Today is All Saints' Day and I remember our dead - our departed loved ones beginning with my lolo, lola, nay, tatay, tito v, tito d, tita c, tito r, tita e, tito p, and the rest of our departed relatives.
This morning, we lighted exactly 10 candles as our way of remembering them.
But I stopped short of praying for them. No disrespect to them but praying for them won't change where they are right now or where they will be.
Each of us has to stand before our Lord and Maker based on the life we live. It is not like we can live a holy or bad life and then at the point of our death, somebody will intercede for us, and God will forget everything and grant them entry in our behalf just because we prayed for them.
I hope people will realize this truth.
Just like when I delivered my eulogy in my father's wake: I said something like this: We cannot choose how we are going to die, but we can choose how we are going to live.
God will evaluate how we lived our life before He decides our fate or destiny.
May God help each one of us to go where we want to go.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
If I win the Lotto
Tomorrow, the grand lotto is expected to grow up to the pot of P286 Million, the biggest by far in the history of the lotto betting in the country.
It has been 2 decades I believe since lotto became a traditional pastime in the country, offering hope to millions of Filipinos to achieve their dreams and escaping from their problems just by betting on 6 random numbers as a ticket to their fantasies or dreams.
I gathered that winning in lotto had created numerous millionaires in the country. Problem is, just how many, are able to sustain their prize money in the long term. The usual pattern is that after some of these people hit the jackpot, they will spend like there's no tomorrow, give dole outs to everyone who approached them, and indulge in their wants and pleasures like they've never had before. This is not surprising actually. I would have done the same if I am a mere plain happy go lucky guy. But I'm grateful that I'm not.
Having seen the pattern of most of my countrymen when they win the grand prize, I now have a lesson to learn from other people's experiences and apply it in my case, if in case, I'll be fortunate enough to win the grand prize.
Suffice it to say that if I win the grand prize, I will devote my money into the following:
10% of the winnable amount will be given back to God as a form of tithing.
30% will be invested in mutual funds, stocks, and other investment vehicles.
30% will be spent to create a business or buy a franchise (depends on the pot) so that sources of income will be regular and you contribute to the economy by creating jobs etc.
10% will be used to donate and help people in need including relatives, neighbors, friends and people in need.
10% will be spent to buy additional properties and vehicles for security and partly for leisure and travel.
10% will form the liquid money and stored in the bank for the daily expenses.
Ok. so much for dreaming. I pray that I win the lotto while I can still enjoy it.
It has been 2 decades I believe since lotto became a traditional pastime in the country, offering hope to millions of Filipinos to achieve their dreams and escaping from their problems just by betting on 6 random numbers as a ticket to their fantasies or dreams.
I gathered that winning in lotto had created numerous millionaires in the country. Problem is, just how many, are able to sustain their prize money in the long term. The usual pattern is that after some of these people hit the jackpot, they will spend like there's no tomorrow, give dole outs to everyone who approached them, and indulge in their wants and pleasures like they've never had before. This is not surprising actually. I would have done the same if I am a mere plain happy go lucky guy. But I'm grateful that I'm not.
Having seen the pattern of most of my countrymen when they win the grand prize, I now have a lesson to learn from other people's experiences and apply it in my case, if in case, I'll be fortunate enough to win the grand prize.
Suffice it to say that if I win the grand prize, I will devote my money into the following:
10% of the winnable amount will be given back to God as a form of tithing.
30% will be invested in mutual funds, stocks, and other investment vehicles.
30% will be spent to create a business or buy a franchise (depends on the pot) so that sources of income will be regular and you contribute to the economy by creating jobs etc.
10% will be used to donate and help people in need including relatives, neighbors, friends and people in need.
10% will be spent to buy additional properties and vehicles for security and partly for leisure and travel.
10% will form the liquid money and stored in the bank for the daily expenses.
