget for our wedding. Just a few months ago, we were struggling on how to complete it all but yes, He is good and this is all for His glory. 

29th. 

We were too busy and excited about our wedding and I really forgot how to celebrate my birthday. Well, I don't have a plan, my eyes are already set on the wedding already. I'm just thankful for all the blessings that God showered on me over the past year. Me getting married in my 29th year is a really nice touch set by God. 

Tomorrow isn't sure and I'm just blessed to have another year to my life. 

//NovemberRain

//sebajisoka

Warm October nights

Oh! Here we are, the end of October. A lot happened this month, but let's get started with the Animes first. 

I've read this months ago in the Manga, first hand. It's sad but I can't fully absorb this fact. The anime really did a wonderful job in animating the panels of the Manga. It really hits on the spot, the animation is great, and maaan, our boy Kurama is truly gone. 

And to add to the nerfing of Naruto, Sasuke's Rinnegan, has been stabbed. Our heroes are giving way to the new MC of the Naruto Universe.  

Before you say anything, please keep in mind that I only watch 12 EP animes that were recommended to me, or high on the best anime list. That's where I found Rent-a-girlfriend, it only has 1 season, so I read the Manga. When I finished the Manga, this anime pop-up the side of the screen, tempting me to read it. It's a nice anime. 

Black Clover

Asta may be annoying at times but this anime is a top-notch new-gen anime. Fight scene? Story? And of course, a typical shonen anime. It's really good! If you like Naruto, it has similar plot points but you'll enjoy this really well. I finished the anime this month and I can't get enough of it. Apparently, the anime took a break, but the manga is still ongoing. I'm about to jump in the manga after all of this craziness. 

Domestic Girlfriend Manga

A separate post for this Manga masterpiece. The plot circled around a novelist, a teacher, and a chef. It's a complicated love story, it has a really nice hook pilot and it will give you a rollercoaster ride of emotion and excitement. I'm not into this kind of stories but I'm really surprised by this romance-drama-a-lil-comedy manga. This story made me stay a few hours late before bedtime and it made me think about writing again. It has a story of life and it will definitely give you a different perspective of the world and people around you. It highlights choices and things you do for love. An against-all-odds theme. 

Also, this manga and the anime have a little explicit content which is really interesting as it fuels emotion in the story.

Our wedding is just right around the corner and here are the things that we have accomplished for this month!

- Do the invitations. (I did very little. Lol)

- We bought a house, would you even think that? A last-minute purchase, a really nice home? Thank you, Lord! 

- Went to Batangas to give out invitations and bid our final goodbyes to Jas' grandad. 

- Prenup video has already been sent to us and it's really nice. 

- Jassie did her initial fitting for her gown. 

//sebajisoka

In the middle of September

Last month, I was just writing about how fast August slipped away. Now we're at the end of September, somebody wakes up Billie Joe.

There's a lot to unwrap this month, but let's start with my watch list first. 

After reading this in the Boruto Manga a few months ago, did not realize that it will be this quick to be animated. This is Naruto's Final form, the Baryon Mode. Boruto anime has been peaking this year, the best year so far for the fanbase. 

The My Hero Academia's last episode for this season has concluded. I always love the animation and the story. But the latter part of the season is really interesting as it tackles the origin story of the League of Villans or the Paranormal Liberation Front. Really excited for the next season.

This has been taking up my breaks and lunchtimes. Black Clover has been peaking since before the 100 episodes. The animation and battle scene have been very very good. I love the current arc and it feels like I'm in the climax of the anime. It feels like I'm watching a beautiful disaster. It's really good, didn't expect that this will be very good. 

This has been a very busy month for our wedding preparation. It's getting more real and real as the days passed by. This month magnifies that fact. 

Why? 

- Well, we already went to Manila and have our wedding rings customized, and measured my suit. 

- We also had our meeting with the food supplier about our food choices. 

- We had our seminar on Pre-Marriage, Family Planning, and Counseling conducted by the local government.

- We had a short meeting with the Photographer for our Prenup

- We do the paperwork for the marriage license 

- We had an amazing, truly amazing photoshoot in Tagaytay. I'm so pumped up on the results.

Also, this month is such a relief about our family situation from last month. We had negative results from covid and 1 in which a likely a false positive. My mom is getting better and better. Well, so much better than last month. 

//sebajisoka

21st of September

Soon enough, I'll be married to the love of my life, my first and my last. I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you in everything that you do. 

One thing I love about you is whenever you have a goal in your mind, you never stop. You never give up until you reach it and if that goal does not meet up your expectation. You move on to the next. Dattebayo, your ninja way. 😂😒

You know exactly what you're doing and you keep on trying new things. I honestly don't know how you manage all these things up, sometimes I feel like it's not possible in the first place.

The day that I fell in love with you, I know that I'm reaching for something nearly impossible.

 

When I started pursuing you, I know that it's unimaginable, I like you that much so I took the chance. I'm still not sure how you fell in love with me. I'm glad that I did what I have to do.

I knew that you will say yes the day that I proposed. I mean, we've been talking about our plans and goals. And even get mad at me for not taking action yet. 

Now that we're near to getting married, I'm reminded of how awesome you really are. I felt so small. You are THAT amazing. 

I know that I already told you this a million times but you are the picture of God's grace to me. You are someone that I don't deserve. It felt like there's nothing that I've done to deserve you but I'm really glad to accept you with everything that I have.

Who I am to reject this amazing gift anyway? 

Happy Birthday, Bebs. I'm really excited about the future with you. That's all for now, saving my vocabulary for our wedding day. 🤣😂😁

//sebajisoka

August slipped away

Yup. We're all here. Just like that.. As Taylor Swift said, "August slipped away into a moment in time". 

With the much stricter lockdown and a new variant. There's nothing much happened this month. Me and Jassie just work on the things that we can work on online or at home and delay the outside stuff. 

I started posting again on my Instagram account, but this time on reels. I've never been consistent and I only posted 2 for the whole month. How's that? 

I'm also struggling to go back to reading but I'm starting to get back on track as I slowly read few chapters. 

For my monthly routine. I watched a few series. 

iCarly season 1 was just wrapped up. 

My love for black clover is really peaking up. Things are getting really interesting. 

Of course, the on-going Boruto anime.

and My Hero Academia.

I've been reading manga, aside from the one who started my liking to reading mangas, Boruto. 

I also caught up on this really fun Romantic Comedy.

Of course the action-packed and really funny Demon Slayer. 

There's nothing much that I could share for this month. But it will be very busy for me and Jassiee in the next weeks as we prepare for our December wedding. omg. 

Also, my family has been vaccinated already. Mom and my 2 little brothers just got their first shot. But it's been quite challenging for them. Apparently, they got sick. My mom got a little weaker than usual and I know that it's not from the vaccine nor the virus. 

It's kinda odd seeing mom that way. I just feel pain looking at her. I check on her from time to time if she needs anything and I'm quietly praying for her complete healing. We're all hopeful that she can get through this all. She's my mom after all. 

I don't know but it's kinda weird that I started being appreciative of what she has done to our family. I often overlooked the things that she does. Now, we have to do things ourselves and take care of her. For how many days now, my dad and I have been taking care of the household since we're the ones who are not sick. 

As I'm writing this today, my mom is in the hospital to check things up. Hopefully that it's not that serious. 

//AugustSlippedAway

//sebajisoka