The Touch of Love

How do you show your love? By giving gifts…saying “I love you”…writing love letters…treating your loved one out for dinner date…What about giving a gentle touch?

On occasions or any other day, you may manifest that special feeling in your most personal way. Coupled with terms of endearment, passionate glances or flirtatious moves, an emphatic “touch” can really stir up your beloved’s emotions. For the “sense of touch” is a heartfelt gesture; designed for us sensitive people as another manner of personalizing communication with fellow humans, revealing more of our innermost thoughts and utmost sincerity.

So, whether you do it privately or in PDA-style, express your affection with any of the following sensual means:

Holding Hands under the Sun

People that usually “hold hands” have good relationships with one another. Friends reach each other’s hands as expression of their mutual esteem, social intimacy, and companionship. As with people with significant others, walking hand and hand on the beach, at the park or under the moonlight is one way of impressing their shared trust and reliance with one another. Clasping those hands while having the time of your life, instills your mind that you feel his/her presence as he/she feels yours. It’s like a verbal affirmation as, “I’m glad you’re here with me.” Or a reassuring statement, “I’ll be with you…no matter what happens.” By gripping those palms and fingers together with a special someone, you will definitely cherish the time of being in touch with that person.

Caress of Tenderness

Caress is a tender, loving touch given to or by an intimate individual. To stroke tenderly is to treat that person with a sweeping gentleness that will completely pamper your partner. Brushing his hair with your bare fingers in finesse, running your hands in artful subtlety on her arms and shoulders or other more intimate parts (depending on the degree of your relationship), can be very soothing. Genially caressing the nose, cheeks or chin, or just twirling those phalanges idly on your loved one’s soft skin can be so romantic as well.

Pat of Care

When a loyal employee does a job-well-done, a tap on his shoulders will inspire him more to work harder and better. When a girl needs a little comforting, a tender hug and a caring pat on the back will give her enough encouragement to face her problems. This quick hand gesture positively communicates a good and lasting message—“Nice work, kiddo!” or “It’s alright, honey. Everything will be fine.” Sometimes, words are not enough to really utter what is ought to say on a particular incident (e.g. on a funeral). But with one stroke of a hand, you can impart that most earnest message, even when you say nothing at all.

Embrace with Loving Arms

To be clasped in the arms of your loved one means being encircled with affection. It’s a non-verbal act of showering your partner with love. It also suggests your apparent confidence and familiarity with each other. By embracing that someone, you welcome and endear him/her with a very personal nearness. It also means that whether you will be separated, that special one will be just a stone’s throw away or a hair’s breath of a distance whenever you need attention and caring. Clinging to each other like vines or huddling together as if you will never-gonna-let-each-other-go, you feel the warmth of each other’s body that eventually melts the pain and anxiety away. Pressed to the bosom, you can almost hear that person’s heart beat which can put you to a heavenly sleep. It’s an experience incomparable with trivial conversation or even casual love-making. With cheek-to-cheek and body-to-body closeness—this is obviously a confirmation of reciprocal intimacy.

Tickle those Funny Bones

To tickle is to touch skin lightly so as to excite your nerve endings and cause uncontrollable giggles for a few minutes or so. With some timely jokes (corny or not), twiddling those funny fingers on his tender side or her delicate feet, or using a feather to stimulate those highly receptive ears can be so titillating. Just look at those playful kids. With their childish antics, they do this quite almost instinctively because of the joy it brings them. It’s just a trifling act, yet the sensation of tickling can induce belly-bursting guffaws (to the receiver and giver as well) that’s equally amusing and good for the heart.