Ok. so much for dreaming. I pray that I win the lotto while I can still enjoy it.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Mr. Mang Inasal
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| Who is Injap? By now, the whole Philippines is getting to know the owner of this fast-growing Mang Inasal food chain –Edgar “Injap” Sia- who just sold 70 percent of his business to Jollibee for a whopping three billion pesos. The first time I met Injap was in 2008 in Iloilo. The Go Negosyo Caravan awarded him as one of the Most Inspiring Ilonggo Entrepreneurs. At that time, there were just more or less a hundred branches of Mang Inasal. Now, there are 300 stores. Injap’s story is really something. It can serve as an inspiration to a lot of young kids who are aspiring to start their own businesses. It was a husband and wife team, with the help of his parents, some capital and finding the right Inasal formula in his house. He almost gave up a number of times but he was determined to succeed. He mentioned to me that he wanted to be the first Inasal fast food chain, as most of the food stores that offered Inasal were restaurants. Both his parents live a simple life. They own a local supermarket in Iloilo. Last Thursday at the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year awarding ceremonies, I was the one who presented his award for the Small Entrepreneur category. As I awarded him, I kidded Injap that the category was not suitable for him anymore. I mentioned that my estimate of his market cap will be close to five billion pesos. As days passed following the Ernst & Young Awards, after a day-long negotiation, the deal was closed. As the reports came out, the price is P3 Billion pesos for the 70 percent of the business. It’s coming out to be close to nine times EBITDA or what we refer to as cash flow income, and about two times sales. In a conversation with him, I extended my congratulations. He said that while he had a difficult time in deciding, he felt that this was the best for Mang Inasal and the price is good. Well, ‘good’ is definitely an understatement. It is more than a great price. I told him that when I had to make the decision to sell Cosmos for close to 15 billion, the sales multiple was about the same. More or less, we both had the same high valuation. Jollibee and Coke had to do what they had to do to protect their business from fast growing competition. I consider both situations as perfect situations. It was also a strategic buy for both deals. I guess, Jollibee would want to have a quick offering in the fast-emerging Inasal segment, just like Coke had to have a price-brand Pop Cola. In the end, it’s a win-win situation for both the buying and selling companies. Actually, with this acquisition, Jollibee share prices soared from the 70's level to 97, and maybe even touch the 100 pesos mark, which further pushed up its market cap and in then end could more-than-cover for the price it paid Mang Inasal. What happened to Injap does not just happen every day. Some people may call it luck. I would call it a blessing and right timing. It is difficult to always make that decision whether to sell or not to sell. It took Injap only seven years to achieve a 4.5 billion market cap valuation. In our case in Cosmos, it took us 13 years to achieve 15 billion valuation. But in both cases, Jollibee and Coke knew that the competition was getting stronger and that they had to make the right decision at the right time to manage competition. Injap is only 32 today. I was 42 when I sold cosmos. He is now a young billionaire and has a long way to go, as the entrepreneurship qualities will always be with him. Injap is a Go Negosyo trustee. He continuously commits to support the advocacy, as he has been able to achieve his dreams. OTHERS MAY KEEP CALLING IT LUCK. BUT, I WOULD RATHER SAY THAT THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF INJAP ARE THE RESULT OF FINDING THE RIGHT MODEL, HAVING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE AND SKILL TO EXECUTE WELL. WE COULD SAY THAT THE CONFLUENCE OF ALL THESE, HAPPENING AT THE RIGHT TIME CAN BE LUCK. BUT, WITHOUT ALL THE EFFORTS, INITIATIVES AND HARD WORK, LUCK WILL NEVER EXIST. Those who have experienced success in life now want to share with others how to achieve it. While some may envy others who have been successful, they should turn this negative emotion into inspiration. Injap’s story reminds me of the many stories I keep encountering in our Go Negosyo advocacy. It reminds me of what I have experienced. As I see others go through the same experience, I also get inspired and feel happy for entrepreneurs who make it and who now want to see others make it. Many will not be as fortunate as Injap, but one will never know if he or she won't even try. Congratulations to Mr. Mang Inasal. More than the monetary reward, the best part is that a young man from the province of Iloilo has succeeded. Hopefully, this story will inspire more young kids out there. Dreams do become reality. You just have to want it and go for it. |
Christ's Commission Fellowship � GOD’S WAY TO HEAVEN
Christ's Commission Fellowship � GOD’S WAY TO HEAVEN
I. GOD LOVES YOU and desires that you:
1. Have eternal life with Him.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16
2. Have an abundant and meaningful life.
Jesus said, ‘… I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.’
