Inabanga War

I'm going to update this soon....
No time hahahahahha

Just search this on the news.

ABUSAYAFFFFFFFFFFFFFF all over

Power of Choice

Sorry, I think I have not updated my blog 2 weeks ago. At least I'm back! A lot of things happened tho. I hope I can share/remember it all here haha

We had an experience while eating in a burger place, a guy sat beside us and asked about Mormon Doctrines. So, we thought he was interested and we talked and shared about how families can be together forever. But it turned out he just wanted to disprove what we shared. 

He told us "If you can show me a scripture verse in the bible where God allow the families to be eternal, I will join your church!"

We shared the scripture verse where Jesus Christ gave the Priesthood power to Peter to bind families on Earth and in Heaven (Matthew 16:19)

And then he was shocked and was silent and just stop talking.
I have learned that even if we are given a lot of evidences, answers, or even taught the right doctrine-- we are the one who choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil.

Even if someone can affect our decisions, it is us who will make it. Even if someone hinder you from keeping or following a commandment, it is our choice. And our choices makes our destiny.

Then, we just had our Zone Conference. We got to hear talks and workshops from our leaders. Sister Maughan talked about how to help our investigators to overcome addictions. President Maughan talked about teaching the people their needs and not just to teach the lesson itself. The Assistants to the President talked about adjusting our lessons to the needs of our investigators.

As you can see they are all about improving our teaching skills to make us better missionaries and be a Preach My Gospel missionaries.

We had fun and of course, full of Spirit and motivation to work in our area and help the people there

I don't have any nice conclusion in my post, at the same time I'm running out of time haha.
So I'll just end it with Extras...

Extra:

All of them just got the Blanco Pose in their bloodstream now:

Elder Cirunay and Elder Crapo

Elder Johnson

Calape Zone Missionaries

Being a Missionary

I will start my blog using this wonderful picture. This is the in our area. We discovered it while looking for new people to visit and teach. This is one of the reason why I love doing missionary work, aside from meeting new people or new family and friends, we got to see the beautiful places in our area. I don't know if this looks nice to you but for me, I really like it!

Elder Thomas just being normal

Anyhow, we had fun tracting and going door-to-door this week. My companion is very kugihan (hardworking) and funny. Because of him, our work becomes easier (I'm saying this because I know he is going to read this blog sometime. I hope this will give him a big smile hahaha) Don't get me wrong but preaching the gospel is VERY HARD and TIRING. Other people we met asks us, why we are doing this, it is very tiring and requires a lot of sacrifice, why do we do this. The answer is very simple... it is because we love the Lord.

Jesus said to His disciples...

15 ¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Our pain, afflictions, and temptations was/is also felt by Jesus Christ. I know that because of this, He knows our state, He knows what we are feeling, and He knows how to help us. This is the key for us to be able to receive that help. Through keeping the commandments. My previous companion once said "Commandments are not rules that should just be done. Commandments are the solution for us to be happy". As I ponder about this, it is really true. Commandments are not hindrance to our happiness. That's the blessing of being here in the mission. Even if it is very tiring, I still manage to get up and do this because I know that someday, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will be proud of what I have accomplished.

me, Sister Villaroya, Sister Lourdes, Sister Tauiliili, Sister Tamuera

 I also got the chance to Baptize Sister Lourdes, investigator from the Sisters. It was very spiritual to see her testify in front of us. Another blessing of being a missionary haha

Extra:

With Shen-shen and Elder Thomas' ear

With the most tabian (loud) kid but the most adorable in the branch.

Inabanga Branch

Tubigon Port

This is where we waited our new companions for few minutes. It was a hot day, but seeing the sea makes me want to dive in and swim. "THE WAVES ARE CALLING ME"

I'm with my new companion Elder Thomas. He is a funny guy and he loves to joke. He is still young and very enthusiast. I like how he see things, good perspective on things. We got along immediately. Looking forward for more days with this missionary. By the way, we suddenly became popular because I'm with a 6 foot 3, American, gwapo kuno companion. Boys always call him "Joe" and the girls always say "hi" with kilig faces. Everyone likes him in our area. I can see that we will have a lot of success in the near future.

