Simple Thoughts

DIY Travel Guide to Mount Ulap

2018-07-15T00:40:00.000-07:00

Photo by Carl Taawan for ABS-CBN News

It is a bit challenging to arrange a solo DIY travel to Mount Ulap even if you’re a local or the Cordilleras so I have a quick guide for y’all.

Second climd was a bit better though it was foggy. (07.07.2018) Thanks to my tour guide for taking these photos. 😂 So, if ever you climb here look for Banban. Will be writing a blog hopefully soon. 😂
A post shared by Roger🇵🇭 (@theigorotkid) on Jul 7, 2018 at 3:20am PDT

This is my second climb in Mount Ulap just because it is one of the closest mountian in Baguio for those who like to have a day hike. Registering at the Barangay Hall before trekking is mandatory to avoid paying fines at either the entrance or in Sta. Fe. The barangay also requires hikers to get a guide whether you've hiked the place multiple times.

Solo trips are always the best. (07.07.2018). Next stop, Tangadan Falls then Mount Porgatory.
A post shared by Roger🇵🇭 (@theigorotkid) on Jul 7, 2018 at 7:06pm PDT

If you have your own transportation, you pay additional Php50.00 for registration of the car. However, for commuters there are two options for transportation back to Baguio. The first option is to rent a car, they call it 'garage car' back to Ampucao barangay hall and then you can get jeepney to baguio at Php30.00 or you can ask your guide if they can have a seat reserved from the jeepneys in Philex so you can just wait in Sta. Fe.

Mount Ulap (08.19.2017)
A post shared by Roger🇵🇭 (@theigorotkid) on Sep 3, 2017 at 1:16am PDT

Just a friendly reminder though because I've seen some tourist who just don't have any discipline and respect for the place. No smoking in the area to avoid possible cause of wildfire. No littering because the place that you are visiting is a home for the locals.

Mount Ulap (08.19.2017)
A post shared by Roger🇵🇭 (@theigorotkid) on Aug 28, 2017 at 6:38am PDT

Also, you might want to bring with you your own packed lunch or snacks because the stores onsite are awfully pricy. Well, you really have to pay for convenience. You also have to bring with you bottled water depending on how you consume but it's best to get the 2 liter one. Insect repellant would also help. Extra clothes and a small towell would be necessary as well.

ITINERARY
0700 ETD Ampucao Jeepney Terminal near Jollibee Centermall
0745 ETA Ampucao Barangay Hall/Register
0800 Start Trek
0900 First Peak
1000 Second Peak/Gungal Rock
1100 Third Peak
1130 Snack/Eat at the Mt. Ulap's stores
1230 Trek Down
1400 ETA Sta. Fe
1500 ETA Baguio City
*Depending on how fast you're going to trek the mountain

BUDGET
100.00 Registration per person
600.00 Guide fee for maximum of 7 pax
30.00 Jeepney fare from Baguio to Ampucao
50.00 Jeepney fare from Sta. Fe to Baguio
*Rates are as of July 2018

You can request for Vanvan as your tour guide is he's available, he takes good shots for those socially savvy hikers who would like to post their hike experience online.

DIY Travel Guide for Mount Kalugong and Mount Yangbew

2018-07-08T07:08:00.001-07:00

The "Little Pulag" (Photo by Julius Tibao)

Mount Kalugong and Mount Yangbew (a.k.a. Mount Yangbo) are the two most accessible places for hikers in Baguio and La Trinidad who doesn't want to have a very long hike.

I lived in La Trinidad and Baguio for almost half of my life and I know most people living in the area haven't found time to visit these two mountains yet. I discovered trekking/hiking to be a good way of relieving stress lately and I'm a person who would prefer to travel alone and it was a bit challenging to look for information online so I am posting my own DIY solo traveler tip and guide for others who might want to try it too.

The power of serenity. (06.26.2018)
A post shared by Roger🇵🇭 (@theigorotkid) on Jul 2, 2018 at 9:32pm PDT

But first things first, why visit Mount Kalugong and Mount Yangbew? Well, aside from these being the closest to town we can go to, you get to appreciate the majestic beauty of creation too. The photos I took are just understatement of what you can really see and experience when you visit.

Mount Yangbew (08.15.2017)
A post shared by Roger🇵🇭 (@theigorotkid) on Aug 27, 2017 at 8:13am PDT

Last year I hiked Mount Yangbew and Mount Kalugong separately with some of my peers but this year I decided to go to both at the same time simply because both of them are in the same area so here is the schedule I created.

The power of reconnection! (06.26.2018)
A post shared by Roger🇵🇭 (@theigorotkid) on Jun 26, 2018 at 4:51am PDT

I’m missing a lot of things I used to do from hiking/trekking/trailrunning to working out to being active in life coaching teens and so on... I think I’ve been irresponsibly idle for the past few months...
A post shared by Roger🇵🇭 (@theigorotkid) on Jun 18, 2018 at 8:50am PDT

The best combination for me is Yangbew before Kalugong because you can hang-out in Kalugong longer because of their coffee shop. So, you can ride a jeepney at the jeepney terminal bound to La Trinidad either at the Centermall Terminal or at the Magsaysay Terminal. Depending on traffic, the travel may take between 15 to 20 minutes. Drop off at the Tiong San La Trinidad and walk across to the Pines Park-Lubas-Tawang Jeepney Terminal. It may take up to 20 minutes before you reach the jump off. You might be needing to register first at the Tawang Barangay hall if the watchers are not available. The trek to the peak of Mount Yangbew may take between 20 to 40 minutes depending on how fast you do it. You can take some photos simply with the grassland or with the horses available on site. After Mount Yangbew, you can walk down to the highway to Mount Kalugong which is towards Tawang. The trek to Mount Kalugong may take between 30 to 40 minutes from Mount Yangbew's entrance. Mount Kalugong, aside from it's famous rock formations, has a cultural village and a coffee shop as well. From Mount Kalugong, you can then walk down towards Cruz, La Trinidad which may take between 15 to 20 minutes. You can ride a jeepney from Cruz, La Trinidad back to Baguio City.

