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Modern Day Prophets
2006-06-16
One way to refresh the mind from all our present problems is to come back to nature; photo shows cousin Joy at the Butterfly Haven in Bulacan. After this refreshing picture comes the following not-so-refreshing blog.
I thought this topic has already died a natural death, but last night I watched this show, Straight Talk in a cable channel guested by sociology Prof. Randy David of the University of the Philippines (UP). It seems his only passion is to find all sorts of negative adjectives for our president who should be pinned, in my opinion, a medal for surviving a vicious plot to unseat her (the secret I think is her non-interest in answering the opposition's charges). He called her not a traditional politician (bad connotation) but a calculating politician. But that I think, is an asset! A chess grandmaster calculates his moves far in the future, calculating all possibilities. If a leader becomes afraid of the possible complaints or protests of the people, then everything becomes stagnant. The government will not do anything, afraid that it'll be investigaed in the Senate. That's one character of this administration that I admire. As the late Pope John Paul II said, "Be not afraid!" It's not my character to speak about the attitudes of people because ultimately it will come back like a boomerang. But such personalities never tire of throwing bricks at people and then protest that their rights are not respected. They say all sorts of things and then later say that they're not free!
Then the hostess asked who will take the president's place if they succeeded in unseating her. The professor became vague as can be, can't even name names who may become leader of this country. He even recommended unnamed members of the academe, but everybody knows that the academics, the intellectuals will not be good leaders! We'll be in a worse quagmire. It comes to me as though David is a self-righteous modern-day prophet, seeing dark in all places. Utopia is nowhere to be found. As a physician, I have to diagnose the patient first. These people try to operate on the patient when the problem is just on the surface! Even angels will not be able to govern Filipinos! When will they realize that other people are also right? Sila na lang ba ang tama? I think the problem lies more at these kinds of characters. Instead of pointing fingers at others, why not do something about it? Although I'm not really a trained writer or journalist, I'm a bit forced to answer these people. (From experience, letters to the newpapers are seldom published, that's why I blog whenever time permits.)
Before, I was fond of watching talk shows, but then there emerged or evolved a brand of people who are always invited to such venues. They became professional pundits, and I think they are much worse than what they call traditional politicians. At least politicians are answerable to the electorate (no matter how people malign the Commission on Elections). As is always the case, talk is cheap these days. But in the end, I still have hope for my beloved Philippines, for the people and for our collective destiny, nothing to be ashamed about. God bless the Philippines!
Use Statistics to the Full
2006-07-13
Things are not what they first seem. In everything, we have to use our common sense. One game show I glance occasionally, entitled "Deal Or No Deal" from ABS-CBN in the Philippines is no exception. It offers a top price of P2 million. As the game progresses, it seems the chance of picking the price increases. Originally, a contestant chooses a case from a bunch of 26; as the game continues, fewer and fewer cases remain. People may think that when only 5 cases remain and assuming the top price is there, the chance is 1/5. The chance actually remains at 1/26. The best way to play for any contestant is to "close" the deal. It's just a matter of waiting for the right time, like when the offer was acceptable, e.g., 5% of the advertised amount. So my advice is to accept the optimum deal. Did I make sense here? Just comment...
About Purgatory
2006-07-14
In the current state of the world today, the real hope for all people is the reality of purgatory as taught by the Church's Magisterium. People may be discouraged because they think that they will not attain perfection here on earth; sins are always before us. Many people question the doctrine of purgatory because they say it's not in the scripture. Of course the word itself is absent, but the concept or idea is there. Firstly, people in the bible prayed for those who died. "...Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, 'It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.' Thus Job did continually" (Job 1.5). "Therefore he made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin" (2 Mac 12.45). The last reference was taken from the second book of Maccabees which only Catholics and Orthodox (I think) have, but not Protestants (regarding it as apocryphal).
The New Testament offers some passages that may point to purgatory. "If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire" (1 Cor 3.15). Jesus distinguished two instances about the forgiveness of certain sins. The following passage even speaks of sins that can be "forgiven" in the next world, i.e., after death. "...every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever says a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come" (Mt 12.31-32).
There are two "places" people go after death, heaven or hell; purgatory is not a third "place", but those in purgatory are on their way to heaven. People are tested with fire "...the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet 1.7). As you may meditate once in a while about the last things, purgatory is really a consoling doctrine as defended by the church.
Kindness Pays
2006-07-15
The following was emailed to me by C. Noel. I don't have information on the original author. So here it is...
One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?"
"You don't owe me anything," she replied "Mother has taught us never to accept payment for a kindness." He said... "Then I thank you from my heart."
As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.
Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case.
After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally, she looked, and something caught her attention on the side as She read these words...
"Paid in full with one glass of milk." (Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly.
Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank You, God, that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands."
Now you have two choices, you can send this page on and spread a positive message or ignore it and pretend it never touched you.
Sonny-Juzy Wedding
2006-07-18
Two months past since the last entry and many things happened. Many balikbayans arrived from North America: Uncle Rudy and Aunt Miling, and Ate Edith and family from Canada, who attended Sonny's wedding on June 24 (photo). Tito Rudy and Tita Miling are staying for 2 months or so. On 28-30 June, we celebrated the yearly Apalit town fiesta in honor of St. Peter the Apostle. It featured the usual fluvial parade along the Pampanga river, and the seemingly unlimited food. Of course we remember the primacy given to St. Peter among Jesus' original apostles.
Tribute to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
2006-07-19
The following was emailed to me from Joy, originally as a slide show; the original author is not mentioned in the presentation however. So here it is...
Tribute to Mother Teresa, 1910-1997
By Brian (no surname indicated)
This was originally in PPS format
Mother Teresa, In her own words (she taught us by her example what it really means to 'live' the Gospel):
"Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person."
"I think today the world is upside down, and is suffering so much because there is so very little love in the home, and in family life. We have no time for our children, we have no time for each other, there is no time to enjoy each other."
"Love begins at home; love lives in homes, and that is why there is so much suffering and so much unhappiness in the world today... Everybody today seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater developments and greater riches and so on, so that children have very little time for their parents. Parents have very little time for each other, and in the home begins the disruption of the peace of the world."
