Be yourself and Live your purpose

Independence Day

2025-10-15T01:14:00.000-04:00

Independence day 🎙️ Be.Live Special: "True Independence by Depending" For Philippine Independence Day 🎵 Featuring music clips from “Independence Day” by Barbie’s Cradle and “Isang Araw” kitchie nadal’s, a new single in celebration of freedom. 🎙️ Hi, this is Roca Cruz, and welcome to a special episode of Be.Live: Be Yourself and Live Your Purpose. Today is June 12 — Philippine Independence Day. On this day in 1898, the Filipino flag was first raised in Kawit, Cavite. After over 300 years under Spanish rule, our ancestors stood up and said, “We are free.” It was bold. Costly. And not without struggle. That declaration sparked a journey we’re still on today — as a nation, and as individuals. But let me tell you: Independence has never just been about waving a flag or watching a parade. For many of us, it’s deeply personal. It’s been wrestled with. It’s been misunderstood. And sometimes, it’s been lonely. So let me ask you something: What if true independence isn’t about doing everything on your own— but about learning who to trust? What if real freedom… is found in dependence? Dependence on truth. Dependence on purpose. And yes — dependence on God. 💔 i want to share MY STORY (music fades under your voice) I didn’t grow up with healthy authority. The authority I grew up with wasn’t stable. It was inconsistent, emotionally driven — rules were made in anger, then broken when it wasn’t convenient. And for a kid? That’s not just confusing… it’s damaging." Authority wasn’t something I could trust, It wasn’t a guide… It was something I had to endure. I remember being eight years old, already trying to figure out how to escape. I’d save my allowance, became a young entrepreneur, think of ways to escape . But it was never enough. I was scared that if I ran away, I’d end up on the streets. Homeless. Vulnerable. Maybe even forced into things no child should ever think about. So I came up with a plan. Long-term. Strategic. Save money. Be smart. Stay independent. If I could just be successful enough, no one could control me again. No one could hurt me again. That was my version of freedom: My rules. My life. And maybe for a while… it worked. I got things done. I looked strong. But behind the strength… I was tired. Behind the confidence… I was still scared and alone. Listeners.. I know I’m not alone. Because maybe you’ve done the same. You built walls. You chased success. You swore you’d never need anyone. But here’s the thing I learned the hard way— the thing no one really teaches us at home or in school: ✨ Success doesn’t heal wounds. You can be doing well on paper… and still feel broken inside. ✨ Rebellion doesn’t bring peace. It might make us feel in control, but it doesn’t make us whole. Eventually, being rebellious just leaves us angry, bitter, and alone. ✨ Being alone isn’t the same as being free. We grow up learning how to survive— how to perform, how to push forward— but no one really teaches us how to heal. How to trust. How to depend… in a way that leads to real peace. ✝️ THE SHIFT That’s what changed when I met Jesus. Not religion. Not rules. But a Person I could finally trust. He didn’t treat me like the others did. He didn’t punish me when I was weak. He didn’t demand I clean myself up before He’d love me. And for the first time, I didn’t have to hustle for love. I didn’t have to carry everything by myself. I didn’t have to keep running. That’s when I realized— real independence isn’t about doing life alone. It’s about depending on the One who never leaves. The One who brings peace, not pressure. Dependence on Jesus… that’s where I found real freedom. 🎯 REFLECTION So let me ask you again: Did you grow up around people who used power to harm? Have you been chasing freedom that still leaves you tired or angry? If your answer is yes—I see you. I lived that. But you don’t have to stay there. Your story doesn’t have to end in fear or isolation. You don’t have to be defined by rebellion when you were made for purpose. 🔥 CLOSING Independence Day isn’t just a national celebration—it’s a personal one. And today, I’m not celebrating doing it all alone. I’m celebrating the day I stopped running… and started depending. It’s time to surrender to the One who truly cares — Jesus. Not because you’re weak. But because you're finally free enough to choose a better way. Free to follow, not out of fear… but out of faith. Free to depend, not because you’re broken… but because you’re loved. Depending on His grace. Depending on His truth — the kind that doesn’t shift with moods or seasons. This is what independence means to me now: The freedom to live the right way… because I’m no longer afraid. So if you’re out there right now — carrying the weight alone, tired of fighting, worn out from surviving — I want to tell you: You don’t have to do it all by yourself anymore. Freedom isn’t found in doing everything alone. It’s found in knowing who you can trust.