Mount Kalugong (09.15.2017)
A post shared by Roger🇵🇭 (@theigorotkid) on Sep 27, 2017 at 12:33am PDT

BUDGET

40.00 Fare for all your jeepney rides

50.00 Regisration for Mount Yangbew

100.00 Entrance Fee for Mount Kalugong

**Additional budget for your snack at the coffee shop in Mount Kalugong if you'd like to try

KABATAAN: PAG-ASA NG BAYAN

2016-03-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

READ IN ENGLISH

“Nasaan na ang mga kabataang nagmamahal sa bayan?”

Nang marinig ko ang katanungang ito, may kung anong kumurot sa aking puso dahil alam kong may punto ito. Nasaan na nga ba ang mga kabataang Pinoy, pag-asa ng bayan, na tinutukoy ni Rizal? Nasaan na nga ba ang dapat sana’y umaakay sa mga nakakatanda at umaalalay sa mga nakakabata?

Napakarami nang mga kabataang Pinoy ang babad sa kaka-selfie para may mai-upload sa kani-kanilang mga social media accounts. Napakaraming kabataang pinoy ang imbes na mag-aral ng mabuti o di kaya’y gumawa ng isang bagay na mainam, ay nagpapaka-addict sa kung anu-anong mga computer games o ‘di kaya nama’y smartphone games. Napakaraming mga kabataang Pinoy ngayon ang mas pinipiling mag-bisyo kaysa matuto.

Ilan na nga bang kabataang Pinoy ang nakakaisip na pagbutihin ang pag-aaral para makagawa ng isang magandang bagay para sa ikakaganda ng buhay ng kanyang pamilya at bayan? Ilan na nga bang kabataang Pinoy ang nagbabasa ng ‘book’ para madagdagan ang kanyang kaalaman imbes na magpaka ‘famous’ sa ‘facebook’? Ilan na nga bang kabataang Pinoy ang nagiging magaling para mapagaling ang kapwa at hindi dahil gusto lang pumunta sa ibang bansa?

Sa mga kagaya kong kabataang Pinoy, ano nga ba ang halaga ng ating mga kabalbalang ginagawa? May mga natitira pa bang handang tumayo sa kinaruruonan at maging magandang halimbawa sa kapwa kabataan? May mga natitira pa bang handang maging ‘buhay na bayani’ sa bansang Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng pagiging masunuring anak na may takot sa Diyos? May mga natitira pa bang hindi lang ang sarili ang iniisip kundi pati rin ang kapakanan ng mas nakakarami? May mga natitira pa bang hindi nasira ang buhay dahil sa bisyo – sigarilyo, alak, at druga? May natitira pa bang handang tumayo at maniwala na baling araw gaganda rin ang buhay sa Pilipinas, hindi dahil nagsi-puntang ibang bansa ang mga magagaling kundi dahil nagsi-tayuan ang mga kabataang Pinoy at nagsabing, “Tama na ang pananahimik, ang hindi pangingi-alam, ang pagsasawalang-bahala, at ang pagiging tanga”?

Naniniwala pa rin ako na ang mga kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan. Pa-isa-isa man kaming natatauhan, pero pag lahat na tayo nagsama-sama at tayo mismo ang maging pagbabago na ating hinihiling sa ating bayan, pasa-saan ba’t magbabago nga ito.

Naniniwala pa rin ako na ang mga turo ng mga nakakatanda ang siyang gabay sa aming mga kabataan para maging mas maayos na henerasyon. Kaya sana, sa mga nakakatanda, tayo ay maging tamang ihemplo sa aming mga kabataan.

Sa mga nakakatanda, sana po maging tamang gabay kayo sa aming mga nakakabata para po matupad naming ang sabi ni Rizal na kami ang pag-asa ng bayan.

Sa mga kagaya kong kabataan, sana gawin natin lahat ng makakaya natin hindi lang para mag-enjoy kundi para maging halimbawa sa isa’t-isa. Sana tayo ay maging tunay ngang pag-asa at hindi dahlia ng pagdurusa at pagluluksa ng ating inang bayan.

Ngayong, nalalapit na eleksyon, ako po’y nananawagan sa lahat ng Pilipino na sana bago po natin sulatan an gating mga balota ay alalahanin natin an gating mga anak at magiging anak. Sana alalahanin natin kung ano bang kinabukasan ang gusto natin para sa kanila. Sana hindi tayo maging makasarili at isiping dibale’t pagdating ng panahon ay wala naman na tayo.

TOP 5 LAZADA PHILIPPINES’ MUST-HAVES

2016-03-14T03:46:00.000-07:00

One of the most convenient ways to shop, these days, is to shop online since it won’t be talking so much of our time and effort, unlike actually visiting a brick-and-mortar store. Aside from the hassle-free experience in shopping online, you get to have faster options in comparing both the quality and price of the products you buy because you get to see the feedback and comments regarding the said products online.

I’m a movie buff but I hate watching movies in a small laptop screen because I like to see the details of the scenes as well as feel like I’m in a cinema in my own home.

As a couch potato, at times, I know that the quality of the sound is as important as the video. Also, I like listening to music and I like it loud where I can hear all the bass and drums vibrating.

Capturing pictures is one of my hobbies because I don’t want to let go of the memories from the moments that I can’t loop backwards and having a camera that knows what I want is a plus.

I don’t want to just shoot people and stay out of the picture but I also want to be on the photo so having a good pair for my camera would be awesome.

There are also moments that we don’t see coming and that we are unprepared to capture the moment so carrying with you a phone that you can’t just use for your personal communications but also for shooting moments would help.

See! For our convenience, one of the largest online malls, if not the largest, in Asia is here to make our searching easier because I know that, like me, you also search the internet before you buy things, if not buy them online directly. Through Lazada, you can find almost, if not all, things that you need. Visit the marketplace NOW!

This post is an entry for the ShopCoupons X Lazada PH Blogger contest. Being hosted by ShopCoupons. Lazada voucher sponsored by Lazada Philippines.

EXPERIENCE DOES MATTER

2016-02-29T01:21:00.000-08:00

An elderly couple retired to a country-side in a small isolated cottage overlooking some rugged and rocky heath land.

