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Wednesday, May 25, 2005




Reuben Morgan in Manila!!!



Reuben Morgan in Manila!

RM is the composer of P&W hits such as:
Jesus' Generation
One Day
Eagle's Wings
You Are Near
You Said
Hossana
My Redeemer Lives
Your Love is Beautiful
This is How We Overcome
I Give You My Heart
Touching Heaven, Changing Earth

4-6 pm worship seminar
7-9 pm worship

Ticket Prizes: 1500*, 800*, 400 and 150
* seminar w/ worship
rest are worship only
-- Araneta surrcharge not yet included --

Reserve tickets at http://reubenmorgan.blogspot.com
or you can call (02)4167809/(02)7269918
or fax 7275615
or email ultradust@gmail.com

Tickets are available @ SM Ticketnet starting May 11, 2005.

Sunday, May 22, 2005




Sober



I have been frustrated with what has been happening to me since yesterday. I've lost a hundred prepaid load trying to download StarWars theme. I have been going in circles. I have registered my name to a raffle which is required and then when I thought I would be receiving the ringing tone, I'd go back again step 1. I deliberately stopped in what seems like desperate anger. Truly, telecom companmies want to hoot money from customers as much as possible.

Anyway, yesterday. I have tried to get as much pictures as possible using my new phone and upload my pics using IR, unfortunately I wasn't able to do it today (cuz I really don't know how to). Anyway, yesterday, I spend the whole afternoon with John's clan here in SM. At evening, we were supposed to go to Pilgrim's bar to have some coffee and listen to some soothing jazz music but when qwe got to the place, we found a new bar. However, we made a big discovery! There is still one floor going up but the way leading to it looks like you'll be going to a storage room. But when we got there, we were surprised and amazed with what we have seen. We were inside a simulated dilapidated ship with artistic installations inside. There were table and chairs arranged in a very peculiar fashion and you can order some shakes at the bar. Instead of dining, we roamed around taking pictures. I have some but since the lighting was poor, I decided to delete them afterwards. Anyway, I think I'm going to visit that place next time. The place name by the way is "Pirates".

Friday, May 20, 2005




The Greatest Riches!



Yesterday at 12:30, I had my lunch at Chowking in Center Mall, Baguio. After lunch, I decided to go PCBS in UB Square to look for a reading material to buy. I passed through a very crowdy street near the jeepney terminal. When I get to Metrobank where it is less crowdy, I felt the pockets of my jacket and realized that my wallet was gone. I immediately retraced my steps back to Chowking. When I got there, I looked for my wallet but it was nowhere to be found. I felt my pockets again and realized that my cellphone was gone too. I let a sigh, a very desperate sigh, almost close to a panic. I felt for my pockets again and I found out, I have my medicines, my keys and a few coins. Great! I have to make a call to my dad but I don't memorize his number, but I do know our house's number. Immediately, what really caused me to go frantic was when I realized that my atm pins are in the unsent items box of my cellphone. If the ones who got my phone and my wallet are one and the same, there is a great possibility that he/she will find out my pins and use them to withdraw money from my atm account.

So I first went to Smart Wireless center hoping that I could encash my money from my Smart Money card but the customer care lady cannot do anything. I searched for a payphone but most of them are for local calls only. After searching for what seemed like 48 years, I found a booth where I can make a call using cellphone but it would cost 20 pesos. I don't care! I have to inform my dad that the his atm card I've been using was stolen. I was hoping I was punching the keys right. Fortunately, our maid, Api answered the phone. She gave the line to my sister and told her to call my dad pronto and inform him of what happened to me. After that, I went back to the boarding house and found my roommates Lowan and Julius. Bless them! After hearing what happened to me, Lowan lent his phone to me to call my dad and Julius lent me 100 pesos.

