The Bernel Zone

Top 10 Comic Book Publishers

2012-01-28T00:27:00.003+08:00

I love comic books. I credit comic books as one of the reasons I started loving literature since it is the first form of literature that ever caught my interest. As far as I can remember, comic books have always been part of my life. Thanks to my father who was fond of them, I was introduced to comic books. Before I was able to purchase comic books on my own, he was the one who made the purchases (reading them before handing them to me). I grew up loving comic books – loving them more than my father ever did.

In my years of reading and collecting comic books, I’ve come across a variety of genres, titles, and styles of this literary medium. Listed below are the top 10 comic book publishers that have produced the most beloved characters, stories, and titles that have given me great delight in my comic book reading. By the way, this list didn’t consider the publishers that have printed compilations of newspaper cartoon strips in paperback or volume form; only traditional publishers of such in the form of comic books, magazines or digests, and graphic novels are considered.

10.) HARVEY COMICS ENTERTAINMENT

Harvey published stories of kid-friendly characters like Felix the Cat, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Richie Rich, and Hot Stuff, to name a few. Aside from their original characters, the company also published comic books depicting other characters from other properties like Stone Protectors, Beethoven, Hanna-Barbera characters, Alvin & the Chipmunks, Popeye, Beetle Bailey, and even Ultraman. I have enjoyed Harvey so much because you can find in it most of the immortal children cartoon icons outside of Warner Bros. (Bugs Bunny and friends) and Walt Disney (Mickey and Friends).

9.) THE BRUCE HAMILTON COMPANY (GLADSTONE IMPRINT)

This company was popular for publishing beloved Walt Disney stories – most prominently adventures by Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge. Though this wasn’t the publisher in which I got the most Walt Disney comic books (see no. 6). My most favorite was the well-written mini-series chronicling the early days of Scrooge McDuck as he builds his business empire.

8.) ISLAS FILIPINAS PUBLISHING CO., INC. (PILIPINO FUNNY KOMIKS)

It was my father who introduced to me and bought for me most of my early childhood comic books. However, these comic books were American ones. It was my mother who introduced me to Filipino comic books. She was the one who would buy me the weekly Filipino-made children comics such as “Bata Batuta” and “Pilipino Funny Komiks”. The latter – which was published by Islas Filipinas Publishing Co., Inc. – was my favorite.

The Filipino comic book industry, in the present, is more or less extinct. If there are still Filipino-made comic books out there, it is published by indie publishers and does not enjoy wide distribution around the entire Philippines. But back in my childhood, Filipino comic books – romance, horror, or children – can be purchased easily from newsstands. During those glory days of Filipino comics, I would excitedly wait for each new issue of “Funny Komiks” that comes out each week. I would bug my mother to buy it for me.

Each issue of “Funny Komiks”, though had included some one-shot stories once in a while, contained serial titles like “Bananaman”, “Tomas En Kules”, “Combatron”, “Tinay Pinay”, “Eklok”, “Bamper”, “Dragon Force” and “Planet Opdi Eyps” to name some. Each issue is cheap but the art quality was mediocre. The humor and stories, however, were very special and Filipino. I have collected it and enjoyed it very much because of, probably, merely due to the sentiment of it being a Filipino children’s comic book.

7.) ARCHIE COMICS

The charm of Archie Comics is its interesting gang of characters – especially Jughead – and its timelessness. It follows no concrete continuity, thus, it is free to evolve with the time, without a change of age or setting. Writers were able to enjoy the flexibility of depicting Archie and friends in different creative adventures, not only in the traditional way, but also in alternate settings like “Archie 1” (cavemen), “Little Archie” (when the gang were still kids), and “Archie’s Weird Mysteries” (supernatural events in Riverdale). At the present, there is even this mindblowing series where the scenarios of Archie being married to Veronica and Archie being married to Betty are explored side-by-side – plenty of mysteries and heavy drama.

Aside from Archie and gang, Archie Comics also have “Josie and the Pussycats” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch”, and it’s implied that they are in the same universe with Archie and friends. Archie Comics also ventured with superheroes (Mighty Crusaders) and published stories featuring other properties like “Sonic the Hedgehog”.

6.) UNIVERSAL RECORDS PUBLISHING

During the 90’s – the decade which I spent most of my childhood – Universal Records ventured into licensing American comic book properties and re-publishing them here in the Philippines, selling them in more affordable prices.

The first comic book series they published that I encountered was the “Mickey Mouse & Friends Comics”, which – as the title suggests – contained stories featuring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and the rest of the Disney gang. I think I was able to get all of these comics as published by Universal Records. I would buy (or rather, my parents would do so for me) as soon as a new issue comes out. Universal Records would go on publishing other Disney comics as well, like comic book novelization of some Disney movies. (Aside from Universal Records, another publisher – A-Z Group – republished Disney comics during those times. Got a few comic books from that publisher also, but most of my Disney comics are from Universal Records). Then, Universal Records started publishing “X-Men Adventures” (based on the hit 90’s X-Men TV show) next. And as time went on, more and more titles by Marvel Comics, Dark Horse, and Wildstorm were licensed and republished by Universal Records.

Though Universal Records doesn’t license and republish American comic book titles anymore, I am grateful of their run during the 90’s, allowing comic book fans like me to get exposed to more comic books in an inexpensive way.

5.) CULTURE CRASH COMICS

I thought CCCom would be the savior of the Filipino comic book industry. But in the end, like other Filipino comic books, it ended up dying.

But during its run, boy, it was glorious. Its titles – “One Day, Isang Diwa”, “Pasig” (my favorite), “Cat’s Tail”, “Solstice Butterfly”, and, later on to replace a “Solstice Butterfly” in hiatus, “Kuburi Kikiam” – were compelling and well-written. The art was beautiful. And though the art was manga influenced, the stories and cultural identity remained to be very Filipino.

CCCom’s run of 2000-2004 was plagued with economic and schedule issues for the creators. That’s why they were always late in their release schedule and were only able to publish 15 and a half (a special, non-continuity collector’s edition issue 5.5) volumes in their four years. I have all but one and a half of the volumes; I wasn’t able to get issue 14 and that special 5.5 (though I have read them through friends).

The financial problems were too much for the creators that they had to cease publishing CCCom. It was terrible since all of the stories never had conclusions (they were probably never even half-way yet!), thus, I wasn’t able to know how the stories turned out to be.

4.) CROSS GENERATION ENTERTAINMENT (CROSSGEN)

Too bad the company got bankrupt. I really believed they have something special. Instead of having a universe or multi-verse occupied with superheroes, Crossgen’s multi-verse had sci-fi and fantasy elements. Crossgen’s universes, which Crossgen’s various titles explored, were exceptionally different from each other but are still somehow connected. The common theme among the universes/titles is the Sigil-bearers, special and gifted individuals powered by a Sigil (the Crossgen logo). However, though the titles (universes) shared this common factor, they rarely crossed over with each other.

My favorite Crossgen title was “Ruse” which featured Simon Achard, a Sherlock Holmes-esque detective in a Victorian fantasy setting. “Ruse” was finely written and Achard was a finely created character, making him one of my mostfavorite comic book characters ever.

3.) DARK HORSE COMICS

Living up to its name, Dark Horse Comics is indeed the dark horse among comic book giants. Dark Horse’s titles were great alternatives to the usual superhero-themed titles by DC and Marvel. Dark Horse doesn’t concentrate much on superhero titles, though they have Hellboy and the Mask – if you would like to consider them as traditional superheroes (they aren’t).

Dark Horse is well-known for licensing TV or movie properties and printing comic book stories out of them. Their most popular of such were Star Wars, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Alien, and Predator comic books. Aside from these, Dark Horse also published manga (translated and flipped) and indie or creator-owned comic books, the most popular being Sin City (by Frank Miller).

2.) DC COMICS, INC.

DC is the home of Batman and Superman. That reason alone is enough for putting DC in the no. 2 spot. But aside from that, it can’t be denied that DC created some of the most popular comic book characters out there. Moreover, DC printed Alan Moore’s “Watchmen”, one of the greatest stories in literature ever written.

Right now, as an attempt to make their comics more accessible to newer readers (and, also, to beat Marvel in comic sales), they did a major overhaul of their universes, continuity, and timeline, informally calling this event as the DCnU. Origins were changed. Costumes were redesigned. Massive retcons were made. And the Wildstorm universe was formally merged with the DC universe. All titles started with no.1. Personally, I still can’t judge if this is an awesome or disastrous move for DC (though they were able to finally beat Marvel in sales). I’m still in “wait and see” mode.

1.) MARVEL WORLDWIDE, INC. (MARVEL COMICS)

Since DC was number two, it’s obvious already that Marvel will get the top spot. More than half of my comic book collection is made up of Marvel comic books. In general, I find Marvel Comic’s characters, history, and storylines richer and more fascinating than DC’s. Thanks largely to the legendary Stan Lee, Marvel created such iconic characters as Spider-Man (my most fave), the X-Men, the Avengers, and the Fantastic Four. Though DC’s Superman and Batman are still the most iconic comic book characters, Marvel’s quantity and quality (in general) of iconic characters are more than DC’s (in my opinion).

Top 10 Highlights of 2011 (in My Life)

2012-01-15T23:43:00.004+08:00

2011 was awesome for me. I’m not saying it was perfect and painless, but it was generally good and happy. Yes, it had been awesome (even though the Lakers’ failed to threepeat. At least, the hated Miami Heat didn’t win the championship either). My 2010 – my first full year as an adult – was great and filled with highlights. But my 2011 upped it significantly. Keeping my fingers crossed for this pattern to continue with each succeeding year – that each year would be even better than the prior one.

For my year summary for 2011, I’m going to do it in a “top 10” format. For a change. Also, lazy to write all the 2011 highlights worth recording in a year summary essay.

10.) “ANGRY BIRDS” IS THE GAME I PLAYED MOST DURING THE YEAR (“RETIRING” FROM GAMING)

As one grows older, his free time (and energy) for his hobbies and interests lessens. And when he only has limited free time, he has to choose which among these hobbies and interests are his favorites or most advantageous on which he will spend the available free time he has. This reality slowly applies to me. Now there are a lucky few which this doesn’t apply, especially those who found careers in their hobbies. Well, good for them, but most of us aren’t that fortunate. This depletion of free time for hobbies and interests come about to someone due to growing responsibilities (like career or family). Or finding activities that one thinks to be more worthwhile than them – not necessary more enjoyable, just more worthwhile. Or even because of finding new hobbies and interests that one derives more happiness from (to be fair, this is somehow a reason in my case. See no. 1). Or just plain outgrowing them.

Now, I’m a person of many interests and several hobbies. And one of my hobbies is gaming. Ever since I was a kid, there is some form of gaming that I waste my time on – Nintendo (through the Family Computer console), arcades, and – mostly – PC. But because of the sad reality that one loses more and more free time and the energy to go with it when one grows older, gaming was the first real hobby that took the hit. Other hobbies and interests are affected too (still got a pile of books I got in 2011 that I haven’t read yet) but gaming was the first “casualty”.

Well, it started slowly. In the first place, gaming is such a time-consuming (aside from being greatly enjoyable, modern gaming is a sport. You need to practice hard to be competitive), addictive, and expensive hobby that it would take only take some time before I realize that I – in my current condition – can’t afford such hobby. In my latter part of college, I found myself stopping playing in Internet Cafes though I had still played at home. But from that point, my gaming started to decline. I started settling with only flash games and Facebook applications, like “Mafia Wars” (was hooked for three years). Then in 2011, I realized they eat too much of my Internet time and free time, that I stopped playing “Mafia Wars” and the others. That stopped my gaming altogether. Uh, maybe I played one or two retro games (i.e. PC games of my childhood, Windows ’95 stuff) during the year, but those games are finished in a few hours. I played maybe some online Texas Hold ‘Em Up, too, but not as much as I do before. Though, I did get hooked with “Angry Birds” and played it for weeks, but only until I got most of the golden books. The bottomline is I didn’t spend the type of time that gamers significantly spend on playing games.

In 2011, I “retired” from significant gaming (kind of sad, really, but necessary).

9.) EXPERIENCED DINING IN A CLASS RESTAURANT

Last March 2011, my parents celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary. They decided to bring my sister and me along with them to dine at, definitely, the best restaurant of the city (which is the restaurant of the best hotel in the city). Crossroads is the name of the place (and St. Ellis is the name of the hotel). Prior to dining there, I never had such eating experience before as what I had experienced there. The restaurant is not exactly 5-star, suit-and-tie fancy, but could be the closest thing to fine dining we have here in Legazpi. It had been awesome.

I was actually hesitant to enter since I was wearing just a T-shirt, jeans, and slippers. But since the security guard and our “maître d'” (if I dare to sound fancy) didn’t drive me away, I, with great haste, went to conceal myself at our table. The appetizer part of the meal – bread sticks with oil and then tempura salad – had been delightful already. The main dishes ordered – some BBQ and beef and I forget the rest – were fantastically delicious and enough to stuff me (who probably is the one with the biggest appetite in the family). The mango (I think) shake was great. But it was the truffles which had been really special – one of the best, if not the best, desserts I ever had. There were also some live music, and my father asked me to request Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” The singers were real pros.

After that experience, I promised that, as much as possible (the promise won’t apply if someone again decides to treat me there), I would only return to that place when I finally get the sufficient success in life needed that allows me to afford inviting anybody there and to wear the appropriate clothing.

Got myself another goal in life.

8.) EARNING A PAYCHECK FROM AN EIGHT-TO-FIVE JOB

From sometime in 2010 to August 2011, I derive income from tutoring Koreans and being a teacher-monitor in our church’s school. It was decent income, but it wasn’t exactly from an “eight-to-five” kind of job that is in line with what my course in college prepared me for. I’m no teacher. I could have stayed there, but I wanted to try some other work – something in an office environment.

By September, I got that kind of job. Nothing fancy. Just as a humble accounting clerk (in my alma mater). It’s not even a permanent position, just by job order. Still, it was the “eight-to-five” experience that I wanted. And the main upside is such non-permanent position allows me to have some flexibility and no full commitments. I could leave (or be fired) anytime, to look for the next step in my life as part of the work force, until I finally get my calling – the vocation I was meant to do and be productive on for the rest of my life.

7.) GOT A PASSPORT

I only own two valid IDs. First (which I had gotten in 2010) is a postal ID and the second is the passport I have obtained this year. I got a passport, not because of a soon and certain possibility or plan of going abroad, but my father just asked me to get a passport for the sake of owning a passport. So, for now, it serves as an ID. A very expensive ID. (Note: My voter’s ID takes too long to get released!)

But I believe that God has a purpose for everything. When God has a plan or a gift for someone, He first equips and prepares him for it. And this passport could be a preparation for a future blessing of God. This passport will expire in 5 years (2016) and I have a great feeling – very optimistic – that sometime within this 5-year period, God will bless me the experience of visiting a foreign land.

6.) PERFORMING IN A BIG STAGE

I am no stranger to performing in concerts or in front of big crowds. Both in school and church activities, for years, I was able to perform. Even just this year, we (my band) were able to perform in several events, both local and out of town. But all of these are nothing compared to what I experienced this year at Will Graham’s “Celebration of Hope” that was held at Pili, Camarines Sur. It was like being part of the Big Leagues.

