Christian Corner: Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me, Dying He Saved Me)

Christian Corner: -- this blog's segment will feature my endless pursuit of real joy through enriching my faith, allowing myself to learn through my spiritual struggles. Sometimes, exposing  my spiritual dryness--a humanly character of any person, and all that relates to my Christian beliefs. It has no intentions to intimidate, nor to force others to believe what I believe and how I believe. But, this is a section that aims to encourage anyone who seems drifting away, going astray and clouded by doubts into discovering their own personal relationship to Jesus.

Today, I will feature a Christian song. A song I must say is listed as one of the many Christian songs favorites I claim.

Casting Crowns - one of my fave Christian bands

GLORIOUS DAY

The subtitle captured me the most. And it says: "Living He Loved Me, Dying He Saved Me"

Here's the complete lyrics if you feel like singing it. It's worth listening and after you can contemplate and reflect on it.

The Neophyte Cook # 1: "Chicken Cordon Bleu"

The Neophyte Cook - this segment in my blog will feature my cooking apprenticeship without the formal culinary lessons, shy of cooking standards, and is done out-of-passion in cooking. Recipes will vary from various cuisine's dishes as long as I can modestly prepare and my guts tell me to do so.

The result of my kitchen hardwork

It's been a while since I last blog about food. Well, for the reason that we seldom go out these days. I usually do the food blogging after a dining experience in a restaurant or a food chain. Normally, my food blog entry will end up rating these restaurants we have dined in. You can check out my other food blog entries in the archives portion of this blog.


Last weekend, I decided to cook my own apprentice version of "Chicken Cordon Bleu". It was supposed to be done last week but due to a limited time, my wife and I agreed that we'll do it next week. And so it was it. It's my third time and I still feel uneasy preparing it. When in fact I should have had mastered it already. Read the next paragraph as it explains the uneasiness in me.


The little dilemma added up when I realized I don't have a print-out recipe to look upon the procedure since I didn't bring my laptop going to my wife's place. (FYI - My wife and I don't live in the same roof everyday, I mean our jobs were the reason. I only go home during weekend, seldom on weekdays since I'm staying in a flat near my office. The distance of our place to each other is like close to two hours' drive). So I ended up collecting my thoughts to come up with the "how to" prepare one.

Looks succulent and palatable isn't it?

Samu't Saring Pagmumuni-muni - Version 1.0

Habang ako'y papauwi sa flat ko galing ng opisina ng katanghaliang tapat kanina, ako'y nagmumuni-muni ng mga bagay-bagay. 


(While on my way home from the office at around lunch time, my mind was busy contemplating with various things.)

Nilalakad ko lang pala pabalik ng aking flat galing sa opisina at gayundin naman papasok. Mga sampung minuto ay matagal nang paglalakad kung tatantsahin mo.


(By the way, I just usually walk going back to my flat and coming to office. More or less, it will take only ten minutes of walk.)

Siguro mga ilang buwan ko na ring pinag-iisipan ang mga bagay-bagay na pilit sumisiksik sa aking isipan. Na tila ba namamalimos ng atensiyon na pilit ko namang pinagkakait sa pamamagitan ng di-pagpansin sa mga eto.


(I guess, these various thoughts has been running into my mind for several months now. As if it begs for attention while I was too selfish ignoring it.)


Anu-ano nga ba ang mga bagay na pilit na sumisigaw sa isipan ko? Sa totoo niyan, marami-rami din. Sige mga mambabasa sabayan ninyo akong isa-isahin natin ang mga panauhin ko sa aking isipan.


(And what are those things which keeps shouting in my head? Truth is, it's been a lot. Readers join me as I run down the visitors of my mind.)

