New Hope

Here's a quick message.

Praying that all of us will receive New Hope, New Dreams, New Visions and New Blessings as we welcome the year 2010.

A Prosperous New Year for all of us!

Chicken Delight

Christmas season is here once again, and all people are going gaga buying toys and clothes for the children, gifts for grandchildren, busy preparing for parties, and of course, thinking of the best food to cook for the noche buena.

A close relative won a Fire Magic Grill from a raffle during their Christmas party in the office, so we are planning (and excited) on making a dish out of it for the midnight meal on the 24th. However, since we have been preparing pork barbecue for three years in a row, we are contemplating on cooking grilled chicken this time. Another thing is, children love chicken better than pork.

For some of you who are not very much familiar with Fire Magic Grills, they have been in the international market since the 1930s. Artistically designed and stainless-steel made, Fire Magic Grills will surely complement your garden setting. Aside from that, there are different designs and models to choose from, so you can be sure to find the one the suits your garden or your patio. Needless to say, you can also choose the one that fits your budget.

Mind you, some of their models are a bit expensive, that is why my relative was so happy upon knowing the price of the grill item that he won during the raffle.

But of course, when you really value the quality of service, the durability and the sleek design, you wouldn't feel sorry to have bought a Fire Magic Bbq Grill even if it costs a bit higher than the rest, because you can be sure that you have bought with you the best option in grills.

As we look forward to the long holiday season (Christmas and New Year), let us remember to give special quality time with our families, friends and loved ones.

Merry Christmas! Enjoy the holidays!

Christmas Wiki

How do you define Christmas?

Let the children enjoy what the adults pay for.

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After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." (Matthew 2:1&2)


As we go on with our christmas traditions, shopping rush, gift-giving and parties, may we always be reminded that the reason why we celebrate christmas is because God has sent His only Son Jesus into the world to save us from death and give us eternal life.

Official List of Candidates-2010 Elections

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has announced its official list of Presidential, Vice Presidential, and Senatorial Candidates for the coming national elections in May 2010.


For President (8):

1. Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III (Liberal Party)
2. JC de los Reyes (Ang Kapatiran)
3. former President Joseph Estrada (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino)
4. Sen. Richard Gordon (Bagumbayan)
5. Sen. Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal (Independent)
6. former Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro (Lakas-Kampi-CMD)
7. Bro. Eddie Villanueva (Bangon Pilipinas)
8. Sen. Manuel Villar (Nacionalista Party)



For Vice President (8):

1. Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino)
2. Dominador Chipeco (Ang Kapatiran)
3. Bayani Fernando (Bagumbayan)
4. Sen. Loren Legarda (Nationalist People’s Coalition)
5. actor Edu Manzano (Lakas-Kampi-CMD)
6. Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II (Liberal Party)
7. broadcaster Jay Sonza (Kilusang Bagong Lipunan)
8. former Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Perfecto Yasay Jr. (Bangon Pilipinas)



For Senator (58) by party:

Liberal Party—Nereus Acosta, Risa Hontiveros, Martin Bautista, Ruffy Biazon, Franklin Drilon, Teofisto Guingona III, Alexander Lacson, Yasmin Lao, Ralph Recto and Sonia Roco

Lakas-Kampi-CMD—Silvestre Bello III, Bong Revilla Jr., Ramon Guico, Raul Lambino, Rey Langit and Lito Lapid

Nacionalista Party—Pia Cayetano, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Ramon Mitra, Susan Ople, Ariel Querubin, Gilbert Remulla and Adel Tamano

Nationalist People’s Coalition—Rodolfo Plaza and Vicente Sotto II

Ang Kapatiran—Rizalito David, Jo Imbong, Zosimo Paredes, Maria Gracia Piñozo-Plazo, Adrian Sison, Reginald Tamayo, Hector Tarrazona and Manuel Valdehuesa

Bangon Pilipinas—Zafrullah Alonto, Kata Inocencio, Ramoncito Ocampo, Reynaldo Princesa, Alexander Tinsay and Israel Virgines

Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino—JV Bautista, Joey de Venecia III, Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Apolinario Lozada

PDP-Laban—Henry Caunan and Gwendolyn Pimentel

People’s Reform Party—Miriam Defensor-Santiago

Grand Alliance for Democracy—Francisco Tatad

Kilusang Bagong Lipunan—Shariff Albani, Alma Lood, Regalado Maambong, Maria Judea Millora, Imelda Papin and Hector Villanueva

Independent candidates—Satur Ocampo, Liza Maza, Sergio Osmeña III and Jovito Palparan Jr.

(source: Inquirer.net)

Cook Out

This past few months, I have learned the value of spending quality time with my family. They say that it is not actually the frequency or the amount of time that you spend together, but what you do during those quality time with them.

A great way of spending time with your partner and your children is by cooking together outside the house. Whether it be grilling barbecues or making vegetable salad or just sipping juice while eating your sandwiches, it will sure to create a wonderful experience with everybody.

Realizing the need for times such as these, manufacturers have started to conceptualize and create equipments that will cater to our needs for a wonderful and beautiful Outdoor Kitchen. Gone are the days when the only available equipments are the ones that are easily set-up but are easily damaged due to poor quality.

A very fine example would be Viking Grills; the one I saw one time at a posh restaurant in Greenbelt, Makati City in the Philippines. Viking grills may be a more expensive than the usual but they are Stainless Steel Grills that fit well with your outdoor kitchen simply because they are elegant-looking, and will surely impress your neighbors and guests. Since these types of grills are made of high-quality materials, you can be sure that they are durable and will not be easily damaged. Much more, since the material is stainless steel, they are easy to clean up.

Get your children involved! Give them chores to do when you are out cooking. You may want to ask their help in mixing the ingredients needed for your barbecues. The bigger ones can be trusted in looking after the meat to ensure that they are grilled properly and are not overcooked.

Of course, the cook out activity may not be that expensive. There are other brand of grills that are more affordable. It actually depends on how you want your Outdoor Kitchen to look like. You will definitely not want to buy a big grill if you only have a small outdoor space. Or, you may also opt to buy small grills that can also be brought to travel if you want to camp out for a Family picnic.

In the end, no matter what you and your family do, it is always the quality of time and activity that matters.

Beyond Money, Machinery and Popularity

Time and again, our nation’s future is slowly being defined as history unfolds itself into our very eyes.

Early this year 2009, about six or more candidates are inching their way trying to get to the top slots in the presidential surveys conducted by the SWS and Pulse Asia. The surveys, of course, are a big indicator in determining the winnability of candidates in the coming election.

However, as God Himself has orchestrated the times and seasons of our nation, the historic death of former President Corazon Aquino in August 2009 has strongly influenced the way the Filipino people will choose its next president. It is as if death created a spark of change in our political situation.

With the sympathy pouring generously for the Aquino family, the whole nation watching in the streets and on national television as the queen of democracy is paraded to his final resting place, the eyes of the people saw a new brand of leader in the person of Cory’s son Noynoy Aquino.

Days after, people are clamoring for Noynoy to run for president. Then Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas announced that he is taking the sacrifice of bowing out of contention to give way for Noynoy’s candidacy. He is seconded by Ed Panlilio and Jojo Binay, also moving out of the race.

A lot of political analysts are skeptical on Noynoy’s capability, however. As they say, he is just fortunate enough on being the son of Ninoy and Cory. But with the surveys showing a big upsurge of Noynoy’s name from nil to top since Cory's death, we can only assess that Noynoy has become a person to beat in 2010.

No doubt, Noynoy became a sudden popular candidate due to the death of Cory, which happens to be about the time when political parties are trying to gauge whom they will finally endorse in November’s certificate of filing of candidacy.