On Poverty
"I see God in every human being. When I wash the leper's wounds, I feel I am nursing the Lord himself. Is it not a beautiful experience?" ~1974 interview.
"When I see waste here, I feel angry on the inside. I don't approve of myself getting angry. But it's something you can't help after seeing Ethiopia." ~Washington 1984.
"The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved."
"The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted."
"There is more hunger in the world for love and appreciation than for bread."
"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty."
On War
"I have never been in a war before, but I have seen famine and death. I was asking (myself), 'What do they feel when they do this?' I don't understand it. They are all children of God. Why do they do it? I don't understand." ~Beirut 1982, during fighting between the Israeli army and Palestinian guerrillas (as of this posting, Israel and Hezbollah (in Lebanon) are at war)
"Please choose the way of peace... In the short term there may be winners and losers in this war that we all dread. But that never can, nor never will justify the suffering, pain and loss of life your weapons will cause." ~Letter to U.S. President George Bush and Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, January 1991 (war is still raging in Iraq today)
On Abortion
Abortion "is murder in the womb... A child is a gift of God. If you do not want him, give him to me."
"The greatest destroyer of peace is abortion because if a mother can kill her own child, what is left for me to kill you and you to kill me? There is nothing between."
"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
On Her Life's Work
"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop."
"The other day I dreamed that I was at the gates of heaven. And St. Peter said, 'Go back to Earth. There are no slums up here.' " ~Quoted as telling Prince Michael of Greece in 1996.
"The miracle is not that we do this work, but that we are happy to do it."
On Love
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."
"I try to give to the poor people for love what the rich could get for money. No, I wouldn't touch a leper for a thousand pounds; yet I willingly cure him for the love of God."
"I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love."
"I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I do know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, he will not ask, 'How many good things have you done in your life?', rather he will ask, 'How much love did you put into what you did?' "
"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat."
"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired."
"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."
"Good works are links that form a chain of love."
On Serving God
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."
"Each one of them is Jesus in disguise."
"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world."
"I do not pray for success, I ask for faithfulness."
"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that he didn't trust me so much."
"Many people mistake our work for our vocation. Our vocation is the love of Jesus."
"Sweetest Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity of my high vocation, and its many responsibilities. Never permit me to disgrace it by giving way to coldness, unkindness, or impatience."
"There should be less talk; a preaching point is not a meeting point. What do you do then? Take a broom and clean someone's house. That says enough."
"In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love."
"Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness."
"Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go."
"We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature -- trees, flowers, grass-- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls."
"At the end of our lives, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by '...I was hungry and you gave me to eat. I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless and you took me in.' "
"Jesus is my God; Jesus is my Husband; Jesus is my Life; Jesus is my only Love; Jesus is my All!"
If you haven't yet received Jesus into your heart, you can do it now by repeating this little prayer:
"Dear Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God and my Savior. I need Your love to cleanse me from my mistakes and wrongdoings. I need your light to drive away all darkness. I need your peace to fill and satisfy my heart. I now open the door of my heart and ask you to please come into my life and give me your gift of eternal life. Amen"
"If we want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it."
"Keep close to Jesus, he loves you. Let us pray... God bless you!" ~Mother Teresa
Please pass this message on to others!
U2: Christian Band
2006-07-21
Just a few hours ago, I happen to come across a report about U2, stating that it's a Christian band. I read the entire article because I also had this suspicion in my brain before. One thing that also convinced me is who the source of the material is—a newly ordained Catholic priest. Their song Vertigo seems to have spiritual insight: in this world there's no firm ground to place our feet, we become dizzy. Father Rutten (the source) noted... "that's how they describe the modern world." Later in the song, Bono sings: "Your love is teaching me how to kneel." It's the idea that "in the midst of the chaos or the confusion or the vertigo, you can find some stability through faith," again quoting the source. U2, with lead singer Bono (short for Bono Vox, Latin for good voice) first came into fame in the 1980s, and continue to perform these days. Bono or Paul Hewson was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1960. Scripture (Matthew 7.17-18 RSV) says, "...every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit." Perhaps it is well known that Bono has done a lot for many people in poor countries, including debt relief. U2 is really bearing good fruit which somehow confirms the report. See www.catholic.org/hf/teens/story.php?id=20435.
Signs of Ovarian Cancer
2006-08-05
The following was emailed to me by C. Noel...
Subject: SIGNS OF OVARIAN CANCER (even in the absence of Ovaries).
THIS IS A MUST TO READ TO THE END—An Eye Opener on Ovarian Cancer. For those who really care about health: Remember an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I hope you all take the time to read this and pass it on to all you can. Send this to the women in your life that you care about.
Years ago, Gilda Radner died of ovarian cancer. Her symptoms were inconclusive, and she was treated for everything under the sun until it was too late. A specific blood test finally identified her illness but alas, too late. She wrote a book to heighten awareness. Gene Wilder is her widower.
KATHY'S STORY: this is the story of Kathy West
As all of you know, I have Primary Peritoneal Cancer. This cancer has only recently been identified as its OWN type of cancer, but it is essentially Ovarian Cancer. Both types of cancer are diagnosed in the same way, with the tumor marker CA-125 BLOOD TEST, and they are treated in the same way — surgery to remove the primary tumor and then chemotherapy with Taxol and Carboplatin.
Having gone through this ordeal, I want to save others from the same fate. That is why I am sending this message to you and hope you will print it and give it or send it via E-mail to everybody you know. One thing I have learned is that each of us must take TOTAL responsibility for our own health care. I thought I had done that because I always had an annual physical and PAP smear, did a monthly Self-Breast Exam, went to the dentist at least twice a year, etc. I even insisted on a sigmoidoscopy and a bone density test last year. When I had a total hysterectomy in 1993, I thought that I did not have to worry about getting any of the female reproductive organ cancers.
LITTLE DID I KNOW. I don't have ovaries (and they were HEALTHY when they were removed), but I have what is essentially ovarian cancer. Strange, isn't it? These are just SOME of the things our Doctors never tell us: ONE out of every 55 women will get OVARIAN or PRIMARY PERITONEAL CANCER. The CLASSIC symptoms are an ABDOMEN that rather SUDDENLY ENLARGES and CONSTIPATION and/or DIARRHEA.
