Monday, November 30, 2009

I want it pink!

(Photo source unknown)

I want a new Bible, and I want a pink one. I was scanning through the shelves of National bookstore a few days ago, looking for a pink TEV/GNB Bible to replace my old 10-yr-old pink NIV Bible. My specifics are-well-specific! hehe I want it pink. I want it leather-covered. I want it to have tabs to make it easy for me to locate the books. I want it to have two ribbon bookmarks. I want it TEV or GNB. Until now, I haven't found any that fits the description perfectly. But I'm not giving up; soon, something will come up.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

KCon 2009

( Photo courtesy of Kcon)




It was my first time to attend the Kerygma Conference last Saturday and yesterday. It was a fantastic weekend. Sure, I was drained with the whole-day event, but I needed to be there. I needed to hear that God wanted me to have dreams. I have a few now, and I am excited with working on them with God. This is it! More info on the event here.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Irresponsible. Argh.

(Photo courtesy of medic999)

Why are some people so irresponsible? They always ask you for help but they never first help themselves. They slack off, not exerting any effort in resolving their concerns, and then when they're already drowning in a bad situation, they suddenly appear before you and ask you to save them. You'd wonder why they even let themselves be in that situation in the first place. You'd think they should have thought of the consequences of their slacking off and prevent any more damage from happening. But heck no! They choose to just lead a very easy life, just relying on everyone else to provide for them and help them every single time they need it. Would you be happy helping someone who doesn't even try to lift a finger? Frustrating.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Maguindanao massacre

It is amazing how little power can do so much to corrupt people.

(Photo courtesy of crienglish.com)

As of last night, it has gone up to 57, i.e., the number of recovered bodies of victims of the recent gruesome murder in Maguindanao. The well-planned mass killing that happened last Monday has been all over the news. And why not? Women, lawyers, media men-all innocent civilians-have been abducted by some 100 armed men, killed in various horrific ways that no one can possibly imagine, and buried in a massive grave. As if initial reports of the victims only going to file COCs in the local comelec being abducted and killed were not horrendous enough, the latest news about the terrible incident of the women being raped first before being killed, of some being shot not only in the head but in their private parts, of the slain being buried alive inside their vehicles in a massive grave, and of some body parts found that had been teared up with chainsaws makes one think, "Is this for real?" Is is really possible for people to do this kind of atrocity toward others? How can the perpetrators stand doing this? Don't they have hearts? Don't they believe in a God that sees all things and all their doings? How can they sleep at night, knowing that they killed 57 people, ended 57 dreams, and destroyed 57 futures?

The answers to such questions will not be known as long as the people behind this act of cruelty are freely roaming around, attending to their day-to-day activities like nothing ever happened and unmindful of the extensive call for justice from different sectors of the society.

And while investigations are still currently underway and as the authorities are "trying their best" to go after the perpetrators, for people like us who cannot march the streets and cry for justice, who cannot go to Maguindanao to directly voice out how unhuman this murder is, and who cannot contribute much in the ongoing investigations, the only thing that we can do to help is to offer a prayer. Let us pray:

- for the repose of the souls of those brutally murdered
- for comfort for their families and loved ones during this time of mourning
- for justice for the lives lost in a trivial quest for power
- for strength of character for people in the government for them to do what needs to be done despite affiliations and debts
- for safety for the people who are currently in Maguindanao helping in finding justice for those slained (the media men who are covering the news, the people from Commission on Human Rights, etc.)
- for peace in Maguindanao and in areas that have a similar situation with regard to political clans and violence
- for change in the hearts of not only those behind this massacre but also-and more importantly-people who have been too enamored by power and have been corrupted by it.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

His calling was to educate

At 16, he knew what he wanted to do. He wanted to help street children and provide them with basic education with whatever means he had. He is Efren Penaflorida.

(Photo courtesy of CNN)

Efren is the talk of the town as he was recently recognized as CNN Hero of the Year for 2009. And this is no mistake. Kuya F!, as he is fondly called by his volunteers and the children he helps, is the founder of Dynamic Teen Company, a group of teens who pushed makeshift carts of books and blackboards along the streets of Bacoor, Cavite, under the blistering heat of the sun, just to reach out to and gather kids and to teach them how to read and write. He organized the group at a time when he himself was struggling to make ends meet and to provide for his own education. Let it be known that Kuya F! was not as priviledged as other founders of foundations and socio-civic groups with money and resources to spare. He was from a poor family, living near a garbage dumpster, and was only able to finish his education because of the generous support that World Vision Phils. and Club 8586, Inc., gave him. He was not as popular back then as certain politicians or celebrities who have their own foundations; he was, in fact, bullied and often assaulted by his peers. All he had was a vision of a better youth: educated and with moral principles and values.

That vision, fueled with support, was the driving force of the hero known today that is Efren. And with that vision is encouragement; he encourages everyone to look into themselves and let their heroism unleash. More so, he affirmed that his work is the calling that God has given him and that he is only responding to that calling.

