Monthly Archives: August 2013

Filipino Governance: Democracy is No Longer an Option

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Or so I thought.

With the issues at hand in the current political system and governance, I can no longer stay mum and just ‘do my part.’  Sentiments of irate citizens are everywhere. If I am to say now that you join me in praying for our leaders and our country and leave it all to that, most likely I will also have a piece of the pork used in the Million People March at Luneta last August 26 thrown at me.

Yes, I understand. A social upheaval against the government means only one thing – it is a call for action. It is time for the public to learn from the consequences of vote buying, of previous officials charged of graft and corruption being reelected in office to just being plain forgiving. Mistakes are repeatedly committed because no one was ever convicted guilty of graft and corruption and has been justly punished for it.

The irony of it all is this – we, Filipinos, are being punished for having the ‘soft’ culture. Is it my conscience that is urging me to speak out and condemn? No, a conscience that goes far beyond my not voting during elections for a decade already. I never cared, it never mattered. My one single vote for a good official is nothing compared to the millions who voted for the wrong ones.

Red

Red

Red symbolizes love and passion yet it also symbolizes rage and war.

I raise red.

A love-hate relationship with my country and my countrymen. But I am a Filipino, I have a ‘soft,’ forgiving heart. I live in the Philippines, it is a democratic country. I am bound by the societal rules but I follow one ruler – God. I chose to pray, to live well and do what I can do in my own little way. How? By asking God through a prayer to lead me to what it is that He would want me to do for me to be able to help.  I will wait for His instructions. How will you know? You will know. All you have to do is trust God and Him alone.

Whatever the results of the investigation will be, I will continue doing what is good for this country through the Lord’s guidance. I will not just sit and wait for legislators to do their jobs. I will do my job as well as a citizen – not just by paying the taxes alone but extending help to those who may be directly or indirectly affected by the inconsistencies and irregularities in our current political system. Share what you know to help your fellow countrymen.

I say, ACT NOW. 

Sentinels on Guard

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Peekah & Peekie on Guard

Peekah & Peekie on Guard

Here are my babies acting like “grown-ups” by closely keeping watch of the door. 🙂

But not really. Why?

When someone passes by, this is the first thing they do – SCAMPER! Yep, run away with their lives as if it is going to be their last day here on Earth. 😉

The Couple Sketch

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Couple Sketch

Couple Sketch

This is my first time to sketch a couple and I must admit I am apprehensive when my friend, Jalyn, asked me if I could do a portrait sketch of her friends as a wedding gift. But I was up for the challenge so the answer was “yes.”

This is the 5th sketch that I am to give away. For every art work I make, I feel like a part of me is instilled in it. Something like “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” 😉

The sketch is size 12″ x 18″ and I used just the regular 2B pencil.

Writing on “Dear John”

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“DEAR JOHN”

I got hold of a copy of this movie last year, but for a reason that I know not, I got to watch it just now while rummaging through my “not yet seen” list of movies for the coming long weekend.  Maybe God has intended for me to watch it this time. And by the way, it is the only movie that I wasn’t able to watch from my compilation. 🙂

So yes, this article is going to be 3 years late as this movie was released year 2010. This will not be a review (I don’t usually do reviews because I am not good at it) but I just want to share my personal insights about  the movie.

I love it.

The plot is well-crafted. Simple, direct and well-carried out. The story is written by none other than one of the famous contemporary American novelists, Nicholas Sparks. The movie is an adaptation of his novel, Dear John. The love story between a military guy and a girl who came from a rich family may sound a bit typical but the story still has its own unique theme as there is no antagonist. Conflicts were mainly derived from the couples’ decisions (John’s decision to enlist in the war in Afghanistan leaving Savannah behind and Savannah’s engagement to Tim) and time.

Savannah’s wanting to be a Special Education practitioner was one of the deciding factors why she married Tim (who was later diagnosed with cancer and died) and be a mom to Tim’s son, Alan, who has autism. John’s dad is also “special” in a way being reclusive and has this particular interest, almost obsessive, in collecting coins especially mules.

Why do I love it?

I like the smooth transition of the scenes in the movie. There are no dragging scenes and the setting constantly changes from one setting to another. The particular scene that I love in the movie would be the part wherein Savannah played the “Little House” song to John. I didn’t know that Amanda Seyfried can really sing and play the guitar so well. Here’s a thing too – she wrote the song, herself. (I hope I can compose songs as good as her – wishful thinking.)  *wink* Pretty perfect for a girl, isn’t she? She can act, sing, compose songs, play the guitar and she is adorably good-looking.

