hey, you.
Thanks for visiting the blog. I hope your stay will be longer. I hope every story in this blog tugs your heart and leads you to the path everlasting.
I’m Joena.
This is me.
Ideally, we would have this conversation in a coffee shop and I would whole-heartedly treat you for a cake and a tea. Then, I’ll start asking you about your heart. Yet, this will do for now.
I’m the typical girl in her 20’s who happens to love people and their stories. I delight in listening on how God pursues each of His children. The sweet aroma of His love never fails to bring me to tears.
My happy place is my room. Yet, I love you to take me on a date. Asking brave questions, honest answers, and sweet confessions warms my heart.
Karaoke and big parties are not my thing. They make me unnaturally happy.
I love intimate fellowships. I talk to myself, a lot. I love slow walks. I’ve always felt connected to trees, flowers, sky, and mountains. The ocean is my enemy.
This blog started in Manila and now continuing its journey in Bangkok. Maybe, New York will be our next home ..or New Zealand? I don’t know but one thing’s for sure: God will always be the center of each story.
I pray that the words of this blog speak to you and point you to a conversation with the Lord. I pray that it will be a confirmation of your calling. I pray that it would speak life. I pray that it would push you to go out of your comfort zone. I pray that it will make you chaise your dreams and fly high like an eagle. Above all, I pray that this blog will lead you to love more and forgive more. To see Jesus loving you more than ever before.
Cheers to a broken heart, made new only by the Lord.
i enjoyed our small talk,
joenasandiego.com 
Blessed with your stories! Would like to ask how young you are?
-Mykee
Hi Mykee! I’m twenty four. 🙂
Hi. I just really need some advice. May I send you an e-mail?
Hello Joena. Can I pay your book through my landbank account?
Hi Joena, a good friend of mine sent me a link of your blogpost “How to Guard Your Heart” and it was such an affirmation with what I’m going through at this season (Remember the marriageable man who passed all the qualities in your“The Right Guy Checklist,” ). Who would ever thought that I’ll read those words that spoke to me from a blog of someone a decade younger than me (No to generation gaps!!). I just wrote a note to inspire you to continue to write these stories, you will never know who it will touch or spoke to. God Bless and Keep writing for His glory 🙂
Hello! 😊 I read your comment for hundred of times already and it still tugs my heart every time. Thank you for the encouragement. I appreciate you po! 😊
Hi! How did you get into teaching? I’m also a programmer, still. 🙂
Hello Glen! 😊 I graduated with an Education degree, majoring in Information Technology, which provides wider options for me in terms of jobs. Are you praying to teach anytime soon? 😊
hi ate joena! I’ve been reading your blogs lately which inspired me to create my own blog! Hope you can visit it some time. And thank you for inspiring me with your blogs! I love your new coffee shop dates! ❤ ❤ ❤
Hi, Camille. I am responding almost a month later. How rude I am, right? I apologize. Yikes. But hey, how’s your own blog going? Share some of your posts here. Would love to read it. 😊
yaaaay you replied ❤ ❤ thanks ateeee. here's my blog po, http://camille-adventures.blogspot.com. would also appreciate you reading it 🙂 but i haven't updated it for this month because of hectic sched this sem. looking forward for more of your blogs ate!
PS. Hi ate joena, i just saw you new tab, the letters. is it too much if I ask you for a letter too? Acads is trying to reap me off, I am now a junior studying BS Computer Science. I really hope you’d give me one 🙂
Hi. I have a confession to make. I use your blogs as my victory group materials. Hahaha now all the ladies in my VG wants to meet you. You have such a beautiful heart.
Hi, Ate Joena. Your blog and everything about it (esp. the stories and thoughts you’re sharing) inspires me a lot. It encourages me to continue writing and explore all that’s within it. I thank God, that He allowed me to discover your blog and stories. Everything here is AMAZING. This was indeed a conviction to pursue something I know I can do knowing that God already started a spark and love for writing in my heart.
Everything in here is worth sharing. ♥
Hello there. 😊 I believe it’s not an accident that God awakens that desire in your heart again. Pursue it and be faithful with little things. Those little things will bring you closer to His heart and that’s all that matter. Let me know if I can be of help. I am praying for your passion. You go, girl. 😊
Thank you so much, Ate Joena! This is indeed a wonderful confirmation and a lovely encouragement. I’ll surely let you know of my blog as soon as I’m done restoring it. Your prayers and insights would be of a great help. 🙂
Blessed by your big heart. ♥
Hi Joena!..