That led me to thinking. What is my calling?

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Chiz: I'm not running

(Photo courtesy of ChizEscudero.com)

It is final. Chiz Escudero is not running for the presidency in 2010.

In a press conference early morning today, Chiz finally revealed his decision regarding his presidential bid come May of next year. For the past few weeks, he has been delaying his announcement of his plans as he "needed time to weigh his options."

It can be remembered that he was initially with NPC and was the other half of the Chiz-Loren tandem. He then decided to leave the party and run for president as an independent candidate. But, with this decision, many feared that, although he is qualified to run, he may not have a fighting chance, because-let's face it-money is a big factor in Philippine politics. Without a party to support his bid, rally up sponsors and supporters, and gather funds for his campaign, he will surely be left in the dust by his opponents.

That reality must have settled in as he announced this morning that he will not run for any position at all. He further said that he has yet to decide whom to support. Asked if his decision was affected by Sen. Noynoy's decision to run for the same position, he noted that it was a factor, among everything else, as the latter is a dear friend. Chiz said that, in a time that seems to be intended for Sen. Noynoy, he would not want to stand in the way of his friend. However, he reiterated that he has not chosen a presidential candidate to support and instead encouraged everyone to be aggressive in making this coming elections clean and peaceful and in making the right choices.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie

(Photo courtesy of TVbythenumbers)

One of my favorite Disney Channel series has finally got its own movie. Yesterday was the premiere of Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie on Disney Channel. The story revolved around the adventures of the Russo family during one of their family vacations. The adventure began with the mishap of Alex (who else!) as she practiced forbidden spells without the knowledge of her parents. Not enjoying the vacation at all, Alex was very upset and was having an argument with her mother, when she accidentally uttered a spell wishing for her parents never to have met. This then led to the danger of their family not getting together and of losing her and her brothers' very existence. Anyway, just catch the movie to know whether or not there is still a Russo family. =)

Friday, November 20, 2009

New Moon


Might see New Moon this weekend.. But will I really want to watch it with a thousand other people in a cramped moviehouse? Hmm... Nah. Might let a week pass, when the hype has died down a little bit, until I catch it.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thursday Reflection

(Photo courtesy of Clay Jar People)

A woman's heart should be so hidden in God
that a man has to seek Him just to find her.

-Max Lucado

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

on silent mode

I am on silent mode. Had a realization a few days ago that got me into thinking why the heck I' m always talking. hehe

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Glee

(Photo courtesy of Acapellanews)

My friend Je lent me a download of eight (i think) episodes of Glee. I have actually been hearing about this series from some people in Facebook but haven't really gotten myself to check it out. Je just told me that each episode is like a musical. Interesting. Hope I could watch the .avi files she lent me later.

Monday, November 16, 2009

tired of Facebook

Haven't logged in to my Facebook account in a while. I don't know, but it's like I've grown tired of it. Before, I can stay up the whole night just Facebook-ing. I'd play Farmville, Yoville, Buddypoke, and Restaurant City. I'd check out vids and links posted, and repost some that I find interesting in my profile. I'd comment on status updates and photos, and Like eveything, well, I like. But now, I can go on for a week without checking who added me as their friend, who replied to a thread, or who bought me in Friends for Sale. Ok. I'm officially weird.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

2012

Watched 2012 last night with friends from church. The movie was action-packed, with Jackson Curtis (played by John Cusack) constantly on the run to save his and his family's life, which actually came to a point when one would not even believe he can be that lucky missing all the falling debris, the terrible lava, and all. One would even begin to ask can an ordinary book writer really have that kind of super strength and agility to run that fast, drive that fast, and move that fast? Well, wouldn't it be just sad if the main character died?

(Photo courtesy of photogallery.filmofilia.com)

Anyway, the movie, for me, is actually a wake-up call, that our life here on Earth is truly temporary. Whether that catastrophe is to happen or not, we should recognize who or what really matters to us and make time for what is important.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Friday the 13th

(Photo courtesy of Brittanica)

An SMS exchange with a friend from a church group I belong to:

J: Take extra care today because it's Friday the 13th.

Me: We should not believe that. God is more powerful than any superstition.

J: Haven't I told you that I almost drowned and was hit by a car before? Both happened on Friday the 13th.

Me: No you haven't. I think that's just coincidence. I don't think God would create an unlucky day.


How can we call ourselves Christians if we believe such superstitions? Don't we trust that God will protect us and won't allow us to be harmed and pained beyond recovery? When we believe in superstitions, we somehow acknowledge that there is something more powerful than God that He cannot control. It is only God that we should trust, whatever calendar day it is.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Which one?