Episode 1

2025-05-04T03:29:00.002-04:00

https://beyourselfandliveyourpurpose.podbean.com/e/the-title-of-episode_1/

Matthew Mateo Signs with Roca Cruz

2024-03-31T19:00:00.002-04:00

Eyes Future in Music Emerging artist

Matthew Mateo recently signed an Artist Management and publishing contract with Roca Cruz, a seasoned industry veteran and current President of Trimex Colleges. The signing, documented in photographs, signifies a new phase in Matthew’s musical journey, marked by his commitment to creating meaningful music for today's generation.

Upon signing, Matthew has already penned five original songs, showcasing his drive to craft tunes that resonate with listeners' hearts. His aspiration is clear: to write a song that will stand the test of time, becoming a legacy that defines his career and impacts the music scene deeply.

Matthew's enthusiasm for his craft is matched by Roca Cruz's proven record of guiding artists to greatness. With a fresh batch of original music and a clear vision for the future, Matthew is set to make waves under Roca's experienced management.

#matthewmateo

#rocacruz

Meet my new artist Matthew Mateo

2024-03-18T23:17:00.003-04:00

In the vibrant tapestry of contemporary music, few artists manage to truly stand out with a unique sound and an undeniable passion for their craft. Matthew Mateo, a dynamic and self-taught musician, is one such rarity. His musical journey is a captivating saga of raw emotion, versatile performances, and an unyielding dedication that transcends the conventional pathways of the music industry.

A Broad Spectrum of Musical Styles

Matthew's music is a rich mosaic, showcasing a broad spectrum of styles influenced by a variety of genres. From the soul-stirring rhythms of jazz to the raw energy of rock, the heartfelt melodies of pop, and beyond, his work is a testament to the diverse influences that he seamlessly blends into his own unique sound. This eclectic approach not only defines his musical identity but also resonates with a wide audience, each finding a piece of themselves within his melodies.

A Journey Through Music

Matthew's history in music is as rich and diverse as his sound. With experience as both a solo performer and a band instrumentalist, he brings an unparalleled passion and depth to his craft. His journey involves expressing a wide range of emotions, both through original compositions and captivating covers that breathe new life into familiar tunes. Driven and independent, Matthew has navigated through various challenges from his early years, proving that dedication and love for music can overcome any obstacle.

Beyond the Notes: Matthew's Life and Inspiration

While professionally trained as a petroleum engineer, Matthew's true calling has always been music. His life's journey, encompassing both the heights of joy and depths of sorrow, is vividly reflected in his lyrical narratives and melodic expressions. It's this authenticity and raw emotion that make his music not just heard, but felt deeply by those who listen.

"Alpas": A New Musical Chapter

Currently, Matthew is promoting his latest song, "Alpas" - a track that encapsulates his journey, struggles, and triumphs. "Alpas" symbolizes liberation and the breaking of chains that hold one back, mirroring Matthew's own leap from a conventional career to following his musical dreams.

Connect with Matthew Mateo

Don't miss out on the chance to explore Matthew Mateo's musical world. Follow him on his journey, listen to his stories, and be part of the emotions he weaves through his songs. Connect with him through the following platforms:

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2v4R29EsvorwgULPlLDR3M?si=TwnRkFE-Sx6Htz0YRFscXg

Social Media Links

Instagram: #Matthewmateo

Facebook: Matthew Mateo

Matthew Mateo's musical voyage is a vivid reminder of the power of passion and the unbreakable bond between a musician and his craft. As he continues to explore and evolve, his music remains a beacon of inspiration and emotion, touching hearts and souls across the globe. Join him on this journey and be part of the magic that is Matthew Mateo's music.