With the other hopefuls bowing out of the race and the administration’s Lakas-Kampi finally announcing their selected standard-bearer, we are now down to three big names vying for the top post- Manny Villar who has the money and the longest preparation, Gibo Teodoro who has the machinery and the backing-up of businessman Danding Cojuangco, and Noynoy who has the popularity and sympathy of the people.

Now, the focus is suddenly shifted from the candidates to the voting populace. With the money, machinery and popularity evenly distributed among the three formidable candidates, the people are given the immense power to choose who among them will next reside in the palace.

As we choose, may we not give weight on the above-mentioned capabilities, but rather concern ourselves in identifying what our candidates has done in the past and what our candidates can do in the future.

We must do our research and find out their track records as public officials. Equally important, we should also be aware of what they can promise to do have they been given the chance to become president.

Now, more than ever, the voting people can become the catalysts for change in choosing the right person who can bring about hope for the Philippines.

Tsinoy Rules

Kundi lang talaga kailangan, hindi ako pupunta ng Divisoria. Napilitan lang kaming magpunta ni Misis dahil kailangan naming bumili ng souvenir para sa kasal ni utol.

Dahil nga christmas season na, sobrang dami talaga ng tao. Dito mo talaga mararanasan yung maglalakad ka kahit ayaw mo, dahil sa ayaw at sa gusto mo, itutulak ka ng tao pasulong.

Sa Divisoria, walang mayaman, walang mahirap. Lahat ng tao, pantay-pantay dahil lahat sila, lumalakad sa iisang maputik na daan, nakikisalamuha sa lahat ng tao, kumakain sa pare-parehong foodstand at foodcourt, nakikipagsiksikan, nakikipagtawaran.

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Inabot din kami ng halos isang oras papunta sa may Adora kung saan kami umorder ng souvenir.

At dahil nasa Divisoria na rin lang kami, nagpunta na rin kami sa 168 Mall para tumingin ng christmas gifts para sa office at para sa mga inaanak.

Ngayon ko lang halos naintindihan kung bakit napakaraming tao ang nagpupunta sa Divisoria araw-araw (lalong lalo na kapag christmas season). Napatunayan ko na kung may isang bagay kang gustong makita o mabili, pumunta ka sa Divisoria.

Nagkalat ang prutas tulad ng mansanas, kiat-kiat, ponkan at ubas.

May damit para kay baby, may shorts para kay daddy, may bestida para kay mommy, may pajama para kay lolo, may duster para kay lola.

Hindi magkamayaw ang mga nagtitinda ng parol, mug, swiss knife, flashlight, office supplies, memo pad, relo, laruan, payong, lahat! makikita mo. Dito siguro mag a-apply yung sinabi nila na "Makikita mo ang hinahanap mo!".

Kapansin-pansin din ang mga China phone na kaparehong-kapareho ng mga original. Dati nang may immitation ng Nokia phones, pero noong Sabado lang ako nakakita ng immitation ng Samsung, Blackberry, Sony Ericson at iPhone. Daig pa nila ang original, dahil ang China phones, may TV! Noong Sabado, may bago pa silang ino-offer, dahil may mga telepono na raw sila na Wi-Fi Ready. Sa'n ka pa?

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Pinay ang mga saleslady. Sila yung mga tumatawag at nagsasabi ng 'Ano po'ng hanap nyo Sir?', 'Pili na po', 'Cellphone po ba? Ano'ng unit po?'

At sa loob ng bawat tindahan, sumilip ka at makakakita ka ng among Intsik.

Maraming pure chinese. Pero karamihan, Tsinoy.

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Tsinoy, o Pintsik, sila yung mga cross breed na ng Pinoy at Intsik. Mga simpleng tao lang, mga simpleng manamit, pero siguro, walang sasalungat kung sasabihin kong sila ang nagmamay ari ng Divisoria.

Dahil sila ang may ari ng business, sila ang kumikita. Ang mga pobreng pinoy (na kargador) at pinay (na saleslady), umaasa sa arawang suweldo.

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May napili kaming items. 45 pesos ata ang isa. Kung bultuhan, 35.

Sabi namin, 30 pesos na lang, dahil 40 pcs naman ang bibilhin namin.

Sabi nung Intsik, "kung 30 pesos nyo bibilhin, wala kaming 40 piraso. Pero kung 35 pesos nyo bibilhin, meron makukuha sa bodega".

Reliving Your Patio

If there is one thing a Filipino would love to have, it is that of having his own home. And when he already acquires one, he will definitely do his best to make it as comfortable as possible.

It is not only the interior designs, the rooms and the kitchen that Filipinos love to make comfortable. Most families, especially the rich, are spending lots of money to acquire a space for patios. A patio is a spanish term to mean backgarden or backyard, and is generally used for recreation and/or dining. And since the Philippines has once been under the Spanish colony for decades, it is not surprising to note that Filipinos have inherited some of the Spanish culture and architecture- which is why even the typical Filipino house and outdoor designs (walls and posts), and even accessories, like large vases, figurines, and Patio Umbrella, are similar to those of their Spanish origins.


Nowadays, designers have started to modernize the outdoor settings by mixing other European and American concepts in reliving patios. Just as what is being shown in the picture on the left, there is a simple recreational backyard set-up with a built-in Outdoor Patio Umbrella with a state-of-the-art design that will surely captivate people who love beautiful outdoor accesories.

What's more, an Outdoor Umbrella is actually much more than an added design in patios. It creates a place for people to gather for shade and relax while enjoying the garden scenery. And of course, it is best when you are chatting while sipping your favorite juice or fruit shake.

The house to a typical Filipino is his number one place of comfort, that is why he always ensures that he will make every part of it as beautiful and as comfortable as possible- inside and out.

As what we always say, we always go back to our Home Sweet Home.

Church And Politics In The Philippines

No matter how much people debate about the issue, it has become inevitable in the Philippines for politicians to pursue the bloc votes of various religious organizations.

Vice versa, it seems that the churches have also made it a habit to use the pulpit to anoint or favor a politician. As it seems, this habit makes an informal endorsement of sorts.

In 1998, the influential group, Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Movement led by Bro. Eddie Villanueva, conducted a rally at the Luneta Grandstand entitled, "Jesus' Declaration of Victory" (JDV). Looking into the title in pure context, there is nothing wrong about it, but just a clear statement of showing that Jesus is declaring victory for His people. However, people are quick to note that the title gives a double-meaning to endorse then presidential aspirant Jose De Venecia (JDV).

History unfolded, and De Venecia lost via a very big margin vs Erap Estrada.

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Last Tuesday, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo formally filed her Certificate of Candidacy as Representative of the 2nd District of Pampanga.

Before the filing of the COC, the President attended a catholic mass where the priest, Fr. Roland Moraleja likens Arroyo's descent (from President to Representative) as that of Jesus Christ.

"Do not believe you are diminishing the power of the [Office of the] President. Ating metung a taung migbaba ba yang sumuyo—I Kristo (There was a person who came down to serve us—Jesus Christ)".

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If religious acts like these will continue on and on, no one really knows. But as long as there are religious organizations that benefit from the government and as long as there are government officials that benefit from religious organizations, it is bound to continue.


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See also: Battle of the Gods

GMA Files COC for Congresswoman

The speculation that has surfaced since early this year has now been confirmed true: President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is gunning for Congresswoman in her hometown district of Pampanga.

In March 2009, this blog featured that a lot of political analysts seem to think that PGMA is hinting on running as representative of the second district of Pampanga where his son, Mikey, is currently holding the position as congressman. The speculations are due to the fact that they have witnessed PGMA visiting the province more than 50 times this year 2009 alone. If rumors are true, PGMA has been pondering on being Speaker of the House come 2010, which can pave a way for her to become Prime Minister, if and when, a Charter Change on the Form of Government will take place.