I got dressed and brought my TI ID and went to BPI Cooyeesan to report the loss of my Express Cash Card. When I got there, the teller in-charge told me that they cannot replace the card. I have to report the incident to the HR Dept of TI and have my card replaced. Meanwhile, she called the hotline where I could report the loss of my card and anyone who might withdraw the money cannot do so. It was successful. Afterwards, I rode a jeep to go to TI. Inside the jeep, things start to sink in and I grieved over the loss of my money, my phone, calling cards of friends, my PRC ID. Having to access almost everything electronically... I never realized then how complicated it is when all of these "accesses" would suddenly disappear. I was thinking how'd I get the money to let me eat for a few days. I was thinking in meeting my friend Butch and borrow maybe 500 from him. I was really worried I would fail to make commitments due to the loss of my cellphone and in desperation I cried out to God what did I do to deserve this? I've tried so hard to be a man after His own heart and this is what I get! But God answered me immediately, at the very instant I finish gasping this complaint. I saw a sticker against the jeepney wall and it said:

"The greatest riches are the riches we have in Christ.


Tears fell from my eyes and I knew instantly, God answered my prayers! Having Him is more important than being secured knowing I have lots of money in my atm accounts. I have been guilty of trusting my financial status by the money I have in my atm. God taught me a great lesson! Trust in Him completely. Do not put your security over anything else but in Him only. I let out a prayer of praise and when I finished praying, I realized the jeep stopped at TI. I went inside and when I was at the North entrance, surprisingly, Butch was there texting. He already knew what happened to me cause my dad called him. Dad called me through Butch's phone and before the conversation ended, I know I would be all right. Thanks God for this ironically sad and joyous event. Something within me died but my trust in God was borne into a higher level.

Sunday, May 15, 2005




The Storm Walker



This weekend, I have fallen... into sin's darkest pits. No details required. It just happened. I woke up this morning feeling so guilty, crying out to God, blaming myself, expecting to be punished. What happened was stupid, pointless. I was aware but I did not get out of it while I still can. I told a "brother" about my "guilt" and God just answered me in ways so amazing and so unexpected. Not only did my brother respond with an inspiring word - my mom, my dad, the whole church was praying for me this morning. They did not know what I've been going through but at that moment I felt I was loved, especially by God.

He revealed himself to me through today's word at Matthew 14:22-33. It was the story where Jesus appeared to his disciples walking on the lake towards a storm-battered boat to his disciples. It was a story that find me quite magical when I was a child but it is only now that I understand what it really meant. The storm represents the trials and struggles in our lives. When we feel we don't have the strength to stand up and continue to walk and when we feel that we would sink into the depths of sinfulness, in an "unexpected hour" and in an "unexpected method", God would rescue us and keeps us on track. He extends his hands and pulls us out like as he pulls Peter when he started to sink. The time when he came was the time they did not expect and his ways are unconventional - Jesus was not coming to them riding also in a boat but he was walking on water! Truly, God's ways are what the human mind cannot imagine. It will leave you amazed and you'll just cry for being grateful of what God has done - just like what He did to me this morning. Brothers and sisters, continue to walk with God and ask for His help when you fall down. Have faith and He'll leave you amazed with his ways!

Thursday, May 12, 2005




Writing a Technical Paper



This afternoon, we have a "How to make a Technical Paper" activity at TIPI Auditorium. I was really excited to attend the session to understand what was wrong with the technical papers I made when I was in college. In my technical writing class, English 23, my paper about "Alopecia Areata" earned a poor grade of 78%. In the process of making the paper, I literally developed "Alopecia". By the way, "Alopecia" is commonly known as hair loss. I was so depressed at that time and desperate to find a cure for the disorder. I really thought I would be bald forever. I even wrote a letter to Alopecia Areata Foundation to help me with my dilemma but all they did was to send me a sponsorship form. Anyway back to the subject, during my later years in college, more technical papers were demanded out of me. All I did with those papers was "copy and paste" the details I read in my references. You'd imagine, my references were a 3-page documentation.

Today was enlightening. I learned several misconceptions about technical writing. I really appreciated the tips on format, correct grammar, brevity and validity of how a paper should be made. I also learned that it need not to be too long. It was a simple approach like an idiot's guide but a very efficient one. Ma'am Cathy who conducted the session is lively and she made us dance the whole "Chocolate" song during the ice breaker.Andy

Wednesday, May 11, 2005




Manila Weekend



I've been very tired these days that I almost forgot to post what a wonderful weekend I have in Manila last week. I'm so excited. I haven't gone back to Manila for almost a month now and I'm very glad that my Friday work day has been offsetted since I went to work last May 2. That was a very long weekend indeed.