Kitchie worshiping with the homeless 2009

2019-10-15T03:04:00.000-04:00

His name is romano..

Wishbeer craft bankok

2019-10-15T01:15:00.001-04:00

I super love craft beer.. So when I travel I try the local craft beer brew.

I'm in wishbeer craft beer bar Bangkok Thailand. I'm trying out Cha LA Wan (crocodile) pale ale. It's full bodied, not so bitter. Yum!

Vlogging using warm lights

2019-10-05T03:40:00.001-04:00

Vlogging using warm lights

Trying this blogger app

2019-10-05T00:33:00.001-04:00

Il be traveling again soon and this blogger app might help me to post more content.
Hope it wil be more convent for me to blog 😇😊❤️

Interview with Gina Lopez Chairman of Abs Cbn Foundation October 2014

2019-10-04T03:11:00.001-04:00

This interview is for my class Renewal and change in Education.

Gina Lopez shares her passion regarding education :)

My notes on my Myanmar- Bagan and Inle lake

2016-11-10T08:36:00.001-05:00

Travelled from Manila to Yangon (Singapore Airlines $200 roundtrip) then Yangon to Bagan.

Bought an MPT sim card with 1G data. 7,000 kyat for the sim $3 for the load.

Took a Yangon airport taxi to bus station only 5000 kyat. Don't take the taxi drivers out side, they are over priced.

Yangon to Bagan by JJ express bus. 1x1x1 seater ($20.99)The bus ride was long but bearable. Comfortable seats and the bus had a toilet. It was cold so bring a jacket and a bonnet. The bus company provided a blanket, snacks, water and a neck pillow.

- Bagan taxi to hotel 8T kyat to Shwe Na Di Guest House ( private room with bathroom $27) double occupancy. loved it. Breakfast was filling.

2. In Bagan
2nd day
Pictures

1st day I went around Horse cart $20. 10 pagodas

Lunch 4T kyat set meal of friend fish, chicken curry, mutton curry, pork curry vegetables. Watermelon

- beware i was dupped to buy a souvenir for $20, oh well.

Great breakfast at the hotel. Watermelon, plantain bananas, coffee, toast with jam and samosas.

Lunch next door for 1000 kyat noodles soup, very good. Small serving perfect for me.

sunset river bike ride with Grashopper. The ride was moderately difficult for me because of the muddy roads. The guide was helpful very informative.

Had dinner with thai ladies on vacation. Salad and beer for 3T kyat.

Took the bus to inle. Hard to sleep..

Taking the bus to Inle Lake. Bus searing is 1x1x1. The best seating for long bus rides.

3. INLE Lake.

3rd day checked inn at Sweet Inn at 430am. They let me check in early with no extra charge. Also they offered free breakfast. The breakfast opened 7am. I had the traditional breakfast sticky noodle soup. It was new to me, tasted good. This breakfast comes with a pot of coffee and fruits.

15000 or $13 solo for the inle river tour. Silver smith, market, monastery, long neck women, burmese cat breeding propagation.

I couldn't really look at the long neck women because i have neck problems.. so looking at them makes my neck hurt.

Back to the No-poo and No-soap

2016-04-01T05:33:00.000-04:00

Im back to no-poo and no soap!
I did this as a challenge 2010 for 6 months and loved it. I was using baking soda and vinegar alternately. The result was softer hair, softer and clean feeling skin, no need to use lotions.

I stopped doing it after six months, and now 2016 I'm going to use apple cider vinegar for my hair and skin. I am hoping i can do this for a year.