This morning, PGMA officially filed her Certificate of Candidacy after a mass organized by her townsmen in Lubao, Pampanga.

Meanwhile, University of the Philippines professor Randy David, who previously said that he is up to challenge Arroyo if the latter indeed runs for Congresswoman, has now decided not to file his candidacy.

While this has become a bad news for PGMA's opponents who claim that she is only doing it to stay in power and gain immunity from her graft cases, her filing of candidacy for congresswoman is definitely a good news for her constituents in Pampanga.

Survivor Philippines

If there was one show my wife and I have followed (almost) religiously for this year, that would have been Survivor Philippines Season 2 which was held at the beautiful Islands of Palau. Anyway, the show was finally over, with Amanda Cooley Van Cooll adjudged as the Survivor Philippines Season 2 Pinoy Sole Survivor.

It is truly amazing how these castaways manage to survive even with the least resources around them. Whenever I watch them, I always remember the Castaway movie by popular actor Tom Hanks wherein he was so happy that he was able to create fire just out of making friction with two stones. It is indeed so difficult to be able to create fire that's why the moment Hanks was able to create it, he made it sure to create a fire pit in order to keep the fire from dying away. Aside from keeping it aflame, a fire pit also helps ensure that the fire is contained in one place to keep it from spreading.

Fire pits may be made by digging a hole in the ground. Of course, the hole must be suitable as to the size of fire you wish to create and contain. As technology advances, people were able to design assembled fire pits and even pre-made fire pits.

Now, fire pits are not only made out of necessity. People are already using fire pits as an additional accent and feature outside their homes. Commonly placed and lit in the gardens, an outdoor fire pit is a sure place wherein groups of people can gather together in a cold night to warm themselves up while chatting and/or having coffee.

These makes an ideal setting in the gardens specially during this Christmas Season where many of your relatives will take a break from work and come home for the holidays.

As for me and my wife, having to come and enjoy the heat coming from the fire pit will make us to remember how the Survivor castaways are trying to make fire and trying to keep it aflame.

Have a great start of the month, everyone!

Advanced Merry Christmas!

Black Friday

I'm wearing black today, same as many of the people who are joining the cause of seeking justice against the brutal murder of at least 57 people in Maguindanao on November 30, 2009.

Inquirer.net has this report:

The fatalities, many of them women, were on their way to Sharif Aguak to accompany the Mangudadatus to the Comelec office to file the certificate of candidacy for governor of Vice Mayor Dong Mangudadatu, apparently in defiance of the strong hold of the Ampatuan family over the entire province. The Ampatuans were, until recently, allies of the Mangudadatu. This incident only reinforces the pessimism of those who say that peace will always be an illusion in Mindanao.

If reports were correct, it is said that the Ampatuans were the ones behind the killing. Yesterday, Mayor Andal Ampatuan, Jr. was captured and brought in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation for questioning.


Forgive the following accounts, but I deem it is necessary to reprint this to prove the brutality of the crime:

Department of Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera said over GMA News that, "Even the private parts of the women were shot at. It was horrible. It was not done to just one. It was done practically to all the women.

The zippers of their pants were all undone. We have yet to determine whether they were raped. But it is certain that something bad was done to them."


Additionally, 27 among those 57 bodies found dead are journalists who were there to cover the filing of the COCs of the Mangudadatus.

It is just so horrible and illogical why these innocent journalists and women were killed just like that.

The nation mourns for justice.

Bakit Malungkot Ang Pasko?

"Maligayang Pasko!" Yan ang laging bati natin sa bawat tao. Pero sa totoo lang, minsan, parang ayokong maniwalang maligaya nga talaga ang pasko.

Pansinin natin sa mga christmas commercials na umeere ngayon sa telebisyon.

Hindi ba laging malungkot ang kwento?


• Magpapasko pero kailangang umalis ni Mommy o ni Daddy papuntang Dubai para magtrabaho.

• Pasko pero si mamang Security Guard eh mag-isang naka-duty sa Entrance Gate ng Village.

• Magno noche buena na pero patuloy pa rin sa pagtatrabaho si anak sa Call Center.

• Magpapasko pero malungkot ang mga tao dahil nasira ng bagyo ang mga pananim.

• Mamimili ka ng damit pero paglabas mo naman ng mall ay may makikita kang mag-ina na natutulog sa kariton at ni walang matinong maisuot.

• Kakain sa fastfood ang buong pamilya pero may mga batang lansangan na nanonood sa inyo sa may salaming dingding ng establishment.

• Magpapasko pero si Mommy, andun at nagke caregiver sa UK.

• Malapit na ang pasko pero nag break kayo ng boyfriend mo.


Kailangan ba talagang i-project na malungkot ang pasko? O sinasalamin lang talaga ng mga commercials na ito ang realidad ng buhay?

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I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

-John 10:10

Magugunaw Na Ang Mundo

Hindi ninyo ba napapansin na napakarami nang pelikula ang ginawa para magsabing magugunaw na ang mundo?

2012, Independendence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, Armageddon, at kung anu-ano pa.

Naisip ko lang tuloy:

Bakit ba gustong gusto nilang gunawin ang mundo pero bandang huli naman eh mananatiling magsu-survive ang sangkatauhan?

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"We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: "We will not go quietly into the night!" We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!"

-President Thomas Whitmore, Independence Day


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But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

-Matthew 24:36

Alin Ang Naiba?

(photo credits here)

Kung mayroong isang personalidad na gusto mong alisin sa larawan, sino iyon, at bakit? Isulat ang inyong sagot sa comments portion sa ibaba.

Isang Minutong Ngiti

Maraming nagtatanong kung bakit pumatok ang bandang Eraserheads noong dekada 90s. Well, isa sa mga dahilan ay, karamihan kasi ng masa ay nakaka-relate sa lyrics ng kanta nila.

Makatotohanan, tagos sa puso, at sumasalamin sa tunay na mukha ng buhay nating mga pinoy.

Kaya naman kahit na nag-disband na sila, patok pa rin sa pinoy ang musika nila. At noong nag reunion concert sila sa The Fort at sa MOA Open Grounds, talaga namang pandemonium dahil sa dami ng fans na naki-jamming sa kanila.

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Isa sa mga sumikat na kanta ng Eraserheads ay 'yung 'With A Smile'. At magpahanggang ngayon, paborito pa rin itong kantahin ng mga grupo ng kabataan, mga ka-edaran kong nagkakaroon ng reunion, at pati na rin yung mga da-matans na mahilig talaga sa kantahan. Bakit ito pumatok? Dahil makatotohanan ang liriko para sa mga magkakaibigan. At higit, nagpapakita ito ng pagkakaroon ng positive outlook in life.

"Lift your head, baby, don't be scared

Of the things that could go wrong along the way

You'll get by with a smile

Now it's time to kiss away those tears goodbye"

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Tama nga naman. Pwede ka namang tumawa kahit may problema. Pwede mo namang piliing maging masaya kahit na anuman ang mga kaganapang nangyayari sa paligid mo. It really goes down to the choices that we make- Either we choose to be sad; our we choose to be happy.

Sa December 08, 2009, ganap na alas-otso ng gabi, makiisa tayo sa programang Isang Minutong Smile kung saan sabay sabay nating tatanggalin sa isipan ang lahat ng bumabagabag sa atin, mag isip ng masasayang bagay na pangyayari sa ating buhay, at ngingiti ...kahit isang minuto lang....

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A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

-Proverbs 15:13

Are You Afraid of Algebra?