Massage with Sensuality

“Massage” involves a combination of rubbing, kneading and stroking. It is a manipulation of tissues especially for therapeutic purposes. And this is best rendered by a well qualified masseur/masseuse on a Spa center. But massage is also an art that can be learned and practiced by ordinary people. Aside from its curative intent, it is also applied to treat a person’s body flatteringly. By using constant pressure and friction on a body with your loving hands, it will induce mixed sensations on the subject’s body. From ticklish to arousing feelings towards orgasmic climax, it’s as if being caressed with tangible romance, through an endless foreplay-like performance. By intimate discovery, you can explore your partner’s secret erogenous zones (i.e. non-sexual parts as neck, ears, etc.) that will bring him/her into greater heights of sensation. By and large, it’s synonymous to making love without actual penetration. When someone touches you, it may mean, “If you touch me, it must mean you want to have sex with me.” This is of course not always the case. But with sensual massage, you can have sex without actually giving it. However, in order to acquire the touch of a master, you need constant practice and authentic care.

Kiss of Passion

There are many types of kiss. It could be a loud, quick noise with your luscious lips as a “smack”, or a torrid and deep penetrating smooch as “French kiss”. Whether as a mark of a familiar greeting, farewell gesture or passionate affection, kiss has always been associated with wholesome fondness and ardent desire. Impassioned eye contact and rubbing noses with each other, as a prelude to kissing, can seal the kissers’ lips on fire. To touch or caress with those rosy-fleshy brims is to give your partner a taste of heaven on earth. However, a kiss is just a lustful act if given without genuine love.

Make Love for Love

In scientific terms, “sexual intercourse” is a physical contact between individuals that involves genitalia for sensual communion. It is considered as the highest form of touching because it reaches the supreme pleasure and fulfillment of physical gratification. However, it does not only center on the act of penetration to achieve orgasm, for “making love” involves a lot of petting and kissing, and sensuous hand-and-body touching which synchronizes with the romantic rhythm, in preparation for the ultimate climax. With or without penetration, the engaged couple who submits their whole being into erotic union should be aware of its corresponding responsibility and virtual consequence to achieve a lasting relationship. When two bodies become one flesh, it means there’s no more boundaries to preserve. It is like letting you enter into each other’s personal realms, creating a deeper level of relationship.

Moreover, this amorous act is not only performed out of reproductive aim or marital obligation. Making love is a divine ritual designed by our Creator to bless faithful couples with blissful delight. Furthermore, enjoying this sacred practice according to His righteous way will establish a harmonious relationship and will edify mutual exclusivity, between two devoted people aspiring for a lifetime commitment in the mighty name of LOVE.

Yes! Whenever you come in contact with a special person in your life, you perform more than just a tap, bodily friction, or casual sex. It implies deeper meanings into any human relationship. It’s more than physical and beyond sensuality. For the “touch of love” is essentially more than words can say!

Loving Effects of Touch

A touch of love…

…incites a dormant feeling.
…stirs up a happy emotion.
…tickles funny bones (literally).
…insinuates compassion.
…affirms friendship.
…assures with hope and optimism.
…excites passionate desire.
…softens an iron heart.
…melts a hardened sentiment.
…mollifies an anxious person.
…appeases a troubled mind.
…heals a wounded soul.

Break Up

At exactly 12:18:26 AM (05/13/2009), I received a text message from my best friend that surprised me. It reads, "Quiet lang. Nakipag-break nako kay ___." (Just be quiet. I broke up with ___.)

To my excitement, I PMed her and asked, "Whaaaaat?! How did it happen? How do you feel right now? Where's ___?"

Then she texted me again at 12:45:29 AM (05/13/2009) scolding me, "Nakipag-break nako kay ___. Wala muna question and answer, OK? Sinabi ko lang sayo." (I already broke up with ___. No question and answer for now, OK? I just told you.)

OK, fine. I got it. She didn't want to talk. She knew I would be asking her a million questions and she hated that. Well, I was only concerned of her. Maybe my inquisitiveness was too much for her to handle. Maybe she's still in pain or still confused. Whatever. So I just left her alone with her thoughts for a while. I just felt sad because they'd been living together for 3 or 4 years now.

Ilocos Tour 2008

Let me share to you the best trip that my friends and I had experienced last year.