It was a major event. There were celebrity guests performing and giving testimonies. There were a professional stage and equipment. There were pro roadies to assist you and other sound support. There were cameramen. There were directors. And there were thousands in the audience. The environment was like of that a concert of an international act.

Prior to the event, there were auditions around the Bicol region for local artists (that’s how they termed it) good enough to perform at the event. And our church was blessed to have the chance of sending about four acts to that event (moreover, our church’s talents also participated in two “heralding” events – which occurred weeks prior – for the “Celebration of Hope” event). One of the acts was our band, Floodgates. We opened for the Day 2 – April 29 – concert. As the front act, it seemed we were used as “sound check” for the technicians to properly mix the sound and equipment for the acts ahead of us. Still, it was a wonderful experience and exhilarating for us. And according to the response, our performance had been powerful.

Happy we were given a copy of the official video of it (private or individual video taking was not allowed during the event).

Aside from the great experience of performing on the big stage, there were other wonderful experiences as well at the back stage. There were conversations and fellowship with other performers. But my most favorite backstage experience was being a few feet away from Barbie Almalbis. I was walking alone and she, with an assistant, was walking opposite me. I greeted her a “good evening” and she acknowledged with a smile and nod. Such regret I have that I didn’t ask to have my picture taken with her (all because I don’t have a blasted camera with me).

I thank God for the chance he had given to glorify Him through such glorious manner.

5.) FROM GUITARIST TO KEYBOARDIST

At the later part of the year, the keyboardist of our band has to excuse himself from the band because of his work. His work schedule disallows him from joining our gigs, practices, and Sunday service. Thus, there is a void in the keyboardist spot. And the band leader asked me to fill the void.

Before this, I only play keyboard during the Wednesday night and Friday night services in our church. But now I have to be the keyboardist in all church services and band performances.

It’s always fun to make music and play with a band no matter what the instrument I play, but I love the guitar the most above all the instruments I can somehow play. I love being a guitarist. I have been a guitarist for years. But I have to lay down the beloved guitar and have to embrace the keyboard. For the good of the band. I have to be the keyboardist until our original keyboardist comes back or a new keyboardist joins the band. I’m not certain if I will be returned as a guitarist or be a keyboardist from now on, but I will be faithful to this new role that has been given to me. (Praying for a personal keyboard to practice on at home. Need to be the best keyboardist I can possibly be.)

4.) MISSION TRIP TO MANILA

My first ever mission trip was a wonderful experience. Many first times. Plenty of enjoyment. And overflowing with God’s grace. Some highlights:

We went to Manila via air plane. It was my first plane ride since I was ten years old. And we went back home via air plane as well. I now have a total of four plane trips under my belt in my lifetime.
We went ice skating and it was my first time. Really don’t know how. And we finished our skating session without me learning at all.
We watched “Thor” in 3-d.
We performed a set of performances in the church that invited us.
We went to several places, most notably the Chinese cemetery. I have been to Manila many times since I was a kid that I already lost count how many times. But it was my first time at that Chinese cemetery. Funny how the mausoleums there are more beautiful and bigger than most Filipinos’ houses (including mine).
I ate my first Burger King burger. Man, it was the biggest burger I have ever eaten. First time I got stuffed by one burger.
Stayed at the home of Pastor Ko, our host, during our first night and stayed at a hotel for the second.
Visited several book stores. Saw several graphic novels (rare to find graphic novels in Legazpi). But didn’t see anything worth buying among the expensive literature being sold there.
Great bonding time (see no. 1).

3.) MY SITE'S 5TH ANNIVERSARY

In May 2011, http://bernel.blogspot.com had its 5th anniversary. I’ve been blogging longer than that (6 years blogging in 2011), but this is where I have spent most of my blogging days. It had been a splendid writing experience during all those years. As I’ve said in the 5th anniversary post of this site:

“I made this blog to house most of my written works. Later on, I would also use it to archive my videos and host my photo albums. But initially and primarily, this blog was for my writings. I wanted to create a form of ‘autobiography’ of myself through my writing and discussion of various topics (and, now, also through the photo albums of my life and videos) and not just explicit journal-type writings of what happen in my life. I write about all things that interest me or what was on my mind at a particular time, and through these, a reader might catch a glimpse of who Bernel is.

“In those five years, I had written more than a hundred posts – in essays or scribbles – on a range of topics in this blog. I love to write. I write to organize my thoughts. I write as therapy (in fact I consider it as my best form of therapy for myself). I write to chronicle a particular moment I want to look back to. I write as a pastime. I write for fun. I just love to write.”

So thankful that for this site. So thankful I am able to write. One of God’s great gifts to me.

2.) TURNED 22 YEARS OLD

Birthdays are always important highlights of each year. I didn’t get a birthday cake this year unlike in 2009 and 2010 – the first two birthdays of my adulthood. But I had a birthday dinner with my family in a good restaurant (4 seasons). Got gifts from friends. Plenty of greetings from friends and acquaintances through text and Facebook.

Wow. I’m 22 already. Time really flies fast. And it’ll fly faster and faster as one gets older and older (just the psychological reality of time perception). I’m getting older. I’m getting fatter and slower (missing the insane teenage metabolism). I’m getting wiser (hopefully).

What were my realizations? Aside from the one I mentioned in no. 10 about free time and hobbies, I also continue to realize how God has been – and is being – good to me. In spite of trials and difficulties, I never experienced pains that destroyed me. I never lacked anything I need. I never begged to get my daily bread. I never got sick seriously. I enjoy overwhelming gifts and favors. All thanks to God’s grace and providence. This is an encouragement that God would, indeed, never leave me nor forsake me in the years to come. So, I’ll continue to trust God and to desire to live a faithful life for His glory.

1.) ARLENE BEMIDA

'Nuff said ^__^ ^.^

Top 10 Movies of 2011

2012-01-09T22:29:00.001+08:00

Before we go on to 2012’s jam-packed set of awesome movies (read the previews! watch the trailers!), let’s recognize first the awesome movies of 2011. And as usual, it’s so hard for me to pick a top 10. I have enjoyed several movies in 2011 (like every year) and really need to think and recall hard on what among them I had enjoyed the most.

There are several 2011 movies that I haven’t watched yet that might have been part of this top 10 if I did. Movies like “Tin-tin”, “The Muppets”, “50/50” and “Hugo” are very likely to make my Top 10 if I was able to watch them last year. Such is always the trouble with movies that were released at the latter part of the year.

And from among those that I was able to watch but didn’t make the list, “Drive”, “Melancholia”, “A Lincoln Lawyer”, “Source Code”, “Hanna”, “The Ides of March”, and “The Rise of the Planet of the Apes” were the closest in making the top 10.

After evaluation, these 10 stood out among the rest…

10.) MARGIN CALL

The 10^th spot was a struggle between the reboot of “Planet of the Apes” (a revision of the origin on how the apes were able to take over the planet from the original origin of the continuity) and “Margin Call”. But I have to give this spot to “Margin Call” since it could be the smartest movie I had watched in 2011.

Graduating from a business course from college was a plus for me since it allowed me to follow most of the economic machineries involved and discussed in the movie – which was about the 2008 economic collapse in the US. Actually, it’s not that hard to understand even if you were not familiar with the concepts. That’s why I like it for being both intelligently technical, but nonetheless generally comprehensible by an average audience. “Margin Call” is an excellent Wall Street movie and one would appreciate it more if one has some familiarity with the financial world.

By the way, it was only halfway in the movie that I was able to recognize one of the main characters (the rocket scientist turned trading securities analyst who developed the model that predicted the toxicity of the company’s financial assets) as “Spock” in the “Star Trek” reboot.

9.) REAL STEEL

Ok, the concept of robots fighting for sport isn’t an original idea at all (try Medabots). In fact, it does happen now in real life, though not as awesome and high-tech as that of “Real Steel”. Robot fighting is not a unique concept. Still, the gladiator robot combat scenes in this movie were greatly entertaining. The story isn’t special and actually quite predictable (it’s quite obvious from the start that the robot Atom’s shadow-boxing mode would be somehow utilized by Hugh Jackman’s ex-boxer character). But still I can’t help loving it. It has a beautiful redemption theme. It has an “underdog” element, which is something we always love. It has a decent story – predictable and unoriginal but never corny. It has Hugh Jackman. But most of all, it’s filled with badass robot fights!

8.) ANOTHER EARTH

The movie was about Rhoda Williams, who was when a teenager, due to her irresponsible and careless nature (and fascination of the incoming Another Earth), crashed her car (she was intoxicated) against the car of John Burroughs who had his family with him. This sent John to a coma and killed his wife and kid. Rhoda was sent to prison, but being a minor, her identity wasn’t revealed to John. After getting released from prison, Rhoda desired to “redeem” herself from what she had done by desiring to make John’s life a little bit better. Aside from this objective, Rhoda also joined an essay contest on which whoever the winner is would be given a spot on the spaceflight to visit the other Earth (SPOILER: She won).

The mirror Earth is of another universe and because of some cosmic incident, the two Earth’s became visible to each other. The story didn’t really concern much on the mysteries and questions surrounding this phenomenon. This, like “Melancholia”, wasn’t a straight sci-fi movie but dealt more on the drama and development the characters are dealing with. The mirror Earth just served as an important backdrop or plot device to the story. But it was a very interesting backdrop for the story at that.

Plenty of questions were raised from watching the movie, not only the science involved in the meeting of the two Earths and how the mirror Earth will turn out to be, but some philosophical questions as well. Most of the questions weren’t answered and the movie will leave you in a state of thinking and wonder.

7.) HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2

I were only able to go watch in the theater two times in 2011 (both instances in 3-d), first was “Thor” and the second was “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2”. The first instance was not decided by me, it was a treat during our mission trip during the summer. But the latter was something I decided on watching on a theater. This HP movie was greatly hyped to be the most epic movie of 2011 by the reviews I read and heard, so I decided to watch it on a theater that I may fully enjoy the movie in the best medium and environment it can present itself.

My assessment? Well, for me, just like the HP franchiseitself, it was overrated. But only a bit. It was still an awesome movie, but the hype created a greater expectation from me than what the movie actually is. This is actually not the fault of the movie, but of my expectations. Again, I say that this was an awesome movie. I actually have to point out that this movie not only is the best HP movie ever made, but the best that came out from the HP franchise… ever. I had greatly enjoyed everything about it. The overall story, the necessary variations from the book, the perfect culmination of character developments, and the action sequences. My favorite Bellatrix Lestrange was, as usual, brilliant. Voldemort looked the most sinister here compared to what he was in the previous films. I loved how the Battle of Hogwarths turned out. The dialogues, lines, and highlight scenes from the book were delivered wonderfully (especially the “Not my daughter, you bitch” part. Though I kind of find it a bit anti-climatic that the rest were just standing about while Bellatrix and Mrs. Weasley dueled).

I have to agree with the critics that it was indeed epic. Whether you love Harry Potter or not, a scholar of the HP mythos or not, had watched the previous movies or not, read the books or not, you will find “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” enjoyable and worth appreciating by its own.

This would have been rated higher if not for the epilogue. I never liked the epilogue of the HP story. Would have been better if the movie didn’t include it.

6.) FRIGHT NIGHT

Usually, the idea of remakes of beloved movie properties is a bit of a turn-off to movie fans. “Is Hollywood losing new ideas that they turn to old ones?” is the general thought.

I was able to watch the original “Fright Night” (and its sequel) and I had enjoyed it. But I have to say I find this one set in the modern age more enjoyable. The villain (Colin Farrell was just perfect) was nasty and cunning, and is easily hated. I love the hero’s development also from skeptic, to pathetic scaredy-cat, to badass vampire slayer. The story was solid and clever from start to end. The climax alone – the final battle – makes this movie worth watching.

But most importantly, the best thing about “Fright Night” is we finally have a good vampire movie after all the bad name all this “Twilight” crap gave vampires.

5.) X-MEN: FIRST CLASS

For extremely die-hard X-Men history purists, the title alone is annoying. “Those guys aren’t the first class!!! Cyclops, Jean Greay, Beast, Angel, and Iceman were!” But even these purists would admit that, disregarding the roster, this X-Men movie rivals X-Men 2 as the best X-Men movie made or even maybe better than X2.

This is the type of comic book movie that almost digressed on the “super heroey, comic bookey” feel of the comic book it is based on. It captivates you, not on the formulas that made the comic book it is based on loveable, but by splendid acting and storytelling. The idea was to not allow the comic book dictate the movie’s identity, but merely let the comic book serve as the property the movie was based upon , end the relationship between movie and comic book there, and let the movie succeed and stand by its own as a movie. And it worked!

The most interesting aspect of the movie was the depiction and exploration of the early friendship of Charles Xavier (Prof. X) and Eric Lensherr (Magneto) and how their ideals set them in different paths. There was no Stan Lee cameo here, which was the usual in Marvel Comics’ movies, but I made an audible chuckle during the Wolverine cameo (better than any Stan Lee cameo).

4.) CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER

To date, among the installments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (the continuity/universe of the movie Avengers), I think “Captain America: The First Avenger” is the best. It has the most brilliant story and entertaining premise. The action sequences were solid. The origin aspect of the movie doesn’t have the feeling of being forced upon the movie (as what’s observed from first installments of a superhero’s movie franchise) but just flowed naturally with the movie and its overall plot. The villain – the Red Skull – was effective and kudos to Hugo Weaving for that. The use of the Cosmic Cube as a plot device was a thrill to the Marvel scholars out there, as well as the participation of the Howling Commandos.

As far as characters are concerned, Robert Downey, Jr.’s Iron Man is still MCU’s freshest and best depiction of an Avenger, but Chris Evan’s Captain America is a close second. I love how Evans shed the cocky, childish, non-serious, happy-go-lucky characteristics of his Johnny Storm (Human Torch) as he donned the noble, courageous, honorable characteristics of a Captain America. Evans perfectly depicted the Cap that we perceive to be. Now Evans will always be Captain America to us, almost making us forget that he was the Human Torch first.

Now that the member had been all introduced, I’m very very very much excited for the Avenger movie.

3.) MONEYBALL

I like “Moneyball” because it gave us a glimpse of the life of a sport team’s general manager. I found it entertaining to watch the deals, meetings, and other GM duties being conducted.

“Moneyball” is based on the book of the same name written by Michael Lewis that tells the story of the Oakland Athletics’ amazing 2002 season and their GM Billy Beane (Bradd Pitt). Beane, with the significant help of his assistant Peter Brand, due to financial constraints, employed an unorthodox method of assembling a competitive team by the use of a complex sabermetric system in analyzing and scouting players.

Hands down, one of the best sports-themed movies ever made.

2.) WARRIOR

The story of “Warrior” is about two estranged brothers (who are both estranged with their father as well) both entering a big mixed martial arts tournament. The first was a physics teacher who has trouble with family finances and the second was an AWOL Marine Corps Iraq hero. And as climax, the brothers would meet in the Finals.

