Is there Christmas for us?

Few hours from now, the world will be celebrating Christmas, one of the happiest event where people would gather, reunite and share food, smiles and love. But what is Christmas for those who were victims of the typhoon Pablo? Homeless brethren of ours, starving due to lack of food, and those who treat Christmas as any other normal day? Is there still something for them to celebrate?

Last December 4, 2012, various places in the Philippines were badly hit by typhoon Pablo and among of these locations were New Bataan, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. There are hundreds of people died from the flash floods, land slides and other catastrophes caused by the said typhoon. And aside from those who died, there are still thousands of people suffering from lack of water, food, shelter and of course, reasons to celebrate Christmas.

We might be distressed because our dessert does not taste good, we did not receive our desired gift, or we just don't feel Christmas because fireworks are banned in our place. In addition to that, we might just tend to ignore the blessings that happened to us and focused our attentions to the things we desire. Lame reasons that we find burdensome that blinds us from the true realities of life. While we mutter about the things we do not have, more people tend to be depressed and felt loneliness due to the circumstances they are in.

As I end this article, may we look into the blessings showered upon us and erase from our heads that we are not loved because we did not receive the one we desire. May we also pray for those who were affected by the typhoon so that through our prayers they may somehow find reason to celebrate Christmas, so that somehow they may feel that we are still here for them.

Merry Christmas to all of us!

May we be fearless enough to Stand for those who are in need!

Knocking on your Door

Just recently, our hometown Montevista, Compostela Valley province was really devastated by typhoon Pablo. It created so much destruction that our town was turned into a ghost town full of mud, debris and fallen trees. In addition to that, most families now are left homeless because the said typhoon destroyed their houses which are mostly made up of light materials.

Even if the typhoon had already left our country, our hometown and the rest of Compostela Valley Province is still experience tremendous amount of suffering due to lack of supply of food, drinking water, clothing and electricity. Most people there cannot also contact their loved one who are afar because electricity is said to be repaired for a one month period. And in line with all of these, I would like to knock on you kind hearts and ask for donations in order to help my fellow Comvaleños easen their suffering. Just click the donate button below and give any amount that you are willing to give. I will be posting updates on where your donations will be going and also the beneficiaries of such!

I know that I am just a nobody and the credibility of this is pretty low.
But I assure you that your help will reach those people in need!
Thanks and God bless

You can visit my facebook @ HERE if you have inquiries


Below are some of the pictures of my hometown

Fear to Fail

     As the old saying goes; "na sa huli ang pagsi-sisi", it reiterates that regrets for failing in something only follows after a certain deed had already took place.
     As I travel back to Davao to face my studies, streams of worries, fear and dilemma surges into my mind. Questions such as, what if i fail? what will I do, and how can I manage? Starts to bother my inner consciousness.
     I do not desire failure and its consequences for it would mean defeat for most of my part. Furthermore, I do not wish to disappoint my parents and of course, disappointing myself.
     Anyhow, what I did mentioned above were just mere assumptions in order to prepare myself for the worst case to come, but right now,   I still do have time to correct my mistake, reverse the situation and uplift my self-esteem. Besides, life is what you make it and do not just depend on raw dictations of fate.
     As I continue pursuing my dream, I am reminded of how obstacles and hardships shape us into a better person. How trials disturbs us when we are already comfortable, bothers us when we are already at peace and challenges us when we are already at ease.

A Call to Humility

     God reminded all of us to be humble enough to recognize that there is a higher being than us and also for us to attribute our achievements to our Creator.

Mark 9:35 - Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all."

     Humility is not just as easy as it seems for it requires a lot of submissiveness and neglect of pride. It is not something any person could easily show towards other people especially those who had caused them hurts, pains and sufferings.
     In my life as a YFC I have been exposed to many opportunities and privileges that lead to me thinking that I am superior to everybody else, this scenario really bloated my self-awareness and resulted to thinking that "I am the only one who could do this, and they cannot". These cases are not only boxed in my situation but very dominant also to all other leaders out here.
     As I face this downfall in my life, God continues to remind me of His call towards humility. He would really set up instances that would really test my faith in Him that will remind me that He is in authority and not me alone.
     And as I continue this journey in this life with God, I always pray not be drawn in darkness and live life according to my sole will and desires. I continue to strive to be humble enough to see that there is a greater being than myself and His plans are far more superior than mine.