Now, I should not be leaving all the compliments to Amanda, should I? 😉 Yes, the reason I chose the movie is because the lead actor is none other than one of my favorite Hollywood actors second to Benjamin Barnes – Channing Tatum. Channing just has this particular charm – sort of an enigma that captivates me every time I see him. Well yes, I can’t deny that he is really gorgeous. I first saw him in the Step Up movie. Quite an awesome dancer! A complete package too. No wonder he and Amanda pair so perfectly well. If I am to rate the movie, I am going to give it 4 stars out of 5.

I also love all the soundtracks in the movie. My next goal is to get hold of the album containing all the movie’s soundtracks. Too early for my birthday’s wishlist, I know, but my wish might be granted earlier than expected. 🙂

In the meantime, here are some soundtracks from the movie that I was able to search over YouTube and would like to share with you. If you haven’t watched the movie yet, I suggest you watch it.

Enjoy and get ready to fall in love. 😉

“A Valentine to My Future Wife” (Reblogged from The Ministry of Leslie Ludy: Set Apart Girl – Returning To Christ-Centered Femininity)

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I loved this article after I read it. Indeed, nothing is more admirable in a man than him being a man of God. It is just fair that we, women, should also do the same. Everything is made possible through and with Christ and with Him alone. Do read the article to find out. 🙂
A VALENTINE TO MY FUTURE WIFE
by Anonymous Warrior Poet
I have been single now for many years, and with each passing Valentine’s Day, I get more excited – excited for all God is doing and has in store for my future. Several years ago I realized that I did not want a great marriage; I want a marriage that surpasses anything the world has yet seen (perhaps better stated, I am going to give Eric and Leslie Ludy competition for the best marriage award). It was while I was still in high school that I began to read books on marriage and relationships – not because I was at a place to be married, but because I wanted God to begin forming me into a noble and heroic godly man and husband, before I got married.
Growing up, I heard many friends say that they would begin learning the basics of masculinity and what it means to be a husband after they said, “I do.” But why wait? Why not allow Jesus to begin the formation of our married lives in this season of waiting? Why not start training for epic masculinity or femininity at this very moment?

What better time to be proven faithful to your future spouse than when you are single! Singleness is a grand time when Jesus can spill and spend our lives at home, in our community, and around the world without the commitments and ties of marriage and family. It is during the single years that we have full opportunity, without distraction, to pursue the endless depths of intimacy, devotion, and one-ness with our Savior.

As a brother in Christ, I offer this challenge to you: Will you allow Jesus to strip you of everything that is not of Him and transform you into a true woman of God? Will you throw yourself at His feet and allow Him to do in you what you have failed to accomplish in your own strength and ability? Would you completely surrender and depend upon Him for life and godliness? May this year be a set-apart season surpassing all others!

This is my great desire as well – for Jesus to take this year to a whole new level. I fully expect this year to be a year of depth, enriched intimacy with Jesus, increased fortification in every area of weakness, expansion in my prayer life, being built strong and valiant, intensification of holiness, and a year where He pours my life out on behalf of others unlike ever before.

As a brother in Christ, let me encourage you to hold ever tighter to Jesus. Stand firm and delight yourself in Him! Allow Jesus to be your heart’s single desire and fulfillment. Do not get anxious or concerned that there will never be a godly guy for you. I know that we as godly men are almost as rare to sight as penguins in the Bahamas, but we do exist, and we are fighting on your behalf. But don’t search us out. Rather, aggressively go after Jesus, and if He intends you to be married, He will draw one of us out (perhaps out of seeming nothingness) to woo your heart and sweep you off your feet.

The following is a love letter I wrote my future wife, whomever and wherever she is, in anticipation of this coming Valentine’s Day. May it encourage and exhort you to remember what you are waiting for, and why…

My dear love,

I can hardly believe it is time for Valentine’s again. It seems with each passing year my love for you increases – but then so does my patience as I wait for Jesus to bring you into my life. I long to hold you in my arms, to caress your tender hands, to make you smile, and hear you laugh. I long to move forward into the future Jesus is scripting for us; to partake, with you by my side, all the adventures, discoveries, pains, joys, victories, and triumphs. But I want you to know, sweet love, I am patiently waiting.

This is my time to wait. A time for Jesus to shape me into the man you need and deserve. As I think about the man I ought to be, I know I am desperately lacking in so many areas. I long to move further down the frontier of godly masculinity unto “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). I want to be a man of such fullness! I recognize that Jesus will be stripping, forming, and shaping me into such a man throughout my entire life, but my desire is to be as far as possible down that path when you arrive into my life.

