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Me Gustas Cuando Callas
Me Gustas Cuando Callas


Reflections from Ondoy "the Little Boy"

In many ways, we have inflicted in ourselves this kind of calamity - to enumerate how, I think, wouldn't be necessary. Our time and technology have made such information updated and readily available. However, acquaintance of the concepts involved was, is and will never be enough. Our final response should always be in the form of action - no matter how big or small it maybe?


Typhoon Ondoy is a call of Mother Nature to the once stewards and stewardesses of her bosom. A cacophonous lamentation we shouldn't forget.


In a more positive note, the tragedy brought by Ondoy revealed and revived the 'Bayanihan Spirit', we, Filipinos innately possess. From stretching a hand in one's rooftop; to shared spoon of the last supply of canned goods; to re-packing of relief goods inside donation centers; to the simplest fervent prayer someone uttered, these and more are evidences that the life of our Filipino blood hasn't been lost. That somehow, somewhere in the deepest, it tries and continues to survive.


May the purpose be revealed to each one of us. Let's all learn from the lesson. Then, take the action.


At the end of the day, believe and trust that He is in control.



Ika nga ng isang show, "Pilipinas, umasenso ka!"

October 7, 2009 | 2:11 AM Comments  0 comments



A Discussion on the Book of Ruth
Translations available in: Spanish (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

The Book of Ruth (Loyalty and Love)
(guided by A Walk thru Bible booklet)

Cris Gardner- single dad, homeless and jobless, was as low as he could get. Thus, he believed he had nowhere to go but up. Although most people never thought he could, his persistence, dedication and hardwork pulled him from the lowest of the lowest to the being one of the most successful and wealthy stockbroker in America.

The story of this man was portrayed in the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness.” A story of rags to riches as a result of one man’s belief and actions. It can be said that Ruth had a similar story – from destitute to aimlessness she positioned herself to receive God’s blessings thru hard work and determination yet, ultimately, we can say that everything that occurred was in God’s plan.

Before discussing the story of Ruth, we need to familiarize ourselves with Israel’s relationship with God during her period – an integral concept for the background of the story.

Remember that God has made a covenant to his chosen people – the Israelites. He liberated them from the Egyptians and, thru Moses, set them on a journey to the Promised Land. However, their habitation in the land requires obedience on their part to fully receive the blessing God will bestow on them. Any violations would result dire consequences.

Let’s remember: Promise = Obedience Violations = Dire Consequences

Upon arrival in the Land of the Promise, the Israelites had entered into a cyclical pattern of blessing – disobedience – consequences – Prayers for deliverance – Deliverance and Disobedience. This is when the life of Ruth began (time of the Judges and a century before the birth of David).

Ruth 1:1 “There was a famine in the land, and a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. “

Famine in the Land

Recall the covenant God has given to Israel. Any violations would result to Dire Consequences. The land of the promise experiencing drought and Famine would mean Israel committing a grave offense. Thus, a disciplining was happening to them.

However, for the family of Elimelich – the husband of Naomi, he just had to go in search of a greener pasture. We can infer that he decided not to stick out because of the situation in the land. Instead of repentance, he left the land God has given to them. Along with his family, he abandoned the promise because the covenant wasn’t working for him.

Next violation: Ruth 1:4 “they married Moabite woman, one named Orphah and the other Ruth” – a disobedience of again.

After ten years, Elimelich; Mahlon and Kilion, died in Moab with no heirs to carry the legacy leaving Orphah, Ruth and the Israelite Naomi. This brought bitterness to Naomi’s heart. For one, she no longer has any protector and provider. Second, she believed that the line of Elimelich was totally cut off from the tribe of Israel.

You see, in the land of the promise, where being part of God’s kingdom means having a part of God’s estate, passing down an inheritance is vital. Not to build and maintain a heritage for future generations would be tantamount to removing yourself from the royal family. The land and lineage were sacred. This was designed to that God’s blessing would continue to future generations – forever.

Furthermore, marriage of a woman during the time means she being part of new clan or tribe. For Naomi, she was the only close family member. It was already impossible for Orpha and Ruth to have descendants.

Given the situation of Naomi, it is nearly impossible to have an heir. She was trying to free her daughters – in – law from the responsibility.