I got sick yesterday, stomach ache, maybe somewhat like ulcer/gastritis. I thought that with my daily intake of the medicine for it will prevent it from happening again. I WAS WRONG. But I am okay now. It will not prevent me from doing missionary work (sometimes missionary walk. HAHA kidding)

I don't have new pictures because it has been 4 days since my last blog. (Don't worry it is Preparation day today) More pictures to come don't worry

Transfer day!

I was companion with this guy, but he already transferred. Too bad he didn't see his face in my blog haha. Anyway, this is Elder Tyrell and we had fun in 1 month and a half.

This week was the last week that we are together.

First, the Sisters invited us to have Community Service in the their area. We swept the dried leaves under their investigator's trees. I never thought it will be that hard. Especially the leaves were stuck in the floor. Anyway, we did great and it was fun. After that we checked the place and saw these Carabaos resting.

with my look-a-likes

Next is we had our last District Meeting with Inabanga District. The Zone Leaders made a fake transfer list and left it on the table to test the missionaries if they are going to look at it. Good thing no one looked at it and they announced the fake transfer list and everyone was shocked and gone crazy. It was fun to see their faces and their reactions

With the Boys in the District

Lastly, we had last supper last dinner appointment with Elder Tyrell and Sister Robles at Mellanes family. It was so fun and I was on the spot with my jokes. Everyone had happy memories instead of sad memories. Although the members were really close with the missionaries, it will never be prevented that the missionaries who are transferring will be missed. That's why we missionaries take a lot of pictures because, pictures make us closer to the people we met and we spent time with.

Missionaries of Inabanga Branch with Mellanes Family

I just realized how important the time is. How it is precious. I see and meet people everyday. They are making who I am, but I have to realize too that they are going to pass by. I should cherish and appreciate every moment. I'm happy to have struggles and trials because of this I have learned a lot. I know that God really knows what's best for us. The key is to trust him and do what He wants.

The time is really far spent! I only have 7.5 months left #DiliKoTrunky HAHAHA

Months with NO Post

I'm really sorry. I haven't update the blog for a looooooooooong time. It is because of the the Security blah so that your account will be safe. It asked for verification code using my smartphone, and of course, I don't have my smartphone with me for 2 years. So... I can't open my blog account. I tried to look for ways and I found it, remove it and Vioala, I'm back again! :D

Hoping to update you guys every week. I can't guarantee it but I will try.

22nd Birthday!

First of all, sorry for not having updates weekly. We have been busy looking for Scattered Israel. I will just make this quick because my birthday this year had been special to me.

The day of my birthday was on Saturday. We still had ordinary schedule like studying, proselyting time, teaching people repentance. I feel like it's not really my birthday... until lunch time, when the Zone Leaders called and disturbed our beautiful lunch, which I cooked, and asked me to go to the office. I knew something's fishy was going to happened. Me and my companion found out that someone left a cake for my birthday (of course, it came from my family). The Zone Leaders and the office Couple Missionaries sang a happy birthday song to me, which I find sweet.

<there should be picture here but apparently the Zone Leaders didn't e-mail my picture>

Then at night of my birthday. Sister Abril and Sister Tauiliili surprised me with a birthday cake!!! They got stressed because of this hahaha. Props to them and I didn't really expected it.

BLANKIE!

Then Monday came, our Preparation day. We played basketball in the morning and then had lunch with our District at Kuya J's. It was nice and happy to celebrate my birthday with Elder Clark and Elder Cirunay (our Assistants to the President), and our office princesses Sister Abril and Sister Tauiliili, and also with my handsome and artistahin companion Elder Reynoso (Jolo Revilla look-a-like. He's the one on my left)

The Office District

the aftermath

Then we e-mailed our families and friends back home. They surprised me with a video that I like to share but it is so long and will take time to upload. Maybe when we I get back or when we meet here in Lilo-an, Cebu then I can show it to you haha. They are so sweet! It almost made me cry that's why I stopped it immediately and downloaded it to watch it back home (of course, I don't want to cry inside the computer shop with plenty of people around)

I felt really special. I felt like I'm the most important person in the world! I really appreciate it and looking forward to see my family and friends soon! I love them so much and missing them so bad.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!
May God be with you all 'till we meet again.