The MMA fights will satisfy any craving for testosterone-filled violence, but this isn’t a mere mindless action movie as it also contains a gripping story, superb acting, heavy emotion, and touching themes of humanity and reconciliation.

1.) SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS

There’s no other movie I have enjoyed more than the new Sherlock Holmes movie. And it’s not because of any bias due to Sherlock Holmes being a favorite fictional character of mine. In fact, the movie Holmes and Watson, though of the core and important similarities, are different characters from their literary counterparts. The Holmes in the movie is more prone to tendencies of clumsiness and emotion though he also moves with grace and can be a complete cold thinking machine (which I think the original Holmes was more so), probably a little bit wittier, and do as much action with his brawns as with his brains (compared to the original Holmes). The Dr. Watson in the movie is a more active sidekick than the original (who was more of a passive observer with a chronicler mentality first), has more initiative, more of a “swashbuckler”, and possesses the greater Holmes’ influenced mental skills. This made the tandem’s movie version more entertaining.

“Sherlcok Holmes: A Game of Shadows” employed engaging elements of the first movie such as the action choreography that applied “bullet time” techniques, Holmes’ mental simulation of a fight before executing his moves, outrageous and engaging action sequences, well-timed humor, references to the literature, and mindblowing twists.

It was great from start to finish. The events leading to the climax of the movie was nicely done and the climax itself – Holmes and Moriarty’s last face-off – was brilliant. And the conclusion itself gave great satisfaction.

I do hope there are more SH movies to come.

Floodgates... Back in Arcilla Hall...

2011-12-22T22:20:00.000+08:00

Three years had passed since we last performed at Arcilla Hall. Last December 19, we were invited once again to perform at that venue. Entitled "How Great is Our God", this was another fundraising concert hosted by the same church that invited us three years ago. Unfortunately, only the first song got videoed because the video camera got its battery depleted. Again, for the third straight Floodgates video post, instead of guitar, I play keyboards here. I guess I'm now the regular keyboardist of the band until our keyboardist comes back.

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My All-Time All Laker Team

2011-12-15T22:41:00.003+08:00

Just for fun.

If I was asked to build a Laker team made up of players who have played for the purple and gold franchise, this is the team I would assemble.

But first, let me make clear on a few details. This team is not made up of the top Laker players of all time. A team made of superstars doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be the best team. The Dallas Mavericks just recently proved in their Finals series with the Miami Heat the point that a focused, well-disciplined, good-chemistry team can beat even a team made up of superstars. Before that, the (sigh) Detroit Pistons against the Lakers. So, this team of mine is made of the Laker superstars that is, in my opinion, the right superstars to build around on and the right Laker role players to create the best Laker team that can be – or, more precisely, one of the best teams that can be created from the rich collection of talents the Laker franchise has ever had through the years.

Also, this all-Laker team isn’t made up of my most favorite Laker players either, though some – or most – made the cut.

Another thing, to those players here who have also played for other teams in their careers, when evaluating on adding them to this team, I did not take into consideration their career achievements as a whole but only their peaks as Laker players.

And lastly, screw cap space feasibility...

Now I think that’s all I need to be clear on. Here we go…

CENTER – Wilt Chamberlain

Now I don’t think “The Big Dipper” is the greatest Laker center ever. The greatest Laker center ever is hard to determine with the likes of Wilt, Kareem, and Shaq playing for the Lakers during their careers. Kareem had that sweet unblockable sky-hook and Shaq is actually my favorite Laker center but Wilt is my choice for the center of my Laker team.

Wilt might or might not have been underrated as a defender prior his Laker years, but when he played as a Laker, he was started to be described as “Russell-like”. Bill Russel, Wilt’s rival, might had been a (ugh) Celtic but he is, in my opinion, what a center should be. A center should have a great defensive identity and instinct above anything else. He should be able to alter shots or make the opponent shoot uncomfortably and then be able to rebound the missed shots. His defense should spark his team’s offense. And Russell was great at it.

Prior to being a Laker, Wilt was known to be a powerful offensive force – being able to score 100 points in one game and average an outrageous 50.4 points a game. But when Wilt became a Laker, he concentrated more on defense and rebounding and triggering the fastbreaks, just as Russell was doing with the Celtics. However, though Wilt sacrificed his scoring, he was still an efficient scorer, unlike Russell who never developed an elite offensive game. Again, for me, a center should be a brilliant, dominant and influential defender above anything else. But to be a competent offensive threat as well is a big, big bonus. And Wilt was brilliant at both ends.

POWER FORWARD – Pau Gasol

I am part of the few who think that a talented big man like Pau Gasol is a more valuable piece to the Lakers than an explosive point guard like Chris Paul. I really think it’s premature to trade Pau. Sure, it’s frustrating to see Pau whenever he transforms to “Ga-soft” last season, especially against Dallas. But I say, let’s give him another chance. I’m sure Pau would bounce back this next season. Let’s not forget how Pau was a major contributor in the Lakers’ back-to-back championships. There was even a time when we call him the best power forward in the world today. He is a smart, versatile, and graceful player. He can rebound and pass well. There are times he is soft and lacked aggressiveness, but whenever Pau is motivated, he is such a beauty to watch as he works with finesse and intelligence when attacking. He’s still for me the greatest power forward to play for the Lakers, and thus, he’s the starting power forward on this team.

SMALL FORWARD – James Worthy

James Worthy is the real “King James” since he has the rings to validate his basketball royalty. Though overshadowed by Magic and Kareem when he played for the Lakers, he was still able to cement his status as a legend. Worthy was a fast and graceful small forward. He possessed both the fundamentals and the flare. He had brilliant footwork and moves that allowed him to explode to the basket. And he can rebound and pass well, too. More than that, he also had the invaluable talent of carrying the team to victory. This was prominently shown in more than one playoff series, which earned him the nickname “Big Game James”. That’s the difference of our “King James” with that other “King James”. Our “King James” thrives in big games, while that other “King James” chokes.

SHOOTING GUARD – Kobe Bryant

Duh. No-brainer. I don’t need to do any explaining at all why the Black Mamba is included here.

I think that even though there are plenty of firepower and star power in this team, Kobe will still see to it that he gets most of touches. Kobe the gunslinger will always get his points. And why not? He’s the most explosive offensive player the Lakers ever had. Of course, there will also be games when Kobe would lie-low and encourage and create opportunities for his teammates to do most of the scoring. But when it’s about taking the last shot? Kobe would always want the ball to be in his hands in the last seconds when the game is on the line.

Aside from that, being the best perimeter defender in the starting five, he’s going to be the initial defender of the opposing team’s best perimeter player.

Wait… talking about defense reminds me – Hmmmm… I could be wrong in my initial assessment. We, in fact, already saw Kobe in a basketball team filled with stars – Team “Redeem Team” USA. And, as we had seen in his stint in Team USA, he actually didn’t take over the offense in that team but concentrated on the defensive end. He made it nearly impossible for the opposing team’s best scorer to actually score. And he only took over the scoring when critically needed (i.e. the gold medal game against Spain).

Maybe that’s how he’ll play instead? I can’t tell.

Kobe possesses such a well-rounded talent and a complicated mind that it’s really hard to determine what role he would choose to play in this team. But no matter what role it is, he’ll always have an unparalleled fire and focus in this team that will rub off to the rest his teammates. Now, considering the fact that his teammates are actually already among the most competitive players in the game’s history, the energy and the spirit of this team fueled by Kobe would be overwhelming.

POINT GUARD – Magic Johnson

Again, another no-brainer choice. Magic is the only one who can properly distribute the ball in this jam-packed team. We can trust Magic to properly judge when to pass, where to pass, what kind of pass to use, and who to pass to. He might have some trouble in defending the present’s breed of past point guards (maybe Kobe had to do most of the defending against elite point guards). But this cut both ways. Magic’s size will allow him to easily overpower the smaller point guards, which would make it easier for him to score or create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Aside from that, Magic’s such a brilliant ballhandler that it won’t be easy for an elite point guard’s quick hands to steal the ball from Magic.

BENCH

Lamar Odom

I’m sad to see Lamar go… and the circumstance of his departure makes the mood more saddening. Anyway, he is, in my opinion, the ideal man that you want to first come out of the bench. He has such a well-rounded game that he can play any position from 1 to 5. He can come out of the bench to perform what the team needs in a given moment. Whether it’s ball movement, rebounding, defense, or scoring, Odom will give it.

Michael Cooper

Ron Artest (we have yet to see Metta World Peace play) as a Laker brought the perimeter defense that freed Kobe from being the prime defender of the opposing team’s best player. Ron was also expected to provide some scoring. This role that Artest played, Michael Cooper can do better. He also had a scoring game, especially from behind the arc. Nonetheless, his brilliant defensive game is the main reason he’ll be a significant factor to this team. The main expectation for him is to come out of the bench to guard the opposing team’s top scorer for most of the game.

Karl Malone

The Mailman was already past his prime when he joined the Lakers, but he was still strong and effective. In fact, he’s probably the most consistent Laker in that 04-05 Laker team. He was a scoring threat and was able to defend the then elite power forwards (i.e. Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett) pretty well. The Laker Malone would give this team additional toughness and grit. Karl would bail out Pau whenever the latter’s softness is at its worst.

Byron Scott

I first considered Eddie Jones as Kobe’s reliever (a reverse of the roles during Kobe’s early years), but I think Byron Scott is the better fit for the team. Scott was a lethal three-point shooter. He is maybe even the best pure shooter the franchise ever had. He would greatly help both in spreading the floor and on the break.

Derek Fisher

Because of his legendary clutch plays, I just need to have Fish in this team. Kobe had made several breathtaking game-winners already but he has yet to make a 0.4 seconds gamewinner. Fish did. Laker fans are now frustrated at how ineffective Fish is in guarding younger and faster point guards, but in his prime, Fish was a solid point guard. He could shoot threes and drive and pass. But it still comes to his mental toughness and clutch plays that earned him this spot on this team.

Robert Horry

Horry doesn’t only add more length and toughness to this team, but additional three-point shooting as well. He might not be the most consistent shooter here, but, like Fish, he had the reputation to knock legendary big shots. That’s why he’s called “Big Shot Rob (or Bob)”. His seven rings from stints in three different teams suggest that he knows how to make himself valuable to a championship team.

Kurt Rambis

We love Rambis, not because of any talent he had, but because of his heart and hustle. In everything he did, whether it was cheering and waving a towel from the bench to grabbing those loose balls, he gave his all. This team needs a first class “garbage man” and Rambis is one of the best among these unsung heroes of the game. Rambis gets a spot here because I know his attitude and heart can light sparks for this team.

INJURY RESERVES

Tyron Lue

Lue makes it to my all-time all-Laker team because of one fond memory I have of him: he became an Allen Iverson simulation. During the 2001 NBA Finals, Phil had him play the part of an AI during the team’s practices because he had the same build as Iverson. Moreover, I also remember that there were times he frustrated AI when he was assigned to guard him during the series.

Dennis Rodman

I have always loved Dennis’ game. He was a sort of Kurt Rambis, but with the talent to go with the heart and hustle. He was a great, flexible and tough defender, and probably the greatest rebounder in the game’s history. He only played a few games as a Laker, but, for me, that is enough to qualify him to be an addition to this team… at least, as an injury reserve. How I wish he managed to behave himself and found success when he was a Laker.

Adam Morrison

Ammo will always be part of any all-Laker team.

COACH – Phil Jackson

I found it hard to choose who between Pat Riley and Phil Jackson should coach this team. Phil is a cool cat most of the time and knows how to employ psychological warfare. Riley is, in my opinion, a better motivator and a better manager of rotations and lineup combinations. Both are smart and successful coaches. But I still pick Phil because he has more rings than Pat which implies that he is a more proven formula for success. Moreover, this team I had assembled has the talent to run both the “Showtime” fast break and the triangle offense and I think Phil would find it easier to integrate a “Showtime” fast break to his triangle offense than for Pat to integrate the triangle to his offense.

Floodgates at ""Voice of the Youth"

2011-12-15T00:41:00.003+08:00

BUCEILS-HS Department (where I graduated from high school, by the way) had a concert entitled "Voice of the Youth" last December 13 where the musical talents of some BU high students were showcased. Our friends from the band SOP was the main attraction of the concert and they invited us for a guest performance. I played keyboards here and then guitar on the last part.

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Joy Senior Young People Dance Medley

2011-12-12T23:12:00.002+08:00

Joy Church's anniversary last year was the first time we, the senior young people of the church, to showcase our unity in Christ, performed a dance number together. For Joy Church's 24th Anniversary, we took it to the next level as we presented a dance medley performance (choreographed by Arlene Bemida). It was a lot of fun. This could probably be the best dance performance I've ever been part of. Here's a back-to-back video coverage of our dance:

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Instruction and Sanctification

2011-12-09T22:37:00.003+08:00

Time flies fast... The last one, it seems to me, was just very recent... And now it's our cell group's turn again? Anyway, here's another sharing I prepared for our Wednesday night service...

(RE: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28)

Good evening.

Our text for today is the last part of 1 Thessalonians where Paul, to sum up, leaves last words of instruction and a benediction. In this passage, there are three types of “What to do?” applications that Paul wanted us to do.

First, according to verses 12 to 13, is to honor our spiritual mentors – pastors, ministers, cell group leaders, elders, etc. – who bother to pray and nurture us for our spiritual well-being. In verse 12 also states that admonishing us when we do wrong is part of these spiritual mentors’ job description. So we should not take it against them when they rebuke us of our wrong-doing because they only do this to take care of our spiritual health. Rather than harboring ill feelings in our hearts against them, we should “hold them in highest regard. We should be eternally thankful for these God-sent spiritual mentors who effort to take care of our spiritual well-being and bless them always.

Second, according to verses 14 to 15, is to create a loving and healthy relationship environment with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We should give warnings to each other when we became lazy and disruptive which can affect negatively our work and health as a church. We should lift the spirits or cheer up those who are weak, discouraged or brokenhearted. We should defend and take care of the weak among us. We should be patient with each other, especially those who are our spiritual baby brothers or sisters in Christ. We should do everything in our power to see to it that no harm shall fall on each other but rather only bring the best for him or her. In summary, we should encourage and protect each other with dedication, passion, and enthusiasm. According to pop culture, in Mafia famiglias, they have strong sense of loyalty and “you mess with him, you mess with me” mentality for each other, and as Christians, we should have a stronger bond than Mafia famiglias or any form of brotherhood in this world, because we are made one in Christ!

Third, according to verses 16 to 22, is how to live out our own lives. We should always rejoice, pray continually, and be thankful in all circumstances. We should aim to maintain our bodies a favorable place for the Holy Spirit to dwell in. Hold on to what is good and throw away those who are evil. This is the life we should live as individuals.

These might seem very hard instructions to carry out. Indeed, they are hard. Alone, we can’t do them at all. But I am very much encouraged by verse 18b: “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” God’s will will always happen. Therefore, if it’s God’s will for us to do these things, then we can certainly do them! By God’s help we can carry out these instructions for us!