I had these classic symptoms and went to the doctor. Because these symptoms seemed to be abdominal, I went to a gastroenterologist. He ran tests that were designed to determine whether there was a bacterial infection; these tests were negative, and I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I guess I would have accepted this diagnosis had it not been for my enlarged abdomen. I swear to you, it looked like I was 4-5 months pregnant! I therefore insisted on more tests. They took an X-ray of my abdomen; it was negative. I was again assured that I had Irritable Bowel Syndrome and was encouraged to go on my scheduled month-long trip to Europe. I couldn't wear any of my slacks or shorts because I couldn't get them buttoned, and I KNEW something was radically wrong. I INSISTED on more tests, and they reluctantly) scheduled me for a CT-Scan (just to shut me up, I think). This is what I mean by taking charge of our own health care.
The CT-Scan showed a lot of fluid in my abdomen (NOT normal). Needless to say, I had to cancel my trip and have FIVE POUNDS of fluid drawn off at the hospital (not a pleasant experience I assure you), but NOTHING compared to what was ahead of me. Tests revealed cancer cells in the fluid. Finally, finally, finally, the doctor ran a CA-125 blood test, and I was properly diagnosed.
I HAD THE CLASSIC SYMPTOMS FOR OVARIAN CANCER, AND YET THIS SIMPLE CA-125 BLOOD TEST HAD NEVER BEEN RUN ON ME, not as part of my annual physical exam and not when I was symptomatic. This is an inexpensive and simple blood test! PLEASE, PLEASE TELL ALL YOUR FEMALE FRIENDS AND RELATIVES TO INSIST ON A CA-125 BLOOD TEST EVERY YEAR AS PART OF THEIR ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMS. Be forewarned that their doctors might try to talk them out of it, saying, IT ISN'T NECESSARY. Believe me, had I known then what I know now, we would have caught my cancer much earlier (before it was a stage 3 cancer). Insist on the CA-125 BLOOD TEST; DO NOT take NO for an answer!
The normal range for a CA-125 BLOOD TEST is between zero and 35. MINE WAS 754. (That's right, 754!). If the number is slightly above 35, you can have another done in three or six months and keep a close eye on it, just as women do when they have fibroid tumors or when men have a slightly elevated PSA test (Prostatic Specific Antigens) that helps diagnose prostate cancer. Having the CA-125 test done annually can alert you early, and that's the goal in diagnosing any type of cancer — catching it early.
Do you know 55 women? If so, at least one of them will have this VERY AGGRESSIVE cancer. Please, go to your doctor and insist on a CA-125 test and have one EVERY YEAR for the rest of your life. And forward this message to every woman you know, and tell all of your female family members and friends. Though the median age for this cancer is 56, (and, guess what, I'm exactly 56), women as young as 22 have it. Age is no factor.
A NOTE FROM THE RN: Well, after reading this, I made some calls. I found that the CA-125 test is an ovarian screening test equivalent to a man's PSA test prostate screen (which my husband's doctor automatically gives him in his physical each year and insurance pays for it). I called the general practitioner's office about having the test done. The nurse had never heard of it. She told me that she doubted that insurance would pay for it. So I called Prudential Insurance Co, and got the same response. Never heard of it — it won't be covered. I explained that it was the same as the PSA test they had paid for my husband for years. After conferring with whomever they confer with, she told me that the CA-125 would be covered. It is $75 in a GP's office and $125 at the GYN's. This is a screening test that should be required just like a PAP smear (a PAP smear cannot detect problems with your ovaries). And you must insist that your insurance company pay for it.
Gene Wilder and Pierce Brosnan (his wife had it, too) are lobbying for women's health issues, saying that this test should be required in our physicals, just like the PAP and the mammogram. Please take a moment to send this out to all those you can. Be it male or female, it should not matter, as they can forward it also to those loved ones they know. If you have a problem with forwarding something as important as this, here's a little hint that may assist you with your decision — just pretend that this is a joke, which it certainly is not, and send it out to all the folks you would if it was. Thanks.
An Englishman's Faith In Filipinos
2006-08-07
The following was emailed to me from C. Noel, which I guess is making the rounds around the world in a chain. Here goes...
People from the outside world discover Hope in this country. There is Hope. Leaders of this country (from different denominations) can't seem to see Hope in this country... They would rather gripe & find fault... The Bayanihan Spirit is an endangered practice. These days, it's so fashionable to give in to the belief that this country is hopeless, that it's catch as catch can and the devil take the hindmost. But every once in a while, a story comes along that stands out because it highlights the best in every Filipino--the traits that we sometimes forget we have and that others have to see in us before we even remember that they exist. Then, you realize that we're only hopeless if we think we are. And that we can actually do something to improve the lives of the people around us if we set our minds to it.
Many people have heard of the story of Dylan Wilks, the rich young Englishman who started a life of improving the plight of poor, homeless Filipinos by selling his BMW to build cheap houses for 80 families. But few people really know what led Wilks to do what he did two years ago.
Now Wilks has settled in Manila, where he has become one of the most prominent endorsers of everything good in the Pinoy. He was interviewed recently by Bo Sanchez for Kerygma magazine, the alternative Christian glossy, which is published by Shepherd's Voice. Nowadays, when every politician seems to be talking about how to save the poor and the country without really doing anything, it's nice to here from someone who has actually dedicated his life to doing just that--one household at a time.
Dylan Wilks was born to a poor family. But at the young age of 20, he started a computer games company that made him a millionaire. Soon, Dylan operated in nine countries and ran his own TV channel. Then at the age of 25, Dylan sold his company for multi-million British pounds. He became the ninth richest person in the Great Britain under the age of 30. But one night, while lying in bed, he was distressed by a nagging question that wouldn't let him sleep. "God, why am I rich?" He asked if there was a reason for his immense wealth. Ironically, he also felt terribly empty inside. This, despite his ability to have any kind of pleasure he wanted. He had just bought himself a brand-new Ferrari and took one holiday after another. But he was discovering that pleasure was like fire... it constantly needed more fuel to keep it going. And he realized he would never be happy in the path he was taking.
