BATU-BATO SA LANGIT!

"There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"- James 4:12

In this Bible verse, it says that there is only one who could judge people. The one who made it all, the one who made us all. Is it you? Is it me? Oh no no no no. I don't think so. Then why do you judge? You don't have the right to condemn others. You are not perfect. And if you consider yourself as one, then think again my friend. Think again and again until you realize your imperfection. It hurts right? because it's true. Some of us don't know how to look on themselves first before judging other people's imperfection. 

Look at yourself, not because you're beautiful, you're famous, you're wealthy and has an army of friends, you think you can live your life the way you want it to be? WELL I TELL YOU, YOU CAN'T! This life is not always about you, it's not always about us. Jesus said love one another and love others as you love yourself. But of course, we cannot please everybody, I guess not everybody knows what these commandments mean. Sometimes, we are being too insensitive of the feelings of others because we're too selfish to think that other people has feelings too. 

According to Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Kung puro negative talaga yung titingnan mo sa isang tao, puro negative din ang lalabas sa bibig mo. Why don't you try to look on the positive side of others and you will see how precious and good they really are. Another thing that the Bible is saying about the HYPOCRITES "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." taken from Matthew 7:5 which made me also realize my mistakes before that now I really regret and asked for forgiveness for. I don't want to judge others anymore because I know that aside from I'm committing sins in God's eyes, I am also fooling myself. Fooling myself in what way? I am fooling myself because I'm making myself believe that I am way too perfect than anyone else. Bato-bato sa langit, ang tamaan magbago.

We know that all of us have these flaws that others may seem can't accept because we're different from them. Pero sana marealize natin yun bago tayo humusga ng kapwa natin. Sabi nga ni Lord “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." Now tell me, who are you to judge and condemn others? 

P.S This is based from general experience. 

Nothing Important

Sorry to bother you. I don't have a topic or social issue right now like I used to blog about. I just want to express myself here. Please stay and listen to me. I just need someone whom I could talk to right now. I don't want to consider myself as sad.. I don't usually get sad because I'm a happy person. But this time, I feel like it's me against the world. Unidentified feeling it is what I am feeling right now.Maybe it is sadness maybe it is not. Trying to escape from this madness of mine. Keeping all the tears that I can't really hide. An emotion that keeps on bugging me. Where does this come from? Even if I wanna leave it all behind, my mind is being fooled by it. I don't wanna waste my time now. I should be thinking happy thoughts, yes? Okay I will. Erase that, maybe it's better if I'd say I shall. 

FRATATATAT!

Fraternities, what is so good about it? After hearing the "hot" issue about the crime committed because of this Frat thing just recently, this issue really lingered on my mind. I really don't understand why people need to be on a secret organization and let themselves suffer from different rituals and abuses or so called "hazing". That's why I researched about it. Fraternities from the Latin word frater means brother, Fraternity is a brotherhood, a formal and secret organization that is dedicated to the intellectual, physical, and mental development of the members.

Well obviously, by the meaning itself, people join fraternities because they want to fit in, they want to be accepted, they want to feel that they belong, they want to feel secured and have some people who would be there for them whenever they need one and one way to get all these is to undergo initiations rituals which they call hazing. This is the part where they need to do some unreasonable, harsh and cruel acts from their seniors. Here pa nga lang, you should feel na you're not secured and protected kasi if they really want to make you as part of their brotherhood, hindi ka dapat nila sasaktan. Those things won't make you stronger, those things will just bring you more fear and might kill you as well. Hindi naman lahat ng tao malakas ang resistensya, you don't even know if kaya mo yung mga ipapagawa nila sayo, they will hurt you and make you feel na after those rituals mapapatanuyan mo na malakas ka. That's not brotherhood, that's foolishness. You're just making yourself get into trouble and will bring you into situations that you don't expect.

Well I'm not saying that it's bad or not good to seek for security and companionship but joining fraternities won't make you feel the same freedom that you have after you pass all the initiations that they will make you experience. Tao ka rin, nasasaktan at napapagod physically. True brotherhood aims to be there for one another in times of trials and will push you to do good and not to lead you into trouble. Ang nangyayari, para mapatunayan mo na malakas ka, or karapat-dapat kang sumali sa isang fraternity, iuutos sayo ang mga bagay na labag naman sa loob mo, brotherhood ba yun? Where's the freedom there?

Many people in fraternity would say, "e kasi gusto ko may back-up ako pag may mga umaway sakin e." Hello, first and foremost bakit ka papasok sa gulo lalo na kung alam mo namang mapapahamak ka? Diba? Simpleng-simple, kung iniisip mo muna ang mga ginagawa mo, hindi ka mapapahamak. Palibahasa kasi para sa iba ang pakikipag away is like innate na sa kanila na parang hindi sila matatahimik hangga't hindi sila nakikipagbasag-ulo. Well, if you're looking for fight and you know naman na walang magandang maidudulot ito, better wag mo na lang gawin.

Let's talk about the poeple who are in law school naman. They join frats cause they want to pass the exams, or get high grades and be recognized ng mga professors nila sa Law School. We all know na mahirap pagaralan ang LAW. We know na napakaraming pinagaaralan diyan at masakit talaga sa ulo, pero diba you chose that course which you know na mahirap kaya dapat alam mo na ang dapat mong gawin, magaral ng mabuti. Ok, maybe you'll say "e mahirap talaga e anong magagawa ko", may magagawa ka you just want to make it easier for you. Law yan e, malamang mahihirapan ka. You chose that path, so take all the risks. Life is about choices ika nga and life is what you make it.