Indeed, alongside these instructions is Paul’s reminder that it is God who fully sanctifies us. Verse 23 says: “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen. God started it in our lives, he will certainly finish it to the end. We can’t ever in the slightest carry our His instructions and live holy lives by our own. All credit belongs to God. It is God who will enable us to carry out His instructions and to live holy lives. Only God can really make us a holy Bride – to be presented perfect and blameless and worthy before the Bridegroom, to enjoy His presence forever.

And I love to be reminded that this is for sure! Victory is guaranteed. As verse 24 says, “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”

To God be the glory.

Performances at BU Amphitheater

2011-11-12T14:55:00.001+08:00

Joy Church organized a special performance of guests from Korea - a team of professional performers of Korean traditional dances and arts. It was entitled "We Are One in Christ" and was held at BU Amphitheater last November 4. Local Joy Church talents also performed some numbers during the event. Floodgates, the band I am part of, led the praise and worship and performed two special number songs (in this performances, I played keyboard instead of the usual guitar). And our mime team performed "Sin Chair" once more.

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Floodgates' Performance In "Hallowed Be Thy Name 5"

2011-11-01T15:59:00.002+08:00

"Hallowed Be Thy Name" is an annual Christian concert event spearheaded by Living Water Christian Ministries - Legazpi. If I get it right, it is held every October 31 of each year to coincide with, or rather, to combat the worldly celebration of Halloween. This year, our band, Floodgates, was invited to participate. It was held at Embarcadero de Legazpi, making this our second performance there (our first was last May 2010). Here was our performance...

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Top 10 Skills I Want To Learn

2011-10-28T23:29:00.005+08:00

To have a rich variety of skills or talents is an advantage. The more you have, the more capable you are in a wider scope of life situations. It also makes you a more interesting person.

I like learning new things. And, though, I have been called “versatile” or “well-rounded” several times already, I still consider myself lacking. There are still plenty of skills I want to learn. Among those, here’s the top ten…

10.) COMPUTER HACKING

Movies and TV shows heavily romanticized computer hacking. When depicted by Hollywood, hacking is presented as having the power to take control or manipulate everything with a laptop and light-speed typing skills. Of course, several of these scenarios or cases depicted are completely absurd. However, indeed, there is power in hacking in real life. And I want to learn it, not because I want to have power, but because everything is starting to get centralized on computer technology. And when the time comes that everything is dependent on or working by computers, the more computer know-how you have, the more competitive and fit you are in such environment.

9.) COOKING WELL

Who isn’t fond of eating good food? I, like everyone else, greatly enjoy eating. And the only thing as good as eating good food is preparing it. A delicious meal is made more enjoyable by the thought that you were the one who made it. Thus, I want to be richly adept in the culinary arts – to prepare good food for myself and for others to enjoy.

8.) MAKING ART

When I was a kid, I often draw. And I love looking at art ever since.

I appreciate art, that’s why I know the fact that I’m still lacking in skill. I envy those who have the talents to create amazing art – painters, sculptors, pencilers, etc. I want to feel that fulfillment of creating something that will awe and/or cheer people.

7.) PICKING A POCKET

“First, hacking a computer. Now, picking a pocket?! You aren’t deciding of becoming a criminal, are you?” you might ask. No, of course not. I just think that this skill is pretty cool – to get something from someone’s pocket without him noticing. To have such quick and graceful hands is a great way to show off. I should have probably used the term “sleight of hand” instead of “picking pocket” if I’m pertaining to this skill. The “sleight of hand” is mighty invaluable in performing magic tricks and such… but more so with picking pockets.

Note: I’m actually also considering adding “picking a lock” in this list. But that would probably make you pretty suspicious of this list of skills I want to learn. Besides, I think that the traditional lock-and-key convenience that we have in the present would be very much extinct in the near future. Thus, the skill of “picking locks” would be inutile.

6.) UBERMAN SLEEPING

This is going to be probably the longest entry in this list since I need to explain this skill…

We need sleep to refresh us. But the time spent on sleeping seems to take out a large chunk out of our precious time. We sleep, by average, around 8 hours a day (the recommended and usual given amount to the question “how much sleep we should get?”). That’s already a third of our 24-hour day. So that means we roughly spend a third of our lives sleeping! It kind of sucks when you think about it: we’ll be sleeping when we’re dead anyway, why does sleep has to take a third of the time were alive, too?!

But what if sleeping would only take two hours out of our 24-hour day, and it’ll still be very much enough to refresh us? Too good to be true? Well, that’s how the Uberman sleeping schedule works.

There are 5 stages of sleep. But the only actual essential stage is the REM (rapid eye movement) stage. This is the stage where we dream. This is the stage where we are really being recharged. The Uberman system aims to skip the other unnecessary 4 stages of sleep and go directly to the REM stage as soon as the eyes are closed. The Uberman sleeping schedule goes like this: you take 20-minute naps every four hours. That would give you 6 naps – a total of 2 hours of sleep – each day. Of course, your brain and body wouldn’t adapt to this schedule quickly. It would take one or two weeks till the brain and body gets accustomed to it. During that period, you would definitely feel like crap. But the idea is, once your brain and body get used to it, you will be able to sleep comfortably on such unorthodox schedule and will be refreshed from the naps because you will experience REM immediately.

Now that is the Uberman way of sleeping. And I want to learn it. (Note: Some say that it’s a dangerous method though.)

5.) SPEAKING WELL

Like most people, I write better than I speak. I can organize my thoughts better and have a better command of diction when writing. So, I prefer prepared speeches than extemporaneous ones. However, I’m still not extremely good at delivering a prepared speech. Most of the time during the speech, my eyes are looking down on my written copy. Instead of using it as a guide, I mostly recite it verbatim. I don’t want to lose the entire flavor on what I have written. Of course, a good speaker merely glances at his written copy and maintain eye contact with his audience most of the time. I want to be like that: to maintain the connection with the audience without sacrificing the entire flavor of the prepared speech. I want to be able to be articulate my thoughts always; not only by writing, but by speech as well. Speeches are usually more empathic than writings.

There is a reason why a batshit Austrian imbecile (it’s a misconception that he’s a genius) like Hitler was able to gain power in Germany. He might be madman, but he was a charismatic speaker. I’m not saying I want to be like Hitler, but my point is, more often than not, those that can deliver speeches well are the one gaining leadership, prominence and recognition in history. Churchill, Lincoln, Luther King, Jr… here are people who, unlike Hitler, used their legendary speaking prowess for the good of many.

I really want to be good at speaking. I want to be good at both the prepared speech and the extemporaneous speech. To rally people with my tongue. To give encouragement. To proclaim truth and ideas with clarity and emphasis. To impact history by words. I want the skill – no, it’s not just a skill – the power of speech.

4.) PLAYING SAXOPHONE

As an amateur musician, I know how to play several instruments. I’m not saying I am great in playing all of these instruments, but I know how to play them well enough to be able to experience performing with them at least once. These instruments that I know how to play either belong to the string family or percussion family of musical instruments. I don’t know how to play any wind instrument. That’s why the next instrument I really want to learn to play is the saxophone – a wind instrument. And why the saxophone you ask? Well, because it is the sexiest sounding instrument there is. Case study: non-sensual songs like “Careless Whisper” and “The One You Love” (check the lyrics) became “sexy” songs because of their popular saxophone riffs.

3.) PILOTING A PLANE

I still don’t know how to drive a motorbike or car. But, I think, eventually, it is very probable I’ll get to that. But learning how to pilot a plane is a dream of mine since I was small. I remember that when I was just a toddler – next to being an astronaut – I really wanted to be a fighter plane pilot. Now, I don’t really dream of piloting planes as a vocation, but piloting a plane (not necessarily a fighter jet, of course) is still something I want to do.

2.) KRAV MAGA

I consider Krav Maga as the best fighting style there is. It’s practical and can be learned in just a few months. Violence is not always the answer. But as the song and saying goes, “you don’t have to fight to be a man, but, sometimes, you need to fight when you’re a man.” I want to be equipped and have the confidence that I can go Krav Maga-berserk at any time or as a last result to protect myself and those dear to me from a threat.

1.) ONLINE TRADING OF SECURITIES

Trading securities is like poker. It’s risky and rewarding, but not that romantic as pop culture presented. The reality is, like poker, trading securities involves a lot of math.

I want to have the proper training and knowledge to be able to trade securities via Internet. Online trading is definitely convenient, since the conventional trading of securities involve leasing a sit on the floor of the Stock Exchange. With merely logging in, clicking the mouse, I can buy and sell securities for profit at the convenience of being at home.

Really need somebody to teach me this. Anybody? Or, if not, you can teach me how to earn through online poker instead.

Our Cell Group's Dance Number

2011-10-13T21:29:00.004+08:00

The "Alegria de Dios" (Joy of God) cell group - consisting of Pastora Joy, Joneil, Basil, and yours truly - performed this fun special dance number in our church. This was choreographed by Arlene.

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My Sister's First Violin Recital

2011-09-25T20:57:00.002+08:00

My sister Wanda, just after less than a month worth of lessons, did her first violin performance for an audience. I got to accompany them by playing keyboard. Here's the instrumental of a classic hymn:

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Proper Perspective On Debate And Argumentation

2011-09-10T13:45:00.001+08:00

"I love argument, I love debate. I don't expect anyone just to sit there and agree with me, that's not their job." - Margaret Thatcher

"I don't debate with liars." - Evo Morales

"Winning an argument in the Internet is like running in the Special Olympics. Even if you win, you're still retarded." - a Youtube comment

There are people who are wary to argue. Even if they know they are right or have a point, they would rather passively keep their mouth shut. They think it’s inconvenient. They think debating and arguing are forms of conflict. Since they dislike conflicts and/or inconveniences, they avoid debate as much as possible.

Then, there are people who love to argue everything. I mean everything. They would always take the opposing side of what your preferences or opinions are. It doesn’t matter if they actually believe or feel strongly about the subject matter. They will just argue for the sake of arguing.

These people have the wrong idea on what debating and arguing are all about.

Debate or argumentation, if done right, is actually a pretty worthwhile and productive activity. It’s a great way to exercise one’s mental prowess on logic, knowledge, and wit. Valuable skills, like grammar, speech, and writing, can be developed as well.

And it can actually be quite enjoyable.

Indeed, there is quite a good feeling when you own your opponent. Winning is sweet, and winning an argument is one of the sweetest victories you can experience in your life. However, if your prime motivation for beginning or joining a debate is the desire of wanting to win it, or to show how smart or right you are – or, worse, to show how dumb or wrong your opponent is – then it’s better not to debate at all. For me, debate is a tool of logic, and logic’s objective is to find truth. Therefore, your main motivation for deciding to argue or debate should be for the TRUTH – to defend, promote, or find what is true.

That’s why I think the type of debating we encounter in our academic lives misses the point. I mean a random topic to debate on is given. Then we are assigned – oftentimes, we can’t choose what side we will belong in – on the negative or affirmative side. Now, what if I don’t concur with the side I am assigned on? Why would I exert my effort on defending or pushing something I don’t believe in or agree on? Isn’t that ridiculous? You might say it’s all for the sake of exercise or learning the proper mechanics of debate. Well, you know what, I still call it absurd! No matter how brilliant or excellent the skills, effort, articulation, and organization that I use for that argument, if it’s all for arguing something as ridiculously false like the Earth is flat, they are all meaningless and inutile. All of those things used for arguing for something that is not true or right are wasted.

In fact, I would rather “lose” a debating contest as long as I am in the side of truth.

Of course, there are times that a debate has no objective truths involved, but subjective ones that are dependent on opinions, like “Who will win in a fight? Batman or Superman?” It’s still going to be a productive debate but participants should understand the fact that, though objective points can be presented, there is no objective truth to be established as a result and that, in the end, personal opinion and preference would still be the actual determinants, and not how good the arguments are. However, good arguments still impress and might at least make your opponent respect or acknowledge the merits of your preference.

Debates do not always end in establishing the truth (especially if the parties are not applying the proper philosophy of debating). Sometimes it can even end with a compromise. Usually it ends with an “agree to disagree”-result (human beings are stubborn creatures). And sometimes, you just have to stop, like for instance: a) when after you have already completely exhausted your points and made a concrete case, your opponent still hasn’t agreed with you because you haven’t convinced him or his bias and pride made him stubbornly unyielding, b) you feel the debate is going nowhere since your opponent is just using the same arguments over and over again, or c) your opponent becomes unreasonable or displaying “troll” behavior.

Debates can easily become emotional. And when one is debating without the proper philosophy and discipline, he will tend to debate ineffectively when he gets emotional. He will commit fallacies in his arguments. His points will be irrelevant. And he will attack you with insults. You should be careful from falling into extreme obnoxiousness and rage when debating. Sure, aggressiveness, sarcasm and humor can be used on debates. But always keep in mind to be reasonable and civilized. Attack the issues at hand, attack the points, attack the flaws in the argument, but never ever commit the mistake of attacking your opponent directly. Such low blow won’t prove any point.

A worthwhile debate is that of a discussion for truth. That is why we should debate. Not using the glory of winning as an incentive. There is no “winner” or “loser”, but the goal of establishing what is true. Thus, when sometime during the debate you finally realized you are actually wrong and the other side is right, you should humbly and graciously admit you are wrong. Do not let your pride get the better of you and stubbornly holding on and arguing for what you now know to be wrong. Do not think that if you yield and admit that you’re wrong, you are the “loser” of the debate. Again, there should be no “winners” and “losers” in a debate. If the debate ends in establishing the truth, then the debate is a success. Truth wins. Always remember these whenever you decide to argue on something.

By the way, no matter how strong or powerful Superman is, I sincerely believe that Batman can beat him in a fight. Want to argue about this? Bring it on.

How I Started Loving Basketball

2011-08-31T12:28:00.003+08:00

I am familiar with all major sports, and among them, I prefer team sports. And among these team sports, I love basketball most. I find that among team sports, basketball is the most mental, most complex, most exciting, most fast-paced, and most teamwork-y among them.

So, how I started loving basketball? It started with the one considered by many as the Greatest Of All Time in basketball…

Now, I don’t think that MJ should be a landslide undisputed choice for G.O.A.T. (even if he is indeed the best). But though I think that way, it can’t be denied that he’s the biggest basketball icon that ever played the game. In fact, he was even bigger than basketball (or at least the NBA) itself. He was more than a basketballer, he was a pop culture icon. Thus, back then, even if you don’t know anything about basketball, you know about Michael Jordan. I never saw his games, but I saw plenty of his highlights. And based on those highlights, he was the god of basketball. Watching him was a joy. And Michael Jordan cards are the only basketball cards worth collecting.

And then he teamed-up with Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes to make the greatest basketball movie ever…

Michael Jordan’s status as a basketball superhero was greatly elevated after receiving the greatest alley-oop pass ever made from Bugs Bunny.

As a kid, I was more of a fan of cartoons than of professional sports (the only sport I really followed back then was the World Wrestling Federation). And I was a big fan of the Looney Tunes (in fact, I enjoyed Bugs and Friends more than Mickey and Friends during those days), so “Space Jam” was a major reason why I started to like basketball.

