Blessing at 13!

Last September 13, I received a very precious gift from God. I even texted my friends when I got it. That day between 7:00 to 7:30 in the evening at SM Cyberzone, I had my laptop. This was the gift I am asking for a long time. I even fasted for it. And fasting works! No doubt! Just be sincere with it. I know this was from Him. He knows I badly need it for my academics. And he wants me to be successful so He blessed my mother a lot to earn enough money so that I can buy my notebook. I will really treasure this. Praise Him!

Where's the Key?

Oh my God! After attending the VCF Sunday Service at the UP Film Institute, I went home already to rush lot of school works. That day, everybody will go somewhere. Nanay Ena ahd her family will attend a birthday party of her grandson in Lagro. Daniel will go to La Salle because of his Ate’s bar exam. Edgar has an exam and will attend Sunday Service at Galleria with his classmates and professor. So, as expected, nobody was left in the house. So when I arrived, the door was locked. I was shocked because my key was inside my room. So how will I open the door? I was panicking like hell. I am thinking for ways to open the door. I used scissors which I found outside. I used nails and wires. But nothing works. I was about to cry. I know that no one will arrive as soon as possible. I don’t have load to text them. I am praying that time. Prayer was only weapon. Then I decided to remove the window glasses and I will enter at the window. I did it and successfully entered inside. Thank God! I can’t forget this experience. I should always bring my key.

Miracle and Potchi

Miracle and Potchi are the two “cute” dogs in my boarding house. Don’t be afraid at them, if they know you, they were so sweet. But if they don’t know you, they will bark at you but they wouldn’t bite you. When I go to school, they will walk with me to the gate. It was as if they’re waiving “Bye!” at you. And sometimes, they’ll gonna show great stunts. They were very intelligent even if they’re just “askals.” They were truly man’s bestfriend.

BFV made me laugh

I am really enjoying watching Bitoy’s Funniest Videos of GMA 7 every Saturday night. The videos were really hilarious. But the sometimes, there were videos which I find “foul” especially when it shows people that get. But I love the segments “Alpha Kapal Muks” wherein they will challenge their contestants to do some public-humiliating stuffs. Sometimes challenges were not that funny. But most of the time, they’re so funny. The segment shows how Pinoys were so desperate to earn money even if it’s their pride that at stake. The segment “Pikon Ka Na Ba?” is also funny. They will piss some people by doing and insisting certain things. I love this episode wherein there was a man who fixes the damaged electrical outlet. Then suddenly a big rat runs after him. He was shouting like hell. I was laughing so hard with that. At the end, they disclosed that the other man was Michael V. and that he was at Bitoy’s Funniest Videos.

I Love Encantadia!

I love watching the newest telefantasya of GMA7. The special effects were very fascinating. The production design was great. Characters were very interesting. And the story was fabulous. In our boarding house, it was like fiesta when it’s already Encantadia. I, my two boardmates, my landlady and her son with her son’s wife and baby boy were so excited to watch it. We will all gather in the sala and watch it together. Sometimes, some of our friends will even go there and watch it with us. As a film student, I really appreciate this kind of TV programs. We can’t deny the fact that it’s in fantasy and all things are just make-believes. But we can’t also hide the moral lessons we get from these kind of shows and Encantadia is the best example among many. I commend GMA 7 for making great shows like Encantadia.

VCM Says: Show Me What You Got!

Last September 19, we, the Victory Campus Ministries applicants had our Talents’ Night and Induction Program. It was so successful with God’s grace. I was assigned to the design of the venue. They told me that I am so creative that’s why. Supposedly, the event will be on September 24 but due to some unexpected conflicts, it was move to an earlier date. We were cramming like hell. Our presentations were not that polished. Our main problem was we can’t meet all for the practice for we have different vacant times. Well anyways, it was still successful. Everybody loves the design I made in the center. And it was so fluttering. Thanks for the creativity God gave to me. We also danced and sang lot of Christian songs. It was great. Our skit took so long. It was musical. I have lot of parts for the skit but the script was given that day too. So I have to use my adlib abilities. Good thing I was part of a performing org in Baguio. I missed performing. I was very thankful for all the talents God gave me. They were so precious. And I really wanted to share it to people. I was really amazed with God’s power when I saw lots of talents that night. Praise Him! After all the presentations by the applicants and even the members, there was an awarding to the best sigsheets. Joni won the 1st place. She deserves it. How I wish I got the award. Well, I am satisfied with the fact that many people appreciated my sigsheet. I was the one who started putting designs on it. Then we were inducted. They gave us compilation CD of Christian songs. I love it! I am so blessed being a member of VCM who strives to change the world and change the campus. This is for you God!