Well, I'm just saying my opinions here. I don't mean to offend anybody or anyone here. If you guys want security, ask God for it. Actually, kay God pa nga lang secured ka na e. You don't need to join fraternities to belong and be accepted cause there are a lot of people around you who accept you for who you are. People who would always be there to help you out and be there for you. In the case of law students, think before you decide, matalino kayo, don't put it into waste by risking your own life in joining these fraternities. For those who are already a member of any fraternities, God bless you and I have said earlier, LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT.

Thank you for taking time reading my blog. 

PANINIWALA: Sta.Nina (Movie Review)

Courtesy of: http://pinoypower.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Sta-Nina-Poster.jpg

Maraming bagay sa mundong ito ang pwedeng luminlang sa ating pananalig.. Maging kultura man, kapamilya mo, ang mga kaibigan mo o mismo ang simbahan na iyong kinabibilangan. Hindi lahat ng itinuturo sayo ay tama. Eto ang madalas na nagiging problema ng mga taong akala nila kontento na sila sa kanilang pananalig. Palasimba, pero paglabas ng simbahan bumabalik parin sa dati nilang maling gawain o di kaya nama'y hindi niya napapansin, wala parin siyang pinagbabago. 

Ang Sta. Nina ni Emmanuel Quindo ay pinagbibidahan ng ilan sa mga kilalang personalidad at artista sa showbiz ngayon. Hindi maikakaila ang kasabikan ng ilan sa palabas na ito dahil sa trailer pa lang, pasok na. Nang aking mapanood ang pelikulang ito, hinahanda ko na ang sarili ko dahil alam ko na maganda ito. Bagama't medyo nakulangan ako at ang ilan sa storya ng Sta. Nina, hindi naman ako nagkamali. Napakahusay ng mga gumanap, ang mga shots ay magaganda rin. Maganda rin ang mga linyang binitawan ng mga gumanap. Pero ano nga ba talaga ang mensahe ng Sta. Nina? 

Courtesy of: http://www.cinemalaya.org/images/films/2012/sta-nina-still-3-big.jpg

Nang aking balikan ang mga linya at eksena sa pelikulang ito, narealize ko na pasok na pasok sa mga Pilipino ang kwento nito. Para sa mga katoliko, napakahalaga ng mga imahe o rebulto lalung-lalo na kapag and bagay na ito na akala nila ay sagrado, ay gumagawa ng milagro. Minsan nagkakataon lang, minsan naman ay nagiging instrumento ang mga imahe o rebultong ito para tugunin ang mga hiling ng tao. Nirerespeto  ko ang pananalig ng ibang tao sa mga bagay na ito, ngunit minsan, nagiging dyus-dyusan na natin ang mga imaheng ito na maaari namang, daretso na tayong manalangin sa Panginoon. Mahirap magsalita ng mga bagay dahil talagang ayun ang nakasanayan ng marami sa atin, lalo na dito sa Pilipinas. 

Ang Diyos ay tapat sa kanyang mga pangako. Ang pagkamatay niya sa Krus ng Kalbaryo ay isa ng patunay na tayo ay magaling na. Ang nais niya lang na ating gawin ay manumbalik sa kanya at tanggapin siya bilang sarili nating Panginoon at tagapagligtas. Ang iyong pananalig kay Hesukristo ang maaaring makapagligtas sa atin at sa lahat ng gawa ng kaaway. Manalig tayo ng buong puso sa kanya, wag sana tayong malihis dahil sa mga maling paniniwala. 

God Writes Your Love Story

This lovely and very inspiring poem was made by Joshua Uy. I was inspired to add the women's perspective on what he has expressed here and also I would also like to add some of the realizations and learnings that I gained earlier while I was listening on the preaching of Pastor Daniel in Victory Malate. 

"Women and Men should not settle for good when it comes to relationship, because God has planned what's best for each and every one of us." - Pastor Daniel

Well, who doesn't want to love and be loved? Who doesn't want to to feel complete? Who doesn't want to hear those romantic lines and words from the person you love? Of course, everyone does. I also believe that Love is God and God is Love. So if you're blaming God for feeling bitter right now because of the broken-hearted situations that you've had, you're barking with the wrong tree. God gave us a choice and a freedom to do what we want. But when it comes to bad relationships, God also feels sad whenever you chose to get hurt rather than choosing to be happy. 

From the women perspective, based from my own experience, I never had a boyfriend before but that doesn't make me inexperience when it comes to relationships because I don't need to do the trial and error thing in love. If you're not yet sure, why enter into a relationship? I believe that women are worthy of the long wait. But both women and men should have this virtue called patience before entering into a relationship that God has designed for each and everyone of us. Waiting is not just meant for men, but also for women. 

According to Genesis 2:18

"The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

a helper suitable for him- means a woman 

God designed a woman to help the man. Even before in the book Genesis, God proved that He is the author of love.  God made the men and women to compliment each other and help each other. You're just waiting your time if you want to enter into a relationship that you're unprepared and unstable. God has His own perfect time, don't rush things by following your own desires. 

As Josh has mentioned in his poem, he just want to be honest. He doesn't deserve a woman like the person meant for him yet because he knows that he is not yet ready for commitments. It is very rare to look for guys who has the same principles as Josh has and personally, I am very happy to meet people like Josh who is willing to wait, how long may it take he don't care, because that's what God wants him to do. 

According to Song of Solomon 2: 7 

"Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires."

