- Nike jersey (top); imitation (not original); white; medium (size); with or without sleeves; sold for Php 160 at the Christmas bazaar at AsiaTown IT Park
- Cat and Dog Theology; book; sold for Php150+ at the Philippine Christian Bookstore (PCBS)
- 2010 Table calendar; sold for Php120+ at PCBS
- A beaker (which I would use as a drinking glass)
- A Hinata keychain ( for those who are not fans: Hinata is a cute anime character who has a big crush on Naruto)
- A kunai (again, for those who are not fans: a kunai is a sort of ninja throwing knife from Naruto)
- A Hollow (menos grande – Gillian) keychain (yet again, for those who are not fans: Hollows are the central villains of Bleach)
- Two (2) DVD’s; pirated (of course); sold for about Php50 each; choose from any of these movies/shows: district 9, 9, glee (first season), watchmen
- 2010 Planner
- A pair of white socks
My Php100++ Christmas Wish List
(in no particular order)
foot fetish
i've always got a thing for beautiful feet (of girls) and beautiful shoes. and since there is no way for me to collect the former, i'll settle for the latter. shown above is a list of foot wears i (almost desperately) want to have...
by the way, i just recently acquired the flip flops from the girlfriend... (many thanks...)
so if you want to get me something that is in my list for Christmas, here are the details...
- converse: wade 1.3, black, low cut [Php 3600+]
- sanuk: vagabond surfers, any dark color [Php 2800+] (remember: they're not shoes, they're sandals)
- crocs: crocband, black [Php 2200+] (but originally, i wanted a cayman, chocolate brown [Php 1800+])
- nike: free 7.0, black (preferably with red soles) [Php 4000+]
a song for my God
You gave us the sun up above,
To keep us warm during the day;
You gave us the stars in the sky,
To gaze upon when we may
You gave us the mountains and seas,
To wonder and marvel upon;
We now live enjoying all these,
Because You gave us Your Son
In thanksgiving,
I give all that I have;
In worship,
I offer all that I am;
In praise,
I now sing...
To You my God (and King)
You flood us with Your blessings,
That we overflow with them;
You make our paths straight,
Now we run the race to win
And every time we go astray,
You take us back with open arms;
To save us all from sin,
You let Your Son be the Lamb
I wrote this on Monday morning at four
I have wanted to write lyrics to a song for a long time now
I thank God He gave me the right words even at the unholiest of hours
take a pause
Traffic, most of the times, irritates us. And it often results to friction, conflicts and misunderstanding.
We do not like traffic because we do not want to be slowed down or stopped when we are driving/traveling. Often, I see people beating the red light and/or going before the light goes green. There are reasons why the light goes yellow for about 3 to 4 seconds before turning red; or why there is a 3 to 4 - second interval (or delay) before the light goes green. Safety is foremost among these reasons.
Naps, blank spaces in magazine pages, short pauses, recess, coffee breaks... All these give us time (and space) to think more, think better; they give us a chance to relax and rest; they give us an opportunity to appreciate things; they keep us from the dangers of rushing or overdoing things... The gaps between traffic sign changes are pretty much like these things.
Why then do we beat traffic? Why then do we let a few seconds to think, relax, appreciate and keep us safe pass us by?
Let us take a few seconds off.
Let us also remember that God wants us to stop, pause, or be still once in a while, for us to know Him and His glory... He has told us through the psalmist in Psalms 46:10:
We do not like traffic because we do not want to be slowed down or stopped when we are driving/traveling. Often, I see people beating the red light and/or going before the light goes green. There are reasons why the light goes yellow for about 3 to 4 seconds before turning red; or why there is a 3 to 4 - second interval (or delay) before the light goes green. Safety is foremost among these reasons.
Naps, blank spaces in magazine pages, short pauses, recess, coffee breaks... All these give us time (and space) to think more, think better; they give us a chance to relax and rest; they give us an opportunity to appreciate things; they keep us from the dangers of rushing or overdoing things... The gaps between traffic sign changes are pretty much like these things.