VCM SportsFest: Enjoy!

Last September 10, we had our sportsfest in Victory Campus Ministries. There were 4 teams:red, blue, green, and yellow. There were several exciting games. I belong to the red team. Go red!
I joined the three-legged walkathon. My partner was Kuya Ryan, my “kababayan.” In that event, there were six stations. And we’re in the fifth station. It was frustating because we were last. But I and Kuya see to it that we can catch up. So we really did our best so that we will not be the last team. And true enough, because of that extraordinary urge, we became third instead of being last.
I also joined the dodgeball game. This was very exciting. But we were last in this game. But I really enjoyed it. People were very loud especially me. It was tiring also. But you can’t feel that if you are in the middle of enjoyment.
But in the main event, we were the champion. It was much unexpected because we didn’t have practice for that. God’s will! In the end, blue team was the over-all champion. Green team was 2nd. We, in the red team, was 3rd. And yellow team was the last in ranking.
I’m so glad that God lead me into this organization-Victory Campus Ministry. This is where I can be with my fellow Christians. I know this was part of God’s plans for me. And I’m happy for this. Praise Him!

Prayer Works!

I think the best time to receive blessing from God is when you least expecting it. I want to share this blessing from God which I really did not expect. We have this activity in my social dance class. It’s an interclass DANCESPORT COMPETITION for all social dance classes. The dances in the said competition include cha-cha, boogie, and swing. Oops! If you think those dances are very easy, think again, because it was move to the next level. What I mean is it’s not just the basic we knew in our high school years.
My partner, Katelyn, and I didn’t practice that well because of our conflicting schedules. During the day of competition, our call time is 3pm so that we can practice a bit for the program will start by 5pm. But because I have to attend our sportsfest in VCM, I came there around quarter to 5pm. I was late. And I was so ashamed to my partner. The sad thing is her mother and elder sister was there too to watch. We really didn’t have enough time to practice. I told her, we will do our best even if we didn’t have enough practice. That’s not a hindrance for our victory.
When the competition started, we prayed first before the start of every dance. I know God will be our weapon. He gave us the talent. And we will show the people what He gave us. And after the 3 dances, they announced the top 12 pairs. We were not expecting a lot because there were pairs who are really prepared for the event. I think group #1 even has their choreographer because they have moves that are advance with what Mam Aguilar, my social dance instructor, taught us. But thank God, we’re in top 12. I know God helped us. So again, in the middle of the dance floor, we prayed. We thanked Him for letting us be in the top 12. That’s an accomplishment already. And again, we asked His guidance for the final round. We prayed that let the deserving pairs win and that everything should be under His will. And after the final round, it’s the announcement of winners. 6th, 5t and 4th placers were announced. One pair was from our class. 3rd place was announced. 2nd place was our classmates. Group #1 wasn’t called yet. So we were expecting that they won. But the emcee shouted #19 as the 1st place. Oh my God! That’s our number in the competition. We won! We won! It’s much unexpected. We didn’t have enough practice but still we won! God moves in mysterious way. You must really believe in Him and ask for His guidance. Prayer works! Just be sincere in asking His guidance. Now, I’m enjoying my new gold medal from UP. It’s very overwhelming. Unexpected blessing feels great. Thanks for the dancing talent God. Praise Him!

BABALA!