We had planned this trip for more than a month—the flight sked…the hotel booking…the itinerary…everything! (Well, almost.) So on that Thursday late afternoon of June 19, 2008, we went to Manila Domestic Airport with our baggage stuffed with 3-to-4-day outfits. Our Laoag flight was 5:45 PM. After several minutes, we boarded ourselves to Cebu Pacific. The five of us were all excited and anticipating a great adventure in the northernmost region of the Philippines. But I was feeling more than that. (How do you think I felt as a first-time flyer? You'll soon find out. ) At the waiting lounge, I was still feeling pretty much excited. But when we got to the runway and saw the plane, my heart started pounding.

As I entered the airplane, the cute flight attendant greeted me, “Good afternoon!” After I responded and smiled back at him, my tension temporarily vanished. I was seated beside the window, next to my best friend. When we glimpsed through the window and saw the Asian Spirit aircraft, he just reminded me of that hilarious joke, “Sa Asian Spirit, pag sakay mo, Asian…pag labas mo, Spirit!” (At Asian Spirit, you get in as Asian...then you get out as Spirit!) I recalled how I laughed at that joke but this time, I was too nervous to even smile. Then the two flight attendants assisted the passengers. Later one of them went in front with some props while the other explained the safety reminders and Civil Aviation rules. All I remembered was the most important thing—the “sinturong pangkaligtasan” (safety belt). After a few minutes of waiting, the plane finally went off. On its first thrust upward, I felt the take-off gut feeling. After a few seconds, I was OK. Then I looked outside and saw the SM Mall of Asia getting smaller and smaller. Funny. From up there, it wasn't as big as it was.

Then I got my digicam and started taking pictures of my first views-from-the-top. Then I saw the metropolis on a bird’s eye view…then the white cotton clouds…and then the thunderclouds…and then lightning…Oh my gosh! I remembered there was an incoming storm that day. (Storm “Frank”, if I recalled it right.) I just hoped it wouldn’t "spoil" our trip. Several minutes had past, I experienced my first turbulence! That was scary. I thought of terrible things that might have happened to us but I just tried my best to relax. Then after almost an hour, I felt we were descending. And that was even scarier! For a couple of times when the plane would descend by a hundred feet or so, butterflies went crazy on my stomach. I even blurted out a hushed scream that Gary even heard and laughed at me. Mindless of him, I just hoped and prayed that we would "land" safe and sound…and NOT on front pages. A few more minutes and a few more prayers, I felt the touch down. Thank God, we did it with flying colors! Whew!

The next thing I knew, we were inside the Laoag International Airport getting our baggage. I noticed there were several foreign tourists there--some were Caucasians but mostly Chinese. Our two service cars were already waiting to take us to Laoag Renzo Hotel. We talked to our Ilocano driver and asked what to expect in his province. He told us some places I had in my list. He’s a friendly Ilocano for he even taught me an Ilocano greeting, “Maimbag na rabii.” (Good evening.) The cars stopped at the façade of a modern-style hotel. The bellboys carried our luggage up to second floor. We had two separate suites—the couple on the first, and the three of us on the other. Our room has two beds, mini-ref, cable-TV and bathroom with hot/cold shower. As we entered, we just lied comfortably on our soft beds. After just an hour, we left to eat dinner. We had no idea where to eat authentic Ilocano cuisine so we decided to eat at the next best thing…Max’s Restaurant. (LOL) Our dinner of their classic fried chicken, fried rice, kare-kare, lumpiang sariwa and halo-halo was a hearty meal. Then we went back to the hotel and slept early.