One day, a Filipina friend visited him. She said she felt guilty going there because her plane fare could have built two homes for the poor. That made Dylan pause. How can you build two houses for that measly amount? He decided to investigate.
In January 2003, he visited the Philippines. And for three hours, Gawad Kalinga (GK) Director Tony Meloto brought Dylan to different GK villages for the poor. With his own eyes, he saw something that would change his life forever...
Interview:
Bo (Sanchez): What did you see on that day?
Dylan (Wilks): I saw hope. More than newly built houses, I saw transformed lives. We were entering rather dangerous slums, breeding ground for thieves and kidnappers... yet in the middle of that was an oasis... the Gawad Kalinga village. I saw people smiling, men working, children laughing... I've seen many other projects in South East Asia and across the world. And I've never seen anything like GK. This was different. This really worked!
Bo: So what did you do after your trip?
Dylan: I went back to England. I saw my BMW parked in the garage and realized I could build 80 homes with it... and affect the lives of 600 people. I saw the faces of the children I could help. I called up Tony Meloto and told him I was thinking of donating $100,000 to Gawad Kalinga and asked him if that was okay...
Bo: What did Tony say?
Dylan: He said, "No, I don't want your money."
Bo: Only Tony can say something like that. (Laughs.)
Dylan: He said if I was really serious in working for the poor, I should go back to the Philippines. So two months later, I sold my BMW and flew back to Manila. And in June of that year, I made a decision to stay in the Philippines and work for GK for seven more years.
Bo: Wow.
Dylan: I've decided to invest in the poor of the Philippines. Not in stocks or bonds. If I can help in uplifting the poor of this country, I can say that I spent my life well.
Bo: I presume your family wasn't too crazy about that decision.
Dylan: No! They thought I was brainwashed by a religious cult! (Laughs.) So my mother came and spied on me. But she was soon convinced of the beautiful work we were doing and went back home and told my sister about it. And my sister said, "Oh no, they brainwashed you too!" (Laughs.) But today, all of them support what I do.
Bo: You've made a decision to give up your wealth for the Filipino poor.
Dylan: I don't see it as a sacrifice. When you give charity out of pity, you feel pain parting with your money. But when you give charity because you love, you don't feel that pain. You only feel the joy of giving to someone you love. That's what I feel.
Bo: I hear you built an entire village for GK in Bulacan.
Dylan: I don't see it as my village. I just provided the materials. Architects, engineers, volunteers gave their labor. Together, we built 63 houses for the poor.
Bo: Amazing. What else do you do?
Dylan: I go around the world telling everyone that Filipinos are heroic. Because I work with them every day... the volunteers of GK.
Bo: What do you see in the Filipino that we take for granted?
Dylan : You're hardworking. You're always laughing, always eating, always singing. Even in your problems. You're loyal. And honest. Sure, there are exceptions, but generally, that's been my experience. And you have the bayanihan spirit. The pyramids of Egypt are beautiful but they were built by slavery. GK villages are more beautiful because they're made through the bayanihan spirit of the Filipino. It's especially this bayanihan and love of family and community that makes the Filipino more valuable than gold. If you take a golden nugget and kick it on the floor for 400 years, afterwards you won't be able to see much gold, just mud. This was what happened to the Filipino... for 400 years you were slaves and then you suffered under dictatorship and corruption. This is where the crab mentality came from; I don't think it's a natural Filipino quality because every day I see the gold under the surface of ordinary Filipinos. If we wipe away the mud by bringing hope and being brothers to one another in bayanihan, the gold will shine through and the world will see it.
Bo: Let me get personal here. I hear that you don't only love the Filipinos, but you've fallen for a particular Filipina.
Dylan: (Smiles.) Two months ago, I married Anna Meloto, the eldest daughter of Tony Meloto. She grew up with the GK work, so we're totally one in our mission. And yes, I'll be having Filipino children. The best way I can secure a future for my kids is to continue to help raise this country from poverty. Instead of building high walls in an exclusive subdivision to protect us from thieves and kidnappers, I will go to the breeding ground of thieves and kidnappers and help transform their lives.
Bo: Thank you for this interview. You don't know how much you inspired me.
Dylan: Thank you for being our partner in GK. I read Kerygma every month and I'm happy to see GK stories in every issue.
Bo: It's our immense privilege to tell the world about it and ask others to join the miracle.
Dylan: To me, GK isn't just Gawad Kalinga. It is a part of "God's Kingdom" in this world. Thank you.
Catacutans of California
2006-08-21
Uncle Rudy and Aunt Miling recently returned to the U.S. from a 2-month vacation in Apalit. Cousin Lyn sent several pictures of their family, and I selected the picture here from 64. See more of her photos at share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome ?sid=9AauWrFk4as1u. Our relatives (and countrymen) are all over the earth, as if Jesus' words (the meek inheriting the earth from Matthew 5.5) are being fulfulled in Pinoys. Let's spread God's love wherever we make our temporary abode for we're all pilgrims on earth; our citizenship is in heaven.
Music: Ogg Codecs
2006-08-21
I have uploaded the music of Terê, Bing and Eli, and also Tatang Gus at my Multiply site, and some folks can't seem to play them. And that's because they are in OGG format; "Ogg Vorbis is a completely open, patent-free, professional audio encoding and streaming technology with all the benefits of Open Source" (taken from Vorbis.com). You may download VLC Media Player (for free) or any other cross-platform media player to listen to them. If you're using Windows and you don't want to download anything, and you can't open OGG files, please download and install Ogg Codecs for windows, or go to www.vorbis.com and follow their simple instructions.
Anybody with musical-technical skills may add some accompaniment or instruments to the songs (this can be done in today's technology). Thank you. Enjoy the music!
Violence - Anathema to Religion
2006-09-20
I'm a little disappointed with how certain Muslim quarters misinterpret what the Pope said in a recent speech at the University of Regensburg in Germany. People and the media are putting words in the Pope's mouth. In this day and age, even the Holy Bible and Koran are taken out of context, and consequently some people can justify all kinds of actions. Some even justify the killing of innocents and children. I hope things and ideas can be debated upon without the use of violence. The following material was emailed to me by Joy and I'm posting it here entirely...