Yet, here is where one of the famous lines have been written:

Ruth 1:16
Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people. Your God, m God. Where you die, I will die and there I will be buried. May God deal with me be it ever so severely if nothing but death separates its.

She pledges to leave everything behind and remain a member of the family she married into. In effect, she renounces her Moabite ancestry and identifies herself with God’s chosen people.

Orpah vs. Ruth
Familiar Unknown
Security Adventure
Loving Someone Loving & Being Committed
Admiring the Family of God Choosing to Stick with the Family of God through Thick and Thin.

The Return to the land

Ruth 1:19 – 22

Naomi, together with Ruth, arrived during the barley harvest time – a clear indication that God has kept his covenant? Will the same covenant be lived up to Naomi? Will God recognized Ruth’s godly character? A Jew in bitterness and a Moabite choosing God’s side, will God show favor on them?

In order to survive. Ruth gathered from the leftovers of the harvest field for their food supply. Unexpectedly, she found herself working in the field of a man named Boaz – who, as the story progresses, shows compassion, kindness and hospitality to the Moabite woman. As it turns out, Boaz belongs to the clan of Elimelech – a relative of Naomi.

Though the text doesn’t directly state, we all know that God has arranged for Ruth to end up in Boaz’s field. On a larger scale, the treatment of Boaz to Ruth, is a dramatic picture of how God responds to all who come to him in faith, whether Jew or Gentile, inside or outsider, even a Moabite. Anyone can become one of God’s people by reflecting God’s character and trusting his purposes.

As the days progresses, Naomi sees a marriage potential and marvels that God’s kindness still extends to her.

The Risk

Ruth 3: 1 – 6; 7 – 15

Naomi plays matchmaker- not entirely for God has already done it.
· The Act: The kinsman – redeemer together with all the other males shall be sleeping in the threshing floor to guard the harvest. Ruth must enter with all discreetness and sleep at the feet of Boaz with the blankets up to his feet showing her desire to receive a marriage proposal for him.

But what did Boaz do? She told Ruth to return home because he needs to consult another relative first. A potential kinsman – redeemer too.

It is important to note that another law stated in the covenant is:

Leviticus 25: 23 – 28
A kinsman redeemer is any close relative of the dead who will redeem the inheritance of the Promised Land for the future generations use. This ensures that the blessings, as stated earlier, shall continue forever.

Nevertheless, before even leaving, he gave her six measures of barley. Boaz’s desire that she not return to her mother – in – law empty handed. Or perhaps it is a hint of his willingness to endow the family with an appropriate bride price.

The impossible situation of Naomi and Ruth is now on the verge of redemption.

The Law and Hearts Fulfilled

Oftentimes, God will allow his people to come face – to – face with a shortcut to his plans. Will you do it your way or His way? Remember the story of Saul and David.
Saul had to wait for Samuel, a prophet, before offering the sacrifices. Yet, because of impatience, he took matters into his hands. Thus, removing from him the crown of the kingdom. While the young David were given two opportunities, 1.in the cave and 2.in the camp, but he waited and adhered to God’s righteous standards.

To fulfill God’s purposes meant to do it God’s way and in God’s timing. And God eventually established David on the throne.

Same with Boaz’s situation, he just had to consult another family member before proposing to Ruth. So, he met up the closer relative and relayed the facts:
1. They had to redeem a dead man’s property.
2. With the field and widow being illegally inseparable, the kinsman redeemer has to take both.
3. The widow is a Moabitess.

An extra wife and additional kids – a complication for the other relative. Boaz earned his levirate responsibilities – marrying the beautiful bride of noble character who will bear his children.

Redemption and restoration for Naomi, Boaz and Ruth; God had fulfilled His promises to those who are faithful.

Lessons in the Story:

1.God is the god of the impossible. He delights in it. From emptiness to fullness, from aimlessness to direction, from temporal frustration to eternal significance, from hopelessness to purpose, from impossible to already done, from loneliness to love.

2.A gentile being adopted to the family of God. An ordinary girl to extraordinary events. God’s message is clear: Loving the God of Israel is a matter of the heart, not the matter of genetics or status or cultural baggage. Ruth, as unlikely as she was, is the kind of person on whom God’s kingdom is built.