If I may steal a phrase I read by C.T. Studd, I want no “namby-pamby-milksop-softie” sort of manhood. I want the genuine thing. I want to be both warrior and poet – a man of tenderness, love, and a soft heart while still being a man of steel, strength, nobility, and honor. Oh, that you may see me as a man – a man as he ought to be. I pray every ounce of weak and paltry imitation would flee so I may be a true man of God for thee.

My dearest love, I may not yet know the loveliness of your name nor the beauty of your face, but it already takes my breath away. As I wait expectantly for God to bring you into my life, in His perfect timing, know that you are continually upheld in prayer. I pray that Jesus would be the most important thing in your life – that not even I would be able to turn your gaze from Him. I pray that you will allow Him to shape you into a woman of pure godliness, without a hint of distraction, worldliness, or impurity. I pray He takes you deeper into absolute surrender and complete dependency upon Him, where the only explanation for your life is Jesus.

Oh, that He might form and craft you into the most radiant and captivating of set-apart women, even now. I know His work in your life will never be over, but my deep prayer and longing before we meet is that you would crave and go after the fullness of Jesus yourself. I know the world is yelling in your face to lower your standards, to throw off your elegance and grace, to allure the men around you, and a host of other absurdities, but please, oh, please, do not heed their voices. I wish I could stand in front of you to take the blunt of the criticism and attack, but because I am not there, hide yourself ever more in Jesus. Cling to Him all the tighter. May each difficult “pressing” of life only press you deeper into Him. And know, my dear love, that I am standing in prayer beside you. I am fighting and lifting you up in the spiritual realm on a daily basis.

Please be patient, dear one. I know how it can be a struggle to wait in seeming endlessness, but the time is not afar off when He will draw us together and enable me to sweep you off your feet. Use this time to fall ever more in love with our Jesus. Dive deep and drink of His richness. Be consumed and passionately intimate with Him. And know, for however long it takes, that I am patiently and prayerfully waiting.

Now and forever yours,

Your future husband*

(Original article can be found here: http://www.setapartgirl.com/magazine/article/01-1-11/valentine-my-future-wife)

Isko Operations 2013 (Typhoon Maring)

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I prayed for Mr. Sun. 

Like the picture below. But just like the picture too, it is a gray sun – still not sunny.

Mr. Sun

Mr. Sun

But I cannot let it dampen my spirits, can I? 🙂

So yes, the rain poured and out I was with one of my best college buddies to help out in the Isko Operations held at UP Diliman. We helped in the packing of canned goods, water, medicine, clothes, and food that will be deployed in areas here in Manila and neighboring provinces that were flooded due to the heavy rains brought about by typhoon Maring.

Isko Ops 2013

Isko Ops 2013

It’s just been an hour since I got back from the relief ops and I can feel my aching limbs, stiff fingers and shaking knees as I was typing but it is all worth it.

It is all worth it.

I thank God for all the volunteers and to the volunteers too who helped in the relief operations as well as to those who sent in their donations. Indeed, in times like these, that one Filipino trait keeps us all together, “bayanihan” (camaraderie).

Please continue praying for those who were affected and please pray for the deployment volunteers as well who also risked their lives helping everyone to safety.

This has been my second time to volunteer in the Isko Ops, I believe I will be doing it regularly from now on. Looks like I will be having my New Year’s resolution as early as now. 😉

The World is His Wordplay

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"Pencil and Brushes"

“Pencils and Paint Brushes: Writing and Art”

A boy he is – young, wild and free.

For him, to imagine is to dream. To recount is to live it by. Vivid are his words. Vibrant and so full of life. Thoughts flow freely and openly. Like a blossom slowly starting to bloom. Petal by petal, it starts to unfold to the world outside. It captivated every observer, every passersby. It now becomes like a picture – that of Dorian Gray. The fire of youth seems to breathe in and out of him. Admired by many, praised by most.

And yet, to the painter Basil, who made the portrait with all of his heart came a price too high to be paid – it costs Dorian’s soul. How can the boy be ever protected from the harsh and cruel realities of life? With all the experiences that he would go through, would there still be any good left in him?

Basil tried to protect him. Veer him away from all those worldly pleasures, make him see the world in a different perspective. And yet he, Basil, found himself caught in the whirlpool of words, thoughts, ideas, philosophies that are rich but are not from his realm.

The artist is helpless. There’s no way that he can be saved – that man in the portrait. It pained to see the masterpiece becoming a remnant of the past that would soon fade. Like a memory, dug deep until totally forgotten.

All that was left are his words, his thoughts, that once captivate but now begin to haunt. Sweet words they were. Now, they are all jumbled, like a puzzle, wherein one decent word cannot be formed.

Indeed, the boy is a writer. His life is a wordplay. A tangle of woven dreams, broken hopes and yes, just words.

Nothing else but all sort of words.