I just want to say “you made me happy”. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and lessons through God’s words. Your blogs really on point and helpful. We are at the same age but i admire how you talk so mature spiritually. Continue sharing God’s words and even convicting others. Love lots. 🙂
Hello, Nica. ☺️ You made me happy too. Keep your heart genuine. How’s life at 24? Yay.
Wow, its been 4 months. Life at 24 is awesome, soaring and also challenging. At this age i have learn to build more convictions for God and even learn from other people’s mistakes but not taking it on the same step. How wonderful if i meet you someday for we have similarities. Continue to build your spirituality more and more.
#TravelMore #EnjoyMore
Love lots.
I go to your site every night and read your blogs while I’m here in my hospital bed. I’m a cancer patient. Would you be so kind to write me a letter? Thanks.
Also, heck, I’d be honest, you’re the kind of woman I would want to marry but it sucks that time is limited. Well, at least for me.
Hi Miguel,
Here’s your letter.
https://joenasandiego.wordpress.com/letters/to-miguel-well-fight-one-more-time/
Lovelots,
Joena
Hello there ate Joena 🙂 What church are you attending po?
Hi, Lyn! I’m part of Every Nation Church Bangkok here in Thailand. 🙂
Hello, Ate Joena! ❤ I really admire your blog and you, too! I always read your posts here because it is one of the things that remind me of God's faithfulness to me and I was also inspired to use my blog to share His words. 🙂 May God continue to use you and this blog as well for His glory and honor alone! God Bless you, Ate! ❤ 🙂 Take care!
Hi, Margo. 😘 How’s the blog writing so far? Post some of your entries link here. Would love to read them during my ample time. Yay.
Hi Joena,
Such an empowering blog. Found you when my friend Louriz’ shared your post. Continue this inspirational blog and spreading the love of Jesus!
God bless you!
Charmaine
Hello, Charmaine. 😊 Thank you for the early morning encouragement. What a booster! Praying for a fruitful weekend for you. 😘
Hi Ate Joena,
Glad that I’m able to read your inspiring and heart pounding blog 🙂
I do relate. Hehehehe! ❤ Thanking God for your life. Keep on writing. God bless your heart.
Hi, Christine. Thank you so much! 😊
Keep writing Joena! I know that God is so pleased with what you are doing. Cheers! 🙂
Thank you, Doctor Eamer. 😊
God bless sa book mo! 🙂
Hello Joena, I’ve written something and would really like to know your take on the subject matter “quitting social media”. Hoping to hear from you soon…
https://graceababan.wordpress.com/2016/03/13/what-made-me-quit-social-media/
Hi. I tried checking the link but apparently, the page is no longer available. Would you be so kind to send me another copy? Thank you. Looking forward to hearing it from you the soonest. 🤗
Hello Ate Joena! 🙂 I just want you to know that I am one of those young women who was so blessed in reading your blog. I thank God for my best friend who sent me a link of one of your post entitled “Why do I always have to adjust for everybody and end-up saying sorry?” since that was exactly how I feel during that time and God let me read your entry. I was praying that day that God would give answers to my tired heart, and your blog became a blessing for me. I remember the time I cried outside the room after reading that post and I felt that God is speaking to me through you. I’ve been thinking of ways how to thank you but I guess I’ll just send my thanksgiving message here. 🙂 I also was inspired to write as well, thinking that all life stories are worth sharing and God’s goodness will always be worth sharing. You are blessed ate! 🙂 I hope to see you soon in person. Thank youuuu! 🙂
Hello, there. Oh how I love your story! Thank you for sharing it. 🤗 I am all the more blessed whenever I hear testimonies on how the blog has affected lives such as yours. From my heart to yours, thank you! 💐
I’ve been a regular follower of your blog since my college days and up to now that I entered my season of being a young pro.
I’m wondering when will I get the chance to interact with you. Lots of questions I’ve been dying to ask you since most of your blogs had helped and speak to my heart. Pls continue to write your heart out. You are inspiring many! 😃
Thank you Faye for being a constant. There will be a coffee shop date on July for the readers of the blog. Please do come! An announcement will be released soon. 💕
Wow Praise God for your life and your heart to do this Blog. May you encounter His GRACE and LOVE and to share it to Others.
Thank you, Christopher! Truly appreciate it. 😊
can i ask, why you said ocean is your enemy??
Hi. Thank you for asking. I have a phobia in deep waters. Yikes!