Hay naku, lahat kami sa isang klase ko ay naiinis na sa professor namin. Masyado kasing mapanglait si Sir. Hindi na niya kinoconsider yung feelings namin. At ang masaklap pa nito, hindi naman siya nagtuturo. Ang nangyayari, pumapasok kami sa kanya para pakinggan namin ang kanyang mga comments sa mga artista, pelikula, mga TV shows at marami pang iba na gusto lang niyang laitin. Buti lang sana kung walang malalait sa kanya, pero ang totoo, ang dami ring mapupuna sa kanya. Nakakalungkot lang dahil major class ko siya. Maganda yung subject pero pumangit na dahil wala naman kaming natutuhan sa kanya. Matalino siya, pero hindi yun nagagamit. Sayang talaga! Kapag nalalaman nga ng mga kaibigan ko na siya ang professor ko, sinasabi nila na napakamalas ko naman. Marami na talagang may ayaw sa kanya. At talagang iniiwasan siya. Dahil transferee ako, hindi ko alam na isa siya sa mga dapat iwasan na professor sa film. Nakakaasar pa kasi ang hirap ng project namin sa kanya. Yung group ko ay quiz bee ang gagawin. Talagang nahihirapan na kami kasi ang taas ng expectations niya. OK lang sana kung sulit yung natutunan namin sa kanya. Well, para sa mga film students diyan like me, iwasan niyo ang professor na ito. Magtanong tanong kayo sa CMC kung sino siya, sikat naman siya eh. Dahil walang may gusto sa kanya. Sana lesson na itong pinagdaananan ko sa kanya…

I Gave Her A Book Too

My former board mate in Baguio, JEN, celebrated her 18th last September 15. My plan was to give my gift to her at the Araneta because we have this plan to meet there. But unfortunately, she didn’t have a ticket. So I gave the gift the next day, Sunday, because they’re having their PE class in Diliman. I gave her the book “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” by Joshua Harris. She needs it badly. Jen was very honest to me. When we were in Baguio, we have lots of conflicts because she’s very “pasaway.” But our friendship lives on. She is telling me everything about her, especially when it comes to her lovelife. She’s very open. And that shows she’s a very good friend, despite of her attitude problem. She always has a boyfriend even those she really didn’t know personally but digitally, but always end up being hurt. And I hate it when she’s hurt. I know the book will really help her. The book would give her insights about dating under God’s purposes. I hope she will read it. And I hope she will take the challenge, to kiss dating goodbye. It’s so nice to be single!

I Gave Her A Book

My friend Beverly Ann celebrated her 18th birthday last August 28. She invited me but I told her I’m not sure if I can go there in Pangasinan. The truth is, I really wanted to go but I’m not sure for I have to do lot of things here. But when I found out, I could come, I didn’t tell her. I want to surprise her. She deserves a surprise. She’s one of those people who really believe in my talent and my faith. She’s happy for all my achievements. She’s really a very real friend. She’s an artist. She’s a very great painter. It’s in her family. So when I arrived there, I told her that I can’t come. She said it’s OK. But during that day, she was very surprised because I was there. She even cried. She’s so sincere. I gave her a book by Joshua Harris, “Boy meets Girl.” My original plan was tp give her “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” by Harris also. The book I gave her was also good. It was about finding the right someone for you, in God’s time and with God’s grace. She loved the book. I know that book will really help her learn things about relationships. And there, she can read a lot of words of God which is very powerful. Guys, read that book too!

We Don't Deserve the 2nd Place

Ever since, it is my dream to watch live the UAAP Cheering competition. That’s why when I came here in UP Diliman, I can’t wait to see the said event. Well, the truth is, I have this dream to become part of a well-known UP Pep Squad. That dream started when I was in high school because I was very active in our cheering squad then. Now, that dream lives on, but I was kinda hesitant of joining now because I want to prioritize my academics and serving God. And we all know that joining a pep squad requires a lot of time which I doubt if I can give.
And last Saturday, September 17, even though I have a fever for several days due to undesirable weather, I see to it that I will watch it. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time, so nothing could be hindrance for me to watch it. I was with Richmond, my block mate. We went there by around 11am. I was really excited. But it started by 2pm. We waited for almost like 10 years there in Araneta Coliseum. The good thing is me and Richmond has entered the venue easily. Some of our friends and block mates find it difficult to be there easily because there’s no available ticket already.
While waiting for the main event, the “kantiyawan blues” dominated the Araneta. Of course, it was started by the UP representatives. And that’s us. There are a lot of representatives by UP, UST, and FEU. Some schools have these balloons and they’re wearing the same color, which I find it cool. But that doesn’t make that UP isn’t good. We are not good because we’re the best.
Personally, we have the best costume and exhibitions. We are very consistent. Everything looks great. We have original and new cheering pieces. We are the loudest. We have a very nice concept of Nestle cheer which is like cabaret dancers. That’s why its so sad and frustrating to note that we are just the 2nd place. We’re being 2nd place for 4th time in a row. FEU is the 3rd. And of course, UST is the 1st place for the Nth time. I have to admit that UST have also a very good concept of Nestle cheer because of the effects. But they weren’t consistent. Their exhibitions aren’t good. They’re a crap!
I really can’t accept it until now but I have to. Well, come what may, UP will always be the winner. And I know God has a purpose for that. UP go! UP fight! UP win!