Manila -Spain - Lisbon our itinerary including our budget May 2015

2016-01-01T21:41:00.001-05:00

Spain and Lisbon Itinerary
April 30,2015- May 19,2015


Date	Time
April 30,2015	7.30 am	Arrive in Barcelona Airport
		via Qatar Airways Flight:QR 137

	10.15am	Leave for Seville on board
		Vueling Flight: VY2228
		Terminal 1

	11.50 am	Arrive Seville, take taxi to
		Pension Cordoba
		www.pensioncordoba.com/en/
		(Euro 75 per night triple occupancy)
May 3,2015	9.00 am	Check Out

	10.00am	Go to Plazade Armas
		Take Bus to Granada on board
		Alsa Bus (euro 31.98 per person)

	1.00 pm	Arrive Granada take taxi to
		Las Casita del Corralion
		www.hotelsantaisabellareal.com
		(Euro 297 triple occupancy for 3 nights)
		Get Skip the line ticket to Alhambra
May 6,2015	7.00 am	Check Out
		Take Day Trip via Bus to
		Cordoba
	9.00 pm	Take Alsa Bus to Lisbon
		(euro72.6 per person)
		On board Alsa Bus overnight bus
May 7,2015	6.30 am	Arrive Lisbon Sete Rios
		Take taxi to
		Local Amigo Lisbon
		email: local.amigo.lisboa@gmail.com
		(Euro 257.08 quad occupancy for 4 nights)
May 11,2015	5.00 am	Check Out , go to Lisbon Airport
		Terminal 2
	7.00 am	Leave for Madrid on board
		Easy Jet flight: 7611
	9.20 am	Arrive in Madrid Terminal 1
		Take taxi to
		Madrid Smart Rental
		(Euro 256 triple occupancy for 3 nights)

May 14,2015	6.00am	Check Out
	8.20 am	Leave for Barcelona
		Madrid-Puerta De Atocha
		Train# 03282
	10.05 am	Arrive Barcelona Sants
		Check In: Apartment Balmes
		(Euro 577 triple occupancy for 5 nights)
		email: ap.balmes@gmail.com

May 19,2015	6..00 am	Check Out
		Leave for Manila,Philippines
		from Barcelona Airport
		via Qatar Airways
	11.00AM	Flight: QR138

Turkey 3

2016-01-01T21:13:00.001-05:00

Arrived Pamukale at 430am. Artemis Hotel had a great FREE service of picking up tourist at the bus stop and allowing us to wait and stay in their hotel lobby waiting for our hotels to open for check in. Their breakfast cost 10TL

Check in at Melrose House Hote l

PamukMahallesi,ValiVekfiErtürk, Denizli, 20280

Cad. No:8, Pamukkale

Property Information: +90 258 272 22 50

September 14

Leave for Selcuk (Ephesus)Bus leave 730pm

Arrive Selcuk 11pm

Or There are every 2 hours buse s from bodrum to Se lcuk or kusadasi via Aydin.

Check in at Tuncay Pension

IsabeyMah. Sehitpolis Metin Tavaslıoglu Cad No:13, 35920 Selcuk, Turkey (Ephesus)

Whole day tour in Ephesus

1. Ephesus Museum

September 15

Leave for Istanbul

930 pm from Kusadasi / Selcuk otogar

September 16

arrive 8am istanbul

Turkey trip 2

2016-01-01T21:13:00.000-05:00

Day 2

September 10
Arrive Goreme and stayed in Emre's stone hotel
love the hotel its value for money!

Tour van

Turkey Epic Trip 1

2014-10-07T08:45:00.000-04:00

My Epic Journey

My detailed itinerary:
Day 1

September 8

Singapore Airlines

MNL-SIN6:50pm

SIN-IST1:35AM

September 9, 2014

Arrive Istanbul 745am

Money change for tram to Otogar.. $20

Cost of Metro to Otogar is TL4 coins

From the Airport I took the metro directly to Otogar (Main Bus Terminal) last stop.

I arrived at the heart of Istanbul's Büyük Otogar (Main Intercity Bus Terminal), bought my tickets for the night from the Metro Turizm office, and left my luggage at the luggage storage room at the Otogar (Main Bus Terminal).

Took the metro and went around Istanbul City for 8 hours.

figs!

revelation while resting

Bosphorus

Espresso

Love the coffee

Hamam that helped allot

lunch

love this!