The first time I actually watched NBA games was during the 1998 season – MJ’s last championship season. I never really watched the game with understanding. But just watched for the sake of seeing MJ in action. I was into the Michael Jordan/Chicago Bulls bandwagon, thus, most of the games I watched were Chicago Bulls games. And I rooted for that team to win. And they did.

But I was still not yet a full NBA or basketball fan. I just found a sport to like. I still hadn’t understood yet how the game fully works. In fact, during those days, I thought that a half court short was worth 5 points (I can’t remember how I got that idea). I was naïve. Michael Jordan, the greatest, didn’t have any flaws. Scoring was all that matters in the game. Half court shots were worth five points. Such were my naïve thoughts at that time.

Another major reason why I started to get interested in basketball was an anime called Slam Dunk.

It’s one of the greatest anime series I have ever encountered. Through its entertaining story and characters, I started to learn more about the game of basketball. For instance, I learned that there are actually different positions in basketball. Prior to the anime, I thought all 5 guys in a team just did the same stuff.

I missed the 1998-1999 NBA season (I don’t know why). When I started watching again – the 1999-2000 – Michael Jordan was already retired. Pippen and Rodman were no longer in the Bulls. I needed a new “favorite team”. And I ended up with the Lost Angeles Lakers. Which would be the biggest reason why I love basketball the way I do now.

How did I decide to be a Laker fan? It started with the two major reasons why the Lakers dominated the NBA early in 21^st Century.

Kobe and Shaq were a delight to watch.

Well, during the days that I was an MJ fan (and believed he was indeed the greatest) solely because he was a major pop culture icon (and the hero of “Space Jam”), the player that probably is second to Jordan as an icon (at least in my eyes) that was not a Bull was Shaquille O’Neal. By then, he was in the Orlando Magic.

When I got to start watching some NBA games (97-98 season), he was already out of the Magic and was now a Laker. So, I started to watch some Laker games. Then, eventually the Lakers become my “second favorite team”. It was because with Shaq were three other stars – Kobe Bryant, Nick Van Exel, and Eddie Jones. I was like, “Oh, the Bulls have 3 stars (Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman) but the Lakers have 4!” As a basketball noob, I measured a team’s greatness by the stars they have. I mean the Lakers had 4 players in the West All-Star squad!!!

But among them, Kobe stood out in my eyes. Initially, I liked Kobe because he was being dubbed as the “Next Jordan”. Later on, Kobe Bryant would eventually become my favorite basketball player. And not because I have joined a bandwagon like I did with Michael Jordan. In the case of Kobe, I grew up watching him play, through the eyes of someone who finally understood basketball. While, in the case of Jordan, I watch him through the eyes of a kid who was a fan of “Space Jam” and thought of a half-court shot as 5 points. I maintain the opinion that Kobe is in the same page as Michael Jordan – that if they switched eras, Kobe would have been considered as the best. It was all a matter of circumstance. I could be wrong in my assessment, but I stand by this opinion.

So when that 1999-2000 season begun, with no MJ anymore, I became a Laker fan. Of course, at first, I became a “fan” by just picking out a team because it had prominent stars and it was a popular team, like what I did before when I picked Bulls as my “favorite team”. But as I gained more knowledge and understanding of basketball, the NBA, and history, I truly saw how great and special the Lakers really are. So though, at the start, I became a “Laker fan” for the reason of just needing a team to root for, in the end, I actually become a true Laker fan; the Los Angeles Lakers became a real favorite team of mine, and not because for the mere sake of just having a “favorite team”.

From that point on, I was able to truly – from my heart – declare the slogan: “I love this game.”

Joy Music Team (at Kwangjo Concert)

2011-08-29T23:25:00.001+08:00

The music team of Kwangjo Church from Korea held a powerful concert at Joy Church last August 22. Both Kwangjo Church and Joy Church were blessed by the event. After Kwangjo Band performed their sets, the Joy Music Team led a short dynamic praise and worship. Video quality is poor since this was taken by a smartphone. Still, below is the video if you care to watch (or, at least, listen) to the praise and worship led by our music team.

click here for more videos

God's Glory Displayed Through Humility

2011-08-25T00:13:00.003+08:00

The last time I shared a prepared speech (I usually wing it) for our church's Wednesday night service was two years ago. Tonight, I was able to deliver another prepared sharing once again.

(RE: Matthew 21:1-11)

Good evening.

In tonight’s passage, we can learn a very valuable lesson in humility. And that God’s glory is sometimes in display through humble and simple things.

The passage details Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem. It was typical Jesus, humble and simple. Upon a donkey he rode, as a very large crowd spread their cloaks and branches on the road. He was greeted by cheers of “Hosanna!” He was welcomed as a king and conqueror.

Obviously, the crowd was cheering because they have seen or heard about Jesus’ miracles. They knew that this Jesus healed the sick, cast off demons, and fed thousands. And they were expecting that Jesus’ would use this power of his to overthrow the Romans and make the nation of Israel glorious and powerful. Indeed, they were welcoming a king and savior. Unfortunately, this people had the wrong idea about it.

The Jews’ expectations were focused on overthrowing Roman rule and the burdens of their people. But Jesus’ mission was far above that. Very far above that. He came not merely to save His people from political oppression, but from sin and death!

Many times in our lives, we are like the Jews. We expect, and even sometimes, demand God to work by our own standard and idea. So since we concentrate on our own expectations, and fail to seek God’s will, we miss it when God works.

While meditating this passage, I remembered about the time I read this short story in Max Lucado’s book “A Gentle Thunder”. It goes like this:

Once there was a man who dared God to speak.

Burn the bush like you did for Moses, God. And I will follow.

Collapse the walls like you did for Joshua, God. And I will fight.

Still the waves like you did in Galilee, God. And I will listen.

And so the man sat by a bush, near a wall, close to the sea, and waited for God to speak.

And God heard the man, so God answered. He sent fire, not for a bush, but for a church. He brought down a wall, not of brick, but of sin. He stilled a storm, not of the sea, but of the soul.

And God waited for the man to respond. And he waited.

And he waited.

But because the man was looking at bushes, not hearts; bricks and not lives, seas and not souls, he decided that God had done nothing. Finally he looked to God and asked, Have you lost your power?

And God looked at him and said, Have you lost your hearing?

God works through things we don’t expect. When we expect for a mighty conquering king on a great war horse, God’s glory will be displayed through a carpenter riding on a unimpressive donkey. God sometimes work through simple and humble things to glorify Himself. In fact, through these simple and humble things, he is actually most glorified. And His way, simple or humble or ridiculous or weak they seem to be in our physical eyes, is in fact a display of His greatness. Remember that it is written in the Good Book: “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.” (1 Cor 1:25)

We are limited humans that tend to focus on the small picture. While God is a Wise Omniscient God that always sees the big picture. We desire freedom from the Romans. God desires for us freedom from sin and death. We desire riches and prosperity. God desires for us everlasting life. We desire temporary worldly pleasures. God desires for us eternal and overwhelming joy in Him.

We actually want simple and worthless things compared to the great things God want for us.

As we would read later on in Matthew, this same crowd that met Jesus with cheers of “Hossana!” is the same crowd that would cry out for him to be crucified. We should examine ourselves if we have the same heart as the Jews. Do we praise God because we love him, or because we want something from Him and when He does not answer with conformity to what we want, we rage against Him?

Soon, Jesus Christ will come again. But his return will not be the same as the first time. Not as babe in a smelly manger. No, he will come in full and explicit display of His glory and power. Not, on a dull donkey, but on a magnificent horse. Not to be humiliated and crucified, but to judge mankind.

Thus, like what Jesus did, we can afford to sacrifice, to be humble, and to seek God’s will and surrender our own. Because our humility and sacrifices will be rewarded with the glory of being alongside Him on His Second Coming.

Amen.

Top 10 Things I Don't Like About The Harry Potter Series

2011-07-16T22:21:00.005+08:00

J.K. Rowling just announced the release of Pottermore, and it’s going into Beta. Not yet clear on what’s the extent of the site/game would be, but the advertisement gave us some idea. And the last Harry Potter movie is out. Harry Potter is at its peak.

I read the books and watched the movies. I have read all the books, starting from my late elementary days and finished, as the series ended, when I was in college. No, I never have had any HP book. Never bought one. Nor ask for one or was given one as a gift. But I borrowed from friends – from Meg when I was in elementary and then from DY when I was in high school and college (fortunately, she was also my classmate in college). Both were die-hard fans of HP, but I was never one. Yes, I borrowed the books and been a fan to the extent that I wanted to read and know the whole story. But that’s it. No, I didn’t hate it. I have enjoyed it. I found HP entertaining. But it never really won my “love” as a literature. Nothing really exceptionally awesome about it.

There are several things about the Harry Potter series that I don’t like at all. Here are the top ten of those things that bugged me about the series:

10.) WHAT HAPPENED TO TIME TRAVELLING?

In Book 3, Hermione took an overload of subjects. To help her, Prof. McGonagall gave Hermione a “Time-Turner” that allowed her to time travel. Thus, she was able to study all her lessons and also have time rest. In the climax of the story, Hermione revealed this fact to Harry, and they both travelled back in time to save Sirius Black from being sent to Azkaban. (They were also able to save Buckbeak the Hippogriff from being executed and save Harry’s past self from the Dementors along the way.)

After that, it seemed that time travel was forgotten as it was never ever mentioned or used in the next books. I mean, come on, why not? Time travel magic is one very INVALUABLE magic, why didn’t Harry and friends used it again in their subsequent adventures, especially when they were searching for the Horcruxes? Time travel could have helped them plenty in their adventures and fights. And why no other wizard used time travel? Why didn’t Voldemort? Come to think of it, why did McGonagall gave such powerful thing as a "Time-Turner" to a mere student like Hermione?

Sure, fictional stories will always have some plot holes, and we should give writers some slack sometimes when they create plot holes. But there are forgivable plot holes and there are annoyingly unforgivable plot holes. And J.K. Rowling’s usage of time travel annoyed me greatly. There are plot conveniences in fiction that can be “put in a drawer” after it solves a plot problem/conflict, but something like time travel is not simple. Time travel is controversial and big. Time travel is a powerful plot convenience, and it can never be dismissed easily after it had its use in the story. If the author chooses to “put it in a drawer” to never touch it again in the entire storyline, it would always leave an annoying feeling of “if such powerful convenience exists in the story’s universe, why isn’t it used again?”

I think Rowling never thought how big time travelling really is when she tackled it.

9.) DUMBLEDORE IS GAY??!!!

Dumbledore is one of the best characters in the series. A powerfully badass wizard that is probably the only one with no fear of Voldemort. A master tactician, as he employed espionage in the war, planned his death, and even able to manipulate events after his death. He is also a great fatherly mentor to Harry.

J.K. Rowling ruined his image with an admission in an interview that Dumbledore is gay.

I couldn’t find a more perfect reaction than this famous lolcat:

Come on, Rowling?! Really?! Why not just leave the debate of Dumbledore’s sexuality to the fans? I mean, this is uncomfortable. This erases the “fatherly mentor to Harry” image of Dumbledore. What is now the implication of their regular private talks throughout the series? Yup, there’s no explicit sexual pressure content between them, but we can’t get it out of our minds what the real “affection” between them means after learning that Dumbledore is gay. AWKWARD!!!

8.) "ORDER OF THE PHOENIX" AND "DUMBLEDORE'S ARMY" WERE UNDERUSED

Book 5 introduced us to the Order of the Phoenix and Dumbledore’s Army. And, for me, they lacked exposure throughout the series.

Book 5’s title was “…and the Order of the Phoenix”, and yet, they failed to really shine until they went “cavalry”, arriving to rescue Harry and friends in the last minute from Voldemort and his Death Eaters in the Ministry of Magic. There was no real detailed “Order of the Phoenix” vs. “Death Eaters” skirmish.

Then there’s Harry’s “Dumbledore’s Army”. It was really awesome considering they are made up of Hogwarts students from different houses. They were inexperienced and juvenile, but they were self-trained and roughly combat-ready. And yet, they never really had some action together as a group. Aside from the usual Hermione and Ron, only Neville and Luna of the DA came with Harry to face-off with the Death Eaters at the Ministry of Magic. The only time the full roster of DA really saw action was in the “Final Battle” at Hogwarts, but, hey, everybody was fighting by then.

Maybe it’s just me, but I haven’t got enough of some DA and Order of the Phoenix action.

7.) VOLDEMORT IS NOT THAT MENACING AT ALL

It is said that what makes a story great is a great villain. The Harry Potter story’s villain was promising at the start. He’s so evil and frightening that even the mere mention of his name makes the wizard community tremble. When people mentioned of him, they address him as “You-Know-Who” or “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named”. That is badass. It made us expect that the Harry Potter series will have the greatest villain ever conceptualized in fiction.

What we got was this noseless clown:

Ok, to be fair, Ralph Fiennes played the Voldemort character well. And Voldemort is a bad, mad, and actually pretty decent villain. The only problem was he was not as villainous as advertized. I was expecting Voldemort to be a combination of an explosive, insane, mass-murdering and genocidal Adolf Hitler, and an intelligent and calculating, Hannibal Lecter-like, cannibalistic, psychotic/sociapathic, terrifyingly vile and disturbed, serial killing, sexual predator.

As I’ve said, Voldemort was a decent villain. But compared to what he was being hyped, he came out as a “meh” villain.

For me, two other antagonists in “Harry Potter” were better than Voldemort: Bellatrix Lestrange (which was played brilliantly by Helena Bonham Carter in the movie) and the soul-sucking Dementors.

6.) EPILOGUE

I didn’t like the epilogue of the series.

In the epilogue, Harry and friends are adults already. Harry is married to Ginny, and they have kids of their own to send to Hogwarts. The epilogue of Harry Potter didn’t give the “wrap-up” feel that I wanted, which could have been done if it just told the immediate aftermath. The epilogue immediately fast-forwarded to several years later. A few days or even a few years would have been enough.

Most importantly, by doing an epilogue that only wraps the chapter regarding Voldemort instead of fast-forwarding to an adult Harry, the option of writing another Harry Potter saga afterwards is comfortably open for Rowling. Sure, it could still be written, but knowing what would happen in its future (because of the adult Harry epilogue), it will lack flavor or suspense. There will be “Ah, Harry will survive this” when he’s placed in a life-threatening situation or “Harry would marry Ginny anyway” when a new love interest arrives for Harry. So Rowling is on a disadvantage on creating the necessary elements of another captivatingly and unpredictable Harry tale when its ultimate end is already known.

5.) BROOMSTICKS

Wands in the HP world? Stereotypical but still cool. Especially with the unique “recipe” of wand for each individual.

Owls as pets and mail couriers? Ok, e-mail is still more practical, but, hey, that is still interesting and creative.

Sorting Hat? That’s refreshingly unique!

Broomsticks for transportation? Er… It’s stereotypical and stupid. Just think of it for a minute. Broomsticks. Regardless of the fact that you can fly by the use of such things, I still can’t find myself being excited with a broomstick. “Oooh! It’s a Nimbus 2000!!!” Really retarded getting thrilled about receiving a broomstick for Christmas.

I mean… come on!!! Broomsticks???!!!

4.) QUIDDITCH

Quidditch is a stupid sport. It is probably the most ridiculous game invented for fiction. Ever.

