Family Life

Grateful for 2017, Bloom in 2018

There is one word to describe 2017 and that is SURPRISING. As I look back at the things that happened this year I can’t help but be grateful that it did cause it made me appreciate life more and see it in a different perspective. It has been filled with surprises that to this day amazes me with what God can do. Yes there have been challenging times but I choose to look at the positive things in life.

The Best of 2017

When 2017 started, I knew what I wanted to do which was to re-launch my blog as in do an overhaul and build my brand. I was introduced to Olivia Repotente of Studio O by my cousin Cat Arambulo – Antonio who literally helped build my dream of creating my own brand and designing this website you are viewing now. We hit it off from the beginning and what I appreciate about her is that she has even gone beyond what was required for her to do just to make sure everything was in place. Thank you Olivia for helping make my dream come true. Thank you Cat for all the support and encouragement and for pushing me to get out of my comfort zone to do this. Thank you Joey and BG Hernandez for encouraging to pursue this! May you all be blessed a hundred fold!

The birth of francolaurel.com

Another thing I am grateful for is being a part of the PLDT Home family. Maxine, Mabie and Marist, you are all rays of sunshine. Your kindness and love is felt in our home.  Thank you for connecting us for real in every sense of the word. My family and I are looking forward to what we will be doing in 2018!

My PLDT Home family

The best surprise this year is the birth of my youngest daughter Lucia. As I wrote in a previous post, we found out Ayen was pregnant with Lucia during our trip to Osaka last April. Despite our age, God still made everything go as smooth as possible in terms of Ayen’s pregnancy. Ayen healed and recovered fast which has been an answered prayer. We know why God gave Lucia to us it is because he wants to fill our life with more joy and love. Thank you Lord for blessing us with another beautiful, healthy and normal child who is destined to do extraordinary things for your glory.

Lucia Laurel

The last quarter of the year has been truly a season of breakthroughs. First was the launch of my blog, second the birth of Lucia and third is my return to theatre. It has been three years since I last did a musical and after trying out the corporate world, I knew where I was meant to be and that was in the performing arts. I prayed for the right show, the perfect role for me to play and the company and cast to work with. I was very specific with my prayers and God answered it by giving me A Christmas Carol The Musical. I can’t thank Robbie Guevara, Anna and Santi Santamaria for entrusting me with the role of the Ghost of Christmas Past. You guys along with PJ Rebullida have pushed me beyond what I thought was possible for me to do at my age. It has been one of the highlights of my career and an experience I will forever cherish. Thank you to my 9Works Theatrical family and the extremely talented and hard working cast, artistic and production team for the three months of unending joy and laughter. You guys have brought out the miracle within. I love you guys!

I played the Ghost of Christmas Past in 9Works Theatrical’s 2017 production of A Christmas Carol   Photo by JC Inocian
As the Ghost of Christmas Past in 9Works Theatrical’s 2017 production of A Christmas Carol   Photo by Robbie Guevara
The company of A Christmas Carol The Musical   Photo by Robbie Guevara

Thank you to my wife Ayen for everything! You are truly the love of my life next to God and I am more than thrilled to be walking with you hand in hand through this life. I love you all with my heart and know that I will always be there for you and our beautiful children! For life Hon!

My wife Ayen and I during my 45th Birthday!
My Family Hasan, Angia, Ayen, Lucia, Sofia and Mariella

I am beyond thrilled that even before the years ends, there are so many blessings and things that are about to come in 2018 that I will share with all of you in due time.

Thank you to everyone who has touched my life in 2017, may the coming years fortify our friendship and build stronger relationships for all of us.

I am truly grateful to God for all His blessings and favor.  2018 is the year where we will BLOOM and FLOURISH. I declare that 2018 will be the year of restored relationships, healing, prosperity in all our endeavors, open doors than no man can shut and a year filled with joy. This will be our banner year.

I leave you with this verse

Jeremiah 29:11-13

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

From my family to yours a Blessed and Joy filled New Year!

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Blessings,

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