John 10:10
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16
2. Have an abundant and meaningful life.
Jesus said, ‘… I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.’
John 10:10
But most people aren’t experiencing a meaningful life and aren’t sure that they have eternal life because…
II. Man has a SIN problem that SEPARATES him from GOD.
1. Everyone has sinned.
… For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God….
Romans 3:23 (also ESV, NIV)
2. The penalty for sin is DEATH.
For the wages of sin is death….
Romans 6:23 (also ESV, NIV)
… For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God….
Romans 3:23 (also ESV, NIV)
2. The penalty for sin is DEATH.
For the wages of sin is death….
Romans 6:23 (also ESV, NIV)
The Bible talks about two kinds of death. The first death is physical. The second death is spiritual or eternal separation from God.
But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the Second Death.
Revelation 21:8
But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the Second Death.
Revelation 21:8
Because sin separates man from God, what is the solution to his problem?
III. JESUS CHRIST is God’s ONLY way to heaven.
1. He is the ONLY way.
Jesus said… ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’
John 14:6
2. He COMPLETELY PAID the penalty of your sins.
For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God….
1 Peter 3:18
3. His resurrection proves that He is the Son of God, the Messiah, the only Savior.
… Concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord….
Romans 1:3-4
4. He promises Eternal Life.
Jesus said … ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die….’
John 11:25-26
Jesus said… ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’
John 14:6
2. He COMPLETELY PAID the penalty of your sins.
For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God….
1 Peter 3:18
3. His resurrection proves that He is the Son of God, the Messiah, the only Savior.
… Concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord….
Romans 1:3-4
4. He promises Eternal Life.
Jesus said … ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die….’
John 11:25-26
However, merely knowing what Jesus Christ has done for us is not enough.
IV. We must place our FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST to save us.
1. You are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the GIFT OF GOD – not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the GIFT OF GOD – not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
To be saved by faith means to TRUST IN JESUS CHRIST ALONE to save you. Good works are not the means to salvation; rather, they are the byproducts or evidence of your salvation.
2. Show your faith in Jesus Christ by accepting His gift of eternal life.
[Jesus says,] ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.’
Revelation 3:20
[Jesus says,] ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.’
Revelation 3:20
Jesus says that He will come into your heart if you invite Him in. That is His promise to you, and He will always keep His promise!
3. Prove the sincerity of your faith by turning away from a life of sin.
I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. A person who genuinely asks for forgiveness will seek to change his ways.
Acts 26:20 (NIV)
I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. A person who genuinely asks for forgiveness will seek to change his ways.
Acts 26:20 (NIV)
God knows we are not perfect, but the sincerity of our faith will move us to live lives that show our gratitude to God for His free gift of heaven.
You can pray this simple prayer to express your faith in Jesus Christ and to receive Him into your heart as your Lord and Savior. You only have to pray this prayer once, but with sincerity, because when He enters your life, he will never leave you.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I need You. I confess that I am a sinner. I believe that you died on the cross to pay for all my sins. With your help, I will turn away from all my sins. Please come into my life and be my Lord and Savior. I accept your free gift of eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be. Thank you for coming into my life and giving me eternal life. Amen.
Friday, October 29, 2010
BGEA: Looking for Answers: Halloween
BGEA: Looking for Answers: Halloween
Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?
October 29, 2010 - We receive thousands of spiritual questions from people around the world. People in our Christian Guidance Department who are trained advisers and pastors respond to these queries in letters, calls and online. This timely question relates to Halloween.
Q: I have mixed feelings about how our family should be involved in Halloween. What should I do?
A: People come to different conclusions about celebrating Halloween, particularly if they have young children or grandchildren to consider.