For starters, we have players riding on broomsticks flying around. I already pointed out in the previous item that I found broomsticks silly.

A Quidditch team is made up of Chasers, Beaters, Keeper, and Seeker. Each team has three Chasers whose function in offense is to move the “Quaffle” ball, by passing among themselves, across the field and then shoot it through any of the three goal hoops. Each goal is worth 10 points. The opposing Chasers, playing defense, tries to steal the “Quaffle” when it is being advanced by the opposing team. Each team has two Beaters, armed with two bats, whose function is to protect their teammates from two “Bludger” balls. Bludgers are iron balls bewitched to fly around randomly hitting players. And the Keeper, if it’s not yet obvious, guards the three goal hoops by blocking the shot attempts of the opposing Chasers.

So, disregarding the broomsticks and just considering the flying around, scoring balls through goal rings, and players getting knocked off by charmed bowling balls, Quidditch seem to be a pretty decent and logical game.

My beef is with the Seeker. The aim of the Seeker is to capture the Golden Snitch before the opposing Seeker does. The Golden Snitch is a small golden ball with wings that randomly flies around the field. The game ends whenever the Snitch is caught by a Seeker, and the team in which the Seeker belongs in gets 150 points, which is equivalent to 15 goals. And that ladies and gentlemen is batshit insane! So unless a team scores 16 goals more than the opposing team, whoever gets the snitch wins.

It’s like two teams are playing soccer, and at the same time, two guys are playing checkers. Whoever wins the checker game gives his team 15 goals. So even if your soccer team is made up of rookies and injured players and your opponent has a team of athletic and talented Beckhams and Rolandos, as long as you have a mean checker-playin’ geezer, you will win the game. To see how ridiculously unfair that is, try scoring 15 goals in soccer.

And this is the biggest sport in the wizard world?! Even if they’re flying around and being knocked off by flying bowling balls, I still find basketball, hockey, or American football more exciting. Muggles are not missing out at all.

3.) THE SUPPORTING CAST IS MORE INTERESTING THAN THE MAIN CHARACTER

There is only one character that is acceptable to be more interesting than the hero of the story, and that is the villain of the story. Sometimes, two or three more supporting characters can be more interesting than the main character, and that could still be okay.

But in Harry Potter, it’s as if half of the roster of characters is more interesting than Harry. Let me enumerate who I think are more interesting characters than Harry Potter: Hermione Granger, the Weasley twins, Albus Dumbledore, Sirius Black, Severus Snape, Voldemort, Bellatrix Lestrange, Nymphadora Tonks, Remus Lupin, Luna Lovegood, and Neville Longbottom.

Congrats, Harry, you are, however, still more interesting than Ron Weasley.

To be fair, I found that there are times that Harry could shine above the others (especially when he willingly went to Voldemort to be “killed”. That took guts). But the entirety of the series, I found his supporting characters more likable.

My favorite HP character is Luna Lovegood. She’s a charming girl. Naive-like but insightful and smart (a Ravenclaw after all). Almost impervious to emotion. She has the air of a conspiracy theorist, but without the annoying paranoia. And I love that dreamy voice and unblinking eyes. I mean you can probably make an attempt on startling her with a "Boo!" and she would give you a bored look in return.

Because of Helena Bonham Carter’s excellent portrayal of Bellatrix Lestrange, she became my favorite villain in the HP universe. As I’ve said earlier, I find her a more interesting villain than Voldemort.

Severus Snapes was awesome playing as Dumbledore’s double-agent. I didn’t mind that he died in the story, but it would have been better if he died fighting – explicitly revealing to Voldemort that he was loyal to Dumbledore all along – rather than being killed by Nagini.

Neville Longbottom’s character development was the best in the 7-book (8-movie) series. From spineless weakling to the brave leader of Dumbledore’s Army (in the last book) and killer of Nagini – last Horcrux of Voldemort. In fact, it would have been more interesting if Neville was the real “chosen one” after all and not Harry (since the prophecies for Harry as a “chosen one” applies to Neville as well), and that Dumbledore – smart strategist as he is – is just using Harry as a “red herring” to protect Neville. Thus, when Harry (after realizing he’s a Horcrux of Voldemort) voluntarily gets himself killed (really killed) by Voldemort, it was Neville who would have finally defeated Voldemort. That would have been an awesome plot twist! It could have been a better development than what was the actual.

2) IT'S OVERRATED

I am not saying that the Harry Potter series was bad. No, as I’ve said right from the start, I have enjoyed it. But it’s definitely overrated.

The Harry Potter series was okay, but it’s not as good as everybody believes it to be. The success and praise it received is not proportional to the success and praise it deserved. There are plenty of better fantasy books than Harry Potter. More insightful, more intelligent, and more well-told than Harry Potter.

Not all Harry Potter fans are literature fans. In fact, most of Harry Potter’s readers and fans, probably, are not well-read or lacked the exposure on other books other than HP. They just concluded that Harry Potter is “the best” since it’s the only book they have read. It’s like concluding – as a critic wrote somewhere – that “a Big Mac is the best before even tasting lobster.”

Aside from lack of exposure to better fantasy books, another reason for HP being overrated is the “bandwagon” effect. People like to join the “in” crowd, and since Harry Potter is “in”, they jumped into it. But HP is not your ordinary fad. Fad disappears or goes extinct. But the momentum built by the HP bandwagon is, already, impressively too large to stop. And because of this, the idea that “Harry Potter is the best”, that was first “believed” for the sole purpose of joining the “in” crowd, becomes a real belief by the fans as a collective unit; there’s no boundary between bandwagon and real fans anymore.

1) HERALDING TWILIGHT

The worst thing about “Harry Potter” is it paved the way for “Twilight”. When the “Harry Potter” book series finished, it created a void in the “overrated” genre-environment created by HP. And, unfortunately, the one that catered to fill that void was this trash “Twilight”. “Harry Potter” is greatly overrated, but at least it’s an enjoyable good read. “Twilight”, however, is bad and outrageously overrated.

A Christian's Transformation and Sanctification: From Zombie to Immortal

2011-07-12T20:57:00.001+08:00

Every Christian experiences both an immediate and long-term transformation when they are born again.

To be Born Again is being transformed from this…

…to this…

So from zombies to immortals. An extreme to an extreme. That’s how dramatic God’s transforming and sanctifying power changes a person.

Because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, Mankind’s nature became sinful. And, as stated by the Good Book, the wages of sin is death. Not only is Man destined for physical death, but Man is destined for eternal death as well. Due to this, humans are as good as dead. Humans are, in accurate spiritual technicality, walking dead – zombies.

Just as zombies are mindlessly walking around causing mayhem (most notably, murdering or eating people), humans as spiritual zombies will go sinning no matter what (being slaves of their sinful nature). And just as zombies are unaware that they are dead, humans as spiritual zombies are unaware that they are spiritually dead. The spiritual zombies are generally blind of their own wretchedness and their terrifying end. Thus, they will not desire salvation when they are not aware that they are in need of saving in the first place.

But to those whom God opened the eyes, they will be able to realize their miserable condition, see the hope and salvation that is in Jesus Christ alone, and ask for forgiveness and salvation. As soon as they have asked Jesus Christ to become their personal Savior and Lord, they are Born Again – they are “resurrected” from being spiritually dead. From that moment on, they cease to be zombies but immortals. As the theme of Highlander (by the band “Queen”) goes, the immortals are “born to be kings… princes of the universe.” And Christians are immortals, because, after being saved from Eternal Death, God gifted them Eternal Life! They are adopted to be and have the right to be called Children of God – “born to be kings… princes of the universe.”

As I’ve mentioned earlier, a Christian’s transformation – or “Quickening”, since we’re using Highlander analogy – is both immediate and long-term. The immediate transformation is one of identity. No longer slaves of sin, but children of God. No longer zombies, but immortals. However, it doesn’t mean that after this transformation of identity, one is free from sinning. When someone is still a spiritual zombie, it is his or her essence to do evil. Once someone is made into an immortal by the justification of Jesus Christ, whenever he or she sins, he or she is no longer acting in his or her essence but is actually acting outside of his or her character. To “fix” this, this is where the long-term process of transformation comes in. It is called sanctification.

It is true that immortality (i.e. Eternal Life) is obtained immediately when one is born again, but the full realization of immortality (or the Christian’s “Happening”, in accordance to the Highlander analogy) is after the resurrection and then entry to Heaven. Thus, sanctification works until an immortal gets to that point. Sanctification is the process of being set apart by being made holy through the merits and justification of Jesus Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification is necessary since it is said in the Good Book that sinners will not be allowed to enter Heaven in the Second Coming of Jesus, thus, during a Christian’s lifetime, he or she undergoes sanctification that by the time Jesus returns, he or she is made fully holy to be presented to the Father. And once Heaven is entered, the Happening shall be experienced – the enjoyment of God’s glorious presence forever!

Interesting Things About the American Revolutionary War

2011-07-04T15:15:00.003+08:00

It’s the 4th of July, and it’s Filipino-USA Friendship Day for us Filipinos. But for our American masters friends, they celebrate their Independence Day. (Technically, July 4th in the USA is still tomorrow, but, hey, it’s already July 4th in our timezone.) The 4th of July is not the date when the American colonists won against the British in their Revolutionary War, but rather, it was the date where the Colonies – then at war with the Empire – declared they are now independent states, i.e. the Declaration of Independence (actually, July 2, but was finalized at the 4th).

Nonetheless, this article is about the Revolutionary War, or rather some overlooked or not much talked interesting aspects and facts about the War. For the record, the American Revolutionary War is one of the best war stories there are in history. A brilliant and dramatic underdog “fighting for freedom” story. But there is more to it.

The British was wrong, of course, in forcing taxes upon colonists without representation. But it was said that they didn’t collect much tax either. The tax imposed was on trade only (prior to the taxing related to the French-Indian War). But smuggling was rampant in the colonies. Merchants were able of sailing past authorities and avoiding taxes. And the British didn’t bother much in stopping the smuggling.
In the 1750’s, American colonists got into a territorial dispute with the French and their Indian allies. The colonies requested help from Great Britain and the British obliged by sending an army over there. Thus, the French-Indian War started. Eventually, the British won, but with the cost of heavy losses on life and money. The British then raised tax on both the home isles and the colonies to compensate for the money lost. It’s understandable (to an extent) that the colonists were pissed that they are being taxed when they are not represented. But on the other hand, it was for their war in the first place and it’s only reasonable that they share some of the burden in compensating for it.
It is general knowledge that one of the fuses that lit up the war was the Stamp Act (one of the taxes imposed after the French-Indian War). The British Parliament insisted that they have the right to tax the colonists (as already explained previously). The colonists claimed that they can’t be taxed without representation. But you know who really was all for the Stamp Act? Benjamin Franklin. Yes, that Benjamin Franklin. One of the “Founding Fathers”. He was kind of fiercely loyal to the British Crown. And old Ben at that time was the colonies’ representative to the Crown. But because crown-loving, Stamp Act-fan Ben was spending most of his time in Britain, he was clueless that his own people were pissed of the Stamp Act, thus, he was not able to get the colonists’ sentiments across to the crown.
Another fuse was the Boston Massacre, in which it is popularly (but erroneously) believed that British soldiers fired at unarmed civilians, killing dozens in cold-blood. In truth, a douchebag colonist named Samuel Adams wanted to incite a rebellion in Boston. He had his followers – the Sons of Liberty – throw insults at a British soldier. When the soldier did not respond, the mob threw rocks and other things at him. Fellow British soldiers came to their comrade’s aid. But the mob continued throwing rocks at the British and dared the soldiers to fire at them. The soldiers had no choice but to fire at them in self-defense. When the smoke cleared, three men were dead. The soldiers were put to trial, and John Adams – one of the “Founding Fathers” and the second president of the future USA – was their defense lawyer. Adams, though he disagreed with the British, knew that the soldiers were only defending themselves, and won the case for them. Soldiers (and policemen, as well), up to the present day, have several times suffered this type of treatment. Though they are only defending themselves, they ended up as the bad guys. And it’s not all the time that these soldiers are vindicated (like the British soldiers in Boston). Just sad. Oh, where did the “Boston Massacre” came from? Blame the media. Even then, they tend to exaggerate “massacres”.
Another significant happening in Boston was the Boston Tea Party. It culminated with colonists led by the Sons of Liberty (remember those jerks?) dressed up as Indians, raided the British ships that held the cargos of tea that were forced on the colonists to buy and dumped them to the sea. Now let’s dig a bit deeper on the story… Another way of the British taxing the colonies was the Tea Act. (By the way, at this point all the other taxes were repealed now, and only the Tea Act remained, but still the colonists didn’t want to pay for it.) The Tea Act expanded the British East India Company’s monopoly on the tea on the colonies, selling excess tea at a reduced price. It would have provided the colonies superior and cheaper tea than what they get from smugglers. But the colonies were still pissed about being taxed (without being represented) and maybe also of getting told on what to buy (even if it was a better brand). They also had the legitimate fear of that this was only the start and the British might extend the monopoly on other goods as well in the future. But it is also worth considering that smugglers like John Hancock (yup, another “Founding Father”) would be the ones that was going be severely hit by the Tea Act. That’s why they were the most active and loudest that oppose the act, carrying out a campaign of raising self-awareness (i.e. smear campaign) across the colonies.
5,000 blacks fought for the Continental Army. Baron Ludwig von Closen, an officer in the French Army, once observed that the best regiment in the Continental Army was the one with about 75% African-American soldiers.
Women went out to War with their husbands. They helped by cooking and sewing and washing for the men. Among these women, the most famous is “Molly Pitcher”. She was nicknamed such because she brought a pitcher of water to soldiers – sometimes, even under fire. In the Battle of Monmouth, her husband – a cannon rammer – fell unconscious in battle from heat exhaustion. “Molly Pitcher” took the place of her husband as a cannon rammer. During the battle (which the Americans would eventually win), she caught George Washington’s eye. Washington sought her after the battle and rewarded her courage by issuing her a warrant as a non-commissioned officer. She would be nicknamed “Sergeant Molly” from then on.
In 1799, there were less soldiers fighting against the British than the Loyalists (colonists loyal and fighting for the British Crown).
The Continental Army was brilliant in their espionage during the War. They employed spies and double agents. The most famous of them is Lieutenant Nathan Hale. When he was captured by the British and was sentenced to hang, his badass last words were “I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
Military strategy was greatly different between the Continental Army and the British Redcoats. The Redcoats were well-disciplined and well-trained professional soldiers. Being an ocean away from home, they have trouble in logistics of supplies and reinforcements, thus they follow a conservative approach. Their battle philosophy follows the warfare philosophy of the time in which they were organized in lines and fired simultaneously with muskets before charging with bayonets. The Redcoats also had Hessians – German mercenaries – fighting with them. The British goal was not necessarily to destroy the colonists but to force them to surrender and to submit back to the Empire. Actually, the British were reluctant in fighting them because, no matter the differences, the colonists were they brothers. Still, the British Army was a proud one (they would be the best in the world for some time) and wants to show their superiority over the Continental Army. The Continental Army is mostly composed of militia. Plenty of incentives – like money and property (and freedom for black slaves) – were offered to inspire recruitment. French officers were the ones who mostly trained this makeshift army. The Continental Army’s successes were mainly from use of guerrilla warfare, since they were usually being owned by the Redcoats in traditional face-off battle. The British traditional formation was inutile in these surprise attacks by the Continental militiamen hiding behind trees and foliage as the British Redcoats pass through. But the British, though, also had their own Light Infantry and managed to outfight the American guerrillas at times. The Continental Army also had the legendary “minutemen” – the “elite” of the Continentals, as they were a highly mobile force that can be deployed rapidly to respond to an immediate need or threat.
The Spanish, the French, and the Dutch provided supplies, ammunition, and weapons to the Continental Army. At first, they aided the colonists in secret, but then, seeing that the British is vulnerable, openly declared war. This coalition – Spanish, French, Dutch, and American – would be too much for the British, making them ultimately lose claim on the colonies. However, the plans of invading other British interests in the world and even the Isles themselves prove futile to the colonies’ allies. Spain’s main reason for declaring war against the British was to recapture Gibraltar and Minorca, which was taken by the British from them in 1704. French and Spanish forces managed take Minorca but the British held on to Gibraltar. The British Empire also managed to hold on to their other key colonies in the West Indies. In India, the British Empire managed to capture Indian and Dutch outposts there, establishing sole control of the area. Though they lost the 13 colonies, the British Empire, in a world-wide scale, managed to establish their superiority, emerging as the most powerful nation in the 19th century (which would last until the early 20th century).
I am a George Washington fan. I believe he was a good general. But a brilliant strategist? Hell, no. Even Washington had admitted that he has limited and contracted knowledge on military matters on the large-scale. He had actually more battle losses than wins. He had made several missteps, was unable to make rapid field decisions and even froze at times, which had earned him losses. Much of America’s tactical successes were because of the French. Still, I believe him to be a good general. Why? Because being a good general is not all about being a brilliant tactician. Washington’s exemplary character and work ethic made him an inspiration to his men. Throughout those turmoil-filled and discouraging years, he had managed to keep the Continental Army from breaking apart, but instead kept them together to persevere until they gained victory.