I woke up 3:30 in the morning. I got an hour before I could fix myself to catch my bus ride on 5:20 am. So I listened to Himig Singer's CD to kill the time. By 5:00, I was on my way to the Victory Liner terminal. Along the way, I texted my friend Choes, who was finding me a place where I could stay for the weekend, to meet me at Cubao. I arrived there on 11:20 and we immediately went to "Kabayan: Hotel. I paid for a dorm-type room which is a hassle since my PRC ID is not readable anymore. They need valid IDs for me to be accomodated. Anyway I just dropped my things at my room while having a small chat with a dorm mate guy who came from Dagupan for business and we proceeded to KFC Araneta to have our lunch. Lunch was uneventful, so I went back to the hotel to take a bath while Choes waited at Gateway Mall. After that, I met him at the mall and we rode the MRT to take us to Guadalupe Station where there is jeepney route that will take us Powerplant Mall. When we got to Powerplant, we just strolled there until we got hungry, so we went to Glorietta instead. At Glorietta, we ate "Halu-Halo" at Chowking. At the entertainment plaza there was a Cosplay competition sponsored by Animax. We decided to join in. I passed by the Astroboy novelty shop and I suddenly thought of my brother whom I promised to buy him an Astroboy shirt. So I bought a very cute Astroboy black T-shirt. I wish I can have it instead. We watched the show. There were games, giveaways until the much-awaited Cosplay competition took into place. The contestant paraded in their most colorful animé costumes. Some even talked Japanese and do some martial arts. I have so much fun watching them. Well, this is the first day of my weekend, afterwich I went to BP meeting to meet my brothers there who I didn't see for almost two months. Wait for the next part.

Tuesday, May 10, 2005




Weary, I come



Weary I come,
Eyes Stinging, Head's turning
Unfamiliar place and unfriendly strangers
Making fun, make it hard for you
Bombarded with work in front of a lifeless viewtube.

Weary I come,
Got to lunch,
Listened to senseless filthy talks
Remembering a selfish dream I've given up
Afraid to linger on it again
Over a cup of coffee.

Weary I come,
On a laboratory's chair,
Head lolled from side to side
An angelic voice woke me up
Funny, "Andy you can't sleep here"

Weary I come,
To face the lifeless viewtube
Another being is facing it and he is weary too
I can't finish the thing
It's time for a break

Weary I come,
Got home early, had a haircut
Made a report, maybe eat later
In this dingy room, I sat all too weary
Listening to Rob Thomas sing an angry song

Weary I come,
I look forward at this moment
I'll rest in your arms and hear your voice
I'll cast my burdens upon you cause I'm weary
And I'll rest, you'll give me rest.

Saturday, May 07, 2005




Throwing the Baby with the Bathwater



Philippines is the only Christian country in South-east Asia. That is what we claim to be, yet the 2nd most corrupt country in the world. See the irony here? Several days ago I saw a magazine whose headline says that Filipinos nowadays do not take on faith as a way of living. Personally, I have known people who do not profess only that they do not believe in God but by looking on the way they act or the way they behave, it seems that you cannot see God in their lives. Unbelievers including Christians who they say they are but in real sense are not make fun when they see Christians raising their hands while singing praises to God. It has become their favorite joke discussion over idle times, over beer while enjoying the endless parody of this world.

Sadly, I just thought that Christians today unconsciously submitted unto themselves into the ways of the world. Some who were brought in a Christians families like we all are, turn back from Him. Friends, we have thrown the baby with the bathwater as M. Scott Peck would say it. We have disregard the truth amidst the lies that surround it. Take Christianity for example - of all religions, I think Christianity has the ugliest history. In the past, the Catholic church have burned witches, killed pagans, destroyed lives in the name of the Christianity. At present, Christianity is dressed with stereotypes - the Vatican, cardinals and priests in an ornately complicated politics, dogmas and doctrines, evangelists gathering a mass of people to gain wealth, church condemning homosexuals, priests molesting children. When we think of these things, it will be easy not to believe in God. In one way or another from our respective churches, our parents, our teachers and even in our life experiences we have a disorted our view of God. These things surround the real nature of God. The baby underneath is not seen because of the murky, filthy bathwater. God is more than all of those things. Do not throw Him away with the bathwater.