3. God has always been relentless about drawing the world to himself. From the beginning, God’s chosen people were to be the light of the nations bringing a multiethnic harvest into his inheritance thru a romantic redemption – Jesus Christ.

4. Finally, like Ruth, the bride of Christ begins as a foreigner from an immoral land steeped in idolatry but in our desolation, we commit to him and he takes us in. We go from forsaken widow to beloved bride, and the blessings of the kingdom are ours to enjoy.

September 24, 2009 | 9:02 PM Comments  0 comments



Moving Mountains
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Lakay Ako: ng kabundukan, katubigan, kapatagan, kalikhang – buhay, kahalamanan, kalikasan, kapayapaan at tao. Lakay Ako.

A statement imprinted in my official shirt as a member of a mountaineering organization in my college days, the UP Lakay Kalikasan Mountaineers – an experience I want to share with all of you.

Let me first bore you with the history.

Ever since I was a child, I was tagged as an “achiever” – from elementary to high school, both academically and socially. Vanessa during her elementary days never failed to snatch a medal during recognition, always was chosen as a leader in project groups and yes, famous in her batch. My accomplishment continued in high school when I got accepted as a scholar in Quezon City Science High School. Along with my classmates, being grade conscious was just part of the norm. To add, I also had a pet name “ lider” and which the name suggests, was usually voted as the head of a group, specific assignment or certain task. Then, we move to college where some say where real life begins: choices, decisions, challenges and risks in the premiere state university, University of the Philippines Diliman. I enrolled as a Business Administration student, joined some course – based organizations but, the moment came when my friends and I enlisted as applicants to UP Lakay Kalikasan Mountaineers – a one semester journey I will unravel along with the lessons of that time.

Batch 15, that’s what they called us. Consisting of 15 individuals, students and single professionals, entered the training season of 2nd semester 2004-2005. We had our own quirks and eccentricities, but one thing is for sure, we have one goal in mind and we are going to reach it as a batch.

Application process involves series of lectures, progressive runs, leveling up of climbs and comprehensive exams with each having their own lessons to instill.

The organization’s lecture revolves on topics about basic mountaineering skills, information and tackling of specific environmental issues. Held every Saturday in the campus, attendance is a must and an old adage says, “Time is gold.” Punctuality and discipline in this simple activity, fail these and you’re out for the go.

Next would be the runs, scheduled by the batch itself. Programmed to shape physical stamina, batch runs were set during scheduled evenings and should be attended by the group. For every pass, the group proceeds to the longer route – 5.5 to 7.5, 10 and lastly to 12.0 kms. If you are wondering how long that is? Knowing the UP acad (equivalent to 2.2 kms) oval would help. Just imagine going rounds on it for five times. That is equivalent to 12 kms. Ran as a batch, the time record of the last runner shall be the one counted. Hence, teamwork and interdependence are inculcated. Elimination of the strongest and weakest runner is observed. Rationale: Lakay is a family; you should never leave your family member alone, whatever the circumstances in the mountain maybe. So, if you can’t practice it here in the flats, then, don’t climb.

Not excluded from the rest, we also did experienced taking comprehensive exams, both written and practical. Environmental and ecological concepts, basic mountaineering information and their applications – yes, it was quite a day.

Lastly, our climbs – from easy to moderately difficult mountains with each having their own objectives. For our batch, our peaks are owned by Mt. Daguldul for climbing introduction, Mt. Arayat and Mt. Makilang for skills test, Mt. Makulot for guideship climb and lastly, Mt. Napulawan for our induction as new members. And in each mountain, whoever joined and whatever your emotional and mental condition is, there is only one reaction once you set on the peak – we can’t help but be enamored to the magnificent creation painted before us (Genesis) and humble ourselves to the Creator’s majesty. Naked of technology and the urban life’s materialism, man will see his/her connection with God’s other creation. Respect is then realized.

Discipline, Teamwork, Mental & Physical Endurance and lastly, Respect and Awe-struck Wonder. Lakay was a great part of it. From then on, I know that I can do anything if I only believe.

My last mountain climb was in the year 2007 and that’s been a long time. However, life has presented me different kinds of climb that still continue to test my soul and spirit. I am a climber and I know you are too. And as one climber to another, I will leave you with this Bible saying.