Let us continue to pray not only for ourselves but also to our leaders, kuyas, ates, titos and titas in this community.
Watch this video -->

Life as a YFC

     Have you felt this longing feeling of affiliation towards a certain group, circle of friends or organization? Have you ever meet true friends that in any situation you are in, they would always come to help and uplift your frustrations? Those circumstances might not be unusual to us anymore for if not all, most people really wanted some affiliations or to be part of a bigger picture.
     Just like you, I also had these feelings where I find myself seeking such place where I could express my emotions and be true to myself without harming or hurting anyone. I found this special place without obtaining consequences such as a slap on my face, humiliation, and throwing my dignity away. I found myself in Youth For Christ (YFC).
     YFC is a Christian organization that intends to empower the youth and bringing them closer to our Savior. In addition, it also molds people to become leaders not just in the field of religious life but are also equipped with proper capabilities to cope up with the fast changing world.
     I cannot imagine myself if I have not answered God's call during the day of my youth camp, for without that stepping stone, I would not have become the person I am now. Furthermore, YFC contributed a lot with regards to my morals, principles in life and also handling and making decisions on daily basis.
     I am already serving this great community for more than six years now and I am still here continuing what I have started and will still continue to strive more to become a better person with each passing day.

    To my fellow youths out there, if given the opportunity to become part of this wonderful family, do not hesitate in joining, whatever the odds may be for in the end it will turn out to be one of the greatest decisions you will ever make.

Father's Pierce

Do you know the feeling that every action you make is false or inappropriate in other person’s eyes? Do you know the feeling that even how hard you try to accomplish great things it always turns out to be a bad one? And lastly do you know the feeling that even though you did not do anything improper, someone will always yell at you?

                All those above mentioned questions are quite exaggerated but kindly give me consideration for it is just my way of pouring out my emotions.

                I always believe that I can control my tears from flowing no matter how worse that situation might be. I always believe that no one could make me cry by telling criticisms and hurting my emotions. But that was just my own thinking.

                May 13, 2012, Sunday. Today were suppose to go to a beach resort with my family and relatives out of my uncle’s request. I told my parents that I do not want to go for its pretty tiresome to travel (so lame right?) but eventually I decided to join. We are still at our house by that time and I was asking my mother (happy mother’s day mama) if she texted her sister if we could have a ride in their car. Then suddenly, my father told me that “if you don’t want to come, then do not come!” (in vernacular) with a rising tone. “It pisses me off forcing someone to come if he do not want to!” (still in vernacular) he added.  I was stunned and been silent for a while until my eyes started to pour tears, I tried to contain it but it was just too much, so I hurriedly ran to my room and cried a lot there. After that, my mama knocked on my door and asked for us to go because my uncle was already waiting outside. I told mama that I won’t be joining anymore. With tears still flowing from my eyes, I hugged my mother very tight to find comfort and told her that I will be alright. So they left without me and went to the said beach.

                Although it is not always like that, but my father have this tendency to speak up what comes into his mind. He doesn’t filter his words (like I do). With regards to that, he always speaks up hurtful words every time he is angry or when he is frustrated.

                But no matter how imperfect my father can be, he is still my father. He is one of the reasons why I am existing in this world. All I have to do is lower down my pride and continue to understand, love and honor him in every way possible.

I wanted to take a picture of me while crying, unfortunately my sister took the camera with them (haha).