Statement By Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone, S.D.B., Holy See Secretary Of State
Saturday, 16 September 2006
Given the reaction in Muslim quarters to certain passages of the Holy Father's address at the University of Regensburg, and the clarifications and explanations already presented through the Director of the Holy See Press Office, I would like to add the following:
The position of the Pope concerning Islam is unequivocally that expressed by the conciliar document Nostra Aetate: "The Church regards with esteem also the Muslims. They adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself; merciful and all-powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth, Who has spoken to men; they take pains to submit wholeheartedly to even His inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitted to God. Though they do not acknowledge Jesus as God, they revere Him as a prophet. They also honor Mary, His virgin Mother; at times they even call on her with devotion. In addition, they await the day of judgment when God will render their deserts to all those who have been raised up from the dead. Finally, they value the moral life and worship God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting" (no. 3).
The Pope's option in favor of inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue is equally unequivocal. In his meeting with representatives of Muslim communities in Cologne, Germany, on 20 August 2005, he said that such dialogue between Christians and Muslims "cannot be reduced to an optional extra," adding: "The lessons of the past must help us to avoid repeating the same mistakes. We must seek paths of reconciliation and learn to live with respect for each other's identity".
As for the opinion of the Byzantine emperor Manuel II Paleologus which he quoted during his Regensburg talk, the Holy Father did not mean, nor does he mean, to make that opinion his own in any way. He simply used it as a means to undertake—in an academic context, and as is evident from a complete and attentive reading of the text—certain reflections on the theme of the relationship between religion and violence in general, and to conclude with a clear and radical rejection of the religious motivation for violence, from whatever side it may come. On this point, it is worth recalling what Benedict XVI himself recently affirmed in his commemorative Message for the 20th anniversary of the Inter-religious Meeting of Prayer for Peace, initiated by his predecessor John Paul II at Assisi in October 1986: " ... demonstrations of violence cannot be attributed to religion as such but to the cultural limitations with which it is lived and develops in time. ... In fact, attestations of the close bond that exists between the relationship with God and the ethics of love are recorded in all great religious traditions".
The Holy Father thus sincerely regrets that certain passages of his address could have sounded offensive to the sensitivities of the Muslim faithful, and should have been interpreted in a manner that in no way corresponds to his intentions. Indeed it was he who, before the religious fervor of Muslim believers, warned secularized Western culture to guard against "the contempt for God and the cynicism that considers mockery of the sacred to be an exercise of freedom".
In reiterating his respect and esteem for those who profess Islam, he hopes they will be helped to understand the correct meaning of his words so that, quickly surmounting this present uneasy moment, witness to the "Creator of heaven and earth, Who has spoken to men" may be reinforced, and collaboration may intensify "to promote together for the benefit of all mankind social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom" (Nostra Aetate no. 3).
Invaluable Service
2006-09-26
“Nothing endures but change” (Heraclitus, c. 535–475 B.C.); days pass and we don't notice it especially when we have fun. What's significant in the last 2 months? Babies were born, those advanced in years and wisdom pass to the next life, life goes on. On September 19, at around 1 a.m., Tita Ading (Anicete) passed away, after a long struggle with illness and the wear and tear of aging. Interment quickly followed on the 21st. Such events force us to think about the last things, and the need to ground ourselves and not forget the reasons we're placed here on Earth.
On September 7, Ate Lelette (Vargas) was honored for her invaluable service to the country at the recently celebrated 69th Anniversary of the AFP Medical Center, and the 68th year of the Nurse Corps, AFP. See some photos at anicete.multiply.com/photos/album/18.
Wrong Reasons, Right End
2006-10-05
It's good that the U.S. is banning partial birth abortion or other abortions in the third trimester of pregnancy, although of course abortion in any phase of gestation (beginning with fertilization) is immoral. The reason they gave is not correct: that the late abortion is very hazardous to the mother's health. The reason should be obvious, abotion kills the fetus!
One thing that may have turned the tide here is that photos of such abortuses were distributed to several people. This strategy is now being done by all pro-life people. Photographs of the killed babies are being distributed throughout and the enemies know that such strategy is effective. They and their cohorts are now banning such dissemination of abortion pictures. People, especially the law-makers should allow the spread of such photos. I hope reasonable policy makers will be enlightened in this regard.
The most basic human right is the right to life. Babies have the right to be born!
Wonders of Life
2006-10-18
Cousins Joy and Joji (back) at the Butterfly Haven in Bulacan, PH. Even as adults, we should maintain this sense of wonder in everything and perhaps even more with nature. I see this in my nephews and nieces, the way their eyes sparkle while they are looking at insects and some other bugs. They ask me, "What kind of skin do they have?" or perhaps, "which is the largest beetle in the world?" (I hope I was right when I said they don't have skin but they have an exoskeleton; and that the biggest beetle and insect is the Goliath Beetle.) And then their eyes enlarged when I explain their life cycles and the concept of metamorphosis.
It's at this point that we should teach the children several concepts on life. I remember in my childhood when I catch a dragonfly, I remove its legs to get amused seeing that the poor thing flies continuously because it can't land! I think someone told me not to do it because it hurts the dragonfly. People who torture other people perhaps started their childhood torturing animals, and no one prevented them.
Let's give focus to life, and find the time to teach our children well.
The Marine Uniform
2006-10-19
The following article speaks for itself; it was sent to two major Philippine Newspapers (2006-10-19), and I'm posting it here in its entirety. The article (edited) was subsequently published on Page A12 of the November 4, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Reaction To Binay's Use of the Marine Uniform
Dear Sir/Madam:
I would just like to make a reaction on the picture of [Makati City] Mayor Binay that was published in your paper today, wherein he was wearing a Philippine Marine uniform, unbuttoned, orange civilian shirt inside is displayed, without any HBT (the PMC cap that should be worn with it), with long and unkempt hair, the pair of pants that goes with it is not worn and not to mention the boots! He even flaunted his rank of Colonel in the process of doing this. Tsk tsk tsk... That picture paints a thousand words! To put it simply, Mayor Binay disrespected and defiled our uniform.