Love your blog, Joena!!! You’re an inspiration! Thank you for shining His light to hundreds if not thousands of souls!! I’m praying to go to BKK next year, would love to meet you if time allows it 🙂
Oh please come! Would love to meet you too. Just let me know. Adventure awaits for you. 💕
Hi Joena! I chanced upon your blog from a sister from my community. I would love to backtrack and read your past entries 🙂 I love this line…..God will always be the center of each story.
It inspired me to blog again.
God bless!
Yay! Indeed, God is the center now and to eternity. No one else but Him. 💕
Gosh I wanted to encourage you girl but it seems like you’ve got loads of it now 🤗 Anyhow I still want to throw you a hug…God is using you tremendously and I pray that God will guard that love in you for Him and renew it everytime so the enemy will always be just an accessory of your future testimonies! Keep on writting.. keep on rocking for Jesus! The world needs you 😘
Aw thanks for the hug 🤗 It’s one of my favorite things in the world. Keep sending them to random strangers like me. You’re spreading love. 💕
hi! i found your blog on a fb post. glad im here. im will start blogging soon. any tips? thank you. continue to do what youre doing for your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 😊💖
Thank you. I am excited for your writing journey. Just write your heart out. Let God handles the pen. He’ll give you the words your mouth can’t even speak. No matter what may come, keep on writing. 🤗
May I just ask po. I have this special someone of mine. I prayed for him and ask God that if he’s not His will, remove that person in my life. Months passed, he’s still here. I find it weird whenever the people around us say that they feel that different kind of kilig whenever they see us. Some says that the glory of the Lord is seen in us. I don’t want to pressure myself and I also don’t want to pressure him. We just want to serve the Lord first as our friendship become stronger. We’re also waiting for the LORD’s answer if we are called to be each other. We’re just becoming close to each other while we’re serving the Lord. We’re holding bible studies for the youth together and we find it really happy and enjoying in the presence of the Lord. We feel peace whenever we’re together. What do those things mean po kaya? I don’t want to.rush things and feel pressured but things seems to be a little weird.
Can we invite you for speakership?
Saluttt! I love your blogs and i enjoy reading them and after reading them i always find myself filled with courage and love. Realizing and figuring out some things in my life. Thank you for sharing such wonderful stories and ideas with us 💗 You truly are one of my inspirations 💗 really looking forward for that book of yours ate. God bless you! 😚
Hi Joena,
I’ve been reading your blog especially the “Puso hindi siya para Sayo”.
I reblogged it. I hope you inspire more people in your blog like me. 🙂
Hi Miss Joena!! would love to spend coffee with you, I’d bring my friend along, she loves you!!!
Hi, po, Ate Joena! I’m so grateful that God directed me to your blog. It’s not an accident that I came here indeed. Learned a lot from your blog posts most especially in the area of waiting. It’s kinda hard but God’s time is beautiful and perfect. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. God bless you more po. 🙂
hello ate joena! can you please ask me how’s my heart through email? i have A LOT of things to say huhu 😞
Hello joena, can I ask something?
ATM im in a 5 months relationship with my christian boyfriend . His faith is like more mature than me, infact he was the one who pushed me to God which lead me to be an active christian desciple. He is always reminding me to do our daily devotionals, weekly fellowships and other Godly activities. With that, I continued to serve God and my ministry (were not in same ministry BTW). I became active and everybody is happy about it. Were both happy too 🙂 .But this issue came along, “everyone must surrender everything in the Lord” says our head leader. “Especially the girl/boy relationships, it can only hinder our relationship with the Lord”. I’ve been praying for this everyday and I am thinking about breaking up with him.. What should I do? I know how much he loves me and I love him too. Should I really surrender everything?
Thank you:)
Hi ate joena! I cried while reading our small talk 😭 i could feel how God is speaking through you. Thank you so much for inspiring me. Aspire to be a writer for God too, someday. God bless you, continue shining for God ate. 💓
💕😇
Hello… I try to contact the number on your post here at this page but it looks like it is invalid. Do you have other number?
Hello po ate, where can i order your book? I’m from philippines po.
Hi Ms. Joana 🙂 i really want your book 😀 i just want to know how to order your book.
Thank you
Hi ate Joena!! Thank you for being a bridging gap of God to us. I really admire you and your blogs. In and out of season, I was always reminded on how good and faithful He is in our lives. I am really grateful for your life, for you are representing Him very well. Continue in speaking life, peace, joy, righteousness and love. Jesus Christ is a life giver. As He is, so are we. ♥
I pray that you experience more of His miracles and wonders.