• Paglalaro ng Badminton - isa eto sa sobrang nami-miss ko nang laruin. Ang totoo niyan may sinalihan na akong club dito sa KSA--ang FUN (Filipino United Netters) Badminton Club. Pero dahil sa work schedule ko at sa may kalayuan ang venue, di ako nakapagpatuloy. Sa Pilipinas naman, makikita mo ako sa kung saan saan lang. Dumadayo ng laro sa iba-ibang badminton Center. Kadalasan sa Metropolis Badminton Center, Toyota Alabang Smash Center, Christ The King in Muntinlupa, Smasher's Point in Binan, Laguna, The Playground in BF Almanza, Las Pinas, Shuttle Badminton Center in Mandaluyong and one in Bocobo too na di ko lang natandaan ang pangalan. Marami-rami di ba, halatang masipag maglaro. lols!
• (Playing Badminton -- I really miss to play this sport. As a matter of fact, I already enlist myself in one of the badminton club here in KSA - the F.U.N. (Filipino United Netters) Badminton Association. But I was forced to quit due to my work schedule plus the venue is quite far prompting me not to pursue playing at regular timings. Back in the Philippines, you can usually see me just roaming around the metropolis. I've been playing in badminton centers like that in Metropolis Badminton Center in Alabang, Toyota Alabang Smash Center, Playground in BF Almanza, Las Pinas, Shuttle Badminton Center in Mandaluyong and the one in Bocobo, Malate too I just forgot the name of the place. Quite a lot right? been so badminton freak lols!

In action at Smasher's Point in Binan, Laguna

Ready to jump-off and smash

My badminton accessories and rackets 

Solitary Moment - Page 3

Today, I want to thank God for sending amazing people in the middle of my fuming anger. 

If only you can see me while I was in total havoc earlier, you wouldn't have believed that I can be turned in to a raging bull. Perhaps, you might be shocked and think "Is that Jay? Can Jay do that?" kind of pressing questions. 

I literally was shouting in anger in the office earlier due to an office mate who I feel cheated and disrespected me. I won't detail-out what really took place but it's completely work related. I know myself and I am a diligent worker - I wouldn't be given a bonus in three folds and praises more than I humbly expect if I am just a lousy kinda guy. And I seldom being provoked to be so pissed with a situation BUT HE JUST DID. I really wanted to instigate a fist fight. Oh God! forgive me!

Good thing it didn't happen or else I might end up sleeping inside a stinky jail for the first time here. Worst is, I might be sent home deported for a very unworthy situation that has an intention to just provoke me into uncontrollable anger. Fist fight isn't allowed, if a police officer sees you in action or if the one you're in troubled with reports to a police --you're a dead man. I mean, it's not allowed here. And the worst thing is if the officer would see your opponent to be bathing in blood --Hell no! you're automatically deported. That's their law and no one can't bend it.

And with that I say ""GOD, thank you for arming me with great fortitude. It's true - me as human can still be susceptible to uncontrollable anger and animosity. Yet, you're showing me countless instruments that touches my inner core and helps me confront a difficult and provoking situation with benevolence & grace. Truly YOU are amazing and I'm forever grateful."

I still err for I am human. So do with my faith - it is still a work in progress. I still am in the middle stage of refinement and will still undergo so many challenges that would try to rust me off. Yet I am willing to face the giants in me. I know the road to holiness is like a tiny hole. But I am banking on your will and armor. I am capitalizing my faith in you.

I will win the battle I'll make sure of that. I won't let you down. I know YOU are there --watching every inch of me and my actions.

Thank you God, for never abandoning me.

The "Suggest A Name" Contest - Our Online Search for a Christian Name

The "SUGGEST A NAME" Contest

Not long ago, I had been teased by some of my co-bloggers to sponsor another blog contest as some of them had their successful shares already. Now, it's really happening. There is no turning back. This is it. I will be resting the fate of our soon-to-be-first-born's name to ALL OF YOU guys. 