For some people this holiday is a time for dress-up and candy; it is an opportunity for fun. Others express concern for their child's safety or for the emphasis that is often made on violence or horror at this time of year.
Those who are interested in the right or wrong of the celebration may look at the holiday's origin in the occult and believe it should not be celebrated at all; they are aware that some groups celebrate Halloween as a tribute to Satan.
On the other hand, others recognize that Halloween, the eve of "All Saints' Day" (November 1), is also associated with Martin Luther and the Reformation. They celebrate the religious freedoms won at that time in history. Since each of these perspectives contain truth, it is difficult to know how to respond.
We encourage each family to develop their own approach to Halloween based on their own convictions and the options for celebration available to them. The responsibility to make this decision rests on the adults in the family, not the children. The peer pressure on children is far too great for them to be objective. Certainly, providing a safe, fun environment must be a priority.
Some parents adapt the traditional Halloween practices, while others develop totally different alternatives. These alternatives may include fall festival parties where children are encouraged to dress in a particular theme such as positive cartoon or book characters, famous historical characters, or Bible heroes.
Carrying out that theme with simple acting can be great fun and an opportunity for teaching values as well. Children will always be attracted to costumes and treats; finding positive ways to enjoy these pleasures is the primary challenge for caring adults.
If you decide to make a major change in the way your family celebrates Halloween, you may not need to do all the work yourself. We would encourage you to contact churches in your area to determine what activities are being planned.
Rather than separate completely from the night's activities, some Christians give gospel tracts along with treats to children who come to their homes and make Halloween an opportunity to witness for Christ. Others offer safe places for lighthearted fun.
For some people this holiday is a time for dress-up and candy; it is an opportunity for fun. Others express concern for their child's safety or for the emphasis that is often made on violence or horror at this time of year.
Those who are interested in the right or wrong of the celebration may look at the holiday's origin in the occult and believe it should not be celebrated at all; they are aware that some groups celebrate Halloween as a tribute to Satan.
On the other hand, others recognize that Halloween, the eve of "All Saints' Day" (November 1), is also associated with Martin Luther and the Reformation. They celebrate the religious freedoms won at that time in history. Since each of these perspectives contain truth, it is difficult to know how to respond.
We encourage each family to develop their own approach to Halloween based on their own convictions and the options for celebration available to them. The responsibility to make this decision rests on the adults in the family, not the children. The peer pressure on children is far too great for them to be objective. Certainly, providing a safe, fun environment must be a priority.
Some parents adapt the traditional Halloween practices, while others develop totally different alternatives. These alternatives may include fall festival parties where children are encouraged to dress in a particular theme such as positive cartoon or book characters, famous historical characters, or Bible heroes.
Carrying out that theme with simple acting can be great fun and an opportunity for teaching values as well. Children will always be attracted to costumes and treats; finding positive ways to enjoy these pleasures is the primary challenge for caring adults.
If you decide to make a major change in the way your family celebrates Halloween, you may not need to do all the work yourself. We would encourage you to contact churches in your area to determine what activities are being planned.
Rather than separate completely from the night's activities, some Christians give gospel tracts along with treats to children who come to their homes and make Halloween an opportunity to witness for Christ. Others offer safe places for lighthearted fun.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Like a thief in the night
It came like a thief in the night. Just like Jesus, who warned of the end of the world in the coming days, death is something like a thief in the night.
You never know when your time will come.
You always thought that you are still young, alive and full of energy, but you're not even sure what tomorrow will bring. Your life can be taken just like that.
Indeed, life is short. As Billy Graham would say, the greatest surprise of his life was to discover the brevity of life.
Now, I am writing this piece because of a neighbor who just died. You wouldn't have any inkling that his days are numbered. I even get to talk to him lately because he has a store and this neighbor supplies our daily newspaper. I heard that he had an aneurysm attack where the artery in his brain ruptured. I heard that it will cost a million to operate on him and since it costs a fortune, his family decided to transfer him to a less expensive but adequate hospital. Two days passed and we thought that he will recover. But just this morning, I heard that this neighbor expired.
