My 1st Day In My Spiritual Career


I led the Praise and Worship in our church this morning. That's all.

I have led P & Ws before but this one is different. I remembered a few months ago when I was really crying, my heart full of burden that I really want to serve Him through music and Praise God! I have my first job today and it was great!!! Thanks to God! Nothing could make me trade than the joy it brings to my heart and the joy other people felt cause they are blessed. Before the P & W, I was really nervous and silently I prayed to God to work in me... I may not have the best lines but I trust God would give me the words to lead God's people. I'm looking forward to next P & W sessions.

Hannah's Child


Yesterday, I attended Ray-Ray's, a youth in our church, 18th birthday. Familiar faces were around including those previous church goers who are still friends with Ray-Ray's family. It's good to see them around. The program started by 8 (and you bet everyone was hungry) due to the rain. Anyway, the program started with a prayer and followed by special number by Ray-Ray's friends. Ptr. Bert gave a short message for Ray-Ray and he shared with us a little secret about Ray-Ray.

She was a miracle child! The doctors predicted that her parents Uncle Ben and Auntie Edna could not have a child but they prayed and prayed and out came Ray-Ray. Ptr. Bert shared a similar story in the Bible about Hannah, a woman of faith but cannot have a child. Her relatives and the women made fun of her so she was in despair and she cried out to God and prayed for a child. God heard her prayer and came out Samuel, one of Israel's greatest prophets and the prophet who annointed David as King. God is indeed a God of miracles!



Ray-Ray posing for this occasion


I'm one of the '18 cakes'


But other people ate it: Church friends: Crenzy, my brother Aris, Bryan and Love2x


The next part of the program is my favorite. Uncle Ben had prepared a 20-minute video of picture collage of Ray-Ray's pics from birth until she now. It was a wonderful video. It's like travelling back in time. Seeing good memories etched in pictures. Perosnally, the effect was nostalgic on me and I remembered the book my friend, John gave me, "Pictures Your Heart Remembers". It is about how pictures both tangible and those that exists in our memories make us who we are right now - we could use those pictures to bless or curse each other. Selecting those good pictures bring blessings to your life and to lives of other people. According to John Trent, the author of that book, it's up to us to throw away those "bad pictures" if we were to be blessings. We need God to burn those bad pictures and give us the grace to take new beautiful ones.

Anyway, it was 9 o clock already when everyone started eating and we had a really good time... eating, making fun, pissing Crenzy off (Hehehe) ... It was the nicest and simplest debut I have ever attended.

On Eagle's Wings




Originally concepted for an album cover, this piece of graphic art is what I considered one of my finest works since it's a labor of love. It's for God, my Father who carried me on eagle's wings in times I felt like I'm losing flight

Kadayawan in MTS


Last Aug 19, Friday, I decided to spend the Kadayawan festivities at Matina Town Square (MTS). There I met my sister Aiza and her friend, Ed. We toured around the place and we saw the usual stalls. At the activity area, a stage was erected and soon a group will be performing, modernized ethnic (Manobo, Bagobo, etc) music to emphasize the spirit of festivities.


Aris sketches for a client.


Aiza models for Davao Artists Foundation Association artists


Me, Aiza and Ed


Aris... wala lang


Bryan, serious daw


Many people were there: socialites, wannabe-socialites, students, artists, tourists, Korean exchange students, people of all sorts. So we toured around the stalls, visiting a tiangge which offers discounted imported goods. We came back to Impit Purok entrance which features a show. Anyway, nothing much in here until my brother, Aris came with his friend Bryan. They have a stall which offers sketching services for P200. Before we went home, Aiza modeled for them. I was really tired but it rained so we can't go home so Aiza continued her new modelling stint while we treated ourselves, I mean them with Mais Con Yelo...

Keeping Myself Alive


Since Monday, life has been much simpler - to make the story short, I'm bummed. I have updated my resumé, visited father at the hospital, go to gym everyday, watched my favorite CDs and movies from our (pirated) DVD library at home and the only hope I have is living everyday with God living out and continuing to commit myself for His purpose in me.



Warriors on Elks: Unusual


Yesterday, I was again bored and I think I have watched every DVD at home until I saw my brother's copy of "Princess Mononoke". I have heard it's a very good movie since it was made by the genius animator, Hayao Miyazaki. Six months ago, I watched Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" and I was blown away with the wonderful story about sacrificial love, forgiveness and everything. So I watched it and I was not disappointed. Here is the synopsis of Princess Mononoke, I got from Thesia.com.au review:

Princess Mononoke, set in 14th century Japan, is the mythological tale of a war between encroaching civilisation and the beast gods of the forest. In a remote mountain village far away in northern Japan, the young warrior Ashitaka (Yôji Matsuda), is forced to kill a monster to protect his village. Too late, he discovers that the boar-like creature he killed is a protector-god of the forest. In killing the demon boar, Ashitaka has brought upon himself a curse, it's sign: a twisted scar on his right forearm that is slowly spreading. Ashitaka journeys to the land of the Tatara clan where he hopes to uncover the mystery of the curse before it takes his young life. He meets their proud and regal leader, the Lady Eboshi (Yûko Tanaka).
Along the way, he becomes involved in the bitter fight between two warring factions of humans and a race of forest-gods trapped in the middle. During one battle, Ashitaka sees San, the Princess Mononoke (Yuriko Ishida), a young woman raised by wolves, who is prepared to die to defeat the humans. Against his will, Ashitaka is drawn into the struggle between man and nature, tying to persuade the two sides to find another way, one that will halt the endless circle of killing. He seeks a middle ground where forest creatures and humans can live in the world in peace together.