We woke up by 8 AM. It was a beautiful sunny day. We took a quick shower, dressed up and went downstairs to have our breakfast. Then the five of us hit the road and followed our itinerary list. Out of hotel lobby, we took a 5-minute tricycle ride. Our first stop was the Sinking Bell Tower . We just had a couple of pics and that’s it. Just across the street was the Tobacco Monopoly Monument . We had several shots more. Within the vicinity, we saw The Marcos Hall of Justice and The Ilocos Norte Capitol Building. At this point, we’re still not enjoying much. Then we asked the locals where to find the Ilocos Norte Museum . It was a few hundred meters away so we preferred to walk. Finally, at the museum, we paid 20 pesos each to enter. It was a typical museum where you’d see the various farm and fishing tools, basketry and pottery used by the ancient Ilocanos during Spanish period. I almost got bored until I saw the the Spanish colonial house within the museum! It had 18th century muwebles, from furniture, clay pots to kalan. We saw a vintage radio (the oldest I’ve ever seen in my entire life) and an old harp. We were also amazed when we saw an old heavy flat iron (plantsa) which generates heat from burning “uling” (charcoal). Moreover, inside the museum, they had a souvenir shop where I bought tabako (tobacco), pipa (pipe) and abaniko (fan). While still inside, it’s only then we enjoyed taking pictures like eager tourists. Afterwards, we went outside and asked the two tricycle drivers to take us to our next destination. They were not really sure where's the exact place so it took us more than half-an-hour ride moving back and forth until we reached the perfect spot.

On our first day in Ilocos, I enjoyed most the unique landscape of La Paz . It was an exotic place in Laoag; a barren, desolate area under the scorching sun near the sea. Going there, we passed through this creepy wooded area of Pine trees which I called “Blairwitch”. Then a few minutes after, the scenario transformed into a small desert like in an Arabian country but it’s actually a formation of Sand Dunes molded by the wind current. So we got off and climbed one of the sandy hills to see its panoramic view. On top, we were just mesmerized and automatically took dozens of shots. Our tricycle-driver/tour-guides told us that the late King of Philippine Movies, Fernando Poe Jr., and the Superstar, Nora Aunor, shot their background scenes here in their famous films, "Panday" and "Himala", respectively. After our almost endless pictorials, we headed back to the city, ate lunch at Chowking (still couldn't find a reputable Ilocano restaurant) and went back to our hotel by mid-afternoon. We got tired and slept until early evening. Meanwhile, two of our friends from Manila came that night. They arrived at the airport by past 7 PM and proceeded to our hotel. We had dinner at Max’s (again?), then decided to tour around the city to experience their nightlife. We went to this Engineering Bar; had some cocktails and beers, and some pulutan. The crowd there was "conservative" compared to Manila . We got bored and went home before 12 midnight.

The next morning, we were all excited to discover the northernmost point of Ilocos. It was again a beautiful sunny day. We left the city by 9 AM. Our driver took us to Bangui where the famous windmills of the north stood mighty and proud. This was actually one of the top three tourist spots we’d like to see in Ilocos. (The other two were Paoay Church and Vigan Colonial Houses. These were recognized as World Heritage Sites!) When we got there, it was fascinating to see the tri-bladed windmills considered to be the first and only of its kind in Southeast Asia . So once again, we did what we had in mind. Picture picture! It’s fascinating to see the 15 modern white poles of wind turbines (more are planned to be built), with moving giant blades hovering over our heads, near the waves and pebbles along the Northwestern Luzon coast. About an hour away was Pagudpud Beach . They say it's the Boracay of the North. Well, I just have to see it for myself before I believe it, I thought. When I saw it in my own eyes, true to its reputation, Pagudpud was absolutely a lovely white-sand beach, better than beaches I visited in Batangas and Cavite . Since my friends didn’t bring any bathing suit, only two of us had the chance to take the Pagudpud plunge. The seawater was crystal clear, the waves were gentle, the sand grains were fine, the breeze was refreshing, the sun was beaming…simply perfect! (Although at some parts, the water was deeper.) After 30 minutes of swimming and sunbathing, we left Pagudpud and had our late lunch at a nearby eatery. I thought we’d just have an ordinary meal but it turned out to be a seafoodfest. We were served lobsters, crabs, sweet and sour parrot fish, spicy-sauced squid and dinaing-na-pating (salted shark)! We we’re gastronomically satisfied. I never had much seafood meal before. (And it was an unforgettable meal for it caused me allergy the next day. I had rashes on my arms. Fortunately, they disappeared in the afternoon.) After a few more stop-overs for pictorials, we headed back to hotel. After a few hours, we went out for dinner. This time at the Ati-Atihan Restaurant. Their crispy pata (deep-fried pig leg) was too delicious for our hungry stomachs to ignore. After dinner, we went back to the hotel. Inside the hotel room, we drank some cocktails and even played "charade" while watching Regine Velasquez' musical show, "Songbird". We just got tipsy that made it easier for us to sleep that night.