Why then do we beat traffic? Why then do we let a few seconds to think, relax, appreciate and keep us safe pass us by?
Let us take a few seconds off.
Let us also remember that God wants us to stop, pause, or be still once in a while, for us to know Him and His glory... He has told us through the psalmist in Psalms 46:10:
"Be still, and know that I am God"
tale of the white cap (part 2)
Almost a year ago, I posted a blog titled "tale of the white cap." It was all about commitment. It was about how people have varying degrees of commitment to something...
My friend did not allow me to use her cap which the group needed. Now, a string of circumstances has passed the hypothetical white cap, which my friends need, to me. And, like my friend, I seem unwilling to let them borrow it.
And in my unwillingness, I have hurt people.
"Lord of Time and Bounty, I pray that you give me the wisdom to see pass the limited resources that I have. Lord, let me see and measure things according to Your riches and according to Your promise that You will provide everything that we need and desire... I also pray that You let Your unconditional love fill the gaps among us - gaps in terms of commitment and understanding - and that it may bind us in reconciliation... Amen..."
My friend did not allow me to use her cap which the group needed. Now, a string of circumstances has passed the hypothetical white cap, which my friends need, to me. And, like my friend, I seem unwilling to let them borrow it.
And in my unwillingness, I have hurt people.
"Lord of Time and Bounty, I pray that you give me the wisdom to see pass the limited resources that I have. Lord, let me see and measure things according to Your riches and according to Your promise that You will provide everything that we need and desire... I also pray that You let Your unconditional love fill the gaps among us - gaps in terms of commitment and understanding - and that it may bind us in reconciliation... Amen..."
Measuring Progress
How does one measure progress? Or can anyone actually do it?
For the last year or so, I have been answering crossword puzzles of local newspapers, specifically sunstar and cebu daily news. The latter's is relatively easier than the former's. Quite seldom can I complete these puzzles but most of the times, I can answer at least 85% of it.
While I was answering one (local paper's) last weekend, one of my friends commented that puzzles of the kind I am answering are quite doable, unlike those of national newpapers (philippine star, the inquirer). I told him I share the same sympathy as I have tried to answer some of these puzzles a number of times before - during my high school and college years. And all I could do is give answers to 1 or 2 of the clues.
Later that day, I found a page of a national paper lying on the floor (I couldn't remember what paper it was). It had been used to wrap flowers bought from the city's (dirty) wet market (carbon). I cut the puzzle off the rest of the page. I did not have a pen or pencil so I placed it in my pocket and planned to answer it when I get home.
Much to my surprise, I answered more than 85% of it.
Does this qualify as a measure for progress?
For the last year or so, I have been answering crossword puzzles of local newspapers, specifically sunstar and cebu daily news. The latter's is relatively easier than the former's. Quite seldom can I complete these puzzles but most of the times, I can answer at least 85% of it.
While I was answering one (local paper's) last weekend, one of my friends commented that puzzles of the kind I am answering are quite doable, unlike those of national newpapers (philippine star, the inquirer). I told him I share the same sympathy as I have tried to answer some of these puzzles a number of times before - during my high school and college years. And all I could do is give answers to 1 or 2 of the clues.
Later that day, I found a page of a national paper lying on the floor (I couldn't remember what paper it was). It had been used to wrap flowers bought from the city's (dirty) wet market (carbon). I cut the puzzle off the rest of the page. I did not have a pen or pencil so I placed it in my pocket and planned to answer it when I get home.
Much to my surprise, I answered more than 85% of it.
Does this qualify as a measure for progress?
Direct Hit
Perhaps we are attracted by the things of this life, and therefore choose to remove ourselves from God just far enough so that we can enjoy certain aspects of this world that we desire to.
(from http://www.daybyday.org)
Direct hit.