This is especially for women, who thinks that the time would pass by easily if they don't meet their partners in life as early as now. As Pastor Daniel said, Love is not about timing and if he/ she is the right person. We should prepare ourselves for God's time. Instead of asking if she/he is the one, let's ask if am I the one. Although usually, we abuse the freedom that God has given us to get the desires of our hearts, without even praying for it, that's a NO NO. Women, we were made by Christ to be with the person that God has destined for us, we should not settle for less. 

It's You (Original Composition)

IT’S YOU

By: Jojo Armenta

I. Here we go again

My stomach stumbles and my heart beats fast.

I wonder what it is in you

That made me often nervous and wet my hands.

II. And I wasn’t looking for somebody

And I haven’t been in love

But this feeling I have for you

Really bothers me for a while.

Chorus:

Because of you, ooh it’s you

Who always makes my day right

And makes me smile everytime

And you turned my whole world upside down,

When I look into your eyes, I am alive.

III. Here we go again

Your smile that really captured my heart at once

I wonder what it is in you

That made me often nervous and wet my hands.

(Repeat II stanza)

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:

I asked God to see you again

And He gave me a second chance

All I want is to know you more   

And you’re the one I’m looking for. 

Dedicated to that someone I admire the most. :)

SAKLA: Oros' Movie Review

Ang Oros, na ang ibig sabihin ay gold coin ni Direk Paul Sta. Ana ay tungkol sa dalawang magkapatid na ang pangunahing ikinabubuhay ay ang pagsa-sakla o illegal gambling tuwing may burol. Bagama't Sakla ang pinaka focus na social issue na nais ipakita ng pelikulang ito, marami akong nakita na isyu na makikita rin sa reyalidad ng buhay. Ang sakla ay madalas nagaganap sa mga squatters area kung saan alam naman natin na puro mahihirap ang naninirahan. KAHIRAPAN ang nagtulak sa mga tao para sumugal sa ganitong klaseng gawain. Konting ingat lang naman ang gagawin mo, kikita ka na ng pera.

Sa sobrang pagiging desperado,minsan kahit sa burol ng mismong sariling kamag-anak, gagawin parin nila ito dahil saan naman sila kukuha ng pagkain sa araw-araw, pang aral sa mga anak nila, pambili ng gamot sa mga kapamilya nilang may sakit? Nangyayari talaga yang mga bagay na yan, kaya hindi rin siguro masisi kung bakit ginagawa ng mga tao ang mga bagay na labag na minsan sa kanilang kalooban.

Hindi man ganoong karelate-relate ang kwento ng Oros para sa maraming manonood, sa pamamagitan ng pelikulang ito, nagkaroon ng salamin an reyalidad na ang kahirapan ay siyang nagtutulak para gumawa ng mga hindi kanais-nais na bagay ang mga tao. Pero sana hindi mawalan ng pag-asa ang maraming tao sa kakayanan nila. Madalas kasi nagiging sanhi rin ng kahirapan ang katamaran ng tao. Hindi man nakapagtapos ng pagaaral pero hindi ibig sabihin nun, gagawa ka ng mga hindi kaaya-ayang gawain para mabuhay. Lahat ng tao may "choice", pinanganak ka mang mahirap, hindi ibig sabihin nun wala ka ng pagasang guminhawa. Marami nga diyan e, dahil lamang sa sipag at magaling na diskarte kaya sila yumayaman. Kung kaya nila, kaya mo rin diba.

A Journey with God

Every Christian has their own experiences and testimonies on how they found Jesus and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. God seeks His children in so many and in different ways. He wants us to know Him in every aspect of our lives. But how do we really walk with God? How do we really see Him in our lives?

I became a Christian when I was 12 years old.  I grew up in  a Christian environment, meaning my parents and my siblings are all Christians. When I was a kid, I just knew Christ because I was afraid of my Dad, who is a Pastor. But that was before I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. My mom is a Spiritual Counselor, she's the best person I've ever met. Though sometimes of course, moms are moody, but still, she's the best! My mom and dad were the best example of marriage life for me, because God is the center of their relationship that's why. They taught us almost everything in this world and because of them, we met Jesus Christ. What I want to say is that, because of OBEDIENCE to our parents, we were able to build a deep relationship with Christ and now, we're walking by faith.

 During that time when I was about to accept Him, I wasn't in any trouble or any circumstances as other people experienced. I remember clearly, I was just standing there watching my parents and older siblings worshiping and praising God. Then my father told us (younger ones) to close our eyes and pray with him. I was crying and crying and crying. I don't know what's happening to me and I felt that something was covering me, something comforted me. From then on, I started a new chapter of my life with Christ. Of course, I experienced persecutions because that's part of Christian life. My mom told us that us Christians will also experience what Jesus had experienced 2000 years ago, the persecutions and all because this world is full of selfish and self righteous people. But the good part is, our parents taught us that if there are people who condemn and persecute us, be kinder and do more good things to them. 

I can say that I am so blessed with a family that I have right now. Since I became a Christian, more challenges and trials came, but for us they were all just test of faith. God is just teaching us to hold on to Him and still believe. Now what am I saying, meaning you don't need to suffer so much pain or undergo so much trials in able to see God in your life. God's love for us is FREE and He's giving it all to us. It doesn't matter where you come from or whatever kind of person you are. 

Now, my hope and prayer is that for me to be used by God for the youth. In able to reach out those lost souls to seek for God's help and Holy Spirit. Accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior. We believe that God has something great in stored for this generation. I want to be used by God through my talents, as a worship leader or as a leader. My heart is also to speak in front of so many youth who are thirsty for the Word.