If you have faith as little as mustard seed, you can say to this mountain “move from this to this” and it shall move. Nothing is impossible for him who believes.

August 18, 2009 | 8:28 PM Comments  0 comments



Re- discovering your Neveraland
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

“Second star to the right and straight on to morning, yup that’s it. But first, do you believe in fairies? Have you ever been in Neverland”, Peter Pan asks.

Princesses, dragons and swords; a lot of stories have been written for children. Of adventures liberating a boy’s courage, of royalties and castles sweeping a girl’s heart, of search and splendor for a generation of believers, dreamers creating a world to their own liking. A world we were once part of. But as each of our reckoning of time began, so we had forgotten, so we have lost to be like them – to be like a child.

I miss, I long, I yearn for those days. Don’t you? And although the years cannot anymore bring back the body into the figure it has been, I completely believe that the heart still can to reminisce and learn from our old heart. Thus, I began to reflect on all those significant lessons of that era that can still be applied today.

Lesson #1: The world is our playground.

Try to leave a child at home and be surprised to what he can do in just a small span of time – spilled liquid on the floor with footprint marks around it; scribbling all over the house; dropped items – scratched and broken are the most common. That excludes the wounds and abrasions found on the kid all over his body. Nevertheless, all will escape your memory once you see his eyes, brimming with excitement to share all the wonderful stories that happened while you were gone. No height, weight, rules and limits define a kid’s world all for the sake of discovering - the workings of a true scientist.
When did you last felt like this? When the search for something new fuels you behind all circumstances.

Lesson #2 Never give up.

According to scientific studies and experiments, the period when an individual experiences the greatest intellectual development is between the ages 3 – 12 years old. Here, repetition, memorization and reasoning form them from simple preschoolers to independent thinkers. This stage also presents them the most number of obstacles, hindrances – from elevated positions of objects to complex angles of items presented to them. However, as the day passes, you will observed and then comprehend, that this small individual will not stop unless he makes it. Best example, getting outside his crib.

And lastly, Lesson #3 Believe first!

As an adult, I know a kid has approached you once or twice on some task they want you to do – some are obviously out of your capacities. But unless you told them you can’t, they will wait for the action/ answers. For these kids, we are their Supermans, Darnas, Captain Barbel, Lastikmans of their life. We are the geniuses, the inventors – little did they know of our true identity. Or maybe, they were really the ones who are able to see our real abilities.

Moreover, a spiritual parallelism can be found here. I, as a believer, am being convicted of my faith to God. How strong is my belief that He can do anything, does the question lie on His character as my God or His ability to do such things? Honestly, sometimes a child has more faith to his parents than an adult to his Creator.

Explore, Fight, Believe – summed up into these three words, we adults can simplify most of our problems. Our mentor? The little children. Their generation continues to assist us adults to remember these everyday applicable lessons. God really has a different way of thinking – give the best lessons to a kid’s heart. Be a reminder to those who have lost it. That, maybe, is one of the responsibilities God has entrusted to these little angels until they have been tainted by the adult world.

I hope someday, sometime, I can truthfully say that I have regained my heart – the original heart my Creator has given to me. And I pray, that you do too. Nothing is too late for the restoration of the original- journeying in path of the world’s adventure as I lick my lollipops saying to everyone enjoy!

The second star to the right shines in the night for you to tell you the dream you plan really can come true. The second star to the right shines with a light that’s rare and if it’s Neverland you need its light will lead you there.

August 11, 2009 | 1:33 AM Comments  0 comments



Sojourn to the South: City of the Gentle people (May 20 - 24, 2009)
Related to country: Philippines

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic



The five – day travel was not only a vacation time for me but, a reflection of a lifelong dream I’ve always wanted to own. Funny, I had to do it in the far-flung city of Dumaguete, Negros Oriental.

Although I am a frequent traveler, I can say I’ve visited almost all provinces in Luzon, this was my first time to travel alone. I had a lot of apprehensions in attending the summit which are summed up in three

1. It is in Visayas
- Unlike in Luzon were you get to hop from one province to another by land transpo, Visayas travel prefers via airplane to save time. With a scene of a possible plane crash rerunning every turbulent time aboard the plane, you can’t avoid the occasional jitters. To calm myself, I had to constantly peek thru the window of my seatmate or if cannot be viewed, I had to close my eyes feigning sleep.