Also, yesterday, I received a large package containing the prosectus of Hillsongs Leadership College. I was so excited and literaly, my hands are shaking as I opened the package awaiting to hold something precious. When I opened it, I found a huge folder with the Hillsongs cover in it. I can't wipe away the smile on my face as opened the folder and saw the brochure containing the information about Hillsongs Leadership College and the courses offered. As I browsed through the pages, I imagined my life if I'd be there studying and doing the ministry in action. As I closed the brochure, I prayed to God and let my desires be known to him. He said, wait patiently for me... and a hope was formed inside my heart. In this time of boredom, it is this hope that will carry me through.

Cheated and Betrayed


When I always go back to my hometown, I have the sense that my future will be bleak or something like a dark force will try to control and manipulate my life. I was setup into a trap and I can't spread my wings to fly.




Dark Force corrupting my "not-so-innocent mind".



Quoting some lyrics from Mariah Carey's, "Butterfly"

I have learned that beauty has to flourish in the light
Wild horses run unbridled or the spirit dies.

When will you finally let me go?

Until then, Baguio


A few hours, I was walking along the spine in TI and realized that I will be missing this place, along with the lovely memories God has blessed during my 5-month (and 2 weeks) apprenticeship here at Texas Instruments. It was the most wonderful time of my life spending here not only in TI but Baguio in general. A city at the top of Cordillera. I usually found myself asleep from trips from Manila and when I got in Baguio early morning behold, it has never failed to mesmerize me how beautiful the place is! It was like you've awaken in a dream. (Soundtrack: Enya's Songs) Its deep valleys and towering peaks, with its lofty pine trees and calm breeze, I praise God for the gift of nature for us to enjoy.

In TI, I spend most of my entire at the Failure Analysis lab. There I perfected the craft of IC polishing - with no induced cracks and achieving fine surface texture. I will also miss operating my favorite SAM equipment where I locate delamination for affected ICs. But most especially, I will miss the people who befriended me and made me comfortable with my work - to Manang Aleli, who started the rumor that I looked like the tisoy version of Boss Bing Viera. That rumor spread among the apprentices up to the line people at Encap. Anyway, I'll miss Manang Aleli's light-hearted nature. To Ate Estrella, "Star" whom I and Abbi thought looked like Uma Thurman. To Anna Rae, the soft-spoken lass who always calls me "Kuya Andy, Amoy Baby!" Sometimes I'm tempted to think that this girl's got a crush on me.

To the FELLOWSHIP of the WAPs, I salute you!



The Fellowship


Serious Discussion at the Vendo


The camera pans to focus the cutest dude of them all.


Gio and Grace at the Library yesterday


Gio In Action: Habhab na pare!


Gio, after expressing a hard day's work. Gerald smiles nearby.


A Walk at the Ecopark (with Mau and Reagan)



We make each others lives more meaningful, getting to share our concerns when we felt "abused" by our employers, having the best times during breakfast, lunch and merienda with our endless laughs, "inisan", "pikunan", etc.

To Mau, the charming girl, who plans our activities during the day and the weekend,

To Gerald, our official "Chick Boy". He captivated the hearts of two "stunningly beautiful" girls (and maybe one guy there who joins us at breakfast. nyahaha)

To Gio, who makes us laugh with his face (joke lang) and with his endless complains about work, life and the whole world. But this guy is deep and I can sense he really wants to share his hurts and concerns if he's influenced with alcohol. Take care of your liver, dude.

To Jeff, the anti-social guy but really nice to talk with one on one with things that makes sense - about science, courses and jobs abroad.

To Gibson, FA's every little brother. I don't know. Maybe because he's acting gay but I guess he's not. When I first listen to this guy's stories about him living in the past, I almost believed him.

To Reagan, the guy whose with me almost every time cause we have the same supervisor. I could say he's a smooth operator cause he easily gets along with everybody. He's the only one who could retaliate against Gio's remarks.

To Arnold, the seemingly cynical and pessimistic guy but could carry a joke sometimes.

To the Die Attach duo, Roge and Grace who got the deadliest "chismis" of everyone around TI workplace. Taking them seriously gets you disturbed.

To Clarence and Archie - our official love team.

To Henry and Sherwin who got Ma'am Gretz to her wits. Therefore YOU ARE! Nyahaha.

To Adrian, I pray that God will make a miracle in your life! (He's struck with bone cancer, just diagnosed a week ago.