Let's face it. Most children's waterloo in school is Math Problems, and that includes me.

Whether the problem requires complex equations or Math Word Problems, most students find it so hard to analyze and it usually takes an ample time to finally come up with the correct Math Answers.

It is a pity that I live as a student in 'those days' where advanced technology has not yet reached my hometown. Today, students who are having difficulty in Mathematics can take refuge in what the internet offers. And that is Algebra Help. The idea is basically simple, but it helps a lot of students. These are online sites, like TutorVista, whose function is to provide 24/7 online tutorials to college students who are seeking Algebra 2 Help.

So for all of you, college students out there, who are afraid of Algebra Word Problems, you need not worry anymore. Online Tutor help is just a click away, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


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Anyone of you who are having difficulty with mathematics during your student days? Let us know your story!

Feel free to leave your comments and share with us your "horrible" mathematics story.

Tuwing Pasko

Special sa akin yung nokia 6600 ko na katulad ng nasa picture sa kaliwa. Yan kasi ang unang mobile phone na naipundar ko sa sarili kong bulsa mula noong magtrabaho ako. Kung di ako nagkakamali, around 14,000 ata ang value niyan nung nabili ko sa Greenhills.

Iba talaga ang feeling kapag nakikita mong unti-unti kang nakakapagpundar ng mga gamit galing sa sarili mong pawis, sabi nga nila.

Iba ang feeling.

Lalo na kapag nawala.

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End-part na ng September 'yun, year 2006. Galing kami dumalaw sa isang kaopisina na na-confine sa isang hospital sa Parañaque. Medyo late na kami nakaalis ng ospital, kaya yung unang dumaang bus eh pinara na namin.

Bumaba kami pagdating ng Guadalupe. From there, magka kani-kanya na kami ng ruta. Ako papuntang Fairview, yung isa papuntang Balintawak, yung iba pa-Makati.

Napasarap ata ang sandal ko sa upuan ng bus at sa lamig ng aircon kaya nakatulog ako. Nagising lang ako ng biglang may sumigaw ng "Holdap 'to! *sabay mura*"

*mura ulit* na drayber ka! ayusin mo pagpapatakbo mo *sabay mura* sa bus at kung hindi papatayin ka naming *sabay mura* ka.

Apat silang lalaking malalaki ang katawan na puro nakasuot ng sumbrerong "waway". Wag daw kaming magkakamaling tumingin sa mga mukha nila dahil may granada raw sila. Maliban sa granada, lahat sila eh may hawak na lantseta.

Mura sila ng mura tuwing magsasalita. Ewan ko, pero siguro part na ng habit nila yung dapat eh may kasamang mura ang bawat buka ng bibig nila.

At nag-umpisa nang lumakad ang collection bag na parang sa simbahan lang. Isang itim na bag kung saan bawat isa eh inuutusang ilaglag ang kani-kanyang cellphone.

Kaya ako, goodbye 6600; goodbye pundar.

Matapos ang first offering, nagdeklara pa ng special offering. Lakad na naman ang itim na bag. Wallet naman daw. Medyo mabigat na, kaya diniskartihan ko na ng konti.

Sabi sa akin nung naka-waway na macho papa, "Ikaw, *sabay mura*, wallet mo?"

Sabi ko, "Kinuha na po nung kasama ninyong nasa likod kanina".

Pasalamat ako at hindi na nangapkap si macho papa.

Sa kahabaan ng EDSA mula Ortigas hanggang Quezon Avenue eh talaga namang napakataas ng tension sa loob ng bus. Nag-umpisa lang maghagulgulan ang mga babae nang bumaba na ang mga holdaper sabay sabing, Mga *sabay mura* kayo, wag na wag kayong magkakamaling sumunod dahil may mga kasama kaming mga *sabay mura* kayo.

Yung isang lalaking pasahero, biglang sumigaw, "Tubig! Tubig! Painumin ninyo ako ng tubig!"

Pero wala nang pumansin sa kanya dahil kani-kanya na kaming diskarte kung paano makakaalis sa bus at makakauwi ng bahay.

**********

Ilang linggo rin bago ko natanggap na wala na talaga yung naipundar kong gamit.

Ilang buwan na paranoid ako pag nakakakita ako ng mga taong nakasuot ng sumbrerong "waway".

Hanggang ngayon eh iwas pa rin ako hangga't maaari na sumakay sa MYAMY Bus Lines na biyaheng Fairview.

**********

Magpapasko raw kasi noon kaya marami talagang gumagawa ng masama. Katulad ngayon, malapit na naman ang kapaskuhan, dumarami na naman ang insidente ng nakawan, holdap, snatching.

Sa hinaba-haba ng post na ito, simple lang naman ang gusto ko sanang i-share.

Ingat po tayo.

Dahil maraming nananamantala tuwing Pasko.

Who Moved My Chiz?

It came a bit of shock to many nang biglang nag-resign si Chiz Escudero kahapon bilang miyembro ng Nationalist People's Coalition o NPC (na pinamumunuan ng Chairman Emeritus nito na si Danding Cojuangco).

At a time when almost lahat ng tao ay inaasahan na magdedeklara siya kagabi ng pagtakbo bilang standard-bearer ng NPC sa 2010 elections, biglang nagpatawag si Chiz nang presscon sa Club Filipino, San Juan kahapon nang umaga upang i-announce na nagbitiw na siya sa NPC.

Immediately, a lot of people are clamoring for answers on why Chiz resigned. Political analyst Manolo Quezon has this to say on twitter:

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@mlq3:"chiz's big backers had been danding, lucio tan, and i think razon (enrique). w/out EC (danding), LT (tan) won't bet big. Dunno re: Razon and friends."

and to which i replied:

@joyagustin: super power pala ang mga supporters ni chiz. danding, lucio tan, and enrique razon. wow! is business synonimous to politics?
NP and NPC, is there a big possibility?

@mlq3: NP-NPC as possible as PaLaKa-NPC, maybe Gibo has patched up quarrel with uncle.
--------------------

I'll be emphasizing about BUSINESS being SYNONIMOUS to POLITICS.

Later on, political bloggers started to swarm the web and post their respective views about Chiz bolting out of NPC.

I will want to quote some important parts of the commentary of Pat Mangubat in Filipino Voices:

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1. Let’s face it—the primary reasons behind Chiz Escudero’s decision to resign from NPC are: he lacks the funds after his big-ticket financiers withdrew and he is being weakened by defections.

2. His ratings went down when Senator Noynoy Aquino entered the political fray. Two things which hurt Escudero: rumours of a merger of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) and the administration and Escudero’s association with Marcos crony, Danding Cojuangco. Signs of a merger began to percolate as early as August, after government asked the Supreme Court to convert coco levy shares at SMC from ordinary to preferred shares. With the prospects of a merger, that, surely will completely turn off progressive groups supportive of Chiz Escudero’s. Defections began to hurt Escudero’s camp, particularly that of the Osmenas who transferred to Noynoy’s camp. Osmena reportedly transferred after getting signs that Danding was half-supportive of Escudero’s bid. Osmena also took the cue from Lucio Tan about Escudero being “young” and ” still unprepared for the presidency.” That intensified defections, especially of financiers from the Filipino-Chinese community.

3. Danding Cojuangco’s last minute refusal to attend the big rally at the UP to announce his presidential bid, was more than enough signals already that the former Marcos crony was un-impressed with him.

4. Chiz has no choice but to resign from the party and declare himself a “free agent.” By doing so, Chiz hopes to re-consolidate his mass base support by positioning himself as a non-traditional politician, someone not beholden to any political party nor any big political financier.