Top 10 English Words

2011-07-01T09:10:00.003+08:00

I have always loved words more than numbers. Yep, numbers are actually kind of cool, but words, for me, have more depth. Numbers are objectively cold. A 1 is a 1. A 1 can never be a 2. They are what they are. Words, however, are subjectively dynamic in its articulation. A word can have a variety of meanings or usages. Take for example the word “pretty”. Pretty can mean beautiful. It can be used as an adverb, as in “pretty much” or “pretty good”. In fact, we can use “pretty” as an adverb in a phrase that is opposite of the meaning of “pretty” per se. The phrase is “pretty ugly”.

Words are colorful and empathic. And among them, here are my top ten favorite English words…

10.) INTELLIGENCE

Among English words, I found “intelligence” to have the most subtle but obvious implication of power. We are now in the Information Age. There’s no more important asset than intelligence. Wars are won by intelligence (yes, espionage-related intelligence). In politics and business, the better the intelligence is, the better the decision making – for earning future yield – will be. Nowadays, information and knowledge are the cards in the poker game of life. The better the quality of these means the better cards in your hand, thus better chances of winning.

9.) VERSATILE

This adjective imply that the object (usually a person) is well-rounded. Multi-faceted. Multi-talented. Flexible. Wide area of knowledge, interests and/or skills. That means having depth. Which ultimately means the person is fun, interesting, can fit in well, and not boring. It’s one of the most valuable descriptions or compliments that one can ever give somebody.

8.) LOVELY

I consider the word “lovely” as the highest adjective to describe something or someone that is beautiful, pretty, or gorgeous. So whenever I use the word, it means I have given my highest praise on the degree of beauty, appeal, or pleasantness.

7.) COOL

Cool has been used as slang for something that is good, or nice, or interesting, or remarkable, or amazing, etc. And that’s a reason why I like the word. It can have different intensity of meaning and ways to handle it. But the main reason I like the word “cool” is because of its definition as being calm. It portrays an appearance of tranquility and control, even in midst of excitement or pressure.

6.) IF

I once heard someone speak that “If” is the biggest word in the world. Because it means a condition… a stipulation… a requirement… an assumption. Before an effect or event to happen, the “if” should happen or be met first.

5.) THUS

I also like its synonyms “therefore”, “then”, “hence”, and “ergo”. I like the word (and its synonyms) because it presents a conclusion after an analysis or evaluation.

4.) GRACE

Grace means a gift that is undeserved and unearned. It means a love that is unconditional. Instead of punishment, reward or blessing is received. As a Christian, the word “grace” is a sweet sound to the ears. For us Christians, it means Christ dying for our sins, saving us from eternal death and suffering in Hell, and giving us eternal life in Heaven instead. Ah, to know why “grace” is one of my favorite English words, I’ll let John Newton explain (read the lyrics of the immortal song he had penned, i.e. “Amazing Grace”) in my behalf. He articulated perfectly how so, er, amazing grace is.

3.) LOGIC

When the word “logic” is mentioned, it gives a feeling of rationality, sound judgment, and order. The word “logic” came from the Greek word “logos” which means “sentence” or “reason”. I love the word “logic” because I love the essence of “logic”. It is the study of the principles of valid inference and correct reasoning. I sincerely believe that logic, if wielded properly and when based on true premises, will lead to the truth. And I always desire the truth.

2.) AWESOME

People, including me of course, tend to overuse both “cool” and “awesome” to describe almost anything, but more so with “awesome”. “Awesome” is greater than “cool”. If I think of “lovely” as the highest description for the degree of beauty and such, I think of “awesome” as the greatest of all positive adjectives. It is the highest form of adjectives like good, great, glorious, fascinating, amazing, remarkable, and such.

1.) WHY

“Why” is my most favorite word because when the “why” is answered, something is made clearer. The “why” is the most complicated to answer. Usually, in the case of “what”, “who”, “when”, and “how”, the answers are just exact objective facts. But the “why” requires further deliberation since the answers are all about motivations, purposes, and reasons. When the “why” is known, there is a deeper understanding of the whole picture.

Thank You, Dallas Mavericks

2011-06-14T19:41:00.007+08:00

Congratulations to the Dallas Mavericks for winning the 2011 NBA championship. This is their first in franchise history and coming off the team that beat them in '06 Finals makes this sweeter for them.

After my Lakers got eliminated, I was rooting for the no. 8 Memphis Grizzlies to win the championship since that would be an epic underdog story-journey. But I was not bitter at all when the Mavs were able to beat my team. No, I saw that they have more heart than the Lakers in their series, and if the Lakers can’t have the championship this year, then the team that beat them should have it. So, when the Grizzlies got beaten by the Oklahoma Thunder, I have no problem rooting for the Mavs next. The Dallas Mavericks deserve this title. They had already beaten the defending champs in the second round, thus, the championship was theirs for the taking already. I believe my man Kobe also share the same sentiments with me.

Dirk Nowitzk will now go down in history as one of the greatest players that played this game. He already has his All-Star and All-NBA selections. He got his MVP. All he needed was the validation that he’s a true winner. And now, he’s an NBA champion and his Finals MVP is his certification that he led his team there. One funny thing I want to point out was the different reactions between Dirk and Kobe’s game clinching performances. Though both deserved their Finals MVP, and had been a great impact in the game-clinchers despite poor shooting performances (Dirk: 9-27 shooting, Kobe: 6-24 shooting), Dirk received praises while on the other hand Kobe mostly received criticisms when the Lakers won last year. Comments on Dirk’s went like: “despite shooting poorly at the start, Dirk scored 10 points in the 4^th quarter to lead his team to the championship.” While on Kobe, the comments went like this: “choking in the biggest game of his career, Kobe’s teammates bailed him out and carried him to the championship.” In spite of the fact that Kobe grabbed 15 rebounds in that game despite of being a guard and scored a game high 23 points, 10 – like Nowitzki – of which came in the 4^th quarter, in the context of a gritty and epic defensive Game 7 battle where both teams shot poorly! In Dirk’s case, it was Jason Terry who really majorly carried the offensive load in that Game 6. Just shows how Kobe suffers from unfairness and bias of haters.

Jason Kidd, 38 years-old, and 17 years in the league finally got his title. But he did not get it by “hitchhiking” with a good team, i.e. the Gary Payton-route. Though past his prime, he was still a major piece and a starter in his championship-winning team. Kidd was definitely the best point guard of the past decade (2000s). Sorry, Steve Nash, but that’s true. J-Kidd was better than you. Despite of your two MVPs, you never had Kidd’s rebounding and defensive skills. I also think that Kidd was a better passer than you, Stevie. And now he got his much deserved ring. Will you ever get yours? (You might if you became a Laker next season. They really need a good point guard right now. LOL)

Jason “the Jet” Terry impressed me much this series. Lamar Odom might be the Sixth-Man-of-the-Year this season, but Jet was the “Sixth-Man-of-the-Year” of the playoffs. Coming off the bench, he was almost like a Kobe-esque gunslinger. He was kind of badass this Finals. He commented that the best defense he had encountered in the playoffs was Portland’s and that LeBron – an All-Defensive first team selection and who was brilliant in defending the MVP Derek Rose – won’t be able to shut him down. And he backed those words. Though there were times LeBron contained him, he was able to torch him most of the Finals. I also like how Jet acknowledged God in the Mavs’ success in his interviews.

The rest of the Mavs roster was fun as well. Tyson Chandler’s rebounding was a great help and he did some damage inside. Former All-Stars Shawn Marion and Peja Stojakovic finally get their rings as well. But I wonder why Peja never got any significant playing time in the Finals? Could it be because his shooting expertise (he was a killer during the Laker series) couldn’t compensate for his poor defense? But I trust Rick Carlisle had his reasons (more about him later). Shawn Marion and Deshawn Stevenson were significant contributors in defense and also gave very important help in offense. Along with Kidd, the three of them were Dallas’ major defensive force in slowing LeBron and D-Wade. The starting shooting guard for the Dallas in the Finals was 5’9 J.J. Barea and the Heat couldn’t figure out how to stop the spark he gave the offense. He was not extremely fast, but the little guy was able enough to tear up Miami’s defense. Brian Cardinal saw some surprisingly significant playing time this playoffs. And he was a true “garbage man”, willing to sacrifice his body in taking charges, and had the veteran smarts in how to fit in the offense. Also take note that the Mavericks missed their starting All-Star shooting guard Caron Butler for the majority of the season and all throughout the playoffs due to injury. This made me think how strong the Mavs could have been if Butler was healthy.

Rick “Jim Carrey” Carlisle is sure is smart. He was a master of rotation, match-ups, and adjustment. He was able to assemble a perfect lineup to dictate the game or to resolve a given need, respond with strategic adjustments immediately, and was able to utilize his roster’s strengths effectively as he brought the best out of them. The Heat’s Erik Spoelstra is a good coach, but he was definitely outcoached by Carlisle in this one. Kudos to Carlisle. In this Finals, the man showcased how smart he really is.

But the fact that the Miami Heat lost is more important than the fact that the Mavs won the title. If the Finals was between the Mavs and the Bulls, I would have still rooted for the Mavs, but I would have not cared much if the Bulls did beat the Mavs. My desire for the Heat to lose just increased the intensity of my desire for the Mavs to win.

This Finals, the Dallas fans were not alone in cheering for their team. Those that rooted for the Mavs to win (or more so for the Heat to lose) was a coalition of, in addition of Mav fans, Laker fans like me (who didn’t want to see their Heat rivals to win a championship), Bulls fans, Celtic fans, Miami Heat-haters, LeBron-haters, Bosh-haters, Wade-haters (if there are such. But this was the season we saw some of LeBron’s doucheness rubbed off on Wade, so there are probably Wade-haters now), the Federal Republic of Germany, gamblers who bet for Dallas, and – probably most important of all – the Cleveland Cavalier fans and the residents of Cleveland and Ohio.

It’s natural for good teams to be hated by others. When a good team gets success, it would have defeated other teams to get there, breaking hearts of the fans of those teams in the process, thus, it will be hated by those teams’ fans. Especially if that team wins over and over again throughout the years (e.g. the Los Angeles Lakers). There will be plenty of raging, jealous hearts emerging as time passes. Heat is a good team, it can’t be denied. They have two of the top 5 players in the NBA, and their third option is in the top 15 or 20. They have an awesome defense (I was really impressed by their team defense and Wade and LeBron’s individual defensive performances). On paper, indeed, winning a championship seems easy with their talent. But the hate for the Heat is different. The hate for the Heat is not because of any jealous animosity for being a greatly talented team and how successful they become. Prior the 2010-11 Season, before any success can be earned, the Miami Heat had already become the most hated team in the NBA (and probably in all of sports). And the hate for them grew as the season progressed. Why are they hated like this? They are hated because it is only a natural response for an audience to hate the villains of a drama. And that is what is happening here. They have made it clear that they are the villains. Consider these things: their coming together seemed to be something deviously contrived, and it didn’t help that Pat Riley, the orchestrator of this, looks and acts like Gordon Gecko; LeBron James’ “The Decision” circus; the extravagant celebration party they threw before the season started as if they had already won the championship; the infamous and arrogant “Not 1… Not 2… Not 3… Not 4… Not 5… Not 6… Not 7…” proclamation of how many titles they will win; the sudden emergence of more Miami Heat fans (which spells B-A-N-D-W-A-G-O-N-E-R-S); the ridiculous “Fan-Up” campaign (you have 3 superstars and, still, it’s hard to fill up your arena?! This just proves that Miami is the worst NBA team fanbase there is); crying like immature babies when they started losing during the regular season; they made ESPN their worshippers and media puppets, i.e. the Heat Index (to be fair, this is ESPN’s fault as well); their continuous display of arrogant and narcissistic behavior throughout the season and playoffs during games and interviews… plenty of reasons to hate the Heat.

If the Heat had won, ridiculous revisionist history will be written, the arrogance and narcissism of this team will be fed instead of punished, the bandwagoners would be unjustly rewarded, and the Heat nation will have the last laugh – and an evil one that is. Thus, the Mavs prevented all of this. Like an epic “good vs. evil” story, the heroes won, proving that good will always triumph over evil.

And for that, along with my congratulations, I also give my heartfelt thanks to the Dallas Mavericks. Thank you very much. Bask in the glory and joy of this championship. And take good care of the Larry O’Brien trophy. The Los Angeles Lakers would be taking it back next season.

Math is Badass

2011-06-09T22:17:00.005+08:00

In fiction, the use of Math is heavily romanticized. Like in the TV show “Numb3rs”, where Math is used to aid the FBI against crime. Then again, I have read that such practices are actually being done in real life! Also, in Isaac Asimov’s “Foundation” books, there is a science called Psychohistory (which I had already discussed in a list of thought provokers), in which actual sociological and historical factors are converted to statistical-probability equations that would make it possible for the prediction of the future of humanity. Sounds absurd? But consider that others are actually venturing on mathematical study that are somewhat parallel to some Psychohistorical concepts!