Now let us all together pray for a great revival... 

Father God, we come to you once again. Lord, we pray for this generation, we pray that you will use more Christian youth leaders who will stand up and share the Gospel. We pray that you will give us knowledge and wisdom. Father God, we pray for a great revival in this generation that a lot of youth will seek you more and more everyday. Lord, help us and teach us to do Your will always. In Jesus name. Amen

Always look out for Number One

Reality check: Who doesn’t want to own a company? Who doesn’t want to become wealthy and rich? Who doesn’t want to be called the “boss”? Who doesn’t want to earn lots of money?  Well, most of us would answer “I do” and who wouldn’t? When you got the success that you’re aiming for, you will probably do everything to keep this so called “Number One” status. Being on top feels like you own the world and can control everything in our hands that’s why in any way and anyhow, we will do anything just to secure our desire to be on top of everything. This is the scenario usually happens when you have a business and has a great source of wealth. But usually people in the business take things and other people for granted because the only important for them is PROFIT.

       “Business is business” as they would say. It’s what they should do. Their business means everything to them. But what if they consider doing something worthwhile causes instead of putting all their money to investments for their security in retirement, isn’t that wonderful? Anyway we will lose everything after we die right? Why don’t they think of ways on how to contribute in the society and help people at large? Instead of thinking on how to make their profit grow, think on how to make an impact on the lives of the people by seeking their needs and share. Profit is just an evident that you’ve work hard but touching the lives of the people in need means there’s an eternal reward waiting for you that you will forever be grateful of.

        Money is not always the answer and solution for everything. Money can buy new shoes, clothes and food but it can never buy real happiness and joy. Money can pay your tuition fee in school but it can never buy real education and values. See, there are things that money can’t buy and yet we let money control us because we think money can solve everything. Now if you may ask, what is the real meaning of success without money? It’s not the big houses that you bought neither the number of cars that you have. Real meaning of success for me is when you can already share something you have that others don’t have. In this way, I could say that success doesn’t have anything to do with money. It will bring us to the concept of LOVE.

        What does this blog wants to impart? I am not against rich people or powerful people. I’m just saying, we should always go back to basic so we could aim the success that we’re looking for. It all begins with LOVE. If you’re really hard working, money is just there and it will run after you so don’t worry. But touching other people’s lives by helping them would mean a lot to these people and to you as well, it could change your life and you may not notice it. “It is more than to give than to receive”, please don’t forget. The number one thing you should do is start investing for your real happiness right now, do what Jesus did.... SACRIFICIAL LOVE.

From Workers to Prisoners

               It was my first time to see the Hanjin Shipyard in Subic Zambales. The outside look of it is very peaceful and quiet. You don't even see the people working. Then I asked, "Bakit parang walang tao?" Kuya Mars, one of the leaders of SAMAHAN answered, "Kasi nasa loob sila ng mga duck na yan". Then I connect my thoughts. Kasing tahimik ng panlabas na anyo ng Hanjin Shipyard ang mga workers nito, hough hindi lahat, pero marami parin ang natatakot magsalita kasi they know that there's a big possibility na matanggal sila sa trabaho. Kaya din siguro hindi sila masyadong napapansin kasi parang hindi naman totoo. Kasi wala namang nagsasalita. Until that day, I found out that marami narin palang media ang nakipagusap sa mga leaders and members ng SAMAHAN at ng Friends of Hanjin Workers.

              I and Elmer from Friends of Hanjin Workers, went to Subic Zambales together with the staffs of GMA7's Reporter's Notebook to cover the issue of Hanjin workers and know their stories. For me, it was a privilege that I've met different Hanjin workers and the leaders of SAMAHAN cause I've learned A LOT from them. The stories that I've heard from Ka Renante's stories, totoo pala talaga lahat yun at mas marami pang nangyayari sa loob na hindi pa naisasawalat kasi natatakot ang mga workers na i-terminate sila sa kanilang trabaho. Damang-dama ko ang paghihirap habang sila ay nagke- kwento. Nakakaawa. Sabi ko nga, kung meron lang ako na alternative na trabaho na pwedeng ibigay sakanila, ginawa ko na. Pero dahil talaga sa kahirapan, they are all willing to take all the risks and sacrifices to survive and to feed their family. 

Here's the story: 

         When we went up the mountain to see the wide view of the Hanjin Shipyard outside, Reporter's Notebook's camera persons set up their staff to shoot the outside view of the shipyard. In a while, the security guard of the shipyard (is a Filipino) noticed us and stared as if we are criminals.I wasn't frightened at first but when the security guard (Mr. Manalastas) went up to where we were standing and brought a military person with him, I got scared, honestly. Then the Segment Producer of RN talked to them and explained everything. They want us to go inside and go to the information center and talk to their General Manager (a Korean). The Segment Producer said we will go inside when the permit is already okay. To cut the long story short, Mr. Manalastas insisted that we should go there and talk to the General Manager to clear everything. But we were surprised when we found out that our service van was already inside the Hanjin Shipyard. He said that their General Manager let our service van in. 