One morning the woman saw from her window a young man dressed in working clothes walking on the heath, about a hundred miles away. He was carrying a spade and a small case, and he disappeared from view behind a corpse of trees.

The woman thought no more about it but around the same time the next day, she saw the man again, carrying his spade and a small case. And again he disappeared behind the corpse.

The woman mentioned this to her husband, who said he is probably a farmer or a gamekeeper setting traps or performing some country practice that would be perfectly normal and so not to worry.

However, after several more sightings of the young man with the spade over the next two weeks, the woman persuaded her husband to take a stroll – early, before the man tended to arrive – to the corpse of trees to investigate what he was doing.

There they found a surprisingly long and deep trench, rough and uneven to one end and becomes much neater and tidier towards the other end.

“How strange,” the old lady said, “why dig a trench here and in such difficult rocky ground?” and her husband agreed.

Just then the young man appeared – earlier than his usual time.

“You’re early,” said the old woman, making light of their obvious curiosity. “We wondered what you were doing and we also wondered what’s in the case.”

“I’m digging a trench,” said the man, who continued realizing a bigger explanation was appropriate. “I’m actually learning how to dig a trench because the job I’m being interviewed for later today says that experience is essential, so I’m getting the experience. And the case, it’s my lunch in it.”

He got the job.

Sometimes people fail to get the opportunity being laid in front of them because they lack the technical aspect of the knowledge they already have. In employment, you lose the job because you’re not interested enough to get the background needed for it. If you apply for a job, you should know what’s that you’re applying for.

On the other hand, if we see suspicious people don’t assume something’s wrong with them right away. Listen to them. Let them say what’s in it that they are going to say.

Lastly, everyone deserves an explanation.

***DISCLAIMER***

This blog wishes to inform the readers that contents of this blog are not solely owned by the administrator/owner. Some were taken around the web with no intentions of copyright infringement. They belong to their rightful owners. The blog administrator only wishes to let the readers learn the lessons that we oftentimes ignore in our lives.

If you would like to share your inspirational and stories that readers will learn precious lessons from, you may contact me and have your stories posted. If you don’t own the entry but you want to share it and you know who the owner is, please include their names for acknowledgement purposes.

A BUCKET, A JUG, AND AN EGG-CUP

2016-02-25T22:24:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of mbsdailydrawing.blogspot.com

A party of supplier was being given a tour to a mental hospital.

One of the visitors made some very insulting remarks about the patients.

After the tour, the visitors were introduced to various of staffs in the canteen.

The rude visitor chatted with one of the security staffs, Billy, a kindly and wise ex-policeman.

“Are they all raving loonies in here then?” said the rude man.

“Only to the ones who fail the test,” Bill replied.

“What’s the test?” the rude man asked.

“Well, we show them a bath tub full of water, a bucket, a jug, and an egg-cup. We’re going to ask them which one is the quickest way to empty the tub.” answered Billy.

“Oh, I see.” The rude man replied with a sarcastic smile in his face. “The normal ones know it’s the bucket, right?”

“No,” Billy responded. “The normal ones say just pull out the plug. So, should I check if there’s an extra bed for you?”

The story displays judgmental attitude and discrimination. Sometimes, we’re just not in the position to judge certain circumstances as if we know what’s going on and what caused it. Don’t be a smart-ass if you’re not even sure of where you’re standing. You might not know you’re going to drown without your knowledge. Sometimes we become this type of person without us knowing and when we realize it we start looking for excuses. It doesn’t hurt to be HUMBLE!

***DISCLAIMER***

ROBBY'S PRODIGY

2016-02-25T05:45:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of lesliesmusicstudio.com

At the prodding of my friends, I am writing this story. My name is Mildred Hondorf. I am a former elementary school music teacher from Des Moines, Iowa. I’ve always supplemented my income by teaching piano lessons – something I’ve done for over 30 years. Over the years, I found that children have many levels of musical ability. I’ve never had the pleasure of having a prodigy though I have taught some talented student.

However, I’ve also had my share of what I call ‘musically challenged’ pupils. One of such student is Robby. Robby was eleven years old when his mother – a single mom – dropped him off for his first piano lesson. I prefer that students – especially boys – begin at an earlier age, which I explained to Robby.

Robby said that it was always his mother’s dream to hear him play the piano so I took him as a student. Well, Robby began with his piano lessons and from the beginning I thought that it was a hopeless endeavor. As much as Robby tried, he lacked the sense of tone and basic rhythm needed to excel but he dutifully reviewed his scales and some elementary pieces that I require all my students to learn.

Over the months, he tried and tried while I listened and cringed and tried to encourage him. At the end of each weekly lesson he’d always say, “My mom’s going to hear me play someday.” But it seemed hopeless.

He just did not have any inborn ability. I only knew his mother from a distance as she dropped Robby off or waited in her aged car to pick him up. She always waved and smiled but never stopped in.

Then one day, Robby stopped coming to our lessons. I thought about calling him but I assumed because of his lack of ability that he decided to pursue something else. I also was glad that he stopped coming. He was a bad advertisement for my teaching.

Several weeks later, I mailed to the students’ homes a flyer on the upcoming recital. To my surprise Robby – who received a flyer – asked me if he could be in the recital. I told him that the recital was for current pupils and because he had dropped out, he really did not qualify. He said that his mother had been sick and unable to take him to his piano lessons but he was still practicing. “Miss Hondorf, I’ve just got to play,” he insisted.

I don’t know what led me to allow him to play in the recital. Maybe it was his persistence or maybe it was something inside me saying that it would be alright. The night of the recital came. The high school gymnasium was packed with parents, friends and relatives. I put Robby up last in the program before my finishing piece. I thought that any damage he would do would come up at the end of the program and I could always salvage his poor performance through my ‘curtain closer’.

Well, the recital went off without a hitch. The students had been practicing and it showed. Then Robby came up stage. His clothes were wrinkled and his hair looked like he’d run an egg beater through it. “Why didn’t he dress up like all the other pupils?” I thought. “Why didn’t his mother at least make him comb his hair for this special night?”