(from http://www.daybyday.org)
Direct hit.
From Einstein
I watched recent episodes of the fourth volume of the series Heroes a couple of days ago. I picked up some of the conversation which they attribute to the great Einstein. It says something like:
The life of the individual has meaning only in so far as it aids in making the life of every living thing nobler and more beautiful
If only everyone thinks this way...
The life of the individual has meaning only in so far as it aids in making the life of every living thing nobler and more beautiful
If only everyone thinks this way...
Past Car
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
(Matthew 6:14-15)
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you (NIV)
Know where you are headed and you will stay on solid ground (CEV)
(Proverbs 4:25-26)
Let me share the analogy of a car on what's behind (the past) and what's ahead (the future):(Matthew 6:14-15)
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you (NIV)
Know where you are headed and you will stay on solid ground (CEV)
(Proverbs 4:25-26)
A car's windshield is far greater in area than the combined areas of the side-view mirrors and the rear-view mirrors. This simply tells us that we must pay more attention to what is ahead of us - the current moment and the future, rather than what is behind us - our past experiences and pains.
One may argue that we need to look behind to better prepare for and understand the future. True. That's the reason cars have at least three (3) mirrors facing backwards. When making a turn, parking and even overtaking another vehicle, the driver (the good ones, I may add) look at these mirrors in order to avoid accidents and injuries (to self and others).
In life, making a turn, parking and overtaking may be compared to making decisions. Quite similarly, we look at our past experiences, with a hope of not making the same mistakes or misjudgments as before. We look at our past pains to avoid future pains. We look at our past victories to win greater challenges.
Still, we need to pay more attention at what is directly ahead of us. The past is always there to teach us lessons in life. But if we look ahead, armed not only with the knowledge (and understanding) of the past, but more so, with a determination of getting to where we are going, we can get there, and even beyond, safe and sound.
The windshield is still wider than all the mirrors facing backwards.
Manny KO's Ricky, Martin KO's Lupang Hinirang
It is over a week now. Still, the fuzz about Manny Pacquiao's domination over Ricky Hatton of England doesn't seem to die down. Quite similarly, talks about Martin Nievera's rendition (or shall I say desecration) of the Philippine National Anthem seem to continually build up.
Many times I have had conversations with friends regarding these two topics. Each and every chatter I have about the PacMan has the Hell-yeah-Pacquiao-is-the-best-fighter-in-the-world-pound-for-pound mood. On the other hand, every conversation I have about Martin's Lupang Hinirang ends quite differently. This just means that people, Filipinos in particular, are more or less united in their view of the fight; they however have opposing views on the singing of the national anthem.
This is my view on the fight: superb. Just amazing. Period.
This is my view on the national anthem rendition: Artistically, it was ok (at best). However, any country's national anthem is more than just art - it represents the country's history and identity. When Martin's Lupang Hinirang was questioned, Martin defended himself saying something like, "When I accepted Manny's offer to sing the National Anthem, it was understood that I would sing it my way."
My point is this. While we were taught in school the song "Bayan muna bago ang sarili (Put Country before self)," very seldom would you find anybody who took it by heart. Somebody who sings Lupang Hinirang with a little too much personal style over and above the "right" (standard) tune and beat of the anthem is a perfect example of a Filipino who puts himself before the country. And this is not the first time it happened (before a boxing match). Many an artist have sung the National Anthem and went out of tune or beat, even forgot the lyrics. Maybe they were putting to much of their own style into the song. Maybe they were singing for themselves and not the Philippines.
I admire Mexicans in the way they sing their national anthem. Even at a capella, they are so consistent in the way they sing it; the beat just tells us what we all know - theirs is a country of brave people. I even searched for the lyrics of the anthem and it also tells of their bravery. I just hope Filipinos would do better, not much on singing but on honoring the country.
Pacquiao claims he fights for God and country. And it seems genuine. It is just disheartening to know that people around him are not so keen at doing what they do for the country. How about them doing things for God? I don't know and right now, I don't want to find out.