Which led me to think and reflect again on the brevity of life and with the way death can come to you without giving you any clue at all.
No one knows the day or the hour as Jesus claimed in the Bible. Sometimes, I interpret this to mean as death and not necessarily as the end of the world. But this is not to say that I don't believe in the Second Coming.
My point is this: whether it's the Second Coming or death, each one of us have to be prepared.
So, are you ready?
You never know when your time will come.
You always thought that you are still young, alive and full of energy, but you're not even sure what tomorrow will bring. Your life can be taken just like that.
Indeed, life is short. As Billy Graham would say, the greatest surprise of his life was to discover the brevity of life.
Now, I am writing this piece because of a neighbor who just died. You wouldn't have any inkling that his days are numbered. I even get to talk to him lately because he has a store and this neighbor supplies our daily newspaper. I heard that he had an aneurysm attack where the artery in his brain ruptured. I heard that it will cost a million to operate on him and since it costs a fortune, his family decided to transfer him to a less expensive but adequate hospital. Two days passed and we thought that he will recover. But just this morning, I heard that this neighbor expired.
Which led me to think and reflect again on the brevity of life and with the way death can come to you without giving you any clue at all.
No one knows the day or the hour as Jesus claimed in the Bible. Sometimes, I interpret this to mean as death and not necessarily as the end of the world. But this is not to say that I don't believe in the Second Coming.
My point is this: whether it's the Second Coming or death, each one of us have to be prepared.
So, are you ready?
The Ideal Marketing Guy
Read from a daily article a few years ago about the 6 criteria of an ideal Marketing Man.
These are:
1. Professionalism
2. Passion
3. Perseverance
4. Problem-Solving Skills
5. Participative and People-Oriented
6. Persuasive
I would have been perfect as a marketing guy if I possess the above qualities. What more, if I have all those qualities, it wouldn't be a surprise if I'm always at the top.
I guess I would say I would say I'm a little bit of everything that's why I can't say I'm a failure. And a success? Maybe I would wait at the end of my career how I would judge my career based on the outcome.
But for now, I am happy with my marketing style. And I believe that I have marketed myself well.
Friends and clients reach out to me for their real estate, investments (mutual funds), insurance (travel insurance, home and auto insurance) needs. I even have food business on the side and I'm also known to a few for selling yummy goodies that are ready to eat.
To some people, I am their real estate broker.
To others, I am their financial adviser, fund manager, investment solicitor of mutual funds.
People also see me as their travel insurance agent.
While others buy their favorite food from me.
Thus, marketing myself as a cross-seller guy has been effective so far. At least, it gives me multiple sources of income. That way, when one area is not doing well, I can depend on other sources when it is doing good.
Did it ever happen that all are not doing well? By God's grace, not yet.
Grace because inasmuch as I do my part to market myself and my product, I depend on God to bring to me clients who have a need for the products I sell.
And you are more effective as a Marketing guy if you would render a good service to each and every client that goes to you.
And so, a good product combined with a good service and a little bit of everything from the qualities mentioned above and with the help from the Lord will sustain your business for as long as you are in the marketing business.
That to me is the ideal marketing person.
These are:
1. Professionalism
2. Passion
3. Perseverance
4. Problem-Solving Skills
5. Participative and People-Oriented
6. Persuasive
I would have been perfect as a marketing guy if I possess the above qualities. What more, if I have all those qualities, it wouldn't be a surprise if I'm always at the top.
I guess I would say I would say I'm a little bit of everything that's why I can't say I'm a failure. And a success? Maybe I would wait at the end of my career how I would judge my career based on the outcome.
But for now, I am happy with my marketing style. And I believe that I have marketed myself well.
Friends and clients reach out to me for their real estate, investments (mutual funds), insurance (travel insurance, home and auto insurance) needs. I even have food business on the side and I'm also known to a few for selling yummy goodies that are ready to eat.
To some people, I am their real estate broker.