(Photos courtesy of Amazon, lalaboo61278 and swiflet)

Yesterday, I was rummaging through my bookshelf to look for my next read. Some of my books have already accummulated dust with pages that have already turned a pale shade of yellow, because they've been there for ages. I have come upon these three books and have yet to decide which one to read next. I remember starting reading The Rule of Four years back, but I somehow got bored (or was it because of the small print? hehe) I ended up not even making it halfway through the book. Memoirs is actually my mom's, but she lent to me after she had read it. Still haven't gotten myself to even scan the book. Macarthur is from my favorite Pinoy author Bob Ong. I had just finished Kapitan Sino and thought I might want to start rereading Macarthur. Now.. which one should I read first?

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

What's Next?


(Photo courtesy of www.landmarkaudio.com)

Just finished reading For One More Day by Mitch Albom the other day. I had long postponed reading it, because I was just bored with the first few pages. I'm glad I continued reading the book, for, true to the Albom tradition, the story is heartwarming and thought provoking. It gives one a new take on his relationship with his family. Truly a very good read.

But now, I want another book to read. Those I have at home are some other books by Bob Ong, Memoirs of a Geisha, and some self-help books. I want to read Have a Little Faith, but a paperback version is not yet released. Hope it hits the stores real soon.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Haven't Met You Yet

Currently loving this song from Michael Buble..

Haven't Met You Yet

I'm Not Surprised
Not Everything Lasts
I've Broken My Heart So Many Times,
I Stop Keeping Track.
Talk Myself In
I Talk Myself Out
I Get All Worked Up
And Then I Let Myself Down.

I Tried So Very Hard Not To Lose It
I Came Up With A Million Excuses
I Thought I Thought Of Every Possibility

And I Know Someday That It'll All Turn Out
You'll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid That I'll Give So Much More Than I Get
I Just Haven't Met You Yet

Mmmmm ....

I Might Have To Wait
I'll Never Give Up
I Guess It's Half Timing
And The Other Half's Luck
Wherever You Are
Whenever It's Right
You Come Out Of Nowhere And Into My Life

And I Know That We Can Be So Amazing
And Baby Your Love Is Gonna Change Me
And Now I Can See Every Possibility

Mmmmm ......

And Somehow I Know That It Will All Turn Out
And You'll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid I'll Give So Much More Than I Get
I Just Haven't Met You Yet

They Say All's Fair
And In Love And War
But I Won't Need To Fight It
We'll Get It Right
And We'll Be United

And I Know That We Can Be So Amazing
And Being In Your Life Is Gonna Change Me
And Now I Can See Every Single Possibility

Mmmm .....

And Someday I Know It'll All Turn Out
And I'll Work To Work It Out
Promise You Kid I'll Give More Than I Get
Than I Get Than I Get Than I Get

Oh You Know It'll All Turn Out
And You'll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid To Give So Much More Than I Get
Yeah I Just Haven't Met You Yet

I Just Haven't Met You Yet
Oh Promise You Kid
To Give So Much More Than I Get

I Said Love Love Love Love Love Love Love .....
I Just Haven't Met You Yet
Love Love Love .....
I Just Haven't Met You Yet

Watch the music video here.

Monday, November 9, 2009

2012


Hoping to watch this movie this Friday.. 

Friday, November 6, 2009

Colds

(Photo courtesy of hubpages.com)

Currently suffering from colds and cough. Argh. Never liked it when I do. Will buy me some Ascof later. Still have a ton of things to do during the weekend.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

ABS-CBN Christmas 2009 Station ID

I think this year's station ID is the best so far, mainly because it hit the best reason for Christmas: Jesus. In the past years, we have seen station IDs that depict family, friends, gifts, Christmas trees, and whatnots, but none, as I remember, has truly dwelt on the very reason we have Christmas. Jesus is, and should always be, the one we celebrate this season.


"Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko" Lyrics

"Star ng Pasko"
Lyrics by: Robert Labayen
Music by: Marcus and Amber Davis
Performed by: ABS-CBN Kapamilya Artists


Kung kailan pinakamadilim
mga tala ay mas nagniningning
Gaano man kakapal ang ulap
sa likod nito ay may liwanag.

Refrain:

Ang liwanag na ito'y nasa 'ting lahat
May sinag ang mga pusong bukas
Sa init ng mga yakap
Maghihilom ang lahat ng sugat.

Chorus:

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kung 'di Ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag Mo
Muling magkakakulay ang Pasko
Salamat sa liwanag Mo
Muling magkakakulay ang Pasko.

Tayo ang ilaw sa madilim na daan
Pagkakapit-bisig lalong higpitan
Dumaan man sa malakas na alon
Lahat tayo'y makakaahon.

Repeat Refrain and Chorus 1x each

Kikislap ang pag-asa kahit kanino man
Dahil ikaw Bro (repeat 3x)
Ang Star ng Pasko.

Bridge:

Salamat sa liwanag Mo
Muling magkakakulay ang Pasko
Salamat sa liwanag Mo
Muling magkakakulay ang Pasko

Repeat Chorus 3x

Dahil ikaw Bro (repeat 3x)
Ang Star ng Pasko