Well, don't get me (us) wrong, it's not that we can't think of a decent name for our soon to be angel. But, I just feel it's more exciting if a lot of you guys would suggest a name for us--more specifically a Christian name. And this is one perfect opportunity to do just that. It'll be cool to know that when our first born grows up we can share this experience of how his/her name came up. 

As I've said in my Facebook status, this contest will not limit itself to co-bloggers but will extend to my Facebook & Twitter friends as well. To wit, this is my first ever blog contest. And you guys will have the chance to be my first ever winner/s if finally chosen.

CONTEST NAME: The "Suggest-A-Name" Contest -- Our Online Search for a Christian Name.

PURPOSE: This contest was designed/devised to search for a Christian name to our soon-to-be-first-born. 

MECHANICS OF THE CONTEST:

1. If you are a Filipino (be in Pinas or elsewhere around the world), user of Facebook or Twitter or hosting a blog site --then you are QUALIFIED TO JOIN. No age limit is required.

2. Think of a unique Christian name for our soon-to-be-first born.

3. The Christian name shall consist of two names (e.g. Luke Daniel or Samantha Ruth).

4. Entry must be one name for a boy and one name for a girl. Each contestant is limited to one entry only. Only English Christian name will be validated.

5. For bloggers, you need to write an entry in your blog with a minimum of 200-words to a maximum of 300-words (including explanation why you choose the particular Christian name) and a link to this particular post shall be mentioned in your entry. Notify me by writing a comment in this post that you joined this contest.

10 Things I Love About "The Philippines"

When the sure-fire hit video "20 Things I Dislike About The Philippines" came out I've tried to be objective at most.  After all, the guy who authored it has all the freedom in terms of speech and expressing his opinions. But minutes away after I clicked it, I began to be defensive and a bit annoyed. I personally took it at heart. Maybe patriotism and loyalty took its action in me. 

Admittedly, most if not all of what he'd said were true. Certainly, comments made by him should be taken as constructive criticism if we really want to take positive and sustainable action for change. 

So why am I that offended? When usually I am the type of guy who would take  opinions open-minded. 

I just can't believe when at some course of my random chat conversation to a number of foreigners online and asking them if they know all about my country -The Philippines. I was ecstatically surprised when I guess 80% of them knew little about my country.

As someone who solidly support the tourism ad campaign of our country at present, I felt disrespected more than cheated with this viral video depicting dislikes about our nation. I felt that somehow it is hindering my own "It's More Fun In The Philippines" campaign. And knowing how powerful web and media are, certainly it can ruins our effort in boosting our tourism industry.

And as a solid response, I decided to bring your attention to "Ten Things I Love About The Philippines". Maybe some of you might get caught with the same things I love. And I urge you readers to randomly check fascinating things and facts that made you LOVE THE PHILIPPINES.

Solitary Moment - Page 2

I just don't feel so good today yet these are my thoughts.

I just suddenly write and look at  what I've done.

Office isn't the best place as of the moment. Pressure building up and some people in it are just uncooperative and over demanding.

Deadlines here and there. Short notice reports and stuff troubled me a bit.

But after all of these unlikely scenarios, I just blurted out these words.

Funny thing is I took extra effort to put it in MS Powerpoint presentation and saved it via JPEG format --to look presentable.

God, thank you for extending so much of my patience. God thank you for giving me extra strength to control my temper.

God, simply I just want to THANK YOU.

In My Own Eyes - A Holy Week Reflection

"You give me hope in spite of everything

You give me love in spite of so much pain"

These are the very lines from the song sang by the character of Ben (Tyler's older brother ) in the movie "Letters to God" that struck me most. How profound isn't it? 

Earlier, we had our mini-recollection as our response in observing the holy week season here. Our location only permits a discreet observance. I'm so thankful still for the minuscule opportunity to express our faith.

On the other end, we don't focus on fear but we focus on how fear magnify our courage to serve more and to glorify our one great God despite restrictions. And I personally believe that God protects us with his unbreakable shield. But of course, we are well aware where we stand --our high respect to the culture and religious tradition remains our top priority.