The third day was our last day in Ilocos. Again it was a beautiful sunny day and we thought the weather was fine all over the country. (Until one of us received an alarming text message that Metro Manila and other nearby provinces were devastated by strong typhoon! And we're all clueless.) This time, we would conquer the southern province—Ilocos Sur. Our first stop was at Fort Ilocandia but it was still closed at that early 8 AM. So we proceeded to Marcos Mausoleum. We saw the ex-President's memorabilia but we didn't see his cryogenic coffin. There was a schedule for public viewing but on our turn, the time was up. Too bad. Though already dead for decades, the former president still couldn't be disturbed without prior notice. Just a thought. Several minutes away was the Juan Luna Shrine. The 2-storey brick mansion of the 19th century world-class Filipino painter was now transformed into museum and all his masterpiece paintings were on display on the first level. Unfortunately, they were all just reproductions. (Side story: One of us had a creepy experience. When he was near one of Luna's paintings, someone or something just blew off his ear. The museum caretaker told him afterwards that it was not the first time it happened. Boo!) On the second floor, we saw Luna's majestic room and his other muwebles. Outside his room was a wide veranda. He also had a small chapel. And at the back was a brick well and his modern karetela. By his antique possessions and impressive residence, you wouldn't have second thoughts that Mr. Luna was rich. I was lucky to have visited his mansion.

So after several photo ops, we went to Paoay Church. The 17th century earthquake-resistant church built from coral stones and bricks was an awesome structure. Its Baroque, Gothic and Oriental architecture was so evident. No wonder it became a World Heritage Site. This was the best tourist spot so far and all of us just couldn't help but take pictures for more than an hour. From this moment, I was so eager to see the Vigan Colonial Houses. It took us 2 to 3 hours to go there. But before that, we stopped at Baluarte first. This was the newest tourist spot in Vigan. It's actually Governor Chavit Singson's zoo, open for public. There were several ostriches, camels, orangutans, tiny horses, python, peacock, other smaller mammals, and tigers! In one of our moments with these carnivores, one of them roared that everyone, especially me, was shocked how loud it was. From then I knew how a tiger could petrify and kill his prey. Thankfully I wasn't his lunch that day. LOL Afterwards, we went straight to Calle Crisologo. This was one of the best preserved 18th century streets in Vigan Colonial Town. I noticed the street was clean and very orderly. The ancestral houses were tightly lined up on both sides as we moved along the cobblestone pathway. There were many antique and souvenir shops stalled on every corner, and several calesas were roaming around. While some were busy shooting pictures, others were shopping for pasalubong. As a first-time tourist there, I really felt I was transported back in colonial times. Eventhough we spent a great time posing pictures on every nook and cranny of Calle Crisologo, I would definitely go back there and feel its colonial ambiance once more. Truly, Vigan was a place like no other! But before we left, we still had to taste their famous Vigan delicacy, the "empanada." It's different from the usual empanada here in Manila for its crust was made from rice flour. Its filling was a combination of grated green papaya, egg and Vigan longganisa. So we found this Irene's Empanada, reputably the best in Vigan. (Though some of us preferred the Batac empanada.) As I tasted it, I truly loved it. With colonial houses and best empanada, could anyone ask for more? And so we ordered 3 boxes of empanada and went back to Laoag. We arrived in the city past 5 PM. For a few minutes, we visited the Laoag Church and prayed for our safe travel back to Manila. At the hotel, we quickly packed our things and went down to the lobby to check out. Our service car was waiting to take us to Laoag International Airport.