2. The wallet in its limits.
- Too expensive for a tagged vacation travel, I’d say I had a hard time in deciding because of this factor. Sensibly, if you are with someone you know, you can share the expenses. However, since this is a “personal reflection travel” and a hasty planning (almost one – month) for someone whose sole purpose is to tour the province, I’d say I’m alone in this game.

3. My invincible friend
- J I don’t need to explain this statement. (basta, baka lumalala if I’m alone kasi.)

Still, given the above list, I still pursued the said event justified by the fact that this I consider it a once in a lifetime experience. I don’t want to add another if’s in my long list of irrecoverable opportunities and lost possibilities. You will never know if you will be given another chance, besides the fact that I have to test if I am ready and capable to be independent for long periods of out – of – town alone.

And so, the journey began last Tuesday, May 19, 2009

From alighting the plane, meeting some of the Luzon delegates, officially registering, assignment of roommates and finally proceeding to the program flow, each step offers new discoveries and adventure.

I want to share with you the day –to – day activities we had in my stay in Dumaguete but I know I’ll most probably bore you with it. Let the images below show you what cannot be described by words. I’ll just point some important details.

Point 1: Roommates: ate Sara, ate Lou, Yen, Hazel, Apple, Daisy and ate Ces are original Room 202 delegates. The rest are adopted roommates.
Point 2: The White Team may not be the first placer during the Amazing Race but, we definitely are a pool of the most good – looking guys and gals. Sound off kuya Vince! J
Point 3: I never tasted the famous Dumaguete Sansrival. Haayy…
Point 4: I’m really getting old but still young in heart. Hahaha!

There are just two things I want to highlight during my stay there:

1. Bayawan City and its youth
- I’d say the best way to know the lay of the land is through its people – from the letdowns of the area’s present developments to the day – to – day frustrations of the civilians, they won’t hide anything from you. But the Bayawanons, residents of another city in Negros Oriental, had shown so much pride for their city. All discussions and evaluations of the activities attended were compared against those held in theirs. Each Bayawanon had always something good to say – from the projects implemented (Gawad Kalinga supported by their local government), to the seminars; conferences; events organized and to their incumbent mayor who they say pioneered a lot of projects for the city’s current development, you can’t help but be amazed and wonder what it’s like to be in Bayawan. Honestly, I almost change plans and join them in their trip home if not for a Forest Camp offer by some of the room 202 delegates.

2. Widen your social network
- It is quite amusing to ponder that I had to travel all the way to the south just to meet and befriend all these wonderful people from all over the country with each one having their idiosyncrasies I enjoyed. Let me enumerate some of their anecdotes.

1. Bantug or Tugs 2x ( as what yen calls him) –
Luce Auditorium
Tugs ( looking back to converse with us): You know my friend, ang hinihintay ko talaga ay si Francis Kong. The best talaga sya my friend.
Van (thinking): Hindi naman tayo friends ah. ;)

2. Benette (sharing a story)
Luce Auditorium
Benette: Sir, it’s not beneath but bennette. J

3. Jomz and their Pink team cheer
Jomz: Ridi (ready) na, Ridi (ready) na
Team members: Aha! Aha!

Professionally, I did not join the organization not because I don’t like it but because my 5-day stay wasn’t enough for me to learn and understand what the organization’s direction really is. I will only commit to something I fully believe in. Either I am 0% or 100%. Nonetheless, I’d still offer my help as a volunteer. As for my dream, I do know that what I did in Dumaguete did not go to waste. I learned a lot about the track of my heart dream, although I admit that further explorations, trainings and studies need to be done to test and attain that passion.

Personally, I believe it was all part of God’s life design for me to meet all these wonderful people. I know I have learned a lot and gained so much than what I have realized now. Kudos to all of them!

According to folklores, Rizal coined Dumaguete as the “City of the Gentle People” and based on my experience I am witness to this statement. From long past to present experience, I believe the city and its people’s heart have never changed.

And yes, I plan to visit the city again in the very near future!

Kitakits!

July 30, 2009 | 12:07 AM Comments  0 comments





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