They say that the family is the basic unit of the society. That's quite true. Happy families make happy societies. I'm sure all of us long to have a happy family. Having one is worth thanking for!Caption: That's my family in Cebu. My cousins are so adorable!

I grew up in a closely-knit family. My cousins were my neighbors, playmates and close friends. We went to the same elementary school, high school, and college together. I was raised with not just my parents, but my uncles and aunts counseling and supporting me. I praise GOD for having such caring family.

My name's Abi and I am here to testify that boys and girls can be good friends (in Christ). Caption: That's me, feminine and sweet yet wanting to explore pure friendships with males.I grew up surrounded by female friends with only my dad, male cousins, uncles, and a very few male classmates as the male figures of my life. The rest of the males in my life were passive or simply bullies. In college, I entered the world of Engineering. As expected, I did have a lot of male classmates. I wasn't interested in establishing friendships with theme except for the "feminine ones". However, at the back of my mind, I prayed: "God, give me male friends. Those male friends who will widen my perspectives. I don't want to have male friends just because I want to have a boyfriend. I just want to learn and become a blessing to them."

Since childhood, the place Bukidnon has always been ringing on my ears. My aunt's hometown was in Maramag, Bukidnon. Thus, it's her custom to visit her family during summers. I heard about its farms, its cold weather, and its cowboys. However, it was only in 2015 when the chance to visit this beautiful province came. My first encounter with this place was memorable. But that first visit didn't end. Since then, I kept coming back to this place.

"Yokoso!"That was the welcoming greeting that I saw upon arriving at Narita International Airport, Chiba, Japan. I was stunned. Even before we landed at the airport, I couldn't help but keep my eyes fixed on the blooming pink-colored Cherry Blossom trees. Oh, how lovely!

"Pass it on! Engage. Empower."These were the words that resonated the Mountain View College campus last April 9-14, 2018. More or less 20 000 young people gathered together along with their guardians and parents to fellowship with each other and listen to the lectures and sermons.