Clearly, Math is badass. And, believe me, not only in fiction, but in real life as well.

When I was a kid, I hated Math. And I grew up hating it all throughout my academic life. (Though, ironically, I was “Best in Math” in Nursery. LOL) However, I have loved mysteries and puzzles and logic (long before I learned that that’s the word for that process or exercise), but have not realized that Math was the most perfect avenue where I can work them out. When I was about a young adult, I started to see how special Math real is. And I felt regret, since I haven’t started loving it when I was a kid, when it’s the best time to learn its skills.

I know no real Math. Yeah, I know basic algebra and such. I mean the REAL Math. The mind-blowing Math. The Math that appears to be the key to the mysteries of the universe. Math, as much as Science, is not a panacea, nor it can answer everything. But, still, it is a very invaluable tool in expressing or interpreting seemingly incomprehensible facts of reality into some form of comprehension. The Mathematical World is magical. I find it amazing how numbers and equations can interpret reality, even across its visible boundaries; and how numbers and equations can prove a fact before an actual hands-on scientific experimentation, when experimenting about it is still impossible or it hasn’t been figured out how to carry out the experiment. There are concepts of Quantum Physics (and also in other sciences, but mostly this) that only Math can touch. Sci-fi concepts like time-travel and alternate universes are not laughable ideas at all because of Math. Besides, Math can and have proven things that were thought unthinkable before, like for example, establishing that, at the essence, matter and energy are the same thing.

But there are also cases when something that is impossible in the world of reality is only possible in the world of math. Examples are mindblowing paradoxes (e.g. Zeno’s paradox or the “Achilles and the Tortoise” paradox). They are sound in paper and equations, but in reality, they are impossible. Below is an example of a geometrical paradox.

Also consider how Math, without any logical or mathematical fallacy, proved that 1 and 0.9999… are equal.

assume that

x = 0.999999...

multiply both sides by 10

10x = 9.99999...

subtract both sides by x (which is 0.9999999...)

10x - x = 9.999999... - x

or

10x - x = 9.99999... - 0.99999...

which becomes,
9x = 9

divide both sides by 9

9x/9 = 9/9

which results to,
x=1

conclusion

1 = 0.999999...

And as we continue to learn more about the world of Math, we see how really mindblowing it is.

Of course, there will be times when it’s impossible for numbers and equation to tell the whole story in a particular case or system (e.g. basketball statistics), since there are some other aspects or factors of the system that can’t be put into equation. However, there might come a day when someone will build a perfect equation that would be able to successfully translate ALL the factors and aspects of a case or study, allowing it to become the perfect and final word on the subject. As I’ve said, Math has already proven some things to be possible which had been thought impossible before. Who knows, maybe in a century or two, people would be doing real-life Psychohistorical analyses.

Floodgates (at Bicol Celebration of Hope)

2011-06-02T01:01:00.001+08:00

Will Graham, grandson of famous evangelist Billy Graham, went to Pili, Camarines Sur for a massive 4-day evangelistic crusade entitled "Bicol Celebration of Hope", where thousands of people - from different churches across Bicol - participated. It was held at Pili's Freedom Stadium (inside the Sports Complex) from April 28 to May 1, 2011. Aside from local performers from Bicol churches (which went through auditions in their hometowns), there were also Christian celebrity guests (during the day we performed, it was Barbie Almalbis and Donita Rose) that performed and gave testimonies. Our band, Floodgates, was asked to open Day 2 (April 29). We just recently got the official video (personal video recording was prohibited during the event) from the organizers, and here it is:

click here for more videos

Analysis of Christianity Part 3 - "Basics"

2011-05-29T21:33:00.004+08:00

(Previous: Part 2 - “Believing in God is Only Logical”)

Due to the inevitability of religion being imperfect, Christianity functioning as a religion is not perfect. There is no perfect Christian church. And due to this imperfectness, Christians have different ideas on Christianity and are not able to agree with each other on ALL the doctrines and concepts. That’s why there are divisions. That’s why there are plenty of Christian denominations and churches.

But, still, even if there are disagreements, ALL Christian churches share the belief on a set of important doctrines or concepts of Christianity. These important beliefs are the core of Christianity, that if a church does not agree in just one of these, then it is very probable that that church is not really a Christian church even if they claim that they are.

What are these basic beliefs that all Christians agree to? I will use the Apostles’ Creed as a guide to discuss these basic beliefs, since they are already organized and summarized in it.

First, a brief background on the Creed…

The Apostles’ Creed – contrary to the name might imply – was not written by the Apostles or any Apostle. It is known as such because the clauses are in accordance with the teachings of the Apostles. The origin of the Creed is not easily determined. But it is the common creed by the early Christian Church (circa 2^nd century A.D.). It had been used during those days for catechisms, as a comprehensive set of reminders, for instructions, for reference, and a material to use when defending the faith against heresy and attacks. Since then, the Apostles’ Creed’s contents were the common denominator of all Christians’ beliefs.

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I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth

Christians believe in the existence of God. Not only does the belief in God is established, but three other things about this God are established as truths to be believed: a) the Father person of the Godhead or Trinity; b) He is Almighty – sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent; and c) God is the Creator of Creation. In Part 2, I had already discussed extensively about the existence of God and that He had created all things so I don’t need to say much about this.

And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord

Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is the Son (or Word) person of the Godhead or Trinity. And that He is the Head of the Church (…our Lord). There are those that say that Jesus was just a mere man, a prophet, a good rabbi, denying that he is God. This claim is unbiblical, and once an organized religion or church say that Jesus is just a man, then it is a clear indication that such church is not a Christian one.

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary

Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of Man. He is God incarnated as man. 100% God and 100% human simultaneously (a mystery). As stated in the gospels, Mary did not have any sexual intercourse with anybody when she got pregnant with Jesus. It was the Holy Spirit that put him in her womb.

Why did God need to be incarnated as Man in the first place? He needed to be able to become a Second Adam, a qualified representative of mankind, just as Adam was the representative in mankind’s behalf in Eden. Mankind can only be represented by a Man. As Adam brought curse to mankind, Christ, as the Second Adam, meant to bring hope and salvation.

Suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried

To wash the sins of mankind (or, rather, specifically speaking, His sheep), Jesus took it into himself to be humiliated, tortured, beaten, spat, ridiculed, slandered, abused, and to be crucified and killed on the cross. He endured the hell of a suffering (pun intended) that was meant for mankind as punishment for sin. He became clothed with mankind’s sin. And he took the curse upon him (“Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree,” as the Scripture declared). And he died.

He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead

Jesus descending to hell is just a matter of poetical semantics. The English word Hell was taken from the Greek word Hades (since the New Testament was written in Greek). Hades might mean Hell, the place for eternal torment, but it can also mean Death or the realm of the disembodied spirits (hell, but the letter “h” in lower case). Death happens when the spirit is separated from its vessel in the flesh, and when Jesus died, his spirit had really left his body (“You’re your hands I commit my spirit”). Thus, “descending to hell” merely means that Jesus’ spirit left his body and passed into the abodes of the spirit. This merely emphasizes that Jesus’ death was as human as it can possibly be; that there was a real death that happened. This is in context with the second part of the clause.

The second part states, “the third day He rose again from the dead.” So, Jesus was under the power of death until the third day. The empathic reality of his death magnifies the empathic reality of his resurrection. Indeed, Christ’s resurrection is very very important. His death would have been meaningless if He hadn’t risen from the dead. Christianity would have, in the Apostle Paul’s words, in vain. The resurrection was an essential part of the completion of Christ’s mission in saving us from our sins. When he rose again, he had gotten victory over death and his claims of being the Son of God and of being the Messiah are affirmed.

He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty

Forty days after his resurrection, in plain view of his followers, he ascended to Heaven. Christ’s Ascension completed the Resurrection. Now, He is glorified and honored by the Father. In Men’s custom, being in the right side is the place of glory, honor, and power; therefore to sit on God’s right is the place of highest glory, honor, and power, which Christ now enjoys as a reward for his accomplished mission. And now sitting on the right side of the Father, the Son is now in the perfect position to have His Father’s ear all the time, to mediate and plead for His sheep since he is our High Priest.

From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead

Christians believe in a “D-Day”. Which is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. There is no exact date stated in the Scriptures on when will it be (“Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not angels of heaven, but my Father only.”). But Christians are instructed to live each day as if it was the last since Christ will come unexpectedly (“like a thief in the night”). During his first coming, he came humbly, born in a smelly manger. But in this Second Coming, he will come in all glory and power. He will come as a Conqueror, with the Mighty Armies of Heaven with him and his saints (the Christians) by his side. He will also come as a Judge of mankind. All humans throughout history shall stand before the Judgment seat, where the righteous – those that are made righteous by Christ’s blood – and the wicked will be separated. The righteous will come into the glorious joy of the Master, while the wicked – along with Satan and his angels – will be dismissed to eternal damnation in the Lake of Fire (Brrr. Always gives me goosebumps when thinking or talking about this).

I believe in the Holy Ghost

Christians believe in the Holy Ghost person in the Godhead or Trinity. Some claim that the Holy Ghost is a mere “energy” or “force” and not God. This is, of course, false and unbiblical. The Holy Ghost is God. He was the promised “Comforter” by the Son, the One that will replace Him as the day-to-day Companion of his disciples, before he ascended to heaven. Christians also believe that the Holy Spirit dwells in every Christian’s heart and works on him and through him.

The Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of saints

Firstly, the label of “holy” on the Church means, not because its members are now without flaws, but it is holy because its Head – Jesus Christ – is holy and he had made his Church holy. And someday, the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying process would completely make all of the Church’s members perfect.

The Christian Church is expressed as “The Holy Catholic Church”. This was not intended to mean as the Roman Catholic Church at all. The word “Catholic” means universal. The Christian church is universal, meaning it is not exclusive to any race or culture, which would require submission to an earthly citizenship or cultural traditions as a condition to join, but it is open to every tongue and nation.

Just as the Church being “Catholic” means that it is universal, not dependent on race or culture, it is also universal in the sense that it is not exclusive on any denomination. The Church does not mean as something limited to organization. Indeed, there are plenty of Christian denominations. But the Church means the Christians as a whole. And though Christians are divided by denominations and by their personal opinions and interpretations of biblical doctrine, they are one as a Church, because the Church is the Body of Christ, Christ being the Head. Christians are one in Christ.

The word “saint” means someone set apart, and thus, all Christians, who are set apart for Christ, are saints. And “the Communion of the saints”, means the united, harmonious and sacred fellowship of Christians, regardless of their differences and lack of agreement on all doctrines. All Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ and fellowship among them is very imperative.

Now, considering all the things mentioned above, it also means that a membership to a church does not make you a Christian or grant you salvation. Only with a personal encounter with Christ will one have salvation and be a truly sincere Christian. Thus, any church or religious group that claims that they are the only “true” church and only those that are members of their church will be saved is a sure giveaway that they are not a true Christian church.

The Forgiveness of sins

After the Fall of Man in Eden, mankind was under the bondage of sin. And the consequence of sin on mankind is being separated from God, because being holy, He hates evil and can never associate with it. Because of sin, there is death (“the wages of sin is death”). We might be breathing and walking physically, but in the eyes of God, since we humans are destined for death (and Hell), we are dead already. We are spiritual zombies.

But because of God’s grace and intervention, He had sent His son to save us from our sins (already discussed above). And, by this, Christians believe that Christ is their Savior, by his blood they are cleansed from sin and clothed with his righteousness, making it possible for them to be reconciled and have a personal relationship with God. Moreover, this allowed those that are forgiven to be free from being slaves of sin, allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell in them, making them holy, and enabling them to live lives that are pleasing to God.

The Resurrection of the body

As already mentioned before, all of humanity throughout history will stand before Jesus Christ when he returns to be judged. Thus, there will be a resurrection of all dead – righteous and wicked – in general. The resurrection will not only be limited to our souls, but our bodies as well. We will rise with the same bodies that our souls had left when we die. We can never tell how can this be brought about, but in God, all things are possible. There will be two types of resurrection: for the wicked and the righteous. The resurrection for the wicked will be of shame and eternal revulsion. Their bodies and souls shall be thrown to the Lake of Fire, but though their bodies will be annihilated by the fire, their souls or consciousness will remain, and they will suffer the burning for all eternity. On the other hand, the righteous, though their resurrected bodies will be the same as that in which the soul have dwelt in, will undergo transformation into glorious and beautiful spiritual bodies. Christians believe that Jesus is not only the redeemer of the soul but is also “the Savior of the body.” Thus, there will renewal of the body (after its resurrection) as well as the spirit of someone that is of Christ. And, blameless before God, they will be received by Him to enjoy eternity in His presence.

And the Life Everlasting

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Thus, all deserve to die. But because of Christ, instead of death, Christians received the gift of immortality instead.

God gifted life to man for one purpose: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. But after the Fall, in which the curse of death replaced the gift of life because of sin’s entrance, man lost this purpose. However, God sent His Son, that through Him, by grace, we would receive Eternal Life, destroying the hold of the curse of death, and we would find our purpose once more. Eternal Life is the great gift in which will enable us to perform the purpose why God had created us: to glorify God and enjoy Him FOREVER. Though Eternal Life will climax once eternity begins, the gift of Eternal Life, however, starts as soon as one receives Christ in his life, and not only after the resurrection. Thus, performing our purpose can start as soon as on that point, which will carry on in eternity. Eternal Life is having the privilege of being able to enjoy the happiness of Heaven, as this immortality will be spent in basking in the overwhelming glory and splendor of God forevermore.

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Take note of the fact that there are churches that claim to be Christian churches but are NOT, and there are those who belong in Christian churches but are NOT Christians. That’s why knowledge of these basic and universal beliefs that are shared across Christianity is useful since it’s an effective determinant if one is a true Christian. A true Christian believes all of these truths. Though believing in all of these is not a “requirement” to get saved or be born again, belief in them, however, is a “proof” that one is saved or born again.

As mentioned several times already, Christians however do not share an agreement on other doctrines. These debated doctrines are “irrelevant”, in the sense that they will never put a Christian’s authenticity as a Christian on doubt, considering he believes in the core beliefs. These separations and disagreements happen because of good ol’ flawed human nature. Humans are stubborn, proud, tend to rely on personal wisdom and ability, and give importance to personal conveniences.

Of course, Christians function with a desire to glorify God and as lovers of truth. So if a Christian does err in some of his doctrinal beliefs, then it is not because he is malicious and intentionally motivates himself to cause confusion or separation, but it is because he sincerely believes that his erroneous doctrinal beliefs are the “truth” and they “glorify God”. And stubborn as he might be in holding on his doctrinal beliefs, if discussion or study will show him that he was wrong with his doctrinal opinions – the Holy Spirit opening his eyes – then he will acknowledge his wrong understanding and would now believe in the true doctrine. Because, again, Christians desire to glorify God and find the truth.

(I think the most popular or “hottest” of doctrinal debates is the “mechanics” of salvation between the Reformed view against the Arminian view. Personally, I believe that the Reformed view is the correct biblical view. That’s why it’s what I will discuss next: Part 4 - “TULIP”)