***It’s been a while since I have created something “fictitious.” So here’s a short fiction to practice my imaginative writing skills. If ever I have one. 😉 

“To Long No More – Detach”

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"Sitting Pretty"

“Sitting Pretty”

*This is the English translation of the Filipino poem I created and posted earlier which was entitled “Pag-iingat sa Pangungulila.” Never had an idea that translating a Filipino poem can be this challenging making sure I do not lose the essence of the original poem. I hope I translated it well.

P. S.

The photo I attached in this post reminded me to translate the Filipino poem – which is what I did just now. Two words entered my mind upon seeing the sitting boy: detached and languid. Thus, the title. 🙂

 

TO LONG NO MORE – DETACH

I saw in you,

Happiness that is true.

But not afterwards,

When turned were the cards.

Circumstances arise,

Painful was the price.

Why it could possibly be,

Turn out this bad to see?

Now you tremble,

Looking at the rubble.

Shed tears that flow,

Sadness begin to grow.

Beautiful days are gone,

Hoping more could be done.

But you had to let go,

Good things await by doing so.

A promise made,

Memories will fade.

Soon you will see,

The good in letting things be.

Ideas, Answers and Waiting

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“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

Wisdom and knowledge are two different things. My small group in church led by our Victory group leader, Sheryl, shared a discussion on this two Sundays ago. Just to get to the basic definition of the two, knowledge is all about facts, wisdom is how you use those facts for good.

Nowadays, education is regarded by most as a tool to gain knowledge. My question is this – is wisdom being taught in schools as well? Or is it what most would say too – education happens everywhere. Learning so to speak. Or could it also be this – the school prepares, the society teaches. The school offers knowledge, society and life in general teach wisdom; theory for the former, application for the latter.

Concepts can be very passé. But time and circumstances can change them. I aim to educate people. I see myself doing more of what is in the photo below – extending educational services to those who do not have the privilege to be in schools in the future. I also am still in the stage of gaining knowledge to gain wisdom when I get the chance to be out in the field and apply them – prepare and equip first. The photo below was taken during our visit in the Badjao community in Davao City to observe how the community runs the Alternative Learning System.

Alternative Learning System in the Badjao Community in Davao City, Philippines

Alternative Learning System in the Badjao Community in Davao City, Philippines

But I have one challenge to myself and to other educators – the bible, THE book of all books. Didn’t you know that even for us, adults, more can be learned from the bible? I believe I need not ask because that’s a given, a stated fact. Yes, a lot of articles and books are out there to teach us about a lot of things. But the basic foundations of learning can be found in the bible.

A lot have interpreted the bible. A lot have quoted the verses. Some used it to condemn. Some used it to glorify. I have no right to judge and say who said it right, who interpreted it wrong. Because I personally believe they are all correct. I do, however, think that the bible was created to serve as our personal guide and as a reminder when we tend to be dissuaded every now and then from our good faith and in our beliefs. But it is still through God where we can gain greater wisdom. Read the bible, ask God in a prayer to reveal what He meant by those verses that you have read. Share your testimonies and experiences, back it up with the bible verses. In other words, pattern the knowledge acquired from the world through the bible.

Culture wise, it is difficult to incorporate everything – Christianity, scientific knowledge, and wise, practical ways into one bundle and be rest assured that all is learned. It is a constant dilemma, a difficult proposition, a challenging task. This is where I hope to seek wisdom, this is how I seek wisdom. Thus, I go back to the highest and superior mentor and teacher, I ask God. But God most likely will say – the first thing that I wanted you to learn is this – patience. Have that and then you will have your answers. They will be revealed to you at the right time.

Thus, I end this article, I keep quiet and I wait.  🙂

A Bunch of Awards – 3 Nominations: My Sincerest Gratitude

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Pink Rose

Pink Rose

I would like to start this post with my warmest congratulations and a note of gratitude to my friend and fellow blogger miles and miles away across where I am now – ajaytao. 🙂

Ajay, I have been one of your constant followers and I must say that in as many ways as you can, you have definitely touched a lot of lives, inspired a lot of people and brought joy to many all around the world through your posts.

I know this will never be enough to thank you for all that you have done but please bear in mind that we, your followers, can attest to how much have you contributed in making everyone see the world in a whole lot of different perspectives.

Our prayers are with you always, Ajay. Be happy always. 🙂

I would like to acknowledge the privilege that you have given for nominating me for 3 awards as well. I am truly honored to be chosen by one of the best bloggers here in WordPress. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I definitely will pay it forward. 🙂

The Versatile Blogger Award

The Versatile Blogger Award

Inner Peace Award

Inner Peace Award

Most Influential Blogger Award

Most Influential Blogger Award