To others, I am their financial adviser, fund manager, investment solicitor of mutual funds.
People also see me as their travel insurance agent.
While others buy their favorite food from me.
Thus, marketing myself as a cross-seller guy has been effective so far. At least, it gives me multiple sources of income. That way, when one area is not doing well, I can depend on other sources when it is doing good.
Did it ever happen that all are not doing well? By God's grace, not yet.
Grace because inasmuch as I do my part to market myself and my product, I depend on God to bring to me clients who have a need for the products I sell.
And you are more effective as a Marketing guy if you would render a good service to each and every client that goes to you.
And so, a good product combined with a good service and a little bit of everything from the qualities mentioned above and with the help from the Lord will sustain your business for as long as you are in the marketing business.
That to me is the ideal marketing person.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Financial Literacy
They say it's expensive to be financially ignorant these days.
You hear of people being exploited, being scammed, being lured into investing their lifetime's savings, only to discover in the end that their money is gone. How sad.
So many unscrupulous individuals preying on a number of hapless victims.
If you can afford it, do not be one of them. Do not bite easily.
It pays to research well. Ask around. There's no harm in trying. Try to find a financial mentor or consultant, someone you can trust your money with. Learn from prudent friends.
Read the business sections even if you don't understand it. When you get the hang of it, your mind will slowly absorb it.
Google it. The internet provides you vast information about investing, anything on financial literature.
The point is this. Do not invest at something that you do not have any inkling at all where your money will go. That's is the height of stupidity.
Be financially literate. Buy books. Attend seminars.
And for a start, you might want to invest conservatively or moderately. Investment can be viewed as calculated gambling or prudent management of your finances.
Read books by Bo Sanchez or Robert Kiyosaki or Donald Trump. These are authorities on the subject.
I got to read some of their books and I highly recommend it.
It pays to learn. And when you are passionate in learning something new, then your mind will never get old.
Learn basic accounting principles if you are not an accountant and business laws if you have the entrepreneurial spirit and if you can afford it. When you are equipped with these knowledge, everything else becomes easier and practical.
You hear of people being exploited, being scammed, being lured into investing their lifetime's savings, only to discover in the end that their money is gone. How sad.
So many unscrupulous individuals preying on a number of hapless victims.
If you can afford it, do not be one of them. Do not bite easily.
It pays to research well. Ask around. There's no harm in trying. Try to find a financial mentor or consultant, someone you can trust your money with. Learn from prudent friends.
Read the business sections even if you don't understand it. When you get the hang of it, your mind will slowly absorb it.
Google it. The internet provides you vast information about investing, anything on financial literature.
The point is this. Do not invest at something that you do not have any inkling at all where your money will go. That's is the height of stupidity.
Be financially literate. Buy books. Attend seminars.
And for a start, you might want to invest conservatively or moderately. Investment can be viewed as calculated gambling or prudent management of your finances.
Read books by Bo Sanchez or Robert Kiyosaki or Donald Trump. These are authorities on the subject.
I got to read some of their books and I highly recommend it.
It pays to learn. And when you are passionate in learning something new, then your mind will never get old.
Learn basic accounting principles if you are not an accountant and business laws if you have the entrepreneurial spirit and if you can afford it. When you are equipped with these knowledge, everything else becomes easier and practical.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Maid in the Philippines
Pastor Rick Warren once visited the Philippines. He referred to the OFWs as the modern day Joseph.
Joseph, in the Old Testament Bible, is the son of Jacob, who was sold as a slave by his brothers to the home of the Egyptian Pharaoh. By God's plan, he rose eventually to be the Pharaoh's trusted right man, who eventually saved his own family, when drought befell the land.
But I am digressing.
The Philippines, to some nations like Singapore, see us as a nation of people who cleans their toilet. How flattering can that be?
In the US, I heard you do everything on your own. From household chores to everything. That's why, life here in the Philippines is much better because you can afford to hire maids and let them do the nitty gritty household chores.
My mother has been very kind to every househelp who worked and stayed with us that's why my mother is very dear to them. Occasionally, some of them still visits or call or text my mother to catch up on everything that's happening at home.
