The Author and the Manager's Wedding of the Year

"Yesterday you were my friend. Today you are my husband not only tomorrow but for time and all eternity." These lines were taken from the brides letter to her groom.

A very lovely couple!

Greg and Sheila grew up together, had all the chances to express their feelings but didn’t have the guts to say it until last year.

They started as best of friends until it blossomed into something more. They just can’t get enough of each other and so… they decided to seal their love eternally.

Both of them waited for ten years before this very special day arrived. Love kept on knocking at their doors but they both were so busy with so many stuffs enough to keep them away from paying attention. I could just imagine Cupid shouting on top of his lungs yet these two refused to listen with their hearts.

Yet you see that Cupid didn’t give up on them. Greg and Sheila tied their eternal knot last Saturday, 28th of June 2008.

Congratulations and Best Wishes!

And why my title is "The Author and the President's Wedding of the Year"? Well, Dr. Gregory Palma is one of the authors of G & A Notes, a bestseller compact book for medical students in the country. Sheila Marie Casaol is the manager of their family's employment agency. These couple are in their mid-30's and are both financially established. They did not acquire all these and compromised their feelings. Doc just didn't make any move then so our lading lady waited for quite sometime and concentrated instead on helping her parents run the business.

The former Cathay Pacific flight attendant resigned and chose to be with her family and manage their agency.

And, below are the photos taken during their most awaited special day.

The Newly Wed - Dr. Gregory & Sheila Marie Palma

"with me and ate mily behind the very beautiful cake"

Third Avenue Band

"kept the party alive"

Me and my Choco Dress
"gosh! i looked slimmer here! my diet, finally, worked!"

From A Pardoned Prisoner

After 10 months, finally, I'm freed from prison.

I'm seeing lots of wonderful things surrounding me. It's really nice to be out here than being bound in chains. The butterflies and flowers I've seen from a distance, now can be touched and felt and can be seen even closer. There are so many things I've missed while I was tortured behind bars. I'm just grateful that I was given pardon and now, finally enjoying the beauty of God's creations.

Well, you just can't imagine how grateful I am to the Lord and Heavenly Father for leading me to the right path. I admit I was very careless then and never thought of the future. I only considered things at the moment and refused to see the future ahead.

Eternity is a long way. I should have been cautious then in making sure that my choices were right. I now am bouncing back and have realized my mistakes. I could really feel the love of a Father to His dearest daughter. I may have strayed for a countless times yet His love never faded and He let me learn my lessons so well. The consequences of my choices and the lessons I've learned are now being embedded in my heart and mind. I have to be more careful in every choice I'll make and have to consult my Father in Heaven, the Father of us all.

The only good thing is I've proven that I'm indeed strong despite of how awful the past journey had been. Oops! Let me correct my word, it was not totally awful. There were also marvelous things I've seen which kept me wonder even until now. I'm asking myself, "Why on earth did it happen and how come he has to be this way?" Questions that only a genius can answer. My comprehension is not as wide-ranged as a genius. I could not fathom every detail of that journey I had.

One thing that I have and the only consolation is I have untiring friends who are always there. Friends who are just right there even in the nick of time - friends who are that willing to listen and answer my calls and messages during wee hours. I'm thankful that the people I'm associated with are strong in their dispositions and have right perspective in life.

The gospel is a great source of strength. The gospel encompasses everything. If we all want to be good, the gospel teaches us how. Having the fullness of the gospel, helps how to respond properly when life's challenges quenched us the hardest way. The storm that came my way was, I think, the strongest. But I'm still here, standing stronger than I was before the storm.

My family also played a crucial role in this ordeal. Their counsels and words of comfort helped me stand for what I know is right and best for me. I just could not imagine my reaction to this trial without them.

I'm so thankful too for our Bishop who is indeed a man called of God. He truly can discern perfectly what's right and what's not. My Relief Society President's presence and strength gave me courage enough to get out totally from the prison-like life.

Right now, I can sleep well. I can smile with no worries and anxiety. I feel better. I was able to renew my strength and revived my confidence, self-respect, and love of self.

Thanks! I have learned that eternity is not just a destination that we can easily book tickets and wait for the scheduled departure. It's a prize that two people must earn. It's a prize that only those who deserve gets. It’s a prize that should and must be worked out for.

I know that eternity is something I must work for. But I think my next assignment is to give myself time to discover new horizons.