Side note: HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all mothers out there. ^_^

Just enough

    It is a great opportunity to grab a medal or an award every time you participate in a contest. Moreover, it is even better when you are the champion or the first honor in a particular class.
    I used to be the first honor in our class, as well as being the champion of competitions I participated. I always receive various medals every recognition day at school.
    As an honor student, I would always aim for high grades to retain my spot in the honors list and have something to brag about(lol). Worries will then flood if I will receive a grade below 90.
    But all of that are now history. As I enter college, I realize something wonderful that affected my way of thinking such as winning and being number one is not everything. In fact, just having a passing grade can already overwhelm me unlike before. Being on the top did not matter much anymore because somehow I am already contented to what I have. On the other hand, this contentment also lead me to being stubborn in my studies (hahaha). Not striving for more and not exerting my best are also products of this.
    To end this, it is not a crime to aim for the best for it is a way of utilizing every ability and resources God had given us. But be aware and teach yourself when to stop for it can lead you to greed and avarice.

My ideal partner

    I will tell you in advance, this article is not about me :).
    Almost all of us have ideal qualities that we tend to seek from a certain individual. We can even say that those who posses such qualities will make a certain person "perfect" in our own eyes.
    The most common quality that people are looking for are the looks or appearance. We tend to seek beautiful partner for many believe that having such partner would satisfy our human desires, and this is very evident among men at young age. If given the chance, boys would really court the most beautiful girl they will meet and the most popular girl at school.
    This kind of attitude among boys may result to inferiority among girls with less fortunate appearance (no offense) for they are being ignored and are seemingly unnoticed. But the strange reality is that no matter how perfect that girl would be in your eyes, she will not be with you for your entire life. I am not saying that you should look for an ugly wife or partner but what I am saying is do not look for a perfect person for that person does NOT exist. Or put it this way, you might be able to find a perfect girl but we might never know, she might also be looking for a perfect boy, and when that time arrives, can you assure yourself that you will be that perfect boy? Complicated much? haha
    The old saying tell us that "love is blind", would you agree? For me, its a big YES. When looking for a partner, do not let your brain and sense of sight do the quality checking but rather use your heart to relate to that person. Look for a person that would make you happy without doing anything, a person that would make your heart jump for joy when looking at her smile, a person that is unlikely to posses your ideal qualities(not necessary) and lastly a person you truly love.

Diminished

    Before I manage to install the graphic driver of my Desktop computer, I always post something in my blog every other day. Even when not in front of the computer, I will look for a piece of paper and ballpen to have something where I can write my thoughts and eventually post it here. But after fixing my graphic driver and exposing myself to the urge of gaming, my bowl full of ideas and creativity is slowly diminishing.
    At this very moment, I really can't think of something to write that will be interesting. The things floating in my mind now are just the anger and the feeling of regret due to this slow internet connection of mine. I cannot play smoothly because I usually experience random disconnection and godly lagging. Whats worse is that I'm stuck with this connection for two years because its a time-lock contract.
   I am striving now to gain back that interest and creativity of mine to have a diversion aside from playing all day. (Grrr) I really can't add more words in this article. :(

Wrath of Pride

    As we all know, pride is one of the seven deadly sins defined as an inflated sense of one's personal status or accomplishments (http://wikipedia.org). We can look into this definition as seeing oneself to be superior over others. This trait is very evident in every person on this earth, even as little as preschoolers have this and is developed and accumulate as we grow older.
    I'm also subject to this sin for I myself is very proud of what I have. Seeing myself as superior from everybody else. If I will make a mistake, I would really find other factors to blame for I do not accept defeat and commentaries. In case that I have grudges to a certain classmate, I would not to talk to him no matter how long it would it take. This very foundation of my pride resulted to some of the most life changing experience that made contributions to the present me.
    Way back in my early high school days. I am very observant to the negative actions and mistakes of other people and once seen by my eyes, those persons will be subject to my heart piercing criticisms, teases and bluffs. Even our valedictorian did not escape my judgemental eyes. Out of pride and envy, I always make stories and comments regarding him and telling my friends not to go near him. There are many other stories such as that wherein I am the mastermind of those fraud narrations.
    I was really driven by pride by that time, accumulating people who hated me day by day. I also gained recognition in our school to be one of the most hated person at school (i think). What makes it worse is that those same persons who hated me have great concentration in the religious organization I am in. Until such time, our community elders organized an open forum just to address the concerns of my fellow brother and sisters regarding my actions.
    During the open forum, I was the main subject of their hurts and shame. They really cried one after another, even our valedictorian was there, telling me the hurts he felt and his intentions of wanting me as his friend. Well, as their tears continue to flow from their eyes, I was just sitting and facing them and not a single tear dropped (very pathetic right?). But all that really soaked into my heart and realization flooded my numb emotion. I wanted to cry that time but no matter how hard I try, I really cant force my tears to come out. Maybe it was "pride" again stopping me from crying (silly right?).
    From that moment on, day by day I continue to strive in managing my pride. Bit by bit I learned to ask forgiveness everytime I make a mistake or hurt someone (most of the time that is). I am just thankful that somehow, I manage to stand up from that fall. It might take years for me to recover, whats important is that I faced my dilemmas and did not ran away from it. I did not ignore my weaknesses but I molded it to be my source of strengths.