Now, let's go back to the movie. It's so awesomely moving and inspiring that I quickly need to sit down and have a short review of it after the recollection. I'm not sure if I can collect all my thoughts as I have a short span memory but I'll try to use it anyway and I'll let God direct my mind for ideas to flow in unstoppably.

Letters To God --is all about a young boy fighting cancer who writes letters to God, touching lives in his neighborhood and community and inspiring hope among everyone he comes in contact. An unsuspecting substitute postman, with a troubled life of his own, becomes entangled in the boy's journey and his family by reading the letters. They inspire him to seek a better life for himself and his own son he's lost through his alcohol addiction.

Mr. Brady & Tyler

The story of what happens when one boy's walk of faith crosses paths with one man's search for meaning -- the resulting transformational journey touches the lives of everyone around them. Tyler is an extraordinary eight-year old boy. Surrounded by a loving family and community, and armed with the courage of his faith, he faces his daily battle against cancer with bravery and grace. 

Ben, Samantha & Tyler

To Tyler, God is a friend, a teacher, and the ultimate pen pal. Tyler's prayers take the form of letters, which he composes and mails on a daily basis. The letters find their way into the hands of Brady --a beleaguered substitute postman standing at a crossroads in his life. At first he is confused and conflicted over what to do with the letters. but the decision he ultimately made becomes a testament to the quiet power of one boy's shining spirit and unshakable faith.

Inspiring People - Part 2 -- Meet Yves!

This photo was taken in Tagaytay during my wedding
 last December 13, 2011 where he attended
as one of my invited guests

Yves P. Barbasina

A name, an ordinary name. And who is Yves?

Well, the world needs to know this person. He's an ordinary guy, I know, but he is a hyper driven yuppie working as a Program Manager and Administrator at SILID ARALAN INC. focusing on empowerment of youths through leadership trainings and other socially-related advocacies.

Before I give you what's fascinating about this person, let me put it clearly—I won’t be writing his autobiography here but I’ll be focusing on how I know this awesome personality.

How did we meet?

I never knew this person until one of my closest SFC leader and buddy Rex Geneston was integrated in SFC – San Rafael in Montalban (Rodriguez now), Rizal  in the later part of 2009. That was the time when he finally decided to go back home for good. Having a status of a diligent leader here in the Mid-East. Rex was easily elevated to a leadership position when he joined the SFC’s of San Rafael. And to cut the story short, Yves was once under his umbrella.

And how did we meet? Rex requested me to render a “Special Talk” intended to his unit and If I recall it right it was the “GG Talk” (God's Gift) or we call it the “Courtship Talk or Love Forum” -- it is in this talk where we discuss how the courtship happens in the community, the do's and don't and other relationship issues. I guess I delivered the said talk way back 15th of June 2010. And I can so well-remember how I was bombarded with lots of relationship-related questions during the open forum which literally rendered me in perspiring mode..hahaha! Well, to boast a bit I managed to address their queries gracefully and in accordance to our community's teaching. And Yves entered the scene when we came face to face when he shook hands with me and poured me with heart-warming compliment after my talk.

Solitary Moment - Page 1

I lost track of how many weeks I had been so neglectful of encoding an entry in my blog.

I don't know but those lost times were like my brain was put to freeze. Every time I look at my laptop and try to write, ideas won't come out.

What is happening to me? Is it a writer's block again? Damn! if it is then I want it go and stray away in my brain path. I don't need it. 

I want to write. I want to write. I need to write.

Perhaps, all of us (writers/bloggers) had been into these days. And we are quite familiar to this avenue. Most of us had been crossing its alleys a number of times. I mean days where our attempt to write isn't fruitful and we're just ending up wasting our time and finishing none. It's stupid right? A time where you really crave to write yet your brain don't give you great ideas. Your brain was like in a dormant state that forcing it to be active is really painful.