Going to the airport that early evening, I was a little nervous. We all knew that time Manila was struck by a strong typhoon. But then we realized we didn't have lunch but empanadas. So we bought some iced tea and pastries to pacify our growling intestines. After almost an hour of waiting at the airport lounge, a voice over finally announced that our flight was cancelled. Thank God! With typhoon signal number 1 still up in Metro Manila, I was not really excited to fly that time. (Later, we found out from the news that several provinces in Central Luzon and Visayas were under the state of calamity!) So we took the bus. Unfortunately, it was a 10-hour long trip. It had a couple of stop overs for visiting the restroom or going to the carinderia. When we got out of the bus at around midnight, it was breezy cold. So we had coffee to warm our freezing bodies. Back on the bus, we're all tired and rarely chat. We just fell into deep sleep. When we woke up, we're already back in Manila! It was raining that morning when we went outside the bus terminal to take a cab. But taxis were hard to find. Instead, we rented out a jeepney to take us home. Finally, we're back home. We had some hot coffee and cold empanadas (again!) and talked about our wonderful trip. Later, my balikbayan-friend bid farewell to us for he's going back to Canada in a couple of days. He said his homecoming this year was the most memorable. And he's looking forward for our next adventure soon. So when he and his friend left, we started packing our stuff. Then one by one, we hit the sack and slept for many many hours.

And that's how we ended our fabulous Ilocos trip! :)

You Are Beautiful

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever,” that’s according to John Keats. Beauty queens may say that line, too. But what if you don’t have that inherent quality?

Having born with Caucasian features as fair skin, chiseled nose, stand-out height, and other western characteristics are considered attractive. (At least in this occidental-minded Asian country.) Like the celebrities, models and prominent figures you see on TV ads, glossies, and movies, almost all of them are of Hellenic origin. Otherwise, if you look too common as a typical Joe or Jane, you will never pass even as a head turner. Worst, if you were fat, handicap, deformed, or simply put someone-not-so-well-endowed, you just have to accept the fact that you are classified by this society as “ugly”.

Now, that’s unfair! Why is it that some people are naturally beautiful while others are not? Did God intentionally allow this to happen—causing instant fame and glory to some; while lifetime shame and humiliation for others? Well, to respond “God works in mysterious ways” is too profound (or too sarcastic!) for many ordinary people like you to understand. And without a more convincing reason, you’ll just have to contend with your unlucky fate, and eventually feel self- pity for the rest of your life. However, there is another way of looking at it on a “fair” angle. If you can only turn around and have a second look on yourself.

In the privacy of your own room, do this simple procedure. Stand in front of a mirror. Without your artificial adornments (make-up, jewelry and fancy outfit), look at yourself very carefully. Don’t focus on your acne-laden face or dry brittle hair, and don’t even pay attention to your horizontally-challenged body. Instead, examine yourself and contemplate on your wholistic being. Then ask yourself, “Am I that ugly? Am I really deprived of all comely attributes?” Give yourself a few silent moments before you answer those questions. If you think you’re not, then you don’t look bad after all. But if you still do not have the confidence to say, “I’m beautiful!” then you better start looking on a deeper perspective. From skin deep down to your innermost being, you can do a natural make-over to unfold your innate beauty…

1. Be Good-looking

In our visual-stimulated society, it’s important to maintain a pleasing personality all the time. But you need not visit a beauty salon or undergo a cosmetic surgery to achieve a gorgeous face and sexy physique. Just keeping up a tip-top condition is all it takes to be naturally appealing. By just being presentable—wearing neat and comfy get-up, practicing proper hygiene and good grooming, you can already give a good impression. To achieve a well-proportioned body, you have to sweat and burn calories by a regular exercise program or any moderate activity to be fit and trim. Forget about your addictions—nicotine, caffeine, alcohol and drugs. They can only add more years on your face, and at the same time lessen your time on earth. (Dangerous chemicals kill!) And of course, balanced diet (more fruits, veggies & fish; less meat and dairies) is a must to discourage any illness by taking in essential nutrients, instead of excess salt, sugar and bad cholesterol. With a fresh, agile and healthy body, you will definitely look and feel good. Reminding yourself from now on that your body is the “temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor 6: 15, 19), you will find a lasting inspiration in taking good care of it.