Ciao!
-Elderblanco

Happy New Year!

Elder Reynoso, Me, Elder Mosquera, Elder Carillo

Happy New Year to everyone! -From the F4 (Fogi 4)

How's your New Year? Hopefully no one got hospitalized because of the stray bullets or fireworks. Happy to hear your messages, send it here: jan.blanco@myldsmail.net

A lot of things happened in 2016 where I learned, struggled, grew, developed faith, made mistakes, fell, and stood up again. I'm happy for where I am right now. I can see what Heavenly Father wants me to become and it is my commitment to do what He wants me to do. I am so blessed to know this. Specially this New Year we all be having New Year's Resolution--which we all know that it will not be followed. HAHA. 

We all welcomed 2017 with a hope that this New Year, we will be committed to do our goals this year and especially what God wants us to do and be. Hoping that 2017 with be nice to us haha

We spent our New Year's Eve (basically it's afternoon because we had curfew) with Consolacion Zone (because Lilo-an Zone dissolved huhu) with Elder and Sister Weatherston. They invited the Consolacion Zone to spend the New Year's Eve in their home. We were lucky to have them in our lives. They provided the venue, the movie, and the SNACKS haha. We watched Errand of Angels, it is all about missionary life. How a new missionary struggled to be the best missionary ever. It's funny yet very inspiring and motivating. It was fun and a privilege to spent this day with these beautiful and fine Elders and Sisters.

Maybe, you all know that being a Missionary is easy and fun. Well, I got to tell you that it is not like that. Missionary work is never easy but it is rewarding. Missionary work is not always fun, we experience struggles and rejections all the time but everything is very joyful-- that's what the Gospel of Jesus Christ promised. Fun and Joy is different :D

Next year, I will be spending my Christmas and New Year back home! :D (Makati City)

That's all for this day.
See you on Monday!
Ciao

-Elder Blanco

PS: Our happy faces

Consolacion Zone

With Elder and Sister Weatherston

they were fascinated with BUKO haha

Christmas Season

Christmas is not just about giving, it is also about receiving--receiving Jesus Christ's teachings and follow Him. It amazed me until this time on how the Christmas Season can affect the world with their attitude toward each other. This made the people focus more on the positive side than the negative side. But the real essence of Christmas should be focus on our Savior Jesus Christ. He is the real reason why we celebrate Christmas.

Hoping that you had a wonderful time this Christmas with your family and friends :)

If you are going to ask me, this is what happened to us:

We had the chance to teach the Youth of Lilo-an Stake on how to effectively share the Book of Mormon to those people who doesn't know about it.

Youth with their missionary attire

Next is we prepare food for Christmas Eve. We cooked Carbonara, made Mango Float, and Gelatin to satisfy our appetite on Christmas Eve after the hard work we did earlier...

made by Chef Blanco haha

 The problem is we got sick during this time hahaha the worst was, I cannot taste what I cooked. WORST FEELING EVER!

 And of course, the last thing we did is have a Christmas Selfie HAHA

Update you soon next time.
Merry Christmas and Advance Happy New Year!!

Ciao
-Elder Blanco

Baptism

with Bishop Pepito and Sister Elizabeth

The week was great and it ended with a Baptism, what a wonderful icing on the cake! We were blessed to see and feel the change in Sister Elizabeth's life. We can see that she will be strong member and will help the lives of others. We heard her testimony after the Baptism-- she cried because of so much happiness that she cannot explain.

One of the blessings of the Gospel is that it will help you to have real happiness--happiness that comes inclined with God's Will--and eventually lead you to Eternal Happiness. In the Book of Mormon, Prophet Alma describing that committing sin will never result to real happiness.

   Alma 41:10

10 Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.

Baptism is just the beginning of it (after having Faith and Repented of your sins), then the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and lastly Enduring to the End. This is part of the Plan of Happiness that Heavenly Father gave us.