Robby pulled out the piano bench and he began. I was surprised when he announced that he had chosen Mozart’s Concerto #21 in C Major. I was not prepared for what I heard next. His fingers were light on the keys. They even danced nimbly on the ivories. He went from pianissimo to fortissimo then from allegro to virtuoso. His suspended chords that Mozart demands were magnificent. Never had I heard Mozart played so well by people his age. After six and a half minutes, he ended in a grand crescendo and everyone was on their feet in wild applause. Overcome and in tears, I ran up on stage and put my arms around Robby in joy. “I’ve never heard you play like that Robby, how’d you do it?”

Through the microphone Robby explained, “Well, Miss Hondorf, remember I told you mom was sick? Actually, she had cancer and passed away this morning. Well, she was born deaf so tonight was the first time she ever heard me play. I wanted to make it special.”

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house that evening. As the people from the Social Services led Robby from the stage to be placed into foster care, I noticed that even their eyes were red and puffy and I thought to myself how much richer my life had been for taking Robby as my pupil.

No, I’ve never had a prodigy before but that night I became a prodigy – of Robby’s. He was the teacher and I was the student for it is he who taught me the meaning of perseverance and love and believing in yourself and maybe even taking a chance in someone and you don’t know why.

***DISCLAIMER***

NYT HIGH PILOTS ON FEBRUARY 27

2016-02-18T23:54:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of Gateway Community Church Facebook Page

“The youth is the hope of the fatherland.” – Dr. Jose Rizal

Indeed the youth is the hope of the fatherland, for they are the next generation. However, in order for the youth to be the hope of the fatherland, as Dr. Jose Rizal claims, they need to be guided properly, for how can they be the hope if they are left unlearned and miserable? They might as well become the problem of the society.

In turn, Gateway Community Church and RED Campus joined forces to introduce NYT High, a program designed for all high school students. NYT High aims to guide the teen agers in a community where they know they are accepted and loved, so they can share the same to other people.

On the other hand, students from Baguio City National High School are the fire starters of the plan with the help of the volunteer coaches headed by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Veronica Gawlik, and Bs. Rodolfo “Sohl” de Guia.

NYT High is commencing on February 27, from 3pm until 5pm tackling “Unity and Teamwork” as its pilot topic, and will be happening every Saturday from 3 to 5pm thereafter at the Gateway Hub (4/F ECCO Bldg., Assumption Rd., Baguio City).

Come and let’s vault in to be the hope our fatherland needs!

THE ‘RADICAL’ PACQUIAO: ‘I SALUTE YOU’

2016-02-18T23:44:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of Google

I’ve been very concerned with the reactions of people about the comment of People’s Champ, Congressman Manny Pacquiao regarding same-sex marriage.

“Pacquiao: Couples in same-sex unions ‘worse than animals’”

Though, after the statement, he apologized to those who were hurt.

“Pacquiao said: I'm sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I've hurt.”

I think celebrities and common people who have reacted very negatively were just HURT and at the same time, I guess they realized the reality behind the statement of Manny. “Hindi ka naman masasaktan or matatamaan kung alam mong wala kang ginagawang masama or kung alam mong nasa tama ka.”

To those professing Christians who don’t agree with Manny’s actions, I guess you have to go back to your Bible and pray for guidance because, we have been deceived to believing that we should not hurt the feelings of the ‘unbelievers’ because they might be offended and not go to church.

To those people who think Manny is JUDGING them for saying what the Bible says, I tell you, you are being confused between JUDGING and BOLD REBUKING, WARNING, or CORRECTION.

“Some people say all judgment is wrong by singling out the verse "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Matthew 7:1). It is true that there are certain forms of judgment that we are not meant to make. The above verse is referring to one of these forms. However, there are instances where the Bible says that we need to judge. We need to read other verses and not only the one above.”

“Correctionis not judgment, as the Bible says that we should correct, rebuke and be bold to those who are sinning. It is to be done in an act of caring for them in the hope that they will believe. That way we could contribute to the saving of a soul. If we don't, we could be responsible for suppressing the truth which could mean eternal death instead of eternal life for that person.”(Source: http://www.truechristianity.com/)

“Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (JAMES 5:20)

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. (2 Timothy 4:2)

To the people who think that Manny’s way of rebuking the LGBT community is wrong, again go back to the Bible and see if there is anything wrong. The LGBT has been corrected since then but unti now they kept on sinning.

As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.

(1 Timothy 5:20)

“Jesus and the Apostles were very bold and rebuked and condemned evil. They even openly rebuked people in the church for doing evil, in order to strengthen the church. There were examples when even physical force was used to correct them. In Nehemiah 13:25, Nehemiah cursed, struck and pulled out the hair of the Jews who rebelled by having pagan wives. There were other incidences where he forced people to stop lending money at interest, (Nehemiah 5:10-13) and threatened people for breaking the Sabbath (Nehemiah 13:19-21). Nehemiah forced people to do the right thing. Jesus Also overturned the tables of the moneychangers in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13).

Rebuking a sinner, exposing corruption, correcting someone in love or disciplining ones children is not judging wrongfully. If so, Jesus and the Apostles who were our example to follow would have been in error. I believe that the Devil is lying to people to convince them that Biblical correction is judging. Therefore, many believe that it is fine to go on sinning and not obey God by warning others. This is the opposite of the example set by the Apostles. People are more likely to take note and remember strong stirring words. Strong words cause people to repent and not remain lukewarm. Bold ministry can turn people off but they would probably turn away anyway and be considered by God to be lukewarm. Therefore, they probably would have been rejected by God anyway.In the Bible people mostly either turned well away or became committed believers.” (Source: http://www.truechristianity.com/)

To those who say that it isn’t written in the Bible, go back to your Bibles. To churches who tolerate it, this serves as a warning.

You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)

If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. (Leviticus 20:13)

Abomination, defined by Merriam-Webster, is something that causes disgust or hatred.

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

(1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. (Romans 1:26-28)

I am a nobody and I know that many people will be offended with this post but I hope God will break your heart and make your realize His real message.

To Congressman Manny Pacquiao, please know that we are praying for you and that I salute you for your boldness. God be glorified for using your influence to glorify Him.

"IF WE ARE THE BODY..."