Taksim Square

Bus

My legs were cramping from all the walking and just using the time to get to allot of places. I downloaded apps like Istanbul Public Transportation and Spending Tracker.
At around 6pm i went back to the Otogar had dinner and rested by 8pm boarded the overnight bus to Goreme.

Osaka, Japan December 2013

2014-08-31T08:08:00.001-04:00

Haven't updated my blog since April 2013..

Traveling to OSAKA, Japan was fun!!
Getting a visa wasn't difficult either, check out eager traveller's blog and follow her steps super easy!
here's the link

Our itinerary was made by my sister rosan you can check her blog she posts interesting stuff.

Get rid of offense

2013-04-14T09:02:00.000-04:00

http://www.xpmedia.com/embed/5957

My Statement of Faith

2013-04-09T10:01:00.000-04:00

I BELIEVE:

The Bible to be the only inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God.
John 16:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 Thessalonians 2:13

That there is one God, eternally existent in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10, 11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22; John 14:16

In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ,
John 1:1, 14; 20:28-29; Philippians 2:6-11; Isaiah 9:6; Colossians 2:9

His virgin birth,
Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:34-35; Isaiah 7:14

His sinless life,
2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26-27; 1 John 3:5; 1 Peter 2:22

His miracles,
Matthew 4:23; Luke 6:17-19; John 3:2

His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood,
Colossians 1:14, 20; Romans 5:8-9; Ephesians 1:7

His bodily resurrection,
1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Luke 24:4-7; 36-48; Revelation 1:17-18

His ascension to the right hand of the Father,
Acts 2:33, 5:30-31; 1 Peter 3:22
and in His personal return in power and in glory.
Acts 1:11; Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:13-18; John 14:1-3

That justification by faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for the salvation of lost and sinful man.
Romans 3:24-25; John 3:3-7; 1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 2:1-16; Revelation 5:9; Acts 4:12; 1 Corinthians 6:11

The prime agency for the work of God's Kingdom is the Christian local church functioning under the sovereignty of our Lord Jesus Christ. To the church have been entrusted the ordinances of Believer's Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Acts 2:41-47; 16:4-5; Matthew 16:18; 28:18-20; Ephesians 1:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

In the present ministry of the Holy Spirit which includes: the Baptism in the Holy Spirit as an experience distinct from regeneration; His indwelling, by which the Christian is enabled to live a godly life; His supernatural gifting and empowering of the Church for its work, life and worship.
Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4; 10:44-46; 1 Corinthians 12, 14

In the return of Jesus Christ, to consummate His Kingdom, in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; those who are saved unto the resurrection of life, and those who are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
John 5:28-29; Mark 14:62; 2 Thessalonians 1:2-10; Revelation 1:5-7; 20:4-5; 11-12

In the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
John 17:11, 21-23; Romans 12:4-5; Ephesians 4:11-16

Shangahi December 2012

2013-01-20T06:56:00.003-05:00

Traveling is fun but with family, its super bonding fun!

Here are some pictures of Shanghai with family!! Its been a long time since our last bonding time and I feel this will be one of many excursions.

landed! with rosan

Group arrival picture

On the way yo our hotel via subway

Hotel lobby

super great room!

one of the many chinglish signs in shanghai

"do not disturb"

Bamboo shoots with edamane FAV!

Must eat here resto!!!

yummy spicy lemon margarita

One of the best trips I had..

I Stand by His Grace

2013-01-20T06:24:00.000-05:00

I have heard various accusations that plagued me.

I take intermittent steps back and review my life and, more importantly, the motives of my heart for every move I make. The cull of leadership is not easy; neither are the pioneering efforts demanded of me before as school administrator and talent manager and now as a human resource manager. Many times, the trek can be lonely and only those who fly in similar worlds with the same altitude grasp the dynamics of what I go through.

I have learned that I am not so important as to be able to control people or take advantage of them, as some are inclined to think. I churn my job knowing that, if I do less, others who take the trek with me will slide down.