We were really happy to witness of this spiritual Baptism and after that the we had fun at Lilo-an 2nd ward Christmas party :D

Extra:

We saw this beautiful and unique Pigeon.

Skyline Pigeon haha

Christmas Party

Not enough time. Sorry :D

Will update this post soon but for now, I'll just upload the pictures :D

Christmas tree made out of wood and rice sacks

DIY slippers for exchange gift hehe

where we ate lunch yum

Games games games

Elder McNett in character haha

Batchmates

Community Service

Happy First Sunday of December

It's the most beautiful time of the year! Christmas is just few days away. I can feel the Christmas vibes even though it is still hot here in Cebu haha. The people changed for the better, this what makes the Christmas so powerful-- enemies become friends, the rich helps the poor, the weak become strong, etc.

JESUS CHRIST is the reason why all of this is happening. He is our best example of having unconditional love for others. As the Christmas approaches the Church gave us a fun activity that can help us follow the example of Jesus Christ. I hope each one of us who can read this, will strengthen our Faith in Him and increase our love for others. 

You can find the activity here and watch the video:

https://www.mormon.org/

It says in the Book of Mormon:

15 Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house; 

 16 Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

The first Sunday of the month means Fasting and Testimony Sunday. I am blessed to participate in fasting for the people in our area. I had personal things that I asked but most of it is for the people in our area. I am inspired to hear and ponder the testimonies of the members of the church here in Lilo-an. I've felt their dedication to follow the commandments of God and eventually be part of the Zion. I felt the Spirit prompting me to share my testimony and it was nice to share it again in front of the congregation. I missed that feeling.

We enjoyed the rest of the church service especially that our fasting and prayers were answered immediately. I testify the power of fasting. It is really powerful as long as you have Faith and the thing you ask is not against Father's will.

The church provide us the "Light the World" campaign. Here am I holding it

Elder Calumpang photobombing it

 Also, when times we are down and losing hope, Heavenly Father is giving us encouragements and motivation to carry on in this work. He provide this children who made us happy and get back to ourselves. They help us boost our strength to continue doing the missionary work.

Artista na kuno sila

Selfie #1 w/ Elder Reynoso and kids

I just also realized that I reached my 1 year mark here in the mission. My family is so sweet that they surprised me with this cake!! I'm lucky to have them in my life. I will not receive these blessings if not because of them.

Truly, this month is full of love and good stuff. Looking forward for this month's better stuff. Christmas truly is the best time of the year!

That's all for this week.
Catch you up on next monday!

Ciao
-elder blanco

First week of Training

Training a new missionary helped me to feel like missionary again. The longer you stay in the mission the easier things become routine. But being a trainer right now, really gets me back on track.

Every time I wake up at 6:30 in the Morning, I feel inspired to spent the whole day training Elder Reynoso. I am eager to be a good example and teach everything I have learned and I am learning here in the mission. He is easy to teach because he is humble and a positive thinker which makes it balance. (because I'm the NegaKing)

We have weaknesses and struggles but despite that, we still manage to continue working hard and focus on how to help the people in our area. The more we do the missionary work, the more selfless we become. We are really enjoying our companionship. We fill each other's gaps. We look for ways to make our work fun, too. Just like in this picture...

Bantam sized Chicken

We had the chance to hold a Family Home Evening in Lorada's place. We invited Less-active Members and investigators to show how important the Family Home Evening is. It was fun and nakakabusog. The food was so delicious and healthy!! Props to Brother and Sister Lorada! :D

They have this in their living room:

Love @ Home; Family Proclamation to the World at the left

Catch you next monday!

Ciao

-Elder Blanco

PS: No interesting pictures left HAHA

Elder Cook of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles

We got the chance to meet a living Apostle of the Lord, maybe this is one in a lifetime for others but I am very blessed to shake hands an Apostle of the Lord for the third time. First Apostle that I shook hands with was Elder Dallin H. Oaks, second was Elder David A. Bednar, and this is the third.