        Then after meeting the General Manager, the crew of RN got nothing. They didn't even let them shoot inside the shipyard and didn't even get an interview with the Hanjin Management. So, our next stop was the hospital where they usually bring the Hanjin workers, which is 45 minutes away from the shipyard. We went there to see the worker who is currently in coma because of the accident that happened to him inside the Hanjin Shipyard. When we got there, the camera persons were stopped by 2 security guards and didn't tell them why. The Segment Producer of RN was the only one who could go inside. Then after about an hour, the Segment Producer told us that they can't see the patient or interview any of his relatives because there was a not written from the patient's brother saying that they are no longer willing to do an interview in any media that will invite them to. The Segment Producer of RN also mentioned that the Finance Officer of Hanjin Shipyard was inside. Well, alam na natin kung anong ginagawa niya dun. Ang masaklap pa dun, nung nasa office kami ng SAMAHAN, nakausap pa namin yung Kuya nung pasyente na na-coma. The analysis is that the Hanjin Management forced the brother to make a letter to neglect any interview involving Hanjin because if not, they will not pay for the hospital bills of the patient. 

Isa lang ito sa pagpapakita na talagang may hindi magandang ginagawa ang Hanjin Management, kasi bakit nila kailangang pigilang magpainterview ang mga workers or relatives ng mga workers kung wala naman silang ginagawang masama?

Because of that experience, I convinced myself that I will become more aggressive on showing the unjust labor conditions that are happening inside the Hanjin Shipyard. I will do anything that I can to help the workers and to spread the issue for the people to become aware, informed and involved on the fight that these Hanjin Workers are experiencing. 

We can help in many ways, even in our own simple ways, yes we can do something to help these 23, 000 Hanjin Workers. Hanjin Shipyard is in their 5 years this year, 45 more years to come (5o years contract). Let's all make a stand to stop these unjust labor conditions inside the Hanjin Shipyard!

P.S Please watch Reporter's Notebook later 11:30pm after SAKSI on GMA7, they will be featuring the issue of Hanjin Workers. 

EYES: WINDOW OF OUR SOUL

                 What we see is what we get.

               "Eyes is the window of our soul", which I got from the preaching last Friday in Victory Malate. Somehow I could relate to this one because there were also times that I want to have things but it never happened. Not because I'm a bad kid and I just don't know why these things that I truly want seems like I could get only through my dreams. What made me sadder is that others have it and I don't. (I was not yet a Christian) WHY? oh WHY? Well I've known several people who became jealous of their siblings, their friends, their colleagues and trust me, it didn't give any good effect on the person who got envy. The best example of which is the story of King Saul and David. Look upon 1 Samuel 18:5-6 to understand what made Saul jealous of David. 

1 Samuel 18:5 "Whatever Saul sent him to do, David did it so successfully that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the people, and Saul's officers as well."

*16 "When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines and lutes."

Saul got very envious of David so the evil led him to a thinking to the point that Saul wants to kill David.

           See, even in the past there were already jealousy and envy which control us sometimes for us to make a sin. We let our eyes look on the negative side of the person because he/she has the things that you want in life that you don't have. We may not get the things that we got because maybe God has another plans for you. Kaya naman tayo naiinggit kasi we compare ourselves to others which is not right After we compare ourselves, jealousy now arises. After jealousy, we now tend to think of bad things towards the person that will hurt the person. And when that happens, nagkasala ka na? Now, sino and talo? wala na nga sayo yung mga bagay na gusto mo, dahil sa inggit mo nagkasala ka pa. According to today's gospel, let's think before we act. 

Now let me join you in prayer and as for forgiveness,

Lord Jesus, thank you for this wonderful moment that you have given me to realize all the mistakes that I have done and has been doing. Sorry Lord because I became jealous of my siblings, my friends and my colleagues. I know that envy is against Your will and I want to walk with You my Lord. Please help me to change my attitude and see things as Your wonderful creations for me to appreciate it wholeheartedly. Please also help me to accept who I am and all the things that I have and don't have. Cleanse my heart, my mind and my soul so I could walk with You in spirit and in faith. Amen

God bless you people! Spread the love and goodness of Jesus Christ! :D

PEOPLE POWER FOR THE NATION

PEOPLE POWER FOR THE NATION

By: Joanna Armenta

The State defines what the nation is. The State which includes us, the citizens, plays a very important role for one country to grow and become developed. Now if you are asking the importance of every Filipino as a part of the impeachment trial, I would say that Filipinos play a major role on this very important event that is happening in our country right now. To make a term for this major role, this is what we call citizens’ watch in Development Communication. Our voices must be heard because we made them to be the people who and where they are right now. The power of the people signifies the strength and the weakness of one person in the position. That’s why I think they should let the voice of the people be heard in the Senate.

I also think that through the awareness of so many Filipinos right now about the different issues in the country, this impeachment trial could be one of those topics that have been debating about in school and in the community. Filipinos now are smarter and it seems that everyone wants to share their stand and opinions about the issue. The people now are more willing to open their doors for discussion than about this issue than doing nothing and letting the people who cheated us pass by. Especially now that the impeachment trial became open nationwide and people are more into social networking sites nowadays, I think our opinions and insights could be more valid than the people who present themselves in the court every trial. Why the Filipinos are important? because we have the power to say whether they are transparent to the people or not. They are in the position to serve the people not to serve themselves. We have the power to put them in the position but we also have the power to bring them down through petitions and signature campaigns as an instrument for the betterment of our country.

            I think it is important for Chief Justice Corona to testify in the impeachment trial because the things that he will say also matters.  All this time, the trial wants to prove if he is guilty or not, to let him stay in the position or not, why don’t we also consider the things that he would like to say and to explain himself in able to validate the evidences that the persecutors are holding through Chief Justice’s words, gestures and facial expressions. We are not obliged to believe everything that he will say but we could also justify the points and arguments that the past trials has shown towards him if he testifies.