2016-02-18T22:17:00.000-08:00

“If we are the body…” A very striking statement intended to awaken churches who profess to be Christians.

I realized that God allows us to be in places where He wants us to be His representatives by being the ‘salt and light’ but seeing our society nowadays, it makes me ask, where is the body?

I don’t see people reaching the lost but instead, I see judgmental churches condemning people for what they are doing wrong. I don’t see Christians rallying to be a blessing and be the healing this hurting world needs but instead, I see them becoming a part of the reason why people in this world suffer and be hurt. I don’t see people teaching the unlearned about what the ‘Word’ says but instead I see people debate about what they think the ‘Word’ says.

If we are the Body of Christ, then what are we doing? If we are the Body of Christ, then where are we?

I don’t see people going the extra mile to meet the needs of those spiritually broken and needy individual, but I see hurt people hurting others. I don’t see people showing the kind of love that the ‘Jesus Christ,’ we are declaring, has shown. Instead, I see people Christians condemning and judging people for their choices.

The Word is not asking us to be perfect people, like Christ, but the Word is asking for us to have COMPASSION and show the LOVE that Christ has demonstrated. The Word is asking for us to show that we are the Body of Christ by being the salt and light these world needs. The Word is asking for us to be the LOVE this hurting world needs and show the lost the way.

IF WE ARE THE BODY, WHERE ARE WE? Churches, what have we done so far to do our part in The Body? What have we done to seek the one sheep, which has gone astray, for God? IF WE ARE THE BODY, WHERE ARE WE?

“TO BE EFFECTIVE (by Ralph Martson)”

2016-02-18T00:21:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of http://www.fenero.com/

What is it that makes some people more effective than others? Is it skill, or luck, or secret knowledge?

More than anything else, it is a clear and consistent SENSE OF PURPOSE. When the objective is compelling enough, you will find a workable, effective way to make it happen.

To be effective, you must be effective towards some particular end. Clearly define, visualize and feel the reality of the goal, mentally weaving it into every part of your life.

FOCUS ON WHY IT MUST BE DONE JUST AS MUCH AS YOU FOCUS ON WHAT IS TO BE DONE. By very definition, INSPIRED PERFORMANCE REQUIRES INSPIRATION.

Purpose provides that inspiration. Actions that clearly resonate with purpose will naturally gravitate toward higher and higher levels of effectiveness.

When it truly means something to you, do it very well. WHAT’S EVEN BETTER IS THAT IN THE ACHIEVEMENT THAT SURELY COMES, YOU’LL FIND GREAT FULFILLMENT.

***DISCLAIMER***

“POSSIBILITY OF SUCCESS (by Ralph Marston)”

2016-02-17T22:13:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of http://www.lifehack.org/

You can make your life a triumph in spite of every adversity. Or you could make your life a mess despite of every advantage.

Success does not depend on where you started. If it did, no one could have ever been successful.

Success comes from what you choose to do with whatever you have. It is fully available to anyone who decides to make the effort and the commitment.

Whatever the day holds, it also holds the possibility of success and achievement. Whatever the situation may be, there is a way to create real value from it.

Choose to see the positive possibilities, and you will. Choose to follow those possibilities, and success takes root.

The opportunity for success is always yours, and so is the responsibility. Decide to do what it takes and create the success that is your own special destiny.

“OUR GREATEST GLORY IS NOT IN NEVER FAILING, BUT IN RISING UP EVERYTIME WE FALL.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

***DISCLAIMER***

“SUBSTANCE OF SUCCESS (by Robert Marston)”

2016-02-17T02:58:00.001-08:00

Photo Courtesy of www.lifehack.org

Those who keep talking about how much they’ve accomplished, haven’t accomplished much at all.

Those who blame others for their lack of progress won’t ever get very much done.

Those who spend all their time making promises, never get around to following on those promises.

Those who are skilled at finding fault won’t ever find a way to create value.

Success happens when you stop talking and start doing.

Achievement happens when you stop dealing in promises and start taking action.

Instead of making elaborate, impressive plans; get busy taking small effective steps.

Instead of striving to convince others of what you’re going to do, attract their attention and support by virtue of what you’ve already done.

Make substance your stock in trade.

Make real, meaningful value the standard by which you work and live and evaluate your progress.

Put your energy not into appearing impressive but into getting good, solid, valuable results.

For they are what will make an unforgettable, undeniable, positive impression.

***DISCLAIMER***

“BUSINESS IS GREAT”

2016-02-17T02:58:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of www.dreamstime.com

A landscape gardener runs a business that had been in the family for two or three generations. The staffs were happy and the customers loved to visit the store or to have the staff work on their gardens or deliver anything from bedding plants to ride-on mowers.

For as long as anyone could remember, the current owner and the previous generation of owners were extremely positive and happy people. Most people assumed it was because they run a successful business. In fact it was the other way around. The tradition in the business is that the owner always wore a big lapel badge saying, “Business is Great”.

The business was indeed generally great, although it went through tough times like any other. What never changed, however, were the owner’s attitude and the badge saying, “Business is Great”.

Everyone who saw the badge for the first time invariably asked, “What’s so great about business?”. Sometimes people would also comment that their own business was miserable, or even that they were miserable or stressed.

Anyhow, the “Business is Great” badge always tended to start a conversation, which typically involved the owner talking about lots of positive aspects of business and work. For example:

Pleasure of meeting and talking with different people every day.
The rewards that come from helping staff take on new challenges and experiences.
The fun and laughter in a relaxed and healthy work environment.
The fascination in the work itself and in the other peoples work and businesses.
The great feeling when you finish a job and do it in the best of your capabilities.
The new things you learn everyday – even without looking to do so.
And; the thought that everyone in the business is blessed – because there are many millions of people who would swap their own situation to have the same opportunities of doing a productive, meaningful job, in a civilized well-fed country – where we have no real worries.

And so the list went on, and no matter how miserable the person was, they’d usually end up feeling a lot happier after just a couple of minutes listening to all his infectious enthusiasm and positivism.

It is impossible to quantify or measure attitude like this, but to one extent or another, it’s probably about the badge in a quiet moment the business would confide: “THE BADGE CAME FIRST, THE GREAT BUSINESS FOLLOWED”.