learn to forgive...

I just like to share this gap with my yougest brother. From the time I went here, it really bothers me. And that's what I got because of my pride.

The story goes something like this...

Well, we are only three siblings in the family and we are all men. It started when my youngest brother was in his 2nd year in HS and I am 4th year. I am the President of the Student Government Organization in our school by that time. But my brother wasn't concentrating on his studies. He didn't attended his classes for no valid reasons. And he keeps on denying that even though his teachers were already the ones who's telling us what he was doing in school.But luckily, he passed his sophie year.

When he reached 3rd year and I am already in UP Baguio, he strayed like hell. Everytime I go to my former high school, his teachers were complaining that they didn't know what to do with my brother's attitude in school. They told me all the goddam things he did in school like smoking, drinking alcohol, consisitent abscences ang other damn stuffs. But whenever I talked to him as the eldest in the family, he denies everything. We really don't know what was his problem if there is. My Mama, who is working in Japan very hard, is giving everything he wants. so there's no reason of doing that. Until one day, his adviser went to our house and told us that didn't pass his junior year so he have to retake it. I was disappointed although I am expecting it. When his adviser left, I talked to him. But he was like as if that's not a big deal. So I shouted him. Ang he also shouted at me. We exchanged bad words to each other. He was saying that I'm too boastful saying what's right for him. But I'm just concern. I'm the eldest so I'm here to support him. But I can't see the respect. And after that incident, we didn't talk to each other already. Even though we see each other, it's as if we don't really exist for each other. And it actually feels bad for me. Especially knowing that until now, still, we are not in speaking terms. The truth is, I already forgave him. But I can't say "sorry" to him, my pride is killing me. And I have this feeling that he should be the one to say "sorry" because I am the eldest. But I am wrong with that...

I am wrong with the belief that he should be the one to put his pride down. I hurt him. I've got hurt too. So both of us should say "sorry" and forgive each other. Now, I am ready to say "sorry" to him. Becuase I am the one who knows what's good for us, I should take the initiative. And I will be doing that by the time I have the tiome to go home in Pangasinan. I miss him. We are brothers so things should not be like this.

We must learn to admit our faults and say "sorry" ang forgive. Even though you've got really hurt by someone so much. Don't let our pride dictate what should we do. Your pride is actually putting you down as a person. I'm telling you, if you learn to forgive and forget what happened with all your heart, you will be feeling good. You will feel better. And you can sleep tighter, knowing that you don't have an enemy. And above all, God blesses everyone who humble themselves. And that should we do if we really believe Him...

NOT EVEN A HINT

I just finished reading this book entitled "Not Even A Hint" by Joshua Harris. My churchmates in Victory Christian Fellowship recommended it to me. At first, I was like "I'm not that fool to read a book about overcoming lust! I'm not a sex addict!" But after our Sunday service at the UP Film Institute, I bought a copy of the book at the book section. Why? Something within was telling me that I need this book. Not because I am a lustful person, but because I will learn a lot of things. And above all, I will have the chance to know Him more.