Testifying might look as he is defending himself after all the things that he has done, but it’s not about it. He will testify because he knows a lot that might help to make this trial progressive and see the result as soon as possible. It is important to hear his side because the evidences are not enough to reveal the truth the fastest way that we are expecting it to be done. It doesn’t matter if he will tell the truth or not because we cannot force him to do so. What will matter is the judgment of the people involved in this trial based on the things that he will say on the court. Now, I could say that the answer to how long do this impeachment trial will be, is still lying in our hands.

The World Will Be Watching (The Hunger Games: Movie Review

       Hunger Games Books 

         The series that became the most talked about topic on different social networking sites all around the world, recognized  for its cast and its huge sales on theater, the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins was awarded as the"Best Books of the Year" for the million of copies sold worldwide. The "against all odds" story of Hunger Games brought the series to a phenomenal fame.I haven't read the book yet so I can't say what the story is all about. Based on the film that I watched, let me interpret it the way I saw the film.

           The theme of the story is indeed against all odds, but the way I saw the movie, there's more. There's a deep interpretation for what the story of Hunger Games was trying to say. First, it depicted POVERTY. People are really struggling for food so they could survive. Millions of people around the world are suffering and dying because of HUNGER. Second, the film showed how the Class A manipulates Class E (based on the film) It's true! Some elites use their power, money and influence to control and manipulate poor people. Look at how the people in the City behave and what they eat, what they wear, these were all manifestations that they could get whatever they want and to entertain themselves they use the weakness of poor people which is food to add fun to their so called "perfect life" without considering how inhumane it is.

          If you will look on how I interpreted the movie, you will agree with me. Hunger Games is not just to entertain its audience. Let's always analyze the content of the movie and what does the message really implies. Trust me! You will enjoy the film more. :)

Someone's praying for you...

I liked somebody before but this time, I am liking someone at the same time I am praying for him. Everytime I say this to my friends,others don't believe me that one day he'll notice me. But actually it's not about getting him or for him to like me agad naman e. I am praying for this special person because I want God to show me if he is the right person for me to like and sooner or later to love. I am not expecting anything in return as much as possible because I don't want to decide for myself, I want God to decide. But of course, sino ba naman ang hindi gustong magustuhan din siya ng taong gusto niya diba? But when you know that God meant someone for you and believe that He is the author of Love, you will stop looking. You will wait. That is what I am doing right now that's why I am praying for that special someone.

We chat super rare. We talk in text super rare. We see each other super rare. (I used SUPER because it's more than rare but not NEVER, gets? :D) Usually our topic in these conversations were mostly about business not us. Why should we talk about us? He doesn't even know that I like him and I don't want to make the first move. But still, why do I like him? because I believe that nothing is impossible. Though he seems to be almost perfect for me. He's GOD-fearing (he's a Christian) first thing that I looked for a guy, he's a family guy, he's smart, he's hardworking, he's cute and he's simple. When I met him, it was unplanned. He just came. I stringly believe that God has a purpose on everything that He do. We met for a purpose. Whatever it is, I don't know. God can only know, that's why I am praying. God let me to meet this person, I know He has a reason.

If you will ask me what's our status, we're friends but we're not close. That's why I keep on praying that there will come a time that I could know him more and for him to know me more. I want to know what makes him laugh, what makes him laugh, what are he afraid of? What is his favorite food. I really like this guy, I really do. But if it's not on God's plans for me, then I will not pursue my feelings. Actually I don't care if he likes somebody else, I can accept it cause as long as he's happy I will go for it and it's true.

You, if it happens that you are reading this. I want you to know that I am praying for you. You mean a lot to me, though I know that you can't even notice me in that way. I know this is a little bit cliche but you really completes my day everytime I see you online (FB, Twitter and on Skype). I want to thank you for being my inspiration and no matter what, as long as you are happy. I will be here for you. I wish you would know that. May God bless your parents for bringing you here in this world and for your siblings for taking care of you. In God's perfect time and if it's the right time to say to you, I will tell you how much I like you. God bless you! :)

Hanjin ba kamo? Ano ang isyu?

HANJIN workers, narinig mo na ba ang isyu nila? Malamang hindi pa, pero sigurado ako yung iba sainyong nagbabasa nito e napansin na yung pangalan ng Hanjin na nakasulat sa mga malalaking truck lalo na kapag gabi. Tama ka, ang Hanjin ay isang korporasyon na pagma-mayari ng mga Koreano. Ang Hanjin ay tinatagang pang apat sa pinaka malaki at pinaka advance na art shipbuilding facility sa buong mundo na matatagpuan sa Subic Zambales. 

Sa dinami- dami ng lugar, sa Pilipinas pa. E syempre madaling mauto ang mga Pilipino e, sabi nila at mababa ang pasahod sa mga manggagawa. Ano namang meron? Anong isyu? Okay nga yun e, kasi nakakatulong sa pag unlad ng ekonomiya natin yung Hanjin Shipyard. Anong problema? Alam mo ba na halos lahat ng manggagawang Pilipinong namamasukan sa loob ng kumpanyang ito ay  nanggaling pa sa malalayong lugar? Meron sa Visayas, meron galing sa ibang parte ng Mindanao, Hilaga at Timog. Kaya ibig sabihin nun marami talaga ang manggagawang namamasukan dito. Iniwan ang pagsasaka at pangingisda dahil para sa kanila ang kitang makukuha nila sa Hanjin ay mas okay na kaysa manatili sila sa ginagawa nila na seasonal lang. 