5. Possible scenarios/results of Escudero’s resignation: 1. NPC and admin party will now have full rein for a merger. The possibility of Teodoro-Legarda tandem is now in the works. 2. The Liberal Party will move to convince Chiz to either endorse Noynoy’s bid or ask him to join the process of selecting the true People’s choice of a non-trapo candidate. 3. Should Chiz proceed as an independent candidate, he will damage Estrada’s bid, weaken Noynoy’s mass base and eventually allow Manny Villar’s victory in the 2010 polls.

Pat's full article here
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Magulo, masyadong magulo. Maraming pwedeng mangyari pa dahil malayo pa ang eleksiyon at marami pang baliktaran at alyansang mangyayari.

Business tycoons and financiers are reading the signs and looking at where the wind is blowing to see whoever they would support in the final stretch.

Basta ang naging malinaw sa akin ngayon, POLITICS IS SYNONIMOUS TO BUSINESS.

**********

"If you do not change, you can become extinct."

-from the book Who Moved My Cheese

Legs, Legs, Legs Mo Ay Nakakasilaw

Guessing Game Ito.

Nasa SM Makati ako last Sunday para bumili ng konting grocery at para bilhan ng bestida ang prinsesa namin. Dahil medyo nagugutom na rin, naisipan ko lang na humanap ng mabibiling mabilis na snacks.

At napadpad ako sa Brownies Store malapit doon sa may bridgeway connecting ng Glorietta at SM. Okay na rin dahil mura lang- sa halagang 37 pesos, may brewed coffee at may brownies ka na.

So doon ako umupo medyo malapit sa counter. Inuumpisahan ko nang sipsipin yung coffee nang napansin ko na yung dalawang tao sa katabing table ko eh nagbubulungan at may tinitingnan. Kaya nakiusyoso na rin ako at narinig ko na pinagtatalunan nila kung yung tao ba na malapit sa amin eh si [insert name of poging politician here].

Dahil medyo nasusubaybayan ko rin dati ang political career at ang mga sinusulat sa blog ni [insert name of poging politician here], alam kong siya nga iyon. Kasama niya ang misis niya at umupo rin sila sa isa sa mga tables sa store ng Brownies, nakapwesto malapit doon sa mga taong labas-masok sa bridgeway ng Glorietta at SM. Kung bakit doon sila pumwesto eh may opinyon ako na gusto niyang ma-exposed sa maraming tao (dahil may planong tumakbong senador itong si [insert name of poging politican here]).

Anyway, so umorder na nga ng kape at brownies si [insert name of poging politician here] at bumalik na doon sa table at umupo katapat ng misis niya. At dahil katapatan ko siya, hindi maiiwasan na tuwing hihigop ako ng kape eh natatanaw ko si [insert name of poging politician here].

Nung minsang masulyapan ko siya eh saktong humihigop din siya ng kape. Pero ano ito? Mukhang habang humihigop siya ng kape eh tutok na tutok ang paningin niya sa malapit sa lugar ko. Naisip ko dahil malapit nga ako sa counter, "ah, siguro tinitingnan niya yung mga naka-display na brownies and pastries at gusto niyang bumili".

Pero nung tinunton ko na ang pinagkakaabalahan ng mga mata ni [insert name of poging politician here] ay napagtanto ko na ang tinititigan pala niya eh yung isang customer na nakapila sa cashier. Hindi pala yung customer. Ang tinititigan pala ni [insert name of poging politician here] eh yung legs ni customer, dahil si customer eh naka nyort-nyort (short shorts).

Naisip ko lang, paano na lang kung nahuli siya ng kanyang esmi habang nakatitig kay sexy customer? Sasampalin kaya siya at aawayin ni misis?

Well, anyway, si [insert name of poging politician here] ay gwapo at mukhang malinis; dating nasa isang paksiyon ng oposisyon pero kailan lang ay lumipat sa isa pang paksiyon ng mga oposisyon at may planong tumakbong senador.

Hindi siya tunay na tiga-Luzon at hindi siya tunay na tiga-Visayas. Pero sa nakita ko, masasabi kong isa siyang tunay na mahilig (sa legs).

Love Is All Around

Hawak-kamay
Di kita iiwan sa paglakbay
Dito sa mundong walang katiyakan
Hawak-kamay
Di kita bibitawan sa paglalakbay
Sa mundo ng kawalan


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Hindi lang pala paglilibot, pagkain, at pagpapasarap ang pwede mong masumpungan sa Mindanao. May mga importanteng bagay na kung minsan ay hindi natin pinapansin o napapansin. Salamat na lamang, naging saksi kami sa isang napakagandang pagkakataon.


"Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually is all around. "
- Prime Minister from the movie, Love Actually (Hugh Grant)

Narito ang buong kwento

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This is part 5 of our Mindanao Adventure.

Parts 1 to 4 are as follows:

1. People In Mindanao Are SMARTer

2. Diyan Lang

3. Alyas Pogi

4. For Gospel's Sake

Bakit Walang Lasa Ang Queso De Bola

Kung minsan, naiisip ko, unfair naman sa Undas.

Lagi kasing nao-overshadow siya ng Pasko. Isipin mo na lang, dahil nga ang Pasko dito sa Pilipinas eh nag-uumpisa ng September 1, para bang ni hindi masyadong nabibigyan ng malaking atensiyon ang pagdating ng Undas.

Ngayon, lagi nang ina-announce sa mga television: XX days na lang, Pasko na!

Meron ba kayong naririnig na, XX days na lang, Undas na!?.

**********

Kahit kapag naglibut-libot ka sa mga malls, mas prominent ang mga christmas decorations kaysa mga dekorasyong pang-halloween. In fact, kung September pa lang ay nagkakabit na ng mga christmas decors at nagpapatugtog na ng mga kanta ni Jose Mari Chan, nagkakabit lang ng mga pang halloween na decorations mga two weeks bago ang undas.

At malamang sa malamang, pagdating ng November 3 eh tanggal na lahat ng halloween decorations.

**********

Pagpasok sa mga grocery stores at supermarkets, makakakita ka na rin ng mga hamon at queso de bola.

Ewan ko ba kung bakit ba napaka-tempting nitong tingnan.

Siguro eh dahil malayo ka pa lang, matatanaw mo na ang mapupula at makikintab na bilog na tabi-tabing naka-display sa mga groceries.

Hindi nawawalan ng ganyan sa bahay kapag pasko. Ang nakakatuwa, yung queso de bola sa bahay eh umaabot ng hanggang Pebrero sa refrigerator.

**********

Mabuti pa nga ang pasko noong isang taon

Sa ating hapag mayroong keso de bola’t hamon

Baka sa gipit, happy new year mapo-postpone

At ang hamon ay mauuwi sa bagoong

(Apo Hiking Society's Tuloy na Tuloy pa rin ang Pasko)

**********

Hindi ko gusto ang lasa ng queso de bola. Kaya siguro umaabot ng hanggang Pebrero sa ref namin, hanggang sa tuluyan ng tumigas at mapilitan ng itapon ni Mama sa basurahan. Ewan ko ba, pero mas gusto ko pa ang lasa ng ordinary cheese kesa sa queso de bola.

At kung hanggang ngayon eh nagtataka ka kung bakit walang lasa ang queso de bola, malamang eh nagkamali ka ng kinagat na parte.

Oh My Gulay!

Nakakapagpa-high blood ba ang gulay?

Sabi kasi, para daw maiwasan ang high-blood, iwasan din ang pagkain ng mga karne (at taba) ng baboy, baka, at mga seafoods.

Sa halip, kumain daw ng gulay.

**********

Noong katatapos ng bagyong Ondoy, pinag-ingat din ang mga tao sa pagkain ng baboy at manok dahil baka daw double dead ang mabiling mga karne sa palengke, o baka nagkasakit ang mga ito kaya kinatay at ibinebenta.