2. Pause and Move with Grace

Whether you’re a man or a woman, the way you stand, sit, walk and pause adds or lessens the quality of your personality. For instance, a lady who walks on the office hallway in a clumsy manner is a major turn off. So is a man who slouches awkwardly while eating lunch on his lazy chair. To improve one’s posture, stand with an erect bearing; placing one foot on a step to stand comfortably. When sitting, keep your thighs parallel to the ground, and your feet flat on the ground. At motion, walk straight with your head centered over your neck without jutting forward or tilting sideward. Swing your arms gently while brushing your feet in alternation. Whether you are in static position or dynamic movement, always find your body’s center of gravity to achieve equilibrium. By doing this, you balance yourself with less effort, and move by all means in a graceful fashion. Avoid bad mannerisms as clenching teeth, tightening facial muscles or hunching shoulders up the ears for they ruin your over-all bearing. Try to relax to conduct your activities in utmost refinement. In any social gathering, being prim and proper in speech and gesture is the formal order of the occasion. Mastering the art of posture and etiquette can greatly enhance your general look.

3. Show your Beaming Face

There’s nothing more beautiful to look at than a smiling countenance. That’s why glossy magazines are attractive to the buying public because they display faces that radiate cheer and inspiration. If you wear that hot-tempered face everyday, you better start stretching up those lips to your ears. One way of putting back your grimace is to play like a child. Finding delight in little things as basking under the sun or reading a book makes one grin in contentment. You can also maintain that sunny smile by not worrying too much. Less stress means more fun. And when problems strike, count your blessings. Afterwards, your blues will surely disappear and be instantly replaced with all the colors of the rainbow. In terms of beauty and medical benefits, it’s better to smile than to frown all day. So, for more beauty points—smile!

4. Develop a Blooming Character

Character is what a person’s essentially made of. Whatever is inside of you, it shows outside whether you like it or not. Usually, ill-natured people have more facial lines (wrinkles), experience psychological disorders (as paranoia), and suffer health complications (as heart disease) than others. They exhibit a grouchy, hard-featured expression that repulse and even intimidate people from getting close to them. While a benevolent person has a cheery outlook and teeming charisma which naturally attracts people around him. Therefore, a person who exudes virtuous character has magnetic personality.

5. Speak of Good Cheers

A modulated voice as of a radio disc jockey, or singer’s angelic aria brings melodious sound to any listener. Having such splendid voice is truly an asset. But if you want to be more vocally charming, use your tongue to amplify your good character. It doesn’t matter if you have a squeaky tone or provincial accent. For the person with the most lovely voice is the one that speaks of good news. Those who berate and tell lies habitually, or say cuss and profane words frequently are liken to a monstrous mouthpiece. While the one who says compliments, assertive remarks and truthful things to fellowmen vibrates with positive energy. For glad tidings are music to anyone’s ears; and its messengers are looked upon as angels of light.

6. Radiate with Spiritual Aura

Any Christian who deeply believes in and relives the words of the Almighty God shines in an awesome way. Science cannot explain this aural phenomenon yet only people sensitive of spiritual things can sense it. Having that absolute faith within, you will light up with the glow of the Holy Spirit. If you believe that God created you in His own image, then you better erase that false notion about yourself—that you are totally displeasing and void of any good quality. For as long as you call upon the Lord’s name, you will forever be a vessel of divine blessings. There’s no doubt that the Master of our universe is a Creator of beautiful things. And if God is beautiful,
so are you!

Yes, beauty is more than meets the eye. Physical attributes are pleasing to the human senses yet intangible qualities are more delightful to the spirit. By changing your point of view, you will see your hidden charm. By transforming your heart, you will divulge your genuine beauty.

Remember: Whoever you are, in the eyes of the Lord…you are beautiful…

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

You are beautiful because…

1. You are created in God’s image. (Genesis 1:26-27)
2. You are one of God’s children. (John 11:52)
3. Among all God’s creations, you are the greatest. (Genesis 1:28)
4. You are a special being. (Psalms 8:5)
5. You are blessed. (Matthew 5:3-12)
6. You have grace of God. (John 1:14, Titus 2:11)