You go, woman of stature!!!
All the love ♥ *Big warm hug*
P.S. I am waiting this for soooo long (your book – Letters of Solana) Can I order? (Pls, together with your hand written letter) Thank you so much!
How can I order your book po ate. I am going to give it as a gift kasi hehe 🙂
Hi .. ms . Joena.. would like to know if how can i order the book? I want to give this to my love one as a gift for our monthsary. Thank you.
hi!! so uhm… i dont know i unintentionally waited until today, tuesday, reopening of the store to accept until 100 copies of your book. so i was anxious because i might not get one so yeah i stay awake until this hour 12:06 am to make sure i am notified about the book. i messaged you on your fb page and i guess you still haven’t seen it. huhu i really really love you and your book!! how can i have a copy? what time exactly will you be opening the preorder? huhu i cant wait. im getting sleepy right now but i’ll wait til 12:30 maybe you’ll drop it anytime soon. thank you for touching my soul. thank you.
why is the sea is your best enemy, while your most pictures are in the sea 🙂
That’s quite an observation! Good one. ☺️ But please don’t take it literally, I was trying to point out that I have great fear with deep waters so I never really go far beyond the shore. My friends know how I cry when they push me to go snorkeling or diving but I love the peace and quiet the shore and the waves bring. ☺️
Hii po, I’m really bless by your words. Thank you Lord for your life. Ur such an inspiration for me to do my blog again and to keep reaching people and share God’s love with them. Bless your soul.your not just a pretty face but a heart after God.continue to write in your blog and a blessing to everyone. Godbless you.
-Jessica Tricia Amante
Hi ate! I cant order letters of solana 😦 it requires password. 😦
God will not give you second chances, He will give you new beginnings.
Which means your shattered heart will be made new. It is amazing. It is available. It is possible.
Been following you in FB for a year now and got to read some of your blogs and finally landed here..strong words I’ve read “new beginnings” such a reminder for someone who build strong walls over years…the same wall I build to protect my heart is the same wall that would keep me away from someone who’s God’s best. New beginnings. This time will be allowing God to protect my heart instead. 🙂
God bless you! 🙂
Hi Dear Joena ,
Your stories was really an encouraging you inspired me to write also :).
May the Lord bless your heart and may you inspire more lives thru your letters. May the Lord continue to use you as an instrument to bring more lives to Him. God Bless Dear Lil Sistah .
Ate Jhoane 🙂
Hi DearJoena,
Your stories was really an encouraging to me , you inspired me to write a letter like this .
May the Lord continue to bless you heart and continue to use you to bring more live to Jesus through your inspiring letters . God Bless you Lil Sistah
Love,
Ate Jhoane
Hi Joena!
First of all, I haven’t read your blogs yet but I already admire how firm you are in your spirituality. Knowing that we’re almost the same age and same profession, I feel so small. I hope I could also have the same focus as you have. I would be more happy if I could have a friend like you; someone I could have deep conversation with. I pray that God continue to release more blessings to you and your family 🙂
Hello, Joena! First of all I would like to greet you a wonderful Christmas! Your posts on Facebook have greatly inspired me that sometimes I think it is God’s answer to me. Could you be His messenger? I greatly hope so. I have ordered both of your books but I don’t know how to send you the proof of payment. Please let me know how to proceed. More power and blessings to you.
Hi Joena! I’ve been seeing your posts on Facebook, so I started following you on Twitter. Now, I got interested in your blog. Your words have been speaking to me over the past sem. I’m a college student now. I’ve been struggling so much with trust issues–having problems with friends, food poisoning and the bad school system. I want to know your personal insight on trusting again. So much has happened that I find it hard to listen to God. I also find it hard to be close to the church community in my campus–when I’ve been praying about it. I really miss my childlike faith. Hope to hear from you soon, thanks!
Hi joena! your an inspiration. i’ll continue to Pray what God in stored for your hearts desires.
Hello Ms. Joena, I am the owner of Tint Positive. It’s a local cosmetics business here in the Philippines. We would like to ask you if you do collabiration? Our main goal is to remind every woman that they are loved and that no flaws will make them less worthy. May I know how we can contact you to discuss further details. Thank you and God bless!
Good Day Ms. Joena, I’d like to know how could I buy your latest book entitled: A Million Scars and A Broken Heart because my girlfriend is really a fam of yours and I want to have one of your latesr book so I am able to give it to her as a present