Katunayan, sa isang parte ng Quezon City, sabi nila ay lechon daw ang usong pagkain pagkatapos ng Ondoy (kasi nga ay double dead ang mga baboy at manok dahil sa baha).

Sa halip, kumain daw ng gulay.

**********

Naisip ko tuloy kagabi, magluluto ako ng gulay. Kaya pumunta ako sa grocery para bumili ng ampalayang igigisa.

Pagdating sa vegetable section, limited ang choices at halos nag-uunahan ang mga tao sa pagkuha ng gulay.

Walang stock ng gulay dahil nasalanta ang Northern Luzon bunsod ng bagyong Pepeng. Epekto, maraming pananim na gulay, partikular sa Baguio at Benguet, ang nasira at hindi na pwedeng pakinabangan. Karagdagang problema ang nasira ring mga daan kaya't hindi mai-transport ang mga gulay mula Baguio papuntang Maynila.

Presyo ng isang ampalayang nabili ko, P40.00.

Sa panahon daw kasi ngayon, hindi praktikal ang gulay.

Sa halip, kumain daw ng karne.


**********

Ang sabi tuloy ng ilan, hindi lang daw karne ng baboy, baka at mga seafoods ang nakakapagpa high blood ngayon. Pati na rin daw gulay. Ang sabi nga sa balita kagabi, 900% daw ang itinaas ng presyo ng gulay.

Sino nga naman kasi ang hindi maha high blood?

For Gospel's Sake

"Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life." -Mark 10:29 to 30


It was a long and bumpy ride all the way from Butuan City to Gamut, Surigao.

While I personally enjoyed the sceneries of mountains and waters along the road, everyone among us would definitely say that the travel was much tiring and uncomfortable. A very big factor, of course, is the on-going construction of the highways. Why it has taken the local and national government to act on improving these farm-to-market roads, one can only speculate.

I was sitting in front of the vehicle, along with the driver, and with one of our hospitable hosts during our travel, Pastor Elmer Gaurano. Pastor Elmer, together with his equally kind wife, Sis. Nanette, is in-charge of our JLY Celebration Church in Tandag City, Surigao Del Sur.

There is really so much to talk to during the 5-hour drive. By and by, Pastor Elmer would chat with our driver in Visayan language, then converse with me in Tagalog. We did discuss about the main crops and the way of living in Mindanao. We also tackled about Mindanao's politics, and how they, from Mindanao, take their view on the coming presidential elections.

Along those casual conversations, he would even take pride on the beauty that is Mindanao. He shares how our Senior Pastor Rey Pe Benito loves to return to Surigao and swim in the clear waters of Cagwait White Beach, and Britania Island. Every guest, of course, who comes to visit them in Surigao, will get to feast on BIG crabs, shrimps, grilled blue marlin, and kinilaw na tanigue.

It is true. Who wouldn't love to come back to Surigao for a three-day vacation? We, ourselves, are witnesses of the nature's beauty in Surigao, not to mention the great hospitality that our hosts have shown to us.

But perhaps some of the things that strike the most during my conversations with Pastor Elmer were these:

"Dito rin dumadaan sila Pastor Rey kapag pumupunta sila ng Surigao. Kung minsan, doon sa shortcut, mga 3 to 4 hours lang, pero mas mahirap ang daan dahil rough road at tabi ng bundok ang dadaanan".

"Alam mo, Joy, tuwing pumupunta kami ng Manila para um-attend ng Pastoral Conference or Mission Conventions, aalis kami ng Surigao ng 1 am na naka-bus papunta ng Butuan Airport. Darating kami ng Manila ng mga 3 pm or 4 pm."

"Kaya totoo yung sinasabi nila na among the delegates sa mga conventions, kami ang pinakamalayo."

"Ubos ang halos isang araw namin pagbiyahe pa lang papunta ng Manila"

Even worth mentioning, our Regional Director, Pastor Dong Padre, travels weekly from Nasipit/Butuan to Surigao, then back again by motorcycle. Week, after week, after week, he does that, just to visit and oversee the churches.

Our Pastor in Gamut, Pastor Romy Bermudez, shares the same experiences as Pastor Dong and Pastor Elmer. It is remarkable to say that they are not just people who pastors a church just because it is the only thing that they can do for a living. Mind you, these three are all engineering graduates, one or some of them, even holds an MBA degree. But instead of taking professional jobs, they abide by their calling in the full-time ministry of pastoring churches and mentoring their flocks.

There is joy in their faces and in their hearts, even as they have decided to let go of their personal professions, and pursue the less-comforting, but definitely more enternal-rewarding calling of preaching the Gospel and sharing the love of Christ to the people.

The Mission is simple- Preach the Word!

We can only be grateful that there are people like them who chose to abide by the mission. There are a lot more boundaries and islands and nations and tribes that need to be reached out by the gospel of Christ.

And so to them, we proclaim our prayers that the Lord, who sees their labors, will greatly return unto them blessings upon blessings, even a hundredfold.



How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
-Isaiah 52:7


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Special credits to all our other Regional Pastors- Elyn Padre, Jun Lozada, Maidz Serrano, and the other pastors, and leaders who have been a blessing to us while we were in Surigao.

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This is part 4 of our Mindanao Adventure.

Parts 1 to 3 are as follows:


1. People In Mindanao Are SMARTer

2. Diyan Lang

3. Alyas Pogi

Who Wouldn't Be Moved?

Who wouldn't be moved with such scenarios brought about by Typhoon Ondoy in the Philippines?

(a woman stranded in the streets during the typhoon)

(people braving the dangers and risking their lives onto the electric wires, while some are walking in the neck-deep waters)

(an exodus of stranded cars and people in the Eastern Manila-Rizal area)

**********

But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. -Matthew 9:36

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There are many ways by which you can help our fellow Filipinos in this time of need. You may please visit this HELP THE ONDOY VICTIM SITE for a list of the many possible ways by which we can help lessen the burden of the flood victims.

Typhoon Ondoy Pictures

Here's a prayer that all of us are safe and alright after typhoon Ondoy brought so much havoc in the Metropolis last weekend.

As of September 28, Inquirer.net reports that death toll has reached 73 people.

The report further states that damage to agriculture as of Sunday was estimated at P510 million in regions Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Calabarzon, with damage to rice crops initially placed at P490 million.

Meanwhile, about 47,000 people were rescued from their houses and transferred to various evacuation areas.

(photos were emailed to me by a friend)

Meanwhile, let us all reflect and remember that the Lord is still good and gracious, especially among us who were not affected heavily by the catastrophe.

The Lord is still in control, and He is able and willing to show Himself faithful and true in giving all the needed help and support to our fellow Filipinos who lost greatly.

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God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

-Psalm 46:1

Alyas Pogi

(3rd of Many Parts sa aming Mindanao Adventure)

Interesante ring malaman na ang bawat lugar sa bansa ay may kani-kanyang paraan ng pagpapangalan sa mga tao. Halimbawa na lang eh ang aming mabait na host sa Surigao na si Berna, o mas kilala namin sa tawag na Tata.

Sa pagkakaalam namin, mas sikat siya sa tawag na Tata sa Surigao, pero nakakagulat ding malaman na pagdating sa Surigao eh mas kilala siya sa tawag na Ta-ing (o Ta- eng), samantalang yung isa pa naming kilalang kaibigan ang tinatawag namang Tata.

Ayon sa mga taga-roon, ang Tata ay nangangahulugan ng "nakababata" o "maliit" na kapatid o kaibigan. Katulad din naman sa parteng norte kung saan ang mga batang lalake ay tinatawag nilang "balong" at ang mga batang babae ay tinatawag nilang "balasang".