Ang mga manggagawa ay sumasailalim sa 6 months na training bago sila maging regular. Okay na sana kaso ang masaklap doon, ibinabawas ng mga Koreanong namamahala sa Hanjin yung bayad nila sa pagkain at paggamit ng mga silid. Napakabait naman talaga noh,pero hindi lang yun. Pag naging regular sila, binibigyan sila ng uniporme, pero sa uri ng trabaho sa loob, hindi uubra ang isa o dalawang uniporme lang, kaso binibigyan lang sila ng bagong uniporme isang beses sa isang taon. Kahit punit- punit na ang kanilang mga damit at sobrang dumi na, wala pa rin pakialam ang mga Koreanong nasa likod ng Hanjin Shipyard.

Napakasipag ng mga Pilipino, biruin mo sa 3 buwan 5 barko ang napapaalis nila. Ganung kabilis at ganun kasipag ang mga manggagawang Pilipino. Kaya siguro ayaw din silang pakawalan ng mga Koreano. Pero pag may mga aksidenteng nangyayari, bagya ng maipadala sa ospital ang mga biktima, parang walang pakeelam ang mga Koreanong ito na nasa likod ng Hanjin Management. At mas malala,  pag may nasawi dahil sa aksidente, minsan hindi pa sinasagot ng Hanjin Management ang bayad sa punerarya. Saan naman kukuha ng pambayad sa ospital at sa pamburol ang pamilya ng mga nasawi, e mahirap na nga sila.

Nakakaranas rin ang mga manggagawa ng pangaabuso o harassment sa loob ng Hanjin. Paano? Binabatuk-batukan sila, tinatadyakan, dinuduraan, sinusuntok at sa huli sasabihin “joke only”. Pero dahil sa kailangang magtimpi ng mga manggagawa, hindi na nila ginagantihan bagkus ay pinapabayaan na lang nila ang mga ito kaysa matanggal sila sa trabaho. Nakakaawa talaga ng mga manggagawang Pilipino sa loob ng korporasyon pero walang magawa ang gobyerno, bakit kamo? E kasi mas mahalaga ang ekonomiya ng bansa kaysa sa kapakanan ng mga Pilipino sa loob. Sabi ni Ka Renante, isang lider ng SAMAHAN at dating manggagawa sa loob, maraming bese na rin na nagpunta si dating pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo sa loob ng Hanjin, pero ang sabi lang niya, magpasalamat pa ang mga manggagawa dahil binibigyan sila ng trabaho. 

Kaya naman nabuo ang Friends of Hanjin Workers dahil rin sa pagnanais na mabigyan ng katarungan at maproteksyunan ang mga manggagawang Pilipino sa loob ng Hanjin Shipyard sa Subic Zambales. Napakarami pang isyu ang hindi ko nabanggit sa taas. Sana naman ay mabigyan na ng solusyon ang mga isyung ito ng mga manggagawa sa pamamagitan ng pagbukas ng mga mata ng mga iba pang Pilipino tungkol sa isyu, gumawa ng mga aksyon na pumpoprotesta sa mga maling gawain at pangaabusong ginagawa ng Hanjin management sa mga manggagawang Pilipino, mag hikayat ng mga taong pwedeng tumulong upang maipadala ang kasong ito sa korte suprema upang mabigyan ng hustisya at makapagtrabaho ng ligtas ang mga Pilipino at huli maging parte ng Friends of Hanjin Workers upang mapalakas ang suporta sa mga manggawang Pilipino sa loob ng Hanjin Shipyard.

What’s with the CROSS?

Photo credit: Real Life In Line With God 

For Catholics, Cross is a very sacred and symbolic object because it is what the Roman Catholic Church has taught them. For Christians, it is a manifestation of what Jesus Christ has done for us. Both interpretations are valid and significant. Whether you are a Catholic or Christian, CROSS signifies one thing, the death of Jesus Christ on the Calvary. But there are still some, actually a lot of people, who doesn’t know the real meaning of what the CROSS stands for. During the time of King Darius I, cross was cursed as a punishment for those who have violated laws or disobeyed the orders of the king. Meaning, cross was used to execute people and Romans adopted it as well for noncitizens and slaves. Crucifixion was sentenced to execute the Messiah. But this time it’s different, cross was used to save us from death. Jesus Christ was crucified to cleanse us from our sins and became the bridge so we could humbly come to the Father. According to 1 Peter 2: 24 “Who his own bare our sins in his own body on the cross that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose strips ye were healed”.

God gave His only begotten son (John 3:16) to save us. God became human to save us. Jesus Christ was crucified to save us. Now you’re wondering why? because He loves us so much. Isn’t that amazing? God gave up everything for us and His goodness didn’t stop there. He was raised from the death for us to see that He is the One, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Now, Cross has been the symbol for what God has done for us. We don’t need to become obsessed on the cross just to prove that we are holy but our faith on Jesus Christ is what God is requiring us in able to live an eternal life.

Let us all pray...

Heavenly Father, we humbly bow down to Your presence. We are sinners. We are nothing without You. We thank You for giving up Your life to save us from death. We thank You for Your everlasting love for us. We thank You for giving us a chance to praise You, to follow You and to love You. Thank You for the cross that you’ve used as an instrument that strengthen our faith in You. We want to give you back all the glory and honour through Your son Jesus Christ. We pray, in Jesus name. Amen.