Just a little bit

    Appreciation or a mere word of thanks is the least thing you can give to honor ones action or someone else worth. But experiencing the sorrow of being ignored and letting your hard work be taken for granted by other people can be very frustrating which may lead to a fading self-esteem.

    In the deepest of my conciousness, I know that I had some contributions to the present condition of the organization I am in (I will not mention the name), but is it that bad to ask some attention and appreciation to the same community? For all the efforts and time I exerted there, is it a sin to ask importance and respect?

    Seeing that community grows and expands makes my heart jump for joy but on the other hand, tears and misery are flowing from me due to the scenario of being drawn away from that family. What makes it worst is the fact that I am the reason why these things are happening. Being tired of shouldering responsibilities and not gaining enough appreciation leads me to backsliding from this service.

    As I end this, maybe things happens on purpose. Serving God should be done without asking something in return. Every drop of tears and effort should be dedicated to God and not for man. But words as simple as "thank you" should not be thought twice to be given. For these little words might just be as dry as a dessert but can be a source of great motivation and encouragement, even just a little bit.

Nothing

Every time I start another day, I always think what to publish in my blog, what will be the topic I will be tackling, how will I start it, how to expand and how to end it. But this day is different, no topics emerged from my silly mind as well as nothing to write down in my blog. On the other hand, why am I typing this blog anyway? It is for a fact that this came from my mind, it will be pretty weird to think that my fingers have mind of their own.
Anyhow, things we see as nothing or worthless can be very magnificent in ways we could never imagine even in our wildest dreams. Normally, things that are part of our daily life, things we take for granted are not given any attention or appreciation for they are already present in our surroundings. Take for example the way we breathe, we do not think of how to breathe every seconds of  our life, same goes for the simpliest detail and object of our life. I can still remember the documentary in discovery channel about time and space, its said there that an empty space is not nothing, pretty weird to think of right? Given this thought, just maybe, even how negative or blank is our thinking of ourselves, we do still have some worth and purpose.
Ill just end this blog shortly for I don't have much words to say anymore. Everything as in "everything" should be treated as something special and none on this earth is worthless. Thinking that way, we would appreciate our life better than before and we can live with a positive attitude in traversing the paths of our individual journey. :)

