BLOGGYS 2015: The Philippines’ Premiere Blog Awarding Event

Tin Ginete

To God be the Glory!

This came as a lovely surprise. 

I never thought that blogging will take me this far. Or should I say, how my faith has brought me this far. For yes, if there is one sole reason why I decided to put up my blog last October 2012, a month after my altar call, it is to be the “megaphone” of my faith – spearheaded by unfavorable events in my past that led to my salvation and now, this blog.

There was no apprehension. I felt that I had to do it – I need to write, not just to clear unresolved issues but more for the love of writing and sharing. I have shared in my previous articles why I had this passion to write and share. It came from my hunger for learning, knowledge and wisdom.

Before, I was hungry for the wrong kind of wisdom. It was this blog that led me to pursuing the right kind of wisdom and knowledge – that which is everlasting, firm and true. I would not exchange it for anything. For I must admit, it was that kind of wisdom that this blog came to life and is now thriving.

What I posted did not come from me per se. They were all knowledge passed on to me too. And my Teacher instructed me to use whatever He will give me to keep this blog alive – tapping my interests, skills, life experiences and God-given opportunities.

I am GRATEFUL.

To my God, to WordPress, to my past, to my faith, to my partner in life, family and friends, to my spiritual family, to my fellow bloggers who were bold in actively sharing their faith through social media and including some that this world offers in between, and to the organizers of Bloggys 2015 for all the opportunities to share my thoughts and my faith through writing.

Tin Ginete

To God be the Glory!

I am claiming MORE FRUITFUL BLOGGING YEARS ahead, by His Grace and through His Name.

Let’s continue giving Him the honor and glory that He deserves. 🙂

Ode On Morality

Tin Ginete

Beauty amid the blackness.

In every society, morality is that one thing that makes civilization intact by bringing public order. These are the moral dictates and code of ethics that I, too, was subjected for strict compliance not because I am a teacher but because I am a citizen of a civilized society.

If we are to look closely on all the generations, past and present, and the standard of morality today, can we actually say and claim that it has declined? Or is it all just a matter of generational gaps, adaptability and acceptance of the changing times?

Laws are the social constructs that preserve any community. As a Christian, I only got to know this one fact when I got saved – we are all governed by one law and that is His Word through the bible.

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” – Psalm 119: 105

“Your Word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.” – Psalm 119: 89-93

Would it be safe then to assume that we actually have no use for our current justice system? What about the laws we are obeying now? They are laws which could be as faulty and imperfect as the one who made them – man. They were made by the leaders of the generations before and the generation now.

Such are the questions that I asked and I was given the answers:

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” – Romans 13: 1

“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” – Hebrews 13: 7

I used to be a critic of reality to the point that I dare question what is existing or preexisted. But the Truth was given and I stopped asking questions. And I, myself, can clearly attest to this:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The standards of morality may change over time and yet there is this one law that stays true, valid and trustworthy for decades and centuries:

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” – Joshua 1: 8

Bible reading and an attitude of prayer will get you that far in life. Because that is what the Law says. Not mine, not yours, but His. 🙂

“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy.” – James 4: 12

Girl Rising: The Undefeated Bella

girlrising.com

girlrising.com

It is all about women empowerment for the International Women’s Month celebration this March. 🙂

To cap the month off, read more from this article for a Girl Rising review and if you want to be part of the women’s movement advocacy internationally and locally.

http://www.wheninmanila.com/rise-up-the-modern-filipina-girl-rising-amidst-social-and-cultural-barriers/

Pin-Tayo Painting Benefit Workshop @ Sip and Gogh

Tin Ginete

My Painting

Tin Ginete

Brian’s Painting

This was one superb painting workshop for a cause that Brian and I have pretty much enjoyed. It is like hitting two birds with one stone. This was my first painting session and it was a very memorable one. Praise be to God for this wonderful opportunity. 🙂

You can read more about our experience here:

http://www.wheninmanila.com/tabang-tambayan-pin-tayos-color-bursting-at-sip-and-gogh/

Tin Ginete

Brian and I with our finished paintings.

Manifesto of Unity

Art Exhibit: Donation For A Good Cause

'Sandaang Pintor, 'Sandaang Damdamin Exhibit 2012
‘Sandaang Pintor, ‘Sandaang Damdamin Exhibit 2012

“It is for the treatment of two sick kids.”

This was what my friend and former co-worker, Sigrid, told me when she asked me if I could donate some of my artworks for an exhibit.

A donation for a good cause, I never hesitated.  An answer was given – YES.

‘Sandaang Pintor, ‘Sang Damdamin (A Hundred Painters, One Passion) is a collaboration of over a hundred painters all over the Philippines to raise funds for the treatment of two ailing kids, Zack and Zoei, sponsored by the UP Diliman Delta Pi Omicron Sorority, where Sigrid is affiliated with.

Beside "Atlas" and "Banga".
w/ my “Atlas” and “Banga”

I donated two of my artworks: “Atlas” (my first charcoal sketch on a big canvas) and “Banga.” It truly is a privilege to be part of a cause and be able to help in saving lives, most especially those of these young children.

I was able to attend the opening of the exhibit last December 6, 2012, at the PCPD Building in Taguig City and met my two great friends, UP DPO Sorority’s Lady Omicrons, Tish and Sigrid, the rest of the Omicron ladies, and other supporters of the event.

UP Delta Pi Omicron Sorority
w/ the UP Delta Pi Omicron Sorority
DSC_1021-2
Manny O Wines
DSC_1023
Baguette
DSC_1014-2
Chocos and Baguettes
DSC_1001
Tish’s dear friend, Pat

The great news then arrived – someone bought one of my donated artworks. I felt like a teenager who just got his driving pass. 😉

Happy is an understatement to describe it, not only because I was able to help raise funds for the two kids, but also because I know they will have a greater chance of surviving. Honestly, I wasn’t confident about displaying my artworks since I had just started creating them. But, my friend Sigrid happens to be so good at convincing. 😀 And I really want to help.

This is an ongoing project, and if you would like to help, please visit the ‘Sandaang Pintor, ‘Sandaang Damdamin website and be part of this very good cause:  http://www.sandaangpintor.com/.

From us, fellow supporters, our sincerest gratitude, and join us as we pray for Zack and Zoei’s healing and fast recovery. ❤

DSC_0980

DSC_0981

DSC_0983

DSC_0986

DSC_0988

DSC_0991

DSC_1031