**********

Hindi rin naman patatalo ang mga tagalog. Kadalasan kasi, tinatawag pa rin nating "boy" at "baby" ang mga tao kahit na matanda na sila at hindi na bata.

At para hindi tayo malito, dinadagdagan natin ng isa pang kataga para i-differentiate ang isang tao sa iba. Katulad na lang sa aming bayan sa Licab (Nueva Ecija), makikilala mo sila:

Boy Kokak
Boy Tita
Boy Pilising
Boy Pusa
Boy Ulo
Bebeng Damaso
Bebeng Mangungulot
Bebeng Pwet

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Ang sabi ni Wiki, Alias is a pseudonym. It is usually used nowadays to describe a name which hides someone's true identity.

Ang alias ay pwede ring ipakahulugan ng A.K.A. o, Also Known As.

**********

Kung komportable tayo sa paggamit ng alias, ginawa pa ng mga Pinoy na mas extreme ang paggamit nito sa pamamagitan ng paghahalintulad sa mga hayop.

Hindi ba, pamilyar na nating naririnig sa mga tagalog movies ang phrase na, "Hayop Ka! Haayoooop!"

Meron din namang nagpapakasosyal, at ang ginagamit eh, "Animal kang bata ka, halika nga rine!"

Pero general term pa rin ang Hayop at Animal, dahil pinipili pa rin ng pinoy ang maging specific.

1. "Alam mo, ang baboy mo." (Para sa mga taong makalat kumain)

2. "Ingat, mamang drayber, may bwaya sa kanto." (Para sa mga magigiting nating ...............)

3. "Ano ba yang pigura mo, para ka nang baboy." (Tabi-tabi po sa mga tinamaan)

4. "Naku, parang balyena sa laki." (para sa senior size ng #3)

5. "Hoy, butiking pasay!" (patungkol sa mga taong ka-love team ng #3 at #4)

6. "Isa kang ahas!" (tirada sa mga mang-aagaw ng boylet)

7. "Ulupong ka!" (variation ng #6. mas makamandag na pang-aagaw siguro ang ginawa)

**********

Kung minsan, ang pagbibigay natin ng alyas sa ibang tao ay dahilan lamang ng katuwaan o biruan. Maaari rin namang dahil sa ating kapansanan o kakulangan. O pwede ring sa kulturang ating kinagisnan.

Anu't anupaman ang dahilan, hindi ba mas importante pa rin na pagtuunan natin ng pansin ang panloob na ugali ng iba?

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1st and 2nd article on our Mindanao Adventure

Diyan Lang

(2nd of Many Parts sa aming Mindanao Adventure)

Mag-ingat sa probinsiya kapag may nagyaya sa iyo na maglibut-libot.

Dahil ang simpleng "Diyan Lang" ay pwedeng makaabot sa ikalawang bundok.

More or less eh ganyan ang sinapit ng mga kasama namin noong niyaya sila para bumisita sa isa sa mga outreach churches (JLY Celebration Church) namin sa Panaosawon, Surigao Del Sur.

Kaming dalawa ni utol eh hindi nakasama dahil niyaya naman kami ni Pastor Dong Padre (Regional Director sa Caraga Region) para maglibot sa Tandag City kung saan mayroon ding JLY Celebration Church.

Pero kahit na nabiktima sila ng "diyan lang" syndrome eh nainggit pa rin kami sa kanila dahil na-experience nila na sumakay sa habal-habal.

**********

Mas lalong dapat mag-ingat kapag ang diyan lang eh sinaliwan na ng magic nguso para ituro kung saan kayo pupunta.

(galing kay Yena's World ang larawan)

**********

Magaling sa non-verbal communications ang Pinoy. Bibilib ka talaga dahil sa pamamagitan lang ng hand gestures o facial expressions ay magkakaintindihan na ang dalawang tao.

Pansinin natin:

Ang pagkunot ng noo ay nangangahulugan ng hindi pagkagusto sa isang bagay.

Ang pagkurap ng isang mata ng binata na nakatingin sa isang bebot eh nangangahulugan na type niya ang bebot na chicks (bebot na, chicks pa).

Ang pagkindat naman na may kahalong ngiti ay pwedeng magpakita ng "approval" sa isang bagay, samantalang ang pagtaas ng isang kilay na matagal na seryoso ang mukha ay nangangahulugan ng "disapproval".

Kapag may dalawang taong nag-uusap sa isang walkway, pansinin natin na iniuunat ng isang tao ang dalawa niyang kamay paharap at yuyuko para ipaalam na lalakad siya sa gitna ng nag-uusap na dalawang tao. Nangangahulugan ito ng "excuse po, makikiraan po".

Iba ang titig ng mata ng nagagalit na nanay sa kanyang malikot na anak.
Iba ang titig ng mata ng isang babaeng nagpi-flirt sa isang machong boylet na nakatapat niya sa jeep.
Iba ang titig ng mata ni Romy Diaz at ni Max Alvarado habang tinitingnan ang isang dalagang naglalaba sa batis.

May thumbs up, may thumbs down, may kamot sa ulo, may pagpapalaki sa butas ng ilong, may kindat, may kurap.

Sa anupamang pamamaraan, hinding-hindi mo pwedeng ikahon ang Pinoy upang ipahayag ang kanyang nararamdaman.


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1st article on our Mindanao Adventure

People In Mindanao Are SMARTer

Ilang araw din akong na-absent sa blogging dahil nangasawa si utol sa Mindanao (Tandag, Surigao Del Sur).

Nangasawa ang Visayan term para sa namanhikan.

At dahil matagal-tagal ang inilagi namin sa Surigao, malamang eh maging 1st-part of many articles itong mga isusulat ko.

**********

Isa sa mahirap na gawin sa office eh yung magpaalam ka para mag-leave ng dalawa o higit pang araw. Normally kasi, lalo na sa mga accounting people, laging maraming papeles na dapat ayusin sa isang araw. Natapat pa naman na sa schedule ng pagpunta namin sa Surigao eh may darating kaming Internal Auditor galing sa UK.

Pero dahil cute ako matagal na akong nagpaalam at kailan lang naman nagsabi na may darating palang bisita, napilitan ang boss ko na payagan akong mag-leave, sa isang kundisyon: bawal patayin ang cellphone para pwede akong tawagan anytime na mayroong itatanong sa akin.

Kasalukuyan, dalawa ang cellphone na gamit ko. Isa yung Globe prepaid na original number ko, at pangalawa yung Sun Cellular postpaid na ang nakakaalam lang eh yung mga friendly friends ko alam niyo na, minsan kasi eh kailangan ding magtago at umiwas sa mga fans.

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When it rains, it pours. Pagbaba namin ng Butuan Airport at nagbiyahe na (ng 5 hours land travel!) papuntang Surigao, out of coverage area na ang Sun cell ko habang yung Globe naman eh parang aandap-andap na mapupunding bumbilya ang signal.

Sabi ng mga hosts namin sa Surigao, mahina raw talaga ang signal ng globe at sun cellular sa area nila. Smart lang daw ang talagang consistent na may magandang network service doon.

Ika nga nung isang Pastor na kasama namin, Globe People are Smart (ehem).
However, people in Mindanao are Smarter.

Dahil sa Mindanao, mas marami ang naka-smart.

At kung hindi mo nakuha ang nakatagong wit, malamang Sun cell subscriber ka.

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Importante ang technology at construction ng mga infrastructures para sa development ng isang lugar. Sa pagkahaba-habang biyahe mula sa Butuan hanggang sa Surigao, nakita kong marami pang kakulangan kung progreso ng bayan ang pag-uusapan.