Gift of a friend

It really feels good to have someone you can count on and is always there to help you with your problems, other than your partner. But how about if you don't have one?
I am a person who wants to do things on my own for I have less trust to others and to top all of that, I am very confident that I would finish my goals on my own. I also prefer being alone when studying and working on something. This trait of mine lead me to not having this so called "best friend". Its pretty odd to believe in this for I can consider myself a friendly person and is very open to other people. I always lend my hand and time to others who are in need of advice, comfort or just want to have someone to talk to. But when time comes that I  am depressed and down, I have noone to turn to and will just mock inside my room and cry until I can stand on my feet again :'(. But one day, I met this fellow Youth For Christ (shes a girl) and during that time she is very down for she has troubles with her boyfriend so I approached her to comfort her and give some advice, after our talk she asked me if I can be her best friend. Then I agree for I have nothing to loose. So that was the time I experienced having this so called best friend, I really treated her not just a friend but as a sister eventhough she does not return the appreciation I gave to her. I always text her every now and then but she will only reply when she has some questions and favors to ask which makes me feel just being used. But I realize that as a true friend I should not complain and continue to understand her. As times passes by, this feeling of doubt inside me started to grow and together with that the said friendship is fading fast.
I was browsing facebook that day when I saw her shoutout saying something about being tired of schooling (i forgot the exact words), then I posted a comment saying "then stop schooling, hahaha" (not the exact words too). Then she replied some hurtful words about me and told me not to mind the things she does. And from that moment on, our friendship really shattered. It was a hurting experience but also an eye-opener for me to continue to live without having a best friend. But as I continue to reflect on that experience, maybe I am the only one who closed my doors  to those people who are always there from the start just waiting for me to open my doors and attention to them. They may not be the perfect friends I am seeking all this time but atleast, they are the friends who believe and appreciate me the way I am. To all people out there, treasure your friends no matter how odd or different they are for you will never know their worth until the time you will loose them.

Please find time to click this LINK and listen to it. thanks

Girl's vulnerability

As we all know, girls are more sensitive and more vulnerable compared to boys, not just physically but also when it comes to the emotional aspect of life. But today I would like to discuss some of those vulnerability which can either be helpful to girls themselves or for boys who are courting his girl.

Things I would like to discuss with you are those traits which I observed through watching and interviewing some of my classmates and friends. These traits will revolve around the world of early relationships which are very evident to high school and college students.

First among these traits would be the tendency to be flattered to words of appreciation and pick-up lines being spoken to them. Most of girls fell for this actions done by boys who are courting them, and reaches its peak when that particular boy is their crush. And usually these leads to accepting that particular suitor. Second thing would be the tendency to be infatuated to the persons whom they are always with, girls develop this sense of attraction due to their feeling of being wanted and secured. They might also think that this person is always with them because they like them. Girls are very prone to putting colors into the most simple things that are done for them. Another thing is the act of sweetness to their partner that they give almost all of their affection towards their boyfriend to the point of having none for themselves. I find this trait very disturbing because this is the one that leads to many unwanted circumstances, sufferings and hurts after that particular couple will break up. This also results the feeling on being inferior and hatred towards all of guys out there. This have its advantage too but is only existing if the affection towards your male partner would be True love which is most like not. And the last thing that I would cite is the tendency to choose her boyfriends rather than her friends or even her family. Sounds stupid right? But this is the reality that every girl must accept and realize. As I mentioned above, girls are really sensitive and very emotional, this will drive girls to select their boyfriends over their family and friends especially when that particular guy would reinforce his girl to select him. Girls do have this trait to be close minded to the opinions of her family and friends. The saying "love is blind" is very applicable in this particular scenario. To all girls out there, it is a good chance to know your weaknesses and tendencies so that you can avoid some or make it your strengths. But at the end of the day, we are what we are and we must accept these for they build the foundation of our personality and self.

Note: This are just observations of mine put into text and not a generalization of all females.

Life after death?

I am really not in the position or authority to blog about this topic but a certain classmate of mine requested for this one due to her curiosity regarding this thought.

Many people are really intrigue if there is really life after we die on this earth. Many scientist cannot give explanations and answers to this mind blowing question which existed for many centuries already. But lets just tackle this thought on the basis of FAITH.
According to Christian belief, life after death is the promised paradise of God to the human race. Through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross we are already saved from our sins and we are guaranteed to own that eternal life once we leave our earthly body. In Bhutan, Hinduism believe that people are subject to process called incarnation wherein people who dies will be reincarnated in another form it can be an animal, a plant or another person by means of another birth. This process will continue until the persons will reach a certain level of karma. And for Buddhist, almost the same principle is in action until a person reaches holiness. But I am not particular to other religion for I myself is a born Christian.
Going back to Christian's belief, some documentaries in Discovery channel mentioned that eternal life is a gift from GOD himself and not a prize to be gain from doing good deeds. Pretty complicated right? haha. In other words, according to that documentary, it is only God who decides who are people to be saved, we cannot gain or obtain that salvation by means of doing good things such as charity, preaching good news or living the ways according to the bible. Another interesting thought of my uncle who is a born again pastor in their church, is that salvation is already within our reach. That we can really say that "when I die, I will go to heaven", and that is the GOOD NEWS that we should tell other people.
There are various beliefs and explanations regarding life after death, even I cannot cite which is which or what to believe but one thing is concrete and true that our life here on earth is not permanent and this life is not ours. This life alone is already a great gift, beyond that would be more than enough, so lets not waste our life doing worthless things and start sharing and live with love.