As a Marine officer, we were taught from the very first day that we entered the Corps to respect our uniform (second only to our flag) and wear it proudly. You will notice this even if you go to the farthest baranggay [village], the highest mountain or the remotest island of our country where a Marine (even the lowest trainee and private) is stationed; that even in the thick of battle, he wears his uniform proudly! He will not wear it if he has long hair (especially if it is unkempt, 'yung ibang Marino naming barbero, kasama namin sila wherever we go), or if he is unshaved. He will not dare wear it if it is un-ironed; he will not wear it if his boots are unshined (even in the muddiest of all situations in the field); he will not wear it if the pair of pants is absent; if he wears it, all the buttons are properly buttoned. In short we wear the uniform properly! Otherwise, we will not wear it at all, or bear the brunt of the rage of our seniors. In other words, hindi namin binabastos ang uniform namin, rinerespeto at minamahal po namin ito. This uniform carries with it the proud martial tradition of the Philippine Marine Corps.
A long time ago, while I was still in the field with a Marine Batallion Landing Team in Basilan (or maybe Jolo), I heard our former Commandant, Brig. Gen. (now Senator) Pong Biazon, answer a question from a journalist. He was asked what makes a Marine stand-out from other soldiers (meaning the Army soldiers, the Navy sailors, and the Air Force airmen); he said that it is the uniform. As a young officer then, I thought that was a dumb answer coming from the Commandant of the Corps. He could have given a more substantial reason, I thought... But later on in my career, I realized Biazon was correct. The Marine is different when he wears his uniform; he becomes more disciplined, more proud, and makes him a better warrior. The uniform is a source of pride; as such, it makes the Marine work harder, fight harder and become more disciplined... Similar to Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne.
I realized this, more, now because it was highlighted by a reserve Marine Colonel defiling our uniform with the whole world as the audience! Tsk tsk tsk...
Going back to the interview of Gen. Biazon: In the said interview, the Commandant rationalized his answer by saying that even generals and officers of other branches of service are ashamed to stand near or beside an ordinary Marine because the Marine wears his uniform more smartly and with more spic-and-span than the officers of the other branches of service... Proof: When the Marines were called to support the police in securing Metro Manila during the time of President Estrada, nahiya ang mga pulis to work side-by-side with the Marines because the Marines carried themselves snappily than their counterpart policemen. Why? This is because we respect and honor our uniform! Hindi namin binabastos ito, minamahal namin at ginagalang. Bago kami lumabas ng campo sinisigurado na plantyado ang uniforme, shined ang sapatos at mga buckles, etc.
I hope "Colonel" Binay and other reservists will realize this and respect our uniform as a true Marine. I'd rather be with an ordinary Marine wearing the uniform with respect and pride than a Mayor/Colonel who wears it shabbily.
When I was a young lieutenant based in Jolo, I saw a civilian wearing a Marine top (just like Mayor Binay did in the said picture). I asked him respectfully if he was a Marine (if he said yes, I would surely have whacked him for such shabby appearance and disrespect for the uniform) and he said no. At that point, I told him to remove it and surrender it to us, which he did. I told him never to wear a Marine uniform and asked him where he got it, but he couldn't answer; we just let him go for humanitarian purposes. My point is, we love and respect our uniform; we do not defile it!
This Marine uniform (the unique PMC camouflage) has gained fame and notoriety that civilians, and even rebels want to have it and wear it. They also feel the pride that such uniform brings or carries with it. I cannot blame them. It makes them feel like a Marine. But that will not make them a Marine, it takes more than wearing a Marine uniform to make you a proud Marine warrior. That uniform will not save them in times of trouble because, unlike true-blue Marines, they do not know the essence and history behind the uniform.
With all due respect to Mayor/Colonel Binay, please wear our uniform properly and with honor, dignity and respect next time, sir. And, please understand that this reaction has no political intonation to it; I just felt offended by how you wore our uniform. I don't even know what issues you are fighting for. I hope you will understand. Sir.
Lastly, I hope this reaction will be published in your newspaper so that it will reach Mayor Binay and the other Philippine Marine reservists of our country, as well as the regular Marine officers and enlisted men deployed all over the country.
More power to all of you sirs/mesdames.
Shalom!
Plaridel Mercado
Camp Aguinaldo, Q.C.
Don't Be a Crybaby
2006-10-24
I'm a little intrigued by the so-called pressure that the executive and legislature is putting on the Supreme Court. This is nothing new, and yet these mainly opposition politicians are suggesting that they're surprised. You are condemning the administration for pressuring the High Court to legalize or allow the amendment of the constitution through people's initiative. Okay, the government may be pressuring the Court, but is the opposition (some quarters) not pressuring it? The mere fact that they are warning the Justices to do what is right is actually putting pressure! They are pressuring the Court to go their way! The opposition is hypocritical in this regard. Enough of this nonsense. If the Court is really doing its job, Justices should not talk about this matter at all.
Pressure is two-way. The Supreme Court should not be a crybaby.
Why Do We Fall?
2006-10-25
Sometimes, inspite of our resolutions to do better, we fall and metaphorically become the prodigal son in the gospel. But what makes it worthwhile? As the bible says, "for a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again; but the wicked are overthrown by calamity" (Proverbs 24.16), even the saints fall. But the important thing here is that we rise again. Perhaps one reason why we fall is that God wants to teach us a lesson. Perhaps he wants us to become understanding and merciful toward others when we see their failings and sins. We are reminded not to judge them because we ourselves fall likewise. How can we notice the plank in their eyes without seeing the beem in our own eyes? Really, everything has a purpose, even what seems evil in our sight. The evil of sin is allowed to happen so as to enjoy the happiness of mercy and forgiveness subsequently, and solidarity with all of humanity.
Ubuntu Linux
2006-10-28
My very first encounter with computers was with the Apple II and the only way to use it was to know BASIC (PCs were called microcomputers then). That was way back in 1982. Later Microsoft was used specifically with DOS. I don't recall the exact dates but later I used MS Windows. All of these were machines used in the institutions I studied and worked in. The very first computer in the house was bought by my brother and it had Win95 and later Win98 installed. We occasionally installed some other versions (Me and 2000) but it always gravitated to Win98. Only recently was WinXP used.