I hope wherever you guys go, you will still remember the times when we flock at SM to get have our pictures taken for free. I hope you will remember how we pleaded the saleslady. Or that day when we are out in the lagoon at Burnham park, boating. Or the Tuesday affairs at the movies. (Si Gio nakatulog while everyone is laughing watching Monster In Law...) Ah! I don't think I can easily forget those memories. I'll bring them all wherever God leads me.

Will You Be There For Me?


I live each day of this week floating above reality. I wake up in the morning looking forward to the time I'll go home from work. And I arrive each night feeling so tired and weary of having not experienced something that's worthwhile. I've been frustrated with how things do not seem to work like this stupid diet I've been going through: drinking this shake that tastes so awful that you'd like to throw up, taking up six tablets per meal... I've rememebered the time when I work out everyday and little by little I'd lose a couple of pounds and it's worth the hard work.

No one seems to care what I do... At work I've been given pointless tasks - tasks I'm so enthusiastic doing them before. Right now all I think is going home, away from Baguio, having time to think, be involved in the church I grew up. But home wasn't a good option either... I pray to God that there will be no battle of interests that it would be a good time to rest and meet a few old faithful friends. God, help me! I'm one desolate soul... I don't know what to do with my life. The purpose which I thought you've given me gives me hope no more. The future seems so dark and unsafe. Good times with friends cannot calm the desperation I feel inside...I'm lost. Lord let me find you. Find me Lord, God.

Manic Monday


I arrived from Manila just this early morning. Night trips are the ones I like. As soon as I sit down on my seat, a few minutes I'll feel sleepy and before I realized I have fallen asleep, I'm already in Baguio. :) Anyway I went straight to my room and was relieved to see that it seemed spacy - my roommates had just left a week ago. I changed into my home clothes and went to sleep. It was already 5:30 and was hoping to get up by 7:00. When 7 came, I was really hesitant to push myself off to bed since the weather is cool, fog is everywhere and the skies are as clear as summer. The sun rays were piercing through my window and it would be nice to sleep all day long but I have to get up.

I instantly remembered my Operation Report today and it would be a shame for me to refuse and make alibis again to my supervisor why I can't report. The truth, I'm really scared talking in front especially with big people. I mean it's managers and supervisors I'll be talking to and who am I? I'm just a lowly apprentice who does errands for five months feeling satisfied and fulfilled with all the colorful reports he's made just to fight boredom. (You should've seen my reports and you'd say I'm good with color combination) Anyway I got up, get dressed and went to work. I arrived there just in time and met a few officemates along the way. I haven't met my buddy, Ate Teenie at the anteroom so I proceeded directly to the canteen to have breakfast. There I met the "Breakfast Fellowship" minus Mau (she already grauduated last week) already eating. After eating, I went to FA to cross-section three lots of ICs I'm suppose to finish last week. But I really bargained some things to Ate Teenie to let me go early last Friday to attend John's birthday at BP office. Fortunately, I'm such a nice guy :) that without a doubt she gave me her permission but I have to do those pending tasks today. :( Anyway, as I was absent-mindedly to cross-section I was thinking if I should continue to stay at my place or find a new one or not, to finish the two-week extension and go back to Davao, looking forward to visit a prospect workplace in QC this Saturday and join WordCom audition for Christmas Cantata and a song suddenly popped into my mind. After that I was finished cross-sectioning my ICs and went to measure BLT.

Lunch time came and we had lunch with the members of the "Lunch Fellowship". That's when I felt sleepy again and went to sleep while everyone else is chit-chatting over food. By 1 pm, I woke up and went back to work, cross-sectioning and was nervous this time cause I'm going to have my report this 3. I switched my phone off so that Ate Teenie cannot contact me but she knew better, she called the FA and asked for me and so I was doomed to report this 3. Anyway, 3 came and I was the Sunken Garden waiting for the big bosses to come and there was Sir Yunus, the ever-inquisitive, quite angry and irritated NPD boss ogling over his laptop. I felt scared so went for awhile to gain composure and prayed to God for calmness. Anyway, the big bosses came later and Ate Teenie presented her Die Crack update, then she segued to gave way for my report - well "this is it" and there I was with my powerpoint presentation feeling like a Makati executive in my blue polo looking so confident while sweat was starting to form on my forehead. (Whew!) Sir Yunus wasn't even listening to my report but I knew it made an impact cause the bosses asked me follow up questions and I answered like I knew everything. Hahaha, No... I think the report just went well, nothing glorious, much less of a grand inauguration yet not a slop on the other hand. It was ok. Yeah.

Anyway, I have only one mission to do for this day - to ask my landlady Ate Sheron for my extension for a much lesser rent. Just a few hours ago, Clarence texted me that she, Adrian, Grace and Dex were looking for a new house and they want to join me but as I went about thinking throughout the day, I felt I needed to be alone for two weeks, to think and meditate on what's happening in my life so far, where I will head and discern God's plan. I really prayed and God granted me my request, I'll continue to stay in my room for a lesser rent. Well, it has been great day for me and I'm glad I'm in front of this computer sharing what an ordinary day it is! Ordinary days that are sometimes unappreciated. Ordinary days where God's small miracles are felt and experienced. God Bless.