The story may have not occurred in reality but the situation might. It seems to be so hard to be that positive in all instances most especially if you’re seeing your environment fall apart, but it is possible because it is everyone’s choice to stay positive anyway.

Well, the story doesn’t just talk about being positive but also about attracting positivism. Some people believe in the “Law of Attraction”. The Bible also says something about the “Power of the Tongue or Confession or Declaration.” Both belief on Attractionand the Bible’s take on Confession or Declarationare talking about being sensitive enough to focus on what is good about what happened no matter how bad it can be and staying strong enough to be positive.

***DISCLAIMER***

“THE PROJECT SMILE”

2016-02-15T03:29:00.002-08:00

Photo Courtesy of http://mummytales.com/show-your-child-the-way/

I am a mother of three – ages 14, 12 and three – and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project for the term was called, “SMILE”.

The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reaction. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought it would be a piece of cake, literally.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald’s one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.

We were standing in line waiting to be served when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, even my husband did. I did not move an inch and an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside me as I turned to see why they had moved.

As I turned around, I smelled a horrible “dirty body” smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was ‘smiling’. His beautiful sky-blue eyes were full of God’s light as he searched for acceptance.

He said, “Good day!” as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hand as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.

I held my tears as I stood there with them. The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, “Coffee is all, Miss,” because that was all they could afford. If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm.

Then I really felt it. The compulsion was so great; I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.

I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman’s cold hand.

He looked at me – with tears in his eyes – and said, “Thank you.” I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, “I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.”

I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down, my husband smiled at me and said, “That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope.”

We held hands for a moment at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give. We are not church-goers, but we are believers. That day showed me the pure light of God’s sweet love.

I returned to college on the last evening of our class, with this story in hand. I turned in my project and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, “Can I share this?” I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we, as human beings and being a part of God, share this need to heal people and to be healed.

In my own way, I had touched the people at McDonald’s, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.

I graduated with one of the best lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE. Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person and learn how to love people and use things – not love things and use people.

“Many people will walk in and out of our lives, but only a few true friends leave footprints in your heart.”

When was the last time you became an answer to someone's prayer and left that person smile? Are you willing to bring a smile to someone today?

SHARE THE MESSAGE!

***DISCLAIMER***

“THE OLD WOMAN AND HER THREE HAIRS”

2016-02-15T03:22:00.003-08:00

Photo Courtesy of http://www.clipartof.com

A very old lady looked in the mirror one morning. She had three remaining hairs on her head. Being a positive soul, she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.” So she did braid her three hairs, and she had a great day.

Some days later, looking at the mirror one morning while preparing for her day, she saw that she had only two hairs remaining. “Hmm… two hairs,” she thought. “I fancy a center parting today.” So she did part her two hairs and as ever, she had a great day.

A week or so later, she saw that she had just one hair left on her head. “One hair, huh…” she mused. “I know a pony tail would be perfect.” And again and as always, she had a great day.

One morning when she woke up and looked at the mirror, she was completely bald. “Finally bald!” she told herself. “How wonderful, I won’t have to waste time doing my hair anymore!”

The story shows how people can just choose to be happy and be positive instead of being so bitter. Everyone experiences bad things and even worst. Sometimes we even wake up with nothing but we just have to be thankful that each day we wake up because we are given another chance to be better. We might not be the one person who can have everything but keep in mind no one does. The poor has something the rich one hasn’t and vice versa. A positive and optimistic perception will not just make your life lighter but also inspires those people around you. You may have a living but not a life if you don’t know how to be happy.

***DISCLAIMER***

“SPEAK TO ME: GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS”

2016-02-15T01:09:00.001-08:00

Photo Courtesy of http://www.hoards.com/13mar10-milk-rebound

A young man had been to a Wednesday night Bible study. The pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord’s voice. The young man couldn’t help but wonder if God still speak to people.

After service, he went out with some friends for a coffee and pie. They discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways.

It was about ten o’clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, “God… if you still speak to people, speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey.”

As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and said out loud, “God is that you?” He didn’t get a reply and continued on toward home.

But again, the thought, ‘buy a gallon of milk.’ The young man thought about Samuel and how he wasn’t able recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli. “Okay, God. In case that is You, I will buy the milk.” It didn’t seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and continued toward home.

As he passed along Seventh Street, he felt the urge again. “Turn down that street.” “This is crazy,” he thought and drove past the intersection.

Again, he felt that he should turn down to Seventh Street. At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh. Half-jokingly, he said out loud, “Okay God, I will.”

He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over, to the curve and looked around. He was in a semi-commercial area of the town. It wasn’t the best but it wasn’t the worst neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed.

Again, he sensed something, “Go. Give the milk to the people in the house across the street.” The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat.

“Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid.”

Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk.

Finally, he opened the door, “Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something, but if they don’t answer right away, I’m out of here.”

He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man’s voice yelled out, “Who is it? What do you want?” Then the door opened before the young man could get away.

The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn’t seem too happy to have some stranger on his doorstep. “What is it?”

The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, “Here, I brought this to you.” The man took the milk and rushed down the hallway.

Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face. The man began speaking, half-crying, “We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn’t have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk.”

His wife in the kitchen yelled out, “I asked Him to send an angel with some. Are you an angel?”

The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him in the man’s hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face. He knew that God STILL ANSWERS PRAYERS.

Sometimes, it’s just too hard to discern God’s little voice inside us. Sometimes, we think that it is crazy. We are too scared to get out of our comfort zones and do what God is asking for us to do. Sometimes we tend to forget that God tests our faith in the simplest ways. The challenge is, “Are we willing to act insane and listen to God’s prompting?” Are we willing to go the extra mile and be an answer to someone else’s prayer?

If you think this story has taught you something, kindly SHARE and PASS IT ON!

***DISCLAIMER***

“THE LAW OF THE GARBAGE TRUCK!”

2016-02-14T23:45:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of http://www.kid-at-art.com/htdoc/educate.html

I learned an important lesson in my life sixteen years ago, when I rode a taxi cab. We were driving home in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. The taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded and missed the other car by mere inches. The driver of the black car – the guy who almost caused a big accident and brought us all to the hospital – whipped his head around and started yelling bad words at us. The taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. He really is friendly – I mean actually friendly.