In late 2002, I decided to try Debian GNU/Linux (kernel 2.2.20) mainly because Windows was very expensive, and also because Linux was nice and free. You only pay for the plastic (CD) and delivery. At that time, I had a hard time and I didn't even recommend it to others. You have to read a lot of documentation, but the more important side-effect was that I appreciated the inner workings of a computer. It also demanded that I use text mode more often (console) than GUIs. After a year or so, I backslid to using Windows again although my PC was dual-boot (can be booted with Windows or Linux). With some emails I received from a classmate of mine (UPCM '91), I decided to again dabble in Linux.
Using Google, I searched: "best linux distribution". The results were unequivocal. Ubuntu always popped up. So I went to its website and ordered Live CDs, and I was surprised that they were given for free, including the stamps! I then installed Ubuntu 6.06 (dual boot with WinXP), nicknamed Dapper Drake. A screenshot of its desktop is included here. It worked perfectly well: everything you can do with Windows, you can do in Ubuntu Linux. And everything is so easy. The picture below was taken while actually upgrading to the newer 6.10 version (called Edgy Elf). Everything was done while on-line, no need to buy a new CD!
After fetching all the needed files for the upgrade overnight (my broadband WiFi is very unreliable and erratic), a new version suddenly popped up (see screenshot below). It's now brighter and the sounds are much better. Everything was very nice. By the way, the desktop was GNOME, which some say looks like a Mac (I don't know if this is true because I never owned a Mac).
I never liked orange before but this kind of theme looks nice now. And maybe after 6 months, a new version will be available and I'll do the same routine as this one. Try
Ubuntu; if you have only 1 PC, do a dual boot (disc has to be partitioned or sliced if only 1 HD is present). But I have to warn you that you have to read a lot. More on this later.
De Profundis
2006-11-09
Last November 3, a Douay-Rheims version of the bible was given to me by Tito Jim and Tita Elvie, who later flew back to New Jersey after a short vacation here in the Apalit (PH). I appreciate their generosity and kindness; this post is dedicated to them and their family. I'm now quoting Psalm 129 (130 in more modern versions).
PSALM 129.
De profundis.
A prayer of a sinner, trusting in the mercies of God. The sixth penitential psalm.
A gradual canticle.
OUT of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice.
Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand it.
For with thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of thy law, I have waited for thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on his word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy: and with him plentiful redemption.
And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
~ Psalm 130 (129), The Holy Bible: Douay Rheims Version. Revised by Bishop Richard Challoner, A.D. 1749-1752
Use Open-source Software
2006-11-11
While trying to find the weather report on INQ7.net, I happen to click its Technology (Infotech) section, and Mr. Erwin Oliva's article Congress sets public discussion on open source legislation (last updated 10:51pm 11/10/2006) emerged. I perfectly agree that the use of free and open source software (FOSS) should be legislated for the good of the country for several reasons—the most tangible is the savings that will surely ensue.
This open-source movement was started in the 1980s, and was boosted in the 1990s with the introduction of the Linux kernel by Linus Torvalds in Finland, based on the UNIX platform. This movement began tentatively through the collaboration of several unnamed people, and it's now blossoming everywhere. Initially, only techies used it, but now even the uninitiated can use it. (There are several open-source platforms out there, but the most popular is Linux.)
Presently, several Linux platforms are available for use (e.g., try Ubuntu if you really want to get your hands dirty). Pinoy computer experts may someday even develop our very own operating system, especially with our hundreds of languages. Being tied to proprietary software, especially Microsoft is so frustrating. You can't do anything without having to buy their expensive products. So what do people resort to? They purchase pirated ones (MS is becoming more choking by preventing use of their software by such means). Note: I'm not promoting the use of pirated software; I'm just showing the way towards open software.
Not only do we become liberated from such monopolistic companies (freeing our pockets), but actually use genuine open software without restrictions, which are more flexible and uplifting to the mind. Ordinary people can learn to make their own software because many development features are incorporated with the package. If you try Ubuntu (e.g.) as I did, not only will you have the operating system, but also have built-in software including the now famous OpenOffice.org software (free counterpart of MS Office). Why use Windows when you can have the same functionality sans expense?
Kudos to Congressman Teodoro Casiño of Bayan Muna party who authored the bill; I often don't agree with his ideology, but this time I very much agree with him. I hope he'll work very hard to really pass this bill (House Bill number 5769).
Decriminalizing Libel
2006-11-15
In a free world or democracy, it's been mentioned that the Media is the fourth estate. We need a free media in order to know the truth and also to guard our rights as people. We need courageous reporters and journalists to seek for this truth. But these people are not angels or other superior beings; they often make mistakes, and worse if these mistakes were deliberate. They can report on things that are not true at all! They can destroy the reputation of people, which can never be put back after a later apology. So what do people resort to? Only by filing criminal charges against the said writer or journalist. I don't agree with their arguments that such filing of charges are persecutorial or represent some kind of harassment! This I think is just and reasonable.
I'm very much disappointed by the move of some sectors in trying to decriminalize libel. They should think again. If libel is not a crime, then these rouge writers will have all the fun, without the responsibility. Journalists (not all) are clamoring for this to happen; what are they up to? If the "victims" are not given an opportunity in court to seek justice, then I'm afraid that they will put things into their hands (a number of journalists and columnists were already murdered perhaps because they stepped on some powerful people's feet). I'm afraid that there will be more of these incidents! No... libel should remain a crime. It's actually a crime against justice and charity.
Spirit of 1982
2006-12
“To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star
This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause
And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest
And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star.”
~ Joe Darion, The Impossible Dream, from Man Of La Mancha (1972)
In our world today, a lot of misery, hopelessness and all things on the bad side are prevalent, which each of us feels more or less depending on where one is located on earth. This is more apparent in the third world obviously, but surely the first world is more at risk because of the scourge of materialism, and the rise of relativism. God is always put on the side so as not to hurt the feelings of others. Symbols of faith are being removed everywhere: crosses, crucifixes, monuments of the Ten Commandments, etc. It is in this context that the above song is appropriate, and particularly inspiring. It is even encouraged by Jesus in Matthew 19.26: "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Admittedly the discipline required in pursuing our quest would be difficult, and surely we'll fall or stumble along the way, but we should always keep our eyes on that unreachable star. It is not a selfish quest; love of our fellowmen is included here. Along the way we are given numerous opportunities in helping our neighbors, including our enemies (cf. Matthew 25.34ff; 5.44ff).