Yes, the book is about guarding your heart against lust. I think youth in my generation should read this book. As we all know, teenagers nowadays are really wild. And they keep on getting wilder and wilder everyday which leads them to engaging in pre-marital sex, crimes, unprepared marriages, etc. Joshua Harris will not tell right infront of your face that you are a lustful person, but let us accept it, we really engage in lustful things, intentionally or unintentionally. It's not because you are not having a sexual intercourse with someone doesn't mean you are not a lustful person. The truth is, most of us, if not all, are really lustful like hell. Lust can be found in our minds, eyes, hands, and anywhere in our body even in our heart. Accept it! We are hungry for flesh. Because it feels good. And maybe it tastes good.

So, how can we overcome this weakness on lust? Joshua Harris shared his experiences on fighting lust within him. The secret, ask His guidance. No one can help us in this battle but ourselves. But, if we are with Him, and He knows that you really wanted to overcome lust, He will guide you along the way. It's not that easy. But I'm telling you, as you are reading the book, and as you are with Him, you will realize that it feels better. Overcoming lust feels better than engaging in lust itself. The book is very helpful. Harris discussed about what lust is, what are the lust triggers and how to avoid it, is it sin or biological, and other sensitive topics like masturbation. And he will share you many ways to deal with it, like reading the Bible, memorizing scriptures about lust as a sin, prayers, self-control, focusing on other things, and more.

I'm not being "clean" or what but I do believed that after reading the book, there's changes in me. When temptations attack me, I know how to deal with it. And I knew Him more. In some ways, the book really helped me fight it. But above all, it is my will to fight lust that leads me victory. And now, i feel better...

i miss them...

It's been more than two months since the last time I've been with them And I really can't hide this longingness within me. I really miss them. I miss my family. I'm not acting like a kid or what, but I know I miss them. Everyweek, they are texting me saying they miss me too. I want to go home but I can't. I'm studying and I have a lot of things to do here. This is for them. I'm studying very hard for them. And that's what I'm telling them every now and then. You can't blame me missing them, they're so special. And I know for a fact that I'm not the only student with this sort of longingness. Well, I'm now just waiting for the time where I can have a free time and be with them even for just a while. I want to be with them as soon as possible... The only thing I can do now is to continue praying for their safety and good health.

He lead me there...

I am now residing in 42B lt.J.francisco St., Brgy. Krus Na Ligas, UP Diliman, Quezon City. And as days passed by, I realized something. I felt that there's a great reason why I am now living in that address. I am alone in my room. Actually, I decided to live there because I don't have enough time to find for a very nice room to live in. I am very busy fixing things in school since I am a transferee from UP Baguio. Transfering is very hard. Especially in my case wherein College of Mass Communication just called me about my admission few days before enrollment. Anyways, my room now is not as nice as my room in Baguio in terms of the physical characteristics. But I'm not saying that my room now is sooooooo ugly. Of course I will not choose to live in a boarding house wherein I don't feel comfortable. But I'm proud to say that my room now is million times better than my room in Baguio in terms of the people you live with. We are all 7 in the boarding house. The only room below was for Nanay Ena, my very supportive and kind landlady. There were three rooms on the upper floor. One room was for Kuya Erwin, son of Nanay with his wife, Ate Lui, and their 8-month baby, Christian Matthew. Another room was for Edgar and Daniel, my fellow boarders. And my room. My prayer actually to Him was to lead in the house where I know I will be safe. And He granted it. All the people in the house were super good to me. We were bonded so well like a big happy family. And the most important thing I want to share was that, these people I live with now were became the instruments of God to know Him well. Nanay Ena was very religious. She always shares to us how God helped her during the darkest moments of her life. She was very inspiring. Edgar and Daniel were members of Victory Christian Fellowship. They always invites me with their prayer meetings, cell meetings, Sunday mass at the Film Institute and other activities. Every night, they always go to my room and we share some stuffs like problems. And we pray for it. It actually feels good. It helped me a lot. What's nice to them was that they don't insists you to join them. If you don't want because you find them boring or what, then don't go. But to tell you, they're not boring. They're not a religion. They're not the typical religious group. You will enjoy it a lot! Now, even if they don't invite me, I join their activities. Because it gives me some kind of satisfaction. Joining them made me realize many things. And I've got to knot Him better. And I know, He lead me in that boarding house for a cause---to have a deeper and personal relationship with Him. And I am so thankful for that because I really want to thank Him for all the blessings He given to me and to my loved ones.