Out of curiosity, I asked the taxi driver, “Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and could’ve sent us to the hospital.”

The taxi driver told me about something that I now call the Law of the Garbage Truck.

“Many people are like the garbage trucks, they run around full of garbage, full of FRUSTRATION, full of ANGER, and full of DISAPPOINTMENT. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it on, and if you let them, they’ll dump it on you. When someone tries to dump it on you, don’t take it personally. Instead, just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You’ll be happier if you did.”

Accept it or not, we all have let others dump their trash on us. It happens anywhere, it may either be at school, in the church, in our houses, within the community, at work, along the streets, or any other places. Sometimes, it is us who gets hit and sometimes we are the ones who hit. It is our decision to take or reject the daily garbage trucks we encounter every single day. We may get cursed by other people who carry the loads of their garbage at their shoulders but we should never judge anyone for we don’t have any idea about what they are going through and who they really are. It may be easier said than done but there’s no harm in trying. It does not hurt to be WISER.

***DISCLAIMER***

WELCOME HOME!

2016-02-11T03:24:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of Gateway Community Church Facebook Page

Acceptance has been a clamor in this world from the beginning. These days, people try to fill this need through the pseudo world of social media. However, is the struggle for acceptance in this “make-believe” world worth the efforts?

“Welcome Home,” the tagline of Gateway Community Church, is to promote an individual, as well as a community, sensitive environment. It aims to give each and everyone the sense of BELONGING, we all wanted, and OWNERSHIP to be able to share the same to others.

With sense of BELONGING, each individual can feel accepted in a community without having to change their real identity or be scared of being judged for who they are. In turn, these people will have the sense of OWNERSHIP by making others feel accepted too.

Gateway Community Church, launching the “#CNQST2600”, is targeting both residents and transients of Baguio City in all age groups – young professionals, college and high school students, kids, and adults. “CNQST” stands for CONQUEST, while “2600” is the zip code for Baguio City.

IPRO (Young Professionals)

Getting tired and exhausted trying to be the best in the career we have chosen, we need to have a place where we can be relaxed surrounded by people who can either listen or give us advices. iPro (to be scheduled) is designed to cater to every young professionals who need a relaxing place to hang out and inspiring people to hang out with.

We may be tired from work but that doesn’t mean we don’t have the right to enjoy and relax!

NYTLIFE (College Students) & NYT HIGH (High School Students)

One of our basic needs is to have the sense of acceptance and belonging. Young people, most especially, want to be heard and accepted just the way we are. We need a support system, not a critic, where we can just be ourselves. In turn, NYTLife (6-7pm on Fridays) & NYT High (3-5pm on Saturdays) is a BARKADA (group or peer or friend) focused in being a living influence for everybody by redirecting our attention to better and more productive activities, while being an inspiration to others.

We may be young and not influential but we can also be a living inspiration to other people. We just have to be accepted the way we are, not judged for who we are not!

KIDS REPUBLIC

Pastor Ed Curbin warned churches not to neglect the children and we are proud because we have been catering to the children. The Kids Republic is happening during Sundays, so bring your kids and let them join us.

ADULT GROUP

As they say it, “A new broom sweeps clean but the old brush knows all the corners.” We may be young and strong but this group is wise and experienced. The ADULT GROUP will be having its pilot even on February 25 through a post-valentine movie marathon.

“Come home to the place where you belong, a place you can call your home!”

HYPOCRISY OF THE PHILIPPINE LAWMAKERS

2016-02-04T01:12:00.001-08:00

Going home tired from work and reaching news about bills obviously being ignored by the Congress, is both very frustrating and stressing at the same time.

Number of the bills left in limbo until after another election includes the House Bill No. 3237 or otherwise known as the “Freedom of Information Bill” which will be an implementing rule for the Section 7 of the Article 3 (Bill of Rights) in the country’s constitution.

SECTION 7. The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access to official records, and to documents, and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.

I remember voting for some new politicians before simply because part of their platform is to look into the bills that are important, but sadly, the same bills are still being ignored and left in the limbo until now.

I just realized, six years is over and election period is fast approaching. Politicians, again, are getting ready. I just have some questions though; will they use the same platform (the pending bills) for their advantage? Will they, one again, sweet talk the wise Filipino voters by promising a lot (which remained to be a promised, until now)?

I remember the SSS pensioners who were disappointed when the President used his veto power to reject House Bill 5842 or the Social Security Act.

An act mandating a two thousand peso (P2, 000) across-the-board increase in the monthly pension with corresponding adjustment of the minimum monthly pension under the Social Security System, amending for the purpose Section 12 of Republic Act No. 1161, as amended, otherwise known as the Social Security Act of 1997.

Further, the House failed to override the presidential veto, despite of the fact that, Colmenares said that the (P2, 000.00) hike is very reasonable and that it’s badly needed by the pensioners and their dependents.

This makes me want to ask again. Is the Congress doing these so that when they include this certain amendment, as their priority during the campaign, that the beneficiaries will consider them during the election? Does the government realize that what the pensioners want is something that they have worked hard for before? Is this what we, the young professionals, are going to experience once we become pensioners too?

2016 election is coming up, few months from now. I want to ask the voters, are we still going to just shut up by either not casting our votes or by voting out of their sweet talks?

We have a lot of promising politicians for the key positions in the country, whether first timers or not, but the choice is, again, for us to make.

I still believe that Filipinos are not stupid, but instead, are wise voters. It’s a chance for us to either prove we’re not stupid or we’re wise. For truly, chance is not something we need. Change is what we desperately need.

ONLINE SELLING MADE EASIER!

2015-09-03T22:40:00.000-07:00

INTERNET MARKETING otherwise known as e-Commerce is now an industry that doesn’t just allow Small and Medium Enterprises to grow their business at a lower cost but also allows their buyers from around the globe to have access to what the entrepreneurs offer.

Just last January of 2013, Voyager Innovations, Inc. was launched. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Smart Communications, Inc. and a digital arm of PLDT. The products of Voyager Innovations, Inc. includes the e-commerce platforms TackThis! and Takatack.