God is here to guide us, for truly it is impossible without his help. We only need to become friends with him, the kind of friend who will never abandon us.
On-line Games
2006-12-03
Do you have any free time? Well, Abing suggests to everyone with an Internet connection to try Armorgames.com. All kinds of games are there: action, arcade, mystery, etc. I have to caution you though, some are addictive. Just have your pick and enjoy. Other sites that you may try: Funbrain.com, Games for the Brain.com, and others. I hope you'll enjoy playing!
Mutya Ning Kapampangan
2006-12-10
I was texted by Kuya Noel about today's coronation of the 2006 Mutya ning Kapampangan wherein his daughter Patricia (Samek) is among the candidates. It'll be held at 6:00 pm at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center at the City of San Fernando, and quoting him about the situation inside the gymnasium: "masikip, marakal a tau, maingay la reng cheering barangay, CR is outside" Let's support our folks and hope for a good outcome.
By the way, it's the second Sunday of Advent, so go to Church first...
Breaking News: Patricia is the first runner-up in the pageant. Thanks for all your support.
Happy New Year!
2006-12-31
Two thousand six was the year 3 of our folks passed away: Tita Adíng, Tito Ben and Tito Áble, all Anicéte brothers and sisters (Tito Pol's siblings for those who may not know them) whom we all love. Tito Áble just passed yesterday, and we all grieve with his loving widow Tita Atríng, and children Diding, Paeng, Omar, Tess, Kiks, Cathy, Leah, Grace and Anoy (sorry if I missed a name), and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Someday we'll all get together in that great mansion that Christ prepared to all.
Then 2 of our cousins continued with that cycle of life: Sonny married Juzy, and Regina wed Cliff in June and October, respectively. Dennis and Tina gave birth to Neo Dennis Jr. last 7 December, and likewise Kuya Dodo and Jen brought a baby (what's the name?) days before Christmas. Let's all pray that graces always come their way, and everything turns up well.
Several devastating typhoons also visited us (as always because we're in the typhoon belt), and one in particular (Durian) destroyed Bicol, particularly Albay, and killed several people around Mayon Volcano. All over the world, violence and darkness are on the headlines. Saddam Hussein was hanged with mixed reactions (I'm against the death penalty by the way) among his people. I don't know if there will ever be peace in the Middle East, especially with Iran's president's rhetorics (he wants to erase Israel from the map, remember?).
With all these things happening in 2006, some people are now hopeless and afraid of the coming year. But all we have to do is "only to be still, and God will fight for us" (cf. Exodus 14.14). Let's pray for this needed grace, and trust in Jesus, whether we're down or up.
Happy New Year to all! May 2007 Anno Domini be a wonderful year for all of us.
Consistency of the Message
2007-01-11
I'm presently listening to a Manila FM station (94.7 MHz), discussing a hypothetical situation. The host asks: "after a good dinner with your date, he/she asks you... your place, or mine?" While it's not mentioned what will happen at the particular place, it's obviously what you're thinking of. It seems the host is biased for the answer in which you agree with your date and go to either your place or his/hers. It's morally wrong to do that if the couple is not married to each other (no judging involved here). You get the situation?
Then the station ID was mentioned and a nice song was played, which clearly said "read the bible"! It seems there is some disconnect here. The bible is specific against fornication, adultery, etc, and reading it is great. If a discussion on such topic is presented to the listeners, then the lesson should jive with what the bible says. Think about it.
No Conflict Between Science and Religion
2007-01-18
There is no conflict between true science and true religion because both serve the truth; the contradiction is in the eyes of the interpreter, and those who write about such false interpretations. First, we look at the false interpretation of the so-called scientists. If you examine the works of eminent scientists, e.g., Albert Einstein, you will discover that they (or a majority of them) believe in God. The controversy happens when some scientists say that there is no God. They should know better! Science deals with things physical, and those that can be examined by the senses. The true scientist sees all the laws of nature and he or she knows its limits. While it is evident that there is an intelligent being that designed all these wonderful laws, that is also not direct evidence of God's presence. So it goes both ways. The point that I'm driving at here is that true scientists cannot make pronouncements on the absolute presence or absence of God; if they're honest, they will not say such things. If they insist that God does not exist, that is their opinion; they should not misrepresent science in general. This conflict is demonstrated in the movie Contact, which I saw recently (rerun from HBO).
On the other hand, there are those who call themselves religious teachers or evangelists who absolutely reject science because it contradicts the bible. After reading Genesis (describing the creation of the universe in just six days), they insist that God literally created the world in 6 days. They then start to discredit such disciplines as archeology, paleontology, geology, biology (evolution, e.g.) etc. and disrupt the proper education of their listeners. The bible is not a science book! Contrary to others' bias against it, the Church insists on the complementarity between science and religion, between faith and reason. Others may retort that the Church suppressed such scientists in the past like Galileo or Darwin, and surely some clerics overstepped their roles as ministers. If people try to examine what happened, perhaps they should focus on that the scientists said. People of faith cried foul when such learned scientists started to develop their own philosophies and overstepped their roles as scientists. How can science disprove God's existence? Without science we'll still be living in the dark ages, so it surely is very important. But theories cannot delve into things spiritual, as it is largely physical and intellectual.
Remember, the bible is not a science book; it's not even a history book (not written the way historians write history). On the other hand, a science book is not a religious book. There is really no conflict—Faith and Reason need each other.
Wet Pants
2007-01-23
This article was emailed to me by Mark this afternoon; the original author was left out.
Come with me to a third grade classroom...
There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives.
The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, "Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat."
He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered.
As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap.
The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, "Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!"
Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful. But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else -- Susie.
She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. You've done enough, you klutz!"
Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, "You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Susie whispers back, "I wet my pants once too."
May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us to do good.
Apalit Matrons
2007-01-26
Just a photo from Regina's wedding last October; the dabarkads: Titas Let, Elvie (proud mother of the bride), Naty and Linda.