I have learned that, in this tough business, one can't fake the preaching without the life that backs it up. Often, the backing up is not seen by the public eye, and it doesn't matter.

I have learned that I bark loudly not because I am better, but, precisely because I've been down on the ground probably more than most. In that, there is no room for self-righteousness.

I have learned that my attention span is too short to be capable of the machinations of spiritual manipulation because everything I breathe goes against that very grain. I speak the truth, sometimes straight out, because the deception and lying found in everyday life are just so distasteful that the specks of truth blurted out need to find their voices against the noise of propaganda called "denial".

No one likes accusations, but, if they be part of this trek, I thank my God for permitting them because they keep my feet on the ground. I am thankful for real friends who hold the ropes with me and those who have gone this path ahead of me who serve as examples of how to stand, even alone.

Nope, the trek ain't easy. But, I stand. By His grace, that's a promise.

Faith Goals 2013

2013-01-11T03:35:00.003-05:00

I have been doing faith goals for 18years and the main theme of my goals are "What I want to do or what I want to have." God answered my faith goals (a yes or a no) but when i think of my life I have accumulated and exercised a faith that is based on looking out, a faith of doing...a faith of having...

This 2013 I have changed my faith goals to a faith of being... these are the goals I feel I need to have in the inside.

Here are my faith goals (not necessary in order):

1. Deliberately live a healthy life, a conviction from within. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, keep it fit. I want to be able to live and enjoy life as I age.

2. Honest/ Transparent "be transparent... bad things grow in the dark" Living a lie or lying is robbing myself of the truth. Trust binds relationships, so by always being honest I can trust myself and others can trust me.

3. Wisdom- My prayer is that I will have wisdom and the will be known for my wisdom.

4. Humility in everything I have done and will do - i want to remain humble.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— may I always remember this verse.

5. Generosity.

6. Faithful to finish what I have started.

What eats you?

2012-11-10T20:33:00.003-05:00

It's not just what you eat that matters, it's what eats you. You can have all the right macrobiotics and organic food, but if your body is filled with resentment, worry, fear, lust, guilt, anger, bitterness, or any other emotional disease, it's going to shorten your life.

Photos of Coron Palwan

2012-10-18T02:45:00.004-04:00

Love this place!

Immanuel God with us

2012-09-10T08:58:00.000-04:00

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23

I used to find myself trying to pursue God, that in my waking hours I focus my strength to obey and be my best for God, yet I always fail miserably.
I realized that I was pursuing God as if He was far from me...
Not long ago, I had this revelation from Matthew 1:23 that God is in me....Emmanuel. I can fulfill (in obedience to His will) the plans God Has for me, no more struggle, just focus on today's daily tasks. Not to fear not to fret, but to enjoy God in me and the freedom to obey because He loves me and I love Him. I can never love God more than He loves me, so I can relax.

Verses that comfort me:
Psalm 33:10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
Romans 8:31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Isaiah 43:5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.
Jeremiah 46:28 Do not fear, O Jacob my servant, for I am with you," declares the LORD. "Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only with justice; I will not let you go entirely unpunished."
Isaiah 46:4 I will be your God throughout your lifetime--until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.

Discipling me

2012-08-15T11:19:00.003-04:00

web photo

Discipleship doesn’t just happen in the church

To make disciples, we must go and we must make. To go requires movement and to make requires creativity. Discipleship is central here. God incarnated in Jesus Christ the perfect example of how to do this. Christ developed godly character in others.

Our authority to disciple comes from Christ! You’re not alone

Jesus didn’t offer his final instructions and then just left us to it. We have a promise from Christ that he is with us always! That means when you’re facing a discipleship challenge that seems insurmountable, Christ is with you by his Holy Spirit. When your parent seems completely uninterested in your life, Christ is with you. When you bring the new church van back with a dent shaped like a frightened cow, Christ is with you. Always.

Donita Sabater singing Deciphering Me cover by Brooke Fraser