There was a time that we did not have a maid for months and that forced me to wake up early and do the cooking and the morning preparations. It was a blessing in disguise actually because I learned to cook somehow and became domesticated.
But God is good. There's always the perfect timing.
Now he blessed us with a new househelp and hopefully, she will be staying for the long term.
Thank God for providing us help for we sorely lack manpower in the household.
Now I can focus on my work!
Joseph, in the Old Testament Bible, is the son of Jacob, who was sold as a slave by his brothers to the home of the Egyptian Pharaoh. By God's plan, he rose eventually to be the Pharaoh's trusted right man, who eventually saved his own family, when drought befell the land.
But I am digressing.
The Philippines, to some nations like Singapore, see us as a nation of people who cleans their toilet. How flattering can that be?
In the US, I heard you do everything on your own. From household chores to everything. That's why, life here in the Philippines is much better because you can afford to hire maids and let them do the nitty gritty household chores.
My mother has been very kind to every househelp who worked and stayed with us that's why my mother is very dear to them. Occasionally, some of them still visits or call or text my mother to catch up on everything that's happening at home.
There was a time that we did not have a maid for months and that forced me to wake up early and do the cooking and the morning preparations. It was a blessing in disguise actually because I learned to cook somehow and became domesticated.
But God is good. There's always the perfect timing.
Now he blessed us with a new househelp and hopefully, she will be staying for the long term.
Thank God for providing us help for we sorely lack manpower in the household.
Now I can focus on my work!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
That's all there is to it
Some people. After getting what they want, they just change how they treat you overnight or even within a minute from getting it.
Others say it all boils down to being practical. And to get what they want, they employ the means to justify the end.
I've been had. Been there, done that.
To some people, that's all there is to it.
Charge it to experience.
Others say it all boils down to being practical. And to get what they want, they employ the means to justify the end.
I've been had. Been there, done that.
To some people, that's all there is to it.
Charge it to experience.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Damaso
Damaso is associated with the Spanish friars in the novel by our national hero, Jose Rizal. And the name connotates the bad guy, the one who opposes the good guy or the hero.
Damaso represents the Roman Catholic priests who think that they are more powerful than the state and that whatever they decree should be considered as absolutes.
Damaso, to me, is like the Pharisees of the bible with whom Jesus constantly clashed.
Times have changed but some systems in this world will never go away. And these are the people like Damaso.
Damaso represents the Roman Catholic priests who think that they are more powerful than the state and that whatever they decree should be considered as absolutes.
Damaso, to me, is like the Pharisees of the bible with whom Jesus constantly clashed.
Times have changed but some systems in this world will never go away. And these are the people like Damaso.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Putting it off
It has always been like that. For the nth time, I put off something that needs immediate attention.
And then when it's due, you find yourself cramming.
You call it procrastination. Who has not been bitten by this bug?
Where did we inherit this trait? It has been said from the Spaniards. They have this what you call manana habit, meaning, when you are supposed to do something, you will instead opt to do it later. Until it becomes night, til it becomes the next day, and you realized you haven't accomplished yet the thing you are supposed to do.
So what's the cure? It's just a paradigm shift.
You just do it. Like the famous Nike ad says.
That way, you can avoid being bitten by the bug.
And then when it's due, you find yourself cramming.
You call it procrastination. Who has not been bitten by this bug?
Where did we inherit this trait? It has been said from the Spaniards. They have this what you call manana habit, meaning, when you are supposed to do something, you will instead opt to do it later. Until it becomes night, til it becomes the next day, and you realized you haven't accomplished yet the thing you are supposed to do.
So what's the cure? It's just a paradigm shift.
You just do it. Like the famous Nike ad says.
That way, you can avoid being bitten by the bug.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Dwende
My niece asked me if dwendes are true. Of course, I can't make any categorical statement on these creatures whether they really exist or not.
It's only in Philippines where you hear of dwende, kapre, aswang, tikbalang etc.