Maraming rough road area, at sa katunayan eh ngayon pa lamang inuumpisahang ayusin ang mga kalsada.

Sa Tandag na siyang capital ng Surigao del Sur, ni wala kang makitang Jollibee o Mc Donald's na nakatayo.

May mga nagsasabing kontrolado raw ng ilang maimpluwensiyang tao ang pagkakaroon ng mga establishments sa area. Kung ano ang ibig nilang ipakahulugan ng "kontrolado" eh hindi ko na rin masyadong inintindi.

Bakit ngayon lang inuumpisahang gawing konkreto ang mga daan? Ano ang aksiyong ginawa ng mga dating nanungkulan dito?

Nakakalungkot. Pero ika nga eh, lagi tayong dapat na nakatingin sa pag-asang dulot ng bukas.

Dahil kung hindi tayo aasa at gagawa ng ating mga parte para sa ikauunlad ng ating bayan, lalong wala tayong mararating.

Changes

Mahirap palang magpalit ng template ng blogsite.

Nung isang buwan, pagpalit ko ng template, nawala yung mga links at yung mga html codes na dating nandoon sa lumang template. Kaya kung meron man sa inyo na dating naka-link sa akin at nawala sa bagong template, pasensiya na po (pwedeng mag-leave ng comments para maka-exchange link ko ulit kayo).

Isa sa mga nawala eh iyong link ko sa mga articles na nai-post o nai-publish sa Inquirer.net. Kaya ngayon na medyo nagkaroon ako ng kaunting oras, binalik ko ulit (nakalagay sa top right side ng site). At sa mga hindi pa nakabasa, pwedeng-pwede po kayong sumilip. Ilan ito sa mga articles na nai-publish na sa Inquirer.net blogs: A Hero For President, Are We Ready For Change, at ang Pray For Our Next Vice President.

Walang bayad ang pagpapa-approve ng blog posts sa InquirerBlogs ( sayang ). Ang tanging consolation mo lang talaga eh, ang maipahayag ang gusto mong sabihin para sa ikabubuti at ikagaganda ng sistemang pulitikal ng bansa, na hopefully, eh, tumimo sa isipan ng mga makababasa sa article na ginawa mo.

Ika nga eh, we all desire for change. Iba't-iba nga lamang tayo ng pamamaraan. Ang pinili ko- magsulat.

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Gusto ko ulit magsulat ng articles. Sa mga susunod na araw, pag nakaluwag-luwag na eh pagtitiyagaan ko uling makaisip ng mga bagong ideas. Sana makalusot sa editors.

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if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come

-2 Corinthians 5:17

E-Merge Teatro Presents: Assignment

The E-merge Teatro of the JLY Celebration Church will be presenting a Musical Play entitled: Assignment.

This will run on September 20, 2009 (Sunday) at 10 in the morning to be held on Starmall's Trade Hall (2nd Floor), EDSA Cor. Shaw Bouleverad, Mandaluyong City.

Here's the brief Synopsis:

"What if God gives you an assignment, would you be willing to finish it? What if this assignment is beyond your capability and capacity? And what if it goes beyond your comfort zone? Would you still be willing to do it for God? Let’s witness the journey of Aimee and how she undertakes an assignment beyond herself, knowing that God is with her to help her fulfill anything that the Lord requires of her. Now, it’s time to turn your “light” on!"

The casts and crew are select E-Merge (Youth Fellowship) members; script was written by Sam Micaller and directed by Clara Solidum (I'm afraid I suddenly felt a little older, as these people used to be my students back at the Children's Church).

The presentation also includes the PSYaweh, a dance troupe from the University of the East.

BTW, entrance is for free, so you can invite as many as you can to come and watch this wonderful play.

For inquiries, you may call at the Celebration Church hotline: 726-2099, or 718-0500.

Siyetehan Avenue

Isang Konsehal sa Quezon City ang nagbigay ng proposal: palitan ang pangalan ng Central Avenue at gawin itong Eraño Manalo Avenue para magbigay parangal sa dating Executive Minister ng Iglesia Ni Cristo.

Namatay si Ka Erdy Manalo noong August 31, 2009 dahil sa Cardiopulmonary Arrest.

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Parang ganito din noong kamamatay ni Cory Aquino. Nag-propose din si Senator Mar Roxas na palitan ang EDSA at gawing Cory Aquino Avenue. Kaso binawi din ni Mar ang proposal dahil unfair din naman kay Epifanio Delos Santos na may sarili rin namang parte sa history ng bansa.

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Kung ikaw, papayag ka ba na ipapangalan sa iyo ang isang kalye para parangalan ka?

Hindi siguro ako papayag. Kasi para namang sinabi na, "Mamatay ka muna bago ko ipangalan itong kalye na 'to sayo".

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Off-topic:

Eto,may bago akong raket. Kailangan kasing kumita, kaya kailangang lumagare, katulad ni p0kw4ng.

Natalisod ko lang itong bagong program na Trek Pay, parang adsense din, pero babayaran ka nila ng dolyares basta bibisitahin mo yung mga advertisers. Mas marami kang click, mas marami kang credits para magka dollars.

Mas ok na rin kaysa sa google adsense kasi sa halip na maghintay ka ng bibisita sa ads mo, ikaw ang bibisita sa ads ng iba.

Napakasimple lang ng process, ang kailangan mo lang talaga, mag-register, tapos pwede ka nang mag umpisang mag blog hopping para magkaroon ng credits.

Subukan natin. Pag nakatanggap na ako ng dolyares, babalitaan ko kayo.

Tuloy Na Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko

Kakaiba talaga ang kulturang pinoy.

Kung ang pasko sa ibang bansa ay isineselebra ng Disyembre 25, walang wala itong panama sa 'Pinas.

Dito kasi sa atin, nagsisimula ang Pasko pagpasok ng September 1 (Ber-months) at matatapos isang linggo pagkaraan ng Bagong Taon (Three Kings).

Panalo di ba?

At dahil September 1 na ngayon, hayaan ninyong batiin ko ang bawat isa ng isang

Pinagpalang Pasko para sa ating Lahat!

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Para sa mga bata raw ang pasko:
Kaya naman pag matanda ka nang katulad ko, medyo namumroblema ka na pag darating na ang pasko. Lalo na kung marami kang inaanak.

Para sa mga bata raw ang pasko:
Pero ang isa sa hinding-hindi ko malilumutang pasko eh nung mawala ang wallet ko matapos kaming makapamasko sa mga ninong at ninang.

Para sa mga bata raw ang pasko:
Kaya pala maraming gustong maging bata. At maraming nag-iisip bata.

Para sa mga bata raw ang pasko:
Kaya maraming mga manliligaw ang sinasagot ng mga nililigawan nila pag Pasko. Kaya masasabi na ng mga lalake, "Ay si _____ (pangalan ng babae)? Naging bata ko 'yan nung pasko!"

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Ngunit kahit na ano'ng mangyari

Ang pag-ibig sana'y maghari

Sapat nang si Hesus ang kasama mo

Tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang Pasko!

Recession, economic slowdown, pulitika, corruption, unemployment, kahirapan at kung anu-anong problema ang araw-araw na nakikita natin sa diyaryo, napapanood at naririnig sa tv at sa radyo.

Paaapekto ba ang Pinoy?

Malabong mangyari. Dahil sabi nga sa kanta ng Apo Hiking Society, kahit na ano'ng mangyari, tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang Pasko!


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Narito, isang dalagang birhen ang magdadalang-tao at manganganak ng isang lalaki. Tatawagin nila siyang Emmanuel na ang ibig sabihin ay: Ang Diyos ay sumasaatin.

Mateo 1:23