I hope this story will inspire you a lot...

Ate V is not a GOD!!!

Two of my subjects required us to attend the awarding ceremony of the 2005 Gawad Plaridel of the College of Mass Communication. This year, the prestigious (according to them) Napoleon-Abueva creation Gawad Plaridel trophy was given to a media practitioner in the film industry with outstanding contributions and accomplisments. And the awardee is Philippine Cinema's "Star for All Seasons" VILMA SANTOS.

Don't get me wrong, I am not against Vilma Santos being this year's awardee. With the audio-visual presentation showcasing her superb accomplishments and some excerpts from her timeless films, I think she deserves it. I was just irritated with the people who gave their speech because they treat her like a priceless gem. They said very good words about her as if she really doesn't exist. Chancellor Cao even said that he was starstrucked! President Roman also shared how she was fascinated with Vilma and her films. It's very irritating! I really wanted to shout,"She's not a God"! For Ate V die-hard fans out there, forgive me but I do believe that she's not the only one who contributed that much in the movie world. What if the award was given to a movie producer or a scriptwriter or a director, would they say the same good things? I don't think so. But come to think of it, movie producers, scriptwriters, directors, editors, cinematographers and all those other people behind the camera are the ones who were really doing thier best and exerting greater efforts and sacrifices just to give us quality films. Isn't it? My point here is that they should have not overrated her. I repeat, Ate V deserves the award but she's not supposed to be praised that much as if she's a God!

miracle for FIGHTING MAROONS!

I watched the opening of the 68th UAAP season last Saturday. For me, the opening number was not that great! Forgive me if you disagree with me but I have this belief that opening numbers should always be fabulous! I don't know but that's what I really believe. Good thing, Kyla sang the UAAP theme. Her voice was awesome! Well, i don't want to talk about that opening number because I wanted to share the miracle, for me it's a miracle, that happened at the Araneta Coliseum for us, the true-blooded Fighting Maroons!

It's very nice that we were in the first game versus UST. You can really see that in terms of quantity and quality of supporters, we are absolutely the best! After the opening ceremony, we are the ones who started the cheers. And other universities can't help but to follow us. But they can't beat us. All UP students were participating unlike them that there are those doesn't care for their teams.

When the game started, UP andUST students were shouting booooooooosssss to each other. And the drums were also competing. Again, they don't beat us. I'm not being boastful or what but they really can't beat us simply because we were UNITED! Here's the summary of the game. On the first quarter, the score was equal. On the second quarter, the contender has a one-point lead. On the third quarter, they were leading. There was even a time that they were ten-point lead to us. It was quite frustating but we, the very optimistic cheerers, still continue to shout for our team. As you are watching the game, you can really see that there's a problem with our players. They can't make free throws and three-point shots. Good thing, they were quite good in defense. Would you believe, three of our players were injured?. It's really frustating! But during the last two minutes in the fourth quarter, things changed. We catched up with their ten-point lead to us. And on the last minute, we were leading already. With that, we cheered louder! And the first UAAP game this season ended with a big bang for us! We won! And I believe it's a miracle! Maybe He saw that we were united. And yes, I saw the unity among us,the true-blooded fighting maroons. And it feels great knowing that unity is living within the UP community. All of us were very proud when UP Naming Mahal played in the air. We won! We won! Yahoo!

this one works...hopefully!

Oh my God! As I am creating this blog, i have to tell you, I kept on praying a million times. I am praying that this blog will really work now before my patience runs out because the first two or three blogs that i made didn't work. And I am really bothered every night thinking that all my classmates in CW10 has already made it! It really pisses me off! They are already enjoying posting stuffs in their blogs while I am like a freaking dumb who doesn't know how to create my own blog. And i feel so embarassed to my proffesor, Mam Yap, because it's been a long time since she told us that we are required to make our blog. Sorry Mam, I don't know why the first blogs tht I made didn't work. Please understand me classmates, I'm asking for your prayers that this blog will work. Hehehe... But I am really really really really really hoping that this time, my blog will work. So I hope, this one will really work...