TackThis! is an e-Commerce platform allowing entrepreneurs to create their own branded website at the least possible cost and be able to sell their products as well as make their store available at any website, blog, or facebook page they have.

Takatack, on the other hand, is the largest online marketplace in the country. If TackThis! is an online store, Takatack is an online department store where products posted in TackThis! will be shown or listed.

If you are a business man or an entrepreneur who is interested to bring your clothing line or bags or accessories or furniture online and you want to know more about this opportunity, you may contact me through:

Mobile Phone: 0928 965 1559

Email: rmangawa@voyagerinnovation.com

“RAISING EACH OTHER’S HANDS”

2015-06-01T03:24:00.001-07:00

I came across an article on the web before about a half-full glass of water. The article didn’t talk about how people would perceive the glass of water if it is half-full or half-empty. Instead, it talked about what happens if you hold on to that half-full glass of water in a minute or two and its difference when you hold on to it in an hour or more. It stated that the glass of water still is half-full but feels heavier the longer you hold on to it. Further, the article used that illustration to explain that the longer we carry our loads, the heavier it gets.

There is also a story in the Bible that has the same point. The story was about the battle between the Israelites led by Joshua and Amalek. On the story, Moses was raising his hand holding the rod of God on top of the hill while Joshua and his men fought against Amalek. Israel prevails as Moses had his hands raised but Amalek prevails when Moses puts his hands down. Later on the story, it came to a point where Moses got tired raising his hands but Aaron and Hur who was with him supported him so his hands were steady until Joshua defeated Amalek.

Everyone carries a burden – a duty or a responsibility for that matter. Everybody have battles to fight – it’s either in our careers or in our studies or in our lives in itself. Nobody is exempted. However, some people get exhausted and give up at times because of carrying the load or fighting the battle for so long and that it became too heavy and devastating for them to bear any longer.

Nevertheless, we should always remember that God placed a ‘Hur’ and an ‘Aaron’ in our lives. Someone who will help us raise our hands until we win our battles. Someone who will help us carry the burdens we have until we can say, “I made it”! Moreover, as Christians, we should be a ‘Hur’ and an ‘Aaron’ to one another. We should edify or uplift one another and press on towards a common goal until we will be able say, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the raise. I kept the faith.”

“THE GRIND”

2015-02-28T03:25:00.000-08:00

“THE GRIND”

(By: RT Tampican)

Behind a dominant personality is a shattered spirit.

Behind a cheerful disposition is a devastating story.

Behind an inspiring success is a hard fought failure.

Behind an undeniable joy is an overwhelming pain.

Sometimes, it takes brokenness to have humility.

Sometimes, it takes ruination to have gratefulness.

Sometimes, it takes discipline to have persistence.

Sometimes, it takes perseverance to have contentment.

Beautiful pictures came from scourging negatives.

Gorgeous gems came from excruciating process.

Legendary people came from relentless discipline.

Extraordinary stories were written by God.

“THE PHILIPPINE LEADERSHIP CRISIS”

2015-02-28T03:19:00.003-08:00

A lot of people have lost confidence from the president of the country due to the failure in the Mamasapano Clash. No one from the higher positions I the government would want to admit their fault but instead the once in the lower offices did.

On the other hand, a lot of groups are calling for the resignation of the president. A lot are thinking that the resignation of the Philippine president will resolve the crisis on the leadership in the country not taking into consideration the questions on who will take his place and the likes.

The President is being accused of lacking leadership. The Vice President is being accused of plunder or stealing the funds of the government with his questionable properties. Who will be fitted for the position? Who can take the full responsibility of the country?

The Philippines doesn’t need a perfect president, or senators, or congressmen, or cabinet members, or a PNP chief, or governors, or mayors, etc. We need service people not businessmen. We need real leaders not economists. The country is full of economists who are so good at investing expecting for a greater return. Apparently, we lack real leaders – leaders who have the heart for service leadership, leaders who are decisive and have firm stand, leaders who have balls. These are the people we lack!

“THE PHILIPPINES IS FULL OF GREAT ECONOMISTS BUT LACK REAL LEADERS!”

“MIRACLE IS FOR ONE DOLLAR AND ELEVEN CENTS”

2014-11-04T02:42:00.000-08:00

A little girl went on her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet.

She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes.

Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the door and made her way six blocks to Rexall’s Drug Store with the big Red Indian chief sign above the door.

She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise, nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally, she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

“And what do you want?” the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone. “I’m talking to my brother from Chicago that i haven’t seen in ages,” he said without waiting for a reply to his question.

“Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,” Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. “He’s really, really sick… and I want to buy a miracle.”

“I beg your pardon?” said the pharmacist.

“His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my daddy says that only a miracle can save him now. So, how much does a miracle cost?”

“We don’t sell miracles here, little girl. I’m sorry but I can’t help you,” the pharmacist said, softening a little.

“Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn’t enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs.”

The pharmacist’s brother was a well-dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, “What kind of miracle does your brother need?”

“I don’t know,” Tess replied with her eyes welling up. “I just know he’s really sick and my mommy says he needs an operation, but my daddy can’t pay for it. So, I want to use my money.”

“How much do you have?” asked the man from Chicago.

“One dollar and eleven cents,” Tess answered barely audible. “And it’s all the money I have, but I can get some more if I have to.”

“Well, what a coincidence,” smiled the man. “A dollar and eleven cents, the exact price of a miracle for little brothers!”

He took her money in one hand and grabbed her mittens with the other and said, “Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let’s see if I have the miracle you need.”

That well-dressed man was Dr. Charlton Armstrong, a surgeon specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn’t long until Andrew was home again and doing well.

Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place. “That surgery,” her mom whispered, “was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost.”

Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle costs – one dollar and eleven cents plus a faith of a little child.

Sometimes it seems like the things that are happening in our lives are merely either an accident or coincidence but we never consider the possibilities of a MIRACLE but we don’t realize that it happens. Miracle was never a suspension of the natural law but merely the operation of the higher law and it occurs in many different ways that we may not understand sometimes.

***DISCLAIMER***