A Quiet Hero

There are times when silence has the loudest voice. – Leroy Brownlow

Since I don't have any updates to share with you, I once again borrowed a story from Chicken Soup series which I think is a good read. As usual, I am inspired by the story and the wisdom that has been shared in it. Enjoy the story and have your own reflection after.

One of the most important lessons I learned from my stepfather is that true heroism is silent and sober. Heroes take journeys, fight wars, and battle incredible odds, but they never seek praise.

That Smoldering Good Looks Can Be A National Threat?

Omar Borkan Al Gala
Credit to the real owner of this photo

Few days ago, this was our topic. That three overly good looking men from UAE were expelled (deported) from Saudi Arabia during a cultural festival for quite a weird and irrational reason. 

We we're like wonderin' why would they be expelled if their purpose is just to represent their country for that festival. Weird right? 

But look at his face, somehow he resembled that of Jesus Christ in a quick look. Indeed, women will fall for him once they have sought him.

There Is No Easy Way Out Being A Christian

It’s 11:43PM now. 

Surrounding's still cool brought about by the aftermath of a heavy sand storm a couple of days ago. 

Changing weather is beginning to let its presence felt. By the way, weather is constantly changing from winter to summer now. And like anyone who complains about the hot season in Pinas, we too have our own share of agony here. 

Too bad for us because the scorching heat of the sun can reach at a maximum of 50+ degrees. Imagine that? Would you want to still work in the Mid East? 

Well, there's nothing to worry since all the houses here require good ventilation and a heavy duty airconditioning system. 

Anyway, that's not my topic for tonight. This post is about some realizations. Of being a Christian in the most unChristian culture.

The Shopping Trip

“Every action in our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity" 

- Edwin Hubbel Chupin.

"Jane, hurry and get your coat. We’re going to the store.”

I ran to do as my father instructed. A shopping trip with Dad was a rare treat. He traveled a great deal of the time, and I cherished the unexpected opportunity to be alone with him.

Once in the car, I asked, "Where are we going?"

Dad only smiled. "You'll see."

To my surprise, we didn't take the usual turn to the area's one department store. (This was in the pre-mall era). Instead, we turned down an ally where small row houses lined the road. Dad parked the car, got out, and walked to the front door of the first house on the street. Within a few minutes, he returned with Connor, a boy from our church.

The 365 Life Lesson Project - Life Lesson 2

We Can Never Be Too Careful. 

There are situations in life that put us into testing water where sometimes we're caught off-guarded with our actions.

That sometimes, our being close to the person has the tendency to border into an occasion where we're too much attached and we somehow tend that every kind of joke can be thrown to that person without offense. Even in an inadvertent attempt aimed to kid around. 

Later when we realize that we already went overboard, eventually hurting them.

My Apology, My Lord

Dear Lord,

I can’t sleep tonight!

I feel so lonely.

My heart carries a heavy load of guilt because I have unintentionally offended someone I consider close to me.

I have laid flat on my bed but I am wide awake and cant' even feel the sense of being sleepy.

Though I've conveyed my sincere apology but I just feel that it is lacking due to a sour response.

Honestly, I am damn stupid why I did drag a name that has been valued the most. Though, it was purely unintentional but I still err. The very thought that I had pinched a portion of my close friend's heart is enough that I did so wrong with that joke.

A Political Outburst

Generations of partakers in the elective process had grown to be a believer of the promises candidates have been audibly screaming in their platforms during caucus and campaign periods. But are these promises have meet ends?

You POLITICOS are elevating yourself as a public figure thus being a role model follows. But why are the things that you put into laws are the very same things you religiously break?

You keep saying, We'll do this! We'll do that! But I don't think you can fool us anymore. 

You've told us do not fight with others, to work things out, to respect others, to share not to be greedy. Then why you yourselves are doing the things you've told us not to do?

An Answered Prayer

A DM short of reply in Twitter!

His direct message reads:

“Thanks God! Engineer na po ako Dad! Thank you so much sa prayers. Sobra sobra. Thanks for believing! :)

Ignored tweets in @Mentions. Not even an FB message at his inbox!

Perhaps, he might be thinking that I just pass on the chance to greet him and be joyful for another important milestone in his life knowing that I, together with many other friends and family alike, were in unison in wishing and praying that he will surpass his upcoming Board Exam then.

It’s like I totally shut down my world from him. If I were in his position, I too, will wander what’s goin’ on? Why my online dad didn’t even care now that I earnestly passed my exam?

We Always Have A Choice

“What has life to offer me when I grow old”? - This is the first line of the famous song "Next In LIne of After Image (I don't remember which year) that literally hit me while thinking of the first thing to write about this post. 

Quite sad isn't it? Well, I won't focus on the tear-jerking thoughts in here, though, maybe along the lines I may hit some emotions. But I'll try to make it as interesting and short as possible- knowing I'm a wordy guy. I wish I could have all the elements in writing to do all these. But heck! I'll give it a try.

Cliche tells us that "life is what we make it". I agree to it. We choose what we want, we choose our decision. Our daily existence is part of how we partake in the banquet of the world. There, we have plenty of choices - and WE ALWAYS HAVE A CHOCE! which one to pick up or out, which one to pursue and which one to make our stand for. In life, we are presented with myriad of choices. Choices that sometimes fit or unfit our system.

Inspiring People No. 2 - Kevin Villanueva -"An Orphan's Gift For His Parents"

Kevin Villanueva

"People exit in our lives, sometimes for no apparent reasons. Death is the most difficult to accept. But when all else's gone, nothing but memory will keep us cherishing them. And the same joyful moments that will propel us to intensely chase and realize our dreams for them."

Facebook has been one of the most effective social medias that launches ordinary people into overnight celebrity. I had been a witness of many and some of them had shared a page in my blog through a feature-length story. 

I am proud that through my writings I can express my admiration and joy toward these people. Thus, inspiring me more to continue what I love to do - to write stories, more so of human interest stories.

Of Summer Days, Nostalgia, and Nipa Hut

A resemblance of our ancestral house - which even until now still standing
it is that same house where we rest and relax during vacation.

Earlier, I wired my sister in Pinas to ask for an update about the documents I am requesting from her. Luckily, the progress is nice - at least it's not immobile.

Part of our casual convy touched a topic I so long desired to experience again. She enthusiastically told me that  John Howard (my eldest nephew who recently just graduated) will be going for a solo trip back to our province in Sibuyan Island in Romblon on April 6 - this coming Saturday.

Assorted Thoughts

Ideas keep fighting over an influential slot in my mind lately. Picture out those wrestlers ready to land their fake punches and throws to their opponents – that’s how I imagine these ideas are like. Full of ideas yet because of congestion no one succeeded to spring out into something worthy.

Plenty of ideas coming in, but I can’t expound, some suddenly go away without even staying for like an hour. Assorted – various, mixed, classified, multifarious or whatever will you call it.