Personally, my take is that these are not true. These are just creations of the devil. To distract attention or to divert people from Jesus Christ. They may be true in the sense that they really appear and make themselves manifest to some people. But these are forms of demons that can scare the wit out of you if your faith is not strong and rock solid.
So what to do when you encounter creatures like these?
Hmmmm.... Pray in Jesus' name to ward off these evil spirits.
Read the Bible and you will discover there are no such things as these. But I'm not saying these are just figments of imagination. As I said, these creatures are just meant to destroy those who are weak in their faith in God.
It's only in Philippines where you hear of dwende, kapre, aswang, tikbalang etc.
Personally, my take is that these are not true. These are just creations of the devil. To distract attention or to divert people from Jesus Christ. They may be true in the sense that they really appear and make themselves manifest to some people. But these are forms of demons that can scare the wit out of you if your faith is not strong and rock solid.
So what to do when you encounter creatures like these?
Hmmmm.... Pray in Jesus' name to ward off these evil spirits.
Read the Bible and you will discover there are no such things as these. But I'm not saying these are just figments of imagination. As I said, these creatures are just meant to destroy those who are weak in their faith in God.
Damaso!
That is how tourist guide Carlos Celdran depicted the Roman Catholic Church with respect to their views on the controversial RH bill where President P-Noy is inclined to support.
Can you really blame Carlos Celdran for taking a stand against the high and mighty Roman Catholic Church? The RCC claims that it is opposing the bill on high moral grounds and that they have the right to resist its being passed into a law in their capacity as the church lest the people's morality go downhill unabated.
Such hypocrisy this RCC. They do not want to control population because decreasing it will mean less power and control for them. But people are starting to wake up and see the truth.
The Roman Catholic Church is nothing but an organization of modern-day Pharisees. In Jesus' time, he talks of this group as the hypocrites who are good on the outside but evil in the inside.
I rest my case.
Can you really blame Carlos Celdran for taking a stand against the high and mighty Roman Catholic Church? The RCC claims that it is opposing the bill on high moral grounds and that they have the right to resist its being passed into a law in their capacity as the church lest the people's morality go downhill unabated.
Such hypocrisy this RCC. They do not want to control population because decreasing it will mean less power and control for them. But people are starting to wake up and see the truth.
The Roman Catholic Church is nothing but an organization of modern-day Pharisees. In Jesus' time, he talks of this group as the hypocrites who are good on the outside but evil in the inside.
I rest my case.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Temptation
I was tempted today... twice... within an hour.
I was at Mega Mall, lining up to pay my phone bill. The payor before me took out his wallet and he didn't notice that his P1000 bill fell off his wallet. I immediately approached him and told him that his money fell off the floor. Moments later after paying, he approached me and expressed his gratitude.
A few minutes later, I was next to the guy who was at the ATM machine. After the slip came out, he threw out the slip in a trash can and left. When it was my turn, I realized he hasn't finished his transaction yet but he forgot to take out his ATM card so I saw his balance on the screen. I was stunned because I thought he already got his card so I chased him and returned his ATM card. He was surprised and grateful nonetheless.
In spite of my financial status, I didn't think twice of stealing the money. And I don't think my conscience can bear doing it.
Thank God for the integrity.
I wouldn't pray for more temptations like these though.
I was at Mega Mall, lining up to pay my phone bill. The payor before me took out his wallet and he didn't notice that his P1000 bill fell off his wallet. I immediately approached him and told him that his money fell off the floor. Moments later after paying, he approached me and expressed his gratitude.
A few minutes later, I was next to the guy who was at the ATM machine. After the slip came out, he threw out the slip in a trash can and left. When it was my turn, I realized he hasn't finished his transaction yet but he forgot to take out his ATM card so I saw his balance on the screen. I was stunned because I thought he already got his card so I chased him and returned his ATM card. He was surprised and grateful nonetheless.
In spite of my financial status, I didn't think twice of stealing the money. And I don't think my conscience can bear doing it.
Thank God for the integrity.
I wouldn't pray for more temptations like these though.
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