God bless you my brothers and sisters!:D

Letter from the heart (for you)

To my dearest someone,

I know that God has a purpose why I met you. Not just even once but a lot.  I never asked for anything as almost perfect as you are, but still God insisted that we meet on the right time and at the right place. I always pray to God that when that perfect time comes, He’ll give the right person whom I want to spend the rest of my life with. And I’m not saying that my long wait is over because I found you, of course I still have to focus on my studies and career after. But I think God wants to test my faith and challenge if I’m still going to follow His will or my heart. But I believe, God is really a merciful God. He wants me to obey to His will and follow my heart at the same time. He wants me to like the person that He wants for me. Of course, who has the same faith as mine and who will accept me for who I am. I know it’s not easy to be in love but I really don’t want to think about it right now. All I know is that I am happy that I finally met someone who is different from most of the guys that I met, and that is you. Thank you for giving colors to my world and thank you for letting me like you. I just want to express what I am feeling right now. I don’t know what it is yet called but I definitely don’t want this to end. J

Love,

Jojo

How do you define purity?

              According to the dictionary, Purity means freedom from dirt, freedom from evil, innocence and correctness. Words that could be easily understood but so hard to apply. Why? because there are a of people who can easily be deceived on by how the world portray the way it see things, Christians and non- Christians. We are living in wordy world which means temptations are everywhere. We go to church, yes. We pray, yes. We confess, yes. We read the bible, yes. But why do we still experience impurity? Just to clarify things, PURITY is not just about doing the act that cause IMPURITY, it is also based on the way you think and how you process these thoughts on your mind. God not only wants me to act differently; He wants me to think differently --- to view love, purity and singleness from His perspective, to have a new lifestyle and a new attitude. - J. Harris

I admit I became a victim of this sin. I disobey God because of the lustful thoughts that I had. Because of what happened to me in the past, temptations follows me everywhere. Satan tested my faith. There were so many times that I told myself that I want to change this behavior but it took me few years to surrender everything. But the time has come for me to change and see what life God has planned for me. I don't want to stay in darkness and I wanna live life the way God wants me to be. because of this I wanna live a pure and holy life. I shared this because I know there are a lot of youth out there who experienced or experiencing the same thing that I had. Now. let's all pray together and humbly confess our sins.

Heavenly Father,
We humbly bow down to Your presence. Fill us with Your holy spirit oh Lord. Forgive us Father for we have sinned and disobey Your will. Cleanse us Father. We don't want to go back to that shadow which brought us to sin. We want to ask for Your forgiveness oh God. Please Lord fix us and change us. From now on, I will walk with You Lord. I will follow You and will always desire for the life that You want me to have and to be. Thank You Lord for never leaving me. Thank You for loving me. All of these we ask in Your most precious name, we pray. Amen

God bless you my brothers and sisters!:D

I am a WINNER

"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." - Jeremiah 29:11 

This Bible verse is what I hold on and still holding on to after the controversial elections that happened. I lost the presidency, that's the big thing that happened. I lost 200 votes. When I heard the news that my opponent won against me, I don't want to believe it at first because I didn't see the official result with my own eyes. But then, when I went to school to confirm, indeed I lost. I texted my family and told them the shocking news. They all told me one thing, "Maybe God has better plans for you". The first people that I shared my tears with were my Student Council family. They comforted me and gave me encouraging words that made me somehow feel better. I told myself that I will not cry but I can't control it. When I think about everything that I will miss as a Student Council officer, it really makes me wanna cry up to now. 

Now I can say and as my mother said to me, "You passed the challenge of God". Instead of blaming God and get mad at Him, I looked at the bright side. God is an all-knowing God, God is a God of purpose. I believe that everything happens for a reason and I know God has bigger and better plans for me, as one of my friends said. When I checked my Facebook that night, I was surprised there were a lot of people who wrote a message for me saying how much they love and support me. That made me cry again. I don't know how to react to these people so instead of answering them back, I just read their messages over and over again feeling overwhelmed. 

The reasons that I think God wants me to realize are first, He wants me to depend on Him and enough relying on my own understanding because God wants me to make more time with Him. Second, God wants me to have a stronger faith in Him and His one way of testing me is when I sacrifice and let go of one thing that I really love. Third, maybe God wants me to use in different ways after I served inside the school. 

I believe God is preparing me for something which is the best for me and I will put my trust in Him. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people who gave their full support till the end. May God bless you all! :)

A Fire in the Soul: A Cantata

One of the darkest ages that is written in the Philippine History is also the darkest age for De La Salle College campus on Taft Avenue. On February 12, 1945, it was World War II when the Japanese soldiers invaded the De La Salle College campus on Taft Avenue and attacked people which brought to the death of Twenty-four men, women, and children, and 16 La Salle brothers died in the massacre.

Now, as a commemoration to the historic event of the Lasallian mission, De La Salle University presents A Fire in the Soul: A Cantata. A play created by Gabby Fernandez and directed by Peque Gallaga. The Cantata is one of the highlights of the yearlong centennial celebration of De La Salle University (DLSU) in the Philippines. 

The perfromance will be on February 26 (Sunday - Matinee) at 3pm and February 27 (Monday - Gala Night) at 8pm. Both shows will be held at Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium at the 7th Floor of Don Enrique T. Yuchengco Hall of DLSU. For more information, please call the DLSU Centennial Office at (632) 524-4611 local 290 or email perla.garcia@dlsu.edu.ph.