Thursday, May 05, 2005




A Great Story of Some Famous People



His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while
trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming
from a nearby ! bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog.

There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming
and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what
could have been a slow and terrifying death.

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse
surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced
himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.

"I want to repay you," said the nobleman. "You saved my son's life."
"No, I can't accept payment for what I did," the Scottish farmer
replied
waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the
door of the family hovel.

"Is that your son?" the nobleman asked.

"Yes," the farmer replied proudly.

"I'll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education
my
own son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll no
doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of." And that he did.

Farmer Fleming's son attended the very best schools and in time,
graduated from St Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on
to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander
Fleming,
the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman's son who was saved from the bog was
stricken with pneumonia.

What saved his life this time? Penicillin.

The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son's name?

Sir Winston Churchill.

Someone once said: What goes around comes around.

Work like you don't need the money.
Love like you've never been hurt.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

Tuesday, May 03, 2005




Encatadia Premieres Today at GMA 7



I was at the library reading today's newspaper until I saw GMA's newest fantaserye, Encantadia which will premiere tonight. It is full-page poster, very beautifully done. Not the usual Pinoy movie poster with crappy feel. It's world-class comparable to Lord of the Rings! You could almost feel the excitement of the story by just looking at it.



Ynang Reyna (Dawn Zulueta) and Daughters Alena, Danaya, Pirena and Amihan


Encantadia revolves around the Filipino culture local gods and goddesses, of encanrados and encantadas (earth-bound fairies), of ancient Filipino myths and legends, and of great heroes like Bernardo Carpio and Lam-Ang.

By the way, taken from Encantadia's official site, here is the synopsis of what it is all about.


Prepare to enter and journey through the enchanting realm of Encantadia—a magical world divided into four kingdoms: Adamya, home of the Adamyans; Sapiro, land of the Sapiryans; Lireo, realm of the Diwatas; and Hathoria, domain of the Hathors. The peace and balance in Encantadia rest on the power of four precious stones—the gemstones of water, earth, wind, and fire.


It is my hope that they will be using "alibata", the Filipino original alphabet in whatever form of literature in the series and I do hope someday, Regine will have a cameo appearance as, uh, Ibong Adarna? Why not?

Sunday, May 01, 2005




I Have A Story Tell



Today was the culimination of the 1-month, 8-session meeting for healing in sexuality and relationships. For almost a month, God has richly blessed me with his wonderful revelations to me. There are areas in my life that need healing, pains that needed to be brought up, confessed, and face with. The most difficult of it all is to accept the fact that I'm broken and to forgive those whi might have neglected, rejected and abused me in the past. And it is by God's grace alone to lay all of these at the foot of cross of His Jesus, who died on the cross to bear them all. With the testimonies of my brothers and sisters in Christ whose pasts are even murkier than I have and it's so amazing just how God transformed their lives 180o. I have made friends who are so sincere and who did not condemn me inspite of my brokenness. I dedicate these short messages to all of them:

CC Team - I praise God for your ministry of healing to those who badly need it. May God continue to bless you. Kudos to bros. Judd and Andy.

Bros. Tony and Ted - my small group leaders and my advisor. Thanks for giving your insights and for further actions I can do. I am richly blessed by your personal testimonies. I am inspired not to think of myself too much but for others for God's greater glory.

Bro. Jomari and Sis. Divine - a very "cute" couple. I can see how God truly mold you as a couple for His work in your church. Thanks for the rides every CC session. I hope I could worship with you in your church in La Union.

Bro. Alvin - maganda sa Maldives! Hehehe. Have fun there while doing your ministry. Being in God's work, we are not doomed for failure. He who has done a good work in you will bring it in FULL COMPLETION till the day Christ comes.

Sis. Franz - thanks for the accomodation and for your warm hospitality.

Carol, Leonor, Ashley, Rhea, Joanna - see! I got all your names right! Ashley is not Paula okay... I have to correct myself. Thanks for the times we have this little chit chat... Carol and Leonor, I pray that I could worship with you next time.

LTPF - thanks for having this program.

Bro. Roy - thanks for referring me to CC.

Someday I have a story to tell and it would be a great story to tell. The story of my salavation. The story of how God changed my life. Have a blessed Sunday everyone.