Is it really love?

"Love is blind", "love can conquer all", "love is everything" these are the most common answer you will get when asking people to define love. But lets face it, this are just mere phrases where love is being used and not a solid definition of the said expression.
It is also a fact that definition of love varies from person to person depending on the individual who defines it, but one thing is sure, that love is really different from infatuation or mere admiration.
I asked many of my friends who have a gf/bf of what they feel towards their partner, and most of them answered they love them and they cannot live without their partner (this makes me laugh) :). But all of those happy and high moments with your mate will soon end for it is probable that you only felt that infatuation mentioned above, and when that time comes words of despair and regrets will flow out of your mouth and it is likely that you will curse that person who leaved you. I can't blame you for feeling that way because of the time and affection you dedicated to that person, but I can somehow tell you that it is a result of your misinterpretation. Because at the end of everyday, the situation you are in is a result of your past actions.
For most couples I had asked, when they met their lifetime partner they narrated that things were all of the sudden and unexpected. The saying love moves in mysterious way is really a thought in action for it is true also to my parents.Paring two persons who seems to be the exact opposite of the other but continue to love and prosper as they traverse they roads towards life. The best example I can give you are my parents, my father is kinda clumsy, very generous (to the highest level), but very sensitive when it comes to emotional things while my mother is very firm, having a tight grip to material things, wise and somehow not expressive when it comes to her feelings. Try also to compare the attitudes and traits of your parents or other couples you know and you will understand how love works. But for the meantime your not engage or married, be very tactful in things you do especially in making decisions that involve affection towards another person.

10 things boys think

Boys thinks:
1. that they can attract their crush by means of teasing and sometimes hurting them.
2. that the tiniest details and strand of their hair would affect their appearance.
3. that being handsome is all that matters.
4. that doing difficult stunts/ works would impress their girl.
5. that having much money would likely to attract a girl.
6. that having cool and modern gadgets would get a girl's attention.
7. that being tall would give them advantage.
8. that knowing how to play the guitar would be cool.
9. that having multiple girlfriends would satisfy them. and lastly
10. that almost everything would be settled by means of fighting/brawling.

Note: these descriptions is just a result of observations of most boys in our society
and not a generalization of males around the globe. :)

Things will find its way out

I have this Acer laptop purchased sometime 3years ago but its broke. One day, I decided to turn it on hoping it would start, miraculously it really did. Words of happiness and trash were overflowing from my mouth out of the joy I was experiencing. And out of a happy heart, I asked (actually forced :) )my parents for us to have an internet connection to maximize the use of laptop and for me to have some past time while on summer break. After agreeing to my proposal, then I'm off to city to go to the service center where I would apply for an internet connection, few days later the internet was already connected. "This is what I've always wanted", I said to myself. But at the peak of my joy, the laptop broke again for good. Thoughts of hatred and misery flooded my mind and the feeling of being played upon.It was pretty hard to tell my parents of what just happened but fortunately they reacted with some encouraging gestures.
It was April 13, 2012 (my birthday) and I decided to go to Davao for the laptop to be repaired there. After a week of waiting, the service center informed me that I would be asked to pay an estimated P15,000 for the repair which I know is impractical. I called my parents and informed them about that, then again with a optimistic thought they told me that we will just buy a new desktop to replace the broken laptop. And at this very moment, I'm typing this blog using the newly bought desktop :). This experience really soaked into my heart and mind for it teached me not just to trust in the Almighty but also to trust those people around you  for with patient heart and hopeful mind, things will find its way out.