Elder Quentin L. Cook is currently going around the Philippines to talk about missionary work. He talked about the importance of talking to everyone we meet. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is needed for our salvation. The gospel will also help us to be happy in this life and the world to come. So, why hide it. Why not share it to every people you meet. It's like you have the cure for Cancer and you should share it to others. We were blessed to hear him testify of the divinity and power of Jesus Christ and his witness that God is really there, talking to us through the Prophet and His Apostles.

I don't have our picture with Elder Cook but I promise to post it as soon as we got it.

 It was a nice experience, every missionary in the Cebu East Mission gathered together to hear his talk. So we got to see also our batchmates. It was fun seeing them all again. It's been a year! Wow, time is really fast. ;)

Not complete ;(

I also got to see my friends in the mission and my previous companions!! How I love being a missionary. I also received mails from the people we baptized. I'm excited to see them soon!!!

Elder Grey (Samoan)

Elder Tuai (Tongan)

L-R: Elder Reynoso (my trainee), me, Elder Galicia, Elder Cantago

Being in the mission made me realized that I was being selfless, my love for Jesus Christ and for my brothers and sisters are increasing. Being a missionary is really the best 2 years that is happening and going to happen (of course, I am only a year here so I don't have the right to say it haha kidding).

I cannot and will not exchange this 2 year mission for anything. I'm learning to be like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. This cannot be taught in any university.

Till we meet again. Char!

See you next monday for updates

Ciao

-Elder Blanco

PS:

Last time's gathering with Elder Haynie

The missionaries in Cebu Area (in Cebu East Mission)

Disclaimer: Sorry for grammatically incorrect sentences and wrong spellings because I don't have much time. Thank you sa pagsabot ;)

Elder Blanco's Trainee!!

Wow, the transfer cycle went quick! I didn't expect it will be that quick. I said my farewell to my previous companion, Elder Hall because he got transfer to Consolacion. I was the one left in the Area. So I'm still here in Lilo-an! Yay!

Me and Elder Hall experienced giving community service for Sison Family. We just cleaned the garage, scrub the pillars, and everything. We did this because, Sister Karen was the only one who initiated to clean the house because her sister was going to visit them, at the same time it is the Death Anniversary of their father. So they had family reunion. So we offered help. As missionaries, we are not only here to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ but to help others through service. 

It also says in the Book of Mosiah, 17th verse of the Chapter 2

"...If ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are in the service of your God"

We didn't expect that we are going to bathe MAKA. It is not included in the package HAHA But it's okay we enjoyed it too.

Anyhow, what I anticipated happened. I am TRAINING now. My heart pumps so fast just realizing I'm training, because of excitement on what's going to happen. So before we get to see the new missionaries, we waited in the Mission Office and waited for the new missionaries to arrive in Mactan Airport. The Assistants to the President get them with the help of the Senior Couples--Elder and  Sister McNett, and Elder and Sister Weatherston. We got to meet the trainers coming from different areas in our Mission. Most of the trainers are from our batch.

So they came and the Assistants got us from the Mission Office to the Mission Home (where our Mission President and his wife live). We had 1 hour training on how to be a good/best trainers! HAHA

After that, we spent our lunch with the new missionaries just like what I remember happened to me a year ago. We don't know who is going to be our companion. The Mission President and his assistants prayed and seek for counsel from God on who will be the best companions for each of us. I feel that the companionship that was made was really coming from our Heavenly Father. He really knows who is the best for us.

And the pairing came, I expected Elder Reynoso to be my companion before it all started. I had this feeling, maybe the spirit telling me that he was going to be my companion. AND GUESS WHAT?! He is my companion right now! HAHAHA How cool was it?

Elder Blanco's trainee (Elder Reynoso)

I'm so excited to share my knowledge and my example for Elder Reynoso. I really want him to be a good missionary. I'm hoping everything will turn out right with the help of Heavenly Father. I'm going to update soon about my training experience! I don't have much to say because we just had been companions for 2 days haha

That's all for this week!

I'll catch up soon!

Ciao

-Elder Blanco

PS: In the mission, we call our Trainees "ANAK". So technically, I'm a father now! HAHAHA A single parent hahahah joke. That's bad :P