Many times I have had conversations with friends regarding these two topics. Each and every chatter I have about the PacMan has the Hell-yeah-Pacquiao-is-the-best-fighter-in-the-world-pound-for-pound mood. On the other hand, every conversation I have about Martin's Lupang Hinirang ends quite differently. This just means that people, Filipinos in particular, are more or less united in their view of the fight; they however have opposing views on the singing of the national anthem.
This is my view on the fight: superb. Just amazing. Period.
This is my view on the national anthem rendition: Artistically, it was ok (at best). However, any country's national anthem is more than just art - it represents the country's history and identity. When Martin's Lupang Hinirang was questioned, Martin defended himself saying something like, "When I accepted Manny's offer to sing the National Anthem, it was understood that I would sing it my way."
My point is this. While we were taught in school the song "Bayan muna bago ang sarili (Put Country before self)," very seldom would you find anybody who took it by heart. Somebody who sings Lupang Hinirang with a little too much personal style over and above the "right" (standard) tune and beat of the anthem is a perfect example of a Filipino who puts himself before the country. And this is not the first time it happened (before a boxing match). Many an artist have sung the National Anthem and went out of tune or beat, even forgot the lyrics. Maybe they were putting to much of their own style into the song. Maybe they were singing for themselves and not the Philippines.
I admire Mexicans in the way they sing their national anthem. Even at a capella, they are so consistent in the way they sing it; the beat just tells us what we all know - theirs is a country of brave people. I even searched for the lyrics of the anthem and it also tells of their bravery. I just hope Filipinos would do better, not much on singing but on honoring the country.
Pacquiao claims he fights for God and country. And it seems genuine. It is just disheartening to know that people around him are not so keen at doing what they do for the country. How about them doing things for God? I don't know and right now, I don't want to find out.
Beauty
I watched the movie "Next" starring Nicolas Cage a few days ago. Cage's character (I forgot the name; it's Chris something; Frank Cadillac was his stage name) quoted a painter and defined beauty:
"Beauty is the sum of all parts working together such that nothing needs to be added, taken away or altered"
(or something like that; I'm not sure I got it correctly word for word)
"Beauty is the sum of all parts working together such that nothing needs to be added, taken away or altered"
(or something like that; I'm not sure I got it correctly word for word)
i am back..?
Three months. That's how long it's been since I posted something here. And believe me, I have been trying to write something. I have tried writing a poem or two. I have had new revelations and realizations this year and I tried putting them on (virtual) paper. I watched a movie courtesy of a friend two weeks ago and I also tried writing a review.
Maybe it's because I was trying hard to write something good - something to start the year with, something reflective of my relatively new life, something thought-provoking, something artistic, something scholarly, or even just something worth reading, that I had come up with nothing at all. Maybe blogging is not in me after all... Hmmm...
But then I remembered that blogging is not much about having people appreciate you or the way you write. It is more of being yourself, trying to put on paper (virtual, of course) parts of who you are, and maybe further discovering the person you have (and/or will) become.
I hope to regularly do this from now on. Maybe I'll post random but nevertheless iron-clad thoughts of mine here. So many things have already happened between this post and the last. I also hope to include them here...
Cheers.
Maybe it's because I was trying hard to write something good - something to start the year with, something reflective of my relatively new life, something thought-provoking, something artistic, something scholarly, or even just something worth reading, that I had come up with nothing at all. Maybe blogging is not in me after all... Hmmm...
But then I remembered that blogging is not much about having people appreciate you or the way you write. It is more of being yourself, trying to put on paper (virtual, of course) parts of who you are, and maybe further discovering the person you have (and/or will) become.
I hope to regularly do this from now on. Maybe I'll post random but nevertheless iron-clad thoughts of mine here. So many things have already happened between this post and the last. I also hope to include them here...
Cheers.
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